Video & Transcript Research : 'support workers'

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US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, April 15, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • support the motion to recommit. support the motion to recommit.
  • It's not workers.
  • Instead of protecting<06:17:59.520> workers<06:18:00.000> and<06:18:00.320> supporting
  • <06:18:00.718> one<06:18:00.958> of protecting workers and supporting one of protecting
  • workers and supporting one of our<06:18:01.280> state's<06:18:01.920> key<06:18:02.240
FL

Florida 2026 4th Special Session

January 13, 2026 - 03:30 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • So kudos to you and I'm happy to support this bill. Chair: Other members with debate? Debate?
  • a poll worker, and then come back and maybe be part of the team in the future.
  • League of Women Voters waives in support. That is all the public testimony we have.
  • We have Charmaine, Florida PTA, waiving in support. Chair: That is the testimony. Debate members?
  • I'm happy to support it today and in the future. Chair: Thank you.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Human Services Committee Jun 15th, 2026

Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • Any support, please. Go ahead.
  • I'm asking that you guys support AB 2379, and I support it too. Thank you.
  • Okay, others in support? Others in support, please approach the mic.
  • So I urge you to support AB 1981. Let's build a California to support AB 1981.
  • I am here to support AB 1981. Thank you. Thank you. To support AB 1981. Thank you.
Keywords: 987, senate, all
Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee heard a long agenda of child welfare, food assistance, child care, and social services bills. Early actions included AB 308 on regional center safety training for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, AB 1049 to remove sponsor deeming from the California Food Assistance Program, AB 1201 to narrow a violent-felony bypass for family reunification services, AB 2379 to require know-your-rights training for family child care providers, AB 2429 to ease requirements in early childhood mental health consultation, AB 1755 to repeal CalWORKs’ 100-hour work penalty, AB 2478 to create a kinship family approval pathway, and AB 1969 and AB 1996 to expand coordinated cradle-to-career and child-poverty reduction efforts. The committee also began discussion of AB 1932, which would continue and strengthen community-based crisis response services. Testimony was largely in support across the hearing. Advocates, county representatives, child care providers, legal aid groups, food banks, disability organizations, and anti-poverty coalitions argued that the bills would reduce administrative barriers, improve access to benefits and services, and better protect children and families. Several authors and witnesses emphasized real-world harms from current rules, including fear of immigration enforcement, wrongful benefit denials, delayed kinship placements, and the burden of outdated eligibility requirements. On AB 1201, county welfare officials and child welfare advocates said the bill would preserve judicial discretion while allowing more parents a fair chance at reunification; on AB 2478, they said a kin-specific approval path would help place children with relatives more quickly; and on the child care bills, providers said current reimbursement and compliance systems are unsustainable. There was some committee concern about accountability and safety, especially on AB 1049 and AB 1201. One senator questioned whether removing sponsor deeming could weaken program integrity, and another raised concerns about whether narrowing the reunification bypass could expose children to unsafe environments or criminal activity. Authors and supporters responded that the bills still leave eligibility screening, judicial review, supervision, and service plans in place, and that the changes mainly remove automatic barriers or overly broad rules. Votes taken during the hearing were generally favorable: AB 308 passed 3-0 and was held on call; AB 1049 passed 2-1 and was held on call; AB 1201 passed and was held on call; AB 2379 passed 3-0 and was held on call; AB 2429 passed and was held on call; AB 1755 passed and was held on call; AB 2478 passed and was held on call; and AB 1969 and AB 1996 both passed and were held on call. The committee also noted that some bills were on the consent calendar and approved those items 3-0 while holding them open.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

