Transcript Highlights:

• :12.520><c> pagec><00:01:12.800><c> forc><00:01:12.960><c> thec><00:01:13.080><c> measure.
• 18.120><c> reviewedc><00:01:18.600><c> them,c><00:01:18.800><c> soc><00:01:19.120><c> Ic> testimony
• > usec><00:01:20.080><c> yourc><00:01:20.200><c> timec><00:01:20.480><c> toc><00:01:20.600><c
• ><c> butc><00:02:43.280><c> notc><00:02:43.560><c> inc><00:02:43.640><c> thec><00:02:43.800><
• c> isc><00:03:20.440><c> therec><00:03:20.520><c> wasc><00:03:20.640><c> ac> then the second

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Health and Human Services Committee met on April 17, 2026, and heard testimony on several concurrent resolutions. HCR 18 would request the Department of Health to convene a hospice working group; the Department testified in opposition, saying its enforcement role created a conflict of interest and that the work exceeded its compliance-focused scope. The measure’s introducer proposed amendments to have a legislator, rather than DOH, chair the group and to remove a date restriction on hospices. The committee later recommended HCR 18 be passed with amendments. HCR 32 sought a plan to increase access to the Hawaii State Hospital for certain mentally ill criminal defendants. The Department of Health Behavioral Health Administration and the governor’s office indicated support or willingness to work on the issue, while the ACLU provided comments and OHA supported the measure. The committee recommended passage with technical amendments. HCR 35, on an audit of the social and financial effects of mandatory insurance coverage for biomarker testing, drew broad support from medical, patient advocacy, and professional organizations, and a surgical oncologist testified in favor, emphasizing the importance of biomarker testing for cancer treatment. The committee recommended passage as is. HCR 105 asked the Hawaii State Center for Nursing to compile recommended safe patient staffing ratios and maintain a repository; the Center said it had already begun the work and was happy to continue, and the committee adopted an amendment changing the focus from “ratios” to “strategies and ratios” before recommending passage. HCR 173 urged Maui Health to work with stakeholders to establish a full-time medical residency program on Maui; testimony supported the idea as a way to formalize and expand an existing informal program and improve local health care access, including maternity care. The committee recommended HCR 173 pass with technical amendments. All recommendations were adopted without objection, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mark C. Montigny. Yes. Liz Miranda, yes. Mark C. Montigny, yes. Michael O. Moore, yes. Patrick M.
• John C. Velis. Yes. Senator Brady, thank you, Mr. President.
• Senator John C. Velis? No. Thank you. Senator John C. Velis. No. All members have been recorded.
• John C. Velis. Yes. John C. Velis. Senator Durant. Peter J. Durant votes no.
• John C. Velis. Yes. Yes.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate first adopted three congratulatory resolutions recognizing the retirements of Dolores Hayes, Lisa Audet, and Kate Fitzpatrick. It then handled several procedural matters, including suspending Joint Rule 12 to refer a sick leave bank bill for a Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office employee to the Committee on Public Service and referring House petitions to their respective committees. The chamber also adopted a conference report on the joint rules for the 2025-2026 session after remarks from Senators Creem, Tarr, Lovely, and Fattman emphasizing transparency, public access, recorded votes, longer notice for hearings and conference reports, remote participation, and periodic review of the rules. The report was accepted by a 40-0 roll call. The Senate then took up the bill strengthening health care protections in the Commonwealth, Senate No. 2538, commonly described as Shield Act 2.0. Senator Friedman and others argued the bill was needed to protect reproductive and gender-affirming care from out-of-state and federal interference, to limit disclosure of sensitive information, to create a state-level EMTALA-style protection for emergency care and active labor, and to strengthen privacy and licensing protections for providers and institutions. Senators Cyr, Lovely, and Fattman also spoke in support, framing the bill as a response to recent federal and state threats and as an extension of Massachusetts’ prior shield-law work. The chamber considered numerous amendments. Several were rejected, including amendments by Senators Finegold and Keenan and multiple Tarr amendments on topics such as medical records, consistency with existing law, and public health data collection. Some amendments were adopted, including a Montigny amendment on health-connected data disclosure, a Brownsberger amendment further protecting privacy for reproductive and gender-affirming care, a Rauch amendment clarifying protections for patients in active labor, a Tarr amendment removing an exemption for data from personal tracking devices, and a Rodrigues corrective amendment. After the amendments, the Ways and Means substitute was adopted, the bill was ordered to a third reading, and it then passed to be engrossed by a 37-3 roll call. At the end of the session, the Senate adopted a memorial adjournment in honor of former Senate Majority Leader Louis P. Bertinazi. The Governor also filed a message submitting a bill to build resilience for Massachusetts communities, authorizing future capital spending for energy and environmental affairs, which was referred to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. The Senate then adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 1 p.m. and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• question that our kind of real estate<03:35:41.720><c> attorneyc><03:35:42.199><c> typesc><03:35
• attorney types are asking is okay estate attorney types are asking is okay if<03:35:45.439><c> that<
• it inflates into the typical horseshoes type<04:02:17.520><c> designc><04:02:17.880><c> thatc><04
• :42.520><c> itc><04:02:43.520><c> uhc><04:02:43.920><c> thisc><04:02:44.159><c> typec><04:02:
• it uh this type of device is again is to it uh this type of device is again an<04:02:46.040><c> inflatable

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The meeting was an orientation for the Resources, Recreation and Development Committee, led by Chair Bob Harb. He reviewed committee procedures, including pink cards for witnesses, blue sheets for counts, use of drawers in the committee room, scheduling practices, and how bills would be posted and distributed. Members briefly introduced themselves and explained why they wanted to serve on the committee, with several citing interests in conservation, water quality, outdoor recreation, land use, and related local issues. The committee then opened a hearing on HB 1113, relative to OHRV operation on certain highways within the town of Windsor. Representative Ré Colcombe, the sponsor, explained that the bill would allow local OHV/UTV access across a short section of state road in Windsor so residents on divided portions of town could travel legally between areas. He said the town selectmen were already allowing OHRV use on town roads, the route was paved, traffic impacts were expected to be minimal, and local police had no objections. He also said the town would hold public hearings and notify abutters as required, and that if the select board ultimately opposed the proposal he would recommend killing the bill. Members asked about the legal authority for the change, speed limits, traffic volume, winter maintenance, and whether the Department of Transportation or select board had to approve the route. Colcombe said the town must hold a public hearing and that the change would need to be incorporated into RSA 258:10, section 4. He said the road is maintained by the town in winter and by the state in summer. An opponent, Anne Davis, testified that she opposed the bill, saying ATV use should be treated as a tool for forest management rather than recreation, that law enforcement capacity in Windsor was a concern, and that she believed affected residents should be fully notified before any approval. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• adding these<00:06:58.960><c> typesc><00:06:59.120><c> ofc><00:06:59.280><c> servicesc><00:07:00.639
• ><c> umc><00:07:01.039><c> inc><00:07:01.520><c> uhc><00:07:01.680><c> partsc> these types of
• c><01:35:36.159><c> ofc><01:35:36.719><c> homec><01:35:36.880><c> andc> that run those types
• c><02:21:54.800><c> typesc><02:21:54.960><c> ofc><02:21:55.120><c> thingsc> counties, and those
• types of things counties, and those types of things rather<02:21:55.520><c> thanc><02:21:55.760><c

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :01:23.079><c> havec><01:01:23.359><c> anyc><01:01:23.720><c> typec><01:01:24.000><c> ofc><01
• to have any type of Wi-Fi but it is Co to have any type of Wi-Fi but it is uh<01:01:25.559><c> prec
• transition to some a different<01:56:53.520><c> typec><01:56:53.719><c> ofc><01:56:53.880><c> care
• c><01:56:54.560><c> wouldc><01:56:54.920><c> thatc><01:56:55.280><c> carec> different type of
• care would that care different type of care would that care be<01:56:56.360><c> lessc> be less be

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: Division 3 opened a work session focused on direct care agencies, with the chair saying the day would center on the Veterans Home and other state hospitals and homes. Members first discussed the upcoming Finance Committee process, including how many bills would be assigned to Division 3, whether they would appear on the House calendar, and how much time would be allowed for each bill. The chair said the division would likely spend about an hour on each bill, then return for a second day of review before making recommendations. Staff later identified three bills expected on the calendar: House Bills 704, 751, and 54. Members also raised a question about the use of educational trust fund money in the budget, but that issue was deferred. The main presentation came from Kim McKay, commandant of the New Hampshire Veterans Home, who described the facility as a long-term care intermediate facility serving eligible veterans. She said the home is licensed for 250 beds, budgeted for 225 veterans, and currently has 135 residents with four more scheduled to arrive. McKay highlighted improvements over the last two years, including a reduction in the admission wait list from more than a year to about three to six months, the creation of an LNA training program, energy-saving and Wi-Fi upgrades, and a new electronic learning management system that will provide mandatory training and continuing education units for staff. She said the home’s long-term goal is to return to a 225-bed census, but staffing remains the biggest hurdle. Members asked about admissions, wait times, staffing, vacancies, and the home’s use of contract nurses. McKay explained that the wait time is measured from the initial application date, not from a completed packet, and that staff now help families gather records and paperwork more quickly. She said the home averages about 45 deaths per year, residents stay about 2.5 years on average, and the vacancy rate is around 35 percent, though some positions are intentionally held open until census grows. She attributed staffing shortages largely to retention problems, citing higher private-sector pay, bonuses, and more flexible hours, and said the home has a handful of contract nurses, mainly on second shift. On finances, she said pharmacy services are contracted, the VA reimburses some medication costs based on disability, and the home is pursuing federal changes to cover high-cost medications and catastrophic disability cases. The discussion also covered the home’s off-book donation account, which is overseen by the state and transferred into the state system when funds are spent.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:10:54.240><c> soc><00:10:55.160><c> Ic><00:10:55.279><c> Ic><00:10:55.399><c> thinkc>
• 52.040><c> typec><03:24:52.199><c> ofc><03:24:52.520><c> thingc><03:24:53.520><c> umc><03:24:
• 53.960><c> isc> have typos and that type of thing um is have typos and that type of thing um is this
• /c><05:15:25.120><c> differentc><05:15:25.440><c> typesc><05:15:25.798><c> there'sc> have there
• are different types there's have there are different types there's an<05:15:26.120><c> airc><05:15

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 216, which Representative Carol Maguire described as a fix to a workers’ compensation/retirement “glitch.” The bill would remove the current limit that only one year of workers’ compensation time can be credited as retirement service time. Maguire argued the limit is arbitrary and affects only a very small number of grievously injured workers, while committee members asked about the fiscal impact, available data, and whether the change could affect workers’ compensation rates or incentives. Mark Kavar of the New Hampshire Retirement System said Labor could not provide data on how many people exceed a year on weekly indemnity benefits, so the fiscal note used a conservative estimate that could be scaled down; he also explained that workers’ comp is not earnable compensation, which is why service credit stops after a year, and noted that many long-term cases move into disability retirement or lump-sum settlements. The committee closed the hearing, entered executive session, and voted ought to pass on HB 216 by a 13-0 roll call, sending it to consent and noting it would also go to Finance. The committee then acted on House Bill 85, adopting Amendment 0037 and then voting ought to pass as amended by another 13-0 roll call. The bill was described as allowing second-year respiratory therapy students to work under supervision using the skills they have already learned, with support from the Hospital Association and no opposition noted. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 267, the animal chiropractors bill. Members said the bill had been approved previously but was vetoed because of a defect; the problem has now been corrected, and the bill is intended to reduce delays caused by requiring veterinary referrals before chiropractors can treat animals. The committee voted ought to pass 13-0 and placed the bill on consent.

Transcript Highlights:

• :30.560><c> uhc><00:12:30.800><c> toc><00:12:31.120><c> helpc><00:12:31.920><c> helpc><00:12:
• c><01:57:17.599><c> typec><01:57:17.920><c> isc><01:57:18.080><c> suchc><01:57:18.320><c> that
• c> and and um a project type is such that and and um a project type is such that it's<01:57:18.719>
• <c> uhc><02:14:28.079><c> typec><02:14:28.719><c> umc><02:14:29.440><c> relatedc> similarly in
• traffic uh type um related similarly in traffic uh type um related fines<02:14:30.239><c> andc><02

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2046, which would establish and fund an Olo Hawaii Commission to coordinate and promote initiatives supporting the use of Olo Hawaii. The Attorney General suggested adding an end date because the bill creates a temporary commission, and several supporters from the University of Hawaii, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission said the commission could improve coordination, funding decisions, and consistency across agencies. Members discussed whether the commission should include broader representation, including expertise on Niihau dialect speakers and other stakeholders, and the bill was then set aside as the committee moved to the next measure. The committee next considered House Bill 2438, creating the Hawaii Cultural Trust within DBEDT, authorizing an income tax credit for contributions to the trust and qualified cultural organizations, and creating a special license plate to support the trust. DBEDT said it would need additional resources, including staff, to administer the program. The Department of Taxation recommended changing the effective date to 2026 to allow time for implementation and adding a requirement that credits be claimed within one year. OHA supported the bill but objected to language that would require it to maintain a prequalified list of organizations, saying that could limit applicants and conflict with its grant process. The Tax Foundation said it supported cultural funding but preferred direct appropriations and grants over a trust fund and tax credit structure. The final measure discussed was House Bill 2584, which would temporarily increase public land trust revenues transferred to OHA while reaffirming the state’s obligation to the 20% pro rata share, with a repeal date of June 30, 2028. The Attorney General recommended deleting the bill’s requirement that OHA receive a minimum amount equal to the 20% share, arguing the constitution and Admission Act do not specify a precise dollar amount and that the legislature must determine allocation. OHA strongly supported the bill, arguing the state currently pays only about 5% and that historical records show much higher amounts are owed; OHA also pointed to a carry-forward account it said held about $55 million. DLNR opposed the bill because the fiscal impact was unspecified and could affect land management and special fund budgets. Several OHA trustees and supporters urged the committee to pass the bill, and one testifier criticized the state for underfunding Native Hawaiian obligations. No votes were taken in the portion provided, and the committee continued hearing testimony on HB 2584.

Transcript Highlights:

• The center also found that 88% of respondents have experienced at least one type of workplace violence
• Workers are paid 42% less than the equivalent position in Schedule C.
• Currently, there are seven state agencies that employ 5,691 FTEs who are paid under Schedule C.
• And can you describe for me the types of training that these officers undergo?
• placing youth in those facilities based on their appropriateness of fit for their license type.

Bills: HB1531, HB2667, HB2809, HB2865, HB3589, HB3151, HB3748, HB3750, HB4419, HB4643, HB3597, HB4129, HB4130, HB4131

Keywords: workplace violence prevention, health and safety code, Chapter 331, facility definition, home and community support services agency, home health agency, home health care, nursing staff, registered nurses, health care workplace safety, hospital, nursing facility, ambulatory surgical center, freestanding emergency medical care facility, mental hospital, Texas health care regulation, provider compliance, occupational safety, senior living, referral agencies

Transcript Highlights:

• byc><07:23:52.958><c> thesec><07:23:53.280><c> typesc><07:23:53.520><c> ofc><07:23:53.680><c
• c><07:23:54.638><c> Inc> affected by these types of therapies.
• c><07:31:04.718><c> thisc><07:31:04.958><c> typec><07:31:05.120><c> ofc> have significant impacts
• on this type of have significant impacts on this type of legislation<07:31:06.638><c> settingc><07
• c><07:58:56.478><c> Wec><07:58:56.638><c> arec> making these types of decisions.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :57.599><c> typesc><00:43:57.839><c> ofc><00:43:58.079><c> resourcesc><00:43:59.359><c> umc><
• 00:44:00.240><c> youc> of specific types of resources um you of specific types of resources um you
• c> technology types.
• :16.679><c> completelyc><01:09:17.679><c> controlledc> This is not the type of market that Friedrich
• ><c> andc> If we want those types of price signals to exist, we have to take action to create them.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> officec><00:01:35.439><c> toc><00:01:35.840><c> MMBc><00:01:36.399><c> asc><00:01:37.000
• ><c> arec><00:27:10.600><c> thec><00:27:10.720><c> typec><00:27:10.880><c> ofc> potentially and
• so those are the type of potentially and so those are the type of things<00:27:11.240><c> thatc><00
• are similar to the transactions those are similar to the type<01:36:47.679><c> ofc><01:36:48.000><c
• 48.960><c> toc> type of interactions that we want to type of interactions that we want to provide<01

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> inc><00:02:31.440><c> thec><00:02:31.599><c> shapec><00:02:31.840><c> thatc><00:02:32.000
• c><00:02:36.879><c> Thec><00:02:36.959><c> eyesc><00:02:37.280><c> havec><00:02:37.440><c> it
• againc><00:03:03.920><c> Glenoc><00:03:04.319><c> isc><00:03:04.480><c> inc><00:03:04.560><c>
• thec><01:26:05.360><c> typec><01:26:05.600><c> ofc> the past.
• The evolution of the type of electric<01:26:06.320><c> demandc><01:26:06.719><c> withc><01:26:07.040

Bills: HF3296, HF3802

Keywords: energy conservation, data centers, electric sales, energy optimization, utility regulations, energy regulation, certificate of need, renewable energy, power production, energy efficiency, Minnesota statutes, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> Filec><00:01:06.320><c> 1494c><00:01:07.200><c> isc><00:01:07.360><c> ac> morning.
• <00:01:54.399><c> typesc><00:01:54.720><c> ofc> States.
• There are three types of metacromatic<00:01:55.880><c> lucodistrophec><00:01:56.880><c> whichc><00
• <c> isc><01:00:12.240><c> ac><01:00:12.400><c> typec><01:00:12.640><c> 1c> patient, Linda, who
• is a type 1 patient, Linda, who is a type 1 diabetic,<01:00:14.000><c> havingc><01:00:14.400><c> access

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> justc><00:01:38.079><c> uhc><00:01:38.320><c> asc><00:01:38.720><c> asc><00:01:39.119><c
• , a new with really just revenue bonds, a new type<00:25:32.880><c> ofc><00:25:33.039><c> revenue
• c><00:25:34.159><c> levelc> type of revenue bonds at the local level type of revenue bonds at the
• proceedingsc><00:29:42.880><c> toc><00:29:43.760><c> thesec><00:29:44.080><c> typesc><00:29:
• 44.320><c> ofc> forfeite proceedings to these types of forfeite proceedings to these types of products

Keywords: MS House Floor - 5 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then confirmed a quorum, dispensed with the journal reading, and moved into the calendar. Members also introduced several visitors and groups in the galleries, including AFL-CIO representatives, Volunteer Mississippi, the Mississippi Alliance of Nonprofits and Philanthropy, New England College students on a civil rights tour, and other guests and constituents. The chamber then proceeded through a series of motions to reconsider, table, or advance bills on the calendar. On the appropriations calendar, the House passed several Senate bills after adopting strike-off or amendment language. Senate Bill 2896, described as a potential trooper pay raise measure, was amended and passed 128-0. Senate Bill 2898 increased the MIMA disaster assistance trust fund from $20 million to $40 million and passed 128-0, and Senate Bill 2924 authorized spending from that fund and passed 119-0. Other appropriations measures included Senate Bill 2825 on the healthcare industry zone act, Senate Bill 2832 extending a repealer for the short-line railroad tax credit, Senate Bill 2834 on motor vehicle specialty tags, Senate Bill 2835 allowing banks to use third-party vendors to check liens, and Senate Bill 2846 on conduit bonds; each was explained as largely conforming to House language or adding reverse repealers, and each passed overwhelmingly. The Ways and Means calendar included Senate Bill 2850, which removed a reverse repealer and updated the Advantage Jobs Act to align incentives with prior commitments and future tax changes; it passed 119-0. Senate Bill 2873 expanded administrative forfeiture procedures to products on the cigarette and ends registry and passed 117-1. Senate Bill 2882 clarified that tax assessors cannot require settlement statements for homestead exemptions and passed 118-0. Senate Bill 3111, which would exempt up to 10 cases of wine donated annually to nonprofits from alcohol taxes, drew some concern and passed 97-13 after a reverse repealer was added. Senate Bill 316 added energy storage facilities such as batteries to the definition of alternative energy for local ad valorem tax purposes and passed 114-1. Senate Bill 3124 revised the Pregnancy Resource Act to allow individuals as well as businesses to participate in the tax credit, adjust reporting and in-state requirements, and incorporate House language; the transcript cuts off before the final vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:08:05.440><c> umc><00:08:05.759><c> wec><00:08:05.960><c> arec><00:08:06.360><c> inc>
• give me a diagnosis so that I can get<01:37:19.239><c> anyc><01:37:19.520><c> typec><01:37:19.719
• ><c> ofc><01:37:19.920><c> financialc> get any type of financial get any type of financial support
• that for a septic or another type<01:55:27.119><c> ofc><01:55:27.320><c> systemc><01:55:27.639><
• > morec> type of system it can serve um more type of system it can serve um more bedrooms<01:55:31.119

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several energy and environmental bills. On HB 974, which would authorize state step-in agreements for certain power purchase agreements and create a trust fund/reserve mechanism, the Attorney General’s office raised concern that the state should not incur liability beyond the trust fund. The Division of Consumer Advocacy said it had comments but did not take a position, while the Public Utilities Commission, Ameresco, Hawaiian Electric, and other industry groups supported the measure, saying it would help developers secure financing for renewable projects and improve reliability. Hawaiian Electric said the bill would not use state funds and that its proposed reserve account would be held in trust and returned to customers if unused. Committee members questioned whether the reserve would raise customer costs; Hawaiian Electric said the amount would be small and would be offset by avoiding higher financing costs, while Consumer Advocacy suggested the language should be strengthened to ensure unused funds are fully returned. The committee then heard HB 338, which would clarify that premium interest-rate adjustments for non-fossil fuel generation are just and reasonable and allow the PUC to include them in rates. DCCA and the State Energy Office supported the bill, and the PUC also supported it. Hawaiian Electric opposed unless amended, arguing the PUC already has discretion and warning the bill could weaken competitive procurement by encouraging higher bids tied to the utility’s credit rating. DCCA said the concern was that developers might not seek the best financing if premium rates are recoverable, but said Hawaiian Electric’s suggested amendment requiring clear and convincing evidence of unavoidable financing-cost increases would help. Members also asked about refinancing and whether developers could later lower debt costs after locking in a premium rate; DCCA said that ability exists and suggested a time limit or review mechanism. For HB 337, which would direct the PUC to establish standards requiring utilities to remove certain fossil-fuel costs from the rate base when adding renewable resources, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Hawaii Clean Power Alliance, and the State Energy Office supported the measure. Hawaiian Electric opposed it, saying it misunderstood utility cost recovery and could threaten grid reliability because fossil plants provide ancillary services such as voltage regulation and balancing, not just energy. Hawaiian Electric pointed to its integrated grid plan and recent fossil-unit retirements as evidence of ongoing transition, and asked the committee to defer the bill and leave oversight to the PUC. The committee also heard HB 879 on cesspool conversions, which would raise the maximum grant from $20,000 to $30,000 and add DOH positions; DHHL, DOH, environmental groups, Hawaii Realtors, and others supported it, while DOH discussed staffing needs and the practical effect of the higher grant cap. The committee also began HB 379 on requiring denitrification capacity for certain wastewater systems near shorelines or groundwater, with DLNR testifying in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:08:57.720><c> planc><00:08:57.960><c> toc><00:08:58.080><c> anc><00:08:58.200><c> employer
• c><00:12:12.760><c> toc><00:12:12.880><c> bec><00:12:13.000><c> ac><00:12:13.080><c> hoistc
• c><00:12:24.760><c> Ifc><00:12:24.880><c> thisc><00:12:25.080><c> isc><00:12:25.160><c> myc
• or PBM type<00:22:08.800><c> thingsc><00:22:09.120><c> likec><00:22:09.320><c> that.
• c> type things like that. type things like that. Thank<00:22:11.600><c> you.

Bills: HB2323, HB2324, HB1509, HB2164, HB2165, HB2367, HB2619, HB1765, HB2187, HB1864, HB1452, HB2314, HB1898, HB2558, HB2319, HB1643, HB2121

Keywords: workers' compensation, treatment plans, vocational rehabilitation, electronic submission, reporting requirements, occupational safety, hoisting machines, discrimination protection, Department of Labor, safety standards, treatment plan, injured worker, medical treatment authorization, employer response deadline, secure electronic transmission, facsimile, fax, mail submission, denial of care, medical necessity

Summary: The committee heard several administration bills related largely to workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance. On HB 2323 HD1, which would modernize workers’ compensation notice and filing procedures, DLIR and other agencies testified in support of the original bill language but said HD1 removed key components and weakened the bill’s clarity and continuity. HB 2324 HD1, which would repeal state hoisting-machine certification requirements and the separate crane operator certificate, drew support from DLIR; members asked about whether the change would affect safety or local operators, and DLIR said OSHA-compliant certifications already exist and the union supported the change. HB 1509 HD1, which would require faster employer responses to treatment plans and impose penalties for nonresponse, received support from DLIR and others, while DHRD said it wanted an amendment. The committee also took up HB 2164 HD1 on compounded prescription drugs in workers’ compensation. DLIR supported the bill as a way to define compounded drugs and curb inflated pricing, but DHRD and a medical provider opposed it and asked for amendments. Testimony focused heavily on whether the definition should include 503B compounding facilities and whether physician dispensing should be limited to the first 30 days after injury. HB 2165 HD1, dealing with unemployment insurance eligibility and removing the two-year limit on recouping overpayments, was supported by DLIR but opposed by Unite Here Local 5, which argued it would make it harder for striking workers and other claimants. Members questioned the impact of changing reporting deadlines from calendar days to business days and raised concerns about future benefit offsets; DLIR said the bill was needed for federal conformity and that the committee would revisit the offset percentage and effective date. Later, the committee heard HB 2367 on pay transparency, requiring salary ranges in job postings and removing the small-employer exemption. The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, AAUW, Hawaii Women Lawyers, and an individual testifier supported the bill, saying pay transparency promotes fairness, trust, and pay equity; one testifier described being underpaid compared with a predecessor and said posting ranges would save applicants’ time. HB 2619 HD1, concerning homemade food products and farm kitchens, received generally supportive comments from the Department of Health, which requested an amendment to preserve flexibility in future rulemaking. HB 1765 HD1, on spear-fishing safety warnings, drew support from a safety educator and comments from DLNR; supporters said warning labels would help prevent hypoxic blackout deaths and were low-cost and easy to implement. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

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• ><c> withc><01:09:46.560><c> thec> type of, um, um, scenario, um, with the type of, um, um, scenario

Bills: HF4438, HF4467, HF4379, SF3402, HF4349, HF4064, HF84, HF85, HF3804

Keywords: healthcare, WIC, community health, licensing, speech-language pathology, audiology, contract term limits, healthcare services, provider enrollment, disenrollment, premium payments, medical assistance, substance use disorders, mental health, children's mental health, early childhood, early intervention, consultation grants, Head Start, child care

Transcript Highlights:

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• c> uhc><00:04:23.680><c> thec><00:04:24.000><c> needc><00:04:24.160><c> forc><00:04:24.479><c
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• and engage in those types these kiosks and engage in those types of<00:18:04.160><c> situations.

Bills: SF1750, HF4250, HF3938, HF3904, HF3642

Keywords: common interest community, CIC, homeowners association, HOA, condominium, planned community, cooperative, unit owner, association board, declarant, declarant control, special declarant rights, assessment lien, foreclosure, late fees, fines, attorney fees, resale disclosure, annual report, maintenance plan

Transcript Highlights:

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• c><01:51:53.599><c> type.
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Bills: SB2350, SB2349, SB2407, SB3320

Keywords: agriculture, aquaculture, livestock, agribusiness, Department of Agriculture, regulatory functions, employee benefits, restorative practices, sustainability, environmental stewardship, local food systems, Native Hawaiian, workforce development, agricultural development, Hawaii Island, property manager, state employment, SB3320, Hawaii, Agribusiness Development Corporation

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SP 2350, which would transfer oversight of the Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Development Division and the aquaculture and livestock support services branch to the Agribusiness Development Corporation. The Department of Agriculture and ADC both testified, with ADC opposing the bill as written while supporting the goal of strengthening agriculture. ADC said the transfer could create federal operational and coordination risks, jeopardize federal funding and program continuity, and was unnecessary because ADC is a business development entity, not a regulatory agency. The Hawaii Farmers Union also expressed concern that moving the programs could weaken the department’s ability to access federal resources, while the Hawaii Farm Bureau submitted written testimony and the Hawaii Aquaculture and Aquaponics Association and H-Plan were noted as supporting the measure; the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council was noted as opposing it. Much of the discussion focused on aquaculture’s economic potential and the role of regulation, permitting, and funding. Committee members questioned why aquaculture had not grown faster, citing current gross revenues of about $66 million last year, a prior high of $82 million, and a possible long-term target of $500 million. Testimony identified permitting and feed costs as major barriers, along with market conditions and water quality issues affecting producers. ADC described ongoing efforts on feed development, permitting streamlining, coastal-state collaboration on seaweed and restorative aquaculture, and national advocacy for more parity in seafood import standards. Members also pressed the Department of Agriculture on its leadership and priorities, criticizing the lack of bills and resources dedicated to aquaculture and asking whether the department should have more authority to pursue land purchases and development opportunities. The department said it relies on divisions and industry feedback for bill ideas, noted it funds an annual aquaculture survey, and said it was pursuing congressional earmarks and other funding for aquaculture parks, research, and export/import issues. ADC said it would work with the department if the bill passed, but that its current statute does not give it regulatory authority and any such change would require a statutory amendment.