Transcript Highlights:

• importance of AB 397 are Lisa Anderson, the policy director of the California Budget and Policy Center, and Sam
• importance of AB 397 are Lisa Anderson, the policy director of the California Budget and Policy Center, and Sam
• My name is Sam Wilkinson.
• Hi, Sam Wilkinson, with Grace and Child Poverty in California and the Friends Committee on Legislation
• Hi, Sam Wilkinson, with Grace and Child Poverty in California and the Friends Committee on Legislation

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation held its first regular hearing of the 2025-26 session, adopted its proposed committee rules on a 5-0 vote, and reinstated a suspense file for bills with fiscal impacts over the committee threshold. The chair explained that only AB 418 would be eligible for an immediate vote, while several other measures would be held for suspense consideration because of budget constraints. AB 330 was pulled by the author. AB 418 by Wilson, which would create a clearer process and administrative remedy for county Chapter 8 tax sales, received support from county tax collectors and housing and taxpayer groups. Supporters said the bill would add transparency, due process, and a noticed public hearing for negotiated sales of tax-defaulted properties, while helping counties dispose of low-value or problematic properties more efficiently. The committee voted 6-0 to send AB 418 to Appropriations. Several other bills were heard and then referred to suspense: AB 27 by Chau, which would exclude Chiquita Canyon landfill relief payments from gross income and protect recipients’ eligibility for public benefits, drew strong support from affected residents and environmental advocates; AB 258 by Conley would increase funding for California fairs, with supporters emphasizing fairs’ emergency-response role; AB 397 by Gonzalez would expand the California Young Child Tax Credit into a broader child tax credit for older children; and AB 398 by Aaron would set a $300 minimum refundable Cal EITC benefit. The committee also heard AB 231 by Tye, which would offer a tax credit to microbusinesses that hire formerly incarcerated people, and it too was referred to suspense after supportive testimony from reentry and small-business advocates.

Transcript Highlights:

• You can see her son Sam back here, and she's such a good mother that they have Legos on hold ready to
• Elise and her husband, Matt, are parents to their three-year-old son, Sam.
• I'm sure that one day Sam will look at this moment and Elise's future service with much to be proud of
• Matt, who is also here, and of course, most importantly, our pride and joy, our three-year-old son Sam
• Sam is by far our greatest blessing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we also have our new, brand-new school board, Sam Rosemark, here with us as well from our school
• And we also have our new, brand-new school board, Sam Rosemark, here with us as well from our school
• And we also have our new, brand-new school board, Sam Rosemark, here with us as well from our school
• And we also have our new, brand-new school board, Sam Rosemark, here with us as well from our school
• My name is Sam Rosemark. I serve uh on the school board for ISD 622, North St.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Burkel followed by Representative Lillie will be presenting the Lard Sams Bill Outdoor
• We've served on the Lard Sams Council together now for my first two years, this past two, I think you've
• Bill outdoor presenting the lard Sams Bill outdoor Heritage<00:01:11.280> fund<00:01:12.280><
• third of our budget goes to lzard Sams third of our budget goes to lzard Sams and<00:03:40.519><
• assistant director of the lard Sams assistant director of the lard Sams outter<00:20:47.559>

Bills: HF1250

Keywords: outdoor heritage, land acquisition, wildlife management, conservation easements, environmental restoration, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Sam Kanji, Sam? Hello, committee members. My name is Sam Kenji.
• Sam Kanji, Sam? Hello committee members. My name Sam Kenji.
• Any questions for Elise or Sam from the members of the committee? Seeing none, thank you very much.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on 46 bills covering bicycle and pedestrian safety, autonomous and specialty vehicles, street design, and related transportation issues. Chair Jim Arciero and Senate co-chair Brendan Crighton opened the hearing, noted that Senate Bill 2347 was postponed at the sponsor’s request, and explained the hearing procedures. No votes were taken during the hearing. A major portion of testimony focused on autonomous vehicles. Labor representatives from the AFL-CIO, Teamsters, Machinists, and app-based driver organizations opposed bills that would authorize fully autonomous vehicles, arguing they could displace workers, weaken bargaining power, increase congestion, and create safety and data-privacy risks. Waymo and Chamber of Progress supported legislation creating a framework for autonomous vehicles, saying the technology has strong safety results and could improve mobility and economic opportunity, but they opposed provisions requiring a human operator in the vehicle. Transportation and environmental advocates urged stronger oversight, local control, crash-data reporting, and privacy protections before deployment. Several bills on pedestrian and bicycle safety drew support from advocates and affected residents. Testimony backed measures to improve crosswalk timing for slower pedestrians, raise penalties for crosswalk violations, expand truck sideguard and safety-device requirements, and improve roadway marking reflectivity. AARP, MassBike, and other advocates emphasized the need to protect older adults, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users, while some speakers opposed bills expanding e-bike access to sidewalks and natural-surface trails, citing safety concerns. The committee also heard strong support for the Blue Envelope program for drivers with autism and developmental disabilities, with testimony from the Arc of Massachusetts, the Developmental Disabilities Council, families, and individuals describing how the program can reduce misunderstandings during traffic stops and crashes.

Transcript Highlights:

• So reinsurance, and I'll defer to some of the very technical changes to my colleague Sam here.
• >> Chair Kegel, Representative Elkins, and I'll let Sam help steer.
• <00:36:56.240> I and all last for Sam to help steer.
• I and all last for Sam to help steer.
• is<00:51:05.360> doing<00:51:05.680> my<00:51:05.920> applications like if Sam

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The committee met to walk through nonpartisan side-by-side comparisons of House File 4188, focusing on differences between House and Senate language across consumer protection, insurance, financial services, health, and technical provisions. Staff highlighted numerous Senate-only items, including rules for financial providers communicating through trusted contacts, virtual currency requirements for banks and credit unions, a prohibition on virtual currency kiosks beginning in 2026, mortgage servicing and student loan servicing changes, the Rental Home Marketplace Guarantees Act, insurance and travel-related provisions, scrap metal licensing changes, protections related to minors accessing chatbots and AI companions, and several technical or conforming repealers. Staff also noted that some provisions were identical or substantially similar between the chambers, including mortgage originator standards, student loan borrower protections, securities-related changes, unclaimed property provisions, and technical updates in the bill’s miscellaneous articles. The Senate-only health-related articles were also summarized, including repeal of the prescription drug affordability advisory council, technical changes to the reinsurance program, and a series of health insurance provisions on enrollment-growth notices, limits on officer and director salary increases under certain capital conditions, guaranteed issue rights for certain Medicare supplement enrollees, data-sharing between Commerce and Health, restrictions on using artificial intelligence alone to deny claims, reimbursement for clinical trainees, home care nursing coverage, and PBM transparency. The Senate’s telecommunications article was described as largely technical and conforming, with repeals of obsolete statutes. Staff also noted that some standalone bills had already passed and would be removed from the comparison report. Public testimony followed. Thomas Elness of AARP Minnesota supported inclusion of the cryptocurrency kiosk bill, expressed support for guaranteed issue protections for a narrow group of consumers affected by discontinued plans, and urged adoption of changes to the consumer protection restitution account, including raising the cap to $10 million per fiscal year. Representative Lee testified that the restitution account proposal should be treated as policy rather than finance because it has a zero fiscal note, and said the House would accept the Senate’s $10 million cap. Robin Rowan, representing the Minnesota Insurance and Financial Services Council and the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, urged adoption of Senate travel insurance language, requested a House-style change to lead-generation recordkeeping language, and supported a Senate provision allowing employers and insurers to coordinate notice to employees when group policies are cancelled. The Department of Commerce then responded to questions, explaining that the prescription drug affordability council would be sunset because the board already has other avenues for public input, that the reinsurance changes were technical and did not alter the prior agreement, and that the abandoned cryptocurrency provisions rely on statutory definitions of inactivity and known examples such as keys stored in safes or deposit boxes.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think Sam is passing it out right now if it's not already in your packets.
• up, but I'll the audience if I can call up, but I'll wait<00:11:41.760> for<00:11:41.920> Sam
• continue<00:11:43.600> uh<00:11:43.760> to<00:11:44.000> pass wait for Sam
• also to continue uh to pass wait for Sam also to continue uh to pass out. out. out.
• And if you look at the spreadsheet that I think Sam received from OHE or that the committee received

