Transcript Highlights:

• Uh we have a number of programs.
• One of the most successful grant programs that we have at DPS is the ICPOET grant program in OJP.
• have at DPS is the IC Poet grant program have at DPS is the IC Poet grant program in<00:38:29.760
• counties picking up uh the program counties picking up uh the program entirely.<00:47:35.359>
• timing of reports, the program timing of reports, the program evaluation<01:00:48.720> from

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Program or STIP. And at that point, the Program or STIP.
• Rider investment program.
• that program.
• ><01:45:41.440> additional prohibits more billboards, no additional prohibits more billboards,
• law prohibits municipalities Federal law prohibits municipalities from<01:48:08.560> requiring

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is for the senior housing program? No, this is for Ohana zones. Oh, okay.
• This is for the senior housing program? No, this is for Ohana zones. Oh, okay.
• We’re going to defecate this program.
• Hawaii has the most restrictive program in the world.
• I know that the nonpoint source program...

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Housing and Health and Human Services hearing began with Senate Bill 878, which would extend the sunset date for the state rent supplement program for kupuna to June 30, 2028. Testimony was uniformly supportive, including from the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions, Hawaii Public Housing Authority, Executive Office on Aging, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and others. Catholic Charities described a waitlist of seniors at imminent risk of homelessness and said the program helps seniors retain housing or secure units with landlord support. Members asked whether the bill would expand the number of households served; staff said the contract allows up to 127 households and that additional pending households could be funded, but applicants must still go through the program process. Both committees voted to pass SB 878 unamended. The committees then heard Senate Bill 1610 on Ohana Zones. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions supported the measure so long as it did not supplant existing funding, and described the funding as supporting homelessness services and wraparound supports. The Department of Human Services and Department of Land and Natural Resources offered comments, with DHS suggesting a definition of “kali” be added for clarity. The committee chair said the bill would receive technical amendments for clarity and consistency and accepted proposed amendments related to including “tales” in the program; the measure was advanced with amendments, with members voting in favor in both committees. In the joint Health and Human Services and Labor and Technology hearing, Senate Bill 1496 on civil rights and website accessibility drew support from disability advocates and organizations, including the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the National Federation of the Blind, the Deaf and Blind Task Force, and the Disability and Communication Access Board. Testimony emphasized the need for stronger state protections amid concerns about federal enforcement, while one testifier raised concerns about jurisdiction, minimum contacts, the use of WCAG 2.1 standards, and the bill’s immediate effective date. The committees decided to pass SB 1496 with technical amendments, including adding a defective date to allow further work before conference, and the recommendation was adopted in both committees. Later, the joint Health, Human Services, and Commerce and Consumer Protection hearing took up Senate Bill 404 on service animals. The Attorney General’s office raised a possible constitutional issue and the lack of an enforcement mechanism, while DHS deferred to other agencies. DCAB supported the bill but recommended amendments to identify an enforcement agency and require notices from professionals and sellers of service-animal or emotional-support-animal paraphernalia. Several advocacy and real estate-related groups testified in support. After discussion, the chair recommended deferring SB 404 for further work because of the Attorney General’s concerns, and the hearing adjourned without a vote on the measure. The final joint Transportation, Culture and the Arts, and Health and Human Services agenda heard SB 1526 on a drug and alcohol toxicology testing laboratory and SB 1492 on mobility management; both measures were advanced with amendments or as-is, with SB 1526 sent forward with technical amendments and SB 1492 moved ahead after members noted blank dollar amounts and requested the Department of Transportation provide figures.

Transcript Highlights:

• like the housing champions program already in place going forward.
• A reliable and dedicated source of funding for proven housing programs like the housing champions program
• infrastructure grant program infrastructure grant program administered<04:39:52.160> by<04
• program for a developer. program for a developer.
• in 2025, uh, is currently prohibitive in 2025, uh, is currently prohibitive for<05:11:16.000>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• statutory prohibitions against that. statutory prohibitions against that.
• You know, if we prohibit it, we're prohibiting something we don't know about.
• You know, if we prohibit it, we're prohibiting something we don't know about.
• You know, if we prohibit it, we're prohibiting something we don't know about.
• So, we don't need to prohibit<03:49:54.399> it. prohibit it. prohibit it.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee focused primarily on a bill concerning long-term care insurance rate increases and consumer notice. Members and staff discussed replacing or supplementing a proposed public hearing requirement with annual reporting, website updates, and consumer-facing disclosures about approved rate increases, carriers writing the products, and how the products work. Several participants emphasized that long-term care policies are long-term products, that rate increases can be spread over many years for actuarial reasons, and that consumers need better information about trends and the impact of increases. A major point of disagreement was whether the bill should try to cap premium increases. One member argued the real problem is unexpected increases of 15% to 20% and urged a statutory cap to protect consumers. Insurance department representatives and others responded that hard caps had been struck down in prior case law, that the department’s core responsibility is solvency, and that carriers need sufficient premium to pay future claims. They also said the market is struggling because many carriers stopped selling the product, leaving in-force policies to bear the cost, and that overly restrictive caps could cause insurers to withdraw from the state. The discussion then shifted toward a compromise requiring carriers to notify policyholders before a rate increase is approved and allowing a 60-day comment period. Participants debated whether the notice should come from the carrier, how confidentiality rules would apply before approval, and what the department should do with public comments. The department said it already reviews filings carefully and that submitted rates are often adjusted before approval; lawmakers noted that prior commissioners had pushed back on increases in some cases, including a seven-year moratorium. No final vote was taken in the excerpt, and the chair repeatedly tried to move the subcommittee along to other bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• to do so. specific program, a complex program as specific program, a complex program as Representative
• that you have on the program. that you have on the program.
• participate in the 340B program. participate in the 340B program.
• to shut their dental program down. to shut their dental program down.
• Programs like Harbor Care in programs.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• federal SGO, which is similar to the state STO program.
• We'll be your little lapdog, and we'll just follow your little SGO program.
• And it gives away our right to provide accountability and guidelines for that program.
• and say we're going to cut programs, which in fact, we really haven't.
• SB 1160, drones district prohibition. Public Safety. SB 1161, appropriation, YTA. ATT.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and routine journal and guest items, then moved into the Committee of the Whole to consider bills on the calendar. The main substantive item was SB 1106, a tax conformity bill tied to federal tax changes. Senators debated it extensively, with supporters arguing it would provide tax relief, certainty for taxpayers filing returns, and pro-growth benefits for workers and businesses, while opponents said it would reduce state revenue, favor wealthier taxpayers and corporations, and should be handled in broader budget negotiations. Several senators also objected to provisions they said were added late, including child care, senior deductions, and education-related tax credit language. The bill was ultimately passed in open session by a vote of 17 ayes, 12 nays, and 1 not voting, and was transmitted to the governor. After SB 1106, the chamber adopted the Committee of the Whole report and then heard a proclamation in support of law enforcement, read by Senator Bolick and signed by Senate leadership. The proclamation cited officer safety, assaults, fatalities, and mental health concerns, and called for continued support, equipment, training, and resources for law enforcement. Senators spoke in favor of honoring police and “backing the blue.” The Senate also handled routine floor business, including a message from the House, transmission of SB 1106 to the governor, and a long list of first-reading bill introductions and committee references covering topics such as public safety, health and human services, education, finance, elections, immigration, border issues, and appropriations. The meeting concluded with committee announcements and adjournment until Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• So those things would be prohibited.
• I don't want to prohibit that.
• In accordance with our city's legislative program, I'm here.
• Before joining SpaceX, I spent over 30 years at NASA, where I led major programs. programs like commercial
• And while we have a robust program.

Bills: HB45, HB755, HB 1232, HB1555, HB2460, HB2702, HB2973, HB3120, HB3225, HB3314, HB3356, HB3371, HB3634, HB3638, HB4247, HB4283, HB4290, HB4302, HB4503, HB4511, HB4565, HB4581, HB4627, HB4632, HB4660, HB4668, HB4960, HB5042, HB45

Keywords: housing, affordable housing, rent control, landlord-tenant laws, housing rights, lobbying, public entities, expenditures, government code, transparency, Texas Ethics Commission, government regulation, lobbying restrictions, government accountability, taxpayer money, HB 1232, whistleblower, whistleblower protection, public employee, retaliation

Transcript Highlights:

• It's been an advocacy program a little later.
• The bar engage and all that sort of program in all sorts of programs that support these 3 primary duties
• However, we do offer a free voluntary fee arbitration program.
• There are a number of diversion programs that the Florida bar offers.
• We have a department whole program that is devoted to this.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• loads or cut essential programming loads or cut essential programming undermining<00:04:56.639><
• Since we have launched the Hope program, 282 people have completed our entire life skills program.
• our entire life skills program completed our entire life skills program and<01:27:07.280> that
• things of that nature since the program things of that nature since the program has<01:27:17.560
• This program has to be a licensed teacher to teach these programs, so that is the bulk of the cost.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Did the NDAs prohibit discussion of non-test content, like how proficiency levels were determined, or
• It starts with something called program management: $345,000.20; lead program manager costs, $486,400
• ; and assistant program manager costs, $432,000 and... well, $260,000, just starting there. $260,000
• You have no detail to provide other than program management? What's under program management?
• I can't speak to the specifics of those items or what would be included under their program management

Keywords: 970, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:14:23.760> on does not impose blanket prohibitions on does not impose blanket prohibitions
• could still enact a could still prohibit could still enact a could still prohibit on<02:10:20.880
• Um, we need prohibitive portion of it.
• Thank you, scheduled programming. Thank you, everyone.
• Um the new law prohibits a changed it.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Desire can look at the code to see how it was counting, how it was programmed to count the ballots.
• However, that's a testing machine program that is unique; it is not exactly the same as the actual running
• Yesterday was the 155th anniversary of the ratification of the 15th Amendment, prohibiting the federal
• the federal governments and prohibiting the federal governments and the<01:25:40.080> states<
• on private property and prohibiting on public property.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Rashard asked about DARE and other school programs.
• Senator Rashard asked about DARE and other school programs.
• and other through the DARE program and other programs<00:16:01.839> that<00:16:02.240> the
• At that time we had uh 39 program.
• > entirely think states that prohibited entirely think states that prohibited entirely >>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• MCOs representing New Hampshire Grant Advantage Program have more than implied this at public hearings
• <00:18:57.720> have Hampshire Grant Advantage Program have Hampshire Grant Advantage Program
• There's a great reporting program, 1-800-BAD-DRUG.
• the criminal statute is a Prohibition the criminal statute is a Prohibition that<04:09:20.239>
• <04:13:33.239> and<04:13:33.560> today's prohibition and today's prohibition and today's

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do this by prohibiting the dissemination of personally identifiable data relating to protected health
• remove reproductive health and gender-affirming health care drugs from our prescription monitoring program
• And we prohibit courts from using the laws of other states that may prohibit gender-affirming care as

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House first took up several routine matters, adopting resolutions recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival and congratulating Father Gerald Francis Finnegan, S.J., on his long ministry. Members also suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow a petition establishing a sick leave bank for a Massachusetts State Police employee to go to the Committee on Public Service. The chamber then moved to Senate Bill 2543, An Act Strengthening Health Care Protections in the Commonwealth, and adopted the Ways and Means amendment before sending the bill to third reading. Later, after the bill was released from third reading, the House considered it on final passage. Supporters described the measure as protecting reproductive and gender-affirming care, patient data, providers, and Massachusetts residents from out-of-state interference, while also incorporating federal emergency care requirements. Amendment 4, which would have barred state funding for campaign ads discouraging pregnant women from using pregnancy resource centers, was rejected. Amendment 8, which would have broadened the bill to include refusals of care and other preventive care for adults and minors, was also rejected after opposition argued it could allow one parent to block care for a child. Amendment 6, as changed, narrowing certain data protections to abortion-related care, IVF, and gender-affirming care, was adopted. The House also adopted Amendment 7, clarifying that businesses handling information for payment, treatment, or health care operations would not violate the bill, and Amendment 9, directing the Commissioner of Public Health to convene a technical advisory group to review a section of the General Laws. After these amendments, the bill passed to be engrossed by a vote of 136-23. The House then observed a moment of silence for victims of the Gabriel House assisted living fire in Fall River and adjourned to meet the next day in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• subdivisions of the state, and private employers to participate in the federal electronic verification program
• Secretary: Committee substitute Senate Bill 2742 relating to enforcement of Secretary: electioneering prohibitions
• Senator Middleton had a bathroom bill in this chamber last week that explicitly prohibits state courts
• its constitutionality, and now Senator Hughes has the abortion pill bill that not only explicitly prohibits

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, Senator Harrell mentioned program directors and the discipline of program directors.
• For example, Senator Harrell mentioned program directors and the discipline of program directors.
• For example, Senator Harrell mentioned program directors and the discipline of program directors.
• We represent a very large program, nursing programs all around the country.
• , all nursing programs.

Bills: S0162, S0254, S0688, S0794, S1110, S1574

Keywords: surgical smoke, health standards, hospital safety, patient protection, medical regulations, nursing education, licensure, remedial courses, temporary license, graduate nursing preceptorship, Agency for Persons with Disabilities, background screening, support coordination services, developmental disabilities, Tatton-Brown-Rahman syndrome, public hearings, orthotics, prosthetics, healthcare, Medicaid

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services met with a quorum present and took up several health-related bills. CS/SB 1110 on Medicaid and insurance coverage for orthotics and prosthetics was heard first. The bill would require coverage for medically necessary orthotics and prosthetics without lifetime or continuous-use caps, direct AHCA to seek federal approval and update contracts, and require annual reporting. Testimony from a child using prosthetic “gymnastics blades,” his mother, and another young person with a prosthetic leg emphasized the high cost of activity-specific devices and the impact on children’s mobility, sports participation, and quality of life. Senators voiced strong support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then approved SB 1574, “Maddie’s Law,” which adds newborn screening for biliary atresia using the existing blood specimen collected at birth. The sponsor and the child’s father described the condition as time-sensitive and potentially fatal without early detection, and argued the screening could prevent transplants and save money. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also considered CS/SB 794 on background screening for employees of residential facilities and day training programs for people with developmental disabilities, plus a review of waiver support coordination quality, training, and access issues. Parents and a support coordinator testified that strong support coordination is essential for families and that the bill would help standardize expectations and improve services. An amendment aligning the bill with the House companion was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. Members next heard SB 162, which requires hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies using smoke evacuation systems during procedures that generate surgical smoke. Supporters, including nurses and the Florida Nurses Association, described surgical smoke as a workplace hazard with toxic chemicals and potential cancer risks; hospital representatives said they support the intent but argued existing federal and state standards already regulate the issue and the bill is too prescriptive. A late-filed amendment clarifying the smoke must be “effectively captured and filtered” was adopted, and the bill passed favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 254, a major nursing education bill that tightens oversight of low-performing nursing programs, creates a temporary provisional license and preceptorship pathway for graduates awaiting NCLEX results, requires remediation for delayed testing, and increases transparency by posting passage rates. Nursing groups supported stronger standards, while private nursing schools warned the bill could reduce capacity and discourage program directors; the amended bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 688, which would reestablish licensure and regulation of naturopathic doctors in Florida, create a board of naturopathic medicine, set licensure and renewal requirements, and define the scope of practice while excluding most prescription authority. Supporters said it would expand health care choices and allow naturopathic doctors to practice openly, while opponents from the medical community warned the bill could authorize diagnosis and treatment without sufficient training and rely on unproven therapies. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned after members thanked staff for their work.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 1633, Site Development Grant Program, revise certain definitions.
• House Bill 1633, Site Development Grant Program, revise certain definitions.
• Uh, ladies and gentlemen, this is similar to the Site Development Grant Program bill we passed in our
• Uh, the amendment prohibits a person who has received money or payment in accordance with their lease
• Uh the amendment prohibits a Committee.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 9 March, 2026; 4:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then handled a series of introductions and announcements. Members welcomed guests in the gallery, recognized the doctor of the day, and later made several announcements about memorials, committee meeting times, and calendar deadlines. The chamber also agreed to dispense with the reading of the journal and the titles of bills and resolutions. The body then took up multiple measures, mostly on the appropriations, rules, and general bills calendars. Among the bills discussed and passed were House Bill 941 on the Mississippi Healthcare Industry Zone Act, with an amendment changing the repealer date to 2028; House Bill 1633 on the Site Development Grant Program, with a strike-all clarifying eligible utility and site-improvement expenditures; House Bill 1404 on fraudulent utility conversion, with a substitute strike-all adding protections and criminal penalties related to landlords failing to pay tenant-funded utilities; House Bill 907 revising the timing for sample ballots from the Secretary of State; House Bill 867 allowing Ross Barnett Reservoir funds to be used for shoreline maintenance and erosion prevention; House Bill 1558 revising compensation and reimbursement for the Tishomingo County Water District; and House Bill 514 revising the Veterinary Practice Act to protect certified veterinary technicians and update board membership and fees. Several other measures were also addressed, including Senate Bill 2648, which would let the MSU Extension Service assist poultry farmers with comprehensive nutrient management plans and was amended by the House to add Alcorn State University; Senate Bill 2637, on flexibility for the Northeast District livestock show location, on which the Senate voted not to concur and invite conference; House Bill 1069, the Mississippi Agriculture and Farmland Wind Tower Protection Act of 2026, which was amended to shift review of a waterfowl impact assessment to the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks and impose a one-year moratorium with a study committee; House Bill 1073, a consumer choice bill restricting bans on gas-powered farm equipment and lawn tools; House Bill 942 extending the chiropractic licensure repealer and allowing certain animal chiropractic work under veterinarian supervision; and House Bill 479, which extended temporary licensing timeframes for psychology and marriage and family therapy and added safeguards tied to background checks and qualifications. Most of these measures were adopted and passed by voice vote or by afternoon or morning roll call, with a few items retained on the calendar and several motions to reconsider or hold bills for later action.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here today in support of Senate Bill 539, which is an act prohibiting COVID-19 mRNA vaccination and
• We were joined by 16 other neighboring communities, generating over 30,000 yes votes to prohibit the
• Senate 539, an act prohibiting COVID-19 mRNA vaccination and gene-altering procedures as a condition
• is Robert Markowski, and I’m from Saugus, testifying today in strong support of Bill S. 539 and prohibiting
• And then H-883, An Act Relative to an Emergency Preparedness and Structural Awareness Program.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management held a hearing on several emergency management bills, with most of the testimony focused on Senate Bill 539, which would prohibit COVID-19 mRNA vaccination or gene-altering procedures as a condition of entry, employment, school attendance, or access to public venues. Senator Durant and many public witnesses supported the bill, arguing that COVID-era mandates were coercive, ineffective, and harmful, and that the state should not require proof of vaccination in future emergencies. One witness, Joanne Tuller, testified in opposition, saying the government should retain authority to impose public health measures in emergencies and warning against permanently limiting that power based on the COVID experience. The committee also heard testimony on Senate Bill 540, concerning the prevention of radioactive material discharge, with a Sierra Club representative and local residents opposing Holtec’s disposal of wastewater from the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant and citing health, environmental, and economic concerns in Plymouth and nearby communities. Senator Driscoll testified in support of Senate Bills 537 and 538, describing them as measures to strengthen the Commonwealth’s strategic preparedness stockpile and to create a framework for emergency response during surges in hospitalizations, including temporary waivers of prior authorization when hospitals are over capacity. In addition, Dr. Jennifer Carlson testified in support of H.885, a resolve creating a special commission on the field of emergency management, arguing that the profession should be more fully professionalized and staffed by dedicated experts rather than part-time “second hat” officials. Several other bills on the docket, including H.883 and H.84, had no sign-ups. The chair closed each bill’s testimony section as the list was exhausted, and the hearing was adjourned without any votes taken during the session.