Transcript Highlights:

• In June of last year, DHS OIG put out a report under Mayorkas.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• AND IT CHANGES THE EFFECTIVE DATE FOR THE BILL FROM JULY 01, 2025 TO JANUARY MAY 20, 2026 TO ALLOW DHS

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><02:13:49.920> new<02:13:50.239> employee<02:13:50.800> at<02:13:51.119> DHS
• work with one new employee at DHS. work with one new employee at DHS. deaths<02:13:52.880> and
• this amendment significantly simplifies the original bill to include these treatment centers in the DHS
• Over the past year, both DHS and the Department of Environmental Services have already changed their
• DHS changed the name of this department after this bill was submitted.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• According to the New Hampshire DHS/HHS site, the number of suicides decreased in 2023.
• According to the New Hampshire DHS/HHS site, the number of suicides decreased in 2023.
• According to the New Hampshire DHS/HHS site, the number of suicides decreased in 2023.
• According to the New Hampshire DHS/HHS site, the number of suicides decreased in 2023.
• According to the New Hampshire DHS/HHS site, the number of suicides decreased in 2023.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we were able to reach out to DHS and get a contract provider from the waiver side to cover the services
• So the way it works today in counties that are doing this work: the file comes through from DHS.
• IHSS, I want to remind that when the federal government brought into question the case growth in IHSS, DHS
• As time has gone on, we've seen ICE and DHS target our communities.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard an overview of the governor’s IHSS budget proposals and then took public testimony from the administration, LAO, county representatives, labor, consumer advocates, and an aging/disability advocacy group. The administration described IHSS as a large Medi-Cal long-term services program serving more than 900,000 recipients and proposed three changes: shifting some growth costs tied to authorized hours per case to counties, eliminating the statewide backup provider system, and aligning IHSS terminations with Medi-Cal terminations. The administration also discussed the earlier CFCO reassessment penalty change for counties and said overdue reassessments had dropped significantly. LAO said the governor’s overall IHSS cost estimates appeared reasonable, but raised concerns about the hours-per-case cost shift, including unclear root causes for growth, limited county control over statewide averages, and uncertainty about the eventual savings. County Welfare Directors Association, SEIU, and consumer/advocacy witnesses opposed the hours cost shift, arguing counties use state tools, the proposal would pressure counties to cut services, and it could harm older adults and people with disabilities by increasing institutionalization and shifting costs elsewhere. The chair and members repeatedly questioned the rationale for the proposal, the lack of a defined baseline, and whether the current assessment tools or MOE structure should instead be revisited. On the backup provider system, the administration said the program is underused and costly to administer relative to service spending, while LAO suggested the Legislature consider whether administrative costs could be reduced instead of eliminating it. County, labor, and consumer witnesses opposed the cut, saying the system is a critical emergency safety net even if utilization is low, especially for rural areas and people with complex needs. Members also asked about data quality, county backup systems, and whether consumers know the program exists. On the Medi-Cal/IHSS alignment proposal, the administration said automation would stop General Fund-only spending when recipients lose Medi-Cal and restore IHSS automatically when Medi-Cal is regained; LAO and others noted the proposal had been rejected before and urged better notices and safeguards. Witnesses warned that automatic termination could create gaps in care and unpaid work for providers, while the department said counties already manually terminate in some cases and that automation is ready if approved. No votes were taken in the excerpt, and the chair indicated the committee would continue with public comment and later items before a hard adjournment time.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're projections that were developed using the Minnesota Hospital Association's and DHS estimates,
• Minnesota Hospital using the Minnesota Hospital Association's<00:58:44.760> and<00:58:44.920> DHS
• 00:58:45.440> estimates<00:58:46.400> and<00:58:46.520> then Association's and DHS
• estimates and then Association's and DHS estimates and then we<00:58:46.800> applied<00:58:47.560

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• criticisms about how it was carried out, the philosophical approach that Christy Gnome took and that DHS
• /c> approach that Christy Gnome took and approach that Christy Gnome took and that<01:15:15.280> DHS
• <01:15:17.760> I<01:15:18.080> think that DHS took at the beginning.
• I think that DHS took at the beginning.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, there are other entities involved, including DHS folks from the industry that this would affect,
• Um there are other entities involved<00:51:43.359> including<00:51:43.839> DHS<00:51:45.119
• > folks<00:51:45.520> from<00:51:45.920> the involved including DHS folks from the
• involved including DHS folks from the industry<00:51:46.800> that<00:51:47.040> this<00

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Very briefly, we just wanted to say thank you to the governor, to DHS, and to the legislature for all
• you to the we just wanted to say thank you to the governor,<01:42:10.560> to<01:42:10.719> DHS
• <01:42:11.360> to<01:42:11.679> the<01:42:11.920> legislature governor, to DHS
• , and to the legislature governor, to DHS, and to the legislature for<01:42:12.560> all<01:42:

Bills: HB1183, HB1656, HB1658, HB1661, HB1663, HB1664, HB1859, HB2116, HB2271, HB2276, HB2335, HB2360, HB2387, HB2472, HB1805, HB2469, HB1815, HB1860, HB2117, HB2118, HB2437, HB2438, HB2604, HB1590, HB2156, HB2268

Keywords: retirement, pension, law enforcement, public safety, Hawaii Revised Statutes, indebtedness, salary recovery, employee compensation, deductions, financial management, collective bargaining, employee relations, impasse procedures, arbitration, public employment, HB1661, cafeteria plan, Section 125, Internal Revenue Code, flexible spending account

Transcript Highlights:

• If a client goes to DHS or DLIR for services, will they be dually registered, and how will the system
• If a client<00:49:06.920> goes<00:49:07.200> to<00:49:07.360> DHS<00:49:08.000><
• c><00:49:08.200> DLIR<00:49:09.360> for<00:49:09.560> services, client goes to DHS
• or DLIR for services, client goes to DHS or DLIR for services, will<00:49:10.800> they<00:49:

Bills: SB2041

Keywords: land court, real property, legal documents, bureau of conveyances, judicial confirmation, property registration, working group, Hawaii Revised Statutes, reform, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard SB 2041, which would repeal the Land Court, transfer its functions to the Bureau of Conveyances, and create a working group to recommend implementation. DLNR and Judiciary stood on their written testimony, while Realtors supported the bill and one testifier raised concerns about the loss of judicial authority, title disputes, adverse possession, and possible effects on Kuleana lands. Members questioned whether property could be deregistered and what the legal consequences would be, and the Bureau of Conveyances said deregistration is already available but burdensome. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, and the measure was adopted by both committees. The Judiciary Committee then heard SB 2247, which restricts certain governor-appointed, Senate-confirmed executive branch employees from participating in campaign fundraising. The State Ethics Commission and Campaign Spending Commission supported the bill as a way to curb pay-to-play concerns and the appearance of undue influence, and several advocacy and civic groups also testified in support, with one person opposing. The committee agreed to amend the bill so the restrictions apply only after confirmation and continue until the person leaves the covered position. The committee voted to pass SB 2247 with amendments. Finally, the Judiciary Committee heard SB 2143, which would make the Attorney General the interim Chief Election Officer if that office becomes vacant until the Elections Commission appoints a replacement. Supporters argued the bill would provide continuity, prevent delays in certifying election results, and protect election integrity; opponents argued it would politicize the office, create a conflict of interest, and was unnecessary because current law already provides a process for filling vacancies. Testimony was extensive and sharply divided, with many speakers on both sides. The transcript provided does not include a final vote or action on SB 2143.

Transcript Highlights:

• or program providing child protection or placement services in coordination with or contract under DHS
• services in coordination with or<00:09:30.720> contract<00:09:31.120> under<00:09:31.360> DHS
• <00:09:33.440> It<00:09:33.760> also or contract under DHS or MDH.
• It also or contract under DHS or MDH.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Legislative Audit Commission heard a presentation from the Office of the Legislative Auditor on its evaluation of the Office of Ombuds for Families (OBFF). Auditors said the office remains important because of Minnesota’s long history of racial disparities in the child protection system, but they found major problems with how OBFF is operating. The report said OBFF’s statutory duties are very broad compared with its small staff and budget, and that the ombuds persons are not carrying out all required duties while spending substantial time on activities not required by law. Auditors also said the office’s recent impact is unclear and that its complaint-handling work has significant deficiencies, including poor documentation, limited data, few policies, inconsistent handling, and failure to follow best practices. The presentation also focused on oversight and accountability. Auditors said OBFF’s three community boards, which are supposed to appoint and oversee the ombuds persons, have not provided adequate oversight: meeting requirements were often not met, attendance was low, and there was little evidence the boards were fulfilling their statutory duties. The auditors further said OBFF’s unusual structure, with no single designated leader and shared authority among the three ombuds persons, creates unclear lines of accountability. Their recommendations included revising OBFF’s statutory duties to better match legislative goals and resources, improving complaint-handling practices, strengthening board oversight, and establishing a single leadership position for the office. Members asked follow-up questions about racial disproportionality in out-of-home care, spending on nonrequired activities, and whether the ombuds persons met statutory qualification requirements. Auditors referred members to the report for more detailed data, said the office does not track expenditures by function, and noted that while the ombuds persons have relevant professional backgrounds, the evaluation raised concerns about whether they are meeting their duties as expected. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• This year, under the president's direction, DHS and ICE have implemented arrest quotas, and ICE has to
• president's this year under the president's this year under the president's direction,<00:41:29.040> DHS
• <00:41:29.839> ICE<00:41:30.640> have<00:41:30.960> implemented direction, DHS
• and ICE have implemented direction, DHS and ICE have implemented arrest<00:41:32.160> quotas<

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee held an informational briefing on the impact and legality of federal immigration enforcement efforts in Hawaii, with Chair Carl Rhodes framing it as the sixth and final interim briefing in a series on the rule of law and local effects of federal actions. He said the discussion would focus on due process concerns, questioning and detention of citizens and lawful immigrants, free speech issues, and pressure on state and local law enforcement, and noted the issues may be revisited in the 2026 regular session. There was no public testimony or committee vote; only invited speakers presented. Dr. Amy Agayani opened by arguing that immigrants are integral to Hawaii’s history, economy, and communities, and contrasted that with what she described as harmful narratives portraying immigrants as criminals. She cited figures that one in five Hawaii residents is foreign-born, that immigrants make up about 20% of the labor force and over 27% of entrepreneurs, and that roughly 40,000 people in Hawaii are undocumented, many of whom may have pathways to legal status but face language, information, and court barriers. She also said federal enforcement has expanded beyond undocumented immigrants to include citizens and lawful residents, and warned that attacks on birthright citizenship and visa categories could affect many families. Matina Mock of the legal clinic emphasized the complexity of immigration law and the severe lack of legal representation, noting a nationwide backlog of 11.3 million immigration-related applications and 3.4 million court cases, plus about 1,400 pending immigration cases in Honolulu with only two immigration judges. She said Hawaii has only six or seven nonprofit immigration legal service providers, and that represented clients are far more likely to obtain relief. Mock described a recent case involving a lawful student visa holder who was transferred among multiple federal facilities before being brought to Honolulu without clear notice, which she said illustrated due process violations. She also said ICE activity in Hawaii has sharply increased, with about 150 arrests from January to July 2025, a 380% increase over the same period in 2024, and that many detainees have no criminal record. Stephanie Haro Sevilla and another clinic fellow described 2025 enforcement as a major shift driven by a January executive order, the end of prior limits on arrests in sensitive locations, and arrest quotas they said require 3,000 arrests per day nationwide. They said this has led to arrests without warrants or probable cause, broader targeting of people with minor offenses or no criminal history, and the use of resources from other federal agencies and local law enforcement for civilian immigration enforcement. They also said the federal detention center in Honolulu is holding roughly 40 to 80 civilian detainees on any given day, often in conditions they characterized as prison-like, and warned that the current escalation could eventually affect lawful permanent residents and naturalized citizens. The speakers urged the public to support immigrant-rights advocates and local protective policies and funding measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, the state of Florida and DHS, they got wind of our visit. They got scared.
• You know, the state of Florida and<01:23:28.719> DHS,<01:23:29.760> they<01:23:30.000><
• and DHS, they got wind of our visit. and DHS, they got wind of our visit.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the Attorney General, which primarily handles cases involving child welfare services and representing DHS
• I was there for a little less than two years. representing DHS.
• Uh but what they also representing DHS.
• You were a deputy attorney general, and your client was DHS child welfare services.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Governor’s Message 767, the nomination of Kanoi AD Jackson to serve as circuit court judge for the Third Circuit. The chair announced that the committee would not vote on the governor’s message or two judge nominations until Tuesday, April 15, but planned to vote that day on two Defender Council items. Testimony on Jackson’s nomination was limited to two minutes per speaker, and the hearing was conducted partly by Zoom. Supporters emphasized Jackson’s qualifications, work ethic, judicial temperament, and community ties. Testifiers included the West Hawaii Bar Association, family members, a retired teacher, retired Judge Robert Kim, and the Hawaii State Bar Association. The West Hawaii Bar Association said Jackson received high marks from its review process and that the Third Circuit needed a permanent judge for stability. Judge Kim and others praised her preparation, intelligence, humility, and experience as a prosecutor and litigator. Jackson also spoke in her own behalf, acknowledging that her background is primarily criminal rather than civil, but saying she is committed to learning the civil docket and serving the community if confirmed. Members questioned the Hawaii State Bar Association about the basis for its support, including how many members responded and whether concerns were raised about Jackson’s lack of civil experience. HSBA said it uses a confidential review process, receives both positive and negative comments, and does not track votes or percentages, but its board voted to support her. Judge Kim responded that judges can learn new areas of law, that civil dockets can be managed with benchbooks and help from other judges, and that Jackson’s trial experience would serve her well. No vote was taken on Jackson’s nomination during this hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• $30,750,000 in FY 26 for health care stipends, $2,250,000 in FY 26 for training stipends, and $1 million to DHS
• $30,750,000 in FY 26 for health care stipends, $2,250,000 in FY 26 for training stipends, and $1 million to DHS
• $30,750,000 in FY 26 for health care stipends, $2,250,000 in FY 26 for training stipends, and $1 million to DHS
• $30,750,000 in FY 26 for health care stipends, $2,250,000 in FY 26 for training stipends, and $1 million to DHS

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So it creates a link to the TAP application by, by the way, from DHS.
• by<01:04:59.000> the<01:04:59.119> way<01:04:59.279> from<01:04:59.520> DHS
• tap application uh by the way from DHS tap application uh by the way from DHS approximately<01:05

Bills: HF1837, HF361, HF2725, HF2566, HF2744, HF1685, HF501, HF1889, HF1389

Keywords: state policy, employment, health insurance, fossil designation, public funds, community resources, Capitol Mall, grantmaking, community vitality, livability, funding, healthy aging, aging policy, older adults, seniors, elderly, gerontology, long-term care, assisted living, nursing homes

Transcript Highlights:

• He guessed the total is in the tens of thousands, maybe 20,000, but said DHS might have a better accurate
• tens of thousands like maybe<01:13:39.120> 20,000<01:13:39.760> but<01:13:40.000> DHS
• might<01:13:40.880> have<01:13:41.040> a<01:13:41.360> better maybe 20,000 but DHS
• might have a better maybe 20,000 but DHS might have a better accurate<01:13:42.320> number<01

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The table also shows a separate line that introduces the latest projection from DHS on the amount that
• latest separate line that introduces the latest projection<01:08:34.239> from<01:08:34.480> DHS
• <01:08:35.679> the<01:08:35.839> amount<01:08:36.080> that projection from DHS
• on the amount that projection from DHS on the amount that Minnesota<01:08:36.960> could<01:08

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• agency will at some point be moving to new office space, but they are currently leasing space from DHS
• are currently new office space but they are currently leas<00:29:28.399> from<00:29:28.640> DHS
• some<00:29:29.519> space<00:29:29.880> and<00:29:30.120> anticipate leas from DHS
• some space and anticipate leas from DHS some space and anticipate that<00:29:30.840> move<00:

Bills: HF10

Keywords: undocumented immigrants, state funding, MinnesotaCare, scholarship ineligibility, state assistance, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This is my favorite takeaway: one morning DHS staff members visited Scott County.
• Hilgart will appreciate the fact that last night I literally fell asleep reading page 51 of the DHS modernization
• Hilgart will appreciate the fact that last night I literally fell asleep reading page 51 of the DHS modernization
• I literally fell asleep reading page 51 of the DHS modernization, so we can talk.

Keywords: 1183, house