Transcript Highlights:

• It dramatically restricts the access to medication dispensed under the 340B programs at the contract
• And they're putting these restrictions on currently.
• These covered entities are hurting now, and there have been restrictions placed on them.
• But despite those restrictions, these covered entities and the... ...and there have been restrictions
• And it says, oh, by the way, taxpayer, the rules for you are more restrictive than the rules for the

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5831, SB6137, SB6244, SB6044, SB6132, SB5109, SB5877, SB6258, HB2720, HB2073, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5831, SB6137, SB6244, SB5420, SB5868, SB6044, SB6132, SJM8002

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, insurance tax, state regulation, insurers, taxation, budget impact, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives

Transcript Highlights:

• It dramatically restricts the access to medication dispensed under the 340B programs at the contract
• And they're putting these restrictions on currently.
• These covered entities are hurting now, and there have been restrictions placed on them.
• But despite those restrictions, these covered entities and the...
• And there have been restrictions placed on them.

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5831, SB6137, SB6244, SB6044, SB6132, SB5109, SB5877, SB6258

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, insurance tax, state regulation, insurers, taxation, budget impact, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives

Summary: The House took up and passed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5292, which modifies the paid family and medical leave program. Supporters said the bill uses an actuarial model to set rates and maintains a four-month reserve to improve program stability. It passed final passage 95-1. The House then considered Substitute Senate Bill 5841, dealing with completion of course and financial aid-related requirements. An amendment was adopted to add a financial aid calculator and require outreach to students who indicate they have completed a financial aid form, with supporters saying it would help students understand aid eligibility and access college opportunities. The bill then passed as amended, 92-4. The most extensive debate was on Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5981, concerning the 340B drug pricing program and contract pharmacy relationships. Members offered many amendments seeking to limit the bill’s scope, add transparency, or direct 340B savings toward patient care, low-income patients, rural areas, or charity care; most were rejected. Supporters argued the bill would help safety-net providers, hospitals, and FQHCs, while opponents warned it would mainly benefit large hospital systems, create administrative burdens, and likely face litigation. After the House adopted the committee amendment and rejected the floor amendments, the bill passed 67-30. The transcript then moved on to other business, including Senate messages and the start of debate on House Bill 2487 on taxes, with one technical amendment to clarify taxpayer definitions.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know that because it's publicly available in gas stations, that there is no age restrictions.
• Has there been research done around age restrictions? And do we have any of that data?
• And so if we do some kind of age restriction, we have to recognize that it's impacted...
• If we do some kind of age restriction, we have to recognize that it's impacting adults as well.
• Safety protections, milligram caps, labeling and packaging restrictions, and mandatory testing.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then administrative code provides rules for what rules and restrictions on distributors.
• It also provides rules and restrictions on manufacturers.
• So, for example, distributors are restricted from giving a gift, trip, prize, or other...
• So, for example, distributors are restricted from giving a gift, trip, prize, or other gratuity with
• So those are all restrictions that administrative code places on distributors and manufacturers.

