Video & Transcript Research : 'bill drafting'
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TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, there are 14 bills on the agenda today.
- her bill.
- For Senate Bill 2361, Senator Colchorce is recognized to explain the difference between the bill as filed
- Chairman, switches out the non-council draft to a Legislative Council draft.
- That's all the bill does. A simple fix to sync Texas law reality. That's all the bill does.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on K-16 met with 14 bills on the agenda and announced it would recess around 9:45 to attend the floor session, then resume afterward. The committee first took up Senate Bill 2361, which would transfer governance of the University of Houston-Victoria from the University of Houston System to the Texas A&M University System and rename it Texas A&M University-Victoria. Senator Cole explained that the committee substitute added transition language for employee health benefits and ERS contributions. Supporters, including Texas A&M System officials, Victoria’s mayor, regional economic development leaders, a Formosa Plastics representative, a Victoria College trustee, and a local business owner, said the move would better align the university with regional industry needs, especially engineering, agriculture, and workforce development, while helping retain local students and support economic growth. A Texas A&M official also noted accreditation, data-system, and other transition challenges, but said the change was manageable. Because there was no quorum, the committee could not adopt the substitute, and SB 2361 was left pending subject to the call of the chair after public testimony closed.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 530 from Senator Sparks, which would update Texas higher education law to match federal rules allowing institutions to use any nationally recognized accreditor rather than only a regional accreditor. Sparks said the bill was a cleanup measure responding to a 2019 federal rule change and prior concerns had been addressed over the interim. Testimony in support came from a Texas Public Policy Foundation fellow, who said the bill would give universities flexibility, preserve quality standards, and simplify credit transfer and costs for students. With no opposition and no questions, public testimony closed and SB 530 was left pending. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The question is on passing the bills to be enacted.
- Bills in the Third Reading.
- The ayes have it, and the bill is amended, and the bill as amended is ordered to a third reading.
- Bill 1646.
- We passed this bill last session.
Summary:
The Senate first took up final passage of two bills: one directing the Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for Jason Villian, and another authorizing DCAMM to convey certain parcels of land in Brockton. Both bills passed to be enacted and were sent to the Governor. The chamber also adopted a resolution celebrating the commissioning of the U.S.S. Massachusetts.
The Senate then considered several committee reports and procedural orders. Ways and Means reported a new draft for Senate Bill 2801, fostering agricultural resilience in Massachusetts, and the Senate ordered the bill to a second reading with amendment deadlines and later-stage procedures set. The Rules Committee also recommended suspending the joint rule for a petition on animal telehealth, which the Senate approved, along with additional Joint Rule 12 suspensions to refer House petitions to the appropriate committees.
Later, the Senate took up Senate Bill 1646 on violations of regulations regarding hot work processes. After suspending the rules to proceed forthwith, the Senate rejected an amendment to establish a Board of Hoisting Machinery Regulations, adopted the Ways and Means amendment, and ordered the bill to a third reading. Following remarks from Senator Collins about the Walsh-Kennedy Commission and fire safety reforms, the bill passed to be engrossed. The Senate also adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Dan McColl, a South Boston artist and newspaper man, and then adjourned to meet again the following Thursday at 11 a.m.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Fish and Game and Marine Resources (03/04/2026)
Fish and Game and Marine Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, I think everybody's seen draft.
- underlying bill. underlying bill.
- I've um I'm looking now at trying to get that drafted, and I'll try to put it on one of the Senate bills
- bill? Representative Harvey. bill? Representative Harvey.
- Um I understand that um the bill.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Statute Law Committee Jun 17th, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Statute Law Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I was previously doing the bill drafting guide.
- May be eligible for inclusion in the technical corrections bill.
- Technical corrections bill in the 2027 session.
- I see quite a number of bills that Senator Peterson was involved in and a number of bills that I was
- We'll be doing some agency bill drafting at that point in time, but we won't be into full budget action
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Funding (11/10/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- that the whole bill is needless. that the whole bill is needless.
- while preserving the intent of the bill. while preserving the intent of the bill.
- what are the procedures in this bill? what are the procedures in this bill?
- specified in this bill specified in this bill do<01:20:36.719>
you <01:20:36.960>think - And in the amended draft, or better.
Summary:
The subcommittee met on HB 510 and HB 112, but the discussion focused almost entirely on HB 510, which would establish due process rights for students, student organizations, and faculty members in disciplinary proceedings at state institutions of higher education. The chair reviewed proposed amendments already approved or being considered, including revised definitions, confidentiality language for grievance information, removal of the adverse-inference language tied to self-incrimination, changes to cross-examination procedures, and narrowing an emergency exception by removing property damage and focusing on immediate threats to physical health or safety. The committee also discussed whether the hearing officer should have discretion to require a third party to conduct cross-examination, with the sponsor saying the word should remain “may” so the officer can respond to the circumstances of each case.
Members opposed to the bill argued that existing campus procedures already provide adequate due process and that the proposal is unnecessary, potentially intimidating to complainants, and disruptive to university policies and collective bargaining agreements. They objected especially to language allowing the accused to be present during cross-examination of an accuser and to the use of the term “victim” before facts are established. Supporters said the bill is intended to ensure basic fairness for accused students and faculty, that the language was revised to address concerns, and that the rights listed are appropriate because serious allegations can have lasting consequences even outside the criminal context. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided; the committee remained in discussion/caucus over the bill language.
NV
Transcript Highlights:
- The forum may submit one bill draft request to each regular legislative session.
- The forum may submit one bill draft request to each regular legislative session.
- Bill 323.
- Two years ago, Senator Scheibel and I drafted Senate Bill 234 to create a pilot program to provide free
- And originally, we wanted to draft a bill back in 2023 that would provide free phone calls between children
Keywords:
elderly, vulnerable persons, criminal penalties, theft, civil penalties, criminal justice reform, traffic stops, law enforcement, data recording, public safety, racial profiling, SB323, Nevada, Department of Corrections, offenders, inmates, incarcerated people, prison phone calls, free phone calls, family communication
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee Jan 20th, 2026
Ways and Means Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Call the next bill. House Bill 138 by Representative Pasco.
- You'll be getting legislation, or proposed draft bill, maybe this week, maybe next week, that will begin
- ] draft bill, not proposed [clears throat] draft bill, not proposed bill,<00:09:24.320>
a <00:09 - :24.480>
draft <00:09:24.800>bill <00:09:25.600>maybe <00:09:25.920>this < - 00:09:26.160>
week, bill, a draft bill maybe this week, bill, a draft bill maybe this week, maybe
Keywords:
inhalants, controlled substances, butyl nitrite, nitrous oxide, amyl nitrite, health, public safety, pregnancy, pregnant defendant, incarceration, jail intake, pregnancy test, bail, pre-incarceration probation, supervised probation, electronic monitoring, electronic supervision, perinatal care, prenatal care, maternal health
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 4/28/25 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Is it the bill that I would have drafted? It's not the bill I would have drafted.
- Is it the bill that I would have drafted? It's not the bill I would have drafted.
- Is it the bill that I would have drafted? It's not the bill I would have drafted.
- Is it the bill that I would have drafted? It's not the bill I would have drafted.
- Is it the bill that I would have drafted? It's not the bill I would have drafted.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- First up, we have House Bill 1997, House Draft One, relating to students with disabilities.
- Uh, recommendation for House Bill 1518, House Draft 1.
- Uh, House Bill 1518, House Draft 1. Again, uh members, this has a defective date.
- for House Bill 1518, House<01:40:05.840>
draft <01:40:06.159>1. - Uh House Bill 1518, House draft 1. >> Okay. Uh House Bill 1518, House draft 1.
Keywords:
students with disabilities, individualized education programs, emergency plans, evacuation procedures, support services, Hawaii education law, HB2343, Maui State Veterans Home, veterans home, veterans, long-term care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, hospice, Alzheimer's care, respite care, assimilate, transfer deadline, Act 99, Session Laws of Hawaii 2024
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 1997, which would require IEPs for students with disabilities to include individualized emergency accommodations and evacuation supports. The Attorney General’s office supported the intent but recommended amendments to explicitly include students with Section 504 plans and to change references from “department schools” to “public schools” so charter school students are covered. Testimony in support came from disability advocates and several individuals, including Peter Fritz, who said emergency evacuation planning should be made explicit because it is not clearly required by federal law, and Ka Swan, who emphasized student safety during emergencies. No vote or final action was taken on the bill in the transcript.
The committee then took up House Bill 2343, relating to the Maui State Veterans Home. The measure would repeal a deadline for transferring the home to a state agency with a Maui affiliation and instead require the transfer to occur as soon as practicable. The Department of Defense, the Office of Veterans Services, HHSC Oahu Region, and several individuals testified in support. Committee members asked whether a more definite deadline should be used, but the department said the open-ended language was preferable because the Maui entity is not yet ready and Oahu is currently providing oversight. No vote or final action was recorded.
House Bill 2566, authorizing special license plates for Hawaii Civil Air Patrol members, was also heard. The City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services testified in opposition, while Johnny Perry testified in support. The committee did not take a vote in the transcript.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2493 on wrongful imprisonment compensation procedures. The Attorney General’s office opposed the bill, arguing it would create an automatic payment mechanism without a sufficient finding of actual innocence, could trigger payments within five days of dismissal, and raised concerns about insufficient time for prosecution review and about funding and appropriation issues. Supporters, including people who said they had been wrongfully convicted and later found actually innocent, argued the bill would reduce delays and help released individuals survive while awaiting compensation. Judiciary staff requested technical amendments and said operational details still needed review. Members questioned the AG about the meaning of “actual innocence,” burden shifting, and whether the bill would better define the standard, but no vote or final action was taken.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Health & Social Services Committee Meeting Jun 24th, 2026
Health & Social Services
Transcript Highlights:
- We’re very pleased to speak in favor of this bill. It’s a compassionate bill.
- So we support this bill.
- So we support this bill.
- So is your agency in favor of this bill or not in favor of this bill? Yes, ma'am.
- What is this bill doing? I'd just like to have that explained. What is this bill doing?
Keywords:
hemp, marijuana, THC regulations, cannabis products, adult-use industry, public health, youth protection, child support, reunification, Department of Services for Children, family court, liability
Summary:
The committee met in late June with Senators Hansen, Buckson, Siegfried, Townsend, and Huxable present, and first approved the meeting minutes by voice vote. The opening bill, HB 341, would limit DFS from filing child support in foster care cases unless doing so would not hinder reunification; Children’s Department staff said the department has already decided to stop filing in all such cases, with an estimated fiscal impact of about $140,000 annually. Public testimony from the League of Women Voters supported the bill as a compassionate measure to help families reunite.
The committee then heard HB 446/related anaphylaxis legislation for colleges and universities, which would allow institutions to stock and use intranasal epinephrine alongside auto-injectors and update training and reporting requirements. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America supported the measure, emphasizing the need for needle-free options and faster treatment of anaphylaxis. The committee also took up HS1 for HB 356 on PFAS, which would ban firefighting foam containing PFAS beginning in 2028, require disclosure if PPE contains PFAS, and address recalls; DNREC and the fire service supported it, saying most departments have already transitioned away from PFAS foam.
A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 305, a diabetes wellness pilot program that would use continuous glucose monitoring, app-based care coordination, lab testing, and DHIN data analysis to shift care toward prevention and remission. Sponsor Senator Siegfried described the bill as a response to Delaware’s high diabetes costs and prevalence, and the Medical Society of Delaware supported it as a proactive model. The committee also discussed HB 395, which would regulate intoxicating hemp-derived products and synthetic cannabinoids by classifying products over a THC threshold as marijuana and creating penalties for unlicensed sales; the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner supported the bill, while hemp industry representatives and Senator Hoffner warned it could harm legitimate hemp retailers and access to hemp products.
The final item, HS1 for HB 332, would ban sales and marketing of kratom products to those under 21 and direct the state to study testing and regulation of kratom and synthetic variants. Supporters, including the Delaware Healthcare Association and several recovery advocates, said age-gating is a reasonable first step and that synthetic products are the main concern; opponents and some senators argued the bill should go further and fully ban kratom or better distinguish synthetic products from natural leaf kratom. No formal roll-call votes were taken on the substantive bills during the transcript, and the meeting adjourned after public comment.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/18/2026 - House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- And during the drafting of this bill over the last couple of years, new tools became available and they
- The verification process is the smallest part of this bill because, like I said, when this was drafted
- And I do admit that there's been changes since the bill was drafted.
- And I do admit that there's been changes since the bill was drafted.
- Chairman Gillette: I won't be laborate, but in public safety, we heard a bill that was improperly drafted
Keywords:
international organizations, government resources, public institutions, Arizona Board of Regents, foreign adversaries, campaign finance, contributions, termination statements, reporting, penalties, electoral processes, healthcare, public benefits, eligibility verification, fraud prevention, Medicaid, SNAP, transparency, accountability, state land
Summary:
The Committee on Federalism, Military Affairs, and Elections heard several election, health care, and sovereignty-related measures. HB 4115 and mirror resolution HCR 2051 would extend existing statewide rules for paid petition circulators and initiative/referendum disclosures to municipal and county measures, including badge/display requirements for paid circulators and disclosure of expenditures and revenue sources. Speaker Montenegro and supporters framed the bills as transparency and anti-out-of-state influence reforms; the committee recommended HB 4115 do pass by 5-2 and HCR 2051 by 4-3.
The committee also considered HCM 2010, urging Congress to repeal the Seventeenth Amendment and return selection of U.S. senators to state legislatures. Sponsor Rep. Powell argued it would restore state sovereignty and accountability, while other members raised concerns about direct democracy, deadlock, and the need for broader public support. The memorial failed on a 3-3-1 vote after a present vote was recorded, despite some members expressing sympathy for the concept.
HB 2940 proposed major changes to AHCCCS and DES eligibility verification and procurement, including expanded data checks, a unified eligibility rules engine, new contracting concepts, and a fixed benefit price list. The sponsor said the bill was intended to increase competition, transparency, and fiscal discipline; AHCCCS testified neutrally, noting it already uses many data matches but would need additional work and costs for some provisions, while health plan representatives opposed the bill as a major operational shift that could limit negotiated rates. The committee recommended the bill do pass 4-3. HB 2874, which would ease termination-statement requirements and penalties for committees that never raised money, passed unanimously 7-0. HB 467, requiring inactive-voter status information to appear in precinct registers, signature rosters, or e-poll books, was amended to change a mandatory “shall” to permissive “may” and then passed 5-2. Finally, HB 2775, as amended, would bar state and higher-education participation in implementing international-organization rules or agreements; after removing rulemaking authority for ABOR and adding a higher-education review process, it passed 4-3. The committee then adjourned.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider an original bill entitled, "GENIUS Act of 2025", and S.875, to curtail the political weaponization of Federal banking agencies by eliminating reputational risk as a component of the supervision of depository institutions. Mar 13th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- While the FIRM Act is the first step, there are other bills, really good bills, that address deeper issues
- This bill doesn't do that.
- This bill can be read to say, hey.
- This was a bill that was, for the most part, drafted without a lot of our input on the next issue.
- The question is now on ordering the bill Senate Bill The firm act reported as amended the clerk will
Bills:
SB875
Keywords:
banking regulation, federal agencies, reputational risk, financial services, supervision, FIRM Act, bank supervision, depository institutions, federal banking agencies, FDIC, OCC, Federal Reserve, NCUA, CFPB, credit unions, Operation Choke Point, financial discrimination, safety and soundness, supervisory guidance, examination manual
Summary:
This meeting focused on the markup of the Genius Act and the FIRM Act, two significant pieces of legislation addressing stablecoin regulation and the financial industry's regulatory framework. The Chairman noted the importance of providing clarity to the digital asset community and protecting American consumers, while also promoting innovation and competition within the financial sector. Members of both parties expressed varying viewpoints, with some highlighting concerns related to national security and the potential risks associated with stablecoins.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House health panel approves HF2371 3/24/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a very simple bill.
- To the committee for hearing the bill. It's a very simple bill.
- And so I drafted a bill, worked with some other advocates and generally was told this doesn't happen.
- And so I drafted a<00:01:35.759>
bill, <00:01:36.159>worked <00:01:36.400>with <00 - drafted. So, we have to be very careful. drafted. So, we have to be very careful.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, last night I actually drafted a bill that would actually define what the operating engineers' work
- actually drafted a bill that would actually drafted a bill that would actually<00:07:22.440>
- <00:09:48.959>
safeguards work furthermore this bill safeguards work furthermore this bill - or representative say's that your bill or representative say's bill<00:34:35.159>
would <00:34 - testimony and then to uh draft testimony and then to uh draft amendments<01:37:02.800>
we're<
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- The university has submitted testimony in opposition to this bill as currently drafted at the SD1.
- The university has submitted testimony in opposition to this bill as currently drafted at the SD1.
- The university has submitted testimony in opposition to this bill as currently drafted at the SD1.
- >
at <00:29:15.880>the to this bill as currently drafted at the to this bill as currently - this bill... bill Senate Bill 1502 sd1 uh relating to bill Senate Bill 1502 sd1 uh relating to uh<00
Summary:
The House Committee on Higher Education met on March 14, 2025, and heard five University of Hawaii-related bills. SB 741 would create an external audit committee for the UH system and Board of Regents; UH and UHPA opposed it, saying existing internal and external audits already provide robust oversight, and the committee later recommended deferring the bill indefinitely as duplicative. SB 1252 SD2 would create a dementia training program for health care providers; the Alzheimer’s Association and other supporters said broader training is needed across the care workforce, while the university discussed using JABSOM as a coordinator. The committee deferred the bill to March 19 for an HD1 reflecting JABSOM’s suggestions and removing the appropriations/FTE language.
SB 1502 SD1 would fund faculty positions, student programs, and facilities at UH Manoa and West Oahu for defense-sector workforce development. UH and Chamber of Commerce Hawaii supported the measure, describing a pipeline for students into intelligence, cybersecurity, and related fields, while one individual opposed it as too closely tied to military contracting and urged investment in other sectors instead. The committee amended the bill to remove FTE references and advanced it; the vote to pass with amendments was adopted, with several members voting aye and some excused.
SB 1530 would require performance-based allocation of UH general funds and efficiency reporting. UH and the Attorney General’s office raised concerns, saying the bill’s metrics would apply across the entire general fund budget and were not practical as drafted; the committee also noted opposition from the Budget and Finance Department and individuals. SB 1624 SD1 would restrict RIM funds to renewing, improving, or modernizing existing facilities and require annual reports. UH opposed the bill and explained that RIM is a lump-sum approach used to address deferred maintenance and capital needs, with Board of Regents approval and quarterly reporting already in place; the Attorney General suggested constitutional amendments. The transcript ends during discussion of SB 1624, with no final action shown in the excerpt.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JDC, JDC DEFER Public Hearings 02-19-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- At 9:45, we have 12 bills to vote on today. First up on this list is SB 1202.
- We'll go ahead and move to our 10 o'clock agenda, which has one deferred bill from, I don't remember,
- We'll go ahead and move to our 10 o'clock agenda, which has one deferred bill from, I don't remember,
- We'll go ahead and move to our 10 o'clock agenda, which has one deferred bill from, I don't remember,
- Thank you. agenda which has one deferred bill from agenda which has one deferred bill from I<00:10:05.240
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee held a decision-making-only agenda and voted on a series of bills, mostly following the chair’s recommendations. Measures passed unamended included SB 1202 on allowing campaign funds for child care and dependent care costs, SB 30 requiring all moped drivers to wear helmets, SB 55 requiring state administrative rules to be posted in a digitally accessible and searchable format, SB 106 on pedestrian conduct more than 200 feet from a crosswalk, SB 344 requiring helmets for skateboard users under 16, SB 849 increasing penalties for harming native species, SB 1337 clarifying Stadium Authority quorum rules, and SB 268 reducing the size of island burial councils and removing certain membership requirements. SB 1511, which prohibits vessels longer than 75 feet from entering Honay Bay, was also adopted, though the transcript includes some inconsistent wording about whether it was amended.
Several bills were approved with amendments. SB 1048 on solicitation of funds from the public was amended to remove a ministerial exception and to require certain charitable organizations and fundraising platforms to file written contracts with the Department before commencing solicitations. SB 109 was amended so that, in specified circumstances, the ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi version of a law would be binding when the law was originally drafted in English, translated into Hawaiian, and later amended. SB 66 on county building permits was amended to add a bad date, April 23, 2057. SB 1312, deferred to the 10 o’clock agenda, clarified that “profits from prostitution” includes money or property received from prostitution proceeds even if characterized as reimbursement or debt repayment; it was also passed with amendments.
The committee also adopted a recommendation to pass SB 55 and other measures with the noted excused absences of Senator Gabbard and, at times, other members. Throughout the meeting, no major opposition was recorded beyond one member voting no or with reservations on some bills, and the chair repeatedly announced that the recommendations had been adopted. The meeting concluded after the 10 o’clock agenda, with notice that the committee would meet upstairs for later agendas with WHAM.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Alcohol, Tobacco and Controlled Substances REVISED: SB1501 - Added Apr 8th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Alcohol, Tobacco and Controlled Substances
Transcript Highlights:
- There is a PCS on the bill.
- I hijacked this bill so I'll present it for the protem. The bill was a bond bill.
- We have tried for years to get a bond bill passed and so we sent over to the senate a bill that's a $2,000
- This bill is a quality control business clarity bill.
- recognized to present your bill.
Keywords:
SB65, naloxone, Narcan, opioid overdose, overdose reversal, opioid antagonist, emergency opioid antagonist, substance abuse services, harm reduction, public health, overdose prevention, good samaritan, civil immunity, criminal immunity, controlled substances, addiction treatment, fentanyl, opioid crisis, school overdose response, first aid
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee (12-8-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Also, I will say that under section four of the bill, the unlicensed sale is—I'm sorry—under the bill
- Also, I will say that under section four of the bill, the unlicensed sale is—I'm sorry—under the bill
- c> would not not an insubstantial bill, I would not not an insubstantial bill, I would say,<00:44
- 00:44:58.800>
prepared, these regulations drafted, prepared, these regulations drafted, prepared - Program for consistency with Senate Bill Program for consistency with Senate Bill 265<01:01:14.799
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes and then recognized a staff member’s birthday and a guest shadowing Senator Adams. It then moved into informational review of Education and Labor Cabinet, Department of Education regulation 702 KAR 3:30, which sets insurance coverage requirements for school district buildings and structures. Department of Education officials explained that districts are expected to carry coverage at replacement cost and said they understand some districts participate in self-insurance pools with backup policies, but they deferred detailed insurance questions to the Department of Insurance. Senators raised concerns that pooled coverage could leave districts exposed if claims exceed pool limits, and the chair asked KDE to follow up with DOI to confirm districts are adequately covered, especially for bondholders. No vote was taken on the informational review.
The committee then reviewed emergency ABC regulations 804 KAR 130:01 through 130:04 implementing Senate Bill 100’s new licensing requirements for tobacco, nicotine, and vapor product businesses. ABC and Public Protection Cabinet representatives outlined the emergency rules governing enforcement, license applications, denial criteria, and transitional licenses. Retail industry witnesses Shannon Stiglet and Brian Clark said they support licensure in principle but argued the rules add duplicative requirements borrowed from alcohol licensing, create confusion about transitional licenses, and may be too burdensome for the roughly 7,000 affected businesses to meet by the January 1 deadline. They also said guidance has been inconsistent and requested the agency revise the regulations, remove requirements not grounded in law, and provide clearer, separate processes for new and existing businesses.
Committee members asked whether the industry had worked directly with ABC and noted the public comment period was still open. Witnesses said they had communicated with ABC and the Public Protection Cabinet, but responses had been uneven and they wanted written guidance. Members expressed concern about the short timeline and the need to avoid disruption so businesses can operate legally on January 1. Representative Marzian asked for clarification that the discussion concerned emergency regulations already in effect while ordinary regulations remain in process. No formal action was taken beyond receiving the informational testimony and discussion.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Natural Resources and Environment May 26th, 2026
Natural Resources & Environment
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- the bill. the bill.
- to testify on this bill?
- <00:38:27.520>
Bill <00:38:28.000>1575 Next bill is um House Bill 1575 Next bill is - The final bill on the agenda is House Bill 1898 regarding immunization.
- Um, next bill, HP 255. I'd like to move this forward as a House draft.
Keywords:
accessible parking, disability, kupuna, public accommodations, small business exemptions, Hawaii Revised Statutes, parking permit, blind, deaf, accessibility, deafness, traffic safety, law enforcement, vehicle registration, communication, emergency services, commercial driver's license, first responders, public safety, authorized emergency vehicle
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several health-related bills. HB 1871, establishing a maternal health monitoring pilot program, drew support from the Department of Health, the Hawaii State Commission on Status of Women, and the Hawaii affiliate of the American College of Nurse Midwives, with testimony urging provider-neutral language so midwives and other qualified providers would not be excluded. HB 1977, requiring a maternal and infant health information mobile app, received support from ACNM and Philips, which said similar apps in other states improved awareness of services and helped families navigate care; a member asked the Department of Health about implementation time. HB 1858, relating to certificates of fetal deaths, was supported by the Department of Health and clinicians, who said the current statute is outdated and inconsistent with CDC guidance; the department and a physician testified that the bill should shift documentation responsibilities to physicians and APRNs, and members discussed optional versus mandatory issuance language and whether the bill would improve data on home births and transfers.
The committee also heard HB 1591, expanding definitions for preceptor and volunteer-based clinical training to improve income tax credits. The Department of Health supported the measure but preferred a similar, broader bill; Taxation suggested clarifying terms; the University of Hawaii and the State Center for Nursing supported it. ACNM asked that midwifery preceptors and Hawaii-based students enrolled in mainland programs be included, while the Hawaii Public Health Institute supported expansion of the program as a workforce solution. HB 1574, on the health care education loan repayment program, also drew broad support, including from the governor, SHPDA, OHA, and health organizations, but ACNM raised concerns that the bill’s 30% Medicaid-client threshold could exclude many providers and limit participation.
For HB 1575, creating a feasibility committee on Parkinson’s patient air transport, the Department of Health supported the intent but said transportation is more likely an insurance or benefit issue and suggested redirecting funds to Parkinson’s research; the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the Hawaii Parkinson Association supported the bill, citing inter-island travel barriers and high costs for patients and caregivers. HB 1854, establishing certification of community behavioral health clinics, was supported by the Department of Health and DHS, which said certification would help clinics qualify for enhanced Medicaid reimbursement and expand access; the Attorney General’s office raised a legal concern about the special fund language and recommended a purpose section, and the committee discussed whether the fund would be self-sustaining and noted a possible amendment to change membership language and reduce the board size if the amendment moved forward.