Transcript Highlights:

• We located over 135 pieces of banking information that were linked to opening fraudulent bank accounts
• out in Nevada, where these individuals were opening up these bank accounts, sending the bank account
• or cleared the bank, that bank account would then be negative $7,000, and these banking institutions
• Um the banking documents in money.
• that</c><00:14:08.320><c> um</c> cleared the bank, that um cleared the bank, that um bank<00:14:09.600

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• And some banks think that's too much risk, right?
• So we invite the bank to our factory. They came with a group of...
• So we invite the bank to our factory.
• What is the role of banks' investments in modular housing? Or what are your thoughts on that?
• There's the whole thing about, like, they've just banked out. Like, they don't.

Transcript Highlights:

• And some banks think that's too much risk, right?
• So we invite the bank to our factory. They came with a group of...
• So we invite the bank to our factory.
• What is the role of banks' investments in modular housing? Or what are your thoughts on that?
• There's the whole thing about, like, they've just banked out. Like, they don't.

Summary: The committee held its second hearing on housing construction innovation, focusing on factory-built and modular housing as a way to lower costs, speed delivery, and expand housing supply. The chair framed the effort as a search for practical innovation paired with land use, financing, and regulatory changes that could make housing more affordable for working families. Government witnesses from HCD, the Strategic Growth Council, and the tax credit and bond allocation agencies explained how factory-built housing is regulated, how California standards and third-party approvals work, and how state programs are trying to build regional demand and financing pipelines for modular production. Testimony from investors and developers emphasized both the promise and the risks of modular construction. JP Morgan Chase and the Housing Accelerator Fund described projects that achieved meaningful time and cost savings, but said lenders still see elevated risk because of manufacturer solvency, upfront deposits, transportation and installation issues, and the need for standardized designs and experienced teams. They urged more standardization, more local factories, better alignment between financing timelines and construction schedules, and state support such as backstops, top-loss capital, and scoring preferences in tax credit and bond programs. Several speakers noted that recent federal changes to the 4% tax credit program increased production capacity, but warned that without continued state investment the pipeline could face a future funding cliff. The workforce panel, including union contractors, factory supervisors, and labor representatives, said modular construction can support good jobs if it is paired with union labor, training, and fair standards. They described benefits for workers such as steadier schedules, less commuting, improved safety, and better work-life balance, while also stressing the need for wages, health coverage, retirement benefits, and apprenticeship opportunities. Union representatives supported a model that keeps both factory and on-site work unionized and said the industry could create more jobs overall if California builds more factories and develops a stable, long-term demand pipeline. No formal votes or actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think you've heard some of the food banks talk about commodity reductions.
• Food Bucks Program, and of course all of the food banks that work in collaboration with our farmers,
• along with the funding that helps support the farmers. to provide food to the food banks.
• I think maybe some of you are hearing from the food banks in your areas that they're a little...
• We have programs such as food banks, and we have several located in the northern part of the state.

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• So flush they even own a bank. Why is this important?
• regulations modernizing outdated banking regulations and allowing banks to more effectively deploy capital
• The package also includes key banking measures that will... includes key banking measures that will help
• That's why the banking reforms in this bill are also critical.
• They were over $200,000 in debt in 1962 and had $35 in the bank.

Bills: HB2323 , HB6644 , SB629 , HB8882 , HB8881 , HB8880 , HB8879 , HB4238 , HR915 , HR826 , HB7401 , HB7396

Keywords: Big Bend National Park, land acquisition, boundary adjustment, Secretary of the Interior, conservation, housing, affordability, institutional investors, vacant properties, grants, homeownership, urban development, Holodomor, Ukraine famine, 1932-1933 famine, genocide recognition, Soviet Union, Joseph Stalin, collectivization, grain confiscation

Transcript Highlights:

• in a custodial capacity, and requires banks to segregate assets.
• </c> It establishes requirements for banks It establishes requirements for banks related<00:02:30.800
• > conduct</c><00:02:35.840><c> activity</c> This requires banks to conduct activity This requires banks
• </c><00:02:43.240><c> to</c> capacity, and requires banks to capacity, and requires banks to segregate
• Banking is a different things.

