Transcript Highlights:

• Bertie Brett Shumate to serve as Assistant Attorney General, Civil Division.
• Shumate, you're well-suited to serve as head of the Civil Division.
• I look forward to doing this important work of the Civil Division.
• Which causes developmental delays among a lot of other things.
• We have many pending cases in the civil division, including tort suits.

Keywords: John Eisenberg, assistant attorney general, national security, China Initiative, Department of Justice, judicial authority, executive actions, nomination hearing

Summary: The committee meeting primarily involved discussions around key nominations and pressing legal issues pertaining to the Department of Justice. Notable discussions included the nomination of John Eisenberg for assistant attorney general for national security, where concerns over the revival of the China Initiative were raised. Senators expressed significant apprehensions regarding previous actions taken under this initiative and its implications for national security. Additionally, there were critiques of the broader implications of executive actions that challenge judicial authority, aligning with ongoing dialogues about the integrity of the judiciary and executive oversight.

Transcript Highlights:

• And what I knew is that you were and are an amazing advocate for the disability community.
• and intellectual disabilities was invaluable.
• disability services.
• Additionally, the committee decided to restore the previous reduction of $26 million at FY18 of Division
• ..the bill language was worked on in collaboration with DP&L, the Public Service Commission, the Division

Summary: The House convened with a quorum present, opened with a moment of silence for Ted Williams, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Members then accepted the previous day’s minutes and moved into a series of recognitions, beginning with House Resolution 27 designating June 24, 2026 as Staff Appreciation Day. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and the chamber spent much of the meeting honoring legislative staff across both caucuses, with members and staff introducing themselves and being recognized for years of service and behind-the-scenes work. The House also recognized staff member Justin, who is leaving for a position with the Delaware State Board of Education, and later gave farewell remarks for Representative Kevin Hensley and Representative Charles Postles, both of whom are retiring. Numerous members spoke in tribute to their service, constituent work, and personal character, and both Hensley and Postles offered remarks thanking colleagues, staff, and family. The House then received communications from the Senate, including several bills and resolutions passed and returned, and a notice of Senate concurrence on other measures. Representative Wilson-Anton made a brief statement explaining her vote on Senate Bill 100 and reaffirming support for marriage equality and related civil rights issues. The chamber also took up Senate Joint Resolution 16 and Senate Joint Resolution 17, which set the official revenue estimates for fiscal years 2026 and 2027; both were read, called to roll, and passed by constitutional majority votes of 37-4 and 40-1, respectively. Finally, the House considered Senate Bill 335, the operating budget for fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. Representative Williams presented the budget on behalf of the Joint Finance Committee, describing major funding items including raises for state and education employees, health insurance and retiree benefit funding, developmental disability services, Medicaid growth, purchase of care, and maintenance of reserve funds. Several members praised the committee’s work, while Representative Shupe said he would vote no, citing concerns about the budget’s 6.3% growth despite appreciating the committee’s effort. After the budget presentation and comments, Leader Harris moved that the House recess for party caucuses, and the House stood in recess until the call of the bell.

Transcript Highlights:

• disabled, sexually dangerous person, or sexually psychopathic personality.
• developmentally disabled as a sexually developmentally disabled as a sexually dangerous<00:02:58.920
• We are going to have the same programs, all five divisions that Mr. B.R. has talked about here.
• We are going to have the same programs, all five divisions that Mr. B.R. has talked about here.
• All five divisions that Mr. B.R. has talked about here, we're going to have the same services.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We have the State Council on Developmental Disabilities in support. questions you may have thank you
• Mers B. is Executive Director for the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities.
• We have the HAAI State Council on Developmental Disabilities in support.
• Dan Shart is executive director for the Whitei State Council on Developmental Disabilities.
• for example um severe disability for example um severe disability<02:02:28.760> as<02:02:28.880

