Transcript Highlights:

• I support your needs. I support the building industry, but I also support the home buyer.
• I'm in support of, I'm with Aces, and I support the legislation. Thank you.
• I’m here to support AB 1157. Thank you. I’m here to support AB 1157. Thank you.
• I'm in big support of AB 1157. Please support it.
• I support AB 1157. Thank you. Hello, Ramon Bonifacio, I support AB 1157.

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We will move on to witnesses in support.
• Any additional witnesses in support of AB 308?
• like to indicate support.
• Any additional witnesses in support of AB 1574? No.
• Do we have any witnesses to testify in support? Additional support?

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We will move on to witnesses in support.
• Any additional witnesses in support of AB 308?
• like to indicate support.
• Any additional witnesses in support of AB 1574? No.
• Anyone like to testify in support to AB 1813?

Summary: The Senate Committee on Appropriations met with a quorum present and heard a large suspense-file agenda, noting that most authors waived presentation and the Department of Finance had no comments on the bills. The committee reminded witnesses to focus on fiscal issues. AB 1999 by Assembly Member Kalra, presented by Senator Grayson, drew support from the California Veterinary Medical Association, the Veterinary Medical Board, and Social Compassion in Legislation; it was described as a measure to ease veterinary staffing shortages and improve access to care. The committee voted 6-0 to send AB 1999 to the Senate floor and placed it on call for additional members to add on. The remaining measures were largely taken up without presentation, testimony, or committee questions and were moved to the suspense file without objection. Bills sent to suspense included SB 1096 and numerous Assembly Bills such as AB 308, AB 441, AB 2640, AB 805, AB 1871, AB 2176, AB 2206, AB 2436, AB 907, AB 2002, AB 1048, AB 1049, AB 2251, AB 1116, AB 1836, AB 1149, AB 1552, AB 1153, AB 1969, AB 1996, AB 1301, AB 1359, AB 1961, AB 2756, AB 2765, AB 2769, AB 1382, AB 1567, AB 1574, AB 1576, AB 1598, AB 1602, AB 1983, AB 1628, AB 1630, AB 1980, AB 1645, AB 1662, AB 1694, AB 1703, AB 1715, AB 2720, AB 1721, AB 2060, AB 2440, AB 1734, AB 2081, AB 1741, AB 2592, AB 1743, AB 1755, AB 1759, AB 1932, AB 1763, AB 1916, AB 1789, AB 2241, AB 1813, AB 1906, AB 1981, AB 1907, AB 1925, AB 2122, AB 2038, AB 2157, AB 2270, AB 2339, AB 2524, AB 2633, AB 2660, and AB 2664. A few measures drew brief public testimony on fiscal impacts or policy-related cost concerns. AB 1116 prompted opposition testimony from the Secretary of State’s office, which said the bill would create significant cybersecurity and operational challenges and could cost up to $10 million in one-time implementation costs, plus ongoing expenses. AB 1382 received support from Social Compassion in Legislation, which argued it would help address shelter costs and pet overpopulation. AB 2081 was supported by a sponsor representative who said the Medi-Cal waiver proposal was cost-effective and that budget funding had been included for administrative costs. AB 1703 drew opposition testimony from a group of internationally trained practitioners who said the bill would unfairly target their work and shift costs to counties. The committee took no further action beyond moving the suspense-file candidates to suspense and adjourning after the agenda was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Who would like to testify in support of SB 1168?
• Are there who would like to testify in support to SB 1168?
• Anyone wishing to testify in support to SB 1062?
• Any additional witnesses for in support of SB 1147?
• Are there any additional witnesses in support of SB 1238?

