Transcript Highlights:

• Oh, I'm sorry, it's a Department of Health priority, but no testimony.
• And certainly in terms of hepatitis, reaching those communities is a priority.
• Certainly in terms of hepatitis, reaching those communities is a priority.
• unknown preventable infection given the unknown preventable infection given the unknown priorities
• of the federal Administration priorities of the federal Administration it<00:53:54.760> is<00

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• Five years later, and we have no priority.
• I've not seen anybody here that had any priority come from the DMAP to say, okay, if this is the priority
• years later and we have no priority. years later and we have no priority.
• come from the DMAP to say okay priority come from the DMAP to say okay if<02:43:03.600> this<
• /c><02:43:04.960> let's if this is the priority then let's if this is the priority then let's

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint House Committee on Tourism and Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism held an informational briefing on the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s interim action plans, current projects, contract updates, destination management action plans, and state auditor findings. Interim CEO Caroline Anderson described her role as temporary and said she was focused on identifying problems, gathering information, communicating with stakeholders, and implementing solutions. She said HTA is now operating as a typical state agency subject to state controls, but noted that HTA’s work often involves nontraditional programs that can create process errors. She also said she had directed staff to review the auditor’s findings on the destination management action plan process and that the review was posted publicly. A major topic was the search for a permanent CEO and the agency’s restructuring under SB 1571. HTA board chair Tata Po said he hoped to select a CEO within about four months, with three to six finalists expected in roughly two to two-and-a-half months, and said the job description would largely remain the same except for compensation and reporting changes under the new law. Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism representatives explained that HTA’s board is now advisory and does not approve the budget, while DBEDT retains budget authority. They also said HTA is working with the governor’s office and DBEDT on contract and budget transitions, including a possible shift to a calendar-year process so grantees and contractors have more certainty. Members pressed HTA on staffing, oversight, and accountability, especially around the destination stewardship team and the CNHA/Kilohana and HVCB contracts. HTA said the destination stewardship team supports destination management and product development, including workforce development, sports, and implementation of destination management action plans, and that staff provide direction to contractors rather than simply handing work over to them. Anderson said the stewardship team had 11 people and that the destination management side covered about 15 contracts, while the branding side had three managers overseeing nine contracts. She said the agency had 47 contracts overall and that the major contracts included CNHA/Kilohana and HVCB. Several members criticized HTA’s management history, questioned staffing qualifications and compensation, and expressed concern that the agency had lost public trust. No votes or formal actions were taken during the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:07:16.160> It non-negotiable American priority. It non-negotiable American priority.
• During my time in Congress, I've made it a priority to do ride-alongs and roundtables with local law
• During my time in Congress, I've made it a priority to do ride-alongs and roundtables with local law
• When I ask these officers what their priorities are, how I can be useful, the first five times I ask
• > how<00:18:37.200> I<00:18:37.360> can<00:18:37.440> be their priorities

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, I rise today yet again to expose to the American public the misplaced priorities of the House
• <02:37:14.800> of<02:37:15.040> the<02:37:15.200> House misplaced priorities
• I understand this is an important priority to her. It's important to the Republican caucus.
• Speaker, I understand this is an important priority to her.
• <02:49:23.600> of disproportionate to the priorities of disproportionate to the priorities

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• state's DOC budget request for the upcoming year and explain how these align with our goals and priorities
• 05.159> uh<01:40:05.280> the<01:40:05.360> doc<01:40:05.960> is and priorities
• first uh the doc is and priorities first uh the doc is requesting<01:40:06.639> $9.1<01:40:07.679
• Finally, chairs and members, by supporting the DOC's budget priorities, we ensure accountability for
• we ensure accountability uh priorities we ensure accountability uh for<01:49:41.280> those<01

Bills: HF2432

Keywords: HF2432, judiciary finance bill, public safety finance bill, corrections policy, crime victims, victim services, Minnesota victims of crime account, court fees, marriage license fee, financial crimes, fraud investigations, insurance fraud, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, Commerce Fraud Bureau, wage theft, automobile theft prevention, nonprofit security grants, 911 funding, POST Board

Transcript Highlights:

• to move abortion a number one priority to move abortion all<01:59:12.400> the<01:59:12.480>
• The ideology of these centers, owners, and employees take priority over the health and well-being of
• The ideology of these centers, owners, and employees take priority over the health and well-being of
• The ideology of these centers, owners, and employees take priority over the health and well-being of
• <02:09:02.880> over owners and employees take priority over owners and employees take priority

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I know that we have so many priorities.
• I am a proud principal co-author of this measure because hydrogen is an economic priority in my community
• Hydrogen is an economic priority in my community and the constituents that I represent in my district

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When we did our consumer research, care navigation repeatedly arose as the highest priority for Opus
• Care navigation repeatedly arose as the highest priority for Opus residents.
• So I think someone who goes on, puts down there whatever you charge to get on the priority waiting list

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission meeting focused on continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), beginning with a presentation from Two Life Communities on its Opus Newton model, which is opening in the fall. Two Life described Opus as a middle-income, modern CCRC built around affordability, care coordination in residents’ apartments rather than separate care buildings, and resident-driven community life. Commissioners asked about financing, home care arrangements, affordability, Medicaid/MassHealth access, and the role of resident councils versus board representation. Two Life said it wants to remain within the CCRC framework, but expressed concern about proposals that would require multiple discrete care levels, impose deadlines on entrance-fee refunds, or require resident board seats. The commission then discussed possible recommendations. There was broad support for Senate Bill 478, which would require clearer disclosure of entrance-fee refund terms in a separate document for prospective residents. On refund timing, members were divided: some favored a one-year deadline or a deadline with waivers, while others opposed a fixed deadline because of financing risks and the potential impact on new development and current residents. Several members suggested keeping the status quo but adding better data collection and reporting on refund timing. On the CCRC definition and marketing, members debated whether the current statutory definition is too vague and whether the commission should recommend clearer standards or a certification-like process, while also noting resource limits for state oversight. Members also discussed the Age CCRC Consumer Guide, with general agreement that it should be updated and made more useful to consumers, possibly with clearer questions to ask and more information about facilities, though some cautioned against adding subjective financial-risk statements that would be hard to administer. On resident representation, several commissioners strongly supported requiring resident voting members on boards, while providers argued that strong resident associations and regular meetings with boards may be preferable and that communities should retain flexibility. The meeting ended with a request for written comments by July 11, draft recommendations to be circulated July 18, and a possible final meeting on July 21, with the commission aiming to finish by August 1.

Transcript Highlights:

• are going to do a series of introductions and then also have the members share their issues and priorities
• As I mentioned, executing those contractual agreements is priority one.
• And so, Delegate Waxman, to your question about the local health districts, they are a priority partner

Keywords: House Select Committee on Advancing Rural and Small Town Health Care, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And it was<00:18:57.440> a<00:18:57.480> priority<00:18:58.080> of<00:18:58.200>
• our<00:18:58.360> caucus was a priority of our caucus was a priority of our caucus uh<

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House DFL leaders reflected on the end of session, saying the legislature accomplished major priorities despite a narrow partisan split and a tense political environment. They highlighted passage of a $705 million package to stabilize HCMC, anti-fraud measures, IT upgrades, property tax cuts, tab fee cuts, and a housing bill that included $40 million for rental assistance. They also said the session was unusually orderly and productive compared with recent years, and credited the power-sharing arrangement with reducing prolonged floor fights and encouraging more individual bills and conference committee work. At the same time, they emphasized several disappointments, especially the failure to pass meaningful gun violence prevention measures and legislation to curb ICE abuses or respond to Operation Metro Surge. Leaders argued Republicans blocked even modest gun safety proposals, including enhanced extreme risk protection orders, and said they would take those issues to voters in the next election. They also said the campaign message would focus on affordability, health care costs, hospital stability, gas and energy prices, and school safety. In response to questions, leaders defended the transparency of the session’s negotiations, saying the underlying ideas had been debated publicly for months even if final packages were released late. They also said the $40 million rental assistance funding was intended to help people affected by Operation Metro Surge, and argued that maintaining Minnesota’s road network requires adequate long-term funding even if the distribution of costs changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do know, whether you agree with his policies or not, the President has made this a pretty high priority
• a storm restoration perspective, because that question has come up from folks as well, our first priority
• we're evaluating and how we're including them because, at the end of the day, our most important priority

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Safety must continue to be a top priority, and that means doing a better job of spreading awareness of
• SAFETY MUST CONTINUE TO BE A TOP PRIORITY.
• important, I think it is equally if not more important that we are a good budget that reflects the priorities

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and discharged several identical Assembly/Senate bills from committee so they could be substituted on the calendar. The chamber then took up and previously adopted two commemorative resolutions: one designating April 2026 as Sikh Heritage Month and another honoring Korean War veterans. Senators from both parties spoke in support of the Sikh resolution, emphasizing the community’s contributions, service, and the need for recognition and inclusion; the resolution was opened for co-sponsorship and the Sikh guests in the gallery were recognized. The Korean War resolution drew remarks from members recalling family service and the sacrifices of veterans, with repeated calls to preserve their stories and honor their legacy. The Senate then moved through the calendar, passing a series of bills. Among them were measures related to charter bus safety and seat belt awareness, coverage for doula services under insurance, social services/EBT-related changes, education, navigation, highway, public service, and hospital-closure reporting. Several bills passed unanimously or with only one dissenting vote; the social services bill drew the most opposition, with Senator Murray objecting that New York should first address EBT chip technology and skimming before adding new vendor requirements. One bill on the calendar was laid aside for the day. The chamber also adopted a supplemental bill authorizing the South Country Central School District to finance certain deficits, described by Senator Murray as a necessary rescue to keep the district operating and pay staff. Senators discussed the state budget impasse during debate on an extender bill, with the sponsor explaining it was a “clean extender” to keep government running through May 4 and cover payroll, health, education, and other essential payments. Senator Helming raised concerns about the lack of rural health transformation funding and the consequences of the delayed budget for schools, local governments, and hospitals. The extender passed, and the Senate adjourned until Monday, May 4, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:16:02.640> should<00:16:02.800> be<00:16:02.920> the<00:16:03.040> priority
• I think that should be the priority. I think that should be the priority.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Senate leaders and supporters held a press availability focused on passing a state capital investment, or bonding, bill this session. Chair Sandy Pappas said the state has received more than $7 billion in project requests and is pushing for a $1.4 billion bonding package to address infrastructure needs such as clean water, state parks and trails, college and university repairs, sewer capacity for housing growth, and other public facilities. She and other speakers stressed that delaying projects raises costs and that they do not expect a special session, making action before adjournment especially important. Testimony from labor and legislative leaders emphasized the economic benefits of bonding. Anthony Wilkie of SMART Local 10 said public bonding projects create work hours for skilled trades and cited Fraser Hall at the University of Minnesota as an example of a project that employed union members. Senator Nick Frentz argued that bonding supports jobs, especially in greater Minnesota, and highlighted water infrastructure needs, including communities facing manganese contamination and high water rates if they must finance treatment plants alone. Senator Ann Johnson Stewart pointed to PFAS-related water treatment costs in Minnetonka Beach and said she would support higher education and water projects. Majority Leader Erin Murphy said the Senate is working toward the $1.4 billion target, noting the state’s AAA bond rating and the need to keep borrowing costs low. She also said the recent Metro Surge period led to about 4,000 lost construction jobs, strengthening the case for a bill this year. In response to questions, Pappas said negotiations with Senator Housley and House leaders were underway but still early, with no final target set yet; she said staff are preparing project lists and language, and that some items, such as HCMC, may move separately. No formal vote was taken in the exchange, but the speakers expressed optimism about reaching a bipartisan agreement before session end.

Transcript Highlights:

• As far as the judiciary, the judiciary had three priorities. The first priority was more bailiffs.
• They got those two priorities, and the third was an additional pay increase, and they did not get that

Bills: HB3312, HB3700, HB2981, HB2961, HB3016, HB4478, HB4326, HB3025, HB3710, HB4125, HB2951, HB3082, HB4142, HB4106, HB1752, HB3268, HB4440, HJR1067, SB1144, SB1145, SB1146, SB1147, SB1148, SB1156, SB1157, SB1158, SB1159, SB1161, SB1162, SB1163, SB1164, SB1165, SB1166, SB1149, SB1167, HJR1024, SB1174, SB1175, SB1176, HB3419, HB3748, HB4335, HB3057, HB3279, HB4428, HB3420, HB3040, HB4140, HB1638, HB3298, HB4113, HB1082, HB4301, HB3269, HB3587, HB4226, HB4324, HB4339, HB4342, HB3278, HB3996, HB4236, HB4352

Keywords: firearm safety, public schools, education policy, student safety, gun control, opt-out option, grading system, student assessment, academic integrity, state funding, opinion conduct, open meetings, school boards, transparency, public access, education governance, HB2961, TSgt Marshal Dakota Roberts Gold Star Survivor Act, Gold Star family, Gold Star recipient

Transcript Highlights:

• Ensuring that the SNAP program is adequately funded and adequately administered should be a priority.
• Ensuring that the SNAP program is adequately funded and adequately administered should be a priority.
• Ensuring that the SNAP program is adequately funded and adequately administered should be a priority.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And because of the Senate's priorities the past several years, we were able to fund alternative learning
• And as we tried to make priorities about how to use limited dollars in the schools, then this didn't
• rise to the top of the priority list.

Bills: HB1576, HB2490, HB1546, HB1588

Keywords: HB1576, Hawaii film industry, DBEDT, BLNR, Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism, Board of Land and Natural Resources, film permits, motion picture production, television production, commercial filming, digital media tax credit, film production tax credit, public notice, transparency, state lands, film studio, land set-aside, revocable permit, memorandum of agreement, memorandum of understanding

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:15:45.440> one<00:15:45.600> of<00:15:45.680> our<00:15:45.839> priorities
• This will be one of our priorities that.
• This will be one of our priorities for<00:15:46.560> the<00:15:47.199> uh<00:15:47.440>

Bills: SF0009

Keywords: fentanyl, controlled substances, minors, drug distribution, enhanced penalties, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• cuts across all of that and is integrally connected to our economic development initiatives and priorities
• My priority is affordability.
• Those appointments would change with the governor's office or different priorities of the governor during

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: During the legislative meeting, House Bill 287 was discussed, which proposes the establishment of a permanent Health and Human Services Committee to oversee the state's $14.4 billion expenditure in this area. An amendment to the bill was adopted, which clarified funding and operational details. Public comments were solicited, but no one spoke in opposition. The committee ultimately voted, with some members expressing concerns about budget implications, but the motion to pass the bill as amended was made and seconded, with several members opposing it. House Bill 371 was also addressed, which focuses on creating an Acequia Infrastructure Fund to support land grant and Acequia communities. The bill aims to provide a financial mechanism for these communities to access funds for infrastructure projects without relying on capital outlay requests. The committee discussed the bill's implications, potential funding sources, and the need for further amendments regarding representation and oversight. A motion to pass the bill was made, with some opposition noted, particularly regarding the lack of specificity in the bill's provisions. Lastly, Senate Bill 143 was presented, which seeks to raise the caps on inspection fees under the Egg Grading Act, among other agricultural regulations. Supportive testimony was provided by representatives from agricultural organizations, emphasizing the need for updated fee structures. The committee engaged in discussions about the bill's implications for consumers and the agricultural sector, ultimately moving towards a vote to pass the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Health care has been a priority of ours since our first contract in December of '22.
• For full-time faculty, arresting the cost of benefits is among their top priorities.
• Part-time faculty gaining access to benefits is among their top priorities.

Bills: SB106, SB171, SB179

Keywords: graduate scholarship, higher education funding, New Mexico, appropriation, financial aid, education, documentary, historical figure, Padre Antonio Jose Martinez, Northern New Mexico State School, SB179, Senate Bill 179, UNM, University of New Mexico, medical Spanish, Spanish-language curriculum, health sciences, health professions education, language access, bilingual healthcare

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 29 advances these priorities by strengthening math preparation for educators and identifying
• creating a reliable talent pipeline for New Mexico's future economy Senate Bill 29 advances these priorities
• guessing, I could intervene early and teach with intention, which aligns closely with New Mexico PED priorities

Bills: SB29, SB64

Keywords: SB29, math requirements for teaching license, teacher licensure, teacher endorsement, mathematics methods, elementary education, secondary education, special education, early childhood education, reciprocity, Public Education Department, Mathematics and Science Education Act, mathematics instructional leadership framework, professional learning plan, K-3 screening, mathematics screening assessment, mathematics difficulty, support plan, multilevel support, intervention