Legitalk:

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Okay. He says he's feeling much better.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: That's good.

[Representative Biggins]: You know, I was I was so shut down. I was working with it was nonfunctional.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Good morning, everyone. How's everyone doing on this rainy Monday? I hope well. It's nice to see everyone this morning. We will get started with our JF meeting. I don't have remarks now, but I will reserve the right to have remarks at the end of today's meeting. Just in in fair warning to members and those listening in. But with that, I'll turn it over to Senator Amar.

[Senator Saud Anwar (Senate Chair)]: Same remarks. Thank you, madam chair. Thank you for all you do.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you, Representative Claire Di Stitria.

[Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria (House Ranking Member)]: Ditto, ditto.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you. And I will say what I always say. Our leaders, fellow leaders, including Senator Summers and other members of the committee are often juggling multiple committees. And so with that, we will move forward with bills for review. The first item on today's agenda is Senate Bill number one nine four. This is an act concerning cardiac screening and sudden cardiac arrest prevention for certain student athletes. This is a JFS to the floor LCO 3512. May I have a motion? Motion. Moved by representative Claire Estitria and seconded by senator Amor. And I'd like to thank both Senator Amor and Rep. Clarett Estitria for their advocacy on this bill for our student athletes. And this bill will require our high school students who are participating in sports to have an annual athletics health assessment, which would include a physical exam screening for serious cardiac conditions. The form would need to include a checkbox that has family history of sudden cardiac death, screening questions for family members, and, and checkbox to indicate whether the provider conducted an EKG. It does extend these, health assessments to several provisions that apply to standard student health assessments. There is S language, And I will point out that this remains this bill remains a work in progress for us. We anticipate in conversations that a number of other a few other changes may need to be made. But the bill today that's before us, the, original bill would have required a cardiac related screening for student athletes only in high intensity, endurance or power sports. And this s language includes all student athletes and required if they reported certain cardiac symptoms, they take an EKG and get medical clearance. And this expands that. Is there discussion or questions on this item? Representative Claritus Tetria.

[Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria (House Ranking Member)]: Thank you, madam chair. This bill still needs some work to make to make some changes. And I think the goal is our student athletes currently have to get a physical that lasts for sixteen months. We just wanna make sure that the health care provider, the student athlete, and their parent or guardian has the appropriate conversations about cardiac health. And if they determine amongst themselves that further screening is necessary, then we wanna make sure that that does happen. So I'm hoping I will support this today, and hopefully we'll make those changes moving forward. Thank you, madam chair.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you very much, representative. And again, thank

[Unidentified (background/various)]: you for your efforts in communicating both

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: with the heart association and our athletic organizations. Further questions, comments on the bill? If not, if I could ask, this today, thank you. We have with us, Mr. Administrator, if you could kindly call the roll.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: This is a roll call vote on senate bill one nine four to be JFS to the floor, LCO number 53512. Senator Anwar?

[Senator Saud Anwar (Senate Chair)]: Senator Anwar votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative McCarthy Veggie?

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: McCarthy Veggie votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Belton?

[Representative Redington Hughes]: Belton votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Marks? Senator McCrory. Senator Summers. Representative Clarice Ditria.

[Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria (House Ranking Member)]: Representative Clarice Ditria votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Berger Gervalo.

[Representative Aimee Berger-Girvalo]: Berger Gervalo votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Biggins. Biggins votes yes. Representative Carpino. Representative Delphineus.

[Representative Anne Dauphinais]: Rep Dauphine votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative D'Amico. Representative Elliott. Representative Ganga. Yes. Representative Gilchrist.

[Representative Jillian Gilchrest]: Representative Gilchrist votes a yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Gordon. Yes. Senator Hakadau. Representative Crap Cappos DeGraw.

[Representative Eleni Kavros DeGraw]: Cappos DeGraw votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Kite.

[Representative Sarah Keitt]: Representative Kite votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Kennedy.

[Representative Kathy Kennedy]: Kennedy votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Kushner.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Representative

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Mara

[Representative Tracy Marra]: Mara of OTS.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Martinez, representative Morin Bello, Representative Parker. Representative Paletta. Yes. Senator Raman. Representative Redington Hughes. Representative Romano.

[Senator Martha Marx]: Yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Slapp. Representative Steinberg. Yes. Representative Zuckuss. Okay. Is there anyone's names I have not called or anyone who is who has recently entered the room? Senator Kushner. Senator Kushner votes. Yes. Yes. That is the role, madam chair.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Representative

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Damico. Representative Damico.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Pass. Thank you. We are on item number one. And, Mr. Administrator, thank you very much. We will, hold votes open today, I believe, until 04:30, if that's okay with the team. Great. So the votes will be held open today until 04:30, on Zoom or upstairs in the public health area. Moving on, we are moving to item number two, Senate bill number four five one. This is an act establishing an advisory council on CAR T cell therapy and other gene therapies. This is a JF to the floor. May I have a motion? Moved by Senator Amware. Is there a second?

[Representative Eleni Kavros DeGraw]: Second.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Seconded by Representative Belton. This bill will establish an advisory council, for the Department of Public Health. And this is an up for CAR T therapy and other gene therapies. And this group will make recommendations to the Department of Public Health related to these therapies, delivering them in a safe and equitable manner, developing, referral and management protocols and advanced training for any practitioners or clinical providers who offer them. It does authorize the council to apply for and accept grants and enter into contracts or agreements if, distributing these funds. It also requires an annual report to both this committee and the insurance committee related to activities, research findings, and potential funding. And are there questions on this bill? Senator Gordon.

[Senator Jeff Gordon]: Thank you, madam chairwoman. I know quite a bit about CAR T because I refer lots of patients to it being a cancer doctor and hematologist. And even with that said, to be honest, I don't see that what this bill actually serves in the real world. And I'm gonna highlight some things about that because I don't think this is really a role for government. When there's already the a number of things overseeing this. Nothing against the proponents of the bill. I understand where this is coming from. I just don't see what it's going to achieve when there's already things in place For FDA approved CAR T and anything future the FDA approves, there's already lots of things that go into an FDA approval. So for example, it talks about safe delivery of such therapies. That's already done. And not only does that have to be done by, at the hospitals that do this, but then they get accredited. And that's national accreditation. Where for cancer programs, there's a separate accreditation. It's very thorough, very detailed, and safety looks into that. So quite frankly, if a national accreditation body accredits a cancer center, including those that give CAR T or gene therapies, then there's nothing additional really the state would do other than you're following just general DPH codes and regulations. With regards to advanced training, I'm not certain what it is that this, advisory council's going to do. There's already training. HemOnc doctors are trained. And those at the big centers where these therapies are done, they're not done in the community. They're done at big centers already. CAR T is done at the big centers all around the country. Those folks already know what to do. They don't need to go for anything additional for the state. They've already they already meet the certifications that are required, including when the programs get accredited. So I think looking at advanced training for people who provide such therapies, that's redundant on the part of the state. And I don't think there's anything the state would come up with that already isn't actually in place. Especially given the various warnings that have come out about CAR T therapy, which are well known and not new, including when they were in trials, they were very well known. And all the different big hospitals participated in all these different trials and still do, including the people who provide it. Also, I'm concerned when we wanted advisory council look at long term follow-up and vector safety. That's already being done. That's all part of established medical protocols decided by the people, especially nationally who do this. So I don't think there's anything additional the state can come up with. In addition, education for our clinicians, really the people who make the referrals tend to be hemonc doctors for CAR T. And hemonc doctors already well know about this, because it's been around for quite some time. I even had many patients in the clinical trials before the FDA gave its very first approval. So HemOnc doctors do understand about the referrals, and it's something that we do, look at, and also know a lot of the eligibility and non eligibility criteria of these types of therapies, which are pretty much established in uniform, not just actually in this country, but international, by, professional societies that have that know a lot more than the State of Connecticut DPH would. I'm also concerned when we talk about development of referral and management protocols, those are already established. I can tell you that as a fact, practicing in two states, they're pretty much, the referrals, the places that do these, who you get in contact with, are very much known. It may be people who are not taking care of these types of patients who need CAR T may not know, but they're not going to be the referrals anyway, the referrers. I'm also concerned about when we're going to, look into, the development of centers of excellence. There's no need to do that. The big centers do these and the, and community hospitals don't because it's not set up logistically. And the big hospitals also have ICU protocols for when these people get ill. And they can, potentially get very ill. And that's well known and well vetted out, including international studies. I can go on and on, including about a lot of different things that this advisory council is gonna be charged with, and nothing against the intent, but it seems extremely duplicative of what's already established, not just in Connecticut, but around the country, very much so. And I can tell you, when I refer my own patients for CAR T, there's quite a lengthy checklist. There's a lot of different other specialists that might have to weigh in, like heart doctors, lung doctors, sometimes infectious disease doctors. There's automatic social work, psychosocial, financial, gets, looked into, and a whole checklist of eligibility. Again, most of us who make referrals know these eligibility criteria, and know where to send them, because not every place does it. But here in Connecticut, we have places that do and have very well established programs. So again, nothing against the intent. It just seems to me this isn't a role for government specifically to have an advisory, council on this, when already we should be very thankful these things are established. It's separate to want to look at globally where we are with insurance coverage and things like that. But that gets into many other types of therapies, just not CAR T, which is a bigger issue. It can be specific for CAR T sometimes. And I can speak from experience where I've had some insurance companies limit, what can be done, but that's a global issue, just not for CAR T. So I just not certain why we would focus on an advisory council for this when nearly everything is already established by the experts in the field as is. And kudos to them. They've taken many time they've taken a lot of time over years in clinical trials, the big professional organizations, including the international, ones, because this stuff this type of stuff is done, around the world, and there's been a lot of collaboration internationally to help develop CAR T. And especially various gene therapies, including some of the leaders up in Seattle who are major, leaders, including at Fred Hutchinson, cancer center on looking at gene therapy for sickle cell and other things. And, very, very, interesting what they have already in place, and that's already vetted, internationally. One of the questions I have, and I have a concern, is where there's a provision here that says that the council can apply for and accept grants, gifts, sponsorships and donations. What are the checks and balances in place regarding conflicts of interest? So if someone wants to donate, let's say it's a company that deals with CAR T and they want to donate to the advisory council, what checks and balances are in place for conflicts of interest? Perhaps I missed it in the wording of the bill.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you, Senator Gordon. My understanding is this language is in line with language that we have in some of our other statutes, for example, with our, rare disease advisory council and others. But there's nothing explicit and specific in here that addresses that. There certainly are, ethical issues that need to be, addressed and may be addressed elsewhere in statute. But the language in this bill does not have anything specific related to that. And there may be more information that I can obtain related to that that I don't have today.

[Senator Jeff Gordon]: Thank you. I think it's a pending question then because it does raise a concern about potential conflicts of interest. We should be extremely careful of that when we talk about accepting money from outside sources. So, not say anything bad about wanting to apply for potential grants. I just worry about conflicts of interest. So even though I support CAR T and gene therapy, I certainly do as a hemonc doctor, I lose track of how many, patients I've referred over the years, including for clinical trials that are still ongoing. And there are huge ones, internationally that The U. S. Participates in fortunately. I just don't see that this has a need given what's already well established, so just not in this state, but in other states. So for that reason, I'm going to vote no. Has nothing to do against CAR T or gene therapy. I certainly support it. I just think this these are situations left for those medical professionals who know what they're doing, already have things established, let them continue to do it. It's vetted out internationally and basically by the accreditation, national organizations. And I think the state DPH has a lot on its plate and this is not something we should add to it. Thank you.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you, Senator Gordon. Senator Amar.

[Senator Saud Anwar (Senate Chair)]: Thank you, Madam Co Chair. Madam Co Chair, I just wanted to share a couple of things with you. So this bill comes to us as part of the CAR T vision, and this is endorsed by the Association of American Cancer Institutes, the Association of Cancer Care Centers, Bart's Cancer Institute, Cancer Care, Cancer Support Community, Catapult, which is a cell and gene therapy group, foundation for the accreditation of cellular therapy, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, International Myeloma Foundation and the Lymphoma Coalition. So it's not coming from one group, it's coming from multiple groups. This is not an FDA, this is actually FDA is doing the work, this is a new era for treatment, and then while there is a cancer component to it, but if you look at the various things that are happening and if one is to interact with our RDAC community, we are looking at gene therapy for Parkinson's disease, gene therapy for ALS. These are undergoing trials, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, there's actually a limited and conditional FD approval for that already. So these are non hematologic, non cancerous illnesses, lupus study, myasthenia gravis, type one diabetes, multiple sclerosis and so on. So I think while it's reasonable to recognize that we are already there, we have arrived, but the reality is if you look at the total number of even sickle cell patients in the state of Connecticut, and which is an orphan disease which can be cured, despite the FDA approval, despite all of the technology, despite having the cure for it, does everybody with sickle cell in the state of Connecticut has the opportunity to get the treatment? The answer is no. That's just one example, so I've talked about so many other illnesses. So this is a new era, we can have two approaches, one is we say we have arrived and that's the end of science and technology, we will not go further, or we say that look, this is going to be a new era where there's going to be illnesses that were universally fatal or debilitating for individuals, and we will have an opportunity now to provide care even when the FDA approves them, we may be able to be fortunate to make sure that the citizen in the state of Connecticut would be able to get this. In order for a person to get this treatment, it will take a village to be able to help out. There will be long term implications for the person, the cost related issues, the complexity of the care, and therefore it's worthy to make sure that village and the support system for that patient is going to be there. It's not that FDA approved check and everybody will do their share, it is going to require a lot of burden on the part of the families and support system. So I think that's where the conversation needs to be and that's why all of these organizations and the ever growing number of organizations are asking for the states to be ahead of the curve. I was fortunate to say that our state for the sickle cell was able to apply for a grant from the federal government, it was because of the efforts that you're one of the few states that was able to do it. There are similar federal grants, if they are coordinated efforts, we would be able to get that funding that will come to the state of respect my colleagues views and of course he's far more experienced on the cancer aspects and I'm not going to question that, but this is actually not FDA approval process. And I'm not going to question that, but this is actually not FDA approval process. This is not scientific approval questioning. It is about what can we do for the people in the state of Connecticut to get the treatment and create that environment for making sure that we benefit and our patients benefit from this treatment. So madam chair, I'll be a yes on this vote. Thank you. Back to you.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you, Senator Ammar. Further questions or discussions? Senator Gordon for the second time.

