Video & Transcript : 'Sun Bucks program' :
Page 64 of 500
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Ways and Means Apr 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We've partnered with local colleges to provide resources for their A&P program, creating apprenticeships
- out of by issuing these tax credits that are, even though they may have a sunset on them, we know the sun
- That are, even though they may have a sunset on them, we know the sun never sets, that I've seen around
Summary:
Yes. This appears to be a hearing of the House Ways and Means Committee, based on the roll call, the committee chair’s remarks, and the committee’s consideration of bills and resolutions with tax and fiscal implications.
The committee first announced that SB 436 by Senator Cloud was deferred. It then heard SB 442 by Senator Stein, which would provide a local sales and use tax exemption in Calcasieu Parish for repairs, upgrades, and overhauls on certain aircraft at qualifying facilities such as Chennault. The bill was presented as an economic development measure to keep aviation maintenance work and jobs in Southwest Louisiana. After testimony from Citadel Completions representatives describing the company’s operations, local partnerships, and job creation, the committee voted to report SB 442 favorably without objection.
The committee next took up HR 118 by Representative Wright, which would create a legislative subcommittee to study a possible state income tax credit for certain water utility customers facing high rates tied to water system upgrades and brown-water issues in parts of the Florida parishes and elsewhere. Members questioned the fiscal impact, eligibility, duration, and whether the proposal would simply subsidize private utility rates or address a broader regulatory problem. Wright emphasized that the resolution was only for study and would gather testimony and numbers before any credit was considered. The resolution was reported favorably without objection.
Finally, HB 1039 by Representative Deshotel was called but no presenter was present, so the committee held the bill in committee. The meeting then adjourned.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 05/26/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- program, is there Will be a cap on the cap price.
- That is the intent of a cap-and-invest program.
- That is the intent of a cap-and-invest program.
- It was our leadership that went to the mat to include $200 million to restart the New York Sun program
- IT WAS OUR LEADERSHIP THAT WENT TO THE MATT TO INCLUDE 200 MILLION TO RESTART THE NEW YORK SUN PROGRAM
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then moved through a series of budget-related and ceremonial items. The chamber accepted Rules and Finance Committee reports and took up several budget extender and budget implementation bills, including the main appropriations extender and later a transportation, economic development, and environmental conservation budget bill. Senators questioned the sponsor extensively about the status of the remaining budget bills, the use of messages of necessity, and the absence of joint budget conference committees. The extender bill passed 59-2, and later budget-related measures were advanced after reconsideration and amendment.
A major portion of the session focused on the environmental and energy provisions in the budget bill, especially changes to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Senators debated extending emissions targets, the role of cap-and-invest, utility affordability, ratepayer impacts, and the structure of a proposed blue-ribbon commission. Supporters said the changes were needed to give the state more time to implement the law and to protect affordability, while opponents argued the bill was a political delay that would not lower energy costs and relied too heavily on subsidies and future planning. The bill also drew questions about electric vehicle rebates, thermostat control programs, emergency diesel generation for Micron, and how imported electricity and out-of-state emissions would be treated.
The Senate also adopted several previously adopted resolutions honoring the 50th anniversary of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, India Independence Day, the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame, and the 50th anniversary of Interfaith Works of Central New York. Senators spoke in support of each resolution, highlighting the contributions of Black legislators, Indian-American communities, veterans, and refugee and interfaith service organizations. The Veterans Hall of Fame ceremony was specifically noted as a chamber event, and guests were recognized from the floor and gallery.
In addition, the Senate restored recalled bills to the third reading calendar through reconsideration votes and amendments, including a highway law bill and another recalled bill, and then stood at ease for scheduled conferences and a Veterans Hall of Fame ceremony before resuming session. The transcript ended with discussion of a separate bill affecting automobile insurance serious-injury standards, with questions about what claims would remain available and whether the change would improve affordability.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 50 Apr 30th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- program?
- program?
- program?
- program?
- This program, I donate, excuse me, I donate on both sides of this program.
Keywords:
bail bondsman, bondsman license, multicounty agent bondsman, surety bondsman, Insurance Commissioner, bail bond regulation, bond deposit, forfeiture, deposit ratio, writing capacity, license transfer, power of attorney, surety bond, bail industry, Oklahoma insurance law, financial solvency, administrative action, Oklahoma Local Food for Schools, school meals, local food procurement
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 50 Apr 30th, 2026
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- and to really enhance that program.
- So what we are doing here with this program is a similar program, and that we are encouraging private
- donors to make that investment in those programs. ...that program and to really enhance that program
- So what we are doing here with this program is a similar program, and that we are encouraging private
- So again, I don't know how many of you have taken advantage of this program and donated to this program
Keywords:
bail bondsman, bondsman license, multicounty agent bondsman, surety bondsman, Insurance Commissioner, bail bond regulation, bond deposit, forfeiture, deposit ratio, writing capacity, license transfer, power of attorney, surety bond, bail industry, Oklahoma insurance law, financial solvency, administrative action, Oklahoma Local Food for Schools, school meals, local food procurement
Summary:
The House convened, called the roll, and heard an invocation focused on “leading with the farewell,” followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a series of floor recognitions honoring guests and student groups. Presentations included the nurse of the day, Susan Hollingsworth, and multiple student champions and visitors, including the Clinton High School 4A hip hop state champions, Pryor High School’s Life Smarts state champions, the Elgin High School wrestling team, the Fort Gibson FFA livestock judging team, Putnam City North’s girls basketball champions, visiting students from Douglas, OSU environmental science graduate students, and Oklahoma Energy Resource Board teachers of the year.
The chamber then took up several Senate bills. SB 378, updating bail bondsman regulations, passed 77-3. SB 985, codifying the local food for school program in statute, passed 79-0. SB 1246, which would update and speed up DEQ permitting while preserving transparency, drew questions about agency outreach and environmental impacts; after a division vote on advancing the bill passed 30-28, the bill itself passed 81-0. Later, SB 1500 on pharmacy benefit managers passed 81-0, SB 1984 on osteopathic medicine passed 74-0, and SB 1644 creating a reporting mechanism for suspected alpha-gal syndrome passed 82-0.
The House also adopted Senate amendments to HB 3720, the local food freedom bill, and passed it 81-0. HB 4118, the family caregiver credit, also passed 81-0 after the Senate amendment restored the title “Caring for Caregivers Act.” A motion was made to reject Senate amendments to HB 2992 and request conference. House Joint Resolution 1100, relating to OMES proposed major rule changes, was read on second reading and referred to administrative rules.
A lengthy debate centered on an amendment to SB 1546, a teacher-related bill, which would expand the Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Scholarship Fund tax credit to support the Strong Readers Act, the Oklahoma Math Proficiency Act, and certain capital projects for scholarship-granting organizations. Supporters said it would encourage private investment in education and add instructional capacity; opponents argued it would favor wealthy private schools, do little for rural or high-poverty districts, and divert scholarship resources. The amendment was adopted unanimously, and the bill was advanced to final passage, with debate continuing at the end of the transcript.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- Are there work requirements associated with eligibility for this program? Thank you.
- Is it a thirty-day window similar to Our other entitlement programs.
- So if a parent is not working at all, are they still eligible to apply for this program?
- This is just a small program.
- And so I think this is a program that is here to stay.
Keywords:
emergency management, severe weather, youth camp, summer camp, overnight camp, day camp, outdoor education, adventure camp, wilderness program, campground safety, tornado preparedness, flooding, flash flood, high winds, hail, lightning, extreme heat, extreme cold, wildfire smoke, evacuation plan
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- To use the program.
- Is it a 30-day window similar to our other entitlement programs, or if...
- that hadn't been in the original program?
- that hadn't been in the original program?
- And I don't know if we have Nicole Henry Scholarship Program.
Keywords:
emergency management, severe weather, youth camp, summer camp, overnight camp, day camp, outdoor education, adventure camp, wilderness program, campground safety, tornado preparedness, flooding, flash flood, high winds, hail, lightning, extreme heat, extreme cold, wildfire smoke, evacuation plan
Summary:
The Rules Committee met to consider a long slate of executive nominations and several bills. All of the nominations received broad support and were advanced to the floor, including Lori Burns to the Redlands Community College Board of Regents, Lisa Daly to the Oklahoma State Credit Union, Juana Ellison to the Forensic Review Board, Haley Frick to the Regional University System of Oklahoma, Michael Hillary to the Wildlife Conservation Commission, Dustin Hillary to the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents, John Holt to the Used Motor Vehicle Dismantler and Manufactured Housing Commission, Brian Sweeney to the Capital Medical Center Improvement and Zoning Commission, and Cale Walker to the USAO Board of Regents. Most nominations passed unanimously; Brian Sweeney’s nomination passed 15-2.
The committee then heard and passed several policy bills. HB 1675 created a severe-weather preparedness framework for youth camps and passed 16-1. HB 3242, the Women’s Safety and Protection Act covering shelters, schools, and higher education, passed 15-2 after questions about enforcement and legal remedies. HB 1739 increased state police pension benefits and employer contributions to help retain officers, passing 16-1. HB 3320 overhauled the sunset review process for boards and commissions and passed 15-2. HB 3047 designated LOFT as the central recipient for legislative reports and passed unanimously, and HB 4434 required the governor or acting governor to notify the next successor before leaving the state, also passing unanimously.
The committee also advanced HB 4432, which would restore the ability to deduct gambling losses against gambling winnings for state income tax purposes; supporters said it would help ordinary taxpayers, while opponents raised fiscal concerns, and it passed 16-1. HB 3705 raised the parental choice tax credit cap from $250 million to $275 million and passed 13-3 after extended debate over school choice, public funding, and reporting. HB 3718 set timelines for school districts to process evaluations tied to the Lindsay Nicole Henry Scholarship program and passed 12-2, with critics arguing it could create a separate track and strain school psychology resources. HJR 1089, which would have sent voters a constitutional convention referendum, was laid over and not voted on. The meeting ended with adjournment after the final vote.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Thu Apr 9, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> program may be. program may be.
- </c><00:18:33.600><c> We</c> pilot program for just one project.
- We pilot program for just one project.
- </c> SAR USDA program to do another one. SAR USDA program to do another one.
- within the Wiki program within the rate<01:34:30.680><c> case.
Keywords:
SB3302, homemade food products, farm kitchens, home kitchens, Department of Health, DOH, food safety, food labeling, value-added agriculture, small farms, agricultural land, commercial food establishment permit, cottage food, direct-to-consumer sales, local food systems, Hawaii Revised Statutes, chapter 91, farm-to-table, food processing, public health regulation
Summary:
The committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on April 9, 2026, and heard testimony on several measures. SB 3302 SD1 HD1, dealing with homemade food products, would require the Department of Health to adopt rules for farm kitchens producing homemade food products that are no more stringent than rules for home kitchens. The Department of Health said it supported the bill with technical amendments, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association and Grassroot Institute of Hawaii also supported it. No opposition was heard.
A lengthy discussion focused on SB 2061 SD2 HD1, which concerns a 99-year leasehold residential condominium project and HCDA’s rules for sales, income restrictions, and buyback pricing. HCDA supported the bill and said the House draft clarified unclear provisions and would help move the project to pre-sales. Testimony and committee questions centered on whether the project should remain owner-occupied in perpetuity or allow investor purchases after an initial sales period. HCDA explained that the bill was revised to make the project feasible in the market, that 60% of units would be income-restricted for buyers at or below 140% of area median income, and that the remaining units could be sold without owner-occupancy restrictions. Some members and testifiers expressed concern that the bill had shifted away from the original owner-occupancy vision and could become an investment property model, while others argued the changes were necessary for the project to pencil out and compete with fee-simple developments. No vote was taken during the discussion shown.
The committee also heard SB 2050 SD1 HD1, which would allow chiropractic students in accredited programs to engage in clinical practice beginning July 1, 2028. The Hawaii Board of Chiropractic and the Hawaii State Chiropractic Association supported the measure, and one testifier described personal experience with student chiropractic care in California. Members questioned why the board requested delaying implementation until 2030, and the board said it needed more time to develop rules because it meets only a few times a year and rulemaking is lengthy. Finally, SB 2102 SD2 HD1, on industrial hemp in commercial feed, was introduced; the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity offered comments, the Department of Health raised concerns about regulating pet food and possible jurisdictional conflict, and a farmer testifying in support suggested narrowing the bill to federally approved livestock feed rather than pet food.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 3/24/26
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> modifying or terminating a program. modifying or terminating a program.
- ,</c><00:25:47.800><c> please</c> residential service programs, please residential service programs,
- Oh, 200 bucks. Big deal.
- Oh, 200<00:40:51.800><c> bucks.</c> 200 bucks. 200 bucks. Big<00:40:54.360><c> deal.
- It's 200 bucks. licensed for 5 years? It's 200 bucks.
Keywords:
Medical Assistance, Medicaid, prepayment review, claims review, fee-for-service, provider integrity, high-risk provider, high-risk service, fraud prevention, program integrity, Department of Human Services, CMS, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, health care billing, medical claims, provider enrollment, Indian Health Service, Minnesota Statutes chapter 256B, human services, medical assistance
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/17/2026 - Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- For the last 10 years, we've had the honor and the privilege of running the Double Up Food Bucks program
- For the last 10 years, we've had the honor and the privilege of running the Double Up Food Bucks program
- Up Food Bucks.
- Access to food is non-negotiable. ...of incentive programs like Double Up Food Bucks.
- An annual appropriation for this program... ...cannot afford to lose Double Up Food Bucks.
Bills:
HB2056, HB2057, HB2224, HB2257, HB2265, HB2311, HB2352, HB2367, HB2369, HB2446, HB2532, HB2592, HB2752, HB2809, HB2957
Keywords:
brackish water, groundwater, desalination, water resources, feasibility study, environmental impact, special plates, centennial, Arizona Department of Transportation, vehicle registration, commercial discounts, Arizona Centennial, produce incentive, agriculture, economic support, funding, Arizona, boating, watercraft licensing, law enforcement
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- We've done a lot of programs, put together a lot of programs to support our folks with disabilities throughout
- waiver program, continue to exist.
- Senate Bill 1318 on Florida tax credit scholarship program by Senator Rodriguez.
- Is the student in a, does it matter what program the student is in?
- No, it doesn't matter which program they're in. No, it doesn't matter which program they're in.
Bills:
S0042, S0688, S0762, S1168, S1296, S1298, S1300, S1318, S1332, S1376, S1548, S1570, S1574, S1632, S1634, S1750
Keywords:
child protection, medical records, investigation, abuse, neglect, healthcare, Child Protection Team, diagnosis, criminal defense, legal representation, death penalty, indigent defense, regional counsel, conflict of interest, background screening, athletic coaches, youth sports, criminal history, expungement, Florida statutes
Summary:
The committee first took up CS for SB 42 on specific medical diagnosis and child protective investigations. A late-file strike-all amendment was adopted that made only stylistic changes to align with the House version. Supporters said the bill would help DCF and child protective teams better identify rare medical conditions and give parents a chance to defend against mistaken abuse findings. The bill was then reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1570, which restores a prior program to help locate missing persons with special needs through voluntary tracking devices and coordination with sheriff’s offices and CARD centers, with nonrecurring funding included.
Members then advanced several education, disability, and public services measures. CS for CSSB 182 created a teacher training and mentoring program for high-performing current and retired teachers to mentor teachers in D- and F-rated schools, and CS for CSSB 794 required background screening for employees in residential and day training programs for people with developmental disabilities while directing APD to study support coordination quality, workforce issues, and service gaps. Testimony on SB 794 strongly supported better training, lower caseloads, and more consistent support coordination. The committee also favorably reported CS for CS SB 1168 on background screenings, CS for CS SB 214 to allow rural special districts to pay verified invoices directly, CS for SB 1376 to create grants for genetic counseling education, and SB 1574 (Maddie’s Law) to add newborn screening for biliary atresia; the latter drew emotional support and testimony that early screening could save lives and reduce transplant costs.
The committee heard and passed a number of other policy bills, including CS for CS for SB 1510, the DEP agency package, after environmental groups warned that one provision could delay basin management protections and allow more septic systems in impaired watersheds; the bill still passed favorably. Members also approved CS for CS for SB 598 on funeral and cemetery regulation, SB 688 to license naturopathic doctors, SB 1318 on scholarship account reversion rules, CS for CS for SB 682 on domestic violence injunctions and penalties, SB 130 on workforce training for current and former inmates, and SB 1548, the latest Live Local affordable housing update. Several bills were briefly postponed or taken up later in the meeting.
In the latter portion of the meeting, the committee approved CS for C.S. for SB 536 on criminal gang membership criteria, CS for C.S. SB 762 on assigning conflict capital cases across regional counsel offices, SB 1332 on career offender registration requirements, CS for CS for SB 1742 creating a new offense for indecent exposure of sexual organs to a child, and CS for SB 1750 increasing penalties for serious sex offenses and child sexual abuse material crimes. The committee also debated CS for SB 1226 on Public Employee Relations Commission procedures and union certification rules, including a late-file amendment setting a 60% threshold and 25% quorum for recertification; the discussion focused heavily on constitutional concerns, union rights, and differences between first responders and other public employees. The transcript ends while that bill’s debate is still underway, with the committee having already taken numerous favorable votes throughout the meeting.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee Feb 25th, 2026
Public Safety and Homeland Security
Transcript Highlights:
- men and women right off the stage, and then we'll bring them back home, put them through a training program
- Little training here and people act on their own rather than going by the training program or the manual
- Little training here and people act on their own rather than going by the training program or the manual
- Little training here and people act on their own rather than going by the training program or the manual
- Little training here and people act on their own rather than going by the training program or the manual
Keywords:
fundraising, Alabama Educational Television, state authority, public broadcasting, legislation influence, emergency management, public funds, educational materials, promotional materials, state agency, ambulance services, balance billing, health insurance, emergency transportation, reimbursement rates, water recreation, public access, water bodies, recreational use, water commissions
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Transportation Feb 24th, 2026 at 04:00 pm
Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- Funding for our transit programs are running dry.
- Funding for our transit programs are running dry.
- Safety Program, and the Complete Streets grant program.
- Safety Program, and the Complete Streets grant program.
- Those would get us real, effective programs that will reduce... ...effective programs that will reduce
Keywords:
transportation bonds, general obligation bonds, Washington State Department of Transportation, WSDOT, highway funding, road construction, infrastructure financing, motor fuel tax, gas tax, vehicle fees, bond authorization, state finance committee, highway bond retirement fund, corridor projects, interstate improvements, right-of-way acquisition, public-private partnerships, transportation capital projects, local matching funds, emergency clause
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism 2ND REVISED Feb 24th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism
Transcript Highlights:
- on probation by allowing individuals to earn credits through completing a qualifying educational program
- It requires program participants to file rebate claims within one year of qualification and eliminates
- This would ensure the program is encouraging the creation of jobs with relatively.
- costs making forecasts or program.
- We have been looking nationwide and just really gathering programs from other states.
Bills:
SB1327, SB1372, SB1403, SB1937, SB277, SB2131, SB1749, SB1348, SB1469, SB2018, SB1931, SB1530, SB2155
Keywords:
tourism, recreation, economic development, Oklahoma Commission, executive director, probation, credits, educational advancement, Oklahoma Statutes, criminal justice reform, job incentives, tax rebates, Oklahoma Quality Jobs Program, employment growth, wage requirements, labor organization, incentives, employer practices, union neutrality, worker rights
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism 2ND REVISED Feb 24th, 2026
Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism
Transcript Highlights:
- It requires program participants. Certificate.
- It requires program participants. Senate Bill 1403 is a measure that has two key provisions.
- It requires program participants to file rebate claims within one year of qualification and eliminates
- By eliminating the statewide threshold, this would ensure the program is encouraging the creation of
- costs, making forecasts of program costs easier and making it easier to craft a budget net of those
Bills:
SB1327, SB1372, SB1403, SB1937, SB277, SB2131, SB1749, SB1348, SB1469, SB2018, SB1931, SB1530, SB2155
Keywords:
tourism, recreation, economic development, Oklahoma Commission, executive director, probation, credits, educational advancement, Oklahoma Statutes, criminal justice reform, job incentives, tax rebates, Oklahoma Quality Jobs Program, employment growth, wage requirements, labor organization, incentives, employer practices, union neutrality, worker rights
Summary:
The committee heard and advanced a series of bills affecting tourism, workforce, economic incentives, labor policy, and housing. Senate Bill 1327 would restore the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission’s authority by removing language that made it only advisory and returning hiring/firing power over the executive director to the commission; it passed 10-0. Senate Bill 1403, an Incentive Evaluation Commission recommendation, would require rebate claims to be filed within one year and eliminate a statewide wage threshold for certain job-creation rebates; it also passed 10-0. Senate Bill 1937, the Taxpayer Dollars Protect Workers Act, would make employers in certain incentive programs preserve secret-ballot union elections, protect employee privacy, and bar neutrality agreements tied to incentives; after debate over labor rights and free-market concerns, it passed 8-2.
The committee also advanced Senate Bill 277, a committee-substituted version of the Oklahoma State Paid Family Medical Leave Act. The author said the bill was still a work in progress, but the sub removed exigency and safe leave, narrowed family definitions to legal relationships, and reduced employer notice/signage requirements; it advanced 8-0 with title off. Senate Bill 2131 would require tourism facilities and reservation confirmations to provide information on made-in-Oklahoma products via QR code or printed card, and it passed 8-0. Senate Bill 1749 would let local propane dealers and LP gas installers perform certain food truck inspections, and it passed 8-0.
Additional measures included Senate Bill 1348, which would give the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission enhanced anti-fraud and appeal authority; members raised concerns about broad discretion, but it passed 8-0. Senate Bill 1469 would regulate earned wage access products, including employer-based and consumer-based services, with fee caps and licensing; it passed 7-1. Senate Bill 2018 would require new multifamily residential rental construction of 20 units or more to be assessed at cost for the first two tax years, beginning with 2027 assessments, and it passed 7-1 after debate over tax impacts. Senate Bill 1931 would add three members to the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission and passed 6-2. Senate Bill 1530 would refine the research and development rebate program and add a 2% bump for projects involving higher education institutions, passing 8-0. Senate Bill 2155 would let the Route 66 Commission enter MOUs with other agencies to carry out its work, and it passed 8-0.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- We have run the statewide syringe exchange program since this legislature codified that in 1993.
- </c><00:25:45.520><c> of</c> Coalition, uh, which is a program of Coalition, uh, which is a program of
- </c><00:28:50.880><c> Ultimately,</c> program integrity efforts.
- Ultimately, program integrity efforts.
- Peter Oshiro, program manager for the Department's Food Safety Branch.
Keywords:
Medicaid, disability, buy-in program, workers with disabilities, income eligibility, premium structure, biomarker testing, health insurance, medical coverage, state law, health maintenance organization, juvenile justice, youth penalties, minors, court fees, court costs, fines, surcharges, restitution, fee waiver
Summary:
The House Committee on Health heard testimony on a series of bills related to public health, pharmacy regulation, disability access, and health care infrastructure. HB 1535, creating an income tax credit for automated external defibrillator installations, drew support from the Department of Health, tax department comments, and public testimony emphasizing AED access in community and transit settings. HB 1765, requiring safety warnings for spear fishing gear, received comments from DLNR and strong support from a free-diving safety advocate who described blackout risks and argued for point-of-sale warnings. HB 1549, which would repeal the law prohibiting drug paraphernalia, drew mixed testimony: the Department of Health, the Public Defender, and harm-reduction advocates supported repeal as a public health measure, while HPD and a county prosecutor opposed it, warning it could encourage drug use and create public safety issues.
The committee also heard HB 1550, which would exclude drug testing products from the definition of drug paraphernalia. The Department of Health and harm-reduction advocates supported the bill, saying drug checking tools save lives and help prevent overdoses, while one written opponent was noted. HB 1995, allowing people who are blind or deaf to receive disabled parking permits, drew opposition from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Disability and Communication Access Board, and other opponents, while a few written supporters were also noted. HB 1671, allowing licensed dental hygienists to place interim therapeutic restorations in public health settings, received support from the Department of Health and several oral health organizations, with the Board of Dentistry offering comments.
HB 1643, establishing a framework for pharmacy audits and record retrieval, prompted the most extended discussion. The Board of Pharmacy and independent pharmacy representatives supported the bill as a needed framework to limit burdensome audits and protect patient care, while HMSA raised concerns about possible conflicts with upcoming federal PBM reforms and potential unintended consequences. Committee members questioned both sides about timing and workload, and supporters argued the bill was needed now to protect rural and independent pharmacies. Finally, HB 1978, appropriating funds for a new outpatient care center in North Kona, received strong support from Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, Queen’s Health Systems, the Kona-Kohala Chamber, and others, who described it as a long-term investment in West Hawaii’s health care capacity and economy. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee Feb 11th, 2026
Finance and Taxation General Fund
Transcript Highlights:
- went through a lot 15 years ago, maybe longer, regarding supernumeraries and needing to phase that program
- went through a lot 15 years ago, maybe longer, regarding supernumeraries and needing to phase that program
Keywords:
psychoactive cannabinoids, cannabis, beverage prohibition, criminal penalties, youth access, Jefferson County, pistol permit, gun permit, concealed carry, firearm permit, sheriff fee, permit fee, weapons license, gun licensing, school security, Jefferson County Sheriff's Fund, retirement system, Gardendale, Birmingham legislative office, local bill
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- . programs. programs.
- So, the program is three years.
- </c> pathway programs coming into the state. pathway programs coming into the state.
- Mono has put out many out programs. Mono has put out many programs. programs. programs.
- </c> driver outreach and pathway program. driver outreach and pathway program.
Keywords:
sports officials, referees, umpires, athletic directors, school administrators, league administrators, coaches, assault, first-degree assault, substantial bodily injury, temporary restraining order, TRO, private counsel, Department of Education, DOE, sports safety, school sports, amateur athletics, professional sports, public schools
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Jan 29th, 2026 at 11:09 am
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Hagler is a leader in district-wide career and technical education programming, and she's... ...is a
- leader in district-wide career and technical education programming, and she serves as Lovington High
- Institute, the Plias Research and Training Center, Magdalena Ridge Observatory—so many different programs
- eligibility, program terms, and reporting requirements, making an appropriation.
- and to report the results of the study with a recommendation on how to implement such a program.
Keywords:
nurses, health care workers, healthcare workers, frontline workers, hospital staff, clinicians, allied health professionals, support staff, public health, workforce shortage, nursing shortage, safe staffing, patient safety, rural health care, frontier communities, behavioral health, mental health, substance use disorder, substance abuse, health care memorial
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It codifies an existing law enforcement program in Harris County.
- The contract deputy program is wildly popular in Harris County.
- Those testifying are solidly in favor of it, which speaks volumes as to why the contract deputy program
Keywords:
HB 8, Texas public school accountability, school accountability, public school transparency, STAAR, state assessments, instructionally supportive assessment program, Student Success Tool, Texas Education Agency, TEA, accountability ratings, A-F ratings, through-year assessment, benchmark testing, norm-referenced assessment, college career military readiness, CCMR, local accountability plan, school district performance, campus turnaround
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Aug 5th, 2025
Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select
Transcript Highlights:
- I think we need to be doing everything under the sun, don't get me wrong.
- This certification program is completely voluntary.
- It's a very high-level certification program, much different than a fire academy type program that you
- I know we also have an incident command course within the paramedic technology program.
- The council would administer a grant program to help.
Keywords:
emergency communication, interoperability, grant program, first responders, state council, disaster response, emergency management, mass fatality, justices of the peace, training programs, emergency manager license, volunteer management, justice of the peace training, criminal history checks, state health services, broadband, public safety, disaster preparedness, funding, flood disaster plan