Transcript Highlights:

• The H-PD is currently collecting prescription drug data.
• that are at risk of drug market failure here in California.
• existing or new drugs?
• Christman has been there, and we've secured a supplier for the drug substance.
• pricing to address the high cost of prescription drugs.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held an informational hearing on the Governor’s May Revision, focusing first on the Commission on Behavioral Health, then EMSA, and then the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). The Department of Finance said the state faces a third consecutive deficit and that the May Revision includes difficult trade-offs, including proposed eliminations or reversions of some behavioral health and public health funds. The LAO echoed concern about the structural deficit and said it was still awaiting some budget details before offering a full analysis. For the Commission on Behavioral Health, Finance proposed eliminating $20 million in Mental Health Wellness Act funds, arguing the money would help offset General Fund costs and noting future Proposition 1 innovation funding. The commission strongly opposed the cut, saying it would eliminate or delay launch-ready grants for early childhood supports, full-service partnerships, and peer respite, and would eventually end ongoing grant programming. Several advocates and commissioners testified that the funds support underserved communities and that Proposition 1 is not a substitute for the existing programs. The chair asked Finance to look for alternatives, but no vote was taken. EMSA presented mostly technical budget adjustments: increased authority for the California Poison Control System, a correction to EMSIS funding, and a reappropriation for enterprise services and data management. CDPH then reviewed a broader set of May Revision proposals, including reversions from the California Reducing Disparities Project, workforce development, STD prevention, hepatitis C prevention, hospice, and extreme heat funding, as well as a new generative AI pilot for health facility survey reporting. Members raised concerns about cuts to CRDP and gender health equity programs, especially because many grants are mid-contract and serve underserved communities; CDPH said the reversions were part of solving the deficit and that CRDP had been successful, while also clarifying that abortion.ca.gov would not be eliminated. Public comment was overwhelmingly opposed to the CRDP and related cuts, with many speakers describing the programs as life-saving and cost-effective. No formal votes or actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> deems appropriate to just the GLP1 drugs deems appropriate to just the GLP1 drugs because<01:04:
• That's sort of the bottom line takeaway. the drug that was compounded under the drug that was compounded
• </c> section 503A of the federal food drug section 503A of the federal food drug and<01:05:06.559><c>
• Um that's the drugs are FDA approved.
• </c><01:05:41.119><c> or</c> comes from the FDA approved drugs or comes from the FDA approved drugs or

Committee: Joint Public Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• Food and Drug Administration. Protect women, do better, stop giving them these harmful drugs.
• There were no differences in rates of drug use, drug sales, or infectious diseases by the counties that
• Glenn Backus, for Drug Policy Alliance, proud co-sponsor.
• Norma Palacios with the Drug Policy Alliance in support.
• I think we wanted to create less drug addicts.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee met on April 8 and heard a long series of bills, beginning with AB 54 on medication abortion access. The author and supporters, including the Attorney General’s office and reproductive justice advocates, said the bill would protect California’s medication abortion supply chain and shield providers and manufacturers from civil, criminal, and professional liability. Opponents from the California Family Council argued the bill removes safeguards and increases risks. The bill was moved forward on a committee motion. The committee then heard several reproductive and public health measures, including AB 551 to create a pilot program supporting emergency departments in providing reproductive health services, AB 260 to protect medication abortion access and telehealth, AB 309 to remove sunset dates on laws allowing pharmacy syringe sales and lawful possession of sterile syringes, AB 536 to preserve colorectal cancer screening coverage if federal guidelines are challenged, AB 804 to make housing support services a Medi-Cal benefit, AB 594 to address student health insurance billing and transparency, AB 836 to study and expand the midwifery workforce, AB 1418 to collect data on health coverage for eligible employees, and AB 1500 to maintain and expand the abortion.ca.gov information site. Supporters emphasized access, preventive care, workforce shortages, and public health benefits, while opponents raised concerns about abortion, syringe distribution, and the focus of state resources. Most measures were advanced by committee vote, with roll calls showing broad support and a few no votes from members on some bills. The final bill discussed in the transcript was AB 1037, which would update substance use disorder laws to reflect evidence-based, harm-reduction approaches and remove barriers to treatment. The author and supporters described it as a compassionate response to overdose and treatment access problems, while law enforcement opposition argued it would encourage drug use and endanger communities. The transcript cuts off during testimony on AB 1037, so no final committee action on that bill is shown in the provided text.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're taking harm reduction professionals who are out there trying to reduce disease, drug abuse, and
• are out there trying to<00:29:25.440><c> reduce</c><00:29:25.919><c> disease,</c><00:29:26.679><c> drug
• </c><00:29:26.960><c> abuse,</c> to reduce disease, drug abuse, to reduce disease, drug abuse, um<00:
• , you know, it costs a lot of money if you have to bring a doctor in as well when they're not on schedule
• , you know, it costs a lot of money if you have to bring a doctor in as well when they're not on schedule

