Transcript Highlights:

• HIPAA also prohibits release of blood results without legal authority.
• So that's specifically what Missouri v. McNeilly did.
• You go down those specifically. And that's how our crime lab works.
• Specifically, and you just reminded me of something to give one correction.
• We can specifically test for that being inside blood.

Summary: The committee convened with a quorum present and heard a presentation from FDLE Deputy Commissioner Vaden Pollard on homicide investigations, blood evidence, toxicology, medical records, and mental health records. Pollard explained that autopsy toxicology and medical examiner records are often critical in death investigations, but access to hospital blood tests, medical records, Baker Act records, and substance abuse treatment records is restricted by Florida law, HIPAA, and 42 CFR Part 2, usually requiring subpoenas, court orders, or consent. He also noted that autopsy reports are generally public, while photographs are confidential, and that medical examiners can access relevant prior medical history of decedents. Members questioned Pollard about what toxicology panels include, whether medications can be tested for, and whether medical examiner reviews can help determine if a deceased person had stopped taking prescribed psychiatric medication. Pollard said toxicology can include alcohol, drugs, and specific medications when relevant, but routine access to living suspects’ medical information is limited. He also discussed FDLE’s behavioral threat assessment work and said investigators may follow leads involving mental health treatment or facility releases when relevant to a case, though he could not speak to regulatory follow-up. The committee also discussed risk protection orders, with Pollard saying FDLE has used them effectively and that they can help prevent violence and connect individuals to services. The discussion then shifted to FDLE laboratory turnaround times and public safety impacts. Pollard said the average DNA turnaround time was 208 days for some cases, while sex assault kits are prioritized and generally remain under 90 days, with rush cases sometimes completed within 24 hours. He said backlog is tied to staffing and analyst capacity, and that faster processing is especially important in unsolved violent and sexual assault cases because delays can leave offenders on the street. The committee also noted that increased toxicology demands would affect toxicology staffing and workload, though not DNA processing. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• and the specifics there are. and the specifics there are.
• authorizing CASA, CAJA advocacy.
• We currently have the authority.
• So, there is current authority.
• <00:45:47.280> authorizing have a law specifically authorizing have a law specifically authorizing

Bills: SB118, SB203, HB420, HB414, HB363, HB405, HB261, HB263, HB327, HB348, HB228, HB282, SB273, HB7, SB296, SB199, SB47, SB204, HB80, HB11, HB192

Keywords: bail, offenses, constitutional amendment, criminal justice, law enforcement, public safety, dental insurance, medical loss ratio, premium regulation, insurance commissioner, rebate, consumer protection, Baldwin County, local bill, education funding, school tax, privilege license tax, county tax revenue, municipal school board, Baldwin County Board of Education

Transcript Highlights:

• authority within clearly defined parameters.
• authority within clearly defined parameters.
• Law enforcement authority is preserved.
• And that's designed specifically.
• What specific health outcomes, what specific health out. specifically tied to health outcomes, what specific

Bills: SB274, SB301, SB249

Keywords: healthcare, life-sustaining treatment, patient preferences, POLST, advance directive, medical orders, hospital discharge, pregnancy, patient care, discharge planning, healthcare policy, substance use, harm reduction, syringe services, needle exchange, overdose prevention, naloxone, opioid antagonist, drug paraphernalia, syringe

