Transcript Highlights:

• I'm an associate attorney at that firm, and I've done some research just in my general practice on the
• :13:01.120><c> general</c> research um just in our my general research um just in our my general practice
• :02.640><c> the</c><00:13:02.920><c> timber</c><00:13:03.240><c> tax</c><00:13:04.080><c> um</c> practice
• on the timber tax um practice on the timber tax um and<00:13:05.520><c> diving</c><00:13:05.839><c>
• </c> provide for that continuous sustained provide for that continuous sustained yield<00:55:59.320><

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The meeting opened with a quorum present and approval of the April 17 minutes. The commission then heard a presentation from attorney Jacob Rhodes of Cleveland, Waters and Bass on the history and legal basis of New Hampshire’s timber tax, explaining that timber was historically treated as part of real property, that a 1913 case confirmed that view, and that a 1949 constitutional amendment created a separate timber yield tax to discourage clear-cutting and support forest conservation. He described the tax as a tax on the yield when timber is severed, not an income tax, and noted that towns are reimbursed through a system based on Department of Revenue Administration market data and local reports of cut. Members and guests asked how “yield” is defined, how the timber tax interacts with current use, and whether carbon sequestration could be treated similarly. Testimony explained that current use generally is not affected by harvesting timber, that towns can tax standing timber under RSA 79:5 but rarely do because it is labor-intensive, and that carbon credits might be valued using a similar market-data approach. Several speakers discussed a prior bill drafted with DRA input that would have treated carbon more like timber, but noted it never fully advanced in the General Court and that the version ultimately discussed by the House differed from the earlier DRA-comfortable draft. The discussion also covered whether carbon sequestration agreements are effectively long-term leases or transfers of timber rights, with Rhodes suggesting that 99-year arrangements could be taxable transfers of real property under DRA rules, though he had not reviewed specific agreements. DRA staff said they do not currently have a timber-like survey mechanism for carbon and would likely need access to proprietary market data or a subscription service to build one. No formal vote was taken beyond approving the minutes; the commission appeared to agree to revisit the carbon/timber valuation issue and the draft bill at a future meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• My practice is dedicated... Absent members. Thank you. Thank you.
• My practice This is dedicated. Good morning. My name is Megan Barlett. Thank you for having us.
• As a result of this horrific incident, I sustained multiple fractures and ligament damage in my foot.
• To truly support recovery, we have to do everything we can to sustain local economies.
• SB 547 is a practical step toward ensuring that recovery is possible for all, not just for homeowners

Summary: The committee heard several insurance-related bills. SB 371 by Senator Cabaldon would lower uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage requirements for rideshare companies from the current $1 million level to $100,000 per person and $300,000 per incident, with added transparency and data-reporting provisions. Uber, Lyft, and several business groups supported the bill as a way to reduce fares and improve affordability, while consumer attorneys, labor groups, and others opposed it as a major cut in protection for injured passengers and drivers. Committee members raised concerns about whether savings would actually reach riders and drivers, but the bill was approved on a do-pass vote to the next committee, with one member not voting. SB 487 by Senator Grayson would change how settlement or judgment proceeds are distributed when peace officers or firefighters are injured by a third party, ensuring they receive at least two-thirds of the at-fault party’s liability insurance limits in certain cases. Supporters, including public safety unions and an injured deputy sheriff, said current law can leave injured first responders with little or no recovery after employer reimbursement, while opponents representing cities, counties, and public agencies argued the bill would reduce recovery of taxpayer-funded workers’ compensation costs and lacked sufficient data. The committee members who spoke largely supported the bill, and it passed on a do-pass vote to Appropriations, with one member not voting. SB 616 by Senator Rubio would create an independent community hardening commission within the Department of Insurance to develop statewide wildfire mitigation recommendations and a post-catastrophe reporting process. The Department of Insurance, local governments, consumer groups, and fire-related organizations supported the measure as a way to improve wildfire resilience and insurance availability, while water agencies opposed provisions touching water infrastructure and warned of litigation and ratepayer impacts. The bill advanced on a do-pass vote to Appropriations, with some members not voting and one member voting no. The committee also heard SB 547 by Senator Perez, coauthored by Senator Rubio, which would extend wildfire-related insurance cancellation/nonrenewal moratoriums to commercial properties; insurers removed their opposition after amendments, and the bill passed to Appropriations on a do-pass vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• in those other states and really find out how they do business, so that we can replicate any best practices
• sort of the absolute responsibility of my agency to reduce the payment error rate so that we can sustain
• So just to be really clear that I think that's the number one thing to sustain the investments that we've
• So, I would encourage you all to think about sustaining the investments where you can, really trying
• Market, you know, they may need to sort of... it may be that we don't have enough population to sustain

Committee: House Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> even in sustainability. They belong. even in sustainability. They belong.
• ,</c><01:03:06.160><c> 60</c> dual credit community of practice, 60 dual credit community of practice
• </c><01:31:07.760><c> government's</c> sustainability under uh Dr. government's sustainability under
• It will be sustainable, and we make sure that it is self-sustained and financially viable PhD program
• So also as sustainable as it could be.

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call: 0:00:00 Approval of Minutes: 0:01:45 Federal Education Updates 0:02:12 Dual Credit Updates: 0:43:38 Kentucky State University's Doctoral Program Request: 01:27:08 Postsecondary Accreditation: 1:49:05 Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations: 2:14:48 Adjournment 2:16:31, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the previous meeting minutes, and heard a presentation from Austin Reid of the National Conference of State Legislatures on education-related provisions in the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1). Reid said the law is projected to increase the federal deficit over 10 years, with major savings coming from Medicaid, student loan changes, and SNAP. He focused on how those changes could affect schools, including possible effects on free and reduced-price meal certification, state funding formulas that use SNAP as a proxy for low-income status, and Medicaid-funded school services for students with disabilities. Reid also outlined the new federal scholarship tax credit, which gives a dollar-for-dollar credit for donations to qualifying scholarship-granting organizations. He said families up to 300% of area median income may benefit, the program begins in 2027, and states must opt in and designate eligible organizations. He noted unresolved questions about whether states can add their own criteria and said Treasury regulations will be important. He also described the expansion of 529 plans to cover more K-12 and postsecondary expenses. On higher education, Reid explained a new workforce Pell grant option for short-term programs, with states and governors playing a role in determining eligible programs. He said the programs must meet placement, completion, and earnings measures and that implementation is expected to be tight before the July 1, 2026 effective date. He also reviewed student loan changes, including lower institutional loan limits, prorated borrowing for part-time enrollment, new caps on graduate and Parent PLUS loans, and a new earnings-based accountability standard that could make some programs ineligible for student loans if graduates earn too little. No votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd be glad to make a formal data practices request if that's necessary.
• I'd be glad to make a formal data practices request if that's necessary.
• to connect university students with practical work.
• to connect university students with practical work.
• to connect university students with practical work.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It just makes practical sense to 2023.
• Secondly there is an income practical.
• </c><00:24:10.159><c> way</c><00:24:10.400><c> to</c> a practical way to a practical way to account<00
• </c> there are good management practices there are good management practices being<00:31:07.200><c> adopted
• </c> sustainable solution to this issue. sustainable solution to this issue.

Bills: HB1601 , HB1828 , HB1616 , HB1603 , HB1606 , HB1604 , HB1605

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Keywords: biosecurity, invasive species, Hawaii Invasive Species Council, Department of Land and Natural Resources, appropriation, agriculture, land use, farm dwelling, renewable energy, income qualification, solar energy, geothermal resources, hydropower, agricultural tourism, aquaculture, commercial activity, swine production, Korean natural farming, land leases, Hawaii

Transcript Highlights:

• to medication abortion in California by protecting against federal interference with the current practice
• Standard of care directs that you practice according to the standards of training, practice setting,
• This bill is not simply proposing to transition pharmacy practice to a standard of care.
• and efficient licensing board to set a standard of professional practice.
• I'm a certified massage therapist practicing in Roseville.

Committee: House Business and Professions

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This again is from the task force for sustainability of affordable housing bill.
• This is from the task force on the long-term sustainability of affordable housing.
• </c> sustainability of affordable housing. sustainability of affordable housing.
• </c><00:26:29.840><c> of</c> force on the long-term sustainability of force on the long-term sustainability
• Three are particularly important to support households accessing and sustaining home ownership.

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thirty-one states have taken some form of action to address this adverse practice.
• The Head Start model, which is built on evidence-based practices, is constantly evolving to meet the
• </c><01:19:42.520><c> of</c> just the financial sustainability of just the financial sustainability of
• </c><01:26:58.199><c> the</c> case worker or attorney's practice the case worker or attorney's practice
• </c> County administered a common practice County administered a common practice framework<01:52:37.520

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we think that helps with sustainability, both. This is consistent with that concept.
• So we think that helps with sustainability. Yes. Thank you.
• We will move on to issue number four: supporting inclusive practices.
• The second item pertains to attendance practices. Highlands checked attendance once a day.
• And also supportive inclusive practices.

Summary: The committee heard an update on the administration’s Career Education Master Plan and the new California Education Interagency Council. Administration and agency staff described efforts to better connect K-12, higher education, workforce, and data systems, including the California Cradle to Career Data System, e-Transcript California, and a proposed career passport. They emphasized regional coordination with workforce boards and community colleges, and said the new council’s immediate tasks are to hold its first meeting by the end of June, enter into a data-sharing MOU, and complete a strategic plan by the end of November. Members asked about the council’s authority, reporting requirements, and how it would relate to the broader Master Plan for Higher Education; staff said the council will make recommendations but does not have implementation authority. The committee then took up the Governor’s proposed $100 million one-time expansion of dual enrollment grants and related changes to instructional minute requirements. Finance and the Department of Education said the proposal would support middle college, early college, and CCAP programs, add technical assistance, prioritize high-need LEAs, and reduce the minimum instructional day for certain dual enrollment students from 240 to 180 minutes to ease scheduling barriers. The Chancellor’s Office strongly supported the investment, citing access, acceleration, and equity benefits, while the LAO recommended rejecting the funding, arguing the state already provides ongoing support and that the proposal does not address major barriers. Members raised questions about adult learners, A-G alignment, reporting on outcomes and expenditures, rural access, transportation, staffing, and whether the funding would create lasting program capacity. The item was left open after discussion. The committee also considered trailer bill language to align the definition of long-term English learners across data systems. Finance and CDE said the change would simplify identification by defining LTELs as students who have not attained English proficiency within seven years and RTELs as students not proficient within six years, matching the dashboard and research-based timelines. CDE said the current mismatch between dashboard and assessment definitions creates confusion and delays, while some members and advocates worried the change could reduce earlier intervention or should be handled through policy committees rather than the budget process. The committee voted to reject the proposal and refer it to policy, though the administration said it still supports the budget language. Finally, the committee heard a proposal to extend the Supporting Inclusive Practices project by one year, through June 30, 2027. CDE said the project is promising but raised concerns about the contract structure and fiscal management, while Marysville Joint Unified School District testified that SIP had helped expand inclusive preschool and district-wide practices and reduce reliance on more restrictive placements. Members questioned why funds had not been fully encumbered and whether the remaining money should be redirected to areas with greater implementation need. The item was discussed but no final action was described in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• You have all the time in the world to practice now.
• Best practices, I think, are going to be important.
• A sustained investment is critical to sustaining this momentum and ensuring that prevention and intervention
• But now we should have had time to ensure that we start looking at best practices.
• Let's see if you've been practicing. I've been trying.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held an informational hearing focused on the impacts of federal HR1 on CalFresh and Medi-Cal, along with related state mitigation efforts. CDSS, DHCS, DDS, county representatives, LAO, and Finance discussed automatic exemptions, data-sharing between departments, county workload, and the timing of implementation. CDSS said about two-thirds of adults ages 18 to 64 are already known to be exempt in CalFresh, and that administrative data matches could newly exempt about 200,000 of the roughly 955,000 adults potentially at risk. DHCS said Medi-Cal work requirements would begin in 2027 and the department is working to automate exemptions, including for IHSS recipients and some caregivers, while DDS said its population is expected to be covered by auto-exemptions. County welfare directors emphasized that individualized worker contact is critical, that counties need more staffing and stable funding, and that without it they expect delays, higher error rates, and reduced exemption screening capacity. Members pressed for written timelines, county-by-county impact data, and clearer guidance; the administration said it would provide follow-up materials and technical assistance. No votes were taken. The committee then heard a separate discussion on a proposed CFAP expansion or “CFAP Plus” concept to provide state-funded benefits to additional populations affected by HR1, including lawfully present non-citizens and ABODs. CDSS said implementation could not occur before October 1, 2027 because of policy and system-design constraints, and that adding unique eligibility rules would increase complexity and cost. Finance cautioned that any expansion would have General Fund impacts likely in the hundreds of millions to multiple billions. Members asked for cost estimates and technical feedback on trailer bill language, and CDSS said it would review the proposal and respond. The hearing also covered CDSS’s CalFresh strategic plan and mandated reporter training updates. CDSS said it is hiring a strategic plan lead to develop a long-term, data-informed CalFresh plan, and that the revised mandated reporter training is on track for launch in fall/winter 2026, ahead of the July 1, 2027 statutory deadline. The training will include updated content on structural racism, ICWA protections, implicit bias, and the distinction between reporting and supporting families. Members praised the work and asked for continued updates. Later panels focused on Promise Neighborhoods, Stop the Hate, and housing programs. Promise Neighborhood advocates and CDSS described the state’s prior $12 million investment, a positive evaluation showing roughly a 4-to-1 return, and a new proposal to support place-based partnerships and community schools through AB 1969. Stop the Hate grantees and CDSS reported that the program has provided direct services, prevention, and statewide coordination to millions of Californians, and urged reauthorization before funding expires; members asked for best-practice language and discussed focusing future funding on solidarity work, harm reduction, legal services, and education. Finally, CDSS presented on the CalWORKs Housing Support Program and Housing and Disability Advocacy Program, saying proposed General Fund investments of $105 million and $55 million would prevent funding cliffs and allow the programs to continue through 2026-27, while the absence of new funding would force reductions in housing assistance, subsidies, and enrollments.

Transcript Highlights:

• You have all the time in the world to practice now.
• Best practices, I think, are going to be important.
• A sustained investment is critical to sustaining this momentum and ensuring that prevention and intervention
• Let's see if you've been practicing. I've been trying.
• Let's see if you've been practicing. I've been trying.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This will sustain funding for its programs as it experiences increased demand, keeping coverage within
• This will sustain funding for its programs as it experiences increased demand, keeping coverage within
• Now is the time to fully leverage this powerful tool to sustain our health care lifeline.
• HB 90 takes a practical and targeted... ...and make our state a more attractive place to practice medicine
• HB 90 takes a practical and targeted approach by supporting experienced health care professionals who

Committee: House House Health & Human Services

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Geothermal is a nice, long-term, sustainable energy source.
• Geothermal is a nice, long-term, sustainable energy source.
• Hydropower is another long-term sustainable energy source. Thank you.
• Are they going to have sustainable energy? No, they're not going to have sustainable energy.
• No, they're not going to have sustainable energy.

Bills: SB78 , SB235 , SB22 , SB310

Committee: Senate Senate Conservation

Keywords: nuclear energy, renewable energy, sustainability, carbon emissions, energy regulation, microgrid, zero carbon resources, Public Regulation Commission, energy generation, electric utilities, motor vehicle manufacturers, licensing, dealers, franchise agreements, consumer protection, water supply, sewage improvements, environment, funding, Mora County

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe the product stewardship plans basically require them to recycle to the extent practical.
• climate, ratepayer, and sustainability commitments.
• our other commitments to climate ratepayers and sustainability.
• Microsoft's CEO this week said that the AI boom cannot be sustained if more people don't use it.
• ...this week said that the AI boom cannot be sustained if more people don't use it.

Bills: HB2515 , HB2343 , HB2301 , HB2272 , HB2367

Committee: House Environment & Energy

Keywords: energy facilities, large energy use, regulation, state oversight, infrastructure, water quality, game farms, public health, environmental protection, regulatory oversight, extended producer responsibility, paint waste management, environmental regulations, sustainability, recycling, ski areas, winter sports, terminology update, recreation, regulatory changes

Transcript Highlights:

• This is aligned with what's nationally recommended for best practices for school safety, and it highlights
• It's the best practice. And so what I'm going to do is pass it over to Representative Witte now.
• The cumulative impact of sustained underinvestment has resulted in a 10-year renewal need of $6 billion
• There are insufficient resources, both capital and operating, to properly maintain and sustain all of
• You know, is this something that's sustainable for us?

Bills: HF3220

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: school safety, school security, emergency access, law enforcement access, master key box, secure key box, entry device, school grants, education finance, Department of Education, charter schools, school districts, cooperative units, appropriation cancellation, one-time appropriation, school safety plan, emergency preparedness, public safety, school building security

Transcript Highlights:

• The current cap of 20 hours per week is not enough to make this a sustainable job.
• So he basically needs the G-tube to sustain his weight and nutrition.
• Funding that was critical to sustaining residential treatment operations.
• It's not expansion, but an investment in sustainability.
• The 1.5 is to sustain what you have. 1.5.

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And it won't taste good if they don't do those sanitary practices.
• There's several organizations that publish best-practice guidelines, like the Weston A.
• Or how does that practice all work?
• And then we can put that to work in a practical demonstration sense with new tech agriculture.
• Before I got here, I had a nonprofit for hunger relief and sustainable food systems.

Committee: All AGRICULTURE- HOUSE SMALL BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEV. SUBCOM.

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from its October 27 meeting and then heard testimony on the economic and regulatory effects of Arkansas’s raw milk law, Act 698. Clinton Ballard of Milk and Honey Hill Farm said the law helped his family farm expand from 8 to 12 cows and from serving about 75 families to about 150, increasing sales by roughly $50,000 and allowing about $10,000 in raw cheese sales through retail outlets. He argued the law supports small-farm income, food security, and local processing, but said state health agencies still do not inspect raw milk producers unless they sell to a commercial buyer, which he said limits access to USDA grants and other opportunities. He and members discussed safety practices, including rapid chilling, sick-animal removal, sanitation, customer education, and whether any optional state certification or inspection program should be created without adding burdensome regulation. Members asked about herd management, bee production, market channels, and whether raw milk producers should receive training or certification. Ballard said his farm uses Jerseys, removes sick cows from production, sells on-farm and through retail locations, and relies on best-practice guidance from groups such as the Weston A. Price Foundation and the Raw Milk Institute. Several members expressed support for consumer choice but also raised concerns about food safety, especially for children and pregnant women, and about possible “mission creep” if the state creates a voluntary inspection or training system. The discussion ended without any vote or formal action on the raw milk issue. The committee then heard a lengthy presentation from Terrence Bolden of TLB Enterprises on hydroponic and container-based farming as a response to food insecurity, food deserts, and workforce needs. Bolden described a three-year career and technical education model using retrofitted shipping containers to grow food year-round with low water and energy use, paired with training in drones, robotics, agribusiness, and entrepreneurship. He said pilot projects are underway or planned with UAPB, the Little Rock School District, and other partners, and projected that five regional hubs could create significant economic impact and multiple jobs per container. Members asked about costs, target communities, school partnerships, food desert locations, and whether the model could include aquaponics or protein production; Bolden said the program is intended as a public-private partnership and that the committee could tour a container site once it is operational. The meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• please stand to be recognized if you're in the gallery: Catholic Charities of Hawaii, Chamber of Sustainable
• </c><00:20:13.880><c> Commerce,</c> Chamber of Sustainable Commerce, Chamber of Sustainable Commerce,
• fully comports with it as we are asking large media corporations that we know engage in deceptive practices
• engage media corporations that we know engage in<01:00:09.800><c> deceptive</c><01:00:10.360><c> practices
• </c><01:00:11.400><c> to</c><01:00:11.520><c> take</c> in deceptive practices to take in deceptive practices

Bills: HR204 , SB2925 , SB2798 , SB2320 , SB2800 , SB1230 , SB2706 , SB3233 , SB2405 , SB3320 , SB2543 , SB3097 , SB3096 , SB3140 , SB2593 , SB2567 , SB2466 , SB2140 , SB2088 , SB3090 , SB608 , SB2795 , SB3294 , SB3263 , SB3001 , SB2907 , SB3251 , SB2074 , SB2360 , SB2354 , SB2908 , SB2353 , SB3045 , SB2047 , SB3254 , SB3246 , SB3133 , SB2425 , SB2671 , SB3229 , SB2969 , SB1166 , SB896 , SB2391 , SB2125 , SB3118 , SB3325 , SB2613 , SB2614 , SB494 , SB2376 , SB3326 , SB2001 , SB2599 , SB3048 , SB3169 , SB2002 , SB3247 , SB3253 , SB2155 , SB2192 , SB3187 , SB2190 , SB2398 , SB2424 , SB3028 , SB2338 , SB3219 , SB2981 , HCR14

Keywords: H.R. 204, House Resolution, Hawaii LifeSmarts, LifeSmarts State Competition, student competition, academic recognition, congratulatory resolution, Iolani School, Kalani High School, Waipahu High School, personal finance, consumer rights, health and safety, technology education, environmental education, National Consumers League, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Hawaii Credit Union League, youth achievement, high school teams

Transcript Highlights:

• They have a committee of practicing attorneys that practice in this area, in the trust area.
• So if you read through it, there's, and our witness who practices, who actually chaired the committee
• I'm a practicing trust and estate attorney in St. Louis.
• This included practicing attorneys, sitting judges, trust companies, banks, and other stakeholders in
• The legislature has had a sustained interest in the state...

Committee: House Financial Institutions

Summary: The Committee on Financial Institutions heard House Bill 2863, which would clarify Missouri’s trust “no contest” clause law under the Missouri Uniform Trust Code. Representative Cameron Parker said the bill was brought forward by the Missouri Bar to clean up and clarify existing law without changing its substance. Testimony from trust and estate attorney John Chalas and the Missouri Bar supported the measure, explaining that it would refine procedures for seeking court guidance, protect nominal defendants, preserve beneficiaries’ ability to challenge bad-faith trustee conduct, and clarify the effect of prior rulings. No opposition was offered, and the hearing on HB 2863 was closed. The committee then heard House Bill 2967, which would create the Missouri expungement fund to support technology and system maintenance for expungement-related work, including the statewide court automation system and the Missouri criminal history records system. Representative Parker described the bill as a framework to help handle growing expungement demands, including marijuana-related and clean slate expungements. Committee members asked about funding sources, the one-third allocation among agencies, whether personnel costs could be covered, and whether the fund should include language on interest and biennial sweeps. Eric Cheneings of the Judicial Conference testified in favor, saying the bill is largely a housekeeping measure that recognizes the ongoing, coordinated nature of expungement work and the need for stable funding. He noted that the bill’s proposed dedicated fund would help avoid annual lapses and support continuing maintenance of sealed records, while leaving funding source decisions to the legislature. No one testified in opposition, and the hearing on HB 2967 was also closed.