Transcript Highlights:

• How are you keeping your special ed costs so low as compared to this school that has huge special ed
• How are you keeping your special ed costs so low as compared to this school that has huge special ed
• How are you keeping your special ed costs so low as compared to this school that has huge special ed
• Well, if we're looking at special ed, I'd look at the percentage of special ed because our state is way
• special ed kids as well as special ed special ed kids as well as special ed kids<00:48:37.200>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first accepted the minutes from the April 4 meeting, then moved to a discussion of potential audit topics and follow-up on prior performance audits. Christine Young, Director of Audits, and Jay Henry, performance audit supervisor, walked members through a spreadsheet showing the status of roughly 30 performance audit reports from the past 10 years, including the number of observations, whether agencies concurred, how many observations were fully addressed, and when each report was last updated. They explained that “fully addressed” only means the agency addressed the observations it agreed with, and that some reports include rejoinders when the audit office disagrees with an agency’s response. Members also discussed how some audits have been updated and others have not, including an example from the prescription drug monitoring program, which moved from the Board of Pharmacy/OPLC to HHS and was recently updated after staff contacted HHS. A major focus was the mental health workforce licensing audit, which was described as having little or no follow-up in the spreadsheet. Several members said this was especially concerning given the ongoing mental health crisis and argued that the committee should require a response. The committee agreed to start by sending letters to the chairs of the boards listed under that audit, asking the chair or designee to appear at the next meeting or respond in writing about what has been done and what remains unresolved. Members noted that the current process is voluntary and self-reported, which can lead to long delays or no response, especially for boards that meet only monthly and may have changed membership or leadership since the audit was issued. The committee also discussed other audit follow-up issues, including the liquor commission division of enforcement and licensing, which staff said was farther along than its percentage suggested, and a recently released human rights report that was not yet due for update. Members raised the possibility of using future budget reviews to ask agencies what they have done about old audit findings. In addition, the committee briefly discussed future audit topics, including a possible audit of local school districts related to special education, and staff explained that the statute allows the LBA to audit a limited number of non-state entities over a five-year period. The motion to authorize the chair and LBA to draft and send letters to the mental health workforce licensing boards passed by show of hands with one abstention. The next meeting was tentatively set for June 6 in State House 100, with staff to confirm the room and schedule.

Transcript Highlights:

• Martin? Mr. Matias? Ms. Matsumoto? Mr. Miyake? Ms. Morikawa? Mr. Muraoka? Ms. Nakamura? Mr. Olds?

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Martin? Here. Mr. Matayoshi? Ms. Matsumoto? Present. Mr. Miyake? Here. Ms. Morikawa? Here. Mr.

Bills: SB3136, SB2521, SB2851, SB3154, SB3262, SB2387, SB3001, SB2818, SB2972, SB2372, SB2108, SB888, SB3320, SB2798, SB2110, SB3007, SB2615, SB2095, SB2101, SB3138, SB2756, SB3229, SB2969, SB3286, SB3238, SB2557, SB3140, SB2014, SB3097, SB3096, SB3069, SB99, SB2930, SB2268, SB2543, SB3022, SB3109, SB3215, SB3152, SB3156, SB3234, SB3053, SB3067, SB2673, SB411, SB2041, SB2919, SB2532, SB2152, SB2721, SB2446, SB2601, SB2239, SB2804, SB3324, SB2802, SB2577, SB2320, SB2706, SB2595, SB2781, SB2961, SB2433, SB2657, SB2340, SB3045, SB3203, SB2861, SB3245, SB2803, SB3204, SB3025, SB2138, SB2645, SB3082, SB2109, SB2261, SB3332, SB2811, SB2567, SB2125, SB2866, SB83, SB874, SB2386, SB3137, SB3132, SB2175, SB2272, SB2271, SB847, SB3302, SB2089, SB2102, SB2050, SB2694, SB2487, SB2061, SB709, SB3083, SB2151, SB2852, SB2471, SB2568, SB2253, SB2697, SB2429, SB2929, SB3032, SB2057, SB148, SB2353, SB2075, SB2907, SB2074, SB3219, SB3218, SB2367, SB3048, SB17, SB3253, SB2376, SB3103, SB2999, SB3255, SB1166, SB3157, SB2698, SB3029, SB2146, SB2470, SB3040, SB3076, SB2575, SB3294, SB2438, SB2530, SB2688

Keywords: lead-free, lead in drinking water, drinking water, water infrastructure, public water system, plumbing, pipe fittings, solder, flux, fixtures, cast iron pipe repair, nonpotable water, Safe Drinking Water Act, Department of Health, water quality, lead exposure, lead contamination, water utilities, backflow preventer, fire hydrant

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to acknowledge Carmen Martin, who is one of the staff here and the account maintenance specialist

Transcript Highlights:

• I WORK CLOSELY WITH OUR CHARTER SCHOOL IN MARTIN COUNTY, HOPE SCHOOL FOR AUTISM, AS WELL AS THE CENTER

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Martin Luther King once said budgets are moral documents.
• Martin Luther King once said budgets are moral documents.
• Chair, Aniei Martin with the California Immigrant Policy Center.
• Good afternoon, Chair Aniei Martin with the California Immigrant Policy Center.
• We think the governor for maintaining the plan on a Annie Martin, with the California Immigrant Policy

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I recognize a member from Martin, Representative Olsen. >> Thank you, Madam Speaker, and members.
• Well, members, I have the information on how much that shift would occur in my county in Martin County
• that shift would occur in my county much that shift would occur in my county in<01:37:08.719> Martin
• <01:37:10.080> It<01:37:10.320> would in Martin County, Minnesota.
• It would in Martin County, Minnesota.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up House File 719, the capital investment/bonding bill, and members spent much of the debate praising committee staff and describing the bill as a bipartisan product shaped by statewide bonding tours and negotiations. Supporters highlighted major infrastructure and public facility projects, including water and sewer work, transportation projects, housing, natural resources, and specific local needs such as Grand Marais, the Manomomen County hospital/nursing home, and airport tower funding. Several members emphasized that the bill was a “Team House” effort and argued that infrastructure funding should not be treated as partisan. During debate, members also focused on the bill’s water infrastructure investments and the need for broader, dedicated funding to address lead pipes, PFAS contamination, and rising wastewater costs. Representative Lee noted that more than $400 million in the package went to water infrastructure, while other speakers pointed to transportation funding and a one-time reduction in tab fees as important elements of the bill. Representative Franson and others urged support, saying the package reflected statewide needs and was a down payment on larger asset-preservation needs. The House adopted three technical amendments to House File 719, then gave the bill its third reading. After floor discussion, Representative Niska moved to lay House File 719 on the table, and the motion prevailed, tabling the bill. The chamber then moved on to House File 2484, the cash portion of the infrastructure package, where members again described the measure as a small but important funding bill and discussed a Lower Sioux Indian Community Dakota language item and the limited size of each caucus’s cash allocation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Martin, aye. Rep. Tam excused. And Rep. Deuchar, aye. Vice Chair's recommendation is adopted.
• Martin. Any members voting no? Okay.
• Martin.<00:17:26.160> Any<00:17:26.320> more<00:17:26.439> other<00:17:26.600>
• > members<00:17:26.880> voting Martin.
• Any more other members voting Martin.

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, on Zoom, Robin Martin. Not present, sir. Not present? Zoe Wells. On Zoom.
• Member Martin: aye. Member Ohno: aye. Member Takumi Ohno: aye. Member Alcos: aye.
• Member<01:41:14.120> Martin.<01:41:14.840> Aye.
• Member Martin. Aye. Member Ohno. Aye. Member Martin. Aye. Member Ohno. Aye.

Bills: HB1626, HB1643, HB1668, HB1550, HB1974, HB1858, HB1871, HB1966, HB1972, HB1973

Keywords: youth penalties, juvenile justice, community service, fees and fines, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, reform, court costs, cultural connection, pharmacy, pharmacist, pharmacy audit, audit reform, pharmacy benefit manager, PBM, recoupment, extrapolation, claims audit, pharmacy reimbursement, dispensing fee

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 847, which would create a Kauai pilot program allowing qualified psychologists limited authority to prescribe psychotropic medications. The Board of Psychology supported the bill’s intent but asked for amendments to delay the effective date or extend the pilot so rules could be written first, and to clarify the education/training language. Supporters, including the Hawaii Psychological Association, Hawaii Mental Health Coalition, and several psychologists, argued that prescribing psychologists have long safety records in other jurisdictions and that the pilot could improve access to care on Kauai, especially amid ongoing mental health needs and storm-related stress. They cited studies and examples from New Mexico, Louisiana, the Department of Defense, and other places. Opponents, including the Hawaii Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, Queen’s Medical Center, and a Department of Health representative, said the bill needed substantial work, raised concerns about training, liability, and workforce impacts, and urged a team-based model with psychiatrist oversight rather than independent prescribing. Some testimony also referenced a GAO report, with witnesses disagreeing over its meaning and cost-effectiveness. No vote was taken during the discussion, and members asked questions about how the bill would address the workforce shortage and whether a psychiatrist on Kauai could already meet the need. The committee then moved to SB 2271 on hospital licensing and SB 2272 on home health care licensing. The Department of Health, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, and the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported both measures, which were described as streamlining and clarifying licensing oversight by relying on accreditation or certification reports. A member asked whether the bill language on hospital accreditation reports was duplicative, and the response was that the second provision was intended to strengthen enforcement by requiring hospitals to provide the actual report to DOH. The committee did not take final action in the portion of the hearing provided, and the chair noted that all bills on the agenda would later be considered for decision-making.

Transcript Highlights:

• Peterson, Stephanie James, Ally Hoffman, Lichy, Nolan Hudala, Carly O'Neal, Pete Globa, Margaret Martin
• Peterson, Stephanie James, Ally Hoffman, Lichy, Nolan Hudala, Carly O'Neal, Pete Globa, Margaret Martin
• Peterson, Stephanie James, Ally Hoffman, Lichy, Nolan Hudala, Carly O'Neal, Pete Globa, Margaret Martin
• Peterson, Stephanie James, Ally Hoffman, Lichy, Nolan Hudala, Carly O'Neal, Pete Globa, Margaret Martin
• Peterson, Stephanie James, Ally Hoffman, Lichy, Nolan Hudala, Carly O'Neal, Pete Globa, Margaret Martin

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• funding, just that piece of the special ed was actually bigger than the entire DNR budget.
• funding, just that piece of the special ed was actually bigger than the entire DNR budget.
• funding, just that piece of the special ed was actually bigger than the entire DNR budget.
• funding, just that piece of the special ed was actually bigger than the entire DNR budget.
• Very" "Just the increase in special ed transportation funding, just that piece of the special ed was

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The governor discussed Minnesota’s budget outlook ahead of a supplemental budget release next month, saying the state remains financially strong but should be cautious because of federal uncertainty and a structural imbalance in spending. He said the administration’s approach will be measured, with limited new spending and possibly modest revenue measures, while prioritizing a bonding bill and maintaining the state’s AAA bond rating, reserves, and middle-class tax cuts. He also praised the 2023 legislative session and bipartisan cooperation as the basis for the state’s current position. A major topic was spending growth in special education and the broader human services system. The governor said special education is a fundamental service the state is legally and morally obligated to provide, but costs need to be managed more efficiently. He pointed to legacy IT systems in the Department of Human Services and county service delivery as expensive, antiquated, and error-prone, and said the state needs a multi-year modernization plan and continued reorganization. He argued that reforms such as prepayment verification and other fraud controls should reduce costs without cutting services. The governor also addressed federal actions affecting Medicaid and other programs, sharply criticizing efforts to withhold funds and claims of widespread fraud. He said Minnesota’s Medicaid error rate is lower than the national average and argued that the federal government’s approach would harm children, pregnant women, and seniors without improving fraud prevention. He also said the state’s gun violence prevention and fraud-fighting packages are expected to be relatively close to budget neutral. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken in the meeting, which was primarily a press availability and Q&A.

Transcript Highlights:

• How many special ed teachers do we have currently statewide?
• Teaching license, that's not the same as a special ed license. Mr.
• So, you said that we have 4600 special ed teachers in the state.
• What's the breakdown in the special ed by grade?
• So you're, you're wanting vacancies by, by grade, special ed vacancies, special ed vacancies by grade

Transcript Highlights:

• I thought a lot about these issues, both on our own campus, where I work, and across higher ed.
• ed.
• The scope of higher ed in the Commonwealth is just so broad. We're the eds and meds state, right?
• Because here's how they work in higher ed: Jews are perceived as part of the white majority.
• Now it's not only in the institutions of higher ed.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The meeting opened with approval of the July 9, 2025 minutes and a roll call confirming quorum. DESE Commissioner Pedro Martinez gave his first official testimony, affirming the department’s commitment to preventing antisemitism and societal bias in schools, saying DESE supports the commission’s recommendations and will add staff resources to help develop and disseminate guidance and instructional materials. He said DESE’s rubric and guidance for identifying effective curricula and resources should be finalized in late fall, and commissioners welcomed the partnership and asked about the ongoing Section 98A work. The commission then heard from Professor Eitan Hirsch of Tufts, who presented research on antisemitism and campus climate. He described survey findings showing sharply different Jewish and non-Jewish views on Israel, increasing social pressure on Jewish students, and a growing tendency for Jewish students to hide their identity or feel penalized for participating in Jewish life. He argued that colleges need to do more to teach students how to handle dissent and build cultures of viewpoint diversity, and commissioners asked about best practices, regional differences, and the role of campus climate surveys. Rabbi Fine of UMass Amherst Hillel and student Sky Landau testified about antisemitism at UMass, especially since October 7. Fine described both a thriving Jewish student community and serious incidents including harassment, vandalism, classroom issues, protests, and students hiding Jewish identity; he said the university is working with Hillel and DEI leadership on goals and strategy for Jewish inclusion, and he urged more training and structured dialogue. Landau described antisemitic incidents she experienced or witnessed, including hostile BDS meetings, exclusion of Zionist students, Holocaust denial, threats, and social ostracism, and said Hillel was the only consistently safe space for her. Commissioners discussed reporting pathways, affinity groups, mental health supports, and ways to distinguish criticism of Israel from antisemitism. Later, the commission moved to its recommendations and made several edits before voting, including deleting offensive wording in a footnote, adding a citation to recent FBI hate crime data, and restoring language tied to an existing DESE regulation, 603 CMR 26.05, on classroom neutrality and fact-based instruction. Commissioners also reiterated that criticism of Israel’s government is not inherently antisemitic. The meeting included a brief interruption by a protester, after which the commission recessed and then resumed its work on the draft recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I would say we all know that ed tech has evolved dramatically.
• So when ed tech has now entered our classrooms, So when ed tech has now entered our classrooms for students
• However, those same protections don't yet apply to California higher ed students.
• Over a decade later, ed tech is deeply embedded in students' lives, but their Over a decade later, ed
• , because this bill is mainly about the higher ed piece.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , Tomage and if you want to chime in, Ed, Tomage and if you want to chime in, Ed, you<00:37:27.359
• >> I thought you were looking at Ed.
• >> I thought you were looking at Ed.
• Director Transportation Ed Sniffen. Director Transportation Ed Sniffen.
• is not to say that it should be you ed is not to say that it should be you ed coordinating<01:07

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Public Safety held an informational briefing on hazard mitigation planning and recent tsunami and wildfire threats. Chair Dela Buladi opened by framing the meeting around the need for iterative disaster planning and lessons learned from events such as the Lahaina wildfires, the Puna Coast earthquake/tsunami, and recent wildfire activity. The committee heard first from Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Tomage Magno, who explained the federal and local hazard mitigation planning process, including the requirement for an active five-year mitigation plan to qualify for federal disaster funds. He described the plan as a living document built from prior plans, public and agency outreach, risk and capability assessments, and ongoing updates, with county departments, state agencies, and subject matter experts participating in the process. Magno outlined several FEMA-related mitigation funding programs, including flood mitigation assistance, post-fire assistance, pre-disaster mitigation, revolving loan funds, and dam safety grants. He emphasized that the Hawaii County plan was recently approved by FEMA, that the county council approves the plan, and that the county reviews it annually with a formal revision process beginning in the fourth year. Members asked about how the plan tracks project status, how priorities and funding changes are handled, and whether federal funding programs might be affected by HR1; Magno said the county is proceeding on the assumption that funding will remain available and noted some sources have been reestablished. He also said the county encourages council participation in meetings and planning. Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen then addressed the committee on DOT’s response to a recent tsunami threat, saying the agency had about four hours to prepare before the first wave arrival and was focused on its own operational response rather than the broader statewide planning process. In response to questions, he stated that FHWA funds cannot be used for evacuation routes, which is why prior legislative funding was important. Members also discussed specific mitigation projects such as fire breaks, bridge retrofits, and the Singing Bridge, with DOT noting that work is underway and that a replacement bridge upstream is being planned to carry traffic during repairs. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> If you've traveled through Shelby County, Martin County, or Whitley County and Fayette County, you've
• /c><01:32:44.960> through<01:32:45.679> uh<01:32:46.239> uh<01:32:46.480> Martin
• Shelby County through uh uh Martin Shelby County through uh uh Martin County<01:32:47.120> or
• Fayette County on Richmond Road, I-75, and Whitley County, and then two locations in Lawrence and Martin
• of the work zones—Shelby County, eastbound and westbound I-75 in Whitley County, and Highway 3 in Martin

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Representative<01:17:01.760> Martin<01:17:02.080> followed<01:17:02.320> by
• >> Representative Martin followed by >> Representative Martin followed by Representative
• >> Member<01:57:49.840> Martin. >> Member Martin. >> Member Martin.

Bills: SB2936, SB2850, SB2851, SB2521

Keywords: accessible parking, disability, kupuna, public accommodations, small business exemptions, Hawaii Revised Statutes, parking permit, blind, deaf, accessibility, deafness, traffic safety, law enforcement, vehicle registration, communication, emergency services, commercial driver's license, first responders, public safety, authorized emergency vehicle

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several health-related bills. HB 1871, establishing a maternal health monitoring pilot program, drew support from the Department of Health, the Hawaii State Commission on Status of Women, and the Hawaii affiliate of the American College of Nurse Midwives, with testimony urging provider-neutral language so midwives and other qualified providers would not be excluded. HB 1977, requiring a maternal and infant health information mobile app, received support from ACNM and Philips, which said similar apps in other states improved awareness of services and helped families navigate care; a member asked the Department of Health about implementation time. HB 1858, relating to certificates of fetal deaths, was supported by the Department of Health and clinicians, who said the current statute is outdated and inconsistent with CDC guidance; the department and a physician testified that the bill should shift documentation responsibilities to physicians and APRNs, and members discussed optional versus mandatory issuance language and whether the bill would improve data on home births and transfers. The committee also heard HB 1591, expanding definitions for preceptor and volunteer-based clinical training to improve income tax credits. The Department of Health supported the measure but preferred a similar, broader bill; Taxation suggested clarifying terms; the University of Hawaii and the State Center for Nursing supported it. ACNM asked that midwifery preceptors and Hawaii-based students enrolled in mainland programs be included, while the Hawaii Public Health Institute supported expansion of the program as a workforce solution. HB 1574, on the health care education loan repayment program, also drew broad support, including from the governor, SHPDA, OHA, and health organizations, but ACNM raised concerns that the bill’s 30% Medicaid-client threshold could exclude many providers and limit participation. For HB 1575, creating a feasibility committee on Parkinson’s patient air transport, the Department of Health supported the intent but said transportation is more likely an insurance or benefit issue and suggested redirecting funds to Parkinson’s research; the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the Hawaii Parkinson Association supported the bill, citing inter-island travel barriers and high costs for patients and caregivers. HB 1854, establishing certification of community behavioral health clinics, was supported by the Department of Health and DHS, which said certification would help clinics qualify for enhanced Medicaid reimbursement and expand access; the Attorney General’s office raised a legal concern about the special fund language and recommended a purpose section, and the committee discussed whether the fund would be self-sustaining and noted a possible amendment to change membership language and reduce the board size if the amendment moved forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, we have Kathy Johnson followed by Zach Martin. Please introduce yourself and proceed.
• , we have Kathy Johnson followed by Next, we have Kathy Johnson followed by Zach<00:26:02.240> Martin
• Please introduce yourself Zach Martin. Please introduce yourself and<00:26:03.919> proceed.
• Next, we have Zach Martin followed by Peter Waginius. Please welcome back to the committee.
• My name is Zach Martin, and I'm the manager of government affairs for Minnesota Power, and I'm here on

Bills: HF2928, HF2912, HF2297

Keywords: water appropriation, data centers, environmental review, energy conservation, permit application, carbon-free energy, geothermal energy, renewable energy, Macalester College, appropriation, sustainability, solar energy, pollinator programs, license plates, agrivoltaics, environmental sustainability, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It's an amendment that's actually in the higher ed budget.
• We've got IT involved and higher ed involved as we do that.
• guess, and it's not in higher ed.
• And then after that, we'll have higher ed and commerce left in any.
• And then after that, we'll have higher ed and commerce left in any.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee began with roll call and a brief update on remaining work, then took up Senate Bill 2213, the “science of math” bill. Members clarified that the appropriation for the program was not included in the DPI budget and would remain attached to the policy bill for now. The committee adopted the amendment and then gave the bill a do pass recommendation, 21-2. The committee next considered Senate Bills 2036 and 2037, both juvenile justice/Human Services bills involving mental health and criminal responsibility evaluations for minors. Testimony explained that the bills create new processes and require DHS to contract with specialized providers, with appropriations of $500,000 in 2036 and $300,000 in 2037. Members debated whether the funding should come from existing DHS resources or remain as separate appropriations, and whether the programs were one-time or ongoing. The committee adopted amendments on both bills and then recommended both do pass, with 2036 passing 14-6 and 2037 passing 17-4. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2021, the Information Technology Department budget. Representative Bosch outlined major themes in the budget, including migration from PeopleSoft and the mainframe, onboarding/off-boarding automation, double-counting of IT spending, and the transition of education technology from PowerSchool to Infinite Campus. Members also discussed a study amendment related to a statewide enterprise resource planning system, and added language on grant management and compliance management. The committee adopted the amendments and gave the budget a do pass recommendation, 20-0-3. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2011, the Highway Patrol budget. Representative Pyle explained the House changes, including shifting some one-time costs to the motor carrier electronic permit fund, funding for body armor, breath tests, road course resurfacing, fleet costs, handgun replacement, and carryover authority for federal technology funds. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the budget 21-0-2. The committee then began Senate Bill 2399, a Human Services bill on Medicaid reimbursement for psychiatric residential treatment facilities, but deferred action after testimony from a facility representative and committee discussion about therapeutic leave days, reimbursement rates, and whether a cap on reimbursable days should be set in statute or rule. The chair said the committee would seek more information from DHS and take the bill up the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• learner support at the Department of Ed. learner support at the Department of Ed.
• ed figure, special ed there's a special ed figure, special ed ADM<00:43:10.400> in<00:43:10.640
• <00:43:45.040> ADM Where does he get that special ed ADM Where does he get that special ed
• for our special ed identification rate. for our special ed identification rate.
• It's all Department of Ed website.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The commission met to review and amend the minutes from its previous meeting, correcting the date, several spelling and wording errors, and clarifying references to a scholarship fund and a member’s title. The minutes were then approved as amended, with some members abstaining because they were not present at the prior meeting. The chair then turned to the commission’s work plan under SB 57, emphasizing the need to prioritize the statutory topics and identify which issues require additional research, documentation, and possible spreadsheets. Members discussed a broad range of special education cost drivers and policy questions, including student referral rates, why students are classified as other health impaired, whether referrals increased after COVID school closures, intervention processes before referral, the cost of services required under IEPs and 504 plans, differences between federal law, state law, and DOE rules, reporting of special education costs, out-of-district and residential placements, district sharing of resources, dispute resolution, graduation rates, and adult learning outcomes. Several members raised concerns that school environments, mental health, bullying, and possible overidentification may be contributing to rising special education numbers and costs, while others cautioned that some reported district percentages may be inflated or unclear because of how the data are counted. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 742, which would eliminate prorated special education aid when state appropriations are insufficient and require the governor to draw a warrant to cover shortfalls. Representative Ames explained that the bill had been recommended for interim study because the commission is already examining special education costing, and he highlighted the gap between FY24 special education costs of about $977.1 million and state aid of $33.9 million for catastrophic aid, $67.4 million for differentiated aid, and $50.8 million in federal IDEA funds, leaving local districts to cover about $825.1 million. He argued the commission should ultimately make clear that both the federal government and the state should contribute more. The Department of Education, through Melissa White, answered questions about data and oversight. She said special education counts come from IEPs entered into the state system using SASIDs, that DOE monitors districts through both desk audits and on-site visits, and that billing is checked against the services listed in each student’s IEP. She also said DOE’s special education work is largely federally funded, with roughly $56.7 million received through IDEA this year and about $49.1 million flowing through to LEAs, while the department retains a small amount for administration and statewide support activities. Members also discussed how adequacy calculations use special education counts from the state system and how those figures are reported.