Transcript Highlights:

• the organization that I founded and lead, Team Palisades, the Palisades Recovery Coalition, and the Pacific
• Sherry McHugh, representing the Pacific Association of Domestic Insurance Companies.
• Fourteen major fires swept through the region, with the Eaton Fire in Altadena and the Palisades Fire in Pacific
• Sherry McHugh, representing the Pacific Association of Domestic Insurance Companies.
• Sherry McHugh, representing the Pacific Association of Domestic Insurance Companies.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• White Pacific [questionable] Health and Support. YP2 Partnerships for Education. God bless you.
• Andrew Pereira [questionable], Pacific Resource Partnership (PRP), also in support.
• White Pacific Health [questionable] and support. YP2 Partnerships for Education. God bless you.
• Andrew Pereira [questionable], Pacific Resource Partnership (PRP), also in support.
• Andrew Pereira [questionable], Pacific Resource Partnership (PRP), also in support.

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:

• All right, uh, Brian May, you're senior registered senior associate counsel of the Texas Pacific Land
• registered on behalf of Texas Pacific Land Corporation, registered for House Bill 5105.
• And you're testifying just on behalf of Texas Pacific Land Corporation or also self, the company, the
• Texas Pacific owns interest in more than 6800 oil and gas wells, mostly in West Texas.
• Brian May, I have you registered as senior associate counsel for Texas Pacific Land, Texas Pacific Land

Transcript Highlights:

• A friend of mine, a former commissioner from Rhode Island, says that the transmission companies are the
• says that the uh transmission Island says that the uh transmission companies<01:38:13.480> are
• issue I was upsal on place for Pacific issue I was upsal on all<01:50:39.679> of<01:50:40.440
• Massachusetts or Connecticut<05:05:08.680> or<05:05:09.000> Rhode<05:05:09.280> Island
• They're based on Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island ACPs, which are 40 and 35 for Class 1,

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Union Pacific contends that this was an attempt to be helpful by management employees.
• Pacific Railroad.
• Bullington, and I am a registered lobbyist for Union Pacific Railroad in New Mexico.
• It’s helping Union Pacific continuously improve its communication, training, and safety protocols.
• Just like Union Pacific, railroad safety is our number one priority.

Transcript Highlights:

• really grateful for the opportunity to come and talk to you today about resource adequacy in the Pacific
• I think it speaks to the level of concern they have about the situation we're in in the Pacific Northwest
• So we'll be focused on that Pacific Northwest West region that you see up there and that's outlined in
• The one thing to understand about the Pacific Northwest is that it's different than every other region
• And no, we absolutely are including that in our modeling of the Pacific Northwest region as an existing

Summary: The committee held a work session covering PFAS regulation and impacts, no-cost allowance allocation for emissions-intensive trade-exposed industries (EITEs), and regional resource adequacy and data center load growth. Senator Victoria Hunt was welcomed as a new member. The Department of Ecology reviewed Washington’s Safer Products for Washington PFAS work, including completed restrictions on PFAS in outdoor furniture, carpets, rugs, stain/water-resistant treatments, and newer rules adopted in November restricting PFAS in most apparel, cleaning products, and automotive washes, with reporting requirements for some other products such as cookware and firefighting gear. Ecology also described Cycle 2 PFAS reviews now underway, including artificial turf and paints, and answered questions about compliance, online sales, sell-through periods, and how Washington’s approach differs from broader bans in states like Maine and Minnesota. The Department of Ecology also presented on PFAS in biosolids, describing a 2024 sampling study, limitations in testing methods, and a 2025 statutory amendment requiring additional sampling between 2027 and 2028 and a report to the legislature in 2029. The Department of Health then updated the committee on PFAS in drinking water, reporting that most Group A public water systems have completed sampling, that 317 sources and 188 systems are expected to exceed new contaminant levels, and that treatment costs for public systems are estimated at about $970 million, leaving a large funding gap; members also asked about private wells, health effects, bathing exposure, and home filters. The Board of Health’s new state action levels are being aligned with federal MCLs, and the department said it expects to continue monitoring and notification under state rules. Ecology also briefed the committee on no-cost allowance allocations to EITEs under the Climate Commitment Act, explaining the leakage-mitigation rationale, the current allocation schedule through 2034, and a forthcoming report on policy options for 2035-2050; members asked about industry barriers, competitiveness, and whether facilities might leave the state. Finally, E3 presented a regional resource adequacy study showing rising load, retirements outpacing additions, limited winter reliability value from wind, solar, and batteries, and a projected shortfall beginning in 2026 that could grow to about 9,000 MW by 2030 if planned projects are not built. The presentation emphasized winter cold-weather events, hydro variability, the importance of permitting and transmission, and longer-term options including nuclear, geothermal, hydrogen, carbon capture, and long-duration storage. EPRI then introduced its DC Flex initiative, which is studying how data centers can provide flexible load through workload shifting, cooling optimization, and on-site backup or bridging resources to reduce grid stress and protect ratepayers.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, our final two: Andre Coleman with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Tom Welsh
• I'm the chief scientist at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
• Both of those were Pacific Gas and Electric-ignited fires.
• Both of those were Pacific gas and electric, ignited fires.
• But there were two urban conflagrations: the Palisades fire, which wiped out Pacific Palisades and a

