Transcript Highlights:

• and in-network pharmacists.
• I've been a pharmacist for over 50 years.
• I'm also a pharmacist working in primary care at Mass General Hospital.
• I'm a pharmacist.
• Massachusetts Independent Pharmacists Association.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a lengthy hearing on a large docket of pharmacy and drug-pricing bills, with most testimony focused on PBM reform, 340B drug discount program protections, specialty medication access, and medication adherence. Chair James Murphy and Senator Paul Feeney opened the hearing and took testimony from legislators, patient advocates, pharmacists, health center leaders, industry representatives, and policy groups. Several speakers described delays, denials, high out-of-pocket costs, and pharmacy closures tied to PBM practices, while others emphasized the importance of community health centers and independent pharmacies in serving patients. On the 340B program, supporters including Senator Eldridge, Senator Payano, Community Care Cooperative, Fenway Health, the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, and several community health center leaders argued that bills such as H. 1107 and S. 819 would stop discriminatory PBM and manufacturer practices, preserve contract pharmacy access, and protect safety-net providers that say they reinvest savings into care, pharmacy expansion, interpreter services, behavioral health, and other services. Opponents including PhRMA, the Community Liver Alliance, and a public policy analyst argued the program lacks transparency and accountability, has grown beyond its original purpose, and may benefit large hospitals and for-profit entities more than low-income patients. They urged more reporting and oversight rather than expanding protections. On PBM reform, testimony supported bills including H. 1157, H. 1234, S. 724, S. 831, and related measures that would require rebate pass-through, ban spread pricing, limit steering to PBM-owned pharmacies, and improve reimbursement for community pharmacies. Independent pharmacists and patients said current PBM practices raise costs, create administrative burdens, and threaten access to local pharmacies. PCMA, representing PBMs, opposed the reforms, arguing PBMs lower costs, that plan sponsors choose to contract with them, and that the Health Policy Commission and CHIA should complete their ongoing study before new mandates are adopted. The committee also heard support for H. 1322 and S. 734 on specialty medications, and for H. 781 and H. 1305 on medication synchronization to improve adherence. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Consultant pharmacist by Representative Booth.
• Thank you, Daniel Buffington Florida Society of Health Systems and Pharmacists wishing to speak.
• I am the past president of both the Florida Society of Health-system Pharmacist and the Florida Pharmacist
• I am here today for the Florida Society of Health-system Pharmacists in support of the bill.
• So the benefits of physician and pharmacist collaborative services are substantial and essential.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> It is made up of pharmacists? >> It is made up of pharmacists?
• independent pharmacists. independent pharmacists.
• . pharmacists. pharmacists.
• That's uncomfortable. pharmacists out. By the way, uh I hope I pharmacists out.
• He was a pharmacist. Wiggins Drug Store. He was a pharmacist.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 10 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, received the invocation and pledge, and then dispensed with reading the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. Several guests and pages were introduced, including junior pages, a doctor of the day, Farm Bureau representatives, and other visitors in the galleries. The chamber also recognized a birthday and welcomed a House member to the Senate. On the calendar, the Senate took up several bills and mostly adopted strike-all amendments before passing them, often by morning roll call. These included HB 1646, which increased disaster trust fund transfer limits for declared and non-declared disasters; HB 1649, which authorized additional state fund transfers for Main Street revitalization projects and increased the total authorized expenditure; HB 1653, which kept a local improvements project fund bill alive for possible repurposing of funds, including a Mississippi Valley State residence hall project; and HB 669, which allowed patrons to