Transcript Highlights:

• whom was heard the House bill promoting rule of law, oversight, trust, and equal constitutional treatment
• whom was referred the House bill promoting rule of law, oversight, trust, and equal constitutional treatment
• whom was referred the House bill promoting rule of law, oversight, trust, and equal constitutional treatment
• the contrary, the House bill promoting the rule of law, oversight, trust, and equal constitutional treatment
• House bill promoting the rule of law, oversight, trust, and equal constitutional treatment, House No.

Summary: The Senate took up several bills on final passage and enacted measures including retirement benefits for a former Attleboro firefighter, maintenance of private roads in Gloucester, expansion of a local board of health, and amendments to the Middleton town charter. It also adopted a series of Eagle Scout congratulatory resolutions and advanced a bill allowing Somerset to prohibit water fluoridation, a Fairhaven charter bill amended on the floor, a Boston easements/takings measure consolidated with a Senate bill, and local bills for Lancaster and Orange. The Senate additionally ordered to third reading and engrossment a bill concerning Dedham-Westwood Water District employees. The chamber approved extensions of reporting deadlines for the Committee on Labor and Workforce Development and the Committee on Transportation, after members asked how many bills were covered and the deadlines involved. The Labor extension covered 13 bills until July 30, and the Transportation extension covered 11 bills until July 31, 2026. The Senate also suspended rules to advance two public service committee reports establishing sick leave banks for Greg Pinkerton of the Department of Correction and Stephanie Rivera of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office. A motion was adopted for the Senate to adjourn in memory of Dorothy Bonfante, with a brief tribute read into the record describing her family, community involvement, and ties to Peabody and Salem. Later, the Committee on Ways and Means reported that House No. 5316, a bill titled to promote rule of law, oversight, trust, and equal constitutional treatment, ought to pass with a new text amendment. The Senate adopted a special order setting the bill for second reading on May 7, 2026, with filing deadlines and procedures for amendments, then suspended the rules and adopted the order by standing vote. The Senate finally adopted an order to meet again on Monday at 11 a.m. and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• THIS BILL REQUIRES DCF TO CREATE A TREATMENT FOSTER CARE PILOT PROGRAM THAT WILL INCREASE FAMILY LIKE
• THE TREATMENT FOSTER CARE ALSO KNOWN AS RATIONAL FOSTER CARE PLACES THE CHILD IN A FAMILY LIKE SETTING
• HOWEVER, UNLIKE TRADITIONAL FOSTER HOMES TREATMENT FOSTER PARENTS RECEIVE SPECIALIZED TRAINING TO CARE
• THE BILL ALSO REQUIRES DCF TO CONTRACT FOR A BED CAPACITY STUDY FOR RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT AND THE GAP
• ANALYSIS FOR NONRESIDENTIAL TREATMENT SERVICES FOR CHILD VICTIMS OF COMMERCIAL SEXUAL EXPLOITATION WITH

Transcript Highlights:

• Provisions of this bill would be a treatment foster care pilot program.
• The study of residential treatment capacity: DCF will conduct a study to assess our current and future
• Provisions of this bill would be a treatment foster care pilot program.
• The study of residential treatment capacity: DCF will conduct a study to assess our current and future
• needs of residential treatment beds for child victims of commercial and sexual trafficking.

Summary: The Human Services Subcommittee considered three bills and reported all of them favorably by unanimous votes. HB 355, by Rep. Jay Alvarez, would allow public K-12 schools and postsecondary institutions to purchase, use, and maintain FDA-approved emergency opioid antagonists rather than being limited to naloxone. The bill was described as giving schools more flexibility and a lower-cost option for overdose response; it received supportive public testimony and passed 18-0. HB 531, by Rep. Hanchowski, expands background screening requirements for child care facilities and programs to include certain recreational enrichment programs, and creates a statewide public awareness campaign about screening requirements. An amendment narrowed the definition of recreational enrichment programs to in-person dance, gymnastics, and martial arts lessons and conformed a statutory cross-reference; the amendment was adopted without objection. The bill then passed 18-0, with support from Florida Smart Justice Alliance and some discussion about strengthening enforcement against bad actors. HB 1127, by Rep. Weinberger, addresses child welfare by creating a treatment foster care pilot program for high-acuity children, directing DCF to study residential treatment capacity, and improving data collection on commercially sexually exploited children. The bill also includes recruitment and funding proposals for foster parents and workforce strategies for DCF. Members praised the bill’s focus on difficult cases and system gaps, public testimony was supportive, and the bill passed 18-0. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have no treatment plan for it.
• It's being treated as a crime, and people are punished rather than given treatment.
• It needs treatment. But we need oversight in order to see what's going on. My personal...
• Treatment, but we need oversight in order to see what's going on.
• The SAU is supposed to be a pro-social treatment program.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security

