Transcript Highlights:

• >> I would have to defer. I'm not sure. >> Defer, that's me.
• >> I would have to defer. I'm not sure. >> I would have to defer. I'm not sure.
• I I hope defer<00:22:59.840> to<00:23:00.000> her. defer to her. defer to her.
• defer to the department. defer to the department. >> Thank<00:23:16.159> you.
• recognize isn't that really deferred recognize isn't that really deferred revenue<02:48:13.920><

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• maintenance priorities with and deferred maintenance priorities with an<00:51:05.480> updated
• <02:23:08.760> repair particularly the Deferred repair particularly the Deferred repair maintenance
• <02:35:41.960> maintenance 250 million for deferred maintenance 250 million for deferred maintenance
• So for the deferred maintenance projects, we look at an overall allocation.
• For the deferred maintenance projects, we do look at the conditions.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Education held an informational/budget briefing with presentations from the State Library System, the School Facilities Authority, and the Department of Education. The chair opened the meeting by outlining the order of presentations and noting that members would hold questions until after all three agencies had testified. The discussion focused on each agency’s priorities for the upcoming biennium and their budget requests. State Librarian Stacy Aldridge described library usage and services, emphasizing strong demand for physical and digital materials, internet and Wi-Fi access, programs, Kanopy streaming, and PressReader. She highlighted digital literacy classes, RFID self-check and smart shelving improvements, and the role of libraries as community hubs. The library’s budget request included an additional $1.2 million for security guards, $48.484 million for FY 26-27 to support popup libraries during temporary closures and other needs, $500,000 for repair and maintenance, $2 million for Kap planning and design, and $25 million each year for lump-sum capital funding. Mallerie Fujitani said the lump-sum funding is needed to keep roughly 50 projects moving and to avoid delays in construction. School Facilities Authority Executive Director Ricky Fujitani explained the agency’s startup history and its programs for preschools, Central Maui schools, and workforce housing. He said the authority is using standardized, prefabricated, programmatic approaches to speed delivery and improve maintainability, citing prior preschool renovations as a successful model. He reported that of $389 million appropriated, $106 million was released, with $81 million for preschools, $20 million for Central Maui schools, and $5 million for workforce housing; he also noted the workforce housing program was reduced after Maui fire-related reallocations. He said the pilot workforce housing site at Mililani High School has been awarded and pointed to University of Hawaiʻi student housing projects as a model. Superintendent Hayashi then began the Department of Education presentation, introducing DOE leadership and outlining the department’s mission to support academic achievement, character development, and student well-being. He noted the department serves more than 152,000 students in 258 public schools and employs over 42,000 people, with nearly 54% of students facing significant challenges. He framed the budget request around the department’s strategic plan to prepare graduates for college, careers, or military service. The transcript ends during the DOE presentation, before any committee votes or formal actions are taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe we have an agreement with the fuel vendor for a period of time, but I defer back to...
• of<00:20:47.040> time,<00:20:47.680> but<00:20:47.840> I<00:20:47.960> defer
• <00:20:48.440> back for a period of time, but I defer back for a period of time, but I defer

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Joint Fiscal Committee met on May 15 at 10:00 a.m. and first approved the April 17 minutes. It then took up a consent calendar covering tabs three through seven, with items 089 and 097 removed for separate discussion. The committee approved the remainder of the consent calendar and then adopted item 089, which involved Department of Safety/Homeland Security grant funding for active shooter incident management and school reunification training. Officials said the project is a mandatory Homeland Security grant set-aside, with training for public safety officials and school districts and internal social media used only to promote training schedules; members asked about marketing, outcomes, and how success would be measured. The committee next considered item 097 for the Division of Historical Resources. Agency officials said the request was driven by a decade-long increase in Section 106 and state historic preservation reviews, many tied to disaster-related infrastructure work such as culvert and road repairs, and that the grant would add capacity to handle roughly 1,000 to 1,500 reviews per year. The committee approved the item after brief discussion. Under the regular calendar, the Department of Transportation presented a fuel-related transfer. Members questioned the decline in the highway fund balance, which staff said was being affected by rising expenses, flat-to-moderate revenue, and a rough winter that increased maintenance costs. DOT officials said they were considering toll rate increases and noted the agency pays market wholesale fuel rates; they also discussed prior fuel hedging decisions and said they have authority to hedge again if it makes sense. The committee approved the DOT item, then approved a miscellaneous action item to fill a position at the LBA. Members also asked the chair to remind the Attorney General to appear at a future meeting regarding the YDC claims report. The committee set its next meeting for Friday, June 19 at 11:00 a.m., and adjourned after a brief note of appreciation for recent corrections and changes reported by the liquor commission.

