Video & Transcript : 'Chapter 251' :
Page 101 of 394
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Jan 19th, 2026
Washington House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- In chapter 6, verse 8, he says, he has shown you, O man, O mankind, what is good and what the Lord does
- America that had already reinvented itself, righted itself, and survived some of its own darkest chapters
- And I live in an America where new chapters of shame get written every day.
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum present, the flags were escorted in, and the chamber observed the Pledge of Allegiance, a National Anthem performance by Pastor Pamela Bowman, and a prayer by Pastor Joseph Bowman. The session was centered on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with remarks emphasizing Dr. King’s legacy of justice, nonviolence, equality, and service, along with musical performances including “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and “Grateful.”
House Resolution 4672, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was read in full and moved for adoption by Representative Penner. Several members offered extended remarks supporting the resolution and reflecting on King’s impact, the continuing struggle for civil rights, and the need for moral courage, nonviolence, and community service. The House then voted and adopted House Resolution 4672 by voice vote, with the Speaker noting that applause was appropriate.
After the resolution, the House handled routine procedural business. Bills and resolutions on the introduction sheet were advanced to first reading and referred to committee, committee report items were referred as designated, and the Rules Committee was relieved of House Bill 1160 on local government design review and House Bill 1798 on firefighters pension boards, placing them on the second reading calendar. The Rules Committee was also relieved of Substitute House Bill 1066 on regulated substance use data and Engrossed House Bill 1574 on substance use care services, placing them on the third reading calendar. Both caucuses announced meetings after adjournment, and the House adjourned until 9:55 a.m. Tuesday, January 20.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day One - Wednesday, January 7
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And whereas, on October 30, 1960, Don embarked upon a new and exciting chapter in his life when he married
- and your left in the upper gallery, you'll see we have representatives from the Fort Leonard Wood chapter
- In the gallery, you'll see we have representatives from the Fort Leonard Wood chapter of the Association
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee Mar 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, members, Tim Madden representing the California chapter of the American College of Cardiology.
- Tim Madden, representing the California Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians, in strong
- Chair, Tim Madden, representing the California Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians
Summary:
The Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee met as a subcommittee and heard three youth-sports safety bills. AB 310 would require youth sports organizations to have written emergency response plans for cardiac emergencies, maintain and test AEDs, and ensure coaches have training in AED use and CPR. The author and supporters, including the Eric Paredes Save a Life Foundation and the California chapter of the American College of Cardiology, argued the bill would save lives and build on last year’s AED requirement. Youth soccer organizations opposed the bill’s broader AED mandate on cost grounds, saying compliance could total millions statewide and could force higher dues, while asking for grants, liability protections, and public-field AED installation. The committee discussed costs and funding options, then passed AB 310 on a 9-0 vote.
The committee then considered AB 437, which would add sports-related injuries, including head injuries, to the health and safety information the CIF must report to the Legislature and Governor. Support came from the California chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians, and there was no opposition. Members said the measure would improve reporting on athlete safety and accepted technical amendments. AB 437 was approved 9-0 as amended.
Finally, AB 708 would allow parents to choose soft-shelled helmet add-ons for youth football to reduce concussion risk. The author described the bill as a parental-choice and safety measure, noting studies showing reduced concussion risk. Members praised the bill as a common-sense alternative to banning the sport and emphasized that it would let families choose additional protection. There was no opposition, and the committee passed AB 708 9-0. The committee also adopted a consent calendar item with amendments before adjourning.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Health Policy Feb 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- AND DOCTOR ALAN ACKERMAN FLORIDA CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGISTS.
- MY NAME IS DOCTOR ALAN ACKERMAN, CHAIRMAN OF THE ADVOCACY COMMITTEE FOR THE FLORIDA CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN
- THE CHAPTER REPRESENTS THOUSANDS OF FLORIDA CARDIOLOGISTS AND I'M HERE TO STRONGLY SUPPORT SENATOR HARRELL'S
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - Part 1 - 04/04/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:41:09.280><c> 13</c><00:41:10.079><c> and</c> of company data under chapter 13 and of company
- data under chapter 13 and allows<00:41:10.640><c> for</c><00:41:10.960><c> summary</c><00:41:11.359>
- The group capital and liquidity changes to chapter 60D provide an additional analytical tool for the
- </c><00:44:00.319><c> Minnesota</c> pursuant to chapter 60D. Minnesota pursuant to chapter 60D.
