Transcript Highlights:

• The Department of Employment Development or EDD will also be giving an update on paid family leave program
• For VOCAL, the VOCAL was developed in response to a federal mandate.
• All right, next we are focusing on employment development on our EDT department.
• I work for the Department of Housing and Community Development and I represent as well as a member of
• Hi everyone, my name is Crystal Coles and I am with Housing and Community Development.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a soil and ecosystem scientist, along with my husband, we co-developed a soil health test called
• Um, so Texas needs to lead in the development of regenerative agriculture to drive large business and
• Um, I grew up on the outskirts of San Antonio where, um, I got to see land development happen real-time
• Um, of the land that is being developed, 72% are, uh, grazing lands, and with that land at risk, um,
• Um, Representative Wilson, as you had mentioned, um, development patterns are at the forefront of this

Committee: House Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, moving on to STR 38, urging the county of Maui to prioritize the development and planning of the
• ><c> and</c><00:19:19.919><c> planning</c><00:19:20.240><c> of</c><00:19:20.480><c> the</c> the development
• and planning of the the development and planning of the northern<00:19:21.120><c> terminus</c><00:19
• STR 150 SD1 requesting the Department of Transportation to convene a working group to develop and recommend
• </c><00:49:41.680><c> and</c> Maui to prioritize the development and Maui to prioritize the development

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation heard and later voted on several Senate resolutions related to transportation, safety, and infrastructure. Early testimony covered STR 23, on studying highway patrol and speed cameras in speeding hotspots, with support from the Department of Transportation and the Aahu Metropolitan Planning Organization and opposition from five individuals. STR 37 and STR 38 concerned Maui road planning for the Kihei area; the Kihei Community Association and DOT supported both, and the committee later advanced them with amendments to correct the county department with jurisdiction. STR 150 SD1, on a working group for subsidizing waterborne cargo transport, drew support from DOT, the Department of Agriculture, and industry groups, but the committee deferred it for further discussion. STR 153, about transferring jurisdiction over Ho‘i roads to Maui County, received support from the judiciary and was advanced with amendments. STR 180 SD1, on sharing safety and performance information about commercial tour operators, drew mixed testimony, including opposition from DOT and helicopter operators and support from Blue Hawaiian Helicopters; the committee advanced it with amendments narrowing the scope to helicopter and air tours. STR 181 SD1, proposing a working group to lower the blood alcohol limit to 0.05, was supported by DOT, the Governor’s office, public health and safety groups, and one individual opposed; it was advanced with amendments naming the DOT director or designee as chair and adding legislative committee chairs. STR 182, encouraging a Honolulu summer streets pilot program, was supported by the Department of Health, Oahu MPO, and the Hawaii Bicycling League, and after reconsideration the committee passed it unamended. STR 184, seeking increased enforcement against improperly registered out-of-state vehicles, had one supporter and was passed as is. STR 200 SD1, on continuing transportation management training programs, was supported by Oahu MPO and one individual and was passed as is. STR 231 SD1, directing DOT to use scanning equipment at airports and harbors to detect illegal fireworks, was supported by DOT and one individual and passed as is.

Transcript Highlights:

• This delays the implementation of Waiver Reimagined Phase 2 and requires the commissioner to develop
• Developing a budget this session is particularly challenging, and I'm pleased to see that your proposed
• Development of substance use treatment programs to have things that support people in early recovery
• For almost 40 years, Open Arms has been preparing and developing and delivering medically tailored meals
• My name is Mike Baltowski, Vice President of Program Development for Horowitz Health and the Treasurer

Bills: HF2434

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: healthcare, personal care assistance, worker retention, disability services, state funding

Transcript Highlights:

• resources and people we need<00:18:14.039><c> who</c><00:18:14.200><c> will</c><00:18:14.400><c> develop
• </c><00:18:14.840><c> the</c><00:18:15.039><c> plan</c><00:18:15.320><c> and</c> need who will develop
• the plan and need who will develop the plan and policies<00:18:16.120><c> that</c><00:18:16.320><c>
• The goals of more housing, more mixed housing, and planned developments that will allow people to move
• that will allow people to developments that will allow people to move<00:21:28.000><c> from</c><00:21

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Because of this, our state recently funded a team of experts at the University of Minnesota to develop
• experts at the University of Minnesota experts at the University of Minnesota to<00:09:14.880><c> develop
• > an</c><00:09:15.360><c> early</c><00:09:15.600><c> bipolar</c><00:09:16.080><c> disorder</c> to develop
• an early bipolar disorder to develop an early bipolar disorder program<00:09:17.120><c> that</c><00:
• </c> development, not actually implement it. development, not actually implement it.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Importantly, it gives Texas a seat at the table in developing the new compact rules.
• You know, frankly, which if you look at their development team, that's who they are.
• No, we would be participating in the development of the new compact and...
• Sure, so our role in And the development of the compact would really be helping determine what those
• Perspective to the table to address some of those concerns through the development.

Bills: HB26 , HB140 , HB141 , HB142 , HB215 , HB26 , HB140 , HB141 , HB142 , HB215

Committee: House Human Services

Keywords: Medicaid, nutrition support, maternal health, chronic conditions, pilot program, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, child protective services, child abuse investigations, child neglect, child exploitation, advisory committee, Family and Protective Services Council, council abolition, foster care, due process, investigative procedures, child welfare, parental rights, family preservation services

Transcript Highlights:

• The next generation of technology, vapor technology, could be developed by our Pacific Northwest Lab
• Accelerate the development of next generation non-intrusive inspection technology and build state and
• In this capacity, he is responsible for developing strategic response doctrine and policy. guidance for
• Developing and deploying these technologies is critical to investigative success.
• Part of it is developing the technology, and the other part is making sure that it can be deployed to

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Keywords: Coast Guard, maritime drug enforcement, illegal drugs, fentanyl crisis, legislative reforms, public testimony

Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation addressed critical issues surrounding maritime drug enforcement and the Coast Guard's role in stopping the influx of illegal drugs. The chairman highlighted the alarming consequences of current policies allowing drugs to cross borders, emphasizing the need for legislative reforms, such as the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2025. There was an intense discussion regarding the operational challenges faced by the Coast Guard, which has recently made significant drug seizures, indicating progress but also revealing gaps that need addressing. Several witnesses, including victims of the drug crisis, shared their compelling testimonies, which underscored the urgency for stricter controls and comprehensive support for law enforcement agencies involved in drug interdiction efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• And in watching them develop and seeing just consistent gaps as they grow, not because we're not providing
• that or they're not able, but just natural development...
• Not because we're not providing, they're not able, but just natural development.
• teaching really relates more to the adoption of our content standards and the work that was done to develop
• A rigorous work group process to rewrite and to develop those standards.

Committee: Senate Education Pre-K - 12

Summary: The Senate Committee on Pre-K through 12 Education received a Department of Education presentation from Deputy Commissioner Juan Copa on Florida’s K-12 assessment system, including FAST progress monitoring, end-of-course exams, science, writing, alternate assessments, English language acquisition testing, and VPK progress monitoring. Copa reported year-over-year gains in ELA and mathematics, noted that end-of-course and science results also improved, and explained how assessment data are used for school grades, third-grade promotion, graduation requirements, and other accountability measures. He also reviewed the independent study required by SB 1048, which recommended keeping PM3 as the primary accountability measure, proceeding cautiously on further test-length reductions and remote testing expansion, and using PM1/PM2 only as supplemental evidence in limited cases. Committee members focused on whether the new system is improving student outcomes enough, what supports teachers and schools need to use the data effectively, and how Florida compares nationally. Chancellor Dr. Burns said the department is emphasizing implementation of the new standards, high-quality instructional materials, coaching, professional learning, collaboration, and school improvement support, and also pointed to resiliency education standards and mental health supports. Copa said Florida’s latest NAEP results remain mixed but still generally outperform the nation in some grades, while members pressed for more information on best practices, other states’ approaches, and how districts are using the data. Several members requested follow-up information, including the independent review report, breakdowns of PM1/PM2/PM3 results by grade and subgroup, details on VPK outcomes by provider type and full-day versus half-day programs, and data on use of the CLT versus SAT/ACT for graduation concordant scores. The committee also discussed third-grade retention outcomes, computer-based testing, district assessment calendars, and whether some districts still administer additional local testing. No votes were taken on legislation, and the meeting adjourned after Senator Davis moved to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a huge focus on workforce development.
• We have a huge focus on workforce development.
• We have a huge focus on workforce development.
• We have a huge focus on workforce development.
• So we development districts as regions.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:20 CRISP Shared Services 00:01:39 Rural Health Transformation Plan 00:30:55, 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services opened its first meeting of the 2026 interim session, took roll, and moved directly into presentations. The main presentation was from Ryan Bramble of Crisp Shared Services, who described the organization’s health information exchange and health data utility model in Kentucky and other states. He emphasized that Crisp is a nonprofit, that data ownership remains with providers, and that governance is local. He also outlined the technical infrastructure, including a master patient index, cloud-based data lake, support for modern standards like FHIR and USCDI as well as older formats, and data quality tools used to normalize and standardize information. Bramble said the model is intended to reduce duplication, lower costs, and support rural providers and future use cases such as reporting, analytics, and AI-enabled decision support. Members asked how the state can ensure the data is actually used and who should drive priorities for health care improvement. Bramble said Crisp can provide tools, expertise, and examples from other states, but local teams such as KHI and state stakeholders must tailor and lead utilization efforts. In response to questions about ownership and coordination, he stressed that successful HIE governance requires a multistakeholder body that includes hospitals, health plans, government, and other interests, with a unified approach rather than multiple competing directives. He also said the Commonwealth has an opportunity to convene those stakeholders and set clear priorities. A senator raised concerns that responsibility for Medicaid and broader health policy has become fragmented and suggested a stronger central role for the state, possibly through the Department of Public Health, to coordinate health priorities. Bramble agreed that a single convening authority and multistakeholder governance are important, and noted that local governance should determine what data is shared and how it is used. No votes or formal actions were taken during this portion of the meeting. After Bramble’s presentation and questions, the committee was told that Secretary Stack from the cabinet would testify next on the rural health transformation plan.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> development opportunities. development opportunities.
• For education and workforce development, this matters.
• ,</c><00:34:18.879><c> it</c> As these systems continue to develop, it As these systems continue to develop
• c> education and workforce development, education and workforce development, this<00:34:28.879><c> matters
• </c> development and business investment. development and business investment.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here to share that this initiative also supports workforce development.
• I'm here to share that this initiative also supports workforce development.
• We also have workforce development.
• Jack Leuen, State Health Planning and Development Agency in support. >> Uh, chair, members.
• /c> State Council of Development State Council of Development Disabilities<01:21:00.239><c> who</c><01

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• The sections also grant the powers of the newly created Ramsey County Economic Development Authority
• , and there's some differences there in how the local plans should be developed and used.
• , and there's some differences there in how the local plans should be developed and used.
• , and there's some differences there in how the local plans should be developed and used.
• , and there's some differences there in how the local plans should be developed and used.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So our first task is rural development.
• Uh all in favor say Rural Development. Uh all in favor say I.<00:14:58.959><c> I.</c> I. I. I.
• Thank you again very rural development.
• </c><01:17:30.000><c> Uh</c><01:17:30.320><c> so,</c> and rural development committee.
• Uh so, and rural development committee.

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I would move House File 8 to be recommended to be re-referred to the Labor and Workforce Development
• I think that could help to develop better data.
• /c><00:02:54.480><c> to</c> I think that that could help uh to I think that that could help uh to develop
• better data we've already had develop better data we've already had some<00:02:56.840><c> conversations
• Businesses and developers need to know that when they invest here, they won't face unnecessary delays

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:19:18.000><c> Corporation</c> Agri Business Development Corporation Agri Business Development
• Wendy Gaty with the Agribusiness Development Corporation.
• Wendy Gaty with the Agribusiness Development Corporation.
• Next is SP 678, establishing the Agricultural Development Food Security Special Fund.
• Development food security special Development food security special fund<01:32:48.040><c> on</c><01:32

Keywords: 912, senate, all

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:

• REPRESENTATIVE McCLURE OF THE SENATE AS AN OFFER TO YOU ON TRANSPORTATION TOURISM AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
• ORIGINAL ITEMS FOR THE APPROPRIATION CONFERENCE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, TOURISM AND ECONOMIC DEVELOP
• AND TRANSPORTATION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BUDGET.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And, Madam President, it's important that that policy not only be developed in a comprehensive way and
• School librarians and educational administrators are trained to develop these policies based on best
• But, you know, it risks turning routine policy development into yet another battleground for ideological
• The superintendent and principals and then teachers and librarians are going to develop this.
• Teachers and librarians are going to develop this.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate resumed debate on Senate No. 2696, An Act Regarding Free Expression, a bill addressing challenges to books and other library materials in school and public libraries. Senators supporting the bill argued it protects free expression and gives students, parents, guardians, and others a court path to challenge removals, while opponents raised concerns about parental rights, school control, and the scope and timing of the review process. Several speakers also emphasized the broader context of book bans and the impact on authors, librarians, and students. A number of amendments were considered. Amendment 4, offered by Senator Creem, was adopted and extended standing to authors and creators to challenge removals of their works, including in municipal libraries. Amendment 5, by Senator DiDomenico, was adopted and limited who may initiate challenges to those connected to the school community. Amendment 6, by Senator Comerford, was adopted to require that challenged materials be considered in their entirety. Amendment 8, by Senator Tarr, proposing parental notification of challenges, was rejected after a roll call. Subsequent Tarr amendments on parental opt-out, reporting, public process, and written policy were also rejected, while Amendment 19, requiring written reasons when librarians remove outdated or successor materials, was rejected as well. Amendment 7, a Ways and Means amendment, was adopted. The Senate then ordered the bill to a third reading and passed it to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 35 in favor and 3 against. The chamber also adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11:00 a.m., and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• ...you couldn't directly invoice the plan for that cost, but at the next plan year, during rate development
• And then that would become part of the rate development of that insurer.
• So we heard the Senate's concerns regarding the initial proposal and have developed an amended compensation
• plan that allows So we heard the Senate's concerns regarding the initial proposal and have developed
• college degree. 71% of females will report an early pregnancy by the age of 21, and nearly half will develop

Committee: Senate Finance

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee met with eight members present and deferred HB 127. It then considered a series of bills, most of which were reported favorably without opposition. HB 22 revised COLA rules for the clerks of court retirement system, allowing more frequent COLAs when the system is better funded; HB 324 made judicial stipends permanent and added future COLAs subject to available funding; HB 233 increased jury mileage reimbursement; HB 47 reorganized assessor retirement COLA statutes; HB 533 allowed St. Tammany Parish to transfer unused witness-fee account balances to the 22nd Judicial District Court; HB 980 adjusted eligibility for the Firemen’s Supplemental Pay Board; HCR 45 urged Congress to clarify ARPA deadlines for water projects; HB 559 increased court costs in the 4th Judicial District; HB 290 recreated the Department of Treasury and related entities in statute; and HB 382 addressed Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget review authority over Group Benefits plans. The committee also reported HB 1157 favorably, creating a financing bank mechanism for infrastructure projects, and HB 575 favorably, giving youth aging out of foster care preferred access to surplus state vehicles through the Louisiana Property Assistance Agency. Several measures drew more discussion. HB 1236, dealing with pharmacy benefit managers and professional dispensing fees, prompted extensive testimony from the sponsor, the Legislative Fiscal Office, the Department of Insurance, independent pharmacies, and PBM representatives. Supporters said it clarifies and strengthens enforcement of existing PBM law and protects independent pharmacies; opponents argued the bill’s requirement that PBMs bear dispensing-fee costs would be difficult to implement and could raise premiums. The sponsor said he would work on amendments, including clarifying language and a delayed effective date, and the bill was nevertheless moved favorably. SB 25, on registrar of voters compensation, was amended to a revised pay structure and then reported favorably. HB 47 and HB 533 were also presented as funding and administrative cleanups for retirement and court-related accounts, with local support noted. The committee also heard HB 233 on jury duty mileage reimbursement, which the sponsor said updates a 1961 rate and would be funded locally at an estimated average increase of about $4,000 per judicial district. HB 324 on judicial salaries was described as self-funded by the judiciary and subject to available funding, with no budget impact. HB 575 on foster youth transportation was presented as a non-appropriation measure aimed at helping youth aging out of foster care by giving them preferred access to surplus vehicles. HB 382, which concerns the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget’s role in approving Group Benefits plans, was reported favorably with little discussion. The meeting ended after a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, the Senate Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development will begin.
• to enhance the board's oversight of continuing education providers and continuing professional development
• help with technical and clarifying amendments, as well as the retired and continued professional development
• Thanks for allowing me to present today to the Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee
• The idea would be that these partnerships will work together to develop wildfire mitigation projects

Committee: Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development

Keywords: 987, senate, all