Transcript Highlights:

• She's just got a stellar background for that position and so I'm very pleased to provide her introduction
• not only because she's a fellow North Dakotan but because of her Tremendous background and skill set
• Where I conducted a land management study to reduce invasive species in the park.
• children Grant and Olivia, my oldest son Ethan watching us from Oklahoma State where he should be studying
• It's as simple as that and I hope in your position, and I think you have the background to do so, you

Transcript Highlights:

• school funding know, what I've just been talking about is basically feeding kids from low-income backgrounds
• school funding know, what I've just been talking about is basically feeding kids from low-income backgrounds
• making<00:29:53.840> sure<00:29:54.080> that<00:29:54.200> they uh backgrounds
• uh making sure that they uh backgrounds uh making sure that they can<00:29:54.440> get<00:29:
• doing something with the school funding formula, and clearly students that come from low-income backgrounds

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up HB 112, which would require students in the University and Community College systems to pass the U.S. citizenship civics naturalization test. A motion was made to retain the bill, and the committee voted unanimously to retain it, resulting in no report. HB 510, dealing with due process rights for students, student organizations, and faculty in higher education disciplinary proceedings, was passed over for a later meeting so the University and Community College systems could meet with the committee. The committee then discussed HB 659, creating a college graduate retention incentive program, but retained it without further debate after noting the prime sponsor was unavailable. HB 770, concerning tuition credits for community service, was also held for later in the day because an amendment was expected. The most extensive discussion centered on HB 583, which would have the state participate in Medicaid direct certification for free and reduced-price school meals. Supporters argued it would identify more eligible students, reduce paperwork, improve accuracy in school funding formulas, and bring in additional federal child care scholarship money; opponents argued it would significantly affect school funding calculations and should be delayed. The committee rejected the amendment by a 10-8 vote and then voted 10-8 to retain the bill, with a majority report and minority report to follow. HB 646, requiring school districts to establish an online application for free and reduced-price meal participation, was also debated. One member said many districts already do this voluntarily and that the bill was unnecessary; another proposed an amendment to convert the mandate into a grant program to offset startup costs, but the committee proceeded on the underlying motion and voted 10-8 to retain the bill, with a majority report and a minority OTP report. HB 665, concerning eligibility for the free school meals program, was then retained by an 11-3 vote. Finally, the committee began work on HB 703, which would prohibit school districts from denying meals to students with unpaid balances and appropriate funds for that purpose. An amendment was explained that would remove state payment of district meal debt and instead require district policies against shaming or bullying students and allow voluntary donations to reduce debt. After discussion, a motion was made to ITL the bill, with the sponsor saying constituents opposed subsidizing the program and wanted districts to retain collection tools; further debate was underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• A study of utility services along the coast of existing coastline infrastructure.
• And a lot of companies also do background checks.
• So, even though do background checks.
• And we think it needs to be studied in much greater detail.
• <01:25:46.960> in think it's it needs to be studied in think it's it needs to be studied in

Bills: SB2607, SB2031, SB2043, SB2623, SB2876, SB2396, SB2964, SB2089

Keywords: landscape architecture, licensure, educational requirements, examination, professional standards, consumer protection, junk fees, live-event tickets, short-term lodging, transparency, pricing disclosure, deceptive practices, insurance, captives, regulations, policyholders, SB2623, Hawaii pharmacy law, Board of Pharmacy, registered pharmacy technician

