Transcript Highlights:

• Connect people with health care, substance abuse treatment, and testing; 2.
• and increased testing rates for syringe needle exchange.
• It costs a lifetime average of... ...$500,000 to treat one person living with HIV.
• The cost of treating HIV and HCV can easily exceed $300,000 to $500,000.
• They can access free testing for HIV and Hep C.

Bills: HB1320 , HB2012 , HB2293 , HB2655 , HB3174 , HB4108 , HB4661 , HB4799 , HB5534 , HB5580

Committee: House S/C on County & Regional Government

Keywords: transportation, infrastructure, funding, state budget, public safety, child welfare, county boards, membership, local governance, public welfare, government service, social services, Texas Family Code, regulation, vendors, solicitors, roadside sales, county authority, Sweeny Hospital District, board of directors

Transcript Highlights:

• living with HIV.
• living with HIV.
• living with HIV.
• living with HIV.
• living with HIV.

Bills: HF2367 , HF2319 , HF2523 , HF1742 , HF671 , HF2331 , HF2722 , HF2406 , HF1674

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• exposure to HIV.
• I've worked directly with patients treating HIV as well as HIV prevention.
• for HIV.
• I said because I'm HIV positive.
• Where people who were living with HIV could never transmit HIV, we tried to change the law so that they

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Summary: The Committee for the Administration of Criminal Justice met on April 8, 2026, with a quorum present and heard several criminal justice bills. HB 322, which would prohibit fees for victims or family members requesting transcripts of executive-session testimony before the Board of Pardons and Parole, was described as a cleanup measure and was reported favorably without objection. HB 635, dealing with criminal activity by agents of foreign adversaries or foreign terrorist organizations, received extensive support testimony from advocacy groups focused on foreign influence and transnational repression; the committee adopted a technical amendment and reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 132, which expands battery of a police officer to cover intentional sound directed at an officer and related conduct, drew strong support from law enforcement groups and significant opposition from civil liberties and criminal defense organizations concerned about vagueness, First Amendment issues, and impacts on parades and protests; after adopting an amendment moving the sound-related language into the general battery definition, the committee reported the bill favorably as amended. The committee also considered HB 275, which increases minimum sentences when domestic abuse occurs in the presence of a child and extends the penalty to battery of a dating partner. Supporters argued the bill recognizes the lasting trauma to children exposed to domestic violence, while opponents warned that mandatory minimums reduce judicial discretion and that the child-presence language is broad; the committee adopted two amendment sets and reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 808, revising Louisiana’s HIV exposure law to require a substantial likelihood of transmission based on current medical science and to narrow criminal liability for negligible-risk conduct, drew broad support from physicians, advocates, and people living with HIV, with testimony emphasizing that the law should reflect modern science and avoid overcriminalization; after adopting an amendment set, the committee reported the bill favorably as amended. Finally, HB 1054, sponsored by Chair Villio, would allow certain law-enforcement drone footage to be self-authenticating with notice requirements; it received support from prosecutors and sheriffs’ groups and was reported favorably without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've been living with HIV for 32 years, ever since my diagnosis in 1994.
• If this bill does not pass, I don't just lose a connection to vital HIV services.
• HIV.
• HIV.
• HB 2145 fails that test.

Bills: HB2145 , HB1828 , HB2155 , HB2437

Committee: House Health Care & Wellness

Keywords: 340B drug pricing, healthcare access, patient rights, discounted medications, manufacturer limitations, health professions, plasma donation, physician substitutes, medical regulation, nursing titles, healthcare, regulation, professional standards, licensure, accreditation, opioid treatment, health services, fee authority, public health

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:43:00.119><c> in</c> around 300 new infections of HIV in around 300 new infections of HIV in
• </c> 324 new HIV 324 new HIV diagnosis<00:43:13.160><c> so</c><00:43:13.359><c> just</c><00:43:13.800
• </c><00:46:18.480><c> AIDS</c> the Ryan White HIV AIDS the Ryan White HIV AIDS program<00:46:20.440><
• </c> Congress on access to prep and other HIV Congress on access to prep and other HIV prevention<00:
• HIV um I work for Clare housing which HIV um I work for Clare housing which began<00:53:39.599><c> in

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• On maintaining funding to end HIV item.
• outcomes for people living with HIV.
• </c> increase the rates of cognitive testing increase the rates of cognitive testing in<01:05:28.559>
• Chair Norah Shogmacher and testing.
• The story is similar for those living with HIV/AIDS.

Bills: HF2434

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: healthcare, personal care assistance, worker retention, disability services, state funding

Transcript Highlights:

• These funds support the core functions of public health: our laboratory testing, our surveillance and
• We have 6,000 trans and non-binary patients, 2,300 HIV patients, and 3,500 patients on PrEP for HIV prevention
• Adolescents are about one-fifth of new HIV infections.
• We're concerned about looming cuts to HIV and STI prevention and Medicaid.
• and treatment of HIV.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Health

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held an introductory informational hearing for the new session, with Chairs Marjorie Decker and Senator Michael Driscoll outlining the committee’s scope and emphasizing the impact of the federal landscape on Massachusetts public health. They noted the hearing would focus on testimony from agencies and advocates, with short testimony limits due to the hybrid format. No votes were taken; the meeting was for briefing and discussion of priorities. Commissioner Robbie Goldstein of the Department of Public Health described the department’s budget and federal funding, warning that recent CDC grant terminations could cut nearly $100 million and affect lab testing, surveillance, vaccines, and community engagement. He highlighted DPH priorities including racial equity, maternal health, substance use and child welfare coordination, emergency preparedness, data transparency, and public hospital quality. MassHealth Assistant Secretary Michael Levine discussed MassHealth’s role covering about 2 million residents and its priorities in health equity, behavioral health, primary care, member independence, and customer service, while noting the agency relies heavily on federal Medicaid dollars and would face major strain from federal cuts. Several advocacy and provider groups focused on reproductive health and maternal health. Planned Parenthood warned of threats to Title X, 340B savings, and other federal funding, and supported a bill to eliminate parental consent and judicial bypass for abortion care for young people. Reproductive Equity Now urged stronger shield-law protections and changes to Massachusetts’ later-abortion framework. Dr. Indyamaka Anugaka called for full implementation of the maternal health law, better reimbursement for doulas and midwives, stronger data collection, and support for full-spectrum pregnancy care coverage. The Health Policy Commission said new maternal health and primary care task forces would begin work soon. Mental health and health system access were also major themes. The Mass Medical Society urged action on vaccine hesitancy, removal of non-medical school vaccine exemptions, and primary care reform. The Massachusetts Association for Mental Health and the Children’s Mental Health Campaign opposed proposed cuts to DMH and substance use services, called for more school-based supports, and raised concerns about inpatient capacity, including a unit serving LGBTQ youth. The Massachusetts Nurses Association and 1199 SEIU warned that staffing shortages, low wages, workplace violence, hospital closures, and possible Medicaid cuts threaten patient care and the health care workforce. The Betsy Lehman Center also urged investment in automated patient-safety monitoring to reduce harm and costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, even though testing the BRCA gene and all of that, none of it has come up of a family relation.
• We are very excited to hear from him about communicable diseases and HIV reporting.
• and HIV reporting.
• health care providers to disclose personally identifying information regarding previously reported HIV
• This collaboration will help better support our Californians living with HIV, and I really appreciate

Committee: House Health

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard several Senate bills focused on health care access, privacy, and public health data. SB 81 by Senator Arreguín would require health care facilities to create nonpublic areas and restrict immigration enforcement access without a judicial warrant, while also protecting immigration-related information in medical records; the bill drew broad support from health, labor, immigrant-rights, and hospital groups, with no opposition testimony. Committee members discussed implementation and enforcement, and the bill was moved out on a do pass to Privacy and Consumer Protection vote, with one no vote recorded from Sanchez. SB 250 by Senator Ochoa Bogh would add skilled nursing facilities to DHCS’s managed care provider directory so Medi-Cal beneficiaries can more easily identify covered facilities. Supporters said the change would help seniors, people with disabilities, and families navigating urgent discharge decisions, and there was no opposition. The committee voted the bill out to Appropriations. SB 717 by Senator Richardson would codify the relationship between the California Cancer Registry and its three regional registries to protect federal SEER funding and preserve cancer surveillance data; supporters emphasized the importance of accurate cancer tracking and the risk of losing more than $15 million annually in federal funds. The bill passed out to Appropriations. SB 504 by Senator Laird would allow health care providers to disclose personally identifying information about previously reported HIV infections to state or local health officials when needed for disease control or care coordination. The author described the measure as a modernization of public health reporting that balances privacy with effective response, and the bill had support from the California Medical Association and Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California. It was moved out as amended to Privacy and Consumer Protection. The committee also approved a consent calendar earlier in the hearing, including SB 329, SB 520, and SB 862, and several votes were held open briefly before being completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• HIV and viral hepatitis by preserving existing laws which increase access to sterile syringes.
• With the estimated lifetime medical costs related to HIV treatment for just one person being $326,500
• California's commitment to research-driven and effective HIV and hepatitis prevention by ensuring that
• and hepatitis C. testing.
• The lifetime cost to treat a person with HIV in 2021 was estimated to be over $420,000.

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• It's like I'm personally a test. Thank you, Mr.
• So if you have HIV, if you're an HIV patient, this is the trial for you.
• So if you have HIV, if you're an HIV patient, this is the trial for you.
• So smoking incidence in HIV patients is sky high.
• And people are living long lives now with HIV.

Summary: The Health Care Budget Subcommittee held a panel discussion on Florida’s cancer research and funding programs, including the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program, the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund, the James and Esther King Biomedical Research Program, the Bankhead-Coley Research Program, and Live Like Bella. Dr. Ladapo and leaders from Moffitt, Sylvester/University of Miami, UF Health, and Mayo Clinic described how state funding has helped Florida’s four NCI-designated cancer centers expand research, recruit faculty, increase clinical trials, and build collaborations. They emphasized that the programs are intended to improve cancer care statewide, support innovation, and encourage more institutions to pursue NCI designation. The Governor’s budget recommendation was noted as including additional funding, and members asked about the cost and requirements of becoming NCI-designated and eventually comprehensive. Panelists said NCI designation requires major infrastructure, compliance, research, and training investments, with de novo development estimated at about $1 billion. They described Florida’s collaborative model as unusual nationally, with annual symposia, shared pilot funding, and joint projects across the four centers. Members also asked about rural access, home-based care, and recruitment/retention. Mayo described its “Cancer Care Beyond Walls” home-treatment model and said it could expand to rural counties within months; Moffitt and UF discussed mobile screening, satellite sites, and affiliations with local hospitals and practices. Several members raised concerns about workforce shortages, licensure delays, and the need to reach underserved areas. The discussion also covered outcomes, data reporting, and the broader economic impact of the cancer centers. Panelists cited growth in jobs, federal research funding, and clinical trial enrollment, and highlighted advances in immunotherapy, CAR-T, TIL therapy, carbon ion therapy, AI-driven screening, and the firefighter cancer initiative. They said the Florida Cancer Data System is being expanded to track recurrence and quality-of-life measures. Members also asked about philanthropy, medical tourism, and federal funding risks, including possible indirect cost reductions that could affect research budgets. The meeting ended with general support for continued investment, while some members noted an ongoing policy debate over whether future cancer research dollars should be concentrated in the four NCI centers or spread more broadly across the state.

