Video & Transcript : 'behavioral support' :

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CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Transportation Committee Jun 8th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • We will not accept disruptive behavior or behavior that incites or threatens violence.
  • California's regulatory framework supports the continued development of autonomous technology, while
  • We look forward to continuing to support safer roads, mobility access, and supply chain solutions to
  • How do you believe your technology would be able to improve the efficiency of support?
  • We ask this committee to support stability.
Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard an informational hearing on California’s newly finalized autonomous vehicle regulations, with DMV and CHP officials describing the updated framework and committee members pressing them on safety, enforcement, and first-responder impacts. DMV said the rules, effective April 28, 2026, expand reporting, create a phased permitting system from testing to deployment, add requirements for safety cases, remote operations, and first-responder coordination, and open a path for heavy-duty AV testing and deployment while still prohibiting oversized loads and hazardous materials. CHP said it worked with DMV on enforcement tools, first-responder interaction plans, and training local agencies on the new notice of noncompliance process. Members asked about crash data, immobilizations, freeway and construction-zone safety, weigh-station enforcement, and whether foreign licenses can qualify for remote assistants or drivers; DMV and CHP said the rules are intended to keep AVs accountable and that heavy-duty AVs will be held to the same roadway standards as human-driven commercial vehicles. A second panel focused on data collection and enforcement. Consumer attorneys argued the prior rules were too limited because DMV stopped collecting meaningful data once AVs moved from testing to deployment, making it difficult for the public and litigants to understand incidents; they supported the new regulations but urged that the collected information be made public. The industry association said California now has the nation’s most robust AV oversight, with monthly or quarterly reporting of collisions, system failures, immobilizations, harsh braking, vehicle miles traveled, and notices of noncompliance, plus broad DMV authority to restrict or suspend operations. In response to questions, the industry said it generally supports the new framework, believes the regulations are clear, and does not favor full federal preemption of state AV rules, though it wants federal standards for design, construction, and performance. A third panel addressed first-responder interaction and remote operations. The San Francisco Fire Department described repeated AV interference with emergency scenes and said AVs have generated hundreds of “sleeper calls,” where passengers fall asleep and trigger 911 responses; the department said these incidents consume significant staff time and it wants better protocols to reduce unnecessary dispatches. Waymo said it has trained thousands of public-safety personnel, maintains a 24/7 emergency line, uses geofencing/avoid-the-area messages, and can allow first responders to manually override or move vehicles when needed. Committee members asked about sleeper-call prevention, remote assistant licensing and drug testing, communication redundancies during outages, and how manual overrides work for vehicles without traditional controls; Waymo said it is collaborating with responders and that its vehicles are designed to reach a safe stop if connectivity is lost. The final panel began with testimony on heavy-duty autonomous vehicles. A transportation researcher said freight is essential to California’s economy and that heavy-duty AVs pose distinct safety risks because of their weight, stopping distance, and the potentially severe consequences of crashes or immobilizations on highways. He said the new regulations are important because they create a regulated pathway for heavy-duty AV deployment, require a safety case, set mileage thresholds, and add reporting categories that can serve as leading safety indicators. The hearing was still in progress when the transcript ended, with additional testimony expected from labor and industry witnesses on heavy-duty AV deployment.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Senate in Session Mar 4th, 2025

Florida Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • DON'T EVER FORGET THOSE WHO ARE SUPPORTING US TODAY. THEY ARE A LIFELINE OF SUCCESS.
  • CITRUS WILL NOT BE LEFT BEHIND, NEITHER WILL OUR RURAL COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE STATE THAT SUPPORT THIS
  • SENATOR BURGESS IS SPONSORING LEGISLATION TO EXPAND SUPPORT.
  • AND ESTABLISHED PROFESSIONAL FOSTER CARE TO ADDRESS THE DIFFICULT BEHAVIORAL NEEDS.
  • LET'S ALWAYS REMEMBER TO BE THERE FOR EACH OTHER, TO SUPPORT EACH OTHER.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2025-03-04 (9:30AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • President: Don't ever forget those who are supporting us today. They are a lifeline of success.
  • Citrus will not be left behind, neither will our rural communities across the state that support this
  • Senator Burgess is sponsoring legislation to expand support services for veterans and their families,
  • We're proud to move this bill forward with their support and I'm thankful to Jim for telling his story
  • Let's always remember to be there for each other, to support each other, and when we disagree to do so
Keywords: 998, house, all
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Criminal Jurisprudence Apr 15th, 2025

Criminal Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:
  • We urge your support of the bill.
  • I'm here in support of HB 1418.
  • This bill has bipartisan support and Right on Crime has dropped a card in support.
  • We're very supportive of that. We're also supportive of the state providing copies...
  • Let's give them the support they deserve.
Bills: HB200
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Awareness Month and strongly urges residents and businesses in the Commonwealth to practice safe driving behaviors
  • Tournament, to benefit the school his twins attended, and the Luzzo Open Golf Scholarship Tournament, supporting
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Senate session began with the Pledge of Allegiance and the adoption of several ceremonial resolutions. These included commendations for six lifetime members of the Beverly Rotary Club, a resolution marking the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and honoring Revolutionary War veterans from East Longmeadow, and congratulations to Nicholas Anderson on becoming an Eagle Scout. The Senate also adopted a resolution recognizing April 2025 as Distracted Driving Awareness Month and urging residents and businesses to practice safe driving. The chamber then acted on committee and House papers, suspending the necessary rules to refer a bill on public education about seat belt use in vehicles carrying many passengers to the Committee on Transportation. Another House petition concerning Massachusetts Water Resources Authority sewer service authority was referred to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. The Senate also heard proclamations for Parliamentary Law Month and George Demeter Day, highlighting the importance of parliamentary procedure and honoring Dr. George Demeter’s contributions. Finally, the Senate adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m. and approved an adjournment in memory of Antonio “Tony” Gonzalez of Ludlow, with a brief moment of silence in his honor. The session then adjourned.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
  • makes it a class one misdemeanor to knowingly disturb a religious worship assembly through indecent behavior
  • Governor's Office of Highway Safety to use up to 75% of motorcycle safety fund monies to implement and support
Keywords: 1182, all
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2025-05-13 (1:00PM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • WILL BE ABLE TO RESOLVE THE BUDGET NEGOTIATIONS SOONER RATHER THAN LATER, GIVEN THE SENATE'S RECENT BEHAVIOR
  • TO SADDLE REPRESENTATIVE GARRISON OR KENNEDY ON A BLOATING BUDGET THAT CANNOT SUPPORT ITS RAMPANT SPENDING
Keywords: 998, house, all
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

Senate Standing Committee on Education. (3-19-26)

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Uh, Chair West did a great job, and I was glad to support him with Senate Bill 9.
  • </c> support him with Senate Bill 9. support him with Senate Bill 9.
  • And so, I want to hear why KDE supports the elimination of the three queuing system.
  • And so, I want to hear why KDE supports the elimination of the three queuing system.
  • </c> really assesses more of adult behavior really assesses more of adult behavior but<00:51:19.640><
Keywords: 958, all
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Senate legislative Session Mar 23rd, 2026

Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • sciences. of Pediatrics and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Oklahoma Health
  • President, I rise in strong support of this measure.
  • But I do totally understand the rationale behind this, and I support that. Further debate.
  • You know, are we here to support small business, or are we here to support big government?
  • And again, I have talked to superintendents that support this idea, and again, it's a may.
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, pledges, and a series of guest and gallery introductions, including medical professionals, interns, students, and advocates visiting for Disability Day. The chamber then moved quickly through a long floor agenda, with leaders repeatedly noting the need to stay at desks and proceed efficiently. Several bills were taken up with floor substitutes or minor amendments, most often restore-title amendments, before advancing to final passage. The Senate passed a number of measures addressing technology, public safety, education, health care, elections, and state agency operations. Among the most notable were SB 1521, which creates safeguards around AI social companions for minors after discussion of teen suicides linked to such products; SB 1734, which sets guardrails for AI use in schools and requires district policies by 2027; and SB 1307, which removes statutory language conflicting with religious-freedom case law and passed after debate over whether it could open the door to funding religious entities. Other bills approved included SB 372 on carrying firearms in certain state-owned lodges and cabins, SB 1232 on escalating penalties for major copper theft damage, SB 1338 making the literacy-coach program permanent and tying Strong Readers Act dollars to district access, SB 1451 on voter-registration cleanup and reporting, SB 1463 extending the polygraph examiners board sunset, SB 1558 clarifying that some OJA youth in Level E group homes may remain served until age 19, and SB 1567 clarifying APRN prescriptive-authority rules and supervision compensation. The chamber also approved SB 1595, an anti-steering/anti-discrimination bill aimed at CDL training grants and workforce boards, and SB 1621, treating public law libraries as public entities represented by district attorneys. SB 1749, which lets the LP Gas Board create permitting and inspection rules for mobile food vendors and delegate inspections to more local permit holders, drew concern from some senators about added costs and burdens on food-truck operators but still passed. The Senate also advanced SB 1833, codifying the SNAP waiver executive order and limiting certain non-nutritive foods, with questions focused on how the restrictions would be communicated and applied. Most measures were passed by substantial margins, and several were declared emergency measures after final votes.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Feb 18th, 2026

Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:
  • And then also on the contractor side, on the behavioral health side, they were excited to participate
  • Both of these, I appreciate that effort and the ideas behind them, but I will not be supporting them.
  • Both of these, they are, I appreciate that effort and the ideas behind them, but I will not be supporting
Keywords: 989, all
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, September 11, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:33:19.440><c> And</c> colleagues to support this bill. And colleagues to support this bill.
  • </c><00:59:08.240><c> sense</c> to support this common sense to support this common sense legislation
  • ,</c> inhome and community-based supports, inhome and community-based supports, group<02:09:35.040><c
  • ,</c><02:09:43.599><c> my</c> direct support professionals week, my direct support professionals week
  • By the way, I would support racism.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/26/2026 - Senate Floor Session

Arizona Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • So if there's still issues, hopefully I will be supporting 1496.
  • All those in support, please signify All those in support, please signify with an aye.
  • All those in support, please signify with an aye.
  • We have the county recorders in support.
  • Support our high school basketball teams.
Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, journal approval, guest introductions, and recognition of doctors and other visitors. The chamber then moved through multiple Committee of the Whole calendars, considering a large number of bills on topics including public schools and curricula, transportation, health care, child welfare, municipal and county governance, homeowners’ associations, speech, and election-related matters. Several measures were retained on the calendar, while many others were advanced with committee or floor amendments. Among the more notable debates, senators discussed SB 1094, which would impose civil liability related to gender reassignment surgery on minors; supporters said it would compensate minors harmed by such procedures, while opponents argued it would discriminate against transgender youth, raise malpractice costs, and chill access to care. SB 1813, concerning the state hospital governing board and Maricopa County bed limits, drew concern about litigation and the need to expand capacity for people with serious mental illness, while supporters said the bill would remove a legal cap and allow more beds to be used. SB 1496 on Department of Child Safety procedures was amended to clarify representative payee requirements and received generally favorable comments, though some members raised concerns about child safety and DCS discretion. The Senate also advanced SCR 1004, a photo radar ballot referral, after an amendment requiring voter approval in jurisdictions that use photo radar; Senator Leach thanked the sponsor for the change. Other bills moved forward included measures on school firearm safety instruction, civics instruction, chiropractic claims, behavioral health prior authorization, psychiatric evaluations, DCS procedures, AHCCCS procurement contracting, county recorder and HOA-related issues, and legislative qualifications. The chamber adopted the Committee of the Whole reports and properly assigned the bills after each calendar was completed.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Session (01/07/2026)

New Hampshire House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • support support for<00:17:12.480><c> public</c><00:17:12.800><c> schools</c><00:17:13.600><c> of</c>
  • </c> education support. education support.
  • So, why would we support this?
  • </c> So, why would we support this? So, why would we support this?
  • </c> request your support of House Bill 463. request your support of House Bill 463.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Judiciary Committee Apr 7th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • Child support enforcement matters. This bill does not end child support collection.
  • and support your family.
  • in support.
  • that we really support, in fact, and we definitely want to support the bill.
  • , in support.
Summary: The committee heard several bills, with testimony largely focused on transparency, public health, labor enforcement, health privacy, high-speed rail oversight, and antitrust policy. AB 1544, by Assemblymember Crowell, would strengthen transparency and access to courthouses; the author said it was aimed at protecting press and public access, and the bill was pulled pending quorum. AB 1604, by Assemblymember Stephanie, would ban BPA and other bisphenols in thermal receipt paper by 2027-2028; supporters from Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, Californians Against Waste, and a broad coalition argued receipts are a major source of toxic exposure and recycling contamination, while the author said she would continue working with opposition. AB 1859, by Assemblymember Jackson, would let Joint Labor Management Committees visit public works sites to help identify wage and safety violations; labor groups supported it as a low-cost enforcement tool amid a large wage-theft backlog, while contractors and local government groups opposed it as creating private enforcement, liability, and safety concerns. The committee later took up AB 1930, by Assemblymember Burr and sponsored by Attorney General Bonta and Equality California, which would require notice to the Attorney General before certain entities respond to subpoenas or inquiries involving legally protected reproductive or gender-affirming care; supporters framed it as a patient privacy and anti-intimidation measure, while opponents said it would shield providers from scrutiny and interfere with lawful investigations. The bill was approved on a 6-2 vote and placed on call. The consent calendar, including several unrelated bills, was also approved. The committee also heard AB 1584, by Assemblymember Jackson, which would create an Office of Civil Rights within the California Air Resources Board to provide training, language access, and compliance oversight. Supporters said CARB needs a stronger legal framework and dedicated office to enforce civil rights commitments, while an opponent argued CARB already has a civil rights office and should expand existing structures instead of creating a new one. The bill was moved to Appropriations after a roll call vote. AB 1608, by Assemblymember Wilson, would expand the powers and staffing tools of the High-Speed Rail Office of the Inspector General, including public reporting requirements and authority over classifications and purchasing; supporters said stronger independent oversight is needed for the costly project, while opponents criticized the project itself and raised concerns about confidentiality and who should receive reports. The bill was also passed to Appropriations after extended discussion. Finally, AB 1776, by Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry, would revise California antitrust law to address single-firm conduct under the Cartwright Act. Supporters, including small business and labor advocates, argued dominant firms can harm competition and that the bill would protect small businesses and workers; opponents from business, biotech, retail, housing, and other sectors warned it would create legal uncertainty, expand litigation, and chill investment. The transcript ended during that bill’s testimony and debate, before a final vote was taken.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

EEP-TOU Joint Public Hearing - Thu Feb 12, 2026 @ 9:30 AM HST

Energy & Environmental Protection

Transcript Highlights:
  • . support. support.
  • And then Doug Perne in support. support. support.
  • </c> Sato in support on Zoom. Sato in support on Zoom.
  • Monakata in support on Zoom. Monakata in support on Zoom.
  • </c> Union support. Union support.
Bills: HB1617
Summary: The committees heard testimony on HB 1949, which would create a public dashboard for the green fee to improve transparency and accountability. Testimony from the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, and many community and conservation groups was generally supportive, with several speakers urging that the governor’s project recommendations remain largely intact and that community-driven projects continue to guide spending. One amendment was suggested to place the dashboard at the Department of Budget and Finance for fiscal expertise, while other testimony favored keeping it with the commission. Members asked about procurement, ETS involvement, recurring hosting costs, and whether the dashboard could be funded from green fee revenues; the commission said it could work with ETS and that green fee funds could reasonably be used. The committees then voted to pass HB 1949 with amendments. The committees also heard HB 2618, which would require the governor to submit a separate bill for amounts tied to any increase in the transient accommodations tax and, in later discussion, was expanded into a broader restructuring of future green fee allocations. Testimony from the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, and others supported the bill and emphasized the value of more predictable, dedicated funding for conservation and climate-related work. During decision-making, the chair described amendments creating several special funds under DLNR, including a watershed biodiversity and wildfire risk reduction fund, an aquatic resources conservation fund, a coastal restoration fund, a cesspool conversion revolving loan fund, and a green fee special fund for remaining revenues, with recommended amounts discussed for some of the funds. The committees voted to pass HB 2618 with amendments. The hearing then moved to HB 1644, a consumer protection measure for residential solar sales that would require compliance with consumer protection laws, licensing or contractor affiliation for sellers, and a standardized disclosure form. Testimony in support came from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, and several solar companies and individuals. Supporters said the bill would address complaints about third-party sales practices and improve disclosure, especially around financing. The committee then began hearing HB 2243, which would require electric utilities to provide public, electronic customer bill impact analyses and annual reports to the Public Utilities Commission; the Division of Consumer Advocacy and the PUC offered comments supporting the measure’s intent.
TX

Texas 89th 1st C.S.

Public Health Aug 13th, 2025

Public Health

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm testifying in support of Senate Bill 5.
  • We support the use of THC for medical purposes. We do not support it for recreational purposes.
  • That's why I support a ban.
  • This alone explains their support for a ban.
  • I pray that you have the wisdom to support Texas hemp farmers and support regulation and reject a ban
Summary: The House Committee on Public Health heard House Bill 5, a proposal to ban THC products outside the Texas Compassionate Use Program while allowing non-intoxicating CBD and CBG products under tighter regulation. Chair Van Deaver gave a lengthy background on the 2018 federal Farm Bill and Texas’s 2019 hemp law, arguing that the lack of guardrails allowed a large, unregulated THC market to develop. HB 5 would impose licensing fees, product registration, testing and inspection requirements, and restrictions intended to keep products away from children. Invited witnesses from law enforcement strongly supported the bill. Steve Dye of the Texas Police Chiefs Association and Brian Hawthorne of the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas argued that THC consumables are widely mislabeled, often far more potent than advertised, and linked to youth access, impaired driving, and organized crime. Both said regulation would be ineffective and would amount to legalization, while a ban would be easier for officers to enforce. They also emphasized support for the Texas Compassionate Use Program and said medical THC should remain available. Dr. Peter Stout of the Texas Association of Crime Lab Directors and Alice Amelot of Texas DPS testified as resource witnesses about forensic testing. They said current lab resources are already stretched thin, that quantitative testing for THC and related cannabinoids is expensive and time-consuming, and that a ban would simplify enforcement because labs could focus on presence/absence testing rather than concentration. Amelot said DPS labs are neutral on the bill but explained that mislabeled products and inaccurate certificates of analysis are common. Committee members asked about traffic safety, impairment, youth use, and the costs of enforcement and lab testing; witnesses repeatedly said the bill would reduce complexity for law enforcement but that any approach would still require more resources for labs.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Feb 19th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • abuse of a child, sexual exploitation of a child, lewd conduct with a minor child under 16, sexual behavior
  • I'm with Cicero Action, and I'm here in support of House Bill 603.
  • key state properties are protected from the risks of unregulated camping, and Cicero Action urged support
  • And so with that, we support the bill and thank you for the opportunity to speak to it.
Summary: The House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee approved the minutes from its February 11, 13, and 17, 2026 meetings, and briefly recognized a page, Paisley, for her service. House Bill 660 was removed from the agenda at the sponsor’s request and was not heard. The committee then took up several bills from Representative Handy and others. House Bill 689 would expand administrative subpoena authority so the Attorney General or prosecutors can subpoena electric service providers to identify suspects in child sexual exploitation and related crimes, including AI-related child sexual conduct offenses. The Attorney General’s office testified that it is a critical investigative tool, and the bill received unanimous due-pass recommendation to the floor. House Bill 690 repeals an obsolete Attorney General program for a 24-7 sobriety and drug monitoring program that was created in 2014 but never implemented; the Attorney General’s office confirmed it had never been used, and the bill also passed unanimously with a due-pass recommendation. House Bill 698 closes a loophole so people convicted of treason in another state cannot regain voting rights in Idaho; it likewise passed unanimously with a due-pass recommendation. The committee also heard House Bill 603, which updates restrictions on camping and temporary structures on the Capitol Mall and clarifies how abandoned property is handled, with the sponsor saying it was a cleanup and security measure and the Department of Administration’s changes were made in response to court decisions. A virtual witness from Cicero Action supported the bill as a public safety and property-management measure. Some members questioned how the bill fits with prior camping laws and how it would be enforced, and one member said he would vote no because of concerns about differing treatment of tents versus vehicles, though the motion still passed by voice vote with a due-pass recommendation to the floor.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Feb 19th, 2026

Judiciary, Rules and Administration

Transcript Highlights:
  • abuse of a child, sexual exploitation of a child, lewd conduct with a minor child under 16, sexual behavior
  • I’m with Cicero Action, and I’m here in support of HB 603.
  • Cicero Action urged support for the strengthening of prohibitions against presidential campaign on public
  • And so, with that, we support the bill and thank you for the opportunity to speak to it.
Keywords: 989, all
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/21/2026 - Senate Floor Session

Arizona Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • March of Dimes advocates for policies that promote the health of moms and babies and offers family support
  • Arizona and nationally, and they did want to express their gratitude for this body’s historical strong support
  • Stand up and support the ERA. It’s been 100 years since it was introduced in Congress and passed.
  • SB 1173, behavioral health facilities fingerprinting. SB 1174, DCS intake hotline case history.
Summary: The Senate convened with a prayer by Rabbi Mendel Soup of Lake Havasu and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Senator Carroll, then completed an electronic roll call and approved the journal for January 20, 2026. The chamber recognized several guest groups and visitors, including CRNA Capital Day participants, rural electric cooperative representatives, AEA Retired members, March of Dimes advocates, students and school officials, and other invited guests. Senators used points of personal privilege to highlight the work of these groups and to introduce visitors in the gallery. The body then read a long list of bills on second reading, covering a wide range of topics including child welfare, public school safety, health insurance, water policy, taxation, housing, elections, public safety, transportation, and abortion-related measures. The Senate also received first-reading introductions and committee referrals for additional bills on subjects such as motor vehicle booting fees, traumatic event counseling, election procedures, assisted living, short-term rentals, and various appropriations and policy changes. No substantive debate or votes on the bills were recorded in the transcript. After committee reports were noted and the Senate briefly recessed for bill assignments, the chamber returned to order and continued with first reading and reference of more bills and resolutions. At the end of the session, the Majority Whip moved to adjourn, and the Senate adjourned until Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

HHS-AEN-EIG, HHS, HHS Public Hearings 02-02-2026

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • Sophia Park in support. Are you you. Sophia Park in support.
  • . support. support.
  • . support. support.
  • Um Aloha United Way in support. support. support.
  • We strongly support<01:08:45.600><c> this.</c> support this. support this.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The joint HHS, Agriculture, Environment, Energy, and Intergovernmental Affairs hearing focused first on SB 2262, a pollution and illegal dumping measure. The Department of Health said it stood on its written testimony, and public testimony included support from CARES with suggested amendments to involve the counties in standardized response planning and to address pollution caused by individuals. Members questioned the bill’s fines, where they would go, and how the department would handle carcasses and illegal dumping enforcement. DOH said administrative fines go to the general fund, criminal fines are collected by the Attorney General, carcasses are generally buried by the landowner under existing rules, and DOH mainly regulates solid waste and coordinates with counties and other agencies when violations arise. After discussion, the chair recommended SB 2262 be passed with substantial amendments. The proposed amendments would add DLNR to the task force, deposit all fines into a special fund to support enforcement, allow fines below $5,000 for littering and higher fines for excessive or chronic illegal dumping, and include a January 30, 2050 effective date. The committee adopted the recommendation, with members voting aye. The hearing then moved to the HHS calendar. On SB 2087, relating to health insurance, agencies including DHS, DCCA, the Attorney General, and Labor stood on written testimony, while several advocacy and medical groups testified in support. One Medicaid recipient opposed the bill, arguing the coverage should be immediate rather than phased in over three years. Angela Melody Young supported the bill but urged amendments to prioritize people with disabilities, kupuna, and mothers. Members questioned whether the rural health transformation program could support the bill’s deductible structure; the Department of Human Services said it was unlikely CMS would allow that level of coverage, though rural funds might help in other ways. The committee then moved on to SB 2089, which would expand services eligible for Medicaid prospective payment system reimbursement, hearing support from OHA, DHS, and others, along with testimony about mental health access and training. The transcript also began SB 2106, relating to health and eating disorder prevention, with a student testifying in support and citing youth eating disorder harms, but the discussion was cut off before any action on that bill.