Video & Transcript Research : 'driving while intoxicated'

Page 99 of 500
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • So while I am accepting the amendments that are outlined in the committee analysis, I know we also share
  • Our community does not have the luxury of decades to let the site's future play out in slow motion while
  • And so looking at the market forces that are driving the decision-making is what is going to drive what
  • This is not going to drive up costs for consumers.
  • While the state is responsible for managing this land, it lacks legal authority through the High-Speed
Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard SB 1259, which would require refineries to provide advance closure and remediation planning information, and SB 1425, which would authorize the High-Speed Rail Authority to create a permit process for encroachments in its right of way. The committee also held an informational hearing on California electricity reliability and the future of the Strategic Reliability Reserve. The chair opened by noting the hearing room change, testimony limits, and that the committee would proceed without a quorum at first, then later established quorum for votes. On SB 1259, Senator Blake Spear argued the bill would give communities and state agencies needed information to plan for refinery closures, cleanup, and land reuse, comparing the requirement to estate planning. Supporters, including Benicia City Councilmember Carrie Birdseye and UC Santa Barbara professor Ranjit Schmook, said the bill would help communities facing refinery closures avoid being left without information and better prepare for redevelopment and remediation. Opponents, including the Western States Petroleum Association, the State Building and Construction Trades Council, and business groups, argued the bill could send negative market signals, create conflicts with federal reporting, and potentially accelerate refinery closures. The committee passed SB 1259 on a 7-3 vote, later reopening the roll and recording additional votes before moving it out as amended to Appropriations. On SB 1425, Senator Cortese and sponsor Robert Pearsall said the bill would help the High-Speed Rail Authority manage utility, broadband, drainage, and vegetation encroachments along the project corridor and reduce delays. Labor and construction groups supported the measure as a way to add certainty and speed project delivery. Utilities and local agencies, including LADWP, Southern California Gas, Southern California Edison, PG&E, and others, opposed unless amended, saying the bill needed clearer language on emergencies, existing agreements, and potential impacts on their own rights of way and service obligations. After discussion about emergency language and utility coordination, the committee passed SB 1425 as amended to Appropriations on a 10-3 vote. In the oversight hearing, CEC, CPUC, CAISO, and DWR officials reported that California’s summer reliability outlook is better than in prior years, with substantial new procurement, storage, and demand-response resources added since 2020. They said the state is projected to meet its summer reliability standard and has not needed a flex alert for three straight years, but cautioned that extreme heat, fire, hydro conditions, and federal policy uncertainty still pose risks. Officials emphasized that the current Strategic Reliability Reserve remains important as a backstop, while longer-term planning must address rising demand from electrification and data centers and the eventual retirement of emergency resources.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Committee on Taxes - 04/09/25

Taxes

Transcript Highlights:
  • We do this while continuing to deliver trusted local content free of charge to Minnesotans every day.
  • We do this while continuing to deliver trusted local content free of charge to Minnesotans every day.
  • While the goal of holding large 3197.
  • While the goal of holding large tech<00:22:53.200> platforms<00:22:53.760> accountable<
  • While the intent may be to Minnesota.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
TX

Texas 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) May 15th, 2025

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • At 16, the state of Texas trusts us to drive and to work.
  • It took a while, but we got five.
  • It took a while, but we got five.
  • While I was busy not graduating, I was...
  • All right, and while our panels are getting seated...
Summary: The committee took up House Bill 186, which would require social media platforms to verify users are 18 or older before allowing account creation. Invited witnesses in support, including Mary Elizabeth Castle and David Dunmoyer, argued the bill would protect children from harmful algorithms, addictive design, bullying, sexual exploitation, and mental health harms, and emphasized parental rights and the idea that minors should not enter binding contracts with platforms. Committee members questioned them about how algorithms work, whether parents could realistically monitor content, and whether the bill would still allow educational use; the witnesses said the bill was narrowly aimed at harmful social media use and not educational content. Public testimony on HB 186 was largely in opposition, though several student witnesses said they supported the bill’s goals but wanted the age lowered to 16 or the bill amended to allow parental consent or joint accounts. Opponents argued the bill would be ineffective because teens could bypass age checks, would cut off access to educational tools, school communications, recruiting and NIL opportunities, and would burden free speech and privacy. Some witnesses also said social media helps teens with mental health, community, and creative or professional opportunities, while others warned the bill could disproportionately harm disabled and marginalized users. After public testimony closed, HB 186 was left pending. The committee then heard House Bill 5138, which Chairman Hughes said would respond to a court ruling limiting the Attorney General’s authority to prosecute election crimes unless invited by local prosecutors by changing the statute to require AG prosecution. Public testimony on HB 5138 was brief and opposed by at least one witness who argued it would further erode local control and expand state preemption. The bill was left pending after testimony. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 3225, a library bill aimed at keeping sexually explicit books and materials out of children’s sections in municipal libraries and requiring age verification for checkout, including digital access, with parental consent and other revisions added in the House. Supporters said the bill would protect children from explicit material and keep such content in adult sections, while opponents argued it would amount to censorship, be costly and difficult to implement, and could be used to target LGBTQ+ or other marginalized content. Library workers, parents, students, and advocates testified that existing library sections already separate age-appropriate materials and that the bill could reduce access to books, burden libraries, and infringe on parental choice and free expression.
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-24 (10:00AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Here are some examples that also drive this need.
  • Here are some examples that also drive this need.
  • Activity while on duty.
  • So I've tried to do aggressive, careless driving over the last couple years, but I like to drive fast
  • But, and I like to drive fast, not as fast as Oz good, but I like to drive fast too.
Summary: The Senate convened with opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions and introductions, including guests from Miami Northwestern Senior High School, Clay County, and a moment of silence for Pope Francis. The chamber then took up a motion to reconsider the prior day’s failed vote on CS for SB 1080 (local government land regulation), which was adopted without objection, and moved into the special order calendar. A series of bills were debated and mostly passed, often after substituting House companions. Measures approved included funding for expedited DNA testing grants, additional aggravating factors in capital cases, fertility preservation coverage for cancer patients, commuter rail indemnification, migrant vessel disposition, specialty license plates, an Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness campaign, relocation of the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys to Florida Memorial University, charter school changes, sexual offender registration updates, utility worker assault/battery penalties, juvenile justice revisions, student mental health outcome reporting, foster home licensure transfers, water access facilities, Florida Virtual School changes, school readiness resources for children with disabilities, sexual images/child exploitation penalties, tampering with electronic monitoring devices, certified recovery residences, the FSU Election Law Center, the Office of Faith and Community, and bonuses for county tax collector/property appraiser employees. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on social media use by minors, veterans’ nursing homes, Parkinson’s disease, mental health and substance use disorders, education, educator preparation, benefits for certain officers injured in the line of duty, school social workers, and brownfields. Debate centered on public safety, health care access, education, recovery housing, and government administration. Some of the most substantive discussion came on the Office of Faith and Community bill, where an amendment to bar political activity by office staff was offered and defeated after extended debate over election-related communications and the proper scope of existing ethics laws. The certified recovery residences bill also drew extensive support and testimony about addiction recovery and housing stability. Most bills passed on strong bipartisan votes, with a few receiving notable opposition, including the charter schools bill, the aggravating factors bill, and the Office of Faith and Community bill.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Capital Investment Committee 3/3/26

Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:
  • c> uh Uh while we're waiting, uh Uh while we're waiting, uh Representative<00:02:13.440> Scraba
  • <00:31:50.080> people all of these things happen while people all of these things happen while
  • the power of their public money to drive the power of their public money to drive uh<00:49:17.200
  • I think states have the power, though, to drive this market. has really increased.
  • And with that, members, we are adjourned. capital here while um while you're capital here while um while
Keywords: 1183, house
Summary: The meeting was a PFAS-focused hearing of the Capital Investment Committee, with members informally discussing the scale of PFAS cleanup costs, possible Minnesota-made removal technology, and even committee birthday treats before the testimony began. No formal votes or motions were taken in the portion provided. The chair also noted the committee was waiting on a computer/cable issue before starting the presentation. The main testimony came from Sandy Wyn, co-chair of the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network, who described how PFAS contamination affected her Michigan community. She recounted that her private well tested at extremely high PFAS levels after a state visit, linked the contamination to Wolverine Worldwide’s historic dumping practices, and said the pollution spread through groundwater and municipal systems. She emphasized that PFAS are widespread in consumer products, firefighting foam, wastewater biosolids, and agriculture, and argued that the chemicals’ persistence makes them difficult to manage once released. Wyn said PFAS exposure is associated with health problems including cholesterol issues, liver and thyroid damage, kidney cancer, low birth weight, and reduced vaccine response in children. She told members she had her own blood tested, later developed thyroid cancer, and said a local child had very high PFAS levels and vaccine complications. Members asked for supporting studies, and she referenced the C8 study and other research. She urged stronger product restrictions, labeling, blood and water testing support, caution around biosolids, and continued efforts to reduce PFAS use, while acknowledging some limited uses may still be necessary in critical applications like military firefighting foam or medical devices.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, December 2, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • getting<03:22:36.800> while special interests while getting while special interests while
  • while inflation soared over 20%. while inflation soared over 20%.
  • you're driving up their health care costs and driving them out of business.
  • you're driving up their health care costs and driving them out of business.
  • you're driving up their health care costs and driving them out of business.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • your video off while waiting to testify. your video off while waiting to testify.
  • the meeting if disconnected while the meeting if disconnected while presenting<00:15:27.279>
  • So despite the tax credits, it will not drive agriculture, and it may not even drive production within
  • <00:44:44.240> agriculture credits, it will not drive agriculture credits, it will not drive
  • Knowing weren't available to drive me.
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1694, which would create a sustainable aviation fuel tax credit, and HB 1695, which would expand the state’s renewable fuels production tax credit. For HB 1694, supporters from the airlines, renewable fuels industry, business groups, and some environmental and youth representatives said sustainable aviation fuel is a practical near-term way to cut emissions in aviation, a hard-to-decarbonize sector, and argued the credit would send a market signal, support local production, and help meet state climate goals. Opponents, including Energy Justice Network and a taxpayer-focused testifier, argued the bill could subsidize expensive fuels that may not be truly clean, could duplicate benefits available under other tax provisions, and should not support transpacific aviation or technologies they said are unproven or harmful. The Department of Taxation stood on written testimony, and the chair later asked that all verbal testimony on remaining bills be limited to one minute because of time constraints. HB 1695 drew similar support and opposition, but focused more broadly on renewable fuels for transportation, trucking, shipping, and other sectors. Supporters, including the Hawaii State Energy Office, airlines, PAR Hawaii, the Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition, Pacific Biodiesel, and the RNG Coalition, said the bill would help scale local fuel production, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support jobs and agriculture, and advance the state’s climate and energy goals. Several supporters emphasized that the credit would help build a local industry and that life-cycle accounting should be used to measure emissions benefits. Opponents repeated concerns that some biofuels and waste-based fuels may not be climate-beneficial, may rely on flawed modeling, and could create costly infrastructure that would need to be replaced later. No votes or final committee action were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • And while faculty leaders, Only one faculty trustee sits on the board.
  • While enrollment growth rightfully remains a high priority for the state and the CSU, we also have a
  • While enrollment gradually declined, moving... ...the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • What is driving these numbers to be so different?
  • All of this while giving executives raises while continuing to say that there is no money.
Summary: The joint Assembly Higher Education and Budget Subcommittee hearing focused on the future of the California State University system, with opening remarks emphasizing CSU’s major role in California’s economy, workforce, and degree production. Chairs and members said the hearing was intended to inform 2026 budget decisions and to examine three main issues: declining enrollment at some campuses, cost controls and possible consolidation, and oversight of recent state investments at campuses such as Humboldt and Sonoma. The meeting was briefly delayed by microphone and sound problems before reconvening. The first panel featured CSU Academic Senate Chair Dr. Elizabeth Boyd and Cal State Student Association Vice President Katie Karam. Boyd urged the Legislature to protect academic freedom, strengthen faculty governance, provide stable ongoing funding, end unfunded mandates, support student food and housing security, fund flexible course schedules, improve transfer systems such as ASSIST, avoid over-centralizing academic programs, protect immigrant students, and expand intersegmental collaboration. Karam said students are feeling the effects of budget shortfalls through fewer course sections, reduced advising and services, longer time to degree, and tuition pressure, and she called for transparency, meaningful student involvement in budget decisions, and sustained state investment rather than cuts that harm the student experience. The second panel covered enrollment management and included CSU Chancellor’s Office and campus administrators from Chico State, Cal State L.A., and San Diego State. Dr. Delcy Perez said CSU Forward and the new systemwide enrollment plan are aimed at expanding access, aligning programs with workforce needs, and increasing resident enrollment; she reported systemwide enrollment gains and strong application numbers, including a direct-admissions pilot that expanded from Riverside to more campuses. Campus representatives described local recruitment and retention strategies, including early outreach to high school students, community college partnerships, guaranteed admission programs, and expanded advising and student support. San Diego State highlighted record enrollment and high demand, while Cal State L.A. described efforts to recover from impaction and rebuild enrollment. Members pressed CSU officials on the accuracy of enrollment data, the gap between funded targets and actual enrollment, and the system’s reallocation formula. CSU staff explained that campuses below target will see a 5% ongoing reallocation beginning in 2026-27, with one-time reserve funding also being directed to campuses that can grow, and that fiscal health reviews have been completed for 21 of 22 campuses. Legislators also asked about turnaround plans required by the budget act; CSU said those plans are being developed and will be shared in the spring after campus consultation. No formal votes were taken.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 4/1/25

Higher Education Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Meanwhile, while you're the minutes.
  • <00:03:46.720> also likely to find employment while also likely to find employment while also
  • <00:14:14.160> state investments to be driving state investments to be driving state workforce
  • While of higher education in Minnesota.
  • Um, it is just been around for a while.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Our food banks do a great job of doing food drives, canned goods, dry goods, that sort of thing.
  • So for a while we were doing steaks or sausage and all that kind of stuff.
  • So these are deer that they're harvesting healthy deer while hunting and submitting those.
  • That's why it's driving that.
  • I'd have to stare at a calendar for a while to try to figure that out.
Keywords: 965, house, all
Summary: The meeting began with roll call, adoption of the agenda, and approval of the prior minutes. The main presentation was from Julie Grenwald of Louisiana Hunters for the Hungry, who described the nonprofit’s protein donation programs, including freezer clean-out days, deer and fish processing partnerships, and a paused feral hog donation program that had collected about 3,500 hogs and 137,000 pounds of pork before funding ran short. She said the group has donated roughly 300,000 pounds of protein over two years, works with food banks and local agencies, and is protected under Louisiana’s Good Samaritan Law. Members asked about processor locations, exotic species, signage, sponsorships, and whether the program could expand to other invasive species or mobile drop-off options; Grenwald said expansion is possible if processors and funding are available. The task force then received a Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries update from Jonathan Bordelon on chronic wasting disease testing. He reported more than 2,800 samples collected and over 2,300 results returned, with nine positives total: eight in Tensas Parish and one confirmed in Concordia Parish on Richard K. Yancey WMA, which triggered preparation of an emergency declaration and future rulemaking to adjust the control area. He said harvest and sampling remain near record levels, most samples are voluntary, and the agency continues to monitor symptomatic deer reports and public submissions. The final major presentation was from William McKinley of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, who gave a detailed overview of Mississippi’s CWD response. He said Mississippi has 529 detections across 18 counties, with prevalence rising from about one in 500 samples to about one in 80 statewide, and much higher in some counties. He described Mississippi’s surveillance system, targeted tags within three miles of positives, environmental sampling, feeder bans in CWD zones, and research showing contamination at feeders and in scrapes. He also discussed possible multiple strains, including one linked to the Wisconsin whitetail strain and another around Vicksburg/Issaquena, and said the disease appears to be expanding about 3.5 miles per year. Members asked about high-fence enclosures, live deer movement restrictions, baiting and feeding rules, hunter participation, and whether Louisiana should develop similar environmental testing capacity; no votes were taken on these issues, but members discussed possible future legislative or budget action.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • And today, it is helping drive our future.
  • You're supporting a mother going back to school while raising her children.
  • The real stuff beneath the surface that drives us to do the work that we do.
  • While he was minority leader for a short time, he did make an impact on me. He was a good listener.
  • While he was minority leader for a short time, he did make an impact on me.
Summary: The House opened with roll call, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions and introductions, including Deer Creek students, Skiatook Chamber members, Sand Springs youth leaders, and international visitors studying U.S. energy policy. The chamber also honored the Nurse of the Day, Marla Lyceum, and heard a lengthy farewell speech from Minority Leader Munson reflecting on her service, constituent work, leadership, and bipartisan relationships. Members then took up several special presentations and resolutions, including HCR 1024 recognizing Route 66 Day and its economic importance, HCR 1022 honoring National Lineman Appreciation Day, and a citation for Langston University Day at the Capitol. The House also recognized Deputy Kenton Blumenthal as Oklahoma’s 2025 Officer of the Year for heroic actions during a dangerous pursuit. Later, the House introduced the pages of the week. On legislation, the House passed SB 1122 on ad valorem tax, which supporters said would equalize tax treatment for broadband infrastructure and promote business fairness, over some concern about tax policy and revenue impacts. The chamber also passed HB 4029, HB 4063, HB 4073, HB 4078, and SB 1936, with emergency clauses adopted on the first four. HB 4063, which referred two previously approved state questions to a special August election, drew extended debate over ballot timing, turnout, and whether combining the questions was appropriate; it ultimately passed and the special election referral was approved. SB 1936, which elevates falsely impersonating a law enforcement officer to a D1 felony, passed unanimously.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/04/2026 - House Government

Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • I know it was a long drive, and tell my wife that I was at work and you saw me.
  • I know it was a long drive, and tell my wife that I was at work and you saw me, okay?
  • over arrest, this bill will keep people working, keep families together, and protect public safety while
  • driving downtown Globe when the floodwaters came and swept them into the waterways.
  • I want to thank all of you who took the time to drive up here today in the Phoenix traffic.
Keywords: 1182, all
Summary: The committee first heard HB 2825, which would replace criminal court enforcement for unpaid court debts and incarceration costs with a civil collection framework, eliminating arrest warrants and contempt for nonpayment while preserving the underlying financial obligations. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would reduce cycles of poverty and keep people working. The committee adopted the Blackman amendment, which bars a defendant from setting aside a second default judgment entered within one year of a prior default judgment, and then gave HB 2825 a 7-0 do pass recommendation. The committee then took up HB 2070, an emergency appropriation of $25 million from the state general fund to the Arizona Department of Administration for Gila County flood relief. County supervisors, mayors, a town council member, emergency management staff, and other local officials described severe flooding in Globe, Miami, and surrounding areas, including deaths, destroyed homes and businesses, debris, sediment, damaged roads and utilities, and the need for matching funds to access federal and other grants. Members discussed FEMA denials, federal reimbursement delays, and the difficulty of completing required projects within short timelines. HB 2070 was approved 7-0. The committee also approved HB 2129, which moves the deadline for municipal library trustees’ annual reports from the first Monday in July to the second Monday in July, with supporters saying the change helps smaller and rural libraries after the July 4 holiday. HB 2439, exempting public and semi-public cold plunges from ADEQ water pollution rules, also received a do pass recommendation after testimony that the current rules create confusion and unnecessary costs for businesses. HB 2773, barring Arizona and its entities from assisting the International Criminal Court or using public resources to support ICC enforcement actions, passed 4-3 after debate over sovereignty and constitutional authority. HB 2873, requiring ADOA to share procurement Q&A with all bidders, and HB 2876, requiring topics from executive session and proposed tax or fee increases to be placed on an action agenda, both received do pass recommendations after transparency-focused testimony and some concerns about implementation and municipal practice. Finally, the committee heard HCR 2005, a proposed constitutional amendment requiring the legislature to adjourn sine die by April 30 each year and submit that question to voters. The sponsor argued Arizona sessions have grown too long and that a firm deadline would force earlier, more efficient work while still allowing a special session if the budget is unfinished. Members debated whether the proposal would improve discipline or instead create problems for the budget process, member pay, and legislative workload, with some suggesting a broader conversation about full-time versus part-time legislatures. The resolution was advanced with a do pass recommendation.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, June 4, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:10:21.519> Americans not stand by silently while Americans not stand by silently while
  • This is personal in New Mexico. addiction programs while they literally addiction programs while they
  • And while we have worked to help it.
  • <04:39:04.799> While heal. But let's not kid ourselves. While heal.
  • > gutting recovery while simultaneously gutting recovery while simultaneously gutting the<04:39
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Transportation May 1st, 2025

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • there is no designated overweight corridor between the two bridges, and the trucks cannot legally drive
  • Some try driving illegally to the port in far.
  • The program was designed to expedite freight, international trade while improving roadway safety.
  • While growing up in Nebraska. I had very limited exposure to the Korean culture, customs, and food.
  • This is the bill we heard previously relating to driver driving safety on.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Transportation May 1st, 2025

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • Some try driving illegally to the port and Far Bridge.
  • Allowing overweight trucks leaving the port of Harlingen to legally drive to the Far International Bridge
  • Simply put, this is smart infrastructure that leverages the emerging cultural identity to drive local
  • It was read concerning the driving safety and motorcycle operator training course.
  • Okay, this is the bill we heard previously relating to driving safety on a widget.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • You're supporting a mother going back to school while raising her children.
  • You're supporting a mother going back to school while raising her children.
  • The real stuff beneath the surface that drives us to do the work that we do.
  • While he was minority leader for a short time, he did make an impact on me.
  • representing, excuse me, while respecting or representing if you'd like each other.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 2/25/25

Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • And so I guess one of the things that I'm struggling with is, so I worked in energy for a while.
  • <00:36:16.040> I talk about it again and um I while I talk about it again and um I while I
  • <00:36:39.599> I into that bucket and so while I into that bucket and so while I appreciate
  • high and steady capacity values while high and steady capacity values while wind<01:03:42.240>
  • <01:07:33.119> and know make sure that we're driving and know make sure that we're driving
Keywords: 1183, house
NJ

New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

Assembly Appropriations Jun 8th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • …in state and local taxes, while contributing another $26 million to support local charities.
  • Transition might ease the pain for a while, but it will never be an adequate solution.
  • We pray while we're there, and we pray after we leave.
  • My name is Jennifer Williams, and while I'm not here in my official capacity, I have...
  • The supply is being held to drive the rents higher, right?
Keywords: 1146, all
CO

