Transcript Highlights:

• </c> keeping children home due to anxieties keeping children home due to anxieties about<00:46:31.599
• The overall anxiety and fear amongst these children is indescribable.
• The overall anxiety and fear amongst these children is indescribable.
• The overall anxiety and fear the car.
• Thank you of living in constant anxiety.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• excessive social media consumption and poor mental health outcomes, including loneliness, depression, anxiety
• And social media has become a maelstrom for kids, pulling them into anxiety, depression, and death.
• </c><00:04:14.640><c> Where</c> anxiety, depression, and death.
• Where anxiety, depression, and death.
• </c><00:10:25.600><c> but</c> fueled his depression and anxiety but fueled his depression and anxiety

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• In case we have any type of mental challenges or anxiety or panic attack, something that we just pay
• And it doesn't focus specifically on cell phones, but it focuses on anxiety, depression, looking for
• So I'm wondering, you know, the anxiety and all the things you were talking about with the kids, the
• Are they included in that plan to be able to use their phone because of the anxiety of not knowing if
• If they need to access the phone to call and check on a parent, because a lot of them do have anxiety

Summary: The Student Academic Success Subcommittee met to review Florida’s cell phone and social media literacy law, with Representative Brad Yeager describing the 2023 policy as aimed at removing classroom distractions and teaching students how to use social media responsibly. He said the law was intended to keep phones out of classrooms unless used for instruction, require social media literacy education, and limit access to certain sites on school Wi-Fi and government devices. Yeager said feedback since passage has been mixed: many teachers support it and some have adopted inexpensive shoe-organizer or pouch systems, but implementation varies by school and administrator enforcement. He said he is not currently pursuing a broader statewide mandate. Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez and Timber Creek High School Principal Mr. Wasco described Orange County’s approach as bell-to-bell phone restrictions, while Pasco County’s Dr. Zetchy described a similar policy with some flexibility during lunch or passing periods at the high school level. Both districts said the policy was implemented with parent communication, town halls, surveys, and transition periods, and that concerns about emergencies were addressed by allowing phones to be returned at the end of the day and by establishing procedures for parent contact. They reported few theft problems and said discipline issues related to phones have generally been manageable, though some teachers still struggle with enforcement or with students trying to evade the rules. A major portion of the discussion focused on social media literacy instruction. Orange County said it uses counselor-led programs, Canvas courses, resiliency days, and curriculum materials to teach students about cyberbullying, human trafficking, privacy, and the permanence of online posts, with progress tracked through the learning platform. Pasco said it has some resiliency modules but lacks a fully built-out, pre-made social media curriculum and would welcome more guidance from DOE, especially for high school classrooms where instructional time is limited. Members also asked about student anxiety, 504/IEP accommodations, caregiver students, and parent education; the districts said exceptions are handled through school committees and that parent academies and district resources are being used to help families set boundaries and understand the risks and benefits of phones and social media. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think for probably all of us, there's just a lot of anxiety.
• Anxiety that comes with that.
• We thank you that you care enough about us to be involved in the things that just bring anxiety to our

Bills: SB 2, SB 3, SB 10, SB 16, SB 5, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, SB 19, SB 54, HB23, HB17, HB16, SB19, SB53, SB54, HB16, HB17, HB23, HB27, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, SB2, SB3, SB10, SB16, SB5

Keywords: flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program, backup power, weather siren, emergency management, flood-prone area, warning system, real property theft, real property fraud

Transcript Highlights:

• I know for me and I think for probably all of us, there's there's just a lot of anxiety, um, uh, or anxiousness
• And we just ask now that you would just Pierce through all the the anxiety that comes with that.
• And we thank you that you care enough about us to be involved in the things that just bring anxiety to

Bills: SB 2, SB 3, SB 10, SB 16

Keywords: flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program, backup power, weather siren, emergency management, flood-prone area, warning system, real property theft, real property fraud

Transcript Highlights:

• As a result, social media has been linked to depression, anxiety, loneliness, sleep problems, and attention
• As a result, social media has been linked to depression, anxiety, loneliness, sleep problems, and attention
• subject to the addictive design features that have contributed to disproportionately high rates of anxiety
• And I could cite these things encyclopedically: the uptick in anxiety, the uptick in depression, the
• Mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance abuse disorders,

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's clinical words like depression, anxiety, suicide, chemical dependency and flag them and be required
• It's clinical words like depression, anxiety, suicide, chemical dependency and flag them and be required
• It's clinical words like depression, anxiety, suicide, chemical dependency and flag them and be required
• ,<00:21:15.760><c> suicide,</c><00:21:16.400><c> chemical</c><00:21:16.799><c> dependency</c> anxiety
• , suicide, chemical dependency anxiety, suicide, chemical dependency and<00:21:17.919><c> flag</c><00

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We've seen that cell phones in schools can lead to heightened anxiety, difficulties with attention and
• We've seen that cell phones in schools can lead to heightened anxiety, difficulties with attention and
• <00:21:20.240><c> depression</c><00:21:21.159><c> body</c> anxiety depression body anxiety depression
• </c><01:00:53.720><c> making</c> learning and fuels anxiety making learning and fuels anxiety making
• </c> also contributing to increased anxiety also contributing to increased anxiety and<01:01:15.079><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The additional stress, frustration, and anxiety faced by some examinees is inexcusable.
• The additional stress, frustration, and anxiety faced by some examinees is inexcusable.
• I would also like to address the considerable stress, anxiety, and confusion...
• I would also like to address the considerable stress, anxiety, and confusion surrounding the issue of

Summary: The California Legislature met in joint convention for the annual State of the Judiciary address, with judges and justices from across the state in attendance along with Governor Newsom and other statewide officials. The opening included prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the formal introduction of Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero and the California Supreme Court justices. Speakers emphasized the importance of judicial independence, the courts’ role in protecting rights and democracy, and the value of collaboration between the legislative and judicial branches. Chief Justice Guerrero focused on the state of the judicial branch, beginning with budget pressures from prior cuts and noting partial restoration in the governor’s proposed budget, while urging continued stable funding for courts, court-appointed counsel, and judgeships in high-need counties. She highlighted the expansion and benefits of remote proceedings, ongoing judicial vacancies, workload growth, and efforts to improve data collection and case-weighting. She also discussed implementation of the CARE Act, the court interpreter workforce pilot, CASA and kin-first child welfare efforts, courthouse security and facilities projects, and the judiciary’s work on generative AI guardrails. A major portion of the address addressed the recent problems with the California bar exam and broader State Bar oversight. Guerrero said the court would pursue remedies for examinees harmed by the failures and would strengthen admissions oversight, including the role of the Committee of Bar Examiners. She also reiterated support for pro bono legal services and discussed immigration-related courthouse access, citing state laws limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement in courthouses. The convention concluded after remarks thanking the judiciary and Legislature, and the joint session adjourned without any recorded votes or formal legislative action.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've been battling PTSD, depression, and anxiety for years. My struggles led me to homelessness.
• Like many other service members, I struggled with PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
• Like many other service members, I struggled with PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
• We provide ketamine therapy for patients dealing with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD,
• <00:54:55.680><c> PTSD</c> anxiety PTSD anxiety PTSD suicidality<00:54:57.920><c> and</c><00:54:58.359

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee heard testimony on several measures related to child welfare, health care access, overdose response, disability services, and waste management. For SB 710 on child welfare, the Department of Human Services, the Office of Wellness and Resilience, the Attorney General’s office, and multiple advocacy groups testified in support, with the Governor’s office noting support but deferring to the Attorney General on implementation because of separation-of-powers concerns. For SB 952 on child welfare services, DHS, the Governor’s office, and child- and trauma-informed care advocates supported the bill, saying it would help families access services, provide basic material support, and reduce strain on the child welfare system. SB 954 on a home health services rate study also drew support, including from DHS, the Hawaii Healthcare Association, and a public testifier who said the study would help ensure funds reach low-income, disabled, and kupuna recipients. SB 957 on overdose prevention received support from the Department of Health and the Attorney General, who said overdose prevention centers are evidence-based but raised federal-law concerns and recommended amendments; the Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center and others also testified in support. The committee then moved to the 1:00 regular calendar and heard SB 850 on disability health disparity, which was supported by the Executive Office on Aging, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Hawaii Disability Rights Center, self-advocates, and others. Testimony emphasized that a disparity study could improve workforce development, training, and services for people with disabilities. SB 838 on continuous glucose monitoring drew support from health agencies and advocates, with testimony stressing that monitors can be critical for some diabetes patients. SB 829 on health care was supported by the Department of Health and health care stakeholders, who said it would help rotating physicians serve neighbor islands without local hospital privileges and align with CMS rules. SB 446 on waste management drew mixed testimony: the Department of Health and several public entities provided comments, the County of Maui opposed, and environmental advocates urged stronger aquifer protections and limits on ash reuse. During decision making, the committee adopted recommendations to pass SB 298, SB 322, SB 299, SB 450, SB 451, SB 949, SB 710, SB 957, SB 69, and SD 952 with various amendments, including technical changes, blank appropriations, and defective dates. SB 323, SB 324, SB 712, SB 950, SB 954, and SB 959 were deferred, largely because companion House measures were moving or similar Senate measures had already passed. The chair also announced recesses to find quorum and noted that some bills from the earlier Monday calendar were being deferred to avoid duplication.

Transcript Highlights:

• struggling with a wide variety of mental illnesses, from substance use disorder, depression, PTSD, anxiety
• foremost, I think it would be very beneficial to veterans like myself who struggle with PTSD and anxiety
• foremost, I think it would be very beneficial to veterans like myself who struggle with PTSD and anxiety
• In my work, I care for Minnesotans living with trauma, depression, anxiety, and treatment-resistant mental
• I care for Minnesotans living with trauma, depression, anxiety and treatment resistant mental health

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• When you talk about stress, anxiety, and depression, which everybody understands, I want you to never
• 100,000 books written on stress, anxiety, and depression?
• It's your stress, anxiety, and depression. What can you do to lower that to help you go forward?
• and depression which everybody anxiety and depression which everybody understands<01:13:48.360><c> I
• </c><01:13:59.920><c> and</c> stress anxiety and stress anxiety and depression<01:14:02.639><c> so</c

Bills: HF711, HF653

Keywords: agriculture, agricultural education, leadership development, Minnesota Agricultural Education and Leadership Council, MAELC, chapter 41D, grant funding, general fund appropriation, commissioner of agriculture, farm education, youth agriculture programs, ag literacy, workforce development, extension education, research funding, extension services, technology transfer, grant programs, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :45:10.719><c> one</c><01:45:11.440><c> that</c><01:45:11.679><c> it's</c><01:45:12.000><c> I</c> anxiety
• onto the latest one that it's I anxiety onto the latest one that it's I feel<01:45:12.480><c> that</
• used as a substantial and sustained to produce substantial and sustained decreases in depression, anxiety
• <02:38:27.120><c> in</c><02:38:27.359><c> patients</c><02:38:27.600><c> with</c> anxiety in patients
• with anxiety in patients with life-threatening<02:38:28.600><c> cancer.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I had a 40-year-old female who started taking 7-OH for symptoms of anxiety and insomnia.
• I use kratom as a supplement with my regular vitamins because I've had issues with anxiety most of my
• Because I've had issues with anxiety most of my life.
• In my life, it's been meaningfully helpful for pain, anxiety, and depression.
• I realized that my anxiety had definitely leveled off to where I can control it.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The hearing focused on kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), with senators and witnesses debating public health risks, enforcement gaps, and whether California should regulate, restrict, or continue prohibiting these products. Committee members referenced prior bills, including AB 1088, and asked about the scientific evidence, overdose trends, testing limitations, and the effect of possible age limits or product distinctions between natural kratom leaf and concentrated 7-OH products. State and local public health officials said kratom and 7-OH are unlawful to manufacture or sell for consumption under current federal and state positions, and argued that the existing prohibition is the most protective approach. CDPH reported 169,000 past-year kratom users in California, 362 kratom-related overdose deaths from 2019 to 2023, and 15 deaths involving 7-OH on death certificates, while Los Angeles County officials described recent unexplained deaths in young adults linked to 7-OH and said local enforcement is resource-intensive and hampered by labeling and testing problems. Emergency and addiction medicine witnesses said 7-OH can cause opioid-like dependence, withdrawal, and overdose, sometimes requiring buprenorphine, methadone, or repeated naloxone, and warned that products sold in gas stations and smoke shops are misleadingly marketed as supplements or wellness products. Expert testimony also emphasized that 7-OH is much more potent than mitragynine, can be concentrated in products, and may pose respiratory depression risks similar to opioids. One researcher warned that scheduling kratom or 7-OH too broadly could discourage biomedical research and push use into the black market, while county health representatives said any future regulatory framework would need clear statewide standards and funding. In contrast, advocates for kratom and 7-OH argued that natural kratom leaf and concentrated 7-OH are different exposure classes, that natural kratom has long-standing use and should remain available with age-gating, labeling, testing, and packaging rules, and that bans would drive consumers to illicit markets and harm people using the products for pain or harm reduction.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I wanted to share with you, I had a 40-year-old female who started taking 7-OH for symptoms of anxiety
• The 7-OH was predominantly in white men that were suffering from either anxiety, depression, or insomnia
• I use kratom as a supplement with my regular vitamins because I've had issues with anxiety most of my
• In my life, it's been meaningfully helpful for pain, anxiety, and depression.
• I realized that my anxiety had definitely leveled off to where I can control it.

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), focusing on public health risks, overdose deaths, and regulatory gaps in California. The chair opened by noting that FDA and CDPH consider kratom and 7-OH products unlawful, yet they remain widely sold in smoke shops, vape stores, gas stations, and convenience stores. Members referenced AB 1088, which would be considered later, and said the hearing was intended to clarify the science, medical perspective, and whether stronger safeguards are needed. The first panel featured a toxicology expert, state and local public health officials, an emergency/addiction physician, a medical examiner, and county health representatives. Witnesses from CDPH and Los Angeles County described rising deaths and enforcement actions, including statewide advisories, retailer letters, and product removals from manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. Medical testimony emphasized that 7-OH acts much more like an opioid than traditional kratom leaf, can cause dependence, withdrawal, and respiratory depression, and may require naloxone, buprenorphine, or methadone in overdose or withdrawal cases. Local officials said enforcement is difficult because packaging is inconsistent, testing capacity is limited, and counties lack resources and statewide infrastructure; they generally favored a centralized state framework if regulation is pursued. Committee members asked about testing, age restrictions, scheduling, and whether a distinction between kratom and 7-OH could be enforced. Witnesses said forensic labs can potentially test for 7-OH but validated assays are not routine, emergency departments cannot readily distinguish exposures, and local health departments do not have the lab capacity to verify product labels. Several officials warned that a ban or abrupt scheduling could push products into the black market and discourage research, while others argued that current prohibition and enforcement are the most protective approach because legalization or age-limited regulation could create confusion about legality and safety. The second panel included kratom and 7-OH advocates and industry representatives, who argued that natural kratom leaf and concentrated or synthetic 7-OH are different products and should be regulated differently. They supported age-gating, labeling, testing, and packaging rules for kratom leaf while opposing a ban on the botanical. They said 7-OH is used by many adults for pain relief or harm reduction, and that prohibition would drive consumers to illicit markets and worsen harm. Committee members pressed them on whether 7-OH is more potent than kratom, the availability of testing, and whether any safe dose is known. The hearing ended without a vote or formal action, with the chair noting the issue will continue to be considered in future legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our driving is quite a bit different than California's, and so range anxiety is a real thing here.
• Our driving is quite a bit different than California's, and so range anxiety is a real thing here.
• I loved it, but anxiety is a reason why some people don't, and this person said range anxiety is a big
• I loved it, but anxiety is a reason why some people don't, and this person said range anxiety is a big
• I loved it, but anxiety is a reason why some people don't, and this person said range anxiety is a big

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Furthermore, the uniform presence in hospital space unintentionally causes anxiety to patients, disrupts
• Please remember that serious mental illness does not include common conditions like anxiety or depression
• This may lead to unnecessary confusion, possible anxiety, and information fatigue at the exact moment
• Definium Therapeutics is focused on alternative treatments for generalized anxiety disorder and major
• Definium specifically, we are currently in phase three clinical trials of a medicine for generalized anxiety

Bills: SB1113, SB1115, SB1122, SB1123, SB1125, SB1165, SB1188, SB1193, SB1243, SB1318, SB1477

Keywords: mental health, involuntary evaluation, service of process, court-ordered treatment, evaluation agencies, AHCCCS, remote work, state agency, employment, public health, healthcare, behavioral health, prior authorization, American Indian health program, medicaid, medical examiner, death investigation, body disposal, autopsy, veteran burial

Transcript Highlights:

• months, over half reporting significant loneliness, 48 percent endorsing having been diagnosed with an anxiety
• However, we're also seeing an uptick in THC use and higher rates of anxiety, in addition to some pretty
• However, we're also seeing an uptick in THC use and higher rates of anxiety, in addition to some pretty
• So our most common-related presenting concern is general anxiety and anxiety-related disorders.
• Fourth is social anxiety.

Summary: The committee spent much of the meeting hearing presentations on student mental health supports at Central Washington University, Washington State University, the University of Washington, and the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges. CWU described high levels of student distress, loneliness, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and basic-needs insecurity, along with a campus-wide holistic well-being model that includes behavioral intervention teams, emergency aid, peer outreach, community partnerships, and a collegiate recovery community. WSU emphasized loneliness, common presenting concerns such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and relationship distress, and the role of housing and residence life, resident advisors, living-learning communities, and coordinated crisis response in identifying and supporting students. UW highlighted prevention and support programs through LiveWell, including alcohol and other drug consultations, confidential advocacy, suicide intervention, student needs navigation, peer health educators, and peer wellness coaches. The community and technical college system reported persistent access barriers, especially for students ages 18 to 24 and those facing housing or food insecurity, and said the legislature-funded mental health pilot at four colleges expanded counseling access, telehealth, and referral pathways, while broader system efforts focus on awareness, telehealth, basic-needs supports, and workforce training in behavioral health fields. Members asked each panel how they gather student feedback, and the institutions said they use surveys, evaluations, and ongoing outreach to students in services. Questions also focused on substance-use and recovery resources, Greek life outreach, and whether colleges have enough licensed mental health staff versus academic advisors; the community college board said not all colleges have licensed mental health providers on staff, and some rely on community contracts or telehealth. The committee also discussed whether counseling services are increasing because of post-pandemic effects or because students are more willing to seek help, with presenters saying both factors likely play a role. The committee then shifted to artificial intelligence in higher education. Washington State University, the University of Washington, Western Washington University, and the community and technical college system described campus AI task forces, governance structures, and efforts to set policies for students, faculty, and staff. Presenters said institutions are requiring course-level AI use statements, promoting ethical and transparent use, expanding access to approved tools such as Microsoft Copilot, and using AI for teaching, research, advising, and administrative support while guarding privacy, equity, and academic integrity. Members raised concerns about deepfakes, bias, student monitoring, and whether AI should be used to screen applications or evaluate student work; presenters said human review remains essential and that some institutions prohibit AI use in hiring or admissions screening. The final presentation, from OSPI, described the statewide rollout of the School Links high school and beyond plan platform under 2023 legislation, saying it will standardize career and college planning across K-12, provide better data and student guidance, and connect students to postsecondary pathways and employers; OSPI said the rollout is underway but current funding only extends through June 30, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sometimes holding this truth about self leads to social isolation, anxiety, depression, self-harm, and
• Parents are in a constant state of fear and anxiety.
• So, as you know... ...depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts.
• In August, 24, based on blood tests and increasing anxiety about physical changes, we decided to start
• Even the prescription of antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications, they need parental consent.

Summary: The joint hearing focused on access to gender-affirming care in California, with members of the Senate and Assembly budget subcommittees hearing first from the Department of Justice, Department of Managed Health Care, and Department of Health Care Services. State officials described California’s legal protections against discrimination, privacy protections, shield laws, and Medi-Cal and commercial plan coverage requirements for medically necessary gender-affirming care. They also outlined ongoing litigation and advocacy against federal actions and proposed rules that could restrict care, including challenges to executive orders, HHS declarations, and federal reimbursement rules, as well as a temporary restraining order protecting care at Rady Children’s Hospital. Committee members pressed the agencies on why some hospitals that had stopped providing care had not been sued, how the state measures network adequacy and equitable access, whether the $15 million previously allocated for gender-affirming care had been used, and what additional statutory changes might be needed. DMHC and DHCS said they regulate health plans rather than providers directly, rely on complaints and independent medical review to address denials or delays, and do not track utilization or have a specific provider category for gender-affirming care. DOJ said it is focused on the federal government as the source of pressure on hospitals and providers, while members discussed possible shield-law expansions and, if federal rules are finalized, the possibility of state-only funding to preserve access. The second panel featured a physician, clinic leaders, parents, and a transgender teen describing how families navigate care and the effects of hospital closures and insurance barriers. Dr. Johanna Olson-Kennedy gave a history of transgender health care, described puberty blockers and hormones as established treatments, and said minors need parental consent for medical interventions. J.M. Jaffe of Lyon Martin Community Health Services said community clinics are absorbing patients after hospital programs closed and asked for $26 million in state funding to expand capacity. Parents and youth testified about delays, out-of-network referrals, lost coverage, and the emotional strain of uncertainty, while also urging the Legislature to stabilize access and protect continuity of care.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sometimes holding this truth about self leads to social isolation, anxiety, depression, self-harm, and
• Parents are in a constant state of fear and anxiety.
• So, as you know... ...depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts.
• In August, 24, based on blood tests and increasing anxiety about physical changes, we decided to start
• Even the prescription of antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications, they need parental consent.

Summary: The joint hearing focused on access to gender-affirming care in California, with opening remarks from the subcommittee chairs emphasizing the importance of protecting transgender, gender-diverse, and intersex Californians and asking for decorum during public comment. The first panel from the Department of Justice, Department of Managed Health Care, and Department of Health Care Services described existing state protections, including nondiscrimination rules, privacy protections, shield laws, and Medi-Cal and commercial coverage requirements for medically necessary gender-affirming care. State officials also outlined ongoing litigation against federal actions and against hospital decisions to end or restrict care, including the Rady Children’s case and challenges to federal proposed rules and declarations affecting Medicaid, Medicare, and provider participation. Members questioned state agencies about why some hospitals that had stopped providing care had not been sued, how network adequacy is measured, whether the state can track actual access to gender-affirming care, and what legislative changes might strengthen protections. DMHC said it monitors complaints and independent medical reviews but does not track gender-affirming care as a separate provider category or collect utilization data, while DHCS said Medi-Cal continues to cover medically necessary care and that the state is preparing for possible federal rule changes. Finance staff said the previously approved $15 million for gender-affirming care was still being implemented through Covered California. The second panel featured a physician, clinic leaders, a parent, and a transgender teen describing how care is delivered and the effects of hospital closures and federal pressure. Dr. Johanna Olson-Kennedy described the history and medical basis for gender-affirming care, said minors need parental consent for medical interventions, and argued that care should be individualized and supported by families. Providers and families testified that hospital closures and insurance barriers have disrupted continuity of care, forced patients to travel farther, and shifted demand to community clinics that lack sufficient funding and contracting support. Several witnesses asked the Legislature to provide new funding, strengthen insurance enforcement, and stabilize access to care for transgender youth and families.