Transcript Highlights:

• And are you aware of...
• I'm not aware of that, Senator.
• Nothing that I'm aware of, Senator. No.
• I'm not aware of any data.
• We are very well aware, we receive a lot of requests for records.

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• As Amanda mentioned, and I'm sure you all are aware, in 2022 a devastating flood hit eastern Kentucky
• I was aware of the legal aid in Covington, um, and some of my past experience.
• of how those you you all are aware of how those increases<00:48:04.640><c> have</c><00:48:04.800><c>
• I guess short to say that, you know, kind of the reason we're here, we were made aware of a potential
• Um we are not aware of any process.

Summary: The subcommittee heard presentations from the Legal Aid Network of Kentucky, including Legal Aid of the Bluegrass, Kentucky Legal Aid, AppalRed Legal Aid, and the Legal Aid Society in Louisville. The presenters explained that the four nonprofit programs provide civil legal services in all 120 counties, focusing on low-income clients and matters such as domestic violence, family law, housing, expungement, public benefits, and veterans’ issues. They emphasized that they do not handle criminal defense cases and described statewide efforts such as the kyjustice.org website and Project Renew, which helps people in recovery with legal issues that affect stability, employment, housing, and family reunification. Each organization highlighted regional service challenges and examples of casework. Legal Aid of the Bluegrass described its 33-county service area, its mobile “justice bus,” and expungement work for people in recovery. Kentucky Legal Aid focused on disaster response after the December 2021 tornadoes, including insurance disputes and contractor fraud, and said it has continued to handle repeated FEMA-declared disasters. AppalRed described serving 37 rural counties with limited attorneys, the shortage of lawyers in “rural legal deserts,” and its disaster-response work after flooding and tornadoes, including FEMA appeals clinics and volunteer attorney support. The Legal Aid Society described its Louisville-area veteran services, including Social Security and VA disability cases, veterans treatment court referrals, and homeless outreach. Committee members praised the organizations’ work and noted the importance of their services. In response to questions about funding, the presenters said their support comes from a mix of Legal Services Corporation funds, state appropriations, federal grants such as VOCA, VAWA, and HUD, United Way, and foundation funding. They stressed that many grants are restricted, while state funding is more flexible and useful for emergencies and day-to-day operations. The presenters said current funding does not fully meet demand and requested an increase in the General Assembly’s appropriation from $500,000 per year to $1 million per year, or $2 million over the biennium.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> they're very upset if they weren't aware they're very upset if they weren't aware of<00:26:49.840
• Not that I'm aware of.
• I'm aware that there are delays with the issuance of refunds or issuance of credits.
• I'm aware that there are delays with the issuance of refunds or issuance of credits.
• I'm aware that there are delays with the issuance of refunds or issuance of credits.

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Summary: The committee heard several measures on agriculture, energy, stadium governance, and hotel consumer protections. On SB 448 relating to agriculture, Agra Business Development Corporation and the Hawaii Farm Bureau testified in support of a proposed conservation easement acquisition in Central Oahu; the chair asked follow-up questions about the exact location, cost, and agricultural potential of the land, and the witness said the parcel had good soil and water and was former pineapple land, with cost still to be provided. On SB 827 relating to meat processing, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism said the state needs more meat-processing capacity and that any grant program should complement, not compete with, existing efforts; the Attorney General’s office warned the bill lacked legally sufficient standards for grants of public money under the state constitution and offered draft standards. Several industry and chamber witnesses supported the measure, while discussion focused on the need for brick-and-mortar or modular facilities, infrastructure costs, federal inspection needs, and access for hunters and neighbor islands. The committee then took up SB 1269 relating to geothermal resources, which drew broad support from county officials, energy consultants, utility representatives, and community advocates, with one witness opposing it. Supporters described geothermal as a viable, indigenous, firm baseload energy source that could help reduce Hawaii’s high electricity costs and support clean energy goals; one witness emphasized prior work in New Zealand and another urged the state to move forward with exploration. A DBEDT representative explained that the department is coordinating geothermal-related work with the Hawaii Technology Development Corp., the University of Hawaii, and the Hawaii State Energy Office, noting a prior $3 million appropriation, phase-one community engagement work, and plans to seek a contractor for geoscience and exploration in phase two. Members pressed DBEDT to explain how this bill fits with other geothermal measures moving through different committees, and the chair asked the department to review SB 993 and better coordinate the package of geothermal bills. On SB 1337 relating to the Stadium Authority, the stadium manager testified in support of clarifying quorum rules, explaining that the authority currently has eight seated voting members out of nine possible voting seats and that the bill would help ensure voting members are counted for quorum; he said meetings have not been delayed. Finally, on SB 883 relating to hotels, the Attorney General’s office raised First Amendment and contract-law concerns and recommended adding a purpose statement and a non-impairment savings clause. Unite Here Local 5 and other supporters said guests should be notified of hotel service disruptions such as construction, closures, or labor disputes, while opponents questioned who would enforce the law, what penalties would apply, and whether the measure could require hotels to pay damages even without a complaint. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I personally was not aware that we Thank you, Representative Ennett.
• I was not made aware of that. Okay.
• I was not made aware of that.
• As far as I'm aware, but I would have to...
• Yeah, I'm not aware of us ever receiving a coroner's report on anything like this.

