Video & Transcript Research : 'population density'
Page 44 of 444
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- compare this state to other states that have an equal number of students in their K through 12 population
- Representative Lad continued: "...equal number of students in their K through 12 population, as we do
- That is, the workforce housing ordinance, which many municipalities come up with special density bonuses
- many municipalities uh come up with many municipalities uh come up with special<03:47:25.840>
density - municipalities to require 50% of units in a workforce housing project to contain two or more bedrooms for density
MI
Transcript Highlights:
- From opening up new lots to gentle density that blends in seamlessly with the neighborhood to allowing
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Housing and Human Services met with a quorum, adopted the June 16, 2026 minutes, and then unanimously adopted S-1 substitutes for House Bills 5570 and 5571. The chair said the committee would take testimony and likely not move to final passage that day, in order to allow more discussion and questions. The bills, as substituted, would allow local governments to permit certain multifamily buildings up to four stories to be built or converted with a single staircase, subject to conditions such as limits on units per floor, floor size, and existing fire safety requirements. A sunset provision was described as ending the statute once LARA adopts corresponding building code rules.
Representatives Fairbairn and Wooden testified in support, saying the bills are intended to address Michigan’s housing shortage by making smaller infill and “missing middle” projects more feasible and less costly. They argued the current two-stair requirement drives up costs, makes land assembly harder, and limits development on narrow or irregular lots. Senators asked about stair width, emergency safety, the choice of four stories instead of six, and why the American Institute of Architects opposed the approach; the sponsors said the 48-inch stair width was intended to allow two-way movement, four stories was a compromise aligned with expected code changes, and the architects preferred rulemaking over statutory change.
Supportive testimony came from Pew Charitable Trusts, which said research from New York City, Seattle, and other places found fire death rates in modern single-stair buildings to be indistinguishable from other multifamily buildings, and that modern safety features such as sprinklers, alarms, and fire-rated construction make these buildings safe. A developer from Ann Arbor and the Michigan Home Builders Association said the reform would improve floor-plan efficiency, reduce wasted circulation space, lower construction costs, and help smaller projects pencil out. Abundant Housing Michigan also supported the bills, estimating they could reduce apartment construction costs by nearly 13%. The clerk read in numerous written cards in support from business, housing, municipal, and advocacy groups, while the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs and the Michigan Professional Firefighters Union were listed as neutral. The committee adjourned without further business.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget Apr 6th, 2026 at 04:00 pm
Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget
Transcript Highlights:
- 15, the Oklahoma Historical Society Of have one question about our decision not to fund the high-density
Bills:
SB1177
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/05/2026 - House Rural Economic Development
Rural Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- So unless you go through, you know, something like Saturn's rings, the density of objects is relatively
Summary:
The Committee on Rural Economic Development met to hear two presentations. Representative Volk gave a presentation on invasive plant species in southern Arizona, focusing on buffalo grass and stinknet as wildfire fuels that also harm native ecosystems and can worsen respiratory issues. He described current removal efforts, including hand-pulling and coordinated treatment by groups such as the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and discussed the potential for drones and targeted herbicide application to improve mapping and treatment of infestations. Members asked about grazing uses, costs, herbicide selectivity, and the spread of stinknet, and Volk noted that mapping and treatment efforts are being expanded with grants and local testing of drone-based spraying.
The committee then heard from Dr. Vishnu Reddy of the University of Arizona on space defense as an economic enabler for Districts 7 and 17. He described Biosphere 2, the Landscape Evolution Observatory, agrovoltaics, and freight-farm systems as research and economic development assets tied to water scarcity, food production, and renewable energy. He also explained the University’s planetary defense work, including asteroid tracking, international warning exercises, and the DART-style concept of nudging hazardous objects off course, while noting the Chelyabinsk event as an example of an unexpected airburst.
Dr. Reddy emphasized the role of the University of Arizona, small businesses, and student workforce development in supporting space situational awareness and related research. He also shared meteorite, moon, and Mars samples with members and staff. No formal votes or committee actions were taken beyond the presentations and adjournment.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 5th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Assembly Business and Professions Committee and Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee May 13th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We've been serving mostly farmworkers, but a large population on the Central Coast of California in Santa
- think more abundantly about the resources that we do have and figure out how to use policy levers, density
Summary:
The joint hearing focused on the Governor’s 2025 reorganization plan to split the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency into two new agencies: a Business and Consumer Services Agency and a California Housing and Homelessness Agency. Administration officials said the change would give each side more focused leadership, improve consumer protection and regulatory oversight, and better align housing and homelessness policy with the state’s broader housing goals. Leaders from the Department of Consumer Affairs, Cannabis Control, Alcoholic Beverage Control, and Financial Protection and Innovation all voiced support for the business-side reorganization, while housing officials emphasized that the new housing agency would help streamline funding, compliance, and coordination across programs.
Members raised concerns about timing, budget impacts, office space, and whether the split would actually reduce bureaucracy. The administration said the plan would be included in the May Revision, was intended to be cost-neutral, and would not require fee increases for licensees or additional office space. On the housing side, officials said the new Housing Development and Finance Committee would work toward a single application and more coordinated award process for affordable housing funding, while preserving CalHFA’s statutory and financial independence. They also said the reorganization would improve compliance monitoring, data collection, and coordination with local governments, including Los Angeles homelessness programs.
Public testimony was largely supportive. Industry groups representing beverage distributors, craft brewers, wine, mortgage lenders, and housing organizations backed the business-side split, and housing advocates such as Housing California, the California Housing Partnership, and the California Housing Consortium supported the housing agency concept and the proposed one-stop-shop approach. Several witnesses urged that tax credits, bonds, and other funding sources be better coordinated, and some said the plan should be paired with additional state investment and implementation resources. No formal vote was taken; the hearing was informational.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (02/11/2026)
Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:19:22.719>
growth driven by tremendous population growth driven by tremendous population - He said we do not have a high population density in New Hampshire either, but we are by comparison tiny
- <01:30:52.320>
density we don't have a high population density we don't have a high population - the population, don't have the population, but<01:48:23.360>
we <01:48:23.760>can <01:48 - <03:45:15.040>
um harm um to vulnerable populations. um harm um to vulnerable populations.
HI
Bills:
SB99, SB585, SB2060, SB2069, SB2110, SB2115, SB2152, SB2211, SB2259, SB2315, SB2342, SB2382, SB2442, SB2446, SB2485, SB2544, SB2577, SB2580, SB2861, SB2919, SB3326
Keywords:
SB99, Hawaii, Employees' Retirement System, ERS, retirant, retiree rehiring, reemployment after retirement, retirement benefits, benefit suspension, school resource officer, SRO, public school safety, Department of Law Enforcement, DLE, labor shortage, difficult-to-fill position, teacher shortage, charter school, mentor teacher, vacancy rate
Summary:
The Committee on Ways and Means met for decision-making only and adopted recommendations on a long list of Senate bills, with no oral testimony taken. Early actions included SB 99 to pass unamended, SB 585 to pass with a date correction to 2015, SB 2060 to pass with amendments involving public project lists, legislative approval for fund transfers, and removal of certain appropriations, and SB 2069 to pass with amendments extending a sunset date and requiring transit-oriented development zoning. The committee also advanced several other measures, including SB 2110, SB 215, SB 2259, SB 2382, SB 2442, and SB 2485 unamended, while SB 2152, SB 2315, SB 2446, SB 2919, SB 2577, SB 2580, and SB 2861 were moved with various amendments, mostly date changes, appropriation blanks, or technical clarifications.
A substantial portion of the meeting focused on SB 2211, where Department of Human Services officials explained how the department was covering costs by using restricted funds and shifting Med-QUEST funding, and noted a need for $14 million plus support for $16.5 million in ACA enhanced tax credit subsidies. The chair indicated the bill would move forward with amendments, including blanking the appropriation pending more information on lapses, and the recommendation was adopted. SB 2544 was also amended to remove a specific appropriation and replace it with a blank cap on funds from DUR, and SB 2342 was amended to require projects to be in transit-oriented development zones and to reflect prior committee concurrence.
The most extended debate was on SB 3326, which would address utility restructuring. One senator opposed the bill, arguing it could raise rates, worsen reliability issues, and disrupt an existing utility without a clear plan, especially given island-specific conditions. Supporters argued the bill would separate generation from transmission and distribution, create competition, protect union jobs, and respond to aging infrastructure and financial weakness in the utility sector. After recesses and discussion of the Public Utilities Commission’s role, the chair changed the recommendation from pass unamended to pass with amendments requiring the PUC to conduct a study, provide an interim report before the next session, and a final report the following session. That amended recommendation was adopted, and the meeting then adjourned with no further business.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- lower the voter-approved rate to two and a half percent on cities and counties above 75,000 in population
- He did say that the jail population in our county has increased. and they contracted for an additional
Bills:
SB 10, SB 8, SB 15, SB 12, SB 6, SB 13, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, SB10, SB8, SB15, SB12, SB6, SB13, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4
Keywords:
sex designation, restroom access, civil penalties, private civil right of action, women's privacy, law enforcement, department file, employee records, misconduct, confidentiality, Texas occupations code, election laws, attorney general, prosecution, criminal offenses, criminal prosecution, jurisdiction, hemp, consumable hemp, hemp-derived cannabinoids
HI
Keywords:
HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SRXoF8fbBI, 2026-07-02T01:22:43+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Scheduled for February 4, 2020
Ka ‘Aha Kenekoa
THE SENATE
Ka ‘Aha ‘Ōlelo Kanakolu
THE THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE
‘Aha Kau Kānāwai 2020
REGULAR SESSION OF 2020
Ke Kōmike ‘Enehana
COMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY
Kenekoa/Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, Luna Ho‘omalu/Chair
Kenekoa/Senator J. Kalani English, Hope Luna Ho‘omalu/Vice Chair
Ke Kōmike Ikehu, Ho‘omohala Waiwai, a me ka ‘Oihana Ho‘okipa Malihini
COMMITTEE ON ENERGY, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND TOURISM
Kenekoa/Senator Glenn Wakai, Luna Ho’omalu/Chair
Senator Brian T. Taniguchi, Hope Luna Ho‘omalu/Vice Chair
Lā / DATE: Pō‘alua, Pepeluali 4, 2020/ Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Hola / TIME: 2:45 p.m.
Wahi / PLACE: Lumi ‘Aha Kūkā 414 / Conference Room 414
Ke Kapikala Moku‘āina / State Capitol 415 South Beretania Street
Papa Kumuhana
A G E N D A
SB 2527 RELATING TO BROADBAND SERVICE INFRASTRUCTURE.
Establishes the broadband service infrastructure grant program to award grants to applicants to extend deployment of facilities used to provide broadband service to unserved and underserved areas of the State. Makes an appropriation.
TEC/EET, WAM
Ke Kōmike ‘Enehana
COMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY
Kenekoa/Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, Luna Ho‘omalu/Chair
Kenekoa/Senator J. Kalani English, Hope Luna Ho‘omalu/Vice Chair
Lā / DATE: Pō‘alua, Peleluali 4, 2020/ Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Hola / TIME: 2:50 p.m.
Wahi / PLACE: Lumi ‘Aha Kūkā 414 / Conference Room 414
Ke Kapikala Moku‘āina / State Capitol 415 South Beretania Street
Papa Kumuhana
A G E N D A
SB 2837 RELATING TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY STEERING COMMITTEE.
Preserves the continuity of the Information Technology Steering Committee to properly administer 27-43, Hawaii Revised Statutes, while redefining the composition of the committee.
TEC, JDC
SB 2243 RELATING TO LEGISLATIVE TESTIMONY.
Requires the house and senate to permit remote testimony, via telephone, at public hearings.
TEC, WAM
SB 2432 RELATING TO CABLE TELEVISION.
Amends the factors the director of commerce and consumer affairs must consider when determining whether cable service should be made available upon a new application of a cable franchise. Requires that the director require cable operators to provide cable service to residences in their service area where there is a minimum density of at least twenty-five homes per linear mile, with certain exceptions.
TEC, CPH
Ke Kōmike ‘Enehana
COMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY
Kenekoa/Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, Luna Ho‘omalu/Chair
Kenekoa/Senator J. Kalani English, Hope Luna Ho‘omalu/Vice Chair
Ua Ho‘opane‘e ‘ia nā Pila a i ka Pō‘alua, Pepeluali 4, 2020
MEASURES DEFERRED TO Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Lā / DATE: Pō‘alua, Pepeluali 4, 2020/ Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Hola / TIME: 2:55 p.m.
Wahi / PLACE: Lumi ‘Aha Kūkā 414 / Conference Room 414
Ke Kapikala Moku‘āina / State Capitol 415 South Beretania Street
Ka Ho‘oholo Mana‘o ‘ana ma nā Pila i Helu ‘ia ma Lalo Nei:
DECISION MAKING ON THE FOLLOWING MEASURE(S):
SB 2307 RELATING TO STATE PROCUREMENT OF WIFI AND INTERNET SERVICES.
Requires that all state and state funded facilities have internet computer and wireless access filters to block access to pornography sites.
GVO/TEC, WAM
SB 2836 RELATING TO THE ACCESS HAWAII COMMITTEE.
Gives agencies more flexibility and online options to provide enhanced digital services to the public in order to better serve the public and businesses
TEC/GVO, JDC
No Ka ‘Ike ‘Ē A‘e, E Kelepona Aku I Ke Kākau ‘Ōlelo Kōmike Ma (808) 587-7217.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL THE COMMITTEE CLERK AT (808) 587-7217., 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environmental Quality Committee Jun 17th, 2026
Environmental Quality
Transcript Highlights:
- AB 907 eliminates financial barriers to better ensure CARB's board reflects California's diverse population
- in the U.S. carry bisphenol A in their bodies, and other bisphenols are widely detected in our population
- share, talk about, even though they’re going to have to go to the pump more often because of the density
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Natural Resources and Environment Apr 28th, 2026
Natural Resources & Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- You want that cold snap so the weather can kill the plant, but it also impacts your weevil population
- treatment of what you're trying to kill is not implemented the right way if you don't have the population
- The density of the timber is the number one issue, I think, from what I can tell.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 5th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- One of them, which is, by the way, has a large non-classroom-based student population... ...non-classroom-based
- student population, about half of the students are going to college that just graduated this week.
- AB 610 also prevents local governments from adding new barriers like limiting density, increasing fees
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through a long floor file of bills. Early measures passed with little or no debate, including AB 698 on local transfer taxes and affordable housing analysis, AB 456 on mobile home sales, AB 1129 on reportable infant health conditions, AB 69 on Fair Plan insurance notices and voluntary market searches, AB 357 on expedited student and faculty housing permits, AB 383 on firearms code cleanups, AB 426 on drones interfering with emergency response, AB 825 on energy affordability and transmission financing, and AB 699 on ballot transparency for local tax and bond measures. Most of these bills passed unanimously or with strong bipartisan margins, while AB 825 drew the most extended debate over whether it would lower costs or expand state control of energy infrastructure; it ultimately passed 45-5.
The most contentious item was AB 84, which would strengthen oversight of non-classroom-based charter schools and tighten accountability for charter spending and operations. Supporters argued it was needed to stop fraud and misuse of public education dollars, citing major scandals and audit findings, while opponents warned it would harm legitimate charter schools, reduce educational options, and disproportionately affect rural and special-needs students. Several members said they supported the bill only to keep negotiations going, and others urged more targeted or delayed action. After extensive debate and multiple amendments, the Assembly passed AB 84 on a 41-22 vote.
The chamber also took up AB 610, a housing bill that would require cities and counties to disclose planned housing restrictions and limit new constraints for three years after housing element approval. The author framed it as a certainty and transparency measure to help address the state’s housing shortage, while noting continued discussions with local governments and housing advocates. The transcript ends with the bill’s presentation and request for an aye vote, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Transportation (9-16-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- As more applications of paint are applied, there's a higher density of beads on top of the stripe, and
- 24.079>
higher of paint are applied, there's a higher of paint are applied, there's a higher density - 00:59:25.920>
of <00:59:26.000>the <00:59:26.400>uh <00:59:26.480>the density - of of beads on top of the uh the density of of beads on top of the uh the stripe<00:59:27.040>
and
Summary:
The committee first heard a presentation from the Kentucky Aviation Association on the importance of general aviation airports in Kentucky and their economic and public-safety role. Witnesses said the state has more than 50 general aviation airports that support jobs, agriculture, tourism, medical transport, disaster response, and law enforcement, and they urged continued support for aviation infrastructure and workforce development. They asked the legislature to again provide $200,000 per general aviation airport for operating and basic infrastructure costs, to route the money through the Kentucky Department of Aviation for accountability, to revisit a special-purpose governmental entity audit requirement they said is too costly for small airports, to create a long-term appropriations process for the roughly $100 million in unmet capital needs, and to fund the Arrow Act for aviation education and scholarships. Members asked about a dedicated aviation fuel tax and about local training partnerships, simulators, and school or community college programs; the witnesses said they preferred an appropriations-based solution and offered to help connect interested communities with aviation education resources.
The committee then took up “Troy’s Law,” sponsored by Representatives White and Flannery, which would allow tow trucks to use blue lights while stationary and actively removing vehicles or debris from highways. Sponsors and tow operators said the bill is intended to improve worker safety after the deaths of tow operators Troy Cwell and Hubert Mosley in highway hit-and-run incidents, and they emphasized that tow operators often work in dangerous conditions at night, in bad weather, and near fast-moving traffic. They said the proposal would not apply while driving or towing and noted that other states have adopted similar measures. Witnesses from the towing industry, including Bubba Johnson and Barbara Maguire, supported the bill as an added layer of protection and described tow operators as first responders who help motorists in emergencies. Representative Flannery and other members expressed support for the safety goal and invited further discussion, but no vote or final action was taken in the excerpt.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So, protecting biodiversity before populations reach those critical declines.
- density is what's driving the economy.
- Definitely, and we've experienced 7% growth in population over the last four years. Yes sir.
- We serve an estimated population of 2,300. We have 678 active connections right now.
- Like, how are we going to grow the population like that and only grow the usage 9%?
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (02/19/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- She asked whether the legislation applies only to certain school populations or to all of those schools
- populations, he did not think it should be limited to any particular school district.
- <04:03:10.640>
or looking at certain School populations or looking at certain School populations - capita uh schools with these density capita uh schools with these density populations<04:04:02.600
- I I don't think it should be populations I I don't think it should be limited<04:04:03.880>
to
Summary:
The committee opened with House Bill 184, which would create a committee to study changing school start times. Members discussed Amendment 0394, which made the study committee’s duties more investigative and adjusted reporting recipients, including the Governor. Several members raised questions about whether the committee should review evidence-based studies, local district decisions, and existing district reports; supporters said the amendment would better allow the committee to gather information and recognize local control. The amendment passed 17-0, and the bill as amended also passed 17-0. Representative Litchfield noted that no one had testified in opposition and encouraged the future study committee to review an Oyster River School District report on school start times.
The committee then took up House Bill 394, concerning cooperative school district budget committees and board member representatives. Amendment 0476 was adopted 17-0 after discussion that it clarified the bill’s language and reflected work with the School Boards Association. The committee then voted OTPA on the bill, which also passed 17-0. House Bill 738, requiring background checks for employees and volunteers at certain non-public schools or education service providers receiving public funds, was moved inexpedient to legislate. Supporters said the bill would create practical and legal problems for private citizens and homeschooling families, and the motion passed 15-2 with no minority report, placing the bill on consent.
The committee next considered House Bill 235, which would amend the educator code of ethics and conduct to add responsibilities to parents. Supporters argued parents should be explicitly included in the code, while opponents said parents were already covered in existing ethics language and statute. The bill passed narrowly, 9-8. The committee then returned to House Bill 532 on alternate dispute resolution and individualized education plan team meeting facilitation. Amendment 0480H clarified that different rules would apply separately to neutral conference, mediation, and IEP facilitation; it passed 17-0, and the bill as amended also passed 17-0. Finally, the committee moved to House Bill 564, concerning adoption of school administrative unit budgets, and voted to retain the bill for further review because members said there was still confusion about how it would apply to single-district and multi-district SAUs.
NE
Nebraska 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Morning Session Apr 10th, 2026
Nebraska Unicameral Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , which the corporate limits of the city, and for the such zoning course, order to provide of the density
- components of the density components as other consensus incentives, current residence, such bonuses,
Bills:
LB764, LB815A, LB839, LB888, LB955, LB972A, LB1029, LB1087, LB1091, LB1126A, LB1181A, LB1237A, LB1261A, LB304A, LB762, LB889, LB929, LB966, LB1022, LB1187, LR508
Keywords:
law enforcement, correctional services, Department of Correctional Services, corrections officers, state prison employees, peace officer, certification, police standards, training academy, Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, Nebraska Police Standards Advisory Council, criminal justice, correctional staff, conditional officer, law enforcement authority, public safety, LB815A, LB815, appropriation, appropriations bill
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The Rio Grande Management Program priorities include the reduction of cane canopy density, biomass of
- non-invasive tactics contracted by the San Antonio River Authority redirect large nuisance bird populations
- You have large populations, and if you've got a restaurant next door, you're not going to have many customers
- We have only three low-cost clinics to serve a population of 1.5 million.
- For pet care accessibility, an appalling figure when you consider factors like population, income, and
Keywords:
agriculture, finance, young farmers, financial assistance, pest control, veterinarian, veterinary medicine, veterinary telemedicine, telehealth, telemedicine, veterinarian-client-patient relationship, VCPR, animal health, livestock, pets, remote care, electronic means, telephone consultation, controlled substances, prescription drugs
Summary:
The second bill, House Bill 3469, was introduced to address pest control regulations concerning nuisance birds. Representative Campos explained how the bill proposes non-lethal methods to deter these birds, such as the use of laser lights and sounds, which avoids conflict with both state and federal regulations. The committee heard impassioned testimonies from members of the public who shared firsthand experiences regarding the adverse effects of these birds on property and public health. The meeting concluded with both bills being left pending, reflecting a desire for further deliberation among the committee members.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/16/2026 - House Health & Human Services #2
Transcript Highlights:
- The reason why the cost shift is so significant is that the ALS population and the dialysis population
- The study that we have just looks at the end-stage renal disease population.
- The study that we have just looks at the end stage renal disease population.
- So it's a small population, but it's an impactful population. Thank you. Other questions?
- This is well below the estimated 98 needed to meet Arizona population demand.
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 2433, which would require insurers offering Medicare supplement policies to people 65 and older to also offer them to Medicare beneficiaries under 65 with ALS or end-stage renal disease, with enrollment periods and premium protections tied to 65-year-old rates. Supporters, including dialysis and ALS advocates, said the bill would help a small population facing high out-of-pocket costs and could improve access to transplants and care; opponents argued it would shift costs onto older seniors and raise Medigap premiums. The committee recommended the bill do pass on a 12-0 vote.
The committee also heard House Bill 2593, appropriating $1.5 million to the University of Arizona for the Arizona Perinatal Psychiatry Access Line. The sponsor and physicians testified that the line helps obstetric and pediatric providers quickly consult on perinatal depression, postpartum psychosis, suicidality, and other mental health crises, improving outcomes for mothers, children, and families and reducing costly emergency and crisis care. The bill received a do pass recommendation on a 10-1 vote.
House Concurrent Resolution 2013, proclaiming June 2026 as Celebrate Life Month, drew emotional testimony from a young woman with spina bifida and another speaker supporting the sanctity of life. Some members objected that the state should focus on practical supports such as paid leave, child care, and health care access, while others supported the resolution as a statement of human dignity. The resolution passed the committee 7-5. The committee then approved House Bill 4010, creating a Board of Genetic Counselors and licensure standards, after testimony from genetic counselors and a patient advocate about the need for qualified counseling and better access; it passed 11-1.
Later, the committee approved House Bill 2196, which would require pharmacy benefit managers to reimburse non-affiliated pharmacies at least their acquisition cost and pay a dispensing fee, and establish an appeals process. Independent pharmacists and their coalition said PBM practices are driving closures and unfairly favor affiliated pharmacies, while PBM and employer representatives warned of major cost increases and said the bill would interfere with private contracts; the bill passed 11-1. The committee also adopted a strike-everything amendment to House Bill 2182 requiring insurers and health plans to report claims denial and prior authorization data to DIFI, and then gave the amended bill a 12-0 do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee approved House Bill 2189, directing the Board of Nursing to update rules for licensed health aides and collect annual data, with the sponsor and board staff saying it would help implement routine ventilator care in the home; it passed 12-0. The committee then began hearing House Bill 2404, a strike-everything amendment on inter-facility transports for behavioral health patients, but the transcript cuts off before action on that bill.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services May 27th, 2026
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- We learned that half of the health care spending is used by about 5% of the population.
- It's 14.1 million, which is 47% of the state's population.
- It makes it impossible for us to view trends or population-level data, correct? I beg to differ.
- Medicare populations served by these health plans.
- free bone density scans, 24/7 access to a telehealth provider who's focused on women's health.