Transcript Highlights:

• So we would ask that this working group and the oversight commission support that request, and all those
• </c><00:40:50.000><c> it</c> positions and the governor supported it positions and the governor supported
• to to the and be able to demonstrate to to the legislature,<01:06:54.799><c> at</c><01:06:54.880><c>
• </c><01:07:05.760><c> and</c><01:07:06.000><c> you're</c> time with the right supports and you're time
• with the right supports and you're communicating<01:07:06.880><c> the</c><01:07:07.200><c> needs</c>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The working group convened with all members present, approved the minutes from its October 16, 2025 meeting and its October 28, 2025 Halawa Correctional Facility site visit by unanimous consent, and received no public testimony on the agenda or minutes. The chair then reviewed the statutory timeline under Act 292/SB 104, noting the group continues until January 8, 2027, and discussed required reporting dates and the need to develop a work plan for the remaining meetings. The chair also said the October 16 DCR presentation would be treated as satisfying the group’s interim-report purpose, though the legal reporting obligations to the Legislature and oversight commission still needed to be sorted out. The main discussion focused on DCR’s proposed amendments to Act 292 and the department’s interim report. Director Johnson said the department’s October 16 presentation included recommended statutory amendments because the law, as written, could not be fully complied with; the proposals were described as section-by-section changes intended to address implementation problems. Members discussed several specific issues, including transfer language for higher levels of care, the 2010 MOA with the Department of Health, and replacing “physician” with “clinician” to reflect staffing realities. DCR explained that the change would allow licensed clinicians, including APRNs and doctors of osteopathy, to make decisions when physicians are not on duty, and that the MOA is being updated so transfers can occur from any DCR facility to the state hospital. An OHA staff member gave a detailed critique of the proposed amendments, saying they would weaken Act 292’s intent by reducing procedural protections, expanding exceptions, and relying on aspirational language such as “strive” and “if practicable.” OHA also raised concerns about the lack of baseline data on restrictive housing use and said the department’s report showed serious operational problems, including overcrowded and outdated facilities, limited space for private medical or mental health exams, and the use of suicide/safety cells for people who may not need mental health treatment. DCR responded that it had requested 35 new medical positions in the budget, supported by the governor, and said those positions are needed to meet basic care obligations for people in custody. The group did not take a vote on the proposed amendments. Instead, members agreed to continue the discussion, with the chair saying the reports, settlement tracker, 2010 MOA, and comparison guidelines would be distributed and used as the basis for future work. In the final discussion on work-plan priorities, members identified staffing shortages, physical plant limitations, and the need to examine humane alternatives and implementation challenges as key topics for upcoming meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here testifying this morning in support of, uh, substitute House Bill 2018.
• We support the program, uh, but the current statute has not fully, uh, realized its purpose to enable
• his leadership and support on this legislation.
• I support House Bill 1781.
• Needs accessible to people with disabilities and support broadband access.

Transcript Highlights:

• I just can't support it for those reasons. Thank you. Thank you, Representative.
• We've continued to have support from industry on this movement.
• I'm going to support the motion to send it to the floor.
• As far as the motion, I’m going to support the original motion.
• One, 100% support our veterans. I 100% support veterans. My husband’s a veteran.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 702, which would amend Idaho’s Uniform Commercial Code provisions governing digital securities and entitlement holders. The sponsor and a guest attorney argued the bill would restore investor ownership rights by reversing 1994-era language they said gives priority to banks and clearing institutions if broker-held securities are pledged or fail in a collapse. Members questioned whether the bill was broader than margin accounts, whether it would affect existing brokerage contracts, and whether it was really a state or federal issue. After debate, a motion to send the bill to the floor with a due-pass recommendation failed 8-7, and the committee then voted to hold the bill in committee at the call of the chair. House Bill 562 followed, proposing to extend the notice period for residential and commercial property insurance nonrenewals and cancellations from 30 days to 60 days. The sponsor described the measure as a consumer protection response to rising nonrenewals and cancellations, especially in North Idaho but also in the Treasure Valley, and said it would give policyholders more time to shop for coverage or resolve issues with their current carrier. Members asked about contract impacts and whether the longer notice could discourage insurers from writing policies; the sponsor said insurers generally know in advance when they are leaving a market and that the change should not create major problems. A motion to send the bill to General Orders passed, with discussion of a possible amendment to move the effective date to January 1, 2027. The committee then took up House Bill 585, which would impose 48-hour “shot clocks” for local mechanical, electrical, and plumbing inspections, allow refunds and third-party inspections if deadlines are missed, and require written reasons for failed inspections within three business days. The sponsor and supportive testimony from a third-party inspector and the Idaho Associated General Contractors said the bill would reduce delays, especially in rural areas, and build on last session’s building inspection reforms. The committee moved the bill to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 545, which would create a pathway for certain military chaplains to become licensed professional counselors or licensed clinical professional counselors in Idaho based on their Master of Divinity, military training, chaplaincy experience, and additional clinical pastoral education. The sponsor and the bill’s supporter said chaplains already counsel service members and families on trauma, suicide, and other crises, and that the bill would help address counselor shortages and expand access for veterans. Opponents from the counseling profession argued that MDiv training is not equivalent to CACREP-accredited counseling education, that the bill would bypass important testing and clinical training, and that it could weaken public protections. The committee heard extensive testimony but the transcript ends before showing a final vote on HB 545.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, ma'am, and that's where they do their demonstrations or their experiments.
• I respectfully ask for your support for Senate Bill 2207.
• I'm here to support SB 2207. Like many physicians in tight, I completed my board certification.
• I respectfully ask for your support, and I close.
• Both of you are here on behalf of yourself and you support the bill, is that correct?

Bills: SB2024, SB227, SB268, SB1467, SB1580, HB5537, SB1313, SB1677, SB918, SB331, SB2207, SB2721

Keywords: e-cigarettes, marketing prohibition, youth protection, criminal penalties, public health, school funding, education reform, state budget, property taxes, equity in education, health care, licensing, complaint procedure, disciplinary action, law enforcement, death records, vital statistics, healthcare, trauma facility, Medicaid

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislature can support this by ensuring districts, The legislature can support this by ensuring
• But if the evidence is overwhelmingly supportive...
• I think they need the support.
• Again, we support economic growth.
• I haven't seen any studies from them that support that.

Summary: The committee held a hearing on high-capacity groundwater wells proposed in Anderson, Henderson, and Houston counties, with members framing the issue as one of local water supply, fairness, and the need to modernize groundwater law while protecting private property rights. Opening remarks focused on the scale of the proposed Redtown Ranch and Pine Bliss projects, the potential export of tens of thousands of acre-feet of groundwater annually, and concerns that the applications lacked sufficient technical detail and could harm nearby landowners, cities, agriculture, and manufacturing. Members also noted the broader context of the recent flooding tragedy in central Texas and the Legislature’s intent to address water-related loss of life in the upcoming special session. Witnesses from the Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts and the Texas Water Development Board explained the current groundwater management framework. They described groundwater conservation districts as the state’s preferred management method, the role of groundwater management areas and desired future conditions, and how the Water Development Board uses those conditions to calculate modeled available groundwater. They emphasized that districts rely on local data, monitoring wells, and planning processes, but that information is often more limited in areas without a district, where the rule of capture applies. Members pressed witnesses on recharge rates, export permits, subsidence, the effect of pumping on nearby wells, the age and real-time availability of model data, and whether the proposed project would exceed modeled available groundwater in some counties. TCEQ explained its limited oversight role over groundwater conservation districts, including inquiries, compliance actions, and, in extreme cases, dissolution authority. Water Development Board staff also outlined funding programs, saying the New Water Supply for Texas Fund is limited to projects such as brackish desalination, reuse, ASR, and other new-supply projects, and does not fund fresh groundwater exports alone. They said the project at issue had not applied for board funding. A water lawyer then testified on the rule of capture, ownership in place, and district regulation, arguing that districts must use permitting and other tools to manage production within modeled available groundwater and that the Legislature could consider additional authority over groundwater exports under current law.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:02.640><c> practical</c> leader, uh, which supports practical leader, uh, which supports practical
• No statistics support it.
• Their coaches support them. The them. Their coaches support them.
• </c> similar legislation demo de demonstrates similar legislation demo de demonstrates their<03:08:00.560
• </c> support of SB551. support of SB551.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• here that we but and still demonstrate here that we can<00:48:49.079><c> support</c><00:48:49.480><c
• We also support the 8% that goes for Supportive Housing.
• We also support the 8% that goes for Supportive Housing.
• We also support the 8% that goes for Supportive Housing.
• ><c> measure</c> support uh yes HC supports this measure support uh yes HC supports this measure um<03

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Resources and support. Yes, sir.
• And again, I don't want to demonstrate my ignorance, but I'm going to.
• We're bringing the sheriffs together to go and support.
• We hear today that we also say we support any and all education.
• supported HB 13 during the regular session.

Bills: HB2, HB1, HB18, HB19, HB20, HB1, HB 2, HB18, HB19, HB20

Keywords: emergency communication, interoperability, grant program, first responders, state council, disaster response, emergency management, mass fatality, justices of the peace, training programs, emergency manager license, volunteer management, justice of the peace training, criminal history checks, state health services, broadband, public safety, disaster preparedness, funding, flood disaster plan

Transcript Highlights:

• Arizonans who have disabilities through advocacy, education, and policy engagement, as they've demonstrated
• to discuss key issues, share experiences, offer new perspectives, and advocate for policies that support
• people Experiences, offer new perspectives, and advocate for policies that support people and achieving
• So that is the purpose, and I ask for your support. The segment retains its name.
• So that is the purpose, and I ask for your support.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then recognized several guests in the gallery, including a pastor, disability advocates visiting for Disability Day at the Capitol, and other constituents. The chamber also received gubernatorial nominations for the State Board of Psychologists Examiners and withdrew SB 1131 from the Education Committee. It then moved into the Committee of the Whole to consider SB 1010 and SB 1439. SB 1010, relating to historic names and the renaming of Loop 202, was amended with a legislative intent clause clarifying that the underlying freeway segments would retain their existing names, including the Congressman Ed Pastor Freeway. The bill drew significant debate on the floor, with opponents arguing it politicized highway naming and could erase existing honors, while supporters said the amendment protected current segment names and was meant to honor Charlie Kirk. The Senate adopted the Committee of the Whole report and passed SB 1010 on third reading by a vote of 16 ayes, 9 nays, 12 excused, and 2 not voting. SB 1439, relating to special plates, was also amended and advanced through the Committee of the Whole. During floor debate, Senator Sundareshan asked the sponsor whether he or affiliated companies had received compensation from the beneficiary organization, and the sponsor answered no. The bill then passed on third reading by a vote of 16 ayes, 12 nays, and 2 not voting. The Senate also announced upcoming committee meetings, heard a brief personal privilege statement about Ramadan and Lent, and adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the elements of that that we discussed in committee was demonstrating financial hardship, and
• So thank you so much for your leadership and again... happy to work and support you on this bill.
• The Environmental Permitting and Support Unit within the The Railroad Commission does not collect permit
• Thank you for allowing me to testify in support of Senate Bill 2050.
• I'm here in support of the bill. the bill as it starts an important and urgent conversation that needs

Bills: SB2122, SB2050, HB16

Keywords: oil and gas waste, application fees, permit amendments, environmental regulation, Texas natural resources, battery recycling, battery disposal, consumer batteries, energy storage modules, electrochemical devices, lithium-ion battery, household hazardous waste, solid waste, municipal recycling, waste management, battery stewardship, producer responsibility, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, recycling program

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:15:52.959><c> of</c><00:15:53.120><c> the</c> certainly supports the intent of the certainly supports
• Um, I do support this bill.
• You know, I &gt;&gt; Um, I do support this bill.
• Um like I said fully supports him.
• </c> support. I'm concerned that it's not. support. I'm concerned that it's not.

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call: 0:00:08 26RS SB 3: 0:02:50 26RS SB 1: 0:21:12, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And one of the other ways that we support in litigation is through amicus curiae support. impede lawful
• :28:24.080><c> support.
• </c> another state to support ICE operations. another state to support ICE operations.
• </c><01:05:16.000><c> of</c> authorized uh in support of authorized uh in support of congressionally<
• Um I want to peacefully demonstrate.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee held an informational briefing on federal and state authority over National Guard deployment in response to civil protest or unrest, prompted by recent federal actions and the California litigation in Newsom v. Trump. The chair explained the purpose was to help lawmakers and the public understand the legal background, the status of the California case, and possible Hawaii policy responses. David Day of the Attorney General’s office outlined several recent federal immigration-related executive actions and enforcement directives, then described Hawaii’s participation in multiple lawsuits challenging federal funding conditions, data-sharing demands, and the birthright citizenship order. A major portion of the briefing focused on Newsom v. Trump. Day summarized the June 2025 Los Angeles protests and the president’s memorandum federalizing National Guard units under 10 U.S.C. 12406, which California challenged as ultra vires, procedurally improper, and violative of the Posse Comitatus Act, the Tenth Amendment, and the APA. He said the district court initially granted relief, but the Ninth Circuit stayed the TRO and held, in a published decision, that review under section 12406 is highly deferential and that the president lawfully exercised authority under paragraph 3. He also noted California-law issues about orders being issued through the governor, and said Hawaii had supported California through amicus briefs and would continue to do so; the bench trial was scheduled for August 11-13. Members then asked how Hawaii law differs from California’s and whether the Ninth Circuit ruling would control here. Day said the standard-of-review aspects would likely apply, but the California-specific procedural language about orders issued in the governor’s name does not appear in Hawaii law. The committee also heard from Colonel Lloyd C. Phelps of the Hawaii Department of Defense, who explained that National Guard activations generally occur under Title 10 federal orders, state orders, or other statuses, and said the June 2025 federalization mechanism was a Title 10 call-up. He began addressing the president’s authority, the Posse Comitatus Act, and Hawaii’s own preparedness, but the discussion was cut short and members indicated they would return to the topic later. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sylvia Cerna, Deputy Secretary for Statewide Law Enforcement Support.
• Statewide Law Enforcement Support and Law Enforcement Records Bureau.
• Slide 12: program support roll up.
• We've also lost some DOT workers, so it's something we definitely support.
• Because they probably supported the line item.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And today we are hosting the Long-Term Services and Supports and Health Equity Subcommittee.
• The group recommended creating a seven-hour upper limit for meal prep support.
• Massachusetts is a great state to live in, and we once again stepped up and supported our families to
• Does not require us to cover sits in long-term services and supports.
• Is that we're able to support families.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The subcommittee opened with roll call and approved the November 2025 minutes. Commissioner Charlie Carr then introduced Leslie Darcy, chief of LTSS at MassHealth, who provided an update on the PCA working group and on federal and state budget pressures affecting MassHealth and long-term services and supports. Darcy said the PCA working group had completed its work and submitted recommendations, including reinstating the 66-hour overtime cap, strengthening program integrity, and ending paid paperwork time for EVV users; she said those changes were implemented on 11/26 and were expected to save $7.4 million. She also described additional consensus recommendations to lower the overtime cap from 66 to 60 hours, create a seven-hour weekly meal-prep support limit, and continue exploring benchmarks, though the group could not reach consensus on a benchmark standard. Darcy warned that a federal bill enacted about six months earlier would significantly affect MassHealth, with an estimated $3.5 billion loss to the Commonwealth by 2028. She outlined upcoming changes including revised immigrant eligibility rules in October 2026, work requirements for certain non-disabled adults beginning in January 2027, six-month redeterminations for some adults, and shorter retroactive coverage periods. In response to questions, she said people with disabilities and Medicare beneficiaries would be exempt from the work and six-month redetermination requirements. She also explained that reduced federal ACA subsidies were being offset in Massachusetts by state spending, including $250 million in additional state support to keep premiums lower for middle-income families. Members raised concerns about community hospitals, the health safety net, and the impact of federal funding changes on provider rates and uncompensated care. Darcy said restrictions on provider taxes would limit MassHealth’s ability to use those revenues to support rates, and she noted a current $300 million shortfall in the health safety net. She said FY27 would likely include a rate freeze, targeted reductions, one-time budget measures, and further work groups to examine programs such as adult foster care, which she said had grown 40% in two years. Carr emphasized that the situation was serious but potentially fluid, and the meeting ended with no further business; the subcommittee agreed to adjourn before the next meeting and noted an upcoming February presentation from the Department of Public Health.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> for your support for House File 3493. for your support for House File 3493.
• I need support."
• <01:09:35.000><c> our</c><01:09:35.120><c> schools</c> supporting our be supporting our schools supporting
• </c> support House File 4114. Thank you. support House File 4114. Thank you.
• </c> support of this bill. support of this bill.

Bills: HF3493, HF4114

Keywords: safe schools, charter schools, nonpublic schools, Tribal education, funding increase, special education, funding, education finance, appropriations, budget, cross subsidy, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it will be a great support to the committee in my work on this.
• Another thing would be to address this issue of product warranty and support purposes.
• We do get information that supports the mitigation measures that are listed there on slide seven.
• , and they have to demonstrate to the IRS that they comply with those provisions.
• So, yeah, I think we would likely support the right to inspect and...

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And today we are hosting the Long-Term Services and Supports and Health Equity Subcommittee.
• The group recommended creating a seven-hour upper limit for meal prep support.
• Massachusetts is a great state to live in, and we once again stepped up and supported our families to
• So the way it works in other states is you often see personal care support provided only through waivers
• We continue to see utilization, you know, we continue to see that the people that we are supporting are

Keywords: 1212, all

Summary: The Long-Term Services and Supports and Health Equity Subcommittee met with roll call, approval of prior minutes, and a presentation from Leslie Darcy, chief of LTSS at MassHealth. The main discussion focused on the Personal Care Attendant (PCA) working group, which had completed its legislatively mandated review and submitted recommendations. Darcy said several earlier recommendations were already implemented, including reinstating the 66-hour overtime cap, strengthening program integrity efforts, and removing paperwork-related authorized hours for EVV users. The group then reached consensus on additional recommendations to reduce the overtime cap from 66 to 60 hours, set a seven-hour weekly meal-prep support limit, and continue work on benchmarks, though no consensus was reached on a benchmark standard. Darcy said the proposed changes were intended to preserve program integrity while addressing rapid cost growth in PCA services. Darcy also reviewed the expected effects of a recent federal Medicaid-related bill, estimating that Massachusetts could lose about $3.5 billion by January 2028. She described upcoming changes affecting Medicaid eligibility for certain immigrant groups in October 2026, work requirements for some non-disabled adults beginning in January 2027, six-month redeterminations for certain adults, and shorter retroactive coverage periods. She emphasized that people with disabilities and people on Medicare would be exempt from the new work requirements and six-month redeterminations. Members asked about the impact on community hospitals, the health safety net, and ACA premium subsidies; Darcy said federal changes could worsen uncompensated care pressures, but Massachusetts used state funds to offset the loss of enhanced ACA premium tax credits, helping keep premiums lower for middle-income families. In response to questions about the FY27 budget, Darcy said MassHealth expected targeted reductions, some one-time measures, and likely a rate freeze rather than large base cuts, with further cost-containment work to follow in FY28. She noted that LTSS is a major share of MassHealth spending and that programs such as PCA, adult foster care, and adult day services are state-plan entitlements once adopted by the state, even though the federal government does not require them. Charlie Carr and other members stressed that the PCA work group had been difficult but collaborative, and Carr said the recommendations were modest compared with other options considered. The meeting ended with a brief planning discussion about a February guest presentation from the Department of Public Health and a motion to adjourn, which was approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your leadership and support.
• Workforce supports and long-term services and supports and health equity.
• I’m here today to add my voice of support for Senator Lewis’s I’m here today to add my voice of support
• To support students who chose the Commonwealth, there needs to be the right support system in place,
• Will be supporting.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Ways and Means Committee held its final public hearing on the FY26 state budget, with chairs and members emphasizing that public testimony would help shape the budget and asking speakers to keep remarks brief. Committee leaders introduced members, explained the hearing process, and repeatedly thanked residents, students, and advocates for participating. No votes were taken during the hearing. Testimony focused heavily on education funding and the Chapter 70 formula. Students from Amherst, Northampton, Gateway Regional, Chester Elementary, and other districts described budget-driven cuts to electives, special education supports, paraprofessionals, counselors, transportation, and building maintenance. They urged higher Chapter 70 aid, increased minimum aid, rural school aid, and a reopening or restructuring of the funding formula, arguing that current formulas leave many districts unable to meet student needs and force local layoffs and overrides. Other speakers urged funding or protection for a range of programs and facilities, including the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute for homicide survivor services, the Museum of African American History, the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and CART/interpreter services, the Access to Counsel housing legal aid program, the Department of Mental Health and Pocasset Mental Health Center, and Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children. One speaker opposed offshore wind-related spending and urged a reset of the state’s energy approach, while another advocated ending the aircraft sales tax exemption. Committee members responded sympathetically to many speakers, asked a few follow-up questions, and several expressed support for maintaining or expanding the programs discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would have used would have been to look for the program reputation, the location, resource and support
• And today we're going to hear from these systems as well as a panel on supporting student acceleration
• The second slide in your materials after the title slide is a slide that I use regularly to demonstrate
• That is something that we have found to be so important we were thrilled last year to support the passage
• It's a real demonstration of cross-university cooperation and partnership and governance by the BOG.

Summary: The subcommittee began with an informal “college day” exercise in which members described what careers and colleges they would choose if starting over, often citing factors such as program reputation, location, cost, graduation rates, employment outcomes, and family or personal interests. Members mentioned a range of possible paths including law, aviation, education, construction management, psychology, social work, criminal justice, nursing, intelligence studies, and the arts. Several also highlighted the value of historically Black colleges and universities, dual enrollment, and career/technical education. The chair used the exercise to frame the meeting’s broader focus on Florida’s higher education pathways and student outcomes. Dr. Kathleen Plinsky of Valencia College then gave an overview of the Florida College System and Valencia’s role in it, emphasizing Florida’s statewide articulation and transfer framework, open-access mission, affordability, and workforce alignment. She described Valencia’s record enrollment, high retention, large share of first-generation and working students, and partnerships such as Direct Connect to UCF, Osceola Prosper, and Open Door grants for short-term training. Members asked about guaranteed transfer, apprenticeships, enrollment trends, student demographics, out-of-state residency, county scholarship costs, dual enrollment outcomes, and barriers to expanding career dual enrollment. Dr. Plinsky said the system supports transfer and acceleration well, but funding constraints limit growth in some areas; she also noted that dual enrollment participation is high and that Valencia’s affordability and student support efforts have driven recent enrollment gains. Dr. Jim Clark of Florida State University followed with an overview of the State University System, describing its governance, performance-based funding, low tuition, and strong graduation and research outcomes. He highlighted FSU’s enrollment, research profile, transfer student success, FSU Health, the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, partnerships with K-12 schools and Tallahassee State College, and efforts to expand nursing and medical education to address workforce shortages. After the presentations, the committee heard from a panel on student acceleration and mobility: Shannon Mercer of the Department of Education explained the Office of Articulation, the statewide course numbering system, FASTER records, the 2+2 transfer model, specialized AA transfer degrees, and credit for industry certifications, military, medical, and law-enforcement training. Panelists from Kaiser University, Florida State University, and Pinellas County Schools described their institutions’ roles in transfer, advising, career pathways, apprenticeships, and dual enrollment. No formal votes or bills were taken up in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> much for your time and support. much for your time and support.
• In support.
• We're supporting all support this bill.
• </c> support from the governor. support from the governor.
• </c> University of Hawaii in support. University of Hawaii in support.

Bills: SB2936, SB2850, SB2851, SB2521

Keywords: accessible parking, disability, kupuna, public accommodations, small business exemptions, Hawaii Revised Statutes, parking permit, blind, deaf, accessibility, deafness, traffic safety, law enforcement, vehicle registration, communication, emergency services, commercial driver's license, first responders, public safety, authorized emergency vehicle

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several health-related bills. HB 1871, establishing a maternal health monitoring pilot program, drew support from the Department of Health, the Hawaii State Commission on Status of Women, and the Hawaii affiliate of the American College of Nurse Midwives, with testimony urging provider-neutral language so midwives and other qualified providers would not be excluded. HB 1977, requiring a maternal and infant health information mobile app, received support from ACNM and Philips, which said similar apps in other states improved awareness of services and helped families navigate care; a member asked the Department of Health about implementation time. HB 1858, relating to certificates of fetal deaths, was supported by the Department of Health and clinicians, who said the current statute is outdated and inconsistent with CDC guidance; the department and a physician testified that the bill should shift documentation responsibilities to physicians and APRNs, and members discussed optional versus mandatory issuance language and whether the bill would improve data on home births and transfers. The committee also heard HB 1591, expanding definitions for preceptor and volunteer-based clinical training to improve income tax credits. The Department of Health supported the measure but preferred a similar, broader bill; Taxation suggested clarifying terms; the University of Hawaii and the State Center for Nursing supported it. ACNM asked that midwifery preceptors and Hawaii-based students enrolled in mainland programs be included, while the Hawaii Public Health Institute supported expansion of the program as a workforce solution. HB 1574, on the health care education loan repayment program, also drew broad support, including from the governor, SHPDA, OHA, and health organizations, but ACNM raised concerns that the bill’s 30% Medicaid-client threshold could exclude many providers and limit participation. For HB 1575, creating a feasibility committee on Parkinson’s patient air transport, the Department of Health supported the intent but said transportation is more likely an insurance or benefit issue and suggested redirecting funds to Parkinson’s research; the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the Hawaii Parkinson Association supported the bill, citing inter-island travel barriers and high costs for patients and caregivers. HB 1854, establishing certification of community behavioral health clinics, was supported by the Department of Health and DHS, which said certification would help clinics qualify for enhanced Medicaid reimbursement and expand access; the Attorney General’s office raised a legal concern about the special fund language and recommended a purpose section, and the committee discussed whether the fund would be self-sustaining and noted a possible amendment to change membership language and reduce the board size if the amendment moved forward.