Summary: The Joint State Agencies committee met to approve prior minutes and then focused on the death of Zachary Moore at the Southeast Arkansas Human Development Center, later clarified in discussion as the Warren facility. DHS officials described Moore’s background, said he died after a prolonged prone restraint followed by a delayed chemical restraint, and reported that 13 staff were terminated, the superintendent was replaced, a consultant was brought in, and the agency entered a settlement with the family for $725,000. Members pressed DHS on the cause of death, restraint policies, staff training, supervision, family notification, and why the family had not been kept informed; DHS said a family-notification procedure exists but that communications during litigation had been handled through counsel. The committee also heard that six staff had been criminally charged with manslaughter and neglect of a vulnerable person, and that the death certificate listed the manner of death as homicide with cause of death tied to physiologic stress associated with struggle and prone restraint. DHS officials gave broader context on the five human development centers, their licensing and accreditation, resident population, mortality review process, and training programs. They said the centers serve highly medically and behaviorally complex residents, that annual restraint training and CPI-based instruction are required, and that the mortality review committee and Office of Long-Term Care review deaths and make recommendations. Members repeatedly criticized the agency for not having complete information at the meeting and for what they saw as gaps in oversight, staffing, and chain-of-command clarity during emergencies. DHS responded that the Warren facility had not been meeting the same standards as the others, that the consultant’s root-cause analysis identified multiple failures, and that new crisis-team and chain-of-command procedures were being drafted. A second major topic was staffing and recruitment. Members discussed low pay, turnover, use of float and on-call staff, rural staffing shortages, and a waiting list of about 2,000 people for home- and community-based services. DHS said CNAs at the centers start at about $39,000 a year, that a broader retention and recruitment plan is being drafted for all five centers, and that a separate rate study for PASS services will be implemented in January 2027 but does not cover CNA pay. The meeting ended with testimony from Moore’s mother, Angela Stevens, who said money could not replace her son and urged stronger training, background checks, and supervision so other residents would be protected. The committee asked DHS to keep members and Stevens updated on consultant reports, recruitment efforts, and follow-up on the family communication issue, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I'm aware of about three that are in the process of transferring to other agencies.
• If you're aware of issues around the store, have you or other local government folks worked to address
• I'm very aware as a local council member, especially for this district.
• In fact, I'm well aware of stores, including in the brand that you're talking about, where they worked
• We are aware of this, the unfunded liability, and it's as a We are aware of this, the unfunded liability

Bills: SB5379 , SB6106 , SB6147 , SB6180 , SB5927 , SB6287

Committee: Senate Labor & Commerce

Keywords: interest arbitration, parks and recreation, public employees, labor relations, employee rights, laid-off employees act, WARN notice, mass layoff, business closure, plant closing, worker adjustment and retraining notification, employment security department, employee notice, layoff notice, worker protections, job loss, employment loss, public records exemption, privacy, employee names and addresses

Transcript Highlights:

• But I'm aware of about three that are in the process of transferring to other agencies.
• If you're aware of issues around the store, have you or other local government folks worked to address
• I'm very aware as a local council member, especially for this district.
• In fact, I'm well aware of stores, including in the brand that you're talking about, where they worked
• We are aware of this, the unfunded liability, and it's as a We are aware of this, the unfunded liability