- </c> planning around changes to chapter 403. planning around changes to chapter 403.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary and Public Safety
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development Apr 9th, 2026
Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture & Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- The private shelters like that, they are technically governed by the other laws in Chapter 17, but we
- When I was in 4-H, I ran for office and was president of our parish chapter.
- And then, of course, the chapter level.
- And then, of course, throughout my entire time, I've remained a member of my chapter, Central Lafourche
- And an FFA chapter, being an FFA officer, all begins in the foundation of ag ed.
Committees:
House Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture & Rural Development , House Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development
Summary:
The committee took up several agriculture-related bills and heard testimony on each. HB 715 by Representative Dezotel would require aerial applicators using public airports or landing fields to carry radios and transponders for safety; after a technical amendment was adopted, the bill was reported favorably. HB 663 by Vice Chairman Travis Johnson would update the board makeup of the Delta Economic Research and Sustainability District by removing certain ex officio members and reducing the board from 24 to 23; amendments were adopted and the bill was reported favorably. HB 717 by Representative Schamberhorn would increase and clarify labeling requirements for cell-cultured food products, including a larger, more visible font size; after a technical amendment, it was reported favorably with support from committee members and witnesses.
The committee also considered HB 834 by Representative McMahon, a local-control bill on animal shelters and stray animals. A large amendment package of 23 amendments was adopted, revising hold periods, ownership transfer rules, local government discretion, liability protections, and the role of nonprofit or designated shelters. Testimony from the author, Police Jury Association representatives, and Michelle Hall emphasized that the bill is intended to fix a legal gap so shelters can transfer ownership to adopters, while preserving local control and limiting liability for good-faith actions. The bill was reported favorably with amendments.
The committee then heard from Louisiana 4-H and FFA student leaders, who described how those programs developed leadership, public speaking, and agricultural career goals. Members responded with personal reflections and praise for the programs’ impact on rural youth and future agricultural leadership. Finally, the committee took up sunset review legislation: SB 349 to recreate the Department of Agriculture and Forestry was reported favorably, and SB 350, a technical change to the Louisiana Soybean Association/soybean board structure, was also reported favorably. Commissioner Mike Strain then began a lengthy presentation on the department’s functions, programs, boards, and commissions, but no further action was taken in the portion provided.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Commerce Mar 30th, 2026
Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- in that notice and provides a 30-day safe harbor period within which a person in violation of this chapter
- $5 million, if that person complies with disclosure, consent, and cancellation provisions of the chapter
- , and adds that a person demonstrating a good-faith effort to comply with this chapter shall not be liable
- for inadvertent... ...adds that a person demonstrating a good-faith effort to comply with this chapter
- shall not be liable for inadvertent or technical violations of the chapter not resulting in harm.
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 750 by Rep. Cox, the “Click to Cancel Act,” regulating automatic renewal contracts. After adopting technical and substantive amendments, members discussed easier cancellation methods, reduced notice requirements, shorter record-retention periods, a 30-day cure period, small-business exemptions, and limiting damages to actual damages. The bill drew support from consumer advocates and opposition cards from industry groups, and it was reported favorably as amended.
House Bill 259 by Rep. DeWitt addressed damage to underground infrastructure during BEAD-funded broadband excavation projects, requiring notice before digging and making contractors repair or pay for damage before final payment is released. An amendment added pre-construction coordination, a point of contact, and fault-based liability language. Members discussed rural utility damage, broadband buildout, and the need to protect small water systems; the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee then considered HB 220 by Rep. Schlegel, which requires covered platforms to maintain an easy-to-use reporting mechanism for child sexual abuse material and exploitation. After technical and clarifying amendments, the sponsor and members discussed scope, nonprofit and small-business exclusions, AG enforcement discretion, and concerns about clear-and-conspicuous placement. The bill was reported favorably as amended.
Next, HB 830 by Rep. Wright required proxy advisors to disclose when anti-management recommendations are not based on written financial analysis and to provide that analysis when it exists. After amendments excluding certain affiliates and 501(c)(3) charities, the sponsor and a witness argued the bill was about transparency and fiduciary duty, while LASERS testified in opposition, saying the measure could make proxy advice unavailable and create a hardship for its internally managed portfolio. The bill was nonetheless reported favorably as amended. The committee also advanced HB 463 by Rep. McMakin, which raises the maximum local 9-1-1 service charge from $1.25 to $2.00, with an amendment requiring annual reporting and local governing authority approval; testimony explained the funding need for Next Generation 9-1-1, and the bill was reported favorably as amended.
Finally, the committee began HB 536 by Rep. Coates on wireless communication facilities near schools. After adopting technical and then lengthy substantive amendments narrowing the school proximity zone, adjusting setbacks, adding co-location and permit timing provisions, and clarifying uniform application, members raised concerns about whether the bill duplicated existing safety standards, could delay deployment, and whether it would apply only to new towers. The sponsor and a parent witness emphasized school safety and emergency planning, but discussion remained ongoing when the transcript ended.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development and Assembly Business and Professions Mar 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the current chapter president for NKBA here in Sacramento, and I'm also on the board for CLCID, which
- And I also foster that as being a chapter president for our local NKBA chapter.
- And I also foster that as being a chapter president for our local NKBA chapter.
- I'm with IADA, representing Northern and Southern California chapters today.
Summary:
The joint sunset oversight hearing reviewed five California regulatory entities: the Respiratory Care Board, the California Council for Interior Design Certification, the Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board, the Board of Occupational Therapy, and the Board of Naturopathic Medicine. Each agency described its licensing, enforcement, modernization, and consumer-protection work since the last review, and committee members focused heavily on workforce access, public safety, transparency, and fee authority.
For the Respiratory Care Board, the main issues were a possible move from an associate’s degree to a bachelor’s degree for licensure, fee structure changes, and ongoing work on LVNs performing respiratory tasks. Board representatives said the degree proposal was intended to strengthen competency and could be phased in without harming access, but several public commenters—especially respiratory therapists and families of medically fragile children—argued it would worsen shortages, particularly in rural and low-income areas. Other stakeholders supported clarifying LVN authority in congregate living health facilities, while the California Medical Association flagged the proposed Advanced Practice Respiratory Therapist classification as having limited current workforce impact.
The interior design segment drew the most debate. CCIDC leaders defended the current voluntary certification/title-act model, saying it establishes competency, has produced minimal complaints, and that licensure would unnecessarily disrupt the workforce and create barriers without demonstrated public harm. Committee members questioned the lack of state-style enforcement authority, transparency, and Bagley-Keene compliance, and some public commenters criticized the private structure and inconsistent plan acceptance in local jurisdictions. Supporters of the current system said the certification and commercial designation help educate building officials and allow qualified designers to work safely, while opponents argued licensure would provide clearer accountability and reduce confusion.
The speech-language pathology, audiology, and hearing aid dispensers board reported major modernization gains, including online licensure processing, faster turnaround times, and new continuing education audits and advertising rules. The board supported creating a licensed audiology assistant category to improve access to care, and public commenters generally backed the board while urging continued modernization. The occupational therapy board described steady growth, improved enforcement and licensing performance, and requested additional fee authority to address rising costs; the main public comment supported the sunset extension and a reduction in advanced practice hand therapy training hours. The naturopathic medicine board emphasized consumer protection, enforcement against unlicensed practice, and the need to clarify statutes; it said most licensed naturopathic doctors practice in underserved areas and welcomed legislative collaboration on scope and enforcement issues.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the co-leader of Say Yes to Recess Arizona Chapter and a member of Arizonans for Recess and School
- There are 18 current chapters, with more growing every day.
- And I would tell you that my chapter at Arizona State, which is a large chapter and mostly non-Jewish
- And I would tell you that my chapter at Arizona State, which is a large chapter, and mostly non-Jewish
Keywords:
public education, adoption, sex education, parental rights, student health information, Arizona Teachers Academy, teacher preparation, education funding, public schools, scholarships, teacher certification, community colleges, school district, governing board, training requirements, fiduciary duties, school finance, community engagement, school facilities, building renewal grants
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- helped develop the mental health toolkit for school nurses after collaborating with the Virginia chapter
- These outstanding students represent the Elizabeth Davis Middle School chapter of the National Junior
- The chapter also practices leadership within its own organization and The chapter also practices leadership
- Their president, vice president, secretary, and historian are all here today with their chapter.
- Senate Bill 565 expands the scope of Chapters 127 and 133 of the Acts of Assembly of 2025, which increased
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Health & Long-Term Care Jan 15th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Health & Long-Term Care
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a pediatrician in Olympia, representing the Washington Chapter of the AAP, speaking in favor of SB
- Maria Huang, and I'm a practicing pediatrician in Olympia, also representing the Washington chapter of
- I'm a pediatrician and the immediate past president of the Washington chapter of the AAP, representing
- I'm a proud member of the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- I am a member of the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics that represents 12,000
Committee:
Senate Health & Long-Term Care
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Health & Long-Term Care Jan 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a pediatrician in Olympia, representing the Washington Chapter AAP, speaking in favor of SB 5967.
- Maria Huang, and I'm a practicing pediatrician in Olympia, also representing the Washington Chapter of
- I'm a pediatrician and the immediate past president of the Washington chapter of the AAP, representing
- I'm a proud member of the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- I am a member of the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics that represents 12,000
Summary:
The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee opened its 2026 session with a work session focused on the committee’s priorities of access, quality, and affordability. Health Care Authority staff Michelle Needham and Ross Florey reviewed the Health Care Cost Transparency Board’s work, noting Washington’s uninsured rate has fallen from 15% in 2010 to 5%, but health care spending growth remains above the benchmark. They said 2023 spending grew 6.2% versus a 3.2% target, with prescription drugs, hospital outpatient care, professional services, and non-claims spending driving growth. They highlighted ongoing work on market transparency, hospital spending, primary care, and federal policy changes that could reduce coverage and increase uncompensated care. Dr. Drew Oliva of the Washington Health Alliance added quality and safety data, saying many measures remain below top national performance, primary care attachment is weak, hospital pricing varies widely, and behavioral health data are limited. He urged stronger primary care investment, more transparency, and better patient safety oversight. Committee members then introduced themselves and staff before moving to public hearings.
The committee first heard Senate Bill 5877, a technical fix expanding the physician health program surcharge to certified anesthesiologist assistants so they can participate in the Washington Physicians Health Program and related educational resources. The bill sponsor and witnesses from the Washington Medical Commission, the Washington Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants, and the Washington Physicians Health Program all supported the measure, describing it as a consistency and access fix for a newly licensed profession. The bill drew 12 pro, 2 con, and 0 other sign-ins.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 5967, which would preserve access to preventive services by allowing the Department of Health to issue immunization recommendations based on multiple expert sources and by freezing state insurance coverage protections for preventive services and vaccines as of mid-2025, with OIC rulemaking authority to keep coverage at least as favorable. The sponsor, Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer, Secretary of Health Dennis Worsham, and Governor’s office staff said the bill is intended to protect existing coverage, not create new vaccine mandates, and to keep recommendations grounded in science amid federal uncertainty. Supporters included Dr. Helen Chu, Dr. Beth Harvey, Dr. Maria Huang, Dr. J. Miller, and Dr. Matt LaGalbo, who emphasized vaccine safety, rising vaccine-preventable diseases, and the importance of no-cost preventive care. Opponents, including Bob Runnels and Natalie Chavez, argued the bill politicizes vaccines, reduces transparency, and expands state authority without adequate fiscal detail. The hearing continued with additional testimony after the excerpt ended.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The committee substitute is the House bill language to Chapters 11 and 41, to allow property owners to
- The House bill language to chapters 11 and 41, to allow for the property owners to protest the appraised
- district's existing powers, authorities, and functions entirely from the framework of Subchapter J, Chapter
- HB 23 requires the review or inspection must be completed by an engineer licensed under Chapter 1001
- HB23 requires the review or inspection must be completed by an engineer licensed under Chapter 1001 of
Bills:
SB2784 , HB23 , HB247 , HB1533 , HB2011 , HB2013 , HB2273 , HB2421 , HB2464 , HB3120 , HB3424 , HB3575 , HB3788 , HB4370 , HB4809 , HB5057 , HB5084 , HB5534 , HB5668 , HJR34 , HB23 , HB247 , HJR34
Committee:
Senate Local Government
Summary:
The committee heard and left pending several local government, property tax, development, and public safety measures before later voting some of them out. Senator Birdwell explained SB 2784 for the Somerville County Hospital District, which would move the board to staggered four-year terms after a transition and was requested to be held pending until the House companion could be acted on; no public testimony was offered. HB 5084 would allow local approval for fireworks sales tied to Lunar New Year celebrations, with testimony from Hutchinson County Judge Cindy Irwin emphasizing local fire risk and the need for county discretion. HB 5534 would let county commissioners post agendas electronically instead of on a physical bulletin board. HB 4370 would expand permissible projects for certain special districts to include geothermal water conveyance systems, and HB 312 would require residential child detention facilities to enter local MOUs, report health and safety information, and conduct background checks for state-funded facilities; both drew supportive testimony and were left pending. HB 5057 would give displaced solid waste providers time to wind down after a city grants an exclusive franchise, and HB 2421 would extend the life of the Save Historic Muni District to continue work on preserving Lions Municipal Golf Course; both were left pending after supportive testimony. HB 2011 would let former owners repurchase property taken by eminent domain if the acquiring entity fails to pay property taxes for two years, and the committee substitute to SB 3065 was also laid out and left pending after a technical correction to eminent-domain language. The committee then took up additional bills on development, appraisal, and local regulation, including HB 3575, HB 4809, HB 2273, HB 247/HJR 34, HB 2464, HB 3424, HB 2013, HB 5668, HB 3788, HB 1533, and HB 23, with testimony ranging from support to opposition on issues such as appraisal procedures, historic property valuation, Galveston emergency governance, border-security tax treatment, home-based businesses, chicken covenants in HOAs, municipal utility district authority, hospital authorities’ use of assets, and third-party building review. HB 23 drew the most extensive testimony, with builders, engineers, counties, and cities split over third-party plan review and inspection authority, liability, licensing, and local code enforcement; many witnesses said the House amendments created problems and the bill was left pending. In the end, the committee voted SB 2784, SB 3065, HB 5686, HB 247, HJR 34, and HB 2011 out of committee, with the first several receiving local and uncontested calendar recommendations where applicable.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Apr 10th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill is proposing changes to several sections of Chapter 943 to remove obsolete statutes and improve
- Chapter 984 concerns ungovernable runaways and truant youth known as status offenders and provides services
- Chapter 984 concerns ungovernable runaways and truant youth known as status offenders and provides services
- The chapter has been largely untouched with a few exceptions, as the kids say in the 1900s and early
- common language of under court-ordered supervision by the Department of Children and Families under Chapter
Summary:
The committee heard and voted on a long agenda of criminal justice, public safety, and civil justice bills. Among the measures reported favorably were SB 984, which adds aggravating factors for capital sentencing when a murder occurs during religious, school, or public government gatherings; SB 1140, creating a Hillsborough County pilot program to address substance abuse among offenders on probation; SB 1180, expanding child pornography laws to cover lewd altered or filtered images and solicitation; SB 10, providing compensation to Sidney Holmes for a wrongful conviction; SB 500, creating a Spectrum Alert system and training for missing children with autism; SB 1054, increasing penalties for tampering with electronic monitoring devices; SB 1072, establishing an expedited DNA testing grant program; and SB 240, the Haven Act, which aligns domestic and dating violence protections and creates a feasibility study for a discreet emergency contact system for victims. Several bills were amended before passage, including funding for the Spectrum Alert program and technical changes to the DNA, juvenile justice, and other proposals.
Members also advanced SB 494, creating a statewide FDLE animal abuse database and increasing sentencing consequences for aggravated animal cruelty, with strong support from animal welfare groups and county officials. SB 1422 was reported favorably to strengthen penalties for unmanned aircraft over critical infrastructure and for weaponized drones, though members raised concerns about the bill’s “reasonable force” language. SB 1268 updated FDLE statutes and increased reimbursement for retired police dogs. SB 1252 was amended into a feasibility study for a statewide pawn data database, and SB 1386 increased penalties for assaults and batteries on utility workers, drawing support from utility and industry groups.
The committee also approved SB 1084 on sexual cyber harassment, which criminalizes dissemination of intimate images and digitally forged intimate images, and SB 1654, which revises sexual offender and predator registration rules, including online reporting for certain in-state travel residences. SB 1650 expanded the vexatious litigant law, and SB 1652 created a public records exemption for stricken non-criminal court filings. Finally, SB 1284, expanding Florida’s Wrongful Death Act to allow civil claims for the death of an unborn child, drew extensive testimony both for and against; supporters called it a life-affirming measure, while opponents warned it could increase litigation, affect abortion-related care, and discourage physicians from practicing in Florida. The bill was heard with multiple public comments, but the transcript excerpt does not show a final vote on SB 1284.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee Apr 1st, 2025
Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism
Transcript Highlights:
- I am here on behalf of the PFLAG Danville San Ramon Valley chapter, PFLAG Fresno, PFLAG Oakland, East
- Young, Placer County Chapter Chair of Moms for Liberty, as well as the Legislative Chair for Placer County
- I also represent California's Top Moms for Liberty, Art of Living San Ramon, and multiple PFLAG chapters
- I'm from the LA County chapter of Moms for Liberty, also in support of this bill.
- I am just a mom, and I am also the chapter chair of Placer County's Moms for Liberty, as well as the
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 31, 2025 - 04:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill reforms Chapter 984 in Florida Statutes.
- This bill reforms Chapter 984 in Florida Statutes.
- Chapter 984 concerns ungovernable, runaway, and truant youth, known as status offenders, and provides
- So this bill, you think about this chapter as the youth prevention area in Florida law, prevents our
- In Chapter 408, it pulls a definition for a legal representative that was created in 2001.
Summary:
The committee took up a large health and human services agenda and first approved HB 711, the Spectrum Alert bill, which would create a statewide alert system for missing autistic children and require FDLE to coordinate training with state and local agencies. The measure drew a supportive waiver from the Florida Smart Justice Alliance and passed unanimously, 24-0, reported favorably.
Members then considered CS for HB 229 on health facilities, which modernizes the Health Facilities Authority Act to allow additional nonprofit health system structures to use tax-exempt financing. Two amendments were adopted: one requiring advance notice, public hearings, and stakeholder notifications before a nonprofit hospital closure, and another removing a property tax exemption for a nonprofit hospital that closes and fails to maintain emergency services for 120 days, applied retroactively to January 1, 2025. The Florida Hospital Association opposed the amendments, citing workforce and nonprofit-status concerns, but the bill as amended passed 24-0. The committee also approved CS for HB 1405 on juvenile justice status offenders, expanding early truancy intervention, parent involvement, and shelter placement review timelines; it passed 24-0. CS for HB 27, joining the Social Work Licensure Interstate Compact, and its linked public records bill CS for HB 29 both passed unanimously after supportive testimony from several advocacy and business groups.
The committee then debated HB 111 on out-of-network referrals and HB 1083 on patient access to records. HB 111 would require referring practitioners to inform patients in writing when a referral is out of network and to apply out-of-network payments to deductibles; it drew opposition from medical groups over administrative burden and patient-care concerns, but passed 17-8. HB 1083 would shorten the time for producing medical records to 14 working days and standardize access rules, with amendments clarifying portal access and delaying the effective date to January 1, 2026; despite opposition from some health information and provider groups over HIPAA and access concerns, it passed 19-7 as amended.
Later, the committee approved HB 883, allowing autonomous practice for psychiatric nurse practitioners with the required credentials, after strong support from nurse practitioner groups and opposition from psychiatric and medical associations; it passed 23-3. HB 1297, which aligns Florida’s electronic prescribing exceptions with federal law and removes several state exemptions, passed 19-7 despite opposition from hospice, emergency physician, rheumatology, and medical groups concerned about paper prescriptions in emergencies and hard-to-find medications. HB 1353 on home health care services and CS for HB 989 on foster home licensure transfers both passed unanimously after supportive amendments. The committee also heard HB 1505 on parental rights, which would require written parental consent for many health care services, surveys, and biofeedback devices for minors and expand parental access to records; the bill drew extensive support testimony but also questions and concerns about confidentiality, abuse reporting, and existing exceptions, and the transcript ended before a final vote on that bill.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation Mar 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- we will review the Administration's Spending Plan for Extreme Heat Mitigation and Outdoor Access Chapters
- So, as you can see on page three. of your agenda for the extreme heat chapter, the bond authorizes $450
- So, this chapter is a little different from some of the others that we have discussed and will discuss
- For example, you'll recall in the wildfire chapter there were several new programs within the bond.