Summary: The Senate Committee on Appropriations heard a very large suspense-file agenda and repeatedly moved measures to suspense without objection after authors waived presentation and no questions or opposition were raised. SB 994 was removed from the agenda because it had been approved as a late 28.8 and was sent directly to the Senate floor. The Department of Finance did not attend because it had no comments on the bills before the committee. Several bills drew limited testimony focused on fiscal impacts. On SB 1092 and SB 1093, Chris Weisak of WMA opposed the bills, citing potential litigation costs, reduced state and local tax revenue, higher HCD monitoring and review costs, and additional inspection or review burdens. SB 1041 drew opposition from the California Bankers Association and the California Association of County Treasurers and Tax Collectors over concerns about PACE liens, refinancing costs, and possible abusive liens affecting seniors. SB 1147 drew support from the California Agricultural Teachers Association, but opposition from NextGen Financial and Junior Achievement, who argued it would undermine the recently enacted statewide financial literacy course and could weaken equity and consistency in instruction. One measure, SB 1238 by Senator Wahab, was taken up as a due-pass item rather than suspense. The bill would add HOA-related disclosures and duties, clarify reserve spending limits, and improve transparency of inspection ratings. The California Association of Realtors supported it, and the committee approved SB 1238 on a 5-1 vote, with Senators Cervantes, Cabaldon, Grayson, Richardson, and Wahab voting aye and Seyarto voting no. A few other bills received brief support testimony, including SB 1153 on wildfire response planning for urban retail water suppliers, SB 1061 and SB 1062 with support from WMA, and SB 1302 and SB 1303 with support from professional associations, but most measures were simply held and sent to suspense.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><03:25:44.120><c> on</c> support hoha uh we stand in support on support hoha uh we stand in support
• Ulupono Initiative, in support. Hawaiian Electric, in support.
• all in support.
• We have Tyler and Cheda in support. support hello hot chair Vice chair support hello hot chair Vice chair
• have support from six support we also have support from six other<05:08:49.000><c> organizations</c>

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Who would like to testify in support of SB 1168?
• Any individuals wishing to testify in support of SB 1217?
• Anyone wishing to testify in support of SB 1062?
• Are there any additional witnesses in support of SB 1238?
• Witnesses in support of SB 1302. Witnesses in support of SB 1302.

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Party in support. Party in support.
• Rosalyn Mendoza in support. Marbel Tan in support. Um, Marian Kahashi in support.
• Mendoza in support. Marbel Tan in support. Um, Marian Kahashi in support.
• </c> in support. in support.
• Um, Shelby Pikachu billionaire in support. support. support.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 3025, relating to medical debt, with multiple organizations and individuals, including the Office of Wellness and Resilience, Healthcare Association of Hawaii, Queens Health Systems, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Aloha Care, Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction, Hawaii Data Collaborative, and Hawaii Appleseed, all speaking in support. No opposition was heard, and the member present had no questions. The committee then took up SB 3199, which would establish a mental health emerging therapies task force. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, with speakers including veterans, clinicians, researchers, and advocacy groups describing personal experiences with PTSD, depression, traumatic brain injury, and treatment-resistant conditions, and arguing that Hawaii should prepare for regulated access to emerging therapies such as MDMA, psilocybin, ketamine, and ibogaine. The Department of Health and some medical organizations provided comments, and one opposition witness was called but not present. The chair noted broad support, especially from veterans, and no vote was taken during the excerpt. The final measure discussed was SB 3324, relating to Medicaid. The Department of Human Services, Department of Health, Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, Aloha Care, and numerous care-provider and aging/disability organizations testified in support, while one witness was in opposition and several others offered comments. The discussion then moved to SB 2563, relating to homelessness, where the Department of the Attorney General offered comments on specific sections and recommended adopting suggested amendments if the bill proceeds. Additional testimony on SB 2563 began with support from several individuals, including Shelby Pikachu, who emphasized the severity of homelessness and related social problems in the community.

Transcript Highlights:

• Gracias, in support. My name is Juan. I'm a resident of Fresno County, and I'm a supporter of this.
• I'd like to register our support. Good morning.
• I'd like to register our support.
• I'm from Fresno, and I support this bill.
• I support AB 1923. Hello. I support AB 1923.

