Transcript Highlights:

• It all comes through the state library. It's in the state investment council, and they just tell.
• That said, the State Librarian, Eli Ginei, we are very lucky to have him as a State Librarian. ...very
• lucky to have him as a State Librarian.
• That we operate across the state.
• States are with bilateral trade.

Committee: Joint Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• c> not</c> even have a state librarian, and I'm not even have a state librarian, and I'm not doesn't<
• I don't think the state librarian needs to have statutory authority to grant a scholarship.
• I don't think the state librarian needs to have statutory authority to grant a scholarship.
• I don't think the state librarian needs to have statutory authority to grant a scholarship.
• </c><03:15:00.960><c> to</c> state librarian to grant scholarships to state librarian to grant scholarships

Committee: House Education Policy and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• The Lordsburg-Hidalgo librarian director is a certified entrepreneurship librarian, so people are able
• The Lordberg Hedago librarian director, she is a certified entrepreneurship librarian, so people are
• We know the librarian in Glenwood... We hope that happens. We know the librarian in Blenwood.
• The librarians in these areas do so as a labor of love. Its librarians are very dedicated.
• That said, the state librarian, Eli Gine, we are very lucky to have him as a state librarian.

Summary: The committee heard a lengthy presentation from the New Mexico Rural Library Initiative in support of fully funding the rural library endowment with an additional $29.5 million. The presenters described rural libraries as essential community infrastructure that provide not only books and internet access, but also early childhood programs, adult education, workforce support, telehealth, disaster response, and civic meeting space. They argued that the endowment would provide stable annual support for staffing and operations, help sustain libraries in very small towns and tribal communities, and support new or developing libraries. Members asked about eligibility, county coverage, how funds are distributed, and whether the state tracks broader outcomes such as job placements or certifications; the presenters said the State Library administers the funds and that the initiative itself is a nonprofit capacity-building organization, not the fund manager. Some members raised concerns about whether an endowment is the best long-term model versus recurring annual appropriations, and about the need for better reporting and state-library involvement. The committee then heard from food bank leaders Jill Dixon and Katie Anderson about food security and its economic impact. They said New Mexico’s five food banks and more than 500 partner agencies serve all 33 counties, distribute over 45 million meals, and rely mostly on philanthropy, with some state and local support. They emphasized that SNAP is a major economic driver, supporting grocery access, jobs, and local spending, and that recent legislative growth funding helped food banks respond to a surge in demand during a SNAP disruption. They also highlighted food banks as community hubs that can connect people to health care, job training, and other services, including through clinic referrals and closed-loop systems. In response to questions, they said food access gaps remain in some rural areas, that clients can generally seek food at other distribution sites without barriers, and that longer-term solutions should include more grocery access, healthy corner stores, and stronger broadband and health care infrastructure. The final presentations came from the Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce and the Artesia Chamber of Commerce. Gallup-McKinley described a shrinking workforce, youth outmigration, crime, health care shortages, malpractice costs, and gross receipts tax burdens as major barriers to rural economic growth, and urged action on workforce pipelines, housing, public safety, malpractice reform, and tax/regulatory changes. Artesia highlighted its murals, library, sports tradition, oil and gas, agriculture, federal training center, and refinery, while also noting workforce shortages, health care recruitment challenges, housing constraints, and the need for quality-of-life investments and more flexible regulation. The committee also briefly heard a bill presentation proposing a New Mexico-Ireland Trade Commission to promote bilateral trade and investment, especially in technology, agriculture, and energy sectors. No votes were taken because quorum was not reached, and the endorsement item was not acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• Communications and reports from state officers. Motions and resolutions.
• A STATE TO HELP TO KEEP PASSINGERS SAFE.
• , but to the entire United States of America.
• , BUT TO THE ENTIRE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
• And they don't know their final state funding.