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several measures related to health care, public health, and patient protections. House Concurrent Resolution 148, urging a statewide educational strategy on menopause, was presented as a workplace awareness measure and received supportive comments from members before being released. Senate Bill 274, updating Delaware’s MOST program to POLST and clarifying capacity determinations and documentation for end-of-life orders, also drew supportive testimony from medical and nursing groups and was released. House Bill 458, limiting local backflow preventer requirements for certain low-hazard buildings, was presented as a cost-relief measure for homeowners and small businesses; DHSS expressed concerns but said it was willing to work on amendments and a sunset provision, and the bill was released. Senate Joint Resolution 18, designating August 31, 2026 as International Overdose Awareness Day and ordering flags at half-staff, was released after brief supportive remarks. The committee then considered Senate Bill 339, a technical correction to the advance health care directive form clarifying that an agent’s authority for voluntary mental health admission cannot exceed 72 hours, consistent with existing law. Members asked detailed questions about how the 72-hour limit works and whether it applies to voluntary directives; the sponsor and a Disability Rights Delaware witness explained that the bill only aligns the form with current statute and does not expand authority. The bill was released. House Bill 301, requiring hospitals to create discharge plans for pregnant patients discharged while showing signs of labor, prompted extensive discussion. The sponsor and supporters said it would improve safety, transportation planning, and aftercare, while some members noted Delaware hospitals already do much of this work and questioned whether codifying it was necessary; supporters emphasized maternal mortality disparities and the need for guardrails. The bill was released. Senate Bill 196, creating ownership disclosure requirements for long-term care facilities and resident notice rules after ownership transfers, was presented as a transparency measure for seniors and families and was released after supportive testimony from the Delaware Nurses Association and elder-care advocates. Senate Bill 320, expanding pharmacists’ independent prescriptive authority for certain non-controlled medications and allowing opioid use disorder medications under standing order, with added malpractice reporting requirements in Senate Amendment 2, was supported by pharmacists and nurse practitioners as an access-to-care measure and was released. Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 161, establishing a unified licensing and oversight framework for adult behavioral health providers under DSAM, was presented as a patient-protection measure; providers supported the goal but cautioned that regulations must be workable, and the substitute was released. Senate Joint Resolution 19, directing DHSS to study strategies to reduce health care costs, was released with a note reflecting concerns about broadening the analysis to include additional cost drivers and alternatives. Finally, Senate Bill 249 with Senate Amendment 2, modernizing harm-reduction programs and paraphernalia laws, generated the most extended debate: supporters framed it as life-saving public health policy, while opponents raised concerns about needle litter, community impacts, and whether the approach facilitates addiction. Despite the objections, the bill was released.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are specifically, with regard to this bill, so I'm just gonna speak to this bill.
• We're just talking about specifically the $6 million figure for the additional FTE, roughly, I think
• I'm looking to make this the strongest and most useful authorization of your authorities as possible.
• We have people that are not authorized; they don't have the authority.
• So there are very specific situations where we use those tools.

Bills: SB36, SB2202, SB 36

Keywords: homeland security, border security, critical infrastructure, Department of Public Safety, intelligence operations, public-private partnerships, SB 2202, firearm trafficking, gun trafficking, terrorism, foreign terrorist organization, Texas-Mexico border, United Mexican States, Mexico, DPS, second-degree felony, weapons transfer, illegal firearms transfer, arms smuggling, cross-border crime

Transcript Highlights:

• of your authorities as possible.
• I really appreciate your specific example of Operation Drawbridge. I see so much.
• They're not authorized.
• So there's very specific situations where we use those tools.
• State authority has collapsed and cartel networks function as parallel governments.

Bills: SB 36, SB 2202

Keywords: homeland security, border security, critical infrastructure, Department of Public Safety, intelligence operations, public-private partnerships, SB 2202, firearm trafficking, gun trafficking, terrorism, foreign terrorist organization, Texas-Mexico border, United Mexican States, Mexico, DPS, second-degree felony, weapons transfer, illegal firearms transfer, arms smuggling, cross-border crime

Transcript Highlights:

• crimes. ...know about the sanctions of specific crimes.
• The author of the other bill that was mentioned is a joint author on this bill as well.
• The author of the other bill that was mentioned is a joint author on this bill as well.
• Just asking the author.
• Specifically, this bill would clarify the DOJ's authority to remove dealers from the state's centralized

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And with that I am happy to answer any specific questions you have about any of the. and or any other
• Project specific stuff from the departments, may be a little bit more difficult to answer given that
• More specifically, the need to regularly evaluate the changing nature of work and the economy to define
• I think yeah Chief Deputy Chavez can answer some of the specific questions.
• This is authority, not dollars, and 45 positions, again authority, not dollars, to staff and maintain

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> right I do district specific. >> right I do district specific.
• <02:02:11.280> authorizes<02:02:11.920> the authorizes is the author authorizes the
• authorizes is the author authorizes the state<02:02:12.320> board<02:02:12.560> to<02:
• authority to be running that district. authority to be running that district.
• It is not Claremont specific, however. It is not Claremont specific, however.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, the Wyoming Pipeline Authority and the Wyoming Infrastructure Authority.
• bonding authority? bonding authority?
• bonding authority. bonding authority.
• It also authorizes OSLI to accept any grants, donations, contributions, or other funds specifically for
• authorized in this in this bill draft. authorized in this in this bill draft.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All those in favor, uh bill's author.
• Specifically, our two fire today.
• asked for specifically. asked for specifically. Um<00:18:31.800> Ms.
• seek a sales tax authority lightly. seek a sales tax authority lightly.
• <00:24:56.160> road for the state authorized road for the state authorized road improvement

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Instead, local governments are authorized to levy property taxes and other expressly authorized taxes
• And other expressly authorized taxes.
• The Constitution sets out the authority to levy property taxes.
• And then by August, and there are specific time frames, I didn't want to get too specific.
• I also have a port authority. We have the port authority in our county.

Summary: The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee met to review how county budgets are developed and how constitutional officers fit into that process. Davin Suggs of the Florida Association of Counties gave an overview of county budgeting, explaining the statutory framework, the role of property taxes and TRIM notices, the fiscal-year timeline, fund balances and reserves, and the Department of Revenue’s oversight. He emphasized that county budgets include the board’s budget plus the budgets of constitutional officers, and that relationships and communication are critical to resolving budget issues. A panel of constitutional officers then described their offices’ budget processes and responsibilities: Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons discussed law enforcement budgeting and the importance of negotiated agreements with county commissions; Alachua County Property Appraiser Aisha Solomon explained the June 1 budget deadline, valuation methods, and the appeal process for property assessments; Manatee County Clerk and Comptroller Angelina Coleniso outlined the clerk’s court and finance duties, the county-side budget process, and the clerk’s personal liability under section 129.09 for unlawful expenditures; Leon County Supervisor of Elections Mark Early described the cyclical nature of election costs, staffing, equipment, and the impact of turnout and election law changes; and Columbia County Tax Collector Kyle Keene explained that tax collectors’ budgets are reviewed by the Department of Revenue, with fee offices funding themselves through service charges and budget offices relying on county support. Members asked about personal liability for unlawful spending, conflicts between clerks and county commissions, property valuation and storm damage adjustments, reserve levels, and whether tax collectors can retain excess fees. Responses noted that clerks must refuse illegal expenditures, property appraisers use market-based assessments with VAB and court review available, counties should maintain healthy fund balances for cash flow and emergencies, and tax collectors generally must zero out year-end balances and distribute excess revenues to taxing authorities. The committee took no votes and adjourned after thanking the panelists for their testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• THERE IS A GREAT SPECIFIC INFORMATION HERE THAT YOU WILL WANT TO GET TO.
• THE AGENCY ALSO DEVELOPED, ALTHOUGH NOT REQUIRED, WE DEVELOPED A SPECIFIC WEBPAGE.
• >> APPLICABLE QUESTION, SPECIFICALLY ON FUNDING.
• LASTLY, 1063 AUTHORIZES CHIROPRACTIC PHYSICIANS TO PERFORM DRY NEEDLING.
• THINKS THAT WERE NOT AUTHORIZED UNDER STATUTE OR RULE OR INTRODUCED AND PUT IN THE PRODUCT.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Specifically, in 2023, the solar statutes were further amended.
• :33.920> solar Additional authority to regulate solar Additional authority to regulate solar projects
• <00:20:20.480> planning specifically reference planning specifically reference planning commissions
• <00:20:31.280> and preserving home rule authority and preserving home rule authority and granting
• We authorize every cremation community.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, they don't even have the authority to have that conversation.
• Right now, they don't even have the authority to have that conversation.
• And more specifically, are there specific hormone levels that you can quantify?
• Authoring these recommendations, and then there are physicians.
• They don't specifically say a psychiatrist.

Bills: HB2049, HB2050, HB2051, HB2072, HB2082, HB2085, HB2177, HB2178, HB2179, HB2183, HB2195

Keywords: radiation therapy, particle accelerator, critical access hospitals, patient care, rural healthcare, AHCCCS, lactation care, breastfeeding, health services, healthcare access, Cesar Chavez, public holiday, state law, holiday repeal, Arizona Revised Statutes, childhood cancer, rare diseases, research funding, healthcare, clinical trials

Summary: The committee opened with attendance and member introductions, then heard a series of health-related bills, many focused on access to care in rural and underserved communities. HB 2049 would allow particle accelerators for radiation therapy in critical access hospitals and counties under 400,000 population under general supervision; sponsors and rural oncology witnesses said it would reduce travel burdens for cancer patients while maintaining safety protocols. HB 2050 updated radiologic technologist statutes to align with current national standards, adjust accreditation and clinical-hour requirements, and allow radiologist assistants to work under supervision rather than direct supervision; an amendment also added registered nurses to the list of professionals not needing a separate license to use diagnostic X-ray machines. Both bills were supported by testimony about workforce shortages and access, though one member voted no on HB 2050 over concerns about oversight and board authority. Both measures received do-pass recommendations, with HB 2050 amended. The committee then unanimously advanced HB 2082, which creates a Childhood Cancer and Rare Childhood Disease Research Commission to award grants for phase-one pediatric cancer and rare disease trials. Testimony came from families affected by pediatric brain cancer, including a parent who described traveling internationally for treatment and a college student currently undergoing treatment who urged the state to invest in research. Members expressed strong sympathy and support, and the bill passed 12-0. Next, HB 2015 would require Access to cover breastfeeding and lactation services in multiple settings; the sponsor and medical witnesses described breastfeeding as preventive care with benefits for infants and mothers, while Access testified neutral and noted a fiscal estimate was being developed and that the amendment would protect the state if CMS does not approve the services. The bill, as amended, also received a unanimous do-pass recommendation. The committee also approved HB 2177, which directs Access to seek CMS waivers so tribal and Indian Health Service facilities can be reimbursed for certain covered services, including dental care, for American Indian and Alaska Native members. The sponsor and a Sage Memorial Hospital representative said the bill would help rural tribal facilities keep services local and maximize federal matching funds; it passed unanimously as amended. HB 2178, requiring a state agency medical chief officer to hold an active medical or osteopathic license, was described as a cleanup measure after a lapse in licensure exposed a statutory gap, and it also passed unanimously. HB 2179, which clarifies definitions separating air ambulance from ground ambulance regulation, was supported as a technical clarification to avoid unintended consequences and likewise received unanimous approval. Finally, the committee advanced HB 2183, which creates an emergency medicine study committee to examine Arizona’s EMS system, including rural and urban capacity, workforce burnout, uncompensated care, and emergency department utilization. The sponsor said the study would help the state understand system pressures and identify policy solutions; firefighters, health care advocates, and an emergency medicine nurse practitioner testified in support, emphasizing the ER’s role as the safety net and the strain from staffing shortages, rural closures, and high volumes. The bill was still under discussion at the end of the transcript, with testimony continuing after the initial supporters spoke.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's specifically immediately.
• Wyoming<01:47:08.080> Energy<01:47:08.480> Authority. Wyoming Energy Authority.
• Wyoming Energy Authority.
• Section 302 provides a separate and distinct $20 million loan authority specifically for fires that originate
• <02:10:44.320> and<02:10:44.560> specifically the public defender. and specifically

