Video & Transcript : 'regulated waters' :
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FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-04 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- With all we behold the work of your hands, we give thanks for the Everglades and the living waters, for
- This is a very important bill to our firefighters and also to our water supplies and to all of us as
- Finally, the bill directs the Office of Insurance Regulation, DCF, and CBCs to analyze five years of
- It is a human rights ordinance, a regulation that says, for example, because there are municipalities
- And just for a clarification, OIR has the full authority to regulate surplus lines, correct?
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (02/04/2026)
Education Policy and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- So, just to clear it up even though it sounds like it's muddying the waters. >> Thank you.
- There's the loss of independence of private education due to regulation.
- There's the loss of independence of private education due to regulation.
- There's the loss of independence of private education due to regulation.
- There's the loss of independence of private education due to regulation.
Committee:
House Education Policy and Administration
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- I'll put money in the water account to it.
- I'll put money in the water account three that we can get back to. But the leisure is a big cherry.
- This part I hope I don't get myself in hot water is I can tell you this: the PRCA has been approached
- is I can tell you myself in hot water is I can tell you this<02:19:47.679><c> the</c><02:19:47.920><
- ><c> and</c><03:05:21.520><c> and</c> regulation on on generation and and regulation on on generation
Committee:
Joint Appropriations
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 02/11/25
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- shipments of water to put it<01:00:05.760><c> out</c><01:00:06.559><c> one</c><01:00:06.839><c> year
- Once they had a voucher, it was often a problem when landlords skirt the regulations.
- The gallon of water was the Minnesota state budget, and the tablespoon was what we spent on housing.
- uh and a tablespoon and the gallon water uh and a tablespoon and the gallon of<01:37:09.280><c> water
- was the Minnesota state budget of water was the Minnesota state budget and<01:37:12.159><c> the</c><
Committee:
Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate, Senate Bill 1405 by the Finance Committee, an act relating to the appropriation to the Soil and Water
- Conservation Commission, reducing the appropriation to the Department of Agriculture for the Soil and Water
- Conservation Commission for fiscal year 2007, appropriating additional money to the Department of Water
- Resources for the Soil and Water Conservation Commission for fiscal year 2007.
- So these dollars are coming from the dedicated funds provided by the utilities that are rate regulated
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, heard prayer and the pledge, approved the journal, and received committee reports and messages from the Governor and House. Several bills and resolutions were moved through the calendar, including committee referrals, enrollments, and transmittals of already-passed measures. The chamber also received new first-reading bills, including appropriations measures and policy bills on elections, education, and endowment land leases.
On the floor, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 117 recognizing Idaho’s ties with Italy and the opening of an Idaho office in Italy. The resolution was supported with remarks about historical Italian immigration to Idaho and wartime cooperation involving Italian POW labor in Idaho agriculture. The Senate also adopted House Concurrent Resolution 30, which directs the Medicaid Legislative Review Panel to study and provide guidance on implementing comprehensive Medicaid-managed care; that measure passed by roll call, 20-10 with one absent.
The Senate then adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 114, adding a new joint rule to limit the number of bill drafts and RSs a legislator may bring in a year, with exceptions for budget bills, amendments, trailer bills, interim committee legislation, and leadership-approved exceptions; it passed 35-0. The chamber also adopted Senate Joint Memorial 115 urging federal action on pelican impacts to Idaho fisheries, and Senate Resolution 120 honoring State Police K-9 Kimber for her service. Later, House Bill 723 on child care licensing and protections for children in residential care facilities passed 32-3 after debate focused on abuse prevention, unannounced inspections, and a bill of rights notice for children.
In the afternoon session, the Senate passed several appropriation bills, including Senate Bills 1380, 1381, 1382, 1383, 1384, 1385, and 1386, covering the Endowment Fund Investment Board, Idaho State Lottery, Fish and Game, Veterans Services, Public Utilities Commission, Industrial Commission, and Pardons and Parole. Most were described as enhancement or maintenance budgets funded largely through dedicated or federal funds, with debate emphasizing small hardware purchases, program restorations, and agency operating needs. Senate Bill 1382 for Fish and Game passed 23-12, and House Bill 848, the legislative branch appropriation bill, was brought up for consideration as the transcript ended.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate, Senate Bill 1405, by Finance Committee, an act relating to the appropriation to the Soil and Water
- Finance Committee, an act relating to the appropriation to the Soil and Water Conservation Commission
- for fiscal year 2007, appropriating additional money to the Department of Water Resources for the Soil
- and Water Conservation Commission for fiscal year 2007.
- So these dollars are coming from the dedicated funds provided by the utilities that are rate regulated
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Local Government Committee Jun 23rd, 2026
Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Factory-built housing is built and fully inspected in state-regulated factories under HCD oversight before
- I apologize—I was running here to get to this committee hearing, and I appreciate the water.
- While well-intended, there are a number of processes and regulations that have made it harder to get
Committee:
Senate Local Government
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- for Governor's Appointments, not required to appear: Item 2H, Davina Hurt, J.D., for the California Water
- And as you regulate the alcohol sales and licensing, how does the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
- And as you regulate the alcohol sales and licensing, how does the Department of Alcohol or ABC ensure
Committee:
Senate Rules
Summary:
The Senate Rules Committee met to consider several governor’s appointments, bill referrals, rule-waiver requests, and floor acknowledgments. The committee approved a series of non-appearing appointments, including Peter Briar-T to the Southern Low-Level Radioactive Waste Commission, multiple appointments to the Acupuncture Board, Roy Mathur to the Board of Pilot Commissioners, and Davina Hurt to the California Water Commission, with most votes unanimous and Hurt’s appointment approved 3-2. The committee also approved bill referrals, rule waivers for guests on the Senate floor, and floor acknowledgments.
The committee then heard testimony from Lillian Corral, appointed to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. Corral emphasized her background as a first-generation college graduate and immigrant, and said her priorities would include helping students connect to livable-wage jobs, supporting Vision 2030, improving data and digital infrastructure, expanding dual enrollment, and considering regional bachelor’s degree programs at community colleges where workforce needs justify them. Senators questioned her about achievement gaps, the role of data in improving student outcomes, the expansion of community college bachelor’s degrees, faculty staffing, and her employer New America’s positions on privacy, age verification, and TikTok. The committee voted 3-0 to advance her appointment to the full Senate.
The committee also heard from Paul Tupi, nominated to lead the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Tupi described a career in law enforcement and said he would focus on public trust, timely licensing, licensee education, and enforcement against irresponsible operators. Senators asked about ABC’s enforcement tools, including decoy operations, shoulder-tap checks, delivery compliance, and investigations tied to alcohol-related crashes; funding stability; delivery alcohol violations during COVID; and ABC’s approach to entertainment zones and other alcohol-policy changes. Support testimony came from industry and advocacy representatives, who praised his responsiveness and open-door approach. The committee approved his appointment 5-0 for consideration by the full Senate.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Transportation Feb 24th, 2026 at 04:00 pm
Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- Contrast that with Scandinavia, where electric ferries charge as they load before crossing the water.
- In Washington, franchise vehicle dealers must follow a variety of laws and regulations that, if violated
- current system by requiring all retailers selling in Washington to play by the same rules, laws, and regulations
Committee:
Senate Transportation
Keywords:
transportation bonds, general obligation bonds, Washington State Department of Transportation, WSDOT, highway funding, road construction, infrastructure financing, motor fuel tax, gas tax, vehicle fees, bond authorization, state finance committee, highway bond retirement fund, corridor projects, interstate improvements, right-of-way acquisition, public-private partnerships, transportation capital projects, local matching funds, emergency clause
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Transportation Feb 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Contrast that with Scandinavia, where electric ferries charge as they load before crossing the water.
- In Washington, franchise vehicle dealers must follow a variety of laws and regulations that, if violated
- current system by requiring all retailers selling in Washington to play by the same rules, laws, and regulations
Summary:
The Senate Transportation Committee held public hearings on three bills: SB 6225, a proposed substitute bond bill authorizing transportation funding bonds; SB 6005, the proposed substitute supplemental transportation budget; and SB 6354, a bill to expand access to electric vehicles through limited direct sales by qualifying EV-only manufacturers and changes to the documentary service fee. Staff explained that SB 6225 would authorize $1.1 billion in general obligation bonds, an additional $400 million for selected Move Ahead Washington highway projects, a $500 million increase in SR 520 bond authority, and the expiration of some older unused bond authorizations. For SB 6005, staff described a $17.5 billion supplemental budget with $1.5 billion in new funding, including reappropriations, preservation and maintenance spending, ferry investments, Climate Commitment Act-related adjustments, and a six-year balanced plan through 2031. For SB 6354, staff outlined the direct-sales framework for qualifying EV manufacturers, dealer licensing requirements, penalties for violations, and a fee increase that would direct revenue to EV rebates and multimodal transportation.
Testimony on the budget and bond bills was broadly supportive from transit, local government, labor, construction, ports, and climate advocates, who praised preservation funding, ferry investments, safety programs, EV charging, rail electrification, and flood-response or local project funding. Several witnesses asked for specific project or account changes, including support for Skagit Transit, Day Road and Poplar Way bridge-related funding, Spokane TMC operating support, Kent corridor funding, and additional rail capital projects. Some speakers also urged more Climate Commitment Act funding for EV rebates, charging, and rail electrification, while others warned against deeper cuts to local programs and stressed the need for long-term preservation and bonding to stabilize the system.
Testimony on SB 6354 was sharply divided. Rivian, Lucid, and several Washington auto dealers supported the bill as a compromise that would allow limited direct sales for EV-only manufacturers while preserving franchise protections and generating revenue for EV rebates. Climate advocates supported the bill as a way to accelerate EV adoption and asked that more of the fee revenue go to instant rebates for low-income buyers. In opposition, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation and Honda argued the bill creates unequal rules, weakens the franchise system, and was not the product of a true compromise. The committee announced that SB 6225 and SB 6005 would be in executive session Thursday at 8 a.m., with amendments due by noon the prior day, while SB 6354 would be scheduled for executive action later.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Feb 12th, 2026 at 06:45 pm
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- government and give up some of these areas, we want to make sure these are tightened rules and the regulation
- And they're not going to be under these harsh constraints of the regulations that we're talking about
- and I don't know that I could describe federal immigration policy to you in a way that would hold water
Summary:
The Senate considered and passed several bills, many of them after moving substitutes and suspending the rules to advance them directly to final passage. Second Substitute Senate Bill 6035, dealing with access to voting services for military, overseas, Native American, and disabled voters, was described as a civic engagement measure that would require county auditors and the Secretary of State to work with federally recognized tribes and explore a secure voting portal. Supporters emphasized outreach, access, and helping overseas and disabled voters; opponents raised concerns about online voting security, paper ballot integrity, and emerging technologies. The bill passed 38-19.
Substitute Senate Bill 6034, which statutorily establishes the Governor’s Office on Indian Affairs, passed unanimously 49-0 after supporters said it would formally anchor an office that has existed for decades and better reflect the state’s government-to-government relationship with tribes. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6247, on school district financial management and training, also passed 49-0 after an amendment was adopted to delay implementation and clarify funding for training. Supporters said the bill would help school boards, superintendents, and ESDs identify districts sliding toward financial distress and improve fiscal oversight.
The Senate also passed Senate Bill 5922, giving school districts more flexibility to transfer unused school bus depreciation funds when declining enrollment means replacement buses may not be needed, and Senate Bill 6278, requiring ongoing review of teacher and principal preparation programs so training better matches classroom needs; both passed with broad support. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6246, concerning emissions-intensive, trade-exposed facilities under the Climate Commitment Act, drew the most extended debate and passed 27-22 after a striking amendment was adopted and a proposed reporting amendment was rejected. Supporters said it creates a framework for future emissions allowance reductions while protecting jobs and competitiveness; opponents warned it would drive mills and other industrial employers out of Washington. The Senate also passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5906, the SAFE Act limiting ICE access to non-public areas of schools, colleges, health care facilities, daycares, and similar sites without a warrant, after adopting amendments related to model policies and union notification; supporters framed it as a safety and due process measure, while opponents called it an attempt to obstruct federal law enforcement. Finally, Substitute Senate Bill 5905, addressing PERS membership for certain port workers in federal railroad retirement plans, passed 49-0 as a technical pension fix.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Public Works and Highways (01/28/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- He asked whether there is an attempt to address a conflict between one set of regulations for one vehicle
- </c><00:12:09.560><c> for</c><00:12:09.800><c> one</c> between one set of regulations for one between
- one set of regulations for one vehicle<00:12:10.639><c> looks</c><00:12:10.920><c> very</c><00:12:11.120
- regulations regulations um<00:18:25.520><c> um</c><00:18:26.080><c> that</c><00:18:26.240><c> being<
- sewer lines or something like for water sewer lines or something like that<00:24:12.440><c> that</c>
Summary:
The Public Works and Highways Committee heard testimony on House Bill 375, which would allow municipalities to designate certain road segments for ATV travel, create maps and signage for those routes, set seasonal limits, and require certain equipment on ATVs such as lights, a horn, flashers, and directional signals. The sponsor, Rep. Dan Maguire, said the bill is intended to support tourism and give towns a structured, optional way to permit ATV use on roads, not to override existing uses. Members asked about possible overlap with agricultural vehicle rules, golf carts, speed limits, and whether the bill could allow ATV use on busier roads or expressways; the sponsor said he did not intend to interfere with existing lawful uses and believed golf carts would only be included if they met the relevant statutory requirements.
NHDOT State Maintenance Engineer Alan Hennessy said the department had concerns with language exempting municipalities and the Bureau of Trails from the permitting process, arguing that the existing permit system provides needed review, public notice, and signage requirements. He also raised questions about road funding and maintenance if ATVs were allowed on state highways. Fish and Game Captain Michael Eastman testified that his commission opposed the bill as written, citing concerns about the ATV definition, the distinction between ATVs, UTVs, and other OHRVs, and the potential impact on state highways and road maintenance. He said towns can already open roads to OHRV use under existing law, and he noted that accident data for road use would generally be handled by local police or State Police rather than Fish and Game.
Craig Reny, chief of the Bureau of Trails, said the current Bureau of Trails/DOT permit process for highway crossings and connectors works well and is used to ensure safety through engineering review. He said his bureau was not taking a position on the bill but wanted to clarify that existing procedures already address many of the issues the bill appears to cover. No vote or final action was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- ,</c> services, establishment and regulation, services, establishment and regulation, Maryland<01:36:
- </c> >> So, we're putting regulations around it.
- >> So, we're putting regulations around it.
- ,</c><01:41:34.760><c> which</c> it it grants the state regulation, which it it grants the state regulation
- House Bill 250, Environment, Appropriation of or Use of Water and Dam Safety Enforcement.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> recall, and regulating safety. recall, and regulating safety.
- c> that self-regulating sometimes looks that self-regulating sometimes looks like<00:21:14.480><c> coming
- </c> under the title N regulations under the title N regulations um<02:06:25.199><c> there</c><02:06:
- So that there is no conflict between the federal regulations and this bill.
- So that there is no conflict between the federal regulations and this bill.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (01/29/2026)
Executive Departments and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh it limits uh regulations occupation.
- </c> modify any occupational regulations modify any occupational regulations within<01:01:45.119><c>
- regulations routinely promulgate regulations first<03:34:32.080><c> and</c><03:34:32.399><c> search<
- , regulation, regulation, uh<04:18:07.520><c> in</c><04:18:07.680><c> other</c><04:18:07.840><c> words
- </c> agency um enacts a a regulation agency um enacts a a regulation that<04:18:14.479><c> the</c><04
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Environment Committee Meeting - 2026-03-26
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> applications for large water usage. applications for large water usage.
- </c> of the water.
- It reoxygenates the water of the water.
- </c> our public waters. our public waters.
- :30:51.560><c> water.
Keywords:
natural resources, environment, sustainability, conservation, outdoor recreation, wild rice, watercraft regulation, environmental protection, aquatic ecosystems, HF1426, product stewardship, extended producer responsibility, EPR, electronics recycling, e-waste, battery recycling, circuit boards, printed circuit boards, electrical products, covered products
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- It's not just about, you know, the noise or the electric grid or the strain on water.
- 53.759><c> Um</c> Um, it's not just about, you know, the noise or the electric grid or the strain on water
- We oversee commercial vehicle enforcement as well as regulation of the inspection stations, mechanic
- We oversee commercial vehicle enforcement as well as regulation of the inspection stations, mechanic
- as well as regulation of the uh<00:37:31.839><c> inspection</c><00:37:32.720><c> stations,</c><00:37
Committee:
Senate Commerce
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JDC, JDC Public Hearings 03-31-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- took on complex civil litigation and a lot of different agency kinds of work at NHLC involving land, water
- took on complex civil litigation and a lot of different agency kinds of work at NHLC involving land, water
- took on complex civil litigation and a lot of different agency kinds of work at NHLC involving land, water
- took on complex civil litigation and a lot of different agency kinds of work at NHLC involving land, water
- </c><01:26:28.640><c> to</c> to meet current federal regulations to to meet current federal regulations
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the confirmation of Kursha Kauahi Kani Mililani Durrant to the District Court of the First Circuit, but announced it would not vote until April 2. The chair also noted a backup plan if Zoom failed. Testimony was limited to two minutes per speaker. The hearing focused on Durrant’s qualifications, judicial temperament, and readiness for the bench, with no opposition presented.
Support came from the Office of the Public Defender, Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, Native Hawaiian Bar Association, Hawaii State Bar Association, Hawaii Women’s Lawyers, and numerous individuals. Witnesses described Durrant as highly experienced in both criminal and civil practice, including district, family, circuit, appellate, ICA, and Supreme Court work. Several speakers emphasized her legal reasoning, mentorship, civility, cultural grounding, and ability to listen and treat litigants with dignity. Personal supporters also highlighted her public service, hula background, and character.
Committee members questioned Durrant about how she would approach district court cases involving repeat offenders, mental illness, substance abuse, houselessness, and diversion. Durrant said she would follow the law, consider the full range of sentencing factors, and use available probation, diversion, and treatment options where appropriate. She said she would be committed to using legislative tools such as Act 26 and other diversion powers, and to looking beyond advocacy toward practical justice and reducing recidivism. She also said her clerkship with Judge Marsha Waldorf, including exposure to drug court and mental health court, shaped her approach to problem-solving on the bench.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Economic Development & Workforce Investment (10-23-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Clean air,<00:10:40.160><c> water,</c><00:10:40.640><c> safe</c><00:10:40.959><c> work</c><00:10:41.200
- ><c> environments,</c><00:10:41.920><c> job</c> air, water, safe work environments, job air, water, safe
- He said plumbers primarily install new, never-used piping systems such as city water, natural gas, medical
- He said there is a lot of pipe fitting work in data center work, with the chill water process that it
- and regulations and how worker<01:15:57.920><c> mclassification</c><01:15:59.360><c> impacts</c><01:
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:04
Attendance Roll Call: 00:00:29
Approval of Minutes: 00:01:50
Kentucky Buy American Act: 00:02:08
Earn As You Learn: KY Building Trades Apprenticeship: 00:30:42
Worker Misclassification in the Construction Industry: 01:02:00
Investing in KY’s Future Workforce Through the Good Business Initiative: 01:20:44
Adjournment: 01:28:28, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met on October 23, 2025, approved the September minutes, and heard testimony on a proposed “Kentucky by America” procurement preference bill. Representative Patrick Flannery described the concept as giving preference in public construction and public works contracts to iron, steel, aluminum, and other manufactured goods made in the United States, while emphasizing he wanted to avoid excessive taxpayer costs and was open to changes. Chad Connley of the United Steelworkers and Dustin Reinsteller of the Kentucky State AFL-CIO supported the idea, arguing it would strengthen domestic manufacturing, keep tax dollars in the local economy, and support jobs; Connley said the bill would include waivers for items not made domestically and noted Kentucky has opted out of the GPA trade agreement. Mike Buckington of Metals Innovation Initiative, testifying virtually, also supported the concept and said Kentucky’s metals sector has seen significant investment and can supply most construction needs, while stressing supply-chain reliability and national security concerns.
Members generally expressed support but raised questions about implementation. Representative Branscum asked who would grant waivers and how contractors would know the rules during bidding; Flannery said he was open to revising the language and process. Representative Gentry supported the concept but said the bill would likely need editing to avoid harming businesses or markets. Senator Nun suggested aligning the bill’s definition of a U.S. good with industry country-of-origin standards to make compliance easier. Representative KC Carney asked for data on the impact of similar laws in other states, and Connley said he could provide numbers later but did not have them on hand. Senator Boswell supported the concept and asked about the cost threshold for waivers; Connley said the federal standard is a 25% cost increase, while the prior Kentucky version used 10%, and that the threshold is a key detail.
The committee then shifted to an informational presentation on building trade apprenticeships. Eric Elie of the Kentucky State Pipe Trades Association, Nick Brown of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 502, and retired IBEW training director Steve Willinghurst explained how union apprenticeship programs work. Brown described earn-while-you-learn training, with apprentices placed on jobs by signatory contractors and attending classes two nights a week for five years. He outlined the work of plumbers, pipefitters, welders, and HVACR technicians, emphasizing that these trades support construction, industrial facilities, distilleries, and other critical infrastructure. No votes or formal actions were taken on the policy topics beyond approval of the prior minutes.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HHS, HHS DEFER Public Hearings 02-06-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- SB 3136 relating to lead materials and water infrastructure.
- 00:05:32.639><c> lead</c><00:05:33.039><c> materials</c><00:05:33.759><c> and</c><00:05:34.160><c> water
- </c> relating to lead materials and water relating to lead materials and water infrastructure infrastructure
- I'm with the Department of Health Safe Drinking Water Branch, and we stand by your testimony in support
- Safe Water Drinking Act, would we have to follow suit under this bill?
Summary:
The Committee on Health and Human Services heard several health-related measures. SB 3132 on syndromic surveillance drew support from the Department of Health, healthcare organizations, and others, with DOH explaining the bill would formalize a surveillance program that has helped with real-time flu tracking and response to events like the Maui fires. A member raised privacy concerns from opponents, and DOH responded that the data are deidentified and do not include Social Security numbers or dates of birth. No votes were taken on the bill in the portion provided.
SB 3134 on emergency medical systems of care received broad support from SHIPA, DOH, military and EMS representatives, and others, who said it would modernize the EMS system. SB 3136 on lead materials and water infrastructure was also supported by DOH and SHIPA; members asked whether the bill would allow Hawaii to keep stronger standards if federal drinking water rules were weakened, and DOH said the state would not have to follow weaker federal standards as long as Hawaii remained as stringent or more stringent. SB 3138 on independent audits of deposit beverage distribution drew support from DOH and several industry groups, but with amendments to reduce burdens on small businesses, raise the audit threshold, and modernize reporting; opponents also testified. DOH later clarified that the measure would affect a limited number of distributors and said it is working on an electronic submission system, though not yet for audit filings.
SB 3139 concerning SHIPA was supported by SHIPA and the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii, while HMSA suggested one provision should remain under the insurance commissioner’s purview. SHIPA said the bill is about collaboration and a broader health vision, not regulation, and members indicated they were comfortable with removing the disputed portion. SB 3207 on background checks drew support from healthcare providers but opposition from the Attorney General and DOH. Supporters argued the FBI fingerprinting requirement is costly, duplicative, and difficult to schedule, while opponents said the bill would improperly shift fingerprint collection authority to hospitals and other facilities and could conflict with federal law. The committee engaged in extended questioning about costs, federal requirements, and whether the mandate would be passed on to patients; no final action is reflected in the excerpt. The committee then began SB 2271 on hospital licensing, with support from SHIPA, the Developmental Disabilities council, healthcare groups, Kaiser Permanente, and DOH, and commenters said the bill would allow hospitals to demonstrate compliance through CMS-recognized accreditation, with a suggested wording change to “approved” accrediting organization.