Transcript Highlights:

• <00:56:30.799><c> expire</c><00:56:31.280><c> on</c> food federal food funds expire on food federal food
• , as we call ourselves, the food bank, with Maui Food Bank and the food basket on Hawaii Island.
• </c> Statewide, the food bank, Hawaii Food Bank, provided enough food for 29.1 million meals.
• So we will then pass it through also to Maui Food Bank and the Food Basket.
• So we will then pass it through also to Maui Food Bank and the Food Basket.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services held an informational briefing on the federal shutdown’s impact on state benefits, with the main focus on SNAP. DHS Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division Administrator Scott Morish explained that SNAP serves about 86,229 households statewide, or 168,947 individuals, and averages roughly $58–60 million in monthly federal benefits. He said USDA directed states to suspend November SNAP benefits effective November 1 if the shutdown continues, while existing October balances on EBT cards remain usable and cash benefits such as TANF, General Assistance, and AABD are not affected. DHS said it has continued processing applications, recertifications, interviews, and required reporting, and has posted public guidance on its website. Morish also reviewed other SNAP-related changes taking effect November 1 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including expanded able-bodied adult work requirements and tighter non-citizen eligibility rules. He said the work requirements now extend from ages 18–54 to 18–64 and apply to additional groups previously exempt, while only lawful permanent residents, COFA residents, and Cuban or Haitian entrants will remain eligible among non-citizens. He also noted Hawaii’s ongoing SNAP benefit reduction tied to a federal calculation error in the thrifty food plan, which has lowered benefits by about $8 per person per month for the past three years. On the state response, DHS said it is working with the Hawaii Food Bank and seeking $2 million in state funding to support it, and is also developing a Hawaii Relief Program using TANF reserve funds. The program is intended as a short-term housing and utility assistance program for families with dependent children under 300% of the federal poverty level, with up to four months of assistance. Senators questioned why rainy day funds were not being used and whether the state could directly fund EBT cards; DHS responded that the TANF approach was the fastest available option, that EBT delivery involves significant technical and administrative mechanics, and that the department is still in discussions with the vendor and other stakeholders about additional options.

Transcript Highlights:

• in our schools, putting food in our child care centers, putting food in our food banks?
• And again, we're all for safe food.
• I know fresh food is a big deal to all of you on this committee—getting fresh food into our stores if
• I am here in support of this bill.
• I am here in support of this bill.

Summary: The Consumer Protection & Business Committee held public hearings on two bills. House Bill 2616, described as an agriculturally resilient markets act, would create a broad package of agriculture-related policies and appropriations, including a strategy to expand state purchasing of Washington-grown food, temporary packaging and emissions exemptions for certain agricultural uses, changes to labor notice rules for agricultural and dairy layoffs, several grant and study programs, a transfer of cannabis production/processing/testing oversight to the Department of Agriculture, and an appropriation for the tree fruit leadership program. Representative Christine Reeves said the bill was intended as a state-level “farm bill” to address farm losses, food security, and regulatory burdens, and she emphasized stakeholder input and the need to support family farms and farmworker well-being. Testimony on HB 2616 was overwhelmingly supportive, with growers, commodity groups, dairy and potato representatives, and other agricultural stakeholders arguing that Washington farms face low margins, high regulatory and labor costs, refrigeration and processing challenges, and competition from foreign producers. Several speakers said the bill’s exemptions, grants, and studies would help keep farms viable and preserve local food production. Committee members asked about stakeholder outreach, the role of Washington State University and commodity commissions, the impact of federal versus state policy, and possible ways to reduce compliance burdens. The hearing ended without a vote, and the chair noted the bill was after cutoff and would not move this year, but that stakeholder meetings would continue over the summer. The committee then heard House Bill 2721, which would create a registration system for commercial interior designers, expand and rename the Board of Architects, set education, examination, and experience requirements, define the scope of practice, require seals and technical submission attestations, and establish penalties and a fee account. Supporters from interior design organizations said the bill would recognize a profession already performing code- and safety-related work in commercial spaces, align Washington with other states and national model law standards, and remove barriers to ownership and advancement, especially for women. Testifiers also said the bill would clarify responsibility for life safety, accessibility, and non-structural interior construction in schools, health care, and public buildings. The committee heard only supportive testimony, but members raised questions about how the profession compares with architecture, the impact of delaying the bill until 2027, and demographic diversity in the field. The chair closed the hearing noting the bill would not advance this session and that further interim work would be needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• , in support.
• I appreciate the support.
• I appreciate the support.
• Defining ultra-processed foods. Make no mistake. We care deeply about food safety and quality.
• Strong support. Thank you.

