Transcript Highlights:

• It can be as simple as a blood test, but then sometimes if your levels aren't super high, they'll do
• And this is kind of designed— that blood test is so simple.
• On the other hand, it's very easy because the blood test is very accurate. It's widely available.
• It's a relatively inexpensive single blood test.
• My request was initially dismissed, and I was told the blood test was not accurate and that it was likely

Bills: H5013, H5087, H5115, S2928

Keywords: celiac disease, gluten intolerance, autoimmune disorder, pediatric screening, child health, public health, screening pilot, early detection, 12-year-olds, cholesterol screening, lipid screening, health care providers, Department of Public Health, patient advocacy, family support, Massachusetts, preventive care, diagnostic screening, nutrition, gastroenterology

Transcript Highlights:

• When you think about lead testing, we've had a lot of conversation about increasing the rates of blood
• When you think about lead testing, we've had a lot of conversation about increasing the rates of blood
• But as we're getting that screening back to where it... of blood lead testing especially of of of blood
• Do you have figures for the number of children that has been tested with high blood levels of lead in
• They get a little blood spot on their heel. They also have their hearing tested.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Division III work session focused on the Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Public Health Services budget. Department staff said Public Health has a relatively small budget compared with other DHHS divisions, is supported mostly by federal and other non-General funds, and contains nearly 100 accounting units and more than 50 federal grants. They emphasized that the governor’s budget did not include significant cuts, but that federal funding uncertainty and the winding down of pandemic-era resources were major factors affecting the division. The division also explained that some apparent budget growth reflects reorganizations, including moving the Bureau of Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery and some programs from other DHHS divisions into Public Health. The presentation described Public Health’s mission as serving the entire state through food and water safety, disease surveillance, emergency response, maternal and child health, chronic disease prevention, WIC, community health center support, and public health data collection. Members asked about bird flu, and staff explained that human-health response would involve Public Health’s lab, infectious disease, and emergency preparedness units, while animal-health issues are handled with the Department of Agriculture; they also noted ongoing milk testing requested by FDA and USDA. The division said its organizational structure includes bureaus for Family Health and Nutrition, Infectious Disease Control, Public Health Protection, Emergency Preparedness, Prevention and Wellness, Statistics and Informatics, and Public Health Laboratories, with about a 15% vacancy rate. Committee members questioned whether the division’s budget and staffing had really grown since pre-COVID, and staff responded that full-time authorized staffing is about the same as in 2018, with the increase largely due to federal pandemic funding that has since receded and to program transfers between divisions. They said Public Health’s General Fund share is about $24 million out of roughly $1.1 billion in DHHS General Fund spending, or about 2.2% of the department total. Members also asked about the 3,000-position cap and unfunded positions; staff explained that the cap remains in chapter law through June 30, 2025, that 394 positions were unfunded in the governor’s budget, and that the division expects flexibility to move money from personnel lines and fill unfunded positions to manage changing needs. No votes or formal actions were taken in this portion of the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some judicial circuits work... ...the attestation that testing is necessary.
• And just to be clear, they’re already drawing blood and they’re already testing them.
• There should be no delays in the blood draws because the delay only jeopardizes the...
• test.
• The blood has already been taken, the test is already done; it’s just a matter of giving us that information

