Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity to testify. My name is Mia Kang.
• Chair and members, thank you for the opportunity to speak in support of AB 1556.
• Members, appreciate the opportunity to present AB 2415.
• Thank you again for the opportunity to speak today.
• This is the kind of housing opportunity that Californians deserve more of.

Committee: Senate Housing

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill provides a pathway to opportunity.
• for... ...create access and opportunities for kids.
• I think I have had the opportunity to really unify folks, I have had the opportunity to really unify
• I had that opportunity when I was elected in 2018.
• Members and staff alike, I'm so grateful to have had this opportunity.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we're bringing those together in this proposal of opportunity.
• Thank you for the opportunity, and we welcome your questions.
• We're now introducing opportunities to streamline our financing system, right?
• I urge you to vote no, and thank you for this opportunity.
• Thank you so much for allowing us the opportunity to speak.

Summary: The subcommittee heard an extensive presentation on the administration’s housing reorganization proposal, which would centralize multifamily affordable housing finance under the new Housing Development and Finance Committee (HDFC) and align it with the Governor’s trailer bill language. Administration officials said the plan is intended to create a one-stop application and award process, reduce duplicative timelines and costs, and pair state subsidy with private activity bonds and federal tax credits more efficiently. They also described proposed changes to the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities program, including shifting a larger share of funding toward housing-related awards while preserving a portion for sustainable communities investments. The Legislative Analyst’s Office generally supported the streamlining concept but recommended changes to the proposed bond set-aside timing and urged flexibility for integrated applications and future reporting on demand. Senators, especially Senator Cabaldon, raised concerns that the proposal could weaken the original climate-and-transportation purpose of the sustainable communities program and that the reorganization would be undercut by the lack of new housing production funding in the budget. The item was held open without a vote. The committee then received a report from the California Debt Limit Allocation Committee and the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee on federal and state housing tax credits. Staff explained that the federal H.R. 1 change lowering the bond-financing threshold from 50% to 25% greatly expanded the number of projects able to use the 4% federal tax credit, allowing California to fund many more projects and units. They also described the state low-income housing tax credit as an important gap-filling tool for projects that still need additional subsidy, and noted existing set-asides for rural, homeless, at-risk, and extremely low-income projects. Members discussed rehabilitation as well as new construction, and the item was informational only. Finally, the Civil Rights Department reported on the effects of federal civil rights policy changes and on three programs facing expiration: California vs. Hate, the Community Conflict Resolution Unit, and Investigations and Conciliation Enhancement. Director Kevin Kish said federal cuts and policy shifts have reduced support for fair housing and other civil rights functions, while CRD’s caseload has grown from about 8,700 open matters a year ago to more than 12,000, with a six-month wait for interviews despite overtime triage efforts. Senators expressed strong support for continuing the programs and concern about the broader federal rollback of civil rights enforcement. The department said it is using overtime, intake triage, and outreach partnerships to manage the workload and direct Californians to appropriate state, local, and nonprofit resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• for tomorrow and those opportunities for tomorrow and Joshua<00:07:55.039><c> would</c><00:07:55.280
• to either uh uh look at opportunities to either uh uh well,<00:25:54.559><c> we've</c><00:25:54.720>
• </c> opportunity if someone's eligible. opportunity if someone's eligible.
• But again, we'll continue to look at that and look for opportunities to control those costs. >> What
• ><c> are</c><00:38:30.880><c> separate</c> opportunities there that are separate opportunities there

Keywords: 00:10 Call to order and Roll Call 01:06 Information Items and Introduction of Kentucky Court of Justice 03:02 Discussion of Interpreter State and National Contractor Rates 06:35 Discussion of Certifications 08:44 Discussion of AI use in Interpretation 13:56 Software Service Initiatives 16:47 Data Security and AV system Upgrades 24:38 Drug Court Issues 28:43 Discussion of Jefferson County Record Storage 35:33 Boyle County Courthouse Construction 39.26 KY State Police Driver Testing 45:22 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard a budget overview from the Kentucky Court of Justice focused on mandated services and several growth items in the judicial branch budget. Court officials said the requests were driven by legal and contractual obligations, including higher contractor rates for court interpreters and IT support, annual software-as-a-service costs, and upgrades to the court’s audiovisual record system (JAVS). They also discussed local facilities needs tied to Jefferson County lease space and the Boyle County Courthouse, though the bulk of the presentation centered on the court’s technology and service-delivery costs. Members asked detailed questions about interpreter services, including whether services are provided in person, by phone, or by Zoom, and whether Kentucky could train and certify more local interpreters instead of relying on contractors from around the country. Court officials said the certification process is rigorous, that the branch is working with the National Center for State Courts on an apprenticeship program, and that they believe Kentucky may have flexibility to develop state-level certification if it meets court needs. They also said they are exploring technology and AI tools for translation, but have not found a solution that reliably handles complex courtroom context. Representative Sharp asked whether cases had been delayed for lack of interpreters; officials said they could provide aggregated data later. The court also described its major IT modernization effort, including a statewide case management system, e-filing, and maintenance of many legacy applications. Officials said contractor rates need to be raised to compete for skilled labor during the implementation phase, but that those costs should decline once the new systems are fully built and only maintained. They explained that part of the request covers three SaaS initiatives: ongoing subscription costs for existing systems, annual fees for the CaseWorks system used in pretrial and specialty courts after federal grant funding ends, and adoption of DocuSign to streamline invoicing, procurement, and contract execution. In response to questions from Representative KC Carney, they said cybersecurity is taken seriously, that they recently conducted a tabletop exercise, and that some risk shifts to cloud vendors under contract, though no separate cybersecurity line item was included. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on the JAVS audiovisual court-record system. Court officials said not all courtrooms are on the same version, and they want funding to bring all locations up to the current version and prepare for version 9, which they said would standardize the system statewide and support the official court record. When asked about costs, they said each upgrade can cost about $70,000 to $80,000 per system, that they aim to upgrade about 50 per year, and that the request reflects the need to keep pace with a four-year refresh cycle. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:51.440><c> It's</c> person to have that opportunity.
• It's person to have that opportunity.
• We person if you have the opportunity.
• </c> deprive the person of opportunities deprive the person of opportunities related<00:37:18.720><c>
• ><c> Vermont</c> Opportunity Commission, the Vermont Opportunity Commission, the Vermont Human<00:48:

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The state cannot afford another missed opportunity as we face a $12 billion deficit.
• And that’s also a choice that two weeks ago you had an opportunity to reverse.
• “You had an opportunity to reverse just two weeks ago, and you chose to play politics.
• Thank you for the opportunity to present... Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker.
• Thank you for the opportunity to present AB 738.

Summary: The Assembly met after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through a long Daily File with several guest introductions and floor speeches. Members recognized visiting student leaders, championship football teams from Tuolumne County, Alpha Kappa Alpha members at their Capitol day, and later a descendant of Wong Kim Ark. The chamber also adopted a procedural motion allowing certain members to host guests in the rear of the chamber. Among the major policy items, AB 578 on food delivery platform refund practices passed 47-2, AB 344 on successor beer manufacturer definitions passed 61-0, AB 454 to make California’s migratory bird protections permanent passed 55-12 on the urgency clause, AB 482 updating the Table Grape Commission passed 64-1, AB 1237 to support transit access for 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket holders passed 56-15 on the urgency clause, AB 738 on wildfire rebuild solar exemptions passed 42-2, AB 1460 on 340B pharmacy access for clinics passed 41-5, AB 750 on homeless shelter oversight passed 49-1, AB 1061 on housing in historic districts passed 41-13, AB 1523 on expanding mandatory mediation thresholds passed 65-0, and AB 316 on AI-related civil liability passed 56-0. AB 761 authorizing the Monterey-Salinas Transit District to seek a sales tax ballot measure passed 47-12. The chamber also adopted several resolutions. AJR 3 urging protection of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid passed 53-2 after extensive debate that included criticism of federal cuts and counterarguments focused on state Medi-Cal policy and budget decisions. ACR 65 proclaiming California Tourism Month was adopted by voice vote after coauthors were added, and ACR 62 recognizing California Nonprofits Day was also adopted by voice vote with 65 coauthors. AJR 5 affirming birthright citizenship and opposing efforts to end it passed 58-1 after a lengthy, highly partisan debate centered on the 14th Amendment and the Wong Kim Ark precedent. The session also included passage of AB 571, a CEQA exemption for the Southern California Veterans Cemetery at Gypsum Canyon, which was presented as a long-running bipartisan effort to create a final resting place for Orange County veterans.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> little to no engagement or opportunities little to no engagement or opportunities for<00:07:42.000
• This bill is an opportunity to program?
• So these programs were important because I had also never seen college as an opportunity.
• Women like me who never ever would have had those opportunities.
• So to all of the people opportunities.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And, Lord, we're thankful for the opportunity to just intercede for these men and women who have worked
• I'm grateful for the opportunity to have been able to make a difference.
• like a 30-day opportunity for elected officials to respond with or without your amendment?
• We want to provide equal opportunities to everyone.
• to live in manufactured homes can receive the same rent opportunity to sustain.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for this opportunity to speak on this very important topic.
• Mahalo for the opportunity to testify. My name is Jan Ferguson.
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify today.
• I was seeking the opportunity to practice my cultural practice.
• </c><01:56:21.440><c> to</c> I was seeking the opportunity to I was seeking the opportunity to practice

