Transcript Highlights:

• The office aware that this had happened.
• made aware of these findings years ago under the previous audit.
• made aware of these findings years ago under the previous audit.
• made aware of these findings years ago under the previous audit.
• made aware of these findings years ago under the previous audit.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're happy to support a March for Water Month and to serve as a platform for communities to raise awareness
• communities serve as a platform to for communities to<00:05:15.120><c> raise</c><00:05:15.360><c> awareness
• </c><00:05:15.840><c> about</c><00:05:16.040><c> water</c> to raise awareness about water to raise awareness

Bills: SCR94 , SCR22 , SCR99 , SCR165

Committee: House Culture & Arts

Summary: The Culture and the Arts Committee met on April 17 and heard several Senate concurrent resolutions. SCR 94 would endorse Waikiki as a world surfing reserve; testimony in support came from the University of Hawaiʻi and the Waikiki Beach Improvement District Association. SCR 22 recognized the fifth anniversary of the restoration of Iolani Palace and its spiritual, political, and cultural importance, with no testimony offered. SCR 99 SD1 proposed convening a working group to establish a state-recognized nonprofit to support arts and culture engagement; DBEDT’s Creative Industries director supported the measure, and additional support was noted from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, several individuals, and the Hawaii Film Festival and Hawaii International Film Festival. SCR 165 SD1 designated March as March for Water Month, with support from the Board of Water Supply and the Plumbers and Pipe Fitters. After a brief recess, the committee voted to pass all four measures as is. SCR 94 passed with the chair, vice chair, and members voting aye, with Representative Garrett excused. SCR 22 SD1, SCR 99 SD1, and SCR 165 SD1 were also adopted without reservations, with Representative Garrett excused on those votes as well. The committee then adjourned, with the chair noting it was likely the final hearing of the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Its mission is to spread awareness and encourage participation in volunteer and service opportunities
• Its mission is to spread awareness and encourage participation in volunteer and service opportunities
• And for those of you who may not be aware, DHEWD's mission is every Missourian empowered with the skills
• And for those of you who may not be aware, Dudes' mission is every Missourian empowered with the skills

Committee: House Higher Education and Workforce Development

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education and Workforce Development met in executive session and first approved House Bill 2896 by a vote of 11 ayes, 1 no, and 1 present. The bill was described as giving the governor and staff more flexibility in appointing qualified members to university boards of governors. The committee then heard House Bill 3279, sponsored by Rep. Brenda Shields, which would move the Community Service Commission from the Department of Economic Development to the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. Shields said the move would better align the commission’s AmeriCorps and volunteer-service work with education, workforce training, financial aid, apprenticeships, and job-placement resources already housed in DHEWD. Rep. Mansur, Rep. Hein, and Rep. Wilson voiced support, emphasizing the program’s value in building workforce pipelines and community ties, while DHEWD witness Leah Strid also testified in favor and said the change would help connect participants to education and employment opportunities. Members asked about the commission’s budget, funding, and staffing; witnesses said the program is primarily federally funded, with seven FTEs, and that they would follow up with additional details. No opposition testimony was offered. The chair indicated the committee would try to executive the bill later, but due to notice issues, House Bill 3279 was not voted on at this meeting and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> I'M NOT AWARE OF ANYTHING TO DO.
• ONLY THE ONES YOU ARE AWARE OF. OBVIOUSLY I'M NOT ASKING ABOUT ANYTHING YOU AREN'T AWARE OF.
• BILL PROVES ITSELF AND WE ARE IN SUPPORT AND WE CAN SCALE THIS MODEL TO BRING DIGNITY ACCESS AND AWARENESS

Transcript Highlights:

• bill substitute for Senate Bill 578, a bill to be entitled an act relating to Alzheimer's disease awareness
• In the state, the bill creates a statewide public health awareness campaign funded by the Department
• The awareness campaign communicates the advantages of early detection, diagnosis, reporting issues with
• A bill to be entitled an act relating to the Alzheimer's disease awareness initiative. >> President:

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> incidents that you're aware? incidents that you're aware?
• I don't know if you're aware of it.
• We should all be aware of that.
• Despite widespread awareness of happen.
• So we work with all awareness committee.

