Video & Transcript Research : 'Deferred Retirement Option Plan'
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jul 7th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Introduction and reference of bills will be deferred.
- Item 63, SB 386, Limon, item 67, SB 853, Committee on Labor, Public Employment and Retirement, and Item
- I'd like to introduce Gay Wan Sun, who is the director of the Planning and Strategy Bureau and senior
- plan to thrive and take their own families into a healthy position.
- So we want to make sure that we actually have a plan.
Summary:
The Assembly convened without a quorum, completed the roll call, and then proceeded with the day’s business after a prayer, pledge, and a moment of silence for victims of the Texas flooding. Procedural motions suspended several rules to allow committee notices, guest seating, and the withdrawal of AB 898 back to the Senate. Members also made several guest introductions, including family members, interns, and scouting troop visitors.
On the floor, AB 1416 by Assembly Member Ta, a taxation bill, was concurred in with Senate technical amendments by a 60-0 vote. ACR 1, designating October 23 as Korean Ginseng Day, was adopted by voice vote after supportive remarks highlighting Korean culture and the health benefits of ginseng; 62 coauthors were added without objection. The Assembly also heard SB 119, the budget-related human services trailer bill, with extensive debate over CalWORKs, CalFresh, child welfare reporting, and housing/homelessness programs. Supporters framed it as a needed anti-poverty and safety-net measure, while opponents criticized it as expanding dependency and failing to address fraud and work requirements.
SB 119 passed on a 54-11 vote. The second-day consent calendar, including AJR 16 on the Tijuana River, was adopted 71-0, and the remaining consent items AJR 15 and SB 765 were also adopted 71-0. The session concluded with adjournments in memory of Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover, followed by announcements of upcoming committee hearings and the next floor session before adjournment until July 10 at 9 a.m.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Work Session on HB 54 (02/05/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Patients in other states have lots of options.
- Patients in other states have lots of options.
- Patients in other states have lots of options.
- Patients in other states have lots of options.
- <00:50:00.480>
of recommendation um we have an option of recommendation um we have an option
Summary:
The work session focused on HB 54, which would allow New Hampshire’s alternative treatment centers to operate for profit. Chair David Nagel opened by identifying the main concerns: whether members agreed with the bill conceptually, whether the proposal could be shaped to avoid a gubernatorial veto, and whether it could lead to “big cannabis” taking over. He also emphasized that the bill would not change the existing oversight structure, which remained under RSA 126-X. Representative Wendy Thomas said the governor’s objections in past sessions appeared to center on the state’s preference for a state-run model and broader policy concerns, but no one present knew the current governor’s position.
Several speakers argued the bill was primarily about financing and access, not expanding the number of dispensaries. Matt Simon of Granite Leaf Cannabis said the current nonprofit structure makes it difficult to raise capital, pay down debt, and open additional access points, and that the bill would be a corporate restructuring rather than a change in day-to-day regulation. Brandon Pollock of TASCAL Wellness said medical cannabis programs in most other states are for-profit, and that New Hampshire’s nonprofit requirement has left ATCs burdened with high-interest debt and higher prices that push patients to Maine, Vermont, or the street market. He said converting to for-profit status could allow conventional financing, lower prices, and help keep patients in the regulated program.
Members also discussed whether for-profit ownership would invite outside corporate control. Witnesses said the bill would not open the market to new operators, would not change advertising rules, and would include restrictions on ownership transfers for a period of time; “foreign corporation” was explained as an out-of-state entity. One speaker noted that the bill is similar to earlier versions that passed both chambers with strong support but never became law. No vote was taken during the work session; the discussion was informational and aimed at addressing concerns before the bill moved forward.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The plan is to be a three-year plan and shall implement the following strategies: recycling education
- The DEP submits those plans.
- And I think part of the amendment is to make sure we come up with the plan on what's deferred right now
- A comprehensive plan to design a new Medicaid waiver.
- So this would require AHCA to develop a comprehensive plan.
Summary:
The committee took up a series of criminal justice, health, and public safety bills, with several measures reported favorably after brief sponsor presentations and mostly no opposition. CS for SB 1782 on dangerous excessive speeding, CS for SB 306 on Medicaid provider network access, CS for SB 716 on mandatory minimums for certain sexual offenses by registered offenders, CS for SB 1084 on intimate image dissemination and digitally forged images, and CS for CS for SB 1604 on corrections-related litigation and sentencing changes all passed the committee. Members also approved CS for SB 1838, which increases protections for court officials from tampering, harassment, and retaliation, and CS for SB 1252, which directs FDLE to study a statewide pawn data database. CS for SB 468 on fleeing or eluding, CS for SB 490 on off-duty concealed carry for certain officers, and CS for SB 890 on blood clot screening and treatment also received favorable votes, with SB 890 drawing supportive testimony from the bill sponsor, medical and patient advocates, and family members affected by blood clots.
The most extensive debate centered on CS for CS for SB 1804, which would create a capital offense for adults trafficking children under 12 or mentally incapacitated persons for sexual exploitation. Senator Martin defended the bill as a response to especially heinous crimes and argued it fit within constitutional punishment principles, while several members raised concerns about the Eighth Amendment, the risk of lengthy and costly litigation, and the possibility of retraumatizing victims. The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers testified in opposition, citing moral objections, due process concerns, and constitutional precedent; the bill nevertheless was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for CS for SB 572, the “Pam Rock Act,” which tightens dangerous-dog rules, adds enclosure, microchip, insurance, and penalty requirements, and allows stronger enforcement actions after serious attacks. The Rock family and animal control supporters testified in favor, describing the bill as a response to fatal dog attacks and urging stronger accountability for owners.
For SB 572, members discussed insurance requirements, the role of local authorities in classifying dangerous dogs, and whether the bill would affect ordinary pet insurance or only liability coverage after a serious attack. The sponsor said the measure is not breed-specific and is aimed at dogs that have already caused significant harm. The committee also heard testimony from family members of Pam Rock and other victims, along with supporters from animal control and sheriff’s offices. All of the bills taken up in the meeting that were voted on were reported favorably, and no roll-call votes failed.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jul 7th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Introduction and reference of bills will be deferred.
- I'd like to introduce Gay Won Sun, who is the Director of the Planning and Strategy Bureau and Senior
- That they have a plan to be able to thrive.
- All they need is a way to get stabilized so that they can then create a plan.
- And for themselves, on how they plan to thrive and take their own families into a healthy position.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Let's say they were defeated, they retired, whatever. That conflict doesn't exist anymore.
- Could one of the options, and I know these are all hypothetical, so we don't have to dive into it.
- So, I would probably defer to her on exactly what those options are as far as... disciplinary on the
- There's several options you've got. out there, if that's becoming a common occurrence.
- Cook, what's your plan? We've got about an hour until session begins.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HOU, HOU-HHS, HOU DEFER Public Hearings 02-10-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- for rent-with-option-to-purchase. for rent-with-option-to-purchase.
- owner-build options. owner-build options.
- > Sustainable Office of Planning and Sustainable Office of Planning and Sustainable Development<00
- 18.040>
Sustainable >> Office of Planning and Sustainable >> Office of Planning and - So, we'll be deferring one proposed. So, we'll be deferring this<00:44:32.760>
measure.
Summary:
The Committee on Housing, meeting jointly with the Committee on Health and Human Services, heard testimony on Senate Bill 2787, which would expand use of the rental housing revolving fund to provide loans or grants for purchasing rental units, and Senate Bill 2957, which addresses tenant displacement and relocation protections, as well as Senate Bill 2866, which would make the state rent supplement program for kupuna permanent and appropriate funds for it. Testimony on SB 2787 included support from DHHL, HHFDC, AARP Hawaii, and others, while the Attorney General recommended clarifying language and standards for grants, and the Tax Foundation questioned whether grants fit the revolving-fund structure. On SB 2957, supporters including OHA, PACT, medical-legal advocates, and tenant representatives emphasized relocation hardships from the KPT redevelopment, language access, and the need for clearer minimum safeguards; the Attorney General suggested defining “comparable units” and correcting a drafting error. On SB 2866, HPHA, Catholic Charities, AARP, the Executive Office on Aging, and others supported making the kupuna rent supplement program permanent to prevent homelessness among low-income seniors.
During discussion on SB 2957, members questioned HPHA and tenant counsel about the KPT low-rise relocation process and what “comparable housing” meant in practice. HPHA said all tenants were relocated, but counsel described disputes over comparability, disability and family-size issues, and at least one offered unit that was not livable. For SB 2787, members questioned DHHL about why it sought funding from the rental housing revolving fund rather than other sources; DHHL said it was still exploring options and had mostly used its funds for infrastructure, with only a small portion used as revolving funds. The chair expressed concern about relying on scarce housing funds and urged more efficient use of DHHL’s existing resources.
In decision-making, the committees voted to pass SB 2957 with amendments and SB 2866 with amendments. For SB 2957, the amendments would replace the bill with a working group on tenant displacement and relocation, include a blank appropriation and defective date, and request $75,000 for the working group; the motion was adopted unanimously by the members present, with Senator Favela excused. For SB 2866, the amended version would include a blank appropriation, defective date, and committee report language noting requests for $110,160 for two HPHA public housing specialist positions and $2.16 million for the state rent supplement program; this motion was also adopted, with Senator Favela excused. After the joint hearing adjourned, the committee returned to the housing-only agenda and continued discussion of SB 2787 before moving on to SB 3089, which would amend the down payment loan assistance program for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers; testimony on SB 3089 was beginning when the transcript ended.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- I will defer to Senator Lopez. Senator Lopez: Thank you very much, Mr. President.
- So there are options, Mr.
- The plan when that bill does come in is to read it in, have the Finance Committee go right up, and then
- This past couple of months, I was honored to attend a retirement of a Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer
- So being up there, and I mean, it was very moving because for a person to retire from the military, especially
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Natural Resources and Environment May 6th, 2026
Natural Resources & Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- Let's plan it after session. Thank you. Do some begging. Absolutely. Let's plan it after session.
- the Paris climate plans.
- So I would like to repudiate this plan.
- So I'd like to defer it to next week and see if we can't do that. Voluntarily defer it. Okay.
- Seeing none, House Bill 890 is voluntarily deferred.
Summary:
The committee heard a series of natural resources and environmental measures, mostly local property transfers and Wildlife and Fisheries bills. It reported favorable on Senate Bills 229 and 71, which authorize property transfers in Bossier and Lafayette parishes, and on several department bills dealing with fishing and boating rules: SB 203 on possession of catch during multi-day trips, SB 429 on registration of lapsed or “orphan” boats, SB 204 on commercial fishing gear licenses for nonresidents, SB 205 reducing duplicate registration for federally documented boats, SB 213 on titling certain vessels and outboard motors, SB 257 removing Social Security number requirements from certain tags, and HB 662, a substitute bill setting a hierarchy for handling seized sick, injured, or orphan wildlife. The committee also adopted amendments and reported favorable SB 379, a technical cleanup bill tied to the Department of Conservation and Energy reorganization, though an opposition witness warned it could reduce minimum oil and gas royalties and asked for a fiscal note.
Members also advanced several measures aimed at coastal and flood-related concerns. HCR 62, by Rep. Domangue, urges FEMA to review flood maps every five years instead of every ten and to better account for local flood-protection projects; members broadly supported it and discussed the burden of flood insurance in coastal parishes. SB 214 would give the Teche-Vermilion Fresh Water District authority to stop pumping during immediate flood risk events identified by the National Weather Service or GOSEP, and it was reported favorable. SB 274, as amended, requires lead hazard risk assessments and remediation for certain child care and pre-kindergarten facilities, with DEQ and LDH testimony supporting the update. HCR 78 memorializes Congress to pass the American Seafood Competitiveness Act of 2026, which supporters said would help Louisiana’s seafood industry and access federal loans and grants.
The committee also debated broader policy resolutions. HCR 216, by Rep. Owen, sought to repudiate the Louisiana Climate Action Plan of 2022, but after extensive discussion about its purpose, possible effects on existing projects, and whether the legislature should instead hold a hearing, the resolution was voluntarily deferred. Finally, the committee took up SCR 24 on chronic wasting disease rules, adopted amendments raising the prevalence threshold from 1.5% to 2.5% and adjusting zone and baiting provisions, and continued discussion of the bill’s reset of management rules for deer disease control.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- We've also expanded, and voices have been included because we have this option.
- For more than 30 years, he retired as a master sergeant.
- Because I am a public school teacher retired. And I talk. I am a public school teacher retired.
- President, I'll defer to your infinite wisdom on that. I can go either way.
- SB 250, technical correction, retirement, death benefits. Rules.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:20:36.520>
maintenance lot of the Deferred maintenance lot of the Deferred maintenance - have 67 million in deferred have 67 million in deferred maintenance<00:32:40.240>
if <00:32 - and uh kind of a of a deferred and uh kind of a of a deferred maintenance<00:47:25.400>
of the manager of the Wastewater planning the manager of the Wastewater planning and<00:51:36.240>< - As you plan future bonding tours, we've got plenty of options.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Capital Planning Advisory Board (5-21-25) - Reupload
Transcript Highlights:
- Many hours are spent capital plans.
- That is capital planning reports.
- <00:03:23.120>
And capital planning advisory board. And capital planning advisory board. - the first round of capital plan the first round of capital plan overviews.<00:03:37.440>
And< - time of deferred of of not deferred time of deferred of of not deferred maintenance,<01:07:34.240
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:00:05
Approval of Minutes 00:01:48
Welcome New Members 00:02:03
Information Items 00:02:35
Review of Executive Branch Agency Plans 00:03:33
A. Cabinet for Health and Family Services 00:04:00
B. Kentucky Department of Education 00:17:03
C. Education and Labor Cabinet 00:29:33
D. Energy and Environment Cabinet 00:42:38
E. Finance and Administration Cabinet 0:53:30
F. Justice and Public Safety Cabinet 01:13:28
G. Personnel Cabinet 01:31:04
H. School Facilities Construction Commission 01:41:39, 958, all
Summary:
The meeting was the first of the year for the Capital Planning Advisory Board. Members were called, a quorum was confirmed, new co-chairs and members were welcomed, and the board approved the prior year’s meeting minutes. The chair also reviewed the capital planning timeline, packet organization, and the list of agencies that submitted plans but would not testify.
The Cabinet for Health and Family Services presented first, outlining priorities centered on public safety, protecting existing infrastructure, preventive maintenance, and improving service delivery. Its major requests included a $21 million maintenance pool for 14 campuses and 175 buildings, phase 2 construction funding for a new public health laboratory, an 18-bed psychiatric hospital for children and adolescents with severe mental health needs, and several projects at Western State Hospital, Western State Nursing Facility, Hazlewood, and Oakwood. Members asked about the youth facility’s relationship to a separate DJJ project, vacant buildings, the high per-bed cost of the children’s hospital, and how the cabinet determined the need for the youth facility. CHFS said the youth project would be a separate facility serving high-acuity youth, the cost reflected the specialized nature of the unit and an 18-bed cap, and the broader youth plan also includes prevention, in-home services, and coordination across agencies.
The Kentucky Department of Education then described projects for its three state-operated facilities: the Kentucky School for the Deaf, the Kentucky School for the Blind, and the FFA leadership training center. It requested additional funding for the FFA classroom and activity building after bids came in higher than expected, plus funding for a new education finance application system to support SEEK budgeting. Other priorities included a maintenance pool, FFA pool renovation, electrical upgrades, campus education enhancements, lighting improvements, safety and security work, door and window replacements, and HVAC maintenance. Members asked about student outcomes, the size of the FFA pool, and construction cost assumptions; the department said it tracks students through the schools and short-course programs, the pool size figure may have been a typo, and current construction estimates are being adjusted upward because of inflation and supply-chain pressures.
The Education and Labor Cabinet began its presentation with 12 priority projects, including a state labor exchange system to connect job seekers and employers, renovation of the McDow Vocational Rehabilitation Center, and a new adult education and family literacy management information system. The cabinet said the labor exchange would help match workers with employers at no cost, while the McDow renovation was needed because the 30-year-old facility has safety and code concerns. The adult education system was described as outdated and lacking adequate case-management and tracking capabilities.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- contributions of retirement system contributions of political<00:36:08.920>
subdivision <00:36 - yet um Senator Perkins quoka I'll defer yet um Senator Perkins quoka I'll defer my<01:15:22.239>
- <01:52:09.520>
and Substance abuse treatment options and housing them. - So I hope those rates continue to go down as we find more options for people who are addicted.
- Those rates continue to go down as we find more options for people who are addicted.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Wed Apr 22, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- Next up, we have Hawaii Association of Health Plans in support.
- Recommendation on this one is to defer any discussion. >> Okay.
- Recommendation on this one is to defer any discussion. >> Okay.
- Recommendation on this one is to defer any discussion. >> Okay.
- Recommendation on this one is to defer any discussion. >> Okay.
Keywords:
electric reliability, renewable energy, interconnection, Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, Public Utilities Commission, capacity shortfalls, energy policies, mail-order pharmacy, insurance, healthcare access, chronic disease management, cost savings, rural access, emergency healthcare, patient adherence, critical infrastructure, foreign influence, local control, energy dependence, economic resilience
Summary:
The Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce heard several Senate concurrent resolutions related to utilities, pharmacy access, critical infrastructure, and energy policy. STR 96 SD1 asked the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to report on the progress of the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator; the PUC offered written comments and the measure later advanced as is. STR 109 SD1 urged the insurance commissioner to study expanding mail-order pharmacy use. Testimony was split: DCCA’s insurance division, HMSA, and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans supported the study, while Shipa and the Hawaii Pharmacist Association opposed it, arguing mail-order pharmacy is already available and that in-person pharmacist counseling should be preserved. The measure was ultimately deferred.
The committee also heard STR 164 SD1 on protecting Hawaii’s critical infrastructure from foreign influence. Greenpeace Hawaii and 350 Hawaii strongly supported the resolution, framing it as a consumer protection and resilience measure tied to reducing dependence on imports and strengthening local food and energy systems. No opposition was presented, and the resolution was moved out as is. STR 172 SD1 HD1 directed the PUC to conduct a comprehensive analysis of ways to maximize cost reduction and minimize financial risk while meeting state goals. DCCA, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the PUC offered comments, and Earthjustice supported the measure; it was also advanced as is.
For STR 166 SD1, which concerns how the PUC should evaluate generational energy commitments, DCCA, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the PUC provided comments, while 350 Hawaii, Greenpeace Hawaii, and others opposed any move toward LNG, arguing it would harm ratepayers and conflict with Hawaii’s renewable goals. After discussion, the committee amended the resolution to add language directing the PUC to evaluate any LNG or other imported-fuel proposal for its potential effects on or delays to the state’s renewable portfolio standards, including the 2045 deadline. The amended resolution then passed, and the committee adjourned.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES Feb 12th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES
Transcript Highlights:
- If not, we'll defer these. And should we right now, Ms.
- Should we defer this report then? I would say defer it because this...
- Without objection, we will defer these reports.
- And staff recommends we defer this report. Without objection, it'll be deferred. Let's continue.
- Anyhow, that's what we took that option in. Anyhow, that's what we took that option in.
Summary:
The committee began with prayer and approval of the January 8 minutes, then received updates on delinquent private water and sewer reports. Staff reported that for the 2022 reports, 19 of 43 entities had had their turnback reinstated, while 24 remained in escrow; for the 2023 reports, 59 of 64 entities had filed, leaving five outstanding. The committee also filed a report on Adona, where staff said the city had made enough progress toward substantial compliance with municipal accounting laws to discontinue withholding turnback, and the committee adopted that recommendation.
The bulk of the meeting focused on municipal accounting noncompliance cases. Gum Springs and Denning were presented with extensive repeat findings involving budgets not adopted by ordinance or resolution, missing or incomplete bank reconciliations, inadequate receipts and disbursement records, payroll issues, and improper handling of Act 833 funds or other city money. Both cities’ mayors and recorders-treasurers testified about efforts to correct records, obtain training, and work with the Municipal League; the committee voted to start the 60-day turnback-withholding clock for both and then filed the reports. Fargo was deferred because no city representative was present.
Additional reports included Green Forest, Elaine, Strong, Brooklyn, Mineral Springs, Rondo, Waldo, Columbia County, and several private water and sewer entities. Strong drew significant concern over missing garbage-bag revenue, improper fund transfers, and deficit balances; the committee deferred that report to the March meeting. The committee also heard investigative or referred reports on the Faulkner County Fair Association, Brooklyn payroll direct-deposit fraud, and other entities with questionable disbursements or recordkeeping. In several cases, staff recommended filing the reports after responses were received; in others, the committee deferred action when responses were lacking or representatives were absent. The meeting ended with a motion to defer a Cross County Rural Water matter so the entity could appear at the next meeting.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Garin moves to defer the reading referral bills until the end of today's business.
- relating to the cost of living increases applicable to certain benefits paid under the Teacher Retirement
- HJR 172 by Pearson proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing a local option exemption from advalarum
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Guerin moves to defer the reading referral bills until the end of today's business.
- relating to the cost of living increases applicable to certain benefits paid under the Teacher Retirement
- H.J.R. 172 by Pearson, proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing a local option exemption from
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (02/11/2026)
Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I'll I'll defer that question to them. I'll I'll defer that question to them.
- >> I'll defer that question as well. Thank you. >> I'll defer that question as well.
- /c><00:46:34.319>
them have a retirement plan set up for them have a retirement plan set up for - are planning to fail.
- are planning to fail.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, June 12, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- >
that <00:11:59.680>supports a nutrient-rich option that supports a nutrient-rich option - <00:52:52.559>
senior movement of over 550 retired senior movement of over 550 retired senior - We have a plan.
- health by trying to defund Planned health by trying to defund Planned Parenthood.<04:15:02.319><
- And there are a lot of options. Never been more options.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, May 8, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Destroying retirement plans and 401(k)s, driving up costs for American families on everything from cars
- They defer life-saving sicker.
- This is how Donald Trump has improved the lives of American families by damaging their retirement plans
- They’re planning to take away the option to use the phone to file for benefits, requiring seniors to
- They’re planning to take away the option to use the phone to file for benefits, requiring seniors to
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HHS, HHS Public Hearings 03-24-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 1245, and that was deferred Senate Bill 1245, and that was deferred in<00:26:58.080>
- Health Plans, providing comments. Health Plans, providing comments.
- Chair's recommendation is to defer<00:52:09.880>
this. - Um, so deferring definitely for SR 48.
- We are going to defer the SR effect.
Summary:
The committee first considered a series of Governor’s Message nominations, largely to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and one to the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances. Testifiers and agencies spoke in strong support of the nominees, emphasizing their advocacy, community involvement, and lived experience. The committee heard from nominees and supporters for John Paul Moses III, Cynthia Fowler, Joshua Eay, Alicia Kim, Raymond Mamea, Maria Christina Valenzuela, Eden Watabayashi, Sierra Whiteside, and Brandy Lynn Macallani Hayen. After hearing testimony, the committee voted to advise and consent on each nomination, with the votes adopted by the members present.
The committee then took up SR 53 / SCR 69, which asks the Department of Health to convene a pharmacy benefit manager working group to improve transparency, fairness, and drug affordability. Supporters included the Hawaii Pharmacist Association, the University of Hawaii system, and several individuals, while the Department of Health said the issue is complex and may require additional support or a different structure. Members discussed whether the Department of Health should lead the effort or whether another entity, such as SHIPA with an appropriation, might be more workable; the Department of Health suggested a $100,000 appropriation could be sufficient.
Next, SR 56 / SCR 73 proposed a report on the developmental needs of children born during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Office of Wellness and Resilience supported the measure and asked for an extended deadline to the end of 2026, and several youth, mental health, and community organizations testified in support. The committee also heard SR 69 / STR 86 on creating an aeromedical services working group, with support from Air Methods, the Department of Health, and the Hawaii Medical Association, and SR 99 / STR 118 on studying the use of filtered catchment water for business activity, which drew support from the Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association and comments from the Department of Health that the issue is complicated and should include the Department of Agriculture. No final votes on the resolutions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.