Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:07:33.479><c> of</c> of course Animal Health the care of of course Animal Health the care of
• <00:10:14.440><c> of</c><00:10:14.800><c> wildlife</c> care of wildlife care of wildlife species<00:10
• I'm thinking about History Day students that are former History Day students around your table this afternoon
• students uh that are former History Day students uh that are former History Day<01:53:33.079><c> students
• </c><02:05:36.239><c> of</c> we're going to help you take care of we're going to help you take care of

Committee: Senate Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• BUT IN TOTAL THERE GETTING THROUGH THE ENTIRE PROCESS IN ABOUT 280 DAYS.
• WHO PROVIDE THE DAILY CARE AND FEEDING OF THE BUILDING. 36,000 ANNUAL SERVICE CALLS.
• AND THEY DO JANITORIAL SERVICE, LAWN CARE SERVICES, AGAIN IT'S THE CARE AND FEEDING OF THE BUILDINGS,
• FLORIDA HAS A LARGE VETERAN POPULATION SO VA DOES AN AMAZING JOB OF CARING FOR VETERANS.
• IN 23 DAYS WE SHOULD HAVE A NEW ENTRANCE?

Transcript Highlights:

• We study the health care market and aim to understand changes in health care cost, quality, and access
• </c> recruited over 600 volunteers in a 4-day recruited over 600 volunteers in a 4-day time<00:35:13.360
• We hear stories like this every day.
• </c> We hear stories like this every day. We hear stories like this every day.
• </c> every day. every day.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Without objection, one matter will be taken out of the orders of the day.
• Without objection, one matter will be taken out of the orders of the day.
• Without objection, one matter will be taken out of the orders of the day.
• In some noisy times, Marines remind us that quiet professionalism still wins the day.
• In some noisy times, Marines remind us that quiet professionalism still wins the day.

Summary: The Senate took up several final-passage matters, first adopting emergency preambles for H. 3388, establishing September 22 as Military Service Members’ and Veterans’ Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day, and H. 4249, relative to vital statistics. It then enacted three bills: S. 23, authorizing alternate members to the Swampscott Conservation Commission; H. 1024, allowing the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to provide sewer service to certain parcels in Sharon; and H. 1590, establishing a sick leave bank for a Trial Court employee. The Senate also advanced local bills concerning Boston district council vacancies, Arlington town clerk procedures, and a Marlborough Ward 7 council vacancy, ordering some to third reading and passing others to engrossment. The chamber considered several committee and House reports under suspension of rules, including Senate bills on public libraries and digital resource collections and on the Commission on LGBTQA+, both placed on the Orders of the Day for future consideration. It also advanced House bills on the continued employment of a Lancaster firefighter and alternate members for the Beckett Conservation Commission, and suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer several petitions to the appropriate committees. The Senate marked the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps with remarks from Senator Collins and Senator Durant, a citation to the Boston Semper Fidelis Society, and brief comments from Tom Lyons on behalf of local Marines and veterans. The session concluded with an order to meet again on Thursday at 11:00 a.m., a motion to adjourn in memory of Wayne T. Laundrie of South Boston, a moment of silence, and final adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition to our regular day, students can take additional online classes.
• They'd come two days a week, for example, and then three days they'd learn at home.
• We will have Beef Day on March 4, since you opened the door for me. I'll say that.
• Was what day is Beef Day coming? And can I be first in line? Yeah, yeah, March 4th. Very good.
• I did want to call out the day. No, it sounds like he has an answer. Not a question.

Bills: HB2142 , HB2369 , HB2432

Committee: House Education

Keywords: remote learning, hybrid learning, education reform, alternative education, student engagement, local food, public schools, nutrition, sustainability, agriculture, technology access, educational resources, surplus hardware, student support

Transcript Highlights:

• And we, again, did that within seven days. That particular disaster combined with...
• Again, did that within seven days.
• We’re doing that within about 45 days now, where it used to be for a fire agency, ...in about 45 days
• Before 450 days, they weren’t getting that money toward the mitigation piece.
• I may have had one or two of those an hour over the last 180 days.