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• This was posted also on the committee website, and all testifiers have been made aware of this in advance
• </c> and all testifiers have been made aware and all testifiers have been made aware of<00:00:58.879>
• That in some ways may have led to awareness.
• So that sort of increased usage during the pandemic has made them more aware of the program.
• that means that people are now awareness that means that people are now more<00:18:29.960><c> aware<

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• Are you aware of the nine-month deadline mirrors the IRS deadline?
• And I'm not aware of the IRS nine-month deadlines.
• Are you aware of that?
• I know you're aware of what an I-10 number is.
• Are you aware of this happening anyplace?

Bills: SB1687 , HB1687 , HB4431 , HB2894 , HB2979 , HB3262 , HB3298 , HB3369 , HB3431 , HB3462 , SB1226 , SB1876 , SB1916 , SB1920 , HB3467 , HB3498 , HB3500 , HB3521 , HB3581 , HB3650 , HB3673 , HB3764 , HB3767 , HB3781 , HB3800 , HB3831 , HB3834 , HB3941 , HB2749 , HB3970 , HB3972 , HB3979 , HB3980 , HB3981 , HB3996 , HB4095 , HB4104 , HB4191 , HB4248 , HB4298 , HB4338 , HB4427 , HB4428 , HJR1023 , HB3660 , HB3718 , HB4326 , HB3443 , HB3880 , HB3649 , HB3000 , SB1651 , SB504 , SB372 , SB1326 , SB1633 , SB248 , SB1242 , SB1238 , SB423 , SB1989 , SB1286 , SB904 , SB1213 , SB1216 , SB1827 , SB65 , SB1390 , SB259 , SB1944 , SB540 , SB2139 , SB346 , SB1595 , SB1400 , SB1555 , SB1209 , SB2110 , SB1670 , SB1061 , SB2104 , HR1057 , SB1946 , SB1734 , SB1316 , SB1360 , SB1557 , SB1684 , SB2049 , SB1410 , SB2011 , SB1437 , SB1204 , SB1732 , SB1775 , SB2084 , SB1380 , SB1572 , SB1772 , SB1224 , SB710 , SB1338 , SB1266 , SB1303 , SB1307 , SB1562 , SB1794 , SB1191 , SB1983 , SB1832 , SB1448 , SB1534 , SB1593 , SB1597 , SB1630 , SB1489 , SB1726 , SB1796 , SB1806 , SB1877 , SB1451 , SB1553 , SB1632 , SB1423 , SB1425 , SB1502 , SB2180 , SB1725 , SB2182 , HB3003 , HB3004 , HB4434 , HB4324 , HB4342 , HB2137 , HB4432 , SJR50 , SJR52 , SJR53

Transcript Highlights:

• of the dangers that we are aware of because we live also.
• </c><00:22:58.400><c> and</c> which is Hawaii Hazards Awareness and which is Hawaii Hazards Awareness
• of the dangers because they're not aware of the dangers that<00:24:47.039><c> we</c><00:24:47.279><c
• ><c> we</c><00:24:48.320><c> live</c> that we are aware of because we live that we are aware of because
• </c> and every county organization I'm aware and every county organization I'm aware of.<00:25:36.400

Bills: HB2437 , HB1815 , HB1614 , HB1613 , HB1612 , HB2411 , HB2597 , HB2583 , HB2474 , HB1863 , HB2590 , HB1813 , HB1838 , HB2138 , HB1967 , HB1576 , HB2139 , HB1605 , HB2113 , HB812 , HB1831 , HB1707 , HB2561 , HB1805 , HB2469 , HB2472 , HB2387 , HB1658 , HB1661 , HB1664 , HB1859 , HB2276 , HB2335 , HB1656 , HB2116 , HB2272 , HB2273 , HB2340 , HB2158 , HB2339 , HB2489 , HB2159 , HB2171 , HB2338 , HB2005 , HB1952 , HB1872 , HB1676 , HB2384 , HB2614 , HB20 , HB1776 , HB1565 , HB2310 , HB1975 , HB1801 , HB1668 , HB2114 , HB1972 , HB1546 , HB1518 , HB1131 , HB2208 , HB2156 , HB2268 , HB2622 , HB2581 , HB2498 , HB2443 , HB1577 , HB2033 , HB2031 , HB2023 , HB1969 , HB1973 , HB1974 , HB2315 , HB2343 , HB2501 , HB2505 , HB816 , HB1562 , HB1591 , HB1853 , HB1854 , HB1871 , HB1965 , HB1966 , HB1537 , HB1541 , HB276 , HB2606 , HB2270 , HB1920 , HB1756 , HB1727 , HB1718 , HB1715 , HB1713 , HB1711

Transcript Highlights:

• April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
• There would not be any additional trainings that I'm aware of.
• I'm not aware of a formal education plan. Senator Rousan.
• I'm not aware of it. the bill becomes law? Senator Martin.
• I'm not aware of a formal education plan. Senator Rousan.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several member introductions recognizing interns, guests, and advocates. The Rules Chair added CS for CS for SB 622 to the special order calendar, and SB 80 on state land management was temporarily postponed. The chamber then moved through a series of bills, often substituting House companions for Senate bills when the measures were identical or nearly identical. The Senate passed SB 200/HB 295 on a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan, requiring DEP to develop a recycling and waste diversion roadmap by 2026; SB 492 on land development and mitigation banking, after adopting amendments related to mitigation credit use and former phosphate mine lands; and SB 494/HB 255 on aggravated animal cruelty, which increases sentencing consequences and creates a searchable FDLE database of convicted animal abusers, with an amendment clarifying the database language. The Senate also passed SB 500/HB 711 establishing the Spectrum Alert for missing children with autism, SB 524/HB 1089 adding Duchenne muscular dystrophy to newborn screening, SB 592/HB 393 revising the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, SB 742/HB 1145 on workforce education, SB 936/HB 827 on a statewide study of automation and workforce impact, SB 964/HB 181 on parole guidelines, SB 976/HB 901 on court-appointed psychologists, SB 1084/HB 1451 on sexual cyber harassment, and SB 1156 on a home health aid program for medically fragile children. Most of these bills were adopted after brief sponsor explanations, questions, and in some cases amendments or House-substitute motions. Debate centered on several policy issues. Senators raised concerns about the constitutional and environmental implications of mitigation banking credits in SB 492, the scope and privacy implications of the animal abuse database in SB 494, the funding and eligibility details of the condo resilience program in SB 592, and the public-school/charter-school balance in SB 822, which drew extensive questioning about enrollment, governance, discipline, accountability, and data sharing before being placed on the third-reading calendar after amendments. The Spectrum Alert bill drew support from members who compared it to the Purple Alert and emphasized the risks faced by children with ASD. The medically fragile children home health aid bill also drew strong support, with senators describing it as a long-needed fix to help families provide in-home care without losing Medicaid coverage. Votes on the measures reported in the transcript were overwhelmingly favorable, with bills passing by margins such as 38-0, 35-3, 37-0, 36-0, and 35-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, are you aware of why we added those exceptions? Um, that would be a policy decision.
• No, I'm not aware. That's... Snacks or chips that you're aware of in code?
• No, I'm not aware of a definition for that kind of snack item.
• That's how the public becomes aware.
• If they're aware of it, again, I think that's just going to vary by where you are.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then took up House Bill 4852, a strike-and-insert bill revising West Virginia’s food additive restrictions. Counsel explained that it moved the existing additive list into a new code section, kept the 2028 effective date, added exceptions for dietary supplements, alcoholic liquor, non-intoxicating beer, and small sellers under $5,000 per month, and created civil penalties for knowing violations. Testimony split between industry witnesses, who argued the bill and last year’s law would raise costs, burden interstate commerce, and conflict with federal regulation, and advocates who said the law is already prompting companies to reformulate and that the bill clarifies vague language tied to a federal injunction. Several amendments were offered to tie the law to FDA action or exempt soda, pepperoni rolls, frozen confections, and snack foods; some were adopted and others failed. The committee then adopted the strike-and-insert amendment as amended and reported HB 4852 to the full Senate with a do-pass recommendation. The committee next considered House Bill 5484, which creates felony offenses for interfering with a victim’s access to medical treatment or forensic care related to a sexual offense, or for forcing a victim of a sexual offense who becomes pregnant to have an illegal abortion, along with a conspiracy offense. Counsel said the strike-and-insert added clarifying language and definitions. Members raised concerns that the conspiracy language could be read to include the victim herself, and the bill sponsor said the intent was to target traffickers and abusers who keep victims from medical care and force abortions outside medical facilities. An amendment was adopted clarifying that nothing in the subsection imposes criminal liability on the victim of the sexual offense. The committee then adopted the strike-and-insert amendment, reported HB 5484 to the full Senate with a do-pass recommendation, and adopted a title amendment. The final bill discussed in the excerpt was House Bill 4468, which narrows confidentiality protections for victims in criminal complaints by limiting redaction to names and addresses, while still allowing disclosure to other governmental entities and permitting victims to request redaction of addresses from appellate decisions after July 1, 2026. Counsel said the bill would replace broader existing confidentiality language and remove provisions allowing disclosure upon a showing of justice or by subpoena. Members questioned whether the change would weaken victim privacy protections, noting that identifying information can include much more than names and addresses. The committee then began hearing testimony from a county prosecutor on the bill, but the excerpt ends before any vote or final action on HB 4468.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:46:53.680><c> about</c> to create a little bit awareness about to create a little bit awareness
• Okay, I'm not aware of any other amendments.
• Okay, I'm not aware of any other amendments.
• Okay, I'm not aware of any other amendments.
• Okay, I'm not aware of any other amendments.

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of it is, yes, applying our policies and procedures, but making sure folks are aware of it and
• I don't know if you were aware of that. I am.
• You’ve been made aware of these complaints.
• I know you're aware of it.
• Rojas and her team have spearheaded this what we call an alcohol awareness campaign.

Summary: The committee first handled routine actions, including quorum, governor’s appointments not required to appear, references to bills, and floor acknowledgments, with those items approved on 3-1 or 4-0 votes and left open for add-ons where noted. It then heard testimony on several CDCR appointments: Kathleen Ratliff and Joseph Tuggle as associate directors for adult institutions, and later Jason Johnson as Undersecretary of Operations. All three nominees emphasized long careers in corrections, support from family and colleagues, and a commitment to public safety, rehabilitation, and improving staff and institutional culture. Much of the questioning focused on the California model, staff safety, sexual abuse prevention, use-of-force incidents, visitation, and rehabilitation. Ratliff and Tuggle said the California model was poorly communicated at rollout but is intended to improve both staff wellness and rehabilitation, not weaken security. They described training, root-cause reviews, statewide calls, and direct engagement with staff and incarcerated people. On a widely criticized pepper-spray incident at Central California Women’s Facility, Ratliff said staff were disciplined, some terminated, and the facility received additional training on de-escalation, communication, use of force, and report writing. On sexual abuse and retaliation concerns, both nominees pointed to PREA training, multiple reporting channels, anti-retaliation monitoring, and a zero-tolerance policy. Members also pressed the nominees on visitation consistency, family reunification, contraband, and the San Quentin transition program. CDCR leaders said visitation is essential to rehabilitation and that the department is working toward more consistent statewide rules and a more family-friendly visiting environment. They also said contraband interdiction is being strengthened through K-9 searches, drone interdiction, and information sharing. Johnson, whose confirmation drew late opposition letters and a lawsuit alleging retaliation and workplace culture problems, said he was driving culture change, had improved reentry and community partnerships, and viewed rehabilitation as central to CDCR’s mission. After public support from former incarcerated people, advocates, and nonprofit leaders, the committee voted 4-0 to advance the appointments to the Senate floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know if you were aware of that. I am.
• You’ve been made aware of these complaints.
• I know you're aware of it.
• I know you're aware of it.
• Rojas and her team have spearheaded this, what we call an alcohol awareness campaign.

Committee: Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• The unclaimed property serves as kind of a central holding for those assets that folks are aware of.
• And so we'd like to see are aware of.
• Just an awareness issue. Thank you. I figured that was the case.
• </c><00:29:27.200><c> Just</c><00:29:27.520><c> an</c><00:29:27.679><c> awareness</c><00:29:28.640><c
• Just an awareness issue. &gt;&gt; Yeah. Thanks. Just an awareness issue.

Committee: House State Government

Transcript Highlights:

• Please be aware that violations of these rules may subject you to removal or other enforcement processes
• The primary barrier is awareness.
• We are a student-led organization dedicated to raising awareness of lung cancer screening.
• This is a simple but meaningful step toward closing the awareness gap and helping more Californians learn
• As far as we're aware, there's not been a single sanction issued under Care Court.

Committee: House Health

Transcript Highlights:

• We are the only law that I'm aware of that we put an exception in that said this crime won't apply to
• We are the only law that I'm aware of that we put an exception in that said this crime won't apply to
• We are the only law that I'm aware of that we put an exception in that said this crime won't apply to
• We are the only law that I'm aware of that we put an exception in that said this crime won't apply to
• We are the only law that I'm aware of that we put an exception in that said this crime won't apply to

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 409 in executive session, with the chair noting a caucus break to explain amendments to several substitute members. Members discussed a proposed amendment to narrow the bill’s felony provisions by limiting them to specific, knowingly dangerous conduct rather than making the offense too broad. The committee also noted a planned floor amendment to add missing “or” language to clarify that the listed acts were alternatives, not cumulative requirements. The amendment was adopted 13-0, and the bill as amended was then reported OTPA by a 13-0 vote. It was initially said to be headed to consent, but members later agreed it would not go on consent because a floor amendment was anticipated. The committee then opened House Bill 667, which would extend protections for medical personnel into emergency room settings. Supporters said the bill was needed because emergency room staff face increasing assaults and existing protections did not fully cover ER circumstances. Several members described firsthand or secondhand incidents involving nurses, EMTs, and other staff being threatened or injured, and argued that stronger penalties would help deter violence and improve prosecution. Others supported the bill but raised concerns about how it might affect people experiencing mental health crises, dementia, or intellectual and developmental disabilities. A proposed amendment from Representative Sher would exempt people experiencing a mental health crisis who have a mental health diagnosis, and also address dementia and certain developmental disabilities. Supporters said the amendment was narrowly tailored and had backing from the Disability Rights Center, NAMI New Hampshire, and the New Hampshire Nurses Association. Opponents argued that the criminal justice system already has safeguards such as prosecutorial discretion, insanity defenses, and competency rules, and warned against creating special exceptions that could weaken equal application of the law. After debate, the committee voted 10-3 to report HB 667 ought to pass, with members noting that minority and majority reports would be prepared.

Transcript Highlights:

• The department is not aware of any insurer or consumer complaints specific to the clearinghouse program
• Since they are not particularly aware or involved in the selection process by which an insurer makes
• So I just would suggest that the clearinghouse is aware of that issue as well. Appreciate it.
• You know, you should be aware of your replacement costs. You should carry enough insurance.
• I suppose that could come up, but I'm not aware of if it has at this juncture.

Summary: The Assembly Insurance Committee held its first outcomes review oversight hearing on the residential fair plan clearinghouse program created by AB 3012. Chair and members focused on whether the program is actually helping depopulate the California Fair Plan and move policyholders back to the voluntary market. The Fair Plan and Department of Insurance testified that the program exists as a platform for admitted and, in some cases, non-admitted insurers to review Fair Plan policies and make offers through the broker of record, but they acknowledged limited participation and limited results. CDI said it has received no formal complaints specific to the clearinghouse, but identified obstacles including only 11 participating residential insurers, the broker-of-record requirement, compensation and appointment issues, and the lack of direct consumer contact. CDI said about 730 residential risks have moved to voluntary market coverage through the program from June 2021 through April 30, 2025, and opt-outs are under 1%. Committee members pressed witnesses on the program’s opacity, the lack of data on offers made versus policies actually moved, and whether the clearinghouse is functioning as intended. CDI and the Fair Plan said they do not have data on how many offers have been made, only on cancellations that are self-reported and marked as clearinghouse-related. Members also raised regional growth in Fair Plan enrollment, especially on the Central Coast, and concerns about underinsurance when policyholders move back to the regular market. CDI recommended more mandatory reporting, broader broker education, possible direct offers to policyholders after a period of time, and changes to commission and appointment rules to reduce barriers to insurer participation. The second panel of industry witnesses generally agreed the clearinghouse is not a stand-alone solution and said its effectiveness depends on a healthier admitted market and actuarially sound Fair Plan rates. Independent agents and brokers, admitted-market insurers, and surplus lines representatives said the current system is constrained by low rate adequacy, limited insurer appetite for high-risk properties, operational friction, and misaligned incentives. Several witnesses suggested improvements such as better data sharing, clearer depopulation procedures, stronger broker education, and more flexible appointment or compensation rules. Some supported giving the program more time under the Sustainable Insurance Strategy, while others said the Legislature should consider whether to strengthen, modify, or potentially sunset the program if it continues to produce limited results. A public witness later reported that a new carrier had recently joined the clearinghouse and was working with brokers to bring in additional capacity.

Transcript Highlights:

• The department is not aware of any insurer or consumer complaints specific to the clearinghouse program
• Since they are not particularly aware or involved in the selection process by which an insurer makes
• So I just would suggest that the clearinghouse is aware of that issue as well. Appreciate it.
• You know, you should be aware of your replacement costs. You should carry enough insurance.
• I suppose that could come up, but I’m not aware of whether it has at this juncture.

Committee: House Insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• Are you aware?
• Are you aware?
• We attended every single hearing we were aware of.
• Of those counties, are you aware of what percentage this pertains to? Thank you.
• I am aware that it is a very, very minuscule part of the court’s budget.

Summary: The Senate Judiciary and Elections Committee heard and advanced several House bills dealing with criminal law, victims’ rights, and court fees. HB 2131 would remove the financial-gain requirement from weapons and explosives trafficking and make trafficking three or more weapons or explosives in one offense ineligible for probation, pardon, commutation, or early release until the sentence is served; it passed 6-1. HB 2132 lowered the fentanyl trafficking threshold from 200 grams to 100 grams and adjusted related sentencing language; supporters said it would help law enforcement and prosecutors, while opponents argued it would sweep in heavy users and lacked data on current enforcement; it passed 4-3. HB 2223 requires sex offenders seeking a name change to notify prosecutors and victims, and to register under the new name if granted; it passed 6-1. The committee also passed HB 2411, which creates the crime of coerced abortion for secretly or forcibly administering an abortion-inducing drug with intent to cause an abortion, as a class 2 felony. Supporters described cases of covert or forced abortion drug use and said existing laws do not clearly cover situations where the drug is given but no death occurs; opponents argued current assault, manslaughter, homicide, and food-contamination statutes already address the conduct and that the bill is unnecessary. HB 2043, which adds unborn children to the felony-murder statute, also passed 4-3 after testimony from prosecutors and advocates on both sides; supporters called it a cleanup measure, while opponents warned it advances fetal personhood and could have broader reproductive-health consequences. HB 2046, requiring victims to be notified of pre-hearings in probation review proceedings for certain sex offenders, passed unanimously after emotional testimony from a victim’s family and county prosecutors. The committee then approved HB 2666, which increases penalties for sexual extortion involving 15-, 16-, and 17-year-olds when the offender is an adult and knew or should have known the victim’s age. Finally, HB 2265, which eliminates court-imposed fees and assessments on criminal defendants for public defense, jury trials, and appeals, passed 7-0 despite county opposition over lost revenue and shifting costs to taxpayers. The last bill, HB 2133, would require commercial websites hosting sexual material to verify the age and consent of depicted persons, retain records, and treat synthetic depictions like AI-generated images similarly to existing revenge-porn laws; it drew support from adult-industry representatives on some implementation issues but also significant constitutional and privacy concerns, and the committee adopted an amendment before passing the bill as amended.