Transcript Highlights:

• communities communities so<00:39:14.000> what<00:39:14.119> we<00:39:14.240> did
• disproportionately impact uh communities disproportionately impact uh communities that<00:44:53.440
• being applied close to the communities being applied close to the communities or<00:47:45.960>
• Thank you, Chair. low level of Education in the community low level of Education in the community that
• made a reference to unhealthy Community made a reference to unhealthy Community can<01:14:48.920

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint informational briefing focused on restricted use pesticides in Hawaiʻi, with Senate and House members opening the meeting and explaining that the session was intended to hear expert presentations and community concerns. Fern Holland outlined the background for the briefing, describing how restricted use pesticides differ from general-use products, why state-level regulation matters, and how community advocates have sought disclosure and protections for years. She summarized 2019 reporting data, saying a small number of users accounted for most reported use, with especially heavy application in North Central Oʻahu and on the west side of Kauaʻi. She highlighted concerns about applications near schools, homes, and coastlines, and identified 1,3-dichloropropene and metam sodium as among the heaviest-used fumigants. She also noted concerns about highly hazardous pesticides, some banned in other countries, and the lack of research on long-term combined exposure to multiple pesticides. Greg Takashima of the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture described the department’s pesticide program and regulatory authority under FIFRA and state law. He explained the distinction between general-use and restricted use pesticides, the certification requirements for applicators, and the department’s role in tracking RUPs from sale through use. He reviewed the branch’s functions in enforcement, education and certification, registration and technical review, and laboratory analysis, including inspections, complaint response, market surveillance, product registration, groundwater review, and outreach on drift reduction and integrated pest management. He also noted staffing and funding limitations, saying the branch lacks a toxicologist and long-term monitoring capacity, and compared Hawaiʻi’s resources to California’s much larger pesticide regulatory program. Takashima thanked the legislature for passing Act 231 the prior year and said the department supports the measure as it moves forward this session. Dr. Lee, speaking for the Hawaiʻi chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and as a former member of the Kauaʻi Joint Fact-Finding Task Force, said pediatric guidance has shifted from focusing on acute poisoning to recognizing chronic low-level pesticide exposure as a concern. He cited AAP publications linking pesticide exposure to cancer, brain tumors, leukemia, birth outcomes, neurobehavioral effects, and asthma, and said pediatricians are now encouraged to advise families on reducing exposure and to support right-to-know measures and buffer zones around schools and public gathering places. He also described the Kauaʻi task force’s work, saying it found the west side of the island to be an unhealthy community but could not prove causation because of missing drift, geospatial, and biomarker data. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational, questions were held until after presentations, and the department expressed support for Act 231.

Transcript Highlights:

• Communication is discussed in this group. Again, just misinformation.
• He's communicating with us about different levels of write-ups.
• Good morning, Madam Chair, and community members.
• Community as early as day one.
• So these are inmates that are in the community.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• relocate the quiet community relocate the quiet community correctional<00:07:46.000> center.
• Correctional<00:09:02.720> Center the Maui Community Correctional Center the Maui Community
• > Center, Hawaii Community Correctional Center, Hawaii Community Correctional Center, the<00:09
• <00:15:16.959> Kawaii for the new community Kawaii for the new community Kawaii Correctional
• in the community. in the community. >> Thank<00:52:55.839> you.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• so they can but go to our community so they can equally<00:41:11.480> share<00:41:12.079>
• to make sure that the money communities to make sure that the money that<00:42:30.359> is<00:
• groups as well as to the community groups as well as to the agencies<00:42:35.079> that<00:42
• across the state, really highlighting the need of inclusion for a community grant program.
• in collaboration with um Community in collaboration with um Community Partners<01:01:29.960>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I have a sense of community and security.
• I have a sense of community and security.
• I work for Community HealthLink in Worcester. I began working there in 2009.
• I work directly with children and their caregivers in the community.
• We bring them to community events and make their lives more manageable.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Health Care Financing held a public hearing focused largely on senior long-term care issues, family caregiving, post-acute care access, and direct care workforce pay. Testimony strongly supported bills to raise the personal needs allowance for nursing home and rest home residents (including H. 1411, S. 482, and related bills), with speakers from Mass Senior Action, Dignity Alliance, nursing home residents, providers, and former state officials arguing that the current $72.80 monthly allowance has been unchanged since 2008 and is inadequate for basic items like clothing, toiletries, haircuts, and transportation. Witnesses also backed bills to increase MassHealth asset and income limits for seniors and to stop counting life insurance as cash, describing the current rules as outdated and harmful to low-income elders. The committee also heard testimony on bills allowing family members, including spouses and guardians, to be paid caregivers (H. 1394/S. 886), with supporters saying this would help families keep loved ones at home and reduce reliance on costly institutional care. Another set of bills (H. 1412/S. 903) drew support from a physician who said clearer MassHealth communication and improved post-acute care determination processes would help reduce delays and backlogs for patients awaiting skilled nursing, rehabilitation, or other post-acute placement. Several speakers emphasized that better home- and community-based care can prevent hospital readmissions and support independence. A major portion of the hearing focused on S. 877, which would establish an enhanced care worker minimum wage of $25 per hour, indexed to inflation, for certain home care and human services workers. Union representatives and direct care workers from SEIU Local 509, 1199 SEIU, and the AFL-CIO described severe staffing shortages, burnout, low wages, and high turnover across home care, mental health, disability services, and crisis response. They argued that higher pay is necessary to recruit and retain workers and to stabilize services for vulnerable residents. Committee members asked about costs, comparisons with other states, and whether non-wage incentives could help, but witnesses repeatedly said wages were the central issue. The hearing concluded after all registered testimony was heard, with the committee noting it would continue accepting written testimony and then adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Community schools. Thank you for your support with community schools.
• Community schools lead to improved learning, stronger families, and healthier communities.
• It's communication still. I will continue.
• Certainly, community schools.
• I'm pleased that we put lots of money into community schools, but starting to implement those as community-based

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SENATORS, THE RURAL COMMUNITIES ARE FULL OF OPPORTUNITIES.
• IT CONNECTS RURAL COMMUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES THAT ARE AT THE STATE AND FEDERAL LEVELS.
• ARE RECENT ENDEAVORS FOR THE LIVE HEALTHY INITIATIVES IN RURAL COMMUNITIES.
• FROM THE SKYLINES OF MIAMI TO THE BEAUTIFUL BEACH COMMUNITIES BUT OUR RURAL COMMUNITIES AND MAKE UP THE
• THAT IS THE WAY IT SHOULD BE WHEN WE START TALKING ABOUT THESE COMMUNITIES.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• when members of the campus community receive threats to their physical safety.
• and keep them within our community.
• Medical professionals into our community and keep them within our community, and that is one of the goals
• and keep them within our community. medical professionals into our community and keep them within our
• We've seen our community investment skyrocket.

Bills: S0176, S0816

Keywords: campus safety, higher education, university safety, college safety, student safety, threat assessment, violence prevention, credible threat, campus security, law enforcement notification, emergency response, public universities, Florida College System, student conduct, workplace violence, security escorts, incident reporting, title IX-like safety procedures, institutional safety policy, school violence

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to hear two bills and several confirmation appointments. Senate Bill 176, as amended, required public universities to maintain and publicize clear campus safety policies and reporting procedures for threats to students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Senator Polsky said the bill was intended to close a gap in postsecondary safety guidance and mirror K-12 requirements. The committee adopted the amendment without objection, heard supportive comments about campus safety, and reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard Senate Bill 116, which would codify the University of Florida Diabetes Institute in statute to support research, prevention, education, collaboration, and outreach on diabetes; the bill drew supportive testimony from AARP and others and was also reported favorably. The committee then took up confirmations for multiple university and college boards of trustees. Nominees and appointees testified about their backgrounds and priorities, including FIU trustee Nestor Plana, UNF trustee Clarence Stephen Moore, UCF trustees Mark Philburn and Alan Flores, USF trustees Rick Piccolo and Nancy Watkins Hemingway, and Miami Dade College trustee Ismarie Monreal, among others. Their remarks emphasized student success, research growth, workforce development, financial stewardship, and institutional goals such as engineering, cybersecurity, health care, and preeminence. Several members asked about NCLEX nursing pass rates and university performance metrics, and one public commenter raised concerns about campus climate and student safety at UCF. After hearing the appointees and public comment, the committee voted to confirm the group of nominees in a block and reported the confirmations favorably. The meeting concluded without further business after a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• Albritton: MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR OR OTHER EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS. >> NONE ON THE DESK.
• MOTION IS ADOPTED, READ THE BILL. >> SENATE BILL 250 ENTITLED AN ACT RELATING TO RURAL COMMUNITIES.
• SUPPORTING POLICIES THAT STRENGTHEN THOSE COMMUNITIES IS AT THE CORE OF WHO WE ARE.
• YOUR HEART AND YOUR PASSION FOR OUR RURAL COMMUNITIES KNOWS NO BOUNDS.
• A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY IN THESE RURAL COMMUNITIES SO I'M TREMENDOUSLY THANKFUL.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But what about our tribal communities?
• However, in terms of community and community access to that, you definitely have linkages funding and
• Back to community school language, what's the idea of community schools?
• It would be very important to hear from your communities.
• . community that still figures it out.

Transcript Highlights:

• communication loop. communication loop.
• Thank you. communities. But today, we are drifting communities.
• <00:43:43.520> We communities of their choice. We communities of their choice.
• In a community.
• <01:33:33.920> I in my community. My case is complex. I in my community.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• local issue and because your community local issue and because your community is<00:39:09.040>
• To me, that... the the microwave communication system the the microwave communication system is<03:24
• <03:32:56.080> is further but anyway communication is further but anyway communication is
• <03:47:36.520> DNS the Consolidated Communications DNS the Consolidated Communications DNS
• This position in the communities is a Group II position now, so we’re not going to attract community

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up HB 713, which would require mile markers on Route 112, the Kancamagus Highway. The sponsor and DOT testimony described the road as a heavily traveled but isolated corridor with little or no cell or radio service, frequent accidents and breakdowns, and serious public-safety problems when emergency responders cannot quickly locate incidents. Members discussed where markers should be placed, how frequently they should appear, whether both sides of the road should be marked, and the potential cost; DOT said the project could be done with federal funds and might be combined with other work to reduce mobilization costs. The committee agreed the bill was straightforward and voted OTP 18-0, with discussion that a friendly amendment might be offered later to refine the language. The committee then heard HB 563, concerning calculation of adequate education grants. Testimony explained that the bill would add fiscal capacity disparity aid in FY 27 and increase the special education differentiated aid factor, while also reducing extraordinary needs grants so the overall fiscal impact would be net neutral. Members noted the changes were limited to the second year because of the budget process and school district ballot timing. Supporters argued the fiscal capacity aid would help property-poor towns and should be expanded, while others emphasized the bill’s budget-neutral structure. The committee voted to retain HB 563 for further consideration in the budget process. Finally, the committee opened HB 675, which would limit the authority of school districts to make certain appropriations. A Derry resident and former local official testified in favor, arguing that property taxes are too high, that school spending has outpaced town-side tax caps, and that local voters should have more control over school budgets. Committee members questioned whether the issue should instead be handled locally through existing processes or broader governance changes, and one member noted the state’s constitutional obligation to provide an adequate education. The discussion continued, but no final action on HB 675 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• These eighth graders represent the future of our communities.
• Communications from the House.
• a condition that comes with communication challenges.
• The clerk will communicate the action to the House.
• Clerk will communicate the action Senate to the House.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approval, and numerous guest introductions, including students, community leaders, food bank representatives, and visitors connected to Hunger Free West Virginia Day. A resolution recognizing March 10, 2026, as Hunger Free West Virginia Day was adopted, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 7 on the Southern West Virginia water crisis was referred to the Rules Committee. The chamber also heard remarks highlighting Hunger Free West Virginia’s work and a West Virginia company, Unigen, developing pharmaceutical manufacturing in the state. The Senate concurred with House amendments and passed several measures, including Senate Bill 467 on enforcement of Purple Heart parking spaces, Senate Bill 712 on cattle guards on certain public roads, and Senate Bill 781, a supplemental appropriation measure that was also made effective from passage. The chamber then adopted and passed Senate Bill 844, a large supplemental appropriation to the Department of Human Services, and Senate Bill 87, a supplemental appropriation to the Department of Commerce, both effective from passage. Other third-reading bills passed included the Blue Envelope Program for drivers with autism, dementia, or intellectual and developmental disabilities; coverage for scalp cooling systems during chemotherapy; expansion of sex-offender registration to include solicitation of a minor and non-consensual disclosure of private images; child safety reporting requirements for school personnel; age-verification requirements for websites hosting harmful sexual material; free Gold Star parent vehicle registration; online training and updated standards for sanitarians; sheriff hiring authority; organ donor registration through voter registration; a Cold Case Task Force; abandoned vehicle title procedures; nutrition continuing education for physicians; special plate rules; gift card fraud offenses; protections for athletic officials; in-year school personnel movement; administrative services powers; pharmacy benefit manager regulation; vape shop regulation; reduced parole supervision fees; disability service credit for certain troopers; property valuation reporting changes; and quarterly Hope Scholarship payments. The Senate also advanced a large number of House bills and committee substitutes on second reading, including supplemental appropriations and measures on mental health examinations, dog registration rules, juvenile jurisdiction on military installations, military interpersonal violence, kinship care subsidies, a statewide prevention plan, contraband smuggling into federal prisons, forestry equipment levy treatment, and Commerce Department rules for microgrid districts and high-impact data centers. Several committee amendments were adopted, and many bills were advanced to third reading without objection. No executive communications were reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that was done to help those in rural communities... ...finance administration.
• And that was done to help those in rural communities, in tribal communities, and those that just don't
• Her and Antonio are out in the community verifying projects.
• Most of our communities are at risk. suppression system.
• Most of our communities are at risk. Most of our communities are at risk.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , tribal communities.
• And I know there are many in our community that are members of Indigenous communities that are not recognized
• They are doing their jobs to protect our communities.
• on electronic communication device, child solicitation by electronic communication device has a similar
• , and electronic communications is defined as communication transmitted by means of an electronic device