Summary: The committee heard a series of environmental safety and toxic materials measures, with several bills moving forward on unanimous or near-unanimous votes to Appropriations. Early in the meeting, the consent calendar was approved, including AB 372, AB 455, AB 1096, AB 1102, and AB 754. AB 362 by Assembly Member Ramos, which would recognize tribal beneficial uses of water and strengthen consultation and protection for tribal water uses, drew strong support from tribes and environmental groups. Water agencies and local government representatives opposed unless amended, raising concerns about CEQA requirements, co-management language, and conflicts with existing water law. The bill advanced to Appropriations, with some members voting aye and others not voting or absent. AB 728 by Assembly Member Lee would require age verification for the sale of certain anti-aging skin care products to minors. The author and a youth witness described social media-driven use of adult skin products by children and alleged skin damage, while supporters argued age checks are a reasonable consumer protection. Dermatologists and retailers opposed the bill, saying it could restrict legitimate acne and other medical uses of over-the-counter products, create compliance problems, and lacked a clear scientific basis. The committee discussed possible ambiguity in the bill’s definition of anti-aging products, but the measure still passed to Appropriations. AB 532 on low-income water rate assistance, AB 773 on copper-based anti-fouling paint, AB 998 on household hazardous waste disposal of vape pens, AB 1031 on geothermal hazardous waste fees, and AB 864 on solar panel hazardous waste and recycling all received strong support and advanced to Appropriations. Supporters for AB 532 emphasized water affordability and local program authority; AB 773 supporters said conflicting state water and pesticide rules are creating confusion for harbors and cities; AB 998 was presented as a practical way to let schools and local facilities dispose of confiscated vape devices safely; AB 1031 was framed as reducing DTSC fee burdens on geothermal development in Imperial County; and AB 864 would ease recycling and reuse of end-of-life solar panels. The committee also began hearing AB 1264 on ultra-processed foods in school meals, with the author and supporters arguing it would phase out the most harmful ultra-processed foods from school meals by 2032, but the transcript cuts off before the full discussion and any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 1915 will support California's neighborhood restaurants by modernizing California's food facility
• Many non-ultra-processed food labels are already starting to flood the market, including labels supported
• Many non-ultra-processed food labels are already starting to flood the market, including labels supported
• Core message: children deserve access to real nutritious food that supports physical, emotional, and
• Core message, children deserve access to real nutritious food that supports physical and emotional cognitive

Committee: House Health

Transcript Highlights:

• food.
• food insecure.
• looks like is agreements between food generators, edible food generators, food runners, food banks, and
• like is agreements between food generators, edible food generators, and food runners, food banks, and
• other organizations. jurisdictions had food runners, food banks, and other organizations.

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy heard budget overviews and several budget change proposals from CalRecycle, CalEPA, and DTSC. CalRecycle outlined its proposed 2026-27 budget of 987 positions and $1.9 billion, and members focused on edible food recovery funding under SB 1383, beverage container recycling fees and infrastructure under SB 1013, plastic packaging reduction under SB 54, and composting implementation under SB 279. CalRecycle said edible food recovery has recovered more than 300 million meals but lacks ongoing funding, explained that beverage container processing fees are set by statute and reflect higher recycling costs for difficult-to-recycle materials, and noted that SB 54 implementation will include a pollution prevention mitigation fund for legacy plastic cleanup. The committee also discussed the need for more composting capacity and the role of volunteer cleanup groups, while public commenters urged continued funding for food recovery, composting, and landfill response. CalEPA presented its department overview and a proposal to strengthen landfill response and enforcement, emphasizing climate, air quality, water, and cleanup priorities. Secretary Garcia described the agency’s work on methane monitoring, toxics reduction, drinking water compliance, Exide cleanup, pesticide alternatives, and implementation of AB 617, while also noting the agency’s response to federal rollbacks. Members pressed CalEPA on landfill fires and subsurface elevated temperature events, especially at Chiquita Canyon, asking about authority, scientific resources, and when intervention should occur. CalEPA said it has authority to respond but needs more coordinated technical and enforcement capacity, and later presented a $5.1 million, 12-position multi-agency proposal involving CalEPA, CalRecycle, DTSC, and the Water Board to address current landfill events and improve future prevention and response. DTSC and the Board of Environmental Safety presented several proposals tied to reform implementation, hazardous waste oversight, and emerging waste streams. DTSC reported progress in clearing its permit backlog, advancing safer consumer products regulations, and continuing Exide cleanup, while seeking additional resources for cost recovery and enforcement, PFAS work, recycling infrastructure for solar panels and lithium batteries, and a new statewide planning division to implement the hazardous waste management plan and consolidate reporting systems. The Board of Environmental Safety described its oversight role, public meetings, permit appeals process, and fee-setting authority, and said its priorities include permit appeals, hazardous waste plan oversight, and performance metrics. Members questioned whether DTSC was creating too many new subdivisions, but the department said the new structure is needed to handle growing workload and modernize regulation. Public testimony generally supported the landfill proposal, DTSC consumer product enforcement, water board staffing, and continued funding for food recovery and composting programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Living in food deserts. That means that they have little or no access to real food.
• So we run a food pantry.
• We ordered the majority of our food through the Regional Food Bank’s ordering system.
• We need to support them.
• We need to support them.

Committee: House A&B Finance Subcommittee

Summary: The committee heard an interim study on expanding or simplifying sales tax exemptions for Oklahoma nonprofits. Representatives Stark and Schreiber said the issue has been filed repeatedly over several sessions and framed it as a bipartisan effort to keep more charitable dollars in service of communities rather than paying sales tax. Schreiber also suggested broader tax reform or an omnibus approach rather than continuing to add individual exemptions. Marnie Taylor of the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits gave an overview of the sector, describing nonprofits as a major part of the state economy and safety net, and argued that many organizations are highly regulated, under-resourced, and facing declining donations and funding. She said the current patchwork of exemptions is uneven and that a blanket or broader exemption would help organizations serving public needs. Committee members asked for sources behind some of the poverty, education, and health rankings cited in her presentation. Several nonprofit leaders testified about how sales tax affects their operations. RG Foods described the cost of opening neighborhood grocery markets in food deserts and said sales tax on a Tulsa project would divert about $85,000 from programming. Jubilee Partners, Skyline Urban Outreach, the Pencil Box, the Tulsa Police Foundation, Blue Rose Ranch, and Legacy Parenting Center each explained how exemption status or the lack of it affects food assistance, school supplies, public safety equipment, animal rescue, and diapers and family support. Members asked follow-up questions about food desert definitions, budgets, and how much sales tax savings would change operations. No vote was taken in the excerpt, but the study concluded with closing remarks emphasizing that the exemption would keep more money in direct services and support the nonprofit sector statewide.

Transcript Highlights:

• Household egg production supports food security, self-reliance, food staple.
• Household egg production supports food security, self-reliance, and family resilience.
• This chapter supports agricultural literacy. Whole foods and metabolic health.
• This chapter supports agricultural literacy and responsible household food production by establishing
• Beyond food access, this bill also supports agricultural literacy.

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• In the food supply, are they just going to transfer that into our food supply?
• Given the choice of nothing or food, they will eat the food.
• subsidize ultra-processed food.
• It's not just the foods.
• They didn't have enough food.

Bills: SB 25 , SB25 , SB314

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Green cards are for support.
• One of our longest running programs in our food access work is our CSA program, a community-supported
• One of our longest running programs in our food access work is our CSA program, a community-supported
• Most of what you just said talked about food and surrounding food.
• the food industry to food people who are given out food.

Bills: HCR41 , HB11 , HB227 , HB243 , HB278 , HB335 , HB424 , HB454 , HB455 , HB492 , HB623 , HB641 , HB660 , HB708 , HB719 , HB940 , HB1029 , HB1053 , HB1069 , HB1077

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: coupons, rebates, alcohol regulation, malt beverages, Louisiana Department of Revenue, remembrance, Charlie Kirk, state recognition, October 14, memorial day, court filings, electronic filing, letter size paper, privacy, legal procedure, recusal, district attorney, substitute attorney, appointment process, legal proceedings

Transcript Highlights:

• And with me today to testify and support are Marshaun and Maxwell from the San Francisco Marin Food Bank
• I support AB 1949. Thank you.
• I'm strongly in support.
• Are you in support? Yes. Thank you. I'm supporting. Yes. Thank you. "Supporting." Yes, thank you.
• in Riverside, in strong support.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health heard presentations on several bills, beginning with AB 1734, which would expand California Health Interview Survey food insecurity data collection to households up to 400% of the federal poverty level. The author and supporters from food banks, AARP, county governments, and nutrition groups argued the bill would improve California’s ability to measure hunger amid federal cuts; there was no opposition. The committee also heard AB 1949, which would treat acupuncture as its own Medi-Cal benefit and allow up to 24 visits per year. Supporters said the current two-visits-per-month cap limits effective treatment and can increase reliance on medications; the bill drew broad support and no opposition. AB 1910, a postpartum pelvic floor health bill, was presented as an education and awareness measure encouraging patients to discuss pelvic floor concerns with providers, with no opposition. AB 2011 would codify federal mental health parity standards into state law; supporters said it would preserve enforcement if federal rules are rolled back, while insurers opposed it as premature given ongoing federal litigation and possible new rules. AB 2706 would modernize California’s cannery law to align with federal food safety standards and reduce duplicative requirements for food processors, with support from the dairy industry and no opposition. AB 2041 would require certain public safety agencies to report compliance with 911 dispatcher pre-arrival instruction training requirements, building on prior legislation; it also faced no opposition. After quorum was established, the committee voted on the bills. The consent calendar bills AB 1571, AB 1864, and AB 1956 were approved 6-0. AB 1734, AB 1910, AB 1949, AB 2041, and AB 2706 all passed the committee unanimously or near-unanimously and were re-referred to Appropriations or Education as applicable. AB 2011 passed 8-2, with some members expressing concern about federal litigation, implementation costs, and the timing of codifying the 2024 parity rule into state law. All bills were placed on call after the votes, and the committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Indians in support.
• for food-insecure Californians.
• Food Recovery Coalition.
• , in support.
• So I strongly support this.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Human Services heard four bills and one consent item. AB 1574 by Assemblymember Chris Rogers would expand tribal access to prevention and diversion services aimed at keeping Native youth out of foster care. Supporters, including tribal representatives and child welfare advocates, said the bill would help address the overrepresentation of Native children in foster care and strengthen culturally relevant, tribally run services. There was no opposition, and the committee passed the bill 6-0 to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. The committee then heard AB 1618, also by Assemblymember Rogers, which would require California to continue a household food insecurity survey if the federal government does not. Supporters from End Child Poverty California, AARP, food banks, and county and local government groups said reliable data is needed to track hunger, target services, and respond to expected federal cuts to food assistance. The bill was approved 5-0 as amended to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. AB 1688 by Assemblymember Carrillo would require notice to additional attorneys when there are allegations of abuse or neglect in a foster placement, including attorneys for parents and other children in the same home. The author and the Children's Law Center said the measure would close a safety gap and improve coordination to protect foster youth. Committee members also spoke in support based on their professional experience, and the bill passed 6-0 as amended to the Assembly Public Safety Committee. The committee also approved the consent calendar, including AB 1602, and adjourned after completing its business.

Transcript Highlights:

• CalFood is funding that supports food banks for the purchase, storage, and transportation of food grown
• On food benefits, we want you to... ...or federal support.
• Maricio Medina, Jacobson, Cushman, San Diego Food Bank, speaking in support of $110 million for Cal Food
• support of $110 million for Cal Food and $16.5 million to the California Dibre Bank Network.
• We thank you for supporting Californians served by the state's food bank network. Thank you.

Transcript Highlights:

• in our schools, putting food in our child care centers, putting food in our food banks?
• We work very closely with the Coastal Harvest out in Oak Wima to provide food banks with food, in addition
• And again, we're all for safe food.
• , and I know fresh food is a big deal to all of you on this committee, getting fresh food into our stores
• I am here in support of this bill.

Bills: HB2721 , HB2616

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Business

Keywords: commercial interior designer, interior design licensure, registered interior designer, NCIDQ, Washington State Board for Architects, professional regulation, title protection, firm registration, seal and signature, continuing education, building code, nonstructural interior design, space planning, interior architecture, design profession, public safety, occupational licensing, architects, engineering scope, permit review

Transcript Highlights:

• Resiliency, and then the Local Food Coalition in support.
• resiliency and then uh local food Coalition<00:21:47.200><c> in</c><00:21:47.520><c> support</c><00:
• support, as our food banks do need additional support.
• support, as our food banks do need additional support.
• </c><01:36:04.880><c> the</c> complete support of that we support the complete support of that we support

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Transcript Highlights:

• He said his own county saw an almost 40% rise in the need for food banks by food bank visits.
• to get $9,226,348 for school food purchasing and $4,445,518 for child care food purchasing.
• </c> need for food banks by Food Bank need for food banks by Food Bank visits<00:24:25.320><c> and</c
• where you get food insecurity.
• Again, I would encourage support.

Bills: HF1704 , HF2052

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Look forward to your support. Thank it. Look forward to your support. Thank you. you. you.
• and respite care, um, financial counseling, uh, homeless supports, and uh other peer supports.
• and respite care, um, financial counseling, uh, homeless supports, and uh other peer supports.
• Supports, and uh other peer supports. So, that's uh an overview of this bill.
• </c><00:57:56.480><c> And</c> appreciate your support. Thank you. And appreciate your support.

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Transcript Highlights:

• Cooley River Tribe in support. Good afternoon, Michael Chan with Audubon California in support.
• , but are also in support.
• foods on the tray or a la carte.
• between processed foods, ultra-processed foods, and the most harmful, UPFs.
• We're proud supporters of AB 13.

Committee: House Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials

Transcript Highlights:

• The programs supported by cap-and-invest revenues provide producers support to adopt technologies that
• food producing economy.
• So we want to be supportive of those food producers.
• Well, we're growing a lot of food crops, so we have high food safety standards.
• So when we're supporting these incentive programs, we're supporting the family farms.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lauren Zerbo from the Hawaiʻi Food Industry Association, in support. John Koto, I'm sorry.
• Lauren Zerbo from the Hawaiʻi Food Industry Association, in support. John Koto, I'm sorry.
• Hawaii food industry Association in<00:29:59.360><c> support</c><00:30:00.200><c> John</c> in support
• <00:41:17.520><c> program</c><00:41:17.839><c> and</c><00:41:17.920><c> we</c> support of the food help
• program and we support of the food help program and we like<00:41:18.200><c> to</c><00:41:18.359><c>

Summary: The Agriculture and Environment hearing on January 27, 2025, took up multiple measures, beginning with a proposed constitutional amendment, HB 559, to recognize a right to clean water and air, a healthful environment, climate, native ecosystems, and beaches. The Attorney General’s Office testified with concerns that the amendment’s broad language could create challenges for future legislatures and environmental enforcement, while the Climate Commission and DLNR supported it. Environmental and advocacy groups, including Climate Protectors Hawaii, 350 Hawaii, Greenpeace Hawaii, and others, strongly supported the measure, arguing it would strengthen decision-making and protect Hawaii’s natural resources. Committee members raised questions about how the amendment would interact with existing constitutional protections and recent litigation, and the AG’s office said the proposal could lead to broad judicial interpretation and possible liability issues. The hearing then moved on without a recorded vote on this bill. The committee next heard SB 552, which would establish a healthy soils program in the Department of Agriculture and require annual reporting and funding. The Climate Change Commission supported the bill, and the Department of Agriculture said it stood on its submitted testimony but noted existing commissions and the greenhouse gas sequestration task force already address similar objectives, suggesting SB 552 may duplicate current efforts. Agricultural and environmental advocates, including the Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and others, supported the concept of a consolidated healthy soils program, saying it would better organize existing efforts, improve access for producers, and support conservation practices. The Agribusiness Development Corporation said it would support either DOA or ADC administering the program, and committee discussion focused on implementation, program overlap, and whether the bill should better integrate existing compost reimbursement and related efforts. The final measure discussed in the excerpt was SB 678, which would create an Agricultural Development Food Security Special Fund, dedicate a portion of the environmental response, energy, and food security tax to it, and appropriate funds equal to 3% of the state budget for agriculture. The Department of Agriculture strongly supported the bill, saying the funding would align with its goals and help support farmers and ranchers. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Department of Budget and Finance raised concerns that the proposed special fund may not meet statutory criteria. Farm and industry groups generally supported the measure but suggested changes, including adding uses related to local food sourcing, distribution, and biosecurity. Committee members questioned the scale of the appropriation, noting it could amount to roughly $250 million and a major increase in DOA’s budget, and discussed whether the department could realistically implement such a large program. The hearing ended with testimony counts noted for the measures heard, and the chair indicated the committee would reconvene later for any unfinished business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Interest Law Project, also a me too for the California Food and Farm Network, in support.
• I'm here today in strong support of AB 2213, the California Healthy Food Financing Initiative.
• The problems of food access, food deserts, and food insecurity still persist in our state.
• Josh Wright, on behalf of the California Association of Food Banks, in support. Thank you.
• This bill is a great... the California Association of Food Banks in support.

Committee: House Human Services