Transcript Highlights:

• the Forever Green Initiative at the University of Minnesota and a professor of agronomy and plant genetics
• at the University as and plant genetics at the University as well<00:43:12.280><c> and</c><00:43:12.880
• Our R&D teams are working to further reduce this by improved genetic and management.
• Our R&D teams are working to further reduce this by improved genetic and management.
• Our R&D teams are working to further reduce this by improved genetic and management.

Bills: HF1277 , HF1006

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: data centers, tax exemption, Minnesota statutes, economic development, employment growth, property tax, abatement, land bank, redevelopment, political subdivision

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> resilience and long-term farm viability resilience and long-term farm viability is<00:14:59.120>
• Um, that being said, uh, we of course recognize all producers face hurdles to viability and we support
• hurdles recognizing the myriad viability hurdles that<00:29:59.200><c> farmers</c><00:29:59.600><c>
• Um, that being said, uh, we of course recognize all producers face hurdles to viability and we support
• ,</c> good land management, farm viability, good land management, farm viability, and<01:18:57.440><c

Bills: SB874 , SB2097 , SB2098 , SB2126 , SB2154 , SB2153 , SB2160 , SB2123 , SB2110

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Summary: The committee heard several agriculture-related bills. SB 874 on veterinary medicine would require veterinarians, upon a client’s request, to provide a written prescription for an animal patient in an existing veterinary client-patient relationship, allow Hawaii-licensed pharmacies to dispense those prescriptions, and authorize the Veterinary Medicine Board to set penalties. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with supporters citing lower costs and consumer choice; the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association said veterinarians already should be doing this and supported the bill if amended. One testifier in opposition argued the bill needed a conspicuous notice requirement so pet owners know they can request prescriptions. Committee members and the Department of Agriculture said they were not aware of widespread problems, and discussion focused on whether the measure was already consistent with current practice and whether amendments would address remaining concerns. The committee also heard SB 2097, which would create a climate-resilient food systems grant program in the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and appropriate funds. The department, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, and others supported the bill, saying it could help farmers and ranchers invest in resilience, infrastructure, and technology. Several testifiers asked for clearer definitions, especially for terms like “food hubs” and “resilience hubs,” and suggested adding technical assistance and clearer eligibility criteria. The department explained the program was intended for shovel-ready projects in the middle of the supply chain, with a focus on farmers in a certain revenue range, and said it was modeled on a USDA program. SB 2098 would establish a clean plant program to produce and distribute disease-free plant material to growers, nurseries, and other producers. Testimony was supportive, emphasizing biosecurity, nursery industry needs, and preventing invasive species and crop disease. The department described the program as using tested clean stock, tissue culture facilities, and data collection to support future planting decisions, and estimated a two-year ramp-up. Members questioned whether the program duplicated existing work at CTR/other partners and whether data collection should be centralized, but the department said the effort would build on existing varieties and partnerships rather than overlap them. Finally, SB 2126 would create a conventional farming grant program for small and midsize conventional farmers. Supporters from the department, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council said conventional agriculture deserves support and that the bill would help increase food production. Opposition and comments focused on the bill’s exclusion of organic farmers; one farmer said the measure was unfair unless amended to include organic producers, while a Farmers Union witness said the bill was too vague about the grant’s purpose and should be clearer about its goals. In response to questions, the department said the exclusion of organic farming was not intentional and that the bill was meant to support all agriculture, though no vote or final action was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• On the foreign market development side, it's really crucial for the long-term viability of the industry
• It's just amazing what technology and genetics can do, so really appreciate that.
• commissions: I cannot emphasize enough the vital role that our commodity commissions play in the viability
• investment that they put back into market development, research, and education is huge to the long-term viability
• investment that they put back into market development, research, and education is huge to the long-term viability

Committee: House Agricultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• HB120 is a Board of Genetic Counseling.
• Little more details about what the one issue was with genetic counseling? Yes, sir.
• Why do we have genetic counseling, and why would it not just be part of counseling?
• The genetic counseling, I think, is a little more specific than... than the... ...more specific than
• No, I asked if there is anybody here from genetic counseling that arrived late.

Bills: HB25 , HB108 , HB109 , HB111 , HB112 , HB113 , HB117 , HB118 , HB119 , HB120 , HB121 , HB122 , HB124 , HB126 , HB127 , HB128 , HB129 , HB130 , HB131 , HB25

Committee: House Boards, Agencies and Commissions

Keywords: emergency services, local districts, joint operations, contracting, HB108, Alabama Sunset Law, sunset reauthorization, board continuation, speech-language pathology, audiology, licensing board, professional regulation, healthcare regulation, occupational licensing, speech therapist, speech pathologist, audiologist, Sunset Committee, Code of Alabama 1975, regulatory board

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so I was just wondering if you could kind of give me what the cost breakdown is of genetic testing
• is of of genetic testing, um, preventative<00:10:30.800><c> care</c><00:10:31.200><c> after</c><00:10
• Um, because we know if you can get genetic screening, then you can take measures that would prevent you
• It also destabilizes<01:09:17.279><c> the</c><01:09:17.440><c> the</c><01:09:17.759><c> viability</c>
• </c><01:09:34.319><c> of</c> companies but the viability of some of companies but the viability of some

Bills: HF3388 , HF400

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: HF3388, Minnesota premium security plan, reinsurance, health insurance, group health carriers, MCHA, MNsure, individual market, premium stabilization, carrier assessment, health insurance assessment, premium security plan account, state innovation waiver, high-risk pool, reinsurance payments, healthcare premiums, insurance carriers, deferral of assessment, financially impaired condition, HF400

Transcript Highlights:

• PWS is a rare genetic disorder, and it affects about 1 in 30,000 live births.
• PWS is a genetic condition, and what it does is it affects the brain, the metabolism.
• disorder and and that's it, rare genetic disorder and and that's it, right?
• condition and what it PWS is a genetic condition and what it does<00:09:16.959><c> is</c><00:09:17.200
• </c><01:19:22.719><c> of</c> unintentionally threatened viability of unintentionally threatened viability

Committee: Joint Medicaid

Transcript Highlights:

• This roadmap would have to include scientific assessment of habitat suitability and population viability
• This roadmap would have to include scientific assessment of habitat suitability and population viability
• , consultation with suitability and population viability, consultation with the California American tribes
• Over time, this weakens populations, reduces genetic diversity, and increases risk of local extinction
• Over time, this weakens populations, reduces genetic diversity, and increases risk of local extinction

Committee: House Water, Parks, and Wildlife

Transcript Highlights:

• 4200 kits in the district attorney's office for to for our office to investigate and screen for viability
• We have about 149 cases that are still left to be screened for viability.
• And what's called forensic investigative genetic genealogy.
• system, that you're not going to get a CODIS hit from, and that's forensic investigative genealogy genetic
• if there's significant enough enough DNA of a potential perpetrator, they can research through um Genetic

Committee: House Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee

Bills: HB151 , HB152 , HB138 , SB221 , SB190 , SB69 , SB225 , SB272 , HB151 , HB152 , HB138 , SB221 , SB190 , SB69 , SB225 , SB272

Committee: Senate Finance and Taxation Education

Keywords: fire chaplains, distinctive license plate, firefighter, volunteer service, criminal penalties, sales tax exemption, baby supplies, baby formula, maternity clothing, menstrual hygiene products, pregnancy, pregnant defendant, incarceration, jail intake, pregnancy test, bail, pre-incarceration probation, supervised probation, electronic monitoring, electronic supervision

Transcript Highlights:

• 4200 kits in the district attorney's office for to for our office to investigate and screen for viability
• We have about 149 cases that are still left to be screened for viability.
• And what's called forensic investigative genetic genealogy.
• system, that you're not going to get a CODIS hit from, and that's forensic investigative genealogy genetic
• if there's significant enough enough DNA of a potential perpetrator, they can research through um Genetic

Committee: House Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• This could be a largely fatal fetal genetic condition like trisomy 18.
• </c><01:20:18.120><c> condition</c> largely fatal fetal genetic condition largely fatal fetal genetic
• these are incredibly edges of viability these are incredibly difficult<01:20:41.280><c> diagnoses</c
• I've gotten training, master's in genetics, so it's too simple to cover the complexity of what happens
• disorder deserves a chance at genetic disorder deserves a chance at life<01:30:23.280><c> once</c><01

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Burdensome government regulation at both the federal and state level have also threatened a lot of the viability
• they face the workforce shortages, emerging diseases, import pressures that threaten their economic viability
• Pepper Division in Deming, where he oversees a plant breeding program specializing in chili pepper genetic
• of family farms in the face of these unprecedented challenges and is critical for the long-term viability
• lot of different ways that we can market their cattle so that they can be paid for the superior genetics

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee

Keywords: agriculture, avian flu, bipartisan farm bill, economic challenges, poultry, dairy, specialty crops

Summary: The committee meeting focused on crucial discussions surrounding the challenges faced by the agriculture sector, particularly concerning avian flu and its impact on poultry and dairy producers. Members provided insights into the economic struggles within the industry, emphasizing the need for a new bipartisan farm bill that addresses the diverse needs of specialty crop and livestock producers. Witnesses from various agricultural sectors spoke about their experiences, illustrating the high costs, regulatory burdens, and emerging diseases that threaten their operations. The meeting underscored a commitment to exploring solutions that will help maintain market stability and ensure food security.

Transcript Highlights:

• modified organisms,... ...adhesives, glues, GMOs, genetically modified organisms, flame-retardant chemicals
• You can make good-quality products. adhesives, glues, GMOs, genetically modified organisms, flame-retardant
• utility spending and increased competition from electric heat pumps is putting the long-term financial viability
• utility spending and increased competition from electric heat pumps is putting the long-term financial viability
• of the commonwealth gas utilities into question this or viability of the Commonwealth's gas utilities

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Summary: The hearing of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure opened with logistical remarks about testimony procedures, time limits, accessibility supports, and the large number of witnesses. The first bill discussed was H. 451, which would allow professional license applicants who do not have a Social Security number to use an ITIN instead. Supporters said the bill would help qualified workers, especially immigrants, enter licensed trades and professions without lowering training or testing standards, while addressing workforce shortages. Committee members asked a few questions, and the bill was framed as a uniform statewide licensing reform. The bulk of the hearing focused on S. 210 and H. 1278, two bills aimed at improving wheelchair repair and warranty protections. Supporters included the Attorney General’s Office, disability advocates, wheelchair users, clinicians, and legislators, who described long repair delays, missed work and medical appointments, loss of independence, hospitalizations, pressure injuries, and other harms caused by broken wheelchairs and slow service. They argued for stronger timelines, two-year warranties, required parts availability, loaner chairs, and enforcement mechanisms, with H. 1278 modeled on a Connecticut-style repair deadline and S. 210 focused on warranty protections. Several witnesses emphasized that wheelchairs are essential medical equipment, not ordinary consumer goods. Opposition came from NCart, which said it supports solutions but raised concerns that the bills, as written, could be difficult to implement for complex rehab technology. NCart said some warranty provisions may not fit wear-and-tear components and noted that MassHealth has already taken steps such as preventive maintenance, reduced prior authorization, and transportation support. Other witnesses and advocates countered that the current market is dominated by a few profitable companies and that the legislature needs to impose clear standards because voluntary fixes have not worked. The committee also heard testimony on S. 195, a toxic-free kids bill from Senator Comerford and Representative Hawkins, which would restrict PFAS and other toxic chemicals in children’s products and create disclosure and phase-out requirements. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Member Rodriguez for introducing this important bill to strengthen the visibility and long-term viability
• Unfortunately, today in California, a bad actor can order online the genetic sequence of a dangerous
• The genetic blueprints of dangerous viruses and toxins like smallpox, Ebola, and ricin are freely available
• According to RAND, and I quote, 'The viability of emergency care as we know it is at risk.
• The viability of emergency care as we know it is at risk.

Committee: House Health

Transcript Highlights:

• Generally speaking, from a layman's perspective on genetic modification, DNA-related processes, are you
• above, so with a genetic defect through my DNA, you can literally go in and target that with these new
• As a parent who had a child diagnosed with cancer, a rare type of cancer that is supposedly genetic.
• So, as a parent who had a child diagnosed with a genetic cancer, although it was not genetic, medicine
• They used her genetic code to create an individualized treatment for her, and she's doing much better

Bills: SB95 , SB268 , SB493 , SB619 , SB660 , SB922 , SB984 , SB1098 , SB1188 , SB1307 , SB1332 , SB1822

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• take what we do in conventional breeding, which is just crossing trees until we eliminate or add genetics
• And as we look at the genetic markers and those trees, it would appear that they have mutated in maybe
• You look at them as a as a group, the viability of the districts with something that we have noted in

Transcript Highlights:

• I would also recommend that, for the sake of biosecurity, an amendment to ban the use of genetically
• > use</c><00:17:09.000><c> of</c> an amendment to ban the use of an amendment to ban the use of genetically
• modified organisms in feed genetically modified organisms in feed stocks<00:17:11.799><c> or</c><00:
• I do want to talk about the viability of doing this on a large scale, because we have lots of hopes and
• I do want to talk about the viability of doing this on a large scale, because we have lots of hopes and

Committee: House Economic Development & Technology

Summary: The Committee on Economic Development and Technology heard testimony on HB 976, a measure related to incentives for renewable fuels, including renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. Supporters said the bill would help close the cost gap between renewable and conventional fuels, strengthen Hawaii’s energy security, support climate goals, and encourage local economic development. Testifiers from Pono Pacific, PAR Hawaii, Hawaiian Electric, Hawaiian Airlines/Alaska Airlines, the Hawaii Department of Transportation, Pacific Biodiesel, Aloha Carbon, and others described ongoing or planned projects, local feedstock development, and potential benefits for agriculture, waste diversion, and emissions reductions. Several testifiers also discussed proposed amendments. The Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition said it wanted to remove the import tax credit, eliminate the aggregate cap increase to avoid additional state funding, and revise local-production language to rely on a carbon-intensity threshold rather than location-based preferences. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised technical concerns about the bill’s administration, including prorating credits if the cap is exceeded and the feasibility of a 30-day filing window. Some supporters urged keeping solid waste, including construction and demolition debris, as eligible feedstock, while Energy Justice Network opposed that approach and also urged removing GMO-related language and waste-based feedstocks because of environmental and toxic emissions concerns. Opposition testimony focused on the bill’s cost and feasibility. Energy Justice Network and Ted Metros argued the measure could become a large subsidy for a refinery and questioned whether Hawaii has enough land and water to produce meaningful quantities of biofuel locally. Metros also criticized the refundable credit structure and said the state should not bear the cost for what he described as a benefit largely tied to tourism and imported fuel. No vote was taken during the portion of the hearing provided; the chair later noted the committee had received 13 testimonies in support, 18 in opposition, and seven comments, and then invited further discussion on cost allocation and lowering caps to broaden participation.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was born with the genetic liver condition. I find home growing a wonderful addition to my life.
• Creating downward pressure on pricing, threatening the viability of businesses that are actively producing
• Creating downward pressure on pricing, threatening the viability of businesses that are actively producing
• And the one-year exemption may not be enough time for them to demonstrate their viability.
• And the one-year exemption may not be enough time for them to demonstrate their viability.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 5882 would extend workers’ compensation PTSD presumptions to local correctional facility workers after 90 days of employment, with staff explaining the bill’s scope, fiscal note, and how claims would affect employers’ experience ratings. The sponsor and labor representatives supported the measure as a response to correctional officer trauma, while cities, retailers, and self-insurers opposed it over cost, system sustainability, and the need for more study. Labor and Industries said the estimated five-year state-fund claim cost ranges from $6.7 million to $15.3 million, and the hearing closed after testimony from both sides. The committee then heard SB 6196, which would impose a 95% excise tax on kratom products starting in 2027, create licensing and labeling requirements, and direct revenue to youth harmful substance prevention. Supporters argued kratom is unregulated and increasingly available to youth, and some urged age-gating and stronger restrictions on synthetic concentrated products. Opponents, including retailers and the American Kratom Association, said the bill is too punitive, would hurt legitimate businesses, and should be revised into a consumer protection framework rather than treated like a controlled substance. No vote was taken. SB 6204, allowing adults to grow up to six cannabis plants at home with a 15-plant household cap, drew strong support from cannabis advocates and some medical users, who said home grow should have been part of legalization and would help consumers understand the plant. Opponents from law enforcement, cities, and public health warned about youth access, enforcement problems, fire and chemical risks, and possible impacts on cannabis tax revenue. The committee also heard SB 6134, requiring notice to striking workers about possible UI overpayments if they later receive retroactive wages, which the sponsor said would prevent surprise repayment obligations; testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. Finally, SB 6195, aimed at reducing cannabis oversupply by tying producer canopy size to reported sales, drew broad support from cannabis businesses and trade groups, who said it would stabilize the market and address JLARC’s findings, with some stakeholders asking for implementation fixes and clearer language.

Transcript Highlights:

• That decline in enrollment would threaten the viability of DNP programs altogether.
• Despite sickle cell disease being the first documented and most common genetic disorder in the United
• leading the country with the highest rates, it remains one of the most misunderstood, under-treated genetic
• Despite sickle cell disease being the first documented and most common genetic disorder in the United
• conditions in our health care system. to Under-treated genetic conditions in our health care system.

Bills: S0036 , S0864 , S0268 , S0844 , S0514 , S1404 , S0914 , S1758

Committee: Senate Health Policy

Keywords: nursing title, advanced practice registered nurse, advertising, professional standards, disciplinary action, uterine fibroids, public records, health privacy, epidemiology, medical information, emergency department, physicians, privacy, personal information, sickle cell disease, sickle cell anemia, pain management, controlled substances, prescribing education, continuing medical education

Summary: The committee first considered SB 268, a public records bill for emergency physicians. A strike-all amendment narrowed and clarified the exemption, and the sponsor said it was intended to protect current emergency department physicians and eligible family members who submit a written request. Emergency physician Dr. Sean Patterson and several health care organizations supported the bill, citing threats, harassment, and safety concerns tied to mandatory reporting and patient encounters. The committee adopted the amendment and reported SB 268 favorably as a committee substitute. The committee then heard SB 514, creating the Doula Support for Healthy Births Pilot Program in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties for pregnant and postpartum women, with priority for those affected by substance use disorder. Members discussed how the Department of Health would implement the pilot, collect data, and work with existing maternal health partners. An amendment changed the funding source to specific appropriations in the General Appropriations Act. Supporters said doula care can improve maternal and infant outcomes and help address Florida’s maternal health crisis. The bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 36, on use of professional nursing titles, drew extensive debate over whether nurses with doctoral degrees should be able to use the title “doctor” in clinical and advertising settings while clearly identifying themselves as nurses. The sponsor said the bill was about transparency and patient clarity, while several senators raised concerns that patients could confuse DNPs with physicians. Supporters from nursing groups said the bill protects earned credentials and does not expand scope of practice. The committee adopted an amendment aligning the bill with the House version and reported SB 36 favorably as a committee substitute. The committee also reported favorably SB 864, creating a public records exemption for uterine fibroid research data; SB 844, requiring continuing education on sickle cell disease care management for certain health professionals; SB 1404, revising memory care licensing for assisted living facilities; and SB 914, clarifying dry needling authority for occupational therapists. Finally, the committee took up SB 1758, a broad public assistance bill affecting Medicaid and SNAP. The sponsor described reforms including stronger fraud enforcement, a Medicaid work requirement for certain able-bodied adults, expanded behavioral health services through a waiver, pharmacy program changes, and SNAP fraud reduction measures. Members questioned the work requirement, implementation costs, eligibility verification, and due process concerns, while the sponsor said the bill would require federal approval and legislative review before implementation. Three amendments were adopted to adjust drug list update timing, expand public testimony on the high-cost drug list, and require faster prior authorization responses with a temporary supply in emergencies. The transcript cuts off before the final disposition of SB 1758.

Transcript Highlights:

• of California that's going to reduce conflicts and improve public safety and improve agricultural viability
• This roadmap would have to include scientific assessment of habitat suitability and population viability
• Over time, this weakens populations, reduces genetic diversity, and increases risk of local extinction
• Over time, this weakens populations, reduces genetic diversity, and increases risk of local extinction

Summary: The committee heard several wildlife and water-related bills. SB 872, by Senator McNerney, would create a Delta Levees and Canal Subsidence Fund and allow waiver of local cost-sharing for Delta levee repairs to protect the State Water Project and Delta infrastructure. Supporters from water agencies, environmental groups, counties, and agricultural interests said the bill is needed to address levee failure and canal subsidence; there was no opposition, and the bill was held open until a quorum was present, with broad support expressed. SB 1108, by Senator Caballero, would establish the Grasslands Ecological Area Conservancy in the Central Valley to coordinate conservation, habitat restoration, public access, and voluntary easements in a region described as the largest remaining wetland/grasslands complex west of the Mississippi. Support came from the Grasslands Water District, Audubon, conservation groups, and local stakeholders, who emphasized the area’s importance to migratory birds, wildlife corridors, and land-use transition under groundwater sustainability. There was no opposition, and the bill received favorable committee support. SB 1135, by Senator Blakespear, would reestablish and strengthen the statewide wildlife coexistence program to reduce human-wildlife conflict through nonlethal deterrence, education, and compensation for livestock losses. Supporters cited rising wildlife incidents, wolf depredation, and the need for proactive tools; opponents and some committee members raised concerns about rural impacts, funding, and the absence of law enforcement/public safety as a specifically named advisory role. After discussion and amendments that moved the cattlemen and Farm Bureau to neutral, the bill passed out of committee on a due-pass motion, though some members voted no or abstained. SB 1305, by Senator Richardson, would direct CDFW to study the feasibility of grizzly bear reintroduction and prepare a roadmap, with tribal consultation and stakeholder engagement, but would not itself authorize reintroduction. Tribal sponsors and conservation groups supported the bill as a planning and cultural restoration effort, while hunting, ranching, and county groups opposed it, arguing California already faces major wildlife-management and funding challenges and that the proposal would create new conflicts. Committee members debated costs, appropriations, and whether the study should include funding estimates; the bill was amended and passed on a due-pass motion. The committee also heard SB 1250, by Senator Cortese, which would require Caltrans to incorporate wildlife connectivity into transportation planning; supporters said it would reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve habitat connectivity, and the bill was presented in support as the hearing continued.