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and discharged several identical Assembly/Senate bills from committee so they could be substituted on the calendar. The chamber then took up and previously adopted two commemorative resolutions: one designating April 2026 as Sikh Heritage Month and another honoring Korean War veterans. Senators from both parties spoke in support of the Sikh resolution, emphasizing the community’s contributions, service, and the need for recognition and inclusion; the resolution was opened for co-sponsorship and the Sikh guests in the gallery were recognized. The Korean War resolution drew remarks from members recalling family service and the sacrifices of veterans, with repeated calls to preserve their stories and honor their legacy. The Senate then moved through the calendar, passing a series of bills. Among them were measures related to charter bus safety and seat belt awareness, coverage for doula services under insurance, social services/EBT-related changes, education, navigation, highway, public service, and hospital-closure reporting. Several bills passed unanimously or with only one dissenting vote; the social services bill drew the most opposition, with Senator Murray objecting that New York should first address EBT chip technology and skimming before adding new vendor requirements. One bill on the calendar was laid aside for the day. The chamber also adopted a supplemental bill authorizing the South Country Central School District to finance certain deficits, described by Senator Murray as a necessary rescue to keep the district operating and pay staff. Senators discussed the state budget impasse during debate on an extender bill, with the sponsor explaining it was a “clean extender” to keep government running through May 4 and cover payroll, health, education, and other essential payments. Senator Helming raised concerns about the lack of rural health transformation funding and the consequences of the delayed budget for schools, local governments, and hospitals. The extender passed, and the Senate adjourned until Monday, May 4, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up is the Standing Committee on State Agencies, and I believe Senator McKee is going to recognize
• The librarian reports directly to the board but works under the authority of the county judge, who has
• I mean, we just had a librarian who's, you know, probably going to go to jail for what he did.
• To me, it's as criminal as a librarian buying toys for himself and putting gas in his car with it.
• To me, it's as criminal as a librarian buying toys for himself and putting gas in his car with it.

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING

Summary: The Legislative Joint Audit Committee met on February 13, 2026, and first adopted the January 9, 2026 minutes and then adopted reports from its executive and standing committees. The Executive Committee reported on scheduled audits, denied a special report request concerning the I-owned fire department, approved questions to the Arkansas Department of Health about Title V sexual risk avoidance education funds, authorized the Office of Property Risk to hire a CPA for its annual audit, and asked staff to gather information on circuit judge caseload assignments in Benton County. The Counties and Municipalities Committee reported progress on delinquent private water and sewer audits, including reinstatement of 19 entities after required reports were filed and 59 of 64 delinquent 2023 entities submitting reports. It also noted that Adona was now in substantial compliance with municipal accounting law, while officials from Denning and Gum Springs appeared regarding noncompliance. Of 109 current reports reviewed, 15 were referred to prosecutors and the Attorney General, two were certified to the Governmental Bonding Board, 94 were filed, and 15 were deferred. The Education Institutions Committee filed 31 audit reports, including one for Cedarville School District that was referred to the prosecuting attorney, Attorney General, and Governmental Bonding Board, and the State Agencies Committee filed 10 reports involving issues at DHS, Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, Corrections, and Veterans Affairs. The committee also heard a Medicaid Subcommittee report that included presentations from DHS, the Office of Medicaid Inspector General, and the Attorney General’s Office on their Medicaid-related roles. In special reports, Legislative Audit presented a review of Cleburne County’s library expenses, finding more than $80,000 in unauthorized or questionable disbursements, including purchases lacking a documented business purpose, undocumented disbursements, and possible improper fuel expenses; the matter was referred to the 16th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney and the Attorney General. The committee also reviewed the Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy at UALR, where auditors found scholarship awards to ineligible students, numerous disbursement-processing exceptions, and that the program had ceased in 2024 with remaining funds returned to the school districts. After discussion, the committee filed both special reports and adjourned, with the next meeting set for March 12-13, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• For final follow-up, so we're providing state dollars.
• And there's no state agency overseeing these programs.
• Is this something that is happening in other states?
• Our The previous state superintendent of public instruction stated that he was going to eradicate all
• Representative, are you aware that superintendents are not certified to be librarians, and that librarians

Bills: HR1036 , HB2975 , HB3026 , HB3297 , HB2981 , HB2978 , HB4144 , HB1322 , HB1818 , HB3194 , HB3767 , HB3342 , HB3344 , HB4170 , HB3287 , HB3288 , HB4454 , HB3264 , HB3266 , HB3268 , HB4095 , HB4115 , HB4316 , HB3530 , HB3428 , HB4272 , HB4273 , HB4274 , HB3405 , HB3406 , HB3467 , HB3469 , HB3931

Keywords: Bob Wills, Western Swing, Cain's Ballroom, Oklahoma music history, country music, rock and roll, folk jazz blues, Oklahoma Arts Council, Oklahoma Film and Music Office, Oklahoma Historical Society, OKPOP Museum, commemorative resolution, day at the Capitol, musician recognition, heritage celebration, Tulsa, poultry waste, nutrient management, environmental regulations, agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• And the state standards are kind of like that: the state standards are you have to teach about...
• And the state standards are kind of like that.
• And charter schools are not political subdivisions of the state.
• State law allows governing boards to offer contracts for as long as three years, but in most states it's
• Other states have longer contracts and typically higher salaries.

Committee: Senate Senate Education Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several education-related bills. HB 2395 would create a voluntary Arizona School Fitness Program in ADE to recognize schools that participate in nationally recognized fitness testing, allow schools to note the designation on report cards, and direct ADE to issue guidelines and best practices. Supporters argued it would encourage student activity and improve health and achievement without penalties; it passed with a due pass recommendation on a 6-0 vote, with two members not voting. HB 2409, the Getting Arizona Ready for AI Act, would create an Arizona Artificial Intelligence Program in ADE to offer voluntary summer AI courses around the state, including digital hygiene/civic integrity and small-business/entrepreneurship components, with optional facility use and possible academic credit. The sponsor said the bill was meant to prepare students for AI-driven job disruption while keeping the program voluntary and low-cost. It passed 4-2 with one not voting. HB 2203 would require ADE to review school and agency reporting requirements, identify duplicative or obsolete reports, and recommend consolidation or repeal; a technical amendment was adopted and the bill passed unanimously by those voting. HB 2008 would bar school libraries from using public funds to pay professional associations for libraries and librarians; opponents called it unnecessary and constitutionally problematic, while supporters framed it as limiting public spending. It passed 4-2 with one not voting. The committee also heard HB 2075, which would require school districts to submit superintendent and CFO contracts to ADE, post them online, and maintain a searchable database and annual compensation report. Supporters said it would improve transparency and prevent excessive or hidden compensation, while opponents argued it unfairly targeted district schools and should, if anything, apply to all publicly funded schools. After extended debate over transparency and comparisons to charter schools and ESAs, the bill received a due pass recommendation on a 4-2 vote with one not voting.

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee on state affairs will come to order.
• I think you and every librarian in the state of Texas should be fully aware of that distinction.
• This is like Texas is supposed to be a free state—a free speech state with access to information and
• State your name, and you have two minutes to state your position on the bill. Hello, Senators.
• Our state motto is friendship.

Bills: HB186 , HB201 , HB229 , HB796 , HB1506 , HB2702 , HB2885 , HB3225 , HB3909 , HB4285 , HB5138

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up is the standing committee on state agencies, and I believe Senator McKee is going to recognize
• The librarian reports directly to the board, but works under the authority of the county judge, who has
• Subsequent to an investigation by the Arkansas State Police and the 16th Judicial District Prosecuting
• I mean, we just had a librarian who's, you know, probably going to go to jail for what he did.
• To me, it's as criminal as a librarian buying toys for himself and putting gas in his car with it.

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING

Summary: The Legislative Joint Audit Committee met on February 13, 2026, and first adopted the January 9, 2026 minutes. It then received and adopted reports from the Executive Committee, the Standing Committee on Counties and Municipalities, the Standing Committee on Education Institutions, the Standing Committee on State Agencies, and the Medicaid Subcommittee. Those reports covered audit follow-up items, delinquent private water and sewer audits, municipal accounting compliance issues, education audit findings, state agency audit findings, and a Medicaid oversight presentation. Several reports were filed after discussion, and in multiple cases agencies or local officials were present to answer questions about repeat findings or compliance concerns. Among the notable audit matters, the committee reviewed a Cleburne County library audit that found more than $80,000 in unauthorized or questionable disbursements, including purchases that appeared personal in nature and improper fuel expenses. The library director had been placed on leave, later charged with felony theft of property and abuse of office, and the matter was referred to the prosecuting attorney and Attorney General. The committee also heard a special report on the Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, which found scholarship ineligibility issues and numerous disbursement-processing exceptions, while noting that the program had ended in 2024 and remaining funds were returned to the school districts. During the state agency report, Legislative Audit described findings at DHS, Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, Corrections, and Veterans Affairs, including improper benefit payments, a cashed warrant by someone other than the intended payee, missing receipts, unauthorized fuel card purchases, and payroll and overtime issues. The committee filed that report after agency representatives responded to questions. The meeting ended with the filing of the Cleburne County and Donaldson Scholars Academy reports, and the next committee meeting was announced for March 12-13, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up is the standing committee on state agencies, and I believe Senator McKee is going to recognize
• The Standing Committee on State Agencies met yesterday.
• Subsequent to an investigation by the Arkansas State Police and the 16th Judicial District Prosecuting
• I mean, we just had a librarian who's, you know, probably going to go to jail for what he did.
• To me, it's as criminal as a librarian buying toys for himself and putting gas in his car with it.

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING

Transcript Highlights:

• The librarians know. The librarians are the ones responsible.
• The American Association of Librarians is one of the most leftist woke groups in America.
• They train our librarians and they think these are just fine.
• Librarian, it's the law. And we expect you to follow the law. Thank you.
• It is the biggest part of our school budget, I mean, of our state budget.

Summary: The meeting was a press conference led by the lieutenant governor and Bonnie Wallace focused on school library books they described as sexually explicit, vulgar, or otherwise inappropriate for students. They argued that Senate Bill 13, passed in the prior session, requires removal of such books from school libraries, but said many districts have not complied. Wallace said she has testified in 164 school districts and has been removed or silenced at some meetings while challenging books on shelves. Several specific titles were discussed as examples, including Do Animals Fall in Love?, Boy Toy, Crank, and Push. The speakers said these books appear in elementary, middle, and high school libraries, and they criticized content they described as graphic sexual material, grooming, rape, drug use, and abuse. They emphasized that they were not seeking to ban books generally, but to stop taxpayer money from being used to purchase or keep these titles in school libraries. The lieutenant governor said the issue would remain a priority and warned that if districts do not remove the books, the legislature may consider penalties next session, including lowering a district’s accountability letter grade and reviewing budgets. Wallace directed parents to RecoverAmerica.com and TakeBacktheClassroom.com for book lists and challenge forms. The event ended with questions from reporters about the legal basis, the scope of the book list, and whether the proposed penalties would apply if even one prohibited book remained on a campus.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> have one surf league in the whole state have one surf league in the whole state and<00:26:04.600
• </c> on the rest of the state on the rest of the state so<00:28:09.000><c> thank</c><00:28:09.200><c>
• Thank you. testimony that noted that only one state testimony that noted that only one state regulates
• </c><00:48:51.160><c> just</c> School doesn't have a librarian it just School doesn't have a librarian
• </c> because when you look at the states because when you look at the states Hawaii<01:29:29.520><c>

Committee: House Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> state librarian on testimony support. state librarian on testimony support.
• </c> I have a question for the state I have a question for the state librarian.
• First up, we have the state librarian in support.
• First up, we have the state librarian in support. Yeah. State public system in support.
• have the state librarian have the state librarian system<00:21:04.640><c> in</c><00:21:04.880><c> support

Summary: The committee on Education met on February 17 and announced it would limit public testimony to one minute because more than a thousand testimonies were expected on one measure. The first bill heard was HB 1934, relating to the Imagination Library of Hawaii. The state librarian and Friends of the Library supported the bill, saying the program is a proven, cost-effective way to improve early literacy and should be expanded statewide for children ages 0 to 5. Friends of the Library said the current 50/50 match requirement would be too difficult to meet immediately and asked for state funding for the first few years to help launch the expansion. Testimony included eight supporters and one opponent, and members asked whether the proposal was an expansion of an existing program; the state librarian said it would expand service beyond currently targeted communities. The committee then heard HB 20004, which would extend the floating librarian pilot program. The state librarian, Department of Education, HSTA, and several individuals testified in support. Supporters said the program helps address staffing needs and improves student readiness, especially for college and information literacy. One retired community college librarian said school librarians help students prepare for college and are increasingly important in teaching critical evaluation of misinformation and AI-generated content. Members asked about implementation of the existing pilot, including recruitment of certified librarians for neighbor island and Oahu complex areas; DOE said those positions had been identified and recruitment was underway, and existing funds remained intact. The final major discussion was HB 2398, which clarifies the library system’s role in RNMSP-related projects and public library construction on or near school land. The state librarian and public library system supported the bill, while the Department of Education and Attorney General’s office raised concerns about vague language, especially the phrase “land controlled by the board,” and suggested amendments. In questioning, the state librarian explained that the bill was prompted by conflicts on shared or adjacent school/public library sites, including traffic, pickup and drop-off access, and other operational issues. DOE described significant disruption from one project’s traffic changes and said planning for such projects should involve early coordination and formal agreements. The state librarian responded that the new bill would clarify oversight and help avoid delays and disputes over property control and future renovations.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> point that we have we meaning the state point that we have we meaning the state of<00:08:03.599>
• But this will allow them to operate within the state of Alabama with a state fire marshal stamp, with
• But this will allow them to operate within the state of Alabama with a state fire marshal stamp, with
• governor of the state of Alabama.
• The chief of the state of Alabama.

Bills: SB115 , SB131 , SB93 , HB319 , HB163 , HB268 , SB115 , SB131 , SB93 , HB319 , HB163 , HB268 , HB181 , HB153 , SB132 , SB26 , SB189 , SB196 , HB140 , SB197 , HB117 , HB181 , HB153 , SB132 , SB26 , SB189 , SB196 , HB140 , SB197 , HB117

Committee: Senate County and Municipal Government

Keywords: SB115, Alabama, impersonating a peace officer, peace officer, law enforcement impersonation, police impersonation, unauthorized police officer, fake cop, certification revoked, certification suspended, Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission, APOSTC, Class C felony, law enforcement hiring, appointment of officers, federal law enforcement, arrest authority, public order, criminal offenses, Judiciary Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• State your name, please.
• This keeps things simple for our librarians.
• And the same holds true for this state.
• You read what the state of Texas says you can read.
• So, I travel around all over the state.

Bills: HB45 , HB45 , HB755 , HB 1232 , HB1555 , HB2460 , HB2702 , HB2973 , HB3120 , HB3225 , HB3314 , HB3356 , HB3371 , HB3634 , HB3638 , HB4247 , HB4283 , HB4290 , HB4302 , HB4503 , HB4511 , HB4565 , HB4581 , HB4627 , HB4632 , HB4660 , HB4668 , HB4960 , HB5042

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: flooding, disaster response, emergency preparedness, state guidance, public safety, housing, affordable housing, rent control, landlord-tenant laws, housing rights, lobbying, public entities, expenditures, government code, transparency, Texas Ethics Commission, government regulation, lobbying restrictions, government accountability, taxpayer money

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:17.519><c> statute,</c> So um in interpreting a state statute, So um in interpreting a state
• </c><00:04:24.160><c> agency</c><00:04:25.440><c> uh</c><00:04:25.919><c> state</c> defer to a state
• agency uh state defer to a state agency uh state agency's<00:04:26.639><c> interpretation</c><00:04:27.280
• I'm the state director for Americans for Prosperity here in the Cowboy State.
• state your name for the record.

Bills: HB0066 , HJ0005 , HB0010

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Shope, Arizona State Senator. Fantastic.
• be supporting our school librarians.
• I think that this is an attack on librarians. I believe, President Brothem.
• I think that this is an attack on librarians.
• School librarians need professional development and membership associations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, I know we have representatives from both the Strong Reader Partnership and the State Librarian Greg
• Do you think it was a good use of taxpayer dollars to provide one, the nonprofit, the State Librarian
• The program that you created on behalf of the State Librarian and the organization that you partnered
• And to be the head of the State Librarian as the State Librarian and oversee, I think you see.
• Were you included in the contract with the state librarian that you couldn't lobby?

