Transcript Highlights:

• One of the shootings took place near the Interstate 35 exit ramp where drug dealing and drug use are
• </c> Interstate 35 exit ramp where drug Interstate 35 exit ramp where drug dealing<00:31:39.360><c> and
• Drug use, gang activity are major contributing factors.
• c> are</c><00:33:54.159><c> major</c> Drug use, gang activity are major Drug use, gang activity are major
• It’s either a shots fired call or a drug overdose.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the reason I could sit in here and go unnoticed is because of influence that coaches have had on
• Xylazine is a drug used as a tranquilizer for large animals.
• However, in the hands of drug dealers, it is a deadly concoction, often mixed with fentanyl.
• The doctor told her, 'You are going to die if you keep using this drug.'
• feet two months Going to die if you keep using this drug.

Summary: The House convened with a prayer, pledge, quorum call, and recognition of Officer Cody Popple of the FSU Police Department for his actions during the April campus shooting. Members also observed a moment of silence for former Lee County Judge John Carlin. The Rules and Ethics Committee report setting the special order calendar was adopted, and the Speaker outlined the final week of session, noting that budget negotiations were still ongoing and that the House would continue taking up Senate bills and returning messages. The chamber then considered a series of mostly technical or sunset-review bills, including SB 100, SB 104, and SB 102 on the Florida Statutes, all of which passed unanimously. Several Open Government Sunset Review bills were also approved, extending or preserving public records and meeting exemptions for the Public Service Commission, the Department of Military Affairs, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, cybersecurity records, emergency shelter information, conviction integrity units, the Florida Gaming Control Commission, and school testing materials; most passed with little opposition, though SB 7006, SB 7026, and SB 7022 drew some dissenting votes. The House also passed SB 7016 on small business loan records, SB 7008 on gaming commission records, SB 7000 on emergency shelter information, and SB 7004 on conviction integrity unit records. Members then moved into farewell remarks and recognitions, including an extended farewell speech by Representative Hart-Lowman reflecting on her service, family, district, and policy priorities such as criminal justice, housing, health care, and labor issues. The House also recognized visiting students from Osceola County and other guests in the galleries. Later, the House took up more substantive measures. SB 7040 recreated the emergency preparedness and response trust fund; after a lengthy debate over an amendment to let the fund expire and a strike-all restoring the House position, the bill passed 82-25. The chamber then passed CS/CS/SB 302 on coastal resiliency, CS/CS/SB 984 on firefighter cancer benefits, and CS/SB 474 on military affairs, all with broad support. The final portion of the transcript shifted to SB 488 on Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, where members debated vehicle registration requirements, license plate frames, and related amendments, including provisions for disabled veterans and dealer allocation rules, before the transcript ended mid-debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the reason I could sit in here and go unnoticed is because of the influence that coaches have had
• Xylazine is a drug used as a tranquilizer for large animals.
• However, in the hands of drug dealers, it is a deadly concoction, often mixed with fentanyl.
• The doctor told her, “You are going to die if you keep using this drug.”
• Going to die if you keep using this drug.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, just curious because there's so many activities uh and people using drug drones.
• This bill would end foreign influence corporate spending in state elections in Hawaii.
• This bill would end foreign influence corporate spending in state elections in Hawaii.
• of the Japanese uh influence of the Japanese uh contributions<00:58:03.079><c> to</c><00:58:04.079><
• elections through the form to influence elections through the expenditure<00:59:02.799><c> of</c><00

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several transportation-related measures. SB 282 would increase penalties for using an uncrewed aircraft, or drone, in the commission of a felony. The Honolulu Department of the Prosecuting Attorney strongly supported the bill, saying drones are being used to facilitate crimes such as burglaries, sex offender registration violations, and even murders, and that the measure would create a stronger deterrent and address sentencing issues. Members discussed how drone use could be investigated and noted that a prior Uncrewed Aircraft Offenses Act already covers a range of drone-related offenses. Testimony also included support from a Kauaʻi County Council member and the Office of the Public Defender, and the bill was then set aside as the committee moved on. The committee also heard SB 1032 on campaign finance, which would amend restrictions on foreign nationals and foreign corporations making contributions and expenditures. Testimony was listed in support from labor, civic, and advocacy groups, with some opposition, but the measure was not debated further in the portion provided. SB 1160, a consumer protection bill on ticket resale, drew support from venues and event groups and opposition from the Chamber of Progress, which argued the bill should target scalpers and deceptive practices rather than legitimate resale platforms. The Attorney General suggested an amendment to limit the bill’s scope to Hawaiʻi events, citing Commerce Clause concerns. On SB 344, requiring skateboard users under 16 to wear helmets, the Department of Transportation, Honolulu Police Department, and the Kiki Injury Prevention Coalition supported the measure. SB 106, which would let pedestrians cross outside marked crosswalks when a reasonably careful pedestrian would see no immediate danger, drew mixed testimony: public health and equity advocates supported it as a safety and anti-profiling measure, while others opposed it, warning it could increase danger on wider, faster roads. Committee members questioned whether Hawaiʻi’s current law is more dangerous because pedestrians must step into the roadway before drivers are required to stop, and the discussion continued at length without a final vote in the excerpt. The committee also heard SB 10009 on accessible parking fines, with DCAB and DAGS supporting the intent; a member asked that any new fine revenue go to the state parking revolving fund. SB 820, shortening the vehicle title transfer deadline from 30 days to 14 days, drew opposition from the Public Defender and Honolulu Customer Services, who said the current deadline is reasonable and the bill did not clearly solve a problem. Later measures included SB 1095 on license plate decal restrictions, SB 215 on towing and immobilization fees, and SB 1117 on electric mobility rebates and age/helmet rules, which received support from transportation and safety groups, though the transcript cuts off before any final actions or votes on those bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Substitute House Bill 2145 relates to the 340B federal drug pricing program.
• Fact number two, the bill in front of us intends to prevent drug manufacturer restrictions on critical
• In the case of open drug use, fire hazards, or actual compliance and basic safety measures, the bill
• They love the drugs more than they love their kids. The only thing, if they're...
• They love the drugs more than they love their kids.

Bills: HB1073 , HB1128 , HB1316 , HB1408 , HB1591 , HB1592 , HB1634 , HB1906 , HB1960 , HB2073 , HB2145 , HB2248 , HB2266 , HB2301 , HB2333 , HB2365 , HB2401 , HB2416 , HB2421 , HB2438 , HB2474 , HB2475 , HB2515 , HB2517 , HB2523 , HB2548 , HB2597 , HB2637 , HB2640 , HB2660 , HB2675 , HB2685 , HB2720 , HB1742 , HB2104 , HB2186 , HB2405 , HB2557 , HB2593 , HB2636

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: national guard, military support, defense, state security, veteran services, child care, workforce standards, education, child development, training requirements, postsecondary education, homelessness, foster youth, education access, support programs, community preservation, development authorities, funding, local governance, state resources

Transcript Highlights:

• when odds are greatly in their favor that that drug would benefit them.
• And yes, I'm not arguing for any... one of the fastest drug approvals ever one of the fastest drug approvals
• </c> favor that that drug would benefit them. favor that that drug would benefit them.
• I'd be happy to take any questions. drug if you are familiar the first round drug if you are familiar
• </c><03:39:57.920><c> are</c> clinical trials for cancer drugs are clinical trials for cancer drugs are

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• The US Drug Enforcement Agency, or the DEA, classifies kratom as a drug and chemical of concern, and
• The<00:23:48.280><c> US</c><00:23:48.560><c> Drug</c><00:23:48.800><c> Enforcement</c><00:23:49.360><
• classifies kratom as a drug and DEA classifies kratom as a drug and chemical<00:23:52.560><c> of</c>
• </c> influence elections, and so much more. influence elections, and so much more.
• I I have more influence on the outcome.

Transcript Highlights:

• and making synthetic and influence and making synthetic and semi-synthetic<00:34:08.280><c> kratom</
• pricing options, and notice of drug pricing options, and pharmacy<00:53:29.440><c> benefit</c><00:53
• Also attached is an amendment that increases transparency in prescription drug prices, and I urge the
• This bill addresses several topics around alcohol and other drug use professionals, including getting
• Uh since this prescription drug costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• would only be able to qualify if they have been convicted of specified offenses such as burglary, drug
• Persons who are convicted of sexual offenses, domestic violence, driving under the influence, violent

Summary: The Judiciary and Elections Committee met with a hard stop at 4:30 p.m. and approved the February 4, 2026 minutes. Members announced several bills would be held for a later supplemental meeting, then took up SB 1426, the “squatter” bill, which would expand forcible detainer law to cover certain unauthorized occupants who refuse to leave after a reasonable request and require immediate writs of restitution after judgment. Law enforcement and county representatives testified in support, and the committee voted 7-0 to give SB 1426 a do-pass recommendation. The committee next considered SB 1687, a strike-everything amendment moving Arizona’s primary election date from late July to the Tuesday before Memorial Day beginning in 2027. The sponsor said the goal was to create more time between the primary and general elections and align Arizona more closely with other states. County election officials were neutral but raised implementation concerns, including filing deadlines, redistricting timelines, polling place availability, and interactions with presidential preference and local elections. The committee adopted the amendment and gave the bill a 4-3 do-pass recommendation, with some members voting no over concerns about clean elections timing and local control. Members then heard SB 1110, creating a home confinement program for certain nonviolent inmates with GPS monitoring, work requirements, and DOC rulemaking, while excluding serious and violent offenses. Supporters said it would reduce recidivism, save money, and help families; an opponent questioned the fiscal impact and monitoring costs. The bill received a 5-1 do-pass recommendation. The committee also heard SB 1275, which would allow judges limited discretion to depart from mandatory minimum sentences for qualifying veterans and first responders with diagnosed service-related PTSD or similar conditions; supporters framed it as a narrow safety valve, while opponents warned it could undermine mandatory sentencing and victims’ rights. SB 1275 passed 7-0. Finally, the committee considered SB 1140, a misdemeanor expungement bill. The amendment adopted by the committee extended the waiting period for expungement of convictions to five years for all eligible misdemeanor convictions, while keeping a three-year period for eligible matters that did not result in conviction. Supporters said the bill would remove barriers to employment and housing and help survivors and people who have turned their lives around; the committee adopted the amendment and then passed SB 1140 as amended 7-0. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we're hoping that the actions that we take now will influence the health and well-being of that 20
• is a brief agenda. that the actions that we take now will that the actions that we take now will influence
• the health and well-being of influence the health and well-being of that<00:04:59.680><c> 20-year-old
• We have a lot of school programming, so Too Good for Drugs, Sources of Strength.
• Uh we also Drugs, Sources of Strength.

Committee: Joint Health Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Women maybe would try a suicide attempt with drugs. That is not the case.
• would establish a permanent taxpayer-funded office with broad authority to shape firearm policy, influence
• </c><00:26:55.279><c> gun</c><00:26:55.520><c> control</c> firearm policy, influence gun control firearm
• policy, influence gun control legislation,<00:26:57.120><c> coordinate</c><00:26:57.520><c> with</c>
• I mean, it's so moving and to uh, pharmaceutical drugs that people are uh, pharmaceutical drugs that

Bills: HF3668 , HF2779 , HF2771

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• decision who uses the data influencing decision who uses the data where<00:43:06.079><c> does</c><00
• children utilize addictive social media is similar to the dopamine levels from usage of addictive drugs
• children utilize addictive social media is similar to the dopamine levels from usage of addictive drugs
• 00:54:22.319><c> usage</c><00:54:22.640><c> of</c><00:54:23.040><c> addictive</c><00:54:23.440><c> drugs
• </c> levels um from usage of addictive drugs levels um from usage of addictive drugs like<00:54:23.920

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then heard testimony on the use of artificial intelligence in therapy and mental health settings. Representative Lisa Willner and Brenda Rosen of NASW Kentucky argued for “guard rails” on AI chatbots so they cannot present themselves as licensed therapists or replace school counselors, psychologists, or social workers. They said AI can support licensed professionals, but warned that chatbots cannot reliably recognize nonverbal cues, escalate crises, or provide accountable care, and they cited examples of harmful chatbot interactions, including a suicide case and a chatbot telling a user to “Please die.” The witnesses also raised concerns about data privacy, commercialization of sensitive mental health conversations, and the use of personal clinical content to train AI models. They said minors should require parental consent and suggested transparency about how a chatbot is trained and who created it. They distinguished between unvetted consumer chatbots and AI tools that have been scientifically validated or approved as digital therapeutics, noting that some evidence-based tools may be useful for specific conditions such as depression, anxiety, or eating disorders. Committee members asked whether regulation should be handled by the legislature or by professional boards, and whether a multi-state model would be preferable to 50 different state approaches. The witnesses generally favored expert-led standards and said a board or panel of experts could review and approve mental health chatbots, but members cautioned that boards can become too restrictive and that legislation should preserve flexibility and avoid discouraging children from seeking help. The discussion ended with a request for the witnesses to restate their proposed policy ideas, including privacy protections, bans on commercialization, limits on training AI with clinical content, transparency requirements, and informed consent.

Transcript Highlights:

• of prescription drugs, class A misdemeanor, and endangering the welfare of a child, which is also a
• , class possession of prescription drugs, class A<00:47:18.240><c> misdemeanor,</c><00:47:18.800><c>
• They're going to end up on drugs. Teenage pregnancy.
• I I know for me u I was<04:13:28.239><c> greatly</c><04:13:28.640><c> influenced</c><04:13:29.040><c>
• greatly influenced by my teachers and<04:13:29.920><c> I</c><04:13:30.080><c> think</c><04:13:30.159

Summary: The committee opened with Senate Bill 22-FN, which would expand child care licensing background checks so the Department of Health and Human Services can receive fuller criminal history information, including pending charges and other non-conviction records, similar to the system already used for school staff. Grant Bossi, for Senator Pearl, and DHHS officials Melissa Clement and Christine Sheay testified in support, saying the bill closes a gap that can allow people with disqualifying charges to work with children. They explained that the FBI record is a snapshot in time, that juvenile records are not included, and that the bill would apply to child care programs including residential group homes. Questions focused on what “confidential criminal history” means and how often checks are repeated; DHHS said checks are done every five years or sooner if new charge information is received. The hearing on SB 22 was then closed. The committee then took up Senate Bill 23-FN, which would expand the child endangerment statute and remove the word “purposely” from part of the language. Senator Pat Long said the bill is intended to strengthen protection for children and allow more serious conduct to be charged appropriately. Testimony from law enforcement, including Executive Counselor Dave Wheeler, Sergeant Ryan Rooney of Nashua Police, and Nicholas Georgulis of Manchester Police, supported the bill as a way to distinguish routine misdemeanor cases from the most egregious abuse and neglect cases, such as children living in squalor or being exposed to severe danger. Wheeler and some members raised concerns that the language could be vague or overbroad and cited a prior Manchester firearm-in-a-car arrest as an example of possible unintended consequences; supporters responded that the bill still requires knowingly violating a duty of care and that the serious bodily injury or death standard limits its reach. Rooney also described a fentanyl overdose case involving an 11-year-old and said the current misdemeanor charge did not fully reflect the seriousness of the conduct. The committee recessed SB 23 briefly to open and close SB 161, then returned to SB 23, which remained under hearing with no final vote taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Athletics, exemplifying a coach who influences his athletes in a profound way by teaching them far more
• So we can get the drug into the hands of our veterans and they don't have to go to Mexico anymore for
• Again, I have a child who is not influenced by a picture or a movie or a song. ...not influenced by a
• We do not need to legislate that process unless we're attempting to influence the outcome.
• We do not need to legislate that process unless we're attempting to influence the outcome.

Bills: HB4319 , HB4317 , HB1225 , HB3076 , HB3081 , HB4226 , SCR17 , HB4432 , HB3304 , HB3411 , HB3435 , HB4339 , HB4331 , HB4341 , HB4342 , HB1770 , HB1016 , HB4113 , HB2950 , HB4141 , HB3277 , HB2988 , HB3029 , HB3338 , HB1889 , HB3834 , HB3831 , HB2939 , HB3045 , HB3657 , HB1739 , HB3759 , HB3755 , HB4484 , HB4486 , HB4108 , HB1250 , HB2961 , HB1219 , HB3025 , HB1782 , HB1907 , HB3718 , HB4459 , HB2976 , HB3548 , HB3545 , HB2952 , HB2929 , HB2956 , HB2973 , HB3055 , HB3086 , HB3040 , HB3794 , HB4336 , HB3151 , HB1590 , HB3581 , HB3313 , HB3429 , HB3448 , HB1752 , HB2650 , HB3584 , HB4202 , HB3586 , HB4321 , HB4280 , HB3650 , HCR1020 , HB2116 , HB2206 , HB4301 , HB3625 , HB3147 , HB3403 , HB3498 , HB3970 , HB3975 , HB3976 , HB3980 , HB4265 , HB4266 , HB3638 , HB3880 , HB3930 , HB3942 , HB3944 , HB4191 , HB3242 , HB3678

Summary: The House began with a quorum call, then moved into a series of special presentations recognizing guests and champions, including the Talihina state football team, the Hodgson Bulldogs state basketball champions, Sooner Start families and advocates, the Edmond Republican Women’s Club, Leadership Miami, and other visitors in the galleries. Members also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 17, honoring the long friendship between Oklahoma and Ireland and welcoming Irish Senator Aubrey McCarthy to the Capitol. The chamber then considered and passed several bills on third reading. Among them were HB 4226, creating a formal recusal/disqualification process for judges with timelines; HB 4432, addressing itemized deductions and gambling-related tax treatment; HB 3304, requiring Service Oklahoma to check the methamphetamine user database before issuing a commercial driver’s license; HB 3411, requiring PFOS testing and related safeguards for biosolids land application; HB 3435, creating a single-subject rule for municipal bonds; HB 4339, updating probate publication requirements for rural Oklahoma; HB 4341 and HB 4342, both CASA-related measures; HB 1770, directing OSU Veterinary Medicine to study the elk population in the northwest zone; HB 1016, setting up trust protections for minors featured in monetized online content; and HB 413, clarifying that people with felony convictions may vote once they have fully completed incarceration, parole, supervision, and probation. The House also passed HB 2950, removing an ACT requirement tied to Oklahoma’s Promise for homeschool students; HB 4141, funding a statewide sexual assault nurse examiner coordinator if money becomes available; HB 3277, cleanup language for VIN inspections on salvage vehicles; HB 2988, expanding the Terry Peach Act; HB 3029, requiring a four-year planning process for the State Department of Education; HB 3338, regulating the pool industry after reports of consumer losses; HB 1889, restoring benefits for a small group of police and fire retirees; HB 3834, authorizing ibogaine clinical trials for PTSD, addiction, and related conditions; HB 3831, seeking state support for Oklahoma Task Force One urban search and rescue; HB 2939, removing fax-machine references from election law; HB 3045, extending response-fee limits to municipal fire departments; HB 3657, modernizing OESC reporting and data sharing; HB 1739, reinstating a half-pay provision for OHP members; HB 3759, setting a June 30 date for temporary school allocations; HB 3755, clarifying juvenile detention medication funding and custody language; HB 4484, allowing certain state vehicles to be used between residences and work sites; HB 4486, creating a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument at the Capitol; HB 4108, adding airports to the critical infrastructure trespass list; and HB 1250, creating a revolving fund for public safety technology tied to the Blue Jay app. Most bills passed with broad support, though a few drew significant debate, especially the homeschool/Oklahoma’s Promise bill and the pool regulation bill, which passed with narrower margins.

Transcript Highlights:

• local public problem and describe ways which individuals and groups can take informed action to influence
• decision makers to make a influence decision makers to make a difference<00:16:15.040><c> in</c><00:
• I grew up with a mom who was on drugs when I was a kid.
• messages similar to those in this ethnic studies bill that whites... grew up with a mom who was on drugs
• when grew up with a mom who was on drugs when I<00:43:21.160><c> was</c><00:43:21.280><c> a</c><00:43

Committee: House Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• By closing off American engagement, he has opened the door for greater Russian and Chinese influence.
• Speaker, I ask my influence. Mr.
• and immunotherapy, NCI-funded research has developed numerous new drugs and therapies for cancer.
• new drugs, therapies for cancer. cancer. cancer.
• The private sector needs this public sector investment for them to do the drugs, many of the drugs, and

Transcript Highlights:

• where they're tracking trafficking of drugs and illicit material, and it takes time to build a case?
• where they're tracking trafficking of drugs and illicit material, and it takes time to build a case?
• where they're tracking trafficking of drugs and illicit material, and it takes time to build a case?
• Uh, doesn't law enforcement face that same difficulty, let's say, with an ongoing drug investigation
• where they're tracking trafficking of drugs and illicit material, and it takes time to build a case?

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• You want women to be drug through the worst experiences and have them relive the worst experiences because
• You want women to be drugged through the worst experiences and have them relive the worst experiences
• Mexico, altering identification on a weapon, domestic violence, two counts of driving under the influence
• from Mexico, convicted of assault, resisting an officer, illegal reentry, and driving under the influence
• We have another illegal, convicted of assault with a dangerous weapon, drug possession, and larceny.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum established, then adopted the Rules and Ethics Committee’s special order report for the day. The chamber first took up HB 167 on former phosphate mining lands. Sponsor Rep. McClure said the bill would remove strict liability for previously mined phosphate lands if a Department of Health study is done at the owner’s request and the former mining status is recorded publicly. Opponents, including Reps. Cross, Nixon, and Eskamani, argued the bill did not provide enough notice to future buyers and renters and could create health and disclosure concerns. The bill passed 87-24. The House then passed HB 145 on suits against the government, which Rep. McFarland said updates Florida’s sovereign immunity caps for the first time since 2010, raising them to $500,000 per person and $1 million per incident with future automatic increases, aligning the statute of limitations with private claims, and allowing governments to settle above the caps if they choose. He said the bill would make redress more accessible without eliminating the liability shield. The bill passed 104-7. The chamber then considered CS/HB 289 on civil liability for the wrongful death of an unborn child, a bill by Rep. Greco that would amend the Wrongful Death Act to allow parents and other survivors to bring claims for the death of an unborn child, while exempting the mother and lawful medical care provided within the standard of care. Debate centered on whether the bill could affect abortion access, fertility treatment, miscarriage care, surrogacy, and liability for doctors, friends, family members, and others. Multiple amendments were offered to narrow the bill or add carve-outs for abortion, fertility care, surrogates, perinatal professionals, rape/incest/human trafficking situations, and to require the mother’s consent before suit; sponsors and opponents argued over whether these changes would prevent frivolous lawsuits or instead create loopholes and weaken the bill. None of the amendments were adopted during the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> included the other um alcohol and drug included the other um alcohol and drug license<01:01:27.359
• Um, so since Representative Lamontain wasn't in here, let's move on to the alcohol and other drug use
• </c><01:54:50.159><c> I</c> and other drug use professionals. I and other drug use professionals.
• </c> drug abuse were often linked together. drug abuse were often linked together.
• </c> not be influenced by industry money. not be influenced by industry money.

Committee: House Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:30:11.039><c> Drug</c><00:30:11.360><c> policy</c><00:30:11.840><c> forum</c><00:30:12.159><c
• Nikins with Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii.
• And it is unacceptable to allow other states' legislation to influence who we allow to practice in our
• And it is unacceptable to allow other states' legislation to influence who we allow to practice in our
• So I don't have to be worried about an outside influence.

Bills: SB2936 , SB2850 , SB2851 , SB2521

Committee: House Health

Summary: The joint hearing covered House Bill 251, which would require hospitals to report costs associated with Medicare and uninsured patients, and House Bill 1875, which would expand protections for gender-affirming health care services. On HB 251, the Department of Health said it supported the intent but described the bill as complicated and potentially impractical as drafted because the department lacks the expertise to produce the required analyses without outside help. Hawaii Health Systems Corporation echoed those concerns, while the Queen’s Health System said it was willing to work with the department to provide the information. In committee discussion, officials explained that hospital support in Hawaii includes public hospital appropriations and the provider tax program, which uses hospital and nursing home contributions to draw federal matching funds; a department witness estimated the net benefit at about $150 million for hospitals and $20 million for nursing facilities, though exact figures would be provided later. On HB 1875, the Insurance Division testified with concerns that the bill’s language on prohibited actions by malpractice insurers was broad and vague, and that a rate-increase prohibition could conflict with actuarially based insurance pricing. The division also noted it was not the primary enforcement agency for the statute. In contrast, many testifiers strongly supported the bill, including the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, PFLAG Oahu, the ACLU of Hawaii, the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, the Hawaii County Democratic Party, and others. Supporters argued that gender-affirming care is medically necessary, evidence-based, and protected by privacy and bodily autonomy principles, and that the bill would protect patients and providers from outside political interference. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.