Transcript Highlights:

• act 298 in the last legislative section act 298 uh uh uh legislature<00:02:55.240><c> repealed</c><00
• including but not limited to an attorney or other individual designated by the victim pursuant to section
• including but not limited to an attorney or other individual designated by the victim pursuant to section
• This proposes an amendment to article 17, section 3 of the Hawaii State Constitution, specifying that
• Next up is SB 2315, proposing an amendment to Article 17, Section 3 of the Hawaii State Constitution.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard several Senate bills. SB 2149 would exempt paternity proceedings involving allegations of domestic abuse from mediation and clarify the domestic abuse mediation exemption in divorce cases. The Department of the Attorney General and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the measure but recommended technical and conforming changes, including updating references from HRS Chapter 584 to 584A and aligning the language more closely with the Uniform Mediation Act. Members discussed whether the bill’s wording could limit who may bring a support person to mediation, and the chair suggested the intent was to preserve survivor choice while avoiding ambiguity. No vote was taken in the portion heard. SB 2203 would create an offense for law enforcement officers using masks or personal disguises. The Office of the Public Defender, ACLU of Hawaii, Legal Clinic, and many other supporters argued the bill would improve transparency, accountability, and public trust, while still allowing safety exceptions. Law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Law Enforcement, Honolulu Police Department, and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, raised concerns about operational needs, undercover and auxiliary units, body cameras, and possible supremacy clause issues if the bill is aimed at federal officers. The chair noted the bill appeared likely to move forward and asked agencies and advocates to work on possible amendments; testimony count was reported as 114 in support, 3 opposed, and 2 comments. SB 2251 would appropriate funds for the victim witness assistance program in the City and County of Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The prosecutor’s office supported the bill, saying it would replace shortfalls from declining federal funding and help maintain victim services and rights information. A former program director also testified in support. When asked, the office said it would not object to a simple reporting requirement. The committee then moved on to SB 2311, which would address claims against the state and add reporting and timing requirements; the Department of the Attorney General testified with concerns and recommendations, and members began questioning current practices for handling claims and settlements.

Transcript Highlights:

• So yes, Representative Payne, excuse me, if you look at page 11 of the bill, section 4, uh there is a
• So yes, Representative Payne, excuse me, if you look at page 11 of the bill, section 4, uh there is a
• So yes, Representative Payne, excuse me, if you look at page 11 of the bill, section 4, uh there is a
• </c><00:15:33.360><c> So</c><00:15:33.519><c> there</c> of section two of this act.
• So there of section two of this act.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 77, which would allow comprehensive universities to pursue doctoral programs under a new approval process and, in the original bill, would also change who may serve on the EPSB board for small colleges and universities. The sponsor and Council on Postsecondary Education representative explained that the committee substitute removed the current statutory prohibition on comprehensive universities offering certain doctoral degrees, but added eligibility guardrails: a 77% first-to-second-year retention rate, a 56% six-year graduation rate, and three months of unrestricted cash reserves. They said the thresholds were based on national data placing institutions in roughly the top quartile, and that CPE would still review proposals for mission fit, workforce need, fiscal impact, and, where applicable, programmatic accreditation and legislative appropriations. EKU President David McFaden supported creating a pathway for comprehensive universities, said Kentucky is unusual in having an explicit statutory prohibition, and urged the committee to keep the standards attainable and durable. The committee approved the bill and adopted a title amendment, with the motion passing unanimously. The committee then heard Senate Joint Resolution 55, which addresses antisemitism on postsecondary campuses. Senator Tichenor said the resolution responds to a rise in antisemitic incidents after October 7, 2023, and would require campuses to notify students each semester of Title VI rights, complaint procedures, existing harassment policies, and available Jewish student resources. It would also direct campuses to disband student organizations found to provide material support to known terrorist organizations, report such matters to law enforcement, and collect and report antisemitism data to CPE for posting on its website. A guest speaker from the Kentucky Jewish Council described a sharp increase in reported incidents, including harassment, threats, vandalism, and hostile campus activity, and argued that schools have often done too little to respond. He said the resolution was amended to protect free speech while ensuring Jewish students receive the same protections as other protected groups. The transcript ends while testimony on the resolution was still underway, before any committee vote on SJR 55.