Summary: The Judiciary Interim Committee met to continue its study of charitable gaming, especially the ownership of alcoholic beverage establishments by licensed charitable gaming organizations and the relationship between charities, site owners, and gaming manufacturers/distributors. Legislative Council reviewed the background memo and Attorney General’s Gaming Division explained the legal framework, including site authorizations, rent limits, allowable expenses, and restrictions on distributors and manufacturers. Members focused heavily on electronic pull tabs, asking about the large gap between gross proceeds and adjusted proceeds, how much is paid out in winnings, how much is retained for expenses, and whether the 60% allowable-expense cap is being used as intended. The AG’s office said e-tabs account for most gaming volume, that winnings make up much of the difference, and that some organizations do not use the full 60% while others may exceed it, though only the capped amount counts as gaming expense. The committee also discussed the number of gaming organizations that appear to own or be affiliated with bars, the ways those ownership structures are formed, and whether some arrangements may create conflicts or site-selection pressure. The League of Cities and the Association of Counties described the local site-authorization process and recent model policies adopted after the 2025 session. Cities said they can require signed agreements, limit games and machines, set qualifications, and charge up to $100 for site authorization, but cannot require charities to donate net proceeds or force a specific charity or site. They said the new policies are meant to add transparency and local control, though the more controversial parts involve requiring a local nexus or community connection. County representatives said the issue is mostly a city matter and that counties generally take a lighter-touch approach. Committee members raised concerns about whether local rules could unfairly exclude larger regional charities or create inconsistent standards across cities. The North Dakota Gaming Alliance said it supports the study and provided information on charities that own or are affiliated with bars, emphasizing that most gaming organizations do not own alcoholic beverage establishments. Its representative said some charities may pursue bar ownership for site stability and diversification, while others decide against it because operating a bar is difficult. He also said a ban on charity-owned bars could raise federal tax-law issues depending on how it is written, and agreed to provide more detail. The committee asked Legislative Council and the Gaming Alliance for additional information on ownership structures and federal-law questions before the next meeting. Later, the Racing Commission gave a separate update on live racing, pari-mutuel wagering, and related charitable partnerships, and the State Hospital superintendent reported on the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s support services, staffing, and wait lists; no votes were taken on these presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• change would allow these funds to be used to support workforce housing in addition to the income-restricted
• The first round of funding for this program was only available for income-restricted affordable housing
• units, in addition to income-restricted affordable housing on a feasible scale, with fewer units than
• Um, Senator Lucero, I do not know where the initial restriction came from.
• ,</c><00:17:36.120><c> trying</c> definition for income restricted, trying definition for income restricted

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This restriction inhibits. Effective and informed deliberation.
• And we ought to just say to all the cities, "You can't restrict this.
• Passing this legislation would basically restrict our growth.
• It's very restrictive.
• Moving forward with harsh renewable energy restrictions will hurt Texas schools and our economy.

Bills: SB458, SB819, SB1238, SB1642, SB1643, SB1644, SB1791, SB1810, SB1824, SB1825, SB758, SB1455, SB1706

Keywords: insurance appraisal, property insurance, auto insurance, homeowners insurance, residential property, disputed loss, loss valuation, appraisal clause, appraiser, umpire, Texas Department of Insurance, TDI, insurance dispute resolution, claims adjustment, total loss, windstorm insurance, FAIR Plan, surplus lines insurance, policyholder, insurer

Transcript Highlights:

• He assumed from his reading of the bill that it was not restricted to developers.
• it's not restricted to that. that. that.
• So, make the restrictions. It's your Christmas list. It's your land. You're the stewards of it.
• So, make the restrictions. not visitors. So, make the restrictions.
• dimensional restrictive of your dimensional standards?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first took up House Bill 1598 and an amendment, 2026-0463H. Elliott Barry and Nick Norman testified that the amendment reflected a hard-fought compromise balancing concerns from all sides, and they urged no further changes. With no questions from members, the subcommittee voted unanimously to recommend the bill with the amendment to the full committee, 3-0, and closed the subcommittee. The housing committee then moved through several executive session bills. HB 1010 was amended with 2026-0274H, described as clarifying and implementing prior housing law (HB 631) governing residential units above office and retail space; the amendment was adopted unanimously and the bill was reported ought to pass as amended on a 17-0 vote and placed on consent. HB 65 was then voted ought to pass and also placed on consent, with members saying it was duplicative of the compromise reached on HB 1010. HB 1349 was reconsidered for a clarifying vote and again received unanimous support for its prior disposition, 17-0, and was placed on consent. The committee next took up HB 1523, which concerned homeowners associations. An amendment, 2026-0380H, removed Section 5’s Attorney General enforcement mechanism, added HOA conflict-of-interest approval language, and delayed the effective date to give stakeholders more time; it was adopted unanimously. The bill then passed 18-0 as amended and was put on consent. The committee also voted ITL on CACR 16, a constitutional amendment related to sleeping or homelessness issues, after debate over unintended consequences and whether it protected a basic right; the vote was 10-8, with a majority report assigned and a minority report to be written. Later, HB 108, dealing with inclusionary zoning, was voted ITL 10-8 after members argued the bill imposed unrealistic burdens and could halt development; a minority report was noted with amendment 0149H. HB 7, concerning ADUs and restrictive covenants, was also voted ITL 10-8 after discussion of unintended consequences and a proposed amendment to encourage second ADUs; it was sent to the regular calendar with a minority report and amendment 0289H. HB 1120, on water-related subdivision requirements, was ITL’d 17-1 and placed on consent, with one member noting a study amendment had been offered. HB 1143, addressing housing-provider obligations and municipal enforcement powers, was ITL’d 17-1 and placed on consent. Finally, HB 1145, a fee/tax proposal tied to housing development, was ITL’d 11-7; members debated whether it would discourage development, and a minority report was assigned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It would not override height restrictions or certain zoning regulations, and it would restrict residential
• or</c><00:39:10.480><c> certain</c> override height restrictions or certain override height restrictions
• </c> zoning regulations and it would restrict zoning regulations and it would restrict residential<00
• </c><00:39:22.640><c> for</c> developments could be restricted for developments could be restricted for
• around</c> our restricted zoning around our restricted zoning around manufactured<00:57:42.960><c> housing

