Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Um, a certifying practitioner in the... New Hampshire Hospital Association.
• &gt;&gt; Um<00:47:34.960><c> a</c><00:47:35.200><c> certifying</c><00:47:36.160><c> practitioner</c><
• >> They only if they're a certifying practitioner can they sign off as an approved IEA.
• So in order to<01:00:23.359><c> prepare</c><01:00:23.760><c> the</c><01:00:24.000><c> state</c><01:00
• And, uh, one of our nurse practitioners is 80. She's about to become an old lady. >> Wow.

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, including roll call and approval of the prior meeting minutes, with one member abstaining because of absence and one member opposing. The main informational items were a Department of Health and Human Services update on the rural health transformation grant and a public health briefing on vaccines, followed by a quarterly budget and staffing update and an annual report from the Permanent Subcommittee on Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Related Dementias. Commissioner Lori Weaver reported that the department submitted the rural health transformation grant application on November 4, described it as reflecting input from communities and providers statewide, and said CMS review and budget negotiations would follow before final approval on December 31. She said the grant could support hiring as long as administrative costs stay within the 10% cap, and that the governor’s office will oversee administration with HHS. Ian Watt then testified that New Hampshire remains committed to vaccine access, including through the universal purchase program and annual respiratory virus guidance for flu, RSV, and COVID-19. He said the state continues to use evidence-based review for vaccine policy, noted the CDC’s change regarding the combined MMRV vaccine for the first dose in young children, and said New Hampshire’s school vaccine mandates remain at nine for schoolchildren and 10 for child care, with statutory exemptions still in place. Department staff also said there have been no supply or funding problems affecting childhood vaccine access. Nathan White, the department’s CFO, reviewed the DHHS budget and vacancy trends. He said DHHS makes up a large share of the state budget, that about 31% of its budget is general funds subject to lapse, and that lapse projections are difficult because much of the budget is driven by utilization rather than personnel. He reported current projected general fund lapse of just under $20 million, compared with about $39 million in the statewide surplus statement, and explained that only about a third of DHHS general funds can actually lapse because of statutory restrictions. He also said the department has about 400 unfunded positions, contributing to roughly a $30 million general fund reduction across the biennium, and that the hiring freeze has pushed vacancy trends upward while critical direct-care positions are being prioritized. The Alzheimer’s subcommittee reported six meetings this year, presentations on state services, silver alerts, brain health awareness, and palliative/hospice care, and work toward a new state Alzheimer’s plan. The subcommittee is developing a needs-assessment survey for people living with dementia, caregivers, and service providers, with the goal of using the results and other data sources to inform the plan. Its recommendations focus on integrating Alzheimer’s and dementia materials into chronic disease and aging outreach, embedding brain health into systems of care, adding cognitive health measures to BRFSS, and continuing partnerships with statewide organizations. Members also discussed recent research and prevention efforts, and the committee noted that a separate bill is being pursued to include Alzheimer’s and dementia in existing public health awareness campaigns.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do have counsel prepared to walk through this amendment and describe where the changes are located
• So if I could turn it over to the A44 amendment counsel. do have um council is prepared to walk do have
• um council is prepared to walk through<00:09:00.640><c> this</c><00:09:00.880><c> amendment</c><00:09
• Um, nurse practitioners Senator Abler.
• </c><00:42:09.760><c> are</c> that many nurse practitioners are that many nurse practitioners are doctoral

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm also a legal practitioner here in the Twin Cities.
• I'm going to speak as a practitioner and a business law practitioner first and foremost.
• and a business law practitioner and a business law practitioner<00:03:34.799><c> first</c><00:03:35.000
• </c> come from either Academia practitioners come from either Academia practitioners like<00:06:48.120
• </c><00:06:51.560><c> lawmakers</c> not that many practitioners lawmakers not that many practitioners

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• to keep putting it on the Department of Education, but it requires the Department of Education to prepare
• to keep putting it on the Department of Education, but it requires the Department of Education to prepare
• Just before I begin with prepared remarks, I just wanted to respond to your...
• Just before I begin with prepared remarks, I just wanted to respond to your questions, which I think
• of children like mine that enable practitioners to have a better look at what their IQ truly is all