Summary: The committee first heard updates on the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) and related funding. Department of Ecology staff explained how MTCA and the hazardous substance tax support cleanup, prevention, stormwater, and local assistance programs, but said forecasted revenues have declined while appropriations and transfers have outpaced incoming funds. Ecology said the operating account will require underspending to stay balanced this biennium and that the problem is ongoing, with further reductions possible if forecasts worsen. Ecology also reviewed the state cleanup program, noting there are more than 14,500 cleanup sites in Washington and that new sites continue to be discovered faster than they are cleaned up. A question from Representative Lee raised the long-term issue of declining fossil-fuel-based revenue, and Ecology agreed that this is a future structural concern even though the current shortfall is driven more by forecasts and transfers than by fuel-use decline. The Pollution Liability Insurance Agency described its underground storage tank and heating oil programs, saying it has modernized from a reinsurance model to a financial assurance model with stronger state oversight and cleanup milestones. Russ Olson said the agency’s dedicated petroleum tax account is in strong financial condition, but emphasized the importance of preserving that funding source. He also discussed the loan and grant program for historic commercial releases and a new heating oil loan/grant program, while noting the agency is working on equity concerns where liens can be disproportionate to property values in smaller communities. Practitioners and advocates then offered differing views on MTCA’s performance: one attorney urged a collaborative review process to make cleanups faster, less expensive, and more certain, while another consultant argued the program is too conservative and process-heavy and should focus more narrowly on actual exposure and realistic cleanup standards. Environmental and community groups countered that MTCA is essential for cleanup, pollution prevention, stormwater control, and public participation, and that it is especially important for environmental justice communities such as the Duwamish Valley. Port and city representatives stressed that MTCA grants and cleanup funding are critical for large redevelopment projects, but said long timelines, permitting delays, and funding uncertainty can slow projects and jeopardize commitments. The committee then shifted to utility wildfire risk. Staff summarized recent legislation, including requirements for utility wildfire mitigation plans, creation of a wildfire mitigation standards work group, authorization for captive insurance by local governments and PUDs, securitization authority for disaster costs, and the existing wildfire response and resilience account. Chelan County PUD and Puget Sound Energy described extensive mitigation efforts such as vegetation management, grid hardening, undergrounding, AI smoke cameras, weather stations, enhanced operating settings, public safety power shutoffs, and community outreach. Both said wildfire risk is rising and insurance costs are increasing, and Chelan PUD asked the Legislature to restore funding to the wildfire response and resilience account. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner said a 2022 utility liability market study found insurance availability is tightening as perceived risk rises, and reported that a 2025 work group recommended restoring community resilience funding, requiring insurers to share wildfire risk scores and mitigation steps with property owners, and creating a grant program based on insurance industry wildfire standards. A PNNL scientist added that wildfire probability is increasing in parts of Washington and that mitigation requires long-term, landscape-scale coordination. The final speaker began describing California’s approach to wildfire risk, but the transcript cuts off before that presentation concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the Pacific Northwest, crews use marine debris program grants to remove abandoned and derelict vessels
• For what purpose does the gentleman from Rhode Island seek recognition? Mr.
• Speaker, today alongside my partner in the Rhode Island House delegation, Seth Magaziner, we rise to
• Today we hold in the light the victims, their families, and the Brown University and broader Rhode Island
• extended<07:09:06.160> Brown For the extended Brown University, Providence, and Rhode Island

