Transcript Highlights:

• Some cities have tobacco licensing. Not many.
• We believe this... ...have been able to do licensing for tobacco retailers.
• So I have a tendency not to support preemption rules on municipalities.
• Related to printing and manufacturing our license plates. Page 39, this is GR refunds.
• That, and it's... ...exactly where you are at all times based on your license plate.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Rules of conduct for members of the public include no engaging in conduct that disrupts, disturbs, or
• Please be aware that violations of these rules may subject you to removal or other enforcement processes
• Because there's very little enforcement of any rules or regulations or statutes that exist to actually
• In the decade since, the rules have changed.
• It goes to the Quality Center for Quality and Improvement, the licensing and certification funds, so

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard several bills focused on health care access, oversight, and affordability. The first major item was SB 306 by Senator Becker, a prior authorization reform bill. Becker and supporters, including the California Medical Association and California Hospital Association, argued that prior authorization delays care, adds administrative burden, and can lead to serious patient harm. The bill was substantially amended late in the process to have DMHC and CDI identify services and drugs to exempt from prior authorization based on utilization data, with safeguards for fraud, waste, abuse, and patient safety. Health plans and insurers opposed the measure as written, saying prior authorization remains an important utilization-management tool and raising concerns about the 90% threshold, drug inclusion, and how modifications are counted. The committee also heard SB 35 by Senator Umberg, which would let cities or counties inspect unlicensed sober living homes if DHCS does not act promptly on complaints. Supporters said the bill would address weak enforcement and protect residents, while one behavioral health directors group opposed it unless amended. Members generally supported the measure, citing problems with unlicensed facilities and the need for local enforcement backup. The committee then heard SB 62, which would codify California’s updated essential health benefits benchmark if approved by the federal government. Senator Wiener said the package would add hearing aids, durable medical equipment, and infertility treatment including IVF, acknowledging that premiums could rise but arguing the benefits were worth it. Health Access California and other advocates supported the bill, while the California Family Council opposed it. The committee also took up SB 596 by Senator Menjivar, which would tighten the rules for hospitals claiming an on-call list as a defense to nurse staffing ratio penalties. Supporters, including nurses and SEIU, said hospitals have used vague or ineffective on-call practices to avoid accountability and that the bill would improve enforcement and patient safety. Hospital groups opposed it, arguing that staffing is highly dynamic, that hospitals need flexibility to manage acuity and emergencies, and that the bill could increase costs and interfere with collective bargaining arrangements. Finally, the committee heard SB 40 by Senator Wiener, the Insulin Affordability Act, which would cap insulin copays at $35 for a 30-day supply and restrict step therapy unless a plan covers at least one insulin in each drug type. Supporters, including physicians, diabetes advocates, nurses, students, and patient groups, said insulin is life-saving and too often unaffordable, forcing patients to ration or choose between medication and basic needs. There was no formal opposition testimony, though one member questioned why insulin remains so expensive. The committee also began discussion of SB 363, but the transcript cuts off before that bill’s full presentation or any action on the measures. No votes are recorded in the portion provided, and several bills were noted as consent items earlier in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• House our house rules rules related to House our house rules rules related to House Bill<01:52:12.280
• um to instead of hiring a licensed um to instead of hiring a licensed contractor<03:11:43.080>
• None of the 42 licensed midwives are Native Hawaiian, and only one of the 42 licensed midwives is born
• vocations the Regulation and Licensing vocations the Regulation and Licensing of<03:58:30.840>
• licensed licensed Midwife<04:04:18.479> just<04:04:18.760> as<04:04:18.920> when

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Three-day read rule.
• There will still be the Joint Standing Rule 14.4 BDRs.
• By the rules of the committee, if you oppose on one thing, you have to oppose.
• The bill also would authorize the DMV to permit the use of digital license plates.
• It establishes a licensing and regulatory framework for these providers.

