Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Please silence all electronic devices.
• at least a 30 day notice for any changes to any plans for the state park and that they must be electronic

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 2 is a simple amendment that just adds electronic communication to telephone solicitation candidates
• For instance, I get even now during session, I've got two people to send electronic transfers every month

Transcript Highlights:

• To members of the public and senators, please silence all electronic devices. Thank you.
• To members of the public and senators, please silence all electronic devices.

Summary: The Senate Criminal Justice Committee met with Vice Chair Smith presiding in Chair Martin’s excused absence. After opening remarks from several senators, the committee heard a presentation from Department of Corrections Secretary Ricky Dixon on the state’s incentivized prisons program and related population-management efforts. Dixon said the department now operates eight incentivized prisons, which use enhanced privileges and programming for well-behaved inmates, and reported major reductions in disciplinary reports, staff assaults, inmate-on-inmate assaults, and uses of force compared with average institutions. He also described administrative management units for more disruptive inmates, short-sentence correctional institutions for those with less than a year to serve, and a reentry strategy that places inmates closer to home within 18 months of release. Dixon said Florida’s recidivism rate has fallen to about 21 percent, among the lowest in the nation, and emphasized that staffing, programming, and facility repairs remain ongoing needs. Committee members asked about access to education and workforce training, staffing levels, contraband, technology upgrades, heating and air-conditioning maintenance, and whether incentivized prisons could be expanded. Dixon said educational access is improving but remains limited by eligibility and staffing, that the incentivized facilities are at capacity, and that expansion depends on adding more administrative management unit beds. He also said the department is increasing use of technology, improving maintenance oversight, and continuing efforts to reduce contraband and improve staff recruitment and retention. Several senators praised the department’s work and urged more funding for prison infrastructure and officer pay. Public testimony largely supported the incentivized prisons model while calling for more seats, better staffing, and broader reforms. Family members of incarcerated people said the facilities were safer, more stable, and better for rehabilitation, though they asked for more programming, better treatment by staff, and clearer access to education and release-related opportunities. A Florida PBA representative emphasized that programs can only succeed with safe staffing levels and better pay and retention for correctional officers. No formal committee vote or bill action was taken, and the meeting ended after public testimony and closing remarks.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members and members of the audience, please silence all electronic devices at this time.
• Members and members of the audience, please silence all electronic devices at this time.

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from Dr. Kelly O’Dare on first responder behavioral health access, peer support, and suicide prevention. She described UCF Restores, the Second Alarm Project, and related partnerships that provide culturally competent treatment, peer training, clinician education, disaster response support, and behavioral health navigation. She cited survey and state data showing significant rates of sleep problems, anxiety, depression, substance use, and suicide among Florida first responders, and said evidence-based treatment has helped many patients recover, including a reported 76% who no longer met PTSD diagnostic criteria after treatment. Senators asked about measuring outcomes, peer support standards, and whether the state should create more consistent statewide requirements; O’Dare said peer support training must be specialized, linked to higher levels of care, and supported by sustainable funding and statewide coordination. The committee also heard from a public commenter who supported the work and emphasized the need for adequate resources and peer support infrastructure. The committee then received a Department of Children and Families presentation from Casey Penn on the proposed funding methodology for community-based care lead agencies under HB 7089. Penn explained that the new model is intended to be actuarially based, reimbursement-oriented, and more transparent than prior funding approaches, using historical expenditures, standardized reporting, and two main tiers: Tier 1 for largely fixed administrative and operational costs, and Tier 2 for direct child-serving costs based on per-child-per-month blended rates. He said the model includes a 2% risk corridor for Tier 2, hold-harmless funding in the first year, and optional Tier 3 performance incentives, with an estimated additional state appropriation need after offsets. Senators raised concerns about prevention, historical inequities, reasonableness of costs, administrative overhead, blended state and federal funds, adoption subsidies, high-acuity placements, and disaster-related disruptions. Penn said some of those issues could be addressed in future iterations as the child welfare information system is modernized, and he agreed to provide written responses to committee questions. Representatives of the Florida Coalition for Children and CBCs responded that the model is a major improvement but urged additional safeguards, including an administrative cap, clearer separation of direct and indirect costs, and better treatment of federal and pass-through funds. They argued that the system already has oversight and that deficits reflect insufficient appropriations rather than excess spending, while also noting that higher-acuity children and regional differences can drive costs. No votes were taken on either topic, and the meeting ended with committee staff introductions and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• All amendments shall be filed electronically in the office of the Clerk of the Senate by 3:00 p.m. on

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate took up several bills on final passage and third reading, including measures on retirement benefits for a former Attleboro firefighter, maintenance of private roads in Gloucester, expanding a board of health from three to five members, and amendments to the Middleton charter. These bills were passed to be enacted. The Senate also adopted a series of congratulatory resolutions honoring Eagle Scouts Jack Goodwin, Charles Goodman, Liam LaCroix, Milo James Angel Burke, Harrison Aver, and Keziah Jane Reed. The chamber then advanced a number of local and special legislation items, including a bill allowing Somerset to prohibit water fluoridation, a Fairhaven charter bill amended on the floor, a Boston easements/land takings measure, a Lancaster bill dissolving its animal control commission, an Orange annual town meeting bill, and a Dedham-Westwood Water District creditable service bill. Several committee reports were taken up under suspension of the rules, including orders extending committee reporting deadlines for Labor and Workforce Development and Transportation, and sick leave bank bills for Greg Pinkerton and Stephanie Rivera were ordered to a third reading. The Senate also considered a Ways and Means report on House No. 5316, a bill promoting rule of law, oversight, trust, and equal constitutional treatment, with a new text amendment based on Senate Document No. 3072. An order was adopted setting the bill for second reading on May 7, 2026, with amendment filing deadlines and procedures specified. The Senate adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Dorothy Bonfanti and then adjourned to meet again on Monday at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities; the petition of Tommy Vitolo relative to electronic

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted a congratulatory resolution honoring Oxford Fire Chief Laurent R. McDonald for 45 years of public service. Members also adopted an order creating a special joint committee on initiative petitions to review petitions transmitted by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. In addition, House Bill 862, providing for the recall of elected officers in the town of Sharon, was passed to be enacted. The House then acted on several procedural and scheduling matters. It suspended Joint Rule 12 to send three petitions to committee, and the Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling reported a group of local and special bills for consideration, including measures on home insurers and tree removal, housing for families with pets, public safety in Stoneham, community housing funds in Chatham, the Provincetown rental housing trust fund, a disability pension for Christopher Taylor, and a sick leave bank for Sonia Felix. These bills were ordered to a third reading. The House also welcomed visiting students from Four Rivers Charter Public School and the Medfield Girls Soccer State Champions. On third reading, the House passed to be engrossed four police-age waiver bills for Antonio Perez, Sherell Malas, Jonathan Telford, and Jose Ortiz, all directing the Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement. The chamber also observed a moment of silent tribute for the late Honorable Francis J. Larkin of Hopedale, recognizing his long career in public service, law, and education. Finally, the House adopted an order to meet again Monday at 11 a.m. and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Wright: PLEASE FINANCE ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES IF YOU HAVE THEM.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please silence all electronic devices.

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum present and took up three measures. First, it considered SB 160 on public accountancy, which would create additional pathways to CPA licensure in Florida without lowering standards. The committee adopted a technical amendment clarifying the licensure application process and effective date, heard a waiver in support from the Florida Institute of CPAs, and then reported the committee substitute favorably by roll call. Next, the committee heard SB 344 on telecommunications access system modernization. The bill updates the Telecommunications Access System Act of 1991 to reflect newer technology, revise outdated terms, broaden eligibility for the advisory committee, and implement recommendations from the Public Service Commission. After adopting a technical amendment, the committee heard supportive testimony from Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc., including comments that the law is outdated, landline use is declining, and the system should accommodate wireless and other modern accessibility options. The committee then reported the committee substitute favorably. Finally, the committee considered SPB 706, a proposed committee bill on public records and meetings exemptions for NG-911 systems. The bill continues exemptions for certain building plans, maps, and related records and meetings involving 911 and public safety communications infrastructure, while updating the language to include next-generation 911 systems and extending the exemption review period to October 2, 2030. After no questions or debate, Senator Calatayud moved to submit the proposal as a committee bill, the motion was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably as a committee bill. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 1 allows the Campaign Finance Board to access and use data about the program in the electronic
• Section 2 establishes requirements for the Campaign Finance Board's operation of electronic filing of
• Section 1 allows the Campaign Finance Board to access and use data about the program in the electronic
• Section 2 establishes requirements for the Campaign Finance Board's operation of electronic filing of
• refund exceeding the maximum refund amount and allowing a person to file a refund claim using the electronic

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, you know, if a report just comes in electronically and it gets filed away, and someone doesn't take
• > comes<01:20:28.000> in know if report just comes in know if report just comes in electronically
• and it gets filed away electronically and it gets filed away electronically<01:20:31.000> and
• <01:20:31.120> someone<01:20:31.400> doesn't<01:20:31.600> take electronically and
• someone doesn't take electronically and someone doesn't take the<01:20:31.880> time<01:20:32.000

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All amendments shall be filed electronically in the office of the clerk of the Senate by 2 o'clock p.m

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate met in informal session, beginning with recognition of the Masconomet Regional High School girls varsity soccer team, the 2004 MIAA Division 2 state champions, along with coaches, staff, and visiting House members. Senators offered praise for the team’s accomplishments and presented citations, noting the chamber was in informal session to satisfy the constitutional requirement to meet every 72 hours and to handle limited procedural business before a later budget debate. The Senate then adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Christian Jose Fildago Barros, a young child who had battled a rare neuroblastoma and died on January 13. A moment of silence was observed in his memory. The main legislative action concerned House Bill 58, a fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill. Senator Rodrigues offered an amendment to replace the bill’s text with Senate Document 16, and the Senate suspended the rules to take up an order setting the bill for a second reading on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, with amendments due electronically by 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11. The order was adopted, placing H.58 on the Orders of the Day for Wednesday. The Senate also adopted an order to meet again on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. in formal session, then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Witnesses, please be sure to register using electronic witness registration system accessible on the

Transcript Highlights:

• Please silence all your electronic devices. I see that, Senator Burgess. Thanks for joining us.

Summary: The Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security met with a quorum and took up two bills. First, it heard SCS for SB 348, which would make it an ethics violation for a public official, candidate, or appointee to falsely claim military rank or honors for material gain, and would also require withholding delinquent ethics fines from the paychecks of current public officials or employees after 90 days. Senator Gates presented the bill, the Florida Commission on Ethics supported it, and members discussed the wage-withholding process. The committee voted the bill favorably. The committee then considered SB 400, which removes the repeal date from Florida’s participation in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, making the compact permanent unless later repealed by the Legislature. Senator Wright explained that the compact helps military families with school transitions, and a representative from Foundation for Florida’s Future waived in support. The committee voiced support and voted SB 400 favorably. After completing both measures, the committee had no further business and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you've not done so already, please silence your electronic devices.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Ethics and Elections met with a quorum present and took up two bills. First, it heard SB 72 by Senator Berman, which would allow candidates to use campaign funds for dependent child care expenses incurred while actively campaigning, with limits to prevent use for general family living costs and a requirement to keep records for at least three years. The League of Women Voters appeared in support, and Senator Rouson joked about whether the bill should also cover dependent pets. The bill was reported favorably by committee vote. The committee then considered SB 348 by Chair Gaetz, dealing with ethics violations related to falsely claiming military rank or honors for material gain and with collection of delinquent ethics fines. Gaetz explained that the bill would make such false claims a violation of the Florida Code of Ethics and authorize penalties including censure, fines, and possible removal recommendations; it would also allow public employers to withhold pay to satisfy unpaid ethics penalties. Senator Bradley asked for clarification that “material gain” includes political and professional benefits, not just money, and the chair confirmed that it does. An amendment defining delinquent penalties as unpaid 90 days after imposition was adopted, and the Florida Commission on Ethics spoke in support of the bill’s salary-withholding provisions and expanded jurisdiction. Senator Collins, a veteran, strongly supported the anti-stolen-valor section. The committee then reported CS for SB 348 favorably and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, Senator Pelton, concerning the use of an electronic... Mr.
• House Bill 1041, Electronic Vehicle Records.
• The intent of this bill is to allow for the use of electronic certificates of title for all transactions
• <00:40:52.480> Vehicle House Bill 26 1041, Electronic Vehicle House Bill 26 1041, Electronic
• security through electronic security through electronic recordkeeping<00:41:28.720> in<00

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, and approved the journal from February 4, 2026. Members then took up resolutions out of order, including Senate Joint Resolution 9 recognizing Missing Persons Day. Supporters described the scale of missing-person cases in Colorado and nationally, emphasized the role of families, law enforcement, and the public, and noted the importance of prompt investigations and technology. The resolution was adopted on a 58-0 vote, with seven excused. The chamber then moved to special orders and considered House Bill 1041, concerning electronic vehicle records and electronic certificates of title. The committee report was adopted after an amendment clarifying that any party to a vehicle transaction may request a paper or electronic title. Supporters said the bill would reduce delays, costs, and administrative burdens while preserving ownership and lienholder protections and keeping paper titles available as the default. The bill passed the House unanimously. Finally, the House began consideration of House Bill 1038 on county commissioner redistricting. The sponsor outlined seven committee amendments addressing county commissioner authority, outdated hearing references, competitiveness language, legislative declaration wording, elector standing to challenge maps, a correction to the competitiveness formula, and a bill-number fix. Debate then focused on amendment L10, which would remove the word “integrity” from the short title; supporters said the term could imply wrongdoing, while opponents wanted to keep it. L10 failed on a voice vote. Members then moved to amendment L8, which would carve out smaller counties from the bill’s redistricting requirements; discussion began, but the transcript cuts off before a final vote on that amendment or the bill itself.

Transcript Highlights:

• experiences and my background are unique, encompassing national security, economics, analytics, electronic
• other means, which creates a gray area where there's brief pings of information but not prolonged electronic
• brief pings of information but not brief pings of information but not prolonged<02:04:24.960> electronic
• <02:04:25.520> monitoring<02:04:26.000> that prolonged electronic monitoring that prolonged
• electronic monitoring that reveals<02:04:26.719> detailed<02:04:27.280> patterns<02:04

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and received committee and House messages before moving into third reading and final passage on several bills. Early action included passage of House Bill 1318, which concerns traffic safety near schools; Senator Cutter offered and the chamber adopted a third-reading amendment naming it the Liam Stewart School Zone Act in honor of a child killed in a traffic accident near a school. The bill then passed 33-1. The chamber also passed Senate Bill 134 on payment card network fees, and laid over Senate Bill 17 until April 30. The Senate then considered Senate Bill 45 on workforce development opportunities in Colorado’s nuclear sector, Senate Bill 91 on excluding certain printed news deliverers from employee definitions under labor law, Senate Bill 114 on spirituous liquor manufacturer sales rooms, Senate Bill 162 on releasing healthcare test results to patients, Senate Bill 23 on school finance, Senate Bill 93 on workers’ compensation coverage compliance, Senate Bill 155 on homeowners insurance availability, Senate Bill 146 on restricting single-use food service ware, and Senate Bill 156 on State Workforce Development Council practices. Most of these bills passed, with recorded opposition on several measures: SB 91 passed 26-8, SB 114 passed 31-3, SB 162 passed 29-5, SB 93 passed 19-15, SB 155 passed 22-12, SB 146 passed 20-14, and SB 156 passed 32-2. SB 23, the school finance act, drew broad support and passed 34-0 after multiple senators emphasized education funding priorities and constitutional obligations. During debate, senators highlighted policy rationales and personal stories. On SB 162, Senator Weissman explained his no vote as a patient-autonomy concern despite acknowledging the bill’s earnest intent. On SB 23, supporters said the bill preserved and strengthened K-12 funding, while one senator argued schools should do better on safety and teacher pay. On SB 155, supporters said the homeowners insurance bill could help change market direction and improve affordability. On SB 156, Senator Marchman described the bill’s focus on out-of-school youth and the need to connect young people who are not in education, employment, or training with workforce supports. The Senate also began special-order second reading of consent-calendar bills, adopted the committee reports, and advanced House Bill 1313 on affordable housing fund requirements with amendments related to Prop 123 implementation and stakeholder processes.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:20:36.640> using EVV is used also so we're using EVV is used also so we're using electronic
• visit<00:20:37.840> moni<00:20:38.320> visit<00:20:38.880> verification electronic
• visit moni visit verification electronic visit moni visit verification with<00:20:40.159> these
• So now when the staff goes to bill, they use EVV, or electronic visit verification, to make sure they
• So now when the staff goes to bill, they use EVV, or electronic visit verification, to make sure they

Bills: HF3797, HF3780, HF4068, HF3935

Keywords: long-term care, insurance policy, healthcare, partnership policy, Minnesota, human services, wage increase, support workers, shared services, community first services, medical assistance, sanctions, healthcare services, monetary recovery, government accountability, assisted living, training, unlicensed personnel, resident rights, safety regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• This measure prohibits entities from distributing unsolicited mail or electronic mail that employs high-pressure
• This measure prohibits entities from distributing unsolicited mail or electronic mail that employs high-pressure
• a verb publication when used as a verb typically<01:41:46.400> includes<01:41:47.040> electronic
• typically includes electronic posting. typically includes electronic posting.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures. HB 1957, relating to safe entryways, would create enforcement procedures in large cities to prevent personal property from blocking private doorways or entrances. The Department of the Attorney General supported the concept but recommended moving the offense to the criminal code, adding clearer definitions to avoid vagueness, and including notice, inventory, storage, and property-disposition procedures to address constitutional concerns. No other testimony was offered and no questions were raised. HB 25003/HB 253, relating to fireworks, would expand civil asset forfeiture for certain fireworks offenses, revise the definition of aerial device, and clarify air-delivery offenses. The Attorney General supported the bill but suggested removing the 25-pound weight threshold to avoid unequal treatment of similar offenses. The Department of Law Enforcement also supported the measure, saying it would improve clarity for evolving fireworks investigations and prosecutions. The committee took no action during testimony. HB 2137, relating to artificial intelligence, would prohibit certain harmful uses of realistic AI-generated digital imitations, require disclosures, and create civil remedies and fines. The Commission on the Status of Women supported the bill, while the Hawaiian Islands Republican Women opposed it on First Amendment grounds. The Motion Picture Association, Recording Industry Association of America, and SAG-AFTRA also opposed the bill but said they preferred a different framework, the federal “No Fakes” model, and were willing to work with the committee on amendments. The Attorney General had suggested constitutional amendments, which the chair said would be considered later. The committee also heard HB 2198 on prediction markets, with the Honolulu prosecutor strongly supporting inclusion of prediction markets in the gambling definition because of concerns about speculative betting on events and national security-related outcomes. HB 1511 on consumer protection drew support from the Office of Consumer Protection and the Insurance Division, with OCP proposing clearer disclosure for license and registration renewal solicitations. HB 1897 on condominium alternative dispute resolution received supportive comments from the Real Estate Commission and CI. HB 1642 on crypto kiosks drew strong support from OCP and AARP Hawaii for a ban on kiosks accepting U.S. currency, but opposition from Hill Ventures, which argued for regulation and guardrails instead of a ban. HB 1753 on social media account deletion received supportive comments from DCCA on clarifying deletion of unique identifiers and inferences. HB 1654 on anonymous complaints against public employees drew strong opposition from the Attorney General over implementation and due process concerns, while the Government Employees Association supported it as a way to screen baseless complaints; the committee then moved on to HB 1659 on collective bargaining, with testimony beginning as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• the current language, what we're going to do is amend the bill to require associations to provide electronic
• We're just going to add on, as I mentioned in the previous hearing, that electronic production requirement
• bill to require associations<00:02:20.800> to<00:02:21.120> provide<00:02:21.520> electronic
• associations to provide electronic associations to provide electronic copies<00:02:22.560> of

Bills: SB3275, SB3105

Keywords: cannabis, low-dose, personal use, cultivation, cannabis accessories, Hawaii cannabis law, medical cannabis, physician assistant, licensure compact, medical services, interstate practice, healthcare portability, military families, licensing authority, 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection reconsidered two condominium bills and adopted recommendations to pass both with amendments. For SB 2433, members approved amendments clarifying that condominium unit owners’ interests are to be recognized and protected in educational and related programs by the Real Estate Commission and DCCA, while making technical changes and changing the effective date. For SB 2838, the committee replaced the bill’s broader substantive language with a narrower requirement that associations provide electronic copies of specified documents, including master leases, reserve studies, audited financial statements, contracts, leases, and other agreements, along with technical changes and an amended effective date. Both measures were adopted unanimously by the members present, with Senator McKelvey excused. The committee then heard SB 2710 on animal issues, which would define and regulate dog breeders, set care standards, create county licensing authority, require records, and establish an animal abuser registry and related penalties. Testimony was mixed: the Public Defender and the American Kennel Club opposed the bill, arguing for stronger enforcement of existing laws rather than harsher penalties and warning that the bill would burden responsible breeders; the Hawaiian Humane Society supported the bill’s breeder regulation and registry provisions but urged removal of the hoarding section; and the committee noted 26 written testimonies in support, 14 in opposition, and four comments. In decision-making, the committee passed SB 2710 with amendments that blanked the license fee, deleted the animal abuser registry and shelter/pet store/breeder compliance checks, struck the hoarding provisions and proposed criminal penalty changes, and made technical changes with a deferred effective date. The committee also heard SB 2209 on rental discrimination, which would allow attorney’s fees to a prevailing party in source-of-income discrimination cases, and SB 2884, which would create a nonrefundable income tax credit for wind-resistant retrofits or hurricane shelters. The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission supported SB 2209, and the committee later passed it with a deferred effective date. SB 2884 drew support from DCCA’s Insurance Division, the Department of Taxation, HEMA, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, and a public witness who urged hurricane preparedness; it was passed with the Department of Taxation’s proposed amendments and a deferred effective date. Finally, the committee heard SB 2922 on cooperative associations, which would create a general cooperative associations framework. DCCA offered comments, while the Hawaii Co-op Hui, Purple Maya Foundation, Enliven Cooperative, and Hawaii Farmers Union supported the measure and argued that current law is too limited for worker, producer, and multi-stakeholder co-ops. After discussion about using the existing chapter 421C structure rather than creating a new regulatory scheme, the committee passed SB 2922 with amendments adopting changes proposed in testimony from the Hawaii Farmers Union and deferred the effective date.

Transcript Highlights:

• And furthermore, anybody who says there isn't a remedy right now for electronic and public accommodations
• And furthermore, anybody who says there isn't a remedy right now for electronic and public accommodations
• And furthermore, anybody who says there isn't a remedy right now for electronic and public accommodations
• And furthermore, anybody who says there isn't a remedy right now for electronic and public accommodations
• And furthermore, anybody who says there isn't a remedy right now for electronic and public accommodations

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint HHS and LBT meeting opened with accessibility concerns, as several blind attendees arrived after the general public had already been seated. The chair apologized and said future hearings would try to seat blind members earlier. The committee also announced the hearing was being streamed on YouTube, testimony would be limited to one minute, and written testimony was available online. The first bill heard was SB 2281, relating to the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare. The Department of Health supported transparency for patients but preferred disclosure through provider websites and office signage rather than a new regulatory program. The Hawaii Medical Association and Healthcare Association of Hawaii generally supported the bill’s intent but raised concerns about administrative burden and suggested a working group or model policies. Hawaii Pacific Health said it already uses AI for note-taking and patient portal functions and worried that written notice requirements could create too much consumer information. In response, the chair emphasized that patients should be informed when AI is used, especially if it affects diagnosis or consequential decisions, and said AI should not be making medical decisions. The committee later voted to recommend SB 2281 pass with amendments, including narrowing the definition of consequential decisions, removing certain language requested by DOH, adding a two-year implementation period, and setting a far-future defective date for further discussion; both committees adopted the recommendation, with the chair voting aye and the vice chair voting with reservations. The second major bill was SB 2852, a civil rights measure focused on digital access for people with disabilities. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, and the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii all supported the bill, arguing that existing law clearly protects physical access but should also make digital access explicit. Blind testifiers described how accessible technology, such as VoiceOver on iPhones, allows them to participate independently in public processes and warned that inaccessible digital systems can create barriers for thousands of blind residents. One testifier, an attorney with disability-law experience, supported the bill’s intent but said the draft had flaws, including no exceptions for archived materials, no distinction between small and large businesses, and concerns about the timing and choice of accessibility standards; he suggested delegating regulatory authority to the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission. The bill’s sponsor said he supported DAB’s proposed amendments, and the committee indicated those amendments would address many of the concerns raised. No final vote on SB 2852 was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up SB 2751, which defines compounded prescription drugs for workers’ compensation purposes. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations supported the bill but requested clarifying amendments to keep pharmacists as the primary professionals authorized to compound in licensed pharmacies and to limit any physician compounding authority to the physician’s own patient. Supporters included the Work Injury Medical Association of Hawaii, while Solera Integrated Medical Solutions opposed the measure, arguing the current definition was already broad enough and warning about cost inflation, especially with 503B bulk compounding facilities and physician dispensing. In questioning, members asked about rural access, reimbursement for 503B products, and late testimony suggesting definitions for 503A and 503B facilities, limits on physician dispensing to 30 days post-injury, and pre-approval for non-FDA-approved drugs. DLIR said not every rural community has licensed pharmacists available, that products with a national drug code are reimbursed at 140%, and that 503B facilities raise concerns because they are bulk manufacturers rather than patient-specific compounding operations. The meeting then moved into decision-making on SB 2281; the chair’s pass-with-amendments recommendation was adopted by both committees, with the vice chair voting with reservations.