Summary: The Assembly Elections Committee held an informational hearing on AB 1923 by Assembly Member Soria, which would place the Fresno County Transportation Improvement Act on the November 2026 ballot as a successor to Measure C. Supporters said the measure is needed to preserve transportation funding for road repairs, transit, and matching dollars for state and federal grants, and argued that Fresno County voters should be allowed to decide after more than 32,000 petition signatures qualified the initiative. Testimony in support emphasized impacts on rural communities, students, seniors, farmworkers, caregivers, and access to medical care, with many local officials, residents, labor groups, and community organizations registering support. Opposition came from the Fresno County Board of Supervisors, which argued the bill would override local control and set a bad precedent by directing a local ballot placement contrary to the board’s action. The county also said the board did not delay intentionally, but acted at the next available meeting after signature verification, and argued that a required study was justified. California State Association of Counties registered concerns about local control but did not take a formal position. Committee discussion reflected those concerns, with one member warning about state overreach and the author responding that the board’s role is ministerial and that the bill is intended to prevent delay from pushing the measure to 2028. No vote was taken because the hearing was informational only. The chair noted the committee was hearing testimony and issues surrounding the bill, and the author closed by urging support when the measure reaches the Assembly floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• Brookkins both in support. And we have Brookkins both in support.
• Okay, United Public Workers<00:14:01.600><c> in</c> Workers in Workers in support. support. support.
• In support. Christian Pereira. Okay. In support.
• In support. Lee John OPA. Okay. In support.
• All in support. Any others Kimura. Okay. All in support.

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Labor and Technology Committee met on April 4, 2025, to consider four governor’s messages involving nominations to the Hawaii Retirement Savings Board and the Hawaii Workforce Development Council. Barbara Creek, nominated to the Retirement Savings Board for a term ending June 30, 2029, testified that she had already served two years on the board, had prior experience with deferred compensation plans, and wanted to help operationalize the program quickly and efficiently. In response to a question about Senate Bill 855, she explained that an opt-out auto-enrollment model is the gold standard for retirement savings programs, would increase participation and contributions, and would help Hawaii avoid being an outlier and improve the chances of joining a multi-state compact for a cost-effective program. Amber Aana, nominated to the Workforce Development Council for a term ending June 30, 2029, emphasized her maritime-industry background and commitment to diversity, inclusion, and training opportunities for women and underrepresented groups. Scott Collins, nominated to the same council for a term ending June 30, 2028, said he had served on the board since 2022 and could contribute public-sector and union experience to help address government workforce challenges. Pane Mayonga II, also nominated to the Workforce Development Council for a term ending June 30, 2029, was absent due to union travel, but the committee heard extensive testimony in support from labor, industry, and community representatives. Support testimony was recorded for all four nominees, including from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, United Public Workers, Hawaii State AFL-CIO, Hawaii Nurses Association, Hawaii Ports Maritime Council, and other organizations and individuals. For Pane Mayonga II, the committee noted support from a broad coalition including labor unions, maritime and construction groups, and community advocates. No opposition testimony was presented, and members did not raise substantive questions on the Workforce Development Council nominees. After a brief recess, the committee reconvened for decision-making and voted to recommend advice and consent on all four governor’s messages: GM 727 for Barbara Creek, GM 744 for Amber Aana, GM 717 for Scott Collins, and GM 728 for Pane Mayonga II. Each recommendation was adopted unanimously, and the committee congratulated the nominees before adjourning with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Gracias, in support. My name is Juan. I'm a resident of Fresno County, and I'm a supporter of this.
• I'd like to register our support. Good morning.
• I'd like to register our support.
• I'm from SEIU, and I support AB 1923.
• I support 1923. Hello. I support 1923.

Committee: House Elections

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think I don't hear anybody not supporting it.
• We will now move to witnesses in support.
• I respectfully request the support of Senate Bill 962.
• Any individuals wish to testify in support to SB 1186?
• Anyone wishing to testify in support to SB 1358?