bring wine into licensed premises with a corkage fee and changed wine shipment reporting from quarterly to semiannual. HB 1620 created an economic zone around the Chevron refinery in Jackson County, and HB 2787 changed school district gas-piping inspection requirements from annual testing to a two-year cycle, with funding support from gas companies. The Senate also handled several concurrence and conference motions on House and Senate bills, including SB 2263 on probable-cause requirements for Marine Resources officers boarding or stopping vessels, SB 2524 establishing the Postsecondary Attainment Council, and SB 2597 involving the ABC warehouse transfer in Madison County, with the chamber choosing not to concur and to invite conference on those items. SB 2368 made technical changes to the higher education legislative plan grant program, and SB 2526 on the Rural Water Oversight Committee returned with changes removing a reverse repealer and shifting administration of some duties to a nonprofit using rural water revolving loan funds. The Senate also tabled motions to reconsider on some items, and one nomination-related motion drew extended remarks about the role of the capital post-conviction counsel office and respect for crime victims.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a pharmacist, soon to be licensed in Massachusetts, and a professor of pharmacy practice in...
• This bill allows pharmacists to do this.
• We changed policy, and pharmacists stepped up to test folks, vaccinate them, and offer treatments.
• By giving 1635 a favorable recommendation, community or retail pharmacists can now do the same.
• in this way, regardless of where the pharmacist practices.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing focused on children’s health, disease prevention, screening, treatment, and pharmacy-related bills. The chair explained that the session was for public testimony only, with no votes or decisions taken that day, and outlined the three-minute limit for individual testimony. The committee then heard testimony on a range of bills, including H. 2413 on adding electromagnetic sensitivity to the state’s MAVEN registry, S. 1508 and H. 2433 on creating an amputation prevention task force, H. 2535 and S. 1551 on establishing a naloxone purchase trust fund, S. 1635 on authorizing pharmacists to provide opioid use disorder treatment, H. 2385 on creating a special commission on avian influenza, and S. 1497 on patient safety and non-FDA-approved compounded drugs. Testimony on H. 2413 came largely from advocates and individuals who described electromagnetic sensitivity as a real health condition and argued that adding it to the registry would improve data collection, provider education, and public awareness. Testimony on the amputation prevention task force bills came from the American Diabetes Association and podiatry groups, who said diabetes-related amputations are often preventable, disproportionately affect people of color, and could be reduced through earlier screening, better care coordination, and improved insurance coverage for preventive foot care. On the naloxone trust fund bills, a representative, emergency physician, and nurse testified that hospitals often cannot reliably send overdose patients home with naloxone because of billing and reimbursement barriers, and that a bulk-purchase fund would expand access at no added cost to payers or providers. The committee also heard strong support for S. 1635 from pharmacists and public health researchers, who said community pharmacists could safely initiate and maintain buprenorphine treatment and help close gaps in opioid use disorder care. On H. 2385, a local board of health chair supported a special commission on avian influenza, citing gaps in emergency preparedness and the need for clearer coordination across agencies. On S. 1497, a pharmacy representative opposed restrictions on compounded drugs from outsourcing facilities, warning that changes could reduce access to life-saving medications and harm patient safety. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We support paying the pharmacists what they need to stay in business, but... ...the pharmacists what
• Ford stated, it will bring more money into the PBM in order to then pay the pharmacists more.
• "Yeah, and in fact, the language in the bill says the cost should not be assigned to a pharmacist.
• I can't imagine the individual pharmacist would ever pay that cost."
• Yeah, certainly not the pharmacist.

