Video & Transcript Research : 'First Amendment rights'
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DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee Meeting Jun 23rd, 2026
Environment, Energy & Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- Under the amendment version, a first offense carries a $100 fine and impoundment of up to 30 days at
- Under the amendment version, a first offense carries a $100 fine and impound.
- So first we'll go to Joe. All right. Thank you again, Senator, at the risk of being redundant.
- I guess first to you, but then maybe: Are we working off Senate Amendment 1 or Senate Amendment 2?
- I think Senate Amendment 2. You should say right at the top of it to set aside. Right.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills focused on energy, public safety, and environmental cleanup. House Bill 455 would create a historic preservation license plate to raise funds and awareness for Delaware preservation efforts, and House Bill 471 would tighten rules and penalties for off-highway vehicles on shared private roads, with golf carts excluded. House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill 439, the Truth in E-Bike Marketing Act, would require clearer disclosures when selling electric mopeds and electric motorcycles so consumers understand classification, power, and licensing/insurance requirements. House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill 407, related to the Hazardous Substance Cleanup Act and brownfields, would shift funding for brownfield cleanup from the original realty transfer tax approach to a dedicated share of the hazardous substance cleanup fund and raise civil penalties for fraudulent acts. The committee also approved the June 18, 2026 minutes once quorum was reached.
Most of the meeting centered on House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill 233, as amended, a large-load/data center bill intended to protect ratepayers from costs tied to massive new electricity users. The sponsor and Public Advocate said PJM’s warnings about a coming reliability backstop auction made it urgent to establish a Delaware framework now, requiring large energy users to sign utility agreements, cover their share of transmission, distribution, and capacity costs, and comply with curtailment and other protections. Supporters from environmental groups and some labor and business voices said the bill was needed to prevent cost shifts to households and small businesses, while opponents argued it was being rushed, could deter investment, and might unintentionally affect other industries; several asked for more time and clearer definitions. No vote was taken in the portion provided.
The committee also took up House Bill 470, which would authorize Delmarva Power, with PSC approval, to build and operate utility-owned battery storage and spread costs across the customer base. The sponsor and Delmarva said the bill would improve reliability quickly and help avoid outages, while the chair expressed concern that the state had not yet fully studied whether utility-owned or competitively procured storage is the best model, noting a recent SEU storage study and broader policy questions. Supporters said utility storage could be deployed faster and help with peak shaving, while others urged a competitive process; the transcript cuts off before any final action on HB 470.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Environment Committee Meeting - 2025-04-03
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Motion prevails, and the one amendment is adopted. Representative Tabke, to your bill as amended.
- Would you be all right with the oral amendment incorporating that oral amendment to remove sections two
- Right, so we're incorporating this into the A-1 amendment.
- The amendment is adopted. The amendment is approved.
- First of all, the first part of the amendment, lines 1.1 through 1.15, is technical assistance that I
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 9th, 2025 at 12:30 pm
North Dakota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The first bill under consideration for proposed amendment is House Bill 1556.
- The first bill under consideration for proposed amendment is House Bill 1556. Senator Hogan.
- Amendments to the U.S.
- Some of those six, you know, actually we talk about the first 10 amendments as the Bill of Rights.
- They weren't the first 10 amendments that were proposed.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum call, then took up House amendments to Senate Bills 2009, 2147, and 2113. On motion, the Senate refused to concur in the House amendments and appointed conference committees for each bill. The chamber then considered several House bills, adopting amendments and passing House Bill 1556, which creates a Children's Cabinet work group to study out-of-home placement and treatment for children with behavioral health issues, and House Bill 1363, which directs development of a customizable cardiac emergency response plan template for schools and athletic events. House Bill 1533, requiring students to complete a half-unit of financial literacy for graduation, also passed after amendment. House Bill 1226, dealing with masks in public places and protest-related identification concerns, passed after the Judiciary Committee removed language about complying with law enforcement requests to unmask.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 18, 2025 - 03:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- All in favor of the amendment say yay. Yay. Any opposed? All right. Show the amendment adopted.
- All right. Show that amendment adopted favorably.
- Any objections to her presenting the strike-all amendment? All right, you are ready to roll, ma'am.
- All right. We are back on the strike-all bill as amended and in public testimony.
- The first is a right, the second's a privilege.
