Transcript Highlights:

• They're there for some forensic issue, which is prolonging their hospitalization.
• They're there for some forensic issue, which is prolonging their hospitalization.
• They're there for some forensic issue, which is prolonging their hospitalization.
• They're there for some forensic issue, which is prolonging their hospitalization.
• </c><04:26:19.479><c> issue</c> they're there uh for some forensic issue they're there uh for some forensic

Transcript Highlights:

• HSH is an acute care psychiatric hospital that primarily serves the forensic population.
• ><00:16:21.640><c> the</c> hospital that primarily serves the hospital that primarily serves the forensic
• </c> forensic population. forensic population.

Committee: House Labor

Summary: The House Committee on Labor met on February 19, 2026, and heard a series of bills largely focused on public employment, staffing, and professional licensing. Early measures included HB 2276 and HB 2472, both relating to Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund staff salaries, which were supported by trust fund representatives and received no opposition or questions. The committee also heard HB 1714 HD1 on housing, where the Hawaii Public Housing Authority testified with comments and the Deputy Attorney General raised concerns about the scope of autonomy, civil service, collective bargaining, and a possible separation-of-powers issue involving legislative approval of long-term contracts. The committee then considered several personnel and civil service bills. HB 2325 HD1, relating to civil service exempt positions at DLNR, drew support from DLNR and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, but HGEA opposed it and urged the department to seek other recruitment and retention solutions while keeping employees in civil service. HB 1541, relating to Department of Health positions, was supported by DOH on the grounds that the positions serve vulnerable populations and require specialized expertise, while HGEA opposed. HB 2140 HD1, relating to essential permanent positions, received support from OPSD, HGEA, and the Chamber of Commerce, with written comments from the city Department of Budget and Fiscal Services. HB 2315 HD1, relating to state employment benefits, was strongly supported by DOH, UPW, and HGEA as a recruitment and retention incentive; members questioned the pilot program, and DOH explained it would allow employees to cash out vacation leave earlier than current policy allows. The committee also heard HB 2295 on government contracting, with DOE support not present and IBEW 1186 in opposition. HB 1720, relating to professional engineers, drew strong support from the City and County of Honolulu’s planning department, which argued the bill would help with affordable housing review and only affect eligibility to sit for the licensure exam, but strong opposition from engineering industry and licensing board representatives, who warned it would lower licensing standards and harm reciprocity; members questioned both sides about plan review experience and licensure requirements. HB 2367, relating to employment earnings and pay transparency, received strong support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, AAUW, the Commission on the Status of Women, and others, who said transparency helps small businesses and retention, while written opposition came from the Maui Chamber of Commerce and NFIB. Finally, HB 1935, relating to personal information, drew comments from the Attorney General and the Campaign Spending Commission about implementation burdens and disclosure requirements, with UPW supporting the home-address redaction portion but opposing the broader disclosure process; additional written testimony was noted from OIP, the League of Women Voters, Public Press Law Center, HGEA, and DCCA.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Cheney and Representative Maney, House Bill 569, a bill to be entitled an act relating to forensic
• HB 569, Forensic Clients, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, APD, assists those with developmental
• HB 569, Forensic Clients, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, APD, assists those with developmental
• Representative Cheney and Representative Maney, House Bill 569, a bill to be entitled an act relating to forensic

Summary: The House convened with prayer, moments of silence for Reverend Jesse Jackson and former State Attorney Joseph Di Alessandro, and a quorum present. Members then took up a special order calendar and considered a series of bills, with several recognitions and brief recesses interspersed throughout the day. Early floor action focused on civil justice and estates measures. The House passed CS/HB 1407 on commencement of civil actions, clarifying when a complainant may file an employment discrimination suit if the Florida Commission on Human Relations does not issue a right-to-sue notice. It also passed HB 895 on trustee settlement and discharge, allowing certain non-adversarial irrevocable trusts to be discharged without court involvement; CS/HB 1337 on estates, expanding personal representative authority and increasing small-estate thresholds; and CS/HB 131 on curators of estates, codifying a tool for court protection when the state faces potential loss. Each of these bills passed unanimously or near-unanimously after brief sponsor explanations and, in the case of HB 895, a technical amendment. The House also approved CS/HB 351 on concurrent legislative jurisdiction over U.S. military installations, which would allow juvenile offenses on certain installations to be handled in state court rather than federal court, and CS/HB 441 on conservation lands, which increases notice and transparency requirements for land swaps involving conservation property. Members from both parties praised the conservation bill as a response to public concern over land swaps. Additional measures passed included HB 409 requiring K-12 schools to observe Veterans Day, CS/HB 461 allowing eligible students to volunteer at polling locations for community service hours, CS/HB 1115 creating grants for genetic counseling education, HB 569 revising forensic client services for persons with developmental disabilities, CS/HB 505 regulating virtual currency kiosks to combat senior fraud, and HB 271 addressing premium reporting rules for foreign and alien bail bond insurers. The most extended debate centered on CS/CS/HB 919, which creates a statutory definition for major commercial service airports and preempts local naming authority for seven major airports, including a proposal to rename Palm Beach International Airport for President Donald J. Trump. The bill drew sharp partisan debate over local control, costs, trademark/licensing concerns, and the appropriateness of honoring a sitting president. Amendments to delay the naming until after Trump leaves office and to combine his name with John F. Kennedy’s were both defeated. After structured debate, the bill passed 81-? yeas (the transcript records 81 yeas) and was sent on. The House also began debate on HB 191 regarding re-employment assistance eligibility verification, with the sponsor explaining added disqualifications and identity/eligibility checks; questioning began but the transcript ends before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Cheney and Representative Maney: House Bill 569, a bill to be entitled an act relating to forensic
• HB 569, Forensic Clients. The Agency for Persons with Disabilities... Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• HB 569, Forensic Clients.
• Representative Cheney and Representative Maney: House Bill 569, a bill to be entitled an act relating to forensic