Committee: House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• As background, biological products are regulated by the federal Food and Drug Administration.
• products are manufactured, they cannot be replicated in the same way as traditional chemical-based drugs
• Under state and federal law, a pharmacist may substitute a brand-name drug or biological product with
• Instead, it authorizes a pharmacist to substitute a therapeutically equivalent drug or interchangeable
• And if all the biosimilars are preferred drugs, it should yield a lower cost sharing.

Committee: House Health Care & Wellness

Transcript Highlights:

• Drug and Pharmacy Benefit Managers Compliance.
• Implementation of the Prescription Drug Transparency Act.
• They are also protected from reporting rebate information for any specific drug product or drug class
• Drug clinics, that kind of thing.
• the top 25 drugs with the highest increase in total spending.

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> billion to combat drug traffickers. billion to combat drug traffickers.
• It was a panga full of drugs.
• It was a panga full<03:07:13.279><c> of</c><03:07:13.439><c> drugs.
• And I'd rather that full of drugs.
• </c> of a six-foot hole because of the drug of a six-foot hole because of the drug overdoses.<03:07:26.720

Transcript Highlights:

• Obviously, we've changed the schedule a little bit on how they would be released and some of those types
• are set. forth by the sponsor of the charter school, and allows the charter school to have its own schedules
• under this piece of legislation with what we're doing here, no changes to curriculum, no changes to scheduling
• This provides another option if the suppliers of these drugs that provide a very humane way of administering
• the death penalty ever decide to quit producing those drugs.

