Transcript Highlights:

• The state of Iowa conducted a pharmacy benefit manager.
• So what was the acquisition cost for the pharmacy. Okay.
• We have our own physician dispensing pharmacy at Pontchartrain.
• You have fees, you have rebates, you have GPOs, you have specialty pharmacies, you have regular pharmacies
• You walk into a CVS pharmacy and you buy a stick of gum.

Bills: SB511, SB512, HB591, HB909, HB938, HB1154, HB1187

Keywords: automobile repairs, insurance transparency, repair shop liability, non-OEM parts, policyholder rights, automobile insurance, appraisal process, insurance policyholders, dispute resolution, claim valuation, family leave, insurance, paid leave, employment benefits, caregiver support, behavioral health, crisis services, mental health care, insurance coverage, healthcare access

Bills: SB2211, SB2025, SB2038, SB2050, SB2051, SB2090

Keywords: emergency funding, food assistance, healthcare, federal shutdown, Hawaii, DHS, jury duty, advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, exemption, patient care, financial hardship, medication abortion, anonymous prescription, pregnancy rights, healthcare privacy, pharmacy regulations, chiropractic education, clinical training, student supervision

Summary: The House Committee on Health held its first hearing of the session and opened with housekeeping notes, introductions of members, and an explanation that the agenda would be taken out of order to accommodate a sign language interpreter. The committee first heard HB 469, relating to parking for disabled persons. Testimony from the Disability and Communications Access Board and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the bill, explaining that a travel placard would help people with disabilities who must travel interisland or to the mainland for medical care. Members asked about emergency travel, misuse prevention, and how to distinguish the travel placard from existing disabled parking placards; witnesses said the bill would need to be tied to administrative rules, and agreed the placard should clearly show an expiration date and likely be a different color. No vote was taken. The committee then heard HB 218, relating to hospital surgical smoke. The Department of Health supported the measure, and the Healthcare Association of Hawaii supported it with amendments, saying hospitals already follow existing standards but that any new policy should account for different procedures and provider safety. A committee member questioned the proposed amendment language and whether it was too flexible; the witness explained the intent was to allow case-by-case application because some procedures generate only brief exposure. Members also asked what surgical smoke is, and the witness explained it is produced when electrical or cauterizing tools are used on tissue and creates vapor or fumes. The bill remained under discussion with no final action reported. The committee next took up HB 814, which would fund a public information campaign and related services on cannabis use among youth. The Department of the Attorney General said the bill should be amended to clarify whether the funding would be used for contracts or grants and to include proper grant standards if grants are intended. The Department of Health supported the bill and said the funds would expand prevention, treatment, recovery, and public education efforts, including social media outreach, PSAs, and school-based youth services. Multiple organizations and individuals testified in support, emphasizing the harms of youth cannabis use and the need for prevention and treatment resources. Members asked what the department currently does, whether it is fulfilling existing law on science-based cannabis information, and what kinds of treatment would be provided; the department said services would mainly be intensive outpatient, outpatient, counseling, and related youth-focused supports. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pharmacies for all Texans.
• Pharmacy can't be located within 22 miles of an existing pharmacy.
• You may recall in 2023, there were 11 people charged out of Houston where a pharmacy was dispensing opioids

Bills: HB321, HB 1027, HB 1295, HB1782, HB2295, HCR29, HCR56

Keywords: Medicaid, child health, express lane option, income verification, supplemental nutrition assistance, telepharmacy, healthcare access, remote dispensing, rural clinics, pharmacy regulations, health literacy, state health plan, health care, patient outcomes, public health, economic impact, healthcare, breast cancer, cervical cancer, insurance eligibility

Bills: HF4906, HF3971, HF4777, HF2109, HF2988

Keywords: property tax, tax refund, taxpayer relief, Minnesota taxation, one-time payment, taxation, property valuation, Tax Court, evidentiary standards, Minnesota Statutes, disparity reduction, aid payments, local government, funding, Fillmore County, education funding, managed forest land, classification, forest management plan, agricultural land

Summary: The committee first approved the April 9 minutes, then took up House File 2988, which would extend for eight more years a sales tax exemption tied to Minnesota State High School League tournament ticket revenue that is funneled into the league’s foundation and returned to schools as grants. Chair Youakim and Executive Director Eric Martins said the program sends more than $1.1 million annually back to schools for activity fee reductions, scholarships, coaching and training, AEDs, late buses, and other school needs, with over 98% of funds going directly to schools. Representative Huot and others spoke in support, while Representative Robinson questioned the structure and suggested the state could instead simply reduce ticket prices and not tax the tickets. The committee laid HF 2988 over for possible inclusion in the omnibus tax bill. The committee then heard House File 4906, as amended, which would create a one-time property tax refund in calendar year 2026 for owners of residential homesteads and the homestead portion of agricultural property, funded by a $4 billion appropriation in fiscal year 2027. The bill includes a clawback for delinquent taxpayers and offsets to ensure no one receives more in property tax refunds than they paid. A House Research staffer said the Department of Revenue viewed the refund as potentially taxable, while House Research said it likely should be treated as a recovery of prior taxes, and the two would follow up. The bill was introduced with testimony from Eric Bernstein of We Make Minnesota and Nan Madden of the Minnesota Budget Project, both of whom opposed it, arguing it would create a large budget hole, force future cuts, and disproportionately benefit homeowners while excluding renters and lower-income Minnesotans. Several members also raised concerns. Representative Hewitt said the state should prioritize public safety, rural EMS, and safety-net hospitals rather than a large rebate, and Representative Youakim argued the money would be better spent on longer-term property tax relief and education funding. Representative Hollins said the proposal would worsen racial and wealth inequities because homeownership is lower among communities of color and renters would get nothing. In response, the author and supporters said the bill is meant to put money back into people’s budgets and that individuals should be able to decide how to use their own money. The discussion continued with questions about the bill’s size and fiscal impact, but no final action on HF 4906 was taken in the portion provided.

Bills: HB 537, HB 594, HB 1629, HB 2014, HB 2273, HB 3733, HB 1862, HB 2413, HB 3335

Keywords: noise regulation, criminal offense, public health, residential areas, county authority, Texas, local governance, sheriff's department, civil service, exempt positions, local government, police oversight, fireworks, retail sales, permits, Texas-Mexico border, seasonal sales, election, hospital district, board of directors

Bills: HB20, HB120

Keywords: fraudulent solicitation, disaster relief, nonprofit organizations, criminal penalties, consumer protection, fraud prevention, charitable donations, higher education, LGBTQ studies, DEI studies, program prohibition, educational policy, HB120, Texas, Texas Education Code, public universities, public colleges, queer studies, gay studies, lesbian studies

Bills: HB27, HB71, HB214, HB225, HB244, HB306, HB366, HB446, HB473, HB514, HB1043, HB1082, SB127

Keywords: armed security, liability, concealed carry, self-defense, security officers, property tax, blighted properties, urban rehabilitation, tax exemption, local government, financial incentives, term limits, governor, Louisiana constitution, elections, gubernatorial, constitutional convention, delegates, state election, ratification

Transcript Highlights:

• urging the insurance commissioner to study the potential benefits of expanding the use of mail-order pharmacy
• We think people have access to mail-order pharmacies.
• We think people have access to mail-order pharmacies.
• pharmacy provides par across the market. pharmacy provides par across the market.
• And for some communities, you know, the pharmacy and the interaction there is important.

Bills: SCR96, SCR109, SCR164, SCR172, SCR166

Keywords: electric reliability, renewable energy, interconnection, Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, Public Utilities Commission, capacity shortfalls, energy policies, mail-order pharmacy, insurance, healthcare access, chronic disease management, cost savings, rural access, emergency healthcare, patient adherence, critical infrastructure, foreign influence, local control, energy dependence, economic resilience

Summary: The Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce heard several Senate concurrent resolutions related to utilities, pharmacy access, critical infrastructure, and energy policy. STR 96 SD1 asked the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to report on the progress of the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator; the PUC offered written comments and the measure later advanced as is. STR 109 SD1 urged the insurance commissioner to study expanding mail-order pharmacy use. Testimony was split: DCCA’s insurance division, HMSA, and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans supported the study, while Shipa and the Hawaii Pharmacist Association opposed it, arguing mail-order pharmacy is already available and that in-person pharmacist counseling should be preserved. The measure was ultimately deferred. The committee also heard STR 164 SD1 on protecting Hawaii’s critical infrastructure from foreign influence. Greenpeace Hawaii and 350 Hawaii strongly supported the resolution, framing it as a consumer protection and resilience measure tied to reducing dependence on imports and strengthening local food and energy systems. No opposition was presented, and the resolution was moved out as is. STR 172 SD1 HD1 directed the PUC to conduct a comprehensive analysis of ways to maximize cost reduction and minimize financial risk while meeting state goals. DCCA, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the PUC offered comments, and Earthjustice supported the measure; it was also advanced as is. For STR 166 SD1, which concerns how the PUC should evaluate generational energy commitments, DCCA, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the PUC provided comments, while 350 Hawaii, Greenpeace Hawaii, and others opposed any move toward LNG, arguing it would harm ratepayers and conflict with Hawaii’s renewable goals. After discussion, the committee amended the resolution to add language directing the PUC to evaluate any LNG or other imported-fuel proposal for its potential effects on or delays to the state’s renewable portfolio standards, including the 2045 deadline. The amended resolution then passed, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Board of Pharmacy 2011 K2480. This regulation has staff-suggested amendments.
• As initially filed, it amends requirements for pharmacies involved in remote prescription processing
• <00:01:18.640> technicians that interns and pharmacy technicians that interns and pharmacy
• Any questions from members on this regulation pertaining to the Board of Pharmacy?
• Seeing none, please call the next regulation. board of pharmacy. board of pharmacy.

Keywords: :54 – Board of Pharmacy 2:00 – Board of Social Work 3:44 – Board of Licensure for Occupational Therapy 4:43 – Board of Registration for Professional Geologists 7:27 – Board of Imaging and Radiation Therapy 8:33 – Board of Emergency Medical Services 10:38 – Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources 17:37 – Transportation Cabinet 18:37 – Department of Education 25:00 – Department of Workplace Standards 27:06 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services, 958, all

Summary: The Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and then reviewed a series of agency regulations, most of which had staff-suggested amendments. The Board of Pharmacy regulation on remote prescription processing was amended to make grammatical and KRS Chapter 13A compliance corrections, and the Board of Social Work regulation on continuing education, telehealth training, waivers, and related fees was deferred at the agency’s request. The Occupational Therapy Compact rule update and the Professional Geologists fee increase regulation both received staff amendments and were approved, with the geologists’ board explaining the increases were driven by rising oversight costs and declining revenue. The committee also reviewed emergency regulations from the Board of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy, the Board of Emergency Medical Services, the Transportation Cabinet, and the Department of Workplace Standards. The EMS package covered licensing classifications, compliance audits, ambulance service rules, and electronic forms; the Transportation Cabinet’s emergency rule established procedures for street-legal special purpose vehicles; and Workplace Standards’ emergency rules updated Kentucky requirements to align with federal standards and House Bill 398, including shortening the discrimination complaint filing deadline from 120 days to 30 days and adjusting appeal procedures. Staff amendments were approved where offered, and members asked several clarifying questions about the rationale and effect of the workplace and EMS changes. The Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources explained rules on aircraft and drone use in taking wildlife and on reciprocal hunting and fishing agreements with neighboring states. The agency said the drone restriction was intended to align with federal law and address hunter complaints, while the reciprocal agreement rule was a cleanup of older agreements that had lapsed or been overlooked; the committee deferred the wildlife regulation 301 KAR 2:031 at the agency’s request. The Department of Education also presented multiple KHSAA-related and standards updates, including academic eligibility, sports timing, health and physical education standards, and career studies/financial literacy standards; staff amendments were approved, and members questioned the athletic forms and the designation of KHSAA as the state’s athletic agent. Finally, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services presented emergency regulations to support a pediatric teaching hospital expansion and related certificate-of-need changes, which the agency said were aimed at improving pediatric and neonatal access to care; staff amendments were approved, and the committee concluded by setting its next meeting for October 13 at 1:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• State Board of Pharmacy.

Bills: SB1117, SB1373, SB672, SB1986, SB1098, SB626, SB1784, SB2480, SB2487, SB437, SB660

Keywords: dentistry, botulinum toxin, aesthetic treatments, dental regulation, training, medical staff privileges, hospital administration, healthcare regulation, Texas Health and Safety Code, consistency in privileges, SB 672, Texas hospital emergency operations plan, hospital diversion, emergency department, cyberattack, cyber security, power outage, electrical outage, patient diversion, hospital preparedness

Transcript Highlights:

• It basically says, and I'll read it, a pharmacy. shall disclose the lowest cost cash price at the pharmacy

Bills: SB1117, SB1373, SB672, SB1986, SB1098, SB626, SB1784, SB2480, SB2487, SB437, SB660

Keywords: dentistry, botulinum toxin, aesthetic treatments, dental regulation, training, medical staff privileges, hospital administration, healthcare regulation, Texas Health and Safety Code, consistency in privileges, SB 672, Texas hospital emergency operations plan, hospital diversion, emergency department, cyberattack, cyber security, power outage, electrical outage, patient diversion, hospital preparedness

Transcript Highlights:

• This provision ensures that the contracts between PBMs, health insurance plans, and pharmacy agencies
• I'm testifying today on behalf of the Texas Pharmacy Association, the Texas Federation of Drugstores,
• I want to share a real example of what happened in my pharmacy last week.
• They come into my pharmacy because they trust me.
• You go to the pharmacy, you get your prescription in an hour, right?

Bills: SB95, SB268, SB493, SB619, SB660, SB922, SB984, SB1098, SB1188, SB1307, SB1332, SB1822

Keywords: immunization, written informed consent, civil liability, health care provider, vaccine compensation, administrative penalty, health care, licensing, complaint procedure, disciplinary action, law enforcement, pharmacy benefit manager, PBM, gag clause, prescription drug pricing, out-of-pocket cost, cash price, pharmacist, pharmacy, prescription drug benefit

Bills: SB211, SB305, SB300, SB211, SB305, SB300

Keywords: school safety, local law enforcement, superintendent, complaints, school bus regulations, education funding, RAISE Act, student outcomes, public schools, local education agencies, accountability, weighted allocations, special education, English language learners, gifted students, tax exemption, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, business incentives, economic impact

Bills: SB 8, SB 650, SB 667, SB 779, SB 1349, SB 1355, SB 1378, SB 1585, SB 1721, SB 2312

Keywords: immigration enforcement, ICE agreements, sheriff grants, law enforcement, county jail, federal immigration law, public nuisance, civil actions, legal claims, abatement, Texas law, transnational repression, foreign law enforcement, criminal offenses, law enforcement training, first amendment rights, public safety, liquor, distiller, wholesaler

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, the bill adjusts the reporting requirement for charitable bail organizations. to be sent

Bills: SB9, SB1047, SB1048, SJR17, SJR49, SB40, SJR1, SJR5, SB 9, SB 40, SJR 1

Keywords: bail reform, defendants, pretrial detention, public safety, criminal justice, charitable bail organizations, criminal procedure, public safety report, victim notification, family violence, bail bonds, public funds, political subdivision, injunction, taxpayer rights, violent crimes, sexual offenses, community safety, constitutional amendment, trafficking

Bills: SB9, SB1047, SB1048, SJR17, SJR49, SB40, SJR1, SJR5, SB 9, SB 40, SJR 1

Keywords: bail reform, defendants, pretrial detention, public safety, criminal justice, charitable bail organizations, criminal procedure, public safety report, victim notification, family violence, bail bonds, public funds, political subdivision, injunction, taxpayer rights, violent crimes, sexual offenses, community safety, constitutional amendment, trafficking

Bills: HF3579, HF3549, HF3548, HF4388, HF3566

Keywords: eggs, donation, quality assurance, food assistance, charitable programs, agriculture, grain indemnity, financial security, crop insurance, Minnesota agriculture, farm assistance, down payment, state funding, loan modification, rotational grazing, grazing management, livestock, pasture management, soil health, erosion control

Bills: SB268, SB262, HB237, SB90

Keywords: mixed spirit beverages, alcohol regulation, licensing, excise tax, distribution agreements, retail sales, wholesalers, SB262, White Hall, Lowndes County, pari-mutuel wagering, simulcast, historical racing, historical horse racing, dog racing, horse racing, charitable bingo, off-track betting, OTB, gambling

Bills: HB1752, SB2053, SB2494, SB2851, SB3073, HB1678, HB1721, HB2475, HB2246, HB1667, HB1516, SB2532, SB3131, SB3154, HB2297, HB1737, SB2143, SB2398, SB2623, HB1740, HB1920, HB1682, SB2153, SB3140, HB1515, SB2835, HB2282, SB3083, SB2031, SB2519, SB2667, SB2140, SB2544, SB2069, SB2697, SB874, SB2043, SB888, SB2721, HB2152, HB1334, HB2385, HB1643, HB2314, HB1688, HB1692, SB2568, SB2983, SB2108, SB3136, HB1959, SB3156, HB1511, HB1753, HB1824, HB2137, HB1810, HB2279, HB2309, HB1548, HB2078, HB2293, SB3262, SB2169, SB2607, SB2964, SB3255, HB2576, HB1481, HB1864, HB1550, SB2818, SB3067, SB2061, HB1728, HB1881, HB2361, HB2395, HB1823, SB2050, SB2397, SB2876, SB2175, SB2852, SB847, SB3001

Keywords: education, funding, school districts, state budget, performance metrics, salvage vehicles, vehicle title transfer, electronic signatures, insurance, administrative efficiency, bribery, corruption, statute of limitations, public servant, criminal justice, deafness, traffic safety, law enforcement, vehicle registration, communication

Bills: HB1752, SB2053, SB2494, SB2851, SB3073, HB1678, HB1721, HB2475, HB2246, HB1667, HB1516, SB2532, SB3131, SB3154, HB2297, HB1737, SB2143, SB2398, SB2623, HB1740, HB1920, HB1682, SB2153, SB3140, HB1515, SB2835, HB2282, SB3083, SB2031, SB2519, SB2667, SB2140, SB2544, SB2069, SB2697, SB874, SB2043, SB888, SB2721, HB2152, HB1334, HB2385, HB1643, HB2314, HB1688, HB1692, SB2568, SB2983, SB2108, SB3136, HB1959, SB3156, HB1511, HB1753, HB1824, HB2137, HB1810, HB2279, HB2309, HB1548, HB2078, HB2293, SB3262, SB2169, SB2607, SB2964, SB3255, HB2576, HB1481, HB1864, HB1550, SB2818, SB3067, SB2061, HB1728, HB1881, HB2361, HB2395, HB1823, SB2050, SB2397, SB2876, SB2175, SB2852, SB847, SB3001

Keywords: education, funding, school districts, state budget, performance metrics, salvage vehicles, vehicle title transfer, electronic signatures, insurance, administrative efficiency, bribery, corruption, statute of limitations, public servant, criminal justice, deafness, traffic safety, law enforcement, vehicle registration, communication