Video & Transcript Research : 'research study'

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MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Cat declawing prohibited 3/18/26

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Now, to the bill itself with that long preamble, the research and science is clear that elective cat
  • , committed to evidence-based research, committed to evidence-based research, uh,<00:03:28.720>
  • has made it clear that the research has made it clear that elective<00:03:32.480> declawing<00
  • We have new research have new evidence.
  • They did a study for just this outlawed.
Keywords: 1183, house
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Committee on Education Policy - 02/10/25

Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • the Year research the Year research going<00:46:18.240> still<00:46:18.760> still<
  • I am a licensed social studies teacher.
  • teaching I am a licensed social studies teaching I am a licensed social studies teacher<00:50:21.240
  • ensuring a structured research-based ensuring a structured research-based approach<00:59:44.559>
  • <01:15:50.040> has remarkable at least research has remarkable at least research has consistently
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
Summary: The Minnesota Senate Education Policy Committee heard testimony on Senate File 508, a bill to restrict cell phone use in schools. Senator Mann said the proposal was based on roundtables with school districts across the state and on reports from other states, and argued that cell phones are harming student attention, mental health, classroom culture, and student-teacher relationships. She said K-8 restrictions are broadly supported, while high school policies should be more flexible, and emphasized that districts should control implementation. The bill also includes funding for education efforts around why the restrictions are being adopted and how students can use technology responsibly. Testifiers largely supported the bill or the general goal of limiting cell phone use. Dr. Anna Tyranny, a parent and licensed psychologist, said cell phones and social media can contribute to anxiety, poor concentration, cyberbullying, and inappropriate sharing, and urged a balanced approach that includes digital literacy education. St. Cloud Area Public Schools Superintendent Laori Pam and Tech High School staff member Molly Kenzie described their district’s policies, which keep phones away for the day in elementary and middle school and restrict them during class in high school. They cited U.S. Department of Education guidance, research on mental health and sleep disruption, and the need for age-appropriate, equitable, and consistently communicated policies. St. Cloud reported that its middle school policy, piloted and then expanded districtwide, led to a 50% reduction in cell phone discipline referrals and fewer classroom power struggles. The district said high school violations remain concentrated in certain grades, especially ninth and eleventh, and that it continues to address the issue through PBIS teams. No vote or final committee action on the bill was described in the transcript.
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Senate in Session Apr 9th, 2025