Bills: SJR59 , SCR30 , SCR46 , SB31 , SB127 , SB324 , SB401 , SB407 , SB467 , SB482 , SB506 , SB529 , SB584 , SB619 , SB636 , SB646 , SB647 , SB659 , SB715 , SB732 , SB735 , SB771 , SB784 , SB800 , SB801 , SB816 , SB1013 , SB1026 , SB1049 , SB1055 , SB1065 , SB1137 , SB1169 , SB1181 , SB1383 , SB1395 , SB1410 , SB1433 , SB1524 , SB1531 , SB1568 , SB1640 , SB1666 , SB1681 , SB1718 , SB1754 , SB1757 , SB1972 , SB1980 , SB2004 , SB2007 , SB2041 , SB2046 , SB2050 , SB2075 , SB2076 , SB2154 , SB2173 , SB2206 , SB2225 , SB2253 , SB2268 , SB2306 , SB2308 , SB2314 , SB2322 , SB2330 , SB2351 , SB2366 , SB2371 , SB2392 , SB2398 , SB2476 , SB2533 , SB2540 , SB2544 , SB2589 , SB2610 , SB2623 , SB2660 , SB2662 , SB2693 , SB2707 , SB2717 , SB2722 , SB2742 , SB2753 , SB2779 , SB2807 , SB2843 , SB2844 , SB2858 , SB2877 , SB2880 , SB2885 , SB2920 , SB2938 , SB2986 , HJR4 , HCR35 , SJR3 , SJR18 , SB5 , SB260 , SB1786 , SB914 , SB963 , SB1197 , SB1415 , SB1437 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SJR84 , SJR59 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SCR46 , SCR48 , SCR19 , SCR30 , SCR3 , SB2023 , SB1433 , SB2322 , SB2877 , SB407 , SB1718 , SB1395 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB1502 , SB507 , SB1026 , SB1434 , SB1376 , SB1585 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1163 , SB619 , SB1122 , SB732 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB261 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB529 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB1999 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB510 , SB2253 , SB584 , SB1085 , SB2314 , SB2046 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB1524 , SB1137 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB517 , SB1200 , SB1410 , SB1845 , SB1863 , SB2681 , SB2200 , SB2199 , SB1757 , SB2050 , SB2458 , SB2201 , SB1055 , SB2660 , SB2662 , SB1065 , SB801 , SB2533 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB647 , SB1721 , SB2268 , SB2366 , SB1013 , SB2797 , SB2371 , SB2383 , SB646 , SB1169 , SB1754 , SB2779 , SB2004 , SB2119 , SB2448 , SB1777 , SB1283 , SB2392 , SB2076 , SB2786 , SB2876 , SB2284 , SB2225 , SB1540 , SB2920 , SB2929 , SB1972 , SB2540 , SB2742 , SB2595 , SB2217 , SB715 , SB2330 , SB1383 , SB500 , SB1640 , SB2001 , SB2080 , SB2722 , SB506 , SB2514 , SB2623 , SB2753 , SB2398 , SB1241 , SB2927 , SB2173 , SB2538 , SB898 , SB467 , SB1449 , SB2529 , SB1531 , SB2846 , SB2476 , SB986 , SB1181 , SB2075 , SB2154 , SB2864 , SB31 , SB2880 , SB1359 , SB2386 , SB771 , SB2844 , SB2550 , SB1351 , SB1423 , SB1931 , SB2245 , SB2589 , SB2707 , SB2807 , SB2351 , SB410 , SB659 , SB816 , SB2776 , SB2693 , SB2580 , SB1980 , SB1886 , SB1234 , SB739 , SB482 , SB456 , SB127 , SB1666 , SB2843 , SB2801 , SB800 , SB2055 , SB784 , SB2986 , SB735 , SB1012 , SB324 , SB2926 , SB2938 , SB2007 , SB2138 , SB1242 , SB2615 , SB1049 , SB2310 , SB1224 , SB2972 , SB1568 , SB2841 , SB2885 , SB3016 , SB2858 , SB2610 , SB2139 , SB1856 , SB2035 , SB2308 , SB2306 , SB2041 , SB1528 , SB1681 , SB1141 , SB2401 , SB2530 , SB2375 , SB547 , SB1266 , SB1373 , SB1467 , SB2069 , SB2269 , SB2480 , SB2544 , SB672 , SB904 , SB2695 , SB2891 , SB2422 , SB2543 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB2539 , SB2532 , SB2925 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB2203 , SB457 , SB2357 , HJR4 , HB135 , HB 1109 , HCR35 , HCR64 , SB2721 , SB243 , SB1285 , SB2568 , SB1959 , SB1442 , SB1454 , SB2520 , SB2541 , SB1708 , SB1237 , SB1844 , SB1586 , SB1 , SB260 , SB31 , SB467 , SB482 , SB647 , SB732 , SB816 , SB1055 , SB1137 , SB1169 , SB2004 , SB2253 , SB2268 , SB2314 , SB2351 , SB2371 , SB2623 , SB2722 , SB2779 , SB2920 , HJR4 , SB407 , SB1395 , SB1433 , SB1718 , SB2322 , SB2877 , SB619 , SB646 , SB1026 , SB2742 , SB2880 , SR443 , SR449 , SR456 , SR460 , SR465 , SCR46 , SB260 , SB3062 , HJR8 , HJR31 , HJR72 , HJR99 , HJR133 , HB29 , HB33 , HB50 , HB 107 , HB 116 , HB 125 , HB140 , HB141 , HB155 , HB171 , HB227 , HB255 , HB363 , HB368 , HB491 , HB609 , HB630 , HB745 , HB767 , HB913 , HB917 , HB 1135 , HB 1188 , HB 1238 , HB 1242 , HB 1261 , HB1318 , HB1404 , HB1495 , HB1507 , HB1606 , HB1708 , HB1748 , HB1851 , HB1922 , HB2002 , HB2003 , HB2198 , HB2355 , HB2358 , HB2415 , HB2457 , HB2495 , HB2546 , HB2637 , HB2763 , HB2765 , HB2798 , HB2818 , HB3228 , HB3307 , HB4116 , HCR29 , SB1410 , SB3062 , HJR8 , HJR31 , HJR72 , HJR99 , HJR133 , HB29 , HB33 , HB50 , HB 107 , HB 116 , HB 125 , HB140 , HB141 , HB155 , HB171 , HB227 , HB255 , HB363 , HB368 , HB491 , HB609 , HB630 , HB745 , HB767 , HB913 , HB917 , HB 1135 , HB 1188 , HB 1238 , HB 1242 , HB 1261 , HB1318 , HB1404 , HB1495 , HB1507 , HB1606 , HB1708 , HB1748 , HB1851 , HB1922 , HB2002 , HB2003 , HB2198 , HB2355 , HB2358 , HB2415 , HB2457 , HB2495 , HB2546 , HB2637 , HB2763 , HB2765 , HB2798 , HB2818 , HB3228 , HB3307 , HB4116 , HCR29 , SB1410