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Summary: The Senate Committee on Appropriations heard a large suspense-file agenda and established a quorum at the start. SB 1167 was announced as not being heard and will be rescheduled. The Department of Finance did not attend because it had no comments on the bills before the committee. Most measures on the agenda were taken up briefly with public testimony, then moved to suspense without objection. Two bills received fuller presentations. SB 872 by Senator McNerney would create a fund to support repairs to Delta levees and State Water Project canals, with testimony from Restore the Delta, State Water Contractors, and numerous water agencies and coalitions emphasizing flood protection, water reliability for 27 million Californians, protection of state assets, and long-term infrastructure costs. Committee members noted the importance of the investment and the likelihood it would be considered in the final suspense decision; SB 872 was moved to suspense. SB 962 by Senator Archuleta would authorize CDCR to use blue emergency lights on parole vehicles, with supporters from the California Correctional Peace Officers Association citing the line-of-duty death of a parole agent and the need for a low-cost, discretionary safety tool. The bill was also moved to suspense. SB 950, dealing with coverage for FDA-approved medically necessary treatments for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, was discussed as having a minimal near-term fiscal impact, though members noted costs could rise if new treatments emerge. The committee asked the author to consider a sunset amendment, but the bill received a do pass motion and was approved on a 7-0 vote, then placed on call for additional members. The remaining bills taken up, including SB 870, SB 1120, SB 888, SB 904, SB 986, SB 1029, SB 1186, SB 895, SB 1004, SB 1123, SB 909, SB 945, SB 1037, SB 953, SB 1001, SB 1188, SB 1407, SB 967, SB 1135, SB 1136, SB 988, SB 1069, SB 1000, SB 1024, SB 1179, SB 1025, SB 1040, SB 1081, SB 1091, SB 1131, SB 1138, SB 1146, SB 1279, SB 1158, SB 1401, SB 1162, SB 1293, SB 1334, SB 1382, SB 1397, SB 1178, SB 1414, SB 1214, SB 1218, SB 1257, SB 1265, SB 1286, SB 1322, SB 1337, SB 1340, SB 1276, SB 1358, and SB 1412, were moved to the suspense file without objection, with a few witnesses registering support or opposition on selected measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think I don't hear anybody not supporting it.
• We will now move to witnesses in support.
• I respectfully request the support of Senate Bill 962.
• Any individuals wishing to testify in support of SB 945?
• Anyone wishing to testify in support to SB 1358?

Summary: The Senate Committee on Appropriations heard a large suspense-file agenda and established a quorum at the start of the meeting. SB 1167 was announced as not being heard and rescheduled for the following week. The Department of Finance did not attend because it had no comments on the bills before the committee. Most measures were taken up with waived presentations, brief public testimony, and then moved to suspense without objection. Several bills received author presentations and discussion. SB 872 by Senator McNerney proposed a long-term funding mechanism for Delta levee and State Water Project canal repairs, with strong support from water agencies, environmental groups, and regional coalitions emphasizing flood risk, water reliability, and protection of state assets; the bill was moved to suspense. SB 962 by Senator Archuleta would authorize, but not require, blue emergency lights on parole vehicles; supporters from the parole officers’ union cited officer safety and the death of parole agent Joshua Bird, and it too was moved to suspense. SB 950 by Senator Richardson would require coverage of FDA-approved medically necessary treatments for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease; the committee noted the estimated premium impact was minimal and voted 7-0 for due pass to the Senate floor, while asking the author to consider a sunset amendment. The committee also heard testimony on SB 1123, where the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the California Manufacturers and Technology Association opposed the measure on policy grounds, but it was still sent to suspense. SB 1069 and SB 1138 drew support from the California Manufacturers and Technology Association and Silicon Valley Clean Energy, respectively. The remaining suspense-file bills on the agenda were largely taken up in sequence with no opposition or committee questions and were moved to suspense without objection, and the meeting adjourned after the agenda was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm in support.
• We're in support of the bill. We're in support of the bill.
• Friends have a long history of supporting reparative justice, and we support this bill. Thank you.
• I'm sorry, in support? Are there any members of the public wishing to offer their support?
• Yes, can I voice support as well?

