Transcript Highlights:

• So the question practices are located.
• um medical practice under chapter 147. um medical practice under chapter 147.
• We're not opposed to the practice. This is standard practice to provide a showing to residents.
• We're not opposed to the practice. This is standard practice to provide a showing to residents.
• This is standard to the practice.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They lower the practice requirements to be a member on the Board of Architecture.
• They lower the practice requirements to be a member on the Board of Architecture.
• They lower the practice requirements to be a member on the Board of Architecture.
• <01:09:43.679> and as provided as soon as practicable and as provided as soon as practicable
• A cross-reference to the Data Practices Act.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We were just having a bit of a sidebar discussion here about the practical reality of the way it's written
• You're required to have to be a practicing attorney, but You don't necessarily have to have been practicing
• The way this is worded, it says Practicing law.
• That's you meet certain residency requirements but hasn't never practiced here.
• Yeah, they could practice down in Texas.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Arizona Medical Association's private practice physicians section governing council.
• Penhollow regularly advises on issues related to anesthesia, pain care, physician scope of practice,
• and private practice medicine.
• Penhollow regularly advises on issues related to anesthesia, pain care, physician scope of practice,
• and private practice medicine.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that would probably be better able to explain that they do feel that it's within their scope of practice
• that would probably be better able to explain that they do feel that it's within their scope of practice
• Do we feel confident that this is within their scope of practice? Are they accurately practicing?
• Do we feel confident that this is within their scope of practice? Are they accurately practicing?
• Do we feel confident that this is within their scope of practice? Are they accurately practicing?

Summary: The Arkansas Legislative Autism Task Force approved the April 1, 2026 meeting minutes and then reviewed several vacant membership slots on the task force, including appointments from the Arkansas Psychology Board, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, UAMS, and parent or guardian positions. Members discussed trying to fill those vacancies before the next meeting, and noted that if they remain open they may be addressed in the task force’s legislative report and through possible statutory changes in the next General Assembly. Representatives from the Developmental Disabilities Provider Association (DDPA) and Civitan Services presented on DDPA’s role serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Arkansas. They said DDPA now represents 80 providers serving more than 13,000 individuals in 75 counties, with services including early intervention, adult day programs, supported employment, intermediate care facilities, work activities, and community/residential waiver services. They also shared survey data on older clients and said these services remain available to seniors with IDD, including people with autism. The task force then heard a proposal to amend Act 656 of 2021 to include licensed psychological practitioners as qualified providers for autism waiver-related evaluations. The presenter argued this would reduce wait times, avoid duplicate assessments, and help families access services sooner, while still maintaining quality standards. Members asked about training, licensure, and whether other professionals such as speech-language pathologists or audiologists should be included; Dr. Scott noted that current practice already relies on a two-provider model and that speech-language pathologists play a role because autism diagnosis considers communication, cognitive ability, and language. The discussion also touched on the need for proper testing standards and board oversight. No vote was taken on the amendment, and the meeting ended with plans to return to fraud-related discussion and to begin prioritizing recommendations for the 2027 session before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to share two examples from my practice.
• I would like to share two examples from my practice.
• Industry data indicates that practices utilize only 42.6% of authorized hours on average.
• Could you get into that a little bit more, maybe in real practice, what’s...
• Senator Durazo: Could you get into that a little bit more, maybe in real practice, what’s...

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This proposal modernizes HMOs to align with insurance practices and close regulatory gaps.
• Can you give us a little bit more background on how it would work in practice?
• We should not be carving out exemptions; we should just be banning this practice.
• Two of the cities in my district have already banned this practice.
• But that doesn't mean we allow something that we don't want practicing in Minnesota to practice.

Bills: HF2543, HF2566, HF2627

Keywords: garnishment, wage garnishment, earnings levy, bank levy, execution, judgment debtor, judgment creditor, exemption notice, exempt property, bank account freeze, financial institution levy, employer disclosure, garnishee, writ of execution, debt collection, consumer debt, collections, bankruptcy exemptions, public benefits, means-tested benefits

Transcript Highlights:

• The purpose of the bill is to expand the scope of practice for optometrists and improve patient access
• Uh, it expands the scope of practice for optometrists to include laser applications to the lens capsule
• We always see these scope of practice bills, and I tell you, they're the most troubling for me, and we
• absolutely not because I would be competent to do that and I know better to stay in, in my later practice
• bill in my mind, which is the practitioners should know their area of proficiency, their scope of practice

Transcript Highlights:

• TO SHARE THEIR EXPERTISE AND THE SIGNS OF HOW STUDENTS LEARN, THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICES
• SOME OF THE FSU HAS BEEN ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH TO PUT INTO PRACTICE.
• IT IS A PROCESS OF REBUILDING OUR MAPS AND BEST PRACTICES AND THAT IS A HUGE PART OF WHAT IT IS A PROCESS
• OF REBUILDING OUR MAPS AND BEST PRACTICES AND THAT IS A HUGE PART OF WHAT THEY DO ALREADY IN TERMS OF
• IDENTIFYING BEST PRACTICES AND DISSEMINATING THEM.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Victor was a luminary in law and worked diligently to advance his practice and support the profession
• These devotions are evident in his legacy he leaves behind, including the law practice that he opened
• outside of our state may have been there when they weren't able to practice here.
• a practice agreement.
• to practice without a practice agreement.

Keywords: March 10, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The network will convene literacy leads to support statewide implementation of evidence-based practices
• Lifting up best practices and professional development around existing literacy initiatives would be
• But how... ...how would this help, you know, the best practices for evidence-based literacy instruction
• Teachers have deepened their understanding of evidence-based literacy practices.
• So sharing best practices around the recycling is certainly helpful.

Summary: The committee heard a series of budget proposals focused on education finance, with repeated questions about whether the state’s investments are coordinated, targeted to the highest-need students, and likely to produce measurable results. On the first item, the administration proposed $1 million for a study of California’s curriculum framework, standards, and instructional materials process, plus $250,000 for supplemental ELA/ELD guidance. CDE and Finance said the study would examine how other states organize standards, frameworks, and adoptions, while the chair and members questioned why California has gone so long without updating some standards, what the study would actually accomplish, and whether the proposal was too vague to justify the cost. The issue was held open. The committee then took up a proposed $25 million statewide literacy network within the system of support. CCEE and CDE said the network would coordinate multiple existing literacy leads, create a clearinghouse of evidence-based resources, and improve coherence across the state’s many literacy initiatives. Members pressed on how a one-time, five-year allocation could support a long-term system, how the work would reach distressed and rural districts, and whether the proposal would translate into classroom change rather than just another layer of coordination. The issue was also held open. Next, the committee reviewed a $500 million proposal to expand literacy coaches and reading specialists and to create a math coaches program. CDE described the existing literacy coach cohorts as producing positive reports from participating LEAs, while the LAO recommended modifications, especially for the math coach portion, including limiting eligibility to elementary schools, setting minimum grant amounts, directing funds to eligible school sites, and making eligibility automatic rather than application-based. Members focused on whether coaches were actually being placed at the schools with the greatest need and whether the state has a coherent long-term strategy for literacy and math investments. The committee also heard a $40 million proposal for training and implementation of K-2 reading difficulty screeners, which the LAO said was reasonable but could be reduced because $25 million had already been provided for training; CDE said the new funds were needed for full implementation, procurement, and sustainability. Finally, the committee heard a $10 million proposal for a developmentally appropriate TK multilingual learner screener, with CDE explaining why the preschool language-identification process is different from K-12 EL assessment and the chair asking staff to explore whether a single, more consistent approach could be developed. The meeting concluded with a presentation on universal school meals and kitchen infrastructure, including a $31.5 million backfill, an $84.1 million increase for projected meal growth, a COLA adjustment, and $150 million for kitchen upgrades and training to support freshly prepared meals.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the commercial targeted practices of the commercial aquarium<00:19:16.240> industry.
• We're not here to ban this practice.
• <00:19:57.760> So called for a ban of this practice.
• So called for a ban of this practice.
• <00:31:57.519> of<00:31:57.760> aloha customary practices of aloha customary practices

Bills: HB2101

Keywords: aquatic life, commercial aquarium purposes, Hawaii, environmental protection, sustainability, Native Hawaiian values, marine resources, 910, house, all

Summary: The joint committees on Energy and Environmental Protection and Water and Land heard testimony on House Bill 21101, which would ban or otherwise end commercial aquarium collection. Chairs opened the hearing with a short time limit for testimony and noted they would move to decision-making before the next committee meeting. The Department of Land and Natural Resources said it appreciated the bill’s intent and stood on written testimony, while the Office of Hawaiian Affairs strongly supported the measure as part of its legislative package, citing community calls to ban the practice. Many other organizations and individuals also testified in support, including environmental, Native Hawaiian, and community groups, with arguments focused on reef protection, public trust, cultural concerns, and the view that the trade is extractive and not sustainable. Supporters repeatedly cited declines in yellow tang and other reef fish, especially on West Hawaii and Oahu, and argued that reef recovery has not occurred where collection pressure existed. Several testified that legal aquarium collection has not occurred in West Hawaii since 2017 or on Oahu since 2021, and that the state should not reopen an industry that has been effectively shut down for years. Others said the program is fiscally inefficient because permits generate little revenue compared with the cost of administering and enforcing the program, and that aquaculture or other alternatives could provide jobs without removing wild fish. Native Hawaiian speakers and civic club representatives emphasized traditional and customary practices, community stewardship, and the need to protect resources for future generations. Opposition testimony came from aquarium fishers and related advocates who argued the fishery has been shown sustainable, that the EIS process was completed, and that the bill would unfairly target one user group over another. They said the trade provides livelihoods for local families, that management is solid, and that the legislature should not ban a fishery after requiring compliance with environmental review. Some opponents also argued that fish populations have increased in recent years and that the issue reflects broader user conflict rather than science. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided; the chair continued taking testimony, including on Zoom, as time allowed.

Transcript Highlights:

• of so-called conversion therapy practice of so-called conversion therapy has<00:15:44.480> no
• to force their children into a practice to force their children into a practice condemned<00:18:
• passion to fight against these practices passion to fight against these practices uh<00:21:51.520
• destroy families and hurt practices destroy families and hurt lgbtq<00:25:39.080> youth<00:25
• This is already in practice. Representative Hancock, thank you, Madam Chair.

Keywords: Consideration of HB 9 00:02:20 Consideration of HB 495 00:08:53 Consideration of HB 520 00:46:51 Consideration of HB 622 00:54:39 Consideration of HB 635 00:59:25, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 9, which would create oversight for Medicaid-related policy through a board modeled after the Public Pension Oversight Board. Sponsor Rep. Adam Bowling said the measure was intended to bring legislative, executive, and stakeholder voices together to vet issues and make better-informed Medicaid policy. Members generally supported the concept, though some questioned the proposed board’s party breakdown and whether the language should be updated now rather than later. After discussion, the committee voted 19-0 to pass HB 9 favorably. The committee then heard House Bill 495, which Rep. Hail said would protect mental health care professionals, institutions, and ordained ministers from discrimination when providing what the bill calls protected counseling services. He described the bill as a parental-choice measure that would allow counseling aligned with family values and said it also creates a civil cause of action for harmed parties. Opponents argued the bill would shield conversion therapy, with Dr. Eric Russ, Brandon Long, Dr. Brandon Creech, Brenda Rosen, Chris Hartman, and Dr. Bobby Glass testifying that conversion therapy is discredited, harmful, and associated with depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide risk. They said professional medical and counseling organizations oppose such practices and urged rejection of the bill. During questions, Rep. Layman pressed the sponsor on whether the bill would protect therapies even if a child was not in distress and on whether the committee should be endorsing a practice discredited by professional organizations. Rep. Hail responded that he viewed the issue as a parental choice and said he believed the bill protects providers offering those services. The transcript ends during continued discussion of HB 495, with no final vote shown on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• So if you can keep the expectations practical, realistic, but challenge those areas where it's said that
• So if you can keep the expectations practical, realistic, but challenge those areas where it's said that
• So if you can keep the expectations practical, realistic, but challenge those areas where it's said that
• So if you can keep the expectations practical, realistic, but challenge those areas where it's said that
• And focus on actual practical enforcement.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees met on February 19, 2025, to hear advice-and-consent nominations, beginning with GM 645/GM 650 for Mike Lambert as Director of the Department of Law Enforcement. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from state officials, community leaders, nonprofit representatives, and others, who praised Lambert’s collaboration with communities, communication skills, and practical approach to public safety. Several speakers highlighted his work on homelessness, game rooms, community policing, and his ability to work across public health and law enforcement lines. Lambert told the committee he has 22 years of law enforcement experience, including patrol, community policing, training, narcotics/vice, and work on fentanyl, internet crimes against children, and ghost guns, and said his priorities would include building community trust, improving training and discipline, and addressing fireworks and firearms enforcement. Senators asked about fireworks, federal collaboration, ports and airport screening, recruitment, pay parity, and whether the department should expand into a more formal state police force; Lambert said he would need time to learn the new port/shipping environment and would support a state police class and expanded enforcement capacity. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion of the transcript provided. The committee then heard GM 567 for Jean Dello Jr. as chairperson of the Hawaii Paroling Authority. Supporters, including Hawaii Friends of Restorative Justice and Hawaii Paroling Authority staff, described him as honest, ethical, fair, and experienced in balancing public safety with rehabilitation and re-entry. Dello said he came out of retirement in 2021 to serve on the board, and that his background in federal probation and state corrections led him to favor evidence-based practices over simple compliance monitoring. He emphasized the need to weigh public safety with giving inmates a real opportunity to transition successfully back into the community. No final action or vote was announced in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:24:24.080> so defined than not reasonably practical so defined than not reasonably practical
• dictionary but not reasonably practical dictionary but not reasonably practical does<01:24:35.639
• the fact that it's not reasonably practical.
• who has something that isn't practical who has something that isn't practical for<01:28:13.280><
• testify that in fact that is a practice testify that in fact that is a practice that<01:54:01.119

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met in executive session and first corrected a procedural issue by revoting on House Bills 98 and 164, which had previously been reported out unanimously before the notice had been placed on the calendar. HB 98, concerning professional limited liability company assistant managers, was again voted ought to pass by roll call 16-0 and was placed on the consent calendar. HB 164, dealing with local records, was amended with a fiscal note update from the Secretary of State’s office and then voted ought to pass as amended 17-0; because it was going to Finance, it was not eligible for consent. The committee also set aside HB 111 briefly while the amendment language was corrected. The committee then took up HR 6, a resolution condemning the judicial doctrine of disparate impact. The sponsor argued the resolution was intended to criticize the doctrine, but several members said it was too broad, legally problematic, and in need of more work, including a drafting error in the addressee. The committee voted ITL on HR 6 by 15-2, and with no objection it was placed on the consent calendar. The final major item was HB 111 FN, which would extend the right-to-know ombudsman position for two years. Representative Kuttab offered an amendment to limit remote records requests to people with a New Hampshire connection, citing testimony about out-of-state requests and the burden on municipalities. Members discussed the broader policy of the bill, with supporters saying the ombudsman has reduced court filings and saves time and money, while opponents said the office needs restructuring or more resources and that they were not ready to extend it without changes. The amendment was adopted 16-1, and the committee then voted ought to pass as amended 15-2, sending the bill to Finance.

Transcript Highlights:

• practices that you've been trained in. practices that you've been trained in.
• um the best practices in salt storage. um the best practices in salt storage.
• best practices all they're implementing best practices all the<03:34:56.479> time.
• best practices? best practices?
• management practices. management practices.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• manufacturers practices that limit safety<00:18:22.280> net<00:18:22.520> providers<00
• office practicing law in the defender office practicing law in the public<01:42:01.199> defender's
• The Office of Information Practices opposes this bill.
• I have one quick question for the Office of Information Practices, Ms. Amarino.
• Amarino from the Office of Information Practices with her willingness to do so.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 302, which would repeal the requirement that a provider-patient relationship for medical cannabis certification be established in person first. The Department of Health said it supported the House Draft 2 version as a way to expand patient access, and several testifiers from the medical cannabis community and dispensary industry supported the bill, especially for patients on outer islands or those unable to travel. One witness asked that earlier language removed in committee be restored to further improve access. Representative Shimizu asked whether follow-up in-person visits would still occur, and DOH responded that this varies by provider, with some continuing in-person care and others moving to telehealth for chronic conditions. The committee then took up House Bill 712, relating to the federal 340B drug pricing program and contract pharmacies. The Office of Consumer Protection and the Attorney General’s office both said they supported the bill’s purpose but wanted it clarified and possibly moved into a standalone chapter rather than chapter 481B. Supporters, including Hawaii Pacific Health and the Queen’s Health Systems, said the bill is needed to protect safety-net funding and access to discounted drugs, citing large financial benefits from 340B and losses caused by manufacturer restrictions on contract pharmacies. PhRMA opposed the bill, arguing the issue is not access to discounts but accountability and transparency in how contract pharmacies distribute benefits, and said it was willing to discuss amendments. Members asked follow-up questions about whether there was data showing misuse; PhRMA said it did not have numbers, while hospital witnesses said the program is federally audited and used appropriately in Hawaii. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1482, HD1, which would tighten hemp and controlled-substance definitions to exclude Schedule I cannabinoids from manufactured hemp products and clarify the treatment of artificially derived cannabis. The Department of Health supported the measure, saying it adds clarity to existing prohibitions. Kūre Hawaii and other supporters said it would close loopholes involving Delta-8 and similar products. An individual testifier urged stronger language to also cover compounds such as HHC, THCA, THCP, and THCO. In response to questions about enforcement against mislabeled hemp products, DOH explained that THC percentages are relative to product weight, that some products can remain under the hemp threshold while still containing significant THC, and that hemp flower is already prohibited from direct retail sale, though enforcement can be complicated and involves both administrative and criminal authorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:16:14.759> way practice in a thoughtful practical way practice in a thoughtful practical
• Act to ask the district for Practices Act to ask the district for that<00:19:27.559> data<00:
• <00:21:27.200> Act cannot do within the data Practices Act cannot do within the data Practices
• He said the amendment really codifies existing commissioners' opinions, data practices opinions, and
• They really helped flesh out what this is like in the practical real world, and what a great idea.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It is taught as a practice.
• It is taught as a as a practice. stuff. It is taught as a as a practice.
• It is a practice.
• It is a practice. they teach students. It is a practice.
• that actually come out in practice. that actually come out in practice.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair's practice in this committee is to hold decision-making at 11:30 a.m.
• codify<01:17:21.199> compassionate best practices and codify compassionate best practices
• an aloha spirit, but are we practicing an aloha spirit, but are we practicing it<01:18:07.199>
• says if you want to be happy practice says if you want to be happy practice compassion<01:32:56.320
• And that is best practice.

Bills: HB1531

Keywords: emergency announcements, American Sign Language, accessibility, public safety, broadcast media, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1913, which would create a mental health coordinator position within the Office of Veteran Services for the Daniel K. Akaka State Veterans Home and appropriate funds for it. Supporters said veterans, especially on the neighbor islands, need more mental health access and coordination. Several witnesses, including Sean Sonatada and Tom Driscoll, supported the intent but urged amendments to broaden the position beyond one facility and make it a statewide resource. Committee members questioned whether the bill would duplicate existing services at the veterans home and whether the position would be reimbursable through federal VA funding; testimony indicated the state would appropriate the money, while existing home services are already covered through current staff and federal reimbursement structures. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 9, which would designate Hawaii as a Purple Heart state. Testifiers generally supported the measure as a way to honor wounded veterans and their families, though one member asked what benefits the designation would confer. Witnesses clarified that the bill was mainly symbolic and did not appear to create new benefits, and one testifier noted Honolulu County had already adopted a similar Purple Heart designation. The committee then took up House Bill 1628, which would establish a compassionate release protocol for certain seriously ill or debilitated incarcerated persons. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Hawaii Paroling Authority opposed the bill, arguing that an existing administrative process already works, that the bill could improperly extend eligibility to people serving life without parole or mandatory minimum sentences, and that it lacked victim and family input and sufficient resources. In contrast, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission strongly supported the bill, saying it would reduce the high cost of incarcerating people with complex medical needs, ease burdens on staff and the prison population, and better reflect human dignity. The commission described having seen severe suffering and deaths in custody and said compassionate release is warranted in some cases. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.