Bills: HB591, HB765, HB826, HB870, HB938, HB1151, HB1162, HB1176, HB1196, HB1236, HB1241

Keywords: family leave, insurance, paid leave, employment benefits, caregiver support, liability insurance, coverage defenses, direct action, judgment enforcement, legal procedures, insurance referrals, compensation, non-licensed agents, consumer protection, insurance products, HB 870, Act 907, Louisiana insurance, health insurance, prescription drugs

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:17:42.960> are Bill 38 ensures that pharmacists are Bill 38 ensures that pharmacists are
• That matters because when pharmacists.
• recognizes the expertise of pharmacists recognizes the expertise of pharmacists and<00:18:47.679
• <00:20:42.480> a<00:20:42.720> pharmacist fact at times be conflicts. a pharmacist
• including our pharmacist including our pharmacist to<00:32:27.760> operate<00:32:28.159><

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a roll call establishing a quorum. The House then communicated passage of House Bills 184 and 265 and House Joint Resolution 24, requesting concurrence. The Senate also approved the prior day’s journal, excused absent senators, and received committee reports advancing several measures, including Senate Bill 76 with committee substitute, Senate Bill 12, Senate Joint Resolution 23 with committee substitute, and Senate Bills 27 and 40 with committee substitutes. New bills introduced included Senate Bill 1 on education, Senate Bill 3 on school district finances, and Senate Bill 112 on short-term rentals. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 29 on solid waste management facilities. The sponsor explained that the bill would prohibit counties from charging designation or origination fees to solid waste facilities located in other counties, while leaving intact local authority over facilities within a county and existing host fees. The bill passed on a roll call vote of 36 yeas, 0 nays, and 1 pass. Senate Bill 49 on battery stewardship was next. Its sponsor described growing fire risks from lithium batteries in landfills, recycling trucks, and waste facilities, and said the bill would prohibit lithium batteries in curbside trash and recycling containers and create a statewide stewardship program with a phased implementation timeline. The measure passed 37-0. Senate Bill 38 on pharmacist reimbursements and services followed; supporters said it would improve access to routine care through pharmacists, reduce unnecessary emergency room visits, and align Medicaid and KCHIP reimbursement policies with private insurance standards. It also passed unanimously, 37-0. Finally, the Senate considered Senate Concurrent Resolution 9, which directs the Legislative Research Commission to procure a vendor for a feasibility study on an accountable communities for health Medicaid delivery model pilot project. The sponsor argued that Medicaid and broader health care costs are unsustainable and that a community-based model could reduce bureaucracy and improve outcomes. Several senators spoke in support, including questions about the cost of managed care organizations and administrative overhead. The resolution was adopted after debate and roll call, with strong support from members who described it as a potentially revolutionary approach to health care delivery.

Transcript Highlights:

• It allows for our pharmacists to continue to provide those vaccines.
• It allows for our pharmacists to continue to provide those vaccines.
• <00:31:20.080> to It allows for our pharmacists to It allows for our pharmacists to continue
• <00:32:07.120> Society, the Colorado Pharmacist Society, the Colorado Pharmacist Society,
• Go ask your pharmacist, and they'll tell you the same thing.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the February 4, 2026 journal as corrected, and received several committee reports and bill status updates. Committee actions included favorable reports on Senate Bills 12, 13, 14, and 16, with some bills amended before being sent to the Committee of the Whole, and notice that Senate Bill 32 had been correctly engrossed and was ready for final passage. The chamber also laid over the general order second reading calendar until Friday, February 6, 2026. The main floor action was final passage of Senate Bill 32, concerning the promotion of immunization access. Supporters argued the bill would help Colorado maintain a science-based vaccine policy, protect public health, and preserve pharmacists’ ability to provide vaccines amid concerns about federal instability. Several organizations were cited as endorsing the measure. The bill passed on a 20-12 vote. The Senate also adopted Senate Joint Resolution 8, honoring Colorado’s 2026 Winter Olympians and Paralympians. Senators highlighted Colorado’s winter sports culture, training facilities, and the state’s many athletes competing in the Games, and one senator offered a tribute to a former Olympian in the chamber. The resolution passed unanimously, 32-0. In addition, the Senate confirmed governor’s appointments to the Department of Higher Education and the Private Occupational School Board on a 32-0 vote. The meeting ended with announcements, including committee schedules and birthday recognition for Senator Zamora Wilson, followed by adjournment until Friday, February 6, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do not allow ourselves as a network holder with pharmacists in our network to manipulate the drug
• I came from a pharmacy household and started working at the Ohio Pharmacists Association shortly out
• I learned about the drug pricing world from the biased perspective of pharmacists.
• And when I say biased, I mean pharmacists want to get paid more for what they do.
• should be paid, or what would be fair compensation for a pharmacist service.