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several tax-related bills, beginning with AB 760, which would exempt settlement payments tied to the Garden Grove chemical incident from California income tax. The author and a school district trustee described evacuations, school closures, and losses to residents, businesses, students, and staff, arguing the payments should make victims whole rather than be taxed. There was support from the Orange County Board of Supervisors, no opposition, and the bill passed 3-0 to Appropriations, with committee amendments accepted. Members then heard AB 2319, creating a California post-production tax credit for film and television work done in-state, even when principal photography occurred elsewhere or the project did not receive the existing film credit. The author and supporters from the Motion Picture Editors Guild, California Post Alliance, and others said post-production jobs and facilities are leaving California and that the bill would help retain high-wage work; opponents were not present. The committee members generally supported the measure, and it passed 3-0 to Appropriations. AB 2186 followed, excluding future reparations benefits for descendants of formerly enslaved people from state income tax. The author and NAACP California-Hawaii State Conference said taxing such benefits would undermine reparative justice; there was no opposition, and the bill passed 3-0. The committee also heard AB 762, which would ban the sale of disposable nicotine vapes and add enforcement tools. Supporters, including waste, recycling, local government, and public health groups, said disposable vapes create fire hazards, waste problems, and costs for local agencies; opponents argued the bill would mainly eliminate the legal market while leaving illicit products untouched and urged stronger enforcement instead. The author accepted committee amendments adding CDTFA enforcement, but the bill was not voted on because a motion was pending and members were absent. Later, AB 1519, AB 2172, AB 2222, AB 1793, AB 2089, and AB 1265 were heard and each received support from committee members and passed 2-0 or 3-0 to Appropriations, with amendments accepted where noted. AB 1519 clarified that the 20-year tax collection statute of limitations should not be reset by later fees or penalties; AB 2172 would let large counties use a single assessment appeals commissioner for complex property tax appeals; AB 2222 would create a temporary tax credit for local news organizations to retain and hire journalists; AB 1793 would authorize symmetrical cash rounding to the nearest nickel after the federal penny phaseout; AB 2089 would streamline the welfare exemption filing process for affordable housing; and AB 1265 would extend and revise the historic building tax credit to encourage adaptive reuse for housing and mixed-use projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• Greg Spooner from Sacramento, in support. Evetti Carlo, Sacramento, in support.
• I strongly support SB 868. Thank you. witnesses in support.
• I strongly support SB 868. Thank you. I strongly support SB 868.
• Diversity, in support.
• Brian Glenn from Petaluma, in support. Ryan Glenn from Petaluma, in support.

Committee: House Utilities and Energy

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Waving in support. Thank you. Waving in support.
• Waving in support.
• Waving in support, thank you. Thank you. Waving in support, thank you.
• Waving in support. What was the first name? Keitha. Waving in support.
• Waving in support.

Committee: House Commerce Committee

Summary: The Commerce Committee met with a quorum and heard three bills. First, CS/HB 515 on the Uniform Commercial Code was presented as a Florida Bar-backed update creating a new chapter to address digital assets and ledger technologies, including rules for perfection of security interests and lien priorities involving items such as Bitcoin. The bill drew support from the Florida Bar’s business law section and the Florida Bankers Association, had no amendments or opposition, and was reported favorably after a unanimous roll call. The committee then heard HB 1427 on rural communities, a broad package creating an Office of Rural Prosperity, a rural resource directory, a Renaissance grant program, a rural arterial road monetization program, housing and school support measures, and new health care grant programs for telehealth, staffing, training, and mobile units. Sponsors and many local officials, economic development groups, chambers, utilities, and other organizations testified in strong support, emphasizing infrastructure, workforce, housing, and health care needs in rural Florida. Members from both parties praised the bill’s focus on rural counties, and it was reported favorably. Finally, HB 299 on elevator accessibility requirements would allow an additional shorter interior support well in elevators while keeping the existing 42-inch support well requirement, with the goal of improving accessibility and flexibility for building owners. The National Elevator Industry supported the measure, there was no opposition or amendment, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• You support it? You want us to support it? Yes, support it. Thank you, sir. Okay. Thank you. Sorry.
• Support it. You want us to support? Yes, support it. Thank you, sir. Morning. Chair members.
• You want us to support it or not support it? Support it. It's recycled.
• We strongly support this proposal. We do support it for in-state production.
• We strongly support the Governor's EV incentive program, hope it will support leases, hope it will support

Summary: The subcommittee heard testimony on the governor’s proposed sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax credit, which would provide a $1 to $2 per gallon credit against the diesel excise tax for SAF sold for use in California from 2026 to 2036. The Department of Finance and CARB argued the credit would help decarbonize aviation, support refinery transitions, and keep fuel production and jobs in California. The Legislative Analyst’s Office recommended rejecting the proposal, saying it is a relatively expensive way to reduce greenhouse gases, could have uncertain or limited climate benefits, and would reduce diesel excise tax revenue that supports highways, local streets and roads, and other transportation programs. A major point of debate was whether the credit would simply shift limited feedstocks from renewable diesel to SAF rather than create new low-carbon fuel supply. Professor Aaron Smith and the LAO said that because feedstocks such as used cooking oil, tallow, and vegetable oils are limited and already used in other fuel markets, the policy could increase SAF at the expense of renewable diesel, with possible increases in fuel prices and little net emissions benefit. Administration and CARB staff disputed that outcome, saying additional waste-based feedstocks are available and that the policy would not meaningfully raise gasoline or diesel prices. Senators focused on feedstock availability, impacts on road funding, fairness to consumers, and whether the proposal was really aimed at preserving specific refineries such as Phillips 66. Public comment was sharply divided. Labor representatives, refinery workers, airlines, Boeing, airports, and some local residents supported the proposal, emphasizing jobs, refinery investment, and aviation’s need for a liquid-fuel decarbonization pathway. Environmental and transportation groups, including the Center for Biological Diversity, World Resources Institute, Earthjustice, California Environmental Voters, counties, cities, and trucking and asphalt associations, opposed it, citing weak net climate benefits, possible fuel-price impacts, and losses to transportation funding. No vote was taken; the chair announced all items would be held open for a future hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any folks in the room wish to express support? Any folks in the room wish to express support?
• And witnesses in support? Okay, anyone in the room wish to express support?
• Do we have any primary witnesses in support? Any additional me-toes in support?
• We strongly support it.
• few bills: support AB 342, support AB 828, oppose AB 325, AB 1018, AB 1221, and AB 1331.

