Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm in support of this.
• I am here to testify in support of House Bill 2110.
• The first one is around the basic training.
• The patient's life can be at risk because of that.
• I'm in support of House Bill 2113.

Bills: HB2110, HB2113, HB2122, HB2152, HB2168

Keywords: ambulance, interfacility transport, specialty care transport, emergency medical services, EMS, registered nurse, nurse staffing, paramedic, emergency medical technician, EMT, patient transfer, hospital transfer, critical care transport, medical transport, workforce shortage, scope of practice, Department of Health, RCW 18.73, first responder, basic life support

Summary: The House Health Care and Wellness Committee heard public testimony on several bills. HB 2152 would require hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice facilities to allow qualifying terminally ill patients to use medical cannabis under facility policies that prohibit smoking/vaping, require patient self-administration and secure storage, and protect facilities from licensure consequences; the prime sponsor and supporters framed it as a compassionate end-of-life measure based on the experience of Ryan Bartel, while the Washington State Hospital Association asked for amendments to limit it to inpatient beds and to bar staff from retrieving cannabis. HB 2122 would require hospitals to offer flu vaccines to inpatients age 65 and older and to inpatients with chronic conditions during flu season; supporters cited rising flu deaths and benefits for high-risk patients, while opponents questioned the need and urged stronger informed-consent language, and hospitals raised cost and operational concerns. HB 2110 would relax staffing rules for inter-facility specialty care transports by allowing a registered nurse without EMT certification to serve when no paramedic or RN-EMT is available; rural hospitals and ambulance providers said the change would improve timely transfers, while nurses’ representatives raised concerns about training, medical oversight, and staffing impacts on hospital units. The committee also heard HB 2113, which would update supervision rules for radiologic technologists performing IV contrast procedures by allowing virtual direct supervision by a physician and direct supervision by an ARNP or PA for contrast administration, while keeping other parenteral procedures under physician supervision. Supporters said the bill would align state law with current practice and federal CMS rules and improve access in rural areas; radiology stakeholders supported the bill but asked for a proximity requirement for virtual physician supervision. Finally, HB 2168 would require the Department of Health to rapidly share overdose data from the EMS information system to ODMAP within 24 hours, with privacy protections and limits on law-enforcement use; supporters said it would improve near-real-time overdose response and save lives, while the Washington Poison Center asked to be added as a data source and to clarify the bill’s overdose terminology. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after public hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• We strongly support House Bill 2261.
• And thank you for your support.
• support patient care.
• Please support HB 2283. Thank you. Need the insurers to be a part of this. Please support HB 2283.
• I will be supporting the bill today.

Bills: HB2261, HB2283, HB2425, HB2110, HB2113, HB2122, HB2152

Keywords: healthcare, transparency, patient communication, credentials, professional standards, medical loss ratio, insurance, health plans, cost management, nursing delegation, registered nurse, RN, home care aide, nursing assistant, certified nursing assistant, CNA, medical assistant, home health, hospice, community-based care

Summary: The House Health Care and Wellness Committee held public hearings on House Bills 2261, 2283, and 2425, then took executive action on House Bills 2110, 2113, 2122, and 2152. HB 2261 would require health care providers to wear badges showing name, credential, and degree initials, require similar disclosures in advertising, and restrict use of the title “physician surgeon”; supporters framed it as a patient transparency measure, while many providers and associations opposed it as burdensome, confusing, and harmful to access, especially for adult family homes and solo practices. HB 2283 would raise the medical loss ratio for fully insured plans to 90%; supporters said it would direct more premium dollars to care and lower costs, while insurers warned it could destabilize markets and reduce flexibility for administrative services. HB 2425 would modernize nurse delegation rules, expand what tasks can be delegated, and broaden liability protections; supporters said it would reduce barriers and help address workforce shortages, while opponents raised patient safety and accountability concerns. During executive session, the committee advanced all four bills. HB 2110, allowing certain nurses without EMT certification to provide care on inter-facility specialty care transport, was amended and reported out with a due pass recommendation. HB 2113, which addresses radiological technicians performing IV contrast procedures under certain supervision arrangements, was reported out without amendment. HB 2122, requiring hospitals to offer flu vaccines under specified conditions, was amended three times and then reported out. HB 2152, requiring certain facilities to allow medical cannabis use by qualifying patients with terminal conditions, was amended to include exemptions and policy details, including naming it Ryan’s Law, and was then reported out as amended. The committee adjourned after these votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Adult basic ed, um, is sometimes, I mean it's very, very basic English and math and life skills, and
• very very basic English and mean it's very very basic English and and<00:35:25.000><c> and</c><00:35
• </c> to adult basic ed is the way to go. to adult basic ed is the way to go.
• </c> is it is true not all adult basic is it is true not all adult basic education<00:36:22.520><c> is
• </c> support it. Um but I'll introduce Dr. support it. Um but I'll introduce Dr.

Bills: HF4698, HF4608

Keywords: higher education, identity verification, enrollment fraud, funding, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, postsecondary education, community college, university, developmental education, remedial education, remediation, corequisite, co-requisite, English composition, college readiness, adult basic education, ABE, student placement, credit-bearing courses, noncredit courses

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> is a basically a right to try bill. is a basically a right to try bill.
• The basic research, the basic research. So now we're talking about the basic research, right?
• The basic research, the basic research. So now we're talking about the basic research, right?
• Changed stem cell has changed our life. Changed Halie's<00:36:52.320><c> life.
• </c> Halie's life. Um Hie was born in 2009. Halie's life. Um Hie was born in 2009.

Bills: HB0003, HB0117, HB0041

Keywords: pregnancy centers, abortion, pro-life, healthcare, women's rights, state regulation, civil rights, freedom of speech, informed consent, civil liability, coercion, healthcare rights, law enforcement, death benefits, retirement, survivor support, public safety, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I would urge your support.
• I would urge your support. I would urge your support. >> Definitely.
• </c> and do not support the coercion claim. and do not support the coercion claim.
• </c> Life Choice Pregnancy Care Center. Life Choice Pregnancy Care Center.
• </c> to its pro-life ethical standards. to its pro-life ethical standards.

Bills: HB0003, HB0117, HB0041

Keywords: pregnancy centers, abortion, pro-life, healthcare, women's rights, state regulation, civil rights, freedom of speech, informed consent, civil liability, coercion, healthcare rights, law enforcement, death benefits, retirement, survivor support, public safety, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm also with Arizona Right to Life, and I'm in support of this bill and in support of women.
• When they make the decision and choose life for their child, they're deserving of the support that they
• When they make the decision and choose life for their child, they're deserving of the support that they
• to support their children.
• It's a death sentence, or natural life, or life with the possibility of release.

Bills: HB2043, HB2045, HB2046, HB2048, HB2064, HB2074, HB2126, HB2133, HB2144

Keywords: felony murder, unborn child, homicide, Arizona Revised Statutes, life imprisonment, death penalty, drive-by shooting, gun violence, firearms, felony, vehicle forfeiture, driver license revocation, drive by shooting, public safety, criminal penalties, education, funding, school districts, state aid, education reform

Transcript Highlights:

• The premise is to get on with your life. If you...
• I support this, and I want to tell you why I support it. I've got family that lives in...
• I sitting here, I support the concept. I support us being able to open...
• We aren't doing anything over there beyond the little basic millage and a little basic Foundation money
• Yeah, so let me just... ...supporting that. Yeah, so let me just interject.

Bills: SB175, SB195, SB196, SB199

Keywords: aircraft, tax exemption, sales tax, lease tax, maintenance, Alabama, health insurance, Medicare, retirees, public education, contracts, education, high school, community college, dual enrollment, secondary credit, Move on When Ready, parental leave, state employees, local education agencies

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, you've got to find your support where you can get it. Okay, anything else?

Bills: HB1012

Keywords: health and human services, DHHS, appropriations, biennial budget, behavioral health, substance use disorder, opioid settlement, medical assistance expansion, Medicaid, basic care, long-term care, child care assistance, early childhood care, child care provider payments, guardianship, conservatorship, housing loan fund, disability services, extraordinary medical needs, community health trust fund

Summary: The Senate Appropriations Human Services Division met to consider House Bill 1012, the Department of Human Services budget, and reviewed three previously made amendments: correcting a reference to $30 million underfunding, changing “human service centers” to “behavioral health clinics,” and revising section 31 language so the department would review medical assistance services and report findings and recommendations rather than directly implement adjustments. The committee also discussed whether to include funding related to two other bills with fiscal impacts, House Bill 1485 (personal needs allowance) and House Bill 2399 (PRTF reimbursement), noting those measures may go to conference committee and that appropriations could be added there instead of in HB 1012. The committee agreed to proceed with HB 1012 and members noted provider inflation questions would be raised later in full committee. The division then approved a due pass recommendation on the amendments to HB 1012 and, after a roll call vote, approved HB 1012 as amended on a 4-1 vote, with Senator Mathern voting no. Senator Davison was named as carrier. Members also discussed House Bill 1577, involving wastewater project financing and possible amendments related to a line of credit from the Bank of North Dakota for specific projects, and House Bill 1619, for which additional amendments were expected before full committee action. The meeting ended with general thanks and adjournment.

Bills: SB43, SB50, SB145, SM2

Keywords: parole, life imprisonment, rehabilitation, criminal justice, victim rights, law enforcement, training requirements, mental health, domestic abuse, child abuse, public safety, crisis intervention, auditing, financial reporting, state auditor, public agencies, capital outlay, compliance, federal audits, pediatric palliative care

Bills: SB43, SB50, SB145, SM2

Keywords: parole, life imprisonment, rehabilitation, criminal justice, victim rights, law enforcement, training requirements, mental health, domestic abuse, child abuse, public safety, crisis intervention, auditing, financial reporting, state auditor, public agencies, capital outlay, compliance, federal audits, pediatric palliative care

Transcript Highlights:

• Did you have any organized support, Senator?
• I just know generally they were supportive.
• Palliative care is a philosophy of care that focuses on comfort, quality of life, and family support.
• for as long as their life is.
• I support this.

Bills: SJR1, SM2

Keywords: school elections, partisan elections, voting rights, constitutional amendment, New Mexico, elector registration, pediatric palliative care, pediatric hospice, Medicaid, state plan amendment, Health Care Authority, children with serious illness, life-limiting conditions, complex medical conditions, curative care, concurrent care, family-centered care, hospice services, managed care, pain management

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:19:50.919><c> Thank</c> in support of House File 4198. Thank in support of House File 4198.
• ,</c><00:52:48.400><c> no</c> it was lack of workplace supports, no it was lack of workplace supports
• :49.920><c> health,</c><00:52:50.320><c> and</c> supports for student mental health, and supports for
• </c> I'm here to express our strong support I'm here to express our strong support for<01:18:42.000><
• I'm in support of it. I think this bill. I'm in support of it.

Bills: HF4213, HF4198, HF3930, HF3585, HF3451

Keywords: education finance, school funding, K-12, prekindergarten, pre-K, early childhood education, general education aid, special education, literacy aid, school meals, free school meals, school breakfast, school lunch, charter school lease aid, charter schools, nonpublic pupil aid, private school aid, transportation aid, desegregation aid, integration aid

Transcript Highlights:

• Um in support.
• </c> support on Zoom. support on Zoom.
• . support. support.
• We'll move on to our next bill, HB 1596 HD1, relating to student basic needs support at the University
• This is a pilot program at the University of Hawaii for student basic needs support.

Bills: HB2116, HB1879, HB2214, HB2310, HB2168, HB2427, HB2560, HB1596, HB2197, HB2498, HB2167

Keywords: grants, community engagement, nonprofit organizations, federal assistance, volunteering, youth transit, public transportation, subsidized transit, environment, energy independence, affordable transportation, Hawaii, diaper tax credit, families, low-income, childcare, health, Hawaii Department of Human Services, DHS, emergency appropriation

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to human services, homelessness, transit, and family supports. HB 2116 HD1, concerning grants from the Office of Community Services to nonprofits providing training and volunteerism opportunities, drew strong support from Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and multiple organizations in written testimony. Supporters said the bill would help vulnerable people affected by federal program changes and cuts by connecting them to reintegration and support services. HB 1879 HD1, establishing a subsidized youth transit program coordinated with counties, received extensive testimony in support from the Department of Health, Department of Taxation, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Aloha United Way, Hawaii Bicycling League, Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii State Youth Commission, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Greenpeace Hawaii, Hawaii Youth Transportation Council, and others. Testifiers emphasized equity, school attendance, reduced transportation costs, climate benefits, and broader access for youth. Several witnesses urged amendments to make the program universal rather than means-tested, and committee discussion noted implementation questions for neighbor islands and rural areas. HB 2214, creating a refundable diaper tax credit for low-income families with children age four and under, was supported by the Hawaii Diaper Bank, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and several other organizations. The Department of Taxation recommended making the credit non-refundable and clarifying definitions to aid administration, while supporters argued refundability was important for low-income families who may owe little or no income tax. HB 2310, an emergency appropriation to replenish DHS funds used to provide SNAP benefits during a federal shutdown, also drew broad support from DHS, Catholic Charities, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Aloha United Way, and others; witnesses praised the state’s rapid response and said the appropriation would prepare DHS for future emergencies. The committee also heard HB 2168 HD1 and HB 2427 HD1 on education for students experiencing homelessness and unaccompanied homeless youth; the Attorney General recommended technical amendments to avoid conflicts with existing law and to clarify McKinney-Vento-related definitions, while advocates stressed the need for school access, transportation, meals, and other supports for homeless and runaway youth.

Transcript Highlights:

• So there is variation in the third-to-last column on the district support student support pupil aid.
• </c> unlike some programs the student support unlike some programs the student support uh<00:04:34.320
• </c><00:04:58.039><c> uh</c> last column on the district support uh last column on the district support
• ><c> uh</c><00:05:00.759><c> those</c> student support pupil Aid uh those student support pupil Aid uh
• but mostly life-saving support for students.

Bills: HF56, HF780

Keywords: HF56, Minnesota bonding bill, capital investment, state bonds, bond proceeds fund, Hutchinson Area Transportation Services, Hutchinson, McLeod County, transportation facility, vehicle storage, equipment storage, fueling facility, temperate storage, local infrastructure, public works, general obligation bonds, education finance, school funding, state aid, appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• It could promote inclusion and support a healthier and more productive work life.
• We support this bill.
• We support SB 196.
• And so I am a huge supporter. I know he can do it again. And so I am a huge supporter of this.
• We urge the members of this committee to support Senate Bill 249 and help us save the next life.

Bills: SB274, SB301, SB249

Keywords: healthcare, life-sustaining treatment, patient preferences, POLST, advance directive, medical orders, hospital discharge, pregnancy, patient care, discharge planning, healthcare policy, substance use, harm reduction, syringe services, needle exchange, overdose prevention, naloxone, opioid antagonist, drug paraphernalia, syringe

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:

• But it it's basically like me to. But it it's basically like me to.
• Um and I am fully in support of teachers having workers support of teachers having workers support of
• So, I'm I'm I I support this bill and I do applaud I I support this bill and I do applaud I I support
• So, we're working on that and supports. So, we're working on that and supports.
• So, it's more than just basic reading. But if you look at those basic reading.

Bills: SB199, HB142, SB86, HB152, HB297, SB1, SB1

Keywords: parental leave, state employees, local education agencies, adoption, work-life balance, family support, portable benefits, portable benefit account, independent contractor, gig worker, 1099 worker, freelancer, app-based worker, rideshare, delivery driver, worker benefits, health insurance, retirement benefits, life insurance, income replacement insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• We strongly support this bill.
• We would also like to stand in support and just say...
• And so we urge your support.
• Chair, on page two under Student Life Projects, the definition of student life projects...
• it excludes them from student life projects... ...excludes them from student life projects because I

Bills: SB234, SB210, SB243, SB244, SM16, HB8

Keywords: foster children, school transportation, education funding, public education, child welfare, New Mexico Highlands University, soccer field, women's sports, infrastructure improvement, funding allocation, student athletes, appropriation, New Mexico State University, nutrition, travel support, funding, education, university support, financial assistance, parenting students

Transcript Highlights:

• It supports teachers with meaningful professional learning, and it strengthens the systems that support
• The focus has been galvanized across the state with legislative support, governor support, and all of
• All of us work together to support.
• And I support what's in the bill.
• And I support what's in the bill.

Bills: SB234, SB210, SB243, SB244, SM16, HB8

Keywords: foster children, school transportation, education funding, public education, child welfare, New Mexico Highlands University, soccer field, women's sports, infrastructure improvement, funding allocation, student athletes, appropriation, New Mexico State University, nutrition, travel support, funding, education, university support, financial assistance, parenting students

Transcript Highlights:

• First, we'll go out to the audience here with us, those in support.
• We strongly support this bill.
• Chair, on page two under Student Life Projects, the definition of student life projects...
• It's a definition of student life projects. It does qualify.
• it excludes them from student life projects. ...excludes them from student life projects because I think

Bills: SB234, SB210, SB243, SB244, SM16, HB8

Keywords: foster children, school transportation, education funding, public education, child welfare, New Mexico Highlands University, soccer field, women's sports, infrastructure improvement, funding allocation, student athletes, appropriation, New Mexico State University, nutrition, travel support, funding, education, university support, financial assistance, parenting students

Summary: The Senate Education Committee began by announcing that SB 210 would be rolled over to Friday and would not be heard. The committee then returned to SB 234, which would provide foster child school transportation funding statewide rather than only for Albuquerque Public Schools. Members adopted an amendment striking the APS-only language and making the bill statewide after testimony from the sponsor, PED, and others that foster youth transportation is a growing issue and should have its own funding stream. The committee discussed how the money might be distributed and whether the $1.2 million appropriation would be sufficient, then voted do pass on SB 234 as amended. The committee next heard HB 8, which creates a Higher Education Major Projects Fund for large capital projects that are difficult to fund through existing capital outlay processes. Testimony from the sponsor, LFC, HED, and university representatives explained that the bill would support projects such as the UNM School of Medicine, an NMSU multidisciplinary building, student housing, student life projects, and certain Division I athletic facilities, while requiring design readiness, institutional matches, and legislative oversight. Several senators raised concerns about the clarity of the prioritization process, the Division I-only athletics language, the recurring nature of future funding, and the relationship to other capital funding streams, but the committee ultimately voted do pass on HB 8. The committee then considered SB 243 and SB 244, nearly identical bills for UNM and NMSU that would each appropriate $5 million for student health, student support, nutrition, travel, scholarships, and other athletic department needs. Athletic directors testified that conference realignment, higher travel costs, nutrition demands, and new revenue-sharing/NIL obligations have increased expenses, and sponsors said the bills were intended as one-time appropriations. Some senators questioned whether the requests should be recurring or funded through university revenue rather than the state, but both bills received do pass recommendations. Finally, the committee heard SM 16, as amended, which asks HED to convene a task force to study parenting students in higher education and recommend ways to collect data and improve support. Supporters said better data is needed to understand barriers such as child care and transportation, and the memorial passed with a do pass recommendation. The committee then adjourned until Friday morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here to support Senate Bill... responsibly responsive and to support biliteracy.
• Instructional supports than basic structured literacy principles for students with dyslexia statewide
• Thank you for your support.
• I'm going to support this bill. But Mr. Treasurer... Okay. I'm going to support this bill. But Mr.
• And I support what's in the bill.

Bills: SB234, SB210, SB243, SB244, SM16, HB8

Keywords: foster children, school transportation, education funding, public education, child welfare, New Mexico Highlands University, soccer field, women's sports, infrastructure improvement, funding allocation, student athletes, appropriation, New Mexico State University, nutrition, travel support, funding, education, university support, financial assistance, parenting students

Summary: The committee heard Senate Bill 37, the High-Quality Literacy Instruction Act, which would strengthen reading instruction and educator preparation around the science of reading. The sponsor and supporters said the bill requires evidence-based, culturally and linguistically responsive literacy instruction, including support for English learners and students in bilingual and dual-language programs, use of approved high-quality instructional materials for K-3 reading and interventions, a K-3 reading assessment, literacy coaches, and parent progress reports. An amendment package was adopted to clarify biliteracy language, broaden references to bilingual/dual-language and Indigenous language settings, remove awkward phrasing, and adjust reporting requirements from monthly to four times per school year. The committee then moved forward with the amended bill. Public testimony was largely supportive. Students, educators, school leaders, advocacy groups, and tribal representatives said structured literacy has improved reading outcomes and can help struggling readers, including students with dyslexia and multilingual learners. Several speakers emphasized that the amended bill better protects bilingual, dual-language, and Native language programs, and some noted the importance of parent communication and early intervention. Supporters also cited recent literacy gains in New Mexico and said the bill aligns teacher preparation, materials, assessment, and coaching. Opposition focused mainly on concerns that the bill could still privilege English over Indigenous languages, that high-quality materials requirements may be too restrictive or costly for districts, and that testing and reporting could add workload. Tribal speakers from Acoma and Taos said they could not support the bill without further changes to explicitly protect Native language revitalization. Other opponents raised concerns about funding for materials and coaches, the burden on teachers, and whether the assessment and HQIM requirements would be flexible enough for local needs. In committee discussion, the sponsor and PED said existing funds and staff could support implementation, that the assessment would be formative and teacher-focused, and that the bill was intended to complement, not replace, Native and bilingual education programs.