Transcript Highlights:

• He then explained that the fringe benefit costs are considered in the list of payments under Section
• </c> list of payments under section list of payments under section three<00:35:30.520><c> as</c><00:35
• I'm not happy, honestly, with the language of section three of this Disaster Relief student attendance
• three and five the school of sections three and five the school district's<00:58:02.880><c> average<
• </c><00:59:29.000><c> three</c><00:59:30.000><c> of</c> with the language of section three of with the

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:01:04 Attendance Roll Call: 00:01:12 Senate Bill 3 (Sen. Wise): 00:05:28 Senate Bill 6 (Sen. Givens): 00:32:17 House Bill 241 (Rep. Truett): 00:52:18 Senate Bill 268 (Sen. Reed): 01:11:57 Adjournment: 01:24:48, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Education met and first handled introductions of guests and visitors from several school districts and education groups. The committee then took up Senate Bill 3, which relates to student athletes and includes an emergency clause. The bill sponsor and invited witnesses, including athletics directors from the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville, said the measure is intended to update Kentucky’s NIL laws in light of the House v. NCAA settlement and other national changes in college athletics. Supporters said SB 3 would let Kentucky universities directly compensate student athletes, help them secure third-party NIL deals, require reporting of deals over $600, and create guardrails and fair-market-value review to reduce pay-for-play concerns. They emphasized that the bill is meant to keep Kentucky institutions competitive, align with expected national standards, and prepare for changes expected around July 1, 2025. Witnesses also discussed the need for more uniform rules nationally, the role of the Power Four conferences in developing governance and clearinghouse systems, and the desire to preserve both athlete mobility and continuity in college sports. Several members raised concerns about the transfer portal, NIL incentives, and the broader effect on college athletics, with one senator saying NIL and the portal have damaged the sport but acknowledging Kentucky must compete. Witnesses responded that tighter portal windows and clearer national rules would help, while still preserving student-athlete transfer rights when needed. After discussion, the committee moved to a vote on SB 3; the roll call was taken, and the bill advanced out of committee, with at least one senator explaining a reluctant yes vote because of competitive pressures on the Commonwealth.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have a revolving fund under the hazardous materials section of code.
• We do have a revolving fund under the hazardous materials section of code.
• Article 11, Section 3: all flowing streams and natural water courses shall forever remain the property
• This is a cross-section. And then black are lignite beds.
• So the bill draft... ...the bill draft that you have before you has a number of sections.

Committee: Joint Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee

Summary: The committee met to review advanced nuclear energy issues in North Dakota, beginning with approval of the April 21, 2022 minutes. Nucleon presented an overview of the advanced reactor landscape, distinguishing light-water SMRs, advanced Gen 4 reactors, and microreactors. The presentation emphasized that light-water SMRs are the most near-term deployable and use familiar low-enriched uranium fuel, while many Gen 4 designs may require high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALU), which is not yet supported by a mature U.S. supply chain. Nucleon also noted that advanced reactors are being developed primarily for industrial heat applications, while microreactors are niche, higher-cost systems for remote or mission-critical uses. Committee members asked about fuel availability, safety, recycling, and whether large reactors such as AP-1000s were evaluated; the presenter said fuel development is proceeding in parallel but remains a bottleneck, and that siting and grid capacity often make SMRs more practical than gigawatt-scale plants in North Dakota. Representatives from the National Association of State Energy Officials described how other states are supporting advanced nuclear through task forces, roadmaps, regional coordination, grants, tax incentives, workforce and supply-chain efforts, and pilot programs. They highlighted the Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative and said states are focusing on multi-state coordination, demand aggregation, regulatory coordination, waste management, workforce readiness, and community engagement. They also discussed affordability tools such as construction work in progress (CWIP), financing incentives, and consumer protections, citing examples from Kentucky, Texas, Virginia, Illinois, Missouri, Utah, Tennessee, and others. In response to questions, they explained that pilot programs often involve site-readiness and feasibility studies, and that the federal Nuclear Innovation Campus process is moving forward with multiple submissions while broader waste and recycling policy may require congressional action. The Public Service Commission said it would likely have a major role in any North Dakota nuclear project through certificate-of-public-convenience-and-necessity review, siting, and rate regulation, but noted gaps in current law for small reactors, co-located facilities, NRC coordination, and long-term site stewardship. The commissioner said the commission has no authority over a private, self-contained reactor not connected to the grid. The Department of Environmental Quality explained that the state regulates radioactive materials under its agreement-state authority, but NRC retains primacy over fission reactors; DEQ would likely assist with emergency planning and could have a larger role if fusion reactors emerge. The Department of Emergency Services said it would serve as the lead off-site preparedness agency, requiring a dedicated radiological emergency preparedness program, training, drills, public outreach, and likely additional funding and staffing, with industry expected to bear much of the cost. The Department of Water Resources said North Dakota’s water laws and prior-appropriation system are adequate for nuclear siting, that the Missouri River is the best likely source, and that no statutory or budget changes are currently needed from a water perspective. The committee recessed for lunch after these agency presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• We took this section from a bill that was heard in the Senate.
• Very simplified section.
• Very simplified section. Right, right. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Peace officers under subsection 3 of this section, a licensed physician, mental health professional,
• hospital, as defined in section 197.20 under subsections 1 and 2 of this section.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We, on the bike section, I'm ahead of him at the start.
• It creates two sections of law... ...It creates two sections of law for an electronic monitoring pilot
• It creates two sections of law for an electronic monitoring pilot rather than a statewide system for
• The House bill removes two provisions: a section of law to provide reimbursements for insurance premiums
• Regarding public-private partnerships, the House bill does create a new section in law to authorize the

Summary: The Senate began with opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognitions, including the doctor of the day and a lighthearted “Cannoli Day” introduction. The chamber then held an extended farewell celebration for Senator Joe Gruters, with numerous senators, colleagues, and family members praising his loyalty, political skill, family focus, and service in the Legislature and Republican Party. Gruters was presented with a commemorative gift recognizing his work on a 2019 public-safety and immigration bill that prohibited sanctuary cities and required local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The Senate adopted a motion to spread Gruters’s remarks upon the journal and then recessed briefly. After recess, the Senate returned to regular business and took up third-reading bills. Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 354, relating to blue ribbon projects, was temporarily postponed. The chamber then considered Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1758, relating to public assistance, with Senator Gates explaining that it contained five reforms to the public assistance system discussed earlier in session. During debate on SB 1758, Senator Berman opposed the bill, saying he could not support it in its current form because he believed the Medicaid-related provisions would create a coverage cliff after the one-year transition period and could leave people without care while increasing costs to hospitals and taxpayers. He also said SNAP error reduction should be a priority, but argued the state should focus on fixing administrative errors and fraud rather than imposing a work requirement whose costs and effects were uncertain.

Transcript Highlights:

• When this is a procedure from out of home placement, chapter four, section one, bottom paragraph under
• There's 13 amendments, and each amendment's probably 20 to 40 pages, and it may amend one section or
• it may amend a lot of sections.
• Chairman, I'll ask you, Chapter 4, Section 6.
• My understanding is that the attorneys and the Attorney General's Protective Services Section are the

Committee: House Government

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 2.
• SECTION TWO.
• Section 3.
• SECTION THREE.
• Section 4.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:46.320><c> is</c> grant obviously one of the sections is grant obviously one of the sections
• The report is presented in two sections.
• The first section is the management letter section prepared by auditors, and it contains our report on
• The second section is the financial section, which contains our independent auditor's report followed
• The financial section of the report follows with our auditor's opinion, which was modified as a complete

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met on December 19, with Senators Long and Lang serving as replacements. The committee approved the November 21 minutes and adopted the consent calendar after removing two Department of Health and Human Services items for separate discussion. It then took up an HHS request involving nursing facility rates, where Nathan White explained that $2.2 million would be transferred from a long-term care Medicaid eligibility contract to the nursing facilities budget. He said the funds would offset an otherwise projected 3.9% average rate decrease and bring the overall average change to zero for the next six months, with rates reset again in July under state law. Members asked about the budget adjustment factor, bed counts, and whether additional funds could raise rates further; White said the factor is statutory, capped at 28.76%, and that more money would lower the factor and increase rates. The committee also corrected a date in the request from February 1, 2025 to February 1, 2026, and approved the item. The committee next approved another HHS item related to rural health transformation grants. Members confirmed the request covered the full amount applied for this biennium, and asked about the technology component. HHS said the grant is not solely about AI, but about broader technology improvements such as electronic medical records, back-end systems, and tools to improve access and sustainability in underserved areas. The committee approved that item as well. The Judicial Council then requested funds for contract attorneys providing indigent defense on a fixed-fee basis. The council said current funds had already been exhausted and that the new appropriation would be used immediately. Members questioned the size of the request and the number of people awaiting counsel; the council reported about 150 incarcerated people and about 300 non-incarcerated people waiting for counsel, more than in recent years. It attributed the increase to competition for attorneys, public defender offices closing intake in some locations because of caseload limits, and broader case and court-system changes. One member raised constitutional concerns about delays in counsel for incarcerated defendants. The committee ultimately amended the request downward to $1 million, approved it, and then approved a motion to place several annual financial reports on file and release them to the public when available. The committee also discussed dashboard reporting from HHS, asking for more detail on community mental health center caseloads and budget-reduction information, and HHS agreed to provide more useful monthly detail.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the House, today I have issued a proclamation under the authority vested in me by Article Four, Section
• Speaker and kind gentlemen, I want to refer to section three on page three.
• On Section 3, dealing with public television and radio, why is it that we are using both fiscal years
• Repealing and reenacting sections of the NMSA 1978, declaring an emergency.
• To section C, lines 6 through 20.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the first section of this chapter.
• So, earlier in the background section, I mentioned that the state mostly pays for plugging out of the
• The third section of this chapter, which looks at extremely low producing wells, wells producing less
• And I know this is a particular section of what you oversee.
• We're hitting three sections. We're summarizing the history of these tax credits.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill contains numerous minor updates to various code sections within the jurisdiction.
• One, it broadens that there's a transit operator assault section.
• Jason Terricone in the Consumer Protection section at the California Department of Justice.
• In addition to Section 1 of the bill, we do have concerns regarding Section 2, which requires...
• In addition to Section 1 of the bill, we do have concerns regarding Section 2, which required GSAs within

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 1521, the Judiciary Committee’s civil law omnibus measure. The bill makes a number of minor, mostly clarifying changes, including repealing obsolete Government Code provisions, allowing juvenile courts to hear petitions to establish records of birth, death, or marriage, requiring notice of probate petitions to the Department of Child Support Services, and correcting typos in existing law. It had no opposition and was moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations, though it was later placed on call pending additional votes. Members then heard AB 57, which would reserve at least 10% of California’s Home Purchase Assistance Program funds for descendants of formerly enslaved people. The author and supporters framed it as a reparative, race-neutral-by-lineage effort to address historic housing discrimination and the racial wealth gap, while opponents argued it was an unconstitutional racial proxy and should instead be based on individual injury. The bill drew strong support and opposition testimony, was amended, and was approved on a do-pass as amended vote to Appropriations, then placed on call. AB 495, the Family Preparedness Plan Act, was heard next. The bill would expand and standardize caregiving and guardianship tools for families facing immigration-related separation, including broader use of caregiver authorization affidavits, recognition of non-relative extended family caregivers, and a new short-term guardianship process that preserves parental rights. Supporters said it would reduce trauma and help children remain with trusted caregivers; there was no opposition testimony. The committee approved it on a do-pass to Human Services vote and placed it on call. The committee also heard AB 392, which would address non-consensual sharing of sexually explicit media by requiring uploader consent certifications, faster takedown procedures, and civil remedies against uploaders and hosting sites. A survivor testified in support, and members discussed implementation details and possible amendments; the bill was moved on a do-pass as amended basis to Appropriations and placed on call. AB 692, which would prohibit employer “stay-or-pay” debt agreements that require workers to repay training or other costs if they leave or are terminated, also advanced despite opposition from business and industry groups concerned about impacts on signing bonuses and voluntary training programs. It was sent to Appropriations on a do-pass as amended vote and placed on call, along with AB 1234, a wage-claim enforcement bill aimed at reducing Labor Commissioner delays and adding consequences for employers who fail to participate in the process. The committee also heard AB 394, which expands protections for transit workers and allows transit agencies to seek restraining orders against violent riders; it received broad support, some concern about system-wide bans, and was discussed with amendments that preserved judicial discretion.

Transcript Highlights:

• 1 through section 16 do not apply to somebody who is only operating under the following restrictions
• within that cottage food section.
• So it's the actual cottage food section that ensures that this language does not apply.
• No, we did not include that language because we believed the existing language within the cottage section
• of the bill to, um, address what section of the bill to, um, address what I<00:43:23.599><c> think</

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Turning to page seven, our background section discusses the types of discrimination cases handled by
• </c><00:46:17.240><c> discusses</c> seven our background section discusses seven our background section
• The appendices are found in tab sections of the report and include our scope, objective, and methodology
• of the report and include tab sections of the report and include our<00:49:33.799><c> scope</c><00:49
• Sean K. said the remainder of the report is the required communications section, which is similar to

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met on February 21 and first approved the January 30 minutes and the consent calendar, with item 2540 removed by the Department of Education and item 25057 set aside for discussion. The committee then took up FIS 25057, a Department of Transportation request tied to a federal grant for building information modeling and related data standardization across DOT systems. Transportation officials explained that the $2.405 million consultant-heavy request would connect surveying, design, construction, and asset management systems, improve efficiency and long-term asset tracking, and help the department catch up with other states. Several senators questioned the lack of immediate, quantifiable budget savings and the reliance on consultants, but the item was ultimately adopted. The committee next approved FIS 25054 for the Department of Health and Human Services after questioning a $16 million shortfall in the Children’s Health Insurance Program. DHHS explained the variance as a budgeting and accounting issue tied to separating CHIP from Medicaid managed care, pandemic-era continuous enrollment, and the new federal requirement for 12 months of continuous coverage for children. Members also approved a Cannon Mountain fee item, where park officials described a proposed price freeze for early-bird passes, a new in-season tier, and modest increases in off-season pricing, while noting operating cost pressures, strong snow conditions, and favorable customer value ratings. That item was adopted unanimously. The committee also approved the Department of Corrections item after discussion of staffing, retirement eligibility, overtime, and recidivism. Commissioner Helen Hanks said retirement-eligible staff had declined slightly, recruitment was improving, overtime hours were down, one housing floor had been closed because of lower population, and the department had reduced reincarceration by 8% over seven years, which she said produced substantial savings. The item was adopted. During informational items, the committee heard a Legislative Budget Assistant performance audit of the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights. The audit found the commission inefficient and ineffective in processing complaints, with average case closure taking 840 days, significant backlogs dating back decades, expired administrative rules, weak management controls, disorganized and outdated procedures, unreliable data, and unresolved prior audit findings. The audit included 25 recommendations, two of which may require legislative action. Commission staff said they appreciated the recommendations and expected the additional resources from the prior budget cycle to help address the backlog and improve transparency and efficiency.

Transcript Highlights:

• under the stalking statute section under the stalking statute um um um that<01:34:10.560><c> would</
• So that's all this bill does is simply add an additional section into our stalking statute so that if
• </c><01:35:12.000><c> uh</c><01:35:12.080><c> into</c><01:35:12.400><c> our</c> an additional section
• uh into our an additional section uh into our stalking<01:35:13.199><c> statute</c><01:35:14.159><c>
• So, because they're already actually happening, there's no need to reinforce that section of statute.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I have found out that the first section of words on line 7 of 1318, 'notwithstanding any other provision
• I have found out that the first section of words on line 7 of 1318, 'notwithstanding any other provision

Bills: HB1541

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Veterans Affairs

Keywords: septic systems, environmental quality, public health, wastewater management, licensing and permitting, 908, all

Summary: The committee reconvened on April 4 to consider two bills. House Bill 1280, Representative Brandenberg’s bill on election approval of projects, was briefly discussed after the chair said legislative council had raised constitutional concerns and the bill could invite lawsuits. Despite that caution, a member moved a do pass recommendation, it was seconded, and the committee approved HB 1280 by roll call vote. The committee then turned to House Bill 1318. The chair explained that after consulting attorneys, the phrase “notwithstanding any other provision of law” in line 7 was considered problematic and would be removed through a crafted amendment. He also said the proposed sunset clause was not a good idea and indicated the bill would be held until the following Thursday morning to allow further review. A member asked about other lines, and the chair said those provisions remained as previously amended. The committee discussed procedural handling of the bill, including whether reconsideration of a prior motion was needed, and confirmed the bill would remain in committee. No further action was taken before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So uh, in the first section of the bill on page one, section one, findings and purpose, it just talks
• of the bill on page in the first section of the bill on page one<00:07:50.720><c> section</c><00:07:
• And that is what HB 755 is designed to do in section one, the legislative findings and purpose section
• </c> what HB 755 is designed to do in section what HB 755 is designed to do in section one<01:13:52.880
• Section two, starting on page two, line 25, modifies a definition for grid modernization, and in section

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 3B um municipality um oo 359 V3 section 3B um municipality uh<00:56:20.520><c> aside</c><00:56:20.799
• Relative to section one, hours of sales, has anybody done a cost-benefit analysis that would justify
• In your section about allowing on-premises licenses to deliver liquor to customers who order a meal,
• So, again, we're a little ambivalent on section three.
• So, again, we're a little ambivalent on section three.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee met in executive session and first discussed scheduling, noting that Town Meeting Day would cancel the next Tuesday meeting, that they would meet Wednesday instead, and that remaining bills would be handled through subcommittees and a likely final executive session on the 19th to meet the deadline for committee action on the 20th. The committee then took up several bills, with repeated roll calls and votes, often placing measures on the consent calendar after committee approval. House Bill 185 on ambulance reimbursement rates was described as a perennial issue and was voted inexpedient to legislate, with members noting concerns that an any-willing-provider approach would make premium impacts hard to evaluate. House Bill 186 on cannabis legalization was retained for further work, with members saying the bill addressed stopping marijuana arrests but that the sales and implementation details still needed more development. House Bill 241 on treatment alternatives to opioids was also retained because the sponsor could not attend and the committee wanted more time to continue work. The committee then considered House Bill 302 on state treasury investments in digital assets and precious metals. The amendment narrowed the proposal, removing more complicated provisions like stable tokens and staking, lowering the authorized allocation from 10% to 5%, and limiting eligible digital assets to those with very high market capitalization; members discussed volatility, the treasurer’s discretion, and oversight through bond-rating concerns. The amendment and the bill as amended both passed, and the bill was placed on the consent calendar. Other measures moved quickly: House Bill 451 on a paint product stewardship program was amended to remove direct funding and framed as manufacturer-run enabling legislation, then passed and was placed on consent; House Bill 499 made technical corrections to insurance laws and passed unanimously; House Bill 538 on relocating Liquor Commission positions passed unanimously; House Bill 552 on children covered under the state retirement insurance plan was cleaned up to remove a student requirement and passed unanimously; and a blockchain/digital currencies bill was amended to address noise and local regulation concerns for data mining operations, with supporters emphasizing energy-use issues, municipal authority, and a separate commission studying regulation. That bill also passed and was sent to consent.

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe this section goes at the end of page four, where it speaks of what this law doesn't apply to
• Claims arising under this section are subject to Colorado Government Immunity Act 10, Title 24.
• Claims arising under this section are subject to Colorado Government Immunity Act 10, Title 24.
• Claims arising under this section are subject to Colorado Government Immunity Act 10, Title 24. ...a
• Claims arising under this section are subject to Colorado Government Immunity Act 10, Title 24.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um I successfully sectioned her or ago.
• </c> one, two, and three of that section one, two, and three of that section where<01:42:55.119><c> it
• </c> any action taken under uh the section any action taken under uh the section that<02:07:15.679><c
• Section 8 housing, uh been on over 50%. Section 8 housing, uh over<04:11:22.640><c> 27%.
• There is a section one of the bill.

Committee: House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Health, Human Services, and Elderly Affairs heard HB 1790-FN, which would address involuntary admissions for certain individuals with a substance use disorder. Representative Lucy Weber introduced the bill for Representative Long, and the committee heard extensive testimony both in support of and in opposition to the proposal. Opponents, including John Burns of SOS Recovery and Jake Barry of New Futures, argued that involuntary commitment is not well supported by research, can retraumatize people, may increase overdose risk after release, and could undermine New Hampshire’s existing recovery and harm-reduction efforts. They emphasized that treatment should be voluntary, trauma-informed, and paired with housing, recovery supports, and other community-based services. Representative Long said he was willing to accept DHHS’s request to amend the bill into a study commission, though he expressed concern that a prior state study had not led to action. He said the commission should focus on implementation details, including where people would be placed, staffing, withdrawal management, elopement prevention, length of commitment, and aftercare. He described involuntary commitment as one tool for people with severe dangerous addictions, distinct from drug court, and said it could help avoid criminal records. Committee members asked about capacity at New Hampshire Hospital and how the proposal would work in practice. DHHS officials Katya Fox and Cynthia Pabonis testified that the bill raises major policy and fiscal concerns. They said New Hampshire’s current system has benefited from investments in naloxone, medication-assisted treatment, recovery centers, and community-based services, and that those investments have helped reduce overdose deaths. They estimated the bill would require a new 70-bed facility costing about $40 million to build and about $33.3 million annually to operate, with only a small portion offset by insurance, plus more than $600,000 in annual legal costs and additional staffing and system changes. They also said New Hampshire Hospital has 185 beds, with about 100 patients typically ready for less restrictive settings, and that housing shortages are a major bottleneck. NAMI New Hampshire also testified in opposition, saying families often want any possible treatment for loved ones but still opposed the bill. No vote or final action was taken in the hearing.