Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:50:53.840> American American College of Physicians, American American College of Physicians
• of Family Physicians, American College of<00:50:57.880> Obstetricians<00:50:58.480> and
• I fully trust the recommendations of my physician as they guided me through the immunization process
• I fully trust the recommendations of my physician as they guided me through the immunization process
• I fully trust the recommendations of my physician as they guided me through the immunization process

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next we have Tony Large, Florida College of Emergency Physicians. Thanks.
• Next, we have Tony Large, Florida College of Emergency Physicians. Would you like to speak?
• Tony Large, representing the Florida College of Emergency Physicians.
• Remember, the emergency physician is almost always under contract with that patient's insurance, and
• And a lot of the physicians that you're going to go to do not have software solutions like that.

Summary: The Health Care Facilities and System Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered five bills. HB 1101 on out-of-network providers drew the most discussion; Rep. Albert said it would require written notice when a patient is referred to an out-of-network provider and would count certain insurer payments toward deductibles. Several members and the Florida College of Emergency Physicians raised concerns about placing the burden on doctors’ offices, possible delays in referrals, and unclear enforcement, but the bill was reported favorably 16-2. Public testimony included support from AARP and concerns from emergency physicians about ER workflow and insurance-network transparency. The committee then unanimously approved PCS for HB 475, reducing fines for ambulatory surgery centers that violate good-faith estimate requirements from $1,000 to $250 per day, with a lower maximum penalty. The bill sponsor said the change was intended to right-size penalties for smaller facilities; witnesses from surgery centers and HCA supported it. HB 797, which would allow a nonprofit retirement community serving veterans and spouses to create veteran-and-spouse nursing home beds and transfer a certificate of need within 100 miles, also passed unanimously after members discussed whether it could affect access for veterans; the sponsor said it would create additional private beds rather than displace existing ones. HB 1085 on the Children’s Medical Services Program was amended and reported favorably 14-3. The bill would move managed care plan operations for medically fragile children from the Department of Health to AHCA, keep clinical eligibility at DOH, and shift PPEC services fully into managed care. The adopted amendment changed the waiver provision to require AHCA to develop and present a comprehensive redesign plan for the Medicaid model waiver for children receiving private duty nursing. Several members supported the goal but raised concerns about eliminating family choice and the impact on medically fragile children. Finally, HB 1353 on home health care services passed unanimously. The bill would remove geographic limits on home health administrators, allow more licensed RNs including contract RNs to perform visits, and revise the home health excellence award program. Supporters said it would address workforce shortages and improve access, while one member warned it could increase costs and competition for nurses. The committee adjourned after reporting all five bills favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Claudine, American College of Physicians, New Jersey, in favor, no need to testify.
• Claudine, American College of Physicians, New Jersey, in favor, no need to testify.
• Claudine, New Jersey Academy of Family Physicians, in favor, no need to testify.
• don't think it's going to be anything but a permanent fix in there unless we go back and make the statement