Committee: Senate Community Affairs

Summary: The Committee on Community Affairs met with a quorum present and heard two hurricane-recovery presentations focused on Florida’s response and long-term recovery efforts. Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, reviewed response and recovery operations for Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, including meals, water, sheltering, search and rescue deployments, power restoration, debris removal, flood-control efforts, and generator distribution. He also described ongoing public assistance and mitigation funding, the state’s FROC system for standardizing and speeding reimbursement documentation, and the Elevate Florida residential mitigation program, which will use about $400 million to elevate or reconstruct eligible flood-insurance properties and may expand to county-run programs. Senators asked about manufactured homes, school shelter hardening, mobile home tie-downs, reimbursement for USAR teams, debris hauling, regional sheltering, and FEMA review delays; Guthrie said the state is trying to move recovery faster and more proactively, while acknowledging some limits and federal bottlenecks. The committee then heard from Justin Domer, Deputy Secretary of Community Development at Florida Commerce, on HUD Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery programs. He explained that Commerce administers long-term recovery funds through its Office of Long-Term Resiliency for housing, infrastructure, and economic development, with funds used as a last resort after FEMA and insurance. Domer outlined the process for the most recent $925 million allocation covering multiple disasters, including Idalia, Debby, Helene, Milton, Broward flooding, and North Florida tornadoes, and said the state currently manages about $3.4 billion in DR funds, rising to over $4 billion with the new allocation. He highlighted completed and ongoing housing programs for Hurricane Irma, Michael, and Ian, plus workforce recovery programs and subrecipient infrastructure grants. Senators asked about Broward and Fort Lauderdale funding, homeowner turnaround times, and mobile home eligibility; Domer said Broward and Fort Lauderdale will have separate HUD-directed programs, and the committee adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Veterans Health and Care Fund.
• I mean, I do that every day.
• And it’s day in and day out. It’s just not one day out of the month or one day out of the week.
• And it's day in and day out. It's just not one day out of the month or one day out of the week.
• My mom showed me one the other day.

Committee: House Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• Do not approach any members at the dais. Do not approach any members at the dais.
• So she decided, and we decided, to meet with protection so we could be extra careful.
• To meet and move with protection so we could be extra careful.
• And then one day she insisted, you know, to remove the condom.
• Giac Hoda with Crescent Care, Jean Nackin, and Dekitra Griffin, LCCH. And lastly, Tia Fields.

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Summary: The Committee for the Administration of Criminal Justice met on April 8, 2026, with a quorum present and heard several criminal justice bills. HB 322, which would prohibit fees for victims or family members requesting transcripts of executive-session testimony before the Board of Pardons and Parole, was described as a cleanup measure and was reported favorably without objection. HB 635, dealing with criminal activity by agents of foreign adversaries or foreign terrorist organizations, received extensive support testimony from advocacy groups focused on foreign influence and transnational repression; the committee adopted a technical amendment and reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 132, which expands battery of a police officer to cover intentional sound directed at an officer and related conduct, drew strong support from law enforcement groups and significant opposition from civil liberties and criminal defense organizations concerned about vagueness, First Amendment issues, and impacts on parades and protests; after adopting an amendment moving the sound-related language into the general battery definition, the committee reported the bill favorably as amended. The committee also considered HB 275, which increases minimum sentences when domestic abuse occurs in the presence of a child and extends the penalty to battery of a dating partner. Supporters argued the bill recognizes the lasting trauma to children exposed to domestic violence, while opponents warned that mandatory minimums reduce judicial discretion and that the child-presence language is broad; the committee adopted two amendment sets and reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 808, revising Louisiana’s HIV exposure law to require a substantial likelihood of transmission based on current medical science and to narrow criminal liability for negligible-risk conduct, drew broad support from physicians, advocates, and people living with HIV, with testimony emphasizing that the law should reflect modern science and avoid overcriminalization; after adopting an amendment set, the committee reported the bill favorably as amended. Finally, HB 1054, sponsored by Chair Villio, would allow certain law-enforcement drone footage to be self-authenticating with notice requirements; it received support from prosecutors and sheriffs’ groups and was reported favorably without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• My first job really was in managed care.
• I worked in Medicaid and Medicare managed care for 10 years.
• </c><00:04:29.720><c> it</c> Medicare managed care for 10 years it Medicare managed care for 10 years
• </c><00:29:14.799><c> I</c> cental care and um it was a cold day I cental care and um it was a cold day
• Thank you. ...where I didn't want them to get care, right?

