Video & Transcript : 'exam room access' :
Page 99 of 500
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 02/27/25
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- And I appreciate that you've made it easy for people and accessible as well.
- And I appreciate that you've made it easy for people and accessible as well.
- And I appreciate that you've made it easy for people and accessible as well.
- And I appreciate that you've made it easy for people and accessible as well.
- Made it easy for people and accessible as well.
Committee:
Senate State and Local Government
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Local Government. (2-17-26)
Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:09:56.080><c> kit,</c> is a sexual assault forensic exam kit, is a sexual assault forensic exam
- Um, you know, I've worked to expand access to SANE nurses and access to the SAFE kits, and this is a
- Um, you know, I've worked to expand access to SANE nurses and access to the SAFE kits, and this is a
- Um, you know, I've worked to expand access to SANE nurses and access to the SAFE kits, and this is a
- I'd have to the concern on I've worked to expand access to SANE nurses and access to the SAFE kits, and
Committee:
House Local Government
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Mar 10th, 2026
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- Accessibility is also key organizational Accessibility is also a key organizational focus in recent years
- network, making 83% of our stations fully accessible, with 90% projected 83% of our stations fully accessible
- So it's restricting access.
- So it's restricting access.
- You asked for an access plan. I heard you.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held a hearing at UMass Amherst on Governor Healey’s fiscal year 2027 budget proposal, focusing on energy/environment-related transportation issues and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The hearing opened with welcomes from the co-chairs and local legislators, followed by remarks from UMass Amherst Chancellor Javier Reyes, who highlighted the university’s research, sustainability, transportation, and workforce contributions and thanked the administration and legislature for support of public higher education.
MassDOT Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phil Eng, along with agency leaders, presented the administration’s transportation budget package. They described a combined funding plan through House 2, a Fair Share supplemental budget, and a Chapter 90 bill, emphasizing investments in MassDOT operations, snow and ice response, regional transit authorities, the MBTA, bridge and pavement repair, housing-related transportation improvements, sustainable aviation fuel, microtransit, and local road programs. Officials also highlighted record highway construction activity, safety initiatives such as work zone speed cameras and pedestrian protections, RMV service and equity improvements, airport and drone technology programs, and MBTA gains in reliability, accessibility, ridership, and service expansion.
Committee members asked about Western Massachusetts priorities, especially Chapter 90 funding for rural road mileage, bridge repairs, and the Compass Rail/West-East Rail program. MassDOT officials said pending federal grants were moving forward, with some awards recently obligated and others expected as federal processes advance, and they said Palmer Station remains part of the long-term rail plan. Members also raised the Cape Cod bridges and the need for multi-year Chapter 90 funding. Officials said the Sagamore Bridge procurement would begin soon, with construction targeted for 2027, and reiterated that transportation investments support jobs, local economies, and municipal infrastructure statewide.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- Accessibility is also key to our organizational focus.
- Accessibility is also a key organizational focus in recent years.
- So it's restricting access.
- We are now putting together that access plan.
- You asked for an access plan. I heard you.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held a hearing at UMass Amherst on Governor Healey’s fiscal year 2027 budget, focusing on energy/environment-related transportation issues and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The chairs and members opened with thanks to UMass, university leadership, court officers, and legislative staff, and Chancellor Javier Reyes highlighted UMass Amherst’s research, workforce, sustainability, and transportation contributions, including energy research, transit operations, and partnerships with MassDOT. The hearing then moved to MassDOT and MBTA testimony on the administration’s transportation funding package, including House 2, the FY26 Fair Share supplemental, and a proposed four-year Chapter 90 authorization.
