Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiuwjYLFl1w, 2026-07-02T01:22:39+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, House Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2022/hearingnotices/HEARING_HHH_03-18-22_.pdf Followed by HHH/HSG 11:00AM: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2022/hearingnotices/HEARING_HHH-HSG_03-18-22_.pdf Followed by HSG/HHH 11:10AM: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2022/hearingnotices/HEARING_HSG-HHH_03-18-22_.pdf Timestamps: 11:20 - SB 2034, SD1 (SSCR3157) 14:22 - SB 2371, SD2 (SSCR3032) 17:17 - SB 3235, SD1 (SSCR2765) 18:40 - SB 3367, SD2 (SSCR2923) 20:46 - SB 2424, SD2 (SSCR2946) 30:37 - SB 2883, SD2 (SSCR2882) 42:16 - SB 2634, SD1 (SSCR3083) 47:38 - SB 2736, SD1 (SSCR3069) ------- 1:40:55 - Introduction (HSG 11:00 AM) 1:41:41 - SB 3168, SD2 (SSCR2783) 1:48:56 - Decision Making (HSG 11:00 AM) ------- 1:51:00 - Introduction (HSG/HHH 11:10 AM) 1:51:20 - SB 2370, SD2 (SSCR3031) 1:57:10 - SB 2150, SD2 (SSCR2705) 2:03:11 - Decision Making (HSG/HHH 11:10 AM) 2:07:08 - Decision Making (HHH 9:30 AM), 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4KQvaX2grI, 2026-07-02T01:22:33+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Hearing Agenda: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2021/hearingnotices/HEARING_JHA_03-23-21_.HTM 11:07 - Introduction 11:15 - SB219 18:05 - SB697 19:30 - SB939 22:12 - SB1243 27:42 - SB664 35:17 - SB1100 36:34 - SB513 37:29 - SB1204 38:02 - SB516 40:39 - SB1311 41:40 - SB806 42:36 - SB1395 43:40 - SB400 44:43 - SB401 45:32 - SB402 46:19 - SB405 47:50 - SB406 49:14 - SB560 52:40 - SB135 53:05 - SB717 56:39 - SB1021 1:17:23 - SB221 1:29:00 - SB387 1:32:16 - SB821 1:32:24 - SB607 1:33:25 - SB866 1:36:11 - SB2 1:49:27 - SB754 2:07:02 - SB1121 2:10:50 - SB1220 2:12:42 - SB678 2:14:20 - SB1107 2:18:26 - SB134 2:19:21 - SB192 2:20:55 - SB1401 2:25:49 - SB1166 2:27:00 - SB791 2:28:32 - Decision Making, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrKctj7bGQM, 2026-07-02T01:22:43+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Meeting of the Special Committee Senate State of Hawaii COVID-19 Friday, April 3, 2020 Agenda The special committee will convene to assess and advise the Senate regarding the State of Hawaii's COVID-19 plans and procedures to include, but not limited to: 1) Confirm the development of the state departmental plans and procedures; 2) Review and assess current state departmental plans and procedures; 3) Review and assess whether state departmental plans and procedures are properly and timely implemented to safeguard public health and safety; and 4) To communicate and disseminate information obtained therefrom. The special committee will be meeting with the following: 11:00 AM Office of the Governor Ms. Linda Chu Takayama, Chief of Staff 11:30 AM Department of Human Resources and Development Mr. Ryker Wada, Director 12:00 PM Department of Agriculture Ms. Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser, Chair 12:30 PM Department of Education Dr. Christina Kishimoto, Superintendent, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Transcript Highlights:

• And so the latest data I've got is from fiscal year 2020 and 2021.
• and encourage the department to collect that data.
• As we've been hearing, surface water really isn't well regulated.
• This balance is achieved through carefully structured regulations to prohibit conflicts.
• I don't have any data to back that up. I'm just thinking in my head.

