Transcript Highlights:

• > health Health care is so critical for communication needs for individuals who are profoundly deaf
• We also had additional support in writing from the Hawaii Disability Rights Center, the Deaf and Blind
• 37.040> Center from the Hawaii Disability Rights Center from the Hawaii Disability Rights Center Deaf
• 09:38.320> Force<02:09:38.960> and<02:09:39.199> about<02:09:39.520> 10 Deaf
• and Blind Task Force and about 10 Deaf and Blind Task Force and about 10 individuals.<02:09:40.560><

Bills: HB2488, HB2456

Keywords: disability, communication access, deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, healthcare, sign language interpreters, auxiliary aids, weight loss, GLP-1 drugs, obesity, Medicaid, healthcare costs, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HP 1972, which would create a nonrefundable family caregiver tax credit, and on a related tax measure to increase the existing dependent care tax credit. Supporters of HP 1972, including AARP, the Executive Office on Aging, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and others, said unpaid caregivers are essential to keeping kūpuna and other loved ones at home and described significant out-of-pocket costs. The Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation raised technical concerns, including the need to avoid overlap with existing credits and to prevent double-dipping. The department said taxpayers can claim credits to the extent allowed, but recommended explicit language barring the same costs from being claimed under more than one credit. No vote was taken in the excerpt, and the chair moved the bill along after questions. The committee then heard HP 1975, which would repeal the sunset on the state rent supplement program for kūpuna. AARP, Catholic Charities Hawaii, the Executive Office on Aging, and others supported making the program permanent, saying it helps low-income older adults avoid eviction and homelessness and allows them to remain in affordable housing. Catholic Charities described clients who were paying unsustainable shares of income for rent before receiving the supplement. Members also shared a constituent example of an elderly retiree who needed the subsidy to stay housed. Written support was noted from additional organizations and individuals. Next, the committee took up HB 1706, which would expand Medicaid prospective payment reimbursement to include mental health services furnished in federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics by mental health professionals under supervision. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the bill, and DHS said it appreciated the intent to address workforce shortages and expand training, but cautioned that unlicensed professionals cannot currently bill Medicaid and that a state plan amendment would be needed, with limited precedent for approval. Members asked about the likelihood and timing of federal approval and whether the bill could help rural areas; DHS said approval is uncertain and the process can take time, though it saw possible alignment with the state’s rural health transformation efforts. The committee also discussed HB 546, a three-year health coverage continuity pilot program for people losing Medicaid coverage. DHS, the Attorney General’s office, DCCA, Catholic Charities, the University of Hawaii, and others testified, with DHS warning that federal changes could increase uninsured rates and that the state may need to act quickly. Catholic Charities and others emphasized the risk to Medicaid recipients, including homeless and near-elderly residents, while DHS explained the state’s existing premium assistance program for certain immigrants and compared it to the proposed pilot. The excerpt ends during discussion of that comparison, with no vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• the health care settings communications needs of, and develop guidelines for, individuals who are deaf
• , hard of hearing, or deaf-blind.
• the health care settings communications needs of, and develop guidelines for, individuals who are deaf
• , hard of hearing, or deaf-blind.

Bills: HCR67, HCR102, HR61, HR94

Keywords: disability, communication access, healthcare, sign language interpreters, deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, auxiliary aids, effective communication, peer counselor, youth mental health, social disconnection, Hawaii schools, wellness program, student support, cultural responsiveness, trauma-informed care, disability rights, peer counseling, education

Summary: The joint Committee on Human Services and Homelessness and Committee on Health heard two measures on April 7, 2026. HCR 67/HR 61 would request the Disability and Communication Access Board to study communication needs in health care settings for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind and develop guidelines. Written testimony supported the measure from the State Health Planning and Development Agency, DCAB, Local Independent Living Hawaii, and one individual. A DCAB representative noted the proposal could serve as a backup if related measures do not move forward. No one testified in opposition, and both committees voted to pass the measure unamended. The second measure, HCR 102/HR 94, urged the Department of Education, in collaboration with the Department of Health and the Office of Wellness and Resilience, to establish a statewide peer counselor program to address youth loneliness and social disconnection in schools. Support came from the Department of Education, the Office of Wellness and Resilience, and individual testifiers Katie Smith and Ray Ward. Smith said peer support can reduce stigma, increase belonging, and improve school climate. Ward, speaking from lived experience, described the harms of loneliness and trauma and said a peer counselor program could provide culturally grounded support and safer pathways to help. No opposition was offered, and both committees voted to pass the measure unamended.

