Transcript Highlights:

• The agency is allowed to pursue a separate appraisal on its own to ensure that they feel like they're
• And then when the time comes that they receive a proposed settlement from the insurance agency, they
• Now, the agency and the Department of Administration have to be in agreement on that claim.
• We have some agencies that are ignoring the law, so this just adds a process.
• There are several agencies that it aligns with. There are several agencies that it aligns with.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Tom continued: “We've got a cabinet-level agency.
• I work for a state agency. Okay, yeah. I represent a state agency.
• So you're away from the conflicts with the other state cabinet agencies.
• .a cabinet-level energy agency or, you know, expanded authority within an existing agency?
• , federal agencies, PJM Interconnection, and its states and developers.

Summary: The meeting focused on finalizing recommendations from the Delaware Nuclear Energy Task Force, with most of the discussion centered on how the state should organize itself to evaluate and potentially pursue nuclear power. Public commenters strongly supported nuclear energy, emphasizing energy reliability, economic competitiveness, data center demand, and the need for Delaware to act quickly. Several speakers argued that Delaware is falling behind neighboring states and should not delay if it wants to attract developers and preserve access to federal tax incentives. Members then worked through revisions to the recommendations, especially the section on state actions moving forward. There was broad agreement that Delaware needs a clearly empowered leadership structure, but disagreement over the best form: a cabinet-level energy agency, an expanded existing agency such as DENREC, a dedicated coordinator, an expanded Sustainable Energy Utility, or a separate quasi-independent authority. Some members favored a nimble, one-off entity with bonding and financing authority; others cautioned against creating a new body outside state government and stressed the need for coordination with existing agencies, public oversight, and cost discipline. The group also discussed adding responsibilities such as site identification, public engagement, coordination with PJM and federal agencies, and financing tools, while removing or folding in items that seemed duplicative or too broad. The committee also revised earlier modules to broaden the focus from small modular reactors to nuclear power more generally, while keeping the task force’s original SMR work in view. Members agreed to keep recommendations on state and local regulatory readiness, financial mechanisms, permitting coordination, and public engagement, and to add a recommendation for Delaware to participate as an observer in the Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative through NASEO and NARUC. The committee approved the revised Module Four recommendations by vote, with one abstention from Tom Noyes. Minutes from the prior meeting were also approved with minor corrections.

Transcript Highlights:

• And one of the challenges that we run into is that we have a teacher at Central Cass High School, and
• So that can be challenging as well. at a real disadvantage. I'll just use the example.
• So that can be challenging as well. ...transcripts from. So that can be challenging as well.
• So do you see any more challenge?
• So that is also a continuing challenge, I shouldn't have said problem, but challenge is what I meant

Summary: The committee met to hear presentations on dual credit programs from North Dakota higher education leaders, a school superintendent, and teachers. Valley City State University described its dual credit model, emphasizing quality control through annual teacher training, syllabus and outcomes alignment, faculty qualification review, school visits, and pathways aimed at the College Studies Certificate. Members asked about teacher employment, course scheduling, revenue, scholarships, and whether a centralized model might improve efficiency; VCSU said most instructors are K-12 employees, online offerings are still small, and centralization could weaken local relationships and choice. Lake Region State College similarly stressed access and partnerships, noting about half of its headcount is still in high school, with both online and face-to-face dual credit options, district reimbursement arrangements, and support for rural schools. Lake Region also said dual credit helps students who might not otherwise see themselves as college-bound, but reduced tuition can still be a barrier for some families. Fargo Public Schools reported continued growth in dual credit, with 50 courses offered in partnership with several NDUS institutions and a 12.61% increase in participation. The superintendent highlighted a growing education pathway, including students completing Introduction to Education and field experience, and said the district is exploring a grow-your-own teacher pipeline. He also raised concerns about inconsistent institutional processes, teacher credentialing requirements, and transfer clarity, arguing for more aligned statewide systems. In response to questions, he said AP and dual credit can coexist, with AP often better for highly selective out-of-state colleges and dual credit better for students targeting North Dakota institutions, and he described some use of Arizona State online courses in earlier rural partnerships but said Fargo is focused on local institutions. Two teachers then testified on the classroom perspective. A West Fargo anatomy and physiology teacher said dual credit has expanded access, lowered costs, and prepared students well, but agreed that foundational science courses may be more effective when taken later in high school to reduce knowledge loss before college. A Drake-Anamoose English teacher, who has taught dual credit for more than 20 years, said the program has supported many students who went on to a wide range of careers and emphasized that small rural schools rely on dual credit to provide opportunities they otherwise could not offer. No formal votes or actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• . agencies. agencies.
• You know are challenges that come up.
• But I think the challenge we face as districts is we're limited in the resources.
• But I think the challenge we supports.
• So recognizing that the student population is the student population and the challenges are the challenges

