Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:12:33.040><c> across</c> and looked at state facilities across and looked at state facilities
• </c><00:15:27.199><c> It</c> becoming a trauma-informed state. It becoming a trauma-informed state.
• I serve as a member of the Hawaii Trauma-Informed Care Task Force.
• This resolution will move Hawaii closer to its goal of becoming a trauma-informed state.
• </c><00:21:15.280><c> care</c> really big part of trauma-informed care really big part of trauma-informed

Committee: Senate Government Operations

Summary: The Government Operations Committee heard Governor’s Message 663, reappointing Corey Schaefer to the 911 Board for a term ending June 30, 2026. Schaefer described his telecommunications background and five years of service on the board, including recent election as chair. There was no opposition, and the committee recommended advise and consent; the recommendation was adopted with one member excused. The committee then took up a resolution asking the Comptroller and DAGS to work with the Hawaii State Public Library System to identify rural and underserved communities needing better telecommunications access for participation in the legislative process. Testimony from library and disability advocates supported the goal, but members raised concerns that the measure was too broad and unclear about the actual problem, whether libraries already had sufficient broadband and equipment, and whether the focus should be on public access and education rather than DAGS. The committee deferred the measure to Thursday for a revised draft. Members also heard a resolution urging all state departments to partner with the Office of Wellness and Resilience on data-sharing agreements. The office and several advocacy groups supported the measure as part of trauma-informed state efforts, but members expressed strong privacy and HIPAA concerns and questioned what data would be shared, for what purpose, and how it would be protected. The committee deferred that measure as well so the office could work with the chair on narrower language. Finally, the committee considered a resolution urging boards and commissions to conduct annual performance reviews of executive directors or equivalent exempt positions. With only one individual testifying in support, the committee recommended a Senate draft to clarify that the measure applies to civil service exempt positions, and the recommendation was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> for the facility improvements. for the facility improvements.
• ,</c><01:11:12.800><c> racial</c><01:11:13.120><c> trauma,</c> intergenerational trauma, racial trauma
• ,</c><01:11:58.480><c> racial</c><01:11:58.880><c> trauma,</c> intergenerational trauma, racial trauma
• </c> some of these costs is the facility fee. some of these costs is the facility fee.
• </c> experience trauma, especially children. experience trauma, especially children.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• The trauma ripples outward, bullet.
• When facilities are financial practices.
• Minnesota has a facility collapse.
• We also was by for-profit facilities.
• Uh we do facilities, and some hospitals.

Bills: HF3668 , HF2779 , HF2771

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Those with difficult-to-treat depression, difficult-to-treat trauma.
• If they stood incapable of navigating the complexities of their trauma, the trauma that ultimately led
• If they stood in capable of navigating the complexities of their trauma, the trauma that ultimately led
• The truth is that trauma is something that touches all of us.
• Because one, the trauma disclosure in me just wants to name that.

Bills: HF3454 , HF3917 , HF2906 , HF3832 , HF3769

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• I've visited the facility myself, and it's great for these kids.
• intensely because of that trauma.
• Youth in these facilities face unacceptable circumstances, such as the Giddings facility where children
• operated by the state and not county facilities.
• But last time we put in $200 million for TJJD to build two facilities.

Bills: HB1967 , HB3442 , HB5525 , HB5561 , HB5653 , HB5667 , SB1171

Committee: House S/C on Juvenile Justice

Transcript Highlights:

• If they stood in capable of navigating the complexities of their trauma—trauma that ultimately led them
• If they stood in capable of navigating the complexities of their trauma trauma that ultimately led them
• Experiences like that have seen my understanding of trauma and mental health.
• I did my own research looking for more mental health and and brain trauma.
• The truth is that trauma is something that touches all of us.

Transcript Highlights:

• That turned into her social media accounts being used to. to expose a trauma filled girl.
• One was the act of after the trauma occurred. That wasn't made evident. were after the trauma.
• But those mistakes do not mean my trauma wasn't real.
• The software showed 173 kits in medical facilities past due for pickup from the medical facility.
• Victims suffer years of trauma, physical abuse, and psychological.

Bills: SB251 , SB608 , SB487 , SB535 , SB761 , SB955 , SB957 , SB958 , SB988 , SB990 , SB1019 , SB1021 , SB1120

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also clarifies that such facilities may not provide or offer any drug... or device intended
• And then the trauma of the actual procedure could have all been prevented in the very beginning.
• We have to be trauma-informed from the beginning. giving that survivor an immediate choice.
• They will live with a lifetime of trauma related to the abuse that they endured.
• Trained statewide on trauma-informed investigations. Okay, thank you, appreciate that. Thank you.

Bills: HB220 , HB783 , HB2240 , HB3336 , HB4202 , HB4449 , HB4904 , HB3441 , HB4284

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• of pediatric trauma and emergency services in the county.
• Trauma can lead to long-term harm and cycles of continued violence.
• Trauma can lead to long-term harm and cycles of continued violence.
• Many already live with deep trauma.
• And for a facility, a...

Committee: Senate Health

Transcript Highlights:

• Because they're coming from homes of trauma. They're coming from histories of trauma.
• These facilities.
• Whether it's nursing homes, residential care facilities, hospitals, juvenile facilities, or schools,
• There are no psychiatric facilities nor juvenile detention facilities within Calaveras County.
• If these closed, then these facilities don't are, if these facilities closed, then these children don't

Summary: The hearing covered several child welfare, human services, tribal housing, child care, and long-term care bills. SB 1099 would clarify local governments’ authority to provide state or local public benefits to all residents under PRWORA; SB 1190 would regulate private youth transport services by requiring permits, background checks, training, and bans on blindfolds, hoods, restraints, and overnight pickups; SB 1322 would streamline tribal access to Community Care Expansion housing grants and better align the process with tribal sovereignty; SB 1109 would require an annual license renewal review for STRTPs with five or more Type A citations in a year; SB 1234 would require fentanyl testing in juvenile dependency cases when a court finds a risk of fentanyl use; SB 991 would require DSS to identify the specific type of abuse on its public licensing database; SB 1200 would redefine “infant” for family child care ratio purposes as under 18 months; and SB 1345 would strengthen foster youth rights regarding access to and dignified transport of personal belongings. The committee also approved a consent calendar including SB 534, SB 1410, and SB 1421. Testimony was largely in support of the measures, often from authors, advocates, county officials, and people with lived experience. Supporters of SB 1190 described traumatic youth transport practices and argued for basic safety standards. SB 1322 supporters said tribal grantees face unnecessary delays and collateral demands that conflict with sovereignty. SB 1109 drew support from county probation officers who cited repeated serious violations and public safety concerns at STRTPs, while the chair ultimately opposed the bill as duplicative of existing CDSS authority. SB 1234 drew emotional support from a grandparent who lost a child to fentanyl, but also opposition from the Drug Policy Alliance and a dependency attorney, who argued the bill was redundant, vague, and could create biased or unnecessary testing; amendments were accepted to narrow the standard. SB 991 supporters said the public needs more specific information about abuse findings, SB 1200 supporters said the change would expand infant care capacity and help working families, and SB 1345 supporters said foster youth deserve dignity rather than having belongings packed in trash bags. Votes were taken after quorum was established. SB 991, SB 1200, SB 1345, SB 1190, SB 1234, SB 1322, and SB 1099 were all reported out of committee, most on unanimous or near-unanimous votes; SB 1234 passed 6-0 as amended to Appropriations, and SB 1099 later had a vote change recorded, ending 5-1. SB 1109 did not advance after the motion failed for lack of a second, and it was held in committee. The committee then adjourned and transitioned into an oversight hearing reviewing the outcomes of AB 2247 (placement stability and notice protections for foster youth) and AB 2496, with presenters discussing how the earlier foster youth placement law has changed practice and the importance of dignity, notice, and youth voice in placement decisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• So practice certainly has changed in trauma systems and trauma systems of care.
• Secondly is having an annual trauma system report to the governor. receive trauma patients.
• So having receive trauma patients.
• </c> the voice of a survivor of trauma. the voice of a survivor of trauma.
• or certified facility, they facility or certified facility, they would<03:22:20.080><c> be</c><03:22

Committee: House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Anisa Dela Cruz, Warden, Central California Women's Facility, CDCR.
• At our women's facilities.
• I was released in 2020 from the Central California Women's Facility.
• I was sharing about my causative factors, my trauma, and he was right there staring me down.
• They give incarcerated women the opportunity to heal their trauma.

Summary: The hearing focused first on sexual abuse, harassment, and retaliation in California’s women’s prisons, with testimony from CDCR wardens, the Office of Inspector General, advocacy groups, and formerly incarcerated survivors. Legislators and witnesses described a pattern of staff misconduct, fear of retaliation, gaps in reporting, and the need for stronger accountability, better investigations, and more outside access for survivor support organizations. CDCR said it has expanded training, body-worn and stationary cameras, outside partnerships, and PREA-related response procedures, while the Inspector General requested additional funding and staff to monitor more grievances and staff sexual misconduct cases under SB 1069. Members pressed CDCR on why accused staff are not always placed on leave, how cases are referred to prosecutors, and whether current protections are enough; several members argued the state should aim to investigate all complaints and do more to prevent retaliation and repeat abuse. The second issue was rehabilitative and reentry programming in women’s prisons. CDCR’s Division of Rehabilitative Programs and the wardens highlighted education, vocational training, substance use treatment, peer support, and community reentry programs, citing increased enrollment and recent graduates earning diplomas, degrees, and certifications. They said these programs are intended to reduce recidivism and improve public safety. Formerly incarcerated advocates and community providers argued that current offerings are still too limited, outdated, and not aligned with today’s job market, especially around digital literacy and transferable credentials, and they urged more funding for community-based, trauma-informed, gender-responsive programming. A coalition representative asked for a $20 million continuation and expansion of the Wright Grant program, and members discussed additional budget requests for reentry and related women’s services.

Transcript Highlights:

• These facilities.
• Whether it's nursing homes, residential care facilities, hospitals, juvenile facilities, or schools,
• There are no psychiatric facilities nor juvenile detention facilities within Calaveras County.
• If these closed, then these facilities don't are, if these facilities closed, then these children don't
• And trauma in different ways.

Committee: House Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• , and that facility is named, and the patient privacy is maintained, but that facility privacy is not
• > is</c> specific facility and that facility is specific facility and that facility is named<00:09:47.200
• </c> pivot and use it against the facility pivot and use it against the facility that<00:10:35.200><c
• Any panel, not just infant mortality, not just trauma.
• Any panel, not just infant mortality, not just trauma.

Committee: Joint Public Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• Trauma can make the brain rigid. Rigid like Harvard lava.
• Trauma can make the brain rigid. Rigid like Harvard lava.
• Health facilities are already allowing medical cannabis.
• I want to cannabis in these facilities.
• Health facilities are already DO.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 3025, relating to medical debt, with multiple organizations and individuals, including the Office of Wellness and Resilience, Healthcare Association of Hawaii, Queens Health Systems, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Aloha Care, Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction, Hawaii Data Collaborative, and Hawaii Appleseed, all speaking in support. No opposition was heard, and the member present had no questions. The committee then took up SB 3199, which would establish a mental health emerging therapies task force. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, with speakers including veterans, clinicians, researchers, and advocacy groups describing personal experiences with PTSD, depression, traumatic brain injury, and treatment-resistant conditions, and arguing that Hawaii should prepare for regulated access to emerging therapies such as MDMA, psilocybin, ketamine, and ibogaine. The Department of Health and some medical organizations provided comments, and one opposition witness was called but not present. The chair noted broad support, especially from veterans, and no vote was taken during the excerpt. The final measure discussed was SB 3324, relating to Medicaid. The Department of Human Services, Department of Health, Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, Aloha Care, and numerous care-provider and aging/disability organizations testified in support, while one witness was in opposition and several others offered comments. The discussion then moved to SB 2563, relating to homelessness, where the Department of the Attorney General offered comments on specific sections and recommended adopting suggested amendments if the bill proceeds. Additional testimony on SB 2563 began with support from several individuals, including Shelby Pikachu, who emphasized the severity of homelessness and related social problems in the community.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we will hear a variety of bills relevant to issues including health care facilities, workforce
• This is an act relative to medical health and fitness facilities. Welcome to all of you.
• Part of that is due to the incentive structure that we provide for these facilities.
• presentations, particularly complex trauma, remain treatment-resistant.
• presentations, particularly complex trauma, remain treatment-resistant.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Health

Summary: The committee hearing covered a wide range of public health bills, with much of the testimony focused on two major themes: expanding access to care and stabilizing health-related workforces and services. On House 2364, an act relative to medical health and fitness facilities, representatives from Dedham Health and Athletic Club argued for a pilot program recognizing supervised exercise as medicine, saying it could improve outcomes for chronic disease, fall prevention, and mental health while reducing costs. On House/Senate bills concerning community health workers (H. 359/S. 251), multiple witnesses from MACHW, Health Care for All, MHA, Cambridge Health Alliance, Mass General Brigham, Boston Children’s Hospital, Asian Women for Health, and the City of Somerville described CHWs as essential for navigation, trust-building, language access, and addressing social needs, and urged reimbursement by MassHealth, the GIC, and private insurers, along with workforce development measures. One pediatric neurologist also told the committee that losing grant-funded CHW support led to more avoidable ER visits and threatened clinic operations. The committee also heard extensive testimony on hospital closures and essential services. Witnesses including Dr. Alan Sager, MNA President Katie Murphy, nurses from Brockton Hospital and Providence Behavioral Health, and local officials and legislators from Norwood described the loss of hospitals and service lines, especially maternity, pediatric, and behavioral health care, and argued current closure processes are too weak to protect communities. They supported bills such as H. 2460/S. 1503 and H. 2534/S. 1574, which would require earlier notice, community input, stronger state oversight, possible receivership, and limits on reopening or expanding after closures. Testimony emphasized the impact of Steward’s bankruptcy, the closures of Carney and Neshoba Valley, and the need to preserve access to essential services in underserved areas. Several end-of-life and professional regulation bills were also discussed. On H. 2436, Representative Omar Gomez and funeral industry witnesses supported eliminating Office of the Chief Medical Examiner fees for the removal of a child’s body in cases involving children five and under, describing the bill as a small but important relief for grieving families. On H. 2444 and related Senate bills, cemetery and consumer advocates supported legalizing alkaline hydrolysis and natural organic reduction as environmentally friendly after-death options, while cemetery representatives opposed H. 2360, which would allow funeral establishments to operate crematories, arguing cemeteries should retain that role. The committee also heard support for H. 2382, which would exempt dentists and oral surgeons from a new office-based surgical center framework, and for H. 2461, which would create hospital efficiency standards; employers and retailers backed that bill as a way to address rising health care costs. Finally, the committee heard testimony on autism services and hospital governance. On S. 1414, behavior analysts and school representatives said Massachusetts already licenses assistant-level ABA providers but MassHealth does not reimburse them, causing long waitlists and limiting school and family access; an actuary testified that a three-tier ABA reimbursement model could reduce MassHealth costs by up to 6% per child served. Senator Lovely also testified in support of S. 1572, which would require at least one registered nurse on each acute care hospital governing board, arguing nurses’ frontline perspective would improve quality and retention. No votes were taken in the hearing excerpt, but many witnesses urged favorable reports on their respective bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• These doctors are real doctors; they are vetted by Florida, work in approved facilities, supervised,
• Young: The Department of Health identifies within its 18 trauma centers.
• You said this would be allowed at all Level I and Level II trauma centers.
• What about on the way to the trauma center?
• And remember, in trauma care, we don't get do-overs.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and heard a series of health care-related bills, with Chair Tuck emphasizing respectful debate and noting that all bills on the agenda would be voted on that day. The first measure, HB 743, would give the Attorney General authority to investigate and bring civil actions against health care practitioners who violate Florida’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors, and would make aiding or abetting such conduct a third-degree felony. Supporters said it closed loopholes and protected minors and parental rights, while opponents argued it was vague, overbroad, and could chill lawful care and professional judgment. The bill passed 13-4 and was reported favorably. The committee then unanimously approved PCS for HB 567, which narrows a continuing-education requirement for podiatrists so only those who prescribe controlled substances must take the related two-hour course. It also unanimously approved HB 439, allowing chiropractors, under specified training and certification requirements, to inject vitamins and nutrients while continuing to prohibit intravenous injections. The committee also passed HB 1235 to enter Florida into the respiratory care interstate compact, and HB 1237, a linked public-records/public-meetings exemption needed to implement that compact; both measures were supported as workforce and access-to-care bills and passed without opposition. Later, the committee approved PCS for HB 809, which addresses temporary physician certificates in areas of need and aims to prevent doctors from losing the ability to practice when area designations change. Members asked about licensure pathways and the effect of federal or board designation changes, and supporters framed the bill as protecting continuity of care in underserved communities. The committee also unanimously passed HB 1347 to align clinical laboratory personnel licensing with federal CLIA standards amid staffing shortages, and HB 1515, a public-records exemption tied to a uterine fibroid research database. Finally, the committee approved HB 169 updating acupuncture statutes, including terminology changes and limits on injection therapy, and HB 1021, Representative Young’s first bill, allowing qualified hospital pharmacists in Level I and II trauma centers to administer emergency medications at a physician’s direction during life-threatening situations. HB 1021 drew the most questions, mainly about scope, definitions, and who could authorize the pharmacist, but after a technical amendment it passed unanimously. All remaining bills were reported favorably, and the meeting adjourned after the final vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• This would have prevented so much of the trauma I carry today.
• so much of the trauma I carry today.
• </c><01:25:19.760><c> I</c> at one of the residential facilities I at one of the residential facilities
• I think religious trauma is real.
• I think kids that are trauma is real.

Bills: HF3877 , HF3714 , HF3750 , HF3024

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• We provide trauma-informed services and placement for survivors of human trafficking, and intervention
• We know that the trauma we've identified what kind of traumas that they've experienced before, such as
• Identified what kind of traumas they've experienced before, such as sexual abuse and extreme chronic
• Of course, they've experienced trauma.
• While the statute required only a one-hour trauma-informed care training, we recognize the need for a

Committee: Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs received three presentations and took no bill votes. The Department of Children and Families gave an extensive update on human trafficking prevention and services, describing Florida’s statutory framework, hotline and investigation data, placement options such as safe houses and safe foster homes, new adult safe house certification rules, expanded screening tools for vulnerable adults, and prevention efforts including youth-led outreach and training. Members asked about whether current funding is sufficient, how DCF addresses grooming and re-victimization in residential settings, and how long youth typically remain in safe-house placements; DCF said funding is only one part of the support system, that families and youth receive prevention resources even when allegations are not substantiated, and that placement length varies by child. OPPAGA then presented its 2024 annual report on commercial sexual exploitation of children. The report found that verified CSE victims slightly declined in 2023, with Broward, Miami-Dade, Duval, Hillsborough, and Escambia among the highest-prevalence counties. Most verified victims were community youth rather than children already in care, though dependent youth had higher rates of prior maltreatment. OPPAGA also reported continued concerns about limited placement capacity, especially for less restrictive Tier 1 safe houses, and service gaps such as the need for survivor mentors. Its recommendations focused on expanding placement options, improving data collection, and strengthening collaboration to support survivor mentors. Finally, DCF presented the Step into Success pilot program for current and former foster youth ages 16 to 26. The program combines workforce education, professional development, and paid internships with mentor support; the first cohort launched in 2024 with 15 participants, all of whom secured placements, and the department reported strong satisfaction and early outcomes. Committee members asked about scalability, costs, and whether the model could be moved beyond DCF-run operations into community-based providers. DCF said the program was designed to be scalable, currently costs about $500,000 annually for the pilot, and could be expanded statewide with additional funding and partner support. The committee adjourned after the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• My story started years earlier with childhood trauma—trauma that shaped the way I saw myself, the way
• And as you may recall, we approved this bill last year for tribal facilities and IHS facilities to provide
• No state has been able to receive 100% FMAP beyond IHS 638 facilities.
• No state has been able to receive 100% FMAP beyond IHS 638 facilities.
• , services provided inside those facilities, receive a 100% federal match with the feds.

Bills: SB1112 , SB1517 , SB1537 , SB1584 , SB1673 , SB1776

Committee: House Appropriations