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Creating professional opportunities and vital community engagement.
• Rural communities must have access to these funds.
• , give back to the community, we can all come here.
• I come from a community, many of you come from communities. communities that are referred to as sacrifice
• And she was going to our local community college.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• along to our communities.
• along to our communities.
• along to our communities.
• along to our communities.
• <00:13:54.160> or<00:13:54.480> to<00:13:54.720> the community or to the community

Keywords: 00:25 Call to Order/Roll Call 01:36 Discussion of 25RS SB 153 23:11 Roll Call Vote on 25RS SB 153 30:56 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Health Services met on March 14, 2025, and took up a committee substitute for Senate Bill 153. The substitute deleted the original bill language and replaced it with provisions from Senate Bill 14, aimed at prohibiting pharmaceutical manufacturers from discriminating against 340B covered entities and adding reporting requirements for those entities. The sponsor explained that the protections would sunset after one year, allowing lawmakers to review data by July 1, 2026, and that Kentucky would continue to follow any future federal changes to the 340B program. Members asked several questions about the scope of the reporting, including what “total operating cost” means, how duplicate discounts are prevented, whether the reporting applies only to hospitals and not federally qualified health centers, and who would receive the data. The sponsor said the reporting is intended to help the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and the Office of Health Data Analytics at LRC assess how the program is working, including charity care and community benefits, while preserving protections for rural hospitals and allowing them to continue using contract pharmacies. A representative from LRC confirmed the data would come to the General Assembly through the Office of Health Data Analytics. The committee expressed mixed views about the balance between transparency and potential burdens on hospitals, especially rural facilities. Several members said they were supportive but had reservations about the reporting requirements and the sunset structure, while others noted concerns about unintended consequences and the possibility of changes on the House floor. The committee ultimately adopted the committee substitute, approved a title amendment, and reported Senate Bill 153 with House Committee Substitute 2 favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• be to people in the autistic community. be to people in the autistic community.
• community. The data is alarming. One in community. The data is alarming.
• know how to communicate via email. know how to communicate via email.
• . community. community.
• those those communities that we serve. those those communities that we serve.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:16.160> behavioral The uh certified community behavioral The uh certified community
• <00:20:43.880> mental there are additional community mental there are additional community
• We've set up email communications just to be the host. We open it to anyone in the community.
• We've set up email<00:31:00.360> communications email communications email communications just
• to anyone in the community. to anyone in the community.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board first approved the September 24 minutes and then heard a presentation from four certified community behavioral health clinic providers: Pathways, NorthKey, Seven Counties Services, and NewVista. The presenters explained the difference between traditional community mental health centers and CCBHCs, describing CCBHCs as an enhanced model that integrates behavioral health, primary care, wraparound services, and crisis response. They reviewed the federal history of the model, Kentucky’s entry into the Medicaid demonstration in 2022, and the scheduled end of the enhanced federal match on December 31, 2027. They also emphasized required services such as 24-hour mobile crisis, care coordination, and services for veterans, and described care coordination as a key feature that helps patients follow up after hospital or emergency discharge, manage medications, and connect to transportation and other supports. The presenters gave examples of improved outcomes, including a patient who was able to remain living independently because of coordinated home-based and telehealth support, and they argued that CCBHCs are helping Kentucky build a more responsive crisis system through 988, mobile crisis teams, and crisis stabilization units. They said the model is data-driven, uses performance metrics, and has led to stronger collaboration among community partners. One speaker said more than 100 agencies participated in a Jefferson County community health needs assessment and continued meeting afterward to reduce redundancies and barriers to care. They also said crisis call hub compliance and mobile crisis outreach compliance improved significantly over the past year. Members asked about how navigators and connectors fit into the model, how CCBHCs work with managed care organizations, and how the program could expand statewide. The presenters said navigators are not built into the CCBHC model but may be used through referrals, while the CCBHCs continue to bill MCOs the same way and receive a Medicaid wrap payment for the enhanced rate. They said the goal would be for all community mental health centers to become CCBHCs, but that a state plan amendment would be needed and could not be limited only to CMHCs if submitted to CMS. They estimated about $28 million would be needed statewide to continue the program in the next biennium, combining the loss of enhanced federal match and the state share of enhanced service costs. The board also discussed transportation, with one presenter explaining that their program arranges Medicaid transportation for eligible appointments, and members raised concerns about mental inquest warrant transport and whether sheriffs should remain involved. No votes were taken on the CCBHC or transportation items during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• I met Linda through the Community Coalition Fellowship.
• It inspires you to stay engaged in public service and advocacy for your communities.
• So Black April is a very sad day for the Vietnamese American community.
• California has the largest Vietnamese community outside of Vietnam.
• California has the largest Vietnamese community outside Vietnam.

Keywords: 988, house, all