Transcript Highlights:

• I could defer to my colleague who... Senator Reardon, why don't you take this one?
• <00:07:39.520> I<00:07:39.560> could<00:07:39.760> defer<00:07:40.040> to
• I could defer to my colleague one out?
• I could defer to my colleague who<00:07:41.440> Senator<00:07:41.600> Reardon,<00:07:41.920

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd acknowledge at this time it incorporates the chairman's issue in, so I'll let him defer to that.
• so<00:03:21.600> I'll<00:03:21.680> let<00:03:21.840> him<00:03:22.360> defer
• <00:03:22.680> to<00:03:22.760> that issue in, so I'll let him defer to that issue
• in, so I'll let him defer to that if<00:03:23.239> if<00:03:23.360> the<00:03:23.480>

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Uh, Chair Kazik, I'm going to defer to Representative Green. >> Representative Green. >> Uh, thank
• ,<00:02:19.760> I'm<00:02:19.920> going<00:02:20.000> to<00:02:20.319> defer
• <00:02:20.640> to >> Uh, Chair Kazik, I'm going to defer to >> Uh, Chair Kazik
• , I'm going to defer to Representative<00:02:21.520> Green.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So with that, members, chair's recommendation is to defer for now.
• 07:49.200> to u members chair's recommendation is to u members chair's recommendation is to defer
• 07:51.839> with<01:07:52.000> that<01:07:52.240> I<01:07:52.400> think defer
• So with that I think defer um for now.

