Transcript Highlights:

• of whether you have an account on X or Facebook, or whatever platform is being used, that you can access
• The amendment passes to the author. to access these um meetings in you know to access these um meetings
• used um that whatever platform is being used um that you<00:15:04.160><c> can</c><00:15:04.320><c> access
• this right by by a mere you can access this right by by a mere link<00:15:07.120><c> because</c><00:
• Uh, now we're back to uh testifiers in the room.

Bills: HF4319 , HF3295 , HF3589 , HF3587 , HF3588 , HF4295 , HF3571 , HF3895

Committee: House Elections Finance and Government Operations

Keywords: public utilities commission, Lake City, port authority, Red Wing, terms of appointment, local government, elections, open meeting law, transparency, public engagement, social media, government accountability, voter access, polling place, ballot, unexpected needs, election judge, public information, political parties, HF4295

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, I mean, it's said we're talking 3,000 acres of land that they have basically no access to.
• Uh, I mean, it's said we're talking 3,000 acres of land that they have basically no access to.
• Uh, I mean, it's said we're talking 3,000 acres of land that they have basically no access to.
• </c><00:10:50.240><c> It's</c><00:10:50.560><c> been</c> have basically no access to.
• It's been have basically no access to.

Bills: SB337 , HB520 , HB75 , SB337 , HB520 , HB75

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: SB337, Montgomery County, probate judge, judge of probate, county officer compensation, salary increase, circuit judge parity, local legislation, county commission, general fund, public official pay, judicial compensation, Montgomery County Legislation, discrimination, immunization, facial coverings, healthcare rights, religious convictions, civil rights, Attorney General

Transcript Highlights:

• the proceedings, we ask all attendees to maintain a high standard of decorum here in the committee room
• Signs are not permitted in the hearing room.
• You may need it for re-entry if you leave the room.
• Unit and the provisions of this bill that apply to this committee. are are stationed throughout the room
• to are are stationed throughout the room to ensure<00:01:44.400><c> the</c><00:01:44.520><c> safety<

Bills: HF2354 , HF3621 , HF3429 , HF3483

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Keywords: medical assistance, fraud prevention, subpoena authority, criminal penalties, consumer protection, fraud, payment withholding, withheld payments, program integrity, public funds, state agency, program participant, credible allegation of fraud, administrative reconsideration, contested case, chapter 14, data practices, confidential data, protected nonpublic data, anti-fraud

Transcript Highlights:

• RCW 26.51, the abuse of litigation statute, is being manipulated to deny people access to their courts
• RCW 7.105, for protection orders, is being misused, usually by people lying, to prevent parents' access
• If you all are in the room, please come forward to the table. Please note the lights on the podium.
• facilities to develop policies on responding to requests relating to immigration enforcement and seeking access

Bills: HB2735 , SB5868 , SJM8006

Committee: House Civil Rights & Judiciary

Keywords: family law, constitutional floor, legal standards, child custody, divorce, SB 5868, superior court, judge, judgeship, judicial vacancy, court administration, Skagit County, Yakima County, RCW 2.08.061, Washington courts, county judges, caseload, docket backlog, judicial workload, elected judge

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, L&I issues these certifications after a person has completed a multi-day training and passed an exam
• Again, L&I issues these certifications after a person has completed a multi-day training and passed an exam
• It's a great bill to bring fairness to our language access providers whenever they go to an appointment
• It's also affecting the number of language access providers that we can provide and we can use because
• This will help our language access providers, but will also help our customers in IOTGS vote.

Bills: SB6136 , SB6188 , SB5944

Committee: House Labor & Workplace Standards

Keywords: workers' compensation, industrial insurance, premium rates, rate transparency, actuarial rates, contingency reserves, Department of Labor and Industries, L&I, risk classifications, employer premiums, insurance regulation, rate setting, premium increase limits, workers' compensation advisory committee, retrospective rating, state insurance fund, accident and medical aid funds, SB 6188, asbestos, asbestos training

Transcript Highlights:

• morning, and thank you for being here today, uh, Thursday, February 12th, 2026, 10:30 a.m. in Conference Room
• We think this is something that could improve access to care services, help families meet basic needs
• c> think this is something that could think this is something that could improve<00:18:58.559><c> access
• to care services, help improve access to care services, help families<00:19:00.640><c> meet</c><00:19
• to localarmacies and prohibit access to localarmacies and small<00:44:08.000><c> places.

