Video & Transcript : 'parent education' :
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WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Mar 9th, 2026 at 10:45 am
Washington House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Speaker is pleased to welcome representatives from the Urban Native Education Alliance, including
- So even though it may be a good thing for the worker, I believe parents are going to have a hard time
- I have a number of years I put forward bills that said, why don't we allow parents who are at home be
- The changes that came back with it just require parental notification after the medication is administered
- of the bill that I was trying to do here and was notified that would be scoped, and that is add parental
Keywords:
behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, state regulation, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives, best practices, community protection, voluntary measures, mortgage modification
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House passes jobs, labor and economic development finance bill, SF17 6/9/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Time to care for a loved one, time to care when they have a child or a sick parent.
- </c> people to come into the education field. people to come into the education field.
- </c><00:16:28.800><c> field</c> attract people to the education field attract people to the education
- didn't</c><00:36:48.560><c> have</c><00:36:48.720><c> public</c> education if we didn't have public education
- </c> work in the early childhood education work in the early childhood education field,<00:37:49.040>
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- We saw an education choice tax credit go through with House Bill 93.
- And so one problem that comes up for me is I keep calling them by their parents' or grandparents' name
- And so one problem that comes up for me is I keep calling them by their parents or grandparents' name
- Thank you. calling them by their parents or grandparents' name. I got Charlie straightened down.
Committee:
House Revenue and Taxation
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Safety Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Third, in some cases, sexual relationships, domestic dynamics, parenting conduct, or gender expression
- Rather than keeping us safe, removing opportunities for education, treatment, and rehabilitation Rather
- than keeping us safe, removing opportunities for education, treatment, and rehabilitation will worsen
- No parent should fear losing their child to enforcement actions, and no voters should be intimidated
- What they're witnessing is deeply alarming: parents being taken during routine stops or outside their
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several public safety bills, with most of the discussion focused on AB 1650, AB 2014, AB 1886, AB 2126, AB 2624, and AB 2257. AB 1650 would require clearer identification on privately owned vehicles rented or leased to government agencies for enforcement operations; supporters framed it as a transparency and safety measure in response to ICE activity, while no opposition testified. AB 2014 would allow post-conviction habeas relief where gender bias or stereotypes were used at trial and may have affected the outcome; supporters described cases involving sexist and anti-LGBTQ stereotypes, while the California District Attorneys Association opposed the bill as overbroad and likely to restrict relevant evidence, though the author said recent amendments removed the evidence-code provisions and left only the habeas remedy. AB 1886 would extend a 12-month probation presumption to youth in out-of-home placements and those discharged from secure youth treatment facilities; youth advocates supported it as a fairness and rehabilitation measure, while judges, probation officials, and district attorneys opposed it as undoing a recent compromise and limiting individualized decisions. AB 2126 would speed hiring of peer partners in child welfare by creating a narrow exemption process for certain foster-youth-related offenses; it drew broad support and no opposition. AB 2624 would expand the Safe at Home address-confidentiality program to immigrant service providers, employees, and volunteers; supporters cited threats, doxing, and harassment, while one journalist opposed it over possible effects on reporting, and the author and committee members said the bill preserves press protections and is narrowly aimed at threats and harassment. AB 2257 would restore county authority to create a separate corrections department to run jails instead of the sheriff; supporters argued it would improve accountability and address jail deaths and fiscal problems, while sheriffs opposed it as unnecessary and said sheriffs are already subject to oversight. The committee also noted several bills pulled by their authors and adopted a consent calendar of unrelated measures. Votes were not always taken immediately because the committee was waiting for a quorum, but AB 2624 was moved on a do-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations and left on call, and the chair indicated support or favorable recommendations on several of the other measures.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary (11-5-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- When we're able to expunge records, that opens up opportunities for better jobs, education, and housing
- </c><00:08:01.039><c> and</c><00:08:01.199><c> we</c><00:08:01.440><c> are</c> education, and housing
- So I represented one of the parents, and we went on to handle that case in Ohio and Kentucky.
- So I represented one of the parents, and we went on to handle that case in Ohio and Kentucky.
- So I represented one of the parents, and we went on to handle that case in Ohio and Kentucky.
