Video & Transcript Research : 'protected classes'
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities
Transcript Highlights:
- class under the state's anti-discrimination law, Add housing status as a protected class under the state's
- It's H-272, an act to protect maternal health.
- If cameras can protect criminals in prison, they could protect children too.
- It's education and protection. Our commonwealth can do better.
- This bill would protect the dignity and equal rights families.
Summary:
The committee hearing covered a wide range of child welfare, family support, and human services bills. Testimony strongly supported a guaranteed cash stipend for young adults aging out of foster care (S.161), with the Attorney General’s Office, youth advocates, and foster care providers describing high rates of homelessness and poverty after exit from care. Providers also urged action on a resolve to study the foster care liability insurance crisis (H.197/S.1280), saying premiums and coverage losses are forcing program cutbacks and could reduce foster care capacity statewide. Another major topic was a direct care worker medication administration program registry (H.237/S.162), which supporters said would help recruit and train workers, especially bilingual staff, to address workforce shortages in human services.
Several bills focused on child protection and child welfare system practices. Supporters of H.267/S.145 called for advance notice to children’s attorneys when placements or other major events change, arguing that timely communication is essential to prevent unnecessary disruption and improve advocacy. Testimony also backed legislation to formally recognize and strengthen children’s advocacy centers and the Massachusetts Children’s Alliance (H.233/S.112), with prosecutors and CAC leaders describing the trauma-informed model as a longstanding, effective response to child abuse and trafficking. A bill to establish a Massachusetts children’s cabinet (S.115) drew support from advocates who said cross-agency coordination is needed to align policy and funding for children’s well-being.
The committee also heard testimony on bills addressing safety, equity, and family support. Senator Lovely and survivors supported S.152, which would create a civil cause of action for sexual abuse by adults in positions of authority or trust, with witnesses describing grooming and power imbalances in schools and youth-serving settings. H.274, a bill of rights for people experiencing homelessness, was supported by advocates who said it would add anti-discrimination protections and voting and privacy rights amid rising criminalization of homelessness. H.272/S.171 to protect maternal health received support from Rep. Montaño, MLRI, and a physician, who said the bills would make cash assistance available earlier in pregnancy and remove the medical-verification barrier. H.4216 on equitable hair care for children in state custody was supported by social workers and advocates who said hair care is tied to identity, dignity, and mental health. H.255 on empowering early educators drew testimony about barriers faced by renters and condo owners trying to open home-based child care programs. H.217, concerning resources and support for pregnant and parenting families, drew testimony from anti-abortion pregnancy resource center advocates. No votes were taken during the hearing, and several bills had no one signed up to testify or were deferred when witnesses were unavailable.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And in 2019, when we were asked to go back into the class, or 20, sorry. 2020, uh, 2021 during the pandemic
- When I started teaching I consistently had classes Now, almost all of my 10th grade English classes have
- A lot of the in-class support happens in their gen-ed. classrooms with their peers right next to them
- progress monitoring, progress reports for families, those type of things. necessarily you are on a class
- list for that teacher as a class role as it is.
Keywords:
public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 33 (2-24-26) - Reupload
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The consumer protection measure as well.
- <02:09:04.400>
our cannot be doing enough to protect our cannot be doing enough to protect - It helps protect the public.
- It helps protect the public. And it finally...
- It helps protect the public.
Keywords:
This version of the House chambers was retrieved from back up and uploaded. The original live stream contained issues where audio and video got out of sync., 958, all
Summary:
The House convened with an invocation and pledge, established a quorum, approved the prior journal, and received committee reports on several bills. Reported measures included House Bills 1 and 2 from Appropriations and Revenue, along with bills on animal control officers, emergency services revenue, postsecondary education, proactive postsecondary admission, vehicle lights, motor vehicle operation, motor vehicle dealers, and machine gun conversion devices. The chamber also took up Senate Bills 52 and 124 for concurrence, and House Bill 1 was moved from rules to the orders of the day for immediate action.
The House then considered House Bill 568, which would regulate public adjusters by prohibiting new licenses, allowing renewals for current licensees, imposing conflict-of-interest and contract requirements, capping fees at 5%, and barring adjusters from negotiating claims. Supporters described it as a consumer-protection measure responding to complaints and investigations, especially after recent storm-related exploitation. The bill passed overwhelmingly, 95-1.
The House next debated House Bill 1, which would opt Kentucky into the federal education freedom tax credit program and authorize the Secretary of State to administer the state’s participation without using state general funds. Supporters argued it would bring federal scholarship dollars into Kentucky for K-12 students, including public school students, and could generate significant private donations for scholarship-granting organizations. Opponents raised concerns about shifting resources away from public education, the speed of the process, and a proposed waiver of Eleventh Amendment immunity. A motion to table the bill failed by a wide margin, and members continued debating the bill and its implications for public schools and state sovereignty.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Mar 18th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Brett Tubbs, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, waving in support.
- You can call the Department of Environmental Protection.
- , to protect Americans from environmental pollution, that is great.
- this madness, protect our water, and the very air that we breathe.
- That's why there's no request for permits from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Summary:
The committee considered and reported favorably several bills, most of them sponsored by Senator Rodriguez. CS/SB 164 on vessel accountability was presented as a measure to help law enforcement identify vessel owners, create a free long-term anchoring permit program, increase penalties for derelict vessel violations, and authorize grants for local governments in FWC’s prevention program; it passed without amendment. SB 388, dealing with FWC trust funds, was also reported favorably after Senator Berman asked whether non-game wildlife funds would support immigration enforcement; Senator Rodriguez said they would not. CS/SB 1320 was amended to recreate the Resilient Florida Trust Fund and then passed favorably. CS/CS/SB 344 modernizing the Telecommunications Access System was amended to define new terms and reduce the maximum surcharge from 25 cents to 15 cents, then reported favorably. CS/SB 86 on peer support for first responders expanded eligibility to support personnel and passed with broad support from law enforcement and related groups.
The committee also took up CS/CS/SB 92, a hit-and-run accountability bill by Senator Gruters. The adopted amendment added a front license plate requirement, lowered the damage threshold from $5,000 to $2,500, and retained reporting requirements for repair shops. NFIB testified in opposition to parts of the bill, citing concerns about the lower threshold, short reporting deadlines, and potential license revocation, while supporters argued the bill would improve accountability and help solve hit-and-run cases. The bill was reported favorably after debate.
The final and most contentious measure was CS/SB 56 by Senator Garcia, which would prohibit geoengineering and weather modification activities in Florida, repeal older weather-modification statutes, create a public reporting system at DEP, and impose penalties for violations. Supporters, including individuals identifying with weather-watch and anti-geoengineering concerns, argued that the bill would address public fears and environmental risks. A cloud-seeding company representative testified that cloud seeding is distinct from solar radiation management and said permitting should exist for responsible weather modification, while warning the bill could hinder beneficial precipitation enhancement. Despite skepticism from some members about the bill’s premise and scope, the committee reported it favorably. The meeting then concluded after members recorded missed votes and the committee adjourned.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (02/25/2026)
Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Limiting speech does not protect patients. It protects power.
- protections um of medical free speech. protections um of medical free speech.
- that that's already protected speech. that that's already protected speech.
- insurance costs are to protect insurance costs are to protect themselves<01:27:55.920>
from - <02:12:40.560>
Students before returning to class. Students before returning to class.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 3/23/26
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- That protection only existed...
- That protection only existed going downwards. Uh, this protection going up or down. >> Thank you.
- tier size city you are or class you are. tier size city you are or class you are.
- class<00:49:12.800>
three. - Class one, class two, class three. Class one, class two, class three.
Keywords:
public utilities commission, Lake City, port authority, Red Wing, terms of appointment, local government, elections, open meeting law, transparency, public engagement, social media, government accountability, voter access, polling place, ballot, unexpected needs, election judge, public information, political parties, HF4295
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Audit Committee Jun 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, I want to stress that this audit is about restoring public trust, accountability, and protecting
- It's hard to adjust when you're losing one or two kids across every class.
- That is our working-class individuals that are paying into the system.
- At least 50% of the classes at my institution are taught by part-time instructors who earn 79 cents on
- the dollar to teach the exact same classes as full-time instructors.
Summary:
The committee heard several audit requests and related testimony. The first major item was an audit of Coachella Valley Unified School District’s contract and fiscal management. The author and supporters described long-standing fiscal mismanagement, large budget shortfalls, layoffs, contracting concerns, and questions about the district’s foundation and use of public funds. District representatives and the Riverside County Office of Education said the district is already under fiscal oversight, has a stabilization plan, and is working to reduce deficits and improve student outcomes. After extensive debate and public comment, the motion to approve the audit was put on call because the committee did not have the required votes from both houses at that moment.
The committee then approved an audit of East Bay transit agencies in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Senator Wahab argued the region’s many overlapping transit agencies create fragmentation, duplication, and inefficiency, especially amid a fiscal cliff and possible future tax increases. Transit agencies and labor representatives opposed the audit, saying the agencies already undergo multiple audits, serve distinct local needs, and are implementing regional coordination efforts. After testimony from agency leaders and public commenters, the committee voted to approve the audit.
The next item was an audit of California Community Colleges’ unrestricted reserves. Senator Archuleta and supporting faculty representatives said reserves have grown substantially and may be diverting resources from student services, instruction, and workforce programs. They argued there is little oversight when reserves become too high. The Chancellor’s Office and Calbright College were invited to respond, and the audit objectives focused on reserve growth, reasons for high balances, oversight by the Chancellor’s Office, and effects on students and staff. The transcript cuts off during the Chancellor’s Office response, so the final committee action on this item is not shown.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Sixty Three - Tuesday, May 5th
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It is a way to protect our kids.
- I want to protect people.
- that you have, The only protection that you have is the protection that you bring with you.
- If you want to help protect our children, help protect our animals. Please vote yes. Thank you.
- So it's still protection within that fire protection district. And with that, Mr.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We want to continue to protect the inactive well inventory, do what needs to be done for those, follow
- The unit was also tasked with the creation of a class for officers to attend, to be taught on oilfield
- theft prevention. with the creation of a class for officers to attend, to be taught on oilfield theft
- We've taught that class as well.
- Texas has world-class operations. We have an ever-expanding LNG capacity. More is being done.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- In November 2021, Andrew's parents In November 2021, Andrew's parents sent an injunction to protect their
- If lawmakers are truly interested in protecting kids, they should support programs that encourage and
- I have written curriculum for classes before, but I am not an educator, especially for K-8.
- Please protect students, families, and taxpayers by rejecting this bill. Thank you. All right.
- I had several of my kids go through release time and were top of their class.
Summary:
The committee heard and voted on several education-related bills. Senate Bill 1422, which continues the Credit Enhancement Eligibility Board for 10 years to support the state’s credit enhancement program for charter school debt, received a due pass recommendation on an 8-1 vote. Senate Bill 1166, allowing county school superintendents to offer high school equivalency preparation through accommodation schools to 11th- and 12th-grade students age 16 and older, also passed 8-1 after testimony from county superintendents in support and one member opposing expansion to 11th grade.
Senate Bill 1684, creating a private cause of action against public schools for failing to address known bullying that results in serious physical injury, drew the most opposition. The sponsor’s comments described it as a response to school inaction in bullying cases, including a referenced Chandler Unified student suicide. Opponents from the Arizona Trial Lawyers Association, Arizona Charter Schools Association, and Arizona Education Association argued the bill was constitutionally problematic, overly broad, lacked a definition of bullying, could expose schools to costly litigation, and could create liability for conduct outside school control. The committee held the bill without a vote.
The committee also considered Senate Bill 1424, requiring annual age-appropriate firearm safety instruction in K-12 schools beginning in 2027-2028. Supporters said the bill teaches children to avoid touching firearms and alert an adult, while opponents argued it shifts responsibility from adults to children, should be handled by parents, and creates an unfunded mandate. The bill passed 6-5. Senate Bill 1475, barring students convicted of or admitting to specified serious offenses from participating in school-sponsored interscholastic activities, passed 6-5 after debate over juvenile rehabilitation, public safety, and the role of extracurriculars in helping students succeed. Senate Bill 1572, requiring Celebrate Freedom Week civics instruction, passed 6-5 amid debate over curriculum, age appropriateness, and whether it duplicated existing civics requirements. Senate Bill 1741, requiring districts and charters to allow release-time religious instruction and award credit under certain conditions, also passed 6-5 despite opposition from secular advocates who argued it undermines local control and promotes religion in public schools.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Education Dec 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And they're learning how to protect themselves.
- They're learning how to protect themselves, protect their shipmate, and protect their ship.
- This was implemented with the class of 2019.
- So these are the figures that we just looked at for the class of 2024.
- So these are the figures that we just looked at for the class of 2024.
Summary:
The House Education Committee received status updates on career and technical education (CTE), including OSPI’s work under 2024 legislation on allied health pathways and a statewide CTE task force, an update from Core Plus Maritime, and findings from an Education Northwest longitudinal study of Washington CTE access and outcomes. OSPI described development of allied health guidance such as a home care aide to nursing assistant bridge, model curricula, updated course equivalency frameworks, and coordination with health agencies and employers. It also reviewed Core Plus framework work, task force expansion under later legislation, and the timeline for recommendations due in November 2026. Committee members asked about health profession outreach, equitable access for rural districts, data updates, and employer support for local programs; OSPI said it continues to work with agency and industry partners and that local labor-market alignment varies by region.
Core Plus Maritime presenters described expanding maritime career exploration into middle school through low-cost ROV curriculum, student visits to ferries and vessels, Sea Scouts partnerships, and ship-based safety and welding experiences. Industry representatives from the Northwest Marine Trade Association, American Seafoods, and Vigor Marine Group emphasized the maritime sector’s economic importance, aging workforce, and need for hands-on training to build the pipeline for family-wage jobs. A teacher from South Kitsap High School said the program gives students a clear pathway and has helped connect them to careers in shipyards, fishing, and related trades. Vigor also noted support for a student welding competition and equipment donations for a Rainier Beach shop.
Dr. Sam Riggs of Education Northwest presented a longitudinal study using state data from 2013-14 through 2023-24. The study found CTE access has been relatively steady statewide, but offerings vary by school size, locale, and income, with rural and lower-income schools generally offering fewer pathways. Participation is high: nearly all students earn at least some CTE credit, and more students are accumulating multiple credits over time, though fewer go deep within a single pathway. Students who earned more CTE credits, especially within pathways such as agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and construction, were more likely to graduate on time and later had stronger postsecondary certificate attainment and earnings. Riggs recommended addressing local barriers to participation, considering whether the CTE graduation requirement should better encourage depth while preserving flexibility, and aligning offerings more closely with labor-market needs. Committee members asked about COVID-era trends, student motivation, early workforce entry, delivery settings such as skill centers, and how to interpret the comparison groups used in the analysis.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Mar 19th, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- that that make it really difficult and as we struggle year in and year out to get people to those classes
- That's a big lift on the smaller agencies, because it often requires travel for what is a two-day class
- Bill 30 will ensure that law enforcement is prepared, our schools are protected. and failures like those
- And so to protect it, that's why there's Texas Penal Code. that prohibits racial profiling under the
- in addition to any additional training that we've gone to the DPS and done and got for the other classes
Keywords:
electronic monitoring, parole supervision, law enforcement, warrant execution, public safety, handgun license, judgment evaluation, medical advisory board, application denial, gun law procedures, abandoned property, unclaimed property, disposition, handgun, driver's license, commercial driver's license, weapon carry, gun rights, Texas legislature, legislative attendance
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Select Committee on Gaming, May 14, 2026 - AM
Select Committee on Gaming
Transcript Highlights:
- >
bureau thoroughbred racing protection bureau thoroughbred racing protection bureau has<00:42 - time the thoroughbred racing protection time the thoroughbred racing protection bureau<00:42:55.040
- does the gaming commission protect does the gaming commission protect individuals<00:47:20.240><
- And I think it protects the horsemen and it protects the industry by putting a floor on that purse money
- in a broad sense um i gaming is class in a broad sense um i gaming is class three<03:11:17.279><
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 013 Jan 27th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They have leadership classes they go through, and it's just an awesome experience for the rural kids,
- They have leadership classes they go through, and it's just an awesome experience for the rural kids,
- There's, uh, in addition to livestock, there's classes.
- There's classes. That's where we took our first vet science courses. It wasn't in the school.
- , ICE and Customs and Border Protection, ICE and Customs and Border Protection, including including
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the January 23, 2026 journal, and then took up two resolutions. HJR 26-103, recognizing National Blood Donor Month, was adopted unanimously, 34-0, with the current roll call added as co-sponsors. SJR 26-005, designating Monday, January 26, 2026 as Colorado 4-H Day, was also adopted unanimously, 34-0, and the morning roll call was added as co-sponsors.
Most of the meeting centered on SJR 26-005 and a large 4-H presence in the galleries and on the floor. Senators and guests gave extended remarks about 4-H’s role in youth development, agriculture, leadership, and hands-on learning, with several members sharing personal 4-H experiences and welcoming students from across Colorado. The resolution text highlighted 4-H’s statewide reach and its partnership with Colorado State University Extension.
After the resolution, senators made announcements about upcoming Bible study, Smart Act hearings, a State Farm breakfast, and Joint Budget Committee presentations. The latter part of the meeting shifted to personal privilege remarks on immigration enforcement, protests, law enforcement, due process, and public safety, with sharply differing views expressed about ICE, CBP, and recent incidents in Minnesota. No further legislative votes or actions were taken after the resolutions.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The Constitution is designed to protect the people, to protect all of us, and to protect our rights,
- Protected class, correct? We do not discriminate. It has nothing to do with national origin.
- Origin is a protected class under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
- National origin has been a protected class since the Yick Wo case, Yick Wo v. Hopkins.
- We need to protect our kids.
Bills:
HJR175, HJR88, HB21, HB49, HB216, HB346, HB573, HB565, HB954, HB1953, HB2686, HB1441, HB2734, HB1650, HB3161, HB2876, HB3185, HB3388, HB2761, HB3233, HB 1186, HB1534, HB5506, HB5129, HB3619, HB778, HB2867, HB3221, HB3672, HB2434, HB4903, HB3687, HB3675, HB4609, HB4582, HB4921, HB3866, HB3901, HB4534, HB2446, HB3984, HB700, HB4012, HB4491, HB4088, HB229, HB4234, HB722, HB4136, HB4105, HB4413, HB170, HB551, HB2858, HB3053, HB3142, HB3180, HB3722, HB2200, HB1794, HB1784, HB1581, HB2530, HB4308, HB1896, HB2974, HB3359, HB4580, HB2458, HB2215, HB3332, HB2278, HB3015, HB3151, HB1368, HCR9, HCR40, HB5138, SB17, HB4944, HB2284, HB3421, SB1569, SB2420, SB1968, SB2351, SB2544, SB1490, SB1349, SB1568, SB2776, HB3531, HB2149, HB4327, HB3158, HB3717, HB4520, SB888, SB552, HB3138, HB3704, HB2921, HB4853, HB4506, HB3892, HJR161, HJR175, HJR88, HB1937, HB3334, HB5444, HB5137, HB361, HB321, HB5447, HB464, HB678, HB2294, HB4172, HB3225, HB1769, HB5394, HB1837, HB1787, HB2271, HB2440, HB5134, HB5149, HB2151, HB2073, HB2186, HB2025, HB1936, HB1777, HB1663, HB 1306, HB 1290, HB1527, HB4802, HB3462, HB2963, HB2462, HB2560, HB644, HB2725, HB2621, HB2588, HB1443, HB1403, HB3032, HB1557, HB1664, HB2811, HB2088, HB2598, HB3062, HB3134, HB3940, HB4027, HB4097, HB4862, HB4170, HB4157, HB4205, HB4279, HB4377, HB4838, HB5424, HB5294, HB4870, HB4763, HB5639, HB4112, HB2275, HB1677, HB5014, HB3848, HB3797, HB3727, HB3709, HB3177, HB3057, HB4176, HB4202, HB2180, HB3528, HB3658, HB21, HB49, HB216, HB346, HB573, HB565, HB954, HB1953, HB2686, HB1441, HB2734, HB1650, HB3161, HB2876, HB3185, HB3388, HB2761, HB3233, HB 1186, HB1534, HB5506, HB5129, HB3619, HB778, HB2867, HB3221, HB3672, HB2434, HB4903, HB3687, HB3675, HB4609, HB4582, HB4921, HB3866, HB3901, HB4534, HB2446, HB3984, HB700, HB4012, HB4491, HB4088, HB229, HB4234, HB722, HB4136, HB4105, HB4413, HB170, HB551, HB2858, HB3053, HB3142, HB3180, HB3722, HB2200, HB1794, HB1784, HB1581, HB2530, HB4308, HB1896, HB2974, HB3359, HB4580, HB2458, HB2215, HB3332, HB2278, HB3015, HB3151, HB1368, HCR76, HCR127, HCR9, HCR40
Keywords:
constitutional amendment, medium of exchange, currency rights, digital currency, financial autonomy, tax exemption, rainwater harvesting, graywater system, local government, ad valorem taxation, housing finance, multifamily residential, low income, audit requirements, affordable housing, development bonds, oil waste, gas waste, liability, treatment processes
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It's time for us to match their dedication with real financial support, and protections.
- We're also creating, for the first time, a liability protection program. for our Texas teachers that
- No teacher should have to choose between maintaining order and protecting themselves.
- So this liability protection, they have a immunities, certain immunities already.
- to take certain actions to protect themselves.
Keywords:
teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Tue Feb 25, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- disabilities but it will also protect disabilities but it will also protect service<00:50:49.240
- My name is Emma Olen for OCP, Office of Consumer Protection.
- is a good step in consumer protection is a good step in consumer protection particularly<01:19:14.800
- forward to continuing to work with the State of Hawaii to protect consumers.
- . ...that have more protections.
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 302, which would repeal the requirement that a provider-patient relationship for medical cannabis certification be established in person first. The Department of Health said it supported the House Draft 2 version as a way to expand patient access, and several testifiers from the medical cannabis community and dispensary industry supported the bill, especially for patients on outer islands or those unable to travel. One witness asked that earlier language removed in committee be restored to further improve access. Representative Shimizu asked whether follow-up in-person visits would still occur, and DOH responded that this varies by provider, with some continuing in-person care and others moving to telehealth for chronic conditions.
The committee then took up House Bill 712, relating to the federal 340B drug pricing program and contract pharmacies. The Office of Consumer Protection and the Attorney General’s office both said they supported the bill’s purpose but wanted it clarified and possibly moved into a standalone chapter rather than chapter 481B. Supporters, including Hawaii Pacific Health and the Queen’s Health Systems, said the bill is needed to protect safety-net funding and access to discounted drugs, citing large financial benefits from 340B and losses caused by manufacturer restrictions on contract pharmacies. PhRMA opposed the bill, arguing the issue is not access to discounts but accountability and transparency in how contract pharmacies distribute benefits, and said it was willing to discuss amendments. Members asked follow-up questions about whether there was data showing misuse; PhRMA said it did not have numbers, while hospital witnesses said the program is federally audited and used appropriately in Hawaii.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1482, HD1, which would tighten hemp and controlled-substance definitions to exclude Schedule I cannabinoids from manufactured hemp products and clarify the treatment of artificially derived cannabis. The Department of Health supported the measure, saying it adds clarity to existing prohibitions. Kūre Hawaii and other supporters said it would close loopholes involving Delta-8 and similar products. An individual testifier urged stronger language to also cover compounds such as HHC, THCA, THCP, and THCO. In response to questions about enforcement against mislabeled hemp products, DOH explained that THC percentages are relative to product weight, that some products can remain under the hemp threshold while still containing significant THC, and that hemp flower is already prohibited from direct retail sale, though enforcement can be complicated and involves both administrative and criminal authorities.
OR
Oregon 2026 Regular Session
Beds to Belonging Workgroup Jul 15th, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- So we must take great care in order to protect and preserve the rights, the access to developmentally
- I think the place that I’m confused, though, is we’re talking about a protected class.
- That I’m confused, though, is we’re talking about a protected class.
- classes as well.
- How do you, though, protect and enforce around wrapping it in that language?
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Legacy and Budget Stabilization Fund Advisory Board Mar 31st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Legacy and Budget Stabilization Fund Advisory Board
Transcript Highlights:
- And so we want to ensure that they can protect that information as we're sharing that information with
- And so we want to ensure that they can protect that information as we're sharing that information with
- So it's a very well-performing, durable asset class.
- That said, this is, I believe, an asset class that's here to stay. It's going to have legs.
- If we look at the Legacy Fund performance detail, this just gives you an idea, by asset class.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- people, then where have we been protecting people in the last 30 days?
- people, then where have we been protecting people in the last 30 days?
- The message is off because if what you're saying is true, that we want to protect people, then where
- have we been protecting people in the last 30 days?
- And the reason that that is increasing is because we continue to extract wealth from the middle class