Video & Transcript : 'generic drugs' :
Page 9 of 500
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., of California, to be Secretary of Health and Human Services. Jan 29th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Finance Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- In my generation today, 70-year-old men are 1 in 34 in my kids' generation.
- We need to understand the safety of every drug and every other drug.
- It penalizes drug companies for price hikes above inflation, and it caps seniors' out-of-pocket drug
- Drug prices.
- drugs.
Committee:
Senate Finance Committee
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- It is estimated that 90% of all surgeries generate surgical smoke.
- A lot of surgeries generate surgical smoke. Just imagine that this is a pen.
- get rebates on them and on specific drugs that they approve.
- It would require that the physician did not have to order a drug on the preferred drug list if four different
- used, have been ineffective for the patient; if the drug or similar drug in its class is for the treatment
Committee:
Senate Health Policy
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Health Policy met with a quorum and heard five bills. SB 126, on prescription hearing aids, would remove Florida’s prohibition on mailing hearing aids when required tele-audiology testing and procedures are completed before sale. The sponsor said the bill would improve access, especially for people with travel or geographic barriers. The Florida Academy of Audiologists expressed support in concept but said it was still working with the sponsor on an amendment for consumer safety. The committee voted the bill favorably.
SB 152 would require hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies using smoke evacuation systems during certain surgical procedures. Supporters, including the Florida Nurses Association and several nurses, described surgical smoke as a workplace and patient safety hazard containing harmful chemicals, viruses, bacteria, and other contaminants, and said evacuation technology is available and already required in some settings. The committee voted the bill favorably. SB 264 would expand step-therapy exemptions for severe mental illness, including certain postpartum and pregnancy-related mental health conditions, so physicians would not have to require patients to fail preferred drugs in specified circumstances. Support came from Otsuka Pharmaceuticals, NAMI Florida, and several medical and pharmacy groups, who argued that delays in effective treatment can worsen crises and increase hospital and crisis-care costs. The committee voted the bill favorably.
SB 342 would create a public-records exemption for current and former AHCA employees and certain family information, citing threats and harassment directed at inspectors and regulators. President Gaetz said he generally opposes such exemptions but supported this one because the employees are not elected officials and face real safety risks. The committee voted the bill favorably. SB 294 would limit the Board of Pharmacy’s ability to add heart failure, coronary heart disease, and cardiac rhythm disorders to the list of chronic conditions eligible for collaborative pharmacy practice, keeping those conditions under direct physician management. The Florida Society of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeons, Florida Medical Association, and the Florida chapter of the American College of Cardiology supported the bill, while the Florida Society of Health System Pharmacists opposed it. The committee voted the bill favorably. Senator Trumbull asked to be recorded in support of SB 126 and SB 152, and the meeting adjourned without further business.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Care & Wellness Feb 10th, 2026 at 08:30 am
Health Care & Wellness
Transcript Highlights:
- , and so it is not possible to make generic versions of biological products.
- a therapeutically equivalent generic drug or interchangeable product unless the prescriber has indicated
- That can be a generic or a name brand based on their insurance.
- AAM represents the generic and biosimilar manufacturers.
- AAM represents the generic and biosimilar manufacturers.
Committee:
House Health Care & Wellness
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health May 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- General fund expenditures aim to achieve general fund savings.
- We will require Medi-Cal members to obtain drugs not on or removed from the contracted drug list to go
- drug list.
- Previously, individuals may have been prescribed drugs that are not on this contract drug list, meaning
- on the contract drug list.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine certain pending nominations. Apr 30th, 2025 at 09:15 am
Senate Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- Americans to drug poisonings, primarily due to illicit fentanyl flooding across our borders.
- They're involved in drugs, fentanyl. Extortion, kidnapping, drugs, intimidation, money laundering.
- I'm claiming that... ...in terms of drug dealing? Sorry to interrupt you, sir.
- How does this diversion of resources help us fight drugs in our communities?
- And so many times violent crime is tied to drug trafficking.
