Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Becker: Here. Senator Allen: Here. Senator Cabaldon: Here. Senator Grove: Here.
• Chair and Senators.
• Chair and Senators.
• Senator Kamalden.
• Senator Kamalden.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several natural resources bills, with most testimony focused on balancing conservation goals with transportation, utility, and local property impacts. SB 1393 by Senator McGuire updated Fish and Game Code provisions for steelhead trout and the Dungeness crab fishery, extending and refining management programs and vessel transit rules in closed crab areas. Supporters from The Nature Conservancy and Trout Unlimited said the bill would implement longstanding task force recommendations, preserve a valuable fishery, and improve the steelhead report card program; there was no opposition, and the bill was moved out on a 4-0 vote to Appropriations as amended. SB 1250 by Senator Cortese would require Caltrans to incorporate wildlife connectivity into transportation planning, including performance targets, coordination with Fish and Wildlife, and recognition of crossings, culverts, and fencing as transportation assets. Support came from a broad coalition of conservation, animal welfare, open space, and local government groups, who argued the bill would reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, improve public safety, and save money by integrating projects into routine maintenance. The California Building Industry Association said it would move to neutral after amendments clarifying the bill would not create exactions or apply to private property; the bill was approved 4-0 to Appropriations after those amendments were discussed. Senator Jones presented SB 1212 to repeal California’s ban on kangaroo products, arguing kangaroo harvest in Australia is tightly regulated, does not increase killing, and would restore consumer choice and business opportunities in California. Opponents, including Humane World for Animals, Animal Legal Defense Fund, and others, said the commercial kangaroo industry is cruel, raises animal welfare and public health concerns, and should remain barred. The bill was not advanced during the portion of the transcript provided. Senator Gonzalez presented SB 1268 to codify the state’s Outdoors for All initiative, which aims to expand equitable access to parks and outdoor recreation, especially in underserved communities. Supporters said many Californians lack nearby park access and that the initiative links outdoor equity with public health, climate resilience, and biodiversity. The committee chair expressed strong support; the bill was voted 3-1 to Appropriations, with Senator Grove voting no. Senator Ochoa Bogh presented three bills concerning the Western Joshua tree. SB 1061 would allow limited relocation of trees without triggering the same permitting burden as removal; SB 1062 would require Fish and Wildlife to consider proportionate, tiered mitigation fees for public utilities and infrastructure; and SB 1063 would create an expedited, fee-free pathway for certain residential utility, safety, and wildfire-hardening projects. Supporters from water agencies, local governments, and industry said the current framework imposes heavy costs on desert residents and ratepayers, while opponents argued the species still needs protection and that existing administrative processes can address fee and permitting concerns. SB 1061 and SB 1062 were each moved forward on 2-0 and 3-0 votes respectively, and SB 1063 was also advanced on a 3-0 vote, with the committee noting ongoing administrative fee and permitting reforms at Fish and Wildlife.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Archerletta.
• Senator Strickland.
• Thank you, Senator.
• Senator Cortese.
• Senator Cortese?