Summary: The committee held a follow-up informational hearing on the State Library’s oversight of the statewide Imagination Library program, focusing on how state funds were used by the Strong Reader Partnership (SRP) and whether the program complied with statutory requirements. Chair and Senator Grove repeatedly questioned State Librarian Greg Lucas about delayed document production, the State Library’s decision to allow SRP to continue spending $4.8 million after the 2024 budget changes, and the lack of clear accounting for how many books were actually delivered to children. Lucas said the State Library had sent one demand letter, relied on counsel’s advice, and ultimately received bank statements, invoices, and narrative reports that he said were satisfactory, though he acknowledged the committee should have been given the documents sooner. A major issue was whether SRP and its vendors used state funds for lobbying or influence efforts related to AB 157/SB 157, despite contract language prohibiting lobbying. The committee highlighted invoices and emails involving ChangeCraft and SAGE Strategies that appeared to coincide with legislative activity, while SRP representatives said their work was communications, stakeholder outreach, and board-directed advocacy, not lobbying. Members of SRP also defended their vendor selections and invoicing practices, explaining that the organization was in startup and transition mode, had multiple financial vendors for checks and balances, and was working to build infrastructure, local partnerships, and multilingual outreach capacity rather than directly buying books. The hearing also scrutinized specific expenditures, including roughly $581,000 to Shipyard for marketing and web/digital work, $110,000 to Lotus Financial Solutions, and a $5,000 grant to United Way of the California Capital Region. Senators argued the invoices were vague and the deliverables were not evident, pointing to a simple website, limited social media presence, and no clear evidence that some advertised campaigns ever went live. SRP witnesses said the work was part of a phased plan to establish a statewide foundation and that some assets and documentation had not yet been provided to the committee. No votes were taken, and the hearing ended with the chair emphasizing the need for tighter oversight, clearer documentation, and better accountability for taxpayer funds.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this is our librarian pilot program.
• This is a librarian pilot program.
• </c><00:13:03.960><c> Thank</c> um the state, April 25th. Sure. Thank um the state, April 25th.
• On behalf is a librarian pilot program.
• This is the librarian pilot program.

Summary: The conference committees met repeatedly on Friday, April 25, 2025, mostly to wait for finance releases and to roll bills to later times. Several measures were deferred or continued, including HB 1007 on HCDA, HB 987 on procurement, HB 620, HB 961, HB 1293, HB 1320, SB 1252, HB 1168, and others, with members often agreeing to reconvene later in the day when releases might be available. One higher education bill, HB 549 on an early learning apprenticeship grant program, was deferred because the requested expenditure of about $12.5 million could not be approved, and HB 563 on the UH Space Science and Engineering Initiative was also deferred after conferees could not reach agreement in time. Several bills were successfully amended and passed. HB 329 appropriated $2 million for the Mililani work-for-housing project and $2 million for Maui Central Middle School. HB 736 established a wastewater system technology testing pilot program at the UH Water Resources Research Center and included a $745,325 FY26 appropriation. SB 865 created a full-time permanent CTAHR extension position, funded at $76,570 in each of FY26 and FY27 through the Agribusiness Development Corporation. HB 442 funded two pre-nursing pathway positions at UH with $215,552 each year for two fiscal years, and HB 1146 funded UH graduate assistant positions and planning work for Ala Wai Canal debris management and water quality control, with the conferees correcting the FY26 amount during discussion before approving it. Later, HB 1168 on UH revenue bonds was approved with amendments, setting the bond amount at $30,750,000 and a July 1, 2025 effective date. HB 961, the librarian pilot program, was ultimately approved with a CD1 restoring the original $132,308 appropriation and two FTE librarian positions for a two-year pilot serving one Oahu complex area and one neighbor island complex area. HB 1293 on Department of Education procurement was also approved with amendments to support the DOE’s farm-to-school goals by exempting certain local food purchases under $250,000 from the electronic procurement system and requiring at least three written quotes instead, effective July 1, 2025, with repeal on June 30, 2028. SB 1252 on dementia was later approved with a CD1 funding two full-time positions in UH Mānoa’s John A. Burns School of Medicine Department of Geriatric Medicine at $525,000 each in FY26 and FY27.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> have a state librarian. have a state librarian.
• /c><00:37:12.079><c> pushing</c> state librarian and we're pushing state librarian and we're pushing
• Now it's no longer the state librarian. So it's really just an unnecessary, very old statute.
• Now it's no longer the state librarian. So it's really just an unnecessary, very old statute.
• Now it's no longer the state librarian. So it's really just an unnecessary, very old statute.

Committee: Senate Education