Bills: HB2045, HB1703, HB2461

Keywords: La Hoihoi Ea, Sovereignty Restoration Day, state holiday, King Kamehameha III, Hawaiian history, self-determination, land use, rodeo, agricultural activities, ranching, paniolo culture, public art, cultural preservation, community identity, funding, art management, 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Culture and the Arts met on February 13 and heard testimony on HB 2045, which would designate La Hoʻihoʻi Ea Sovereignty Restoration Day as a state holiday in place of Statehood Day. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, including from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Naviʻoliʻoli Newi Foundation, and many individuals and students. Supporters said the bill would better reflect Hawaiian history, sovereignty, and self-determination, while a few agencies submitted comments. The committee recessed to allow more students to arrive and testify. After reconvening, additional student testimony continued in strong support of HB 2045. Students said the change would honor Native Hawaiian history and culture, recognize Hawaii as a sovereign nation, and provide a more historically grounded observance. Members thanked the students for traveling to testify and for sharing their perspectives. The committee then voted to pass HB 2045 with one amendment to defect the date; the motion passed unanimously with the chair, vice chair, and members voting aye, and one member excused. The committee also heard HB 1703 HD1, which authorizes rodeos and rodeo activities on lands zoned for agriculture or pastoral use. Testimony in support came from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Agribusiness Development Corporation, and the Iron Workers Stabilization Fund, with comments from the Hawaii Food and Policy group. Supporters described rodeos as cultural and social events that could boost local economies, create jobs, and provide youth and community engagement. The committee passed HB 1703 HD1 with technical amendments. Finally, the committee considered HB 2461, which would increase the ceiling for the works of art special fund and appropriate funds for preservation of the state’s public art collection and a collections manager position. After discussion, the chair said the measure would not move forward this year and recommended deferral; the committee deferred the bill and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• should not get; it's just simply testing the criteria that's outlined in the bill, so we, of course, defer
• /c><00:04:08.159> know<00:04:08.280> of<00:04:08.360> course<00:04:08.560> defer
• the bill so we you know of course defer the bill so we you know of course defer to<00:04:09.000>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Committee on Primary and Secondary Education and Workforce Development met, approved the minutes from its first meeting, and then received a presentation on the School Facility Assistance Fund audit. State Auditor Allison Ball’s office and its third-party contractor, Blue and Co., explained that the audit followed the scope set in the budget bill: to review each school project’s cost, available local resources, and eligibility criteria for state gap funding, with the Auditor of Public Accounts certifying the final report. The presenters walked through the 20 school projects identified for review and gave the current gap funding amounts found for each. Examples included Adair County at about $7.6 million, Augusta Independent at $5.3 million, B.S. Down Independent at just over $43 million, Fleming County at about $15 million, Garrard County at $14.9 million, Johnson County at $78 million, Somerset Independent at $1.7 million, Walton Verona at $48,000, Williams Town Independent at $7.4 million, and several others. They also noted that some districts were fully funded before the audit or withdrew because they had secured enough local funding, including Breathitt County, Kent County, and Lewis County. Washington County’s project was flagged as failing some House Bill 6 eligibility criteria even though the report calculated a $27.6 million gap. Members asked whether districts that secured funding on their own were being penalized, and the auditors responded that changes in gap amounts reflected several factors, including rising project costs and newly available local funding. They also said the audit did not attempt to determine whether local funds were earmarked for one project versus another, because the budget bill directed them to assess available local funding as provided. The committee requested the presentation slides, and the meeting concluded with no further questions and a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• She deferred to the Department of Safety regarding how much information they would receive if they received
• that<00:06:02.919> I<00:06:03.039> would<00:06:03.360> um<00:06:03.520> defer
• <00:06:03.840> to<00:06:04.000> the pending that I would um defer to the pending that
• I would um defer to the Department<00:06:04.440> of<00:06:04.600> Safety<00:06:05.000>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Child Care Nutrition Program reduction, we will defer to Department of Finance and the May Revision
• preschool, we will defer to our CD partners.
• The Child Care Nutrition Program reduction, we will defer to Department of Finance and the May Revision
• preschool, we will defer to our CD partners.
• preschool, we will defer to our CD partners.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held a hearing on the Governor’s May Revision, with no votes taken. The first major topic was child care and early education, where the Department of Social Services and Department of Finance outlined proposed changes to absorb federal Child Care and Development Fund and Proposition 64 revenue reductions, shift some funding between child care programs, end funding for prospective pay implementation now that the federal requirement has been rescinded, adjust the alternative payment administration structure, and fund child care infrastructure grants and a Low-Income Investment Fund contract closeout. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the budget makes progress on the structural deficit but recommended maintaining the administration’s solution level, making reserve deposits, and avoiding new ongoing commitments; it also raised concerns about shifting reductions to the California Alternative Payment Program and about the proposed administrative-rate change. Committee members strongly criticized the proposed loss of child care slots and said they would oppose eliminating those slots, while also expressing support for child care as essential infrastructure. The committee then reviewed California State Preschool Program proposals. Finance and CDE described reductions to the preschool COLA from 2.41% to 2.01%, removal of prospective pay funding, and increases for the QRIS block grant, audit support, and rate reform implementation. Trailer bill language would codify age-based rate categories, inclusion-rate documentation, family fee collection rules, portability, and excused absences. CDE supported the QRIS increase and some attendance and family-fee changes, but warned that aligning three- and four-year-old rates could reduce support for three-year-olds and that the budget does not fully cover enrollment growth. Members also questioned whether the preschool and child care slot reductions should be reallocated rather than terminated, and the administration said the reductions were intended to reflect current utilization and avoid harm to currently enrolled families. The hearing then moved to CalFresh and nutrition programs. CDSS said the May Revision includes a one-time CalFood augmentation, funding to cover federal SNAP administrative cost-share pressures, and additional staffing and technical assistance to implement HR 1 changes, including the able-bodied adults without dependents time limit and new non-citizen eligibility rules. The department estimated HR 1 could cut CalFresh funding by $2.3 billion to $3.7 billion annually and affect about 500,000 people, with roughly 806,000 adults potentially subject to the time limit and about 34,000 non-citizens expected to lose eligibility once fully implemented. Members pressed for stronger harm mitigation, including a $98 million backfill to protect families from losing food benefits, and raised concerns about county workload and the “chilling effect” on immigrant participation. The final portion of the transcript began the IHSS presentation, noting a revised budget of $33.7 billion total funds and $12.8 billion General Fund, with proposed reductions tied to Medi-Cal asset-limit changes and other federal conformity items.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would defer questions to Representative Alexander or the other people here to testify on behalf of
• It's also a respect matter, too. >> I am not an attorney at all, and I defer to people that, you know
• the actual how it gets put into the RSAs, we leave to people smarter than us, and so, you know, I defer
• to people that all and uh and I I defer to people that you<01:07:14.960> know<01:07:15.119>
• to your judgment on whether I I defer to your judgment on whether those<01:07:34.960> things<