Florida Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • That $4 million is applied research through 40 universities.
  • Senate Bill 178, a bill entitled: An act relating to an agronomic study on emerging crops.
  • research.
  • Senate Bill 7028 revises several aspects of the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program.
  • The bill also creates a new cancer research initiative within the Bankhead-Coley program.
Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, doctor and guest introductions, and then took up Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 168, the Tristan Murphy Act, on mental health. Senator Bradley described the bill as a major criminal justice and behavioral health reform measure that would expand pretrial mental health diversion, strengthen treatment-based probation conditions, broaden grant uses for mental health and substance abuse programs, add Hillsborough County to a forensic hospital diversion pilot, require certain DOC mental health evaluations, and create a Florida Behavioral Health Data Repository. Senators from both parties spoke in strong support, emphasizing treatment over incarceration, public safety, data collection, and the Murphy family’s role in advancing the bill. The Senate passed the bill 37-0 and then approved 37 co-sponsors. The chamber then received the Senate’s 2025-26 General Appropriations Bill, SB 2500, with Chair Hooper outlining a $117.4 billion budget that he said reduces spending, preserves reserves, and includes major investments in water quality, transportation, education infrastructure, and reporting requirements. Committee chairs summarized their portions: K-12 funding at $34.7 billion with increases for FEFP, scholarships, VPK, school hardening, and school safety; higher education at $11.5 billion with workforce, nursing, reading, autism, and student aid investments; health and human services with a $1.8 billion increase for Medicaid, mental health, opioid response, disability services, and veterans programs; criminal and civil justice at $7.6 billion for corrections, juvenile justice, law enforcement, courts, and judgeships; transportation/tourism/economic development at about $18 billion including roads, housing, Visit Florida, and cultural grants; and agriculture/environment/general government with major Everglades, water quality, citrus, food bank, and agency IT funding. Members then questioned several budget items, especially education funding formulas, the shift of scholarship dollars below the line, the impact on public school districts, AP/IB and other accelerated program funding, the APD wait list, opioid settlement spending, arts grants, and the My Safe Florida Home and condo pilot programs. Chairs generally said scholarship and accelerated-program dollars were being restructured for transparency and flexibility rather than cut, that school districts would still receive funding based on enrollment, and that APD and other human services issues would continue to be worked out in conference. The budget discussion concluded with remarks praising staff and noting a 4% across-the-board pay raise for state employees and targeted increases for law enforcement and firefighters, followed by a recognition for FAMU Day at the Capitol.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-03 (9:00AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • These findings are based on research and reports you can find.
  • Does the bill shut down scientific progress and climate research? Not at all.
  • Doesn't ban legitimate climate research? Not at all.
  • It targets geoengineering nonstandard climate research programs.
  • So that is why the OPPAGA study is a better source.
Keywords: 998, house, all
AR
Transcript Highlights:
  • So we're just looking to move that to an interim study. Questions? That to an interim study.
  • There is opposition to this study.
  • the interim study.
  • We would have to do a greater in-depth study.
  • Congratulations, your study is passed. Thank you.
Summary: The committee first approved special expenses incurred by the committee, then took up interim study proposals. ISP 2025-069, sponsored by Representative Perry and presented by Representative Eaton, would move collection of sales tax on motor vehicles from the current post-purchase registration process to the point of sale at dealerships. Committee members and DFA discussed the current 60-day registration/tax payment window, possible fiscal and programming impacts on DFA, the added administrative burden on dealers, verification and audit issues, and concerns about whether the change would improve or complicate tax collection. After questions, the committee voted to send the proposal to research/interim study. The committee then considered ISP 2025-071, from Representative Ray, based on House Bill 1636, which would phase out the state excise tax on soda over five years if revenue triggers were met. Representative Ray explained the tax revenue supports the Medicaid trust fund and said the proposal was intended to continue discussion after the bill failed on the House floor in the regular session. Members asked about the annual revenue generated, the trust fund’s other revenue sources, and whether the revenue would be replaced. DFA was asked to provide additional information on how withdrawals from the Medicaid trust fund are authorized and whether the legislature has oversight. The committee then approved the proposal for interim study and adjourned.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
  • Carlos Silva, Bureau of Legislative Research.
  • Ryan Moultz, Bureau of Legislative Research. Adrienne Beck, also with the Bureau.
  • You may remember from Jasmine's introduction to the adequacy study earlier this year... ...the report
  • Secondary science, special education, and secondary social studies.
  • The first one is based on the annual studies.
Keywords: 1204, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 3/6/25

Higher Education Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:08:21.759> request so if you have a research request so if you have a research request something
  • A study by Wilder Research found that for every dollar invested in MICC, the state sees a $38 return.
  • Multiple opportunities to participate in research projects or QI projects with the fellows.
  • I'm the chief academic and research officer at Hennepin Healthcare.
  • I'm the chief academic and research officer at Hennepin Healthcare.
Keywords: 1183, house
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

WAM-HRE Informational Briefing 01-17-2025

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Who is this Institutional Research?
  • ><00:54:29.760> been so institutional research is I've been so institutional research is I've
  • done the study, right?
  • You guys paid for this study? I think that was paid for the study under the leadership of Dr.
  • warberg did a study and the study came warberg did a study and the study came out<01:43:42.520><
Keywords: 912, senate, all
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • We work with our research partners to try to figure out with the newest technology we can have.
  • The researchers said only if you do this, it will help. But what does it mean on the ground?
  • sewer conversion study.
  • This data can contribute to ongoing research.
  • The research is an excellent first step to filling in this information.
Keywords: 999, senate, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Mar 11th, 2025

Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm very thankful for the research that's been done.
  • I view what we're doing here as an epic collision between research and resources.
  • It's a great description: a collision between research and resources.
  • Those are things that were not happening years ago, based on the research.
  • Those are things that were not happening years ago, based on the research.
Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met with a quorum present and observed a moment of silence for Senator Geraldine Thompson. The committee first took up CS/SB 102, a bill by Senator Gates directing the Department of Education to develop a workforce credential program for students with autism spectrum disorder or students on a modified curriculum, in coordination with the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities and OSHA. Supporters said the bill would help autistic students gain job skills and workplace safety credentials, while an opponent argued the bill should clearly make participation voluntary, expand to other exceptional student groups, include funding, and add stronger accountability. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 166, the Administrative Efficiency in Public Schools bill by Senator Simon. The bill would reduce or remove several state mandates and give districts more flexibility on testing, teacher evaluations, contracts and certification, school board operations, instructional materials timelines, audits, facilities planning, emergency make-up days, federal fund use, and public VPK oversight. Senators asked about the impact on student proficiency, teacher evaluations, and the transfer of public VPK oversight to districts; Simon said the tests would remain but count as 30 percent of the grade, districts would retain flexibility in evaluation measures, and only public VPK would shift to districts. Public testimony was largely supportive, with some speakers praising reduced testing and local control, while one senator cautioned that Florida still has a math proficiency problem. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 296 by Senator Bradley, which would repeal the 2023 statewide mandate requiring later middle and high school start times and return the decision to local districts, while still requiring districts to inform the community about the health, safety, and academic impacts of sleep deprivation and consider later start times. Supporters argued the mandate created transportation, staffing, and scheduling problems and that local control was more practical, while opponents emphasized sleep science and the benefits of later start times for teens. Several senators discussed the tension between research and district resources, and the bill sponsor said the measure preserves the conversation about sleep while allowing local scheduling decisions. CS/SB 296 was reported favorably, and the committee then adjourned.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 26th, 2025

Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Transcript Highlights:
  • than 75% of our students receive financial aid and over 55% of our recent graduates complete their studies
  • Our commitment to serve Texas also extends to becoming a preeminent national research university.
  • This achievement places us in the top 20% of research universities in the country, far exceeding the
  • With a full share, we would receive about $70 million to enhance our research functions.
  • Strengthening our research capacity allows us to tackle Texas's biggest challenges, drive innovation,
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

HSH Public Hearing - Tue Jan 28, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST

Human Services & Homelessness

Transcript Highlights:
  • A study by Partners in Care revealed that the recidivism, or reoffending, rate for individuals in Hawaii
  • A study by Partners in Care revealed that the recidivism, or reoffending, rate for individuals in Hawaii
  • A study by Partners in Care revealed that the recidivism, or reoffending, rate for individuals in Hawaii
  • <00:19:36.080> by health and Public Safety a study by health and Public Safety a study by
  • and then issuing a report internal study and then issuing a report in<00:25:01.080> lie<00:25
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to housing, homelessness, caregiving, and tax relief. On HB 431, which appropriates funds for the CAL initiative and HHFDC, the Department of Human Services supported the bill and noted the Governor’s request for $50 million per year for HMS, the need for more permanent supportive housing, and a technical issue with establishing a special fund in session law. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions strongly supported the measure, describing it as unprecedented funding for CAL projects and linking it to goals of reducing homelessness and expanding housing inventory. Catholic Charities Hawaii, the ACLU of Hawaii, and the Reimagining Public Safety in Hawaii Coalition also supported the bill, emphasizing permanent supportive housing, diversion from jail, and public safety benefits. The chair redirected one testifier to stay on the measure when testimony drifted to another program. Written support was also noted from several organizations and agencies. The committee then heard HB 225 on squatting. DHS said it appreciated the intent and deferred to the Attorney General and task force members, while noting that outreach on public lands differs from private land, where owner consent is required. The Office of the Public Defender supported the bill and wanted a voice in finding a solution. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions also said it supported the intent, while opposition from the Kingdom of the Hawaiian Islands and support from one individual were noted. For HB 280, which would make the community outreach court permanent and appropriate funds, the Judiciary strongly supported the bill, describing the court as a mobile, community-based program serving vulnerable populations and connecting participants to services. The Office of the Public Defender also supported the measure, saying the program has helped people move off the streets and into stable housing and that permanent funding would allow expansion. Written support from the Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition was noted. The committee then moved to HB 71, creating a refundable family caregiver tax credit, where the Department of Taxation provided comments, the Executive Office on Aging and AARP Hawaii supported the measure, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised concerns about duplication with an existing dependent care credit and the lack of incentives for cost control. The committee next heard HB 753, which would increase the applicable percentage for the household and dependent care services tax credit. Support came from the Executive Office on Aging, Catholic Charities Hawaii, AARP Hawaii, and Hawaii Children’s Action Network, while the Tax Foundation again raised technical concerns about complexity and administration but noted the bill adds guardrails against abuse. No votes were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Transportation Committee Jun 24th, 2025