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• years with the Department of Health, Louisiana Department of Health, the Environmental Protection Agency
• So it's a matter of getting in line and the state telling the feds, the Environmental Protection Agency
• It's from the Environmental Protection Agency. Thank you for that clarity.
• As the need grows, and LDH makes application to the Environmental Protection Agency, you can grow the
• So, you know, the part of the challenge is that you'd have to have a pretty good reason not to be able

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first considered H.C.R. 89 by Representative Charles Owen, which directs the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to study, with the Louisiana State Museum and the World War II Museum, the feasibility of a museum and trail dedicated to the Louisiana Maneuvers. Owen described the historical significance of the maneuvers and said the proposal would mainly involve markers and a modest museum. The committee moved the resolution favorably to the floor without objection. Members then debated H.R. 179 by Representative Marcel, which would create a study of neighborhood crime prevention and security districts and their effectiveness in reducing crime. Several members raised concerns about the number of study groups and the breadth of a statewide review, while others supported gathering data on crime trends, cameras, and district performance. Marcel said the study was intended to collect information, not mandate changes, and the resolution was moved favorably to the floor. The committee next took up S.B. 228 and S.B. 268 by Senator Duplessis, both related to replacing lead and copper water service lines. S.B. 228 was a constitutional amendment allowing public funds to be used on private property for replacement of lead-based and copper pipes, and S.B. 268 set out the process for municipalities or parishes to implement the program, including notice to homeowners and an inventory/testing process. Members questioned homeowner rights, the seven-day notice period, emergency entry language, contracting, and whether the work would fully address hazards inside homes; Rainwater said the program was narrowly tailored, federally funded through the EPA and LDH, and intended to replace lines from the main to the shutoff valve. Both measures were moved favorably as amended. Finally, the committee approved S.B. 283 by Senator Barrow, creating the Boulevard at Harding Area Special District in Baton Rouge to encourage development in a food desert near Southern University, and moved H.R. 225 by Representative Eccles, which urges study of parish-wide solid waste, debris removal, and disaster resilience services in Ouachita Parish. H.R. 223 by Representative Walters, urging Shreveport to partner on the Southern Soul City Initiative, was also moved favorably. The chair noted it was likely the committee’s last meeting of the session, and members and staff were thanked for their work.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's from the Environmental Protection Agency to the Safe Water Drinking Revolving Fund.
• It's from the Environmental Protection Agency to the Safe Water Drinking Revolving Fund.
• It's from the Environmental Protection Agency.” “Thank you for that clarity.
• As the need grows, and LDH makes application to the Environmental Protection Agency, you can grow the
• One minute's—so, you know, the part of the challenge is that you'd have to have a pretty good reason

