Video & Transcript : 'Paul P. Mendes' :
Page 93 of 368
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, September 8, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I rise today with deep sadness to honor the life and legacy of Mayor Paul McDonald, who has left us after
- S DIFFICULT MEDICAL PROCESS, SPOKEN TO OVERWORKED AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS ABOUT THE P MOUNTING OF JOB
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Housing Finance and Affordability Aug 27th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- structure because, when you combine that with our strong credit rating—one that was just upgraded by S&P
- My name is Paul Schaefer.
Summary:
The Assembly Select Committee on Housing Finance and Affordability held its first hearing of 2025 to examine California’s housing finance system, with opening remarks emphasizing the state’s severe housing shortage, high costs, and the need for practical recommendations to the Legislature and Governor. Co-chairs described the committee as an educational and problem-solving forum focused on financing housing production, first-time homeownership, mixed-income developments, and affordability across the income spectrum. Witnesses from state agencies and the development sector were invited to explain how housing is financed and where the system is breaking down.
Panelists from the California Housing Partnership, the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, the Tax Credit Allocation Committee/State Treasurer’s Office, CalHFA, and Related outlined the “capital stack” used to finance affordable housing, stressing that projects typically rely on multiple public and private sources, including federal and state low-income housing tax credits, tax-exempt bonds, state subsidies, local funds, and rental income. Speakers noted that affordable housing rents generally cannot support full project costs without public subsidy, and that recent federal changes—especially the expansion of the 4% and 9% tax credit programs and the reduction of the bond financing threshold for 4% credits—should allow California to finance substantially more units. CalHFA also described its homeownership programs, including My Home, Dream For All, and disaster-related mortgage assistance, as well as its multifamily lending and bond issuance programs.
Several witnesses and committee members emphasized that the system remains too complex, too slow, and underfunded. They pointed to the need for more state funding, a housing bond, a permanent funding source, and better coordination among agencies, while also citing recent streamlining efforts such as AB 434’s SuperNOFA, AB 519’s one-stop-shop working group, and the planned California Housing and Homeless Agency reorganization. Members raised concerns about equity, access, missing-middle housing, gender and racial disparities, and whether current programs adequately serve extremely low-income households and those at risk of homelessness. No formal votes or actions were taken during the hearing; the discussion ended with committee members and witnesses agreeing that both funding and administrative reform are needed to increase production and improve affordability.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee May 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The second concern is the lower pleading standards that are being made available and added to the B&P
- Madam Chair and members, Paul Bauer, on behalf of Lockheed Martin Sikorsky, the manufacturer of the Black
Summary:
The committee heard several bills and took up multiple votes. AB 576, dealing with updates to California’s charitable fundraising platform registry after AB 488, was presented as a technical fix to help charities and platforms more quickly update eligible listings; there was no opposition testimony, and the measure was later moved on a due pass basis. AB 1160, on law enforcement drone programs, was presented with proposed amendments requiring U.S.-based data storage and limits on sharing or selling collected data; supporters said it would protect sensitive drone-collected information while preserving affordable drone use, while there was no opposition testimony, and it was also later passed out on a due pass as amended basis. AB 75, which would require insurers to give notice before collecting aerial images of homes and provide homeowners access to those images, drew support from the Department of Insurance and consumer advocates, while insurers opposed it unless amended, arguing aerial imaging is a cost-saving inspection tool and that the bill could worsen availability and affordability; the bill was moved to Appropriations on a due pass basis, with the roll held open for absent members.
The committee spent the most time on AB 325, which would address algorithmic price-fixing and collusion. The author and supporters argued that competitors using the same pricing software or algorithm to set prices can function as collusion even when the agreement is hidden behind code, and cited examples involving housing, frozen potatoes, gas pricing, and other industries. Opponents, including apartment, business, hospital, retail, chamber, and tech groups, said the bill was too broad, could sweep in lawful software and public-data market research, and might chill legitimate pricing tools, especially for small businesses and housing providers. Committee members raised concerns about clarity, intent standards, and whether the bill should focus more narrowly on nonpublic competitor data; despite those concerns, AB 325 was moved to Appropriations on a due pass basis, with the roll held open.
