Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, we have a joint measure with the Committee on Health as well.
• Uh, we have a joint measure with the Committee on Health as well.
• Um in support, the Office of Wellness and Resilience. Thank you very much.
• When I was in high school, I Wellness and Resilience to establish a Wellness and Resilience to establish
• </c><00:08:54.800><c> is</c> uh into the hands of our youth is uh into the hands of our youth is imperative

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> divisions of the first circuit as well divisions of the first circuit as well as,<00:08:06.480><
• </c> have some concerns about that as well have some concerns about that as well as,<00:08:59.560><c>
• . well. well.
• Thank our testimony in support as well.
• So this one I wellness and resilience.

Bills: SB2479, SB2557, SB2861, SB3204, SB3324, SB3325

Keywords: criminal procedure, family violence, dating violence, child abuse, evidence admissibility, reduced sentencing, homelessness, reporting requirements, statewide office, housing solutions, kauhale projects, public oversight, SB2861, Hawaii, Office of Wellness and Resilience, OWR, Department of Human Services, DHS, Kakou Pilot Program, Kakou

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to criminal procedure, homelessness, family resilience, Medicaid-funded services, and school Medicaid reimbursement. On SB 2479 SD2, the Judiciary testified in neutral opposition with concerns that the bill could require imprisonment even for probation-eligible defendants, expand sentence reconsideration in ways that could undermine finality for victims, conflict with existing sentencing statutes, and require additional judicial resources. The Office of the Public Defender supported the bill’s intent but asked for language changes so people serving sentences could raise the new evidence in Rule 40 petitions and so probation would remain available in appropriate felony cases. Written testimony also included opposition from several county prosecutors and police, and support from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The chair later deferred SB 2479 SD2, citing unintended consequences and problems with the bill. For SB 2557 SD1, which would require annual reporting by the State Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions, the office said it supported the intent but noted it already produces annual and quarterly reports, that some requested data is already available, and that staffing and cost constraints could make the new reporting burdensome. The State Council on Mental Health supported the measure and suggested narrowing the reporting language to data on individuals with serious mental illness or co-occurring behavioral health conditions, to the extent practicable and in collaboration with relevant agencies. A committee member asked about the availability of point-in-time count data, and the office explained that some figures may not be available every year and may need to be generated through HMIS. Dr. Jack Lewin testified in support, saying the data would be useful for understanding health care costs. The committee passed SB 2557 SD1 with amendments, including a deferral of the effective date. The committee also heard SB 2861 SD2 and SB 3204 SD1, both family resilience pilot program measures. For SB 2861 SD2, the Office of Wellness and Resilience and DHS supported the bill but requested amendments to clarify that the office’s role is planning and advisory, that DHS is a key partner, and that federal compliance safeguards are included. The chair raised concerns about overlap with DHS’s existing Ka Ohana program and asked for language to avoid redundancy while allowing the bill to cover other at-risk children; decision-making was deferred to the next hearing. For SB 3204 SD1, which would create a peer-navigator-based family resilience pilot, the Office of Wellness and Resilience and DHS supported the measure, with the office requesting a two-year pilot period, and both agencies and several advocacy groups submitted support. The committee discussed funding, the proposed five peer navigators, and whether the pilot should be limited to one or two geographic areas; no final action was taken in the portion provided. The committee also heard and supported SB 3324 SD1 on Medicaid home and community-based services, with the Department of Health emphasizing caregiver shortages and the cost-effectiveness of community care, and SB 3325 SD1 HD1 on public school Medicaid reimbursement, where DOE and the Attorney General requested clarifying amendments to reporting language and position titles.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, thank you.
• My question is around youth who need supportive housing, and so how would this help some of the youth
• help prevent youth homelessness and serve youth and young adults who are experiencing homelessness.
• You'll also find within the Office of Homeless Youth the Independent Youth Housing Program, which was
• For example, they will no longer refer to youth as street youth, which is considered derogatory.

