Transcript Highlights:

• I was wondering, I had a chance to come visit your district, and you had a chance to sort of walk me
• I was wondering, I had a chance to come visit your district, and you had a chance to sort of walk me
• I had an opportunity last year to go to Alabama and visit some areas in Alabama.
• This bill would ensure that people nearing their release dates have access to mental health visits two

Committee: House Public Safety

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• including changes that will, you know, require billing limits and make sure that we've got electronic visit
• :19:33.919><c> we've</c><00:19:34.080><c> got</c><00:19:34.240><c> electronic</c><00:19:34.720><c> visit
• </c> sure that we've got electronic visit sure that we've got electronic visit verification.<00:19:35.840

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• a thousand descendants learn about their ancestors or learn more about them and have helped people visit
• 25.000><c> people</c> more about them and have helped people more about them and have helped people visit
• 33:26.240><c> where</c><01:33:26.320><c> it's</c><01:33:26.400><c> a</c><01:33:26.480><c> very</c> visit
• Kalaupapa, where it's a very visit Kalaupapa, where it's a very emotional<01:33:27.360><c> experience

Bills: SB3253 , SB2401 , SB3169 , SB17 , SB3014 , SB3032 , SB1432 , SB2002 , SB2972 , SB3247

Committee: House Water & Land

Keywords: conservation, endangered species, wildlife preservation, native birds, biodiversity, sanctuary, nonprofit, DLNR, agricultural district, land use, chapter 195D, chapter 205, chapter 42F, state funding, public purpose, habitat restoration, predator-free sanctuary, ecosystem restoration, Zealandia, wildlife refuge

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land heard testimony on SB 5253 SD2 relating to conservation and SB 2401 relating to regional shoreline mitigation district, with the chair emphasizing short testimony limits and the need to finish before session. On SB 5253, DLNR said it stood on its written testimony and answered questions about the bill’s proposed nonprofit endangered species sanctuary. Members asked whether existing entities or agreements, such as land trusts, private landowners, and DLNR safe harbor agreements, could accomplish similar conservation goals without creating a new entity. DLNR said similar work already exists, but it was not aware of a comparable sanctuary model in the state. A member also questioned language suggesting for-profit businesses in the sanctuary, and DLNR said the intent appeared to be sales of outreach or similar materials, though it agreed that such activities could be handled by a nonprofit. The bulk of the hearing focused on SB 2401, which would create a regional shoreline adaptation/mitigation framework. The Department of the Attorney General said it had concerns about inconsistent use of the terms “mitigation” and “adaptation,” warning of possible title-subject issues. DLNR said it was neutral on the terminology and more concerned with the substance, and noted that the bill would not waive permits; any plan would still require environmental review and applicable state and county permits. DLNR also supported OHA’s recommendation to consider impacts on Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices during regional planning, and said the bill’s language on temporary shoreline protection measures could help address the gap between emergency permits and longer-term planning while avoiding a hardening-only approach. The Office of Planning supported the regional planning concept but noted it is not a regulatory agency and would need to work with DLNR and the Land Board. OHA supported the bill’s planning-based approach but recommended amendments to require assessment of impacts on Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices during plan development and to clarify that environmental review would still apply at the project level. Testifiers from the Ka‘anapali Steering Committee strongly supported the bill, saying it would provide a regional framework for ongoing erosion problems while preserving full regulatory authority and normal permitting, and they proposed amendments to standardize terminology, create a limited pathway for temporary shoreline protection, and address ownership and maintenance responsibilities. Members discussed the meaning of “mitigation” versus “adaptation,” the scope of shoreline hardening, and whether the bill would help the legislature take a broader, more holistic view of shoreline decisions. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I don't know where I'm at in it right now, but, um, we can visit more offline.
• but</c><00:16:23.600><c> um</c><00:16:24.160><c> we</c><00:16:24.399><c> can</c><00:16:24.480><c> visit
• </c><00:16:24.720><c> more</c> right now, but um we can visit more right now, but um we can visit more

