Video & Transcript Research : 'Department of Education'
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KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee (5-13-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- and Labor Cabinet, Board of Education, Department of Education 701 K5055 with staff suggested amendment
- Todd Allen, deputy commissioner, general counsel, Kentucky Department of Education and State Board of
- <00:04:57.360>
of <00:04:57.520>Education <00:04:58.000>and Kentucky Department - of Education and Kentucky Department of Education and State<00:04:58.400>
Board <00:04:58.639> - State Board of Education. Thank you. State Board of Education. Thank you.
Keywords:
0:16 – CALL TO ORDER
0:20 – ROLL CALL
0:56 – ELECTION OF CO-CHAIRS
1:54 – APPROVAL OF MINUTES
2:10 – OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
3:28 – PERSONNEL BOARD
4:30 – EDUCATION AND LABOR CABINET, BOARD OF EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
5:18 – PUBLIC PROTECTION CABINET, OFFICE OF CLAIMS & APPEALS
12:03 – PUBLIC PROTECTION CABINET, DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL
12:54 – CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES, DEPARTMENT FOR MEDICAID SERVICES
14:54 – CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES, DEPARTMENT FOR COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES
31:44 – NEXT MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT/ADJOURNMENT, 958, all
Summary:
The Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee met to reorganize its leadership for the new term, renewing Representative Derek Lewis as House co-chair and Senator Steven West as Senate co-chair. The committee then approved the minutes and moved through a series of agency regulations, generally adopting staff-suggested amendments without objection.
Among the regulations reviewed were an Attorney General rule changing how a commission reviews and distributes funds and how grant reporting is handled; Personnel Board changes abolishing and renaming certain job classifications and adjusting probationary periods; an Education and Labor Cabinet rule removing references to local board of education members; several Public Protection Cabinet rules covering Board of Claims and Crime Victims’ Compensation procedures; an Alcoholic Beverage Control rule on direct-to-consumer shipping forms; and a Medicaid Services emergency regulation establishing the Kentucky Trauma Hospital Rate Improvement Program for rural hospitals serving many Medicaid patients. The committee also heard that the Board of Claims and Crime Victims’ Compensation regulations included both staff and, in one case, an agency amendment, which were approved.
The most extended discussion came on the Department for Community Based Services’ regulation increasing per diem rates for private child-placing therapeutic foster care levels 2 and 3. Committee members questioned the estimated $10 million biennial cost, the source of the funding, and why the cabinet had not yet filed regulations implementing Senate Bill 151 on kinship care. DCBS staff said the rate increase was discretionary and intended to address placement crises for children with high needs, while acknowledging they could not personally explain the budget decisions. A kinship caregiver testified in support of the rate increase but urged the cabinet to also implement SB 151 and expand support for kinship families. The committee expressed frustration over the lack of SB 151 implementation but stated the rate increase itself was appropriate and allowed the regulation to proceed.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- of Education with the authority to appoint a state school superintendent and to operate the State Department
- of Education.
- the Department of Education rather than the Governor and the Secretary of Education on education priorities
- the Department of Education rather than the governor and the secretary.
- Department of Education rather than the Governor and the Secretary of Education on education priorities
Keywords:
wildlife commission, removal procedures, malfeasance, appointed officials, governance, education reform, public education, state board of education, superintendent, chartering authority, constitutional amendment, policy setting, insects, insect workshop, insect identification, ecology, monitoring, management, pollinators, pollination
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- through the attempted dismantling of the United States Department of Education.
- painting the big picture of what is happening with this attack on the Department of Education.
- Department of Education isn't some distant agency.
- Department of Education isn't some distant agency.
- The reality of an education system without a Department of Education to disperse funds doesn't just look
Keywords:
public education, Department of Education, funding, Trump, Kassar, Elon Musk, education policy, youth advocacy, billionaire influence
Summary:
This was a press conference organized by student advocates and Texas Democratic lawmakers to oppose efforts by the Trump administration and allies to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and to criticize Texas voucher proposals. Speakers argued that the department and its Office for Civil Rights are essential for enforcing civil rights protections, supporting special education, Title I, Pell Grants, career and technical education, and other federal education programs. They said eliminating the department would weaken oversight, shift power to states that have a poor record on student protections, and harm marginalized, low-income, disabled, and rural students.
Congressman Greg Casar framed the issue as a transfer of public money from schools to billionaires, tying the department fight to federal budget and tax-cut debates and to Texas voucher efforts. State Representative Gene Wu said Texas public education is already near collapse and warned that losing federal support would worsen school closures, staffing shortages, and class-size increases. Representative Gina Hinojosa highlighted Texas’s past special education cap and attacks on Section 504, and said she filed bills to route federal block grants directly to schools if federal policy changes move forward.
Representative Vicki Goodwin said the state should fund schools rather than vouchers and noted underfunding of special education and inflation pressures. Round Rock ISD trustee Melissa Ross and Texas AFT president Zef Capo emphasized that federal oversight protects students and that Texas has a history of underfunding and mishandling special education, meals, and other services. The final speaker, Westwood High School senior Eliza Abert, said the loss of federal education support would most harm low-income and middle-class students and called on attendees to oppose the changes. No votes were taken; the event ended with a call for public pressure on lawmakers and continued advocacy.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee (1-12-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- appointee of the state board of appointee of the state board of elections<00:03:34.000>
on - and removes the limitation of 12 hours of learning during a renewal period for continuing education
- Education and Labor Cabinet, Board of Education...
- Education and Labor Cabinet, Board of Education. 701 KAR 5:150, 704 KAR 3:460, and 701 KAR 5:170. 701
- "Todd Allen, Deputy Commissioner, General Counsel for the Department of Education."
Keywords:
0:00– Meeting start/roll call
0:39 – Approval of minutes
1:11 – Council on Postsecondary Education
3:06 - State Board of Elections
5:33 - Office of the Attorney General; Office of Regulatory Relief
7:02 - Board of Examiners of Psychology
16:38 - Energy and Environment Cabinet; Department for Environmental Protection
17:37 - Education and Labor Cabinet - Department of Education
19:14 - Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee met for its January meeting, approved the minutes from the prior meeting, and welcomed the new regulations compiler. The first item was a repealer from the Council on Postsecondary Education, 13 KAR 2:111, which was explained as necessary because Senate Bill 77 from the 2025 session removed the regulatory authority for advanced practice doctoral degree programs at comprehensive universities. No questions were raised, and the repealer moved forward without objection.
The subcommittee then reviewed a large package of State Board of Elections regulations with staff-suggested amendments. The package would update definitions and election procedures, require e-poll books to be ready before polls open, change the standard and timeline for removing an election officer, add oversight by a State Board appointee on election days, recognize the Kentucky party, require voter registration records to be added to electronic voter records, require ballots to fit all races and questions on a single sheet, adjust precinct consolidation petition deadlines, and update incorporated forms and identification references. The package was approved without objection.
The Office of the Attorney General’s Office of Regulatory Relief also presented multiple regulations with staff amendments, covering funeral planning declarations, cemetery companies, pre-need cemetery merchandise and funeral/burial contract sellers, and crematory contract sellers. These changes were described as adding specificity, streamlining forms and reporting, and bringing the regulations into compliance with KRS Chapter 13A; they were approved without objection.
The Board of Examiners of Psychology presented several regulations, including compact rules, grace-period extensions, and significant fee increases for applications, renewals, reinstatements, exam retakes, and reciprocity. Board representatives said the increases were needed because many fees had not been raised since 2002, the board was operating at a deficit, and legal and administrative costs had risen sharply after the termination of state legal services. Members expressed concern about the size of the increases, but the chair said he would not hold the matter up and would raise the issue with the committee of jurisdiction. The subcommittee also approved staff amendments for the Energy and Environment Cabinet’s air quality regulations and the Education and Labor Cabinet’s education regulations, which updated nontraditional instruction procedures, waiver requests, instruction topics, superintendent assessment requirements, and academic standards. The meeting ended with the next meeting scheduled for February 9 at 1 p.m., and the agenda was adjourned without further objection.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Common Education REVISION 3: SB1410 - Link added Apr 1st, 2026 at 03:00 pm
Common Education
Transcript Highlights:
- So, current law provides that exception for districts with ADM of 400 or fewer.
- It's a request bill from the Department of Agriculture and it simply places the program into statute
- The Department of Ag sees it's it's advantages. It's good that it's done for so many years.
- It's done a lot of good, so they'd like to have it in statute. Are there further questions?
- There's a but we will be back next week with a little bit bigger list of bills.
Keywords:
school boards, educational governance, conflict of interest, employee relations, Oklahoma statutes, SB1410, Oklahoma agriculture, Ag in the Classroom, agricultural education, K-12 curriculum, teacher incentives, rural schools, urban schools, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry, State Department of Education, OSU Cooperative Extension Service, classroom grants, farm education, ag literacy, school outreach
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the executive director of the Educational Retirement Board.
- I'm here on behalf of the New Mexico Coalition of Educational Leaders and New Mexico School Superintendents
- I'm privileged to serve as Dean of the College of Health, Education, and Social Transformation here at
- And if that's the direction of our educators, if that's the direction of the network. ...coming out.
- And if that's the direction of our educators, if that's the direction of the network, you know, for the
Keywords:
educational retirement, annuity adjustments, cost of living, non-compounding payments, retirement benefits, STEM funding, education, innovation, public education, New Mexico, nominating committees, boards of regents, student representation, political party registration, New Mexico constitution, special education, office of special education, deputy secretary, public education department, IEP
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee (7-9-24) - Reupload
Keywords:
KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znJMQmmrdmY, 2026-06-21T07:17:07+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Reupload to restore meeting parts lost due to technical issues
0:00 – Meeting start/roll call
0:29 – Approval of minutes
0:45 – Council on Postsecondary Education
2:31 – Board of Elections
56:16 – Office of the Attorney General
58:54 – Kentucky Public Pension Authority
1:01:07 – Board of Licensure for Occupational Therapy
1:02:01 – Office of Homeland Security
1:04:35 – Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet: Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources
1:08:06 – Justice and Public Safety Cabinet: Department of Corrections
1:09:55 – Education and Labor Cabinet: Board of Education & Department for Technical Education
1:12:20 – Education and Labor Cabinet: Department of Workers’ Claims
1:13:05 – Public Protection Cabinet: Department of Financial Institutions
1:15:38 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services: Department for Aging and Independent Living
1:17:26 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services: Office of the Secretary, Medical Cannabis Program
1:29:00 – Announcement of August meeting and adjournment, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
An oversight hearing to examine Native American education, focusing on Federal programs at the U.S. Department of Education. Apr 2nd, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Indian Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Given the major role that the Department of Education plays in the education of our students, Department
- Department of Education.
- funded by the Department of Education grants.
- Department of Education.
- Simply moving our Indian education programs from the Department of Education to the Department of Interior
Keywords:
Native education, Department of Education, federal funding, testimony, treaty obligations, public schools, educational policies, Indigenous students
Summary:
The meeting focused on the responsibilities of the U.S. Department of Education towards Native students, highlighting the importance of federal education programs that satisfy treaty obligations to Native communities. Various witnesses testified about the impact of educational policies designed to support Native students who primarily attend public schools. Concerns were voiced over recent proposals that could potentially undermine these programs, citing the role of federal funding in ensuring successful educational outcomes for Native youth. The chair of the committee emphasized the need for continued federal support and attention to the unique educational challenges faced by Indigenous populations.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- We've been working with the Department of Education on creating the capstone initiative, aligning it
- Department of Education. That is because of how closely we work together.
- Education Department.
- Department of Education does its own monitoring.
- I'm the Cabinet Secretary of the Public Education Department.
Keywords:
special education, office of special education, deputy secretary, public education department, IEP, individualized education program, students with disabilities, IDEA, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, dyslexia, dyslexia screening, structured literacy, reading intervention, multilayered system of supports, MTSS, student assistance team, free appropriate public education, FAPE, special education compliance, charter schools
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Feb 11th, 2026
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security
Transcript Highlights:
- . ...of military benefits.
- This amendment adds an information-sharing provision so the Department of Revenue can share limited tax
- information with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of State.
- It shifts verification and registration from the Department of Veterans Affairs and creates a verification
- We've done a lot of good things in this committee, and we've passed a lot of bills that help all of our
Keywords:
veterans, military spouses, business incentives, tax exemptions, economic development, veteran benefits, minor clients, financial assistance, education services, Department of Children and Families, Department of Health
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Military, Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security met with a quorum present and took up two bills. SB 1594, by Senator Gates, would change how veterans’ benefits received on behalf of foster youth are handled so the funds are not used to offset foster care costs, but instead are preserved for post-secondary education or aftercare services when the youth leaves foster care. The bill drew one supportive appearance from Victoria Zep of Family Support Services, had no debate, and was reported favorably by a unanimous roll call vote. Senator Sharief later asked to be recorded as a yes vote on the bill.
The committee then considered SB 1182, by Senator Jones, which creates the Florida Veterans and Military Spouses Business Development Act to provide fee relief and tax incentives for veteran-owned and military spouse-owned businesses. The committee adopted Jones’s strike-all amendment, which added information-sharing and verification provisions, refined the tax exemptions, and broadened eligibility for fee waivers and sales tax relief. After no questions or debate, the amended bill was reported favorably by unanimous vote.
The committee also held a confirmation hearing for three appointees—Matthew Bacchano, Tim Thomas, and Belinda Kaiser—and recommended confirmation on all three in one vote. The meeting concluded with several members offering remarks praising Chair Wright’s long service and leadership on veterans’ issues, followed by adjournment.
WY
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- And I've asked members of the Wyoming Department of Education if they would want to come up and talk
- >
of <00:01:46.560>Education <00:01:46.960>if the Wyoming Department of Education - if the Wyoming Department of Education if they<00:01:47.280>
would <00:01:47.520>want < - Dicky Shainer and Nate Tajeski with the Department of Education.
- to hire one the Department of Education to hire one more<00:13:15.600>
full-time <00:13:16.160
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- You would have to ask, I believe the Department of Education did consult with the Department of Health
- Department of Education.
- Department of Education.
- We need a Department of Education.
- Department of Education from existence.
Keywords:
Department of Education, federal overreach, education policy, Tenth Amendment, local control, fine arts, high school diploma, arts education, capstone project, academic achievement, student recognition, Louisiana education, food insecurity, hunger, student hunger, school meals, free lunch, community eligibility provision, McKinney-Vento, homeless students
Summary:
The committee first took up HB 636 by Rep. LaFleur, a hazing-prevention bill for public postsecondary institutions. After adopting a chairman’s amendment set that shifted implementation to management boards with the Board of Regents, allowed standardized reporting forms, and added a lifetime ban on re-chartering for organizations involved in a hazing death, the committee heard emotional testimony from Caleb Wilson’s mother and from Jason Hughes, who chaired the task force that developed the bill. Members from both parties expressed support, and HB 636 was reported as amended and renamed the Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Act.
The committee then heard HB 218, also by Rep. LaFleur, requiring public schools to administer food insecurity screenings using an existing McKinney-Vento-based process with added questions. Witnesses from the Department of Education and charter schools explained the screening questions and said the process would help identify students in need without violating confidentiality, while a faith-community witness urged schools to partner with churches and charities. Concerns were raised about privacy and whether schools already had authority to help hungry students, but the bill was reported with amendments. The committee also approved HB 626 by Rep. Jordan, which would require colleges and universities to provide suicide-prevention information, hotline access, and aggregated reporting on suicide risk; the Board of Regents said most campuses already use 988 or telehealth services and could comply without major new costs, and the bill was reported favorably.
Next, HB 749 by Rep. Carver was considered to modernize the state’s college savings and ABLE programs by moving administration to a third-party manager and improving online access and security. Treasury and Board of Regents staff said the state would retain oversight, that ABLE accounts would not be charged fees, and that implementation would be supported by executive-budget funding; the bill was reported favorably. HB 352 by Rep. Mack, a cleanup bill on behavioral health services in schools, drew testimony from parents, ABA providers, and teacher representatives. Supporters said some districts were still blocking medically necessary services in classrooms, while educators asked for clearer pre-conference expectations to avoid disruption; after amendment, the bill was reported with amendments. The committee also approved HB 201 creating a state seal of fine arts and HB 738 revising student disciplinary proceedings at colleges and universities, and it began discussion of HCR 14, which supports federal efforts to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill creates a statewide public health awareness campaign funded through the Department of Elder
- This bill creates a statewide public health awareness campaign funded through the Department of Elder
- of clinical trials, and minimize health disparities through outreach and education.
- on educating the general public, particularly those over the age of 60, and the population at higher
- The Department of Elder Affairs would contract with nonprofits to focus on Alzheimer's education and
Bills:
S0578
Keywords:
Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimers, dementia, related dementias, brain health, early detection, diagnosis, caregiver support, elderly affairs, Department of Elderly Affairs, Department of Health, public health outreach, memory loss, cognitive decline, healthy aging, clinical trials, community resources, underserved communities, nonprofit, awareness campaign
Summary:
The Committee on Fiscal Policy heard CS for SB 57A, the Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Initiative by Senator Simon. The bill would create a statewide public health awareness campaign through the Department of Elder Affairs to promote early detection and diagnosis, brain health education, awareness of research and clinical trials, and outreach to older adults and higher-risk populations, with the department contracting with nonprofits for education and awareness efforts. Senator Simon and the bill’s supporters emphasized Florida’s high Alzheimer’s prevalence and the need for public education and early intervention.
John Strader, representing the Alzheimer’s Association in South Florida and speaking as a caregiver, testified in support and described how early diagnosis and recent medical advances make awareness campaigns more important. He said a local pilot campaign in Miami-Dade led to a more than 30% increase in calls to the association’s helpline. Karen Morillo of AARP Florida and Tyler Jefferson of the Alzheimer’s Association waived in support.
Several senators voiced support and personal reflections on the impact of Alzheimer’s on families and caregivers. Senator Osgood asked about funding and whether the initiative would require new appropriations, and Senator Jones urged that the bill be fully funded and recognized Senator Simon’s personal connection to the issue. In closing, Senator Simon spoke emotionally about his mother’s diagnosis and the need to help families find resources earlier. The committee then approved the bill by roll call vote and reported CS for SB 57A favorably before adjourning.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- And then did anybody from the Department of Education, Board of Regents, any of the systems, express
- The Department of Education, it just says they may provide licenses.
- I'm Ashley Towns, with the Department of Education. Thank you, ma'am.
- The issue is that the Department of Education usually only issues one license per address.
- It still keeps the Department of Education structural overreach and unnecessary micromanagement of private
Keywords:
mandatory reporter, child abuse training, online training, Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Education, educator requirements, early childhood education, microcenter, school board, cooperative endeavor, economic disadvantage, vaccination, meningococcal disease, school entry, immunization requirements, public health, academic freedom, free speech, retaliation, faculty rights
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider the nomination of Linda McMahon, of Connecticut, to be Secretary of Education, and other pending calendar business. Feb 20th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- McMahon has the tall task of reforming the Department of Education that has lost its purpose. purpose
- McMahon demonstrated a strong vision for the Department of Education.
- They fought the King of England, which now takes us back to the Department of Education.
- That we are living in a time of massive income and wealth inequality and the Department of Education
- And that is what a lot of what the Department of Education does. Is it a perfect entity? No.
Keywords:
Department of Education, Ms. McMahon, educational reform, public testimony, federal responsibilities, local governance
Summary:
The meeting of the legislative committee encompassed discussions on key bills including HB22, SB4, and HB2214, with significant focus on the implications surrounding the Department of Education. Members expressed varying opinions on the nomination of Ms. McMahon to lead the department, underlining the need for reform and accountability. The committee witnessed passionate exchanges regarding educational values and the responsibilities of the federal government versus local authorities. Public testimonies contributed to the discussions, highlighting the community's concerns about educational policies and their impact on students from diverse backgrounds.
NV
Transcript Highlights:
- We very much appreciate the State Department of Education helping us get to this point on this measure
- to meet the standards set by our State Department of Education that we can then use to assess our kiddos
- Amelia Tebow for the record on behalf of the Nevada Department of Education.
- Then the Nevada Department of Education has to set, by regulation and in policy, the cut score for each
- of Education.
Bills:
AB386
Keywords:
AB386, Washoe County School District, reading assessment, literacy, elementary school, pupil assessment, statewide assessment, alternative assessment, reading proficiency, standards-based testing, valid and reliable test, State Board of Education, Department of Education, pilot program, school testing, assessment equivalency, education grant, Nevada education, NRS 388.157, school accountability
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee (8-13-24)
Keywords:
KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfGbyu195O8, 2026-06-21T07:17:08+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 0:12 – Meeting start/roll call
0:36 – Approval of minutes
0:48 – Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, Division of Student Financial Aid
2:22 – Education and Labor Cabinet, Education Professional Standards Board
5:21 – State Board of Elections
8:26 – Office of the Attorney General
10:25 – Personnel Board
12:17 – Finance and Administration Cabinet
14:18 – Board of Pharmacy
15:42 – Board of Licensure for Occupational Therapy
16:38 – Education and Labor Cabinet – Department for Workers’ Claims
17:35 – Public Protection Cabinet – Department for Housing, Buildings & Construction
22:04 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services – Office of the Secretary: Medicinal Cannabis Program
32:18 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services – Department for Community Based Services, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- >
to educ uh department of education to educ uh department of education to employ<00:01:04.400 - uh the uh Department of Education or uh the uh Department of Education or uh some<00:02:07.600>
- Chairman, members of the committee. I'm Nish Guyo with the Wyoming Department of Education.
- <00:02:33.920>
On Wyoming Department of Education. On Wyoming Department of Education.- :58.720>
like <00:23:58.880>to the Department of Education like to the Department of Education
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
AEN-WLA-EIG, AEN-WLA-EDT, AEN-GVO, AEN DEFER, AEN, AEN-EDU Public Hearings 02-18-2026
Agriculture and Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh next is Department of Health. Uh next is Department of Health.
- of Health, Department Nakano, Department of Health, Department of<00:57:19.680>
Health <00:57: - It requires University of Hawaiʻi to collaborate with Department of Education on Ag and biosecurity agri
- Last year, we had a number of meetings with the Department of Education to more collaboratively launch
- of meetings with Department of Education, Education, Education, uh,<01:16:05.120>
to <01:16:05.720
Keywords:
workforce development, agriculture, biosecurity, pilot program, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, University of Hawaii, Leeward Community College, DHRD, training, apprenticeship, career pathways, credentialing, job training, internship, hands-on experience, state employment, workforce pipeline, agricultural jobs, biosecurity jobs, general fund appropriation
Summary:
The committees first heard SB 2371, which would prioritize lease offers on agrivoltaics parcels for beginning farmers, require annual compliance reports to DAB, authorize penalties for noncompliance, and allow solar facilities on certain agricultural lands. DAB, the State Energy Office, PUC, and Hawaii Farm Bureau generally supported the intent, while OPPSD recommended amendments to preserve agricultural lease affordability and strengthen food-production language. Members questioned whether the bill would meaningfully encourage solar on ag lands, whether beginning farmers would have enough information to use such parcels, and how the bill would interact with Land Use Commission review. The Farm Bureau said agrivoltaics remains challenging and largely in pilot form, and noted the Mililani project as a promising example of dual use. The committees voted to pass SB 2371 with amendments, with one member expressing a preference that it be opened to all farmers rather than only beginning farmers.
The next measure, SB 2800, appropriates funds to DAB, DLNR, and ADC for acquisition, repair, and maintenance of irrigation systems. All testifying agencies and the Farm Bureau supported the bill, and members pressed them for estimates of needed funding and the condition of existing systems. DAB cited major repair needs, including Waimea, Molokai, Kahuku, and Kawailoa, and said its backlog could total roughly $65 million; ADC estimated about $35 million for several systems; and DLNR said its current needs for three systems were about $35 million, with the largest cost tied to piping in Kekaha. The committees amended the bill to defer its effective date to July 1, 2050 and to blank out the appropriation amounts in the bill text, with the agencies’ requested amounts to be included in the committee report for consideration. SB 2800 then passed in AEN, Water and Land, and EIG.
The final measure discussed was SB 2718, a food hub pilot program beginning in 2028 that would require state departments and UH to source 30% of certain food purchases from local agricultural products, create a nutrition- and ʻāina-based school program, and have DAT partner with a regional aggregator for Native Hawaiian staple crops. DAT, DOH, the Farm Bureau, Food Plus Policy Group, HAPA, and others supported the bill’s intent, while the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation opposed it, saying it is already struggling to meet the current local procurement percentage and faces procurement and quantity barriers, especially for staple items used daily. The testimony focused on whether agencies could realistically meet the higher local purchasing target and whether smaller farms could supply the needed volumes.