Summary: The committee met to walk through nonpartisan side-by-side comparisons of House File 4188, focusing on differences between House and Senate language across consumer protection, insurance, financial services, health, and technical provisions. Staff highlighted numerous Senate-only items, including rules for financial providers communicating through trusted contacts, virtual currency requirements for banks and credit unions, a prohibition on virtual currency kiosks beginning in 2026, mortgage servicing and student loan servicing changes, the Rental Home Marketplace Guarantees Act, insurance and travel-related provisions, scrap metal licensing changes, protections related to minors accessing chatbots and AI companions, and several technical or conforming repealers. Staff also noted that some provisions were identical or substantially similar between the chambers, including mortgage originator standards, student loan borrower protections, securities-related changes, unclaimed property provisions, and technical updates in the bill’s miscellaneous articles. The Senate-only health-related articles were also summarized, including repeal of the prescription drug affordability advisory council, technical changes to the reinsurance program, and a series of health insurance provisions on enrollment-growth notices, limits on officer and director salary increases under certain capital conditions, guaranteed issue rights for certain Medicare supplement enrollees, data-sharing between Commerce and Health, restrictions on using artificial intelligence alone to deny claims, reimbursement for clinical trainees, home care nursing coverage, and PBM transparency. The Senate’s telecommunications article was described as largely technical and conforming, with repeals of obsolete statutes. Staff also noted that some standalone bills had already passed and would be removed from the comparison report. Public testimony followed. Thomas Elness of AARP Minnesota supported inclusion of the cryptocurrency kiosk bill, expressed support for guaranteed issue protections for a narrow group of consumers affected by discontinued plans, and urged adoption of changes to the consumer protection restitution account, including raising the cap to $10 million per fiscal year. Representative Lee testified that the restitution account proposal should be treated as policy rather than finance because it has a zero fiscal note, and said the House would accept the Senate’s $10 million cap. Robin Rowan, representing the Minnesota Insurance and Financial Services Council and the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, urged adoption of Senate travel insurance language, requested a House-style change to lead-generation recordkeeping language, and supported a Senate provision allowing employers and insurers to coordinate notice to employees when group policies are cancelled. The Department of Commerce then responded to questions, explaining that the prescription drug affordability council would be sunset because the board already has other avenues for public input, that the reinsurance changes were technical and did not alter the prior agreement, and that the abandoned cryptocurrency provisions rely on statutory definitions of inactivity and known examples such as keys stored in safes or deposit boxes.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also know that all... ...use and rely on the food banks to help achieve food security.
• We do have TEFAP available at 49 food banks throughout all 58 counties, and TEFAP provides food banks
• Instead, the food is actually delivered to the food bank through this program.
• Gabby Davidson with the California Association of Food Banks.
• Gabby Davidson with the California Association of Food Banks.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittees held a joint hearing on older adults and long-term care supports and services, with members and witnesses focusing on the growing “forgotten/overlooked middle” of Californians who are too wealthy for Medi-Cal but unable to afford long-term services and supports (LTSS). Administration witnesses from DHCS and the Department of Aging described Medicare’s limited long-term care coverage, Medi-Cal’s role for low-income residents, and ongoing state work on LTSS financing, including a 2024 financing initiative and a final report due in 2026. Testimony emphasized rising costs, caregiver shortages, homelessness among older adults, and the need to preserve home- and community-based services to avoid more expensive institutional care. Several advocates urged immediate action, especially Medi-Cal share-of-cost reform, housing supports, and protection of HCBS funding. Members asked for the most urgent budget priorities and were told to focus on share-of-cost reform and assisted-living rate protections, along with broader system navigation and caregiver support. The committee also heard testimony on the Community-Based Adult Services (CBAS) program. CDA reported that CBAS serves about 42,000 participants through 304 centers, with demand generally stable but geographic gaps in some regions and staffing challenges after the pandemic. DHCS explained a rate-setting issue: a 10% CBAS rate increase had been mistakenly posted on the Medi-Cal fee schedule in 2024, and while Proposition 35 later made the targeted SB 159 rate increase inoperative, DHCS said any repayment by managed care plans would depend on contract terms and the department would not require clawbacks. CBAS providers and advocates warned that the program is in a financial crisis, with six center closures since June 2024, and requested $74.8 million ongoing General Fund to close about half the gap between current reimbursement and costs. Members expressed concern that clawbacks could accelerate closures and noted the program’s role in preventing institutionalization and supporting family caregivers. In the final panel, CDSS presented on In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) provider recruitment and retention and on the AB 102 statewide bargaining report. CDSS said the IHSS Career Pathways program has concluded successfully, with more than 59,000 providers completing training, and that the AB 102 report—based on workgroup meetings and consultant analysis—will be sent to the Legislature shortly. The department said the workgroup viewed statewide bargaining as more viable than regional bargaining, but identified major issues around consumer participation, county fiscal impacts, administrative responsibilities, and the need to define bargaining scope in statute. CDSS estimated that each $1 per hour statewide wage increase would cost at least $1.3 billion to $1.5 billion annually. Provider unions supported statewide bargaining, arguing it would improve wages, benefits, and workforce stability, while county representatives said any statewide model should preserve consumer focus, protect county finances and realignment funds, and keep core administrative functions with local public authorities. The hearing concluded without votes, with members requesting additional follow-up information and urging continued engagement ahead of the May revise.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Working Families for years capping Bank Working Families for years capping Bank overdraft<02:12:
• The banks didn't go bankrupt.
• </c> the cfpb regulation capping Bank the cfpb regulation capping Bank overdraft<05:47:27.080><c> fees
• </c> and vote to destroy the $5 Bank and vote to destroy the $5 Bank overdraft<05:56:38.680><c> rule<
• </c><06:26:10.000><c> overdraft</c> it to the floor to cap Bank overdraft it to the floor to cap Bank