Colorado 2026 Regular Session

Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 063 Mar 18th, 2026

Colorado Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I have to drive 40 miles to take the test.
  • By the time I drive there, take the test, and drive back home. So I urge full support of 017.
  • there, take the test, and time I drive there, take the test, and and<01:22:07.040> drive<01:22
  • <01:22:07.840> So and drive back home. So and drive back home.
  • Some of them have to drive a long ways to get it.
Keywords: 981, all
Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, approved the March 16, 2026 journal, and received a series of committee and House messages. Committee reports included favorable action on House Bill 1136, confirmation recommendations for several appointments, and referrals of Senate Bill 68 and House Bill 1009 to Appropriations, House Bill 1185 to the Committee of the Whole, and a Juvenile Parole Board appointment to the consent calendar. The chamber also received notice of multiple House bills and amended Senate bills returned from the House and revisor. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to a tribute memorializing the Fort Logan All Veterans Honor Guard, with senators and guests speaking about the group’s volunteer service and the significance of military funeral honors. The Senate adopted Senate Joint Memorial 003 honoring former Senator Mary Ann Tebedo/Thibodeau, with a roll call vote of 32-0 and a moment of silence afterward. The chamber also laid over Senate Resolution 005 on Single Parent Day and House Joint Resolution 1023 on Latino/Latina Advocacy Day. On third reading and final passage, the Senate passed House Bill 1042 on dry needling by occupational therapists and Senate Bill 126 on out-of-state teacher licensure by unanimous votes, House Bill 1103 on legal processes for certain vulnerable populations by a 34-0 vote, and House Bill 1017 on insurer restitution through the criminal restitution process by a 22-12 vote. House Bill 1038 on county commissioner redistricting and Senate Bill 66 on compounded weight loss medications were laid over. The Senate also granted leave for the Joint Budget Committee to meet while the Senate was in session. In Committee of the Whole, members considered a consent calendar including House Bill 1142, Senate Bill 60 on youth athlete mental health training, Senate Bill 35 on traffic violation penalties, House Bill 1031 on protection for Colorado agricultural products, and Senate Bill 105 on county executive officers’ disclosures and removal mechanisms. The committee adopted the reports and advanced Senate Bill 60, Senate Bill 35, and Senate Bill 105 as amended, and House Bill 1142 and House Bill 1031 on second reading. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 62 on rodent control products, where sponsors described the bill as narrowing restrictions on second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides to protect children, pets, wildlife, and ecosystems while preserving agricultural and pest-control uses; the committee report was adopted and discussion continued on the bill.
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:
  • PBMs exist to drive down costs.
  • PBMs exist to drive down costs.
  • PBMs exist to drive down costs.
  • While we are here, while there are several PBM-related bills, Welcome. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
  • While we are here, while there are several PBM-related bills, While we are here, there are several PBM-related
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The committee held a lengthy hearing on a large docket of pharmacy and drug-pricing bills, with most testimony focused on PBM reform, 340B drug discount program protections, specialty medication access, and medication adherence. Chair James Murphy and Senator Paul Feeney opened the hearing and took testimony from legislators, patient advocates, pharmacists, health center leaders, industry representatives, and policy groups. Several speakers described delays, denials, high out-of-pocket costs, and pharmacy closures tied to PBM practices, while others emphasized the importance of community health centers and independent pharmacies in serving patients. On the 340B program, supporters including Senator Eldridge, Senator Payano, Community Care Cooperative, Fenway Health, the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, and several community health center leaders argued that bills such as H. 1107 and S. 819 would stop discriminatory PBM and manufacturer practices, preserve contract pharmacy access, and protect safety-net providers that say they reinvest savings into care, pharmacy expansion, interpreter services, behavioral health, and other services. Opponents including PhRMA, the Community Liver Alliance, and a public policy analyst argued the program lacks transparency and accountability, has grown beyond its original purpose, and may benefit large hospitals and for-profit entities more than low-income patients. They urged more reporting and oversight rather than expanding protections. On PBM reform, testimony supported bills including H. 1157, H. 1234, S. 724, S. 831, and related measures that would require rebate pass-through, ban spread pricing, limit steering to PBM-owned pharmacies, and improve reimbursement for community pharmacies. Independent pharmacists and patients said current PBM practices raise costs, create administrative burdens, and threaten access to local pharmacies. PCMA, representing PBMs, opposed the reforms, arguing PBMs lower costs, that plan sponsors choose to contract with them, and that the Health Policy Commission and CHIA should complete their ongoing study before new mandates are adopted. The committee also heard support for H. 1322 and S. 734 on specialty medications, and for H. 781 and H. 1305 on medication synchronization to improve adherence. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.