Committee:
Senate Senate Judiciary
Keywords:
fentanyl crisis, DEA, drug trafficking, public safety, Judea Serrata, Terrence Cole, judicial security, social media, drug prevention
Summary:
The committee meeting centered on the urgent crisis of fentanyl abuse and the government’s response to the drug trafficking epidemic. Key discussions revolved around the nomination of Terrence Cole as the Administrator of the DEA and Judea Serrata as Director of the U.S. Marshals Service. Cole emphasized his commitment to combating the fentanyl crisis, highlighting the rising number of overdose deaths and the necessity of bipartisan efforts to dismantle drug cartels. Members engaged in dialogue on the effectiveness of various strategies and the importance of education aimed at preventing drug-related deaths among youth. Additionally, the challenges of social media in drug trafficking were highlighted, indicating a need for greater accountability in how platforms handle such issues. Senators voiced concerns about the impact of administration policies on judicial security and the resources available for marshals to perform their critical roles.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- And there were times that I picked the kids up from drug houses, or there were other times drug boards
- They were taken on joy rides, drug houses, and then they were sent to buy drugs on behalf...
- They were taken on joy rides, drug houses, and then they were sent to buy drugs on behalf of the dad.
- So the hardcore drugs, the drugs that are killing our kids.
- Secondly, I don't know what drugs it applies to. I'm sorry. I don't know what drugs it applies to.
Committee:
House House Judiciary
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/19/2026 - House Health & Human Services
House Health & Human Services Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- than those applied to opioid or narcotic drugs.
- Any of these drugs? Logan, is that how you're reading it?
- , not just drugs for treating pain.
- the board for multiple drug classes, not just drugs to treat pain.
- classes, not just drugs to treat pain.
Summary:
The Special Committee on Health and Human Services heard a series of continuation and board-reform bills, beginning with core review measures to continue the Arizona Department of Economic Security, the State Board of Nursing, the Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners, the Regulatory Board of Physician Assistants, and the State Board of Pharmacy. HB 2728, HB 2729, HB 2730, HB 2731 as amended, and HB 2732 all received due-pass recommendations, with the physician assistant board bill amended to extend the board for four years rather than two. The committee then moved to reform bills affecting the nursing board and pharmacy board, as well as a reconsidered health plan drug-coverage bill.
HB 2408, which would change nursing board complaint procedures, prioritize certain allegations, allow limited expungement of disciplinary records, and adjust evidentiary and liability standards, drew extensive testimony. Nursing board leadership opposed the bill, arguing it would weaken patient safety, raise the burden of proof, and erase useful disciplinary history, while supporters said it would improve fairness, reduce backlog, and give nurses a second chance for non-patient-safety-related issues. After debate, the committee adopted an amendment and advanced the bill on a 7-4-1 vote. HB 2434, updating the controlled substances prescription monitoring program and related reporting and confidentiality rules, and HB 2733, changing pharmacy continuing education timing, delivery rules, and ownership-transition procedures, both passed unanimously after amendments.
The committee also reconsidered HB 2725, which would limit access contractors’ use of therapeutic substitution and utilization controls for certain non-opioid drugs. Access and health plan representatives warned the bill was too broad and could significantly increase costs by affecting many drug classes, while the sponsor said the amendment was intended to address those concerns and preserve the policy goal. After the amendment was adopted, the bill failed on a 6-? vote and did not receive a due-pass recommendation. The chair then announced the committee was done hearing House bills and adjourned, with Senate bills expected in a later meeting.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- I told this general we'll be brief.
- He was charged, the drug dealer was charged, but for unrelated drug transactions he wasn't allowed to
- conviction or criminal drug case filing.
- were drug-free after a year of replacing these deadly drugs with kratom.
- Mitragynine is a pro-drug.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Summary:
The hearing covered a wide range of Judiciary Committee bills, with much of the testimony focused on criminal justice, public safety, and civil asset forfeiture reform. Several lawmakers and advocates supported bills to increase penalties or create new offenses related to assaults on sports officials, assaults on transit workers, reckless discharge of firearms, fires and explosives, pill press machines, and drug-induced homicide. Testifiers described rising harassment and violence against youth sports officials and transit workers, as well as the fentanyl overdose crisis and the need for stronger tools to prosecute dealers whose conduct leads to death. Supporters of the sports-official and transit-worker bills emphasized declining referee availability and repeated assaults on commuter rail and MBTA workers. District attorneys also backed bills on reckless firearm discharge and fires/explosives, saying current law does not adequately address dangerous conduct that endangers bystanders.
The committee also heard testimony on several proposals related to youth diversion and prison mitigation. Supporters of the youth court justice fund bill said youth courts are peer-led diversion programs with strong compliance and low recidivism, and argued for a stable funding source rather than annual earmarks. A representative from Bridgewater supported a prison mitigation fund for municipalities that host state prisons, saying the costs of public safety and emergency services are not fully covered. On gun policy, testimony split between supporters of a bill to ban in-state manufacture of assault-style rifles for civilian sale and opponents or skeptics of other firearm-related measures, including a bill on collateralizing firearms and a bill to increase penalties for drug trafficking combined with illegal firearm offenses.
