Video & Transcript : 'local pharmacies' :

Page 52 of 500
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • benefit manager working group to determine the best policies to reform pharmacy benefit manager practices
  • benefit manager working group to determine the best policies to reform pharmacy benefit manager practices
  • We are the national trade association for pharmacy benefit managers, and we will stand on our testimony
  • </c> development agency to convene a pharmacy development agency to convene a pharmacy benefit<00:39:
  • </c><00:40:55.200><c> reimbursement</c><00:40:55.920><c> working</c> convene a pharmacy reimbursement
Committee: House Health
Summary: The Committee on Health met on April 11, 2025, and heard testimony on a series of Senate concurrent and Senate resolution measures focused on health system oversight, workforce standards, and access to care. Topics included an auditor study on mandated insurance coverage for intravenous ketamine therapy for depression (SCR 8 SD1), a working group on prior authorization reform (STR 10 SD2), a task force on minimum professional standards for community health worker training (STR 16 SD1), a pharmacy benefit manager reform working group (SCR 69 SD1), a pharmacy reimbursement working group (STR 70 SD1), an aeromedical services working group (STR 86 SD1), a catchment-water feasibility study for business use (STR 118 SD1), an auditor study on mandatory coverage for continuous glucose monitors (STR 120 SD1), and a resolution encouraging reduced use of disposable surgical equipment and more sustainable health care practices (STR 194 SD1). Testimony was generally supportive across the measures, with several agencies and organizations noting the need to address complex health policy issues and improve access, transparency, and sustainability. For STR 16 SD1, community health worker advocates strongly supported the resolution but asked for amendments to include the Hawaii Community Health Worker Association on the task force and to require that at least half of the task force members be community health workers. For the PBM-related measures, SHPDA said it was willing to convene the work group and described the issue as complex, while the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association asked that PBMs be included in the working group. For STR 10 SD2, SHPDA supported the effort to reduce prior authorization burdens and said the process is a "black box" that needs reform; the chair later noted the administration’s commitment to the issue. For STR 86 SD1, the Department of Health supported the aeromed working group, and the chair proposed a House Draft 1 with technical changes and added representation from independent provider operators. In decision making, the committee adopted the chair’s recommendations on all measures considered. SCR 8 SD1 was passed as is. STR 10 SD2 was deferred. STR 16 SD1, STR 70 SD1, STR 118 SD1, STR 120 SD1, and STR 194 SD1 were passed as is. SCR 69 SD1 was passed with amendments, and STR 86 SD1 was passed with amendments. The meeting concluded with adjournment after all votes were taken.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • Board of Pharmacy 2011 K2045 and 2165.
  • ><c> are</c> certified pharmacy technicians are certified pharmacy technicians are prohibited<00:01:00.879
  • Establish pharmacy<00:01:03.359><c> technician</c><00:01:04.000><c> registration</c> pharmacy technician
  • </c><00:01:08.640><c> technician</c> by reference the pharmacy technician by reference the pharmacy technician
  • The staff certified pharmacy technician.
Summary: The Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee met in August with a quorum present and approved the prior meeting minutes without objection. The committee then reviewed several regulations, generally adopting staff-suggested amendments without objection, and heard brief explanations from agency representatives on each item. The Board of Pharmacy regulations would clarify what registered and certified pharmacy technicians may do under supervision and what certified technicians may not do, while updating registration applications. The Board of Cosmetology package included changes to executive director authority, licensure and reciprocity rules, school requirements, training hours, instructor ratios, sanitation and disease-related rules, complaint procedures, and permit terms; members asked about straight razor language and the increase in student-to-instructor ratios, and the board explained that cosmetologists are not permitted to use straight razors and that the higher ratio was intended to give schools flexibility, especially for part-time students and schools with wait lists. The Occupational Therapy emergency compact regulation added four compact rules adopted in April 2025, and Senator West raised a technical question about certification requirements under House Bill 6; the agency said it had been instructed to file the regulation as submitted. The Department for Fish and Wildlife Resources presented a package covering wildlife management area rules, a northern pintail bag limit increase, reportable disease reporting, and a repeal tied to boat registration fees. After a brief explanation of the new wildlife disease reporting rule, the agency requested and received a deferral of 301 KAR 2:031 to avoid a gap while replacement language is finalized. The Economic Development Finance Authority explained an emergency regulation for the Kentucky Entertainment Incentive Program, saying it was needed because the program had become oversubscribed and because administration was shifting to a new film office and council; members also asked about certification issues under House Bill 6, and the agency said it had filed the regulation as directed. The Department of Workplace Standards emergency PPE regulation was also discussed, with members asking about HB 6 certification language, and the agency gave the same response. The Department of Insurance regulation would create a $10,000 registration fee and a $1,000 annual licensing fee for pharmacy benefit manager licenses, with an agency amendment exempting PBMs that solely serve workers’ compensation plans. Members asked how many PBMs would be affected and why workers’ compensation PBMs were carved out; the agency said there were 70 registered PBMs total, four solely workers’ comp, and that workers’ comp rates are set by statute and could not absorb the fee. Finally, the Public Service Commission’s pole attachment regulation was summarized as a broadband-expansion measure that speeds application review, increases the number of poles allowed in a single application, and shortens dispute timelines; the commission explained it grew out of earlier legislative direction and subsequent emergency amendments, and the committee adopted the staff amendment.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on State and Local Government - 04/08/25

State and Local Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> uh welcome to the state and local uh welcome to the state and local government<00:07:49.120><c>
  • </c> oversee about $40 billion in local oversee about $40 billion in local government<00:43:47.359><c
  • </c> reimbursements to local governments. reimbursements to local governments.
  • </c><01:43:44.960><c> news</c> on local news on local news organizations.<01:43:48.159><c> On</c><01:
  • </c><01:47:41.040><c> benefit</c> contract for pharmacy benefit contract for pharmacy benefit management
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • It's complex: local control, intoxicating hemp.
  • It's complex, local control, intoxicating hemp.
  • We recruit from federal, state, and local law enforcement.
  • And I think that goes in varying directions based on the budget at the local level.
  • Locals tend to focus on whatever's in front of them locally.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • governments or the local agencies have to identify a source if any changes happen that fund any of the
  • This program gives our local public agencies, those that are taxing districts, fire departments, county
  • public agency so those that our local public agency so those that are<00:09:41.560><c> taxing</c><00
  • </c> 75% from school district fund uh local 75% from school district fund uh local funds<01:04:03.039
  • </c><01:46:24.199><c> rebates</c> ask one question so the pharmacy rebates ask one question so the pharmacy
Summary: The House Standing Committee on Appropriations and Revenue met on February 25 and considered a series of bills and joint resolutions, mostly involving appropriations, capital projects, and local infrastructure funding. The committee first adopted PHS 2 and passed House Bill 152, which creates a Medicaid supplemental payment program for public ground ambulance providers; the sponsor said the substitute ensures no state general fund dollars will be used and that local agencies must identify a funding source for any required match. HB 152 was reported favorably on a 20-0 vote. The committee also passed House Bill 545, the annual claims bill, after members confirmed all executive-branch claims were included; it was reported favorably on a 21-0 vote. House Bill 606, requiring reporting for general obligation bonds, also passed unanimously and was reported favorably. The committee then took up several joint resolutions tied to capital and infrastructure spending. House Joint Resolution 30, concerning water projects, was described as implementing ranked projects under the Waters program administered by KIA and was reported favorably on a 21-0 vote. House Joint Resolution 32, concerning school facilities construction, was amended by PHS 1 and advanced after discussion referencing the Auditor’s report and questions about a Johnson County Schools expenditure; it also passed 21-0. House Joint Resolution 34, relating to contingent appropriations for KCTCS, was amended by PHS 1 and advanced after testimony outlining three projects in Somerset, Jefferson Community and Technical College, and Glasgow; it passed 21-0. House Joint Resolution 46, for local road projects, was described as funding the highest-scoring local road requests from a larger pool of applications and passed 21-0. The committee also advanced House Joint Resolution 53, authorizing release of funds for KSU’s Health Sciences Center project, after KSU officials said the building is needed for nursing and allied health programs and promised a business plan report by November 1, 2025; it passed 21-0. House Joint Resolution 54, authorizing funds related to the State Fair Board, also passed unanimously. Later, the committee considered House Bill 546, which revises the local roads and streets program by adding a DOT-developed scoring system, monthly reporting, a match requirement, and a $500,000 project cap; members asked about the cap and were told larger projects should be handled through other mechanisms. HB 546 was reported favorably on a 21-0 vote. Finally, House Bill 605, a technical corrections and update bill for the local economic relief grant program, was amended by PHS 1 and discussed as expanding eligibility, including to the Delta Regional Authority and certain local-affiliated applicants; the transcript cuts off before the final vote on HB 605.
AR

Arkansas 2026 Regular Session

ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE Jun 17th, 2026

ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:
  • Be glad to answer—what this is, our pharmacy benefit consultant. They have...”
  • “To answer what this is: our pharmacy benefit consultant.
  • They help us manage the relationship with our pharmacy benefit manager.
  • We would go back and say, hey, we don't want to do the pharmacy benefit manager process.
  • So it is... ...the claims that are running through on the pharmacy benefit side.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Stephanie Libby: ...of local firefighter systems organized under the Texas Local Firefighters Retirement
  • libraries, and a decrease in grants to local libraries.
  • Tom Palladino: ...to the private sector, federal, local, and other state agencies.
  • Tom Palladino: ...the private sector, federal, local, and other state agencies.
  • Tom Palladino: ...the private sector, federal, local, and other state agencies.
Bills: SB1 , SB 1
Committee: Senate Finance
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Regulated Industries Jan 20th, 2026

Regulated Industries

Transcript Highlights:
  • We will not place a burden on Florida's utilities or local infrastructure.
  • In Loudoun County, Virginia, more than half of the local tax revenue comes from data centers.
  • I think this bill goes a long way to say, with local input, we don’t have to have that.
  • So they’re pretty decent neighbors so long as we don’t screw local customers.
  • , those local elected officials. transpiring is you're having a lot of our local, those local elected
Bills: S0408 , S0986 , S0678 , S0800 , S1050 , S0484 , S1118
Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries considered several bills and took final action on each. SB 986, by Senator Gruters and presented by Senator Rodriguez, would prohibit smoking or vaping marijuana in public places and in certain indoor spaces; restaurant and lodging representatives supported adding marijuana and vaping to clean indoor air rules but asked to preserve designated smoking areas on private property, while cannabis advocates warned the bill was overly broad and could affect patients and property rights. The committee voted the bill favorably. SB 678, by Senator Mayfield, would restore statutory authority for DBPR to continue allowing alcohol distributors to deduct unsellable alcohol from monthly excise tax calculations; the committee adopted a strike-all amendment and reported the committee substitute favorably. SB 800, also by Senator Mayfield, increases penalties for repeated unlicensed engineering practice and creates an engineering student loan assistance program for engineers working for state agencies and water management districts; after adopting an amendment clarifying eligibility, the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee then heard SB 408, by Senator Grall, which would create a Florida cause of action against vaccine manufacturers that advertise in the state, allowing injured individuals to sue in Florida courts. Supporters argued the bill would rebuild public trust and hold manufacturers accountable, while opponents from the Florida Justice Reform Institute, American Tort Reform Association, BIO, the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform, and several medical and business groups argued the field is largely preempted by federal law, that existing federal compensation programs already address vaccine injuries, and that the bill raises First Amendment and policy concerns. After debate focused on vaccine injury data, compensation rates, and liability, the committee voted SB 408 favorably. The committee also considered SB 484 and SB 1118, both by Senator Avila, dealing with data centers. SB 484 would preserve local planning authority, bar nondisclosure agreements that prevent disclosure of potential data center development, require the PSC to set large-load tariff requirements so data centers pay their own costs, and limit consumptive use permits for large-scale data centers absent no harm to water resources and compliance with local zoning; supporters emphasized ratepayer protection and economic development, while some witnesses urged flexibility for behind-the-meter projects and confidentiality in negotiations. The bill was reported favorably. SB 1118 would create a time-limited public records exemption for county or municipal information about data center siting and protect proprietary business information; Senator Pizzo raised concerns about how the exemption would affect disclosure of competing projects and local officials’ ability to speak, but the sponsor said he would work on clarifying the language. The committee also passed SB 1050, by Senator Calatayud, which requires veterinarians to provide pet owners with written prescriptions and information about pharmacy choice while preserving veterinary judgment and emergency dispensing authority. The meeting concluded after all bills were reported favorably and members recorded additional votes on prior items.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Professional Registration and Licensing Feb 4th, 2026 at 08:00 am

Professional Registration and Licensing

Transcript Highlights:
  • It is supported by the Pharmacy Association and ensures regularity and clarity, reliable patient access
  • Just curious, why only nonprofit pharmacies?
  • So we represent RX Outreach; they're the nation's largest nonprofit pharmacy, if not the nation's only
  • nonprofit pharmacy.
  • So the nonprofit pharmacy did serve the region the most, So the nonprofit pharmacy did serve the region
TX

Texas 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Mar 26th, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Committee on Local and Consent Calendars will meet today. upon adjournment or during bill referral
  • H.R. 485 by Hefner, recognizing March 26, 2025, as Texas Pharmacy Day at the State Capitol.
  • Please join me in recognizing the 450 pharmacy technicians and pharmacy students from across the state
  • over 130 years, the Greater San Antonio Chamber has been a driving force in our region, supporting local
  • established to develop a resource guide that facilitates collaboration in identifying and addressing local
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Regulated Industries Jan 20th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • We will not place a burden on Florida's utilities or local infrastructure.
  • In Loudoun County, Virginia, more than half of the local tax revenue comes from data centers.
  • And I think this bill goes a long way to say, with local input, we don't have to have that.
  • So they're pretty decent neighbors so long as we don't screw local customers.
  • , those local elected officials.
Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries heard and voted on several bills. SB 986 would prohibit smoking or vaping marijuana in public places and also restrict smoking in rooms and bars; the sponsor said it is intended to protect public health and outdoor spaces, while the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association supported the goal but raised concerns about impacts on designated smoking areas, and cannabis advocates warned about unintended effects on patients and property rights. The committee reported SB 986 favorably. The committee also passed SB 678, which restores statutory authority for DBPR’s long-standing rule allowing alcohol distributors to deduct unsellable alcohol from monthly excise taxes; a strike-all amendment was adopted, including retroactive application to January 1, 2025, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 800, which increases penalties for repeat unlicensed engineering practice and creates an engineering student loan assistance program for engineers working for state agencies and water management districts, was amended and reported favorably as well. Members then considered SB 408 on vaccine advertising and liability. The sponsor argued the bill would address declining public trust in vaccines by allowing claims against manufacturers that advertise in Florida, while opponents said the measure is preempted by federal law, raises First Amendment concerns, and would create unnecessary litigation. After extensive testimony and debate, the committee reported SB 408 favorably. The committee also heard SB 484 on data centers, which would set PSC tariff requirements so large load customers pay their own costs, preserve local planning authority, and limit water permits for large data centers; testimony was mixed, with supporters emphasizing ratepayer protections and economic benefits and critics warning about overregulation and confidentiality limits. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee approved SB 1118, which creates a time-limited public records exemption for certain data center development information held by local governments, after the sponsor said it was meant to prevent extended NDAs while still allowing local notice and input. SB 1050, requiring veterinarians to provide written prescriptions so pet owners can choose their pharmacy, was also reported favorably. The meeting ended after several members recorded votes on bills they had missed.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (02/25/2026)

Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> appointment or take them to a pharmacy. appointment or take them to a pharmacy.
  • </c> in the school rather than at a pharmacy in the school rather than at a pharmacy and<02:09:02.159
  • </c> pharmacy that is open until 9:00. pharmacy that is open until 9:00.
  • </c> mentioned the pharmacies mentioned the pharmacies really<02:31:34.720><c> I</c><02:31:34.960><c>
  • Thank you, Representative Kof. your local control. So, um to to to this your local control.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Boards, Agencies and Commissions Committee Feb 18th, 2025

Boards, Agencies and Commissions

Transcript Highlights:
  • There will be a chain pharmacist appointed by the governor from a name submitted by the Alabama Pharmacy
  • independent pharmacist appointed by the lieutenant governor from a name submitted by the Alabama Pharmacy
  • This position will be appointed by the speaker from a name submitted by the Alabama Pharmacy Association
  • The two state schools of Pharmacy will each have a representative, and one at-large pharmacist will be
  • appointed by the Speaker of the House from a list submitted by the Alabama Pharmacy Association.
Bills: HB123
AL

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee Mar 11th, 2026

Ways and Means Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • And we were trying to get systems to go together, get local money.
  • </c><00:14:46.880><c> And</c><00:14:47.040><c> and</c> to go together, get local money.
  • And and to go together, get local money.
  • That's going to be about $570 million that go to the local boards.
  • boards of education to reduce the local boards of education to reduce middle<00:45:56.240><c> school
Bills: HB235 , HB236 , HB565 , HB237 , HB238 , HB239 , HB240 , HB241 , HB242 , HB235 , HB236 , HB565 , HB237 , HB238 , HB239 , HB240 , HB241 , HB242
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/19/2026 - House Health & Human Services

House Health & Human Services Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:
  • That brings us up to our final continuation bill for the Pharmacy Board.
  • Madam Chair, members, House Bill 2732 continues the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy for six years.
  • Board of Pharmacy for six years. And with that, I'm available for questions.
  • Cam Gandhi, Executive Director of the Board of Pharmacy.
  • Ajene, we're ready to go on to the second of the two Board of Pharmacy bills.
Summary: The Special Committee on Health and Human Services heard a series of continuation and board-reform bills, beginning with core review measures to continue the Arizona Department of Economic Security, the State Board of Nursing, the Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners, the Regulatory Board of Physician Assistants, and the State Board of Pharmacy. HB 2728, HB 2729, HB 2730, HB 2731 as amended, and HB 2732 all received due-pass recommendations, with the physician assistant board bill amended to extend the board for four years rather than two. The committee then moved to reform bills affecting the nursing board and pharmacy board, as well as a reconsidered health plan drug-coverage bill. HB 2408, which would change nursing board complaint procedures, prioritize certain allegations, allow limited expungement of disciplinary records, and adjust evidentiary and liability standards, drew extensive testimony. Nursing board leadership opposed the bill, arguing it would weaken patient safety, raise the burden of proof, and erase useful disciplinary history, while supporters said it would improve fairness, reduce backlog, and give nurses a second chance for non-patient-safety-related issues. After debate, the committee adopted an amendment and advanced the bill on a 7-4-1 vote. HB 2434, updating the controlled substances prescription monitoring program and related reporting and confidentiality rules, and HB 2733, changing pharmacy continuing education timing, delivery rules, and ownership-transition procedures, both passed unanimously after amendments. The committee also reconsidered HB 2725, which would limit access contractors’ use of therapeutic substitution and utilization controls for certain non-opioid drugs. Access and health plan representatives warned the bill was too broad and could significantly increase costs by affecting many drug classes, while the sponsor said the amendment was intended to address those concerns and preserve the policy goal. After the amendment was adopted, the bill failed on a 6-? vote and did not receive a due-pass recommendation. The chair then announced the committee was done hearing House bills and adjourned, with Senate bills expected in a later meeting.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

HHS-LBT, HHS DEFER, HHS Public Hearings 02-04-2026

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • incorporate all of the points that are included in the Department of Justice's guidance to state and local
  • incorporate all of the points that are included in the Department of Justice's guidance to state and local
  • that supports pharmacists as the primary professionals authorized to compound in-state licensed pharmacies
  • 03.520><c> Thank</c><00:26:03.679><c> you</c><00:26:03.840><c> for</c><00:26:04.080><c> your</c> pharmacy
  • Thank you for your pharmacy function.
Summary: The joint HHS and LBT meeting opened with accessibility concerns, as several blind attendees arrived after the general public had already been seated. The chair apologized and said future hearings would try to seat blind members earlier. The committee also announced the hearing was being streamed on YouTube, testimony would be limited to one minute, and written testimony was available online. The first bill heard was SB 2281, relating to the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare. The Department of Health supported transparency for patients but preferred disclosure through provider websites and office signage rather than a new regulatory program. The Hawaii Medical Association and Healthcare Association of Hawaii generally supported the bill’s intent but raised concerns about administrative burden and suggested a working group or model policies. Hawaii Pacific Health said it already uses AI for note-taking and patient portal functions and worried that written notice requirements could create too much consumer information. In response, the chair emphasized that patients should be informed when AI is used, especially if it affects diagnosis or consequential decisions, and said AI should not be making medical decisions. The committee later voted to recommend SB 2281 pass with amendments, including narrowing the definition of consequential decisions, removing certain language requested by DOH, adding a two-year implementation period, and setting a far-future defective date for further discussion; both committees adopted the recommendation, with the chair voting aye and the vice chair voting with reservations. The second major bill was SB 2852, a civil rights measure focused on digital access for people with disabilities. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, and the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii all supported the bill, arguing that existing law clearly protects physical access but should also make digital access explicit. Blind testifiers described how accessible technology, such as VoiceOver on iPhones, allows them to participate independently in public processes and warned that inaccessible digital systems can create barriers for thousands of blind residents. One testifier, an attorney with disability-law experience, supported the bill’s intent but said the draft had flaws, including no exceptions for archived materials, no distinction between small and large businesses, and concerns about the timing and choice of accessibility standards; he suggested delegating regulatory authority to the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission. The bill’s sponsor said he supported DAB’s proposed amendments, and the committee indicated those amendments would address many of the concerns raised. No final vote on SB 2852 was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up SB 2751, which defines compounded prescription drugs for workers’ compensation purposes. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations supported the bill but requested clarifying amendments to keep pharmacists as the primary professionals authorized to compound in licensed pharmacies and to limit any physician compounding authority to the physician’s own patient. Supporters included the Work Injury Medical Association of Hawaii, while Solera Integrated Medical Solutions opposed the measure, arguing the current definition was already broad enough and warning about cost inflation, especially with 503B bulk compounding facilities and physician dispensing. In questioning, members asked about rural access, reimbursement for 503B products, and late testimony suggesting definitions for 503A and 503B facilities, limits on physician dispensing to 30 days post-injury, and pre-approval for non-FDA-approved drugs. DLIR said not every rural community has licensed pharmacists available, that products with a national drug code are reimbursed at 140%, and that 503B facilities raise concerns because they are bulk manufacturers rather than patient-specific compounding operations. The meeting then moved into decision-making on SB 2281; the chair’s pass-with-amendments recommendation was adopted by both committees, with the vice chair voting with reservations.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Of course, local communities can advocate on behalf of their own.
  • So what is the nature of the economic development, local economic development efforts in this area?
  • Our local small business groups... ...comment at least.
  • And finally, and most importantly, on local control, the bill fully preserves it.
  • No jurisdiction is required to allow drive-through operations unless locally approved.
Summary: The committee met as a subcommittee until quorum was established, then took up a series of bills on business, professions, health, cannabis, and consumer protection. AB 72, creating an electric vehicle economic opportunity zone in Riverside County, drew questions about whether the state should target one region over others, but supporters argued it would help bring EV manufacturing and related jobs to the Inland Empire. The bill passed on a 8-1 vote to Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement. AB 685, which would create the Small Business Resiliency and Innovation Fund to support technical assistance and capital infusion programs, drew broad support from small business networks and chambers, but some groups raised concerns that the June amendments could affect eligibility and that the funding should be clearly supplemental rather than replacing existing support. The author said discussions were ongoing, and the bill passed 10-0 to Senate Appropriations. The committee also approved AB 173, a resolution, on a 7-0 vote, and AB 1760, a Dental Practice Act cleanup bill sponsored by the Dental Board, on a 10-0 vote. AB 1637, which would limit changes to physician-authored medical records and make unauthorized alterations a misdemeanor, was supported by physicians and labor groups who said it would protect patient safety and professional accountability; it passed 10-0 to Senate Appropriations. AB 1785, allowing online sales of pseudoephedrine products with existing age and quantity safeguards, passed 10-0. AB 1973, expanding the ability of advanced practice clinicians to perform procedural abortions within their training, drew strong support from reproductive health providers and strong opposition from anti-abortion witnesses who raised safety concerns; after questions about training and oversight, it passed 7-3 to Senate Appropriations. The committee then considered AB 2025, requiring disclosure when rental listings use digitally altered or AI-staged images. Supporters said it would prevent renters from being misled, while the California Apartment Association said it was working with the author on implementation; the bill passed 8-1 to Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies and Consumer Protection. AB 2697, allowing drive-through cannabis sales with local approval and security requirements, was supported by cannabis businesses and operators as a way to improve access and compete with the illicit market, while narcotics officers opposed it over ID verification and public safety concerns; it passed 7-3 to Senate Appropriations. Finally, AB 2249, responding to a state audit on cannabis packaging attractive to children by defining prohibited imagery and creating a public rubric and pre-review process, received support from the cannabis operators association and the state auditor’s office, while small independent farmers raised concerns that some categorical bans could sweep too broadly. The transcript cuts off during that bill’s opposition testimony, and no final action on AB 2249 is shown in the excerpt.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:27:09.080><c> profession</c> settings in in the pharmacy profession settings in in the pharmacy
  • practice House Bill three is a pharmacy practice House Bill three is a huge<00:27:16.840><c> step</c
  • Pharmacies are uniquely positioned to fill these gaps.
  • Many pharmacies offer Board of Pharmacy authorized protocols, which allow them to do flu and strep tests
  • </c> payment for pharmacy payment for pharmacy Services Services Services um<00:30:08.559><c> there</
Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 423, a prior authorization reform measure sponsored by Representative Kim Moser. A committee substitute was adopted to clarify that the bill’s prior authorization exemption program does not apply to Medicaid. Supporters, including the Kentucky Medical Association, said the bill would reduce red tape, improve transparency, and let providers spend more time on patient care. The bill would create a framework for insurers to establish a gold carding or waiver program for certain health services, exclude prescription drugs, prohibit retrospective reviews based solely on an exemption, and require annual reporting by the Department of Insurance and the Department for Medicaid Services. After questions about how exemptions would work and whether the bill addressed repeat prior authorizations, the committee voted to pass HB 423 with favorable expression. The committee then considered House Bill 415, sponsored by Representative Pollock and supported by AFLAC representatives. The bill was described as clarifying that health insurance coverage mandates are generally intended to apply only to primary major medical policies. With no substantive opposition or questions, the committee voted to pass HB 415 with favorable expression. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 390 from Chair Meredith, presented with support from multiple insurance industry representatives and the Department of Insurance. The bill would move motor vehicle insurance verification data from the old system to the CAVIS database and shorten the reporting turnaround from 30 days to a ceiling of seven days, with the possibility of a shorter period by regulation. After brief discussion and no objections, the committee voted to pass HB 390 with favorable expression. The committee also heard House Bill 3 for discussion only, sponsored by Representative Neighbors and supported by the Kentucky Pharmacists Association. The bill would require Kentucky Medicaid to reimburse pharmacists for covered clinical services they already provide, aligning Medicaid with existing commercial insurance policy. Supporters argued it would improve access, especially in underserved areas, and could reduce emergency room use and improve outcomes; the bill was not voted on during this meeting.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
  • It also continues the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy for six years.
  • It also continues the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy for six years.
  • Concurrent Resolution 1004 restricts the use of photo enforcement systems to enforce traffic law unless a local
Summary: The caucus meeting on Friday, June 12, reviewed several bills on Blue Sheets 16, 17, and 18, with sponsors generally concurring in Senate amendments. On property tax and agricultural inspection bills, HB 2104 and HB 2105 were described as creating temporary limits on county assessors’ ability to reclassify or inspect agricultural property after a successful appeal or recent inspection, while preserving assessor authority for changes in use, ownership, splits, or taxable improvements. HB 4117, concerning religious worship assemblies, was amended by the Senate to focus on intentionally obstructing entry or exit from a place of worship or creating a disruptive commotion. HB 2311 would require AI conversational systems to notify users they are interacting with AI and add other consumer protections, and HB 2477 would conform Arizona’s 529 plan rules with federal law and allow certain rollovers to ABLE or Roth IRA accounts. The meeting also covered HB 2114, which directs motorcycle safety fund spending toward education and scholarships and ties motorcycle registration requirements to Class M licensing, with Senate changes narrowing the registration provisions and exempting business-owned motorcycles. HB 2729 was broadened by the Senate from continuing only the Nursing Board to also continuing DES, the Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners, the Physician Assistants Board, and the State Board of Pharmacy, with members noting this kind of consolidation is common at the end of session. All of these bills were presented for concurrence, and no objections or substantive questions were raised. The caucus then reviewed three additional measures that had just come through rules: SB 1618, which revises military affairs statutes, creates procedures for military installation fund property acquisition, changes commission duties and membership, and adds reporting requirements; SB 1110, which creates a Department of Corrections home confinement program for certain inmates nearing release; and SCR 1004, which would, subject to voter approval, restrict photo enforcement systems unless a contract existed before December 31, 2026. Members clarified that the House mirror of the photo enforcement measure had not advanced. The meeting ended with notice that more caucus or rules activity could occur later in the day as the chamber moved bills to the floor on sine die.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (01/16/2025)

Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Peg Clifford and Lisa Fan are our pharmacy director and pharmacy specialist.
  • Peg Clifford and Lisa Fan are our pharmacy director and pharmacy specialist.
  • Representative Woods asked whether there are difficulties with PBMs in the pharmacy area.
  • </c> hospital through their local hospital through their local hospital<01:29:21.199><c> uh</c><01:29
  • </c> partner with um 10 area agencies local partner with um 10 area agencies local area<01:50:37.679>