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services committee heard extensive testimony on HB 1194 HD2, a bill to regulate midwifery and require accredited education for licensed midwives. Supporters, including the Midwives Alliance of Hawaii, ACOG, a pediatrician, and several licensed midwives, argued the bill would improve maternal and newborn safety, clarify the definition of midwife, strengthen accountability, and align Hawaii with national education standards. They said accredited training is necessary to avoid gaps in knowledge and to support safe transfers and collaboration with hospitals. Opponents, including many midwives, parents, cultural practitioners, and community groups, argued the bill would restrict access to care, criminalize traditional and apprenticeship-based midwifery, and undermine reproductive autonomy and Native Hawaiian and other cultural birthing practices. Several asked for amendments to preserve a birth attendant exemption, the PET/portfolio pathway, and cultural and religious protections. Others said the bill would disproportionately harm rural, Indigenous, and low-income families by making training and licensure less accessible. The committee also heard testimony from state and county entities and professional organizations, with some standing on written testimony and others offering brief comments. The chair repeatedly reminded testifiers of the one-minute limit and the possibility that final decision-making would be deferred if quorum was lost. The transcript does not show a final vote or action taken during this segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate the opportunity today to talk about nitrates and groundwater.
• I appreciate the opportunity today to talk about nitrates and groundwater.
• Yeah, thanks for the opportunity to just comment on this real briefly. I've visited with Mr.
• Chair Putnam, committee members, and Senator Cek for the opportunity to testify on the 4R bill.
• Chair Putnam, committee members, and Senator Cek for the opportunity to testify on the 4R bill.

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> thank you once again for the opportunity thank you once again for the opportunity to<00:07:42.400
• </c> said no they never had the opportunity said no they never had the opportunity because<00:54:11.200
• </c><00:54:53.680><c> to</c> want to keep having um uh opportunity to want to keep having um uh opportunity
• I appreciate the opportunity to testify today on Senate File 1690.
• Thank you for the opportunity to speak today.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:24:53.520><c> is</c><01:24:53.679><c> built</c> upon which opportunity is built upon which opportunity
• That means fully funding the opportunity for constitutionally adequate education.
• opportunity budget, then you're done.
• </c> this is why it's too good an opportunity this is why it's too good an opportunity for<05:04:16.360
• </c><05:15:02.638><c> budget</c> Town wouldn't that opportunity budget Town wouldn't that opportunity

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Education Funding Committee met in executive session and first took up HB 193, which clarifies that dual and concurrent enrollment courses may not exceed four credits. Members said the bill came from the community college system and was intended to preserve the program’s high school-to-college pathway. An amendment changing the effective date to passage was adopted 18-0, and the committee then voted 18-0 to recommend OTPA on the bill as amended, with the bill placed on the consent calendar. The committee then retained HB 295 and HB 366, both related to school building aid, after members said the issues were complex and needed more work. Both motions to retain passed 18-0, leaving the bills in committee without reports. The chair also said HB 354 would not be taken up that day because of possible changes from the Department of Education and others. HB 494, funding the math learning communities program, was then amended to flat-fund the program rather than increase it, with members citing budget uncertainty. The amendment passed unanimously, and the committee then voted 18-0 for OTPA on the bill as amended, placing it on consent. Finally, HB 515, which would repeal charter public school eligibility for state school building aid, drew debate over whether charter schools should be treated differently from traditional public schools. The committee voted 10-8 for inexpedient to legislate, sending the bill to the regular calendar; Representative Damon was assigned the minority report and Representative Popovic the majority report. The committee then began HB 716, an appropriation for the dual and concurrent enrollment program, where members discussed flat-funding the program at $2.5 million per year and the potential impact on course availability, but the transcript cuts off before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate the opportunity.
• So opportunity.
• So, um, there's no opportunity, there's not a financial opportunity for us to do just that.
• There's no opportunity, there's not a financial opportunity for us to do just that.
• </c><03:34:16.800><c> So</c> opportunity to decide that. So opportunity to decide that.