Summary: The Labor and Commerce Committee heard public testimony on several bills. Senate Bill 618, the Eric Schrauss Memorial Act, would remove the current time-and-exposure qualifiers for the workers’ compensation presumption that certain heart problems in firefighters and law enforcement officers are occupational diseases. The sponsor and family members of fallen firefighters testified in support, describing delayed claims and arguing the bill would spare grieving families from lengthy appeals. Opponents including counties, self-insurers, cities, and L&I’s research staff said the current qualifiers are based on science, warned the change would greatly expand claims and costs, and noted a 2023 advisory committee did not recommend the change. No vote was taken. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5379, which would extend interest arbitration rights to Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission law enforcement rangers. The sponsor and a park ranger testified that rangers are commissioned peace officers who cannot strike and are paid less than comparable law enforcement, leading to staffing shortages and turnover. The bill was presented as a fairness and retention measure. Testimony on Senate Bill 6147, concerning grocery store closures in food deserts, was split: supporters from Tacoma, labor, and local government said a six-month notice requirement would help communities respond to closures like the Fred Meyer shutdown in South Tacoma, while grocers and industry groups argued the bill was too prescriptive, would add legal risk, and would not solve underlying crime and business pressures. Senate Bill 6106, requested by the Employment Security Department, would exempt tribes from the state WARN-style notice law and make employee names and addresses submitted in layoff notices confidential under the Public Records Act. ESD and business groups supported the bill as a clarification and privacy fix, and no opposition was heard. The committee then took testimony on Senate Bill 5927, which would cap future workers’ compensation COLAs at 3%; employers and self-insurers supported it as a way to address volatility and long-term liabilities, while labor, injured-worker advocates, and others opposed it as an across-the-board benefit cut that would erode wage replacement. L&I explained it has been studying possible COLA changes but did not bring forward its own proposal. Finally, Senate Bill 6287 on kratom would restrict adulterated or harmful kratom products, require labeling, set a 21+ sales age, and allow local regulation; supporters backed the age limit and bans on concentrated 7-OH, while some industry witnesses opposed the private right of action and local patchwork rules. The committee adjourned after public testimony; no final votes or executive action were taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Immediately begin collection now as y'all are all aware like everyone's situation could be different
• I'm not aware of any reporting Requirements in place and I don't think the bill contemplates reporting
• As you may be aware, the current law assigns support rights to the state rather than the care when a
• If additional states were to adopt, and all I am aware of is that 11 states are working towards that
• So raising awareness about, excuse me, raising awareness about the importance of nutrition and providing

Bills: HB26 , HB140 , HB141 , HB142 , HB215 , HB26 , HB140 , HB141 , HB142 , HB215

Committee: House Human Services

Keywords: Medicaid, nutrition support, maternal health, chronic conditions, pilot program, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, child protective services, child abuse investigations, child neglect, child exploitation, advisory committee, Family and Protective Services Council, council abolition, foster care, due process, investigative procedures, child welfare, parental rights, family preservation services

Transcript Highlights:

• is not where it's supposed to be, especially for our higher-ed faculty who are very much aware that
• And there's nothing currently that I'm aware of that is 100% effective.
• And there's nothing currently that I'm aware of that is 100% effective.
• Sadly, I'm intimately aware of how easy it is for children to purchase harmful products online.
• Sadly, I'm intimately aware of how easy it is for children to purchase harmful products online.

Committee: Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• That, you know, that is something to be very much aware of.
• When I say effective, I mean that raises awareness of the biases that people have.
• But the first thing we looked at is just straight knowledge and awareness of DEI.
• So at this point in time, many people are aware of this acronym known as DEI.
• First and foremost, awareness of DEI is increasing among the public.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion

Summary: The Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion held an informational hearing on diversity, equity, and inclusion in Massachusetts; no bills were heard or voted on. Chairs Bud Williams and Liz Miranda opened by framing the hearing as a response to recent federal actions they said threatened DEI efforts, funding, and civil rights protections in education and other sectors. They said the committee would hear from experts, agencies, advocates, and businesses about the legality and benefits of DEI and the impact of federal actions on the Commonwealth. Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler testified virtually that Massachusetts is pushing back against federal efforts to restrict DEI, including guidance and certification demands directed at schools. He highlighted state investments in early education, child care, early college, career and technical education, and educator diversity, arguing these efforts help close opportunity gaps for Black and brown students, students with disabilities, English learners, and other underserved groups. In response to member questions, he said federal education dollars are core to services for students and that the state is prepared to fight funding cuts while monitoring impacts across K-12, early education, and higher education. Elizabeth Matos of the Attorney General’s Office said DEIA programs remain legal under state and federal law and described AG guidance issued to help institutions navigate federal confusion. She reviewed litigation the office has joined or won, including efforts involving withheld school funds, museums and libraries, the Minority Business Development Agency, Head Start, AmeriCorps, and other federal actions. Members asked about immigration-related fear and profiling, and Matos pointed to existing Know Your Rights guidance, said complaints to the Civil Rights Division have increased, and noted the office is seeing issues involving housing discrimination, employment, public accommodations, and threats to call ICE. She also said the office is open to further legislative ideas but did not discuss specifics. Evelyn Carter, a social psychologist, testified that diversity, equity, and inclusion are often misunderstood and defined the terms plainly, emphasizing that diversity is a group characteristic, equity addresses unequal starting points, and inclusion is about belonging and access. She argued that DEI matters because it creates guardrails against bias, helps make environments accessible, and addresses ongoing inequities. In response to questions, she suggested practical strategies such as using clear criteria and written records in decision-making, broadening who is considered part of one’s in-group, and pairing bias awareness with concrete behavior-change tools. The hearing also included testimony from Meredith Tewitt of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, who spoke about the importance of DEI for women, veterans, and people who rely on federal institutions, and urged lawmakers to continue supporting inclusion and access.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're well aware that our legitimacy both in the academic world and the policy world depends on generating
• We're well aware that our organizing.
• We're well aware that our legitimacy<00:02:19.520><c> both</c><00:02:19.880><c> in</c><00:02:19.960><
• SEIU Healthcare then aware of.
• </c> and I I just I'm when we were made aware and I I just I'm when we were made aware of<01:03:31.720

Committee: Senate Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• Just so everybody is aware, our...
• Just so everybody is aware, our... we share, we live close to each other.
• So social awareness is one of the main focuses of domestic violence prevention.
• Informed and aware of the signs of domestic violence.
• Now, I'm committed to work... ...with increased awareness.

Committee: House Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Because I think that's important for us to think about, be aware of.
• I'm not aware of how often that happens.
• I'm not aware of how often that happens.
• And you’re going to have to do things like we’re doing now, aware...
• It's an awareness, knowledge, ability, and reinforcement change management system.

Committee: Joint Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency

Summary: The task force met with a quorum and first reviewed a memorandum summarizing a survey of state agencies on possible statute revisions. Levi reported that 20 agencies submitted 70 proposals, with about 33 potentially becoming agency pre-file bills. Common themes included procurement, concessions, architect/engineering services, liability limits, and IT-related efficiencies. Members asked about sharing the survey results more broadly and about cross-agency coordination, especially with higher education and ITD-related issues. OMB then presented three topics from its survey responses: concessions, pre-qualification of architects/engineers/construction managers/land surveyors, and publication of legal notices. OMB said the current concessions law is too rigid because it requires award to the highest responsible bidder and does not fit newer concession models, and it suggested a best-value approach, a higher threshold, and standardized templates. On architect/engineering pre-qualification, OMB said the law is fragmented across several statutes and should be consolidated and expanded for broader use. On legal notices, OMB described the current rate-setting and publication process, noted rising costs and shrinking newspaper availability, and proposed a collaborative effort to modernize notice delivery, improve accessibility, and explore online options. The task force discussed how to move these ideas forward, and a motion passed directing OMB to implement its suggestions and report back at the next meeting. The University of North Dakota then presented several proposed revisions focused on public buildings and procurement. UND recommended raising the threshold for treating routine maintenance and one-for-one replacements as construction, arguing that the current $250,000 threshold forces unnecessary architect/engineer involvement and adds cost. It also proposed changes to bid advertisement language to reflect electronic bidding, revisions to construction manager-at-risk selection criteria, changes to architect/engineer procurement criteria, a higher direct-hire threshold for design services, and an increase in the legislative approval threshold for privately funded projects. Members discussed the need for data, risk and complexity considerations, and collaboration with counsel and industry groups. A motion passed directing Levi and counsel to work with UND on bill drafts based on its proposals for a future meeting. DPI followed with a shorter presentation on credentialing and statutory cleanup. It suggested reviewing the department’s 23 credential categories for relevance, and said DPI and the Education Standards and Practices Board have discussed transferring some credentialing authority to ESPB. DPI also recommended removing outdated school safety patrol language, cleaning up waiver provisions, and updating dyslexia screening reporting requirements so districts are not burdened by obsolete reporting mandates. Members agreed the screening itself should remain in place, while the reporting requirement could be reconsidered. The committee then recessed until the afternoon session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Have you all made a specific—are you aware of a specific funding request?"
• It's just our agenda and then, uh, next slide, which I'm sure you're aware of, the appropriations that
• of that that are that we're aware of that that are preventing<00:35:51.839><c> any</c><00:35:52.000>
• Nothing's been brought to our attention and we're not aware of any judges who are refusing to use it
• And we're not aware of anything, but we could probably drill down a little bit more to find out.

