Video & Transcript : 'disability support' :
Page 202 of 500
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- What the bill proposes to do is that students... would be eligible if identified as having vision disabilities
- mentioned earlier did not need to be referred to an I.T. process; the student didn't have a learning disability
- They need support without a systemic structure.
- I'm here today to ask you to support this bill.
Bills:
HB 1178 , HB1411 , HB1441 , HB1773 , HB1813 , HB2107 , HB2598 , HB2911 , HB2967 , HB3672 , HB5263 , HB3797
Committee:
House Public Education
Keywords:
education, temporary certification, out-of-state educators, teacher shortage, military spouses, personal leave, school holidays, employee compensation, overtime provisions, school safety, peace officers, mental health, de-escalation techniques, trauma-informed care, student trustee, school board, student representation, education policy, nonvoting position, school governance
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Human Services Jan 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Zach will be supporting not only human services, but also higher ed.
- If things get tight, I know that we will have support.
- I urge you to support SB 5966 and help us keep Washington dollars working for Washingtonians.
- And quality all while supporting farmers.
- Your support for this bill will honor those investments, protect local jobs...
Summary:
The Senate Human Services Committee met on the first day of the 2026 session and heard a briefing and public testimony on Senate Bill 5966 concerning medically tailored meals. Committee staff explained that the bill would define medically tailored meals and set statewide standards for meals provided through state programs, emphasizing medical guidance, dietary and cultural accommodations, and prioritizing Washington-based nonprofit providers when possible. Senator T’wina Nobles, the sponsor, said the bill is intended to create a clear baseline for quality and accountability without expanding benefits or creating a new program, but rather to streamline and standardize existing efforts.
Testifiers in support described existing medically tailored meal and food box programs already operating in Washington. Representatives from Meals on Wheels, Chicken Soup Brigade, Cascadia Produce, Emergency Food Network, and Meals on Wheels Spokane said these programs improve health outcomes for people with chronic conditions, support recovery, and help keep people stable in their communities. They also emphasized that local providers, volunteers, farmers, and food businesses benefit when state dollars stay in Washington. Several members asked whether the bill would create a new system; supporters said it would instead coordinate and standardize current waiver-based and contract-based services. Questions also touched on funding sources, delivery costs, and the role of Medicaid and other programs.
The committee temporarily set aside the bill to hear from newly appointed DSHS Secretary Angela Ramirez, who outlined the department’s reorganization into new administrations and said the goal is to reduce silos, improve customer experience, and make services easier to navigate. She also briefed members on federal HR1-related changes affecting SNAP and Medicaid, including work requirements, immigrant eligibility changes, and tribal consultation, and said DSHS is developing a verification hub to reduce administrative burden. Members raised concerns about implementation, data collection, and how to avoid benefit loss due to paperwork issues. After the secretary’s presentation, the committee resumed testimony on SB 5966 and then adjourned without taking a vote.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Removing all vaccine requirements leaves students and employees with disabilities at risk, increases
- Disabilities especially at risk.
- House Bill 2144, an act amending section 25-320, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to child support.
- I fully support this bill. I vote yes. These are not abandoned shopping carts.
- I fully support this bill. I vote yes. Senator Kavanagh votes aye.
Summary:
The Senate met in Committee of the Whole on several calendars and advanced a series of House bills, mostly on party-line or voice votes after brief committee reports and some floor debate. Measures considered included HB 2028 (licensing timeframes/court assessments), HB 2047 (forcible entry and detainer), HB 2168 (nuisance actions), HB 2411 (coerced abortion/abortion-inducing drugs), HB 2557 (patient records), HB 2060 (educational facilities), HB 2086 (vaccination mandates and mask prohibitions), HB 2144 (child support), HB 2830 (fetal and prenatal development instruction), HB 2015 (tax administration), HB 2100 (small subdivision requirements), HB 2327 (records confidentiality), HB 2460 (business property theft/shopping carts), HB 4056 (public records fees exemption for legislators), HB 2417 (speed-detecting devices), HB 2601 (I-11 environmental engineering study), HB 2660 (health boards/licensure investigations), and HB 2975 (state land soil maps). Several bills were amended in committee before being recommended do pass, including HB 2028, HB 2557, HB 2060, HB 2086, HB 2830, HB 2327, HB 2460, HB 4056, and HB 2660.
Floor debate focused mainly on HB 2086 and HB 2830, where Democrats argued the bills would undermine public health guidance and education expertise, while supporters framed them as limiting mandates and directing curriculum. HB 2100 drew criticism over water supply concerns and the Rio Verde Foothills example, and HB 2975 drew opposition over concerns it would hinder renewable energy development. HB 2460 prompted debate over whether shopping carts were abandoned or stolen and whether the bill improperly preempted local control. HB 4056 was criticized as giving legislators special treatment on public records fees and potentially enabling harassment of schools and local governments.
The Senate then took up third-reading roll-call votes. HB 2016, HB 2140, HB 2195, HB 2439, HB 2028, HB 2557, HB 2086, HB 2830, HB 2327, HB 2460, HB 4056, and HB 2660 all passed, with recorded votes ranging from 16-10 to 26-0. Members explained several no votes on public health, education, tax, and transparency grounds, while supporters emphasized enforcement, local control, or administrative efficiency. The chamber also adopted Committee of the Whole reports and transmitted the passed bills to the House, then adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII Feb 24th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII
Transcript Highlights:
- Supports are represented on that committee.
- They're very, they were very supportive.
- Collectors Association respectfully requests your support of this funding request and we strongly support
- So those supports worked.
- to Texans with disabilities across the state.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
06/12/2026 - House Democratic Caucus Calendar #25
Transcript Highlights:
- measure to the voters that prohibits a school district from using public monies and public resources to support
- I myself was a child of a disabled veteran, so I understand and, um...
- [As above, continuing thought:] I was a child of a disabled vet, but isn't that in violation of the DEI
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Social Services - 02/10/2026
Social Services
Transcript Highlights:
- We created, with the chair's support, the shelter arrears eviction installment program for that reason
- report: an act to amend the Social Services Law in relation to requiring the Office of Temporary and Disability
- To requiring the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to make publicly available on its website
Committee:
Senate Social Services
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Social Services met with a quorum and considered four bills. The first, S.1458A by Senator Kavanagh, would remove the requirement that rent arrears paid by social services districts in municipalities of 5 million or more be repaid, effectively applying to New York City. Senator Kavanagh argued the repayment requirement creates unnecessary administrative burden and is inconsistent with other emergency assistance programs; Senator Murray questioned why the change was not statewide. The bill was moved to finance and reported with two members voting without recommendation.
The committee then advanced S.1757 by Senator Persaud, which would exclude certain unearned income of a child when determining public assistance eligibility, and S.1994 by Senator Ramos, which would prohibit requiring parents or caretakers to earn a minimum wage to qualify for child care assistance. Senator Murray asked for confirmation that the bill did not remove the underlying work requirement for child care assistance, and was assured it did not. Both bills were reported to finance, with S.1757 passing after a motion and second and S.1994 reported with one member voting without recommendation.
Finally, the committee considered S.3189 by Senator Persaud, which would require the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to post information on credit waivers, rental supplement plans, and shelter supplement plans on its website. Members described it as a transparency measure to make existing options easier for the public to find. The bill was moved and reported, and the meeting concluded afterward.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Sep 9th, 2025
Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force
Transcript Highlights:
- The five-year facility master plan is similar to operational support; the level of capital support from
- I don't want to be told, "Well, you're not a charter supporter." That's not the fact.
- with disabilities were above 50% proficient in both math and English.
- We've also had a student graduate who still required toileting support.
- So yes, we accept and support all students that come through our doors. Thank you.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-09 (1:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And I ask you for your favorable support.
- I want to ask for your favorable support.
- Ask for your favorable support.
- Ask for your favorable support. Thank you.
- I just ask for everyone's favorable support.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 59 (4-14-26) - Part 2
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation without offset." Senator Reed. Senator Reed.
- </c> disability compensation without offset. disability compensation without offset.
- House Bill 504, an act making appropriations for the operations, maintenance, support, and functioning
- House Bill 504, an act making appropriations for the operations, maintenance, support, and functioning
- core court personnel and support core court personnel and operations operations operations and<01:25
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/28/2026 - Senate Health and Human Services
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 1179 removes the repealed, excuse me, the delayed repealed date of the Developmental Disabilities
- I'm the CEO for Disability Rights Arizona.
- Approximately six years ago today, a young woman with a disability was raped and became pregnant as a
- It's why I support it. It's why I've been supportive of trying to cast the light.
- I commend the chairwoman for hearing this bill for the Democrat support.
Bills:
SB1051 , SB1114 , SB1115 , SB1122 , SB1132 , SB1162 , SB1169 , SB1171 , SB1172 , SB1173 , SB1174 , SB1175 , SB1179 , SB1188 , SB1233 , SB1236 , SB1242 , SB1316 , SB1368
Keywords:
SB1051, Arizona hospitals, immigration status, patient intake, admission forms, registration forms, health care reporting, uncompensated care, emergency department, lawfully present, undocumented immigrants, noncitizen patients, hospital funding, Arizona Department of Health Services, ADHS, border security, health care institutions, patient privacy, medical access, immigration policy
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 24 (2-10-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 470, an act relating to peer support specialists and declaring an emergency.
- 470 is a targeted cleanup measure that addresses a technical but important issue relating to peer support
- House Bill 470, an act relating to peer support specialist and declaring an emergency.
- During this interim period, currently trained alcohol and drug peer support specialists may continue
- The bill removes the temporary peer support specialist designation, which CMS does not recognize for
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- with a 100% total and permanent disability.
- We are an industry that um supports etc.
- Minneapolis uses its LGA to support aid.
- </c> earlier during the session to support earlier during the session to support the<01:54:44.639><c>
- ><c> our</c> disab disability community, our disab disability community, our veterans,<01:59:12.080><
Committee:
Senate Taxes
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Of starting a support group one day.
- And I ask you for your favorable support.
- I want to ask for your favorable support.
- Ask for your favorable support.
- Ask for your favorable support. Thank you.
Summary:
The Senate began with opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognitions, including the doctor of the day and a lighthearted “Cannoli Day” introduction. The chamber then held an extended farewell celebration for Senator Joe Gruters, with numerous senators, colleagues, and family members praising his loyalty, political skill, family focus, and service in the Legislature and Republican Party. Gruters was presented with a commemorative gift recognizing his work on a 2019 public-safety and immigration bill that prohibited sanctuary cities and required local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The Senate adopted a motion to spread Gruters’s remarks upon the journal and then recessed briefly.
After recess, the Senate returned to regular business and took up third-reading bills. Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 354, relating to blue ribbon projects, was temporarily postponed. The chamber then considered Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1758, relating to public assistance, with Senator Gates explaining that it contained five reforms to the public assistance system discussed earlier in session.
During debate on SB 1758, Senator Berman opposed the bill, saying he could not support it in its current form because he believed the Medicaid-related provisions would create a coverage cliff after the one-year transition period and could leave people without care while increasing costs to hospitals and taxpayers. He also said SNAP error reduction should be a priority, but argued the state should focus on fixing administrative errors and fraud rather than imposing a work requirement whose costs and effects were uncertain.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Another critical step is supporting worker training and transition programs.
- </c> specific to to customer support specific to to customer support Specialists<00:21:34.440><c> but
- We are supported by a number of areas, labor unions, employers, other interested folks, in supporting
- Andor physical disabilities safely enter Andor physical disabilities safely enter and<00:54:39.240><c
- , legal support, and things like that.
Committee:
Senate Labor
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Katherine Frier in support. Fred Hoffer in support. Robert Colbertson in support.
- Tamar Hayden in support. Michelle Mitsumori in support. Ruda Jordans in support.
- Tina Marie Kura in support. Arlene Velasco in support.
- </c> in support. Fred Hoffer in support. in support. Fred Hoffer in support.
- </c><00:18:39.679><c> Tina</c> support. Ruda Jordans in support. Tina support.
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Health, Human Services, and Agriculture and Environment heard testimony on SR 85, which requests the Department of Health to form a working group on solid waste management, and on SCR 19, which asks the Tax Review Commission to identify ways to implement Hawaii’s long-term care financing program. SR 85 drew broad support from the Department of Health, the Board of Water Supply, environmental groups, and numerous individuals, with one commenter asking that a military representative be added to address possible landfill use of military lands. For SCR 19, testimony came in support from the Executive Office on Aging and another supporter.
For SR 85, the chair recommended passage with amendments. The amendments revised landfill-location language, removed certain lines, expanded the report’s scope to include materials management policies, environmental protections, and alternative technologies for waste that cannot be recycled or composted, and changed the working group membership language to include representatives from specified sectors. The committee also agreed to add invited participants such as Zero Waste USA, the reuse and deconstruction industries, a landfill leachate expert, a unit-based pricing expert, and a military representative, and to require the governor or designee to convene the initial meeting. The committee adopted the recommendation by vote, with members voting aye and one member excused.
For SCR 19, the chair recommended passage with an amendment adding reference to findings in a 1991 report on financing long-term care. The committee approved the measure with amendments by vote, again with members voting aye and one member excused. The joint session then adjourned.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/16/2026 - House Health & Human Services #2
Transcript Highlights:
- And I'm here today in support of House Bill 2433.
- And I'm here today in support of House Bill 2433.
- “I urge you to please support this bill on their behalf.
- But I support where this is going.
- People with developmental disabilities frequently have co-occurring psychiatric disabilities, trauma
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 2433, which would require insurers offering Medicare supplement policies to also offer them to people under 65 who qualify for Medicare because of ALS or end-stage renal disease, with enrollment periods and premium protections. Supporters, including patient advocates and an ALS patient, said the bill would improve access to needed coverage and transplant-related care and could have only a small premium impact. Opponents, including Blue Cross Blue Shield/AHIP, argued it would shift significant costs onto older seniors and shrink the Medigap risk pool. The bill was ultimately given a do-pass recommendation on a 12-0 vote.
House Bill 2593 would appropriate $1.5 million to the University of Arizona for the Arizona Perinatal Psychiatry Access Line. The sponsor and physicians testified that the line helps providers quickly treat pregnant and postpartum patients with depression, psychosis, OCD, and suicide risk, and also supports pediatric mental health care. Supporters said it improves outcomes and reduces emergency and referral costs. The committee approved the bill with a do-pass recommendation by a 10-1 vote, with one member present.
The committee also passed House Concurrent Resolution 2013, proclaiming June 2026 as Celebrate Life Month, after emotional testimony from a woman born with spina bifida and another supporter. Several members objected that the state should focus on concrete supports such as health care and family leave, but the resolution still received a 7-5 do-pass recommendation. House Bill 4010, creating a licensing and regulatory board for genetic counselors, also advanced 11-1 after testimony from genetic counselors and a cancer survivor who said licensure would protect patients and improve access. House Bill 2196, addressing pharmacy benefit manager reimbursement and dispensing fees, passed 11-1 despite opposition from PBMs and employers who warned of higher costs; independent pharmacies argued the bill would help them cover costs and stay open.
The committee then adopted a strike-everything amendment to House Bill 2182 requiring insurers and health plans to report claims denial and prior authorization data to DIFI, which would publish aggregated information and hold a later stakeholder review. Supporters said Arizona needs state-specific transparency data, while opponents called it redundant to federal CMS reporting; the amended bill passed 12-0. House Bill 2189, directing the Board of Nursing to update rules for licensed health aides and collect annual data, also passed unanimously after the board said it was already working on curriculum and implementation. The committee held House Bill 2813 and 2725, and began discussion of House Bill 2404, as the transcript ended.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Education 3RD REVISED Feb 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- He's my support human. Okay, so I'm Dr. Pleasant.
- He's my support human. Okay, so I'm Dr. Pleasant.
- They're in support. I actually spoke with a teacher.
- In support of this, I've spoken with a lot of teachers. They're in support.
- And this comes with clear support.
Summary:
The committee took up a long agenda of education bills, with several measures passing on bipartisan votes. Early items included SB 1632 on career readiness assessments and college credit pathways, SB 1594 requiring principals to be trained in special education law, SB 2045 establishing 30 minutes of daily recess for younger grades, and SB 1630 allowing districts to count a day of virtual instruction when high school students are taking statewide assessments. Other bills passed addressed school security funds (SB 1251, adding licensed mental health services as an allowable use), teacher association access (SB 1884), library book complaints and penalties (SB 1250), human trafficking survivors’ access to higher education (SB 1262), reduced-price meals moving students into free meal status (SB 1374), high-dosage tutoring for early literacy (SB 1292), and the repeal of the sunset on the Innovative Pathways to Teaching Program (SB 1432). Votes were generally favorable, though SB 1251 and SB 1884 drew the most debate and both passed 8-3, while SB 1250 passed 7-3 and SB 1374 passed 9-1.
Several bills generated extended discussion over local control, school safety, and teacher retention. SB 1251 drew concerns that school security funds were being broadened beyond physical security, while supporters argued mental health supports can also improve safety. SB 1884 prompted questions about whether it would open collective bargaining or negotiation meetings to other associations; the author said the intent was to prevent “closed shops” and ensure equal access, while opponents argued equal access already exists and the bill could create confusion. SB 1790, the Protected Learning Environments Act, drew testimony from educator Dr. Elizabeth Pleasant about classroom discipline, teacher burnout, and student behavior; the bill would direct SDE to provide guidance for a three-tier discipline matrix, and it passed 7-2. SB 1481, increasing recess to 40 minutes and prohibiting it as punishment, and SB 1614, limiting adjunct teachers in early grades, also passed after brief discussion.
The committee also heard broader policy proposals on federal uncertainty and school leadership. SB 1489 would prepare Oklahoma for a possible federal block grant of IDEA funds, fold some parent-rights and principal-training provisions into state law, and address the cost and backlog of special education dispute resolution; it passed 9-0. SB 1718 proposed an Oklahoma Principal Leadership Development Program for new and early-career principals, with discussion focused on program structure, portability, and stipends. Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly emphasized teacher support, student safety, and the balance between state guidance and local district discretion.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Massachusetts chapter of the National Association of Social Workers supports this.
- And for kids with disabilities, ELL learners, thank you.
- And those supports are still being finalized. We need to do better.
- And importantly, this bill supports our commonwealth educators. Thank you.
- And importantly, this bill supports our commonwealth educators.
Summary:
The Senate considered a series of amendments to a primary care health care bill and also took up a separate literacy bill. Several amendments were withdrawn, including one on artificial intelligence in health care and others related to cost controls, direct primary care, and provider studies. The Senate adopted amendments on preserving access to treatment for serious mental illness, modernizing the definition of primary care, clarifying payment rates for community health centers, excluding pharmaceutical spending from primary care expenditure calculations, and strengthening health equity reporting. Other amendments on rate bands, alternative payment systems, private equity reporting, scope of practice, and ownership disclosure were rejected. The Senate then approved the Ways and Means amendment and ordered the primary care bill to a third reading.
The chamber also took up final passage of An Act Relative to Teachers Preparation and Student Literacy, with senators describing it as a long-awaited compromise focused on improving early reading outcomes. Supporters said the bill requires evidence-based K-3 literacy curricula, regular student screening and family notification, dyslexia screening protocols, professional development for teachers, and a free state-developed curriculum option. Senators emphasized the need to address declining third-grade reading proficiency and equity gaps. The bill passed to be enacted by a unanimous roll call and was sent to the Governor.
After the literacy bill, the Senate returned to the primary care bill, where senators again debated cost containment, innovation, and access. The final version included the adopted amendments and was passed to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 35-4. The Senate then adopted an adjournment order and recessed, adjourning in memory of Henry Thomas III, former Representative Ben Swan, and Mr. Dennis Frane.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 18th, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers supports this.
- And for kids with disabilities, ELL learners, thank you.
- And those supports are still being finalized. We need to do better.
- And importantly, this bill supports our commonwealth educators. Thank you.
- And importantly, this bill supports our commonwealth educators.
Summary:
The Senate first considered several amendments to a primary care/health care bill. Amendment 1, on artificial intelligence in health care and mental health services, was withdrawn by unanimous consent. Amendment 37, which would have required a rate band for outpatient primary care reimbursement, was debated and then defeated on a roll call, 5-33. Amendment 39, on direct primary care arrangements and deductible credits, was also defeated 5-33. The chamber then took up and passed the conference report for An Act Relative to Teachers Preparation and Student Literacy (H. 5511), with senators emphasizing the need for evidence-based literacy instruction, universal screening, dyslexia screening, teacher training, and implementation funding; the bill was enacted and sent to the Governor after a 39-0 roll call.
The Senate then returned to Amendment 60 on the primary care bill, which would have created a “safety valve” allowing alternative payment systems to be proposed to the Health Policy Commission. After debate over whether the bill already allowed flexibility, the amendment was defeated 5-33. Amendment 50, requiring stronger health equity reporting, was adopted. Amendment 66, a technical fix setting commercial payment rates for community health centers at the MassHealth PPS rate, was adopted. Amendment 24, excluding pharmaceutical spending from the primary care spending baseline and target, was adopted. Amendment 45, a study on expanding the role of allied health professionals, was withdrawn. Amendment 48, a group purchasing cooperative pilot, and amendments 53, 61, and 63 were also withdrawn.
The Senate adopted Amendment 64, which prohibits prior authorization from delaying FDA-approved medications for serious mental illness, and rejected Amendment 68 on reporting private equity investment in primary and specialty care, as well as Amendments 71 and 72 on scope of practice and ownership disclosure. Amendment 62, a technical change modernizing the definition of primary care and clarifying the care team, was adopted. Amendment 21, the Senate Ways and Means amendment, was then adopted, the bill was ordered to a third reading, and the Senate passed An Act relative to primary care for you (S. 3116) to be engrossed on a 35-4 roll call. The Senate then adjourned to a later date, with memorial references at adjournment.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
House Floor Session Jan 23rd, 2026 at 09:00 am
North Dakota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I think, you know, I'm going to support this bill.
- And so, you know, I support the bill. My one trepidation is on the testing.
- Your Appropriations Committee unanimously supported the... ...access to care.
- So I really urge your support of this bill today. Representative M. Ruby: Thank you, Mr.
- So, again, I really would like your support.
Summary:
The North Dakota House convened in special session with prayer, roll call, and a quorum present, then took up several rural health-related bills. Senate Bill 2401, as amended, required physicians to complete one hour of continuing education in nutrition and metabolic health each renewal cycle and also added language allowing criminal history background checks for the Board of Occupational Therapy Practice. Supporters emphasized the role of nutrition in reducing chronic disease, and the bill passed 92-0.
The House then considered Senate Bill 2402, which expanded pharmacists’ limited prescriptive and therapeutic substitution authority for certain low-acuity conditions and clarified related lab-test and communication requirements. Members discussed examples such as motion sickness, cold sores, lice, hypoglycemia, COVID and flu testing, emergency access to medications and supplies, and limits excluding certain drug classes; the bill passed 91-1. Senate Bill 2403 created a temporary medical facility emergency operating loan option through the Bank of North Dakota for qualifying rural hospitals facing severe financial distress, with extensive debate over the targeted nature of the aid, anti-gifting concerns, repayment terms, and the hospital’s turnaround plan; it passed 80-12.
Senate Bill 2404 appropriated funds for NDIT to address federal digital accessibility requirements and for the Public Service Commission’s litigation efforts related to transmission costs, with a backup loan authorization available if needed; it passed 92-0. At the close of the session, leaders thanked members and staff for their work on the rural health transformation package, a committee notified the Governor and the Senate that the House had completed its business, absent members were excused, and the House adjourned sine die.