Committee: Senate Judiciary C

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 137, which would strengthen penalties for knowingly making threats against schools, school activities, students, or school employees. The author said the bill responds to repeated false threats that disrupt schools, frighten families, and divert law enforcement, and it adds education and parental acknowledgment requirements. Members discussed possible juvenile consequences such as public service or physical work at schools, and the bill drew support from law enforcement, district attorneys, and Catholic bishops. It was reported favorably without objection. House Bill 321 followed, addressing Louisiana’s Safe Harbor law by expressly exempting minors from prostitution offenses and treating them as trafficking victims rather than offenders. The author, clergy, trafficking advocates, and a survivor testified that children involved in commercial sex are typically coerced, groomed, or controlled by traffickers, often family members or caregivers, and should receive protection and services instead of arrest. Witnesses described statewide advocacy and crisis-response services created in 2022, and committee members asked about prosecution of perpetrators and the prevalence of trafficking in rural areas. The bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee then approved House Bill 1246, a response to a fatal drunk-driving crash involving Jada Bright, which would allow law enforcement to keep intoxicated offenders in jail if they are not safe to release. An amendment was adopted to clean up the language, and the bill was reported favorably. House Bill 1104, creating a misdemeanor for possession of motor vehicle key-programming or emulating devices used to steal cars, also passed favorably with support from prosecutors and police. House Bill 552, a cleanup measure replacing references to intoxication with impairment in prior drug-related statutes, was reported favorably as well. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 310, which would require random reassignment when a defendant waives a jury trial in districts with more than two judges, unless the prosecutor agrees otherwise. Supporters said it would prevent judge shopping and address concerns about unusually high acquittal rates before particular judges, while opponents argued it raises due process concerns and effectively lets prosecutors choose the judge. Despite the opposition, the bill was reported favorably. The last major item was House Bill 1107, dealing with post-conviction death penalty cases involving claims of intellectual disability; the bill would set a 75 IQ threshold and create procedures for Atkins claims. Supporters said it would bring finality to long-pending capital cases and follow U.S. Supreme Court guidance, while opponents argued it would be unconstitutional under Atkins, Moore, and Hall because intellectual disability cannot be reduced to a single number. After extensive testimony and debate over amendments, the committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Florida's, they already give specific medications under the direction of a physician or a nurse practitioner
• , when they, ...the direction of a physician or a nurse practitioner when they're out in the field under
• administer controlled substances out in the field under the direction of a physician or nurse practitioner
• . ...out in the field under the direction of a physician or nurse practitioner.
• Quality programs teach context, test students in the manner which prepares them for an exam, and develop

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services

Summary: The committee took up a series of health and human services bills, beginning with CS/SB 1602, which would require emergency departments to have evidence-based pediatric care protocols, training, appropriate child-sized equipment and medications, a designated care coordinator, and participation in a pediatric readiness assessment. It was reported favorably. CS/SB 1224 followed, aligning Florida law with federal requirements so paramedics may administer controlled substances in the field under physician or nurse practitioner protocols; it also passed favorably after supportive testimony from fire chiefs. The committee then adopted a strike-all for SB 890, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which addresses venous thromboembolism by creating a statewide registry, requiring screening and training in hospitals and long-term care settings, and adding assisted living facility response requirements. Assisted living representatives objected to the ALF provisions as unrealistic and potentially harmful, while supporters argued the bill would save lives; the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 1182, requiring continuous glucose monitors to be covered as both durable medical equipment and a pharmacy benefit, also passed favorably with support from AARP. The committee next considered CS/SB 12, a claim bill for a child severely injured after a DCF home visit allegedly failed to meet standards, and it was reported favorably without opposition. CS/CS/SB 954, dealing with substance abuse treatment centers and recovery residences, drew substantial debate. The bill would limit local zoning restrictions on treatment facilities and allow larger recovery residences if staffing ratios are increased; a late-filed amendment reduced the maximum active patients from 500 to 300. Municipal and county representatives warned that the bill could override local reasonable-accommodation efforts and create institutional-scale facilities, while supporters said housing is essential to recovery and that clustering concerns are overstated. The committee ultimately reported the bill favorably. CS/SB 1050, expanding the developmental disabilities pilot program statewide and creating a statewide family care council, also passed after extensive testimony from families and advocates. Supporters emphasized the long waitlist and the need for more services, while some speakers opposed managed care and warned about provider shortages and loss of individualized supports. Later, CS/SB 614, requiring a public educational webpage about background screening clearinghouse and level two screening requirements, was reported favorably. CS/SB 1578, which would require coverage for mammograms and supplemental breast cancer screening in certain circumstances, was also reported favorably. CS/SB 1060 created a joint legislative oversight committee to review Medicaid operations and financing; members discussed the need for stronger oversight of large midyear spending adjustments, and the bill passed favorably. CS/SB 1240, a Department of Children and Families substance abuse and mental health bill, was amended to clarify Baker Act transfer timing and notification requirements after debate over whether facilities could hold patients too long; it was then reported favorably. Finally, Senator Harrell presented CS/SB 526, a major nursing education bill aimed at Florida’s low NCLEX passage rates. The bill would require nursing programs to use exit exams, remediation, reporting, and stricter oversight, and the strike-all would add graduate preceptorships for low-performing programs and temporary provisional licenses for graduates pending NCLEX passage. The transcript ended while that bill was still being explained, before final action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Doomsday, I must be Nurse Practitioner Doomsday, because I have been talking about this...
• Doomsday, I must be Nurse Practitioner Doomsday, because I have been talking about this for a long time
• We knew this one was coming, and I just don't think we were prepared, even though we did our best to
• We also have grants where we grant money to local agencies to prepare their own emergency response plans
• And there are many esteemed practitioners that I think would be willing to be before you, especially

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on flood risk and flood management in California, with opening remarks emphasizing that flooding is a statewide and growing threat due to climate change, including the possibility of extreme losses in a worst-case event. Members noted recent flooding in places such as San Diego, the Tulare Basin, and Pajaro, and framed the hearing as a way to better understand prevention, response, and how to capture excess water for later use. Jeffrey Mount of PPIC gave the main overview, describing California’s high flood exposure, the different flood types the state faces, and the mix of structural and non-structural tools used to manage them. He stressed that levees, dams, bypasses, land-use planning, flood insurance, and emergency response all matter, but that risk is rising because current standards are based on past hydrology rather than future climate conditions. He also warned that flood management is underfunded, that the National Flood Insurance Program is weak, and that federal support is increasingly uncertain. Members asked about groundwater recharge, permitting, NOAA and federal cuts, and which communities are most at risk; Mount said recharge can help but does not eliminate flood risk, and that small Central Valley communities and heavily developed floodplains are especially concerning. State officials Laura Hollander of the Department of Water Resources and Jane Dolan of the Central Valley Flood Protection Board described the state’s role in forecasting, emergency response, grants, planning, and the Central Valley Flood Protection Plan. They highlighted aging infrastructure, the need for better coordination, and the state’s special liability in the Central Valley after the Paterno decision. Dolan reviewed the history of major floods and said the plan calls for about $1 billion per year over 30 years to meet current needs, while Hollander said the state works with local and federal partners on preparedness, response, and subventions projects. Both emphasized that floodplain planning, regional coordination, and faster permitting are important, but that more consistent funding is needed. A later panel from local flood agencies and districts reinforced those points, arguing that the state’s annual flood funding is below identified needs and that a proposed statewide flood and dam safety bond was reduced substantially in the broader climate bond package. Witnesses urged more routine maintenance funding, support for regional flood planning, and continued federal-state-local partnerships to reduce risk and maintain eligibility for federal assistance. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the informational hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• As ...a planning practitioner in my previous life, I really appreciate this type of legislation because
• It's time that we really start building the units that we need as a planning practitioner in my previous
• State-level guidelines note that during the preparation of an amendment to a general plan or creating
• We are required to prepare these under the Government Code.
• LCI is currently developing this TA focused on best practices in the preparation and implementation of

Summary: The committee first heard AB 253, by Assembly Member Ward and presented by Assembly Member Quirk-Silva, which would allow licensed third-party professionals to review certain post-entitlement permits if a local building department would take more than 30 days. Supporters, including California YIMBY, the California Chamber of Commerce, the Housing Action Coalition, the Bay Area Council, SPUR, and Abundant Housing LA, said the bill would reduce permitting delays and help housing production. League of Cities and the California State Association of Counties expressed concerns but were not formally opposed. Members voiced strong support, and the bill passed the committee 10-0 to Appropriations. The committee then held an informational hearing on California’s general plan. The first panel, led by UC Davis professor Catherine Brinkley, gave an overview of the general plan structure, required elements, update cycles, and the new PlanSearch database that makes adopted plans searchable statewide. She emphasized that general plans are long-term, locally tailored documents that integrate housing, transportation, safety, environmental justice, and other policy areas, and noted that many plans and elements are outdated. Members asked about update timelines, public participation, and whether AI tools could help with drafting and analysis. A second panel of local government representatives described the practical challenges of preparing and updating general plans, especially in rural and small jurisdictions. Speakers from Calaveras County, Sacramento, San Joaquin County, and Fountain Valley cited staffing shortages, consultant availability, funding constraints, CEQA and outreach costs, changing state mandates, and the difficulty of keeping plans aligned with local conditions and board turnover. They asked for more funding, more time, clearer prioritization, and more flexibility. A third panel from the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation explained its role in issuing general plan guidelines, technical advisories, and annual planning surveys, and said it is updating its guidance through 2027 to reflect recent housing, climate, safety, environmental justice, and open space laws. No public comment was offered, and the informational hearing was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• How do I prepare my child so my child could go to that college, university that you think he or she may
• One thing happened to our young people in this state, I'm giving you this as a practitioner.
• I'm talking about it as a practitioner.
• So this is not an argumentative statement, but we have so many kids that are prepared, that are doing
• When preparing for this hearing, I was told to speak from the heart, whatever really pleases you.

Committee: House Education & Employment Committee

Summary: The committee first took up PCS for CS for HB 1279, a higher education bill focused on Florida’s preeminent universities. The sponsor said the measure would increase access for Florida students, strengthen accountability and transparency, update accreditation references, adjust performance metrics, and address issues such as GPA weighting, engineering credit-hour differences, and certain fee-waiver and dental-program provisions. Members raised questions about the 95% Florida-resident enrollment target, possible funding impacts, Pell Grant metrics, and whether the bill would affect community college pathways; the sponsor said the bill was aimed at first-time-in-college students and that the 95% standard would be measured on a three-year rolling average. After an amendment removing an adjustment to the four-year graduation metric was adopted, the bill was reported favorably by a 17-2 vote. The committee then heard PCS for CS for HB 1059, which would strengthen speech and debate education by designating the Florida Debate Initiative as the statewide organization, supporting coach and judge training, statewide data collection, tournaments, and a Florida Speech and Debate Week. The sponsor and several students and advocates testified that speech and debate builds confidence, civics knowledge, leadership, and opportunities for English learners and other students, with multiple speakers describing how the program changed their lives. Members from both parties spoke strongly in support, and the bill was reported favorably without opposition. Finally, the committee considered PCS for HB 725 on political activity at public institutions of higher education. The sponsor said the bill would standardize campus policies, require notice to students and employees about free-expression and political-campaign rules, and align state practice with federal guidelines while preserving free speech and nonpartisan voter engagement. An opponent argued the bill could create barriers to civic engagement and student organizing, while supporters said it would clarify existing rules and prevent institutions from favoring one viewpoint over another. The sponsor closed by emphasizing that the bill was about information and neutrality rather than restricting speech.

Transcript Highlights:

• And you already have an optometry board, I'm sure, that is overseeing all of your practitioners.
• And you already have an optometry board, I'm sure, that is overseeing all of your practitioners.
• the part of new practitioners visav the the part of new practitioners visav the proposal<01:04:49.280
• </c><01:05:04.799><c> ers</c> overseeing all of your practitioners ers overseeing all of your practitioners
• I can believe that this can happen, but I'm not prepared to do it yet at this time.

Summary: The subcommittee first took up House Bill 525, which would have transferred administration of the program for the deaf and hard of hearing and the related board to OPLC. The chair said the sponsor was no longer interested in moving forward, and Representative Schmidt moved ITL. The motion passed 14-0 with two members absent, and the bill was placed on the consent calendar. The committee then considered Senate Bill 182 on the maternal mortality review committee. The chair described a narrower amendment that would keep the name change, clarify operations so recommendations are returned to the appropriate entities, and expand contact with family members and close contacts, while dropping a proposed addition of a Department of Corrections member. The amendment was adopted unanimously, and the bill was then moved ITL and placed on the consent calendar. Senate Bill 185, dealing with OPLC investigations and backlog reduction, received an update from OPLC General Counsel Nicholas Fry. He described efforts to improve public communication, clear the complaint backlog, standardize intake and expert review, add automated responses and website updates, use weekly legal-viability reviews, create preliminary investigation protocols, and establish a process for law-enforcement referrals. Members asked about board involvement and criminal-conviction cases; Fry said boards are kept informed and that such matters can proceed either through complaints or application/background-check processes. Representative Groa requested a follow-up update in January, and the committee agreed to an oral report then if needed. The bill was then voted ITL unanimously and placed on the consent calendar. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 349 on optometrists performing ophthalmologic laser procedures. Dr. Angelique Sawyer testified in support, saying the amendment adds more specific proctoring and qualification requirements, based on language requested after earlier hearings, and that similar systems exist in other states. Representative Sers confirmed that the new sections were the key additions, while Representative Schmidt said he remained open to the concept but wanted a thorough review and asked about a subcommittee. The discussion was still ongoing when the transcript ended, with no vote recorded on HB 349.

Transcript Highlights:

• He also said the department is looking at using additional advanced practice practitioners, nurse practitioners
• He also said the department is looking at using additional advanced practice practitioners, nurse practitioners
• practitioners practitioners uh<00:37:11.119><c> nurse</c><00:37:11.440><c> practitioners,</c><00:37:
• 12.079><c> physician</c> uh nurse practitioners, physician uh nurse practitioners, physician assistants
• </c> &gt;&gt; We're preparing for for anything. &gt;&gt; We're preparing for for anything.

Summary: The committee first approved the May 12 minutes, then deferred item 285 on the routine personal service contract green list for Western Kentucky University to the July 2026 meeting. It also noted that several deferred university contracts had been withdrawn by the institutions, and then approved the remaining agenda items without objection, including personal service contracts, amendments, memoranda of agreement, Kentucky Entertainment incentive agreements, deferred items, and corrections, except for items pulled for further review. The main pulled item was a Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts contract supporting Fayette District Court’s juvenile treatment court through Fayette County Public Schools. Court officials explained that the program, created under Supreme Court rules in 2022, serves court-connected juveniles with mental health and related needs, operates at the courthouse, and uses a school-employed program manager funded through a pass-through arrangement with Fayette County Public Schools and the Urban County Government. They said the program has had over 100 referrals, accepted about half, and had at least 25 successful graduates, with 11 high school graduates among participants. Members asked about who pays for drug screens, family involvement, and what counts as successful completion; the officials said the Urban County Government’s Division of Youth Services pays for drug screens and services, and that parents must participate in classes and support services. The committee then approved the contract review, with some members explaining their votes in support and one member emphasizing the committee’s role in reviewing contracts in the public interest. The committee also reviewed two Auditor of Public Accounts contracts. The auditor’s representative said contract 11, with Vantage Point Solutions, will examine the Kentucky Communications Network Authority/Kentucky Wired network for $700,000, well below the $1.5 million appropriated, and that a report is expected before the 2027 regular session. Contract 12 funds a special examination of investment managers used by Kentucky’s retirement systems, prompted by a Legislative Oversight and Investigations request to assess whether investments tied to ESG factors are consistent with fiduciary duties; the representative said the retirement systems have been cooperative and that findings are expected on a similar timeline, with some flexibility built into the deadline. After questions about the Texas litigation referenced in the explanation, the committee approved both auditor contracts without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• they are actually to my left, who are participating in a... a leadership fellowship that further prepares
• HR 157 by Schaffner commending the nurse practitioners of East Texas for their dedication to patient
• Texas is home to more than 47,000 nurse practitioners. who provide high-quality care to people of Texas

Transcript Highlights:

• You don't understand how hard it is to prepare and study for a final under these conditions. when you
• Like I make this joke: I know a thousand ways to prepare ramen noodles because there were just times
• So these associate-level practitioners are just by.
• Senate Bill 37 ensures degrees earned in Texas are of value and prepare students for success in life
• I don't have any prepared remarks, but I'm happy to help answer questions.

Bills: HB2476 , HB2893 , HB4848 , HB5062 , SB37 , SB60 , HB2860 , HB4930 , SB646 , SB 37

Committee: House Higher Education

Keywords: living expenses, higher education, student support, homeless students, financial aid, grant program, baccalaureate degrees, junior colleges, workforce development, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, competency-based education, baccalaureate degree, cost of attendance, dual credit, computer science, course credit, foreign language requirement, curriculum review, governing board, faculty council

Transcript Highlights:

• Preceptors play a critical role in preparing the next generation of providers and encouraging them to
• I am an actual nurse practitioner and an actual nurse and worked in trauma for quite some time here on
• behalf of the Nursing Association and the Nurse Practitioner Council.
• I am an actual nurse practitioner and an actual nurse and worked in trauma for quite some time here on
• behalf of the Nursing Association and the Nurse Practitioner Council.

Committee: House House Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Where there are maybe some tax preparers that are not on the up and up.
• So reaching out to the preparers.
• So we want to make sure these preparers are knowledgeable, but...
• And if that preparer doesn't have the information they need about the program, or if that preparer potentially
• There's some slides in the packet you have, I guess, that I prepared.

Committee: House Finance

Summary: The House Finance Committee held a work session that began with welcoming new member Rep. Janice Zahn, who introduced herself as representing the 41st Legislative District. The committee then received a Department of Revenue update on the Antio-related legislation. DOR explained the Washington Supreme Court’s Antio decision on the B&O deduction for investment income, the department’s post-decision guidance, and the 2025 legislative changes in HB 2081 and SB 5167, including an expanded voluntary disclosure agreement for entities with unreported investment income. DOR said the expanded program offers broader penalty and interest relief and applies to both registered and unregistered businesses, but participation has been minimal so far because additional implementation questions remain unresolved. The committee next heard the annual update on the Working Families Tax Credit. DOR reported record participation in 2025, with about $205 million refunded through the first 10 months and a major increase in applications after TurboTax integrated the credit. Officials said the program reached more than 409,000 children this year, but demographic response rates fell because TurboTax did not present optional demographic questions. DOR also discussed outreach efforts, the end of funding for community outreach partners after 2025, and challenges including fraud involving third-party preparers, turnover in eligible households, immigration-related reluctance among ITIN holders, data-sharing barriers, and difficulty verifying self-employment income. Members asked about fraud remedies, and DOR said it can pursue recipients for fraudulent refunds and may work with law enforcement, but the statute does not provide direct penalties against preparers. The final DOR presentation covered implementation of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5814, which expanded retail sales tax to certain services effective October 1. DOR described its outreach and guidance process, including 16 listening sessions, an online survey, a centralized guidance page, special notices, and about 95,000 direct taxpayer contacts. Officials said ruling requests surged sharply around the effective date, especially for live presentations, advertising, and software/IT services, and formal rulemaking is expected after the 2026 session. Committee members questioned whether the fiscal note anticipated impacts on schools and nonprofits and whether the department’s estimates should be revisited. The committee then heard stakeholder testimony from Expedia, T-Mobile, and the Construction Industry Training Council, followed by Clover Park School District and Seattle Theatre Group/Inspire Washington. Witnesses argued that SB 5814 creates complexity, uncertainty, and competitive disadvantages for Washington businesses and nonprofits, especially for digital advertising, IT, training, and live presentation services. School and nonprofit representatives said the tax raises costs for education, apprenticeship, arts, and cultural programming, with Clover Park warning of a roughly $1.2 million annual hit to special education-related contracted services. No votes were taken; the meeting ended with the chair saying the committee would continue working on SB 5814 issues in the next legislative session.

Transcript Highlights:

• founding in 1970, we have been committed to training comprehensive, community-focused physicians prepared
• And especially as we start to say in a lot of other venues, you know, we need more practitioners.
• We need more practitioners.
• training, and instead we kind of go to the, you know, let's open, reduce the barriers and let more practitioners

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• And it seemed that sole practitioners were—there was more discipline against sole practitioners than
• So my question is: what are you doing now in preparation?
• And so I'm just question, my question is, what are you doing now in preparation?
• So I'm just curious what you're doing in this moment to prepare for that.
• You're doing in this moment to prepare for that? For 2028? Oh, okay. Sorry, for 2020.

Committee: Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• you sit there and they access your port, and the first thing they give you is steroids, right, to prepare
• Would you like me to deliver my prepared remarks, or just answer some questions?
• could answer the question first that Representative Crane has, and then you can proceed with your prepared
• So cancer treatment decisions should remain between a medical practitioner and their patient, but this
• their prescribed treatment is taken orally rather than through an IV. ...remain between a medical practitioner

Committee: House Business

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:27:49.120><c> a</c> early 80s with Don Thomas prepar a early 80s with Don Thomas prepar a subthermal
• I'm also a cultural practitioner who was instilled with the practice from my grandparents, from MAA to
• </c> 1778 I'm also a cultural practitioner 1778 I'm also a cultural practitioner who<00:33:22.039><c>
• And I would appreciate that if you would prepare for that. Any other questions, members?
• or scholar of hawan studies practitioner or scholar of hawan studies or<01:09:40.920><c> and</c><01:

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee heard three House bills related to the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. HB 606 would extend the Act 279 special fund to June 30, 2028, continue deposits and appropriations to help eliminate the DHHL waitlist, and require a strategic plan and annual reporting. DHHL strongly supported the measure, saying most of the initial $600 million had been used and that the need remains large, with more than 29,000 people on the waitlist. Public testimony also supported the bill, emphasizing its importance to Native Hawaiian families and concerns about Hawaiians leaving the islands because of housing costs. A member noted the bill is a priority and that the committee will keep working on how to fund another $600 million. HB 1086 would exempt DHHL homestead lot and housing development from general excise and use taxes. DHHL supported the bill, saying any tax savings would reduce the eventual cost of housing for low-income beneficiaries. The Department of Taxation said it could administer the measure and noted it is already being implemented under the governor’s emergency proclamation, with a proposed effective date of January 1, 2026. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered technical comments and urged the committee to weigh existing benefits already received by DHHL beneficiaries. HB 1307 would appropriate funds for DHHL water well development and geothermal exploration on Hawaiian homelands. DHHL said the bill is a follow-up to prior study funding and would support slim-hole drilling, site evaluation, and consultant work to identify viable geothermal resources, especially on Hawaiʻi Island. Several testifiers opposed the bill, arguing there had been inadequate beneficiary consultation, raising environmental, cultural, and safety concerns, and objecting to using $20 million for geothermal rather than housing. In response to committee questions, DHHL staff explained that the goal is to gather information for a future public-private partnership to develop geothermal electricity, and that a Chapter 343 environmental review would be required later in the process. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Christopher is probably preparing a test problem. Thank you. Mr.
• Christopher, this problem preparing the testimony. I'm not in the same room.
• We have been working on surveys and testimonies, and we are preparing a report for you.
• They take time off work, spend money on gas, prepare for... ...state.
• They take time off work, spend money on gas, prepare for strict dress codes, all of which they can be

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security

Summary: The hearing before the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security focused on several correction-related bills, including visitation reform, elder and medical parole, incarcerated persons’ human rights, and creation of an independent correctional oversight office. Vice Chair Christopher Worrell chaired the hearing in place of Chair Dan Cahill for much of the session and explained that the committee would first hear from incarcerated individuals remotely, then move to public testimony. The committee repeatedly enforced three-minute limits and accepted written testimony as well. Much of the testimony from incarcerated people emphasized that visitation is central to rehabilitation, family stability, and reentry, and that current DOC policies—visitor caps, pre-approval requirements, scheduling rules, dress-code enforcement, and restrictions on contact—have reduced family contact and caused harm. Several speakers argued that elderly and medically frail prisoners should be released through parole because incarceration is costly, ineffective, and inhumane for people who pose little public-safety risk. Others described poor prison conditions, limited programming, inadequate healthcare, segregation-like housing, and the impact of K2 use, suicides, and self-harm. Supporters of the oversight bill said an independent office is needed to address racial disparities, grievance failures, and lack of accountability within the DOC. A number of speakers tied their support to personal experiences, including alleged racial discrimination, denial of programs, and barriers to family visits. Some testified that rehabilitative programming, education, and restorative justice reduce violence and improve outcomes, while others said the DOC spends too little on programming and too much on punishment. Committee members asked a few follow-up questions, including about K2 contraband and how to reduce drugs in facilities, and one member asked about typical visitation lengths. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony on the bills and several witnesses urged favorable reports.

Transcript Highlights:

• You don't prepare them for a two-year delay.
• You don't prepare them for a two-year delay.
• But I'm betting that you have it pretty well prepared for three minutes.
• But I'm betting that you have it pretty well prepared for three minutes.
• As a practitioner, Louisiana Parole Project, under ...is stable throughout.

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Summary: The committee first handled several housekeeping items, voluntarily deferring HB 123, HB 255, and HB 994 without objection. It then took up SCR 3 by Senator Brock Myers, which would delay and revise implementation of a state police rule affecting criminal history background checks for licensed ambulance personnel and certain health care workers. After adopting Amendment Set 434 to remove a provision involving parish and local law enforcement checks, the committee reported SCR 3 as amended favorably. The committee also heard HB 978 by Rep. Lecombe, which as amended raises the population threshold for municipalities required to remit certain special costs to the District Indigent Defender Fund from under 5,000 to under 9,000; with support from the town of Addis and related stakeholders, the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee then considered HB 967 by Rep. Moore, which sought to remove language limiting parole eligibility for certain pre-July 2, 1973 life-sentenced offenders to those who had pleaded guilty, thereby allowing a small group of elderly inmates convicted at trial to seek parole consideration. Supporters argued the bill would only create an opportunity for review, not release, and cited rehabilitation and fairness concerns; opponents, including district attorneys and corrections officials, argued the 2022 law already addressed the intended group and that the current bill would reopen cases involving serious violent crimes. After extended debate, the motion to report HB 967 favorably failed on an 8-3 vote. Finally, the committee took up HB 1107 by Rep. Melerine, a bill on determining intellectual disability in capital cases. The bill, as amended, raised the burden of proof to clear and convincing evidence, set an IQ threshold framework, required expert reports and Daubert-type reliability review, and limited the article to post-conviction capital cases. The Attorney General’s office and district attorneys supported the bill as a way to create clearer procedures and speed resolution of Atkins claims, while criminal defense lawyers, disability advocates, clergy, and medical experts opposed it as inconsistent with current clinical standards and potentially unconstitutional, warning that rigid IQ cutoffs and presumptions could wrongly expose people with intellectual disabilities to execution. The transcript ends during closing remarks on HB 1107, with no final committee vote shown.