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee met without a quorum and operated as a subcommittee while hearing a long agenda of public safety bills. Early announcements covered consent calendar items, a pulled bill (SB 906), testimony limits, and a recess for lunch. Several measures were heard in special order and file order, with votes deferred until quorum was established. The committee also accepted or discussed amendments on multiple bills during presentation. SB 1446, by the committee, would change parole en banc review procedures by giving commissioners more discretion, making en banc votes public, and allowing CDCR referrals for sexually violent predator evaluations in certain cases. Support came from the California District Attorneys Association, while opposition came from Uncommon Law, the Ella Baker Center, and public defender and youth justice groups, who argued it would add confusion, raise constitutional concerns, and duplicate existing safeguards. SB 1278, by Senator Nilo, would exclude certain sex offenses from elderly parole eligibility; the author and district attorney supporters cited high-profile cases and victim trauma, while opponents said the current process is already rigorous, low-risk, and evidence-based. SB 1354, by Senator Archuleta, would prohibit out-of-state military or law enforcement personnel from entering California to perform such functions without the Governor’s permission; the committee amendment removed a criminal penalty, and the bill drew support from the California Public Defenders Association and allied groups, with no opposition heard. SB 926, by Senator Strickland, would fund implementation of Proposition 36 through a public safety services support fund; supporters said local agencies need resources for treatment, probation, and accountability, while opponents argued the bill was fiscally reckless, lacked guardrails, and prioritized incarceration over community-based treatment. The chair and author discussed amendments removing a fixed appropriation and shifting funding decisions to the budget process. SB 874, by Senator Weber Pearsons, would strengthen oversight of Medi-Cal behavioral health treatment services, especially ABA services, by requiring background checks for certain unlicensed providers, creating a stakeholder workgroup, and directing DHCS to issue guidance and report to the Legislature. Supporters said the bill would improve patient safety and program integrity, and no opposition testified. SB 1210, also by Senator Weber Pearsons, would extend CalGang oversight and due-process protections to local gang databases; supporters described privacy harms and inaccurate labeling, while law enforcement opposition said local investigative databases need flexibility and that the bill could significantly expand regulation. SB 1019, by Senator Grove, would create a California Cargo Thief Task Force in the Attorney General’s Office to combat organized cargo theft; it drew broad support from rail, trucking, shipping, and port interests, with testimony describing organized, dangerous theft rings and supply-chain disruption, and no opposition was heard. SB 1217, the non-consensual intimate image clearinghouse bill, was introduced at the end of the transcript after committee and privacy amendments were summarized, but its testimony and any action were not included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senators Wiener, aye. Umberg, aye. That's 3.0. We'll put that on call. Senator Umberg, aye.
• Senator Choi. Thank you.
• Senator Choi. Thank you.
• So, Senator, you may proceed. Senator, you may proceed with SB 1225.
• Thank you, Senator. Thank you. We'll now go to our final item. Thank you. Thank you, Senator.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments heard several election-related measures. SB 884 by Senator Umberg proposed expanding electioneering buffer zones around polling places and ballot processing sites, limiting certain law enforcement activity near those sites, increasing vote center and drop-box access, and extending the vote-by-mail receipt deadline to 10 days. Supporters said it would protect voters from intimidation and disruption, while county election officials opposed it as operationally difficult, costly, and too close to the election. The bill was amended and ultimately passed out of committee on a 4-1 vote, with the chair later recording it as out. The committee also heard SB 1164 by Senator Cervantes, part of the California Voting Rights Act of 2026 package, which would expand state voting-rights protections against vote dilution and voter suppression, add preclearance-style review for some jurisdictions with recent violations, and direct courts to interpret election laws in favor of voting access. Support came from civil rights and voting rights groups, while one city raised concerns about pending litigation. After discussion, including questions about how the bill would apply, it passed to Judiciary on a 4-1 vote. SB 900 by Senator McNerney would shorten and standardize disclosure language on political advertisements, especially billboards and mailers, while increasing mailer disclosures from three to five top funders. It drew support from transparency and advertising groups and passed to Appropriations on a 5-0 vote. The committee then considered SB 1225 and SCA 3 by Senator Niello, which would shift responsibility for ballot title and summary language from the Attorney General to the Legislative Analyst’s Office; supporters argued this would improve neutrality, while opponents said the current elected AG system is accountable and efficient. Both measures were opposed by labor groups and were ultimately approved on divided votes. Finally, SB 1360 by Senator Cervantes would expand language-access requirements for election materials, lower the threshold for coverage, and create a petition process for additional languages; it was supported by voting-rights and immigrant advocacy groups but opposed by county election officials unless amended. The bill passed 5-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to turn over the gavel to Senator Grayson. Thank you. Senator, you may be easy on me?
• Thank you, Senator Neelow. Let's see, we're just going to wait, Senator. Let's see.
• Senator Rubio? Not questions, but I just want to make a comment. Senator Rubio?
• Senator Seyarto. Aye. Senator Ashby. Aye. Senator Grayson. That vote is 6 to 0.