Transcript Highlights:

• COMPETITION AND AFFORDABILITY WHEN IT COMES TO OUR PRESCRIPTION DRUG MARKET.
• Very drugs that they are selling on the street? Through you, Mr.
• President, this bill doesn't protect a drug dealer.
• &gt;&gt; I THINK THE BIGGEST FAILURE HAS BEEN THE WAR ON DRUGS.
• The war on drugs was a failure.

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the journal, and took up a series of motions to discharge identical Assembly bills to the Third Reading Calendar, along with committee reports and amendments. The chamber also received an introduction from Senator Gonzalez honoring Maria Raine and her advocacy for guardrails on AI chatbots after the death of her son, and later adopted a Rules Committee report sending several General Business Law bills directly to Third Reading. The resolution calendar was adopted with some exceptions, and the Senate recognized several previously adopted resolutions honoring individuals and observances, including Barnabas McHenry, Arthur Jones Jr., Floyd Todd Peterson III, the Lexington School for the Deaf, Tadeusz Kosciuszko, Apraxia Awareness Month, Fibromyalgia Awareness Day, Prevention Week, Physician Anesthesiologists Week, and Golf Day in New York. The Senate then considered and passed numerous bills, many on consumer protection and public policy topics. Measures included bills on General Business Law, Public Health Law, Correction Law, Environmental Conservation Law, Executive Law, Vehicle and Traffic Law, Public Officers Law, Not-for-Profit Corporation Law, Public Housing Law, Education Law, Labor Law, and Public Service Law. Several bills were laid aside, including a Public Health Law bill by Senator Fernandez and a Public Service Law bill by Senator Parker. The chamber also passed a concurrent constitutional resolution by Senator Stec proposing an amendment to Article 14. During floor debate, senators explained votes on several measures. Senator Ramos spoke in support of paid sick leave for domestic workers, describing the bill as a long-overdue labor protection for a workforce historically excluded from such rights. Senator Fernandez described her bill as the Manufacturer Disclosure and Transparency Act, aimed at requiring notice and public disclosure of certain pharmaceutical patent settlement agreements to improve transparency and competition in prescription drug pricing. Senator Ryan and Senator Martins supported a bill restricting hidden algorithmic price manipulation online, and Senator May supported a bill limiting excessive rental car fuel charges as part of a broader consumer protection package. The Senate also passed a memorial highway bill naming a portion of Route 19 in LeRoy for Lieutenant Gary A. Scott, with Senator Borrello explaining the veteran’s service and sacrifice.

