Video & Transcript Research : 'legislative branch'

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NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Judiciary Feb 16th, 2026 at 11:18 pm

House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • But, Madam Chair, I would caution all of us in the legislative branch, as I have been doing.
  • All session, and really for the last three years, we are the legislative branch.
  • It's going to happen as legislators...
  • Madam Chair and representatives, I would just distinguish this legislation from another piece of legislation
  • That's not part of this legislation.
Bills: SB38, SB17, SB41, SB264
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Document No. 2514, and has appointed a committee of conference under the disagreeing votes of the two branches
  • Document No. 2514, and has appointed a committee of conference under the disagreeing votes of the two branches
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, adopted several congratulatory and commemorative resolutions, and welcomed sixth-grade students from Holy Name School in West Roxbury, along with guests and chaperones. The chamber then took up House No. 4100, a fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill, which was described as addressing a roughly $240 million shortfall in the Group Insurance Commission. Senator Tarr emphasized the urgency of funding the GIC while also urging lawmakers to examine the causes of the deficiency and consider longer-term cost controls. The Senate suspended the rules, ordered the bill to a third reading, passed it to be engrossed, and later received notice that the House had non-concurred in the Senate amendment and appointed a conference committee. The Senate then insisted on its amendment and appointed conferees. The chamber also passed Senate No. 2508, establishing a sick leave bank for Andrew Satera, an employee of the Trial Court. The Senate observed National Law Enforcement Memorial Day with remarks honoring fallen officers and a moment of silence, and later adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Charlene Roberts Hayden, whose life and career in mathematics, software engineering, teaching, and public service were recognized. Finally, the Senate adopted the emergency preamble for H. 4100, passed the bill to be enacted, and adjourned to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part II) Apr 3rd, 2025

Education K-16

Transcript Highlights:
  • Corbin Van Arsdale, President, AGC Texas Building Branch, for SJR 59.
  • AGC Texas Building Branch for SJR 59.
  • legislators voted against it.
  • Thank you to Chairman Burwell for carrying this important piece of legislation.
  • Members, the next piece of legislation will be Senate Bill 769 by Senator Menendez.
Summary: The committee heard and discussed several higher education and public school bills. Senator Burwell presented SB 1242 to remove an outdated Coordinating Board approval requirement for Texas State Technical College land and facility acquisitions, and SJR 59 to create a constitutionally dedicated endowment for TSTC capital needs; both drew strong support from industry and workforce groups and were left pending. SB 757, by Senator Middleton, would create a debt-to-earnings accountability system for public college programs, with supporters saying it would protect students from low-value degrees and opponents warning it could unfairly penalize programs with long-term value, especially graduate, medical, and public service fields; it was also left pending. SB 1241, by Senator Millington, would expand acceptable college entrance exams beyond the SAT and ACT, including the Classic Learning Test, and was left pending after testimony from CLT, homeschool, and student groups in support. SB 1085, by Senator Blanco, would let Sul Ross State University offer lower-division courses at its satellite campuses in the Middle Rio Grande region; it too was left pending. The committee then took up a series of public school and higher education measures, voting several out favorably. SB 605, as substituted, limits commissioner approval of charter school expansion amendments for schools under conservatorship or a management team and was reported favorably 9-0. SB 1871 and SB 1873, both by Senator Perry, were revised to narrow teacher immunity, clarify removal and suspension procedures, require periodic review of in-school suspension placements, and align discipline rules; both substitutes were adopted and reported favorably. SB 1872, SB 1874, SB 762, SB 1962, SB 1750, SB 2252, SB 2253, SB 2365, SB 1924, and SB 37 were also considered, with most reported favorably on party-line or near-unanimous votes. SB 1750 would replace a flat charter school facilities funding cap with an attendance-based formula; SB 2252 and SB 2253 address kindergarten readiness, early literacy/numeracy, and educator preparation; SB 2365 concerns student phone use during instructional time; SB 1924 restores local citation authority for certain school offenses and adds reporting, notice, and completion requirements; and SB 37 would expand state oversight of higher education curriculum, governance, faculty senates, and compliance with state law. Other measures heard included SB 769, which would require a Coordinating Board report on barriers faced by students with disabilities in higher education; supporters emphasized the need for better data and accessibility, while witnesses suggested broader reporting on race, disability types, and K-12-to-college transitions. SB 2231 would designate a Free College Application Week in October and was left pending. SB 1878 would modernize the Josie School statute and provide formula funding and aid eligibility for Polytechnic College. SB 1409 would authorize universities to offer self-funded student health benefit plans, with Rice University and Texas 2036 supporting the measure as a way to lower costs and expand coverage. SB 2431 would require universities to give foreign language credit for study abroad programs, SB 2314 would require schools to inform students about opting in or out of record sharing for direct admissions through My Texas Future, and SB 2138 would extend the state’s anti-ESG contracting restrictions to public higher education endowments and governing boards; these later bills were introduced and left pending.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Informal House Session 27 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Massachusetts House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Committee on Rules and the committees on rules, that are two branches acting concurrently, report
  • Center for legislation to establish a sick leave bank for Richard Curley, an employee of the Department
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several routine matters from the Committee on Rules. Members adopted resolutions reaffirming Massachusetts’ friendship with Taiwan and supporting stronger U.S.-Taiwan trade and Taiwan’s international participation, as well as a congratulatory resolution for Owen Michael Addessa on earning Eagle Scout. The House also suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow two petitions to proceed: one establishing a sick leave bank for a Middlesex Sheriff’s Office employee and another concerning taxes in the City of Boston. The chamber recognized visiting guests, including a Burlington Girl Scouts Brownie troop and the 2024 Lawn Meadow girls tennis team, which was honored for winning the Division II state championship with a 23-0 record. The House then considered House Bill 62, which extends certain COVID-19 measures adopted during the state of emergency. The House concurred with a Senate amendment, adopted the emergency preamble by a 3-0 vote, and passed the bill to be enacted. Members also observed a moment of silent tribute for former Marlborough City Councilor Donald Landers, Sr., and later adopted a special adjournment in memory of former Representative John H. Stasick of Framingham. The House adopted an order to reconvene Monday at 11 a.m., then adjourned to meet again in informal session.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Informal House Session 52 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Massachusetts House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Nosa Senora Das Candiaas for receiving a Portuguese Heritage Award from the Portuguese American Legislative
  • The Committee on Rules and the committees on rules, the two branches acting concurrently, report recommending
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The House began with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up a series of committee reports and routine legislative actions. The Committee on Rules recommended adoption of several congratulatory and honorary resolutions, including recognition of Grupo Nosa Senora Das Candiaas, Karen Dejean, and Dr. Michael F. Fitzpatrick; the House suspended the rules and adopted them. The House also suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer two petitions, one on school library standards to the Committee on Education and one on damages for employees aggrieved by Massachusetts Wage Act violations to the Committee on Labor and Workforce Development. The House then considered several bills and special matters. It approved a sick leave bank bill for J.O. Charlatan of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, ordering it to a third reading, and later passed to enactment a Senate bill establishing a sick leave bank for Andrew Satera of the Trial Court after adopting the required emergency preamble. The House also advanced and enacted Senate 2152, as amended, designating June 7 as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day, again first adopting the emergency preamble and then passing the bill to be enacted. In addition, the Committee on Steering, Policy, and Scheduling reported the Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day bill for House consideration, and the House suspended the rules to take it up. The Speaker welcomed guests from Weymouth High School’s Scrap Robotics Team. At the end of the session, the House adopted an order to meet the following Monday at 11:00 a.m. and then adjourned.
CO

Colorado 2026 Regular Session

Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 030 Feb 13th, 2026

Colorado House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We will not let the executive branch determine what our budget is.
  • We can speak to these pieces of legislation from our own perspective.
  • legislation from our own perspective. legislation from our own perspective.
  • I know that the ongoing work of our government between the executive and the legislative branches
  • <02:09:10.560> from pockets of one citizen to legislate from pockets of one citizen to legislate
Keywords: 981, all
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Children and Family Law (01/13/2026)

Children and Family Law

Transcript Highlights:
  • 44:16.000> bench,<01:44:16.480> not is legislating from the bench, not is legislating from
  • So, um, we ask this committee to vote inexpedient to legislate.
  • So, um, we ask this committee to vote inexpedient to legislate.
  • So, um, we ask this committee to vote inexpedient to legislate.
  • So, um, we ask this committee to vote inexpedient to legislate.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Finance Division I (03/05/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:09:11.839> changes in a series of uh legislative changes in a series of uh legislative
  • <00:14:48.199> was uh dates based on when legislation was uh dates based on when legislation
  • I was just going to say it falls under division one because it's sort of legislative executive branch
  • one because it's sort of legislative one because it's sort of legislative executive<01:31:29.840
  • yourself that question as a legislator yourself that question as a legislator um<03:43:58.159>
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee took up House Bill 2 provisions affecting the New Hampshire Retirement System, focusing on Group 2/Tier B retirement changes in pages 25 through 39 of the bill. NHRS Executive Director Jan Goodwin and deputy chief counsel Mark Kavanaugh explained that the 2025 bill is largely similar to prior versions and to HB 727, with the main difference being that the 2025 version does not include the earlier increase in the maximum benefit. They also said the fiscal note for HB 2 is based on earlier actuarial work and that an updated valuation was expected later in the week. A major topic was whether the bill accidentally removed an anti-spiking or special-duty compensation limit. NHRS said the omission appears to be a scrivener’s error caused by moving language between Group 1 and Group 2 definitions, and they planned to flag it in the fiscal note. Members also reviewed the bill’s intent to restore Tier B members to pre-2011 benefit rules, including changes to earnable compensation, average final compensation, and the comp-over-base rule. Some members questioned whether restoring those older rules was appropriate, arguing the 2011 changes were meant to curb pension spiking and that undoing them could be problematic. The committee also discussed the bill’s cost and funding assumptions. NHRS said the 2025 bill would reduce unfunded actuarial liability by about $98.2 million and would have a more favorable effect than the 2023 version, while employer contribution impacts would remain relatively small. Members noted the bill assumes annual appropriations of $27.5 million for 10 years, but House Bill 1 currently provides only $5 million in the first year, and NHRS had not yet analyzed the effect of that shortfall. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the discussion was informational and focused on clarifying the bill’s language, intent, and fiscal impact.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Oct 8th, 2025

Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • And Vice Chair and distinguished members of the Legislative Health and Human Services Committee, this
  • I liked your legislative ask. What is the dollar amount? Madam Chair, Representative Herndon.
  • legislators.
  • And so now we're thinking about the next legislative session.
  • As you've heard, for legislative sessions 2024 and 2025, these were one-time state appropriations.
ND

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Appropriations - Education and Environment Division Apr 9th, 2025 at 10:30 am

Appropriations - Education and Environment Division

Transcript Highlights:
  • the Minot, Dickinson, Grand Forks, and probably someplace, Jamestown, Valley City location for a branch
  • As I mentioned before, as Legislative Council is expanding, they've looked for space and they've decided
  • Section 4 crosses out language that was put in last legislative session.
Bills: SB2019, HB1369
Summary: The committee met to finalize and advance the Career and Technical Education budget in Engrossed Senate Bill 2019. Representative Richter walked through Amendment 2004, which included increases for salaries and wages, inflationary operating expenses, a $2.5 million federal grant increase, $12.7 million for secondary grant programs and related work-based learning support, a $100,000 increase for Marketplace for Kids, and removal of the STEM initiative and adult farm management from the CTE budget because that program funding was moved to the Department of Agriculture. The amendment also included $750,000 for workforce training branch office positions and set the total general fund appropriation at $64 million. Members also discussed a $1 million virtual reality career exploration item, which remained in the bill but was shifted to SIF one-time funding. A new $150,000 one-time general fund appropriation was added for CTE moving expenses because the agency must relocate after Legislative Council expands into its current space. Committee members noted that amount may need to be revisited in conference committee once more accurate relocation and rent costs are known. Levi from legislative staff explained that the exemption language in the bill applies to remaining coronavirus capital projects fund dollars for CTE center construction, allowing those federal funds to be spent before they expire. The committee adopted Amendment 2004 on a 5-0 roll call and then passed Engrossed Senate Bill 2019 as amended on a 5-0 roll call. Representative Richter was named the carrier, and the committee adjourned after noting that higher education and congressional budgets were the remaining items to resolve.
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Judiciary Apr 1st, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • I don't need legislation for that.
  • I don't need legislation for that.
  • This legislation is modeled after the existing SunRail legislation, which was... a little bit.
  • This legislation is modeled after the existing Sunrail legislation, which was ...corridor.
  • This legislation is modeled after the existing SunRail legislation, which was passed in 2009 and authorized
Summary: The committee first took up SB 1272 on guardianship, which would limit a guardian’s ability to isolate an adult ward from family and require notice to family or other named persons about major events such as a ward’s death or medical relocation. Senator Jones said the bill was intended to curb abuse by bad actors while not affecting good-faith guardians. Fortuna Smuggler and Phyllis Smith spoke in support, describing the need for family notification and closure. The bill passed unanimously, 8-0, and was reported favorably. The committee then considered CS/SB 1284 on wrongful death for an unborn child. Senator Graal explained that the bill would expand Florida’s Wrongful Death Act to allow parents to recover economic and non-economic damages for the death of an unborn child. An amendment was adopted to define “unborn child” as a member of the species Homo sapiens carried in the womb and to state that the act does not authorize a wrongful death action against the mother or a health care provider acting within the applicable standard of care. The amendment drew questions about abortion, medical emergencies, and whether fathers could sue; the sponsor said the bill was not intended to create claims against mothers or lawful medical care. Public testimony was sharply divided, with supporters arguing it gives families parity and accountability, and opponents warning it could be used to target abortion care, increase malpractice pressure, and worsen physician shortages. The committee approved the bill as amended by a 6-4 vote. Finally, the committee heard a strike-all amendment to SB 1288 on parental rights. The amendment would strengthen parental consent requirements for minors’ medical care, with exceptions for emergencies, court orders, certain legal categories of minors, and other existing statutory exceptions. It also would require parental consent for treatment related to STD screening, give parents more control over school or health surveys, and address use of biofeedback devices. Supporters said the measure restores parents’ authority and protects children from inappropriate questioning or treatment, while opponents argued it could block needed care for minors in unsafe homes, reduce access to STI treatment and mental health services, and create unintended consequences. The amendment was adopted, and the committee continued hearing testimony on the bill.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Judiciary Apr 1st, 2025

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • I don't need legislation for that.
  • But I do think about kids in situations. ...need legislation for that.
  • This legislation is modeled after the existing SunRail legislation, which was passed in 2009 and authorized
  • This legislation is modeled after the existing SunRail legislation, which was passed in 2009 and authorized
  • I think California had some legislation that they were trying to get through.
Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard Senate Bill 1272 on guardianship, which would limit a guardian’s ability to isolate an adult ward from family and require notice of major events such as a ward’s death or relocation to a more restrictive setting. Senator Jones and supportive speakers said the bill was intended to protect wards from abuse and isolation by bad actors, while still preserving good-faith guardianship. With no opposition testimony or debate, the committee voted 8-0 to report the bill favorably. The committee then considered CS for Senate Bill 1284, which would expand Florida’s Wrongful Death Act to allow civil claims for the death of an unborn child. An amendment was adopted to define “unborn child” as a member of the species Homo sapiens carried in the womb and to state that the act does not authorize claims against the mother or against health care providers acting within the lawful standard of care. The bill drew extensive debate and testimony. Supporters argued it would give parents parity and fuller damages, including economic losses and mental anguish, when negligence causes the death of an unborn child. Opponents, including the ACLU, medical professionals, and reproductive rights advocates, warned it could be used to target abortion care, increase malpractice exposure, worsen physician shortages, and create speculative damages. The committee approved the bill 6-4. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 1288 on parental rights, with a strike-all amendment that would strengthen parental control over minors’ medical decisions, surveys, and biofeedback devices, while adding exceptions for emergencies, court orders, certain legal statuses, and situations involving abuse or out-of-home placement. Supporters said the measure restores parents as primary decision-makers and protects children from inappropriate questioning or treatment without consent. Opponents argued it could block minors from confidential care for STIs, mental health, or abuse-related issues, and could chill school and medical screenings. The transcript ends during testimony and debate on this bill, before any final vote is shown.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

RM 325 Conference PM - Mon Apr 21, 2025

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is having to do with judiciary adult client services branch, first circuit court appropriation.
  • Well, if there's some additional funding, that would go through the executive branches.
  • 21.040> executive that would go through the executive that would go through the executive branches
  • 02:23.359> it<01:02:23.599> would<01:02:23.680> be<01:02:23.839> the branches
  • So, it would be the branches, my Yes.
Keywords: 910, house, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session May 11th, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Osborne has a long career in the executive branch, starting with the Department of Finance. Ms.
  • Osborne has a long career in the executive branch, starting with the Department of Finance in 1998 and
  • As members of the California Legislative Black Caucus, we recognize this struggle and promise, and we
  • We highlight the work that they have done, and the API Legislative Caucus is no different.
  • Please accept this gift on behalf of the AAPI Legislative Caucus.
Keywords: 987, senate, all
AR

Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session

ALC-EXECUTIVE SUBCOMMITTEE Mar 19th, 2026

ALC-EXECUTIVE SUBCOMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:
  • Jill Thayer, Bureau of Legislative Research. Thank you all so much for being with us here today.
  • . ...the consultant to assist the members with any legislation that may come out of the study, and the
  • Jill Thayer, Bureau of Legislative Research.
  • Those contracts are for the captive and used by the executive branch.
  • Marty Garrity with the Bureau of Legislative Research. This is a request.
Summary: The Executive Subcommittee met and first considered a waiver request from the Stuttgart School District to use the TIPS interlocal purchasing system for a turf replacement project instead of a traditional competitive bid. Superintendent Jeff McKinney explained that three bids were received but none fully met the RFP specifications, including warranty and insurance requirements. After review by the district’s architect, the committee approved the waiver request by voice vote. The committee then approved a consultant services agreement between the Bureau of Legislative Research and Work Ed Consulting to support the Hospital Medicaid Developmental Disability Subcommittee’s study under Act 145. Legislators said the consultant would help develop workforce-system reform legislation for the 2027 session, and noted the firm’s experience in other states. The contract runs through June 30, 2027, with a maximum amount of $158,000, and was approved without opposition. Next, the committee approved an actuarial and consultant services agreement with Perrin Knight to provide ongoing actuarial support for the state property insurance captive and related legislative oversight work. Bureau staff said the contract would run from April 1 through December 31, 2027, with a maximum amount of $475,000, though only actual hours and travel would be billed. Members asked about budgeting, invoice timing, and overlap with other insurance consultants, and the agreement was approved. Finally, the committee approved using Bureau committee room funds to renovate Committee Room C in the Big Mac Building, citing outdated audiovisual equipment and the need to update the room to match other recent renovations before adjourning.
MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

MS House Floor - 18 March, 2026; 10:00 AM

Mississippi House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • is in this room, within the sound of my voice, God, that you will use to debate, to discuss, to legislate
  • Amen. discuss, to legislate all the things that you've called them to do.
  • from Kaziesco, Tanner Pettit from Kaziesco, Joshua McLuren from Clinton, Ronald Hobbs from Olive Branch
  • , Chase Smith from Gulfport, Olive Branch, Chase Smith from Gulfport, Annabelle<00:04:48.240> Gaskin
  • and that sort of coaching legislators and that sort of thing. thing. thing.
Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through routine organizational business, including confirming a quorum, dispensing with the journal reading, and introducing pages and several visiting groups. Recognitions included the Calhoun City High School Wildcats for winning the 2025 Class 1A state championship, the Florence High School girls soccer team for winning the Class 5A state championship, the Mississippi Children’s Museum, a Kosciusko-Attala business delegation, an empowerment group from Oxford, a pediatrician of the day, law enforcement leaders, and other guests. The chamber also adopted House Resolution 63 honoring the House softball team for winning the Battle of the Tombigbee. The main floor action centered on concurrence or conference motions on several bills. The House concurred in HB 1404, HB 1546, HB 1577, HB 1265, HB 895, HB 1923, HB 1937, and HB 1940, with votes ranging from near-unanimous to 99-14 and 108-8; HB 895 was amended by unanimous consent to correct a line reference. Members explained that HB 1404 added knowingly/willfully/unlawfully language, HB 1546 shortened the human-trafficking expungement period from five years to three, HB 1577 adjusted false-claims reporting language, HB 1265 removed a repealer from the Debt Management Services Act bill, HB 895 restored 12-month card validity and a two-year caregiver license period for the cannabis bill, HB 1923 funded the Athletic Commission at $174,000, HB 1937 finalized the Library Commission budget, and HB 1940 was a large deficit/appropriations bill covering settlements, public safety headquarters construction, MIMA grants, court support, DHS software, health litigation expenses, and student aid. The House also voted to invite conference on a number of bills, including HB 1390, HB 1651, HB 1649, HB 1653, HB 1654, HB 1752, HB 1648, HB 1934, HB 1935, HB 1936, HB 1938, HB 925, HB 1640, HB 1927, HB 1928, HB 1929, HB 1930, HB 1931, and HB 1924. During debate on HB 1940, members questioned the need for outside counsel and the size of legal and settlement costs, especially for Jackson water litigation; the sponsor said the Attorney General sometimes needs specialized outside attorneys. The bill ultimately passed concurrence, and the chamber continued with additional introductions and recognitions after the major votes.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Senate Floor Session - Part 1 - 05/09/25

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Also want to thank Matthew Nan, the legislative assistant for Senator Matthews.
  • Also want to thank Matthew Nan, the legislative assistant for Senator Matthews.
  • Also want to thank Matthew Nan, the legislative assistant for Senator Matthews.
  • Also want to thank Matthew Nan, the legislative assistant for Senator Matthews.
  • echo um thanks to my legislative assistant,<00:16:45.839> Matthew<00:16:46.240> Nunan.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

HHS Public Hearing 02-03-2025

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and I have with me Gavin Ab, the Ho'opono Services for the Blind Branch
  • 02:31.879> blind AB the hopono services for the blind AB the hopono services for the blind Branch
  • Branch Branch administrator<00:02:34.160> we<00:02:34.280> are<00:02:34.560> here
  • um Vice chair for the paba legislative um Vice chair for the paba legislative committee<00:07:09.280
  • The amendments in this bill are based on model federal legislation and CDC recommendations.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee heard testimony on several health-related measures, with most of the discussion focused on SB 1419, SB 1494, and SB 1495, which were taken out of order to accommodate ASL/Death Blind Task Force testimony. SB 1419, relating to Act 253 (Session Laws of Hawaii 2023), drew support from the Department of Human Services and the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii, with testimony emphasizing use of the term “low vision” and support for the program timeline. The committee later recommended passage with amendments, including technical changes and updated appropriation fiscal years, and the motion was adopted unanimously by the members present. SB 1494, concerning hearing aids, drew broad support from disability advocates and others who argued that hearing aids improve health, reduce accidents, and may help reduce dementia risk. Testifiers also urged that the bill define hearing aids as prescription hearing aids rather than including over-the-counter devices, and the Department of the Auditor and Insurance Division raised cost and coverage questions. The committee recommended passage with amendments, changing the coverage approach to optional coverage similar to vision and dental and requesting a sunrise analysis for prescription hearing aids; that recommendation was adopted. SB 1495, which exempts hearing aids from the general excise tax, also received support, while the Attorney General flagged a possible single-subject issue and the Tax Department estimated a potential $1.1 million revenue impact. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including deletion of the challenged language, technical fixes, and noting the revenue estimate; that recommendation was adopted. The committee then moved through additional measures with mostly supportive testimony. SB 1421 on medical records prompted questions about what happens when a solo practitioner dies or closes practice, and the discussion centered on ensuring patients can obtain records, including a proposed amendment requiring a successor provider to send records to the patient’s last known address. SB 1422, dealing with a special fund and vital statistics funding, was supported by the Department of Health, which said the special fund did not meet criteria and that deposits should instead go to the Vital Statistics Improvement Special Fund. SB 1423 on certificate of need exemptions for Department of Health facilities drew support, with discussion of possibly extending exemptions to dialysis and behavioral health/psychiatric services; the Department indicated it would not oppose that change. SB 1424 on credentialing of health care providers also received support, and SB 1425 on the State Emergency Medical Services Committee focused on reducing quorum requirements because many members are active first responders and cannot always attend meetings. The committee also heard support for SB 1426 on emergency medical services, SB 1431 on viral hepatitis, and SB 1433 on harm reduction, with testimony on hepatitis outreach funding and syringe access best practices; for SB 1433, the Department of Health identified a blank in the bill and recommended a six-month period for the syringe-possession exception.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Texas legislators to take this seriously and support a full ban.
  • SB5 is performative legislation.
  • Code governs not only communications with legislators, but also communications with the executive branch
  • Timely feedback on complex education legislation.
  • To oppose those types of legislation and lobby our legislators and try to influence them in a way that
Bills: SB5, SB11, SB12, SB 5, SB 11, SB 12
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

WAM-HHS, WAM-EDU Informational Briefings 01-14-2026

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And then you create Scott's branch. Okay, then now you create another branch 10 years later.
  • Okay, then now you create another branch Okay, then now you create another branch 10<00:37:18.480
  • these were aligned with the legislation these were aligned with the legislation itself. itself.
  • You might need legislation.
  • You might need legislation. You them. You might need legislation.
Keywords: 912, senate, all