AEN-HOU, AEN Public Hearings 03-10-2025

Agriculture and Environment

Transcript Highlights:
  • We support it.
  • We support it.
  • We support it.
  • We support it.
  • We support it.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1294 HD2, which would create a workforce housing working group within the Department of Agriculture to address agricultural workforce housing shortages. The Department of Agriculture supported the bill’s intent but emphasized that the first step should be a study to determine actual housing demand, noting many farmers have very low incomes and may not be able to support housing costs. A DHHL representative said the department supports the measure as a first step but does not currently plan to expand housing on its agricultural lands; members also discussed the distinction between agricultural and pastoral leases and asked for follow-up information on lease numbers and ranchers growing feed. Testimony on HB 1294 was overwhelmingly supportive, with farm and farmers’ organizations saying housing is critical to sustaining agriculture and should be located near farm operations when possible. Members questioned how housing eligibility would be enforced and whether federal housing funds could be used. The committee reported 38 testimonies in support, none opposed, and two comments, then voted to pass HB 1294 HD2 with amendments, including a date defect to July 1, 2050; the motion carried with five in favor and the recommendations were adopted. The committee then took up HB 428 HD1, establishing the Hawaii Farm to Families Program to address food shortages and requiring reports before the 2026 regular session. The Department of Agriculture urged the bill’s continuation and appropriations, citing rescinded federal grant programs and a planned $1.1 million application to support food banks and kalo production. Food banks, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, the Hawaii Farmers Union, and other groups strongly supported the measure, describing rising demand for charitable food assistance, especially for fresh produce and protein, and noting that many families are struggling despite working multiple jobs. Witnesses also described school pantry and backpack programs, food rescue partnerships with retailers, and the need for more stable state support; one witness asked for at least $5 million in funding for farm families. Committee members asked about food insecurity levels, food safety, abuse of food assistance, and how the program would connect farmers with schools and food banks. Food bank representatives said they already work with DOE school pantry programs and inspect all donated food for safety, and they suggested a grant or escrow-style payment model could help farmers by reducing reimbursement delays. The transcript does not show a final vote on HB 428 before the excerpt ends.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 1/23/25

Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:
  • , whether that's a child mental health worker, Children's Mental Health worker, rather, or their case
  • worker, their case manager.
  • um whether that's a child mental workers um whether that's a child mental health<00:19:59.919> worker
  • Children's Mental Health health worker Children's Mental Health worker<00:20:01.640> rather<00
  • You've got the social worker, you've got a children's mental health worker, you have us.
Keywords: 1183, house
Summary: The House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee approved the January 21 minutes and then reviewed committee rules, emphasizing deadlines for handouts, testimony notices, and substantive amendments, along with a warning that disruptive signs, noise, or demonstrations could lead to removal from the hearing room. The chair said the rules would be shared with the full House and noted the committee would operate with quorum and not tolerate chaos. The committee then heard a presentation from Tammy Baker Olson, the state program administrator for the Guardian ad Litem Board, on the program’s structure and budget request. She explained that guardians ad litem are independent voices for children’s best interests in child protection and family court cases, not attorneys or direct service providers. She said the program operates statewide, with 243 employees, and in 2024 advocated for more than 12,000 children, attended over 30,000 court proceedings, and filed reports in over 16,000 hearings. She also described specialized Family Court and Indian Child Welfare divisions, efforts to address racial disparities, and training requirements for guardians. Members asked about mileage and travel demands, the distinction between a child’s attorney and a guardian ad litem, caseloads, re-entry outcomes, the move from contractor/volunteer models to employee-based staffing, and the role of volunteers. Olson said most guardians use personal vehicles and mileage reimbursement, average caseloads are about 24, and the program has not seen a statewide increase in cases but does face staffing vacancies and turnover in some areas. She said the board believes the employee model improved advocacy and supervision, while the program is rebuilding a modest volunteer pool. She also said the program supports Indian Family Preservation Act-related work and has a formal process for handling conflicts of interest, which should be raised immediately to a supervisor rather than waiting for a complaint process.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 4/8/26