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• will be followed today: prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, the introduction of Dr. and or a nurse of the day
• Please recognize Representative Roberts to introduce the Doctor of the Day.
• an alternate allopathic medicine delegate to the Medical Advisory Committee for the Oklahoma Health Care
• by Bowles of the House, a resolution related to proclaiming February 17, 2026, Oklahoma Aggregates Day
• If you have a bill up in there, please be on time because it's going to be a busy day.

Summary: The House convened, took the roll, heard an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then recognized Dr. Rachel Franklin as Doctor of the Day. Members also held a special presentation honoring the Christian Heritage Academy varsity cheer team for winning national titles in two divisions and grand champion honors. On the floor, House Bill 3044 was presented by Leader West. The bill renews the tax checkoff allowing taxpayers to donate part of their refund to the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs equipment and capital improvement program. The House advanced the bill from general order and passed it 95-0. House Resolution 1032, designating February 17, 2026, as Oklahoma Aggregates Day at the Capitol, was also presented and adopted without objection. The remainder of the session consisted largely of announcements and introductions, including recognition of visitors from the aggregates industry, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission Leadership Class, ALS advocates, and several constituent and guest groups. Members also announced upcoming committee meetings, and the House adjourned until Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• And they still, to this day, do not have restrooms on the work sites.
• And they still, to this day, do not have rest of the work sites.
• And they still, to this day, do not have restrooms with dignity for women on work sites.
• Members, we will now move on to the second-day consent calendar before we vote.
• Seeing and hearing none, the clerk will read the second-day consent calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><03:27:41.720><c> to</c> the 90 days they have up to 90 days to the 90 days they have up to 90 days
• </c><03:27:46.840><c> plus</c><03:27:47.040><c> the</c> days it should be $1,000 a day plus the days
• after 90 days, or whether it is $1,000 after 60 days.
• day after 90 days starts at $1,000 a day after 90 days instead<03:35:45.920><c> of</c><03:35:46.120><
• </c> day is so if they didn't pay for 50 days day is so if they didn't pay for 50 days they<04:01:31.040

Summary: The Environment and Agriculture Committee held a hearing on HB 566, which would require permit applications for new landfills to include a detailed leachate management plan. The bill sponsor said the measure was prompted by recent reporting on leachate problems at New Hampshire landfills, including alleged violations at a Bethlehem facility and deficiencies at other sites, and argued the bill is meant to improve public health protections without dictating specific treatment methods or hindering innovation. The sponsor also said the proposal was developed with input from the Department of Environmental Services (DES) and industry representatives, and that a forthcoming amendment would revise the bill’s language to better fit the permitting process. The sponsor explained that the amendment would move several requirements out of the contract section and into the planning section, change references such as “permit for construction” to “operating approval,” include landfill expansions, and remove language that could be read as requiring long-term contracts. Questions from members focused on whether the bill would create enforceable consequences if a plan is not followed, whether it would limit operators’ flexibility, and whether existing DES rules already cover the subject. The sponsor said enforcement details should be addressed by DES and emphasized that the bill would not lock operators into any particular contract or technology. The Business and Industry Association testified in opposition to the bill as introduced, saying it appeared unnecessary because DES already regulates leachate through existing rules, including Env 806.53, and has authority to update those rules as technology changes. The witness argued that putting the requirements into statute could freeze the regulatory framework, create conflicts with future rulemaking, and make it harder for DES to respond quickly to new treatment methods or operational issues. No vote or final action was taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• At the end of the day, they are taxing residents.
• Right now has almost a half a million boardings every single day.
• Almost a half a million every single day.
• Treating seniors and taking care of them as they age is DEI.
• She showed us how to care for each other, to fight for justice.