Summary:
The subcommittee heard presentations from the Legal Aid Network of Kentucky, including Legal Aid of the Bluegrass, Kentucky Legal Aid, AppalRed Legal Aid, and the Legal Aid Society in Louisville. The presenters explained that the four nonprofit programs provide civil legal services in all 120 counties, focusing on low-income clients and matters such as domestic violence, family law, housing, expungement, public benefits, and veterans’ issues. They emphasized that they do not handle criminal defense cases and described statewide efforts such as the kyjustice.org website and Project Renew, which helps people in recovery with legal issues that affect stability, employment, housing, and family reunification.
Each organization highlighted regional service challenges and examples of casework. Legal Aid of the Bluegrass described its 33-county service area, its mobile “justice bus,” and expungement work for people in recovery. Kentucky Legal Aid focused on disaster response after the December 2021 tornadoes, including insurance disputes and contractor fraud, and said it has continued to handle repeated FEMA-declared disasters. AppalRed described serving 37 rural counties with limited attorneys, the shortage of lawyers in “rural legal deserts,” and its disaster-response work after flooding and tornadoes, including FEMA appeals clinics and volunteer attorney support. The Legal Aid Society described its Louisville-area veteran services, including Social Security and VA disability cases, veterans treatment court referrals, and homeless outreach.
Committee members praised the organizations’ work and noted the importance of their services. In response to questions about funding, the presenters said their support comes from a mix of Legal Services Corporation funds, state appropriations, federal grants such as VOCA, VAWA, and HUD, United Way, and foundation funding. They stressed that many grants are restricted, while state funding is more flexible and useful for emergencies and day-to-day operations. The presenters said current funding does not fully meet demand and requested an increase in the General Assembly’s appropriation from $500,000 per year to $1 million per year, or $2 million over the biennium.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- or guardian as they continue their education.
- to local education agencies, with referrals to housing, basic needs, educational support, and employment
- to local education agencies and with fund referrals to housing, basic needs, educational support, and
- The threshold for the law for education boards is 1.5%.
- McLean Rosansky with the Alameda County Office of Education, in opposition.
Committee:
House Education
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- health care and aging services; decrease public awareness of important events; impact funding for education
- She was also a mother, and her children are now growing up without their parents.
- We want to give New Mexicans, parents, and adults access to vaccines based on the best science, not the
- the Children, Youth, and Families Department's exclusive jurisdiction and authority to release an educated
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Feb 25th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Early Learning & K-12 Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome to the last meeting of the Early Learning K-12 Education Committee for this session.
- Our first: 1795 addressing restraint and isolation of students in public schools and educational programs
- Addressing restraint and isolation of students in public schools and educational programs. Ily.
- First, the amendment removes the requirement related to continuing education for educators endorsed with
- We now have Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2557, special education evaluations, before us.
Committee:
Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Feb 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The Pre-K-12 Education Appropriations Subcommittee will now come to order.
- "My boy's wonderful, as you can see, and it's because of great education.
- As you all know, teachers are the backbone of our education system.
- and to value those in education.
- And we know Senator Gates also has a big... ...those in education.
Summary:
The Pre-K-12 Education Appropriations Subcommittee met with a quorum present and took up two bills. First, it heard SB 1318 on the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which makes a technical clarification that when a scholarship account is closed, any remaining funds revert but do not revert to the state. There was no substantive opposition or debate, and the bill was reported favorably by roll call vote.
The committee then considered CS for SB 182, which creates a school teacher training and mentor program within the Department of Education. The bill authorizes school districts and charter schools to place current or retired high-performing teachers in D- or F-rated schools to mentor classroom teachers, with mentors required to have at least three years of experience, a highly effective evaluation, and eligibility for a stipend of up to $3,000. A late-filed amendment was adopted to align the bill with the House version by setting the mentoring term to one grading period, capping the number of mentees per mentor, and clarifying use of enrichment funds when available.
Senators asked about implementation, including timing, logistics, and whether mentors would remain within the same school; the sponsor said principals would manage assignments and that the program would operate within the same school. Testimony came from a seven-year-old student, Kyler Nixon, who urged support for the bill, and his mother, Kiara Nixon, who also spoke in favor. Additional support was voiced by committee members, and CS for SB 182 was reported favorably.
At the end of the meeting, the chair thanked members and staff for their work during the session, noted it may be the committee’s last policy meeting, and the committee adjourned without further business.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Feb 25th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education
Transcript Highlights:
- The Pre-K–12 Education Appropriations Subcommittee will now come to order.
- "My boy's wonderful, as you can see, and it's because of great education.
- As you all know, teachers are the backbone of our education system.
- and to value those in education.
- And we know Senator Gaetz also has a big... ...those in education.
Summary:
The Pre-K–12 Education Appropriations Subcommittee met with a quorum present and took up two bills. First, SB 1318 by Senator Rodriguez made a technical clarification to the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program so that when a scholarship account is closed, any remaining funds revert but do not revert to the state. There was little discussion, no opposition, and the bill was reported favorably.
The committee then considered CS for SB 182 by Senator Jones, which creates a school teacher training and mentoring program within the Department of Education. The program would allow districts and charter schools to place current or retired high-performing teachers as mentors in D- or F-rated schools, with mentors required to have at least three years of experience, a highly effective evaluation, and eligibility for a stipend of up to $3,000. A late-filed amendment was adopted to align the bill with the House version by setting the mentoring term to one grading period, capping the number of mentees, and clarifying use of enrichment funds.
Members discussed implementation, including that principals would assign mentors based on workload and that the mentoring would occur within the same school. The bill received supportive testimony from a seven-year-old student, his mother, and the Florida Parent Teacher Association, and several senators spoke in favor of the measure as a way to support teachers and improve student outcomes. CS for SB 182 was reported favorably. The chair then thanked members and staff, noted this was likely the committee’s final policy meeting, and the committee adjourned.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- What it does... ...access so that parent—well, the parent wants to...
- I don't think the Bible really is something that many parents are going to ban.
- I believe that parents should have... ...about what to read.
- parents' children.
- And so we have to give more responsibility to the parents and not to the librarians.
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 1078, which would require courts reviewing public-records disputes to apply de novo review rather than deferring to an agency’s decision to withhold records. Senator Kavanaugh and a Goldwater Institute witness argued the bill would restore transparency and independent judicial review. The committee recommended the bill do pass on a 4-3 vote.
The committee then considered SB 1184, which would add military division flags approved by the Department of Defense to the list of flags that HOAs and planned communities may not prohibit. Kavanaugh said the bill responds to HOA restrictions on veterans displaying unit flags. Members discussed whether the bill should also cover other flags, including LGBTQ flags, but no amendment was adopted. The bill passed 7-0. SB 1586 followed, requiring Arizona agencies to post federal guidance they create, adopt, or receive. Supporters said it would improve transparency; an opposing member said agencies already post such material and the bill was unnecessary. It passed 4-3.
SB 1665, a state agency hiring reform bill, would require standardized hiring scores, interview panel grades, overall grades, and an appeal process for unsuccessful applicants. The State Personnel Board supported it as a merit-based reform, while ADOA opposed it as costly and burdensome, estimating more than $3 million in compliance costs and warning it could slow hiring. After extended testimony, the committee recommended it do pass 4-3. The committee also approved SCR 1024, which would require legislative candidates to reside in their district for one year and, if affiliated, be members of their party for one year before the election; it passed 6-1 after discussion about residency rules and ballot-measure concerns.
Later, the committee heard SB 1135, which increases workers’ compensation burial expenses for fallen first responders from $5,000 to $10,000. Family members and first responders testified in support, describing the financial strain after line-of-duty deaths. The bill passed 6-1 with one member present. SB 1136, which allows surviving spouses of first responders to keep death benefits even if they remarry, also drew emotional testimony from widows and supporters and passed 5-2. The committee then took up SB 1435, expanding the existing prohibition on exposing minors to sexually explicit material to public libraries and making violations a class 6 felony; supporters framed it as child protection, while opponents warned it could chill library access and criminalize librarians. The bill passed 4-3. Finally, SB 1567 was introduced as another expansion of the same underlying law, prohibiting government entities and contractors from exposing minors to sexually explicit materials and from using public facilities for filming or facilitating sexually explicit acts; the sponsor described it as part of a broader effort to protect children, and the committee began discussion of the measure.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- What it does is protect access... so that parent— well, the parent wants to...
- I don't think the Bible really is something that many parents are going to ban.
