Bills: HB2894 , HB3418 , HB3415 , HB3413 , HB3414 , HB3416 , HB3417 , HB3419 , HB3420 , HB1739 , HB1752 , HB1979 , HB2941 , HB2992 , HB3075 , HB3086 , HB3177 , HB3269 , HB3278 , HB3279 , HB3497 , HB3644 , HB4432 , HB3720 , HB3849 , HB3882 , HB3919 , HB3941 , HB4118 , HB4141 , HB4268 , HB4342 , HB4428 , HB4429 , HB4434

Keywords: HB2894, Oklahoma Rural Jobs Act, rural jobs, rural investment, tax credit, capital investment tax credit, state tax credits, economic development, rural fund, rural investor, qualified investment, eligible business, Department of Commerce, rural business, investment certification, tax liability, credit cap, workforce development, small business finance, rural development

Transcript Highlights:

• Depending upon the eligibility categories that those losses were in, we also serve an elderly population
• I'm the government affairs manager to the Children's Services Council of Broward County.
• I'm the government of affairs manager to the Children's Services Council of Brower County.

Summary: The committee received a briefing from AHCA Deputy Secretary Brian Meyer and Florida Healthy Kids CMO Ashley Carr on implementation of HB 121, which was enacted in 2023 to expand Florida’s KidCare/CHIP eligibility from 200% to 300% of the federal poverty level and replace the sharp premium “benefits cliff” with a tiered premium glide path. Sponsor Rep. Bartleman described the bill as a bipartisan effort to help working families keep children insured while moving toward economic self-sufficiency. The presenters explained that the program remains a joint federal-state structure, with Medicaid unchanged and the bill affecting only the CHIP-related portions of KidCare. AHCA said implementation has been delayed by federal CMS actions. The agency reported that CMS first rejected a state plan amendment approach, then required revisions to the premium tiers under a new maintenance-of-effort interpretation, and later issued a new interpretation of continuous 12-month eligibility that would prevent disenrollment for nonpayment of premiums. AHCA said it submitted an 1115 waiver, but negotiations over special terms and conditions reached an impasse, and the state has filed litigation challenging CMS’s interpretation. Members asked about the cost of litigation, the effect on future bills, the review process for CMS documents, disenrollment and reenrollment rules, and whether any additional legislative action is needed; AHCA said no further state action is needed at this time and that the key issue is the pending federal litigation. Several members and the sponsor emphasized the need for immediate implementation and asked about possible interim relief. AHCA said current coverage remains in place under the preexisting program, that there is a 30-day grace period for premium payment, and that reenrollment does not require a penalty or back payment, though coverage is not active during lapsed periods. The committee also heard public comment from Nicholas Hessing of the Children’s Services Council of Broward County and the Florida Alliance of Children’s Councils and Trusts, who supported HB 121 and said the expansion could make about 17,600 additional children eligible in Broward County alone. The meeting ended with Rep. Bartleman thanking staff and expressing hope that the new federal administration would allow the program to move forward, and the chair adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• needs at ports, railroads, and trucking companies in consultation with the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs
• needs at ports, railroads, and trucking companies in consultation with the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs
• needs at ports, railroads, and trucking companies in consultation with the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs
• Your elderly aunt is. And you know what?
• YOUR ELDERLY AUNT IS. AND YOU KNOW WHAT?

Transcript Highlights:

• [applause] Office of Hawaiian Affairs Chair Kai Cahel Cahel Cahel. >> [applause] >> Jamie Green, wife
• Many elderly individuals have told me that they live alone and they live on a fixed income.
• Many<00:24:20.159><c> elderly</c><00:24:20.640><c> individuals</c><00:24:21.120><c> have</c><00:24:21.360
• ><c> told</c><00:24:21.520><c> me</c> Many elderly individuals have told me Many elderly individuals

Transcript Highlights:

• And lastly, we have Josh Wright, Director of Government Affairs at the California Association of Food
• simplify rules and streamline operations, and various waivers and demonstration projects like the Elderly
• simplify rules and streamline operations, and various waivers and demonstration projects like the elderly
• Households eligible for the pilot are those who are part of the Elderly Simplified Application Project
• Other examples include some of our demonstration projects like the elderly simplified application project

Summary: The joint hearing focused on CalFresh enrollment, food insecurity, and the effects of the recent federal shutdown and H.R. 1 on California families. Opening remarks emphasized that the shutdown delayed SNAP/CalFresh benefits for the first time in the program’s history, prompting emergency state, county, and local responses such as Operation Feed California, county emergency funds, food bank expansions, and Alameda County’s temporary food distributions and gift card support. Members also framed the issue as both a hunger and affordability crisis, noting that California produces abundant food but still has high rates of household food insecurity. The first panel reviewed food insecurity data and program impacts. PPIC’s Tess Thorman said about 13% of California households were food insecure in 2023, with higher rates among households with children and among Latino and Black households, and explained that CalFresh, school meals, and WIC significantly reduce poverty and hunger. Nourish California’s Betzabel Estudio described food insecurity as a policy choice and outlined state policy efforts such as Food for All, Thriving Transitions, and expansion of the CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable EBT program. The California Association of Food Banks said demand remains high, food banks are serving millions monthly, and federal cuts and reduced TEFAP food supplies are worsening the strain. The second panel gave a CalFresh program overview from CDSS and Alameda County. CDSS reported that CalFresh participation has improved, with California’s participation rate rising from 67% in 2020 to 81% in the latest federal data, and highlighted recent successes including the minimum nutrition benefit pilot and the revived fruit-and-vegetable incentive program. Officials also warned that H.R. 1 will add work requirements, reduce eligibility for some immigrants, and create future cost-sharing pressures for the state and counties. Alameda County described local caseloads, application declines tied to fear and uncertainty, and efforts to reduce error rates and support students, older adults, and other hard-to-reach groups. A student CalFresh ambassador testified about the burdensome application process and the need for more outreach and basic needs support on campuses. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with members discussing possible future legislation, outreach funding, and state backfill strategies.

Transcript Highlights:

• I love the clinics that you provide to help people with their legal concerns and affairs.
• taxation by school district of the appraised value of the resident's homestead of a person who is elderly
• taxation by a school district of the appraised value of the resident's homestead of a person who is elderly
• taxation by a school district on the appraised value of the resident's homestead for persons who are elderly
• disabled. ...a school district on the appraised value of the resident's homestead of a person who is elderly

Bills: SJR85 , SCR29 , SCR38 , SCR42 , SB23 , SB39 , SB209 , SB227 , SB240 , SB330 , SB527 , SB584 , SB618 , SB619 , SB636 , SB663 , SB715 , SB732 , SB758 , SB801 , SB825 , SB826 , SB843 , SB844 , SB847 , SB870 , SB884 , SB912 , SB957 , SB1013 , SB1020 , SB1065 , SB1143 , SB1152 , SB1164 , SB1183 , SB1257 , SB1299 , SB1325 , SB1349 , SB1413 , SB1455 , SB1539 , SB1558 , SB1574 , SB1583 , SB1624 , SB1642 , SB1643 , SB1667 , SB1717 , SB1718 , SB1727 , SB1734 , SB1756 , SB1757 , SB1784 , SB1789 , SB1832 , SB1868 , SB1870 , SB1883 , SB1896 , SB1920 , SB1924 , SB1963 , SB2010 , SB2018 , SB2024 , SB2037 , SB2052 , SB2073 , SB2111 , SB2161 , SB2196 , SB2207 , SB2253 , SB2268 , SB2322 , SB2323 , SB2332 , SB2349 , SB2371 , SB2533 , SB2570 , SB2601 , SB2626 , SB2692 , SB2705 , SB2717 , SB2774 , SB2788 , SB2877 , SB2920 , SB2 , SB260 , SB1786 , SB1 , HJR4 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SJR85 , SJR84 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SCR38 , SCR42 , SCR29 , SCR4 , SCR18 , SCR43 , SCR46 , SB2023 , SB825 , SB2010 , SB1870 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1539 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB957 , SB1502 , SB507 , SB1026 , SB1349 , SB1433 , SB1434 , SB1376 , SB1585 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1163 , SB619 , SB1122 , SB732 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB261 , SB1882 , SB618 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB826 , SB1257 , SB870 , SB529 , SB209 , SB1883 , SB2024 , SB2429 , SB1999 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB510 , SB1860 , SB2037 , SB1924 , SB2253 , SB2018 , SB2206 , SB1963 , SB1643 , SB1299 , SB841 , SB668 , SB584 , SB1085 , SB2431 , SB1490 , SB1868 , SB2314 , SB434 , SB2046 , SB1667 , SB1727 , SB2127 , SB1975 , SB1760 , SB1734 , SB1335 , SB2246 , SB2439 , SB1624 , SB1244 , SB1468 , SB2717 , SB1612 , SB1262 , SB604 , SB2395 , SB1832 , SB1745 , SB1746 , SB2207 , SB1784 , SB1524 , SB528 , SB437 , SB269 , SB1137 , SB968 , SB636 , SB747 , SB1325 , SB1789 , SB1455 , SB2056 , SB1940 , SB2052 , SB1579 , SB2068 , SB3034 , SB844 , SB1920 , SB1558 , SB1236 , SB1044 , SB884 , SB463 , SB227 , SB240 , SB517 , SB1200 , SB1410 , SB1626 , SB1845 , SB1863 , SB2216 , SB2681 , SB1717 , SB2141 , SB2323 , SB2200 , SB2332 , SB2199 , SB1642 , SB1757 , SB2050 , SB1138 , SB2626 , SB2458 , SB1864 , SB2201 , SB1862 , SB1583 , SB1055 , SB2660 , SB1898 , SB2662 , SB2161 , SB2964 , SB2881 , SB1065 , SB801 , SB2743 , SB2533 , SB1413 , SB2073 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB2774 , SB2702 , SB2629 , SB2443 , SB2349 , SB2167 , SB2145 , SB2121 , SB758 , SB648 , SB647 , SB512 , SB438 , SB1721 , SB2268 , SB1495 , SB2705 , SB2366 , SB1422 , SB1369 , SB1013 , SB682 , SB2692 , SB2570 , SB2797 , SB2111 , SB1896 , SB1164 , SB1020 , SB663 , SB2371 , SB1152 , SB2196 , SB2383 , SB2581 , SB2798 , SB330 , SB646 , SB843 , SB1998 , SB1418 , SB2788 , SB1169 , SB2873 , SB1754 , SB1534 , SB1718 , SB2779 , SB2004 , SB1143 , SB1756 , SB912 , SB2119 , SB2032 , SB527 , SB1580 , SB1952 , SB2601 , SB2322 , SB2448 , SB1777 , SB1283 , SB407 , SB2392 , SB2076 , SB2786 , SB3031 , SB2877 , SB2876 , SB2284 , SB2225 , SB1540 , SB2920 , SB2929 , SB1395 , SB1972 , SB2540 , SB1183 , SB2742 , SB2595 , SB2217 , SB2117 , SB715 , SB2330 , SB1964 , SB1383 , SB500 , SB1640 , SB39 , SB2001 , SB2080 , SB2722 , SB506 , SB2514 , SB2623 , SB2658 , SB1574 , SB2900 , SB23 , SB2753 , SB2398 , SB401 , SB1241 , SB2927 , SB2173 , SB2538 , SB898 , SB467 , SB1449 , SB2529 , SB1531 , SB2846 , SB2476 , SB2031 , SB986 , SB1181 , SB2075 , SB2154 , SB2864 , HB135 , HB 1109 , SCR48 , SB31 , SB2880 , SB1359 , SB2386 , SB771 , SB2844 , SB2550 , SB1351 , SB1423 , SB1931 , SB2245 , SB2589 , SB2707 , SB2807 , SB2351 , SB410 , SB659 , SB816 , SB2776 , SB2693 , SB2580 , SB1980 , SB1886 , SB1234 , SB739 , SB482 , SB456 , SB127 , SB1666

Transcript Highlights:

• Moving along, our first panel is Amy Boyd-Rabin, Vice President of Policy and Regulatory Affairs at ELM
• I'm here with Chrissy. of policy and regulatory affairs for the Environmental League of Massachusetts
• These companies often target residents who are elderly, lower income, or for whom English is a second
• My name is Nathan Rake, manager of state and local affairs at Renew Northeast.
• Affairs for New England for Constellation.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy

Summary: The committee heard testimony on H. 4144, the Governor’s Energy Affordability, Independence, and Innovation Act, with the administration arguing the bill would lower bills in the short and long term while expanding clean energy supply and innovation. The Governor and Secretary said the bill would reduce or restructure charges on customer bills, reform Mass Save, expand securitization as a financing tool, speed interconnection, create energy-ready zones, strengthen consumer protections in competitive supply, and allow broader state procurement of energy resources. They said the package could save consumers billions over time and would help address high energy costs, especially during extreme heat and winter spikes. Committee members pressed the administration on several provisions, especially securitization, asking whether the bill requires an apples-to-apples comparison of total costs over time, including interest and lost tax revenue, versus paying through rates. Administration witnesses said DPU review and public comment would be required and said they would work to clarify the language if needed. Members also questioned the bill’s solar and procurement provisions, including reduced net metering compensation for some large facilities, the scope of all-resource procurements, and whether hydro, solar, and nuclear would be included; the administration said those resources were contemplated and that procurement would still be reviewed by DPU. Other questions focused on the short-term relief from bill changes, the treatment of low- and moderate-income discounts, and whether the bill’s heat pump and Mass Save reforms would help customers who cannot afford upfront costs. Several witnesses and committee members discussed Mass Save reforms, including securitization of program costs, on-bill financing, pre-approval of rebates, and shifting program administration away from gas utilities. Administration witnesses said the changes were intended to reduce volatility, lower administrative costs, and better align costs with long-term savings. Questions also touched on geothermal permitting, municipal participation in offshore wind procurement, and the proposed repeal of the ballot requirement for nuclear power, which the administration defended as preserving future options under heavy review. No votes were taken during the hearing portion described. Supportive testimony came from labor, environmental, business, planning, and development groups. The AFL-CIO, NECA, and the Environmental League of Massachusetts backed the bill, emphasizing lower bills, job creation, labor standards, just transition protections, and cleaner energy. NAIOP, the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, and MAPC supported provisions on energy-ready zones, interconnection reform, microgrids, extreme-heat shutoff protections, and Mass Save improvements. A HEET representative praised the bill’s use of securitization, geothermal, and utility financing tools but urged guardrails and workforce protections. Overall, testimony was broadly favorable, with most witnesses calling for refinements rather than opposing the bill outright.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is for the Committee on State Affairs.
• Affairs for the Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs, HB4590 by Cortez relating to the cardiac arrest
• In front of the Committee on State Affairs.
• Committee on State Affairs.
• Actors, or for the Committee on State Affairs.

Bills: HB9 , HB22 , HB908 , HB1392

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, tax exemption, local government finance, appraisal district, chief appraiser, rendition statement, property tax relief, small business, commercial property, leased property, related business entity, unified business enterprise, tax situs, Texas Tax Code, local taxing unit, constitutional amendment

Transcript Highlights:

• Appropriations and Finance Committee, to whom has been referred House Labor Veterans and Military Affairs
• So this is a low-income, elderly, vulnerable population who also qualifies under the Human Rights Act
• Speaker, your Government Elections and Indian Affairs Committee to whom has been referred House Bill
• Speaker, your Government Elections and Indian Affairs Committee to whom has been referred.
• Speaker, your Government Elections and Indian Affairs Committee to whom has been referred House Bill

Transcript Highlights:

• The Municipal, Parochial and Cultural Affairs Committee. It is 10:05, May 13th.
• I come on behalf of Secretary McGinley of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• I was just requesting this committee, the committee on municipal and parochial affairs, or a subcommittee
• I know many of you may know that an elderly person was assaulted in one of these crime prevention districts
• department, because they would have the crime data, as well as people from local offices with cultural affairs

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first considered H.C.R. 89 by Representative Charles Owen, which directs the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to study, with the Louisiana State Museum and the World War II Museum, the feasibility of a museum and trail dedicated to the Louisiana Maneuvers. Owen described the historical significance of the maneuvers and said the proposal would mainly involve markers and a modest museum. The committee moved the resolution favorably to the floor without objection. Members then debated H.R. 179 by Representative Marcel, which would create a study of neighborhood crime prevention and security districts and their effectiveness in reducing crime. Several members raised concerns about the number of study groups and the breadth of a statewide review, while others supported gathering data on crime trends, cameras, and district performance. Marcel said the study was intended to collect information, not mandate changes, and the resolution was moved favorably to the floor. The committee next took up S.B. 228 and S.B. 268 by Senator Duplessis, both related to replacing lead and copper water service lines. S.B. 228 was a constitutional amendment allowing public funds to be used on private property for replacement of lead-based and copper pipes, and S.B. 268 set out the process for municipalities or parishes to implement the program, including notice to homeowners and an inventory/testing process. Members questioned homeowner rights, the seven-day notice period, emergency entry language, contracting, and whether the work would fully address hazards inside homes; Rainwater said the program was narrowly tailored, federally funded through the EPA and LDH, and intended to replace lines from the main to the shutoff valve. Both measures were moved favorably as amended. Finally, the committee approved S.B. 283 by Senator Barrow, creating the Boulevard at Harding Area Special District in Baton Rouge to encourage development in a food desert near Southern University, and moved H.R. 225 by Representative Eccles, which urges study of parish-wide solid waste, debris removal, and disaster resilience services in Ouachita Parish. H.R. 223 by Representative Walters, urging Shreveport to partner on the Southern Soul City Initiative, was also moved favorably. The chair noted it was likely the committee’s last meeting of the session, and members and staff were thanked for their work.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the lack of funding jeopardizes continuing services such as public safety services, youth and elderly
• Niccolo Deluca with Housing and Public Affairs. Thank you very much.
• I also serve as the chair of the Government Affairs Committee for IHACI.
• It has to be a nonmunicipal affair in some way. Like, is there a regional dimension to it?
• Raymond Contreras with Lighthouse Public Affairs on behalf of Abundant Housing L.A. and SPUR as strong

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government heard six bills. SB 828 by Senator Cabaldon would require fireworks license applicants to disclose storage locations and prove they have local permits, with the state fire marshal notifying local agencies when permits are denied or revoked. Supporters, including fire chiefs and fire marshals, said it would close dangerous enforcement gaps exposed by recent fireworks explosions; there was no opposition, and the bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. SB 799 by Senator Allen would make technical and governance changes to the South Bay Regional Housing Trust, including more flexibility on board leadership and allowing non-elected alternates under certain conditions. Supporters said the changes would help the new housing trust function more effectively; questions focused on accountability for non-elected alternates, and the bill passed 6-0 to the Senate Floor. SB 762 by Senator Arreguín would authorize the city of Hercules to ask voters to approve up to a 1% sales tax increase to fund local services and infrastructure. Supporters said Hercules has limited revenue options, while some senators cautioned about how such measures are presented to voters; the bill passed 5-2 to the Senate Floor. SB 722 by Senator Wahab would add protections for mobile home residents from displacement tied to transit-oriented development and redevelopment, with supporters describing it as an urgent cleanup to protect vulnerable seniors, veterans, and low-income residents. There was broad support and no opposition, and it passed 7-0 to Appropriations. SB 222 by Senator Wiener would streamline permitting for heat pump water heaters and HVAC systems, with supporters arguing it would reduce costs and speed electrification, and opponents raising concerns about local control, fees, liability, and HOA authority. After extended debate, it passed 4-1 to Appropriations. SB 677 by Senator Wiener would make technical clarifications to SB 79’s transit-oriented housing provisions; local government groups opposed or opposed unless amended, warning it could expand SB 79’s scope, but the bill passed 5-2 to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up we have the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Good morning again.
• McKenna Woodward on behalf of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs in support.
• ><c> respectfully</c><01:19:56.400><c> urges</c> of Hawaiian Affairs respectfully urges of Hawaiian Affairs
• </c> the Office of Hawaiian Affairs the Office of Hawaiian Affairs respectfully<01:27:19.400><c> urges
• So, basically, allowing elderly people to not have to reapply as frequently.

Bills: SB709 , SB2089 , SB2090 , SB2108 , SB2211 , SB2250 , SB2325 , SB2803 , SB2866 , SB3245

Committee: House Human Services & Homelessness

Summary: The committee heard SB 709 SD2, which would require the Department of Health to respond to reports involving persons with severe mental illness, assess eligibility for assisted community treatment, and coordinate treatment when appropriate. Testimony from the Department of Human Services and the Department of Health supported the measure, with DOH saying it generally supported the bill but had comments on one section it viewed as unnecessary. The Department of Law Enforcement later explained that the bill would shift certification and standards for crisis intervention officer training from DOH to DLE, while still involving DOH in the training process. Opposition came from the Hawaii Disability Rights Center and an individual testifier, both of whom argued the bill expands state authority over people with mental illness and could worsen forced treatment practices. The Disability Rights Center also raised procedural concerns, saying the bill was effectively moved from a prior administration measure that had not been heard this session, and questioned whether the bill’s changes to assisted community treatment, blood tests, urinalysis, and living arrangements went beyond current law. The individual testifier argued the bill would further entrench harmful psychiatric drugging and urged the committee to defer it. Committee members questioned the administration about the bill’s process, the role of the Attorney General in treatment-over-objection proceedings, and the practical effects of moving CIT certification to DLE. The Attorney General’s office said the bill was intended to fill a gap by allowing it to assist with treatment proceedings, while public defenders would continue to represent respondents and due process protections would remain in place. DLE and DOH said the change would better align certification with law enforcement training needs, improve speed in crisis response, and still keep DOH involved; members also discussed whether WAM counted as a hearing and whether the bill should more explicitly preserve DOH’s role. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• we heard in an informational hearing in combination with the Select Committee on Native American Affairs
• and hearing those voices and hearing what unique communities need as Chair of Military and Veteran Affairs
• Certainly when it comes to our veterans, you know, As Chair of Military and Veteran Affairs, certainly
• The May Revision proposes to further cap the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, or PACE,
• And the more I dig into this, it's the elderly and the people with disabilities that we're supposed to

Transcript Highlights:

• Recently, the chairs of the House and the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs committees kind of changed
• And so representatives of the members of the committee, Military and Veterans Affairs committees kind
• Chairman, Charlton McGinley, Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs.
• We have alert systems for the Amber Alert, we have alert systems for the elderly, and this was another
• Then I have one white card from Liam Doyle from the Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs, present

Committee: House Judiciary

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard a series of bills, mostly from the Senate, covering military affairs, courts, veterans’ services, tobacco/vape regulation, and emergency alerts for missing persons with disabilities. Several measures were described as cleanup or modernization bills, including SB 317 adding the House and Senate military committee chairs to the Louisiana Military Advisory Council, SB 357 updating court administration and appellate e-case management provisions, SB 421 modernizing electronic records language, and SB 232 and HB 597 addressing judicial compensation and related funding/commission issues. The committee also heard SB 164, which would add public works employees to the definition of first responders, and SB 510, which would regulate certain licensed establishments that allow on-premises consumption of hemp/THC products and related age restrictions. These bills were generally presented as technical updates or alignment with existing practices, and the committee reported them favorably after brief questions and, in some cases, amendments. A major portion of the meeting focused on SB 208, which revises Louisiana’s law on services provided to veterans after a prior version was struck down. Senator Kathy and LDVA representatives said the bill is intended to protect veterans from unaccredited “claim sharks” by limiting fees and creating state-level safeguards, while an opponent argued the issue is preempted by federal law and should be left to Congress and the pending appeal. The committee also heard extensive testimony on SB 34, which would create “Bryan’s Call” emergency alerts for missing children and adults with cognitive or developmental disabilities, including wireless alerts and responder training. Family members and disability advocates described fatal risks from elopement and drowning, and supporters said the bill would fill a gap between Amber and Silver Alerts; the committee moved the bill favorably. Another bill, HB 302, sought to restrict vape sales near schools; the sponsor and Alcohol and Tobacco Control discussed possible language changes, and public health testimony supported broader protections for youth. Several bills were voluntarily deferred, including HB 1190, HB 1097, and HB 374-1, and the committee adjourned after reporting the remaining measures favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• I serve as the Director of Government Affairs for the Associated Builders and Contractors of Western
• I serve as the Director of Government Affairs for the Associated Builders and Contractors of Western
• I serve as the Director of Government Affairs for the Associated Builders and Contractors of Western
• I'm Government Affairs Manager for the City of Kent.
• I'm Government Affairs Manager for the City of Kent. I'm speaking in support of Senate Bill 5884.

Bills: SB5884 , SB5885 , SB5937 , SB5938

Committee: Senate Housing

Keywords: sales tax, redevelopment, economic incentive, underutilized property, infrastructure, affordable housing, religious organizations, zoning laws, land use, community development, smart access system, smart lock, residential landlord-tenant act, tenant privacy, biometric data, fingerprint, face scan, iris scan, key fob, key card

Transcript Highlights:

• Majority of the Committee on Health and Human Services and Elderly Affairs to which was referred House
• Majority of the Committee on Health and Human Services and Elderly Affairs, to which was referred House
• Affairs Committee?
• </c> Services, and Elderly Affairs Committee. Services, and Elderly Affairs Committee.
• </c> The majority of the committee on health and human services and elderly affairs do which was referred

Transcript Highlights:

• I am executive director of corporate affairs for Eli Lilly and Company.
• I am executive director corporate<00:30:26.399><c> affairs</c><00:30:27.120><c> for</c><00:30:27.679>
• <c> Eli</c><00:30:28.080><c> Lillian</c> corporate affairs for Eli Lillian corporate affairs for Eli
• You know, I'll share with you my small rural hospital during the wintertime used to have a lot of elderly
• </c> time used to have a lot of elderly time used to have a lot of elderly people<01:00:26.240><c> that

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:

• Affairs, and then we have joining us from Hawaii County, we have Kola Canoy with the planner at HCA,
• Care services as it allows us to service our elderly in ways that we wouldn't be able to without it.
• Care services as it allows us to service our elderly in ways that we wouldn't be able to without it.
• Chair, Martin Derek Aroshi, Administrator, ELD Affairs Division with the City and County of Honolulu.
• Affairs division with the City and Affairs division with the City and County<01:05:42.039><c> of</c><

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services held an informational briefing on Kupuna Care funding, distribution, utilization, and the status of program rules. The Office of Aging explained that state Kupuna Care funds are distributed using the same federally approved interstate funding formula used for Older Americans Act funds, with eight weighted factors tailored to Hawaii’s conditions: older adults, greatest economic need, low-income minority status, disability, language barriers, geographic isolation, inverse population density, and older adults living alone in poverty. The department said the formula is based on census and American Community Survey data, with current county shares listed as Kauai 7.45%, Honolulu 69.61%, Maui 11.7%, and Hawaii County 17.88%. Officials said the formula is being reviewed with current data and will need federal approval and then public hearing before final adoption. Members questioned how the program works in practice, noting that the statute and eligibility language can sound like direct individual benefits even though services are delivered through area agencies on aging, ADRCs, and contracted providers such as meal and adult day care programs. The Office of Aging said ADRCs determine eligibility and then refer clients to authorized providers, who must meet service standards in their contracts. The chair pressed repeatedly for long-delayed rules, saying the Legislature had expected them years earlier and that clear rules are needed to ensure funds are spent properly and to avoid conflicts of interest. The department acknowledged the delay, said draft rules were written in 2023 after earlier commitments to finish sooner, and said it paused while federal Older Americans Act rules were being updated; it now expects to send the rules to the Deputy Attorney General, then out for public hearing, with a goal of completion in 2025. The department also reported utilization data for the last two fiscal years. In 2023, it expended about 93% of its allocation and served 5,473 older adults at an average annual cost of $1,358; in 2024, it expended about 97% and served 5,520 older adults, with the average cost down by about $200, which officials said may indicate fewer services per person. Eligibility was described as age 60 or older, U.S. citizen or qualified alien, with cognitive impairment or disability and functional deficits, and the statewide profile showed many participants were homebound, living alone, or below poverty. The most-used services were transportation, case management, and home-delivered meals. The chair also asked about the former Kupuna caregiver program; officials said the programs are now combined under Kupuna Care, with most funding going to adult day care to provide respite for working caregivers. County representatives then described local conditions, especially on Hawaii Island. Hawaii County officials said the county covers about 5,000 square miles, has about 208,000 residents, and roughly 24% are age 65 or older. They identified three main challenges: staffing shortages and retention problems among providers, shortages within the county department itself, and the loss of adult day care capacity, with only one center remaining on the island and none on the west side. They said these constraints limit service delivery even as demand grows. At the same time, they highlighted successes such as serving people in the community before they need higher levels of care, providing caregiver counseling and training through adult day care, serving 467 individuals locally, and ensuring the Resource Center answers calls from caregivers seeking help.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the House Committee on Health, Human Services, and Elderly Affairs
• Chair McDonald and Landry, Associate Commissioner, and John Williams, the Director of Legislative Affairs
• And I'm thinking particularly of elderly folks, for whom the idea of, oh, you can just do it through
• </c><01:20:52.800><c> I'm</c> are on Medicaid um and are elderly.
• I'm are on Medicaid um and are elderly.

Committee: House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• far as teaching the course, our trainers will all be trained through the Registry, through Consumer Affairs
• I used mine this winter to bring a snowblower over to a neighbor who was an elderly neighbor and couldn't
• This allows for a lot more sensibility at events for our elderly and our disabled residents.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Transportation

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on a large slate of bills covering motor vehicle sales, registration, title processing, dealer regulation, and several local matters. Chair Cyrro noted that Senate Bill 2414 had been postponed at the sponsor’s request, though public testimony would still be accepted. The hearing then heard testimony on measures including S. 2367, which would make an insurer primary for losses caused by an insured driver in a rental car; H. 3698 and related bills on codifying registration of 25-year-old imported Japanese kei vehicles; H. 3701 on requiring lienholders to release titles within seven days; H. 3690 on capping dealer documentation fees; and H. 3641 on requiring education for class two motor vehicle dealers. Testimony also addressed e-titling and e-signatures, peer-to-peer car sharing, temporary license plates, duplicate plates, general registration plates for motor vehicle distributors, and a bill to ban tinted license plate covers. Supporters of the rental-car insurance bill argued Massachusetts is an outlier compared with 47 other states and said the change would improve fairness, competition, and consumer understanding without raising premiums. Dealers and industry groups generally supported e-titling/e-signature modernization and the inspection-related bill, but urged safeguards to preserve title, registration, and insurance verification. The Massachusetts State Auto Dealers Association opposed the doc-fee cap, saying documentation fees are a disclosed cost-recovery tool that varies by dealership. Representatives and advocates for kei vehicles said the RMV’s 2024 reversal showed the need to codify the rules in law, while opponents of the RMV’s approach described it as arbitrary and harmful to owners and importers. Supporters of the dealer-education bill said it would curb unregulated “curbstoning” and help ensure proper title handling and consumer protection. Several local and specialty bills also drew testimony. Hatfield officials supported a local bill allowing golf carts on certain town roads under strict safety rules, and Representative Ayers testified for a bill banning tinted license plate covers to aid toll collection, law enforcement, and vehicle identification. Senator Lovely and other advocates supported the “Easy ID” license plate proposal, saying it would improve vehicle recognition in crime and child-abduction investigations. The committee took no votes during the hearing and adjourned after public testimony concluded.