Video & Transcript : 'genetic viability' :
Page 13 of 118
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 12, February 23, 2026-AM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So viability, I mean, if you want to go down the viability lane, let's be honest.
- </c> what is viability?
- And if that viability what is viability?
- Pro tem, viability.
- The viability standard makes sense. The viability standard makes sense.
PA
Transcript Highlights:
- NF is a group of genetic disorders that cause tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body.
- NF affects approximately one in 3,000 people worldwide, making it one of the most common rare genetic
- NF is a group of genetic disorders that cause tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body.
- NF affects approximately one in 3,000 people worldwide, making it one of the most common, rare genetic
- One of the most common rare genetic disorders.
Summary:
The House convened, approved a prior journal, confirmed a quorum, and received several bill referrals and calendar motions before moving into caucus and committee announcements. Members also welcomed a number of guests and student visitors to the chamber. After recess, the House resumed with committee reports from Appropriations and Rules, agreeing to re-reported bills including House Bills 1006, 106, 2014, 2037, 2460, 2512, 2559, 2644, 733, 2455, 2499, and 2529.
The chamber adopted two resolutions: House Resolution 462 designating May 17, 2026, as World Neurofibromatosis Awareness Day, and House Resolution 553 designating May 19, 2026, as Pontian Greek Genocide Remembrance Day. Both sponsors spoke in support, with the NF resolution emphasizing awareness, diagnosis, and research, and the Pontian Greek resolution focusing on remembrance of historical persecution and ethnic violence. The House also passed several bills on final consideration, including House Bill 2014 on opportunities for minors in emergency service organizations, House Bill 2037 on cryptocurrency-related ethics restrictions, House Bill 2512 on rideshare pricing protections, House Bill 2644 on legislative authorization for capital bridge projects, and House Bill 2559 on state property conveyances.
Amendments were considered on several measures. On House Bill 2359, which prohibits government agencies from entering nondisclosure agreements related to data centers, one amendment requiring hyperscale data centers to pay their own energy costs failed on a 101-101 tie, another amendment making the bill effective immediately was adopted, and a third amendment protecting trade secrets failed. On House Bill 779 regarding abusive towing practices, an agreed-to amendment was adopted. House Bill 733 modernizing marriage ceremony law, Senate Bill 1294 on penalties for unlicensed commercial driving schools, and Senate Bill 1259 clarifying parole record privilege and access were agreed to, and House Bill 2499 concerning the State Workers Insurance Fund and Investment Authority was also advanced. The House then recommitted several bills to Appropriations, removed others from the tabled calendar, and adjourned until June 30, 2026.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We do this by advancing understanding of rare pediatric diseases, creating and developing advanced genetic
- diagnostic tools, providing comprehensive care, training educators, practitioners in health care, and genetic
- hospitals affiliated with research universities across our state, to have their child screened for a rare genetic
- Senator, this bill has a Sunshine Genetics Pilot Program.
- stated, early screening, and particularly when it comes to rare diseases, which perhaps there's a genetic
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services first heard and adopted the proposed fiscal year 2025-26 budget for the committee, which was presented as a $1.8 billion increase over the current base budget. The budget emphasized Medicaid and KidCare funding, IT modernization, workforce reductions tied to unfilled or augmented positions, provider rate increases, mental health and substance use funding, opioid treatment, elder care, veterans’ services, cancer research, and school nurse staffing. The committee approved technical adjustments and then adopted the budget proposal for submission to the full Senate Appropriations Committee.
The committee then considered several bills, most of which were reported favorably. SB 152 on surgical smoke required hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt smoke evacuation policies; it drew strong support from nurses and other health care workers describing workplace and patient safety risks. CS/SB 958 on early detection of type 1 diabetes required the Department of Health to develop informational materials for schools and, by amendment, early learning coalitions. CS/CS/SB 170 on nursing homes required consumer satisfaction surveys, patient safety culture surveys, reporting to the health information exchange, financial reporting penalties, and Medicaid quality incentive reporting; an amendment exempted state-operated homes, including veterans’ facilities, and directed a study of quality incentive systems. CS/SB 738 updated and streamlined child care regulation, and CS/SB 1356 created the Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases at Florida State University and a related pediatric rare disease screening pilot.