Summary: The House opened with prayer, a moment of silence for the Reverend Jesse Jackson and Joseph Di Alessandro, the Pledge of Allegiance, and announcements confirming a quorum. Members also adopted the special order report and recognized several guests in the gallery, including former Speaker Dan Webster and law enforcement and civic visitors. The chamber then moved through a long special-order calendar of bills, mostly on third reading, with several measures passing unanimously or by wide margins. Among the bills considered were measures on civil procedure and estates, including C.S. HB 1407 on commencement of civil actions, HB 895 on trustee settlement and discharge, C.S. HB 1337 on estates, HB 131 on curators of estates, and C.S. HB 351 on concurrent legislative jurisdiction over military installations. The House also passed C.S. HB 441 on conservation lands, which would lengthen notice and increase transparency for land swaps involving conservation property, and C.S. CS HB 919 on commercial service airports, which created a statutory definition for major airports and preempted local naming authority for several airports. HB 919 drew extensive debate over the proposed naming of Palm Beach International Airport after President Donald J. Trump, with amendments to delay or alter the naming failing before the bill passed. Other bills approved included HB 409 requiring K-12 schools to observe Veterans Day, CS HB 461 allowing certain students to volunteer at polling places for community service hours, CS HB 1115 creating grants for genetic counseling education, HB 569 revising forensic client services, CS HB 505 regulating virtual currency kiosks to address fraud, and HB 271 on foreign and alien bail bond insurers. The House also passed HB 191 on re-employment assistance eligibility verification after extended questioning about its effects on benefits, appeals, and suitable work standards. One bill, CS HB 243 on electric bicycles, was temporarily postponed, and CS HB 1073 on school districts was also postponed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Cheney and Representative Maney, House Bill 569, a bill to be entitled an act relating to forensic
• HB 569, Forensic Clients, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) assists those with developmental
• HB 569, Forensic Clients, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) assists those with developmental
• Representative Cheney and Representative Maney, House Bill 569, a bill to be entitled an act relating to forensic

Transcript Highlights:

• around the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, the methadone-assisted treatment needs assessment, our forensic
• around the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, the methadone-assisted treatment needs assessment, our forensic
• around the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, the methadone-assisted treatment needs assessment, our forensic
• around the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, the methadone-assisted treatment needs assessment, our forensic

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up a series of health and human services bills, beginning with CS/SB 1602, which would require hospital emergency departments to have evidence-based pediatric care protocols, staff training, child-sized equipment and medications, a pediatric care coordinator, and participation in a national pediatric readiness assessment. The bill was reported favorably after no public opposition. CS/SB 1224, aligning Florida law with federal requirements for paramedics to administer controlled substances under physician or nurse practitioner direction, also drew supportive testimony from the Florida Fire Chiefs Association and was reported favorably. CS/SB 1182, requiring coverage of continuous glucose monitors under both pharmacy and durable medical equipment benefits, was likewise reported favorably after brief support from AARP. The committee then considered CS/SB 890, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which addresses venous thromboembolism by defining certain conditions as chronic diseases, creating a statewide registry, and requiring screening and training in hospitals, surgical centers, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Family members and blood clot advocates strongly supported the bill, but assisted living representatives objected to being included, arguing the bill would impose unrealistic medical expectations and liability on residential care facilities. Senators also raised concerns about the assisted living provisions, but the bill was reported favorably after the sponsor said more changes were likely later. CS/CS/SB 954, dealing with recovery residences and treatment centers, was amended to reduce the number of active patients from 500 to 300 and then reported favorably after extensive debate over zoning, clustering, neighborhood impacts, and access to recovery housing. CS/SB 1050, which expands the developmental disabilities pilot program and creates an adult pathways waiver option, generated the most extensive testimony. Supporters said it would help reduce the long APD waitlist and expand services, while many families and advocates warned against managed care, citing provider shortages, weak oversight, and the importance of consumer-directed care. Committee members emphasized that participation is voluntary and that people can disenroll, and the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 614, requiring a public educational webpage about background screening and level-two screening requirements, and CS/SB 1578, expanding breast cancer screening coverage, were both reported favorably with little opposition. CS/SB 1060 created a joint legislative oversight committee for Medicaid financing and operations; after an amendment expanding the committee from three to five members, it was reported favorably. CS/CS/SB 1240, updating DCF substance abuse and mental health procedures including 988, methadone assessment, forensic evaluators, and Baker Act transfer timing, was amended and reported favorably after debate over transfer deadlines and facility responsibilities. Finally, the committee began hearing CS/SB 526, a major nursing education bill aimed at improving Florida’s low NCLEX passage rates by tightening program standards, requiring exit exams and remediation, mandating reporting and inspections, and limiting accreditation extensions. A strike-all amendment was introduced that would also require certain low-performing programs to offer a three-month graduate preceptorship. The transcript cuts off before the bill’s full debate and final action are completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• talked about, Halola, which is designed for acute and the highest level of care in the state for our forensic
• c><00:15:01.360><c> state</c><00:15:01.639><c> for</c><00:15:01.880><c> our</c><00:15:02.079><c> forensic
• </c><00:15:03.000><c> uh</c> of care in the state for our forensic uh of care in the state for our forensic