Bills: SB2936, SB2850, SB2851, SB2521

Keywords: accessible parking, disability, kupuna, public accommodations, small business exemptions, Hawaii Revised Statutes, parking permit, blind, deaf, accessibility, deafness, traffic safety, law enforcement, vehicle registration, communication, emergency services, commercial driver's license, first responders, public safety, authorized emergency vehicle

Summary: The joint hearing covered House Bill 251, which would require hospitals to report costs associated with Medicare and uninsured patients, and House Bill 1875, which would expand protections for gender-affirming health care services. On HB 251, the Department of Health said it supported the intent but described the bill as complicated and potentially impractical as drafted because the department lacks the expertise to produce the required analyses without outside help. Hawaii Health Systems Corporation echoed those concerns, while the Queen’s Health System said it was willing to work with the department to provide the information. In committee discussion, officials explained that hospital support in Hawaii includes public hospital appropriations and the provider tax program, which uses hospital and nursing home contributions to draw federal matching funds; a department witness estimated the net benefit at about $150 million for hospitals and $20 million for nursing facilities, though exact figures would be provided later. On HB 1875, the Insurance Division testified with concerns that the bill’s language on prohibited actions by malpractice insurers was broad and vague, and that a rate-increase prohibition could conflict with actuarially based insurance pricing. The division also noted it was not the primary enforcement agency for the statute. In contrast, many testifiers strongly supported the bill, including the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, PFLAG Oahu, the ACLU of Hawaii, the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, the Hawaii County Democratic Party, and others. Supporters argued that gender-affirming care is medically necessary, evidence-based, and protected by privacy and bodily autonomy principles, and that the bill would protect patients and providers from outside political interference. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Bills: SB2936, SB2850, SB2851, SB2521

Keywords: accessible parking, disability, kupuna, public accommodations, small business exemptions, Hawaii Revised Statutes, parking permit, blind, deaf, accessibility, deafness, traffic safety, law enforcement, vehicle registration, communication, emergency services, commercial driver's license, first responders, public safety, authorized emergency vehicle

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several health-related bills. HB 1871, establishing a maternal health monitoring pilot program, drew support from the Department of Health, the Hawaii State Commission on Status of Women, and the Hawaii affiliate of the American College of Nurse Midwives, with testimony urging provider-neutral language so midwives and other qualified providers would not be excluded. HB 1977, requiring a maternal and infant health information mobile app, received support from ACNM and Philips, which said similar apps in other states improved awareness of services and helped families navigate care; a member asked the Department of Health about implementation time. HB 1858, relating to certificates of fetal deaths, was supported by the Department of Health and clinicians, who said the current statute is outdated and inconsistent with CDC guidance; the department and a physician testified that the bill should shift documentation responsibilities to physicians and APRNs, and members discussed optional versus mandatory issuance language and whether the bill would improve data on home births and transfers. The committee also heard HB 1591, expanding definitions for preceptor and volunteer-based clinical training to improve income tax credits. The Department of Health supported the measure but preferred a similar, broader bill; Taxation suggested clarifying terms; the University of Hawaii and the State Center for Nursing supported it. ACNM asked that midwifery preceptors and Hawaii-based students enrolled in mainland programs be included, while the Hawaii Public Health Institute supported expansion of the program as a workforce solution. HB 1574, on the health care education loan repayment program, also drew broad support, including from the governor, SHPDA, OHA, and health organizations, but ACNM raised concerns that the bill’s 30% Medicaid-client threshold could exclude many providers and limit participation. For HB 1575, creating a feasibility committee on Parkinson’s patient air transport, the Department of Health supported the intent but said transportation is more likely an insurance or benefit issue and suggested redirecting funds to Parkinson’s research; the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the Hawaii Parkinson Association supported the bill, citing inter-island travel barriers and high costs for patients and caregivers. HB 1854, establishing certification of community behavioral health clinics, was supported by the Department of Health and DHS, which said certification would help clinics qualify for enhanced Medicaid reimbursement and expand access; the Attorney General’s office raised a legal concern about the special fund language and recommended a purpose section, and the committee discussed whether the fund would be self-sustaining and noted a possible amendment to change membership language and reduce the board size if the amendment moved forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Disability and Communication Access Board to study the communication needs of individuals who are deaf
• To study the communication access needs for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind
• To study the communication access needs for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind
• We are very involved in the deaf community, and we had a very close deaf friend, Paul Ilo, who had a
• <00:06:47.640> Paul had a very close deaf friend, um Paul had a very close deaf friend, um

