Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:24:20.159><c> uh</c> Public Works and Central Services uh Public Works and Central Services uh
• Fire away, sir. Hi again. Ben Krups, Public First Law Center.
• Fire away, sir. Hi again. Ben Krups, Public First Law Center.
• General Services we stand on our written General Services we stand on our written testimony<00:39:50.440
• First off, we have the Comptroller, Keith Regan, County General Services.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee opened its first hearing of 2025 and announced that all measures heard that day would be deferred to the next committee hearing for decision-making on Thursday, January 30. The agenda centered largely on procurement and government-operations bills, with testimony generally split between state agencies and local governments. On procurement measures, SB 254 and SB 383 would raise small-purchase thresholds; the State Procurement Office opposed both, while county officials, the City and County of Honolulu, the state librarian, and others supported them. SB 382, which would bar disclosure of a competing offeror’s proposal or evaluation score, and SB 462, which would require performance incentive contracts to specify pricing bases, goals, and formulas, drew mostly written comments and some support from agencies such as the Department of Transportation and Department of Education. SB 615, which would treat certain large change orders as new contracts, received opposition from the Comptroller and engineering interests. The committee also heard several bills on vacancies, appointments, and legislative oversight. SB 5 on state legislative vacancies had one supporting testifier, while SB 300 on deadlines for filling certain Senate vacancies drew opposition from several individuals and support from one late testifier. SB 1081, which would create a legislative budget office to provide fiscal analysis and reports on bills, received broad support from advocacy groups, civic organizations, and individuals. SB 711, requiring Senate advice and consent for certain executive-branch appointments, drew written opposition from the Governor’s Office and support from one individual. SB 375, establishing a select commission on government restructuring, had one written supporter. SB 418, which would require the Attorney General’s office to review a portion of administrative rules each year, prompted extended discussion about outdated rules, the difficulty of repealing or amending rules, and whether the bill should be refined; the AG’s office indicated the process is burdensome and could be streamlined. The committee then took up transparency and access measures. SB 55, requiring agency rules to be posted online in a digitally accessible format, received support from several advocacy and civic groups and written comment from the Lieutenant Governor’s Office. SB 870 would direct the comptroller to identify state office buildings that could provide equitable telecom access for remote participation in hearings, especially for residents with disabilities; the Comptroller supported the concept, and members discussed using libraries, DAGS facilities, county facilities, and other public buildings, with concerns raised about staffing, bandwidth, and competing public use. SB 270, a sunshine-law measure allowing board members to attend informational meetings and presentations, drew opposition from the Public First Law Center, which argued it would create a broad loophole and should be narrowed to existing county-council provisions. SB 45, concerning neighborhood board meetings and third-party presentations, prompted discussion about whether it actually addressed neighborhood boards’ Sunshine Law concerns; the committee was told it was not the right vehicle for that issue. SB 406, which would cap copying fees for government records at 5 cents per page with exceptions, drew support from media and transparency groups but opposition from DAGS, which said its actual per-page cost is much higher; members discussed possible electronic-copy alternatives and asked for more cost information before the next hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• These partnerships don't simply provide services to older adults.
• Karen Firing. I am a chief pharmacy officer for Western Health Advantage. I'm Dr. Kieran Firing.
• She refused to engage voluntarily with the Care Act services.
• But now she is receiving treatment and services.
• The commission supports services like one-on-one enrollment assistance, year-round service, claims help

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 331 by Sen. Menjivar, which would require large-group health plans to cover hearing aids for children. The author and supporters described the bill as a long-running effort to address a developmental emergency and reduce out-of-pocket costs for families, while opponents were absent. Testimony from parents, advocates, medical experts, and organizations emphasized the importance of early access to hearing aids; committee members voiced strong support, and the bill was moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations, with several members requesting to be added as coauthors. The committee then heard SB 608, also by Sen. Menjivar, to expand access to condoms in school-based health centers and related settings and to prevent barriers such as ID checks. Supporters, including students and school health advocates, argued the bill would improve sexual health and reduce stigma, while opponents from family and faith groups argued it would undermine parental authority and normalize early sexual activity. The bill was supported by committee members and moved forward on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. Next, SB 971 by Sen. Choi proposed community-based healthy aging partnerships for older adults, with testimony from the California Senior Legislature and supporters from aging and dementia organizations. The measure was described as voluntary and focused on connection, independence, and local collaboration; there was no opposition, and the committee moved it on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 869 by Sen. Weber Pierson, which would require warning icons and statements on chain restaurant menus for beverages with very high added sugar content. Supporters framed it as a transparency and public health measure, while restaurant and beverage industry representatives opposed it unless amended, citing cost and menu-space concerns; the bill was nevertheless moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations after a roll call vote, with some members voting no and the measure placed on call. The committee also considered SB 950 by Sen. Weber Pierson, aimed at ensuring timely coverage of FDA-approved, medically necessary treatments for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease on commercial plans. Supporters, including the Alzheimer’s Association and a patient advocate, said the bill would reduce delays and barriers to care, while health plan representatives opposed it over step therapy and utilization-management concerns. Members discussed the limited treatment window and the need for early access, and the bill was moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. In addition, SB 490 by Sen. Umberg would set timelines for DHCS investigations of unlicensed sober living homes and allow counties to assist if the department cannot act in time; supporters from Anaheim and a patient-brokering survivor described serious abuse and oversight gaps, while county behavioral health representatives opposed the county role as an unfunded and potentially liability-creating burden. After discussion, the bill was also moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1037 by Sen. Weber Pierson on health insurance affordability and rate review, with supporters arguing it would tie premium increases more closely to affordability targets and public reporting; the transcript cuts off before the committee completed action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• with epilepsy: they can request a reasonable accommodation from their employer without fear of being fired
• it can include an employer denying temporary reasonable accommodations to a pregnant employee or firing
• The Minnesota Human Rights Act says you can't fire people because of their pregnancy, so we have several
• um an employer denying a firing um an employer denying a promotion<00:20:53.240><c> because</c><00:20
• people because of their hey can't fire people because of their pregnancy<00:21:23.039><c> so</c><00:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:15.919><c> I'm</c> of Science in Human Services. I'm of Science in Human Services.
• I'm the behavioral and mental health services regional manager at the Northeast Service Cooperative.
• </c> behavioral and mental health services behavioral and mental health services regional<00:13:09.960
• And I really Service Cooperative.
• :22.280><c> began</c> The Northeast Service Cooperative began The Northeast Service Cooperative began

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, Senate Bill 118 relates to non-ad valorem special assessments, like fire assessments, against
• This bill honors our service members by ensuring that surviving spouses are not penalized during moments

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Lastly, it lists the methods of service FDLE is required to use when serving administrative complaints
• we give somebody a short sentence like ten days in jail, what they do is they say, "I'm gonna get fired

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:47:54.319><c> or</c><00:47:54.960><c> property</c> increased services or property increased services
• So, whatever the debt service ends up being for that, that property is going to pay for it.
• So, whatever the debt service ends you.
• </c> service community. service community. &gt;&gt; Yes. &gt;&gt; Yes. &gt;&gt; Yes.
• Thank you, Chief, for your service and for taking this question. we're doing. we're doing.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This innovative project will provide stable, long-term housing paired with ongoing support services for
• </c><00:10:52.720><c> for</c> paired with ongoing support services for paired with ongoing support services
• And why do the L.A. fires matter to us here in Minnesota?
• The reason the L.A. fires matter to us here in Minnesota is because of the structure of the insurance
• </c><01:07:14.599><c> on</c><01:07:14.640><c> the</c> you all right our next test fire on the you all

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Our services are provided at no cost to them.
• So those are people accessing services.
• So those are people accessing services.
• So those are people accessing services.
• </c><00:35:35.880><c> together</c> of kind of how we put Services together of kind of how we put Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Human Services got the grant to do that. Human Services got the grant to do that.
• ,</c><01:01:23.760><c> technology</c> terms of debt service, technology terms of debt service, technology
• So that's Garvey debt service in FY26.
• </c> 1.46% increase in cont uh fire 1.46% increase in cont uh fire contributions<01:46:58.320><c> and
• </c> uh, do shared support services uh, do shared support services technology<02:04:44.000><c> and</c

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill is passed and is reported to the Social Services Committee.
• New York City collects its revenues and taxes from Staten Island and then provides services.
• So the idea that we couldn't... ...of the balance in providing services to Staten Island.
• And we're now told that the cost to the city is $8 billion in services.
• They don't feel like they're getting the services.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Cities 1 met on May 14, 2026, with a quorum present and Chair Erik Bottcher presiding. The committee considered a series of bills affecting New York City and related tax, housing, and municipal issues. Early measures included a neighborhood small business rent increase exemption (S.1451A), notice to community boards before locating transitional housing (S.3884), a solar and energy storage tax abatement credit (S.4272A), towing protection enforcement (S.4793), safety policies and training for correction and health workers (S.543?), and a proposal to create the city of Staten Island (S.8578). Most of these bills were advanced to other committees after brief discussion and voice votes. The most extensive debate centered on S.8578, which would incorporate Staten Island as a separate city. Senator Lanza argued that Staten Island has long been neglected by New York City, cited past referendums and historical grievances, and urged the committee to let the bill continue through the process. Chair Bottcher and other members responded that Staten Island is an important part of New York City and discussed housing, transit, environmental preservation, and the City of Yes zoning changes; several members said they did not support secession but were open to continued conversation about Staten Island’s needs. After debate, the bill was defeated in committee. The committee also considered an artist housing preferences bill (S.9652), a facade-work tax abatement bill (S.9559), a parkland discontinuance measure (S.9987), and a credit/debit card surcharge prohibition bill (S.1005). S.9652, S.9559, S.9987, and S.1005 were reported out after voice votes. One homeless shelter placement bill (S.5554) failed. The meeting concluded after the final votes and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:19:40.679><c> loans</c><00:19:41.679><c> um</c> I've actually done uh servicing loans um I've
• and origination that's my servicing and origination that's my understanding<00:27:55.840><c> but</c>
• are being used in a great way. as support services and referrals to as support services and referrals
• </c><01:34:23.800><c> are</c> that this program and the services are that this program and the services
• Our staff is the lifeblood of this work, whether it's construction or general employment services.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then I'll ask Commissioner Lisa Dennis from the Department of Community Based Services to come up
• We also do forest fire suppression. There was about three-plus million in that.
• </c><00:12:59.519><c> Uh</c> we also do forest fire suppression.
• Uh we also do forest fire suppression.
• She's going to be with the Department of Community Based Services.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 FY 2025 Budget Close Out 00:02:55 Impressions of H.R. – 119th Congress 00:28:15 SNAP Payment Error Rates 00:37:05, 958, all

Summary: The committee first established a quorum, approved the July minutes, and recognized Jennifer Hayes of the Department of State Budget Director for her retirement and long service. Secretary Hicks then presented a review of fiscal year 2025 closeout for the general fund and road fund, explaining that the general fund ended with a $313 million surplus and the road fund with a $61 million surplus. He attributed the general fund result to strong corporate income and LLC tax receipts, investment income, and lower-than-budgeted spending, while noting that individual income tax and sales tax underperformed estimates. He also described how the general fund surplus was allocated, with $62 million used for necessary government expenses and $251 million deposited into the budget reserve trust fund, which remained at historically strong levels. For the road fund, he said the surplus would be deposited into the Department of Highways construction account, and he highlighted record motor vehicle usage tax receipts despite lower motor fuels tax revenue due to a rate decline. Members asked questions about the pass-through entity tax, delayed filing deadlines, THC beverage sales, and income tax collection from undocumented workers. Hicks said the pass-through entity tax remains difficult to model because of timing issues and the first year’s unusual filing pattern, and that staff are still working with the Department of Revenue and other states to improve forecasting. He said the delayed filing deadline likely would not require a major restatement and that any related receipts would still be counted in fiscal 2026. On THC beverages, he said the issue would be considered in the next forecasting cycle. On the undocumented-worker question, he said withholding may capture some of the revenue but referred broader collection efforts to the Department of Revenue. The committee then shifted to an overview of the federal reconciliation act’s potential impact on the next biennial budget, with Hicks and Commissioner Lisa Dennis focusing on Medicaid and SNAP. Hicks said the Congressional Budget Office estimated roughly $900 billion in federal savings over 10 years, driven in part by work or community engagement requirements for the Medicaid expansion population and limits on state-directed payments. He emphasized that CMS still must issue regulations to define how the state-directed payment reductions will be calculated, making the exact fiscal impact uncertain. He referred members to a prior Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board presentation for more detail, and the discussion remained informational with no votes or formal actions taken on the federal changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are also free on-call services to help patients after hours.
• Assembly Bill 2599... fee-for-service payment model.
• We provide comprehensive pediatric services.
• We provide comprehensive pediatric services. So. in pediatrics.
• We provide comprehensive pediatric services.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health heard a series of bills focused on access to care, insurance coverage, and public health. AB 387 on youth sports AED access drew support from the author and safety advocates, but opposition from school, park, city, and county groups over liability, cost, and access concerns. The author said he would continue working on amendments to shift the bill toward requiring access to existing AEDs rather than mandating facility procurement. Committee members emphasized the life-saving purpose of the bill while also raising affordability and access concerns for youth sports programs. The committee also heard AB 1682, which would require health plans and insurers to cover FDA-cleared scalp cooling devices for chemotherapy patients. Supporters, including breast cancer survivors and health groups, described the emotional and quality-of-life benefits of preventing hair loss and said cost is the main barrier to access. There was no formal opposition, though one senator raised concerns about whether the mandate could exceed essential health benefits. The chair and members expressed support for the bill’s goals and said it would be taken up when quorum was established. AB 2093, a follow-up to the 988 crisis line law, sought to clarify statewide leadership, improve coordination among 988, 911, and mobile crisis teams, and create a more sustainable funding structure. Behavioral health organizations and crisis center representatives supported the bill, saying implementation challenges and demand growth require statutory fixes. Committee members generally supported the concept but noted the bill was a gut-and-amend and that additional work was needed with county and behavioral health stakeholders. The committee then heard AB 1843 on hepatitis C treatment, AB 1629 on dental assignment of benefits, AB 2540 on community college access to medication abortion services, and AB 1929 on disclosure of health plan investments. AB 1843 had broad support from medical and public health groups but opposition from health plans, which argued it conflicted with the prior-authorization framework in SB 306 and could raise drug costs. AB 1629 was supported by dental and patient advocates but opposed by dental plans and insurers over concerns about network participation and out-of-pocket costs. AB 2540 drew strong support from reproductive health advocates and student representatives, while community college health services and some others opposed or were neutral pending amendments; the author said the bill was about equity and accepted amendments to reduce burdens. AB 1929 was backed by labor and immigrant rights groups as a transparency measure, but opposed by health plans and insurers who said Covered California was not the right entity to administer the disclosures and that the information was already publicly available. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly weighed public access and transparency against cost, administrative burden, and implementation concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• Over the last year, the demand for 988 services has grown by nearly 40%.
• There are also free on-call services to help patients after hours.
• We provide comprehensive pediatric services.
• We provide comprehensive pediatric services. So.
• You may not know if there's a tire fire in front of the driveway.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The most egregious blunders that have occurred in Prattville are first illegally firing the previous
• :33:29.440><c> are</c><00:33:29.760><c> first</c><00:33:30.480><c> illegally</c><00:33:30.960><c> firing
• </c> Prattville are first illegally firing Prattville are first illegally firing the<00:33:31.760><c>
• In Prattville, our tax dollars are going toward legal fees and settlements instead of books and services

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> sized</c> some services service lines isn't sized some services service lines isn't sized appropriately
• </c> for services. for services.
• </c> other and neither can absorb services other and neither can absorb services cut<00:58:02.040><c>
• </c><01:02:39.360><c> and</c> core services and core services and I<01:02:40.400><c> again</c><01:02:
• services services um<01:06:59.480><c> wherever</c><01:06:59.760><c> possible</c><01:07:00.240><c> and

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So we already have an existing loan program, and we have our services and our application portals.
• Thank you. >> University of Hawaii. >> City and County of Honolulu, Department of Environmental Services
• My name is Scott Sto, and I'm the Government Affairs and Energy Services Manager at Kauaʻi Island Utility
• We had this huge horrible fire that wiped out Lahaina, and this is just the beginning.
• We had this huge horrible fire that wiped out Lahaina, and this is just the beginning.

Bills: HB2245, HB1618, HB1985, HB2079, HB1921, HB2232, HB1567, HB1984, HB2608, HB2435, HB1623, HB1774

Keywords: wastewater systems, denitrification, environment, pollution, coral reefs, nearshore waters, public health, shoreline regulations, cesspool conversion, cesspool replacement, wastewater, sewer connection, sewerage systems, septic system, pollution control, water pollution control revolving fund, Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, HGIA, low-interest loans, forgivable loans

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills related to cesspools, wastewater, and clean water protections. On HB 2245, which would require additional denitrification capacity in wastewater systems near shorelines, the Department of Health offered comments, DLNR supported the bill, and multiple environmental and ocean groups testified in strong support, emphasizing nitrogen pollution from cesspools, reef damage, and the need to prioritize shoreline systems. Testifiers said the bill should move forward, with technical issues such as GIS mapping to be worked out later. No member questions or votes were taken on this measure. On HB 1985, concerning the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority and accessible conversion loans for cesspool homeowners, HGI supported the bill and suggested making the program a revolving loan fund; DLNR and the Public Utilities Commission also supported it, while the Department of Health supported the concept. Committee discussion focused on program design, possible forgivable loans for low-income homeowners, and whether the program should be administered through existing infrastructure rather than a new procurement process. The committee then moved to HB 1985’s companion discussion on cesspool conversion outreach and deadline extensions, where DLNR and DOH supported outreach but DLNR and ocean advocates expressed reservations about extending deadlines, especially for financial hardship, saying that issue would need careful work. The committee also heard testimony on HB 2079, which would reestablish the accessible upgrades inversion or connection income tax credit. The Department of Taxation raised administrative and fraud concerns about refundable credits, explaining that nonrefundable credits reduce tax debt while refundable credits can function like cash payments and require more oversight. DOH, DLNR, OPSD, counties, Hawaii Realtors, and environmental groups supported the bill, with one ocean coalition witness saying tax credits could help homeowners but grants would be preferable. Members asked about the difference between refundable credits and grants and about whether the credit would cover sewer connections versus individual wastewater systems. The committee then heard brief testimony on HB 1921, allowing certain priority-three cesspools to add a bedroom, with support from Hawaii Realtors and some other groups and no opposition discussion. HB 2232, preserving state water-quality protections at least as strong as the federal Clean Water Act, drew support from DOH and ocean advocates, with no questions. The committee also began hearing energy-related bills, including HB 1567 on energy equity and HB 1984 on self-certification for distributed energy resources, with a mix of support and some opposition or requested amendments, but no votes were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Joint Resolution career service.
• Senate his long-standing public service.
• Ted Johnson for his outstanding service Ted Johnson for his outstanding service to<00:26:49.520><c> the
• </c> service order. service order.
• . service. service.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Emergencies get worse with heat waves, floods, and fires.
• Emergencies like the housing crisis get worse with fire, as we've seen on Maui.
• </c><00:21:15.120><c> In</c><00:21:15.360><c> the</c> heat waves, floods, and fires.
• In the heat waves, floods, and fires.
• </c><00:21:37.600><c> This</c><00:21:37.840><c> is</c> fire, as we've seen on Maui.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard a series of Senate resolutions focused largely on climate, sustainability, public health, and energy policy. Measures discussed included integrating Native Hawaiian and indigenous knowledge into climate policy (STR 93), creating a temporary working group to investigate the dangers of POS (STR 103), studying the feasibility of a green bonds program (STR 110), declaring a public health emergency related to climate change (STR 111), affirming the importance of marine ecosystems to decarbonization goals (STR 115), encouraging adoption of recommendations from the UN global plastics treaty and Rapanui summit declaration (STR 132), convening a geothermal energy working group (STR 136), affirming support for the Aloha Plus Challenge (STR 183), and encouraging insurers to pursue subrogation claims against polluters to reduce costs for residents (STR 198). Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive on most measures, with support coming from agencies such as the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Hawaii State Energy Office, DLNR, PUC, Board of Water Supply, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Green Growth, and numerous advocacy groups and individuals. STR 111 drew both support and opposition, with supporters arguing climate change is a public health emergency and opponents disputing the underlying science and urgency. STR 136 also drew mixed testimony, including support from state agencies and one opposition submission from the Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii. Several witnesses emphasized indigenous knowledge, climate justice, public health impacts, and the need for coordinated state action. Supporters of STR 93 said Native Hawaiian and indigenous knowledge has sustained communities for generations and should be woven into Hawaii’s future climate decision-making. Supporters of STR 111 described climate change as a threat multiplier affecting heat illness, mental health, displacement, wildfire impacts, and food insecurity, while opponents argued the resolution overstated the issue. Testimony on STR 183 highlighted the Aloha Plus Challenge as a statewide sustainability framework with regional influence across the Pacific, including Guam, and stressed its role in tracking progress toward 2030 goals. On STR 198, supporters argued that polluters should help pay for climate-related costs borne by residents and insurers. After testimony concluded, the committee moved into decision-making and adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass STR 93, SD1 unamended by roll call vote, with the chair, vice chair, Rep. Kahaloa, and Rep. Kush voting aye and Rep. Quinnland excused. The transcript then begins the committee’s action on STR 103, SD1, with the chair again recommending passage as is, but the remainder of the vote is cut off in the provided record.