Summary: The committee held an informational briefing on construction defects and operational problems at the newly opened Hawaii State Hospital Halola building, a $160 million facility with 144 beds for forensic patients. Department of Health and DAGS officials described ongoing issues identified before and after occupancy in April 2022, including anti-ligature safety defects, roof and building-envelope leaks, drainage problems, plumbing failures, HVAC corrosion and moisture-control issues, mold, and corroding materials. They said the problems have affected patient areas, showers, hallways, the gym, and other parts of the building, creating daily operational and safety challenges for staff and patients. Officials said the state believes the defects are the responsibility of the design-builder, Hensel Phelps, but that they are working with the company and its subcontractors to address the problems while preserving the state’s legal position. The Attorney General’s office said it is conducting an inquiry and asked agencies to limit comments to factual matters. Witnesses explained that some defects appear to be latent and that repairs are being documented through photos, invoices, and testimony. They also said some work is being done by Hensel Phelps and some by other contractors, with efforts to preserve evidence for possible future claims. Committee members questioned how the defects were missed during design-build inspection, whether the state should pursue litigation sooner, and how evidence would be preserved if outside contractors make repairs. Officials said the state has two funding requests pending: about $8 million for emergency repairs and about $28.8 million for longer-term repairs, for a total near $40 million, while noting that additional defects may still be discovered. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then not long ago, we went out and turned the forensic lab at Ada County...
• Apparently what we've heard from the testimony from a legal expert, if this bill or if this R.S. were

Committee: House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• I now run the biggest nation's student-led nonprofit, Equality and Forensics, where we have over 5,000
• Chairman, is tomorrow is Scuba Dive Day at the Capitol, and you'll have a lot of experts about sharks

Bills: S1062 , S1718 , S7038

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met to consider several education bills and the proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 Department of Education budget. The committee first took up CS/SB 1062 on speech and debate, which would formalize Florida’s Speech and Debate Week, strengthen the partnership between the Department of Education and the Florida Debate Initiative, require annual public reporting, and support statewide speech and debate programming. The bill drew extensive supportive testimony from students, alumni, and advocates who said debate improved civic engagement, literacy, confidence, and school performance, while also noting the need for equitable access and funding for travel and competition. The committee adopted a delete-everything amendment and then reported the bill favorably as amended by a unanimous vote of members present. The committee then heard SB 1718 on educator preparation and certification, which expands access to educator preparation coursework, broadens eligibility for temporary certification for some formerly certified professionals, and allows prior subject-area exam results to satisfy requirements. Public testimony largely supported easing barriers for experienced educators while emphasizing that certification changes are only a partial solution to teacher shortages and should be paired with better pay, retention, and professional respect. The bill was reported favorably. Next, the committee considered SB 7038 on education, which included a wide range of higher education and workforce-related changes, including a tuition waiver for Florida State Guard members, residency clarifications, oversight changes for blind services and vocational rehabilitation providers, licensure updates for private colleges, dual enrollment and assessment revisions, scholarship and funding changes, and reserve-fund requirements. An amendment restored the Classical Learning Test as a qualifying option for a grandparent tuition waiver, adjusted a Pell Grant performance metric, changed accreditation timing, and made other technical revisions. A dental education stakeholder raised concerns that one provision could disrupt long-standing exemptions for dental assisting programs, and the Florida Dental Association said it was working with the sponsor to avoid unintended impacts. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably as amended. The final major item was a high-level review of the proposed pre-K-12 budget, totaling $34.9 billion with local funds. Highlights included $30 billion for public schools and K-12 scholarships, a $50 increase in the base student allocation, a 1.64% increase in total funds per FTE, $4.5 billion for family empowerment scholarships as a separate FEFP categorical, $25 million for districts facing future enrollment declines, $65.3 million to help districts with current-year enrollment losses, $432.8 million for VPK, and $30.4 million for regional education consortia. Senators asked about reductions or flat funding in some allocations, teacher pay, declining enrollment support, Schools of Hope funding, and support for non-teaching school staff. Public testimony on the budget focused heavily on concerns about charter and voucher funding, especially the $6 million for Schools of Hope, with speakers urging more investment in traditional public schools, teacher compensation, and school infrastructure. The committee concluded the meeting by adjournment after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sharon Cooper, a forensic pediatrician and faculty member at the University of North Carolina School
• But what we really do believe, and what the consensus of experts on this is, is that perpetration of

Committee: House Children and Families

Transcript Highlights:

• And then, you know, one of the big buzzwords coming out of the 2020 election was, you know, forensic
• One of the things I do now is I chair the State Cybersecurity Council, and so I hear from all the experts

Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee met to hear a lengthy presentation from Secretary of State Cord Byrd on Florida election administration, with a focus on how elections are handled during natural disasters, election security, and preparations for the 2026 cycle. Byrd described Florida’s response to hurricanes in 2022 and 2024, saying the state works directly with county supervisors of elections to tailor executive orders to local conditions, add or relocate polling sites, extend deadlines, and help displaced voters and emergency workers cast ballots. Members from affected areas echoed that local supervisors had managed storm disruptions well and that turnout remained strong despite major damage. A large portion of the meeting covered election integrity and security. Byrd emphasized Florida’s use of paper ballots, pre-election logic and accuracy testing, post-election audits, public canvassing, standardized voter-intent rules, and strict vote-by-mail request and signature-match requirements. He said the Department of State’s Office of Election Crimes and Security investigates complaints and refers matters to law enforcement, and that Florida has expanded access to the federal SAVE database to verify citizenship. Members asked about threats to election workers, staffing vacancies, cybersecurity, ballot design, vote-by-mail address changes, and how the state coordinates with county supervisors, emergency management, and other agencies. Several members raised questions about voter eligibility and returning citizens, and Byrd said the department provides free information to help people determine whether their rights have been restored, while noting that court and clerk reporting practices still create challenges. He also said the department is considering additional legislative proposals, including more safeguards tied to driver’s license and citizenship verification and a possible statewide 100% audit of races before certification. The meeting ended with the chair encouraging members to visit supervisors of elections offices and submit specific ideas for future elections legislation; no votes were taken and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• instance, if there is a case of an assault, making sure that's. they have those exams and get those forensic
• Sure, the LBB is not an expert in health care or in different plans.

Bills: HB35 , HB138 , HB754 , HB1314 , HB1612 , HB2254 , HB2510 , HB2789 , HB3560 , HB3597 , HB4224 , HB4273 , HB4643 , HB4783 , HB138

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• They are exposed to certain things, like civilian forensic investigators may see multiple shifts in crime
• United Nations, One Atmosphere, an expert review on SRM research, solar radiation modification research

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government

Summary: The committee considered and reported favorably several bills, most of them sponsored by Senator Rodriguez. CS/SB 164 on vessel accountability was presented as a measure to help law enforcement identify vessel owners, create a free long-term anchoring permit program, increase penalties for derelict vessel violations, and authorize grants for local governments in FWC’s prevention program; it passed without amendment. SB 388, dealing with FWC trust funds, was also reported favorably after Senator Berman asked whether non-game wildlife funds would support immigration enforcement; Senator Rodriguez said they would not. CS/SB 1320 was amended to recreate the Resilient Florida Trust Fund and then passed favorably. CS/CS/SB 344 modernizing the Telecommunications Access System was amended to define new terms and reduce the maximum surcharge from 25 cents to 15 cents, then reported favorably. CS/SB 86 on peer support for first responders expanded eligibility to support personnel and passed with broad support from law enforcement and related groups. The committee also took up CS/CS/SB 92, a hit-and-run accountability bill by Senator Gruters. The adopted amendment added a front license plate requirement, lowered the damage threshold from $5,000 to $2,500, and retained reporting requirements for repair shops. NFIB testified in opposition to parts of the bill, citing concerns about the lower threshold, short reporting deadlines, and potential license revocation, while supporters argued the bill would improve accountability and help solve hit-and-run cases. The bill was reported favorably after debate. The final and most contentious measure was CS/SB 56 by Senator Garcia, which would prohibit geoengineering and weather modification activities in Florida, repeal older weather-modification statutes, create a public reporting system at DEP, and impose penalties for violations. Supporters, including individuals identifying with weather-watch and anti-geoengineering concerns, argued that the bill would address public fears and environmental risks. A cloud-seeding company representative testified that cloud seeding is distinct from solar radiation management and said permitting should exist for responsible weather modification, while warning the bill could hinder beneficial precipitation enhancement. Despite skepticism from some members about the bill’s premise and scope, the committee reported it favorably. The meeting then concluded after members recorded missed votes and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have our Department of Forensic Sciences has a great CODIS system and a good database, and they are
• It is my understanding from talking to my criminal law expert in the House of Representatives.

