Video & Transcript : 'Legislative Appropriations Request' :

Page 473 of 500
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Senate in Session Mar 5th, 2026

Florida Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The legislator finds that certain practices in Sharia law The legislator finds that certain practices
  • So I think the seven days there is appropriate.
  • appropriated raises reach public employees in a timely manner.
  • How is that fair and how is that appropriate?
  • because they're the ones who bought you this legislation.
Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a brief introduction of the doctor of the day before moving to the special order calendar. The chamber first took up several claims bills, including SB 6/HB 6507 for relief of L.E. through the Department of Children and Families, which was described as compensation for severe injuries after DCF returned the child to unsafe parents; the House bill was substituted and passed 34-0. SB 26 for the estate of Mark Legata, involving catastrophic injuries tied to FDOT negligence, was also substituted with the House version and passed 35-0. SB 42/HB 47 on specific medical diagnoses and child protective investigations passed 34-0 after supporters said it would require child protection teams to consider certain medical conditions that can mimic abuse. Later, SB 1002 on child welfare passed 37-0 after sponsors said it clarifies that parental drug abuse can constitute harm or neglect and allow earlier court intervention and services, while not changing parental rights law. The Senate then considered education and health-related measures. SB 206/HB 851 on students with autism spectrum disorder was amended to the House bill and passed 35-0; the sponsor said it expands teacher preparation, requires autism-related training, creates a loan forgiveness program, and adds salary supplements for teachers with autism endorsements. SB 556/HB 453 on high school diploma requirements passed 36-0 and would allow students with disabilities to use Special Olympics participation to satisfy PE requirements, while also fixing a marching band credit issue. SB 688 on naturopathic medicine passed 33-3, reestablishing licensure and regulation of naturopathic doctors. SB 878/HB 1347 on clinical laboratory personnel passed 37-0 to address staffing shortages by aligning Florida more closely with federal CLIA standards. SB 914/HB 867 on dry needling by occupational therapists passed 37-0, clarifying authority for that treatment. SB 530 on state lotteries passed 36-0 with updates to operations, security, and retailer rules. SB 964/HB 6011 on financial disclosures and gifts/honoraria passed 36-0 after an amendment restored a percentage-based reporting option. The chamber also approved several government-administration and public-records measures. SB 326/HB 131 on curators of estates passed 36-0, updating probate rules for temporary court-appointed curators. SB 758/HB 625 on the Justice Administrative Commission passed 37-0 after an amendment broadened the judicial member to a judge or senior judge rather than only a circuit judge. SB 830 on public records passed 31-5, creating exemptions for the personal information of county and city managers and certain family members. The Senate also passed SB 21/HB 218 on land use regulations, which preserves hurricane-recovery restrictions in affected counties while lifting them later for unaffected counties, and the sponsor thanked colleagues for helping address unintended consequences from prior law. SB 354 on Blue Ribbon Projects was debated extensively over concerns about local control, conservation protections, and vague standards; after a late amendment excluding data centers from commercial areas, the bill was temporarily postponed rather than passed. Finally, SB 1632/HB 1471 on ideologies inconsistent with American principles and domestic terrorist designations drew significant debate over references to Sharia law, religious freedom, notice, and due process; one amendment striking Sharia references failed, and a second amendment with broader revisions was under discussion when the transcript ended.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Taxation and Revenue Feb 16th, 2026 at 08:33 am

House Taxation & Revenue

Transcript Highlights:
  • I may take the prerogative to let the folks know that the sponsor for House Bill 338 has requested it
  • So this is the legislation that Mr.
  • I've gotten conflicting news and reports from our staff with the Legislative Finance Committee.
  • And so if I could have our esteemed economist, Jennifer from the Legislative Finance Committee, come
  • Understand that the typical process in this committee would be to table the legislation.
Keywords: 996, all
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Fiscal Policy Mar 13th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • DATA AT AN INDIVIDUAL CHILD LEVEL IN A FORMAT THAT IS EXTRACTABLE AND ABLE TO BE ANALYZED AT THE REQUEST
  • YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO EXPLAIN THIS. >> SENATOR GRALL: THIS ATTACHES THE APPROPRIATION TO THE BILL. >>
  • Chair: APPROPRIATION?
  • AND IT COMPLEMENTS OTHER LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES AND INVESTMENTS FOR SCHOOL CHOICE OPTIONS AND FLORIDA
  • THIS IS THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE PIECE OF LEGISLATION THAT ADDRESSES MULTIPLE MEANS EXHIBITED IN RURAL
Keywords: 999, senate, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session May 4th, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I respectfully request an I vote on SCR 146. I respectfully request an aye vote on SCR 146.
  • And it is beyond appropriate that we think of them today. And I'm thinking of them today.
  • And it is beyond appropriate that we think that we think. And I'm thinking of them today.
  • I want to thank the Black Legislative Caucus members for bringing I want to thank the Black Legislative
  • I respectfully request your aye vote on this important measure. No discussion on this item.
Keywords: 987, senate, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • For the request, we, in coordination with the Health and Human Services Agency, are requesting $730,000
  • Will Owens, Legislative Analyst's Office.
  • The coalition is also requesting trailer bill language, and for that request, I'll hand things off to
  • The coalition is also requesting trailer bill language, and for that request, I'll hand things off to
  • Lastly, we have two legislative priorities.
Summary: The hearing began with an overview of the California Health and Human Services Agency, which described its 2026-27 budget, major departments, and strategic priorities, including behavioral health, housing and human services integration, children and youth, and aging/disability services. The agency also explained a technical CalHHS/CalHires budget adjustment tied to HR1 compliance and eligibility system work. No LAO concerns were raised on that item. The committee then heard from the Office of Youth and Community Restoration on its budget, its SB 823 realignment report, and related issues. OYCR said county-based realignment has generally succeeded but outcomes and readiness vary widely, and it recommended more climate surveys, youth advisory councils, stronger behavioral management, better programming, improved transition planning, and integrated longitudinal data systems. Members pressed OYCR on “net widening,” county-by-county trends, and the gap between the detailed recommendations discussed in hearing and the more general recommendations in the public report. OYCR also described problems with federal Title II grant timing and a pending $14 million administrative funding adjustment, and discussed implementation of the juvenile justice realignment block grant formula. The Ombudsperson division separately requested two new positions due to rising complaints, site visits, and records-access disputes with counties; LAO noted the proposal would create ongoing General Fund costs. Several other departments presented budget change proposals. The State Council on Developmental Disabilities requested $730,000 General Fund ongoing to cover an interagency administrative support gap with DSS; LAO had no concerns. EMSA presented its department overview, said its AB 716 ambulance-rate report has been delayed after resources were reduced, and requested funding for disaster-response vehicle replacement, IT security assessment work, and additional HR/legal staff; members questioned delays, compliance, and the ongoing General Fund impact. The Department of Community Services and Development sought reappropriation of LIWIP funds and explained a new Proposition 4 process for continuing the farmworker housing component. The Department of Rehabilitation requested authority for $60 million in additional federal funds and 54 positions to meet growing vocational rehabilitation demand, with no General Fund impact. The Department of Child Support Services presented its budget and a supplemental report on full pass-through of child support collections. Members questioned why local agency funding was being restored despite declining caseloads, and staff explained that staffing costs have risen faster than caseload declines and that additional funding is needed to maintain service levels. The supplemental report estimated full pass-through would cost about $150 million General Fund annually, or about $80 million for a state-and-county portion, with $3 million to $5 million in automation costs. Finally, the Department of Public Health gave a broad overview of its $5.1 billion budget and its State of Public Health report, highlighting improved mortality and life expectancy, declining overdose deaths and STI rates, persistent racial and regional disparities, and increasing public health emergency demands. CDPH also warned that federal funding threats and policy changes are creating major uncertainty for state and local public health systems.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Rules Committee Feb 4th, 2026 at 01:15 pm

Rules

Transcript Highlights:
  • This legislation is requested by the Court of Appeals.
  • This is a well-thought-out piece of legislation.
  • It was brought to us by an incredible legislator, and I ask for your support.
  • This is a well-thought-out piece of legislation.
  • It was brought to us by an incredible legislator, and I ask for your support.
Committee: Senate Rules
Keywords: 904, all
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Legislative Session Day 47 Feb 27th, 2026

Idaho House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Unanimous consent has been requested. Is there objection?
  • Unanimous consent has been requested. Is there objection?
  • This legislation uses a three-strike approach.
  • Unanimous consent has been requested to refer to other pending legislation. Is there an objection?
  • But that is what's required in this legislation.
Keywords: 989, all
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/23/2026 - House Health & Human Services

House Health & Human Services Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:
  • as standalone legislation.
  • as standalone legislation.
  • I was representing Legislative District 4.
  • So do you think that this legislation helps get the newer medication, Do you think that this legislation
  • No, I request a roll call vote. A roll call vote has been requested.
Summary: The committee heard several bills related to radiation protection in cardiac catheterization labs and later a stem cell/regenerative therapy bill. On SB 1121, which would allow hospitals with radiation protection systems to let clinicians forgo lead aprons if they work in the designated safety area and use real-time dosimetry, testimony was largely supportive or neutral after a late amendment gave radiation safety officers discretion to require protective gear if exposures approach thresholds. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1121 on a 9-1 vote. SB 1120, a more prescriptive bill requiring at least 50% of cath lab rooms in hospitals to be equipped with the radiation protection system, drew divided testimony: sponsors and several physicians argued it would reduce orthopedic injury and radiation exposure and improve recruitment and retention, while hospital and radiology groups objected to the mandate, cost, limited vendor pool, and lack of clarity in the bill’s definitions. After adopting an amendment excluding children’s hospitals, the committee deadlocked 6-6 and SB 1120 failed to pass. The committee then considered SB 1118, which would appropriate $3 million to help rural hospitals install radiation protection systems in cath lab rooms. The sponsor said the funding would help rural facilities meet the same safety goals, and the committee passed the bill 6-5. The committee also heard SB 1214, a “guardrails” bill regulating non-FDA-approved stem cell and regenerative therapies, requiring informed consent, sourcing and reporting standards, advertising limits, and civil penalties for violations. Supporters said it would protect patients while allowing access to promising therapies; some members raised concerns about evidence and commercialization, but after adopting a technical amendment, the bill passed 9-3. The transcript ended as the committee moved on to SB 1630, which would seek federal approval for a home- and community-based service benefit for adults with serious mental illness; the sponsor described it as a capped, Medicaid-based community care option, and Access testified neutral while estimating a fiscal impact, but no final action on SB 1630 appears in the excerpt.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • If appropriate for use by our members.
  • So we respectfully request your approval of this amendment.
  • request your approval of this<00:31:44.320><c> amendment.
  • Dave Jenny Gilbert, legislative liaison.
  • /c> Scott, uh legislative regulatory Scott, uh legislative regulatory adviser,<00:48:15.280><c> DMS.
Summary: The subcommittee approved the minutes from the previous meeting and then took up several regulations. The first was a Department of Veterans Affairs regulation, with a staff amendment, to allow nurse practitioners to apply for the Veterans Affairs nurse loan repayment program year-round and to make technical drafting changes. The committee heard from the Office of Kentucky Veteran Centers, then adopted the staff amendment and approved the regulation without objection. The main item of the meeting was the Board of Optometric Examiners’ proposed amendment to 201 KAR 5:010, which would allow applicants to use the Optometry Examining Board of Canada written exam in place of part one of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry exam for licensure. The board said the change would improve access to care, provide an additional pathway for Canadian-trained candidates, and still require applicants to pass the remaining national board parts. Opponents, including NBEO officials, ARBO, Pearson VUE, and several optometrists, argued the Canadian exam is not equivalent, does not test the same biomedical science content, is not validated for U.S. scope of practice, and raises concerns about test security, transparency, and portability across states. They urged the committee to find the amendment deficient or vote no. Committee members questioned both sides about prior communication with the board, whether Kentucky would be the first state to adopt such a change, the rationale for the proposal, and the cost difference between the exams. Supporters said the board had received some written comments and one phone call, and that the proposal was driven by access concerns and the presence of Canadian students. Opponents said they had not had direct discussions with the Kentucky board before the hearing. No final vote on the optometry regulation is reflected in the transcript excerpt, but the committee heard extensive testimony and rebuttal before moving on.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

PBS Public Hearing - Wed Feb 5, 2025 @ 8:30 AM HST

Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • An appropriate notice will be posted.
  • An appropriate notice will be posted.
  • </c><00:40:44.119><c> session</c> forward through this legislative session forward through this legislative
  • We as legislators can be a part of this planning process.
  • </c> The legislative task force, uh, the legislative committees with subject matter jurisdiction—hence
Committee: House Public Safety
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The Public Safety Committee held a hearing on House Bill 433, which would appropriate $4 million for Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation re-entry services to connect offenders with community-based services. Director Tommy Johnson said the department supports the bill’s intent but noted the governor’s executive budget already includes $4 million for the same purpose and asked that the measure defer to that budget. Supporters, including the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, Community Alliance on Prisons, and the ACLU, backed the funding but urged that it be tied to a clear re-entry plan, performance measures, transparency, and regular reporting to the legislature. They emphasized that re-entry should begin at intake and involve community partnerships, housing, treatment, employment, and family reunification services. Committee members questioned the department about current re-entry services, pre-trial detainees, and how the new funds would be used. Johnson said the department’s current statewide re-entry budget is about $1.5 million to $1.7 million, separate from the larger Corrections Program Services Division budget for in-facility programs. He described the proposed $4 million as supporting a mix of services, including a pilot apprenticeship program, substance abuse treatment, navigator or warm-handoff services, and short-term transitional housing. He also said the department already tracks performance outcomes in its annual report and can provide a matrix showing the intake-to-discharge process, program contracts, and volunteer organizations. The discussion also covered pre-trial detainees, electronic monitoring, and mental health services. Johnson said the department has limited jurisdiction over pre-trial detainees but works with courts to seek supervised release when possible; he noted that many requests are denied, though electronic monitoring has improved release rates somewhat. On mental health, he said the jail is not an ideal therapeutic setting for people found unfit to proceed and suggested a secure community-based step-down facility run by the Department of Health for those needing care above what the jail can provide but below forensic-level treatment. No vote or final action on the bill was taken during the hearing.
VT

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Session - 2026-05-26 - 2:13PM

Vermont House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Vermonters about the process and concurred with the member from Poultney and others that this area of legislation
  • The member from Wool requests that when the vote is taken, it be taken by roll.
  • The request is sustained. amend there to. So, now we turn to the amend there to.
  • The committee heard from Legislative Council, Office of Legislative Council reporter of the bill, Senate
  • <01:05:07.320><c> diverse</c> appropriately diverse appropriately diverse um<01:05:08.960><c> and</c>
Keywords: 926, house, all
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> that we have beds at the appropriate that we have beds at the appropriate care<00:07:29.520><c>
  • budget cycles ago, we had a request to budget cycles ago, we had a request to hire<00:24:32.480><c> 200
  • </c> restricted fund appropriations to spend. restricted fund appropriations to spend.
  • is basically legislation that is passed by the General Assembly.
  • is basically legislation that is passed by the General Assembly.
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services heard a presentation on Kentucky personal care homes from representatives of the Kentucky Association of Healthcare Facilities, Management Systems of Kentucky, and Elder Care Partners. Witnesses described personal care homes as a lower-cost, 24/7 residential option for adults with serious mental illness who do not qualify for nursing home care but need structured support, medication assistance, meals, housekeeping, transportation, and supervision. They said the homes are regulated by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, are not Medicaid-funded, and rely on a state supplementation rate of about $50.70 per day, which they argued no longer covers operating costs because of rising food, labor, insurance, and maintenance expenses. The presenters said the sector has shrunk significantly over time, citing a drop from 64 homes in 2002 to 34 today among the homes serving this population, with 30 closures over 23 years and two more closures since August. They argued that the closures have contributed to homelessness, hospital overcrowding, and longer stays in psychiatric hospitals, and they gave examples of residents who had spent many months in hospitals before stabilizing in a personal care home. One provider also described spending more than $800,000 on capital improvements after acquiring Kentucky facilities and said reimbursement is too low to sustain safe operations. They asked for an incremental reimbursement increase over two years and said they have also proposed an assisted-living model for people with mental illness. Members asked about staffing, reimbursement, and the number of people still needing placement. The presenters said there is no requirement for licensed or certified staff in these facilities, though some homes use medication technicians and occasional LPNs. They estimated they are currently serving about 2,000 residents and said they receive roughly 30 referrals for every one person admitted, with many referrals involving people whose needs exceed the personal care home level. Senator Meredith and Representative Fleming said any funding request would need documentation of savings and corresponding budget offsets, while Representative Duval expressed support and asked about possible staffing and program improvements. The witnesses also compared Kentucky’s flat-rate reimbursement to a more individualized reimbursement model in Minnesota, saying a needs-based system would better match staffing and reduce hospitalizations.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Feb 2nd, 2026

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • This would be at the sponsor's request.
  • action, including removal of the agency's appropriation associated with such.
  • So I kind of see that happening through our ability as legislators to appropriate money or not.
  • It does say legislative action. We could define that however we want.
  • of the agency's appropriation associated with the agreement.
Committee: House State Affairs
Keywords: 989, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 3/25/25

Housing Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:36:00.280><c> to</c> obligation bonds and Appropriations to obligation bonds and Appropriations
  • Thank you for your time and consideration of this legislation.
  • Thank you for your time and consideration of this legislation.
  • Thank you for your time and consideration of this legislation.
  • Thank you for your time and consideration of this legislation.
Keywords: 1183, house
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Education Finance (05/01/2025)

Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • :00.320><c> your</c><00:23:00.640><c> school</c> certainly request of your school certainly request of
  • </c> make a you know to make an appropriate make a you know to make an appropriate dis<00:24:28.320><
  • But I don't think we should be legislating that.
  • But I don't think we should be legislating that.
  • </c> be legislating that. be legislating that.
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

AGR Public Hearing - Fri Jan 30, 2026 @ 9:30 AM HST

Agriculture & Food Systems

Transcript Highlights:
  • And also, one humble request, Chair, we do request an amendment that the threshold go from 25 acres to
  • And also, one humble request, Chair, we do request an amendment that the threshold go from 25 acres to
  • And also, one humble request, Chair, we do request an amendment that the threshold go from 25 acres to
  • And also, one humble request, Chair, we do request an amendment that the threshold go from 25 acres to
  • appropriate appropriate agency<01:07:20.400><c> for</c><01:07:20.720><c> these</c><01:07:21.119><c>
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • Is it appropriate to ask that? >> Well, it's referencing the administrative costs?
  • Uh, Chair Ladd, have you had there been any requests for more money for... any requests for more money
  • ...legislation that might be needed in the next biennium?
  • >> Not at this time, but we're not going into this legislative session.
  • The department generally doesn't propose legislation.
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The Education Freedom Account Oversight Committee met on March 27 and approved the agenda, adding a request for clarification on how the Children’s Scholarship Fund separates applications for the EFA program and the education tax credit program. The committee also approved minutes from December 30, 2025, and March 27, 2026, with a request that the March minutes include a link to the live stream. Members discussed the status of pending Legislative Budget Assistant audit reports on EFA and special education, noting the reports were still not released and would likely come later in the summer after review by the Department of Education and the Children’s Scholarship Fund. A major topic was the EFA program’s administrative fee, which statute allows up to 10% of deposits. Children’s Scholarship Fund representatives said current administrative costs were under 8%, that staffing had been reduced through the ScholarVia platform, and that any unused amount is reconciled and returned to students at year’s end. Members asked for historical administrative-cost data and a written explanation of how the withholding and reconciliation process works. The committee also reviewed the distinction between the EFA and education tax credit funding streams and was told the two programs use separate applications and separate funds, though both use the same platform. The committee spent substantial time on assessment and accountability. Department of Education staff explained that EFA students may satisfy annual assessment requirements through a portfolio, a norm-referenced test, or the statewide assessment; only about 10 EFA students took the statewide assessment, while most used portfolios or standardized tests such as the California Achievement Test and NWEA. Staff described how statewide assessment data are kept separate by student identifier and can be aggregated for EFA reporting, and members asked for breakdowns by grade, test type, and school district. The department also discussed linking assessments through Lexiles and Quantiles and said it could provide a list of commonly used formative assessments in New Hampshire districts. The committee additionally discussed a possible PSAT addition to the state contract and the costs of the statewide assessment program. Another major issue was special education eligibility and services within the EFA program. Members questioned the rule allowing a medical certification of disability from a licensed professional anywhere in the United States as an alternative to an IEP-based determination. Department staff said the current system allows either pathway, that about 1,000 EFA students are identified as special education students, and that the program does not track growth or service alignment on an individual basis. Members expressed concern that the medical-certification route may be too broad and asked for data on the disability categories used. The committee also discussed career and technical education access for EFA students, noting that Senate Bill 491 would provide guidance and that House Bill 1817 would address access and funding issues, but that current law still allows EFA funds to be used to pay CTE costs. The meeting ended with a request for future agenda items and a decision to leave the next meeting date open until fall, pending further information from the LBA audit process.
ND

North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session

Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee Mar 24th, 2026 at 10:00 am

Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • That would leave... ...that can be appropriately managed by AI and have those handled.
  • The appropriators don't control it.
  • The request for information is due April 1st.
  • The request for information is due April 1st for the nuclear fuel cycle innovation centers.
  • Like, how many sessions do you think we will have before the legislative session in January?
Keywords: 908, all
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • This bill came as a request directly This bill came as a request directly from<00:30:03.200><c> the</
  • > a</c> legislation um had a legislation um had a um<01:22:14.159><c> stipulation</c><01:22:15.239><c
  • </c> this legislation is trying to achieve. this legislation is trying to achieve.
  • </c><01:42:26.800><c> and</c> 5 was in the original legislation and 5 was in the original legislation
  • </c><01:43:17.920><c> Got</c> back into the legislation. Right. Got back into the legislation.
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 47, sponsored by Sen. Regina Birdsell at the request of the Insurance Department. The bill would codify the department’s interpretation that a birth mother’s health insurance is the primary coverage for a newborn, unless the mother has no insurance or coverage under an employer-sponsored plan. Birdsell and Insurance Commissioner DJ Benton Court said the measure is a clarification of existing practice and intended to protect vulnerable newborns; a question from Rep. Miles clarified that if a young woman is on her parents’ policy, the newborn would generally be covered under that family coverage. The hearing on SB 47 was then closed. The committee then took up Senate Bill 121, introduced by Grant Bosi for Sen. Kevin Avard, which would require insurers to notify the Insurance Department when they stop writing an entire line of business or, in some cases, Medicare Advantage plans. Commissioner Benton Court said the bill arose from disruption in the Medicare Advantage market, where consumers, brokers, and the department were confused by carriers changing or ending offerings; he said the department wanted a simple notification requirement so it could better advise consumers. Members discussed network adequacy, county-based service areas, and the fact that the bill would make notice a condition of licensure, with possible fines or license action for noncompliance. Witness Paula Rogers of AHIP said her group supported the bill if amended, and the department indicated it would support a change from a 120-day notice period to 90 days to align with state rules; the committee planned to work on an amendment in subcommittee. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 247, introduced by Rep. Brian Cole, which would prohibit network exclusion of pharmacies that refuse to dispense prescriptions when PBM reimbursement is below acquisition cost. Cole argued the bill is meant to stop pharmacies from being forced to sell drugs at a loss, describing PBMs as middlemen and saying the measure is a compromise that protects local pharmacies. Members questioned whether consumers would pay more and whether pharmacies voluntarily enter PBM contracts; Cole responded that the bill would let pharmacies refuse unprofitable fills while consumers could still obtain the drug through mail order or other channels. He also said the issue has changed over time because the practice now affects a much larger share of generics and is concentrated among a few PBMs. The hearing remained open as questions continued, with no vote taken in the excerpt.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Mar 2nd, 2026

Local Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • And that’s a big difference, the way I read the legislation is written. Representative Price?
  • In Bannock County, that represents 44,000 parcels, with no appropriation, no guidance.
  • It represents 44,000 parcels with no appropriation, no guidance.
  • Again, we tried to work other avenues before coming to legislation here.
  • A roll call has been requested. Jeremy E. Hart? Yes. President Cornelis? Yes.
Keywords: 989, all