Transcript Highlights:

• care.
• ... ...about kids in our state care.
• children back in foster care because they lost their child care subsidy spot because of decisions at
• 10.2.005 DBA-8 service. 10.205 DBA-8 service rate caps.
• Makes care of that one.

Committee: House Conference Committee on Budget

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• care, which is simply health care that allows people to live who they truly are.
• in California, including reproductive health care and gender-affirming care.
• And importantly, these requests are often directed not just at health care providers, but also at businesses
• care, and the providers who serve them.
• We have to be careful.

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The witness said the people providing this direct service are supervised, and that someone else has to
• The witness said that was beyond their knowledge, but that the people providing this direct service are
• </c><03:21:09.439><c> service</c> people who providing this direct service people who providing this
• direct service are are are supervised<03:21:12.319><c> things</c><03:21:12.520><c> are</c><03:21:12.720
• receive the care.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting was an orientation-style overview from the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), led by Executive Director Deana Jurus and staff. They described the office’s mission to protect public health, safety, welfare, the environment, and the public trust, and outlined the agency structure: enforcement, licensing and board administration, operations, legal counsel, board counsel, and the hearings bureau. OPLC said it currently supports 57 boards, including seven advisory boards, and has about 104 filled positions out of 120 authorized. They also noted new voluntary certifications for doulas, lactation consultants, and community health workers that are in rulemaking. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on how boards and staff divide responsibilities under RSA 310:4. Staff explained that the office handles application processing, complaint intake and initial review, records retention, 91-A requests, and rule drafting, while boards make final decisions on licensure criteria, complaint dismissals or investigations, disciplinary actions, and some hearing matters. They also described the rule structure by chapter number ranges and the distinction between full licensing boards and advisory boards. The committee asked about complaint notifications, and OPLC said it is tightening policies so complainants are told whether a matter is closed or moving forward. The licensing process was discussed in detail, especially for nursing. Bethany Katrell explained that applicants apply through an online portal, may receive approval to sit for exams, can work under provisional authority in some cases, and then receive full licensure after exam results and criminal background checks are complete. OPLC said the portal now reduces back-and-forth paperwork and that, as of the latest biweekly report, 87% of applications were decided within the statutory 90-day period and 57% within 14 days. Members also raised questions about why some professions require board approval before taking an exam, and OPLC said that requirement varies by statute or board rule. No votes or formal actions were taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your service. The state needs more of Mike Gottlieb’s. Thank you for your service.
• Aesthetic body contouring services are non-invasive. They are non-medical services.
• use disorder services.
• substance use disorder services.
• substance use disorder services.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum call, and adoption of the special order report for the day. Members observed a moment of silence for several service members killed in the Middle East conflict, and the chamber also recognized visiting students, law enforcement, and later several guests in the gallery during farewell remarks. The House then moved through the special order calendar, taking up a series of bills on third reading. The first major measure was CS for CS for HB 981 on tributaries of the St. Johns River, which sponsors described as a community-driven plan to restore the Ocklawaha River while balancing conservation, recreation, and economic concerns. Representative Sapp opposed the bill, arguing it would harm rural communities, Rodman Reservoir interests, freshwater resources, property values, and local jobs without adequate funding or certainty. Representative Cross supported the restoration effort and its long-term environmental and community benefits. The House adopted an amendment updating planning references and expanding the advisory council, then passed the bill 107-3. The chamber next passed CS for CSHB 1389 on affordable housing and the Live Local Act after debate over state preemption of local authority, accessory dwelling units, and the removal of local opt-out provisions; supporters emphasized the statewide housing shortage and the need for more housing supply, while opponents argued the bill further limited local control. The bill passed 70-29. The House also passed CS for CSHB 1085, codifying the local government cybersecurity grant program and giving preference to fiscally constrained counties, by a unanimous 109-0 vote. CS for HB 273 on special districts passed after extensive questioning about downtown development districts, rural areas of opportunity, budget approval, and administrative caps; an amendment to remove the downtown district provisions failed, and the bill ultimately passed 88-? yeas as announced on the floor. CS for HB 989 on motor vehicle manufacturers and franchise dealers passed 109-1 after sponsor testimony that it would prevent manufacturers from concentrating new vehicle inventory with one dealer group and protect competition and small businesses. CS/CS for HB 1329 on local government spending and budget transparency passed 82-28 after a lengthy debate over whether the bill would impose costs on local governments; a Cheney amendment to provide hardship assistance for smaller governments was adopted, and supporters framed the bill as improving public access to local budget information while opponents argued it duplicated existing transparency and could require new software or staff. The House then began consideration of CS/CS/CS/CS HB 1417, the Department of Environmental Protection package, with the sponsor outlining provisions on environmental regulation, septic systems, solar facility stormwater controls, coastal resiliency partnerships, and air-pollution permit timing.

Transcript Highlights:

• filed did not get care through Care Court.
• on Care Court.
• a higher level of care.
• She refused to engage voluntarily with Care Court services.
• We agree with many of the concerns of the proponents that Care Court is not providing timely services

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of the child care.
• child care related services, both with MoQPK and what Child Care Works is trying to do.
• children in foster care.
• They also do conflict resolution, mental health services, a number of vital services.
• They're offering foster care services from Columbia all the way to We're offering foster care services

Committee: House Budget

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Second, with regard to provisions of necessary services to those individuals who would need that care
• Second, with regard to provisions of necessary services to those individuals who would need that care
• Second, with regard to provisions of necessary services to those individuals who would need that care
• An ALF must obtain a memory care services license if the ALF serves one or more memory care residents
• funds directed to reduce the waiting list for low-income early child care services.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions and moments of silence, including tributes to fallen service members. The chamber then moved through a special order calendar focused on a series of bills, with most measures receiving unanimous or near-unanimous support after brief explanations and floor debate. Several bills were temporarily postponed, but the body took up and passed multiple others, often substituting identical House companions before final passage. The first major measure, SB 1062 on speech and debate education, drew extensive supportive debate from senators who described debate as a civic skill that builds confidence, critical thinking, and conflict resolution, especially for students in public schools and underserved communities. An amendment creating a Speech and Debate Hall of Fame, expanding access through public-private partnerships, and establishing coach training was adopted, and the bill ultimately passed 37-0. The Senate also passed SB 1072 creating an Anti-Semitism Task Force, with a late-filed amendment clarifying that the bill does not restrict criticism of Israel and is not intended to infringe First Amendment rights; that bill also passed 37-0. Other measures passed included a PFAS bill phasing out firefighting foam containing forever chemicals and setting testing, reporting, and enforcement requirements; an expansion of the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program; student health and safety legislation expanding seizure-response training in schools; updates to funeral and cemetery regulation; protected cell captive insurance company legislation aimed at increasing insurance market capacity; nonprofit corporation updates; child welfare reforms streamlining foster-care medication approvals and related procedures; salvage title/e-signature changes; and forensic client services changes allowing certain APD clients to be housed with other secure forensic residents. Most of these bills were passed after substituting House companions and received unanimous votes. The most contentious debate came on SB 1134 regarding official actions of local governments and DEI-related activities. Senator Yarborough argued the bill would stop counties and cities from funding or promoting DEI practices he described as discriminatory or ideological, while several amendments sought to narrow the bill to spending only, add an intent requirement for penalties, and preserve local proclamations and observances such as LGBTQ Pride Month. Those amendments were rejected, and debate continued on the bill’s scope and exemptions, but the transcript ends before final disposition of SB 1134 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• preventing costly institutional care.
• health aides, personal care attendants, transportation, and legal and financial services.
• require care.
• AARP found the average cost of self-directed care in 2019 was $1,774 a month, compared to $6,175 a month
• AARP found the average cost of self-directed care in 2019 was $1,774 a month, compared to $6,175 a month

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Revenue

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a public hearing focused largely on tax-credit proposals tied to children, families, caregivers, child care, health care workforce development, and public health. A major portion of the hearing concerned bills to expand the state earned income tax credit and child and family tax credit, including H. 3073/S. 1957 and S. 1975. Testimony from advocacy groups, legal services, tax assistance organizations, and health providers supported increasing the EITC match from 40% to 50% of the federal credit, expanding eligibility to immigrant and mixed-status ITIN filers, larger families, younger and older workers, and SSI recipients, and raising the child and family tax credit to $600 per child with inflation adjustments and possible advance payments. Witnesses said these changes would reduce poverty, improve health and educational outcomes, and help families meet basic expenses; committee members asked questions about ITIN filers and expressed support for the policy goals. The committee also heard extensive testimony on S. 1938/H. 3159, An Act Supporting Family Caregivers. Speakers described the scale of unpaid caregiving in Massachusetts and supported a package that would create a refundable tax credit, respite vouchers, workplace and housing protections, unemployment insurance access for those who leave work to care for relatives, a permanent advisory council, and a provision allowing spouses to be paid caregivers under MassHealth. Several witnesses shared personal caregiving experiences, and committee members responded favorably, noting the emotional and financial strain on caregivers and the importance of supporting them as Medicaid and long-term care systems face pressure. Additional bills discussed included H. 3174 on a child and dependent care tax credit, which was presented as a way to offset the high cost of child care; H. 3197/S. 2019 to improve the financial security of family child care providers through a tax credit; H. 3218/S. 1960 to create tax credits for health care preceptors to address workforce shortages; S. 2064 to establish a living organ donor tax credit; S. 2034 to promote healthy alternatives to sugary drinks through a tiered tax; H. 3015 to create a tax-return checkoff for the YMCA Youth and Government Program; and several public testimony ideas including vaccination, literacy, and grade-improvement tax credits. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing, which ended after all testimony was heard.

Transcript Highlights:

• The federal definition really focuses on bills that require specific care, treatment, or services for
• Services that's another legislatively<00:47:32.440><c> directed</c><00:47:33.040><c> study</c><00:47
• The cost of health care services have changed, and also the standards of care have changed.
• um to deliver good um standards of care um to deliver good services<00:50:53.640><c> to</c><00:50:53.880
• care, long-term care, etc.

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Indeed, over 85% of medical services and 75% of pharmacy services do not require authorization for care
• Indeed, over 85% of medical services and 75% of pharmacy services do not require authorization for care
• care services to 50,000 low-income patients in 14 languages.
• to direct more resources toward full-service partnerships.
• They're cutting services already. They're cutting care already.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee met on April 22 and took up a special order of bills focused largely on prior authorization and utilization management in health care. The chair framed the discussion as part of a broader legislative effort to reduce delays and barriers to care, especially in behavioral health, chronic disease management, cancer treatment, and rehabilitation services. AB 384 by Assembly Member Connolly would prohibit prior authorization for inpatient mental health or substance use emergency admissions and related physician care; supporters said it would prevent dangerous delays in crisis care, while insurers and health plans warned about fraud, abuse, and ambiguity around residential treatment facilities. The bill was moved on a due pass as amended motion and passed the committee on a party-line style vote, with Republicans largely absent or not voting. The committee then heard AB 510 by Assembly Member Addis, which would require health plans, upon request, to provide a peer reviewer of the same or similar specialty when a treating provider appeals a prior authorization denial or modification. Supporters argued that specialty-matched review would make appeals fairer and more clinically informed; opponents said the requirement was too rigid and that timelines and electronic submission rules needed changes. After discussion about the need for timely, specialty-specific review, the bill was approved on a due pass as amended motion and placed on call. AB 539 by Assembly Member Schiavo would extend prior authorization approvals to one year or the duration of the physician’s prescribed treatment for chronic conditions; supporters cited repeated denials and treatment interruptions, while opponents raised concerns about overbreadth, fraud, and the need for shorter validity periods. The bill was also passed as amended and placed on call. The committee next considered AB 669 by Assembly Member Haney, which would bar concurrent and retrospective review for the first 28 days of medically necessary substance use disorder treatment and limit prior authorization for related outpatient medications. The bill was presented with a powerful personal story from Ryan Matlock’s mother about her son’s death after an insurer cut off treatment early; supporters said the measure would keep patients in care long enough to stabilize, while opponents argued it would reduce oversight and could allow lower-quality or non-evidence-based care. The bill was moved on a due pass as amended motion and placed on call. Finally, AB 512 by Assembly Member Harabedian would shorten prior authorization response times to 24 hours for urgent requests and 48 hours for non-urgent requests; supporters said delays can worsen outcomes, while opponents warned the timelines were unrealistic and could increase administrative burdens and safety issues. The bill was approved as amended and placed on call. AB 574 by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez was then heard; it would allow up to 12 medically necessary physical therapy sessions for a new episode of care without prior authorization, with supporters emphasizing stroke and neurological recovery and opponents warning of reduced oversight and unnecessary care. The transcript ends during testimony on AB 574, before final action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• services.
• health care economy.
• Anywhere from service categories like long-term care, which is a big issue for you guys, right?
• of their care.
• This is taken care of.

Keywords: 962, all

Summary: The Complex Care Committee meeting focused first on a new Diabetes Caucus launched at the Capitol. Rep. Johnson described the caucus as a forum to educate people about type 1 and type 2 diabetes, genetic risk, early testing, pregnancy-related diabetes, and ways Medicaid policy might improve prevention and lower long-term costs. Members agreed the caucus could intersect with care management, and Carolyn Grandell of CHNCT offered to share information about current diabetes-related care management services at a future meeting. The committee then heard a detailed presentation from Alex Rigger of the Office of Health Strategy, who is moving to the Office of Policy and Management. He reviewed Connecticut health care benchmark data, including total health care expenditures, medical spending, and market-by-market trends. He said 2023 to 2024 per-capita spending grew more than 8.5% statewide and 14% in Medicaid, with long-term care accounting for about 46% of Medicaid spending and retail pharmacy also identified as a major cost driver. Members asked about enrollment changes, dual-eligible populations, Medicare Savings Program members, 340B drug pricing, and value-based payment models. Rigger explained that his office tracks alternate payment models and quality benchmarks, but does not separately capture 340B data. Discussion then shifted to Medicare Advantage, dual eligibles, and hospital discharge planning. Members said they want better data on how many Medicaid members are in Medicare Advantage plans and whether those plans shift costs back to Medicaid or affect access to care, especially for complex-care patients. Staff noted DSS does have some Medicare Advantage indicators and that CMS is developing encounter-data rules for states. Kathy Holt and others raised concerns about denials, nursing home stays, and the need to compare Medicaid spending for dual eligibles in Medicare Advantage versus traditional Medicare. The meeting ended with plans for follow-up data sharing, including Alex Rigger’s slides, the diabetes caucus materials, and a future discussion with DSS and other agencies; no formal votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:37.560><c> and</c> motans will receive primary care and motans will receive primary care and
• </c> premature baby who has an intensive care premature baby who has an intensive care stay<00:06:52.280
• </c><00:35:08.520><c> and</c> Bentley Graves um the health care and Bentley Graves um the health care
• Care, but affordable child care, housing, and other needs.
• care for providers higher uncompensated care for providers higher insurance<00:55:19.200><c> rates</

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Second, with regard to provisions of necessary services to those individuals who would need that care
• An ALF must obtain a memory care services license if the ALF serves one or more memory care residents
• funds directed to reduce the waiting list for low-income early child care services.
• Early child care services. That is the amendment, Madam Chair.
• A bill to be entitled and act relating to child care and early learning services.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, introductions, and a moment of silence honoring service members killed in the conflict in Iran, including Florida native Captain Cody Cork. The chamber then moved through a special order calendar, taking up several bills on education, public safety, insurance, health, and local government policy. Many measures were accompanied by sponsor explanations and supportive remarks from members, often emphasizing constituent impacts, public safety, and administrative efficiency. The first major bill, SB 1062 on speech and debate education, was expanded through a delete-all amendment and passed 37-0 after extensive floor debate praising debate programs as a civic and educational tool. SB 1072 created an anti-Semitism task force in the Attorney General’s Office; an amendment clarified that criticism of Israel is not prohibited, and the bill passed 37-0. SB 1230/HB 1019 addressed PFAS “forever chemicals,” especially in firefighting foam, with phase-outs, testing, enforcement, and exceptions for certain federal, military, and emergency uses; it also passed 37-0 and was dedicated in memory of former firefighter Joe Casello. SB 1706 expanded the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program with tighter eligibility rules, and SB 186 required broader seizure-response training and seizure action plans in schools; both passed unanimously. The Senate also approved SB 598 updating funeral and cemetery regulation, SB 990 authorizing protected cell captive insurance companies, SB 554 modernizing nonprofit corporation law, SB 560 streamlining foster care medication and oversight procedures, SB 684 easing electronic signature requirements for total-loss vehicle and vessel titles, and SB 778 revising forensic client services for certain defendants with intellectual disabilities or autism. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including SB 432, SB 928, and SB 620. Most of these measures passed by votes of 36-0 or 37-0 after brief debate or no debate. The most contentious item was SB 1134 on official actions of local governments related to DEI. The sponsor argued the bill would stop taxpayer funding and promotion of discriminatory or indoctrinating DEI practices, citing examples from several counties and cities. Multiple amendments sought to narrow penalties, protect good-faith officials, and preserve local proclamations and observances, including LGBTQ Pride Month and other cultural events, but those amendments were rejected. Debate centered on vagueness, local discretion, and whether the bill would chill legitimate government activity. The transcript cuts off during questioning on the underlying bill, before final disposition is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1323 SD2/HD2 relating to healthcare, uniform health care decisions act, advanced health care directives
• , advanced mental health care directives.
• ><c> directives</c> advanced healthc care directives advanced healthc care directives advanced<02:22:
• </c> advanced mental health care directives. advanced mental health care directives.
• It basically modernizes our advanced health care directives and mental health care directives that we

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , and ensuring access to critical equipment, services, and Care and ensuring access to critical equipment
• , services, and support.
• , and ensuring access to critical equipment, services, and care and ensuring access to critical equipment
• , services, and support.
• First reading of bills: SB 1235, Health and Human Services; SB 1316, Arizona Health and Human Services

Summary: The Arizona House convened with prayer, the pledge, approval of the March 18, 2026 journal, and the introduction of Doctor of the Day Dr. Bradley Butler. Members also welcomed several guest groups, including carpenters, local officials from Show Low, Down Syndrome Day advocates, and Giffords Courage Fellows. The House read and adopted a proclamation designating March 19, 2026 as ALS Awareness Day, with Representative Selina Bliss introducing ALS Society members and several Arizonans living with ALS to speak to the issue. The chamber then considered House Resolution 2007 honoring the life of Sheila Jean Mattox, also known as Ginger Mattox. The resolution was unanimously adopted, and members observed a moment of silence. Representative Marcus and others offered remarks about Mattox’s community service and her impact in Phoenix’s FQ Story neighborhood, and family and friends were recognized in the gallery and on the floor. The House moved into Committee of the Whole to consider House Bill 2680. The bill received a Commerce Committee amendment and a floor amendment, both adopted without recorded opposition, and the committee then recommended the bill do pass as amended. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole report and referred HB 2680 as amended to engrossing. Later, HB 1004 was withdrawn from the Education Committee and additionally referred to Judiciary. The House also received various Senate messages and committee reports, announced upcoming meetings and caucus events, and adjourned until 1:30 p.m. on Monday, March 23, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then once we find the lineage base and the direct tie to a descendant of a slave, then find services
• You've heard about the urgency, the data crisis, direct services.
• Health care was inadequate and often demeaning.
• In need of mental health care to a prison.
• We should be sending them to the agency that's tasked with providing that care and taking care of folks

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills related to open meeting law, municipal meetings, town meetings, and remote participation. Senator Rausch supported S. 2205 and S. 2206, and House companion H. 3382, saying they would make remote participation in public bodies permanent and streamline open meeting law and public records complaint processes to reduce burdens on local officials. Committee members and the senator discussed concerns about complaints being weaponized, the role of the Attorney General, and whether public testimony should be presumed allowed unless a chair limits it with justification. The senator said the bills do not change public records fees and are meant to improve process and transparency. A large portion of the hearing focused on H. 3342 and S. 2197, which would modernize municipal meetings, town meetings, and local elections by allowing permanent remote or hybrid participation. Supporters included Wayland officials, the Massachusetts Municipal Association, Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, MAPC, MACC, and others, who argued that hybrid and remote options increase participation, help parents, caregivers, people with disabilities, and residents with travel or work constraints, and have worked well during the pandemic-era extensions. Municipal officials emphasized that a mandate would be costly and difficult for smaller communities because of staffing, technology, room design, cybersecurity, and uneven internet access, especially in western Massachusetts. Committee members asked about equal access, funding, and whether local discretion should remain; the chair said the committee wants a permanent solution beyond emergency rules but must balance access with local capacity. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3328, which would allow remote participation to count toward quorum for statewide appointed bodies such as commissions on women and LGBTQ issues. Supporters argued this would improve regional equity and make it easier for people outside Greater Boston to serve, while committee members noted it is a separate issue from municipal meetings and may be easier to address than broader local-government changes. Another bill, H. 4351, was supported by Rep. Brandy Fluker Reed, who described it as creating an Office of Freedmen Affairs to address longstanding racial wealth disparities affecting descendants of enslaved Americans. The hearing also included testimony on H. 3299 from Common Cause and MASSPIRG in favor of guaranteed hybrid access for public meetings with public participation components, with advocates saying it would improve transparency, accessibility, and civic engagement.

Transcript Highlights:

• services.
• And they already had access to the services before, right? The critical incident services?
• So how will the Judicial Council ensure the increase does not impact those direct services?
• For CCHCS on the medical side, the focus was on business services, medical services, and nursing services
• Dwayne Reader, California Correctional Health Care Services: We do concentrate, like our mental health

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of social services in a patient care plan.
• their services toward Network aligns their services toward Health<00:26:13.279><c> Care</c><00:26:14.000
• The intent was to reward PCAs who provide care to service recipients who have the highest care needs
• High needs is care directed particularly High needs is care directed by<00:47:44.760><c> the</c><00:
• /c><00:48:32.760><c> like</c><00:48:33.640><c> we're</c> care services and it was like we're care services

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What percentage of these funds, if approved, will be directed to low-barrier shelter service servicing
• to low barrier approved will be directed to low barrier shelter<00:07:44.639><c> service</c><00:07:45.280
• ><c> servicing</c><00:07:46.000><c> homeless</c> shelter service servicing homeless shelter service servicing
• We're just allowing more health care providers to act to service the insured.
• Currently, the direct and indirect costs of care for the more than 5,000 people living in Hawaii with

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee opened its Health and Human Services calendar, noted quorum, and first took up HB 194. The chair explained amendments to add an exemption for a person invited by a patient to attend a birth outside an accredited birth facility when no compensation is involved, remove a date reference in section 9, and accept Department of Health amendments. Members raised no objections, and the committee voted to pass HB 194 with amendments. The committee then heard HB 139 on insurance, with the Attorney General flagging possible unlawful delegation issues and suggesting clarifying language, while the Insurance Division stood on written testimony. A number of health organizations and advocates, including HMSA, Hawaii Association of Health Plans, oncology and fertility groups, testified in support. HB 613 on homeless youth drew broad support from state agencies, counties, youth advocates, and community groups; testimony emphasized the need for permanent safe spaces and more attention to unaccompanied minors, with one witness asking for clarity on funding and shelter capacity. HB 71 on a tax credit for family caregivers drew support from AARP, Alzheimer’s and children’s advocates, and several individuals, while the Tax Foundation raised concerns about blank provisions and the cost-effectiveness of administering a small credit. The Department of Taxation said a prior version with a $5,000 nonrefundable credit would have cost the general fund about $397.4 million. HB 716 on health care technology support received strong support from SHPDA, OHIN, and many provider groups, who described it as a one-time investment of roughly $20–25 million to connect rural and neighbor island providers to electronic health records; members questioned how the grant program would be allocated. HB 799 on physician hospital privileges also drew mixed testimony: supporters said it would align Hawaii with updated CMS rules and improve access, especially on Maui, while Maui Health and some members worried it could reduce on-call coverage and hospital safety, leading to discussion of a possible report and sunset date.

Transcript Highlights:

• or where exactly people should expect to see expanded services in health care.”
• services and e-consults, and evidence-based care models.
• Funds may not be used for routine operating subsidies, direct patient care reimbursement, or to supplant
• Health care claims are regularly used in health services research and policy analysis.
• , we're championing $15 million for us to continue care-coordinated services.

Keywords: 988, house, all