Later, AB 1221 was presented as a workplace surveillance bill that would prohibit certain invasive or discriminatory surveillance tools, require notice to workers, limit sharing of worker data, and require corroborating evidence before discipline based on surveillance outputs. Labor and consumer groups supported the bill, saying modern surveillance technologies can track speech, movement, emotion, and other sensitive traits and can be biased or abusive. The Security Industry Association opposed it, warning that the bill’s broad definitions could restrict legitimate security systems, emergency sharing with first responders, and employer responses to misconduct or unsafe behavior. The transcript cuts off before any final vote on AB 1221 is shown.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 14th, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Paul Golden. I show you registered as Nicole Golden, testifying on behalf of. against the bill.
- S-P-R-E-I-E-R. Okay, we'll show Scott registering against the bill. Not testifying.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I respect the P&V and that image, along with the image of Terry Boyette having her belongings sold by
- Sarah doesn't move, Molly doesn't move, Mays doesn't move, Pete doesn't move, Paul doesn't move, Perry
Summary:
The Senate convened with an invocation, received a House message that H.B. 422 had passed the House, and heard gubernatorial nominations for the Council on Sex Offender Treatment. The chamber also recognized the Doctor of the Day and several visiting groups and adopted a resolution designating June 20, 2025, as Texas Nuclear Legislative Day.
Members then considered and passed several bills and resolutions, often by suspending the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule. SB 311 passed to final passage on the Texas Supreme Court’s writ power. SB 883, on off-label prescription access for COVID-19 treatment, passed to engrossment. SB 1706, creating an Open Meetings Act exception for certain defense, military, and aerospace deliberations, passed despite concerns from Sen. Eckhardt that the bill’s use of “deliberate” could weaken open-government protections. CS SB 1677, directing a study on diabetes-related amputations, passed with support from Sen. Menendez. SB 1967 expanded flood infrastructure fund eligibility to certain multipurpose projects, and SB 1255, a cleanup bill on mold assessor and remediator regulation, passed unanimously.
The Senate also approved CS SJR 40 and CS SB 871, which would change emergency and disaster law to require legislative involvement after prolonged or widespread emergencies and to limit gubernatorial suspension powers, with Sen. Eckhardt questioning whether the bill could slow urgent business closures during a disaster. Additional measures passed included SB 1426 transferring management of the First Capital State Historic Site to the Texas Historical Commission, SB 249 requiring TxDOT to fund memorial markers for fallen peace officers, SB 1592 centralizing collection of hotel occupancy taxes from accommodation intermediaries, SB 1271 allowing concurrent jurisdiction on military installations for certain juvenile matters, SB 745 creating a higher penalty for intoxication manslaughter involving multiple deaths, SB 365 shortening the academic fresh start waiting period at public colleges, and SB 1171 adjusting compensation and standards for certain Texas Juvenile Justice Department inspector general employees. CS SB 36, creating a Homeland Security Division within DPS, passed after questions about its relationship to federal homeland security and its focus on border security and critical infrastructure.
The latter part of the session focused heavily on CS SB 38, a major eviction and squatter-related bill. Sen. Bettencourt described widespread squatter cases and argued the bill, with a Moody amendment, would clarify notice and eviction procedures while balancing property-owner and tenant rights. Sen. West said he supported addressing squatters but worried the broader eviction changes could harm vulnerable renters, especially single mothers, and said he would vote present not voting. The discussion continued with additional testimony from Sen. Kolkhorst about the need for a balanced eviction process.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Seventy One - Friday, May 15 - Morning Session
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Just $100 a month in an exchange-traded fund on the stock market, like the S&P 500, for instance, and
- in what's called an exchange-traded fund, so you basically invest in the entire performance of the S&P
- Money invested in the S&P 500 or something like that, standard index? Okay. Yes.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Seventy One - Friday, May 15 - Morning Session
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So, if you invested just $100 a month in an exchange-traded fund on the stock market, like the S&P 500
- So you basically invest in the entire performance of the S&P 500 as it proceeds, which we're not, the
- Money invested in the S&P 500 or something like that, Standard & Poor's? Okay. Yes.
Summary:
The House met on the final day of session with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the previous day’s journal by a 126-0 vote. Much of the early floor time was devoted to points of personal privilege, with members and the Speaker offering lengthy tributes to departing colleagues, House staff, law enforcement, veterans, and family members. Several members reflected on their service, discussed the challenges of the session, and thanked staff in the chamber and across the Capitol for their work.