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

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, we'd like to just kind of protect the access to a real pharmacist to counsel patients when it's
• Next up, we have Hawaii Pharmacist Association in opposition.
• Corey Sanders, executive director of the Hawaii Pharmacist Association.
• Pharmacist Association in opposition. Pharmacist Association in opposition.
• director of the Hawaii Pharmacist director of the Hawaii Pharmacist Association.<00:19:34.000>

Bills: SCR96, SCR109, SCR164, SCR172, SCR166

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

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

Transcript Highlights:

• So the pharmacist often will catch that and then prevent really a bad outcome.
• With pharmacists in 119 approval.
• paid for that pharmacists are doing now. paid for that pharmacists are doing now.
• important bill because pharmacists important bill because pharmacists sometimes<00:11:11.360>
• So the pharmacist often will other.

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Calendar/2nd Readings 04:07 Orders of the Day 05:07 HB 144 05:15 HB 3 08:27 HB 290 12:34 HB 84 14:53 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 40:12 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 45:19 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 46:20 ConC/Rules Report 48:12 Floor Amendments 49:42 Adjournment 50:05, 958, all

Summary: The House convened with 93 members present, approved the previous day’s journal, and reported several bills on second reading, including measures on elections, retired police officers, the Kentucky Communications Network Authority, local government, mental health facilities, prescription drugs, Alzheimer’s services, and electric generating unit decommissioning costs. The chamber then moved to floor action on several bills. House Bill 144, relating to motor vehicle titles, was taken up first. A House Committee Substitute was adopted, and members discussed that the bill would let insurance companies avoid forfeiting titles for cosmetic damage such as hail damage while still requiring payment for the damage. The bill passed 94-0, and the clincher was applied. House Bill 3, relating to Medicaid reimbursement for pharmacist services, was then explained as allowing Medicaid to reimburse pharmacists for services they already provide, such as strep testing, immunizations, and medication management, without expanding Medicaid or scope of practice. Supporters said it would improve access, especially in rural areas, and the bill passed 93-0, followed by the clincher. House Bill 290, concerning county law libraries, was explained as allowing local bar associations to use their funds for electronic legal research tools, including online subscriptions, computers, and internet access, rather than only books. It passed 94-0 and the clincher was applied. House Bill 84, on local government liability for failure to protect property during riots, generated the most debate. Supporters said it would make the law uniform across jurisdictions and hold governments accountable when they have notice and the means to act but do not; opponents raised concerns about outdated language, possible vigilante implications, and fiscal impact. A floor amendment adding an emergency clause was adopted 81-8, and the bill then passed as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• The coalition represents pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and student pharmacists from across the state
• The coalition represents pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and student pharmacists from across the state
• <00:08:48.480> pharmacists technicians, and student pharmacists technicians, and student pharmacists
• opportunity for students and pharmacists opportunity for students and pharmacists to<00:09:10.080
• Uh we current and aspiring pharmacists.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, February 19, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate convened with an invocation by Rabbi David Hland, followed by a series of introductions and recognitions for visiting groups and guests, including Delta Sigma Theta members for Delta Day in Annapolis, Towson High School students, the Maryland Pharmacy Coalition, interns, and other visitors. The Senate adopted a resolution honoring Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated Maryland chapters for service, scholarship, sisterhood, and social action, and also journalized the rabbi’s invocation. Several committee and delegation announcements were made, including upcoming bill hearings and voting sessions. On legislation, the chamber handled a number of special-order and third-reading bills. Senate Bill 56 and Senate Bill 99 were both delayed for further amendment work, with SB 99 ultimately amended and ordered printed for third reading. The Senate also received and referred a bond initiative and heard an executive nominations report, with the nominations set for consideration in open session at a later time. During third reading, the Senate passed numerous bills, including measures on mail and service animal program disqualifications, police promotion pay restrictions, counterfeit lease penalties, Motor Vehicle Administration identification card requirements, environmental health specialist board sunset extension, used vehicle bill of sale requirements, collective bargaining for ATC cannabis police officers, transfer-on-death designations for vehicles and vessels, heavy-weight port corridor permits, controllable electronic records, lead paint abatement bonding and insurance, civic excellence in public schools, child pornography penalties, cemetery sale/transfer requirements, tobacco licenses for electronic smoking devices, legal services board membership, Baltimore County Public Library supervisory bargaining, money transmitter definitions, scalp cooling insurance coverage, prosthesis and orthosis coverage, elevator inspection database access, tax increment financing in noncontiguous areas, professional liability disclosure for certain care facilities and midwives, immunity for donation of pet supplies, massage therapy board revisions, and others. One bill drew floor debate: Senate Bill 82, which would increase penalties for counterfeit lease of real property, was opposed by a senator who argued it would disproportionately impact renters and conflict with justice reform goals. Despite that objection, the bill passed. The Senate also changed one recorded vote on Senate Bill 252 from red to green by unanimous consent. Overall, the session was marked by routine passage of a large slate of bills, a few postponements for amendment negotiation, and several ceremonial recognitions and announcements.