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Disabilities, and represent the Office of the Public Guardian.
• <00:50:19.960> disabilities,<00:50:20.960> represent developmental disabilities, represent
• developmental disabilities, represent the<00:50:22.000> uh<00:50:22.160> office<00:50:
• > Nevada<01:07:54.880> which the property division for Nevada which the property division
• <01:08:03.039> I handled property division as well. I handled property division as well.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Governor’s Message 767, the nomination of Kanoi AD Jackson to serve as circuit court judge for the Third Circuit. The chair announced that the committee would not vote on the governor’s message or two judge nominations until Tuesday, April 15, but planned to vote that day on two Defender Council items. Testimony on Jackson’s nomination was limited to two minutes per speaker, and the hearing was conducted partly by Zoom. Supporters emphasized Jackson’s qualifications, work ethic, judicial temperament, and community ties. Testifiers included the West Hawaii Bar Association, family members, a retired teacher, retired Judge Robert Kim, and the Hawaii State Bar Association. The West Hawaii Bar Association said Jackson received high marks from its review process and that the Third Circuit needed a permanent judge for stability. Judge Kim and others praised her preparation, intelligence, humility, and experience as a prosecutor and litigator. Jackson also spoke in her own behalf, acknowledging that her background is primarily criminal rather than civil, but saying she is committed to learning the civil docket and serving the community if confirmed. Members questioned the Hawaii State Bar Association about the basis for its support, including how many members responded and whether concerns were raised about Jackson’s lack of civil experience. HSBA said it uses a confidential review process, receives both positive and negative comments, and does not track votes or percentages, but its board voted to support her. Judge Kim responded that judges can learn new areas of law, that civil dockets can be managed with benchbooks and help from other judges, and that Jackson’s trial experience would serve her well. No vote was taken on Jackson’s nomination during this hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Whereas, the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship, culminating with the Women's Final Four
• championship in 1982, following the transition from the AIAW and the adoption of Title IX, the NCAA Division
• And for IDEA students with disabilities, it's $15 billion.
• It was designed for students with disabilities and those needs that were not being met.
• It was designed for students with disabilities and those needs that were not being met.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and a proclamation recognizing April 1, 2026, as NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four in Arizona Day. Members also highlighted visitors from the Arizona Psychiatric Society, Tucson International Airport, and Autism Bringing Change, along with remarks tied to World Autism Day and Passover. The chamber then considered several Senate bills in Committee of the Whole. SB 1024, SB 1078, SB 1123, SB 1164, SB 1232, SB 1293, SB 1493 as amended, SB 1520, and SB 1572 all received do-pass recommendations, while SB 1665 was retained on the calendar. SB 1142 drew the most debate, with supporters describing it as conformity with a federal scholarship tax credit that would help Arizona students, and opponents arguing it would further divert public dollars to private education and expand voucher-like programs without accountability. Despite the opposition, the bill received a do-pass recommendation. Members also debated SB 1293, which would limit how GPLET property tax abatements can affect school district taxes; supporters said it would prevent unequal treatment and protect statewide taxpayers, while opponents warned it could hinder housing and economic development. SB 1572, requiring Celebrate Freedom Week civics instruction, was supported as a civics and civic-health measure and opposed as an unfunded mandate that bypasses the State Board of Education. SB 1160, as amended, addressing drone restrictions near venues, was defended as a public safety measure and criticized as overbroad and potentially criminalizing innocent conduct. On third reading, the House passed SB 1097 unanimously, SB 1166 and SB 1216 by wide margins, and SB 1787 by a narrower 31-24 vote. The House then adopted the Committee of the Whole reports, placed several bills on third reading or engrossing, and adjourned until April 2, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Pat Fahey, Chair of the Senate Disabilities Committee. Good morning, folks.
• We have another Disabilities Committee meeting today, which is Monday, May 11th, 2026.
• An act to amend the mental hygiene law in relation to the duties of the independent developmental disability
• disability.
• The Disabilities Committee is adjourned. Thank you. Thank you.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Disabilities Committee met on May 11, 2026, with Chair Senator Pat Fahey noting a quorum and that Ranking Member Senator Weber had submitted his voting sheet. The committee took up a seven-bill agenda focused largely on developmental disabilities, mental hygiene law, and services for vulnerable persons. Several bills were advanced to finance, including S4841A to establish a Blue Ribbon Commission on the future of New York’s service delivery system for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, S4871B regarding the independent developmental disability arms and person program, S8429 authorizing certain providers to employ or contract with applied behavioral analysts and mental health counselors, and S124 adding spina bifida to the definition of developmental disability. The committee also reported S7484A to the calendar to establish a statewide residential families committee, S7794 to the calendar to establish a statewide group home families working group, and S170 to the calendar to allow certain reportable-incidents reports to be made available to the State Comptroller’s staff for performance audits. Members noted that several of the bills had been considered in prior sessions, and S170 was described as having come from the Governor’s office. After the votes, senators briefly discussed feedback from a recent hearing, including the need to follow up on legislative requests from panelists and concerns that employment remains a major unresolved issue for people with disabilities. The meeting then adjourned, with the chair suggesting there may be one more committee meeting later in the year.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Chase Silbert with the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, here on behalf
• <00:54:26.079> Disabilities<00:54:26.640> here<00:54:26.800> on Developmental Disabilities
• here on Developmental Disabilities here on behalf<00:54:27.200> of<00:54:27.359> Danger
• intellectual and developmental intellectual and developmental disabilities<00:54:35.839> are<
• /c><00:54:46.640> we and developmental disabilities, we and developmental disabilities, we typically