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, December 15, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The gentleman from Rhode Island seeks recognition.
• Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the legacy of a Rhode Island institution, Joe Marzilli's Old
• He was aboard a ship that took part in the battle for Iwo Jima, shelling the island ahead of American
• In total, nearly 6,000 brave Marines lost their lives to take the strategic island that day, and it's
• of the Pacific to our local community in Hampton Roads, Virginia.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For what purpose does the gentleman from Rhode Island seek recognition?
• and<02:16:46.559> the<02:16:46.719> European<02:16:47.280> NATO from the Pacific
• and the European NATO from the Pacific and the European NATO commitment.
• It's over 50 cents higher than Hawaii, which is an island state. higher.
• 05.040> an 50 cents higher than Hawaii, which is an 50 cents higher than Hawaii, which is an island

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, March 19, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Matt Paul, I'm the External Relations Lead with Pacific Fusion, we stand in support of House
• And I would say, you know, the Pacific, we'll just use. Pacific Fusion as an example.
• I Would use an example that was used by Pacific Fusion last Thursday at the Senate Finance Committee
• And what the COO and founder said there was that when Pacific Fusion comes here and builds a 700-800
• Pacific Fusion uses.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is a very important policy for the Pacific Northwest as well as many parts of our country.
• Chairman, is foreign IUU fishing in the North Pacific and outside of Alaska's waters.
• Chairman, the geopolitics of the North Pacific and the Arctic are changing.
• their presence in and near Alaska's waters and within our EEZ, both have expansive Arctic and North Pacific

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the director of athletics at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California.
• But the University of the Pacific, we like to think of ourselves as a thought leader and institution
• And at an institution like Pacific, I can only give them so much. And I don't begrudge that.
• And at an institution like Pacific, I can only give them so much.
• And because we like to do things the right way at Pacific, we've made promises to their families...

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on name, image, and likeness (NIL) financial literacy programs and how NIL is affecting student athletes in California. The chair opened by noting California’s early leadership on NIL and the need to ensure athletes have the education and support to manage contracts, taxes, budgeting, and other financial decisions. Witnesses across the panels generally agreed that NIL has created new opportunities but also significant risks, especially for young athletes who may lack experience, legal advice, or consistent institutional support. Tyree Dillingham and Brandon Copeland described widespread financial vulnerability among student athletes, including confusion about pay, taxes, credit, and contract terms, and warned about predatory deals, cash advances, and conflicts of interest. They argued for standardized, mandatory financial literacy and stronger protections, including a players association model and limits on predatory practices. Mikey Williams and attorney Anthony Coronae gave a personal account of a NIL-related advance they said functioned like a payday loan, with terms they said were not fully understood and that left Williams owing money while his name and image were used to raise additional funds. They urged legal review, clearer rules, and guardrails to prevent similar exploitation. Adam Shore, athletic director at the University of the Pacific, and San Diego State representatives Brendan Hill and Sloan Benchoff offered an institutional perspective. Shore said college sports are in a chaotic transition, with transfer rules, revenue sharing, and NIL creating pressure on schools, but he also described existing support structures and suggested California consider adapting sports-agent registration rules and pursuing a national solution. Hill and Benchoff highlighted San Diego State’s mandatory multi-year life skills program, which includes financial literacy, internships, and career preparation, and said that model should be standardized statewide. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational and focused on testimony, questions, and policy ideas.

