Transcript Highlights:

• <01:28:14.000> protection give rise to an equal protection give rise to an equal protection
• In plain language, that means Colorado has chosen to follow the Governmental Accounting Standards Board
• c> Standards by the Governmental Accounting Standards by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board
• In plain language, that Board, the GASB.
• governmental accounting standards board governmental accounting standards board rulebook<02:18:44.319

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• funds for the READ Act first equally funds for the READ Act first equally based<00:45:32.160>
• I am a school board member from Richfield over 10 years.
• I am a school board member from Richfield over 10 years.
• I am a school board member from Richfield over 10 years.
• I am a school board member from Richfield over 10 years.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So if Kentucky comes on board, Idaho, a handful of these other states, and we get 31, 32, get into that
• > Idaho,<00:13:58.880> a Kentucky comes on board, Idaho, a Kentucky comes on board, Idaho
• <00:34:56.560> with<00:34:56.720> this saying Kentucky is on board with this saying
• Kentucky is on board with this and<00:34:57.680> then<00:34:58.000> either<00:34:58.320
• <00:49:40.000> representation each state to have equal representation each state to have equal

Keywords: Concurrent meeting of the House Standing Committee on Elections, Constitutional Amendments, and Intergovernmental Affairs and the House Standing Committee on State Government. Title of video has been shortened due to YouTube length restrictions. Discussion of HCR 45: 00:04:14, 958, all

Summary: The joint meeting of the House Elections, Constitutional Amendments and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee and the House State Government Committee was called to consider House Concurrent Resolution 45, sponsored by Representative Jason Petri. The resolution would support calling for a federal balanced budget amendment through the Article V process. Petri argued that Kentucky’s own constitutional balanced-budget requirement shows the value of fiscal restraint, and he said decades of federal deficit spending and rising debt make a constitutional amendment necessary. Governor Ron DeSantis and Lauren Ends of the National Campaign for a Balanced Budget Amendment also testified in support, emphasizing the growth of federal debt, the risk of a future debt crisis, and the view that Congress is unlikely to solve the problem on its own. Members asked about the mechanics and risks of an Article V convention, including whether the convention’s “sole purpose” language would be enforceable and whether a convention could become a “runaway” process. DeSantis and Ends said states can impose guardrails on delegates, including criminal penalties and delegate-limitation laws, and noted that any proposed amendment would still require ratification by 38 states. They also said that if Congress chose to draft the amendment itself in response to state pressure, that would be acceptable. One witness said 18 states have passed faithful-delegate or delegate-limitation laws. Representative Callaway asked what would happen if the debt issue is not addressed. Witnesses responded that continued borrowing could lead to economic dislocation, higher interest costs, and a debt crisis that would crowd out other federal spending. They said the current debt burden is already more than $100,000 per U.S. citizen and roughly $300,000 per taxpayer, and that a balanced budget amendment would be a first step toward stopping the growth of debt before any long-term paydown could occur. The transcript provided does not show a final vote or other committee action on the resolution.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:10:40.800> to low-income families deserve equality to low-income families deserve equality
• In Detroit Lakes, I was elected to the board of the Mata Food Co-op grocery store, where I serve as board
• In Detroit Lakes, I was elected to the board of the Mata Food Co-op grocery store, where I serve as board
• We're served on the board at Mata Food Co-op.
• We're served on the board at Mata Food Co-op.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:26:55.120> to<00:26:55.360> what that we spend less than or equal to what that
• Um, we talked about um questions came up about room and board.
• Um, we talked about um questions came up about room and board.
• Um the the the rates cover and board.
• That is across the board.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first heard brief presentations on Kentucky’s 2025 Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant and Title V Maternal and Child Health Block Grant. Department for Public Health staff explained that the preventive health block grant provides about $2.3 million annually and supports programs such as accreditation and performance improvement, local health department grants, community health workers, prescription assistance, asthma and COPD programs, workforce development, and a sexual assault programs set-aside. They said the Title V block grant provides about $11.7 million, with 35% directed to children and youth with special health care needs and 65% to maternal and child health populations, largely through local health departments and a five-year needs assessment process. After no questions, a motion was made and seconded to approve both block grants. The roll call vote passed 19-0, and the two block grants were approved. The committee then approved the minutes from the prior meeting. The next item was a discussion of the child waiver created in House Bill 6. Committee members raised concerns that the proposed 1915(c) waiver did not match the legislature’s intent, which they said was to move children from the Michelle P. waiver to free slots for adults. Cabinet officials from DCBS, behavioral health, and Medicaid described the proposed “Community Health for Improved Lives and Development” waiver as a targeted home- and community-based program for children under 21 with severe behavioral health or developmental needs, including those stepping down from inpatient or residential care or at risk of out-of-home placement. They said the waiver is designed for about 100 slots, uses a standardized needs-based assessment, and includes case management, community living supports, home modifications, respite, supervised residential care, and clinical therapeutic services. Officials said the public comment period ended July 15, responses are being compiled for August submission to CMS, and the waiver is part of the broader Families First initiative.

Transcript Highlights:

• We found our Medicaid program across the board is riddled with inefficiencies and flawed processes, is
• is riddled with inefficiencies and board is riddled with inefficiencies and flawed<00:11:18.240>
• Speaker, before I make a motion for the passage, I'm looking at the board.
• of the Medicaid oversight advisory board of the Medicaid oversight advisory board in<00:27:42.159
• The Medicaid Oversight Board has gone through a lot of deliberation and discussions in this bill.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House convened with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum, excused absent members, suspended rules to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications, and approved the journal from February 26, 2026. The clerk then reported several bills on second reading, including measures on state personnel, domestic violence, fish and wildlife resources, open records, workforce investment, data centers, guardians ad litem and domestic relations, along with Senate Concurrent Resolution 9 on a Medicaid pilot feasibility study and Senate Joint Resolution 23 declaring Kentucky a “food is medicine” state. The main floor business was House Bill 2, the Medicaid reform and appropriation bill. The sponsor described it as a response to rising Medicaid costs and federal changes, saying it would improve transparency, oversight, fraud prevention, and program operations. He said the bill would apply mainly to the Medicaid expansion population and include community engagement, cost-sharing, eligibility safeguards, stronger managed care oversight, transportation and dental delivery changes, waiver program prioritization, greater legislative access to CHFS data, a transparency dashboard, periodic auditor review, and limits on certain weight-management drug coverage. A House committee substitute was adopted, and a floor amendment on phasing in a marginal medical loss ratio requirement over four years was offered as a friendly amendment and adopted. The House then debated House Floor Amendment 1, which would have removed state-mandated co-payments and limited cost sharing to the federal minimum, while also prohibiting reporting medical debt to credit agencies. Supporters argued the amendment would protect low-income Kentuckians from barriers to care and prevent medical debt from worsening poverty. Opponents said the bill’s co-pays were intended to encourage appropriate use of care, especially to reduce non-emergency emergency room visits, and noted that providers and MCOs could waive or work around some charges. After a roll call vote, the amendment failed 20-39. After the amendment vote, the House continued discussion of the bill, with the sponsor defending the co-payment structure as a way to promote personal responsibility and sustainability while preserving access to primary care. The transcript ends during further debate on House Bill 2, and no final passage vote is shown in the provided excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• The joint resolution shall be debatable for one hour, equally divided and controlled by the chair and
• divided and controlled by hour, equally divided and controlled by the<00:10:42.560> chair<00:
• debate equally divided and controlled<00:13:00.160> by<00:13:00.320> the<00:13:00.480>
• divided and controlled by the equally divided and controlled by the chairman<00:13:16.959> and
• > it<03:22:19.520> gives<03:22:19.680> the equally as important, it gives the equally

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Secretary Zurrex, with the Oklahoma State Election Board.
• Again, I am Paul Zerris, Secretary of the State Election Board.
• Yes, sir, so the State Election Board is a constitutional agency.
• Our board itself, which is a three-member board with two alternate members, does perform important functions
• Our board appoints and has the authority to remove county election board secretaries and board members

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and Medicare, and growing the Congressional mama caucus, as well as, of course, ensuring quality, equality
• Trustees<00:22:56.880> awarded<00:22:57.320> him<00:22:57.640> professor Board
• of Trustees awarded him professor Board of Trustees awarded him professor Amer<00:22:58.840> status
• The bill shall be debatable for one hour, equally divided and controlled by the Majority Leader and the
• The bill shall be debatable for one hour, equally divided and controlled by the Majority Leader and the

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm currently chairman of the oil fund disbursement board in New Hampshire.
• <02:11:19.800> that uh I serve on two nonprofit boards that uh I serve on two nonprofit boards
• They'll say what it's properly presented by either the school board or a nonprofit comes in.
• I did go—when I saw the LBA, I did ask him, how do I get up to student aid being equal to $8,000?
• I did go—when I saw the LBA, I did ask him, how do I get up to student aid being equal to $8,000?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The public hearing focused on HB 290, which would raise cigarette and e-cigarette/vaping taxes and create a committee to study tobacco and nicotine tax policy. Representative Jerry Stringham introduced the bill as both a public health and revenue measure, arguing that nicotine use causes health harms and public costs, and that New Hampshire’s cigarette tax has been unchanged at $1.78 per pack since 2013. He said the bill would raise the cigarette tax by $1 per pack to $2.78, still below most New England states, and would also adjust vaping taxes, which he described as having been set as placeholder rates in 2019. He said the bill would also establish a study committee to review broader tobacco and nicotine taxation, including products such as premium cigars. In response to questions, Stringham said the proposed cigarette tax would be roughly equal in real dollars to the 2008 rate after inflation, and he suggested that a smaller annual increase could be considered, though he believed a larger increase would have a stronger public health effect. He explained that the vaping tax structure differs between closed and open systems because one taxes a fixed hardware product while the other taxes reusable liquid, and he said the proposal would move the rates toward a more uniform approach. He also said New Hampshire would remain below neighboring states even after the increase, though members raised concerns about cross-border shopping, business impacts, and preserving the state’s competitive advantage. Several members questioned whether the bill’s main purpose was revenue or reducing smoking and vaping. Stringham said he viewed it primarily as a public health bill, but also as a revenue measure, and said he would consider it successful even if consumption fell enough to reduce revenue. Other members emphasized personal freedom and argued the committee should focus on taxation rather than cessation, while some supported the bill as a way to capture revenue from out-of-state buyers and keep New Hampshire’s rates below surrounding states. The hearing consisted of testimony and questions only; no vote or final action was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a board certified family physician.
• The Board of Behavioral Sciences and the Board of Psychology.
• Thank you chair Ashby and thank you to the Board of Psychology and Board of Behavioral Sciences their
• the majority of the other boards that are similar to them.
• The board has taken a support position on the prior versions of this bill and I anticipate the board

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ability of these students to transfer and obtain four-year degrees, we are not just talking about an equal
• State law further requires the governing boards of the UC and the CSU to coordinate and collaborate as
• That seems like something that we need to address across the board.
• That seems like something that we need to address across the board.
• And so when transfer is confusing, uneven, or delayed, the burden doesn't fall equally.

Summary: The committee held an oversight hearing on a state audit examining California’s community college transfer process and whether streamlining it could improve access to bachelor’s degrees. Opening remarks from legislators emphasized that California’s transfer system is central to equity and workforce development, but that only about one in five transfer-intending community college students complete a transfer within four years. Members highlighted disparities by race, region, campus, and major, and pointed to confusion created by differing requirements across the UC, CSU, and community college systems, including limits and inconsistencies in the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT), TAG, and major-specific prerequisites. State Auditor’s staff said the audit found that while UC and CSU systemwide enroll more transfer students than the Master Plan target, individual campuses and high-demand STEM programs often do not. The audit identified barriers including unclear and varying course requirements, limited counseling and education plans, insufficient counselor staffing at some campuses, and weak equity plans. It also found that many students never even apply because they do not accumulate enough units or cannot navigate the process. The auditor described examples where transfer students with strong preparation were denied at selective campuses and noted that articulation alignment across systems remains limited. Representatives from UC, CSU, and the Community Colleges responded that transfer remains a top priority and described ongoing reforms. UC cited a new public dashboard, data-sharing agreements, new transfer pathways, and an ADT pilot at UCLA, while saying campus-level capacity and program differences limit how much can be standardized from the system office. CSU said it admits more than 90% of eligible transfer applicants, is expanding transfer planning tools and direct outreach, and is implementing SB 640’s Transfer Success Pathway Program. Community Colleges said transfer reform must focus on clearer credit mobility, more consistent articulation, and broader ADT adoption. Members pressed the systems on inconsistent major requirements, the need for better coordination, and whether campuses are fully prioritizing transfer students; no votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Natural Resources, Historical Society, and the Capital Area Architectural and Planning Board
• the Capital Area Architectural and and the Capital Area Architectural and Planning<00:01:02.960> Board
• c> what<00:01:04.199> we're<00:01:04.320> doing<00:01:04.640> is Planning Board
• And what we're doing is Planning Board.
• Those are going to be equally necessary to allow any application or comfort that we can spend those dollars

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think good process equals good policy. And with that, I am a yes today. Chairman Biasiucci? Yes.
• I think there's no doubt we have to make some changes, right, to conformity, have some kind of equal
• Justice Stands is a small group of attorneys who are board certified in practicing DUI law, and I am
• Chairman, I can't seem to be on board with the color of this. And with that, I vote aye.
• Powell, you don't know this, but every single member of this board works extremely hard to get a bill

Bills: HB2127, HB2257, HB2305, HB2573, HB2772, HB2941, HB2957

Keywords: special license plates, transportation, funding, nonprofits, charitable contributions, boating, watercraft licensing, law enforcement, safety fund, state funding, Arizona Revised Statutes, towing regulation, private towing carriers, vehicle impound, towing rates, preemption, DUI, ignition interlock, substance abuse treatment, driving privileges

Transcript Highlights:

• I am the legislative chair on the statewide board for Florida UShine and the president of the Jacksonville
• So, unfortunately, we need more beds for more help, but I can tell you this: this bill equals more help
• They're vetted by Florida, work in approved facilities, are supervised, insured, and subject to board
• demonstrate acupuncture procedures at continuing education courses that are approved by the Florida Board
• It adds two members to the Parkinson's Disease Research Board, one appointed by the President of the

Transcript Highlights:

• colleagues in the other manufacturing sectors that produce the same equipment that they need to get on board
• weekend as I led my peers through brainstorming and decision-making during our Florida 4-H executive board
• Because camp is where I personally flourished, and now as an alum and on the board, where I see youth
• have a $5 million university PICO request for this project that is ranked highly on the University Board
• presumably the most recognized component of agricultural education, but additional components are equally

Bills: S0806

Keywords: right to repair, repairability, consumer repair, independent repair provider, authorized repair provider, portable wireless device, smartphone repair, cell phone repair, mobile device, agricultural equipment, farm equipment, tractor, combine, diagnostic information, repair manuals, parts availability, tools, embedded software, firmware, security module

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture took up SB 806, a consumer and agricultural equipment right-to-repair bill sponsored by Senator Truenow. The bill was described as expanding repair options for portable wireless devices and farm equipment while protecting trade secrets. Two amendments were adopted: one clarified that portable devices do not include motor vehicles, and another was a technical staff amendment. Testimony included support for the general goal of repair access, but opposition from a John Deere dealership representative, who warned the bill could weaken local dealer support, reduce parts inventory, increase downtime, and create emissions-compliance risks. The Consumer Technology Association also opposed the bill in its current form, citing concerns about a patchwork of state laws, a private right of action against manufacturers, and inconsistencies with other states’ repair laws. After closing remarks from Senator Truenow, the committee voted to report CS for SB 806 favorably. The committee then heard a presentation from Florida 4-H state officers and alumni, who highlighted 4-H’s role in youth development, leadership, agriculture, STEM, and healthy living. They described statewide participation of more than 216,000 youth, the impact of camps and hands-on programs, and efforts to raise funds for facility improvements, including Camp Cherry Lake and Camp Timpoochee. Members asked about how youth discover 4-H, what drives participation, and the organization’s growth goals, including reaching 300,000 youth. Next, Florida FFA state officers presented on agricultural education and FFA’s role in preparing students for careers in agriculture and related fields. They emphasized the three-part model of classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience, and FFA leadership activities, and noted Florida’s membership growth to more than 65,000 students, supported by state funding that allows all agricultural education students to participate at no cost. Members discussed the need for technology and AI to help meet future food-production demands, and the presenters stressed innovation, urban agriculture, and efficiency as key to feeding a growing population. The meeting concluded with general comments of support and a request for a group photo with the students.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm board certified in family law from Denton, Texas, and I'm here for the Texas Family Law Foundation
• Like many of my colleagues here today, I'm a board-certified family law attorney in the state of Texas
• We give equal rights, which has been very helpful. Years ago, Henderson v.
• their staffs, each witness, and the folks, the sergeant-at-arms, and the folks at the Preservation Board
• that got that squeaking door taking care of sergeant-at-arms and the folks at the preservation board

Bills: SB387, SB1650, SB1838, SB1839, SB1923, SB1940, SB2052

Keywords: judicial bond, guardianship, probate law, county judge, statutory county court, attorney general, criminal prosecution, public order, law enforcement, jurisdiction, attorney ad litem, parent-child relationship, compensation, legal representation, government entity, probate, court proceedings, record delivery, wills, legal documentation

Summary: The Senate Committee on Jurisprudence heard several family-law and probate bills. Senate Bill 2052 would codify a rebuttable presumption that a parent acts in the best interest of a child and require clear and convincing evidence to overcome that presumption in disputes involving non-parents; the author and several witnesses supported the bill as a clarification of existing case law, while one witness suggested refining the modification language. Public testimony was closed and the bill was left pending. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1923, which would allow child support to follow a child placed temporarily with kin or fictive kin under a parental child safety placement or authorization agreement; the bill’s author and a grandparent caregiver testified in support, while one witness suggested the Attorney General could handle the change administratively. That bill was also left pending. Senate Bill 1838 would standardize fee schedules and compensation rules for attorneys ad litem and related court-appointed counsel in DFPS child-protection cases. The author said the bill would clarify unclear current law, and witnesses from the Texas Indigent Defense Commission and family-defense bar supported it, though one asked that expert-witness expenses be expressly included. Senate Bill 387 would raise the bond requirement for county judges handling guardianship proceedings to at least $500,000; the author described it as a refiling of a prior bill that passed unanimously but was vetoed, and a statutory probate judge testified in support. Senate Bill 1839 would require original or paper wills to be delivered to the transferee court when probate proceedings are transferred; the committee substitute broadened the delivery methods, and the district clerk witness supported the change. All three bills were left pending. The committee also took up Senate Bill 1536, which had previously been voted out with the wrong committee substitute; members reconsidered the vote, adopted the corrected substitute, and then voted 3-0 to report the bill favorably to the full Senate, with local and contested calendar certification. Finally, Senate Bill 1940 would create a transfer-on-death mechanism for manufactured homes classified as personal property, similar to existing tools for real property and vehicles; the author and an estate-planning attorney testified that it would streamline transfers and reduce probate costs. A non-substantive committee substitute was still being prepared, and the bill was left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:29:38.799> So be responsive across the board. So be responsive across the board.
• our Hawaii Labor Relations Board our Hawaii Labor Relations Board Chairman,<00:45:40.400> uh<
• and our Hawaii Retirement Savings Board and our Hawaii Retirement Savings Board uh<00:45:46.880>
• considered at the February board considered at the February board meeting. meeting. meeting.
• the board the board >> the<02:22:05.200> board<02:22:05.840> that<02:22:06.000

Bills: SB1, SB4, SB6, SB9, SB16, SB17, SB20, SB22, SB28, SB29, SB36, SB41, SB45, SB77, SB85, SB87, SB96, SB98, SB110, SB126, SB139, SB143, SB164, SB167, SB171, SB186, SB188, SB195, SB197, SB198, SB204, SB205, SB206, SB207, SB209, SB210, SB211, SB217, SB219, SB220, SB225, SB231, SB237, SB238, SB241, SB244, SB246, SB247, SB272, SB294, SB315, SB346, SB364, SB366, SB367, SB386, SB392, SB403, SB415, SB427, SB431, SB437, SB457, SB459, SB469, SB471, SB478, SB484, SB489, SB502, SB503, SB507, SB508, SB510, SB516, SB517, SB518, SB519, SB521, SB535, SB543, SB550, SB564, SB568, SB570, SB575, SB577, SB578, SB590, SB607, SB616, SB621, SB634, SB644, SB647, SB649, SB652, SB655, SB656, SB663

Keywords: agricultural lands, foreign ownership, state agriculture policy, real estate regulation, land conservation, SB4, Royal Mausoleum, Mauna Ala, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, OHA, Department of Land and Natural Resources, DLNR, stewardship, Hawaiian affairs, cemetery, burial site, ancestral remains, cultural preservation, state land management, agency transfer

Transcript Highlights:

• On October 1, 2024, the Hennepin County Board passed a resolution directing our county administration
• The Youth Services Coordinating Board will continue its work building on implementing the findings of
• <00:08:37.120> to youth services Coordinating Board to youth services Coordinating Board to
• <00:08:39.320> will oversee the work the board will oversee the work the board will initially
• um in the A1 um put the tribes on equal um in the A1 um put the tribes on equal footing<01:13:11.600

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:05.039> of officer for the Hawaii board of officer for the Hawaii board of dentistry
• At this time, the board has dentistry.
• <00:27:22.720> of executive officer to the board of executive officer to the board of pharmacy
• <00:36:12.720> is mis misunderstanding, but the board is mis misunderstanding, but the board
• So, the Queen's board has updates.

Bills: SB2275, SB2390, SB2540, SB3142, SB2414, SB2340, SB2848

Keywords: Medicaid, disability, buy-in program, workers with disabilities, income eligibility, premium structure, biomarker testing, health insurance, medical coverage, state law, health maintenance organization, juvenile justice, youth penalties, minors, court fees, court costs, fines, surcharges, restitution, fee waiver

Summary: The House Committee on Health heard testimony on a series of bills related to public health, pharmacy regulation, disability access, and health care infrastructure. HB 1535, creating an income tax credit for automated external defibrillator installations, drew support from the Department of Health, tax department comments, and public testimony emphasizing AED access in community and transit settings. HB 1765, requiring safety warnings for spear fishing gear, received comments from DLNR and strong support from a free-diving safety advocate who described blackout risks and argued for point-of-sale warnings. HB 1549, which would repeal the law prohibiting drug paraphernalia, drew mixed testimony: the Department of Health, the Public Defender, and harm-reduction advocates supported repeal as a public health measure, while HPD and a county prosecutor opposed it, warning it could encourage drug use and create public safety issues. The committee also heard HB 1550, which would exclude drug testing products from the definition of drug paraphernalia. The Department of Health and harm-reduction advocates supported the bill, saying drug checking tools save lives and help prevent overdoses, while one written opponent was noted. HB 1995, allowing people who are blind or deaf to receive disabled parking permits, drew opposition from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Disability and Communication Access Board, and other opponents, while a few written supporters were also noted. HB 1671, allowing licensed dental hygienists to place interim therapeutic restorations in public health settings, received support from the Department of Health and several oral health organizations, with the Board of Dentistry offering comments. HB 1643, establishing a framework for pharmacy audits and record retrieval, prompted the most extended discussion. The Board of Pharmacy and independent pharmacy representatives supported the bill as a needed framework to limit burdensome audits and protect patient care, while HMSA raised concerns about possible conflicts with upcoming federal PBM reforms and potential unintended consequences. Committee members questioned both sides about timing and workload, and supporters argued the bill was needed now to protect rural and independent pharmacies. Finally, HB 1978, appropriating funds for a new outpatient care center in North Kona, received strong support from Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, Queen’s Health Systems, the Kona-Kohala Chamber, and others, who described it as a long-term investment in West Hawaii’s health care capacity and economy. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.