Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, that's in the cremation authorization form.
• That's in the cremation authorization form And we implemented that January 1 of this year. Okay.
• You know, that's not something we're... we have the authority already to enforce the measure, and it
• Certain authority that we did have. So we didn't comment on the underlying measure. I—see. Okay.
• So, however, I think even with Maui County, Even though there's a county ordinance, enforcement has been

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee heard House Bill 1481, which would require cemeteries, crematories, funeral establishments, HSI facilities, and mortuaries to dispose of human remains within 60 days after a burial transit permit or related affidavit is issued. The Hawaii Funeral and Cemetery Association and several funeral-related entities supported the bill, and the association said it had already implemented consistent cremation authorization language regarding notice and consent for recycling metal implants, effective January 1. The committee later recommended HB 1481 be passed with a defective effective date of July 1, 2050; the vice chair voted with reservations, saying the prior version with Department of Health rulemaking was stronger consumer protection. The committee also considered several resolutions. SCR 96 and SR 91, on a status update for implementation of the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, were recommended for passage with amendments adopting the PUC’s requested changes. SCR 172 and SR 163, seeking a comprehensive analysis of ways to reduce costs and financial risks while meeting state goals, drew support from the PUC and Energy Office with comments, and the committee recommended passage with amendments removing a disputed whereas clause. SCR 109 and SR 102, on studying expanded mail-order pharmacy use, drew mixed testimony: the Insurance Division and HMSA supported a study, while the Hawaii Pharmacist Association and others raised concerns about patient outcomes, rural access, and community pharmacy sustainability; the committee amended the resolutions to require broader agency cooperation and evaluation of community pharmacy impacts, then recommended passage. In additional decision-making, the committee deferred SCR 193 and SR 1802 on trust transparency due to no testimony. It recommended passage with amendments on several bills, including HB 1782 after clarifying terminology with the Attorney General’s Office, HB 1514 on workers’ compensation, HB 1619 on electric vehicle infrastructure, HB 1643 on pharmacy, HB 1721 on housing, HB 1864 on insurance, HB 1946 on timeshare registration, and HB 2475 on labeling requirements. HB 350 on energy was deferred for more work. The committee also reconsidered HB 2101 on commercial aquarium collection and recommended passage as amended after hearing from supporters and noting concerns about enforcement and statewide consistency.

Transcript Highlights:

• I recognize the member from Rock, the author, Representative Schumacher, who will explain the report.
• Is borne by these counties, and I want to remind everyone that when Nisswa had two police officers go
• Paul Teachers Authority, MSRA, I mean, these guys are the ones that are really doing the work out there
• I was a co-author on all of the pension bills, and there were multiple pension bills unpacked, the one
• Be it further resolved that the Chief Clerk is authorized to include in the journal for the last day

Transcript Highlights:

• He represented District 116, which was then Manatee and Hardee County, and the Florida House from 1966
• He was a former President of the Manatee County Bar Association, a Fourth Degree member of the DeSoto
• Of the 67 counties, there are 47 current agreements in place.
• But 47 counties are in the process now and All the other counties are participating or their application
• In Brevard and Seminole counties there's a group from our probation officers.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> from Wasatch County. from Wasatch County.
• So, authority.
• Uh what I heard from the authority?
• Commissioner Gandhi. we needed this authority as I testified we needed this authority as I testified
• c> to</c> state authorities have the authority to state authorities have the authority to enforce<01:

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> county</c><01:04:10.640><c> charges</c><01:04:11.039><c> a</c> county because each county charges
• a county because each county charges a different<01:04:12.000><c> dollar</c><01:04:12.240><c> amount
• </c> Uh if I recall correctly, Henipin County Uh if I recall correctly, Henipin County charges<01:04:
• with their county recorders uh bunch with their county recorders uh that<01:05:20.960><c> are</c><01
• I think at some point we our counties.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> to</c> Cass County attorney declined to Cass County attorney declined to prosecute<00:14:04.560>
• </c> thank my co-author, Representative thank my co-author, Representative Perryman.<01:11:12.640><c>
• </c> authorization for Brooks. authorization for Brooks.
• </c><01:38:24.239><c> is</c> We can't pretend prior authorization is We can't pretend prior authorization
• And the bill that I passed on prior<01:41:55.600><c> authorization</c> prior authorization prior authorization