Transcript Highlights:

• as we rebuild our military, especially. as Russia and China are making menacing moves in the North Pacific
• operations forces are crucial for competing in the gray zone and that SAF is under-invested in the Pacific
• I think we need to continue our efforts in the Pacific, and that would be my early read without- actually
• to prepare for the end, as we shift and pivot to Asia, as so many people talked about in the Indo-Pacific
• If we wind up in a conflict in the Western Pacific, they've got to go just hundreds of miles to resupply

Keywords: national security, military readiness, Kane nomination, defense budget, China threats, Russia, collaboration, modernization

Summary: The meeting centered on the nomination of retired Lieutenant General Dan Kane for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delving into various security concerns and the strategic environment facing the U.S. today. Testimonies highlighted the growing threats from adversaries such as China and Russia, with discussions around the necessity of maintaining and modernizing military capabilities to address these challenges. The need for agility in military operations and enhancing collaboration among various defense agencies was underscored. Further, concerns were raised regarding the defense budget and the importance of a strong national defense strategy were prevalent throughout the discussions. The committee members collectively emphasized the need for superior readiness and modernization to keep pace with global threats.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was left by the former Union Pacific Railroad, and so nevertheless, when a study was completed, that
• Yeah, Drew Tessie, Senior Director of Public Affairs for Union Pacific Railroad.
• Union Pacific, working with the DOT, took on two major crossing projects that are significant.
• Union Pacific working with the DOT took on two major crossing projects that are significant.
• I can't reside in everybody's district, but I promise you we have Union Pacific employees in all your

Summary: The House Transportation Committee heard and advanced a wide range of transportation, public safety, and local infrastructure measures. Several bills dealt with port and commission appointments or authority, including SB 420 adding Vermilion and Iberia Parish representation to the Lafayette Metropolitan Expressway Commission, SB 69 aligning appointments to the South Tangipahoa Parish Port Commission with redistricting, SB 438 increasing per diem for the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, and SB 170 adding qualification and Senate confirmation requirements for Caddo-Bossier Port Commission members. The committee also approved SB 449 to give the New Orleans Public Belt more flexibility in procuring specialized materials, and SB 115 to allow DOTD to assume certain federal NEPA responsibilities to speed project delivery, with testimony emphasizing long permitting delays and the need for faster project completion. Members also advanced multiple safety and enforcement measures. SB 40 expanded move-over protections for emergency and disabled vehicles, SB 55 clarified proper seat belt use, SB 278 required ignition interlock devices for DUI-related license reinstatement, SB 489 authorized third-party verification of insurance coverage through license plate inquiries, and SB 133 updated commercial vehicle parking and autonomous vehicle oversight provisions. SB 151 would flag OMV records for people who owe DNA samples tied to CODIS matches or qualifying arrests/convictions, and SB 48 would create Louisiana-Ireland driver’s license reciprocity. Most of these bills were reported favorably after brief testimony, with support from law enforcement, AAA, OMV, and other stakeholders. The committee also considered several local resolutions and infrastructure studies. Rep. Dickerson’s resolutions on widening Highway 16, studying turn lanes on Highway 1024, and constructing a roundabout on Highway 1019 were all reported favorably. HCR 53 created a study committee on oversized vehicle permits with DOTD participation, HCR 60 asked DOTD to study I-12 and I-55 corridor improvements, and HR/HCR 170 and 68 sought federal funding to remove four closed bridges on US 90 in St. Tammany Parish. HR 191, as amended, requested a DOTD study of mountable median curbs on Range Avenue in Denham Springs. HB 762, amended to make certain OMV debt referrals permissive rather than mandatory, was reported favorably over some concern about debt collection impacts. HB 714, which would have addressed abandoned railroad lines, drew extensive debate over federal preemption, blight definitions, and whether a new commission was needed; the author ultimately moved to defer it, and the committee agreed. SB 330 on school-zone automated speed enforcement markings was amended to grandfather existing compliant pavement markings and rejected an amendment that would have exempted several cities from the law. The committee adjourned after reporting the remaining measures favorably and recognizing a departing staff member.

Transcript Highlights:

• GM 797 submitting for consideration and confirmation of Circuit Court Judge of the Fifth Circuit, Island
• If the huge Pacific Health and HMSA proposed partnership were litigated up and heard at the Supreme Court
• these.<00:14:56.400> If<00:14:56.600> the<00:14:56.760> huge<00:14:57.760> Pacific
• If the huge Pacific Health and these.
• If the huge Pacific Health and HMSA<00:14:59.360> proposed<00:15:00.000> partnership<00

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee first took up decision-making on two judicial nominations heard the previous day. Governor’s Message 796, naming Annalisa En Bernard Lee as Circuit Court Judge for the Second Circuit (Maui County), and Governor’s Message 797, naming Michael K. Soong as Circuit Court Judge for the Fifth Circuit (Kauai), were both recommended for consent and adopted by unanimous roll-call votes. The committee then heard testimony on Governor’s Message 801, the nomination of Vladimir P. Devens as Chief Justice of the Hawaii State Supreme Court. Support came from the Governor’s office, Honolulu Prosecutor Steve Alm, Honolulu Managing Director Michael Formby, the Hawaii Association for Justice, United Public Workers, HGEA/AFL-CIO, the Hawaii Filipino Lawyers Association, labor and trade unions, retired Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald, retired judges, bar and court officials, and many other individuals and organizations. Supporters emphasized Devens’ legal experience, work ethic, labor-law background, community ties, mentorship, and ability to manage the judiciary and address the appellate backlog. A few speakers opposed the nomination, including Chuck Freedman, who raised concerns about union influence and potential conflicts, and others who submitted opposition testimony. Devens also testified, describing his Honolulu upbringing, education at UC Berkeley, six years with the police department, and more than 30 years in private practice before joining the Supreme Court. He said the chief justice role is primarily an administrative one, highlighted his experience with bar and judicial administration committees, and identified reducing the appellate backlog as a major priority. No vote was taken on GM 801 during this portion of the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a group of engaged students from Hawaii Pacific University.
• 14:32.440> students<00:14:32.959> from<00:14:33.199> Hawaii<00:14:33.880> Pacific
• engaged students from Hawaii Pacific engaged students from Hawaii Pacific University<00:14:35.639

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 46 members present and five excused, then deferred reading of the journal. The chamber received Governor’s Message No. 4, which transmitted proposed changes to the fiscal biennium 2025-2027 executive budget, and the message was received and filed. The House also received a Senate communication transmitting a Senate bill that had passed third reading in the Senate; on motion by Representative Morikawa, seconded by Representative Garcia, the bill was given first reading by title on a voice vote. During introductions, Representative Morikawa recognized staff members Judy Hernandez and Robbie Allen, Representative Lamosao welcomed Kab Bukowski of IBEW 1260, and Representative Iwamoto introduced a Hawaii Pacific University student group visiting to learn about the legislative process and environmental policy. The House then considered Standing Committee Report No. 797; Representative Todd moved to adopt the report and advance the accompanying House bill as amended to second reading and third reading calendar, the motion was seconded by Representative Morikawa, and it passed by voice vote. No resolutions were up for action, and none were referred to print. Announcements highlighted an upcoming Capitol agriculture event featuring more than 70 vendors and a separate notice about House member jacket samples and ordering for 2025. The House adjourned on motion by Representative Moryker, seconded by Representative Garcia, until 12:00 noon on Thursday, February 27th.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, and the Big Island by the volcano.
• The options are about the other islands.
• <00:59:31.040> are aquifers, most of our islands are aquifers, most of our islands are freshwater
• But it is predominantly Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders who receive the pedestrian penalties.
• So, Mayor Kal Kami and neighbor islands.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several housing, landlord-tenant, and condominium-related measures. Senate Bill 62, relating to the Hawaii Public Housing Authority, would allow HPHA-owned parcels and related areas such as parking lots to be closed to the public with posted signage; HPHA strongly supported the bill, saying it would help reduce loitering, drinking, and other problems, and no further testimony was offered. Senate Bill 822, relating to the landlord tenant code, would create a three-year working group in the Department of the Attorney General to study and improve the residential landlord-tenant code. The Judiciary supported the measure but said the scope should be narrowed; the Attorney General opposed leading the group and suggested another agency should do so; Hawaii Realtors and the Hawaii Worker Center supported the concept and suggested moving the chairmanship to the Judiciary and including Legal Aid participation. The Judiciary said it could chair the group if the bill were narrowed to matters within the court’s purview. Senate Bill 38, relating to housing, would limit counties from imposing stricter conditions, AMI requirements, or fee-waiver reductions on certain affordable housing proposals if those changes would increase project costs. HHFDC supported the bill, saying county changes after state approval create uncertainty for developers, while the Hawaii State Association of Counties opposed it as an intrusion on local authority and a restriction on county safety and infrastructure conditions. Members asked about whether existing county review periods were sufficient, and the county association said the main concern was the bill’s language limiting counties from making cost-increasing conditions. Senate Bill 146, relating to condominiums, would revise alternative dispute resolution procedures for condo disputes, including evaluative mediation and binding arbitration. The Hawaii Real Estate Commission said it took no position overall but supported a $150 mediation fee and asked for a similar arbitration fee; Community Associations Institute supported the bill with suggested amendments; however, most testimony was strongly opposed by condominium owners and advocates, who said the bill had been changed to the detriment of owners and would increase costs and reduce protections. The committee noted 44 testimonies on the bill, with 2 in support, 37 in opposition, and 2 with comments. Senate Bill 253, relating to condominium reserves, would require a detailed budget summary to stand on its own, remove a good-faith defense for certain noncompliant budgets, and clarify standing and the association’s burden regarding substantial compliance. Hawaii Realtors and Community Associations Institute supported the measure as improving transparency and giving owners and buyers a clearer picture of association finances. Greg Msakian also supported it, arguing it would help owners and describing problems he experienced with budget committee exclusion and budget noncompliance in his own association. The discussion ended while testimony on the bill was still underway, with additional witnesses expected.

Transcript Highlights:

• the island of Oahu.
• the island of Oahu.
• the island of Oahu.
• <00:25:19.880> than difficult on the neighbor Islands than difficult on the neighbor Islands
• Island they live on uh have access Island they live on uh have access should<01:53:33.040> they

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing opened with House Bill 1462 on crisis services. Testimony from the Department of Law Enforcement, the Community Alliance on Prisons, and the Department of Health supported expanding behavioral health crisis services as an alternative to arrest or incarceration. Witnesses said additional crisis sites would help divert people in mental health crisis to appropriate care, and the Department of Health described its current crisis center in Ewa, including the need for renovations such as a padded room and the time required to get the facility operational. In response to questions, the department estimated the Ewa center’s budgeted cost at about $4.3 million, not including rent or startup repairs, and said a second site’s cost would depend on whether it was freestanding or attached to an existing facility. The committee then heard House Bill 700 on cognitive assessments. The Executive Office on Aging supported the bill’s intent but asked that it be amended to make assessments optional rather than mandated, to pilot the program first, and to allow flexibility in handling HIPAA-protected data. SHPDA also supported the measure but said it should not be mandatory and suggested that payers reimburse for assessments when requested by patients, families, or physicians. The Alzheimer’s Association and caregivers strongly supported standardizing cognitive assessments to improve early detection and access to newer treatments, while noting the existing opt-out provision. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the bill but asked that the age 65 threshold be removed because cognitive decline can begin much earlier for people with Down syndrome, autism, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and related conditions. In response to a question, the Office on Aging said a pilot project could likely be done for about $150,000, with data security being the main added cost. The final bill discussed was House Bill 237 on peer support programs. Testimony from Family Hui Hawaii, Early Childhood Action Strategy, peer support workers, and families described peer-to-peer programs as a cost-effective way to reduce isolation, strengthen families, and provide long-term community support. Speakers said these programs help parents and caregivers navigate crises, child welfare involvement, addiction recovery, and other challenges, and can have lasting benefits for children’s development and family stability. Several witnesses tied the bill to broader state goals, including infant and early childhood mental health, trauma-informed care, and child welfare reform. Written testimony from about a dozen organizations and individuals was also noted in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• Brian May, you're registered as Senior Associate Counsel of the Texas Pacific Land, registered on behalf
• ... ...of the Texas Pacific Land Corporation, registered for House Bill 5105.
• And you're testifying just on behalf of Texas Pacific Land Corporation or also SELF? The company.
• The Texas Pacific owns interests in more than 6,800 oil and gas wells, mostly in West Texas, and so we
• I have a little bit more to say about it than I did the last bill, but Texas Pacific owns an interest

Bills: HB3619, HB3652, HB4572, HB4891, HB4941, HB5103, HB5105, HB5106, HB5224, HB5600

Keywords: surface estate, well plugging, Railroad Commission, landowner rights, liability, strategic reserve, gas supply, petroleum products, disaster response, Railroad Commission of Texas, energy security, emergency planning, oil and gas waste, environmental regulation, waste management, mining pits, groundwater monitoring, regulation, commercial disposal facilities, environmental standards