Transcript Highlights:

• I think, yes, hepatitis is certainly one of the big concerns, and especially, you know, as you were talking
• And I think mortality is measured if people aren't getting hepatitis, they don't have open wounds, or
• It’s just, you know, they have medications for HIV and hepatitis C.
• I can roll up a sticky note and somebody can snort drugs with it, and it’ll prevent hepatitis.
• They prevent the spread of diseases like HIV and hepatitis C, reduce emergency medical costs, and save

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.

Bills: HB227, HB556, HB543, HB542, HB482, HB483, HB484

Keywords: firefighter benefits, occupational disease, line of duty, disability pension, death benefits, retirement benefits, hypertension, heart disease, respiratory disease, cancer presumption, HIV, hepatitis, municipal firefighters, state firefighters, fire districts, workers' compensation, public safety employees, post-retirement benefits, benefit eligibility cutoff, occupational illness

Bills: HB227, HB255, HB465, HB472, HB482, HB483, HB526, HB529, HB484

Keywords: firefighter benefits, occupational disease, line of duty, disability pension, death benefits, retirement benefits, hypertension, heart disease, respiratory disease, cancer presumption, HIV, hepatitis, municipal firefighters, state firefighters, fire districts, workers' compensation, public safety employees, post-retirement benefits, benefit eligibility cutoff, occupational illness

Transcript Highlights:

• acute or chronic hepatitis B infection. acute or chronic hepatitis B infection.
• hepatitis B for one reason or another. hepatitis B for one reason or another.
• going to be exposed to hepatitis B. going to be exposed to hepatitis B.
• B hepatitis B example with hepatitis B hepatitis B vaccine<02:23:48.399> um<02:23:48.560>
• There's a hepatitis C virus for which we don't have a vaccine, but we do for hepatitis B.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• B and hepatitis C.
• treating hepatitis C.
• patients infected with hepatitis C in the corrections system.
• So they do a lot of hepatitis C education in the prison system now.
• They also will refer people to hepatitis C treatment as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• They might have had hepatitis A and think, I had hepatitis, I don't need to be vaccinated for hepatitis
• And often when we vaccinate for hepatitis B, we're giving a combination hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccination
• They might have had hepatitis A and think, I had hepatitis, I don't need to be vaccinated for hepatitis
• And often when we vaccinate for hepatitis B, we're giving a combination hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccination
• > combination Hepatitis A and hepatitis B combination Hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccination<01:00:13.599

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Health heard testimony on several bills. On SB 1441, which would repeal the transfer of the Oahu Regional Health Care System from HHSC to the Department of Health, the Department of Health said it strongly supports the measure and requested clarifying amendments. HHSC/Oahu Region also supported the bill and said it had no objection to the department’s amendments. In response to questions, witnesses said the agencies have been working on an MOU to support transfers of long-term care patients to Leahi, with the current goal being about 10 to 15 patients, but transfers would occur only as space and staffing allow; one patient was reportedly being admitted at the time, and the process was described as slow and case-by-case. The committee then heard SB 1443 on payment rates for state hospital patients and related Department of Health services. The hospital administrator said the bill would allow rates above Medicaid for community or foster-home placements if patients cannot be placed at Leahi or elsewhere, and would set Medicaid-level reimbursement for outside medical services used by state hospital patients. He said at least one provider was interested in offering services at that rate and that the population involved is largely non-ambulatory long-term care patients. Members asked about availability and training, and the witness said special training could be provided. SB 1322, a broad mental health bill, drew mixed testimony. The Department of Law Enforcement supported giving crisis-intervention-trained officers more discretion to transport people to medical care instead of arresting them. The Attorney General supported the bill but recommended revisions to emergency-transport language and restoring liability protections. HHSC and Queens Hospital supported the overall goal but sought amendments to preserve the mental health emergency worker role in decision-making and to avoid negative impacts on emergency departments. The Disability Rights Center and ACLU opposed parts of the bill, arguing that it weakens due process, reduces protections in involuntary treatment and transport, and should retain a three-person treatment panel rather than reduce it to one. A Queens representative said the current program works well and reported that more than 90% of MH1 cases once went to hospitals, but that figure has dropped to about 60-70%, with about 20% now diverted to community settings or the behavioral health crisis center. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, we have SB 1431, relating to viral hepatitis. not have wham or clearance yet.
• > the amounts of hepatitis uh because the amounts of hepatitis uh because we've<02:27:10.000> had<
• This is a bill relating to viral hepatitis.
• we had last year, going towards a hepatitis-free Hawaii hopefully in the next three to five years.
• This is a bill relating to viral hepatitis.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to continue to vaccinate children for hepatitis B.
• So we talk about hepatitis B. It's a terrible disease.
• That's how you get hepatitis B.
• If she's hepatitis B positive, a vaccine on day one of life prevents chronic hepatitis B 95% of the time
• So it really depends upon the knowledge of the mother's hepatitis B status.