Bills: HB1877 , HB2006 , HB2167 , HB2224 , HB1626 , HB1690 , HB2012

Committee: House Human Services & Homelessness

Keywords: LGBTQ+ rights, commission membership, representation, youth involvement, Hawaii legislation, child well-being, financial support, expectant mothers, Hawaii Rx kids program, economic stability, youth homelessness, financial assistance, housing instability, emergency services, transitioning youth, Medicaid, pharmaceutical benefits, human services, healthcare access, public funds

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1877, which would expand the membership of the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission and add a youth seat. The commission’s vice chair supported the bill, saying the commission started with eight members, has growing interest, and would benefit from an odd-numbered board and youth representation. Members asked about quorum, and the commission said it has generally met monthly with only one quorum issue in the past 18–19 months and would work with legislative leaders to have appointments ready if the bill passes. Written testimony included support from Kokopac and one individual in opposition. The committee then took up HB 2006, which would create a cash assistance program for pregnant women and mothers of babies. The Department of Human Services explained current TANF rules, including eligibility requirements, child support cooperation, and work-program participation, and said the state has recently raised benefit levels to the maximum allowed, with a family of three or four receiving a little over $900 per month. Supporters from the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and others argued the bill could reduce child poverty and improve maternal and child health, citing evidence from Michigan’s Rx Kids program and the temporary federal child tax credit expansion. A mother and Oahu Youth Action Board member testified from personal experience about the need for direct support during pregnancy. The committee also noted support from several organizations and about 26 individuals. The committee next heard HB 2167, which would direct the Office of Youth Services to run a pilot program providing financial assistance to homeless youth. The Office of the Public Defender, youth advocates, and several organizations supported the measure, saying even small amounts of help can prevent homelessness and help youth transition safely to adulthood. The Office of Youth Services said it supports the intent of the bill but requested clarification, and committee members discussed whether the program should be run directly or through contracted community agencies, how to set performance metrics, and how to structure the RFP and contract process. The chair indicated the committee wanted to work with the vice chair and OYS offline to refine the bill before moving forward. The committee then began discussion of HB 2224, relating to Medicaid pharmacy benefit management, with testimony generally supporting giving DHS flexibility to negotiate with PBMs.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's Friday, February 6th, 2026, and we were convened in Room 224 and video conferencing, which includes
• /c> sector, the potential uh damage of sector, the potential uh damage of losing<00:05:02.320><c> access
• /c><00:05:02.880><c> those</c><00:05:03.120><c> federal</c><00:05:03.440><c> resources</c> losing access
• to those federal resources losing access to those federal resources shouldn't<00:05:04.639><c> be</c
• Have a great 3:01 p.m. here in room 224. Have a great weekend.<01:55:45.679><c> Aloha.</c>

Bills: SB2350 , SB2349 , SB2407 , SB3320

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: agriculture, aquaculture, livestock, agribusiness, Department of Agriculture, regulatory functions, employee benefits, restorative practices, sustainability, environmental stewardship, local food systems, Native Hawaiian, workforce development, agricultural development, Hawaii Island, property manager, state employment, SB3320, Hawaii, Agribusiness Development Corporation