Bills: SJR 2 , SB 4 , SJR 36 , SJR 2 , SB 4 , SJR 1 , SJR 5 , SB 9 , SB 40 , SJR 2 , SB 4 , SR 98 , SJR 40 , SJR 41 , SJR 42 , SJR 43 , SJR 44 , SJR 45 , SJR 46 , SJR 47 , SCR 13 , SB 6 , SB 13 , SB 21 , SB 826 , SB 827 , SB 828 , SB 829 , SB 830 , SB 831 , SB 832 , SB 833 , SB 834 , SB 835 , SB 836 , SB 837 , SB 838 , SB 839 , SB 840 , SB 841 , SB 842 , SB 843 , SB 844 , SB 845 , SB 846 , SB 847 , SB 848 , SB 849 , SB 850 , SB 851 , SB 853 , SB 854 , SB 855 , SB 856 , SB 857 , SB 858 , SB 859 , SB 860 , SB 861 , SB 862 , SB 863 , SB 864 , SB 865 , SB 866 , SB 867 , SB 868 , SB 869 , SB 870 , SB 871 , SB 872 , SB 873 , SB 874 , SB 875 , SB 876 , SB 877 , SB 878 , SB 879 , SB 880 , SB 881 , SB 882 , SB 883 , SB 884 , SB 885 , SB 886 , SB 887 , SB 888 , SB 889 , SB 890 , SB 891 , SB 892 , SB 893 , SB 894 , SB 895 , SB 896 , SB 897 , SB 898 , SB 899 , SB 900 , SB 901 , SB 902 , SB 903 , SB 904 , SB 905 , SB 906 , SB 907 , SB 908 , SB 909 , SB 910 , SB 911 , SB 912 , SB 913 , SB 914 , SB 915 , SB 916 , SB 917 , SB 918 , SB 919 , SB 920 , SB 921 , SB 922 , SB 923 , SB 924 , SB 925 , SB 926 , SB 927 , SB 928 , SB 929 , SB 930 , SB 931 , SB 932 , SB 933 , SB 934 , SB 935 , SB 936 , SB 937 , SB 938 , SB 939 , SB 940 , SB 941 , SB 942 , SB 943 , SB 944 , SB 945 , SB 946 , SB 947 , SB 948 , SB 949 , SB 950 , SB 951 , SB 952 , SB 953 , SB 954 , SB 955 , SB 956 , SB 957 , SB 958 , SB 959 , SB 960 , SB 961 , SB 962 , SB 963 , SB 964 , SB 965 , SB 966 , SB 967 , SB 968 , SB 969 , SB 970 , SB 971 , SB 972 , SB 973 , SB 974 , SB 975 , SB 976 , SB 977 , SB 978 , SB 979 , SB 980 , SB 981 , SB 982 , SB 983 , SB 984 , SB 985 , SB 986 , SB 987 , SB 988 , SB 989 , SB 990 , SB 991 , SB 992 , SB 993 , SB 994 , SB 995 , SB 996 , SB 997 , SB 998 , SB 999 , SB 1000 , SJR 40 , SJR 41 , SJR 42 , SJR 43 , SJR 44 , SJR 45 , SJR 46 , SJR 47 , SCR 13 , SB 6 , SB 13 , SB 21 , SB 826 , SB 827 , SB 828 , SB 829 , SB 830 , SB 831 , SB 832 , SB 833 , SB 834 , SB 835 , SB 836 , SB 837 , SB 838 , SB 839 , SB 840 , SB 841 , SB 842 , SB 843 , SB 844 , SB 845 , SB 846 , SB 847 , SB 848 , SB 849 , SB 850 , SB 851 , SB 853 , SB 854 , SB 855 , SB 856 , SB 857 , SB 858 , SB 859 , SB 860 , SB 861 , SB 862 , SB 863 , SB 864 , SB 865 , SB 866 , SB 867 , SB 868 , SB 869 , SB 870 , SB 871 , SB 872 , SB 873 , SB 874 , SB 875 , SB 876 , SB 877 , SB 878 , SB 879 , SB 880 , SB 881 , SB 882 , SB 883 , SB 884 , SB 885 , SB 886 , SB 887 , SB 888 , SB 889 , SB 890 , SB 891 , SB 892 , SB 893 , SB 894 , SB 895 , SB 896 , SB 897 , SB 898 , SB 899 , SB 900 , SB 901 , SB 902 , SB 903 , SB 904 , SB 905 , SB 906 , SB 907 , SB 908 , SB 909 , SB 910 , SB 911 , SB 912 , SB 913 , SB 914 , SB 915 , SB 916 , SB 917 , SB 918 , SB 919 , SB 920 , SB 921 , SB 922 , SB 923 , SB 924 , SB 925 , SB 926 , SB 927 , SB 928 , SB 929 , SB 930 , SB 931 , SB 932 , SB 933 , SB 934 , SB 935 , SB 936 , SB 937 , SB 938 , SB 939 , SB 940 , SB 941 , SB 942 , SB 943 , SB 944 , SB 945 , SB 946 , SB 947 , SB 948 , SB 949 , SB 950 , SB 951 , SB 952 , SB 953 , SB 954 , SB 955 , SB 956 , SB 957 , SB 958 , SB 959 , SB 960 , SB 961 , SB 962 , SB 963 , SB 964 , SB 965 , SB 966 , SB 967 , SB 968 , SB 969 , SB 970 , SB 971 , SB 972 , SB 973 , SB 974 , SB 975 , SB 976 , SB 977 , SB 978 , SB 979 , SB 980 , SB 981 , SB 982 , SB 983 , SB 984 , SB 985 , SB 986 , SB 987 , SB 988 , SB 989 , SB 990 , SB 991 , SB 992 , SB 993 , SB 994 , SB 995 , SB 996 , SB 997 , SB 998 , SB 999 , SB 1000

