Transcript Highlights:

• REPRESENTATIVES IS A SACRED RIGHT AND ANY TIME WE ARE TAKING SOMETHING AWAY FROM THE PEOPLE THAT IS A RESTRICTION
• WE ARE RESTRICTING THEM INSTEAD OF GIVING THEM MORE FREEDOM TO CHOOSE.
• THIS IS DEFINITELY A RESTRICTION ON THEIR FREEDOMS.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><03:06:18.359><c> by</c> the implementation of restrictions by the implementation of restrictions
• </c> concerned about some of the restrictions concerned about some of the restrictions we're<03:11:17.960
• </c> can change and put further restrictions can change and put further restrictions or<03:14:47.080>
• It doesn’t restrict me to Irving.
• It doesn’t restrict me to Irving.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Training and de-escalation in protective measures and restrictive procedures, whether that's CPI or other
• environment so we could still service their needs. ...a more restrictive environment so we could still
• And so that ...and it required a restrictive hold.
• That was probably a rub for the locals because we're having conversation about maybe some restricted
• So I'm interested in visiting about what would some restricted funds look like, so we know that money

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met to discuss special education funding and retention, beginning with approval of the prior meeting minutes and then hearing a presentation from North Dakota United on a statewide special education survey and retention rubric. Presenters described how the rubric and survey were developed from special educator input around four domains: paperwork and due process support, workload, student and staff safety, and paraprofessional management. They reported high levels of stress and burnout, including increased workload, difficulty taking prep and lunch time, concerns about mental health, and widespread difficulty filling special education positions. Committee members questioned the survey’s lack of a general-education comparison group, the interpretation of terms like “rarely” and “sometimes,” and whether results could be broken down further by district size, unit, or disability area. The survey results showed the weakest area was workload, with respondents reporting caseloads increasing without corresponding adjustments, little additional support or compensation when workloads rise, and few negotiated-agreement protections. Paperwork and due process also scored poorly, with many teachers saying they rarely receive dedicated time during the duty day, often work outside contract hours without compensation, and take work home on evenings and weekends. Student and staff safety scored somewhat better but still showed gaps in crisis follow-up, notification about violent behavior, protective gear, and leave options after incidents. Paraprofessional management also drew concern, especially low pay, insufficient staffing, limited administrative support, and the burden placed on teachers to supervise and train paras. Several teachers then testified directly about the practical impact of these issues. One special education teacher described the job as combining instruction, legal compliance, and paraprofessional supervision, often requiring work beyond contracted hours and contributing to burnout and turnover. Another testified that special education case managers are effectively doing three full-time jobs and that the paperwork and caseload demands are a major reason people avoid or leave the field. Committee members discussed whether the problems are primarily local or state-level, whether more funding would solve them, and whether changes to the funding formula or weighting for high-cost students might be needed. No formal vote or action was taken beyond a recess and return to order for the next presentation, which continued the discussion of possible special education study objectives and potential policy directions.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is inspired by Utah legislation that restricted alcohol purchases for certain offenses.
• 00:30:06.399><c> period</c><00:30:06.960><c> and</c><00:30:07.200><c> would</c><00:30:07.520><c> restrict
• </c><00:30:07.840><c> the</c> two-year period and would restrict the two-year period and would restrict
• </c><00:36:14.079><c> if</c><00:36:14.320><c> they</c> who is going to be restricted if they who is going
• to be restricted if they remove<00:36:14.960><c> that</c><00:36:15.280><c> sticker</c><00:36:15.599>

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• maintain consistent energy policies across Florida, preventing local governments from imposing restrictions
• that could affect the types of sources of energy of Restrictions that could affect the types of sources
• The bill expands the entities preempted from enacting policies that restrict or prohibit specific types
• It contains some provisions that prevent electric co-ops from imposing restrictions that could affect
• Have we done any assessments as to this bill's perspective on the longer sentences and more restrictive