Bills: SCR63, SCR8, SCR160, SCR90, SCR93

Keywords: disability, accessibility, healthcare communication, sign language interpreters, deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, auxiliary aids, building permits, seniors, health care, safety modifications, county regulations, expedited processing, housing ladder, move-up housing, subsidized housing, public housing, affordable housing, housing mobility

Summary: The House Committee on Human Services and Homelessness heard several resolutions focused on disability access, housing, and support for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries. SCR 63 SD1 would have the Disability and Communication Access Board study communication needs in health care settings for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind and revise provider guidance; testimony was strongly supportive, including from the board, a physician, and a family member who described harmful delays in care, and the committee later recommended passage as is. SCR 8 would require counties to act within 45 days on completed permit applications for home modifications needed for an older adult or person with a disability; testimony noted delays in permitting and financing, and the committee recommended passage as is. The committee also heard SCR 160, which urges state housing agencies to create a “housing ladder” program to help individuals and families move from subsidized to unsubsidized housing. Hawaii Public Housing Authority and other agencies supported the concept, and DHS described its family self-sufficiency program and said prior federal resident-services funding had declined over the past 20 years. The committee acknowledged the program may already exist in some form but still recommended adoption of the resolution as is. SCR 90 would ask county planning departments to establish kupuna-friendly building permit requirements for parking accessibility in private businesses. The committee moved it forward with an HD1 for technical amendments; a member raised concern that the measure did not specify the age threshold for “kupuna,” and said they would vote with reservations. Finally, SCR 93 would direct DHHL and the Statewide Office of Homelessness and Housing Solutions to develop a coordinated support and stabilization pathway for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries experiencing homelessness or very low income. DHHL said it is already operating a transitional housing effort called Ka Leo Opu Mama for about 18 beneficiaries using more than $6 million in federal Nah Ho Sa funds, with no dedicated state funding, and the committee recommended passage as is. The meeting ended with the chair thanking testifiers and members and adjourning the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, House Bill 1995 providing that people who are blind or deaf can receive a disabled parking permit
• 02.960> that<00:23:03.440> people House Bill 1995, providing that people who are blind or deaf
• The next bill is House Bill 1995 providing disabled parking permits for people who are deaf or blind.
• provides a forum for further discussion, but for now we next bill is House Bill 1679. people who are deaf
• or blind. people who are deaf or blind.

Bills: SB2275, SB2390, SB2540, SB3142, SB2414, SB2340, SB2848

Keywords: Medicaid, disability, buy-in program, workers with disabilities, income eligibility, premium structure, biomarker testing, health insurance, medical coverage, state law, health maintenance organization, juvenile justice, youth penalties, minors, court fees, court costs, fines, surcharges, restitution, fee waiver

Summary: The House Committee on Health heard testimony on a series of bills related to public health, pharmacy regulation, disability access, and health care infrastructure. HB 1535, creating an income tax credit for automated external defibrillator installations, drew support from the Department of Health, tax department comments, and public testimony emphasizing AED access in community and transit settings. HB 1765, requiring safety warnings for spear fishing gear, received comments from DLNR and strong support from a free-diving safety advocate who described blackout risks and argued for point-of-sale warnings. HB 1549, which would repeal the law prohibiting drug paraphernalia, drew mixed testimony: the Department of Health, the Public Defender, and harm-reduction advocates supported repeal as a public health measure, while HPD and a county prosecutor opposed it, warning it could encourage drug use and create public safety issues. The committee also heard HB 1550, which would exclude drug testing products from the definition of drug paraphernalia. The Department of Health and harm-reduction advocates supported the bill, saying drug checking tools save lives and help prevent overdoses, while one written opponent was noted. HB 1995, allowing people who are blind or deaf to receive disabled parking permits, drew opposition from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Disability and Communication Access Board, and other opponents, while a few written supporters were also noted. HB 1671, allowing licensed dental hygienists to place interim therapeutic restorations in public health settings, received support from the Department of Health and several oral health organizations, with the Board of Dentistry offering comments. HB 1643, establishing a framework for pharmacy audits and record retrieval, prompted the most extended discussion. The Board of Pharmacy and independent pharmacy representatives supported the bill as a needed framework to limit burdensome audits and protect patient care, while HMSA raised concerns about possible conflicts with upcoming federal PBM reforms and potential unintended consequences. Committee members questioned both sides about timing and workload, and supporters argued the bill was needed now to protect rural and independent pharmacies. Finally, HB 1978, appropriating funds for a new outpatient care center in North Kona, received strong support from Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, Queen’s Health Systems, the Kona-Kohala Chamber, and others, who described it as a long-term investment in West Hawaii’s health care capacity and economy. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have lived as a deaf blind person for all of these years.
• I was actually born premature and they found out I was deaf at that time.
• I was assisting other deaf clients with disabilities to work on their cases.
• And she's another deaf blind individual, a business owner here in the state of Texas.
• My personal experience as a parent of a of a deaf blind child.

Bills: HB 451, HB 645, HB 1041, HB 1151, HB 1155, HB 1536, HCR 12

Keywords: commercial sexual exploitation, child sex trafficking, human trafficking, child welfare, foster care, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, juvenile probation, risk assessment, needs assessment, trauma screening, child abuse prevention, exploitation screening, validated screening tool, evidence-informed tool, conservatorship, juvenile justice, at-risk youth, trafficking prevention, Child Sex Trafficking Prevention Unit

Transcript Highlights:

• HCR 12 is a resolution that recognizes the importance of raising the awareness for the deaf community
• . community by designing September as a Deaf Awareness Month for the next 10 years.
• , and support for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Deaf awareness is very important to the Deaf community. off with some figures here, according to the
• The objective to the Deaf Awareness Month is to promote inclusion. for each and every one that is deaf

Bills: HB451, HB645, HB 1041, HB 1151, HB 1155, HB1536, HCR12, HCR12

Keywords: commercial sexual exploitation, child sex trafficking, human trafficking, child welfare, foster care, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, juvenile probation, risk assessment, needs assessment, trauma screening, child abuse prevention, exploitation screening, validated screening tool, evidence-informed tool, conservatorship, juvenile justice, at-risk youth, trafficking prevention, Child Sex Trafficking Prevention Unit

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is critically important for the 2,700 Texans who are. deaf and blind and we have historically
• I was actually born premature, and they found out I was Deaf at that time.
• After graduation from Texas School for the Deaf, I attended college at Southwest College.
• Collegiate Institute for the Deaf in Big Springs, Texas, and there I did meet several other students.
• I was assisting other deaf clients with disabilities to work on their- but I lost my sight and was no

Bills: HB451, HB645, HB 1041, HB 1151, HB 1155, HB1536, HCR12, HCR12

Keywords: commercial sexual exploitation, child sex trafficking, human trafficking, child welfare, foster care, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, juvenile probation, risk assessment, needs assessment, trauma screening, child abuse prevention, exploitation screening, validated screening tool, evidence-informed tool, conservatorship, juvenile justice, at-risk youth, trafficking prevention, Child Sex Trafficking Prevention Unit

Transcript Highlights:

• This resolution authorizes the Texas School for the Deaf to rename its middle school gymnasium The Robert
• This resolution enables the Texas School for the Deaf. not just Mr.
• to lay out to you and Gabriel Cardenas, the public information officer for the Texas School of the Deaf
• I'm the public information officer. at the Texas School for the Deaf and I'm here as a resource witness
• So it's super important that for students who are deaf.

Bills: SB568, SCR5, SB57, SB1447, SB27, SB24

Keywords: special education, funding, individualized education program, visual impairments, accessibility, support services, state education code, SCR 5, Senate Concurrent Resolution 5, Texas School for the Deaf, TSD, Robert Rives, gymnasium naming, building naming, honorary resolution, commemorative resolution, deaf education, hard of hearing, Gallaudet University, alumni hall of fame

Bills: SB568, SCR5, SB57, SB1447, SB27, SB24

Keywords: special education, funding, individualized education program, visual impairments, accessibility, support services, state education code, SCR 5, Senate Concurrent Resolution 5, Texas School for the Deaf, TSD, Robert Rives, gymnasium naming, building naming, honorary resolution, commemorative resolution, deaf education, hard of hearing, Gallaudet University, alumni hall of fame

Transcript Highlights:

• , hard of hearing, and deaf with disabilities, from pre-K to high school.
• experience growing up as a deaf child, perhaps of a deaf parent who had given them language on day one
• with deaf and hard of hearing.
• If you talk to my daughter today, you would have no idea that she was deaf.
• are referred to the Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind.