Transcript Highlights:

• We support paying the pharmacists what they need to stay in business.
• Ford stated, it will bring more money into the PBM in order to then pay the pharmacists more.
• Yeah, and in fact, the language in the bill says the cost should not be assigned to a pharmacist.
• I can't imagine the individual pharmacist would ever pay that cost.
• Yeah, yeah, certainly not the pharmacist.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Insurance met on May 6, 2026, and first reported HB 1241 favorably. That bill, by Chairman Furman, requires insurers to check with DCFS before paying certain insurance settlements to determine whether the recipient owes delinquent child support, and to withhold and remit arrears if found. DCFS explained that Louisiana already has intercepts and other collection tools, but no current mechanism for insurance settlements. Senators raised concerns about notice to obligors and about liability if insurers fail to withhold, but the bill was advanced without objection. The committee then heard HB 870, which would require health insurers and PBMs to cover lower-cost generic or biosimilar drugs when available and to use utilization management no more restrictively on those drugs. Supporters said the bill would improve access and lower patient costs by using wholesale acquisition cost as the comparison point. Opponents, including Louisiana Blue and the AFL-CIO, argued that WAC ignores rebates and net cost, could force plans to cover higher-cost biosimilars first, and could increase premiums and disrupt ERISA and fully insured plan design. The committee adopted a technical amendment set and then a second amendment set that added notice and reporting requirements tied to net cost calculations, and HB 870 was reported favorably as amended. Several other bills were moved with little or no opposition. HB 1176, concerning Medicare Advantage coverage for integrative cancer treatments such as cold cap therapy, cryotherapy, and acupuncture, was amended to change the effective date and then reported favorably. HB 1196, dealing with colorectal cancer screening follow-up colonoscopies, was also amended and reported favorably. HB 1162, a consumer protection bill requiring DOI to verify that a contractor named on a first-party property damage check is licensed in Louisiana, was amended and reported favorably. HB 826, which modernizes insurance referral rules to allow referrals by email or website address, was reported favorably. The committee also heard HB 1151 on insurer investment limits and solvency protections, and HB 1236 on pharmacy reimbursement and copay maximizer programs; both drew substantial testimony and concern, especially over retroactivity, PBM cost allocation, and whether copay maximizers shift costs to patients, but the transcript cuts off before final action on HB 1236.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pharmacists are among the most accessible health care providers in our communities.
• Yet Delaware law does not fully allow pharmacists to practice at the top of their training.
• So this bill does not allow pharmacists to diagnose and treat anything they want.
• It does not require pharmacists to provide services that they are not comfortable providing.
• Pharmacists today are doctorate-level health care providers, experts in pharmacology,...

