Transcript Highlights:

• You'll see that in section one, lines 1.7 through 1.9.
• Again, that's in section one.
• You'll see that in section one, lines 1.7 through 1.9.
• Again, that's in section one.
• Again, that's in section one.

Committee: Senate Labor

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In this particular proposal, there are three waiver sections.
• In this language in the waiver sections.
• So this comment appears waiver sections.
• Uh given that this section >> Uh thank you.
• Um, it's just one section creating a jurisprudence examination.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and consent calendar, then took up several rule items. For Department of Safety rule 2611, DMV leadership explained the rule had been under development since January but needed to be updated to reflect a new statutory change and to align the rule with RSA 266. Members discussed narrowing the rule to road-safety items rather than automobile inspection provisions, and the department said it would issue a new public notice and hold another hearing. The committee voted to grant a waiver and postpone the item until the October 15, 2026 meeting. The Board of Active Puncture Licensing item 26-47 was postponed one month at the agency’s request so it could incorporate OS feedback, with no waiver needed. The Insurance Department’s claim settlement rule 25-234 and related item 26-78 drew more extensive discussion over waiver language. Committee members objected that the proposed language gave the commissioner broad discretion to set waiver periods without clear criteria, while agency counsel argued the rule already contained standards and that the language allowed temporary waivers. After discussion about consistency, permanency, and the need for clearer documentation, the committee voted to postpone 25-234 with a waiver and to postpone 26-78. Finally, the committee considered Health and Human Services rule 2690, which sets SNAP certification periods for a pilot demonstration authorized by SB 499. Staff explained that federal changes now require the age threshold for the 36-month certification period to be 65 instead of 60, and that the agency had been directed to make the change by August 12. Agency staff said the rule needed to be updated to match federal direction, and members generally agreed. The committee discussed whether the federal citation was sufficient and whether the rule should reference the law change directly, but no final objection was raised in the portion shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• It adds a section accordingly about how the Commissioner has to do that. Mr.
• It adds a section accordingly about how the Commissioner has to do that.
• </c> And it adds an appropriations section And it adds an appropriations section um,<00:04:35.520><c>
• because it is more appropriately to be in a different section.
• because it is more appropriately to be in a different section.

Bills: HF4407 , HF4382

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Keywords: child welfare, African American children, racial disproportionality, family preservation, reunification, foster care, kinship care, relative placement, noncustodial parent, guardian ad litem, ombudsperson, Department of Human Services, county social services, active efforts, reasonable efforts, child protection, placement, out-of-home placement, Northstar kinship assistance, data disaggregation

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and finally, >> [clears throat] >> section 3 of the bill, it terminates ICS as we know it today.
• 3 of the bill, &gt;&gt; section 3 of the bill, it<00:05:10.080><c> terminates</c><00:05:10.680><c> ICS
• </c><01:20:36.760><c> Likewise,</c><01:20:37.440><c> I</c> included in this section.
• Likewise, I included in this section.
• So, this is the first<01:20:56.680><c> section</c><01:20:57.080><c> of</c><01:20:57.200><c> trying</c

Bills: HF1767 , HF2068 , HF4725 , HF4637 , HF4638

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: human services, community support, integrated care, disability services, stakeholder consultation, homeless youth, grants, funding, Minnesota, mental health, substance use disorder, education, workforce development, licensure, direct care services, healthcare, long-term care, personal care assistants, employment support, medical assistance

Transcript Highlights:

• As you look at section two of the bill, that was section one.
• Section two, as I look at it, is referencing 116.76 to 116.835.
• Chair, Senator Jaskowski, yes, you were reading the section that talks about coverage of the act.
• And if you look at the middle<00:59:18.480><c> section,</c> middle section, middle section, which<00:
• But if the article 3 section 3 paragraph F covers that, then I'm good. reference on line five of 1.5

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This mirrors what's been in place for state and local actors since 1874 under 42 USC section 1983.
• </c><00:04:55.280><c> under</c><00:04:55.680><c> 42</c><00:04:56.240><c> USC</c><00:04:56.720><c> section
• </c> actors since 1874 under 42 USC section actors since 1874 under 42 USC section 1983. 1983. 1983.
• The law that we have mirrors almost exactly 42 USC section 1983, which is not specific to any particular
• The law that we have mirrors almost exactly 42 USC section 1983, which is not specific to any particular

Bills: HF3477 , HF3480 , HF3781 , HF3357 , HF3737 , HF3664 , HF3621

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: civil rights, law enforcement, federal collaboration, accountability, state law, immigration enforcement, economic impact, Operation Metro Surge, study, appropriation, local government, Legislative Commission on Legislative Security, legislator security, elected official security, staff security, statehouse security, capitol security, legislative district safety, political violence prevention, threat assessment

Transcript Highlights:

• But, uh, the sections it's quoting are really, uh, speaking to the individual income tax.
• So those would be, I believe, we just did that in our closing section.
• So those would be, I believe, we just did that in our closing section. Yeah.
• The department has comments about the bill, um, is mainly about section four of the bill.
• </c> and um also insert that um HRS section and um also insert that um HRS section 23 23 23 um<01:56:

Bills: HB2488 , HB2456

Committee: House Human Services & Homelessness

Keywords: disability, communication access, deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, healthcare, sign language interpreters, auxiliary aids, weight loss, GLP-1 drugs, obesity, Medicaid, healthcare costs, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HP 1972, which would create a nonrefundable family caregiver tax credit, and on a related tax measure to increase the existing dependent care tax credit. Supporters of HP 1972, including AARP, the Executive Office on Aging, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and others, said unpaid caregivers are essential to keeping kūpuna and other loved ones at home and described significant out-of-pocket costs. The Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation raised technical concerns, including the need to avoid overlap with existing credits and to prevent double-dipping. The department said taxpayers can claim credits to the extent allowed, but recommended explicit language barring the same costs from being claimed under more than one credit. No vote was taken in the excerpt, and the chair moved the bill along after questions. The committee then heard HP 1975, which would repeal the sunset on the state rent supplement program for kūpuna. AARP, Catholic Charities Hawaii, the Executive Office on Aging, and others supported making the program permanent, saying it helps low-income older adults avoid eviction and homelessness and allows them to remain in affordable housing. Catholic Charities described clients who were paying unsustainable shares of income for rent before receiving the supplement. Members also shared a constituent example of an elderly retiree who needed the subsidy to stay housed. Written support was noted from additional organizations and individuals. Next, the committee took up HB 1706, which would expand Medicaid prospective payment reimbursement to include mental health services furnished in federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics by mental health professionals under supervision. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the bill, and DHS said it appreciated the intent to address workforce shortages and expand training, but cautioned that unlicensed professionals cannot currently bill Medicaid and that a state plan amendment would be needed, with limited precedent for approval. Members asked about the likelihood and timing of federal approval and whether the bill could help rural areas; DHS said approval is uncertain and the process can take time, though it saw possible alignment with the state’s rural health transformation efforts. The committee also discussed HB 546, a three-year health coverage continuity pilot program for people losing Medicaid coverage. DHS, the Attorney General’s office, DCCA, Catholic Charities, the University of Hawaii, and others testified, with DHS warning that federal changes could increase uninsured rates and that the state may need to act quickly. Catholic Charities and others emphasized the risk to Medicaid recipients, including homeless and near-elderly residents, while DHS explained the state’s existing premium assistance program for certain immigrants and compared it to the proposed pilot. The excerpt ends during discussion of that comparison, with no vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• a law enforcement community that we fell short on that portion, but we did really well in other sections
• Law enforcement community that we fell short on that portion, but we did really well in other sections
• So the Kapiʻolani Street property we have our special operations section.
• So those are people operations section.
• to create um reorganize our sections to create um what<01:53:22.719><c> we</c><01:53:22.880><c> call

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 443.255. Penalties related to hemp products.
• Section 443.252 of this bill creates a new Class B misdemeanor for mere possession of these products.
• Instead, I would like to mention to Senator Perry a couple of changes in Section 15 on labeling under
• Section 5 of this bill says that all hemp farms of any size have to pay a blanket $10,000 for initial
• I'm a sectioner. Howdy. My name is Timothy Mayberry. I'm a six-generation Texan.

