Transcript Highlights:

• As a commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Association on the Big Island Chapter 731, I
• ><c> am</c><01:09:27.520><c> in</c><01:09:27.640><c> full</c><01:09:27.920><c> support</c> Island Chapter
• 731, I am in full support Island Chapter 731, I am in full support of<01:09:28.560><c> bringing</c><
• So, I'm trying to figure out what clarification it is needed in terms of the interactions between chapters
• So, the concern here is that Chapter 480 is not an insurance statute.

Bills: HB1626 , HB1643 , HB1668 , HB1550 , HB1974 , HB1858 , HB1871 , HB1966 , HB1972 , HB1973

Committee: House Health

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 847, which would create a Kauai pilot program allowing qualified psychologists limited authority to prescribe psychotropic medications. The Board of Psychology supported the bill’s intent but asked for amendments to delay the effective date or extend the pilot so rules could be written first, and to clarify the education/training language. Supporters, including the Hawaii Psychological Association, Hawaii Mental Health Coalition, and several psychologists, argued that prescribing psychologists have long safety records in other jurisdictions and that the pilot could improve access to care on Kauai, especially amid ongoing mental health needs and storm-related stress. They cited studies and examples from New Mexico, Louisiana, the Department of Defense, and other places. Opponents, including the Hawaii Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, Queen’s Medical Center, and a Department of Health representative, said the bill needed substantial work, raised concerns about training, liability, and workforce impacts, and urged a team-based model with psychiatrist oversight rather than independent prescribing. Some testimony also referenced a GAO report, with witnesses disagreeing over its meaning and cost-effectiveness. No vote was taken during the discussion, and members asked questions about how the bill would address the workforce shortage and whether a psychiatrist on Kauai could already meet the need. The committee then moved to SB 2271 on hospital licensing and SB 2272 on home health care licensing. The Department of Health, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, and the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported both measures, which were described as streamlining and clarifying licensing oversight by relying on accreditation or certification reports. A member asked whether the bill language on hospital accreditation reports was duplicative, and the response was that the second provision was intended to strengthen enforcement by requiring hospitals to provide the actual report to DOH. The committee did not take final action in the portion of the hearing provided, and the chair noted that all bills on the agenda would later be considered for decision-making.

Transcript Highlights:

• had—you lived a life that was planned and that you thought that you could count on what the next chapter
• I pray for you that you quickly find joy and happiness in the next chapter.
• I pray for you that you quickly find joy and happiness in the next chapter, in things that you never
• Somewhere around the fourth chapter, sometimes I know where the House is, but not the exact address.
• It clarifies that when land application becomes disposal, it's enforceable under Chapter 403.

Transcript Highlights:

• them to check with their legal department and double-check because the HRS, and I can't name the chapter
• them to check with their legal department and double-check because the HRS, and I can't name the chapter
• check because the HRS, and I can't name check because the HRS, and I can't name the<00:39:35.920><c> chapter
• 36.560><c> of</c><00:39:36.560><c> my</c><00:39:36.720><c> head</c><00:39:36.880><c> right</c> the chapter
• off the top of my head right the chapter off the top of my head right now,<00:39:37.280><c> I</c><00

Bills: HB1991 , HB1776 , HB1897 , HB1900

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1991, which would change Hawaii’s liquor excise tax structure to an ABV-based system. The Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii took no position and stood on written comments. Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and an individual testifier who described surviving a drunk-driving crash, argued that higher alcohol taxes reduce alcohol-related harms, save lives, and generate additional state revenue. The public health witness cited alcohol-related harms as a major preventable cause of death and said the tax increase would have only a small annual cost for most consumers. Most industry testimony was in opposition. Representatives of Lanikai Brewing Company, Maui Brewing Company, the Wine Institute, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association said the bill would sharply raise taxes on beer and wine, squeeze already thin margins, and threaten local jobs and businesses. They argued Hawaii producers already face high costs for labor, energy, shipping, and compliance, and said an ABV-based tax would be difficult to administer, would require additional testing and labeling work, and could reduce consumer choice. Several industry witnesses urged lawmakers to instead adopt a small-producer or class 18 carveout, with one suggesting a cap tied to 60,000 barrels. Committee members questioned the brewers about alcohol content testing, labeling, and whether smaller producers already measure ABV. Witnesses said many local producers do not certify ABV for in-state sales, that yeast and fermentation can vary by batch, and that an ABV-based system could require more testing than current practice. No vote or final action on the bill was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a problem here in Texas because... what this bill basically relates to is Chapter 49 of the Code
• Right now, those files are subject to Chapter 552 of the Government Code, which is the Public Information
• committee substitute moves to enhance criminal penalties related to violations of these laws. ...chapter
• On behalf of the Texas Medical Association and the Texas Chapter of the American College of Physicians
• The chair recognizes Jesse Williams, testifying on behalf of Disabled American Veterans Chapter 219 and

Bills: HB46 , HB35 , HB4490 , HB4454 , HB2188 , HB3078 , HB4743 , HB2556 , HB46 , HB5342 , HB4783 , HB3785 , HB5278 , HB1639 , HB2581 , HB4224 , HB4070 , HB4099 , HB4882 , HB3794

Committee: House Public Health

Keywords: local government spending cap, expenditure limit, political subdivision, property tax, ad valorem tax, budget cap, taxpayer protection, spending restraint, inflation adjustment, population growth, voter approval, supermajority vote, county budget, municipal budget, school district finance, junior college district, hospital district, special district, attorney general enforcement, local fiscal limits

Transcript Highlights:

• 42.399><c> tax</c> Minnesota statutes excise and sales tax Minnesota statutes excise and sales tax chapter
• </c><00:08:46.640><c> 68</c><00:08:47.640><c> even</c><00:08:47.839><c> a</c> chapter 297a section 297
• a. 68 even a chapter 297a section 297 a. 68 even a brief<00:08:48.279><c> glance</c><00:08:48.560><c
• 00:30:43.120><c> Peter</c> Peter Wagnas, legislative and political director, Sierra Club Northstar Chapter
• I’m Peter Wus, legislative director for Sierra Club Northstar Chapter.”

Transcript Highlights:

• Association of America at the UAB Association of America at the UAB Association of America at the UAB chapter
• to make sure that you know I chapter to make sure that you know I chapter to make sure that you know
• Article Five assistance provided under Article Five assistance provided under Article Five of this chapter
• basically what it's of this chapter basically what it's of this chapter basically what it's saying if

Transcript Highlights:

• Whether it be the Masonic lodges individually, the Eastern Star chapters, the Rainbow Assemblies, the
• Whether it be the Masonic lodges individually, the Eastern Star chapters, the Rainbow Assemblies, the
• Whether it be the Masonic lodges individually, the Eastern Star chapters, the Rainbow Assemblies, the
• Whether it be the Masonic lodges individually, the Eastern Star chapters, the Rainbow Assemblies, the
• Whether it be the Masonic lodges individually, the Eastern Star chapters, the Rainbow Assemblies, the

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Transcript Highlights:

• The chapter supports practical policies that protect freedom, opportunity, and safety for women and girls
• In chapter 21, we statutory definitions.
• Chapter 2, article 25, Hampshire?
• > paragraph</c><03:04:59.600><c> 2</c> Chapter 3, article 29, paragraph 2 Chapter 3, article 29, paragraph
• Chapter 9, article 124, for them."

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• And Mary Ann wasted no time getting to work teaching in the local schools and running the local 4-H chapter
• We wish you much happiness and joy as you begin the next chapter of your life. Godspeed.
• And<01:19:32.720><c> then</c><01:19:32.880><c> chapters</c><01:19:33.480><c> uh</c><01:19:33.720><c>
• sections</c><01:19:34.080><c> 6,</c><01:19:34.360><c> 17,</c><01:19:34.800><c> and</c> And then chapters
• uh sections 6, 17, and And then chapters uh sections 6, 17, and 18<01:19:36.160><c> uh</c><01:19:36.280

Transcript Highlights:

• Gonzalez-Kiroga, and I'm the government relations director for the Alzheimer's Association, Louisiana chapter
• So I have two people here with me who are executive directors for two local chapters. means.
• So I have two people here with me who are executive directors for two local chapters.
• Two people here with me are executive directors for two local chapters of the ARC: Kristen Powers, with
• those individuals, but the thousands of people across the state with disabilities in Louisiana as a chapter

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• While this measure will create a new section in chapter 489 and is outside of HCRC jurisdiction, we believe
• Can you give us the actual chapter and verse of ADA so that we can make sure we have the right citation
• Can you give us the actual chapter and verse of ADA so that we can make sure we have the right citation
• respect to that from CAP. >> But this is technically infeasible being applied to the discrimination chapter
• But this is technically infeasible being applied to the discrimination chapter. >> Yeah, that's why they're

Bills: SB2094

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Summary: The committee first took up SB 2094, which would require state agencies monitoring environmental toxins and pollutants to establish environmental action levels and limit changes to those levels without meeting procedural requirements. The chair recommended passing the bill with amendments, including inserting estimated costs for a secure portal website and webinars into the committee report and deferring the effective date to July 1, 2050. The motion passed unanimously among those voting, with excused members noted. The committee then considered several other measures and adopted recommendations to pass them with amendments, generally adding technical and clarifying changes and setting a defective date of 2525. SB 2862 was amended to broaden the preamble, make additional appointees confirmable, clarify reporting requirements for gubernatorial appointees, and was held for further discussion. SB 2781 on lei production created a working group to review existing studies and conduct a statewide study of Hawaii’s floriculture industry. SB 3015 adopted California’s definition of PII, applied it to government agencies and political subdivisions, created a private cause of action, and required a compliance report. SB 3230 removed a categorical prohibition on certain third-party project management procurements while preserving state oversight responsibility, in line with procurement office requests. The joint GVO Health and Human Services agenda then focused on two related bills requiring universal changing accommodations in public restrooms. SB 2932 would apply to new state building construction beginning July 1, 2026, and testimony from disability advocates, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and others supported the measure while asking for language clarifying that the requirement applies only where technically feasible and, in some cases, only to state-managed buildings. SB 2268 was described as broader, extending beyond government buildings into the private sector and including a private right of action; witnesses supported the concept but raised implementation concerns, especially for smaller businesses, and requested the same technically infeasible language and other clarifications. Both bills were advanced with amendments, and the committee noted adoption of the recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate amendments resolved chaptering conflicts. I respectfully ask for your aye vote. Thank you.
• Senate amendments resolve chaptering conflicts. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
• Senate amendments are clarifying and technical in nature, as well as addressing chaptering-out issues
• The Senate amendments are clarifying and technical in nature, as well as addressing chaptering-out issues
• In the Senate, they just made chaptering amendments. Respectfully request an aye vote.

Summary: The Assembly convened after initially lacking a quorum, completed the roll call, and opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Members then moved through a long daily file and concurrence calendar, with many items passed without debate and several bills taken up for final votes. The chamber also handled procedural motions, including re-referring AB 1152 to the Public Safety Committee, suspending rules for guest introductions, and later a roll-call vote on a motion to print a journal letter, which passed 41-16. Among the major Senate bills considered on third reading, SB 385, SB 753, SB 838, SB 643, SB 645, SB 761, SB 774, SB 400, SB 24, SB 37, SB 258, SB 364, SB 403, SB 770, and SB 22 all passed, with debate focused on topics such as shopping cart recovery, housing and land use, carbon removal grants, jury selection rules in civil cases, student CalFresh access, real estate licensing sunsets, renewable energy tax incentives, utility spending transparency, attorney advertising ethics, spousal rape protections for disabled spouses, freeway advertising placement, medical aid in dying, EV charging access in HOAs, and gift certificate redemption values. SB 596 on hospital nurse staffing drew the most extended debate, with supporters arguing it enforces existing law and protects patient safety, while opponents warned it could worsen rural hospital closures; the bill ultimately passed 59-0. The Assembly also concurred in numerous Senate amendments to Assembly bills, including measures on service of process, firearms, workers’ compensation, family leave for crime survivors, solid waste, water reporting for data centers, student information privacy, Diwali recognition, wildfire workforce recovery, educational equity, civic education, office-to-housing conversions, cannabis tax relief, browser privacy, housing element transparency, landlord-tenant appliances, code enforcement, homelessness, DEIA in state government, inmate firefighter wages, children’s health, real estate, rehiring protections for laid-off hospitality workers, hazardous materials, housing covenants, aging, care facilities, species protection, CalWORKs modernization, cannabis access for seriously ill patients, foreign labor contractors, and downtown revitalization financing. Most of these concurred with broad bipartisan margins; AB 247 on inmate firefighter wages drew especially extensive bipartisan support and passed 74-0, while AB 93 on data center water reporting and AB 766 on state DEIA planning drew some opposition but still passed concurrence.

Transcript Highlights:

• So if you have your Bibles, turn to Genesis chapter 12.
• In Genesis chapter 12, and I do apologize, I know Sunday was yesterday, but we're close.
• Genesis chapter 12, Abraham is called by the Lord to follow him.
• At the end of his life, Moses, one of the greatest figures in the Bible, gives a speech that is chapters
• Nothing to be proud of, but at least we're able to close this chapter.

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, trying to think of the section, there is an allocation of TAT revenues in Chapter 237D.
• Okay, so the remittances are in Chapter 237D: 6.5.
• there is an allocation of tat revenues there is an allocation of tat revenues in<00:42:47.359><c> chapter
• :49.040><c> do</c><00:42:49.200><c> know</c><00:42:49.520><c> that</c><00:42:50.440><c> um</c> in chapter
• 237d so I do know that um in chapter 237d so I do know that um there<00:42:51.000><c> is</c><00:42:51.240

Summary: The joint hearing of the House Committees on Tourism and Water and Land was held on March 20, 2025, on SB 1396 SD3 HD1, which would raise transient accommodations tax revenues beginning in 2027, impose a $20 per-night tax on stays booked through loyalty or rewards points, and dedicate funds to DLNR for natural resource protection, management, and restoration. The Office of the Governor, DLNR, DBEDT, the Hawaii State Energy Office, Tax Department, Hawaiian Home Lands, HI-EMA, the Climate Advisory Team, Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, HCDA, the Hawaii Ocean Legislative Task Force, Resource Legacy Fund, KUA, and the Hawaii Tourism Authority all testified in support or with comments, generally emphasizing the need for dedicated funding for environmental stewardship, resilience, wildfire and climate preparedness, and community-based projects. Several supporters cited polling showing broad visitor willingness to pay additional fees to protect Hawaiʻi’s resources, and DLNR and the Attorney General noted the bill aligns with broader state land-management and fire-safety priorities. Opposition came from the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi and the Maui Chamber of Commerce, which argued the bill unnecessarily raises the TAT, places more burden on visitors and visitor-dependent businesses, and could harm Maui’s still-recovering economy. The Activities and Attractions Association of Hawaiʻi initially marked opposition but then said it had misunderstood the bill’s relationship to another measure and asked to resend testimony. Expedia Group did not oppose the TAT increase itself but raised operational concerns about the new tax on loyalty-point redemptions, calling it novel and difficult to administer. The American Hotel Lodging Association and Hawaiʻi Hotel Alliance were listed as having no comments present. Testifiers also suggested amendments, including dedicating the revenues to a special fund, ensuring community grants, and clarifying administrative provisions. One testifier urged the bill be used to fund hurricane shelters and stronger building standards, while another emphasized that the measure should support people and disaster resilience as well as environmental protection. During questions, members asked for the polling methodology and for a breakdown of current TAT allocations; staff indicated they could share the survey memo and began identifying existing statutory remittances. No vote or final committee action was taken during the excerpted portion of the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• nothing in RSA 466:31 that talks specifically about muzzling, but there are implications in that chapter
• in as an amendment, and at some point in the future it might make sense to just review this whole chapter
• might make sense to just review<02:01:33.920><c> this</c><02:01:34.079><c> whole</c><02:01:34.320><c> chapter
• </c><02:01:34.840><c> but</c><02:01:35.679><c> not</c><02:01:36.119><c> not</c> review this whole chapter
• but not not review this whole chapter but not not this<02:01:36.520><c> week</c><02:01:37.000><c> yeah

Summary: The committee worked through a draft bill amending animal cruelty and protective custody provisions, focusing on how animals may be seized, cared for, and returned, and on what rights owners have when animals are taken. Members discussed adding language requiring officers to inform a charged person in writing of the right to petition for a veterinarian of their choice, clarifying that any documents presented for signature must be fully and honestly explained, and revising language so confiscated animals cannot be altered without notarized owner authorization. They also considered a new prohibition on using confiscated animals for fundraising or donations, ultimately preferring the term “financial gain” over “profiteering.” The discussion also covered protective custody procedures, including adding “municipal animal control officer” to the list of officers involved, allowing return of animals to the owner or caretaker if no charges have been filed or no warrant establishing probable cause has been sought or issued, and clarifying the distinction between criminal seizure and temporary protective custody. The commissioner’s comments led to several proposed deletions or revisions, including removing language viewed as redundant or inconsistent with protective custody, and striking references to live racing provisions that are no longer relevant. Members further addressed lactating animals, agreeing to add language that confiscated lactating animals should not be separated from their nonweaned offspring. They also discussed a proposed confidentiality provision requiring people assisting in investigations or taking possession of seized animals to sign a binding nondisclosure agreement, though members noted similar protections may need to be duplicated in the temporary custody section as well. The conversation was largely about drafting and legal clarity, with no final vote or formal action recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• On page three, line 23, we'd like to clarify the language and add, pursuant to proceedings under chapter
• Secondly, prohibiting immobilization devices as they relate to the towing chapter, and adding in a defective
• devices um as they relate to<01:05:05.720><c> the</c><01:05:05.799><c> towing</c><01:05:06.440><c> chapter
• and</c><01:05:07.760><c> adding</c><01:05:08.000><c> in</c><01:05:08.160><c> a</c> to the towing chapter
• um and adding in a to the towing chapter um and adding in a defective<01:05:08.760><c> date</c><01:05

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a series of transportation-related bills. SB 21 on water carriers would create an inflationary cost index mechanism; DOT, Agriculture, DCCA, the PUC, and several harbor and logistics interests supported it, while Pacific Transfer opposed. SB 1478 would require vessel masters to follow harbor master evacuation orders during emergencies; DOT clarified it applies only to commercial ports, with support from Hima and the Harbor Users Group and opposition from the Hailongm Association. SB 108 would authorize DOT to regulate vessel noise near commercial harbors; the White Harbor Users Group opposed, while DOT said it supported the intent but warned the bill may be preempted by federal law. SB 1475 would raise the bond ceiling for harbor improvement projects from $100 million to $600 million, and SB 1473 would cap central services assessments on DOT funds at $5 million and tie them to CPI; DOT supported both, and Budget and Finance explained the central services fee is generally a 5% deduction from special funds with some statutory exceptions. The committee also heard SB 1402 on securing mooring lines in state commercial harbors, which drew support from the General Contractors Association of Hawaii and the Hawaii Longline Association. SB 1522 on vehicle title transfers was supported by the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Customer Services. SB 599 would require DOT or counties to scan deceased cats and dogs for microchips before disposal; DOT said it would provide scanners, the Hawaiian Humane Society and a private witness strongly supported the bill, and the committee discussed that the measure would not charge pet owners and that Oʻahu microchip rates are about 80% for dogs and 70% for cats. SB 1025 would allow service and non-service animals on mass transit under certain conditions; DHS offered comments, Maui and Honolulu opposed, while the Hawaiian Humane Society, the Environmental Caucus, and others supported it, and an opponent raised concerns about large pets, service animals, and the need for size and off-peak restrictions. Later, the committee heard SB 1096 on license plate-flipping devices, with DOT and Honolulu police supporting it. SB 384 would expand victim restitution in DUI-related negligent homicide cases to include child support for surviving minor children; DOT, MADD, and the Kiki Injury Prevention Coalition supported it, while the Public Defender opposed, arguing the restitution amounts would be unverified and better handled through civil remedies. SB 597 would extend the deadline for the administrative driver license revocation office to issue decisions, and the Attorney General, police, and Maui prosecutors supported it because of drug-testing delays, especially on neighbor islands. Finally, SB 1285 would create a lower-level impaired driving offense and authorize administrative action; the Attorney General and Public Defender both raised concerns about charging discretion and resource impacts, while county, public health, alcohol policy, and victim advocates strongly supported the bill as a life-saving measure. The transcript ends partway through testimony on SB 1285, with no final committee votes or actions recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• moves to amend the bill in section 2, line 19, by striking out the words and inserting the word 'chapter

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then concurred in a Senate referral concerning a petition from Joanne M. Comerford to designate an official vegetable of the Commonwealth, sending it to the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling reported several local bills for consideration, including measures affecting Topsfield, Andover, Colrain, Salem, Oxford, and South Hadley. The House suspended Rule 7A and took up second readings, then ordered those bills to a third reading. The House also passed to be enacted House No. 4399, amending the charter of the town of Middleton. Several other local bills were then released from the Committee on Bills in Third Reading and passed to be engrossed, including a Rutland recall elections bill, a Rehoboth tax exemption for the surviving spouse of a deputy chief, a Millis senior property tax exemption for school construction, and a Falmouth sewer-related funding bill. The House also considered a Springfield disability pension bill for Ms. Al Rodriguez, which was amended by substitution with House No. 5391 before being engrossed. Additional amendments were adopted on bills concerning North Adams special police officers, a North Attleboro senior property tax exemption, and a Salem excise on the transfer of parking spaces, after which each bill was passed to be engrossed as amended. The House then held a moment of silent tribute for Stephen Fennell of Falmouth. Finally, the House adopted an order to adjourn until Monday at 11 a.m. and adjourned to meet then in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• First Timothy, chapter 2, verses 1 through 4.

Bills: SB1687 , HB1687 , HB4431 , HB2894 , HB2979 , HB3262 , HB3298 , HB3369 , HB3431 , HB3462 , SB1226 , SB1876 , SB1916 , SB1920 , HB3467 , HB3498 , HB3500 , HB3521 , HB3581 , HB3650 , HB3673 , HB3764 , HB3767 , HB3781 , HB3800 , HB3831 , HB3834 , HB3941 , HB2749 , HB3970 , HB3972 , HB3979 , HB3980 , HB3981 , HB3996 , HB4095 , HB4104 , HB4191 , HB4248 , HB4298 , HB4338 , HB4427 , HB4428 , HJR1023 , HB3660 , HB3718 , HB4326 , HB3443 , HB3880 , HB3649 , HB3000 , SB1651 , SB504 , SB372 , SB1326 , SB1633 , SB248 , SB1242 , SB1238 , SB423 , SB1989 , SB1286 , SB904 , SB1213 , SB1216 , SB1827 , SB65 , SB1390 , SB259 , SB1944 , SB540 , SB2139 , SB346 , SB1595 , SB1400 , SB1555 , SB1209 , SB2110 , SB1670 , SB1061 , SB2104 , HR1057 , SB1946 , SB1734 , SB1316 , SB1360 , SB1557 , SB1684 , SB2049 , SB1410 , SB2011 , SB1437 , SB1204 , SB1732 , SB1775 , SB2084 , SB1380 , SB1572 , SB1772 , SB1224 , SB710 , SB1338 , SB1266 , SB1303 , SB1307 , SB1562 , SB1794 , SB1191 , SB1983 , SB1832 , SB1448 , SB1534 , SB1593 , SB1597 , SB1630 , SB1489 , SB1726 , SB1796 , SB1806 , SB1877 , SB1451 , SB1553 , SB1632 , SB1423 , SB1425 , SB1502 , SB2180 , SB1725 , SB2182 , HB3003 , HB3004 , HB4434 , HB4324 , HB4342 , HB2137 , HB4432 , SJR50 , SJR52 , SJR53

Keywords: driver licenses, exam proctor, Service Oklahoma, commercial training, background checks, advance directive, advance health care directive, health care proxy, medical power of attorney, durable power of attorney for health care, living will, surrogate decision-maker, default surrogate, health care agent, capacity determination, supported decision making, mental health directive, psychiatric advance directive, end-of-life care, life-sustaining treatment

Transcript Highlights:

• moves to amend the bill in section 2, line 19, by striking out the words and inserting the word 'chapter

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then concurred with a Senate petition referring legislation to designate an official vegetable of the Commonwealth to the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling then reported several local bills for consideration, including measures affecting alcohol licenses in Topsfield and South Hadley, special town meeting procedures in Andover, continued employment for fire officials in Colrain, reserve time for public safety personnel in Salem, and a town charter amendment in Oxford. The House suspended Rule 7A and advanced these bills to third reading. The House also passed to be enacted House Bill 4399, amending the charter of Middleton. Several other bills were taken up on third reading and passed to be engrossed, including a recall election measure for Rutland, a tax exemption for the surviving spouse of a Rehoboth deputy chief, a means-tested senior property tax exemption for Millis, sewer-related funding authority for Falmouth, and a North Adams bill on appointing retired police officers for paid detail work. Two bills involving disability pension and North Attleboro senior tax exemption were amended by substitution before being engrossed, and a Salem parking-space excise bill was amended for wording changes before passage. The House also observed a moment of silent tribute to Stephen Fennell of Falmouth. At the end of the session, the House adopted an order to meet again Monday at 11 a.m. and then adjourned to that time in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• moves to amend the bill in Section 2, line 19, by striking out certain words and inserting the word “chapter