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council will come to order. It is May 27, 2026.
• Um, as you mentioned, welcome Miss Cara Castanza, our newest member on the Lessard-Sams staff team.
• So, Cara Castanza is serving as a project analyst for the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.
• This position also acts as a primary DNR liaison for the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.
• Will you be coming back to Lessard-Sams for those?

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council met on May 27, 2026, approved the January 7 minutes and the day’s agenda, and reported no conflicts of interest. The executive director gave staff updates, including introductions of new staff member Cara Castanza and DNR liaison Jason Co., both of whom were welcomed by the council. Members were also informed about three minor easement/conveyance matters in the packet, including a small Bowser easement impact with about $1,600 returned to the Outdoor Heritage Fund, a Minnesota Land Trust easement request involving a DNR trout stream easement, and an access easement revision in Itasca County. The council also noted several upcoming dedication events and a June field tour in southeast Minnesota beginning in Winona on June 16, with visits to Whitewater WMA, bluff prairie and stream sites, and a river segment if a boat is secured. A major agenda item was a legislative session recap on the Outdoor Heritage Fund portion of Senate File 2077, the omnibus Outdoor Heritage Fund, Legacy, and Lands bill. Staff reported that all council recommendations were incorporated into the bill, which passed both chambers on May 17 and was expected to be signed by the governor. The fiscal year 2027 Outdoor Heritage Fund recommendations covered 53 programs totaling about $188.9 million, with the February forecast increasing the appropriation slightly so the final total was about $191.16 million; eligible programs were proportionately increased. Staff also highlighted a few changes made during the legislative process, including adjustments to the Roso Lake rehabilitation phase three project, the conservation partners legacy grant language, and statutory provisions affecting the council. The recap also covered policy changes in the bill: a public member term limit of eight years, with a short vacancy exception and transition rules for current members; a revised executive director hiring process allowing the Legislative Coordinating Commission to provide support while preserving the council’s final hiring authority and permitting closed meetings for candidate discussions; and an extension of the Upper Mississippi River invasive carp deterrent design deadline to June 30, 2027. Members discussed the Roso Lake amendment at length, with Senator Lang and Representative Burkel explaining that the added delay and injunction-related language were intended to address local concerns and preserve the council’s process while litigation proceeds. The meeting ended without any additional formal action beyond receiving the updates and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• For Lassard-Sams, there's 33% for water.
• Lucky enough to be on Lassard-SAMS. But it's amazing the work that the Lassard-SAMS...
• in the nonprofit world are coming to this committee and asking for dollars or coming to the Lessard-Sams

Bills: HF2563

Keywords: HF2563, legacy finance bill, Legacy Amendment, outdoor heritage fund, clean water fund, parks and trails fund, arts and cultural heritage fund, Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, Clean Water Council, Minnesota legacy funds, habitat conservation, prairie restoration, wetland restoration, forest conservation, riparian buffers, water quality, groundwater protection, drinking water, septic systems, watershed planning

Transcript Highlights:

• Sam Wagner for the League of Cities. You want to come speak, Sam? Come on down. Thank you, Mr.
• Sam Wagner, Florida League of Cities. I do want to thank the sponsor, first and foremost.

Summary: The State Administration Budget Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered three bills. HB 1221, the Department of Financial Services agency package, was presented as a streamlining and modernization bill covering the My Safe Florida Home Program, unclaimed property, and the state’s new PALM accounting system. Two amendments were adopted: one restoring the current $15 million cap DFS may retain in the unclaimed property trust fund and another making conforming changes to replace references to FLAIR with PALM. The bill was supported by public witnesses and was reported favorably after a unanimous roll call vote. The committee then heard HB 1291, dealing with the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA). The sponsor explained that the bill was intended to address concerns that NICA could fall below actuarially sound funding in the 2027-2028 fiscal year and that current law lacks clear triggers for funding remedies. An amendment was adopted that removed the bill’s fiscal impact and preserved a $20 million reserve. NICA representatives spoke in support, and the amended bill was reported favorably by unanimous vote. Finally, the committee took up CSHB 1329, which would modernize local government budget transparency by requiring budgets to be posted 14 days before hearings, retained online for five years, and made searchable and accessible, while also requiring a 10% budget-cutting exercise before adoption. Local government groups and the CFO’s office discussed costs and suggested that the EDR portal may be a better centralized way to present the data, especially for smaller jurisdictions. Members generally supported the transparency goal but raised concerns about implementation costs; the sponsor said the bill was still being refined. The bill was reported favorably on a mostly party-line vote, with one member voting no for now. The meeting then adjourned after the chair noted submission of the FY 2026-27 budget recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Association, Sam McAuen. Want to welcome him.
• He's uh been here with us for a little while, but uh we're glad to have him on board. >> Sam, welcome
• Association,<00:05:21.919> Sam<00:05:22.320> McAuen.
• <00:05:31.680> And<00:05:31.919> then >> Sam, welcome to our committee.
• And then >> Sam, welcome to our committee.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 01:58 Approval of Minutes 03:05 Member Comments 03:18 Nanotechnologies in Energy 06:20, 958, all

Summary: The committee met and approved the minutes, then heard announcements and introductions from members and guests, including an invitation to an East Kentucky trail ride opening and welcomes for new EPIC and Kentucky Coal Association representatives and several constituents. After the opening business, the committee turned to a presentation on nanotechnology and energy applications by Rodney Andrews of the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research. Andrews explained how nanoscale materials behave differently because of their size and surface area, and described uses in consumer products, batteries, solar panels, catalysts, coatings, sensors, and energy storage. Members asked about the relationship between nanomaterials and coal, and Andrews said carbon nanotubes can be made from coal-derived hydrocarbons, which members noted as an opportunity for Kentucky’s coal and manufacturing sectors. He also discussed work on improved solar coatings, more stable perovskites, fuel-processing catalysts, hydrogen storage, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel, electromagnetic shielding, and conductive yarns and fabrics. The presentation also covered more advanced applications such as thermoelectric textiles, power transmission materials, thermal transport composites for aerospace, nanofluids for cooling, and fusion reactor shielding. In the final discussion, members raised questions about electromagnetic pulse protection and quantum computing; Andrews said the materials discussed could absorb and spread energy and that shielding applications may help with EMPs, while quantum computing remains limited by extremely low operating temperatures. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• In direct response to labor market needs, Sam Houston State, for example, launched two new colleges,
• Sam Houston also recently reimagined the college that was first utilized during post-World War II to
• Sam Houston's new polytechnic College is an innovative workforce solution intended to engage directly
• Sam Houston State has nationally ranked criminal justice programs and training.
• Um, is Sam Houston your oldest campus? Our oldest campus. I was pretty impressed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sam Kuhn? How did I do, Sam? Sam, good. That's going, too.
• My name is Sam Quinn, and I am a Cambodian-American professional living in Revere, Massachusetts.
• And I got Sam, Sam Friedman, Fieldman. No mind my pronunciation of names; I can't read anymore.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs was opened by Chair Joe McGonagle and Vice Chair Senator Mike Rush, who noted that Chair John Velis was deployed with the Massachusetts National Guard. The chairs explained the hybrid format, three-minute testimony limit, live streaming, and filing deadlines, and said the committee would hear 11 House bills and eight Senate bills dealing with federal and overseas issues. Much of the hearing centered on competing resolutions about Article 5 constitutional conventions, along with related resolutions on D.C. statehood, child labor, Citizens United, and Cambodia. Supporters of H. 4692 and S. 284, a joint resolution to rescind all prior Massachusetts Article 5 convention applications, argued that old resolutions from the 1930s and 1970s could be used to count Massachusetts toward the 34-state threshold for calling a federal constitutional convention. Testifiers from Common Cause, the League of Women Voters, the ACLU, Reproductive Equity Now, labor groups, and others warned that a convention would have no clear rules, could not be reliably limited to specific topics, and could put civil rights, reproductive rights, labor protections, and other constitutional protections at risk. Several speakers also cited a recent federal lawsuit and said the safest course was to remove outdated applications from the books. A large opposing panel testified in support of H. 3888, a resolution calling for a Convention of States to propose amendments limiting federal power, imposing fiscal restraints, and establishing term limits. Supporters argued that Article 5 provides a lawful way to address federal overreach, debt, and congressional stagnation, and said the process would be limited by state applications and ratification by 38 states. Some committee members and witnesses raised concerns about a runaway convention, broad language in the resolution, and whether Congress could or should set rules for such a convention. Representative Gentile also testified in support of several related resolutions on overturning Citizens United, D.C. statehood, and the child labor amendment, while Representative Howard and Representative Tongue supported a Cambodia resolution condemning political oppression and urging free and fair elections. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, you know, as indicated in Northstar Policies' report, and I believe it was discussed by Sam Gordon
• Um, you know, as indicated in Northstar Policies' report, and I believe it was discussed by Sam Gordon
• Um, you know, as indicated in Northstar Policies' report, and I believe it was discussed by Sam Gordon
• Um, you know, as indicated in Northstar Policies' report, and I believe it was discussed by Sam Gordon

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee held an informational discussion on three proposed bills authored by Representative Gottfried addressing artificial intelligence in the workplace. Gottfried said the bills are intended to create labor protections around AI use, focusing on mitigating harms to workers while preserving innovation. House File 4369 would require notice before implementing technology that could displace jobs and provide a transition period for retraining, reskilling, or upskilling. The other two bills would regulate electronic monitoring systems and automated decision systems by requiring pre- and post-use notice when used for substantive employment decisions, giving workers access to data and a right to appeal decisions based on inaccurate or erroneous data, and setting prohibited and permitted uses. Melissa Heising of the Minnesota AFL-CIO supported the overall approach and said the bills are an important step toward common-sense workplace AI regulation. She praised the notice, appeal, and anti-discrimination protections, but urged stronger provisions, including mandatory impact assessments, independent third-party review, regular updates, a cease-use requirement if discriminatory outcomes are found, and anti-retaliation protections for workers who raise concerns or refuse to follow harmful automated outputs. Committee members from both parties generally agreed that AI policy should balance worker protections, business competitiveness, and innovation, and several said the issue is urgent because the technology is advancing quickly. No vote was taken. Chair and members emphasized that the hearing was informational and that the bills were not formally before the committee for action. Several members expressed interest in continued discussion, and Representative Schultz said he had an interest in working with Representative Gottfried on the issue.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> I need you, Sam. Thank you. >> Mr.
• >> I<00:06:14.319> need<00:06:14.400> you,<00:06:14.639> Sam.
• <00:06:14.960> Thank<00:06:15.120> you, >> I need you, Sam.
• Thank you, >> I need you, Sam. Thank you, >> Mr.<00:06:15.680> Chairman.

Bills: HB59, SB15, SB96, SB104, SB137

Keywords: public accountancy, CPA licensing, board regulations, educational prerequisites, electronic notifications, firm registration, assignment, creditors, insolvency, liquidation, assignee, secured transaction, bankruptcy, state law, voluntary process, distribution of assets, emergency rules, governor certification, state regulations, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• SAM recommendation is to um substance.
• As much as I appreciate Sam, I consider them the tenth man.
• As much as I appreciate Sam, I consider them the tenth man.
• Go ahead, Sam.
• <02:02:43.119> New Hi, Sue Hamola representing Sam New Hi, Sue Hamola representing Sam New

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Additional Assembly Members Robert Smullen join us from the Assembly minority conference, with Sam Pirozzolo
• ADDITIONAL ASSEMBLY MEMBERS ROBERT SMULLEN JOIN US FROM THE ASSEMBLY MEMBER MINORITY CONFERENCE WITH SAM
• I'd like to introduce my colleague Sam Pirozzolo for a comment. >> Thank you very much.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Higher Education Conference Committee met to discuss budget priorities for SUNY, CUNY, community colleges, TAP, student aid, and capital funding. Chair Toby Ann Stavisky emphasized the need for increased operating and capital support, protection against enrollment-based funding losses, no tuition increases, a review of TAP because it has not kept pace with living costs, and action on student loan access and research funding cuts. Assembly Chair Alicia Hyndman outlined the Assembly’s higher education proposal, including $475.7 million to expand TAP eligibility, raising income thresholds for TAP and the Excelsior Scholarship, creating a graduate tuition assistance program, adding community college operating aid, expanding the Opportunity Promise Scholarship, forgiving SUNY hospital debt service, increasing CUNY operating support, restoring opportunity program funding, creating a $110 million student loan support program called New York Rises, and funding five-year capital plans for SUNY and CUNY plus additional ECAP grants. Members broadly supported making higher education more affordable and accessible, while highlighting district-specific needs. Senator May praised SUNY Reconnect, community college workforce programs, hospital debt service relief, and a five-year SUNY capital plan. Senator Gonzalez framed the budget as an investment in economic mobility. Senator Griffo supported affordability, operating and capital aid, and additional support for medical schools and hospitals. Assembly Members Walker, Colton, and Fall backed TAP expansion, opportunity programs, disability supports, SUNY Downstate’s transformation, and capital needs at CUNY and SUNY campuses. Assembly Member Smullen, speaking for the minority conference, urged a five-way budget process, said TAP has not kept pace with inflation, and called for a more stable long-term funding model for community colleges. He also stressed aligning higher education with workforce needs. Assembly Member Pirozzolo pointed to the College of Staten Island as an example of the benefits of investment and warned that employers recruiting students directly from high school could weaken higher education unless colleges continue strengthening trade and career training. The meeting ended with no vote on the budget items, and the chairs adjourned the conference committee after concluding remarks.

Transcript Highlights:

• And first, I want to say thank you to Sam O'Neal and Megan Malbach, who were both new to cannabis this
• And again, just huge shout-out to Sam O'Neal and Megan Mullen, Eric Anderson, uh, all the work you did
• And again, just huge shout-out to Sam O'Neal and Megan Mullen, Eric Anderson, uh, all the work you did
• And again, just huge shout out to Sam<00:40:47.760> O'Neal<00:40:48.240> and<00:40:48.400
• > Megan<00:40:48.720> Mullen,<00:40:49.359> Eric Sam O'Neal and Megan Mullen, Eric

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House first took up Senate File 334, a bill to modernize county human services technology used to administer programs such as Medicaid and SNAP. The author and several members described the current systems as outdated “green screen” platforms that are slow, duplicative, and difficult for workers and applicants, and argued modernization would improve service, retention, and fraud prevention. The bill would create a technology modernization fund with about $90 million over time, capped at $50 million, route funds through Minute, establish an interagency group with county representation, create a legislative working group, and provide $15 million for Office of Inspector General technology. Members from several counties spoke in strong support, citing local system failures, cyberattacks, and the need for better tools; one member noted the bill was about 20 years overdue. The bill passed third reading by a vote of 134-0, and a title was agreed to. The House then considered Senate File 4401, the cannabis bill. The author described it as a maintenance and cleanup package developed with more than 80 stakeholders over months of meetings, including business owners, labor, tribal representatives, and medical cannabis interests. The bill was presented as making noncontroversial adjustments to support small businesses, clarify statutes, improve privacy protections, adjust event and transporter rules, address good-faith errors, strengthen enforcement against unlicensed operators, and support local governments and municipal cannabis dispensaries. It also included a first step toward a medical psilocybin program and changes intended to make the medical cannabis market more sustainable, including easing the grow-and-sale ratio issue. The transcript cuts off before final action on this bill, but members speaking in support emphasized collaboration and the need for practical regulatory fixes.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Sam Goram, and I am an intern at the Hawaii State Council on Disabilities here on behalf of
• members of the committee my name is Sam members of the committee my name is Sam Goram<00:34:40.399
• > chair members of the committee my name chair members of the committee my name is<00:48:08.680> Sam
• 09.520> intern<00:48:10.040> on<00:48:10.160> behalf<00:48:10.440> of is Sam
• gorm I'm an intern on behalf of is Sam gorm I'm an intern on behalf of dentry<00:48:11.040> with<

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several health-related bills. HB 72 on pharmacy drew only support, with testimony from the University of Hawaiʻi system, the Board of Pharmacy, pharmacists, and others; no questions were raised. HB 237 on peer support programs also received broad support from the Department of Health, DHS, early learning officials, families, and advocates, with testimony emphasizing the value of peer-to-peer mentoring and support for parents, youth, and people with disabilities; no opposition or questions were noted. HB 250, the prior authorization bill, generated the most discussion. SHPDA supported a revised version focused on reporting prior authorization practices and creating a nonbinding working group to develop automation standards, while PCMA, HMSA, Kaiser Permanente, and others raised concerns about duplicative pharmacy requirements, unintended consequences, and alignment with federal timelines and reporting. Several medical groups and individual patients supported the measure, describing delays and burdens caused by prior authorization. A committee member asked whether the bill’s working group differed from a similar group in Senate Bill 1449, and the witness said it was intended to be the same. HB 303 on health care preceptors was supported by the Department of Health, University of Hawaiʻi, nursing and health care organizations, and the Hawaii Pharmacists Association, which asked that pharmacists’ residency programs be specifically tied to national accreditation standards. HB 341, relating to issuance of SPURS to assist the Hawaii Island Community Health Association, drew support from the health center and related groups. HB 692 on Preschool Open Doors received extensive support from early learning, education, family, labor, and community organizations; testimony stressed the shortage of child care and preschool slots, especially on Kauai, and the need to expand access for families. Committee members asked about adding family child care providers and about licensing/certification barriers, and DHS said the bill was focused on current licensed child care facilities and that certification issues were a separate, broader problem. HB 700 on cognitive assessments also drew strong support, with the Department of Health, the Executive Office on Aging, disability advocates, the Alzheimer’s Association, caregivers, and others urging use of a validated cognitive assessment tool during annual wellness visits and asking that the age 65 threshold be removed; some witnesses supported keeping the data-collection portion as a pilot and emphasized early detection and reporting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sam Howard. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I just have...
• Our seven institutions include Texas State University. in San Marcos and Round Rock, Sam Houston State
• Sam Houston State, for example, launched two new colleges, including its high. successful College of
• Sam Houston's new Polytechnic College is an innovative workforce solution. intended to engage directly
• Lamar University, with over six. million dollars in R&D, and Sam Houston State, with over 12 million

Keywords: 1184, house, all