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint committees on Education and Higher Education first heard HCR 75 and HR 67, which ask the Department of Education and the University of Hawaiʻi to assess criteria for building an educational pipeline and curriculum for advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity. The Department of Education said it would stand on its written testimony, and UH supported the measure, noting existing community college and four-year programs related to the topic. Members asked how DOE promotes cybersecurity opportunities and whether it provides funding; DOE said schools usually connect with partners and its office works with them, but it does not have separate funding for such efforts. UH also explained that some advanced manufacturing concepts may overlap with 3D printing, material sciences, and entrepreneurship, and described P20 as a forum for aligning K-12 and higher education pathways. The committees then recessed the joint hearing and moved to the Education Committee agenda. The committee next heard HCR 46 and HR 39, which would make DOE recreational facilities available to the public during non-peak hours and non-school days. DOE said it already uses facilities agreements with insurance, liability waivers, indemnification, and certificates of insurance to protect schools. The Attorney General opposed the resolutions, warning that unrestricted public use without safeguards could create substantial liability and cost risks for the state. The measure’s introducer said the goal was to help underserved communities that lack access to public recreation spaces, and DOE said it would be open to joint-use arrangements with larger organizations but remained concerned about vandalism and liability. The committee also heard HCR 86 and HR 80 on creating an Aloha Civics working group, with DOE offering comments and Common Cause Hawaiʻi strongly supporting the idea. DOE described a civic learning and engagement task force that met with stakeholders, including UH and the PACE Commission, and produced recommendations such as building partnership inventories, integrating civic learning across grade levels, and aligning the work with DOE’s HA framework and learner outcomes. Common Cause said civic education can be implemented effectively and affordably, citing existing school projects such as ranked-choice voting and classroom constitutions. Later, the committee took up HCR 87 and HR 81, urging an annual Climate Week in public schools. DOE again stood on written comments, while the Climate Change and Health Working Group, Climate Future Forum, a student from Kaimuki High School, and other supporters argued that a dedicated week would ensure consistent climate education, build resilience, and connect climate issues to health, food security, and disaster preparedness. Supporters said existing climate-related opportunities are uneven across schools and that a formal Climate Week would create a more equitable approach. The committee then heard HCR 95 and HR 91 on informing students about changes to gun safety and storage laws; DOE asked for clarification on the measure’s intended outcome, and one individual testified in support. Finally, the committee heard HCR 104 and HR 100 on strengthening farm-to-school initiatives. DOE said it is already working to improve menus, emphasize local products, and meet with distributors to increase local procurement, while the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience offered food science, nutrition, and extension support. Climate Future Forum, the Hawaii Youth Food Council, and other supporters said farm-to-school efforts are important for student health, local farmers, and food sovereignty, noting that local food procurement in schools remains far below the state’s 30% by 2030 goal. DOE explained it is trying to provide distributors and farmers with more predictable demand and is meeting with distributors to set up next year’s supply chain.

Transcript Highlights:

• Young people deserve a justice system that is developmentally appropriate and gives them the best chance
• Our system is designed to provide individualized, developmentally appropriate services for young people
• We also have one of the few statewide juvenile defender divisions in the country.
• Moving 18- to 20-year-olds into a developmentally appropriate juvenile system will reduce crime, build
• Despite this, he continued to abuse me while wearing the device and even attempted to disable it.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing opened with procedural remarks and acknowledgments of Rosh Hashanah, followed by testimony on several criminal justice bills before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary. A major focus was S. 1061, the “Raise the Age” bill, which would gradually move 18- to 20-year-olds into the juvenile justice system. Supporters included youth and young adult advocates, former juvenile court Judge Jay Blitzman, ACLU and CPCS representatives, Roca, United Way, Citizens for Juvenile Justice, and Senator Brendan Crichton. They argued that young adults are still developmentally immature, that juvenile court services improve education and rehabilitation, and that adult-system involvement leads to higher recidivism and racial disparities. Committee members asked practical questions about how the bill would work, and witnesses explained that it would expand access to juvenile court diversion, probation, and DYS services for the covered age group. The chairs also noted a notice issue, clarifying that the hearing had been posted seven days in advance rather than the usual ten. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to revise accomplice and joint venture murder liability and sentencing. Representative Sam Montaño and Senator Liz Miranda supported the reform, arguing that current law can impose life sentences on people with limited or no knowledge of a killing and that the doctrine contributes to racial bias and disproportionate punishment. A law professor, a former defendant, and advocates from the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls described cases where people were punished far beyond their actual role and said the bill would better align charges and sentences with individual culpability. Related testimony also supported a proportionality-focused reform to reduce the harshness of joint venture sentencing. Several other public safety and criminal justice bills drew testimony. Senator Robin Kennedy supported a bill redefining strangulation in domestic violence law, saying the current “substantial pressure” standard is too vague and that strangulation is often lethal without visible injury. District Attorney Ryan and a retail business executive backed a bill on organized retail theft, saying it would give prosecutors more flexible charging options and better address coordinated theft rings. Representative Vieira and the family of Kiana Barros urged action on Kiana’s Law, which would improve restraining-order notification and enforcement after Barros’s daughter was killed after an order was not served. The hearing also included support for the HALO Act, which would create a 25-foot safety zone around first responders and penalize harassment or obstruction, and for a bill to enhance courthouse security by creating specific protections for judges and their families. No votes were taken during the hearing."} 0}]}

Transcript Highlights:

• disabilities.
• And just think about it: it's one in six children today have a disability, intellectual and developmental
• And just think about it: it's one in six children today have a disability, intellectual and developmental
• And just think about it: it's one in six children today have a disability, intellectual and developmental
• And just think about it: it's one in six children today have a disability, intellectual and developmental

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Roll Call 00:24 SB 3 Discussion 01:06 SB 3 Vote 04:51 SB 15 Discussion 07:14 SB 15 Vote 14:42 SB 103 Discussion 15:39 SB 103 Vote 33:53 SB 201 Discussion 35:44 SB 201 Vote 39:47, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Economic Development and Workforce Investment met with a quorum and first considered Senate Bill 3, relating to student athletes and NIL. Senator Max Wise said the bill would modernize Kentucky’s NIL framework so universities remain competitive and student-athletes can benefit, noting the state’s earlier NIL law and the need to act before a pending national settlement. Several members supported the bill but expressed concern that NIL has changed college athletics and could eventually affect high school sports. The committee reported Senate Bill 3 favorably. The committee then took up Senate Bill 15, relating to minimum wage exceptions for minor league baseball players. Senator Amanda Bledsoe and MLB representative Josh Allen explained that the bill would align Kentucky law with the players’ collective bargaining agreement, treating the players as salaried rather than hourly workers and addressing overtime issues. Members discussed the minimum weekly salaries at Single-A and Triple-A, along with housing, meals, and health benefits under the agreement. The committee adopted a committee substitute, passed a title amendment, and reported Senate Bill 15 favorably. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 103, which concerns the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and services for people with disabilities. Senator Danny Carroll and provider advocates said the bill would add regulatory oversight, require reporting to the legislature and governor, and give preference to in-state services when available, while preserving access to out-of-state services when needed. Testimony focused on Kentucky’s low employment ranking for people with disabilities, unused federal funds, provider funding concerns, and an OVR order of selection that would limit services to the most severe cases. The committee adopted a committee substitute and reported Senate Bill 103 favorably after supportive comments from members about the program’s impact on employment and quality of life.

Transcript Highlights:

• are here on behalf of the individuals confirmed today to serve on the Hawaii State Council on Developmental
• Disabilities.
• serve on the Hawaii State<00:01:58.799> Council<00:01:59.200> on<00:01:59.360> Developmental
• State Council on Developmental State Council on Developmental Disabilities.<00:02:01.119> Aloha
• Aloha and welcome to the Disabilities. Aloha and welcome to the Senate. If not, Madame Clerk.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Bills: HB145, SB29, SB37, SB64, HB279, HB292, SB35, SB40, SB43, SB48, SB96, SB143, HB132, SB20, SB21, SB101, SJR1, HJM1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM13, HM47, HM20, HM51, HM1, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM46, HM53, HM54, HM39, HM29, HM43, HM59, HM30, HM52, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50, HB2, SB264, SB241

Keywords: high-wage jobs, tax credit, job creation, New Mexico, economic development, SB29, math requirements for teaching license, teacher licensure, teacher endorsement, mathematics methods, elementary education, secondary education, special education, early childhood education, reciprocity, Public Education Department, Mathematics and Science Education Act, mathematics instructional leadership framework, professional learning plan, K-3 screening

Transcript Highlights:

• disabilities.
• And we want to make sure that that is open. disabilities.
• disabilities.
• As we look at addressing the diverse needs of our children with developmental disabilities.
• disabilities and their families.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the pledge, doctor-of-the-day recognition, and a series of introductions honoring visitors and groups in the galleries, including Moffitt Cancer Center, students from Lakeland Christian School, space industry guests, Kappa Alpha Psi, the Florida Association of Licensed Investigators, and others. Senators also made announcements about local delegations visiting the Capitol and a session wellness competition. The chamber then took up CS/CS/SB 112, relating to children with developmental disabilities. Senator Harrell presented the bill as a major autism-focused measure that would expand screening and referral grants, extend Early Steps services through age four with a federal waiver, designate the University of Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment as a statewide hub for research and coordination, create grants for autism-focused summer programs and charter school models, and establish a microcredential for workers who serve children with autism. Senators Davis, Jones, Osgood, Duma, Wright, and others supported the bill while raising concerns about provider shortages, Medicaid managed care coverage, the need for better recruitment incentives, and the importance of research into causes and treatments. Harrell responded that services would be covered under new contracts, Medicaid would provide coverage, the University of Florida would develop the online credential with a stipend incentive, and the bill was a first step in a broader effort that should also address adults on the spectrum. The Senate passed CS/CS/SB 112 unanimously, 38-0, and then adopted a motion to immediately certify the bill to the House. The chamber also adopted Senate Resolution 1856 by publication, honoring the life and legacy of Senator Geraldine Thompson, with 38 co-introducers recorded. In addition, SB 1324 by Senator Simon was withdrawn from further consideration, and the Senate adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• For those living with invisible disabilities, one of the most difficult parts is often not the disability
• disability services, and support for direct support professionals.
• It restores the fiscal year 2018 reduction in Division II funding.
• Holly von Wagner, attorney for the Division of Legislative Services.
• Hello, Mark Cotrona, Division of Legislative Services. Senator, thank you.

Summary: The Senate reconvened, read committee reports, and assigned House Bill 89 with House Amendment 1 and House Bill 393 with House Amendment 1 to the Senate Finance Committee. It then adopted Consent Calendar 64, which included resolutions recognizing Take Our Children to Work Day, Juneteenth, National Farmers Day, Invisible Disabilities Week, Stonewall Uprising Remembrance Day, National Nonprofit Day, and two property-assessment working group resolutions. The calendar passed by a unanimous roll call, and the chamber heard remarks supporting Juneteenth, Delaware agriculture, invisible disabilities awareness, and the nonprofit sector. The Senate passed the fiscal year 2026 and 2027 revenue estimates in Senate Joint Resolution 16 and Senate Joint Resolution 17, and approved the fiscal year 2027 operating budget in Senate Bill 335 after extended debate on budget growth, recurring costs, health care, education, public safety, retiree obligations, and fiscal restraint. It also passed Senate Bill 336, the one-time supplemental appropriation bill, which includes one-time investments such as a $100 million transition toward a weighted education funding formula, election support, early childhood education, classroom projects, lead remediation, and campaign finance modernization. Several members praised the budget process and staff, while others cautioned against future spending growth. Among policy bills, the Senate passed House Bill 369 to codify the Office of Gun Violence Prevention and Community Safety, House Bill 268 to increase penalties for assaulting postal workers, House Bill 374 to require workforce reporting on large public works projects, Senate Bill 253 with House Amendment 1 to standardize school bullying parental-notification procedures, Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 342 to modernize the Delaware Motion Picture and Television Development Commission, House Bill 402 to extend Clean Air Act Title V permit fees, and Senate Bill 346 with Senate Amendment 1 to streamline Environmental Appeals Board timelines. The Senate also began consideration of House Bill 293, which would add hate crimes to the Victims’ Compensation Assistance Program, but the transcript cuts off before its vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• She's our Chief of Operations for our Veteran Homes Division.
• It would be coming from the Disability Trust Fund.
• Jennifer Seeger, I'm the Deputy Director of the State Division or the Division of State Finance.
• disabled individuals in our state that cannot care for themselves.
• We are cutting the salaries of these home health care aides for developmentally disabled children in

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These include developmental delay, meaning you're not developing properly, autism, attention deficit
• disorders, other disabilities, and the increase in asthma.
• <00:24:57.960> which<00:24:58.080> are<00:24:58.480> and other disabilities
• We looked at developmental delay by school district, and then we did something.
• Can you also tell us your name and position and what division you're with? Sure. I'm Dr.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint informational briefing focused on restricted use pesticides in Hawaiʻi, with Senate and House members opening the meeting and explaining that the session was intended to hear expert presentations and community concerns. Fern Holland outlined the background for the briefing, describing how restricted use pesticides differ from general-use products, why state-level regulation matters, and how community advocates have sought disclosure and protections for years. She summarized 2019 reporting data, saying a small number of users accounted for most reported use, with especially heavy application in North Central Oʻahu and on the west side of Kauaʻi. She highlighted concerns about applications near schools, homes, and coastlines, and identified 1,3-dichloropropene and metam sodium as among the heaviest-used fumigants. She also noted concerns about highly hazardous pesticides, some banned in other countries, and the lack of research on long-term combined exposure to multiple pesticides. Greg Takashima of the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture described the department’s pesticide program and regulatory authority under FIFRA and state law. He explained the distinction between general-use and restricted use pesticides, the certification requirements for applicators, and the department’s role in tracking RUPs from sale through use. He reviewed the branch’s functions in enforcement, education and certification, registration and technical review, and laboratory analysis, including inspections, complaint response, market surveillance, product registration, groundwater review, and outreach on drift reduction and integrated pest management. He also noted staffing and funding limitations, saying the branch lacks a toxicologist and long-term monitoring capacity, and compared Hawaiʻi’s resources to California’s much larger pesticide regulatory program. Takashima thanked the legislature for passing Act 231 the prior year and said the department supports the measure as it moves forward this session. Dr. Lee, speaking for the Hawaiʻi chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and as a former member of the Kauaʻi Joint Fact-Finding Task Force, said pediatric guidance has shifted from focusing on acute poisoning to recognizing chronic low-level pesticide exposure as a concern. He cited AAP publications linking pesticide exposure to cancer, brain tumors, leukemia, birth outcomes, neurobehavioral effects, and asthma, and said pediatricians are now encouraged to advise families on reducing exposure and to support right-to-know measures and buffer zones around schools and public gathering places. He also described the Kauaʻi task force’s work, saying it found the west side of the island to be an unhealthy community but could not prove causation because of missing drift, geospatial, and biomarker data. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational, questions were held until after presentations, and the department expressed support for Act 231.

Transcript Highlights:

• Eligible folks for this program must have a developmental disability and be enrolled in the...
• Disabilities, or the Florida Medicaid model.
• Laura Lee Mintello waving in support from Disability Rights Florida. Valerie.
• Breen, Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, waving in support.
• We have in you for people with disabilities.

Transcript Highlights:

• The developmental disabilities waiver wait list is already years long.
• The developmental disabilities waiver wait list is already years long.
• For people with developmental disabilities facing new cost-sharing requirements.
• intellectual and developmental intellectual and developmental disabilities<04:10:28.640> need
• intellectually and developmentally intellectually and developmentally disabled<04:48:15.280>

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House opened with the national anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a roll call establishing a quorum. Members then approved the journal of April 8, 2026, and heard several introductions and tributes, including recognition of Home Education Day in Colorado, a welcome to Sigma Lambda Gamma members, and a reminder about an education luncheon. The chamber then recessed briefly before moving into second reading and floor consideration of bills. The main substantive debate centered on House Bill 1357, which phases out the Teacher Recruitment Education and Preparation (TREP) program. Supporters said the program serves a relatively small number of students, costs more per student than community college alternatives, and should be wound down so limited state education dollars can go to core services and the school finance formula. Opponents argued the state had promised the program to students who planned their education around it, including some who turned down scholarships, and said the change would harm future teachers and should have been treated as a pause rather than an end. The House adopted an appropriations amendment (L003), withdrew a proposed substitute amendment (L005), and then passed HB 1357 as amended. The House also passed House Bill 1358, which reduces the appropriation for the Colorado Academic Accelerator Grant Program by $5.2 million in general fund. The sponsor described it as a grant program supporting community learning centers and math/STEM enrichment, but said funding will end after the following fiscal year and the program must step down so families can seek other services. The bill was adopted without further opposition. Finally, the House considered House Bill 1359, which redirects certain revenue from public school land natural resource removals to the state public school fund rather than the permanent fund, with projected transfers of $25 million in FY 2025-26 and $45 million in FY 2026-27. Supporters said the measure is needed to help balance the budget. An opponent raised concerns about impacts on a constituent ranch lease tied to a proposed green energy project, but the sponsor clarified the bill applies only to royalties and leases on state-owned public school lands. The House then adopted HB 1359.

Transcript Highlights:

• March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a nationwide campaign dedicated to raising public
• awareness of their abilities, strengths, and achievements of individuals with developmental disabilities
• individuals with developmental individuals with developmental disabilities<00:01:58.240> this
• for the state Council of Developmental for the state Council of Developmental Disabilities<00:04
• Again, they're here for Developmental Disabilities Day tomorrow.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Sam Gorum, and I'm an intern at the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities here
• State Council on Developmental State Council on Developmental Disabilities<00:04:20.479> here
• disabilities.
• with intellectual and developmental with intellectual and developmental disabilities.<00:05:22.800
• We believe that the Hoy disabilities.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Government Operations Committee heard Governor’s Message 663, reappointing Corey Schaefer to the 911 Board for a term ending June 30, 2026. Schaefer described his telecommunications background and five years of service on the board, including recent election as chair. There was no opposition, and the committee recommended advise and consent; the recommendation was adopted with one member excused. The committee then took up a resolution asking the Comptroller and DAGS to work with the Hawaii State Public Library System to identify rural and underserved communities needing better telecommunications access for participation in the legislative process. Testimony from library and disability advocates supported the goal, but members raised concerns that the measure was too broad and unclear about the actual problem, whether libraries already had sufficient broadband and equipment, and whether the focus should be on public access and education rather than DAGS. The committee deferred the measure to Thursday for a revised draft. Members also heard a resolution urging all state departments to partner with the Office of Wellness and Resilience on data-sharing agreements. The office and several advocacy groups supported the measure as part of trauma-informed state efforts, but members expressed strong privacy and HIPAA concerns and questioned what data would be shared, for what purpose, and how it would be protected. The committee deferred that measure as well so the office could work with the chair on narrower language. Finally, the committee considered a resolution urging boards and commissions to conduct annual performance reviews of executive directors or equivalent exempt positions. With only one individual testifying in support, the committee recommended a Senate draft to clarify that the measure applies to civil service exempt positions, and the recommendation was adopted.