[Senator Jeff Gordon]: Thank you, madam chairwoman. I appreciate the remarks of my colleague. And I specifically talked more than just FDA approval. If you look at the the the wording of this, it really gets into what people who already know how to do this are doing and setting up the protocols. If we just want to focus on trying to get grants and looking into, access issues and especially insurance coverage issues, I think then we can really do that. But we shouldn't necessarily get into a lot of the other stuff that's in the wording. That really is a domain of those, in the hospitals who are doing this. So, that's my concern, that this advisory council, I think, is going to be stepping into something that it really, shouldn't be stepping into. And I think it can really have more impact if it focuses on a couple of key aspects, you know, for it. But again, I talk more than just an FDA approval. And that's why I highlight the fact that the hospitals that do these things already know how to do it. CAR T is not new, actually. It's been around for quite some time, especially in clinical trials. So that's where my concern is. But I do agree that there are some things the state can focus on. We'd love to see it do that. And I think if it focuses on that, it might do a better job through DPH than trying to be all inclusive and really getting into things that are already established by medical and health care professionals. Thank you.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you, Senator Gordon. Representative Mara.

[Representative Tracy Marra]: Thank you so much, Madam Chair. And I think this is just a testament, I think, to good debate because I came in here with lots of questions and assuming I would probably be a no on something like this. But I appreciate the back and forth. I mean, especially when we look at things like gene therapy where we know there's a lot of rare diseases and possible grants. I can see a real use for something like coordination in efforts of grants. I totally agree with the senator that raised the issues of delving into advice on on how to therapy and things like that, that I think maybe some wording could be changed. And I hope that that we can move to where this is a better, a better bill in the long run. But I will be supporting it today because I can see usefulness with that. Thank you.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you, Representative Mara. Further discussion on this item? Seeing none. I will also just thank Mr. Clark for being here with us today and ask Mr. Administrator, if you would kindly call the roll.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: This is a roll call vote to JF to the floor, Senate Bill four five one. Senator Anwar. Senator Anwar votes yes. Representative McCarthy Behe.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: McCarthy Behe votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Belton

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Belton votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Marks. Senator McCrory. Senator Sommers, representative Claire DiSteitria Claire DiSteitria votes no. Representative Berger Trevallo.

[Representative Aimee Berger-Girvalo]: Berger Trevallo votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Biggins. Biggins votes yes. Representative Carpino. Representative Delphine Dauphineas.

[Representative Anne Dauphinais]: Rep Dauphine votes no.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative D'Amico. D'Amico votes yes. Representative Elliott. Representative Ganga. Ganga.

[Representative Jonathan Steinberg]: Yes. Yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Gilchrist.

[Representative Jillian Gilchrest]: Representative Gilchrist votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Gordon.

[Senator Jeff Gordon]: Senator Gordon votes no to flag it.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Hakadau. Representative Cappos deGraw.

[Representative Eleni Kavros DeGraw]: Cappos deGraw votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Kipp.

[Representative Sarah Keitt]: Representative Kipp votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Kennedy.

[Representative Kathy Kennedy]: Kennedy votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Kushner. Representative Mara.

[Representative Tracy Marra]: Mara votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Martinez. Representative Morin Bello. Representative Parker. Representative Paletta. Yes. Senator Raman. Representative Redington Hughes.

[Representative Redington Hughes]: Redington Hughes votes no.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Romano.

[Representative Romano]: Romano votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Slapp. Representative Steinberg.

[Representative Jonathan Steinberg]: Yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Subkis. Is there anyone's names I have not called or anyone who has recently entered the room? That is the room, madam chair.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you very much, mister administrator. Again, votes will be held open until 04:30PM today. Moving on to item number three on our agenda. This is House Bill number five three two two. This is an act concerning a working group regarding endometriosis. This is a JFS to the floor, LCO three two five five. I'm wondering if there is a motion online.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: So moved.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Moved by representative Gilchrist. There may be a second online.

[Representative Kathy Kennedy]: Second.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Seconded by representative Kennedy. The bill before us is thanks to the good work of those two representatives. The leadership of representative Gilchrist, representative Kennedy, and many others on this committee are why we are here. And we would like to today put this working group into statute. It would establish a 20 member endometriosis working group. It would be, coordinated and administrated by the commission on women, Children, Seniors, Equity, and Opportunity. And to really continue the good work that has been done, it would evaluate and make recommendations, on endometriosis diagnosis, treatment, research, education, and public awareness in Connecticut. This S language, it expands the topics for one. It also changes the appointment, protocols to be a more traditional appointment made by the speaker, the minority leaders, the Senate president, etcetera. It sets some requirements for the way the working group operates in terms of leadership and administrative support as well as terms. And it requires an annual report. I will say that I do believe we may see some other changes to this in terms of just the logistics of it, working together with rep Kennedy and rep Gilchrist to just assure that this work that this good work that's been done can continue. Is there a discussion on this? Representative Gilchrist.

[Representative Jillian Gilchrest]: Thank you, madam chair. Just wanna thank the committee for raising this bill. When we started and representative Kennedy for her partnership over these years. When we started meeting back in 2021, I never could have imagined we'd get to the place we are today. We have helped to raise awareness about endometriosis not only here in Connecticut, but nationally and given voice to a large number of predominantly women who felt voice voiceless before. We've also been able to move the needle on research, and just so proud of the work we have done, and I know we will continue to do as a state. So thank you, and I will wholeheartedly be supporting this legislation today.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you very much, representative Gilchrist. Representative Kennedy.

[Representative Kathy Kennedy]: Thank you, madam chair. I'll be brief because I don't know if my voice will last out, but, echo the remarks of my my partner in crime, if you will, there. But thank you for the community to raise this this year to keep this flow going. We have done an incredible amount of work in all the years. That's nearly five, four and a half. And the attention that's brought to so many women that have suffered needlessly, really, and continue to suffer, but we will continue to bring more education to this topic. And I really look forward to this continuing. We like, representative Gilchrist said, we we're known around the country now for the work that we have done through here with Yukon, with Jackson Laboratories. So I just wanna, say thank you, and I hope, everyone will full, fully, support this today. Thank you, madam chair.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you very much. And while your voice may be soft today, we know it's been loud on this issue for many years. So thank you both seeing and hearing no other discussion on this item. Mister administrator, would you kindly call the roll?

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: This is a roll call vote on House Bill 5,322, LCO three two five five to BJFS to the floor. Senator Anwar.

[Senator Saud Anwar (Senate Chair)]: Senator Anwar votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative McCarthy Veggie.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: McCarthy Veggie votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Belton

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Belton votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Marks. Senator McCrory. Senator Summers. Representative Claire DiStitrio.

[Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria (House Ranking Member)]: Claire DiStitrio votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Berger Gervalo.

[Representative Aimee Berger-Girvalo]: Berger Gervalo votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Biggins. Biggins votes yes. Representative Carpino. Representative Dafnis.

[Representative Anne Dauphinais]: Rep Dafine votes sorry. Yes. I think I wore on that. No. No. No. I'm sorry. I know. I'm sorry. I wasn't paying attention. I know. Apologize. Oh, I'm a yes. Thank you. Rep Dauphine votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Thank you. Representative Damico.

[Representative Mike Demicco]: Damico votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Elliott. Representative Jenga.

[Senator Jeff Gordon]: Yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Gilchrist.

[Representative Jillian Gilchrest]: Representative Gilchrist votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Gordon.

[Senator Jeff Gordon]: Yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Hockadell. Representative Kavros DeGraw.

[Representative Eleni Kavros DeGraw]: Kavros DeGraw votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Kipp.

[Representative Sarah Keitt]: Representative Kipp votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Kennedy.

[Representative Kathy Kennedy]: Kennedy votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Kushner. No. Representative Mara. Representative Martinez. Representative Morin Bello. Representative Parker. Representative Paletta.

[Representative Biggins]: Yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Rahmon. Representative Redington Hughes.

[Representative Redington Hughes]: Yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Romano.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Romano votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Slapp. Representative Steinberg.

[Representative Jonathan Steinberg]: Yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Zukas. Is there anyone's names I have not called or anyone who has recently entered the room? That is the room, madam chair.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you very much, mister administrator. Moving on to item number four, house bill number five five one zero. This is an act concerning the Department of Public Health's recommendations regarding unlicensed a JFS to the floor, LCO 3,504. May I have a motion?

[Senator Saud Anwar (Senate Chair)]: So moved.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Moved by Senator Amore and seconded by Representative Claritus Ditria. This bill makes it a class d felony to open, manage, or operate a healthcare facility without a required license. It sets a maximum $5,000 daily fine for this offense. The criminal penalty does not apply to a licensee who fails to apply for renewal or a financial institution taking ownership of a facility after foreclosure. It allows DPH to impose civil penalties up to 25,000 per day for these violations. And, it specifies that DCAs can issue a summary order, which means that there would be no hearing and immediate action would be taken that someone immediately stops an illegal practice. And that is if there is a threat to public health or safety. The JFS language removes the thirty day limit on the exemption from that criminal penalty for the owner that has failed to renew their license or who has failed to renew their license. Representative Claire De Stitria.

[Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria (House Ranking Member)]: Thank you, madam chair. And I just want to double check for intent that this is only for unlicensed practices and it doesn't apply to someone that inadvertently has forgotten or slipped through the cracks renewing their license through you.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you. That was one of the reasons why we made that change in the s language with that thirty day renewal. Yes. This is geared towards those who are, seeking to operate a facility without a license. Other questions or comments on the bill before us? Seeing Oh, oh, Representative Dauphine. Oh, Senator Gordon or represent Okay. Thank you.

[Representative Anne Dauphinais]: Thank you, madam chair. I have some concerns with this bill. There's a lot of opposition, and I think there's a lot of concern about what could be deemed a medical facility just based on a conversation that could be had. It looks like the, Connecticut, hospital association opposes the bill as well. It's there's mostly opposition here. And I think it's the concern on where this may lead to or how it could be interpreted. And so I will be a no today. Thank you.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you, representative. Senator Gorton.

[Senator Jeff Gordon]: Thank you, madam chairwoman. One of the items that I thought was worthy of note in the testimony was from the Connecticut Hospital Association. They had raised a concern if this is going to be moved to a felony, which is a big step, then what happens if someone is submitting a, license application or even a renewal, because renewal is in here. So renewal means you're already licensed, and there's a clerical or administrative error. Non intentional. So that's basically a benign act of omission. Does this bit, does the JFS distinguish that from an actual act of commission, which would be purposeful and potentially, in bad acting. I know the CHA raised a concern about that and had some suggested wording in their testimony. I just don't know if that's that concern is addressed in the JFS or is there a plan out of committee to address what I think is a legitimate concern?

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you, Senator Gordon. You're taking me back to my parochial school days with Sister Saint Monica, those omission and commission words. I will say that was one of the reasons why we made the change with the thirty day language. There's not explicit language in the bill that speaks to intent, whether it's, is, you know, that piece that CHA testified about. I think we will have some further conversations. It's it is a tricky line. And I think what the goal and hope of this legislation, at least in the conversations that we've had among leadership, is to hold accountable those bad faith actors who are very clearly trying to evade responsibility in terms of their licensure, not to hold to account in the same way, those who are inadvertent inadvertently making some kind of administrative error. So will we have further conversations? Yes, I believe we will.

[Senator Jeff Gordon]: Thank you. I appreciate that. Cause I think it is important to clarify that in wording, as opposed to just leaving it up to, the, the regulatory agency to decide that may not decide in the way that the intent is. So I think the better we can try to button up some of the wording. So I'll end up supporting this, but to flag it that there is some work to do to try to address that concern. Thank you.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you, Senator. Seeing well, let me oh, representative Claire De Stitria.

[Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria (House Ranking Member)]: Thank you, madam chair. And will this bill have to be referred to judiciary because of the fines?

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you for the question. It is my understanding, yes, that this would need to go through the Judiciary Committee. Seeing and hearing oh, Representative Biggins. Go ahead.

[Representative Biggins]: So I know we said we're JFS ing this to the floor. Do we need to JFS it to no. Okay. Thank you. Sorry. Confused over here.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you. We once the bill gets to the floor, it will end up being referred to the judiciary committee from there. We do sometimes refer bills directly to other committees, but in this case, we'll have it go out to the calendar and our screening team will send it along. So thank you for those clarifying questions. I think it's helpful for everyone. Okay. Mr. Administrator, would you kindly call the roll?

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: This is roll call vote to JFS de Flor, House Bill 5,510, LCO number 3,504. Senator Anwar?

[Senator Saud Anwar (Senate Chair)]: Senator Anwar votes

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: yes. Representative McCarthy Veggie?

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: McCarthy Veggie votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Belton?

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Belton votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Marks? Senator McCrory. Senator Summers. Representative Claire DiStitria.

[Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria (House Ranking Member)]: Claire DiStitria votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Berger Dravallo

[Representative Aimee Berger-Girvalo]: Berger DiStitrio votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Biggins

[Representative Biggins]: Biggins votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Carpino Representative Dauphine.

[Representative Anne Dauphinais]: Rep Dauphine votes no.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative D'Amico. D'Amico votes yes. Representative Elliott. Representative Jenga?

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Gilchrist? Senator senator Gordon? Yes. Senator Hockadel. Representative Cappos DeGraw.

[Representative Eleni Kavros DeGraw]: Cappos DeGraw is a yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Kitt?

[Representative Sarah Keitt]: Representative Kitt votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Kennedy?

[Representative Kathy Kennedy]: Kennedy votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Kushner?

[Senator Julie Kushner]: Yes. Senator Kushner votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Mara, representative Martinez, representative Morin Bello, Representative Parker. Representative Paletta.

[Representative Biggins]: Yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Raman. Representative Redington Hughes.

[Representative Redington Hughes]: Redington Hughes votes no in its present form.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Romano.