Summary: The committee heard a series of domestic security and law enforcement presentations from the Florida Sheriffs Association, Florida Police Chiefs Association, Florida Highway Patrol, and FDLE. Sheriff Rob Hardwick outlined the sheriffs’ legislative priorities, focusing on adding xylazine to Florida’s trafficking statute and increasing penalties for luring or enticing a child under 12 from a misdemeanor to a felony. He also discussed domestic security coordination, fusion center intelligence sharing, and jail-based reentry efforts. Members asked about xylazine prevalence in Broward County and whether canine units can detect it; Hardwick said he would follow up with data and noted that dogs are not specifically trained for xylazine, though fentanyl-certified dogs may alert on mixtures. Chief Charlie Vasquez of the Florida Police Chiefs Association presented three priorities: stronger protections for law enforcement, judges, prosecutors, public defenders, and their families when threatened because of their jobs; faster and more consistent access to blood-borne pathogen testing results after exposure incidents; and mandatory life without release for anyone convicted of murdering a police or correctional officer, reviving a version of the Jason Raynor Act. Senators asked about delays in blood testing after exposure, and Vasquez said officers can be forced to take prophylactic medication while waiting for results and that the process should be streamlined. Florida Highway Patrol Director Dave Kerner described FHP’s domestic security role, including criminal interdiction, canine units, traffic homicide investigations, aviation, drones, border operations, and responses to threats such as human smuggling and the October 7-related security posture at synagogues and campuses. He said staffing remains constrained by vacancies and pay disparities, so he was not seeking more authorized troopers at this time. FDLE Deputy Commissioner David Binder then reviewed the state’s domestic security structure, fusion centers, critical infrastructure assessments, and grant funding, warning that federal homeland security dollars have declined sharply while threats remain high. He highlighted work on drone mitigation, radiological detection, vehicle barriers, and school security assessments, and emphasized the need for continued interagency coordination. The committee took no formal votes and adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• He just didn't have a way to test for it and didn't know to. way to test for it and didn't know to test
• Testing to me is you kill, you test every deer that's killed by hunters.
• But everywhere they've tested between 0.5 and 1% test tested between 0.5 and 1% test positive.
• Eight of them tested killed 100 deer. Eight of them tested positive. About 0.7% tested positive.
• Testing started in the west, and it started testing coming this way.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And certain specialists will want to make sure they're testing their blood sugars.
• And certain specialists will want to make sure they're testing their blood sugars.
• To make sure they're testing their blood sugars. But that requires a prior auth.
• test for biogenic markers versus my, you know, fecal occult blood was our go-to on my exams, right?
• You always did the fecal occult blood test any time you had an opportunity.

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• test is my understanding.
• And these lab tests, the lab tests that exist today will still exist tomorrow and after this bill's been
• Blood pressure drops, blood sugar stabilizes, weight decreases, energy increases, and medication needs
• And a very quick story: I was donating blood or giving blood, and the nurse asked me what bills I was
• Blood centers such as the Community Blood Center of Kansas City, where I live, have a continuous need

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House first established a quorum, welcomed special guests, and then took up House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1855, a reporting bill on Alpha-Gal syndrome. The bill sponsor described Alpha-Gal as a serious tick-borne condition causing delayed allergic reactions and argued Missouri should track it through mandatory lab reporting to the Department of Health and Senior Services, with aggregated annual reporting to the CDC. Supporters said the measure would improve surveillance, identify hotspots, guide public health outreach, and help rural and agricultural communities that are heavily affected. An amendment changing the department’s follow-up language from “may” to “shall” was adopted after members said it would ensure accountability if the legislature funds the work. A second amendment seeking patient consent before reporting was debated at length over privacy and data concerns but failed 41-85, 10 present. The underlying bill then passed perfection and printing. The House next considered House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2230 and 2978, a school policy bill focused on reducing K-5 screen time and encouraging handwriting and cursive instruction. The sponsor said the measure was revised to be less prescriptive, instead requiring school districts to review screen-time policies and creating a state-level “focus group” of educators, parents, and health professionals to study the issue and make recommendations. Supporters argued excessive screen use is linked to weaker literacy, behavior, and mental health outcomes, while some members raised concerns about technology use for special education students and English language learners. An amendment was adopted to exclude the virtual school program from the bill. The House then adopted the substitute and ordered it perfected and printed. Finally, the House took up House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2355, the “Food is Medicine” initiative. The sponsor said the bill would let Missouri use federal 1115 waiver funds for pilot programs that provide medically tailored meals, produce prescriptions, nutrition counseling, and related nutrition supports for health care purposes. Supporters said the program could improve health outcomes, reduce Medicaid spending, and help address food deserts, while one amendment added vitamin therapies and updated a date in the bill. Members discussed concerns about supplement quality and the scope of covered therapies, but the bill advanced after the amendment debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am also hearing about an emerging technology that is more in line with a blood test, and I'm not pretending
• I am also hearing about an emerging technology that is more in line with a blood test, and I'm not pretending
• I am also hearing about an emerging technology that is more in line with a blood test, and I'm not pretending
• I am also hearing about an emerging technology that is more in line with a blood test, and I'm not pretending
• </c><00:09:25.560><c> test,</c> in line with a blood test, in line with a blood test, and<00:09:26.880

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is what I think has—I hate giving them my blood, but I have to give them.
• And this is what I think has—I hate giving them my blood, but I have to give them.
• And this is what I think has—I hate giving them my blood, but I have to give them.
• And this is what I think has—I hate giving them my blood, but I have to give them.
• And this is what I think has—I hate giving them my blood, but I have to give them.

Bills: HB161, HB146, HB289, HB290, HB31, HB146, HB289, HB290, HB31

Keywords: consumer protection, app store, age verification, parental consent, data protection, minors, HB146, ivermectin, pharmacist, standing order, prescription drug, non-patient-specific order, dispensing, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, licensed health care provider, pharmacy board, medical licensure, disciplinary action, drug access

Transcript Highlights:

• And it is illegal for somebody to possess a test kit to test for that.
• When a patient has a blood sugar high and they go to their doctor, the blood pressure goes up and says
• , and my blood pressure is high, the blood sugar is high, the doctor doesn't say, 'Hey, I don't want
• It increases blood pressure and blood sugar.
• It increases blood pressure and blood sugar.

Summary: The meeting focused on Missouri’s substance use prevention and treatment system, with repeated emphasis on recovery support services, peer support, recovery housing, transportation, and harm reduction. Dan Haniken of Into Action described his own recovery from addiction and incarceration and argued that treatment alone is not enough; he urged greater investment in recovery housing, peer support, employment, and community-based supports that help people stay sober and avoid relapse. Members asked about funding sources, program capacity, referrals, treatment court, transportation, and how Into Action supports people on medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Haniken said the organization is funded through a mix of federal, state, county, city, foundation, and private donations, and that housing and transportation remain major barriers, especially because support is often funded for too short a period compared with the longer time people need to stabilize. Matt Cushman of the Raytown Fire Protection District gave a strong endorsement of harm reduction, including naloxone distribution, syringe service programs, and broader decriminalization of harm reduction tools. He argued that stigma is a major barrier to care and that Missouri should expand access to clean needles, test strips, and other services, while also improving access to MAT in jails and communities. Committee members questioned the evidence base, the role of faith-based providers, and whether safe consumption sites should be pursued; Cushman said syringe exchange decriminalization should be the immediate priority, while safe consumption sites are a longer-term issue. He also described community paramedicine and mobile integrated health as valuable but funding-dependent, and said naloxone distribution is improving but still uneven, especially in rural and minority communities. Representatives from Central Ozarks Medical Center and Four Rivers Community Health Center highlighted the importance of peer support specialists, community health workers, care coordinators, and wraparound services in rural health centers. COMC’s Morgan McClure and Monet Lehman described a jail reentry program in Pulaski County, with Lehman sharing her trauma and recovery story and explaining how she helps incarcerated people prepare for release with housing, employment, benefits, transportation, and treatment connections. Four Rivers’ Devon Polarys and Cassandra Trout said their CEO would change Missouri policy to allow FQHCs to receive reimbursement for peer support and community health worker services similar to CCBHCs, arguing that these roles are essential for addressing barriers like transportation, housing, food insecurity, and insurance. Members discussed confusion over reimbursement rules, the differences between FQHCs and CCBHCs, and the need for better funding and clearer policy for peer and community health worker services. No votes were taken; the discussion ended with a suggestion to bring in a subject matter expert on community health workers for a future session.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is SB 890, on improving screen for in treatment of blood clots.
• you, including in the definition of a blood caught?
• I'm the volunteer president of the National Blood Clot Alliance. Also Blood clot survivor.
• An additional 900,000 people get a blood clot in 2 years time.
• A history of no blood clots or or paper or tested positive for factor 5 Leiden.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Who here likes getting their blood drawn? No takers? Oh, okay.
• And it's just because all we need to do is get those people tested.
• It was blood thinners.
• So we're talking something analogous to the GeneSight test. Yes? The GeneSight test.
• and do the different things in testing that you need to find a cure.

Bills: SB1786

Keywords: artificial intelligence, content verification, provenance data, transparency, digital content, 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also talks about warrants for misdemeanors in blood.
• The bill also talks about warrants for misdemeanors in blood.
• , refuses chemical tests, ...refuses field sobriety tests, refuses chemical tests, and we cannot go forward
• This ...on a DUI or a refusal to submit to testing suspension.
• So by chance, you refuse to submit to a breath test.

