Transcript Highlights:

• This new section of over 40 FTE will be the state's fraud experts.
• This new section of over 40 FTE will be the state's fraud experts.
• This new section of over 40 FTE will be the state's fraud experts.
• This new section of over 40 FTE will be the state's fraud experts.
• This new section of over 40 FTE will be the state's fraud experts.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• rate and one of the highest vaginal birth after C-section, or VBAC, rates in the state.
• With midwifery care, we can have a lower risk of needing a C-section, of having a preterm birth or a
• I am a single mom who delivered twins via C-section last week.
• As you know, the U.S. faces alarming rates of maternal mortality and morbidity, rising C-section and
• A C-section can cost $5,000 to $10,000 more than a vaginal birth.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Financial Services

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Financial Services held a lengthy public hearing with testimony on a wide range of health insurance and access-to-care bills. Early testimony focused on prescription drug pricing and pharmacy reimbursement, with supporters of H. 1326 arguing that pharmacy benefit managers and MassHealth managed care arrangements reimburse independent pharmacies too little, contributing to pharmacy closures and “pharmacy deserts.” The committee also heard repeated support for H. 1151/S. 742 on cognitive rehabilitation for acquired brain injury, H. 1288/S. 716 on telehealth parity for nutrition counseling, H. 1309/S. 761 on full-spectrum pregnancy care without cost-sharing, H. 1312 on insurance coverage for doula services, H. 309 on prompt access to health care by removing deductibles for certain services, H. 809/H. 1227 on biomarker testing, H. 1162/S. 810 on reducing inequities in access to medical procedures by limiting insurer cuts tied to Modifier 25, and S. 726 on insurance coverage for mobile integrated health. Testifiers included legislators, physicians, pharmacists, dietitians, emergency and rehabilitation clinicians, and patients and family members. Supporters of the brain injury bill said cognitive rehabilitation is medically necessary, improves long-term outcomes, and can reduce institutional care and public costs; they noted the bill has been heard repeatedly and has support from the Brain Injury Commission and prior favorable committee action. Supporters of the pregnancy care and doula bills described out-of-pocket costs as a barrier to maternal health and shared personal stories of high bills and unmet support needs. Biomarker testing advocates and cancer patients said coverage gaps deny patients access to precision treatment, can lead to avoidable suffering, and should be standardized across insurers; several speakers said insurers often deny claims despite clinical benefit. Dermatology witnesses said insurers’ use of Modifier 25 cuts reimbursement for same-day evaluation and procedure visits, forcing separate appointments and increasing patient burden. Mobile integrated health supporters described home-based care as a way to reduce emergency department use and hospital readmissions, especially for patients with transportation or mobility barriers. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing itself.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, the next section is the total project budget.
• And also there is the account two small water projects within this section.
• Um, one thing I would like this section.
• </c> section tab M2 we have a well transfer. section tab M2 we have a well transfer.
• </c><00:36:10.160><c> of</c> and kind of bring the small sections of and kind of bring the small sections

Bills: HB0078 , HB0087 , SF0070 , SF0068 , SF0017 , SF0043

Committee: House Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources

Keywords: forest health, grant program, state forester, wildfire prevention, environmental conservation, habitat improvement, water development, feasibility studies, appropriations, water management, rehabilitation, irrigation, public works, agricultural supply, municipal water, funding, maintenance projects, tax assessments, state law, forestry management

Transcript Highlights:

• What this will be doing is deleting sections two and three of House File 1987, with minor changes to
• Following that, and then finally at the end, there'll be a small change in section, or excuse me, line
• <00:00:54.879><c> 43</c><00:00:55.879><c> and</c><00:00:56.039><c> 44</c><00:00:56.800><c> of</c> section
• or excuse me line 43 and 44 of section or excuse me line 43 and 44 of the<00:00:57.120><c> bill</c><
• <00:53:08.079><c> authorizes</c><00:53:09.079><c> residential</c> section authorizes residential section

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 1987, the Minnesota Starter Home Act, and first adopted the A1 author’s amendment, which made minor cleanup changes, removed sections two and three, adjusted ADU language, and tweaked density language. The bill authors described the measure as a bipartisan effort to address Minnesota’s housing shortage by allowing more starter homes, duplexes, townhomes, and accessory dwelling units, while also limiting some local zoning barriers and preserving city protections in certain sensitive areas. They emphasized that the state has a large housing gap, rising home prices, and that the bill is intended as one part of a broader housing package. Supportive testimony came from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, Housing First Minnesota, Habitat for Humanity, AARP Minnesota, and Americans for Prosperity. These witnesses argued that workforce and starter-home shortages are hurting families, employers, and economic growth; that restrictive zoning and lengthy approval processes raise costs; and that more middle housing and ADUs would expand options for older adults, caregivers, working families, and people seeking homeownership. Several supporters said the bill would reduce regulatory barriers, lower development costs, and help communities add needed housing supply. Opposition or cautionary testimony came from city and municipal representatives, including officials from Cambridge, Eagan, and Mankato, as well as the League of Minnesota Cities and related groups. They argued that local governments already are approving substantial housing growth and need flexibility to manage zoning, parking, infrastructure, stormwater, and community input. They warned the bill could weaken local control, remove practical standards, and create unintended impacts such as more rental conversion in some neighborhoods or development without adequate infrastructure. No final vote on the bill itself was shown in the transcript beyond adoption of the A1 amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• so that could be Chang in the sections so that could be Chang in the in<00:16:22.279><c> rule</c><00
• In 2016, the Legislature enacted Section 92-3.1(b), and that is specifically for county councils and
• , or why they shouldn't have to abide by the guardrails that the Legislature imposed in that section.
• In 2016, the Legislature enacted Section 92-3.1(b), and that is specifically for county councils and
• , or why they shouldn't have to abide by the guardrails that the Legislature imposed in that section.

Committee: Senate Government Operations

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee opened its first hearing of 2025 and announced that all measures heard that day would be deferred to the next committee hearing for decision-making on Thursday, January 30. The agenda centered largely on procurement and government-operations bills, with testimony generally split between state agencies and local governments. On procurement measures, SB 254 and SB 383 would raise small-purchase thresholds; the State Procurement Office opposed both, while county officials, the City and County of Honolulu, the state librarian, and others supported them. SB 382, which would bar disclosure of a competing offeror’s proposal or evaluation score, and SB 462, which would require performance incentive contracts to specify pricing bases, goals, and formulas, drew mostly written comments and some support from agencies such as the Department of Transportation and Department of Education. SB 615, which would treat certain large change orders as new contracts, received opposition from the Comptroller and engineering interests. The committee also heard several bills on vacancies, appointments, and legislative oversight. SB 5 on state legislative vacancies had one supporting testifier, while SB 300 on deadlines for filling certain Senate vacancies drew opposition from several individuals and support from one late testifier. SB 1081, which would create a legislative budget office to provide fiscal analysis and reports on bills, received broad support from advocacy groups, civic organizations, and individuals. SB 711, requiring Senate advice and consent for certain executive-branch appointments, drew written opposition from the Governor’s Office and support from one individual. SB 375, establishing a select commission on government restructuring, had one written supporter. SB 418, which would require the Attorney General’s office to review a portion of administrative rules each year, prompted extended discussion about outdated rules, the difficulty of repealing or amending rules, and whether the bill should be refined; the AG’s office indicated the process is burdensome and could be streamlined. The committee then took up transparency and access measures. SB 55, requiring agency rules to be posted online in a digitally accessible format, received support from several advocacy and civic groups and written comment from the Lieutenant Governor’s Office. SB 870 would direct the comptroller to identify state office buildings that could provide equitable telecom access for remote participation in hearings, especially for residents with disabilities; the Comptroller supported the concept, and members discussed using libraries, DAGS facilities, county facilities, and other public buildings, with concerns raised about staffing, bandwidth, and competing public use. SB 270, a sunshine-law measure allowing board members to attend informational meetings and presentations, drew opposition from the Public First Law Center, which argued it would create a broad loophole and should be narrowed to existing county-council provisions. SB 45, concerning neighborhood board meetings and third-party presentations, prompted discussion about whether it actually addressed neighborhood boards’ Sunshine Law concerns; the committee was told it was not the right vehicle for that issue. SB 406, which would cap copying fees for government records at 5 cents per page with exceptions, drew support from media and transparency groups but opposition from DAGS, which said its actual per-page cost is much higher; members discussed possible electronic-copy alternatives and asked for more cost information before the next hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Number uh that would be section 10. >> That's correct. In-app purchase. >> Yes.
• Right now, the significant change section and section 118, I don't know if this was addressed in the
• So, the significant change section 118, sorry.
• That's what correct those code sections.
• And because the Rome section investment.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One way to maybe address this issue is to take a look at section 1, which is essentially the preamble
• </c> unfortunately uh part three section unfortunately uh part three section three<00:59:19.440><c> turning
• </c><01:03:39.920><c> four</c> comments on sb1 1257 sd1 on section four comments on sb1 1257 sd1 on section
• </c><02:32:08.160><c> and</c> reconsidered to remove that section and reconsidered to remove that section
• <02:42:55.479><c> 78-</c> Section 78- Section 78- 83555<02:42:58.160><c> involving</c><02:42:58.680><

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:41.880><c> or</c> them at the end of each section or them at the end of each section or throughout
• So the slide nine really breaks down into three sections.
• section in terms of there are some risks section in terms of there are some risks as<01:39:35.760><c>
• </c> little education when it says section little education when it says section 1955<01:51:29.560><c
• 1915, and I'm like, section 1915, and I'm like applying under that subparagraph.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division III held an informational hearing on Medicaid, Medicare, Choices for Independence, and related financing, while postponing nursing facility financing and the county cap discussion to a later date. DHHS officials Ann Landry, Jonathan Ballard, and Medicaid Director Henry Litman provided an overview of Medicaid’s role, noting it is a federal-state partnership with state-specific eligibility and benefits, and emphasizing that Medicaid is a major funding and programmatic support for other DHHS initiatives. They also distinguished Medicaid from Medicare and explained that Medicaid funding is not the same as grant funding, though some providers may also receive federal grants through other channels. The presentation focused on New Hampshire’s relatively small Medicaid program and why it differs from national averages. Officials said about 184,000 residents are covered, roughly one in seven Granite Staters compared with one in five nationally, and attributed the difference largely to the state’s higher per-capita income and older population. They highlighted that about 65% of Medicaid-enrolled adults in New Hampshire are working, that only 22% of births are covered by Medicaid versus 42% nationally, and that the state’s uninsured rate is lower than the national rate. Members asked about covered services, income limits, federal matching rates, and the names of optional eligibility groups; staff explained that New Hampshire offers the optional groups discussed, with matching rates varying by category, including 90% for Granite Advantage and certain other groups, and 65% for children above the required level. A substantial portion of the hearing covered eligibility rules and recent policy changes. Officials reviewed the history of Medicaid, including HCBS waivers, the CFI program, Katie Beckett, the Olmstead decision, the ACA, and the end of continuous enrollment after the public health emergency. They also discussed the 2023 legislative expansion of postpartum coverage from 60 days to 12 months and child eligibility changes. In response to questions, DHHS said it is tracking utilization and costs for the postpartum expansion and reported that many maternal deaths occur after the prior 60-day coverage period, often involving substance use disorder or suicide; they said the longer coverage is intended to improve access to treatment and prevention. The committee also walked through household-income examples, clarified that Medicaid eligibility is based on household income and categorical rules, and confirmed that Granite Advantage ends at 138% of the federal poverty level unless another categorical basis applies. No votes were taken, and the hearing remained informational.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:01.039><c> in</c> the schools, there is a section in the schools, there is a section in there's
• </c> it's in the optional sections. Okay. it's in the optional sections. Okay.
• </c> A few lower at section E.
• Uh this includes a number of sections of Uh this includes a number of sections of of<01:19:16.159><c>
• </c><04:12:00.000><c> 4</c> prime sponsor aware of section 4 prime sponsor aware of section 4 col3H<04

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So section F, which is the section we're under discussion here, is part of section 2.
• </c> I think section I think section two<05:49:21.080><c> is</c><05:49:22.040><c> not</c><05:49:22.360
• </c><05:49:54.120><c> about</c> this section section two is only about this section section two is only
• </c> Marketplace that's that's the section Marketplace that's that's the section we're<05:52:10.200><
• </c><05:54:01.160><c> of</c> resources section of resources section of Statute<05:54:03.000><c> uh</c

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:11:02.159><c> under</c><01:11:02.560><c> section</c> the bill here on section under section the
• bill here on section under section three. three. three.
• ><c> the</c> under section three, what the under section three, what the methodology<01:11:22.480><c>
• </c><01:16:51.360><c> under</c> This bill creates a new section under This bill creates a new section
• </c> a a section of town called Frenchtown. a a section of town called Frenchtown.

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> some jurisdictional things, and section some jurisdictional things, and section 1<00:59:02.400><
• McNulty began responding by referring to section 3.
• McNulty began responding by referring to section 3.
• </c> Is that like related to another section Is that like related to another section of<02:21:30.720>
• </c><03:07:17.600><c> on</c><03:07:18.000><c> on</c> Section 10 is a prohibition on on Section 10 is

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in this bill that's going to the section in this bill that's going to the section in this bill that's
• for you uh and and and read this section for you uh and and and read this section for you uh on page
• it also gives the law under this section it also gives the law under this section it also gives the
• 65 338 again back to defined in section 65 338 again back to defined in section 65 338 again back to
• or section 32-6 D1 a reasonable section or section 32-6 D1 a reasonable section or section 32-6 D1 a

Bills: HCR 21 , HCR 22 , HCR 23 , HCR 24 , HCR 25 , HCR 26 , HCR 27 , HCR 31 , HCR 41 , HCR 42 , HCR 43 , HCR 44 , HCR 45 , HCR 52 , HCR 53 , HCR 66 , HCR 67 , HCR 73 , HR 8 , HR 10 , HR 13 , HR 20 , HR 21 , HR 50 , HR 59 , HR 61 , HR 71 , HR 74 , HR 79 , HR 84 , HR 86 , HR 90 , HR 91 , HR 102 , HR 103 , HR 107 , HR 113 , HR 125 , HR 126 , HR 132 , HR 142 , HR 145 , HR 149 , HR 150 , HR 152 , HR 167 , HR 179 , HR 181 , HR 183 , HR 186 , HR 192 , HR 196 , HR 199 , HR 207 , HR 211 , HR 212 , HR 213 , HR 216 , HR 249 , HR 256 , HR 259 , HR 261 , HR 263 , HR 272 , HR 281 , HR 285 , HR 294 , HR 295 , HR 300 , HR 305 , HR 311 , HR 313 , HR 315 , HR 316 , HR 323 , HR 331 , HR 339 , HR 340 , HR 346 , HR 349 , HR 352 , HR 357 , HR 358 , HR 360 , HR 363 , HR 374 , HR 377 , HCR 20 , HCR 28 , HCR 30 , HCR 32 , HCR 49 , HR 14 , HR 15 , HR 19 , HR 23 , HR 24 , HR 25 , HR 26 , HR 27 , HR 29 , HR 47 , HR 48 , HR 55 , HR 56 , HR 66 , HR 85 , HR 92 , HR 93 , HR 95 , HR 96 , HR 140 , HR 155 , HR 164 , HR 204 , HR 241 , HR 242 , HR 250 , HR 253 , HR 260 , HR 262 , HR 265 , HR 279 , HR 310 , HR 312 , HR 328 , HR 332 , HR 359 , HR 362 , HR 367

Keywords: recognition, award, petroleum industry, leadership, community service, HCR 22, House Concurrent Resolution, Texas Legislature, commendation, honorary resolution, Dr. James Olson, James Olson, University of Texas Permian Basin, UT Permian Basin, psychology professor, 50 years of service, faculty recognition, academic award, Piper Professor Award, Regents' Outstanding Teaching Award

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:31:14.159><c> five</c> create a kind of a ban um sections five create a kind of a ban um sections
• </c> Mr Aloo um the bill has uh in section Mr Aloo um the bill has uh in section five<01:45:54.480><c
• of the bill, which adds a new section to the HRS, should be moved before section one of the bill, which
• amends the current section of the HRS.
• ><c> the</c><01:53:28.320><c> HRS</c> which adds a new section to the HRS which adds a new section to

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee met on March 13, 2025, and took up several firearms and fireworks measures. On SB 227, which would create an illegal fireworks enforcement division in the Department of Law Enforcement and appropriate funds, DLE supported the bill, saying fireworks enforcement has become a full-time job requiring dedicated staff rather than a collateral-duty task force. Members discussed whether the bill and the related task force bill were both needed; DLE said yes, explaining that the new division would provide full-time state employees while the task force funding covers interagency costs such as transportation, storage, overtime, and personnel. Testimony on SB 227 was reported as 12 in support and 6 in opposition. On SB 222, which would fund the illegal fireworks task force and extend its sunset to June 30, 2030, DLE and the Honolulu Police Department supported the measure, emphasizing continued enforcement pressure and interagency coordination. An opponent from the Libertarian Party of Hawaii argued the bill was a waste of time, criticized fireworks prohibition as cultural overreach, and performed a song in opposition. Representative Shimizu asked about results from the extra enforcement effort, and DLE said enforcement has driven up street prices and made investors think twice, which they described as a goal of pricing people out of the market. The chair reported 13 testimonies in support and 6 in opposition. The committee then heard SB 1324, a more comprehensive fireworks bill that would revise definitions and penalties, create first- and second-degree fireworks offenses, add infractions, and increase penalties for serious injury or death. DLE and the Attorney General strongly supported it, saying the bill would improve enforcement, address black-market activity, and help prosecutors when fireworks have already exploded and evidence is destroyed. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing existing laws already punish these offenses and that the real issue is enforcement; the office also raised constitutional concerns about the bill’s concurrent civil infraction and criminal trial process. Honolulu Police supported the bill, while the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office said the alternative definitions would help in cases involving exploded versus seized fireworks. The chair noted 17 testimonies in support, 7 in opposition, and 3 comments, and members discussed whether the bill could be amended to address the public defender’s concerns. The committee also began hearing SB 308, which would expand the state’s magazine-capacity restrictions to firearms with detachable magazines over 30 rounds, with a grandfathering provision for certain magazines obtained before January 1, 2026. DLE supported the bill as a fair balance that would grandfather existing magazines while preventing new high-capacity acquisitions. Opposition testimony from Jerry Yuan of the Pool, Oil, Rifle, and Pistol Club argued the proposal was another shifting restriction and opposed magazine bans generally. The hearing continued with additional testimony not fully captured in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is our Financial Crimes and Fraud Section that does four things.
• This is our Financial Crimes and Fraud Section that does four things.
• This is our Financial Crimes and Fraud Section that does four things.
• </c><01:03:12.000><c> So,</c> and in the previous section in 9.6.
• So, and in the previous section in 9.6.

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> Wyoming</c><00:02:54.160><c> statute</c> section one, 22, Wyoming statute section one, 22, Wyoming
• The priority of section B shall or Yeah.
• </c> section B shall be valid. section B shall be valid.
• B shall be not described in section B shall be valid. valid. valid.
• </c> specifically in that section. specifically in that section.

Bills: SF0028 , SF0030 , SF0031 , SF0032

Committee: Senate Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions

Keywords: voting, elections, electronic voting systems, transparency, public testing, voter registration, qualified elector, residency requirements, voting rights, mortgage modification, priority, electronic signatures, real property, financial covenants, 911 services, emergency response, grant funding, next generation technology, government accountability, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• So on page 25, you have the HB 2 sections related to the liquor commission.
• Sections 267 to 279 is eliminating the enforcement division. education goes on.
• ><c> is</c><00:20:58.240><c> repealing</c> there's section 389 which is repealing there's section 389
• </c><01:27:38.719><c> We</c> section is what I would recommend.
• We section is what I would recommend. We change<01:27:39.199><c> that.

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, uh, section 2, lines 13 and 14 state that notwithstanding any other provision of law to
• For example, uh, section 2, lines 13 and 14 state that notwithstanding any other provision of law to
• For example, uh, section 2, lines 13 and 14 state that notwithstanding any other provision of law to
• For example, uh, section 2, lines 13 and 14 state that notwithstanding any other provision of law to
• </c> would also suggest to you that section would also suggest to you that section 2,<00:53:56.480><c

Committee: Senate Commerce

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's uh three sections on this bill.
• The second section is the board setup.
• There's uh three section on programming. There's uh three section on this<00:52:19.440><c> bill.
• Uh the first section talk this bill.
• </c> second section is the the board setup. second section is the the board setup.

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For a routine C-section delivery. At 2:33, she gave birth to her son, Langston.
• For a routine C-section delivery. At 2:33, she gave birth to her son, Langston.
• delivery, and continue to track the vaginal birth after C-section success rate.
• delivery, and continue to track the vaginal birth after C-section success rate.
• Vaginal birth after C-section success rate.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, April 20, 2026, 1012, house, all