Transcript Highlights:

• to the payer to determine which kind of pharmacist can practice in which setting.
• to the payer to determine which kind of pharmacist can practice in which setting.
• Payment bills specifically, those are listed within a scope of practice.
• as a pharmacist and many of us practice as a pharmacist and many of us go<00:26:48.000><c> on</c><00
• I mean, is that practical? We don't disagree that yes, it is extra effort.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 1046 SD1 on condominiums. Testimony on that bill focused on reserve funding and enforcement of reserve study requirements. The Community Associations Institute opposed the bill, saying it would create hardship, confusion, and be difficult to administer, while also urging stronger penalties for boards that fail to comply with reserve study rules. The Real Estate Commission offered comments, and one testifier spoke in support. No vote was taken during the portion provided. The committee then heard SB 532 SD2 HD1 relating to the Department of Education, which would improve access to pre-approved medications for students with health conditions at school and during off-campus activities. The Department of Health, University of Hawaiʻi nursing and medical programs, and the Department of Education all supported the measure, with DOH suggesting amendments to better identify the correct student and improve medication safety. Members had no questions, and the bill moved on. Next was SB 1245 SD2 HD1 relating to pharmacists, a bill to allow reimbursement for clinical services pharmacists are already trained and licensed to provide. The University of Hawaiʻi, Board of Pharmacy, Walgreens, Mikai Drugs, and the Hawaiʻi Pharmacists Association supported the bill, emphasizing improved access to care, recruitment and retention of pharmacists, and better chronic disease management. The Hawaiʻi Pharmacists Association also discussed proposed amendments to prevent plans from denying coverage or network participation when pharmacists meet credentialing requirements. Members questioned whether insurers would actually use pharmacists and how the bill would affect pay and contracting; no vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee also heard SB 1279 SD2 HD1, another pharmacists bill focused on telepharmacy and 340B-related issues. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation supported it, saying telehealth could reduce costs and avoid travel for audits, while the Board of Pharmacy opposed it. Lānaʻi representatives opposed the bill and asked for an exemption, arguing the island already has close in-person access to a resident pharmacist and clinics. The Hawaiʻi Primary Care Association supported the measure, citing large patient savings from 340B pricing, while Mikai Drugs opposed it, arguing that mail-order and telepharmacy are not necessary on some islands and can create delivery and medication-safety problems. Members asked questions about insurer participation, scope of practice, and whether the bill would meaningfully change reimbursement; the transcript ends before any final action or vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• And doing so at an enterprise-wide level allows you to assess from a broader perspective rather than
• Small tweak to this joint reliability power assessment, bringing before you all...
• We ought to be expanding, in general, moving from an analysis into action from that assessment.
• To assess one of the potential solutions.
• So what was once a very limited practice of using these accounts has now become significant.

Summary: The committee first heard SB 804, the Hydrogen Pipeline Safety Act, from Senator Arreguín. He said the bill would designate the State Fire Marshal as the safety regulator for intrastate hydrogen pipelines and require hydrogen-specific standards, while not mandating any pipeline construction or bypassing environmental review. Supporters included labor groups, utility employees, and the City of Burbank, while Air Products opposed unless amended, citing concerns about the bill’s specificity, fee structure, and the need for a hydrogen-specific rulemaking process. The committee discussed safety, fees, and regulatory certainty, and later passed SB 804 on a 9-0 vote to Emergency Management with commitment to take amendments. The committee then took up SB 905 by Senator Becker, aimed at reducing electricity rates by changing utility incentives. The bill would tie part of executive compensation to keeping rates below inflation, require more performance metrics, and allow the CPUC to consider lower returns on equity for certain lower-risk investments and alternative financing options. Support came from consumer, environmental, agricultural, and large energy user groups, while Southern California Edison, CalChamber, PG&E, and utility labor groups raised concerns that the bill could reduce investment, create regulatory uncertainty, and raise borrowing costs. After extensive discussion about utility affordability, wildfire costs, and capital markets, the committee passed SB 905 on a 7-1 vote to Appropriations. SB 913, also by Senator Becker, would create a clearer pathway for distributed energy resources such as batteries and smart thermostats to participate in the resource adequacy market and compete with utility-scale resources. Supporters said the bill would better use existing grid capacity, lower costs, and build on the state’s Demand Side Grid Support Program; PG&E opposed unless amended, saying the use case was not yet proven and was already being addressed in other rulemakings. After the committee accepted amendments, one opposition group moved to neutral and another said it might do so after reviewing the changes. The bill passed 8-0 to Appropriations and was placed on call. Several other measures were heard and advanced, including SB 1196 on faster utility hookups for small energization projects such as ADUs and EV chargers, SB 931 reauthorizing the Diablo Canyon Essential Services Mitigation Fund through 2028, SB 1158 reducing the frequency of joint reliability assessments from quarterly to twice yearly, and SB 1245 directing further study of California’s gasoline market and potential use of non-CARBOB fuel during supply disruptions. SB 1196 and SB 931 both passed with broad support and no opposition after amendments, SB 1158 passed without testimony, and SB 1245 drew strong support from consumer and environmental advocates but opposition from fuel industry and business groups concerned about costs, confidentiality, and fuel standards.

Transcript Highlights:

• Doing so at an enterprise-wide level allows you to assess from a broader perspective rather than that
• Small tweak to this joint reliability power assessment, bringing before you all members. Aye.
• joint reliability power assessment, bringing before you all members.
• To assess one of the potential solutions.
• So what was once a very limited practice of using these accounts has now become significant.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to maintain the practices already put in place in my office to address the observed disparities
• , and his well-established legal practice, and, you know, not violating the Constitution himself.
• Another area I wanted to ask you about was unauthorized practice of law.
• And in more extreme cases, where it continues and where we see a repeated practice, we can go to the
• Superior Court and get an injunction order to basically close down their practice, seize their files,

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's great that he practices what he preaches. Sure does. Okay. Any questions, members?
• The resolution seeks to reform pharmacy benefit manager practices in the state to ensure transparency
• </c><00:32:10.720><c> the</c> to convene a working group to assess the to convene a working group to
• assess the feasibility<00:32:11.600><c> of</c><00:32:11.919><c> allowing</c><00:32:12.399><c> business
• using a validated cognitive assessment using a validated cognitive<00:44:53.760><c> tool.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• CSA 4 is a per-acre assessment that the County Service Area 4, or CSA 4, is a per-acre assessment that
• The assessment started at around $6 an acre.
• Right now, that assessment sits at $14.
• in terms of the assessment to meet the need?
• I'll start with the need versus the assessment.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think back on a related commission, the Data Practices Commission.
• It's difficult to find members that want to be on the Data Practices Commission.
• ,</c><00:07:14.320><c> this</c> in in the case of data practice, this in in the case of data practice
• She said this does not reflect an attempt to assess how long any given system needs to be put in place
• to assess how long any<00:09:50.320><c> given</c><00:09:50.640><c> system</c><00:09:51.200><c> needs

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Teacher Standards and Practices Commission: Sarah Deleski.
• often go on to... ...do, and then these positions often go on to not only represent areas, but they assess
• but the process... ...do and then these positions often go on to not only represent areas but they assess
• As superintendent in Coos Bay... ...he's been focusing on equitable practices, best practices, and delivering
• Our presentation yesterday in Senate Ed highlighted that Oregon does not yet fully employ best practices

Keywords: 907, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This practice. Priority is One SUS, and this differentiates us from everyone else.
• Last week at the event, our universities talked about best practices, what everyone is doing across their
• campuses to ensure safety when it comes to buildings and locking buildings, campus security, and assessing
• But in terms of the commercialization metrics, we are working on establishing a set of best practices
• We are hoping that they are able to share the best practices with the rest of the system.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education heard a presentation on the State University System’s new strategic plan, SUS 30, and its legislative budget request. University officials described the plan’s five priorities: One SUS collaboration, elevating student success, operational excellence, world-class talent, and innovative research and economic development. They highlighted Florida’s continued status as the top higher education system in the nation, low tuition, strong graduation outcomes, rising median wages for graduates, and expanded use of the My Florida Future website to help students and families compare degree outcomes and earnings. Members asked for follow-up information on programs of strategic emphasis, mental health and social work workforce needs, wage data over time, and how the system supports innovation moving toward commercialization. The committee also discussed campus safety, prompted in part by recent events at FSU. System officials said universities and the Florida College System recently held a safety summit to share best practices on building security, threat assessment, and coordination with law enforcement, and they agreed to provide a report back to the committee after the Board of Governors reviews recommendations in November. Senators also raised questions about Pell student support, first-generation student success, and whether liberal arts graduates’ earnings catch up over time. Officials said Pell students are tracked through performance-based funding metrics and that the system’s accountability plans will continue to emphasize access and completion. A separate update covered line funding for nursing and health care partnerships. Officials said the $6 million appropriation was fully subscribed through 24 proposals from all 10 nursing programs, supporting scholarships, faculty recruitment, internships, simulation, and licensure preparation. They reported over 1,900 new nursing graduates, more than 200 new student slots, over 300 scholarships, and a 92% NCLEX pass rate. Senators asked about expanding eligibility for the program, and staff said that issue would be revisited this year. The Board of Governors’ legislative budget request totaled $634.5 million and included $295 million for performance-based funding institutional investment, a request to restore and increase the state investment portion to $400 million, $125 million for preeminence funding, $100 million for faculty recruitment and retention, $6.4 million for UF/IFAS extension workload, and $3.1 million for State Fire Marshal inspections. The chair noted that resources are limited and that difficult budget decisions lie ahead. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• school that is in the bottom 10% of schools statewide for student performance on the grade 3 ELA assessment
• or the grade 4 math standardized assessment.
• In some districts, this practice is not happening.
• Currently, these oversight practices vary widely.
• ramifications, because there may be smaller counties that don't practice that for specific reasons.

Summary: The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee heard and advanced three bills. CS/HB 1267, by Rep. Boussada, would require school districts to allow Schools of Hope to use vacant or surplus facilities or co-locate in schools with capacity, with non-instructional services handled through a pro rata agreement and a performance-based agreement requiring Schools of Hope to meet expectations within five years. Supporters argued it would better use underfilled public schools and help students in the bottom 10% of schools statewide; opponents raised concerns about local control, funding, and the effect on public schools. The bill passed 13-2. The committee also heard CS/HB 1115, by Rep. Valdes, which would require sharing certain discretionary sales surtax revenues with eligible charter schools based on enrollment, create a standardized charter school monitoring tool, and align Schools of Hope sponsoring-entity rules with charter school processes. Supporters said it would improve consistency and accountability; critics questioned fiscal impacts and district flexibility. That bill passed 13-2. The final bill, CS/HB 1213, by Rep. Alvarez, would create a K-12 School Route Optimization Pilot Program using five counties to test AI-assisted analysis of school bus routes and walking conditions, with the goal of improving child safety for students who currently walk long distances. Members discussed hazardous conditions, possible use of safe-school transportation funds, and the bill’s lack of fiscal impact. Public testimony included support from education and parent groups. The bill passed unanimously, 15-0. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Essentially, we would like for them to have the authority and the ability to practice independently with
• This allows them to have the licensure requirements that they require, to have the scope of practice
• It allows them for the independent practice that we're after here, the prescriptive authority that they
• This bill would codify in state law the independent practice for CRNAs that has been allowed in our state
• Plans are assessed by those national quality metrics. Thank you. Thank you.

Transcript Highlights:

• We’re looking at a new risk assessment tool that we’re starting to use at the front end of a grant.
• I am going to provide our assessment and recommendations on the lump sum funding proposal before you,
• come in at the end of that period to ensure the Legislature has the information it would need to assess
• In practice, at least some amount of them are expected to be used for lump sum payments like we've been
• And we find that this practice limits legislative oversight of what are significant operational changes

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, we know that we have to do those assessments.
• And how are risks assessed?
• The utilities are responsible for assessing their risk, and I should say safety risk in general.
• So the utilities are responsible for assessing their risks.
• That concept and utility practice is called gold plating.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications held an oversight hearing focused on electric rates, utility regulation, affordability, wildfire costs, and the California Public Utilities Commission’s role. Chair and members framed the discussion around the challenge of transitioning to a cleaner grid while maintaining reliability and keeping bills affordable. The hearing also served as the annual update from the CPUC and the Public Advocates Office, with testimony from Professor Severin Borenstein and CPUC President-designate Alice Reynolds. Borenstein gave a primer on utility regulation, explaining that generation is largely deregulated while transmission and distribution remain regulated, and that most rate-setting follows cost-of-service regulation. He emphasized that the hardest issue is setting the allowed return on equity: too high can raise bills and encourage capital-heavy spending, while too low can deter investment and harm reliability. He argued there is no silver bullet, said performance-based regulation and price caps have limits, and suggested some costs now charged through electric bills—such as climate programs, low-income subsidies, and wildfire-related public policy costs—might more appropriately be paid through the state budget. Reynolds described the CPUC’s oversight role, saying the commission reviews utility spending through general rate cases, balancing accounts, and other proceedings, and that affordability is addressed through front-end scrutiny, post-spend accountability, and legislative direction. She highlighted wildfire mitigation as a major driver of rate increases, noted recent progress on clean energy procurement and battery storage, and said the CPUC is working on return-on-equity decisions, FERC advocacy on transmission costs, and implementation of SB 254 and other statutes. Members pressed on a range of issues, including wildfire securitization, load growth from EVs and data centers, gas-system stranded assets, balancing accounts, and a water-service dispute in Keene involving Union Pacific. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with several follow-up commitments from the CPUC to provide data and updates.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, we know that we have to do those assessments.
• And how are risks assessed?
• The utilities are responsible for assessing their risk, and I should say safety risk in general.
• So the utilities are responsible for assessing their risks.
• That concept and utility practice is called gold plating.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Referring to the DOC's own 2024 annual report, we can assess how inmates are behaving and engaging in
• Referring to the DOC's own 2024 annual report, we can assess how inmates are behaving and engaging in
• Evidence-based practices that are in place at Shakopee were written for women, not men.
• Evidence-based practices that are in place at Shakopee were written for women, not men.
• evidence-based practices that are in<01:07:04.720><c> place</c><01:07:04.920><c> at</c><01:07:05.079

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• A recent USC, University of Southern California, study did a comparison between life cycle assessment
• A recent USC, University of Southern California, study did a comparison between life cycle assessment
• The original production tax credit helped us... assessment of um electric vehicles here assessment of
• <c> out</c><00:48:49.520><c> different</c> cycle assessment came out different cycle assessment came
• ,</c> was 11 to get to football practice, was 11 to get to football practice, school,<01:06:41.280><c

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1694, which would create a sustainable aviation fuel tax credit, and HB 1695, which would expand the state’s renewable fuels production tax credit. For HB 1694, supporters from the airlines, renewable fuels industry, business groups, and some environmental and youth representatives said sustainable aviation fuel is a practical near-term way to cut emissions in aviation, a hard-to-decarbonize sector, and argued the credit would send a market signal, support local production, and help meet state climate goals. Opponents, including Energy Justice Network and a taxpayer-focused testifier, argued the bill could subsidize expensive fuels that may not be truly clean, could duplicate benefits available under other tax provisions, and should not support transpacific aviation or technologies they said are unproven or harmful. The Department of Taxation stood on written testimony, and the chair later asked that all verbal testimony on remaining bills be limited to one minute because of time constraints. HB 1695 drew similar support and opposition, but focused more broadly on renewable fuels for transportation, trucking, shipping, and other sectors. Supporters, including the Hawaii State Energy Office, airlines, PAR Hawaii, the Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition, Pacific Biodiesel, and the RNG Coalition, said the bill would help scale local fuel production, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support jobs and agriculture, and advance the state’s climate and energy goals. Several supporters emphasized that the credit would help build a local industry and that life-cycle accounting should be used to measure emissions benefits. Opponents repeated concerns that some biofuels and waste-based fuels may not be climate-beneficial, may rely on flawed modeling, and could create costly infrastructure that would need to be replaced later. No votes or final committee action were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It sets up a process for that child to be evaluated by each cabinet to assess the evaluation and the
• And it's simply physically practical.
• us in practice in in Henderson<00:40:45.520><c> County?
• There would be a report on that assessment. A representative from DJJ, CHFS, would review that.
• uh that would would fit this assessed uh that would would fit this definition<01:04:26.640><c> and</

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Agency Updates: 00:01:45 26RS SB 125: 00:02:10 26RS SB 101: 01:14:58, 958, all

Summary: The Juvenile Justice Oversight Council met on February 6, 2026, took roll, approved a motion to convene, and heard agency updates from materials in the packet. The council then took up Senate Bill 125 out of order because Senator Carol was present. The bill was presented as a collaborative effort focused on creating a secure, state-run high-acuity mental health facility for justice-involved youth who need specialized psychiatric care and cannot be appropriately served in detention or by private hospitals. Speakers said the facility would fill a gap in services, improve safety and treatment outcomes, and be designed with trauma-informed, medically equipped spaces rather than a jail-like setting. The presenters also outlined other parts of the bill, including a placement process in which DJJ and CHFS would evaluate youth and provide recommendations before the judge makes the final decision, with certain hospital-declination provisions to be delayed until the new facility is operating. They described payment incentives for hospitals treating high-acuity youth, confidentiality and escape-related disclosure provisions, and contracts with a public teaching university for clinical services. The proposed facility was described as a 24-bed center at Central State, with staffing to include mental health professionals and juvenile detention staff receiving enhanced training. Dr. Clark Lester said staffing needs would vary by youth and could include one-to-one supervision for some patients. The bill also addressed female juvenile detention capacity. Speakers said the number of detained girls has risen sharply since 2024, peaking at 51 in 2025, and that current facilities cannot meet the separation requirements for boys and girls or high- and low-level youth. The proposal would build two female detention centers, with possible locations discussed in central Kentucky and western Kentucky, and a third or fourth center could be added if population data show the need. Members asked about hospital placement authority, staffing, and average length of stay for girls; the presenters said the current court-order process would remain until the new facility is built and that they would provide additional data later. No vote was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• By creating a fair and modern assessment on streaming entertainment providers, the bill establishes a
• And we're not theorizing here; we're actually putting practicality to the test.
• This is true in practice regardless of whether the bill directly mandates collection of government ID
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify today. ...by prohibiting abusive data and design practices.
• The first time she passed an assessment, her face lit up with surprise.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held its second hearing on a large docket of technology, internet, cybersecurity, broadband, and media bills. Early testimony focused on community media funding legislation, with lawmakers and local access advocates arguing that as cable subscriptions decline and streaming grows, revenue tied to cable franchises no longer supports community television and PEG programming. Supporters said community media remains a key source of local news, government meeting coverage, and civic transparency as newspapers disappear or consolidate. A related bill on cable contract oversight also drew support, with testimony that the Department of Telecommunications and Cable is backlogged and should more actively review municipal-provider agreements and report its workload to the committee. Another major topic was a proposal to create a Massachusetts Innovation Fund for state IT modernization. The Alliance for Digital Innovation backed the bill, saying agencies need flexible upfront capital to replace outdated systems and improve cybersecurity, and pointing to the federal Technology Modernization Fund as a model. The witness noted that funding for the state program still needs to be identified. The committee also heard strong support for a bill requiring free broadband in public housing, with Rep. Emmela Goodwin and MAPC describing internet access as essential for jobs, school, telehealth, and civic participation. They said the digital divide in Massachusetts is driven largely by affordability rather than infrastructure, though questions were raised about costs, wiring, and whether all housing sites already have broadband access available at the curb. A substantial portion of the hearing centered on bills to limit addictive social media feeds for minors. Supporters, including lawmakers, parents, teens, and advocacy groups, argued that algorithmic feeds contribute to addiction, anxiety, body image problems, and other harms, and said the bills would restrict surveillance-based curation and overnight notifications while leaving search and followed accounts available. Opponents, including FIRE, CCIA, and the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, argued the bills would require invasive age verification, threaten privacy and cybersecurity, burden adults’ anonymity, and likely face First Amendment challenges. They also warned the measures could disadvantage smaller businesses and may be unconstitutional based on recent court rulings in other states. The committee also heard support for blockchain-related bills creating a commission, a pilot program, and consumer education efforts, with testimony that Massachusetts has the talent but needs a coordinated state strategy. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Research shows that punitive practices don't improve attendance.
• The team completed the assessment on a scale from strength to urgent need.
• Our three pilot sites completed school self-assessments.
• Research shows that punitive practices don't improve attendance.
• Our three pilot sites completed school self-assessments.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 3471 by Tom Oliverson relates to the elimination of the requirement for public school assessment instructions
• HB 3474 by Stan Lambert relates to the value of certain assessments, for the Committee on Ways and Means
• HB 3475 by Joe Moody relates to the evaluation and reporting of investment practices and performances
• the purpose of the rural Sheriff's County Constable's Office and the prosecutor's office salary assessment

Keywords: 1184, house, all