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The anchored value, right, is that we want to keep children in the least restrictive environment, and
• It means that sometimes people do need to be in restrictive environments in order to get the treatment
• But again, always making sure that as we're centering the needs, we're looking at that least restrictive
• Placement is a safe place to live in the least restrictive setting that can meet a child's needs, and
• , ...that we are not inappropriately placing children in the most restrictive setting.

Keywords: 907, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's important to note that this bill is restricted to... Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• It's important to note that this bill is restricted to gravestones that have been disrupted or damaged
• Speaker, this bill moves Missouri toward a weaker state restriction on firearm suppressors, all while
• Speaker, this bill moves Missouri toward a weaker state restriction on firearm suppressors, all while
• But it wouldn't be restricted to just firearms dealers. Okay, okay.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior day’s journal 101-0, and spent much of the morning recognizing student groups and special guests visiting the Capitol, including robotics teams, school classes, art students, and a choir. Committee reports were then read, with Fiscal Review recommending passage of several measures including HB 1869, HB 2387/2480, HB 2061, HB 2481, and HB 2885. The chamber then debated and passed several major bills. HB 2016, as amended by the Senate, was adopted 101-19 and finally passed 100-17 after extended debate over anti-Semitism in schools, charter school coverage, reporting requirements, and First Amendment concerns. HB 2481, dealing with SNAP and Medicaid verification and nutrition standards, passed 95-44 amid sharp disagreement over fraud prevention versus burdens on low-income Missourians. HB 1869, allowing veterans’ gravestone repair assistance in private and public cemeteries when damaged by natural causes, passed 137-2. HB 2927, clarifying settlement demand procedures in liability and bad-faith claims, passed 90-50. HB 2387/2480, reinstating the presidential primary and setting delegate allocation rules, passed 116-23. Additional bills approved included HB 2885, redirecting remaining boat registration revenue to fund the water patrol, 112-27; HB 2517, requiring disclosures for real estate wholesalers, 130-6; HB 1730, legalizing firearm suppressors under state law, 95-44; HB 3107, providing protections for financial institutions acting in good faith under regulatory guidance, 88-49; HB 2292, on cross-reporting child abuse and companion animal abuse, 125-12; HB 2848, a mask-and-crime bill, 92-34; HB 2711, a broadband expansion tax incentive bill, 91-46; and HB 3080, restoring a historic preservation tax credit, 104-34. An emergency clause motion on HB 3080 failed overwhelmingly, 2-131. The House then moved remaining bills to the formal calendar, made announcements, and adjourned until Monday, April 13, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• 11 residential insurers have signed clearinghouse participation agreements, which significantly restricts
• they can't afford the reinsurance to continue to write as broad as they want to, and they have to restrict
• have the information here that each individual company will have their own either wildfire score restrictions
• or geographic restrictions or insured value restrictions or a restriction on the number of applications
• or geographic restrictions or insured value restrictions or a restriction on the number of applications