Summary: The hearing before the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security focused on several correction-related bills, including visitation reform, elder and medical parole, incarcerated persons’ human rights, and creation of an independent correctional oversight office. Vice Chair Christopher Worrell chaired the hearing in place of Chair Dan Cahill for much of the session and explained that the committee would first hear from incarcerated individuals remotely, then move to public testimony. The committee repeatedly enforced three-minute limits and accepted written testimony as well. Much of the testimony from incarcerated people emphasized that visitation is central to rehabilitation, family stability, and reentry, and that current DOC policies—visitor caps, pre-approval requirements, scheduling rules, dress-code enforcement, and restrictions on contact—have reduced family contact and caused harm. Several speakers argued that elderly and medically frail prisoners should be released through parole because incarceration is costly, ineffective, and inhumane for people who pose little public-safety risk. Others described poor prison conditions, limited programming, inadequate healthcare, segregation-like housing, and the impact of K2 use, suicides, and self-harm. Supporters of the oversight bill said an independent office is needed to address racial disparities, grievance failures, and lack of accountability within the DOC. A number of speakers tied their support to personal experiences, including alleged racial discrimination, denial of programs, and barriers to family visits. Some testified that rehabilitative programming, education, and restorative justice reduce violence and improve outcomes, while others said the DOC spends too little on programming and too much on punishment. Committee members asked a few follow-up questions, including about K2 contraband and how to reduce drugs in facilities, and one member asked about typical visitation lengths. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony on the bills and several witnesses urged favorable reports.

Transcript Highlights:

• If he attends treatment, there's a separate system within the DOCR that he's going into.
• So they're getting copies of the pre-sentence investigation, treatment notes, treatment information,
• And these include everything from probation, supervised mental health treatment, fines.
• It means they need rehab, treatment, support, and education.
• Just in case, since we've implemented it, participation in treatment has gone up.

Committee: Joint Judiciary Committee

Summary: The committee opened with a moment of silence honoring a deceased member, then approved the April minutes. The first major presentation was from Chelsea Florey of Child and Family Services on the Diversion Task Force and related grant programs created with one-time funding from HB 1012. She reported that five of six proposals were funded, with youth diversion services operating in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, and a Red River Children’s Advocacy Center program focused on problematic sexualized behavior. Members discussed barriers such as staffing shortages, voluntary family engagement, service fatigue, and the need for better coordination, broader outreach, and possible changes to diversion eligibility rules so low-level cases can remain in diversion longer. Several legislators pressed for more practical system changes and clearer service navigation, while Florey said the task force is trying to build a service array or hub and is leaning on the Children’s Cabinet for broader recommendations. The committee then heard from North Dakota Lottery Director Thomas Lawler, who gave an operational overview and biennium report. He described the lottery’s history, games, retailer commissions, Pick and Click subscriptions, Players Club membership, and revenue distribution. For the 2023-25 biennium, about $67 million in tickets were purchased, with roughly $16.2 million transferred overall, including money for the general fund, drug task force grants, and compulsive gambling prevention and treatment. Members asked about the compulsive gambling allocation and whether the amount is set by statute. A lengthy presentation followed from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on criminal justice data connectivity and reentry. Adam Anderson explained that North Dakota’s jail, court, HHS, and correctional systems use multiple separate databases that do not communicate in real time, requiring manual cross-checks and staff communication. He said the department is exploring a centralized hub or other integration approach, but noted challenges with identifiers, vendor contracts, confidentiality, and cost. Robin Schmolenberger then updated the committee on a Medicaid data-sharing project with HHS, saying monthly application assistance is now occurring in correctional facilities and that automated bi-directional data exchange is expected in late 2026 to help suspend and reactivate Medicaid coverage and identify former foster care youth. Members also discussed parole, probation, transitional housing, and the need for better real-time notifications and clearer data definitions. The committee also received an update from county representatives on the 24/7 sobriety program, including a recent attorney general opinion that if a court waives 24/7 fees, sheriffs may use the cheaper twice-daily breath test or urine testing instead of SCRAM bracelets or drug patches. Finally, Bruce Johnson of the Racing Commission presented on an audit report, acknowledging serious findings involving overspending from the promotion fund, grant documentation failures, a breeders fund eligibility reversal, and repeated procurement violations. He said the commission has already changed its procedures by tracking fund limits monthly, requiring grant applications and itemized reports, enforcing breeders fund rules as written, and routing purchases through procurement with written contracts. The committee asked follow-up questions throughout but took no formal votes on these presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• That person is the one who facilitates your entry into treatment or housing or getting back with your
• Gretchen Burns Bergman, Executive Director of A New Path, Parents for Addiction Treatment and Healing
• Treatment and Healing and Moms United to End the War on Drugs and strong support.
• and recovery services available that include medication-assisted treatment.
• That's so critical for the include medication-assisted treatment. That's so critical.

Committee: House Public Safety

Summary: The committee heard several public safety and criminal justice bills. AB 837 by Assembly Member Davies would add ketamine transportation to existing drug-trafficking law; supporters, including district attorneys and law enforcement groups, said the bill closes a loophole and addresses a growing public safety threat, while opponents argued increased penalties do not reduce drug supply and can discourage people from seeking help. The bill passed on a due pass as amended vote to Appropriations. AB 352 by Assembly Member Pacheco would make threats against judges and court commissioners an aggravating factor in sentencing; supporters cited rising threats to the judiciary, while opponents said existing law already covers threats and aggravating factors. The committee approved it on a due pass vote to Appropriations. AB 938 by Assembly Member Bonta would expand vacature and affirmative defense relief for survivors of human trafficking, intimate partner violence, and sexual violence, including for some violent offenses, and featured powerful testimony from survivor Susan Bustamante and vacature expert Jamie Beck. Supporters said the bill would let survivors tell their full stories and seek justice; opponents, including district attorneys and sheriffs, warned it could go too far by covering violent crimes and could affect public safety. The chair recommended an aye, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 475 by Assembly Member Wilson would make prison work assignments voluntary and was framed as part of efforts to end involuntary servitude; supporters linked it to rehabilitation and racial justice, while one member opposed it as inconsistent with accountability and the will of voters. The measure was moved on but left on call pending additional votes. AB 704 by Assembly Member Lowenthal would allow people convicted of low-level misdemeanors before age 26 to petition to seal and destroy records, with supporters emphasizing brain development and the limits of expungement in the digital age. District attorneys opposed it over Brady/discovery concerns and the destruction of records, but the chair recommended aye and it passed to Appropriations. AB 812 by Assembly Member Lowenthal would expand resentencing opportunities for incarcerated firefighters; supporters highlighted the rigor of fire camp work and rehabilitation benefits, while the district attorneys’ association opposed giving firefighters independent petition authority. Testimony on AB 812 was still underway at the end of the excerpt, and no final vote was shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> or research into small cell treatment or research into small cell treatment for<00:08:16.560><c>
• </c> they should have initiation of treatment they should have initiation of treatment which<00:18:56.480
• some of these treatments that I've described<00:24:20.120><c> in</c><00:24:20.440><c> some</c><00:24
• The primary treatment for mild to moderate hearing loss is hearing aids.
• And so, this is where the diagnostic testing dictates what type of treatment is necessary.

Summary: The Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee heard Senate Bill 6, sponsored by Senate President Robert Stivers, which would create an endowed research fund to support collaborative university research in Kentucky. Stivers described the bill as an extension of earlier higher-education research efforts, arguing that Kentucky should build research “hubs” by requiring or encouraging partnerships among universities and outside entities, with potential focus areas including health care, engineering, aerospace, agriculture, and other emerging fields. He said the proposal would establish five research tranches over five years and sought a $30 million endowment for each, generating annual interest to fund consortium-based research and leverage additional private and federal dollars. Senators Frommeyer, Neal, Givens, Boswell, and Richardson spoke in support, emphasizing economic development, job creation, and examples from other research clusters such as Boston and North Carolina’s Research Triangle. The committee voted 12-0 to report the bill favorably to the Senate floor. The committee then received a presentation from Dr. Matthew Bush of the University of Kentucky on pediatric hearing loss and cochlear implants. Bush explained that early hearing detection and intervention is critical because hearing loss in newborns is a neurocognitive emergency that affects language, literacy, and long-term outcomes. He outlined national screening benchmarks, Kentucky’s incidence of childhood hearing loss, and the high educational and societal costs of untreated hearing loss. Bush also highlighted disparities in rural and western Kentucky, where children face delayed diagnosis, longer waits for hearing aids or cochlear implants, and more difficulty accessing follow-up care. He described cochlear implants, the multidisciplinary care they require, and research showing improved language development, quality of life, and cost savings when children are treated early.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> if there's maybe a different treatment if there's maybe a different treatment that<02:42:47.800>
• </c><03:01:13.360><c> their</c> before getting the treatment their before getting the treatment their
• </c> effective treatment for our um patients. effective treatment for our um patients.
• Anybody else wish to testify on cancer treatments?
• Patients have access, quick access, to effective treatment.

Committee: Joint Labor, Health & Social Services

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> treatment altogether. treatment altogether.
• </c><00:07:36.560><c> and</c> access to nonopiid pain treatments and access to nonopiid pain treatments
• The harm goes deeper than an instance of denied or inadequate treatment.
• </c><00:30:34.159><c> It</c> denied or inadequate treatment. It denied or inadequate treatment.
• Seeking medical and treatment.

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and first moved through administrative regulations without comment. The committee then heard Senate Bill 56, sponsored by Senator Gerald Neal, which would require Medicaid and its managed care entities to treat non-opioid pain medications on equal footing with opioid analgesics by prohibiting more restrictive coverage controls, prior authorization, or step therapy for non-opioids. Neal argued the bill would improve access to safer pain treatment options and reduce the risk of opioid use disorder, and Billy O'Brien of Young People in Recovery testified in support, describing personal experiences where non-opioid options were difficult to obtain despite a desire to avoid opioids. After discussion, the bill received a motion and second and passed the committee on a 10-0 vote. The committee then took up Senate Bill 72, sponsored by Senator Don Douglas and presented with Greg Chaffin of Alliance Defending Freedom. Douglas described the bill as a provider recruitment and retention measure intended to protect health care workers from being compelled to act against their conscience and to address workforce shortages and pressure in health care settings. He said the bill would protect individual beliefs while maintaining professionalism. A large number of witnesses then testified, and the chair limited public comments to two minutes each because of the number of speakers and the controversy surrounding the bill. Most public testimony opposed SB 72. Speakers including representatives of the Kentucky Council of Churches, a psychologist, an ordained minister and nurse, a nurse practitioner, and an ACLU policy strategist argued the bill was overly broad, could allow refusals of care by a wide range of health care workers, and could delay or deny treatment, especially for vulnerable patients and in rural or emergency settings. Several cited concerns about discrimination, patient safety, and the lack of adequate protections for patients. One witness recounted the death of an 18-year-old pregnant patient as an example of the harm that can result from delayed care. The transcript ends during additional testimony on SB 72, before any committee vote or final action on that bill is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• We now have only an emergency department, same-day surgery, mental health treatment, and addiction treatment
• ,</c><00:19:32.960><c> and</c> surgery, mental health treatment, and surgery, mental health treatment
• </c> addiction treatment for men only. addiction treatment for men only.
• Person fell off a roof and they awarded me one treatment.
• </c> practice and how many treatments practice and how many treatments somebody<00:38:06.079><c> might

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Nationally, PE firms currently own and operate over one-third of methadone clinics or opioid treatment
• This is an area of bipartisan policy concern given that opioid treatment programs are the only licensed
• manifested in investments across hospitals, physician practices, nursing homes, as well as opioid treatment
• ><00:08:13.120><c> well</c><00:08:13.280><c> as</c><00:08:13.440><c> opioid</c><00:08:13.919><c> treatment
• </c> homes as well as opioid treatment homes as well as opioid treatment programs.<00:08:15.280><c> Most

Transcript Highlights:

• And when I would ask what kind of treatments they were going through, And when I would ask what kind
• of treatments they were going through, there was one grandparent that said, 'We've been here 13 days.
• But when the disease is rare, you learn that there is not enough study, not enough treatment options,
• She's completed treatment...' ...with a rare pediatric brain tumor.
• She's completed treatment and recently received a clear brain scan, and she has continued to be monitored

Committee: House Special Committee on Tourism

Transcript Highlights:

• And when I would ask what kind of treatments they were going through, And when I would ask what kind
• of treatments they were going through, there was one grandparent that said, 'We've been here 13 days.
• But when the disease is rare, you learn that there is not enough studies, not enough treatment options
• She's completed treatment and research...' ...with a rare pediatric brain tumor.
• She's completed treatment and recently received a clear brain scan, and she has continued to be monitored

Committee: House Special Committee on Tourism

Summary: The Special Committee on Tourism first met in executive session and approved House Bill 1651 by a vote of 11-0. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 1756, which would designate the first full week in September as “June’s Week” and Rare Pediatric Disease Week in Missouri. Sponsor Representative Steinmeyer described his granddaughter June’s battle with a rare pediatric brain tumor and said the bill is intended to raise awareness of rare pediatric diseases, connect families with support, and encourage media coverage and education. Several witnesses testified in support, including family members and advocates who spoke about the emotional, financial, and diagnostic challenges faced by families dealing with rare childhood illnesses; there was no opposition testimony. Committee members expressed sympathy and support, with several noting the importance of awareness and the lack of pediatric cancer research. Questions focused on why September was chosen and what activities might occur during the week; the sponsor said he wanted the designation to avoid conflict with June’s birthday and to create space for media stories and educational outreach. Supporters emphasized that the bill would not require funding, only recognition, and that it could help families feel less isolated. The committee also heard House Bill 1828, sponsored by Representative Violet, which would authorize state support for maintenance and operations at the Missouri National Veterans Memorial in Perryville when needed and subject to appropriation. The sponsor said the memorial serves veterans and families through reflection, healing, and education, and that the bill follows precedent from other memorial funding arrangements without diverting money from other Veterans Commission priorities. A memorial representative testified that the site has already received significant state-supported construction funding and that the bill would help preserve and maintain the facility. There was no opposition, and the hearing concluded with no further business and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:28.680><c> while</c><00:08:28.919><c> also</c> to support Medical Treatments while also to
• centers the opportunity to treatment centers the opportunity to incorporate<00:08:46.440><c> a</c><00
• </c><00:09:55.399><c> it</c> appropriate and effective treatments it appropriate and effective treatments
• </c><01:57:47.480><c> centers</c> the alternative treatment centers the alternative treatment centers
• </c><01:59:00.560><c> of</c> use of cannabis for the treatment of use of cannabis for the treatment of

Committee: House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have problems with delivery of treatment.
• It could be completely have nothing to do with their medical treatment.
• And they’re not going to get their medical treatment, and they’re not going to be able to get back to
• We're not asking for special treatment.
• You don't want any special treatment. You just want to have safety. That's all. Yes.

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 408 by Senator Myers, a major workers’ compensation overhaul centered on creating an all-claims medical database, requiring electronic reporting and billing, and modernizing fee schedule and claims data collection. Myers said the bill was designed to improve transparency, reduce disputes, address outliers and abuse, and help injured workers return to work faster. The committee adopted technical amendments, then considered a large amendment set combining portions of House bills 780 and 1101, which added preliminary determination procedures, fraud language, temporary total disability and supplemental earnings benefit changes, and a fallback deadline for the department to establish a fee schedule if no agreement is reached by 2029. Several members and witnesses objected that the amendments were dropped late and would turn SB 408 into an omnibus bill; supporters argued the package was the best chance for comprehensive reform. After debate, the committee adopted the amendments and reported SB 408 favorably as amended. Testimony on SB 408 was sharply divided. Supporters, including some providers and injured-worker advocates, said the bill’s core value was transparency through the database and that the system needed modernization and a better fee schedule. Opponents argued the added amendments would burden pro se claimants, expand litigation, and weaken injured workers’ rights, especially through fraud and preliminary hearing provisions. Committee members also questioned whether the combined package was germane and whether it should be allowed to move as a single reform measure. Louisiana Workforce Commission staff explained the timeline for data collection, electronic billing, dispute rules, and eventual fee schedule rulemaking, and said the department could execute the law as amended. The committee then turned to House Bill 585 by Representative Chasson, concerning workplace violence and safety plans for small-box discount retailers. The bill was revised through a substitute that required covered retailers to develop and submit a written workforce safety plan, or submit an existing plan if one already existed. Representative Glorioso raised concerns that requiring a written safety plan could create new civil liability under Louisiana’s assumption-of-duty doctrine and increase litigation and insurance costs. Chasson responded that the intent was simply to encourage safety planning and that businesses already had such plans. The committee discussed possible narrowing language, but the transcript ends before a final disposition on HB 585 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• a member of the community to have outpatient behavioral health treatment.
• Our pilot programs are two main programs: assisted outpatient treatment.
• We are seeking GROW funding for our Assisted Outpatient Treatment Program.
• The main bulk of our request is just for a treatment court position.
• Even Santa Fe cannot afford to update their treatment facility.

Transcript Highlights:

• But for this technology, we use alternative water without pre-treatment.
• So we can sell the um the acid for the well treatment.
• Uh, In close proximity of the facility, Quest has a wastewater treatment plant.
• The town of Taos, it's adjacent to a wastewater treatment plant.
• trends, you know, multiple treatment processes, can we make this water safe?

Transcript Highlights:

• that my older brother, when he was five years old, unfortunately had to undergo stage four cancer treatment
• Our family lived in the same city as our treatment, so we lived with our grandparents.
• sorry to say that there are many families because there are many children that require extensive treatment
• ...of treatment. So is $2.5 enough to get started? I'm for more.

Committee: Senate Finance and Tax

Summary: The Committee on Finance and Tax met with a quorum present and took up one bill, Senate Bill 182, the Home Away from Home Tax Credit Program. Senator Kalata explained that the bill would create a tax credit to encourage business donations supporting charitable health and hospitality homes that house families of children receiving long-term medical treatment away from home. He described the program as a way to help families avoid sleeping in cars or hospital lobbies and said it was modeled after Florida’s Strong Families Tax Credit. Senator Gates asked who could contribute and how the credit would work; the sponsor said it would apply to corporate insurance premium tax contributions and would be capped at $2.5 million. Gates noted the need was significant and said he would support the bill, though he questioned whether the cap was enough to start. No one appeared in opposition and there was no debate. The committee then voted on SB 182, and it was reported favorably. Afterward, the chair said the committee was taking a measured approach to reviewing bills with financial impacts, citing a tightening fiscal outlook and the need to consider budget effects before advancing additional proposals. With no further business, the committee moved to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:12:21.480><c> and</c> are in pain who needs this treatment and are in pain who needs this treatment
• </c> conditions for which there's a treatment conditions for which there's a treatment that<00:23:56.760
• So do you know if it's easier to get the treatment in other states?
• I would absolutely agree that treatment looks different for every person.
• </c> I would absolutely agree that treatment I would absolutely agree that treatment looks<03:19:22.279

Committee: House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Summary: The House Committee on Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs heard testimony on House Bill 606, as amended, a bill aimed at preventing physicians from denying medically necessary sterilizing or fertility-affecting treatment based on a patient’s age, number of children, marital status, or a doctor’s speculation about future reproductive intentions. Representative Ellen Reed, the sponsor, described the bill as a response to her own long experience with PCOS, heavy bleeding, and repeated refusals by doctors to perform a hysterectomy despite her clear wishes. She said the amendment narrows the bill to medically necessary care, adds definitions for “medical condition” and “appropriate reproductive care,” and removes earlier provisions about voluntary sterilization referrals. She also said the bill does not target religious objections, and that doctors could still refuse for medical, payment, or existing religious reasons not addressed by the bill. Committee members asked about religious freedom, informed consent versus waivers, and the scope of the new definitions. Reed responded that religion was not added to the list of prohibited reasons for denial, and that the amendment is intended to protect doctors when patients sign informed consent or waivers. She explained that “appropriate reproductive care” includes procedures such as hysterectomy, oophorectomy, orchiectomy, salpingectomy, and endometrial ablation, and that the bill now focuses on medically necessary treatment rather than elective sterilization. She said the change was intended to make the proposal narrower and more tailored after earlier concerns. Several witnesses supported the bill with personal accounts of being denied hysterectomies or other procedures despite serious symptoms. Representative Lauren Selig described a decade-long effort to obtain a hysterectomy after years of cycle problems and migraines, saying doctors dismissed her concerns and treated her symptoms as normal. Jade Flad also testified in support, saying she had long been told to simply endure her cycle problems and noted that her husband was offered a vasectomy without similar barriers. The sponsor said online support was strong and that there was little or no written opposition testimony. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> to be a person in need of treatment." to be a person in need of treatment."
• c> people</c><00:10:27.320><c> have</c> treatment elsewhere, and people have treatment elsewhere, and
• </c> a person in need of further treatment. a person in need of further treatment.
• , but who, if such adequate treatment, but who, if such treatment<00:10:46.560><c> is</c><00:10:46.800
• In other words, need of treatment.