Transcript Highlights:

• Next, we have Cure Oahu Mioo in support. Mihoko, you present. Thank you. Thank you very much.
• </c><00:03:55.599><c> Next,</c><00:03:55.840><c> we</c><00:03:56.000><c> have</c><00:03:56.159><c> Cure
• Next, we have Cure Oahu you very much.
• Next, we have Cure Oahu Mioo<00:03:58.239><c> in</c><00:03:58.400><c> support.
• Next we have Mihokoto Cure Oahu in support. Here's 10 minutes testimony in support. Thank you."

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 302, which would expand access to medical cannabis by removing the in-person provider-patient relationship requirement and related restrictions. The Department of Health supported the bill, and multiple advocates and organizations testified in support, including the ACLU of Hawaii, Hawaii Alliance for Cannabis Reform, Marijuana Policy Project, and others. Supporters said the measure would improve access for patients, especially on outer islands, and some urged broader amendments allowing providers to certify cannabis for any medical condition and to speed registration and treat in-state and out-of-state patients equally. No opposition was heard, and the bill was left with no questions after testimony. The committee also heard HB 1052 HD1, which clarifies that the Public Utilities Commission may use universal service fund monies to provide free telecommunications access for individuals with print disabilities. Testimony was uniformly supportive from the DCCA Division of Consumer Advocacy, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Department of Human Services, the Public Utilities Commission, and the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii. Witnesses described the program as an important accessibility service that has been operating under prior appropriations and should continue under the universal service program. HB 1482, relating to controlled substances and hemp/synthetic cannabinoids, drew support from the Department of Law Enforcement, Department of Health, Honolulu Police Department, and others, with some comments from the Attorney General’s office. Supporters said the bill would clarify that delta-8 THC is a controlled substance and help enforcement against illegal hemp products and synthetic cannabinoids. Testimony and questioning focused on the need for better lab testing capacity, retail registry and age-gating, seizure authority, nuisance abatement, and possible use of special funds or appropriations to support enforcement. Members also discussed enforcement of illegal hemp businesses and whether additional funding or statutory changes would be needed. Finally, the committee took up HB 712, a 340B drug-discount measure affecting safety-net providers and contract pharmacies. Hospitals, health centers, and provider groups testified in support, saying the bill would protect access to discounted drugs and preserve funding for services such as chronic disease management, transportation, and specialty care. Pharmaceutical-industry representatives opposed the bill or sought amendments, arguing the 340B program has expanded beyond its original intent and lacks transparency, and they requested reporting or audit-like provisions to verify claims and revenues. Members questioned both sides about alleged abuse, the growth of contract pharmacies, and whether the bill should include transparency requirements before moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is not just a one-time safe harbor from repaying federal employment taxes; it's like a permanent cure
• isn't really just a one-time safe harbor from repaying federal employment taxes; it's like a permanent cure
• it's<00:08:33.200><c> like</c><00:08:33.320><c> a</c><00:08:33.479><c> permanent</c><00:08:33.959><c> cure
• 00:08:34.719><c> and</c><00:08:34.839><c> it</c><00:08:35.080><c> allows</c> it's like a permanent cure
• and it allows it's like a permanent cure and it allows an<00:08:35.719><c> employer</c><00:08:36.120

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• put in the bill that the fine cannot be imposed for at least 30 days, give them an opportunity to cure
• Give them an opportunity to cure if they needed that. So we think we've taken a lot of amendments.
• The amendment we're taking here today will allow for a right to cure, which is really important because
• And so we think both with the addition of the right to cure here in committee today and the narrowed
• And so we think both with the addition of the right to cure here in committee today and the narrowed

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Three months, it was through negotiations with the Legislature on that and, you know, the cure period
• Through negotiations with the Legislature on that and, you know, the cure period and kind of trying to
• Three months, it was through negotiations with the legislature on that and, you know, the cure period
• Through negotiations with the legislature on that and, you know, the cure period and kind of trying to
• I think it was just via conversations and, you know, we have this cure period in Medi-Cal, which is 30