- I believe that parents should have... ...about what to read.
- parents' children.
- So we have to give more responsibility to the parents and not to the librarians.
Committee:
House Government
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
WLA-EDU, EDU Public Hearings 02-18-2026
Water, Land, Culture and the Arts
Transcript Highlights:
- Um it has students or from their<01:19:12.640><c> parents</c> their parents their parents >> from
- Hawaii State Board of Education. >> The Board of Education offers comments.
- </c> director to the board of education. director to the board of education.
- </c> education will implement it. education will implement it.
- </c> Department of Education. Department of Education.
Bills:
SB2003
Committee:
Senate Water, Land, Culture and the Arts
Keywords:
Mauna Kea, land management, University of Hawaii, astronomical observatories, leasable lands, natural resource management, stewardship authority, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The joint committees on Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts and Education heard testimony and discussed SB 20003, which would require the auditor’s report under Act 255 to include a recommendation on whether the Monarch Stewardship and Oversight Authority is fit to continue managing Monaca lands. Testimony focused on the bill’s reversion language, the role of the auditor, and whether the measure gave the auditor too much discretion without clear criteria. The Office of the Auditor’s position, read into the record, was that it had strong reservations because the bill did not provide standards for assessing fitness and asked that the requirement be held or amended. Other testimony suggested a work group with relevant agencies and Hawaiian practitioners to manage the transition and reduce conflict.
Committee members debated whether the bill should simply restore the original reversion language or also require an audit-based fitness determination. Several members questioned the need for a 2031 audit when Act 255 already provides for a performance and financial audit in 2031 and noted that the bill could shift authority away from the legislature. In response, the committee chair explained that the measure was intended to restore language removed during conference and to address the transition back to the University of Hawaii if the authority was not meeting the act’s purpose.
The committees ultimately recommended SB 20003 be passed with amendments. The amendments would strike the auditor/audit section, add language addressing timelines by providing a 10-year lease extension and sublease extension, and make technical changes including a defective date. The committees voted to adopt the amended measure and send it forward as an SD1.
The transcript also included a separate Education Committee hearing on SB 3286, which would require the University of Hawaii to develop a facilities and student housing master plan and report to the legislature. University of Hawaii testimony said the system supports the intent but that the bill’s requirements are a heavy lift across 10 campuses and should follow development of a broader academic strategy. Members raised concerns about deferred maintenance, shifting priorities, and the lack of a systemwide plan, while the university said it already has a six-year capital improvement plan but acknowledged it does not fully incorporate the broader academic and housing strategy the bill contemplates.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- In the House of Representatives, House Bill 711 by the Education Committee.
- This is a higher education enhancement... Thank you, Mr. President.
- This is a higher education enhancement bill.
- Senators, this is a bill that adds a couple definitions to education.
- In the House of Representatives, House Bill 712 by the Education Committee, an act relating to education
Summary:
The Senate opened with roll call, prayer, and approval of the journal, then moved through committee reports and messages from the Governor and House. Several House bills amended in the Senate were routed back for further action, and a number of new bills were introduced and sent to committee, including measures on kratom, child care, medical education funding, gold and silver investment, campaign finance, stablecoins, and motor vehicle licensing. The chamber also received and processed multiple gubernatorial appointments and enrolled bills.
The main floor action focused on a series of appropriation and enhancement bills. Senators debated and passed Senate Bills 1402 through 1409, covering the Department of Juvenile Corrections, Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Agriculture, State Public Defender, Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses, Idaho State Police, and related budget adjustments. Debate centered on whether the enhancement budgets were necessary amid broader rescissions and revenue concerns; supporters emphasized operational needs, replacement items, staffing, and public safety, while some senators objected to new federal funds or to restoring spending after cuts. Most of these bills passed on recorded votes, with a few dissenting votes from senators arguing for deeper reductions.
The Senate also passed House Bills 905, 906, 907, 908, 715, 742, and 658. These measures addressed higher education and community college funding, career technical education, military division funding, library board authority in city libraries, electronic vehicle titles, and cemetery district vacancy procedures. Debate on the education bills focused on the impact of budget cuts and whether the one-time restorations were sufficient, while the library bill drew a split between supporters of local elected oversight and opponents who warned against politicizing library decisions. The cemetery district bill was presented as a practical fix for governance failures at Joplin Cemetery and similar districts.
In the 10th order, the Senate adopted House Joint Memorials 14, 16, and 13. HJM 14 urged future water storage development, HJM 16 supported seniors and Medicare-related oversight, and HJM 13 asked federal agencies to align waters-of-the-United States policy with the Sackett decision. The Senate then continued with additional third-reading bills, including House Bill 573, as the session moved toward recess and further floor work.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Transportation Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- The goal is to educate student pilots and ensure they agree to abide by a good neighbor policy.
- Administered through the Department of Higher Education, this fund would finance training and educational
- Department of Higher Education.
- Chairman, I filed this bill after working with concerned parents, school officials, and my district.
- This would be a proactive step in protecting the public safety and privacy of our students and educators
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Transportation
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on 36 bills covering aviation, commercial vehicles, school buses, veterans license plates, and related transportation issues. Chair Jim Arciero and Senate Chair Brendan Crighton outlined the hearing procedures, then the committee heard testimony on a range of measures, including a bill to modernize alternative student transportation for vulnerable students such as those covered by McKinney-Vento, foster children, and students with disabilities; a bill on unmanned aerial systems that would define drones and restrict weaponization, interference with aircraft, and certain surveillance; and a bill addressing airplane noise and reporting at Beverly Regional Airport. Supporters of the student transportation bill argued it would update outdated school bus requirements while preserving safety standards, while drone-related testimony was split between sponsors and public safety advocates who supported stronger restrictions and industry representatives who warned the bills could conflict with federal law and harm legitimate commercial uses.
The committee also heard testimony on workforce and school transportation bills. Representatives and industry witnesses supported a proposal to create a grant program and career outreach for the trucking industry, citing a persistent driver shortage and the importance of trucking to the state’s economy. Teamsters Local 170 supported a bill to ease unemployment job-search requirements for school bus drivers and monitors who are expected to return to work within a short period, saying the current rules create unnecessary burdens during summer layoffs. Another school transportation bill would create an under-the-hood exception for CDL licensing of school bus drivers; several chiropractors testified in support, saying they already perform DOT-style exams and should be explicitly authorized to do school bus driver medical certifications.
Veterans-related testimony focused on license plate and disability-definition bills. Advocates supported a Medal of Fidelity license plate for Gold Star families and a separate bill to create an air medal plate. The Office of the Veteran Advocate testified in favor of revising the state’s definition of disabled veteran for RMV purposes, arguing the current language is tied to special monthly compensation categories and does not adequately reflect modern service-connected disabilities, including invisible wounds. The American Legion also urged clarification of the definition, while opposing a separate women veterans plate on the grounds that it could divide veterans unnecessarily. The committee took no votes during the hearing and ended with a motion to adjourn.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, these amounts were based on the homeless counts that the Department of Education produces, and we
- Um, these amounts were based on the homeless counts that the Department of Education produces, and we
- produces, and we created a Education produces, and we created a uh<00:05:36.000><c> scenario</c><00:
- In 2025, we were able to prevent 90 of 94 evictions collectively. programs is the parent of 2-year-old
- programs is the parent of 2-year-old twin<00:07:13.960><c> boys.
Committee:
House Taxes
Keywords:
homeless prevention aid, homelessness, housing stability, rental assistance, family homelessness, unaccompanied youth, housing navigation, legal representation, family outreach, county aid, Tribal governments, local government aid, general fund appropriation, unspent funds, aid redistribution, sunset repeal, Minnesota property tax aid, services for persons experiencing homelessness, sales tax, use tax
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 027 Feb 10th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Parents bear the first duty to love and raise their children.
- Parents bear the first duty to love and raise their children.
- </c> be a WOO, which is water education be a WOO, which is water education Colorado<02:09:45.360><c>
- </c><02:12:25.599><c> Through</c> access, and educational equity.
- Through access, and educational equity.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - Part 2 - 03/24/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> power to go out and do more education power to go out and do more education outreach.<02:07:17.200
- </c><03:08:26.080><c> and</c> a conversation with parents and a conversation with parents and interviews
- This is down from over 60% in 2007, leaving parents with fewer affordable options.
- ><c> with</c><03:22:34.080><c> fewer</c> 2007, leaving parents with fewer 2007, leaving parents with
- </c><03:39:51.040><c> um,</c> Care and Education um, Care and Education um, uh,<03:39:52.520><c> a</c
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Judiciary Committee Jan 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- An adoptive parent can request there be no amendment.
- California birth parents do not need protection from our children.
- Kathleen Molly McLeod, adoptive parent through foster adoption. Me too. Thank you.
- Kathleen Molly McLeod, adoptive parent through foster adoption, me too. Thank you.
- I know who my birth parents are.
Summary:
The committee heard and acted on several bills. SB 479 by Senator Arreguín would allow Berkeley, Long Beach, and Pasadena, as local health jurisdictions, to use multidisciplinary homeless response teams and share specified information across departments; supporters said it would improve coordination and services for unsheltered residents, and the bill passed 9-0 to Appropriations. SB 46 by Senator Umberg would direct the Secretary of State to keep constitutionally ineligible presidential candidates off the California ballot, including anyone who has already served two terms; supporters argued it was a constitutional enforcement measure, while Senator Niello questioned whether it was needed, and it passed 6-1 to Appropriations. SB 99 by Senator Blakespear would improve coordination between military and civilian systems by requiring courts and law enforcement to account for military protective orders and notify military authorities of possible violations; the Department of Defense supported it, while the ACLU raised due process concerns, and it passed 6-0 to Appropriations. SB 719 by Senator Cabaldon would extend the sunset on state reporting about high-risk automated decision systems from 2029 to 2032, and it passed 6-0 to Appropriations. SB 300 by Senator Padilla would strengthen California’s new AI chatbot law by requiring operators to prevent minors from being exposed to sexually explicit material; supporters said the existing law was insufficient, while industry groups warned against expanding a brand-new regime before it had been tested, and it passed 9-0 to Appropriations. SB 381 by Senator Wahab would allow adult adoptees, and descendants of adoptees, to obtain original birth certificates and create a nonbinding contact preference form for birth parents; supporters described health, identity, and dignity concerns, while some members raised privacy concerns, and it passed 13-0 to the Senate Health Committee. SB 33 by Senator Cortese would eliminate the sunset on the public works contractor claim-resolution process, with supporters saying it reduces litigation and speeds payment, and it passed 10-0 to Appropriations.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HHS, HHS Public Hearings 03-24-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- She's a parent from Kauai and we're really excited to have her on board. Thank you very much.
- She's a parent from fantastic job.
- Act and the Hawaii Department of Education.
- Act and the Hawaii Department of Education.
- I am a parent advocate, happily serving as co-chair of the council.
Summary:
The committee first considered a series of Governor’s Message nominations, largely to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and one to the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances. Testifiers and agencies spoke in strong support of the nominees, emphasizing their advocacy, community involvement, and lived experience. The committee heard from nominees and supporters for John Paul Moses III, Cynthia Fowler, Joshua Eay, Alicia Kim, Raymond Mamea, Maria Christina Valenzuela, Eden Watabayashi, Sierra Whiteside, and Brandy Lynn Macallani Hayen. After hearing testimony, the committee voted to advise and consent on each nomination, with the votes adopted by the members present.
The committee then took up SR 53 / SCR 69, which asks the Department of Health to convene a pharmacy benefit manager working group to improve transparency, fairness, and drug affordability. Supporters included the Hawaii Pharmacist Association, the University of Hawaii system, and several individuals, while the Department of Health said the issue is complex and may require additional support or a different structure. Members discussed whether the Department of Health should lead the effort or whether another entity, such as SHIPA with an appropriation, might be more workable; the Department of Health suggested a $100,000 appropriation could be sufficient.
Next, SR 56 / SCR 73 proposed a report on the developmental needs of children born during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Office of Wellness and Resilience supported the measure and asked for an extended deadline to the end of 2026, and several youth, mental health, and community organizations testified in support. The committee also heard SR 69 / STR 86 on creating an aeromedical services working group, with support from Air Methods, the Department of Health, and the Hawaii Medical Association, and SR 99 / STR 118 on studying the use of filtered catchment water for business activity, which drew support from the Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association and comments from the Department of Health that the issue is complicated and should include the Department of Agriculture. No final votes on the resolutions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.