Video & Transcript Research : 'EMT'
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KY
Transcript Highlights:
- sheriff's deputy working weekends, a county road employee clearing roads during a snowstorm, a jailer, an EMT
- sheriff's deputy working weekends, a county road employee clearing roads during a snowstorm, a jailer, an EMT
- snowstorm, a clearing roads during a snowstorm, a jailer,<00:53:49.599>
an <00:53:49.760>EMT - ,<00:53:50.720>
a <00:53:50.880>county <00:53:51.200>judge jailer, an EMT, a - county judge jailer, an EMT, a county judge executive,<00:53:52.319>
or <00:53:52.480>even
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 30 (2-19-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That is not against the EMTs.
- But in no part am I against the police, the EMTs. I want them to do their jobs.
- We already have a law for support of this bill is an EMT from support of this bill is an EMT from Louisville
- Uh my no vote today is we the EMTs.
- I want against the police, the EMTs.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, approval of the prior journal, and remarks welcoming visitors, including military children in the annex. The House clerk then communicated several House-passed measures to the Senate, and the clerk reported second readings of Senate Bills 70, 74, 80, 127, and 154, which were sent to the Rules Committee. Committee reports also advanced SB 129, SB 101 with Committee Substitute 1, SB 124, SB 50, SB 162 with Committee Substitute 1, SB 170 with Committee Substitute 1, and Senate Resolution 103. The chamber also introduced SB 211 on prescription drug coverage and SB 212 on mental health coverage and declared an emergency.
The main floor action was on Senate Joint Resolution 74, which directs the Legislative Research Commission and state agencies to create a statewide fiscal map of substance use disorder programs and funding sources. Supporters said the map would consolidate fragmented funding information across agencies, identify gaps and duplication, improve budgeting, and provide a public-facing report; the resolution also requires posting the map online and submitting a report to the General Assembly by October 30, 2026. The Senate passed SJR 74 by a vote of 38-0.
The chamber then took up Senate Bill 104, the “Halo Act,” which would create a 25-foot safety buffer around first responders while they are performing official duties. Supporters argued it would protect first responders and EMTs from interference and still allow bystanders to document events from a distance. Opponents said existing laws already cover obstruction and related conduct, and warned the bill is vague, duplicative, and could chill First Amendment activity such as filming police or protesting. The debate included multiple explanations of votes, with some senators citing public safety and others raising constitutional concerns; the excerpt ends before the final vote on SB 104 is completed.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- You can even take the EMT exam remote right on your computer, but that hands-on piece we're going to
- can<00:30:21.480>
even <00:30:21.679>take <00:30:21.840>the <00:30:22.039>EMT - <00:30:23.000>
exam classroom you can even take the EMT exam classroom you can even take the - that is so important, and of course this will be a direct pipeline from high school to an EMR or an EMT
- that is so important, and of course this will be a direct pipeline from high school to an EMR or an EMT
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Civil Service and Pensions - 03/24/202
Civil Service And Pensions
Transcript Highlights:
- participants in the New York City Employees' Retirement System to opt into the 25-year retirement program for EMT
- participants in the New York City Employees' Retirement System to opt into the 25-year retirement program for EMT
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Civil Service and Pensions met on March 24, 2026, with a quorum present and eight bills on the agenda. The committee considered measures affecting retirement and leave benefits for several groups, including NYC sanitation members (S-4667A), NYC correction members (S-4706A), county and municipal airport firefighters (S-9262), NYC water supply police (S-9356), EMT members in the NYC Employees’ Retirement System (S-9378), Suffolk County correction officers (S-9394), and Civil Air Patrol members on Air Force-assigned missions (S-9406). The committee also took up S.A.424A, which would provide a legacy credit to children and siblings of military service members or those killed in the line of duty; members spoke in support of the bill as a way to recognize and support military families.
Most bills were moved without opposition and received unanimous approval, with the chair repeatedly confirming vote counts from the voting sheets. S-4667A, S-4706A, S.A.424A, S-9262, S-9356, S-9378, and S-9394 each received seven ayes, zero nays, and zero abstentions/AWRs. S-9406 also advanced, but with one AWR and six ayes. Members offered brief supportive comments on several bills, especially those benefiting veterans, correction officers, firefighters, and other public safety workers.
All eight bills were reported out of committee, most to the Finance Committee and S.A.424A to the floor. The meeting then adjourned after no further business was raised.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Executive Departments and Administration (04/08/2026)
Executive Departments and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- , firefighters, sometimes even dispatchers who literally are not paid, but the firefighters and EMTs
- of our volunteer EMTs and firefighters quit<01:18:58.880>
and <01:18:59.199>all <01:18: - instead and pay firefighters and EMTs instead and pay the<01:19:04.480>
costs <01:19:04.800>- Uh an<01:23:02.239>
EMT, <01:23:03.199>a <01:23:03.520>taxpayer, <01:23:04.239>- > New<01:23:04.400>
Hampshire an EMT, a taxpayer, New Hampshire an EMT, a taxpayer, New Hampshire - Uh an<01:23:02.239>
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a certified EMT in addition to being a registered nurse.
- So the bill came to us to stop that behavior as far as EMTs.
- My colleagues said, well, if EMTs, why not paramedic? So thank you for this amendment.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approval, and several guest introductions and recognitions, including military award honorees, a resident doctor of the day, and visitors from Sahuarita and Buckeye. The chamber also later paused to honor the University of Arizona men’s basketball team for its Final Four run with a formal proclamation and remarks from legislative leaders and Coach Tommy Lloyd. A separate announcement recognized Motorcycle Awareness Day at the Capitol.
The main legislative work centered on a large consent calendar and multiple Senate bills considered in Committee of the Whole and an additional Committee of the Whole. The House adopted committee amendments and advanced bills including SB 1067, 1100, 1137, 1174, 1189, 1206, 1215, 1235, 1254, 1413, 1503, 1620, 1668, 1671, and 1754, while SB 1428 was retained on the calendar. The House also referred SB 1160 and SB 1193 to an additional Committee of the Whole for further amendment, then advanced both as amended.
On third reading, the House passed SB 1058, SB 1237, SB 1294, and SB 1372. SB 1058 drew debate over merchant category codes for firearm-related transactions, with supporters arguing it protected Second and Fourth Amendment rights and opponents warning it would hinder business compliance and privacy concerns. SB 1237 and SB 1294 passed with little substantive debate. SB 1372, dealing with reimbursement for certified registered nurse anesthetists, prompted extensive debate over rural health care access, insurance reimbursement, and whether the legislature should set payment rates; it ultimately passed 33-20. The House also concurred in Senate amendments to several House bills and passed HB 2050 on final reading, sending it to the governor. The session adjourned until April 13, 2026.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 02/06/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- to date, that has been a very successful program: almost 300 scholarships for individuals going from EMT
- to bring on maybe a full-time person, somebody to help coordinate the ambulance and train some new EMTs
- will tell you it's paramedics and EMTs will tell you it's just<00:41:18.319>
a <00:41:18.520>< - one um all everybody who works in EMT one um all everybody who works in EMT the<01:02:51.119>
- an issue that I know we're going to need to talk to you about because we just heard folks from the EMT
Summary:
The Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee met on February 6, 2025, for an update on emergency medical services (EMS) policy and implementation. Senator Seberger described the work of the EMS Task Force, which traveled statewide to hear concerns from providers about staffing, reimbursement, and retention. She said the task force led to the Sprint Medic model and two innovation zones in Otter Tail and St. Louis counties, and she urged continued monitoring and possible reconstitution of the task force to evaluate what is working and what could be expanded statewide. She also said future EMS work should continue to explore alternative response models and telemedicine, but that the most immediate need is additional funding, especially to address unpaid non-transport calls.
Dylan Ferguson, director of the newly formed Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services, gave a detailed update on the office’s structure and priorities after the transition from the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board. He described the office’s three divisions, the appointment of deputy directors, the first meetings of the advisory councils, and work on a statewide EMS strategic plan. He also reviewed the $24 million emergency ambulance aid program, explaining its 40-40-20 formula, the emphasis on rural services, the reporting and spending deadlines, and the positive response from ambulance providers. He noted that the $6 million Sprint paramedic grant program is underway, with Otter Tail County moving forward and St. Louis County still finalizing its application.
Ferguson also outlined the office’s budget request for modest staffing and contract-cost increases, two rulemaking efforts to update outdated ambulance vehicle standards and expand medication options for basic life support services, and ongoing data collection on workforce needs, violence against EMS providers, and ambulance crashes. He highlighted the paramedic scholarship program administered by the Office of Higher Education, saying nearly 300 scholarships have been awarded. Members and Senator Seberger praised the EMS reforms and emphasized that non-transport calls create significant unreimbursed costs, especially for rural and volunteer services, but no votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Health Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Public Health
Transcript Highlights:
- According to the Department of Public Health, only 52% of Massachusetts' 27,000 certified EMTs and paramedics
- are actively working or 27,000, excuse me, certified EMTs and paramedics are actively working in ambulances
- Whether due to a rural shortage or an emergency surge, compact membership allows the rapid deployment of EMT
- director in two states and formerly serving as the chief operating officer of the National Registry of EMTs
- state that is a part of the compact has the exact same licensure and certification requirements for EMTs
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing to take testimony on a wide range of bills involving professional licensure, clinical practice, and public health-related workforce issues. The chair explained that no votes would be taken at the hearing and that the purpose was to gather public input. Early testimony focused on Marnie’s Law, with supporters describing the bill as a no-cost, preventive measure to require nursing education on inflammatory breast cancer after a family tragedy and arguing it could reduce misdiagnosis and save lives.
A major portion of the hearing centered on bills affecting clinical decision-making and licensure compacts. Supporters of the physician ownership/clinical autonomy bills argued they would protect independent practices from corporate interference after the Steward collapse, while supporters of EMS, dental, psychology, physical therapy, and physician assistant compacts said the measures would improve workforce mobility, reduce delays, and expand access to care, especially for rural patients, military families, and telehealth users. Several witnesses emphasized that the compacts would not reduce standards and would strengthen public protection through shared disciplinary databases and streamlined credentialing.
There was also testimony on bills to ensure safe medication administration and to protect the independence of complementary and alternative health care practitioners. Nursing representatives urged that only licensed professionals administer medications in hospitals, hospices, and home care settings, warning that delegation to unlicensed staff could endanger patients and nurses’ licenses. A complementary and alternative care witness supported consumer access with mandatory disclosures and limits on reserved medical acts. On the dental compact, witnesses were split: some supported portability and workforce flexibility, while others warned the compact lacked a hands-on skills exam and could weaken Massachusetts’ regulatory authority and patient safety. The hearing concluded with continued testimony on the psychology compact, physical therapy compact, and physician assistant bills, with most speakers favoring expanded interstate practice and reduced administrative barriers.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes omnibus pensions and retirement bill 5/13/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The main thing I want to say here is I want all the paid on-call volunteers, the EMT folks, the 911 operators
- The main thing I want to say here is I want all the paid on-call volunteers, the EMT folks, the 911 operators
- want all the paid on-call volunteers, I want all the paid on-call volunteers, the<00:30:03.480>
EMT - 04.800>
the <00:30:04.880>91 <00:30:05.360>opera- <00:30:05.760>911 the EMT - folks, the 91 opera- 911 the EMT folks, the 91 opera- 911 operators<00:30:07.400>
all <00:30:07.640
Summary:
House File 4074, the second engrossment of the retirement bill, was presented as a broad pension package with changes affecting multiple public retirement systems. Rep. Lilly described provisions including bringing St. Paul teachers closer to parity with TRA, reducing the COLA waiting period for police and fire retirees from two years to one, lowering the retirement age for certain probation, corrections, and 911 telecommunicator workers from 60 to 55, addressing a State Board of Investments fix, and creating or continuing work on Secure Choice and other retirement-related issues. Members also noted help for volunteer firefighters, EMS-related workers, and a local fix for Maple Plain’s volunteer fire system. The bill was repeatedly described as bipartisan and the product of successful working groups and negotiations with the Senate.
Several members spoke in support, emphasizing the importance of public pensions, the impact of inflation on retirees, and the value of the bill’s targeted improvements for workers who are often not covered by Social Security. Rep. Johnson, Rep. Hill, Rep. Vega, Rep. Robbins, Rep. Cha, and others praised the work of the pension commission, staff, and the co-chairs. They highlighted the St. Paul teachers changes, the police and fire COLA adjustment, and the bill’s efforts to honor promises made to public employees. Some members also pointed to the importance of work groups as a way to develop better long-term solutions.
The main point of debate centered on the duty disability amendment, which would have addressed disability issues for first responders. Supporters said the issue is serious and needs a work group solution rather than piecemeal changes, while Rep. Johnson and others warned that the proposal could create problems by treating psychological injuries differently from physical injuries. Rep. Roach said the body should not have passed the prior law and urged a fix for disabled law enforcement and first responders. After discussion, Rep. Lilly withdrew the A3 amendment. Earlier technical amendments A9 and A10 were adopted by voice vote, with members noting they were non-substantive and intended to keep House and Senate language identical and avoid a conference committee. The bill then moved to third reading as amended, with members urging a green vote.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- This is talking about EMTs.
- Chair, Senator, hospitals can indeed hire EMTs and then indeed give them a few more skills to use at
- I have trouble getting EMTs because I don't have people that'll spend six months get an EMT license.
- But you're talking about a very Get an EMT license.
- But where I'm at, those ambulances aren't running because EMTs, if this is not the legislation, I completely
Keywords:
SB40, Driver Privacy and Safety Act, automated license plate reader, ALPR, license plate reader, vehicle surveillance, privacy, data sharing, law enforcement data, immigration enforcement, reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, civil liberties, surveillance, public records, Inspection of Public Records Act, New Mexico State Police, Department of Public Safety, data sovereignty, vehicle tracking
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Jan 27th, 2026 at 04:23 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- And, you know, in a time where—and this is just talking to public safety now, I'm not talking about EMTs
- I did run it by a good friend of mine who is an EMT and a firefighter, and he thought it was a great
- I did run it by a good friend of mine who is an EMT and a firefighter, and he thought it was a great
Summary:
The House Labor, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee met with a quorum and heard two bills from Representative Martinez. House Bill 56 would appropriate $1 million to the Department of Veterans Services to expand behavioral health and suicide prevention efforts for veterans. Supporters, including the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, the Department of Veterans Services, the Disability Coalition, New Mexico Professional Firefighters, the New Mexico Veterans and Military Families Caucus, and NAMI New Mexico, said the funding would help veterans navigate a difficult system, improve outreach in rural areas, and address New Mexico’s high veteran suicide rate and related alcohol and drug deaths. Committee members asked about whether the program was new or an expansion of an existing effort, how services would be delivered, and whether outreach would reach homeless and rural veterans. The secretary explained that the bill would augment an existing Suicide Prevention Act program, use contracts with outside providers rather than direct services, and require two term employees for contract management and outreach. The committee voted 7-1 to give HB 56 a due pass and send it to the next committee.
The committee then heard House Bill 55, which would create an income tax deduction for retirement income earned by first responders, similar to an existing benefit for military retirees. Supporters argued it would help recruit and retain firefighters, law enforcement, and other first responders, and could encourage retirees to move to New Mexico and contribute economically. Several members raised concerns about the fiscal impact, the lack of a sunset, the narrow definition of first responder, and Taxation and Revenue Department concerns that the bill could reduce general fund revenue by about $6.1 million in the first year and might not attract retirees on its own. The sponsor said he had not yet met with Tax and Rev but would do so, and noted he was open to a sunset if it helped the bill move forward. Despite concerns, the committee voted 7-1 to pass HB 55 to the next committee, with members explaining their votes and emphasizing that the bill would receive further vetting in Tax and Revenue.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Prioritizing Public Safety – Senator Ron Latz Apr 14th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- 09:54.720>
like <00:09:54.959>firefighters <00:09:55.519>and <00:09:55.760>EMTs - <00:09:56.399>
and agencies like firefighters and EMTs and agencies like firefighters and - EMTs and police<00:09:57.360>
to <00:09:57.600>all <00:09:57.839>be <00:09:58.000
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- helping us clean up the site, remove debris, and cut down trees that were impeding our. access by EMTs
- But for the most part, the best ones think of your locals. ...EMTs, fire departments, and police as part
- If you have a child who's injured, you want the EMTs to know.
- We're to a point where our EMTs know that once they're on our property,... ...they lose the siren, they
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Jul 22nd, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- We also have an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) basic program that was started with some funding from
- What's nice about the EMT program is that there aren't any prerequisites, and you can complete it in
- The other thing that's really nice about our EMT basic program is that we're working with the Workforce
- They could do that on a regular basis, and it was only one semester for your EMT.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- protect and serve and take care of our citizens: the teachers, the administrators, the mayors. the EMTs
- You know, so, for example, in this grant program, this particular... training, it involves having EMTs
- But there's also having to deal with the aftereffects and then the EMTs and the communication and everything
- And our law enforcement community, and our EMTs and our firefighters out there, they do it.
Keywords:
HB 48, oilfield theft, organized theft, petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, DPS, Department of Public Safety, Texas, Railroad Commission, criminal justice, energy resources, theft prevention, organized crime, border region, El Paso, law enforcement task force, asset recovery, pipeline theft, drilling equipment, equipment theft
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Prioritizing Public Safety / Proposed Civil Commitment Changes / Supporting Education Pension Reform Apr 13th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And some of those radios allow jurisdictions and allow agencies like firefighters and EMTs and police
- 23:10.880>
like <00:23:11.120>firefighters <00:23:11.679>and <00:23:11.919>EMTs - <00:23:12.559>
and agencies like firefighters and EMTs and agencies like firefighters and - EMTs and police<00:23:13.520>
to <00:23:13.760>all <00:23:14.000>be <00:23:14.159
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session - Session 2 - 38th Legislative Day Jun 18th, 2026
Delaware Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Police officers, as well as firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and fire police, increasingly face individuals
- Police officers, as well as firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and fire police, increasingly face individuals
- The legislation applies to law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and fire police
- So that means for an EMT, their duty is providing EMT services.
Summary:
The Senate reconvened, read committee reports, and assigned House Bill 89 with House Amendment 1 and House Bill 393 with House Amendment 1 to the Senate Finance Committee. It then adopted Consent Calendar 64, which included resolutions recognizing Take Our Children to Work Day, Juneteenth, National Farmers Day, Invisible Disabilities Week, Stonewall Uprising Remembrance Day, National Nonprofit Day, and two property-assessment working group resolutions. The calendar passed by a unanimous roll call, and the chamber heard remarks supporting Juneteenth, Delaware agriculture, invisible disabilities awareness, and the nonprofit sector.
The Senate passed the fiscal year 2026 and 2027 revenue estimates in Senate Joint Resolution 16 and Senate Joint Resolution 17, and approved the fiscal year 2027 operating budget in Senate Bill 335 after extended debate on budget growth, recurring costs, health care, education, public safety, retiree obligations, and fiscal restraint. It also passed Senate Bill 336, the one-time supplemental appropriation bill, which includes one-time investments such as a $100 million transition toward a weighted education funding formula, election support, early childhood education, classroom projects, lead remediation, and campaign finance modernization. Several members praised the budget process and staff, while others cautioned against future spending growth.
Among policy bills, the Senate passed House Bill 369 to codify the Office of Gun Violence Prevention and Community Safety, House Bill 268 to increase penalties for assaulting postal workers, House Bill 374 to require workforce reporting on large public works projects, Senate Bill 253 with House Amendment 1 to standardize school bullying parental-notification procedures, Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 342 to modernize the Delaware Motion Picture and Television Development Commission, House Bill 402 to extend Clean Air Act Title V permit fees, and Senate Bill 346 with Senate Amendment 1 to streamline Environmental Appeals Board timelines. The Senate also began consideration of House Bill 293, which would add hate crimes to the Victims’ Compensation Assistance Program, but the transcript cuts off before its vote is shown.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division II (01/27/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- you<01:15:05.800>
can <01:15:06.000>see <01:15:06.880>uh <01:15:07.000>EMT - healthcare so as you can see uh EMT healthcare so as you can see uh EMT training<01:15:08.159>
- they just don't fit into things when we talk about a program that serves about a dozen students in EMT
- they just don't fit into things when we talk about a program that serves about a dozen students in EMT
- The ability to train a dozen EMTs, so again, our efforts dispersed regionally, trying to be responsive
Summary:
The committee received an orientation from University System of New Hampshire Chancellor Katherine Preventure and Senior Director of Government Relations Lauren Banker on the system’s enrollment, finances, workforce role, and academic programs. They described the system as consisting of UNH, Keene State, and Plymouth State, with about 23,000 students, $928 million in FY24 operating expenses, a $3.7 billion economic impact, and UNH’s R1 research status. They emphasized the system’s role in graduating students into the New Hampshire workforce, its statewide Cooperative Extension and regional campus presence, and its alignment of degree offerings with top occupations identified by New Hampshire Employment Security. The presentation also highlighted partnerships with businesses, internships, and collaboration with the community college system, including 100 transfer pathways and a direct-admit program.
A substantial portion of the discussion focused on tuition, state support, and student costs. The chancellor said the state invested $95 million in FY25, with about $81 million used to reduce resident tuition and about $14 million for statutory programs such as Cooperative Extension and the Agricultural Experiment Station. She said the state subsidy is about $7,300 per New Hampshire student, and that resident net tuition averages about $7,000, while nonresident net tuition averages about $16,600. She provided published tuition figures for UNH, Plymouth State, and Keene State, and explained that resident tuition has been held flat for five years while financial aid has increased, reducing average net tuition and fees for New Hampshire students from about $10,500 in 2020 to $9,800. Members asked for clarification on how residency and workforce-retention percentages were calculated, and the chancellor said she would follow up.
Members also asked about comparisons with peer institutions, housing and meal costs, research funding, and the reasons for declining enrollment and staffing reductions. The chancellor said peer comparisons were based on flagship universities for UNH and smaller regional publics for Plymouth and Keene, and noted that out-of-state tuition has risen about 2.5% annually. She said housing for a UNH double room is $8,536 and a meal plan is $5,100, and offered to provide a consolidated cost document. On research, she said the system’s direct research spending includes federal funding and that indirect costs were about $34 million last year, with a follow-up promised on the federal/state and direct/indirect split. She attributed enrollment declines largely to demographics and said the system is responding by reducing costs, selling buildings, exiting leases, moving the system office to NHTI, and implementing Workday. She also noted that Plymouth received approval for five three-year bachelor’s degree programs and that members praised the shorter, workforce-focused pathways, especially for manufacturing and other in-demand fields.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HHS, HHS DEFER, HHS DEFER, HHS DEFER, HHS-HRE Public Hearings 02-12-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- While Narcan is an important medication to help prevent death from opioid overdose, currently EMTs and
- Paramedics who practice under the licensed physician's director would be more appropriate than EMTs to
- While naloxone is an important medication to help prevent death from opioid overdose, currently EMTs
- Chris: Paramedics who practice under the licensed physician's director would be more appropriate than EMTs
- The evidence base is clear that buprenorphine administered by EMTs stops withdrawal and craving for these
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.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Justice, which is the Police Academy; Fire Science; Fire Science, which is our firefighters program, and EMT
- The training center has three different programs: police, fire, and EMT paramedic.
- Representative Abeytia, yes, they're similar, with the exception of the EMT program. Got it. Mr.
- This bill in particular is a little bit more challenging because we like fire, we like EMT, we know that
- enforcement this bill in particular is a little bit more challenging because you know we like fire we like EMT
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 2266, which would change school district and charter governing board policy from permissive to mandatory for excusing students for religious instruction during the school day. The sponsor and supporters framed it as a parental-choice and religious-liberty measure that preserves release-time programs, while opponents argued it would reduce local control, take students out of core instruction, create peer pressure and bullying, and raise constitutional concerns. After testimony from Secular AZ, a LifeWise Academy board member, and a school board president, the committee voted 7-5 to give HB 2266 a do pass recommendation.
The committee then took up House Bill 2193, a cleanup measure related to student directory information and parent organizations such as PTOs/PTAs/APTs. Supporters said the bill would restore parent-to-parent communication that had been unintentionally limited by prior privacy legislation, while some members raised concerns about how the information could be used and suggested narrowing the language to prevent political or lobbying uses. The bill advanced on a 10-1 vote, with members generally supporting school-community communication but asking for possible amendments.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2075, which requires public school districts to submit superintendent and other top administrator contracts or attestations to ADE and have the information posted in a searchable database. The sponsor and Goldwater Institute supporters said the bill is a transparency measure because base salary reports do not show total compensation, benefits, or allowances; opponents from school administrator groups and rural districts argued the bill singles out districts while ignoring charters and other publicly funded education providers, and they said superintendent pay is already publicly available in other forms. Discussion also touched on whether the bill should be expanded to charters and private schools. The sponsor closed by emphasizing transparency and the committee continued discussion of the measure.