Summary: The Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services heard an overview of the expected California budget and program impacts from H.R. 1, including changes to Medi-Cal and CalFresh eligibility, redeterminations, work requirements, immigration-related coverage rules, retroactive coverage limits, and reductions in federal matching for certain services and provider financing mechanisms. DHCS and CDSS described implementation plans focused on automation, data matching, clearer communications, county training, and outreach, while noting that many federal details are still pending. The Legislative Analyst’s Office also reviewed how H.R. 1 could increase pressure on county indigent care systems, explaining the history of county responsibility under Section 17000, 1991 realignment, and AB 85, and warning that counties may face large increases in uninsured residents seeking care without corresponding funding flexibility. An independent policy expert urged consideration of a more standardized statewide approach to indigent care and raised questions about governance, benefits, and financing. Department witnesses estimated substantial coverage losses and fiscal effects: DHCS projected major Medi-Cal disenrollment tied to work requirements, six-month renewals, narrowed immigrant eligibility, and reduced retroactive coverage, while CDSS estimated large CalFresh benefit losses and a significant increase in administrative workload and payment accuracy pressure. Members questioned how exemptions would work for older adults, people experiencing homelessness, undocumented residents, and cash workers, and asked about the effect on the CalFresh Minimum Nutrition Benefit Pilot and on county administrative funding. Officials said they would use available data and self-attestation where possible, but acknowledged that many cases would require manual screening and that the county workload estimates remain in dispute. They also said the state is still evaluating the impact of H.R. 1 on provider taxes and state-directed payments, which could create additional budget pressure. County representatives from Los Angeles, Santa Clara, Tulare, and San Bernardino described major local consequences if H.R. 1 is implemented as written. They warned of higher uninsured rates, more strain on emergency rooms and public hospitals, increased homelessness and food insecurity, and a likely need to rebuild or expand county indigent care programs that were largely scaled back after the ACA. Counties said they are already freezing hiring, cutting positions, reducing overtime, deferring spending, and launching outreach and coordination efforts with managed care plans and community partners, but argued that these steps are not enough without additional state support. Several counties backed the California County Welfare Directors Association’s request for $373 million in General Fund support for eligibility work and asked for a CalFresh match waiver to soften the new county share of administrative costs; Los Angeles and Santa Clara also emphasized that their local revenue measures would not close the projected gaps. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• you</c><00:48:40.480><c> to</c><00:48:40.640><c> find</c><00:48:40.800><c> the</c><00:48:40.960><c> cure
• </c><00:48:41.280><c> together</c> with you to find the cure together with you to find the cure together
• issues</c><00:48:43.680><c> and</c><00:48:43.920><c> what</c><00:48:44.079><c> the</c><00:48:44.319><c> cures
• </c> identify past issues and what the cures identify past issues and what the cures should<00:48:44.960

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Vice Chair: So the cure to this equal protection clause violation would be to simply extend the same
• sued okay<01:01:03.240><c> so</c><01:01:03.559><c> so</c><01:01:03.720><c> the</c><01:01:04.039><c> Cure
• </c><01:01:04.319><c> this</c><01:01:04.480><c> equal</c> okay so so the Cure this equal okay so so the
• Cure this equal protection<01:01:05.200><c> Clause</c><01:01:05.599><c> violation</c><01:01:06.480><
• We will adjourn. reservations or objections curing none reservations or objections curing none your<01

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1 and SB 1561 on vegetation management near utility lines and wildfire prevention. Testimony focused on requiring DLNR to create and update wildfire hazard maps, setting vegetation-trimming responsibilities for property owners near rights-of-way and utility lines, and authorizing utilities to enter property to remove hazardous vegetation. DLNR, the PUC, and Hawaiian Electric all testified, with Hawaiian Electric asking for clearer access language, after-the-fact notification in imminent-risk situations, and liability limits. Committee members discussed balancing wildfire response with property rights and the need for clearer responsibility and enforcement, including on easements and utility poles. The committees ultimately recommended SB 1 pass with amendments, incorporating comments from testimony, and SB 1561 was deferred. The next major item was SB 640 on artificial intelligence disclosures. The bill would require businesses and individuals in commercial transactions to clearly disclose when consumers are interacting with an AI chatbot or similar technology, and it would create private rights of action and penalties. TechNet, the Office of Consumer Protection, and the Chamber of Commerce raised concerns about vague definitions, overbroad application, enforcement, and the private cause of action; the Chamber also argued the bill could burden small businesses that use AI tools for routine functions. In response to questions, OCP said the measure was ambiguous as to who it applies to and that the remedies and treble-damages provisions were unclear. The committee recommended SB 640 be deferred. The committee also heard SB 454 on prorating the rental motor vehicle surcharge tax when a vehicle is rented for only part of a day. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii said the proposal would make the tax system fairer but more complex and would require better recordkeeping by rental companies; the Department of Taxation and Enterprise Mobility also submitted comments. Senator Melby noted possible effects on the special highway fund and said that could affect his vote. The measure was referred onward, with the discussion indicating it would proceed to Ways and Means. Finally, the committee heard SB 1272 on towing, which would create a licensing framework for tow companies. Testimony from tow-industry representatives strongly supported the measure, describing unlicensed or noncompliant operators, poor insurance practices, and the need for accountability and consumer protection. They said a licensing board would give regulators a clearer enforcement avenue and help ensure fair treatment of vehicle owners. The hearing ended before a final action was taken on SB 1272 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've got ranchers that donate meat. We've got people that donate vegetables.
• We've got ranchers that donate meat. We've got people that donate vegetables.
• We've got ranchers<00:59:56.160><c> that</c><00:59:56.480><c> donate</c><00:59:57.359><c> meat.
• </c><00:59:57.920><c> We've</c><00:59:58.160><c> got</c> ranchers that donate meat.
• We've got ranchers that donate meat.

Bills: HB0159

Committee: House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• So before I kind of get into the meat of the bill, let's think about if anyone comes to visit any of
• So before I kind of get into the meat of the bill, let's think about if anyone comes to visit any of
• So before I kind of get into the meat of the bill, let's think about if anyone comes to visit any of
• So before I kind of get into the meat of the bill, let's think about if anyone comes to visit any of
• , but does not actually define the term anywhere else in the law. ...before I kind of get into the meat

Bills: HF827 , HF1258 , HF2387 , HF2388 , HF2534 , HF2016

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: education, school funding, consolidation aid, financial support, Minnesota Statutes, education finance, ice arena, school districts, cooperation agreement, equal sports opportunities, school milk program, nutrition, food waste, kindergarten, public schools, supplemental revenue, charter schools, funding, state appropriations, general education funding

Transcript Highlights:

• Many of our smaller towns in Greater Minnesota, it's a place where they have their weekly meat raffle
• more statistics as we wait, but let's see if I'll just say, Representative Anderson, as a fan of the meat
• raffle, if you've never participated in a meat raffle, it is a good time.
• more statistics as we wait, but let's see if I'll just say, Representative Anderson, as a fan of the meat
• raffle, if you've never participated in a meat raffle, it is a good time.

Bills: HF1234 , HF1956 , HF1025 , HF1172 , HF791

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Then we get to work on the technical review, which is the real meat and potatoes of our permitting process
• Then we get to work on the technical review, which is the real meat and potatoes of our permitting process
• is</c><00:14:51.199><c> the</c><00:14:51.519><c> the</c><00:14:51.639><c> real</c><00:14:51.880><c> meat
• </c><00:14:52.240><c> and</c><00:14:52.480><c> potatoes</c> which is the the real meat and potatoes which
• is the the real meat and potatoes of<00:14:53.279><c> our</c><00:14:53.600><c> of</c><00:14:53.720><

Transcript Highlights:

• Just getting a job does not cure a substance use disorder. Getting a job can fund a habit.
• Just getting a job doesn't<00:06:44.000><c> doesn't</c><00:06:44.639><c> cure</c><00:06:45.199><c> a<
• </c><00:30:39.520><c> Does</c><00:30:39.679><c> it</c><00:30:39.840><c> cure</c><00:30:40.159><c> all
• Does it cure all would be super helpful.
• Does it cure all the<00:30:41.120><c> Does</c><00:30:41.279><c> it</c><00:30:41.520><c> answer</c><00

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from Kentucky Recovery Vocational Workforce and Re-entry Incorporated, led by Executive Director Jerick D'vor, on its vocational training model for people in recovery and formerly incarcerated individuals. He said the nonprofit operates in Russell Springs and serves students from across Kentucky, offering manufacturing and welding training tied to recovery services through Spark Recovery. D'vor emphasized that the program combines treatment, soft-skills coaching, job placement, and continued support after employment, arguing that training should begin around 90 days into recovery rather than earlier. He reported strong outcomes, including 292 students served, 259 certificates earned, and 250 job placements, with many participants placed in manufacturing jobs and 17 welders trained and placed through the new welding academy. Members praised the program but asked about funding, retention, and employability barriers. D'vor said the pilot was supported by opioid abatement grant funding, and the program now relies mainly on donor contributions and Spark Recovery’s investment in clients, with possible future support from additional opioid abatement funds or 1915(i) mechanisms. He said participants are not charged tuition and that the organization provides soft-skills training and job coaches. In response to questions about long-term outcomes, he said the program does not yet have a full alumni tracking system but is exploring technology options and continues to provide post-employment support for 90 days. After approving the committee minutes, members received an update on college athletics and Senate Bill 3 from University of Louisville Athletic Director Josh Heird and University of Kentucky Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart. They said Kentucky’s NIL framework and reporting requirements are working reasonably well and praised the state for not trying to create a competitive advantage in the evolving college sports environment. Heird reported that 521 student-athletes have signed up for NILGO and about 240 deals have been approved through the system, while noting the need to ensure NIL agreements are legitimate marketplace deals rather than artificial payments. The discussion also touched on the House settlement, the $600 approval threshold, and broader federal changes affecting college athletics.

Transcript Highlights:

• By requiring a cure period, this amendment distinguishes between bad actors and good-faith businesses
• By requiring a cure period, this amendment distinguishes between bad actors and good-faith businesses
• By requiring a cure period, this amendment distinguishes between bad actors and good-faith businesses
• Notice-and-cure provisions are not a novel idea.
• Notice-and-cure provisions are not a novel idea.

Transcript Highlights:

• identified as having only administrative deficiencies if either agency grants the facility 72 hours to cure
• identified as having only administrative deficiencies if either agency grants the facility 72 hours to cure

Summary: The caucus reviewed a long agenda of Senate bills across elections, commerce, education, government, health and human services, judiciary, public safety, transportation, rural development, and ways and means. Many measures were described as consent or third-read consent items, including bills on campaign finance termination statements and late-report penalties, AI provenance data for media, adjuster/contractor conduct during emergencies, Industrial Commission changes, association meeting closures, banking and remittance rules, central bank digital currency, public safety parity funding, barbering and cosmetology board continuation, digital asset reserve management, contractor licensing, gaming and racing commission continuation, school AED instruction, classroom removal procedures, school safety reporting, special education complaint transparency, foreign influence and land ownership restrictions, DCS and DES process changes, health care licensing and reimbursement rules, EMS compact adoption, and multiple tax, housing, and transportation measures. Staff repeatedly summarized each bill and answered questions, with several bills noted as mirror or identical to House measures or as strike-everything amendments from committees. A few bills drew discussion. On SB 2874, staff explained that the Senate amendment would limit penalties for untimely campaign finance reports when a committee certifies it received no contributions and made no expenditures, but the sponsor did not concur. SB 1074 prompted questions about whether parental notification changed; staff said it did not and that the bill was aimed at improving communication between teachers and principals about discipline. SB 1175, requiring DCS caseworkers to photograph children at each interaction in abuse or neglect cases, drew concern about the scope of the photos, while supporters said it would improve continuity and documentation. SB 1180 also drew comment because the sponsor and committee chair disagreed over an amendment, though the bill was advanced for further work. The most extended debate came on SB 1751, which would allow death-row inmates to choose firing squad, lethal injection, or lethal gas if voters approve the related constitutional measure. One member strongly opposed the bill on moral and personal grounds, another argued it could be a more humane option if the state is going to carry out executions, and a third raised concern that it could be used against Second Amendment rights. The bill remained on the third-read consent calendar despite the objections. The caucus concluded after moving through the remaining agenda items, with no formal votes recorded in the transcript beyond committee status and consent-calendar placement.

Transcript Highlights:

• PREVIOUSLY THESE TYPES OF COMPUTING RESOURCES WERE CROSSING BUSINESSES FAR CURED BY CENTRALIZING COMPUTING
• RESOURCES DATA CENTERS HAVE BEEN ABLE WERE CROSSING BUSINESSES FAR CURED BY CENTRALIZING COMPUTING RESOURCES

Transcript Highlights:

• Our first on the list is Sarah Meridian from CURE.
• My name is Sarah Meridian, and I'm the Government Relations and Policy Director for CURE.

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• understand that the ge ology of the state, this is not a silver bullet, it is not magically going to cure

Committee: House Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• While what constitutes a cure isn't specifically defined in the bill, we can assume that these actions
• </c><03:35:39.840><c> the</c> provides a 90-day window to cure the provides a 90-day window to cure the
• </c><03:35:48.399><c> isn't</c> While what constitutes a cure isn't While what constitutes a cure isn't
• the problem within 30 request to cure the problem within 30 days?
• </c><03:36:47.760><c> the</c><03:36:48.000><c> violations</c> owner or operator cures the violations

Transcript Highlights:

• potentially sexy, part of the bill is that we include a section that would require labels on cell-cultured meat
• A lot of folks are talking nowadays about meats that are grown in laboratories.
• A lot of folks are talking nowadays about meats that are grown in laboratories.
• The bill would require labels on cell-cultured meat, and that's a very important part of this bill.
• A lot of folks are talking nowadays about meats that are grown in laboratories.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, just visiting with, I think, our friends at Cargill about trying to get more meat off the bone
• trying</c><00:29:45.279><c> to</c><00:29:45.440><c> get</c><00:29:45.520><c> more</c><00:29:45.679><c> meat
• </c> at Cargill about trying to get more meat at Cargill about trying to get more meat off<00:29:46.080
• Ethics and responsibility is just a big word that doesn't mean much if we don't put meat on the bone.
• You know, I don't know if I have the full answer here, but I certainly hear your point that putting meat

Bills: HF1316 , HF4369

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Keywords: HF1316, child support, new hire reporting, centralized work reporting system, independent contractors, payors, employers, payor of funds, withholding orders, income withholding, child support enforcement, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, gig economy, rideshare drivers, delivery drivers, W-9, W-4, newly hired workers, rehired employees, labor organization

Transcript Highlights:

• or whoever, but I really get sick of everything getting blamed on cost, but no, no, no, show me the meat
• or whoever, but I really get sick of everything getting blamed on cost, but no, no, no, show me the meat
• or whoever, but I really get sick of everything getting blamed on cost, but no, no, no, show me the meat
• > then</c><00:34:48.720><c> the</c><00:34:49.040><c> last</c><00:34:49.200><c> one</c> show me the meat
• And then the last one show me the meat.

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy