Video & Transcript Research : 'research study'
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NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/22/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- oftentimes have to do further research oftentimes have to do further research with<00:54:36.160>
- Um, that is all supported by research done by Penn State University and also other research done out
- So, in research done out of Canada.
- if I can find the the different studies if I can find the the different studies that<03:42:16.000
- 41.600>
that <04:02:41.840>they researched and found out that they researched and found
Summary:
The hearing focused primarily on House Bill 1087 and House Bill 123, both related to firearms. HB 1087 was introduced as a Second Amendment measure, but after questions from the chair and discussion with law enforcement, the sponsor agreed it should be set aside and referred to a study committee for further review, rather than advanced as written. The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association testified in opposition to the bill as written, while also indicating support for the sponsor’s proposed amendment or a study approach.
The bulk of the discussion centered on HB 123, which would require the return of firearms after a not guilty verdict or dismissal. The sponsor and several members described the bill’s purpose as speeding up the return of property, but law enforcement and judicial branch witnesses raised concerns about federal law, the need to ensure a person is still legally eligible to possess firearms, and the bill’s 24-hour return requirement. Witnesses from the State Police and judicial branch explained the current process, including background checks through the state police gun line, and said the existing procedure already aims to return firearms promptly while allowing time to verify disqualifying information.
Members and witnesses discussed possible amendments, including removing language that would bar background checks and instead tying return of firearms to completion of the check within a set time frame. Judicial branch and State Police witnesses said a process that requires a background check and return within a reasonable period, with notice if there is a delay or denial, would better address safety and legal concerns. The hearing ended without a vote; the committee closed the public hearing and indicated it would continue working on the language before executive session.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE Feb 18th, 2026
ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- A lot of that is still being studied.
- A lot of that is still being studied.
- Being studied.
- All right, and when you say additional research, are you auditing...
- All right, and when you say additional research, are you auditing claims or...? Yes, sir.
Summary:
The State Insurance Programs Oversight Subcommittee met to review and approve several Employee Benefits Division (EBD) and pharmacy formulary actions. Grant Wallace, director of EBD and the Office of Property Risk, presented a $280,000 Boston Consulting Group contract to help develop the third-party administration RFP, and the committee approved it. The committee also approved the December 2025, January 2026, and February 2026 pharmacy formulary recommendations, along with February 2026 medical drug recommendations.
The formulary changes focused on removing prior authorization for injectable migraine CGRPs, replacing a discontinued capsule with a tablet, updating items for FDA guidance, and leaving some drugs not covered when lower-cost alternatives or insufficient efficacy data existed. For February 2026, EBD recommended removing Skyrizi and Renvoke in favor of lower-cost biosimilars and other alternatives, re-tiering several drugs to encourage generics, adding an anti-seizure medication developed by the Department of Defense, and adding a subcutaneous version of Keytruda for faster administration. The medical drug list similarly shifted toward biosimilars and aligned coverage for Skyrizi and Renvoke across pharmacy and medical settings.
Members raised broader questions about the impact of new pharmaceutical discount programs such as Trump RX and Mark Cuban Cost Plus, as well as concerns about PBM compliance and whether Navitus might be violating state law or paying affiliate pharmacies more than independent pharmacies. Wallace said the new programs and their effects were still being studied, that EBD was working with Navitus to evaluate pricing opportunities, and that Navitus had said it was in compliance with Rule 118, though additional research and auditing were underway. All items were approved by voice vote, and the meeting adjourned after no further business.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Transportation Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- The studies have shown, and we can submit those studies to the committee, that in other states, using
- Where the studies have shown, and we can submit those studies to the committee, in other states, using
- Where the studies have shown, and we can submit those studies to the committee, in other states, using
- I don't know, but I'm going to, we're going to do some research on that.
- Studies showed in that instance that there was a 62% reduction in excess speeding.
Summary:
The hearing focused on a broad package of traffic and roadway safety bills, with repeated emphasis on work zone safety, the Move Over law, automated enforcement, and protections for pedestrians, cyclists, and roadside workers. MassDOT Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver strongly supported a bill allowing MassDOT vehicles to use blue flashing lights in limited work-zone settings, arguing that blue lights reliably slow drivers and could help address a rise in work-zone crashes and fatalities. District Attorney Marion Ryan, State Police representatives, and police association leaders supported a separate Move Over bill that would raise penalties for repeat violations and add an education component, citing officers and workers killed or injured roadside and saying the goal is deterrence and safer driver behavior rather than revenue.
A major portion of the hearing was devoted to automated enforcement bills for speed and red-light violations, including proposals for school zones, work zones, and broader local options. Senator Brownsberger and Senator Jalen argued that automated enforcement is needed because speeding and red-light running remain common while police traffic enforcement has declined, and they described the bills as civil, opt-in tools that issue tickets to vehicles rather than drivers. Supporters from WalkMass, T4MA, Safe Roads Alliance, MassBike, Medford officials, and other advocates cited fatal pedestrian crashes, neighborhood speeding, and the need to protect vulnerable road users, while also pointing to privacy and equity safeguards in the bills such as limits on photographs, data retention rules, public reporting, and local approval processes.
Several local and advocacy witnesses backed targeted camera programs. Senator Lovely and Representative Cruz supported a Salem school-zone camera bill, describing repeated violations around schools and buses. Medford officials and school-safety advocates supported a similar statewide camera bill, citing recent pedestrian deaths and dangerous cut-through traffic. AAA Northeast and the Massachusetts Aggregate and Asphalt Pavement Association also supported targeted enforcement in work zones and school zones, while urging public education and warning periods. Some witnesses raised concerns about the color of lights for highway workers, with State Police representatives preferring green over blue to avoid confusion with law enforcement, and committee members asked about constitutional issues, surchargeability, and possible targeting concerns. No votes were taken during the hearing.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- We need to increase the growth of, uh, research and development. This credit will help do that.
- that because if you are doing research that because if you are doing research and<00:09:14.640><
- Department to see if they could research Department to see if they could figure<00:31:42.320>
out - That's my conclusion off the data, not House research, but the data would lead to those conclusions.
- he's going to study into the future<00:43:58.599>
and <00:43:59.240>it's <00:44:00.240>
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Transportation Committee Jun 23rd, 2026 at 09:00 am
Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- I was the project manager on this study.
- And as a reminder, the study in 2019 estimated...
- There's a concurrent study, and we have spoken with the folks who are working on that study.
- So a lot of what the study is about is a governance study, and we've hired CPCS as consultants to help
- Program evaluation study that is currently underway.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Children and Family Law (02/10/2026)
Children and Family Law
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, I move interim study. >> Second. >> Representative Petrino moves interim study.
- to study it, which I'm sure different ones did.
- > are of those studies are those studies are of those studies are those studies are out<04:03:07.040
- , and 30% in those smaller studies.
- I will now close the hearing on House Bill 1376." researcher to do that. researcher to do that.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Financial Services Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- It helps people understand risk, make informed medical and family decisions, and participate in research
- At its core, this bill builds trust — trust in health care, trust in research, and trust that people
- Researchers report that people are reluctant to participate in research studies and clinical trials involving
- Researchers report that people are reluctant to participate in research studies and clinical trials involving
- But we can tell you that doctors, genetic counselors, members of the public, and researchers share with
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Financial Services held a fully virtual public hearing after a blizzard and state emergency closed the State House and created travel and cleanup concerns. Chairs Senator Paul Feeney and Representative James Murphy opened by thanking first responders and committee staff for making the hearing possible and noted that several members attended remotely. The committee heard testimony on three bills: H.5112, An Act Prohibiting Genetic Discrimination; H.4914, An Act Relative to the Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code; and S.2921, An Act Relative to Travel Insurance. Most of the testimony focused on H.5112.
Representative Dave Rogers and his constituent Robin Biggs testified in support of H.5112, describing gaps in federal genetic nondiscrimination law that do not cover life, long-term care, or disability insurance. Biggs shared her experience as a BRCA2 mutation carrier and said genetic knowledge helped her take preventive steps, but that people fear testing because insurers may use results against them. Lindsay Jack of the ALS Association and Lisa Schlager of FORCE also supported the bill, arguing that it would encourage preventive care, research participation, and fairer underwriting without harming insurance markets. They said insurers could still use medical history and diagnoses, but not genetic test results alone.
Committee members asked questions about whether insurers currently request genetic testing and how such information is used in underwriting. Testifiers said the information is routinely asked for or found in medical records, but the bill would prohibit its use in coverage decisions and would prevent insurers from requiring testing. No votes were taken. After testimony concluded and no additional witnesses came forward, the chairs closed the hearing and adjourned the meeting by unanimous voice vote.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Transportation committee approves repeal of California clean car standards 2/26/25
Transcript Highlights:
- In our House Research summary, it talked about a Clean Cars 1 and a Clean Cars 2, and so I'm wondering
- /c><00:12:53.279>
our <00:12:53.920>um <00:12:54.120>house <00:12:54.399>research - Chair and members, Bob Eilo from House Research. My colleague, Mr.
- who look at climate, not just, you know, doctors or not just soil scientists, people who actually study
- who look at climate, not just, you know, doctors or not just soil scientists, people who actually study
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- We're also partnering with Puerto Rico to get that research done.
- We're also partnering with Puerto Rico to get that research done.
- Last year, we did a study please.
- We just have redone this study.
- Next slide, please. have redone this study. Um we're about have redone this study.
Summary:
The joint informational briefing focused on how federal policy changes, tariffs, funding cuts, the federal shutdown, and delays in the farm bill are affecting Hawaii agriculture and food access. Opening remarks emphasized Hawaii’s heavy dependence on imported food and farm inputs, the state’s vulnerability to disruptions in USDA services, and the need for stronger state, county, and community coordination. Speakers also noted that immigration enforcement and broader global supply-chain pressures can affect local farm labor, production, and food availability.
Sharon Herd, chair of the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, described both positive and negative federal impacts. She said Hawaii has benefited from some recurring grants and a large new $8.8 million federal grant, but also reported about $22 million in losses from suspended or terminated grants, including farm-to-school and water-related projects. She said some USDA programs, such as microgrants for food security and FISMIP, are currently suspended, while the specialty crop block grant remains active. She also said Hawaii farms declined from 7,328 to 6,569 between the 2017 and 2022 censuses and argued the state cannot rely on imports alone to feed its people.
Amanda Shaw of Agriculture Stewardship Hawaii presented findings from federal funding cut reports. She said the first report, in March, identified about $88 million in potential cuts, and the newer report found $64.7 million in confirmed cuts and about $175 million in potential cuts. She said federal shifts are creating uncertainty for farmers, food-system organizations, and school and community food programs, and noted that 4,000 to 5,000 Hawaii farmers could receive less money because of changes to payment-factor provisions for socially disadvantaged farmers. She also said Hawaii has lost 18% of local USDA staff since September 2024, with possible further national reductions expected. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only, and the chair noted that any legal questions, including the reported SNAP changes, would be for the Judiciary Committee to assess later.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
December 10, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- So Florida has been recognized, as you know, depending on which study you look at number one or number
- We are research arm, like I said, is an asset for people to utilize.
- And in fact, just recently we put out the results of our 2024 Rockport Analytics study on the economic
- And that study is available for your review. But here's the highlights of it.
- We also conduct what's called a direct influence study.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Ways and Means General Fund Committee Mar 5th, 2025
Ways and Means General Fund
Transcript Highlights:
- We want to prevent cancer and support more effective cures for it, which includes research.
- Cures for it, which includes research, and then access to care.
- Specifically of vapes, we're still doing a lot of research on vapes and their cause of cancer.
- In fact, I started studying it while getting my PhD just up the... ...studying it, getting my PhD just
- And you had asked a question about nicotine before; we've done studies on this.
Keywords:
elections, post-election audit, election audit, risk-limiting audit, ballot audit, election integrity, voter confidence, Secretary of State, judge of probate, canvassing board, poll watchers, ballot containers, manual tally, recount, county election, statewide election, general election, absentee ballots, provisional ballots, election transparency
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session - Part 1 - 05/14/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Researchers use paraquat in mice and rats in the research laboratory to induce, or induce what is known
- research and this is what blows me away. research and this is what blows me away.
- c> litany<00:28:27.920>
of <00:28:28.160>research there's a whole litany of research - there's a whole litany of research researchers.<00:28:30.840>
They <00:28:31.000>use <00 - c> induce research research laboratory to induce research research laboratory to induce or<00:28:
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (05/27/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:59:43.520>
to the study to oversee the cost study to the study to oversee the cost study - It it precludes that if after research It it precludes that if after research has<03:58:05.920><
- Um, you said that there has to be research and the facts delineated.
- <04:25:16.399>
Uh, <04:25:16.720>we're research the subject matter. - Uh, we're research the subject matter.
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 297 and a new amendment, 2462, which combined the original Senate bill with the Carson amendment and added a proposed alternative regulatory system, RSA 420R. The chair and members discussed that the amendment was intended to give the Senate what it had asked for while also creating a dual system for public entity risk pools. Members asked whether the new structure would affect ownership or governance of health trusts, and the chair explained that 420R would be a separate regulatory statute while existing 420J-style arrangements could remain in place. The committee also noted that a paragraph had been accidentally deleted from the amendment and that another amendment would be prepared to correct it, with the subcommittee recessed while that was done.
Public testimony focused on School Care, represented by Executive Director Lisa Ducette, who opposed the shift to Department of Insurance oversight under 420R. She argued that public entity risk pools are not insurance companies, that they are accountable to member entities and taxpayers, and that the proposed dual regulation would add unnecessary costs through examinations, higher reserves, and additional accounting requirements. She said the change could threaten tax-exempt status and create an uneven playing field, and she urged the committee to support SB 297 with the Carson amendment instead of moving to 420R. Committee members questioned whether the amendment would actually affect pools that stayed under the Secretary of State model, and one member cited support from the New Hampshire Municipal Association for the dual system.
The discussion then shifted to amendment 245 on ambulance reimbursement and contracting timelines. Members reviewed a provision giving insurers 45 days and ambulance providers 60 days in the contracting process, and one member suggested making both periods 60 days. The chair and others said the current language was intentional and part of a broader compromise aimed at ending balance billing and forcing insurers to establish reimbursement rates. Members noted that the measure was unusual and that its effects would be reviewed over the next two years, with one member saying the bill would likely be difficult to roll back later. No final vote was taken in the portion provided.
VA
Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Commission on Unemployment Compensation Jul 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm also with the Division of Legislative Services, Summer Research Associate.
- I'm also with the Division of Legislative Services, Summer Research Associate.
- I'm also with the Division of Legislative Services Summer Research Associate.
- So we are more than happy to assist this commission and its members in any way that we can with research
- Doing some quick research, in '23 we were at 66%. In '24, we're 65.2%. So we've had a decline.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And I think the Texas Real Estate Research Center, this would be a great area for them to weigh in on
- and do some study work through the commission.
- And Senate Bill 1979 in the 2023 session directed A&M, directed the Research Center, to look at that,
- and though that bill didn't make it all the way through, the A&M Real Estate Research Center did run
- We're all going to submit the interim studies here soon, and that should be maybe one of them.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Nominations held its final nomination hearing of the session and considered three nominees: J.B. Goodwin for the Texas Real Estate Commission, Courtney Yaltman for the Public Utility Commission of Texas, and Thomas Gleason as PUC chairman. Goodwin described his long career in real estate and charitable work, and senators questioned him extensively about the Real Estate Commission’s self-directed, semi-independent status, housing affordability, institutional homebuyers, property insurance costs, disclosure issues, and the Burnett v. National Association of Realtors case. Yaltman and Gleason were questioned about PUC oversight of ERCOT, post-Winter Storm Uri reforms, utility resilience and vegetation management after Hurricane Beryl, water and telecommunications oversight, staffing and transparency, and rising infrastructure and utility costs.