Summary: The committee first heard HCR 168 and HR 158, which would create a temporary working group to study utility capacity, coastline infrastructure lifespan, and the costs of needed expansions. Public Utilities Commission staff said the commission was not the right entity to direct all of the work because it lacks authority over many affected agencies. Members discussed whether the study should be limited to a coastal area or broadened to the whole island, and in decision-making the committee amended the measure to focus on the County of Honolulu, correct references to the Public Utilities Commission, and revise the working group membership to include the PUC chair, legislative designees, and directors or designees from DLNR, DOT, HIEMA, and DCCA Consumer Advocacy. The committee then passed both resolutions with amendments; the vote was adopted unanimously, with some members excused. The committee next considered HCR 145 and HR 137, which would convene a working group on climate change impacts on insurance availability and affordability. The Insurance Division stood on its written comments, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission supported the intent, and the Attorney General opposed the measure, warning that a working group could create discoverable materials that might complicate the state’s climate litigation and noting a technical ambiguity in the reference to the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund administrator. After questions about discovery and the lawsuit, the committee amended the resolutions to replace the administrator reference with the chair of the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund Board of Directors, remove the Attorney General as convener while keeping the office as a member, and have the working group share findings and recommendations with the House CPC and Senate CPN committees instead of issuing a report. The committee passed the measures with amendments, with Rep. Martin voting with reservations. In the later agenda, the committee heard SB 2607, SD 1 on landscape architect licensure. The Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects supported the bill, explaining it modernizes licensure requirements to align with national standards and clarifies the profession’s design-focused role. The bill was discussed as distinguishing landscape architecture from groundskeeping and from civil engineering drainage work. No opposition was heard. The committee also heard SB 2031, SD 2 on consumer protection and price transparency for live ticket events and short-term lodging. The Office of Consumer Protection supported the bill, saying it largely mirrors an FTC rule requiring all-in pricing and would give the state enforcement authority and remedies. The Hawaii Financial Services Association opposed the bill as drafted and sought a limited exemption for credit card issuers relying on third-party hotel information, while the Hawaii Hotel Alliance supported the measure but asked for language deeming compliance with the federal rule sufficient for short-term lodging. Committee members questioned whether those proposed exemptions would conflict with federal law or weaken state enforcement, and the discussion focused on preemption, liability, and the value of state remedies such as restitution.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and I'll send the whole document to you, but it's in 2010 they studied the whole matter and they
• Um, and I'll send the whole document to you, but it's in 2010 they studied the whole matter and they
• Um, and I'll send the whole document to you, but it's in 2010 they studied the whole matter and they
• Um, and I'll send the whole document to you, but it's in 2010 they studied the whole matter and they
• Um, and I'll send the whole document to you, but it's in 2010 they studied the whole matter and they

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We did a recent market study.
• We did a recent market study.
• We did a recent market study.
• We did a recent market study.
• We did a recent market study.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Cole, you have an impressive background in law enforcement.
• You both have extraordinary backgrounds in law enforcement.
• As far as the resources, the human resources, that is something I'd have to study.
• Your background is outstanding.
• Leaving the door open to studying everything that's been done so far.

Keywords: fentanyl crisis, DEA, drug trafficking, public safety, Judea Serrata, Terrence Cole, judicial security, social media, drug prevention

Summary: The committee meeting centered on the urgent crisis of fentanyl abuse and the government’s response to the drug trafficking epidemic. Key discussions revolved around the nomination of Terrence Cole as the Administrator of the DEA and Judea Serrata as Director of the U.S. Marshals Service. Cole emphasized his commitment to combating the fentanyl crisis, highlighting the rising number of overdose deaths and the necessity of bipartisan efforts to dismantle drug cartels. Members engaged in dialogue on the effectiveness of various strategies and the importance of education aimed at preventing drug-related deaths among youth. Additionally, the challenges of social media in drug trafficking were highlighted, indicating a need for greater accountability in how platforms handle such issues. Senators voiced concerns about the impact of administration policies on judicial security and the resources available for marshals to perform their critical roles.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was the project manager on this study.
• And as a reminder, the study in 2019 estimated...
• There's a concurrent study, and we have spoken with the folks who are working on that study.
• So a lot of what the study is about is a governance study, and we've hired CPCS as consultants to help
• Program evaluation study that is currently underway.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I haven't studied this particular policy that's been passed, but the concept of academic freedom, as
• I haven't studied this particular policy that's been passed, but the concept of academic freedom, as
• I haven't studied this particular policy that's been passed, but the concept of academic freedom, as
• It's a very complicated process that I need to understand the history, the background.
• <01:39:39.520> is and and my engineering background is and and my engineering background is

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And just some background: I do construction.
• It's all webcast, it's all online, so I encourage folks to really study this.
• Interns at the lab can be converted to full-time employees when their studying is over.
• The board can conduct investigations or special studies.
• Again, a good thing where we were able to work that out at the study level.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He continued his studies at Norfolk State University before answering the call to serve his country in
• These students are studying U.S. government and civics and are here to have firsthand experience of their
• These students are studying U.S. government and civics and are here to have firsthand experience of their
• This son of a good Catholic family spent six years studying for the priesthood and preparing to serve
• House Bill 577 now before you relates to social work licensure and criminal background legislation.

Keywords: March 12, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:10.479> and backgrounds with legal experience. and backgrounds with legal experience
• long as they completed a background long as they completed a background check<02:37:44.720> like
• Congress, by stripping the background Congress, by stripping the background check<02:38:00.280><
• <02:41:23.120> check to him or her without a background check to him or her without a background
• Now, with no background check at all.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, May 15, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I want to ask about one of the questions that is on this sheet, but for members' background.
• The study, the think tank, right? None of the discussion has been about the fund.
• I obtained my degree in finance from the University of Boulder in Colorado, where I was studying actually
• So I have an extensive history in my undergraduate studies on economics and math, and this was what my
• But it's important to have this background of how insurance makes its money and why the superintendent

Transcript Highlights:

• Our Human Services program, which has concentrations in family studies and substance abuse, has a new
• It's also helping with study skills.
• I need a little bit more background on that.
• Klug for our background and first finding. All right. Good morning. Thank you, Dr. Valdez.
• The ball dropped, and look what happened: no services and no background.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to read a little bit about Kay's background in case you didn't know about it.
• This would be a study to look into that. I would ask for adoption.
• SR-175 simply request that LDH study reimbursement adequacy and potential savings associated with more
• This would be a study to look into that. I would ask for adoption. Without objection.
• I'm members of background and the next order of business.

Bills: SCR12, HB221, HB509, HCR58, HB75, HB1222, SB121, SB312, SB348, SB485, SCR9, SCR58, SB65, SB215, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB490, SB492, SB500, SB514, HCR54, HCR79, HCR87, HCR94, HCR104, HCR32, HB944, HB17, HB41, HB73, HB223, HB244, HB410, HB750, HB759, HB906, HB966, HB1006, HB1009, HB1086, HB1107, HB1112, HB1215, HB1242, SB208, SB217, SB283, SB387, SB389, SB401, SB408, SB469, HB74, HB119, HB368, HB414, HB552, HB732, HB776, HB848, HB870, HB953, HB956, HB1236, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB78, SB149, SB274, SB300, SB341, SB382, SB441, SB449, HB134, HB210, HB258, HB359, HB468, HB784, HB1117

Keywords: logging, recognition, John Keith, environment, safety, Mississippi River bridge, Trump Expressway, transportation, federal funding, Louisiana highways, injection wells, public hearing, geologic sequestration, environmental impact, public comment, Ascension Parish, state capitol, economic development, community partnership, celebration day

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, received a prayer and pledge, adopted the journal, and heard messages from the House reporting final passage of several Senate bills and concurrence in SCR 86 and 87. The chamber also observed personal privileges honoring the lives of Edith K. Kirkpatrick and Susan Ann Traylor Bidick, with family members present and a moment of silence held for Bidick. The House later refused concurrence on Senate amendments to HB 42 and HB 159. The Senate then took up a series of resolutions, most of which were adopted without objection. These included studies on energy infrastructure and modernization (SR 174, amended to add an alternative energy industry representative and a consumer advocate), breast pump Medicaid reimbursement (SR 175), digital student IDs (SR 176), lethality assessment protocols in domestic violence cases (SR 177), problem gambling prevention (SR 178), community water system grading (SR 179), condolences for Sharon Courtney (SR 180), and expansion of the Louisiana Tumor Registry (SR 181). The chamber also adopted SCR 85 honoring the Sam Houston High School Broncos baseball team after a recorded vote of 36 yeas and 8 nays. On bills returned from the House, HB 1222 on grocery initiative grants failed on final passage by a vote of 18 yeas and 19 nays. SB 312 had House amendments rejected, SB 348 and SB 485 had House amendments concurred in, and SB 121 on congressional redistricting was the subject of extensive debate over racial gerrymandering, district configuration, and expected litigation before the Senate concurred in the House amendments by 28 yeas and 10 nays. The Senate also concurred in several House concurrent resolutions, including studies or reports on flooded corn and migratory waterfowl, deer hunting with dogs in Kisatchie National Forest, support for a Senator Kennedy letter to the Fish and Wildlife Service, boating safety reporting, and subsurface data review. Finally, HB 944 creating a Women’s Health Consortium within the Department of Health was amended to address funding concerns and convert it into a more task-force-like structure, then passed 37-0 with nine coauthors. The Senate then recessed until 1:30 p.m. to continue work, including conference committee reports.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've worked with Representative Frazier on the criminal background studies and looking at these barriers
• I've worked with Representative Frazier on the criminal background studies and looking at these barriers
• I've worked with Representative Frazier on the criminal background studies and looking at these barriers
• I've worked with Representative Frazier on the criminal background studies and looking at these barriers
• at<00:51:06.000> these background studies and looking at these background studies and looking

Bills: HF2440

Keywords: labor market, employment, economic development, funding, data analysis, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We have to do an environmental impact study and statement, which involves several additional studies
• studies that involves several additional studies that have<00:29:01.279> to<00:29:01.399>
• That was the result of the study they did for the landfill advisory committee.
• to uh that was a the result of the study to uh that was a the result of the study they<00:37:11.560
• environmental impact study and statement environmental impact study and statement and<01:25:30.480>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The informational briefing focused on the City and County of Honolulu’s effort to site a replacement landfill for Oahu before Waimanalo Gulch landfill closes in 2028. Department of Environmental Services officials outlined the solid waste system, including curbside collection, convenience centers, transfer stations, H-POWER, and the existing landfill, and explained that H-POWER reduces the volume of waste going to the landfill by about 90%. They reviewed the siting history, including the 2019 Land Use Commission deadline, the 2020 enactment of Act 73 with landfill setback and conservation-district restrictions, and the 2021-2022 landfill advisory committee that evaluated six sites but recommended none because they were within the Board of Water Supply’s no-pass zone. The city said it ultimately selected a site in central Oahu, on agricultural land near Wahiawa and the Dole Plantation, as the best legally permissible option and described it as requiring about 150 acres, with 90 acres for the landfill itself. City officials also described the proposed landfill design and safeguards, emphasizing a modern sanitary landfill with double liners, leachate collection, groundwater monitoring wells, and post-closure monitoring. They said the ash from H-POWER is dry and that leachate would be pumped to a wastewater treatment plant. They stated the site is away from residences and groundwater wells, accessible by highway, and can be permitted under state and federal rules, though they acknowledged that a full environmental review, public hearings, and multiple permits would still be required. When asked whether the new landfill could be operating before the 2028 closure date, the city said it did not yet know and that an extension of Waimanalo Gulch might be needed if the new site is not ready in time. The Board of Water Supply strongly opposed the city’s decision to site a landfill above Oahu’s freshwater resources. Its representative said the agency’s mission is to protect safe, dependable water for the future and that it had disapproved all six previously proposed sites because they were located over freshwater aquifers. In response to questions from legislators, the Board said it could not guarantee the liner system would remain impermeable forever and warned that leachate can contain hazardous chemicals, including so-called forever chemicals. The Board characterized the proposal as a long-term risk to the island’s drinking water supply and compared the decision to past infrastructure choices that later proved problematic. No votes or formal actions were taken during the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• One thing I remember in many of my social studies and history classes was a border at the top of the
• One thing I remember in many of my social studies and history classes was a border at the top of the
• And as someone who loves history and politics so much, I’m taking three social study classes this year
• But if you don't know, if you've studied American history and you don't know that George Washington and
• Too often we cheerlead and background of why and why we got there.

Bills: S0124, S0206, S0420

Keywords: Florida Virtual School, FLVS, virtual school, online education, distance learning, K-12 education, public school choice, charter-like franchise, student enrollment priorities, home education, homeschool, military families, active duty military, rural schools, inner-city schools, accelerated graduation, education technology, supplemental funding, direct-support organization, foundation

Summary: The committee first heard SB 124, which updates Florida Virtual School’s statute to remove outdated language and clarify its service, funding, governance, reporting, and district coordination provisions without changing day-to-day operations. Florida Virtual School testified in support, members praised the bill, and it passed unanimously on a roll call vote. The committee then took up CS for SB 206 on students with autism spectrum disorder. Senator Harrell explained that the bill would require autism and neurodevelopmental training in educator preparation programs, require ESE-certified teachers to complete an autism microcredential, create an Autism Educator Loan Forgiveness Program, provide salary supplements for teachers with the autism endorsement, and require district professional development to include autism-specific training with local CARD centers. A large number of speakers—teachers, parents, students, and advocacy groups—supported the bill while urging that implementation be fully funded, high quality, and not become an unfunded mandate. Several members spoke in favor, emphasizing the growing number of students with autism and the need to recruit and retain special education teachers. The bill was reported favorably by committee vote. Finally, the committee considered SB 420 on patriotic displays in classrooms. Chair Burgess explained the bill as a way to place portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in schools to encourage civic and patriotic reflection, and he offered an amendment narrowing the requirement from every classroom to one prominent display in each school and adding language making it subject to state appropriation. The amendment was adopted. Testimony on the bill was mixed: some speakers supported the idea as a spark for civic discussion, while many others opposed it as symbolic, unnecessary, or better addressed through curriculum and teacher training rather than mandated displays. In debate, some senators argued the portraits could prompt broader historical conversations, while others raised concerns about representation, classroom autonomy, and funding. The transcript ends during debate on the amended bill, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jade Fam has had an impressive background within her teaching career.
• 00:09:07.880> social contribute to roles such as social contribute to roles such as social studies
• <00:09:08.720> Department<00:09:09.360> coordinator<00:09:10.360> Hawaii studies
• Department coordinator Hawaii studies Department coordinator Hawaii multi-tiered<00:09:11.680> system
• teacher Kimberly's social studies teacher Kimberly's ability<00:13:56.959> to<00:13:57.160>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and reach their full their studies and reach their full potential<00:01:51.880> so<00:01:52.520
• importantly I have a farming background importantly I have a farming background as<00:31:46.919>
• Okay, then we have Alex Huston, a high school social studies teacher. Please join us. Hello.
• I am sure, as a social studies teacher, you can whip one up in no time at all.
• I've been a social studies teacher in Minneapolis public schools for 15 years.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair and committee, Senate Bill 428 brings Florida's swimming voucher program in line with studied
• My first question would be, have you seen any studies where this smoke, as you define it, that is not
• Have you seen studies to substantiate us having a mandate to require these circumstances?
• We have not seen studies. This was not something that we thought of.
• And I'll just, for a little background, you know, we all know the process where laws are passed here

Summary: The Senate Health Policy Committee met with a quorum and considered several health-related bills, most of them focused on drowning prevention and public safety. SB 428, by Senator Yarborough, would expand Florida’s swim lesson voucher program from children ages 0-4 to ages 1-7. The sponsor and supporting testimony from a pediatric emergency physician and YMCA representatives emphasized Florida’s high drowning rates, especially among very young children, and argued that swim lessons can significantly reduce risk. Senator Harrell noted the need to revisit the funding allocation as eligibility expands. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 606, by Senator Smith, which adds drowning prevention and safe bathing practices to postpartum education provided by hospitals, birthing centers, and, after amendment, no longer requires home birth providers to maintain proof of compliance. A parent who lost a child to drowning and Senator Berman spoke in strong support, stressing that the bill would educate new parents at a critical time. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably as a committee substitute. SB 162, by Senator Davis, would require hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies using smoke evacuation systems during procedures that generate surgical smoke. The sponsor said the equipment is relatively low-cost and already used in many facilities, while several witnesses supported the bill as a worker-safety measure. Other senators raised concerns about the lack of data, possible rural hospital impacts, and whether the mandate could add costs without clear evidence of harm. Despite those concerns, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also passed SB 340, by Senator Harrell, requiring nursing students to complete a two-hour human trafficking course before licensure, after amending the bill to shift the requirement from nursing programs to the students themselves. Testimony from a trafficking survivor and nursing advocates supported the measure, and it was reported favorably as a committee substitute. Finally, SB 192, presented by Senator Trumbull on behalf of Senator Martin, removed the $1,500 cap on advances chiropractic physicians may collect for examinations or treatment; chiropractic industry representatives supported the change, and the bill was reported favorably.