MassDOT officials described the budget as part of a broader multi-year transportation investment strategy, citing funding for operations, snow and ice removal, regional transit authorities, the MBTA, the Merit Rating Board, sustainable aviation fuel credits, micro-transit and last-mile grants, unpaved road improvements, bridge and pavement work, and housing-related transportation infrastructure. They emphasized workforce expansion, capital delivery capacity, safety improvements, and local aid, including the new lane-mile-based Chapter 90 formula intended to benefit rural communities. Officials also discussed major projects and programs such as Grant Central, culvert and unpaved road grants, work zone speed cameras, congestion hotspot fixes, the Sagamore and Bourne Bridge projects, and MBTA operating support and safety upgrades.
Testimony from the MBTA and rail/transit staff focused on improved ridership, service frequency, accessibility, and safety, including progress on the Green Line Train Protection System, reduced delays, expanded bus and commuter rail service, and the South Coast rail extension. Regional transit authorities reported increased ridership and described new fare-free, connectivity, and community transit grants. Aeronautics testimony covered airport capital work, drone and data programs, sustainable aviation fuel efforts, and workforce development in aviation maintenance. Committee members then asked questions, especially about Western Massachusetts priorities, Chapter 90 funding, bridge repairs, snow and ice costs, Cape Cod bridges, Buzzard’s Bay rail, and Compass Rail/West-East Rail. Officials said several federal rail grants were moving forward, that Sagamore Bridge procurement would begin soon, and that the administration remained committed to pursuing federal funding and multi-year transportation investments.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/18/2026 - Senate Health and Human Services
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- And so access has those same policies.
- So by nature, tying access to this specific drug to the least restrictive... ...tying access to this
- In addition, Access currently covers 16 different unique non-opioids to treat pain on the Access Drug
- It also appears to benefit a single, single high-cost drug, while Access already provides broad access
- And it will restrict access to essential benefits like SNAP and access to health care. ...access to essential
Keywords:
medical freedom, healthcare mandates, employment requirements, public health, government regulation, healthcare, elderly, physical disabilities, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, home and community based services, funding increase, Department of Economic Security, social services, welfare programs, vocational rehabilitation, employment services, developmental disabilities, Arizona Revised Statutes, occupational therapy, board regulation
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 3/10/26
State Government Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> the Legislative Budget Office has access the Legislative Budget Office has access to<00:53:56.720
- that this expands their access to?
- </c> access that this expands their access access that this expands their access to?
- </c><00:58:22.280><c> It</c> requirement of access to data. It requirement of access to data.
- <01:02:45.520><c> to</c> access to access to to<01:02:47.280><c> the</c><01:02:47.440><c> concern</c>
Committee:
House State Government Finance and Policy
Keywords:
payment transparency, public contracts, contractor rights, government accountability, construction payments, barbering, licensing, examinations, barber schools, public safety, certifications, Barber Examiners Board, data transparency, Legislative Budget Office, state agencies, fiscal notes, public data, standard time, federal law, time zone
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - Part 2 - 03/24/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Mike used access to treatment matters.
- ><c> means</c><00:08:13.240><c> more</c> Expanding access to treatment means more Expanding access to
- </c> which many patients cannot access. which many patients cannot access.
- And do you plan to fund and uh this is a these committee rooms are uh this is a these committee rooms
- </c> access to affordable child care. access to affordable child care.
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Feb 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- If you're not in the right place, there are other hearing rooms, but we're happy to have you here.
- And while we're waiting, and before we hear from Senator Cortez, let's just get ready in the Zoom room
- FEPP has done a lot to make sure that we're thinking about access, just even the stories to get told
- And then Elizabeth Cameron, if you're in the room, you could come up front and be ready to go because
- So I'm an old lady in the room here.
Summary:
The committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 5849, which would require all high school students to receive financial education instruction and meet state financial education learning standards to graduate, beginning with the class of 2033 unless the State Board of Education recommends an earlier date. Staff explained the bill’s relationship to existing graduation requirements, the State Board’s role in integrating the requirement into current pathways, and a fiscal note showing about $201,000 in state costs plus unknown district costs. Senators asked about how the requirement would fit different school schedules, whether teacher preparation and clock hours would be addressed, and how the standards would stay current. The bill’s sponsor said it would be embedded within existing pathways, aligned with the Future Ready initiative, and supported by OSPI, the State Board, and the financial education public-private partnership.