The chamber then took up Senate messages and committee reports, followed by several bills and resolutions. House Bill 2636, dealing with mortgage modification and related consumer protections, was adopted as amended and finally passed by votes of 142-1 on adoption and 144-1 on final passage. House Bill 2397, concerning water district dissolution procedures and related safeguards, was adopted and finally passed by votes of 129-16 and 127-17. House Bill 2576, a naming and designation bill adding observances and memorial highways/bridges, was adopted and finally passed by votes of 136-4 and 134-6.
The House also debated Senate Joint Resolution 95, which proposed creating a constitutional Show Me Prosperity Fund as a sovereign wealth fund intended to eventually replace state taxes through long-term investment returns. Supporters argued it was a forward-looking fiscal strategy based on compound interest and could reduce reliance on taxes over generations. Opponents warned that the state was facing near-term budget shortfalls and that locking money away could make it inaccessible during emergencies or when needed for current services. The transcript ends during continued debate on the resolution, with no final vote shown.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
AEN-HHS, AEN DEFER Public Hearings 02-02-2026
Agriculture and Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- and</c><00:08:12.240><c> people</c><00:08:12.400><c> are</c><00:08:12.560><c> in</c><00:08:12.720><c> p<
- </c><00:08:14.000><c> Um,</c><00:08:14.319><c> the</c> this and people are in p person.
- Um, the this and people are in p person.
Committee:
Senate Agriculture and Environment
Summary:
The joint Senate Agriculture and Environment and Health and Human Services hearing opened with SB 2093, which would require the fuel tank advisory committee to meet at least quarterly and provide funding. The Department of Health offered written testimony, and multiple supporters, including the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, Sierra Club, and a public member of the advisory committee, said more frequent meetings were needed to keep Red Hill cleanup, water testing, and public engagement front and center. Senators asked about public participation and whether the bill should also require meetings outside business hours; testifiers urged at least one evening or weekend meeting to improve access. No vote was taken during the discussion shown.
The committee then heard SB 2095, creating a PFAS working group within the Department of Health to study PFAS and related chemicals and report to the Legislature. DOH supported the concept but requested amendments and funding, while the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity deferred to DOH. The Board of Water Supply supported the measure and asked to be included in the working group. Members asked about the bill’s reference to “other residuals,” and DOH explained it could refer to remaining PFAS components in soil, water, or other media. The discussion emphasized the widespread and long-lasting nature of PFAS contamination.
Next, the committee considered SB 2046 on underground storage tanks and Red Hill-related cleanup. DOH and the Board of Water Supply testified, and a long list of community and environmental groups supported the bill. Testifiers argued the Navy caused the problem and should be held accountable for cleanup, while one witness said the bill was necessary because the Navy had delayed meaningful remediation. Senators asked whether the bill’s “large landowner” language could include the state or counties under existing statutes; DOH said it would check and later explained that cleanup responsibility generally falls first on the responsible party, then on large landowners if no responsible party exists, with the Navy currently understood to own Red Hill.
The hearing then moved to SB 2096 on wastewater management, which the Department of Land and Natural Resources supported, noting PFAS can harm marine resources, and DOH’s wastewater branch offered comments. SB 2127 on water pollution drew support from Agra Business Development Corporation and opposition from the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and others. The main debate centered on runoff, NPDES permitting, and whether the bill could unfairly affect agricultural and public entities; senators and witnesses discussed how heavy rainfall, cesspools, and mixed land uses complicate responsibility and compliance. The transcript ends with the committee still in discussion on SB 2127, with no final votes or actions shown in the excerpt.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- Er, ha p s to kind of go back a little bit. That would be like services like.
- Oh, P for instance, has 7 polygraph examiners. You have OSBI.
- the amount of chemicals they can use because it could be dangerous if you use too much too little so p
Committee:
House Administrative Rules
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Nov 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We also just launched last week the first... the Rural P-20 Partnership, which is a program designed
- And so the P-20 initiative is actually modeled after a Texas... the Collegiate Education, and they've
- That's why the P-20 mapping will definitely organize all the resources, and we talk to people.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Public Pension Oversight Board (7-29-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- may</c><00:26:06.880><c> be</c><00:26:07.039><c> the</c><00:26:07.200><c> one</c><00:26:07.360><c> p<
- :26:07.679><c> the</c><00:26:08.000><c> person</c><00:26:08.320><c> answering</c> he may be the one p
- the person answering he may be the one p the person answering it. it. it.
Summary:
The meeting opened with roll call, a quorum was confirmed, and the minutes were approved. The committee then heard testimony on Senate Bill 9, which concerns TRS sick leave audit requirements and process. Auditor Allison Ball’s staff said the audit is an information-gathering review of how teacher sick leave is accumulated, current balances, how many employers use the sick leave function, and the policies and procedures governing sick leave. Members discussed how unused sick leave affects retirement calculations, the distinction between the state’s financial responsibility and school districts’ responsibility, and whether the audit would also examine related leave categories such as personal leave, annual leave, and leave of absence. Committee members emphasized that Senate Bill 9 was intended to add accountability and standardize reporting, including preventing annual leave from being rolled into sick leave.
Several members asked for clarification on how sick leave is factored into retirement benefits. Witnesses and members explained that, under the system described, accumulated sick leave can be converted into retirement credit based on a teacher’s daily rate and then multiplied by a percentage, with the school district often bearing the cost. Members also noted nuances in the law, including different accumulation limits by hire date and tier, and that the audit may help the public better understand why some educators retire relatively young. The auditor’s office said it is still early in the process, has met with TRS leadership, and will report back once the audit progresses. The committee also asked whether maternity leave would be included; the auditor’s office said it was not specifically mandated but could be examined if the body requests it.
The committee then received an overview of Senate Bill 10 from KPA representatives Ryan Barrow and Rebecca Atkins. They explained that the bill enhances retiree health insurance benefits for certain CRS members who are non-Medicare participants and meet specified career thresholds, with different rules for hazardous and non-hazardous service. They described the benefit as $40 per month per year of service for non-hazardous service and $50 per month per year for hazardous service, both inflated annually, and clarified that these amounts are not cumulative with prior benefit formulas. Members asked about the interaction between the new amounts and existing benefits, and the presenters explained that the bill also changes current employee health insurance contribution rates effective July 1, 2026, with different impacts by tier and hazardous status. The committee discussed the need for clear communication to affected employees and reviewed example calculations showing how the new contribution structure would work.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/18/25 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- name our staff uh that was to thank by name our staff uh on<00:36:16.400><c> the</c><00:36:16.640><c> p<
- 17.680><c> um</c><00:36:18.560><c> judiciary</c><00:36:19.280><c> and</c><00:36:20.720><c> uh</c> on the p
- or on the um judiciary and uh on the p or on the um judiciary and uh civil<00:36:21.920><c> law</c><00
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Transportation panel OKs bill to temporarily halt spending on light rail transit projects 2/12/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- is</c><00:25:08.320><c> a</c><00:25:08.480><c> bill</c><00:25:08.760><c> being</c><00:25:09.159><c> p<
- <00:25:09.559><c> pushed</c><00:25:09.840><c> for</c><00:25:10.039><c> it</c> there is a bill being p
- uh pushed for it there is a bill being p uh pushed for it to<00:25:10.320><c> alleviate</c><00:25:10.799
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- , if not three years, but because there's so much of this going on where you guys rob Peter to pay Paul
- <c> it</c><00:59:45.359><c> it</c><00:59:45.720><c> it's</c><00:59:45.960><c> not</c> Peter to pay Paul
- but it it it's not Peter to pay Paul but it it it's not just<00:59:46.559><c> that</c><00:59:47.480>
- yeah but so you talk to any governor's P yeah but so you talk to any legislators<02:11:49.119><c> you
- By Paul? Oh, by Paul High School. You know what? All the private people work for us.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Funding (02/11/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative P: No. Chairman Ladd: Yes. 10 yeas and 8 nays.
- Representative P: No. Chairman Ladd: Yes. 10 yeas and 8 nays.
- Representative P: No. Chairman Ladd: Yes. 10 yeas and 8 nays.
- Representative P: No. Chairman Ladd: Yes. 10 yeas and 8 nays.
- /c> no P no P 18<01:04:50.160><c> oh</c><01:04:50.520><c> sorry</c><01:04:51.400><c> uh</c><01:04:51.720
Summary:
The committee first discussed HB 443, which would change terms and vacancy language for members of a higher education commission. Members raised concerns that the bill was too narrow to address broader issues with commission membership, including expired appointments, attendance expectations, and whether the Department of Education could replace the commission’s role. Several members suggested the bill was not ready for action and favored holding it for further work, possibly through a subcommittee or work session. One member suggested that if attendance standards were added, no more than two unexcused absences should trigger removal, given the commission’s meeting schedule. The chair said he would defer action and form a small subcommittee to report back before the committee deadline.
The committee then moved to HB 484, dealing with repurposing Career and Technical Education classroom space after 20 years of exclusive use. The chair explained that the bill was aimed at the Milford CTE project, where shared use of space could allow a school to repurpose part of a CTE facility while still using it for CTE-related instruction. Members discussed other possible situations around the state, including Claremont, North Conway, and Jaffrey/Rindge, and whether the bill should be limited to Milford or broadened to allow local districts more flexibility. Some members favored passing the bill now to help CTE projects move forward, while others argued for an amendment removing the requirement that the space be vacated specifically to expand the CTE program occupying it.
Testimony and discussion emphasized that the Milford project had state approval but reduced funding, requiring a smaller scope and repurposing of existing space. Supporters said the bill could help preserve CTE programs while also benefiting general education space needs, and that local districts should have flexibility after 20 years. Opponents or cautious members noted that the language might not fit every district situation and asked for feedback from Director Beard and Steve Rothenberg before final action. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion provided, and instead discussed waiting for an amendment and additional input before acting.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- to TEA. uh... but it's a little bit fuzzy for parents and folks right now and so was chairman your s p
- Guillermo Gudino Jennifer Allman, Paul Krajewski And Sarai Flores. Is it Sarah or Sarai?
- I'm Paul Kruszewski, and I'm essentially just representing myself. my children and my grandchildren.
Bills:
SB12 , SB1565 , SB13 , SJR12 , SB686 , SB371 , SB204 , SB609 , SB112 , SB400 , SB813 , SB 12 , SB 13
Committees:
Senate Education , Senate Education K-16
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Ways and Means May 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Now the P-1s through five make a little bit of sense.
- So that's where the P numbers came from originally, and when you got rid of the quarterly fundings, it
- 10 years delaying the project by waiting for that final fill-up-the-bucket money instead of saying P-
- 10 years delaying the project by waiting for that final fill-up-the-bucket money instead of saying P-
Summary:
The committee met for an informational hearing focused largely on the state capital outlay process and House Bill 2. Roger Husser and Matt Baker of the Division of Administration/Facility Planning and Control described how the office prepares and administers the capital outlay bill, said the bill has grown substantially over five years, and argued that recent changes in culture, staffing, project management, cash-flow analysis, and use of third-party support have more than doubled project expenditures and improved delivery. Members asked about the use and cost of third-party project managers, delegation of smaller projects to agencies, hiring difficulties, and whether the changes represented better interpretation of existing law versus statutory changes. Husser said some statutes were amended, some internal customs were removed, and the office would provide a list of those changes. He also explained that the office is trying to move away from overly rigid practices and toward faster project completion while still following public-bid and oversight rules.
A major portion of the discussion centered on the size and structure of the capital outlay bill, especially the gap between Priority 1 cash capacity and the much larger Priority 5 backlog. Husser said the current annual Priority 1 limit is tied to construction inflation and is about $574 million, with additional surplus funds also available, but that the bill contains far more Priority 5 funding than can realistically move in a five-year plan. He and members discussed dormant projects, scope creep, legacy projects that have sat in the bill for years, and the problem of false expectations for non-state entities. Proposed solutions included limiting Priority 5 to five times Priority 1, requiring annual re-endorsement by members, setting district or project caps for non-state projects, requiring time limits and reporting for grant-like non-state projects, placing matches in escrow, requiring design readiness before submission, and consolidating the many existing reporting requirements into one clearer report. Members also discussed bundling multiple projects under one agency project, which the House had begun piloting for LSU, UL Lafayette, Southern, and DOTD, and which Husser said could improve flexibility, reduce overappropriation, and better reflect actual spending.
Baker then explained cash-flow management and the commitment process, saying FPC now analyzes projects annually to estimate what can actually be spent in the next fiscal year and uses commitments to allow projects to proceed when future-year funding is expected. He said overappropriations can result from poor cash-flow estimates, delays, dormant projects, or projects coming in under budget, and that the office is already reworking cash-flow assumptions and reappropriating savings where possible. Members also raised concerns about change orders and low bids; staff said project managers review change orders closely, require concurrence on non-state projects, and sometimes reduce scope to keep projects within budget. After FPC’s presentation, the committee heard the beginning of Louisiana Economic Development’s capital outlay discussion, where LED explained that its projects generally fall into three categories, including the Economic Development Awards Program and Site Readiness Program, both used to support targeted economic development and job creation.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Fiscal Policy Apr 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> If a state park if the E P >> found that such construction would not cause substantial harm. >>
- Also as far I think when the senators had a question about being able to trust the D E P I'm making that
- We have Laura Moon speaking for the bill would F L S P thank. She's here.
- As you may know, you know, when a baby is born, they do that little p**** on their he'll and remove a
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EDN Public Hearing - Tue Mar 11, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- offering testimony in support, Hawaii Food Plus Policy in support, Church State Council in support, P.
- support Church State Council<00:59:53.039><c> in</c><00:59:53.240><c> support</c><00:59:54.160><c> P<
- Farm</c><00:59:55.640><c> LL</c><00:59:56.240><c> C</c><00:59:56.640><c> in</c> Council in support P
- Lani Farm LL C in Council in support P Lani Farm LL C in support<00:59:58.440><c> parents</c><00:59:58.720
Summary:
The committee heard several education-related bills, with testimony largely in support. SB 1388 and SB 1393, both concerning the School Facilities Authority and Department of Education representation and land conveyances, received support from DOE and the School Facilities Authority, with no questions or action taken. SB 423, which would add Head Start representation to the Early Learning Board, was supported by the Early Learning Board and the Executive Office on Early Learning, which explained the bill would realign the board with federal Head Start Act requirements after the board was restructured in Act 170; EEL also requested an effective-date amendment. SB 422, allowing DOE to award diplomas to students whose education was disrupted by war, drew support from DOE, the Chamber of Commerce, the Military Council, and the Special Education Advisory Council, but also significant opposition from the Hawaii Patriot Republicans and many individuals; members asked questions about the bill, and DOE explained the measure’s purpose, but no vote was taken.
The committee also took testimony on SB 532, which would expand who may administer certain medications in schools. DOE, the Department of Health, and the University of Hawaii supported the bill. Members asked detailed questions about oral, nasal, and topical medications and the process for prescription review and administration; DOE explained that parents request the medication, a school form is completed, a nurse reviews it, and either a trained school health assistant or a contracted nurse administers the medication. DOE said the measure could improve attendance and learning, especially for students with ADHD, asthma, and other chronic conditions. The committee then heard SB 659 on locally sourced food products and school meals, where DOE’s procurement office opposed the higher small-purchase threshold and DOE exemption from procurement rules, while Ulupono Initiative, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Public Health Institute, and others supported the bill as a way to advance farm-to-school goals and the 30% local food target by 2030. Testimony and questioning focused on the proposed threshold increase, transparency, and whether an online bidding system would be preferable.
Finally, the committee heard SB 1300 on subsidies for ALICE families’ school meals. DOE supported the bill but requested amendments: defining eligibility at 250% of the federal poverty level, delaying implementation until the 2026-2027 school year, and covering reduced-price lunch students in full for 2025-2026. HSTA, Hawaii Appleseed, Catholic Charities Hawaii, Pride at Work Hawaii, Hawaii Youth Services Network, and others supported the measure, emphasizing food insecurity, the burden of meal paperwork, and the educational importance of free meals. Hawaii Appleseed suggested replacing ALICE with a federal poverty level standard and removing a rulemaking requirement that could delay implementation. No votes or final committee actions were reported in the transcript.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I'll start by going through the bill a little bit and then I have the city manager, Aaron P., here to
- the<00:02:28.560><c> city</c><00:02:28.800><c> manager</c><00:02:29.280><c> Aon</c><00:02:29.959><c> P<
- 00:02:30.200><c> here</c><00:02:30.319><c> to</c><00:02:30.519><c> testify</c> the city manager Aon P
- here to testify the city manager Aon P here to testify on<00:02:31.480><c> behalf</c><00:02:31.760><c
Committee:
Senate Taxes