Transcript Highlights:

• participants in their program conduct community-based research and learning, exploring how the Behavioral
• which will engage youth representatives with policymakers committed to improving access to the behavioral
• In that spirit, and on behalf of the Jewish Caucus, I respectfully urge your support for H.R. 80.
• Fellow Assembly Members, on behalf of the Latino Legislative Caucus, I rise today in support of House
• And it is why I ask that you join the Latino Caucus in supporting House Resolution 80 as we welcome the

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call and brief procedural business, including approval of a motion to withdraw SB 107 and SB 117 from the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee and place them on third reading. Members also approved procedural requests for adjournment-in-memory remarks and guest seating, and later took up the daily file. The main floor item was H.R. 80, a resolution recognizing Lunar New Year. Assembly Member Fong presented the resolution, and several members from different caucuses spoke in support, emphasizing the holiday’s cultural significance, themes of renewal and family, and California’s large AAPI community. The resolution was opened for coauthors, received 62 coauthors, and was then adopted by voice vote. Fong also distributed prosperity cookie boxes to members after passage. The chamber also observed moments of silence for Reverend Jesse Jackson and later for Babatunde Akinlola and Harold Tripp during adjournments in memory. Members gave tributes highlighting Akinlola’s film and education career and Tripp’s leadership in the Karuk Tribe and work on tribal restoration and natural resources. The session ended with announcements of upcoming committee meetings and adjournment until Thursday, February 19 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• participants in their program conduct community-based research and learning, exploring how the Behavioral
• which will engage youth representatives with policymakers committed to improving access to the behavioral
• In that spirit, and on behalf of the Jewish Caucus, I respectfully urge your support for H.R. 80.
• Fellow Assembly Members, on behalf of the Latino Legislative Caucus, I rise today in support of House
• And it is why I ask that you join the Latino Caucus in supporting House Resolution 80 as we welcome the

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• led security operations at Tinker Air Force Base, where he played a pivotal role in leading and supporting
• Motivated by her love for children, Doctor Shepherd specializes in supporting children diagnosed with
• autism and their families through individualized evidence-based interventions rooted in applied behavioral
• She adapts ABA principles to practical everyday behavioral challenges, all while aligning with Christ-centered
• Our friendship began with our support for public schools and one viral tweet that sparked something new

Bills: HR1041, SB137, SB1255, SB1226, SB1238, SB1258, SB1325, SB1460, SB1543, SB1730, SB1921, SB1733, SB1216, SB1256, SB1061, SB1534, SB1873, SB1653, SB540, SB1948

Keywords: Oklahoma, House Resolution, HR1041, Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, Department of Energy, DOE, advanced nuclear, nuclear energy, small modular reactors, SMRs, microreactors, energy innovation, advanced energy, energy security, economic development, job creation, workforce training, research and development, nuclear supply chain, clean energy

Transcript Highlights:

• It repeals the Board of Health and Welfare, eliminates regional behavioral health boards, and consolidates
• questions about what's required currently in meetings with the different boards of health as well as behavioral
• And as I mentioned, with strong support out of the House, this is not a garbage bill, but it's about
• And we appreciate your support and send it to the Senate.
• But it's about garbage, and we appreciate your support and send it to the Senate. Thank you.

Summary: The Senate Health and Welfare Committee heard several RS introductions and one House bill. RS 33393, by Sen. Van Orden, would create an audit/transparency process related to residential habilitation and provider rate increases; after clarification that it was the audit piece only, the committee voted to send it to print by voice vote. RS 33404, presented by a University of Idaho law student for Sen. Anthon, would allow pharmacists to seek voluntary dual licensure as naturopathic doctors; it was sent to print. RS 33355, by Sen. Blaylock, would restructure Health and Welfare oversight by eliminating administrative regions, regional directors, the Board of Health and Welfare, and regional behavioral health boards; despite concerns from Sen. Wintrow about losing advisory capacity, it was sent to print. RS 33406 would require hospitals to provide clearer, bundled labor-and-delivery pricing information, and RS 33419 would update newborn screening exemption language to align with existing vaccine exemptions; both were sent to print without opposition. The committee then heard House Bill 555, a rewrite of the Idaho Solid Waste Code, presented by Rep. Weber with testimony from Nate Francisco of the Idaho Solid Waste Association. The bill would move solid waste regulatory authority from health districts to the Department of Environmental Quality, with supporters citing greater expertise, statewide consistency, fewer conflicts of interest, and user-fee funding for DEQ’s added responsibilities. Members asked about impacts on septic systems, public health protections, and federal primacy under RCRA; the presenters said the bill concerns municipal solid waste, preserves public health and safety, and is intended to maintain Idaho’s primacy. The committee voted to send HB 555 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• on our behavior.
• It is more than behavior and lifestyle.
• Chairman and members, I respectfully ask for support for HB 514. I'm happy to answer any questions.
• I'm a policy coordinator for the team, and we're testifying in support of House Bill 514.
• , uh, favorable support on this incredibly important piece of legislation.

Bills: HB46

Keywords: local government spending cap, expenditure limit, political subdivision, property tax, ad valorem tax, budget cap, taxpayer protection, spending restraint, inflation adjustment, population growth, voter approval, supermajority vote, county budget, municipal budget, school district finance, junior college district, hospital district, special district, attorney general enforcement, local fiscal limits

Transcript Highlights:

• Please support this bill to keep our children safe.
• I represent myself, and I'm here today to support House Bill 2112.
• And great, we have a supportive Attorney General now.
• We strongly support the goal of keeping children safe.
• We strongly support the goal of keeping children safe online.

Summary: The Consumer Protection and Business Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 2112, which would require commercial entities, including some social media companies, to use age verification before allowing access to websites where more than one-third of the material is sexual content harmful to minors. Staff explained that the bill would require reasonable age verification methods, prohibit retention of identifying information, exempt bona fide news and public-interest sites, and authorize the Attorney General to enforce the law through civil penalties. The bill would also require warning notices on landing pages and advertisements, with content to be developed by the Department of Health. Prime sponsor Representative Mari Leavitt said the bill is intended to protect children from harmful online sexual content and argued that parental controls are not sufficient. She cited pediatric and public-health concerns, said the bill is modeled on laws upheld elsewhere, and emphasized that the measure is aimed at commercial entities rather than school-based sharing or general adult access. Supportive testimony from parents, clinicians, and advocates described early exposure to pornography, mental health harms, and the need to place responsibility on platforms rather than families alone. Opposition testimony focused on privacy, free speech, enforcement, and scope. Several witnesses argued that age verification systems create data-security risks even if data is not retained, that the bill’s definitions and one-third threshold are vague and could sweep in LGBTQ, health, educational, or artistic content, and that enforcement would be difficult against out-of-state websites. Some opponents said the law would push users to less-compliant sites and would not effectively protect children. A technology industry witness said the bill is narrow and comparable to carding for alcohol or tobacco, while a Free Speech Coalition representative said the law is ineffective in practice and offered to discuss amendments. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm proudly supported by them in my community.
• Representative Gehan, um, fully in support of it.
• That's OK, in support of House Bill 548.
• So we absolutely support funding MVPA fully.
• I'm in support. OK, good, yeah, sorry about that.

Bills: HB268, HB305, HB307

Keywords: gun show, firearm sales, criminal background check, firearm regulation, gun show promoter, election procedures, voter registration, residence requirements, change of address, voter eligibility, youth camp, flood safety, life jackets, grant program, flotation devices

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> is testifying in support. is testifying in support.
• In support or in opposition? In support of HB 1875. I'm sorry, Chair. In support.
• behavior? behavior?
• </c> in support of this bill. in support of this bill.
• So, I'm um not 100% supportive. supportive. supportive.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard testimony on HB 1875, which would expand Hawaii’s existing protections to include gender-affirming health care, clarify permitted disclosures of protected health information, and bar certain adverse actions by malpractice insurers and health carriers against providers of lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care. The Insurance Division of DCCA supported the bill with a technical amendment, suggesting language tied to actuarial analysis rather than the phrase “actuarially sound.” The Office of Information Practices also provided comments. Most testimony was strongly in support. State agencies and advocacy groups, including the Hawaii State Youth Commission, State Health Planning and Development Agency, Commission on the Status of Women, Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Stonewall Caucus, ACLU of Hawaii, PFLAG Oahu, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, said the bill would protect patient privacy, reduce chilling effects from out-of-state litigation, and help retain providers in a state already facing shortages. Several testifiers said gender-affirming care is medically necessary, evidence-based, and life-saving, and emphasized that Hawaii should protect its own health care decisions from outside political pressure. A few individuals testified in opposition, arguing the bill was unnecessary or that it protected providers more than opponents of the bill, but these views were not echoed by most of the testimony. The chair repeatedly reminded testifiers to keep comments brief and maintain decorum. The transcript provided does not include a final committee vote or disposition on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• 07:41.840><c> placed</c><00:07:42.280><c> that's</c><00:07:42.480><c> being</c><00:07:42.640><c> supported
• </c><00:07:43.760><c> um</c> being placed that's being supported um being placed that's being supported
• I'm going to look at their behavior while incarcerated.
• c><00:09:22.640><c> look</c><00:09:22.800><c> at</c><00:09:22.920><c> their</c><00:09:23.080><c> behavior
• </c> I'm going to look at their behavior I'm going to look at their behavior while<00:09:23.960><c> incarcerated

Keywords: Corrections - Room 210, 24 March, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And as a teen struggling to cope with years of abuse, I was admitted to a behavioral health facility
• health</c><00:03:32.480><c> facility</c><00:03:33.440><c> where</c><00:03:33.680><c> I</c> to a behavioral
• health facility where I to a behavioral health facility where I was<00:03:34.000><c> groomed</c><00:
• /c><00:05:34.960><c> pay</c><00:05:35.440><c> him</c><00:05:36.320><c> child</c><00:05:36.800><c> support
• </c> Minimum wage, to pay him child support. Let me be clear.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sports betting has a more than $4.7 billion impact in Minnesota and supports 31,000 jobs, and counting
• Senator, when it comes to public support for legalizing sports betting, some argue there's always a risk
• First of all, in terms of how much support there is, Missouri last year, they spent tens of millions
• I mean, in other words, we want to stop the predatory behavior.
• that's what we have predatory behavior that's what we have to<00:04:11.239><c> do</c><00:04:11.439><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These services support municipal meetings, court and legal proceedings, medical and behavioral health
• And so I'm fully supportive of this.
• to Chair Edwards, support for the legal defense money that the legal defense money that the support
• This program works with families to design individualized support plans, addressing behavioral, communication
• family home to help support those individuals in the community when it comes to residential supports

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing was a FY27 budget session on Health and Human Services held in Mattapan, hosted by the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. Opening remarks from Senator Lydia Edwards, Representative Brandy Fluker-Reed, Representative Russell Holmes, and Boston Public Library President David Leonard emphasized the significance of holding the first Ways and Means hearing in Mattapan, the importance of community access, and the role of libraries as human services institutions. Committee members and attendees introduced themselves before agency testimony began. MassAbility testified first, describing its mission to support people with disabilities through employment, independent living, and disability determination services. The agency highlighted federal funding uncertainty, a modest FY27 budget reduction, and a proposed reworking of its home care program, which it said is outdated and should better target those most in need. Members questioned the home care cut, staffing reductions, and federal coordination. MassAbility also shared a participant story about recovery and community support to illustrate the impact of its services. The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing then presented its FY27 request, focusing on interpreter and captioning access, workforce development, emergency communication, aging-related hearing loss, and transition services for deaf and hard-of-hearing youth. Members asked about interpreter shortages, after-hours emergency coverage, ASL education, and community training; the commission said it is expanding mentorship and referral systems but still faces staffing and vendor challenges. The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind followed with a $30.8 million request, describing services for nearly 9,000 consumers, peer support groups, vocational rehabilitation, and Turning 22 services, while noting federal funding uncertainty and a 7% budget cut. Members raised concerns about maintaining services with fewer resources, and the commissioner said the agency had trimmed overhead and could manage the proposal. The Office for Refugees and Immigrants closed the segment, outlining expanded legal, housing, workforce, citizenship, and financial literacy supports for immigrants and refugees, including Know Your Rights trainings, legal defense initiatives, and the Massachusetts Access to Counsel Initiative. Members discussed the effects of federal policy changes, the loss of refugee resettlement funding, and the need for state support to fill gaps. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the hearing consisted of agency presentations and committee questioning.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also support youth in schools.
• These services support municipal meetings, court and legal proceedings, medical and behavioral health
• And so I'm fully supportive of this.
• This program works with families to design individualized support plans, addressing behavioral, communication
• family home to help support those individuals in the community when it comes to residential supports

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held an FY27 Health and Human Services budget hearing in Mattapan, hosted at the Boston Public Library branch. Chairs Lydia Edwards and Russell Holmes, along with Rep. Brandy Fluker-Reid, emphasized the significance of holding the first Ways and Means hearing ever in Mattapan and highlighted the importance of bringing state budget deliberations into a majority-Black neighborhood. Several legislators introduced themselves as they joined, and the committee noted that public testimony was not part of the format, though agencies were invited to discuss priorities and challenges. MassAbility opened the agency testimony. Leadership described the agency’s mission to support people with disabilities through employment, training, home and community life services, and disability determination. They said Governor Healey’s FY27 budget funds MassAbility at $93.3 million, a 1% reduction from FY26, and explained that the agency is responding to federal funding uncertainty and shifting program needs by redesigning services internally. Members questioned a proposed $1.3 million reduction to the Home Care Program, staffing changes, and whether services could be maintained with fewer resources. MassAbility said it was reviewing data on who uses the program, that it does not provide nursing or personal care, and that it is working with a transition plan and a working group. The agency also discussed federal uncertainty around vocational rehabilitation funding and said it had received delayed federal awards but remained in contact with national associations and federal partners. The testimony included a personal story from a participant, Joshua Corcoran, to illustrate the impact of services. The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing testified next, requesting $11.27 million, about a 6% increase over FY26. The commission said it serves about 1.4 million residents and focuses on communication access in health care, courts, public safety, and other public systems. It highlighted interpreter and captioner workforce shortages, a mentorship program to expand the provider pool, and a modernized referral platform funded through capital contingency money. Members asked about interpreter availability, after-hours emergency coverage, ASL access for students and families, and training for police and emergency responders. The commission said staffing remains limited, especially for after-hours services, but that it is expanding training, school outreach, and partnerships with DCF and other agencies. The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind then presented its FY27 budget request of $30.8 million. The commissioner said the agency serves nearly 9,000 legally blind residents, provides training and peer support, and placed 190 consumers in competitive integrated employment this year. It also described services for older adults, vocational rehabilitation, and the Turning 22 program for young adults with additional disabilities. Members raised concerns about a 7% cut from the prior year and asked how the agency could maintain services; the commissioner said the agency had no waiting list, had trimmed overhead, and could manage the budget through internal efficiencies and strong partnerships. The Office for Refugees and Immigrants closed the session, describing expanded legal and support services for immigrants and refugees, including Know Your Rights trainings, the Massachusetts Access to Counsel Initiative, citizenship and financial literacy programs, and the Family Welcome Center in Mattapan. Members asked about federal funding losses and the structure of the new legal services program; ORI said FY26 funding is stable but FY27 federal cuts remain uncertain, and that the legal program uses a centralized intake system with priority for emergencies and first-come, first-served access.

Transcript Highlights:

• Witnesses and support must be those accompanying the author or who otherwise have registered a support
• Soon, hopefully, will be joining me to testify in support of this measure.
• a me too in support of this legislation.
• At this time, we'll move to witnesses in support.
• Committee members, Gilbert Laura with Biocom California, in support.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee met on January 13, 2026, and heard several two-year bills, with AB 634 (Gonzalez) and AB 298 (Bonta) receiving the most discussion. The chair also announced consent items AB 96 (Jackson), AB 1126 (Patterson), and AB 1366 (Flora), all with motions to do pass to Appropriations. Committee procedures, witness limits, and conduct rules were reviewed at the start of the hearing. AB 634 would prohibit the manufacture, distribution, or sale of tianeptine in California. Assembly Member Gonzalez described the drug as a dangerous substance sold in retail settings and said the bill had been amended to shift penalties from criminal to civil, narrow its scope so employees without authority over sales would not be targeted, allow cost recovery, and avoid a Commerce Clause issue. The California Narcotic Officers Association supported the bill, and there was no recorded opposition. The committee voted the bill out on a do pass to Judiciary motion. AB 298 would eliminate out-of-pocket costs for children’s health care services in large group commercial plans. Bonta argued that deductibles, copays, and coinsurance deter care and create financial strain for families, while noting the bill would not change provider reimbursement and that he would pursue cost-saving amendments in Appropriations, especially for CalPERS. Support came from Health Access California, Family Voices of California, and several medical and pediatric organizations, while the Chamber of Commerce and health plan groups opposed it, warning of premium increases and possible employer shifts to self-insured coverage. The committee advanced the bill on a do pass to Appropriations vote, and the chair later noted the bill was on call before final add-on votes were completed. The consent calendar items were also approved, and the hearing adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We would urge this committee's support. Thank you. Thank you. Mr.
• I'm full support of that.
• I support this bill.
• So I appreciate your support in the substitute motion. Okay. Thank you.
• So I offer my support for the bill.

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Each of these individuals will testify in committee today in support of naming highways after very gallant
• Each of these individuals will testify in committee today in support of naming highways after very gallant
• SB 1622, behavioral health technicians' definition and duties. RAGE.
• SB 1629, behavioral health contracts, network adequacy. Finance. SB 1630.
• SB 1629, behavioral health contracts, network adequacy. Finance.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• particularly those in our largest cities, are inundated with requests to determine the competency and behavioral
• Appropriating funds to the Administrative Office of the Courts for a competency pilot program and behavioral
• health support for parties in legal proceedings. 8.
• But I continue to set the example, and I'm confident that we can come together to support all of New
• of the 57th Legislature, making an appropriation to the Administrative Office of the Courts for behavioral

Transcript Highlights:

• So a different example is behavioral health, mental health skills training.
• issues, documenting outreach, and supporting corrective actions.
• We are thankful for this committee's support.
• This work support program supported over 115,000 families last year.
• It is easier for us to impact worker error and worker behavior.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> this behavior, this behavior, but<00:13:50.600><c> it's</c><00:13:50.800><c> it's</c><00:13:50.960
• Everybody in this body should be in support of that.
• </c> support of that. support of that.
• I rise in support of this bill City.
• I actually support both of these pill.

Keywords: House streaming session for Friday, March 27, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We all change our behavior when we see those flashing lights on the road.
• They're best known for supporting the usage-based insurance programs.
• Enforcement isn't always the end-all, be-all to change driver behavior.
• So urge your support. the Secretary of the Interior as well. So urge your support.
• I'm here for the Washington Retail Association in support of Senate Bill 6230.

Bills: SJM8016, SB6230, SB5234, SB6081, SB6265, SB6170, SB6131, SB6155, SB6176, SB6238, SB6253, SB6311, SB6032, SB6262

Keywords: bridge repair, infrastructure, emergency funding, transportation, public safety, cash transactions, pennies, currency, economic efficiency, financial regulation, snowmobile, snowmobile registration, vehicle registration fees, registration fee, Department of Licensing, DOL, recreational vehicles, winter recreation, vintage snowmobile, parks and recreation