Transcript Highlights:

• Nearly 16,000 Coloradans are living with HIV, and over 430 additional Coloradans are diagnosed with HIV
• Coalition, as well as individual HIV and Coalition, as well as individual HIV and harm<00:43:55.359><
• Um, and over 430 living with HIV.
• </c><00:44:17.119><c> and</c> with HIV each year.
• And both the HIV and with HIV each year.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, members, in recognition of your National Black HIV-AIDS Awareness Day on February the 7th, I
• securing health and human services funding for cities and minority communities most impacted by the HIV-AIDS
• National Association of People with AIDS, he helped reduce stigma. through the establishment of National HIV
• Testing Day.
• Today we recognize a great man who fought to end HIV in this country.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:25:34.720><c> in</c> protection policy that is tested in protection policy that is tested in
• </c> one is looks like Lauren Burn, HIV one is looks like Lauren Burn, HIV resource<01:34:46.000><c>
• It would also defund our hepatitis C and HIV testing program. Last year, we tested over 300 people.
• Three-quarters of them have been tested for HIV and HCV, have a primary care provider who they see regularly
• </c> threequarters of them have been tested threequarters of them have been tested for<02:11:07.599><

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• She hadn't had access to birth control or even a pregnancy test.
• She hadn't had access to birth control or even a pregnancy test.
• After decreasing for almost 30 years, HIV diagnoses began increasing again in 2021 and 2022.
• After decreasing for almost 30 years, HIV diagnoses began increasing again in 2021 and 2022.
• In doing so, this bill will reaffirm California's commitment to research-driven and effective HIV and

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee met on April 8 and heard a long series of bills, beginning with AB 54 on medication abortion access. The author and supporters, including the Attorney General’s office and reproductive justice advocates, said the bill would protect California’s medication abortion supply chain and shield providers and manufacturers from civil, criminal, and professional liability. Opponents from the California Family Council argued the bill removes safeguards and increases risks. The bill was moved forward on a committee motion. The committee then heard several reproductive and public health measures, including AB 551 to create a pilot program supporting emergency departments in providing reproductive health services, AB 260 to protect medication abortion access and telehealth, AB 309 to remove sunset dates on laws allowing pharmacy syringe sales and lawful possession of sterile syringes, AB 536 to preserve colorectal cancer screening coverage if federal guidelines are challenged, AB 804 to make housing support services a Medi-Cal benefit, AB 594 to address student health insurance billing and transparency, AB 836 to study and expand the midwifery workforce, AB 1418 to collect data on health coverage for eligible employees, and AB 1500 to maintain and expand the abortion.ca.gov information site. Supporters emphasized access, preventive care, workforce shortages, and public health benefits, while opponents raised concerns about abortion, syringe distribution, and the focus of state resources. Most measures were advanced by committee vote, with roll calls showing broad support and a few no votes from members on some bills. The final bill discussed in the transcript was AB 1037, which would update substance use disorder laws to reflect evidence-based, harm-reduction approaches and remove barriers to treatment. The author and supporters described it as a compassionate response to overdose and treatment access problems, while law enforcement opposition argued it would encourage drug use and endanger communities. The transcript cuts off during testimony on AB 1037, so no final committee action on that bill is shown in the provided text.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are you saying that we have testing supplies that test for everything that we're finding right now in
• There's the field testing for fentanyl to try to tell people that it's in there.
• That's my understanding, too, is that the testing strips that you're going to give out only test—we only
• have the capability to offer testing strips to the client for fentanyl and one other component.
• It’s just, you know, they have medications for HIV and hepatitis C.

Bills: SB274 , SB301 , SB249

Committee: House Health & Human Development

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several measures related to health care, public health, and patient protections. House Concurrent Resolution 148, urging a statewide educational strategy on menopause, was presented as a workplace awareness measure and received supportive comments from members before being released. Senate Bill 274, updating Delaware’s MOST program to POLST and clarifying capacity determinations and documentation for end-of-life orders, also drew supportive testimony from medical and nursing groups and was released. House Bill 458, limiting local backflow preventer requirements for certain low-hazard buildings, was presented as a cost-relief measure for homeowners and small businesses; DHSS expressed concerns but said it was willing to work on amendments and a sunset provision, and the bill was released. Senate Joint Resolution 18, designating August 31, 2026 as International Overdose Awareness Day and ordering flags at half-staff, was released after brief supportive remarks. The committee then considered Senate Bill 339, a technical correction to the advance health care directive form clarifying that an agent’s authority for voluntary mental health admission cannot exceed 72 hours, consistent with existing law. Members asked detailed questions about how the 72-hour limit works and whether it applies to voluntary directives; the sponsor and a Disability Rights Delaware witness explained that the bill only aligns the form with current statute and does not expand authority. The bill was released. House Bill 301, requiring hospitals to create discharge plans for pregnant patients discharged while showing signs of labor, prompted extensive discussion. The sponsor and supporters said it would improve safety, transportation planning, and aftercare, while some members noted Delaware hospitals already do much of this work and questioned whether codifying it was necessary; supporters emphasized maternal mortality disparities and the need for guardrails. The bill was released. Senate Bill 196, creating ownership disclosure requirements for long-term care facilities and resident notice rules after ownership transfers, was presented as a transparency measure for seniors and families and was released after supportive testimony from the Delaware Nurses Association and elder-care advocates. Senate Bill 320, expanding pharmacists’ independent prescriptive authority for certain non-controlled medications and allowing opioid use disorder medications under standing order, with added malpractice reporting requirements in Senate Amendment 2, was supported by pharmacists and nurse practitioners as an access-to-care measure and was released. Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 161, establishing a unified licensing and oversight framework for adult behavioral health providers under DSAM, was presented as a patient-protection measure; providers supported the goal but cautioned that regulations must be workable, and the substitute was released. Senate Joint Resolution 19, directing DHSS to study strategies to reduce health care costs, was released with a note reflecting concerns about broadening the analysis to include additional cost drivers and alternatives. Finally, Senate Bill 249 with Senate Amendment 2, modernizing harm-reduction programs and paraphernalia laws, generated the most extended debate: supporters framed it as life-saving public health policy, while opponents raised concerns about needle litter, community impacts, and whether the approach facilitates addiction. Despite the objections, the bill was released.

Transcript Highlights:

• The next page 4, page 48 is a sexually transmitted disease testing program.
• to expand access to STD testing through healthcare providers to ensure testing is accessible, efficient
• Emergency test. 62 page 62 dots. Page 64, Article 11. Page 65. Page 65 Representative Jones.
• in each fiscal year to make up, uh, for, to replace funding from the loss of HIV vendor drug rebates
• So, so if the intention is to get to a total of 20 million and if the, the HIV injectables portion is

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Article II

Transcript Highlights:

• I've been living with HIV for 32 years.
• They fund my HIV care navigator who ensures I never miss an appointment.
• or In Tacoma and Seattle, and we primarily serve people living with HIV or at risk of contracting HIV
• You heard very moving testimony from one HIV-positive patient here today.
• People living with HIV have all sorts of struggles and challenges in taking their HIV medicines for their

Bills: SB5904 , SB5915 , SB6025 , SB5933 , SB5990 , SB5981

Committee: Senate Health & Long-Term Care

Keywords: nursing titles, licensure, healthcare professionals, patient safety, professional standards, SB 5915, health technology assessment, HTA, clinical committee, medical technology review, coverage determination, state-purchased health care, Washington health care, RCW, evidence-based medicine, cost-effectiveness, safety and efficacy, Medicare coverage, national coverage determination, clinical guidelines

Transcript Highlights:

• I've been living with HIV for 32 years.
• They fund my HIV care navigator who ensures I never miss an appointment.
• or In Tacoma and Seattle, and we primarily serve people living with HIV or at risk of contracting HIV
• You heard very moving testimony from one HIV-positive patient here today.
• People living with HIV have all sorts of struggles and challenges in taking their HIV medicines for their

Summary: The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee held a hearing on several bills. SB 5904 would prohibit non-human entities from using nursing titles; the sponsor and nursing groups said it is meant to increase transparency around AI and ensure patients know when they are interacting with a real nurse. SB 5915 would change Health Technology Assessment Program review criteria and timelines, with supporters arguing it would better account for Medicare coverage and national guidelines, especially for rare and life-threatening conditions. SB 6025 would update the definition of fetal death to allow gestational age to be determined by the best clinically accurate method rather than last menstrual period, and medical professionals and the sponsor said this would reduce emotional, financial, and legal burdens on grieving families. SB 5933 would require near real-time sharing of overdose data into ODMAP; public health, local government, and recovery advocates said it would improve overdose response, while one witness asked that poison center data be included and clarified separately. SB 5990 would allow APRNs and physician assistants to serve as local health officers in counties under 100,000 population; rural county officials supported the added flexibility, while public health groups and naturopathic physicians raised concerns about qualifications and asked that naturopathic doctors be included as well. SB 5981 would restrict drug manufacturers from limiting 340B drug access through contract pharmacies or requiring data as a condition of discounts; safety-net hospitals, community health centers, pharmacies, and patients said it protects access and reinvestment in care, while manufacturers, employer groups, and industry representatives argued it increases costs, lacks transparency, and may not ensure savings reach patients. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the transcript; each bill was heard and testimony was closed. Sign-in counts were reported for several bills, including strong pro support for SB 5904, SB 5915, SB 5933, and SB 5981, and mixed or substantial opposition on SB 6025 and SB 5990.

Transcript Highlights:

• They include federally qualified health centers, Ryan White HIV/AIDS clinics, and many others.
• I've been living with HIV for 32 years, ever since my diagnosis in 1994.
• If this bill does not pass, I don't just lose a connection to vital HIV services.
• We serve people with HIV or who are at risk of contracting HIV.
• H.B. 2145 fails that test.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2437, which would put the Department of Health’s authority to accredit opioid treatment programs into statute and allow the department to set a fee to cover the cost of those services. The prime sponsor and DOH said the bill would preserve a service that is especially important to tribal and rural providers and would be self-sustaining rather than supported by the general fund. Members asked about the relationship between DOH and HCA and whether the bill would duplicate existing authority; staff and the department said DOH already performs the accrediting role and the bill mainly formalizes that authority and fee-setting power. Public testimony on the bill was then closed. The committee then held an extensive work session on the federal 340B drug pricing program and later opened public testimony on House Bill 2145, which would prohibit manufacturers, distributors, and third-party logistics providers from restricting 340B drug acquisition or delivery and from requiring claims or utilization data as a condition of access. Committee staff and NCSL gave background on how 340B works, recent growth in the program, contract pharmacy issues, and state efforts in other jurisdictions. Testimony on HB 2145 was sharply divided: hospitals, community health centers, tribal representatives, contract pharmacies, and labor groups said the bill would protect safety-net providers, rural access, HIV and behavioral health services, and tribal programs from manufacturer restrictions; business groups, pharmaceutical companies, and employer coalitions argued the program has expanded beyond its original intent, lacks transparency, shifts costs to employers and taxpayers, and should be addressed through federal reform instead. No vote was taken in the excerpt. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2155, which would bar non-human entities from using nursing titles such as RN, APRN, or LPN or otherwise implying they are licensed nurses. The prime sponsor said the bill is intended to protect patients from being misled by AI systems and to preserve transparency and public safety as health care technology expands. The Washington State Nurses Association testified in support, saying AI can be useful but should not replace nurses or be presented as a licensed professional. A member asked about enforcement and liability, and staff said they would follow up on those details.

Transcript Highlights:

• So after adjustment for that, they found direct donors were no more likely to test positive for HIV.
• But after it's collected, you have viral testing done for HIV, But after it's collected, you have viral
• testing done for HIV, hepatitis, in particular syphilis.
• And so if you're a first-time donor, you're looking at twice as likely to test positive for HIV, 15 to
• There is currently not a test. ...about this bill. A test does not exist for that.

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare