Video & Transcript Research : 'Family Code'
Page 204 of 500
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 10 February, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Because there's different code sections that address the same thing all through the code.
- Because there's different code sections that address the same thing all through the code.
- Because there's different code sections that address the same thing all through the code.
- Because there's different code sections that address the same thing all through the code.
- Because there's different code sections that address the same thing all through the code.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum present, received an invocation from Dr. Denise Pope, and led the pledge of allegiance. The body then dispensed with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. Several guests were introduced, including the doctor of the day, student pages, Carthage Christian Academy, Mississippi Valley State University visitors, the University of Southern Mississippi’s DuBard School and related programs, and members of the Mississippi Association of Nurse Anesthetists.
The Senate took up Senate Bill 2896, which revises the Department of Public Safety salary schedule for MHP and MBN officers. Senator Hopson explained it as the vehicle for possible pay raises for troopers, NBI, and MBN officers, and the chamber adopted the committee substitute and passed the bill by morning roll call. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 2917, a recurring appropriations cleanup measure; its main change would allow Mississippi Valley State University to use previously designated dormitory funds for repair and renovation instead. A reverse repealer amendment was adopted before final passage by morning roll call.
Senate Bill 2825, the Mississippi Health Care Industry Zone Act, was then considered. Senator Harkins said the bill extends the repealer for the health care industry zone incentive program to 2028 and noted the program has generated significant investment and jobs statewide. An amendment requested by the Mississippi Development Authority was adopted to revise eligibility language, including replacing a CON requirement with a requirement that a hospital have at least 25 acute care beds and deleting a section under current law. The bill then passed by morning roll call.
Finally, the Senate considered Senate Bill 2894 on local improvement projects and the return of unexpended funds and earned interest. Senator Harkins explained that the bill would require older local improvement project funds to be returned if projects were not moving forward, require reporting to DFA and the Legislative Budget Office, allow audits, and permit limited extensions, while also withholding a portion of other state distributions for noncompliance. Senators raised concerns about projects that are already obligated or delayed by workforce and engineering constraints, and Harkins said the bill would be refined with a reverse repealer to work with LBO and avoid disrupting active projects. The bill was discussed but not finally disposed of in the portion of the transcript provided.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- for a job reconnecting with their family for a job reconnecting with their family and<00:28:20.120
- Advocates and family Advocates and family members<01:07:52.160>
you <01:07:52.319>know - The wiring is not up to code, the plumbing is not up to code, and the building is falling apart. those
- <01:27:48.000>
the the wiring is not up to code the the wiring is not up to code the plumbing - <01:34:50.880>
and connectivity with their families and connectivity with their families and
Summary:
The Public Safety Committee held a hearing on House Bill 433, which would appropriate $4 million for Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation re-entry services to connect offenders with community-based services. Director Tommy Johnson said the department supports the bill’s intent but noted the governor’s executive budget already includes $4 million for the same purpose and asked that the measure defer to that budget. Supporters, including the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, Community Alliance on Prisons, and the ACLU, backed the funding but urged that it be tied to a clear re-entry plan, performance measures, transparency, and regular reporting to the legislature. They emphasized that re-entry should begin at intake and involve community partnerships, housing, treatment, employment, and family reunification services.
Committee members questioned the department about current re-entry services, pre-trial detainees, and how the new funds would be used. Johnson said the department’s current statewide re-entry budget is about $1.5 million to $1.7 million, separate from the larger Corrections Program Services Division budget for in-facility programs. He described the proposed $4 million as supporting a mix of services, including a pilot apprenticeship program, substance abuse treatment, navigator or warm-handoff services, and short-term transitional housing. He also said the department already tracks performance outcomes in its annual report and can provide a matrix showing the intake-to-discharge process, program contracts, and volunteer organizations.
The discussion also covered pre-trial detainees, electronic monitoring, and mental health services. Johnson said the department has limited jurisdiction over pre-trial detainees but works with courts to seek supervised release when possible; he noted that many requests are denied, though electronic monitoring has improved release rates somewhat. On mental health, he said the jail is not an ideal therapeutic setting for people found unfit to proceed and suggested a secure community-based step-down facility run by the Department of Health for those needing care above what the jail can provide but below forensic-level treatment. No vote or final action on the bill was taken during the hearing.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 03/19/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- You support policies that impact our soldiers and families.