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:07.439> exempts Contracting part it specifically exempts Contracting part it specifically
• <00:02:18.599> to would have it's limited specifically to would have it's limited specifically
• <00:20:27.360> um and if it was a specific um and if it was a specific um appropriation<00
• specific purpose that for a specific specific purpose that they<00:21:10.960> would<00:21:11.159
• spent for that specific purpose.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 412 HD1, which would expand the definition of lobbying to include certain communications with high-level officials about procurement decisions and create presumptions regarding lobbying on behalf of private clients. The State Ethics Commission and State Procurement Office supported the measure, saying it would improve transparency and align Hawaii with other states, while the Hawaii Primary Care Association opposed it over concerns that employers and others could be swept in too broadly. No public testimony or questions led to any action on the bill during the hearing. The committee then took up House Bill 131, which would allow agencies to disclose government records to researchers for certain research purposes and clarify the Office of Information Practices’ rulemaking authority. OIP and the Public First Law Center supported the bill, arguing it would create uniform standards and that concerns could be handled through rules. The University of Hawaiʻi system, DBEDT, DHS, DLNR, and others raised concerns about the breadth of the terms “research” and “researcher,” privacy, confidential information, and possible misuse; Hawaiian Electric also warned about access to sensitive infrastructure information. Members questioned whether the bill was premature and whether definitions should be narrowed in statute, and OIP said it would consider working with agencies and the University on clearer definitions. House Bill 792 HD1, relating to the Office of the Legislative Analyst, drew no testimony beyond a late written support from the Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and the committee moved on without discussion. The committee then heard House Bill 1424, which would restrict transfers between appropriated funds for positions and operating expenses. Budget and Finance explained that current practice allows transfers from payroll to other current expenses when there are savings, but legislative appropriations for specific purposes must still be spent for that purpose. Several agencies expressed opposition or concerns, saying the bill could reduce flexibility, especially in response to federal funding changes or vacant positions, though members emphasized transparency and accountability. Budget and Finance suggested a reporting approach instead, and the committee discussed quarterly reporting as a possible alternative. Finally, the committee began House Bill 1153 HD1, which concerns funding adjustments for state programs and capital improvement projects and establishes a protocol fund. Budget and Finance, DAGS, and the State Procurement Office supported the measure, while the General Contractors Association and several construction-related groups opposed section two, arguing it would undo recent procurement protest-bond safeguards adopted in Act 162. The hearing then moved on toward House Bill 1297, but the transcript cuts off before that bill was fully discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• discussed at this hearing was conducted solely and independently by the State Auditor's Office under the authority
• Does Ecology tailor its approaches to meet the specific needs of each community?
• Does Ecology tailor its approaches to meet the specific needs of each community?
• Yes, when we were looking at this, this audit specifically focuses on strictly community engagement,
• The requirement in the rules is to engage specifically.

