Video & Transcript Research : 'Health and Safety Code Chapter 437A'
Page 67 of 500
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence will come to order, and the clerk will please call the roll.
- A quorum is present, so we'll go ahead and vote.
- Vice Chair Wu is present, and Representative Bowers is present.
- That we vote on are consistent and meet a pattern that is relative to the severity of the offense.
- Okay, so it is the Subcommittee on New Offenses and Changed Penalties.
Bills:
HB207, HB235, HB324, HB449, HB463, HB502, HB 1121, HB1445, HB1465, HB1778, HB1977, HB2000, HB2066, HB2596, HB207, HB235
Keywords:
child protection, sexual offenses, obscenity laws, visual material, anatomically correct dolls, mannequins, robots, criminal offenses, sexually explicit material, minors, artificial intelligence, sexually explicit, doll, mannequin, robot, law enforcement, healthcare, insurance, affordable care, access
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 3/4/26
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- child<00:30:10.640>
care quality and safety within a child care quality and safety within - Thank places for safety and learning. Thank you.
- health and development. development. development.
- We wear these safety vests and safely.
- and upholding public<00:42:56.240>
safety.
Bills:
HF3415
Keywords:
child care, day care, licensed child care center, license-exempt child care, immigration enforcement, ICE, Customs and Border Protection, CBP, USCIS, Department of Homeland Security, DHS, judicial warrant, facility access, sensitive locations, immigrant families, Minnesota Statutes chapter 142B, 1183, house
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Banking and Insurance (9-16-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- And let me tell in chapter 6 in 1998.
- Now, the health mandate statement, there's three requirements, and like I said, it's in chapter KRS 6948
- and like I said, it's in chapter and like I said, it's in chapter KRS6948.
- that is HCPCS code GO uh 512 and it that is HCPCS code GO uh 512 and it replaces<01:08:16.560>
- centers and rural qualified health centers and rural health<01:09:23.839>
clinics <01:09:24.319 - centers and rural qualified health centers and rural health<01:09:23.839>
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:23
Kentucky Bankers Association 00:02:32
How to Read and Understand KRS 6.948 Health Mandate and Federal Cost Defrayal Impact Statements 00:25:40
Proposed Amendments to Kentucky's Essential Health Benefit-Benchmark Plan 00:50:18
Proposed Health Insurance Legislation for the 2026 Session 01:04:22
Reimbursement for Covered Benefits Delivered Through the Psychiatric Collaborative Care Model 01:01:46
Coverage of Eating or Feeding Disorders 01:18:47
Coverage of Hearing Loss 01:25:31, 958, all
Summary:
The Interim Joint Committee on Banking and Insurance met for its first interim meeting, established a quorum, approved routine opening items, and welcomed a new committee assistant and a legislative intern. The committee first heard a Kentucky Bankers Association presentation from Tim Shank and John Cooper focused on the state’s housing shortage, which they described as affecting all 120 counties and especially low- and moderate-income and workforce housing. They urged support for a proposed $20 million banker-backed revolving fund, paired with tax credits, to finance new housing construction; they said the program would be flexible, could support alternatives such as manufactured housing, and would use below-market loans with tax credits vesting over five years only after units are completed. They also asked for extension of the historical tax credit carryforward from five to seven years and for continued support of new market tax credits, arguing that supply-chain delays make the longer period necessary for historic rehabilitation projects.
The bankers also raised concerns about credit unions, arguing that because credit unions do not pay the same taxes as banks, they should not be allowed to acquire healthy state-chartered banks or hold state and local deposits. They cited the recent purchase of First State Bank of Middlesborough as an example, saying the transaction would reduce state, county, and city tax revenue and weaken local tax bases. In response to committee questions, the presenters said local regulations, zoning, parking, sidewalk, and utility easement issues can significantly delay housing projects, and they emphasized that state policy and infrastructure support are needed to help address affordability and development barriers.