• Senator Seyarto, aye. Senator Ashby, aye. Senator Grayson. That vote is 7 to 0. Okay, thank you.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Emergency Management Committee heard five wildfire- and emergency-related bills. SB 1270 by Senator Richardson would expand the California Wildfire Mitigation Program beyond its current pilot counties, with testimony from the California State Association of Counties and others supporting broader, data-driven home hardening assistance in high-risk communities. SB 1079 by Senator Stern would create a permanent Fire Innovation Unit within Cal Fire to identify operational needs, test new wildfire technologies, and speed deployment of successful tools; it drew broad support from fire, environmental, local government, and industry groups. SB 1020 by Senator Nilo would require annual reporting on open gubernatorial states of emergency, including spending and lessons learned, to improve legislative oversight without limiting emergency powers; the LAO provided technical assistance and the bill was framed as a transparency measure. The committee also heard SB 894 by Senator Allen, which would establish a wildfire resilience loan program modeled on the state’s Go Green financing platform to help homeowners pay for wildfire hardening and defensible space improvements. Supporters, including the State Treasurer’s office, counties, fire safety advocates, local governments, climate groups, and credit unions, said the bill would make mitigation more affordable and scalable; no opposition was presented. A consent item, SB 973, was also taken up, though the transcript does not describe its substance. All five measures were moved out of committee on due pass or do pass motions as amended to the Senate Appropriations Committee. The committee repeatedly called roll as members arrived, and each bill ultimately received unanimous support from the members present, with several votes left on call until absent members were recorded. No opposition testimony was heard on any of the bills discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Committee on Agriculture will come to order. I believe we have a quorum.
• SB 1223 by Senator Padilla. Welcome, and the floor is yours.
• The Senate Committee on Agriculture will come to order again.
• We'll go back to SB 1223 by Senator Padilla. We'll go back to SB 1223 by Senator Padilla.
• And that concludes the business of the Senate Committee on Agriculture.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum on Agriculture Day at the Capitol. One item, SB 1410 by Senator Alvarado-Gil, was pulled, leaving SB 1223 by Senator Padilla as the only bill heard. SB 1223 would require state and county fairs to use competitive bidding standards for contracts and prohibit sole-source contracting, closing what the author described as a loophole in the Public Contract Code that has allowed favoritism and noncompetitive awards at fairs. Senator Padilla and his witness, attorney John Mute, cited investigative reporting and litigation involving the San Diego and Orange County fairs as evidence of corruption and manipulated bidding processes. They argued that fair contracts are significant public expenditures and should be subject to the same transparency and competition rules as other state contracts. No opposition testimony was presented. Committee members expressed support, describing the bill as a needed correction to unclear law and a safeguard against abuse. The committee voted to move SB 1223 to the Senate Appropriations Committee; the roll call showed four votes in favor, with the bill placed on call for the absent member before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator. Mr.
• Senator Rubio, followed by Senator Becker. Senator Becker, do you want to go? Sure, thank you.
• Thank you, Senator. Senator Gomez Reyes and then Senator Rubio. Thank you.
• Oh, gosh, sorry, Senator Archuleta. Thank you, Senator. Thank you, Senator.
• Senator Senator Chaleta. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard SB 919, SB 931, SB 1215, SB 1359, SB 1125, and SB 1098, with authors and witnesses presenting each measure and the committee taking up amendments on several bills. SB 919 would extend the biomethane monetary incentive program through 2030 and encourage CPUC action on reducing renewable natural gas interconnection costs; supporters said it would help methane reduction and RNG development, while opponents warned about ratepayer costs and the use of public funds. The author said the amended bill removed the rate-basing direction and instead urged CPUC action. SB 931 would extend Diablo Canyon’s Community Impact Mitigation Program through 2030; supporters said local communities and schools rely on the funding, while opponents argued it would add about $47 million in statewide ratepayer costs and should instead be paid from existing PG&E revenues. Committee discussion focused on whether the bill was tied to a broader Diablo Canyon extension package, and the author said it was intended to cover the five-year extension period already enacted. The committee also heard SB 1215, which would direct the CPUC to set deployment targets for EV charging in multifamily housing. The author and supporters said renters are largely shut out of home charging and that existing utility pilots have been successful but insufficient; the bill’s amendments would require consideration of ratepayer benefits, non-ratepayer funding, and system constraints. SB 1359 would require utilities to more carefully justify new gas infrastructure investments and consider electrification and non-pipeline alternatives first; supporters framed it as a guardrail against stranded gas assets, while gas utilities and other opponents said it could undermine safety, the obligation to serve, and ongoing CPUC proceedings. SB 1125 would establish a statewide low-income water rate assistance program upon appropriation; supporters emphasized widespread household water debt and the lack of statewide aid, while one member raised concerns about the lack of a funding source and the limits of Proposition 218. The bill was moved and the roll was opened, with several ayes and at least one no recorded. Finally, SB 1098 would restrict the use of utility memorandum and balancing accounts by requiring exceptional circumstances, more commission review, cost-sharing or lower returns, and sunset dates. Supporters said these accounts have proliferated and allow utilities to recover costs after the fact with too little oversight, while utilities and business groups argued the accounts are needed for hard-to-forecast costs such as wildfire mitigation and emergencies, and that the CPUC already reviews them. The committee also heard brief introductory remarks on SB 1295, which would promote more targeted use of distributed batteries on the distribution grid to save money and improve reliability, with utilities and environmental groups expressing support and saying they would continue working on the details.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator, Senator. Thank you, Senator.
• Senator Cabaldon.
• Senators Arreguin, aye. Seyarto. Cabaldon. Thank you. Senators Arreguin, aye.
• Senator Chopo.
• We'll go next to Senator Caballero, then Senator Padilla.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard AB 736, the Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026, which would place a $10 billion housing bond on the ballot to fund multifamily housing, permanent supportive housing, homeownership, preservation of existing deed-restricted units, acquisition/rehabilitation of naturally affordable housing, farmworker housing, and tribal housing. The author and supporters argued the state needs major new subsidy to address homelessness and the affordable housing shortage, while many organizations and local governments testified in support. Habitat for Humanity opposed unless the bond explicitly reserved 10% for CalHome; members discussed that issue and broader negotiations over possible amendments. After quorum was established, the committee approved the bill on a do-pass motion to Senate Appropriations, with several members voting aye and the measure held on call for absent members. The committee also heard SB 1361, which would limit local governments from using SB 79 transit-oriented housing requirements as a reason to stall or condition planned transit projects. The author and supporters from LA Metro and the building trades said the bill would prevent opposition to future transit stops from undermining transit expansion, jobs, and climate goals. Several groups that had initially opposed or been neutral, including cities and housing advocates, withdrew opposition after amendments; the League of California Cities moved to no position pending review. The bill passed the committee as amended to Senate Local Government on a do-pass motion, with the roll held open for absent members. Senator Grayson presented SB 1003, creating an Infrastructure Partnership Financing Program to help local governments and developers fund infrastructure needed for infill housing, and SB 1014, requiring local agencies to provide early good-faith estimates and itemized lists of on-site and off-site improvements tied to housing projects. Supporters said both bills would improve project feasibility and reduce late-stage cost surprises; there was little opposition, though some local government representatives sought continued discussion on implementation details. Both measures were approved on do-pass motions to Senate Appropriations and held on call. The committee also took up SB 908, which streamlines permitting for energy-code-compliant window replacements and limits added aesthetic requirements, with the new-construction portion narrowed to San Francisco; it received support from housing and decarbonization groups and was moved to Appropriations on a do-pass motion, also held on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• JRS 50, joint resolution relating to weekend adjournment on April 24th of 2026, offered by Senator Baruth
• Now you've heard the reading of the resolution, and the question is: shall the Senate adopt the resolution
• Senator from Windsor.
• Senator from Chittenden. Senate Health and Welfare will meet at 10:00. Senator from Windsor.
• Senator from Washington. Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Finance will meet at 1:00.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm joined here by Senator Martin, or ranking member, as well as Senator Helming, Senator Zellnor, Senator
• Senator Martin seconded, from Senator Jackson. Any negative votes?
• Senate bill number 7933A by Senator Cooney. Next bill, please.
• Okay, Senator Martin and Senator Walsick in the negative.
• That's Senator Helming. And Senator... Got Senator Walsick in the negative.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Housing, Construction and Community Development Committee met in Albany and considered a series of housing and homeownership bills. Early actions included reporting S.852 (Homebuyer Renovation Property Tax Exemption Act) to Finance, S.955 on smart access systems to Internet and Technology, and S.7933A on registrations of residential mortgages in default. The committee also advanced S.8675, the CAREforce First-Time Homebuyers Act, after a lengthy discussion about whether the bill inappropriately targets a specific workforce; supporters said it addresses a documented shortage of human services workers and includes existing SONYMA income eligibility, while opponents raised concerns about favoring one occupation over others. The bill was reported with some members in the negative and others voting to advance without recommendation. Members then reported S.9650, which would prohibit landlords from including incorrect rent decontrol information in certain leases and standardize notices for Affordable New York Housing Program units, and S.9679, which would codify the Block-by-Block Home Ownership Program in state law. Both had prior Senate history and drew some negative or AWR votes. The committee also discussed and advanced S.9742, which would allow residential units in multiple dwellings to omit openable windows if they meet ASHRAE ventilation standards; supporters said the change is needed to facilitate office-to-residential conversions, while members raised questions about maintenance, egress, and the bill’s limited application to localities under the multiple dwelling law. Finally, the committee reported S.989, establishing the vacant rental improvement program, after noting it had previously passed the Senate and was being reintroduced. Throughout the meeting, several bills were described as reintroductions or prior Senate measures, and multiple motions were made to report bills either to Finance, the floor, or another committee, with several members voting in the negative or to advance without recommendation on selected measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing no questions, Senator Limmer moves that the provisions of Senate Concurrent Resolution Number
• Seeing no questions, Senator Limmer moves that the provisions of Senate Concurrent Resolution Number
• Seeing no questions, Senator Limmer moves that the provisions of Senate Concurrent Resolution Number
• Seeing no questions, Senator Limmer moves that the provisions of Senate Concurrent Resolution Number
• Seeing no questions, Senator Limmer moves that the provisions of Senate Concurrent Resolution Number

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have in person Senator Cleare, Senator Kavanagh, Senator Weik, and our ranking member, Senator Murray
• Motion by Senator Kavanagh. Second Senator Cleare. All in favor? Aye.
• Motion by Senator Cleare and Senator Kavanagh. All in favor?
• Senator Murray and Senator Weik are in the negative.
• Motion, Senator Murray, and second by Senator Cleare. All in favor? Aye.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Social Services Committee met on April 20 with Senators Cleare, Kavanagh, Weik, and Murray present. The committee considered five bills, all of which were reported to the calendar. Senator Kavanagh introduced S.913, which would remove the requirement that a court proceeding be initiated before someone can qualify for rent arrears grants and ongoing rental assistance; members supported it as a way to avoid unnecessary eviction proceedings. S.2022 by Senator Cooney, which exempts certain income when determining eligibility for public assistance, was also reported without objection. The committee then discussed S.5807A by Senator Sepulveda, requiring EBT-related websites and mobile apps to be available in the 12 most common non-English languages. Several members supported the language-access goal but raised concerns that the bill could distract from or delay implementation of chip technology for EBT cards and fraud prevention; Senators Murray and Weik voted no, while the bill was still reported with concerns to be conveyed to the sponsor. S.7612 by Senator Martinez, establishing statewide co-shelter toolkits, was described as helping domestic violence survivors keep pets safe and together with victims, and it was reported unanimously. Finally, S.8045 by Senator Bino, requiring the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence to provide materials on removing accounts from smart home systems, was reported unanimously. Members noted concerns about tracking devices and smart-home-related safety issues in domestic violence cases. No other actions were taken beyond motions, seconding, and reporting each bill to the calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• We begin with Senate Print 657, by Senator Harckham. Enacted by Senator D'Abel, Senator Fernandez.
• Senator Fernandez. All in favor of Senator Fernandez. All in favor.
• Bill is reported. 85-12, Senator Krueger. Enacted by Senator Harckham. All in favor of post.
• Moved by Senator Myrie, seconded by Senator Liu. Seconded by Senator Liu. Second by Senator Liu.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The committee took up several Senate bills and reported them favorably. Senate Print 657, sponsored by Senator Harckham and enacted by Senator D’Abel and Senator Fernandez, was approved and reported. Senate bill 85-12, by Senator Krueger and enacted by Senator Harckham, was also reported. Senate bill 9963, by Senator Serrano, an appropriations measure, was moved by Senator Myrie and seconded by Senator Liu, then reported to the floor. The discussion was brief and procedural, with no substantive testimony or debate recorded in the excerpt. The chair indicated that one additional item would be taken up momentarily, but no further action appears in the provided transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Motions and resolutions. Senator Gianaris. >> Good morning, Mr.