Bills: SB 5 , SB 11 , SB 12

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, human trafficking, trafficking victim, compelling prostitution, affirmative defense, criminal defense, coercion, force fraud or coercion, sexual exploitation, victim protection, Penal Code, Texas criminal law, prosecution, party liability, affirmative defense statute, survivor rights

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs took up Senate Bill 5, which Senator Perry described as a ban on intoxicating THC consumer products while preserving legal CBD, CBG, hemp seed, hemp seed protein powder, and hemp seed oil products. Perry argued that most retail THC products are already illegal under federal law, that the industry has used loopholes and misleading labeling to sell high-potency products, and that regulation would be ineffective because chemists can quickly alter formulations. He also said the bill would steer people with medical needs toward the Texas Compassionate Use Program (T-Cup), which he and other supporters described as the proper physician-guided alternative. Committee members and witnesses repeatedly discussed the distinction between legal hemp-derived products and intoxicating THC products, and Perry said the bill would not touch non-consumable hemp uses such as fiber and clothing. Invited testimony came from law enforcement and medical witnesses who supported the bill. Texas Police Chiefs Association representative Steve Dye, Kaufman County District Attorney Early Wiley, and Chambers County Sheriff Brian Hawthorne all said regulation would be too costly, too complex, and ultimately unenforceable, while a ban would be clearer and easier to enforce. They cited overloaded DPS labs, the need for expensive private testing, limited police and prosecutor resources, and the difficulty of keeping up with constantly changing cannabinoids and out-of-state products. Hawthorne and Wiley described raids and investigations involving warehouses, retail stores, cash seizures, and products they said were marketed to young people and often mislabeled or imported from other states. They also said the bill would help law enforcement by creating a clearer legal line and protecting legitimate CBD/CBG businesses. Dr. Lindy McGee, speaking for the Texas Medical Association and Texas Pediatric Society, testified that retail THC products pose serious risks to children and adolescents, including addiction, impaired brain development, psychosis, suicide attempts, self-harm, accidental toddler ingestions, and possible long-term cognitive effects. She said there is no effective medication treatment for THC addiction comparable to nicotine cessation tools, and she supported restrictions such as child-resistant packaging, no marketing to minors, and age limits, while opposing criminal penalties for possession by minors. Senators asked follow-up questions about brain development, memory, dementia risk, pregnancy, and cardiovascular effects. No vote was taken during the portion provided, and the committee continued with invited testimony and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, in the new section of the bill, those communities that do the five-year reval, I point to myself,
• So, in the in the new section<00:20:12.880><c> of</c><00:20:13.039><c> the</c><00:20:13.200><c> bill,
• </c><00:20:13.520><c> those</c><00:20:13.760><c> communities</c> section of the bill, those communities
• </c><02:15:02.560><c> was</c><02:15:02.800><c> deleted</c> and it 5A and that section was deleted and
• And that section also um the budget cap.

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the perinatal nurse consultant at the Maternal Child Health section in the Bureau of Family Health
• I'm the perinatal nurse consultant at the Maternal Child Health section in the Bureau of Family Health
• in the Bureau of family health section in the Bureau of family health and<00:28:59.159><c> nutrition
• <c> dphs</c><00:29:13.880><c> within</c><00:29:14.399><c> HHS</c><00:29:15.399><c> um</c> the MCH section
• </c> now we'll have an appendices section now we'll have an appendices section that<00:34:41.240><c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met on March 28 for a Health and Human Services Oversight Committee meeting, approved the draft minutes from February 21, and then received updates from DHHS on the sudden termination of about $80 million in federal COVID-era funding. Commissioner Lori Weaver and Trisha Tilly said the funding had been expected to continue through September 2026, but an email ending it immediately created a 15-month budget gap. They explained that most of the money supported public health work, especially epidemiology, laboratory capacity, data systems, community health workers, outbreak response, and some behavioral health supports. DHHS said it had notified contractors, was reassessing which activities could continue, and had managed to avoid layoffs for its 20 affected staff by shifting funding sources, though some contract lab staff had to leave and some work would stop or be put on hold. Senators and representatives asked about impacts on labs, staffing, and the state budget lapse, and DHHS said the water lab and testing supplies would be affected and that the department was trying to backfill where possible with other federal funds. The committee then heard a maternal mortality report from the Maternal Mortality Review Committee. Alison Power and Caroline Naami explained that the MMRC reviews maternal deaths to identify contributing factors and make recommendations, and that it had completed one CDC grant and received another five years of funding. For 2023, the state recorded five pregnancy-associated deaths, including three from overdose, two from cardiovascular causes, and one homicide; the share of deaths related to substance use fell from 62.5% in 2022 to 40% in 2023. Over the 2019–2023 period, half of pregnancy-related deaths were due to overdose, most occurred postpartum, and many involved Medicaid recipients, transportation or financial barriers, and deaths at home. The committee said mental health and substance use remained the main drivers of maternal mortality, but that 79% of pregnancy-related deaths in the five-year aggregate were considered preventable. Presenters highlighted recommendations and ongoing interventions, including expanding Medicaid coverage through one year postpartum, strengthening behavioral health access, partnering with the Department of Corrections on care for pregnant and postpartum women, and continuing clinical education through the Northern New England Perinatal Quality Improvement Network. Members asked why the maternal mortality rate had declined in recent years; staff said the 2021 spike was tied to the pandemic and that recent declines likely reflected both that spike and the impact of interventions, though the small number of cases makes trends hard to interpret. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Item two is House Bill 2, Section 179, relative to the max ticket going from $30 to $50.
• </c> one item two is House Bill two Section one item two is House Bill two Section 179<00:35:21.200><
• of house bill to rather that section of house bill to keep<00:38:27.920><c> that</c><00:38:28.040><c
• There’s a couple easy House Bill 1 sections. The first is relative to appropriations.
• with this section either but I'll<01:40:15.679><c> defer</c><01:40:16.000><c> to</c><01:40:16.119><c

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard Representative Sweeney present and defend the budget amendment legalizing video lottery terminals (VLTs) and setting a 30% tax rate, with 65% of the tax going to the state and 35% to charities. He argued the lower rate was needed to encourage operators of historic horse racing (HHR) machines to convert to VLTs, saying the higher 45% rate would discourage adoption. He walked through revenue projections for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, estimating significant increases in state and charity revenue as machines transition over time, and said the amendment was designed to expand charitable gaming revenue overall. Several members questioned the assumptions behind his projections and the basis for his analysis, including why his independent research differed from the governor’s and Lottery Commission’s estimates. Sweeney said his figures were based on research into other states and conversations over many years, and he maintained that a 45% tax would likely result in no VLT adoption. Members also debated whether the transition costs for operators would be quickly recouped and whether the state’s share should be larger. One member emphasized that the committee was effectively choosing between a lower operator share and a higher state share, while Sweeney argued the 30% structure would produce revenue for everyone. The committee then moved to other revenue items on the tracking sheet. It voted 7-0 to accept the Lottery Commission’s revised base revenue estimates. Members also discussed an amendment to repeal the local option requirement for Kino games, which would expand Kino availability and was estimated to generate additional lottery profit in fiscal years 2026 and 2027. That amendment drew opposition from members who said local control was an important part of the original Kino policy and that removing it would override municipal decisions. The committee also noted that the VLT/HHR revenue item had already been adopted and was being revisited only to confirm the associated revenue estimates.

Transcript Highlights:

• To my surprise, the report mentioned MRETS in its policy recommendation section.
• To my surprise, the report mentioned MRETS in its policy recommendation section.
• To my surprise, the report mentioned MRETS in its policy recommendation section.
• To my surprise, the report mentioned MRETS in its policy recommendation section.
• </c><00:45:59.280><c> 45v</c> with the introduction of the section 45v with the introduction of the section

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• end and we left knowingly at the very end and we left out<00:12:37.000><c> a</c><00:12:37.680><c> section
• <c> we</c><00:12:38.920><c> had</c><00:12:39.079><c> originally</c><00:12:39.519><c> in</c> out a section
• that we had originally in out a section that we had originally in there<00:12:40.360><c> I</c><00:12
• So the next section, on page two, line five, is relative to the law that passed last year, SB 173, the
• come um so on page two line five section come um so on page two line five um<01:20:47.880><c> this</

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on HB 733-FN, a bill on third-party litigation financing (TPLF). Representative Cole, the prime sponsor, described TPLF as outside investors financing lawsuits in which they have no personal stake, arguing that the practice is largely unregulated, can involve foreign entities, and contributes to litigation abuse, higher insurance costs, and what he called a “tort tax.” He said the bill is modeled on an NCOIL proposal and would require disclosure of TPLF agreements, with specific references to foreign-entity restrictions, consumer-protection guardrails, and reporting requirements. He also noted a few technical fixes to the draft, including adding the word “knowingly” and restoring a section that had been omitted. Committee members questioned how the bill’s foreign-entity language would work, including whether a governor or the Department of Safety would designate countries of concern, and whether the bill would bar foreign parties from using litigation funding. Cole and others clarified that the bill was intended as a reporting measure, not a ban on litigation funding itself, and that the goal was to disclose who is funding lawsuits and to what extent. Representative Sal asked whether the bill would prevent a litigant from getting outside financing; Cole answered no, emphasizing disclosure rather than prohibition. Brandon Grat of the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau testified that the bill’s enforcement provisions were too limited. He said the draft appears to give the Attorney General only a civil-penalty remedy, likely too small to deter violations, and not the broader Consumer Protection Act tools such as injunctions, restitution, or investigation authority. He also raised concerns about whether the Attorney General or Insurance Department would have proper jurisdiction, given that the product may be financial or insurance-related. Insurance Commissioner DJ Benton Court said the department sees possible benefits from transparency because disclosure of litigation funding could help insurers assess risk, improve underwriting, and potentially ease hard-market pressures, especially for nonprofits and child care providers. He also said the bill’s language likely needs further work to clarify agency authority and suggested involving the Attorney General, Insurance Department, and banking regulators. Opposition testimony came from the New Hampshire Trial Lawyers Association. Marissa Chase and Samantha Hering argued the bill is one-sided because it requires disclosure only on the plaintiff side and not from defendants or insurers. They said New Hampshire already has court rules and discovery procedures that cover relevant disclosures, making the bill unnecessary, and questioned whether the existence of a funding contract is even relevant in litigation. The hearing ended with the committee continuing to discuss possible revisions and enforcement options, but no vote or final action was taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• D is at odds with reality um in section D is at odds with reality um there<00:45:08.319><c> are</c><
• So, um, talking specifically about Section D and the—I think that the amendment helps because it adds
• So, um, talking specifically about Section D and the—I think that the amendment helps because it adds
• So, um, talking specifically about Section D and the—I think that the amendment helps because it adds
• </c> line numbers on mine but in section line numbers on mine but in section three<02:11:13.639><c> that

Committee: House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As the sponsor said, it has two distinct sections.
• </c><05:01:26.680><c> is</c> for its investigation so that section is for its investigation so that section
• This brings us to the chapter 159-G:6 exclusions section of this bill.
• section section 159<06:00:57.360><c> G2</c><06:00:58.240><c> Roman</c><06:00:58.558><c> numeral</c><
• </c> 135 c34 35 36 and probably some sections 135 c34 35 36 and probably some sections earlier<06:22:

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment simply changes the shalls to may in the appropriate section.
• So for that reason, the amendment simply changes shall to may in those sections, so the courts have discretion

Committee: House Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met with a quorum, announced that House Bills 3304, 2777, and 3054 would not be heard that day, and then moved into executive session. In executive session, the committee considered House Bill 1910, which concerns child maintenance/child support obligations for certain persons convicted of DWIs. Representative Davis offered an amendment changing mandatory language from “shall” to “may” to preserve judicial discretion; the amendment was adopted 5-2 with one present. The committee then adopted a substitute and voted the House Committee substitute for HB 1910 do pass 7-0 with one present. The committee next took up House Bill 3116, a civil jurisprudence bill. An amendment was adopted to incorporate provisions from three previously heard bills: HB 1711 (Uniform Deposition Act), HB 1713 (allowing circuit courts to dissolve LLCs), and HB 3072 (workers’ compensation changes). The committee rolled the amendment into a substitute and voted the House Committee substitute for HB 3116 do pass 8-0. The committee also considered House Bill 3289 on court operations. An amendment was adopted to add treatment court administrators in certain circuits, subject to appropriations, then rolled into a substitute. The House Committee substitute for HB 3289 was voted do pass 8-0. In public hearing, Representative Dolan presented House Bill 3443, which would raise the court automation fee from $7 to $10 and add a CPI-based annual adjustment. Supporters from the Judicial Conference of Missouri said the fee has not been updated since the 1990s, that court automation costs continue to rise, and that the surcharge covers only a portion of the system’s expenses; they also noted that salaries are generally funded through general revenue rather than fees. Committee members asked about the new fee amount, what the revenue would support, and the collection-rate assumptions in the fiscal note. No opposition testimony was offered. Representative Parker then presented House Bill 2865, which would remove the statutory cap of $75 per hour for attorney’s fees in certain agency/licensure proceedings and replace it with “reasonable” fees. He and supporters said the current rate has not been updated since 1989 and is too low to attract attorneys for cases involving licensed professionals defending their licenses. Testimony in favor came from a private attorney who practices in this area, the Missouri Bar, and another supporter who said the bill would improve representation for Missouri licensees. No opposition testimony was presented, and the hearing on HB 2865 was concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, I move to amend House Bill 3127, page 6, section 1, line 8, by inserting after the word duties
• Page 6, section 1, line 8, by inserting after the word duties the following: comma, including but not

Summary: The committee considered several insurance, licensing, and workforce bills, often adopting PCRs/PCSs and, in some cases, striking title while continuing to work on language. HB 3127, as amended, would allow employers to adopt zero-tolerance drug policies while retaining existing safety-sensitive position provisions; it passed 11-3. HB 4488, the “right to appraisal” bill for motor vehicle insurance claims, passed 14-0 after questions about appraiser competency and certification. HB 2955, updating the Oklahoma Captive Insurance Company Act in coordination with the Insurance Department and the Captive Insurance Association, passed 13-1. The committee also advanced HB 3781, a homeowners insurance transparency measure that would move the state from a “use and file” to a “file and use” system and give the insurance commissioner more authority to review rates; members and the chair emphasized the bill was still being refined, but it passed 10-3. HB 3783, a plumbing workforce bill, was amended to allow candidates to take the exam earlier after completing training, with the license held until work requirements are met; after discussion about training hours and workforce benefits, it passed 14-1. HB 3802, a constituent-request bill to prevent a widow’s auto insurance from increasing until renewal, passed 15-0. Chairman Hill then laid over HB 2471, a bill concerning the Workforce Commission, saying recent discussions had resolved concerns and that further work was preferable to a “knee-jerk” reaction. The meeting ended with Leader Lawson praising Chairman Hill’s service and leadership before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, we will go to the witness section of the hearing.
• I agree. go to the witness section of the hearing.

Committee: House Higher Education and Workforce Development

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I see Director Byrne over there, and it looks like there's references to other code sections and federal
• And it looks like there's references to other code sections and federal, you know, et cetera.

Summary: The Senate Health and Welfare Committee heard several RS introductions and one House bill. RS 33393, by Sen. Van Orden, would create an audit/transparency process related to residential habilitation and provider rate increases; after clarification that it was the audit piece only, the committee voted to send it to print by voice vote. RS 33404, presented by a University of Idaho law student for Sen. Anthon, would allow pharmacists to seek voluntary dual licensure as naturopathic doctors; it was sent to print. RS 33355, by Sen. Blaylock, would restructure Health and Welfare oversight by eliminating administrative regions, regional directors, the Board of Health and Welfare, and regional behavioral health boards; despite concerns from Sen. Wintrow about losing advisory capacity, it was sent to print. RS 33406 would require hospitals to provide clearer, bundled labor-and-delivery pricing information, and RS 33419 would update newborn screening exemption language to align with existing vaccine exemptions; both were sent to print without opposition. The committee then heard House Bill 555, a rewrite of the Idaho Solid Waste Code, presented by Rep. Weber with testimony from Nate Francisco of the Idaho Solid Waste Association. The bill would move solid waste regulatory authority from health districts to the Department of Environmental Quality, with supporters citing greater expertise, statewide consistency, fewer conflicts of interest, and user-fee funding for DEQ’s added responsibilities. Members asked about impacts on septic systems, public health protections, and federal primacy under RCRA; the presenters said the bill concerns municipal solid waste, preserves public health and safety, and is intended to maintain Idaho’s primacy. The committee voted to send HB 555 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation. The meeting then adjourned.