Much of the discussion focused on housing and utility affordability, with several senators urging the nominees to keep consumer protection and public trust at the forefront. Goodwin said housing affordability and large-scale investment purchases were not within the Real Estate Commission’s direct purview, though he supported further study. Yaltman and Gleason said the PUC had increased oversight of ERCOT, improved communication and accountability with utilities, and was working on resiliency plans, rate-setting issues, and infrastructure planning while trying to avoid overburdening ratepayers.
The committee first voted to favorably report nominees left pending from the May 5 agenda by a 6-0 roll call vote. After public testimony was opened and closed, the committee then voted on the nominees heard that day and favorably recommended all three to the full Senate for confirmation by a 7-0 vote. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- The $24 billion need that would indicate there's been a study For that, is that study accessible?
- Yeah, and I hope that she'll shake her head up and down, but I believe that that study is available on
- The board, as Senator Daniel stated, was never Founded, so there was never any research collected.
- To assess in those studied basins, they are required to assess if there are wells anywhere near their
- The study, is it going to be part of the state's responsibility to cover the cost of the study as well
Keywords:
SB1191, Oklahoma Energy Initiative Act, Oklahoma Low Carbon Energy Initiative Board, low carbon energy, clean energy, energy policy, renewable energy, board repeal, statutory repeal, administrative board, energy committee, natural resources, Oklahoma statutes, 17 O.S. 802.3, groundwater, indemnity fund, well drilling, pollution prevention, regulatory compliance, SB1319
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm joined by my wonderful staff: my chief of staff, Scott, who's in and out; my research director, Jeff
- , who's here; and Spencer, my researcher for the committee.
- , who's here; and Spencer, my researcher for the committee.
- , who's here; and Spencer, my researcher for the committee.
- Collins Center, research from our staff on the City Council side.
Summary:
The committee opened its hearing with procedural remarks, including a strict three-minute testimony limit, livestream instructions, and a July 1 deadline for written testimony. Chairs Lewis and Rauch then heard testimony on a wide range of municipal home rule petitions and related bills, with many local officials and advocates being taken out of order because of the large turnout.
A major topic was firefighter residency. Representatives of the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts and Sen. Keenan supported H. 2260/S. 1449, which would replace the current 15-mile residency rule for non-civil-service fire departments with a negotiable standard, generally allowing residency within 15 miles and permitting expansion through collective bargaining. Supporters said the change would improve recruitment and retention amid the housing crisis and create parity with civil-service departments. Acton Fire Chief Anita Arnhum and Sen. Senna also backed H. 4168 for Acton, making similar arguments about recruitment, paramedics, and the need for local flexibility.
The committee also heard strong support for charter overhaul petitions for Somerville and Lynn. Somerville officials, including Rep. Barber, Mayor Ballantyne, Councilor Jake Wilson, and charter committee member Beverly Schwartz, described a years-long public process to replace an 1890s-era charter with a modern document emphasizing transparency, public participation, clearer governance, and a possible change to the mayor’s term length. Lynn Mayor Nicholson similarly supported a charter update to modernize city operations and financial procedures. Cambridge-related charter and procurement reforms were also briefly endorsed by Rep. Cabral.
Other bills discussed included a proposal by Sen. Eldridge and Rep. Scarsdale to create a state grant program for municipal sustainability directors, and regional school finance bills supported by Rep. Lanatra and Jason Frazier to expand special education reserve funds and create a regional school assessment reserve fund. Acton witnesses also supported library governance changes and a checkout bag charge proposal. The committee heard sharply divided testimony on Quincy’s H. 3897, a 50-year lease extension for Quarry Hills/Granite Links: Quincy officials and business supporters praised the public-private partnership and future investment potential, while residents argued the lease was too long, should be competitively bid, and deserved more oversight and auditing. The hearing also included testimony on Boston trash truck noise restrictions and a PEG access/cable funds bill supported by Mass Access, as well as a Southwick petition to elect part of the Conservation Commission, which one select board member opposed as contrary to current law and good governance.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, April 28, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It is extraordinary to think that I am the 19th in our line of sovereigns, to study with daily attention
- more than 2,300 scholarships have been awarded, opening doors for Americans from all walks of life to study
- more than 2,300 scholarships have been awarded, opening doors for Americans from all walks of life to study
- more than 2,300 scholarships have been awarded, opening doors for Americans from all walks of life to study
- more than 2,300 scholarships have been awarded, opening doors for Americans from all walks of life to study
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Health & Social Services Committee Meeting Jun 17th, 2026
Health & Social Services
Transcript Highlights:
- How would someone go about entering into the program, like a student that wants to study nursing?
- DHSS has advised that the registry is not currently used for analysis, research, or policy development
- Since DHSS is no longer using this registry for surveillance or research, this bill updates Delaware
- provides written consent, remains may still be buried, naturally reduced, or donated for scientific research
- The research is unambiguous: nursing shortages lead to errors, increased morbidity, and mortality, and
Keywords:
human remains, indigent, burial, cremation, next of kin, social services, environmental impact, nursing education, preceptorship programs, healthcare workforce, nurse shortage, clinical training, dry needling, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, occupational therapist, referral process, neuromusculoskeletal pain, Western medicine
Summary:
The Senate Health and Social Services Committee met with a quorum, approved the minutes from the prior two meetings, and briefly acknowledged the tragedy at Christiana Care before moving to legislation. The committee heard House Bill 385, which creates a statewide nurse preceptor grant program to expand clinical training placements for nursing students; testimony from nursing organizations, health care associations, and educators emphasized workforce shortages, the need for preceptor stipends and training, and the bill’s potential to help students complete programs and remain in Delaware. Members asked about eligibility and reporting, and several senators asked to be added as co-sponsors. Public comment was uniformly supportive, and the bill was advanced out of committee.
The committee then considered House Bill 424, which repeals Delaware’s Autism Surveillance and Registration Program and requires DHSS to expunge protected health information collected through the registry. The sponsor and DHSS said the registry is no longer used for research or policy development and that repeal would reduce outdated reporting burdens; Autism Delaware, the Delaware Health Care Association, and the State Council for Persons with Disabilities support the change. A committee member raised the question of whether families would be notified before records are expunged, and DHSS said that process was not yet clear and would need further verification. Members discussed the issue, and the bill also moved forward.
House Bill 419 was next, making children in foster care automatically eligible for the Purchase of Care child care subsidy and extending the same treatment to certain kinship and safety-plan placements through House Amendment 1. The Children’s Department and advocacy groups said the bill would provide immediate stability for children and caregivers, reduce delays from applications and income verification, and support working foster and kinship families. The committee also heard House Bill 359, which would allow cremation as an option for unclaimed and indigent remains when there is no family objection or next of kin cannot be found, addressing a shortage of burial plots and lowering costs; funeral industry testimony focused on preserving next-of-kin rights. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 475, creating a Delaware Nursing Advancement Fund financed by a $10 surcharge on nursing licenses and disciplinary fines to support workforce data collection and analysis through a nonprofit partner, and House Bill 165, authorizing physician associates, occupational therapists, and APRNs to perform dry needling under training and practice standards set by the Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline. All of the bills received supportive testimony, several members added their names as co-sponsors, and the committee adjourned after moving through the agenda.
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:
- I'm Amy Benari, the executive director of the Fenway Institute at Fenway Health in Boston, the research
- I've been studying the 340B program for four years, and this is the first time I've been offered my views
- Can you recommend a study or report that we could look at?
- to spend on research and development.
- to spend on research and development.
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.