Video & Transcript Research : 'chapter 14'
Page 164 of 500
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HHS, HHS Public Hearings 03-24-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- and Support. um at a moment of contemplation um for um at a moment of contemplation um for state<00:14
- :58.160>
council <00:14:58.480>on <00:14:58.720>developmental state council on developmental - remainder of SR 26, SCR 43, but add in the right to cognitive screening per Executive Office of Aging in chapter
- office<00:52:55.359>
of <00:52:55.599>aging <00:52:56.400>in <00:52:56.720>chapter - per executive office of aging in chapter per executive office of aging in chapter 327. 7H<00:53:
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.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services Mar 18th, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Triangle between patients, providers, and insurers, over 14 years of attempts to weaken it by various
- If I went and told most of my constituents that, oh by proxy, a 12, 13, or 14-year-old can give access
- Family Code Chapter 32 places the burden of ensuring informed consent on the parent, not the provider
- So, we have 14 registered... and just the one resource witness, so we'll be able to close this bill out
- Currently, we have in law Chapter 103, which provides abortion conscience protections in the Occupations
Keywords:
immunization, written informed consent, civil liability, health care provider, vaccine compensation, administrative penalty, health care, licensing, complaint procedure, disciplinary action, law enforcement, pharmacy benefit manager, PBM, gag clause, prescription drug pricing, out-of-pocket cost, cash price, pharmacist, pharmacy, prescription drug benefit
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII Feb 25th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII
Transcript Highlights:
- Chiropractic Examiners at just under $2.4 million in all funds, which is a 0.6% biennial increase and 14
- Um, the agency has 9 requests totaling just over $4 million in all funds and 14 FTEs.
- Under Chapter 108 of the occupations Code, I want to be clear, this is not a rule we have.
- This is something that the legislature passed under Chapter 108.
- That were convicted of felonies, were they like violent felonies or I guess you said under Chapter 108
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, and against children, 14 and under. I don't know why it's not above 14. I have 14 and under.
- And it's for dangerous crimes against children, 14 and under. That's heinous in my mind.
- So I would say it should be higher than 14.
- It's kind of odd that it just sits at a 14 mark and below. I'm perturbed.
- It's Chapter 32-2606. 1991, is that the law?
Keywords:
juvenile services, Coconino county, rehabilitation, detox center, financial appropriation, Arizona Rangers, statutory repeal, security, state law, regulatory changes, probation, dangerous crimes, children, Arizona Revised Statutes, criminal justice, juvenile offenses, appropriations, salary increase, corrections, public safety
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The chair announces the signing of the following in the presence of the house SB number 14 are observed
- By the way, the chair has pressed his resolution, a vote for the House SB number 14 on number 15.
- committee on local and consent calendars will meet tomorrow April 15th 2025 at 830 a.m. in room 1 W 14
- I want to say thank you for being here this week, April 14. is our Red and White Day.
- , the Houston alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.
Keywords:
education funding, Texas State Technical College System, constitutional amendment, capital projects, workforce education, military education, early registration, ROTC, corps of cadets, higher education, military academy, student athletes, name image likeness, compensation, intercollegiate athletics, representation, tuition assistance, military, Texas State Guard, education
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- We're joined<00:14:31.360>
this <00:14:31.680>this <00:14:31.760>this <00:14:33.120 - /c><00:14:37.040>
and <00:14:37.279>two <00:14:37.519>of <00:14:37.680>my - >
uh <00:14:39.279>Zayn <00:14:40.240>Cyprus <00:14:40.800>as <00:14:41.040 - Thank you<00:14:44.880>
so <00:14:45.040>much <00:14:45.199>for <00:14:45.440> - <00:14:50.320>
The <00:14:50.560>Q <00:14:50.800>the <00:14:50.959>cap
Summary:
The Senate convened with 39 members present, heard the invocation from Reverend Meredith West, and journalized her remarks. The chamber then recognized several guest groups and observances, including Omega Psi Phi Fraternity’s Second District Corridor 1 for “100 Q’s in Annapolis Day,” the Kent Island High School boys lacrosse team for winning the Maryland 2A state championship, Arts Day participants, Rural Maryland Council members, Maryland Affordable Housing Coalition advocates, and visitors from the Maryland Judiciary. Senators also spoke about the meaning of Kente cloth during Black History Month, and the chamber recognized a birthday and thanked protocol staff for Valentine’s Day decorations.
The Senate’s featured presentation was the annual Lincoln Day speech by the Senator from the 37th District. The senator reflected on Abraham Lincoln’s life, political career, and moral leadership, emphasizing his self-education, opposition to the expansion of slavery, the Emancipation Proclamation, Gettysburg, and the idea that the nation’s founding principles of liberty and equality guided Lincoln through the Civil War. The minority leader praised the address, and the Senate agreed without objection to journalize the remarks.
After the ceremonial portion, the Senate moved to business. Bond initiatives on the calendar were read and referred to the Capital Budget Subcommittee. The Executive Nominations Committee reported favorably on a list of recess appointees, including gubernatorial secretaries, district court judges, and a state board appointee, and the report was special ordered to Monday, February 16, 2026. The chamber then began second-reader consideration of Budget and Taxation bills: Senate Bill 25, altering the cyber security technology and service tax credit, was amended and ordered printed for third reading; Senate Bill 58, creating a property tax credit for retail service station conversions, was discussed with questions about who would receive the credit and why the incentive was needed, and consideration was ongoing when the transcript ended.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Business and Professions Committee Apr 22nd, 2025
Business and Professions
Transcript Highlights:
- Association, West Coast Chapter. Same thing, Mike Jemnetsky.
- Tim Matten representing the California chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians.
- Also representing the California chapter of the American College of Cardiology, California Society of
- And file item 14, AB 1130, Berman. The motion is due passed to the Committee on Appropriations.
- To put it plainly, in 2023, a mere 14% of children eligible for support in such child care programs.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Does anybody<00:14:02.480>
else <00:14:02.720>have <00:14:02.880>any <00:14:03.199 - :48.720>
And <00:14:48.880>what <00:14:49.120>we <00:14:49.279>may <00:14: - :14.320>
in <01:14:14.480>that <01:14:14.640>we <01:14:14.719>don't <01:14 - <01:14:16.400>
So <01:14:17.040>the <01:14:17.280>first <01:14:17.520>the - >
I <01:14:26.719>don't <01:14:26.880>like <01:14:27.040>that.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- of students<00:14:05.440>
for <00:14:05.560>success <00:14:06.120>in <00:14:06.240 - Article<00:14:09.640>
2, <00:14:09.840>section <00:14:10.280>2, <00:14:10.520> - the<00:14:47.440>
obligation <00:14:48.000>for <00:14:48.120>the <00:14:48.240 - This<00:14:53.280>
section <00:14:53.600>was <00:14:53.760>amended <00:14:54.120> - lines<00:14:56.160>
15.19 <00:14:57.520>beginning <00:14:57.880>with <00:14:58.000
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- :14:02.960>
licenses <01:14:03.440>that <01:14:03.760>have <01:14:03.920>to <01:14:05.840>Uh, <01:14:06.400>and <01:14:06.719>by <01:14:07.040>that< - So, it's<01:14:10.880>
applies <01:14:11.280>to <01:14:11.520>applications <01:14 - <01:14:16.159>
1, <01:14:16.400>2026, <01:14:17.679>July <01:14:18.000>1, - <01:14:44.480>
And <01:14:44.960>I <01:14:45.199>see <01:14:45.280>the <01
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh<00:14:07.360>
so <00:14:08.160>if <00:14:08.399>you're <00:14:08.560>going - <00:14:08.639>
to <00:14:08.720>work <00:14:08.880>on <00:14:09.040>this< - > um<00:14:10.720>
basically <00:14:11.040>if <00:14:11.199>it <00:14:11.360> - >
asked <00:14:14.000>a <00:14:14.160>few <00:14:14.480>be <00:14:14.720>< - c> in<00:14:15.760>
the <00:14:15.839>field <00:14:16.000>and <00:14:16.160><
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:14:01.199>
You're <00:14:01.360>in <00:14:01.519>a <00:14:01.680>school - You're in a school zone.<00:14:02.959>
A <00:14:03.279>35 <00:14:03.839>mph <00:14 - :05.120>
speed <00:14:05.760>would <00:14:06.079>be <00:14:06.800>60 <00:14 - So, jurisdictions<00:14:11.680>
will <00:14:11.920>be <00:14:12.079>enabled <00:14 - <00:14:15.120>
cameras <00:14:15.839>to <00:14:16.079>enforce <00:14:16.560><
Summary:
The House convened with 124 members present, offered prayer, approved the previous day’s journal by consent, and then moved through introductory matters and a ceremonial resolution recognizing Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated for its 113 years of sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action in Maryland. Members welcomed visiting sorors and applauded the recognition. The chamber later confirmed 131 members present and proceeded to third reading bills.
