Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Ward-Engelking. Just a comment and then a motion, if I may. Sure.
• Senator Ward-Engelking, could I ask you to restate that motion and we'll just go from there again?

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The Senate Education Committee began by approving a change to the agenda and then approved the minutes from a prior meeting. It then took up House Joint Memorial 11, which urges Idaho’s congressional delegation to fully fund the federal IDEA commitment for special education. Senator Burtenshaw argued that Congress promised up to 40% of national average per-pupil spending but has never met that threshold, leaving Idaho districts to cover large shortfalls through local funds and levies. A representative from Fruitland School District testified in support, describing a nearly $790,000 local gap and saying the memorial would send a unified message to federal lawmakers. Senator Zito opposed the memorial, saying the federal government has failed to meet its commitment for decades and that Idaho should stop relying on federal promises, though he emphasized his support for special-needs students. The committee voted to send H.J.M. 11 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation, with Senator Zito requesting to be recorded as voting no. The committee next considered RS 33-392, a proposal to create regional service centers so school districts and charter schools can share specialized services that are difficult or costly to provide independently, especially in rural areas. Burtenshaw said the measure would help districts share staff such as speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, school psychologists, and business managers, with no new ongoing funding required beyond a one-time $1 million startup amount already reflected in the governor’s budget. The committee voted to send the proposal forward for a full hearing. The remainder of the meeting was devoted to informational presentations. Jason Sevy, president of the Idaho School Board Association and chair of the Marsing School Board, described Marsing’s community schools model, which partners with nonprofits and service providers to address food insecurity, health needs, mental health, and attendance barriers. He said the model improved student engagement and attendance and asked policymakers to remove funding barriers so districts can use resources more flexibly. The committee then heard from Meridian Technical Charter High School leaders and students, who described the school’s career-and-technical education model, internships, high graduation rates, industry credentials, and student leadership opportunities. Students said the school helped them find career direction and build confidence, and the school leader discussed possible expansion through hybrid models and the need for continued advocacy for school programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Ward-Engelking: Just a comment and then a motion, if I may. Sure.
• Let's go back, and Senator Ward-Engelking, could I ask you to restate that motion and we'll just go from

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Stephanie, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallace, Ward, Wicks, Wilson, Zuber, Mr. Speaker.
• Wicks, Ward, Cody Petrie-Norris, and Ramos.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward-Engelking. Wintrow. Here.
• In that proposal, really, our office is... ...need to work on it.
• In that proposal, really, our offices do very similar functions on the permitting side of things.
• In that proposal, our initial proposal would be because of that overlap, we could eliminate two positions

Summary: The joint Senate Finance and House Appropriations committee first reviewed the Department of Juvenile Corrections budget. Legislative analyst Noah Peterson outlined the agency’s three programs, funding sources, recent expenditure trends, and proposed FY 2027 requests, including replacement items, IT upgrades, a clinician services transfer from Health and Welfare, and endowment-funded facility and vehicle needs. Director Ashley Dowell described the department’s mission, declining juvenile census, and the role of county partnerships, youth assessment centers, and prevention/diversion services. Members asked about the governor’s holdback, vehicle replacements, staffing, and whether any juveniles were under mandatory minimums; Dowell said the holdback was managed through contract reductions, travel/training savings, and internal efficiencies, and that the staffing analysis found the department was understaffed by 12 positions, with six vacancies already reclassified into direct care roles. The committee then heard the budget review for the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources. Analyst Peterson explained that the office is mostly federally funded, with several dedicated funds and large reappropriated balances tied to energy resilience projects; he also noted a home energy rebates request that was not recommended by the governor because of uncertainty at the federal level. Administrator Calli Younger said the office uses federal and state funds to support rural energy efficiency, wildfire prevention, permitting coordination, and policy work on hydropower, geothermal, mining, and nuclear energy. She emphasized the new nuclear task force, the office’s request for flexibility to support nuclear policy work, and efforts to improve permitting efficiency through a one-stop-shop approach and participation in FAST-41 processes. Members asked about nuclear fuel recycling, workforce needs, incentives, and a possible merger with the Office of Species Conservation; Younger said Idaho’s lab and regulatory certainty make it well positioned for nuclear growth, but workforce development and policy clarity remain key, and she described the merger idea as a way to consolidate overlapping permitting functions and reduce costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• One bill is proposed for consent. Bills will be heard in file order.
• testify in support of the bill, we have Michael Jared on behalf of The Nature Conservancy and Jeannie Ward
• Jeannie Ward Waller, representing Pew and Climate Plan.
• Despite this, the commission has continued to approve these LCPs, both as proposed and in an amended
• Maybe one of our challenges is that the bill as originally proposed was different than where it is now

Committee: Senate Natural Resources and Water

Summary: The committee heard SB 1393, an omnibus update to the Fish and Game Code covering steelhead trout and Dungeness crab management. The author and supporters said the bill would strengthen the steelhead trout report card program, extend and refine Dungeness crab management, and clarify vessel transit rules in closed crab fishing areas. The Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, and other supporters said the measure implements long-standing task force recommendations and supports both conservation and coastal fishing communities. There was no opposition, and the bill was moved forward on a 4-0 vote to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 1250, which would require Caltrans to incorporate wildlife connectivity into transportation planning and asset management, set performance targets, and coordinate with wildlife agencies. Supporters from conservation, animal welfare, land trust, and local government groups said the bill would reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, improve public safety, and better integrate crossings, culverts, and fencing into routine highway projects. The California Building Industry Association moved to a neutral position after amendments clarified the bill would apply to transportation right-of-way planning and not create exactions on private property. Members discussed the bill’s relationship to Caltrans planning authority and existing funding, and it was passed to Appropriations on a 4-0 vote. Senator Gonzalez’s SB 1268, which would codify the state’s Outdoors for All initiative, also received broad support from environmental justice, conservation, parks, and recreation groups. Testimony emphasized inequitable access to parks and nature, especially for low-income communities and communities of color, and said the bill would make the initiative more durable by placing it in statute. The chair and members spoke in favor of expanding outdoor access, and the bill was approved on a 3-0 vote with some members not yet voting. The committee then heard three Western Joshua tree bills from Senator Ochoa Bogh. SB 1061 would streamline relocation of limited numbers of trees without fees in certain cases; SB 1062 would require proportionate or tiered mitigation fees for public utilities and agencies; and SB 1063 would create an expedited, fee-free permitting path for basic residential utility and wildfire-hardening projects. Supporters, including local water agencies, counties, and farm and business groups, said the current law imposes heavy costs on desert residents and ratepayers. Opponents, including wildlife and conservation organizations, argued the bills would weaken protections for a species they said is threatened by climate change and habitat loss, and noted that existing administrative processes are already addressing fees and permitting. After amendments, opposition was withdrawn on SB 1061 and SB 1062, and both bills advanced on 3-0 votes to Appropriations; SB 1063 remained under discussion in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• As proposed to be amended, the bill would set a dangerous precedent by empowering nonprofit corporations
• As proposed to be amended, the bill would set a dangerous precedent by empowering nonprofit corporations
• We're very concerned that AB 939, as written and proposed to be amended, ensures that California working
• Ward, welcome.
• Thank you for bringing this solid proposal back and for your work to make sure we address this critical

Committee: House Housing and Community Development

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Soria, Stephanie Nguyen, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Soria, Stephanie Nguyen, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallace, Ward
• Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, members.
• ACA 18 would put this measure before the voters and would ...propose to double the number of student
• Final item 300 is AB 1775 by Assembly Member Ward. The clerk will read. Thank you.
• Thank you, Assembly Member Ward. All debate having ceased, the clerk will open the roll.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• continue<00:09:22.040><c> to</c><00:09:22.240><c> walk</c><00:09:22.560><c> into</c><00:09:22.840><c> wards
• </c><00:09:23.160><c> your</c> continue to walk into wards your continue to walk into wards your greatness
• I we we commit to the senator who I we we commit to the senator who proposed<01:09:46.440><c> the</c>
• ><c> amendment</c><01:09:47.160><c> that</c><01:09:47.520><c> will</c><01:09:47.720><c> work</c> proposed
• the amendment that will work proposed the amendment that will work closely<01:09:48.319><c> with</c>

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with 42 members present and a quorum, opened with an invocation by Pastor Jaylen Robinson, and recognized several guests and honorees. Early floor remarks included a welcome to students from Forest Oak Middle School, a young Senate shadow from Woodlawn High School, and guests from Charles H. Flowers High School. The chamber also noted a doctor of the day and announced that panoramic photos in the Senate lounge were available for order by March 27, with eye exams available in the State House. The main legislative business was Senate Bill 283, the President’s Maryland Consolidated Capital Bond Loan of 2026. The Senate Budget and Taxation Committee presented 291 amendments, described as funding priorities for jobs, infrastructure, and reliability while staying within debt affordability limits. The amendments covered school construction, natural resources, higher education, housing, Maryland Environmental Service, miscellaneous grants, local Senate bond initiatives, jails and detention centers, and pre-authorizations for fiscal 2028. Four amendments were separated for individual roll calls: 30, 35, 46, and 241, all of which were adopted. The remaining committee amendments were adopted without objection, and the favorable committee report as amended was then taken up. During debate on the capital budget amendments, one senator raised concerns about the bill and the difficulty of tracking the amendments on the electronic system, prompting discussion about technical issues and the availability of the documents on the website and in paper form. The chair said the committee had been working on the bill for months and urged the body to proceed. A question was raised about Amendment 264, which deauthorized a Willing Helper Society renovation project in Charles County; the chair explained the money had not been spent, was about to expire, and was repurposed to a Boys and Girls Club of Southern Maryland project to keep the funding in Charles County.

Transcript Highlights:

• You shifted from Bottineau County to Ward County, so welcome to Ward County today.
• Ward County's up, but not by a lot—up 3.8%, about 4% over the last decade.
• No one's proposing that the system office should create a kingdom of employees.
• No one's proposing that the system office should create a kingdom of employees.
• The concept of shared services was a lot of the proposal because it would save money.

Summary: The Higher Education Institutions Committee met on the Minot State University campus for presentations on campus operations, enrollment, and new academic initiatives. President Shirley reviewed recent audits, noting mostly clean results with only minor technical findings, and highlighted MSU’s broad academic offerings, specialized accreditations, athletics, and partnerships with Minot Air Force Base and the MSU Development Foundation. Members asked about declining interest in teacher education, tuition waivers for athletes, dual credit incentives, and how MSU decides when to launch new programs and avoid duplication within the university system. Shirley also discussed several workforce-focused initiatives supported by the Legislature’s Workforce Education Innovation Funds, including the purchase of the Trinity Health Center West building for a downtown health sciences hub, a new daycare/preschool partnership near campus, the Aspire program to recruit rural students into teaching, and a paraprofessional-to-special-education degree pathway. Enrollment data showed overall headcount was flat at just under 2,750, but full-time equivalent enrollment rose slightly and new student numbers increased, including the largest freshman class in 15 years. The committee also discussed Minot State’s in-state tuition rate for all students, its dual credit “Emerging Scholars” scholarship, and concerns about the share of high school graduates who do not immediately pursue postsecondary education. Faculty then presented two new programs funded in part by WEAF: an Innovation Engineering degree and a master’s program in counseling with an integrated addiction studies focus. The engineering program was described as industry-driven, designed with broad early coursework, hands-on learning, and local employer input to prepare students for western North Dakota workforce needs; officials said it had already drawn more applicants than expected and would use renovated library space and donated or grant-funded equipment. The counseling program will be mostly face-to-face with hybrid options, aims to address shortages in mental health and substance use providers, and is structured to help students meet licensure requirements. Committee members asked about startup costs, licensure supervision hours, and whether the programs would be on campus rather than online, and presenters said both programs had recently received required approvals and were moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• HJR 73 by Wilson, proposing a constitutional amendment.
• Yes, my question was about the original proposal.
• Ward Johnson. Members, thank you.
• The proposed composting facilities that potentially might come to their districts.
• So how does that work in your proposal here?