Joint Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Here’s our study background.
  • Here’s our study background.
  • All right, so just to move on to the research and key findings, early on in our study, we worked with
  • I think we need a study on studies. Hopefully not.
  • We have a committee on committees, so why not a study on studies?
Summary: The meeting began with introductions from members of the Joint Transportation Committee and a presentation from the Association of Washington Cities and the public works directors of Richland, Kennewick, Pasco, and West Richland. The cities described the Quad Cities region as one of the fastest-growing in the state and outlined shared transportation priorities that align with the committee’s focus on safety, multimodal access, climate resilience, and economic development. They emphasized Vision Zero efforts, complete streets, ADA accessibility, regional trail and bike/pedestrian planning, and coordinated long-range transportation and land-use planning to manage growth. The city officials also discussed major funding and delivery challenges, including rising construction costs, project phasing, pavement preservation, right-of-way acquisition, and delays caused by state and federal permitting and review processes. They highlighted regional cooperation through the Benton-Franklin Council of Governments, Good Roads, and local funding tools such as impact fees, transportation benefit districts, REET, tax increment financing, and state and federal grants. Specific projects discussed included Richland’s SR 240/Aaron Drive complete streets project and downtown connectivity work, Kennewick’s Columbia Center Boulevard improvements and rail study, Pasco’s Court/Road 68, Sylvester Street corridor, I-182 bridge/interchange work, and a new north-south bridge study, and West Richland’s SR 224 Red Mountain corridor project, which officials said was awarded under budget and is scheduled to begin construction. Committee members asked questions about sidewalk connections to schools, state-agency right-of-way timelines, apprenticeship utilization, contractor selection, and whether complete streets requirements add burdens to pavement preservation projects. The city officials said new development is generally meeting sidewalk standards, but older infill areas remain a gap; that state right-of-way transactions can take much longer than expected; that apprenticeship requirements are common but harder for smaller contractors and local labor markets; and that low-bid contracting leaves little room to screen for performance history. They also said complete streets requirements are usually manageable on major projects but can be difficult to absorb in smaller preservation work. The committee then shifted to a JTC-funded study on transit-oriented development, presented by Urban Institute researcher Yona Freemark. The study examined TOD conditions in 33 cities in Snohomish, King, Pierce, Clark, and Spokane counties near rail and bus rapid transit stations. Freemark said Washington’s housing affordability crisis is severe, especially near transit, and found that high-cost cities have seen more development near stations but also signs of gentrification and loss of affordable housing, while lower-cost cities have had less development and worsening affordability relative to income. He identified barriers including high debt costs, land costs, infrastructure costs, zoning and parking rules, and limited subsidies for affordable housing. He recommended more neighborhood infrastructure funding near stations, stronger affordable housing investment, and better use of public land, noting that HB 1491 and related legislation are already changing some local requirements.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:16:13.199> that There is also empirical research that There is also empirical research
  • > institute<00:26:43.039> showed study from the same institute showed study from the same
  • First, the CDC in that study did not include infants, although they include infants in every other study
  • When you safety studies with the CDC.
  • >> Lady from Grant. >> Lady, studies have shown that crime has >> The lady said studies have shown that
Summary: The House convened, received the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum with 89 members present, excused absent members, and suspended rules to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications. The chamber approved the prior day’s journal and received notice that the Senate had passed SB 13, 22, 46, 51, and 90 and requested concurrence. On second reading, HB 134 (sexual assault nurse examiners), HB 168 with HCS 1 (voting under the influence), and HR 7 (recognizing guiding principles of elections in Kentucky) were reported. The House also recommitted HB 258 to the Transportation Committee and took up HB 312 for third reading and passage. HB 312, relating to concealed firearms and deadly weapons, drew the bulk of the debate. The sponsor argued the bill would allow law-abiding 18- to 20-year-olds to obtain a provisional concealed carry license, saying they are adults in other respects, the Second Amendment protects their right to bear arms, and Kentucky should align with other states. Supporters framed the measure as a constitutional rights issue and cited defensive gun use statistics, while one member argued the root problem is family upbringing rather than guns. Opponents said the bill would increase risks in schools and public spaces, pointed to concerns from school district police and SROs, and cited research linking younger age groups and loosened carry laws to higher firearm violence; they also argued the bill would make communities less safe and that no one’s rights would be taken away by voting no. The sponsor said no stakeholder had expressed opposition and clarified the bill would not change where firearms are permitted. The transcript provided does not include the final vote on HB 312.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session 03-20-2026 11:30am

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • support student literacy and research support student literacy and research skills<00:17:51.720>
  • At UVA, Ariana is studying public policy and global studies to address issues like affordable housing
  • <00:20:22.560> studying At UVA, Ariana is studying studying At UVA, Ariana is studying studying
  • 00:20:23.400> policy<00:20:23.840> and<00:20:24.000> global<00:20:24.320> studies
  • public policy and global studies public policy and global studies to<00:20:25.480> address
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 30th, 2025

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • I don't know if you've had the opportunity to review that study.
  • Have you seen that study at all? I read that probably a year and a half, two years ago.
  • There are several studies.
  • So, this study took place over the interim.
  • Yes, ma'am, so there were three courses of action that we... we looked at when we did the research.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Business and Professions Committee Apr 29th, 2025

Business and Professions

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's the least invasive option for abortion care based on decades of FDA research.
  • medication abortion has been used by millions of people for a quarter of a century and decades of research
  • A new groundbreaking study from the ethics and public policy yesterday was released.
  • You know, in researching about this issue, I checked in with our Teamster apprenticeship program about
  • Ex-Senator Richard Roth, who chaired this committee on the Senate side, asked for a study a couple of
Keywords: 988, house, all
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 2/18/25

Higher Education Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:03:53.799> Grant traumatic brain injuries research Grant traumatic brain injuries research
  • <00:04:00.640> into provides funding uh for Research into provides funding uh for Research
  • This is the State Work Study Fund.
  • This is the State Work Study Fund.
  • We are currently working on a long-term study with this.
Keywords: 1183, house
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • As I mentioned, we had a very robust and comprehensive research study to get to this point.
  • <00:43:16.319> study robust and comprehensive research study robust and comprehensive research
  • the external study that we conducted. the external study that we conducted.
  • <00:58:23.440> You studed some of the case studies? You studed some of the case studies?
  • So in were a couple of the case studies.
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The subcommittee met with leaders of the First Frontier Appalachian Trail System for an update on trail development, economic impact, and funding needs. Speakers said the system has expanded from 18 to 21 counties over the past year, with interest from additional counties, about 450 miles of trails currently open, and a goal of surpassing 1,000 miles within two years. They described the project as primarily an economic development effort that is already drawing public and private investment, supporting lodging and campground businesses, and creating new enterprises such as guide services, repairs, and recovery services for ATVs. The presentation highlighted permit sales, which began on a soft-launch basis earlier in the year and are now available both physically and online. Permits cost $25 per year for in-state residents and allow riding on First Frontier trails. Officials also discussed landowner agreements, saying the standard license agreement is modeled on Hatfield-McCoy, is favorable to landowners, and can be ended with 60 days’ notice. They said the agreements, along with patrols and cleanup efforts, help address trespassing and illegal dumping while encouraging property owners to participate. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Captain Jason Sloan reported 638 hours of patrols under the memorandum of agreement since January 1 and said the partnership has focused on safety, enforcement of existing laws, emergency planning, and cleanup support. The group also cited partnerships with the National Forest, Onyx Off-Road, ARC, and Yamaha, and said a Jeep Jamboree in Lee County drew 237 registered participants, mostly from out of state. They said a GNCC race in Knox County is being pursued for spring. The authority requested $3.5 million for the next two-year budget cycle and said it needs additional staffing, including two full-time trail development coordinators and part-time office help, to keep up with growth. Members praised the project’s progress and its potential to boost tourism and regional economic development.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Financial Services Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am

