Transcript Highlights:

• South Texas Foundation and the DNJ Alexander Foundation named a distinguished alumna from the Texas from
• Education, HB 222 by Tallarico, relating to the permissible use of school safety allotment under the Foundations

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The University of Tennessee, primarily through private foundation dollars, has created a one-stop shop
• have the support of the mental health steering committee, but also the Alabama Military Stability Foundation
• Alabama Veterans Collaborative in Birmingham and the vice president of the National Veterans Day Foundation

Bills: HB154, HB153, HB180, SB70

Keywords: veterans affairs, Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, State Board of Veterans Affairs, commissioner, governor appointment, board advisory, veteran service organizations, veterans homes, veterans cemeteries, veteran service officers, district managers, state veterans home trust fund, veterans benefits, military veterans, disabled veterans, elderly veterans, active-duty service members, state agency reorganization, executive authority, governance reform

Transcript Highlights:

• Rush has resolutions commending the Admetech Foundation for recognizing the 17th annual Prostate Cancer
• Rush has resolutions commending the Admetech Foundation for recognizing the 17th annual Prostate Cancer

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and took up two resolutions, laying aside one commending the Endometriosis Alliance of Massachusetts and adopting the other, which commended the Admetech Foundation for recognizing the 17th annual Prostate Cancer Awareness Day. The chamber then recessed while it received the certified returns from the special election in the First Middlesex District and appointed a committee to canvass the votes. The special committee reported that the votes had been canvassed and that Vanna Howard appeared duly elected. The Senate then appointed a committee to notify Governor Maura Healey and the Executive Council that the Senate was ready for the swearing-in, and Howard was formally administered the oath of office as senator from the First Middlesex District. Governor Healey and Senate leaders offered welcoming remarks highlighting Howard’s background, her historic status as the first Cambodian American state senator, and the significance of her service. In her remarks, Howard thanked voters, supporters, family, and mentors, reflected on her journey as a refugee from Cambodia, and said she was committed to continuing the work of her predecessors and serving the district. After the ceremony, the Senate adopted an order to meet again the next day at 11 a.m. in formal session, ordered Howard’s remarks spread upon the record, and approved the emergency preamble for an act establishing a sick leave bank for Sally DeRosher, an employee of the Department of Correction. The Senate then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• executive director of the American Ibegain Initiative brought to you through and with the Reed Foundation
• The Reed Foundation is an acronym which stands for reaching everyone in distress.

Transcript Highlights:

• First up, we have from the Whitea Foundation, Stacy Sprout and Faith Blalock. Please stand.
• First up, we have from the Whitea Foundation, Stacy Sprout and Faith Blalock. Please stand.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In support is Cleo Blumenthal, I'm so sorry, Cleo Bluthenthal from the California Community Foundation
• Samantha Adwisa, appearing on behalf of Three Strands Global Foundation, in support.
• Trans Global Foundation Survivor Advisory Board and strong support. Thank you.
• Cleo Bluthenthal on behalf of the California Community Foundation in support.
• The regular basic course is the foundation of that system.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Resources Board and the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment to complete critical foundational
• “That's always a signal of a great power starting to lose its economic bearings and foundation, and always
• , Noam Elroy on behalf of Rethink Waste, the California Compost Coalition, People Food and Land Foundation
• Noam Elroy, on behalf of Rethink Waste, the California Compost Coalition, People Food and Land Foundation
• , California State Parks Foundation, Mid-Penance, Regional Open Space District, California Habitat Conservation

Summary: The hearing focused on the governor’s May Revision proposals for transportation, natural resources, climate, and related programs, with the Department of Finance and the LAO presenting competing views on the state’s fiscal condition. Finance said the budget remains balanced over two years, with major climate-bond, water, parks, transportation, DMV, and agriculture proposals, while the LAO argued the state still has a structural deficit and should reject or defer many new discretionary spending items, preserve reserves, and be cautious about ongoing commitments. The LAO specifically questioned the timing and scale of new spending for programs such as Clean California, Healthy Rivers and Landscapes, and the Golden Gate Fields acquisition, and urged more clarity on future obligations and revenue scenarios, including for the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. A major portion of the hearing was devoted to the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes proposal for Bay-Delta water quality implementation. Secretary Wade Crowfoot and Finance described it as an enforceable, science-based alternative to a more traditional regulatory approach, with the state’s $25 million request intended to support early implementation, monitoring, habitat restoration, and environmental flows. The LAO countered that the Water Board has not yet adopted the updated Bay-Delta plan, that the proposal may be premature, and that the Legislature should wait for more information on the state’s total funding commitment and the program’s long-term costs. Several members expressed support for the program as a way to reduce conflict and protect water reliability, while others echoed concerns about timing and fiscal exposure. The committee also examined the proposed $125 million Proposition 4 contribution toward acquiring the Golden Gate Fields property for a shoreline park and habitat project. State officials said the acquisition is a time-sensitive, once-in-a-generation opportunity, with an appraised value of $175 million and additional philanthropic and local funding expected to close the gap. Members questioned whether the project had gone through the usual competitive process, whether the site is the best use of scarce park bond dollars, and how public access, habitat, and disadvantaged-community priorities would be protected. The discussion ended without a vote, and the committee moved on to transportation items including Clean California litter abatement, the Games Route Network, homeless encampment coordinators, and DMV modernization and field office proposals, with LAO recommending rejection or delay on several of those requests as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• operation within the borders of our school district, and most importantly, protects the educational foundation
• educational importantly, protects the educational importantly, protects the educational foundation
• 15.560> of<00:50:15.640> the<00:50:15.760> Iron<00:50:16.040> Range foundation
• of the Iron Range foundation of the Iron Range communities. communities. communities.
• <00:52:22.840> of strengthen the financial foundation of strengthen the financial foundation

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• While it does not solve every challenge, it lays out a foundation it hopefully build off for stronger
• > hopefully<00:14:10.480> build<00:14:10.800> off<00:14:11.000> for foundation
• it hopefully build off for foundation it hopefully build off for stronger,<00:14:12.000> more
• And I think that this is a really a solid foundation.
• So thank you for the a solid foundation.

Bills: HF4446, HF4066, HF1082

Keywords: public safety officer, survivor benefits, line of duty death, occupational cancer, firefighter, police officer, paramedic, EMT, correctional officer, first responder, workers' compensation, death benefits, occupational exposure, carcinogen, cancer presumption, mesothelioma, leukemia, lung cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD

Transcript Highlights:

• Veterans Memorial Foundation, and finally $400,000 to the U.S. Veterans Memorial Foundation.
• 650,000 to the US Veterans uh and then 650,000 to the US Veterans uh Memorial<01:27:13.040> Foundation
• /c><01:27:14.239> and<01:27:14.560> finally<01:27:15.120> 400,000 Memorial Foundation
• and finally 400,000 Memorial Foundation and finally 400,000 to<01:27:16.159> the<01:27:16.320
• You you do you do see a $3.5 Foundation.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a senior state policy manager at the Pacific Legal Foundation.
• :39:45.280> the<00:39:45.360> Pacific<00:39:45.760> Legal<00:39:46.000> Foundation
• manager at the Pacific Legal Foundation. manager at the Pacific Legal Foundation.
• And one such American is an individual that Pacific Legal Foundation represented in Montana.
• that Pacific Legal Foundation that Pacific Legal Foundation represented<00:41:23.080> in<

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• You mentioned how there are private foundations that also support these grants.
• And almost a majority of the funds from private foundations all go to the direct-to-farm grants.
• > that<01:04:20.880> also<01:04:21.440> support<01:04:22.000> these um foundations
• that also support these um foundations that also support these grants.<01:04:22.960> Are<01:04
• of the funds um from private foundations of the funds um from private foundations all<01:04:46.640

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 219, which would revise the renewable portfolio standard by changing several class definitions, eliminating Class 2, lowering the utility obligation for Class 1 thermal renewable energy certificates from 2.2% to 1.7%, and adjusting alternative compliance payments. Representative Vose said the bill would save ratepayers an estimated $5.7 million annually, arguing that Class 2 is already saturated and that the changes would not materially affect renewable energy development. Members questioned the fiscal impact, with an amended fiscal note cited as showing a $1.2 million reduction in general fund revenue, and some members raised concerns that the bill could weaken one of the remaining incentives for renewable investment. The committee also reviewed the bill’s history, including that it had been added to HB 2 and then removed in conference committee. No vote was taken in the work session. The committee then heard House Bill 164, concerning local records retention and the creation of a local records manager position. Secretary of State David Scanlan testified that the position has existed in statute for years but has never been funded, and said the need has grown as records management has become more digital and ADA accessibility has become more important. He described the bill as a way to help towns preserve and digitize records, especially for smaller communities with limited resources, while keeping records locally when possible. Members asked about the fiscal note, the potential cost of a public website and storage system, and whether the state could start by funding the position alone; the secretary said the staffing cost estimate remained accurate but that storage costs could rise over time. Several members expressed support and suggested further discussion with the Department of Information or other agencies. The work session was then closed without action. Finally, the committee opened House Bill 365, which would provide proof of U.S. citizenship assistance for indigent voters. Secretary Scanlan said the bill is intended to help voters comply with the new voter registration documentation requirements by allowing the state to verify eligibility through federal, private, and other state databases, and by providing vouchers to cover the cost of obtaining documents such as birth certificates. He compared the proposal to the earlier voter ID law, which he said was successfully implemented with accommodations for voters lacking acceptable ID. Members asked how “indigent” would be defined and how the process would work for out-of-state-born applicants; the secretary said indigency would likely be based on a voter’s statement of inability to pay and that the state would help identify where to obtain records and, if necessary, verify them through outside databases. The discussion continued as the transcript ended, with no vote recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here with Blue Educational Foundation, also representing California Black Power Network.
• I'm here with Blue Educational Foundation, also representing California Black Power Network.
• I'm an attorney at the Pacific Legal Foundation.
• I'm with Californians for Equal Rights Foundation. I strongly oppose AB 7. Thank you.
• I'm the president of the Californians for Equal Rights Foundation.

Summary: The committee hearing covered several higher education bills, with extensive testimony on student aid, affordability, and institutional debt. AB 587 would add veteran representation to the California Student Aid Commission; the author said the change would bring lived experience from the veteran community to student aid policy, and members raised a concern about keeping the commission’s membership odd-numbered, which the author said would be addressed by amendment. AB 791 would standardize cost-of-attendance housing calculations using objective data and improve notice of the adjustment process; supporters said current budgets often underestimate students’ real living costs, while UC, CSU, and independent colleges opposed or had concerns about the bill’s prescribed methodology, fiscal impact, and a 14-day turnaround for adjustments. AB 850 would create a one-term grace period for students with institutional debt to re-enroll while arranging repayment, bar reporting that debt to credit agencies, and require more transparency; proponents described students being blocked from continuing school over debts, while CSU, UC, and private-college representatives said they already use holds and payment plans and worried about added liabilities and budget pressures. AB 537 would extend the California College Promise Program to part-time community college students; supporters said most community college students attend part-time and should not be excluded from fee waivers, while the committee noted fiscal concerns but ultimately advanced the bill. AB 7 would allow universities to consider whether an applicant is a descendant of American chattel slavery in admissions as a reparative measure; supporters framed it as lineage-based reparative justice, while opponents argued it would function as a racial proxy and conflict with Proposition 209 and equal-protection principles. The committee took roll-call votes on the measures, advancing AB 587, AB 791, AB 850, and AB 537 to Appropriations, with AB 850 and AB 537 receiving fewer votes and the roll left open for additional members.

Transcript Highlights:

• of Hawaiʻi system, in support, the Koʻa Poko Hawaiian Civic Club in support as well as the Koʻa Foundation
• Jeffrey Kaliva, also testifying in support from the Koʻa Poko Hawaiian Civic Club and the Koʻa Foundation
• <01:07:20.960> and<01:07:21.319> um<01:07:21.520> three as the COA foundation
• and um three as the COA foundation and um three individuals<01:07:23.400> uh<01:07:23.599>
• from mahani I don't see her foundation from mahani I don't see her today<01:07:55.839> a<01:07

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land heard confirmation nominations for several DLNR-related boards and commissions, including GM 530 for Karen Ono to the Board of Land and Natural Resources, GM 582 for Jay Kenan to the Natural Area Reserves System Commission, and GM 584 for Adrien Trulock to the Hawaii Historic Places Review Board. The chair repeatedly noted the volunteer nature of these positions and said the committee would take up decision-making after hearing all nominees. Testimony and comments for each nominee were generally supportive, with agency representatives praising their preparation, experience, and willingness to serve. For Karen Ono, DLNR and several supporters from Kauai testified in favor, describing her as highly prepared and effective on the board. Senators questioned her about DLNR land use, especially state lands near rail stations and whether they should be used for affordable housing rather than commercial development. Ono said she had not taken a board position on those specific proposals because they had not yet come before the board, but she acknowledged the importance of housing and infrastructure. She also responded to questions about DLNR’s management of transferred agricultural lands, saying concerns about the department’s ability to manage such lands had been raised before and remain relevant. One senator expressed strong reservations about the nomination based on the land-use answers. For Jay Kenan, the NARS Commission testimony focused on the commission’s role in advising on land management and conservation policy. Kenan said he hoped to continue helping evaluate properties and policies, and he identified funding and staffing as the main challenge. DLNR staff explained that the position supporting NARS had been abolished and that the department had limited capacity to restore it because other priorities, such as fire-related positions, were taking precedence. The committee also discussed a separate bill affecting Legacy Lands funding through conveyance tax revenues, with members and agency staff expressing concern that the measure could reduce support for land संरक्षण efforts. For Adrien Trulock, SHPD and DLNR staff strongly supported the nomination, citing her preservation background and experience with historic properties. Members discussed the importance of her expertise for reviewing nominations and appeals and for helping with preservation planning. The committee also raised broader concerns about delays in historic-place designations and the difference between state and federal review processes; SHPD explained that board approval places a property on the state register, while federal National Register review can still require revisions and cause delays. No final votes or confirmations were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have had several offers from different foundations to renovate the courthouse, will make some changes
• And these are all private dollars that we've been raising from individuals to foundations.
• And I'm just... ...raising from individuals to foundations and I'm just really grateful and want to say
• We believe this position is key to setting the foundation for the agency and ensuring the integrity of
• Suzanne Stone: For 27 years, our Austin-born foundation has worked to ensure that everybody affected

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard budget presentations for the Texas Historical Commission, the Pension Review Board, the Employees Retirement System (ERS), Social Security and benefit replacement pay, the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System (TESSRS), and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). The Legislative Budget Board outlined recommendations and major changes for each agency, including reductions tied to one-time projects at the Historical Commission, continued funding for courthouse grants, heritage trails, and Holocaust/genocide education, as well as new or modified riders and capital items. For the pension-related items, LBB described funding changes for PRB, ERS, Social Security, and TESSRS, including ERS health plan cost growth driven largely by pharmacy costs, the status of pension funding reforms, and TESSRS’s request for additional state support to address its unfunded liability and staffing needs. Members asked extensive questions about the Historical Commission’s one-time funding, unexpended balance authority, courthouse preservation, the Presidio La Bahia and National Museum of the Pacific War projects, and coordination of Texas history messaging across sites such as the Alamo, San Jacinto, Washington on the Brazos, and other heritage locations. The Historical Commission chair emphasized heritage tourism, economic development, and the need for continued investment in historic sites, staffing, IT modernization, and vehicles. On the pension items, senators discussed PRB oversight of local systems, including the Dallas police and fire pension situation, and ERS investment returns, benchmark comparisons, and rising health costs. ERS officials said the plan remains well funded overall, noted a 2021 cash balance reform and a planned supplemental legacy payment, and explained that GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro are a major driver of pharmacy spending; they also said the agency is working with the Texas Pharmacy Initiative and that rebates are contractually returned to ERS. For TESSRS, LBB and agency staff said the system serves volunteer and part-paid emergency personnel, is facing an infinite amortization period, and is requesting additional appropriations, staffing, and IT funding, along with a statutory change to allow an actuarially determined state contribution. The agency said it may otherwise need to cut benefits for volunteer firefighters. For CPRIT, LBB reported about $600 million in recommended funding for the biennium and a 10-FTE increase, while the agency described its $6 billion voter-approved program, $3.75 billion in grants awarded to date, and $10.4 million in revenue sharing since 2011. CPRIT’s only exceptional item was a request for a 10% salary increase for two exempt positions. No committee votes or formal actions were taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• According to the Foley Foundation, more United States nationals are wrongfully detained in China than
• According to the Foley Foundation, more United States nationals are wrongfully detained in China than
• According to<05:10:10.958> the<05:10:11.120> Foley<05:10:11.600> Foundation,<05:
• 10:12.080> more<05:10:12.798> United to the Foley Foundation, more United to the Foley
• Foundation, more United States<05:10:13.520> nationals<05:10:14.000> are<05:10:14.160><

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• From the beginning of our nation, freedom of speech has been a foundational liberty for the American
• liberty for the American foundational liberty for the American people.<06:51:10.320> The<06:51
• The foundation is turning grief into action.
• <08:45:46.240> The<08:45:46.558> foundation from a ruptured aneurysm.
• The foundation from a ruptured aneurysm.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• optional, it is foundational. optional, it is foundational.
• Third grade shifted from foundations of social studies to the current ancient world.
• Third grade shifted from foundations<01:11:42.159> of<01:11:42.560> social<01:11:42.960
• > studies<01:11:43.520> to<01:11:44.880> the foundations of social studies to the
• foundations of social studies to the current<01:11:45.520> ancient<01:11:46.080> world.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This amendment creates a simple one-time data collection to answer three foundational questions: How
• I'm Vice President of Reason Foundation, also Senior Director of the Pension Integrity Project.
• I'm Vice President of Reason Foundation, also Senior Director of the Pension Integrity Project. my team
• Chair, Senate Bill 1718 establishes the Public Education Foundation special plate fund.
• I am Chance Stribling with the Arizona Educational Foundation. Gotcha. Thank you, Mr.

Bills: SB1041, SB1050, SB1131, SB1138, SB1249, SB1267, SB1272, SB1317, SB1461, SB1488, SB1504, SB1517, SB1523, SB1580, SB1582, SB1584, SB1585, SB1602, SB1630, SB1654, SB1672, SB1673, SB1718, SB1761, SB1819, SB1826, SB1827

Keywords: electronic monitoring, nursing care, assisted living, resident rights, privacy, consent, surveillance, veterans, lifetime pass, state parks, Arizona, access, disabled veterans, cardiac arrest, defibrillators, school safety, emergency response, CPR training, Arizona education funding, automated license plate readers

Summary: The committee first considered Senate Bill 1630, which would direct AHCCCS to seek federal approval for a home- and community-based services program for adults determined to be seriously mentally ill, with quarterly implementation updates, stakeholder input, and a cap on enrollment. The sponsor and advocates from Arizona Mad Moms argued the bill would create an assisted-living-style Medicaid option for the most disabled SMI individuals, improve continuity of care, and reduce state general fund costs by shifting some expenses to federal Medicaid funding. Access testified neutral, estimating a total fiscal impact of $27.7 million, including $5.83 million general fund, and explained the need for CMS approval. The committee adopted an amendment reducing the initial cap to 250 members, changing reporting frequency, and adjusting eligibility and expansion conditions, then passed SB 1630 as amended on a 10-0 vote. The committee next heard Senate Bill 1131, which originally required school districts and charter schools to adopt cardiac emergency response plans and appropriated $1 million for implementation. An amendment replaced the mandate with a reporting requirement on AED counts, CPR/AED-trained staff, and whether schools have a plan, while keeping a grant component for AEDs and prioritizing rural schools. The American Heart Association supported the amended approach as a way to gather baseline data and target resources, and members discussed AED training, school preparedness, and whether the funding should favor rural or high-population schools. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1131 as amended on a 9-1 vote, with Senator Kuby voting no and several members explaining concerns about funding and priorities. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1582, which concerned the school safety interoperability fund. An amendment shifted the appropriation from the Department of Education to the Department of Administration and allocated funds to specific county sheriff offices for continuing operation and maintenance of existing interoperability systems, while narrowing the program to public safety agencies and school districts and requiring twice-yearly testing. Sheriffs, a county school superintendent, and the Arizona Sheriffs Association described the systems as useful for drills and real emergencies, improving communication between schools and first responders; one speaker noted the program had been used in drills and at least one live deployment. Some members questioned the audit findings, the focus on rural counties, and whether the program was a good use of funds, while supporters emphasized its value for school safety. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1582 as amended on a 6-4 vote. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 1504, which would change retirement rules for Tier 2 and Tier 3 public safety personnel by allowing earlier normal retirement and shortening the COLA waiting period, with an amendment exempting the changes from the statutory pre-funding requirement. Supporters from firefighter and police groups said the bill would improve recruitment and retention and let employees receive earned benefits sooner, while city, county, and taxpayer representatives warned it would add substantial unfunded liabilities and undermine the 2016 pension reforms. Actuarial testimony estimated significant costs, including tens of millions in annual or upfront impacts depending on how the change is funded, and members debated whether the amendment would shift costs onto future taxpayers or simply spread them over time. The transcript ends during continued testimony and discussion on SB 1504, before a final vote is reached.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, we also had testimony from Hawaii Food Policy Foundation, Brandon Canard, Ted Caflas, Grassroots
• Um, we have Brandon Canard in opposition from Hawaii Food Policy Foundation.
• <00:25:49.200> Uh<00:25:49.520> Ted<00:25:50.000> Keles Food Policy Foundation
• Uh Ted Keles Food Policy Foundation.
• in support, and two Maya Foundation in support, and two individuals<00:51:49.280> in<00:51:49.520

Bills: HB2425, HB2596, HB2573, HB2017, HB1931, HB1736, HB1594, HB1828

Keywords: agriculture, sugarcane, permitting process, land use, conservation district, diversified agriculture, economic impact, invasive species, plant sales, weed risk assessment, consumer protection, environmental impact, workforce development, biosecurity, training program, partnerships, tax credit, Hawaiian home lands, investment costs, nonrefundable

Summary: The committee heard opening remarks and then took testimony on several agriculture-related bills. HB 2425 would exempt agricultural enterprises on former commercial sugarcane lands in conservation use districts from certain permitting and site plan requirements. The Department of Agriculture supported the measure and stood on written comments. The Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the intent but said the bill appeared to cite the wrong statute and suggested amending the conservation district law instead. Other testimony was generally supportive, while some witnesses raised concerns about using the right statutory vehicle. Committee members questioned whether the bill should be redirected through a different chapter. The committee then heard HB 596, which would require retail sellers of plants to disclose invasiveness risk, direct the Invasive Species Council to create a labeling system and weed risk assessments, and establish fines. The Department of Land and Natural Resources strongly supported the bill, saying point-of-sale labels would help consumers make informed choices. Supporters from the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species said the state’s noxious weed and restricted plant lists are outdated or incomplete and that the bill would help prevent harmful species from being purchased and planted. Opponents, including the Hawaii Farm Bureau and Hawaii Food Policy Foundation, argued the measure was too broad, could stigmatize plants and producers, and might be better implemented through voluntary education or narrower definitions. Committee discussion focused on possible amendments, including using printable labels from a website and limiting the bill to larger commercial retailers. HB 2573 would create a five-year agriculture and biosecurity workforce development pilot program involving the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Leeward Community College, and the Department of Human Resources Development. DHRD said it supported the intent but wanted clearer responsibilities; the University of Hawaiʻi, the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, the Hawaii Food Policy Foundation, and others supported the proposal. DAB said the program would help build needed biosecurity staffing and training, and that law-enforcement-related curriculum could be incorporated. Finally, the committee began hearing HB 207, which would expand the important agricultural land qualified agricultural tax credit to include certain Hawaiian homelands and additional agricultural costs such as orchards, fruit crops, and clearing former sugar and pineapple lands. The Department of Taxation and DAB stood on written comments, while the Department of Hawaiian Homelands strongly supported the bill, calling it a potential game-changer for developing agricultural lands and offsetting infrastructure costs; the department also asked that the credit be broadened beyond agriculture alone.