Transcript Highlights:

• Um, next up we have, on Zoom, Nicole Woo from Hawaii Children's Action Network, be not present, but in
• ><00:13:40.839> a<00:13:40.959> civil<00:13:41.240> service<00:13:41.680> status
• <00:13:42.639> um status um or a civil service status um status um or a civil service status
• be not present children's Action Network be not present but<00:15:19.240> in<00:15:19.440>
• , North Hawaii Community Action Network, NOR, Short Nutrition Get Fit, Kawaii Hawaii Food Policy, Hawaii

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Human Services and Homelessness heard two SNAP-related bills on March 13, 2025. SB 960 SD1 would appropriate funds to DHS to improve SNAP administration, including additional positions. Testimony from Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Food Industry Association, AARP Hawaii, Hawaii Appleseed, and many others strongly supported the measure, emphasizing high food insecurity, the importance of SNAP federal dollars, and the need to reduce delays and improve access. DHS said vacancies and retention are the main barriers, with staffing shortages statewide across processing centers. The department described efforts such as wikiwiki hiring, bringing back retired workers, using interns, and improving call center efficiency, and said it had requested a 5% performance incentive package estimated at about $1.1 million per year, though that request did not make the governor’s budget. Members asked about vacancy counts, staffing distribution, and how the bill would interact with other SNAP funding; DHS said some funding was tied to the new eligibility system and that staffing requests would need to be separate. The committee did not take final action on the bill in the portion heard. The committee then heard SB 961 SD1, which would require DHS to adjust minimum certification periods and participate in the Elderly Simplified Application Project. Supporters, including AARP Hawaii, Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii Food Industry Association, and additional organizations and individuals, said the bill would reduce red tape, help kūpuna, and ease administrative burden. DHS supported the concept but said the current legacy system cannot automate these changes and that any implementation would require manual processing until the new system is in place. DHS and committee members discussed the risk of higher error rates and timeliness problems with manual processing, noting the department had recently been assessed a $1 million penalty for high payment error rates and was already in corrective action for timeliness. Members also discussed the anticipated fall 2026 rollout of the new system and whether the bill should be delayed until then; DHS said it preferred to assess the new system first before pursuing waivers and related changes. The committee then moved on to the next measure after the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm co-owner of the HOA Leadership Network.
• We are an education Leadership Network.
• Our network is proof that education is the right path.
• Our network is to help or join a board.
• ,<01:33:58.480> and Association, Credit Union Network, and Association, Credit Union Network

Bills: SF1750, HF2700, HF1606, HF3356, HF3946, HF3970, HF3658, HF3875, HF2627, SF856, HF1268, HF1338

Keywords: common interest community, CIC, homeowners association, HOA, condominium, planned community, cooperative, unit owner, association board, declarant, declarant control, special declarant rights, assessment lien, foreclosure, late fees, fines, attorney fees, resale disclosure, annual report, maintenance plan

Transcript Highlights:

• A few years ago, when I did Senate Bill 258, that prioritized special status within the Older Americans
• And it includes HIV status in that as well.
• So SB 258 updated the definition for social factors to include HIV status, adding to existing factors
• Well, there are 13 of the 33 that you said—I don't know—weren't in the same status where 20 had it in
• When we do receive a complaint based on discrimination or other harassment based on LGBTQ status, we