Transcript Highlights:

• Consider the data between Access to FDA-approved drugs that are safe and effective.
• Drug companies often keep these drug prices high by setting their own list prices and then offering co-pay
• Companies also use drug coupons to increase drug sales for a particular brand-name drug and to steer
• It's directly between the patient and the pharmacy and the drug company.
• She noted that the affordability of drug costs is important to everyone.

Committee: Senate Health

Summary: The committee heard several health-related bills, beginning with SB 1124 on lung cancer screening awareness. The author and supporters said the bill would require CDPH signage about lung cancer screening eligibility at tobacco point-of-sale locations to address low awareness and low screening rates. Support came from medical students, physicians, and the California Academy of Family Physicians, while retailers raised concerns about sign size, retailer notification, and implementation. Committee members generally supported the bill and noted the need to work through those concerns. SB 1150 sought to require clearer patient notice when cancer cases are reported to the California Cancer Registry. The author described the bill as a response to inconsistent notification practices and privacy concerns, and the chair and other members shared personal stories about learning they or family members were in the registry without knowing it. Cancer registry and university stakeholders expressed appreciation for amendments but continued to have concerns or wanted more time to review the language. The bill was discussed as a patient-awareness measure rather than a change to reporting requirements. The committee also heard SB 1400 on Alameda Health System governance, SB 1094 on biosimilar substitution and health plan policies, SB 1314 on smoke shop regulation and nitrous oxide restrictions, and SB 1309 on eliminating cost-sharing for medically necessary follow-up after lung cancer screening. SB 1400 and SB 1314 drew support from local officials, labor, and public health advocates, with members emphasizing youth protection and local oversight. SB 1094 passed after extensive debate over pharmacist substitution authority and notification requirements, with a 6-0 vote and opposition from biotechnology and physician groups. SB 1309 also passed after members discussed the cost of follow-up care and the value of early detection, despite opposition from health plans over premium impacts; it received a 7-0 vote and was placed on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• So DOT is trying to develop the drug testing.
• <02:29:29.120><c> you're</c><02:29:29.439><c> supposed</c><02:29:29.680><c> to</c> drug um drug lab that
• you're supposed to drug um drug lab that you're supposed to be<02:29:30.000><c> working?
• </c> still moving forward with the drug lab. still moving forward with the drug lab.
• </c> of all blood, alcohol, and drug of all blood, alcohol, and drug &gt;&gt; blood<02:29:55.359><c>

Transcript Highlights:

• Judge Corrupt Judge Merchant has shamefully revealed Trump derangement scheduling sentencing.
• traffickers accountable and of drug traffickers accountable and of course<04:19:06.239><c> our</c><04
• charged with drug possession now facing<05:54:10.040><c> consequences</c><05:54:11.040><c> of</c><05
• Much of the debris being removed, by the way, is either drugs or human waste.
• </c><05:56:29.478><c> or</c> removed by the way is either drugs or removed by the way is either drugs

Transcript Highlights:

• um illicit drug use and and<00:43:02.240><c> drug</c><00:43:02.640><c> possession</c><00:43:03.640><
• And just a final comment: you call it a war on drugs.
• ><c> court</c> see um somebody from the drug court see um somebody from the drug court that's<00:46:22.160
• </c> represent no um I don't know about drug represent no um I don't know about drug I<00:46:42.240><
• ><c> particular</c> I mean drug court in particular I mean drug court in particular potentially<00:46

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:55.040><c> the</c> reschedule the hearing or schedule the reschedule the hearing or schedule
• Julia Maderas, Henry Forum. >> I have no one else scheduled to testify.
• Some game rooms have guns, others have drugs. It's convenient.
• </c><02:32:14.720><c> It's</c> have guns, others have drugs. It's have guns, others have drugs.
• Um at this to expire on a set schedule.

Bills: HB2118 , HB2473

Committee: House Economic Development & Technology

Summary: The committee heard several bills related to permitting and economic development. On HB 2603, relating to permits, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development said it supported the measure with comments. Committee discussion focused on the fact that the state’s facilitated permit process appears to have been rarely or never used, the need to identify specific projects that would use it, and whether DBEDT would need dedicated staffing to administer it. DBEDT said it had found no projects under the current process, had no capacity to run the program as structured, and estimated it would need about 7 to 9 FTEs, including permitting, coordination, data, systems, and possibly legal support. The chair suggested exploring a staff assignment and comparing the concept to federal FAST-41-style expedited permitting. On HB 2140, relating to essential permitting positions, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development again supported the bill with comments. Testimony and questioning centered on a pilot program to help counties pay competitively for permitting staff. A DBEDT representative said the issue of competitive pay affected both county and state permitting offices and that the bill was intended as a temporary pilot, though a more permanent solution would be preferable. When asked how counties would fund the salary support, the witness said that was not yet discussed with the counties and agreed to follow up. The committee also noted the bill applies to participating counties. On HB 2598, relating to the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, the State Procurement Office and HTDC offered comments, and the Department of the Attorney General raised constitutional concerns. The AG said the bill’s residency-based certification requirements, when tied to procurement, could implicate the dormant Commerce Clause, and that the required 1% contribution tied to state contracts raised unconstitutional-conditions concerns. In questioning, the AG characterized these as legal risks rather than automatic lawsuits. The committee did not take a vote. The committee then heard HB 2141, relating to state enterprise zones. Taxation, DBEDT, HCDA, the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, and HTDC testified in support, while the Tax Foundation noted the program was intended to help economically depressed areas create jobs. HTDC said the bill would help preserve the Maui Research and Technology Center’s enterprise-zone status after rezoning. Committee discussion focused on whether the enterprise zone program is being used effectively, how the bill might attract businesses to areas where the state is investing, and whether the program’s labor requirements are too burdensome for new businesses. DBEDT explained that the program requires a 10% workforce increase in the first year, which must be sustained, and said it promotes the program through county coordinators and in-person outreach. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm scheduling with, you know, rep as well to get HB43 to combat this stuff.
• </c><02:11:43.760><c> I'm</c> trafficking, drug smuggling. I'm trafficking, drug smuggling.
• ><c> rep</c><02:11:46.000><c> as</c><02:11:46.239><c> well</c> scheduling with, you know, rep as well
• Human trafficking,<02:22:57.200><c> drug</c><02:22:57.439><c> smiling,</c><02:22:57.760><c> which</c>
• trafficking, drug smiling, which trafficking, drug smiling, which fentanyl<02:22:58.399><c> is</c><02

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2046, which would establish and fund an Olo Hawaii Commission to coordinate and promote initiatives supporting the use of Olo Hawaii. The Attorney General suggested adding an end date because the bill creates a temporary commission, and several supporters from the University of Hawaii, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission said the commission could improve coordination, funding decisions, and consistency across agencies. Members discussed whether the commission should include broader representation, including expertise on Niihau dialect speakers and other stakeholders, and the bill was then set aside as the committee moved to the next measure. The committee next considered House Bill 2438, creating the Hawaii Cultural Trust within DBEDT, authorizing an income tax credit for contributions to the trust and qualified cultural organizations, and creating a special license plate to support the trust. DBEDT said it would need additional resources, including staff, to administer the program. The Department of Taxation recommended changing the effective date to 2026 to allow time for implementation and adding a requirement that credits be claimed within one year. OHA supported the bill but objected to language that would require it to maintain a prequalified list of organizations, saying that could limit applicants and conflict with its grant process. The Tax Foundation said it supported cultural funding but preferred direct appropriations and grants over a trust fund and tax credit structure. The final measure discussed was House Bill 2584, which would temporarily increase public land trust revenues transferred to OHA while reaffirming the state’s obligation to the 20% pro rata share, with a repeal date of June 30, 2028. The Attorney General recommended deleting the bill’s requirement that OHA receive a minimum amount equal to the 20% share, arguing the constitution and Admission Act do not specify a precise dollar amount and that the legislature must determine allocation. OHA strongly supported the bill, arguing the state currently pays only about 5% and that historical records show much higher amounts are owed; OHA also pointed to a carry-forward account it said held about $55 million. DLNR opposed the bill because the fiscal impact was unspecified and could affect land management and special fund budgets. Several OHA trustees and supporters urged the committee to pass the bill, and one testifier criticized the state for underfunding Native Hawaiian obligations. No votes were taken in the portion provided, and the committee continued hearing testimony on HB 2584.