A major portion of the hearing was devoted to civil asset forfeiture reform. Advocates from the ACLU, CPCS, the Boston Bar Association, the Institute for Justice, and others supported bills to increase the burden of proof, improve transparency and reporting, require counsel, and limit or eliminate the current practice of directing forfeiture proceeds to law enforcement. They argued the current system creates perverse incentives, lacks adequate due process, and is insufficiently transparent. District Attorney Paul Tucker defended current forfeiture practices, saying his office has reporting and oversight, uses the funds for investigations and community programs, and warned that reducing forfeiture revenue would hinder crime fighting. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing; the chairs repeatedly thanked witnesses and indicated the bills would remain under consideration.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Joint Transportation, Highways and Public Works Mar 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And then followed by the general aviation funded list for 2026-2027, which consists of 99 general aviation
- And then followed by the general aviation funded list for FY 2026-2027, which consists of 99 general
- And those that were tested for drugs, you see on this trend chart what you see is that we have drug tests
- Many drivers mix alcohol with those drugs.
- Well, the drug test showed the type of drugs. So I just categorized in that fentanyl and in the...
Summary:
The Senate Joint Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee received an update from DOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet and Deputy Secretary Bo Black on the department’s transformation efforts. DOTD highlighted its new project delivery dashboard, key performance indicators, and litter abatement work, including nearly $15 million spent on litter pickup and a new highway sponsorship pilot. Members also received updates on LTIF 1.0 and 2.0, with officials reporting that most LTIF 1.0 work is complete and that LTIF 2.0 is progressing under budget. The committee also heard updates on the Office of Highway Construction’s bridge bundling program, the Calcasieu River Bridge project, and the Cameron Ferry boat replacement and privatization solicitation process.
The committee reviewed the draft 2026-2027 highway priority program, which DOTD said includes $913 million for construction and about $1.2 billion across 302 projects. Members discussed the public roadshow comments, project acceleration, and corridor planning, including the I-12 corridor and the Calcasieu River Bridge environmental review and public meetings. No vote was taken on the highway priority program at this meeting.
The statewide flood control program presented six recommended projects for fiscal year 2026-2027, including projects in Gretna, St. John, St. James, Mandeville, and two Lafourche-area projects, with officials saying the projects meet benefit-cost criteria and would reduce flood damage. The airport construction and development priority program was also reviewed, with 31 air carrier projects and 99 general aviation projects recommended. The rail program reported no new projects but said it expects a $13 million request and has 19 projects in the queue, while the port program presented three unfunded projects for future consideration.
The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission and LSU’s Center for Analytics and Research presented crash data focused on impaired driving. They said 2024 saw 753 traffic fatalities, with impaired driving accounting for about one-third of fatal crashes, and estimated the economic cost of impaired driving at roughly $700 million. Members discussed youth driving, marijuana and alcohol trends, ignition interlock, DWI courts, and enforcement challenges on waterways. The meeting concluded with no formal votes or final actions on the major program items presented.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health May 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- year, the administration is proposing options to reduce General Fund expenditures and achieve General
- the state General Fund spend.
- on our contracted drug list.
- contracted drug list.
- on the contract drug lists.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held the first of several hearings on the Governor’s May Revision for health care, with opening remarks focused on the state’s projected $12 billion deficit, looming federal Medicaid changes, and the potential impact on Medi-Cal, public health, reproductive health, and safety-net providers. Several members criticized the proposal as balancing the budget on vulnerable Californians, while others defended the need for cost containment and questioned the administration’s assumptions. The chair set ground rules for respectful, focused questioning and outlined three topics: the Medi-Cal proposals, Proposition 35, and Proposition 56.
DHCS Director Michelle Baas presented the May Revision’s Medi-Cal package, saying the department’s budget totals $200.6 billion overall, including $45.2 billion General Fund, and that the proposals are intended to address rising caseloads, pharmacy costs, and managed care spending. She described proposed changes for adults with unsatisfactory immigration status, including a freeze on new full-scope enrollment for those 19 and older, $100 monthly premiums beginning in 2027, elimination of adult dental and long-term care coverage, removal of PPS/RAP payments to FQHCs and rural health clinics for that population, and a pharmacy rebate aggregator. Other proposals included eliminating certain OTC drug classes, removing GLP-1 coverage for weight loss, prior authorization and step therapy changes, reinstating the Medi-Cal asset test, eliminating acupuncture as an optional benefit, allowing utilization management for hospice, raising the managed care minimum medical loss ratio to 90%, reducing PACE capitation rates toward the midpoint of the actuarial range, eliminating the skilled nursing facility workforce and quality incentive program, and suspending the SNF backup power requirement.
The LAO said the revised Medi-Cal spending estimate is about $2.5 billion higher than the Governor’s Budget in the budget year, and that the increase appears driven more by higher per-enrollee costs than by caseload alone. The LAO said the budget solutions are concentrated in a few areas, are largely ongoing, and should be considered in light of federal uncertainty, but suggested the Legislature could explore alternatives such as more targeted income thresholds for the undocumented expansion and simpler asset-test rules. Department of Finance officials said the proposals are difficult but necessary to address a third consecutive deficit and rising Medi-Cal costs. Members then pressed the administration on the methodology and impacts of the proposals, especially the enrollment freeze, premiums, asset test, hospice controls, PACE reductions, and the elimination of benefits and provider payments. No votes or formal actions were taken at this hearing.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on County & Regional Government Apr 14th, 2025
S/C on County & Regional Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Let me say that again: this program does not encourage new drug use or increased drug use among existing
- Drug addicts are everywhere.
- This bill shows drug addicts that we are doing our best, and this is Texas showing drug addicts that
- I am a person who used injection drugs for over 20 years.
- It is not encouraging drug use.
Committee:
House S/C on County & Regional Government
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Health Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Health
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll move to Anita Dua, Massachusetts General Hospital, on virtual.
- We'll move to Anita Dua, Massachusetts General Hospital, on virtual.
- Fluoride is a prescription drug. It provides little, if any, benefit.
- such as anesthetics, steroids, antipsychotics, anti-cancer drugs, diet drugs, digestive support, Antibiotics
- , anti-cancer drugs, diet drugs, digestive support, statins, Celebrex and Vioxx, Prozac-type drugs, some
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Public Health
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing focused on children’s health, disease prevention, screening, treatment, and pharmacy-related bills. The chair explained that the session was for public testimony only, with no votes or decisions taken that day, and outlined the three-minute limit for individual testimony. The committee then heard testimony on a range of bills, including H. 2413 on adding electromagnetic sensitivity to the state’s MAVEN registry, S. 1508 and H. 2433 on creating an amputation prevention task force, H. 2535 and S. 1551 on establishing a naloxone purchase trust fund, S. 1635 on authorizing pharmacists to provide opioid use disorder treatment, H. 2385 on creating a special commission on avian influenza, and S. 1497 on patient safety and non-FDA-approved compounded drugs.
Testimony on H. 2413 came largely from advocates and individuals who described electromagnetic sensitivity as a real health condition and argued that adding it to the registry would improve data collection, provider education, and public awareness. Testimony on the amputation prevention task force bills came from the American Diabetes Association and podiatry groups, who said diabetes-related amputations are often preventable, disproportionately affect people of color, and could be reduced through earlier screening, better care coordination, and improved insurance coverage for preventive foot care. On the naloxone trust fund bills, a representative, emergency physician, and nurse testified that hospitals often cannot reliably send overdose patients home with naloxone because of billing and reimbursement barriers, and that a bulk-purchase fund would expand access at no added cost to payers or providers.
The committee also heard strong support for S. 1635 from pharmacists and public health researchers, who said community pharmacists could safely initiate and maintain buprenorphine treatment and help close gaps in opioid use disorder care. On H. 2385, a local board of health chair supported a special commission on avian influenza, citing gaps in emergency preparedness and the need for clearer coordination across agencies. On S. 1497, a pharmacy representative opposed restrictions on compounded drugs from outsourcing facilities, warning that changes could reduce access to life-saving medications and harm patient safety. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Comparing this to generic drugs, only therapeutically equivalent products may be substituted by pharmacists
- Drug companies often keep these drug prices high by setting their own list prices and then offering co-pay
- Companies also use drug coupons to increase drug sales for a particular brand-name drug and to steer
- patients away from lower-cost generics.
- Under current state law, drug manufacturers are forbidden from offering coupons if there is a generic
Committee:
Senate Health
Summary:
The committee heard several health-related bills, beginning with SB 1124 on lung cancer screening awareness. The author and supporters said the bill would require CDPH signage about lung cancer screening eligibility at tobacco point-of-sale locations to address low awareness and low screening rates. Support came from medical students, physicians, and the California Academy of Family Physicians, while retailers raised concerns about sign size, retailer notification, and implementation. Committee members generally supported the bill and noted the need to work through those concerns.
SB 1150 sought to require clearer patient notice when cancer cases are reported to the California Cancer Registry. The author described the bill as a response to inconsistent notification practices and privacy concerns, and the chair and other members shared personal stories about learning they or family members were in the registry without knowing it. Cancer registry and university stakeholders expressed appreciation for amendments but continued to have concerns or wanted more time to review the language. The bill was discussed as a patient-awareness measure rather than a change to reporting requirements.
The committee also heard SB 1400 on Alameda Health System governance, SB 1094 on biosimilar substitution and health plan policies, SB 1314 on smoke shop regulation and nitrous oxide restrictions, and SB 1309 on eliminating cost-sharing for medically necessary follow-up after lung cancer screening. SB 1400 and SB 1314 drew support from local officials, labor, and public health advocates, with members emphasizing youth protection and local oversight. SB 1094 passed after extensive debate over pharmacist substitution authority and notification requirements, with a 6-0 vote and opposition from biotechnology and physician groups. SB 1309 also passed after members discussed the cost of follow-up care and the value of early detection, despite opposition from health plans over premium impacts; it received a 7-0 vote and was placed on call.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Public Health Effects of Xylazine Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- I study drug overdose and support the understanding of the drug supply by helping to build out the Massachusetts
- Drug Supply Data Stream, which is our first statewide and state-supported community drug checking program
- I study drug overdose and support the understanding of the drug supply by helping to build out the Massachusetts
- Drug Supply Data Stream, which is our first statewide and state-supported community drug checking program
- So a lot of it is, it's just other drugs are being used.
Summary:
The Special Commission on Xylazine convened its second meeting, approved the minutes from its June 23 meeting, and reviewed its timeline and working groups. The co-chairs said the commission’s final report is due to the House and Senate clerks by March 30, 2026, and outlined three working groups focused on regulation/oversight of xylazine, treatment and outreach for exposed patients, and education/training for first responders, clinicians, treatment providers, and people who use substances. Staff will schedule working group meetings, with group presentations planned for December 11, followed by commission meetings in February and March to review and finalize the draft report.
Public comment centered on research and practical responses to xylazine contamination in the drug supply. Dr. Tracy Green of Brandeis reviewed recent studies showing severe xylazine-related wounds and amputations in Philadelphia, withdrawal symptoms, the value of wound identification tools, and the usefulness of drug checking in detecting xylazine even when users did not suspect it was present. She urged expanded low-barrier wound care, more access to medications for opioid use disorder, overdose prevention sites, housing, and trauma-informed care, while cautioning that stricter controls could push the market toward other dangerous alpha-2 substances. Commissioners asked about early wound identification, dilution/cutting strategies, supplier engagement, and how to reduce stigma and improve treatment access.
Tia Johnson of Boston Medical Center and Boston Health Care for the Homeless testified that xylazine contamination still requires naloxone for overdose response, but sedation can last longer and may require low-dose naloxone, oxygen support, and low-threshold monitoring spaces. She emphasized that xylazine-associated wounds can heal with consistent care, but patients often lose access to services when sent to hospitals unnecessarily. Commissioners discussed reimbursement barriers, especially in MassHealth and behavioral health settings, and the need for wound care to be available within detox and treatment programs rather than requiring transfers. The meeting ended with agreement to continue working group planning and adjournment.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Public Health Effects of Xylazine Mar 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And if I hear you as far as bolstering, our drug checking could improve them.
- Any additional comments, feedback before we go into people who use drugs and people in recovery?
- I just had a question about the role of the Attorney General in this kind of emerging drug issue.
- I think it doesn't necessarily need to be led by the Attorney General. It could. Okay, thank you.
- I think there's, later on, there's a recommendation that the Attorney General, I don't know.
Summary:
The Special Commission on Xylazine held its final public meeting to review and approve the final draft of its report before submission to the House and Senate clerks. Chair Mindy Domb opened the meeting, noted Senator John Velis’s absence due to National Guard deployment, and the commission approved the minutes from the February 9 meeting. Staff then walked commissioners through the report’s redline changes, which were mostly technical or clarifying edits, along with several substantive updates on xylazine’s public health effects, state and federal actions, harm reduction, emergency response, wound care, and education and training.
Commissioners discussed several language changes, including clarifying that xylazine is an active adulterant rather than a bulking agent, replacing “non-clinician” with “non-clinical staff,” and revising references to “hotspots” to better reflect the limits of available data. They also refined recommendations to emphasize oxygenation and ventilation in overdose response, continued naloxone use, referrals to harm reduction services, language access in wound care materials, and clearer discussion of medical consequences and financial costs related to delayed wound treatment. Staff also described the appendices, including a letter from Senator Velis supporting the report and noting he could not vote because of active duty service.
The commission then voted to approve the final report, with members present voting in favor and Deputy Director Sarah Ruiz abstaining on the earlier minutes vote. After the report vote, commissioners offered brief remarks thanking staff and one another for the collaborative work and the quality of the final product. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn at 11:11 a.m., and staff said the final report would be submitted to the clerks and posted online.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE Mar 18th, 2026
ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- offer a Medicare Advantage prescription drug plan.
- And the enrollment was just over 50% to start, and that generated around $40 million in savings.
- So as manufacturers picked up more of the costs of the drugs and people were utilizing more drugs, more
- And so as manufacturers picked up more of the costs of the drugs and people were utilizing more drugs
- So we're generally speaking... Also counts.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection (10-22-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> won't be selling drugs. won't be selling drugs.
- But we want their drug screens to show prescription drugs on their drug screen.
- drug screens to show prescription drugs,<00:58:12.319><c> drugs</c><00:58:12.640><c> on</c><00:58:12.799
- ><c> court,</c> drugs, drugs on their So in drug court, drugs, drugs on their So in drug court, we<00
- The ones that drugs on your drug screen.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, approved the September 24 minutes, and heard a briefing from representatives of three Kentucky drug task forces: Greater Hardin County, Bowling Green-Warren County, and Bluegrass Narcotics. The presenters described how multi-jurisdictional task forces operate, their partner agencies, and the kinds of drugs and trafficking patterns they are seeing, with fentanyl identified as the most dangerous and fastest-growing threat. They also described large seizures and investigations involving fentanyl pills, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, tractor-trailer shipments, postal shipments, and a case tied to a pill press and undercover work with the DEA. Bluegrass Narcotics said it was formed in response to overdose deaths and has since seen major reductions in complaints and overdose deaths in Harrison and Bourbon counties.
A major theme of the presentation was funding. The task forces said Byrne JAG funding has declined from about $2.1 million statewide in 2023-2024 to $1.4 million this year, while their costs for vehicles, fuel, technology, overtime, office space, and training have risen sharply. They said local support and asset forfeiture help, but the revenue is uneven and unpredictable, and they asked the legislature to consider adding about $1 million per year in state support, with oversight from the Justice Cabinet or Office of Drug Control Policy. They also emphasized that if meth labs return, many agencies would need new training and equipment because those capabilities have largely expired or been scaled back.
Members asked about possible statutory barriers, coordination across counties and states, the source of drugs, and how seized cash is handled. The task forces said coordination with federal, state, and other local agencies is generally strong, but money remains the main obstacle to broader operations. They explained that seized cash is held as evidence and, after court proceedings, may be awarded back to task forces or split under statute, with 15% going to the Commonwealth’s attorney and 85% to law enforcement. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving the briefing.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 03/03/26
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- Each year we generate approximately $2.2 million in 340B drug cost savings, and every dollar of that
- pricing</c><01:38:30.560><c> program</c> The federal 340B drug pricing program The federal 340B drug
- </c> with outofstatearmacies to generate with outofstatearmacies to generate revenue<01:48:49.679><c>
- As a result, in our branded drug.
- from administered drugs and specialty drugs suggests that 340B could be influencing additional areas
Committee:
Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Task Force Jun 24th, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Task Force
Transcript Highlights:
- Now, that being said, of course, we will never eliminate drug use. Humans have used drugs.
- Humans have always used drugs, and they will always use drugs. We do not always have to do.
- Humans have always used drugs, and they will always use drugs.
- There's a lot more drugs involved, also a lot more synthetic drugs.
- And synthetics generally.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions Mar 23rd, 2026
Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions
Transcript Highlights:
- And the cannabis excise tax has generated $850 million during that same time period.
- This has generated over $500 million in revenue for the Commonwealth from FY 2018 to FY 2025.
- I would... the quality of the drug as it's available in legal stores in Maine is suspect.
- We haven't... ...lived in a culture that allowed the drug and its use to be studied.
- As the drug has been legalized, we've seen usage... ...standard usage.
Bills:
H5005