Transcript Highlights:

• Page 2 covers the administration of prescriptions, counseling, and assessing the patient. >> Yes.
• Page two covers the administration of prescriptions, counseling, and assessing the patient and prescribing
• from more than one doctor prescription from more than one doctor and<00:08:15.199> they're<00
• <00:08:30.639> Is<00:08:30.800> that<00:08:30.960> what getting a prescription
• Is that what getting a prescription.

Bills: SF0121

Keywords: pharmacy, collaborative care, healthcare, prescriptions, patient safety, Wyoming Pharmacy Act, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill allows an optometrist to extend the period of validity of an eyeglass prescription up to two
• Several months, five or ten years ago, I guess I had my eyes checked and I got a new prescription, and
• problems, you know, we can go to two years, so there'll be no confusion and people will get two-year prescriptions
• merit of what school did you go to, well, that’s a great big barrier to a lot of people who cannot afford

Bills: SB1013, SB1023

Keywords: merit-based hiring, public employees, non-discrimination, employment practices, Arizona Revised Statutes, optometrists, eye exams, eyeglass prescriptions, healthcare, vision care, 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, the bill allows an optometrist to extend the period of validity of an eyeglass prescription
• an eye exam several years ago and the prescriber was uncertain as to how long the term of the prescription
• provides that an eye exam by an optometrist includes patient eye health and vision, and the resulting prescription
• It does not cover contact lens prescriptions, which is an entirely different set of considerations.

Bills: SB1023, SB1145, SB1242, SB1247

Keywords: optometrists, eye exams, eyeglass prescriptions, healthcare, vision care, behavior analysis, licensing, psychologist examiners, state regulations, committee authority, mental health, court-ordered treatment, outpatient treatment, audiovisual technology, secure facilities, evaluations, guardian powers, patient rights, assisted living, occupants

Bills: SF0122, SJ0006, SF0121, SF0106

Keywords: medical necessity, insurance, healthcare policy, independent review, claim processing, shared parenting, family law, joint custody, child well-being, parental rights, pharmacy, collaborative care, healthcare, prescriptions, patient safety, Wyoming Pharmacy Act, welfare, Medicaid, employment, eligibility verification

Bills: SF0122, SJ0006, SF0121, SF0106

Keywords: medical necessity, insurance, healthcare policy, independent review, claim processing, shared parenting, family law, joint custody, child well-being, parental rights, pharmacy, collaborative care, healthcare, prescriptions, patient safety, Wyoming Pharmacy Act, welfare, Medicaid, employment, eligibility verification

Transcript Highlights:

• The patients and consumers who can't afford to keep paying the bills. sky-high prices for their prescription
• They'll help make prescription drugs more affordable.
• Hopefully, transparency driving down the cost of prescription drugs.
• On S-1040, the Drug Competition Enforcement Act was previously part of the Affordable Prescriptions for
• have become to afford.

Bills: SB1040, SB1041, SB1095, SB1096, SB1097, SB527

Keywords: drug competition, product hopping, generic drugs, biosimilars, federal regulations, FTC Act, patent, biological products, healthcare access, affordable prescriptions, Medicare, Federal Trade Commission, sham petitions, competition, public health, unfair competition, healthcare, pharmaceutical, antitrust law, pay-for-delay

Summary: The meeting focused on addressing the high cost of prescription drugs and the abusive practices that contribute to elevated prices affecting American families. Several bills were presented, including proposals to end pay-for-delay deals and to enhance transparency in the operations of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). The discussion was notable for its emphasis on consumer protection and ensuring that cheaper generic drugs reach the market more effectively. Members expressed frustration over past attempts to pass similar legislation stalling in the Senate, leading to renewed efforts to push these bills forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2434 updates requirements relating to the controlled substances prescription monitoring program
• The bill clarifies that pharmacies can deliver prescription medications.
• That is, a lot of different prescription drugs could be taken here, you know, that we don't have any
• Madam Chair, Representative Contreras, that is our concern: without language clarifying what prescription
• Madam Chair, Representative Contreras, that is our concern: without language clarifying what prescription

Bills: HB2408, HB2434, HB2725, HB2728, HB2729, HB2730, HB2731, HB2732, HB2733

Keywords: nursing board, regulatory actions, disciplinary actions, expungement, healthcare professionalism, controlled substances, prescription monitoring, opioid crisis, healthcare regulations, patient safety, prescription drugs, opioids, healthcare, pain management, utilization controls, AHCCCS, Department of Economic Security, social services, welfare programs, vocational rehabilitation

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, Members, House Bill 2434 modifies requirements related to the controlled substances prescription
• And so we want to say that kinship care at a low rate discourages many parents who can't afford to actually
• could have all been avoided had this state or DCS responded positively to the resources that were afforded
• Like I said, that pillar... afforded to me my uncle were anesthesiologists and they were willing and
• I really appreciate the courtesy that you've afforded me.

Bills: HB2035, HB2086, HB2434, HB2611, HB2732, HB2733, HB2830, HB2923, HB2932, HB4004

Keywords: kinship care, child welfare, foster care, relative placement, child protection, vaccination mandates, mask requirements, public health, government entities, COVID-19, controlled substances, prescription monitoring, opioid crisis, healthcare regulations, patient safety, group homes, children's rights, safety protocols, employee training, mental health

Transcript Highlights:

• are arrested and jailed each year for driving with a suspended license, some because they could not afford
• Some because they could not afford expensive surcharges based on minor driving left infractions.
• The only difference is that our neighbors who cannot afford to restore their licenses and must strive
• With this change, since they cannot afford to pay fines and costs, uh, they will face about 4 days in
• , you know, all the money goes to insurance, they can't afford to restore their license, uh, and, and

Bills: HB316

Keywords: Medicaid, healthcare, affordable care act, medical assistance, federal funding

Transcript Highlights:

• everyone is to make it affordable for everyone.
• of four people who are eligible for affordable housing get affordable housing or rental. assistance of
• We hope 3 million affordable homes.
• And so many people will have to work 2.8 jobs or more in order to afford affordable housing.
• We have an affordability crisis.

Keywords: affordable housing, government investment, barriers, legislative solutions, public testimony

Summary: The committee meeting focused on addressing the significant issue of affordable housing in America. Members expressed concern over the persistent barriers faced in the housing sector, despite substantial government investment aimed at alleviating these issues. It was highlighted that government interference plays a critical role in complicating the housing landscape, and discussions revolved around potential legislative approaches to mitigate these challenges. Several witnesses provided testimony, contributing to a thorough exploration of the topic.

Transcript Highlights:

• The development would set a minimum of 20% of their units as affordable.
• The bill also has a ton of protections for renters that mirror the Affordable Housing Act.
• The purpose was to make sure that as these units become affordable, they continue to follow what the
• This part mirrors a lot of what is already in the Affordable Housing Act, because we are dealing here
• with affordable housing.

Bills: HB310, HB323, HM51, HB194

Keywords: museum, cultural affairs, lowrider, Espanola, appropriation, feasibility study, broadband access, low-income, rural areas, Indian nations, affordable internet, employment opportunities, detention centers, immigration, economic development, repurposing facilities, job transition, rural development, housing, affordable housing

Transcript Highlights:

• what needs to happen to get the unhoused housed and to get those individuals who are working in affordable
• the private activity bonds allocation process for qualified residential rental projects, updating affordable
• year, and meets several additional requirements, gives third priority to projects with a mix of affordable
• units, up to 30% of the area median income, and more moderate affordable up to 80% of the area median
• we make sure that uh we're not impeding on things that damage what we can do in terms of moving affordable

Bills: HJR40

Keywords: Medicaid, healthcare access, Affordable Care Act, federal funding, constitutional amendment

Transcript Highlights:

• affordable housing then the statewide affordable housing aid.<00:05:27.120> is<00:05:27.280><
• building new affordable housing.
• new far more affordable than building new affordable<00:43:07.280> housing.
• affordable way to do it. Correct. affordable way to do it. Correct.
• . affordable. affordable.

Bills: HF4207, HF3639, HF3981, HF3064, HF2123

Keywords: housing aid, local housing trust, funding projects, income provisions, technical changes, landlord regulations, tenant rights, minor children, lease agreements, eviction, privacy protection, housing, lease termination, medical care, death, infirmity, landlord obligations, St. Paul, public housing, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency

Transcript Highlights:

• housing tax credit and contribution fund, which has been wildly popular, and the, uh, local and affordable
• c><00:29:14.000> uh<00:29:14.159> local<00:29:14.480> and<00:29:14.720> affordable
• The local and affordable housing aid and statewide affordable housing aid are programs where we

Bills: SF2434

Keywords: housing, development fund, affordable housing, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, expenditure provisions

Transcript Highlights:

• We have one resolution today, SCR 48, declaring the intent that affordable housing credits are perpetual
• We have one resolution today, SCR 48, declaring the intent that affordable housing credits are perpetual
• We have one resolution today, SCR 48, declaring the intent that affordable housing credits are perpetual
• Um, and you know, just providing clear parameters for these affordable housing credits.
• Affordable housing credits.

Bills: SCR48

Keywords: affordable housing, housing credits, perpetual credits, development, Hawaii Housing Finance, 910, house, all

Summary: The Housing Committee met on SCR 48, which declares that affordable housing credits are perpetual and remain valid until redeemed, and asks counties to recognize them without expiration dates. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with speakers saying the resolution clarifies the intent of the 2024 act and provides clear parameters for the credits. No one testified in opposition or offered questions. The committee then took up SCR 48 for decision-making and adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass the resolution as is. The measure passed with one member voting with reservations. The chair noted this was the committee’s final hearing of the year and thanked advocates, stakeholders, staff, and IT support before adjourning. The transcript also included portions of the Transportation Committee and a joint Transportation/Housing hearing. Transportation advanced SCR 31 on school bus driver licensing and workforce improvements, SCR 132 urging Honolulu to prioritize the rail extension, SCR 145 on studying a demerit point system, and SCR 110 SD 1 on evaluating state-owned logistics facilities for housing projects. SCR 110 drew support from labor groups, with a request to add labor representation to the working group. The committees adopted recommendations on those measures, including SCR 110 with amendments.

Bills: HB1979

Keywords: environmental review, affordable housing, clean energy, judicial proceedings, public participation, Hawaii Revised Statutes, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee held an AEN hearing on Friday, March 20, in Room 224 with remote participation streamed live. The first measure, HB 1880 HD3, would prohibit, beginning January 1, 2030, the use or application of pesticides containing 1,3-D (Telone). Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and HAPA, argued that 1,3-D is a probable carcinogen, can drift off target, and poses risks to farm workers, nearby families, children, and vulnerable communities, while safer alternatives exist. Opponents, including the Western Plant Health Association and Dole Food, said the product is federally registered and regulated, is needed for pineapple production, and that banning it could threaten jobs, local food production, and the pineapple industry; Dole also noted a petition signed by 95 employees opposing the bill. The chair recorded 73 in support, seven opposed, and two comments for the measure. The committee then took up HB 1931 HD2, which would establish a state noxious weed coordinator, update the process for designating and managing noxious weeds, allow public proposals to change designations, require notice and reporting, classify weeds into three categories, and strengthen enforcement and penalties. Testimony was generally supportive, with DLNR and DAB submitting support and CGAPS backing the bill as a modernization of outdated 1950s-era statutes, arguing that more flexible administrative rules would better address changing agricultural and invasive species conditions. The measure received 38 supportive testimonies, with no opposition or comments recorded. Because the committee did not have quorum, no final decision was made on the measures. The chair announced that decision-making would be rolled to Wednesday, March 25, at 3:05 p.m. in Room 224, and the hearing adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• environmental impact statements on actions that propose the use of land for or construction of affordable
• <00:01:18.400> housing<00:01:18.720> or or construction of affordable housing or or
• specific types of actions, affordable specific types of actions, affordable housing<00:02:50.239
• Earth Justice supports affordable housing.
• , uh, resources to address affordability, uh, resources to address affordability, health,<00:47:54.480

Bills: HB1979

Keywords: environmental review, affordable housing, clean energy, judicial proceedings, public participation, Hawaii Revised Statutes, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1979 HD3, which would shorten the time to file certain judicial challenges to environmental assessments and environmental impact statements for affordable housing and clean energy projects, and would also affect transfer of some environmental court appeals to the Supreme Court. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the amended bill, saying the changes were improved from earlier versions and that the shorter filing period was reasonable for these priority projects. Hawaii Gas asked that the bill’s clean energy definition be broadened to align with existing renewable energy law so emerging technologies like renewable hydrogen and renewable gas would be included. Kauai Island Utility Co-op and Greenpeace Hawaii testified in support and opposition, respectively, with supporters arguing the bill would reduce litigation uncertainty and opponents saying the shorter deadline would limit public participation and not solve the real causes of project delays. Opposition testimony came from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Earthjustice, Sierra Club, 350 Hawaii, and others, who argued the bill could chill legitimate public-interest claims, especially where there is limited public notice, and that environmental review was being unfairly blamed for delays caused by permitting, financing, or infrastructure problems. Several speakers said the measure would reduce transparency and make it harder for communities to respond in time. One testifier from Earthjustice said the environmental review process itself is not the problem and should not be weakened for projects that still need public disclosure and community engagement. The committee then moved to decision-making and, citing the volume of opposition and concerns about public participation, transparency, and whether the bill would actually improve timelines, the chair deferred HB 1979 HD3 indefinitely. The hearing was adjourned after the vote decision was announced. The transcript then shifted to HB 2585, relating to tourism and statewide standards for agritourism. Testimony was mixed: farmers and agricultural groups described agritourism as essential to keeping small farms and ranches viable, while also urging safeguards so it would not be abused or displace real agricultural production. Some speakers warned the bill’s revenue-based limits could unintentionally shut down existing farm stays and related operations, especially in Maui County. The Hawaii Farm Bureau said it supported the intent but wanted clearer protections for bona fide agriculture and more flexibility around revenue requirements and force majeure situations. The discussion was still underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• feed the appetite of affordable housing. feed the appetite of affordable housing.
• But you know, of us in here can afford But you know, of us in here can afford that. that. that.
• <00:27:02.480> I'm production of affordable units. I'm production of affordable units.
• <00:42:52.280> affordable can provide additional affordable can provide additional affordable
• have affordable housing. Mahalo. have affordable housing. Mahalo.

Bills: HB1700

Keywords: housing, expedited permits, disabilities, access, functional needs, local government, affordable housing, reporting requirements, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard several housing, land use, and infrastructure bills. HB 6019 HD2 on electric vehicle infrastructure and HB 1728 HD1 on rainwater catchment systems both drew limited testimony and were advanced. For HB 1728, the chairs said they would designate the Department of Health as the regulator and incorporate suggested technical amendments from plumbing and rainwater industry groups. Both measures were reported out with recommendations to pass, with HB 6019 passed unamended and HB 1728 passed with amendments. HB 1844, which would have required the Land Use Commission to reclassify lands designated for urban growth, drew significant opposition from the Hawaii Farm Bureau and Sierra Club, who argued it would bypass land-use review and threaten agricultural land, water planning, and long-term resilience. Grassroot Institute supported the bill, and the Land Use Commission said the bill raised concerns. After discussion, the chairs deferred the measure in one committee and later the recommendation to pass it with amendments was not adopted in the other committee. HB 1990 on penalties and liens for unresolved residential zoning violations was advanced with amendments. The chairs adopted Grassroot Institute’s suggested changes requiring any county sale of such property to be at no less than fair market value and requiring excess proceeds to be returned to the owner. HB 2424, which would allow county planning agencies to petition for temporary reclassification of certain agricultural lands to rural, also drew mixed testimony; the Land Use Commission raised due process concerns, and agriculture interests opposed it. One committee advanced it with amendments, but in the other committee the recommendation failed after members cited lack of county support. The later portion of the hearing began on HB 1738 and HB 1739. HB 1738 would expand county authority to amend district boundaries for housing on parcels over 15 acres; OHA, Sierra Club, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau opposed it, while Grassroot Institute supported it. HB 1739 would require transit-supportive densities in county TOD areas and limit local restrictions; DPP raised concerns about timing, permitting, and conflicts with existing TOD frameworks, while OPSD and Grassroot supported it. The transcript cuts off before final action on these later bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• unit counts may increase, the new units are frequently priced at levels that original tenants cannot afford
• housing assistance program that counsels seniors about housing and more, and just the seniors can't afford
• LIHTC housing statewide and prevent the development of more temporarily affordable housing, develop
• We are now on the 107 agenda of this third deferred decision making on HB 1715 HD1 relating to affordable
• housing, which authorizes HHFTC to designate certain for-sale units as permanently affordable housing

Bills: HB1700

Keywords: housing, expedited permits, disabilities, access, functional needs, local government, affordable housing, reporting requirements, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Housing and Health and Human Services, along with related committees, heard and later took action on three housing bills. HB 1700 HD1, relating to housing and expedited permitting, received support from disability advocates, including the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities and a self-advocate who said faster permitting would help people with disabilities access more independent living options. The chairs said they would add amendments to ensure expedited permitting would not compromise ADA or Fair Housing Act protections and to require reporting on the number, type, and geographic distribution of projects so the program could be evaluated over time. The measure was recommended and adopted with amendments by the participating committees. HB 1777 HD2, which would require tenant protections for residents displaced by HHFDC-supported redevelopment projects, drew support from HHFDC, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Parents and Children Together, and numerous other organizations. Testimony emphasized the need for a right of first offer, replacement housing payments, relocation information, and tracking procedures to reduce displacement harms, especially for Native Hawaiian and public housing residents. In decision-making, the committees amended the bill to incorporate the Senate companion measure, rename the working group as the tenant protection working group, broaden its duties, and include a $75,000 appropriation for working group expenses. The committees also noted concerns about unequal treatment between tenants in publicly supported projects and private redevelopments, and referenced the KPT low-rise redevelopment as an example where required relocation assistance still did not proceed smoothly. The bill was recommended and adopted with amendments. HB 1975 HD1, relating to kupuna housing, would repeal the sunset on the state rent supplement program for kupuna, appropriate funds to HPHA, and add positions to support the program. HPHA, the Executive Office on Aging, OHA, Catholic Charities Hawaii, AARP Hawaii, Aloha Independent Living Hawaii, and others testified in support, with Catholic Charities describing how the subsidy helped a senior remain housed through major medical issues. The committees later recommended passage with amendments, including a technical correction to the number of positions and a date fix, and the recommendation was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• What we understand is people literally, if you want to get on the Affordable Care Act, you as an individual
• And literally they were having people sign these people up on the Affordable Care Act, paying their premium
• What we understand is people literally, if you want to get on the Affordable Care Act, you as an individual
• And literally they were having people sign these people up on the Affordable Care Act, paying their premium
• Also, for ongoing care, for example, if you're given a prescription that's renewed every month, this

Bills: HB2408, HB2434, HB2725, HB2728, HB2729, HB2730, HB2731, HB2732, HB2733, SB1192, SB1398, SB1399, SB1494, SB1557, SB1813, SB1821

Keywords: nursing board, regulatory actions, disciplinary actions, expungement, healthcare professionalism, controlled substances, prescription monitoring, opioid crisis, healthcare regulations, patient safety, prescription drugs, opioids, healthcare, pain management, utilization controls, AHCCCS, Department of Economic Security, social services, welfare programs, vocational rehabilitation