Transcript Highlights:

• So as people, al, which you are—yeah, people are the al who care for the majority and the people, the
• which you are patience so as people Al which you are yeah<00:20:46.799> people<00:20:47.080><
• c> are<00:20:47.640> the<00:20:47.840> AL<00:20:48.400> who<00:20:48.640>
• [Music] [Music] [Music] All [Music] Al, al, al, al, al, al. [Music] [Music] [Music] I know all you.
• Al remember that as you go into session.

Keywords: House Agenda:, 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you have any questions, Senator Al?
• Do you have any questions, Senator Al?
• questions Senator Al questions Senator Al thank<00:44:58.599> you<00:44:58.720> Mr
• probably why shorter terms of uh ALS probably why shorter terms of uh ALS suspension<01:07:25.559
• is is again um there nothing in the ALS is is again um there nothing in the ALS form<01:08:26.920

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of mine confided his recent diagnosis with ALS.
• Senator Murkowski and I worked to get signed into law a bill to invest in ALS research. Dr.
• And I see this with ALS, where NIH is focusing on understanding the biology.
• She's working on ALS.
• A desire to understand knowledge, to make contributions to understanding ALS and the disease.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2026, unidentified human remains discovered in Cole County in 1983 were identified as Oen owoll al
• House Bill 4029 transfers $1 million for Appropriated money to the ALS fund.
• While I absolutely appreciate the affected group here as it relates to ALS, I'm looking at the $1 million
• Or Al A Har, you are recognized to explain the provisions of House Bill 3980. Thank you, Mr.
• Will there be questions of Senator Al? Let there be questions.

Bills: SJR50, SJR51, SJR52, SJR53, SJR54, SJR39, SB1290, HB4028, HB4029, HB4073, HB4074, HB4075, HB4076, HB4077, HB4078, HB1250, HB2951, HB2961, HB3151, HB3581, HB3705, HB3970, HB3972, HB3980, HB3981

Keywords: Medicaid, federal funding, state law, healthcare, low-income adults, Oklahoma Constitution, healthcare regulations, Oklahoma Health Care Authority, permanent rules, joint resolution, OHCA, health care rules, administrative rules, major rule, Title 75, Title 317, Oklahoma Administrative Code, OAC 317:30, health policy, state health programs

Transcript Highlights:

• Please call the first SB 367 by Senator Al. >> Senator Al, welcome.
• 12.000> Senator Please call the first SB 367 by Senator Please call the first SB 367 by Senator Al
• Al. Al. >> Senator<00:13:13.600> Al,<00:13:14.160> welcome.
• >> Senator Al, welcome. >> Thank you. Welcome. I'm glad to be here for you. If I might, Mr.

Bills: SB367, SB368, SB350, SB351

Keywords: rural health, healthcare access, state funding, health transformation, appropriations, fiscal policy, healthcare funding, economic development, mental health, maternal health, antitrust, competition, market regulation, business practices, consumer protection, anaphylaxis, epinephrine, auto-injector, public health, school safety

Transcript Highlights:

• , assistive technology, medical equipment, ramp reutilization, loan programs, and multidisciplinary ALS
• He's living with ALS. He's on Zoom with us today.
• Hollinger, who runs the ALS Clinic at Marshall. He's on Zoom as well.
• , our piano player for a number of years, really an integral part of our church, and she contracted ALS
• ALS is a terrible disease, and any way that we can help them have a good quality of life, we need to

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the March 5, 2026 minutes, and then took up several House bills. House Bill 5086, concerning peer support programs and testimonial privilege for covered caregivers, was amended to remove references to mental health and substance use disorder treatment from the disciplinary protections and to clarify that boards may still require participation in a board-designated professional health program; the bill was then reported to the full Senate with a do-pass recommendation. House Bill 5004, an education bill on PANS and PANDAS, was supported by the sponsor, who described his family’s experience with the conditions and emphasized earlier diagnosis and treatment; it was reported to the Senate. House Bill 537, creating an ALS services program in the Department of Human Services, also advanced after testimony from the sponsor and supportive comments about the disease’s impact; it was reported to the Senate. House Bill 5096, which would have removed personal care and intellectual disability services from certificate-of-need review, drew extensive testimony. The sponsor argued the change would reduce regulatory barriers and expand access to in-home care, while an aging-services witness said certificate-of-need revenues help fund senior meals and other local services and that eliminating the requirement would harm county aging programs. After discussion, the motion to report the bill failed on a recorded division vote of 3-9. House Bill 4695, allowing PEIA patients to switch to an alternative covered treatment without additional prior authorization if medically appropriate and no more expensive, was reported to the Senate. House Bill 5582, creating the respiratory care interstate compact, was amended to remove a committee-added initial background-check provision and then reported. Another House Bill 5582, dealing with the TANF drug screening program, removed the sunset date, allowed oral fluid testing, and was also reported. Finally, House Bill 5466 renamed the batterer intervention program as an abuse intervention program and allowed live synchronous virtual delivery while preserving an in-person option; the sponsor said the change would expand access statewide and better support domestic violence sentencing alternatives. That bill was reported to the Senate as well. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• 165 165 wow and what are we doing with 165 165 we<00:21:37.240> recommended<00:21:37.640> Al
• that we recommend Al to pass a<00:21:42.600> 167<00:21:43.080> for<00:21:43.240> all
• ><00:23:20.159> to<00:23:20.320> passing<00:23:20.559> 173 instead I recommend Al
• to passing 173 instead I recommend Al to passing 173 she<00:23:21.360> said<00:23:21.520>
• c> motion all in all in favor that we motion all in all in favor that we recommend<00:30:39.000> Al

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill provides a critical lifeline to residents who have ALS or ESRD who are under 65.
• Is this just for the end-stage renal care, or does this include ALS?
• This bill provides a critical lifeline to residents who have ALS or ESRD who are under 65.
• Is this just for the end stage renal care or does this include the ALS?
• I appreciate the opportunity to share my personal experience with insurance and ALS in Arizona.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 2433, which would require insurers offering Medicare supplement policies to people 65 and older to also offer them to Medicare beneficiaries under 65 with ALS or end-stage renal disease, with enrollment periods and premium protections tied to 65-year-old rates. Supporters, including dialysis and ALS advocates, said the bill would help a small population facing high out-of-pocket costs and could improve access to transplants and care; opponents argued it would shift costs onto older seniors and raise Medigap premiums. The committee recommended the bill do pass on a 12-0 vote. The committee also heard House Bill 2593, appropriating $1.5 million to the University of Arizona for the Arizona Perinatal Psychiatry Access Line. The sponsor and physicians testified that the line helps obstetric and pediatric providers quickly consult on perinatal depression, postpartum psychosis, suicidality, and other mental health crises, improving outcomes for mothers, children, and families and reducing costly emergency and crisis care. The bill received a do pass recommendation on a 10-1 vote. House Concurrent Resolution 2013, proclaiming June 2026 as Celebrate Life Month, drew emotional testimony from a young woman with spina bifida and another speaker supporting the sanctity of life. Some members objected that the state should focus on practical supports such as paid leave, child care, and health care access, while others supported the resolution as a statement of human dignity. The resolution passed the committee 7-5. The committee then approved House Bill 4010, creating a Board of Genetic Counselors and licensure standards, after testimony from genetic counselors and a patient advocate about the need for qualified counseling and better access; it passed 11-1. Later, the committee approved House Bill 2196, which would require pharmacy benefit managers to reimburse non-affiliated pharmacies at least their acquisition cost and pay a dispensing fee, and establish an appeals process. Independent pharmacists and their coalition said PBM practices are driving closures and unfairly favor affiliated pharmacies, while PBM and employer representatives warned of major cost increases and said the bill would interfere with private contracts; the bill passed 11-1. The committee also adopted a strike-everything amendment to House Bill 2182 requiring insurers and health plans to report claims denial and prior authorization data to DIFI, and then gave the amended bill a 12-0 do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee approved House Bill 2189, directing the Board of Nursing to update rules for licensed health aides and collect annual data, with the sponsor and board staff saying it would help implement routine ventilator care in the home; it passed 12-0. The committee then began hearing House Bill 2404, a strike-everything amendment on inter-facility transports for behavioral health patients, but the transcript cuts off before action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• I like to be called Brother Al.
• Moving on to Al-Haj Al-Shabazz from the Western Mass Public Health Institute.
• To Al-Haj Al-Shabazz from the Western Mass Public Health Institute.
• Al-Haj Al-Shabazz, and speaking on behalf of the Clean Slate Initiative.
• Al-Shabazz. Any questions? Thank you for your testimony, Mr. Al-Shabazz.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on a wide range of criminal justice, victim services, and records-sealing bills. Early testimony focused on H.1811, the Clean Slate automated record-sealing bill, with supporters arguing that automatic sealing after existing waiting periods would remove barriers to jobs, housing, and education without changing eligibility rules. Advocates from legal aid, business, and housing organizations said the current petition-based system is underused, burdensome, and costly, while opponents of expanding surveillance-related laws urged the committee to preserve privacy protections. The committee also heard testimony on H.1693, which would immediately seal records in cases ending without conviction and clarify the presumption of innocence, with speakers describing how dismissed cases still create lasting collateral consequences and prevent people from moving forward. No votes were taken during the hearing. Several bills centered on victim safety and domestic violence. Senator Michael Moore testified for S.1201, which would keep child-protective orders in effect even if the parent or guardian who filed them dies, and for S.1204, which would update the wiretap statute. Multiple survivors and advocates supported S.1215 and S.1222, arguing for a narrow wiretap defense for recordings made to document threats or abuse and for making GPS tampering a separate felony offense. Testifiers described situations in which GPS devices were cut off or disabled and said current law leaves victims at risk and gives abusers too much leeway. The committee also heard emotional testimony on H.1685/S.1238, a bill prompted by the suicide of Stavri Yanka in custody, with the sponsor, his mother, and the sheriff describing the need for better information-sharing so suicide-risk information follows a person into custody. Law enforcement and prosecutors supported several due-process and dangerousness-related bills. MassCOP, the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association, and the State Police Association backed H.1828/S.1039/S.1235, which would require de novo Superior Court review for POST Commission suspensions over two weeks or decertifications, arguing officers need a meaningful appeal beyond administrative review. The committee also heard support for H.1691, expanding the dangerousness statute to additional offenses; Bristol County District Attorney Quinn said the changes would let prosecutors seek detention in serious cases such as child rape and manslaughter when facts warrant it. In contrast, the Committee for Public Counsel Services opposed expanding dangerousness detention, warning that pretrial detention causes serious harms and disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic defendants. The hearing also included testimony on H.1654/S.1063 to enhance victims’ rights and H.1525, which would rename and expand community corrections into community justice programs, with supporters emphasizing reentry, reduced stigma, and broader service access.

Transcript Highlights:

• Somewhere Al-Hawari. I just want to thank the author so much for this. Somewhere, we're Al-Hawari.
• Secretary, please, the bill has been moved by Assemblymember Jackson and seconded by Assemblymember Al-Hawari
• Al-Hawari, aye. Jackson, aye. Rodriguez, aye. Tongipa... Aye. Jackson, aye. Rodriguez, aye.
• Al-Hawari, aye. Jackson, aye. Rodriguez, aye. Tongipa...
• Al-Hawari, aye. Jackson, aye. Rodriguez, aye. Rodriguez, aye. Tongipa, aye. 7-0.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Human Services met to hear several measures focused on children, foster youth, farmworker families, and disaster assistance. AJR 12, recognizing May 2025 as Head Start Month and urging Congress and the President to protect and increase Head Start funding, was presented by Assemblymember Hadwick on behalf of Assemblymember Arambula. Testimony emphasized Head Start’s role in early education, health, and family support, especially in rural and low-income communities. The resolution passed 6-0. The committee also heard SB 624, which would expand access to the California Foster Youth Tax Credit by requiring counties to mail notices and provide guidance to non-minor foster youth about filing taxes and claiming the credit. Supporters from John Burton Advocates for Youth and former foster youth described the credit as a meaningful poverty-reduction tool that helps with rent, transportation, and other basic needs. Members praised the bill, and it passed 7-0 as amended to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. SB 778 would broaden eligibility for the Migrant Child Care and Development Program by redefining migrant agricultural worker family and allowing self-certification of income eligibility. Support came from the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation, California Citrus Mutual, and First 5 California, with witnesses saying the changes would ease enrollment for farmworker families facing seasonal and verification challenges. The bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. The committee also approved a consent calendar containing SB 444, SB 471, and SB 792, all on a 7-0 vote. Finally, SB 739 would authorize the Department of Social Services to check whether counties in disaster areas can provide timely CalFresh and Disaster CalFresh services, aimed at improving coordination when local systems are damaged or overwhelmed. Supporters said the bill would help protect access to food benefits after disasters, and members noted its importance in light of recent Los Angeles County emergencies. The bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations, and the meeting adjourned after all items were acted upon.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's at least one physician at Dartmouth who is investigating the link with ALS.
• with ALS. with ALS.
• yes, there's a growing body of medical science out there showing a connection between water quality, ALS
• showing a connection between uh water showing a connection between uh water quality<00:26:27.279> ALS
• <00:26:27.919> cyanobacteria quality ALS cyanobacteria quality ALS cyanobacteria uh<00:26:

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Al Schiller: Thank you, Senator.
• for the to2 Senator Al Schiller for the committee<01:18:46.679> Senator<01:18:47.080> Al
• discussion and Amendment Senator Al discussion and Amendment Senator Al Schiller<01:46:35.639>
• Senator Al Schiller: Yes. Senator Carson: No.
• Senator Al Schiller: Yes. Senator Carson: No.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Lena Al. I'm the director of advocacy with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
• someone Aloha good afternoon I'm Lena Al someone Aloha good afternoon I'm Lena Al I'm<00:09:15.680
• Lena Al says she'll stand on the testimony and take questions at the end.
• Lena Al says she'll stand on the testimony and take questions at the end.
• :31.600> on person Al Senator Lena Al I'll stand on person Al Senator Lena Al I'll stand on the

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs opened its first meeting of the 33rd Legislature with housekeeping announcements, including live streaming, a two-minute testimony limit, and notice that the committee would reconvene later if technical problems forced an early adjournment. Members introduced themselves, and the chair explained that written testimony was already on file and that public testimony would be taken measure by measure. On SB 109, which concerns the relationship between Hawaiian and English versions of state laws, the Department of the Attorney General raised concerns that broadly allowing the Hawaiian text to supersede English could create ambiguity, and recommended narrowing the bill to laws originally drafted in Hawaiian that were never later amended in English. The Judiciary supported the bill, saying it reinforces Hawaiian as an official language, while OHA and several individuals also supported it. Testimony in support emphasized the importance of honoring Hawaiian language and preventing it from being treated as secondary. The committee then heard SB 268 on burial councils and SB 269 on the OHA budget. SB 268 drew strong support from OHA-related witnesses and many members of the public, who said burial council quorum problems and delays have hindered protection of iwi kupuna; one Moka representative opposed the bill, arguing the island had not been adequately consulted and that the real issue was the state process rather than council size. SB 269 received support from OHA and public testifiers who said OHA should be strengthened and better funded to serve Native Hawaiian needs. The committee also heard SB 624 relating to Prince Jonah Kūhiō, with DHHL and OHA supporting the measure to display portraits of Prince Kūhiō in public buildings; testifiers said the bill would promote cultural pride, education, and recognition of his legacy. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• For our housekeeping items, I would like to note that the Speaker has appointed Assembly Member Al-Hawari
• I would like to note that the Speaker has appointed Assembly Member Al-Hawari to be a substitute for
• Heather Dawson on behalf of the ALS Association, in full support.
• Blair Barton on behalf of the ALS Association, in full support.
• Nancy Wakefield, ALS Association, in support. Thank you. Wakefield, ALS Association, in support.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard several bills focused on health care access, insurance coverage, public health, and patient protections. SB 1023 by Senator Laird would require insurers that cover injectable PrEP under the medical benefit to also cover it under the pharmacy benefit, to reduce billing barriers and improve access to HIV prevention. Supporters included HIV/AIDS organizations, the Department of Insurance, medical groups, and LGBTQ advocates; health plans opposed the bill as an unnecessary benefit-design mandate. The committee later voted the bill out on a due pass motion, and it remained on call before being finalized out later in the hearing. SB 964 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas would limit repeated prior authorization requirements when a clinician needs to adjust the dose or frequency of a covered medication for a patient with a chronic or complex condition, with safeguards for off-label use and controlled substances. Support came from physicians, hospitals, and patient advocates, especially in gastroenterology and chronic disease care, while insurers argued it weakened safety and utilization-management safeguards. The committee approved the bill on a due pass vote to Appropriations. SB 1323 by Senator Rubio, as amended in committee, would strengthen protections for patients receiving medical care while in immigration custody by requiring facilities to train staff on responding to such requests and allowing patients to notify a family member or loved one of their location. It passed the committee on a due pass as amended vote to Judiciary, with one no vote recorded. SB 1099 by Senator Reyes would clarify local governments’ authority to provide state and local public benefits to all residents under the federal PRWORA exemption, giving cities and counties more certainty when operating low-barrier services such as health care, shelter, crisis response, and homeless outreach. Local government attorneys and service providers supported the measure, and there was no opposition testimony; it passed to Human Services. SB 895 by Senator Wiener would place a $12 billion science research bond on the November ballot and create a state research funding institute to help sustain California’s research economy amid federal cuts. The bill drew broad support from universities, labor, health organizations, patients, and business groups, with one member voting no because of the bond cost; it passed to Appropriations. SB 944 by Senator Wiener would stabilize Medi-Cal coverage for acupuncture, which supporters described as a cost-effective, nonpharmacological treatment for pain and other conditions. It passed to Appropriations with strong support and no opposition testimony. At the end of the hearing, the committee also took add-on votes to confirm the bills’ passage status and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our next testifier I see signed up on our sheet is Lindsay Jack from the ALS Association.
• My name is Lindsay Jack, and I serve as the managing director of advocacy at the ALS Association.
• For families affected by ALS, genetic testing can be life-changing.
• For ALS families, that can mean earlier support, better planning, and hope for future treatments.
• On behalf of the ALS community and families across Massachusetts, I respectfully urge you to support

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Financial Services held a fully virtual public hearing after a blizzard and state emergency closed the State House and created travel and cleanup concerns. Chairs Senator Paul Feeney and Representative James Murphy opened by thanking first responders and committee staff for making the hearing possible and noted that several members attended remotely. The committee heard testimony on three bills: H.5112, An Act Prohibiting Genetic Discrimination; H.4914, An Act Relative to the Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code; and S.2921, An Act Relative to Travel Insurance. Most of the testimony focused on H.5112. Representative Dave Rogers and his constituent Robin Biggs testified in support of H.5112, describing gaps in federal genetic nondiscrimination law that do not cover life, long-term care, or disability insurance. Biggs shared her experience as a BRCA2 mutation carrier and said genetic knowledge helped her take preventive steps, but that people fear testing because insurers may use results against them. Lindsay Jack of the ALS Association and Lisa Schlager of FORCE also supported the bill, arguing that it would encourage preventive care, research participation, and fairer underwriting without harming insurance markets. They said insurers could still use medical history and diagnoses, but not genetic test results alone. Committee members asked questions about whether insurers currently request genetic testing and how such information is used in underwriting. Testifiers said the information is routinely asked for or found in medical records, but the bill would prohibit its use in coverage decisions and would prevent insurers from requiring testing. No votes were taken. After testimony concluded and no additional witnesses came forward, the chairs closed the hearing and adjourned the meeting by unanimous voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Dear President Al-Britton, the following executive appointments were referred to the Senate committees
• you to know that this weekend, against his wife's orders and probably his doctor's orders, President Al-Britton
• Thank you, President Al-Britton.
• you to know that this weekend, against his wife's orders and probably his doctor's orders, President Al-Britton
• Thank you, President Al-Britton.

Summary: The Senate opened with a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several ceremonial introductions recognizing St. Johns County Day, Florida Space Day, Florida State Parks Day, Pinellas County Commissioner Kathleen Peters, and AMI Kids Day at the Capitol. The chamber then received and adopted a committee report on executive appointments, with debate focused on the confirmation of Tina Vidal-Douart. Senator Smith opposed her confirmation, citing concerns about contracts tied to the Alligator Alcatraz detention facility and the Hope Florida Foundation; Senator Pizzo spoke in support, describing her assistance during COVID testing and vaccination efforts. The report was adopted by a vote of 37 yeas, 0 nays. On the special order calendar, the Senate passed Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 48 on housing, which requires local governments to allow voluntary accessory dwelling units, limits certain local restrictions, preserves homestead treatment for the primary residence portion, and extends density bonus incentives for military families. The bill passed 38 yeas, 0 nays. The Senate also passed Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 578, creating a statewide Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Initiative through the Department of Elder Affairs to promote early detection, diagnosis, brain health, and outreach to older and higher-risk Floridians. That bill also passed 38 yeas, 0 nays. Chair Hooper gave a budget update, saying appropriations work was progressing and that budget rollout would be delayed until next Thursday, February 12, with full appropriations hearing scheduled for Wednesday, February 18. The Senate then waived rules to immediately certify all bills passed that day to the House. Additional announcements highlighted Manatee County Days, New College of Florida Day, and Florida Keys Day. The Senate adjourned until noon on Wednesday, February 11, or upon the call of the President.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jane Sugimura, Raylene Tan, Johnny May Al Perry, Christina Andres, and Veronica Moore all in support.
• Jane Sugimura, Raylene Tan, Johnny May Al Perry, Christina Andres, and Veronica Moore all in support.
• Jane Sugimura, Raylene Tan, Johnny May Al Perry, Christina Andres, and Veronica Moore all in support.
• Jane Sugimura, Raylene Tan, Johnny May Al Perry, Christina Andres, and Veronica Moore all in support.
• Jane Sugimura, Raylene Tan, Johnny May Al Perry, Christina Andres, and Veronica Moore all in support.

Bills: HB1700

Keywords: housing, expedited permits, disabilities, access, functional needs, local government, affordable housing, reporting requirements, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Housing and Health and Human Services, along with related committees, heard and later took action on three housing bills. HB 1700 HD1, relating to housing and expedited permitting, received support from disability advocates, including the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities and a self-advocate who said faster permitting would help people with disabilities access more independent living options. The chairs said they would add amendments to ensure expedited permitting would not compromise ADA or Fair Housing Act protections and to require reporting on the number, type, and geographic distribution of projects so the program could be evaluated over time. The measure was recommended and adopted with amendments by the participating committees. HB 1777 HD2, which would require tenant protections for residents displaced by HHFDC-supported redevelopment projects, drew support from HHFDC, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Parents and Children Together, and numerous other organizations. Testimony emphasized the need for a right of first offer, replacement housing payments, relocation information, and tracking procedures to reduce displacement harms, especially for Native Hawaiian and public housing residents. In decision-making, the committees amended the bill to incorporate the Senate companion measure, rename the working group as the tenant protection working group, broaden its duties, and include a $75,000 appropriation for working group expenses. The committees also noted concerns about unequal treatment between tenants in publicly supported projects and private redevelopments, and referenced the KPT low-rise redevelopment as an example where required relocation assistance still did not proceed smoothly. The bill was recommended and adopted with amendments. HB 1975 HD1, relating to kupuna housing, would repeal the sunset on the state rent supplement program for kupuna, appropriate funds to HPHA, and add positions to support the program. HPHA, the Executive Office on Aging, OHA, Catholic Charities Hawaii, AARP Hawaii, Aloha Independent Living Hawaii, and others testified in support, with Catholic Charities describing how the subsidy helped a senior remain housed through major medical issues. The committees later recommended passage with amendments, including a technical correction to the number of positions and a date fix, and the recommendation was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Al ... Mr. Al Brittain Mr. Brittain Mr. Allen Mr. Beasley Mr. ... Mr. Beasley Mr. Bell Mr.
• Al Brittain ... Hearing none, so ordered. Mr. Al Brittain. Mr. Williams.
• Al Brittain. Mr. Williams, 32 in favor, 0 against. Senator Figures, the amendments are adopted.
• Al Brittain. Mr. Williams, 29 ayes, 0 nays. Senate Bill 137 passes. Thank you, Senator Waggoner.

Bills: SJR 3, SB 5, SB 21, SB 72, SB 703, SB 764, SB 790, SJR 36, SJR 3, SJR 34, SJR 18, SCR 9, SB 616, SB 565, SB 384, SB 5, SB 21, SB 72, SB 140, SB 262, SB 370, SB 372, SB 495, SB 627, SB 703, SB 764, SB 842, SB 971, SB 790, SB 767, SB 480, SB 1066, SB 929, SB 765, SB 523, SB 62, SB 19, SB 18, SB 666, SB 688, SB 707, SB 888, SB 687, SB 706, SB 847, SB 869, SB 890, SB 992, SB 1145, SB 494, SB 290, SB 766, SB 11, SB 10, SB 13, SB 263, SJR 3, SB 5, SR 172, SR 176, SR 177, SR 190, SR 193, SR 194, SR 202, SR 203, SR 208

Keywords: dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, research funding, state budget, prevention, healthcare, medical research, Dementia Prevention and Research Institute, research institute, funding, grants, state health initiatives, cryptocurrency, bitcoin, investment reserve, economic resilience, financial security, vehicle rental, damage waiver

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Al Britton, here. Senator Carley. Senator Coleman, here. Senator Hatcher.
• Senator Al Britton. Senator Carley, aye. Senator Coleman, aye. Senator Hatcher. Senator Hovi, aye.
• I have a second by Senator Al Britton. Any objections to using the previous roll?
• Senator Al Britt: The only question I have is if we get it out today.
• Senator Al Britton, Senator Carley, Senator Coleman, no. Senator Gger...

Bills: SB36, SB39, SB40, SB12, SB29, SB121, SB131, SB12

Keywords: competitive bidding, procurement, disclosure statements, state contracts, contract protest, board governance, occupational licensing, Sunset Law, public accountability, training requirements, SB40, Houston/Hunter Act, firearm hold agreement, gun storage, temporary firearm storage, firearms dealer, federal firearms licensee, FFL, civil immunity, gun owner

Transcript Highlights:

• On AB 873, Al-Anise, the motion is do pass as amended to the Committee on Appropriations. Berman?
• Al-Hawari, aye. Hadwick, no. Haney, aye. Irwin, aye. Jackson, aye. Crowell, aye. Lowenthal, aye.
• Al-Hawari, aye. Irwin? Irwin, aye. Lowenthal? Lowenthal, aye. Huen? Huen, aye.
• Moving to file item number six, AB 742, Al-Hawari. On AB 742, Al-Hawari: Flora, not voting.
• We're in file item number six, AB 742, Al-Hawari. On AB 742, Al-Hawari, Bains, aye.

Summary: The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard a long agenda of licensing, health care, and workforce bills. Measures discussed included AB 957, which would prohibit tobacco sales in licensed pharmacies; AB 447, which would allow patients to take home certain unopened medications started in emergency rooms; AB 427, joining the Social Work Licensure Compact; AB 667, allowing interpreters for certain licensing exams; AB 742, prioritizing descendants of slaves in licensing review; AB 873, changing infection-control training timing for dental assistants; AB 360, requiring a report on menopause education for physicians; and AB 1175, modernizing CPA licensure requirements and mobility. Testimony generally emphasized public health, access to care, workforce shortages, language access, and economic opportunity, while opposition or concerns focused on implementation, worker protections, compact authority, and constitutional issues in AB 742. Several bills drew broad support from sponsors, professional associations, and advocacy groups. AB 957 was backed by cancer and pharmacy advocates and pharmacists who said pharmacies should not sell tobacco; AB 447 was supported by emergency medicine and hospital representatives as a way to reduce waste and help patients leave with needed medication; AB 427 drew support from social work and mental health groups but concerns from AFSCME about standards and displacement; AB 667 was supported by immigrant-rights and community groups, with questions about whether translated exams would be preferable to interpreters; AB 360 received extensive support from women’s health advocates and medical groups, and opposition from CMA and ACOG was removed after amendments; and AB 1175 was supported by the Board of Accountancy and CPA groups as a way to expand the pipeline and improve mobility. The committee took votes after quorum was established. AB 360, AB 427, AB 447, AB 667, AB 873, AB 1175, and AB 742 were all approved and sent to their next committees, with AB 742 going to Judiciary and AB 1175 to Appropriations. AB 957 was initially held on call, then later passed after additional votes were recorded. The consent calendar bills AB 375, AB 1107, and AB 1496 were also approved. Most measures passed on largely party-line or near-unanimous votes, with some members not voting on certain items during the roll calls.