Transcript Highlights:

• You can see that diabetes drugs were two of the top five in 2021, and the second-place drug was for ADHD
• The top drug remained the same as in 2021, and the number five drug from 2021 is now in second place
• There is one drug for diabetes in the top five, but it is a different drug than what we saw in 2021.
• The first drug grew because of price increases to that drug.
• The second drug grew mainly because more people moved to that drug.

Summary: The Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee met to receive a series of audit presentations, beginning with approval of the prior meeting minutes and a review of the state’s annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR) for fiscal year 2025. The State Auditor’s Office and the Office of Management and Budget reported a clean opinion on the state’s financial statements and described continued growth in net position, strong general fund balance, and significant Legacy Fund investment income. Committee members asked about how the report reflects long-term finances and how North Dakota compares with other states, and OMB noted that the ACFR is based on audited actual results rather than budget forecasts. The committee then heard the North Dakota University System audit, which also received a clean opinion but included four findings: misreporting of Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund construction money, insufficient monitoring of service organizations, improper bank reconciliations at several campuses, and investment/cash recording issues at Bismarck State College. University System officials agreed with the findings and said corrective actions were underway, including internal review of bank reconciliations and greater use of shared services. Members also questioned practices such as campus use of certificates of deposit and whether repeated findings were being adequately addressed. Additional audits were presented for the State Fair Association, State Auditor’s Office, Workforce Safety and Insurance, Housing Finance Agency, Housing Incentive Fund, Job Service North Dakota, the Retirement and Investment Office, PERS, the Center for Distance Education, the Securities Department, the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents, the Ethics Commission, and the Office of Administrative Hearings. Most received clean opinions with no findings; exceptions included a repeat component-unit issue at the State Fair Foundation, a securities personnel-evaluation finding, and a Housing Finance Agency finding involving a late return of escrow surplus. The committee also discussed broader oversight issues, including the need for independent auditing of the Ethics Commission, possible legislative changes to give the State Auditor more subpoena power and independent legal counsel, and future work on data analytics, cybersecurity reviews, and audit capacity. The meeting recessed for lunch after these discussions.

Transcript Highlights:

• They can't afford the outrageously high cost of prescription drugs.
• Negotiations for prescription drugs under Medicare.
• And so, you talk about the drugs that are coming through at ports.
• This administration, he's calling it Schedule F. schedule, policy, career, PC, but encouraging agencies
• Let's get a fair shake for Americans on the cost of drugs.

Transcript Highlights:

• The one-size-fits-all CDC vaccine schedule is flawed.
• The one-size-fits-all CDC vaccine schedule is flawed.
• No studies of the full vaccine schedule exist.
• , or to follow the CDC schedule.
• We have this scheduled until 5 o'clock today. ...way up.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing on several vaccination-related bills, including proposals to eliminate non-medical or religious exemptions for school immunizations (notably H. 2554 and S. 1557), a bill to require or improve reporting and administration of immunization data and exemptions (described as the Community Immunity Act, S. 1618), and H. 2431, which would prohibit COVID-19, mRNA, or gene-altering vaccine requirements. The committee also heard testimony on H. 2463, which would classify funeral directors as public health workers for vaccine-priority purposes during emergencies. The chair reviewed testimony rules and repeatedly asked speakers to keep comments orderly and brief so the committee could hear as many people as possible. No votes were taken during the hearing. Testimony on H. 2554 and S. 1557 was sharply divided. Pediatricians, infectious disease specialists, public health advocates, and groups such as the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Massachusetts Medical Society, March of Dimes, Massachusetts Families for Vaccines, and several parents supported eliminating religious exemptions, arguing that vaccination protects medically vulnerable children and adults, improves herd immunity, and helps prevent outbreaks of measles, pertussis, and other diseases. They cited local school data showing pockets of lower coverage and incomplete reporting, and several speakers referenced outbreaks in other states and the need for stronger, more consistent reporting and exemption management. Opponents argued the bills would infringe on religious freedom and parental rights, force families to choose between faith and education, and unfairly target a small number of families; some also said Massachusetts already has high vaccination rates and that the real issue is incomplete data or the gap population rather than religious exemptions. H. 2431 drew testimony from supporters who said COVID-era mandates caused job losses, privacy concerns, and harm, and that the bill would prevent future requirements for COVID, mRNA, or gene-altering vaccines in schools, workplaces, and public settings. Supporters described personal experiences with alleged vaccine injury or mandate-related hardship. H. 2463 was supported by the Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association, which argued funeral directors work in infection-facing settings and should be eligible for vaccine priority during public health emergencies. The hearing featured extensive public testimony but no committee action beyond hearing the bills and taking questions from members.

Transcript Highlights:

• To $45.8 million in HIV vendor drug rebates.
• It's such an effective drug that could really help a lot of people.
• And so the other part about that is you said six to nine months, multiple drugs, drug resistance.
• TB and usually you have to give them in a cocktail of like three or four drugs.
• there's a drug you're using now which costs about $20,000 per month.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Due to their schedules, it's our policy to call elected officials out of turn.
• The hearing is scheduled to conclude at 5 p.m.; we may end earlier.
• prescribed, why the drug is necessary, and alternative treatments that may be available.
• , why the drug is necessary and alternative treatments that may be available.
• Yeah, so 34 states have passed the codes now on their Medicaid fee schedules.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery held a public hearing on 14 bills focused on insurance, parity, opioids, behavioral health access, and mental health system reform. Chair Mindy Domb and Vice Chair Robyn Kennedy outlined hearing procedures and noted the committee would accept written testimony. The hearing featured testimony from legislators, providers, advocates, and behavioral health organizations, with most speakers urging favorable reports on the bills they addressed. A major topic was psychiatric collaborative care, including H. 222/S. 1390, which would raise reimbursement for collaborative care codes to at least Medicare levels and allow billing outside the MassHealth primary care subcapitation model. Supporters said the model improves access, outcomes, and cost savings by embedding behavioral health in primary care, and several witnesses described successful implementation in practices and schools. Committee members asked questions about how the model works, what specialties use it, barriers to adoption, and whether copays, deductibles, and subcapitation rules should be changed. Witnesses also supported related innovation legislation, including H. 2224, which would create a mental health innovation fund and support nontraditional trauma-healing approaches. Other bills discussed included H. 2212, which would require prescribers to discuss opioid and pain-medication risks, alternatives, and addiction/overdose concerns with patients or guardians; H. 2232 and H. 2233, which would address equitable payment and equitable access for behavioral health providers serving MassHealth patients; and S. 1406, which would add opioid maintenance treatment information to MassPAT and allow patient-authorized access to that information. Witnesses also strongly backed S. 1399, which would set targets to increase behavioral health spending within the overall health care cost benchmark, arguing that Massachusetts underinvests in behavioral health and that greater investment could reduce emergency, hospitalization, homelessness, and criminal justice costs. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded after testimony and committee questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Generics are generally 85% cheaper than other drugs.
• Or if you say the name of the drug out loud, your phone will start giving you those too.
• I’m not very familiar with the drug world.
• have an off-market drug that is not actually the name brand.
• I’m paying for is not the real drug I think it is.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a three-way schedule conflict. Sure. So... Sorry to cut you off.
• Good morning, ma'am. a schedule. Sure. We have a three-way schedule conflict. Sure.
• There are documented cases where women have died after taking these drugs.
• There are documented cases where women have died after taking these drugs.
• Arizona law already prohibits the mailing and delivery of abortion-inducing drugs.

Bills: HB2244, HB2364, HB2573, HB2749, HB2862, HB2870, HB4117, HCR2004

Keywords: evictions, judgment satisfaction, tenant rights, landlord obligations, court procedures, abortion-inducing drugs, medical abortion, pharmaceutical regulation, felonies, state law, DUI, ignition interlock, substance abuse treatment, driving privileges, alcohol education, felony conviction, misdemeanor designation, court judgment, criminal justice reform, rehabilitation

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 5 from the DHS policy bill requires training about a program's drug and alcohol policy before
• Section 5 from the DHS policy bill requires training about a program's drug and alcohol policy before
• II to V drugs.
• 2 to five for schedules 2 to five drugs<00:19:16.960><c> section</c><00:19:17.280><c> 20</c><00:19:17.679
• </c> disqualifications for drug disqualifications for drug offenses<00:20:56.120><c> section</c><00:20

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:33:08.159><c> supply</c> shifting landscape of the drug supply shifting landscape of the drug
• The drugs will be safer. First of all, there's no such thing as a safe experience with drugs.
• </c> experience with drugs. There just isn't. experience with drugs. There just isn't.
• </c><04:26:17.840><c> New</c> of notice of work schedules. New of notice of work schedules.
• </c> likely they'll now pay on fee schedules. likely they'll now pay on fee schedules.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we've identified for several years prescription drugs, that's retail pharmacy drugs, hospital
• Pharmacy drugs, hospital outpatient, professional, and non-claims are the top growth contributors year
• The Prescription Drug Affordability Board and some prescription drug affordability monitoring that we
• The four top vaccine manufacturers for products that are on the pediatric vaccine schedule are at the
• top of the AAP's corporate Vaccine schedule are at the top of the AAP's corporate donor list: Merck,

Summary: The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee opened its 2026 session with a work session focused on the committee’s priorities of access, quality, and affordability. Health Care Authority staff Michelle Needham and Ross Florey reviewed the Health Care Cost Transparency Board’s work, noting Washington’s uninsured rate has fallen from 15% in 2010 to 5%, but health care spending growth remains above the benchmark. They said 2023 spending grew 6.2% versus a 3.2% target, with prescription drugs, hospital outpatient care, professional services, and non-claims spending driving growth. They highlighted ongoing work on market transparency, hospital spending, primary care, and federal policy changes that could reduce coverage and increase uncompensated care. Dr. Drew Oliva of the Washington Health Alliance added quality and safety data, saying many measures remain below top national performance, primary care attachment is weak, hospital pricing varies widely, and behavioral health data are limited. He urged stronger primary care investment, more transparency, and better patient safety oversight. Committee members then introduced themselves and staff before moving to public hearings. The committee first heard Senate Bill 5877, a technical fix expanding the physician health program surcharge to certified anesthesiologist assistants so they can participate in the Washington Physicians Health Program and related educational resources. The bill sponsor and witnesses from the Washington Medical Commission, the Washington Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants, and the Washington Physicians Health Program all supported the measure, describing it as a consistency and access fix for a newly licensed profession. The bill drew 12 pro, 2 con, and 0 other sign-ins. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5967, which would preserve access to preventive services by allowing the Department of Health to issue immunization recommendations based on multiple expert sources and by freezing state insurance coverage protections for preventive services and vaccines as of mid-2025, with OIC rulemaking authority to keep coverage at least as favorable. The sponsor, Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer, Secretary of Health Dennis Worsham, and Governor’s office staff said the bill is intended to protect existing coverage, not create new vaccine mandates, and to keep recommendations grounded in science amid federal uncertainty. Supporters included Dr. Helen Chu, Dr. Beth Harvey, Dr. Maria Huang, Dr. J. Miller, and Dr. Matt LaGalbo, who emphasized vaccine safety, rising vaccine-preventable diseases, and the importance of no-cost preventive care. Opponents, including Bob Runnels and Natalie Chavez, argued the bill politicizes vaccines, reduces transparency, and expands state authority without adequate fiscal detail. The hearing continued with additional testimony after the excerpt ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• 2957, driver license enhanced; HB 2964, career screening coverage; HB 2965, covered entities, 340B drugs
• ; HB 2966, covered entities, 340B drugs.
• I simply think that between his very busy, busy, busy schedule and my very busy schedule, I think that
• I simply think that between his very busy, busy, busy schedule and my very busy schedule, I think that
• So when it comes... ...prosecute individuals transporting illegal drugs throughout this state.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and several recognitions and guest introductions, including Arizona medical, dental hygiene, hearing-access, and Taekwondo Day visitors. Members also observed a moment of silence for two Arizona Department of Public Safety personnel killed in a helicopter crash while responding to an active shooter incident in Flagstaff. The chamber then moved through committee reports, first and second readings, and multiple Committee of the Whole calendars. On the first and second calendars, the House advanced a series of bills with mostly unanimous or near-unanimous committee-of-the-whole votes, including HB 2075, HB 2120, HB 2155, HB 2328, H.R. 2004, HB 2051, HB 2072, HB 2178, HB 2203, and HB 2395. Several of these measures dealt with health and education topics, including Medicaid lactation services and lactation consultant certification, while HB 2203 was described as an education efficiency bill reducing duplicative reporting requirements. HB 2043 drew the most debate, with supporters calling it a cleanup measure to allow felony-murder charges involving unborn children and opponents warning it was an anti-abortion/personhood bill with broader implications for contraception, IVF, and other care; it still received a do-pass recommendation. On the third calendar, the House considered HB 2010, HB 2043, HB 2108, HB 2135, and HB 2310. HB 2108, described by supporters as a pro-law-enforcement bill addressing fleeing or eluding police, drew concerns about broad criminal definitions and potential overreach, but advanced. HB 2310, on independent contractor status, and HB 2135, with a floor amendment, also advanced. The chamber then took up third readings: HB 2008, concerning school libraries and public funding for library associations, passed 33-25; H.R. 2004, a nonbinding resolution expressing disapproval of Attorney General Kris Mayes’s public statements, also passed 33-25 after extensive partisan debate and several points of order. The House then adopted the Committee of the Whole reports, referred passed measures for engrossing, and adjourned until Monday, February 9, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> was really involved with his drug was really involved with his drug education<00:32:44.000><c> classes
• However, we have used drug offenders.
• Thank you so much for being here. because like drug court, I'm not always because like drug court, I'm
• </c> happy, thrilled, as much as I love drug happy, thrilled, as much as I love drug court,<01:18:34.640
• Nevertheless, um, if by the drug dealer.

Keywords: 0:00:04 Call to Order 0:00:50 Dept for Public Advocacy 0:51:31 Life Learning Center 1:21:06 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary heard testimony from the Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) on attorney compensation and alternatives to incarceration. Because the committee lacked a quorum, the chair skipped formal roll call and minutes approval, then invited DPA Public Advocate Damon Preston, Deputy Public Advocate Melanie Lowe, and alternative sentencing worker Cena/Tina Mills to present. Preston said DPA is fully state-funded, has 698 funded positions, and was near full staffing with 673 filled positions and 42 new law graduates expected to join in August. He argued that DPA’s resources lag behind those of prosecutors, noting that local prosecutorial offices receive substantially more total funding and have additional revenue sources beyond the state budget. Preston focused on salary disparities and turnover. He said DPA trial-office attorneys total about $26 million in salaries, compared with about $41.9 million for prosecutors on publicly listed state funding, and estimated that more than 100 additional prosecutors are paid through other sources, bringing total prosecutor compensation to a little over $50 million versus DPA’s $26 million. He said starting DPA attorney pay is $58,200, experienced attorney pay averages about $73,000, and that these levels are too low given law school debt and the state’s constitutional obligation to provide defense counsel. He also said DPA attorney turnover is about 20%, median service time before separation was 15 months in 2024, and exit interviews often cite salary as the main reason for leaving. He gave examples of former DPA attorneys moving to prosecutor offices for raises ranging from 12% to 50%. Committee members asked about how often defendants are represented by private counsel versus DPA and how that affects workload. Preston said a 2017 study found about 50% of misdemeanor cases and about 75% of circuit court cases were handled by DPA, with DPA handling most of the most labor-intensive cases. He said DPA will step aside when a defendant hires private counsel or is found ineligible, and he acknowledged the system historically erred by denying counsel in some cases, though he said the current concern is whether DPA is now appointed too broadly. Members requested updated trend data on appointments over the past decade. Preston also described DPA’s pay scale and said the agency’s compensation structure makes retention difficult. Mills then described DPA’s alternative sentencing worker program, which she said has operated for about 20 years and has received national recognition. She shared a case example involving a client named Patrick, who faced a prison sentence on a possession charge and was referred to a horse-based treatment and certification program in Shelbyville. She said the client wanted treatment and a fresh start, a bed became available, and she and the client’s attorney presented an alternative sentencing plan to the court. The presentation was interrupted briefly by a technical issue, but the testimony continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• And how does drug use... ...relate to homelessness, and how does drug use relate to homelessness?
• And drug addiction?
• Our department scheduled a slightly different schedule from the federal schedule on controlled substances
• psychosis by drug type.
• And you stay in this first level if you're on drugs and you choose not to get off drugs.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Drug-resistant TB is a growing risk globally.
• So let me ask you about Schedule F. You're familiar with Schedule F? Yes.
• And Schedule F was the first Trump term proposal.
• How does Schedule PC differ from Schedule F?
• But I appreciate you sharing the difference between schedule F and what schedule PC is, and I yield back

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh and then we felony drug offenses.
• </c><00:59:09.040><c> testing</c> defendant will be drug testing defendant will be drug testing throughout
• </c> be electronic monitoring, um drug be electronic monitoring, um drug testing,<01:15:56.560><c> many
• ,</c><01:21:28.000><c> childcare</c> uh inflexible work schedules, childcare uh inflexible work schedules
• Um, and it mental health or drugs.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I appreciate the goal of lowering prescription drug costs.
• Whether or not a drug is actually available, that is not particular to this bill.
• And so we already do a drug prescription drug pricing report.
• And do I know what drugs are going to be covered under your insurance?
• We know what drugs are going to be covered. We know which drugs have prior authorizations.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we send that back out to the provider to provide those drug court or those drug alcohol education
• On page three of the schedule, you'll see that the total for the public...
• On page three of the schedule, you'll see that the total for the public...
• But it allowed school districts to develop salary schedules on their own.
• Beginning on page 248 of your budget manual and page five of your schedule.

Summary: The committee heard a series of Arkansas Department of Human Services budget presentations and questions, beginning with the Secretary’s Office and then the Division of Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health Services. Staff described the divisions’ appropriations, funding sources, and major programs, including senior centers, Meals on Wheels, mental health grants, substance abuse treatment, community alcohol safety, the Medicaid tobacco settlement program, and crisis stabilization units. Members raised concerns about flat or limited funding for senior services, the use and tracing of federal block grants, the lack of a funding source for the veterans’ mental health grant, and the mechanics of the community alcohol safety and treatment programs. The committee also discussed patient benefits funds at state facilities, transportation for senior center clients, and whether some special-language appropriations or fund balances should be revisited. Executive recommendations were adopted for the divisions considered. The committee then reviewed the Division of Children and Family Services and the Division of County Operations. Questions focused on foster care growth, adoption subsidies, professional fees tied to staff training and onboarding, vacancies, the Children’s Trust Fund, and TANF subgrants. Members asked about the reduction or elimination of TANF funding to child advocacy centers and other subgrantees, and DHS explained that prior reserves had been spent down and that the department was now trying to live within the annual TANF block grant and rebuild reserves. County operations questions also covered summer EBT, SNAP employment and training, the farmers’ market program, and the expected impact of a federal SNAP administrative match change, which DHS estimated would increase state costs by about $24 million annually, with roughly $18 million affecting the current year because the change begins October 1. Executive recommendations were again adopted. Finally, the committee heard from the Division of Developmental Disability Services and the Division of Medical Services. DDS testimony covered vacancies, staffing shortages, human development center construction and repairs, the reopening of the Boonville work training program, and funding for infant infirmary and child/family life programs. Medical Services testimony covered the Medicaid program, the current FMAP rate, the Our Kids B CHIP program, Medicaid payments to schools, nursing home distress funding, and large appropriation lines used to provide flexibility for claims and potential facility closures. Members asked for more detail on school Medicaid payments, reserve balances, and why some appropriations were much larger than actual spending. In each division, the committee moved and adopted Executive REC after questions concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Substitute Senate Bill 5981 relates to the 340B drug pricing program.
• to buy outpatient drugs at a capped price.
• , and numbers of claims for 340B drugs, among other types of information.
• to buy outpatient drugs at a capped price.
• It's part of a shift towards outpatient care and rising drug costs.

Bills: SB5420, SB5877, SB5868, SB5109, SB5832, SB5922, SB5944, SB5988, SB6065, SB6103, SB6151

Keywords: veterans, military spouses, service members, uniformed services, National Guard, reservists, active duty, qualifying discharge, veterans preference, hiring preference, public employment, state benefits, license renewal, professional licensing, retirement service credit, pension, public retirement system, Washington RCW, military leave, reemployment rights

Transcript Highlights:

• Thanks for taking the time out of your schedule for joining us. All right.
• Thanks for taking the time out of your schedule for joining us. Thank you. You're welcome.
• If there was a prior investigation by CPS and there was an allegation that drugs could harm the child
• some drug portion to them, and so this is the one basic thing we can do to start.
• Drug portion to them.

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee first held a public hearing on the gubernatorial appointment of Angela Ramirez to serve as Secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services. Ramirez described her background in public service and said her priorities would include improving technology, addressing workforce shortages, strengthening relationships with labor, tribes, and community organizations, and protecting DSHS programs and clients during uncertain budget and federal conditions. Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck also spoke in support of her confirmation, and members raised questions about needed improvements at DSHS. The committee then moved into executive session on six bills. On SB 6062, dealing with juvenile rehabilitation, midpoint reviews, bed capacity, and transfers between DCYF and DOC facilities, all six proposed Christian amendments failed and the committee advanced the Wilson substitute to Ways and Means. On SB 6308, concerning shelter care conditions for children under five in dependency cases, the committee rejected four Christian amendments and adopted a Wilson amendment clarifying that the bill does not supersede the Washington Indian Child Welfare Act; the bill then advanced to Ways and Means. On SB 6319, addressing community-based referrals for high-risk families with children under four and parental opioid use, the committee rejected three Christian amendments and adopted a technical Wilson amendment; the substitute then advanced to Ways and Means. The committee also considered SB 6286, which would authorize Department of Health inspections of private detention facilities and create a repair account funded by fines for inspection violations. All Christian amendments and one Warnick amendment failed, and the proposed substitute was advanced to Ways and Means. On SB 6080, regarding contracts and conditions for jails holding people in federal custody, all Christian amendments failed and the substitute was advanced to Rules. Finally, on SB 6184, an agency-request bill making technical and program updates, the committee adopted the bill with one amendment and sent it forward subject to signatures. The committee recessed partway through the agenda, returned to vote on the first six bills, and announced that remaining bills and the gubernatorial appointment would be taken up the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:07.480><c> the</c> call these people and schedule the call these people and schedule the interview
• No money—that's not true because Medicaid that dispenses 340B drugs.
• of accessibility to the discounted drug at the contract of the covered entities.
• Certain drugs that are high in demand—give you three... Monon Supply used to be $25.
• we're talking about for people drugs we're talking about for people that<01:10:28.760><c> is</c><01:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Health, Human Services, and Labor and Technology committee heard testimony on SB 447, a Department of Health pilot program related to recruitment, and SB 1043, a tax measure. On SB 447, the Department of Health said the pilot had streamlined hiring by delaying minimum-qualification review until later in the process, while the Department of Human Resources Development objected that parts of the bill could conflict with civil service rules, due process rights, and equal pay requirements. Several labor and employee groups testified, with some supporting the pilot as a way to address vacancies and others warning about merit-system concerns. The committee later voted to pass SB 447 as is. On SB 1043, testimony was mixed but largely focused on the bill’s tax changes, especially the proposed increase to the general excise tax and exemptions or credits for lower-income households. Supporters, including labor groups and housing/worker advocates, argued the bill would reduce burdens on working families, help with food insecurity, and keep residents in Hawaiʻi. Opponents, including the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi and some community witnesses, said the general excise tax is regressive and would raise costs across the state. The committee voted to advance SB 1043 with substantial amendments, deleting most of the bill except section two and setting a far-future effective date, while noting the fiscal impact had not been provided. The committee also deferred SB 633 and later deferred SB 1633 for further decision-making, scheduling continued consideration for February 12, 2025, in Room 225. The hearing included standard instructions on one-minute testimony, written testimony, and Zoom procedures, and the committee adjourned after taking the above actions.