Several bills were passed without opposition, including House Bill 7, authorizing limited music therapy licenses; House Bill 42, revising the State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners; House Bill 164, on yard waste collection and disposal; and House Bill 177, on bicycles, play vehicles, and unicycles at crosswalks. House Bill 55, which would expand speed camera authority to local jurisdictions statewide for certain roads and areas, drew the most debate. Supporters argued it would give counties and municipalities local control to address speeding and safety concerns, while opponents raised concerns about local autonomy, revenue use, and whether camera fines supplement or supplant public safety funding. The floor leader clarified that the bill would extend authority now limited to three counties, that existing notice and public hearing requirements would remain, and that revenues must still be used for administrative costs and public safety.
During debate on House Bill 55, members asked about the speed threshold, fine structure, whether citations go to vehicle owners, and whether the bill would change how local governments use camera revenues. The floor leader said the bill itself does not alter the existing rule that revenues after administrative costs must go to public safety, and that local jurisdictions could still further restrict use of funds. After debate, House Bill 55 passed 98-35. House Bill 164 passed 96-38, while House Bill 7 passed 133-0 and House Bill 42 passed 132-0.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery
Transcript Highlights:
- People get discharged within 14 days, oftentimes with a 90-day commitment.
- We often have 90-day commitments that get served for 14 days. So people are in there.
- Recovery takes years. ...because recovery takes more than just 14 days.
- It says MGL chapter 90, section 24, driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, etc.
- Chapter 94, section 40. I see possession on one.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery held a public hearing on several harm reduction bills, including measures to decriminalize simple possession and paraphernalia, authorize overdose prevention centers, and expand access to naloxone for first responders. Chair Mindy Domb and Senator John Velis opened by describing harm reduction as an evidence-based public health strategy and noting Massachusetts’ recent decline in fatal overdoses. They emphasized that testimony would help shape whether and how the bills advance, and explained the hearing process, including time limits and written testimony.
Testimony was sharply divided. Supporters, including Rep. Kate Donaghue, Sen. Cindy Friedman, Rep. Marjorie Decker, Rep. Manny Cruz, public health professionals, recovery advocates, and people with lived experience, argued that harm reduction saves lives, reduces stigma, and can connect people to treatment. They supported overdose prevention centers and decriminalization as tools to keep people alive long enough to enter recovery, and several speakers described personal losses to overdose or family experiences with addiction. Some supporters also framed the bills as racial justice measures, arguing that criminal penalties for possession have disproportionately harmed Black and brown communities.
Opponents, including Sen. Nick Collins and several South End residents, argued that overdose prevention centers and decriminalization would worsen public drug use, crime, and neighborhood disorder, especially around Mass and Cass. They said current approaches such as Section 35, diversion, and police leverage into treatment are more effective, and they urged more treatment beds and recovery facilities instead of harm reduction sites. Committee members questioned witnesses about research, local siting, crime data, and the relationship between harm reduction and treatment, and several members said neighborhood impacts must be considered alongside overdose prevention. The committee did not take a vote during the hearing; it continued receiving testimony and announced a later break before resuming on H. 2196 and S. 1393.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy Apr 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Alongside the CCC, California is home to 14 certified local conservation corps serving our communities
- vehicles, and of course, Prop. 4, of which we are extremely proud, to unleash $9.9 million for the 14
- And I'm joined by representatives from most of the departments for these allocations in the chapter,
- We find this chapter of the administration's proposed climate bond plan to be reasonable and consistent
- As was mentioned, there are a few new programs in this chapter for which the Legislature might want to
Summary:
The subcommittee heard overviews and budget proposals from the California Conservation Corps (CCC) and Cal Fire, with no votes taken and all items held open for a future hearing. On the CCC side, Director J.P. Patton highlighted the program’s 50th anniversary, its role in conservation, disaster response, and workforce development, and described proposals for the Greenwood Residential Center, a seven-day wildfire readiness schedule for Cal Fire hand crews, deferred maintenance, vehicle replacement, and Proposition 4 funding for local corps and tribal workforce projects. Members praised the program and asked about funding sources, recruitment, retention, follow-up with alumni, and the use of fee-for-service reimbursements; the LAO suggested the Legislature consider lower-cost alternatives for some proposals, including fewer new corps members or delaying Greenwood’s opening.
Discussion then focused on Cal Fire’s wildfire readiness and staffing. Cal Fire officials described the need to align CCC hand crews with Cal Fire’s year-round fire operations, noting staffing gaps in the current model and the decline in incarcerated hand crews, which they attributed to broader criminal justice reforms and eligibility changes. Members asked about the role of goats and other grazing animals in fuel reduction, and staff said grazing can help with prevention but cannot replace hand crews for suppression. Cal Fire also presented its department overview, emphasizing its expanded workforce, year-round operations, use of technology, partnerships with federal and local agencies, and concerns about federal reorganization and reimbursement for work on federal lands.
The committee also heard proposals to make defensible space inspections permanent and to increase fixed-wing pilot and mechanic contracts. Cal Fire said permanent staffing is needed to maintain roughly 250,000 annual defensible space inspections and meet AB 38 and future Zone Zero-related workload, while the LAO suggested possible modifications such as more GGRF support, a reinstated SRA fee, or one-time funding. On aviation, Cal Fire said year-round fire conditions and a larger, more complex fleet require more pilots and mechanics, and the LAO supported the proposal as addressing near-term health and safety needs. Members questioned contract costs, the value of owning versus contracting aircraft services, and how effective aircraft are in extreme wind conditions; Cal Fire said aircraft are highly effective in initial attack but limited when winds and fire behavior are severe. No actions were taken on any item.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Sep 10th, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- If you will now turn with me to page 14.
- In this chapter, I will discuss why quality of instruction in Pre-K matters and highlight two ways to
- Over on page 21, one of the most important findings from this chapter is that quality matters.
- It shows the importance of the longitudinal data systems I discussed in the previous chapter.
- Finally, if you will please turn with me to page 14, I want to quickly highlight the implications of
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- For example, expungements, if we have a juvenile 14 years old, gets into a... ...example, expungements
- If we have a juvenile 14 years old, gets into a fight at school, they now have a battery charge.
- If we have a juvenile 14 years old, gets into a fight at school, they now have a battery charge.
- This legislation amends Chapter 776.051 to change the current requirement for a law enforcement officer
- Florida statutes are any substance controlled under Chapter 893.
Summary:
The committee heard a presentation from Jessica Spencer on cannabis, criminal justice, and mental health. She argued that marijuana products have become far more potent over time, that high-potency THC and hemp-derived products are widely available in Florida, and that daily or near-daily use can contribute to addiction, psychosis, and other mental health problems, especially for adolescents. She also said cannabis is linked to violent crime and suicide in some cases, urged more prevention funding in schools, stronger regulation of Delta-8 and similar products, better law enforcement and regulatory oversight, expanded treatment and diversion options, and more expungement opportunities for simple possession. Senators questioned her about potency data, testing methods, and whether she was claiming causation in violent cases; she said she was and noted she had worked on the No on 3 campaign while still favoring decriminalization of simple possession rather than full legalization.