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To defer the reading and referral of bills to the end of the day's calendar, is there objection?
• ruling to changing the eligibility for certain persons. receive community supervision including deferred
• HB 2783 by Garcia of Dallas relating to the by certain county employees and deferred compensation plans
• This will allow counties to enroll new employees in deferred compensation plans. more employees benefit
• The introduced bill stated that a court is not required to give deference to construction of statutes

Bills: HJR34, HB 113, HB184, HB198, HB247, HB367, HB449, HB1778, HB514, HB576, HB632, HB1395, HB2225, HB2582, HB2494, HB766, HB2715, HB2712, HB3069, HB3505, HB 1269, HB4224, HB3609, HB5032, HB2240, HB5180, HB3348, HB4668, HB4909, HB4665, HB4895, HB3395, HB3157, HB4762, HB4395, HB4325, HB4952, HB4386, HB4273, HB2760, HB2697, HB2820, HB1828, HB1768, HB1579, HB1773, HB1871, HB2035, HB2448, HB2492, HB1411, HB4753, HB4666, HB4529, HB1499, HB1610, HB2028, HB1506, HB886, HB3546, HB796, HB223, HB1475, HB3556, HB4638, HCR126, HB38, HB 104, SB1008, SB1106, SB1172, SB2629, SB2964, SB616, HB2214, SB552, HB3181, HB3628, HB589, HB3529, HB3354, HB333, HB2914, HB4130, HB4131, HB24, HB 1160, HB3962, HB4115, HB2295, HB5398, HB1407, HB3800, HB2613, HJR138, HB42, HJR34, HB 129, HB677, HB426, HB668, HB1699, HB2017, HB2128, HB2038, HB3783, HB3717, HB2316, HB3686, HB2563, HB3883, HB4021, HB2788, HB2663, HB3305, HB3173, HB3474, HB 1105, HB3531, HB3490, HB3597, HB 1295, HB3512, HB3010, HB3112, HB4215, HB3223, HB3464, HB3120, HB4214, HB4511, HB3704, HB4081, HB4783, HB4063, HB2783, HB4937, HB5085, HB2510, HB3426, HB4361, HB 1169, HB2516, HB2347, HB4034, HB4700, HB3560, HB5150, HB3860, HB3146, HB3924, HB 113, HB184, HB198, HB247, HB367, HB449, HB1778, HB514, HB576, HB632, HB1395, HB2225, HB2582, HB2494, HB766, HB2715, HB2712, HB3069, HB3505, HB 1269, HB4224, HB3609, HB5032, HB2240, HB5180, HB3348, HB4668, HB4909, HB4665, HB4895, HB3395, HB3157, HB4762, HB4395, HB4325, HB4952, HB4386, HB4273, HB2760, HB2697, HB2820, HB1828, HB1768, HB1579, HB1773, HB1871, HB2035, HB2448, HB2492, HB1411, HB4753, HB4666, HB4529, HB1499, HB1610, HB2028, HB1506, HB886, HB3546, HB796, HB223, HB1475, HB3556, HB4638, HCR98, HCR92, HCR126

Keywords: HJR 34, constitutional amendment, Texas Constitution, ad valorem tax, property tax exemption, real property, border counties, U.S.-Mexico border, United Mexican States, border security, border security infrastructure, landowner, county tax base, local government, tax relief, property value increase, infrastructure improvements, voter approval, November 2025 ballot, statutory construction

Transcript Highlights:

• Out of deference to my fellow colleagues that have 9:30 committee meetings, I would like to just give
• Out of deference to my fellow colleagues that have 9:30 committee meetings, I would like to just give
• Out of deference to my fellow colleagues that have 9:30 committee meetings, I would like to just give
• Out of deference to my fellow colleagues that have 9:30 committee meetings, I would like to just give
• you're hearing this and out of deference you're hearing this and out of deference to<00:48:55.160

Keywords: 00:00 Introductions 02:46 Roll Call 03:35 Discussion on SB 14 46:13 Vote on SB 14 48:07 Discussion on SB 17 50:38 Vote on SB 17, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services opened with the chair welcoming several new members and outlining session rules: hearings would start and end on time, the committee would limit the number of bills heard each meeting, prioritize bills heard during the interim, and generally avoid using the consent calendar except in extreme circumstances. The committee then briefly considered administrative regulations, which were treated as approved if members had no questions. The main item was Senate Bill 14, a measure addressing the 340B drug discount program. The chair said the bill had already passed the Senate in a prior session and had been heard in interim, so he did not present it again. He described the bill as prohibiting drug manufacturers from discriminating against 340B covered entities by refusing 340B pricing when the same drug is offered at that price in the state. He also said the committee would not debate the federal 340B program itself, but would hear testimony on the bill. Hospital leaders and Kentucky Hospital Association representatives testified in support, arguing that 340B savings are essential to rural hospitals, oncology services, transportation support, chronic care, addiction recovery, and new service lines such as chemotherapy and hepatitis treatment. They said the program helps keep care close to home and that manufacturer restrictions on contract pharmacies have reduced access and cost hospitals millions. Opponents from BIO Kentucky and the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions argued the bill would expand federal law beyond Congress’s intent, create administrative burdens, and not lower patient out-of-pocket costs. The chair repeatedly pressed opponents to address why Kentucky should be denied the same 340B pricing available in other states. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I defer to Representative Gorman for agenda item number seven, Senate Bill 300.
• Madam Speaker, I defer to Representative Ortega for agenda item number four, Senate Bill 27.
• Madam Speaker, I defer to Representative Lynn for agenda item number two, House Bill 382.
• Madam Speaker, I defer to Representative Bush for agenda item number six, Senate Bill 280.
• I defer to Representative Bush for consent agenda, item five, Senate Bill 315.

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I always want to make sure that we give deference to both of you. So thank you for that.
• So I always want to make sure that we give deference to both of you. So thank you for that.
• You talked about deferred maintenance as not eligible for cost share.
• Who pays for deferred maintenance? Because that's a big topic.
• Everything we talk about talks about deferred maintenance. So who pays for that? Yes.

