Transcript Highlights:

• about 4 to 500 individuals from across the state to skill them up, give them best practices, and networking
• Having the network, knowledge, relationships, and expertise in certain disciplines or areas is crucial
• Our agency, with the lieutenant governor's office, spearheaded and multi-community kind of networking
• So, really, what I'm here to do is to give you an update on the status of the system, kind of where we
• You have to Funding this system will result in a pay-as-you-go status if you don't properly fund this

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• our children, and ensure higher education is affordable and accessible, regardless of immigration status
• and Indigenous Drum Group, promoting peace and healing, and co-founded the Service Women's Action Network
• With a global fan base, they have reached iconic status through numerous honors, including a lifetime
• Their families that came together today to lay the flowers at the foot of the memorial statue brought
• At the UC campuses, regardless of immigration status, giving them a fair chance and the opportunity with

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the session on floor recognitions. Members welcomed the Far West Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and honored its leadership and civic service, including wildfire recovery work and local chapter anniversaries. The body also recognized the 2026 Latino Spirit Award honorees, with remarks tied to Cinco de Mayo and Latino resilience, followed by a series of resolutions and guest introductions. Several resolutions were adopted, including SR 86 on Cinco de Mayo Week, SCR 146 declaring May Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, SCR 154 establishing Green Star Veterans and Families Day, SCR 123 recognizing California Peace Officers Memorial Day, SCR 164 designating Black Health Equity Advocacy Week, and SCR 103 on Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. Testimony and remarks emphasized cultural heritage, shared struggles for justice, veterans’ mental health and suicide prevention, law enforcement sacrifice, and persistent racial health disparities. Most resolutions passed by unanimous roll call votes. The Senate also confirmed multiple Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation appointments, including Kathleen Ratliff and Joseph Tuggle, Jason Johnson, Madeline McLean, Brian Bishop, and Sarah Larson. Senators Grove and others voiced protest over CDCR appointments, arguing for consideration of Frank Silva, but the confirmations still passed overwhelmingly or unanimously. The chamber then approved several bills, including SB 1159 on artificial intelligence and public meetings, SB 1416 shortening refund timelines for duplicate medical/dental payments, SB 1273 expanding tied-house advertising rules for winery instructional events, SB 941 limiting commissary markups in private detention facilities, SB 1099 clarifying local authority to provide public benefits, SB 1195 expanding tied-house exemptions for certain venues, and SB 990 allowing a highway information sign near Ridgecrest. The session concluded with adjournment memories for labor leader and UCLA Labor Center director Kent Wong and recognition of his family and colleagues.

Transcript Highlights:

• They learn that rights come with responsibilities and that leadership is rooted in service, not status
• rooted<00:21:39.679> in<00:21:39.919> service,<00:21:40.960> not<00:21:41.200> status
• rooted in service, not status. rooted in service, not status.
• We need duty status reform to streamline the access and mobilization categories for the National Guard
• level, engagement with our employers, educators, media partners, and the public, relationships, and networking

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The caucus of the whole was held as the annual State of the Guard address, featuring Adjutant General Gregory Knight’s remarks to legislators and guests. Knight said this would likely be his final address before retirement and thanked Gold Star families, military survivors, Governor Phil Scott, honorary commanders, legislative leaders, his family, and many Guard and community partners. He emphasized that the Vermont National Guard is a civic institution, not just a military force, and said its strength depends on a strong relationship with the legislature. Knight reviewed several priorities and accomplishments, including regular transparency updates to the governor, legislature, congressional delegation, and force; the creation of the Vermont National Guard and Veterans Caucus; and legislation supporting education, workforce development, benefits, and service members’ families. He highlighted recruiting and retention efforts, including the Prime employer partnership program, which he said now has 40 employer partners and 24 more pending, and argued that Vermont can attract and retain service members by connecting military experience to civilian jobs and education opportunities. He also discussed organizational climate improvements, mental health and prevention staffing, and the need for more providers who accept military patients and Tricare, noting the Howard Center and other health centers are expanding military and veteran care. The address also covered the Guard’s broader role in emergency response, citizenship, diversity, and international partnerships. Knight described recent deployments and state responses to COVID-19, flooding, and other emergencies, explained Guard duty statuses and called for congressional reform to simplify them, and outlined state partnership work with Austria, North Macedonia, and Senegal, as well as related educational and economic initiatives. He recognized numerous Guard members, recruiters, fiscal staff, media partners, and outside collaborators for their contributions. No votes were taken. The meeting concluded with Speaker recognition of Knight’s service and an announcement that the caucus had ended and the House would gavel in shortly afterward.