Transcript Highlights:

• So we do a lot of those work, a lot of investigative work, forensic work, and so in particular with the
• feel it as an ex-practitioner of the CPA world, and your staff, when we have issues, are technically expert

Bills: SB 1 , SB1

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• So we are working with the State Police and other national experts in legislative security that when
• So we are working with the State Police and other national experts in legislative security that when
• So, we are working with the State Police and other national experts in legislative security that when
• She was the previous director for the Kentucky State Police Forensic Laboratory System.
• </c> State Police for Police Forensic State Police for Police Forensic Laboratory<01:48:58.800><c> System

Summary: The committee first approved the July 9 minutes without objection and heard from Jay Hartz and Jonathan Harris of the Legislative Research Commission. Members asked about Capitol and legislator security in light of recent targeted shootings in other states. Hartz said LRC had removed members’ home addresses from its website, was reviewing other state-government records for similar information, and was working with the Speaker, Senate President, Kentucky State Police, and outside security experts on broader safety measures. He also said LRC is exploring commercial products to help block personal contact information from public view, but declined to name vendors publicly. Harris added that driver’s license scans at the Capitol are handled by Kentucky State Police, while LRC has a process for flagging high-volume or concerning contacts for police review. The LRC also reported that redistricting work has already begun, with census coordination underway, evaluation of redistricting software including Mapitude and open-source tools, and plans to make the same tools available to the public in the LRC library. The committee then heard from Kentucky Wired Operations Company CEO Robert Morphonius, COO Tom Snyder, and counsel Patrick Hughes about the Kentucky Wired network. They explained the corporate structure: Kentucky Wired Operations Company is a private for-profit special purpose entity that designs, builds, operates, and maintains the network; Kentucky Wired Infrastructure Company is a nonprofit instrumentality used for financing; and Open Fiber Kentucky handles commercialization of excess capacity under a wholesale agreement. They said Kentucky Wired Operations is in the operations and maintenance phase, with those obligations continuing until 2045, and that technical changes to the network generally require KCNA approval through formal change-order processes. They also said the company conducted a market test in June 2023 under Schedule 19 of its contract, considered proposals including Open Fiber and the incumbent service provider, and retained the existing provider. Members asked about KCNA’s role, procurement, network customers, and revenue. The witnesses said Quac operates outside normal state procurement because its process is governed by contract, while KCNA acts as the Commonwealth’s oversight authority and filter for changes. They identified current network users as including AOC, KCTCS, postsecondary education, and other Commonwealth agencies, with all requests routed through KCNA; they also said a separate change process for Exceliccom is in litigation. On funding, they said the operation is paid through monthly appropriations, with roughly a million dollars a month for the service provider and a couple hundred thousand for Quac’s oversight, not including debt service, which is bundled into the availability payment. The discussion ended as members began asking about responsibility for damage-related costs such as squirrel-related outages.

Transcript Highlights:

• On the mainland, forensic psychologists typically make more money than traditional psychologists who
• However, in Hawaiʻi, psychologists doing psychotherapy make more than twice what the forensic examiners
• On the mainland, forensic psychologists typically make more money than traditional psychologists who
• However, in Hawaiʻi, psychologists doing psychotherapy make more than twice what the forensic examiners
• </c><03:27:41.680><c> to</c> ...development industry experts to provide comments to the work group.

Committee: House Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• The finances of two school districts every biennium conducting forensic audits to ensure tax dollars
• What we're asking to do is actually a forensic audit. School districts don't do that.
• Forensic audits. So while some school districts may have an audit that's done at a high...
• What this bill does is it creates a forensic audit that focuses on operations.
• It prohibits courts from... ...from giving weight to how our state agency experts interpret the very