The committee also passed SB 1370, which reorganized ambulatory surgical centers into their own statutory framework, with testimony emphasizing their lower costs compared with hospitals. Finally, the committee considered CS/CS/SB 1626 on child welfare and related issues. After adopting multiple amendments that removed references to unaccompanied alien children and special immigrant visas, changed language on child abuse definitions, and required DCF to set room-and-board rates by methodology rather than fee schedule, the bill was explained as strengthening child welfare protections, codifying military-family coordination, improving domestic violence shelter certification, adjusting children’s services council appointments, clarifying missing-child procedures, and updating licensing and compliance provisions. The bill drew both support and opposition, particularly over missing-child jurisdiction and immigration-related concerns, and was ultimately reported favorably. A final motion to record a vote on SB 958 was also adopted.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Mar 26th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- We do this by advancing understanding of rare pediatric diseases, creating and developing advanced genetic
- tools, providing comprehensive care, training educators, excuse me, practitioners in health care, and genetic
- hospitals affiliated with research universities across our state, to have their child screened for a rare genetic
- Senator, this bill has a Sunshine Genetics Pilot Program.
- stated, early screening, and particularly when it comes to rare diseases, which perhaps there's a genetic
Summary:
The Health and Human Services Appropriations Committee met to review and advance the Senate’s fiscal year 2025-26 budget proposal for the committee’s portfolio. The presentation highlighted a $1.8 billion increase over the current base budget, including full funding for Medicaid and KidCare, investments in IT modernization, Medicaid provider rate increases, mental health and substance use services, opioid treatment, foster care and guardian assistance, elder care, veterans’ services, cancer research, school nurse staffing, and other public health initiatives. The committee adopted a motion allowing technical adjustments and then approved the budget proposal to be reported to the full Senate Appropriations Committee.
The committee then heard and voted on several bills. SB 152 on surgical smoke protection required hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt smoke evacuation policies; nurses testified in support, citing workplace and patient safety risks, and the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 958 on early detection of type 1 diabetes required the Department of Health to provide educational materials to schools and, by amendment, early learning coalitions; it was also reported favorably. CS/CS/SB 170 on nursing home oversight added consumer satisfaction surveys, reporting requirements, quality incentive changes, and financial reporting penalties, with an amendment exempting state-operated homes and directing a study of best practices; it passed after questions about dementia, language access, and retaliation protections. CS/SB 738 modernized child care regulation by streamlining DCF processes and reducing obsolete requirements, and was reported favorably without opposition.
The committee also approved CS/SB 1356 creating the Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases at FSU and a Sunshine Genetics pilot to expand rare-disease screening and research, with support from members emphasizing early detection and data collection. SB 1370 separated ambulatory surgical centers into their own statute, with testimony that the change would better reflect the industry and help avoid burdensome regulation; it passed favorably. Finally, CS/CS/SB 1626 made a range of child welfare changes, including codifying DCF coordination with military installations, adjusting shelter certification, refining criminal-background exemptions, extending licensing compliance time, addressing room-and-board rate methodology, and clarifying missing-child procedures; after adopting three amendments and hearing both support and concerns, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also recorded a member’s affirmative vote on SB 958 before adjournment.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Education (10-14-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Of course, it generates a compelling case to make in terms of economic viability of the program.
- </c> economic viability of the program. economic viability of the program.
- Can you share how this might help the financial viability moving forward for the university?
- </c><01:47:18.400><c> moving</c> help um the financial viability moving help um the financial viability
- We're doing some genetics work with them to differentiate different strains of largemouth bass.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, approved the previous meeting minutes, and heard a presentation from Austin Reid of the National Conference of State Legislatures on education-related provisions in the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1). Reid said the law is projected to increase the federal deficit over 10 years, with major savings coming from Medicaid, student loan changes, and SNAP. He focused on how those changes could affect schools, including possible effects on free and reduced-price meal certification, state funding formulas that use SNAP as a proxy for low-income status, and Medicaid-funded school services for students with disabilities.
Reid also outlined the new federal scholarship tax credit, which gives a dollar-for-dollar credit for donations to qualifying scholarship-granting organizations. He said families up to 300% of area median income may benefit, the program begins in 2027, and states must opt in and designate eligible organizations. He noted unresolved questions about whether states can add their own criteria and said Treasury regulations will be important. He also described the expansion of 529 plans to cover more K-12 and postsecondary expenses.
On higher education, Reid explained a new workforce Pell grant option for short-term programs, with states and governors playing a role in determining eligible programs. He said the programs must meet placement, completion, and earnings measures and that implementation is expected to be tight before the July 1, 2026 effective date. He also reviewed student loan changes, including lower institutional loan limits, prorated borrowing for part-time enrollment, new caps on graduate and Parent PLUS loans, and a new earnings-based accountability standard that could make some programs ineligible for student loans if graduates earn too little. No votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- uh misuse of someone's genetic material misuse of someone's genetic material misuse of someone's genetic
- It's my genetic personal data data. It's my genetic personal data data.
- material or not material genetic genetic material or not material genetic genetic material or not material
- genetic data, right?
- uh conducting genetic testing procures uh conducting genetic testing procures uh conducting genetic
Bills:
HB 1500 , HJR 7 , HJR 112 , HB 34 , HB 133 , HB 112 , HB 119 , HB 128 , HB 130 , HB 132 , HB 2756 , HB 166 , HB 406 , HB 186 , HB 271 , HB 331 , HB 380 , HB 1583 , HB 1584 , HB 1819 , HB 621 , HB 303 , HB 552 , HB 366 , HB 463 , HB 1211 , HB 1327 , HB 1461 , HB 923 , HB 1760 , HB 2043 , HB 2467 , HB 5333 , HB 5265 , HB 1592 , HB 1576 , HB 1552 , HB 2018 , HB 3511 , HB 1781 , HB 2013 , HB 2340 , HB 2349 , HB 2508 , HB 2970 , HB 2520 , HB 865 , HB 2851 , HB 3385 , HB 3336 , HB 3529 , HB 3309 , HB 1127 , HB 1232 , HB 1397 , HB 4236 , HB 1804 , HB 1926 , HB 4041 , HB 1965 , HB 1964 , HB 2679 , HB 2730 , HB 3698 , HB 3699 , HCR 77 , HB 3354 , HB 163 , HB 201 , HB 272 , HB 333 , HB 405 , HB 519 , HB 569 , HB 654 , HB 694 , HB 791 , HB 1006 , HB 1136 , HB 1240 , HB 1266 , HB 1275 , HB 1437 , HB 1532 , HB 1675 , HB 1842 , HB 1868 , HB 1888 , HB 1894 , HB 1943 , HB 1990 , HB 2029 , HB 2061 , HB 2286 , HB 2523 , HB 2622 , HB 2626 , HB 2652 , HB 2692 , HB 2842 , HB 2885 , HB 2914 , HB 3016 , HB 3096 , HB 3129 , HB 3248 , HB 3251 , HB 3255 , HB 3479 , HB 3611 , HB 3623 , HB 3701 , HB 3724 , HB 3803 , HB 3804 , HB 3805 , HB 3806 , HB 3810 , HB 3816 , HB 3832 , HB 3887 , HB 4127 , HB 4129 , HB 4130 , HB 4131 , HB 4163 , HB 4187 , HB 4229 , HB 4238 , HB 4454 , HB 4588 , HB 4643 , HB 4736 , HB 4738 , HB 4739 , HB 4945 , HB 5015 , HB 5616 , SB 767 , SB 1619 , SB 1738 , HJR 5 , HJR 2 , HB 1399 , HB 388 , HB 114 , HB 205 , HB 2789 , HB 2791 , HB 499 , HB 2960 , HB 3163 , HB 3135 , HB 2427 , HB 1672 , HB 1722 , HB 2618 , HB 879 , HB 1126 , HB 4134 , HB 3513 , HB 1445 , HB 1893 , HB 1734 , HB 3229 , HB 3306 , HB 1276 , HB 3516 , HB 4145 , HB 1585 , HB 4810 , HB 2558 , HB 2742 , HB 1695 , HB 33 , HB 144 , HB 109 , HB 103 , HB 148 , HB 3809 , HB 2217 , HB 220 , HB 2421 , HB 2363 , HB 421 , HB 2455 , HB 3711 , HB 2559 , HB 2775 , HB 3126 , HB 3666 , HB 3595 , HB 3260 , HB 3376 , HB 3826 , HB 3770 , HB 1831 , HB 2614 , HB 3113 , HB 322 , HB 431 , HB 869 , HB 1203 , HB 1244 , HB 1875 , HB 1950 , HB 2152 , HB 2341 , HB 2809 , HB 2856 , HB 3012 , SB 1415 , SB 1058 , SB 487 , SB 1499 , SB 513 , SB 1697 , SB 1197 , SB 1437 , SB 1809 , SB 836 , SB 1879 , SB 1145 , SB 963 , SB 1038 , SB 1147 , SB 914 , SB 711 , SB 1409 , HB 3707 , HB 589 , HB 1360 , HB 2337 , HB 2391 , HB 718 , HB 23 , HB 2436 , HB 1500 , HJR 7 , HJR 112 , HB 34 , HB 133 , HB 112 , HB 119 , HB 128 , HB 130 , HB 132 , HB 2756 , HB 166 , HB 406 , HB 186 , HB 271 , HB 331 , HB 380 , HB 1583 , HB 1584 , HB 1819 , HB 621 , HB 303 , HB 552 , HB 366 , HB 463 , HB 1211 , HB 1327 , HB 1461 , HB 923 , HB 1760 , HB 2043 , HB 2467 , HB 5333 , HB 5265 , HB 1592 , HB 1576 , HB 1552 , HB 2018 , HB 3511 , HB 1781 , HB 2013 , HB 2340 , HB 2349 , HB 2508 , HB 2970 , HB 2520 , HB 865 , HB 2851 , HB 3385 , HB 3336 , HB 3529 , HB 3309 , HB 1127 , HB 1232 , HB 1397 , HB 4236 , HB 1804 , HB 1926 , HB 4041 , HB 1965 , HB 1964 , HB 2679 , HB 2730 , HB 3698 , HB 3699 , HB 3354 , HB 163 , HB 201 , HB 272 , HB 333 , HB 405 , HB 519 , HB 569 , HB 654 , HB 694 , HB 791 , HB 1006 , HB 1136 , HB 1240 , HB 1266 , HB 1275 , HB 1437 , HB 1532 , HB 1675 , HB 1842 , HB 1868 , HB 1888 , HB 1894 , HB 1943 , HB 1990 , HB 2029 , HB 2061 , HB 2286 , HB 2523 , HB 2622 , HB 2626 , HB 2652 , HB 2692 , HB 2842 , HB 2885 , HB 2914 , HB 3016 , HB 3096 , HB 3129 , HB 3248 , HB 3251 , HB 3255 , HB 3479 , HB 3611 , HB 3623 , HB 3701 , HB 3724 , HB 3803 , HB 3804 , HB 3805 , HB 3806 , HB 3810 , HB 3816 , HB 3832 , HB 3887 , HB 4127 , HB 4129 , HB 4130 , HB 4131 , HB 4163 , HB 4187 , HB 4229 , HB 4238 , HB 4454 , HB 4588 , HB 4643 , HB 4736 , HB 4738 , HB 4739 , HB 4945 , HB 5015 , HB 5616 , SB 767 , SB 1619 , SB 1738 , HCR 77
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 20, 2025 - 02:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- This genetic disease is treatable, although there's not any gene.
- This genetic disease is treatable.
- The early flagging of Duchenne can increase the quality of life through the start of treatments, genetic
- With an FDA-authorized test. genetic counseling, and care.
- Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a severe, progressive, and fatal genetic disorder that affects primarily
Summary:
The subcommittee met with a quorum present and took up five health-related bills. HB 1089, which would add Duchenne muscular dystrophy to Florida’s newborn screening panel, was presented as a way to enable earlier diagnosis and treatment; a pediatric neurologist from Nemours testified in support, noting existing FDA-approved therapies and ongoing clinical trials. After supportive debate, the bill passed 17-0 and was reported favorably.
HB 1083 would standardize patient access to medical records by setting deadlines for providers to produce or allow inspection of records and requiring electronic delivery when available. Supporters said it would reduce delays in care and costs, while two industry groups appeared in opposition. Members from both parties spoke in favor, and the bill passed 17-0 and was reported favorably. HB 1297, which aligns Florida’s electronic prescribing rules more closely with federal law and removes some state exceptions, drew opposition from physicians who argued paper prescriptions are still needed for emergencies, shortages, and price shopping. The sponsor said the bill’s goals were patient safety, fraud prevention, and efficiency; despite concerns, it passed 18-0 and was reported favorably.
The committee then considered PCS for HB 1421, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which would create a statewide blood clot and pulmonary embolism registry, require hospital reporting and risk-assessment policies, and expand training requirements in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. The bill was presented with emotional testimony from Emily Adkins’ parents, who urged support and co-sponsorship in her memory. Members from both parties praised the family’s advocacy, and the PCS passed 18-0 and was reported favorably.
Finally, HB 449 on optometry would expand optometrists’ authority to prescribe certain medications and perform specified laser and non-laser eye procedures after certification. The bill and amendment drew strong opposition from ophthalmologists and their association, who raised patient-safety, training, and delegation concerns, while optometrists argued the bill would improve access, especially in rural areas and counties without ophthalmologists. The amendment was adopted, and the bill as amended passed on a recorded vote and was reported favorably.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- ,</c> you're looking at their genetics, you're looking at their genetics, they're<01:39:40.560><c> going
- </c><01:50:57.199><c> female</c> would be considered genetically female would be considered genetically
- ,</c><02:09:22.320><c> or</c><02:09:22.560><c> any</c> genetically, hormonally, um, or any genetically
- </c> suddenly going to need genetic testing. suddenly going to need genetic testing.
- <c> hormonal</c> genetic, environmental, and hormonal genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors<02
Committee:
House Judiciary
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Assembly Select Committee on Biotechnology and Medical Technology and Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee Aug 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Have your genetics, your family history.
- It's in the devices we wear, the apps we use, the genetic tests we purchase, and the choices we make
- When information from research, health care, wearable devices, genetic tests, health applications, and
- These questions become even more important with genetic information.
- These questions become even more important with genetic information.
Summary:
The hearing focused on how artificial intelligence is being used across California’s life sciences sector, from research and drug discovery to digital health, medical devices, and patient care. Chair Ward and Chair Bauer-Kahan opened by emphasizing California’s leadership in biotech, the need to preserve that ecosystem, and the importance of balancing innovation with privacy, consumer protection, and equitable access. They also highlighted the potential role of public compute and public-private partnerships, including CalCompute, in keeping California competitive.
The first panel featured representatives from UCSF, the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Dr. Ida Sim described AI-enabled digital health tools, including sensor-based blood pressure monitoring and efforts to connect wearable data with electronic health records through open infrastructure. Dr. Karen Knudson focused on cancer, saying AI can accelerate drug discovery, improve learning from every patient, and expand clinical trial access. Dr. Shankar Sundaram discussed AI for public health and biosecurity, including outbreak prediction, antibody redesign, and the need to unlock data, expand compute access, and support public health agencies. Panelists also discussed privacy, HIPAA/CMIA protections, open-source versus closed models, validation, and the need for faster, more modern FDA pathways.
The second panel included speakers from Pangea Data, Dexcom, Eli Lilly Ventures, and Twist Bioscience. Dr. Vibhur Gupta described AI systems that identify care gaps in electronic health records and argued for reimbursement frameworks that would let such tools scale beyond large health systems into rural care. Dexcom’s Ginny Hu explained how the company uses AI in its continuous glucose monitoring products, with strong FDA-aligned verification, validation, cybersecurity, human oversight, and post-market monitoring. Eli Lilly’s Danjima Corliss emphasized AI as a scientific collaborator in drug discovery and highlighted Lilly’s high-performance computing investments in California. The discussion continued to return to data access, model transparency, regulatory modernization, and how California can support innovation while protecting patients.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- So sex, the physical condition of being male or female, based on genetics and physiology as defined,
- bit about your understanding of genetic anomaly.