Transcript Highlights:

• Another program that we're very early in the very early stages of implementing is a hepatitis clinic.
• Another program that we're very early in the very early stages of implementing is a hepatitis clinic.
• Another program that we're very early in the very early stages of implementing is a hepatitis clinic.
• <00:14:49.720> C data um the increase in hepatitis C data um the increase in hepatitis C infections
• <00:14:58.720> C<00:14:59.120> range treatment of hepatitis C range treatment of hepatitis

Keywords: 00:00 Introductions 02:46 Roll Call 03:35 Discussion on SB 14 46:13 Vote on SB 14 48:07 Discussion on SB 17 50:38 Vote on SB 17, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services opened with the chair welcoming several new members and outlining session rules: hearings would start and end on time, the committee would limit the number of bills heard each meeting, prioritize bills heard during the interim, and generally avoid using the consent calendar except in extreme circumstances. The committee then briefly considered administrative regulations, which were treated as approved if members had no questions. The main item was Senate Bill 14, a measure addressing the 340B drug discount program. The chair said the bill had already passed the Senate in a prior session and had been heard in interim, so he did not present it again. He described the bill as prohibiting drug manufacturers from discriminating against 340B covered entities by refusing 340B pricing when the same drug is offered at that price in the state. He also said the committee would not debate the federal 340B program itself, but would hear testimony on the bill. Hospital leaders and Kentucky Hospital Association representatives testified in support, arguing that 340B savings are essential to rural hospitals, oncology services, transportation support, chronic care, addiction recovery, and new service lines such as chemotherapy and hepatitis treatment. They said the program helps keep care close to home and that manufacturer restrictions on contract pharmacies have reduced access and cost hospitals millions. Opponents from BIO Kentucky and the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions argued the bill would expand federal law beyond Congress’s intent, create administrative burdens, and not lower patient out-of-pocket costs. The chair repeatedly pressed opponents to address why Kentucky should be denied the same 340B pricing available in other states. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• B, and hepatitis C.
• And how to access HIV and hepatitis testing.
• For instance, the cost of treating hepatitis C is approximately $20,000, with treatment for resistant
• The cost to the state and to the taxpayers, and how to access HIV and hepatitis testing.
• For instance, the cost of treating hepatitis C is approximately $20,000, with treatment for resistant

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on April 23, 2025, with a large regular-order agenda and first approved a consent calendar covering many bills. Several measures were then heard individually, with most receiving support from sponsors and stakeholder groups and no formal opposition in the room, though some bills drew respectful opposition or no votes. The committee also read and deemed approved a lengthy suspense calendar before taking up additional bills and public comment. Among the bills discussed, AB 263 would extend temporary flow regulations on the Smith and Shasta Rivers for five years or until permanent rules are completed; AB 309 would remove the sunset on pharmacists’ ability to provide sterile syringes without a prescription to support HIV and hepatitis prevention; AB 631 would require animal shelters to post intake and outcome data online; AB 792 would allow consolidation of bargaining for court interpreters; AB 867 would ban cat declawing except when medically necessary; AB 1206 would require pre-approved housing plans for small residential projects; AB 787 would require health plans to better help patients find in-network providers; AB 596 would protect workers’ right to wear face coverings unless unsafe; AB 282 would allow housing providers to prefer voucher holders without violating source-of-income discrimination law; AB 738 would create a limited rebuilding exemption for disaster survivors from newer solar requirements; AB 566 would require browsers and mobile operating systems to make global privacy opt-outs easier; and AB 622 would clarify CDCR’s authority to award credits to people serving indeterminate sentences who complete rehabilitation programming. Most of these bills were reported out on roll calls, often with bipartisan or limited dissent. AB 309, AB 631, AB 792, AB 867, AB 1206, AB 787, AB 596, AB 282, AB 738, AB 566, and AB 622 all advanced, while AB 263 also moved forward despite opposition from the Siskiyou Board of Supervisors and the California Farm Bureau. AB 622 generated the most extensive debate, with supporters emphasizing rehabilitation, parole-board review, and cost savings, and opponents warning about public safety and the impact on serious violent offenders. The meeting ended after brief public comment on several other bills on the suspense file and then adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So you have hepatitis B, hepatitis A, measles, mumps, rubella, rotavirus, pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus
• So you have hepatitis B, hepatitis A, me. administer them.
• So you have hepatitis B, hepatitis A, measles, mumps, rebella, rhodovirus, pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus
• Employers currently require testing and follow-up care for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C as part
• Employers currently require testing and follow-up care for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C as part

Bills: HB2086, HB2248, HB2688

Keywords: vaccination mandates, mask requirements, public health, government entities, COVID-19, medical freedom, healthcare mandates, employment requirements, government regulation, vacant positions, state budget, government efficiency, employment, full-time equivalent positions, 1182, all

Summary: The committee heard three bills, all on medical freedom or government staffing. HB 2248 would prohibit governmental entities, businesses, schools, and ticket issuers from denying employment, entry, services, or participation based on whether a person has received or used a medical intervention. Supporters framed it as protecting bodily autonomy and parental rights; opponents, including physicians, child care and public health advocates, warned it was drafted too broadly and could undermine vaccine-related protections, school and daycare illness policies, and hospital safety. After debate, the bill received a do pass recommendation on a 3-2 vote. HB 2086 would bar government entities and businesses from requiring vaccination or masks/face coverings, with stated exceptions for long-standing workplace safety and infection control measures, and it would apply to certain government-owned health care facilities. Supporters argued it was needed to prevent coercive mandates and protect individual freedom and business autonomy; opponents said it would interfere with private employers’ ability to protect customers and workers and could conflict with public health practices. The committee approved the bill on a 3-2 do pass vote. HB 2688 would require the Arizona Department of Administration to identify state budget-unit positions vacant for at least 150 days and eliminate those positions each fiscal year, with some exceptions such as corrections and DPS. The sponsor said the bill would reduce waste and prevent vacant positions from functioning as slush funds, while members raised concerns about specialized or hard-to-fill jobs. After brief testimony in support, the committee passed the bill on a 3-2 do pass vote, then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next bill: HB 1112, relating to viral hepatitis. Excuse me—no, not viral hepatitis.
• hepatitis program could have a big impact in terms of reducing hepatitis-related infections, death,
• hepatitis program could have a big impact in terms of reducing hepatitis-related infections, death,
• to hepatitis B and C and impacting hepatitis A.
• thank you for the question so hepatitis thank you for the question so hepatitis A<01:15:24.239><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing opened with House Bill 1462 on crisis services. Testimony from the Department of Law Enforcement, the Community Alliance on Prisons, and the Department of Health supported expanding behavioral health crisis services as an alternative to arrest or incarceration. Witnesses said additional crisis sites would help divert people in mental health crisis to appropriate care, and the Department of Health described its current crisis center in Ewa, including the need for renovations such as a padded room and the time required to get the facility operational. In response to questions, the department estimated the Ewa center’s budgeted cost at about $4.3 million, not including rent or startup repairs, and said a second site’s cost would depend on whether it was freestanding or attached to an existing facility. The committee then heard House Bill 700 on cognitive assessments. The Executive Office on Aging supported the bill’s intent but asked that it be amended to make assessments optional rather than mandated, to pilot the program first, and to allow flexibility in handling HIPAA-protected data. SHPDA also supported the measure but said it should not be mandatory and suggested that payers reimburse for assessments when requested by patients, families, or physicians. The Alzheimer’s Association and caregivers strongly supported standardizing cognitive assessments to improve early detection and access to newer treatments, while noting the existing opt-out provision. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the bill but asked that the age 65 threshold be removed because cognitive decline can begin much earlier for people with Down syndrome, autism, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and related conditions. In response to a question, the Office on Aging said a pilot project could likely be done for about $150,000, with data security being the main added cost. The final bill discussed was House Bill 237 on peer support programs. Testimony from Family Hui Hawaii, Early Childhood Action Strategy, peer support workers, and families described peer-to-peer programs as a cost-effective way to reduce isolation, strengthen families, and provide long-term community support. Speakers said these programs help parents and caregivers navigate crises, child welfare involvement, addiction recovery, and other challenges, and can have lasting benefits for children’s development and family stability. Several witnesses tied the bill to broader state goals, including infant and early childhood mental health, trauma-informed care, and child welfare reform. Written testimony from about a dozen organizations and individuals was also noted in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, moving on to SB 1431, relating to viral hepatitis.
• Certainly in terms of hepatitis, reaching those communities is a priority.
• We have had patients go through that and be cured of hepatitis C.
• <00:41:15.480> C through that and be cured of Hepatitis C through that and be cured of Hepatitis
• All those things can then transmit hepatitis C.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee heard testimony on several health-related measures, with most of the discussion focused on SB 1419, SB 1494, and SB 1495, which were taken out of order to accommodate ASL/Death Blind Task Force testimony. SB 1419, relating to Act 253 (Session Laws of Hawaii 2023), drew support from the Department of Human Services and the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii, with testimony emphasizing use of the term “low vision” and support for the program timeline. The committee later recommended passage with amendments, including technical changes and updated appropriation fiscal years, and the motion was adopted unanimously by the members present. SB 1494, concerning hearing aids, drew broad support from disability advocates and others who argued that hearing aids improve health, reduce accidents, and may help reduce dementia risk. Testifiers also urged that the bill define hearing aids as prescription hearing aids rather than including over-the-counter devices, and the Department of the Auditor and Insurance Division raised cost and coverage questions. The committee recommended passage with amendments, changing the coverage approach to optional coverage similar to vision and dental and requesting a sunrise analysis for prescription hearing aids; that recommendation was adopted. SB 1495, which exempts hearing aids from the general excise tax, also received support, while the Attorney General flagged a possible single-subject issue and the Tax Department estimated a potential $1.1 million revenue impact. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including deletion of the challenged language, technical fixes, and noting the revenue estimate; that recommendation was adopted. The committee then moved through additional measures with mostly supportive testimony. SB 1421 on medical records prompted questions about what happens when a solo practitioner dies or closes practice, and the discussion centered on ensuring patients can obtain records, including a proposed amendment requiring a successor provider to send records to the patient’s last known address. SB 1422, dealing with a special fund and vital statistics funding, was supported by the Department of Health, which said the special fund did not meet criteria and that deposits should instead go to the Vital Statistics Improvement Special Fund. SB 1423 on certificate of need exemptions for Department of Health facilities drew support, with discussion of possibly extending exemptions to dialysis and behavioral health/psychiatric services; the Department indicated it would not oppose that change. SB 1424 on credentialing of health care providers also received support, and SB 1425 on the State Emergency Medical Services Committee focused on reducing quorum requirements because many members are active first responders and cannot always attend meetings. The committee also heard support for SB 1426 on emergency medical services, SB 1431 on viral hepatitis, and SB 1433 on harm reduction, with testimony on hepatitis outreach funding and syringe access best practices; for SB 1433, the Department of Health identified a blank in the bill and recommended a six-month period for the syringe-possession exception.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a hepatitis C dashboard; it is a requirement to really manage hepatitis C in our state.
• The Hepatitis C Summary follows a patient who has tested positive for Hepatitis C and tracks their course
• So, the hepatitis C dashboard provides data for the screening and treatment of hepatitis C.
• Maybe they're looking at hepatitis C, for instance.
• But what we've done first is apply a layer of hepatitis C, or a filter of hepatitis C.

Transcript Highlights:

• with the available testing technologies, immunization for Hepatitis B, treatment for Hepatitis B, and
• which would create and fund a hepatitis which would create and fund a hepatitis prevention<01:53
• has a hepatitis battle Hawaii already has a hepatitis elimination<01:53:43.599> strategy<01:53
• is in Charlie hepatitis C is that C is in Charlie hepatitis C is curable<01:54:21.199> in<01:
• individuals that are cured of hepatitis individuals that are cured of hepatitis C<01:54:42.000><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Enact removing hepatitis B from the list Enact removing hepatitis B from the list of<03:41:54.080>
• Speaker. hepatitis B infection or death rates. hepatitis B infection or death rates.
• It does not limit hepatitis B vaccine.
• > vaccine Removal of the hepatitis vaccine Removal of the hepatitis vaccine requirement<03:47:
• tested for the hepatitis B um infection. tested for the hepatitis B um infection.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• are Vericella, hepatitis B and HIP.
• > is<01:58:32.480> an<01:58:32.800> adult hepatitis B for example is an adult hepatitis
• <01:59:40.239> B specifically about the hepatitis B specifically about the hepatitis B vaccine
• described<02:27:50.240> as<02:27:50.399> a Hepatitis B has been described as a Hepatitis
• misstatements around hepatitis B today. misstatements around hepatitis B today.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hepatitis C infections have increased 124% between 2013 and 2020 alone, after decades of steady decline
• The economic burden of hepatitis ...objecting opioid use.
• The economic burden of hepatitis C infections in the United States is staggering.
• HIV and hepatitis, and other infections.
• But my question is, you know, I know that hepatitis C or HIV, those spreads.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 309, which will support California's comprehensive strategy to prevent the spread of HIV and viral hepatitis
• The sharing of used syringes remains the most common mode of transmission of hepatitis B and hepatitis
• The sharing of used syringes remains the most common mode of transmission of hepatitis B and hepatitis
• component of the state's comprehensive public health strategy to prevent the transmission of HIV, hepatitis
• B, and hepatitis C.

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

Transcript Highlights:

• C, hepatitis B, infective endocarditis, abscesses, and spinal abscesses.
• For specific conditions that include HIV, hepatitis C, hepatitis B, infective endocarditis, abscesses
• So I don't believe that all the costs would be reduced for the hepatitis C and hepatitis A medications
• 6.6 million in hepatitis C uh, agents. 6.6 million in hepatitis C uh, agents.
• reduced for the hepatitis C and hepatitis<01:24:28.000> A<01:24:28.639> medications<01

Keywords: 1191, senate, all