Transcript Highlights:

• ambulance services and air ambulance services, to be essential services.
• </c><00:56:46.160><c> increase</c><00:56:46.560><c> access</c><00:56:46.880><c> to</c><00:56:47.000><
• c> services</c> measures to increase access to services measures to increase access to services and<00
• </c> their um loved ones in dementia care to their um loved ones in dementia care to access<00:57:15.200
• </c> were very happy to hear I was wanting to were very happy to hear I was wanting to be<01:20:37.200

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so why would we, why, why do we need to codify that in statute to provide access to every student
• We want access to all, and, and with the federal policy that's already in place, uh, we just want to
• And so this provides equal access to every student. Oh, thank you. Yes, sir.
• I appreciate that this is offering a framework for parents to um. Access their right to.
• Uh, access to a quiet room for rest periods, uh, and scheduled breaks during class events, uh, to prevent

Committee: House Public Education

Transcript Highlights:

• But the road has to be maintained to even have access to the wall, Senator. Okay.
• But the road has to be maintained to even have access to the wall, Senator. Okay.
• related to health and human services.
• authority to implement additional IT service management capabilities to improve our service delivery
• And so it makes it very, very difficult for us to be able to find them again once we lose access to them

Bills: SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The committee first heard the Legislative Budget Board and Secretary of State Jane Nelson on the Secretary of State budget. LBB said the recommendation would reduce the agency’s appropriation by about $40.3 million overall, with major changes including removing federal HAVA funding and one-time business system replacement money, adjusting the agency’s base request, deleting an outdated Interstate Crosscheck rider, and directing HAVA funds to be drawn down first. Secretary Nelson and staff defended the agency’s needs, emphasizing election security, business filings, international protocol, and the Texas Register, and requested additional staff, a new website, digitization of records, IT and cybersecurity upgrades, and renovation of the Rudder Building. Senators discussed voter-roll maintenance, cross-checking data, call-center response times, and the need for online voter registration and more efficient election administration. No votes were taken. The committee then took up the Office of the Governor and trustee programs. LBB outlined a $2.4 million decrease for the office proper and a much larger decrease in trustee programs, driven by unexpended balances and the removal of one-time federal and border-security items, while noting continued funding for disaster response, victim assistance, and $2.9 billion for border security at roughly the prior level. Governor’s staff said Texas remains focused on border security, economic development, and public safety, and discussed efforts to seek federal reimbursement for prior border spending. Members asked about the National Guard’s status, possible federal assumption of border costs, the music incubator program, the Semiconductor Innovation Consortium, the Governor’s University Research Initiative, defense economic adjustment grants, and a new $5 million nonprofit security grant proposal. Staff said the semiconductor program has 12 approved projects totaling about 948 jobs and $17 billion in capital investment, and that the nonprofit security request was added late to address threats to houses of worship and other nonprofits. No formal action was taken. Finally, the committee heard the Texas Facilities Commission and lease-payment recommendations. LBB said the Facilities Commission recommendation would reduce appropriations by about $2.0 billion, mainly by removing border wall construction funding and capital complex bond funding, while adding money for higher utility costs, Rudder Building refurbishment, and additional staff. The lease-payment recommendation would decrease general revenue by $9.3 million. LBB also noted new riders related to completing the State Library and Archives building, tenant communication during disruptions, and a space-utilization report. In agency testimony, members asked about border wall maintenance responsibility, total facilities-related debt, and the status of capital complex construction. The Rudder Building renovation and related security needs were repeatedly discussed as important one-time infrastructure investments.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this hearing is accessible to members of the public to view at the General Court website.
• We'll have to then do our in-service training, mandatory in-service training.
• We'll have to do our in-service training yearly to bring us up to speed on the enforcement we can take
• our in-service training yearly to bring us up to speed on the enforcement we can take in and in what
• for commuting. 40% of their residents did not have access to a motor vehicle for commuting.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Transportation

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on the governor’s Ride Safe Act, S. 3077, and related micromobility bills. Chairs and administration officials described the bill as a statewide, speed-based framework for e-bikes, scooters, mopeds, and similar devices, intended to replace outdated device categories with clearer rules for age limits, helmets, equipment, operating locations, registration, insurance for higher-speed devices, and restrictions on tampering. They also emphasized improved crash-data collection, a working group for future updates, and battery safety standards such as UL certification to reduce fire risk. Committee members asked about enforcement, shared-use paths, commuter rail accommodations, battery storage, and how the bill would apply to other vehicles like quads; the administration said some issues would need further study or follow-up. Testimony from advocates, municipal officials, and commission members was mixed but generally supportive of clearer statewide rules. Transportation and safety advocates backed the speed-based tier system but urged additional measures, including a default speed limit on shared-use paths, automated enforcement, and more funding for Complete Streets and Shared Streets programs. Bike shop and police representatives said current laws are confusing for riders and law enforcement and that better definitions and data reporting are needed. Several speakers stressed that enforcement and education will be critical, and that local patchwork rules are difficult to apply consistently. Medical testimony strongly supported tighter protections for young riders. Pediatric emergency and trauma doctors described a sharp rise in serious injuries and deaths involving e-bikes and scooters, including severe pediatric cases, and urged amendments adding a minimum age for faster devices and a universal helmet requirement. They argued that the force and weight of these devices make crashes more dangerous than conventional bicycles and pointed to past Massachusetts safety laws as evidence that age and equipment restrictions can reduce injuries. Some public testimony opposed the bill as written, especially from moped commuters who argued that gas-powered mopeds are being treated differently from comparable electric devices and should be included in the framework. They called for clearer rules on bike-lane access, insurance, parking, and statewide standards for mopeds as vulnerable road users. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony and questions only.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:27:22.120><c> access</c><00:27:22.600><c> service</c><00:27:23.159><c> social</c> Services internet
• access service social Services internet access service social media<00:27:23.919><c> applications</c
• investment in broadband and increasing services to Minnesotans that don't have access to quality broadband
• </c><00:38:00.640><c> have</c> services to motans that don't have services to motans that don't have
• ><c> now</c><00:38:02.560><c> so</c> access to Quality Broadband now so access to Quality Broadband now

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• our to make it more efficient and accessible<01:11:08.120><c> uh</c><01:11:08.239><c> the</c><01:11:
• We can provide farmers with an additional revenue stream, and we can give ranchers access to affordable
• to testify. give ranchers access to Affordable Feed give ranchers access to Affordable Feed for<01:11
• This tax credit actually allows our residents to access clean energy and affordable energy and save money
• This tax credit actually allows our residents to access clean energy and affordable energy and save money

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• system, ensuring that every student no matter their starting point has access to clear affordable and
• role in expanding access to high-quality, affordable education.
• Ensuring businesses have access to skilled talent.
• has access to high-quality workforce programs that align with regional labor market needs and per finds
• We're expanding access to high-quality high-demand programs, ensuring that every credential leads to

Transcript Highlights:

• The witness needs to be allowed to listen to a question silently so that he may... ...to listen to a
• patients for them to have access to these opportunities, specifically for vaccines.
• We just want to be able to afford them that opportunity to work to the fullest extent in their communities
• I think the importance of early access to those types of services so that those things can be set for
• be really for the Department of Health and Senior Services to consider that.

Committee: House Health and Mental Health

Summary: The House Committee on Health and Mental Health heard testimony on several measures. HCR 42, sponsored by Representative Perkins, urged Congress to support programs aimed at reducing prescription drug costs for Medicaid and Medicare patients. The sponsor said it would help elderly and low-income residents, while Representative Dahl argued the referenced program could cost more than other pharmacy options and criticized the resolution. No one testified in support or opposition, and the hearing on HCR 42 was closed. The committee then heard SB 878, a pharmacist practice act bill sponsored by Senator Fitzwater. The bill would make permanent several pandemic-era pharmacy practices, including pharmacist administration of certain vaccines, medication therapy plan authority, dispensing of some medical devices and supplies, over-the-counter availability of ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine with warning labels and standardized procedures, and nonprofit pharmacy emergency waivers. Supporters said it would improve access, especially in rural areas, reduce delays in treatment, and help pharmacies remain open. Opponents raised concerns about vaccine authority shifting away from the governor, the safety of over-the-counter hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin, and whether pharmacists should be treated as equivalent to physicians. The Missouri Pharmacy Association, Walmart, and Walgreens testified in support, and the hearing was closed without a vote. The committee also heard two resolutions. HCR 538, by Representative Hruza, would designate May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month and encourage support for research and advocacy. Members generally supported the resolution, with comments about the severity of ALS and the importance of early communication supports; no opposition was presented. HCR 4661, also presented by Representative Hruza, would encourage awareness and screening for chronic kidney disease, especially among high-risk patients, and promote public-private education efforts around urine albumin-to-creatinine testing. Testimony emphasized the prevalence and cost of kidney disease and the value of early detection. The committee took no votes on these measures and adjourned after the hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• WE REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR SERVICE TO THIS WONDERFUL STATE, I KNOW EACH ONE OF YOU HAS BEEN DEDICATED
• TWO OF MY THREE KIDS WENT TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS, ALL THREE WENT TO STATE SCHOOLS, ONE TO FSU, ONE TO EGA
• FOR ONE ADDITIONAL FOUR-YEAR TERM NOT TO EXCEED EIGHT CONSECUTIVE YEARS OF SERVICE.
• AGED OUT OF FOSTER CARE WITH AFFORDABLE HOUSING WILL BECOME MORE ACCESSIBLE TO THE YOUTH YOU NEED THEM
• I PLAN TO USE THE FOSTER DEPENDENCE HOUSING VOUCHER A FEDERAL PROGRAM ACCESSIBLE TO FLORIDA, HOWEVER

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And what that gives us now is they have access to this project.
• First they have access being a beneficiary. Now they have access to a project.
• Very different from before, but now they have access immediately to something that they can be able to
• ><c> loans</c><00:51:38.720><c> for</c> access to low interest loans for access to low interest loans
• </c><01:30:02.560><c> Honolulu,</c> access to places in downtown Honolulu, access to places in downtown

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Act 279 working group met for an informational briefing with DHHL on its use of the $600 million appropriation and progress on the department’s implementation plan. The chair reviewed the working group’s oversight role, noting that it was created to monitor expenditures, project development, and progress toward reducing the Hawaiian Homes waitlist, and that the group must submit a progress report before the 2026 session and a final report before the 2027 session. DHHL said it had provided an updated booklet reflecting the Hawaiian Homes Commission’s February 2024 recommendations and a detailed accounting of encumbrances and project progress across the islands. DHHL highlighted several implementation themes: innovative financing and construction methods, land acquisitions and exchanges, technology, beneficiary services, and partnerships with counties and private entities. The department described a “project lease” model that gives beneficiaries access to a project rather than a specific lot, with options such as turnkey homes, owner-builder, self-help, or rent-to-purchase arrangements depending on financial qualification. Officials said this approach is intended to serve lower-income beneficiaries, expand access for people on the waitlist, and allow beneficiaries to receive support services such as financial literacy and down payment assistance. The department reported that roughly $511 million had been encumbered for infrastructure, about $152.8 million for acquisitions, financing, and beneficiary services, and about $36 million in other covered costs, with about $588.9 million encumbered as of December 31 and about $120 million expected to be spent by that date. Officials said the original implementation plan covered about 2,722 units, while the updated plan projects roughly 6,000 to 7,000 leases and 2,472 lots to be occupied. They also described phase-two needs for additional funding, including projects on Hawaiʻi, Maui, Kauaʻi, and Oʻahu, and said they would need continued legislative support, including possible bonding and private activity bond set-asides, to complete remaining projects. Members discussed the distinction between encumbered and spent funds, and DHHL explained that encumbrances reserve money for specific contracts while construction spending occurs over time through progress payments. The department also showcased examples of innovative projects, including a high-rise project in urban Honolulu financed through a mix of private activity bonds, tax credits, and state funds, and an acquisition-based project in Kapaʻa, Kauaʻi using multiple funding sources. DHHL emphasized partnerships with the City and County of Honolulu and Maui County, and said it is still assessing future projects to keep infrastructure costs manageable and ensure homes are safe and affordable for beneficiaries.

Transcript Highlights:

• to services without what he called undue barriers.
• to services without what he called undue barriers.
• and I refer to this I would I services and I refer to this I would I would<00:13:27.560><c> refer</c
• We want to make sure that kids have access to medically sound treatment while also protecting the rights
• </c><00:40:14.599><c> to</c> to make sure that kids have access to to make sure that kids have access

Keywords: Consideration of HB 9 00:02:20 Consideration of HB 495 00:08:53 Consideration of HB 520 00:46:51 Consideration of HB 622 00:54:39 Consideration of HB 635 00:59:25, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 9, which would create oversight for Medicaid-related policy through a board modeled after the Public Pension Oversight Board. Sponsor Rep. Adam Bowling said the measure was intended to bring legislative, executive, and stakeholder voices together to vet issues and make better-informed Medicaid policy. Members generally supported the concept, though some questioned the proposed board’s party breakdown and whether the language should be updated now rather than later. After discussion, the committee voted 19-0 to pass HB 9 favorably. The committee then heard House Bill 495, which Rep. Hail said would protect mental health care professionals, institutions, and ordained ministers from discrimination when providing what the bill calls protected counseling services. He described the bill as a parental-choice measure that would allow counseling aligned with family values and said it also creates a civil cause of action for harmed parties. Opponents argued the bill would shield conversion therapy, with Dr. Eric Russ, Brandon Long, Dr. Brandon Creech, Brenda Rosen, Chris Hartman, and Dr. Bobby Glass testifying that conversion therapy is discredited, harmful, and associated with depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide risk. They said professional medical and counseling organizations oppose such practices and urged rejection of the bill. During questions, Rep. Layman pressed the sponsor on whether the bill would protect therapies even if a child was not in distress and on whether the committee should be endorsing a practice discredited by professional organizations. Rep. Hail responded that he viewed the issue as a parental choice and said he believed the bill protects providers offering those services. The transcript ends during continued discussion of HB 495, with no final vote shown on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• timeline to streamline access to state financial resources ...to streamline access to state financial
• We should all be able to agree that it is absurd to place projects and service with long waiting lists
• who want to build affordable housing and people who should be able to access it, including veterans.
• people who should be able to access it, including veterans.
• to simplify this process to get more housing built and simplify it for folks who want to access it as

Committee: House Housing and Community Development

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we have access to these products. It's not a monopoly. There's over 400 companies involved.
• have access to that information.
• take this step today to begin to add more juveniles to our list of adult offenders.
• I think it's important for our people to be encouraged to work, to be encouraged to find their purpose
• to pay our salaries to be here.

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior day’s journal by roll call vote, and established a quorum. Members then offered personal privilege remarks recognizing Dr. Penelope Martin Knox for Black History Month and introducing guests, including Adeline Overcast, who was made a page for the day, and visitors connected to a rural hospital in Rolla. Several bills were read for the first time, including measures on blind pension tax levies, penalties for impeding first responders, and flag display in the state capitol, and committee reports recommended passage of multiple deferred measures. The chamber then took up several bills on third reading. House Committee Substitute for HB 2596, concerning multiple employee self-insured health plans for small businesses, passed 145-0. HB 1644, dealing with franchise employment liability and joint-employer issues, passed 103-45 after debate over worker rights and franchisor liability. HB 2423, which would increase funding for the Division of Finance through higher licensing fees, passed 146-0 despite concerns about costs being passed on indirectly. House Committee Substitute for HB 2641, which aligns state law with federal restrictions on intoxicating hemp-derived products, drew extensive debate over hemp, beverages, and the impact on small businesses and consumers; it passed 109-34 with six present. Members also debated HB 2498 on juvenile justice reform, including changes to certification procedures and information sharing. Supporters argued it would improve accountability and public safety, while opponents warned it would politicize juvenile decisions, burden treatment facilities, and push more youth into the adult system. After a successful previous-question motion, the bill passed 100-44 with three present. House Committee Substitute for HB 2637 and 3155, described as a truth-in-sentencing measure that would make parole eligibility and time-served credit clearer, passed 102-45 with two present after debate over whether it effectively increased mandatory minimums. Finally, the House took up House Committee Substitute for HJR 154, a proposed constitutional amendment tied to Medicaid expansion and work requirements. Supporters framed it as encouraging work and reducing dependency, while opponents called it an attack on Medicaid expansion that would increase administrative costs and risk coverage losses for vulnerable residents. The transcript ends during the motion for the previous question on that resolution, before the final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• to pass on that fee to the consumer.
• So we have access to these products. It's not a monopoly. There's over 400 companies involved.
• have access to that information.
• I think it's important for our people to be encouraged to work, to be encouraged to find their purpose
• to pay our salaries to be here.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we have access to these products. It's not a monopoly. There's over 400 companies involved.
• have access to that information.
• For rape, it goes from currently 5 to 30, first degree, and this goes to 10 to 30.
• I think it's important for our people to be encouraged to work, to be encouraged to find their purpose
• to pay our salaries to be here.

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior day’s journal by roll call, and recognized a Black History Month tribute to Dr. Penelope Martin Knox, superintendent of Raytown C-2 Schools. Members also introduced guests, including the day’s pledge leader Adeline Overcast and visitors from a rural hospital in Rolla. Several new bills were read for the first time, including measures on blind pensions, first responder harassment, and flag display at the state capitol, and committee reports were received recommending passage of several deferred measures. The chamber then took up multiple third-reading bills. House Bill 2596, concerning multiple employee self-insured health plans for small businesses, passed 145-0 after supporters said it would help small employers offer affordable coverage. House Bill 1644, addressing franchise employment liability and joint-employer issues, passed 103-45 after debate over whether it would unfairly limit workers’ rights to sue franchisors. House Bill 2423, dealing with Division of Finance licensing fees and oversight, passed 146-0 despite concerns about fee increases. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2641, which aligns state law with federal restrictions on intoxicating hemp-derived products, passed 109-34 after extensive debate over whether the bill unfairly carves out beverages and harms hemp businesses. House Bill 2498, a juvenile justice reform measure shifting some certification-related responsibilities and expanding information sharing, passed 100-44 after supporters argued it would improve accountability and opponents warned it would politicize juvenile cases and burden treatment facilities. House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2637 and 3155, a sentencing bill increasing mandatory minimums and clarifying time-served and parole eligibility, passed 102-45 amid debate over whether it was truly a transparency measure or an increase in punishment. The House also debated House Committee Substitute for House Joint Resolution 154, a proposed constitutional amendment tied to Medicaid expansion/work requirements. Supporters said it would encourage work and reduce administrative costs, while opponents argued it would undermine Medicaid expansion and risk coverage for vulnerable residents. After a previous-question motion, the resolution passed 99-48. The session ended with announcements about upcoming committee meetings, a Black History Celebration, and other caucus and committee gatherings, followed by adjournment until Monday afternoon.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:42:36.000><c> to</c> the funding for digital accessibility to the funding for digital accessibility
• If we want to provide the best services to the public, if we want to ensure safe working conditions,
• to service program to save $3.5 sentence to service program to save $3.5 million<00:47:19.440><c> over
• ><c> services</c><00:48:19.200><c> to</c><00:48:19.440><c> the</c> to provide the best services to the
• to fire service related distribution to fire service related programs<01:12:42.480><c> for</c><01:12

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• used to provide emergency medical care or services.
• And number two, tax levy used to provide emergency medical care or services.
• levy to decide whether they wish to fund EMS services consistent with existing voter approval requirements
• are going to face food stamp insecurity as a result of H.R. 1, potentially have their access to student
• service cuts or pressure to raise taxes elsewhere.

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several bills. HB 2140 would exempt land sold or transferred to a governmental entity from additional tax when removed from open space classification in certain circumstances. Staff explained the current use property tax system and said the bill would likely have minimal but indeterminate revenue effects, with about $30,000 in one-time Department of Revenue costs. Representative Lowe said the bill was intended to fix a niche problem where a farmer loses a small frontage strip to a county and is then charged back taxes despite no change in land use. FutureWise testified in support of the bill’s intent but asked for small language changes to ensure transferred land remains compatible with agricultural or open space use. The public hearing on HB 2140 was then closed. HB 2326 would allow a fire protection district that is partially overlapped by another district’s EMS levy to impose its own levy on the portion not already covered, subject to voter approval in the affected area. Staff said the bill would have no state general fund impact and about $28,000 in one-time Department of Revenue costs. Fire district and fire chief representatives testified in support, describing situations in Clark County and Kittitas County where most residents cannot vote on an EMS levy because a small overlapping area already has one. Opponents, including Washington Citizens Against Unfair Taxes, argued the bill would add to property tax burdens. The hearing on HB 2326 then closed. HB 2334 would require rounding of cash transactions to the nearest five cents as pennies are phased out of circulation, while leaving non-cash payments unchanged. Staff said the bill would apply to the final total after taxes and fees, with an indeterminate but minimal state revenue impact and significant Department of Revenue implementation costs. The prime sponsor said the bill was needed because the federal government ended penny production without giving states guidance. Retail and grocery groups generally supported the concept but requested amendments for clarity, consumer protection, SNAP compliance, and flexibility while pennies remain in circulation; one witness opposed the bill as another tax burden. The hearing on HB 2334 was then closed. The committee then heard HB 2100, a proposed statewide payroll expense tax on large operating companies to fund a new Well Washington Fund for higher education, health care, cash assistance, energy, and housing. Staff said the proposed substitute would apply to employers with at least 250 employees and $7 million in annual payroll, exclude certain public and health care entities, and generate substantial revenue, with the fiscal note estimating about $7.6 billion to the general fund and $4.2 billion to the new fund in the 2027–29 biennium under the revised threshold. Supporters, including poverty, housing, labor, education, disability, and faith advocates, said the bill would help offset federal cuts and protect vulnerable residents. Business, retail, hospitality, construction, and technology groups opposed it, warning of job losses, higher costs, reduced competitiveness, and broader impacts on consumers and employers. The prime sponsor said the bill was a response to federal divestment and that the state needed a progressive revenue source now; no vote was taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our services are limited to vaccinations, preventive care, and parasite testing.
• </c><00:08:47.440><c> to</c> with oversight and immediate access to with oversight and immediate access
• <c> to</c> Our services are limited to Our services are limited to vaccinations,<00:08:53.320><c> preventive
• But we're trying to help make these things more accessible to more people.
• /c><00:46:43.160><c> more</c> these things more accessible to more these things more accessible to more

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first reviewed several Fish and Wildlife regulations. Staff explained amendments to 301 KAR 2:176, 4:112, and 6:030, including updating wildlife control tag language, creating an impoundment agent program for seized wildlife, and clarifying boating safety rules. A member raised a concern about boat wakes near docks, and staff said the commission had recently voted on related changes that were not yet included because the regulation had been filed earlier; those changes would have to come back later. The committee approved the staff amendments without objection. The Board of Veterinary Examiners then presented 201 KAR 16:767, which would require veterinary managers to be physically present during business hours and limit them to five registered facilities. Board representatives said they had tried to meet with affected parties before the hearing but had not reached agreement. A representative for Kentucky Pet IQ argued the rule was written for full-service hospitals and would be impractical for short, limited-service clinics that only provide vaccinations, preventive care, and parasite testing. Members expressed concern about the rule’s impact on veterinary access in underserved areas, and the committee voted to defer the regulation until the next month so the parties could continue negotiating. The committee next considered Transportation Cabinet 601 KAR 9:120, the online insurance verification system, in both ordinary and emergency form. The chair said staff had identified conflicts with a bill passed the prior year and moved to find the regulations deficient. The motion passed on a roll call vote, with six ayes and two pass votes. The committee then found ordinary ABC regulations 804 KAR 12:020 and 12:030 deficient as well, again by six ayes and two pass votes, after noting that the emergency versions had already been found deficient the previous month. Finally, the committee reviewed Cabinet for Health and Family Services 902 KAR 55:110, which would require veterinarians to report dispensed controlled substances to KASPER while exempting administered medications. OIG staff said the rule was meant to align regulation with statute, which includes veterinarians as prescribers, and emphasized that the reporting duty applies to prescriptions, not administration to animals. Some members supported the change as a needed anti-diversion measure, while others worried about implementation burdens and timing. After discussion, the committee found the regulation deficient by a 6-2 vote. The meeting then moved into full review of 922 KAR 1:565, a Department for Community Based Services rule implementing kinship care provisions from Senate Bill 151; staff said it was needed for implementation once funding is available, but a member criticized the two-year delay and the inclusion of language conditioning implementation on funding. A public witness from the Kinship Families Coalition argued the rule should not shift the 120-day application window in a way that could affect federal funding eligibility and urged the committee to reject the regulation as written.

Transcript Highlights:

• provide MAT services to inmates.
• provide services including MAT to inmates 90 days prior to release.
• to call nine facilities in order to find one that offered MAT services.
• MAT services to juveniles.
• Now we can get them to a provider; we can get them to a service.

Transcript Highlights:

• Nice to be here. Um, welcome the opportunity to be of service. Thank you very much.
• to access via HHRF the capital committed to access via HHRF hurricane<00:10:29.519><c> insurance</c>
• I am very excited to continue my service to the Board of Nursing.
• I am very excited to continue my service to the Board of Nursing.
• Um, but I I am very excited to continue my service to the Board of Nursing.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee heard and considered multiple gubernatorial nominations, beginning with several appointments to the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund board. Testimony on the Hurricane Relief Fund nominees was overwhelmingly in support from the DCCA Insurance Division, Hawaii Insurance Council, Hawaii Insurers Council, the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund, and various individuals and industry representatives. Nominees Michael Naka, Marie White, Raina Miamoto, Leslie Door, Edward Hike, and Gwen McDonald were discussed, with Miamoto and Hike offering brief remarks about the need to address hurricane insurance affordability, condo coverage, and the importance of attracting reinsurers. The committee spent substantial time questioning Hike about the fund’s strategy, including whether to keep eligibility broad in the first phase to move quickly into the reinsurance market, how much capital would be available, and whether later policy refinements such as owner-occupancy requirements could be added after an initial rollout. Hike said the fund intended to start with broad parameters to secure reinsurance and then consider more targeted changes later, and he indicated further responses to prior committee questions would be submitted later that day. No votes were taken during the excerpted discussion. The committee then moved to other nominations. Terresa Hernandez was considered for the Hawaii Board of Chiropractic, with support from the board, and she said chiropractic had been a passion for her for seven years. Terrence Aratani was considered for the Board of Nursing, with support from the Board of Nursing, Hawaii Primary Care Association, and others. During questioning, a senator raised concerns from constituents about a 2019 grant-related controversy involving a proposed resiliency hub project; Aratani responded that his organization had partnered on a grant-in-aid proposal, later withdrew when the project scope changed substantially, and said no money was transferred to the other group. Cheryl Schultz Hansen was also considered for the Board of Nursing and described her long nursing and teaching background, while a senator asked about alleged pressure on nurses to participate in employee give-back campaigns at Hawaii Pacific Health and the University of Hawaii; Hansen said the campaigns were voluntary and she was unaware of harassment, though she acknowledged managers may feel pressure to encourage participation. The excerpt ends before any final committee actions or votes on these nominations are announced.