Bills: AB49, AB93, AB108, AB169, AB188, AB212, AB221, AB224, AB251, AB282, AB284, AB296, AB304, AB331, AB356, AB366, AB375, AB409, AB467, AB475, AB476, AB479, AB494, AB514, AB515, AB533, AB542, AB550, AB558, AB567, AB568, AB571, AB581, AB583, AB584, AB585, AB595, AB596, AB597, SB170, SB427, SB460, SB508

Keywords: educational personnel, teacher licensing, reciprocal licensure, provisional teaching, school counselors, school nurses, school social workers, state education standards, public employees, police officers, benefits, appropriation, law enforcement, outdoor education, recreation, grant program, environment, funding, health insurance, speech-language pathology

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 1311 ratifies the rules implemented by the Department of Financial...
• This basically is ratifying the rules.
• Let's say that they didn't follow up and make sure there were rules.
• Corporations from other states, however, are not bound by that rule.
• This bill expands the rule that all Florida domestic insurers follow.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard four bills. HB 1311, relating to legal tender, ratified DFS/OFR rules to implement last year’s gold-and-silver legal tender law, repealed a prior repeal provision, and clarified the definition of custodian for electronically transferable gold and silver. The sponsor said the bill was a technical follow-up to ensure the law could take effect; members asked about the need for the bill, consumer awareness, and banking industry input. A technical amendment was adopted, and the bill passed favorably. HB 1343 would create an optional high school elective on property and casualty insurance that could satisfy pre-licensure education for a 440 insurance license after graduation. The sponsor said it would help students enter the insurance workforce or gain consumer literacy. An amendment directing DOE and DFS to develop the curriculum was adopted. Testimony from insurance groups and others supported the bill, and members spoke in favor of the workforce benefits. The bill passed favorably. HB 1291 addressed the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA), aiming to strengthen its long-term solvency by creating clearer triggers for funding remedies and expanding covered services. Public testimony focused heavily on families affected by birth injuries, with a parent and NICA board member describing the lifelong care needs of medically fragile children and the importance of stable funding. Members expressed sympathy and support, and the sponsor said the bill increases access to reserve funds, authorizes casualty insurer assessments, and preserves benefits. The bill passed favorably. HB 271 would cap bail bond rates at 6.5 percent for foreign and alien bail bond insurers as well as domestic insurers, to create a more even competitive and tax treatment across carriers. The sponsor explained that out-of-state corporations had an advantage under current reporting and premium rules. There was no public testimony or debate, and the bill passed favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, we saw a Supreme Court case that ruled and said, this is the Bostock ruling, that said discrimination
• An ALF to obtain a memory care services license, if necessary, within six months of AHCA's rules becoming
• effective instead of at the time of their license renewal, and it clarifies a memory care license, excuse
• me, memory care services license, must be renewed at the same time as an ALF standard license, obviously
• My biggest concern is that this bill gives licensed license to a number of people who will have unfettered

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, introductions, and a moment of silence honoring service members killed in the conflict in Iran, including Florida native Captain Cody Cork. The chamber then moved through a special order calendar, taking up several bills on education, public safety, insurance, health, and local government policy. Many measures were accompanied by sponsor explanations and supportive remarks from members, often emphasizing constituent impacts, public safety, and administrative efficiency. The first major bill, SB 1062 on speech and debate education, was expanded through a delete-all amendment and passed 37-0 after extensive floor debate praising debate programs as a civic and educational tool. SB 1072 created an anti-Semitism task force in the Attorney General’s Office; an amendment clarified that criticism of Israel is not prohibited, and the bill passed 37-0. SB 1230/HB 1019 addressed PFAS “forever chemicals,” especially in firefighting foam, with phase-outs, testing, enforcement, and exceptions for certain federal, military, and emergency uses; it also passed 37-0 and was dedicated in memory of former firefighter Joe Casello. SB 1706 expanded the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program with tighter eligibility rules, and SB 186 required broader seizure-response training and seizure action plans in schools; both passed unanimously. The Senate also approved SB 598 updating funeral and cemetery regulation, SB 990 authorizing protected cell captive insurance companies, SB 554 modernizing nonprofit corporation law, SB 560 streamlining foster care medication and oversight procedures, SB 684 easing electronic signature requirements for total-loss vehicle and vessel titles, and SB 778 revising forensic client services for certain defendants with intellectual disabilities or autism. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including SB 432, SB 928, and SB 620. Most of these measures passed by votes of 36-0 or 37-0 after brief debate or no debate. The most contentious item was SB 1134 on official actions of local governments related to DEI. The sponsor argued the bill would stop taxpayer funding and promotion of discriminatory or indoctrinating DEI practices, citing examples from several counties and cities. Multiple amendments sought to narrow penalties, protect good-faith officials, and preserve local proclamations and observances, including LGBTQ Pride Month and other cultural events, but those amendments were rejected. Debate centered on vagueness, local discretion, and whether the bill would chill legitimate government activity. The transcript cuts off during questioning on the underlying bill, before final disposition is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, I move to suspend the rules to allow my guest on the Senate floor today.
• President, I move that the rules be suspended to place House Bill 5630 on final passage.
• Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the Senate has inserted the full title.
• Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the Senate has inserted the full title.
• Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the Senate has inserted the full title.

Keywords: 983, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• rule House Rule 62.5. rule House Rule 62.5.
• <00:40:34.960> that the ruling of the chair uh to rule that the ruling of the chair uh to
• Vote I if you are in favor of the chair's ruling. Vote no if you are opposed to the chair's ruling.
• under the house rules there is no ruled under the house rules there is no conflict<00:48:02.560>
• chair's ruling.

Bills: HB2198, HB2021, HB1881, HB1964, HB1990, HB2151, HB2599, HB2414

Keywords: gambling, prediction markets, Hawaii gambling laws, financial contracts, ethical concerns, electric bicycles, micro-mobility devices, safety regulations, traffic laws, insurance exemption, high-speed electric devices, land use, ropeway, transportation, state regulation, government exemption, building code, permitting process, training, state council

Transcript Highlights:

• , from the bachelor's level to the licensed master's to the licensed clinical.
• And seven of them had their licenses restored.
• Amos Lash, who first lost his license in California and then came here.
• You have to be a licensed clinician.
• , where the licensing board resides, a cabinet-level position.

Transcript Highlights:

• Reports from the Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration.
• Pursuant to rule 1.21, designates the following bill to be placed on the calendar for the day for Friday
• :02:39.840> certain<00:02:40.239> health<00:02:40.560> and<00:02:40.800> licensing
• modifying certain health and licensing modifying certain health and licensing provisions.<00:02:
• being referred to the committee on rules being referred to the committee on rules and<00:17:29.280

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• They have ruled that.
• We have a platform accountability rule, a very simple one.
• Implemented platform accountability rules. I'm not sure.
• I just renewed my liquor license, and now I'm being charged a city fee of $750.
• Installations still follow the NEC and state licensing rules. ...rules and utility interconnection requirements

Bills: HB346, HB1360, HB1510, HB1606, HB1804, HB1805, HB2156, HB2391, HB2767, HB3022, HB3044, HB3272, HB3293, HB3493, HB3809, HB3824, HJR110, HB2463

Keywords: expedited service, business records, veteran-owned businesses, franchise tax, fee schedule, Texas Ethics Commission, election reporting, campaign finance, violation categorization, penalties, public disclosure, Texas Utilities Code, electric utility, retail electric provider, municipally owned utility, electric cooperative, vegetation management, tree trimming, line clearance, transmission line

Transcript Highlights:

• large rule 6350. large rule 6350.
• Why didn't you finish rule making rule.
• rule is the rule comes into play and the rule is the rule applies. applies. applies.
• rule, can you make that an expired rule? rule, can you make that an expired rule?
• . rule. rule.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened with routine business, including the Pledge of Allegiance, seating alternates, and approval of the minutes and consent calendar. Both were approved without opposition. The committee then moved to the regular calendar, beginning with Department of Environmental Services drinking water rules (2532). Staff noted that the final proposal deleted requirements that had been in the initial proposal, making the published notice technically inaccurate because it said there were no substantive changes. The agency responded that the requirements still exist in other rules, that regulated entities and the Water Council were notified, and that the public had notice through related hearings. After discussion about whether a new noticed hearing was needed, the committee approved the rule. The next item was Department of Administrative Services personnel rule 2510 on seniority and employee performance evaluation. Staff raised informational comments and one unclear comment about language that appeared to require a checkbox even though no form exists, and about evaluation categories that could overlap. The agency said the checkbox language should be removed, but defended the overlapping categories as part of a long-standing template used by agencies for the past 10 years. Members discussed whether the language was too ambiguous or could lead to inconsistent application, but the committee ultimately approved the rule with a condition striking the checkbox language in the affected sections. The committee then considered personnel rule 25109 on investigations, discipline, non-disciplinary communications, and non-disciplinary removal. Staff recommended clarifying language distinguishing license suspension from termination for cause, and questioned whether the sexual-harassment discipline language was too broad because the same conduct could fit multiple discipline levels. The agency agreed to add the suggested clarification for the license-suspension provision, but argued the sexual-harassment language should remain because another rule already provides the factors for determining the appropriate discipline and the agency needs discretion for fact-specific cases. The discussion included concerns about how non-verbal conduct might be treated, but the committee moved toward conditional approval with the agreed clarification and approval of the rest of the rule as written.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, moving on to the next measure: HB 938, relating to the motor vehicle industry licensing act.
• Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, with comments. Hello, Chair. Hello, board members.
• I'm the executive officer for the Motor Vehicle Licensing Industry Board.
• HB 938, relating to the motor vehicle industry licensing act.
• In section 2, this measure requires DLIR to adopt rules governing a clean standard.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered HB 1484 on transit-oriented development and HB 157 on transportation. For HB 1484, testimony included a request from the Hoi Community Development Authority to be removed from the measure while offering to assist if the transit-oriented development law is implemented, along with testimony in opposition and support from several individuals. The committees later recommended HB 1484 be passed with amendments, including an HD1, a defective date, deletion of a reference to section 225 on page 11, adoption of H-CDA’s proposed amendment, and related committee report changes. The vote was adopted in both committees, with Representatives Cochran and Lee excused and Representative Mora voting with reservations. HB 157 concerned the transfer and acceptance of roads in the Villages of Kapolei. HHFDC supported the bill’s intent and explained that the roads were originally self-permitted, the city had not accepted dedication, and HHFDC has been maintaining and upgrading the roads under an MOA that requires improvements to city standards before transfer. Testimony from the Villages of Kapolei Association and others described ongoing problems with non-emergency police services, illegal parking, abandoned vehicles, and the need for city enforcement on roads that are open to the public. Committee members asked about the current holdup, the possibility of transferring roads in segments, and whether a cash settlement could resolve the issue; HHFDC said it was working in segments and that the city had mentioned a $60 million figure. The committees then recommended HB 157 pass with amendments, noting they were awaiting an Attorney General opinion on authority to compel the transfer and that the matter would continue to the Committee on Water and Land. The Transportation Committee also heard several additional bills. HB 1083, concerning vessels in state commercial harbors, drew support from the Department of Transportation and some industry groups and opposition from charter operators; HB 1159, which would require compliance with harbor master evacuation orders and increase penalties, drew DOT support and opposition from multiple vessel operators, who argued the bill was too broad and should define emergencies more clearly and use tiered penalties. HB 58, limiting civil liability for firefighting at commercial harbors, received DOT and Maritime Group support. HB 1165, on county disposal of ocean-bordering property and state highway acquisition, received DOT support. HB 938, a broad motor vehicle franchise and EV-related bill, drew support from the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association and the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, but strong opposition from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Tesla, Rivian, Scout Motors, and others; opponents argued it would restrict direct-to-consumer EV sales and innovation, while dealers said the bill was too broad and needed further stakeholder work. No final votes were taken on the Transportation Committee’s remaining measures in the portion provided, and the joint hearing was adjourned after decision-making on HB 1484 and HB 157.

Transcript Highlights:

• This applies to licensed money transmission license holders, such as companies like PayPal, Venmo, Cash
• The Texas Department of Banking website lists 180 companies that have this type of license in Texas.
• set at $10,000, or three times the amount of the fine or penalty imposed by the money transmission license
• So the key provisions of this bill prohibit the money transmission license holder from including in their
• And sixth is to comply with state or federal law, rule, or regulation.

Bills: SB512, SB1024

Keywords: SB 512, Texas Finance Code, money transmission, money services business, money transmitter, money transmission licensee, terms of service, consumer protection, civil penalty, attorney general enforcement, account closure, refund of balance, financial services regulation, payments industry, fintech, prepaid accounts, remittance, licensee compliance, local government debt, municipal finance

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair will, is about to enumerate those measures in making a ruling. Okay.
• the ruling of the Chair, it be taken by call of the ayes and nays.
• The question that will be before the body is, shall the ruling of the Chair stand?
• To recap, the ruling of the Chair stands and the ten amendments previously read are being ruled out of
• Pursuant to Senate Rule 57D, 57D. Do this now? Okay.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate met on the FY27 budget and began with several ceremonial introductions and brief amendment withdrawals. Senator Collins withdrew amendments related to restoring DCF social worker funding and educator pay. The chamber then ruled a package of tax-related amendments offered by Senator Tarr out of order on constitutional grounds, finding they would create money-bill provisions that must originate in the House; the Senate upheld that ruling by a vote of 35-4. Senator Tarr later offered amendments on a gas tax suspension and related tax relief themes, but those were not adopted. The Senate considered and rejected several other amendments, including proposals on commemorating Commonwealth history, naming a bridge, repeat offenders, and no-cost calls. One amendment by Senator Fattman to extend domestic violence leave protections to contract employees was adopted unanimously, with 39 votes in favor and none opposed. The chamber also adopted an amendment creating a special commission to study the adequacy, reliability, and distribution of unrestricted general government aid (UGA), after extended debate about inequities in municipal aid and local budget pressures. Members from across the chamber supported the commission, while some emphasized that adequacy of funding, not just redistribution, remains a concern. The Senate then took up Chapter 90, passing the municipal roads and bridges bill to be engrossed. It also adopted a community programming amendment and a Senate Ways and Means amendment, then adopted the Ways and Means budget amendment as amended and ordered the underlying FY27 appropriations bill to a third reading. After lengthy closing remarks from the Ways and Means chair, minority leader, and the Senate President praising the budget process and highlighting investments in local aid, education, public safety, and other priorities, the Senate voted 40-0 to pass the FY27 budget bill to be engrossed. The chamber then adopted an order to reconvene the following Tuesday at 11 a.m. and adjourned in memory of Trooper Kevin Thomas Traynor.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are the agency that does those hearings involving the ignition interlock license.
• It is typically a private vendor that is licensed and accepted by DOT.
• We can't change a judge's rulings. However, the attorneys will go into Odyssey.
• And appellate issues can also be even though we don't have jurisdiction over a judge's rulings, they
• Their rulings can violate the code. Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you for that explanation.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• O'Connor, moves that the rules be suspended to consider the matter forthwith.
• Question comes on suspension of Joint Rules 12.
• Rules suspended. Petitions will be referred to their respective committees.
• Senate Rule 7 and any other rules to the contrary, the House Bill to build resilient infrastructure to
• The rule is suspended. Question now comes on suspension of Joint Rule 12.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate convened on February 19, 2006, with a Pledge of Allegiance and remarks noting the Commonwealth’s observance of Iwo Jima Day. The chamber also adopted a congratulatory resolution for Elizabeth Beth Renaud on her retirement from public service to the city of Salem. Members then acted on several local and procedural matters. House Bill 4272, authorizing Hudson to grant one additional off-premises wine and malt beverages license, was ordered to a third reading and then passed to be engrossed. The Senate also adopted orders extending committee reporting deadlines for the Environment and Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee and the Transportation Committee, and suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer several House petitions to committees. Later, the Senate passed to enact House Bills 3977 and 4438, concerning alternate members for Beckett’s Conservation Commission and a fall annual town meeting in Swampscott. The chamber also adopted an order placing House Bill 4769, the “build resilient infrastructure to generate higher-ed transformation” bill, on the Orders of the Day for immediate second reading with Ways and Means text as the amendment. Another petition, filed by Senator Brownsberger and others regarding violations of the U.S. Constitution under cover of law, was referred to the Judiciary Committee after suspension of the necessary rules. The Senate concluded with an order to adjourn until the following Monday at 11 a.m. and a motion to adjourn in memory of Phyllis Chapman of Hingham, followed by a moment of silence. The motion prevailed and the Senate adjourned in her memory.

Transcript Highlights:

• I noticed in the rules that it talks about a 10-day appeal of the subpoena that's in the rules.
• But that's a common 10-day rule that we have in our court system, uh, is called Civil Rule 59.05."
• If they refuse that test, their license shall be suspended.
• This makes clear that license suspension shall take place at the time of arraignment.
• This makes clear that license suspension shall take place at the time of arraignment.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee heard and advanced several bills. Senate Bill 198, relating to operations of the Office of the Attorney General, was described as a cleanup measure with seven changes, including allowing the AG’s office to handle child support employee background checks and fingerprinting, updating child support guideline commission references, clarifying control of constitutional officers’ records in multistate litigation, setting a 10-year statute of limitations for certain consumer protection matters, streamlining administrative hearing appeals, and changing representation of the professional geologist board. After questions about the administrative hearing appeal language, the committee passed the bill 9-0. The committee then passed Senate Bill 323, which would require subpoenas for medical records to be served at least 14 days before production. President Stivers said the bill is intended to give health care providers reasonable time to comply with HIPAA, redact records, and avoid motions to quash when subpoenas are served on short notice. A question about appeal deadlines was answered by noting the bill would not affect the common 10-day motion-to-reconsider rule. The bill passed 9-0. Senate Bill 66, as amended by committee substitute, was also passed 9-0. The substitute addressed DUI-related issues, including preserving certain driving records for 10 years, removing urine screens from the bill, adding fentanyl and other substances to the per se controlled-substances DUI list, and clarifying that a preliminary breath test may be refused and that officers should advise drivers of that right. The committee also passed Senate Bill 221, a model-law bill making the knowing purchase, sale, transfer, or offer to sell human remains for consideration a Class D felony; members asked about whether it could affect older medical specimens or fetal remains, and sponsors said the bill is aimed at remains authorized for final disposition through cremation or burial. That bill passed 8-0. Finally, Senate Bill 312, concerning court-ordered transports in mental health cases, was presented by court security and sheriff’s association representatives. They said the bill clarifies that sheriffs may use court security staff to monitor and transport individuals undergoing 202A mental health evaluations, addressing staffing shortages and existing practice. The committee passed the bill 8-0. The committee then began hearing Senate Bill 333 on body armor grants, with the Attorney General’s office testifying that the bill would transfer administration of the Law Enforcement Protection Program to the AG and align it with the office’s existing body armor grant program, but the transcript cuts off before any vote on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• The hearing will operate under the new joint rules adopted by the House and Senate.
• Under the rules, House bills must be acted upon within 60 days, subject to a single 30-day extension.
• of an offer, the state can be very aggressive in its collection practices: it suspends driver's licenses
• , professional licenses, it garnishes wages, and... ...suspends driver's licenses, professional licenses
• done, to your question recently, Senator Eldridge, we've done a FOIA trying to find out how many licenses

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a public hearing on bills related to income and estates, with Chairs James Eldridge and Adrian Madaro presiding and members participating in person and virtually. The committee explained hearing procedures, written testimony deadlines, and the new joint rules for acting on bills. No votes were taken during the hearing. The first major topic was increasing Massachusetts 529 college savings deductions, through House Bill 3151 and Senate Bill 2066. Brad Freeman of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts testified in support, saying the current deduction has encouraged more families to save for college and should be expanded to match other states. He argued the change would help middle-income families and noted the original deduction was designed with a revenue offset and later made permanent. The committee also heard support for House Bill 3010 and Senate Bill 1963, which would exclude the federal Segal AmeriCorps Education Award from Massachusetts taxable income. Beth McGuinness and Lindsay Rooney of the Massachusetts Service Alliance said the tax creates a burden for AmeriCorps members, many of whom have low incomes and use the award directly for tuition or student loans, and that removing the tax would aid recruitment and retention. Another bill, House Bill 3062 on settlements of tax liability, drew testimony from a taxpayer, a tax practitioner, and a legal aid attorney who described the current offer-in-settlement process as too restrictive and underused; they urged changes to make tax debt resolution more equitable and more consistent with federal practice.

Transcript Highlights:

• to engage in clinical practice as part of their college instruction if directly supervised by a licensed
• Um, promulgate rules. What is the, um, how long does it typically take to do that?
• So that the board can adopt the rules to clarify how to implement the statute.
• So thank you very much, and we strongly support this bill. license plate uh will provide us one to license
• some of the initial terms of the license some of the initial terms of the license agreement<00:47

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education heard several measures focused on health, environment, and research. HB 970 would allow chiropractic students to participate in clinical practice under direct supervision; the Hawaii Board of Chiropractic offered comments and asked for a delayed implementation date until July 2027 to allow time to adopt rules, while the Hawaii State Chiropractic Association supported the bill. Members also discussed that there are currently no chiropractic schools in the state. The committee then heard HB 1185, which creates a plant-based building materials working group, and HB 1337, which establishes an endemic plant seed bank pilot program. Supporters of HB 1185 said the bill could help create green jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by developing materials such as bamboo, hempcrete, and bio-cements, with questions raised about in-state processing. For HB 1337, witnesses supported the goal of preserving endemic species but said a large-scale refrigerated storage and seed-production facility would be needed; one witness estimated startup costs of about $6 million for one island and noted existing seed banks are small-scale and not designed for reforestation. HB 1300 would fund a University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center multi-ethnic cohort study on cancer disparities among Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, Filipinos, and Asians, including environmental and social factors such as proximity to landfills. The Cancer Center, ACS CAN, and labor representatives supported the bill, emphasizing health disparities and concerns about landfill exposure; committee members asked about federal funding, and the Cancer Center said it would pursue NIH, private, and foundation support, with the state share described as $500,000 per year for two years. HB 736 would create a wastewater technology testing pilot program at the Water Resources Research Center; supporters said it could help certify cheaper alternatives to costly cesspool and septic upgrades, and the Department of Health supported the measure. The committee also heard HB 531, which authorizes special license plates for the Cancer Center; supporters said it would raise visibility and funds, and the Cancer Center estimated revenue would likely be under $100,000. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.