Committee: Joint Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Father, we do thank you for this opportunity to come together.
• We thank you for this opportunity to serve the people of Kentucky.
• Father, we do thank you for this opportunity to come together.
• Thank you for the opportunity to present this.
• Is there an opportunity for gift card.

Committee: Joint State Government

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity Fischer.
• </c><00:31:44.000><c> in</c><00:31:44.240><c> support</c> opportunity to testify today in support opportunity
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify today.
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify today.
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify today.

Bills: HF4680 , HF4047 , HF4590 , HF3757 , HF3569 , HF4507 , HF4426 , HF4927 , HF4788 , HF4757 , HF4747 , HF3561 , HF4014 , HF4013 , HF4689 , HF4766 , HF4589

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: wastewater treatment, improvements, capital investment, Greenfield, bonds, water treatment, infrastructure, municipal funding, state bonds, public utilities, HF4590, Tamarack, municipal infrastructure, bonding bill, general obligation bonds, Public Facilities Authority, sewer system, collection system, street reconstruction, local infrastructure

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you again for the time and opportunity to inform you about wealth-building opportunities that are
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify on how this has impacted my life.
• </c><00:30:36.360><c> to</c> Um thank you for the opportunity to Um thank you for the opportunity to
• you for the opportunity to testify today. today. today.
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify today. Thank you, Ms. Heysen.

Committee: Senate Labor

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• love to have those opportunities.
• we'd love to have those opportunities.
• love to have those opportunities.
• </c> we'd love to have those opportunities. we'd love to have those opportunities.
• </c> >> Yeah, I take any opportunity I can to talk about our state park.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:13 Kentucky Small Business Update 00:01:50 Kentucky Angel Investment Tax Credit Program Update 00:14:16 State of the Tourism Industry 00:38:03, 958, all

Summary: The meeting began with a quorum call and approval of the August minutes, then moved to an update from the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce on small business conditions. Chamber representatives John Hughes and Amit Patel said Kentucky has benefited from pro-growth policies such as lower income taxes, regulatory modernization, and workforce development, but they emphasized ongoing challenges including workforce shortages, child care access, housing availability, rising insurance costs, and inflation. Patel, speaking as a hotel operator, said recruiting and retaining staff has become difficult and that his company is considering child care stipends and other benefits to help employees. Members asked about child care benefits, community involvement, and health care costs; Patel said the business is discussing additional support for employees and noted that health care costs have tripled over three years. The chamber said it will prioritize child care and housing policy in the upcoming session. The committee then received an update from the Cabinet for Economic Development on the Kentucky Angel Investment Tax Credit program from David Brock of KY Innovation and Matt Wingate. Brock outlined the state’s broader innovation and entrepreneurship programs, including innovation hubs, SBIR/STTR matching funds, the Kentucky Enterprise Fund, SSBCI, and STEP, and said these programs have helped create jobs, raise capital, and support exports. He explained that the angel tax credit is intended to encourage private investment in innovative Kentucky small businesses with high growth potential. The credit is generally 25% of investment in non-enhanced counties and 40% in enhanced counties, with annual and per-investor caps and eligibility rules for both businesses and investors. Brock reported that 317 businesses have been certified, 117 have received at least one investment, 445 investors have made 750 investments, $57.2 million has been invested, $19 million in credits has been awarded, and 373 new jobs have been reported since 2021. Committee members asked about the relationship between the program’s industry verticals and university research, the difference between enhanced and non-enhanced counties, and where investments are occurring geographically. Cabinet staff said the verticals align with the original Innovation Act framework, and that enhanced counties are defined by statute, including distressed and disaster-impacted areas. They said most investments and credits have been in non-enhanced counties, though some examples were cited in Bath County and Auburn. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, there are occasions when<00:32:36.240><c> the</c><00:32:36.559><c> opportunity</c><00:32:36.960><
• to speak your mind when the opportunity to speak your mind is<00:32:38.159><c> not</c><00:32:38.320>
• Thank you for the opportunity to share my support. Mahalo. Thank you very much.
• </c> opportunity to share my support. Mahalo. opportunity to share my support. Mahalo.
• You and your committee have the opportunity to help us create a legacy.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee hearing covered three judicial confirmations for the First Circuit family court. The first nominee, Maria F. Penn, was introduced for confirmation to a six-year term as a district family court judge. Testimony from family law attorneys and the Hawaii State Bar Association was strongly supportive, emphasizing her courtroom demeanor, preparation, knowledge of family law, respect for litigants and counsel, and ability to manage emotionally difficult family court matters. Judge Penn also spoke about her background, including her legal career, prior service as a PDM family court judge, and her view that family court requires both legal judgment and empathy. The chair noted that the committee would not vote that day and would take up votes the next morning. The second nomination was Wilson Aunga for a district family court judgeship. Supporters described his character, community involvement, and suitability for family court, including testimony from the Honolulu prosecutor, longtime friends, classmates, community members, and others. Speakers highlighted his work with youth, his leadership in the prosecutor’s office, his calm and impartial temperament, and his commitment to education and public service. The chair reported 105 supporters, no opposition, and one comment from the Hawaii State Bar Association. Additional testimony continued from members of the public, including a speaker discussing mental health and personal support for Aunga. Throughout the hearing, the chair enforced a two-minute limit on oral testimony and explained that the committee was short on time and would recess as needed. No votes were taken during the hearing; the chair announced that voting would occur the following day in the same room.