The committee then took up several bills. CS/SB 150, “Trooper’s Law,” was amended and reported favorably; it makes extreme animal cruelty during a declared emergency a third-degree felony, inspired by the rescue of a dog during Hurricane Milton. SB 234, the Jason Rayner Act, was reported favorably after debate over its changes to self-defense language and mandatory life imprisonment for manslaughter committed against a law enforcement officer; supporters said it closes a loophole exposed in the Rayner case, while opponents raised concerns about unintended consequences and mandatory sentencing. CS/SB 138, “Trenton’s Law,” also passed after amendment; it increases penalties for repeat DUI/vehicular homicide offenders and adds language on intoxicating substances, with supporters citing the death of Trenton Stewart and opponents warning about cannabis impairment standards and first refusal penalties.
SB 130, dealing with compensation for wrongful incarceration, was reported favorably. The bill removes Florida’s “clean hands” bar, extends the filing deadline from 90 days to two years, and allows exonerees with factual innocence findings to pursue compensation and civil remedies. Support came from innocence and civil liberties advocates. The committee also received a law enforcement presentation from Florida Highway Patrol Lieutenant Channing Taylor on impaired driving enforcement, DRE training, and crash data, emphasizing that drug impairment—especially cannabis—plays a major role in fatal crashes and that officers rely on observation and field testing because roadside chemical testing is limited.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- some form<01:14:08.640>
and <01:14:08.880>that <01:14:09.040>there <01:14:09.199> - <01:14:16.800>
Um <01:14:17.199>since <01:14:17.360>then <01:14:17.600>we've - <01:14:19.120>
than <01:14:19.440>30 <01:14:19.760>years <01:14:20.080>of - law<01:14:21.040>
which <01:14:21.280>have <01:14:21.520>developed <01:14:21.920 - :54.640>
and <01:14:54.800>and <01:14:55.040>I <01:14:55.280>thank <01:14:
Summary:
The House Committee on Water and Land met on March 25, 2025, and first announced it had deleted HCR 3 and HCR 4567 from the agenda pending similar Senate measures. It then heard HR 35/HCR 40, which urges DLNR and other state agencies to work with community groups to co-steward community forests on public lands. DLNR’s urban and community forester testified in strong support, and several organizations and individuals submitted support; there were no questions or opposition noted.
The committee next heard HCR 64, asking OPSD to convene a working group on establishing and placing an Office of Resilience and Recovery. OPSD and the Governor’s Office of Recovery and Resilience supported the resolution and suggested friendly amendments, including replacing county civil defense representatives with mayors or their designees and allowing subject-matter experts to serve. Members questioned the office’s role, funding, and relationship to other resilience and emergency management offices, and the witness explained it was created after the Maui wildfires to coordinate long-term recovery, with special-project funding and a focus distinct from response and mental health functions.
The committee also heard HR 59/HCR 65 on coordinating concurrent reviews of general plan, district boundary, and zoning amendments during land reclassification. OPSD testified with comments and warned that the proposal could facilitate spot zoning if individual landowners could use the concurrent process, recommending it be limited to county-initiated actions. A related discussion followed on HR 118/HCR 122, which would create a collaborative working group on surveying and protecting iwi kūpuna and related coastal erosion issues; DNR, OHA, and others supported it with suggested additions, and testimony emphasized cultural sensitivity and community-specific decision-making. Members asked about burial practices and a recent court ruling, and witnesses said the working group could help guide broader policy and communication.
Finally, the committee heard HR 145/HCR 151, requesting DLNR to report on its lease enforcement process and procedures. DLNR said it was recruiting staff to conduct lease inspections but had difficulty filling positions due to compensation, and explained that new or extended leases can include inspection requirements, while retroactive cost-shifting would raise contractual issues. Members asked for information on lease renewal timelines and whether inspection provisions were being added to renewals; DLNR said those decisions are made in public sunshine meetings and agreed to provide additional information. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Agriculture in the Commonwealth in the 21st Century Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- And then again on page 14, and again on page 15.
- John Duke, appointed by the Massachusetts Chapter of the Northeast Organic Farming Association, or NOFA
- , designee of the Massachusetts Chapter of the Northeast Organic Farming Association, how do you vote
Summary:
The meeting was the final session of the Special Commission on Agriculture in the 21st Century, convened to adopt its final report. The chairs described the report as the product of extensive public engagement, research, and collaboration, focused on challenges and opportunities for Massachusetts agriculture, including climate resilience, farmland access, workforce development, food security, and farm viability. Several members and stakeholders thanked the chairs and staff for the multi-year process and emphasized the value of hearing directly from farmers and industry participants.
Senator Barrett offered a detailed set of draft corrections and concerns for the record, including the report title, outdated references, repeated definitions of MDAR, the need to better reflect suburban communities, and a possible tension between recommendations supporting anaerobic digestion and a governor’s proposal affecting the alternative portfolio standard. The chairs noted that comments had been circulated for written review and said substantive feedback would be considered, while also indicating the document was nearing finalization.
The commission then held a roll call vote and unanimously voted to adopt the final report, with all members present voting yes. The chairs said the final report would be formatted, published online, and distributed to stakeholders and the public, with a public rollout and media briefing planned for the fall. They also noted that the report was intended to support related legislation already filed or expected to be filed in the Legislature.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Financial Services Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Since the adoption of universal health care, also known as Chapter 58 here in Massachusetts, our member
- This bill has been put into law in 14 states.
- He and I are both with the Massachusetts Chapter.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Financial Services held a hearing with Chair Jamie Murphy and Senate co-chair Senator Feeney presiding. Members asked witnesses to keep testimony to three minutes and noted that written testimony could still be submitted. The committee heard testimony on several health insurance and pharmacy-related bills, including a proposal to allow controlled prescriptions to be transferred between pharmacies within the same chain, legislation affecting health savings account (HSA)-compatible plans and future insurance mandates, a bill on small business health insurance incentives, and H. 1212 on emergency insulin access.
Several parents and patients testified in support of emergency insulin access, describing severe diabetes emergencies, diabetic ketoacidosis, prescription delays, and the need for pharmacists to dispense insulin in urgent situations when doctors or insurers are unavailable. A parent also described the burden of repeatedly obtaining new prescriptions for ADHD medication when pharmacies are out of stock. Witnesses supporting the HSA bill argued that state coverage mandates can unintentionally disqualify HSA-qualified plans and that the bill would preserve tax advantages for enrollees while avoiding repeated legislative fixes. A representative of the Retailers Association supported the small business health insurance incentives bill, saying it could help retain small employers in the merged market by allowing carriers to offer financial incentives tied to cooperative purchasing and utilization efforts.
One witness, Kathleen Demarest, testified against a co-pay assistance restriction, saying a state rule had unexpectedly cut off her drug assistance before a generic was actually available, leaving her with very high out-of-pocket costs. Committee members asked a few clarifying questions about HSAs, insulin dispensing, and school support for diabetes care. After all scheduled witnesses had testified and no additional testimony was offered, the committee voted to close the hearing.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Removing the life-threatening term in Chapter 170A to memorialize the holding of the Zurovsky opinion
- It conforms the definition of medical emergency used in abortion laws to match the exception in Chapter
- And so the city went on and passed it on September 14, 2023, leaving us no choice to respond in any,
Bills:
SB 31, SB 33, SB 510, SB 871, SB 1868, SB 2024, SB 2166, SB 2309, SB 2880, SJR 27, SJR 39, SJR 40
Keywords:
SB 31, Life of the Mother Act, Texas abortion law, medical emergency, reasonable medical judgment, pregnancy complications, maternal health, life-threatening condition, ectopic pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, miscarriage, unborn child, abortion exception, abortion ban, physician liability, health care liability claim, aiding and abetting, Texas Medical Board, State Bar of Texas, continuing medical education