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SP 2350, which would transfer oversight of the Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Development Division and the aquaculture and livestock support services branch to the Agribusiness Development Corporation. The Department of Agriculture and ADC both testified, with ADC opposing the bill as written while supporting the goal of strengthening agriculture. ADC said the transfer could create federal operational and coordination risks, jeopardize federal funding and program continuity, and was unnecessary because ADC is a business development entity, not a regulatory agency. The Hawaii Farmers Union also expressed concern that moving the programs could weaken the department’s ability to access federal resources, while the Hawaii Farm Bureau submitted written testimony and the Hawaii Aquaculture and Aquaponics Association and H-Plan were noted as supporting the measure; the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council was noted as opposing it. Much of the discussion focused on aquaculture’s economic potential and the role of regulation, permitting, and funding. Committee members questioned why aquaculture had not grown faster, citing current gross revenues of about $66 million last year, a prior high of $82 million, and a possible long-term target of $500 million. Testimony identified permitting and feed costs as major barriers, along with market conditions and water quality issues affecting producers. ADC described ongoing efforts on feed development, permitting streamlining, coastal-state collaboration on seaweed and restorative aquaculture, and national advocacy for more parity in seafood import standards. Members also pressed the Department of Agriculture on its leadership and priorities, criticizing the lack of bills and resources dedicated to aquaculture and asking whether the department should have more authority to pursue land purchases and development opportunities. The department said it relies on divisions and industry feedback for bill ideas, noted it funds an annual aquaculture survey, and said it was pursuing congressional earmarks and other funding for aquaculture parks, research, and export/import issues. ADC said it would work with the department if the bill passed, but that its current statute does not give it regulatory authority and any such change would require a statutory amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's Wednesday, February 4th, 2026, and we're convened in room 224 and video conferencing, which includes
• Uh, so we do believe that land access continues to be a barrier, especially for beginning farmers and
• Okay, reconvening the AEN Wednesday 3 p.m. agenda here in Room 224 for decision making.
• </c><01:11:19.520><c> in</c><01:11:19.760><c> this</c><01:11:20.000><c> room.
• </c> February 9th at 3:01 p.m. in this room. 3:32. Yes.

Bills: SB2309 , SB2317 , SB2318 , SB2319 , SB2321 , SB2323 , SB2332 , SB2405 , SB2485

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: agricultural loans, financial support, Hawaii agriculture, food security, revolving fund, agriculture, insurance, small producers, state support, biosecurity, farm coverage, public-private partnerships, agricultural policy, agricultural statistics, data collection, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, economic analysis, market development, grant funding, climate resiliency

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several agriculture-related measures, beginning with SB 2309, which would require the agricultural loan division to sell portions of its loan portfolio and use the proceeds to expand the agriculture loan revolving fund. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the bill, along with several other organizations and individuals. A committee question focused on the risk of not finding a qualified buyer for the loan portfolio; DAB said a mandatory sale of the full amount could force a less favorable rate, while flexibility to sell different amounts could produce a more equitable return. The measure drew eight supporters and no opposition. The committee then took up SB 2317, which directs DAB to study insurance coverage for small producers and report back to the Legislature. DAB and multiple farm groups supported the bill. In response to a question about cost, DAB estimated about $250,000 would be needed, with the study likely covering crop, health, and liability insurance. The next measure, SB 2318, would establish an agriculture statistics program in statute. DAB said it strongly supported the bill and could ramp up quickly if positions were provided; the committee discussed whether a first report could be completed by year’s end if the bill became law midyear, and DAB said yes. SB 2319, which would fund and make permanent a full-time grant writer position at DAB, also drew strong support from DAB, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Ulupono Initiative, the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, the local food coalition, and others, with testifiers emphasizing the position’s return on investment and success in bringing in federal funds. The committee also heard SB 2321, establishing a two-year pilot program to respond to the twoline spittlebug. DAB, ranching groups, and many others supported the bill, citing the pest’s spread and the need to act before it becomes unmanageable. A DAB pest control manager said he would need to research past response details and provide them later. Members emphasized the importance of early intervention. For SB 2323, which creates a farmland transition commission to study barriers to farmland access and recommend solutions, DAB offered comments and support for the intent, while farm groups generally supported the concept but raised concerns about the proposed age range and whether a separate commission was necessary. DAB said the Board of Agriculture likely would not have the capacity to perform the commission’s duties and estimated there would be costs to establish it, though no figure was available at the hearing. Finally, the committee heard SB 2332, which reestablishes the agriculture and food security special fund, creates a carbon emissions tax and dividend fund, gradually raises carbon-related tax rates, and provides a refundable carbon cashback credit. DAB supported the measure and deferred to Taxation on details; the Department of Taxation said it would stand on its comments, and the Attorney General’s office offered comments and recommendations. Carbon Cashback Hawaii and the County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development supported the bill, arguing it would reduce emissions, protect lower-income households, and be relatively simple to administer.

Transcript Highlights:

• making your way to the front of the room and sit in that first row.
• Davis here in the room is going to try to promote you in the Zoom room.
• We're going to go ahead and move back to folks here in the room.
• Democrats have room 114 here in the hallway. Republicans, you have, Rebecca, a different room?
• So B-27, we know you guys are going to go in the security room.

Bills: HB2279 , HB2463 , HB1941 , HB2238

Committee: House Agriculture & Natural Resources

Keywords: PFAS chemicals, agriculture, environmental impact, regulation, food safety, farmers, food security, Washington, support for farmers, cannabis, cooperatives, marijuana industry, HB 2238, HB2238, statewide food security, food security strategy, hunger, food insecurity, food access, food assistance

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2190 is a collective bargaining bill for language access providers.
• Language access providers play a vital role in ensuring access to justice, health care, education, and
• They might be in the overflow room, so it will take a few minutes for them to come up.
• Pack comes in the remote room?
• I think Janza, she might be in the other room. Okay. Oh, great. We'll wait. Go ahead.

Bills: HB2144 , HB2190 , HB2191 , HB2303 , HB2345

Committee: House Labor & Workplace Standards

Keywords: employee monitoring, workplace privacy, performance evaluations, notification, transparency, language access, collective bargaining, providers, healthcare, interpreters, social services, construction, wage theft, misclassification, independent contractor, employee classification, fringe benefits, prevailing wages, subcontractor liability, joint and several liability

Transcript Highlights:

• Participants in the room must use their microphone when speaking so that it will broadcast into Zoom
• The cameras in the room will switch to whoever is actively speaking.
• And in the meantime, please have Chloe Marino and Karina Targi come into the Zoom room.
• Is it accessible for them to compile?
• "We'll use the briefing room 102. I did have a request from Vice Chair Cortez.

Bills: HB2185 , HB2200 , HB2230 , HB2319

Committee: House Early Learning & Human Services

Keywords: homelessness, youth programs, advisory committee, prevention, protection, developmental disabilities, residential settings, data access, safety, stability, community oversight, residential services, regulation, service providers, monitoring, HB 2319, residential habilitation center, state school renaming, Rainier School, Firecrest School

Transcript Highlights:

• We want access for all, and with the federal policy that's already in place.
• We just want to support that so that everyone has access.
• And so this provides equal access to all students. access to every student.
• During a core class time or a state exam course.
• To access release time programs for religious education for their children.

Bills: SB226 , SB413 , SB571 , SB1049 , SB2398 , SB2920

Committee: House Public Education

Keywords: residency, public schools, child safety placement, enrollment, education code, school boards, transparency, public meetings, attendance, recording, misconduct, child abuse, educators, investigation, criminal offense, education law, suspension, reporting requirements, released time, religious instruction

Transcript Highlights:

• present evidence with substantial public support, and the burden they have to prove is that restricting access
• to the... ...access to the water is a substantial public interest to protect the water source, and they
• burden was not met by that board, and that there was not a substantial interest, a reason to close the access
• So, I think the end result is just trying to get access back in a safe manner for the citizens in the

Bills: HB473 , HB397 , HB397

Committee: House Boards, Agencies and Commissions

Keywords: water recreation, public access, water bodies, recreational use, water commissions, real estate, disclosures, equitable interest, disciplinary actions, Alabama Real Estate Commission, HB397, homestead exemption, ad valorem tax, property tax, tax relief, senior exemption, elderly homeowners, retiree exemption, disability exemption, blind exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• that you must first register to testify on one of the iPad kiosks located just outside of the hearing room
• where the legislature is going to look at a vital step forward by passing legislation that provides access
• This bill ensures that all first responders have access to care and treatment for PTSD under the workers
• I just want to make sure that's clear, so it doesn't have to, they can have that access.
• And so getting students access as soon as possible helps them pursue those different careers that are

Bills: HB322 , HB331 , HB673 , HB 1147 , HB 1154 , HB2488

Committee: House S/C on Workforce

Keywords: JET Grant Program, career education, technical education, community colleges, technology solutions, high demand jobs, first responders, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, benefits, compensation, presumption of disability, emergency services, healthcare, Medicaid, mental health, substance abuse, treatment access, cost, insurance coverage

Transcript Highlights:

• We need more access, not less. We need more. transparency and accountability, not less.
• And to say that it needs to be readily accessible on the. entity's homepage.
• It does not specify DEI goals, but it does leave room for future work.
• There's an overflow room set up in E2012. anyone who would like to utilize it.
• In April� we are deploying changes to restrict access to information.

