Video & Transcript : 'shared stewardship' :
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ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We have some cost sharing that we'll talk about, so we have not taken on all the costs ourselves.
- budget that I believe all of you have in front of you, I want to make sure that you see the cost sharing
- The cost sharing that's happening between the planning group that already exists, We the People, which—that's
- It's exciting to work together and see where the overlap is and the opportunity to share resources.
- And then finally, Hannah Laurie can take a deeper dive into this when she shares her report, but she's
Summary:
The America 250 and Idaho Advisory Council approved the January 19 minutes and also approved reimbursement of up to $20,882 to the state superintendent for additional materials for Spirit of U.S. boxes for schools. The committee then reviewed a financial update and heard a detailed subcommittee report on plans for Idaho’s July 4, 2026 celebration at the Capitol, including a parade, park activities, bands, family stations, and open Capitol access. Members discussed cost-sharing with the We the People group, with the committee approving a proposed America 250 budget of $196,600 that includes the July 4 celebration and America 250 ambassador programs, authorizes private donations, and directs how remaining funds should be used for regional and county events later in the year.
Treasurer Julie Ellsworth reported on the ambassador program, including staffing needs, the growing number of Spuds appearances statewide, and plans for six “go bags” so materials can travel to communities even when the mascots are unavailable. She also described the proposed Liberty Bell carriage, which would debut on July 4 and then travel to every county, along with related efforts such as the Veterans Mustang Ride, challenge coins, a heritage fountain, flags across Idaho, Liberty quilts, and the “Bring Idaho’s Liberty Bell Home” fundraising effort. Committee members praised the work and noted strong public engagement and social media response.
The Governor’s Task Force report highlighted the America 250 website, voice-recording project, Idaho Lottery scratch ticket partnership, downloadable “Moments That Made Us” exhibit, and the upcoming “Four Score” and “United We Celebrate” exhibits. Director Gallimore also noted coordination with the BLM and Transportation Department for events at Signature Point and the Old Pen. Hannah Laurie Hine provided a national update on White House and congressional commission initiatives, including mobile museums, the Great American State Fair, a prayer-focused event on the National Mall, the Presidential 1776 Award civics contest, and other reflection and volunteer projects. The committee agreed to meet again on March 9 and then adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Feb 4th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- disability, meaning it may not immediately be apparent that someone is autistic unless they choose to share
- And I'd be happy to share that around for anybody that's interested, but this does much the same thing
- And I'd be happy to share that around for anybody that's interested, but this does much the same thing
- It says, thank you for the opportunity to share my story.
- It says, thank you for the opportunity to share my story.
Keywords:
voting rights, felony conviction, database, Florida Commission on Offender Review, restoration of rights, autism spectrum disorder, law enforcement, communication, training, blue envelope, blue card, drug paraphernalia, narcotic testing, fentanyl, controlled substances, civil forfeiture, juvenile justice, detention, Medal of Heroism, probation officers
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met with a quorum and took up several bills. SB 646, relating to drug paraphernalia, was presented by President Gates as a narrow measure to allow drug testing tools such as fentanyl test strips and reagent kits to detect dangerous adulterants and help prevent overdose deaths. Senator Osgood spoke in strong support, describing the bill as important for people in recovery. The bill had one support appearance and was reported favorably by unanimous roll call.
The committee then heard SB 418 on law enforcement interactions with individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Senator Jones explained that the bill requires autism awareness and communication/de-escalation training for officers and creates a voluntary Blue Envelope Program for drivers with ASD. Multiple advocates, including Disability Rights Florida, an Autism Society representative, parents, and a retired federal officer, testified in support, emphasizing safety, communication, and the need to avoid tragic misunderstandings during police encounters. Senators also discussed whether broader disability training should be considered in the future. SB 418 was reported favorably unanimously.
Next, the committee considered SB 132 on restoration of voting rights, which would require the Florida Commission on Offender Review to create and maintain a public database to help people determine whether they have completed sentence requirements for rights restoration and to publish clearer instructions for eligible individuals. An amendment was adopted to make the database subject to legislative appropriation. The bill was then reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1734, which recognizes juvenile probation and detention officers as officers under state law and extends training, certification, and certain benefits, and CS/SB 820, which strengthens reporting requirements for problem-solving courts and sets annual reporting deadlines. Both bills were reported favorably after brief discussion and support appearances.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session - part 2 May 19th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, Representative O'Driscoll, for sharing your deep knowledge and care for pensions for the state
- So thank you for sharing that.
- I want to thank you for your representation, for sharing your perspective.
- I rise today because I want to just share a couple of thoughts about this pension bill, and I do agree
- close by saying to the workers, thank you for your messages, the countless messages we received, sharing
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Conference Committee on H.F. 2438 - Transportation Omnibus - 05/15/25
Transcript Highlights:
- So that's where we're at in terms of, you know, I thought I would just share generally my principles,
- And so just making sure that we can come to a fair bill that shares the pain all around. Thank you.
- um<00:10:39.360><c> fair</c><00:10:39.760><c> bill</c><00:10:40.279><c> that</c><00:10:41.279><c> shares
- /c><00:10:41.600><c> the</c><00:10:41.760><c> pain</c><00:10:42.079><c> all</c> um fair bill that shares
- the pain all um fair bill that shares the pain all around.<00:10:42.800><c> So</c><00:10:43.200><c>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Child Committee Meeting - 2025-04-10
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Then it has to have a video security camera in the public and shared areas of its facility as required
- Now, if a center already has wireless cameras or Wi-Fi sharing or anything of that like, they are grandfathered
- I'd like to share one thing that I'm really disappointed about and the things that I'm really excited
- So shout-out to all of the folks who shared that with us. And for doing the work.
- been a pleasure serving on this committee with you over the years, and I'm glad that we were able to share
Keywords:
child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras, HF2929, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, food assistance, nutrition assistance, public benefits, eligibility determination, income eligibility, federal poverty guidelines, poverty level, county agency, Tribal agency, human services, children and families, benefits administration
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Apr 1st, 2025
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So how does this all affect you with share of cost Medicaid patients?
- So share of cost is actually not a full Medicaid program.
- So if somebody on the waiver program accidentally or purposely, whatever you want, gets put on share
- They can't stay on share of cost. They have to go on a full Medicaid program, which is MWA or MTD.
- before 18 are not considered adults, but anybody after that, yes, they need to be on full Medicaid, not share
Summary:
The committee heard and advanced several bills related to children, families, elder affairs, mental health, disability services, and child care. SB 1050 on the Agency for Persons with Disabilities was amended and reported favorably after discussion of expanding the voluntary IDD managed care pilot statewide, improving transparency on the APD wait list, creating a statewide family care council, addressing transition services for youth leaving foster care, and seeking federal approval for an adult pathways waiver. Testimony from providers and a parent emphasized workforce capacity, county-level identification of clients, Medicaid delays, and the importance of keeping the pilot voluntary; the bill passed with support and some discussion about possible future clarifications on services and Medicaid eligibility.
The committee also passed SB 1310, which directs OPPAGA to evaluate student mental health outcomes tied to school mental health assistance funding, and members discussed the need for better data, coordination with managing entities, and avoiding duplication of services. SB 976 on court-appointed social investigators was amended and approved, with the sponsor describing due process protections and fee-shifting provisions for parents challenging court-appointed psychologists. SB 886, creating a crisis care coordination team pilot in Volusia and Polk counties to reduce Baker Act recidivism and improve follow-up care, was reported favorably after the sponsor described its law enforcement and community provider partnerships and an independent evaluation requirement.
Later, SB 614 on child care facility and program background screening requirements was amended and passed; the bill requires a public educational webpage explaining Level 2 screening, the clearinghouse, disqualifying offenses, exemptions, and related job listings and timelines. Finally, SB 276 on sheltering or aiding unmarried minors was approved; it increases the offense from a first-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony, creates a presumption regarding knowledge of the minor’s age, and adds a defense when the conduct was necessary to protect the minor from danger. All bills considered were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned at the end of the meeting.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Education Pre-K - 12 Mar 31st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I WANT TO THANK LISA HARTSELL AND HER OWN GENERAL DIRECTOR GENERAL HAMMER HARTSELL FOR SHARING EVANS
- THANK YOU FOR SHARING A STORY AND KEEPING HIS LEGACY LIVING ON HER FOREVER. >> Sen.
- I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE MORGAN'S MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO SHARE THEIR VOICE AND FEEDBACK IS INCORPORATED
- WHEN I THINK ABOUT CHILDREN THEY ARE ADDRESSED BY PARENTS AND SENT TO SCHOOLS I WANT TO BE SHARE WE HAVE
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Mar 24th, 2025
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- In 2017, you can see the bar chart that lays out the percent share of total volume.
- On slide 14, and we've shared this before, this identifies the funding needs for water and wastewater
- You see the $27 billion, which was the state's share, amounting to 53 times.
- As I shared with the state of... this committee a few weeks ago.
- develop new water supplies and be diligent in preserving what we have, every region of the state shares
Bills:
SB7
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Please bring your written testimony forward when you're called upon and share it with the messenger.
- If you do not wish to speak, but have written testimony, please share it with the messenger directly.
- year. in our public school system so the local taxpayers in the state are having to appropriate that, share
- Thank you so much, I share Senator Hinojosa's concerns. with regard to placing, where to place this study
- If you find the video useful, please like, share the video, and subscribe.
Bills:
SB825
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Vets and military affairs division approves HF1443 3/5/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Generally, when we build a new armory, the state has a cost share of that, depending on the armory and
- Generally, when we build a new armory, the state has a cost share of that, depending on the armory and
- Generally, when we build a new armory, the state has a cost share of that, depending on the armory and
- Generally, when we build a new armory, the state has a cost share of that, depending on the armory and
- Generally, when we build a new armory, the state has a cost share of that, depending on the armory and
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Education Postsecondary Feb 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- THANK YOU FOR INVITING US AND SHARING WITH YOU SOME OF THE THOUGHTS ABOUT THE OCEAN. ALL RIGHT.
- HAVING ESTABLISHED THE STATE OFFICE OF OCEAN ECONOMY FROM THE LAST SESSION AND FOR INVITING US HERE TO SHARE
- AS THE TITLE SUGGESTS., I WANT TO SHARE WITH YOU SOME BASIC THOUGHTS AND HOW TO ENSURE WE KEEP DOMINATING
- THE REASON I AM SHARING THIS WITH YOU IS TO SUGGEST THERE IS A PATH FORWARD.
- SO WE WERE PRETTY PLEASED ABOUT THAT. >> AND I ASKED HIM TO SHARE THAT STORY BECAUSE THESE GLASSES I'M
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- I'll tell you, he comes to us by way of Utah and San Francisco, and... ...and I share an affection for
- Thank you for sharing a few moments with me in the Senate lounge earlier.
- Student Union, which works toward creating a culturally inclusive campus that shares indigenous culture
- Federal equitable sharing programs, providing that forfeiture proceeds seized by law enforcement go to
- And until we get to the very end of the session, I know that, anyway, I just wanted to share that custom
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Chairman, item C is a request for approval from both the Department of Shared Administrative Services
- , pay plan, onboarding, ERIBA, and performance goals in the compensation system for both DF&A and shared
- OPM has recommended the plan for both Shared Administrative Services and DF&A.
Summary:
The committee met and considered several administrative personnel and compensation items. Item B approved a temporary extra-help hire at the University of Arkansas Community College Hope-Texarkana, allowing current Representative Dolly Henley to serve as director of Hempstead Hall, with the required council and governor approvals already provided. Item C approved a special compensation award bonus plan for employees at the Department of Shared Administrative Services and DF&A for work on specified projects and performance goals, and Item D approved a Department of Human Services reallocation of positions and related funding, including about $180,000 moved between divisions.
The committee also received informational reports under Items E through H, including a provisional position report for higher education, reports on special compensation and recruitment/incentive awards across state agencies, personnel actions taken under previously approved legislative language, and a community correction quarterly caseload report. No questions were raised on the reports.
All items were approved without opposition, and the meeting adjourned after no further business was brought before the committee.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- rates, which we passed a bill to do last session, only to find that HR1 took away state tools for sharing
- rates, which we passed a bill to do last session, only to find that HR1 took away state tools for sharing
- rates, which we passed a bill to do last session, only to find that HR1 took away state tools for sharing
- hospital's share of the statewide<00:10:04.760><c> total</c><00:10:05.120><c> among</c><00:10:05.400
- The first one is to implement cost-sharing requirements in MA.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 04/08/26
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- I appreciate the opportunity to share MFU support for Senator Kupec's bill to ensure adequate funding
- I wanted to share a little bit from one of our members, Hannah Bernhardt, who I think has been before
- I appreciate the opportunity to share MFU support for Senator Kupec's bill to ensure adequate funding
- I wanted to share a little bit from one of our members, Hannah Bernhardt, who I think has been before
- I wanted to share a little bit from one of our members, Hannah Bernhardt, who I think has been before
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Judiciary Committee Apr 1st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll share $225,000 for certified breeders in the state of North Dakota.
- So that would be the amount of the fee or the share that the county receives of that fee.
- or the fee revenue share.
- I believe S-BAN shares that information out with at least the attorneys and the bars.
- I'm just going to stop sharing. All right. Pardon.
Summary:
The Judiciary Interim Committee met to begin its study of charitable gaming and the ownership of alcoholic beverage establishments by licensed charitable gaming organizations, a study directed by Senate Bill 2334. Legislative Council gave an overview of the constitutional and statutory framework for charitable gaming, site authorizations, rent limits, proceeds, and recent legislative changes. The Attorney General’s Gaming Division then clarified the financial flow of gaming, explaining that in fiscal year 2025 North Dakota had about $2.5 billion in gross gaming proceeds, with roughly 88-90% paid back in prizes and about $256 million available to organizations after taxes; most of that activity came from electronic pull tabs. Members asked for more detail on winnings, replays, rent, and the breakdown of manufacturer/distributor revenues, and the AG’s office agreed to provide supplemental information.
The committee also heard from the League of Cities and the Association of Counties about local site authorization. Cities said they have a limited role in approving gaming sites, can adopt policies after public hearing, may charge up to $100, and can set certain conditions, including local nexus requirements, but cannot require donations or force a specific charity or site. The League said it had worked with stakeholders on a model policy to provide more consistency, though members raised concerns that local requirements could become too restrictive for charities serving broader areas. Counties said the issue is mostly a city matter, with little county involvement beyond minimal site fees and general site approval.
The North Dakota Gaming Alliance testified in support of the study and provided IRS-related material suggesting charities may use asset diversification, while emphasizing it had not taken a position on whether charities should own bars. Members questioned whether bar ownership is being used for site stability or to channel charitable gaming dollars, and whether city policies might disadvantage charities with broader missions. The committee also discussed the relationship between gaming organizations, manufacturers, and distributors, including restrictions on incentives and interference, and asked for more information on those entities and their ownership. Later in the meeting, the Racing Commission gave its regular update on live racing, pari-mutuel wagering, ADW providers, purse and promotion funds, a new TRPB contract, and concerns about cease-and-desist actions from other states. Finally, the State Hospital superintendent briefly reported on the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s support services, including the SORT team, training, and security assistance for the hospital campus.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 41 (3-6-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- goal that we have important and shared goal that we have here. here. here.
- </c><01:29:26.640><c> government</c> sharing, maybe it's modifying government sharing, maybe it's modifying
- Let's find new ideas to share. Let's look at hospitals, WIC, SNAP, and foster care.
- It takes courage to stand up and share these experiences with people, and it does matter.
- It takes courage to stand up and share these experiences with people, and it does matter.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Currently, ACCESS shares a facility with the Department of Health Services.
- By sharing private information about people with the federal government, we are going to be opening up
- My colleagues have made excellent points, and I'd like to add my own as well, which is just to share
- This has to do with data sharing, data points that said individuals already give up.
- Now, what is the information that we want to share?
Summary:
The Senate met in multiple Committee of the Whole sessions and considered a large number of bills, many related to digital assets and cryptocurrency, including SB 1042, SB 1043, SB 1044, SB 1045, SB 1432, SCR 1003, SCR 1033, and SCR 1028. Members discussed whether the state should accept cryptocurrency for payments, tax or exempt virtual currency, ban central bank digital currency, and support digital assets in retirement systems. Senator Epstein repeatedly argued against the measures and tried to offer amendments targeting data center tax exemptions, but one such amendment was ruled not germane and the ruling was upheld on a division vote. The bills and resolutions in that group generally advanced with do-pass recommendations, with SB 1043 and SB 1044 amended before advancing.
The Senate also advanced several bills on family law, public records, scholarship organizations, property conveyances, underground facilities, and environmental and energy issues, including SB 1039, SB 1139, SB 1147, SB 1148, SB 1328, SB 1078, SB 1142, SB 1184, SB 1254, SB 1278, SB 1281, SB 1418, SB 1445, and SB 1566. Some measures drew discussion and amendments: SB 1254 received a clarifying amendment for deeds handled by title and escrow professionals; SB 1278 had a floor amendment withdrawn; SB 1281 was amended by committee and floor changes; SB 1418 prompted questions about small modular reactors and concerns about uranium mining and health impacts; and SB 1566 was amended to address malicious delay enforcement and judicial review. Most of these bills received do-pass recommendations.
In the health and human services calendar, the Senate advanced SB 1052, SB 1115, SB 1149, SB 1193, SB 1233, SB 1345, SB 1346, and SB 1631, with SB 1124 retained on the calendar. Debate centered on ACCESS and remote work, administrative deficiency cure periods, anonymous complaints, fee-for-service claims, and DCS-related hearings and investigations. Senator Gonzales opposed several ACCESS-related bills, arguing they lacked appropriations, could disrupt services, or conflicted with federal Medicaid law, while sponsors said the bills addressed agency performance and provider complaints. SB 1115, SB 1149, SB 1193, SB 1233, and SB 1345 were amended before receiving do-pass recommendations, and SB 1345’s sponsor said ACCESS was removed from the bill.
The final calendar included regulatory and veterinary-related bills such as SB 1137, SB 1144, SB 1205, and SB 1286. SB 1205, dealing with motor vehicle booting fees, received a floor amendment requiring an appeals process for private parking lots. SB 1286, on veterinary telemedicine and prescriptions, drew the most extended debate, with a committee amendment and a Kavanagh floor amendment restoring a 14-day prescription extension and adding flea and tick treatment; Senator Leach opposed the floor amendment, describing prior stakeholder negotiations and changes in committee support. The transcript ends while that debate is still underway, after several bills have already been reported out with do-pass recommendations.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EEP Public Hearing - Tue Feb 17, 2026 @ 9:30 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- So we would love to see electrification of our bike share come to this island.
- Many other cities and destinations that have bike share, part of their fleet is electric.
- </c> conversation with the um bike share conversation with the um bike share operator<00:37:15.599><c
- </c><00:37:44.079><c> come</c> electrification of our bike share come electrification of our bike share
- ,</c><00:37:51.520><c> part</c> destinations that have bike share, part destinations that have bike share
Keywords:
renewable energy, income tax credit, solar energy, wind energy, low-income households, energy policy, lead materials, drinking water, public health, water infrastructure, safety regulations, HB1566, energy efficiency, LED lighting, light-emitting diodes, fluorescent bulbs, fluorescent fixtures, compact fluorescent lamps, CFL ban, mercury-free lighting
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on a bill to expand the solar energy tax credit for single-family residential properties by removing certain cap amounts and raising the adjusted gross income limits for taxpayers to elect a refund of excess credits. The Hawaii State Energy Office and Department of Taxation both said they were standing on written testimony, while industry and advocacy groups largely supported the measure. Members questioned whether the income thresholds were set appropriately, how many taxpayers would be affected at different income levels, and how many would qualify for refundable treatment; Taxation said it did not yet have the requested numbers but was preparing a fiscal estimate. A major issue raised was drafting and administration: witnesses said the bill appears to apply differently to owner-purchased systems versus third-party leased systems, and Taxation said it likely could not easily verify household income for leased systems or cross-reference different taxpayers. Discussion also covered whether the credit should remain refundable, whether credits should be limited to amounts actually expended, and whether the bill should instead be structured to keep the credit with the system owner or lessor, with concerns about equity, market effects, and possible incentives to lease rather than buy.
The committee then moved to HB 2316, which would align state restrictions on lead materials in drinking water infrastructure with federal Safe Drinking Water Act requirements. The Department of Health and other supporters testified in favor, and there were no questions from the chair. Next, HB 1566 on energy efficiency would require state agencies to use energy-efficient lighting, with the Hawaii State Energy Office providing technical assistance and a compliance survey prioritized for first responder facilities; testimony from state agencies and advocates was in support, and again there were no questions.
For HB 1926 on Red Hill, the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Board of Water Supply, and multiple organizations and individuals supported funding for remediation studies, environmental monitoring, groundwater research, independent testing, and a public dashboard, with DLNR emphasizing that decades of work remain necessary even after defueling and that the bill supports ongoing university and community partnerships. The committee then heard HB 1673 on landfill units. The Department of Health initially said it was in support but later corrected the record and stated it strongly opposes the measure, saying the bill would undo protections enacted last session that keep landfills out of areas over aquifers; the Board of Water Supply also opposed repeal of those protections, while the City and County of Honolulu supported the HD1 version that leaves siting decisions to the counties. Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi and the Energy Justice Network opposed the bill, arguing the original protections should remain and that the amended version had confused commenters; supporters of the original version urged restoring it and considering additional language on ash.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- But in addition, I just wanted to share with you some things I heard recently.
- she'll want to she will ask you to share she'll want to share<00:35:49.440><c> with</c><00:35:49.599
- I'm personally going to share with you all that I am a very much a convicted man of faith.
- I'm personally going to share with you all that I am a very much a convicted man of faith.
- I'm personally going to share with you all that I am a very much a convicted man of faith.
Keywords:
accessible parking, disability, kupuna, public accommodations, small business exemptions, Hawaii Revised Statutes, parking permit, blind, deaf, accessibility, deafness, traffic safety, law enforcement, vehicle registration, communication, emergency services, commercial driver's license, first responders, public safety, authorized emergency vehicle
Summary:
The joint hearing covered House Bill 251, which would require hospitals to report costs associated with Medicare and uninsured patients, and House Bill 1875, which would expand protections for gender-affirming health care services. On HB 251, the Department of Health said it supported the intent but described the bill as complicated and potentially impractical as drafted because the department lacks the expertise to produce the required analyses without outside help. Hawaii Health Systems Corporation echoed those concerns, while the Queen’s Health System said it was willing to work with the department to provide the information. In committee discussion, officials explained that hospital support in Hawaii includes public hospital appropriations and the provider tax program, which uses hospital and nursing home contributions to draw federal matching funds; a department witness estimated the net benefit at about $150 million for hospitals and $20 million for nursing facilities, though exact figures would be provided later.
On HB 1875, the Insurance Division testified with concerns that the bill’s language on prohibited actions by malpractice insurers was broad and vague, and that a rate-increase prohibition could conflict with actuarially based insurance pricing. The division also noted it was not the primary enforcement agency for the statute. In contrast, many testifiers strongly supported the bill, including the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, PFLAG Oahu, the ACLU of Hawaii, the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, the Hawaii County Democratic Party, and others. Supporters argued that gender-affirming care is medically necessary, evidence-based, and protected by privacy and bodily autonomy principles, and that the bill would protect patients and providers from outside political interference. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.