Bills: SB5957, SB5977

Keywords: homeless youth, youth homelessness, runaway youth, young adult homelessness, housing instability, family reunification, family stability, youth services, homelessness prevention, protective services, Department of Commerce, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, DCYF, advisory committee, lived experience, data sharing, outcome measures, interagency coordination, service providers, at-risk youth

Summary: The committee held public hearings on five Senate bills. SB 5911 would stop DCYF from using benefits or payments of youth in extended foster care as reimbursement for care, require help for youth to become their own payees and set up appropriate accounts, and raise the threshold for conserving funds; supporters said it would improve financial stability and help youth transition to adulthood, while questions focused on payee safeguards and financial literacy. SB 6024 would limit DSHS to one annual routine review of community residential service providers in specified areas and require better document sharing to reduce duplicate oversight; the sponsor and providers said it would cut administrative burden without affecting investigations or protective reviews. SB 5977 would require DCYF to publish reports on near-fatality reviews, with confidential information redacted, and make them available to the legislature and on the agency website; the sponsor and advocates said transparency would improve accountability and prevention, while some testimony urged broader definitions and more timely release of reports, especially in cases involving fentanyl exposure. SB 6184 would update Office of Homeless Youth statutes by aligning parental-notification rules for crisis residential centers, making the Housing Stability for Youth in Courts program permanent and not limited to six counties, expanding community support team eligibility, and changing independent youth housing rules to allow transitional housing, direct flexible assistance, and other administrative updates; supporters said it would streamline programs and expand access. The committee also heard SB 5957, which would expand the Homeless Youth Advisory Committee to include more members with lived experience, including adults over 25 and representatives of disproportionately homeless populations, and allow members who turn 25 during a term to finish serving. Testifiers strongly supported the bill as a way to strengthen youth voice and lived-experience leadership in homelessness policy. No votes were taken; the chair repeatedly paused and resumed hearings, and at the end announced amendment deadlines and that the bills would be eligible for possible executive session the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:30:22.360><c> so</c> think there's a testifier as well so think there's a testifier as well so
• </c> double the the life of the pavement well double the the life of the pavement well that<01:07:35.559
• have to increase fees, well, you weren't planning on it anyways.
• Well, I just wanted to thank you, Mr.
• </c> plates so when I saw it he he goes well plates so when I saw it he he goes well I'm<01:23:47.679

Bills: HF198, HF269, HF185, HF303, HF305, HF189

Keywords: HF198, shared time pupils, shared-time enrollment, nonpublic school, private school, public school, career and technical education, CTE, secondary credit, school funding, state aid, education finance, Minnesota Statutes 126C.01, compulsory attendance, school district, education policy, HF269, Spicer, Minnesota bonding bill, capital investment

Bills: HJR303, SJR83, SJR85, HJR310, HR304, HJR311, SJR82, HJR298, HJR299, HJR300, HJR301, HJR291

Keywords: arts education, cultural heritage, Alabama Center for the Arts, public art, Alabama Arts Hall of Fame, community engagement, Cook Museum, natural science, STEM education, North Alabama, educational programs, student engagement, trade, economic relations, Montenegro, Port of Bar, international cooperation, investment, cargo operations, Alabama

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, well, thank you, Chair Burkwest, and members of the committee.
• Well, Mira. Sorry, Substitute Senate Bill 6184.
• So definitely looking at budget as well.
• The chair would like to make some comments as well.
• To make some comments as well.

Bills: HB1873, HB2600, SB5957

Keywords: child care, Working Connections Child Care, WCCC, graduate students, professional students, higher education, full-time student, affordable child care, subsidized child care, child care subsidy, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, DCYF, income eligibility, state median income, copayment, copay waiver, family support, workforce participation, working families, special needs child care