Bills: HB75 , HB188 , HB199 , HB4029 , HB330 , HB507 , HB524 , HB1517 , HB 1065 , HB1375 , HB1630 , HB1398 , HB 1227 , HB689 , HB1814 , HB2160 , HB2140 , HB4897 , HB5600 , HB5489 , HB4188 , HB2881 , HB2048 , HB3900 , HB4074 , HB5568 , HB5528 , HB3811 , HB3726 , HB3382 , HB4507 , HB4775 , HB3626 , HB3569 , HB5212 , HB5248 , HB5178 , HB3453 , HB3231 , HB3941 , HB1571 , HB1969 , HB1865 , HB2879 , HB2643 , HB4799 , HB4891 , HB5567 , HB5549 , HB5187 , HB5118 , HB3191 , HB1730 , HB1687 , HB2192 , HB4511 , HB4805 , HB1863 , HB3195 , HB3199 , HB5562 , HB5551 , HB5169 , HB3290 , HB3712 , HB3996 , HB5098 , HB5097 , HB5089 , HB3897 , HB3868 , HB3829 , HB4840 , HB3753 , HB4368 , HB4142 , HB2841 , HB3457 , HB3784 , HCR46 , HCR109 , HCR10 , SB1844 , SB1833 , SB2284 , SB2052 , SB1666 , SB1265 , SB1146 , SB1921 , SB480 , SB1734 , SB296 , SB2039 , SB462 , SB1646 , SB2173 , SB2925 , SB682 , SB1173 , HB4535 , HB4520 , HB3824 , HB3066 , HB2442 , HB3863 , HB4773 , HB4327 , HB5115 , HB5515 , HB3372 , HB5659 , HB 127 , HB386 , HB 115 , HB2868 , HB 1249 , HB4766 , HB3720 , HB4879 , HB5383 , HB4621 , HB5431 , HB5678 , HB5534 , HB4212 , HB3954 , HB3966 , HB3918 , HB1422 , HB4765 , HB4732 , HB4742 , HB4518 , HB5084 , HB3986 , HB4144 , HB3976 , HB4473 , HB3425 , HB3641 , HB3642 , HB3475 , HB3424 , HB4744 , HB4539 , HB3159 , HB5228 , HB5370 , HB4359 , HB4443 , HB4466 , HB3849 , HB4240 , HB5141 , HB5686 , HB3629 , HB3554 , HB3567 , HB2015 , HB3575 , HB5381 , HB4398 , HB3514 , HB4614 , HB4546 , HB5681 , HB5663 , HB4271 , HB4350 , HB4035 , HB3812 , HB3540 , HB3715 , HB3664 , HB4233 , HB3333 , HB3510 , HB4222 , HB2070 , HB2854 , HB2347 , HB 113 , HJR218 , HB5623 , HB4921 , HB5673 , HB5520 , HB 105 , HB4685 , HB5354 , HB4683 , HB75 , HB983 , HB4847 , HB1449 , HB3833 , HB5151 , HB265 , HB1845 , HB782 , HB 108 , HB1960 , HB158 , HB1954 , HB1955 , HB2512 , HB605 , HB2581 , HB2803 , HB627 , HB2667 , HB1738 , HB636 , HB3679 , HB2638 , HB2655 , HB871 , HB2438 , HB 1107 , HB1765 , HB1822 , HB2153 , HB4099 , HB3732 , HB3171 , HB3178 , HB3182 , HB3749 , HB2814 , HB3977 , HB4204 , HB4207 , HB4449 , HB1820 , HB1876 , HB1939 , HB1347 , HB2593 , HB2136 , HB2132 , HB2658 , HB2413 , HB2757 , HB2080 , HB3154 , HB3063 , HB3009 , HB3448 , HB3006 , HB2844 , HB3241 , HB3680 , HB3169 , HB2078 , HB2507 , HB4559 , HB3946 , HB3460 , HB3405 , HB475 , HB3463 , HB3441 , HB3441 , HB3520 , HB2060 , HB4731 , HB4991 , HB1991 , HB5596 , HB2014 , HB2142 , HB2673 , HB2731 , HB2417 , HB2399 , HB2301 , HB2301 , HB3335 , HB3234 , HB3320 , HB5573 , HB5573 , HB4848 , HB4848 , HB4748 , HB4769 , HB4795 , HB2086 , HB2086 , HB2234 , HB2234 , HB2203 , HB4916 , HB5624 , HB4505 , HB139 , HB5093 , HB5302 , HB5402 , HB5606 , HB2333 , HB4630 , HB4701 , HB2583 , HB2983 , HB4924 , HB3339 , HB3339 , HB3793 , HB3631 , HB4882 , HB5509 , HB5499 , HB5430 , HB5561 , HB5561 , HB5611 , HB5043 , HB5064 , HB5064 , HB3733 , HB3733 , HB3781 , HB3219 , HB32 , HB4515 , HB5348 , HB3902 , HB4420 , HB3269 , HB469 , HB336 , HB316 , HB5396 , HB993 , HB1342 , HB1342 , HB5216 , HB2046 , HB2046 , HB2188 , HB2188 , HB2450 , HB2813 , HB2857 , HB4075 , HB4075 , HB2911 , HB4682 , HB4682 , HB3117 , HB3253 , HB3442 , HB4820 , HB4336 , HB5356 , HB3669 , HB3428 , HB5465 , HB3662 , HB2590 , HB2288 , HB2288 , HB1886 , HB3458 , HB3458 , HB5603 , HB5620 , HB1489 , HB1489 , HB4101 , HB4990 , HB5685 , HB5685 , HB4950 , HB4950 , HB4980 , HB5684 , HB3507 , HB3507 , HB3566 , HB4487 , HB4487 , HB4462 , HB4462 , HB4876 , HB4915 , HB4663 , HB5570 , HB2929 , HB5261 , HB2920 , HB4642 , HB4746 , HB1609 , HB5403 , HB5453 , HB3844 , HB2336 , HB1572 , HB 1226 , HB 1226 , HB2806 , HB2806 , HB2617 , HB2617 , HB2827 , HB3948 , HB3948 , HB3945 , HB4266 , HB4542 , HB3319 , HB1772 , HB2496 , HB1970 , HB3434 , HB5545 , HB5545 , HB5577 , HB5577 , HB31 , HB31 , HB279 , HB370 , HB370 , HB4768 , HB513 , HB875 , HB982 , HB 1085 , HB 1085 , HB2677 , HB2874 , HB5478 , HB4880 , HB4798 , HB4514 , HB4958 , HB4958 , HB4508 , HB4508 , HB3758 , HB3830 , HB3744 , HB3622 , HB741 , HB741 , HB2204 , HB2204 , HB2860 , HB4659 , HB4578 , HB813 , HB712 , HB712 , HB1551 , HB2790 , HB2698 , HB3365 , HB3504 , HB3118 , HB3118 , HB2959 , HB1862 , HB1862 , HB 1026 , HB4401 , HB4401 , HB4164 , HB4164 , HB3920 , HB4737 , HB4966 , HB4966 , HB4967 , HB1958 , HB4979 , HB4979 , HB5459 , HB3862 , HB1823 , HB1823 , HB4415 , HB4893 , HB2343 , HB 1228 , HB4337 , HB188 , HB199 , HB4029 , HB330 , HB507 , HB524 , HB1517 , HB 1065 , HB1375 , HB1630 , HB1398 , HB 1227 , HB689 , HB689 , HB1814 , HB2160 , HB2140 , HB4897 , HB5600 , HB5489 , HB4188 , HB2881 , HB2048 , HB3900 , HB4074 , HB5568 , HB5528 , HB3811 , HB3726 , HB3382 , HB3382 , HB4507 , HB4775 , HB3626 , HB3569 , HB5212 , HB5248 , HB5178 , HB3453 , HB3231 , HB3941 , HB1571 , HB1969 , HB1865 , HB2879 , HB2879 , HB2643 , HB4799 , HB4891 , HB5567 , HB5549 , HB5187 , HB5118 , HB3191 , HB1730 , HB1687 , HB1687 , HB2192 , HB4511 , HB4805 , HB4805 , HB1863 , HB3195 , HB3199 , HB5562 , HB5562 , HB5551 , HB5169 , HB3290 , HB3712 , HB3996 , HB5098 , HB5098 , HB5097 , HB5089 , HB5089 , HB3897 , HB3868 , HB3829 , HB4840 , HB3753 , HB4368 , HB4142 , HB2841 , HB3457 , HB3784 , HCR76 , HCR76 , HCR127 , HCR9 , HCR40 , HCR118 , HR559 , HCR59 , HCR59 , HCR135 , HCR141 , HCR46 , HCR46 , HCR109 , HCR10

