Video & Transcript Research : 'gluten intolerance'
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Health Mar 23rd, 2026
Joint Committee on Public Health
Transcript Highlights:
- I didn't have obvious reactions to gluten.
- I do not have celiac disease, but I am completely gluten intolerant. I cannot eat any gluten.
- I'm gluten intolerant.
- This is all despite my strict gluten-free lifestyle.
- diet in the gluten capital of the world?
Keywords:
celiac disease, gluten intolerance, autoimmune disorder, pediatric screening, child health, public health, screening pilot, early detection, 12-year-olds, cholesterol screening, lipid screening, health care providers, Department of Public Health, patient advocacy, family support, Massachusetts, preventive care, diagnostic screening, nutrition, gastroenterology
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Health heard testimony on two celiac disease screening bills, H. 5013 and S. 2928, which would create a three-year pilot program to add celiac screening to routine cholesterol/lipid testing for children around ages 8 to 12. Supporters included the bill sponsors, patients and family members, clinicians, researchers, and advocates, who described long delays in diagnosis, the wide range of symptoms, the risk of long-term complications, and the value of early detection. Several witnesses said the pilot would help determine feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and acceptability, and would pair screening with educational and support resources for families. No vote was taken during the hearing.
The committee also heard testimony on H. 5087, a bill regulating the operation of medical spas. Witnesses from the aesthetic medicine field, including a lobbyist, a nurse practitioner, a physician assistant, and a plastic surgeon, generally opposed the bill as written. They argued it was outdated, redundant with existing Massachusetts licensing and board oversight, and too restrictive of nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other licensed providers. They said the bill could reduce access, increase costs, and push care into less regulated settings, while also noting they support patient safety and would be willing to work on revised regulation.
Committee members asked questions about how celiac screening would work in practice and about the medical spa bill’s relationship to current law. On the celiac proposal, witnesses explained that screening could begin with a simple blood test, with further testing if needed, and that the pilot would assess implementation in real-world pediatric care. On H. 5087, the chair noted the committee would review the testimony and written submissions carefully, and witnesses were encouraged to provide follow-up materials identifying specific redundancies or concerns.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Higher Education Mar 19th, 2026
Joint Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- And unlike gluten preferences, this is not optional.
- pasta, gluten-free chicken tenders, gluten-free pizza, gluten-free bread.
- gluten-free foods and no cross-contamination with gluten.
- When you say read between the lines, is it something that might say it's gluten-free, could be gluten-free
- Gluten-free and allergen-related policies.
Keywords:
student nutrition, food allergies, celiac disease, gluten-free meals, allergen-free meals, medically restricted diets, school meals, college dining, K-12 education, higher education, disability access, accessibility services, food service, nutrition information, website disclosure, school website, meal accommodations, special diets, Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 71
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Higher Education held a hearing on two late-filed bills, H. 5012 and S. 2927, titled An Act Relative to Students Accessing Food and Nutritional Information, sometimes referred to by witnesses as the “Snack Act.” The bills would require schools to make clearer, centralized online information available about gluten-free and allergen-free meals, including menus, food safety protocols, ingredient information, and contact information, so students with celiac disease and other medically necessary dietary restrictions can safely participate in universal school meal programs.
Representative Michelle Badger and Senator Joan Lovely both testified in support, describing the legislation as an equity measure that would help families trust school meals and reduce barriers to participation. A series of witnesses, including pediatric and adult gastroenterologists, a Harvard Medical School faculty member, a Celiac Disease Foundation representative, parents, and several children and college students with celiac disease, said that celiac disease requires a strict lifelong gluten-free diet and that lack of clear communication often leads families to avoid school meals. They emphasized risks from cross-contamination, the stress and social exclusion children experience, and the fact that many schools already have the underlying information but do not present it in an accessible way.
Committee members responded positively, praising the young witnesses and noting that the bill could benefit students beyond the celiac community by improving transparency for all medically restricted diets. One member suggested the Department of Public Health might also address the issue through regulations, similar to a prior restaurant allergy protocol effort. No votes were taken at the hearing, and the chair closed the hearing after testimony concluded.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Health Mar 23rd, 2026
Joint Committee on Public Health
Transcript Highlights:
- I didn't have obvious reactions to gluten.
- I do not have celiac disease, but I am completely gluten intolerant. I cannot eat any gluten.
- I'm gluten intolerant.
- This is all despite my strict gluten-free lifestyle.
- diet in the gluten capital of the world?
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Health heard testimony on four bills: H. 5013 and S. 2928, which would establish a three-year celiac disease screening pilot program for children during routine cholesterol/lipid screening around ages 8 to 12; H. 5087, regulating the operation of medical spas; and H. 5115, establishing statewide food truck regulations, though the hearing focused almost entirely on the celiac and medical spa bills. Committee chairs outlined three-minute testimony limits and noted members present in person and online.
Supporters of the celiac screening bills, including Rep. Badger, Sen. Lovely, patients, clinicians, and researchers, described long delays in diagnosis, the lack of a cure beyond a gluten-free diet, and the potential for early screening to prevent years of damage, missed school and work, and long-term complications. Testifiers said celiac disease is common but frequently undiagnosed, that a simple blood test can identify many cases, and that a pilot would help assess feasibility, cost, accuracy, and family acceptance. Several witnesses emphasized that the proposal includes education and support for families after diagnosis, and some cited international screening efforts, especially in Italy, as evidence that population screening can work.
Testimony on H. 5087 was largely opposed by medical spa owners, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and a plastic surgeon. Witnesses argued the bill is outdated, duplicative of existing Massachusetts licensing and public health rules, and inconsistent with current scopes of practice and team-based care. They said the proposal could restrict access, burden small and women-owned practices, and fail to address the real issues of training, compliance, and patient safety. Some said they support regulation in principle but want the bill revised to reflect current law and modern practice. Committee members asked a few clarifying questions, including about celiac testing methods and the relationship between the medical spa bill and current state law, but no votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Health Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Public Health
Transcript Highlights:
- I didn't have obvious reactions to gluten.
- I do not have celiac disease, but I am completely gluten intolerant. I cannot eat any gluten.
- I'm gluten intolerant.
- This is all despite my strict gluten-free lifestyle.
- diet in the gluten capital of the world?
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Health heard testimony on four bills: H. 5013 and S. 2928, which would establish a three-year celiac disease screening pilot program for children during routine cholesterol/lipid screening at ages 8 to 12; H. 5087, regulating medical spas; and H. 5115, establishing statewide food truck regulations, though the transcript focused almost entirely on the celiac and medical spa bills. For the celiac proposal, Rep. Badger and Sen. Lovely described long diagnostic delays, the lack of a cure, and the potential for a simple blood test to identify children earlier and reduce long-term harm. Multiple patients, clinicians, and researchers supported the pilot, saying celiac is frequently missed because symptoms vary widely or are absent, and that early detection could prevent malnutrition, growth problems, osteoporosis, and other complications. Testifiers also emphasized that the bill would study feasibility, accuracy, cost, and acceptability, and would include family education and support resources if diagnoses are made through the program.
Several experts and advocates backed the celiac screening pilot, including a pediatric gastroenterologist from Italy who described successful national screening efforts there, a Celiac Disease Foundation representative, pediatric gastroenterologists from Massachusetts and Colorado, a pediatric dietitian, and a parent whose child was diagnosed after severe malnutrition. They argued that routine screening alongside existing pediatric bloodwork could identify many undiagnosed children and improve health equity, since celiac disease is often overlooked in people of color and lower-income patients. Committee members asked about how the screening would work, and witnesses explained it could begin with a blood test, followed by confirmatory endoscopy if needed. No vote was taken in the hearing.
On H. 5087, witnesses from the medical aesthetics industry largely opposed the bill as written, saying it was outdated, redundant with existing Massachusetts licensing and board oversight, and too restrictive for nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other licensed providers. Testifiers, including a retired lobbyist, a nurse practitioner, a PA, a plastic surgeon, and a clinic owner, said the bill could reduce access, raise costs, and push care into less regulated settings, while not addressing the real issues of training, compliance, and patient safety. Committee members pressed for more specific feedback on what provisions were unnecessary or duplicative, and witnesses said they had submitted position papers and written testimony identifying conflicts with current law. The hearing ended with the chair noting that all oral and written testimony would be reviewed before any decisions are made.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Higher Education Mar 19th, 2026
Joint Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- pasta, gluten-free chicken tenders, gluten-free pizza, gluten-free bread.
- They have actually changed all the meatballs to be gluten-free. ...gluten-free bread.
- gluten-free foods and no cross-contamination with gluten.
- So is it something that might say it's gluten-free, could be gluten-free, not clearly stated, or it is
- Gluten-free and allergen-related policies.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Higher Education held a hearing on two late-filed bills, H. 5012 and S. 2927, titled An Act Relative to Student Access, Food, and Nutritional Information, also referred to by witnesses as the “Snack Act.” The bills would require schools to make gluten-free and allergen-related meal information easier to find online, including menus, ingredients, food safety procedures, and contact information, so students with celiac disease and other medically necessary dietary restrictions can safely participate in universal school meal programs. Committee leaders explained the hearing process and invited testimony from pre-registered and in-person witnesses.
Most testimony came from parents, students, physicians, and advocates who described celiac disease as a serious autoimmune condition requiring a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. Witnesses said many families avoid school meals because information is hard to find or not clearly communicated, and they emphasized that the bill would not create a new system so much as make existing information accessible. Several speakers cited research showing that many children with celiac disease do not participate in school breakfast and lunch programs, and that communication gaps between school administrators, nurses, and food service staff are a major barrier. Witnesses also said the bill could help students with food allergies more broadly and would support equity in the state’s universal school meals program.
A number of students with celiac disease gave personal testimony about feeling excluded, managing food anxiety, and relying on clear school communication to stay safe. One parent and clinician described a child’s severe malnutrition before diagnosis and shared a photo to illustrate the seriousness of gluten exposure, while other doctors discussed long-term health risks from uncontrolled celiac disease and the need for better access to safe meals. Committee members praised the witnesses, especially the young students, and asked questions about cross-contamination, school procedures, and whether regulations or agency action might also address the issue. Senator Joan Lovely, the Senate sponsor, briefly endorsed the bill and thanked the panel. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the committee closed the hearing after testimony concluded.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Higher Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Joint Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- pasta, gluten-free chicken tenders, gluten-free pizza, gluten-free bread.
- They have actually changed all the meatballs to be gluten-free. ...gluten-free bread.
- Oh, please, Vice Chair— ...gluten-free bread.
- gluten-free foods and no cross-contamination with gluten.
- When you say read between the lines, is it something that might say it's gluten-free, could be gluten-free
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Higher Education held a hearing on two late-filed bills, S. 2927 and H. 5012, titled An Act Relative to Students Accessing Food and Nutritional Information, filed by Senator Joan Lovely and Representative Michelle Badger. The bills would require schools to make clear, centralized online information available about gluten-free and allergen-free meals, including menus, food safety procedures, and contact information, so students with celiac disease and other medically necessary dietary restrictions can safely participate in universal school meal programs. Committee members and the bill sponsors emphasized that the measure is intended to improve transparency, equity, and access within the Commonwealth’s universal free breakfast and lunch program.
Testimony came from students, parents, physicians, and advocates, many of whom described celiac disease as a serious autoimmune condition requiring a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. Witnesses said families often struggle to find reliable school meal information, and that lack of communication between school administrators, nurses, and food service staff can lead families to opt out of school meals even when safe options exist. Medical witnesses from Boston Children’s, Mass General, and Beth Israel said the bill addresses a real barrier identified in research and could help prevent health problems, missed school, and long-term complications from gluten exposure. Several witnesses also noted that the bill’s approach could benefit students with food allergies more broadly.
Committee members praised the testimony, especially from young student witnesses, and discussed practical issues such as cross-contamination, 504 plans, and whether schools already have the underlying information needed to comply. One member suggested the Department of Public Health might be able to address some of the issue through regulations, similar to a prior restaurant allergy-protocol change. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the committee closed after hearing from all panels and the bill sponsors, who asked for favorable consideration.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jun 1st, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It is a serious autoimmune disorder that damages the small intestine when gluten is consumed.
- Maintaining a gluten-free lifestyle is challenging because gluten is often hidden in processed foods,
- Expanded gluten-free food options, clearer product labeling, and greater education among restaurants
- It's challenging because gluten is often hidden in processed foods, medications, vitamins, cosmetics,
- Expanded gluten-free food options, clearer product labeling, and greater education among restaurants
Summary:
The Senate met with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through several privileges-of-the-floor recognitions, including birthday wishes for Senator Archuleta and tributes to former Senator George Runner and visiting guests from Portugal in connection with Portuguese Heritage Month. The body then proceeded to governor appointments, beginning with multiple confirmations to the Board of Parole Hearings. Debate on the parole board nominees focused heavily on public safety, transparency, and recent high-profile parole decisions involving violent sexual offenders, with opponents arguing the board had been too lenient and lacked public accountability, while supporters said commissioners were applying the law as written and using structured risk assessments.
William Muniz and Michael Ruff were both confirmed after roll-call votes, despite opposition centered on parole outcomes and board transparency. Rosalind Sargent Burns and Mary Thornton were also confirmed after similar debate. The final parole board confirmation, Jack Weiss, drew the most extended discussion, including a failed request to read material into the record and repeated disputes over whether comments were on topic; Weiss was ultimately confirmed as well. Throughout these confirmations, senators on both sides referenced elder parole, the unreasonable-risk standard, victim input, and the need for either reform or deference to existing law.
After the appointments, the Senate took up SCR 179 by Senator Niello, designating May as Celiac Disease Awareness Month. Niello described celiac disease as a serious autoimmune disorder, emphasized the challenges of gluten exposure and cross-contamination, and called for greater awareness, labeling, and education. The resolution passed unanimously, 31-0. The session concluded with committee announcements and adjournment-in-memory tributes for Marty Arnold, Jim McAulian, and Pat Gagoscos, followed by remarks from the pro tem noting bipartisan legislation on parole transparency and announcing the next session for June 4, 2026.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jun 1st, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Autoimmune disorder that damages the small intestine when gluten is consumed.
- Maintaining a gluten-free lifestyle is challenging because gluten is often hidden in processed foods,
- Expanded gluten-free food options, clearer product labeling, and greater education among restaurants
- It's challenging because gluten is often hidden in processed foods, medications, vitamins, cosmetics,
- Expanded gluten-free food options, clearer product labeling, and greater education among restaurants
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/04/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Celiac disease is an allergy to wheat, barley, rye, and oat, which is also known as gluten.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables do not contain gluten, so we eat a lot of them.
- Celiac disease is an allergy to wheat, barley, rye, and oat, which is also known as gluten.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables do not contain gluten, so we eat a lot of them.
- <01:10:07.880>
fresh oat which is also known as gluten fresh oat which is also known as gluten
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Health committee considers HF1534 4/7/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Celiac disease is an allergy to wheat, barley, rye, and oat and is also known as gluten.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables do not contain gluten, so eat a lot of them.
Summary:
House File 1534, authored by Representative Keeler, was heard and amended with the A1 amendment, which was adopted without objection. The bill would move the Healthy Eating Here at Home/Market Bucks program from the Department of Humanities to the Department of Health and expand the nutrition incentive program from farmers markets to grocery stores, with the goal of helping SNAP recipients afford fresh fruits and vegetables year-round and leveraging federal matching funds.
Representative Keeler said the proposal would better align food insecurity work with health outcomes and support both local consumers and local grocers. The Minnesota Grocers Association testified in support, describing the bill as an expansion of a successful program that would help low-income shoppers and provide added support to retailers, especially small businesses facing rising costs. A testifier, Tamara Walter, also supported the bill as a SNAP recipient and Market Bucks user, saying the program helps her family afford healthier food and that winter access to fresh produce is especially important because of diabetes and celiac disease in her household.
There was no public testimony in opposition and no member discussion. The committee then laid the bill over for possible inclusion in an omnibus bill.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (02/04/2026)
Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- We're also excited to be able to offer a gluten-free option. Cider is always naturally gluten-free.
- Cider is always gluten-free option. Cider is always naturally<02:30:48.319>
gluten-free. - So, we're able to naturally gluten-free.
- <02:30:55.200>
option their guests a gluten-free option their guests a gluten-free option - Um, and people that are not gluten-free or might have a disease where they cannot intake gluten can't
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, as I'm sure you know, gluten sensitivity is also an issue um that breweries are contending with.
- Wine, cider, seltzer, kombucha, those are all excellent gluten-free alternatives um that are made by
- <01:39:04.719>
sensitivity <01:39:05.280>is I'm sure you know, gluten sensitivity is - I'm sure you know, gluten sensitivity is also<01:39:05.840>
an <01:39:06.080>issue <01: - alternatives um that are gluten-free alternatives um that are made<01:39:15.119>
by <01:39:15.360
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 2/25/26
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Celiac disease is an allergy to gluten, and gluten-free foods cost three to four times more than organic
- /c><00:43:55.520>
an <00:43:55.760>allergy <00:43:56.000>to <00:43:56.240>gluten - Ciliac's disease is an allergy to gluten Ciliac's disease is an allergy to gluten and<00:43:57.520
- >
gluten <00:43:58.160>food <00:43:58.480>free <00:43:58.720>foods <00:43: - 59.200>
cost <00:43:59.599>three <00:43:59.839>to and gluten food free foods cost
Keywords:
HF45, Lake Benton, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, bond proceeds fund, Public Facilities Authority, public infrastructure, sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer, utility replacement, U.S. Highway 75, road reconstruction, municipal infrastructure, local government grant, Minnesota bonding, capital appropriation, food insecurity, prepared meals
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Tax, Business and Transportation Feb 5th, 2026 at 04:18 pm
Senate Tax, Business & Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- We will make sure gluten-free if we can do that. We will make sure gluten-free, if we can do that.
- We will make sure, gluten-free, if we can do that. Yeah, that's right. Yeah. No, we just...
Bills:
SB190, SB152, SB77, SB150, SB151, SB156, SB172, SB182, SB185, SB212, SB170, SB133, SB174, SB163
Keywords:
cancer treatment, revenue bonds, Gila Regional Medical Center, Nor-Lea General Hospital, healthcare funding, telecommunications, low-income assistance, lifeline, broadband, rural broadband, universal service fund, public regulation commission, PRC, 911 surcharge, telecommunications relay service, VoIP, mobile service, internet affordability, digital equity, digital inclusion
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Conference Committee on SF2298 5/8/25
Transcript Highlights:
- You need to bake one that is gluten-free, sugar-free, keto, vegan, you name it.
- You need to bake one that<00:54:07.680>
is <00:54:07.839>gluten-free, <00:54:08.640> - sugarf<00:54:09.119>
free, <00:54:09.760>keto, that is gluten-free, sugarf free, keto - , that is gluten-free, sugarf free, keto, vegan,<00:54:10.960>
you <00:54:11.119>name <00
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration Work Session on HB 145, HB 271 (02/06/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- They are not people that you talk to if you want to go on a low-carb diet or gluten-free diet or anything
- if you want to go on a low carb diet to if you want to go on a low carb diet or<00:50:06.480>
gluten-free - 07.079>
diet <00:50:07.319>or <00:50:07.520>anything <00:50:07.880>like or gluten-free - diet or anything like or gluten-free diet or anything like that<00:50:09.079>
so <00:50:09.720
Summary:
The subcommittee heard House Bill 2712, which would remove the exam requirement for licensure as a Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA). Members expressed concern that the exam requirement was only added in 2021 and has not been in place long enough to evaluate, but they also questioned whether licensure should be granted without a meaningful measure of competency. Testimony was split: supporters argued the exam is a barrier for applicants without formal social work education, while opponents said licensure should still require some standard of competency, especially because the title carries public expectations and insurance reimbursement implications.
Karina Bonia, speaking for NASW New Hampshire, said there is very limited data because only one person in New Hampshire currently holds an LSWA. She explained that LSWA applicants may have degrees outside social work, unlike licensed social workers, and that the current exam is the same national social work exam used for higher levels of licensure. She argued that this creates a significant barrier for LSWA applicants and noted that LSWA holders are already required to complete 30 hours of training and substantial supervised hours. Members asked for data on pass/fail rates and whether a different exam or practical skills test would be more appropriate.
Committee members and OPLC representatives discussed whether the current statute and board rules already provide enough authority for the board to set other criteria, and whether the exam requirement is tied to the social work compact. OPLC indicated that the current rule requires passage of a national proctored exam approved by the board, but that no national exam exists specifically for this level, and that the board may need legislative authority to develop different criteria. The discussion ended with interest in obtaining the existing rule language and possibly revisiting the issue through amendment or future legislation rather than immediately removing the exam requirement.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Celiac disease is an allergy to wheat, barley, rye, and oat, and it's also known as gluten.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables do not contain gluten, so we eat a lot of them.
Keywords:
health care transparency, ownership disclosure, control reporting, health care consolidation, private equity, management services organization, MSO, provider organization, health insurer, pharmacy benefit manager, hospital system, affiliate reporting, financial disclosure, public reporting, market concentration, horizontal consolidation, vertical consolidation, health care ownership, corporate practice, health care regulation
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Cmte on Rules - Subcommittee on the Federal Impact on Minnesotans and Economic Stability - 09/25/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Celiac disease is an allergy to gluten, and gluten-free foods cost three to four times the amount of
- Ciliac's disease is an<00:55:06.960>
allergy <00:55:07.359>to <00:55:07.599>gluten - c><00:55:08.640>
and <00:55:08.960>gluten-free an allergy to gluten and gluten-free an- allergy to gluten and gluten-free foods<00:55:09.839>
cost <00:55:10.240>three <00:55:10.400- buy the gluten-free and healthy foods<00:55:52.720>
that <00:55:53.040>my <00:55:53.280 - c><00:55:08.640>
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration Work Session on HB 145, HB 271 (02/06/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- They are not people that you talk to if you want to go on a low-carb diet or gluten-free diet or anything
- if you want to go on a low carb diet to if you want to go on a low carb diet or<00:50:06.480>
gluten-free - 07.079>
diet <00:50:07.319>or <00:50:07.520>anything <00:50:07.880>like or gluten-free - diet or anything like or gluten-free diet or anything like that<00:50:09.079>
so <00:50:09.720
Summary:
The subcommittee hearing focused on House Bill 271, which would remove the exam requirement for licensure as a Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA). The chair and several members expressed reservations about repealing a requirement that was only created in 2021, arguing that licensure should include some measurable demonstration of competency and that it is too early to judge whether the current standard is working. Members also raised concerns about the social work compact and the lack of uniformity across states, saying that changing the requirement now could undermine the standards New Hampshire agreed to at the outset.
Testimony in support of the bill argued that the LSWA exam is a barrier for applicants because the level is intended for people without formal social work education, and the exam is the same national exam used for licensed social workers. The witness said there is only one LSWA in New Hampshire, so there is little pass/fail data, but noted that the Association of Social Worker Boards reported 78% of its membership favored retaining the exam. Supporters also emphasized that LSWA holders complete 30 hours of training and extensive supervised hours, and that they are not intended to work independently. Opponents or skeptics questioned whether the exam is the right measure for this role and asked for data showing actual failures or barriers.
The discussion turned to possible alternatives, including a different exam, a practical skills assessment, or broader rulemaking authority for the board to set LSWA criteria. One suggestion was to amend the law to give the board authority to develop appropriate standards in rulemaking, rather than naming a specific exam in statute. Members also discussed whether the board could create a more suitable assessment and noted that the current law requires a national proctored examination approved by the board, but there is no national exam specifically for LSWA. No final vote or action was taken in the excerpt, and the subcommittee indicated it would gather more information, including the existing rule language, before moving the bill forward.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Tue Feb 3, 2026 @ 2:00PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- Testing is going to be like a certification, like something is gluten-free.
- Testing is going to be like a certification, like something is gluten-free.
- Testing is going to be like a certification, like something is gluten-free.
- Testing is going to be like a certification, like something is gluten-free.
- Testing is going to be like a certification, like something is gluten-free.
Keywords:
liquor tax, alcohol, inflation adjustment, small craft breweries, public health, tenant rights, housing stability, landlord-tenant code, eviction prevention, multilingual resources, condominium, dispute resolution, mediation, arbitration, attorneys' fees, common expenses, construction defects, building code, statute of repose, statute of limitations
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1991, which would change Hawaii’s liquor excise tax structure to an ABV-based system. The Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii took no position and stood on written comments. Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and an individual testifier who described surviving a drunk-driving crash, argued that higher alcohol taxes reduce alcohol-related harms, save lives, and generate additional state revenue. The public health witness cited alcohol-related harms as a major preventable cause of death and said the tax increase would have only a small annual cost for most consumers.
Most industry testimony was in opposition. Representatives of Lanikai Brewing Company, Maui Brewing Company, the Wine Institute, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association said the bill would sharply raise taxes on beer and wine, squeeze already thin margins, and threaten local jobs and businesses. They argued Hawaii producers already face high costs for labor, energy, shipping, and compliance, and said an ABV-based tax would be difficult to administer, would require additional testing and labeling work, and could reduce consumer choice. Several industry witnesses urged lawmakers to instead adopt a small-producer or class 18 carveout, with one suggesting a cap tied to 60,000 barrels.
Committee members questioned the brewers about alcohol content testing, labeling, and whether smaller producers already measure ABV. Witnesses said many local producers do not certify ABV for in-state sales, that yeast and fermentation can vary by batch, and that an ABV-based system could require more testing than current practice. No vote or final action on the bill was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.