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Select Committee on Older LGBTQ Californians held an inaugural hearing focused on health care, long-term services, and supports for older LGBTQ Californians, including older adults living with HIV and transgender, gender diverse, and intersex seniors. Opening remarks emphasized the historical discrimination faced by these communities, the growth of the older LGBTQ population, and the need to address gaps in care, especially in nursing homes, home- and community-based services, and access to affirming providers. Senators present framed the hearing as timely in light of federal policy changes and the state’s aging population. The first panel featured Justice in Aging, CalHHS, the Department of Aging, and the Aging and HIV Institute. Testimony highlighted statewide survey findings showing both resilience and significant disparities: many respondents reported discrimination, low incomes, health challenges, social isolation, and unmet needs, with worse outcomes for transgender adults and adults of color. Speakers stressed the importance of Medi-Cal, PACE, home- and community-based services, gender-affirming care, and the Master Plan for Aging, while also criticizing the limited explicit attention to LGBTQ older adults in state planning and the impact of federal Medicaid cuts and other federal actions. Committee members asked about translating survey findings into concrete actions, improving outreach in rural areas, and creating more coordinated, “no wrong door” access to services. The second panel focused on seniors living with HIV. A long-term survivor described the “survivorship penalty,” including benefits problems, housing insecurity, and the need for legal and navigation support, as well as HIV-specific housing and protections against outdated disability standards. The Department of Aging reported on implementation of SB 258, which added HIV status to the definition of greatest social need in area plans; it said 20 of 33 area agencies on aging identified HIV as a target population and many included specific strategies. The Office of AIDS described Project Cornerstone, Ryan White, ADAP, HOPWA, the Medi-Cal waiver, and PrEP-AP, noting these programs serve thousands of older clients and are intended to support whole-person care. Committee members pressed agencies on how ADAP rebate funds might be used, how to improve implementation of SB 258, and how to better connect people to existing benefits and services. The final panel addressed supports for transgender, gender diverse, and intersex seniors. The Department of Social Services reviewed protections in long-term care facilities under SB 219, including nondiscrimination rules, required training, preferred pronouns and gender identity records, and complaint investigations, and also described IHSS as a self-directed program that can help older adults choose affirming providers. The hearing ended without formal votes or legislative action, but members repeatedly requested follow-up on implementation, outreach, data collection, and possible budget or program changes to better serve older LGBTQ Californians.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've got the strain of the road network as well, trying to keep up with congestion relief.
• We've got the strain of the road network as well, trying to keep up with congestion relief.
• We've got the strain of the road network as well, trying to keep up with congestion relief.
• , repair our networks.
• And I think almost every road project has regular status meetings, following normal project management

Summary: The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee met with a quorum present and first heard HB 11 from Representative Robinson. The bill would address an unintended consequence in Florida’s municipal utility surcharge law by requiring the same water/utility rate for residents when a utility facility is physically located within one municipality but owned by another, rather than allowing the owning municipality to impose a 25% surcharge. The sponsor and several members described it as a fairness issue affecting residents who do not receive local tax support for the facility but still bear the surcharge. Public testimony included support from AARP and Miami-Dade County and opposition from North Miami Beach. The bill was reported favorably on an 18-0 vote. The committee then held a panel discussion on utility use of public rights-of-way and utility relocation. Panelists from FDOT, county government, gas, water, electric, and communications sectors described the permitting process, noting that FDOT uses a detailed utility accommodation manual and that local governments may use permits, franchise agreements, or ordinances depending on the utility type. They emphasized that utilities often must coordinate early with agencies using long-range work programs and project plans, and that the process differs by utility and jurisdiction. Communications witnesses discussed Chapter 337 and the 60-day local permitting shot clock, while others noted the role of Sunshine State One Call in locating facilities before excavation. A major focus was who pays for relocations when road or infrastructure projects require utilities to move. FDOT and several panelists said utilities generally bear the cost when they are in public right-of-way, with exceptions such as certain interstate/interchange projects and easement impacts. Utility representatives said relocations are often effectively new builds, can be costly, and are ultimately reflected in rates or customer costs. Members also asked about easements versus right-of-way, damage and disputes during construction, broadband workforce needs, and whether legislation could improve coordination. Panelists largely said the existing process works best when agencies, contractors, and utilities communicate early and continuously, and that more legislation may not be necessary compared with better planning, staffing, and use of technology.

Transcript Highlights:

• Their network of over 7000 dedicated volunteers ensures that thousands of children are not forgotten.
• campus pursuing more than 200 degree programs across 9 colleges, and the university boasts an alumni network
• relating to the immigration documentation or other information to verify citizenship of immigration status
• Status for the Committee on Corrections.
• violation relating to prohibiting organ transplant recipient discrimination based on the vaccination status

Transcript Highlights:

• designation as an NCI Designated Cancer Center in 2005, and then we gained our first comprehensive status
• We're charged with deeply engaging our communities and building community networks.
• But my interest is also, as you're training folks for this Emerging Leaders Workshop and network, is
• Network.
• BHI built the foundation for a robust care network.