Bills: HR77

Keywords: Fred Korematsu, civil liberties, constitutional rights, Japanese internment, historical education, national reflection, personal justice

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of banks are just making donations. Are collecting quarters from kids.
• A lot of banks are just making donations for the Liberty Bell to arrive in there.
• But if a bank couldn't get it implemented, they have made a donation.
• I can tell you, every kid wants to go in your bank to get the little card.
• So I'm glad the banks are jumping in and helping out. It's been wonderful.

Summary: The committee received updates on Idaho’s America 250 preparations, including financial status, ambassador outreach, the Capitol celebration, the Liberty Bell tour, and related statewide events. LSO staff reported about $54,967.53 remaining for America 250 purposes and $17,500 pending disbursement in celebration fund grants. Treasurer Ellsworth described broad ambassador participation across cities, counties, businesses, schools, and veterans groups, along with numerous recent local events branded for America 250. Director Gallimore also reported that the Freedom Truck was on display, the Great American State Fair was underway, and the Liberty Bell had shipped from South Carolina and would be secured nightly as it tours the state. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on planning the July 4 Capitol celebration in Boise. Secretary McGrane outlined the parade, pancake feed, concert, vendors, live broadcast by Idaho Public Television, and the role of partners such as the Veterans Entrepreneurs Association, Just Serve, Duck Club, and Boise Family RV. Committee members asked about event timing, sponsorships, tribal participation, and the vehicle transporting the Liberty Bell. McGrane requested additional spending authority for unanticipated costs, including green rooms/trailers for performers, Ada County paramedics, water for attendees, and performer compensation. After discussion about costs and fiscal oversight, the committee approved a motion to grant an additional $10,000 in spending authority for the America 250 Capitol celebration, specifically for paramedics, trailers for performers, water, and performer compensation. Members also discussed contingency planning for inclement weather, with general agreement that the committee should revisit the issue at a later meeting and aim to preserve some form of celebration even if the outdoor event must be adjusted. The committee then set its next meeting for June 24 and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, what we're doing and so there's an Exception for banks and credit unions, is that correct?
• It's my understanding That banks and credit unions are not included.
• So I would submit that again, the people who don't use banks or credit unions to be able to make these
• may be would you believe or, but 100 years ago, major crimes were stealing a horse, stealing a cow, bank
• robbery where they actually walked into the bank with a gun and robbed the bank.

Bills: SB1936 , SB1612 , SB1543 , SB1260 , SB1988 , SB1859 , SB2041 , SB1257 , HB4272 , HB3277 , HB3148 , HB3651 , HB3323 , HB4287 , HB4105 , HB3304 , HB3345

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Keywords: forfeiture, criminal offenses, law enforcement, Class D1 offenses, property seizure, SB1612, mandatory reporting, violent injury reporting, gunshot wound, stab wound, poisoning, burn injury, explosive injury, medical reporting, healthcare providers, law enforcement notification, evidence preservation, patient video records, confidentiality waiver, misdemeanor penalty

Transcript Highlights:

• Equity equivalent investment into the green bank.
• Mark, before you go on, could you define green bank, please? Madam Chair, a green bank is.
• The green bank that we invested in is the Climate Investment Center.
• Then one last comment: I appreciate the oil and gas industry funding a green bank.
• **Speaker**: Yeah, could you just tell me a little bit more about the Green Bank?