Bills: HB150 , HB869 , HB876 , HB 1043 , HB1494 , HB1522 , HB150

Committee: House Delivery of Government Efficiency

Keywords: cybersecurity, state command, information resources, data protection, incident response, information technology, classification officer, job descriptions, state positions, competency-based, information sharing, government efficiency, public sector, private sector, distributed ledger, title registry, real estate, property liens, pilot program, healthcare

Transcript Highlights:

• We do also have access to some parking and, obviously, access to...
• to some parking and do also have access to some parking and obviously<00:23:20.880><c> access</c><00
• </c> We'll call you up from the other room. We'll call you up from the other room. Okay. Okay.
• </c> Is there anybody else in the room Is there anybody else in the room wishing<01:10:53.120><c> to<
• </c> room wishing to testify in person? room wishing to testify in person?

Bills: SB2613 , SB2543 , SB2398 , SB2046 , SB2800 , SB2818 , SB2973 , SB2367 , SB2907 , SB3067 , SB3053 , SB2944 , SB2074 , SB2596

Committee: House Water & Land

Keywords: public school land transfer, Department of Education, DOE, land conveyance, fee simple title, tax map key, TMK, Act 307, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, Act 139, Board of Land and Natural Resources, BLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, DLNR, Kauai, Maui, Honolulu, Kaimuki Middle School, Wilcox Elementary School, school property

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2613, SD1, HD1, relating to public school land transfer. The Attorney General’s office and the Department of Education supported the bill’s technical cleanup of Act 307, but strongly opposed a new provision that would convey school parcels containing public and school library facilities to the Hawaii State Public Library System. They argued the added transfer language conflicted with Act 307’s purpose of consolidating school land for more efficient school operations, and said existing law already allows co-located library use through rights of entry, licenses, or other agreements. The library system supported the bill and said it was trying to resolve longstanding operational conflicts on shared school-campus libraries, especially where public access, construction, and campus safety issues arise. Members questioned whether the Board of Education should simply mediate the dispute, whether the bill was the right solution, and whether a formal memorandum of agreement might be a better approach than a land transfer. The library system described years of difficulty coordinating with DOE on projects and said it needed a clearer process to complete work and spend CIP funds. Discussion also touched on a Kauai parcel in the bill, identified as a tennis court, and whether resurfacing could be completed before any transfer. The Attorney General indicated that if the goal is to preserve library uses while keeping title with the state, DLNR or another documented arrangement may be more appropriate than transferring fee title to the library system. The committee then heard SB 2543 SD2 HD1, relating to state construction projects. DAGS supported the measure, and the Hawaii Ironworkers Stabilization Fund and Hawaii Building Construction Trade Council strongly supported it, saying the bill would help spot-check high-cost projects and reduce waste from overruns and delays. One testifier opposed the bill, arguing the proposed construction manager role was too limited and that DAGS needed more training, decentralized authority, and better internal decision-making rather than a new layer of oversight. Supporters said the bill was intended as a pilot program to address repeated cost overruns and improve accountability on state construction projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• gold could be important, and we would have access to the asset.
• that you have under any private construction contract, including lien rights, work stoppage, and access
• At its core, this bill is about housing affordability and access and the relationship between how...
• and the relationship between how It's core, this bill is about housing affordability and access and
• Chair... ...can always have access to that information. Mr.

Bills: HB2091 , HB2140 , HB2320 , HB2384 , HB2398 , HB2502 , HB2780 , HB2918 , HB2939 , HB2950 , HB2999 , HB4020 , HB4026 , HB4029

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: insurance, financial surveillance, regulations, assessments, Arizona Revised Statutes, investment, state treasurer, gold bullion, treasury management, financial regulations, school districts, bonds, financial advisors, elections, municipal advisors, cost of borrowing, lease agreements, school property, tax exemptions, impact aid revenue bonds

Transcript Highlights:

• handful of states where there have been issues related to individuals who wanted to, say, add on a room
• It was so close to my what I thought was forever wheelchair-accessible custom home that ended up being
• , but I still don't think that this process gives access to everyone.
• A homeowner adds a room. A garage becomes a studio. A front yard becomes a courtyard.
• The lots are large, the climate favors outdoor rooms, shaded courtyards, etc.

Bills: SB1254 , SB1431 , SB1478 , SB1566 , SB1787

Committee: House Commerce

Keywords: workers' compensation, industrial commission, safety regulations, employee protection, penalties, compliance, municipal planning, homeowners associations, design regulations, property rights, building permits, single-family homes, liquor, alcohol, spirituous liquor, liquor license, liquor licensing, Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control, restaurant to-go cocktails, mixed cocktails

Transcript Highlights:

• You need access to a doctor, to health care.
• And I hope that the dogs in the room show up too.
• ... ...is high quality, that it's affordable, that it's accessible.
• We'll just stay in the room before I pass this over.
• , but, just as Jason spoke, it does not provide real access.

Bills: HB99 , HJR5 , HM39 , HB206 , HB213 , SB41 , SB153 , SB165 , SB261 , SB264

Committee: House House Judiciary

Keywords: medical malpractice, malpractice reform, patient's compensation fund, PCF, health care liability, tort reform, damage caps, punitive damages, hospital liability, physician liability, nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, outpatient facility, ambulatory surgical center, urgent care, free-standing emergency room, insurance surcharge, superintendent of insurance, New Mexico hospitals, medical review process

Transcript Highlights:

• And I hope that the docs in the room show up too.
• And I hope that the hospitals in the room show up too. The doctors in the room show up too.
• And I hope that the docs in the room show up too.
• And I hope that the hospitals in the room show up too. The docks in the room show up too.
• We'll just stay in the room before I pass this over.

Bills: HB99 , HJR5 , HM39 , HB206 , HB213 , SB41 , SB153 , SB165 , SB261 , SB264

Committee: House House Judiciary

Keywords: medical malpractice, malpractice reform, patient's compensation fund, PCF, health care liability, tort reform, damage caps, punitive damages, hospital liability, physician liability, nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, outpatient facility, ambulatory surgical center, urgent care, free-standing emergency room, insurance surcharge, superintendent of insurance, New Mexico hospitals, medical review process

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 99, a medical malpractice reform measure. Sponsor Chair Chandler and Minority Leader Armstrong described months of stakeholder negotiations aimed at balancing patient compensation with concerns from physicians, hospitals, and insurers about litigation costs, punitive damages, and access to care. The committee substitute kept the existing monetary damage caps but changed several provisions, including definitions of “occurrence” and “value of medical care,” treatment of future medical expenses, a higher clear-and-convincing standard for punitive damages, a two-step process before punitive damages can be pled, and a lower punitive-damages cap for smaller providers versus a higher cap for large hospital systems. Supporters said the bill would help recruit and retain doctors and stabilize the malpractice market; opponents argued it weakens accountability, especially for corporate and out-of-state hospital systems, and several speakers urged a stronger amendment to preserve patient rights. After debate, the committee voted 10-0 to give the House Judiciary Committee substitute for HB 99 a do-pass recommendation. The committee then heard House Joint Resolution 5, which would amend the state constitution to allow legislative compensation. Sponsors and supporters said paying legislators would make service more accessible to working people, parents, rural residents, and others without independent wealth, and would broaden representation. Several advocacy groups and individual commenters backed the proposal, while members raised questions about the pay formula, with the resolution tying compensation to the state median income. Some members supported the idea but preferred a salary commission or a different mechanism. The committee approved HJR 5 on a 7-3 vote. Finally, the committee began hearing House Memorial 39, which calls for a task force to study the current state of sexual assault examination kits and report on backlog progress. Sponsor Rep. Ferrari and the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs explained that a prior task force a decade ago found more than 5,000 untested kits and led to policy changes, including the Sexual Assault Survivors Bill of Rights and a statewide tracking system. The memorial is intended to reassess whether backlogs remain and recommend further fixes.