[Representative Aimee Berger-Girvalo]: Romano votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Slapp. Representative Steinberg? Yes. Representative Zavkis? Is there anyone's name I have not called or anyone who has recently entered the

[Representative Josh Elliott]: room? Rep Elliot on Zoom.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Rep Elliot, how do you vote? Yes. Thank you. Is there anyone else? And that is the room, madam chair.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you very much, mister administrator. Moving on to item number five. This is House Bill number five five one one, an act concerning the Department of Public Health's recommendations regarding consent orders. This is a JFS to the floor, LCO 3,505. May I have a motion?

[Senator Saud Anwar (Senate Chair)]: So moved.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Moved by Senator Ammar. Is there a second?

[Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria (House Ranking Member)]: Second.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Seconded by Representative Belton. This bill, which as I said, has S language will authorize the commissioner of the department to resolve enforcement actions with an agreed settlement or a consent order without the need of an administrative hearing. In those cases where there is agreement. The S language does remove the provision that would have authorized the commissioner to impose conditions, on issuing those or, issuing or renewing permits, etcetera. Conditions that she would deem necessary to ensure compliance with the regulations. Is there discussion on this item? Seeing or hearing none. Mr. Administrator, would you kindly call the roll?

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: This is a roll call vote to JFS to the floor, house bill five five one one, LCO number three five zero five. Senator Anwar.

[Senator Saud Anwar (Senate Chair)]: Senator Anwar votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative McCarthy Veggie.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: McCarthy Veggie votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Belton.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Belton votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Marks. Senator McCrory. Senator Summers, representative Claire DiSteitrio

[Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria (House Ranking Member)]: Claire DiSteitrio votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Berger Trevallo.

[Representative Aimee Berger-Girvalo]: Berger Trevallo votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Biggins Biggins votes yes. Representative Carpino. Representative Dauphine.

[Representative Anne Dauphinais]: Rep Dauphine votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative D'Amico. D'Amico votes yes. Representative Elliott.

[Representative Josh Elliott]: Elliott votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Jenga.

[Senator Saud Anwar (Senate Chair)]: Yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Gilchrist. Senator Gordon.

[Senator Jeff Gordon]: Senator Gordon votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Hockadell. Representative Cabros DeGraw?

[Representative Eleni Kavros DeGraw]: Cabros DeGraw votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Kitt?

[Representative Sarah Keitt]: Representative Kitt votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Kennedy.

[Representative Kathy Kennedy]: Kennedy votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Kushner.

[Senator Julie Kushner]: Kushner votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Mara. Representative Martinez, representative Morin Bello, representative Parker, Representative Paletta. Yes. Senator Raman. Representative Reddington Hughes.

[Representative Redington Hughes]: Reddington Hughes votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Romano?

[Representative Romano]: Romano votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Slapp? Representative Steinberg?

[Representative Mike Demicco]: Yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Zukas? Is there anyone's names I have not called or anyone who has recently entered the room? And that is the room, madam chair.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you very much, mister administrator. Next up, we have item number six. This is House Bill number five five one two. An act concerning the Department of Public Health's recommendations regarding real property changes of ownership. This is a JF to the floor. May I have a motion?

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Second.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Moved by Representative Belton. Is there a second?

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Second.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Seconded by Senator Amore. This bill will change what's required when a licensed healthcare institution wants to change its ownership. It will require applicants to provide DPH the information regarding the real property owners or proposed property owners or proposed owner and certain information about that owner's history of regulatory compliance. It will allow DPH to waive the requirements for nursing homes if the proposed property owner won't be involved in the home's management or operations. And DPH may consider the terms of the lease and the property owner's lack of history in owning and managing nursing homes. Is there discussion on this item? Seeing and hearing no discussion, mister administrator, will you kindly call the roll?

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: This is a this is a roll call vote to Jay up to the floor, House Bill five five one two. Senator Anwar?

[Senator Saud Anwar (Senate Chair)]: Senator Anwar votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative McCarthy Vahey?

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: McCarthy Vahey votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Belton?

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Belton votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Marks? Senator McCrory. Senator Sommers. Representative Claire DiStitrio.

[Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria (House Ranking Member)]: Claire DiStitrio votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Berger Gervalo.

[Representative Aimee Berger-Girvalo]: Berger Gervalo votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Biggins. Representative Carpino, representative Dauphine.

[Representative Anne Dauphinais]: Rep Dauphine votes no.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative D'Amico. D'Amico votes yes. Representative Elliott.

[Representative Josh Elliott]: Elliott votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Jenga.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Gilchrist. Senator Gordon.

[Senator Jeff Gordon]: Yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Hockadell? Representative Tavros deGraw?

[Representative Eleni Kavros DeGraw]: Tavros deGraw votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Kidd?

[Representative Sarah Keitt]: Representative Kidd votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Kennedy?

[Representative Kathy Kennedy]: Kennedy votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Kushner? Representative Mara, representative Martinez, representative Morin Bello, Representative Parker. Representative Paletta. Senator Raman. Representative Redington Hughes.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Romano.

[Representative Aimee Berger-Girvalo]: Romano votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Slapp. Representative Steinberg.

[Representative Mike Demicco]: Yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Zukas. Is there anyone's names I have not called or anyone who has recently entered the room? Representative Viggans just entered the room. Representative Viggans, how do you vote? Viggans votes yes. Is there anyone else? And that is the room, madam chair.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you, mister administrator. Moving on to item seven, House Bill number 5,513. This is an act concerning the Department of Public Health's recommendations regarding various revisions to the public health statutes. This is a JF to the floor. May I have a motion?

[Unidentified (background/various)]: So moved.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Moved by Senator Amor. Is there a second?

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Second.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Seconded by Representative Belton. Though this bill is a JF, it is various revisions of the public health department, which not to be confused with the committee's own various revisions, which we'll get to, but we often have ongoing conversations with the department as chairs and rankings of this committee. But for now, the bill before us does a number of things. It allows an embalmer to be appointed by the department to dispose of abandoned dead bodies or abandoned cremated remains. It requires DPH to issue death records electronically for deaths whenever they occurred. There's currently a time limitation on that. It does make some technical changes including to the laws related to food code, and specifying the commissioner's authority to adopt regulations, to implement the food code laws, particularly related to audits of low local health department food protection programs. It makes changes to the MOLST program, which is medical orders for life sustaining treatment. It allows providers to give patients a signed copy rather than an original and, says that a MOLST is invalid unless it is completed on the DPH form and executed properly. It allows the Department of Public Health's program for HIV prep, which is the pre and post exposure prophylaxis drug assistance to also fund the associated lab testing and the related costs. Is there discussion on this item? Representative Claritus Dietrich to be followed by Senator Gorton.

[Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria (House Ranking Member)]: Thank you, madam chair. My questions are on the MOL section with, the concerns from CHA. If we'll be addressing that because they seem to have some serious concerns about that, the language in lines two twenty nine through two thirty two, if we'll be addressing that.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you for the question, Rep. Leir de Cetria. And as I mentioned at the beginning, and as, you know, but for everyone to know, we tend to keep a running list of our, conversation to be having with the department and also with the hospital association. And this is one of those areas that I think we need to discuss to see if we can come up with a language that will, will work for all. I don't know exactly where we will land, but this is on that list of discussion items. Thank you, representative Senator Gordon.

[Senator Jeff Gordon]: Thank you, Madam Chairwoman. And I have concerns relative to where the current standing is. I have to vote on the bill that's before me. And I'm concerned about the wording relative to the medical orders for life sustaining treatment. I think that the Connecticut Hospital Association's, written testimony is, spot on when it talks about concerns relative to, what's in this bill. I would love to have a JFS on it, because their their testimony was really good and actually speaks to what happens in the real world for caring for people. Not everybody who, has orders for life sustaining treatment needs to have a MOLST form completed. They're helpful and they can be. And sometimes it takes time for people to work through what they want and not want to put on a form versus certain specific things relative to their care. And those are valid medical orders that healthcare professionals put in every day and don't have to be on a MOST, form. And that's the reality of medical care. I think the CHA testimony, is important when they talk about their concerns with the wording of this bill. They do talk about lines two twenty nine to two thirty two. And then at the second page, they also, suggest some new wording, which I think actually does make sense that won't limit, orders being taken even if they're not on a MOLST form. So I think there, two of their items right then and there are important and could easily make a JFS. But I would hope that out of committee, those items are addressed because they do get into, number one, I think strengthening what the intent of MOLST is. And number two, not interfering with care that may look like it's part of MOLST, but actually doesn't have to be on the form. We write orders all the time, although we don't write them anymore. We put them into computers, and have our electronic signatures. So, for those concerns, which I think are very legitimate real world concerns, I'm going to vote no to flag this bill. But I very much look forward to seeing what can be done to address those concerns. I think they're very easy fixes, especially since, CHA has already provided us wording. Thank you.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you, Senator Gordon, for that. And I I will just add, I I'm glad that we're having this conversation, related to those, MOLST orders as well as just doing what we can as a committee to help assist at those very difficult and painful times for families so that they have options and clarity and certainly we will be continuing the conversation. Senator Amore.

[Senator Saud Anwar (Senate Chair)]: Thank you madam chair. Madam chair, the two of us have had conversation on this part as well. I think I'll align some of my comments with Senator Gordon as well. In these difficult moments when a clinician is managing very important conversation, The last thing should be on their list is to figure out how the computer system will work and will there be a system at the state level which would allow them to put that in data in. And that shouldn't be the worry of the person, the worry should be the patient 100%. So we need to navigate this in a manner where the patient who's at the center of everything at that particular moment and their family, they should get a 100% of the attention and we can navigate how do we do the other part for the record keeping and coordination. And, so I will be voting yes, but I I look forward to the conversation and make sure we do the right thing for the patient.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you, Senator Ammar. Let me just check online. Seeing no other discussion, mister administrator, would you kindly call the roll?

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: This is a roll call vote to Jayap to the floor, house bill five five one three. Senator Anwar.

[Senator Saud Anwar (Senate Chair)]: Senator Anwar votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative McCarthy Vehi.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: McCarthy Vehi votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Belton.

[Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria (House Ranking Member)]: Belton votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Marks. Senator McCrory. Senator Summers. Representative Claire DiStitrio.

[Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria (House Ranking Member)]: Representative Claire DiStitrio votes no to flag.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Berger Trevallo.

[Representative Aimee Berger-Girvalo]: Berger Trevallo votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Biggins. Biggins votes yes. Representative Carpino. Representative Dauphine.

[Representative Anne Dauphinais]: Rep Dauphine votes no.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative D'Amico. D'Amico passes. Representative Elliott.

[Representative Josh Elliott]: Elliott, yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Jango.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Gilchrist. Senator Gordon.

[Senator Jeff Gordon]: Senator Gordon votes no to flag.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Hockadell. Representative Cabros deGraw.

[Representative Eleni Kavros DeGraw]: Cabros deGraw votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Kitt.

[Representative Sarah Keitt]: Representative Kitt votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Kennedy.

[Representative Kathy Kennedy]: Kennedy votes no.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: I'm sorry, representative. I didn't catch you. Could you please repeat your vote?

[Representative Kathy Kennedy]: Nope. Kennedy votes no.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Thank you.

[Representative Kathy Kennedy]: Thank you.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Kushner?

[Senator Julie Kushner]: Senator Kushner votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Mara? Representative Martinez? Representative Morin Bello? Representative Parker? Representative Paletta? No. Senator Raman? Representative Redington Hughes?

[Representative Redington Hughes]: Redington Hughes votes no.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Romano?

[Representative Romano]: Romano votes no.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Slapp? Representative Steinberg?

[Representative Jonathan Steinberg]: Yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Zukas? Is there anyone's name I have not called or anyone who has recently entered the room? And that is the room, madam chair.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you very much, mister administrator. Moving next to item number eight. This is house bill five five one four, an act concerning various revisions to the public health statutes. This is a JFS to the floor, LCO number 3466. May I have a motion?

[Senator Saud Anwar]: So moved.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Moved by Senator Anwar. Is there a second?

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Second.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Seconded by Representative Belton. As I noted in our last item, this is the committee's various revisions bill and it has a number of items which I will outline. First, it allows an infirmary or health care facility operated by an educational institution to provide care to dependent family members if those family members are enrolled in the institution's health plan. It second prohibits the DDS from notifying or giving copies of original or investigation reports of alleged abuse and neglect to a parent or guardian if they are or live with the alleged perpetrator. It requires the DPH commissioner to establish a working group to advise the department on managed residential communities that provide assisted living services and whether these should be licensed. The fourth item, with thanks to the Vision to Learn folks, it allows non profits who provide glasses to get those glasses to the wearers authorized representative. So we make sure that we get the glasses in the hands of those students. Next, it requires, healthcare providers to notify patients in writing, of at the initial intake of the amount of time that their records will that are required to be kept and how a patient can, request copies of those records. It updates the name of LeadingAge Connecticut to LeadingAge Connecticut and Rhode Island in Section six through eight. It requires the Board of Examiners in Nursing to develop a standardized form for nursing schools to report the NCLEX or the National Council Licensure Examination passage rates and other related data, and it requires the schools to report this data every six months. It requires DPH to collaborate with DEEP related to the sewage disposal working group that was established by this committee and the legislature last year, specifically on the feasibility and implications of implementing these recommendations from that final report, especially the nitrogen assessment and disposal systems portion. And finally, it repeals a statutory cap of 125,000 on executive director salaries in DDS, DMS, and DSS specifically, and other state agencies, calculations of grants to private agencies that provide employment opportunities, day services, or residential facility services. There is S language. This does add a representative to that working group on the, the MRCs and it requires the NCLEX passage rates and other data to be annual rather than biannual and makes changes to the type of data reported. Is there discussion on this item? Senator Senator Gordon.

[Senator Jeff Gordon]: Thank you, madam chairwoman. I have a question about section five. I just want to clarify. I have no problem that, patients know how long medical records are to be held for. Although many times on computer systems, they kind of stay there indefinitely. And also how to request copies. And I know there's been some problems, including in Northeast Connecticut with, people who lost access to, pro health positions in Putnam, trying to figure out how to get their records in that whole process, which has become a mess, and in part has hurt patient care. It's not the patient's fault. But But one thing I just want to clarify is if each health care professional is to notify, I'm assuming that that would cover that if someone's part of

[Unidentified (background/various)]: a

[Senator Jeff Gordon]: hospital. It's the responsibility of the hospital, not the individual health care professional to provide that information? If the hospital doesn't, the hospital is liable, not the individual healthcare professional?

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you for the question, Senator Gordon. I'm not sure that I can answer that definitively today. The provider as part of a system, are you is your question related to a provider who is providing care at the hospital versus a provider providing care independently or part of a practice that may be affiliated or otherwise not affiliated with the hospital?

[Senator Jeff Gordon]: What I was, Madam Chairman, what I was talking about was for healthcare professionals, for example, someone's in solo practice, you know, they're the ones that set what's happening with their office. But we have a lot of physicians and other health care professionals who are employed by hospital systems, and there's no lack of forms that go out that they don't hand out personally, but the hospital system takes care of, especially at intake. So I just wanna make certain that if someone is, part of a medical group at a hospital and the hospital fails to provide that information, which they're supposed to, if this becomes law, that it's the hospital that's liable. We're not holding the individual health care professional liable because they otherwise wouldn't know because their systems, they're not the ones giving out that information. Or, for that matter, even aware of the whole bunch of paperwork that might be given out at any particular time at the front office, so to speak?

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you for the question. I can get clarification on that, but my assumption and understanding in this language would be that it would be the hospital, if a patient was coming into the hospital, that it would be the hospital's responsibility to provide that notification. If a patient was coming into an office to see an individual doctor, it would then be that offices or whether solo practitioner or the practice together. So essentially, the place where that patient was entering service would be my understanding. But we can get clarification on that as well.

[Senator Jeff Gordon]: Thank you. I appreciate. That's my understanding, but it's good to get the intent out because sometimes you never know what the agencies do. So thank you.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you for that. Senator Amore.

[Senator Saud Anwar (Senate Chair)]: Thank you, madam chair. I just wanna speak briefly about the section two. And this is at times, the families have approached perhaps many of us. At least they had approached me. And this is a situation where they had a child who's a DDS client, and the family had been worried about neglect and abuse. And they had requested investigation to be performed and the investigation was performed, but they were never informed about it. And, it would be something that one would think is a basic expectation that, somebody who's asked for the investigation and they are not necessarily the perpetrators of the neglect or abuse, they would be getting that information. It turns out that the DDS said that they're not required to share that information. So we are now putting this into legislative language to make sure that if there is an investigation, the family, the guardians or the parents would be able to get that information, and that's important to the families, but also is the one of the better ways to manage the situation. And I was surprised that we had to write a bill about this, but here we are. Thank you.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you very much, Senator Amore. And I will point out that there is a bill also in the Human Services Committee. And Representative Gilchrist and I will work together along with Senator Lesser and Senator Amore to just make sure that we are clarifying and confirming language because I think this is an issue that has come up in a few different places and with a few different folks. So I appreciate your comments, Senator Amor, and the work on this. Representative Redington Hughes.

[Representative Redington Hughes]: I just wanted to mention the mention of the patient's intake and their records really was born out of some things in my own district where you know, we have patients that have medical conditions, that would benefit greatly from a past history and because of the way that the system is set up, there are a lot of people out there that don't realize that their records, you know, are not required, okay, to be retained for anything longer than seven years. And sometimes that piece of medical history is very important. So this is really an attempt of patients being able to take control of their own medical records and to really have, you know, that information. So should they need it in the future that they actually have ownership of it. So I think that this is really, being able to, you know, advocate for yourself and to take responsibility. Thanks.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you, Representative. And I wanna thank you for having brought this to us, not just this year, but last year. And this was maybe not exactly the proposal you had suggested, but a way to get there so that people were aware. And I think some of us on the committee who are not working in the medical field daily did not realize that time limit. So it is about trying to empower the patients. And I, I thank you for your comments. Representative D'Amico.

[Representative Mike Demicco]: Thank you, Madam Chair. I appreciate all the changes that, that are, included in this reviser bill as it, as it were. And I especially appreciated your comment earlier in the meeting about, your parochial school training regarding errors of omission and errors of commission. And I believe I have identified an error of omission, in, in this legislation. So as you may recall, during the public hearing on this bill, we had testimony in person testimony from the citizens coalition for equal access. And, the testimony pointed out the, lack of, enforcement of, what I consider to be an important piece of legislation that we did two years ago, public act 20 four-one 113, having to do with the availability of accessible medical diagnostic equipment. So, again, in the testimony, it was pointed out that, that, advocates have been trying to get the Department of Public Health, to check on compliance with that legislation for the past couple of years, without much success. In, in the testimony, it was pointed out that, that, that a couple of suggestions were made about, enforcing and strengthening that legislation. Specifically a requirement for the Department of Public Health to do inspections, for noncompliance, or just a simple matter of requiring, medical facilities to, report, their compliance efforts. So, there is nothing about that, effort or that, potential legislation in this bill. So I would consider it to be an error of omission and, I, I would really appreciate an explanation as to why.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you for that representative D'Amico. There were a number of pieces we've had requests from other, provider organizations related to other items in terms of the various revisions bill, various revisions, as you all know, is a bill that includes a number of different items. Usually items that are not standalone bills on themselves on their own, or, often a little bit more consensus. I think the decision was made to not include that for the same reasons it was made at the beginning of the session to not be able to hear a separate bill on that item. I think all of us have acknowledged that this is an ongoing issue for us to address, but that we were unable to take that up at this point in time. There are certainly many reasons on the why, but I appreciate and always appreciate your incredible advocacy on behalf of the disability community.

[Representative Mike Demicco]: So if I may, Madam chair, I appreciate that explanation. May I request that before this bill hits the house floor, that it will, may I request that before it hits the house floor, that it includes language having to do with, strengthening and, and, and, and getting us towards compliance with the provisions of public act 24 dash one thirteen.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you, rep D'Amico. I can't make that promise here today. I, as I have said publicly and privately, and I will say again, I, this committee has heard some incredibly powerful testimony during my time, not this year, but I don't think that anyone will soon forget the testimony that we heard from the members of the community, the disability community about the difficulty that they face in getting and receiving care and access to care. And this is something that we are going to need to continue to make movement on. Unfortunately, it requires a tremendous amount of time and negotiation, even when we think that it shouldn't, it does, there is, an effort and I know you and I have had this conversation to try and secure funding. If we are able to, to allow for, purchase of some of the equipment that is needed by our practices, to be able to assure that folks can receive the care that we were trying to make sure they were receiving through the last bill that we passed. But this is, this is something that whether there is legislation or not, we do and will and are going to continue to have ongoing conversations. So in this legislative session, I think that the effort towards securing that funding is, probably our best bet.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Well, if

[Representative Mike Demicco]: I may, for a third time, Madam chair, and then that will be it. So, rather than answer you directly, I will just answer with the words of the co chair of the citizens coalition for equal access, who was quoted in the testimony that was presented last week or two weeks ago, quote, I am 76 years old and I've been told since childhood that now isn't a good time for taking care of my needs, unquote. Thank you.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you, representative D'Amico. I will say that as chair of this committee, whether it is related to those facing end of life, our hospice, our disability community from issues ranging from cancer care across the board. I wish that we could do absolutely everything all the time. And it is a very difficult decision to make. But I appreciate, as I have said many times, your advocacy and this work is absolutely never finished. And we will continue the conversation. Seeing and hearing no other oh, I'm sorry. Senator Kushner.

[Senator Julie Kushner]: I just wanted to thank the chairs for getting involved with and understanding the importance of the Vision to Learn program. I think it's something that now we're all aware of and hopefully we will see it, thrive in many of our communities. So I wanted to thank the chairs for getting this done.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you, Senator Kushner, for your advocacy as well on this issue. It's been very valuable. Mister administrator, if you would kindly call the roll.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: This is a roll call vote to J. F. Best to the floor, House Bill 5,514, LCO number 3,466. Senator Anwar. Senator Anwar votes yes. Representative McCarthy Vehi.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: McCarthy Vehi votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Belton.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Belton votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Marks. Senator McCrory, senator Summers, representative Claire DiSteitria

[Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria (House Ranking Member)]: Claire DiSteitria votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Berger DiSteitria votes

[Representative Romano]: yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Biggins.

[Representative Biggins]: Biggins votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Carpino. Representative Dauphine.

[Representative Anne Dauphinais]: Dauphine votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative D'Amico. D'Amico votes no. Representative Elliott.

[Representative Josh Elliott]: Elliott votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Represent representative Jenga.

[Representative Josh Elliott]: Yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Gilchrist? Senator Gordon?

[Senator Jeff Gordon]: Yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Hockadell? Representative Tavros DeGraw?

[Representative Eleni Kavros DeGraw]: Tavros DeGraw votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Kipp?

[Representative Sarah Keitt]: Representative Kipp votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Kennedy?

[Representative Kathy Kennedy]: Kennedy votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Kushner?

[Senator Julie Kushner]: Kushner votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Mara? Representative Martinez. Representative Morinbello. Representative Parker. Representative Paleto. We'll come back. Senator Raman. Representative Redington Hughes?

[Representative Redington Hughes]: Redington Hughes votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Romano?

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Romano votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Slapp? Representative Steinberg. Representative Zavkis. Is there anyone who has recently entered the room or anyone's names? I have not called.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Representative Paleta, are you able to unmute? We we're not able to hear you here. Okay. Rep. Paletta, if you can hear us, just know that we did not get your vote for this item. But I will take this opportunity to remind everyone that votes will be held open until 04:30 today, both on Zoom and in the public health area. Rep. Paletta, one more try. Nope. Okay. We are going to move on to the next item on our agenda, which is item number nine. This is an act, excuse me, House Bill 5,515, an act concerning the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services recommendations regarding access to opioid overdose reversal medication. This is a JFS to the floor LCO 3,506. May I have a motion?

[Senator MD Rahman]: So moved.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Moved by Senator Amware. Is there a second? Second. Seconded by Representative Belton. With this bill, I'd like to thank Fairfield Board of Ed member, Jennifer Jacobson, for bringing this issue to our attention. It really is about making sure that anyone in a school building who has Narcan and access to Narcan, and that any person is able to give over the counter opioid antagonists to someone to treat or prevent a drug overdose. It specifically does update the education statutes on the administration, by nurses and qualified school employees. But it also more broadly addresses any person's ability to give that Narcan, provides immunity, civil and criminal immunity. And it also exempts the free distribution of Narcan, these medications from the NOD legend drug permit requirement. So our regional behavioral health action organizations have been doing great work in helping to distribute this. So this just makes clear that the permits for those and other organizations are not required. Is there a discussion on this item? Mister administrator, would you kindly call the roll?

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: This is a roll call vote to JFS to the floor, House Bill five five one five, LCO number 3506. Senator Anwar. Senator Anwar votes yes. Representative McCarthy Veggie.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: McCarthy Veggie votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Belton.

[Representative Redington Hughes]: Belton votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Marks.

[Senator Martha Marx]: Senator Marks votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator McCrory? Senator Summers? Representative Claire Di Stitria?

[Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria (House Ranking Member)]: Claire Di Stitria votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative burger representative Berger Gervalo.

[Representative Aimee Berger-Girvalo]: Berger Gervalo votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Biggins. Biggins votes yes. Representative Carpino. Representative Dauphine.

[Representative Anne Dauphinais]: Rep Dauphine votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative D'Amico. D'Amico votes yes. Representative Elliott. Representative Jenga? Yes. Representative Gilchrist? Senator Gordon?

[Senator Jeff Gordon]: Yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Hockadeau? Representative Cappos deGraw?

[Representative Eleni Kavros DeGraw]: Cappos deGraw votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Kipp?

[Representative Sarah Keitt]: Representative Kipp votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Kennedy?

[Representative Kathy Kennedy]: Kennedy votes yes.

[Representative Biggins]: Sorry, representative. It didn't quite catch you. Can you

[Representative Kathy Kennedy]: please repeat? Votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Thank you.

[Representative Kathy Kennedy]: Thanks.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Kushner.

[Senator Julie Kushner]: Kushner votes yes.

[Representative Biggins]: I'm sorry, senator. I didn't catch you. Could you please repeat?

[Senator Julie Kushner]: Kushner votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Thank you. Representative Mara, representative Martinez, representative Morinbello, representative Parker, Representative Polleta.

[Representative Biggins]: Rep Polleta votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Raman. Representative Redington Hughes.

[Representative Redington Hughes]: Redington Hughes votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Romano.

[Representative Aimee Berger-Girvalo]: Romano votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Slapp. Representative Steinberg.

[Representative Jonathan Steinberg]: Yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Zukas. Is there anyone's names I have not called or anyone who's recently entered the room? And that is the room, madam chair.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you so much, mister administrator. We appreciate you being here with us today. The next item on our agenda is item number 10, house bill number five five one six, an act concerning reproductive rights. This is a JFS to the floor, LCO 3,484. May I have a motion?

[Unidentified (background/various)]: So moved.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Moved by Senator Amler. Is there a second?

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Second.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Seconded by Representative Belton. The bill before us today will prohibit health care entities from limiting a provider's ability to give patients comprehensive medically accurate and appropriate information and counseling about both reproductive or gender affirming healthcare services. And this can include among other things, information on diagnosis, recommended treatments and alternatives and potential risks. It will prohibit a health care entity from firing or disciplining a provider solely for giving this information or counseling. In order for these prohibitions to apply, the provider must be acting in good faith within their scope of practice and within the accepted standard of care. And under the bill, the healthcare entities may still, require providers to give patients a full range of information on available legal options to comply with provider network or utilization review requirements for insurance purposes and to meet established healthcare quality and patient safety guidelines. The S language, simply makes some technical changes, so nothing substantive to the underlying bill. Are there is there discussion? Are there questions on this item? Representative Dauphine.