• President. >> Thank you, Senator Fahy. Senator Salazar on the resolution.
• President. >> Thank you, Senator Salazar. Senator Gounardes on the resolution.
• Senator Gianaris. >> Senator Brisport would like to open the resolution for co-sponsorship. >> The resolution
• Senator Gianaris. >> Senator Brisport would like to open the resolution for co-sponsorship. >> The resolution

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with routine formalities, approved the journal, welcomed a SkillsUSA student delegation, and then moved into budget and policy business. The chamber accepted a Rules Committee report and took up a supplemental budget extender, Senate Print 9963, which would extend state operations through April 22 and authorize $12.7 billion, including about $5.1 billion in new funding for Medicaid, payroll, and school aid. Senator O’Mara questioned the delay in the budget, the lack of public detail, and unresolved issues such as CLCPA changes, auto insurance, and SEQR reforms; the sponsor said negotiations were ongoing and that school aid would likely build on the executive budget. The extender passed 57-1, with Senator Weik voting no. The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 1887, sponsored by Senator Brisport, memorializing the Governor to proclaim April 2026 as Arab American Heritage Month. Senators Brisport, Fahy, Salazar, and Gounardes spoke in support, emphasizing Arab Americans’ cultural, civic, and economic contributions in New York and condemning anti-Arab and anti-Muslim bias. The resolution was adopted by voice vote and opened for co-sponsorship. The chamber next considered several bills on the calendar, including a bill by Senator Cleare to prohibit state-chartered financial institutions from investing in private correctional facilities. Supporters framed it as a moral response to private prisons and rising federal use of detention facilities, while opponents argued it would overregulate state-chartered banks and affect private investment decisions. The bill passed 36-22. The Senate also passed a bill by Senator Krueger raising the nonprofit lobbying disclosure threshold from $5,000 to $10,000, after debate over transparency and whether the change would reduce oversight; it passed 35-23. Finally, the Senate passed Senator May’s bill on advanced transmission technologies and utility planning, after extensive debate over ratepayer costs, battery storage, and data center growth; supporters said it could lower energy costs through more efficient grid use, while opponents said it would raise rates and duplicate existing studies. The bill passed after being restored to the non-controversial calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• Moved by Senator Skoufis, seconded by Senator Fernandez and Sanders.
• Moved by Senator Fernandez, seconded by Senator Cooney and Sanders.
• Moved by Senator Cooney, seconded by Senator Skoufis and Dado.
• Senator Helming moves the bill. Senator Helming. Move the bill.
• Senator Fernandez moves the bill. Seconded by Senator Sanders.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Insurance met and considered a long agenda of bills focused on health coverage, insurance regulation, and related consumer protections. Measures discussed included coverage for infant formula, restrictions on step therapy for serious mental health conditions, physical and occupational therapy services, outpatient substance use disorder treatment without pre-authorization, mortgage guarantee insurance, patient navigation services, specialized dental benefit plan information, firefighter medical exams, the Strength and Homes Program, accident prevention course instruction, early egg and peanut allergy coverage, speech therapy for stuttering, dog-breed-related insurance restrictions, insurer advertising requirements, prescription drug substitution during shortages, and notice of long-term care rate increases. Members also discussed the rationale for some bills, including concerns about outdated advertising rules and the importance of allergy-related coverage for children. Most bills were moved favorably, with several reported to the floor and others referred onward to the Finance Committee, Substance Use Disorder Committee, or Transportation Committee. Notable referrals included the infant formula, patient navigation, allergy coverage, stuttering therapy, and drug shortage substitution bills to Finance; the substance use disorder bill to the Substance Use Disorder Committee; and the accident prevention course bill to Transportation. Bills on mental health step therapy, mortgage guarantee insurance, specialized dental plan information, firefighter exams, dog breed restrictions, and insurer advertising requirements were reported to the floor. The committee also took recorded votes, with some members noted as without recommendation or without recusal on certain bills, and Senator Helming recorded in the negative on the long-term care rate increase notice bill. Overall, the meeting concluded with all agenda items acted on and no bill defeated outright.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to start with Senator Pappas and Senate File 4075, and I will ask Senate Counsel, Ms.
• Senator<00:04:32.360> Pratt. Senator Pratt. Senator Pratt.
• c> I<00:23:18.840> and think Senator Putnam and Senator I and think Senator Putnam and Senator
• Senator<00:23:37.720> Pratt. Senator Pratt. Senator Pratt.
• Howe<00:24:21.600> and Putnam, Senator I, Senator Howe and Putnam, Senator I, Senator Howe

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Clark. Thank you, Senator Dibble. Same Thank you, Senator Dziedzic.
• Senator Clark. Thank you, Senator Dibble. Same Thank you, Senator Dziedzic.
• Thank you, Senator Senator Clark.
• Senator<00:42:05.440> Nelson. Senator Nelson. Senator Nelson.
• Okay, Senator. Senator Johnson Stewart. Okay, Senator. Senator Johnson Stewart.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, Senate Resolution number 76 will be referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
• However, remaining under motions and resolutions, Senator Murphy for motion to designate special orders
• Members, Senate Resolution prevails.
• Members, Senate Resolution number<00:05:47.000> 76<00:05:47.680> will<00:05:47.880>
• motion resolutions, Senator Murphy for motion resolutions, Senator Murphy for motion to<00:05:57.040

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator<00:09:12.000> Pratt. Senator Pratt. Senator Pratt.
• Senator<00:14:18.160> Friends Senator Friends Senator Friends Senator<00:14:20.079> Friends
• Senator Marty: No. Senator Franzen: No. Senator Pratt: Yes. Senator Champion: No.
• Senator Draheim: Yes. Senator Howe: I. Senator Jasinski: I. Senator Johnson: Yes.
• Senator Mohamed: Yes. Senator Murphy: No. Senator Pappas: No. Senator Wiklund: No.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The transcript contains only repeated expressions of thanks and does not include any legislative discussion, bill references, testimony, motions, votes, or other committee or floor actions. No substantive meeting content is present in the provided text.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, we also have Senator Kanuha, but we lost Senator Keohokalole.
• Or state does Or Senate doesn't need.
• Senator Favela. Any NWRs are no's of the Senator Favela.
• send a draft one only excuse Senator send a draft one only excuse Senator Favela.<00:12:50.040><
• <00:13:06.600> Any Senator Favela. All members present. Any Senator Favela.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Health and Human Services Committee met on April 17, 2026, and heard testimony on several concurrent resolutions. HCR 18 would request the Department of Health to convene a hospice working group; the Department testified in opposition, saying its enforcement role created a conflict of interest and that the work exceeded its compliance-focused scope. The measure’s introducer proposed amendments to have a legislator, rather than DOH, chair the group and to remove a date restriction on hospices. The committee later recommended HCR 18 be passed with amendments. HCR 32 sought a plan to increase access to the Hawaii State Hospital for certain mentally ill criminal defendants. The Department of Health Behavioral Health Administration and the governor’s office indicated support or willingness to work on the issue, while the ACLU provided comments and OHA supported the measure. The committee recommended passage with technical amendments. HCR 35, on an audit of the social and financial effects of mandatory insurance coverage for biomarker testing, drew broad support from medical, patient advocacy, and professional organizations, and a surgical oncologist testified in favor, emphasizing the importance of biomarker testing for cancer treatment. The committee recommended passage as is. HCR 105 asked the Hawaii State Center for Nursing to compile recommended safe patient staffing ratios and maintain a repository; the Center said it had already begun the work and was happy to continue, and the committee adopted an amendment changing the focus from “ratios” to “strategies and ratios” before recommending passage. HCR 173 urged Maui Health to work with stakeholders to establish a full-time medical residency program on Maui; testimony supported the idea as a way to formalize and expand an existing informal program and improve local health care access, including maternity care. The committee recommended HCR 173 pass with technical amendments. All recommendations were adopted without objection, and the meeting adjourned.