Summary:
The Housing, Agriculture and Tourism Subcommittee heard and advanced several bills. HB 615, allowing landlords to send required notices electronically with tenant written consent, was amended to allow either landlords or tenants to send messages electronically and passed favorably after testimony from legal aid and tenant advocates urging stronger opt-in, opt-out, and notice protections. HB 665, dealing with local government impact fees and development permits, would limit certain art-related impact fees, define “extraordinary circumstances,” and require more public process before fee increases; it passed after local government and industry testimony focused on refining the extraordinary-circumstances definition and concerns about public art funding. HB 365, a tenant protection bill for affordable housing units receiving public incentives, was amended to apply only to leases of 13 months or less and to take effect in July 2026; it passed with support from housing advocates and AARP and was described as preventing mid-lease rent increases while preserving renewal-time adjustments. HB 381, requiring issuance of addresses and parcel identification numbers within a set timeframe, was amended to extend the deadline to 20 business days and shift the fee consequence to the address fee rather than the building permit fee; it passed after discussion about delays affecting developers and local government responsibility.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Mar 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The amendment.
- The Senate Amendments 2. House Bill 157 is twice amended.
- Right, we are on a motion to concur with Senate amendments to House Taxation Revenue Committee substitute
- I thought so the original state of the first bill not amended on our side, or I'm so sorry, these amendments
- Speaker, gentle lady, so who put the amendment on first? What committee was that? So, Mr. uh Mr.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Apr 10th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- No, that's right, 1270. You're right. Keep going. Keep going. All right.
- No, that's right. 1270. You're right. Keep going. Keep going. All right.
- All right, get the amendment up right here. What line? Line 9.
- All right, get the amendment up right here. What line? Line 9. Okay.
- Well, let's take up the first amendment, Barcode 584482. Let's go to amendment Barcode 909488.
Summary:
The committee met to consider a large agenda of health and human services bills, moving quickly because of a two-hour time limit. Early measures reported favorably included SB 976 on challenges to court-appointed psychologists in family law cases, SB 306 on Medicaid provider network access and after-hours availability, and SB 584 on housing supports for college students and youth in extended foster care. SB 1412 on home health regulation modernization also passed, with one support appearance from the Home Care Association.
Members then approved several bills focused on research and care delivery, including SB 1800 creating a Parkinson’s disease research consortium at USF with an adopted amendment adding academic medical centers, SB 524 adding Duchenne muscular dystrophy to newborn screening, SB 1156 revising a Medicaid home health aide program for medically fragile children, and SB 1490 transferring and redesigning the managed care program for critically ill children. SB 1174 on foster home licensure transfers, SB 1620 implementing mental health and substance use commission recommendations, SB 1568 revising e-prescribing exemptions, and SB 788 on veterans nursing home beds were also reported favorably.
The committee had more extensive debate on SB 1270, the Department of Health agency package, which included provisions on vaccination status, medical marijuana background screening, licensing and compact issues, and sovereign immunity for volunteer dental workers; it passed after an amendment and several members voiced concerns about patient treatment and “voting power” language. SB 1606 on patient access to records drew strong opposition from providers and health information professionals over privacy, HIPAA, and administrative burdens; it was initially reported unfavorably, then reconsidered and ultimately passed after a motion to reconsider. Other bills reported favorably included SB 1736 on insulin administration by direct support professionals and relatives, SB 1808 on patient refunds from providers, SB 1842 on referral disclosure of network status, SB 1354 on behavioral health managing entity oversight, SB 1768 on stem cell therapies with informed consent requirements, and SPB 7032 on presumptive Medicaid eligibility for permanently disabled individuals, which was submitted and reported as a committee bill. The meeting ended after all agenda items were handled and the committee adjourned.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- You can go first. No, sir. You go right ahead.
- I have an amendment I'd like to offer. All right, Secretary received the amendment.
- first on the amendment?
- The motion on the amendment >> All right.
- <01:21:44.320>
we're amendments adopted all right now we're amendments adopted all right now
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum of 28 senators present. The body agreed to excuse absent senators, dispense with reading and adopt the previous journal, and allow bills and committee reports to be introduced throughout the day. The presiding officer also recognized several guests on the floor and in the gallery, including an intern from the Lieutenant Governor’s office and guests of Senator Chambliss.
Committee reports focused on confirmations for Alabama State University’s Board of Trustees. Patricia Anne Jones (Confirmation 79), Angela Star (Confirmation 80), and Bobby Singleton (Confirmation 78) each received favorable committee reports and were confirmed by the full Senate, with roll-call votes showing unanimous or near-unanimous support. The chamber spent considerable time in lighthearted debate and personal remarks during Singleton’s confirmation before adopting the motion and confirming him. The Senate also adopted Senate Joint Resolution 81 commending the Coach Safely Foundation for youth sports injury mitigation, and several other resolutions honoring individuals and organizations, including Johnny Williams, Jim America, Senior Trooper Hunter Woodruff, and retired Army Colonel Shawn Thomas Prricett. A resolution encouraging Alabama public high schools to form a consortium was also adopted.