Summary: The committee met on May 13 and first took up House Concurrent Resolution 89, which asks the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to study, with the Louisiana State Museum and the World War II Museum, the feasibility of a Louisiana Maneuvers museum and trail. Representative Owens described the historical significance of the Louisiana Maneuvers and said the proposal would help preserve and teach that history. The committee moved HCR 89 favorably to the floor without objection. The committee then heard House Resolution 179, which would create a study of neighborhood crime prevention and security districts and their effectiveness in reducing crime. Representative Marcel said the resolution was prompted by questions about crime data and district performance, while several members raised concerns about the number of study groups and the breadth of a statewide review. Other members supported the idea as a way to gather data on what works, including cameras and other security measures. The resolution was moved favorably to the floor. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 228, a constitutional amendment to allow public funds to be used to replace lead and copper drinking water service lines on private property, and Senate Bill 268, the companion implementing bill that sets out the notice and replacement process. Paul Rainwater explained that the program would use EPA and state revolving-fund money, with work focused on the line from the meter to the shutoff valve, and that the city would inventory affected homes, give notice, and then proceed with replacement. Members asked about homeowner rights, emergency entry, contractor accountability, and whether the program could expand beyond New Orleans; Rainwater said he would return with more detail on the objection/emergency process. Both SB 228, as amended, and SB 268 were reported favorably. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 283, which creates the Boulevard at Harding Area Special District in Baton Rouge to encourage development near Southern University, and two resolutions: House Resolution 225, urging agencies and local governments in Ouachita Parish to study solid waste, debris removal, and disaster resilience services, and House Resolution 223, urging Shreveport and partners to advance the Southern Soul City Initiative. All were moved favorably to the floor, and the meeting ended with members and the chair thanking staff and noting it was likely the committee’s last meeting of the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Over the weekend, I received a text from one of the news agencies saying, would I like to make a statement
• I understand where they're coming from and that it's been a challenging bill for me to look at, but I
• Instead, I'm here to talk about the cost of the death penalty to my agency, the Missouri State Public
• Right now, in my agency, we have 11 death penalty cases out of 91,442 cases.
• In my agency, we have 11 death penalty cases out of 91,442 cases that we've handled this past year.

Committee: House Corrections and Public Institutions

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and educational service districts to collaborate and coordinate with state, regional, and local agencies
• and educational service districts to collaborate and coordinate with state, regional, and local agencies
• identification and intervention, and crisis intervention, strategies for coordinating resources, agencies
• So this bill directs all these agencies coming together to create a framework, create a framework, and
• So this bill direct all these agencies coming together, create a framework, create a framework, and all

Bills: HB1796 , SGA9249 , SGA9269 , SGA9244

Committee: Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education

Keywords: school construction, contract indebtedness, school districts, bonding authority, education funding, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is a state-owned game farm managed by a state agency for the purposes of public engagement, for
• I don't believe they are currently a HEAL Act obligated agency, but whether or not they've considered
• So this is a state-owned game farm managed by a state agency for the purposes of public benefit.
• Game farm managed by a state agency for the purposes of public engagement, for public benefit.
• I don't believe they are currently a HEAL Act obligated agency, but whether or not they've considered

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee met on February 4, with public hearing and executive action on several bills. The main public hearing was on House Bill 2668, as proposed substitute, which would direct the Department of Fish and Wildlife to identify and pursue relocation of the Bob Oak Game Farm and to plan remediation of the current site. Testimony from the bill sponsor, Centralia city officials, Lewis County public health staff, a tribal member, and residents strongly supported relocation, citing nitrate contamination in a sole-source aquifer, risks to drinking water for Centralia and nearby households, and the need for long-term public health protection. The committee also heard that interim mitigation measures such as point-of-use filters and water/sewer extensions were underway, but witnesses said relocation was the only durable solution. The bill was added to the day’s executive session as an unusual late addition, then later passed out of committee on a voice vote with a due pass recommendation. During executive session, the committee also acted on House Bill 2598, creating a Salmon Advisory Commission; House Bill 2619, creating a legislative task force to reduce regulatory stress in agriculture; House Bill 2199, dealing with derelict vessels and disposal timelines; House Bill 2463, which revises agricultural donation and farm-to-food pantry programs; and House Bill 1735, which prohibits force-feeding birds and related foie gras sales. Amendments were considered on several bills, including a DNR amendment to the vessel bill and a narrowing amendment to the force-feeding bill, which failed. The committee approved House Bill 2598 by a 6-5 vote, and House Bill 2619, House Bill 2199, House Bill 2463, House Bill 1735, and House Bill 2668 all received due pass recommendations, with some on voice votes and others by recorded roll call. The chair noted that moving House Bill 2668 in executive session the same day as public hearing was highly unusual and done because of the bill’s urgency and bipartisan support.