Transcript Highlights:

• I’m available for questions, and thank you for the opportunity to testify.
• I’m available for questions, and thank you for the opportunity to testify.
• I’m available for questions, and thank you for the opportunity to testify.
• </c><00:26:22.000><c> to</c> want to thank you for the opportunity to want to thank you for the opportunity
• Thank you for the opportunity to give this testimony today.

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 1046 SD1 on condominiums. Testimony on that bill focused on reserve funding and enforcement of reserve study requirements. The Community Associations Institute opposed the bill, saying it would create hardship, confusion, and be difficult to administer, while also urging stronger penalties for boards that fail to comply with reserve study rules. The Real Estate Commission offered comments, and one testifier spoke in support. No vote was taken during the portion provided. The committee then heard SB 532 SD2 HD1 relating to the Department of Education, which would improve access to pre-approved medications for students with health conditions at school and during off-campus activities. The Department of Health, University of Hawaiʻi nursing and medical programs, and the Department of Education all supported the measure, with DOH suggesting amendments to better identify the correct student and improve medication safety. Members had no questions, and the bill moved on. Next was SB 1245 SD2 HD1 relating to pharmacists, a bill to allow reimbursement for clinical services pharmacists are already trained and licensed to provide. The University of Hawaiʻi, Board of Pharmacy, Walgreens, Mikai Drugs, and the Hawaiʻi Pharmacists Association supported the bill, emphasizing improved access to care, recruitment and retention of pharmacists, and better chronic disease management. The Hawaiʻi Pharmacists Association also discussed proposed amendments to prevent plans from denying coverage or network participation when pharmacists meet credentialing requirements. Members questioned whether insurers would actually use pharmacists and how the bill would affect pay and contracting; no vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee also heard SB 1279 SD2 HD1, another pharmacists bill focused on telepharmacy and 340B-related issues. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation supported it, saying telehealth could reduce costs and avoid travel for audits, while the Board of Pharmacy opposed it. Lānaʻi representatives opposed the bill and asked for an exemption, arguing the island already has close in-person access to a resident pharmacist and clinics. The Hawaiʻi Primary Care Association supported the measure, citing large patient savings from 340B pricing, while Mikai Drugs opposed it, arguing that mail-order and telepharmacy are not necessary on some islands and can create delivery and medication-safety problems. Members asked questions about insurer participation, scope of practice, and whether the bill would meaningfully change reimbursement; the transcript ends before any final action or vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• On behalf of the Mountain Home Air Force Base Gunfighters, thank you for the opportunity to provide our
• Potential future opportunities to recapitalize the 229s with F-15EXs can maximize our range complex potential
• Complex, and Utah Test and Training Range dramatically expand the range capabilities and training opportunities
• other deficiencies in all four categories: advanced enrollment, Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity
• Luke's leadership to discuss similar opportunities.

Committee: House Transportation and Defense

Keywords: 989, all