Bills: HF4080 , HF3693 , HF1857 , HF4350

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Keywords: agriculture, livestock, retailers, ownership interest, exclusive contracts, meat packing companies, dominant retailers, state law, Department of Agriculture, appropriation, funding, agriculture policy, state budget, animal welfare, cat declawing, animal cruelty, therapeutic procedures, civil penalties, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, aquatic life

Transcript Highlights:

• I encourage you all to visit your local... important to do the the work that important to do the the
• encourage</c><00:30:30.399><c> you</c><00:30:30.640><c> all</c><00:30:30.799><c> to</c><00:30:31.039><c> visit
• I encourage you all to visit district.
• I encourage you all to visit your<00:30:31.600><c> local</c> your local your local &gt;&gt; Thank<00:

Bills: HF3169 , HF3749 , HF2605 , HF3541 , HF4102 , HF3513 , HF268

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Keywords: suicide prevention, transportation, mental health, bridge safety, data collection, state law, bridge inspection, active transportation, truck parking, public safety, vehicle registration, fee structure, full-service providers, Capitol security, emergency management, state buildings, law enforcement, Minnesota State Patrol, State Patrol compensation, trooper salary

Transcript Highlights:

• gastroparesis, and recurring infections that have resulted in 14 hospitalizations and 32 emergency room visits
• 49.599><c> room</c> hospitalizations and 32 emergency room hospitalizations and 32 emergency room visits
• </c><00:42:51.760><c> I</c><00:42:52.000><c> also</c><00:42:52.160><c> live</c> visits just this year
• I also live visits just this year alone.

Bills: HF3174 , HF3800

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: background study, disqualification, set-aside, permanent disqualification, Office of Administrative Hearings, chief judge, human services licensing, substance use disorder treatment, SUD treatment, chemical dependency, recovery, rehabilitation, abstinence, foster care, child foster care, vulnerable adults, caregiver background check, license holder, direct contact, risk of harm

Transcript Highlights:

• over, so if you do have some other pressing questions, I know that these gentlemen would be happy to visit
• would<01:28:12.480><c> be</c><01:28:12.600><c> happy</c><01:28:12.800><c> to</c><01:28:12.880><c> visit
• </c><01:28:13.720><c> Thank</c> would be happy to visit with you.
• Thank would be happy to visit with you.

Bills: HF3766 , HF3972 , HF3437 , HF4118

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: travel insurance, regulation, insurance licensing, consumer protection, travel assistance, short-term rental, vacation rental, home sharing, rental marketplace, online platform, property damage guarantee, damage waiver, reimbursement insurance, insurance regulation, commerce department, platform user, Airbnb, Vrbo, host protection, rental home marketplace

Transcript Highlights:

• facilitator Lois Quaam, and the many others for the countless hours that they’ve put in over the last year visiting
• c><00:30:48.320><c> the</c><00:30:48.559><c> last</c><00:30:48.720><c> year</c><00:30:49.200><c> visiting
• </c><00:30:49.600><c> our</c> in over the last year visiting our in over the last year visiting our facilities

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This also includes the home visiting ECFE program, and the program is supported with a combination of
• 00:08:01.480><c> includes</c><00:08:01.760><c> the</c><00:08:01.840><c> home</c><00:08:02.040><c> visiting
• </c> This also includes the home visiting This also includes the home visiting ECFE<00:08:03.040><c>

Bills: HF3415

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Keywords: child care, day care, licensed child care center, license-exempt child care, immigration enforcement, ICE, Customs and Border Protection, CBP, USCIS, Department of Homeland Security, DHS, judicial warrant, facility access, sensitive locations, immigrant families, Minnesota Statutes chapter 142B, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Memories that can't be made in four-day visits a month, and equality.
• 26.240><c> 4-day</c> Memories that can't be made in a 4-day Memories that can't be made in a 4-day visits
• </c><00:38:30.320><c> That</c> visits a month. and equality. That visits a month. and equality.

Bills: SF0099 , SF0116 , SJ0006

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: easement, electricity delivery, public utility, prescriptive easement, landowner rights, surface water, drainage utilities, municipality, elections, environmental management, shared parenting, family law, joint custody, child well-being, parental rights, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• On a home visit the other day, I was there as a family with legal status.
• Um<00:30:53.760><c> on</c><00:30:53.919><c> a</c><00:30:54.080><c> home</c><00:30:54.240><c> visit</c
• > other</c><00:30:54.799><c> day,</c><00:30:55.039><c> I</c><00:30:55.279><c> was</c> Um on a home visit
• the other day, I was Um on a home visit the other day, I was there<00:30:55.840><c> as</c><00:30:56.080

Bills: HF3435 , HF3409

Committee: House Education Policy

Keywords: school access, school site, school district, charter school, federal agents, DHS, Department of Homeland Security, ICE, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, CBP, Customs and Border Protection, USCIS, immigration enforcement, judicial warrant, student privacy, school safety, sanctuary schools, warrant requirement, federal warrant, school grounds

Transcript Highlights:

• registration system stronger by switching from an opt-in to an opt-out process during regular DMV visits
• process during opt-in to an opt- out process during regular<01:13:37.760><c> DMV</c><01:13:38.400><c> visits
• ,</c><01:13:39.040><c> allowing</c><01:13:39.440><c> information</c> regular DMV visits, allowing information
• regular DMV visits, allowing information to<01:13:40.080><c> be</c><01:13:40.239><c> regularly</c><01

Bills: HB1546

Committee: House Human Services & Homelessness

Keywords: Medicaid, health insurance, healthcare access, insurance subsidies, pilot program, affordable care, preventive services, low-income, community engagement, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 2083, which would add homeless shelters to Hawaii’s drug-free/safe-zone protections. The City and County prosecutor’s office strongly supported the bill, saying service providers asked for the change because drug activity near shelters can undermine recovery efforts. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the measure, focusing on a possible notice problem because many shelters are not readily identifiable and the bill’s 750-foot distance requirement could be difficult to apply. The Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii also opposed the bill, arguing it would expand criminalization of poverty and drug use and that drug-free zone laws are ineffective and disproportionately harmful. The prosecutor’s office said it would do more research on the notice concern. The committee then moved on without taking a vote in the transcript provided. The committee next discussed HB 2087, which would change the treatment of abuse of family or household member cases by ending the deferred-acceptance pilot and returning to the prior statute. The prosecutor’s office supported the bill, saying the pilot had not reduced backlog as intended and that domestic violence cases should remain petty misdemeanors without deferral. The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Public Defender’s Office both opposed HB 2087, instead urging extension of the pilot for another five years so the legislature can better evaluate how deferred acceptance is working. They said deferrals can be a useful incentive for behavior change and that more data is needed before ending the program. Committee members questioned the prosecutor about why Hawaii should differ from other counties and whether repeat offenders could keep receiving deferrals; the prosecutor said the deferral is available only once and reiterated support for returning to the old statute. The committee then heard HB 2096 on aggravated circumstances in child protective proceedings. The family court and Attorney General’s Office supported the bill, saying current law limits aggravated-circumstances findings to the early return hearing, which can prevent findings in the most serious abuse cases when key evidence is not yet available. They said the bill would allow such findings later in the case and, with proposed amendments, would let the court consolidate aggravated-circumstances and termination-of-parental-rights hearings to reduce delay and appeals. The Libertarian Party of Hawaii opposed the measure, arguing it would expand state power in family matters and could worsen outcomes for parents and children. Committee questions focused on the amended language, including what “another court of competent jurisdiction” means and whether a charge alone would be enough; the judiciary responded that criminal courts are included, but a hearing and opportunity to defend would still be required. Finally, the committee took up HB 1959, another domestic violence measure. The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Public Defender’s Office, the Crime Victim Compensation Commission, the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, and county prosecuting offices testified in support. Supporters said the bill would extend the pilot program while keeping deferred acceptance of guilty pleas in place, giving more time to evaluate whether the program is working and whether a more formal diversion model should be developed. The coalition also suggested technical fixes to ensure judiciary data reporting continues and that the deferred-acceptance statute is not inadvertently repealed. No vote or final action was taken in the transcript before the committee moved on to the next bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Two weeks ago, we brought a group of governor scholars from last summer to visit with their legislators
• 00:04:49.520><c> to</c> governor scholars from last summer to governor scholars from last summer to visit
• > their</c><00:04:50.400><c> legislators</c><00:04:51.440><c> and</c><00:04:51.759><c> express</c> visit
• with their legislators and express visit with their legislators and express just<00:04:52.479><c> how

Committee: House Primary and Secondary Education

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, you know, I visited with several people and, you know, the feeling that I got from them.
• Um, you know, I visited<01:45:39.119><c> with</c><01:45:39.360><c> several</c><01:45:39.760><c> people
• </c><01:45:40.159><c> and</c><01:45:40.719><c> u,</c><01:45:40.960><c> you</c> visited with several people
• and u, you visited with several people and u, you know,<01:45:41.520><c> the</c><01:45:42.000><c> feeling

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You should all come and visit. They're delicious.
• You should all come and<00:40:56.160><c> visit.
• </c><00:40:58.160><c> Um,</c><00:40:58.480><c> and</c> and visit. They're delicious.
• Um, and and visit. They're delicious.

Committee: Senate Commerce

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But the visit, um, the uh, well abortion, this does single out abortion and that, I mean, that does make
• But the visit, um, the uh, well abortion, this does single out abortion and that, I mean, that does make
• But the visit um the uh well room.
• But the visit um the uh well abortion<00:42:09.839><c> this</c><00:42:10.079><c> does</c><00:42:10.319

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first recessed for a subcommittee meeting on HB 313, which concerned an open-meetings-related issue. In the subcommittee, members discussed concerns that the bill might be unnecessary because current law already allows a person to request an open meeting in advance; the subcommittee then voted ITL on HB 313 by voice vote and closed its work session. The full Judiciary Committee then reconvened and took up CACR 6, the proposed constitutional amendment on a “right to compute,” with members debating whether the language was too broad and could create unintended consequences. Supporters framed it as a forward-looking protection for computation resources and strong encryption, while opponents said it was too open-ended and better addressed by future legislation. The committee voted ITL on CACR 6 by a 17-0 roll call. The committee next turned to HB 232, as amended, concerning the rights of conscience for medical professionals. The amendment narrowed the bill to abortion-related objections, removed sterilization and artificial contraception, aligned the abortion definition with existing state law, and reduced damages from treble damages to actual damages. Supporters said the bill would protect conscience rights, give physicians and patients more choice, and could help attract providers to New Hampshire. Opponents argued it was overly broad, unclear in key definitions, and could interfere with employers’ ability to assign staff, especially in rural health settings. Members also raised concerns about the bill’s scope and enforcement, including the broad definition of “participate,” the lack of clarity around exceptions for providers whose services include abortion as a “major part,” emergency determinations, and the inclusion of nursing homes in the definition of health care institution. Some members argued the bill singled out abortion while other controversial medical procedures were not treated similarly, and others criticized the minimum-damages provision as potentially punitive and designed to deter participation. The discussion continued without a final vote shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, so currently the data that we have shows that we're spending about $9 million a year on ER visits
• That we're spending about $9 million a year on ER visits for things that should be treated in dental
• while they're small rather than having to wait until they get huge and it leads to tooth loss or ER visits
• while they're small rather than having to wait until they get huge and it leads to tooth loss or ER visits

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board meeting began with a roll call and approval of the October 7 meeting minutes. The chair then reordered the agenda to hear the item on Medicaid reimbursement rates and network adequacy first because of scheduling issues. Dr. Steve Robertson of the Kentucky Dental Association was sworn in and testified at length about Kentucky’s dental Medicaid program, arguing that reimbursement rates are unsustainably low, have been largely flat for decades, and are often below the cost of providing care. He said Kentucky ranks near the bottom nationally in oral health, dental Medicaid rates are often 60% or less of commercial rates, and the program’s share of the Medicaid budget has effectively remained around 2% despite growth in enrollment and services. Dr. Robertson said the low rates are contributing to provider losses, rural access gaps, longer wait times, dental deserts, and greater use of emergency rooms for preventable dental problems. He cited examples of office costs exceeding reimbursement for basic procedures, noted that many dentists are small private businesses, and said the state is struggling to recruit and retain dentists because of low payment levels and high student debt. He also pointed to disparities with neighboring states and said recent increases in some oral surgery and cleaning codes were not enough to address the broader problem. His recommendations included completing the rebasing study, increasing dental reimbursement in the upcoming budget, tying future reviews to inflation and cost data, aligning benchmarks, and prioritizing preventive and restorative care to improve workforce stability and access. Board members asked about the size of the needed increase, the effect of private insurance on dental practice finances, and what a new dentist might expect to earn. Dr. Robertson said the association is working on an appropriations request and that private insurance pressures are part of the problem as well, since many plans are HMOs or PPOs with limited provider control over rates. He also said the association can no longer conduct reimbursement surveys because of FTC restrictions, but would try to obtain current ADA data. In response to questions about the future of the program, he warned that without significant changes it could become unsustainable and cited Ohio and Missouri as examples where higher reimbursement improved provider participation and access. The board then heard from Mr. Bowman of Baldwin Consulting, who discussed outpatient behavioral health providers, including ABA therapy and mental health/substance use disorder services. He said these providers face similar issues of rising costs, flat reimbursement, and access problems. He reviewed Kentucky’s network adequacy standards, including travel-time standards, 30-day appointment limits, and newer federal requirements that will require services within 10 business days by 2029. He said wait times for outpatient behavioral health, especially children’s services and ABA, have grown substantially, sometimes to more than a year, and emphasized that the Medicaid department must enforce these standards.

Transcript Highlights:

• would be whatever the provider is charging, as long as that person that's providing the telehealth visits
• <01:02:48.880><c> the</c><01:02:49.119><c> teleaalth</c><01:02:49.920><c> um</c><01:02:50.160><c> visits
• </c><01:02:50.559><c> for</c> providing the teleaalth um visits for providing the teleaalth um visits

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The commission held an organizational meeting under SB 57 to study the cost of special education, with the meeting streamed publicly at the chair’s request. Members introduced themselves, and the chair explained that the bill creates two separate pieces, one dealing with SAU structure and the other with a commission on special education costing. He outlined his background in education and special education and said the commission’s work would focus on understanding and controlling special education costs. The commission reviewed its membership requirements and noted several vacancies or unfilled appointments, including the special education advocate, two governor-appointed parent advocates, and a Department of Health and Human Services representative. The members then elected Representative Rick Ladd as chair, Representative Dick Ames as vice chair, and Representative Megan Murray as clerk. Representative Ames briefly described his legal and policy background in disability and special education work in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The chair then walked through the commission’s study topics, including referral rates by IDEA category, reasons for increases in categories such as autism and other health impairment, post-COVID referral trends, pre-referral interventions, Medicaid and 504-related costs, out-of-district placements, dispute resolution, billing practices, privacy, reimbursement, legal services, graduation rates, attendance, and adult learning. Members discussed how special education costs are distributed, noting that the state spends about $977 million annually on special education, with only part covered by state aid and the remainder largely borne by local districts. Testimony also noted that out-of-district placement costs have risen sharply since rate-setting changes around 2018, and that some categories may reflect changes in identification practices, medical factors, or broader population shifts. The commission agreed to continue reviewing the data and formulas in future meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• The summer began the transformation, staffs changed, and as we were visiting, we created an entire cottage
• began staffs changed um and as we were began staffs changed um and as we were again<00:29:09.919><c> visiting
• ><c> back</c><00:29:11.120><c> we</c><00:29:11.360><c> created</c><00:29:11.679><c> an</c> again visiting
• the back we created an again visiting the back we created an entire<00:29:12.320><c> cottage</c><00:

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:28 Kentucky Recovery Vocational: Workforce Reimagined 00:01:31 Update on College Athletics and 25RS SB 3 00:24:39 Goodwill Kentucky Excel Center 01:09:53, 958, all

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from Kentucky Recovery Vocational Workforce and Re-entry Incorporated, led by Executive Director Jerick D'vor, on its vocational training model for people in recovery and formerly incarcerated individuals. He said the nonprofit operates in Russell Springs and serves students from across Kentucky, offering manufacturing and welding training tied to recovery services through Spark Recovery. D'vor emphasized that the program combines treatment, soft-skills coaching, job placement, and continued support after employment, arguing that training should begin around 90 days into recovery rather than earlier. He reported strong outcomes, including 292 students served, 259 certificates earned, and 250 job placements, with many participants placed in manufacturing jobs and 17 welders trained and placed through the new welding academy. Members praised the program but asked about funding, retention, and employability barriers. D'vor said the pilot was supported by opioid abatement grant funding, and the program now relies mainly on donor contributions and Spark Recovery’s investment in clients, with possible future support from additional opioid abatement funds or 1915(i) mechanisms. He said participants are not charged tuition and that the organization provides soft-skills training and job coaches. In response to questions about long-term outcomes, he said the program does not yet have a full alumni tracking system but is exploring technology options and continues to provide post-employment support for 90 days. After approving the committee minutes, members received an update on college athletics and Senate Bill 3 from University of Louisville Athletic Director Josh Heird and University of Kentucky Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart. They said Kentucky’s NIL framework and reporting requirements are working reasonably well and praised the state for not trying to create a competitive advantage in the evolving college sports environment. Heird reported that 521 student-athletes have signed up for NILGO and about 240 deals have been approved through the system, while noting the need to ensure NIL agreements are legitimate marketplace deals rather than artificial payments. The discussion also touched on the House settlement, the $600 approval threshold, and broader federal changes affecting college athletics.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hawaii's maternal, infant, and early childhood home visiting program has relied on HHS for data relating
• 59:27.920><c> early</c><00:59:28.240><c> childhood</c><00:59:28.720><c> home</c><00:59:28.960><c> visiting
• </c> and early childhood home visiting and early childhood home visiting program<00:59:29.920><c> has

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee held an informational briefing on the State of Hawaii’s affirmative litigation against the federal administration, with no public testimony. Attorney General Lopez and deputies said the office’s goal is to enforce the rule of law, not make partisan points, and noted that Hawaii is involved in 27 ongoing cases. They grouped the cases into four broad areas: immigration, funding freezes and grant terminations, federal agency dismantling/reductions in force, and protecting elections, health, and safety. Several immigration-related cases were discussed in detail. These included a challenge to the federal sharing of Medicaid data with DHS for immigration enforcement, a similar challenge to USDA’s demand for SNAP applicant and recipient data, and litigation over immigration-enforcement conditions attached to federal grants. The office also described the birthright citizenship executive order, saying it conflicts with the 14th Amendment and Supreme Court precedent; lower courts granted preliminary relief, and the U.S. Supreme Court later addressed only the scope of nationwide injunctions, not the merits. In the Department of Transportation case, the court granted a preliminary injunction against the “Duffy directive,” finding the immigration conditions lacked statutory authority, were arbitrary and capricious, and violated the Spending Clause and APA. The briefing also covered multiple funding disputes. In the education funding freeze case, the Department of Education and OMB withheld about $6 billion in formula funds, including roughly $33 million for Hawaii; after suit was filed, the funds were released. Other cases included the termination of over $11 billion in public health grants, which affected Hawaii Department of Health grants, the NIH indirect cost cap case, and NIH grant terminations tied to DEI, transgender issues, and vaccine hesitancy. The speakers said some cases have already resulted in preliminary or permanent injunctions, while others remain on appeal or are still being litigated.