Summary: The Public Safety and Judiciary Committee met without a quorum, so approval of the January 3, January 20, and February 3 minutes was postponed. The committee then heard an update from the Department of Corrections on halfway house and Recovery Kentucky funding and operations. Deputy Commissioner Hillary Daily said DOC contracts for up to 1,752 halfway house beds and 780 Recovery Kentucky beds, with 16 halfway houses and 13 Recovery Kentucky centers statewide. She reported 6,329 admissions in fiscal year 2025, average daily populations of 1,041 in halfway houses and 494 in Recovery Kentucky, and explained that Recovery Kentucky placements are more restrictive, generally excluding violent and sex offenders, while halfway houses serve probationers, parolees, and sex offenders who need treatment. She also described programming such as MRT, parenting, adult basic education, and trauma-focused services, and said some facilities offer supervised visitation. Daily said no new funding request was included in the current budget, though DOC has sought rate increases in prior cycles. Community Transitional Services director Barbara Stum also testified in support of halfway houses as re-entry and substance abuse treatment centers. She said CTS primarily serves men coming out of prison or returning to prison who need treatment, and that halfway houses provide security, accountability, treatment, employment support, and help with home placement. Stum said the state moved substance abuse treatment into the community in 2010 to avoid sending people back to prison for treatment, and argued halfway houses are the least expensive form of incarceration. She cited daily rates of $33.61 for CTS beds and DOC figures of $37.33 to $44.33 per day, compared with higher prison and jail costs, and said reimbursement has not kept pace with inflation since the last increase in 2019. She said staffing and supplies are the main pressure points, with counselor pay below market rates, and noted two counselor vacancies. A former resident, Michael Bird, testified that CTS helped him recover and re-enter the community successfully. The committee also received an update from the Administrative Office of the Courts on implementation of the video arraignment/video conferencing system. AOC officials Zach Ramsey and Charles Buyers said the system is now fully implemented in all courtrooms and is used for video arraignments and other Zoom-based court proceedings. Buyers described the pandemic-era transition from older, inconsistent equipment to improvised laptop/webcam setups, then to a more integrated vendor-supported system with touchscreen controls and a judicial support specialist position for training and operation. He said 324 courtrooms are already up to the current standard, with 128 remaining on an older bundle, and that there are no technical barriers to continued use. AOC said it is seeking $3.8 million in recurring annual funding to keep the systems upgraded and current, and plans to upgrade 46 systems in fiscal year 2026 across 15 counties.

Transcript Highlights:

• sure we got your bill given the timing now, got it in committee and probably out of committee, but be aware
• of committee, committee and probably out of committee, but<00:04:09.840><c> be</c><00:04:09.959><c> aware
• 11.160><c> you</c><00:04:11.280><c> know,</c><00:04:11.400><c> you</c><00:04:11.520><c> just</c> but be aware
• you got you know, you just but be aware you got you know, you just got<00:04:12.040><c> some</c><00:

Bills: HB468 , SB366 , HB468 , HB561 , SB227 , SB32 , HB561 , SB227 , SB32

Committee: Senate County and Municipal Government

Keywords: service of process, funding, Marion County, fees, legal documents, firefighters, rights, personnel procedures, state law, public safety, HB468, local commissions, local authorities, municipal planning commission, planning commission, zoning, land use, municipal official, municipal officer, city council

Transcript Highlights:

• And there was a lot of effort initially through grant funding to try and bring awareness to prevention
• So keeping that awareness in people's minds is really critical. So I'm happy to be here. Thank you.
• In terms of the Block Captain program or community engagement efforts, apathy and keeping people aware
• I mean, and so I think just having that increased awareness, and that's something that we are trying
• That awareness. I echo that 100%. So a lot of it is mindset, people's mindset, right?