Committee: House Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• to RSA 383-B:3-303, that refers to banking.
• to RSA 383-B:3-303, that refers to banking.
• to RSA 383-B:3-303, that refers to banking.
• I don't know if it could impact banks.
• </c> investments for depository banks. investments for depository banks.

Summary: The committee held a work session on HB 302, which would add precious metals and digital assets as potential investment options. State Treasurer Monica Misipelli said she took no position on the bill and did not see an immediate fiscal impact or operational problem, but explained that the state’s operating funds and rainy day fund require liquidity and stability, so they would not be suitable for volatile assets like precious metals or digital assets. She said the only funds that might potentially use such investments would be certain trust funds held in perpetuity, which are managed by an outside investment advisor under a contract and investment policy. Members asked about the treasurer’s current investment practices, including the types of funds managed, the role and discretion of the investment advisor, the state’s risk profile, and whether the bill would affect existing authority. Misipelli said the office follows RSA 11 and related statutes, with different objectives ranging from conservative to aggressive depending on the fund, and that the advisor meets with the office regularly, with formal performance reviews on a quarterly basis. She also said the office recently centralized management of about 40 trust accounts totaling roughly $60 million into five combined portfolios under a five-year contract with an RFP-selected vendor. When asked whether precious metals or digital assets are already indirectly available through mutual funds, she said that was possible for some mutual funds, but she was not certain about digital assets. Representative Ammon, the bill’s sponsor, said similar legislation had passed the Oklahoma House, the Texas House and Senate, and had advanced in Arizona. He argued the bill was intended to give the treasurer more tools to help balance portfolios and hedge inflation, noting concerns about federal debt and inflation. No vote was taken in the excerpt, and the chair ended the questioning after thanking the treasurer and asking her to remain available in case further questions arose.

Transcript Highlights:

• Even though these are state charter banks, if the feds lose confidence in our banking, then the state
• Allemand Allemand Allemand Andrew Andrew Andrew Angelos Angelos Angelos Banks Banks Banks Barr Barr Barr
• </c> Allamand Allamand Allamand Andrew Andrew Andrew Angelos Angelos Angelos Banks Banks Banks Bear Bear
• Allamand Allamand Allamand Andrew Andrew Andrew Angelos Angelos Angelos Banks Banks Banks Bear Bear Bear
• Banks? Banks? Banks? Bear? Bear? Bear? Brady? Brady? Brady? Bratton? Bratton? Bratton?

Transcript Highlights:

• There is one amendment offered by Senator Banke labeled A.
• There's one amendment labeled B offered by Senator Banke, which requires Ecology to allocate no-cost
• There's one amendment labeled B offered by Senator Banke, which requires ecology to allocate no-cost
• There are three amendments offered by Senator Banke.
• Senator Banke, thank you, Madam Chair.