Summary: The I-900 Subcommittee held a public hearing on the State Auditor’s performance audit, Community Engagement During Contaminated Site Cleanups. Auditors said Ecology directly conducts or supervises cleanup at only about 8% of active contaminated sites, while most sites are handled by third parties or have no cleanup plan yet. The audit found that Ecology generally met legal requirements at the sites it oversees, but community engagement varied, was not consistently tailored to local needs, and lacked a systematic “lessons learned” process. Auditors also found inconsistent coordination between Ecology and the Department of Health, and limited guidance for staff on when to collaborate. Tribal feedback was mixed: some tribes said engagement met their needs, while others wanted earlier and more tailored outreach. Committee members pressed the auditors on why many third-party-managed sites appeared to have little or no public involvement, and whether Ecology has broader authority to require public engagement and oversight. The auditors responded that their review focused on community engagement requirements, not the full cleanup permitting process, and said the gap they identified was the lack of required oversight for third-party engagement. Members also asked about tribal engagement, exposure scenarios, and the meaning of “active” and “planless” sites. Ecology officials said they agreed with many of the findings, were already taking steps to improve community research, lessons-learned reviews, tribal guidance, and coordination with Health, and had recently launched a public email notification system for site status changes. They also said some recommendations would require additional funding or staff resources. Public testimony supported stronger community engagement and more resources for Ecology. Washington Conservation Action said contaminated sites disproportionately affect communities of color and low-income communities, praised the audit for highlighting the need for better site-specific engagement, and urged full funding for MTCA-related work. The hearing ended with the chair inviting written comments and adjourning the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't just assume that they're swept into agency authorities and opportunities.
• sections of the bill that we're specific sections of the bill that we're asking<00:15:40.199> for
• the M Council to direct authorizes the M Council to direct negotiate<00:15:46.880> construction
• So I think that is true: the current language in 2161 does not have that specific provision.
• be appropriate to add that uh specific be appropriate to add that uh specific language<00:27:20.240

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to be added as a co-author, if that is okay with the author. Would you like to close?
• I would like to be at it as a co-author. If that is okay with the author, would you like to close.
• I would like to be added as a co-author, if that is okay with the author. Would you like to close?
• Specifically, it would apply protections for point source discharges, such as from a pipe or specific
• I think the author has recognized that.

Summary: The committee met as a subcommittee without quorum at first, then later established quorum and continued hearing several bills. SB 27, the annual CARE Court cleanup bill, would require courts to consider CARE referral for certain misdemeanor defendants found incompetent to stand trial, combine some hearings, allow limited data sharing among licensed medical professionals, and expand eligibility to include mood disorders with psychotic features. Supporters said it would clarify the meaning of “clinically stabilized,” streamline the process, and help more severely ill people receive treatment; opponents argued it would expand CARE Court too broadly, strain county resources, and divert attention from housing and voluntary services. The bill passed to the Health Committee on a roll call vote and was placed on call. SB 82, dealing with so-called “infinite arbitration clauses,” would limit consumer contract arbitration provisions to disputes arising from the product or service actually purchased. The author and supporters said the bill would stop companies from forcing arbitration in unrelated claims and would not ban arbitration itself. Opponents from business and banking groups argued the language was too restrictive, could create litigation over related transactions, and should be clarified as prospective only. The committee approved the bill and placed it on call after a roll call vote. The committee then heard two reparations-related bills. SB 437 would direct CSU to develop a genealogical methodology and framework for verifying descendants of enslaved people, with oversight, reporting, and guardrails tied to recently allocated state funding. Supporters said the bill would create a fair, evidence-based process; opponents, including professional genealogists and reparations advocates, argued the work is already well understood, the bill is unnecessary, and it could delay action. SB 518 would create a Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery within state government, with divisions for genealogy, property reclamation, outreach, and legal affairs. Supporters framed it as needed infrastructure to implement reparations recommendations; opponents objected to locating it in the Department of Justice, warned about data privacy and law enforcement control, and criticized the inclusion of broader communities. Both bills were moved to Appropriations and placed on call. The committee also heard SB 52, the End AI Rent Hikes Act, which would prohibit the use of algorithms to collude on and artificially inflate rental prices; the author and supporters described it as a response to AI-assisted rent fixing in California’s housing market.

Transcript Highlights:

• For its industrial use, specifically for enhanced oil recovery.
• Approved in North Dakota, all have units established by the state regulatory authority.
• The EPA has limitations to its regulatory authority when it's the implementation authority.
• ...and specific questions to states on what is holding up the primacy process.
• The Brown Pelican project is specific for a direct air capture project.