Keywords: Sexual Harassment Prevention Training - 2025-01-14 - 10:20AM, 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to be removing the repeal of the pilot program and extending the sunset from 2028 to 2030
• repeal of We're going to be removing the repeal of the<00:03:04.000> pilot<00:03:04.319> program
• <00:03:04.640> and<00:03:04.879> extending<00:03:05.280> the the pilot program
• and extending the the pilot program and extending the sunset<00:03:06.000> from<00:03:06.319>

Bills: SB99, SB585, SB2060, SB2069, SB2110, SB2115, SB2152, SB2211, SB2259, SB2315, SB2342, SB2382, SB2442, SB2446, SB2485, SB2544, SB2577, SB2580, SB2861, SB2919, SB3326

Keywords: SB99, Hawaii, Employees' Retirement System, ERS, retirant, retiree rehiring, reemployment after retirement, retirement benefits, benefit suspension, school resource officer, SRO, public school safety, Department of Law Enforcement, DLE, labor shortage, difficult-to-fill position, teacher shortage, charter school, mentor teacher, vacancy rate

Summary: The Committee on Ways and Means met for decision-making only and adopted recommendations on a long list of Senate bills, with no oral testimony taken. Early actions included SB 99 to pass unamended, SB 585 to pass with a date correction to 2015, SB 2060 to pass with amendments involving public project lists, legislative approval for fund transfers, and removal of certain appropriations, and SB 2069 to pass with amendments extending a sunset date and requiring transit-oriented development zoning. The committee also advanced several other measures, including SB 2110, SB 215, SB 2259, SB 2382, SB 2442, and SB 2485 unamended, while SB 2152, SB 2315, SB 2446, SB 2919, SB 2577, SB 2580, and SB 2861 were moved with various amendments, mostly date changes, appropriation blanks, or technical clarifications. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on SB 2211, where Department of Human Services officials explained how the department was covering costs by using restricted funds and shifting Med-QUEST funding, and noted a need for $14 million plus support for $16.5 million in ACA enhanced tax credit subsidies. The chair indicated the bill would move forward with amendments, including blanking the appropriation pending more information on lapses, and the recommendation was adopted. SB 2544 was also amended to remove a specific appropriation and replace it with a blank cap on funds from DUR, and SB 2342 was amended to require projects to be in transit-oriented development zones and to reflect prior committee concurrence. The most extended debate was on SB 3326, which would address utility restructuring. One senator opposed the bill, arguing it could raise rates, worsen reliability issues, and disrupt an existing utility without a clear plan, especially given island-specific conditions. Supporters argued the bill would separate generation from transmission and distribution, create competition, protect union jobs, and respond to aging infrastructure and financial weakness in the utility sector. After recesses and discussion of the Public Utilities Commission’s role, the chair changed the recommendation from pass unamended to pass with amendments requiring the PUC to conduct a study, provide an interim report before the next session, and a final report the following session. That amended recommendation was adopted, and the meeting then adjourned with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• many students would not be affected, but we don't want to get their kids behind in their education program
• This requires families to complete a form for the child nutrition program of free and reduced-price breakfast
• a reason. to do PCS because CEPs, which are the schools that qualify for free and reduced-price programs

Bills: HB4359, HB4115, HB3467, HB2978, HB3026, HB3032

Keywords: statewide assessments, student testing, testing window, end-of-year testing, Oklahoma Academic Standards, Oklahoma School Testing Program, State Board of Education, grade 3-8, alternate assessment, students with disabilities, special education, cognitive disabilities, assessment calendar, school year calendar, education accountability, academic standards, math intervention, advanced mathematics, course placement, college and career readiness

Transcript Highlights:

• and the SNAP program.
• and the SNAP program.
• related to the SNAP program. related to the SNAP program.
• residents who rely on the program. residents who rely on the program.
• . training. training.

Bills: HB1518, HB1699, HB1747, HB1705, HB1565, HB1801, HB1645, HB2115, HB2114

Keywords: HB1518, Hawaii SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, food stamps, Department of Human Services, DHS, pre-release SNAP, pre-release application process, incarcerated individuals, prisoner reentry, reentry services, formerly incarcerated, jail release, prison release, recidivism, food security, benefits eligibility, controlled substance felony, drug felony, drug conviction

Summary: The committee opened its first meeting of the 2020 session and heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 1518, which would allow people incarcerated and nearing release to apply for SNAP benefits before release. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Department of Human Services said they support the bill and are already piloting a pre-release application process at two facilities, with plans to expand it. The Attorney General’s Office supported the intent but noted a technical issue: one section of the bill appears to affect TANF as well as SNAP, while the title refers only to SNAP. A wide range of advocates, including Catholic Charities, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Hunger Action Network, Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, ACLU of Hawaii, and others, testified in strong support, emphasizing food insecurity after release, reentry stability, and reduced recidivism. The committee did not take a vote during the hearing. The committee then heard HB 1747, which would direct the Department of Human Services to seek federal waivers or extensions related to restricting certain SNAP purchases, including sugary drinks. DHS said it had already been approved for a narrow demonstration waiver and was working with retailers on implementation, with a target date of August 1. Supporters of the measure argued it would promote healthier choices, while opponents, including Hawaii Appleseed, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association, said such restrictions are ineffective, stigmatize low-income residents, create burdens for retailers and DHS, and may be difficult to implement. Members asked DHS to clarify the scope of the waiver and confirmed it applies to sugary drinks and beverages containing more than 10 grams of sugar. Finally, the committee took up HB 1705, which would allow licensed mental health counselors to serve as child custody evaluators, but there was no testimony from the relevant agencies and the item was quickly set aside. The committee also heard HB 1565, which would establish a judiciary working group to improve family court processes and legal representation for youth in the child welfare system. The Attorney General’s Office offered minor technical amendments, and supporters from the Office of Wellness and Resilience, High Hopes Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and a social work student described the need for legal representation, citing better reunification and stability outcomes and the importance of youth voice in court proceedings. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Bills: SB3

Keywords: disaster relief, emergency funding, flood management, Meteorological forecasting, local government assistance, training facilities

Transcript Highlights:

• adds an application and approval process for owner-controlled and contractor-controlled insurance programs
• contractor ownerc controlled and contractor controlled<00:02:55.840> insurance<00:02:56.319> programs
• <00:02:57.519> Um<00:02:57.920> the controlled insurance programs.
• Um the controlled insurance programs.

Bills: SF1832

Keywords: economic development, small business, workforce training, grants, entrepreneurship, equity, community support, 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But these programs for truck driver training are typically shorter.
• But these programs for truck driver training are typically shorter.
• But these programs for truck driver training are typically shorter.
• But these programs for truck driver training are typically shorter.
• These programs for truck driver training are typically shorter.

Bills: HF1167, HF1242

Keywords: Northern Lights Express, NLX, Minneapolis-Duluth rail, passenger rail, intercity passenger rail, high-speed rail, Duluth, Minneapolis, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Metropolitan Council, transportation funding, rail appropriation, general fund, trunk highway fund, rail project cancellation, infrastructure spending, commercial driver training, CDL, financial assistance

Transcript Highlights:

• Our preparation programs throughout those universities.
• pay for the training.
• I worked really hard with a number of schools to build out this program.
• that the child needs, maybe a sports program, maybe an FA program, maybe a calculus AP class, for example
• prep Programs.

Bills: HB1937, HB2153, HB3674, HB2978, HB3885, HB3671, HB3261, HB3021, HB3029, HB4274, HB3701, HB3076

Keywords: HB1937, Oklahoma schools, student communications, electronic communication, digital communication, parent notification, legal guardian, school personnel, teachers, coaches, administrators, charter schools, public schools, administrative leave, corroborated report, investigation, employee file, discipline, termination, school board

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee substitute to House Bill 3664 implements new training requirements for prospective grand
• The training course can be offered online and must include information on the purpose of grand jury service

Bills: HB 2217

Keywords: law enforcement, bullet-resistant, grant program, safety equipment, peace officers

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2217 establishes a grant program to equip law enforcement vehicles with bullet resistance
• HB 2217 establishes a grant program to equip local law enforcement vehicles with bullet-resistant components
• The grant program would be administered by the Governor's Office of Public Safety Criminal Justice Division

Bills: HB2217

Keywords: law enforcement, bullet-resistant, grant program, safety equipment, peace officers

Summary: The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice met and considered two House bills. HB 2217 would create a grant program to help local law enforcement agencies equip patrol vehicles with bullet-resistant components such as windshields, side doors, and windows. Senator Hagenbuch explained that the measure is intended to improve officer safety in light of shootings through patrol car glass, and no invited or public testimony was offered. The committee voted 6-0 to report HB 2217 favorably to the full Senate and also recommended it for the open uncontested calendar. The committee then took up HB 2594, with Senator Creighton explaining that it updates venue rules for cybercrime and related theft cases involving intangible property such as cryptocurrency, online fraud, and intellectual property theft. The bill would allow prosecution in the county where the victim resides, where the defendant is apprehended, or where the defendant is extradited to, giving prosecutors more flexibility when crimes cross county lines. No questions or testimony were offered. The committee voted 6-0 to report HB 2594 favorably to the full Senate. It was also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. After completing its business, the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Bills: HB6, HB120, HB210

Keywords: higher education, LGBTQ studies, DEI studies, program prohibition, educational policy

Transcript Highlights:

• And with this type of bill, all it does is give us the authorization to expand that type of program and
• Permits cover the costs of the program, or do they exceed them, or do we not know?
• research permit to be the same price, equal to the application fee, which is designed to help fund the program
• It creates an agricultural plant disease and pest prevention grant program.
• So are there any state programs that are helping with the beekeeping industry? Not that I know of.

Bills: HB147

Keywords: government contracting, business program, discrimination, state procurement, equity, underutilized businesses

Summary: The House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock met with a quorum present and heard several bills, all of which were left pending. HB 1113, by Rep. Cain, would update Texas hemp law to keep state rules aligned with federal changes, require timely rule amendments by the Department of Agriculture, and create hemp research permits for universities and nonprofits. Supporters from the Texas Hemp Coalition said it would improve research, licensing, testing, and enforcement while helping the industry stay compliant and competitive; the author said the bill was intended to reward good actors and deter bad ones. HB 1203, by Rep. Gonzalez, would create an Office of Food System Security and Resiliency within the Department of Agriculture to address food insecurity and coordinate local food access efforts. Gonzalez said the office would build on a prior Department of Agriculture study and help connect farmers, agencies, schools, and local governments; members asked about the fiscal note, consumer costs, and whether the office would overlap with existing programs. HB 1269, HB 1276, and HB 1277 focused on plant disease and pest prevention, including a grant program and studies to identify gaps and track outbreaks. Gonzalez emphasized the need for a more intentional state response, citing crop losses from pests and a recent cotton disease outbreak in his district. HB 1437 would create a pollinator task force to address threats to Texas honeybees and related pollination industries. A Texas Beekeepers Association witness described major recent colony losses, emerging threats such as mites and hornets, and the need to bring agencies and researchers together; Gonzalez noted prior work adding a bee specialist at AgriLife Extension. Finally, HB 147, by Chairman Guillen, would modernize cattle brand registration by moving it to an electronic system at the Texas Animal Health Commission while keeping county clerks involved. Supporters said it would improve efficiency, accuracy, and access for ranchers and law enforcement, while an opponent warned about possible electronic tracking implications and costs for small producers. The committee took no final votes and adjourned after leaving HB 147 pending as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• requirements for certain programs. requirements for certain programs.
• Disorder Programs." Disorder Programs."
• program integrity and access to care. program integrity and access to care.
• vendor to manage this statewide program. vendor to manage this statewide program.
• and support program integrity. and support program integrity.

Bills: HF4207, HF4338

Keywords: housing aid, local housing trust, funding projects, income provisions, technical changes, human services, medical assistance, Medicaid, provider enrollment, provider revalidation, fraud prevention, program integrity, background study, background check, fingerprinting, licensing, license revocation, payment withholding, payment suspension, prepayment review

Transcript Highlights:

• We have money for<00:24:59.240> a<00:24:59.280> train for a train for a train um<00:25:
• the training burden. the training burden.
• We have excellent benefits training programs anything that we can do not only to enhance our service
• We have excellent<01:31:17.760> benefits<01:31:18.480> training<01:31:18.840> programs
• excellent benefits training programs excellent benefits training programs anything<01:31:20.080>

Bills: HF3753, HF4299, HF4700, HF4282, HF4139, HF3530, HF4031

Keywords: school safety, threat assessment, pilot project, education, real-time monitoring, public safety, HF4299, school safety specialists, Minnesota School Safety Center, appropriation, general fund, fiscal year 2026, school security, school violence prevention, student safety, Department of Public Safety, school resource support, education funding, peace officer, training reimbursement

Bills: HB 4, HB 1, HB 2, HB 18, HB 19, HB 20

Keywords: appropriations, funding, budget, state finance, public services, public education, teacher compensation, certification, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, rural health, hospital funding, healthcare access, mental health services, financial stability

Bills: HB 4, HB 1, HB 2, HB 18, HB 19, HB 20

Keywords: appropriations, funding, budget, state finance, public services, public education, teacher compensation, certification, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, rural health, hospital funding, healthcare access, mental health services, financial stability

Bills: HB 1, HB 2, HB 18, HB 19, HB 20, HB 4

Keywords: appropriations, funding, budget, state finance, public services, public education, teacher compensation, certification, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, rural health, hospital funding, healthcare access, mental health services, financial stability

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll go through each program.
• We have a suicide prevention program, a justice-involved veterans program where we work with incarcerated
• We have a women veterans program. This program focuses on the special needs of women veterans.
• But before I do that, there's a fund for veteran assistance, we have a grant program.
• Texas Veterans and Family Alliance Program.

Bills: SB651, SB897, SB1814, SB1818

Keywords: SB 651, Texas Government Code, Section 434.032, veterans county service office, county veterans services, commissioners court, county executive official, county administration, local government, veterans affairs, veterans benefits, county oversight, reporting structure, public administration, large counties, population 200,000 or more, mental health, veterans, community support, grant program

Transcript Highlights:

• The first is we're modernizing our training program for every law enforcement officer in the department
• There is a certain basic law enforcement training program that every law enforcement officer gets with
• > program<00:49:59.040> for modernizing our training program for modernizing our training
• training program that every law training program that every law enforcement<00:50:08.400> officer
• , they could take on additional programs, they could take on additional training<01:01:37.200> um,

Bills: SB2885, SB2174, SB2925, SB2798, SB2320, SB2800, SB1230, SB2706, SB3233, SB2405, SB2350, SB2169, SB3320

Keywords: coconut rhinoceros beetle, invasive species, biosecurity, green waste, environmental management, agriculture, quarantine, pest control, transport regulations, Hawaii Revised Statutes, coconut trees, tax credit, natural management, Hawaii, environment, agricultural enforcement, agricultural theft, farm theft, crop theft, commodity theft

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2885 SD1, which would create mandatory handling and storage rules for commercial and residential coconut rhinoceros beetle host material beginning in 2027, with penalties and an effective date. Support came from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, DLNR, Maui County Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Testifiers generally said the bill would help reduce CRB spread, though some urged additional science-backed methods, better coordination, and technical or cost-share support for smaller operations. Hawaiian Earth Recycling recommended amendments to align the bill with existing Department of Health/EPA composting rules, add other materials that can harbor CRB, allow future approved treatment methods, and replace the bill’s 60-day turning requirement with existing pathogen-reduction standards. One individual supported the goal but argued the state’s CRB strategy has lacked community and cultural consultation and should include a cultural advisement role. Department witnesses said enforcement would rely on inspection and an educate-before-regulate approach, and they noted the challenge of creating enough drop-off sites, especially in rural areas. The committee then took up SB 2174 SD2, which would authorize the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to declare an emergency quarantine, halt operations in affected areas for 96 hours with possible extension, quarantine suspected pest areas, issue notices and compensation to affected farmers, and adopt interim transportation rules for materials that may harbor high-impact invasive species. The department and DLNR supported the measure, emphasizing the need for fast action in the first hours of an invasion. Hawaii Farmers Union supported the compensation provisions but asked for stronger communication with producers and a post-action report to the Board of Agriculture after about 90 days to evaluate effectiveness and economic impacts. In response to questions, department staff said the bill would be a short-term, department-only quarantine authority distinct from the governor-declared biosecurity emergency authority enacted previously, and that it could serve as an intermediate step. They also said outreach would need to be done through farm organizations such as Farmers Union, Farm Bureau, and Cattlemen’s groups. The final measure discussed was SB 2925 SD1, relating to coconut trees. The bill would recognize coconut trees as a source of food and water and a cultural treasure, require rules for coconut tree seed banks, require signage identifying landscape palms where applicable, set labeling standards for non-consumable landscape palms, and create an income tax credit for consumable coconut trees maintained through natural management practices. The transcript ended before testimony or action on this bill was completed, and no vote was taken on any of the measures discussed in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's established training that. Already happens.
• at a kitchen table, or online, is a stronger, more defensible program.
• The second part is the something called the credit enhancement program.
• Are you referring to the credit enhancement program side of or the revolving loan fund program?
• I mean, again, we're not talking about a 20 or 30-year program.

Bills: HB3674, HB4326, HB4331, HB3029, HB2963, HB3551, HB2973, HB3019, HB3461, HB2961, HB3261, HB3759, HB3429, HB3069, HB3372, HB3705

Keywords: school resource officer, sexual assault training, law enforcement training, CLEET, school safety, mental health, continuing education, HB4326, Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program, Oklahoma's Promise, scholarship, tuition assistance, higher education, State Regents for Higher Education, eligibility expansion, adopted students, foster care, DHS custody, child-placing agency, tribal custody