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 1209, which would pause new cooperative endeavor agreements for surface water withdrawals after December 31, 2026, while allowing existing agreements to continue and renew through 2036. The author said the bill is intended to force a broader, data-driven review of Louisiana’s surface water management and to improve funding for aquatic plant control, especially giant salvinia. An amendment was adopted to broaden the description of how the aquatic plant control fund may be used and to require annual reporting on agreements, withdrawals, revenues, deposits, spending, and non-monetary consideration. Department officials said the current program is voluntary, underfunded for monitoring, and that the bill could create a gap for new users if no replacement mechanism is enacted. The bill was reported favorable as amended after testimony from supporters including the Louisiana Wildlife Federation and opposition concerns from industry representatives were noted but not formally presented. House Bill 599 was then heard, which would prohibit the sale of Louisiana running surface water outside the state. The author argued that out-of-state sales, especially involving Toledo Bend and Texas, would be short-sighted and could harm Louisiana’s long-term water interests. Supporters said Louisiana lacks a water budget and should preserve water for in-state needs, while the Department of Conservation and Energy noted that the state currently has no mandatory process for such agreements and that the bill would not affect Sabine River Authority authority. The committee reported the bill favorable. Finally, House Bill 1206, dealing with permitting and reporting of water usage at data centers, was discussed. The substitute bill and amendment would give the department authority to monitor and regulate groundwater and surface water withdrawals, require public hearings, and improve transparency through reporting and a universal project identifier. The author and supporters said the bill was prompted by concerns in communities affected by large data center projects and the lack of public hearings on water use. Department officials agreed that more comprehensive data and a clearer framework are needed, but the author voluntarily deferred the bill to continue working with the department on a broader measure for next session. The committee also heard House Bill 1171 on allowing airboats in the Mar-Paw Swamp Wildlife Management Area, but after extensive debate over noise, habitat impacts, and existing restrictions, the discussion was ongoing in the portion provided and no final action on that bill was shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• those regulations change.
• While statewide data varies, our local experience is clear.
• While statewide data varies, our local experience is clear.
• When we talk about data and evidence-based policy, the evidence is very clear when you look at the data
• There's comprehensive regulation. There's housing policy.

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> about that and the most recent data about that and the most recent data available<00:46:41.200><
• What data do we to that recommendation.
• So the data that we saw in 2022, it wasn't new. The trends hold over the last 10, 15 years.
• So the data that mean by historically.
• ,</c><01:07:38.960><c> but</c> standard food safety regulations, but standard food safety regulations

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up a Senate message on HB 179, relative to hazardous waste accident fees. Members reviewed the Senate amendment, which would cap the daily non-payment penalty at no more than $1,000 per day and limit the cumulative penalty to 25% of the cost, with no additional daily penalty if the responsible party is following an agreed payment plan. Members discussed the change from the committee’s earlier version, which had allowed penalties up to 100% of the damages, and agreed the revised language was reasonable. The committee voted to concur with the Senate amendment and indicated the bill could be placed on consent. The committee then recessed SB 302, requiring background checks for solid waste facility owners, because a late request for an additional change had not yet been fully reviewed. It next voted on SB 229, relative to the sale of uninspected bison, red deer, and elk meat. Supporters said the bill would expand retail access to these meats, support New Hampshire farms, and improve food security. Members also noted the Department of Agriculture did not object, that the bill would remove a sunset and keep more workable inspection rules in place, and that the animals involved are largely from closed herds. The committee voted unanimously to pass SB 229 and agreed to place it on consent. Finally, the committee considered SB 50, establishing a committee to study the regulation of private animal boarding facilities. Members described disturbing testimony about missing, injured, or dead dogs and the lack of clear oversight, licensing, or even a reliable list of kennels in the state. They discussed possible study topics including licensing, inspection authority, standards, penalties, and protections for both pet owners and boarding operators, including disclosure of medical conditions. The committee voted unanimously to pass SB 50 and also agreed to place it on consent. After the executive sessions, the committee heard a presentation from the New Hampshire Food Alliance on the state’s first food and agriculture strategic plan, introduced by director Nicole Cardwell, with participation from advisory committee members including Rep. Bixby and Commissioner Sean Jasper.

Transcript Highlights:

• regulations, sections of roadway. roadway. roadway.
• So, uh, my question would be: do we have data on when we say safety issues, do we have data saying that
• Yeah, we do have crash data at both interchanges. We have crash data statewide.
• We have crash data<00:26:15.360><c> statewide.</c><00:26:16.559><c> Um</c> data statewide.
• Um data statewide.