Summary: The committee heard and approved several bills. CS for CS for CS SB 138, Trenton’s Law, would broaden DUI and boating-under-the-influence laws to cover any impairing substance, increase penalties for refusal to submit to breath or urine testing, allow blood warrants in misdemeanor DUI/BUI cases, enhance penalties for DUI with death or vehicular homicide involving prior convictions, and authorize DUI diversion programs. Supporters included law enforcement and prosecutors, who said the bill addresses gaps involving over-the-counter drugs and refusal cases; the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers raised concerns about the breadth of the “any impairing substance” language and record consequences for first refusals. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably SB 400, which removes the repeal date from Florida’s Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children, and CS for SB 102, which creates a workforce credentialing program for exceptional student education students, especially those with autism, to earn badges for job skills and safety-related competencies. SB 102 drew questions about fiscal impact and teacher training, with supporters emphasizing workforce readiness and parent involvement while some members raised concerns about costs and implementation. SB 130, which updates compensation for wrongfully incarcerated people found factually innocent, was also reported favorably after supporters argued Florida’s current law is too restrictive and too few exonerees have been compensated. The committee then approved CS for CS for SB 296, which repeals the statewide mandate for later middle and high school start times and returns the decision to local districts, while requiring districts to document their analysis of sleep, safety, transportation, and other impacts. An amendment added a reporting requirement to show how districts considered later start times and any unintended consequences. The bill drew broad support from school officials and education groups, with members noting transportation and extracurricular challenges. Finally, SB 234, dealing with criminal offenses against law enforcement officers, was reported favorably after debate over whether the bill should retain “good faith” language and how it would affect defenses and officer accountability. The committee also passed CS for SB 274, designating a portion of International Drive as Harris Rosen Way and adding a memorial designation for the late Senator Geraldine Thompson near the Wells Built Museum; members praised both honorees and the bill was reported favorably. The committee adjourned after recording one member’s request to be shown voting yes on the first bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 2166 by Parker relates to the testing of voting tabulation equipment to State Affairs.

Bills: SCR8, SCR24, SCR25, SB1, SB65, SB315, SB371, SB372, SB379, SB400, SB402, SB406, SB427, SB487, SB502, SB509, SB535, SB610, SB707, SB740, SB761, SB840, SB875, SB893, SB918, SB925, SB965, SB987, SB990, SB995, SB1006, SB1018, SB1073, SB1106, SB1121, SB1194, SB1253, SB1300, SB1343, SB1362, SB1379, SB1447, SB1532, SB1555, SJR36, SJR12, SJR57, SCR25, SCR22, SCR12, SCR24, SCR8, SB565, SB372, SB765, SB62, SB666, SB707, SB888, SB687, SB847, SB1248, SB740, SB14, SB1006, SB504, SB925, SB1121, SB995, SB857, SB305, SB296, SB284, SB815, SB1379, SB1300, SB1497, SB1499, SB1498, SB65, SB241, SB304, SB402, SB621, SB1023, SB1024, SB1106, SB686, SB112, SB371, SB204, SB400, SB609, SB1447, SB670, SB502, SB427, SB850, SB854, SB413, SB1555, SB1362, SB1346, SB1033, SB1220, SB1073, SB810, SB987, SB1539, SB893, SB447, SB875, SB406, SB509, SB985, SB965, SB1119, SB1505, SB24, SB1194, SB1253, SB1215, SB1532, SB1302, SB856, SB650, SB583, SB673, SB840, SB213, SB681, SB1172, SB1252, SB378, SB610, SB918, SB1343, SB608, SB487, SB955, SB957, SB988, SB990, SB1019, SB1021, SB1120, SB251, SB958, SB535, SB761, SB1, SB541, SB315, SB379, SB1018, SB1737, SB266, SB1415, SB1527, SB125, SB599, SB1330, SB53, SB916, SB896, SB1352, SB973, SB785, SB710, SB472, SB1450, SB1502, SB1566, SB414, SB1062, SB1547, SB961, SB1038, SB513, SB578, SB711, SB746, SB942, SB1404, SB1448, SB1738, SB108, SB8, SB318, SB507, SB533, SB689, SB1026, SB1349, SB1355, SB1433, SB1434, SB1596, SB1403, SB1198, SB1146, SB763, SB667

Keywords: central bank digital currency, CBDC, Federal Reserve, digital dollar, digital currency, cashless payments, financial privacy, cybersecurity, government surveillance, financial surveillance, money laundering, terrorism financing, illicit finance, banking policy, monetary policy, payments system, commercial banks, Texas Legislature, concurrent resolution, federal reserve digital currency