[Representative Anne Dauphinais]: Thank you, madam chair. So we've had this bill in some form in the past. It comes up. It's come up several sessions, and I just wanted to speak a little bit to it. We're talking about, a hospital that has a deeply withheld religious belief. And when hiring individuals to work for them, it's within their contract to, not allow them to go against those deeply religious held beliefs. So as I understand it from the testimony and the conversations that we've had, the individuals that work in the hospital can provide the options and where they can go for the options. But allowing them to counsel is allowing them to give advice, and that would or could go against the deeply withheld religious beliefs of that hospital. And that's where I kind of draw the line here. Giving options and sharing opportunities for them to go to other places where they don't offer those services in that facility are one thing. But allowing them to give advice and counsel against something that's deeply withheld within the hospital, which I I I'm not sure. I think we only have one in this state, but it specifically goes against the contract in which they they signed when they agreed to work there. So I'm I'm a strong now on this. Thank you, Madam Chair.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you, Representative. And I appreciate you raising the issue of counseling, which is something that came up quite a bit during the hearing. And we we probably didn't talk about this as much then, but the definitions within the bill, include med medically accurate and appropriate information and counseling. The wording there means information and counseling supported by the weight of current scientific evidence derived from research using accepted scientific method methods consistent with generally recognized scientific theory published in peer reviews as appropriate and recognized as accurate, complete, objective, and in accordance with the accepted standards of care by professional organizations. And I think there is a distinction, as you said, the difference between providing simply an opinion or perspective versus using those definitions in the bill, which is what's intended. But thank you. Thank you for your comments. Other questions or comments, Senator Gordon.

[Senator Jeff Gordon]: Thank you, madam chairwoman. I'll note that this certainly is a bill that we saw a couple years ago, actually almost identical, in most of the ways. And there was a lot of active discussion at that time. In my opinion then, in my opinion now, has been consistent, which is I do support our individual rights, our parental rights, our medical freedoms, but we also have to understand that we have to support religious beliefs. And we've heard that on a number of other bills, but it's also very apt, when we're talking about hospitals, they happen to be Catholic hospitals, for example, that have various ethical and religious directives, and they're not, held in secret, they're known. And when a healthcare professional purposefully seeks employment at a hospital that may have ethical and religious directives and accepts employment, that is, signs a legally binding contract, there is contract law. It's just not state, it's actual federal laws as well. And it could be viewed as a breach if someone goes against one of the ethical and religious directives that a Catholic hospital may have, even if they're maybe acting in good faith, but they're knowingly doing something separate from what the hospital has in place. And these aren't new. These have been in place for very long periods of time. So no one could be surprised at all, especially when you seek employment there and sign a contract, unless you didn't read the contract. So my concern is having a state law that may be well intentioned, but can go against deeply held religious beliefs. It's one thing to tell someone and give them certain types of counseling, but to also, if the institution doesn't allow them to get into treatment recommendations, that's different from making a referral for something that the hospital doesn't, do for certain types of care. I just get concerned that the lines are, are blurred here. I think they were very much a couple years ago, and I still think it's, it's the same. I understand the intention, and I don't deny people care, but there are certainly situations where certain hospitals, through their ethical and religious directives, don't provide certain care. This is very different from emergency care. And I highlighted that two years ago. Emergency care and, say, nonemergency care are two very different things. We have the federal EMTALO law, which is in effect. And I was one of the ones that led the, charge and champion, codifying it into law, here in this state last year, which I think was a very good effort and bipartisan effort. And I appreciate that. But this gets into, non emergency care. And even in emergency situations, ethical and religious directives, have different views on that. And certainly, we've heard testimony previously about emergency care. But this, with regards to non emergency care, I believe gets into, counter to certain hospital systems such as Catholic hospitals, deeply held religious beliefs. I don't think that if this were to become law in the state, it would actually, pass muster constitutionally at the federal level because of that. And I think it would also get into contract law and might also be viewed as, countering, established, contract laws. So even though I do support people seeking their medical freedoms, we also can't, override, religious organizations, and their beliefs. And so for those reasons, I'm concerned about this bill. I think if one were to rework it to cover certain scenarios, I think it can be, workable. I know there'll be those who will, disagree with my opinions and that's fine. But my opinions haven't changed, even though I do support overall medical care and medical freedoms. But again, getting into, deeply held religious beliefs, which are well known at Catholic hospitals and their ethical and religious directives, No matter what people may say, and I'm sure we'll hear that, today by some people, I don't think it's gonna assuage my, my concerns or even fully address those concerns. So for those reasons, I'll have to vote no on this, which is consistent with my positions that I've been very public about. I'd love to see this as a work in progress to see what we can do to find common ground. Don't know if that is possible, but, I think there are some serious concerns here, no matter what people may say otherwise. But I'm always happy to hear what others may say. And I think we certainly will on that today, but that's where I'm coming from. Thank you, Madam Chairwoman.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you, Senator Gordon. I will just respond in terms of constitutionality questions. There's been no flag on this bill, whether from partisan or nonpartisan attorneys. We certainly do hear that when we have come up upon that as an issue. But Senator Amore to be followed by Representative Claire Di Stitria.

[Senator Saud Anwar (Senate Chair)]: Thank you so much, madam co chair. So madam co chair, first I wanted to recognize our Catholic institutions, they provide excellent care to the best of their capacity, and they take care of some of the most vulnerable people in our state. So and these institutions are patient centric. And the big conversation we are having is that there's a patient centric way of managing things and this is a doctrine centric way of management. And overwhelming majority of the time they are all unified. There is a grey zone. And in the grey zone to my colleague's perspective is well documented and well addressed. That there is an ethical standards and guidelines that are in place and people know it and everybody in the state pretty much knows that. The issue comes down to is for the clinician, because the clinician does not take an oath to have the directive be the center of the patient's care. They know that the facility will not provide certain care, and that's black and white, that's clear and recognized, and respected, and should be respected. So they would not provide some of the care, and that's part of the ethical directive that the institution has. The clinician at the center of the situation in very rare instances will have to make a decision to do the best thing for the patient, and they should be able to make the patient at the center of their decision, not worried about the backlash that they may get from the institution's administration, and I think that's where this conversation is, and what we're saying is that the patient should remain at the center while we respect the doctor centric management, which will work. Overwhelming majority of the cases it works because there's alignment, but there are a couple of areas where it does not. And in those areas are not something that somebody sees every single day, but should that be the case that clinicians should make the best decision for the patient? And I think that's part of the real doctrine, even the doctrine based perspective is the patient remains at the center of it. So I know that the clinician is not saying that I'll take you in a corner of this institution and then provide the procedure or something, they're guiding the person to the best possible place for that procedure and they should not have a backlash. That's the bottom line. I think it's a fair way to address this and then provide the best care to the patient because end of the day, the patient is what both the institution and the clinician want. So back to you, madam chair.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you, senator Amor. Representative Claire DeCitria.

[Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria (House Ranking Member)]: Thank you, Senator Amore. Representative Claire DeCitria. Thank you, madam chair. My my concerns on this bill, and we've all talked about it should be about the patient. And and we but we also want to protect the providers that are that are giving this information. And it is, it's about information. We want to make sure that these patients are getting all their options. It's not about steering them in one direction or another, just giving them their options without opinions. And my concern is now this is creating a truly gray area. And I don't wanna I I think that may be an unintended consequence. And how are we going to prove that? Is that going to be a he said, she said issue? I I don't know. And and those are my concerns with this today. I hope maybe we can flush out some wording in here that can clarify it a little bit better to, get some of us maybe to support this. But I think for today, I'll be a no to flag it with some of these concerns. Thank you, madam chair.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you, Representative Clarita Stitria. Representative Redington Hughes.

[Representative Redington Hughes]: My concern is that with Catholic hospitals, they are really grounded in their Catholic moral tradition. Okay. So this bill is really asking them to violate their very principles. And I say that because there has been no mention of, you know, walking back the counseling end of this. And there is quite a big difference between counseling someone and providing them purely with information. So that's all I would say.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you, Representative Redington News. Seeing no further discussion on the item, Mr. Administrator, would you kindly call the roll?

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: This is a roll call vote to JFS to the floor, House Bill five five one six, LCO number three four eight four. Senator Anwar. Senator Anwar votes yes. Representative McCarthy Behe.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: McCarthy Behe votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Belchin. I'm sorry. Senator Marks.

[Senator Martha Marx]: Senator Senator Marks votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator McCrory.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Senator McCrory votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Summers. Representative Claire DiSteitrio.

[Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria (House Ranking Member)]: Representative Claire DiSteitrio votes no to flag.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Berger DiSteitrio.

[Representative Aimee Berger-Girvalo]: Berger Gervalo votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Represent representative Biggins. Biggins votes yes. Representative Carpino. Representative Dauphine.

[Representative Anne Dauphinais]: Dauphine votes no.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative D'Amico. D'Amico votes yes. Representative Elliott. Representative Jango.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Gilchrist. Senator Gordon.

[Senator Jeff Gordon]: Senator Gordon votes no to flag.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Hockadell. Representative Cappos deGraw.

[Representative Eleni Kavros DeGraw]: Cappos deGraw votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Kent.

[Representative Sarah Keitt]: Representative Kent votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Kennedy.

[Representative Kathy Kennedy]: Kennedy is a no to flag.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Kushner.

[Senator Julie Kushner]: Kushner votes yes.

[Representative Biggins]: Sorry. Senator, could you please repeat your vote?

[Senator Julie Kushner]: Senator Kushner votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Thank you. Representative Mara, representative Martinez, representative Warren Bello, representative Parker, representative Paletta, Senator Raman. Representative Redington Hughes.

[Representative Redington Hughes]: Redington Hughes votes no.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Romano.

[Representative Romano]: Romano votes no.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Slapp? Representative Steinberg?

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Zepkis? Is there anyone's names I have not called or anyone who has recently entered the room? And that is the room, madam chair.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you very much, mister administrator. Moving on to the next item on our agenda, number 11. This is house bill number five five one seven, an act concerning the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services recommendations regarding recovery friendly language and various revisions to mental health and addiction statutes. This is a JFS to the floor, LCO three five zero seven. Is there a motion?

[Senator MD Rahman]: So moved.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Moved by Senator Amway. Is there a second?

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Second.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Seconded by Representative Belton. This is a very lengthy bill. Actually, I think it's a 108 pages, something like that. And it updates statutory references to use what we call person centered language. So it generally replaces the term substance abuse with substance use. And this, as the bill title says, is recovery friendly language. It also requires, DESP to coordinate with DMIS and DPH when deploying behavioral health professionals in certain emergency situations. It updates the membership requirements of certain Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services advisory boards, and it repeals a statutory provision related to the catchment area councils and removes those references. That function is now part of the Regional Behavioral Health Action Organization work and has changed when years ago we combined our previous mental health boards and our, substance use prevention programs. Is there a discussion on this item? Representative Claire De Stedria.

[Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria (House Ranking Member)]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Excuse me. I know CHA had some concerns and I think most of them were addressed. But one of the additional concerns and I don't know the exact line, but it's in the substitute language. It says the commissioner of public health can take disciplinary action against licensees for alcohol or substance use, USC. By changing the word abuse to use in this context, it will significantly change the meaning of the section. So any provider who has a glass of wine vacation could lose their license. It should be misused. Yeah.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you, Representative Claire De Stitria. As I mentioned, the length of this bill, I think even when going through with a fine tooth comb, there are times and this is one of those there, I think a few pieces in here that we are going to have to discuss and this would be one of them. That is certainly not the intent of this bill whatsoever. The idea of moving to recovery friendly language is not to then implicate someone who has a beer or glass of wine with their friends or in any different setting. Thank you for pointing that out.

[Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria (House Ranking Member)]: Thank you, madam chair. And I'm sure there'll be a few more changes that we'll have to make along the way. Thank you.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Yes. Absolutely. This one is on that on the list. Representative oh, I'm sorry. Senator Amore? Oh, representative Dauphine to be followed by representative Reddington Hughes.

[Representative Anne Dauphinais]: Thank you, madam chair. And that that too, was current concerning to me distinguishing between you can use a substance, for example, the wine, I think that was, well, illustrated versus abuse and misuse, whichever ones you want it. But I think that it's not distinguished. Right? So I'm I'm concerned about that language. I I haven't decided how I'm going to vote, but it might be a no for that reason. Thank you, Madam Chair.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you, Representative Dauphine. And certainly that will be one of the issues that we will address in in working with Demus. Representative Redington Hughes.

[Representative Redington Hughes]: It's through you, Madam Chair. I am a little confused because I don't know as a result of this bill, would other programs that we have already in place, like two eleven residential substance abuse treatment, would all of those need to be rebranded? And what kind of fiscal note would that have?

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you. I think the references are really in statute. There's not but I do think again, because of the extensiveness of this change, there are gonna there are going to be some other conversations that we will have. I think the department has continued in over the past number of years to try and move towards, like I said, the person centered language. And sometimes there are adjustments that we're going to have to make. The specific rebranding requirements is not part of this. But I your point is well taken that this is a broader conversation across both statute and work that we're doing out in the community. Excuse me, Senator Gordon.

[Senator Jeff Gordon]: Thank you, madam chairwoman. And, I think there's a number of things that have been raised when terminology changes that's not fully consistent with what goes on in the real world. And the Connecticut Hospital Association's written testimony does highlight some of that, including when we talk about billing and the codes and things like that used and other documents used for billing purposes and coding and things like that. Those are things we don't want to have state wording be in conflict with those types of things because they can create unnecessary confusion. There is a real world distinction, even when you're talking about recovery friendly terminology and patient centric terminology between abuse, misuse, and use. We all understand those, and our constituents do. And there are those situations where someone can be using a substance, and that's perfectly legal. We all do. How many of us use Tylenol? That's a substance. That's substance use, technically. But there can be misuse, which doesn't necessarily rise to the level of abuse, but there's also abuse situations. And we understand that. Illegal drugs and, alcohol tend to be ones that are commonly known, especially by, laypeople. But I believe that what's been highlighted a number of times for various concerns by the Connecticut Hospital Association really gets to some real world scenarios. And it's one thing if we want to change wording, but we also have to make certain how it works in the real world. And I think as this is written now, it does create problems. And for those reasons, I'm gonna vote no to flag this bill, look forward to seeing that this bill actually can be, fixed, to get in line with things that happen in the real world, especially things that the Connecticut Hospital Association, I think, rightly, flagged as concern and made some actually good recommendations that are not in the, wording of this, JFS. So, those are the reasons I'm gonna, vote no, but it has nothing to do with not wanting to be recovery friendly. It just has to deal with you make a change and and a law comes about, you have to think about real world consequences and impacts. And we should be minimizing that and minimizing unintended consequences and doing our due diligence to really sort through all the different details and to take into account what I think are, good, recommendations, in a constructive way, by those who are giving us, their testimony. So thank you.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you. I think we all acknowledge there are some tweaks and fixes that are needed on this, but I will I will point out that the intent with this language is not related to substances such as Tylenol. I think I would point to the definition of prevention, policies and programs that promote healthy, safe and productive lives and reduce the likelihood of crime, violence, current language substance abuse, illness, academic failure, and other socially destructive behavior. But I understand the point that you're making. And I think there's agreement that we will be continuing to work. Not I think. I know. There is agreement that we will be continuing to work on this and want to make sure that the bill moves forward in committee so so that we can continue that conversation. Seeing and hearing no other discussion, mister administrator, would you kindly call the roll?

