Transcript Highlights:

• It just means they might need support, and we need to make sure principals can support them well.
• Well, for administrative support, essentially.
• On, on students who need additional support.
• We'll continue to look at math education and teacher supports.
• Some of them actually provide additional academic support.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is my goal every day to support this great team.
• for discharge and sustaining community supports.
• for discharge and sustaining community supports.
• Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we work to strengthen the services and support
• And almost 25 or 30% of them have developmental disabilities.

Committees: Joint Human Services , Joint Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> support the nominee? Yeah. support the nominee? Yeah.
• I see Daintry Bartoldus, Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, in support.
• Disabilities, you're also in<00:06:54.080><c> support</c><00:06:54.800><c> of</c><00:06:55.400><c> Pina
• . support. support.
• . support. support.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services met on April 15 to consider several gubernatorial nominations, with the chair reminding the public that written testimony had been reviewed and testimony time would be limited. The first nominee, James Landgraf (GM 528) for the Board of Certification of Public Water System Operators, was supported by the Department of Health and testified that his water-system experience would help ensure certification standards protect safe drinking water, including on Maui and the other islands. Committee members asked about his background and Maui water issues, and the chair later recommended advise and consent. The committee also heard GM 552 for Pina Lemosu to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, but Lemosu was absent due to illness. Daintry Bartoldus of the council testified in strong support, citing Lemosu’s lived experience, critical thinking, and advocacy on disability and employment issues. The committee deferred decision-making on this nomination until the next day. For GM 717, Annabelle Stone for the Language Access Advisory Council, testimony from Waipahu Safe Haven Immigrant Migrant Resource Center and Aloha Care emphasized her interpreter background, bilingual skills, and commitment to equitable access for limited-English-proficient residents. Stone said her public health and community experience would help the council, and the chair recommended advise and consent. The final nomination, GM 782, was John McComas for the Statewide Health Coordinating Council. Supporters including Jack Lewin and Aloha Care highlighted McComas’s long career in health care, including leadership at Aloha Care and work on expanding community health resources. McComas said he wanted to continue contributing to health care access statewide after retirement. The committee took no objections on the nominations it voted on and adopted the chair’s recommendations to advise and consent for GM 528, GM 717, and GM 782, while GM 552 was deferred.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this was put in place a long time ago with strong support from that community.
• And we've felt pretty strongly that there's a lot of support for continuing this. Thank you.
• Developmental disability agencies, please.
• Developmental disability agencies, DDA, chapter rewrite, pending rule, page 112. Mr.
• Each of these three provider types offers comparable services to individuals with disabilities.

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:35.240><c> of</c> those reasons um we're in support of those reasons um we're in support of
• I would strongly support looking into that, or at least support getting it out into the public that there
• I would strongly support looking into that, or at least support getting it out into the public that there
• I just like to offer further support.
• </c> have sufficient support have sufficient support but<03:38:16.479><c> often</c><03:38:16.800><c>

Committee: House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• I would appreciate your support. Well, I thank the author. Do you have any witnesses in support?
• We support them, no doubt.
• Any other witnesses in support?
• , and I offer my support.
• Scott Kaufman, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, is in support. Any other witnesses in support?

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> to support this policy. to support this policy.
• Please support this bill.
• Please support House File 1099.
• Please support HF 1099 so that all students with disabilities can receive the free and appropriate public
• </c> support of House File 3371. Thank you. support of House File 3371. Thank you.

Bills: HF3790 , HF3654 , HF3371 , HF3470 , HF1099

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: education finance, lease levy authority, graduation ceremonies, school districts, Minnesota Statutes, local revenue, funding increase, education, state appropriation, local control, HF3371, local optional revenue, school finance, general education aid, school district funding, referendum revenue, referendum market value, equalization aid, state aid, property tax levy

Transcript Highlights:

• Since 1994, FALI has been dedicated to supporting and advocating for Florida's private investigators,
• We are doing much for extending the program in providing services for our children's disabilities.
• I stand in support of this bill and I encourage all of my colleagues to vote on this bill.
• Please support this bill. Senator Albritton: Chair Passidomo? Senator Passidomo: Thank you, Mr.
• Senator Wright: I want to support you in every way we can.

Transcript Highlights:

• SINCE 1994, FOLLY HAS BEEN DEDICATED TO SUPPORTING AND ADVOCATING FOR FLORIDA'S PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS
• A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT RELATING TO CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES. >> Sen.
• We are doing much for extending the program and providing services for our children’s disabilities.
• Please support this bill. >> Sen. Albritton: Chair Passidomo? >> Sen. Passidomo: Thank you, Mr.
• We have been supporting autistic schools long before I became a senator.

Bills: SJR18 , SCR9 , SCR13 , SB10 , SB11 , SB19 , SB20 , SB25 , SB62 , SB260 , SB263 , SB293 , SB314 , SB384 , SB412 , SB441 , SB442 , SB494 , SB523 , SB569 , SB616 , SB688 , SB707 , SB766 , SB842 , SB869 , SB890 , SB914 , SB929 , SB971 , SB992 , SB1066 , SB1145 , SB1621 , SJR36 , SJR18 , SCR9 , SCR13 , SB616 , SB565 , SB384 , SB372 , SB495 , SB842 , SB971 , SB1066 , SB929 , SB765 , SB523 , SB62 , SB19 , SB18 , SB666 , SB688 , SB707 , SB888 , SB687 , SB706 , SB847 , SB869 , SB890 , SB992 , SB1145 , SB494 , SB290 , SB766 , SB11 , SB10 , SB13 , SB263 , SB412 , SB20 , SB441 , SB442 , SB1621 , SB569 , SB314 , SB25 , SB293 , SB914 , SB260 , SB1248 , SB740 , SB14 , SB1006 , SB20 , SB25 , SB260 , SB293 , SB314 , SB384 , SB442 , SB494 , SB616 , SB869 , SB890 , SB929 , SB992 , SB1145 , SB1621 , SR232 , SR237 , SR242 , SB16 , SB22

Transcript Highlights:

• I had an supportive of this bill.
• </c> temporary disability placard. temporary disability placard. &gt;&gt; Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay.
• </c><01:16:05.199><c> You</c> disabled? That's why you got that. You disabled?
• </c> for driving a car with a disability for driving a car with a disability placard<01:16:24.080><c>
• disability.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, they rely heavily on federal Medicaid funding to support ongoing services.
• , all to support consistent implementation statewide and carry out that three-part vision.
• to identify exemptions or help them support meet the work requirements.
• Or help them support meet the work requirements.
• We also support funding for public hospitals and county indigent programs.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Accountability and Oversight held a hearing on how H.R. 1’s new federal work and community engagement rules will affect Medi-Cal and CalFresh, especially for Californians with behavioral health needs, people experiencing homelessness, and justice-involved individuals. The Legislative Analyst’s Office outlined the scope of the changes, including Medi-Cal work requirements beginning in January 2027 and CalFresh changes beginning in June 2026, and estimated large potential coverage losses if people cannot document exemptions or comply with reporting rules. State departments said they are still awaiting some federal guidance but are already building implementation plans, data matching, outreach campaigns, and system changes to reduce disruption and automatically identify exemptions where possible. Department of Health Care Services and Department of Social Services officials described efforts to use existing data, CalSAWS, and cross-program coordination to streamline exemption screening, including for medical frailty, serious mental illness, substance use disorders, and student status. They said outreach will include text messaging, webinars, county training, and community-based partners, while also acknowledging that many people will still need direct worker contact. County representatives stressed that the new rules will create major administrative burdens, require significant new staffing, and could lead to coverage loss if counties are not adequately funded. They urged the Legislature to release the $20 million in current-year General Fund for CalFresh implementation and to consider a much larger county augmentation next year. Assembly members pressed the administration on outreach strategy, county funding, consistency across counties, and how to avoid harming eligible people through overly aggressive implementation. They also asked about coordination with universities, CDCR, and community-based organizations, and about how exemptions would be documented for mental health and substance use conditions. Department officials said they are working with counties, education institutions, and correctional agencies, and that they are trying to align Medi-Cal and CalFresh rules where possible, but not all federal definitions match. Public commenters from legal aid, counties, labor, and public hospitals warned that work requirements do not increase employment, will worsen food insecurity and health outcomes, and will strain county systems unless the state provides more funding and support.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are home to the System of Support for Expanded Learning, which is a statewide support network for
• Not necessarily for students with disabilities.
• At the same time, I am fully in support of what Dr.
• And the number of students with disabilities also grew.
• We know that parent engagement supports achievement, and we know that connections to family also support

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 2307 raises profound disability rights concerns because...
• services, waiver programs, and community supports.
• For disabled individuals, especially those with communication or cognitive disabilities, this silences
• He's danger to self, danger to others, gravely disabled, or persistently and acutely disabled.
• I've supported it back in the Ducey administration.

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2307, as amended, which would require the Department of Health Services to contract with out-of-state secure mental health facilities when Arizona beds are unavailable for certain involuntary commitment cases involving defendants found dangerous and incompetent. The sponsor and supporters framed it as an emergency stopgap to prevent individuals who are deemed non-restorable from being released because Arizona lacks secure behavioral health beds, while opponents argued it would raise due process, disability rights, family access, and cost concerns, and questioned whether the state could even implement such interstate placements. After debate, the committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and advanced HB 2307 on a 6-5 due pass vote. The committee then heard House Bill 2083, which updates diabetes-related coverage language in health plans to include newer devices and supplies such as continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and smart insulin pens. Supporters said the bill modernizes outdated statutes and improves access and outcomes for people with diabetes, while an insurer representative offered soft opposition, warning that writing these items into statute could create a state mandate and potential cost exposure, especially if the language is read to include GLP-1 medications. The committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and moved HB 2083 forward on an 11-1 due pass vote. Next, House Bill 2673 was heard, addressing mental health screening and treatment for incarcerated people. The sponsor said the bill was being reworked into a study committee concept after stakeholder feedback, but the underlying proposal would require prompt evaluation of prisoners showing mental disorder symptoms and faster referral for treatment. A family member testified about her son’s severe deterioration in jail and death, while an attorney opposed the bill as overbroad and legally problematic. Despite the sponsor’s indication that the bill would become a study committee, the committee voted 12-0 to give HB 2673 a due pass recommendation. The committee also advanced House Bill 2923, which revises timelines, procedures, and notice requirements for judicial review of court-ordered mental health treatment; supporters said it clarifies outdated language and improves communication with families, while opponents argued it shifts burdens onto patients and could prolong confinement. HB 2923 also received a 12-0 due pass vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Elderly and disabled individuals are far too often the targets of crime.
• Members, this bill passed the House with overwhelming support.
• I'm here representing myself, and I am in support of the bill.
• Even as substituted, I support this bill.
• I'm in support of the bill, and I'm representing myself.

Bills: HB75 , HB108

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Keywords: building standards, youth camps, floodplains, safety regulations, environmental policies, drainage utilities, flood management, land use regulation, county authority, drainage fees

Summary: The committee heard a series of criminal justice and public safety bills, with most measures focused on tougher penalties, victim protections, and procedural changes. Bills discussed included HB 75, requiring magistrates to make written findings when denying probable cause despite believing an arrestee committed an offense; HB 413, limiting pretrial detention so it cannot exceed the maximum jail term for the charged offense, with competency-related exceptions; HB 1422, expanding sexual assault survivor protections and increasing penalties for certain sexual offenses and voyeurism; HB 2073, increasing penalties for violating protective orders or bond conditions while armed; HB 2593, raising indecent assault penalties against elderly or disabled victims; HB 108, enhancing punishment when body armor is used during violent crimes; HB 3816, expanding cruelty-to-livestock offenses to include unlawful controlled-substance administration; HB 2854, requiring parole officers to notify hospitals or law enforcement when violent parolees visit hospital premises; HB 1871, increasing punishment for attempted capital murder of a peace officer and making such offenders ineligible for parole; HB 3463, clarifying notice methods in theft-of-service cases; HB 2348, allowing video-recorded depositions of elderly or disabled witnesses; HB 2594, expanding venue options for cybercrime and digital theft prosecutions; HB 2761, clarifying that children cannot be deemed to consent to prostitution-related offenses; HB 3185, authorizing administrative subpoenas in cybercrime investigations; HB 2017, increasing penalties for certain intoxication manslaughter cases involving undocumented immigrants with prior DWI convictions; HB 2306, making certain trafficking offenses ineligible for parole; HB 1607, allowing a rear-only license plate when a vehicle lacks a front bracket; HB 1828, creating a legislative leave pool for TDCJ correctional officers; and HB 3664, requiring prospective grand jurors to complete training and proposing additional changes to grand jury procedure in a future substitute. The committee also took up HB 3073, the Summer Willis Act, which would clarify consent in sexual assault law and address intoxication-related incapacity; the committee substitute narrowed the language to situations where the perpetrator knows the other person cannot consent because of intoxication or impairment, while removing withdrawal-of-consent and “reasonably should know” language from the House version. Several bills were laid out with committee substitutes adopted, including HB 3463, HB 2594, HB 3073, and HB 3073’s substitute, and most bills were left pending after no invited or public testimony or after hearing testimony. Public testimony was especially extensive on HB 3073, with survivors, advocates, and prosecutors supporting broader consent language, while some prosecutors said the substitute was an improvement but still favored the House version’s broader protections. HB 3664 drew significant opposition from district attorneys, who argued that mandatory transcription or recording of grand jury testimony would be costly, chill grand juror questioning, and complicate timely presentations; concerns were also raised about new-evidence requirements and grand jury shopping. No final votes were taken on the bills discussed in the transcript, and the committee recessed partway through to return to the floor before continuing its hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think some of you have already signed and supported it as co-sponsors.
• I'm here to speak in support of HB 2976. Pima County.
• I respectfully urge your support for HB 2976.
• For those reasons, I support House Bill 2976.
• I'm just here in support of this bill.

Committee: House House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first took up HB 2663, which expands military leave protections by aligning state law language with federal military orders and clarifying that state and non-state employees called to service or training are covered. Representative Pena said the bill was intended to remove confusion and had no material impact on benefits. After brief supportive discussion, the committee voted 7-0 to give HB 2663 a do pass recommendation. The committee then heard HB 2976, a bill establishing due process requirements before state or county entities can alter a justice of the peace’s statutory authority and clarifying the limits of administrative control over justice courts. Representative Hernandez and two Pima County justices of the peace testified in support, describing administrative orders that had removed local control without notice, findings, or a clear path to restoration. Leanna Garcia of the Arizona Supreme Court opposed the bill, arguing it conflicted with the Constitution’s grant of administrative supervision to the Supreme Court and that the court already uses complaint-driven oversight, education, and intervention when needed. After extensive debate over constitutional authority, due process, and the role of elected JPs, the committee voted 6-1 to recommend HB 2976 do pass. Next, the committee considered HB 2406, which directs the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services to study veterans’ awareness of available state, local, and federal benefits and report recommendations to improve outreach. Supporters said many veterans do not know the full range of benefits and that the study could identify gaps in awareness and help guide future outreach. Members questioned what exactly would be studied and whether a study was necessary, but several said the testimony clarified the bill’s purpose. The committee approved HB 2406 with a 5-1-1 vote. Finally, the committee heard HB 2226, which requires courts at initial appearance to ask whether a defendant is a veteran so eligible cases can be referred to veterans programs or treatment/diversion options. Testimony in support said the inquiry would help identify veterans early and connect them to services at no cost. A member raised a Fifth Amendment concern that veteran status could be incriminating in some cases; the bill’s supporter agreed to an amendment clarifying that the answer could not be used against the defendant in later proceedings. The transcript ends during discussion of that proposed amendment, before a final committee vote on HB 2226 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is Disability Day at the Capitol.
• Today we welcome the Arizona Disability Advocacy Coalition, AZDAC, to the Capitol.
• The rights, inclusion, and independence of Arizonans who have disabilities through advocacy, education
• , and policy engagement, as they've demonstrated today by hosting Disability Day at the Capitol.
• So that is the purpose, and I ask for your support.

Transcript Highlights:

• I encourage your support. Thank you.
• They were both disabled.
• They were both disabled.
• I rise in support of this great policy.
• I'm rising in support of this bill.

Bills: HB1160 , HB1289 , HB1339 , HB1798 , HB1065 , HB2125 , HB2134 , HB2140 , HB2185 , HB2191 , HB2205 , HB2245 , HB2283 , HB2343 , HB2406 , HB2501 , HB1544 , HB1834 , HB2188 , HB2206 , HB2478 , HJM4012 , HB1104 , HB1152 , HB1254 , HB1443 , HB1982 , HB2006 , HB2297 , HB2322 , HB2329 , HB2379 , HB2388 , HB2399 , HB2462 , HB2495 , HB2544 , HB2551 , HB2636 , HB2192 , HB2262 , HB2298 , HB2351 , HB2401 , HB2442 , HB2593 , HB2661 , HB1496 , HB1898 , HB2095 , HB2157 , HB2225 , HB2311 , HB2325 , HB2552 , HB1343 , HB1634 , HB1707 , HB2361 , HB2389 , HB2410 , HB2468 , HB2521 , HB2619 , HB2720 , HB1295 , HB1591 , HB2092 , HB2168 , HB2176 , HB2248 , HB2255 , HB2281 , HB2438 , HB2590 , HB2610 , HB2650 , HB2685 , HB1526 , HB1960 , HB2236 , HB2364 , HB2416 , HB1073

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the prior day’s minutes, received a Senate message that Senate Bill 5489 had passed the Senate, and then took up several House bills on second and third reading. The main debate centered on Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2442, which would give local governments more flexibility to use certain local tax tools for public health clinics, housing, veterans’ assistance, and related purposes. Members offered and voted on multiple amendments, including proposals to require voter approval for tax increases and to strip out or narrow several tax authorizations; some amendments were adopted, including technical and limiting changes, while others were rejected. The bill ultimately passed the House 53-44. The House then passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1295, a literacy bill aimed at expanding evidence-based reading instruction and teacher training. Members described it as a long-overdue effort to improve reading outcomes, with supporters citing low grade-level reading proficiency and the need for scientifically based methods; a technical grammar amendment was adopted, and the bill passed 96-1. The chamber also passed Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2636, creating a steering committee and JLARC review process to examine school district regulations and unfunded mandates, with broad support and no opposition in the final vote. Other measures passed included Substitute House Bill 2650, making administrative changes to local tax notification and effective-date procedures, and Second Substitute House Bill 2590, which exempts limited equity cooperatives from certain common-interest-community requirements to support affordable housing. House Bill 2610 also passed, allowing nonprofit housing providers to use property for interim community purposes without losing tax benefits, and Substitute House Bill 2343 passed unanimously to require publicly operated facilities to follow the same water-quality discharge rules as private facilities, prompted by concerns about nitrate contamination linked to a state game farm in Centralia. The House also passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2225, regulating AI companion chatbots; amendments added public disclosure of crisis referrals, but a proposal to remove the private right of action failed. The bill passed 69-28 after supporters emphasized child safety and opponents raised concerns about litigation and privacy. The House then adjourned to caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• gambling, I don't support it.
• gambling, I don't support it.
• We are selling support for the funding of these important programs for education and veterans, disabled
• We are selling support for the funding of these important programs for education and veterans, disabled
• And so I support this bill.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal by a 134-0 roll call vote. Members then moved through a series of personal privileges and introductions of guests, including Turning Point USA chapters, CASA volunteers and staff, JAG students, university students, nursing students, interns, and other visitors recognized from across the state. On third reading, House Bill 1766, dealing with personal property tax treatment and new construction, was debated as a taxpayer relief measure. Supporters said it would treat personal property more like real estate under Hancock-style limits, while opponents warned it could reduce revenue for taxing districts. The bill passed 94-50. The House then took up House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2989, a major gaming bill aimed at cracking down on illegal “gray market” machines while creating a regulated local-option video lottery terminal system. Debate focused on enforcement, local control, consumer protection, revenue for education, veterans, and disability programs, and whether the bill effectively legalized gambling in a new form. A motion to send it to Fiscal Review failed 69-44, and the bill ultimately passed 83-66 with one present. The chamber next considered House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2014, the supplemental appropriations bill. The sponsor said it provides a little over $3 billion in additional authority for the rest of FY2026, including tax refunds, disaster response, St. Louis tornado relief, Medicaid-related spending, and Missouri Department of Transportation operations. Members discussed the size of supplemental spending, the use of federal and general revenue funds, and the first-time use of general revenue for the adult expansion Medicaid population. The House adopted an amendment reducing some unused Medicaid authority, then adopted the bill as amended and perfected it for printing. The session ended with announcements, including a notice that the Super Committee on Tourism would meet immediately in Hearing Room 6.

Transcript Highlights:

• Once again, this is where that additional community support comes in.
• Some families will do great, but many families need that additional support.
• I hear your goal is supports is DCOF providing.
• Five moved to a supported living agency and one to an adult family home.
• with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Summary: The committee heard a lengthy update on Washington child welfare from Casey Family Programs and DCYF. Dr. David Sanders said Washington has sharply reduced out-of-home care and increased kinship placements, but he flagged concerns about low screening-in rates, long stays in foster care for many children, and a recent rise in repeat maltreatment and child fatalities, especially among infants. He urged more focus on infants and young children, better coordination among child protection, health care, and law enforcement, and more proactive review and investigation practices. Members asked for disaggregated data on children lingering in care, fatalities, and causes such as fentanyl exposure. DCYF said it has increased relative placements and guardianships, but also reported a concerning rise in 2025 critical incidents, mostly near-fatalities involving children age three and under, many opioid-related. The department described responses including safe child consults for opioid cases, more training, hotspot analysis, and proposed investments in peer support, public health nurses, community referrals, and an updated safety framework. Members also discussed whether a broader commission on child abuse prevention would be useful, and DCYF said it was open to that idea. The committee then received a DSHS reorganization update from Secretary Angela Ramirez, who described the “Reimagined” plan to consolidate four administrations into three new ones, with the stated goals of reducing silos, improving customer experience, and making transitions between services smoother. She said the agency is seeking statutory changes and CMS approval to align the new structure, and members asked about preparing for federal HR1 impacts, especially SNAP. Ramirez said DSHS is monitoring those impacts closely and emphasized the need for accurate data and cross-agency coordination. Finally, DSHS’s Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration updated the committee on residential habilitation centers and implementation of Substitute Senate Bill 5393, which phases out Rainier School by June 30, 2027 and limits new admissions. Officials reported current census and staffing levels at the state’s RHCs, said Rainier has had some residents transition to supported living or adult family homes, and explained that emergency and permanent rulemaking was needed to implement the law. They also said Rainier was recently cited by federal surveyors for not meeting the active treatment requirement for two residents, and that the facility has 90 days to return to compliance before possible payment penalties or further remedies. Members pressed for details on the citation, the meaning of active treatment, the assessment process for admissions, and whether Rainier could be repurposed for other services; DSHS said it is working on corrective action and will follow up in writing.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> else</c> support Ellen oi in support anybody else support Ellen oi in support anybody else wish<
• at Work Hawaii in support, Ellen Oi in support, Holly Zimmerman in support, and Emma Hindrik in support
• Next, we have the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities in support. Thank you, D.
• Next, we have Louis Eruk of the Hawaii Disability Rights Center in support.
• in disability rights Center in support<00:09:16.000><c> thank</c><00:09:16.120><c> you</c><00:09:16.240

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The Health and Human Services committee heard several resolutions focused on health care access, Medicaid services, and regulatory reform. SR 6 urged the Director of Health to create a working group on health insurance reform to reduce prior authorization delays; testimony was generally supportive, with DHS, SHIPA, the Hawaii Association of Health Plans, the Hawaii Primary Care Association, the Hawaii Medical Association, and HMSA all offering comments or support. SHIPA said House Bill 250 would provide a better mechanism for the same goal, but the committee still moved forward with the resolution. SR 7 asked DHS Med-QUEST to cover behavioral health services for children in school-based settings, and SR 9 sought a program to incentivize community care foster family homes to accept people eligible under the Medicaid IDD waiver program. DHS supported the intent of both measures but raised concerns about regulatory limits. Testifiers on SR 9, including the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Hawaii Disability Rights Center, argued the state should be more creative in expanding residential capacity, especially on the neighbor islands, while the chair questioned whether the barriers were state administrative rules or federal requirements. The committee also heard SC 14/SR 10 on a sunrise analysis for lactation consultant licensure. Supporters said lactation services can improve health outcomes and save costs, and that Medicaid coverage remains limited. After discussion, the committee adopted the chair’s recommendations: SR 6 and SC 14/SR 10 were passed with technical, non-substantive amendments; SR 7 was deferred; and SR 9 was deferred for further work. The meeting then adjourned.