Transcript Highlights:

• , uh, testing, uh, when it's a fatal, uh, situation or a serious, uh, physical injury.
• , uh, testing, uh, when it's a fatal, uh, situation or a serious, uh, physical injury.
• , uh, testing, uh, when it's a fatal, uh, situation or a serious, uh, physical injury.
• The law enforcement officer shall request a warrant from the judge in order to have a blood testing when
• testing uh when it's a fa fatal uh testing uh when it's a fa fatal uh situation<00:02:31.680><c> or</

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Roll Call: 00:04 HB 168 Discussion: 01:20 HB 168 Voting: 05:12, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They can't even draw the blood.
• Just to do a blood test is over $1,000 to try to detect any of the cancers or any of this PFAS in your
• blood.
• So SRG put two test wells out in the plant, out on people's property, to test the groundwater and found
• Would you agree that they should be watched, monitored, given frequent blood testing?

Summary: The committee first met in executive session on House Joint Resolution 173 and 174, which would put a tax-reform proposal before voters. Members debated a failed amendment to change the ballot language, with supporters saying it would more honestly describe the measure as a tax replacement that could expand sales taxes, and opponents saying it would be misleading and overly restrictive. The committee then adopted a House committee substitute that clarified the proposal, including a phased reduction in the individual income tax tied to revenue growth, and voted the substitute do pass by a 7-3 roll call. The committee next took up House Bills 321 and 2531 under a new committee substitute. The substitute made a series of technical and policy changes involving redevelopment, tax increment financing, public safety funding, Missouri Opportunity Zones, baseline revenue calculations, and local property tax diversion, including reducing one diversion requirement from 50% to 25%. Members and the sponsor described the changes as clarifying agency roles and addressing constitutional and administrative concerns. The committee adopted the substitute and then voted the combined bill do pass by a 9-0-1 vote. In public hearing, House Bill 3230 by Rep. Hardwick would bar cities and counties from outright banning modular or qualified manufactured homes in areas where single-family homes are allowed, while still allowing reasonable safety, zoning, and compatibility standards. The sponsor and supporters from the Missouri Manufactured Housing Association argued the bill would expand affordable housing and prevent discriminatory local restrictions; the Missouri Municipal League said it supported the goal but wanted more work on language to preserve local flexibility. The committee also heard House Bill 2888 by Rep. Deal, which would limit standalone medical-monitoring claims without present physical injury. The sponsor and a civil justice coalition supporter said the bill would align Missouri law with court precedent and require an actual injury, while opponents and affected residents argued it would block needed monitoring for exposure to PFAS and other contaminants and could leave exposed communities without a remedy.

Transcript Highlights:

• California is at the forefront of medical technology, and in 2024, the FDA approved the first blood tests
• In 2024, the FDA approved the first blood tests for people at average risk for colon cancer.
• test, a simple part of a blood panel that you can take.
• test, a simple part of a blood panel that you can take. and I love it when California part of a blood
• With treatment, with testing, and being proactive, those numbers are going down.

Summary: The Assembly met after a quorum call and brief procedural business, including approval of the prior day’s journal, suspension of certain rules for guest introductions, and moving AB 568 to the inactive file. The chamber then recognized several visiting groups, including a fourth-grade class from Marigold Elementary School, representatives of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses and its Royal Court, and students from the University of California Students Association on lobby day. The main floor actions centered on two resolutions. ACR 147 by Assembly Member Lackey designated March 9, 2026 as California Special Olympics Day. Members from both parties spoke in strong support, sharing personal connections to Special Olympics and praising its impact on athletes, families, and volunteers. The resolution received 70 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 89 by Assembly Member Patterson declared March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Speakers emphasized rising colorectal cancer rates among younger adults, the importance of screening, and new testing options including blood tests. The resolution also received 70 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote. After the resolutions, Assembly Member Rodriguez offered an adjournment in memory of Bob Yuloa of Chino, a Navy veteran and longtime community servant. The Assembly then announced upcoming committee and floor session dates and adjourned until Thursday, March 12 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• screening test, which is done right when the baby's born.
• Um, it also tests for hearing loss.
• :49.079><c> how</c> lot before about genetic testing and how lot before about genetic testing and how
• </c><00:53:55.079><c> for</c> right when the baby's born it tests for right when the baby's born it tests
• for hearing loss these um are also tests for hearing loss these um are tested<00:54:12.599><c> approved

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• tests, absolutely, but for a breath test, they're going to treat it as a search incidental to arrest
• tests, absolutely, but for a breath test, they're going to treat it as a search incidental to arrest
• tests, absolutely, but for a breath test, they're going to treat it as a search incidental to arrest
• </c><00:58:00.079><c> tests</c> that uh warrants for blood tests that uh warrants for blood tests absolutely
• </c> actually submit to a a breath test. actually submit to a a breath test.

Bills: HB1694, HB1695, HB1986, HB1797, HB1879, HB2034

Keywords: sustainable aviation fuel, tax credit, greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, Hawaii, economic development, carbon footprint, aviation sector, renewable fuels, local production, energy resilience, agricultural innovation, job creation, clean fuel standard, alternative fuels, carbon intensity, emission reduction, greenhouse gases, transportation, autonomous vehicles

Summary: The committee opened by explaining hearing procedures, including a two-minute oral testimony limit and that decision-making would follow after testimony. It then took up SB 20008, which would set 55 mph as the maximum speed limit on all parts of the DKI/Saddle Road highway. The bill’s introducer described it as a response to safety concerns and noted prior public opposition when the speed limit was lowered from 60 mph; the Hawaii Police Department was listed in opposition, while DOT and several individuals testified in support. No vote was taken during the portion provided. The committee next heard SB 20009, requiring new plates/tags or emblems for used motor vehicles transferred between private individuals, and SB 2026, which would require drivers approaching stationary vehicles on the shoulder or roadside to slow down and, if necessary, change lanes. The Attorney General supported SB 2026 but recommended narrowing and clarifying the language by removing references to shoulder/roadside, collision or mechanical problem, and other limiting definitions so the duty would apply more broadly and be easier to enforce; AAA and OMA also supported the measure. Members discussed the practical need for a mandatory move-over rule, especially for roadside workers and tow operators, and the committee heard concerns about enforceability on two-lane roads and in accident scenes. SB 2053 was then heard, authorizing electronic signatures on supporting documents used to transfer ownership of total-loss vehicles to insurers without notarization and requiring insurers to indemnify the finance director for claims arising from those electronic title issuances. The Hawaii Insurers Council, Copart, the City and County of Honolulu, and others supported the bill, with Copart describing it as a modernization that would reduce delays for total-loss settlements; technical amendments were requested. The committee also heard SB 2172, which would allow all-terrain vehicles to operate at night if equipped with lights and a slow-moving vehicle emblem, adjust helmet requirements, define utility terrain vehicles, and include ATVs in motor vehicle insurance law. DOT said it could support the bill only if limited to low-speed areas, and the insurance industry warned it could create a new insurance scheme; the City and County of Honolulu opposed while the Hawaii Farm Bureau and an individual supported. Finally, SB 2253 was introduced to expand first-degree negligent injury to include injuries negligently inflicted by intoxicated drivers, with DOT, county prosecutors, and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office in support; Honolulu prosecutors said they would oppose a proposed amendment because they wanted the language to preserve the offense as a lesser included offense tied to negligent homicide.

Transcript Highlights:

• She did a DNA test. And so, please, come one, come all.
• Blood donations: they do blood drives and collect blood, almost four and a half million blood donations
• Blood donations: they do blood drives and collect blood, almost four and a half million blood donations
• Blood donations: they do blood drives and collect blood, almost four and a half million blood donations
• ONE THAT WILL TEST YOUR COURAGE, YOUR CHARACTER AND COMMITMENT TO ONE ANOTHER.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the prior journal and took up motions and resolutions. Senator Gianaris moved to reconsider and restore Senate Print 3179A, an Environmental Conservation Law bill, to the third reading calendar, and amendments were also received on Senate Print 8491. The chamber then considered and adopted Resolution 1716, designating March 2026 as Greek History Month in New York, with remarks from several senators about Greek heritage, Greek independence, immigration, and the contributions of Greek Americans. The Senate also adopted Resolution 1607, proclaiming March 2026 as American Red Cross Month, with extensive testimony praising Red Cross disaster relief, blood donation, preparedness work, and volunteers; several senators highlighted local volunteers and urged greater support for the organization, including budget resources. The Senate welcomed guests, including Red Cross representatives and students from Brooklyn, and later opened the resolutions for co-sponsorship. The chamber then moved through the calendar and passed multiple bills, including measures affecting mental hygiene, elder law, penal law, public authorities, labor, public service, correction, education, election law, alcoholic beverage control, and state administrative procedure. Most bills passed by wide margins, though some drew recorded opposition, including the public authorities bill and several election, public service, and correction measures. Senator Ramos explained her support for the labor bill as a workplace dignity and anti-bullying measure, and Senator Ryan explained his support for the small-business regulatory website bill as a way to simplify access to agency rules and guidance. Senator Skoufis’s Public Health Law bill was also recalled from the Assembly, restored to the third reading calendar, and amended. The Senate then adjourned until Thursday, March 12 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you have a test kit, that test kit is likely to have a biological aspect, put a drop of blood on it
• Another area would be genetic testing, and so that would be Illumina.
• And then, as I mentioned, 80% of it. also eliminates a lot of redundant testing.
• So if you go and get your blood drawn, those types of tests fall into the clinical pathology branch,
• TMS is very well tested to be safe.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Biotechnology and Medical Technology held a hearing on California’s medical technology landscape, with opening remarks emphasizing the state’s large life sciences sector and the committee’s interest in understanding MedTech’s economic and policy impacts. The first panel featured Greg Thiel of the Biomedical Manufacturing Network and John Wagner of AdvaMed, who distinguished MedTech from biopharma as more hardware- and manufacturing-oriented, with shorter development cycles, more incremental innovation, and a broader base of middle-skill jobs tied to local supply chains, community colleges, and manufacturing space. They highlighted California clusters in places like Fremont, Irvine, Carlsbad, and Silicon Valley, and cited examples such as Penumbra and Varying Medical Systems to illustrate the importance of infrastructure, land use, and reshoring. Wagner also outlined the FDA’s device classification system and argued that medical devices, including AI-enabled devices, are already heavily regulated federally and should generally be exempt from broader state rules that could create a patchwork of requirements. Committee members asked about cybersecurity, AI, workforce development, supply chain disruptions, trade competitiveness, and the effects of federal NIH funding cuts. The witnesses said cybersecurity is part of FDA review, though they did not have all details on hand, and stressed that AI in MedTech is used in diagnosis, monitoring, treatment, and operational efficiency under FDA oversight. They said California should focus on workforce training in AI, robotics maintenance, quality control, and manufacturing, while also rebuilding local supply chains as reliance on overseas components becomes less reliable and more expensive. Members also raised concerns about the loss of the state R&D tax credit and whether California is losing startups to other states; the witnesses said the lack of incentives and high regulatory costs can push companies elsewhere, and that MedTech is less dependent than biopharma on NIH-style nondilutive funding but still benefits from supportive policy. The panel also discussed FemTech as a growing and active area for acquisition and investment. A second panel included Dr. Rob Monroe of Lyca Biosystems, Emily Sams of Intuitive, Ida Garakhani Good of Saravia Neurosciences, and Lucas Springer of Newman. Monroe described digital pathology as a way to digitize glass slides, improve access to subspecialty review, reduce diagnostic delays and errors, and enable AI-assisted analysis, while noting adoption remains low because of infrastructure costs and lack of reimbursement. Sams described Intuitive’s robotic-assisted surgery systems, including da Vinci and the Ion bronchoscopy platform, emphasizing that the technology is surgeon-controlled, improves precision and recovery, and is supported by extensive clinical evidence; she said AI and machine learning are being integrated to improve outcomes and workflow, but clinicians remain in the loop. Good presented Saravia’s MRI-guided transcranial magnetic stimulation approach for dementia, arguing that MedTech’s biggest challenge is the “translational” gap between promising science and market adoption; she urged the state to create a direct, non-dilutive translational fund to help early-stage companies bridge prototype-to-clinic milestones. Springer, speaking for Newman, said California’s ecosystem is ideal for R&D but too difficult for manufacturing because of permitting, zoning, and regulatory complexity, and he called for streamlined permitting and incentives to keep advanced manufacturing jobs in-state. Committee members again pressed on the R&D tax credit, advanced manufacturing incentives, and whether AI could replace human review; witnesses said AI should augment, not replace, trained professionals, and that pathologists and clinicians remain responsible for final decisions.