Joint Committee on Financial Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • And in Massachusetts, still, and we have studies to prove it's actually worsened in the last decade,
  • And then I started researching and learning just how alarming and true these words were, specifically
  • I'm Director of Health Policy Research at Family Health here in Boston.
  • And for those who say that telehealth increases costs, a study in JAMA Internal Medicine earlier this
  • And for those who say that telehealth increases costs, a study in JAMA internal medicine earlier this
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The committee held a public hearing with testimony on several health care bills, with most of the discussion focused on primary care access, community health center reimbursement, midwifery and birth centers, telehealth, hospital-at-home, direct primary care, and trans-inclusive health care access. Chair Feeney and Chair Murphy opened by noting the large number of signups and asking testifiers to keep remarks brief because of time constraints. Legislators and witnesses repeatedly emphasized that Massachusetts’ primary care system is under strain and that federal policy changes and reimbursement gaps are worsening financial pressure on providers. On community health centers, Representative Blay, Senator Lovely, Michael Curry, Bethany Keeley, Jag Deep Trevetti, Sean Cahill, and Christina Severin all supported H. 1096/S. 711, which would require commercial insurers to pay federally qualified health centers at least the MassHealth prospective payment system rate. They argued that commercial plans currently reimburse health centers below Medicaid rates, threatening sustainability, staffing, and access, especially as federal cuts and coverage losses could increase uncompensated care. Testifiers said the bill would stabilize health centers, protect primary care access, and not cost the state money. A second major topic was H. 1117/S. 784 on sustaining birth centers and the midwifery workforce. Senator Lovely, Senator Miranda, Emily Anesta, Rebecca Orden, Catherine Rushworth, Nishira Burrill, Joel Sutherland, Rachel Blessington, Joelle Ward, and others described the 2024 maternal health omnibus as an important first step, but said birth centers and midwives still face low reimbursement, workforce shortages, and financial instability. They urged reimbursement parity, a workforce development fund, and support for freestanding birth centers, citing improved outcomes, lower C-section rates, better patient experience, and racial equity in maternal health. Several speakers shared personal birth stories and said the bill would help preserve and expand birth options in communities like Roxbury, Worcester, and the North Shore. The committee also heard support for H. 1343 on direct primary care from Dr. Garofalo, Dr. Altman, Dr. Nair, Stephanie Cameron, Dr. Haley Moke-Blessed, and others, who said current insurance rules force patients to use a separate in-network primary care doctor for referrals and sometimes prevent physicians from dispensing medications. They argued the bill would reduce delays, administrative burden, and costs while improving continuity of care. In addition, Dr. Miklides and Sue Stempeck supported H. 1141 on hospital-at-home parity, saying the model has strong outcomes and should be reimbursed at the same rate as brick-and-mortar hospital care. Heather Myers and Katrina Cook testified on telehealth and digital health equity, urging broader coverage for asynchronous care, remote monitoring, interpreter services, and digital literacy supports. SEIU Local 509 supported H. 1188/S. 681 on trans-inclusive health care access, saying it would remove arbitrary insurance barriers to gender-affirming care. No votes or committee actions were taken during the hearing.