Transcript Highlights:

• It's not a shall by the pharmacy. It's a may, and we put language in there.
• They have about 30 pharmacies that are putting it on the counter.
• would like to take ivermectin over the counter can just go in the store and get it, or go to the pharmacy
• Basically, this is a bill that prohibits PBMs from owning and operating licensed retail pharmacies in
• They couldn't control the medicine getting to that cancer center pharmacy and limit that.

Summary: The committee took up a series of health-related bills, beginning with House Bill 4124 by Rep. Fetgatter, which would make human ivermectin available over the counter on a permissive basis for pharmacies. The bill drew extended debate over whether the legislature should decide over-the-counter status, safety concerns, dosage, adverse effects, and federal law issues, but the author argued the bill would reduce political controversy and allow pharmacies to choose whether to stock it. HB 4124 passed 5-1. Rep. Schreiber’s HB 4200, creating a public-private forensic assertive community treatment (FACT) team approach for people with severe mental illness involved in the criminal justice system, passed unanimously 6-0. Rep. Blancett’s HB 4410, which would tighten disclosures and consumer protections for referral agencies working with long-term care and assisted living placements, failed 3-4 after questions about whether the bill was still needed and how it would affect compensation and disclosures. Rep. Cantrell’s bill on assisted living facilities’ rights and responsibilities also failed, 2-3, after members questioned whether businesses need a statutory “bill of rights” and whether the material could simply be posted under existing law. Rep. Pay’s HB 1912, the Corn Mossa Nutrition Enhancement Act, passed 3-2 after amendments and discussion about folic acid fortification, neural tube defects, and whether consumers should still have access to unfortified products. Rep. Stark’s HB 3930, requiring sellers of dog-related service-animal gear to notify purchasers that the animal is not a service animal, passed 5-1, and HB 3931, extending the time to amend death certificates, passed 6-0. Rep. Newton’s HB 4457, barring PBMs from owning and operating licensed retail pharmacies in Oklahoma with a transition for specialty settings, passed 6-0, and HB 4473, creating an advisory council to assist the Oklahoma Health Care Authority on dental care, passed 5-0. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The increase in fiscal year 2027-28 is reflective of the addition of new pharmacy benefit manager pricing
• mix of the California Health Data and Planning Fund, the Health Plan Improvement Trust Fund, the Pharmacy
• We still have had to reach out to the wholesalers, to the pharmacies, to the health plans, and the PBMs
• I'll first start with our pharmacy benefit manager licensing requirements and data review.
• I'll first start with our pharmacy benefit manager licensing requirements and data review.

Summary: The committee heard opening budget remarks from the Department of Finance and the Legislative Analyst’s Office on the May Revision for Health and Human Services. Finance said the proposal significantly reduces projected out-year operating deficits through a mix of revenue increases and program cost reductions, while the LAO warned that even with booming revenues the state still faces a structural deficit and should prioritize reserves and avoid new ongoing commitments. The chair and members echoed concern about cuts to vulnerable populations, but also noted the need to maintain the overall level of budget solutions and add to reserves. The hearing then moved through a series of CalHHS and HCAI proposals, mostly held open after presentation. CalHHS requested additional legal support to respond to federal H.R. 1-related issues and a net-zero transfer of positions for a shared eligibility/data-sharing platform. Other items included ongoing funding for the 988 Behavioral Health Crisis Service Fund and a request for EMSA to fund maintenance of its enterprise data management system. HCAI presented proposals for hospital fair pricing implementation, the data exchange framework, the all-payer claims database, CalRx insulin development, the diaper access initiative, distressed hospital grants, opioid settlement fund reversion, and the Rural Health Transformation Program. Members questioned funding sources, special fund use, contracting exemptions, timelines, and whether some proposals should be more targeted or supported by alternative funding. A major discussion centered on HCAI’s diaper access initiative and the use of a Public Contract Code exemption to continue contracting for free diapers distributed through hospitals. The chair and some members criticized the optics of the selected vendor and questioned the lack of an income threshold, while HCAI said the program was designed to be universal and administratively simple, with future phase-two direct-to-consumer purchasing to be handled by a different vendor. Another extended exchange focused on distressed hospital funding, where HCAI said the May Revision would provide up to $50 million for hospitals at immediate risk of closure, but members argued the repeated annual need shows a structural problem and asked for broader reforms to hospital payment and care transitions. The final major topic was the Behavioral Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission’s budget. The Commission opposed the May Revision’s reduction of the Innovation Partnership Fund from $20 million to $10 million and a $6.7 million cut to community advocacy contracts, arguing both are core Proposition 1 tools for statewide innovation and community engagement. Finance responded that the proposal is within Proposition 1’s allowable maximums and that prior unspent appropriations could be redirected if the Legislature wanted to restore the full amount. No votes were taken; items were generally held open for later action.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Medicaid schools program is not like a clinic within a school just for Medicaid kids; it's specific
• The Medicaid schools program is not like a clinic within a school just for Medicaid kids; it's specific
• , would they be seen in the school or in a physician or other provider's office?
• I'm the pharmacy director for New Hampshire Medicaid.
• </c><02:26:01.560><c> uh</c> providers and to uh Pharmacy uh providers and to uh Pharmacy uh companies

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There was a neighborhood that had an elementary school.
• And then for behavioral health, we have 11 school-based therapists in 13 different school districts,
• I find out about their schools, their medical, all the things.”
• “I find out about their schools, their medical, all the things.
• Access to a quick and efficient pharmacy experience, right?

Summary: The task force heard extensive testimony on recovery support, harm reduction, and community-based care. Dan Haniken of Into Action described his own recovery from addiction and incarceration and argued that treatment alone is not enough; he said recovery housing, peer support, employment, accountability, and stable housing are what help people stay sober and avoid relapse. Members asked about funding, housing shortages, transportation, treatment courts, and support for medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Haniken said Into Action relies on a braided mix of federal, state, county, city, foundation, and private funding, and that recovery housing needs longer-term support than many current funding streams provide. He also said Missouri should expand recovery housing, peer recovery support, and recovery community centers, and improve awareness and access to MAT in recovery settings and after incarceration. Matt Cushman, a community paramedic with Raytown Fire Protection District, urged Missouri to expand harm reduction, including syringe service programs and broader access to clean needles and drug-checking tools. He argued that stigma and abstinence-only approaches keep many people from seeking help, and said harm reduction reduces disease transmission, overdose deaths, hospitalizations, and other harms while creating pathways to recovery. He cited naloxone distribution as a successful example and said similar strategies should be decriminalized and expanded. Members asked about naloxone access, community paramedicine funding, and whether safe consumption sites should be considered; Cushman said syringe exchange should be a near-term priority, while safe consumption sites are a longer-term policy question. Representatives from Ozarks Medical Center/COMC and Four Rivers Community Health Center focused on the need to reimburse peer support specialists and community health workers, especially in rural and underserved areas. COMC’s Monet Lehman shared her trauma and recovery story and described her jail reentry work, helping incarcerated people with housing, benefits, IDs, employment, MAT, and community supports before release. Four Rivers said its care coordinators and CHWs provide wraparound services such as transportation, housing help, Medicaid enrollment, clothing, and same-day MAT access. Members and staff discussed confusion over reimbursement rules, noting that CCBHCs can bill for peer services through Medicaid while FQHCs generally cannot, and that CHWs are often funded through grants rather than reimbursement. No votes were taken; the meeting consisted of testimony and member questions, with several requests for follow-up information on funding, transportation, and reimbursement rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• everything from SNAP, So there's, there's, I mean, we cover everything from SNAP, CYFD, hospitals, pharmacy
• We look at pharmacy. We look at scope of practice for people. We look at pharmacy.
• I mean, I can't even believe part of why we did the Archaeological School is because the acequias and
• I mean, I can't even believe part of why we did the Archaeological School is because the Asakeas and
• Bliss, multiple data centers, thousands of construction jobs, millions of dollars in tax base, new schools

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 287, which would create a permanent Health and Human Services Committee. The sponsor argued the state spends about $14.4 billion annually on health and human services and needs a standing committee to better oversee programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, CYFD, hospitals, pharmacy benefit managers, and related issues. Members discussed staffing, start-up costs, and whether the committee would have subpoena power; staff said interim funding exists in the feed bill and additional funding would likely be needed later. The committee adopted an amendment striking the appropriation and changing the effective date, then voted due pass on the amended bill, with several members recorded in opposition. The committee then considered House Bill 371, as substituted, to create land grant and acequia infrastructure funds financed from remaining severance tax bond capacity. The sponsor and acequia/land grant advocates said the measure would provide a short-term funding source for infrastructure needs such as land acquisition, right-of-way access, ditch cleaning, and repairs, with distributions beginning only after the fund reaches a threshold and subject to limits through 2031. Members asked about bond capacity, the relationship to capital outlay, legislative approval of projects, and whether the bill would reduce reliance on repeated capital requests. The committee adopted the substitute and passed the bill, with one member in opposition. The committee also heard Senate Bill 143, which raises fee caps under the New Mexico Department of Agriculture’s inspection and grading programs, including egg grading, nursery stock, pesticide, feed, and related services. The department and industry supporters said the caps had been unchanged for decades and that the bill would help fund inspections and staffing without meaningfully affecting consumer prices. After questions about fee administration, consumer impact, and staffing levels, the committee voted do pass. Finally, the committee discussed House Bill 329, which would create an Energy Affordability and Grid Reliability Council attached to the Public Regulation Commission. The sponsor said the council would study affordability, reliability, grid modernization, and energy options, drawing on experts from state agencies and utilities. Members raised concerns about the bill’s vagueness, lack of term limits and detailed structure, possible duplication with existing agencies, missing representation for rural co-ops, tribes, and nuclear energy, and the funding source. The sponsor said the governor’s office had requested the bill and that funding would come from governor-controlled GROW money, but the committee ultimately rolled the bill for further work and did not adopt the amendment presented that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• down to the middle school level.
• And we will provide a satellite. pharmacy school at that location.
• . school students.
• Can you tell me about the Hilton School Hotel? What ranking is that among other hotel schools?
• Is that in the Bauer School? Yes, that's in Bauer School. That's also new.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They could be grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies.
• We hear a lot of high school students, freshmen in high school, but during one of our surveys, it actually
• So I high school in the Commonwealth.
• And he was a freshman in high school.
• And he graduated<01:38:35.760><c> high</c><01:38:35.920><c> school.

Keywords: 0:00 – Meeting start/roll call 0:10 - Roll call/approval of minutes 1:43 - Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), Department for Medicaid Services 27:40 - Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control 55:54 - Board of Veterinary Examiners 1:33:15 - Testimony in support of 804 KAR 13:010E, 020E, 030E and 040E. 1:49:04 - Education Professional Standards Board 1:49:58 - Attorney General, Office of Regulatory Relief 1:52:18 - Kentucky Public Pensions Authority (KPPA) 1:54:28 - Board of Nursing 1:56:44 - Board of Occupational Therapy 1:57:37 - Board of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy 1:58:58 - Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources 1:59:50 - Economic Development Finance Authority 2:01:34 - Department of Corrections 2:02:37 - Department of Juvenile Justice 2:04:02 - Department for Employment Services, Unemployment Insurance 2:04:57 - Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), Department for Public Health, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then took up Department for Medicaid Services regulations 907 KAR 23:010 and related rules. DMS explained that one regulation would establish a beneficiary advisory council and another would remove language barring coverage of GLP-1 drugs for obesity-related use. The department said coverage would still be limited by prior authorization and clinical criteria, with use tied to underlying chronic conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, and that the pharmacy and therapeutics committee would help set the detailed standards. Members discussed the potential health benefits, but several raised concerns about cost, timing, and whether the legislature and the Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board should review the policy first. DMS said the drugs are already on the formulary, that current Medicaid users with diabetes are already covered, and that the fiscal impact was estimated using current utilization, rebates, and expected savings; the department also said it would only cover the drugs if subject to rebates. The committee then voted 5-1 to find 907 KAR 23:010 deficient. The committee next considered several emergency regulations from the Public Protection Cabinet’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control implementing SB 100. The rules covered tobacco, nicotine, and vapor product licensing, including the application form, denial standards, and transitional licensing. ABC counsel said the department had received about 5,500 applications and issued nearly 5,000 licenses, with additional provisional licenses issued to avoid interruption in sales after the law’s effective date. He said some applications remained pending because inspections and photographs revealed possible unauthorized nicotine vapor products, and the department was seeking documentation before approval. A staff amendment was adopted without objection before the ABC presentation continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• that are recommended, including key ones that have been moved from being recommended or required for schools
• I currently live an hour and 15 minutes away from the nearest pharmacy. From the nearest pharmacy.
• Pre-ACA, Tulare County operated two federally qualified health clinics, a pharmacy, and had contracts
• that she would do whatever she can to ensure her mom remains on Medi-Cal, even if it meant missing school
• Eliminate or significantly regulate pharmacy benefit managers and other intermediaries that extract margin

Summary: The joint informational hearing of the Senate and Assembly Health Committees focused on the “cost of uncertainty” in health coverage, access, and affordability amid federal policy changes. Opening remarks from committee leaders and members emphasized that California’s gains under the Affordable Care Act and Health for All policies—high coverage rates, consumer protections, and lower uninsured rates—are now threatened by federal rollbacks, including the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits and H.R. 1. Members repeatedly cited rising premiums, skipped care, medical debt, and the risk of coverage losses, especially for low-income Californians, workers, seniors, and immigrant communities. The first panel featured federal policy and state implementation experts, including Don Joyce, Jessica Altman of Covered California, and Elizabeth Lansberg of HCAI’s Office of Health Care Affordability. Testimony described the ACA’s coverage expansions and the current federal threats: shorter open enrollment, more verification requirements, loss of enhanced subsidies, and changes affecting immigrants and preventive coverage. Covered California reported that average monthly premiums could nearly double without the subsidies, new enrollment is down sharply, and more consumers are shifting into bronze plans with higher deductibles. HCAI explained its affordability strategy through spending targets, consolidation review, and primary care investment, while members asked about the impact of federal cuts on provider taxes, uncompensated care, and whether California can sustain coverage without new revenue. The second panel, with UC Berkeley Labor Center’s Miranda Dietz and California Health Care Foundation’s Christoph Stremikis, broadened the discussion to statewide cost drivers and consumer impacts. They highlighted that more than half of Californians under 65 rely on job-based coverage, yet premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs have risen faster than wages. They also pointed to medical debt, administrative waste, market consolidation, and underinvestment in primary care as major drivers of unaffordability. Members asked about the 25% of health spending that does not improve patient care, the role of fraud versus administrative friction, the effect of cost growth targets on workers, and the need for preventive care and possible revenue solutions. The hearing then moved to a third panel on human impacts, beginning with testimony from a Central Valley promotora describing how families are choosing lower-tier coverage, struggling with diabetes care, and facing higher premiums after subsidy losses.

Transcript Highlights:

• But we adopted the state of Idaho, that's another thing, is if you know the Board of Pharmacy, they get
• together, I think it's the Board of Pharmacy is correct.
• represent the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses, specifically the Idaho Board of Pharmacy
• The Board of Pharmacy, when it goes through and does its review and proposes new additions to the Controlled
• To declare a Rule 80, as I do own retail pharmacies, and just to comment briefly, I appreciate where

Summary: The Health and Welfare Committee approved the minutes from February 17 and February 23. It then introduced RS 33-496, a proposal from Rep. Steve Tanner prompted by the death of a 12-day-old infant in Nampa. Tanner said the measure is intended to protect newborns and infants up to age one when mandatory reporters identify high-risk parental histories, requiring the Department of Health and Welfare to verify reports within 12 hours and prioritize the case; he said the fiscal impact should be negligible. The committee heard House Bill 497 from Rep. Marco Erickson, the annual controlled substances scheduling bill, but voted to hold it in committee. Erickson said the bill updates Idaho’s drug schedules and reflects state-specific decisions rather than automatic federal conformity. During discussion, Rep. Beiswenger questioned the inclusion of ibogaine in Schedule I, citing research and possible medical benefits for PTSD and depression; Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses representative Oren Duffin said ibogaine was scheduled in 1972, the board does not revisit substances retroactively, and any change would need to come from the legislature. The committee then considered RS 33-450, the replacement bill for HB 497, and voted to introduce it and send it to the second reading calendar with a due pass recommendation. Beiswenger reiterated concerns about ibogaine, while other members said they would support future legislation if research warranted changes. The meeting ended with adjournment and a reminder about vendors and a prison industries gift display in the rotunda.

Transcript Highlights:

• But we adopted the state of Idaho, that's another thing, is if you know the Board of Pharmacy, they get
• together, I think it's the Board of Pharmacy is correct.
• represent the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses, specifically the Idaho Board of Pharmacy
• The Board of Pharmacy, when it goes through and does its review and proposes new additions to the controlled
• To declare a Rule 80, as I do own retail pharmacies, and just to comment briefly, I appreciate where

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Health and Welfare Committee approved the minutes from February 17 and February 23. It then introduced RS 33-496, a proposal from Representative Tanner prompted by the death of a 12-day-old infant in Nampa; the measure would require the Department of Health and Welfare to verify certain high-risk reports involving newborns or children up to age one within 12 hours and, if verified, assign the case the highest priority for faster escalation. The RS was introduced without opposition. The committee heard House Bill 497 from Representative Erickson, the annual controlled-substances update that aligns Idaho’s schedules with state review and changing drug classifications. At the sponsor’s request, the committee voted to hold HB 497 in committee while a replacement RS was prepared. Members then discussed RS 33-450, the cleanup replacement for HB 497, with questions focused on ibogaine’s inclusion as a Schedule I substance and whether emerging research suggests medical benefit. A DOPL representative explained that the substance has been scheduled since 1972 and that the legislature can change the law if it chooses; several members said they would support future legislation if research is brought forward. After discussion, the committee voted to introduce RS 33-450 and send it to the second reading calendar with a due pass recommendation. The meeting then adjourned, with members reminded about items in the rotunda and a vendor display.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's also for the school... ...modernization fund.
• You have a $3 million reduction in public schools for transportation.
• But again, about a $20 million and some change for online schools or the ILO program there.
• funding formula or some combination therein for online virtual schools.
• funding formula or some combination therein for online virtual schools.

Summary: The Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee met to hear a JFAC budget presentation from Senator Scott Groh and Keith Bybee on the state’s general fund outlook and budget process. The discussion focused on structural balance, revenue trends, sales tax distributions, and the growing share of sales tax that is directed away from the general fund to earmarked programs, tax relief, and local government distributions. Bybee also reviewed long-term budget growth by category, noting major drivers such as public schools, Medicaid, higher education, and other policy-driven spending increases. A major topic was the state’s fiscal position for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Bybee explained that revenue projections have come in below prior expectations, leaving a much smaller ending balance than originally projected. He said the governor’s budget relies on one-time money, a 3% holdback, and other assumptions to maintain balance, while the legislative scenario still faces uncertainty, especially around tax conformity and possible federal tax changes. Senators asked about the reliability of the revenue and conformity estimates, the use of one-time funds versus rainy day reserves, and the potential impact on Idaho’s AAA bond rating. Senator Groh summarized JFAC’s approach as cautious and conservative, emphasizing uncertainty in revenue forecasts and the need to avoid relying too heavily on one-time money or stabilization funds. He said JFAC planned to vote Friday on a 3% governor holdback, with agencies asked to identify 1% to 2% cuts for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. No formal votes were taken by the committee in this meeting, and the chair adjourned after thanking the presenters.

Transcript Highlights:

• I serve as a chief pharmacy officer for Western Health Advantage. Dr. Kieran Bearing.
• A pharmacy and your medication is not available.
• They can transfer that prescription to another pharmacy that will have available stock.
• And these medications are not coming from your local pharmacy because they're expensive meds.
• They're dispensed by a specialty pharmacy.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with SB 1312 by Senator Richardson on abandoned endowed-care cemeteries. Richardson described vandalism, theft, and neglect at abandoned cemeteries and said the bill would define abandonment, create a process for local governments to declare a cemetery abandoned, and allow the Bureau to act as conservator of endowment funds. Support came from Marin County, while county and special district groups opposed or had concerns, arguing the bill could shift burdens to local governments or public cemetery districts without enough safeguards. Members expressed general support but noted the need for further work; the bill was discussed but no final vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then took up SB 758 by Senator Umberg, which would restrict retail sales of nitrous oxide to curb misuse. Supporters, including the League of California Cities, narcotic officers, counties, pediatricians, and other local governments and health groups, said easy access at smoke shops and convenience stores has fueled recreational abuse and health harms. There was no opposition testimony, and members voiced strong support for a statewide approach over city-by-city bans. The bill was well received, with the author closing in support. Dr. Weber-Pierson presented SB 1094, a health care affordability bill on biosimilars and biologic substitution. The bill would allow pharmacists to substitute biosimilars under certain conditions, require advance notice to providers and patients, and add reporting on savings; the author said amendments would strengthen provider notice and preserve the ability to mark prescriptions “do not substitute.” Supporters from health plans, insurers, pharmacies, labor, business, and some provider groups argued the bill would lower costs and expand access. Opponents, including dermatology and rheumatology groups and biotech interests, warned about non-medical switching, prior authorization delays, and patient harm. After extensive discussion, the committee voted 13-0 to pass SB 1094 to the Committee on Health. The committee also passed SB 849 by Dr. Weber-Pierson, which would bar reinstatement of physicians who surrendered their licenses while a sexual misconduct accusation was pending. The Medical Board and California Medical Association were generally supportive or neutral, and members praised the bill’s patient-protection focus. SB 993 by Senator Ochoa Bogh, which limits routine disclosure of identifying information for mental health professionals in correctional and psychiatric settings while preserving complaint processes, also passed unanimously to Appropriations. SB 1002 by Senator Niello, extending the David Hall Act to allow certain patients in remission to continue telehealth care with out-of-state specialists, drew strong patient support but opposition from the Medical Board and CMA over licensure and oversight concerns; the committee voted it out on a split roll with some members not voting. Finally, SB 1263 by Senator McGuire, aimed at protecting wildfire survivors and workers by requiring licensed, trained contractors for post-disaster residential debris removal, received support from labor and the Contractors State License Board, with contractors raising a narrower amendment concern about scope.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, $1,800 for ambulance... ...don't want, you know, $1,800 for ambulance rides from the schools
• or $1,500 to $3,000 ER visits from the schools.
• average $250 to $300 a day off to take... ...average $250 to $300 a day off to take off and go to the school
• So, are you recommending we sell these in pharmacies, or what do you... No, I'm just asking...
• We Pharmacy benefit managers... okay, anyway, that's what this does.

Bills: HB194, SB87, SB237

Keywords: healthcare, advanced practice nursing, nurse collaboration, medical board, nursing board, committee structure, midwifery, licensed midwives, State Board of Midwifery, licensure fees, professional liability insurance, complaints investigation, emergency care plan, out-of-hospital care, hemp, hemp beverages, psychoactive cannabinoids, psychoactive hemp products, delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC

Transcript Highlights:

• Within those two years, you could see a slow decline in her as a person, her schooling, and her social
• She quit college; she was going to school to be a forensic accountant, and she had quit.
• There is no oversight like you get at a pharmacy. There's no studies like you have with pharmacies.
• Leper, how would you feel if you needed, if you had to go through a pharmacy to purchase kratom?
• Leper: If I had to go through a pharmacy, okay, if that's the route we have to go, I don't agree with

Summary: The House Health and Welfare Committee continued testimony on House Bill 864, which would schedule kratom as a Schedule I substance. Testimony was sharply divided. Family members of people who died after using kratom urged a full ban, arguing that kratom leaf and extracts can be lethal, that labeling is misleading, and that regulation would leave loopholes. Retail and industry witnesses, along with the American Kratom Association, argued that the problem is synthetic 7-OH and other adulterated products rather than natural kratom leaf, and said the bill would criminalize users and push products into the black market. A physician who worked in corrections testified that kratom is an addictive opioid-like substance and supported the bill, while other witnesses said kratom helped them manage pain or avoid stronger opioids. After debate, the committee adopted a motion to hold HB 864 to a time certain of March 25 by a roll call vote of 11-5. The committee then took up House Bill 903, a SNAP-related bill clarifying which foods can be purchased with benefits. The sponsor said the bill was intended to clean up the earlier SNAP restrictions and keep more nutritious items eligible, but he also announced planned amendments to remove cookies, cakes, brownies, sprinkles, chips, and snack bars from the allowable list. Retailers and related industry groups supported the bill as a clarification measure, but several members objected to advancing it before the proposed amendments were formally available and before stakeholders could weigh in. A substitute motion to hold the bill failed, and the committee then voted to send HB 903 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee began hearing House Bill 757, which would define medical neglect in state law and create protections for parents and guardians from bad-faith or false reports. The sponsor said the bill narrows medical neglect to life-threatening conditions, adds a reasonable-person standard, and provides safe harbors for parents seeking care or dealing with complex medical situations, including alternative treatments. Members began asking questions about what qualifies as life-threatening as the hearing moved into testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Truth be told, pharmacies in downtown Boston ran out last year. So that had a major impact.
• Again, pharmacies are running out.
• As someone who went to school in New York, thank you for clarifying the end of the subway.
• People getting to have take-homes, getting it from Rite Aid, go to the pharmacy.
• People getting to have take-homes, getting it from Rite Aid, go to the pharmacy.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery held a public hearing on several harm reduction bills, including measures to decriminalize simple possession and paraphernalia, authorize overdose prevention centers, and expand access to naloxone for first responders. Chair Mindy Domb and Senator John Velis opened by describing harm reduction as an evidence-based public health strategy and noting Massachusetts’ recent decline in fatal overdoses. They emphasized that testimony would help shape whether and how the bills advance, and explained the hearing process, including time limits and written testimony. Testimony was sharply divided. Supporters, including Rep. Kate Donaghue, Sen. Cindy Friedman, Rep. Marjorie Decker, Rep. Manny Cruz, public health professionals, recovery advocates, and people with lived experience, argued that harm reduction saves lives, reduces stigma, and can connect people to treatment. They supported overdose prevention centers and decriminalization as tools to keep people alive long enough to enter recovery, and several speakers described personal losses to overdose or family experiences with addiction. Some supporters also framed the bills as racial justice measures, arguing that criminal penalties for possession have disproportionately harmed Black and brown communities. Opponents, including Sen. Nick Collins and several South End residents, argued that overdose prevention centers and decriminalization would worsen public drug use, crime, and neighborhood disorder, especially around Mass and Cass. They said current approaches such as Section 35, diversion, and police leverage into treatment are more effective, and they urged more treatment beds and recovery facilities instead of harm reduction sites. Committee members questioned witnesses about research, local siting, crime data, and the relationship between harm reduction and treatment, and several members said neighborhood impacts must be considered alongside overdose prevention. The committee did not take a vote during the hearing; it continued receiving testimony and announced a later break before resuming on H. 2196 and S. 1393.

Transcript Highlights:

• Trujillo, at the very beginning, you mentioned charter schools, and so they're under... PRA?
• or any public school that has...
• Fifty percent are schools, 25% are state agencies, and 25% are local government.
• We have all the schools by request.
• Public Schools.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I remember when my sister and I were little and we went to school to get our polio vaccine, we had
• And as we left the school, she reached out and said, “So long, suckers,” to the nurse.
• This bill is necessary because some schools have selected other curriculum which do not include the AED
• HB 4043, training AED/CPR school personnel. Education. HB 4044, Public Safety Parity Fund. ATT.
• HB 4043, training AED/CPR school personnel. Education. HB 4044, Public Safety Parity Fund. ATT.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• or public school, just talk.
• or charter schools?
• or a charter school or private school or whatever type of other organized school activities, but we still
• petition to join a public school outside of the school district from which they reside?
• to the private school.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• schools and junior highs.
• charter schools?
• Not within the school. No, not within the school, but those are for cause.
• a charter school or private school or whatever type of other organized school activities.
• to join a public school?

Summary: The Administrative Rules Subcommittee reviewed a long agenda of agency rules, with most items approved without objection after brief presentations and no public comment. Early items included Department of Energy and Environment rules on landfill post-closure trust fund spending thresholds and liquefied petroleum gas standards, DFA’s electronic odometer disclosure rule, and several Department of Health rules covering ionizing radiation, mobile home and RV parks, lead-based paint, counseling board revisions, hearing instrument dispensers, athletic training, dental examiners, nursing, pharmacy, medical board, speech-language pathology and audiology, radiologic technology, massage therapy, community health workers, doula certification, and cosmetology/body art. Most of these changes were described as updates to match recent acts, federal standards, compact participation, fee adjustments, or cleanup/clarification, and the committee repeatedly approved them without objection. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on the Arkansas State Board of Nursing’s broad set of rule changes implementing multiple 2025 acts. Those changes included creating a dialysis patient care technician registry, updating contact information requirements, expanding APRN authority to delegate certain tasks, clarifying death certificate and pronouncement authority, allowing substitution of therapeutically equivalent medications, permitting purchase of compounded products, and updating certified medication assistant rules and training standards. Members asked detailed questions about the meaning of therapeutically equivalent substitutions, delegation limits, compounded products, and how often medication lists would be updated; the board said it would review rules annually and use future rulemaking as needed. The committee also approved new nursing rules for declaratory orders and the new dialysis registry. The Department of Education’s rules drew the most discussion, especially the Arkansas Children’s Educational Freedom Account Program. The department said the revisions, based on Act 920 of 2025, were intended to add guardrails, clarify eligible expenses, and streamline approvals. Changes included defining core educational expenses, limiting sports-related spending, adding an intentional misuse standard, restricting certain technology purchases and requiring extra justification over $1,000, capping carryover funds at $8,500, and creating a reconsideration process for denied expenses. Members raised concerns about oversight, appeal timelines, sports equipment, provider credentialing, and whether the rules were too restrictive; department officials said the rules were meant to protect taxpayer funds while preserving flexibility, and they noted the program had received extensive public comment. The committee also approved Education rules for scholarships, residency classification, teacher programs, accelerated learning, and graduate medical education, as well as Labor and Licensing rules on wage and hour standards, boiler rules, motor vehicle commission requirements, professional wrestling regulation, appraiser qualifications, and military recruiting incentives.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also includes a supplement for pharmacy reimbursements.
• It also includes a supplement for pharmacy reimbursements.
• It also includes a supplement for pharmacy reimbursements.
• </c> um with the managed care pharmacy um with the managed care pharmacy dispensing<00:26:08.720><c>
• </c> at the Board of Pharmacy on line 609. at the Board of Pharmacy on line 609.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all