Summary: The House Early Learning & Human Services Committee held public hearings on House Bill 1873, which would expand Working Connections Child Care eligibility to full-time graduate and professional students with household income at or below 85% of state median income. Staff explained the bill and its copay rules, and Rep. Janice Zahn said the measure would help student parents avoid choosing between graduate school and child care. Student advocates from the University of Washington and Washington State University testified in strong support, describing high child care costs, stipend limitations, and the impact of child care on degree completion and workforce entry. Some members raised questions about likely uptake, cost, and return on investment, and the sponsor said she hoped to gather more data for future versions of the bill. The committee also heard House Bill 2600, which would require DSHS to update the supported living cost report template and convene a work group to develop Medicaid rate recommendations aimed at improving direct support professional wages. Supporters, including SEIU 775 and several direct support professionals, said the bill would add transparency and help ensure state funding reaches frontline workers, citing low wages and high turnover. Opponents from provider organizations argued the current cost report is already detailed and transparent, and warned the bill would add administrative burden and costs without addressing the underlying funding gap. No vote was taken on either House bill during the hearing. In executive session, the committee advanced three Senate bills. It adopted a striking amendment and passed Substitute Senate Bill 5911, which limits DCYF’s use of extended foster care funds and raises the threshold for conserving client funds, by a 9-1 vote. It then passed Senate Bill 5957, expanding the Homeless Youth Advisory Committee, by a 10-0 vote, and passed Substitute Senate Bill 6184, updating Office of Homeless Youth programs and language, by a 7-3 vote. The meeting ended with an interim planning discussion in which members raised priorities including critical incidents and imminent risk definitions, juvenile justice and rehabilitation, homelessness, developmental disabilities, child care funding, and possible committee tours and stakeholder roundtables during the interim.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> another thought as well, Madam Chair. another thought as well, Madam Chair.
• </c> well. Thank you. well. Thank you.
• You have a voice as a youth.
• </c> the efforts that they need as well. the efforts that they need as well.
• </c> it's well underway. it's well underway.

Bills: HF3665, HF3002, HF4217, HF4125, HF4174

Keywords: foster care, early childhood education, child care programs, placement plan, social services, extended foster care, kinship care, relative custody, permanent legal and physical custody, Northstar kinship assistance, independent living plan, transition services, youth aging out of care, medical assistance, Medicaid, child welfare, children youth and families, out-of-home placement, case plan, relative placement

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I'll be short.
• It certainly was well publicized.
• Well, thank you.
• Well, thank you, Ms. Townsend.
• We did work very well, and we have worked very well with the department on financial education, trying

Bills: HR17, HB385, HB406, HB787, HB1021, HB1058, HB1059

Keywords: education, investment, workforce development, TOPS, higher education, repayment, scholarships, academic eligibility, financial aid, athletics, high school sports, state report, student wellness, computer science, scholarship, curriculum requirements, workforce training, education funding, data administration, financial assistance

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> homeless youth financial assistance. homeless youth financial assistance.
• , Hawaii Youth Action, Hawaii Youth Services Network, Point Source Youth, and then a handful of individuals
• Hawaii, Hawaii youth youth action Hawaii, Hawaii youth youth services<00:32:47.840><c> network,</c><
• </c><00:47:00.240><c> This</c> relating to youth penalties. This relating to youth penalties.
• </c><00:52:50.640><c> So</c> youth fees and fines are paid. So youth fees and fines are paid.

Bills: HB1877, HB2006, HB2167, HB2224, HB1626, HB1690, HB2012

Keywords: LGBTQ+ rights, commission membership, representation, youth involvement, Hawaii legislation, child well-being, financial support, expectant mothers, Hawaii Rx kids program, economic stability, youth homelessness, financial assistance, housing instability, emergency services, transitioning youth, Medicaid, pharmaceutical benefits, human services, healthcare access, public funds

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1877, which would expand the membership of the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission and add a youth seat. The commission’s vice chair supported the bill, saying the commission started with eight members, has growing interest, and would benefit from an odd-numbered board and youth representation. Members asked about quorum, and the commission said it has generally met monthly with only one quorum issue in the past 18–19 months and would work with legislative leaders to have appointments ready if the bill passes. Written testimony included support from Kokopac and one individual in opposition. The committee then took up HB 2006, which would create a cash assistance program for pregnant women and mothers of babies. The Department of Human Services explained current TANF rules, including eligibility requirements, child support cooperation, and work-program participation, and said the state has recently raised benefit levels to the maximum allowed, with a family of three or four receiving a little over $900 per month. Supporters from the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and others argued the bill could reduce child poverty and improve maternal and child health, citing evidence from Michigan’s Rx Kids program and the temporary federal child tax credit expansion. A mother and Oahu Youth Action Board member testified from personal experience about the need for direct support during pregnancy. The committee also noted support from several organizations and about 26 individuals. The committee next heard HB 2167, which would direct the Office of Youth Services to run a pilot program providing financial assistance to homeless youth. The Office of the Public Defender, youth advocates, and several organizations supported the measure, saying even small amounts of help can prevent homelessness and help youth transition safely to adulthood. The Office of Youth Services said it supports the intent of the bill but requested clarification, and committee members discussed whether the program should be run directly or through contracted community agencies, how to set performance metrics, and how to structure the RFP and contract process. The chair indicated the committee wanted to work with the vice chair and OYS offline to refine the bill before moving forward. The committee then began discussion of HB 2224, relating to Medicaid pharmacy benefit management, with testimony generally supporting giving DHS flexibility to negotiate with PBMs.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:12.720><c> with</c> track record of equipping youth with track record of equipping youth with
• youth we serve in the Twin Cities are youth of color.
• Eighty-seven percent of the youth we serve in the Twin Cities are youth of color.
• Eighty-seven percent of the youth we serve in the Twin Cities are youth of color.
• prize</c> officer at youth prize and youth prize officer at youth prize and youth prize is<01:03:34.079