Transcript Highlights:

• Under the new federal administration, research funding across multiple federal agencies has been cut
• The other thing I would say is, also, on what agency in their right mind... I'm in support.
• The other thing I would say is, also, on what agency in their right mind? Very good question.
• I'm not so sure an agency in their right mind should be keeping all that data.
• And unfortunately, agencies in their right mind have been keeping all that data, if I could speak so

Bills: HB2148 , HB2132

Committee: House Postsecondary Education & Workforce

Keywords: education, pay it forward program, tuition, student loans, financial aid, state financial aid, financial aid application, postsecondary education, higher education, student aid, Washington Student Achievement Council, public records exemption, privacy, student records, personally identifying information, financial information, data sharing agreement, enrollment assistance, institutional records, FERPA

Transcript Highlights:

• Under the new federal administration, research funding across multiple federal agencies has been cut
• The other thing I would say, it also on what agency in their right mind. I'm in support.
• The other thing I would say, it also on what agency in their right mind? Very good question.
• I'm not so sure an agency in their right mind should be keeping all that data.
• And unfortunately, agencies in their right mind have been keeping all that data, if I could speak so

Summary: The Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committee held a work session on higher education funding and then public hearings on House Bill 2148 and House Bill 2132. In the work session, OPR staff Kate Henry reviewed enrollment trends, tuition policy, financial aid programs, and funding sources for Washington’s public colleges and universities. Members asked about FTE versus headcount, tuition growth, the Washington College Grant, College Bound, and the Workforce Education Investment Account. Henry explained how state appropriations, tuition, and financial aid interact, and noted that higher education makes up a significant share of the state budget. No votes were taken during the work session. House Bill 2148 would create a “pay-it-forward” graduate student aid program administered by the Student Achievement Council, allowing students to receive tuition support and later make income-based contributions for up to 15 years to fund future students. Sponsor Rep. Reid said the bill is intended to offset the loss of federal graduate loan options and support workforce needs in fields like nursing, teaching, and research. Committee questions focused on repayment terms, possible caps, interest, and program capitalization. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with students and advocates arguing the bill would expand access to graduate education and avoid predatory private debt. House Bill 2132 would limit disclosure and retention of personally identifying and financial information from WASFA applications, generally requiring the Student Achievement Council and institutions to stop retaining that information after one year following the award year unless needed for an audit or appeal. Rep. Leavitt said the bill is meant to reduce unnecessary long-term retention of sensitive student data and improve privacy and security. Supporters, including student leaders and immigrant-advocacy groups, said the bill would protect vulnerable students and increase trust in the aid process. Some members raised concerns about whether shorter retention could affect future record needs, including immigration-related documentation, but the sponsor said students can keep their own records and that the bill preserves audit authority. The hearing ended without a vote, and the chair noted an upcoming busy schedule and cutoff deadlines.

Transcript Highlights:

• working closely with the Assistant Attorney General, leading rulemaking efforts, contributing to agency
• And whereas her career has been defined by staunch allyship and advocacy for both government agencies
• unjust in this chamber that 13 districts are represented by Democratic members whose bills have a challenging
• But now it’s better that we be inspired by the courage of those who have stepped forward to challenge
• people, I read this statement because I want them to know how this body tramples on their right to challenge

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Cleanup legislation is important because it helps the agency administer the law efficiently, and effectively
• Services are in a really challenging way this year.
• Of this memorial because CYFD's practices have made it challenging. Thank you.
• Over my tenure here at the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one of the challenges that
• This summit creates The collaborative planning process we need, bringing together state agencies, community

Committee: Senate Senate Health & Public Affairs

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, those things have all been challenged in the last month by this federal government.
• Um, those things have all<00:02:57.760><c> been</c><00:02:58.000><c> challenged.
• ><c> uh</c><00:02:58.959><c> in</c><00:02:59.120><c> the</c><00:02:59.280><c> last</c> all been challenged
• . uh in the last all been challenged. uh in the last month<00:02:59.760><c> by</c><00:03:00.000><c> this
• million bill in perspective, Pappas says the state received $6.5 billion in requests from state agencies

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This would be a brand new and limited role given the resource adequacy challenges that they are facing
• Resource adequacy is one of the state's most pressing challenges, and ports hope to be partners in solving
• We know that transmission and other technologies have a lot of challenges associated with that, and so
• verification of low income, one of the things that's worked really well because we rely on our CAP agency
• And as you all know, this region is facing a pretty significant resource adequacy challenge in the next