Transcript Highlights:

• overall, specifically for our undocumented individuals. and individuals with unsatisfactory immigration status
• Members, Kathy Sunderling McDonald for the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network.
• We hope to see that these investments go to our most vulnerable students, including students from status
• here on behalf of the Alliance for a Better Community and Southern California College Attainment Network
• ensure that funding goes to existing food banks and diaper banks that can handle that distribution network

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:10.080> to which funds maternal health networks to which funds maternal health networks
• <00:39:54.720> or those related to socioeconomic status or those related to socioeconomic
• status or mother's<00:39:55.359> ability<00:39:55.760> to<00:39:55.920> meet<00:
• So certainly technical assistance networks to work together and brainstorm to get at new solutions to
• I'm Molly Montigue with the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, better known as RAINN.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hatch the to take several key actions to conduct financial and operational audit to evaluate provider network
• identify gaps and patient's insurance coverage, monitor quality of care and enhance provider next networks
• It includes the ability to apply to apply documentation and check status.
• >> And for Children's Home network as well, waiving in support and one hope United waiving in support

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• status of these to reclaim the difference in tuition after graduation?
• Is that it took me 33 years to get my status. I want. I wanted to get status when I was 5.
• I wanted to get status when I was 10.
• status throughout the tenure of the individual at the college?
• This bill will force higher learning institutions to worry about the status. immigration status of their

Bills: HB232

Keywords: disaster recovery, natural disaster, weather disaster, emergency relief, flood relief, hurricane relief, storm damage, wildfire, tornado, hail, windstorm, extreme heat, ice storm, snowstorm, property damage, personal injury, temporary housing, relocation assistance, lost wages, state emergency management

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is carefully designed to only restate current law in a clear manner to reaffirm the status
• All right, the chair calls up Kathleen Owen with Dish Network and DirecTV for Senate Bill 924 and John
• We show you registered as Kathleen Owen, Dish Network and DirecTV for Senate Bill 924.
• I'm here today on behalf of my clients, DISH Network and DIRECTV, in support of this bill.
• competitive access, whether they owned the lines they put in the right-of-way or whether they leased network

Bills: HB2838, HB2964, HB3213, SB924

Keywords: broadband, internet access, digital equity, tax reduction, government funding, rural counties, fiber-optic, state funding, infrastructure, digital divide, economic development, fiber-optic cable, excavation, utilities, civil penalties, municipal regulations, video services, regulation, public right-of-way, franchise authority

Transcript Highlights:

• to see an in network provider. to see an in network provider.
• the game nationwide on network adequacy. the game nationwide on network adequacy.
• to network inadequacy. to network inadequacy.
• which deals with network adequacy. which deals with network adequacy.
• networks, and burdensome reporting. networks, and burdensome reporting.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, the last thing, uh, on a widowed person's mind is updating their insurance status from married to
• with the bill authors on trying to find a way to get this narrowed down to the specific change in status
• related to widowhood, which again would be moving from married status to single status.
• We have you registered as Mickey Hand Frontera Healthcare Network and Self.
• They can evaluate plans, they can compare formularies, and they can select a network that meets their

Transcript Highlights:

• It is clear that we cannot continue on with the status quo when it comes to this, and we find it very
• During an event, we get recurring reports from regional centers about the status and any unmet needs.
• During an event we get recurring reports from regional centers about the status, any unmet needs.
• Mark Melanson, California Community Living Network.
• I'm the board president of the California Community Living Network and the founder of an agency here

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held a hearing on developmental services, rehabilitation, and related supports, with no votes taken. The first major topic was the Master Plan for Developmental Services. Administration officials described a year-long, community-driven process that included a steering committee, work groups, and statewide engagement sessions, and said the final draft would be released that Friday with about 170 recommendations. The Department of Developmental Services said the plan would inform future work, but did not offer a detailed implementation roadmap. The LAO said the plan contains significant policy and budget implications, may require statutory changes, and needs further analysis to turn recommendations into actionable proposals. Advocates and regional center representatives urged the Legislature and administration to avoid letting the plan sit on a shelf, called for prioritization and ongoing stakeholder oversight, and emphasized the need to address equity, workforce, service coordination, and cross-system collaboration. The chair said he wanted to work with the LAO on trailer bill language and future reporting to create a clearer path forward. The second topic was the Office of Employment First and competitive integrated employment. Administration witnesses said California has ended subminimum wage under SB 639, but that moving people into competitive integrated employment remains a major priority. They described existing efforts such as DDS’s coordinated career pathways pilot, paid internships, job development services, benefits counseling, and DOR’s career counseling and referral services, along with pilot projects in San Diego and Orange County. The State Council on Developmental Disabilities and advocates argued that employment outcomes have remained stuck at roughly 15% and that a dedicated Employment First Office is needed to coordinate across agencies, align goals, and improve outcomes. The LAO recommended regular legislative oversight on people transitioning out of subminimum wage and asked for technical assistance on coordinated career pathways. The chair criticized the administration’s decision to effectively eliminate funding for the office, requested a detailed implementation timeline and quarterly transition reports, and said the committee would continue pressing for the office to be implemented. The final issue was respite services, utilization trends, and access. DDS reported that in-home respite use and spending have risen sharply over several years, with about 150,000 people using respite in 2023-24 and expenditures reaching about $1 billion. Officials said access depends on families knowing the service exists, service coordinators identifying need, and having enough providers, especially in rural and linguistically diverse communities. The San Diego Regional Center said utilization generally mirrors statewide trends, but access is stronger in some areas, such as Imperial County, where families often prefer family-directed or agency-supported models that allow them to hire trusted workers. Committee members emphasized the importance of respite for family health and caregiver well-being, asked whether service coordinators are asking practical questions about sleep and stress, and discussed the need for better identification of complex behavioral and medical needs. DDS said a standardized family support tool and updated IPP process are intended to improve consistency, transparency, and person-centered assessment for respite and related services.

Transcript Highlights:

• Martin Luther King Jr. reminds us we are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single
• H. 887, an act relating to crime victim status under the Fair Employment Practices Act.
• Professionals of Color Network, and the Professionals of Color Network, and the Microbusiness<00:23:14.520
• And the last section in subsection D is to support our fabulous Professionals of Color Network.
• uh with with uh in-person networking uh with with uh in-person networking gatherings,<00:30:00.480

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:24:50.800> that They're setting their own networks that They're setting their own networks
• And so that um or the the networks.
• So the rates, the network, decisions.
• We would be looking at what is the status quo.
• So, what are the roles the status quo.

Bills: HF4609, HF4401

Keywords: infertility, fertility treatment, fertility preservation, IVF, assisted reproductive technology, ART, oocyte retrieval, embryo transfer, egg freezing, sperm freezing, reproductive health, maternity coverage, health insurance mandate, health plan benefits, Medical Assistance, Medicaid, MinnesotaCare, family planning, oncology fertility preservation, chemotherapy

Transcript Highlights:

• meeting its greenhouse emissions and electric vehicle miles traveled targets that transportation network
• The operation and maintenance of telecommunications networks—networks that are necessary to provide cell
• phone and internet service in our remote communities, networks that support Cal Fire's operations at
• our local fairgrounds, and networks used by law enforcement and counties to send reverse 911 alerts
• Those are just to name a few of the critical services our networks enable in rural California.

Summary: The Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee met with several bills on the agenda, beginning with SB 739 (Arreguín) on the Clean Miles Standard and Incentive Program for transportation network companies. The author and supporters from Lyft, Uber, and TechNet said the bill would update EV miles traveled and greenhouse gas targets to reflect current market conditions, add flexibility for CARB and the CPUC, and protect drivers from losing platform access while also creating a path for future electrification. Opponents including the American Lung Association, Sierra Club California, and NRDC argued the bill would weaken a program meant to accelerate EV adoption and should retain stronger targets. Members discussed affordability, charging infrastructure, and the need to balance climate goals with feasibility. The committee approved SB 739 as amended and re-referred it to Appropriations, later recording a 9-0 vote when the roll was completed. The committee then heard SB 1190 (Grove), the “Safe Passage for Youth Act,” which would regulate private youth transport services used for out-of-state residential placements. The author and sponsor testimony described abusive practices such as nighttime pickups, blindfolds, restraints, and emotional trauma, and said the bill would require CPUC permitting, TrustLine background checks, training, parental consent, and bans on certain practices. Support came from youth and disability advocates, with no opposition testimony. The bill was moved on a due pass as amended recommendation and later passed 9-0. SB 1191 (Ochoa Bogh) would extend the sunset for California High Cost Fund A and B universal service programs that help provide affordable telephone service in rural and high-cost areas. Supporters from rural telecom companies and industry groups said the funds are essential for maintaining service, 911 access, and emergency communications in remote communities. There was no opposition, and the committee advanced the bill on a due pass recommendation; it later passed 9-0. The consent item, SB 985 (Strickland) on the 911 emergency system, was also approved. Finally, the committee heard SB 1246 (Cortese) on autonomous vehicles and emergency response. The author and supporters from SEIU California and the California Professional Firefighters said the bill would require AV companies to provide incident response, notify local jurisdictions during system failures, ensure U.S.-based remote drivers, and prevent public safety workers from having to manage AV breakdowns. Industry opponents argued the bill intrudes on federal vehicle standards, gives local governments enforcement authority they should not have, and could create overly broad notification and response requirements. Members raised questions about local control, response times, and whether the bill was premature given existing DMV regulations. Despite those concerns, the committee passed SB 1246 on a due pass as amended recommendation, later recording a 7-1 vote. The committee then recessed and returned to complete roll calls before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Network, right?
• We're willing to challenge the status We're willing to challenge the status quo<00:51:39.720>
• or with some other status. or with some other status. Thank<01:19:00.360> you.
• energy networks. energy networks.
• . networks. networks.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thriving communities depend on safe, reliable, and resilient transportation networks.
• Thriving communities depend on safe, reliable, and resilient transportation networks.
• Of course, our transportation network is not just roads.
• highway projects that are not eligible for federal aid but are just as critical to our transportation network
• here today, but I can get that information for you because they also do a good job of tracking the status

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets held a public hearing on H. 5279, a bill financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges. MassDOT and A&F testified in support, describing the bill as a more than $5 billion transportation bond package centered on a four-year, $1.2 billion Chapter 90 authorization, plus funding for MBTA rail reliability and modernization, housing-related transportation improvements, a new DCR/MassDOT PRISM program for parkways and other DCR assets, and reauthorizations of the Municipal Pavement Program, Shared Streets and Spaces, and highway programs. They said the bill would support safety, resilience, housing production, and multimodal transportation, and noted that some bonds could be issued as special obligation bonds backed by the Commonwealth Transportation Fund and Fair Share revenues. Committee members asked about the size and structure of the authorizations, the federal match for highway projects, the source of MBTA vehicle procurement, bridge repair needs, and whether the housing-related funds could be used flexibly for items like sidewalks, bike lanes, bus stops, and other local transportation improvements. Administration witnesses said the bill is intended as a temporary refill of existing programs until a larger transportation bond bill is filed next session, that the federal-aid line includes the full spending authority while the state only borrows the 20% match, and that the housing-related program is deliberately broad and not limited to MBTA communities. They also said Chapter 90 includes a road-mile component that especially helps rural communities and that preservation and safety are built into the programs. The Massachusetts Municipal Association also testified in strong support, emphasizing that Chapter 90 is the most important tool municipalities have to maintain the roughly 30,000 miles of local roads and bridges they are responsible for. MMA urged timely passage before construction season and praised the continued $300 million Chapter 90 level, especially the $100 million road-mile distribution that helps communities with large road networks and smaller populations. No votes were taken on the bill, and the hearing concluded with adjournment after testimony ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• reviewing the written testimony, please go to the legislator’s website; you will find the link on the status
• 02:30.160> the website you will find the link on the website you will find the link on the status
• :30.920> for<00:02:31.120> the<00:02:31.239> measure<00:02:32.160> we status
• page for the measure we status page for the measure we appreciate<00:02:32.840> your<00:02:33.360
• Vice Chair, next, Hawaii Children's Action Network speaks providing comments on Zoom.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Health, Human Services, and Labor and Technology committee heard testimony on SB 447, a Department of Health pilot program related to recruitment, and SB 1043, a tax measure. On SB 447, the Department of Health said the pilot had streamlined hiring by delaying minimum-qualification review until later in the process, while the Department of Human Resources Development objected that parts of the bill could conflict with civil service rules, due process rights, and equal pay requirements. Several labor and employee groups testified, with some supporting the pilot as a way to address vacancies and others warning about merit-system concerns. The committee later voted to pass SB 447 as is. On SB 1043, testimony was mixed but largely focused on the bill’s tax changes, especially the proposed increase to the general excise tax and exemptions or credits for lower-income households. Supporters, including labor groups and housing/worker advocates, argued the bill would reduce burdens on working families, help with food insecurity, and keep residents in Hawaiʻi. Opponents, including the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi and some community witnesses, said the general excise tax is regressive and would raise costs across the state. The committee voted to advance SB 1043 with substantial amendments, deleting most of the bill except section two and setting a far-future effective date, while noting the fiscal impact had not been provided. The committee also deferred SB 633 and later deferred SB 1633 for further decision-making, scheduling continued consideration for February 12, 2025, in Room 225. The hearing included standard instructions on one-minute testimony, written testimony, and Zoom procedures, and the committee adjourned after taking the above actions.