Bills: HF1936, HF849, HF989, HF1130, HF1223, HF1907, HF1847, HF1957

Keywords: workforce development, youth employment, career guidance, education, job skills, Duluth Promise, education funding, career training, employment support, youth apprenticeship, economic development, minority support, internship program, Bloomington, funding, youth mentorship, job training, disadvantaged youth, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Youthprise

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> their health and well-being. their health and well-being.
• </c> send this one along as well. send this one along as well.
• </c> as well. as well.
• Well, thank you.
• </c><01:20:59.040><c> force</c><01:20:59.440><c> youth</c> House File 3004, the youth force youth House

Bills: HF3004, HF3663

Keywords: workforce development, youth employment, internships, mentoring, job opportunities, digital platform, online portal, career pathways, youth workforce, employment and economic development, DEED, general fund appropriation, nonprofit grant, social media outreach, digital outreach, workforce opportunities, teen jobs, young adults, career exploration, Minnesota youth

Transcript Highlights:

• So if the markets do well, our funds do well, but we also have access to the bond market.
• talking to youth to hear their perspective.
• Well, that's not what we have today.
• Well, I agree with you on that.
• Well, thank you, Madam Chair and Senator.

Bills: SM20, SM9, SJR6, HB124

Keywords: youth violence, violence prevention, violence intervention, community violence intervention, credible messengers, peer support, restorative justice, violence interrupters, juvenile justice, at-risk youth, high-risk youth, public safety, Department of Health, New Mexico, statewide summit, data collection, reporting, interagency coordination, community-based organizations, law enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• It's been very successful and well accepted. It's been very successful and well accepted.
• And I've been involved in youth athletics all my... ...been involved in youth athletics all my life,
• Well, you've been going to games, I... ...Well, you've been going to games, I hadn't been going to.
• This is for youth sports only.
• Well, why? What's happening here? take your children. Well, why? What's the cause?

Bills: SB140, HB235, HB276, HB317, HB340

Keywords: Coach Safely Act, youth athletics, noncompliance penalties, Department of Public Health, youth athlete, social media, age verification, minors, under 16, children online safety, online privacy, platform regulation, deceptive trade practice, Attorney General, civil penalties, punitive damages, consumer protection, account creation, algorithmic feeds, internet safety

Transcript Highlights:

• So it occurs from public to public as well sometimes, where this happens.
• They replied, "Well, I just don't..." ...school, and they said, "Well, I just don't feel like the rest
• Well, they can... ...so it's 17 now, well they can actually stop.
• Well, get ready to come back up, Mr. Walters. Long time no see!
• So, we use that as well.

Bills: SB140, HB102, SB133, SB34

Keywords: Coach Safely Act, youth athletics, noncompliance penalties, Department of Public Health, youth athlete, dual enrollment, high school, community college, university, educational access, high school credit, violence prevention, conflict resolution, mediation, public education, high school graduation, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He's worked a lot on this, providing safety for our youth and for our coaches. Coach Crow, welcome.
• Well, why in the whole state that way? And that's what we're here to try to do.
• And if the well-being of these kids.
• Well, I teach my kid conflict resolution.
• but I wanted us to have the opportunity to hear and to ask questions from those experts to see how well

Bills: SB140, HB102, SB133, SB34

Keywords: Coach Safely Act, youth athletics, noncompliance penalties, Department of Public Health, youth athlete, dual enrollment, high school, community college, university, educational access, high school credit, juvenile court, juvenile delinquency, school notification, student safety, K-12, public schools, private schools, superintendent, principal

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, thank you, Mr. Chair, for hearing this bill.
• Well, thanks for coming to our seat with one of the best senators ever. Yeah.
• For brief background, Passport to Careers provides former foster youth and unaccompanied homeless youth
• Unaccompanied homeless youth and former foster youth face unique challenges that the Passport to Careers
• youth with support for college or apprenticeships.

