Transcript Highlights:

• it isn't<00:32:08.000><c> as</c><00:32:08.639><c> um</c><00:32:08.880><c> have</c><00:32:09.039><c>
• is still<00:32:13.120><c> almost</c><00:32:13.399><c> as</c><00:32:13.600><c> complicated</c><00:32:
• </c><00:32:17.600><c> on</c><00:32:17.960><c> to</c><00:32:18.840><c> um</c><00:32:19.120><c> who's</
• /c><00:32:22.799><c> as</c><00:32:22.880><c> I</c><00:32:23.000><c> mentioned</c><00:32:23.760><c> um
• </c><00:32:31.799><c> Transit</c><00:32:32.639><c> uh</c><00:32:33.080><c> owners</c><00:32:33.679><c

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:03.760><c> And</c><00:32:03.920><c> so,</c><00:32:04.200><c> I</c><00:32:04.400><c> I</c><
• :32:09.520><c> this</c><00:32:09.720><c> is</c><00:32:09.880><c> a</c><00:32:09.960><c> good</c><00:32
• I think<00:32:10.920><c> these</c><00:32:11.120><c> are</c><00:32:11.280><c> good</c><00:32:11.560><c
• 32:31.679><c> and</c><00:32:31.880><c> we</c><00:32:31.960><c> have</c><00:32:32.120><c> to</c><00:32
• 32:28.560><c> we</c><01:32:28.640><c> can</c><01:32:28.760><c> get</c><01:32:28.880><c> them</c><01:32

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um the other area<00:32:06.159><c> where</c><00:32:06.559><c> I'd</c><00:32:06.880><c> say</c><00:32:
• 07.600><c> um</c><00:32:08.080><c> there</c><00:32:08.399><c> are</c><00:32:08.640><c> some</c><00:32
• </c><00:32:14.000><c> We</c><00:32:14.240><c> have</c><00:32:14.399><c> lost</c><00:32:14.720><c> a</
• We have lost a couple<00:32:15.279><c> of</c><00:32:16.320><c> um</c><00:32:17.039><c> big</c><00:32:
• :32:33.840><c> um</c><00:32:34.399><c> work</c><00:32:35.039><c> uh</c><00:32:35.200><c> to</c><00:32

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard presentations from the Legal Aid Network of Kentucky, including Legal Aid of the Bluegrass, Kentucky Legal Aid, AppalRed Legal Aid, and the Legal Aid Society in Louisville. The presenters explained that the four nonprofit programs provide civil legal services in all 120 counties, focusing on low-income clients and matters such as domestic violence, family law, housing, expungement, public benefits, and veterans’ issues. They emphasized that they do not handle criminal defense cases and described statewide efforts such as the kyjustice.org website and Project Renew, which helps people in recovery with legal issues that affect stability, employment, housing, and family reunification. Each organization highlighted regional service challenges and examples of casework. Legal Aid of the Bluegrass described its 33-county service area, its mobile “justice bus,” and expungement work for people in recovery. Kentucky Legal Aid focused on disaster response after the December 2021 tornadoes, including insurance disputes and contractor fraud, and said it has continued to handle repeated FEMA-declared disasters. AppalRed described serving 37 rural counties with limited attorneys, the shortage of lawyers in “rural legal deserts,” and its disaster-response work after flooding and tornadoes, including FEMA appeals clinics and volunteer attorney support. The Legal Aid Society described its Louisville-area veteran services, including Social Security and VA disability cases, veterans treatment court referrals, and homeless outreach. Committee members praised the organizations’ work and noted the importance of their services. In response to questions about funding, the presenters said their support comes from a mix of Legal Services Corporation funds, state appropriations, federal grants such as VOCA, VAWA, and HUD, United Way, and foundation funding. They stressed that many grants are restricted, while state funding is more flexible and useful for emergencies and day-to-day operations. The presenters said current funding does not fully meet demand and requested an increase in the General Assembly’s appropriation from $500,000 per year to $1 million per year, or $2 million over the biennium.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> next</c><00:32:14.519><c> we</c><00:32:14.639><c> move</c><00:32:14.880><c> on</c><00:32:15.000><c
• Rights division<00:32:18.120><c> works</c><00:32:18.440><c> to</c><00:32:18.679><c> protect</c><00:32
• > on</c><00:32:36.120><c> a</c><00:32:36.240><c> hedge</c><00:32:36.480><c> fund</c><00:32:36.720><c>
• Haven Brook<00:32:37.919><c> Holmes</c><00:32:38.919><c> uh</c><00:32:39.159><c> one</c><00:32:39.320
• ><c> state</c><00:32:41.519><c> who</c><00:32:41.720><c> at</c><00:32:41.799><c> the</c><00:32:42.000

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :42.399><c> framework</c><00:32:43.240><c> is</c><00:32:44.120><c> it</c><00:32:44.279><c> can</c><00
• :32:44.919><c> uh</c><00:32:45.440><c> it</c><00:32:45.519><c> can</c> cultural framework is it can uh
• ><c> a</c><00:32:49.799><c> skilled</c><00:32:50.159><c> Midwife</c><00:32:50.760><c> in</c> Care uh
• :53.559><c> the</c><00:32:54.200><c> the</c><00:32:54.360><c> risk</c><00:32:54.760><c> factors</c><00
• <00:32:55.600><c> much</c><00:32:56.240><c> different</c><00:32:57.240><c> and</c><00:32:57.720><c> um

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint House Committee on Health and Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce heard two midwifery bills, with testimony focused primarily on HB 1194. Committee chairs opened the hearing with rules for Zoom testimony and noted the bills relate to midwives. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs said it supported the intent of HB 1194 and offered comments. Supporters of the bill, including the Midwives Alliance of Hawaii, argued that midwifery should remain subject to mandatory licensure to protect consumer safety, citing the state’s regulatory licensing standards and a 2025 state auditor sunset analysis. They said the bill would strengthen educational standards and public protection, and some offered clarifying amendments. Opponents argued HB 1194 would restrict access to care and fail to protect traditional, cultural, and community-based birth practices. Testifiers from the Hawaii Home Birth Task Force, the Hawaii Home Birth Collective, the Libertarian Party of Hawaii, the Center for Reproductive Rights, Pacific Birth Collective, and Papa Ola Lōkahi said the bill would limit licensure pathways, reduce access in rural and underserved areas, and burden Native Hawaiian and traditional practitioners. Several speakers said the measure could worsen Hawaii’s maternal health shortages, especially on Maui, and urged lawmakers to defer HB 1194 or instead advance HB 1328, which they said better protects practitioner access and cultural practices. The Hawaii affiliate of the American College of Nurse-Midwives said it opposed HB 1194 because it did not align with national or state standards for certified midwives and could create conflicts with Medicaid reimbursement and prescriptive authority. The ACLU also opposed the measure, emphasizing reproductive rights, privacy, and the need to preserve apprenticeship pathways to licensure. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the hearing reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah,<00:32:02.960><c> you</c><00:32:03.120><c> can</c><00:32:03.200><c> move</c><00:32:03.360><c> the
• </c> Yeah,<00:32:15.039><c> it's</c><00:32:15.279><c> a</c><00:32:16.080><c> it's</c><00:32:16.720><c
• </c><00:32:18.720><c> So,</c><00:32:19.360><c> yeah,</c><00:32:19.919><c> take</c><00:32:20.080><c> it
• Exactly.<00:32:27.600><c> I'm</c><00:32:27.760><c> moving</c><00:32:28.000><c> the</c><00:32:28.159><
• </c><00:32:30.880><c> All</c><00:32:31.120><c> in</c><00:32:31.360><c> favor</c><00:32:31.840><c> of<

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the executive director for the state chapter for Children's Advocacy Centers, and I'm here today
• I'm the Executive Director for the State Chapter for Children's Advocacy Centers, and I'm here today
• I'm the Executive Director for the State Chapter for Children's Advocacy Centers, and I'm here today
• Much to Senator Torres's point, CareCredit, you're seeing big growth there, 32 to 39 percent interest
• You're seeing big growth there, 32 to 39 percent interest on that.

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several bills. SB 5720 would enact the Uniform Consumer Debt Default Judgments Act, adding complaint and notice requirements before default judgments in consumer debt cases and preserving existing debt-buyer protections; the sponsor and witnesses from consumer and collection groups described it as a compromise measure, and there was broad support with 53 people signed in pro. SB 5833 would allow a vehicle to remain running for up to 30 minutes to keep a pet safe from heat or cold; the sponsor said he would amend liability language, while animal control and police groups raised concerns about shifting the focus away from animal welfare and creating liability issues, though many sign-ins were pro (107 pro, 4 con). SB 5936 would update human trafficking law by allowing prosecution of business entities that knowingly benefit from trafficking, adding confidentiality protections for victims, and creating a process for T and U visa certifications; survivors and advocacy groups supported it, while hospitality and law enforcement groups asked for clarifying amendments, especially on business liability and duplicative visa procedures, and sign-ins showed 24 pro and 283 con. SB 5993 would prohibit interest on new and unpaid medical debt and shorten enforcement of judgments involving medical debt to six years without renewal; supporters said it would reduce financial harm and help patients, while hospitals, physicians, collectors, and business groups warned it could discourage payment and worsen provider finances, especially for rural hospitals, with 129 sign-ins pro and no con sign-ins. Finally, SB 5735 would create state standards for labeling imitation firearms, including BB guns and toy guns, with advisories and penalties for altered markings; the sponsor said it was intended to reduce mistaken shootings, while gun-rights and firearms-training witnesses argued federal law already covers the issue and that the bill would burden lawful training and competition, with 8 pro and 184 con sign-ins. The committee closed each public hearing and adjourned without recorded votes on the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> those</c><00:32:02.320><c> with</c><00:32:02.480><c> the</c><00:32:02.720><c> most</c><00:32:02.880
• To<00:32:06.640><c> end</c><00:32:06.799><c> on</c><00:32:06.960><c> a</c><00:32:07.120><c> positive<
• /c><00:32:07.440><c> note,</c><00:32:07.760><c> I</c><00:32:07.919><c> would</c><00:32:08.080><c> be<
• </c><00:32:21.840><c> Minnesota</c><00:32:22.480><c> or</c><00:32:22.720><c> the</c><00:32:22.799><c>
• ><c> an</c><00:32:29.279><c> ongoing</c><00:32:29.679><c> manner</c><00:32:29.840><c> with</c><00:32:

Bills: HF2436

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.080><c> whole</c><00:32:00.240><c> or</c><00:32:00.480><c> or</c><00:32:00.640><c> the</c><00:32:
• </c><00:32:02.080><c> Uh,</c><00:32:02.720><c> understand,</c><00:32:03.200><c> you</c><00:32:03.360>
• ><00:32:07.360><c> to</c><00:32:07.679><c> Maine</c><00:32:08.159><c> where</c><00:32:08.480><c> they
• And<00:32:20.080><c> none</c><00:32:20.320><c> of</c><00:32:20.399><c> that</c><00:32:20.640><c> goes
• They're,<00:32:22.080><c> you</c><00:32:22.240><c> know,</c><00:32:22.399><c> the</c><00:32:22.640><c

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 32:19.039><c> guess</c><00:32:19.919><c> um</c><00:32:21.159><c> prioritization</c><00:32:22.159><c>
• ><c> I</c><00:32:24.480><c> guess</c><00:32:24.720><c> as</c><00:32:24.840><c> it</c><00:32:25.000><c
• > is</c><00:32:28.919><c> like</c><00:32:29.080><c> this</c><00:32:29.159><c> is</c><00:32:29.279><c>
• <c> got</c><00:32:41.399><c> the</c><00:32:41.559><c> call</c><00:32:42.519><c> we</c><00:32:42.679><
• ><c> immediately</c><00:32:45.480><c> we</c><00:32:45.600><c> went</c><00:32:45.760><c> to</c><00:32:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing focused on a bill reorganizing Hawaiʻi’s biosecurity and invasive species framework, including moving or renaming responsibilities within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and clarifying the role of the Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council (HISC). Testimony from the Hawaiian Invasive Species Council, DLNR, Oʻahu and Big Island invasive species committees, the Sierra Club, farmers, and community members generally agreed that invasive species management is critical, but many opposed consolidating HISC or broader biosecurity functions into a single department. Supporters of the existing interagency model emphasized HISC’s statewide coordination role, its links to DLNR and other agencies, and its ability to fill gaps with federal funding and cross-agency collaboration. Several testifiers raised concerns that the bill could weaken existing authority or create unintended legal and operational problems. The Sierra Club and others warned about possible interstate commerce issues, loss of authority to regulate movement of infested material within an island, and the need to preserve HISC as an independent or elevated coordinating body rather than placing it inside one agency. Community testimony described real-world impacts from little fire ants, coqui frogs, and landscaping-related introductions, and argued that the current system has produced service gaps and duplication when funding or responsibilities shift. One testifier also urged removing hemp movement reporting provisions, saying they do not aid biosecurity and should be treated like other crops. DLNR and Department of Agriculture representatives said they support the overall goal of stronger biosecurity but stressed that invasive species work is broader than agriculture alone. They noted that DOA, DLNR, and other partners each have different missions and capabilities, and that staff safety, terrain, and training matter when responding in remote areas. The department said it was recruiting for new positions, with some of the 44 funded positions still being finalized, and that implementation would require phased rulemaking, standards, training, and outreach. Members asked about the bill’s practical impact, staffing needs, and whether inspectors are prohibited from hiking; the department said no blanket prohibition exists, but staff use judgment based on safety and terrain. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, I literally<03:32:00.239><c> watched</c><03:32:01.120><c> uh</c><03:32:01.359><c> I</c><03:32
• And then I saw<03:32:09.760><c> some,</c><03:32:10.239><c> you</c><03:32:10.399><c> know,</c><03:32:11.040
• "<03:32:17.120><c> It's</c><03:32:17.439><c> not</c><03:32:17.600><c> a</c><03:32:17.760><c> peaceful
• someone.<03:32:22.640><c> It's</c><03:32:22.880><c> not</c><03:32:23.040><c> a</c><03:32:23.200><c>
• </c><03:32:34.239><c> I</c><03:32:34.479><c> am</c><03:32:34.640><c> glad</c><03:32:34.960><c> to</c>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, May 15, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Mr.<00:32:01.519><c> England,</c><00:32:01.919><c> please</c><00:32:02.159><c> go</c><00:32:02.240><c
• &gt;&gt; Um,<00:32:05.200><c> the</c><00:32:05.440><c> amendment</c><00:32:05.919><c> what</c><00:32:
• <c> 33</c><00:32:08.480><c> on</c><00:32:08.720><c> page</c><00:32:08.960><c> two</c><00:32:09.679><c
• > replaces</c><00:32:10.159><c> line</c><00:32:10.480><c> 32</c><00:32:10.720><c> on</c> line 33 on page
• two replaces line 32 on line 33 on page two replaces line 32 on page<00:32:11.120><c> two</c><00:32:

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:10.720><c> and</c><00:32:10.960><c> oversight</c><00:32:11.440><c> by</c><00:32:11.679><c>
• <00:32:21.519><c> um,</c><00:32:21.760><c> readjustment</c><00:32:22.559><c> of</c><00:32:22.880><c>
• > a</c><00:32:29.360><c> full</c><00:32:29.679><c> control</c><00:32:30.080><c> over</c><00:32:30.320
• But we<00:32:30.960><c> still</c><00:32:31.120><c> do</c><00:32:31.360><c> believe</c><00:32:31.600><
• :32:42.240><c> um</c><00:32:42.399><c> oversight</c><00:32:42.799><c> of</c><00:32:42.960><c> the</c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, let's publish. the proposed amendment to chapter 34.
• the Chapter 12 in 2021.
• merely du- of statute and this paired a 91 page chapter down to 32 pages. which should make review easier
• We just looked at them as a reference guide for Chapter 20.
• For the past more than a year, we've been kicking through chapter by chapter this rule review project

Keywords: Texas Ethics Commission, HB18, SB12, political contributions, civil penalties, Attorney General, criminal election offenses, legislation

Summary: In the latest meeting of the Texas Ethics Commission, significant discussions centered around newly passed legislation, specifically HB18 and SB12. HB18 introduces a civil penalty for members who accept political contributions while absent from the state, addressing potential obstructions to legislative actions. Senators and commissioners engaged in an in-depth dialogue about the implications of this bill, with many expressing concerns regarding enforcement and compliance. In contrast, SB12 expands the jurisdiction of the Attorney General to prosecute criminal election offenses, further tightening the oversight of election activities. The meeting concluded with acknowledgement of the efforts put forth by previous commission chairs, highlighting their contributions to the commission's success.

Transcript Highlights:

• :32:09.600><c> frighter</c><00:32:10.600><c> and</c><00:32:10.799><c> in</c><00:32:10.960><c> order</
• ><c> shift</c><00:32:17.399><c> but</c><00:32:17.840><c> one</c><00:32:17.960><c> of</c><00:32:18.080
• ><00:32:22.240><c> speedboat</c><00:32:22.880><c> and</c><00:32:23.120><c> navigate</c><00:32:24.080>
• frustrations<00:32:27.639><c> is</c><00:32:27.919><c> is</c><00:32:28.120><c> that</c><00:32:28.320><
• 32:30.720><c> from</c><00:32:30.880><c> the</c><00:32:31.039><c> Department</c><00:32:31.440><c> is</

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.080><c> have</c><00:32:00.240><c> the</c><00:32:00.360><c> small</c><00:32:00.639><c> cities</c><
• c><00:32:20.440><c> where</c><00:32:20.559><c> there</c><00:32:20.679><c> are</c><00:32:20.840><c> big
• way</c><00:32:27.399><c> to</c><00:32:27.519><c> benefit</c><00:32:28.000><c> schools</c><00:32:28.799
• yes<00:32:34.279><c> so</c><00:32:34.440><c> this</c><00:32:34.559><c> is</c><00:32:34.880><c> um</c
• ><00:32:35.080><c> permissive</c><00:32:35.799><c> it's</c><00:32:36.159><c> uh</c><00:32:36.320><c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh<00:32:05.640><c> same</c><00:32:06.240><c> recommendation</c><00:32:06.800><c> for</c><00:32:06.920
• </c><00:32:07.960><c> For</c><00:32:08.120><c> the</c><00:32:08.200><c> Committee</c><00:32:08.679><c
• c><00:32:14.800><c> with</c><00:32:15.040><c> amendments</c><00:32:15.640><c> with</c><00:32:15.800><
• <00:32:19.080><c> Any</c><00:32:19.360><c> no</c><00:32:19.640><c> votes</c><00:32:20.400><c> with</c
• </c><00:32:27.440><c> Uh</c><00:32:27.600><c> next</c><00:32:27.880><c> up,</c><00:32:28.040><c> HB</

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard HB 649, which would create a small boat harbor commercial vessel special fund and raise mortgage fees on commercial vessels to fund harbor improvements. DLNR stood on written testimony in support, while the Ocean Tourism Coalition, Activity and Attractions Association of Hawaii, Calypso Charters, and a local commercial operator all opposed the bill, arguing that the fee increase would burden thin-margin businesses without fixing procurement and staffing problems and that the bill’s fee language and fund allocations were too vague. A DLNR witness also noted a prior bill, HB 2477, had sought to broaden the fee base to more ocean operators statewide rather than increase the percentage. No vote was taken on HB 649 during the portion shown. The committee then heard HB 2599 on aquatic protection, which would prioritize ecosystem integrity and use of best available science in managing aquatic resources and set coral reef resilience goals. DLNR supported the measure, and a testifier from the public urged stronger coral goals for Oahu and a broader framework including water quality, herbivore management, fishery management, enforcement, and coral restoration. There was no opposition or vote shown on HB 2599 before the committee recessed to a joint hearing. In the joint Economic Development and Tourism / Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts hearing, members heard HB 2118 on transferring the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission from DAGS to DBED, HB 2474 on authorizing non-binding international cooperative agreements, HB 1863 on creating an honorary ambassador to Canada, HB 1943 on out-of-state DBED offices and export promotion, and HB 2604 on a performing arts ticket surcharge. Testimony was generally supportive for HB 2118, HB 2474, HB 1863, and HB 1943, with questions focused on agency placement, sister-state relationships, and the rationale for overseas offices. HB 2604 drew opposition from the Tax Foundation and others, who argued the surcharge functioned as a tax and would make arts participation more expensive; the chair recommended deferring it. During decision-making, both committees passed HB 2118, HB 2474, HB 1863, and HB 1943 with amendments, including technical changes and revised effective dates. For HB 2474, the amendments were described as clarifying definitions for sister-state and international cooperative agreements, allowing relationships with national governments, and preserving legislative approval and transparency. HB 1943 was amended to require an office in Laoag City, Philippines, rather than a non-existent DBED Philippines office. HB 2604 was deferred. After the joint session, the Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts committee resumed and heard HB 2395 on permits for taking marine deposits and HB 2361 on administrative support for the Kahului Bay Regional Council, both of which drew only DLNR written testimony and no further action in the excerpt. The committee then began HB 1823 on Coastal Zone Management Act exemptions, with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs testifying first, but the transcript cuts off before further testimony or action.

Transcript Highlights:

• well</c><00:32:05.480><c> as</c><00:32:05.639><c> my</c><00:32:05.880><c> mothers</c><00:32:06.480><
• > everyone</c><00:32:07.399><c> to</c><00:32:07.559><c> read</c><00:32:07.880><c> them</c><00:32:08.039
• ><c> of</c><00:32:21.559><c> sex</c><00:32:22.559><c> of</c><00:32:22.720><c> child</c><00:32:23.080>
• commit<00:32:28.840><c> sex</c><00:32:29.159><c> crimes</c><00:32:29.600><c> against</c><00:32:30.000
• </c><00:32:36.320><c> they</c><00:32:36.480><c> should</c><00:32:36.799><c> face</c><00:32:37.080><c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• In four years, only 32. And CDPH or any department doesn't come with a heavy hand on violations.
• Of those 32 hospitals, if one of those said we want to be excluded from that fine, they would have had
• The department right now, as I said, maybe 32 have gone into an investigation in the past five years.
• Maria Bindlish, president of Dublin High's chapter of the American Diabetes Association, in support.
• Tim Madden, representing the California chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians, with

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard several bills focused on health care access, oversight, and affordability. The first major item was SB 306 by Senator Becker, a prior authorization reform bill. Becker and supporters, including the California Medical Association and California Hospital Association, argued that prior authorization delays care, adds administrative burden, and can lead to serious patient harm. The bill was substantially amended late in the process to have DMHC and CDI identify services and drugs to exempt from prior authorization based on utilization data, with safeguards for fraud, waste, abuse, and patient safety. Health plans and insurers opposed the measure as written, saying prior authorization remains an important utilization-management tool and raising concerns about the 90% threshold, drug inclusion, and how modifications are counted. The committee also heard SB 35 by Senator Umberg, which would let cities or counties inspect unlicensed sober living homes if DHCS does not act promptly on complaints. Supporters said the bill would address weak enforcement and protect residents, while one behavioral health directors group opposed it unless amended. Members generally supported the measure, citing problems with unlicensed facilities and the need for local enforcement backup. The committee then heard SB 62, which would codify California’s updated essential health benefits benchmark if approved by the federal government. Senator Wiener said the package would add hearing aids, durable medical equipment, and infertility treatment including IVF, acknowledging that premiums could rise but arguing the benefits were worth it. Health Access California and other advocates supported the bill, while the California Family Council opposed it. The committee also took up SB 596 by Senator Menjivar, which would tighten the rules for hospitals claiming an on-call list as a defense to nurse staffing ratio penalties. Supporters, including nurses and SEIU, said hospitals have used vague or ineffective on-call practices to avoid accountability and that the bill would improve enforcement and patient safety. Hospital groups opposed it, arguing that staffing is highly dynamic, that hospitals need flexibility to manage acuity and emergencies, and that the bill could increase costs and interfere with collective bargaining arrangements. Finally, the committee heard SB 40 by Senator Wiener, the Insulin Affordability Act, which would cap insulin copays at $35 for a 30-day supply and restrict step therapy unless a plan covers at least one insulin in each drug type. Supporters, including physicians, diabetes advocates, nurses, students, and patient groups, said insulin is life-saving and too often unaffordable, forcing patients to ration or choose between medication and basic needs. There was no formal opposition testimony, though one member questioned why insulin remains so expensive. The committee also began discussion of SB 363, but the transcript cuts off before that bill’s full presentation or any action on the measures. No votes are recorded in the portion provided, and several bills were noted as consent items earlier in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Madam<00:32:00.240><c> chair,</c><00:32:00.480><c> will</c><00:32:00.640><c> we</c><00:32:00.799
• ><c> get</c><00:32:00.880><c> a</c><00:32:01.039><c> side</c><00:32:01.279><c> by</c><00:32:01.519><c
• </c><00:32:09.440><c> This</c><00:32:10.240><c> we</c><00:32:10.480><c> we'll</c><00:32:10.960><c> go
• </c><01:32:02.000><c> How</c><01:32:02.239><c> do</c><01:32:02.400><c> we</c><01:32:03.120><c> manage
• setting, it's based<01:32:18.880><c> on</c><01:32:19.040><c> what</c><01:32:19.199><c> the</c><01:32

Keywords: 1189, house, all