Bills: HB2180, HB2184, HB2188, HB2194, HB2206, HB2321, HB2322, HB2438, HB2442, HB2448, HB2727, HB2797

Keywords: appropriation, funding, University of Arizona, education, state budget, fetal death, funeral homes, informed consent, abortion, women's rights, medical assistance, emotional support, language acquisition, early intervention, hearing impairment, grant program, deaf education, health care, insurance claims, prior authorization

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services opened with remarks about shortening meeting times and then heard a JLBC presentation on the effects of H.R. 1 on SNAP. JLBC staff explained that H.R. 1 expands SNAP work requirements, raises the state share of SNAP administrative costs from 50% to 75% beginning in FY 2027, and could require Arizona to pay a share of benefits if its SNAP error rate exceeds 6%. JLBC estimated the administrative cost increase at about $33 million in FY 2027 and $44 million in FY 2028, and said a 2024 error rate of 8.8% could trigger about $139 million in state benefit costs under the new federal formula. The committee then considered HB 2797, which requires DES to regularly review data from other agencies to verify SNAP eligibility, post fraud and noncompliance data, and address out-of-state EBT purchases. Supporters said it would improve program integrity and help Arizona avoid federal cost-sharing penalties; the bill passed 7-5. The committee next heard HB 2180, which appropriates $2.5 million in FY 2027 to the University of Arizona for AZ REACH, a statewide hospital transfer coordination service. Supporters from rural hospitals and the health system described it as a useful, voluntary service that speeds transfers and reduces burden on physicians, while one health system representative asked for better operational coordination. The bill passed 11-1. HB 2184, as amended, would extend fetal death certificate filing requirements to fetal deaths at or before 20 weeks if requested by the mother and require notice of the option to transfer remains to a funeral home before an abortion. Supporters, including a mortuary owner and parents who had experienced miscarriages, said it would give grieving families dignity and closure; opponents raised concerns about reproductive rights and language in the bill. The committee adopted the Bliss amendment and passed the bill 7-4-1. HB 2188, as amended, created a Language Acquisition Grant Program for services to deaf or hard-of-hearing infants and toddlers. Supporters said it would streamline funding and preserve family choice among spoken language, ASL, or both, while an opponent argued the bill should more explicitly ensure equal access to ASL and Deaf Culture services; the bill passed 12-0. The committee also considered three more H.R. 1-related SNAP bills. HB 2442 would require able-bodied adults under 60 receiving SNAP to participate in an employment and training program unless exempt; supporters said it would connect recipients to work and training, and it passed 7-5. HB 2448 would bar DES from seeking work-requirement waivers or discretionary exemptions unless authorized by law; supporters said it would prevent broad waivers and improve employment outcomes, and it also passed 7-5. Finally, HB 2206 would require DES to reduce the SNAP payment error rate to 3% by 2030, submit annual progress reports, and face corrective action if targets are missed. Supporters said it would save taxpayer money and improve accountability, while opponents argued the target was too aggressive without more staff or funding and could strain DES; the bill was still under discussion at the end of the transcript.

Bills: HB236, HB236

Keywords: HB236, Baldwin County, Board of Equalization, per diem, supplemental compensation, county board, ad valorem tax, property tax appeal, tax assessment, mileage reimbursement, Consumer Price Index, CPI adjustment, local legislation, equalization board, taxpayer protests, property inspection, county revenue, education appropriations, supplemental appropriation, Education Trust Fund

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, thank you for the opportunity to lay out SCR 5 directing the Texas School for the Deaf to name its
• Members, this concurrent resolution authorizes the Texas School for the Deaf to name its currently unnamed
• Lifetime of service to TSD created by the legislature in 1856, the Texas School for the Deaf is the longest
• Probably butchered that, but that's who you are, and you're here on behalf of Texas School of the Deaf
• I am the public information officer for the Texas School for the Deaf.

Bills: SB 1036, SB 1566, SB 1664, SB 2268, SCR 5, SCR 8, SCR 9, SCR 32, SCR 46

Keywords: residential solar, solar retailer, solar salesperson, solar panel sales, solar lease, solar installation, renewable energy, clean energy, consumer protection, deceptive sales, door-to-door solicitation, occupational registration, TDLR, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation, Public Utility Commission, electrical contractor, interconnection, net metering, Truth in Lending Act

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity to lay out SCR 5, directing the Texas School for the Deaf to name it. for
• This concurrent resolution authorizes the Texas School for the Deaf to name its currently unnamed middle
• Created by the legislature in 1856, the Texas School for the Deaf is the longest continuously operating
• College, what we now know as Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., the premier institution for deaf
• I am the Public Information Officer for the Texas School for the Deaf.

Bills: SB1036, SB1566, SB1664, SB2268, SCR5, SCR8, SCR9, SCR32, SCR46

Keywords: residential solar, solar retailer, solar salesperson, solar panel sales, solar lease, solar installation, renewable energy, clean energy, consumer protection, deceptive sales, door-to-door solicitation, occupational registration, TDLR, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation, Public Utility Commission, electrical contractor, interconnection, net metering, Truth in Lending Act

Bills: HR174, HR194, HCR98, SB39, SB124, SB190, SB236, SB270, SB273, SB359, SB415, SB426, SB437, SB451

Keywords: fenbendazole, cancer treatment, public health, FDA, clinical trials, patient safety, visual acuity, student health, de-identified data, longitudinal analysis, education policy, SNAP, food stamps, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, grocery delivery, delivery fees, service charges, online grocery, food access, food insecurity

Transcript Highlights:

• HCR-12 is a resolution that recognizes the importance of raising awareness for the deaf community by
• designating September as Deaf Awareness Month for the next 10 years.
• to light as a result of Reverend Garner Dennis Vorris, who has been a remarkable advocate for the deaf
• By establishing Deaf Awareness Month, we affirm our commitment to the promotion of resources, education
• , and support for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Bills: SB2959, HB3096, HCR29, HCR56, HCR12, HCR55, HCR74, HCR78, HCR116, HCR117, HCR6, HCR50, HCR107, HCR80, HCR58, HCR70, HCR71, HCR72, HCR75, HCR93

Keywords: firearm safety, awareness month, public safety, responsible ownership, storage, recreational use, profound autism, awareness day, caregiver, disabilities, support, counseling, mental health, awareness, support services, community health, necrotizing enterocolitis, premature infants, breastfeeding, health awareness

Summary: The Senate Committee on Administration met with a quorum and took up a series of pending resolutions, bills, and the local uncontested calendar. The committee first reported HCR 80 favorably and placed it on the May 9, 2025 local and uncontested calendar. It then heard and approved several commemorative resolutions, including HCR 12 designating September as Deaf Awareness Month for 10 years, HCR 55 reaffirming Poteet as the Strawberry Capital of Texas, HCR 56 designating May as NEC and Breastfeeding Awareness Month, and HB 3096 creating Profound Autism Awareness Day on March 17. Each of these measures was reported favorably to the full Senate, with no opposition in testimony except HB 3096, which included supportive testimony from Tara Duval describing the needs of individuals with profound autism and their families. The committee also approved HCR 58 redesignating Dripping Springs as the Wedding Capital of Texas, SB 2959 designating August as Firearm Safety Month, HCR 74 naming Carthage the Country Music Capital of Texas, HCR 78 establishing Lone Star Santa’s Charities Day, HCR 116 redesignating Brownsville as the Bicycling Capital of the Rio Grande Valley, and HCR 117 designating Port Aransas as the Fishing Capital of Texas. SB 2959 drew supportive testimony from Stephen Price, who emphasized gun safety, suicide prevention, and public awareness, while other measures received no public testimony. All were reported favorably and recommended for the May 9 local and uncontested calendar. Later, the committee approved HCR 6 naming Galveston the Juneteenth Capital of Texas, HCR 50 naming Galveston the Mardi Gras Capital of Texas, HCR 107 making the Texas Almanac the official State Book of Texas, HCR 70 designating Jim Hogg County as the Vaquero Capital of Texas, HCR 71 recognizing LaSalle County for wild hog hunting and related traditions, and HCR 29 designating April as Counseling Awareness Month. HCR 6 received testimony from a Galveston city representative in support of the Juneteenth designation, and HCR 29 received testimony from the Texas Counseling Association supporting recognition of counselors. Finally, the committee certified the May 9, 2025 local and uncontested calendar after removing 32 bills for reasons including penalties, fiscal notes, or opposition, specifically noting SB 317 was removed due to criminal and civil penalties, and then recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• September as Deaf Awareness Month for the next 10 years.
• Garner Dennis Voris has been a remarkable advocate for the deaf community.
• that there is a need for broader recognition and awareness of the challenges and contributions of the deaf
• By establishing Deaf Awareness Month, we affirm our commitment to the promotion of resources, education
• , and support for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Bills: SB2959, HB3096, HCR29, HCR56, HCR12, HCR55, HCR74, HCR78, HCR116, HCR117, HCR6, HCR50, HCR107, HCR80, HCR58, HCR70, HCR71, HCR72, HCR75, HCR93, HCR12, HCR6