Bills: SB5963

Keywords: SB 5963, passport to careers, Washington College Grant, financial aid, higher education, student aid, need-based aid, college affordability, postsecondary education, workforce development, apprenticeship, foster youth, homeless students, unaccompanied youth, low-income students, public assistance, state financial aid account, scholarships, Washington student grants, grant eligibility

Summary: The Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee held public hearings on two bills. Substitute Senate Bill 5931, a companion to House Bill 2311, would make administrative changes to the Workforce Education Investment Accountability and Oversight Board, including extending co-chair terms from one to two years, allowing more than four meetings per year, requiring consultation with the Student Achievement Council when evaluating outcomes, and removing the requirement for a public data dashboard. Committee staff and Student Achievement Council testimony described the bill as technical, with no fiscal impact, and said the dashboard was never created and was later defunded. The bill’s sponsor, Senator Warnock, and the lone testifier supported it, and no opposition was presented in the hearing. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5963, the companion to House Bill 2586, which would change Passport to Careers and Washington College Grant rules so that students eligible for Passport to Careers—former foster youth and unaccompanied homeless youth—would automatically qualify as income-eligible for the Washington College Grant beginning in the 2026-27 academic year. Staff explained that the bill also aligns the financial need formula with the federal student aid index and directs Passport to Careers funds into the state financial aid account. Testimony from the Student Achievement Council, Washington Student Association, and Western Washington University strongly supported the bill, emphasizing the barriers faced by foster and homeless youth, the high rates at which these students already receive maximum grant awards, and the bill’s role in streamlining access to aid. Senator Nobles said the measure would not increase costs and urged support. At the close of the hearing, the chair said the committee intended to executive both bills on Tuesday if a majority of members wanted that, with amendment requests due by Monday at 10 a.m. and amendments approved by 6 p.m. Monday. The committee also announced it would not meet on Friday.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, that was a nice... Well, that was a nice start.
• Well, I think it's well intentioned when you... Thank you.
• Members, well, I think it's well intentioned when you look at detox and actually helping, but I agree
• Gallin, that's what I'm hearing as well, or that's what I think I'm hearing as well.
• Well, I guess we're in, Mr.

Bills: SB1048, SB1071, SB1092, SB1314, SB1391, SB1400, SB1401, SB1452

Keywords: juvenile services, Coconino county, rehabilitation, detox center, financial appropriation, Arizona Rangers, statutory repeal, security, state law, regulatory changes, probation, dangerous crimes, children, Arizona Revised Statutes, criminal justice, juvenile offenses, appropriations, salary increase, corrections, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Today's about youth leadership and youth education when it comes to workforce.
• </c><00:04:49.360><c> as</c> here on the screen as well as here on the screen as well as legislators.
• Members, as well, uh, the end.
• well there, that would be great.
• The assistant superintendent is over in the crowd as well, so kudos to him and his team as well.

Bills: HF3650, HF2238

Keywords: student career pathways, education framework, experiential learning, employer engagement, career technical education, HF2238, Minnesota, workforce development, construction trades, youth skills training, youth apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, construction training, career and technical education, CTE, child labor laws, minor labor, labor exemption, workforce pipeline, skilled trades

Transcript Highlights:

• build program, the Minnesota youth program and the youth at work programs.
• </c> youth build program, the Minnesota youth youth build program, the Minnesota youth program<00:04:
• </c> program and the youth at work programs. program and the youth at work programs.
• Um, and uh, and with that as well.
• Some other members do as well.

Bills: HF3732

Keywords: workforce development, unemployment benefits, youth training, economic development, grants, job creation, 1183, house

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards