Video & Transcript : 'collaborative practice' :
Page 158 of 500
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- reminder, second substitute House Bill 1634 requires OSPI and educational service districts to collaborate
- The amendment would permit, instead of require, OSPI and the ESDs to consult and collaborate with specified
- DOH, the Department of Health, was the only agency that submitted a fiscal impact for collaborating with
- Gorman, staff to this committee, regarding the fiscal impact of amendment 251 compared to current practice
- this requires the Commission to identify system-level frameworks embedded in the agency policies, practices
Bills:
HB1073 , HB1128 , HB1316 , HB1408 , HB1591 , HB1592 , HB1634 , HB1906 , HB1960 , HB2073 , HB2145 , HB2248 , HB2266 , HB2301 , HB2333 , HB2365 , HB2401 , HB2416 , HB2421 , HB2438 , HB2474 , HB2475 , HB2515 , HB2517 , HB2523 , HB2548 , HB2597 , HB2637 , HB2640 , HB2660 , HB2675 , HB2685 , HB2720 , HB1742 , HB2104 , HB2186 , HB2405 , HB2557 , HB2593 , HB2636
Committee:
House Appropriations
Keywords:
national guard, military support, defense, state security, veteran services, child care, workforce standards, education, child development, training requirements, postsecondary education, homelessness, foster youth, education access, support programs, community preservation, development authorities, funding, local governance, state resources
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 40 (3-5-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This gap has already been tested in practice.
- This gap has already been tested in practice.
- Clerk, please report Senate Bill 137, an act relating to a provisional license to practice medicine.
- Senate Bill 137, an act relating to a provisional license to practice medicine.
- Five professional liability insurance, you can't practice anywhere in the United States.
Summary:
The Senate convened, opened with an invocation and pledge, established a quorum, excused absent members, and approved the journal. The House clerk then announced that the House had passed several bills and requested concurrence. The chamber also received second-reading reports for a number of bills and resolutions, which were referred to the Rules Committee, and committee reports from the Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor Committee and the Judiciary Committee recommending passage of several measures. New resolutions were also introduced, including one honoring Michael Mingi, Amanda Maize, and Senator Maize Bledsoe, and another designating March 31, 2026, as Kentucky Transitional Science Day.
The Senate then took up Senate Bill 145, relating to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. The chamber concurred in House Committee Substitute 1 and House Floor Amendment 1, then passed the bill as amended by a roll call vote of 35 yeas and 2 nays. The Senate next considered Senate Bill 59, relating to prohibited uses of tax dollars and resources. After adopting Senate Committee Substitute 1, members debated whether the bill’s enforcement provisions were needed to prevent public funds from being used to influence ballot questions; supporters cited prior school-related advocacy, while one opponent raised concerns about possible uneven treatment of schools receiving federal funds. The bill passed 28-9.
Finally, the Senate took up Senate Bill 137, relating to a provisional license to practice medicine. Supporters described Kentucky’s physician shortage, especially in rural areas, and argued the bill would help recruit foreign medical graduates by allowing a path to licensure based on prior residency and work experience. A floor amendment was offered to preserve standards by emphasizing U.S. residency pathways and cautioning against lowering the standard of care, but the amendment was withdrawn after discussion. The bill remained under consideration at the end of the transcript.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee Meeting Jun 23rd, 2026
Environment, Energy & Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- DEMEC remains committed to working collaboratively with legislators and stakeholders to help address
- these issues and support practical, durable solutions for all of Delaware.
- issues and support practical legislators and stakeholders to help address these issues and support practical
- It does so in a practical and achievable way, and in a way that will create generational jobs.
- Practical and achievable way, and in a way that will create generational jobs and economic opportunity
Committee:
Senate Environment, Energy & Transportation
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.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative, nothing in this bill would supersede existing procedure and practice.
- What I was saying to the jury was similar to, as you know, in your practice if there is a situation..
- I think it will be analogous to what you practice as a PRR. Notification and things of that nature.
- Places of intentional amnesty for individuals seeking to become closer to God and seeking to practice
- I am disappointed that there was no more collaboration from every member of the chamber.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- And in many counties, qualified professionals do not have any practical pathway at all.
- The bill also promotes statewide consistency in practices.
- And counties are happy to do kind of more consistent practices.
- I appreciate the work and the collaboration and respectfully ask for an aye vote. Thank you.
- In practice, that means many of these facilities operate with little to no meaningful oversight.
Committee:
House Judiciary
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 3 on Health and Human Services May 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Support to help community-defined evidence practices become integrated into the behavioral health system
- The Commission's community advocacy contracts are the state's practical mechanism to reach and engage
- . ...regard that they have a long history of this consensus building, community building collaboration
- You know, we agree with that, but I would also acknowledge CDPH is working in collaboration with DHS
- There was another report on best practices that was... ...another report on best practices that was completed
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 2/11/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- regulatory practices report.
- The GTAC committee had a gas consultant that worked with us and put together a best practice report,
- regulatory practices report.
- The GTAC committee had a gas consultant that worked with us and put together a best practice report,
- regulatory practices report.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a practical and balanced measure.
- Um, a lot of times if there's practice.
- But we see this as a collaboration role.
- But we see this as a collaboration role.
- Association of Hawaii to find practical Association of Hawaii to find practical solutions<01:05:17.039
Committee:
House Health
Keywords:
Medicaid, disability, buy-in program, workers with disabilities, income eligibility, premium structure, biomarker testing, health insurance, medical coverage, state law, health maintenance organization, juvenile justice, youth penalties, minors, court fees, court costs, fines, surcharges, restitution, fee waiver
Summary:
The House Committee on Health heard testimony on a series of bills related to public health, pharmacy regulation, disability access, and health care infrastructure. HB 1535, creating an income tax credit for automated external defibrillator installations, drew support from the Department of Health, tax department comments, and public testimony emphasizing AED access in community and transit settings. HB 1765, requiring safety warnings for spear fishing gear, received comments from DLNR and strong support from a free-diving safety advocate who described blackout risks and argued for point-of-sale warnings. HB 1549, which would repeal the law prohibiting drug paraphernalia, drew mixed testimony: the Department of Health, the Public Defender, and harm-reduction advocates supported repeal as a public health measure, while HPD and a county prosecutor opposed it, warning it could encourage drug use and create public safety issues.
The committee also heard HB 1550, which would exclude drug testing products from the definition of drug paraphernalia. The Department of Health and harm-reduction advocates supported the bill, saying drug checking tools save lives and help prevent overdoses, while one written opponent was noted. HB 1995, allowing people who are blind or deaf to receive disabled parking permits, drew opposition from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Disability and Communication Access Board, and other opponents, while a few written supporters were also noted. HB 1671, allowing licensed dental hygienists to place interim therapeutic restorations in public health settings, received support from the Department of Health and several oral health organizations, with the Board of Dentistry offering comments.
HB 1643, establishing a framework for pharmacy audits and record retrieval, prompted the most extended discussion. The Board of Pharmacy and independent pharmacy representatives supported the bill as a needed framework to limit burdensome audits and protect patient care, while HMSA raised concerns about possible conflicts with upcoming federal PBM reforms and potential unintended consequences. Committee members questioned both sides about timing and workload, and supporters argued the bill was needed now to protect rural and independent pharmacies. Finally, HB 1978, appropriating funds for a new outpatient care center in North Kona, received strong support from Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, Queen’s Health Systems, the Kona-Kohala Chamber, and others, who described it as a long-term investment in West Hawaii’s health care capacity and economy. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- Further, third-party suppliers' problematic practices are put on display at local grocery stores in our
- So marketing practices, that is basically how you have sales.
- Are you aware how many Chapter 93A unfair and deceptive business practice lawsuits have been brought
- These companies routinely deploy unethical practices.
- It seems that that appears to be a targeted practice, very specific in its purpose.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several energy-related bills, with the main focus on H. 3534/S. 2255, which would ban or sharply restrict residential third-party electric suppliers, and on related reform proposals. Supporters included the Attorney General’s office, municipal and regional planning officials, environmental justice groups, consumer advocates, and city officials from Boston and Chelsea. They argued that the residential competitive supply market has produced higher bills, deceptive sales tactics, auto-renewals into higher rates, and disproportionate harm to low-income residents, seniors, communities of color, and people with limited English. Witnesses cited AG reports estimating hundreds of millions of dollars in overcharges over time, described door-to-door and storefront marketing abuses, and said municipal aggregation programs have saved residents money while offering more stable rates. Several supporters said the Legislature should either ban residential competitive supply or adopt strong guardrails such as ending automatic renewals, banning incentive-based commissions, and capping rates relative to basic service.
Opponents or industry representatives from the Retail Energy Advancement League, Vistra, and Constellation argued that the market can provide savings, longer-term price stability, and value-added products such as renewable options and time-of-use offerings. They said Massachusetts has already improved consumer protections through DPU proceedings, that complaints are relatively few compared with the size of the market, and that a ban would eliminate consumer choice. They also defended direct sales and commissions as normal features of a retail market, while saying they would support additional protections, licensing, bonding, and stronger oversight of bad actors. Committee members pressed both sides on whether the market truly saves money, whether automatic renewals should be banned, and whether the AG’s proposed reforms would be enough.
The committee also heard testimony on H. 3972, a bill to extend utility shutoff protections during extreme heat, with Rep. Mindy Domb arguing that Massachusetts should treat extreme heat like extreme cold and protect customers facing financial hardship. Rep. Barrett also testified for H. 3450, a municipal broadband/right-of-way bill, arguing that communities need easier and cheaper access to utility poles and public rights of way to build municipal broadband. In addition, Senate Majority Leader Creem testified for S. 2239, which would bar utilities from recovering ratepayer funds for lobbying, promotions, trade association dues, and similar expenses. No votes were taken during the hearing.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- by and large it's probably kind of a gimmick, and gimmicks come and go, but we are legalizing a practice
- take them to a table away from the bar, so that part of it is already happening and is standard practice
- We’ve talked with Senator Murphy, and he was kind and gracious to work with us collaboratively on this
- We’ve enjoyed working collaboratively.
- </c> believe our ways to work collaboratively believe our ways to work collaboratively with<01:24:50.480
Committee:
Senate Commerce
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 04/29/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- development resources, support for our small businesses, and providing even spaces for innovation and collaboration
- development resources, support for our small businesses, and providing even spaces for innovation and collaboration
- development resources, support for our small businesses, and providing even spaces for innovation and collaboration
- The bill is passed. >> Calendar 748, Senate Print 3413, Senator Jackson, an act to amend the Civil Practice
- Calendar 748, Senate Print 3413, Senator Jackson, an act to amend the Civil Practice Law and Rules. >
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and discharged several identical Assembly/Senate bills from committee so they could be substituted on the calendar. The chamber then took up and previously adopted two commemorative resolutions: one designating April 2026 as Sikh Heritage Month and another honoring Korean War veterans. Senators from both parties spoke in support of the Sikh resolution, emphasizing the community’s contributions, service, and the need for recognition and inclusion; the resolution was opened for co-sponsorship and the Sikh guests in the gallery were recognized. The Korean War resolution drew remarks from members recalling family service and the sacrifices of veterans, with repeated calls to preserve their stories and honor their legacy.
The Senate then moved through the calendar, passing a series of bills. Among them were measures related to charter bus safety and seat belt awareness, coverage for doula services under insurance, social services/EBT-related changes, education, navigation, highway, public service, and hospital-closure reporting. Several bills passed unanimously or with only one dissenting vote; the social services bill drew the most opposition, with Senator Murray objecting that New York should first address EBT chip technology and skimming before adding new vendor requirements. One bill on the calendar was laid aside for the day.
The chamber also adopted a supplemental bill authorizing the South Country Central School District to finance certain deficits, described by Senator Murray as a necessary rescue to keep the district operating and pay staff. Senators discussed the state budget impasse during debate on an extender bill, with the sponsor explaining it was a “clean extender” to keep government running through May 4 and cover payroll, health, education, and other essential payments. Senator Helming raised concerns about the lack of rural health transformation funding and the consequences of the delayed budget for schools, local governments, and hospitals. The extender passed, and the Senate adjourned until Monday, May 4, 2026.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Business and Insurance 2ND REVISED Apr 23rd, 2026
Business and Insurance
Transcript Highlights:
- Tippett has earned a reputation for technical expertise, sound judgment, and a collaborative leadership
- It says in law and in practice that the remains of a child or a grandmother may be processed, packaged
- This is the result of a collaborative effort between the Oklahoma Insurance Department and the Oklahoma
- This is the result of a collaborative effort between the Oklahoma Insurance Department and the Oklahoma
- It was developed through collaboration between that board and the roofing industry.
Bills:
HB4322 , HB4202 , HB4203 , HB4457 , HB3983 , HB3660 , HB3802 , HB2933 , HB2955 , HB2956 , HB3781 , HB3521 , HB3794 , HB3796 , HB3800
Committee:
Senate Business and Insurance
Keywords:
funeral services licensing, funeral director, embalmer, funeral director in charge, dual licensure, mortuary science, Oklahoma Funeral Board, funeral establishment, commercial embalming establishment, crematory, cremation, alkaline hydrolysis, apprenticeship, licensing requirements, professional regulation, undertaker, mortician, burial services, death care industry, workers' compensation
Summary:
The Business and Insurance Committee first handled a series of executive nominations, including appointments or reappointments to the Oklahoma Securities Commission, Real Estate Commission, State Athletic Commission, Accountancy Board, Commission on Consumer Credit, Uniform Building Code Commission, Abstractors Board, Used Motor Vehicle Dismantler and Manufactured Housing Commission, and State Banking Board. Most nominees briefly addressed the committee, and the nominations were advanced by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. One HB 4488 was laid over at the start of the meeting.
The committee then considered several bills. HB 4322, which would remove a dual-licensure requirement for funeral directors and embalmers, drew questions about consumer protection and body care procedures and passed 6-3. HB 4202, changing workers’ compensation fee schedule treatment for radiology, passed unanimously. HB 4203, directing the Uniform Building Code Commission to explore guidelines for single-exit configurations in certain buildings up to four stories, passed 7-2 after concerns were raised about fire safety. HB 4457, dealing with specialty pharmacies, pharmacy benefit managers, and access to specialty medications, passed unanimously.
Members also debated HB 3983, which would move Oklahoma’s moist smokeless tobacco tax to a weight-based system; supporters argued it would improve fairness and revenue stability, while opponents said it would raise taxes on some products and lacked consumer protections. It passed 6-3. HB 3660, authorizing natural organic reduction as an additional end-of-life option, prompted a lengthy debate over dignity, religious concerns, and consumer choice; it passed 5-4. HB 3802, prohibiting auto insurers from raising premiums solely because a spouse died, passed unanimously. HB 2933, a consumer protection insurance bill, passed 9-0 after extensive discussion of claims handling and insurer accountability. Additional insurance and regulatory measures—HB 2955, HB 2956, HB 3781, HB 3521, HB 3796, HB 3794, and HB 3800—were also advanced, most with little or no opposition. The chair closed by noting all executive nominations and legislation had been cleared from the committee for the year.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a practical, fiscally responsible approach that benefits communities Landowners and the energy
- There is in the sense that a well that is abandoned Means that in my mind, and from a practical standpoint
- It allows for close scientific collaboration between the national labs, the universities, and startups
- And for me personally, I use the program here in particular in collaboration with Sandia National Lab
- Chair, members of the committee, Senate Bill 165 is a collaborative effort to try to update the policy
Committee:
Senate Senate Finance
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- provide a factual explanation, reference the governing documents, a statement of current association practices
- It is because of this that I want to acknowledge the effort and collaboration of Representative Reid
- And again, I would like to acknowledge this, the overall collaboration with Representative Reid and the
- We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively on this process. Thank you.
- From a practical perspective, the bill provides a flexible, low-impact tool to address housing shortages
Committee:
Senate Housing
Keywords:
residential building, construction permits, housing development, planning efficiency, state regulations, affordable housing, homelessness, homeless shelter, emergency shelter, emergency housing, supportive housing, permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, low-income housing, very low-income, extremely low-income, housing crisis, land use, zoning, local preemption
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- And once we receive the data, that should lead us into mitigation and collaboration.
- The biggest thing I like, collaboration. What can we do about it before it becomes a problem?
- The rulemaking involved collaboration with legal counsel for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes and had moderate
- time was spent working both internally and externally with stakeholders who bring a deep level of practical
- This process is highly collaborative and iterative, cycling through review, discussion, and redrafting
Committee:
Senate Resources and Environment
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Finance Committee in Session Jan 19th, 2026 at 02:59 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- So SBDC is practical. They do business... Duplicative? Thank you for that question.
- So SBDC is practical. They do business coaching. And I don't want to undersell it.
- One of the states does it in collaboration with the university. They get some research there.
- And we want to be helpful, not duplicate; we want to collaborate. And I understand that you...
- We want to be helpful, not duplicate; we want to collaborate.
Summary:
The Senate Finance Committee met with a quorum, approved the minutes from the prior meeting, and heard budget presentations from the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, and the State Auditor. The Secretary of State’s office described its FY27 budget, emphasizing efficiency gains from technology, election security work, and business services. It said it is operating with fewer staff than a decade ago, but rising costs and outdated statutory fees are creating deficits in service of process and other operations. The office asked the committee to consider either increasing fees or allowing it to retain a larger share of business-service revenue, and it also proposed creating an Office of Entrepreneurship to help small businesses navigate state government, grants, permits, and related services.
Committee members questioned the Secretary of State’s office about fee increases, the current 50-50 split of certain revenues with general revenue, and whether the proposed entrepreneurship office would duplicate existing services. The office said it would complement, not replace, Commerce, SBDC, or grant programs, and would report metrics and policy recommendations to the legislature. The Attorney General then requested a one-time $2 million special revenue appropriation to hire additional lawyers and support staff, citing increased litigation, federal and state legal work, and the need to defend new laws. He also discussed embedded DMV lawyers handling DUI revocation hearings and said the arrangement costs the office just over $200,000.
The State Auditor reported that his office is largely self-funded through special revenue and said he wants to reduce reliance on general revenue over time. He highlighted savings from renegotiated leases and an open government contract, discussed the need for more auditors in the Chief Inspector’s Division, and described fraud recovery and P-card operations. A major topic was delinquent land sales: the auditor said the office sold about 17,000 parcels last year and believes online bidding and better marketing could generate substantially more revenue, with the surplus potentially shared among counties, the state, and other programs. Members also asked about securities fee changes, fairness hearings, fire department audits, IT/cybersecurity, and how surplus proceeds from delinquent land sales should be handled. The committee adjourned after the presentations and questions.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Jan 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Strengthening complaint system safeguards is a practical, responsible step toward protecting students
- The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction must collaborate with certain stakeholders on
- The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction must collaborate with certain stakeholders on
- the 2027-28 school year, each school district and others with students in grades 11 and 12 must collaborate
- And finally, state financial aid programs are included in the work being done in collaboration with the
Summary:
The Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee began with a work session on student complaints in higher education. Faculty, union, and research witnesses argued that current complaint systems are sometimes misused in bad faith, disproportionately affecting faculty of color, women, and contingent faculty, consuming institutional resources, and chilling academic freedom. They called for an initial screening process for bias or retaliation, routine data collection and equity review, and a faculty bill of rights. Committee members asked about FERPA, Title IX, and how complaint data could be tracked consistently across institutions.
The committee then held public hearings on several bills. SB 6090 would create a Heritage Orchard Program at Washington State University to register and preserve heritage orchards and rare apple varieties; Senator Braun said it would honor Washington’s apple history and support research at low cost. SB 5931 would make technical changes to the Workforce Education Investment Oversight Board, including two-year co-chair terms, a later annual report date, and removal of a dashboard requirement; WASAC, labor, and Microsoft testified in support. SB 5963 would automatically qualify Passport to Careers students as income-eligible for the Washington College Grant and align financial aid definitions; WASAC, College Success Foundation, students, and student advocates supported it as a way to reduce barriers for foster and homeless youth.
The committee also heard SB 5978, which would codify and expand the Washington Guaranteed Admissions Program and require annual student notifications about admissions, financial aid, dual credit, and related opportunities. Supporters included the Council of Presidents, faculty, students, parents, and the Washington Roundtable, who said guaranteed admission and better outreach would reduce anxiety, improve transparency, and help more students enroll. Finally, SB 6082 would direct JLARC to audit fraud in state financial aid programs, including fictitious students and AI-enabled abuse; the sponsor cited recent fraud concerns, while community and technical college officials said colleges already have fraud controls in place, warned the audit was unfunded and potentially duplicative, and asked for more resources. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after closing the hearings.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 27th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And these centers provide comprehensive collaborative support services to domestic violence, sexual assault
- 36 because we should be investing in families this budget does it nonetheless because we have a collaborative
- bureaucrats debate whether we're going to give authorization for hospice, that's not good budget practice
- It also codifies the practice of child and family team meetings for family maintenance cases, encourages
- Without the two of them collaborating and walking through the small details of the bill, this would not
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HHS, HHS Public Hearings 03-24-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- It's great that he practices what he preaches. Sure does. Okay. Any questions, members?
- Great working with her and collaborating in different events like Footsteps to Transition throughout
- Again, she's been there serving for a year now, and it's a great collaboration with the Executive Office
- The resolution seeks to reform pharmacy benefit manager practices in the state to ensure transparency
- Um, and secondly, we're really excited to collaborate with local researchers and community members to
Summary:
The committee first considered a series of Governor’s Message nominations, largely to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and one to the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances. Testifiers and agencies spoke in strong support of the nominees, emphasizing their advocacy, community involvement, and lived experience. The committee heard from nominees and supporters for John Paul Moses III, Cynthia Fowler, Joshua Eay, Alicia Kim, Raymond Mamea, Maria Christina Valenzuela, Eden Watabayashi, Sierra Whiteside, and Brandy Lynn Macallani Hayen. After hearing testimony, the committee voted to advise and consent on each nomination, with the votes adopted by the members present.
The committee then took up SR 53 / SCR 69, which asks the Department of Health to convene a pharmacy benefit manager working group to improve transparency, fairness, and drug affordability. Supporters included the Hawaii Pharmacist Association, the University of Hawaii system, and several individuals, while the Department of Health said the issue is complex and may require additional support or a different structure. Members discussed whether the Department of Health should lead the effort or whether another entity, such as SHIPA with an appropriation, might be more workable; the Department of Health suggested a $100,000 appropriation could be sufficient.
Next, SR 56 / SCR 73 proposed a report on the developmental needs of children born during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Office of Wellness and Resilience supported the measure and asked for an extended deadline to the end of 2026, and several youth, mental health, and community organizations testified in support. The committee also heard SR 69 / STR 86 on creating an aeromedical services working group, with support from Air Methods, the Department of Health, and the Hawaii Medical Association, and SR 99 / STR 118 on studying the use of filtered catchment water for business activity, which drew support from the Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association and comments from the Department of Health that the issue is complicated and should include the Department of Agriculture. No final votes on the resolutions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Feb 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill before you today directs OSPI and educational service districts to collaborate and coordinate
- about evidence-based practices related to reading, and works with the educational service districts
- about evidence-based practices related to reading, and works with the educational service districts
- For more than 30 years, we've known the evidence-based practices that best support reading and writing
- Using evidence-based frameworks to guide collaboration reduces duplication, strengthens communication
Summary:
The committee held public hearings on three K-12 bills focused on behavioral health, literacy, and review of education mandates. On House Bill 1634, staff and Rep. Milin Tai described a framework for OSPI and educational service districts to coordinate with state and local partners on behavioral health technical assistance and training for schools, aligned with the Washington Thriving prenatal-to-25 plan. Testifiers, including students and education/behavioral health representatives, said the bill would improve coordination, early intervention, and access to supports for students and families. The bill was presented as having no fiscal note because it relies on existing funding, and testimony emphasized parent and student engagement in the framework.
On House Bill 2636, staff and Rep. Skyler Rude explained that the bill creates a Public Education Review Steering Committee to identify existing policies and funding provisions for JLARC review, with the goal of determining whether they achieve intended outcomes, improve student performance, are cost-effective, and should be maintained, modified, or repealed. Supporters said the bill is intended to help reduce burdensome or ineffective requirements on school districts and free resources for students, while some members questioned how the committee would define policy and whether it could affect future mandates. A representative of the Washington State School Directors Association supported the concept as a meaningful review of unfunded mandates.
The committee also heard House Bill 1295, which would require evidence-aligned literacy curriculum updates after 2027, require comprehensive K-4 literacy programs using structured literacy practices, direct PESB to revise literacy endorsement standards, require literacy-related continuing education, and direct OSPI to develop educator literacy training. Supporters, including parents, educators, students, dyslexia advocates, and district staff, argued that structured literacy is supported by research and would improve outcomes for struggling readers and students with dyslexia. One witness from the Washington Education Association supported the bill but raised concern about adding another continuing-education requirement. Testimony on the bill was extensive and largely in favor, with some discussion about whether the approach would address older students and how it would interact with existing district and ESD efforts.
After public hearings, the committee moved into executive session and approved three gubernatorial appointments for confirmation recommendation. It adopted an amendment to House Bill 1796 and advanced the bill to Ways and Means, passed Engrossed House Bill 2317 to Rules, and adopted a striking amendment to Substitute House Bill 2594 before advancing it to Ways and Means. All actions were taken by voice vote, with no opposition recorded.