Summary: The Senate first took up two budget-related transportation trailer bills. AB 107 was described as a budget junior bill making technical corrections, updating federal appropriations by about $15 million, and exempting certain Proposition 4 appropriations from the Administrative Procedures Act to speed spending; Senator Niello objected to the transparency implications, but the bill passed 28-10. AB 117 then authorized a $590 million state loan from the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission to provide operating support to Bay Area transit agencies, with repayment secured by transit assistance revenues and interest; supporters called it an emergency bridge to prevent major service cuts at BART, Muni, AC Transit, and Caltrain, while critics questioned ridership recovery, governance, and accountability. The measure passed 28-9 after extensive debate, with several senators emphasizing both Bay Area urgency and the need for broader statewide transit funding and reform. The Senate then confirmed two California Air Resources Board appointees. Linda Hopkins, Sonoma County supervisor and air district chair, was confirmed after brief support from Senator Becker highlighting her rural North Bay perspective. Patricia Locke Dawson, Riverside mayor and South Bay air district representative, was also confirmed, with Senator Becker again praising her academic and practical background. Both confirmations passed on largely party-line votes with broad support from the majority and opposition from a small group of Republicans. The chamber next considered SCR 89, a resolution by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas condemning federal attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs under President Trump. Supporters from both parties and multiple caucuses framed DEI as essential to civil rights, education, workforce development, national defense, and inclusion for marginalized communities, while the author argued California must resist federal rollbacks. The resolution passed after a lengthy debate and roll call, with several senators also using the discussion to share personal experiences with educational access and discrimination. Finally, the Senate took up SCR 78, authored by Senator Cabaldon, commemorating the forced incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II and warning against repeating such abuses. Senators from across the chamber spoke in support, citing the injustice of Executive Order 9066, the resilience and military service of Japanese Americans, and the importance of museums and historic sites such as Manzanar and the Japanese American National Museum. The resolution was presented as both remembrance and a caution against fear-driven policies and erosion of due process.

Transcript Highlights:

• of themselves because they basically take care of their own workers in this case.
• </c><00:10:57.079><c> of</c><00:10:57.240><c> the</c> just sort of take you care of the just sort of
• take you care of the themselves<00:10:58.040><c> because</c><00:10:58.200><c> they</c><00:10:58.320><
• of their own workers uh in this care of their own workers uh in this case<00:11:01.760><c> this</c><
• </c><00:11:11.959><c> of</c><00:11:12.120><c> all</c> judges and all that we take care of all judges

Committee: House Culture & Arts

Summary: The House Committee on Culture and the Arts met on January 29 at 10:30 a.m. and heard four bills. HB 133, relating to surfing, drew testimony from the Department of Education and one individual in support. Committee discussion focused on the department’s estimated cost of about $44,000 per event, including judges, lifeguards, security, and administrative expenses. Members also asked about why surfing has been difficult to implement statewide and were told safety concerns, open-water conditions, and league-level decisions were among the barriers. The committee moved the bill forward with amendments, including blanking out the appropriation, and noted it wanted the Education Committee to review the cost breakdown further. HB 307, relating to special license plates for the island of Kahoʻolawe, received strong support from Protect K Ohana, the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission, and other supporters in person and via Zoom. Testimony clarified the name of the receiving entity and noted a recent petition showing significant public interest. The bill was advanced with technical amendments, and the chair said the fund name was already correct and that the measure would not reflect DCCA but the bank account designation. HB 450 would transfer the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission from DAGS to DBEDT and move authority over the Works of Art Special Fund to DBEDT’s director. The State Foundation and DBEDT’s Creative Industries Division supported the measure. In response to questions, the State Foundation said it had researched the transfer, believed funding would not be lost, and requested about a year for the transition to avoid payroll and payment disruptions, along with consideration of an additional DBEDT staff position. The committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass the bill with amendments, including adding the requested FTE and noting a two-year transition period in the report. HB 663, authorizing a special license plate commemorating the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, had little testimony and no one signed up to speak. The chair said OHA advocacy testimony was on file but that support for the measure appeared limited, and the bill was deferred. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, at the end of the day, the data doesn't lie. At the end of the day, these things are safer.
• The people I work with day to day, day and night, they're not for this.
• and they say no one actually cares about you being gay. They care about Israel bombing you.
• On my first day at a public school, I was taught.
• And honestly, I don't care about how it affects them.

Committees: House Emerging Issues , House Emerging Issues and Professional Registration

Transcript Highlights:

• Today is Louisiana Primary Care Association Day at the Capitol.
• Amendments 9, 10, and 11 reduce the days.
• Amendment number 9 reduces the time from 120 days to 90 days.
• The original bill had it at 180 days. This is 120 days. That's amendment 11.
• “Days, not hours. Well, what's... Are you doing days? You're doing five days, correct?

Bills: HR165 , HR166 , HR167 , HR168 , HR169 , HR170 , HR171 , HR172 , HR173 , HR174 , HR175 , HR176 , HR177 , HR178 , HCR65 , HCR66 , HCR67 , HCR68 , HCR69 , HCR70 , HCR71 , HCR72 , HCR73 , HCR74 , HR159 , HR160 , HR161 , HR162 , HR163 , HR164 , HCR60 , HCR61 , HCR62 , HCR63 , HCR64 , SCR23 , SCR32 , SB105 , SB125 , SB304 , SB430 , SB438 , SB442 , SB522 , HB87 , HB115 , HB162 , HB368 , HB433 , HB441 , HB447 , HB466 , HB481 , HB573 , HB741 , HB1242 , HR1 , HR17 , HCR5 , HCR4 , HCR47 , HB27 , HB71 , HB214 , HB225 , HB241 , HB244 , HB306 , HB345 , HB366 , HB446 , HB511 , HB514 , HB655 , HB730 , HB743 , HB1027 , HB1037 , HB1043 , HB1082 , HB1091 , HB1096 , HB1103 , HB1167 , HB1174 , HB1175 , HB1230 , HB1237 , HB1238 , HB55 , HB385 , HB394 , HB396 , HB406 , HB608 , HB622 , HB676 , HB772 , HB897 , HB1030 , HB1035 , HB1038 , HB1045 , HB1049 , HB1056 , HB1058 , HB1059 , HB1092 , HB1100 , HB1117 , HB1160 , HB1161 , HB1162 , HB1177 , HB1180 , HB1189 , HB1216 , HB1239 , HB1240 , HB59 , HB74 , HB159 , HB330 , HB364 , HB414 , HB458 , HB525 , HB568 , HB786 , HB1008 , HB1033 , HB1034 , HB1041 , HB1062 , HB1070 , HB1079 , HB1112 , HB1118 , HB1139 , HB1151 , HB1176 , HB1182 , HB1196 , HB1214 , HB1241 , SB162 , SB349 , SB350 , SB382 , SB383 , SB127 , SB244 , HB51 , HB58 , HB140 , HB750 , HB911 , HB982 , HB1010 , HB151 , HB180 , HB192 , HB193 , HB310 , HB635 , HB690 , HB961 , HB1003 , HB1146 , HB864 , HB977 , HB181 , HB31 , HB664 , HB615 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HB9 , HB284 , HB393 , HB459 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB682 , HB733 , HB773 , HB996 , HB1113 , HB1234 , HB1236

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the pledge, adopted the journal, and granted several members leave. The chamber also recognized visiting groups and honored individuals and organizations, including Livingston Parish Day at the Capitol, the Denham Springs High School robotics team, Principal Justin Wax, and the Louisiana Primary Care Association. Multiple House and Senate resolutions were introduced, adopted, or referred, including commendations, memorials, and study requests on topics such as TOPS, workforce outcomes, health issues, and transportation. In regular order, the House considered and passed several measures. HB 27, a constitutional amendment on applying state monies to retirement system unfunded liabilities, passed 87-0. HB 71, extending civil liability protection to licensed armed private security officers when use of force is deemed justified, drew extensive debate over training standards, criminal versus civil liability, and the role of prosecutors and law enforcement before passing 70-28. HB 214, a constitutional amendment on ad valorem tax exemptions for certain property, passed 82-10. HB 241, a technical correction to bank records disclosure law, passed 91-0. HB 244, clarifying constitutional convention ballot language and delegate/vote requirements, passed 77-16. The House also passed HB 345 to add port rail infrastructure to the Class 2 and Class 3 Rail Infrastructure Improvement Program, HB 446 to change when local bond and tax elections may be held, HB 511 to create a grant program for pursuit intervention safety technology after the death of Sgt. Grant Candies, HB 514 to expand the ad valorem tax exemption for seniors age 65 and older, and HB 65 to allow DOTD more contracting options for ferry operation and maintenance. HB 730, which would bar use of ADS-B aircraft tracking data to levy fees or taxes, prompted lengthy discussion about aviation safety, privacy, airport revenue, and alleged misuse of tracking data before the bill was presented for final action near the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Almighty God, we are giving you thanks for this new day.
• This removes... the 10-day deadline to return signed petitions back to 30 days.
• Ten days is a lot; it is not enough, actually.
• It restricts turnaround, and we are all about hard-working Floridians, but going from 30 days to 10 days
• You take care of your family.

Bills: HB 9 , HB 22 , HB 908 , HB 1392

Transcript Highlights:

• like to introduce members of the Magnolia Bar Association who is joining us today for Magnolia Bar Day
• So, come up to 401 and take care of your mental and physical health if you can. Thank you. >> 401.
• Today is the first day of spring, 401.
• Today is the first day of spring, and<00:14:06.240><c> so</c><00:14:06.480><c> they're</c><00:14:06.920
• of your mental up to 401 and take care of your mental and<00:14:14.680><c> physical</c><00:14:15.080

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we all care about our seniors.
• That concludes our work for the day.
• With that, we are adjourned for the day.
• That concludes our work for the day.
• With that, we are adjourned for the day.

Summary: The Housing Committee reviewed three bills: House Bill 1542, which would establish minimum rights for senior independent housing residents and allow enforcement under the Consumer Protection Act; House Bill 2452, which concerns service of rent increase notices; and House Bill 2664, which removes the certified mail requirement for unlawful detainer and related notices. Staff explained amendments to HB 1542 that would narrow the definition of senior independent housing, replace Consumer Protection Act enforcement with Attorney General enforcement and civil penalties, and remove a Commerce Department reporting requirement. For HB 2452, an amendment would remove the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act portion and leave only Manufactured Mobile Home Landlord-Tenant Act notice rules. For HB 2664, there were no amendments. On HB 1542, the committee rejected the amendment narrowing the housing definition and rejected the amendment replacing Consumer Protection Act enforcement with civil penalties. It adopted the amendment removing the Commerce report requirement. Members supporting the bill said seniors need stronger protections, while opponents argued the bill was too broad and could create unintended consequences, especially for age-restricted and manufactured housing communities. The committee then approved a second substitute version of HB 1542 with a due pass recommendation by a 10-7 vote. HB 2664 was supported as a fix to prior certified-mail requirements that had caused many notices to be returned undeliverable; the bill was reported out with a due pass recommendation by voice vote. HB 2452 was amended to remove the RLTA portion and keep only the manufactured housing notice provisions, with members saying this would restore clarity and align with the earlier passage of HB 2664. The committee then approved Substitute House Bill 2452 with a due pass recommendation by a 17-0 vote, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And there is a hold harmless period of 120 days that would end on November 1st, which is why we're talking
• </c> is a hold harmless period of 120 days is a hold harmless period of 120 days that<00:10:19.120><c
• </c> dependence um that they were caring for. dependence um that they were caring for.
• Those last three groups foster care.
• before the end of um four business days before the end of the<00:20:56.000><c> month.

Summary: The committee on Human Services and Homelessness received a briefing from Scott Morish of the Hawaii Department of Human Services on upcoming SNAP changes tied to the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act (HR1/OBBA) and on the federal government shutdown’s impact on November SNAP benefits. DHS described its SNAP workload and statewide participation, noting about 86,229 households and 168,947 individuals receiving benefits in September, with roughly $58–$60 million distributed monthly. Morish said DHS has already made system and policy updates in preparation for the November 1 implementation date. Most of the briefing focused on expanded able-bodied adult work requirements. DHS explained that the work rule now applies to additional groups, including adults ages 55 to 64, households with dependent children age 14 and older, people experiencing homelessness, veterans, and youth ages 18 to 24 who transitioned from foster care. The department said affected individuals must generally work or participate in qualifying activities for 80 hours per month, with noncompliance leading to a three-month benefit limit and a 36-month ineligibility period. DHS also reviewed exemptions, including for disability, pregnancy, caregiving, school or training, unemployment, and substance use treatment, and clarified that the new Indian Health Care Improvement Act exemption does not include Native Hawaiians. DHS said it received approval for Hawaii’s request for a non-contiguous-state exemption from payment error penalties through September 30, 2026, but must still make good-faith efforts to implement the work rules. Morish also outlined OBBA changes to non-citizen eligibility, saying that beginning November 1 only lawful permanent residents, COFA residents, and Cuban or Haitian entrants will remain eligible, while other previously eligible categories such as refugees, asylees, and some parolees will no longer qualify. He noted that ineligible non-citizens must still be included in household reporting and their income counted. The committee then discussed the federal shutdown’s effect on SNAP, with DHS saying USDA directed states to suspend November SNAP issuance because of insufficient funding; existing October benefits remain usable, and TANF and general assistance are not affected. DHS said it has posted FAQs and call-center messages, and is working with the Hawaii Food Bank on an additional $2 million in support and with nonprofit partners on a new Hawaii Relief program funded by TANF for families with dependent children. Members asked about eligibility for kūpuna and documentation for the relief program, and DHS said the TANF-funded program is limited to households with a child under 18, while FAQs are now available online.