Transcript Highlights:

• Perhaps they're in nursing homes but need the cash out of their home that they still own.
• Many people credited all the standards in our home equity law.
• There were a lot of abusive home repair loans being made, and shoddy home repair people would go and
• Our home and our home equity, that's the only asset we own.
• mortgages and home equity lending.

Bills: HB1342 , HB2889 , HB3002 , HB3254 , HB4820 , HJR40 , HJR40

Committee: House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:21.120><c> Board,</c> Education Professional Standards Board, Education Professional Standards
• to the Board of Nursing, Senator<00:10:15.120><c> Mills.
• Senate Board of Nursing, Senator Mills.
• Senate Board of Nursing, Senator Mills.
• Standards Board, Senator Mills. Senate Standards Board, Senator Mills.

Transcript Highlights:

• He was a member of the Springdale Bridges to Wellness Board of Directors and a member of the Northwest
• Bailey is currently a member of the State Board of Health and the Community Health Subcommittee of the
• Mercy Health Foundation Northwest Arkansas Board of Directors, and is the coordinator for the Benton
• With us, as always, is Nurse Lee Fasio.
• Senate Bill 68, by joint budget, an act for the Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Services

Transcript Highlights:

• There are nurses, nurse practitioners.
• </c><01:04:00.160><c> Nurse</c> there are nurses Nurse there are nurses Nurse Practitioners<01:04:02.039
• board?
• They have a meeting of the collective boards, meaning the school boards of all the SAUs.
• They have a meeting of the collective boards, meaning the school boards of all the SAUs.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 662, which would require public schools to include discussion of abortion procedures and show specified videos in health education classes. The prime sponsor argued the bill would ensure students receive medically accurate, age-appropriate, and nonpolitical information about abortion, saying the topic is important for informed decision-making and should be taught consistently statewide. He said the videos were intended for grades 9-12, that parents could opt out, and that the requirement was meant to supplement, not sway, students’ views. He also acknowledged the bill could be seen as limiting local control over curriculum and said the intent was to prevent the topic from being missed due to scheduling disruptions. Committee members questioned the sponsor about local control, the need for a video mandate, the source of his statistics, whether the bill could be biased or inflammatory, and whether the requirement should apply every year in high school. The sponsor said the videos were only a starting point, could be replaced by others, and were meant to be informational. He also said the bill was not intended to influence students’ decisions about abortion. Several supporters testified in favor, including representatives of New Hampshire Right to Life and others who said students should be told the “truth” about abortion and its consequences. They emphasized graphic or emotionally difficult aspects of abortion and argued that young people need this information to make informed choices. Opponents and skeptical witnesses raised concerns about prescribing curriculum, eroding local control, and the appropriateness of the material for younger high school students. The New Hampshire School Administrators Association said the bill was overly prescriptive, that health education standards are already set by the State Board of Education, and that the topics in the bill are not part of the current standards. That witness recommended the committee consider retaining the bill for further work or making it less prescriptive. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• This field is moving toward standards, not away from them.
• By this standard, people using alcohol should be under medical supervision.
• I lead the Collin County Psychedelic Society and I hold a board position with REACH.
• When I came home, I did what I was supposed to do.
• The rate-setting board voting members. Thank you, Julie. Thank you for that.

Summary: The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee met on January 27 and heard extensive public testimony on several bills before moving into executive session. Senate Bill 5921 would create a Department of Health medical psilocybin program for adults with qualifying conditions, with licensed producers and clinician participation requirements, training, background checks, and program standards. Supporters, including the sponsor and many clinicians, veterans, first responders, and patients, described psilocybin as promising for treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, trauma, and end-of-life anxiety, while opponents and some medical groups raised concerns about missing safeguards, contraindications, monitoring, cost, and the bill’s narrow medical model. Testimony was split sharply, with many also urging broader decriminalization or community-use protections. The committee later heard Senate Bill 6115, which would have the Department of Health contract for age-appropriate cancer education for grades 6-12; supporters from Cancer Pathways, educators, and families said it would improve prevention and risk awareness, while the bill drew substantial opposition in sign-in counts, and the hearing was ultimately closed without action that day. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5185, a pilot pathway for international medical graduates to obtain full unrestricted primary care licensure after supervised clinical practice, completion of exam and competency requirements, and annual reporting. The sponsor, Washington Medical Association, the Medical Commission, and IMG advocates said the proposal would expand access to primary care while maintaining patient safety, and the bill received supportive testimony. In executive session, the committee adopted proposed substitutes and advanced Senate Bill 5916 on non-opioid pain drugs, Senate Bill 5985 on endometriosis, Senate Bill 6019 on home care rate statutes, Senate Bill 6161 on dementia information, and Senate Bill 6183 on HIV antiviral drug coverage. For Senate Bill 5981 on the 340B drug pricing program, the committee adopted an amendment adding reporting and transparency requirements before moving the bill forward. The committee then adjourned, and the remaining hearing items were rescheduled for a later date.

Transcript Highlights:

• California is home to the largest and most influential creative sector in the world.
• Prince has served on the board since 2014.
• Prince has served on the board since 2014.
• SB 1302 is the sunset bill for the Board of Registered Nursing. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
• Thank you, SB 1302 is the Sunset Bill for the Board of Registered Nursing.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through motions, appointments, and third-reading bills. Senator McNerney moved SB 1011 to the inactive file. The chamber confirmed Preston Prince to the California Housing Finance Agency Board and Stephanie Landrugin to the State Mining and Geology Board, both by recorded vote. The Senate also adopted a large consent calendar and later announced budget subcommittee meetings before adjourning House of Origin work for the year. Several policy bills passed unanimously or with broad support. SB 1050 by Senator Ashby requires disclosure when advertisements use synthetic performers created by AI. SB 1393 by Senator McGuire updates fisheries management, including Dungeness crab rules and steelhead trout provisions. SB 995 by Senator Pérez creates stronger oversight for involuntary residential facilities, including immigration detention and secure youth treatment facilities. SB 1025 by Senator Hurtado establishes an Office of Food Security and Affordability to improve coordination of food assistance programs. SB 1266 by Senator Stern changes how copper wire theft damages are valued, SB 1211 by Senator González clarifies authority for conviction integrity units, and SB 1302 by Senator Wahab reauthorizes the Board of Registered Nursing. The most debated measure was SB 1373 by Senator Grove, which would narrow mental health diversion eligibility and exclude certain serious offenses, especially crimes against children and other violent conduct. Supporters, including Senator Rubio and the Senate Public Safety chair, argued it preserves treatment access while restoring public safety guardrails; the bill passed 32-0. SB 1181 by Senator Hurtado, aimed at youth safety and coordination on threats such as trafficking and online exploitation, drew discussion over the removal of fusion centers from the bill; several senators supported the amended approach while others wanted more detail, and it passed 33-0. The Senate concluded by noting it had dispensed with 341 bills during the month and announced the next floor session for June 1.

Transcript Highlights:

• California is home to the largest and most influential creative sector in the world.
• Prince has served on the board since 2014.
• In my own home county, a disgraced former Republican county supervisor, Zach Skrivner, serves as the
• SB 1302 is the sunset bill for the Board of Registered Nursing. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
• Thank you, SB 1302 is the Sunset Bill for the Board of Registered Nursing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And Secretary Duffy's first action was to reverse those standards.
• Well, I don't believe the Secretary canceled the standards.
• the standards or potentially rescind the previous standards.
• And we have a standard for impairment with alcohol, but we don't have any standards yet for people driving
• And today, the workforce is the same.

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Keywords: transportation, air traffic control, safety regulations, Boeing 737 MAX, Department of Transportation, infrastructure funding, public safety, legislative oversight

Summary: The committee meeting addressed several pressing issues concerning transportation, particularly focusing on the need for improved safety standards and efficient management at the Department of Transportation. Specific discussions revolved around air traffic control, with members highlighting the urgency for a significant upgrade in systems and personnel. Notably, concerns were raised regarding past practices, especially the handling of safety regulations during the Boeing 737 MAX incidents. The committee expressed a clear intent to ensure rigorous safety oversight moving forward, emphasizing that the health and safety of the public must remain the top priority in all legislative and funding decisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was living on a bunch of my teammates' couches when my parents' home got red-tagged.
• That was with R-H Community Home Builders, did a really good job on that one.
• Development Board is also part of that department.
• So look backward and say, okay, can we standardize from HAP 2 through 6?
• Susanna Parsons with All Home.

Transcript Highlights:

• She just said they couldn't find anybody, and also for home health care.
• I mean, we've already done a study across the board.
• The Water Trust Board is funded by severance tax money.
• This is just related to those increased standards that CPAs have to follow.
• Is there anyone here from the Gaming Control Board?

Transcript Highlights:

• are included in the plan almost 500 homes we call it in my town is 500 homes, we call it in my town,
• across the board.
• across the board.
• This only addresses labor standards that are adopted by a city council or board of supervisors, such
• This only addresses labor standards that are adopted by a city council or board of supervisors, such

Committee: Senate Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a nurse practitioner and a nurse midwife who has served the community for over 25 years.
• I'm a nurse practitioner and a nurse midwife who has served the community for over 25 years.
• I'm a nurse. I'm a critical care nurse here in New Hampshire.
• nurse midwife.
• I'm a registered nurse.

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee opened with procedural remarks, including notice of an overflow room and a brief apology from Representative Andress about returning to his seat after introducing HB 114. The committee then took up HB 476, a proposed 15-week abortion ban. Chairman Lynn explained that a request to withdraw the bill had been filed, but because the bill was already scheduled for hearing, the committee would proceed with testimony and the withdrawal would require later House action. The chair also reminded witnesses to keep remarks to three minutes and asked the audience to remain respectful. Most testimony focused on abortion access, maternal health, and the likely effects of a 15-week limit. Opponents, including Nancy Pariser, Dr. Cynthia Rasmussen, Dr. Young, Bonnie Bruno, and others, argued that abortion restrictions increase maternal mortality, worsen miscarriage care, create “OB deserts,” and can delay emergency treatment in cases such as sepsis or ectopic pregnancy. Several speakers cited experiences from Texas and Georgia and warned that HB 476 contained no exceptions for rape, incest, or maternal health. Supporters of the bill, including Paul Galasso and Lynn Hill, framed abortion as the loss of unborn life and argued that 15 weeks still allows most abortions while saving lives; they also said New Hampshire’s current law is already adequate and that the bill should be strengthened rather than abandoned. Other witnesses emphasized practical and economic concerns, saying unwanted pregnancies can worsen poverty, childcare burdens, housing insecurity, and women’s lifetime earnings. Some speakers urged lawmakers to focus instead on affordable housing, childcare, and family support. No committee vote or final action on HB 476 occurred during the hearing; the meeting consisted of opening remarks and public testimony only.

Transcript Highlights:

• So let's drill home on this point.
• And so we become sort of a new standard that we can set for everybody in a way.
• It's a very high standard, but in CalAqba, we were able to reach that standard, two-thirds majority.
• They didn't even need to go home and do homework.
• Hanna with the California Nurses Association, representing over 100,000 registered nurses in California

Committee: House Privacy and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• At this time, we must address the workforce issue directly.
• The answer is to preserve flexibility while strengthening the workforce.
• The answer is to preserve flexibility while strengthening the workforce.
• I strongly urge this committee... ...from entering the peer support workforce.
• Could you explain a little bit further the standards issue that has been raised about the standards that

Committee: Senate Health

Transcript Highlights:

• They are reducing skilled nursing facility visits. And they are saving money.
• It was difficult for people to live there because of the price of their homes.
• , or do you see times where the boards—and I'm talking about local air and water boards—where the boards
• You know, the argument at the time was when we get to this air standard, 1990 air standard, you know,
• You know, the argument at the time was when we get to this air standard, 1990 air standard, you know,

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee established quorum and first approved several non-appearing gubernatorial appointees and procedural items on unanimous 5-0 votes, including Hampus Eitsiter to the Boating and Waterways Commission, Peter Stern to the California Horse Racing Board, Dean White to the State Mining and Geology Board, references of bills to committees, and floor acknowledgements. The committee then heard testimony on Tyler Sadwith’s appointment as Chief Deputy Director of Healthcare Programs at the Department of Health Care Services. Sadwith emphasized protecting Medi-Cal access and equity, continuing CalAIM and behavioral health transformation, and drawing on personal experience with family members needing care. Senators focused heavily on hospital financial distress, rural access, eligibility redeterminations, fraud oversight, provider reimbursement, dental access, labor and delivery closures, and the impact of federal changes; Sadwith said the department is working on expedited payments, monitoring distressed hospitals, county technical assistance, and strategies to reduce disenrollments and improve program integrity. Public commenters from county, hospital, and care organizations supported his confirmation, and the committee advanced his nomination to the full Senate on a 5-0 vote. The committee next considered Chris Thayer, PhD, for Director of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. Thayer described OEHHA’s role as providing transparent, scientifically rigorous health assessments and supporting tools such as Prop 65, CalEnviroScreen, and risk communication. Senators pressed him on the use of models versus real-world data, fenceline monitoring, PFAS, wildfire health impacts, and whether OEHHA’s work adequately reflects lived experience and local conditions. Thayer responded that the office often must rely on the best available evidence, including animal, human, and alternative methods, while continuing to improve communication and community engagement; he also discussed EnviroScreen updates, Prop 65 warning reforms, and research gaps. Public testimony in support highlighted OEHHA’s scientific role and the importance of biomonitoring and PFAS work. The committee approved Thayer’s nomination to the full Senate on a 3-1 vote, with Senator Grove voting no and Senator Jones not voting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I see our cybersecurity overlord. board there in the back.
• Do you find that our standards At the state level, are our standards being adhered to by essentially
• Everybody has to adhere to the standards.
• standards.
• So we've intentionally constricted our workforce, and we invested in our workforce.

Committee: House Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• As you see, rent increases notices coming out of the Manufactured Mobile Home Landlord-Tenant Act to
• It allows a registered nurse. It's time and received unanimous support.
• This is a bill that sets standards for where cities and counties must allow step housing.
• This is a bill that sets standards for where cities and counties must allow step housing.
• our neighbors. we have homes of all kinds for all our neighbors.

Committee: Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• home and, oftentimes, because they're built to very high standards, these homes are absolutely beautiful
• That's the new modern homes for affordable homes: 3D-printed homes. 3D-printed homes are 50% safer than
• traditional homes, and 3D-printed homes cost 35% less than traditional homes.
• That's the new modern homes for affordable homes: 3D-printed homes. 3D-printed homes are 50% safer than
• traditional homes, and 3D-printed homes cost 35% less than traditional homes.

Committee: House Business

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Workforce or the utilities Workforce Workforce or the utilities Workforce have<00:12:19.120><c>
• </c> state-owned bank implementation board state-owned bank implementation board within<00:19:43.159>
• law encapsulates the FTC standards.
• FTC standards are already FTC standards are already Incorporated<00:23:33.559><c> uh</c><00:23:33.919
• </c><00:23:38.919><c> when</c> difference to those FTC standards when difference to those FTC standards

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Summary: The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee held its first hearing of the 2025 session and reviewed several measures. SB 102 would restrict third-party restaurant reservation services from listing or selling reservations without a written agreement from the restaurant; the Attorney General recommended amendments to strengthen the bill against First Amendment and Contracts Clause challenges, and the Hawaii Restaurant Association strongly supported it, saying restaurants should control who represents them. The committee also heard SB 137 on electric utility mergers and acquisitions, with support from Ulupono Initiative and IBW Local 1260. Supporters said the bill would preserve state policy protections, including renewable energy and rate-making goals, and protect workers; IBW also suggested amendments, including a severability clause. The committee discussed a possible alternative approach from the PUC involving solicitation of bids from non-investor-owned utilities, and Ulupono said it would consider that idea but was concerned about preserving time for co-op formation. Members then heard SB 142, which would require insurers paying claims by check to send them by certified mail with restricted delivery and return receipt. The Insurance Division stood on its written testimony, while the Hawaiian Insurers Council, State Farm, NAMIC, and the American Property Casualty Insurance Association opposed the bill. A senator questioned whether the measure was too prescriptive and could create problems for claimants displaced by disasters; the response was that insurers and claimants usually remain in contact and that other payment methods may already be available depending on the carrier. SB 157 would ban algorithmic price setting in Hawaii’s rental market and require a public education program; the committee noted written testimony in support and comment, but no oral testimony was taken before moving on. SB 158 would create a state-owned bank implementation board within DCCA; DCCA’s financial institutions division, the Budget and Finance Department, and the Legislative Reference Bureau submitted comments, while the Hawaii Bankers Association opposed and the Hawaii Credit Union League commented. The committee also heard SB 318, which would require DCCA to adopt privacy rules for direct-to-consumer genetic testing and specify whether genetic information may be used for investigative genetic genealogy. The Office of Consumer Protection and Andrew Crossland opposed the bill, saying federal law and existing state protections already cover much of the area and that rulemaking would be a better way to address it; members raised concerns about federal changes and the need for state protections, but OCP said the bill was not the best approach. SB 332 would prohibit bundling foreclosed homes at public sale and delay finality of sales; L. Strong and written testimony supported it, citing Lahaina’s post-fire foreclosure risks and warning of investors profiting from the disaster. The final measure, SB 525, would require written notice and consent before mortuaries, cemeteries, or pre-need funeral authorities sell or recycle precious metals recovered after cremation. DCCA’s consumer protection and licensing divisions offered comments, while the Hawaii Funeral and Cemetery Association opposed the bill, saying it was surprised by the measure and was unaware of current consumer problems in the industry.

Transcript Highlights:

• Even one homeowner might say, I'm going to sell my home because I lost my job.
• , sprinkler standards, all of these additional standards, we must make sure that we're giving you some
• I'm the organizing manager for the Student Homes Coalition.
• and skilled and trained workforce requirements for larger buildings.
• protect that housing from delays, labor standards to support workforce development as we build that

Committee: House Housing and Community Development