Bills: SB5982 , SB6008 , SB6050 , SB6056

Committee: Senate Environment, Energy & Technology

Keywords: consumer-owned utilities, clean energy, port districts, market customers, energy transformation, energy storage, residential battery, grid connection, renewable energy, incentives, distributed energy, renewable resources, energy policy, sustainable energy, state regulations, utility vehicles, emission standards, environment, regulation, exemptions

Transcript Highlights:

• We have that footprint, so we'll be in those meetings as well, and I'm sure we'll be at the agency level
• we work with the Primary Care Association, the hospital association, and other entities who are challenged
• So we're going to be helping sort some of those challenges out with some of these operators to try to
• more assertively with the department or with particular LEAs where you're hearing that there's a challenge
• Madam Chair, the report exhorts HCA to work with executive agencies and partner organizations, LFC and

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• After the unprecedented challenges during the pandemic, these beloved small businesses are now grappling
• with major challenges from inflation and other cost pressures.
• This vote will be one of the votes cited by this body, empowering and rewarding an out-of-control agency
• Now is not the time to be giving this out-of-control agency more power. I urge a no vote.
• Betty took that as a challenge and would go to accomplish both, becoming the first woman in her family

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then moved through a long Daily File with several major policy bills and multiple commemorative resolutions. The most debated measure was AB 379 on human trafficking and child exploitation. The bill was presented as a stronger, more comprehensive version that increases penalties for adults soliciting minors, adds a loitering offense tied to purchasing commercial sex, raises fines for businesses that facilitate trafficking, creates a Survivor Support Fund, and establishes grants for victim services and vertical prosecution. Several members spoke in support, while Assemblymember Sharp-Collins raised concerns that the loitering provision could be vague and disproportionately enforced against Black, Brown, and LGBTQIA+ people. The bill passed after debate, with the clerk reporting 72 noes and the measure still passing. The Assembly also passed AB 1415, which expands the Office of Health Care Affordability’s authority to review more health systems, private equity and hedge fund acquisitions, and managed service organizations in order to better track cost drivers and medical debt. Other policy bills approved included AB 711 on coordinating court reporters for motion hearings, AB 1142 on horse event entry fees, AB 309 on preserving access to sterile syringes for HIV and hepatitis prevention, AB 358 on allowing victims to consent to searches of hidden surveillance devices like AirTags and spy cameras, AB 592 on outdoor dining for restaurants, AB 1341 on clarifying contractor licensing violations, AB 752 on easing child care center siting, AB 1166 on extending debt-settlement rules to commercial financing, AB 806 on mobile home resident cooling rights, AB 972 on explicit sex discrimination protections in higher education, AB 416 on emergency room 5150 authority, AB 632 on expedited collection of penalties for serious local code violations, AB 672 on PERB notification and intervention rights, AB 876 on CRNA scope of practice, and AB 760 on temporary mobile home housing after disasters. Most of these measures passed with broad bipartisan support, though AB 672 drew sharp opposition from Assemblymember DeMaio over concerns about PERB and state bureaucracy. The chamber also adopted several resolutions recognizing May observances and public service groups. These included ACR 63 designating May as California Fairgrounds Appreciation Month, ACR 69 for California Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being Month, ACR 76 for California Small Business Month, ACR 77 for Drowning Awareness and Prevention Month, HR 36 for Lung Cancer Action Week, HR 39 for National Public Works Week, and HR 41 for National Hospital Week. Members used the resolutions to highlight local institutions, public health, and community services, and each was adopted after co-author rolls and voice votes. The session ended after the Assembly completed the day’s file and moved through a series of routine procedural motions and adjournment-related business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Teaching is very challenging, and so I'm really grateful for the support that they do offer.
• that we have to face when it comes to our workforce challenges?
• Why is it so challenging to have a pre-K charter school?
• So how do you get through that particular challenge as a former school leader here in Hawaii?
• </c> so how what are some of the challenges so how what are some of the challenges with<02:17:43.359>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Most recently, the Orange County Sheriff's Office investigated two different cases involving the challenge
• Most recently, the Orange County Sheriff's Office investigated two different cases involving the challenge
• with this being a misdemeanor crime. investigated two different cases involving the challenge with this
• order a person convicted of misusing the 911 system to pay restitution to a responding public safety agency
• I want to thank my sheriff, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood, and his agency for bringing this bill

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee heard a series of bills, beginning with HB 759, which would lower Florida’s minimum age to purchase or transfer firearms from 21 to 18. The bill drew strong opposition from gun-violence prevention groups, Parkland survivors and families, and several members who argued the current law was enacted after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting and should not be reversed. Supporters, including gun-rights advocates and some members, argued 18-year-olds are legal adults who serve in the military, vote, and should have full Second Amendment rights. After debate, the committee voted 13-5 to report HB 759 favorably. The committee then unanimously approved HB 431, extending Level 2 background screening requirements for youth athletic coaches through July 1, 2026, and HB 231, which keeps certain medical examiner information confidential, both with little opposition. It also approved HB 663, increasing penalties for unlawfully using tracking devices or apps in furtherance of dangerous crimes, after adopting a technical amendment, and HB 845, which clarifies the intake process for Veterans Treatment Court and removes Veterans Hall of Fame language from the bill. Each of those measures passed without recorded opposition. Members also approved PCS for HB 255, known as Dexter’s Law, which creates a sentencing multiplier for aggravated animal cruelty cases. The bill was presented as a response to a high-profile dog abuse case and was supported by animal welfare and law enforcement groups; members cited animal cruelty as a predictor of broader violence. The committee then approved HB 1021, allowing active law enforcement officers to carry concealed weapons at sporting events, after debate over identification, venue procedures, and whether the bill should extend more broadly; it passed 16-1. Finally, HB 653, adding aggravating factors for capital felonies involving the assassination or attempted assassination of a head of state, was reported favorably after brief discussion about federal penalties and deterrence. The transcript ends as the committee begins hearing HB 6025, a repeal bill related to emergency restrictions on firearms during local states of emergency, but the discussion is cut off before action is taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Baros, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency. Hello, Chair, Vice Chair, members of the committee.
• And for other instances, it's got to be someone else in the agency or the departments.
• or the Departments and then just agency or the Departments and then just so<00:12:41.959><c> for</c>
• There's a lot of challenges there. What is the physical size of this structure?
• They have engaged with Serene, I believe that's an agency that Mr.

Committee: House Public Safety

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee held its first hearing of the 2025 session and began with housekeeping on testimony deadlines, hybrid participation rules, time management, and expectations for civility. The chair said testimony posted at least 24 hours in advance would be available to members and the public at the same time, late testimony would still be processed, and decision-making would generally be deferred to later in the day so morning hearings could adjourn before the noon floor session. The first bill heard was HB 673 on emergency management. Hawaii Emergency Management Agency administrator James Barros testified in opposition, saying the bill could undermine the executive’s unity of command during emergencies and objecting to provisions allowing the legislature to terminate a state of emergency by a two-thirds vote. Members asked about the difference between an emergency order and a state of emergency, whether other states use legislative checks and balances, and whether long-running emergencies such as COVID-19 or homelessness should have clearer end conditions. Barros said the agency, along with the Attorney General’s office and the governor’s office, would review the language and that the issue is setting conditions for when an emergency ends. The committee then heard HB 596, also on emergency management, which would clarify types of events that count as dangers and emergencies. Barros opposed the bill, saying the current list covers known hazards but should remain open-ended for future threats; he cited COVID-19 as an example of an unforeseen event and said the bill could limit flexibility. Members asked whether the list could be expanded, and Barros said the agency would look at that possibility. Testimony included support from the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii and concerns from the Tax Foundation of Hawaii about the bill’s special fund provisions; the committee also corrected testimony that had been submitted for the wrong bill. The final measure discussed was HB 1060 on emergency preparedness and the Community Readiness Center Program. Barros explained the proposal as part of HEMA’s effort to build local readiness centers and community hubs, with an initial target of 10 communities through a federal grant and a longer-term concept of roughly 100 statewide. The Climate Advisory Team supported the bill’s intent but urged that centers be developed with strong community and nonprofit involvement through the HARRP program. The Department of Taxation offered comments on the special fund, and members raised questions about cost, size, use of existing school facilities, public messaging, and equity across communities. Barros said the centers would provide backup communications, power, water, and food for a community group, would not function as general shelters, and would be designed to help communities hunker down and recover after a disaster.