Bills: HF362 , HF2590 , HF2760 , HF3444

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Keywords: massage therapy, Asian bodywork therapy, massage therapist, Asian bodywork therapist, licensure, professional licensing, health occupations, Department of Health, commissioner of health, advisory council, protected title, unlicensed practice, scope of practice, consumer protection, background check, professional liability insurance, continuing education, credentialing examination, state preemption, municipal regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• I RISE IN SUPPORT OF THE VA MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST EQUITY ACT, LEGISLATION I HAVE AUTHORED.
• Ventura County has a Long and proud military history.
• Ventura County has a long and proud military history.
• I rise today to recognize CJ Jones and Isaac Corcoran of the Ross County Junior Fair Board.
• CJ and Isaac set an ambitious goal of collecting 100,000 pounds of food throughout Ross County.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 2, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair Dolio, members of the committee, Travis Dutton, with the Association of Counties and our County
• Chair Dolio, members of the committee, Travis Dutton, with the Association of Counties and our County
• Travis Dutton, with the Association of Counties and our County Solid Waste Programs.
• There's no reason for you to concede your legislative authority to another state.
• I'm a former San Juan County Council member.

Bills: HB1420 , HB2233 , HB2271 , HB2212 , HB2284

Committee: House Environment & Energy

Keywords: textile responsibility, recycling, sustainability, environmental impact, consumer protection, waste reduction, environment, retail, bags, pollution, consumer products, plastic, environmental policy, postconsumer waste, microplastics, environmental protection, washing machines, water quality, litter reduction, public health

Transcript Highlights:

• We've concentrated services in just a few counties.
• The Gorge Commission is responsible for all permitting in Klickitat County.
• I'm Susie Vody, Director of New Hope and Kids Hope in Grant and Adams counties.
• I'm with The Arc of King County. Testifying other. Our state has had...
• Manhattan Dorff and with The Arc of King County, testifying other.

Bills: HB2289

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: appropriations, budget, fiscal matters, state spending, general fund, supplemental budget, biennial budget, substitute bill, public defense, civil legal aid, courts, judicial branch, homelessness, supportive housing, affordable housing, behavioral health, juvenile rehabilitation, youth services, child welfare, foster care

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 192 should county treasurer.
• ><c> temporarily</c> This bill's authorization to temporarily This bill's authorization to temporarily
• ><c> to</c><00:15:24.640><c> issue</c> The governor retains authority to issue The governor retains authority
• This is county to be able to find work.
• statutory authority in Kentucky law. law. law.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're looking for authors. We have some authors that are on our committee. Let me see in order.
• I have one question for the author.
• And I'd like to thank the author for this bill, and I'd like to be a co-author. Great.
• And I'd like to thank the author for this bill, and I'd like to be a co-author. Thank you. Great.
• And I'd like to thank the author for this bill, and I'd like to be a co-author. Thank you. Great.

Committee: House Revenue and Taxation

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Paul, Ramsey County, and Dakota County.
• Uh counties people on our waiting list.
• I Balden for signing on as co-authors.
• </c> shifts that to the metropolitan county shifts that to the metropolitan county aid. aid. aid.
• </c> the metropolitan counties. the metropolitan counties.

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a longtime resident of Contra Costa County, also of Rodeo.
• Tommy Thompson, Solano County.
• Chair of members, Tommy Thompson, Solano County.
• county assessment ratios, and assess properties of intercounty railroads.
• The Orange County Business Council... Two months ago?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1236 would help survivors by giving the courts the authority to determine alimony payments
• Senate Bill 1236 would help survivors by giving the courts the authority to determine alimony payments
• I just, for my reference in the record, can you tell me your role or which counties you’re affiliated
• I’m from the Golden West, Franklin County. Thank you.
• Currently, our general laws do not expressly authorize decanting.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a hearing on a wide range of state, probate, and family bills, with chairs Edwards and Day outlining strict testimony limits and accepting written testimony. Early testimony focused on H. 1911/S. 1138, which would clarify that a durable power of attorney may create a trust if that authority is expressly granted; sponsors and elder law advocates said the bill would resolve uncertainty created by the Barbetti decision and align Massachusetts with other states. A major portion of the hearing centered on S. 1102, a proposal to establish medical panels in Probate and Family Court. Supporters, including attorneys, parents, physicians, and advocates, said neutral three-doctor panels would help judges resolve disputed medical issues in guardianship and custody cases involving children, elders, and people with disabilities. Testifiers described cases where medical treatment was blocked or contested by one parent or guardian, arguing the panels would provide impartial expertise and protect vulnerable people. The committee also heard support for bills addressing disability discrimination in family court, military parents’ custody rights, and a shared parenting bill, H. 1710, which drew strong opposition from domestic violence advocates and others who said a 50-50 presumption could harm survivors and children. The committee also took testimony on several probate and court-administration measures. Senator Lovely supported a bill on nominee trust partition, and Senator Comerford and probate officials backed legislation to codify additional registry staff positions and modernize registry operations. Other bills discussed included foster care liability insurance, with providers warning that rising premiums and loss of coverage could force program closures; health care proxy storage and activation; access to decedents’ email accounts; uniform trust decanting; the Uniform Voidable Transactions Act; heirs’ property partition protections; a constitutional right to health care; alimony-related reforms; child-centered family law; and a right of disposition for funeral arrangements. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the committee repeatedly invited written testimony and follow-up questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• The measure adopted a cautious and deliberate approach by authorizing HB 2638.
• The OIC is authorized to conduct localized pilot projects before fully implementing the program.
• Under this bill, the Washington Tourism Marketing Authority is authorized to establish a tourism assessment
• And when you say it’ll be established by rule, who’s the rule-setting authority? The WTMA.
• We serve Ferry, Stevens, and Pend Oreille counties in the very northeast corner of the state.

Bills: SB6061 , SB5844 , SB6079 , SB6137 , SB5831 , SB6031 , SB6178

Committee: Senate Business, Trade & Economic Development

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, storage rental, tenancy agreements, tenant rights, landlord obligations, termination notice, insurance, wildfire prevention, policy nonrenewal, cancellation, risk management, sports wagering, sports betting, sports gambling, bookmaking, gambling regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• The measure adopted a cautious and deliberate approach by authorizing HB 2638.
• The OIC is authorized to conduct localized pilot projects before fully implementing the program.
• Under this bill, the Washington Tourism Marketing Authority is authorized to establish a tourism assessment
• And when you say it’ll be established by rule, who’s the rule-setting authority? The WTMA.
• They would be granted rulemaking authority in this bill. Okay. Thank you. I appreciate that.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 6137 on sports wagering. Staff explained that the bill would allow wagering on collegiate events involving Washington colleges, but would continue to prohibit bets on the performance of individual college athletes. Tribal representatives from the Jamestown S’Klallam, Puyallup, and Kalispel tribes testified in support, saying the bill would keep wagering within the regulated tribal marketplace, protect integrity, and help smaller tribal casinos participate through a hub-and-spoke model. University of Washington and Washington State University representatives supported the ban on individual prop bets and emphasized student-athlete safety, while WSU also argued the bill would expand exposure to harassment and online abuse. No vote was taken. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6079, which would create the Strengthen Washington Homes wildfire mitigation grant program. Staff said the bill would fund grants for wildfire-hardening homes to IBHS standards, authorize pilot projects, and prohibit insurers from using wildfire risk to disqualify homes that meet the standards. Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuder and Senator Marcus Riccelli supported the bill, arguing that wildfire losses and non-renewals are increasing and that upfront mitigation is cheaper than recovery. Local officials and advocates from Medical Lake, Washington Realtors, and climate and wildfire groups also supported the measure. Insurance industry representatives supported the mitigation goals but objected to the bill’s requirement that insurers provide coverage based on IBHS designation and to using the commissioner’s regulatory account as a funding source, saying underwriting still needs to consider broader risk factors. No action was taken. The committee next held a work session and public hearing on Senate Bill 6061, which would create a tourism self-supported assessment program. State of Washington Tourism, the Washington Wine Commission, the Washington Hospitality Association, the Brewers Guild, the Port of Seattle, and rural economic development representatives said the state’s tourism program is underfunded and that an industry-led assessment could provide a stable, competitive funding source. They said the model would be governed by a ratepayer oversight board, subject to ratification, and could generate significant visitor spending and tax revenue over time. Some testimony raised concerns about the scope of eligible businesses and the bill’s references to other industries, but supporters said friendly amendments would refine those details. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5844 on self-storage rental agreements, which would allow electronic agreements, clarify acceptance by continued occupancy, and create a uniform process for termination or nonrenewal for nonpayment or nonmonetary defaults. Self-storage operators supported the bill as a modernization measure that would improve safety and consistency, and no vote was taken on any of the bills heard.

Transcript Highlights:

• I can speak for the Health Care Authority. Yes, we focus on Medicaid. Thank you.
• Katrina Lucero from the Washington State Health Care Authority.
• Every county in Washington state will now be subject to changed work requirements.
• I'm the chief financial officer at the Washington State Health Care Authority.
• I'm the Chief Financial Officer at the Washington State Health Care Authority.

Summary: The committee held a work session focused first on juvenile rehabilitation system capacity. DCYF officials said the juvenile rehabilitation population is older, includes more adult-sentenced youth, and has longer lengths of stay, especially for “post-25” youth who must remain in secure facilities and cannot go to community beds. They described overcrowding at Green Hill School, placement limits at Echo Glen and Harbor Heights, staffing turnover, mental health acuity, and the need for more medium-security and specialized mental health beds. DCYF said it is pursuing a Parkland facility proposal, a staffing model decision package, and a broader feasibility study and master plan update. No votes were taken; members were asked to follow up with questions later. The committee then heard on behavioral health system capacity from the Behavioral Health Administration and the Health Care Authority. DSHS described growth in forensic and civil bed need, expansion at Olympic Heritage, Maple Lane, and Brockman, and construction of a new 350-bed forensic hospital at Western State expected to open in 2028. HCA reported progress on long-term civil commitment beds, intensive behavioral health treatment facilities, PACT teams, and intensive residential treatment teams, saying the community-based system is being expanded to support step-down care and reduce hospital reliance. Members asked about whether capacity is right-sized, the difference between facility types, and federal match eligibility for services. A federal funding update followed, covering the effects of H.R. 1 and H.R. 5371 on SNAP, Medicaid, marketplace coverage, long-term services and supports, K-12, higher education, and hemp regulation. OFM and agency staff said H.R. 1 adds work requirements, changes non-citizen eligibility, increases state administrative and benefit costs, reduces Medicaid and marketplace subsidies for some groups, tightens redeterminations, and may significantly affect provider payments and state-directed payments. H.R. 5371 extended federal funding through January 30, 2026 and included some agency appropriations and other provisions, including changes affecting hemp producers. Members asked about SNAP error rates and special enrollment periods. Finally, budget coordinator Mary Monroe gave a 2026 supplemental budget preview. She reviewed the state’s near general fund outlook, noting revenue declines since the enacted budget, the effect of reversions, and a preliminary maintenance-level outlook showing a projected increase in NGFO spending over the four-year period. She said the supplemental will reflect updated caseload and cost forecasts and mandatory impacts from H.R. 1, but not policy proposals. No actions or votes were taken during the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• And every county in the state, and there are some counties that have done this, they have passed county
• county?
• But Audrain County is a property rights county.
• I urge this committee to please modify these bills and preserve the authority of counties to protect
• county zoning.

Committee: House Utilities

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2383, Representative Simmons’s bill addressing theft of copper and other infrastructure-related property. After a brief executive session and no further discussion, the committee voted the bill do pass by a roll call of 17 ayes, 1 no, and 1 present. The committee then heard House Bill 2711, sponsored by Representative Deal, which would lower the assessed valuation of broadband communications equipment from 33.5% to 12% for new broadband equipment placed in service after August 28, 2026, with a proposed sunset period discussed as part of a substitute. Representative Deal and several industry witnesses, including AT&T, Verizon, Missouri Cable Association, Missouri Broadband Providers Association, Missouri Chamber, and electric co-ops, argued the measure would improve Missouri’s competitiveness, encourage private investment, and help expand broadband in rural and underserved areas. Opponents, including county assessors, argued the bill would reduce local tax revenue, create unequal treatment, and could become a precedent for other industries. Committee members questioned whether the bill would apply only to new builds or also to upgrades and existing infrastructure, and whether the tax relief would actually drive expansion into rural areas. The committee then began hearing House Bills 2402 and 2816, which deal with solar energy siting and taxation. The sponsors described the bills as setting local assessment rules for solar projects, establishing a per-megawatt valuation, requiring larger setbacks from homes, schools, and churches, and limiting the amount of tillable land that can be used for solar in a county, while also addressing Chapter 100 agreements and decommissioning concerns. Supporters, including Missouri Farm Bureau and county officials, said the bills would provide needed guardrails, local control, and more consistent taxation. Opponents and affected landowners said existing solar projects have caused glare, dust, noise, and property value concerns, while some developers said they wanted clearer statewide rules and consistency for future projects. The committee did not take final action on the solar bills before going into recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• , Lawrence County.
• Attended Berea College and uh County.
• </c> authority to do what they're doing. authority to do what they're doing.
• </c> that the statutory um authorization that the statutory um authorization exists.
• </c><02:07:35.440><c> to</c> felt like we had the authority to felt like we had the authority to approve

Keywords: 00:00:00 - Call to Order/Roll Call 00:02:17 - Approval of June 18, 2025 Minutes 00:02:33 - Introductions and Discussion on Priorities 00:07:27 - Health Data Discussion-KY Health Information Exchange (KHIE) 00:34:02 - Health Data Discussion-Public Health Data 01:19:24 - Health Data Discussion-Other Health Data Platforms 01:42:40 - Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations (Except 201 KAR 005:010) 01:44:48 - Discussion of Optometry Regulation 201 KAR 005:010 02:25:29 - Hearing on Unified Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant Application for FFY 2026 - 2027 Funds 02:33:40 - Administrative Regulation 201 KAR 005:010 Vote Clarification 02:34:03 - Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on Health Services met to approve the June 18 minutes and hear introductory remarks from new Cabinet Secretary for Health and Family Services Dr. Steven Stack and new Department for Public Health Commissioner Dr. John Langfeld. Both described their backgrounds and emphasized a shared focus on using health data to improve quality, coordination, and outcomes across Kentucky. They highlighted the Kentucky Health Information Exchange (KHI) as a central tool for connecting hospitals, labs, providers, public health systems, Medicaid, and other state and federal data sources, and said the system supports notifications, immunization records, surveillance, and care coordination. They also outlined priorities such as continued investment in KHI, stronger interoperability, privacy protections, and expanded analytic capacity to turn data into action. Committee members then asked about COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and informed consent, particularly for pregnant women and children. Dr. Stack said informed consent should come through a licensed health care provider, that Kentucky did not mandate the COVID vaccine, and that the evidence still supports vaccination for high-risk groups, including pregnant women, citing professional medical guidance. A follow-up exchange focused on concerns about past vaccine policies and the need for patients to receive full information before making decisions. Senator Heron asked how KIPRC/KIPR could be used to address firearm injuries. Dr. Langfeld said the key opportunity is to make data more real-time and usable for day-to-day response, while Dr. Stack said the department would continue its long-standing partnership with KIPRC and noted his view that gun violence is a public health emergency. He added, however, that because firearms are a deeply divided issue, the Department for Public Health’s current role is mainly to make data available for authorized research rather than to take a broader policy role. No votes or formal actions beyond approving the minutes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• We were unable to utilize and offer to support our county.
• Um with that we support our our county.
• Um for and to support our our county.
• The amendment does State's authority.
• We're the largest public Authority.

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all