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on May 14, 2025, for a regular order hearing with a large consent calendar and many individual bill presentations. The committee first approved numerous bills on consent, then heard a series of measures spanning reproductive health, child care eligibility, transportation, mental health diversion, county recorder fees, groundwater management, election deadlines, parking enforcement, consumer protections, housing, immigrant and student protections, and utility/CPUC oversight. Several bills were taken up only for presentation because they were on suspense, including ACA 4 on long-term housing funding, and the committee later approved a very large suspense calendar as a whole. Among the bills discussed, AB 260 would protect medication abortion access and providers; AB 904 would clarify child care subsidy eligibility during family leave or job search; AB 1014 would give Caltrans more flexibility on speed limits in rural highway segments; AB 46 would clarify judicial discretion in mental health diversion; AB 1413 and AB 929 addressed groundwater adjudication and SGMA-related protections for small community water systems and wetlands; AB 930 would count vote-by-mail ballots postmarked by Election Day and received within seven days; AB 1022 would end towing solely for unpaid parking tickets; AB 290 and AB 302 dealt with automatic payments for the California Fair Plan and medical data protections; AB 1303 would remove the need for a Social Security number for California Lifeline eligibility; and several housing bills, including AB 920, AB 956, AB 1470, AB 893, and AB 1021, sought to streamline approvals or expand housing options. AB 1318 and AB 49 focused on immigrant-serving nonprofits and keeping immigration enforcement out of schools, while AB 1532 extended telecommunications and transportation access programs and added CPUC accountability measures. Testimony was generally supportive for the bills heard, with authors and sponsors emphasizing low or absorbable fiscal impacts, consumer protection, housing production, public safety, and protections for vulnerable communities. Opposition appeared on a few measures, including concerns about ADUs, towing authority, charter school-related issues, and the scale of proposed housing funding in ACA 4. Several members also commented in support of the housing and immigrant-protection measures, and some bills were voted out with recorded no votes or not-voting members noted. After the suspense calendar was deemed approved, the committee opened public comment on bills not presented that day, heard a long list of supporters and opponents on various measures, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm with Housing and Support of Human Rights, and I'm supportive of AB 1157.
• Sorry, in support.
• They've had staff support. They've had family support.
• I do support that.
• Have any witnesses in support? Anyone here in support?

Summary: The committee first heard AB 1157, the Affordable Rent Act, which would lower California’s annual rent cap, remove the single-family home exemption, and eliminate the sunset on existing tenant protections. The author and supporters argued that renters are facing severe affordability pressures, especially in single-family rentals, and that stronger statewide rent stabilization is needed to prevent displacement and homelessness. Opponents, including apartment, building, and property-owner groups, said the bill would discourage housing production, harm small landlords, and override a deal they said was intended to be temporary while the state focused on building more housing. Public testimony on AB 1157 was extensive, with many renters, tenant advocates, labor groups, and community organizations speaking in support, while many landlords, business groups, and property-owner representatives spoke in opposition. Committee members were split: some praised the bill as a necessary response to the rent crisis, while others warned it could reduce investment and worsen the housing shortage. The committee ultimately voted 7-5 to pass AB 1157 to the Assembly Judiciary Committee. The committee then approved the consent calendar, including AB 413, AB 1152, and AB 1275, on a 9-0 vote. It also heard ACA 3, which would require the University of California to make available a limited number of down payment loans for eligible long-term support staff who are first-time homebuyers. Supporters said the measure would help lower-wage UC workers afford homeownership and improve retention, while UC and other opponents argued the proposal was duplicative of existing state programs, unnecessary, and potentially harmful to UC finances. The discussion focused on financing mechanics and the relationship to CalHFA, but no final vote on ACA 3 was included in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> you we have seven testifiers in support you we have seven testifiers in support zero<00:17:08.679
• support.
• Enterprise George Joseph and support Enterprise George Joseph and support George<00:21:30.240><c> yes
• </c><00:21:38.400><c> zero</c><00:21:38.760><c> in</c> in support zero in in support zero in opposition
• I strongly support this measure.