- So there are definitely genetic anomaly intersex.
- Or what am I supposed to do to prove my genetic anomaly?
- Or all of the genetic anomalies that exist naturally in our species. Yes, exactly.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 11, 2026 - 09:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- This disease is a genetic condition that causes tumors to grow on the nerves throughout the body, and
- Despite sickle cell being the first documented and most common genetic disorder in the U.S., with Florida
- leading the country with the highest rate, it remains one of the most misunderstood and under-treated genetic
- A genetic condition reduced to a racial stereotype. Science ignored. Humanity dismissed.
- It is genetic. Bias is not. I have walked into Florida emergency rooms in unbearable pain.
Summary:
The Health Professions and Program Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered seven bills, all of which were reported favorably. HB 497 would create a neurofibromatosis research grant program within the Department of Health; an amendment removed automatic recurring funding and made the program subject to annual appropriations. Proponents described the disease burden and the need for Florida-based research support. The bill passed 14-0.
The committee also approved HB 223, which creates a licensing and regulatory framework for naturopathic medicine, including a Board of Naturopathic Medicine under the Department of Health. Supporters argued licensure would improve patient safety, transparency, and access, while the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association and Florida Medical Association waived in opposition. The bill passed 15-0. HB 683 modernizes physician assistant and APRN prescribing rules by removing certain administrative notice and prescription-labeling requirements and allowing a 30-day course of psychotropic medication; an amendment removed language that would have allowed practice without physician supervision during declared emergencies. It passed 15-0.
The committee then approved CS for HB 121, which updates Florida’s seizure action plan law by extending protections to charter school students, requiring schools to accept physician-submitted plans, clarifying training duration, expanding training to regular bus drivers, and requiring seizure-response posters in schools. HB 353 adds sickle cell disease education to existing pain-management continuing education for health professionals, prompted by extensive testimony from patients and advocates about bias, delayed treatment, and lack of provider knowledge; it passed 15-0. HB 1175 directs the Florida Building Commission and State Fire Marshal to develop updated safety design standards for office surgery suites, with an amendment delaying the effective date to January 1, 2027; it passed 14-0. Finally, HB 251 creates a public records exemption for current emergency physicians and their families, narrowed by amendment to current physicians and children up to age 26 and made subject to sunset review; it passed 15-0. The meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-05-21 - 10:00AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, this, as you may recall, is our genetic data privacy bill.
- They felt for genetic data escaping the control of the direct-to-consumer genetic testing company or
- Um we is our genetic data privacy bill.
- They felt for genetic There is no cure.
- </c> uh of the uh direct to consumer genetic uh of the uh direct to consumer genetic testing<01:34:20.560
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JDC, JDC, JDC Public Hearings 02-11-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- of knowledge that can be very valuable to them in their identity formation, medical history, and genetic
- Even if a donor-conceived adult later wants or needs to learn about their genetic origins, following
- </c><00:10:02.279><c> Origins</c><00:10:03.279><c> following</c> about their genetic Origins following
- about their genetic Origins following leading<00:10:04.040><c> best</c><00:10:04.320><c> practices</
- </c> Donor-conceived individuals are denied key pieces of their genetic and medical stories.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard SB 1231, which would repeal the Parentage Uniform Act of 1973 and update Hawaii’s parentage laws, including parts of the Uniform Parentage Act of 2017. Supporters said the current statutes are outdated and do not adequately address assisted reproduction, surrogacy, and modern family formation. The Attorney General’s office supported the bill with technical amendments, including conforming changes to the Probate Code and child support provisions, and several testifiers urged passage as a needed modernization of the law.
A major point of disagreement was Part 10, which concerns donor anonymity. Some supporters, including members of the task force, the Uniform Law Commission, fertility and family law practitioners, and LGBTQ+ advocates, backed the bill as written or said it should move forward even if Part 10 is removed. Others, including donor-conceived adults, parents, and advocacy groups, opposed Part 10 and urged the committee to adopt the 2024 version of Article 9 or delete Part 10 entirely, arguing that anonymous donation harms donor-conceived people’s access to genetic, medical, and identity information and that anonymity is not realistic in the DNA-testing era. One task force member and attorney said she supported the bill but preferred removing Part 10 if necessary to pass the rest.
The hearing included extensive public testimony both in support and opposition, with many individuals describing personal experiences with adoption, IVF, surrogacy, and donor conception. No committee vote or final action on the bill was taken during the portion of the hearing provided.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Also in that list is patient-specific medical discussions related to biological, genetic, or epidemiological
- ... ...medical discussions related to biological, genetic, or epidemiological risk factors.
- reporting or public health purposes, patient-specific medical discussions related to biological, genetic
- reporting, or public health purposes, patient-specific medical discussions related to biological, genetic
- Also, see, patient-specific medical discussions related to biological, genetic, or epidemiological risk
Committee:
Senate Health and Welfare
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 2/24/25
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- The MnDOT assessment study also does not address project viability or feasibility.
- The MnDOT assessment study also does not address project viability or feasibility.
- The MnDOT assessment study also does not address project viability or feasibility.
- The MnDOT assessment study also does not address project viability or feasibility.
- The MnDOT assessment study also does not address project viability or feasibility.
Committee:
House Transportation Finance and Policy
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House public safety panel hears HF435 - Pt. 1 2/25/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- 1.5 it says, for the purposes of this section, female means a female as biologically determined by genetics
- and defined with determined by genetics and defined with respect<00:04:56.320><c> to</c><00:04:56.479
- actually have a sound foundation of genetics in the conversation.
- actually have a sound foundation of genetics in the conversation.
- actually have a sound foundation of genetics in the conversation.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Education Postsecondary Mar 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- IT INCLUDES THE SUNSHINE GENETICS PROGRAM WHICH WOULD BE PROGRAM THAT WOULD PROVIDE NEWBORN SCREENING
- FOR THE FLORIDA INSTITUTE FOR RARE DISEASES AND $2 MILLION IN NONRECURRING FUNDS IN THE SUNSHINE GENETICS
- IS DOCTOR DID GENETIC TESTING AND WE FOUND OUT IT WAS FRIEDRICHS ATAXIA.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Natural Resources and Water
Transcript Highlights:
- Over time, this fragmentation reduces genetic diversity, weakens populations, and increases the risk
- ... ...may not be on the front page of my tiny local newspaper, but are just as important to the viability
Committee:
Senate Natural Resources and Water
Summary:
The committee heard SB 1393, an omnibus update to the Fish and Game Code covering steelhead trout and Dungeness crab management. The author and supporters said the bill would strengthen the steelhead trout report card program, extend and refine Dungeness crab management, and clarify vessel transit rules in closed crab fishing areas. The Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, and other supporters said the measure implements long-standing task force recommendations and supports both conservation and coastal fishing communities. There was no opposition, and the bill was moved forward on a 4-0 vote to Appropriations.
The committee also heard SB 1250, which would require Caltrans to incorporate wildlife connectivity into transportation planning and asset management, set performance targets, and coordinate with wildlife agencies. Supporters from conservation, animal welfare, land trust, and local government groups said the bill would reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, improve public safety, and better integrate crossings, culverts, and fencing into routine highway projects. The California Building Industry Association moved to a neutral position after amendments clarified the bill would apply to transportation right-of-way planning and not create exactions on private property. Members discussed the bill’s relationship to Caltrans planning authority and existing funding, and it was passed to Appropriations on a 4-0 vote.
Senator Gonzalez’s SB 1268, which would codify the state’s Outdoors for All initiative, also received broad support from environmental justice, conservation, parks, and recreation groups. Testimony emphasized inequitable access to parks and nature, especially for low-income communities and communities of color, and said the bill would make the initiative more durable by placing it in statute. The chair and members spoke in favor of expanding outdoor access, and the bill was approved on a 3-0 vote with some members not yet voting.
The committee then heard three Western Joshua tree bills from Senator Ochoa Bogh. SB 1061 would streamline relocation of limited numbers of trees without fees in certain cases; SB 1062 would require proportionate or tiered mitigation fees for public utilities and agencies; and SB 1063 would create an expedited, fee-free permitting path for basic residential utility and wildfire-hardening projects. Supporters, including local water agencies, counties, and farm and business groups, said the current law imposes heavy costs on desert residents and ratepayers. Opponents, including wildlife and conservation organizations, argued the bills would weaken protections for a species they said is threatened by climate change and habitat loss, and noted that existing administrative processes are already addressing fees and permitting. After amendments, opposition was withdrawn on SB 1061 and SB 1062, and both bills advanced on 3-0 votes to Appropriations; SB 1063 remained under discussion in the portion provided.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Over time, this fragmentation reduces genetic diversity, weakens populations, and increases the risk
- ... ...may not be on the front page of my tiny local newspaper, but are just as important to the viability
Summary:
The committee heard SB 1393, an omnibus update to the Fish and Game Code covering steelhead trout and Dungeness crab management. Supporters from The Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, CalTrout, and the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations said the bill would strengthen the steelhead report card program, refine crab fishery rules, and clarify vessel transit through closed crab areas. There was no opposition, and the bill was accepted with amendments and moved on a 4-0 vote to the Appropriations Committee.
The committee also heard SB 1250, which would require Caltrans to incorporate wildlife connectivity into transportation planning and asset management, with performance targets and coordination with wildlife agencies. The author and supporters argued it would improve ecosystem connectivity, reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, and save money by integrating crossings, culverts, and fencing into planned projects. The California Building Industry Association moved to neutral after amendments clarifying the bill would apply to transportation rights-of-way and not create exactions on private property. The bill passed 4-0 to Appropriations.
Members then considered SB 1212, which would repeal California’s ban on importing and selling kangaroo products. The author argued kangaroo harvest in Australia is tightly regulated and that California’s ban is outdated, while opponents from Humane World for Animals, Animal Legal Defense Fund, and others said the bill would reopen the market to products from a cruel commercial slaughter industry and undermine long-standing wildlife protections. No motion was taken at that point. The committee also heard SB 1268, codifying the Outdoors for All initiative, which supporters said would protect and expand equitable access to parks and outdoor recreation; it advanced 3-0. Finally, the committee heard three Western Joshua Tree bills from Senator Arreguín: SB 1061, SB 1062, and SB 1063. Supporters from water agencies, local governments, and industry said the bills would reduce fees and streamline permitting for tree relocation, public infrastructure, and basic utility hookups in desert communities. Opponents withdrew or softened opposition on the first two bills after amendments, but objected to SB 1063 as too broad. SB 1061 and SB 1062 each passed 2-0 to Appropriations, while SB 1063 was still under discussion at the end of the transcript.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, the CS for HB 907 is commonly referred to as the Sunshine Genetics Act, and it gives Florida
- Eighty percent of these diseases are genetic in nature.
- Current technology would allow the Sunshine Genetics Program to screen for as many as 600 conditions
- The bill establishes Florida as a leader and creates a national Sunshine Genetics Consortium. uniting
- The Sunshine Genetics Program has the potential to save billions of dollars in healthcare costs.
Bills:
SB 2 , HB 2 , HB 2000 , HB 2196 , HB 213 , HB 222 , HB 645 , HB 1458 , HB 1022 , HB 141 , HB 502 , HB 643 , HB 3093 , HB 1700 , HB 117 , SB 503 , SB 2 , HB 120 , HB 20 , HB 150 , HB 6 , HB 100 , HB 210 , HB 215 , HB 1393 , HB 1151 , HB 1268 , HB 142 , HB 451 , HB 124 , HB 2 , HB 2000 , HB 2196 , HB 213 , HB 222 , HB 645 , HB 1458 , HB 1022 , HB 141 , HB 502 , HB 643 , HB 3093 , HB 1700 , HB 117