Transcript Highlights:

• So House Bill 249 will be scheduled at a later date.
• According to the Medicaid fee schedule, the effective date was January 1, 2015.
• We have no influence or ability to influence. ...fee schedule, which is set by the feds.
• In our FIR, it says that they are reimbursed at 100% of the Medicare fee schedule.
• Actually, Representative, we are paying 150% of the Medicare fee schedule.

Committee: House House Health & Human Services

Keywords: 996, all

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:

• </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:

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

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.

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:

• I strongly oppose HB 2415 in making the kratom alkaloid 7-OH a Schedule I drug.
• I strongly oppose HB 2415 in making the kratom alkaloid 7-OH a Schedule I drug.
• Making 7-OH Schedule I will leave consumers with three options: suffering, street drugs, or suicide.
• I think to be able to regulate and in some way control these types of drugs is important.
• I think to be able to regulate and in some way control these types of drugs is important.

Summary: The Senate Judiciary and Elections Committee approved the minutes from its March 18, 2026 meeting and then took up a long agenda of bills and a clemency nomination. HB 2825, as amended, was heard first. The bill would replace criminal enforcement tools for nonpayment of fines, fees, restitution, and surcharges with a civil collection process, including a required summons and civil default procedures. Supporters said it would streamline restitution collection and reduce costs, while opponents argued it would weaken victims’ rights and remove effective enforcement leverage. The committee adopted the Rogers amendment and passed the bill 5-2. The committee also confirmed Neil McDowell to the Arizona Board of Executive Clemency by a 6-0 vote after hearing his background in corrections and his plans to help the board function efficiently. The committee then passed HB 4070, as amended, 5-2. That bill bars incorporation of corporations whose officers, directors, or trustees have been convicted of sex trafficking or human trafficking, and expands civil liability to those who facilitate trafficking. Supporters framed it as a corporate accountability tool to deter trafficking, while the ACLU opposed it as overbroad and potentially sweeping in people not intended to be covered. HB 2720, which increases penalties for paying or agreeing to pay for sexual conduct and adds a fee to support anti-trafficking services, also passed, 4-3. Supporters, including survivors and law enforcement, said it targets demand and helps victims; opponents warned it could criminalize victims and lacked sufficient safeguards. The committee heard several additional bills. HB 2047 would raise trespass penalties after eviction-related writs of restitution from third-degree to first-degree trespass; the sponsor and constables said it would improve scene safety and encourage law enforcement response. HB 2136 would create new crimes for “civil terrorism” and “subversion” and increase penalties for certain highway obstruction; the ACLU argued it would punish protest and speech critical of government. HB 2406 would make images and recordings of abused children and deceased minors confidential, limit dissemination, and impose civil and criminal penalties for misuse; supporters said it would prevent re-victimization and reduce trauma, while defense and media concerns were raised about access. HB 2415, dealing with kratom and 7-OH products, drew sharply divided testimony over whether the bill is a needed safety regulation or an overbroad ban that could push users to illicit drugs; the transcript ends before a final vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:09:54.760><c> 2026</c> scheduled 2026 scheduled 2026 expiration<00:09:57.399><c> for</c><00:09:57.640
• So the Medical Assistance covers weight loss drugs, and it has for several years.
• drugs within that class.
• </c><00:41:41.000><c> has</c> time the list of approved drugs has time the list of approved drugs has
• </c><00:41:54.920><c> through</c> patients accessing those drugs through patients accessing those drugs