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: This is a roll call vote to JFS to the floor, house bill five five one seven, LCO number three five zero seven. Senator Anwar.

[Senator Saud Anwar (Senate Chair)]: Senator Anwar votes

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: yes. Representative McCarthy Behe.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: McCarthy Behe votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Belton.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Belton votes

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: yes. Senator Marks.

[Senator Martha Marx]: Senator Marks votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator McCrory.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Senator McCrory votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Summers. Representative Claire DiSteitrio.

[Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria (House Ranking Member)]: Representative Claire DiSteitrio votes no to

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: flag. Repre representative Berger DiVallo.

[Representative Aimee Berger-Girvalo]: Bless you. Berger DiVallo votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Thank you. Representative Biggins. Representative Carpino. Representative Dauphine.

[Representative Anne Dauphinais]: Dauphine votes no.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative D'Amico.

[Representative Mike Demicco]: D'Amico votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Elliott. Representative representative Jango.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Gilchrist. Senator Gordon.

[Senator Jeff Gordon]: No to flag.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Hockadeau? Representative Cabros DeGraw?

[Representative Eleni Kavros DeGraw]: Cabros DeGraw votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Kidd?

[Representative Sarah Keitt]: Representative Kidd votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Kennedy?

[Representative Kathy Kennedy]: Kennedy votes no.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Kushner?

[Senator Julie Kushner]: Kushner votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Mara? Representative Martinez? Representative Morin Bello? Representative Parker? Representative Paletta? Senator Raman? Representative representative Redington Hughes?

[Representative Redington Hughes]: Redington Hughes votes no.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Romano?

[Senator Heather Somers (Senate Ranking Member)]: Romano votes no.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Slapp? Representative Steinberg?

[Representative Jonathan Steinberg]: Representative Steinberg votes yes. Yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Zukas? Is there anyone's names I have not called or anyone who has recently entered the room? And that is the room, madam chair.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you very much, mister administrator. Moving on to item 12 on our agenda. This is House Bill number 5,518 and that concerning Department of Public Health's recommendations regarding various revisions to the environmental health and drinking water statutes. This is a JF to the floor. May I have a motion?

[Senator Doug McCrory]: So moved.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Moved by Senator Amor. Is there a second?

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Second.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Seconded by Representative Belton. The bill makes a number of changes. It allows, the Department of Public Health to set conditions on its approval of water sources and make some clarifying changes to the process of water testing. It makes changes to DPH's oversight of environmental laboratories requiring certain out of state laboratories to get departmental approval before operating service centers, otherwise known as collection sites in the state. And it makes changes to the laws on asbestos professionals. It exempts crematories that prefer perform only alkaline hydrolysis at funeral homes from the restrictions that currently exist on crematories being near residential properties and, also allows policies and procedures, before regulations on that. Is there discussion on this item? Representative D'Amico. Representative D'Amico.

[Representative Mike Demicco]: Thank you, Madam Chair. So Madam Chair, I'm looking at testimony, on this bill from, the Connecticut Water Works Association and and they raise a concern, about the, Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, or UAPA, being, superseded by the Department of Public Health, and and they list various reasons as to why that is not a good idea. I I I presume you're familiar with that testimony. I was just wondering if if that concern is considered to be valid.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you very much, Representative D'Amico. As you

[Unidentified (background/various)]: see from today's agenda, the Department of

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Public Health has a number Public Health has a number of items on the agenda. And we have, as I've mentioned a few times, the running list, this is a conversation that we have not completed with either, the folks who have provided testimony and the department, but it is something that we will be following up on.

[Representative Mike Demicco]: Okay. So this could get changed in the final iteration of the bill, I guess. Is that a fair statement?

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Yes, they could. And I'm I what I'm saying is we haven't had enough of a thorough conversation to assess the various perspectives. It's an understandable concern

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Okay.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: In terms of the changes to process. And I think it's one we need to talk out.

[Representative Mike Demicco]: Okay. Thank you.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you, representative. Senator Vorton.

[Senator Jeff Gordon]: Thank you, madam chairwoman. And I agree with, my good colleague, Rep. D'Amico. The Connecticut Water Works Association test, I think, is spot on. They raise legitimate and serious concerns about giving authority, in this case, to Department of Public Health, to, in a sense, do certain rulemaking and not have to follow the, UAPA. I think we should be very concerned in any bill at any time that gives any state agency, authority to do things outside of certain processes. I think that weakens transparency and also I believe weakens overall oversight that we should have over, agencies that do various rulemaking that have the effect of law. I think that should be not allowed. So I I would hope that that can very much be addressed. I think their concern is very legitimate. I can see where if their concern isn't addressed, things can go wrong. We would we would then have to try to come back at some time and fix it. So I'm gonna vote no on this based upon the wording of the, bill and to flag, what I think is a serious concern, and I I welcome the the comments, about wanting to look into this further and see what we can do to address it. Thank you.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you, Senator Borden. Seeing no Oh, Representative Redington News. I'm just oh,

[Representative Redington Hughes]: through you, Madam Chair, I'm just curious as far as, the owners of properties, that needed to notify tenants, when the water testing finds contaminants that were, laid out in the DPH schedule, Would that also would that also include solar farms? Because they, you know, many times are over aquifers.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Representative Redington Hughes, I don't know that I can answer your question today. I think I'm gonna have to get back to you on that one. Thank you for that question. Seeing and hearing no other discussion on the item, mister administrator, would you kindly call the roll?

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: This is a roll call vote to JF to the floor, House Bill five five one eight. Senator Anwar.

[Senator Saud Anwar (Senate Chair)]: Senator Anwar votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative McCarthy Veggie.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: McCarthy Veggie votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Belton.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Belton votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Marks.

[Senator Martha Marx]: Senator Marks votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator McCrory.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Senator McCrory votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Summers. Representative Claire DiCitria.

[Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria (House Ranking Member)]: Claire DiCitria votes no to flag.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Berger Gervalo.

[Representative Aimee Berger-Girvalo]: Berger Gervalo votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Biggins.

[Representative Biggins]: Biggins votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Carpino. Representative Dauphine.

[Representative Anne Dauphinais]: Dauphine votes no.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative D'Amico.

[Representative Mike Demicco]: D'Amico votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Elliott. Representative Jenga.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Gilchrist. Senator Gordon.

[Senator Jeff Gordon]: No to flag.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Hockadeau? Representative Cappos deGraw?

[Representative Eleni Kavros DeGraw]: Cappos deGraw votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Kite.

[Representative Sarah Keitt]: Representative Kite votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Kite, my apologies.

[Representative Sarah Keitt]: That's alright.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Kennedy.

[Representative Kathy Kennedy]: Any votes no?

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Kushner.

[Senator Julie Kushner]: Senator Kushner votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Mara. Representative Martinez, representative Morin Bello, representative Parker, representative Paleto, senator Raman, representative Redington Hughes. No. Representative Romano.

[Representative Aimee Berger-Girvalo]: Romano votes no.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Slapp. Representative Steinberg.

[Representative Jonathan Steinberg]: Representative Steinberg votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Zukas? Is there anyone's name I have not called or anyone who has recently entered the room?

[Representative Tracy Marra]: Yes, mister Clark. Representative Var Mara votes no.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Thank you.

[Representative Tracy Marra]: Thank you.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Is there anyone else who has recently entered the room? That is the role, madam chair.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you very much, mister administrator. As a reminder, the votes will be held open today until 04:30 on Zoom and in the public health area up in on the 3rd Floor. And before we go to the last item on our agenda, I'll ask folks to stick around at the end because we want to be able to say some thank yous, if you can. So this is item number 13, House Bill number 5,519. An act concerning the Department of Public Health recommendations regarding on-site wastewater specialists and water operator apprentices. This is a JFS to the floor LCO 3,509. May I have a motion?

[Senator MD Rahman]: So moved.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Moved by Senator Amor. Is there a second?

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Second.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Seconded by Representative Belton. This bill will create a certification program for on-site wastewater specialists and requires anyone performing the duties of an on-site specialist to become certified by the department and appointed by a local health director. It also will allow the Department of Public Health to certify apprentice operators for water treatment plants, water distribution systems, or small water systems. And they must complete a, State Department of Labor approved apprenticeship and pass a written exam. And it will also require DPH and the Department of Labor and a nonprofit to develop and implement this apprenticeship program. This will help us address some of our workforce issues in this area. Is there discussion on this item? Representative Redington Hughes.

[Representative Redington Hughes]: Through you, Madam Chair, I would just like to say that, you know, this is a really great solution for the shortage that we have right now. And I think that it will certainly encourage people to come forward. Thanks.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you for that, Rep. Reddington Hughes. I agree. And I appreciate the work that's been done on this. Seeing no further discussion on this item, mister administrator, would you kindly call the roll?

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: This is a roll call vote to JFS to the floor. House Bill five five one nine. LCO number three five zero nine. Senator Anwar.

[Senator Saud Anwar (Senate Chair)]: Senator Anwar votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative McCarthy Behe.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: McCarthy Behe votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Belton

[Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria (House Ranking Member)]: Belton votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Marks.

[Senator Martha Marx]: Senator Marks votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator McCrory.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Senator McCrory votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Summers. Representative Claire DiStrio.

[Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria (House Ranking Member)]: Claire DiStrio votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Berger DiStrio

[Unidentified (background/various)]: votes yes.

[Representative Aimee Berger-Girvalo]: Representative Bergor DiStrio votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Biggins.

[Representative Biggins]: Biggins votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Carpino. Representative Dauphine.

[Representative Anne Dauphinais]: Dauphine votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative D'Amico.

[Representative Mike Demicco]: D'Amico votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Elliott. Representative Jenga?

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Gilchrist? Senator Gordon?

[Senator Jeff Gordon]: Senator Gordon votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Hakadau? Representative Cabros deGraw?

[Representative Eleni Kavros DeGraw]: Cabros deGraw votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Kitt?

[Representative Sarah Keitt]: Representative Kitt votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Kennedy?

[Representative Kathy Kennedy]: Kennedy votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Kushner? Representative Mara?

[Representative Tracy Marra]: Mara votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Martinez?

[Senator Julie Kushner]: Excuse me. Excuse me. I'm sorry. I was having trouble unmuting, but can I cast my vote in

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: the affirmative? Yes. Thank you. Representative Morin Bello, representative Parker, representative Paletta, Senator Raman? Representative Redington Hughes?

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Romano?

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Romano votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Senator Slapp? Representative Steinberg?

[Representative Jonathan Steinberg]: Representative Steinberg votes yes.

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Representative Zukas? Is there anyone's name I have not called or anyone who has recently entered the room? And that is the room, madam chair.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you very much, mister administrator. Again, votes will be held open until 04:30 today on Zoom or in the public health area. Before we recess our meeting, I would just ask your indulgence for a few moments. As you recall, at our last meeting, we had the opportunity to thank, Beverly Henry, who isn't here with us today. I would not miss the opportunity even in her absence to, again, say thank you. But there are a number of thank yous to the people behind the scenes who make this work possible, who literally, we would not be able to do this work without. And we say that, but it's actually the literal truth. And I want to make sure and we collectively as leaders of the committee, want to make sure that we say thank you today to those behind the scenes. And that includes our clerk, Diane Young Rodney, and upstairs with her assistant clerks, Kathleen Panaza, otherwise known as the voice and Dave Ratcliffe. Kathleen and Dave have been working with this committee for a number of years. They also will be retiring at the end of this year, which will be a tremendous loss for our committee. And we want to thank them not just for their work this year, but for the work that they've done over many years. We appreciate you so much. This year, we also had joining us, Rebecca Hyland, who's here in the room with us, as an assistant clerk. And we also have Dave Kaplan, who is just a tremendous support to this committee and to so many other groups. In addition to those folks, we had some interns this year who helped support the work of the committee. Abigail Shaw, who's been working alongside our administrator, Antonia, Antonia Campbellis and Emily Goins, who also helped, with some hearings. And I also want to thank, and I know we will hear other thanks, behind the scenes and with us, our caucus policy teams. And I want to thank, Molly O'Connor, Emily Zambrella, Adam Johnson, and Jared Pico for your constant work and partnership with all of us. The foundation of this work, the people who write the laws and analyze the laws, our nonpartisan team, who are literally there with us every step along the way. And I wanna say a special thanks to Eileen Lawler Parker, Nick Panzarella, James Orlando, and Nicole Dube, who's with us behind the scenes. These four leaders are just tremendous. And for anyone who doesn't know, they are just an incredible asset, not just to this committee, but to the General Assembly and to the state as a whole. And we're very, very fortunate. And I also wanna say thanks to the folks at CTN and the building services folks because we did have, some technical issues this year. And we had a lot of help and support. Thank you to the team from legislative management for helping us to address. We haven't had the same sound issues, that we did at the beginning of the session. And, just a final thanks from me. And then I'm gonna turn it over to my fellow leaders. To every person who has come before this committee this year, everyone who has testified, everyone who submitted testimony to all of you who have reached out, we appreciate you and are grateful for for that. And with that, I'm going to turn it over to Senator Amway.

[Senator Saud Anwar (Senate Chair)]: Thank you so much, madam chair. Madam chair, you've covered everyone. I just wanted to say thank you for making sure everyone is covered with respect to getting our appreciation for people who have worked so hard behind the scenes. When you look at the number of bills and all that goes on, the short session, we do the same amount of work, except we have two less months to do it, which makes the lives of everyone doing the work a little bit challenging. But I wanted to thank some people that I wanna make sure that it's important to do that. That would be you, madam cochair, for the work that you do. Thank you for your diligence and commitment and hard work. And our ranking members as well, There are many days of the entire session that we spend more time together than we do with our families. And there are many days where the rest of the committee during public hearings, we spend more time with each one of us around here virtually or otherwise than we do with our families. So and our our vice chairs as well who have been diligent in every aspect and and very much involved in the decision making. Representative Belton, thank you. Senator Marks, thank you for your work and and all you do. It's truly, it's a very emotional committee, because we are talking about humans and what happens to them. And we deeply care, and sometimes we differ on opinions, and that's where sometimes we have some rubs. But at the same time, we we also respect the fact that everybody deeply cares about the issues that are and the people in the state of Connecticut. So I feel blessed to be working with, many of my colleagues over here. I wanna mention two other individuals. One was this was the first session after some twenty plus years or so without the representative Kevin Ryan. So he's missed and then he's loved. And another person, Representative Jenga, who has been in this committee for some twenty years, and he has decided that he doesn't love us anymore. He's not gonna run that. So I wanted to thank you, Representative Jenga, for your insight and and your votes and your presence and and also, your conviction on so many issues that has helped me personally in in looking at, some of the work that we do. So thank you for your leadership and your work. Back to you, madam cochair.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you, Senator Amore. Representative Claire DiCietria.

[Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria (House Ranking Member)]: Thank you, madam cochair. And I'll echo the comments of my cochairs. There's so many people to thank. We need to thank the support staff because especially Beverly and her staff that keep us going every day. The voice, Kathleen, who we will miss, you know, deeply. Dave, who's always getting my ranking member reports ready for me. Lickety split, making sure I do what I need to do. I need to thank Adam Johnson and Jared. Without them, my job would be nearly impossible because they're always there to answer questions and and give us write ups and and keep our caucuses on on point. LCO, Nick, Eileen, Nicole and James, thank you for your constant nudging of we can't do that. We don't have time. It's not going to work. So thank you for that. My co chairs, even though we disagree a lot, I appreciate the open dialogue that we constantly have back and forth. I know a lot of other committees aren't afforded that. So I do appreciate, doing that. And last but not least, I need to thank these people to my right, the House and Senate Republican caucus. We know there's no other caucus we'd rather be in. It's the best two caucuses in this building. And with that, thank you, madam chair.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: Thank you very much, rep. Claire de Stria. And I was to share your words last but not least, really first is thanks to the members of this committee, to my fellow leaders, Senator Amor, senator Summers, Repclare de Stitria, and every single one of you on this committee for your passion, your dedication, your kindness, your care, and your persistence. So onward we go. With that, we will be in recess and the votes will be held open again until 04:30 today, and we'll see you out on the floor.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Clerk, are you still there?

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Yes. We're here, senator.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: How are you doing? Did I good.

[Representative Biggins]: Okay.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Very well. Waiting until we clear the room. Could you hold a second, please?

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Could you put your patience, senator? And the other is also online. Please give me a second.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Okay.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Yes.

[Representative Romano]: No. I have to do them all. Do you need me to sit? Oh. I can't

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: do them all. Okay. I have to do them all. Do you need me to sit? Oh. I can't do them all. Okay. I have to do them all. Okay. I have to do them all. Could you come here, please, so I can have you on camera properly? K. One or two? Oh, yeah. I know. I know. You're No. Then I'm good. Then I'm good. Been seeing you. I'm setting up a meeting. I didn't even think. So for 194, how do you yes. You did that one already. 451. This one. 5322. 5510 Yeah. 5511. Yes. 5512? Yes. 5513? No. 5514? Yes. 5515? 5516. No. We're gonna bring the child up. You're here 16. 5517. No. 5518. K. And you also asked to give her to that one. Thank you so much. On on film dating. You Yes. Yes. Can I see you? Yep. Okay. Alright. So rep by Redington Hughes, how do you vote on SV one and nine four? That was the first one. Yeah. Yeah. That I yes. Okay. Thank you so much. You're both. Thank you. Bye bye.

[Representative Romano]: Representative Carpino, I missed them all if it's helpful to hear. Okay. Okay.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: So so, Raphael, you know 194. Right? Yes. How do you vote? Yep. S v four five one? Yes. H v five three two two? Yes. 5510? Yeah. 5511? 5512? Yes. 5513? Yes. 5514? Yes. 5515? Yes. 5516? Yes. 5517? No. 5518? No. 5519? Yes. K. Your notes have been recorded. Thank you. It's 11 if it's not done there. Hi, rep. Lauren Vella. Yep. Okay. So I missed all of the votes. Oh, okay. Because I'm sitting on J GAE same time. So Yeah. Very busy time. Yes. Okay, Rick. Who how do you vote? My s p 194? 45Ones? 5322, 5510? Yes. 5511? Yes. 5512? Yes. 5513? Yes. 5514? Yes. 5515? Yes. 5516? Yes. 5517? Yes. 5518? Yes. 5519? Yes. Thank you. You're welcome. Have a nice day. I see you too.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: I remember

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: with one? Yeah. Like, I can't just go through. Okay. Okay.

[Representative Biggins]: She can't have her hand up and be voting at the same time. That seems against the rules.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: While we're sitting here waiting patiently.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: You missed this this one. This is SB451.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: We're at Biggus. What what school do you teach at?

[Representative Biggins]: So I just got a role at Goodwin Magnet Schools.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Oh, yeah. Goodwin what you what what subject?

[Representative Biggins]: So I'm a counselor, so I'm the retention counselor. So I'm working with new kids in the district trying to get them acclimated, that sort of thing.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Guidance counselor. Yep. Alright. 5551. Good luck. How long you been doing it? Fifteen years? Really?

[Representative Biggins]: Yeah.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Yeah.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: This is your first year at Goodwin? Yeah. Where were you before? Alright. This is five

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: five one.

[Representative Biggins]: Odyssey Community School in Manchester for the last four years and then Alien Middle School for five, and then I was up in Worcester for a little bit.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Okay. Okay. I'm familiar with Odyssey.

[Representative Biggins]: Yeah. Good people over there.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: That way, I isn't that a k eight program? Yep. That's what I saw. Yeah. They're quiet. You don't hear a lot of noise from them, but they doing their thing over there. Yeah. And you were at Ailing also? Yep. Was who was the principal when you were there?

[Representative Biggins]: Iris was the principal for one we had four different principals in my

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Oh, really?

[Representative Biggins]: It was it

[Senator MD Rahman]: was a struggle.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Yeah.

[Representative Biggins]: Matt Geary, the superintendent, was the principal for one year. Beth Hayes was the principal for another one. Interesting.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: I think the person I know that, he was gone probably by, doctor Monroe?

[Representative Biggins]: Yeah. I think he left two, three years before I got there. Okay.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: You're up

[Senator Doug McCrory]: to ten.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: So you're what you're going to This is yes. S B104?

[Representative Biggins]: There's a crew there. But the people that have been there for a long time, man, they've seen a lot of principals come and go. It's it's not a good scenario.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Yeah. I know. That's that's crazy when you got that many that's that's much of trans transferring.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Okay.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: That's a lot. That's a lot on district. Yeah. Is that the only other middle school in Manchester or is there another one?

[Representative Biggins]: There's two. They have one that's 56, and then that one's 78.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Oh, okay. That's the that's the 78. Yeah.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 73. So I mean, I wanna be a yes. This is 5 yes. It's 5513. Correct. Change that vote. And for 5514 Five five one three one.

[Representative Jonathan Steinberg]: I I would like to switch

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: my vote from no to yes. Okay. Confirming a switch for five five one four to a yes. Okay. You're all set, sir. Have a great day.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Thank you so much.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Have a good day. So, those online, I'm so sorry for the wait. Thank you for being so patient.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: No problem.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Senator McCrory?

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Are you the first on the line? Senator, are you there?

[Senator Doug McCrory]: I'm here.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: I can't hear you.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: You can't see me? You can't hear me? I can hear you. I can hear you. Tell her I can hear her.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Hold on a second.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: If she

[Representative Biggins]: can't hear you, I'm assuming she can't hear me either.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Yeah. I know. Mhmm. Cory? Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Can you hear me, senator?

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: I'm not hearing you. You

[Representative Biggins]: can't hear me?

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Representative Valletta, are you hearing me?

[Representative Biggins]: Can you hear me now?

[Representative Josh Elliott]: Yes. I can hear you. Can you hear me?

[Representative Biggins]: Hello? I can hear both of you fine. It's just, I think, Diana Yeah. I think it's I think it's on their end.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Well, I

[Senator Martha Marx]: Hey. This is Martha. I'll call Christine Krista McCarthy Begay and tell her

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Can you hear me? We You're hearing me, senator MacPhery?

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: But I'm not hearing you. Can you speak, please?

[Senator Doug McCrory]: We can't hear you.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Not hearing.

[Representative Biggins]: Hello?

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Yep.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Hi. Can anyone hear me?

[Representative Biggins]: We can all hear you.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: We can hear you. Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: I'm not hearing you.

[Representative Biggins]: I'm gonna go back on mute because

[Representative Romano]: Okay.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Okay. I'm I'm not hearing them. Okay. Some are off. You see, it's on. They're hearing me. I did unmute. I'm not hearing. Rep Poleta, can you can you do

[Representative Romano]: a thumbs up if you can hear us?

[Representative Biggins]: I I can hear you speaking, but I know you guys can't hear me.

[Representative Romano]: Rep we can't hear you, Rep. Leta. Okay. So you hear us, but we can't hear you. So because it's the theme of the session, we continue to have technical issues here. So I see you, Andrea Biggins, and senator Marks, and senator McCrory. Is anyone else waiting? We're gonna need to get someone to come help with the Zoom issue, which I am not proficient in, and we're gonna make sure that we get back to you guys. So if you wanna just hang on, it may take a few minutes. Okay. Thank you for your patience, everyone.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Thank you. You can't hear anybody? Can't hear anybody.

[Representative Romano]: Hi. Can someone speak into the mic? I'm so sorry. Can someone speak one more time?

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Can they hear me now?

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Testing. Testing.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Yeah. Perfect. There you go.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Oh, you can hear us now? Yes. Okay.

[Representative Josh Elliott]: Is it working now?

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Yeah. I think so. They can hear me.

[Representative Biggins]: Okay. Thanks, senator. Alright.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Senator McCrory. Senator McCrory.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Okay. All right.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: For SB194. SB19

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Yes. Yes. Can you hear me?

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Yes. I can hear you. SB45

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Anything else?

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: SB451.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5322?

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5510?

[Senator Doug McCrory]: That's a yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5511?

[Senator Doug McCrory]: What's the title of that? What's what's the title?

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Hold hold on, sir. Yeah. An act concerning the Department of public health recommendations regarding consent orders.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5512.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5513?

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5514? Yes. 5515?

[Senator Doug McCrory]: That's a yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5516?

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5517? Yes, ma'am. Yes. You voted on that.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Yes. I think I'll vote on that. I think I'll vote on the next the last one.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5518 and 5519. You're all set, senator Marquez.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Thank you.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Thank you for your patience.

[Representative Biggins]: Diane, I think I missed one.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Okay.

[Representative Biggins]: And I think it might just be 12 drinking water.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: K.

[Representative Biggins]: But I'm not positive on that.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: I'm double check I'm double checking.

[Representative Biggins]: K. Thank you, Diane.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Representative Biggins, you missed 5517. Yeah. We'll figure out. Biggins?

[Representative Biggins]: Biggins votes yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: I didn't see you.

[Representative Biggins]: Can I vote yes now?

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Yes. I see you now.

[Representative Biggins]: Okay.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Thank you. You're all set, rep Biggins.

[Representative Biggins]: Thank you very much. Have a great day.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: You too. Rep Piletto, can you hear me?

[Representative Biggins]: Yes. Thank you.

[Representative Josh Elliott]: I only missed, a couple of votes, but I need the could you do you have the

[Representative Biggins]: numbers of them? Because I don't have the titles in front of me.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: I'll do that.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Thank you.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: What's the letter you missed? H b five five one four, which

[Representative Jonathan Steinberg]: is Okay.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: An act concerning various revisions to the public health statutes.

[Representative Biggins]: What number was that on the agenda?

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: On the agenda, that was number eight.

[Representative Biggins]: Okay. Eight, yes. I mean, yes. Thank you.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: You also missed five five one six, which is Which is number 10. How do you vote on that one?

[Representative Josh Elliott]: That one, I'll be a no.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5517, which is number 11 under

[Representative Josh Elliott]: I'm a no on that.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Pardon me?

[Representative Josh Elliott]: A no.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5518, which is number 12?

[Representative Josh Elliott]: I'm a no on that as well.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5519?

[Representative Biggins]: Yes. Thank you.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: And you're all set. Thank you

[Representative Biggins]: so much.

[Representative Josh Elliott]: Have a good night.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: You too.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Hello?

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: I can hear you.

[Representative Josh Elliott]: I can hear you. This is public, so let's not be too weird. You don't be too weird. I'll be weird. I could be weird. Mhmm. I got elected to be weird.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Okay.

[Representative Josh Elliott]: My con my cons my constituency expects me to be weird.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Okay. Rapelian.

[Representative Josh Elliott]: Okay.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: So you have, SB194?

[Representative Josh Elliott]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Vote on that.

[Representative Josh Elliott]: Hi, senator.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: S b sorry. SB451?

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: HB3 sorry. H b 5322?

[Representative Josh Elliott]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: H B5515?

[Representative Josh Elliott]: Yes. I'm gonna have one question about one other bill that I had said yes to before before we end. I just wanna follow-up with something.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Five 516?

[Representative Josh Elliott]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Five 517?

[Representative Josh Elliott]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Five five one eight?

[Representative Josh Elliott]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Five five one nine?

[Representative Josh Elliott]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Do you remember which vote you wanna look back at?

[Representative Josh Elliott]: There was the bill that D'Amico voted no on, this was the the, the care at home bill. Correct? I'm sorry, Martha.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: You mean, HB5512? Regarding recommendations. Real estate. That's the one?

[Representative Josh Elliott]: Is that is that the only one he voted no on?

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Well, I don't know. Who you said voted no on this?

[Representative Josh Elliott]: Damico. Mike Damico.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: There is it seems as if there was a change of vote for the meeting. So

[Representative Josh Elliott]: Okay. I'll I'll I'll come back to you. It's I'm we're good.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Yeah. But you didn't vote on that one. You

[Representative Josh Elliott]: Oh, the I didn't vote on that one? Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Okay.

[Representative Josh Elliott]: Then.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Senator. Senator, please.

[Representative Josh Elliott]: Are we all set, Diane?

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Hold a second. I'm just double checking.

[Representative Josh Elliott]: Okay. Great.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: To look for another vote to

[Representative Josh Elliott]: to make

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: sure that you That's Rob Elliot. Have a good day.

[Representative Josh Elliott]: Thank you.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Senator Marks? Senator Marks? You can't you can't hear me? Senator Marks, I I am unable to hear you.

[Senator Martha Marx]: I can hear you now.

[Representative Romano]: I can't hear you.

[Representative Lezlye Zupkus]: Can y'all hear me?

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: I can hear you. Yes.

[Representative Lezlye Zupkus]: Oh, there she goes.

[Representative Romano]: There you go. Now we can hear you.

[Senator Martha Marx]: Okay. I've been waiting a while here.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Senate senator Marks?

[Senator Martha Marx]: Yep.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Okay. For, SB194, how do you go?

[Senator Martha Marx]: Marks votes. Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: SB451.

[Senator Martha Marx]: Marks votes. Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: HB5322. Marks votes yes. S5510.

[Senator Martha Marx]: Marks votes yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5511.

[Senator Martha Marx]: Marks votes yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5512.

[Senator Martha Marx]: Marks votes yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5513.

[Senator Martha Marx]: Marks votes yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5514.

[Senator Martha Marx]: Marks votes yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5515.

[Senator Martha Marx]: Marks votes yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: You voted on these already. K. You're all set, senator.

[Representative Aimee Berger-Girvalo]: Thank you.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: You're welcome. Senator Zukas?

[Representative Lezlye Zupkus]: Well, I'm rep Zukas, senator Summers.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Yeah. I'm a senator. So I think you were in before she came in. That's fine. Alright.

[Representative Lezlye Zupkus]: I I I don't have the numbers with me, so I just have it listed as 123.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Oh, leave it. Okay.

[Representative Lezlye Zupkus]: I didn't vote at all.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Heather, did you vote at all?

[Senator Heather Somers (Senate Ranking Member)]: I did not. So if you

[Senator Julie Kushner]: wanna put it We could do it together. Together.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Okay. That sounds great.

[Senator Martha Marx]: Alright. 4

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: number one, which is SB194.

[Senator Heather Somers (Senate Ranking Member)]: That's cardiac

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: screening.

[Senator Heather Somers (Senate Ranking Member)]: We're right at the bottom too, s and z,

[Representative Lezlye Zupkus]: I think. Yeah.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Not really on my on my sheet.

[Senator Heather Somers (Senate Ranking Member)]: Oh, I'm a

[Representative Lezlye Zupkus]: they always okay.

[Representative Eleni Kavros DeGraw]: Oh, you're at the top.

[Representative Lezlye Zupkus]: I'm they always save the best for last. Okay.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: So how do you vote, senator senator Summers?

[Senator Heather Somers (Senate Ranking Member)]: With a yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Yes? Okay. You too?

[Representative Lezlye Zupkus]: I'm a yes also.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Okay. For SB451, which is number two.

[Senator Heather Somers (Senate Ranking Member)]: I'm a yes on that.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Senator Summers. Yes. Send it, representatives of this.

[Representative Lezlye Zupkus]: I'm a no.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: HB5322, which is number three. How do you vote?

[Senator Heather Somers (Senate Ranking Member)]: I'm a yes. Heather Summers is a yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: And and right

[Representative Lezlye Zupkus]: And I'm a yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5510, which is number four. How do you vote, Senator Summers?

[Senator Heather Somers (Senate Ranking Member)]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Representative Zukas?

[Representative Lezlye Zupkus]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5511, which is number five. How do you vote senator Summers?

[Senator Heather Somers (Senate Ranking Member)]: Summers votes yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Webb votes this?

[Representative Lezlye Zupkus]: And I'm a yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5512?

[Senator Heather Somers (Senate Ranking Member)]: Summers is yes. K. I'm a yes.

[Representative Lezlye Zupkus]: And I'm a yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Okay. It's 5513. Senator summers, how do you vote?

[Senator Heather Somers (Senate Ranking Member)]: Summers votes? No.

[Representative Lezlye Zupkus]: And this is a no.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Okay. HB5514.

[Senator Heather Somers (Senate Ranking Member)]: Summers is a no.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Alma now. HB5515, Senator Summers, audio vote.

[Senator Heather Somers (Senate Ranking Member)]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Rep Zukas? Yes. 5516? No. Which is number 10? Okay.

[Representative Lezlye Zupkus]: And is a no.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: K. Have that recorded. Thank you. 5517?

[Senator Heather Somers (Senate Ranking Member)]: Summers is a no.

[Representative Lezlye Zupkus]: And Zepkis is a no.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: K. 5518?

[Senator Heather Somers (Senate Ranking Member)]: Summers is a no.

[Representative Lezlye Zupkus]: And Zepkis is a no. You can tell where the Republicans are on and the Democrats are on. You can't say that, Diane, but I can.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Alright. So 5519?

[Senator Heather Somers (Senate Ranking Member)]: Yes for me.

[Representative Lezlye Zupkus]: And a yes for me.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: And you both are all set. Thank you so much for your patience. Thank you. Thank you.

[Representative Lezlye Zupkus]: Take care. Bye bye.

[Representative Romano]: Bye, Leslie.

[Representative Lezlye Zupkus]: Bye.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Bye bye. Senator Slap, good afternoon.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Hey. Good afternoon. How are you?

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: I'm very well. Thank you. Alright. So, we're gonna look at the bills that you have to work on today.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Yeah.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: The first one is SB194, which is number one on the list on the agenda. How do you

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Yes. Yep.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: SB451? Yes. HB5322?

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5510?

[Representative Biggins]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5511?

[Representative Biggins]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5512?

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5514?

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5515?

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5516?

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5517?

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Yep.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5518?

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5519?

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: I think you're all set, senators.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Okay. Thank you very much. Have a good day.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: You too. Have a good day.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: You too. Bye bye.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Rabgiel, Chris?

[Representative Lezlye Zupkus]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Yeah. You missed a few?

[Representative Jillian Gilchrest]: Yes. I think I only voted on the first three. I left after the endometriosis vote.

[Representative Romano]: Oh, okay. Alright. So

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Okay. So five five one zero. How do you

[Representative Jillian Gilchrest]: vote? Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5511?

[Representative Eleni Kavros DeGraw]: Yes.

[Senator MD Rahman]: Yeah. Okay.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5512?

[Representative Eleni Kavros DeGraw]: Yes.

[Senator MD Rahman]: I can barely hear her. What happened?

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5513?

[Representative Lezlye Zupkus]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5514?

[Representative Jillian Gilchrest]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5515?

[Representative Jillian Gilchrest]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5516?

[Representative Eleni Kavros DeGraw]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5517?

[Representative Lezlye Zupkus]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5518?

[Representative Jillian Gilchrest]: Yes. Sorry.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: No problem. 5519?

[Representative Jillian Gilchrest]: Yes.

[Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (House Chair)]: So maybe I'm not gonna it might be the neighbor.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Robert, first, seems as if you are all set.

[Senator Julie Kushner]: Thank you. Have a great day.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: You too. Good to

[Representative Lezlye Zupkus]: see you, senator.

[Senator MD Rahman]: Good to see you too.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Hello?

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: One minute, senator. Okay. Senator Raman, good afternoon, sir.

[Senator MD Rahman]: Good afternoon. How are you?

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: I'm very well. Thank you.

[Senator MD Rahman]: Okay. Anything supported by both chairs, yes. Yes. Yes. Make easy for you.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: It's unavailable. I think I might still need to go through them, sir.

[Senator MD Rahman]: Sure. Absolutely. Let's do it.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Okay. Alright. So for SB194

[Senator MD Rahman]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: SB451?

[Senator MD Rahman]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: HB5322?

[Senator MD Rahman]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5510?

[Senator MD Rahman]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5511?

[Senator MD Rahman]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5512?

[Senator MD Rahman]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5513?

[Senator MD Rahman]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5514?

[Senator MD Rahman]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5515?

[Senator MD Rahman]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5516?

[Senator MD Rahman]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5517?

[Senator MD Rahman]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5518?

[Senator MD Rahman]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5519?

[Senator MD Rahman]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: You're all set, senator.

[Senator MD Rahman]: Awesome. Thank you so much.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: You're welcome. Have a wonderful evening.

[Senator MD Rahman]: Don't walk too hard.

[Representative Kathy Kennedy]: Hello?

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Hi. Martinez, good afternoon.

[Representative Kathy Kennedy]: Hello. Well? Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Okay. Good. Alright. So, we're starting with the first one, SB194. How do you vote? This meeting is being recorded in live stream.

[Representative Kathy Kennedy]: Yes. This is Okay. Sorry.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Continuation. Right? We we we have the votes.

[Representative Kathy Kennedy]: Yeah. No. No. No. Absolutely. It's fine. It's fine. Sorry. It just popped up on my screen. Okay. I'm sorry. Go ahead.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Alright. So this is SB194. Number Yes. On your agenda? Yes. SB451?

[Representative Kathy Kennedy]: Yes.

[Representative Jonathan Steinberg]: Okay. Alright. Perfect.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5322?

[Representative Kathy Kennedy]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5510.

[Representative Kathy Kennedy]: No.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5511. Do you want me? 5511 is an act concerning the Department of Public Health recommendations regarding consent orders. She she she fell off. Okay. You got

[Representative Kathy Kennedy]: Hello. I'm sorry. Got bumped? I'm sorry. I got bumped. And I'm sorry. House Bill 5510, I am voting yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: Okay. Hold on. Let me just double check.

[Representative Romano]: Okay.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: K. So, five five one one. How do you vote?

[Representative Aimee Berger-Girvalo]: No.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5512?

[Representative Aimee Berger-Girvalo]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5513?

[Representative Aimee Berger-Girvalo]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5514?

[Representative Kathy Kennedy]: No.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5515?

[Representative Romano]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5516? Yes. 5517?

[Representative Kathy Kennedy]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: 5518? Yes. 5519?

[Representative Romano]: Yes.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: I think you're all set. I'll take my team in.

[Representative Kathy Kennedy]: Alright. Thank you.

[Diane Young-Rodney (Committee Clerk)]: You're welcome. Have a great day. You too. Bye bye.

[Senator Jan Hochadel]: Hello there. Do you need me to change my name on screen?

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Necessary. Hi, senator. How are you?

[Senator Jan Hochadel]: I'm good. Thank you. How are you?

[Unidentified (background/various)]: I'm very well. Alright. So, we're starting with the first one on the agenda. That's s p one nine four. How do you vote?

[Senator Jan Hochadel]: Senator Hockadell vote. Yes.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Have s b four five one.

[Senator Jan Hochadel]: Senator Hocken, all those. Yes.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: HB5322.

[Senator Jan Hochadel]: Senator Hocken, all those. Yes.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: 5510?

[Senator Jan Hochadel]: Senator Hockadell does. Yes.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: 551 1?

[Senator Jan Hochadel]: Senator Hockadell does. Yes.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: 5512.

[Senator Jan Hochadel]: Senator Hockadel does. Yes.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: 5513.

[Senator Jan Hochadel]: Senator Hockadel does. Yes.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: 5514.

[Senator Jan Hochadel]: Senator Hockadel does. Yes.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: 5515.

[Senator Jan Hochadel]: Senator Hockett, I'll vote yes.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Five five one six.

[Senator Jan Hochadel]: Senator Hockett, I'll vote yes. I just need a replay of all my play. Play. Hello.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: 5517. Senator. 5518.

[Senator Jan Hochadel]: Senator.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: 5519.

[Senator Jan Hochadel]: Senator. How are they gonna get all these on the floor?

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Thank you so much.

[Senator Jan Hochadel]: Thank you. Have a great day.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Thanks.

[Representative Aimee Berger-Girvalo]: Bye bye.

[Senator Jan Hochadel]: Hello?

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Hi. Hi, Tucker. How are you doing? Oh, how sweet that

[Representative Anne Dauphinais]: Hey, Diane. Can you hear me?

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Hi. Can you hear me?

[Representative Biggins]: Yes. I can hear you now. How are you doing?

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Alright. So number one on the agenda, SB194? Yes. 451?

[Representative Biggins]: Yes.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: 5322?

[Senator Jeff Gordon]: Yes.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: 5510?

[Representative Biggins]: Yes.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: 5511?

[Representative Biggins]: Yes.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: 5512?

[Senator Jeff Gordon]: Yes.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: 5513?

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Yes.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: 5514?

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Yes.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: 5515?

[Mr. Clark (Committee Administrator)]: Yes.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: 5516?

[Representative Biggins]: Yes.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: 5517?

[Representative Biggins]: Yes.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: 5518?

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Yes.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: 5519?

[Representative Josh Elliott]: Yes.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: You're all set.

[Representative Biggins]: Big agenda today. Thanks for getting through it all.

[Senator Doug McCrory]: Thank you

[Unidentified (background/various)]: so much.

[Representative Biggins]: See you later.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Have a great day. You too. Bye, little one.

[Senator Jan Hochadel]: Rosie, say bye.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Thank you. Bye.

[Representative Biggins]: See you then. Thank you.

[Representative Jonathan Steinberg]: I thought I got them all. That's the thing when I was just walking from downstairs upstairs on this one.

[Representative Romano]: Alright. So

[Representative Jonathan Steinberg]: Should just be one, I think.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Yeah. Just one. Let me

[Representative Jonathan Steinberg]: Yeah. I don't know. Yes.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Oh, no.

[Representative Jonathan Steinberg]: What's that?

[Unidentified (background/various)]: We're on we're on we're on, sir.

[Representative Jonathan Steinberg]: This may be your last chance.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: So this is HBHB5514.

[Representative Jonathan Steinberg]: I'm sure I know that number.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Okay. So how do you vote

[Representative Jonathan Steinberg]: for that? Yes.

[Unidentified (background/various)]: Thank you. Thank you. Appreciate it. Okay. Both are officially closed.