Bills: SB274, SB301, SB249

Keywords: healthcare, life-sustaining treatment, patient preferences, POLST, advance directive, medical orders, hospital discharge, pregnancy, patient care, discharge planning, healthcare policy, substance use, harm reduction, syringe services, needle exchange, overdose prevention, naloxone, opioid antagonist, drug paraphernalia, syringe

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several measures related to health care, public health, and patient protections. House Concurrent Resolution 148, urging a statewide educational strategy on menopause, was presented as a workplace awareness measure and received supportive comments from members before being released. Senate Bill 274, updating Delaware’s MOST program to POLST and clarifying capacity determinations and documentation for end-of-life orders, also drew supportive testimony from medical and nursing groups and was released. House Bill 458, limiting local backflow preventer requirements for certain low-hazard buildings, was presented as a cost-relief measure for homeowners and small businesses; DHSS expressed concerns but said it was willing to work on amendments and a sunset provision, and the bill was released. Senate Joint Resolution 18, designating August 31, 2026 as International Overdose Awareness Day and ordering flags at half-staff, was released after brief supportive remarks. The committee then considered Senate Bill 339, a technical correction to the advance health care directive form clarifying that an agent’s authority for voluntary mental health admission cannot exceed 72 hours, consistent with existing law. Members asked detailed questions about how the 72-hour limit works and whether it applies to voluntary directives; the sponsor and a Disability Rights Delaware witness explained that the bill only aligns the form with current statute and does not expand authority. The bill was released. House Bill 301, requiring hospitals to create discharge plans for pregnant patients discharged while showing signs of labor, prompted extensive discussion. The sponsor and supporters said it would improve safety, transportation planning, and aftercare, while some members noted Delaware hospitals already do much of this work and questioned whether codifying it was necessary; supporters emphasized maternal mortality disparities and the need for guardrails. The bill was released. Senate Bill 196, creating ownership disclosure requirements for long-term care facilities and resident notice rules after ownership transfers, was presented as a transparency measure for seniors and families and was released after supportive testimony from the Delaware Nurses Association and elder-care advocates. Senate Bill 320, expanding pharmacists’ independent prescriptive authority for certain non-controlled medications and allowing opioid use disorder medications under standing order, with added malpractice reporting requirements in Senate Amendment 2, was supported by pharmacists and nurse practitioners as an access-to-care measure and was released. Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 161, establishing a unified licensing and oversight framework for adult behavioral health providers under DSAM, was presented as a patient-protection measure; providers supported the goal but cautioned that regulations must be workable, and the substitute was released. Senate Joint Resolution 19, directing DHSS to study strategies to reduce health care costs, was released with a note reflecting concerns about broadening the analysis to include additional cost drivers and alternatives. Finally, Senate Bill 249 with Senate Amendment 2, modernizing harm-reduction programs and paraphernalia laws, generated the most extended debate: supporters framed it as life-saving public health policy, while opponents raised concerns about needle litter, community impacts, and whether the approach facilitates addiction. Despite the objections, the bill was released.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've also served as president of the Minnesota Pharmacists Association.
• And student pharmacists for 12 years.
• ,<01:10:24.920> where identity is community pharmacist, where identity is community pharmacist
• Pharmacists Association. Pharmacists Association.
• > my<01:10:46.520> personal As a community pharmacist, my personal As a community pharmacist

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, I know my wife is a pharmacist, and there's a huge shortage of pharmacists, especially out
• you know I know my wife is a pharmacist you know I know my wife is a pharmacist and<01:17:44.400
• surveyor position to maintain our existing personnel and hire the pharmacist surveyor.
• surveyor position to maintain our existing personnel and hire the pharmacist surveyor.
• <01:32:05.239> and Pharmacists and Pharmacists and dentists<01:32:06.880> the<01:32:07.000

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Naturopaths, dentists, dental hygienists, optometrists, nurses, nursing assistants, pharmacists, midwives
• Naturopaths, dentists, dental hygienists, optometrists, nurses, nursing assistants, pharmacists, midwives
• This bill says a qualified hospital pharmacist, someone embedded on that trauma team already, making
• You did an outstanding job presenting that, and I wanted to see how many pharmacists could be in one
• Particularly in light reality, where you're thinking through high-acuity trauma centers, pharmacists