Committee: House Economic Development & Technology

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Economic Development and Technology met on February 5, 2025, and heard testimony on several bills related to economic development, broadband, tax policy, and family support. HB 455 drew support for a startup-business loan program, with DBEDT, the Hawaii Food Industry Association, the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, and Hmua Collective among those in favor; Tax Foundation Hawaii questioned the need for a special fund. HB 437, concerning Hawaii trade/investment offices, received support from DBEDT and Hawaii Friends for Civil Rights, and members asked DBEDT about how to measure return on investment from the overseas offices. HB 650, dealing with broadband-related administration, was supported by DBEDT, the Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Food Industry Association, and others, while committee discussion focused on the role of the state’s trade and investment offices and broadband administration. HB 935, on digital navigator support, received testimony in favor from DBEDT, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the University of Hawaii system, and others, but also drew comments about consumer representation and the need for service on neighbor islands. The committee also heard strong testimony on tax and family-related measures. HB 572, which would remove the grocery tax, received overwhelming support from groups including the Hawaii Food Industry Association, AARP Hawaii, and others, with testimony emphasizing food insecurity and cost-of-living relief; Tax Foundation Hawaii offered technical comments. HB 701, a caregiver tax credit bill, was supported by AARP Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and others, with AARP stressing the burden on family caregivers and Tax Foundation Hawaii suggesting the credit percentage be reduced to preserve price-shopping incentives. HB 753, another child and dependent care tax credit measure, drew support from AARP Hawaii, Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and others; Tax Foundation Hawaii again raised technical concerns, this time about the complexity of the formula. After testimony, the committee took up decision-making. HB 455 was passed with amendments, including transferring administrative responsibility from the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to the Community-Based Economic Development Program, blanking out the appropriation, adding one business loan officer FTE, and noting a $95,000 cost. HB 437, HB 650, HB 934, HB 442, and HB 572 were all advanced with amendments, generally involving blanking out appropriations, moving amounts into committee notes, technical cleanup, and setting effective dates to July 1, 3000. HB 935 was deferred because of overlap with public library programs and uncertainty about federal funding for digital navigator positions. The chair also indicated HB 7 would be amended to add a nonrefundable family caregiver tax credit and related technical changes, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> support. Janelle Fiesta in support. support. Janelle Fiesta in support.
• . support. support.
• </c> support, but it says here in support. support, but it says here in support.
• And that's um in support. support. support.
• &gt;&gt; Support. &gt;&gt; Support. &gt;&gt; Support. &gt;&gt; Support. &gt;&gt; Support.

Bills: SB3263 , SB3261

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: student-athletes, name image likeness, NIL, compensation, transparency, University of Hawaii, Title IX, funding, protections, athlete agents, student athletes, endorsement contracts, professional representation, registration requirements, sports law, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate Committee on Education and Committee on Health and Human Services heard testimony on several bills related to student health and safety, University of Hawaii programs, and workforce development. For SB 2969, which would appropriate funds for the University of Hawaii to expand and sustain the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study and Maui Health Registry, testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. Witnesses described the ongoing physical and mental health impacts of the August 2023 Maui fires, said the study has identified serious untreated conditions and connected participants to care, and emphasized its role in serving survivors and training students. The committee also heard support from the Department of Health, the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Lung Association, Maui residents, and study staff. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee then heard SB 2657, which would establish an Alzheimer disease and related dementia research center at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine. University of Hawaii and Alzheimer’s Association representatives supported the bill, saying a local center would improve coordination of existing research, build state capacity, and help Hawaii compete for future NIH designation and federal funding. A family member affected by Alzheimer’s also testified in support, citing the disease’s impact in Hawaii. In response to questions, the university said the proposal would follow a five-year phased plan, with the first year funding used to recruit a senior neuroscientist and staff person, at an estimated cost of about $375,000, and that the effort would still strengthen Hawaii’s research infrastructure even if federal funding is not secured. For SB 2612, which clarifies immunity for Department of Education employees and agents who assist students with medication administration under certain conditions, the Department of Education said the bill is intended to protect volunteers and help ensure students can participate in school activities even when staffing is limited. The committee discussed how volunteers would be selected and whether every school would have someone available, and DOE said schools currently rely on health attendants, nurses, and trained volunteers. The committee also briefly discussed liability language and gross negligence exceptions. The hearing then moved to SB 2412, which would fund a bachelor’s degree program in sign language and sign language interpretation at UH Mānoa with a future master’s pathway. Testimony from interpreters, educators, and university officials emphasized the shortage of interpreters, the need to retain local talent, and the program’s role in building a pipeline; university representatives said the initial request would fund a faculty/staff position as a first step, with additional funding needed later. No final committee action or votes were announced in the transcript.