- In this chapter, it's all existing programs.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Hawaii Nurses Association, Healthcare Association of Hawaii, Hawaii Public Health Association, Hawaii chapter
- Hawaii Nurses Association, Healthcare Association of Hawaii, Hawaii Public Health Association, Hawaii chapter
- Hawaii Public Health<00:19:08.400><c> Association</c><00:19:09.400><c> Hawaii</c><00:19:09.880><c> chapter
- </c><00:19:10.159><c> of</c><00:19:10.280><c> the</c> Health Association Hawaii chapter of the Health
- Association Hawaii chapter of the American<00:19:10.679><c> Nurses</c><00:19:11.360><c> Association<
Committee:
House Higher Education
Summary:
The House Committee on Higher Education heard five bills and later took up one joint Housing/Higher Education measure. On SB 1146 SD1, relating to the Alaw Canal, testimony from DLNR and UH was in support of funding an action plan and pre-engineering concept plan to address debris management and water quality in the watershed; members discussed the cost burden on DLNR and the possibility of identifying upstream sources of debris. On SB 1232 SD2, relating to wastewater systems, the Department of Health, DHHL, and several advocacy groups supported a three-year pilot program at UH’s Water Resources Research Center to test new wastewater technologies, with witnesses saying it could help certify cheaper alternatives and reduce cesspool upgrade costs. On SB 119 SD1, relating to nursing, witnesses supported funding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Maui College. On SB 865 SD1, relating to agriculture, UH CTAHR, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and many island agricultural groups supported funding for a Kona Cooperative Extension position, with testimony and committee discussion favoring an extension agent over an administrative support role. On SB 1487 SD1, relating to UH revenue bonds, UH supported authorizing revenue bonds for priority capital projects, and members asked for clarification that the measure was a preliminary authorization rather than a specific spending plan.
In decision-making, the committee recommended passing SB 1146 SD1, SB 1232 SD2, SB 119 SD1, SB 865 SD1, and SB 1487 SD1 with House Draft 1 amendments, mainly to change defective dates to 7/1/3000 and, for SB 865, to upgrade the position to an extension agent. Votes were unanimous in favor on the measures, with one recusal noted on SB 865 and some members excused on other votes. The committee then recessed and later reconvened for a joint House Housing/Higher Education hearing on SB 1553 SD2, relating to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. DHHL asked that the bill be deferred because due diligence was incomplete and more discussion was needed with UH and other stakeholders; UH said it was coordinating access to the property and described its current and future use. Both committees agreed to defer the bill.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Rio Grande chapter. And I'd just like to put the bill in a bit of context.
- New Mexico Dark Sky Chapter, which was established in 2003.
- It is one of the nationwide and worldwide chapters of Dark Sky International, which is based in Arizona
- I'm the Chair of the State Council of the New Mexico chapter of Dark Sky International, and an emeritus
- is Santa Cruz de la Cañada, to be covered by the General Provisions, which once again is found in Chapter
Committee:
Senate Senate Conservation
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of Elise Stefanik, of New York, to be the Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations, with the rank and status of Ambassador, and the Representative of the United States of America in the Jan 21st, 2025
Foreign Relations Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- As outlined in Article 1, Chapter 1 of the U.N.
- If confirmed, my family and I are excited for this next chapter to serve on President Trump's cabinet
- , should you be confirmed at the UN, for what the U.S. can do to try to help Haitians find a next chapter
- A boy's chapter in Ohio posted the clip on a Telegram channel with the text, "Heil Trump."
- A chapter of the white nationalist group White Lives Matter posted it on Telegram, saying, "Thanks for
Committee:
Senate Foreign Relations Committee