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Minnesota Management and Budget presented the February 2025 budget and economic forecast, with Commissioner Aon Campbell, State Economist Anthony Becker, and Budget Director Anam Mingi outlining updated revenue, spending, and long-term balance projections. The state’s FY 2026-27 general fund outlook remains positive but weaker than in November, with an ending balance of $456 million, down $160 million from the prior forecast. Looking ahead, the planning years FY 2028-29 show a projected deficit of just under $6 billion, driven largely by spending growth outpacing revenues. Officials emphasized that discretionary inflation is a major factor in the forecast, but also noted that those amounts are not automatically appropriated and would require legislative action. Becker said the national outlook has changed since November, with higher expected inflation, higher interest rates for longer, and slower growth in later years. He highlighted uncertainty around tariffs, trade policy, immigration policy, federal spending, and possible changes to tax and debt-ceiling policy, all of which could affect Minnesota’s economy and revenues. Minnesota’s labor market remains tight, with low unemployment and rising wages, and the revenue forecast was revised upward overall for FY 2026-27, including higher income and sales tax receipts, though corporate tax revenue was slightly lower than previously projected. Mingi said projected general fund spending is up $79 million in FY 2026-27 and $960 million in FY 2028-29 compared with November. The largest increases are in education and health and human services, especially due to inflation, higher pupil counts, special education costs, long-term care, and higher Medical Assistance spending. She noted that higher utilization of weight-loss drugs also raises Medicaid costs, and that a smaller assumed bonding bill helps offset some debt service costs. The commissioner and staff repeatedly warned that federal policy changes, especially possible Medicaid reductions, pose a major risk; they said Minnesota could face billions in lost federal funding, including a potential $2.4 billion hit if the enhanced Medicaid match for adults without children were eliminated. No votes or legislative actions were taken in the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ladies and gentlemen, we have 49 minutes left in the scheduled committee time.
• . of each vaccine on the CDC's child and adolescent immunization schedule.
• Yeah, I think you're not answering my question about other drugs, but we can get back to that.
• So what I'm asking, what I'm getting at is why this particular drug was chosen for this bill and this
• And from my professional experience, I only know of this drug to treat parasites.

Summary: The committee first took up CS for SB 896 on school safety, which would expand the Guardian program to public postsecondary institutions, require active assailant response plans and threat management protocols, improve reporting and information sharing, and make it a felony to discharge a weapon within 1,000 feet of a campus. A late-file amendment by Senator Polsky was adopted to clarify that students who are also employees or faculty at a public postsecondary institution are not eligible for the Guardian program. The bill drew strong opposition from faculty, students, and gun-safety advocates who argued that more guns on campus would create confusion, weaken safety, and undermine campus police; supporters said trained guardians would improve deterrence and protection. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably by a roll call vote. The committee then considered SB 1690 on child care and early learning services, which updates child care laws, reduces some regulatory burdens, and expands the Florida Education Foundation’s authority to fundraise for early learning from birth through VPK. Members discussed oversight of the related direct-support organization and the removal of certain notice requirements, while supporters from Moms Rising and other advocates said the bill would help families access affordable, high-quality child care and support home-based providers. One opponent argued the bill added more government regulation, but the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. Next, the committee passed CS for SB 118, a narrow bill on non-ad valorem special assessments for recreational vehicle parks, clarifying how assessments are calculated for RV spaces and campsites. The bill received supportive comments from RV advocates and was reported favorably without controversy. The committee then took up CS for SB 1220, the Department of Transportation package, which included provisions on seaports and airports, personal delivery devices, autonomous vehicles, broadband and utility permitting, and advanced air mobility. Amendments were adopted that revised research institute membership, limited some delivery-device provisions, and clarified cruiser light rules for law enforcement; after questions about utility preemption and PDD safety, the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1756 on medical freedom, which would require new vaccine educational materials, expand school-entry exemptions to include conscience-based objections, limit the Surgeon General’s emergency vaccination authority, and allow behind-the-counter ivermectin for adults with written information and liability protections. The bill drew extensive testimony from both supporters and opponents, with supporters emphasizing parental rights, informed consent, and vaccine injury concerns, and opponents warning about reduced immunization rates, public health risks, and the appropriateness of ivermectin provisions. The transcript ends during public testimony and debate on SB 1756, before final action on that bill is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• “When is the last time your office updated the schedules?”
• You said you just updated the schedules recently?” “Yes.”
• “All right, those schedules are in place now?”
• to become the new schedule; that is correct?”
• Robinson, don't we have limitations with opioid drugs now?

Summary: The committee first voluntarily deferred House Bills 460 and 561, then took up House Bill 1101 on workers’ compensation. The sponsor said the bill would define maximum medical improvement, adjust fraud provisions, shorten temporary total disability and supplemental earnings benefit periods, and revise vocational rehabilitation rules; an amendment removed proposed age-based termination language for benefits. Business groups including LABI supported the bill as a way to reduce Louisiana’s comparatively high indemnity costs and align the state with regional norms, while injured-worker advocates and attorneys strongly opposed it, arguing it would cut benefits, shift medical and disability decisions away from treating physicians and judges, broaden fraud too far, and potentially push costs onto public programs. After debate, the committee voted to report HB 1101 with amendments. House Bill 282 was voluntarily deferred. House Bill 293, which would add sexual orientation and gender identity to Louisiana employment discrimination protections, drew generally supportive testimony from the sponsor and supporters, with some members raising questions about religious exemptions and federal law. The committee ultimately voted against reporting HB 293 favorably. House Bill 390, providing unpaid leave protections for domestic abuse survivors at larger employers, was presented as a tool for survivors, but the committee split 6-6 on a motion to report it favorably; the tie resulted in the bill being voluntarily deferred. The committee then heard House Bill 456, which would expand workers’ compensation petition requirements and allow employers or payers broader access to file disputed claims and seek discovery. Supporters argued employers currently lack a practical way to obtain records and challenge claims without first cutting off benefits, while opponents said the bill would revive a rejected 2012 approach, increase litigation, and undermine the no-fault workers’ compensation bargain. The discussion centered on whether the bill would preserve benefits while allowing discovery or instead encourage more disputes and penalties. The transcript ends with testimony still underway on HB 456, with no final vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• in the third degree to include the possession of any Schedule V substance in any amount.
• Schedule all Schedule V, but what does that include? I'd have to reread and go back. No problem.
• </c> concerning promoting a detrimental drug concerning promoting a detrimental drug in<00:02:34.760>
• </c><00:02:37.400><c> five</c> possession of any schedule five possession of any schedule five substance
• </c><00:05:04.199><c> what</c><00:05:04.280><c> does</c> schedule all schedule five but what does schedule

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills covering criminal justice, elections, and wildfire-related settlement funding. HB 103 would raise the age cutoff for life-without-parole eligibility from 18 to 21; supporters included the Public Defender and others, while prosecutors and some others opposed it. HB 11 would allow civil claims against people or businesses profiting from sexual exploitation or sex trafficking; it drew mostly support but was not ready for a vote and was deferred for further questions. HB 132 would expand a state-initiated expungement pilot to include possession of any Schedule V substance; the Public Defender, ACLU, and oversight groups supported it, with one opponent, and committee questions focused on what substances and how many cases would be affected. HB 145 would require the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center to transmit expungement orders to the Judiciary to implement Act 159; the Judiciary and Public Defender supported it, and members discussed technical issues involving multiple defendants and multiple charges. HB 369, a campaign finance housekeeping bill on excess cash contributions, and HB 408, which aligns voter registration-by-mail deadlines with current law, both received support and no opposition of note. The committee also heard HB 1175, which creates appropriations and a trust fund for Maui wildfire settlement claims; the Attorney General’s office, Maui County Council, and Tax Foundation supported it, while one senator said he would vote no because of concerns about House leadership. HB 386, which conforms drug possession thresholds for methamphetamine, heroin, morphine, and cocaine, was supported by law enforcement and prosecutors. HB 134 would require electronic filing of nomination papers; the Elections Office supported it but asked that any convenience fee be authorized in statute, while one witness opposed it over security and cost concerns. After testimony and questions, the committee took up decision-making and passed HB 103 with amendments, deferred HB 11, and passed HB 132, HB 145, HB 369, HB 408, HB 1175, HB 386, and HB 134, with HB 134 amended to clarify no additional charge for electronic filing.

Transcript Highlights:

• of these drugs added to the preferred drug list.
• for each drug.
• for each drug.
• And in 2025, drugs.
• </c> drugs made up 8.3% in 2025. drugs made up 8.3% in 2025.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board met on February 23, 2026, approved the January 12 minutes, and then focused primarily on Kentucky Medicaid’s coverage and potential expansion of GLP-1 drugs, especially for weight loss. Department for Medicaid Services Commissioner Lisa Lee explained that Medicaid currently does not cover drugs for weight loss, anorexia, or weight gain, but the department had filed a regulation to remove that blanket exclusion so GLP-1s could be covered when used for an underlying health condition. She said the administrative regulation review subcommittee found the regulation deficient, and the co-chairs wanted the board to discuss the policy and financing implications before any change. DMS also said it would be open to adding caveats to ensure coverage would not extend to cosmetic weight loss alone. The department provided several data points on current utilization and spending. In 2025, Kentucky Medicaid paid for appetite-stimulating drugs such as Megestrol, Dronabinol, and Marinol, but did not pay for weight-loss drugs. For GLP-1s, DMS said coverage began in 2025 and is limited to FDA-approved medical conditions, with prior authorization requiring a type 2 diabetes diagnosis code and A1C documentation. DMS reported $234.6 million in GLP-1 spending in 2025 before rebates, about 240,931 prescriptions, and said GLP-1s accounted for 7.3% of pharmacy spend in 2024 and 8.3% in 2025. It also said there were 24,844 expansion members and 13,638 non-expansion members using GLP-1s, with spending of about $156 million and $78.5 million respectively, and that 10 pediatric weight-loss prescriptions were covered under EPSDT. The department said outcome analyses, including whether GLP-1 use reduces insulin or other diabetes treatment, are underway and should be completed in a couple of months. Members asked about cost, rebates, and whether the state should wait for more outcomes data before expanding coverage. DMS said average reimbursement to pharmacies was $975 per prescription and the average dispensing fee was $109; it also said 2025 rebate invoices totaled $90.8 million, with $7.6 million collected so far. Several members expressed concern about the high cost and the need to evaluate whether the drugs improve health outcomes before expanding access, while others noted the potential benefits for obesity and diabetes treatment. Some members also discussed whether GLP-1s are effectively being used for weight loss in diabetic patients and whether broader data collection should be used to assess long-term value. After the Medicaid discussion, Eli Lilly executive Tracy Sims presented on obesity as a chronic disease and the economic burden it creates in Kentucky. She said Kentucky’s adult obesity rate is a little over 37%, that obesity is linked to about 200 diseases, and that untreated obesity costs the state billions in GDP and hundreds of millions in state budget impact. She highlighted recent federal access programs for GLP-1s, including a Medicaid-related program that she said could lower the state share of a Zepbound prescription to about $71 per month after federal matching. No votes were taken on the GLP-1 policy question during the meeting, and the main action was the receipt of testimony and discussion of the department’s proposed regulatory change.

Transcript Highlights:

• Crime labs supplied me with those that were tested for drugs.
• And if you add the drugs to it, that is another $200 million.
• What are some of the names of these drugs, like who's creating them?
• Well, the drug test showed the type of drugs. So I just categorized them as fentanyl and in the...
• Well, the drug test showed the type of drugs.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The Senate Joint Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee received updates from the Department of Transportation and Development on its transformation efforts, including a new project delivery dashboard, key performance indicators, and litter abatement work. DOTD said the dashboard is now live and tied to daily field updates, and reported progress on its T4LA initiatives, including improved project transparency, customer service, and a new highway sponsorship litter program. Members praised the department’s work and asked about litter funding, with DOTD saying last year’s $14.7 million litter pickup effort included the legislature’s supplemental appropriation. The committee also heard detailed progress reports on LTIF 1.0 and 2.0, the Office of Highway Construction’s bridge bundling and roadway projects, the Calcasieu River Bridge project, and the Cameron Ferry. DOTD reported that LTIF 1.0 is about 80% complete and that LTIF 2.0 has encumbered nearly $150 million, with several projects ahead of schedule and some under budget. The Office of Highway Construction said 62 bridge projects are in the bundle, 11 are under construction, and emergency procurement has helped accelerate delivery. DOTD said the Calcasieu River Bridge remains on track for a mid-to-late April groundbreaking, with all federal permits in hand and right-of-way acquisition underway; it also reported that new Cameron Ferry boats are under construction and that a privatization proposal from Labmar Ferry Services will go to the Louisiana Transportation Authority. Members then reviewed the draft 2026-2027 highway priority program, which DOTD said includes $913 million for construction across 302 projects and about $1.2 billion total investment. The committee also received public comment on the statewide flood control program, which recommended six projects expected to reduce flood damage by more than $289 million, and on the airport construction and development priority program, which includes 31 air carrier projects and 99 general aviation projects. DOTD also noted no current projects for the rail infrastructure program but said it expects to request $13 million and has 19 projects in the queue, and it presented three port projects that are not yet funded but will be considered by the Louisiana Transportation Authority. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission and LSU’s Center for Analytics and Research presented data on impaired driving, saying impaired driving remains a major factor in fatalities and injuries, with alcohol and drugs together contributing to a large share of crashes and about $700 million in annual economic costs. Members discussed youth driving, marijuana, ignition interlock, DWI courts, and enforcement challenges on waterways; the presenters emphasized education, enforcement, and treatment as part of a broader safety strategy. No formal votes were taken during the meeting, and the committee adjourned after receiving the presentations and public comment.

Bills: HB1974 , HB1853 , HB1973 , HB1574 , HB2619 , HB1966 , HB1643 , HB1671 , HB2558 , HB1854 , HB2173 , HB1575 , HB2229 , HB1535 , HB1978 , HB2508 , HB1549 , HB2187 , HB1550 , HB1977 , HB2314 , HB1871 , HB2319 , HB1591 , HB1858 , HB1898 , HB2372 , HB1765 , HB2012 , HB1706 , HB1962 , HB1963 , HB1975 , HB2009 , HB2083 , HB2224 , HB1877 , HB1959 , HB1626 , HB1665 , HB2488 , HB2456 , HB2548 , HB2207 , HB1832 , HB2079 , HB1985 , HB1618 , HB2486 , HB2242 , HB2045 , HB1703 , HB2236 , HB2480 , HB1976 , HB2287 , HB2288 , HB1777 , HB276 , HB1660 , HB1676 , HB1605 , HB1751 , HB1967 , HB2383 , HB2340 , HB1946 , HB2268 , HB1950 , HB2156 , HB2118 , HB1859 , HB1863 , HB1996 , HB2114 , HB2423 , HB2429 , HB2475 , HB2534 , HB2545 , HB1813 , HB1941 , HB2474 , HB2583 , HB1576 , HB1886 , HB1939 , HB2540 , HB2590 , HB2000 , HB2163 , HB2386 , HB1691 , HB1680 , HB2516 , HB1993 , HB2442 , HB1510 , HB1958 , HB1692

Keywords: HB1974, hearing loss, audiology, audiologist, hearing screening, hearing aids, cochlear implants, tele-audiology, communication access, assistive technology, speech-language pathology, deafness, hard of hearing, public health, kupuna, keiki, dementia, cognitive decline, fall prevention, State Health Planning and Development Agency

Transcript Highlights:

• and wouldn't be complicated by other medical conditions or drugs that they are taking.
• The vast majority of that is rescheduling psilocybin in our state laws from Schedule I down to Schedule
• Let me straighten alcohol and hard drugs.
• It's not about drugs. It's about medicine. It's not about politics.
• It's not about drugs. That's about medicine. It's not about politics.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And those that were tested for drugs, you see on this trend chart what you see is that we have drug tests
• And then, when you go—many drivers mix alcohol with those drugs.
• Many drivers mix alcohol with those drugs.
• And if you add the drugs to it, that is another $200 million.
• Well, the drug test showed the type of drugs. So I just categorized in that fentanyl and in the...

Summary: The Senate Joint Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee received an update from DOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet and Deputy Secretary Bo Black on the department’s transformation efforts. DOTD highlighted its new project delivery dashboard, key performance indicators, and litter abatement work, including nearly $15 million spent on litter pickup and a new highway sponsorship pilot. Members also received updates on LTIF 1.0 and 2.0, with officials reporting that most LTIF 1.0 work is complete and that LTIF 2.0 is progressing under budget. The committee also heard updates on the Office of Highway Construction’s bridge bundling program, the Calcasieu River Bridge project, and the Cameron Ferry boat replacement and privatization solicitation process. The committee reviewed the draft 2026-2027 highway priority program, which DOTD said includes $913 million for construction and about $1.2 billion across 302 projects. Members discussed the public roadshow comments, project acceleration, and corridor planning, including the I-12 corridor and the Calcasieu River Bridge environmental review and public meetings. No vote was taken on the highway priority program at this meeting. The statewide flood control program presented six recommended projects for fiscal year 2026-2027, including projects in Gretna, St. John, St. James, Mandeville, and two Lafourche-area projects, with officials saying the projects meet benefit-cost criteria and would reduce flood damage. The airport construction and development priority program was also reviewed, with 31 air carrier projects and 99 general aviation projects recommended. The rail program reported no new projects but said it expects a $13 million request and has 19 projects in the queue, while the port program presented three unfunded projects for future consideration. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission and LSU’s Center for Analytics and Research presented crash data focused on impaired driving. They said 2024 saw 753 traffic fatalities, with impaired driving accounting for about one-third of fatal crashes, and estimated the economic cost of impaired driving at roughly $700 million. Members discussed youth driving, marijuana and alcohol trends, ignition interlock, DWI courts, and enforcement challenges on waterways. The meeting concluded with no formal votes or final actions on the major program items presented.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we'll turn to our next steps and our scheduling of our future meetings and the subject of those
• And that's that drug dealer or that person who's going to then put them right back into the cyclical
• We found drugs. We found some of it is coming from family members using a legal envelope.
• It's all turf wars over drug sales.
• And we will hope that we can kind of stay on that schedule.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission met to continue its review of the county sheriffs’ role in corrections, reentry, and public safety. After approving the prior meeting minutes, the sheriffs completed a lengthy presentation describing how their offices provide regional jail services, women’s programming, mental health and substance use treatment, reentry support, community partnerships, and auxiliary public safety functions such as BCI work, TRIAD, Meals on Wheels, and event support. They emphasized that services are tailored to local needs, that women’s facilities are designed to keep mothers close to family and support reunification, and that programming, housing, and job placement are central to reducing recidivism. They also discussed challenges including K2/synthetic drugs in facilities, gang classification and separation, and the difficulty justice-involved people face obtaining IDs and birth certificates, especially for people from Puerto Rico. Commission members generally praised the sheriffs’ work and asked for more detail on how regional women’s facilities operate, how community-provider cuts might affect reentry services, how no-cost phone/tablet communication is balanced against programming time, and what the most essential programs are if funding is reduced. The sheriffs said programming must come first, identified mental health, substance use treatment, domestic violence programming, and housing/job placement as critical, and explained that community organizations and the Registry of Motor Vehicles are key partners in reentry. They also described their approach to gang management through classification, separation, and information sharing, and noted that the Registry has become more flexible but Real ID requirements have made documentation barriers more significant. The commission chair stressed that the purpose of the study is collaboration and improving system performance, not an adversarial effort against the sheriffs or a decarceration debate. Members noted that future meetings would hear from probation in June and the Department of Correction in July, and that the commission would continue gathering information before deciding on next steps. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, which passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• brand-name drug.
• brand-name drug.
• I said, well, it's ...generic drug as a brand-name drug. I said, well, it's generic.
• And they said, well, your drug is now called a generic drug with a brand name that is generic drug.
• Drugs like Advil and Tylenol didn't cut it.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Health Care Financing

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Health Care Financing held a public hearing on 16 bills, with the chairs noting a busy legislative day and asking speakers to keep testimony brief. The committee first heard testimony on Senate 860/House 1405, the Medicare for All bill, with Sen. Jamie Eldridge and many advocates, clinicians, municipal officials, and patients arguing that a single-payer system would make care a right, reduce administrative waste, lower costs, and protect residents from rising premiums, medical debt, and hospital closures. Several speakers cited the Steward hospital crisis, affordability problems, and polling or ballot questions showing public support for single-payer coverage. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee then took testimony on S. 863, a bill on non-opioid options for chronic pain. Pain specialists, patients, and advocates said the bill would improve care coordination for MassHealth members, expand access to non-opioid medications, require provider education, and collect data on chronic pain. Testifiers described long delays in diagnosis and treatment, stigma toward pain patients, and the need for multidisciplinary care and transportation support. Again, the committee heard testimony only and took no action. A large portion of the hearing focused on H. 1360/S. 869, which would prevent discrimination against people with disabilities in health care. Disability advocates, clinicians, and patients described being denied or delayed care, pressured into DNR orders, or treated based on assumptions about quality of life rather than medical facts. Speakers referenced COVID-era crisis standards of care, discriminatory metrics, and personal stories involving canceled procedures, inadequate accommodations, and poor treatment in hospitals. Committee members thanked speakers for their testimony and said they would review the bill and its implications, but no vote was announced. The committee also heard testimony on H. 1399, an individual Medicare marketplace option for municipal retirees, where supporters said it would give cities and towns a lower-cost alternative for retiree health benefits through HRAs and individual Medicare plans. The hearing then returned to Medicare for All testimony, with additional supporters repeating arguments about cost, access, municipal budget pressure, and the need for global budgeting and universal coverage. The transcript ends with continued testimony and no recorded committee vote or final action on any bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it adds it to Schedule One as the Attorney General has asked us Representative Bankson: to do and
• In fact, right now after the emergency scheduling order that this bill would codify, you can go to a
• All this does is again place one part of the plant under Schedule One but not deal with all the other
• Instead of scheduling one molecule that doesn't cover most kratom-derived products on the market, we
• Representative Melo: With therapy treatments by drugs that help, it's like puberty blockers.

Transcript Highlights:

• There was a case study done on DUI drug cases in Palm Beach County.
• There was a case study done on DUI drug cases in Palm Beach County. drivers.
• There was a case study done on DUI drug cases in Palm Beach County from 2007 to 2018.
• The transition is also difficult for parents' work schedules.
• The schedule is very, very flexible.

Committee: Senate Fiscal Policy

Summary: The committee heard and approved several bills. CS for CS for CS SB 138, Trenton’s Law, would broaden DUI and boating-under-the-influence laws to cover any impairing substance, increase penalties for refusal to submit to breath or urine testing, allow blood warrants in misdemeanor DUI/BUI cases, enhance penalties for DUI with death or vehicular homicide involving prior convictions, and authorize DUI diversion programs. Supporters included law enforcement and prosecutors, who said the bill addresses gaps involving over-the-counter drugs and refusal cases; the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers raised concerns about the breadth of the “any impairing substance” language and record consequences for first refusals. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably SB 400, which removes the repeal date from Florida’s Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children, and CS for SB 102, which creates a workforce credentialing program for exceptional student education students, especially those with autism, to earn badges for job skills and safety-related competencies. SB 102 drew questions about fiscal impact and teacher training, with supporters emphasizing workforce readiness and parent involvement while some members raised concerns about costs and implementation. SB 130, which updates compensation for wrongfully incarcerated people found factually innocent, was also reported favorably after supporters argued Florida’s current law is too restrictive and too few exonerees have been compensated. The committee then approved CS for CS for SB 296, which repeals the statewide mandate for later middle and high school start times and returns the decision to local districts, while requiring districts to document their analysis of sleep, safety, transportation, and other impacts. An amendment added a reporting requirement to show how districts considered later start times and any unintended consequences. The bill drew broad support from school officials and education groups, with members noting transportation and extracurricular challenges. Finally, SB 234, dealing with criminal offenses against law enforcement officers, was reported favorably after debate over whether the bill should retain “good faith” language and how it would affect defenses and officer accountability. The committee also passed CS for SB 274, designating a portion of International Drive as Harris Rosen Way and adding a memorial designation for the late Senator Geraldine Thompson near the Wells Built Museum; members praised both honorees and the bill was reported favorably. The committee adjourned after recording one member’s request to be shown voting yes on the first bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• The second part of the bill includes Schedule I drugs.
• The reality is that the FDA drug approval process is so expensive that a drug that could only help 20,000
• is to prevent the direct and indirect cost to the state of millions of dollars caused by alcohol, drug
• use, a decrease from 9.1% to 6.7% in alcohol use, and a decrease from 8.2% to 1.6% in prescription drug
• It's through things like training for alcohol and tobacco retailers to prevent sales to minors, drug

Committee: House Emerging Issues and Professional Registration

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 3423 from Rep. Darren Chappell, which would require judges in Missouri courts of record to file annual financial disclosure statements, bar judges from hearing cases involving people who have given them money, and extend similar disclosure rules to members of judicial nominating commissions. Chappell framed the bill as a transparency and ethics measure. Business groups supported the proposal, but judges, bar groups, and trial and defense lawyers opposed it, arguing existing judicial ethics rules already address gifts and recusals, that the bill is overly broad in covering “anything of value,” and that it could create unintended consequences, including strategic donations to force recusal and reduced public access to judicial financial disclosures. The Supreme Court’s representative said the bill should be read alongside the full Code of Judicial Conduct and offered to provide the committee with that material. No vote was taken. The committee then heard House Bill 2922 from Rep. Jeff Myers, which would align Missouri’s right-to-try law with federal law by extending access from terminal illness to debilitating conditions and by addressing the use of Schedule I drugs in that framework. Myers said the bill is intended to help ensure access to emerging treatments and has passed in various forms in prior sessions. There was no opposition testimony, and the hearing concluded without action. Next, the committee heard House Bill 2643, also from Rep. Senate, the “Hope for Missouri Patients Act,” which would expand right-to-try access for individualized treatments such as gene therapies, enzyme replacement therapies, and substrate reduction therapies for patients with rare or debilitating diseases. Supporters, including the Goldwater Institute, a parent of a child with a rare disease, and Americans for Prosperity, said the bill could help patients access customized treatments sooner and reduce red tape. The sponsor and witnesses emphasized that the bill would not require insurance coverage and is meant to help patients who cannot wait for lengthy clinical trial or FDA pathways. No opposition testimony was offered. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 3204 from Rep. Senate, which would create a tax credit to encourage private donations to prevention resource centers that work on substance misuse prevention. Supporters from prevention organizations and advocacy groups said the credit would strengthen local prevention coalitions, reduce future treatment and criminal justice costs, and stabilize funding for services such as school education, early intervention, and suicide prevention. One opponent warned that Planned Parenthood could qualify as a prevention resource center and receive tax credits, but supporters said they had no concern about that. The hearing ended with no vote or other committee action, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first is the Florida drug Court case management system.
• And then you can see underneath their drug court DUI march when acts and that sort of thing.
• So you probably have these numbers, colleagues because drugs have certain in uses.
• And unfortunately in this country we've treated drug for a certain way based on again, you, sir.
• drugs and all in all over 300 million and drug money has been seized.

Keywords: 999, senate, all