Summary: The Water Topics Overview Committee met to review several interim studies and receive updates from the Department of Water Resources. The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes, observed a moment of silence for the late Representative Conmy, and welcomed Representative Hansen to the committee. Staff then reported that the watershed management study and the stormwater/wastewater study had both satisfied the presentation requirements in their study directives, with no further required testimony unless members wanted additional information. The department’s main presentation focused on major water projects and agency operations. Reese Haas and staff updated members on the NAWS project, the Southwest Pipeline Project, Devils Lake outlet operations, low-head dam safety work, floodplain management repository implementation, data center water use, and the 2027 Water Development Plan. Members asked detailed questions about NAWS funding sources, remaining project costs, capacity concerns for All Seasons and other users, and whether current construction is being designed for future demand. The department said NAWS remains on track for substantial completion by October, that remaining NAWS funding will come from a mix of federal, state, and local sources, and that current construction is designed for ultimate capacity while some future components will be adjusted for increased demand. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to the department’s cash management, Resources Trust Fund revenues, carryover balances, and the State Water Commission’s cost-share program. The department reported $340.6 million in carryover remaining, explained that much of it is already obligated to long-term projects, and noted that oil price forecasts and stripper-well exemptions will affect future revenues. Members raised concerns about large carryovers, affordability for local sponsors, and whether the state should continue obligating money multiple bienniums ahead. The department said it is working with the commission on a revised prioritization framework, including high/moderate/low project categories and a two-tier pre-construction/construction approach, to better manage obligations and affordability. The committee also reviewed Deloitte’s finalized studies on regional governance/finance and cost-share policy. Deloitte presented options for Southwest, NAWS, and Red River governance, with stakeholders generally favoring keeping NAWS largely as is, using the current Southwest model with improvements, and pursuing a more structured governance option for Red River. On cost share, the department said Deloitte’s recommended package would cover projected needs through the 2030s, but would require policy changes such as lower percentages for some project types, a 25% replacement-project rate with a cap, and possible bonding or delayed reimbursement strategies. No votes were taken on these policy questions, and the chair indicated the committee would continue the discussion at future basin meetings and the September Water Topics meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, once there's a polling done, and I'm defer to the executive director and the committee members on
• So, once there's a polling done, and I'm defer to the executive director and the committee members on
• So, those two are deferred.
• So, those two<01:06:38.360> are<01:06:38.520> deferred.
• two are deferred. two are deferred.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a series of resolutions and a few bills, with testimony largely in support across the agenda. Early measures included HCR 15/HR 17 supporting Kamehameha Schools’ admissions policy, and HCR 22/HR 22 urging Congress to pass federal kidney disease legislation; both drew support and no opposition. The committee also heard HCR 146 HD1/HR 138 HD1 on “excited delirium,” with testimony from advocates urging the resolutions be broadened to include related terms such as hyperactive delirium and agitated delirium, and from family members and disability-rights advocates describing the issue as harmful pseudoscience tied to police-custody deaths and calling for a ban on the term and better mental-health responses. The committee then took up HCR 123/HR 115 on creating a coordinated support and stabilization task force for Native Hawaiians experiencing homelessness or extreme low income. Department of Hawaiian Home Lands testified in support, describing its transitional housing work and saying collaboration and data-sharing with the state homelessness office would help beneficiaries and others; members questioned whether existing entities already do similar work and whether the proposal would extend beyond beneficiaries. HCR 32/HR 32, which asks the governor’s senior advisor on mental health and the justice system to develop a plan to increase access to Hawaii State Hospital for certain criminal defendants, drew support from the Department of Health, the governor’s office, and disability-rights advocates, who emphasized coordinated planning, diversion from arrest when appropriate, and matching people to the right level of care. Additional resolutions addressed a range of policy issues: renaming Leeward Community College to Puloulou Community College (with no testimony), creating an ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi pathway under the Niʻihau dialect at UH (UH noted existing courses already cover the dialect but not a degree pathway), moving to a demerit-point driver licensing system (support only), and coordinating transportation infrastructure planning for Hawaiian home lands (DHHL supported the measure and said an expired DOT memorandum of understanding had covered related collaboration). The committee also heard support for expanding DHHL financial literacy and homeownership-preparedness programs, a resolution asking the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission to examine algorithmic discrimination, and a resolution urging the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Advisory Committee to follow its rules, comply with the Sunshine Law, review its executive director, and strengthen accountability; the last measure drew 11 written supports and no opposition. No final votes or decisions were taken in the portion provided, as the hearing focused on testimony and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Thomas: I just deferred to Tom because he had his hand up.
• Representative Thomas: I just deferred to Tom because he had his hand up.
• Representative Thomas: I just deferred to Tom because he had his hand up.
• Representative Thomas: I just deferred to Tom because he had his hand up.
• James Kallis from the New Hampshire Business Finance Authority. defer most of them to to other defer

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so to the extent that allowed certain tax planning opportunities for foreign corporations to defer
• could defer the timing of when they had to report and pay tax on that income.
• a developer could uh defer a developer could uh defer uh<00:36:54.640> the<00:36:54.960><
• <01:21:30.640> Miss defer to House research on that.
• Miss defer to House research on that. Miss Haggler. >> Um<01:21:34.719> Mr.

