Transcript Highlights:

• We have with us today, Senator Claire, Senator ... Senator ... Senator Corp, Senator Schooke.
• Moved by Senator Schooke. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Opposed? Anyone else? Second by Senator Schooke.
• The third bill on our agenda, Senate Bill 6017 by Senator Baskin.
• The fourth bill on our agenda is Senate Bill 6165, sponsored by Senator Skoufis.
• The fifth and last bill on our agenda is Senate Bill 839 by Senator Garnardt.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Committee met on February 10 and considered five bills. Senator Claire’s SB 2458 would set a six-year limit on challenges to New York City water board fees, rates, rents, and other service charges, and it was moved and reported to the floor. SB 2555, also by Senator Claire, would require explanatory statements for property disposals to identify all beneficial owners and be made publicly available; it was also passed and reported to the floor. The committee then approved SB 6017 by Senator Baskin, the Food Retail Establishment Subsidy for Healthy Communities Act, which would provide loans, guarantees, interest subsidies, and grants to support food retail in underserved areas. Members noted the need for better food access in underserved communities. The committee also took up SB 6165 by Senator Skoufis, which would extend open meetings and FOIL requirements to certain local development corporations and related not-for-profit entities; there was some discussion about how these entities are used by municipalities, and the bill was reported to the floor. Finally, the committee approved SB 8839 by Senator Garnardt, authorizing the Dormitory Authority to provide financing for the New York Climate Exchange’s construction and facilities. All five bills were advanced, with no recorded opposition, and the meeting adjourned after the last bill was reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• Motion from Senator May, second by Senator Savasar. Any negative votes?
• We've got a motion from Senator Jackson. Second from Senator May. Any negative votes?
• Any from Senator Walzick? Any votes to advance without recommendation? Senator Martins.
• A motion by Senator Clear. Seconded by Senator Jackson. Any negative votes?
• Senator Clear. Seconded by Senator Jackson. Any negative votes?

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Housing, Construction and Community Development met on February 10 and reviewed a largely recurring housing agenda, with the chair noting the meeting had been moved to Tuesday because of train delays and that a housing budget hearing was scheduled for February 25. Several bills were taken up that had passed the Senate in prior sessions or had been reported before, including measures on manufactured home park rent increases, first-home savings and grant programs, a mobile/manufactured home replacement program, closing-cost assistance for low-income tenants, protections against eviction for certified medical marijuana use, senior and disabled persons protections, fire code and housing standard penalties, a Manufactured Home Community Preservation Act, a public housing painters apprenticeship program, veterans with service-related disabilities receiving preferences in affordable homeownership programs, and a senior housing task force. One bill on an affordable independent senior housing assistance program was held at the sponsor’s request. Testimony and discussion were limited, with most bills moving on sponsor motions and seconded by other senators. There was brief clarification on the closing-cost assistance bill that it was intended for renters in public or subsidized housing, not people living with parents. Senators generally supported the measures, though some members voted in the negative or to advance without recommendation on several bills. Actions taken included reporting multiple bills either to the floor or to the Finance Committee. Among those reported to the floor were the manufactured home park rent bill, the medical marijuana eviction protection bill, the senior/disabled persons bill, the fire code and housing standards penalties bill, the veterans homeownership preference bill, and the senior housing task force bill. Bills on first-home savings, manufactured home replacement, closing-cost assistance, the first-home grant program, the Manufactured Home Community Preservation Act, and the public housing painters apprenticeship program were reported to the Finance Committee. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sponsor: Senator Skoufis.
• Sponsor: Senator Skoufis.
• Sponsor: Senator May.
• Sponsor: Senator Lieu.
• Sponsor: Senator Mayer.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The committee met with a light attendance and acknowledged committee members, clerk Joyce Andrea, and central staff from IGO and finance. The chair noted an 18-bill agenda, with 17 repasses and one new bill, S.8555, described as a local tax extender for Suffolk County that had been overlooked the prior year. Once three members were present, the committee proceeded with normal motions and seconds. The agenda included a range of measures on alcohol and cannabis regulation, public officers law, executive law, tax law, state law, and highway naming. Bills reported included S.315 on a temporary New York craft beverage permit, S.349 on expanding the definition of agency, S.566 on Address Confidentiality Program eligibility for election officials, S.1130 on renter protections tied to housing subsidies or public assistance, S.1787 on a veteran suicide awareness flag, S.2640 on including veterans in the definition of military status for discrimination purposes, and several cannabis-related bills including S.3261, S.5277, S.6181, and S.6283. S.1418A, concerning attorney’s fees in certain proceedings, was referred to finance. Most bills were reported unanimously, though several had one nay or one without recommendation, including S.2271, S.234, S.2447, S.3261, S.5277, S.6181, and S.8555. The committee also reported S.2364 designating the Honor and Remember flag as an official state flag, S.55 renaming a highway in New York City, and S.8276 regarding qualifications for an assistant county attorney in Rockland County. The chair closed by thanking members and staff and noting the committee would meet again in a few weeks.

Transcript Highlights:

• So today we are joined by Senator Addabbo, Senator Jackson, Senator Tedisco, Senator Weber.
• We have Senator Tedisco, Senator Weber, Senator Weik.
• Senator Jackson, second. Senator Addabbo, all in favor? Aye. Opposed? Without rec?
• Thank you, Senator Jackson. Any questions? Thank you, Senator Jackson. Second.
• Senator Tedisco, second. On favor? Opposed? Without rec? Senator Weik with our rec?

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Education met on February 10, 2026, with members noting the presence of staff and the 4201 schools, which were praised as an example of bipartisan support. The chair also referenced the committee’s annual report of bills passed. The committee then took up five education bills for consideration. S. 1111, which would create a streamlined certification process for combination pre-kindergarten and daycare programs, was reported to finance. S. 1424, prohibiting discrimination against students on school property or at school functions based on religious attire, clothing, or facial hair, was reported to the floor. S. 3071A, establishing a task force on school transportation safety, was also reported to the floor. S. 6273A, directing a study on child caregivers and the impact on their education, and S. 6655, allowing students attending agricultural learning events to be marked present at school, were likewise advanced to the floor. Each bill was moved, seconded, and approved without recorded opposition or with no objections noted. After completing the agenda quickly, the chair invited members to informally suggest future bills for committee review, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Cooney is not here, okay, and Senator Parker is not here.
• The next bill, bill number two, is Senate Bill No. S-1088 by Senator Ramos.
• Move the bill by Senator White. Second by Senator Carlisle Johnson.
• The sixth bill is Senate Bill No. S-6057 by Senator Parker [member_6870].
• Move the bill by Senator White and second by Senator Mattera [member_7107].

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The State Senate Civil Service and Pensions Committee met on February 10, 2026, with a quorum present and several members attending in person or by voting sheet. Chair Robert Jackson opened the meeting, welcomed a new committee member and visiting members of the Uzbekistan parliament, and noted that the committee would consider 11 bills. The discussion was procedural and focused on moving each bill through committee. The committee advanced a series of civil service, retirement, and benefits measures, including bills on compensation for employees with foreign language skills, health insurance and dental coverage for state employees, mental health care access for emergency dispatchers and correction officers, and several retirement-related proposals affecting correction officers, sheriffs, Nassau County members, and service credit transfers. Jackson also advanced his own bills on health disease presumptions for certain law enforcement and correction titles, retirement benefits, accidental disability retirement for sheriffs, and eligibility for city police retirement based on prior traffic enforcement service. Each bill was moved, seconded, and approved unanimously, with reported votes of 7 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 abstentions/without recommendation. All 11 bills were ordered reported to the Finance Committee. The meeting concluded without further discussion or additional actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome, Senator Comrie.
• So Anna's going to read the first bill, which is Senate Bill 2611. Senate Bill 2611.
• We've been joined by Senator Pat Fahy. Pat, so much... Senator Fahy, thank you.
• Senator Comrie, second. Senator Fahy, all in favor? Aye. Negative or direct?
• Motion to move by Senator Comrie. Second, Senator Fahy. All in favor? Aye.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee held its inaugural meeting for the 2026 session, chaired by Senator Joe Addabbo with Senator Tedisco as ranking member. Opening remarks emphasized expanding gaming in New York in a careful way that balances revenue and jobs with consumer protection, sport integrity, and addiction concerns. Senator Tedisco also welcomed the committee and noted the importance of racing and gaming in his district. The committee reported a quorum and introduced staff, including the new committee director. Four bills were taken up. S.2611 would allow minors to play bingo when accompanied by an adult; it had passed the Senate previously with bipartisan support and was moved forward. S.2613 would require state lottery winners’ identities to remain anonymous unless they consent to disclosure; supporters framed it as consumer protection, and it was also advanced. S.6970 would allow unsold instant lottery tickets from closed stores to be redistributed to open retailers, with the sponsor saying this would prevent misleading consumers about available prizes; it was moved forward as well. The final bill, S.7908, would prohibit minors from participating in sports wagering. It was described as a major topic and aligned with the Governor’s State of the State remarks. After brief discussion, the committee voted to advance it to the Finance Committee. All four bills received enough support to move on.

Transcript Highlights:

• In person, we have our ranking member, Senator Murray, and Senator Kavanagh, who beat me to the room
• We will start with our first bill that Dennis will read: Senate Bill 1458A by Senator Kavanagh.
• Moved by Senator Murray, seconded by Senator Kavanagh.
• Senator Murray moved on. Second by Senator Kavanagh. All in favor? Senator Murray moved on.
• Senator White without rec. Okay. Final bill, Senate Bill 3189 by Senator Persaud.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Social Services met with a quorum and considered four bills. The first, S.1458A by Senator Kavanagh, would remove the requirement that rent arrears paid by social services districts in municipalities of 5 million or more be repaid, effectively applying to New York City. Senator Kavanagh argued the repayment requirement creates unnecessary administrative burden and is inconsistent with other emergency assistance programs; Senator Murray questioned why the change was not statewide. The bill was moved to finance and reported with two members voting without recommendation. The committee then advanced S.1757 by Senator Persaud, which would exclude certain unearned income of a child when determining public assistance eligibility, and S.1994 by Senator Ramos, which would prohibit requiring parents or caretakers to earn a minimum wage to qualify for child care assistance. Senator Murray asked for confirmation that the bill did not remove the underlying work requirement for child care assistance, and was assured it did not. Both bills were reported to finance, with S.1757 passing after a motion and second and S.1994 reported with one member voting without recommendation. Finally, the committee considered S.3189 by Senator Persaud, which would require the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to post information on credit waivers, rental supplement plans, and shelter supplement plans on its website. Members described it as a transparency measure to make existing options easier for the public to find. The bill was moved and reported, and the meeting concluded afterward.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm joined here by Senators Leroy Comrie and our ranking member, Senator Rhoads.
• Motion made by Senator Comrie, seconded by Senator Weber. All in favor, say aye.
• Next is S-939 by Senator Sanders. Next is S-939 by Senator Sanders.
• S985A by Senator Brooke.
• Next is S-1527 by Senator Parker.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Budget and Revenue Committee met for its first meeting of 2026 with a quorum present and considered nine bills, mostly tax-related measures. Bills discussed included S196 on the public safety surcharge, S939 on gifts to the affordable housing for veterans and seniors fund, S985A on sales tax treatment for feminine hygiene products, S1140A on a tax on non-essential helicopter and seaplane flights in cities of one million or more, S1145 on increasing contributions to family tuition accounts, S1527 on a sales tax exemption for energy storage, S4601 on a temporary sales tax exemption for school supplies, S7641 on dedicating opioid excise tax revenue to the Drug Treatment and Public Education Fund, and S7875 on ending the sales tax exemption for precious metal bullion held for investment. Most bills were advanced without significant opposition and were reported to the Finance Committee. S985A and S4601 were reported to the calendar/Finance after brief discussion; S4601 drew one negative vote. S1140A also advanced, with two no votes. S7875 received the most discussion, with the sponsor arguing that repealing the bullion exemption would recover an estimated $600 million in foregone revenue and better align with affordability concerns; it was reported to Finance with one member recorded as without recommendation. Members generally framed the bills as affordability or revenue measures, citing rising costs for families, school supplies, housing, and the need to redirect or recover tax revenue. The meeting concluded after all agenda items were moved and reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:34.240> All Senator Lang. Senator Pearl. Okay. All Senator Lang. Senator Pearl.
• >> Senator. >> Senator. >> Senator.
• Senator Lane. Senator Bes.
• <01:44:00.560> Uh<01:44:00.880> the<01:44:01.440> additional<01:44:01.920>
• > understand<01:44:05.360> there<01:44:05.600> may<01:44:05.760> be<01:44

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• by Senator Lang, seconded by Senator by Senator Lang, seconded by Senator Rozford Rozford Rozford
• <00:44:17.200> I<00:44:17.359> had<00:44:17.599> one<00:44:17.760> number
• Since >> since<01:44:28.080> Senator<01:44:28.560> Lang's<01:44:29.199> number
• <01:44:29.520> is<01:44:29.760> lower, >> since Senator Lang's number is lower
• , >> since Senator Lang's number is lower, we'll<01:44:30.480> let<01:44:30.719> him<

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:44:27.119> Supply<00:44:27.520> rates<00:44:27.839> have<00:44:28.160>
• Thank you very much, Senator. Senator. Senator.
• So, um, you know, we heard,<01:44:25.840> uh,<01:44:26.239> with<01:44:26.560> Senator
• <01:44:26.960> Maki's<01:44:27.600> bill<01:44:27.920> the heard, uh, with Senator
• Maki's bill the heard, uh, with Senator Maki's bill the dire<01:44:29.679> threat<01:44:30.080

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, we'll close the hearing on Senate... resolution you thank you appreciate all resolution
• Um little different.<01:44:11.040> Uh<01:44:11.360> so<01:44:11.600> PEOs<01:44:
• <01:44:23.119> co-employment<01:44:23.840> and<01:44:24.080> also<01:44:24.320><
• <01:44:34.960> So<01:44:35.199> HR<01:44:35.840> uh<01:44:35.920> we<
• 44:49.360> all<01:44:49.520> of<01:44:49.679> those<01:44:50.080> uh<01:44

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Some<00:44:42.880> users<00:44:43.599> uh<00:44:43.680> per<00:44:43.920> the
• 00:44:56.880> the<00:44:57.040> state<00:44:57.119> of<00:44:57.280> New
• Seeing<01:44:41.920> none,<01:44:42.159> that'll<01:44:42.400> end<01:44:42.560>
• <02:44:03.760> His<02:44:04.080> withdrawal<02:44:04.560> of<02:44:04.720>
• >> Go ahead, Senator Senator. >> Go ahead, Senator Senator.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:44:50.079> A<00:44:50.400> citizen<00:44:51.119> attended<00:44:51.680> a
• > that<00:44:55.839> they<00:44:56.079> had<00:44:56.400> contacted<00:44
• If it is, >> do<01:44:33.040> we<01:44:33.199> have<01:44:33.280> a<01:44:
• after teachers,<01:44:38.560> parents<01:44:39.760> on<01:44:40.000> line<01:44:
• I<01:44:50.639> have<01:44:50.800> a<01:44:50.960> motion<01:44:51.199>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• rel a joint resolution an act resolution rel a joint resolution relating<00:06:51.440> to<00:
• Now you've heard the reading of the resolution, and the question is: Shall the Senate adopt the resolution
• I would move that pending announcements, the Senate resolution on its part.
• Senator from Chitten Central. Senator from Chitten Central.
• [laughter] >> Senator from Windham. >> Senator will meet at 10 a.m. >> Senator from Lamoille. >> Um,

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Pamela Helming, Senator Andrew Gounardes, Senator Nathalia Fernandez, Senator James Skoufis, and we
• Motion to move the bill by Senator Fernandez. Seconded by Senator Suclitz. By Senator Jackson.
• Next on the agenda, Senate Print 561A by Senator Kahn.
• Senate Print 6461A by Senator Convent.
• Senate Print 5852 by Senator Skoufis.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Insurance met on February 9, 2026, with several members present and voting sheets used to constitute a quorum. The committee considered a nine-bill agenda covering a range of insurance-related issues, including risk retention groups and commuter vans, prescription drug supply chain transparency and PBM regulation, diabetes and pre-diabetes screening coverage, prescription drug rebates passed through at point of sale, state assistance for local fire code enforcement, independent adjuster licensing, homeowner natural disaster preparedness courses, and insurance reimbursement for vaccinations, including COVID-19 vaccination reimbursement. Most of the bills were moved without substantive debate and were reported from committee, with Senator Helming frequently recorded as “without rec.” Senate Print 3212, relating to state assistance for local enforcement of fire prevention and building codes, was moved but referred to the Finance Committee rather than reported. Senate Print 5049, sponsored by Senator Bailey, was described as broadly supported by industry and the Department of Financial Services and was reported. The vaccination reimbursement bills, Senate Print 5852 and Senate Print 334, were also reported, as were the remaining measures on the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 672, by Senator Hinchey, in act by Environmental Conservation Law, moved by Senator Lanza
• , seconded by Senator Dabb?
• In act by Senator Fernandez, Senator Mayer, all in favor? Opposed?
• In act by Public Health Law, moved by Senator Krueger, Senator Dabb? All in favor? Opposed?
• Enacts by the Environmental Conservation Law, moved by Senator Mayer, Senator Conner? All in favor?

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Rules met and considered several bills for reporting. Senate Bill 672, sponsored by Senator Hinchey and relating to the Environmental Conservation Law, was moved and seconded and then reported out of committee. Senate Bill 1180, sponsored by Senator Gianaris and involving an act by Senator Fernandez and Senator Mayer, was also reported. The committee likewise reported Senate Bill 1618, sponsored by Senator Rivera and relating to the Public Health Law, after a motion and second. Senate Bill 972, sponsored by Senator Hark and amending the Environmental Conservation Law, was also moved, seconded, and reported. In each case, the chair asked for objections, none were raised, and the votes were unanimous. Overall, all bills taken up in the meeting were reported without opposition, and the record indicates that all votes were in agreement.

Transcript Highlights:

• 44:49.040> a<00:44:49.200> Senate<00:44:49.520> draft >> Okay.
• A recommendation is a Senate draft 1.<00:44:50.079> Noting<00:44:50.400> excuse<00:44:50.720
• Senator<00:44:52.319> Kuha.
• <00:44:52.960> Any<00:44:53.119> of<00:44:53.200> the<00:44:53.359> members
• <00:44:53.599> present Senator Kuha.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services heard several health-related measures. SB 3132 on syndromic surveillance drew support from the Department of Health, healthcare organizations, and others, with DOH explaining the bill would formalize a surveillance program that has helped with real-time flu tracking and response to events like the Maui fires. A member raised privacy concerns from opponents, and DOH responded that the data are deidentified and do not include Social Security numbers or dates of birth. No votes were taken on the bill in the portion provided. SB 3134 on emergency medical systems of care received broad support from SHIPA, DOH, military and EMS representatives, and others, who said it would modernize the EMS system. SB 3136 on lead materials and water infrastructure was also supported by DOH and SHIPA; members asked whether the bill would allow Hawaii to keep stronger standards if federal drinking water rules were weakened, and DOH said the state would not have to follow weaker federal standards as long as Hawaii remained as stringent or more stringent. SB 3138 on independent audits of deposit beverage distribution drew support from DOH and several industry groups, but with amendments to reduce burdens on small businesses, raise the audit threshold, and modernize reporting; opponents also testified. DOH later clarified that the measure would affect a limited number of distributors and said it is working on an electronic submission system, though not yet for audit filings. SB 3139 concerning SHIPA was supported by SHIPA and the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii, while HMSA suggested one provision should remain under the insurance commissioner’s purview. SHIPA said the bill is about collaboration and a broader health vision, not regulation, and members indicated they were comfortable with removing the disputed portion. SB 3207 on background checks drew support from healthcare providers but opposition from the Attorney General and DOH. Supporters argued the FBI fingerprinting requirement is costly, duplicative, and difficult to schedule, while opponents said the bill would improperly shift fingerprint collection authority to hospitals and other facilities and could conflict with federal law. The committee engaged in extended questioning about costs, federal requirements, and whether the mandate would be passed on to patients; no final action is reflected in the excerpt. The committee then began SB 2271 on hospital licensing, with support from SHIPA, the Developmental Disabilities council, healthcare groups, Kaiser Permanente, and DOH, and commenters said the bill would allow hospitals to demonstrate compliance through CMS-recognized accreditation, with a suggested wording change to “approved” accrediting organization.

Transcript Highlights:

• So these are for Senate Bill 3091 and Senate Bill 3092.
• Senate Bill 3091 and Senate Bill 3092.
• Senator<00:16:27.920> Har Senator Har Senator Har >> I.<00:16:29.120> Senator<00:
• >> Senator<00:16:30.959> Favlla. >> Senator Favlla. >> Senator Favlla.
• by Senator Mory and Senator Favlla. by Senator Mory and Senator Favlla.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Labor and Technology heard testimony on several measures. SB 2198 would direct DLIR to study a Hawaii Workforce Excellence Award program and report back to the Legislature; DLIR supported it so long as it did not affect its supplemental budget request. SB 2140 would authorize counties to require contractors to disclose wage, benefit, hour, and employment-status information and to deny or suspend permits for certain labor-law violations; DLIR and labor representatives supported it as an added accountability tool, while the committee discussed whether state law alone was sufficient and whether counties would still need to pass their own ordinances. SB 3055 would prohibit falsely impersonating a union representative; union and labor groups strongly supported it, and UPW said it was open to amendments to address concerns raised by OPA. SB 3090, SB 3091, and SB 3092 were emergency appropriation bills for public employment cost items tied to collective bargaining and temporary hazard pay or salary adjustments for various bargaining units; agencies and unions generally supported moving them forward, and B&F said the amounts were still being finalized because negotiations were ongoing. The committee also heard SB 2761, which would bar social media platforms from allowing users under 16 to create or maintain accounts if the platform knows the user is under 16. DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection offered comments, while CCIA and Meta opposed the bill, raising constitutional and First Amendment concerns and arguing that blanket bans could push teens to less regulated spaces online. Meta also said the bill’s carveouts were too narrow and would leave major platforms outside the scope of the restriction. In decision-making, the committee recommended passage of SB 2198 with amendments, SB 2140 as is, SB 3055 with amendments adding a specific intent-to-deceive standard, SB 3090 with amendments, SB 3091 with amendments, SB 3092 with amendments, and SB 2761 with amendments adopting DCCA’s changes and noting potential First Amendment issues in the committee report. For the appropriation bills, the committee changed the effective date to January 1, 2077 as a placeholder. All recommendations were adopted, with reservations noted on SB 2761 from Senators Moriwaki, Fevella, and Ihara.

Transcript Highlights:

• Joining me today is my co-chair, Senator Kio Kole, my vice chair, Senator McKelvie, and I also see Senator
• >> My<00:44:51.680> name<00:44:51.760> is<00:44:51.839> Jim<00:44:52.079><
• <00:44:52.560> I'm<00:44:52.960> uh<00:44:53.280> president<00:44:53.520>
• Senator. Senator.
• Senator Ihara, aye. Senator Khok, aye. Senator Dort, aye.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several health-related measures, with most of the discussion focused on bills addressing tobacco/vape enforcement, psychology licensure, hospital price transparency, prior authorization, and medical cannabis. The chair opened by explaining the one-minute testimony limit and that written testimony had been reviewed. For SB 2175 on disposable electronic smoking devices, the Department of Health said the bill’s placement in litter-control law was not a good fit because disposable e-cigarettes contain hazardous materials like lithium and nicotine, but it supported the intent and pointed to a related measure. Public health and tobacco-control advocates strongly supported the bill, citing youth use, toxic waste, battery fires, and the need to tighten definitions and remove exemptions; a long list of organizations and individuals were noted in support, with no opposition mentioned. For SB 2410, which would create a state directory and enforcement tools for authorized e-cigarette products, the Attorney General’s office strongly supported the measure and said it would help enforce the FDA-authorized list of products through certification, inspections, and civil penalties. The Department of Health said thousands of illegal products remain on the market and cited youth usage rates, while public health groups also supported the bill. One tobacco industry-related witness was noted in opposition. SB 2080, the psychology interjurisdictional compact, drew support from the Department of Corrections, which said it had severe staffing shortages and that the compact would help fill gaps, especially for forensic psychology and neighbor island facilities. Some committee members raised concerns about whether the compact would loosen licensure standards and reduce licensing revenue, and the Board of Psychology was said to be meeting and had not taken a formal position; testimony also noted the need for resources if the compact were adopted. The committee also heard SB 2276 on surgical assistance, with DCCA in opposition and a supporter from the field, but little discussion followed. SB 2277 on hospital price transparency drew support from consumer and patient advocates, who argued that clearer pricing would reduce medical debt and help patients shop for care; DCCA and the Department of Health offered comments, with the department suggesting an alternative enforcement model using outside review entities and noting that implementation would require significant staffing and funding. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii opposed the bill, saying federal transparency rules already cover the issue and state law could create duplication. SB 2282 on prior authorization received comments from insurers and providers; HMSA asked that the bill be set aside pending the report of the prior authorization working group created by Act 151, while the Hawaii Medical Association said prior authorization is a major burden but deferred to regulators on resources. Finally, SB 2413 on medical cannabis was supported by the Office of Medical Cannabis and others, who said the bill would close a patient-access gap by allowing viable seed sales; one witness suggested clarifying jurisdictional language and allowing dispensaries to sell seeds to each other. The committee then began SB 2425 on health insurance, where an addiction treatment provider testified that insurers’ refusal to honor assignment-of-benefits payments can delay reimbursement and create relapse risk for patients, but the transcript cuts off before further action on that bill.