Transcript Highlights:

• with state and county agencies and community-based organizations to develop a comprehensive statewide food
• Ag Stewardship Hawaii in support, and Lauren Zirbel for Hawaii Food Industry Association in support.
• <00:01:21.000><c> Zirbel</c><00:01:21.400><c> for</c><00:01:21.560><c> Hawaii</c><00:01:21.920><c> Food
• </c><00:01:22.160><c> Industry</c> Lauren Zirbel for Hawaii Food Industry Lauren Zirbel for Hawaii Food

Bills: HCR144

Keywords: food security, Hawaii, agriculture, community organizations, nutritional access, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Government Operations and Agriculture and Environment hearing on April 16, 2020 considered only HCR 144, House Draft 2, which asks the Department of Agriculture to work with state and county agencies and community-based organizations to develop a comprehensive statewide food strategy. Testimony was generally supportive: the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity supported the measure, as did Kanaloani Ohana Farm, the Farm Bureau, Ag Stewardship Hawaii, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association. DBEDT submitted comments that were described as sounding more like opposition, citing existing efforts. No members of the public appeared to testify, and there were no questions from members. The Government Operations committee recommended the resolution pass as drafted, and members present voted aye. Because the Agriculture and Environment committee lacked quorum, its decision-making was rolled over to the next day, Friday, April 17, 2020 at 3:10 p.m. in CR 224. The chair noted that the measure had been adopted on the GVO side and, with the noticed time certain for the remaining committee action, the hearing was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• and seed preservation by creating a report. on the impact of seed banks and seed preservation on access
• to food, environmental factors, and prescription related to a county with a population of more than
• Secondly, seed banks and seed conservation efforts bolster food security.
• research in growing resilient crops in case of natural or non-natural disruptions that may lead to food
• can build young leaders and stewards of sustainable practices who will solve the world's problems of food

Bills: HB5085

Keywords: seed banks, food access, environment, biodiversity, agriculture policy, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. our food supply our food supply human our food supply our food supply human health<00:09:10.959
• The chamber and its members are committed to ensuring that foods offered to the consumer are accessible
• <00:23:45.400><c> processed</c> Foods processed Foods processed foods<00:23:47.440><c> murran</c><00:
• our food shelves.
• These hunger relief efforts provide greater access to food and financial relief to these families and

Bills: HF44, HF2102, HF2279, HF2280, HF2281

Keywords: HF44, Casey Jones State Trail, Pipestone Trailhead, Currie Loop, Minnesota bonding bill, capital investment, state bonds, bond proceeds fund, Department of Natural Resources, DNR, trail rehabilitation, trail reconstruction, recreational trail, bike trail, hiking trail, infrastructure, state trail, Pipestone, Currie, bonding authorization

Transcript Highlights:

• these</c><00:21:11.120><c> life-saving</c> protecting access to these life-saving protecting access to
• </c><00:21:37.919><c> to</c><00:21:38.159><c> life-saving</c> protect access to life-saving protect access
• </c><00:29:43.679><c> care</c> decisions to accessing life-saving care decisions to accessing life-saving
• ,</c> [snorts] and it limits access, [snorts] and it limits access, especially<00:48:12.319><c> in</c
• Hawaii deserve access to care and to Hawaii deserve access to care and to provide<00:51:50.480><c> access

Bills: SB2936, SB2850, SB2851, SB2521

Keywords: accessible parking, disability, kupuna, public accommodations, small business exemptions, Hawaii Revised Statutes, parking permit, blind, deaf, accessibility, deafness, traffic safety, law enforcement, vehicle registration, communication, emergency services, commercial driver's license, first responders, public safety, authorized emergency vehicle

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• Remote monitoring provides an additional avenue to access care—meeting people where they are.
• </c> people will be able to access resources. people will be able to access resources.
• </c><00:40:24.160><c> to</c> with Parkinson's in Hawaii, access to with Parkinson's in Hawaii, access
• </c> Island where it is even harder to access Island where it is even harder to access specialty<01:43
• care: constant turnover of PCPs, lack of access to specialists.

Bills: SB2936, SB2850, SB2851, SB2521

Keywords: accessible parking, disability, kupuna, public accommodations, small business exemptions, Hawaii Revised Statutes, parking permit, blind, deaf, accessibility, deafness, traffic safety, law enforcement, vehicle registration, communication, emergency services, commercial driver's license, first responders, public safety, authorized emergency vehicle

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several health-related bills. HB 1871, establishing a maternal health monitoring pilot program, drew support from the Department of Health, the Hawaii State Commission on Status of Women, and the Hawaii affiliate of the American College of Nurse Midwives, with testimony urging provider-neutral language so midwives and other qualified providers would not be excluded. HB 1977, requiring a maternal and infant health information mobile app, received support from ACNM and Philips, which said similar apps in other states improved awareness of services and helped families navigate care; a member asked the Department of Health about implementation time. HB 1858, relating to certificates of fetal deaths, was supported by the Department of Health and clinicians, who said the current statute is outdated and inconsistent with CDC guidance; the department and a physician testified that the bill should shift documentation responsibilities to physicians and APRNs, and members discussed optional versus mandatory issuance language and whether the bill would improve data on home births and transfers. The committee also heard HB 1591, expanding definitions for preceptor and volunteer-based clinical training to improve income tax credits. The Department of Health supported the measure but preferred a similar, broader bill; Taxation suggested clarifying terms; the University of Hawaii and the State Center for Nursing supported it. ACNM asked that midwifery preceptors and Hawaii-based students enrolled in mainland programs be included, while the Hawaii Public Health Institute supported expansion of the program as a workforce solution. HB 1574, on the health care education loan repayment program, also drew broad support, including from the governor, SHPDA, OHA, and health organizations, but ACNM raised concerns that the bill’s 30% Medicaid-client threshold could exclude many providers and limit participation. For HB 1575, creating a feasibility committee on Parkinson’s patient air transport, the Department of Health supported the intent but said transportation is more likely an insurance or benefit issue and suggested redirecting funds to Parkinson’s research; the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the Hawaii Parkinson Association supported the bill, citing inter-island travel barriers and high costs for patients and caregivers. HB 1854, establishing certification of community behavioral health clinics, was supported by the Department of Health and DHS, which said certification would help clinics qualify for enhanced Medicaid reimbursement and expand access; the Attorney General’s office raised a legal concern about the special fund language and recommended a purpose section, and the committee discussed whether the fund would be self-sustaining and noted a possible amendment to change membership language and reduce the board size if the amendment moved forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Emergency Food Network is a nonprofit that serves as a regional distributor of food to more than 75 food
• the healthy food they need.
• Our food boxes are built by local food hub Cascadia Produce.
• public health, I appreciate all the work happening around food and food insecurity, but also making
• is, the lighter the food is.

Bills: SB5966

Keywords: healthcare, nutrition, medically tailored meals, dietary support, food security, chronic illness, 904, all

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee met on the first day of the 2026 session and began with a briefing on Senate Bill 5966 concerning medically tailored meals. Committee staff explained that the bill would define medically tailored meals, require them to be designed by qualified medical professionals, and prioritize Washington-based nonprofit providers when possible. Senator Nobles said the bill is intended to create a statewide baseline for quality, accountability, and cultural and dietary responsiveness, while not creating a new program. Members asked whether similar services already exist and how the bill relates to existing Meals on Wheels and Medicaid waiver programs. Several providers testified in support. Representatives from Meals on Wheels Spokane, Chicken Soup Brigade/Lifelong Health for All, Cascadia Produce, Emergency Food Network, and other coalition members described existing medically tailored meal and food box programs, emphasizing health benefits for people with diabetes, kidney disease, and other chronic conditions, as well as the value of local sourcing, volunteers, and reinvestment in Washington’s economy. Testifiers said the bill would help standardize and strengthen work already underway rather than start from scratch. Committee members also raised questions about costs, funding sources, and how the meals are paid for through Medicaid, Older Americans Act funds, contracts, and other programs. The committee then heard from newly appointed DSHS Secretary Angela Ramirez, who outlined the agency’s recent reorganization into new administrations focused on behavioral health and habilitation, home and community living, and technology/analytics, with the goal of reducing silos and improving the customer experience. She also reviewed federal HR1-related changes affecting SNAP and Medicaid, including work requirements, immigrant eligibility changes, and tribal consultation, and said DSHS is working on a verification hub to reduce administrative burden and share information across programs. Members asked about implementation challenges, data collection, and the number of people who could be affected. The meeting concluded with the remaining public testimony on SB 5966 and no votes or executive action taken; the chair adjourned the committee at 3:10 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• It allows a food truck operator to get certified by fire marshals and ADPH in their county.
• So, it's really that food truck bill.
• It allows a food truck operator simple.
• </c><00:09:08.320><c> unit</c> safety equipment of a mobile food unit safety equipment of a mobile food
• The great thing, these food any time.

Bills: SB197, SB84, SB197, SB84

Keywords: business regulation, nonprofit entities, electronic filing, merger agreements, limited liability companies, partnerships, property transfer, termination fees, SB84, agricultural nonprofit, farm bureau, nonprofit agricultural organization, health benefits, member benefits, family coverage, health insurance exemption, insurance regulation, Title 27, Alabama insurance code, risk transfer

Bills: SB2347, SB2911, SB2033, SB2158, SB2993, SB2778, SB2672, SB2014, SB3144, SB3096, SB3097, SB2968, SB2363, SB3154, SB2400, SB3313, SB2896, SB3279, SB2614, SB2687, SB2754, SB2549, SB3325, SB2658, SB2659, SB2602, SB2611, SB2877, SB3063, SB2615, SB3232, SB2875, SB3272, SB2854, SB3203, SB2803, SB2804, SB3302, SB3229, SB2969, SB2412, SB2657, SB2880, SB2540, SB2414, SB3142, SB3202, SB2281, SB2852, SB2272, SB2479, SB2589, SB2936, SB2720, SB2730, SB2749, SB2688, SB2798, SB3040, SB3107, SB3010, SB3109, SB3140, SB3187, SB2057, SB2377, SB3048, SB3083, SB3182

Keywords: tenant rights, landlord obligations, housing crisis, eviction prevention, multilingual access, intoxicating liquor, direct shipment, breweries, distilleries, Hawaii, renewable energy, grid-ready homes, interconnection process, electric utility, energy independence, surcharge, customer access, energy storage, smart inverters, veterinary workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• We allow county veteran service officers greater access to county records to serve their veteran clients
• We allow county veteran service officers greater access to county records to serve their veteran clients
• </c> veteran service officers greater access veteran service officers greater access to<00:20:01.680>
• Veterans often face significant barriers when simply trying to make their home safe and accessible to
• Veterans often face significant barriers when simply trying to make their home safe and accessible to

Bills: HF4615, HF3532, HF4492, HF4171

Keywords: military, pay, officers, enlisted members, state active service, Minnesota Statutes, veterans, burial eligibility, honor guard, state cemeteries, military service, burial fees, veterans affairs, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, advisory task force, commanders task force, veterans service organizations, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW

Transcript Highlights:

• The new proposed substitute clarifies that permittees shall maintain continuous and accessible pedestrian
• It clarifies that the requirement to maintain continuous and accessible pedestrian passage in school
• It clarifies that the requirement to maintain continuous and accessible pedestrian passage in school
• Maintain continuous and accessible pedestrian passage. I'll take any questions you have.
• Vice Chair Lovick, Senate Bill 631, providing for continuous, safe, and accessible pedestrian passage

Bills: SB6131, SB6311, SJM8016, SB6230, SB6032, SB6335

Keywords: traffic safety, roadway fatalities, Washington traffic safety commission, policy update, road safety, accident prevention, pedestrian safety, construction, accessibility, public safety, urban planning, bridge repair, infrastructure, emergency funding, transportation, cash transactions, pennies, currency, economic efficiency, financial regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• The publicly accessible resiliency impact dashboard will easily allow the public to see where the funds
• The publicly accessible resiliency impact dashboard will easily allow the public to see where the funds
• The publicly accessible resiliency impact dashboard will easily allow the public to see where the funds
• food systems grant the climate resilient food systems grant program<01:53:17.199><c> within</c><01:53
• Examples include the food and excise tax credit, earned income tax credit, and child tax credit.

Bills: HB1617

Keywords: carbon emissions, tax credit, fossil fuel, agriculture, food security, environmental tax, greenhouse gas, 910, house, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on HB 1949, which would create a public dashboard for the green fee to improve transparency and accountability. Testimony from the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, and many community and conservation groups was generally supportive, with several speakers urging that the governor’s project recommendations remain largely intact and that community-driven projects continue to guide spending. One amendment was suggested to place the dashboard at the Department of Budget and Finance for fiscal expertise, while other testimony favored keeping it with the commission. Members asked about procurement, ETS involvement, recurring hosting costs, and whether the dashboard could be funded from green fee revenues; the commission said it could work with ETS and that green fee funds could reasonably be used. The committees then voted to pass HB 1949 with amendments. The committees also heard HB 2618, which would require the governor to submit a separate bill for amounts tied to any increase in the transient accommodations tax and, in later discussion, was expanded into a broader restructuring of future green fee allocations. Testimony from the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, and others supported the bill and emphasized the value of more predictable, dedicated funding for conservation and climate-related work. During decision-making, the chair described amendments creating several special funds under DLNR, including a watershed biodiversity and wildfire risk reduction fund, an aquatic resources conservation fund, a coastal restoration fund, a cesspool conversion revolving loan fund, and a green fee special fund for remaining revenues, with recommended amounts discussed for some of the funds. The committees voted to pass HB 2618 with amendments. The hearing then moved to HB 1644, a consumer protection measure for residential solar sales that would require compliance with consumer protection laws, licensing or contractor affiliation for sellers, and a standardized disclosure form. Testimony in support came from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, and several solar companies and individuals. Supporters said the bill would address complaints about third-party sales practices and improve disclosure, especially around financing. The committee then began hearing HB 2243, which would require electric utilities to provide public, electronic customer bill impact analyses and annual reports to the Public Utilities Commission; the Division of Consumer Advocacy and the PUC offered comments supporting the measure’s intent.

Transcript Highlights:

• as opposed to less access.
• Accessibility and legibility of election materials are essential for maintaining voter confidence and
• The bill does not limit access to voter registration in any way. And with that, Mr.
• We can't get access to that information. How do these people get their access to it?
• They get access, they get the opportunity to register is a good effort and preventing county officials

Bills: HB304

Keywords: franchise tax credit, food desert, grocery store, healthy corner store, nutrition assistance, economic development, public health

Transcript Highlights:

• I've just received a quote for a food truck. We want to open up the youth farm cafe.
• So for us, it's not just about growing the... ...it's not just about growing the food.
• So cooking flavorful food. So yes, that's the path.
• I said, I don't grow food. I don't have a green thumb.
• I don't watch YouTube videos about how to grow food.

Bills: S0534, S7020

Keywords: food insecurity, hunger, college students, nutrition assistance, pilot program, open government, sunset review, aquaculture, public records, exemption

Summary: The committee met, called the roll, and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. It first considered the appointment of Melanie Ressler to the Florida Citrus Commission. No appearance forms were requested, and the committee voted unanimously to recommend her confirmation favorably. The committee then took up SPB 7020, which reenacts a public records exemption for certain aquaculture production records held by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Senator Trunow explained that the exemption protects shellfish and submerged land lease records, supports compliance with federal partners and statutory requirements, and helps protect marketplace competition. A representative from the Department appeared in support, and the bill was moved as a committee bill and reported favorably. Next, the committee heard SB 534, Senator Bernard’s hunger-free campus pilot program bill. He described a pilot within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to identify campuses with high numbers of Pell-eligible students, develop a survey with the Hunger Task Force, designate staff to help students enroll in SNAP, expand campus food access, and require reporting on outcomes and future funding. The bill had one appearance form in support and was reported favorably without debate. The committee also received a presentation from the St. Pete Youth Farm, led by Carla Bristol and youth ambassadors. They described the farm as a youth-led community project on city-owned land that addresses food insecurity while providing leadership, financial literacy, career readiness, mental wellness programming, composting, aquaponics, and community events. Senators praised the program, asked about possible expansion into a culinary kitchen and partnerships with schools, and the presenters said they hope to expand youth opportunities, food preparation training, and related programming. The meeting concluded with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Minnesota Food Share March campaign. Minnesota Food Share March campaign.
• One difference between the March campaign and other resources that food shelves are able to access is
• </c><00:42:29.600><c> food</c> fundraise and receive receive food fundraise and receive receive food
• As you may know, food is more expensive now, and even the food banks can't get the food supplies, which
• </c> get many of their day-to-day food. get many of their day-to-day food.

Bills: HF1660, HF1824, HF1926, HF1002, HF994, HF1915, HF1336

Keywords: children, youth programming, needs assessment, community engagement, state funding, education, funding, school districts, state budget, rural schools, food support, Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches, food shelves, grant funding, Minnesota FoodShare, early childhood, Head Start, education funding, developmental programs, literacy

Transcript Highlights:

• , but also in some of the urban and metropolitan communities where food is not accessible or groceries
• So basically, if this bill passes, there's better access to health care. One hundred percent.
• There's better access to health care. One hundred percent.
• And everything that health care innovation fund is about is rural access and general access, especially
• Because the more you give access for quality...

Bills: HB198, HB325, HB488, HB719, HB749, HB755, HB797, HB823, HB1028, HB1194, HB1222

Keywords: Medicaid, reimbursement, ambulatory surgical centers, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, healthcare funding, Louisiana Department of Health, surgical procedures, TOPS-Tech, scholarship, education, eligibility, college credit, dual enrollment, state funding, HB 488, Belle Chasse Bridge, Belle Chasse Bridge Merit-Based Special Fund, Plaquemines Parish

Transcript Highlights:

• So just in closing, I think I can say PAs expand access to care.
• without compromising quality or access without compromising quality or safety.<00:16:48.160><c> Um,<
• Yes. >> So, what's the problem with PAs having access to women's healthcare?
• </c><00:22:54.320><c> You</c><00:22:54.400><c> said</c> access to women's healthcare?
• You said access to women's healthcare?

Bills: HB31, HB31

Keywords: absentee voting, disabled, blind, voter assistance, voting rights, SNAP, public assistance, nutritional standards, waiver, food regulation, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They have to have at least one secure food insecurity awareness program and a food pantry. ...insecurity
• awareness and a food pantry.

Bills: HB86, HB273, HB379, HB386, HB387, HB388, HB389, HB487, HB600, SB120, HB176

Keywords: rural health, hospital funding, tax credits, qualified donations, Alabama Department of Revenue, HB273, Hunger-Free Campus Act, hunger free campus, food insecurity, college hunger, student hunger, campus pantry, food pantry, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, basic needs, student food assistance, meal vouchers, meal credits, food vouchers

Bills: HB353, HB354, HB357, HB396, SB83

Keywords: judicial compensation, salary adjustments, district attorneys, Judges, local officials, district attorney, compensation, constitutional amendment, job security, Alabama Constitution, tobacco tax, heated tobacco products, heated tobacco, cigarettes, nicotine, vape alternative, smokeless tobacco, snuff, cigars, excise tax

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:15.840><c> to</c><00:05:16.400><c> and</c><00:05:16.720><c> shared</c> may have access to
• We are aware that the increased access to mental health services is in need in most every part of our
• A key piece of increasing that access is attracting and keeping mental health staff.
• </c><00:39:28.880><c> is</c><00:39:29.200><c> attracting</c> to increasing that access is attracting
• </c><01:09:31.839><c> to</c> for ensuring people's safety, access to for ensuring people's safety, access

Bills: HF3738, HF2295, HF3520, HF3666

Keywords: pediatric care, hospital discharge, home care, healthcare accessibility, nursing services, family support, mental health, crisis services, Dakota County, mobile crisis response, public safety, treatment services, rehabilitation, behavioral health fund, client eligibility, home and community-based services, case management, waiver services, county services, disability advocacy

Bills: HB25, HB38, HB997, HB 1119, HB25, HB38

Keywords: HB 25, Texas nutrition, nutrition education, healthy living, public health, school physical activity, recess, physical education, nutrition and wellness course, health curriculum, State Board of Education, Texas Nutrition Advisory Committee, ultra-processed foods, artificial colors, food additives, chronic disease, metabolic health, culinary medicine, functional medicine, dietary guidelines