Transcript Highlights:

• We will lay this back to our next scheduled meeting, at which time, if Mrs.
• "Um, and when is our next scheduled meeting?"
• </c><01:30:57.199><c> is</c><01:30:57.360><c> our</c><01:30:57.600><c> next</c><01:30:57.840><c> scheduled
• </c> &gt;&gt; Um and when is our next scheduled &gt;&gt; Um and when is our next scheduled meeting?
• Vice Chair, we haven't scheduled it yet because we don't have any bills." "Okay."

Bills: HB0150

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: Wyoming business council, economic development, task force, evaluation, policy reform, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• disconnected, in the event of network failure, it may be necessary to reschedule the hearing or schedule
• reschedule<00:08:22.319><c> the</c><00:08:22.479><c> hearing</c><00:08:22.800><c> or</c><00:08:23.039><c> schedule
• </c><00:08:23.360><c> a</c> reschedule the hearing or schedule a reschedule the hearing or schedule a
• hearing<00:08:24.160><c> uh</c><00:08:24.319><c> schedule</c><00:08:24.560><c> a</c><00:08:24.800><c
• > meeting</c><00:08:24.960><c> for</c> hearing uh schedule a meeting for hearing uh schedule a meeting

Bills: HB1991 , HB1776 , HB1897 , HB1900

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Keywords: liquor tax, alcohol, inflation adjustment, small craft breweries, public health, tenant rights, housing stability, landlord-tenant code, eviction prevention, multilingual resources, condominium, dispute resolution, mediation, arbitration, attorneys' fees, common expenses, construction defects, building code, statute of repose, statute of limitations

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1991, which would change Hawaii’s liquor excise tax structure to an ABV-based system. The Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii took no position and stood on written comments. Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and an individual testifier who described surviving a drunk-driving crash, argued that higher alcohol taxes reduce alcohol-related harms, save lives, and generate additional state revenue. The public health witness cited alcohol-related harms as a major preventable cause of death and said the tax increase would have only a small annual cost for most consumers. Most industry testimony was in opposition. Representatives of Lanikai Brewing Company, Maui Brewing Company, the Wine Institute, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association said the bill would sharply raise taxes on beer and wine, squeeze already thin margins, and threaten local jobs and businesses. They argued Hawaii producers already face high costs for labor, energy, shipping, and compliance, and said an ABV-based tax would be difficult to administer, would require additional testing and labeling work, and could reduce consumer choice. Several industry witnesses urged lawmakers to instead adopt a small-producer or class 18 carveout, with one suggesting a cap tied to 60,000 barrels. Committee members questioned the brewers about alcohol content testing, labeling, and whether smaller producers already measure ABV. Witnesses said many local producers do not certify ABV for in-state sales, that yeast and fermentation can vary by batch, and that an ABV-based system could require more testing than current practice. No vote or final action on the bill was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The publication dates are according to the EFA disbursement schedule, and it's approximately four times
• The publication dates are according to the EFA disbursement schedule, and it's approximately four times
• The publication dates are according to the EFA disbursement schedule, and it's approximately four times
• The publication dates are according to the EFA disbursement schedule, and it's approximately four times
• public schools should be eligible for the same percentage of eligible construction costs and the same schedule

Committee: House Education Policy and Administration

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard HB 1334, which would remove the Education Freedom Account scholarship organization’s authority to approve “any other educational expense” under the EFA statute. The prime sponsor, Representative Porchelli, said the bill would narrow the law to the specifically listed qualifying expenses, avoid broad interpretation, and shift any questions to the Department of Education or the legislative oversight committee. In response to questions, she said she did not think the open-ended category had been needed and that the statute already clearly lists allowable expenses. A representative of the Children’s Scholarship Fund testified in opposition, saying the category is used rarely but is important for unusual cases, especially students with special needs, and that removing it could create unintended consequences. After testimony, the chair closed the hearing on HB 1334. The committee then heard HB 1513, which would move several EFA reporting and oversight requirements from administrative rules and the contract with the Children’s Scholarship Fund into statute. Representative Porchelli said the bill would consolidate existing requirements on timely responses to oversight requests, publication of expense reports by category and provider, and transmission of eligibility and enrollment data to the Department of Education. She described the bill as mostly a clarification and transparency measure rather than a substantive policy change. Members asked about the meaning of “timely access,” the 45-day deadline, whether the contract already covered these duties, and whether the scholarship organization had ever failed to comply. The Children’s Scholarship Fund said it had generally met the 45-day deadline, had not knowingly refused information requests, and that the quarterly reporting requirement could add cost; the sponsor said the DOE had provided guidance and was neutral. The hearing on HB 1513 was then closed. Finally, the committee heard HB 1256, which would repeal the state librarian’s authority to award scholarships for graduate library school attendance at American Library Association-accredited schools. Representative Drago said the law was unnecessary because the state does not currently have a state librarian, scholarships are not typically granted by statute, and he objected to the ALA accreditation requirement and what he described as the association’s political advocacy. In questions, he clarified that the bill targets the accreditation requirement rather than a specific school and said he did not think the state should direct taxpayer-funded scholarships toward ALA-accredited programs. A member raised First Amendment concerns, but the sponsor said the issue was not speech itself, only the use of taxpayer dollars and state law to support that direction. The transcript cuts off before any vote or final action on HB 1256.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a short break scheduled, so we're pretty much on track.
• The schedule here details the appropriations, transfers, and other allocations that are specifically
• So let's take a 10-minute break, and then when we come back, we have two presentations scheduled yet.
• The presentations scheduled yet.
• So otherwise they're consistent in their payments to us, and there's a long-term payment schedule that

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first reviewed the 2024-25 tuition waiver report for the North Dakota University System. Staff explained that waivers were reported for degree-seeking students and broken out by residency, institution, and waiver type. Members asked about partial versus full waivers, institutional discretion, athletic waivers, and whether campuses have published guardrails or transparency requirements. Staff said most waivers are set by institutions, with some statutory and board-required categories, and that athletic waivers are a small share of total waiver dollars. The report showed total gross tuition of $354.5 million, tuition waived of $38.9 million, and 11,193 of 42,040 students receiving some waiver. Members also discussed how waivers affect net tuition revenue, housing and food collections, and whether campuses are using waivers strategically compared with scholarships and other funding sources. The committee then heard a presentation on tuition rates by campus and State Board policy. Staff explained the board’s tuition factors for resident, Minnesota reciprocity, contiguous-state/U.S. nonresident, and international students, and noted that campuses often seek exceptions based on program-specific competition and enrollment goals. Members asked whether rates are based on cost or competition, and staff said campuses typically bring forward estimates and market comparisons when requesting special rates. The presentation also reviewed general fund appropriations versus net tuition revenue by campus, and members discussed how local tuition decisions and waivers do not directly affect the state funding formula, though they do affect institutional revenue and reserves. Questions were also raised about the Higher Learning Commission’s financial composite indicator and how it differs from the more intuitive reserve and revenue figures. The committee next received a broad overview of non-higher-education entities affiliated with the State Board of Higher Education, beginning with NDSU agriculture-related units. Dr. Greg Lardy described the State Board of Agricultural Research and Education, the NDSU Extension Service, the Agricultural Experiment Station, and the branch research centers, emphasizing their statewide role in crop and livestock research, extension education, and county-based outreach. He outlined funding mixes for extension, the experiment station, and branch stations, noting that grants and contracts support both research and education, while the agronomy seed farm is self-funded through seed sales. Members asked about the new and vacant FTE pool, R1 research status, matching requirements for grants, and whether state appropriations count toward research expenditures. Dr. Lardy also highlighted major research impacts, including crop varieties, virtual fencing, AI-assisted weed control, and NDAWN weather data. The Northern Crops Institute and the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute also presented. NCI described its role in market development, technical services, and education for regional agriculture, its governance through the Northern Crops Council, and its funding from state appropriations, other states, and earned revenue. Members asked about the source of out-of-state funding, intellectual property, and the institute’s international reach. UGPTI then outlined its transportation research, federal and state funding structure, and work on road and bridge condition assessments, travel demand modeling, and workforce training. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I would like the next scheduled meeting is in two weeks, and what I envision to occur on that day
• Do we want to schedule another meeting for next week? How do we want to move forward?
• I'm going to schedule another meeting for next week so we can work through some of these issues.
• I'm going to schedule<01:43:53.199><c> another</c><01:43:53.520><c> meeting</c><01:43:53.760><c> for<
• /c><01:43:54.000><c> next</c><01:43:54.239><c> week</c> schedule another meeting for next week schedule

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe it's scheduled to be marked up on Wednesday of this week. Okay.
• I believe it's scheduled to be being.
• I believe it's scheduled to be marked<01:31:29.199><c> up</c><01:31:29.760><c> on</c><01:31:30.239><c
• Chairman, I had indicated that that bill was scheduled for 8:00 a.m. It is not.
• It's scheduled at the end of the day. >> End of the day, 4 p.m.

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that, upon request, DEP or the water management district can modify a permittee's credit release schedule
• Upon request, DEP or the water management district can modify a permittee's credit release schedule.
• in their area, the pediatricians will not see their kid if they deviate at all from the vaccine schedule
• From the CDC's vaccine schedule.
• for a shift when a co-worker doesn't show up, how to show up on time, how to be responsible and schedule

Summary: The committee first took up CS/SB 1606 on patient access to records. The sponsor explained that the bill, as amended, would align Florida law more closely with HIPAA by defining “designated record set,” requiring providers to furnish requested records within set timeframes, allowing a limited extension with notice, and requiring records to be produced in the requested form if readily producible. Several members asked about patient portals, legal representatives, and whether the bill affected meaningful-use rules or post-mortem access. Multiple witnesses opposed the bill, arguing it could create cybersecurity risks, conflict with existing privacy rules, and burden providers; supporters said it would improve patient access and consistency. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee then considered CS/SB 712 on construction regulations. The bill would direct DEP to establish rules for synthetic turf and limit local governments from banning it if state rules are followed, while also addressing change orders, public works bidding, elevator rails, alarm contractor work, building code updates, spaceport exemptions, permit document limits, and single-trade inspections. Amendments removed the pool and spa contractor provisions and the tall mass timber language. Testimony on the bill centered heavily on the pool industry, with contractors and the Florida Swimming Pool Association opposing expansion of scope to general and building contractors, while some speakers supported other parts of the bill. After adopting the amendments, the committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 1288 on parental rights. The bill would allow minors to be tested for STDs without parental consent but require parental consent for treatment, expand parents’ rights to access records and control certain health decisions, and restrict health care services, medical procedures, and biofeedback devices for minors absent consent or an exception. An amendment moved survey and questionnaire provisions into the education code, added an explicit court-order exception, clarified DNA and biofeedback provisions, and added emergency behavioral health exceptions. The committee heard extensive public testimony both for and against the bill, with supporters emphasizing parental authority and opponents warning it could delay STI treatment, mental health care, and other services for vulnerable minors. The transcript ends during public testimony on the bill, before any final committee action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and those schedules are audited in accordance with our basic financial statement audit as well.
• This year, there were the schedule of expenditures of federal awards had $3.22 billion, and there were
• recent</c><01:07:32.720><c> table</c><01:07:33.119><c> you</c><01:07:33.280><c> get</c> Yes, in the schedule
• </c><01:26:40.880><c> It's</c><01:26:41.120><c> either</c> commissioner is scheduled.
• It's either commissioner is scheduled.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the March 21 minutes and then took up a consent calendar, withdrawing several items before adopting the remainder. It also moved item FIS 25103 to the table by a 6-4 vote after Senator Gray argued the Executive Council had not yet acted on a prior $5 million approval and that the committee should avoid adding to the rainy day fund draw. The committee then approved item 25106 for the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources/State Library after hearing that the department expected about a $400,000 lapse to return to the state. A major discussion centered on New Hampshire Police Standards and Training (item 2577). Senator Gray questioned whether a proposed equipment purchase could be delayed to the next biennium in light of the state’s deficit and rainy day fund use. The agency said the equipment was needed now for scenario training, vendors had already been identified, and delaying would likely increase costs and force continued reliance on unpaid volunteer help. The committee ultimately approved the item. The committee also approved Department of Energy item 2587 after hearing that federal weatherization funds are drawn down on a reimbursement basis, and item 2588 after similar testimony that weatherization work must be completed and inspected before reimbursement, limiting how quickly funds can be expended. Item 250094 had been withdrawn. Later, the committee discussed Senator Carson’s request for an LBA review of the YDC claims settlement fund, with members expressing concern about administrative costs, attorney fees, settlement-loan payoffs, and the need for more detailed reporting. The committee voted to direct LBA to conduct the audit described in Senator Carson’s memo, with the additional request that the review include the term over which attorney fees are paid. The meeting then moved on to an HHS staff item, where members began questioning the timing of dashboard data and reporting delays.

Transcript Highlights:

• the inspection, so cost-wise it varies because all of these private contractors have different fee schedules
• the inspection, so cost-wise it varies because all of these private contractors have different fee schedules
• the inspection, so cost-wise it varies because all of these private contractors have different fee schedules
• 42.080><c> fee</c> private contractors have different fee private contractors have different fee schedules
• and we don't control that but schedules and we don't control that but it's<01:16:46.480><c> estimated

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Agriculture and Environment hearing on January 27, 2025, took up multiple measures, beginning with a proposed constitutional amendment, HB 559, to recognize a right to clean water and air, a healthful environment, climate, native ecosystems, and beaches. The Attorney General’s Office testified with concerns that the amendment’s broad language could create challenges for future legislatures and environmental enforcement, while the Climate Commission and DLNR supported it. Environmental and advocacy groups, including Climate Protectors Hawaii, 350 Hawaii, Greenpeace Hawaii, and others, strongly supported the measure, arguing it would strengthen decision-making and protect Hawaii’s natural resources. Committee members raised questions about how the amendment would interact with existing constitutional protections and recent litigation, and the AG’s office said the proposal could lead to broad judicial interpretation and possible liability issues. The hearing then moved on without a recorded vote on this bill. The committee next heard SB 552, which would establish a healthy soils program in the Department of Agriculture and require annual reporting and funding. The Climate Change Commission supported the bill, and the Department of Agriculture said it stood on its submitted testimony but noted existing commissions and the greenhouse gas sequestration task force already address similar objectives, suggesting SB 552 may duplicate current efforts. Agricultural and environmental advocates, including the Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and others, supported the concept of a consolidated healthy soils program, saying it would better organize existing efforts, improve access for producers, and support conservation practices. The Agribusiness Development Corporation said it would support either DOA or ADC administering the program, and committee discussion focused on implementation, program overlap, and whether the bill should better integrate existing compost reimbursement and related efforts. The final measure discussed in the excerpt was SB 678, which would create an Agricultural Development Food Security Special Fund, dedicate a portion of the environmental response, energy, and food security tax to it, and appropriate funds equal to 3% of the state budget for agriculture. The Department of Agriculture strongly supported the bill, saying the funding would align with its goals and help support farmers and ranchers. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Department of Budget and Finance raised concerns that the proposed special fund may not meet statutory criteria. Farm and industry groups generally supported the measure but suggested changes, including adding uses related to local food sourcing, distribution, and biosecurity. Committee members questioned the scale of the appropriation, noting it could amount to roughly $250 million and a major increase in DOA’s budget, and discussed whether the department could realistically implement such a large program. The hearing ended with testimony counts noted for the measures heard, and the chair indicated the committee would reconvene later for any unfinished business.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I'll have Adrian reach out to you and see if we can schedule for tomorrow.

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, schedule.
• Um, we have then uh been told that the fee schedule should be adopted in statute, and that the Health
• .<00:03:23.760><c> Um</c> schedule.
• Um schedule.
• <00:03:28.080><c> should</c><00:03:28.600><c> be</c> schedule should be schedule should be uh<00:03:29.760

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm going to schedule it for just for purposes of not violating the rules. rather than um substantive
• And<01:15:01.199><c> I'm</c><01:15:01.440><c> going</c><01:15:01.520><c> to</c><01:15:01.760><c> schedule
• </c><01:15:02.080><c> it</c><01:15:02.400><c> for</c><01:15:03.679><c> um</c> And I'm going to schedule
• it for um And I'm going to schedule it for um just<01:15:05.920><c> for</c><01:15:06.159><c> purposes
• That's not the same thing as knowing that the conversation has been scheduled and has happened, or indeed

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They have to schedule it.
• They have to schedule<00:15:24.560><c> it.
• And don't forget this this schedule it.
• We will schedule this for next Tuesday at 10:00, and depending on how much more information we get, it
• </c> weren't originally the person scheduled weren't originally the person scheduled to<03:24:26.080>

Committee: House Public Works and Highways

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The one thing that he did, he didn't worry about school bus schedules or discipline.
• </c><00:18:32.720><c> The</c><00:18:32.960><c> only</c> schedules or or discipline.
• The only schedules or or discipline.
• That is prioritized in all of their schedules.
• There being no further business, the meeting is adjourned. is scheduled for Wednesday, October is scheduled

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting focused on Kentucky school choice and innovation, with discussion of the state constitution’s “common schools” requirement and how that has been interpreted alongside newer education models. Chairman Tipton described model laboratory schools, Gatton and Craft Academies, magnet and virtual programs, and said these options show that Kentucky has long expanded opportunity through innovation. He then turned the discussion to Senate Bill 207, which he said was designed to support schools of innovation. Senator Steve West reviewed the history of Kentucky charter schools and explained that SB 207 was modeled on a South Carolina approach. He said the bill allows a local school board to contract with a third-party entity to manage an existing school, seek waivers from certain state rules, and receive SEEK funding while also allowing outside private investment. He emphasized that the district initiates the process, that the school remains public, and that the bill includes accountability through a time-limited contract that can be ended if the school is not performing. Members asked about the difference between SB 207 and the earlier charter school law, whether schools could cherry-pick students, and whether teachers would remain district employees. West and Tipton said the new model is tied to an existing school rather than a new charter, cannot cherry-pick students, and keeps teachers as district employees. Representative Brown raised concerns that charters and exceptions could leave some children out, especially lower-income students, while West responded that the proposal is intended to expand choice for families who may not otherwise have it and cited examples from other states where similar models improved low-performing schools. No vote or formal action was taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• This education funding committee had 14 bills which we did retain this year, and we've tried to schedule
• There is a rotational schedule for capital costs, with funds allocated toward upgrading these centers
• on which funds a rotational schedule on which funds have<00:25:36.080><c> been</c><00:25:36.720><c>
• So, how about if we schedule for the 23rd at 1:00 or is that too soon? >> If I may suggest, Mr.
• So, how about if we schedule for the 23rd at 1:00 or is that too soon? >> I defer to Tim.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee opened its first meeting on retained education funding bills, focusing on HB 366, which concerns school building aid for eligible projects, and HB 295, which would make school building aid program funds non-lapsing. The chair framed the discussion broadly around whether school building aid should remain a state program, how to address limited revenues, and whether the current system should continue to prioritize debt service and the existing formula or move toward a different model such as per-pupil allocations, a dedicated fund, or a split between new construction and renovation. He also raised questions about whether leasing should be included and how to manage any new fund under current law and the school building authority structure. Representatives and department staff discussed the current backlog of applications, the age and condition of school facilities, and the possibility that large projects can consume available funding for a year while other districts go unsupported. Tim Carney of the Bureau of School Facilities introduced himself and provided technical context on the program and current debt levels. Representative Luneau argued that under the ConVal decision, the state’s responsibility includes school buildings, construction, and renovation, and that the program also serves an equity function by helping districts with less property wealth. He noted that construction and renovation have long been recognized categories and asked about leasing, which staff said is already supported in statute for charter schools and possibly CTE, with a cap of 30% of annual lease cost or $50,000. The discussion also covered CTE facilities: staff explained that capital funding for CTE centers is state-funded, that federal Carl Perkins funds cannot be used for construction, and that the current rotational capital model means only a few centers are funded each year, which may not match changing program needs. A committee studying CTE capital needs was referenced, along with concerns that the report from that work had not yet been received. Representative Papich urged the subcommittee to focus on policy, principles, and structure rather than just numbers, saying the current system produces a few winners and many districts that never receive aid. He favored a simpler, more equitable per-capita or formula-based approach, while acknowledging the need for a transition plan for projects already in the pipeline. The chair later cautioned against mixing maintenance and operations with construction and renovation, noting that operation and maintenance are already part of the adequacy formula and should not be confused with capital funding. No votes were taken during the meeting; the discussion was exploratory, with members and staff laying out competing approaches and identifying issues for further work.

Transcript Highlights:

• We had to kind of jam it in and that was my scheduling fault.
• We had to kind of jam it in and that was my scheduling fault.
• </c> jam it in and that was my scheduling jam it in and that was my scheduling fault.<00:56:40.319><c
• ><c> there</c><01:43:02.159><c> is</c><01:43:02.400><c> one</c> scheduled tomorrow and there is one scheduled
• We should lay the bill over and take it up at our scheduled time tomorrow.

Bills: HF2436

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Mr chairman so for the purpose<04:31:15.040><c> of</c><04:31:15.399><c> my</c><04:31:15.720><c> scheduling
• </c><04:31:16.680><c> finance</c> purpose of my scheduling finance purpose of my scheduling finance division
• I'll schedule Finance Division One on the 11th. Thank you.
• We have it scheduled. The other item I don't have scheduled.
• the 12th we do it on the 11th so it's the 12th we have<04:32:36.000><c> it</c><04:32:36.159><c> scheduled

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The executive session focused primarily on HB 563, which revises the school funding formula, especially the adequate education grant amounts for special education students and the treatment of fiscal capacity disparity aid. Representative Ladd moved OTPA on Amendment 06508, explaining that FY 26 would largely hold the current formula steady, while FY 27 would increase several per-pupil amounts, including base cost, free and reduced-price meals, English language learner aid, and special education differentiated aid. He said the special education change was based on estimated case loads across disability categories and that the amendment also reinstates fiscal capacity disparity aid, using a formula intended to better assist property-poor communities. Several members supported the amendment as a step in the right direction, saying it better recognizes special education costs and separates property wealth from low-income student counts. Others raised concerns about the lack of time and the absence of a printed spreadsheet showing how the fiscal capacity disparity aid would affect each town. In response, sponsors said the spreadsheet existed, that the LBA had copies, and that the amendment would help about 40 target towns, while Manchester would be the main community receiving less under the new formula because of prior shifts in the extraordinary needs grant. Discussion also covered the broader impact of the bill, with members noting that about 200 of the state’s 245 cities and towns would see an increase and 45 a decrease under the proposed FY 27 changes. Supporters argued the bill was a compromise given limited revenues and that it should move forward so it can be considered by the full House and then Finance. No final vote on the amendment or bill was taken in the portion provided, and the chair indicated the committee was still deciding whether it had enough information to proceed.

Transcript Highlights:

• makes clear that Delta-8 and its derivatives are properly listed under the controlled substance schedule
• exclude all forms of canono classified exclude all forms of canono classified as<00:30:10.760><c> schedule
• ><c> one</c><00:30:11.559><c> under</c><00:30:11.799><c> the</c><00:30:11.919><c> uniform</c> as schedule
• one under the uniform as schedule one under the uniform Controlled<00:30:13.080><c> Substances</c><00
• thank you thank you very much schedule thank you thank you very much and<00:31:28.880><c> finally</c

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 302, which would repeal the requirement that a provider-patient relationship for medical cannabis certification be established in person first. The Department of Health said it supported the House Draft 2 version as a way to expand patient access, and several testifiers from the medical cannabis community and dispensary industry supported the bill, especially for patients on outer islands or those unable to travel. One witness asked that earlier language removed in committee be restored to further improve access. Representative Shimizu asked whether follow-up in-person visits would still occur, and DOH responded that this varies by provider, with some continuing in-person care and others moving to telehealth for chronic conditions. The committee then took up House Bill 712, relating to the federal 340B drug pricing program and contract pharmacies. The Office of Consumer Protection and the Attorney General’s office both said they supported the bill’s purpose but wanted it clarified and possibly moved into a standalone chapter rather than chapter 481B. Supporters, including Hawaii Pacific Health and the Queen’s Health Systems, said the bill is needed to protect safety-net funding and access to discounted drugs, citing large financial benefits from 340B and losses caused by manufacturer restrictions on contract pharmacies. PhRMA opposed the bill, arguing the issue is not access to discounts but accountability and transparency in how contract pharmacies distribute benefits, and said it was willing to discuss amendments. Members asked follow-up questions about whether there was data showing misuse; PhRMA said it did not have numbers, while hospital witnesses said the program is federally audited and used appropriately in Hawaii. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1482, HD1, which would tighten hemp and controlled-substance definitions to exclude Schedule I cannabinoids from manufactured hemp products and clarify the treatment of artificially derived cannabis. The Department of Health supported the measure, saying it adds clarity to existing prohibitions. Kūre Hawaii and other supporters said it would close loopholes involving Delta-8 and similar products. An individual testifier urged stronger language to also cover compounds such as HHC, THCA, THCP, and THCO. In response to questions about enforcement against mislabeled hemp products, DOH explained that THC percentages are relative to product weight, that some products can remain under the hemp threshold while still containing significant THC, and that hemp flower is already prohibited from direct retail sale, though enforcement can be complicated and involves both administrative and criminal authorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• originally passed in the 2023 legislative session, and benefit payments and premium collection is scheduled
• c><00:04:13.560><c> is</c> payments and premium collection is payments and premium collection is scheduled
• 14.120><c> start</c><00:04:14.280><c> on</c><00:04:14.439><c> January</c><00:04:14.799><c> 1</c> scheduled
• to start on January 1 scheduled to start on January 1 2026<00:04:17.400><c> this</c><00:04:17.919><c
• The hearing was scheduled, I think, on a Friday or something, to be heard of a fiscal note, and then

Bills: HF3

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: legislative auditor, reporting, accountability, state finance, executive agency oversight, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• but I just wanted to, so hopefully I'm not repeating, but um there is an education reform meeting scheduled

Keywords: 926, house, all