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Legal operators raise concerns that restrictions will prevent them from competing with the illicit market
• There are advertising restrictions, and we can strengthen all of the requirements that we have for the
• The focus is not expansion of restrictions.
• Restrict anthropomorphized elements.
• what elements we can restrict.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit Committee heard an audit on the Department of Cannabis Control’s oversight of cannabis packaging and labeling, focused on products that may be attractive to children. The auditor said the department’s rules are often vague or subjective, leading to inconsistent enforcement, and that the state relies heavily on complaints rather than pre-market review. The audit found disagreements with DCC’s conclusions in 13 of 80 packaging reviews, and noted weaknesses in tracking repeat violators and escalating penalties. The auditor recommended clearer statutory standards, better internal review tools, stronger repeat-offender policies, and consideration of options such as plain packaging or pre-approval systems. Committee members and the audit requester emphasized rising cannabis poison-control calls involving children under five and cited examples of legal products with cartoon imagery, bright colors, candy-like names, and beverage packaging that resembled ordinary drinks. DCC representatives said they had already begun reforms, including a centralized review team, improved databases, enhanced technology tools, and new procedures to track compliance history and apply progressive discipline. They also stressed that illicit cannabis and intoxicating hemp remain major sources of youth exposure and argued that some issues require both regulatory refinement and more legislative clarity. Public health witnesses argued that California has not done enough to protect children and urged plain packaging, limits on flavors and child-appealing design, and a pre-market review process. Industry representatives agreed that cannabis should not be marketed to children but said the current rules are too subjective and inconsistent, and asked for objective, bright-line standards rather than broader bans. Several members said the examples shown were plainly child-appealing and called for stronger statutory guardrails, while also acknowledging the need to keep pressure on the illicit market. No formal vote or action was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• It does not restrict lawful investment or target the industry itself.
• It does not restrict lawful investment or target the industry itself.
• This is more restrictive than necessary and punishes existing users.
• This is more restrictive than necessary and punishes existing users.
• There was a question earlier about data privacy restrictions, and this is where use limitations are key

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1236, which would condition state economic development incentives on employers at subsidized companies using secret-ballot union elections and prohibiting neutrality agreements. The sponsor said the bill is meant to protect workers and taxpayer dollars, and he noted he would amend the Attorney General enforcement language to allow appeals. Supporters argued it protects secret ballots and transparency, while opponents said it is a form of union-busting, could conflict with federal labor law, and would burden contractors and workers. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably on a roll call vote, with Senators Bracey Davis, Smith, and Errington voting no and the remaining recorded votes in favor. The committee then heard CS/SB 198, which regulates cryptocurrency kiosks to combat fraud, especially against seniors. The bill requires kiosk registration, fraud warnings, blockchain analytics, transaction limits, receipts, and refund protections for certain first-time transactions involving non-U.S. wallets. Supporters from consumer and senior advocacy groups said the bill would help stop widespread scams, while one industry witness praised the bill’s fraud protections but suggested narrowing the daily limits and new-customer period. The committee reported the bill favorably by roll call vote. Next, the committee considered CS/SB 1356 on dog breeding, pet sales, and breeder registration. The sponsor described it as a work in progress aimed at ending inhumane breeding conditions, improving consumer disclosures, and creating breeder standards and penalties; an amendment removed state oversight of local animal shelters. Pet store representatives supported many animal welfare provisions but objected to the three-day financing waiting period, shelter-space requirements, expanded reimbursement, and litigation exposure. Animal welfare supporters backed the bill, and the committee reported it favorably. The committee also heard SB 1722 on app stores and minors’ access to apps. The bill requires age verification, parental consent for minors, notice of app changes, and enforcement by the Department of Legal Affairs. Supporters said it would better protect children online and help enforce existing age-based restrictions, while opponents warned it could require overcollection of personal data, create privacy and constitutional problems, and duplicate tools parents already have. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee took up CS/SB 422, which would bar use of ADS-B aviation data to calculate or collect certain airport fees, with an amendment adding departures to the covered activities. A pilot supported the bill as a safety and privacy measure, while airport advocates opposed it, saying it would undermine airport finances and force less efficient fee collection methods. The transcript ends during testimony on this bill, before final action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 1071 also restricts how school districts can use state and federal funding, limiting programs and
• With curriculum mandates, spending restrictions, enforcement policies, and operational changes... ...
• This bill means to establish new K-12 mathematics instruction, restrict how federal funds may be used
• It's a restriction of access to information.
• Our priority should be student support, not state-mandated curriculum and restricted local spending.

Summary: The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee took up CS for House Bill 1071, a broad education package described by the sponsor as updating transparency, parental rights, student safety, early learning accountability, scholarship oversight, and instructional program rules. The committee adopted two amendments without objection: one clarifying that Title I funds may be used for STEM programs, and another removing a prior provision related to canine dogs on school grounds. Members then questioned the bill’s provisions on student records transfers, instructional materials adoption and removal, educational emergency authority for low-performing schools, health education and a fetal development video, student-led organizations, FHSAA board language, lab schools, and rulemaking authority. The sponsor repeatedly said the bill was intended to improve accountability, keep education dollars focused on students, and give districts flexibility, while also noting that some issues would be addressed through future rulemaking or later amendments. Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed. Many speakers argued the bill was an omnibus measure that bundled unrelated policies together, making it hard for families and educators to understand or meaningfully comment on it. Opponents also said it would increase school-law enforcement coordination, chill immigrant and mixed-status families’ participation, restrict DEI-related and student-led organizations, and impose controversial health and embryology content on students. Supporters, including the Christian Family Coalition and Florida Citizens Alliance, backed the fetal development video and the bill’s parental rights and funding restrictions, saying the content should be medically accurate and that schools should not fund political advocacy. Several speakers urged the committee to break the bill into separate measures. In debate, some members praised the sponsor’s responsiveness but said they would vote no because of constituent concerns, especially around DEI, the fetal development video, and local control. Others supported the bill, emphasizing rulemaking, educational emergency flexibility, EpiPen access, early learning changes, and evidence-based math instruction. The sponsor closed by reiterating support for the bill as amended, saying the law enforcement provision had been removed, the embryology content would be opt-out with posted materials, state funds should not support political advocacy, and the bill would help with safety, accountability, and student outcomes. The committee then voted on the bill after debate, with the sponsor indicating support and members stating their positions during closing discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Provincetown Year-Round Market Rate Rental Housing Trust to acquire year-round housing occupancy restrictions
• authorizing the Provincetown Market Rate Rental Housing Trust to acquire year-round housing occupancy restrictions
• authorizing the Provincetown Market Rate Rental Housing Trust to acquire year-round housing opportunity restrictions
• Require year-round housing opportunity restrictions, House No. 3909.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up a series of noncontroversial matters. The Committee on Rules recommended adoption of several congratulatory resolutions, including one marking the 65th anniversary of the U.S. Peace Corps and others honoring new Eagle Scouts; the House suspended the rules and adopted the resolutions. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling then reported several local bills for House consideration, including measures affecting housing and local governance in Provincetown, Edgartown, Chatham, Wilbraham, Plymouth, and Falmouth. The House suspended Rule 7A to proceed with second readings of those local bills, which included authorizing the Provincetown Year-Round Market Rate Rental Housing Trust to acquire year-round occupancy restrictions, changes to the Edgartown affordable housing trust fund, a Chatham housing preference for commercial fishermen, Wilbraham town administrator appointment and removal authority, a Plymouth land acquisition special revenue account, and a Falmouth charter/town clerk bill. After second reading, the House ordered the bills to a third reading. The House then considered three bills released from the Committee on Bills in Third Reading: a bill designating a Pembroke intersection as the Levina A. Hatch Corner, a Newton bill raising the maximum age requirement for police officers, and a Haverhill bill allowing Jonathan Gagne to take the civil service exam for police officer despite the age limit. All three were passed to be engrossed. The House also adopted an order to adjourn and then adjourned to meet the following Monday at 11 a.m. in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• So they wanted to restrict that.
• However, when we look at it, we're looking at restricting the speech of candidates, restricting the speech
• Federally, they have no restrictions such as this.
• There is a fix for this if we would restrict this to female employees.
• It had a lot of other restrictions in it.

Bills: LB815A, LB838A, LB912A, LB972A, LB1126A, LB962A, LB1114, LB921, LB937, LB803, LB803A, LB1032, LB1032A, LB1075, LB1075A, LB889, LB878, LB933, LB304, LB304A, LB1096, LB1096A, LB1165, LB1165A, LB958, LB958A, LB762, LB1187, LB966, LB929, LB962, LB753, LB788, LB913, LB1055, LB1195, LB429, LB721, LB722, LB727, LB743, LB745, LB749, LB778, LB787

Keywords: LB815A, LB815, appropriation, appropriations bill, Nebraska Department of Revenue, Motor Fuel Tax Enforcement and Collection Cash Fund, motor fuel tax, gas tax, fuel tax, tax enforcement, tax collection, cash fund, budget, state spending, per diem, salaries, fiscal year, enrollment and review, final reading, Nebraska

Transcript Highlights:

• Enrollment in the small restrictions.
• So federal changes impact how Menure can autoenroll people in coverage, restrict the state's ability
• All of our funds are currently restricted.
• And then the other restriction is on administrative costs.
• other restriction is on administrative<01:08:15.280><c> costs.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:14:37.520><c> to</c> enough that because it is restricted to enough that because it is restricted
• We restrict access to tobacco driving.
• </c><01:26:24.639><c> lawful</c> cannot restrict access to lawful cannot restrict access to lawful materials
• </c><01:26:56.239><c> are</c> Um what House Bill 10 would restrict are Um what House Bill 10 would restrict
• </c><01:32:20.880><c> the</c> This is a sneak attempt to restrict the This is a sneak attempt to restrict

Bills: HB0066, HJ0005, HB0010

Keywords: administrative law, judicial review, agency deference, Chevron deference, de novo review, state agencies, regulatory interpretation, statutory interpretation, separation of powers, individual liberty, administrative procedure, agency action, Wyoming Supreme Court, district court review, oil and gas inspector, regulatory challenge, anti-deference, law enforcement, memorial, Patrolman Rosa

Transcript Highlights:

• It removes the outdated geographic restrictions and allows any community with an existing program to
• Five, it addresses private restrictions, including HOA and deed provisions that can block housing.
• First, the deed restrictions.
• The legislature said these projects can be built, and yet century-old private restrictions...
• So it deals with deed restrictions, but not HOA communities. Does that make sense?

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a $50 refundable diaper tax credit restricted to low-income residents with children four years
• This is a $50 refundable diaper tax credit restricted to low-income residents with children four years
• And I noted that you had some concerns that the language might not recognize the federal restrictions
• And there are restrictions on both income and age of children to keep the group restricted to those who
• And there are restrictions on both income and age of children to keep the group restricted to those who

Bills: HB2116, HB1879, HB2214, HB2310, HB2168, HB2427, HB2560, HB1596, HB2197, HB2498, HB2167

Keywords: grants, community engagement, nonprofit organizations, federal assistance, volunteering, youth transit, public transportation, subsidized transit, environment, energy independence, affordable transportation, Hawaii, diaper tax credit, families, low-income, childcare, health, Hawaii Department of Human Services, DHS, emergency appropriation

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to human services, homelessness, transit, and family supports. HB 2116 HD1, concerning grants from the Office of Community Services to nonprofits providing training and volunteerism opportunities, drew strong support from Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and multiple organizations in written testimony. Supporters said the bill would help vulnerable people affected by federal program changes and cuts by connecting them to reintegration and support services. HB 1879 HD1, establishing a subsidized youth transit program coordinated with counties, received extensive testimony in support from the Department of Health, Department of Taxation, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Aloha United Way, Hawaii Bicycling League, Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii State Youth Commission, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Greenpeace Hawaii, Hawaii Youth Transportation Council, and others. Testifiers emphasized equity, school attendance, reduced transportation costs, climate benefits, and broader access for youth. Several witnesses urged amendments to make the program universal rather than means-tested, and committee discussion noted implementation questions for neighbor islands and rural areas. HB 2214, creating a refundable diaper tax credit for low-income families with children age four and under, was supported by the Hawaii Diaper Bank, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and several other organizations. The Department of Taxation recommended making the credit non-refundable and clarifying definitions to aid administration, while supporters argued refundability was important for low-income families who may owe little or no income tax. HB 2310, an emergency appropriation to replenish DHS funds used to provide SNAP benefits during a federal shutdown, also drew broad support from DHS, Catholic Charities, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Aloha United Way, and others; witnesses praised the state’s rapid response and said the appropriation would prepare DHS for future emergencies. The committee also heard HB 2168 HD1 and HB 2427 HD1 on education for students experiencing homelessness and unaccompanied homeless youth; the Attorney General recommended technical amendments to avoid conflicts with existing law and to clarify McKinney-Vento-related definitions, while advocates stressed the need for school access, transportation, meals, and other supports for homeless and runaway youth.