Transcript Highlights:

• I am not aware of any such article and certainly was not included in any of the materials provided to
• Are<00:35:32.920><c> you</c><00:35:33.000><c> guys</c><00:35:33.160><c> aware</c><00:35:33.480><c> of
• </c><00:35:33.640><c> a</c> Are you guys aware of a Are you guys aware of a a<00:35:34.880><c> news</
• And so, are you aware<00:45:55.680><c> of</c><00:45:55.920><c> other</c><00:45:56.200><c> legislators
• who work and aware of other legislators who work and get<00:45:58.440><c> paid</c><00:45:58.760><c>

Committee: House Ethics

Transcript Highlights:

• I wasn't even aware that these cars were on the roads and they were driving themselves.
• Many of you are aware of the robotaxi disruption during the December power outages last year.
• Many of you are aware of the robotaxi disruption during the December power outages last year.
• I don't know if you're aware of that.
• I don't know if you're aware of the technology around dispatch in San Jose.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• HCR 28 designates the last full week of April as Infertility Awareness Week here in Missouri.
• By recognizing Infertility Awareness Week, we take a small but meaningful step toward reducing stigma
• Awareness helps people understand that infertility is... ...this journey completely alone.
• By continuing to raise awareness and acknowledging them... ...this journey today.
• Awareness is how we make sure that they don't have to walk that journey alone. Thank you.

Committee: House Health and Mental Health

Transcript Highlights:

• I know you're aware of it, but I'm painfully aware of it as I talk to the superintendents in the field
• Are they aware of the fund? Are they aware of this money available to them?
• Just so the committee is aware before our next meeting.
• Chair, Representative Cullen, I'm not aware of any tracking on...
• I'm not aware of any tracking because you didn't ask that question.

Committee: House Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force

Transcript Highlights:

• We are aware that that's the case. We are working assiduously on it.
• I have no awareness of that. Okay, thank you.
• Yeah, we're not aware of that, but just a quick comment.
• I have no awareness of that. Okay, thank you.
• Yeah, we're not aware of that, but just a quick comment.

Summary: The joint hearing of the Select Committee on Native American Affairs and the Joint Legislative Audit Committee focused on the University of California’s compliance with NAGPRA and CalNAGPRA and the return of Native American human remains and cultural items. Senators and Assembly Members opened by emphasizing the sacredness of repatriation, the ongoing trauma caused by delayed returns, and the need for stronger systemwide accountability. The State Auditor presented the third audit of UC’s repatriation efforts, concluding that UC still lacked urgency, clear goals, and performance metrics, and that campuses continued to hold thousands of remains and hundreds of thousands of cultural items. The auditor said some campuses had discovered previously undocumented collections, that budgets were not always fully used for repatriation work, and that at current rates some campuses could take decades to finish, with Berkeley projected to need far longer than other campuses. The auditor recommended stronger UCOP oversight, clearer timelines, proactive searches, and possible legislative action to tie funding to measurable progress. UC officials responded that the system had made substantial recent progress and was now moving faster under a new systemwide approach. UC Provost Catherine Newman apologized for the university’s past actions, said UC had repatriated more than 2,800 ancestors and nearly 80,000 funerary belongings in the past year, and announced a goal of completing repatriation of remaining human remains by the end of 2028. She said UC would complete high-risk campus reviews by June 2026, update campus plans with clearer timelines by December, provide quarterly reports, add more than $8.8 million in new resources, support tribal consultation costs, and explore 20 potential reburial sites on UC land. UC Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons said Berkeley had accelerated consultations and repatriations, had a dedicated NAGPRA team, and was also targeting 2028 for human remains. UC San Diego and UC Santa Barbara coordinators described new staff, database improvements, campus surveys, and additional consultations, while Santa Barbara said outstanding loan collections were scheduled to be returned in the fall. Committee members pressed UC on why progress had been so slow, whether the 2028 goal applied to all remains and items or only human remains, why public reporting did not always match the audit’s broader counts of potential cultural items, and what expertise was still lacking. UC said the legal and technical work requires archival, osteological, geographic, and other specialized skills, but tribal leaders stressed that tribes themselves are the true experts and that consultation must be led with them, not around them. Tribal witnesses from Tachi Yokut, Chumash, Redding Rancheria, Amah Mutsun, and Tule River described the issue as a matter of dignity, healing, and transparency, criticized the pace of repatriation, and urged that all associated cultural items be returned with the remains so ancestors can rest. No formal votes were taken in the transcript, but the hearing concluded with commitments to continued oversight, updated reporting, and further discussion of statutory or policy changes to make repatriation a lasting UC priority.