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, pledge, and several recognitions, including remarks from Senator Berman on Democratic priorities and introductions of military leaders and an intern. The chamber then moved through a long special-order calendar, with many bills substituted to House companions, amended, and passed, while several others were temporarily postponed. Major measures approved included the dangerous dogs/Pam Rock Act (SB 572/HB 593), which tightened penalties and procedures for dog attacks and passed 36-0; local government land regulation (SB 1080), which was amended to remove agricultural enclave language and passed 26-8; vessel/freedom-related legislation (SB 1388/HB 1137), which passed 35-0; blood clot screening and treatment (SB 890/HB 1421), which added registry and training provisions and passed 36-0; fleeing or eluding law enforcement (SB 468/HB 113), which increased offense levels and passed 36-0; concealed carry/licensing for certain officers and service members (SB 490/HB 383), which passed 33-3; timeshare management (SB 496/HB 897), which clarified governance and annual meeting requirements and passed 36-0; background screening education (SB 614/HB 531), which created a public webpage and passed 36-0; utility service restrictions (SB 1002/HB 1137), which preempted local energy-source restrictions and passed 36-0; Medicaid oversight (SB 1060), which created a joint oversight committee and passed 35-0; health facilities authorities (SB 68), amended to make fentanyl urine screening more discretionary, and passed 36-0; and veterans’ nursing home beds (SB 78/HB 797), which authorized veteran- and spouse-designated beds and passed 36-0. The chamber also passed disability history and awareness instruction (SB 540/HB 447), a highly personal bill honoring Evan Hartzell that drew extended debate about disability language, inclusion, and education; it passed 35-0 after 35 co-sponsors were added. Manufacturing policy bills SB 600 and SB 602 were approved after amendments to add reporting, ranking metrics, and fee-use restrictions, both passing 35-0. Educational opportunities for military children (SB 1528) passed 36-0 after testimony from student sponsors and senators praising the bill’s origin. Several other bills, including Medicaid oversight, mammograms, Parkinson’s disease, condominium/cooperative associations, waste management, human trafficking, and Bright Futures, were postponed or not taken up during this segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, California has made it, uh, they had some restrictions on renewals, they had restrictions on the
• Um, California has made it, uh, they had some restrictions on renewals, they had restrictions on the
• Um, California has made it, uh, they had some restrictions on renewals, they had restrictions on the
• Um, California has made it, uh, they had some restrictions on renewals, they had restrictions on the
• c> had</c><01:00:19.520><c> restrictions</c><01:00:20.000><c> on</c> non-renewals they had restrictions

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Public Safety met on January 31, 2025, and first heard House Bill 1062, a housekeeping measure relating to the Hawaii Air National Guard. Testimony in support came from representatives of the Adjutant General and other National Guard witnesses. A member raised a technical question about language allowing the Guard to hold the rank authorized by the Department of the Air Force, and the response was that the bill should not require additional HR language; no vote was taken. The committee then heard House Bill 674, which would authorize allowances for TRICARE dental and vision coverage for Hawaii National Guard personnel ordered to active duty for more than 30 days. The Department of Defense supported the bill through Brigadier General Ross, Director of Joint Staff, and Terry Heiti also testified in support. There were no questions or action taken on the measure. House Bill 652, relating to veterans’ rights and benefits and regulating compensation for advice or assistance on veterans’ benefits, drew the most discussion. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Hawaii supported the bill, arguing it would protect veterans from illegal or exploitative practices and noting its own service to more than 2,000 veterans in fiscal year 2024. Opposition came from the National Association for Veterans Rights and Veteran Benefits Guide, which argued the bill would restrict access to needed services and that some for-profit providers operate legally and should not be barred. Committee members questioned the scope of the bill, accreditation requirements, and whether nonprofit or pro bono services would be affected. A Department of Defense veteran services official said veterans can be vulnerable to exploitation and that some legal fee arrangements can be abusive, while also noting pro bono options exist. The committee did not reach a decision on the bill during the excerpt. The committee also began hearing House Bill 1058, which would create a veteran cemetery board within the Office of Veteran Services to help state veteran cemeteries comply with federal standards. The Office of Veteran Services and Terry Heiti testified in support. Members asked about the board’s membership, timeline, and consultant selection, and were told the working group was still in an organizational stage and no construction timeline had been set. The final measure discussed was House Bill 503, which would appropriate funds for a consultant to evaluate locations and designs for a Hawaii First Responders Memorial. The Department of Accounting and General Services supported the bill, and testimony in support was received from county and city officials, UPW Hawaii, and individuals. Members asked about the working group, timeline, and budget, and were told the project was still in early planning; no final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Looking at this bill, this seems to restrict the sale of kratom more.
• If passed, there would be more restrictions on kratom than if not passed, is that correct?
• The sale of kratom more if passed, there would be more restrictions on kratom than if not passed, is
• It's important to note that this legislation does not prevent or restrict the use of paid circulators
• It doesn't prohibit or restrict the use of paid circulators.

Summary: The Senate Judiciary and Elections Committee approved the minutes from its March 18, 2026 meeting and then took up a long agenda of bills and a clemency nomination. HB 2825, as amended, was heard first. The bill would replace criminal enforcement tools for nonpayment of fines, fees, restitution, and surcharges with a civil collection process, including a required summons and civil default procedures. Supporters said it would streamline restitution collection and reduce costs, while opponents argued it would weaken victims’ rights and remove effective enforcement leverage. The committee adopted the Rogers amendment and passed the bill 5-2. The committee also confirmed Neil McDowell to the Arizona Board of Executive Clemency by a 6-0 vote after hearing his background in corrections and his plans to help the board function efficiently. The committee then passed HB 4070, as amended, 5-2. That bill bars incorporation of corporations whose officers, directors, or trustees have been convicted of sex trafficking or human trafficking, and expands civil liability to those who facilitate trafficking. Supporters framed it as a corporate accountability tool to deter trafficking, while the ACLU opposed it as overbroad and potentially sweeping in people not intended to be covered. HB 2720, which increases penalties for paying or agreeing to pay for sexual conduct and adds a fee to support anti-trafficking services, also passed, 4-3. Supporters, including survivors and law enforcement, said it targets demand and helps victims; opponents warned it could criminalize victims and lacked sufficient safeguards. The committee heard several additional bills. HB 2047 would raise trespass penalties after eviction-related writs of restitution from third-degree to first-degree trespass; the sponsor and constables said it would improve scene safety and encourage law enforcement response. HB 2136 would create new crimes for “civil terrorism” and “subversion” and increase penalties for certain highway obstruction; the ACLU argued it would punish protest and speech critical of government. HB 2406 would make images and recordings of abused children and deceased minors confidential, limit dissemination, and impose civil and criminal penalties for misuse; supporters said it would prevent re-victimization and reduce trauma, while defense and media concerns were raised about access. HB 2415, dealing with kratom and 7-OH products, drew sharply divided testimony over whether the bill is a needed safety regulation or an overbroad ban that could push users to illicit drugs; the transcript ends before a final vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I would say if they restrict the size of it not to restrict the non-profit groups and outsiders who
• </c><00:02:59.760><c> say</c><00:03:00.080><c> if</c><00:03:00.280><c> they</c><00:03:00.680><c> restrict
• </c><00:03:01.080><c> the</c> And I would say if they restrict the And I would say if they restrict the
• of</c><00:03:01.720><c> it</c><00:03:02.280><c> not</c><00:03:02.600><c> to</c><00:03:02.720><c> restrict
• the the non size of it not to restrict the the non non<00:03:04.880><c> uh</c><00:03:05.000><c> profit

Bills: HB1730, HB1985, HB1749, HB1921

Keywords: cesspool, wastewater systems, public health, environmental protection, affordable upgrades, coral reefs, water quality, Hawaii legislation, cesspools, wastewater, environment, pollution, Hawaii, sustainable development, sewerage system, real estate, disclosure, environmental impact, wastewater management, housing

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several cesspool-related measures. HB 1730 HD2 would create a cesspool conversion implementation working group to help the Department of Health review rules and practices and develop changes to make conversions more affordable. DOH and DLNR stood on written testimony, while environmental and wastewater advocates strongly supported the bill, emphasizing the need for dedicated staffing, technical expertise, and smaller, more focused advisory groups. Members discussed the high cost of upgrades and the need for new technologies that reduce excavation and leach field costs. The bill was passed with amendments, including clarifying the DOH director’s discretion over the size of the working group, and the committee noted DOH’s appropriation request for consideration. HB 1985 HD1 would extend certain cesspool conversion deadlines and authorize funding for consultants, while also advancing outreach and education. Testimony split sharply: advocates supported the education component but opposed deadline extensions as premature, arguing the state still has many years before the 2050 mandate and should not weaken the conversion timeline. The committee agreed to amend the bill to delete the deadline-extension portion, keep technical changes, and note DOH’s position request. HB 1749 HD2 would require sellers to disclose cesspools to buyers before a real estate purchase contract is executed and direct DOH and the Real Estate Commission to create a standardized form. Realtors supported the intent but asked to avoid duplicative statutory form requirements, and advocates stressed that disclosure should be prominent and not buried in paperwork. The committee adopted amendments removing the standardized-form mandate and passed the bill. HB 1921 HD2 would allow certain existing cesspools in priority level three areas to continue serving dwellings with additional bedrooms under conditions. DOH brought the measure, and supporters from the real estate and environmental sectors discussed innovative wastewater technologies, retrofits, and composting toilets as ways to reduce costs while improving treatment. The committee amended the bill to require DOH director-approved wastewater technology using solid waste separation for bedroom-count increases and to clarify priority-level determinations using block-level data from the Hawaii cesspool prioritization tool, then passed it. The committee also heard HB 2310, an emergency appropriation for the Department of Human Services to restore funding used to keep SNAP benefits flowing during the federal shutdown; DHS, public health, children’s advocates, and others supported it, and members questioned why it was not handled through the budget. The discussion clarified that the bill sought new money to move quickly for ACA-related premium support. No final vote on HB 2310 was shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, we'll move to House Bill 2436 concerning requirements of oil tankers operating in restricted
• We will now move to House Bill 2436 concerning requirements of oil tankers operating in restricted waters
• I think it's too restrictive, and we will be voting no. Are there any further remarks?
• I mean, we're lifting the restriction, but how was the restriction placed?
• No, there's no restriction like that.

Bills: HB2604, HB2436, SB6354, SB6352

Keywords: vehicle ownership, insurance, title transfer, consumer protection, motor vehicle, oil tanker, tank vessel, restricted waters, Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, Rosario Strait, Admiralty Inlet, Discovery Island, New Dungeness, tug escort, pilotage, marine safety, spill prevention, oil transport, petroleum shipment

Transcript Highlights:

• He noted there is a restricted-use pesticide issue in the bill because it has fiscal costs, and they
• Uh there there is<00:10:10.399><c> a</c><00:10:10.640><c> restricted</c><00:10:11.120><c> use</c><00:
• He said line 40 is a one-time appropriation of $150,000 for restricted-use pesticide plan updates.
• He said line 40 is a one-time appropriation of $150,000 for restricted-use pesticide plan updates.
• He said line 40 is a one-time appropriation of $150,000 for restricted-use pesticide plan updates.

Bills: HF2446, HF2563, HF2444

Keywords: agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> direct conflict that seeks to restrict direct conflict that seeks to restrict funding<01:17:50.400
• </c> Some of them put additional restrictions Some of them put additional restrictions on<01:27:24.639
• </c><01:50:12.080><c> altered,</c> access is restricted or altered, access is restricted or altered,
• </c><02:16:30.159><c> fall</c> restrictions like these often fall restrictions like these often fall
• </c><02:17:20.399><c> funding</c> Um, and denying or restricting funding Um, and denying or restricting

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• -3451.1, and this delays the start date by which Ecology may begin adopting rules to implement restrictions
• -3451.1, and this delays the start date by which Ecology may begin adopting rules to implement restrictions
• Fact number two, the bill in front of us intends to prevent drug manufacturer restrictions on critical
• I think this 1,000-foot buffer has been shown to be too restrictive in many communities where they're
• So I think it's really important that we ensure that we follow these rules and restrictions just to make

Bills: HB1073, HB1128, HB1316, HB1408, HB1591, HB1592, HB1634, HB1906, HB1960, HB2073, HB2145, HB2248, HB2266, HB2301, HB2333, HB2365, HB2401, HB2416, HB2421, HB2438, HB2474, HB2475, HB2515, HB2517, HB2523, HB2548, HB2597, HB2637, HB2640, HB2660, HB2675, HB2685, HB2720, HB1742, HB2104, HB2186, HB2405, HB2557, HB2593, HB2636

Keywords: national guard, military support, defense, state security, veteran services, child care, workforce standards, education, child development, training requirements, postsecondary education, homelessness, foster youth, education access, support programs, community preservation, development authorities, funding, local governance, state resources

Transcript Highlights:

• If we go to line 11, the policy shall, at a minimum, restrict the use of student personal cell phones
• The policy shall, at a minimum, restrict the use of certain student personal cell phones during class
• policy um but the more I look at the policy um but the more I look at the restrictions<00:46:58.800><
• that are outlined from 11 restrictions that are outlined from 11 line<00:47:00.800><c> 11</c><00:47:
• </c><05:47:40.878><c> materials</c> we're trying to restrict materials we're trying to restrict materials

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 763, an early bill concerning AED access at athletic events and venues. Representative Morris offered amendment 0743H to clarify the bill by removing charter schools from the language and tying AED placement to American Heart Association guidance, emphasizing that AEDs should be readily accessible within a reasonable walking distance rather than mandated on every field. The amendment and then the bill as amended both passed 17-0, and the bill was reported out as Ought to Pass with Amendment. The committee then considered House Bill 781, requiring school districts to adopt cell phone-free education policies, and a related bill, House Bill 131. HB 781 was amended to include charter public school boards, cover other personal electronic communication devices, require at minimum restrictions on student personal cell phones during class instruction, allow superintendent-approved exceptions for medical or language needs, protect students with medical needs or disabilities under Section 504, and set an effective date of July 1, 2025. Some members argued the amendment was too prescriptive and limited local control, while supporters said it still left districts flexibility outside classroom instruction. The amendment passed 16-1, and the bill then passed Ought to Pass as Amended 16-1. HB 131, described as a mirror bill, was then retained by a 17-0 vote. House Bill 398, a title bill requiring Holocaust and genocide studies to include impacts on people with disabilities, was moved to ITL after Representative Selig reported the genocide commission believed the topic was already being covered. That motion passed 17-0. The committee also agreed to hold several bills for later consideration, including HB 754, HB 1221, HB 360, and HB 699, citing the need for more review or missing copies. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 361, prohibiting mandatory mask policies in schools. Supporters argued the bill would preserve individual choice while preventing statewide or districtwide mandates in future public health emergencies, and cited a Department of Health and Human Services letter saying masks remain effective but decisions should be based on individual choice and risk assessment. Opponents emphasized local control and the need for districts to respond to different public health conditions. The transcript cuts off before the final vote on HB 361 was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's done a really good job of restricting who has access to those license plate readers.
• ,</c><01:10:18.000><c> uh</c> concerns, including restricting, uh concerns, including restricting, uh
• restrictions<01:10:18.880><c> on</c><01:10:19.199><c> safety</c><01:10:19.679><c> enhancing</c> restrictions
• on safety enhancing restrictions on safety enhancing platform<01:10:20.560><c> features.
• </c><01:10:55.760><c> and</c> would also restrict personalized and would also restrict personalized and

Bills: HF3479, HF4205, HF3782, HF4081, HF4138

Keywords: foreclosure, mortgage, redemption period, homestead, Minnesota Statutes, automated license plate reader, ALPR, license plate recognition, vehicle surveillance, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, data privacy, government data practices, law enforcement data, surveillance technology, location data, vehicle tracking, warrant requirement, probable cause, exigent circumstances

Transcript Highlights:

• They can be more restrictive.
• So the number of temporary on-sale licenses is restricted under state law.
• So the number of temporary on-sale licenses is restricted under state law.
• So the number of temporary on-sale licenses is restricted under state law.
• <01:32:41.760><c> investigations</c><01:32:42.760><c> game</c> restrictions investigations game restrictions

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Well, either restricting spending or increasing their revenues to—that's what they are required to
• >> Well, either restricting spending or increasing their revenues to—that's what they are required to
• </c> state balance its budget and restrict state balance its budget and restrict spending<00:20:58.000
• </c><00:21:01.919><c> or</c> &gt;&gt; Well, either restricting spending or &gt;&gt; Well, either restricting
• At the same time, there were laws restricting smoking in certain places.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• on access to we've seen restrictions on access to abortion<01:14:14.120><c> uh</c><01:14:14.840><c>
• restrictions on speech at the receiving end, not universal restrictions at the source.
• :50.000><c> Universal</c><01:39:51.080><c> restrictions</c><01:39:52.080><c> at</c><01:39:52.239><c>
• the</c> end not Universal restrictions at the end not Universal restrictions at the source source source
• The importance of restricting minors' access to obscene material, such as pornography.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 232, which would protect health care workers’ conscience rights in connection with certain procedures, especially abortion and sterilization, and also referenced contraception. The prime sponsor, Rep. Mark Pearson, said the bill is meant to prevent medical professionals from being forced to participate in procedures that violate their beliefs, while still prohibiting discrimination against patients based on protected characteristics. He said the measure was intended to help retain health care workers in New Hampshire and noted he had added an amendment to address concerns about people taking jobs only to later refuse duties, as well as emergency situations where a provider is the only one available. Committee members raised concerns about how broadly the bill and amendment were written. Questions focused on whether the protections could apply to non-physician staff such as schedulers, receptionists, or pharmacy employees; whether a provider could refuse to schedule, refer, or otherwise assist with services; and how “emergency” would be determined in practice. Several members also questioned whether the bill could affect access to contraception, including pharmacy sales and procedures such as tubal ligation, and whether the language was clear enough to prevent confusion or unintended refusals of care. Pearson said the bill was not intended to allow refusal of emergency care or general patient discrimination, and he acknowledged some language could be tweaked. Rep. Paige Boerman, a maternal-child health nurse, testified in opposition, saying she had seen pharmacists question prescriptions related to miscarriage care and that the bill could create barriers to contraception and other reproductive health services. She warned that the lack of a disclosure requirement and the broad definitions could create risks, especially in rural areas with limited providers. She also pointed to problems she said had occurred in other states, arguing the bill could lead to delayed care in emergencies. The hearing ended after questions and discussion; no vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Or is it because of our state policies and restrictions?
• I know it's a very generalized question, but I'm just curious at this point. ...policies and restrictions
• same time, maintaining our existing fleet has become increasingly difficult due to proprietary restrictions
• Difficult due to proprietary restrictions on parts and technical information.
• These exorbitant cost overruns, multi-year delivery delays, and restrictions on access to proprietary

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This built-in restriction prevents the use of sensitive data for secondary or unrelated purposes, whereas
• insurers use lawfully collected data, the bill in print remains, as Allison mentioned, the most restricted
• Collected data, the bill in print remains, as Allison mentioned, the most restrictive globally.
• And, as we've kind of mentioned, it exceeds the European model and puts a lot of restrictions on us that
• This would be the most restrictive standard in the world. I know.

Summary: The Assembly Insurance Committee heard several bills, with most of the discussion focused on insurance transparency, claims handling, privacy, and regulatory enforcement. SB 877 and SB 878 by Senator Pérez addressed post-disaster claims practices: SB 877 would require insurers to disclose original and revised loss estimates and related claim materials to policyholders, while SB 878 would add automatic interest penalties for delayed claim decisions or payments and require written identification of disputed items. Fire survivors, consumer groups, AARP, the Department of Insurance, and other advocates supported both bills, while insurer groups moved to neutral after amendments. Both bills were voted out on roll call and reported to the Committee on Appropriations. The committee also considered SB 1054 by Senator Cabaldon, which would expand data sharing and reporting to improve workforce program evaluation and help counties verify work requirements for Medi-Cal and CalFresh using employer-reported hours worked. County officials, workforce advocates, and the Department of Insurance supported the measure, and no opposition was heard. The bill passed on a due-pass-as-amended motion to the Committee on Labor and Employment. SB 1209 by Senator Allen, presented with Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, would give the commissioner stronger enforcement tools to require insurers to carry out corrective actions identified in market conduct examinations, including fines and hearings for noncompliance. The commissioner and author said the bill would close an enforcement gap and improve accountability; there was no opposition testimony, but the bill was left on call after the roll. The committee also heard SB 354 on insurance privacy, presented by Senator Padilla on behalf of Pro Tem Limón, which would modernize insurance privacy rules by expanding consumer rights over personal data, limiting sale and use of sensitive information, and increasing disclosure requirements. Supporters said the bill updates outdated 1980s-era rules, while insurers, agents, and business groups raised concerns about scope, compliance burdens, and small-business impacts. Members indicated the bill was still being negotiated and would return in a revised form in the Privacy Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• It restricts PBM income to a flat dollar service fee charged either per person per month or a per prescription
• It restricts PBM income to a flat dollar service fee charged either per person per month or a per prescription
• that specialty drug, my goal in doing this is to be able to help and provide broader access, not restrict
• Finally, by dictating formulary design, prohibiting certain contracting practices, and restricting how
• To the point where federally some of those restrictions have been agreed to bring those and repatriate

Summary: The House Insurance Committee met on April 29 with a quorum present and took up several insurance and health care-related bills. SB 192, a dental reimbursement bill, was amended to allow dentists to opt in electronically to credit-card payment methods and to clarify applicability and effective date; it was reported as amended. SB 84 would require prostate cancer screening coverage for men over 40 under current clinical guidelines and prohibit cost-sharing; supporters from the American Cancer Society said Louisiana has a high incidence of prostate cancer and that out-of-pocket costs deter early screening. The committee adopted amendments and reported the bill as amended. SB 275, dealing with reimbursement and network participation for certified registered nurse anesthetists, drew support from nursing and hospital groups and was reported favorably. SB 169, a cleanup bill on biomarker testing, was also amended and reported. The committee spent substantial time on SB 401, which creates a temporary prescription drug affordability board to review pricing data on selected drugs and report findings to the legislature. Supporters said the board would improve transparency and help lawmakers understand drug pricing trends; opponents raised concerns about confidentiality, market effects, and the lack of a defined policy outcome beyond reporting. Amendments narrowed the scope, added confidentiality protections, and removed opposition cards, and the bill was reported as amended. SB 387, a major PBM reform bill tied to SB 401, would change PBM compensation, rebate handling, formulary practices, audits, and appeals, while excluding ERISA plans after discussion and amendment. Supporters argued it would curb spread pricing and other practices that raise costs, while opponents from the Pelican Institute and PCMA warned it would interfere with private contracts, reduce flexibility, and could raise premiums or disrupt city, school board, and small-group plans. After extensive debate and a roll call, SB 387 was reported with amendments by a 10-4 vote. The committee also considered SB 241, which requires certain insurance adjusters and public adjusters to include license numbers in written communications. After amendments limiting the requirement to individual licenses and removing one statutory reference, the bill was reported as amended. Throughout the meeting, members and witnesses repeatedly discussed the need for transparency in drug pricing and PBM practices, the role of ERISA and non-ERISA plans, and potential impacts on public employers and consumers.