Transcript Highlights:

• first up, GM544 submitting for consideration, um, Emily Andrade for the Hawaii Advisor Commission on Drug
• I'm the administrator of the alcohol and drug abuse division.
• So next up, GM545, Lilinoi Kavha Kawa Kawa Hikawa, um, for again drug abuse and controlled substances
• I'm the administrator of the alcohol and drug abuse division.
• </c> Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances. Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee heard and considered a series of gubernatorial nominations and reappointments, primarily to the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation board, the Commission on Fatherhood, and the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive across the measures. The Department of Health repeatedly testified in support of the drug and controlled substances nominees, and several nominees and supporters emphasized experience in public health, rural health access, disability advocacy, family services, and elder affairs. Some nominees were not present live but had submitted written answers, which the chair noted had been posted online. For the developmental disabilities nominations, testimony highlighted lived experience and representation from neighbor islands, with supporters saying the nominees would bring valuable perspectives and help strengthen services and advocacy. For the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation nominations, testimony stressed rural health, system collaboration, and broad community and hospital experience. The Commission on Fatherhood nominee said he wanted to advocate for fathers and be a voice for them, and supporters from Maui Family Support Services backed that nomination. The elder affairs nominee also received support from caregiver and aging-related organizations. At the end of the hearing, the committee moved to advise and consent on the nominations it had heard, and each recommendation was adopted by the members present. The chair noted that all members were present for the votes, and the meeting concluded with congratulations to the nominees and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Unfortunately, I wasn't around the week that was originally scheduled, and I certainly appreciate that
• So we did open up the public hearing when it was originally scheduled, and of course, as you know, it
• It used to be that marijuana was a terrible drug and so on, and state after state is now legalizing it
• It is supposed to be scheduled within 30 days, and the defendant has a right to expedite the hearing.
• within 30 days supposed to be scheduled within 30 days and<02:24:37.359><c> um</c><02:24:37.520><c>

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on House Bill 146, which would require longer retention and quicker disclosure of certain video recordings from traffic stops and similar motor vehicle violations when a citation is disputed. The prime sponsor described the bill as a response to a constituent who challenged a speeding ticket but could not obtain a cruiser video before it was deleted under the current 30-day retention practice. Supporters argued the bill is about fairness and access to potentially exculpatory evidence, and one member suggested a simple 60-day retention period might avoid confusion over different timelines. The sponsor also noted that the bill would not affect criminal cases and that victims and complainants should have access to the same evidence as law enforcement when a recording is relevant to a defense. Major Brendan Davey of the New Hampshire State Police testified in opposition. He said the proposal would create a different discovery standard for one type of evidence, could discourage agencies from adopting body-worn or cruiser cameras, and would add cost and administrative burden. He explained that the State Police already retain routine traffic-stop videos for at least 30 days, but keep videos much longer when complaints or possible litigation are involved, and said the current system balances efficiency with accountability. He also argued the underlying speeding case did not make the trooper video directly material to the citation, though he acknowledged the legislature could choose a longer blanket retention period if it wished. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee then opened a public hearing on House Bill 638, which would allow people serving life without parole sentences to become eligible for a parole hearing at age 60 after serving at least 18 years, provided they have had no major conduct violations in the prior 10 years. The sponsor said the bill is intended to give a narrow second look to a small number of elderly prisoners, citing the high cost of incarceration and the health challenges of aging in prison. He emphasized that the bill would not automatically release anyone, would not apply to capital murder convictions under RSA 630:1, and would still allow victims to participate in the parole process. Testimony on HB 638 was mixed. Alexander Bailey, a survivor of violent crime and domestic violence advocate, supported the bill, saying many survivors favor rehabilitation, second chances, and restorative justice, and that people in prison often age faster and face serious health and safety problems. Another supporter, Russell Roy, began offering a personal story about crime, addiction, and violence in Concord, but the transcript cuts off before his full remarks. Committee members asked about why age 60 was chosen, how released individuals would support themselves, and whether victims or families would be consulted; the sponsor said 60 was meant to limit eligibility and reflect the health realities of prison, and that parole boards already consider support networks and victim input. No action or vote was taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is House File 2242, the Medical Assistance Single PBM Prescription Drug Manual. management model
• The single PBM model also has constraints on the management of the drug benefit and essentially acts
• Virginia passed an SPBM Drug Benefit Management Model early in February of 2025.
• a drug product that cost $285.
• We are paying for the drugs at market price instead.

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• joined today by Christine Cowette, whose son Garrett was killed by a driver who was high on illicit drugs
• Moving to announcements, the session schedule is as follows: Tuesday, August 4, check-in session; Wednesday
• Moving to announcements, the session schedule is as follows: Tuesday, August 4, check-in session; Wednesday

Transcript Highlights:

• This program is administered by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration and is scheduled
• These grandparents stepped up during a family's crisis, which includes parental drug use, incarceration
• I know my team has reached out several times to try and get something scheduled.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several tax and revenue measures, beginning with SB 1329 on solar property tax assessment. The author and solar industry witnesses argued the bill would create a uniform statewide method, provide certainty for developers, and exclude tax credits and other intangibles from valuation; county assessors and several counties opposed it, saying it would reduce assessed value and depart from market-based appraisal. The bill was moved to Appropriations on a 2-0 vote and placed on call. The committee also heard SB 1406 to close the “Montana tax loophole” used to avoid California vehicle taxes, with support from the California Teachers Association and no registered opposition; it passed 2-0 and was placed on call. SB 984, conforming California law to the federal tipped-income deduction, drew support from the restaurant industry, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, and enrolled agents, and passed 3-0 to Appropriations, on call. Later, the committee considered wildfire- and energy-related tax credits. SB 1084 would create a fire-safe home tax credit for home hardening and defensible space improvements; supporters said it would reduce wildfire losses and insurance costs, and it passed 3-0 on call. SB 1118 would provide credits for backup generators and solar battery systems in high fire-threat areas; the author framed it as a resilience measure for households and small businesses, but members raised concerns about cost, diesel use, and whether the credit would reach lower-income households. The bill was moved 1-0 and placed on call, with the chair and other members noting unresolved budget and policy concerns. SB 1424, expanding a partial sales tax exemption to zero-emission vehicle refueling equipment, received support from hydrogen and electric transportation groups and passed 4-0 on call. The committee also advanced SB 1249, a senior tax deduction for taxpayers ages 86 to 90, with support from LeadingAge California and senior advocates; members noted it was narrowly targeted and passed 4-0 on call. SB 1113, conforming California tax law to the federal tonnage tax regime for U.S.-flag international shipping companies, drew support from maritime industry groups and opposition from ILWU over the fiscal impact; it passed 4-0 on call. SB 1137, the Medical Expense Deduction Act, would allow a targeted deduction for medical expenses for lower-income taxpayers; supporters said it would help families facing high out-of-pocket costs, and it passed 4-0 on call. Finally, SB 1415 would extend a partial welfare property tax exemption to mixed-income housing that includes moderate-income units; supporters said it would help finance “missing middle” housing, while assessors and housing stakeholders requested amendments and guardrails. The bill was also moved forward on a committee vote and placed on call.