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2515, which addresses emerging large energy use facilities, especially data centers. Staff explained that the bill requires utilities to adopt tariffs or policies for data centers, adds reporting and sustainability requirements, sets renewable energy targets, and creates a sales tax exemption for certain eligible data center equipment in eastern Washington. The House sponsor said the bill is intended to protect ratepayers, grid reliability, water resources, and Washington’s climate goals as data center growth accelerates. Tribal representatives and several environmental and labor witnesses urged restoring provisions removed from the House version, especially authority to curtail data center load during energy emergencies and to refuse service if reliability or affordability would be harmed; they also asked for stronger water reporting and protections for salmon. Utility, business, and data center industry witnesses supported the bill’s general framework but raised concerns about implementation, costs, and some of the added requirements, while some opposed the tax exemption and the loss of earlier protections. No final action on 2515 was taken during the hearing portion shown. The committee then heard and acted on several bills in executive session. It passed Substitute House Bill 1302, which allows municipal utilities to waive connection charges for industrial symbiosis projects. It also passed House Bill 2338 on community-scaled weatherization projects after rejecting an amendment, and House Bill 2367 on eliminating preferential treatment for a coal-fired plant after rejecting an amendment. Substitute House Bill 2496 on tribal consultation by the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council was amended and then passed, while amendments to change public meeting and tribal summary provisions were rejected. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2225 on AI companion chatbots, House Bill 2426 on PCHB efficiency and appeals, House Bill 2606 on the Office of Privacy and Data Protection, Engrossed House Bill 2575 on reducing reporting obligations, and Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2215 on Climate Commitment Act compliance for fuels were also advanced, with some amendments adopted and others rejected. The committee then reopened public hearing on House Bill 2416, which would treat a Spokane waste-to-energy facility differently under the Climate Commitment Act by allocating no-cost allowances in the second compliance period and requiring a decarbonization and waste-reduction plan. Spokane city officials, labor, environmental groups, and Ecology generally supported the bill as a balanced approach that protects ratepayers while allowing the facility to decarbonize, though Avista raised a concern about language implying a utility compliance obligation. After that, the committee resumed testimony on House Bill 1170, which requires large AI providers to offer provenance tools and disclosures for AI-generated or altered images, video, and audio. Supporters said the bill would help workers and consumers identify synthetic media and prevent impersonation and misinformation, while industry and civil liberties witnesses argued the bill is technically difficult, uses new definitions, and may be unworkable or premature compared with California’s evolving approach.

Transcript Highlights:

• for a rural county collecting a sales and use tax for economic purposes to designate industrial land banks
• An industrial land bank means up to two master-planned locations, each consisting of a parcel or parcels
• An industrial land bank must be suitable for manufacturing, industrial, or commercial businesses, and
• A county planning under the GMA may establish a process for designating an industrial land bank of no
• I just know that it's always been our concern with these large industrial land banks.

Bills: HB2103 , HB2388 , HB2316 , HB2006 , HB2224

Committee: House Local Government

Keywords: renewable energy, nonemitting generation, public entities, contracting, electric generation, distributed energy, agricultural land, energy generation, renewable resources, siting regulations, land use, urban development, vegetation management, shrubsteppe, environmental regulation, economic development, sales tax, rural counties, industrial land banks, growth management

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:30:49.600><c> So</c> a home equity loan bank offering. So a home equity loan bank offering.
• I wouldn't expect the bank to be like, "Okay, well, I don't, you know, grandma has no idea.
• I mean, why aren't we making the banks give this notice then if that's the case?
• </c><00:37:45.599><c> bank</c><00:37:45.920><c> hasn't</c> harm if it got cancelled. bank hasn't harm
• </c> but I think I disagree that the bank but I think I disagree that the bank should<00:38:08.560><c

Bills: HB1946 , HB1515 , HB1514 , HB1648 , HB1644 , HB1619 , HB1571 , HB1810 , HB2475 , HB1645 , HB2301 , HB1889 , HB1840

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on February 26, 2026, and heard several bills, mostly in the areas of workers’ compensation and consumer protection. HB 1946 HD1 on timeshare registration renewal drew support from DCCA’s timeshare program and major industry groups including Hilton Grand Vacations, the American Resort Development Association, and Marriott Vacations Worldwide, with no opposition noted. HB 1515 HD1, which would allow an attending physician to request a functional capacity examination without employer permission, was supported by DLIR and the Department of Human Resources Development and had no other in-person testimony; the bill was then moved on without questions. The committee spent substantial time on HB 1514 HD1, which would streamline workers’ compensation vocational rehabilitation by clarifying provider selection and requiring vocational plans within 90 days. DLIR supported the intent but asked for amendments, saying the 90-day deadline was too rigid given case-by-case complexity, limited staffing, and the need for coordination among injured workers, employers, and counselors; members discussed possible extensions and whether a 120-day timeline or other flexibility would be better. Testimony on the bill included one individual in support and seven in opposition. HB 1648 HD1, concerning workers’ compensation and physician dispensing of non-prescription drugs, drew support from DHRD and comments from DLIR and industry witnesses. DLIR said the bill should be narrowed so it does not restrict medically necessary over-the-counter medications or oral guidance from providers, while Aloha Billing Company and Solera Integrated Medical Solutions urged tighter limits on physician dispensing and raised concerns about pricing abuse through average wholesale price. Members discussed clarifying the bill’s language so it targets written prescriptions rather than oral advice. HB 1644 HD1, requiring a standardized disclosure form for residential solar contracts, received support from the Hawaii Solar Energy Association and Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative, while DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection supported the consumer-protection goal but proposed stronger remedies, including a three-day cancellation right, voidability for missing disclosures, and possible lender liability; members questioned how those remedies should apply to lenders, and no vote was taken on the measures in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• House, being rightly and truly prepared for final passage: House 423, an act establishing a sick leave bank
• House 423, an act establishing a sick leave bank for James Caruso, an employee of the Massachusetts Department
• House 4322, an act establishing a sick leave bank for Carlos Borges, an employee of the Department of
• being rightly and truly prepared for final passage: House No. 423, an act establishing a sick leave bank
• the Massachusetts Department of Transportation; and House No. 4322, an act establishing a sick leave bank

Summary: The House took up several committee reports and adopted a series of congratulatory resolutions, including recognition of the Monson Lions Club’s 70th anniversary, the town of Groveland’s 175th anniversary, and James McLaughlin’s retirement from the Franklin Fire Department. The chamber also considered two emergency preambles for sick leave bank bills and adopted both, for James Caruso of the Department of Transportation and Carlos Borges of the Department of Correction. A separate bill dissolving the Wellesley Housing Development Corporation was passed to be enacted. The Rules Committee reported and the House adopted orders extending reporting deadlines for the Housing Committee and the Environment and Natural Resources Committee. The Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee then listed a number of bills for House consideration, including measures on the Gloucester Fisheries Commission, a special mayoral election in Methuen, assault and battery on a transit worker, retirement benefits for Levera Gilbert and Leo McCaskill, Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day, recall elections in Berlin, special police officer age limits in Weston, moderator terms in Holden, legal notices in Hingham, and support orders for adult children in need of support. The House suspended Rule 7A, ordered these bills to a third reading, and later passed several of them to be engrossed. On third reading, the House passed to be engrossed bills increasing the income limit for Ipswich’s senior tax deferral program, adjusting Springfield’s local property tax assessment rules, and amending the Seacon town charter. The Seacon bill was amended by substitution before passage. The two sick leave bank bills for Caruso and Borges were then passed to be enacted. The House also adopted an order to adjourn to meet the following Tuesday at 11 a.m., and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee is now in order. Sergeant, please call absent members.
• However, post-loss insurance payouts are excluded from this requirement, allowing lenders and banks to
• with the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act, which prohibits servicers, independent mortgage bank
• , so thank you for your hyper focus on not only these crisis issues, but also your preference for banking
• With eight, excuse me, the bill is out with eight votes, and the Assembly Banking and Finance Committee

Summary: The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee met to hear its only agenda item, AB 493 by Assemblymember Harabedian, which would require lenders to pay interest to homeowners on post-loss insurance payouts held in escrow. The author said current law already pays interest on some escrowed funds, but excludes insurance proceeds after a loss; he argued the bill would help wildfire survivors and other homeowners rebuilding after major property damage. He noted amendments clarifying that the bill applies only to loans and only to insurance payouts still held in escrow on or after the bill’s effective date. Support came from the Consumer Federation of California, whose representative said the measure closes a loophole and would provide modest but meaningful help to homeowners facing long rebuild timelines. The California Bankers Association did not oppose the bill but raised concerns about aligning it with existing mortgage servicing law and the treatment of hazard insurance proceeds, saying it wanted to work with the author on technical issues. Committee members expressed support, emphasizing the need to help displaced homeowners access funds more quickly. The committee voted unanimously to pass AB 493 and refer it to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations. The roll call showed the bill receiving eight votes, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• from the Office of Community Services, DIR, from the Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition, Hawaii Food Bank
• And then on Zoom we have, in support, the Hawaii Diaper Bank. Are they present?
• </c> Hawaii Daper Bank. Are they present? Hawaii Daper Bank. Are they present? &gt;&gt; Present.
• My name is Hannah London, and I am the deputy director of Hawaii Diaper Bank.
• </c><00:30:57.039><c> Network,</c> the National Paper Bank Network, the National Paper Bank Network,

Bills: HB2116 , HB1879 , HB2214 , HB2310 , HB2168 , HB2427 , HB2560 , HB1596 , HB2197 , HB2498 , HB2167

Committee: House Human Services & Homelessness

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to human services, homelessness, transit, and family supports. HB 2116 HD1, concerning grants from the Office of Community Services to nonprofits providing training and volunteerism opportunities, drew strong support from Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and multiple organizations in written testimony. Supporters said the bill would help vulnerable people affected by federal program changes and cuts by connecting them to reintegration and support services. HB 1879 HD1, establishing a subsidized youth transit program coordinated with counties, received extensive testimony in support from the Department of Health, Department of Taxation, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Aloha United Way, Hawaii Bicycling League, Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii State Youth Commission, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Greenpeace Hawaii, Hawaii Youth Transportation Council, and others. Testifiers emphasized equity, school attendance, reduced transportation costs, climate benefits, and broader access for youth. Several witnesses urged amendments to make the program universal rather than means-tested, and committee discussion noted implementation questions for neighbor islands and rural areas. HB 2214, creating a refundable diaper tax credit for low-income families with children age four and under, was supported by the Hawaii Diaper Bank, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and several other organizations. The Department of Taxation recommended making the credit non-refundable and clarifying definitions to aid administration, while supporters argued refundability was important for low-income families who may owe little or no income tax. HB 2310, an emergency appropriation to replenish DHS funds used to provide SNAP benefits during a federal shutdown, also drew broad support from DHS, Catholic Charities, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Aloha United Way, and others; witnesses praised the state’s rapid response and said the appropriation would prepare DHS for future emergencies. The committee also heard HB 2168 HD1 and HB 2427 HD1 on education for students experiencing homelessness and unaccompanied homeless youth; the Attorney General recommended technical amendments to avoid conflicts with existing law and to clarify McKinney-Vento-related definitions, while advocates stressed the need for school access, transportation, meals, and other supports for homeless and runaway youth.

Transcript Highlights:

• Refund checks are also deposited by TD Bank remote capture.
• TD Bank is who we bank with for this specific account.
• , we submit it to TD Bank.
• They perform weekly and monthly bank reconciliations.
• Accounts payable also maintains the TD Bank signature cards.

Summary: The committee met to receive a detailed financial operations presentation from the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency, with staff walking members through funding sources, budgeting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and grants management. Sabrina Walker explained VR’s blended funding structure, including federal grants, state appropriations, program income, and interagency contracts, and emphasized that state funds are essential to meeting the federal match and maintenance-of-effort requirements. Members asked repeatedly about transparency, audit controls, and the risk that state cuts could reduce federal drawdowns; staff responded that all reports reconcile back to the SCEIS accounting system, are subject to state audits and internal reviews, and that even modest state reductions could significantly reduce total available funding. The committee also discussed pre-employment transition services for students with disabilities, with staff confirming services are offered through school districts, charters, and private schools, and that contracts are monitored for performance and compliance. The presentation then shifted to budgeting and internal controls. Walker described a zero-based departmental budgeting process, monthly monitoring reports, contingency reserves for unexpected expenses, and a formal annual cycle that culminates in board approval. Members asked about facilities tracking, culture, and how the agency maintains accountability; staff said facilities staff inspect buildings and equipment, supervisors justify line-item requests, and the process has become smoother over time as departments learned the system. Cynthia Johnson followed with an accounts receivable overview, describing invoicing, receipting, aging, customer verification, year-end reporting, and the use of cross-training, shared email inboxes, and spreadsheets as checks and balances. She also explained work training center billing, interdepartmental transfers, and the revolving fund used to issue consumer checks more quickly than standard vendor payments. Olivia Perez presented accounts payable operations, including invoice processing through SCEIS and OnBase, the three-way match, travel reimbursements, revolving fund checks, State Treasury Office interactions, and handling of reversals, rejections, and levy notices. She reported that AP processed 67,723 SCEIS payments, 13,670 case management system invoices, 3,379 travel reimbursements, and 15,693 revolving fund checks in fiscal year 2025, with only 70 payment rejections. The final portion of the meeting covered Grants and Funds Management, where Walker explained federal reporting, drawdowns, payroll allocation, asset tracking, lease and IT contract reviews, cost allocation, and closing packages. She noted upcoming system changes such as S/4HANA, Workiva, and SC Pro, but said the agency is receiving training and feedback opportunities. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the presentation portion beyond approval of the prior minutes and a brief recess.