Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> thank</c><00:46:25.480><c> you</c><00:46:25.599><c> chair</c><00:46:25.839><c> hman</c> River lead
• fiser uh thank you chair hman River lead fiser uh thank you chair hman and<00:46:26.960><c> the</c><
• /c><00:48:51.160><c> not</c><00:48:51.720><c> Prevail</c><00:48:52.720><c> um</c><00:48:52.960><c> lead
• I am volunteering my time to lead the advocacy around this legislation.
• </c><01:37:24.239><c> fiser</c><01:37:24.840><c> thank</c> Grey uh lead fiser thank Grey uh lead fiser

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• I just wanted to lead with that, and it may be that there's lots of discussion, and if that is the case
• The Chamber Foundation partnered with Barr Engineering, who was the lead researcher on this project.
• The Chamber Foundation partnered with Barr Engineering, who was the lead researcher on this project.
• </c><00:24:03.640><c> that</c><00:24:03.799><c> there</c><00:24:04.000><c> is</c><00:24:04.799><c> lead
• </c> available information that there is lead available information that there is lead Fisher<00:24:05.919

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• The three positions are the lead investigative agent, the lead administrative manager, and the training
• Sorry about that. minor offenses can lead to cascades of minor offenses can lead to cascades of cycles
• Gun violence is the leading cause of death among all children in the States.
• but if Hawaii can lead, we should lead because we support working families.
• So, this made very clear to include coercive conduct in the lead-in language to that section.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 83, which would require hotel keepers to give adequate notice of service disruptions to guests and third-party vendors. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Office of Consumer Protection supported the bill but asked for amendments to restore remedies and add a nonwaiver provision, arguing that without penalties the measure would lack consequences and that consumers should not be able to waive the notice rights. Supporters, including Unite Here Local 5 and individual testifiers, said guests deserve transparency and meaningful recourse when disruptions occur, especially for labor disputes, construction, or other service interruptions that affect the experience they paid for. Hotel industry representatives, including the American Hotel and Lodging Association, the Hawaii Hotel Alliance, and hotel workers/testifiers, opposed the bill in its current form while offering amendments. They said the measure was too broad, difficult to implement, and could interfere with collective bargaining, third-party booking systems, and existing contracts. They also argued that some disruptions are not easily known in advance and that the bill unfairly singles out hotels compared with other industries. One testifier emphasized that notice should be required only for actual, known disruptions rather than potential events, and another raised concerns about applying the bill to properties not directly involved in a labor dispute. After the SB 83 testimony, the committee moved on to SB 2798, which would make permanent and expand statewide the agricultural enforcement pilot program created in 2025 and rename it the agricultural enforcement program. The chair introduced the measure and called on the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity as the first testifier, but the transcript excerpt ends before testimony or any vote on SB 2798.

Transcript Highlights:

• Children were also returned to parents who failed to address chronic substance use, leading to ongoing
• to better outcomes management will lead to better outcomes for<00:21:22.680><c> kids.
• </c><01:05:28.320><c> policy</c> is read by some of the leading policy is read by some of the leading
• We brought forward a lot of other amendments, and that was one that I thought you were leading on.
• We brought forward a lot of other amendments, and that was one that I thought you were leading on.

Bills: HF4277 , HF3819 , HF3489 , HF4408 , HF3901 , HF4316

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Good data leads to good decision-making, good policymaking.
• Um good data leads to policing data.
• Um good data leads to good<00:31:59.760><c> decision-m</c><00:32:00.960><c> good</c><00:32:01.200><c>
• good data leads to good good decision-m good data leads to good uh<00:32:03.039><c> policym</c> uh policym
• </c> preservation initiative which leads preservation initiative which leads restoration<01:30:21.760

Bills: HB1977 , HB1764 , HB1934 , HB2533 , HB1790 , HB2181 , HB1870 , HB2140 , HB2468 , HB2358 , HB1588 , HB1688 , HB1986 , HB2030 , HB2195 , HB1949 , HB1695 , HB1950 , HB2094 , HB2115 , HB2297 , HB2336 , HB2416 , HB2049

Committee: House Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• This leads to core PCE increasing to 3.8%, which is slightly less than what was presented last time,
• That leads us to the other miscellaneous taxes. Lottery is not miscellaneous taxes.
• Now that lead that's what um is higher.
• Now that lead that's what leads<02:18:46.880><c> us</c><02:18:47.040><c> to</c><02:18:47.200><c> the<
• So, who wants to lead off? >> Well, I love consistency. So, how about the control?

Summary: The meeting focused on reaching consensus on official Kentucky revenue estimates for fiscal years 2026 through 2028, using updated S&P Global economic forecasts compared with the September presentation. Staff explained that the updated forecast relied partly on alternative data because of the federal government shutdown, and they walked through changes in national and Kentucky economic assumptions across control, optimistic, and pessimistic scenarios. The control forecast was described as slightly more optimistic in the near term but more cautious in fiscal 2027 and 2028, with GDP growth revised up for the current year and down somewhat in the outer years. The pessimistic scenario now assumed a two-quarter recession beginning in the current quarter, while the optimistic scenario was given a higher probability weight than before. The presenters highlighted several Kentucky-relevant variables that changed since September, including weaker manufacturing employment, weaker housing starts, weaker consumer sentiment, and lower expected non-farm employment in fiscal 2026. At the same time, wage and salary disbursements were revised upward in fiscal 2027, reflecting higher disposable income from tax changes, and real consumer spending was expected to be stronger in the near term. They also discussed assumptions about tariffs, business profits, the Federal Reserve, unemployment, oil prices, retail sales, vehicle sales, exports, and consumer sentiment, noting that some indicators were little changed while others shifted materially. Consumer sentiment was attributed to affordability concerns, tariff impacts, and a general sense of malaise, but was expected to improve in later years from a low base. Members asked follow-up questions about why the forecast worsened in later years and about the consumer sentiment assumptions. Staff responded that the forecast assumed larger take-home pay and refunds from tax withholding changes, along with some easing of tariff effects, which they believed would help offset a negative wealth effect from stock market declines. They also noted that S&P Global’s December forecast, which had already been published, was essentially consistent with the presentation and that the firm believed its earlier assumptions had tracked recent data well. No vote or final action was recorded in the portion provided, but the discussion was aimed at settling the revenue estimates that will underpin the upcoming branch budget bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• and then Representative Maseroni to lead us in prayer.
• and then followed by Representative Maseroni to lead us in prayer.
• and then followed by Representative Maseroni to lead us in prayer.
• Maseroni to lead us in prayer.
• We are one of the leading states in this area.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the August minutes, and heard a brief announcement from Senator Richardson about the Missing in America Project interring unclaimed veterans’ remains at the Western Kentucky Veterans Cemetery in Hopkinsville. He read the names of several veterans being laid to rest with military honors, and the chair thanked the volunteers involved in the effort. The main presentation was an update on Kentucky’s urban search and rescue program from the Department of Military Affairs and Kentucky Emergency Management. Officials said the program is being built around two regional task force hubs, a helicopter aquatic rescue team, an incident support team, and a rescue aid fund for local search and rescue units. They reported that the $8.3 million appropriated for the program in the 2025 budget was fully executed, that $482,670 of the rescue aid fund went to 29 local teams, and that $493,592 has already been allocated in the current year to 36 teams. They also described warehouse and equipment purchases, staffing with full-time and part-time personnel, and a new training site on state property for collapsed-structure and multi-agency exercises. Officials said the program has already been used in recent disasters, including flood response and urban search and rescue operations in several parts of the state, and claimed the effort has impacted more than 1,500 citizens through rescues, evacuations, and related assistance. They said the helicopter aquatic rescue team is fully operational, the task force roster should be finalized by January, incident support should be online by April, and the full program should be deployable by June 30 or July 1, 2026. Members asked about statewide response times, K-9 search capabilities, and the long-term cost of the program, including concerns about reliance on federal matching funds. The presenters said K-9 assets will be part of the task force, that pre-positioning during forecasted storms can reduce response times significantly, and that they would provide more detailed budget information later.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some issues that might lead to revocation, in addition to directed plans of correction and emergency
• Some issues that might lead to revocation, in addition to directed plans of correction and emergency
• Uh which<01:32:21.440><c> leads</c><01:32:21.840><c> to</c><01:32:22.000><c> the</c><01:32:22.239><c>
• reason</c><01:32:22.400><c> that</c><01:32:22.719><c> I</c><01:32:22.960><c> called</c> which leads
• On the second strike of any behavior that could lead to an incident that we would have to report, we

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first heard brief presentations on Kentucky’s 2025 Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant and Title V Maternal and Child Health Block Grant. Department for Public Health staff explained that the preventive health block grant provides about $2.3 million annually and supports programs such as accreditation and performance improvement, local health department grants, community health workers, prescription assistance, asthma and COPD programs, workforce development, and a sexual assault programs set-aside. They said the Title V block grant provides about $11.7 million, with 35% directed to children and youth with special health care needs and 65% to maternal and child health populations, largely through local health departments and a five-year needs assessment process. After no questions, a motion was made and seconded to approve both block grants. The roll call vote passed 19-0, and the two block grants were approved. The committee then approved the minutes from the prior meeting. The next item was a discussion of the child waiver created in House Bill 6. Committee members raised concerns that the proposed 1915(c) waiver did not match the legislature’s intent, which they said was to move children from the Michelle P. waiver to free slots for adults. Cabinet officials from DCBS, behavioral health, and Medicaid described the proposed “Community Health for Improved Lives and Development” waiver as a targeted home- and community-based program for children under 21 with severe behavioral health or developmental needs, including those stepping down from inpatient or residential care or at risk of out-of-home placement. They said the waiver is designed for about 100 slots, uses a standardized needs-based assessment, and includes case management, community living supports, home modifications, respite, supervised residential care, and clinical therapeutic services. Officials said the public comment period ended July 15, responses are being compiled for August submission to CMS, and the waiver is part of the broader Families First initiative.

Transcript Highlights:

• Reverend Jonathan Hopkins, pastor at the Concordia Lutheran Church in Concord, will lead the prayer.
• 10.720><c> who</c> The Chair recognizes a member from Merrimack, Representative Janine N., who will lead
• to overpayments and even fraud in lead to overpayments and even fraud in some<01:37:21.760><c> cases
• One of the leading issues among all of our constituents has been tax relief, and that property taxes
• One of the leading issues properties.

Transcript Highlights:

• put, unbounded wildfire liability risks result in bad credit and high cost of capital, which in turn leads
• to high cost to customers at turn leads to high cost to customers at a<00:03:57.480><c> time</c><00:
• large infrastructure projects on the island, if they’re willing to finance them at all, which then leads
• large infrastructure projects on the island, if they’re willing to finance them at all, which then leads
• </c><00:47:34.480><c> to</c> finance them at all which then leads to finance them at all which then leads

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Summary: The joint Senate hearing focused primarily on SB 1201, a wildfire measure that would create a wildfire recovery fund and allow securitization for electric utilities. Hawaiian Electric strongly supported the bill, saying it would help protect customers, property owners, insurers, and the broader economy from future catastrophic wildfire liability while improving the utility’s credit profile and lowering financing costs. Support also came from DCCA Consumer Advocacy, the Attorney General’s office on written comments, Ulupono Initiative, Clearway Energy Group, IBEW Local 1260, Par Hawaii, KIUC, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi, Plus Power, and numerous organizations and individuals. Opponents or commenters raised concerns about the liability cap, victim compensation process, and fund structure, including the Hawaiʻi Association for Justice, the Hawaiʻi Regional Council of Carpenters, and the Hawaiʻi Insurance Council; Henry Curtis of Life of the Land supported the concept of a fund but questioned the catastrophe threshold and whether the fund would be empty without a prudency finding. Much of the discussion centered on whether the proposed fund would actually help restore Hawaiian Electric to investment grade, with senators comparing the proposal to California’s wildfire fund. Hawaiian Electric said the bill was only one part of a broader process, alongside physical risk reduction and settlement finalization, and argued that without the bill the utility would not regain investment grade. Senators also questioned the proposed $1 billion fund size, the fairness of ratepayer contributions versus shareholder contributions, and whether customers should pay for consulting and administrative costs; Hawaiian Electric said its proposed amendment would remove those consulting-related charges. The company also said the fund would accrue interest and, if unused, could be returned to customers, and that there would be replenishment and supplemental contribution mechanisms if the fund were exhausted. The Attorney General’s office said it still had further amendments to discuss, and the departments had not yet resolved where the fund should reside administratively, though Hawaiian Electric said it believed DCCA was the appropriate place but was open to alternatives. KIUC requested two amendments. No vote or final committee action was taken during the hearing, and the measure remained under discussion with questions and proposed amendments still outstanding.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the lead for the housing committee for the DFL caucus, representing Richfield and a slice of south
• We're one of the leading state housing finance agencies in terms of our home ownership lending production
• one of the leading State Housing Finance<00:07:57.000><c> agencies</c><00:07:57.680><c> in</c><00:07
• One of the interesting things that I found at that time, and it kind of leads up to the question, is
• up to the question is is kind of leads up to the question is is that that that while<00:46:05.359><c

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Medicaid is a big part of the exponential growth that is leading to that deficit.
• </c><01:22:02.159><c> agencies</c> of course the counties and Lead agencies of course the counties and
• Lead agencies are<01:22:02.840><c> authorizing</c><01:22:03.480><c> Services</c><01:22:04.440><c> um
• </c><01:24:38.600><c> agency</c> for a provider to go to the lead agency for a provider to go to the
• lead agency and<01:24:39.320><c> say</c><01:24:39.560><c> I</c><01:24:39.639><c> need</c><01:24:39.760

Committee: Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• But that then leads to the need for a really deeply engaged process to draw the best ideas out of our
• But that then leads to the need for a really deeply engaged process to draw the best ideas out of our
• But that then leads to the need for a really deeply engaged process to draw the best ideas out of our
• But that then leads to the need for a really deeply engaged process to draw the best ideas out of our
• to the need for a a really then leads to the need for a a really deeply<00:26:15.440><c> engaged</c>

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• to be able to respond appropriately in encounters with the public, and that would also potentially lead
• It is preventable, and one of the leading causes of death for our young people ages 15 to 24.
• causes of death and one of the leading causes of death for<01:21:43.760><c> our</c><01:21:44.080><c>
• So I urge the committee to pass HB 2378 to help Hawaii lead in sustainable maritime tech.
• uh in sustainable uh to help Hawaii lead uh in sustainable maritime<01:46:06.639><c> tech.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1588, which would establish a Department of Transportation noise detection program using cameras to enforce noise control laws. DOT supported the measure and said it is already piloting the technology at eight locations, with about 10 sites costing roughly $2 million to $2.5 million to install and operate. The Department of Health said it was willing to work with DOT but noted its current regulations are not designed for vehicular noise sources and that the bill may need clearer standards to be enforceable. Members raised concerns about the lack of a specific decibel threshold and whether the system could accurately identify the source of noise; DOT said the pilot can pinpoint vehicles and that the program would align with existing health standards, but no final number was identified during the hearing. The committee then heard HB 1696, which lowers the minimum age for a commercial driver’s license from 19 to 18 and removes a restriction tied to vehicle category, while requiring DOT rule changes. DOT, the City and County of Honolulu, the Hawaii Transportation Association, Teamsters Local 996, and other stakeholders testified in support. The Hawaii Transportation Association suggested adding a training requirement for drivers ages 18 to 20, proposing at least 320 hours of employer training and recordkeeping. Members sought clarification that the bill would apply to intrastate, not interstate, licensing. For HB 233, the committee considered a measure authorizing DOT to designate airport special district zones statewide to prevent unauthorized access and improve security. DOT and the City and County of Honolulu supported the bill, explaining that defined boundaries would help law enforcement address trespassing, disruptions, fires, theft, harassment, and other incidents around airports and terminals; DOT said commercial airports are ready to implement the proposal, while some general aviation sites would need further work. Members asked about the scope of the boundaries, existing enforcement, and whether the measure would cover state-owned or non-state parcels near airports. The committee also heard HB 2332, which renames the Harbors Division as the Commercial Ports Division and distinguishes “harbor” from “port” in statute. DOT, the Maritime Group, and harbor users supported the bill, saying the change would reduce confusion between commercial cargo/cruise facilities and recreational small boat harbors, and could help with clarity and possibly federal grant competitiveness. Members asked about impacts on small boat harbors and cruise activity, and DOT explained that the bill is aimed at purpose-built commercial ports, not recreational facilities. The committee also took testimony on HB 2283, which clarifies DOT’s consultative role with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs in setting port pilotage standards and requirements. DOT, DCCA, Matson, the Hawaii Pilots Association, and others supported the measure, saying it would improve coordination and ensure pilot licensing standards reflect operational realities in the harbors. Finally, after a recess, the committee heard HB 2217, which would allow driver’s permits, licenses, and ID cards to include a notation for a non-apparent disability. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities opposed the bill as drafted, saying voluntary alternatives such as Smart 911 may be better and that the category is too broad. The Attorney General’s office supported the intent but recommended limiting the notation to medically recognized, specifically defined conditions so agencies can train personnel and avoid confusion or escalation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and now we have Brendan with his experience as the elections attorney lead in the AG's office.
• Um, and now we have Brendan with his experience as the elections attorney lead in the AG's office.
• Um, and now we have Brendan with his experience as the elections attorney lead in the AG's office.
• </c><01:11:34.560><c> He's</c><01:11:34.880><c> really</c> uh lead in the AG's office.
• He's really uh lead in the AG's office.

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• And again, it wasn't an issue for anyone here in the United States in the days leading up to this.
• Thank you for leading this hearing that way, because that is really true.
• Do y'all lead them? Do you participate at the local level? How does... Does that work exactly?
• I would suggest, as part of... so which will lead to my next question, if I may.
• So I'm just leading into this that we have already agreed we need to look into it.

Committee: House Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select

Transcript Highlights:

• It leads to unnecessary delays, so this bill would shift the State Building Code Council to more of an
• And this broad definition leads to a lot of unnecessary reviews and long delays and whatnot.
• And this broad definition leads to a lot of unnecessary reviews and long delays and whatnot.
• And this broad definition leads to a lot of unnecessary reviews and long delays and whatnot.
• And this broad definition leads to a lot of unnecessary reviews and long delays and whatnot.

Committee: House Housing

Summary: The Committee on Housing held a public hearing on January 31 and heard testimony on a series of housing and building-code bills. The first major item, HB 1 relating to building codes, drew sharply divided testimony. Supporters, including BIA Hawaii, Grassroot Institute, Dr. Horton, and several builders and trade groups, argued the current code-adoption process is slow, fragmented, and costly, and that reform would help housing production. Opponents, including Sierra Club Hawaii, AIA Hawaii, ICC, and labor representative Kiko Bosi, said the bill would weaken public safety, reduce statewide consistency, and could leave tenants and first responders at greater risk. No vote was taken during the hearing, and members asked questions about the effect of a governor’s emergency proclamation suspending the Building Code Council and about county authority over code amendments. The committee then heard HB 745 and HB 1321, both also relating to building codes. Grassroot Institute supported both measures, saying the system is broken and needs streamlining, while BIA Hawaii and others emphasized the cost burden of repeated code updates. Opponents, especially Bosi and ICC, argued that the bills would undermine the State Building Code Council’s role, create confusion, and prioritize cost over safety; Bosi also said labor should be included in any code discussions. Members questioned whether counties can remove state code provisions and whether the state code already supersedes county codes, and one member noted the need for clarity and consistent enforcement rather than a wholesale overhaul. Later, the committee heard HB 284 on housing, HB 761 on county permitting and inspection, and HB 738 on historic preservation. HB 284 drew support from several housing and real estate groups, while DLNR opposed it. On HB 761, HHFDC supported the bill, DLNR warned that the proposed changes could jeopardize Hawaii’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program, DAGS said it would likely need to duplicate county permitting staff, and the Department of Planning and Permitting opposed it; Grassroot Institute and NAIOP supported it. For HB 738, HHFDC, DLNR, Grassroot Institute, Hawaii YIMBY, NAIOP, and others supported the measure, with Grassroot and NAIOP suggesting clarifications so expedited review would also cover mixed-use projects and better define the scope of work. The transcript does not show any final votes or committee action on these bills during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• little unique there that one of our top four largest urban areas is not listed in there, and which leads
• That can lead to spikes in the payment error rate.
• applications can affect the payment error rate because an influx in applications increases workload and can lead
• So we're going to be dusting that off and updating that, and then leading the statewide dementia initiatives
• And then leading the statewide dementia initiatives and partnerships, convening our stakeholders and

Summary: The committee was called to order, the roll was taken, and the March 18 minutes were approved. Members then received several project and program updates, beginning with CHI St. Alexius’s behavioral health buildouts in Bismarck, Williston, and Grand Forks. St. Alexius reported that the Bismarck project remains on track for June 2027 completion, with demolition underway and final design work nearing completion. Williston reported construction is progressing, staffing recruitment is underway for psychiatrists and other staff, and an air handler replacement is creating a roughly $750,000 unbudgeted barrier that will slightly delay the timeline. Grand Forks reported its expansion is about 30% complete, with no major barriers beyond weather, and leaders said the project should be substantially complete in the first quarter of 2027. The Department of Health and Human Services then presented a series of budget and program updates. Donna Ockland explained several recent line-item transfers as technical corrections that net to zero and do not require new spending, then reviewed salaries, wages, and FTE counts, noting the department remains within its authorized staffing levels. Pat Rainer followed with an update on the Rural Health Transformation Program, saying 12 opportunities have been posted, 422 applications received, and $8.4 million obligated so far, with a goal of obligating the full $199 million by September. He described grants for workforce retention, rural rotations and housing, community gardens, school wellness, behavioral health promotion, safety net services, equipment, technology, EMS, and other initiatives, emphasizing that the program is intended to be transformational and tied to metrics. Members asked extensive questions about how rural eligibility is defined, how grants will support both rural facilities and hub hospitals, and how future years of funding will build on current awards. The committee also heard an update on certified community behavioral health clinics from Elena Zeller, who said North Dakota has been accepted as a demonstration state, implementation is underway in Williston, North Central/Minot, Fargo, and Dickinson, and care coordination and service counts are increasing. Rebecca Askins then reviewed SNAP payment error rates, saying the 2025 rate was finalized at 9.89%, with the state aiming to get below 6% through policy updates, training, data tools, and a quality assurance team. Members pressed her on the causes of the error rate, the role of the SPACES software system, and the need for accountability and improvements. Finally, Dirk Wilkie reported the state laboratory project reached substantial completion on June 12 and is on budget at about $69.95 million, though a service elevator had to be redesigned because it was too small for equipment.

Transcript Highlights:

• similar to the triangle that you talk about, the NERM Triangle and the other institutions that are leading
• We must choose to lead and to challenge the status quo in two-year technical college education and in
• And if that pathway doesn't lead to our institution, that's okay.
• And if that pathway doesn't lead to our institution, that's okay.
• And if that pathway doesn't lead to our institution, that's okay.

Committee: Joint Higher Education Institutions Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• The Academy is proud to have been a lead organization that implemented and stood up Demos between 2016
• And thank you, Representative Lynn, for leading this forward. Up next, Marissa Jacoby.
• It leads people into desperation, criminal behavior, dangerous choices, and heartbreaking public consequences
• It leads people into desperation, criminal behavior, dangerous choices, and heartbreaking public consequences
• Programs like Seattle's LEAD or Northeast ANGEL initiatives maintain a necessary legal backstop.

Bills: SB274 , SB301 , SB249

Committee: House Health & Human Development

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several measures related to health care, public health, and patient protections. House Concurrent Resolution 148, urging a statewide educational strategy on menopause, was presented as a workplace awareness measure and received supportive comments from members before being released. Senate Bill 274, updating Delaware’s MOST program to POLST and clarifying capacity determinations and documentation for end-of-life orders, also drew supportive testimony from medical and nursing groups and was released. House Bill 458, limiting local backflow preventer requirements for certain low-hazard buildings, was presented as a cost-relief measure for homeowners and small businesses; DHSS expressed concerns but said it was willing to work on amendments and a sunset provision, and the bill was released. Senate Joint Resolution 18, designating August 31, 2026 as International Overdose Awareness Day and ordering flags at half-staff, was released after brief supportive remarks. The committee then considered Senate Bill 339, a technical correction to the advance health care directive form clarifying that an agent’s authority for voluntary mental health admission cannot exceed 72 hours, consistent with existing law. Members asked detailed questions about how the 72-hour limit works and whether it applies to voluntary directives; the sponsor and a Disability Rights Delaware witness explained that the bill only aligns the form with current statute and does not expand authority. The bill was released. House Bill 301, requiring hospitals to create discharge plans for pregnant patients discharged while showing signs of labor, prompted extensive discussion. The sponsor and supporters said it would improve safety, transportation planning, and aftercare, while some members noted Delaware hospitals already do much of this work and questioned whether codifying it was necessary; supporters emphasized maternal mortality disparities and the need for guardrails. The bill was released. Senate Bill 196, creating ownership disclosure requirements for long-term care facilities and resident notice rules after ownership transfers, was presented as a transparency measure for seniors and families and was released after supportive testimony from the Delaware Nurses Association and elder-care advocates. Senate Bill 320, expanding pharmacists’ independent prescriptive authority for certain non-controlled medications and allowing opioid use disorder medications under standing order, with added malpractice reporting requirements in Senate Amendment 2, was supported by pharmacists and nurse practitioners as an access-to-care measure and was released. Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 161, establishing a unified licensing and oversight framework for adult behavioral health providers under DSAM, was presented as a patient-protection measure; providers supported the goal but cautioned that regulations must be workable, and the substitute was released. Senate Joint Resolution 19, directing DHSS to study strategies to reduce health care costs, was released with a note reflecting concerns about broadening the analysis to include additional cost drivers and alternatives. Finally, Senate Bill 249 with Senate Amendment 2, modernizing harm-reduction programs and paraphernalia laws, generated the most extended debate: supporters framed it as life-saving public health policy, while opponents raised concerns about needle litter, community impacts, and whether the approach facilitates addiction. Despite the objections, the bill was released.