Transcript Highlights:

• sexual behavior concerns specific incidents involving the responding party and is offered to prove consent
• It really is a program that is a lot simpler than maybe it was implied in the bill, but I do share your
• <01:07:19.720> maybe<01:07:19.920> it<01:07:20.039> was<01:07:20.160> implied
• <01:07:20.520> in lot simpler than maybe it was implied in lot simpler than maybe it was implied
• <01:12:48.560> that released without student consent that released without student consent

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, no means at this point am I implying that if... ...possession of a firearm.
• Now, no means at this point am I implying that if this law were to pass, it'd be unconstitutional.
• portion of House Bill 1572 that will be amended into another bill is the electronic tax statement with consent
• of the House Bill 1572 that will be amended into another bill is the electronic tax statement with consent

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, pledge, roll call, and a quorum present, then approved a motion to lay over House Bill 1525 for one legislative day. It also voted not to concur with House amendments on Senate Bills 2294, 2297, 2070, 4017, and 2262, appointing conference committees for each. The chamber then took up a series of House bill amendments and final-passage votes. On amendments, the Senate adopted changes to House Bill 1229 on fleeing law enforcement and driving-record transparency after debate over insurance impacts and public safety; House Bill 1510 on teacher retention, on-site child care, and licensure study language; House Bill 1160 to restrict student personal electronic devices during instructional time; House Bill 1429 to address drone harassment and stalking of animals; House Bill 1203 to harmonize medical marijuana provisions; House Bill 1600 to create a UND immigration clinic with reporting requirements; House Bill 1130 to broaden K-12 funding formula changes and reduce state fiscal impact; House Bill 1279 to modify the coal conversion tax exemption; House Bill 1442 to adjust membership and scope of a state task force; and House Bill 1464 to convert a maternal care services proposal into a study and remove the appropriation. The Senate rejected an amendment to House Bill 1022 concerning the Retirement and Investment Office bonus program, then passed the bill. It also passed House Bill 1234 on a $90 million transfer to reduce PERS liability, while rejecting a floor amendment to it. On final passage, the Senate passed House Bills 1008 (Public Service Commission budget), 1218 (temporary moratorium and study on economic analysis for drain projects), 1234 (PERS funding transfer), 1146 (PERS defined contribution cleanup and emergency clause), 1355 (expanded notice for administrative rulemaking), 1470 (Game and Fish fee changes and guide/outfitter updates), 1029 (Capital Grounds Planning Commission duties), 1017 (Game and Fish budget), 1374 (township supervisor open-meeting exemption for on-site inspections), and 1064 (NC-SARA membership and distance education regulation). It defeated House Bill 1583 on false political advertisements with civil-action language and House Bill 1393 on earned wage access provider regulation. The transcript ends as the Senate begins consideration of House Bill 1326 on self-defense and unlawful firearm possession by felons.

Transcript Highlights:

• What time of training is going to be implied, or are used by the vendor, in order to the student or,
• What time of training is going to be implied, or are used by the vendor, in order to the student or,
• However, a principal could authorize a student to withdraw without parental consent if the coursework
• <00:30:53.080> from<00:30:53.240> a three may require written consent from a three
• may require written consent from a parent<00:30:53.760> or<00:30:54.039> Guardian<00:30

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Primary and Secondary Education Committee met and first took up House Bill 14, which would establish Alyssa’s Law in Kentucky public schools. The bill, as amended by committee substitute, would allow districts to implement wearable panic alert systems for school staff beginning in the 2025-26 school year. Sponsor Rep. Kevin Jackson and supporters described the system as a silent badge/button that can alert school offices, 911, first responders, and other personnel, with different button sequences for different emergencies. Testimony from Lori Alade, Alyssa’s mother and founder of Make Our Schools Safe, emphasized that “time equals life” and said the technology can help in active threats, medical emergencies, weather events, and other urgent situations. Students from St. Margaret Mary’s Kentucky Youth Assembly also supported the bill, citing the Georgia school shooting response as an example of how such systems can save lives. Members asked about vendor neutrality, costs, training, and whether the system could be used off campus; sponsors said the bill is intended to be vendor neutral, estimated statewide costs ranged from about $2 million to $6 million, training would be provided before the school year, and they would follow up on the off-campus question. The committee approved HB 14 with the committee substitute attached. The committee then reconsidered and approved House Bill 48, a cleanup measure related to school reporting requirements. The substitute was described as addressing department concerns about eliminating certain reporting forms while preserving district flexibility and reducing burdensome reporting. It would allow schools to maintain or use alternative reporting methods, provide KDE a timeline and guidelines for reporting on Cognia software used for CPS and C-dips, and require a written report to the LRC describing reporting requirements imposed on public schools and districts, with items not reapproved by the legislature sunsetting in 2026. The bill passed the committee with the committee substitute attached. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 190, as amended by committee substitute, which would shift the measure from a planning-and-action bill to a planning-only bill for advanced coursework and codify some gifted-student regulations. Rep. Duvall and Dr. Julia Link Roberts of WKU said the bill is intended to expand opportunities for high-potential students by requiring districts to set policies on advanced coursework or accelerated learning options for grades 4 through 12. The substitute changes the standard from “proficient” to “distinguished,” allows districts flexibility in how they implement the policies, and may require automatic enrollment for students scoring distinguished, with opt-out provisions and a principal exception if coursework conflicts with career pathways or CTE access. Members discussed how the proposal differs from current advanced programs, the broader inclusion of students, and district variation in available opportunities. No final vote on HB 190 was included in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• My understanding is when the Senate district file, you are required to have the consent form, petitions
• <01:11:30.880> form, required to have the consent form, required to have the consent form,
• Uh, we had some emphasis on that these could be movable, uh, which is implied by the word portable, and
• Uh, we had some emphasis on that these could be movable, uh, which is implied by the word portable, and
• Uh, we had some emphasis on that these could be movable, uh, which is implied by the word portable, and

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Because I need their permission to touch them, right, unless they're unconscious, and then implied consent
• and<00:15:02.720> I and then implied consent comes in and I and then implied consent comes
• the Senate uh I believe on consent the Senate uh I believe on consent calendar<04:02:14.840>
• the right not to give us consent.'
• Then they go back to the house and ask the wife for consent, and she consents, and they find a bunch

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seven bills are proposed for consent.
• Should I do consent? While you're coming up, we're going to go ahead and do the consent calendar.
• There are seven bills on consent calendar today.
• The committee secretary will read the items on consent.
• Gallagher, on the consent? Gallagher, aye on consent. Aye. Gallagher, aye on consent.

Summary: The Assembly Elections Committee met as a subcommittee until quorum was established, then heard a series of election- and public-trust-related bills. Early items included AB 2592, which would move lobbyist training from legislative ethics committees to the FPPC starting in 2029 and make it available online on demand; it drew support from the FPPC and an oppose-unless-amended request to make the training public and ensure lobbyists pay fees. AB 2573 would refine California’s confidential voter registration protections for candidates and elected officials, with support from the Secretary of State and county election officials after amendments narrowed some family-member coverage. AB 2753 would bar registered sex offenders from running for or holding local or state office; it prompted extended debate about public trust, second chances, and where to draw the line, but was ultimately advanced on a 5-0 vote with one member not voting. AB 2691 similarly would expand disqualifying felony convictions to include sexual assault and human trafficking, and it also passed 5-0 after testimony from victim advocates and discussion about survivors, restorative justice, and the power dynamics involved in public office. The committee also advanced AB 2413, which would prohibit public funds from being used for large-format ads featuring elected officials, and AB 2281, which would direct the Office of Election Cybersecurity to assess replacement resources after federal cybersecurity support cuts and allow consultation with academic researchers. AB 1664 would require local election officials to notify the Secretary of State and Attorney General within one business day of warrants, subpoenas, or investigations involving election records or voting systems; supporters said it would help the state respond quickly to improper seizure of election materials, and it passed 5-0. AB 2484, concerning San Diego MTS, would let voters authorize a local sales tax initiative for transit funding and exempt it from an existing cap; it drew support from transit leaders and labor, opposition from the Realtors, and a lengthy exchange over Prop. 13, Prop. 218, and whether the measure created a special deal, before passing 6-1. The committee then heard AB 2230, which would create buffer zones around voting centers and child care facilities to keep immigration enforcement away from those locations. The author said the bill was meant to reduce fear and intimidation for voters and families, while the opposition argued it was unenforceable, lacked evidence of a problem, and would interfere with federal officers doing their jobs. Members supporting the bill cited reported ICE profiling and intimidation in California communities, while others raised jurisdictional and practical concerns. The transcript ends during this debate, with no final vote shown for AB 2230.

Transcript Highlights:

• With your unanimous consent, the bills will be read by title unless there is a request for reading a
• Um, first, it states plainly that nothing in this section creates or implies a private right of action
• And I think that clarity section creates or implies a private section creates or implies a private right
• <01:08:08.480> of<01:08:08.559> the just power from the consent of the just power from
• the consent of the govern.<01:08:09.200> So<01:08:09.359> to<01:08:09.680> secure

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal from February 13, 2026, and heard several announcements and introductions, including recognition of student guests and notices about upcoming committee meetings. Members also shared informal remarks tied to Lunar New Year celebrations, a water policy breakfast, and other caucus or committee updates. The chamber then took up special orders for several bills, including House Bill 1013 and House Bill 1064. House Bill 1013, concerning ratio utility billing systems used by landlords to allocate utility charges to tenants, was presented as a technical cleanup to last year’s House Bill 1090. Supporters said it was intended to clarify that such billing practices remain allowable and to align the statute with legislative intent. Amendment L002, offered to state that the bill created no private right of action and to limit litigation, was debated at length but defeated. Opponents argued it would restrict existing rights under consumer protection law, while supporters said it would reduce unnecessary lawsuits. The bill then passed the committee. House Bill 1064, concerning modifications to the youthful offender system, was also heard. Supporters said the bill codifies existing Department of Corrections practices, updates language to promote effective communication, and reflects evidence-informed, trauma-informed rehabilitation aimed at reducing recidivism. Amendment L003, which adjusted language to be more inclusive of the YOS community, was adopted. Several members opposed the bill, arguing it codified practices already in place, lacked clarity on evaluators and costs, and did not sufficiently account for victims’ perspectives. Despite that opposition, the committee report was adopted and the bill advanced with the amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, yeah, you wouldn't object to consent. >> No, I wouldn't object to consent. >> So I'll move consent
• >> So, 4 to 1, and I’ll move consent. >> Senator Bird moves consent. >> I’ll second that. >> All those
• >> Senator Bird moves consent. I'll second >> Senator Bird moves consent.
• Senator Long moves consent. I'll second Senator Long moves consent.
• I'll move consent. >> Senator Avard seconds consent. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Noticed in your experience of dealing with energy for, I won't say a long time, because I don't want to imply
• Senator Yek asked him to make a consent to strike title without objection. That would be the order.

Bills: HB3183, HB4316, HB4484, HB3469, HB3464, HB3173, HB3989

Keywords: electric utilities, grid congestion, transmission technology, advanced power flow controllers, dynamic line rating, energy efficiency, rural water service, district organization, emergency legislation, Oklahoma, water management, state vehicles, state-owned vehicles, state-leased vehicles, motor vehicle use, commuting use, personal use, fleet management, Corporation Commission, field inspectors

Summary: The committee first considered the nomination of Russell Isaacs to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. Isaacs described his farming background and experience with cotton, corn, sorghum, and wheat, and said he regularly tests conservation technologies on his farm. Senators discussed his water-conservation experience and the value he could bring to the board. The nomination received 10 ayes and 0 nays and was advanced to the full Senate floor. Members then took up House Bill 3183, dealing with smart transmission technology and electric grid efficiency. Senator Murdoch explained that the bill had been difficult to negotiate and that the enacting clause was stricken so work could continue on a committee substitute. He said the technology would allow existing transmission towers to carry lighter, more efficient lines, reduce wildfire risk, and potentially lower long-term rates by easing congestion. Senators asked about costs, who pays, and whether ratepayers or large load users would bear the burden; an amendment changed language from “customer funded” to “large load user funded.” The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill 7 ayes to 3 nays. The committee also advanced several nominations and bills related to environmental and energy policy. Steve Mason was confirmed to the Environmental Quality Board by an 8-0 vote. House Bill 4316, which removes an old deadline that prevented nonprofit corporations from converting into water districts and accessing grant funding, passed 8-0. House Bill 4484, allowing discretionary use of state-owned or state-leased vehicles between employees’ homes and workplaces to save mileage costs, passed 9-0. House Bill 3464 created a statewide framework for energy storage and solar facilities; a motion to table an amendment failed, and the bill passed 10-0 after debate over landowner protections, decommissioning, fire safety, and dual-use agricultural concerns. The committee then passed House Bill 3173, the Well-Repurposing Act, 10-0, to allow orphaned and abandoned wells to be repurposed for geothermal and energy storage uses, with discussion about surface-owner rights and possible tweaks to the geothermal temperature definition. House Bill 3469, a measure easing surety requirements for smaller producers by allowing a stair-stepped compliance schedule, passed 9-0. Finally, House Bill 3989 was amended for drafting corrections and then passed 9-0; it relates to the one-megawatt load standard and uses actual load over a two-year period rather than plate load. The chair ended the meeting by thanking members and staff and adjourning the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pornography implies consent and lawful adult content.
• But when the subject is a child, there is no consent, no legality and no ambiguity.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some opponents of this care put forth the false idea that teenagers cannot consent to medical care.
• If it was true that teenagers couldn't consent to medical care, childhood cancer wouldn't exist, and
• Our children cannot give consent for medical procedures.
• Why would we go ahead and give that consent for them?
• <03:40:28.000> for we go ahead and give that consent for we go ahead and give that consent

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The recommendation is that the bill do pass, be printed, and sent to the committee on local consent calendars
• full House with the recommendation it do pass, be printed, and sent to the committee on local and consent
• right to sue for a court order authorizing the examination or survey if the property owner refuses to consent
• That implies to a court that they have the absolute right to say you can't come.

Transcript Highlights:

• On OGSR, parental consent requirements before terminating a pregnancy, excuse me, by Health Policy.
• that if a minor seeks an abortion, they may request a... well, it requires that they have parental consent
• get a... ...judicial bypass, and they may get a waiver before the circuit court for that parental consent
• the military, a creative solution to helping people with a hand up and really, really, as the name implies

Summary: The Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability met with a quorum present and took up a full agenda of bills, many involving public records exemptions and government operations. Several measures were reported favorably, including SB 342 on an Agency for Health Care Administration public records exemption for employees facing threats; SB 7018 preserving a public records exemption tied to parental consent/judicial bypass records for minors seeking abortions; SB 626 lowering quorum requirements and allowing remote participation for the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys; SB 710 protecting personal information of Crime Stoppers employees, board members, volunteers, and their families; SB 300 extending clerk personal-information protections to appellate court clerks; and SB 302 creating a similar exemption for Judicial Qualifications Commission employees. The committee also approved SB 7010 and SB 7008, which preserve and narrow public records exemptions related to the Department of Financial Services as receiver for insolvent insurers and the financial technology sandbox, respectively. The committee also heard and advanced several policy bills. SB 820 codifies the Office of Faith and Community in the Executive Office of the Governor; Senator Polsky questioned whether the office was duplicative of existing services and raised concerns about religion in state governance, while supporters argued it complements existing networks and helps connect Floridians to services. SB 1144 codifies the Hope Florida program, with supporters describing it as a connector to community resources and critics again raising concerns about overlap, private donations, and accountability; both SB 820 and SB 1144 passed on largely party-line votes with Senator Polsky voting no. SB 804 would redesignate the SS American Victory as the state flagship, but Senator Rodriguez opposed giving up the current flagship designation for the Key West schooner, though the bill still passed favorably. SB 214 designates August 21 as Fentanyl Awareness and Education Day and passed without opposition. SB 1088 requires certain state customer-service phone lines to offer callback features, and SB 576 makes technical fixes to service-of-process law; both were reported favorably. Additional bills included SB 1524, a broad Department of State measure with a strike-all amendment that revises grant-review procedures, adds an America 250 funding focus, and changes commission-fee and oath requirements; Senator Arrington and Senator Polsky expressed concerns about reviewer qualifications, grant criteria, and the impact on arts and cultural programs, and both voted no while the bill still passed. SB 1640, on confidentiality of lethality assessment forms in domestic violence cases, was amended to allow disclosure to domestic violence centers while barring disclosure to state attorneys, and it passed favorably. SB 1160 expands health insurance premium benefits for certain officers catastrophically injured or killed in the line of duty; supporters from the Fraternal Order of Police appeared in support, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee also confirmed eight appointments to the Florida Commission on Community Service, the Investment Advisory Council, the Public Employees Relations Commission, and the State Retirement Commission. At the end of the meeting, senators requested to be recorded on specific bills, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• to suspend the rules of the House in order to consider certain Senate bills for third reading by consent
• Um, this resolution seems to imply that the state elected officials have a higher standard applied to
• Um, this uh resolution seems to imply<01:10:50.080> that<01:10:50.400> the imply that the
• imply that the state<01:10:52.320> state<01:10:52.640> elected<01:10:53.040> officials

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• me particularly well because<00:37:17.800> that<00:37:17.880> would<00:37:18.079> imply
• ><00:37:18.480> a<00:37:18.599> Workforce<00:37:19.200> of because that would imply
• a Workforce of because that would imply a Workforce of about<00:37:21.200> 25,000<00:37:22.640
• I move that we put this on the consent calendar.
• If there's no objection, we will put that on the consent calendar. All right, excellent.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• because of content they never consented because of content they never consented to<00:10:41.920>
• . consent. consent.
• . consent. consent.
• heard in a way that that it implies heard in a way that that it implies an<01:22:43.520> intellectual
• the Representative Loves that on consent the Representative Loves that on consent it<03:32:41.760>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any anyone object to this going on consent? Seeing none, it can be on consent. All right. Next.
• And if the clients wanted to consent to have the money go to the bar foundation, great, that's their
• Can this go on consent, or it doesn't go on? It's retained? Oh, I'm sorry, you're right.
• "Can this go on consent? Anybody object to going on consent?" "Consent."
• consent<03:25:21.520> and going on consent all right consent and going on consent all right

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met in executive session and first took up HB 148, which would allow classification by biological sex in limited circumstances such as multi-use bathrooms, certain athletic events, and involuntary commitment facilities. Supporters argued the bill was needed to protect privacy and safety, especially for women and girls, and said it was consistent with recent federal actions and prior legislation. Opponents said the bill lacked a clear definition of biological sex, could create confusion and discrimination, and was unnecessary because existing law and sports rules already address the issues raised. After debate, the committee voted 10-8 to recommend ought to pass on HB 148. The chair asked for a majority report and noted that a minority report would likely be filed. The committee then considered HB 254, a bill related to end-of-life medical decision-making. Supporters framed it as a matter of liberty and relief from suffering for terminally ill patients, while opponents raised moral objections, concerns about suicide being normalized, and worries about deceptive wording and death-certificate reporting. HB 254 was approved on an 11-7 vote for ought to pass, with the chair indicating he would write the majority report and Representative Perez the minority report. The committee then moved to HB 611 with Amendment 2025-0638, a replace-all amendment restoring prior law on recoupment of appointed-counsel costs from indigent criminal defendants and juveniles. The chair explained the amendment as reversing 2020 changes that had limited cost recovery, and the discussion focused on financial affidavits and the Office of Cost Containment’s ability to review indigency claims. The transcript cuts off before the committee vote on HB 611.

Transcript Highlights:

• have received two House Concurrent Resolutions that the House and Senate adopted pursuant to the Consent
• have received two House Concurrent Resolutions that the House and Senate adopted pursuant to the Consent
• have received two House Concurrent Resolutions that the House and Senate adopted pursuant to the Consent
• have received two House Concurrent Resolutions that the House and Senate adopted pursuant to the Consent
• <02:20:50.440> that<02:20:50.640> they<02:20:50.800> are providers and imply

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional reading for St. Patrick’s Day, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the reading of a resignation letter from Representative Hooper of Burlington. The letter said the House environment had changed significantly and that he was resigning before the next cycle, while thanking colleagues and urging bold leadership to address major problems facing Vermonters. Members then received first readings and referrals for a large slate of bills. House bills introduced included measures on tax administration, hunting license fees, emergency management, oath and affirmation language in statutes, judiciary procedures, a Vermont homelessness response continuum, paperwork reduction, public utility subjects, municipal regulation of agriculture, miscellaneous agricultural subjects, and municipal permitting of ground-mounted solar arrays. Senate bills referred to House committees included vocational rehabilitation, home improvement and land improvement fraud, advanced metering infrastructure devices, water quality, and fair employment practices. Several other bills on the notice calendar were also referred to Ways and Means or Appropriations because they affected state revenue or carried appropriations. The House adopted two concurrent resolutions on the consent calendar: HCR 214, honoring Irish-American patriots and their role in American independence, and HCR 220, welcoming the USS Vermont’s namesake visit and designating April 18, 2026 as USS Vermont Day. Members also offered announcements recognizing guests from the USS Vermont and related veterans’ groups, remembering former Representative Ken Harvey, and noting upcoming events such as March Madness pools, the Legislative Cabaret, a Rural Caucus meeting, and a NAMI Walks team. On the floor calendar, H. 723 on posting of land was taken up, amended as recommended by the Committee on Environment, and ordered to third reading on a 10-0-1 committee vote. The House then began second reading of H. 757 on manufactured homes and limited equity cooperatives; committee members described manufactured housing as a key affordable housing option in Vermont and said the bill would clarify how these homes are purchased, titled, taxed, and financed, while reducing costs and improving consistency for homeowners, lenders, and municipalities.

Transcript Highlights:

• The consent they deemed was, they deemed my consent was not adequate, so we corrected to whatever they
• Every consent form I give a patient.
• The anesthesia consent in state Texas required. that when I get a antecedent consent, I actually list
• I will go get the consent.
• Consent is provided and the delegating physician for anesthesia is on the consent.

Bills: HB5141, HB4638, HB2264, HB2035, HB4813, HB4408, HB2684, HB1621, HB2300, HB216, HB3829, HB4466, HB1747, HB2284, HB3614, HB2587, HB3219, HB3318, HB5147, HB4014, HB216

Keywords: lease, state property, public purpose, Travis County, Health and Human Services, pharmaceutical initiative, drug distribution, healthcare services, generic drugs, advanced pharmaceuticals, cost savings, mental health, patient discharge, medical records, health care professionals, substance use, family involvement, chemical dependency, treatment facilities, minor admissions

Transcript Highlights:

• So the definition of a claim implies<00:49:16.079> that<00:49:16.800> the<00:49:17.040>
• claim<00:49:17.200> is<00:49:17.440> submitted<00:49:17.760> by implies
• that the claim is submitted by implies that the claim is submitted by the<00:49:18.160> individual
• As a result, it may introduce biased advice, impose unwelcome mandates, and diminish informed consent
• informed consent. informed consent.

Bills: HB1853, HB1591, HB1961, HB1854, HB1965, HB1962, HB1959, HB2505, HB2576, HB1801, HB1804, HB1864, HB2319, HB2314, HB2115

Keywords: HB1853, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, cognitive impairment, memory care, memory clinic, Hanai Memory Network, Executive Office on Aging, aging services, kupuna, caregiver support, long-term care, elder care, geriatrics, public health, dementia screening, care coordination, referral network, neighbor islands, rural health

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2047, relating to pharmacy benefit managers. The Insurance Division said the bill would require new enforcement resources and estimated an appropriation of about $1.5 million and five positions. Kaiser Permanente asked for an amendment to exclude HMOs from the definition of third-party PBMs, saying the bill should not interfere with integrated care models. PCMA and the Hawaii Pharmacist Association supported narrowing amendments, with pharmacists objecting to section 3 and warning the bill as amended could create major operational burdens and a significant general fund cost. No vote was taken in the portion provided, and the chair moved on to the next measure after questions. The committee then took up SB 2080, which would allow Hawaii to join the psychology interjurisdictional compact. Supporters, including DCR, the Hawaii Association of Health Plans, the Hawaii State Association of Counties, the Grassroot Institute, and others, said the compact would expand access to psychology services, especially for people in rural areas or those needing continuity of care while traveling. Opponents, including the Board of Psychology and a Shamanad University psychology professor, raised concerns about client safety, crisis-response procedures, enforcement costs, FBI background checks, and possible loss of state control over training and specialization standards. The board said Hawaii’s current 1,900-hour internship/postdoc requirement is higher than the compact’s standard and that the state is still implementing a separate provisional licensing law that may address some access issues. The discussion focused on whether the compact would meaningfully reduce shortages and whether Hawaii should instead pursue changes within its existing licensing system. Finally, the committee heard SB 2277 on hospital price transparency. The Office of Consumer Protection initially noted the bill could require significant staffing, but later testimony from SHIP suggested the measure could be handled more simply by working with the Healthcare Association of Hawaii and publicly posting violations. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii opposed the bill, arguing hospitals already must comply with federal CMS transparency rules and that adding state requirements would increase costs and legal exposure, especially if violations were treated as unfair or deceptive trade practices. Steve Fenberg testified in support, saying the bill would simply codify existing federal requirements in state law and that he was open to amendments removing state enforcement and the unfair trade practice language. No final action was taken in the excerpt provided.