- YOU SUPPORT POLICIES THAT IMPACT OUR SOLDIERS AND FAMILIES.
- AND SO WE HOPE YOU REMEMBER THAT Raised in Carmel, he comes from a family of service.
- RAISED IN CARAMEL, HE COMES FROM A FAMILY OF SERVICE.
- That is an incredible family. There are three children who served in the military.
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by Major Brittany Wooten, then took up Senate Resolution No. 1749 designating March 19, 2026, as West Point Day in New York State. Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Senator Skoufis, Minority Leader Ortt, and several other senators spoke in support of West Point, its cadets, and the academy’s history and role in national service. Colonel Daniel R. Stuewe, commander of U.S. Army Garrison West Point, also addressed the chamber, emphasizing the long-standing partnership between West Point and New York and the academy’s mission to develop leaders of character. The resolution was adopted, and the West Point Day observance included recognition of cadets and academy staff.
The Senate then moved through a calendar of bills, passing measures including amendments to the Public Health Law, Election Law, Executive Law, Penal Law, Elder Law, Real Property Tax Law, General Municipal Law, and Public Authorities Law. Several bills drew brief explanations of vote or debate. Senator Mayer spoke in support of a bill establishing Fred Korematsu Day, framing it as a reminder of the injustice of Japanese American internment and the need to defend civil rights. Senator Ryan supported a bill streamlining the senior citizen property tax exemption process, calling it a way to reduce burdens on older residents. Senator Helming opposed a local government planning mandate as an unfunded mandate, while Senators Walczyk and Martins criticized a housing-related reporting bill as burdensome and ineffective.
The most debated item was Calendar 457, a housing-data and reporting bill sponsored by Senator May. Supporters argued it would improve transparency and help the state understand zoning and housing capacity, while opponents said it imposed new reporting burdens on municipalities and could penalize poorer communities by threatening CDBG funding. After debate, the bill was restored to the non-controversial calendar and ultimately passed by a vote of 37-23. The Senate then adjourned until the next legislative day.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AGR/AEN Joint Info Briefing - Mon Nov 24, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, the second thing is the items will be color-coded.
- Um, mortacia. plants in the OIA family.
- So that makes it the zip code level.
- So by zip code again, you can see some zip codes have quite high numbers, 800s and thousands by zip code
- So I can like oh this is my zip code.
Summary:
The joint informational briefing from the House Committee on Agriculture and Food Systems and the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment focused on the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity’s update on Hawaii’s biosecurity framework, especially implementation of Act 231 (2024) and Act 236 (2025). Chairs Corey Chun and Mike Gabbard opened the meeting by framing the briefing as an update on investments to fight invasive species and improve statewide evaluation and coordination. Department leaders Sharon Her and Richard Kim described historic legislative and executive investments that have allowed the department to rebuild and modernize biosecurity infrastructure to better prevent, detect, control, and eradicate invasive species.
The presentation emphasized the importance of biosecurity to Hawaii’s agriculture, economy, environment, and public well-being, citing threats such as rapid ohia death, little fire ant, coconut rhinoceros beetle, brown tree snake, and red imported fire ant. Staff explained the state’s layered approach—pre-border, border, and post-border—and compared it to New Zealand’s model, stressing that Hawaii must act as a “net, not a wall” and that prevention before entry is far more cost-effective than response after establishment. They also outlined agency roles across the system, including agriculture, natural resources, health, transportation, enforcement, and university partners, and noted that Act 231 strengthened authority over high-risk imports, offshore treatment, compliance agreements, and pest management plans, while Act 236 renamed the department and clarified statewide biosecurity coordination.
Jonathan Ho then walked through specific program areas and progress. He said pre-border risk analysis is being supported by Act 231 funding and a university contract, while offshore compliance and treatment efforts have improved substantially, including Christmas tree inspections from Oregon and Washington and airline declaration systems that provide advance passenger information. For border work, he highlighted inspections, surveillance, detector dogs, and port monitoring. For post-border response and readiness, he discussed the invasive pest hotline and dashboard, trace-forward/trace-back and diagnostics, preparedness for future threats, and the need to build stronger internal capacity. He also described a developing transitional facilities program authorized by Act 236, modeled on New Zealand’s certified facilities system, and said the department has already begun outreach to industry groups such as the Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association. No votes or formal actions were taken; the meeting was informational only.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Appropriations and Revenue (3-4-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Section 9 limits certain billing codes to no more than one hour per day and no more than 100 hours in
- and this year we're talking a serious look about doing that in the budget review over Health and Family
- You know, there are certain sections on, you know, certain billing codes holding it to one hour per day
- You know, there are certain sections on, you know, certain billing codes holding it to one hour per day
- You know, there are certain sections on, you know, certain billing codes holding it to one hour per day
Keywords:
Meeting start 00:00:00
Roll Call 00:00:15
HB 537 Discussion 00:01:30
HB 537 Vote 00:05:15
HB 695 Discussion 00:07:00
HB 695 Vote 00:23:15
HJR 31 Discussion 00:27:40
HJR 31 Vote 00:29:55, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 537, as amended by PHS 1, which was described as a technical measure needed to ensure Kentucky can receive opioid settlement funds despite changes in bankruptcy court orders. The sponsor and Attorney General’s office explained that the bill does not change the settlement formula or substantive terms, but adjusts the mechanism for receiving the money. After brief discussion, the committee adopted PHS 1 and then passed HB 537 out favorably on a 17-0 vote, with one member recording attendance after arriving late.
The committee then considered House Bill 695, also amended by PHS 1, a Medicaid stabilization bill. The sponsor said the measure is intended to hold the program steady while the legislature gathers more information and awaits work by a future Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board. The bill would limit new waivers, state plan amendments, and coverage expansions; require reporting and record retention; create a Kentucky Medicaid Pharmaceutical Rebate Fund; direct certain behavioral health and managed care changes; and include an emergency clause. Members raised questions about the rebate fund, work requirements, and whether the bill could affect coverage or funding, while supporters emphasized transparency, data collection, and preventing new expansions until oversight is in place.
Several members spoke in favor of the bill’s goals but expressed caution about micromanaging a complex program and about possible unintended consequences for beneficiaries. Representative Fleming stressed the need for stronger oversight and noted the potential fiscal impact of federal Medicaid changes. Representative Stevenson voted pass, saying the committee should let the new oversight board handle the issue, and Representative Gentry also passed, citing concern about overreach and the burden of data collection. The committee ultimately reported HB 695 favorably on a 16-1 vote with three pass votes. Afterward, members recorded additional yes votes on HB 537 for the record.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Civil Service and Pensions - 01/28/2026
Civil Service And Pensions
Transcript Highlights:
- title: An act on the Retirement and Social Security Law, the Education Law, and the Administrative Code
- the option election or designate a new beneficiary where the beneficiary has been convicted of a family
- title: An act on the Retirement and Social Security Law, the Education Law, and the Administrative Code
- the option election or designate a new beneficiary where the beneficiary has been convicted of a family
Summary:
The Civil Service and Pensions Committee met on January 28, 2026, with a quorum present and 13 bills on the agenda. Chair Robert Jackson opened the first committee meeting of the 2026 session and noted members present in person and by voting sheet. The committee then took up a series of civil service, retirement, and public employee labor bills, with brief motions and votes on each measure.
Several bills concerned retirement and benefits, including changes to membership eligibility in the New York State and Local Retirement System (S-1011), transfer of sick time (S-3354), identical skilled nursing care health benefits for public retirees (S-4724), teleworking extension (S-5211), beneficiary changes for retirees (S-625A and S-6750), and an exit service requirement for designated employees (S-6999A). Other bills addressed public employee hearing procedures, collective negotiation disputes, preventing outsourcing during a hiring freeze, and related civil service law changes, including measures sponsored by Chair Jackson and other senators.
Most bills were approved unanimously or with one abstention and were reported either to the Finance Committee or to the floor, depending on the bill. The committee also reported S-1011, S-3354, S-4724, S-4773, S-4894, S-4901, S-5211, S-6750, and S-6999A to Finance, while S-1540, S-2264, S-625A, and some others were reported to the floor. The meeting concluded after all agenda items were acted on, with no further discussion.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Natural Resources Committee Apr 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- , surrounded by single-family homes that the... ...surrounded by single-family homes that the city is
- In addition to mandating the CEC study, Bills and feed their families.
- These are careers that sustain families and stay in communities for decades.
- To conclude, Families and stay in communities for decades.
- Our families and businesses need affordable electricity.
Summary:
The committee heard a long series of bills, beginning with AB 2026 on groundwater recharge. The author and supporters said the bill would streamline permitting for recharge projects, codify long-standing CEQA exemptions for flood diversions to recharge, and add tribal consultation and other guardrails. Water agencies and local districts supported the measure as a way to capture high-flow water and reduce groundwater subsidence, while environmental groups and some irrigation districts opposed it, warning that the bill’s exemptions and broader diversion authority could harm rivers, Delta resources, and public trust values. The bill was discussed but not voted on because the committee lacked a quorum at that point.
The committee then took up AB 1577 on data center energy accountability, which would require monthly reporting of energy-use data and permit-related estimates of energy and water demand. The author and the Little Hoover Commission argued the bill would improve transparency, help protect ratepayers, and give regulators better information for grid planning. Data center industry representatives opposed it as duplicative, burdensome, and uniquely targeted, while local governments, environmental groups, and some utilities supported it or supported it if amended. The bill was later reported out with a due pass recommendation once a quorum was established.
Members also heard AB 2245 on a producer responsibility program for lubricant products and containers, AB 2170 on CEQA language-access and environmental review protections for overburdened communities, AB 2059 on rural transportation and VMT mitigation, AB 1808 on Western Joshua tree permitting and fee relief, AB 2182 on industrial energy efficiency program changes, and AB 2231 on streamlining two hospital projects. Testimony was mixed on most of these bills: supporters emphasized affordability, local control, environmental justice, or project urgency, while opponents raised concerns about CEQA scope, regulatory duplication, costs, and environmental impacts. Several measures received due pass recommendations and roll-call votes, including AB 2170, AB 2059, AB 1808, AB 2182, and AB 2231, with some members voting no or not voting and some bills left open for absent members.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 094 Apr 18th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- . families. families.
- First, a first generation family. First, a first generation family.
- state has been invoked against a family. state has been invoked against a family.
- but we do have a robust children's code. but we do have a robust children's code.
- Uh, not with families. I have trust issues with the state being involved in family matters.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES Feb 12th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES
Transcript Highlights:
- The town was in noncompliance with these codes as noted below.
- The town was in noncompliance with these codes as noted below.
- Well, I have condolences to your city and your family of the former mayor.
- However, an authorizing ordinance was not enacted as required by code.
- As far as under the code, under the law, there is a penalty provision.
Summary:
The committee began with prayer and approval of the January 8 minutes, then received updates on delinquent private water and sewer reports. Staff reported that for the 2022 reports, 19 of 43 entities had had their turnback reinstated, while 24 remained in escrow; for the 2023 reports, 59 of 64 entities had filed, leaving five outstanding. The committee also filed a report on Adona, where staff said the city had made enough progress toward substantial compliance with municipal accounting laws to discontinue withholding turnback, and the committee adopted that recommendation.
The bulk of the meeting focused on municipal accounting noncompliance cases. Gum Springs and Denning were presented with extensive repeat findings involving budgets not adopted by ordinance or resolution, missing or incomplete bank reconciliations, inadequate receipts and disbursement records, payroll issues, and improper handling of Act 833 funds or other city money. Both cities’ mayors and recorders-treasurers testified about efforts to correct records, obtain training, and work with the Municipal League; the committee voted to start the 60-day turnback-withholding clock for both and then filed the reports. Fargo was deferred because no city representative was present.
Additional reports included Green Forest, Elaine, Strong, Brooklyn, Mineral Springs, Rondo, Waldo, Columbia County, and several private water and sewer entities. Strong drew significant concern over missing garbage-bag revenue, improper fund transfers, and deficit balances; the committee deferred that report to the March meeting. The committee also heard investigative or referred reports on the Faulkner County Fair Association, Brooklyn payroll direct-deposit fraud, and other entities with questionable disbursements or recordkeeping. In several cases, staff recommended filing the reports after responses were received; in others, the committee deferred action when responses were lacking or representatives were absent. The meeting ended with a motion to defer a Cross County Rural Water matter so the entity could appear at the next meeting.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Limiting zoning authority of local governments over housing types 3/3/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- single family homes or multif family single family homes or multif family homes.<00:08:57.519>
- A recent social return on investment families to save for a home. families to save for a home.
- Sincerely, Travis Flynn and family. Thank you. Sincerely, Travis Flynn and family.
- ,<01:01:00.319>
and prices, fewer options for families, and prices, fewer options for families- <01:28:35.920>
front, especially on the multif family front, especially on the multif family
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- , power over families, power over families, businesses,<01:08:00.720>
and <01:08:00.960> - our financial stability, our family our financial stability, our family safety.<01:23:33.199>
- 58:20.320>
the <01:58:20.480>conduct judicial code of conduct, the conduct judicial code - ignored in family court. ignored in family court.
- event for our family and community. event for our family and community.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- You need to share your story with your family first.
- But this is a place where we've had people come in and say, 'I've never even told my family my story,
- Bring your family. There's picnic tables outside.
- a lot of times these people can tell their story to you, but they don't want to tell it to their families
- And that would give their families the chance to actually just go in there and take the QR codes and
Summary:
The Committee on Veterans and Armed Forces met primarily for a presentation from Nina DiAngelo, executive director of the Mid-America Veterans Museum in O’Fallon, and Renee Esri, a founding member and bookkeeper. DiAngelo described the museum’s mission to preserve veteran stories, honor legacies, educate the public, and provide a free, accessible space for veterans and families. She highlighted the museum’s origins with World War II veteran Ralph Borrelli Sr., whose vision led to the museum’s creation, and emphasized that the museum serves as a place of healing, reflection, and connection for veterans across Missouri.
DiAngelo reported that the museum has collected more than 650 stories, recorded over 2,000 Veteran History Project interviews for the Library of Congress, produced more than 77 podcast episodes, and welcomes about 2,000 visitors annually. She also described the museum’s outreach to veterans in need, including helping one veteran obtain disability benefits and repair his home, and said the museum maintains a resource database to refer veterans to services. Committee members and guests responded with supportive comments about the museum’s impact, its role in encouraging veterans to share their stories, and its broader community engagement.
The presentation also covered future plans, including expanding outreach to rural and underserved areas, modernizing preservation technology, and building partnerships with schools and other organizations. DiAngelo invited members to help spread the museum’s mission and connect it with local veteran groups, and mentioned the upcoming “Light and the Shadows” event marking the fifth anniversary of the Abbey Gate bombing, featuring a memorial for the 13 fallen and the Veterans and Athletes United Traveling Memorial. No bills were considered and no votes were taken; the committee adjourned after the presentation and discussion.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- corporations or for the Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs, HB 1590 by Gates relating to multi-family
- Relating to the period for which a person arrested by certain crimes involving family violence may be
- Violence or for the Subcommittee on Family and fiduciary Relationships.
- HB 2524 by Cook relating to recovery fees, court costs, and expenses in family law proceedings.
- Refer the Subcommittee on Family Fiduciary Relationships. HB 2525 by DARB relating.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES Feb 12th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES
Transcript Highlights:
- The town was in noncompliance with these codes as noted below.
- The town was in noncompliance with these codes as noted below.
- Well, my condolences to your city and your family of the former mayor.
- However, an authorizing ordinance was not enacted as required by code.
- You do understand that's a violation of the code. Aren't I correct? Okay, Mr.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Water and Natural Resources Aug 18th, 2025
Water & Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- But I've also heard about those graduating seniors that would have been first-gen immigrant families—families
- farms and ranches tend to move towards to keep it in the family.
- Families can upload their documents. They can request an appointment.
- It's frightening my family.
- So what is in place to ensure that families continue to access food?
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Jan 15th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- So Medicaid eligibility is determined by the Department of Children and Families.
- Their families are stressed enough as it is.
- system, G-Code 0330.
- Federal dollars that come into our great state for our veterans, families, and survivors is going to
- I want to help the family before they get into a nursing home. And that's adult day health care.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard a base budget overview for the 2025-26 fiscal year, which was presented as a $46.8 billion starting point for the silo. Staff explained that HHS accounts for about half of the state base budget and roughly 36% of general revenue, with AHCA and Medicaid making up the largest share. The committee then reviewed the PACE program for the elderly, including its eligibility, service model, growth in applications, slot funding and reversions, and the agency’s plan to move from the federal three-way agreement to a more detailed two-party contract to improve accountability, transparency, and reporting. Members raised concerns about unfilled slots, reversions, rural access, and the need for clearer return-on-investment data; the agency said it would follow up on some of those questions.
The committee also heard from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities on its statewide dental program. APD described its history of appropriations, the failed January 2024 solicitation, and a new up-to-$11.5 million solicitation focused on preventive care, community partnerships, teledentistry, and coordination with other services. Members questioned overlap with Medicaid dental coverage, the effect of Medicaid unwinding on APD clients, and whether state dollars were duplicating federally supported services; APD said it tries to act as payer of last resort and that services would continue during procurement. Public testimony from an APD stakeholder and the Florida Dental Association emphasized Medicaid eligibility problems for waiver recipients, low reimbursement rates, limited access to anesthesia and hospital-based dental care, and concerns that proposed Medicaid changes could reduce access for special-needs patients.
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs then presented on state veterans service officers and benefits assistance. FDVA highlighted its role in helping veterans access federal benefits, reporting about $27.9 billion in federal dollars flowing into Florida and a high return on state investment. The department said it has increased outreach, claims processing, and services, and has trained staff to identify mental health concerns through its Overwatch program. In response to questions, FDVA discussed plans to expand adult day health care at a new veterans nursing home and possibly at existing locations with additional state funding. At the end of the meeting, the committee completed its presentations and adjourned without objection.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Emergency Management Committee Jul 14th, 2025
Emergency Management
Transcript Highlights:
- recommendations and all the people that get together to give us those guidelines California building code
- chapter 7a California fire code chapter 49 on requirements for well wildfire urban interface areas the
- Scientists know how to protect homes, but current laws spread mitigation efforts across multiple codes
- My family came to the United States to escape political repression in Iran, and nearly three decades
- And by the way, one of the temples attacked is from a family from Fiji.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Oct 8th, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- He's a certified peer support worker and a certified family peer support worker.
- We also have family peer support workers.
- Code, that's where they'll get connected to. So it's the area code of their cell phone?
- Unfortunately, he experienced some situations where some family members were.
- Deceased, and he had to move and live with different family members.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPN-AEN, HHS-CPN, TCA-CPN, CPN DEFER, CPN, CPN Public Hearings 04-01-2025
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- Would that be a better head within some teammates if they deal with the landlord tenant code?
- tenant code improvements to increase<00:50:19.359>
the <00:50:19.599>supply <00:50:19.839 - Um I I can't speak for tenant code?
- This is requesting the Attorney General to convene the working group on the landlord tenant code.
- Members, the recommendation is to code.
Summary:
At a joint Senate hearing on SCR 198 and SR 178, the committees considered resolutions urging Hawaii insurers and the Hawaii Property Insurance Association to seek subrogation claims against polluters linked to worsening climate impacts and higher insurance costs. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with 47 written testimonies in support and additional oral support from former Honolulu chief resilience officer Josh Tamro. The committees recommended passage with amendments, narrowing the language to refer specifically to polluters who knowingly engaged in misleading and deceptive practices about the connection between their products and climate change, along with technical non-substantive edits. Both committees adopted the amended resolutions by vote.
At a separate joint hearing on STR 226 and SR 201, which urged changes to Medicaid 1915 home and community-based services waiver eligibility criteria, supporters argued the current rules and administrative guidance were inconsistent and left some people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those with mental health dual diagnoses, without proper access. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities and Hawaii Disability Rights Center supported the intent but noted factual issues and said a memo from the department addressed only part of the problem, not the mental health-related concerns. After discussion, the chair concluded the resolution was not the best vehicle and deferred it, suggesting a more comprehensive bill would be needed.
The Commerce and Consumer Protection committee also took up HB 799 HD2 SD1 on healthcare and recommended passage with amendments, including striking a written transfer-agreement requirement, shortening the sunset to June 30, 2028, removing a related timeline, and making technical corrections. In another joint hearing, SCR 222 and SR 197, which would have urged towing companies to have on-site ATMs for vehicle owners, drew opposition from the Office of Consumer Protection, which said Act 60 already requires credit and debit card acceptance and that ATMs could let companies evade the law. Members noted ongoing complaints and weak enforcement, and the chair recommended turning the issue into a task force for further study, with decision-making deferred because of quorum issues.
The committee also heard several other resolutions: STR 57 and SR 41, urging Congress to create a national reinsurance program, received only supportive testimony; STR 70 and SR 54, calling for a pharmacy reimbursement working group, also drew support; and STR 123, proposing an attorney general-led landlord-tenant working group, received comments from the Attorney General’s Office suggesting a more appropriate lead agency and noting the Legislative Reference Bureau may be better suited to assist. No final adverse action was taken on those measures during the hearing segment described.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Tue Feb 25, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- We talk to lawyers, doctors, family, friends.
- Care especially support for families Care especially support for families faced<01:04:23.000>
- <01:08:19.520>
to that the only way for families to that the only way for families to receive - family family so<01:09:44.480>
I <01:09:44.719>I <01:09:45.080>agree <01:09:45.520 - <01:12:00.360>
first Continuum is what's called family first Continuum is what's called family
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 302, which would repeal the requirement that a provider-patient relationship for medical cannabis certification be established in person first. The Department of Health said it supported the House Draft 2 version as a way to expand patient access, and several testifiers from the medical cannabis community and dispensary industry supported the bill, especially for patients on outer islands or those unable to travel. One witness asked that earlier language removed in committee be restored to further improve access. Representative Shimizu asked whether follow-up in-person visits would still occur, and DOH responded that this varies by provider, with some continuing in-person care and others moving to telehealth for chronic conditions.
The committee then took up House Bill 712, relating to the federal 340B drug pricing program and contract pharmacies. The Office of Consumer Protection and the Attorney General’s office both said they supported the bill’s purpose but wanted it clarified and possibly moved into a standalone chapter rather than chapter 481B. Supporters, including Hawaii Pacific Health and the Queen’s Health Systems, said the bill is needed to protect safety-net funding and access to discounted drugs, citing large financial benefits from 340B and losses caused by manufacturer restrictions on contract pharmacies. PhRMA opposed the bill, arguing the issue is not access to discounts but accountability and transparency in how contract pharmacies distribute benefits, and said it was willing to discuss amendments. Members asked follow-up questions about whether there was data showing misuse; PhRMA said it did not have numbers, while hospital witnesses said the program is federally audited and used appropriately in Hawaii.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1482, HD1, which would tighten hemp and controlled-substance definitions to exclude Schedule I cannabinoids from manufactured hemp products and clarify the treatment of artificially derived cannabis. The Department of Health supported the measure, saying it adds clarity to existing prohibitions. Kūre Hawaii and other supporters said it would close loopholes involving Delta-8 and similar products. An individual testifier urged stronger language to also cover compounds such as HHC, THCA, THCP, and THCO. In response to questions about enforcement against mislabeled hemp products, DOH explained that THC percentages are relative to product weight, that some products can remain under the hemp threshold while still containing significant THC, and that hemp flower is already prohibited from direct retail sale, though enforcement can be complicated and involves both administrative and criminal authorities.