Testimony on SB 5849 was overwhelmingly supportive, especially from students, educators, nonprofits, bankers, and advocacy groups. Supporters said many students graduate without knowing how to budget, use credit, file taxes, understand loans, or make other basic financial decisions, and argued that a graduation requirement would make financial literacy more equitable and not dependent on family background or zip code. Several students described personal experiences with W-2 forms, student loans, credit cards, and lack of exposure to finance classes, while organizations such as Junior Achievement and the Washington Bankers Association said they already provide curriculum and support and could help districts implement the requirement. One school directors association representative opposed the bill, arguing districts are already overburdened and underfunded and should not receive new mandates without removing others or providing more resources.
After the hearing, the committee moved into executive action on a separate packet of bills. It advanced SB 6278 on teacher preparation program review, SB 613 on National Voter Registration Day activities in high schools, SB 6222 on surplus school technology for students, and SB 6206 on a child care pilot for first responders, adopting proposed substitutes where offered. In a second packet, the committee referred SB 6260 on school bus depreciation, adopted a substitute and advanced SB 5346 on student mobile device use and digital citizenship, advanced SB 6263 on public bid thresholds, adopted a substitute and advanced SB 6268 on public access to special education complaint decisions, and adopted a substitute and advanced SB 6247 on financial oversight and misconduct in school districts. The committee then adjourned after signing the boards.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Appropriations Jan 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Regardless of whether you're remote or in the room, please speak directly into the microphone so that
- And in addition, the data that they had access to on the issue about who these employees might be and
- We have three folks in the room and one online to testify on this bill: in the room, Seth Miller, James
- We have a few people here in the room and then a few online.
- This bill will do more than simply ensure that school employees can access affordable care.
Summary:
The House Appropriations Committee heard staff briefings and testimony on four bills. House Bill 2124, a Department of Retirement Systems request, would raise the minimum monthly pension benefit that can be paid as a lump sum from $50 to $250, with future inflation adjustments by the director; staff said it would cost about $11,000 in administrative changes and have no actuarial impact on the pension funds. House Bill 2125 would remove a biennial restriction on using pension fund interest earnings for certain administrative and compliance expenses that protect the funds; DRS said it would have no fiscal impact and would continue existing practice. Seth Miller of DRS supported both bills as efforts to reduce complexity and improve consistency across retirement systems.
House Bill 2179 would create a retroactive exemption from PERS membership for certain port district employees who are instead covered by federal railroad retirement or union-sponsored defined benefit plans. Staff said audits found a small number of affected employees, with a one-time administrative cost of about $18,000, and noted possible legal concerns because retroactive changes can implicate vested retirement rights. Testimony from the Washington Public Ports Association and the Port of Ponderay supported the bill as a narrow clarification needed to avoid dual coverage and large retroactive liabilities; the Port of Vancouver also supported it as a fix for building trades workers covered by union plans.
House Bill 2160 would change SEBB eligibility rules for school employees, creating a presumption of coverage on day one for returning employees who previously worked 630 hours in prior years, effectively shortening the lookback period and extending it across SEBB employers. Supporters, including substitute teachers, WEA, SEIU, and other school workers, said the bill would reduce disruptive gaps in coverage, help workers and families maintain continuous insurance, and improve recruitment and retention. Opponents, including school administrators, business officials, and school directors, argued it would be an unfunded mandate that could significantly increase district costs and administrative complexity, especially because districts would have to track hours and rebut presumptive eligibility. The Health Care Authority explained that eligibility is determined by local benefits administrators using worksheets and appeals, that the current two-year presumption was built from earlier benefit rules, and that the bill could increase costs and create issues for retirees who currently manage hours to stay below the 630-hour threshold. The committee took no votes and adjourned after public hearing.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> transportation access is very important. transportation access is very important.
- We're to access any of their data yet.
- </c> sat for that exam. sat for that exam.
- </c> the pri the first access point. the pri the first access point.
- Anything number 229 here in this room.
Bills:
SB2024 , SB896 , SB2613 , SB494 , SB2391 , SB2125 , SB2614 , SB2615 , SB3262 , SB3325 , SB3118
Committee:
Senate Education
Keywords:
charter schools, public-private partnership, school facilities, education funding, community need, education, capital improvement, reporting, transparency, technical expertise, public school land transfer, Department of Education, DOE, land conveyance, fee simple title, tax map key, TMK, Act 307, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, Act 139
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Education Committee Interim Topics Meeting, March 6, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- She said yes, and the chair agreed to let her join the room.
- Is there anyone sponsoring military entrance exam failure rates in the room?
- Chairman, I have enjoyed inviting her to join the room. entrance exam failure rates in the room?
- entrance exam failure rates in the room?
- </c> schools offer these courses, access schools offer these courses, access varies<00:54:15.120><c>
Summary:
The committee heard from Superintendent Megan Degenfelder on several interim topics centered on student-centered learning. She highlighted work-based learning and dual/concurrent enrollment, saying the state is updating accountability measures and should examine whether these programs are helping students progress, avoid duplicative costs, and reduce the need for remedial college coursework. She also discussed broader life-skills education, including financial literacy and soft skills, and said districts vary widely in what they offer. On gifted and talented programs, she noted that districts are statutorily required to provide them but the state does not have a clear picture of how consistently they are implemented, and she suggested the committee may want to study that area further.
Members asked follow-up questions about whether dual enrollment should be evaluated only by time-to-degree, and Degenfelder said the analysis should also consider additional credentials and remedial coursework. Senator Schuler and others raised the idea of making financial literacy or other life-skills content more common, though Degenfelder said she did not favor a statewide mandate and instead preferred incentives and district-level implementation. The committee also discussed artificial intelligence in schools as an information-sharing topic, with Degenfelder saying the department is beginning a landscape analysis with districts and teachers. She then reviewed NAEP results, noting Wyoming performs strongly in fourth grade but drops sharply by eighth grade, and said the state wants to understand where students are falling off. Members also raised concerns about international comparisons and the need to improve literacy and math outcomes.
The committee then moved to member-submitted topics. Representative Strock proposed reviewing the governance structure of state education, arguing that the current split among the Department of Education, State Board of Education, and other boards creates inefficiency and confusion, especially for licensure and programs like CTE. Senator Scott noted that turnover in the superintendent’s office could be a practical issue in any restructuring, and Strock responded that administrative staff could handle day-to-day operations. Representative Williams then introduced a discussion of common core standards and literacy, arguing that standards may be too broad and not specific enough, especially in early grades, and that Wyoming should emphasize phonics, basic reading, math, and civics more directly. Representative Guggenmos agreed that narrowing early-grade focus to math and literacy could improve outcomes. Finally, Representative Williams raised virtual education, saying it is growing quickly and the committee should study funding, accountability, and student support more closely; the chair opened that topic for further discussion.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- was created by a bill the legislature passed a few years back that pays for sexual assault forensic exams
- For sexual assault forensic exams, we wanted to be sure that the victim was not getting billed for those
- cover the first $50,000 of claims, and those are from hospitals who are basically doing the forensic exam
- where it came to my attention that a hospital might have billed a sexual assault victim for a forensic exam
- Think about if you are at the hospital getting that forensic exam.
Committee:
Senate Health and Welfare
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:30 am
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
Transcript Highlights:
- Let's make sure that everyone in Massachusetts has full access to due process and fair representation
- Our exam rooms must always remain places of healing and never fear.
- When people fear that accessing health care, enrolling in supportive services, or even showing up for
- This bill helps restore the confidence necessary for people to seek care, access safety net programs,
- And third, the Commonwealth should support access to legal representation in immigration court.
Summary:
The hearing focused on the Safe Communities Act, House 2580 and Senate 1681, along with related proposals to limit local and state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, prohibit 287(g) agreements, and expand legal defense for immigrants. Most testimony came from advocates, attorneys, labor leaders, health care professionals, educators, and community members who argued that fear of ICE discourages immigrants from reporting crimes, seeking medical care, attending school, or cooperating with courts, and that a clear statewide policy would improve public safety, due process, and trust in institutions. Several speakers described personal or client experiences involving domestic violence, trafficking, workplace abuse, or children affected by deportation, and many emphasized economic harms to workers, families, and small businesses.
Health care witnesses said immigration enforcement is causing patients to miss appointments, avoid emergency rooms, and delay preventive care, with resulting public health consequences. Labor and education representatives said immigrant workers and students are increasingly fearful, and that the state should not allow local police to act as ICE agents or enter 287(g) agreements. ACLU and coalition witnesses cited examples they said showed existing or recent collaboration between local agencies and ICE, including courthouse alerts, vehicle stops, and use of municipal spaces, while also arguing that the bill would still allow cooperation on criminal matters and public safety emergencies. One witness opposed the bill, arguing that serious criminal offenders should be deported and defending ICE’s role.
Committee members asked several questions about whether the harms described were widespread or anecdotal, and about the distinction between assisting ICE in civil immigration arrests versus responding to violent or public safety emergencies. Witnesses said the bill was aimed at civil immigration enforcement, not criminal investigations or emergency situations. At the end of the hearing, a committee member requested a study on immigration enforcement’s effect on emergency room wait times, and the committee then adjourned without taking a vote on the legislation.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- yes displayed in the room as a flag would be if if it is a flag drawn on a piece of paper and displayed
- We, you know, many of us in this room are hunters and fishermen and we own these things but These sawed-off
- removing the state. penalty for owning this or distributing this that we would make it more readily accessible
- so-called redundant and unnecessary law, you're putting more legal firearms and making it more accessible
- That doesn't mean that there is not room in the future. for definitions regarding biases against other
Bills:
SJR27 , SJR39 , SB22 , SB33 , SB34 , SB37 , SB209 , SB310 , SB326 , SB505 , SB605 , SB618 , SB732 , SB762 , SB769 , SB783 , SB819 , SB825 , SB870 , SB964 , SB1030 , SB1080 , SB1085 , SB1099 , SB1124 , SB1208 , SB1233 , SB1314 , SB1320 , SB1333 , SB1398 , SB1405 , SB1541 , SB1567 , SB1596 , SB1598 , SB1625 , SB1646 , SB1662 , SB1750 , SB1758 , SB1791 , SB1804 , SB1810 , SB1818 , SB1838 , SB1855 , SB1869 , SB1951 , SB2024 , SB2077 , SB2078 , SB2252 , SB2253 , SB2368 , SB2411 , SB2420 , SB2425 , SB2569
Keywords:
judicial conduct, state commission, judicial misconduct, commission membership, constitutional amendment, veto override, legislature power, governor, Texas Constitution, Texas, moving image industry, incentive program, film production, grant funding, job creation, economic development, wildfire, wildfire mitigation, wildfire prevention, volunteer fire department
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- He's a great guy I know who'll be accessible to the legislature and I really appreciate y'all considered
- I know if y'all have any questions moving forward, I know he'll be accessible and I know he'll do a great
- Several people in this room that I wouldn't be standing here today if it wasn't for them.
- I saw Chancellor Burge made it to the back of the committee room. Mr.
- That it is our duty to be stewards and also for all communities to have access to the arts.
Committee:
Senate Education
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Feb 25th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- As the midwife responsible for this neglect left the hospital, she stormed to the waiting room in front
- They include accessible mobile devices, computer terminals, or other similar access devices.
- Say that again - if you have a mobile device, a computer terminal, or other similar access device, it
- I guess if you have a restaurant or someplace like that and the person accesses their cell phone, if
- What they have been seeing is capacity rooms full of local folks who are a hard no on this project.
Keywords:
funeral homes, cemetery law, cremation, embalmer, funeral director, preneed contract, preneed funeral, human remains, unclaimed cremated remains, disposition of remains, hospice, palliative care, end-of-life care, direct disposal, mortuary science, funeral service arts, licensure by endorsement, cemetery license, contiguous acres, consumer services
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Mar 10th, 2026
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- , Walpole, and North Wilmington stations with accessibility upgrades.
- So it’s restricting access.
- We are now putting together that access plan.
- You asked for an access plan. I heard you.
- A few years ago, we had an access road at Gate 43. We went to the leadership at DCR.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 14, 2026 - 10:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- it looks like the amendment removes a provision that a permit holder is not required to pay a card room
- serves. 30 condominiums is going to be a lot different in design to the pool that serves 500 hotel rooms
- diminish transparency or accountability in government, but instead balances the public's right to access
- those minimum requirements are established by Florida statute which include passing the licensure exam
- We're accessible. So congratulations on your first Bill.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Leadership's Plans for Session / Online Sports Betting Testimony / November Budget Forecast Jan 14th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- over their own lives. the Senate year after year and it was the Senate year after year and it was exam
- :52.199><c> of</c><00:04:52.360><c> examples</c><00:04:52.720><c> of</c><00:04:52.919><c> that</c> exam
- there were lots of examples of that exam there were lots of examples of that especially<00:04:53.800
- But here in Minnesota, we have the benefit of forecasting over a four-year window, giving us access to
- to an incredibly value giving us access to an incredibly value resource<00:21:11.640><c> which</c><00
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Jan 30, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:14:03.240><c> to</c> needs but that's where we have room to needs but that's where we have room
- </c> broader sense of how to increase access broader sense of how to increase access to<00:28:27.200>
- </c> efforts to um enhance funding for access efforts to um enhance funding for access to<00:28:59.880
- Thank you, Judge Kim. the court we have the room available the court we have the room available it's<
- </c><02:13:15.360><c> um</c> better um way for women to access um better um way for women to access um
Committee:
House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard House Bill 4000, the Judiciary’s biennium budget bill for FY 2026-2027. Judiciary Director of Policy and Planning Brandon Kimura testified in strong support, outlining operating requests of about $6.17 million in FY 26 and $6.25 million in FY 27, 17 permanent positions and one temporary position, plus $9.9 million in capital improvements. He described funding needs for specialty courts, preparations for the Wahiawa District Court, an additional district court judge and staff for Kona, cybersecurity upgrades, the Criminal Justice Research Institute, statewide priority items, and restoration of several essential staff positions. He also said the Judiciary was seeking an additional $2 million for the Children’s Justice Center relocation lump sum because updated estimates had risen to about $8 million. The committee also discussed potential impacts from uncertain federal funding and asked for written follow-up on those risks and on the capital request, including coordination with Budget and Finance.
Several organizations and individuals testified in support of the Judiciary budget, including the Hawaiʻi State Bar Association, Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi, and legal service providers. Mioko Eto asked for an additional $1 million for civil legal service providers, explaining that the current funding is spread across multiple providers and that the need remains high. David Copper of Legal Aid supported the request, citing statewide demand, 105 staff, 7,100 cases closed in the past year, and 15,000 calls received, while noting that many people seeking help cannot be served because of capacity limits. He also said recent federal funding disruptions and proposed cuts could affect legal services and related programs. Committee members asked about the Criminal Justice Research Institute’s mission; Kimura said its primary statutory role is to build a database focused on pre-trial reporting and data analysis, though it is also working on probation and mental health-related projects. No vote or final action on HB 4000 was taken in the hearing excerpt provided.