Children and Families Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • , adding new trainings for workers, adding new trainings for experienced<00:03:54.480> workers,
  • worker burden. worker burden.
  • > several This investment could support several This investment could support several MAXIS<00
  • Um support that for sure.
  • you'll find a lot of support for that. you'll find a lot of support for that.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Transportation Committee Jul 7th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • Pipe Trades Council, and the Western States Council of Sheet Metal Workers, in support.
  • Council, and Western States Council of Sheet Metal Workers, in support.
  • And so if you can talk broadly about support or under support.
  • And so if you can talk broadly about support or under support.
  • , in support.
Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 86, which would extend and expand the CAEATFA sales and use tax exclusion program through 2031, raise the annual cap from $100 million to $200 million, and add fusion energy. Supporters, including the State Treasurer and industry and labor representatives, cited billions in clean-tech investment, job creation, and environmental benefits; county groups opposed the bill over local revenue losses. The committee approved SB 86 on a 12-0 roll, holding the roll open for additional members. The committee then heard SB 545, which would require Go-Biz to study economic development opportunities along the California high-speed rail corridor, including land value, development incentives, and public-private partnerships. Labor, Fresno’s mayor’s office, and other stakeholders supported the bill as a way to spur corridor development and future funding opportunities, while one business group moved from opposition to neutral after amendments. The bill passed on a 9-1 vote, with the roll held open. Members next considered SB 63, a Bay Area transit funding measure authorizing a regional revenue measure to support transit operations amid looming fiscal shortfalls. The author and witnesses described severe service cuts that could follow without new funding, while committee members raised concerns about the bill’s structure, county participation, polling, and whether other revenue options should be considered. The bill advanced on a 9-3 vote, with the roll held open, and the committee also approved SB 263, directing a state study of tariff impacts on California’s economy and supply chains, on an 11-0 vote. Finally, the committee heard SB 661, which would redirect aviation-related tax revenues back to airports for aviation purposes and bring the state into compliance with federal requirements; testimony focused on airport modernization, rural access, and allocation formulas, but no final vote was taken in the portion provided.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Criminal Justice Mar 25th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • Alliance waving in support.
  • Carrie Stevenson waiving in support of Eric Stevenson waiving in support. waiving in support of Eric
  • in support next.
  • in support.
  • But utility workers.
Keywords: 999, senate, all
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Session (02/05/2026)

New Hampshire House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • <01:55:58.560> of dozen college students in support of dozen college students in support of
  • retail workers, and first responders. retail workers, and first responders.
  • > coalition<04:12:56.000> including support of a broad coalition including support of a
  • If I know that disputes between workers, If I know that disputes between workers, workers<05:18:45.360
  • And we've seen data that supports this. And we've seen data that supports this.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Elections Committee Aug 19th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm here in support because our state workers deserve fair representation, just like all workers across
  • I'm here in support because our state workers deserve fair representation, just like all workers across
  • On behalf of our 750,000 workers and 17 SEIU locals, we are in strong support of this bill and the entire
  • And as you've seen here, we've got health workers that are in the audience that have supported this bill
  • As you've seen here, we've got health workers that are in the audience that have supported this bill
Summary: The Assembly Elections Committee met on August 19, 2025, to consider ACA 8, SB 280, and an informational hearing on AB 604. The meeting began with several failed motions to adjourn, to read public comments into the record, and to recess so members could review the roughly 16,000 public comments submitted through the committee portal. The chair emphasized the hearing’s expedited format, transparency measures, and rules limiting witness testimony, and noted a letter from Speaker Rivas authorizing Assemblymember Berman to present ACA 8. ACA 8, described by supporters as the “Election Rigging Response Act,” would place before voters a temporary congressional redistricting plan tied to AB 604 and triggered only if another state, especially Texas, adopts a partisan mid-decade redistricting. Supporters, including Assemblymember Berman, labor groups, CTA, Planned Parenthood affiliates, SEIU, and other allied organizations, argued the measure was a response to partisan gerrymandering elsewhere and a defense of democracy, with voters having the final say in a November 4, 2025 special election. Opponents, including current and former redistricting commissioners, good-government groups, business and taxpayer organizations, and many members of the public, argued the proposal undermines California’s independent redistricting model, was rushed without adequate public review, could cost roughly $200 million or more, and would invite litigation and partisan manipulation. The committee also debated a proposed amendment that would bar legislators who voted for ACA 8 from later running for Congress in districts adopted under the measure. After extended procedural disputes, the committee voted to lay the amendment on the table. The hearing then continued with extensive public testimony, overwhelmingly divided between strong support and strong opposition, but the transcript provided does not show a final committee vote on ACA 8 or SB 280 before the excerpt ends.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Insurance Apr 23rd, 2025

Insurance

Transcript Highlights:
  • workers' compensation and health insurance providers.
  • Alan Craddock, TDI Division of Workers' Compensation.
  • Association in support of House Bill 3863.
  • Right, and then aren't some hospitals in support of this? Uh, I don't know that they're in support.
  • And we support that and we support those provisions of the bill, but you know that is always going to
AR
Transcript Highlights:
  • was a way to get workers into the field.
  • So is it hard to find quality child care workers? Probably so.
  • or our state supporting the business side of child care centers?
  • There's a whole business side to this that people need support.
  • There's a whole business side to this that people need support with.
Summary: The Early Childhood Committee met for an update from the Office of Early Childhood within the Department of Education. Members heard that the office’s goals under the LEARNS Act are to improve kindergarten readiness, support families, ensure quality providers, and expand affordable, accessible child care. Staff reviewed the local lead system, licensing, quality efforts such as CLASS and QRIS, and the two main funding streams: School Readiness Assistance (SRA), a federal CCDF-funded voucher program serving about 14,600 children with a wait list of a little over 3,000, and Arkansas Better Chance (ABC), a state-funded program serving about 21,000 children with authority recently increased to 24,000 slots. A major topic was the difference between market rate surveys and cost analysis studies. Officials said the department is procuring both through an RFP, hoping to begin by August and have results by late in the year. Members pressed for current reimbursement levels, the gap between ABC and SRA funding, and whether ABC funding should be increased to better match costs. Staff explained that SRA rates are set at 75% of the market rate, while ABC per-child funding is much lower, and that ABC slots are limited by the overall allocation. They also explained that some ABC slots were increased by moving children from a discontinued federal pre-K arrangement into ABC to preserve continuity of care. Committee members raised concerns about rural access, infant and toddler shortages, provider stability, workforce pay, and communication with families and providers. Officials said local leads are now helping identify underserved areas, that no county with absolutely no care is known, and that the department is trying to get a truer statewide count of children and providers. They also described efforts to improve communication through monthly provider calls, website postings, and direct case contacts with families. Members discussed possible funding increases, including ideas to reduce the SRA wait list and raise ABC funding, but no formal vote or action was taken beyond approving prior meeting minutes and receiving the update.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

House Chamber - Thu Jan 23, 2025, 10:00AM HST - State of Judiciary

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:23:34.120> the for cases on appeal supported the for cases on appeal supported the development
  • appreciate appreciate their support appreciate appreciate their support department<00:32:29.679>
  • thank my family for all their support thank my family for all their support and<00:41:50.319>
  • He spent years at the Legislature advocating for Hawaii workers.
  • He spent years at the Legislature advocating for Hawaii workers.
Keywords: House Agenda:, 910, house, all
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

March 25, 2025 - 12:00 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • Waves in support. And we have Maureen Wagner, Election Law Center at FSU. Waves in support.
  • We have Jessica Johnston York, waving in support. Michael Grennan, waving in support.
  • Aunt Avia, waving in support. George Chamizzo, Do No Harm, waving in support.
  • The bottom line is unions help workers and workers help us.
  • Barney Bishop, waving in support. Captain James Cunningham, waving in support.
Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee heard a long agenda of bills covering education, public safety, local government, labor relations, and foreign policy. Early measures included HB 1055, which would support Florida State University’s Election Law Center; CS/HB 4073, a Leon County local bill updating career service rules for sheriff’s office employees; CS/HB 253, creating penalties for license plate obscuring devices and misuse of emergency-style lights; and HB 293, codifying the Office of Faith and Community in the Governor’s Office and creating a liaison and advisory council. Members raised questions on academic freedom in HB 1055 and on church-state concerns and oversight in HB 293, but both bills advanced after supportive testimony from university, faith-based, and law enforcement representatives. The committee also approved HB 4029, a local bill for the Greater Naples Fire Rescue District, and HB 889, requiring classroom driver education for minors before licensure, with supporters emphasizing roadway safety and teen crash reduction. The committee then took up PCS/HB 731, which would require standardized testing for admission to health-related degree programs at state universities. The sponsor argued the bill would ensure qualified applicants and objective admissions standards, while several members and public witnesses raised concerns that it would duplicate existing requirements like the MCAT and create unnecessary barriers; the bill still passed, though with several no votes. HB 1519, expanding Florida’s anti-BDS law to cover academic boycotts, nonprofits, local governments, and certain grants, drew strong support from Jewish organizations and strong opposition from speakers who argued it chilled free speech and punished criticism of Israel. After an amendment narrowing and clarifying parts of the bill, it passed favorably as a committee substitute. The most contentious debate came on HB 1387, a major overhaul of Public Employees Relations Commission procedures and public-sector union rules. Supporters said the bill would streamline PERC processes, improve fairness, and address cases where unions were certified with very low participation; opponents, including teachers and labor advocates, said it weakened collective bargaining and public employee rights. After a strike-all amendment and extensive testimony, the bill passed as a committee substitute. The committee also approved HB 351, which adds extreme speeding to reckless driving and increases penalties, after removing impoundment language in an amendment, and PCB GOS 25-07, preserving a public records exemption for minors seeking judicial waiver of parental notice/consent for abortion. The meeting adjourned after all measures were reported favorably.
PA

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session (Jun 25 2026)

Pennsylvania Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I rise today in support of Senate Bill 1400.
  • I rise in support of this amendment.
  • I rise in support of House Bill 1667.
  • Workers have waited long enough.
  • Workers have waited long enough.
Summary: The Senate returned from recess and first handled routine calendar matters, laying several bills on the table or over in their order without objection. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 1400, which addresses sentencing for second-degree murder in response to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s Commonwealth v. Lee decision. Senator Street offered an amendment to replace mandatory life without parole with parole eligibility after 25 years and individualized review, but the Senate tabled the amendment by a 26-24 roll call. The bill then advanced to final passage after extended debate over whether it adequately met the court’s constitutional ruling and how it would affect victims, culpability, and retroactivity. It initially passed 31-19, then after reconsideration and a correction to one member’s vote, passed 30-20 and was sent to the House. The Senate next considered Senate Bill 1212, which tightens the handling of sexual assault evidence kits by removing discretionary language that had contributed to inconsistent testing practices. Supporters said it would improve statewide consistency, preserve a survivor’s right to decline testing, and help reduce the rape kit backlog. The bill passed unanimously, 50-0, and was sent to the House. The chamber then moved through additional calendar items, including re-referrals of several House bills to Appropriations and multiple bills being passed over. Later, the Senate took up House Bill 1667 on a supplemental calendar after suspending the rules. The bill became the vehicle for several amendments tied to affordability and tax policy. Senators adopted a back-to-school sales tax holiday amendment, a data-center tax exemption repeal amendment, and a school-choice-related amendment transferring EITC provisions and increasing scholarships by $25 million. Other proposed amendments, including a digital advertising tax and a combined reporting corporate tax reform, were tabled. After further debate on the bill’s impact on electric bills, data centers, and the state budget, House Bill 1667 was agreed to as amended and the Senate recessed.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Committee on Elections - 04/08/25

Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:05:53.680> The support of the um these changes. The support of the um these changes.
  • from the federal government to support from the federal government to support the<00:20:51.600><
  • <00:47:58.480> the again encourage people to support the again encourage people to support
  • in statute, and election workers is not listed as seasonal worker.
  • ,<00:52:05.520> um the definition of seasonal worker, um the definition of seasonal worker
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