Keywords: magistrate, criminal procedure, probable cause, written findings, law enforcement, Texas STRONG defense fund, severance tax revenue, oil and gas revenue, constitutional transfers, rainy day fund, economic stabilization fund, state highway fund, oil and gas production, qualifying county, county grants, water infrastructure, first responders, public safety, DPS staffing, commercial motor vehicle safety

Transcript Highlights:

• There were some technical changes to the forensic navigator responsibilities, and that's kind of a broad
• </c><00:07:19.680><c> navigator</c><00:07:20.960><c> um</c> the forensic navigator um the forensic navigator
• Um, law enforcement experts across the country. election results.
• Um law enforcement<01:15:35.000><c> experts</c><01:15:36.000><c> across</c><01:15:36.400><c> the</c><
• </c> enforcement experts across the country. enforcement experts across the country.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're appointed as experts by the court.
• 06:36.720><c> they're</c><01:06:36.960><c> appointed</c><01:06:37.440><c> as</c><01:06:37.640><c> experts
• </c><01:06:38.559><c> um</c> budget they're appointed as experts um budget they're appointed as experts
• Keith Pedra, and I'm with the Department of Health and Forensics.
• uh the Department of Health forensics uh the Department of Health does<02:04:28.440><c> support</c><

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard House Bill 4000, the Judiciary’s biennium budget bill for FY 2026-2027. Judiciary Director of Policy and Planning Brandon Kimura testified in strong support, outlining operating requests of about $6.17 million in FY 26 and $6.25 million in FY 27, 17 permanent positions and one temporary position, plus $9.9 million in capital improvements. He described funding needs for specialty courts, preparations for the Wahiawa District Court, an additional district court judge and staff for Kona, cybersecurity upgrades, the Criminal Justice Research Institute, statewide priority items, and restoration of several essential staff positions. He also said the Judiciary was seeking an additional $2 million for the Children’s Justice Center relocation lump sum because updated estimates had risen to about $8 million. The committee also discussed potential impacts from uncertain federal funding and asked for written follow-up on those risks and on the capital request, including coordination with Budget and Finance. Several organizations and individuals testified in support of the Judiciary budget, including the Hawaiʻi State Bar Association, Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi, and legal service providers. Mioko Eto asked for an additional $1 million for civil legal service providers, explaining that the current funding is spread across multiple providers and that the need remains high. David Copper of Legal Aid supported the request, citing statewide demand, 105 staff, 7,100 cases closed in the past year, and 15,000 calls received, while noting that many people seeking help cannot be served because of capacity limits. He also said recent federal funding disruptions and proposed cuts could affect legal services and related programs. Committee members asked about the Criminal Justice Research Institute’s mission; Kimura said its primary statutory role is to build a database focused on pre-trial reporting and data analysis, though it is also working on probation and mental health-related projects. No vote or final action on HB 4000 was taken in the hearing excerpt provided.