Transcript Highlights:

• It's about protecting women from being abandoned in the most vulnerable moments.
• Vulnerable individuals can misuse abortion-inducing drugs, but the law already provides remedies for
• And if you haven't been a single vulnerable woman or a single mother, that may not mean very much to
• It focuses on the traffickers who exploit those in vulnerable situations.
• It goes after the traffickers, not vulnerable women, and even allows her to bring a lawsuit. a lawsuit

Bills: SB10, SB16, SB6, SB 6, SB 10, SB 16

Keywords: trafficking, prostitution, affirmative defense, victims, criminal justice reform, victim rights, criminal justice, judicial reform, court procedures, mental health services, criminal penalties, court security, SB 6, Woman and Child Protection Act, abortion, abortion-inducing drugs, medication abortion, mifepristone, misoprostol, pro-life

Transcript Highlights:

• In his most vulnerable moments, he wasn't talking to a person.
• promise of AI, but we're equally clear about its limits, especially when it comes to caring for vulnerable
• SB 903 ensures that we can innovate without putting vulnerable Californians at risk.
• SB 903 ensures that we can innovate without putting vulnerable Californians at risk.
• We just wanted to share that we would like to see the bill expanded so it would cover harms to vulnerable

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You pass a new law creating a vulnerable adult order for protection related to vulnerable adults.
• You pass a new law creating a vulnerable adult order for protection related to vulnerable adults.
• You pass a new law creating a vulnerable adult order for protection related to vulnerable adults.
• You pass a new law creating a vulnerable adult order for protection related to vulnerable adults.
• Creating a vulnerable adult order for protection related to vulnerable adults.

Bills: HF4075, HF3826, HF3825, HF3827, HF3459, HF3711, HF4200, HF3908, HF3712

Keywords: firearm restrictions, domestic violence, public safety, court orders, criminal convictions, identity theft, subpoena authority, fraud, statute of limitations, financial crime, victim notification, expungement, criminal justice, plea agreements, minor victims, identification protection, stalking, crime data, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, law enforcement grants

Transcript Highlights:

• A society that uses public education to exploit vulnerable, easily manipulated young people in this way
• A society that uses public education to exploit vulnerable, easily manipulated young people in this way
• A society that uses public education to exploit vulnerable, easily manipulated young people in this way
• A society that uses public education to exploit vulnerable, easily manipulated young people in this way
• A society that uses public education to exploit vulnerable, easily manipulated young people in this way

Bills: HF3489, HF3550

Keywords: grooming, child protection, student safety, sexual exploitation, educator licensing, teacher discipline, mandatory reporting, mandated reporter training, school misconduct, predatory offender, child abuse, sexual abuse, sex trafficking, child sexual abuse material, child pornography, position of authority, school employee, school administrator, license revocation, license suspension

Transcript Highlights:

• parents of children who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, who are truly the most vulnerable
• /c><01:05:54.079><c> of</c><01:05:54.160><c> the</c><01:05:54.319><c> most</c><01:05:54.480><c> vulnerable
• </c><01:05:54.960><c> people</c><01:05:55.119><c> in</c> of some of the most vulnerable people in of
• some of the most vulnerable people in our<01:05:55.599><c> state.
• </c> some of the most vulnerable people. some of the most vulnerable people.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And in elder abuse cases, The quality of the evidence is really important, obviously, but very vulnerable
• I think it's really about caring for our most vulnerable people. And so I just want to thank you.
• While this is unusual to be lowering the burden of proof, the particular vulnerability of the plaintiffs
• But I also agree with the other side that if I'm a vulnerable person and I don't think there's a way
• We're trying to ensure that more families get them, especially vulnerable families. Got it.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with the most detailed discussion focused on AB 316, AB 251, AB 474, AB 1201, AB 464, and AB 614. AB 316 would prevent AI developers or deployers from arguing in civil cases that an AI system’s alleged autonomy absolves them of responsibility. Supporters framed it as a narrow guardrail to protect families, especially children, from harms like dangerous chatbots and deepfakes; opponents, including TechNet and the Chamber of Progress, raised concerns about possible strict-liability implications. The bill was moved out of committee to Privacy and Consumer Protection. AB 251 would let judges lower the burden of proof in elder abuse cases when a skilled nursing facility or RCFE intentionally destroys evidence. Supporters said the measure is needed because elder abuse victims are often unable to testify and records are vulnerable to spoliation, while opponents argued existing sanctions are sufficient and warned of more litigation. The bill passed, with committee members emphasizing the vulnerability of elder abuse victims. AB 474 sought to expand nonprofit home-sharing programs, including tax incentives for low-income homeowners and changes to housing law and lodger rules. Supporters said it would help older adults and low-income Californians avoid homelessness, but several members and the California Apartment Association raised concerns about removing lodger-law protections for homeowners; the author committed to keep working on the issue. The bill passed to Human Services. AB 1201 would give courts discretion to provide family reunification services to parents with certain violent felony convictions, rather than applying an automatic bypass. Supporters from Starting Over Inc. described personal experiences with permanent family separation and argued the bill would give parents a fair chance when the conviction is unrelated to child safety. Some members supported the measure but questioned whether domestic violence histories should be treated differently; the author said the bill still allows courts to deny services when reunification would endanger a child. The bill passed to Human Services. AB 464 addressed sexual abuse and retaliation in state prisons by extending reporting time after release, adding 90-day monitoring after reports, barring rehiring of confirmed abusers, and strengthening reporting and anti-retaliation rules. Survivors testified about abuse, retaliation, and failures in CDCR’s response; the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 614 would standardize the Government Claims Act filing deadline at one year for all claims. The author and supporters argued the current six-month deadline for injury and wrongful death claims is too short for victims to learn the process, find counsel, and gather evidence, while businesses often get a full year. A civil rights attorney and a family member of a deceased jail detainee testified in support, describing how the current deadline can block meritorious claims. The bill was presented for committee consideration as the hearing continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• He's a vulnerable person and he needs 24/7 supervision.
• He's a vulnerable person and he meals.
• He's a vulnerable person and he needs<00:46:07.840><c> 24/7</c><00:46:08.600><c> supervision.
• </c><00:56:58.520><c> Um</c><00:56:58.840><c> I</c> are more vulnerable in our society.
• Um I are more vulnerable in our society.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard presentations on two tax bills: House File 4123, by Representative Agbaje, would expand Minnesota’s net investment income tax to include certain business income, especially income from S corporations and LLCs not subject to federal self-employment taxes, while keeping the current rate and million-dollar threshold; she said it would raise an estimated $88.7 million next year. House File 4616, by Chair Gomez, would impose a 1% annual tax on fortunes above $10 million. Gomez framed the bill as a response to growing wealth inequality and argued that wealthy households and large fortunes should contribute more to public services, while Agbaje said her bill would broaden the tax base and help meet state needs. Public testimony was sharply divided. Supporters, including Nan Madden of the Minnesota Budget Project, Erica Mominee of the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees, Lauren Richards, and teacher Kristen Sinicariello, said the bills would help address wealth and income inequality and provide needed revenue for public health, education, and other public services. They pointed to federal tax cuts for high-income households, cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, and strains on state agencies and schools. Richards said small businesses already pay more than large corporations like Amazon, and Sinicariello argued that higher revenue would support classrooms and help equalize opportunity. Opponents, including Brian Cook of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, Dalton Danielson of the Minnesota Business Partnership, and John Beschi of NFIB Minnesota, warned that both bills would hurt business competitiveness and investment. They argued that HF 4123 would effectively create a new higher tax tier for pass-through businesses and that HF 4616 would be difficult to administer, could force sales of illiquid assets, and could discourage entrepreneurship and capital investment. No votes or final committee action were taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the committee moved through bill presentations and public testimony before member discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• So don't these services, they allow us to take care of our most vulnerable citizens and the lives of
• So don't these services, they allow us to take care of our most vulnerable citizens and the lives of
• I mean, I think the debate surrounds schools because kids are very vulnerable.
• They're amongst the most vulnerable.
• You can be in daycare at six weeks old, and you're particularly vulnerable.

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from the prior February meetings and then took up several measures. HCR 2013, designating June 2026 as “Celebrate Life Month” in Arizona, drew emotional testimony from Crystal Cooper and Bella Stockton about their lives with spina bifida and support for the resolution. Senator Kennedy and others questioned the purpose of the resolution, arguing the state should focus on concrete supports for families, but the motion passed 4-1 with two not voting. Members then advanced HB 2327, which clarifies protections for eligible persons’ identifying information in county recorder records, with an amendment excluding voter registration records; it passed 5-0 with two not voting. HB 2258, adding La Paz County to the Tourism Advisory Council’s geographic area, also passed unanimously among those voting. HB 2397, expanding HOA/COA disclosure requirements for prospective buyers, was amended twice and passed 5-1; supporters said it would improve transparency about assessments and defects, while opponents warned about cost and administrative burdens, especially for smaller associations. HB 2015, imposing penalties for late federal/state financial reporting by state organizations, passed 4-2 despite concerns that the automatic penalties were too harsh and could be out of agencies’ control. The committee also approved HB 4049, allowing DCS to hire its own counsel and directing the Attorney General to represent the state’s interest in certain cases involving alleged DCS misconduct, though some members argued current law already addresses conflicts and that DCS had not been consulted. HB 4087, authorizing placement of a Barbara Love memorial in the governmental wall, passed without opposition. HB 2100, allowing counties to authorize certain small land subdivisions, passed 4-2 amid debate over water adequacy and the risk of “wildcat” development. HB 2460, preempting local fees and penalties tied to abandoned or stolen movable business property such as shopping carts, passed 4-2 after extensive testimony from cities, retailers, and advocates over local control, costs, and theft prevention. Finally, HCR 2056, a proposed constitutional amendment recognizing a right to refuse medical mandates, began hearing testimony; supporters framed it as bodily autonomy, while opponents, including pediatric and public health advocates, warned it would weaken vaccine requirements and outbreak protections for schools and children.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are not in vulnerable pathways. These are not rare<00:29:37.760><c> stories.
• Massage is a very vulnerable situation. People are naked, drowsy, and may fall asleep.
• they had under our but the vulnerability they had under our state<00:48:34.160><c> statute</c><00:48
• And there's no license, no regulation for any of that for patients in rather vulnerable situations.
• And there's no license, no regulation for any of that for patients in rather vulnerable situations.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• May the laws considered in this chamber promote justice, protect the vulnerable, strengthen communities
• in this state year after year, hopeful each session that we would finally do right by our most vulnerable
• in this state year after year, hopeful each session that we would finally do right by our most vulnerable
• . hopeful each session that we would finally do right by our most vulnerable.
• It violates the Big Beautiful Bill, and therefore would place Florida in a more vulnerable position with

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:20:10.400><c> Public</c> youth and vulnerable populations.
• Public youth and vulnerable populations.
• Patients and hospitals and long-term care facilities are among our most vulnerable, and they all deserve
• and they all deserve to most vulnerable and they all deserve to be<01:04:48.559><c> protected.
• Uh, rehab serves a highly vulnerable population, individuals who...

Bills: SB2275, SB2390, SB2540, SB3142, SB2414, SB2340, SB2848

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this puts vulnerable people at risk by placing them in homes that aren't regulated or safe,
• to civil or criminal prosecution under existing law. ...vulnerable to civil or criminal prosecution
• No one believes it's in the best interest of vulnerable adults or vulnerable children to be placed directly
• No one believes it's in the best interest of vulnerable adults or vulnerable children to be placed directly
• Temperature control systems were down, and vulnerable residents were trapped on the upper floors.

Summary: The Senate began with a quorum call, prayer, approval of the previous journal, and messages from the House, then moved through several recognitions and resolutions honoring visiting groups. Members adopted resolutions recognizing the Texas chapters of Blue Star Mothers of America, Fine Arts Education Day, Donate Life Texas Day, Baha’i Capitol Day, County Government Day, Jack County Day, Crockett County Day, and a recognition of Navy Petty Officer Simon Urbanik for service during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The chamber also heard remarks from visiting doctors, students, county officials, and community groups, with multiple senators speaking in support of military families, arts education, organ donation, and local government service. The Senate then took up Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2779, relating to the allocation and use of certain hotel occupancy tax revenues. Senator Birdwell said the bill would stop local governments from conditioning HOT funds on race- or class-based priorities and would require Galveston to transfer the full state rebate for beach cleaning and maintenance to its park board. After questions, the Senate suspended the rules, passed the bill to engrossment, suspended the three-day rule, and finally passed it, though the final vote showed significant opposition. The chamber also passed Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2322, described as a cleanup bill removing the compelling-factor test for dispatchable generation from the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act. A major debate centered on Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2253, which would phase out uncertified teachers in core classrooms and strengthen educator certification requirements. Senator Creighton argued the bill responds to a teacher pipeline crisis, adds parent notification, creates multiple preparation pathways, and provides financial incentives for certification; Senator West and Senator Sparks pressed for rural flexibility and implementation details. An amendment from Senator Gutierrez to add a teacher student-loan repayment program failed on a 11-17 vote, while other technical and fiscal amendments were adopted. The bill then passed to engrossment, the three-day rule was suspended, and it was finally passed. The Senate also passed Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2371, updating skimmer-reporting rules to cover electronic terminals beyond fuel pumps, and Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2351, relating to the construction of certain concrete plants under a standard permit. Senate Bill 619, a conscience-protection bill for health care workers, drew extended questioning from Senators Cook, Eckhardt, and Menendez about patient abandonment, scope, and whether it could allow refusals of legal services such as vaccines, antibiotics, contraception, or personal care; despite those concerns, the Senate suspended the rules and passed the bill to engrossment. Finally, the chamber began consideration of Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1169, which would allow public entities to form public utility agencies to cooperate on water and wastewater projects without eminent domain or cross-collateralization, with Senator Hinojosa explaining it as a tool for small and rural communities facing utility infrastructure problems.

Transcript Highlights:

• May our decisions bring hope to the vulnerable, strength to the communities, and prosperity to all.
• And these are some of the most vulnerable people. Now, we look at the governor's budget.
• I hope that there'll be enough Democrats to address this, to care for our most vulnerable.
• And these are some of the most vulnerable<01:30:48.639><c> people.
• Second thing, as far as vulnerable.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, at a time when Americans are dealing with skyrocketing prices and vulnerable populations like
• </c> supports some of the most vulnerable supports some of the most vulnerable Americans<00:22:57.919
• And if this bill is an indication of how we value our most vulnerable citizens, then we're not in good
• </c> of how we vagu our most vulnerable of how we vagu our most vulnerable citizens, citizens, citizens
• </c> some of the most financially vulnerable some of the most financially vulnerable Americans.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, July 23, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's because this is about protecting vulnerable Californians, plain and simple.
• It allows us to extend a 30-year-old Safe at Home program to those who are serving our very vulnerable
• These cuts will impact some of the most vulnerable members of our community, such as our veterans, former
• This measure will help protect vulnerable Californians from real estate fraud.
• That our minimum wage continues to slip from those who are vulnerable and working hard and who are being

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So people leaving treatment are in one of the most vulnerable moments of recovery.
• ><c> most</c> leaving treatment are in one of the most leaving treatment are in one of the most vulnerable
• </c><00:51:39.040><c> They</c> vulnerable moments of recovery. They vulnerable moments of recovery.
• We already operate on thin margins while serving the island's vulnerable patients, and these patients
• </c> similar vulnerabilities. similar vulnerabilities.

Bills: HB1853, HB1591, HB1961, HB1854, HB1965, HB1962, HB1959, HB2505, HB2576, HB1801, HB1804, HB1864, HB2319, HB2314, HB2115

Keywords: HB1853, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, cognitive impairment, memory care, memory clinic, Hanai Memory Network, Executive Office on Aging, aging services, kupuna, caregiver support, long-term care, elder care, geriatrics, public health, dementia screening, care coordination, referral network, neighbor islands, rural health

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2047, relating to pharmacy benefit managers. The Insurance Division said the bill would require new enforcement resources and estimated an appropriation of about $1.5 million and five positions. Kaiser Permanente asked for an amendment to exclude HMOs from the definition of third-party PBMs, saying the bill should not interfere with integrated care models. PCMA and the Hawaii Pharmacist Association supported narrowing amendments, with pharmacists objecting to section 3 and warning the bill as amended could create major operational burdens and a significant general fund cost. No vote was taken in the portion provided, and the chair moved on to the next measure after questions. The committee then took up SB 2080, which would allow Hawaii to join the psychology interjurisdictional compact. Supporters, including DCR, the Hawaii Association of Health Plans, the Hawaii State Association of Counties, the Grassroot Institute, and others, said the compact would expand access to psychology services, especially for people in rural areas or those needing continuity of care while traveling. Opponents, including the Board of Psychology and a Shamanad University psychology professor, raised concerns about client safety, crisis-response procedures, enforcement costs, FBI background checks, and possible loss of state control over training and specialization standards. The board said Hawaii’s current 1,900-hour internship/postdoc requirement is higher than the compact’s standard and that the state is still implementing a separate provisional licensing law that may address some access issues. The discussion focused on whether the compact would meaningfully reduce shortages and whether Hawaii should instead pursue changes within its existing licensing system. Finally, the committee heard SB 2277 on hospital price transparency. The Office of Consumer Protection initially noted the bill could require significant staffing, but later testimony from SHIP suggested the measure could be handled more simply by working with the Healthcare Association of Hawaii and publicly posting violations. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii opposed the bill, arguing hospitals already must comply with federal CMS transparency rules and that adding state requirements would increase costs and legal exposure, especially if violations were treated as unfair or deceptive trade practices. Steve Fenberg testified in support, saying the bill would simply codify existing federal requirements in state law and that he was open to amendments removing state enforcement and the unfair trade practice language. No final action was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It provides a vehicle to serve the needs for the most vulnerable in Minnesota.
• vehicle to serve the needs for<00:05:20.880><c> the</c><00:05:21.039><c> most</c><00:05:21.280><c> vulnerable
• </c> for the most vulnerable in Minnesota. for the most vulnerable in Minnesota.
• </c><01:36:15.120><c> and</c> which was to ensure that vulnerable and which was to ensure that vulnerable
• vulnerable patients receive their<01:39:18.800><c> medicines.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the March 11, 2026 minutes, then heard House File 4048, which would exempt chiropractors from Minnesota’s provider tax if they are no longer eligible to provide chiropractic benefits under Medicaid/MinnesotaCare. Representative Robbins said the bill corrects an unfair situation because chiropractors still pay the tax even though the benefit was eliminated. Testifiers from the Minnesota Chiropractic Association and a longtime chiropractor supported the bill, arguing that most chiropractors are small-business owners and should not pay a tax for services they can no longer provide. Several members said they supported restoring chiropractic coverage instead of changing the tax, and there was discussion about whether the tax applies to all providers and whether it is effectively passed on to patients. The committee adopted a motion to recommend HF 4048 to the Committee on Taxes. The committee then took up House File 3893, as amended, a bill to restrict artificial intelligence from engaging in psychotherapy or counseling with humans. The author and supporters said the bill is intended to prevent AI chatbots from posing as therapists or counseling vulnerable people, citing reports of suicides and other harms linked to chatbot interactions. The A2 amendment was adopted; the author said it reflected stakeholder concerns and added informed-consent language. Testifiers in support, including a psychologist and a suicide-prevention nonprofit leader, urged strong safeguards and said AI should not replace licensed professionals in crisis settings. Other testimony raised concerns about overbreadth and unintended effects. TechNet and a rural mental health provider said the bill should be narrowed so it applies to clinical therapy rather than wellness or educational tools, and should allow supervised AI uses such as transcription and administrative support. Members discussed rural access, existing licensing-board authority, privacy laws, and whether the bill should target AI companies directly rather than licensed clinicians. The transcript ends during continued discussion of HF 3893, with no final committee action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> constitutional vulnerabilities. constitutional vulnerabilities.
• We as a body often talk about protecting Vermont's most vulnerable citizens, and our committee can't
• really think of anyone more vulnerable than our babies and infants.
• than our babies anyone more vulnerable than our babies and<02:42:37.040><c> infants.
• </c><02:47:58.440><c> stage</c> the earliest and most vulnerable stage the earliest and most vulnerable

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:24:28.399><c> and</c> businesses constantly exposed and businesses constantly exposed and vulnerable
• to perturbations in world vulnerable to perturbations in world energy<00:24:31.640><c> markets</c><00
• We know that a child's lungs, still developing and more vulnerable, absorb these chemicals at a higher
• </c><00:56:13.359><c> absorb</c> developing and more vulnerable absorb developing and more vulnerable
• </c><01:23:51.800><c> vulnerable</c> to protect vulnerable vulnerable to protect vulnerable vulnerable

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:42:54.280><c> restaurants</c><00:42:55.040><c> uh</c> Hawaii's most vulnerable restaurants uh
• Hawaii's most vulnerable restaurants uh residents<00:42:57.200><c> thank</c><00:42:57.319><c> you</c
• These types of revenue streams help fill that gap to provide care, especially for our most vulnerable
• patients those who our most vulnerable patients those who have<00:48:00.559><c> no</c><00:48:00.800>
• the most vulnerable um because in<01:13:36.040><c> the</c><01:13:36.199><c> list</c><01:13:36.480><c

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered HB 553 on biomarker testing coverage, HB 556 on colorectal cancer screening access, and later HB 712 on 340B drug pricing. For HB 553, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, patient advocates Natalie Heyman and Susan Hirano, a surgical oncologist, and the American Lung Association strongly supported the bill, arguing that biomarker testing should be covered when ordered by a doctor and guided by current evidence. DHS and several insurers offered comments and requested amendments, with DHS saying it appreciated the intent but wanted changes. The committees then voted to pass HB 553 with amendments, including a House draft and a defective date of July 1, 3000; both the House Health and Human Services and Homelessness committees adopted the recommendation unanimously. For HB 556, testimony focused on closing gaps in colorectal cancer screening, especially for uninsured and underinsured patients who can get stool-based screening but then cannot access follow-up colonoscopies. Community Clinic of Maui, ACS CAN, and the American Cancer Society supported the bill, with ACS CAN urging a program similar to the breast and cervical cancer control program and offering amendments. DHS requested that the program and appropriation not conflict with executive budget priorities, and the committees noted technical amendments, a defective date, a blank appropriation amount, and corrections changing Medicare references to Medicaid. HB 556 was also passed with amendments by both committees. The hearing then moved to HB 712 on 340B drug pricing and contract pharmacies. The Department of Health and the Attorney General’s office expressed concern that the bill would require the state to regulate private commercial activity and said the department lacked the expertise and resources to implement it as written, suggesting it might belong in a different statutory section. In contrast, PhRMA opposed the bill, while Hawaii Pacific Health and Hawaii Island Community Health Center supported it, saying 340B savings are important for hospital services and patient access to low-cost medications, especially where manufacturers have restricted shipments to contract pharmacies. No vote on HB 712 was taken in the portion provided.