HF16, legislation to regulate data centers in Minnesota, passes House 6/9/25

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Um, I urge members to support the motion.
  • So, members, I'd really appreciate your support here.
  • So, members, I'd really appreciate your support here.
  • So, members, I'd really appreciate your support here.
  • So, members, I'd really appreciate your support here.
Keywords: 1183, house
WA
Transcript Highlights:
  • No one knows what's happening in the field more than our social workers.
  • Once again, this is where that additional community support comes in.
  • Some families will do great, but many families need that additional support.
  • I hear your goal is supports is DCOF providing.
  • Five moved to a supported living agency and one to an adult family home.
Summary: The committee heard a lengthy update on Washington child welfare from Casey Family Programs and DCYF. Dr. David Sanders said Washington has sharply reduced out-of-home care and increased kinship placements, but he flagged concerns about low screening-in rates, long stays in foster care for many children, and a recent rise in repeat maltreatment and child fatalities, especially among infants. He urged more focus on infants and young children, better coordination among child protection, health care, and law enforcement, and more proactive review and investigation practices. Members asked for disaggregated data on children lingering in care, fatalities, and causes such as fentanyl exposure. DCYF said it has increased relative placements and guardianships, but also reported a concerning rise in 2025 critical incidents, mostly near-fatalities involving children age three and under, many opioid-related. The department described responses including safe child consults for opioid cases, more training, hotspot analysis, and proposed investments in peer support, public health nurses, community referrals, and an updated safety framework. Members also discussed whether a broader commission on child abuse prevention would be useful, and DCYF said it was open to that idea. The committee then received a DSHS reorganization update from Secretary Angela Ramirez, who described the “Reimagined” plan to consolidate four administrations into three new ones, with the stated goals of reducing silos, improving customer experience, and making transitions between services smoother. She said the agency is seeking statutory changes and CMS approval to align the new structure, and members asked about preparing for federal HR1 impacts, especially SNAP. Ramirez said DSHS is monitoring those impacts closely and emphasized the need for accurate data and cross-agency coordination. Finally, DSHS’s Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration updated the committee on residential habilitation centers and implementation of Substitute Senate Bill 5393, which phases out Rainier School by June 30, 2027 and limits new admissions. Officials reported current census and staffing levels at the state’s RHCs, said Rainier has had some residents transition to supported living or adult family homes, and explained that emergency and permanent rulemaking was needed to implement the law. They also said Rainier was recently cited by federal surveyors for not meeting the active treatment requirement for two residents, and that the facility has 90 days to return to compliance before possible payment penalties or further remedies. Members pressed for details on the citation, the meaning of active treatment, the assessment process for admissions, and whether Rainier could be repurposed for other services; DSHS said it is working on corrective action and will follow up in writing.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Public Education Apr 8th, 2025

Public Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • resources, information technology, and payroll support.
  • Um, the support functions would still come from the agency. OK, thank you very much.
  • is all supported by the agency already.
  • I'm grateful for the work of social workers and nurses and school counselors.
  • Uh, I do not provide direct service as a school social worker.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • We have a BNF director and support. We have a system, Calbert Young. We have United Public Workers.
  • We have testimony in support from the BNF director, as well as United Public Workers and UHSC.
  • We have BNF director and United Public Workers all in support. Any others wishing to testify?
  • We have BNF director in support, HGA in support, and HHSC in support. A Brian Revel in opposition.
  • We have BNS director in support. We have BNS director in support and HGA in support.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The Committee on Labor and Technology met on March 12 in Room 224 at the Hawaii State Capitol and heard testimony on several labor, unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, collective bargaining, and related measures. On House Bill 202, which would revise the definition of the adequate reserve fund for calendar year 2026 and beyond, the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations strongly supported the bill, saying it would protect the solvency of the Unemployment Insurance trust fund. The department explained that the reserve standard had been lowered from 1.5% to 1% in 2010 and argued that restoring it would better prepare the fund for future shocks. Questions focused on whether the change would affect employers’ costs and whether the trust fund had recovered fraud losses from the pandemic; the department said some fraud had been recovered and additional fraud tools were now in place. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including technical changes and a defective date, and adopted the recommendation. The committee also heard House Bill 477 on the Hawaii Employment Security Law, which the department supported as a modernization of the UI system but asked to amend for clarity, especially on registration-for-work language. The committee accepted those requested amendments and recommended passage with amendments. It then took up House Bill 1026 and House Bills 1027 through 1039, covering emergency appropriations for public employment cost items and collective bargaining for units 1 through 14. Testimony from the Budget and Finance director, United Public Workers, the University of Hawaiʻi, HGEA, UHSC, and others was generally in strong support, with one opposition noted on HB 1038. The committee moved all of those measures together and recommended passage with amendments. In its later decision-making agenda, the committee approved several previously heard bills with technical amendments and defective dates, including House Bill 423 on workers’ compensation, House Bill 480 on workers’ compensation, House Bill 162 on collective bargaining arbitration procedures, House Bill 164 on indebtedness to the state, and House Bill 1152 on tax administration. House Bill 214, relating to government and school resource officers, drew discussion about labor shortages and whether the bill should help train existing school resource officers into law enforcement roles; the committee still passed it with amendments. House Bill 874 on child performers was amended to require trust accounts for certain minors’ earnings and place oversight with DLIR’s Wage Standards Division, and House Bill 159 on qualified community rehabilitation programs was passed with amendments after the committee blanked the $850,000 cap for further discussion. All recommendations were adopted without recorded opposition, and the meeting adjourned.