Transcript Highlights:

• , but the modern broadband networks as well.
• fund, provided that the affordability program is established, is directly assist tribes for that ETC status
• fund, provided that the affordability program is established, is directly assist tribes for that ETC status
• interim committee, in this case most likely Legislative Finance, on these numbers, reporting on the status
• So it was very confusing, which is why we're just like status quo. We're not touching it.

Bills: SB152, SB145, SB190, HB247

Keywords: telecommunications, low-income assistance, lifeline, broadband, rural broadband, universal service fund, public regulation commission, PRC, 911 surcharge, telecommunications relay service, VoIP, mobile service, internet affordability, digital equity, digital inclusion, rural internet, broadband infrastructure, eligible telecommunications carrier, ETC, tribal consent

Transcript Highlights:

• In the event of a network failure, it may be necessary to reschedule the hearing or schedule a meeting
• <00:08:59.079> failure<00:08:59.519> it end in the event of a network failure it end
• in the event of a network failure it may<00:08:59.760> be<00:08:59.920> necessary<00:09
• Well, what is the status quo like? What happens? What does the state do? Do we just eat it?
• finan cial crimes enforcement Network finan cial crimes enforcement Network and<00:47:29.359>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills related to consumer protection, liquor regulation, construction procurement, and state contracting. On House Bill 565, DCCA and the Office of Consumer Protection stood on written testimony, and a committee member raised a question about whether creators of remains would have to hold them indefinitely if family members did not respond; the member indicated language would be fixed to address that issue. No vote was taken. House Bill 208, dealing with liquor law changes, drew strong support from Scarlet Honolulu and Maui Brewing Company, who said the measure would modernize liquor rules and add guardrails, while the Wine Institute and Anheuser-Busch opposed it as a special tax break or unnecessary expansion of liquor-related authority. Members questioned whether anonymous complaints should be allowed and whether the bill could lead to retaliation; the supporter said complaints should not be anonymous and suggested the Liquor Commission had been accused of writing complaints to target licenses. No action was taken. House Bill 939, concerning taxation of low-ABV spirits-based beverages, received support from Maui Brewing Company and Johnson Brothers, who said it would align tax treatment with existing categories and reduce confusion, while the Wine Institute and Anheuser-Busch opposed it as a narrow tax break that could reduce revenue and should instead be considered in a broader alcohol tax review. House Bill 808, on construction defect insurance or related protections for state projects, drew comments from DAGS, the State Procurement Office, and the Subcontractors Association, with the latter warning it would make state contracting harder and shrink the contractor base; the chair questioned what recourse the state has when defects appear after a project is completed. House Bill 809, addressing procurement and subcontractor-listing corrections, drew opposition from SPO, DAGS, and the Subcontractors Association, while the General Contractors Association supported it; members debated whether a 24-hour correction window would create abuse or simply allow minor ministerial fixes, and the bill’s sponsor said the goal was to reduce bid protests and procurement discretion. No votes or final committee actions were recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today I'm speaking on behalf of the Mental Health Advocacy Network.
• Mental Health Advocacy Network is testifying in support of House Bill 1623.
• Today I'm speaking on behalf of the Mental Health Advocacy Network.
• Mental Health Advocacy Network is testifying in support of House Bill 1623.
• Children's Mental Health Services, Mental Health Advocacy Network urges the state of North Dakota to

Bills: HB1623

Keywords: HB 1623, North Dakota, rural health, rural health transformation program, medical facility infrastructure loan fund, medical facility infrastructure loan program, rural health loan program, Bank of North Dakota, Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, federal grant, health care infrastructure, rural hospitals, critical access hospitals, nonprofit health care providers, gap financing, loan fund, public health funding, healthcare financing, Medicaid

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1623, the appropriations bill tied to North Dakota’s Rural Health Transformation Program, which is funded through a new federal rural health care grant. Senator Bekkedahl explained the bill’s background, the interim committee process that developed it, and the federal conditions attached to the award, including spending deadlines, administrative cost limits, and restrictions on uses such as new construction, supplanting existing funding, and certain other costs. Legislative staff then walked through the seven sections of the bill, including appropriation authority, transfer authority, contingent appropriations for pass-through grants, procurement and public improvement exemptions, recipient reporting, legislative reporting, and immediate effective date. Commissioner Traynor and HHS staff described how the department plans to implement the program, emphasizing that the funding is intended to improve rural access, workforce recruitment and retention, technology and data connectivity, and community health initiatives. They said the department will rely on local applications, technical assistance, templates, listening sessions, and partnerships with providers, schools, public health units, tribal entities, and other community groups. Members asked about reimbursement timing, upfront costs, administrative expenses, sustainability after the five-year grant period, and whether CTE centers, public health units, gyms, grocery stores, and other community partners could participate; the department said yes, within program rules and with a focus on measurable outcomes and sustainability. Several supporters testified in favor. Mental Health America of North Dakota and the Mental Health Advocacy Network supported the bill and urged investment in community-based mental health, crisis response, children’s services, peer support, and mobile crisis teams. HIA Health described the grant as a chance to expand home-based and hospice care, noting that rural providers already have workable models but need funding to scale them. A cybersecurity representative also supported the bill, warning that the large amount of health data and AI-related tools will require strong data protection and professional support. The hearing was closed with no opposition testimony, and the committee announced it would return later in the day for further work on the bill and other measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• And another is a PSN or a provider service network.
• network in long-term care.
• Thank you. only long-term care provider service network in long-term care.
• , and we also expand access to a robust network.
• There are multiple ways that we measure network adequacy as a health plan.

Summary: The committee held a panel discussion focused on how Florida health care organizations are working to improve access, quality, and affordability. Panelists from Florida Community Care/Independent Living Systems, Sunshine Health, AdventHealth, UF Health, and Nemours described their approaches, including Medicaid managed care, value-based contracting, community partnerships, mobile screening units, smart-room technology, telehealth, and specialized programs for maternal health, children, and complex chronic conditions. Several speakers emphasized that managed care and coordinated care can improve outcomes while reducing unnecessary utilization and costs. Members asked about the impact of Medicare’s V28 changes, mobile cancer screening, urgent care versus emergency room billing, pediatric specialty access, complaint resolution, Black maternal mortality, provider shortages, network adequacy, and the use of AI in prior authorization. Witnesses said V28 has affected providers and revenue, UF Health’s mobile screening program is expanding beyond a few cancer types, and its urgent care model bills patients at the appropriate level rather than both urgent care and ER rates. Nemours said it reduced specialty wait times through scheduling changes, telemedicine, and registry tools, while AdventHealth described postpartum coordination and maternal heart programs to reduce maternal complications and mortality. On complaints and access problems, panelists said their organizations use patient/member advocates, care managers, call centers, and escalation processes to resolve issues, and Sunshine Health specifically discussed a transportation complaint that was addressed with its vendor and the family. Sunshine Health also said it is not using AI for prior authorization, though it is exploring responsible uses elsewhere, and Florida Community Care said it is not using AI in utilization management. In closing, panelists identified workforce shortages, provider burnout, and high-cost drugs as the biggest ongoing challenges. The meeting ended with thanks to the panel and adjournment after Representative Brackett moved to rise, without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:07:16.599> those<00:07:16.879> are<00:07:17.160> all the IRS 51 C3 status
• I mean, at a very basic level, it is: do you have your nonprofit status?
• I mean, at a very basic level, it is: do you have your nonprofit status?
• I mean, at a very basic level, it is: do you have your nonprofit status?
• So thank you for coming in too. ...status up to date, they certainly can't provide services.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So, welcome to the June meeting of the Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with
• There was a lot of networking going on. The survey response was from the attendees.
• will be able to join us in Northampton, and we encourage you to help spread the word through your networks
• will be able to join us in Northampton, and we encourage you to help spread the word through your networks
• The second meeting we had in May was with Colin Kallis from the Autism Self Advocacy Network.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities met virtually and in person for its June meeting. Members approved the March meeting minutes and heard a chair’s report on recent “Meeting the Moment” community conversations, including the successful Lowell event and plans for a July 14 Northampton event and an October National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebration at the State House. The October event will include a panel with MassAbility on artificial intelligence and its impacts on people with disabilities, with discussion of both accessibility benefits and risks such as bias and discrimination. A major presentation came from the Supplier Diversity Office on its Empowering Abilities in Contracting and Employment (EAC) program. Staff described the program’s evolution from a pilot launched after 2016 legislation to a statewide policy now included in new state contracts. The program aims to increase certification of disability-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, expand workforce participation by people with disabilities, and use vendor reporting to track progress toward a 3% workforce goal. The office reported about 292 active certified businesses, roughly 40 vendors currently on EAC contracts, and expectations that the number of participating vendors will grow to about 130 by November. Commissioners praised the program and asked about its reach, data, and potential replication in other states or institutions. The advisory council update highlighted broad engagement across topics including accessibility, employment, youth transition, housing, health equity, transportation, technology, AI, and supported decision-making. Members were asked to share fact sheets and resources for posting on the commission website, and two council members will help plan the October employment event. Subcommittee reports followed: the employment subcommittee reviewed transition-to-employment barriers, the disability employment tax credit, veteran services, and a SEED policy brief; the workforce supports subcommittee discussed apprenticeships and a May webinar on addressing workforce barriers through apprenticeships; and the long-term services and supports/health equity subcommittee heard about care coordination training resources and a presentation on post-COVID health care inequities for people with disabilities. The executive director also reported on ongoing work with state agencies, MassHealth-related conversations, caregiver and aging issues, and AI planning. The meeting ended with commissioner announcements on the Paul Spooner Generational Leadership Summit and a Medicaid summit, followed by adjournment by vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• SCREENING FOLLOW-UP IN THE SECOND IS POSTPARTUM DISCRETION DEPRESSION AND THE THIRD IS IMMUNIZATION STATUS
• LASTLY REGARDING NETWORK ADEQUACY, THE AGENCY MONITORS PLAN NETWORK ADEQUACY REQUIREMENTS FOR THROUGH
• NETWORK ADEQUACY REQUIREMENTS ARE MAINLY MONITORED THROUGH REVIEWS OF MINIMAL REGIONAL PROVIDER RATIOS
• AND GEOGRAPHICAL ACCESS REVIEWS UTILIZING REQUIRED PROVIDER NETWORK STANDARDS.
• HOWEVER, THE AGENCY DEPLOYS ADDITIONAL MONITORING TOOLS TO MONITOR FOR NETWORK ADEQUACY SUCH AS REVIEWS

Transcript Highlights:

• So it has to hit a network in order to transfer.
• But the first wallet that's being sent to on the network, on a legitimate network, is where it's going
• It's disconnected from the network. There's no way to seize it back.
• But if they reenter those funds into a different network, and we don't have an alert on that network,
• . into a different network, and we don't have an alert on that network, and there's many of them, and

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• water rights to the flows within the drainage ditch system, has obtained wholesale water provider status
• So, status of the developments: how many walked away? Are there alternative providers?
• What's the status?
• Well, Chairman, I had registered on the bill because I wasn’t sure of the committee substitute status
• But yet somebody comes in in short order timeframe and asks for a decertification in their network.

Bills: SB863, SB1190, SB1261, SB1413, SB1624, SB1662, SB1663, SB1855, SB1967, SB2124, SB2204, SB1623

Keywords: Edwards Aquifer, water conservation, reclaimed water, aquifer storage, environmental protection, water loss, municipally owned utilities, Texas Water Development Board, administrative penalties, water audit, water infrastructure, water supply, state water plan, water management strategies, water financing, municipal bonds, revenue bonds, public debt, obligations, TWDB

Summary: The Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs heard several water-related bills, with testimony focused on drinking water quality, groundwater contamination notice, flood infrastructure funding, water rights conservation, and utility service areas. SB 1662 would limit TCEQ’s advance notice to public water systems to no more than 24 hours before testing after a consumer complaint, to reduce the chance of temporary treatment affecting results. SB 1663 would allow TCEQ to notify private well owners, groundwater conservation districts, and nearby residents by direct means about known groundwater contamination, rather than relying mainly on first-class mail and annual reporting. SB 2124 would move the deadline for publishing the Texas Groundwater Protection Committee’s annual report from April 1 to June 1. Witnesses on the first two bills described long-running water quality problems and delayed notice in their communities and supported the measures. No opposition was recorded, and each bill was left pending for a later vote. The committee also heard SB 1967, which would expand eligibility for Flood Infrastructure Fund financing to multipurpose projects that both reduce flooding and create water supply. Senator Hinojosa and Hidalgo County representatives described the Delta Reclamation Project as a shovel-ready example that would capture flood and drainage water, treat it, and produce new potable supply while also providing detention and flood mitigation. A Sierra Club witness also supported the bill, saying such projects could help manage floodwaters and reduce polluted discharges to bays and estuaries. The bill was left pending. A lengthy and divided discussion followed on SB 1413, which would expand the streamlined expedited release process for landowners seeking removal from a water or sewer CCN in additional counties. Senator Nichols said the bill was a property-rights measure aimed at legacy monopolies and bad actors who use CCNs to hold landowners hostage, while supporters described cases where developers could not get timely service, including fire flow, or were asked to fund infrastructure without reasonable recoupment. Opponents from rural water corporations and utility associations argued the bill would undermine investment in water infrastructure, strand debt, and weaken the return on planned expansion. PUC and TCEQ resource witnesses explained that compensation is handled case by case through appraisal and can include stranded costs, planning, design, construction, and some legal fees, but members noted the statute is unclear and discussed possible committee substitute language. Public testimony was closed with the bill left pending. Later, SB 1624 would allow the Texas Water Trust within the Texas Water Bank to hold donated water rights for conservation purposes and protect them from use-it-or-lose-it cancellation, and SB 863 would address Edwards Aquifer utilities that straddle the aquifer boundary by allowing them to continue using Edwards water within their certificated areas under specified conditions. Both bills were laid out, received no public opposition in the hearing, and were left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the chairman asked LESC staff to come and update you on the status of House Bill 2 in a quick 10-minute
• you're not going to see many other changes that came out in House Bill 2 other than row 100, the STEM network
• The STEM network is a new program this year at NMSU whose purpose is to bring together best practices
• The LFC recommendation did not fund the STEM network, but the HFC recommendation did fully fund the STEM
• network at $3 million.

Bills: SB204, SB241, HB34

Keywords: higher education, research funding, federal funding, New Mexico, appropriation, University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, child care, child care assistance, child care subsidy, early childhood education, early childhood care, daycare, preschool, pre-K, Head Start, Early Head Start, Children's Code, early childhood education and care department

Transcript Highlights:

• THIS IS ALL THE IT INFRASTRUCTURE FOR FDLE SYSTEMS AND NETWORKS WHICH SUPPORT ALL THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE
• HIGH RISK YOUTH AVOID GOING DEEPER INTO THE SYSTEM WE CONTRACT WITH AGENCIES SUCH AS THE FLORIDA NETWORK
• THAT CAN SPAN FOR MODIFICATION OF THEIR REPORTING STATUS, CURFEW, WHETHER OR NOT THEY THINK THEY NEED
• BE UNGOVERNABLE BEHAVIOR AND THAT'S WHERE WE FOCUS ON THE FRONT END WITH PROGRAMS LIKE THE FLORIDA NETWORK
• HISTORY OF USING EVIDENCE-BASED PROGRAMS AND PRACTICES BUT WE HAVE TO LOOK AT HOW WE DOUBLE DOWN ON NETWORK

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• immigrants who would otherwise qualify for Medicaid expansion coverage except for their immigration status
• Excluding families based on immigration status will create hardship especially for low-income and rural
• Our network helps stabilize families food budgets during disasters, economic downturns, and day-to-day
• Omar Altamimi with the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network.
• live in mixed-status households.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll change your status to public instead of just registered.
• They have also obtained wholesale water provider status and have purchased two...
• If we were to buy a statue and encumber property that did not have debt, all right.
• To the builders: What is the status of the developments? How many walked away?
• What's the status?

Bills: SB863, SB1190, SB1261, SB1413, SB1624, SB1662, SB1663, SB1855, SB1967, SB2124, SB2204, SB1623

Keywords: Edwards Aquifer, water conservation, reclaimed water, aquifer storage, environmental protection, water loss, municipally owned utilities, Texas Water Development Board, administrative penalties, water audit, water infrastructure, water supply, state water plan, water management strategies, water financing, municipal bonds, revenue bonds, public debt, obligations, TWDB

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, we have Carla Ashburn with Florida Cannabis Action Network.
• Done Hunt with Florida can network waiving in support wishing to appear you're recognized with Vance.
• So as a member of the Florida Cannabis Network and that Florida can action network, I want to just come
• Very simply, many times the PCP does not know if the referral source is going to be in network.
• Madam Chair, Rep, I am very familiar with the Children's Network.

Transcript Highlights:

• Part of what these top-tier venture capital companies provide is access to nationwide networks, access
• Hospitals in these counties will now only be reimbursed at 200 in network and 175 out of network as a
• It is based on our current status.
• We account for the current status, showing that we are continuing to improve with growth.
• Where does that put us as far as our funded status?

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Brickmanetti with Kaiser Advocacy in support on behalf of the California Community Land Trust Network
• and the Cameo Network.
• Even if it's a status quo update, it just feels good to know that somebody is keeping you in the loop
• Hi, Gracia La Casillo-Cringes here on behalf of the Abundance Network in support.
• What I'm nervous about is the state density bonus laws' widely heralded status as the most effective

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And in the event of a network failure, it may be necessary to reschedule the hearing or schedule a meeting
• An ocean cluster is a way to bring a collaborative network of governments, academia, entrepreneurs, and
• An ocean cluster is a way to bring a collaborative network of governments, academia, entrepreneurs, and
• Individually, they may look small, but actually it's part of a network, and they add up to significant
• to empower nonprofits or put into statue to empower nonprofits and<01:05:15.440> grassroots<01

Bills: HB1629, HB1630, HB1631

Keywords: economic development, business, state statutes, Hawaii Revised Statutes, legislation, development strategy, state funding, infrastructure, employment opportunities, legislative intent, state legislation, development initiatives, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills, beginning with HB 1829 on marine affairs. Most testimony was in strong support, with speakers from state agencies, ocean-tech companies, startups, nonprofits, and community groups backing the creation of an Office of Marine Affairs and a marine affairs coordinator under HTDC. Supporters said the measure would better coordinate ocean policy, strengthen the blue economy, and help Hawaii capture jobs, investment, and innovation in marine-related industries. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up HTDC-related measures, including HB 1615 and HB 1613, which also drew broad support from business, technology, and economic development interests. Testifiers said the bills would strengthen Hawaii’s technology and innovation ecosystem, support advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity, and help build a more diversified economy with higher-wage jobs. The committee also heard HB 1607 on public procurement and HB 1772 on small business procurement; state procurement staff and several business groups supported efforts to expand opportunities for local firms, while one speaker from the city’s economic revitalization commission argued that a flat 5% preference could help keep more revenue and jobs in-state. On HB 1636 relating to shopping carts, the Hawaii Food Industry Association and Retail Merchants of Hawaii testified in opposition, saying the bill would penalize businesses for carts that are stolen rather than abandoned and would add costs that could especially burden small and local retailers. HB 1810 on charitable solicitation drew support from Goodwill Hawaii and other nonprofits, who said the bill would improve transparency around donation bins and protect donors from misleading for-profit collection practices; the Attorney General’s office asked for a delayed effective date to allow system changes and staffing. HB 1782 on AI and the protection of minors received broad support from state agencies, educators, and advocacy groups, but some business and retail representatives urged narrowing the definition of covered AI services so ordinary customer-service chatbots would not be swept in. Finally, HB 1759 on theft drew opposition from the Public Defender’s Office, which said the bill could create overly harsh penalties and should include defense representation on any task force; the office also noted existing laws already address conspiracy and related conduct.