Keywords: firearm safety, awareness month, public safety, responsible ownership, storage, recreational use, profound autism, awareness day, caregiver, disabilities, support, counseling, mental health, awareness, support services, community health, necrotizing enterocolitis, premature infants, breastfeeding, health awareness

Bills: HB414, HB786, HB1041, HB1052, HB1118, HB1139, HB1182, HB1185, HB1214, HB1217, HB1231, SR63, SCR27, SB5, SB194, SB415, SB433, SB451, SB462, SB516

Keywords: healthcare, criminal convictions, employment, background checks, prohibited offenses, Medicaid, claim payments, extrapolation, provider audits, medical freedom, discrimination, access, medical intervention, child protection, confidentiality, multidisciplinary teams, child advocacy centers, public records, investigations, hospital

Bills: HB1688, HB2386, HB1691, HB1680, HB2516, HB1993, HB2442, HB1510, HB1958, HB1915, HB1692, HB1524, HB1884, HB1523, HB2213, HB2186, HB2163, HB1908, HB1910

Keywords: general excise tax, aircraft maintenance, tax exemption, aviation industry, economic competitiveness, water carriers, automatic adjustment mechanism, regulatory compliance, rate adjustments, public utilities commission, Hawaii Revised Statutes, biosecurity, community outreach, transportation rates, vehicle ownership, salvaged vehicles, insurance settlement, electronic signatures, administrative efficiency, vehicle transfer

Summary: The committee first took up SB 2699, which would create a youth transit program within DOT and a special fund tied to the environmental response/energy/food security tax fund. The chair described support from several agencies but also noted Attorney General concerns about whether the special fund met statutory criteria, DOE comments requesting a July 1, 2026 effective date, and broader funding concerns because the bill would draw from general fund resources. The chair recommended deferral, saying the measure involved significant long-term costs and needed more work on a funding mechanism. The committee deferred the bill. The committee then heard SB 3182, relating to administrative license revocation procedures. HDOT supported the measure, while the Judiciary opposed the bill as written, citing operational, staffing, fiscal, and mailing burdens from requiring ADLRO to mail all case documents to every respondent within five days. Judiciary said it handles about 3,000 to 4,000 DUI cases annually and would need additional staff and certified-mail costs. Prosecutors from the state and county supported a proposed SD1 version, saying it would address backlog concerns and help DUI enforcement by creating a presumption of revocation. The committee ultimately recommended support and passage of SD1. The committee also heard SB 3313 on interisland air service stability and transformation. The Attorney General warned the bill could be preempted by the federal Airline Deregulation Act and raised constitutional concerns about a local-hire provision. DOTAX said the program would be complicated to administer and suggested third-party certification. No action was taken in the excerpt. The committee then heard SB 3337, which would eliminate state taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel for motor vehicles; HDOT opposed it, while DOTAX provided comments and the Hawaii Transportation Association supported it. The transcript then moved to SB 2896, lowering the minimum age for commercial driving from 19 to 18. HDOT supported the bill, the Hawaii Transportation Association strongly supported it and suggested added training requirements, and an Operating Engineers representative supported the concept but urged that young drivers be tied to apprenticeship or other structured training programs. No vote was shown in the excerpt. Finally, the committee heard SB 2400, which would exempt wing-in-ground craft from the Hawaii Waters Act and define those craft in law. The PUC supported the bill’s intent, and Regent Craft testified in strong support, describing sea gliders as all-electric vessels that could improve interisland access, resiliency, and decarbonization while using existing harbor infrastructure. HTDC and several other groups also supported the measure. Members asked about infrastructure, ports, weather operations, and Coast Guard jurisdiction, and the witness said operators would decide harbor locations and that the company had identified multiple possible ports. No final committee action was included in the excerpt.