Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm going to allow my colleague to introduce his members on the Senate side. Thank you, Chair.
• Good morning, Madam Chair and members of the Public Health Committee.
• So, Madam Chair, Vice Chair, and members of the committee, my name is Catherine O'Keefe.
• Thank you, Chair Decker, Chair Driscoll, members of the committee.
• Good afternoon, Madam Chair and members of the committee.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Health

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing during a snowstorm, with members participating both in person and via Teams, and the chairs said testimony would be kept open for an additional week. The first bill heard was H.4796, an act relative to organ transplant vehicles. NORA New England testified in support, arguing that dedicated organ transport vehicles need authority to use lights and sirens so time-sensitive organs can be moved more quickly and safely without relying on EMS systems already stretched by 9-1-1 calls. No opposition was heard and the bill was then set aside as the committee moved to the next item. The bulk of the hearing focused on H.4838, an act expanding access to perimenopause and menopause care. Chair Decker, who filed the bill, said it was the product of a year of meetings with dozens of individuals and organizations and was intended as a starting point to identify gaps in care, training, access, and coverage. Testimony overwhelmingly supported the bill and described widespread misdiagnosis, dismissal of symptoms, limited clinician training, insurance barriers, medication access problems, and workplace impacts. Speakers included patients, clinicians, advocates, the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association, Blue Cross Blue Shield, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, and out-of-state and international experts, many of whom urged better education, public awareness, research, and workplace accommodations. Several witnesses emphasized that menopause affects whole-body health, including cardiovascular, bone, mental health, and work outcomes, and that Black women and other marginalized groups face greater barriers and worse outcomes. Some speakers noted the bill is important but largely a framework that will need further work to address coverage and access more directly. Blue Cross Blue Shield said it supports the bill and already covers menopause-related care and training, though the chair used the exchange to criticize broader insurer and state decisions on GLP-1 coverage for obesity. The committee took no vote during the hearing, and the chairs closed by thanking witnesses and stating that additional written testimony would be accepted.

Transcript Highlights:

• members, folks had sent letters.
• What I'll do is, um, I have members.
• Chair and committee members.
• Chair and committee members.
• Chair and committee members.

Committees: Senate Health and Human Services , Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair recognizes a member from Auburn.
• Members, take your seats. Roll call. Members, take your seats. Roll call.
• </c> Members, take your seats. Roll call. Members, take your seats. Roll call.
• They're members.
• Members, take your be a roll call vote. Members, take your seats.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members will note their presence. The chair recognizes the gentleman.
• The family members are left behind to pick up the pieces.
• Members, this ignition interlock provision has evolved quite a bit over the years.
• Does the gentleman from Bates County yield, and will the members give them a line?
• It does and some of the gins and orientation that they have down there.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have seven members, so we have a quorum. All right, thank you.
• Chair, members of the committee.
• Chair, members of the committee.
• They often include it now in their new employee orientation.
• Do any members have questions for JLARC staff?

Summary: At the May 14, 2025 JLARC meeting, members approved the January 9 minutes and adopted the 2025–27 biennial work plan with a minor typo correction. Staff reviewed the new work plan studies, including a drug take-back program fee/expenditure review due in December 2025 and a state energy performance standard compliance review due in June 2027, and noted JLARC’s recent session activity, including several bills passed related to JLARC work and recommendations. The committee then heard a preliminary cannabis market study showing Washington businesses likely produced two to three times more cannabis than retailers sold in 2023. Staff and RAND said LCB’s data systems are incomplete and unreliable, limiting regulation, tax verification, and diversion tracking; they recommended that LCB submit a plan by year-end for collecting accurate data by the end of 2026. Members and LCB discussed the long timeline for a new traceability system, the causes of missing sales and weight data, overproduction, diversion, and the social equity program’s effect on producer licenses. JLARC also presented a preliminary hospital oversight report concluding that the Department of Health is late on many hospital inspections, does not verify third-party inspection standards, does not review adverse health event correction plans, and could make hospital data more accessible. The committee discussed fee funding, language access, and inspection timing, and DOH said it would work on a strategic plan and continue coordinating with JLARC. Members also heard a preliminary report on the public records survivor exemption, which found agencies are using it but need more guidance; JLARC recommended keeping the exemption and having the Attorney General provide additional training. Finally, the committee approved the DDA processes and staffing final report for distribution, which recommended performance metrics, stronger data quality controls, and workforce planning; DDA concurred. JLARC also introduced proposed study questions for a future DCYF juvenile rehabilitation review focused on safety, security, programs, staffing, education, and contraband, and the meeting adjourned after members asked about scope and facility conditions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and members.
• So, thank you, members.
• Chair and members, the change item spreadsheet is a one-page document oriented portrait style in the
• Chair members, &gt;&gt; Uh Mr.
• So, just to orient members, the way that the proposal is constructed means that, relative to current

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• And I've had many conversations with members on the committee, including the Ranking Member, leading
• Thank you for members of the committee. Thank you, members.
• Thank you for members of the committee. Thank you, members.
• I will take a Ranking Member Fuchs.
• Thank you, committee members. Good evening, Mr. Chairman and members of the committee.

Committees: House Emerging Issues , House Emerging Issues and Professional Registration

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> you uh Mr chair and committee members you uh Mr chair and committee members I'm<00:06:11.120><c>
• </c><00:16:19.680><c> if</c> specific details um chair members if specific details um chair members if
• it is uh General community members it is uh General community members<00:36:10.480><c> it</c><00:36:
• oriented and non-veteran oriented<00:42:59.920><c> that</c><00:43:00.040><c> are</c><00:43:00.280><c
• Chair, members of the committee.

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, Ranking Member Klobuchar, and members of the committee.
• Chairman Bozeman, Ranking Member Klobuchar, and distinguished Senators of the Committee, I first want
• I am grateful for the opportunity to have met with several members of this committee.
• And one of the things that First Baptist Church does is provide childcare to members of the community
• Chairman and Ranking Members.

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee

Keywords: USDA, nominations, Judge Vaden, Tyler Clarkson, agriculture policy, rural America, tariffs, farmer advocacy

Summary: The meeting focused on the nominations of Judge Stephen Alexander Vaden for Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Mr. Tyler Clarkson for General Counsel at the USDA. Members expressed concerns regarding the challenges farmers and ranchers face, especially in navigating the impacts of recent tariffs imposed by the President. Significant attention was given to how these nominations could influence agriculture policy and support rural communities amidst economic uncertainty. The committee emphasized the necessity for strong leadership in the USDA to advocate for farmer needs and ensure the proper implementation of assistance programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Health care services provided at a hospital by a physician who is not a member of the hospital's medical
• Senate Bill 202 by Menendez, relating to allowing a member of the State Board of Education- to employ
• Eckhardt relating to lobbying by former members of the legislature to state affairs.
• For members of the Senate serving on the Sunset Advisory Commission to Business and Commerce.
• Senate Bill 450 by Middleton relating to lobbying by former members of the legislature.

Bills: SJR36 , SB2 , SJR6 , SJR7 , SJR8 , SJR9 , SJR10 , SJR11 , SJR12 , SJR13 , SJR14 , SJR15 , SJR16 , SJR17 , SJR18 , SJR19 , SJR20 , SJR21 , SJR22 , SJR23 , SJR24 , SJR25 , SJR26 , SJR27 , SJR28 , SJR29 , SJR30 , SJR31 , SJR32 , SJR49 , SCR1 , SCR2 , SCR3 , SCR4 , SCR5 , SCR6 , SCR8 , SCR9 , SB9 , SB41 , SB42 , SB43 , SB44 , SB45 , SB46 , SB47 , SB48 , SB49 , SB50 , SB51 , SB52 , SB53 , SB54 , SB55 , SB56 , SB57 , SB58 , SB59 , SB60 , SB61 , SB62 , SB63 , SB64 , SB65 , SB66 , SB67 , SB68 , SB69 , SB70 , SB71 , SB72 , SB73 , SB74 , SB75 , SB76 , SB77 , SB78 , SB79 , SB80 , SB81 , SB82 , SB83 , SB84 , SB85 , SB86 , SB87 , SB88 , SB89 , SB90 , SB91 , SB92 , SB93 , SB94 , SB95 , SB96 , SB97 , SB98 , SB99 , SB100 , SB101 , SB102 , SB103 , SB104 , SB105 , SB106 , SB107 , SB108 , SB109 , SB110 , SB111 , SB112 , SB113 , SB114 , SB115 , SB116 , SB117 , SB118 , SB119 , SB120 , SB121 , SB122 , SB123 , SB124 , SB125 , SB126 , SB127 , SB128 , SB129 , SB130 , SB131 , SB132 , SB133 , SB134 , SB135 , SB136 , SB137 , SB138 , SB139 , SB140 , SB141 , SB142 , SB143 , SB144 , SB145 , SB146 , SB147 , SB148 , SB149 , SB150 , SB151 , SB152 , SB153 , SB154 , SB155 , SB156 , SB157 , SB158 , SB159 , SB160 , SB161 , SB162 , SB163 , SB164 , SB165 , SB166 , SB167 , SB168 , SB169 , SB170 , SB171 , SB172 , SB173 , SB174 , SB175 , SB176 , SB177 , SB178 , SB179 , SB180 , SB181 , SB182 , SB183 , SB184 , SB185 , SB186 , SB187 , SB188 , SB189 , SB190 , SB191 , SB192 , SB193 , SB194 , SB195 , SB196 , SB197 , SB198 , SB199 , SB200 , SB201 , SB202 , SB203 , SB204 , SB205 , SB206 , SB207 , SB208 , SB209 , SB210 , SB211 , SB212 , SB213 , SB214 , SB215 , SB216 , SB217 , SB218 , SB219 , SB220 , SB221 , SB222 , SB223 , SB224 , SB225 , SB226 , SB227 , SB228 , SB229 , SB230 , SB231 , SB232 , SB233 , SB234 , SB235 , SB236 , SB237 , SB238 , SB239 , SB240 , SB241 , SB242 , SB243 , SB244 , SB245 , SB246 , SB247 , SB248 , SB249 , SB250 , SB251 , SB252 , SB253 , SB254 , SB255 , SB256 , SB257 , SB258 , SB259 , SB260 , SB261 , SB262 , SB263 , SB264 , SB265 , SB266 , SB267 , SB268 , SB269 , SB270 , SB271 , SB272 , SB273 , SB274 , SB275 , SB276 , SB277 , SB278 , SB279 , SB280 , SB281 , SB282 , SB283 , SB284 , SB285 , SB286 , SB287 , SB288 , SB289 , SB290 , SB291 , SB292 , SB293 , SB294 , SB295 , SB296 , SB297 , SB298 , SB299 , SB300 , SB301 , SB302 , SB303 , SB304 , SB305 , SB306 , SB307 , SB308 , SB309 , SB310 , SB311 , SB312 , SB313 , SB314 , SB315 , SB316 , SB317 , SB318 , SB319 , SB320 , SB321 , SB322 , SB323 , SB324 , SB325 , SB326 , SB327 , SB328 , SB329 , SB330 , SB331 , SB332 , SB333 , SB334 , SB335 , SB336 , SB337 , SB338 , SB339 , SB340 , SB341 , SB342 , SB343 , SB344 , SB345 , SB346 , SB347 , SB348 , SB349 , SB350 , SB351 , SB352 , SB353 , SB354 , SB355 , SB356 , SB357 , SB358 , SB359 , SB360 , SB361 , SB362 , SB363 , SB364 , SB365 , SB366 , SB367 , SB368 , SB369 , SB370 , SB371 , SB372 , SB373 , SB374 , SB375 , SB376 , SB377 , SB378 , SB379 , SB380 , SB381 , SB382 , SB383 , SB384 , SB385 , SB386 , SB387 , SB388 , SB389 , SB390 , SB391 , SB392 , SB393 , SB394 , SB395 , SB396 , SB397 , SB398 , SB399 , SB400 , SB401 , SB402 , SB403 , SB404 , SB405 , SB406 , SB407 , SB408 , SB409 , SB410 , SB411 , SB412 , SB413 , SB414 , SB415 , SB416 , SB417 , SB418 , SB419 , SB420 , SB421 , SB422 , SB423 , SB424 , SB425 , SB426 , SB427 , SB428 , SB429 , SB430 , SB431 , SB432 , SB433 , SB434 , SB435 , SB436 , SB437 , SB438 , SB439 , SB440 , SB441 , SB442 , SB443 , SB444 , SB445 , SB446 , SB447 , SB448 , SB449 , SB450 , SB451 , SB452 , SB453 , SB454 , SB455 , SB456 , SB457 , SB458 , SB459 , SB460 , SB461 , SB462 , SB463 , SB464 , SB465 , SB466 , SB467 , SB468 , SB469 , SB470 , SB471 , SB472 , SB473 , SB474 , SB475 , SB476 , SB477 , SB478 , SB479 , SB480 , SB481 , SB482 , SB483 , SB484 , SB485 , SB486 , SB487 , SB488 , SB489 , SB490 , SB491 , SB492 , SB493 , SB494 , SB495 , SB496 , SB497 , SB498 , SB499 , SB500 , SB501 , SB502 , SB503 , SB504 , SB505 , SB506 , SB507 , SB508 , SB509 , SB510 , SB511 , SB512 , SB513 , SB514 , SB515 , SB516 , SB517 , SB518 , SB519 , SB520 , SB521 , SB522 , SB523 , SB524 , SB525 , SB526 , SB527 , SB528 , SB529 , SB530 , SB531 , SB532 , SB533 , SB534 , SB535 , SB536 , SB537 , SB538 , SB539 , SB540 , SB541 , SB542 , SB543 , SB544 , SB545 , SB546 , SB547 , SB548 , SB549 , SB550 , SB551 , SB552 , SB553 , SB554 , SB555 , SB556 , SB557 , SB558 , SB559 , SB560 , SB561 , SB562 , SB563 , SB564 , SB565 , SB566 , SB567 , SB568 , SB569 , SB570 , SB571 , SB572 , SB573 , SB574 , SB575 , SB576 , SB577 , SB578 , SB579 , SB580 , SB581 , SB582 , SB583 , SB584 , SB585 , SB586 , SB587 , SB588 , SB589 , SB590 , SB591 , SB592 , SB593 , SB594 , SB595 , SB596 , SB597 , SB598 , SB599 , SB600 , SB601 , SB602 , SB603 , SB604 , SB605 , SB606 , SB607 , SB608 , SB609 , SB610 , SB611 , SB612 , SB613 , SB614 , SB615 , SB616 , SB617 , SB618 , SB619 , SB620 , SB621 , SB622 , SB623 , SB624 , SB625 , SB626 , SB627 , SB628 , SB629 , SB630 , SB631 , SB632 , SB633 , SB634 , SB635 , SB636 , SB637 , SB638 , SB639 , SB640 , SB641 , SB642 , SB643 , SB644 , SB645 , SB646 , SB647 , SB648 , SB649 , SB650 , SB651 , SB652 , SB653 , SB654 , SB655 , SB656 , SB657 , SB658 , SB659 , SB660 , SB661 , SB662 , SB663 , SB664 , SB665 , SB666 , SB667 , SB668 , SB669 , SB670 , SB671 , SB672 , SB673 , SB674 , SB675 , SB676 , SB677 , SB678 , SB679 , SB680 , SB681 , SB682 , SB683 , SB684 , SB685 , SB686 , SB687 , SB688 , SB689 , SB690 , SB691 , SB692 , SB693 , SB694 , SB695 , SB696 , SB697 , SB699 , SB700 , SB1047 , SB1048 , SJR6 , SJR7 , SJR8 , SJR9 , SJR10 , SJR11 , SJR12 , SJR13 , SJR14 , SJR15 , SJR16 , SJR17 , SJR18 , SJR19 , SJR20 , SJR21 , SJR22 , SJR23 , SJR24 , SJR25 , SJR26 , SJR27 , SJR28 , SJR29 , SJR30 , SJR31 , SJR32 , SJR49 , SCR1 , SCR2 , SCR3 , SCR4 , SCR5 , SCR6 , SCR8 , SCR9 , SB9 , SB41 , SB42 , SB43 , SB44 , SB45 , SB46 , SB47 , SB48 , SB49 , SB50 , SB51 , SB52 , SB53 , SB54 , SB55 , SB56 , SB57 , SB58 , SB59 , SB60 , SB61 , SB62 , SB63 , SB64 , SB65 , SB66 , SB67 , SB68 , SB69 , SB70 , SB71 , SB72 , SB73 , SB74 , SB75 , SB76 , SB77 , SB78 , SB79 , SB80 , SB81 , SB82 , SB83 , SB84 , SB85 , SB86 , SB87 , SB88 , SB89 , SB90 , SB91 , SB92 , SB93 , SB94 , SB95 , SB96 , SB97 , SB98 , SB99 , SB100 , SB101 , SB102 , SB103 , SB104 , SB105 , SB106 , SB107 , SB108 , SB109 , SB110 , SB111 , SB112 , SB113 , SB114 , SB115 , SB116 , SB117 , SB118 , SB119 , SB120 , SB121 , SB122 , SB123 , SB124 , SB125 , SB126 , SB127 , SB128 , SB129 , SB130 , SB131 , SB132 , SB133 , SB134 , SB135 , SB136 , SB137 , SB138 , SB139 , SB140 , SB141 , SB142 , SB143 , SB144 , SB145 , SB146 , SB147 , SB148 , SB149 , SB150 , SB151 , SB152 , SB153 , SB154 , SB155 , SB156 , SB157 , SB158 , SB159 , SB160 , SB161 , SB162 , SB163 , SB164 , SB165 , SB166 , SB167 , SB168 , SB169 , SB170 , SB171 , SB172 , SB173 , SB174 , SB175 , SB176 , SB177 , SB178 , SB179 , SB180 , SB181 , SB182 , SB183 , SB184 , SB185 , SB186 , SB187 , SB188 , SB189 , SB190 , SB191 , SB192 , SB193 , SB194 , SB195 , SB196 , SB197 , SB198 , SB199 , SB200 , SB201 , SB202 , SB203 , SB204 , SB205 , SB206 , SB207 , SB208 , SB209 , SB210 , SB211 , SB212 , SB213 , SB214 , SB215 , SB216 , SB217 , SB218 , SB219 , SB220 , SB221 , SB222 , SB223 , SB224 , SB225 , SB226 , SB227 , SB228 , SB229 , SB230 , SB231 , SB232 , SB233 , SB234 , SB235 , SB236 , SB237 , SB238 , SB239 , SB240 , SB241 , SB242 , SB243 , SB244 , SB245 , SB246 , SB247 , SB248 , SB249 , SB250 , SB251 , SB252 , SB253 , SB254 , SB255 , SB256 , SB257 , SB258 , SB259 , SB260 , SB261 , SB262 , SB263 , SB264 , SB265 , SB266 , SB267 , SB268 , SB269 , SB270 , SB271 , SB272 , SB273 , SB274 , SB275 , SB276 , SB277 , SB278 , SB279 , SB280 , SB281 , SB282 , SB283 , SB284 , SB285 , SB286 , SB287 , SB288 , SB289 , SB290 , SB291 , SB292 , SB293 , SB294 , SB295 , SB296 , SB297 , SB298 , SB299 , SB300 , SB301 , SB302 , SB303 , SB304 , SB305 , SB306 , SB307 , SB308 , SB309 , SB310 , SB311 , SB312 , SB313 , SB314 , SB315 , SB316 , SB317 , SB318 , SB319 , SB320 , SB321 , SB322 , SB323 , SB324 , SB325 , SB326 , SB327 , SB328 , SB329 , SB330 , SB331 , SB332 , SB333 , SB334 , SB335 , SB336 , SB337 , SB338 , SB339 , SB340 , SB341 , SB342 , SB343 , SB344 , SB345 , SB346 , SB347 , SB348 , SB349 , SB350 , SB351 , SB352 , SB353 , SB354 , SB355 , SB356 , SB357 , SB358 , SB359 , SB360 , SB361 , SB362 , SB363 , SB364 , SB365 , SB366 , SB367 , SB368 , SB369 , SB370 , SB371 , SB372 , SB373 , SB374 , SB375 , SB376 , SB377 , SB378 , SB379 , SB380 , SB381 , SB382 , SB383 , SB384 , SB385 , SB386 , SB387 , SB388 , SB389 , SB390 , SB391 , SB392 , SB393 , SB394 , SB395 , SB396 , SB397 , SB398 , SB399 , SB400 , SB401 , SB402 , SB403 , SB404 , SB405 , SB406 , SB407 , SB408 , SB409 , SB410 , SB411 , SB412 , SB413 , SB414 , SB415 , SB416 , SB417 , SB418 , SB419 , SB420 , SB421 , SB422 , SB423 , SB424 , SB425 , SB426 , SB427 , SB428 , SB429 , SB430 , SB431 , SB432 , SB433 , SB434 , SB435 , SB436 , SB437 , SB438 , SB439 , SB440 , SB441 , SB442 , SB443 , SB444 , SB445 , SB446 , SB447 , SB448 , SB449 , SB450 , SB451 , SB452 , SB453 , SB454 , SB455 , SB456 , SB457 , SB458 , SB459 , SB460 , SB461 , SB462 , SB463 , SB464 , SB465 , SB466 , SB467 , SB468 , SB469 , SB470 , SB471 , SB472 , SB473 , SB474 , SB475 , SB476 , SB477 , SB478 , SB479 , SB480 , SB481 , SB482 , SB483 , SB484 , SB485 , SB486 , SB487 , SB488 , SB489 , SB490 , SB491 , SB492 , SB493 , SB494 , SB495 , SB496 , SB497 , SB498 , SB499 , SB500 , SB501 , SB502 , SB503 , SB504 , SB505 , SB506 , SB507 , SB508 , SB509 , SB510 , SB511 , SB512 , SB513 , SB514 , SB515 , SB516 , SB517 , SB518 , SB519 , SB520 , SB521 , SB522 , SB523 , SB524 , SB525 , SB526 , SB527 , SB528 , SB529 , SB530 , SB531 , SB532 , SB533 , SB534 , SB535 , SB536 , SB537 , SB538 , SB539 , SB540 , SB541 , SB542 , SB543 , SB544 , SB545 , SB546 , SB547 , SB548 , SB549 , SB550 , SB551 , SB552 , SB553 , SB554 , SB555 , SB556 , SB557 , SB558 , SB559 , SB560 , SB561 , SB562 , SB563 , SB564 , SB565 , SB566 , SB567 , SB568 , SB569 , SB570 , SB571 , SB572 , SB573 , SB574 , SB575 , SB576 , SB577 , SB578 , SB579 , SB580 , SB581 , SB582 , SB583 , SB584 , SB585 , SB586 , SB587 , SB588 , SB589 , SB590 , SB591 , SB592 , SB593 , SB594 , SB595 , SB596 , SB597 , SB598 , SB599 , SB600 , SB601 , SB602 , SB603 , SB604 , SB605 , SB606 , SB607 , SB608 , SB609 , SB610 , SB611 , SB612 , SB613 , SB614 , SB615 , SB616 , SB617 , SB618 , SB619 , SB620 , SB621 , SB622 , SB623 , SB624 , SB625 , SB626 , SB627 , SB628 , SB629 , SB630 , SB631 , SB632 , SB633 , SB634 , SB635 , SB636 , SB637 , SB638 , SB639 , SB640 , SB641 , SB642 , SB643 , SB644 , SB645 , SB646 , SB647 , SB648 , SB649 , SB650 , SB651 , SB652 , SB653 , SB654 , SB655 , SB656 , SB657 , SB658 , SB659 , SB660 , SB661 , SB662 , SB663 , SB664 , SB665 , SB666 , SB667 , SB668 , SB669 , SB670 , SB671 , SB672 , SB673 , SB674 , SB675 , SB676 , SB677 , SB678 , SB679 , SB680 , SB681 , SB682 , SB683 , SB684 , SB685 , SB686 , SB687 , SB688 , SB689 , SB690 , SB691 , SB692 , SB693 , SB694 , SB695 , SB696 , SB697 , SB699 , SB700 , SB1047 , SB1048

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:30:31.559><c> over</c> death of uh one of the members over death of uh one of the members over
• Chairman, members of the committee.
• He was also a council member at the AICPA and a former board member and president of the...
• Chairman, members of the commission.
• </c> very much thank you chairman uh members very much thank you chairman uh members of<04:06:04.760>

Summary: The meeting was an introductory Ways and Means Committee orientation led by Chair John Janigian. Members went around the room introducing themselves, with several returning legislators and several freshmen describing their backgrounds in business, education, public service, finance, transportation, journalism, military service, and nonprofit work. Janigian explained his own legislative history and professional background, and other members, including Bill Bolton, Fred Doucette, Mary Ford, Jim Tierney, Scott Brier, Thomas Oppel, Mary Murphy, Representative Spar, Susan Elberger, Dennis Malloy, Jordan Ulery, and Julius Soti, briefly described their prior experience and reasons for serving on the committee. The chair then outlined the committee’s role. He said Ways and Means is responsible for revenue estimates that Finance will use to determine how much the state can spend over the next biennium, and that the committee would spend the next five to six weeks developing its best revenue estimate, due around February 15. He also explained that the committee hears from state agencies and departments about how taxes are created, collected, and performing against expectations, and that it reviews bills affecting state revenue, including tax increases, tax decreases, tax removals, and fee-related measures. Janigian noted that the committee had five bills at the time of the meeting and expected more to be referred. He explained that most would be first-committee bills, though some second-committee bills could come over if they involved taxes or fees after passing policy committees. He used marijuana-related legislation as an example of a bill that might first go to another committee and later reach Ways and Means if it had fiscal implications. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational, and members were told how to participate in hearings and follow-up questions during regular committee work.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> law related to transit-oriented law related to transit-oriented development<00:32:51.720><c> in<
• One of the members of that joint federal-state task force was a member of the Department of Homeland
• One of the members of that joint federal-state task force was a member of the Department of Homeland
• One of the members of that joint federal-state task force was a member of the Department of Homeland
• One of the members of that joint federal-state task force was a member of the Department of Homeland

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and members.
• Committee members, questions, comments. Assembly Member Ward.
• Chair and members.
• Chair and members.
• Chair and members.

Summary: The committee heard multiple bills, with extensive discussion focused on short-term rental regulation, street vending, park/public safety financing, transit-oriented housing fees, and demographic data collection. SB 346 would require short-term rental platforms to provide local governments with listing addresses and related information to help collect transient occupancy taxes and enforce local ordinances; supporters argued cities and counties need the data to identify unlicensed operators and recover taxes, while opposition from platforms raised privacy and due process concerns and said administrative subpoenas already exist. The bill was amended and passed 7-0 to the Judiciary Committee. SB 635, the Street Vendor Business Protection Act, sought to protect street vendors’ personal information from being shared in ways that could expose them to federal immigration enforcement; supporters described raids and fear in vendor communities, and the bill passed 6-1 to Public Safety. SB 499 would clarify that certain park and recreation facilities designated in local safety or hazard mitigation plans can qualify for fee deferral exemptions when they serve emergency or public safety functions; supporters said parks can serve as fire buffers, evacuation sites, and recovery hubs, while some housing advocates sought a clearer nexus to development impacts. The bill passed as amended 6-0 to Appropriations. SB 358, which would modernize traffic impact fee rules to better reflect lower automobile trip generation for walkable, transit-oriented housing, drew support from housing and transportation advocates and passed 8-0 to Appropriations. SB 515, aimed at improving demographic data collection and reporting by local governments and state entities, passed to Appropriations on a 4-0 vote. The committee also took up SB 276, presented by Assembly Member Stefani on behalf of Senator Wiener, which would allow San Francisco to create a permit-and-enforcement system for the sale of commonly stolen goods on sidewalks. Supporters said the measure is needed to address fencing operations and protect legitimate vendors, while emphasizing it is narrowly targeted and not aimed at food vendors or permitted sellers. The transcript ends during testimony on SB 276, with supporters from the Mission street vendor community and San Francisco Public Works describing enforcement problems and the need for clearer rules and city resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 1026 by Assembly Member Wilson. And there we go. Thank you, Madam Chair, members.
• Motion from Assembly Member Harabedian. Second from Assembly Member Schiavo.
• Motion from Assembly Member Schiavo. Second from Assembly Member Chen.
• Thank you, as a member.
• Thank you, as a member.

Committee: House Utilities and Energy

Summary: The committee first heard AB 1026 by Assembly Member Wilson, a bill aimed at reducing delays in utility energization applications that can hold up approved housing projects. Supporters, including the Housing Action Coalition, Mission Housing, and several housing and local government groups, said investor-owned utilities should follow clearer timelines and disclosure requirements so projects can move forward predictably. Opponents from PG&E and Southern California Edison argued the bill was unnecessary, could conflict with CPUC efforts already underway, and should wait for the ongoing energization rulemaking to conclude. After discussion of the bill’s amendments and timelines, the committee passed AB 1026 on a 15-0 vote, and also dispensed with the consent calendar on a 15-0 vote. The hearing then shifted to the committee’s annual oversight hearing on electric reliability. Representatives from the CPUC, CEC, CAISO, and DWR reviewed lessons from the 2020 rolling outages and 2022 heat events, emphasizing improved planning, better coordination, and the role of strategic reserves. They reported that California enters summer 2025 in a stronger position, with no expected shortfalls under traditional planning conditions and a surplus under standard reliability analysis, though they cautioned that wildfire and extreme heat could still create risk. They also highlighted major additions of battery storage, new procurement, and transmission and market reforms that have improved reliability and flexibility. Members asked about data center load growth, the future of Diablo Canyon, the strategic reliability reserve, wildfire costs, regional market expansion, and the balance between affordability and reliability. Witnesses said data center demand remains a major variable, Diablo Canyon should be planned for as if it may retire on schedule unless policy changes are made, and demand response and energy efficiency remain important tools. CAISO described the Western Energy Imbalance Market and the upcoming extended day-ahead market as major sources of savings and reliability benefits. The panel also said the new slice-of-day resource adequacy framework is working so far, with high compliance and ongoing monitoring.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, Chair and members.
• Good afternoon, Chair and members.
• Good afternoon, Chair and members.
• Good afternoon, Chair and members.
• Good afternoon, Chair and members.

Committee: Senate Housing

Summary: The committee opened its first Senate Housing hearing of 2026 by establishing quorum and explaining that several two-year bills and bond measures would be heard, with witnesses limited to two minutes and “me too” testimony grouped together. The first bill, SB 222 by Senator Wiener, would streamline permitting for heat pumps, water heaters, and HVAC installations and limit HOA barriers. Supporters said it would lower costs, speed replacements, reduce pollution, and help Californians switch to efficient electric appliances. The League of California Cities opposed unless amended, raising concerns about a permit-fee cap and the feasibility of virtual inspections. Committee members largely supported the policy but flagged fee recovery, inspection liability, HOA authority, and possible electrical panel upgrade costs; the bill passed to Local Government on a roll call vote. The committee then heard SB 677, also by Senator Wiener, which was narrowed to two remaining changes related to commuter rail definitions and mobile home exemption language, with a separate future cleanup bill for SB 79 promised later in the session. Local governments and counties said the amended bill still needed clearer definitions and implementation guidance, while several groups shifted to support after the amendments. The committee approved the bill 10-1 and sent it to Local Government. Next, SB 417 by Senator Cabaldon proposed a $10 billion 2026 affordable housing bond to fund construction, preservation, rehabilitation, supportive housing, and homeownership opportunities. Supporters emphasized the need to replace exhausted housing funds, leverage federal tax credits, and keep shovel-ready projects moving; opponents and some members raised concerns about state debt, the lack of a dedicated CalHome share, and whether the bond should include more homeownership or higher-education allocations. After extensive debate over bond indebtedness and housing need, the bill passed to Appropriations on an 8-1 vote. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 492, a youth housing and youth center bond proposal. Senator Reyes described it as a way to fund transitional housing and youth centers for transition-age youth up to age 25, arguing that early intervention could prevent future homelessness and reduce long-term public costs. Witnesses from Covenant House California and the California Coalition for Youth supported the measure, citing the needs of foster youth and homeless young people, the benefits of transitional housing, and the high success rate of youth exiting to stable housing. The transcript cuts off during additional testimony, so no final action on SB 492 is shown in the provided excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm also proud to be a member of the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee.
• I want to be a member of the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee.
• And lastly, Assembly Member Shiava will be filling in for Assembly Member Lowenthal.
• The feedback from our member organisations confirms these trends.
• The feedback from our member organisations confirm these trends.

Summary: The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee held an informational hearing on the impact of social media on LGBTQ+ youth, focusing on benefits, risks, and possible safeguards. Chair members framed the discussion around the tension between protecting young people from addictive design, harassment, hate speech, exploitation, and mental health harms while preserving access to affirming resources, community, and crisis support that many LGBTQ+ youth rely on online. Members emphasized that the hearing was meant to inform future policy rather than relitigate prior bills, and several members of the LGBTQ+ Caucus attended or participated. The first panel featured lived experience and advocacy testimony from Madi Roby of Alliance for Trans Youth Rights, Shea Gardner of LGBT Tech, and Casey Pick of the Trevor Project. Roby described social media as essential to exploring identity, finding trans language and safety information, and connecting to Trevor Project resources during a family crisis, while also acknowledging online hate and bullying. Gardner argued that lawmakers should regulate harms more precisely rather than impose broad age-based exclusions, warning that account bans and age-gating could cut off access to community, privacy-protective pseudonymity, and crisis resources. Pick testified that LGBTQ+ youth are more likely than peers to attempt suicide, that social media can be both a lifeline and a risk, and that Trevor Space and other moderated online spaces can improve mental health and reduce isolation; she also cautioned against policies that would push youth into less visible, less moderated spaces. Committee members questioned the witnesses about algorithmic feeds, addictive design, age verification, and whether platforms should be required to do more to protect youth. Several lawmakers distinguished between personalized feeds and addictive features such as infinite scroll and autoplay, and asked for more targeted prescriptions. Witnesses generally supported stronger privacy protections, limits on data collection and use, better reporting and moderation tools, digital literacy, and design changes that reduce harmful engagement patterns without eliminating access to community. The discussion also touched on the loss of LGBTQ-specific 988 services at the national level and the importance of maintaining alternative support pathways. The second panel presented research from Common Sense Media, UC Irvine, Hope Lab, and LGBTQ+ Health Australia. Researchers reported that LGBTQ+ youth often arrive online with higher depressive symptoms and limited in-person support, encounter homophobic and transphobic content at high rates, and may self-censor because of fear of harassment. At the same time, many said social media helps them feel less alone and find affirmation. Dr. Sean Young emphasized a harm-reduction approach, noting that online environments can be designed to support health and that policymakers should measure whether restrictions actually reduce harm or simply displace it. Dr. Amy Green echoed that social media is both harmful and supportive for LGBTQ+ youth, underscoring that the policy goal should be to make youth safer rather than less visible online.

Transcript Highlights:

• President and members.
• President, members.
• Thank you, Members.
• Members.
• Thank you, members.

Bills: SB111 , SB128 , SB203 , SB205 , SB261 , SB317 , SB393 , SB397 , SB466 , SB510 , SB582 , SB705 , SB731 , SB748 , SB801 , SB867 , SB876 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1250 , SB1285 , SB1310 , SB1400 , SB1444 , SB1483 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1581 , SB1608 , SB1698 , SB1723 , SB1730 , SB1835 , SB1858 , SB1903 , SB1946 , SB1950 , SB1986 , SB2017 , SB2043 , SB2056 , SB2058 , SB2063 , SB2082 , SB2105 , SB2133 , SB2137 , SB2177 , SB2203 , SB2260 , SB2311 , SB2334 , SB2344 , SB2403 , SB2417 , SB2446 , SB2519 , SB2522 , SB2532 , SB2600 , SB2611 , SB2619 , SB2637 , SB2688 , SB2717 , SB2764 , SB2785 , SB2790 , SB2794 , SB2841 , SB2847 , SB2857 , SB2878 , SB2891 , SB2943 , SB2955 , SB2972 , SB2995 , SB3037 , SB3057 , SB3059 , HJR2 , HB26 , HB206 , HB334 , HB451 , HB517 , HB554 , HB 1109 , HB2081 , HB2756 , HB3204 , HB3809 , SJR3 , SB5 , SB72 , SB509 , SB616 , SB963 , SB985 , SB1025 , SB1080 , SB1143 , SB1172 , SB1245 , SB1267 , SB1271 , SB1273 , SB1355 , SB1422 , SB1759 , SB1786 , SB2361 , SB17 , SB314 , SB455 , SB761 , SB1023 , SB1968 , SB2122 , SB2371 , SB2420 , SB2544 , SB1 , SB260 , SB1506 , SB1637 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SB2023 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1163 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB261 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB510 , SB1085 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB2458 , SB801 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB2797 , SB2076 , SB2876 , SB1640 , SB1449 , SB1181 , SB1359 , SB1234 , SB2926 , SB2972 , SB2841 , SB1528 , SB2891 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB2532 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB2203 , SB1285 , SB1237 , SB2819 , SB629 , SB2608 , SB1602 , SB1723 , SB1858 , SB1946 , SB2009 , SB2177 , SB2460 , SB2785 , SB867 , SB1608 , SB640 , SB1698 , SB705 , SB748 , SB2680 , SB2994 , SB2747 , SB1950 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1483 , SB1444 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1703 , SB2133 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2622 , SB2955 , SB3059 , SB2637 , SB2334 , SB1861 , SB2043 , SB1367 , SB2857 , SB128 , SB3058 , SB2044 , SB2363 , SB2311 , SB1986 , SB2565 , SB2943 , SB1888 , SB2417 , SB3048 , SB3052 , SB3053 , SB3036 , SB3057 , SB3056 , SB3043 , SB3037 , SB3050 , SB3063 , SB3047 , SB3035 , SB2446 , SB466 , SB2611 , SB2794 , SB2105 , SB2017 , SB1790 , SB1778 , SB1730 , SB2995 , SB2847 , SB205 , SB2619 , SB1903 , SB203 , SB3061 , SB1581 , SB2600 , SB2799 , SB2790 , SB2688 , SB2515 , SB1230 , SB876 , SB2522 , SB2639 , SB2137 , SB2519 , SB2403 , SB2459 , SB3051 , SB2655 , SB2251 , SB2764 , SB2878 , SB1884 , SB111 , SB582 , SB2617 , SB1835 , SB2751 , SB2063 , SB1400 , SB2058 , SB2260 , SB2928 , SB1310 , SB2566 , SB2344 , SB1897 , SB1749 , SB1361 , SB2549 , SB2553 , HJR2 , HJR1 , HB 1109 , HB517 , HB 1130 , HB1689 , HB2884 , HB1393 , HB2559 , HB26 , HB2756 , HB3204 , HB3012 , HB1327 , HB451 , HB 109 , HB206 , HB 1238 , HB2890 , HB9 , HB2081 , HB4215 , HB2970 , HB37 , HB1899 , HB3809 , HB334 , HB554 , HB1593 , HB2607 , HB3526 , HB3810 , HB5092 , HB388 , HB2809 , HB 1151 , HB913 , SB2919 , SB1782 , SB1705 , SB2696 , SB1944 , SB2215 , SB644 , HB3307 , HB879 , HB 116 , HB 12 , HB2703 , HB1610 , HB1615 , HB1620 , HB30 , HB21 , HCR7 , HCR75 , HCR86 , HCR92 , HCR93 , HCR126

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation by Pastor Tedrick Woods, followed by routine chamber actions including excusing Senator Gutierrez and receiving House messages that the House had passed HB 21 and HB 49. Senators also recognized advocates visiting the gallery on focal segmental glomerulosclerosis awareness and introduced the Doctor of the Day. The chamber adopted several resolutions, including HCR 66, by voice vote. The Senate then took up and passed a series of measures, often by suspending the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule. Among the bills finally passed were HJR 2, which would prohibit state death taxes; HB 206, limiting counties from requiring cash bonds for pipeline construction; HB 517, barring property owners associations from fining homeowners for discolored vegetation during watering restrictions; HB 2756, requiring TDCJ correctional officers to receive de-escalation and behavioral health training; HB 451, expanding screening for commercial sexual exploitation risk among children in DFPS and TJJD custody; SB 705, cleaning up the air conditioning and refrigeration contractors advisory board; SB 2017, creating an offense for burnouts and wheelies; SB 1858, expanding body armor grant eligibility to ISDs; SB 1400, directing a study on transfer-student outcomes for community college funding; SB 2764, requiring notice to manufactured home buyers about converting homes to real property; SB 748, a licensing cleanup bill on laser hair removal; SB 2519, restricting certain ad valorem tax uses and bonds after amendment; SB 2878, the courts bill with amendments on Brazoria County courts and youth diversion provisions; SB 466, allowing families to request fetal death certificates at any gestational age; SB 1608, requiring timely physical exams for inpatient mental health admissions; SB 1730, limiting civil damages claims arising from certain uses of force or deadly force; SB 2417, clarifying Attorney General antitrust investigation work product and discovery rules; and SB 1946, creating a family violence, criminal homicide prevention task force. The Senate also passed HB 3204, renaming and updating the Polytechnic College at Sam Houston State University, and SB 1986, requiring opioid warning labels. Several bills drew brief debate or amendments. Senators discussed broader HOA reform while considering HB 517, and SB 2203 on TCEQ discovery procedures was amended to require party motions, set a 15-day expiration for certified issues, and limit hearing abatement. SB 2017 was amended to change the mens rea language from knowingly to intentional. SB 2519 was narrowed by amendment to a forward-looking policy statement separating maintenance-and-operation taxes from debt-service taxes. SB 2878 also received amendments to reduce the number of new Brazoria County courts and add youth diversion and crisis-response provisions. SB 466 prompted a floor debate over whether fetal death certificates are appropriate for pre-20-week losses, with supporters emphasizing family closure and opponents arguing the document has no estate-related purpose. SB 1730 also prompted questions about the relationship between criminal findings and civil liability in self-defense cases. The session concluded with additional House and Senate measures being signed in the presence of the Senate and continued consideration of SB 2177, a grant program to help local law enforcement solve violent and sexual offenses.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Chair and members.
• Good afternoon, members.
• Good afternoon, members.
• Good afternoon, members.
• Please call the absent members, AB 1719. Please call the absent members. AB 1779.

Summary: The committee heard AB 1887, which would speed prior authorization for FDA-approved rare disease treatments prescribed by specialists and, if a plan does not act within 30 days, deem the request approved. The author and supporters, including patients and clinicians, said delays can cause irreversible harm, hospitalizations, and death, especially for children and people with progressive rare diseases. Health plans and insurers opposed the bill’s automatic-approval provision and said the measure lacked safeguards for incomplete requests and shared responsibility for timely information. The chair encouraged continued work with opponents, and the author said the bill was narrowed from an earlier version that would have waived prior authorization entirely. The committee also heard AB 1979 on artificial intelligence in health care, AB 2161 on Medi-Cal work requirements, AB 539 on extending approved prior authorizations, AB 2311 on physician employment at public hospital districts, AB 1148 on banning phthalates and bisphenols in food packaging, AB 1825 on mental health offender reentry coordination, and AB 2282 on a temporary emergency stabilization unit in Patterson. AB 1979 would preserve licensed clinicians’ professional judgment, bar AI from directing unlicensed clinical functions, and protect medical records used by consumer chatbots; after amendments, several hospital, medical, and industry groups moved from opposition to neutral. AB 2161 would limit the harm of federal Medi-Cal work-reporting rules by using existing data, improving notices, and protecting due process; it drew broad support from patient, provider, and advocacy groups. AB 539 would keep prior authorization approvals valid for up to one year or the course of treatment, with supporters citing continuity of care and opponents warning about utilization, fraud, and cost concerns. AB 2311, as amended, would let certain high-payer-mix or distressed public health care districts directly employ physicians; CMA withdrew opposition after the bill was narrowed, while some hospital interests still objected to the carve-out. AB 1148 would prohibit two chemicals commonly used in food packaging, with supporters citing cancer and endocrine-disruption risks and opponents arguing DTSC should handle the issue through its existing regulatory process. AB 1825 would improve transition planning and Medi-Cal enrollment for offenders with mental health disorders leaving state hospitals, and AB 2282 would authorize a temporary rural emergency stabilization care unit in Patterson until a permanent hospital is built. Several bills were held for later action because the committee lacked a quorum, and the chair repeatedly noted that motions would be taken once enough members returned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, Chair Leas and members of the committee. My name is Catherine Getz.
• Chair, members of the committee. For the record, my name is Paul Neal, JTC staff.
• The JTC team can orient you to that consultant team as well.
• The JTC team can orient you to that consultant team as well.
• Chair Leas, Chair Fye, Ranking Member Barkus, Assistant Ranking Member Gainer, members of the House and

Committee: Joint Joint Transportation Committee

Summary: The committee began with member introductions, then heard a presentation on a draft final report studying alternative funding mechanisms for sidewalks and related pedestrian infrastructure. Consultants said current local funding sources are insufficient, with most jurisdictions unable to complete planned sidewalk networks within 50 years. They evaluated four options: a sidewalk utility fee, a modified transportation benefit district sales tax, a new real estate excise tax option, and expanded stormwater fee use for ADA sidewalk ramps. The consultants recommended authorizing the modified TBD sales tax and new REET option, considering a sidewalk utility despite legal uncertainty, broadening any authorization to all pedestrian improvements, and not pursuing the stormwater fee option. Members asked about legal authority, fairness, revenue adequacy, and whether jurisdictions had been consulted; the presenters said state enabling legislation would likely be needed for a sidewalk utility and that fairness could be defined either by direct benefit or by need. The committee then received an update on the 2025 assessment of city transportation funding needs. The consultants reported that city transportation revenues have grown in some local and federal categories since 2019, but state revenues have remained relatively flat and smaller cities are especially affected by declining fuel tax revenues and limited tax bases. They estimated annual city transportation needs at $4.25 billion, average annual spending at $1.89 billion, and a funding gap of $2.37 billion, larger than in the prior study because of updated data, inclusion of system improvements, and higher preservation costs. Draft recommendations focused on reducing costs and improving efficiency, preserving and increasing state support, and expanding local funding options, including preservation-first spending, a permanent federal fund exchange program, streamlined review processes, better coordination with WSDOT, possible property tax flexibility, and exploration of new local tools. Members raised questions about design standards, the role of density and transit, federal compliance, and whether the report would identify specific consolidation or process changes. The committee also heard a project update on evaluating zero-emission vehicle and electrification programs funded by the Climate Commitment Act. Consultants said they had reviewed roughly 23 programs and projects across seven agencies and were now evaluating options to improve delivery, including process improvements, reorganizing programs, or consolidating governance and administrative functions. Early findings highlighted staffing shortages, duplication and variation across agencies, differing levels of risk, and the challenge of coordinating climate priorities across agencies with other core missions. Members asked about program outcomes, administrative costs, whether some programs should have exit strategies, and how to strengthen the EV Coordinating Council. Finally, WSDOT provided an implementation update on its new public-private partnership authority under SB 5801, saying work is underway to prepare governance, legal, policy, and organizational structures ahead of the January 1, 2027 effective date.

Transcript Highlights:

• . orientated. orientated.
• Members, any comments?
• Members, any comments?
• Members, any comments?
• Thank you, members.

Bills: SB2433 , SB2047 , SB2425 , SB3045 , SB2761 , SB3001 , SB2852 , SB2471

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2433 SD1 relating to condominiums, which would direct the condominium education trust fund toward educational resources for unit owners and require the Real Estate Commission to ensure owners’ interests are represented in funded activities and related rulemaking. Supporters, including the Hawaii Real Estate Commission and a condominium owner advocate, said owners need a seat at the table in condo governance and education efforts. Committee discussion focused on whether the bill was necessary, with the Real Estate Commission indicating it could already use the trust fund for owner education and that owners are already considered stakeholders, though not through a specific commission seat. No vote was taken during the excerpted discussion. The committee then took up SB 2047 SD2 HD1 on pharmacy benefit managers, which would set requirements for maximum allowable cost reimbursement, allow reverse-and-rebill claims after successful appeals, and authorize fines for violations. The Insurance Division offered comments, the Hawaii Pharmacists Association supported the measure with amendments and suggested future PBM reform funding, and Kaiser Permanente requested a technical amendment. A committee question raised whether the staffing and resource request for implementation was too large for a bill focused only on MAC pricing, and the witness said he would provide more data to the next committee. No final action was shown. Next was SB 2425 SD2 HD1 on health insurance and substance use disorder treatment, requiring insurers to honor written assignments of benefits to SUD providers and prohibiting anti-assignment clauses. Supporters described patients being unable to access treatment because of high out-of-pocket costs and said direct payment would reduce harm for people in recovery. HMSA opposed the bill but said it would begin direct payments to non-participating SUD facilities effective March 27, while continuing to object to the assignment-of-benefits portion because of fraud and balance-billing concerns; the Hawaii Association of Health Plans also opposed. Members questioned HMSA about reimbursement mechanics and why the bill was needed if coverage policies were already changing. Finally, the committee heard SB 3045 SD1 HD1, which would require coverage of continuous glucose monitors and related supplies, including for Medicaid managed care, under certain conditions. DHS and the Insurance Division offered comments, while SHPDA, Hilo Benioff Medical Center Foundation, and others supported the bill, citing inconsistent access and a case in which a woman allegedly died after being denied a CGM. HMSA said it already covers medically necessary CGMs and had updated its policy in 2025 for type 1 and insulin-dependent patients, but it raised concerns about expanding mandated coverage to type 2 and gestational diabetes and about supply impacts. The committee also discussed whether the bill duplicated existing coverage standards and why it had been introduced repeatedly. No votes or final dispositions were included in the excerpt.