Committee: House Public Works and Highways

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sometimes it's better to put things in the standards or the regulations than it is the actual law.
• </c> regulations than it is the actual law. regulations than it is the actual law.
• were already partnering with the Department of Workforce and the Department of Education with the data
• were already partnering with the Department of Workforce and the Department of Education with the data
• , but this actually puts them on data, but this actually puts them on there<00:07:45.520><c> and</c><

Bills: HB584 , HB604 , HB584 , HB604

Committee: House Education Policy

Keywords: marriage, religious solemnization, probate court, marriage license, traditional practices, HB604, Alabama veteran tag program, distinctive license plate, veteran license tag, radiation-exposed veterans, atomic bomb testing, ionizing radiation, World War II veterans, nuclear weapons cleanup, veterans affairs, Department of Veterans Affairs, motor vehicle tag, special license plate, military and veterans affairs, Cold War veterans

Transcript Highlights:

• Turning briefly to land use, cities and counties engaging in comprehensive planning may regulate the
• Regulations can include things like location and height of construction.
• Amid this evolving federal landscape, immigrants faced increased risk in sharing their data with the
• I think this will be some good background data about how it gets there.
• I think this will be some good background data about how it gets there.

Summary: House Finance heard testimony on two affordable housing bills. House Bill 1859 would expand an existing density bonus for housing on religious organization property by lowering the affordability threshold from 100% to at least 50% affordable units, requiring local policies to implement the bonus upon request, and creating a new state and local sales and use tax exemption for qualifying projects with at least 50% affordable units maintained for 10 years. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would help projects on church-owned land pencil out amid high construction and financing costs, while a county association raised concern that the bill would create an unfunded mandate for local planning departments. Several witnesses also asked that homeownership projects be explicitly included, and staff confirmed the exemption would be administered through an exemption certificate. The committee then moved to House Bill 1717, which would authorize cities and counties to create a local sales and use tax remittance program for affordable housing developments. Staff said the remittance would cover 100% of local taxes paid after project completion, with a 50% affordable housing threshold and 40-year affordability requirement, and the sponsor and local government and housing advocates supported it as a flexible tool to reduce development costs. Testifiers generally backed both bills, with some asking for more flexibility on income targeting and clarification on county-city interactions under HB 1717. No votes were taken; both public hearings were closed and the committee adjourned after a separate work session on the Working Families Tax Credit, where advocates urged broader eligibility, higher benefit amounts, and easier access, and a California researcher described data-linking methods used to improve tax credit take-up.

Transcript Highlights:

• Along with that, we also assist the public with accessing and reviewing reports and related data.
• We focus on the first The public with accessing and reviewing reports and related data.
• . short instructional videos for filers and also guidance for the public to help them navigate the data
• And we're helping them report those activities in ways that align with regulations and are clear and
• That said, if someone, you know, comes to our regulations, our rules, our reports, and says, this is

Committee: House State Government & Tribal Relations

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• DOL data.
• There's a lot of regulations on farms already.
• This farm bill seeks to regulate temperature and hydration.
• Third: federal regulations on which Massachusetts overtime regulations rely are secure...
• Federal regulations on which Massachusetts overtime regulations rely are secure and unchangeable.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development held a hybrid public hearing with testimony on a wide range of labor, workforce, unemployment insurance, apprenticeship, disability services, farm labor, hospital staffing, and workplace harassment bills. Chairs Jake Oliveira and Paul McMurtry outlined hearing procedures, limited testimony to two minutes, and noted written testimony would be accepted after the hearing. Committee members and staff were introduced throughout the session as witnesses arrived in person or remotely. A major portion of the hearing focused on unemployment insurance legislation. Greater Boston Legal Services, the AFL-CIO, and Rep. Joan Meschino supported bills to adjust UI eligibility for workers with fluctuating schedules and to streamline waivers and write-offs for non-fault overpayments, arguing the current system unfairly denies benefits or burdens workers who were not at fault. They also backed bills calling for more oversight and resources for the Division of Unemployment Assistance, citing persistent delays in benefit payments. NFIB opposed the UI changes, warning that the trust fund is headed toward insolvency and arguing the bills would worsen the system’s finances. Rep. Meschino and committee members emphasized that the proposals were meant to protect good-faith claimants and did not apply to fraud. Another large set of bills addressed wages, workforce development, and working conditions. Testimony supported raising and modernizing direct care wages to address severe staffing shortages in human services and disability services, with advocates from the Massachusetts Developmental Disability Council, The Arc of Massachusetts, parents of adults with disabilities, and a direct care worker describing how low pay and turnover harm people needing support. The committee also heard support for apprenticeship-related bills from the AFL-CIO and the Carpenters, while Associated Builders and Contractors opposed mandatory apprenticeship ratios and urged changes to align them with licensing laws. Farm worker advocates supported a bill to raise farm labor standards, including minimum wage, paid breaks, and paid time off, while the Farm Bureau opposed parts of it beyond the minimum wage increase. The hearing also featured testimony on workplace harassment training, overtime protections, hospital mandatory overtime, suicide prevention signage on construction sites, and a proposal to update the Massachusetts Medical Society’s mission language from “citizens” to “people.” Labor groups, educators, and compliance trainers strongly supported mandatory annual sexual harassment training, saying it would improve workplace culture and reduce harm. SEIU 1199 supported extending the hospital nurse mandatory overtime ban to the broader hospital workforce. Witnesses on the suicide prevention bill described personal losses in construction and recovery work and urged posting 988 information on job sites. The committee took no votes during the hearing; witnesses repeatedly asked for favorable reports, and members asked follow-up questions on UI calculations, apprenticeship ratios, small-business impacts, and emergency exceptions for hospital staffing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We consulted with our and regulations.
• that</c><00:20:05.360><c> our</c> regulators to ensure that our regulators to ensure that our interpretation
• </c> regulator that you consulted with? regulator that you consulted with?
• Um regulators related to our practice.
• </c> approval from regulators. approval from regulators.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We're not energy regulators. We don't want to be energy regulators.
• We're not energy regulators. We don't want to be energy regulators.
• And it's a function of—it contains data on Louisiana proper, right?
• Use of groundwater is regulated by Conservation and Energy, while this department regulates groundwater
• We regulate the quality.

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so observational data is our main form of data.
• they weren't present in every year of the data.
• And what I said, we're looking at observational data.
• So therefore you couldn't regulate them in the same way that you could regulate child pornography that
• And then I'll just end with data reporting.

Committee: Joint Protection and Victim Services Committee

Summary: The committee first approved the December 16 minutes and then heard a presentation from Dr. Ramona Danielson on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their economic and public-system impacts. She explained that ACEs are population-level risk indicators, not individual diagnostic tools, and said higher ACE exposure is associated with more chronic illness, mental health challenges, child welfare and justice involvement, and lower workforce participation. She cautioned that precise dollar estimates are difficult because of the many interacting factors across the life course, but said the direction of the impact is clear and that evidence-based interventions and protective factors can reduce harm. Members asked about definitions of a “healthy family,” same-sex couples, divorce, substance abuse, trends in ACEs, and home visiting; she emphasized supportive relationships, protective factors, and the importance of positive childhood experiences. The committee then heard from Allison Mahoney and Missy Barranco, along with a recorded family story from Abby, about evidence-based home visiting programs in North Dakota. Abby described how Healthy Families North Dakota supported her family after a premature birth and NICU stay by providing weekly in-home coaching, developmental screenings, postpartum mental health check-ins, referrals, and parenting support. The presenters explained that home visiting is voluntary, relationship-based, and usually begins prenatally or shortly after birth, with referrals coming from hospitals, WIC, pregnancy navigators, human service zones, self-referrals, and other community partners. They said North Dakota currently has four main evidence-based models operating through 12 organizations, with Healthy Families available in all 53 counties, though only a fraction of eligible families are served. Funding was described as a patchwork of federal MIECHV/Title IV-E, Medicaid, state and tribal funds, philanthropy, charitable gaming, and other grants; members discussed whether the Legislature or agencies should expand support and how to improve outreach and sustainability. Finally, the committee received a memorandum on artificial intelligence and sexual exploitation, focusing on AI-generated child sexual abuse material, deepfakes, sextortion, and chatbot-related risks. The report summarized federal and state law, including North Dakota’s existing computer-generated image provisions, the federal PROTECT Act, the Take It Down Act, and recent federal executive orders on AI policy. Members discussed the need for child-safety protections, the limits of executive orders, and broader concerns about AI’s effect on critical thinking and misinformation. The committee then heard from BCI Special Agent Cassidy Halsef, who said AI is already driving a sharp rise in child exploitation cases in North Dakota, including AI-generated explicit images of real minors and school-based incidents involving mass-shared manipulated images. She said investigators are seeing more cyber tips, more difficult forensic work, and lasting harm to victims and families, and urged stronger legal penalties, specialized training, victim services, and prevention education in schools and communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> on um discussing regulations on um discussing regulations regarding<00:01:29.759><c> um</c><00:01
• </c><00:02:10.800><c> specifically</c> don't have regulation specifically don't have regulation specifically
• </c> headed down the right path to regulate headed down the right path to regulate these<00:08:06.360
• </c> Kian we need to have some regulations Kian we need to have some regulations provided<00:10:05.800
• She then asked, "Is it a statute or a regulation?" and was told, "It's a regulation."

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up Senate Bill 202, adopting a committee substitute before hearing testimony. Senator Julie Rocky Adams explained that the substitute would require the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to promulgate regulations by January 1, 2026 for intoxicating hemp-derived beverages, direct the University of Kentucky to study manufacturing, testing, distribution, sales, and consumer effects of those beverages, and impose a moratorium on their sale until July 1, 2026. Supporters, including Rep. Matt Cook, said the measure was intended as a consumer-protection step rather than a ban, citing concerns about youth access, inconsistent labeling, and the need for a clearer regulatory framework. Members asked about the legal status of the products, whether the bill could unintentionally sweep in non-intoxicating hemp beverages, and whether there was evidence of harm. Senators were told the products are legal under the federal farm bill loophole, but that testing has shown THC levels on sampled cans did not match labels and that current regulations do not specifically address intoxicating hemp-derived beverages. Senator Higdon said CHFS had already been authorized to regulate hemp products and was moving forward with regulations and enforcement, while Senator Meredith questioned whether a moratorium would unfairly punish businesses that had already invested in the market and suggested setting a THC standard instead. Public testimony then shifted to industry opposition. Jim Higdon of Cornbread Hemp said his company had invested heavily in a beverage line and argued the moratorium would function like a ban and harm small businesses. Dee Taylor of 502 Hemp and the Kentucky Hemp Association also opposed the moratorium, saying existing rules already require age limits, behind-the-counter sales, and licensed retailers, and arguing that a cap on milligrams would be preferable to a shutdown. He said retailers were seeing approved and unapproved products in the market and urged work with the Cabinet and ABC rather than a moratorium.

Transcript Highlights:

• And just as background, in its regulation of electrical utilities, And just as background, in its regulation
• Yeah, general data center. Yeah.
• Yeah, general data center. Yeah.
• Put that into your data, your public information data also.
• They don't even have to go out and get the data. The data is being provided to them.

Summary: The hearing was an informational budget session on energy agency proposals, with no votes taken. Early discussion focused on Proposition 4 climate bond implementation, including funding for demand-side grid support, offshore wind development, and transmission financing. The Department of Finance said the budget includes allocations for demand-side grid support and offshore wind, but not yet for the $325 million transmission financing piece pending a required study. The Legislative Analyst’s Office urged the Legislature to consider whether to wait on offshore wind funding, whether to keep shifting funds into demand-side grid support, and how to direct future transmission financing. Members also raised concerns about local technical assistance for offshore wind, Salton Sea priorities, and the need for more information before final decisions. The California Energy Commission and CPUC then reviewed the broader energy package. The CEC highlighted the demand-side grid support program’s growth, distributed energy backup assets, long-duration storage, hydrogen grants, and the SIRP clean energy reliability program. CPUC testimony emphasized affordability, wildfire mitigation costs, rooftop solar cost shifts, and efforts to reduce rates while maintaining reliability and clean energy goals. Members questioned CPUC staffing, delays in proceedings, coordination with the CEC and CAISO, and the impact of rate increases on customers. The agencies also discussed the AB 3264 transmission financing study, with CPUC saying work on the study had already begun and was on track for the July 1 deadline. Several trailer bill and implementation items were also discussed. The committee reviewed a proposal to extend the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program surcharge, with members split over whether it should be handled in budget trailer bill language or policy legislation; the administration said the surcharge supports a critical program serving about three-quarters of a million Californians. The committee also heard a CPUC data-sharing proposal to allow nondisclosure agreements for transmission and reliability data, which members generally supported as a technical fix. DWR explained a proposal to clarify language for the Electricity Supply Strategic Reliability Reserve so it can potentially sell three gas-fired units it owns, and the CEC presented a federal transmission grant proposal tied to grid-enhancing technologies and ratepayer cost recovery. Finally, the committee discussed California Lifeline and possible broadband pilot reforms in light of uncertainty around federal Universal Service Fund support, with CPUC saying it is exploring a statewide standalone broadband option for eligible customers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Based also on that monitoring data, then we work to regulate facilities as directed by the Clean Air
• Based also on that monitoring data, then we work to regulate facilities as directed by the Clean Air
• </c> coast based also on that monitoring data coast based also on that monitoring data then<00:24:08.880
• </c><00:24:11.159><c> facilities</c> then we uh work to regulate facilities then we uh work to regulate
• </c><00:37:20.200><c> management</c> Communications data management Communications data management facilities

Bills: HF276 , HF413 , HF411

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Keywords: human services, Medical Assistance, Medicaid, long-term services and supports, LTSS, public assistance, application process, eligibility determination, customer service survey, wait times, form complexity, lead agencies, Department of Human Services, Department of Children Youth and Families, streamlining, administrative reform, case management, reassessment, intake system, adaptive eligibility form

Transcript Highlights:

• Had licensing and regulation.
• People don't know what entity regulates these bodies.
• None of the regulatory authorities regulate these bodies.
• Because we’re already under regulation. What regulation?
• There have been data breaches. There was a big one.

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 611 by Rep. Freeman, which would require pregnancy-related service centers that provide health care services to be licensed or, as amended, to clearly disclose that they are not a licensed medical facility regulated by the Louisiana Department of Health. Rep. Freeman and supporting witnesses argued the bill was prompted by a legislative auditor report and concerns that some centers provide ultrasounds, STI testing, pregnancy tests, and related services without clear medical oversight. The Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners’ executive director testified that interpreting ultrasounds and performing certain tests can constitute the practice of medicine, while opponents argued the centers already operate under medical directors and that the disclosure requirement was unconstitutional under the NIFLA case. The committee adopted an amendment, but after debate on the amended bill, a motion to report favorably failed on a roll call vote, and the bill was voluntarily deferred. The committee then heard House Bill 902 by Rep. Marcelle, which directs the Louisiana Department of Health to develop trauma-informed training. Supporters said the bill grew out of a task force on student behavior, mental health, and discipline, and that educators need a more consistent, evidence-based trauma-informed curriculum than what is currently available online. Some members raised concerns about cost and whether the bill would mandate new school obligations, while a witness from the Louisiana Baptist Convention opposed the measure as mission creep and argued trauma-informed care is too specialized for general teacher training. Other members supported the bill as a way to help educators identify and respond to children facing trauma. The bill was amended with technical changes and then discussed further, but the transcript ends before a final vote on HB 902 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we're talking about regulating these spaces.
• And we're talking about regulating these spaces.
• But regulation and literacy are not enough.
• But regulation and literacy are not enough.
• I. you provided a data point. 58% of those polls. data point, 58% of those polled did not ever seek the

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we're talking about regulating these spaces.
• But regulation and literacy are not enough.
• You provided a data point: 58% of those polled... ...data point: 58% of those polled did not ever seek
• And I think that goes to that data point that you just shared.
• And I think that goes to that data point that you just shared.

Summary: The hearing was the inaugural meeting of the Assembly Select Committee on Developing Pathways to Purpose for Young Men, chaired by Assembly Member Avelino Valencia. In opening remarks, Valencia and several committee members described concerns about boys’ and young men’s disconnection from school, work, and relationships, and tied the committee’s work to technology, mentorship, education, and suicide prevention. Members repeatedly noted the effects of COVID-era screen use, the importance of positive male role models, and the need to think beyond funding alone toward broader policy and cultural changes. The first panel focused on the state of men online. Testimony from David Sakaki of the American Institute for Boys and Men, Vihon Bardwaj of Generation Up, and Dr. Alok Kanojia (“Dr. K”) emphasized that pornography, gaming, gambling, social media, and AI can meet real needs for belonging, status, and relief, while also encouraging addiction, isolation, distorted sexual expectations, and harmful comparisons. Witnesses argued that young men are especially vulnerable to algorithm-driven content, that online systems often amplify misogyny and other harmful behavior, and that public policy should address design defaults, age-appropriate sex education, gambling-like game mechanics, and offline alternatives such as sports, mentorship, and social-emotional skill building. Committee members asked about pornography, loot boxes, gambling ads, and how to create healthier substitutes for the immediate gratification these products provide. Witnesses said the answer is not to match the addictive pull of harmful content, but to build more fulfilling offline pathways and teach practical social and emotional skills. Assembly Member Brian also spoke about the need for policy frameworks that help young men and boys be seen and supported, while acknowledging that these issues affect women and girls as well. The second panel shifted to design and health impacts. Dr. Ravi Iyer, drawing on his experience at Meta, said platforms are often optimized for engagement rather than users’ aspirations, which can increase exposure to nudity, violence, hate, and unwanted sexual content; he also warned about emotionally manipulative chatbot interactions and suggested stronger rules and public tracking of app harms. Dr. Jason Nagata of UCSF described research linking problematic social media use to later ADHD symptoms in boys, and explained how social media can intensify muscularity pressures, body dissatisfaction, eating disorders, and risky appearance-modification trends such as “looksmaxxing.” No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the hearing.