On local bills, the Senate passed Senate Bill 243 regarding Jefferson County and House Bill 532 regarding Shelby County, both by using the previous roll and with no opposition. The Rules Committee then reported a special order calendar for the 22nd legislative day, which the Senate adopted 30-0. The special order calendar included bills on the Board of Funeral Services, the Public Service Commission, tax abatements, electric utilities, child support, dogs, school lands, Chambers County, and real property.
The first special-order bill taken up was Senate Bill 107 by Senators Figures and Gudger, concerning the Alabama Board of Funeral Services. Senators discussed the bill’s purpose of funding the board’s increased duties, the effect on funeral home license fees, and an amendment offered by Senator Bell to reduce certain fees. The amendment was adopted, and the bill was explained as not affecting pre-need funeral arrangements. Debate continued as members asked questions about costs to families and funeral homes, but the chamber had not yet reached final disposition of the bill by the end of the excerpt.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- For that purpose, to the extent that I understand the amendment, I think it sounds all right.
- I just want to confirm it is our intention then to exclude the first class, right?
- about the purpose of the First Amendment.
- They goofed in saying that more money is going to make the difference and enhance the First Amendment
- I think the Supreme Court was right about the purpose of the First Amendment.
MI
Transcript Highlights:
- First reading of the bill. Senate Bill 1044, a bill to amend the Income Tax Act of 1967.
- First reading of the bill. Senate Bill 1045, a bill to amend the Income Tax Act of 1967.
- First reading of the bill. Senate Bill 1045, a bill to amend the Income Tax Act of 1967.
- First reading of the bill. Senate Bill 1051, a bill to amend the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act.
- First reading of the bill. Senate Bill 1052 will amend the Medicaid False Claim Act.
Summary:
The Senate met with 27 members present and a quorum, opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a series of motions, recesses, and introductions of bills. Several new bills were read and referred, including measures affecting the Income Tax Act, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, public utilities, nondisclosure agreements, data centers and community benefit agreements, zoning, Medicaid false claims, and the Neighborhood Enterprise Zone Act, with referrals mainly to finance, energy and environment, and housing and human services committees.
In the Committee of the Whole, Senate Bills 592, 49, and 50 were reported without amendment and advanced. On third reading, the Senate passed Senate Bills 900, 820, 966, 967, 968, 973, 974, 975, 976, 977, and 978. SB 900 dealt with the Vehicle Code, SB 820 with election law, SB 966 and SBs 974-978 with housing and insurance-related changes, and SB 967 with the Income Tax Act. SB 966, 967, 973, 974, 975, 976, 977, and 978 all passed on 20-16 votes, while SB 900 passed 35-1.
Senate Bill 973, creating a state-based health insurance exchange as a nonprofit corporation, drew the most debate. Senators Weber, Lindsay, and Halk offered amendments, all of which were defeated after recorded votes; Weber argued for cost controls and consumer savings, while supporters said the bill would give Michigan more control over health care decisions and could lower premiums. Senator Irwin spoke in support of the housing-related package, saying it would help address the state’s housing shortage. Senate Bill 592, concerning the Corrections Code, was also passed after a 31-5 vote, with Senator Lindsay explaining his no vote as concern about how the bill treats juvenile offenders.
The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 133, urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to honor commitments to Michigan farmers participating in the Rural Energy for America Program. Senator McCann supported the resolution, citing farm losses from federal rollbacks, while Senator McBroom gave a strong no-vote explanation criticizing state energy policy and the resolution’s framing. The session ended with remarks recognizing Juneteenth and an anecdotal bipartisan exchange between senators before the chamber adjourned until June 23 at 10:00 a.m.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- The first assistant clerk emailed the amendment to members at 11:29 today.
- Uh the first part of the amendment actually appears in several places throughout the bill and what it
- /c><01:24:18.320>
the <01:24:18.440>amendment Uh the first part of the amendment Uh the - First, the amendment removes the limitations on DOC involvement and permits the department to play a
- But now this new amendment before you says do the program first before thinking it through and do it
Summary:
The House first returned to Senate Bill 71, a consumer data privacy and online surveillance bill. Members debated a proposed amendment that would have removed language allowing companies to rely on consumer consent to sell certain sensitive data. Supporters argued consent pop-ups and terms-of-service notices are not meaningful consent and that sensitive data should be categorically protected, citing Maryland and other states. Opponents, including the committee presenter, said the bill was a carefully negotiated compromise needed to establish Vermont’s first data privacy framework and warned that adopting the amendment could jeopardize passage in the Senate or with the governor. The committee reported the amendment unfavorable on a 9-0 straw poll, the House rejected the amendment, and then approved the committee’s recommended proposal of amendment by roll call vote, 129-3.
During questioning on S. 71, members discussed the bill’s applicability thresholds, with the presenter explaining that the 35,000-consumer threshold was modeled on Connecticut, while lower 3,000 thresholds for sensitive data and data sales were based on business testimony and intended to capture smaller entities such as accountants, lawyers, nonprofits, and trade associations that share or sell lists. Members also asked about the bill’s many exemptions, which were described as covering entities already regulated by state or federal law, including health care entities under HIPAA and banking and insurance sectors. The presenter and supporters emphasized that the bill still requires clear privacy notices, limits data collection to what is reasonable and disclosed, and gives consumers rights to opt out, correct, and delete data. After the roll call vote, the House ordered third reading, suspended rules to place S. 71 in all remaining stages, passed it in concurrence with proposal of amendment, and suspended rules to message the action to the Senate forthwith.
The House then moved to Senate Bill 193, relating to establishing a forensic facility for certain criminal justice-involved persons. The committee presenter from South Burlington previewed that the bill would create a permanent forensic facility, with a separate amendment expected to address interim arrangements while the facility is being developed. The transcript ends as the House begins second reading of S. 193 and the committee reports are introduced, with further debate not shown.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Committee of Conference on HB 1, HB 2 (06/18/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- So, amendment uh 2819 seeds. All right.
- All right, the amendment is adopted.
- All right. Amendment is adopted. Yes. All right. Amendment is adopted.
- Sherman right just so my amendment Mr.
- All right. amendment 2782H is accepted. All right.
Summary:
The committee of conference for HB 1 and HB 2 reviewed the side-by-side budget comparison and began working through agreed and disputed items. Members first confirmed that grayed-out items were already settled and discussed a process for making later technical and intent changes, especially to true up abolished positions after additional decisions were made. They then moved through several budget sections, including judicial branch reductions, retirement systems, the Department of Justice, the Human Rights Commission, liquor enforcement, corrections, and the Department of Information Technology.
Several items were agreed to or treated as settled package items, including the judicial branch position, the Department of Justice reduction, the Human Rights Commission item being held until related HB 2 language is finalized, the Housing Appeals Board being moved into the Board of Tax and Land Appeals, and the Office of Child Advocate. The committee also agreed to update the House bill language as needed based on HB 2 decisions, and to keep certain IT support rows in place unless related boards and commissions are eliminated. The effective date remained July 1, 2025, with no change.
The main unresolved discussion centered on the retirement systems budget, where the Senate defended a large increase for deferred IT security and investment-function improvements, while the House argued the increase was too large and favored a back-of-the-budget cut. The Senate said the funds would support strategic IT and investment changes and would remain in the trust if cut, while the House emphasized the size of the increase and suggested a compromise. The committee ultimately retained the Senate position on retirement systems for the moment and said it would return to the issue later.
On corrections and liquor enforcement, the committee described a negotiated back-of-the-budget cut structure, including a $10 million cut for corrections with some restoration of POS offices and administrative aides, and a liquor enforcement cut that was treated as part of a broader package. The Department of Safety item related to commercial enforcement and motor vehicle inspections was held for later discussion. The meeting ended with several items agreed, several held for coordination with HB 2, and some major budget questions still open.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- All right, secretary, read the title. relating to juvenile offenders to amend relating to juvenile offenders
- No, I just want to be recognized for my first hour. All right, recognized for my first hour.
- All right, recognized for my first hour. All right, you're recognized.
- All right. All right, Senator Smith. I I All right. All right, Senator Smith. I I All right.
- Is that all right? All right. We've got U that all right? All right. We've got U that all right?
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- All right. I would ask for a vote on the amendment. Okay.
- Amendment to Senate Bill 361 by Representative Rigsby. >> All right.
- <01:55:13.920>
Thank receive the amendment? All right. Thank receive the amendment? - I think uh Representative Reynolds has got an amendment. That's right. Got a copy.
- In the first one, they >> That's right.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 03/26/26
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:24:01.760>
right <00:24:01.920>of lands identified they get first right of lands - We'll move to the A7 amendment. That's right, Mr. Chair.
- That's right, Mr. Chair. This is the final amendment that I have for this bill.
- Okay, do you want to move to adopt the amendment first or...?
- Everybody should have a copy of it. amendment first or Yes, I move to adapt amendment first or Yes, I
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 4, 2026 - 01:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- All right. No other questions. We don't have any amendments. We do have some public testimony.
- Actually, your question, then we'll get you given an amendment as well, right? Yes. Okay.
- First of all, thank you very much, Representative Posada, for the amendment.
- To the extent that there are First Amendment protections, those will stay intact.
- This bill is not intended to violate any sort of First Amendment protections, namely the right to assemble
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Apr 2nd, 2025 at 01:00 pm
North Dakota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And so I would move that we concur with the Senate amendments. Is there any discussion? Amendments.
- Like, I thought we were maybe like three and three the first time, the first half.
- In fact, it says, yes, you were right. You were right on eight years and eight years.
- We're telling them, yep, you're right. I don't think we're there right.
- Right?
Summary:
The North Dakota House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then received a gubernatorial veto message on Senate Bill 2261. The governor vetoed the bill creating a prison industries workforce development tax credit, citing dormant Commerce Clause concerns and arguing the tax credit would create an unfair market advantage and not meaningfully help Rough Rider Industries. The House agreed to place SB 2261 on the next day’s calendar for a possible veto override. The chamber also re-referred Senate Bill 2159 to the Energy and Natural Resources Committee and appointed a conference committee for Senate Bill 2133 after the Senate refused to concur with House amendments.
The House then took up a series of Senate amendments and final passage votes on several bills. It concurred in amendments and passed House Bill 1140 naming the Specialist John P. Fettig, Iraq Bridge; House Bill 1241 allowing funeral home vehicles to display flashing purple lights and clarifying emergency vehicle lamp rules; House Bill 1316 imposing additional penalties for repeated violations of temporary restricted licenses; House Bill 1127 expanding Department of Financial Institutions authority and data security provisions; House Bill 1564 on Indian child welfare; House Bill 1167 requiring AI disclosure statements in political communications; House Bill 1170 on state employee annual leave; House Bill 1447 regulating virtual currency kiosks; House Bill 1278 creating a cash management board for state treasury funds; House Bill 1024, the deficiency appropriation bill; House Bill 1205 on newborn safety devices; House Bill 1204 expanding false-information rules for political ads to text messages and telephone calls; House Bill 1001, the governor’s budget; House Bill 1206 increasing penalties for DUI offenses involving a minor; House Bill 1088 on insurance penalties and restitution; and House Bill 1515 on motor vehicle warranty work compensation. Most passed with strong margins, though HB 1170 and HB 1024 drew notable opposition, and HB 1447 and HB 1204 also had several nays.
The most extended debate came on Senate Concurrent Resolution 4008, which proposed a constitutional amendment to change legislative term limits from the current structure to four four-year terms and repeal a constitutional restriction on proposing such changes. Supporters argued the measure would preserve institutional knowledge, allow voters to reconsider the 2022 term-limit decision, and let the public decide on the ballot. Opponents said the people had already spoken, the measure was confusing or unnecessary, and it could distract from other ballot issues. After reconsideration was granted, the House passed SCR 4008 by a vote of 53 yeas to 39 nays. The session ended with announcements, committee meeting notices, and adjournment until April 3, 2025.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House County and Municipal Government Committee Feb 18th, 2026
County and Municipal Government
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:08:31.759>
Um, >> All right. First bill up is SB 26. - >> All right, [laughter] we have a first.
- >> All right, [laughter] we have a first.
- Um, five yay, six nays, and the amendment fails. All right, let's move on. All right.
- All right, let's >> the amendment fails. All right, let's move<00:32:28.320>
on.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HHS-CPN, CPN-HWN, CPN-LBT Public Hearings 02-06-2026
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- First up, SB 2175. Chair's recommendation is to pass with technical and nonsubstantive amendments.
- Uh, first, Dimont, are you in or are you on Zoom? I don't see him. All right.
- <01:39:19.760>
First <01:39:20.000>of <01:39:20.080>all, pass with amendments - First of all, pass with amendments.
- Um first of all, recommended amendment.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several health-related measures, with most of the discussion focused on bills addressing tobacco/vape enforcement, psychology licensure, hospital price transparency, prior authorization, and medical cannabis. The chair opened by explaining the one-minute testimony limit and that written testimony had been reviewed. For SB 2175 on disposable electronic smoking devices, the Department of Health said the bill’s placement in litter-control law was not a good fit because disposable e-cigarettes contain hazardous materials like lithium and nicotine, but it supported the intent and pointed to a related measure. Public health and tobacco-control advocates strongly supported the bill, citing youth use, toxic waste, battery fires, and the need to tighten definitions and remove exemptions; a long list of organizations and individuals were noted in support, with no opposition mentioned.
For SB 2410, which would create a state directory and enforcement tools for authorized e-cigarette products, the Attorney General’s office strongly supported the measure and said it would help enforce the FDA-authorized list of products through certification, inspections, and civil penalties. The Department of Health said thousands of illegal products remain on the market and cited youth usage rates, while public health groups also supported the bill. One tobacco industry-related witness was noted in opposition. SB 2080, the psychology interjurisdictional compact, drew support from the Department of Corrections, which said it had severe staffing shortages and that the compact would help fill gaps, especially for forensic psychology and neighbor island facilities. Some committee members raised concerns about whether the compact would loosen licensure standards and reduce licensing revenue, and the Board of Psychology was said to be meeting and had not taken a formal position; testimony also noted the need for resources if the compact were adopted.
The committee also heard SB 2276 on surgical assistance, with DCCA in opposition and a supporter from the field, but little discussion followed. SB 2277 on hospital price transparency drew support from consumer and patient advocates, who argued that clearer pricing would reduce medical debt and help patients shop for care; DCCA and the Department of Health offered comments, with the department suggesting an alternative enforcement model using outside review entities and noting that implementation would require significant staffing and funding. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii opposed the bill, saying federal transparency rules already cover the issue and state law could create duplication. SB 2282 on prior authorization received comments from insurers and providers; HMSA asked that the bill be set aside pending the report of the prior authorization working group created by Act 151, while the Hawaii Medical Association said prior authorization is a major burden but deferred to regulators on resources. Finally, SB 2413 on medical cannabis was supported by the Office of Medical Cannabis and others, who said the bill would close a patient-access gap by allowing viable seed sales; one witness suggested clarifying jurisdictional language and allowing dispensaries to sell seeds to each other. The committee then began SB 2425 on health insurance, where an addiction treatment provider testified that insurers’ refusal to honor assignment-of-benefits payments can delay reimbursement and create relapse risk for patients, but the transcript cuts off before further action on that bill.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- All right. On the amendments, any objection to the amendments?
- All right. On the amendments, any objection to the amendments?
- County amendment. >> All right.
- the Frederick County amendment. the Frederick County amendment. All right. All right.
- There are two amendments. The first amendment is technical.
Summary:
The Senate reconvened with a quorum and first honored Nancy Crawford with a resolution recognizing her 46 years of state service, including 20 years as Senator Pam Beidle’s chief of staff. Senator Beidle then spoke at length about her own retirement plans and public service, reflecting on her career in the House and Senate, her work on the Finance Committee, and thanking her staff and colleagues. The chamber unanimously journalized the remarks.
The Senate then moved into business on House and Senate messages, including House Bill 139 and Senate Bill 311, and adopted a conference committee report on House Bill 1532, the Utility Relief/Reducing Energy Load for Inflation measure. The report was described as a broad energy and utility package that had already passed the Senate 38-4 and was said to address short-, medium-, and long-term issues, including rate relief, in-state generation, data center policy, consumer transparency, and low-income utility assistance.
During debate on the conference report, the majority leader explained several changes from prior versions: no legislative ban on forecast test years, instead deferring to the Public Service Commission; removal of gas programs from Empower to avoid inequities across service territories; modest opening of the retail supply market with guardrails; and rejection of some floor amendments, including a gas line extension provision and a study amendment. The minority leader argued the bill offered only limited relief, focused too much on talking points and short-term savings, and said many bipartisan amendments were not retained. The majority leader responded that the bill would save ratepayers real dollars through provisions on utility adders, executive bonuses, FERC-related returns, and new generation, and urged adoption of the conference report.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The oral amendment is passed. Madam Chair, I'll move the A21 as amended. All right, members.
- All right, Senator uh, amendment.
- We'll come back to it after we get the amendment to the amendment. Thank you so much. All right.
- So, first I'm going to offer the A5 amendment and then I will amend it with the new language. Okay.
- All right, members, any other All right, members, any other amendments? amendments? amendments?