Transcript Highlights:

• Well, what happened in this case, it was a tie.
• >> Well, what happened in this case, it was >> Well, what happened in this case, it was a
• >> No, it would be in a case of a tie. Currently, he can't vote.
• >> No, not in this case.
• Um, you're looking at paying less, but in the case of the bus drivers, and maybe well in the case of

Bills: HB117, HB17, HB22, HB153, HB140, HB117, HB17, HB22, HB153, HB140, SB12, SB42, SB93, SB28, SB35, SB134, SB12, SB42, SB93, SB28, SB35, SB134

Keywords: procurement, county commission, administrative savings, public services, government efficiency, HB17, municipal audits, municipal audit clarification act, municipal finance, local government, city council, mayor, city manager, Department of Examiners of Public Accounts, independent public accountant, annual audit, biennial audit, annual report, financial accountability, public records

Transcript Highlights:

• Isn't it also the case that ivermectin is...
• And in this case, it happened to be not of all the millions of people that died, but in this one case
• Let's be clear: in Texas, only doctors, in limited cases, and in limited cases, nurses, practitioners
• I think we already have our first case of it transferring to humans.
• I mean, we are, in this case, going on top of federal action.

Bills: HB25, HB48, HB149, HB254, HB26, HB192, HCR3, HCR4, HCR5, HCR6, HCR8, HCR14, HCR16, HR1, HR2, HR3, HR4, HR6, HR7, HR8, HR9, HR12, HR11, HR13, HR14, HR15, HR16, HR20, HR22, HR23, HR24, HR25, HR26, HR27, HR28, HR29, HR30, HR31, HR32, HR33, HR45, HR48, HR49, HR51, HR52, HR55, HR56, HR57, HR59, HR60, HR61, HR62, HR63, HR64, HR65, HR66, HR70, HR71, HR72, HR74, HCR2, HCR7, HR10, HR21, HR35, HR36, HR37, HR38, HR39, HR40, HR42, HR43, HR44, HR46, HR47, HR50, HR53, HR54, HR67, HR69, HR75, HCR 5, HCR 6, HCR 8, HCR 14, HCR 16, HR 1, HR 3, HR 4, HR 6, HR 7, HR 8, HR 9, HR 12, HR 11, HR 13, HR 14, HR 15, HR 16, HR 20, HR 22, HR 23, HR 24, HR 25, HR 26, HR 27, HR 28, HR 29, HR 30, HR 31, HR 32, HR 33, HR 45, HR 48, HR 49, HR 51, HR 52, HR 55, HR 56, HR 57, HR 59, HR 60, HR 61, HR 62, HR 63, HR 64, HR 65, HR 66, HR 70, HR 71, HR 72, HR 74, HCR 7, HR 10, HR 21, HR 35, HR 36, HR 37, HR 38, HR 39, HR 40, HR 42, HR 43, HR 44, HR 46, HR 47, HR 50, HR 53, HR 54, HR 67, HR 69, HB 25, HB 48, HB 149, HB 254, HB 26, HB 192

Keywords: ivermectin, pharmacist authority, prescription-free, healthcare regulation, patient access, HB 48, Texas alert notification systems, emergency alerts, public warning systems, alert fatigue, notification fatigue, Texas Division of Emergency Management, Department of Public Safety, DPS alerts, emergency management, State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry, STEAR, disaster notifications, weather alerts, Amber Alert