Keywords: 1146, all

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee met on June 28, 2026 and considered a long list of budget and policy bills, reporting many of them out of committee, often with amendments. Early measures included AB 2550 on continued dependent health coverage for certain adults with disabilities, AB 4794 allowing tax data sharing with the New Jersey Innovation Authority and Secure Choice Savings Board, and AB 3381/SB 1493 updating occupational therapy licensure requirements. The committee also advanced AB 4014, creating a social media research center at a public four-year institution, though one member opposed it as unnecessary spending given existing research on social media harms. Another bill, AB 5048/SB 1281, would ban certain apparel and diaper products with intentionally added PFAS; some members opposed it over safety and cost concerns, especially for firefighter gear, but it was reported. The committee also moved AB 383, which promotes volunteerism to help FamilyCare and SNAP recipients meet eligibility requirements, and AB 4357, extending telehealth pay parity, though one member objected to parity between telehealth and in-person care. The committee then took up several energy, environmental, and housing-related bills. AB 5188, the Advanced Grid Technologies Act, was released despite opposition from some members and labor interests. AB 2524 would let dual-use solar projects participate in community solar, and AB 5236 would strengthen pediatric psychiatry and behavioral health services; both were reported. AB 5348, allowing temporary use of open-space and related funds for certain municipalities, drew sharp criticism as a diversion of preservation money to fill budget holes, but passed. AB 5280 returned unexpended county appropriations to Hudson County and authorized supplemental operating aid; it also passed despite objections about prior bidding violations. AB 5347 provided certain motor vehicle-related funding to municipalities and was reported, as was AB 5334/SB 4423, appropriating Green Acres and CBT revenues for local open space and park projects. A major portion of the meeting focused on tax and business-related bills. AB 5329 increased the child tax credit for 2026-2028, with testimony urging that the expansion be made permanent; it was reported. AB 3899, the General Contractor Licensing Act, also passed. AB 5310/SB 4406 clarified sentencing under certain circumstances and was reported. AB 5330, allowing temporary transfers in the pension system, drew testimony from NJEA warning that the State Health Benefits Program was in crisis and asking for a longer repayment period to avoid rate spikes; the bill was still reported. AB 1326 created a higher education governance and funding task force and was amended to add a Talmudic institution or theological seminary representative. Later, AB 5333/SB 4424 appropriated additional Green Acres and CBT funds for recreation and conservation projects and was reported. The committee also advanced several business and alcohol-related measures, including AB 5235 establishing the School-Based Partnership for Access and Resilience for Kids program, AB 5325 reducing business formation fees, AB 4836/SB 2368 on portable solar devices, AB 4881 establishing an advanced nuclear energy procurement program, AB 3974/SB 3183 revising renewable energy incentive and solar interconnection rules, AB 4013 creating a social media research center focused on addictive behavior, AB 5225 making temporary alcohol beverage provisions permanent, and AB 5295 revising alcoholic beverage licensing laws. The most contentious debate came on AB 4085, the Fair Price Protection Act, which would restrict “surveillance pricing” and regulate grocery pricing practices. Consumer advocates supported the bill as a protection against individualized pricing, while retailers and chambers of commerce argued the language was too broad and could undermine loyalty programs, discounts, and electronic shelf labels. Despite those objections, the committee voted to report the bill after amendments. Finally, AB 4530/SB 3739 on EV supply equipment standards was reported, and AB 5322 imposing a temporary cap on net operating loss deductions under the corporate business tax sparked strong opposition from business groups and a policy debate over whether legitimate losses and investment-related deductions should be limited; the bill was still moved out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• To finance, I heard a statement and I just want to get confirmation.
• And finally, an investment in developing a multi-campus physician assistant consortium.
• The use of physician assistants is a key strategy for our health care partners to meet health care demand
• modeled on the UC Medical School's PRIME framework, programs in medical education, which has produced physicians

Summary: The committee heard testimony on three education budget items: the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP), differentiated assistance/statewide system of support, and universal school meals plus kitchen infrastructure grants. For ELOP, the Department of Finance described the Governor’s proposal to provide $4.7 billion ongoing Proposition 98 funding and $62.4 million to set a minimum Tier 2 rate of $1,800 per pupil. The LAO recommended instead fixing the Tier 2 rate at $1,579, and committee members questioned how the rate was determined, how much funding is actually spent, and whether overlapping funding from ELOP, ACEs, and 21st Century programs is being tracked. CDE said ELOP is showing positive attendance and math outcomes, but some requested data will not be available until mid-2027; members also raised concerns about double-funding, transparency, and whether middle and high school students are being equitably served. On differentiated assistance, CCEE outlined the statewide system of support and the various tiers of universal, targeted, supplemental, and intensive assistance. Finance explained the Governor’s proposal to replace the current DA structure with a more stable universal and targeted assistance model, funded at $131.9 million ongoing, with a three-year support cycle aligned to LCAP and ESSA timelines and broader State Board authority to revise eligibility criteria. The LAO objected to considering the proposal before the State Board finalizes the new performance criteria, and committee members expressed concern that moving to a three-year cycle could delay support for LEAs that newly fall into need mid-cycle. There was also discussion about whether the proposal would weaken subgroup-based equity guardrails or give the State Board too much discretion over who qualifies for support. For school meals and kitchen infrastructure, Finance proposed $1.8 billion ongoing for universal meals and an additional $100 million ongoing plus $100 million one-time for a fourth round of kitchen infrastructure and training grants. The LAO recommended rejecting the new kitchen grant round because prior rounds are still being spent and the unmet need is not yet clear. CDE said prior investments have improved meal participation, efficiency, and menu variety, but many schools still lack the facilities for scratch cooking and face construction, electrical, and procurement barriers. Members asked for more data on how prior grants were used, which schools are benefiting, and whether funds could also support lower-cost food access strategies such as pantries, while noting federal restrictions on some meal-service innovations.

Transcript Highlights:

• These physicians, who specialize as anesthesiologists, evaluate, monitor, and supervise patients before
• Each physician anesthesiologist completes four years of medical school, followed by a minimum of four
• The Arizona Society of Anesthesiologists has over 800 full-time physician members and 49 resident physicians
• On behalf of the Arizona Society of Anesthesiologists, thank you for helping to maintain physician-led
• She serves as a palliative medicine physician at Mayo Clinic's Phoenix campus.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and then we also have, um, an agreement that between physicians and PAs, and we can't forget the
• Um, and then we also have, um, an agreement that between physicians and PAs, and we can't forget the
• Um, and then we also have, um, an agreement that between physicians and PAs, and we can't forget the
• Um, and then we also have, um, an agreement that between physicians and PAs, and we can't forget the
• Um, and then we also have, um, an agreement that between physicians and PAs, and we can't forget the

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This just really is a powerful statement to say that there will be no tolerance for that type of abuse
• This just really is a powerful statement to say that there will be no tolerance for that type of abuse
• Destructive use of drones are in correctional institutions, and this just really is a powerful statement
• um it it cuts across it cuts Physicians um it it cuts across it cuts across<01:01:32.720> all
• But the very testimony of the prosecutor that was here, saying prior state statements, large amounts

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The current law requires health carriers to credential primary care physicians within 30 days of receiving
• carriers to credential<00:43:48.720> primary<00:43:49.280> care<00:43:49.599> physicians
• credential primary care physicians credential primary care physicians within<00:43:50.560> 30
• and I viewed it as retired physician and I viewed it as good<02:12:08.480> patient<02:12:09.079
• We also have an external report and audited financial statements that are sent to the commissioner of

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that a fair statement? I think it's a fair statement.
• Is that a fair statement? I think it's a fair statement.
• Is that a fair statement?
• Is that a fair statement?
• Fair statement?

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee convened for its first hearing of the 89th regular session, confirmed a quorum, adopted committee rules by a 15-0 vote, and began review of Senate Bill 1, the state budget for fiscal years 2026-27. Chair Huffman outlined the committee’s organization, introduced staff, and described the budget as conservative and focused on one-time investments. She highlighted major SB 1 priorities including property tax relief, full funding for public education formulas, teacher pay, school safety, border security, Medicaid growth, dementia research, energy and water infrastructure, transportation, wildfire suppression, and other capital and public safety needs. Comptroller Glenn Hager presented the biennial revenue estimate, saying the state has $194.6 billion available for general-purpose spending in 2026-27, with a projected $23.8 billion ending balance from the current biennium. He cautioned that revenue growth is returning to more normal levels and that lawmakers should avoid committing short-term surpluses to ongoing expenses. He also explained that the Economic Stabilization Fund is projected to hit its constitutional cap, meaning an estimated $5.6 billion in severance tax and related revenue would remain in general revenue in the upcoming biennium rather than flow into the fund. Senators discussed whether to raise or rename the fund and the implications of keeping more severance-tax revenue in general revenue. The Legislative Budget Board then gave an overview of SB 1 and the budget’s major funding changes. LBB staff explained that the bill is essentially flat at $332.9 billion in all funds, but includes large method-of-finance shifts and major property tax relief. They detailed how prior property tax relief enacted in the 88th Legislature grew from an estimated $18 billion to $22.7 billion because of higher property values and hold-harmless provisions, and said SB 1 continues that relief with a total of $51 billion in ongoing and new property tax support. Members asked extensive questions about the automatic growth in school tax compression, the constitutional homestead exemption, COVID-era federal funding, Medicaid assumptions, and the sunset of the non-homestead circuit breaker. No additional votes or final budget actions were taken beyond adoption of the committee rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• During their training, they often choose a specialty, just like physicians do, in neurology, oncology
• They work alongside physicians and play a critical role in improving comprehensive patient care.
• One is interpreting very complex genetic testing results, helping families and physicians understand
• That investment is already expanding physician education, increasing early screening to prevent life-threatening

Transcript Highlights:

• And then also a very important component of our program is to have the EMS physicians who are medical
• It does also allow us, though, because we write the instructions with the physician approval, we can
• With physician approval, we can kind of really hone in on that.
• Are the parents given login information, and can they share that with the physician then?
• Physician then? No, so actually, and unfortunately, the parents don't have access.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Health and Mental Health met with a quorum and first voted in executive session to give House Bills 2370, 3278, and 1638 due pass, with recorded votes of 13-9, 15-0, and 17-0 respectively. The committee then moved to public testimony on Senate Bill 1015, which would create a court process for assisted outpatient treatment for adults with serious mental illness who cannot voluntarily engage in care and are at risk of deterioration, hospitalization, or harm. Senator Maggie Nuremberg and supporters from the Missouri Behavioral Health Council and the Missouri Association of Public Administrators said the bill would help people stay stable in the community, reduce hospitalization and incarceration, and save costs; there was no opposition testimony. The committee also heard a presentation on the STARS program from SSM Health, which was described as a Missouri-based emergency planning system for medically complex children. Witnesses explained that STARS provides physician-approved, electronic emergency care plans for EMS and emergency departments, with education and quality improvement components, and that it is funded by participating children’s hospitals rather than families or EMS agencies. Members asked about costs, access, and how the program differs from the bill previously discussed by Representative Burns; the witness emphasized that STARS is an EMS program and not the same as the proposed hospital-flagging requirement. House Bill 2903, sponsored by Representative Don Mayhew, would change rules for county and district hospitals to make them more competitive with private hospitals by narrowing Sunshine Law exposure for sensitive business information, adjusting board qualifications, and aligning financial reporting deadlines. Supporters from Phelps Health said the bill would reduce administrative burdens and protect proprietary information, while still preserving public transparency for core financial information. Finally, House Bill 3379, sponsored by Representative David Dolan, would expand and strengthen the employee disqualification list and mandated reporting rules for abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults, including adding certain bank personnel and first responders as reporters and creating penalties for failure to report. DHSS supported the bill, while the Missouri Bankers Association supported the goal but raised concerns about mandatory reporting obligations for bank staff when customer participation in adult day programs may be unknown; the committee took no final action on the public testimony bills before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we'll try to compare Adele therapist, a nurse practitioner, our physician assistant.
• Nurse practitioners and physician assistants have much more extensive comprehensive training.
• And that's what physicians what so to find a patient for. So the majority is still PTSD.
• But how physicians, how and when physicians or Koster pounds or whomever the MP's, how they make decisions
• Did you ever have a diagnosis of that by a licensed physician?

Transcript Highlights:

• And House Bill 195 relating to pharmacists and physician assistants.
• House Bill 195 relating to pharmacists and physician assistants

• Pharmacists, physician associates. Thank you.

• need more providers in rural areas, or in a clinic-based setting where you can work closely with physicians
• As if this veto override happens, I will go from being a physician assistant to a physician associate

Keywords: 905, all

Summary: The Alaska Legislature met in joint session to consider gubernatorial vetoes of five bills. Members first took up House Bill 52 on minors and psychiatric hospitals, with supporters arguing it would improve transparency, family communication, oversight, and reporting around seclusion and restraint in psychiatric facilities. Opponents of the veto cited DOJ findings and media reports about abuses at a North Star facility. The override failed, 36-24, falling short of the 40 votes needed. The joint session then considered Senate Bill 41 on mental health education. Supporters said it would help develop age-appropriate mental health curriculum and could aid suicide prevention, while critics argued it was mischaracterized and did not impose a state takeover of local schools. The veto override failed, 38-22. Members next considered House Bill 314 on architects, engineers, surveyors, and interior designers, focusing on the AELS Board’s continuation and the need for professional oversight during major infrastructure work. That override passed, 45-15. The legislature then voted on Senate Bill 21, the Alaska Work and Save Program, which supporters said would expand retirement savings access for workers and small businesses, including an option to direct PFD funds into retirement accounts. The override failed, 39-21. Finally, House Bill 195 on pharmacists and physician assistants was debated as a health care access measure that would let pharmacists provide more services under a standard-of-care model; supporters said it would reduce costs and improve access, while some members raised concerns about scope and abortion-related issues. The veto override passed, 43-17. The joint session then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chapter 25, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Article 5 relating to the Arizona Regulatory Board of Physician
• Chapter 25, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Article 5 relating to the Arizona Regulatory Board of Physician
• Chapter 25, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Article 5 relating to the Arizona Regulatory Board of Physician
• I can't emphasize the importance of a compact when it comes to the physician assistants and the EMS,
• The importance of a compact when it comes to the physician assistants and the EMS, which will be coming

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that a fair statement? Yes, sir.
• Is that a fair statement? Senator, I believe that to be a fair statement.
• Is that a fair statement? Yeah, that's a fair statement, yes, sir.
• True statement. Yeah.
• Now, ultimately, that project was not awarded grant funding, and I think your statement or the statement

Keywords: flooding, emergency response, communication systems, first responders, disaster management, Texas Water Development Board, regional planning, public safety

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on discussions around the recent floods in Texas, specifically addressing emergency preparedness, response coordination, and recovery efforts. Officials from various agencies provided testimonies on the challenges faced during the emergency, including issues with communication systems among first responders. Notably, the need for improved inter-agency communication and technology integration was emphasized, with recommendations for establishing regional communications units for better coordination during disasters. The audience included local government representatives and emergency management partners, who shared insights and experiences from the recent flooding events.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Roi Derryi, a family physician practicing in Minnesota for more than 13 to 17 years.
• 3,100 family physicians and medical student members across the state.
• Derryi, a family physician practicing in Derryi, a family physician practicing in Minnesota<00:15:06.000
• Minnesota Academy of Family Physician Minnesota Academy of Family Physician representing<00:15:13.680
• As a family physician, I'm committed to protect and promote the health of my patients.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee heard House File 3668, authored by Chair Beerman, which would create a state Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Beerman and several supporters framed gun violence as a public health crisis, arguing the office would improve research, coordination, data collection, and evidence-based prevention. Supporters cited firearm deaths among children and adults, the trauma experienced by survivors and families, and Minnesota’s need for a centralized structure to guide policy and prevention efforts. Testifying in support were representatives of the Minnesota Medical Association, Protect Minnesota, a parent affected by the Annunciation school shooting, family physicians, an OB-GYN, and a pediatric emergency physician. They described gun violence as a daily clinical and community reality, pointed to rising firearm deaths and injuries, and said Minnesota should apply the same public health approach used for motor vehicle safety, tobacco, and other crises. Several witnesses emphasized the impact on children, suicide prevention, maternal health, and the need for Minnesota-specific research and coordinated responses. Opposition came from the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, which argued the bill would create a taxpayer-funded bureaucracy that could be used to advance gun control policy and treat lawful firearm ownership as a public health problem. The group said the state should focus instead on enforcement, prosecution, and victim services. Vice Chair Nidau offered an A2 amendment to move the office from the Department of Health to the Department of Public Safety, citing data-sharing and accountability, but withdrew it after discussion with Chair Beerman. The hearing ended with additional member discussion, including concerns about existing violence-prevention spending and whether school safety investments would be a better use of funds; no final vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:19:39.760> nurse providers, the physicians, the nurse providers, the physicians, the nurse
• introduced that a thousand physicians introduced that a thousand physicians were<00:19:46.880>
• You know, my husband is a physician.
• I know one of the things he physician.
• Um, physicians could be closer together.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'd like to address some of the things that were mentioned in the chief's opening statements about
• see where there may be gaps that we can potentially fill, and I'll echo some of Chief Salazar's statements
• To Chief Carlisle's statement, there certainly is a vast difference between private universities and
• I am a 30-year career practicing emergency medicine physician, and for the last four years I have served
• We'll give you all one minute if you'd like to wrap up and make any final statements.

Summary: The committee held a hearing on active and mass shootings in California, focusing on prevention, response, training, communications, and gaps in preparedness across law enforcement, schools, campuses, fire, EMS, and state agencies. Opening remarks emphasized the frequency and impact of gun violence, the need for faster coordinated response, and the importance of learning from recent tragedies such as the Stockton-area mass shooting described by Sheriff Patrick Withrow. The first panel included representatives from police, sheriff, and campus public safety agencies, who discussed incident command, interoperable communications, next-generation 911, threat assessment, emergency notification systems, and the value of joint drills and cross-agency planning. Witnesses also highlighted differences in training and authority across jurisdictions, especially for private university public safety departments versus public campus police. Campus representatives said they rely heavily on municipal law enforcement for armed response, while also using run-hide-fight protocols, text alerts, surveillance, and threat assessment teams. Members raised concerns about standardized training, after-action reviews, mental health resources, school resource officers, and whether campus safety plans and drills are sufficiently consistent or workable. Sheriff Withrow argued that early intervention and accountability are being weakened by well-intentioned laws, while other witnesses stressed prevention through relationships, diversion, and coordinated support services. The second panel from Cal OES, the Department of Education, POST, and EMSA described statewide systems and standards. Cal OES outlined its Reduce the Risk initiative, gun violence restraining orders, mutual aid, unified command, after-action reporting, and nonprofit security grants. The Department of Education explained California’s statutory school safety framework, annual safety plans, regulated armed assailant drills, and local flexibility, while acknowledging compliance gaps and the need for more mental health support. POST described the new requirement for 16 hours of standardized active shooter training for recruits and ongoing local training options. EMSA explained its role in medical response and terrorism training standards. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So in terms of removing the exemption, it really is more of a statement one way or another, because if
• I think I have a statement from his widow, which I think does a good job of giving some of the background
• I have a statement from his widow, which I think does a good job of giving some of the background and
• There's also another statement that I can read from the sister of John McLean. Okay, please do.
• from the hospital, the ER, transportation, the chiropractor, the hospital, the ER, the doctor, the physicians—every

Bills: HB2495, HB2557, HB2594, HB2615, HB2800, HB2861, HB2862, HB2931, HB2995, HB4042, HB4070, HB4117, HB4136

Keywords: vulnerable adults, sentencing, felonies, criminal justice, enhanced penalties, medical records, patient rights, healthcare access, privacy, healthcare providers, timeliness, address confidentiality, domestic violence, privacy protection, voter registration, court proceedings, parenting time, supervised visitation, family court, high-risk cases

Transcript Highlights:

• I really didn't understand this statement, but as we grew together, those words never...
• I really didn't understand this statement, but as we grew together, those words never left my head.
• I would like to share a statement from a family friend who teaches... That lead them to prison.
• I would like to share a statement from a family friend who teaches many disciplines, including gifted
• and is now an honor student and ambassador at the Mizzou School of Health Sciences pursuing her physician

Keywords: 959, house, all