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and heard a series of health care-related bills, with Chair Tuck emphasizing respectful debate and noting that all bills on the agenda would be voted on that day. The first measure, HB 743, would give the Attorney General authority to investigate and bring civil actions against health care practitioners who violate Florida’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors, and would make aiding or abetting such conduct a third-degree felony. Supporters said it closed loopholes and protected minors and parental rights, while opponents argued it was vague, overbroad, and could chill lawful care and professional judgment. The bill passed 13-4 and was reported favorably. The committee then unanimously approved PCS for HB 567, which narrows a continuing-education requirement for podiatrists so only those who prescribe controlled substances must take the related two-hour course. It also unanimously approved HB 439, allowing chiropractors, under specified training and certification requirements, to inject vitamins and nutrients while continuing to prohibit intravenous injections. The committee also passed HB 1235 to enter Florida into the respiratory care interstate compact, and HB 1237, a linked public-records/public-meetings exemption needed to implement that compact; both measures were supported as workforce and access-to-care bills and passed without opposition. Later, the committee approved PCS for HB 809, which addresses temporary physician certificates in areas of need and aims to prevent doctors from losing the ability to practice when area designations change. Members asked about licensure pathways and the effect of federal or board designation changes, and supporters framed the bill as protecting continuity of care in underserved communities. The committee also unanimously passed HB 1347 to align clinical laboratory personnel licensing with federal CLIA standards amid staffing shortages, and HB 1515, a public-records exemption tied to a uterine fibroid research database. Finally, the committee approved HB 169 updating acupuncture statutes, including terminology changes and limits on injection therapy, and HB 1021, Representative Young’s first bill, allowing qualified hospital pharmacists in Level I and II trauma centers to administer emergency medications at a physician’s direction during life-threatening situations. HB 1021 drew the most questions, mainly about scope, definitions, and who could authorize the pharmacist, but after a technical amendment it passed unanimously. All remaining bills were reported favorably, and the meeting adjourned after the final vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Cory Sanders, Executive Director of the Hawaii Pharmacist Association, in opposition.
• Cory Sanders, Executive Director of the Hawaii Pharmacist Association, appreciate the ability to want
• I guess for the Hawaii Pharmacist Association, if the resolution were amended to incorporate some of
• So if you want to come to—I just want to know, like, you have, because for the pharmacist association
• That's normally a point where the pharmacist will say, you're on two of this certain class of medications

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee heard House Bill 1481, which would require cemeteries, crematories, funeral establishments, HSI facilities, and mortuaries to dispose of human remains within 60 days after a burial transit permit or related affidavit is issued. The Hawaii Funeral and Cemetery Association and several funeral-related entities supported the bill, and the association said it had already implemented consistent cremation authorization language regarding notice and consent for recycling metal implants, effective January 1. The committee later recommended HB 1481 be passed with a defective effective date of July 1, 2050; the vice chair voted with reservations, saying the prior version with Department of Health rulemaking was stronger consumer protection. The committee also considered several resolutions. SCR 96 and SR 91, on a status update for implementation of the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, were recommended for passage with amendments adopting the PUC’s requested changes. SCR 172 and SR 163, seeking a comprehensive analysis of ways to reduce costs and financial risks while meeting state goals, drew support from the PUC and Energy Office with comments, and the committee recommended passage with amendments removing a disputed whereas clause. SCR 109 and SR 102, on studying expanded mail-order pharmacy use, drew mixed testimony: the Insurance Division and HMSA supported a study, while the Hawaii Pharmacist Association and others raised concerns about patient outcomes, rural access, and community pharmacy sustainability; the committee amended the resolutions to require broader agency cooperation and evaluation of community pharmacy impacts, then recommended passage. In additional decision-making, the committee deferred SCR 193 and SR 1802 on trust transparency due to no testimony. It recommended passage with amendments on several bills, including HB 1782 after clarifying terminology with the Attorney General’s Office, HB 1514 on workers’ compensation, HB 1619 on electric vehicle infrastructure, HB 1643 on pharmacy, HB 1721 on housing, HB 1864 on insurance, HB 1946 on timeshare registration, and HB 2475 on labeling requirements. HB 350 on energy was deferred for more work. The committee also reconsidered HB 2101 on commercial aquarium collection and recommended passage as amended after hearing from supporters and noting concerns about enforcement and statewide consistency.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, that would ensure that this is not giving any sort of shortcut to pharmacist prescribing opioids.
• Uh, but right now prescribing of controlled drugs is not permitted to pharmacists in the state of New
• <00:28:52.520> prescribing of shortcut to pharmacist prescribing of shortcut to pharmacist
• to prescribe um, of allowing pharmacists to prescribe um, bupren-<00:29:38.560> buprenorphine
• <00:30:04.040> um,<00:30:04.280> where practice for pharmacists um, where practice

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• WHEN PHARMACISTS WOULD BE ALLOWED TO DECLINE CERTAIN PRESCRIPTIONS IN THIS LEGISLATION, THAT COULD CREATE
• IT IS AN INSULT TO THE PHARMACIST WHO WENT TO GRADUATE SCHOOL TO MAKE SURE THEY DISTRIBUTE PRESCRIPTION
• SO THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER IS WHY ARE INDEPENDENT PHARMACIST FORCED TO LOSE MONEY ON A PRESCRIPTION
• INDEPENDENT PHARMACISTS WOULD LIKE TO SEE SOME IMPROVEMENTS IN THE BILL, THERE'S FIVE THINGS AND I WILL
• NUMBER THREE ALLOW OIR TO PUT CONSUMERS AND PHARMACIST COMPLAINTS ON THEIR HOMEPAGE.

Transcript Highlights:

• A reimbursement to a pharmacist, to an independent pharmacist, any pharmacist in the great state of Mississippi
• pharmacist.
• will help that independent pharmacist? will help that independent pharmacist?
• going to help independent pharmacists. going to help independent pharmacists.
• metformin from a independent pharmacist metformin from a independent pharmacist in<05:29:21.360>

Keywords: MS House Floor - 4 February, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the pledge, established a quorum, dispensed with reading the journal and bill introductions, and then moved through announcements recognizing visitors in the galleries, including cancer advocacy groups, Mississippi Math and Science School students, a gospel choir, Leadership Greater Jackson, and other guests. Members also made several commendations, including recognition of Elena Johnson’s softball accomplishments and a student’s appointment to West Point. On the general calendar, the House passed House Bill 1076, the SAVE Act of 2026, by a vote of 122-0. The bill is described as a consumer protection measure for veterans that prohibits pay-to-refer arrangements, tightens standards for paid claims assistance, requires written agreements and limits upfront or nonrefundable fees, and adds privacy and disclosure safeguards. The House also passed House Bill 223, designating a segment of Highway 537 as the Sergeant John Howard Tanner Memorial Highway, by 122-0. The chamber then passed House Bill 1112, which revises state aid road division laws to expand purchasing authority, increase authorized vehicles, and allow unused county road funds to be reallocated after a period of time, by 120-1. House Bill 737, with an adopted amendment, allows Medicaid providers to repay certain non-fraud overpayments in installments when immediate repayment would cause hardship and aligns the repayment timeline with federal law; it passed 116-0. The House also passed House Bill 479 on marriage and family therapy and psychology licensure changes, adopting an amendment that extends the time to verify credentials for out-of-state applicants and provides a temporary license, by 121-0. Additional bills passed included House Bill 991 on third-party registration systems for used motor vehicle parts dealers and scrap metal processors (118-0), House Bill 1072 creating voluntary portable benefits accounts for independent contractors (119-0), House Bill 1137 revising CPA licensure education and experience requirements (118-1), House Bill 571 extending the foreign-national contribution ban to ballot measures (111-1), House Bill 630 allowing certain county electors to serve as municipal poll managers in small municipalities (113-4), House Bill 858 requiring election equipment internet connectivity to be disabled on election day (116-1), House Bill 788 changing how affidavit ballots can update voter registration information, with an amendment adopted, (115-3), and House Bill 908 tying Mississippi’s mail-ballot counting rule to the outcome of pending federal litigation so state and local races would be treated the same if the current federal-race rule is struck down (the bill was under discussion at the end of the excerpt).