Bills: HJR73 , HB31 , HB279 , HB370 , HB4768 , HB513 , HB875 , HB982 , HB 1085 , HB2677 , HB2874 , HB5478 , HB4880 , HB4798 , HB4514 , HB4958 , HB4508 , HB3758 , HB3830 , HB3744 , HB3622 , HB741 , HB2204 , HB2860 , HB4659 , HB4578 , HB813 , HB712 , HB1551 , HB2790 , HB2698 , HB3365 , HB3504 , HB3118 , HB2959 , HB1862 , HB 1026 , HB4401 , HB4164 , HB3920 , HB4737 , HB4966 , HB4967 , HB1958 , HB4979 , HB5459 , HB3862 , HB1823 , HB4415 , HB4893 , HB2343 , HB 1228 , HB4337 , HCR141 , SB250 , SB1883 , SB617 , SB2411 , SB2306 , SB2929 , SB552 , SCR27 , HJR218 , HB168 , HB2545 , HB5436 , HB4926 , HB5165 , HB4811 , HB4755 , HB3179 , HB4310 , HB4611 , HB3637 , HB3153 , HB2786 , HB2966 , HB2159 , HB5081 , HB638 , HB640 , HB876 , HB4809 , HB5308 , HB4687 , HB5623 , HB4412 , HB3284 , HB3420 , HB3449 , HB4098 , HB4281 , HB4120 , HB4504 , HB4370 , HB4421 , HB 1106 , HB4070 , HB2370 , HB2407 , HB2253 , HB2273 , HB2040 , HB1586 , HB3788 , HB3993 , HB4690 , HB4696 , HB2308 , HB 1142 , HB1533 , HB1621 , HB2242 , HB2012 , HB2193 , HB2464 , HB2348 , HB2313 , HB2289 , HB1942 , HB2011 , HB1629 , HB2993 , HB3592 , HB4076 , HB4623 , HB4535 , HB4327 , HB4520 , HB3824 , HB4921 , HB2494 , HB3066 , HJR112 , HB2695 , HB3138 , HB2442 , HB3863 , HJR73 , HB4773 , HB 1091 , HB5115 , HB5515 , HB3372 , HB5659 , HB 127 , HB386 , HB 115 , HB2868 , HB 1249 , HB4766 , HB3720 , HB4656 , HB4879 , HB 105 , HB5383 , HB4621 , HB5431 , HB5678 , HB5534 , HB4174 , HB4212 , HB3954 , HB3966 , HB3636 , HB3918 , HB1422 , HB4765 , HB4732 , HB4742 , HB5122 , HB4518 , HB5084 , HB3986 , HB4045 , HB4144 , HB3911 , HB3976 , HB4473 , HB3425 , HB3641 , HB3642 , HB3475 , HB3509 , HB3424 , HB3383 , HB4744 , HB4531 , HB4539 , HB3159 , HB5228 , HB5370 , HB4359 , HB4398 , HB4443 , HB4466 , HB3861 , HB3849 , HB4240 , HB4706 , HB4685 , HB5354 , HB5141 , HB5686 , HB3629 , HB3554 , HB3567 , HB2015 , HB3575 , HB5381 , HB1431 , HB3514 , HB4614 , HB4546 , HB4683 , HB5681 , HB5673 , HB5663 , HB4271 , HB4350 , HB4035 , HB3807 , HB3812 , HB3552 , HB3540 , HB3715 , HB3710 , HB3664 , HB4196 , HB4233 , HB4173 , HB1998 , HB3333 , HB3510 , HB4222 , HB2070 , HB2854 , HB2347 , HB 113 , HB983 , HB4847 , HB1449 , HB3833 , HB5151 , HB265 , HB1845 , HB782 , HB 108 , HB1960 , HB158 , HB1954 , HB1955 , HB2512 , HB605 , HB2581 , HB2803 , HB627 , HB2667 , HB1738 , HB636 , HB3679 , HB2638 , HB2655 , HB871 , HB2438 , HB 1107 , HB1765 , HB1822 , HB2153 , HB4099 , HB3732 , HB3171 , HB3178 , HB3182 , HB3749 , HB2814 , HB3977 , HB4204 , HB4207 , HB4449 , HB1820 , HB1876 , HB1939 , HB1347 , HB2593 , HB2136 , HB2132 , HB2658 , HB2413 , HB2757 , HB2080 , HB3154 , HB3063 , HB3009 , HB3448 , HB3006 , HB2844 , HB3241 , HB3680 , HB3169 , HB2078 , HB2507 , HB4559 , HB3946 , HB3460 , HB3405 , HB475 , HB3463 , HB3441 , HB3520 , HB2060 , HB4731 , HB4991 , HB1991 , HB5596 , HB2014 , HB2142 , HB2673 , HB2731 , HB2417 , HB2399 , HB2301 , HB3335 , HB3234 , HB3320 , HB5573 , HB4848 , HB4748 , HB4769 , HB4795 , HB2086 , HB2234 , HB2203 , HB4916 , HB5624 , HB4505 , HB139 , HB5093 , HB5302 , HB5402 , HB5606 , HB2333 , HB4630 , HB4701 , HB2583 , HB2983 , HB4924 , HB3339 , HB3793 , HB3631 , HB4882 , HB5509 , HB5499 , HB5430 , HB5561 , HB5611 , HB5043 , HB5064 , HB3733 , HB3781 , HB3219 , HB32 , HB4515 , HB5348 , HB3902 , HB4420 , HB3269 , HB469 , HB336 , HB316 , HB5396 , HB993 , HB1342 , HB5216 , HB2046 , HB2188 , HB2450 , HB2813 , HB2857 , HB4075 , HB2911 , HB4682 , HB3117 , HB3253 , HB3442 , HB4820 , HB4336 , HB5356 , HB3669 , HB3428 , HB5465 , HB3662 , HB2590 , HB2288 , HB1886 , HB3458 , HB5603 , HB5620 , HB1489 , HB4101 , HB4990 , HB5685 , HB4950 , HB4980 , HB5684 , HB3507 , HB3566 , HB4487 , HB4462 , HB4876 , HB4915 , HB4663 , HB5570 , HB2929 , HB5261 , HB2920 , HB4642 , HB4746 , HB1609 , HB5403 , HB5453 , HB3844 , HB2336 , HB1572 , HB 1226 , HB2806 , HB2617 , HB2827 , HB3948 , HB3945 , HB4266 , HB4542 , HB3319 , HB1772 , HB2496 , HB1970 , HB3434 , HB5545 , HB5577 , HB31 , HB279 , HB370 , HB4768 , HB513 , HB875 , HB982 , HB 1085 , HB2677 , HB2874 , HB5478 , HB4880 , HB4798 , HB4514 , HB4958 , HB4508 , HB3758 , HB3830 , HB3744 , HB3622 , HB741 , HB2204 , HB2860 , HB4659 , HB4578 , HB813 , HB712 , HB1551 , HB2790 , HB2698 , HB3365 , HB3504 , HB3118 , HB2959 , HB1862 , HB 1026 , HB4401 , HB4164 , HB3920 , HB4737 , HB4966 , HB4967 , HB1958 , HB4979 , HB5459 , HB3862 , HB1823 , HB4415 , HB4893 , HB2343 , HB 1228 , HB4337 , HCR76 , HCR127 , HCR9 , HCR40 , HCR118 , HR559 , HCR59 , HCR135 , HCR141

Keywords: ad valorem tax, property tax, tax limitation, elderly, disabled, low-income, homestead exemption, constitutional amendment, juvenile justice, community supervision, felony offenses, treatment of children, juvenile facilities, chemical dispensing device, solitary confinement, rehabilitation, criminal proceedings, HB 279, uranium mining, uranium permit

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Janette Ward, and I am speaking on behalf of myself. I am in support of this bill.
• Any questions of former Representative Ward?
• </c><00:18:05.679><c> and</c><00:18:05.919><c> I</c><00:18:06.080><c> am</c> My name is Janette Ward
• and I am My name is Janette Ward and I am speaking<00:18:06.559><c> on</c><00:18:06.799><c> behalf</c
• Any questions of former Representative<00:19:01.919><c> Ward?</c> Okay, seeing none. Thank you.

Bills: HB0143 , HB0129

Committee: House Labor, Health & Social Services

Keywords: health care providers, free speech, discrimination, governmental agencies, civil remedies, physician access, internationally trained physicians, medical licensing, provisional license, healthcare workforce, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Under this proposed legislation, any transfer of ownership of a firearm where neither party is a licensed
• </c><00:02:46.480><c> legislation</c><00:02:47.480><c> any</c> sale under this proposed legislation any
• sale under this proposed legislation any transfer<00:02:48.280><c> of</c><00:02:48.400><c> ownership
• I'm a representative from Nashua Ward 2. My remarks will be very, very brief.
• My name is Sam Farrington, and I represent Rochester Ward 4.

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think the original proposed date was June, but given the fact that we'll be out of session at that
• I think the<00:16:13.840><c> original</c><00:16:14.240><c> proposed</c><00:16:14.640><c> date</c><00:
• 16:14.880><c> was</c><00:16:15.680><c> June,</c><00:16:16.520><c> but</c> the original proposed date
• Not seeing any other members on the list. >> I just want to share my support for this proposal.
• Chair Torkelson I this proposal.

Bills: HF3877 , HF3714 , HF3750 , HF3024

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Keywords: public authorities, dissolution cases, court system, child protection, legal notice, foster care, child welfare, enrollment priority, education programs, child care assistance, foster youth, extended foster care, bill of rights, out-of-home placement, Minnesota Statutes chapter 260C, social services agency, caseworker, permanency team, sibling visitation, relative contact

Transcript Highlights:

• Into our proposal.
• Proposal and I'll speak to that soon.
• It seems like the two honest ways to do this would be either for the proposal, the trailer bill proposal
• And who knows what then the proposal will be.
• To propose a fee that...

Summary: The subcommittee heard an extensive presentation on the administration’s housing reorganization proposal, which would centralize multifamily affordable housing finance under the new Housing Development and Finance Committee (HDFC) and align it with the Governor’s trailer bill language. Administration officials said the plan is intended to create a one-stop application and award process, reduce duplicative timelines and costs, and pair state subsidy with private activity bonds and federal tax credits more efficiently. They also described proposed changes to the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities program, including shifting a larger share of funding toward housing-related awards while preserving a portion for sustainable communities investments. The Legislative Analyst’s Office generally supported the streamlining concept but recommended changes to the proposed bond set-aside timing and urged flexibility for integrated applications and future reporting on demand. Senators, especially Senator Cabaldon, raised concerns that the proposal could weaken the original climate-and-transportation purpose of the sustainable communities program and that the reorganization would be undercut by the lack of new housing production funding in the budget. The item was held open without a vote. The committee then received a report from the California Debt Limit Allocation Committee and the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee on federal and state housing tax credits. Staff explained that the federal H.R. 1 change lowering the bond-financing threshold from 50% to 25% greatly expanded the number of projects able to use the 4% federal tax credit, allowing California to fund many more projects and units. They also described the state low-income housing tax credit as an important gap-filling tool for projects that still need additional subsidy, and noted existing set-asides for rural, homeless, at-risk, and extremely low-income projects. Members discussed rehabilitation as well as new construction, and the item was informational only. Finally, the Civil Rights Department reported on the effects of federal civil rights policy changes and on three programs facing expiration: California vs. Hate, the Community Conflict Resolution Unit, and Investigations and Conciliation Enhancement. Director Kevin Kish said federal cuts and policy shifts have reduced support for fair housing and other civil rights functions, while CRD’s caseload has grown from about 8,700 open matters a year ago to more than 12,000, with a six-month wait for interviews despite overtime triage efforts. Senators expressed strong support for continuing the programs and concern about the broader federal rollback of civil rights enforcement. The department said it is using overtime, intake triage, and outreach partnerships to manage the workload and direct Californians to appropriate state, local, and nonprofit resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• If there was a backfill proposal?
• And, you know, I see this new proposal. plan for transit and you know I see this new proposal for Zev
• So when we propose budget change proposals and the Legislature approves them from that fund source, that's
• This is the Governor's proposal.
• It's sort of a short-term proposal.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, for Angelina, can you just briefly explain a little bit about the draft that you proposed in your
• OHA is also proposing to amend the community membership provision at page 5, lines 31 to 35, to include
• OHA is also proposing to amend the community membership provision at page 5, lines 31 to 35, to include
• </c><00:47:30.960><c> a</c> they do propose a they do propose a slightly<00:47:32.880><c> actually</c
• We are going to remove Representative Gene Ward and replace Representative Gene Ward with Representative

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs held a resolutions hearing on April 1, 2025, and considered a series of measures largely focused on housing, domestic violence, corrections, Native Hawaiian issues, and public safety. Early items included HCR 158 HD1 and HR 153 HD1, which request a Judiciary-led working group to improve landlord-tenant code provisions to increase housing supply; Hawaii Realtors testified in strong support, and there was no opposition. The committee also heard HCR 55 and HR 51 on studying the effectiveness of domestic violence, restraining order, and stalking laws. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office said some requested data may exceed judicial authority but that useful Judiciary data exists, while the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the intent but urged broader, better-funded, survivor-inclusive analysis across all counties and islands. Members asked for clarification on the proposed draft, and the witness emphasized narrowing the scope, including stalking, and extending the timeline. The committee then took up HCR 23 HD1 on the new Oahu Community Correctional Center. The Public Defender supported adding a courtroom but objected to language about transporting released detainees away from residential communities or public spaces as unconstitutional; the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation supported the measure and said one multipurpose courtroom would be sufficient, and that most released inmates are picked up by family or programs, with others transported to a bus depot. HCR 174 HD1/HR 170 HD1, on in-school based learning programs for youth in the juvenile legal system, drew strong support from Debt Free Justice Hawaii, which said the resolution was youth-led and could help replace fees and fines with community service and rehabilitation opportunities. HCR 185, on an audit of proposed mandatory health insurance coverage for Native Hawaiian healing and cultural practices, received comments from Pāpa Lokahi supporting the concept but warning that reimbursement issues are complex, that the community should restart broader conversations, and that the measure should not be rushed or unfunded; members questioned whether the resolution was the right vehicle and whether it could affect ACA implementation. Several Native Hawaiian and community measures were also heard. HCR 147/HR 147, creating a legislative working group on Department of Hawaiian Home Lands funding, had support from DHHL and the Democratic Party of Hawaii. HCR 193 HD1/HR 186 HD1, on transferring Native Hawaiian burial site management to OHA, was strongly supported by OHA, which also proposed adding recognized lineal and cultural descendants to the working group membership; the committee noted multiple supporting testimonies and no opposition on the House draft. HCR 8/HR 8, urging DOJ inclusion of Hawaii in the missing and murdered indigenous persons outreach program, was supported by OHA, which cited a task force report showing Native Hawaiian women and girls make up over 40% of missing persons cases despite being about 10% of the population. HCR 124 HD1/HR 120 HD1 on Hawaiian language resources had no testimony. HCR 180 HD1 on collaborative homelessness response drew comments from the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions and three support testimonies. HCR 72/HR 65 on county ethics standards also drew support only. HCR 100/HR 96 on competency in LGBTQ+ and culturally specific gender identity training received support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission and the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission, which stressed the need for training that reflects Native Hawaiian and other Polynesian understandings such as mahu and fa’afafine. The committee continued with additional measures that were mostly noncontroversial. HCR 30/AHR 29 on enforcement against out-of-state vehicles had support from the Department of Transportation. HCR 43 HD1, studying highway patrol and speed cameras, had one opposition testimony. HCR 119 HD1/HR 115 HD1, endorsing Taiwan’s international participation and a U.S.-Taiwan trade agreement, was supported by DBEDT. HCR 62 HD1 and HR 57, on flying the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia flag year-round at the Capitol, had no testimony, though DBEDT supported the related measure. Throughout the hearing, members generally asked few questions, and the transcript reflects testimony, comments, and stated positions rather than any final committee votes or deferred actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• This covers two proposals related to the oversight of 988 call centers, as well as a proposal to recast
• language and budget change proposal.
• Overview of DHCS's proposed 988 trailer bill language and budget change proposal.
• the funding level in our budget change proposal.
• proposed.

Summary: The hearing focused first on behavioral health, especially serious mental illness and anosognosia, a condition described by witnesses as a neurological symptom that prevents people from recognizing they are ill. The chair framed the issue around families cycling through emergency rooms, jails, conservatorships, and short-term stabilization without lasting treatment, and warned that federal changes under H.R. 1 could reduce Medi-Cal funding and worsen access. Dawn Marie Anderson gave a personal account of her son’s long history of psychosis, homelessness, arrests, repeated jail and state hospital stays, and eventual stability when he received sustained medication and coordinated support. She argued that the system often treats the problem as criminal rather than medical and that voluntary programs and short-term services are not enough for people who lack insight into their illness. Other panelists, including representatives from the California Behavioral Health Association, Santa Barbara County Behavioral Health, and the County Behavioral Health Directors Association, agreed that anosognosia is not denial or noncompliance and said the system needs long-term, coordinated care, including assertive community treatment, mobile crisis, supportive housing, medication support, and stronger handoffs between county and managed care systems. They said CalAIM and other reforms have improved some coordination, but significant gaps remain, especially for people with serious mental illness, for those in jail or locked settings, and for people with private insurance, which witnesses said often offers little meaningful coverage for early psychosis or intensive behavioral health services. Several witnesses urged the Legislature to protect Medi-Cal, shore up county safety-net services, and invest in training and family engagement. The committee then turned to the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, with a focus on the virtual services platforms BrightLife Kids and Soluna and the CYBHI fee schedule. DHCS reported strong growth in app registrations, coaching sessions, referrals, and positive user outcomes, saying the platforms provide free, culturally responsive, early-intervention support statewide and help connect users to higher levels of care when needed. On the fee schedule, DHCS said more than 500 LEAs, colleges, universities, and school-linked providers are participating, 181 LEAs have submitted claims, and $9.6 million has been reimbursed to date, with 41,556 students represented in claims. The chair and several members criticized the pace of implementation and the amount of money spent relative to reimbursement levels, saying the Legislature had requested data earlier and that the return on investment still appeared low. DHCS responded that many claims are still being submitted, that 70% of denials are correctable, that $400 million in capacity grants has been distributed locally, and that reimbursement is increasing rapidly as more districts come online. Public comment included a rural county behavioral health director who said private insurance denials leave counties with significant uncompensated work, especially for unlicensed staff providing case management and mobile crisis services.

Transcript Highlights:

• Issue 3 covers two proposals related to the oversight of 988 call centers, as well as a proposal to recast
• language and budget change proposal.
• the funding level in our budget change proposal.
• I think that gets to the last thing I will cover, which is the committee asked about our proposal, proposing
• have proposed.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• would be to reduce available expert witnesses in the office by one, given that House Bill 610 doesn't propose
• I'm going to move that we do interim study if we have a second. >> So, in discussion with Senator Ward
• :28.480><c> discussion</c><00:55:28.800><c> with</c><00:55:29.040><c> Senator</c><00:55:29.520><c> Ward
• </c><00:55:30.720><c> um</c> &gt;&gt; So, in discussion with Senator Ward um &gt;&gt; So, in discussion
• with Senator Ward um about<00:55:31.200><c> the</c><00:55:31.440><c> testimony</c><00:55:31.920><c>

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She has a can of pepper spray on her person, brandishes it to ward off just such an aggressor.
• ,<00:02:52.240><c> brandishes</c><00:02:52.840><c> it</c><00:02:52.959><c> to</c><00:02:53.080><c> ward
• </c><00:02:53.360><c> off</c><00:02:54.080><c> just</c> person, brandishes it to ward off just person
• , brandishes it to ward off just such<00:02:54.520><c> an</c><00:02:54.600><c> aggressor.
• I'm here to strongly oppose HF 13, the proposed shoot-first legislation before you today.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard Chair Bliss present HF 13, a bill to change Minnesota self-defense law so that a person using reasonable force in resisting an offense against the person would not be required to consider retreat. Bliss tied the proposal to a recent Minnesota Supreme Court case involving a man at a light rail station and argued the court had effectively created a duty to retreat that the legislature had never enacted. He said the bill would codify the right to stand one’s ground while still leaving reasonableness to judges and juries. Supporters Bryan Gosh of the NRA and Rob Door of the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus testified that Minnesota’s duty-to-retreat rules are confusing, judicially created, and out of step with other states. They argued the bill would clarify self-defense law and protect people who defend themselves or others, citing examples from other states and a Texas church shooting to argue that a retreat requirement can endanger victims and bystanders. Opponents Maggie Emery of Protect Minnesota, Sarah Erickson of Giffords, and Don Einwalter of Moms Demand Action argued the bill would function as a “shoot-first” law, increase homicides, worsen racial disparities, and make communities and law enforcement less safe. They cited studies linking stand-your-ground laws to higher homicide rates and pointed to incidents in Florida and Minnesota involving firearms and children. The committee also took up two amendments. Representative Hollins offered an amendment on safe and secure firearm storage, saying it was intended to reduce child access to guns and suicides; she requested a roll call. Chair Bliss opposed it, saying current law already covers negligent storage and that the amendment was too broad, including for a rural constituent who keeps a shotgun by his door. Representative Hudson and Representative Pinto argued over whether current law is sufficient and whether the amendment would remove needed flexibility. The transcript ends during discussion of the amendments, with no final vote or disposition recorded.