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a first year student at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, in strong support.
• Patients are waiting longer for care and in some cases they're not getting care at all.
• In San Diego, we are seeing longer stays, more complex medical cases, and fewer adoptions.
• In one case that I know, a survey monument was driven into a buried gas line.
• In another case, a structure was built in the wrong location.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In the case of Wallace, prosecutors sought a first-degree murder charge against Wallace.
• In the case of Wallace, prosecutor sought a first-degree murder charge against Wallace.
• And in every criminal case that I know of, in every criminal case, you will see a motion to suppress
• In many cases where it was first, second, and then manslaughter.
• In many cases where it was first, second, and then manslaughter.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and included several member introductions and recognitions, including awareness resolutions and visiting groups in the galleries. The chamber then moved to a special order calendar and took up a series of bills, with most receiving unanimous or near-unanimous support. Early measures included SB 88 on utility terrain vehicles, which would allow local governments to designate certain roads for UTV use under safety restrictions; it passed 32-5 after debate over safety concerns. SB 102 on exceptional student education would create a workforce credential and badge program for students with autism spectrum disorder or modified curricula, and passed 36-0 after discussion of workforce access and district costs. SB 106 on exploitation of vulnerable adults would allow alternative service of process through the same app used by scammers, and passed 37-0. SB 130 on compensation for victims of wrongful incarceration would extend filing deadlines and remove restrictive bars to compensation, and passed 38-0. SB 158 would eliminate cost sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast exams under the state employee health plan, and passed 38-0 after testimony about early detection and access to follow-up care. The most extensive debate came on SB 234, which would revise laws on resisting law enforcement and add a mandatory life sentence for manslaughter of a law enforcement officer. Supporters argued it was needed after the killing of Officer Jason Raynor and to clarify that violent resistance to officers is not justified; opponents raised concerns about removing “good faith” language, potential impacts on Fourth Amendment issues, racial profiling, and the severity of the mandatory sentence. An amendment to restore “in good faith” failed, and after further debate the sponsor temporarily postponed the bill. The Senate then passed SB 262 on technical trust-code changes by a 36-0 vote, and later recognized Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity members in the gallery. Additional bills passed with broad support. SB 274 designated portions of Orlando roadways as Harris Rosen Way and Geraldine Thompson Way, honoring philanthropist Harris Rosen and the late Senator Geraldine Thompson; it passed 38-0 and drew a motion for co-sponsorship. SB 280 created an enforcement mechanism for candidate party-affiliation qualification requirements and passed 38-0. SB 296 repealed the statewide mandate for later middle and high school start times and shifted the issue to local districts after reporting requirements, passing 38-0. SB 356 designated January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida and passed after remarks about the Holocaust memorial and the need to confront antisemitism. Throughout the session, senators frequently framed their votes in terms of public safety, education, access to care, civil justice, and commemorating community leaders and historical events.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so the care coordinator does more than just case management.
• And so the care coordinator does more than just case management.
• I doubt that's the case. We have a very strong relationship with our providers.
• I know there's examples that you can give me where that's not the case in the state.
• If that is the case, do we know what that breakdown looks like?

Summary: The Health Care Budget Subcommittee held a panel discussion on Florida’s mental health and substance abuse system, with representatives from DCF, AHCA, two managing entities, and two providers describing how the state’s behavioral health network is funded and operated. Members focused on the implementation of prior legislative investments, especially the $50 million in recurring funding from Representative Maney’s bill and the earlier $126 million community behavioral health appropriation. Witnesses said the newer funds were used mainly for crisis beds, discharge planning, outpatient services, regional collaboratives, and a USF Marchman Act report, while the larger behavioral health appropriation supported CAT, FACT, FIT, forensic teams, residential and outpatient services, and crisis care, with most dollars going directly to services and only a small share to administration. A major theme was access to crisis care and the role of mobile response teams, 988, and central receiving facilities in diverting people from Baker Act admissions and reducing readmissions. DCF and providers said mobile response teams have expanded, are being used to de-escalate crises and connect people to care, and have shown strong diversion results and reductions in Baker Acts in some regions. Members also asked about waitlists, children in crisis, and how to handle people without housing or support; providers said discharge planning is individualized but often constrained by homelessness, transportation, and a lack of safe placements, and several witnesses identified housing as one of the biggest barriers to recovery and stability. The committee also examined provider sustainability, reimbursement, and funding gaps. Witnesses described delays caused by contract timing, cost allocation rules, and Medicaid reimbursement rates that do not always keep pace with labor and operating costs, especially for smaller providers and rural networks. DCF and AHCA said managing entities can provide advances, retroactive rate adjustments, and technical assistance, and that Medicaid managed care plans have network standards and complaint/dispute processes. Members raised concerns about a reported $7 million loss in federal non-sustainable funds, provider closures, and whether there is a formal ombudsman process for disputes; DCF said the federal reductions were known and tied to one-time funds, and that the department generally handles provider issues informally while working with managing entities to preserve continuity of care.

Transcript Highlights:

• Voting no: Senator Case.
• >> Excused.<00:27:27.200> Case. >> Excused. Case. >> Excused. Case.
• case without due compensation. case without due compensation.
• Oh, he's going to go to Senator Case. There he is. Senator Case, welcome back.
• >> Senator<02:47:43.600> Case. >> Senator Case. >> Senator Case.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do case to make that notification.
• If that's the case, then uh fact.
• I think I think that it case like that?
• We absolutely should be doing a cases.
• Um, and so that being the case, for it.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a whole bunch of cases, hundreds of cases, that are currently in court, and they're trying to
• > currently<01:12:10.639> in of cases that are currently in of cases that are currently
• cases.
• Okay, so that's what this one is about. because um they have cases right so because um they have cases
• It would allow them to wrap up cases and not take on new cases if you did end them at the biennium, so

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up a House Bill 2 amendment to remove a bail-related section that had already passed in another bill and was now considered duplicative. Members discussed the earlier change to how bail commissioners are reimbursed, concerns that the Judiciary was losing money collecting the fees, and whether the magistrate-related language would still be needed. They noted the bill had already crossed over to the Senate, that the section was obsolete, and that any remaining issue about magistrates’ five-year terms might need to be raised with the Criminal Justice Committee. Amendment 997H, deleting section one, was moved, seconded, and adopted unanimously. The committee then reviewed a package of HB 1 position transfers involving the Department of Environmental Services, Fish and Game, and the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Staff explained that several positions were being shuffled to correct position numbers and align permitting functions, including one Fish and Game position moving back to Fish and Game, one DEES position remaining funded after ARPA money ends, and adjustments to hours for permitting and environmental services positions. Members discussed whether the Fish and Game position had been intended to be temporary, but ultimately agreed to accept the first four Environmental Services items and the last two Natural and Cultural Resources items as a package; that motion passed unanimously. They then also accepted sections 2 through 8 of HB 1 with the related amendments and footnote language. The committee next turned to dredge-and-fill fee changes in section 11, where one member objected to a 50% fee increase for seasonal docks, arguing it could discourage permitted work and might apply to repairs that only require notification. Staff said the increase was intended to help cover the cost of additional positions in future biennia, but members decided to hold that section for more information, including how many seasonal dock repair fees are actually collected. Finally, the committee began discussing HB 215 and a proposed tipping-fee/surcharge structure to make a solid waste accounting unit self-funded, with members saying the fee could offset about $2.9 million in general fund costs and support the grant program, but no final action was taken on that item in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• But then when they want to defend their case, they produce the records. It doesn't produce.
• But then when they want to defend their case, they produce the records. Total game. Total scheme.
• This is not the case here.
• This is not the case here.
• This is not the case here.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several labor-related bills. SB 1059 would modernize the Employment Training Panel by allowing electronic record-keeping, digital attendance documentation, and updated training terminology; supporters said it would reduce paperwork and better match current workplace practices, while no opposition appeared. SB 966 would make permanent refinery worker participation and safety protections adopted in 2017 after the Richmond Chevron fire; labor supporters backed the bill as a way to preserve stop-work and safety review rights, while the Western States Petroleum Association opposed it, arguing it conflicted with a prior settlement and could be preempted by federal labor law. SB 1024 would provide 26 weeks of paid postpartum and recovery leave for firefighters, with supporters emphasizing recruitment and retention of women in the fire service and the health risks of returning too soon after childbirth; there was no opposition testimony. The committee also heard SB 1316, which would strengthen wage theft enforcement by allowing Labor Commissioner liens to be renewed, limiting late use of records by employers, and requiring Cal/OSHA to report complaints and citations data annually. Supporters said the bill would help workers collect judgments and address long backlogs, while no opposition testified. SB 1185 would apply skilled-and-trained workforce standards to pharmaceutical facility construction and maintenance; labor and building trades groups supported it as a safety and quality measure, while contractor groups opposed it as an unnecessary expansion of state mandates onto private projects. SB 1227 would create apprenticeship pathways into DIR enforcement jobs, including Cal/OSHA and Labor Commissioner roles, to address staffing shortages; supporters said it would improve enforcement and create career pathways, and no opposition was heard. The committee first heard the bills in subcommittee and later took formal votes once a quorum was present. All six bills advanced: SB 966 passed 4-1 to Senate Appropriations, SB 1024 passed 5-0 to Appropriations, SB 1059 passed 5-0 to Appropriations, SB 1185 passed 4-1 to Appropriations, SB 1227 passed 5-0 to Appropriations, and SB 1316 passed 5-0 to Senate Judiciary. Several bills were amended before passage, including SB 1059, SB 1185, and SB 1227.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm just not expecting that's going to be the case. I really don't.
• And CMS has said, you know, case-by-case basis that targeted renovations are allowed.
• CMS has said, you know, case-by-case basis that targeted renovations are allowed.
• And I'm very familiar with their case down there.
• The coverage that will be provided to these youth includes care coordination services, targeted case

Summary: The committee heard extensive public testimony from youth advocates and public health speakers urging action on vaping. Witnesses said flavored products and social media are driving youth use in Arkansas, described nicotine addiction and health harms, and asked lawmakers to prohibit vaping in public indoor spaces, align vape rules with smoke-free laws, and expand prevention efforts. Committee members thanked the speakers and encouraged them to continue building support for future legislation. The main presentation was an overview of Arkansas’s Rural Health Transformation Program, a five-year federal initiative funded through CMS. State officials said Arkansas received about $209 million for the first year and may receive roughly $1 billion over five years if performance is strong. They emphasized that the program is intended for targeted, locally driven transformation rather than general operating support, debt relief, or new construction, and outlined four initiatives: Heart, PACT, Rise, and Thrive, focused on prevention, access and coordination, workforce development, and technology. Officials said applications would open in the spring, with a reimbursement-based process and a goal of launching all four initiatives by June. Members asked detailed questions about eligibility, rural definitions, school gardens, faith-based and nonprofit partnerships, mobile clinics, EMS, behavioral health, residency slots, and whether urban providers serving rural patients could apply. Officials said the program would favor regional collaboration, could support targeted renovations and expansion of existing programs, and would allow residency growth and some equipment or infrastructure purchases, but not food purchases or permanent new construction. They also said a committee of state health and finance officials would review applications, with heavy technical assistance and an expectation of quick turnaround. The committee also reviewed two DHS/Health Department rules. One implemented Medicaid and CHIP coverage and care coordination for eligible incarcerated youth before and after release, including targeted case management and screening services, with no public comments received. The other updated audiology licensing rules to reflect recent acts expanding scope of practice and changing the renewal deadline. Both rules were reviewed without objection, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• when you said after their case has been decided.
• when you said after their case has been decided.
• you said after their case has been decided.
• In the meantime, until their case is adjudicated, monies are being spent.
• I'm down here fighting this fight because I care about people, the innocent people, the case.

Bills: SB1152, SB1156, SB1157, SB1213, SB1232, SB1268

Keywords: immigration, public benefits, asylum, verification, Arizona Revised Statutes, appropriation, public safety, detention, unauthorized aliens, local government funding, border security, fencing, appropriations, southern border, local government, immigration enforcement, probation, law enforcement, court notification, civil rights

Transcript Highlights:

• Do we build a solution to solve this problem, or is this a case that's better not to reinvent the wheel
• <00:07:25.680> use<00:07:25.919> cases<00:07:26.319> together.
• use cases together.
• Uh it may be case use cases together.
• :20:34.000> not<00:20:34.159> an there's cases where upgrade's not an there's cases where

Keywords: 0:20 Rollcall 2:28 Definition of Legacy system and demands of modern workplaces 10:48 Discussion of funding and planned expenditures 22:26 Contingency funding 23:16 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Personnel, Public Retirement, and Finance heard a presentation from the Commonwealth Office of Technology on legacy IT modernization funds and how they are used to address outdated, unsupported, or unsustainable systems. David Carter and Carrie Welch explained the state’s definition of a legacy system under KRS 7A.180, emphasizing not only vendor support issues but also changing business needs, regulatory compliance, and the loss of institutional knowledge for older systems. They described the office’s review process for determining whether a project qualifies, including assessing business risk, comparing options such as upgrades, replacements, shared solutions across agencies, or commercial products, and then matching the project to available funding. The presenters said COT reports twice a year to the Interim Joint Committee on Appropriations and Revenue on progress with legacy modernization projects. They reported 30 projects funded to date, with 18 completed, and said remaining projects are still moving forward while agencies continue to identify modernization needs. They highlighted examples of completed work, including modernized security cameras, replacement of unsupported systems, migration of documents to the Commonwealth Enterprise Content Management Platform, restoration of vendor support, a digital policy acknowledgement portal, replacement of the State Police dispatch system, and digitization of paper records for faster retrieval and better disaster resilience. Members asked for more detail on how the $10 million request would be allocated, including system-by-system spending, the split between software, hardware, vendor contracts, and staff time, and how the office determines when a system needs replacement. COT said it did not have a system-by-system or cost-category breakdown at the hearing but could provide one later, and explained that the funds are intended for development and first-time acquisition costs rather than ongoing maintenance. They also said the $5 million annual request was based on prior years’ experience and that agencies often contribute some funding themselves, so the program could still operate if appropriated less than the full amount. The committee then approved the minutes and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first one is a case study. It's about predators, gangsters, harsh terms, maybe...
• In this case study, a condo association in Fort Myers was liened for $1.7 million.
• At hand is regarding art of... that's part two, okay, and it's a case study.
• The first one is a case study for part two, so it's related. So let's look at SB 794.
• And so I would say that that is one very important use case on the institutional side.

Summary: The committee first took up SB 794, as amended by a late-filed strike-all, which would require a human being to make insurance claim denial decisions and prohibit artificial intelligence from being the sole basis for a denial. The sponsor said the bill was intended to preserve human oversight while allowing innovation in claims processing. Public testimony included support from the Florida Insurance Consumer Advocate and the Florida Medical Association, along with one speaker urging additional protections for homeowners. The committee adopted the strike-all and reported SB 794 favorably with committee substitutes. Members then heard SB 134, which removes the $500 threshold on the sales tax exemption for bullion, making sales of gold, silver, and platinum bullion fully exempt and eliminating certain dealer documentation requirements. Supporters argued the change would reduce a regressive tax and help consumers preserve savings; the sponsor estimated a revenue impact of about $300,000. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also adopted a strike-all on SB 888, which directs the Office of Insurance Regulation to create a more consumer-friendly homeowners insurance website with premium comparison information, market data, rate filing access, and educational resources. The sponsor and Leader Boyd said the goal was to improve transparency and help consumers navigate a stabilizing market. SB 888 was reported favorably with committee substitutes. The final bill heard was SB 1578, covering mammograms and supplemental breast cancer screenings. The sponsor said it would expand coverage requirements in ACA plans and private insurance policies, including annual mammograms for women ages 40 to 50 and supplemental screening coverage, while noting Medicaid already provides these services. The Florida Insurance Consumer Advocate waived in support, and the bill was reported favorably. After the bills, the committee held a lengthy panel discussion on gold and silver as legal tender and transactional money, with testimony from officials from Utah and Florida, industry representatives, and advocacy groups. Panelists discussed constitutional authority, consumer protections, depository oversight, taxation issues, and possible transactional platforms for precious metals. No further action was taken after the discussion, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• There have also been no Green Amendment cases that have been thrown out as frivolous.
• Of cases that actually make it into the courts, it's actually less than 10 a year.
• The Pattern case that's being discussed was a lawsuit based on nuisance.
• In that case, I would like to note that the recent held V Montana case, where youth used the Green Amendment
• I don't even know; I haven't read the book, but I believe it's about a nuisance case.

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:21:41.520> as fear retaliation um from the cases as fear retaliation um from the cases
• So seeing the overwhelming support to stand behind the cases, then maybe it's not the CASES that's the
• How many CASES do we have?"
• And you oversee the CASES, right? How often do you meet with the CASES? "I talk to CASES every day.
• I meet with CASES on a regular schedule.

Bills: SB2613, SB2147

Keywords: public school land transfer, Department of Education, DOE, land conveyance, fee simple title, tax map key, TMK, Act 307, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, Act 139, Board of Land and Natural Resources, BLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, DLNR, Kauai, Maui, Honolulu, Kaimuki Middle School, Wilcox Elementary School, school property

Summary: The committee heard SB 2613, a cleanup bill relating to public school land transfers under Act 307 (2022), which revises tax map key references and the conveyance process for properties transferred to the Department of Education. The Hawaii State Public Library System supported the measure, saying it would complete the long-unfinished separation of the library system from DOE property control and make future building projects more efficient and cost-effective. DOE also supported the bill and requested an amendment to remove TMK 43-62 parcel 10, the Wilcox Elementary School parcel, so that it could instead be transferred to the county for use with the adjacent park and tennis courts. Members focused heavily on why land transfers and construction approvals have been slow, especially the need for right-of-entry documents and an MOA for a library construction project. Library and DOE witnesses said the delays stemmed from site-control issues and confusion over property status, and that the bill would clarify which parcels are transferred by operation of law and remove the need for additional transactional documents in many cases. Several members questioned whether the bill actually changes authority or simply clarifies existing practice, and DOE said it wanted legislative clarity so the transfers are unmistakably effective on a date certain. The committee also discussed a separate section of the bill dealing with public use of school facilities after hours, including parking fees on property under DOE jurisdiction. DOE explained that any parking charges would apply only to property it controls, not county roads, and that fees are set through existing facility-use procedures. Members raised concerns about the pace of land transfers generally and urged DOE to move more expeditiously on pending parcels. The hearing then moved on to SB 2147, which would designate the first Friday in February as Love My Library Day; the library system testified in support as the committee began that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:40.440> Western Bachelor of Science from Case Western Bachelor of Science from Case
• I think if that wasn't the case, I don't think we'd be here today.
• It's, uh, I know we use the same system at the town level in many cases.
• You know, will get me in, that's not the case. All right?
• Then moved from, in our case, say from Dover to Farmington, okay?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And, uh, believe it or not, I think it's a case of people not paying attention.
• <00:16:51.680> And case of people not paying attention.
• And case of people not paying attention.
• Many cases by the time an moment.
• So, in this case, the miss sometimes.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Case. >> Cooper, here. >> Craigo, here. >> Crumb, here. >> brother. >> Doadder, here. >> Driscoll
• Case. >> Aye. Cooper. >> Aye.
• >> I<00:52:58.640> Case. >> I Case. >> I Case. >> Hi. >> Hi.
• I Case. I Case. I Case. I Senator Cooper. I Cooper. I Cooper. I. I. I. I Senator Crago. I Crago.
• , >> I Case, >> I Case, >> I<01:20:52.719> Cooper, >> I Cooper, >

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• or delinquency cases were made prior<00:15:04.079> to<00:15:04.240> the<00:15:04.480><
• Currently, case law limits recovery for emotional harm in such actions.
• Currently, case law limits this statute.
• Um, I would use as an example the circumstances that led to the case that I described.
• that led to the case that I described. that led to the case that I described.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House convened, suspended its rules to introduce 18 bills by number only, and referred the bills to the appropriate committees. House Bill 647, relating to the Vermont Sister State Program and carrying an appropriation, was referred to Appropriations under House Rule 35A. The chamber also read several resolutions: HR13, concerning support for the people of Palestine and Israel and the end of apartheid, was treated as a bill and referred to Government Operations and Military Affairs; JR88, condemning a U.S. military incursion in Venezuela and calling for withdrawal of U.S. forces, was likewise referred to Government Operations and Military Affairs; and JRS37, supporting gender equality in Nordic combined Olympic competition, was referred to Commerce and Economic Development. JRS39, a weekend adjournment resolution, was adopted in concurrence. On the action calendar, the House passed H541, relating to interference with voters and election officials. It then took up H5, which expands Vermont’s existing hearsay exception for child victims from age 12 and under to age 15 in specified abuse and sexual assault proceedings, with judicial safeguards and a July 1, 2026 effective date. The Judiciary Committee reported the bill favorably 10-1, and the House adopted the committee amendment and ordered third reading. The House also considered H626, a major Judiciary Committee bill on voyeurism, non-consensual disclosure of explicit images, and sexual extortion. Committee members described the bill as updating criminal and civil remedies for image-based abuse, creating a separate sextortion offense, extending criminal statutes of limitation, and clarifying civil recovery for trauma-related harm. During floor debate, members questioned the distinction between the voyeurism and disclosure provisions and the meaning of “reasonable expectation of privacy”; the committee responded with examples and statutory explanations, including that voyeurism covers unlawful recording while the disclosure offense covers later dissemination of images. The bill remained under consideration as the discussion continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. for those cases where the person is for those cases where the person is targeting<00:32:16.320
• and some of the weird cases that can arise.
• and some of the weird cases that can arise.
• <00:39:27.839> uh and specifically um cases where the uh and specifically um cases where the
• <00:39:44.640> often protect minors in these cases. often protect minors in these cases. often

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services opened its first hearing of the 2026 session and heard testimony on several bills, with the chair emphasizing one-minute testimony, written submissions, and live streaming. For SB 768, relating to an alternative water source income tax credit, the Department of Taxation said a drafting issue needed clarification on the $500 cap and estimated a revenue loss of $6.8 million per year beginning in fiscal year 2028. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Libertarian Party opposed the bill as an unnecessary subsidy and tax-code complication, while one supporter was noted. A member questioned the size of the projected loss and suggested future analysis of net fiscal impacts and methodology. The committee then heard SB 389, which expands a general excise tax exemption to additional health-related providers and purchases. The Department of Taxation said the change would be a minimal code adjustment but would require public education; the Tax Foundation said the bill should be framed in light of the original physician-shortage rationale for the exemption. The Hawaii National Guard and Aloha Care supported the measure, along with several other organizations and individuals, while the Libertarian Party opposed it as favoritism and tax-code complexity. A member asked about administrative burden and potential tax impact, and the department said it did not yet have a calculation but was working on one. The committee also heard SB 877, which would appropriate funds to increase Medicaid in-home services if federal matching funds are maximized, and SB 1139, which would direct DHS to expand Medicaid eligibility for children from birth to age five regardless of household income. DHS stood on written testimony for both bills, and Aloha Care, the Hawaii Medical Association, disability advocates, children’s advocates, and CARES testified in support, arguing the measures would improve access and family stability. The Libertarian Party opposed both bills, warning of higher long-term costs, entitlement growth, and reduced private-sector options. Members questioned the fiscal and programmatic differences between crisis and warm-line services during discussion of SB 787, a bill to fund a Department of Health warm line; the department said the warm line would serve noncrisis callers more cheaply than crisis staffing, and that about 34.7% of 2024 Hawaii CARES contacts were mild issues that could have been routed to a warm line. Supporters cited mental health needs after the Lahaina wildfire and the affordability crisis, while opponents argued the service duplicated existing resources and expanded government involvement.