The committee then shifted to a Department of Insurance presentation by Commissioner Sharon Clark on how to read KRS 6.948 health mandate and federal cost defrayal impact statements. Clark explained that the mandate statements were created in 1998 so legislators would have actuarial estimates of how proposed health insurance mandates would affect administrative costs, premiums, and total costs, and she noted that later legislation added federal cost-defrayal analysis. She also reviewed the background of the Affordable Care Act’s essential health benefits framework and said the department’s statements are intended to help lawmakers make informed decisions on proposed health coverage mandates. No votes or formal actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 35 Apr 6th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- and contributions they have made to preserve the freedoms and way of life we hold dear, and whereas
- By day, she works as a writer and a strategist, and by night, she returns to poetry and personal reflection
- and Gynecologists and a member of the Oklahoma State Medical Association.
- guidance and care.
- She's certified in pediatrics and she works as a pediatric phone triage nurse for the OU Health Children's
Bills:
HR1037, HR1043, SB1491, SB1451, SB1286, SB1581, SB1521, SB201, SB1290, SB169, SB1377, SB1991, SB1346, SB1509, SB1928, SB2028, SB2071, SB2110, SB2117, SB2127, SB2134, SB722, SB3
Keywords:
National Poetry Month, poetry, education, cultural celebration, arts and humanities, child abuse, prevention, community support, family safety, child welfare, presidential electors, vacancies, oath of office, political party, elections, voter registration, election integrity, Secretary of State, cancellation of registration, gender neutrality
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama Senate County and Municipal Government Committee Jan 14th, 2026
County and Municipal Government
Transcript Highlights:
- And going back home in the off session, went to many town hall meetings and meet and greets and realized
- got to be PC here and and the mayor is got to be PC here and and the mayor is is<00:14:09.839>
- , well stated and and only in the >> Well, well stated and and only in the instance<00:14:44.800
- come<00:25:37.200>
back officers and and attorneys to come back officers and and attorneys- and and and let them gave them a raise and and and let them do<00:27:56.320>
some <00:27:56.559
Bills:
HB117, HB17, HB22, HB153, HB140, HB117, HB17, HB22, HB153, HB140, SB12, SB42, SB93, SB28, SB35, SB134, SB12, SB42, SB93, SB28, SB35, SB134
Keywords:
procurement, county commission, administrative savings, public services, government efficiency, HB17, municipal audits, municipal audit clarification act, municipal finance, local government, city council, mayor, city manager, Department of Examiners of Public Accounts, independent public accountant, annual audit, biennial audit, annual report, financial accountability, public records
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Jan 29th, 2026 at 11:09 am
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- High School Plant Systems Pathway and is also the advisor to the Lovington chapter of the National FFA
- High School Plant Systems Pathway and is also the advisor to the Levington chapter of the National FFA
- referred to the House Health and Human Services Committee, then the House Taxation and Revenue Committee
- motor vehicle safety inspection program and to report the results of the study with a recommendation
- We will have Health and Human Services tomorrow morning at 8:30, and because Appropriations needs their
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
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Feb 13th, 2026 at 11:03 am
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And they are one chapter, which gives them.
- and then refer to the Health and Human Services Committee.
- to the Health and Human Services Committee.
- Speaker, your Health and Human Services Committee, to whom has been referred the House Health and Human
- New Mexicans and their economic health and benefit.
Bills:
HB145, HB164, HJR6, HR1, HB20, HB65, HB66, HB80, HB166, HB295, HB306, SB29, SB37, HB99, HB206, HB213, HB270, HJR5, SB104, SB193, HJM2, HJM3, HJM1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM13, HM47, HM20, HM51, HM1, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM46, HM53, HM54, HM39, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50
Keywords:
high-wage jobs, tax credit, job creation, New Mexico, economic development, lobbying, transparency, public records, government oversight, accountability, constitutional amendment, legislative sessions, veto override, New Mexico legislature, session length, House Resolution 1, HR1, House investigatory subcommittee, special committee, legislative investigation
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Ways and Means General Fund Committee Mar 31st, 2026
Ways and Means General Fund
Transcript Highlights:
- And the beauty about this is this money we're able to use and double basically the money and from the
- <00:12:34.880>
and <00:12:35.120>that's >> Five to seven and a half. and that's - Perver, Bill 152 by Senator Albertton: Children's Health Insurance Program and Department of Human Resources
- And so we're our and it it shows.
- American Rescue uh Plan Act state and American Rescue uh Plan Act state and and<00:21:42.159>
Bills:
SB146, SB143, SB144, SB145, HB224, SB152, SB153, SB154, SB162, SB226, SB146, SB143, SB144, SB145, HB224, SB152, SB153, SB154, SB162, SB226
Keywords:
supplemental appropriation, FY2025 budget, general fund, Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy, Unified Judicial System, court automation, advanced technology and data exchange, judiciary funding, transportation debt service, highway bonds, bridge bonds, Alabama Department of Transportation, ALDOT, public highways, federal matching funds, state appropriations, bond principal and interest, special funds, budget amendment, SB143
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Gabard, and Vice Chair Laasa, and Gabard, and Vice Chair Laasa, and members<00:05:10.080>
of< - Go ahead. >> Yeah, the Department of Health is also very large, and the reason for the director of the
- Right. >> Yeah, the Department of Health is also very large, and the reason for the director of the Department
- it with the director of health. >> Yes, I understand the responsibilities are far greater and administratively
- > that position soon. and um and we that position soon. and um and we appreciate<00:10:29.040>
last
Keywords:
SB2841, human trafficking, trafficking awareness, transient accommodations, hotel industry, lodging, hospitality, hotel workers, housekeeping, front desk staff, contract workers, third-party contractors, employee training, signage, reporting requirements, National Human Trafficking Hotline, labor trafficking, sex trafficking, commercial sexual exploitation of children, anti-trafficking
Summary:
The joint Judiciary, Labor, and Technology Committee heard two bills in the morning session and later took up two Judiciary decision-making items. SB 2841 would require human trafficking awareness training for transient accommodation workers. Testimony was generally supportive from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the Department of Law Enforcement, and the Hawaii Hotel Alliance/American Hotel and Lodging Association, which also proposed amendments to preserve existing industry training programs and broaden coverage. Members clarified that the administration wanted DLE to be the lead agency instead of DLIR, while the Attorney General would still handle approval of training programs. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including coverage for third-party contractors and implementation dates, and the measure was adopted with no recorded opposition.
SB 2533 would adjust the salaries of the Campaign Spending Commission’s executive director and associate director to better align with comparable enforcement/compliance positions. The commission supported the bill, saying its salaries lag behind similar offices by about $30,000 and that recruitment and workload have become more difficult, while one testifier opposed the proposal. Members questioned why the bill used the Department of Health as the salary comparator and whether Ethics would be a better benchmark; the committee agreed to revise the bill to peg the salaries to the Ethics Commission instead, blank out the dollar amounts for further review, and note the requested appropriation in the report. The committee recommended passage with amendments, and the measure was adopted.
In the Judiciary decision-making agenda, SB 2203, concerning the use of masks or personal disguises by law enforcement officers, was amended to allow exceptions for officers who are unmasked nearby or who are supporting undercover operations, to change the term to “facial covering,” and to add definitions covering federal, state, and county law enforcement. The committee also set a far-future effective date and passed the bill with amendments. SB 2442, relating to judiciary purchase-of-service contracts with community-based organizations, was also passed with amendments; the committee added a far-future effective date, clarified the consumer price index reference, and noted a recommended appropriation amount of $4.26 million in the committee report. All measures were adopted without recorded no votes or reservations.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- . biological health, and food security.
- About the human microbiome and how vital it is to human health and our immune system. in our brains.
- Another reason to support this bill is that the connection between soil health and human health.
- fitness, and promote transparency, affordable access, and free. and health care and food systems.
- soil health impact human health, nutrition, and chronic disease.
Keywords:
nursing education, clinical sites, health facilities, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, legislative study, healthcare training, tuition, financial assistance, higher education, public institutions, student support, nonresident students, Texas Education Code, resident tuition, scholarships, regenerative agriculture, grants, sustainable farming, soil health, bioremediation
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- Please close the vote and declare the vote. ...and declare the vote.
- Chair, please close the vote and declare the vote. 11 ayes.
- Please close the vote and declare the vote. 11 ayes, 0 nays.
- I think we've got practically all of the rules put together on the judiciary and public safety bundle
- Thank you for being here, and thank you for your support.
Keywords:
cosmetology, barbering, massage therapy, State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, Service Oklahoma, license renewal, license reinstatement, licensing fees, sunset extension, board membership, human trafficking, victim services, beauty school, barber school, esthetics, manicurist, eyelash extension, blow-dry styling, makeup artist, occupational licensing
VA
Virginia 2026 Regular Session
House Select Committee on Advancing Rural and Small Town Health Care Jun 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- the University of Virginia Health and their telehealth program and being able to get devices out to
- But if we can get the health workforce better and do...
- And then Live Well Together, this is our health promotion.
- the hospitals and the rural health care, correct?
- To the health care facilities, as well as the hospitals and the rural health care, correct?
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 4 June, 2026; 2:30 PM
Public Health and Welfare
Transcript Highlights:
- of Mental Health to develop the plan and application.
- Uh, and it's through the Department of Health, and it's for the statewide rural health assessment that
- as an example, and we've talked about mental health.
- Mental health is a complex issue, and it involves community mental health centers, sheriffs and police
- And if the Department of Mental Health...
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 31 March, 2026; 9:30 AM
Public Health and Welfare
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 26 March, 2026; 3:00 PM
Public Health and Welfare
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 24 March, 2026; 11:15 AM
Public Health and Welfare
Transcript Highlights:
- I believe members of this body want to look out for the consumer, want to have health and safety regulations
- The Department of Health and the Board of Health is one of the most important things we do.
- community health center and Native American healthcare and other infrastructure financings, multiple
- and community health center on hospital and community health center and<00:15:42.800>
Native < - And the state health state health plan.
Summary:
The committee first considered nominees to the Board of Cosmetology and Barbering: Tom Elkins, Todd Freeman, and Aaron Washington. Each described their background in the hair industry and expressed support for making licensing and regulation more workable while still protecting health and safety. Members discussed the need for a balance between oversight and burden, with the chair emphasizing that inspectors should educate rather than intimidate. The committee then voted to advise and consent on the nominees, and the motion carried.
The committee next took up the reappointment of Jim Perry to the State Board of Health. Perry described his background in state and federal policy, finance, and health-related work, and said his board service had highlighted operational problems in state government, including personnel and procurement bottlenecks, staffing shortages, succession challenges, and the need for better, more consistent data to guide the state health plan and certificate-of-need decisions. He suggested continued budget support for policy and planning staff, more frequent updates to the health plan, and a review of whether prior procurement and personnel reforms went too far. Members asked about his statement of economic interest and discussed the broader need for better health care information and administration.
The committee voted to advise and consent on Perry’s reappointment. It then handled a block of nominations to the Board of Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists, voting to take them up and to advise and consent. Finally, the committee addressed the nomination of Dr. Anthony to the State Board of Health, noting that the seat had become vacant due to a recent death and voting to return the nomination to the governor as a procedural matter. The meeting concluded with a motion to rise and report.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 3 March, 2026; 3:00 PM
Public Health and Welfare
Transcript Highlights:
- committee and we have various boards to regulate the health and welfare of the community.
- , codes, codes, counties<00:27:33.720>
designated <00:27:34.200>as <00:27:34.320>health - and provides for health insurance that includes pharmacy benefits, correct?
- I don't Let's just back up and let's talk about the state health plan?
- Well, but it is a health plan, and health plan is defined in your bill, and it's not exempted there,
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 1622, a strike-all amendment to create a pilot program for certain small-community hospitals to receive limited certificate-of-need exemptions. The bill would allow qualifying hospitals to open a geriatric psychiatric unit without a CON, permit each hospital one additional CON exemption for a service otherwise requiring one, cap dialysis-unit exemptions at eight hospitals, continue existing moratoriums with periodic Department of Health review, allow facilities in Issaquena or Humphreys Counties under limited conditions, and add a loser-pays rule for unsuccessful CON court challenges. Technical corrections were made, the strike-all amendment was adopted, and the bill was reported do pass as amended by voice vote. The committee then moved to House Bill 942, where Senator McMahan offered an amendment to allow a Lee County chiropractor to advertise as a neurologic chiropractor and list related credentials. Members questioned whether chiropractic neurology is recognized in Mississippi and raised concerns about the practitioner’s prior discipline by the board, but the chair ruled the amendment germane. The amendment failed on voice vote, and the bill itself then passed and was reported to the floor.
The committee next considered House Bill 1034, but no amendment was offered. It then took House Bill 479 off the table. That bill extends the temporary licensing period for psychology and marriage-and-family-therapy boards from 30 to 60 days to allow more time for criminal background checks. Senator Blackwell offered a clarifying amendment to make clear that temporary licenses must be revoked if required background checks or other licensure requirements are insufficient, and that the temporary license does not replace the underlying education, training, and examination requirements. The amendment was adopted and the bill was reported do pass as amended.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1067, the Rural Health Transformation Program. Senator Hickman explained that the bill would require procurement procedures and reporting for the state’s rural health transformation funds, prioritize projects tied to the original application, and direct funds toward rural and underserved areas such as health professional shortage areas, low-income counties, and places without hospitals. Senators questioned whether the added state rules would layer on top of existing federal requirements and whether the bill could slow distribution or invite litigation, but supporters said it was meant to add transparency and guardrails rather than change the federal program. The bill was discussed at length, but the transcript ends before a final vote on HB 1067.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 25 February, 2026; 3:00 PM
Public Health and Welfare
Transcript Highlights:
- Families still wrestle with opioid addiction and mental health conditions, and the treatments we have
- related neurological and mental health conditions."
- , and related neurological and disorder, and related neurological and mental<00:54:11.040>
health< - and it was about the mental health of our veterans.
- everything under the sun to try to get her mental health back, and she couldn't.
Summary:
The committee first handled House Bill 612, which had been laid on the table because of questions about section one. Senator Tate explained that section one would allow the state, counties, and municipalities to enter interlocal agreements to provide installation support services on military installations, mainly road and infrastructure work such as paving and dirt work, and that section two would add Coast Guard medics to an existing provision allowing trained military medics to sit for LPN certification. After questions about the breadth of “installation support services,” the committee adopted the motion for title sufficient, due pass, with opposition noted, and the bill was reported to the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee. House Bill 942 was then passed over at Senator McMahon’s request until Tuesday.
The committee then took up House Bill 1034, which would allow terminally ill hospital patients to use medical cannabis gummies. The sponsor said the bill is intended to help terminally ill patients who already qualify for medical cannabis but are denied access in hospitals, and that it prohibits smoking or inhalation. Members raised concerns about whether the bill was too broad, whether it would interfere with hospital and physician judgment, possible drug interactions, federal law issues, liability for hospitals and doctors, storage and disposal requirements, and whether hospitals would incur costs or be forced to handle cannabis on their premises. The sponsor responded that the patient’s use would be logged in the chart, that the caregiver is generally responsible for the lockbox and disposal, and that the bill includes language allowing a facility to opt out if compliance would jeopardize federal funding or licensing.
The bill’s author also described the measure as arising from a Coast Guard family’s experience in which a terminally ill patient was denied access to medical cannabis at one hospital but allowed at another, and said the goal is to prevent similar denials for terminally ill patients. He said he was not aware of other drugs treated this way in hospitals, but argued that terminally ill patients should have access to most anything they want. The discussion ended with Senator England asking whether changing the bill’s requirement that a facility “shall” allow medical cannabis to “may” allow it would better protect hospitals and preserve discretion, but no final action on House Bill 1034 was taken in the portion provided.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 24 February, 2026; 3:00 PM
Public Health and Welfare
Transcript Highlights:
- fetal and infant mortality, and the health department is going to go to these providers and hospitals
- :03:22.640>
the <00:03:22.800>health and infant mortality and the health and infant mortality - and the health department<00:03:23.440>
is <00:03:23.760>going <00:03:23.840>to - in Section 73-31-14 and 73-31-15 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 for the practice of psychology, or
- debilitating illness can petition the state health officer and be allowed to the right to try.
Summary:
The committee first took House Bill 1637 off the table and adopted a committee substitute amendment narrowing Public Records Act exemptions to records of the child death review panel, maternal mortality review committee, and fetal and infant mortality review panel. Supporters said the exemption was intended to let providers and hospitals speak candidly in closed-door reviews to identify mistakes and prevent future deaths, while critics questioned how the public and legislature would learn the outcomes. The amendment and then the bill as amended were adopted by voice vote.
House Bill 479, which would extend temporary licensing timeframes for the psychology board and the board of licensed marriage and family therapists from 30 to 60 days, was then considered. An amendment was adopted clarifying that the bill does not alter existing education, supervised training, or examination requirements. Senator Hill raised concerns that the bill’s language could allow a temporary license to last 365 days even if licensure requirements were not met, and the committee ultimately tabled the bill subject to call so the language could be clarified.
The committee also heard House Bill 514, the Mississippi Veterinary Practice Act, which updates the vet-client-patient relationship definition, adds a public member and a certified veterinary technician to the board, removes some fees, and adds title protection for certified veterinary technicians. Witnesses said the changes were meant to support the profession and keep more graduates in-state. The bill passed after questions about the certification’s scope. House Bill 612, authorizing intergovernmental agreements and involving Coast Guard training and installation support services, was tabled subject to call after members said they needed more explanation.
Finally, House Bill 1152, the Right to Try the Medical Cannabis Act, was considered. The bill creates a process for patients with chronic, progressive, severely disabling, or terminal illnesses not already covered by the medical cannabis statute to petition the Department of Health for access, with the treating physician initiating the request. An amendment was adopted to clarify that out-of-state patients receiving care in Mississippi are not excluded if they meet the same process and standards. Members then debated unclear language near the end of the bill about which provisions control in case of conflict; the sponsor said the new right-to-try provisions would govern for the covered patients. The discussion continued with examples of conditions that might qualify, such as non-malignant chronic pain syndromes, and the bill remained under consideration as the transcript ended.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 17 February, 2026; 2:00 PM
Public Health and Welfare
Transcript Highlights:
- And we need the same issue at the health department as we're basically doing morbidity and mortality
- And this bill will help the health department do that.
- And this bill will help the health department do that.
- And this bill will help the health department do that.
- And this bill will help the health department do that.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and considered three House bills. House Bill 515, described as a measure allowing radiologist assistants to discuss preliminary findings with physicians after a test, was presented as identical to an earlier bill and passed on a title sufficient, do pass motion without debate. House Bill 1637 would create a fetal and infant mortality review panel under the Department of Health to align state law with federal requirements and mirror existing maternal mortality review work. The bill prompted extended questioning about broad exemptions from the Open Meetings and Public Records Acts, with Senator Blunt and others expressing concern that the language was too broad and could shield records beyond individual patient privacy. Dr. Edney of the Department of Health testified that the protections were needed so hospitals and providers would share sensitive information for performance improvement and mortality review work, and that final reports would still be issued.
After the debate, Senator Blunt moved to lay House Bill 1637 on the table subject to call, and the motion passed. The committee then took up House Bill 814, which would raise fees for inspections and investigations of food establishments and wastewater systems; it was described as a Department of Health measure supported by the regulated entities because they want inspections. The bill was characterized as maintaining an arm’s-length relationship between regulators and regulated parties, and it passed on a title sufficient, do pass motion. The chair closed by noting the committee had completed its agenda and would not meet the next day.