Bills: HR1, HF387

Keywords: January 6 insurrection, pardon, law enforcement, violent crimes, public safety, justice system, political accountability, Blaine, local sales tax, special tax, restaurant tax, lodging tax, admissions tax, amusement tax, hotel tax, redevelopment, capital improvements, municipal finance, bonding authority, tourism tax

Transcript Highlights:

• to the department services and we defer to the department of<01:24:43.920> corrections<01:24:
• So I think you can avoid potential costly lawsuits and fines by deferring SB 1612.
• So I think you can avoid potential costly lawsuits and fines by deferring SB 1612.
• So I'm going to defer the bill. Questions, comments? If not, final bill...
• > the I'm going to defer the I'm going to defer the bill.<01:49:50.480> Questions,<01:49:51.040

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing opened with SB 1442, which would update the statute governing the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division and clarify its role as the state Medicaid provider of intensive mental health services for children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbance. The Department of Health testified in strong support, saying the current statute is outdated and warning against any unfunded mandate because the division relies on federal funding and faces uncertainty about future resources. Written testimony from several organizations also supported the bill. The committees took no immediate action and said they would hold decision-making until later. The hearing then moved to SB 479 on ABLE savings accounts. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Hawaii Disability Rights Center supported the measure, arguing that ABLE accounts help people with disabilities save money without losing benefits and that the state needs more outreach and staffing to expand participation. A testifier with a disability said the bill would help people keep Social Security and housing stability. The chair indicated an intention to move the bill forward, and asked about funding; the discussion settled on a requested appropriation of about $75,000 for incentives. Next, SB 1245 on reimbursement of pharmacists drew broad support from the Hawaii Pharmacists Association, rural pharmacies, the Hawaii Primary Care Association, and others, who said the bill would improve access to care, especially on neighbor islands and in rural communities, and help pharmacies participate in 340B-related services. The Insurance Division and HMSA raised concerns about bill language, saying it could be read to cover pharmacists outside an insurer’s network and that the scope of reimbursable services needed clarification; the pharmacists’ association said the bill is intended to apply only to in-network pharmacists and should continue to reference existing scope-of-practice law. The hearing also took up SB 1279, which would allow pharmacists to authorize medications via telehealth under certain circumstances. The State Board of Pharmacy opposed the bill, citing patient safety, a pilot project with reported errors, concerns about controlled substances and unregulated technicians, and the view that in-person pharmacist services are safer and already available on the affected islands. Several pharmacies and health care groups supported the measure as a way to preserve 340B access and improve service on Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi, while some local pharmacies said they already provide in-person service and opposed remote dispensing. No votes were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We stand in support of this measure, but we do defer to DHS for the legalities of it.
• to DHS for the legalities of do do defer to DHS for the legalities of it<00:12:42.079> but<00
• The department strongly supports this measure and also defers to the Department of Budget and Finance
• this Administration measure also defers this Administration measure also defers the<00:20:18.520
• Our last measure, HB 1081, relating to the Office of Wellness and Resilience, moving to defer.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several Human Services measures focused on Medicaid access, long-term care benefits, home health reimbursement, SNAP administration, trauma-informed child welfare, and child abuse reporting. HP 702 would increase funding for Medicaid in-home services if federal matching funds are secured, and testimony from disability advocates supported the measure as needed to help people with disabilities cover medical expenses. HB 1477, described as a correction to a prior session’s mistake, would clarify that the monthly needs allowance for certain long-term care residents does not replace state supplemental payments and would raise the ceiling by $25 to fix the prior issue and by an additional $20 as a new benefit; DHS supported it with amendments, and the committee indicated it would amend accordingly. HB 713 would fund a DHS rate study for home health services, with the Healthcare Association of Hawaii strongly supporting it and describing rising labor costs, losses on Medicaid patients, and access concerns if agencies cannot keep serving Medicaid clients. HB 1099 would appropriate emergency funds to DHS after a USDA penalty tied to SNAP response times, with supporters including Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Public Health Institute, and others arguing the money should be reinvested in staffing and systems to improve access and avoid further penalties. HB 1079 would direct the Office of Wellness and Resilience and DHS to create trauma-informed assessments and training for Child Welfare Services staff; testimony from state offices and advocacy groups supported it, citing the Mālama ʻOhana Working Group, staff burnout, and the need for a sustainable train-the-trainer model. Finally, HB 239 would narrow when failure to provide a child’s needs constitutes abuse or neglect, but DHS raised concerns that the current wording could broaden abuse findings and leave families in poverty without a clear safety net, while the Honolulu prosecutor’s office opposed it, warning it could weaken mandatory reporting and hinder investigations of child abuse. No formal votes were taken in the portion provided, though the chair said HB 1477 would be amended and several measures were left open for further questions and testimony.