Transcript Highlights:

• the House had a pretty vigorous debate about whether or not these credits should include an income test
• As far as I remember, we lost that debate, and this credit does not have an income test.
• Chair, Madam, the tax credit doesn't have an income test.
• There is no test for income.
• I wonder if it might be time to look closer at an income test.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• we have right now, we are shifting that from $130,000 for an individual and $195,000 on the asset test
• and other things, as you saw, this legislature worked very hard to protect. test and other things.
• We look forward to critical steps to address... ...including Medi-Cal asset tests, dental, and IHSS.
• Also appreciate that the reduction of the Medi-Cal asset test to such an unrealistically low level was
• Also appreciate that the reduction of the Medi-Cal asset test to such an unrealistically low level was

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee met to consider the final three-party agreement for the 2026-27 state budget and 19 implementing bills, including two budget bill juniors and 17 trailer bills. Committee leadership and administration officials described the budget as a balanced plan that reduces out-year structural deficits, maintains large reserves, and makes major investments in health care, education, housing, child care, public safety, and other core services while also responding to expected federal cuts and fiscal uncertainty. The Department of Finance outlined the package’s major components, including Medi-Cal adjustments, education funding increases, higher education changes, child care and human services updates, housing and homelessness funding, energy and transportation provisions, and tax and general government changes. Members asked questions about several provisions, including CSU enrollment targets and turnaround plans, the Prop. 98 settle-up mechanism, the plastics market development payment program, housing accountability measures, NextGen 9-1-1 implementation, and veteran services. Staff and administration witnesses explained that the higher education language is intended to improve campus-by-campus reporting and oversight, that Prop. 98 settle-up would be finalized later through the statutory certification process, and that NextGen 9-1-1 now includes one-time funding, quarterly reporting, an independent technical review, and a state audit. Members also discussed the HAP homelessness funding increase to $900 million and the balance between accountability and timely distribution of funds. The most extended exchange centered on comparisons between funding for veterans and Medi-Cal/immigrant health coverage. Republican members argued the budget spends far more on undocumented immigrant services than on veterans, while Democratic members and Finance staff responded that the comparison was misleading because many veterans’ services are federally funded and the state budget also includes dedicated veteran support. The chair and other members emphasized that the budget reflects difficult tradeoffs and that the package protects vulnerable populations, preserves health care access, and advances affordability. No final vote was described in the excerpt, but members indicated support for the overall package and said they would support it on the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do we ever suggest, like, I mean, every person has to pay to take a test?
• Who sets the cost of those tests? And what role does the private sector play?
• We were already charging for testing fees.
• As far as the testing goes, obviously, it's been a long time since I took a test.
• Have you taken a test? I did not take a test.

Summary: The subcommittee heard and approved four bills focused on reducing or modernizing professional regulation. HB 6015, by Rep. Oliver, repeals the word “reusable” from the wine keg statute to allow businesses more flexibility in container materials; members joked about the possibility of a Home Depot bucket, and the bill passed 16-0. HB 339, by Rep. Abbott, creates an alternative temporary licensure pathway for surveyors and mappers based on employer recommendation and exam passage, but members raised concerns about qualifications, liability, and oversight; Abbott said he was open to amendments, and the bill passed 14-1 with Rep. Overdorf dissenting. HB 139, by Rep. Lopez, allows pawnbrokers to use digital transaction forms instead of only printed forms; a technical amendment added readability and placement requirements for digital forms, and the bill passed unanimously. HB 195, by Rep. Chambliss, lets the Department of Corrections coordinate with DBPR boards so inmates who complete licensure-related classes can receive credit toward professional licensure; supporters framed it as a second-chance and workforce bill, an amendment clarified that DBPR handles professions without boards, and the bill passed favorably 15-0. The committee then received a presentation from DBPR Secretary Melanie Griffin on the department’s role overseeing more than 1.7 million businesses and professionals across over 30 fields. She highlighted enforcement and complaint data, including more than 24,000 inspections and complaints handled in the last fiscal year, a preference for education and voluntary compliance over formal discipline, and the department’s alternative dispute resolution program, which returned $2.7 million to consumers and saved $270,000 in costs. Griffin also reviewed recent deregulatory and efficiency efforts, including endorsement/reciprocity reforms, fee waivers, reduced processing times, and shorter call wait times, and said DBPR is continuing to look for ways to cut red tape while protecting public safety. Members questioned Griffin about permitting, continuing education, complaint processing, board vacancies, fraud in cosmetology and construction, coordination with other agencies, and whether schools can block students from taking state exams over unpaid tuition. DBPR staff said complaints are generally processed within 60 days, schools cannot bar graduates from taking the exam because of tuition debt, and the department works with other agencies when issues cross jurisdictional lines. The panel discussion that followed featured industry representatives from landscape architecture, building/code administration, pools, roofing, construction, HVAC/electrical, and hospitality, who generally supported reducing local permitting burdens, standardizing requirements, improving reciprocity and training pathways, and using technology and clearer scopes of work to make licensure and inspections more efficient.

Transcript Highlights:

• See, you did your homework, you tested, you, you completed the.
• They instead have pivoted to reimagine the current test as it currently is.
• And we can actually design a test that it's the needs of the next 50 years.
• This test was conceived in the 1960s. There's never been another one.
• So, for how many years are you testing?

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• if you go in for a mammogram and the doctor says to you, we see something, you need supplemental testing
• , that you would not have to have a co-pay for that supplemental testing.
• if you go in for a mammogram and the doctor says to you, we see something, you need supplemental testing
• , that you would not have to have a co-pay for that supplemental testing.
• we're doing it is because people often can't afford the next step when you do need the supplemental testing

Summary: The committee first heard SB 932, which would eliminate out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging under state-regulated insurance policies. The sponsor said the bill is intended to reduce delays in follow-up testing after abnormal mammograms and noted support from medical and cancer advocacy groups. Senators Arrington and Sharief spoke in favor, and the bill was reported favorably. Next, the committee considered CS for SB 160 on CPA licensure. The sponsor said the bill adds additional pathways to licensure in Florida without lowering standards and is similar to measures being considered in other states. The Florida Institute of CPAs supported the bill, and it was also reported favorably. The committee then took up a water management district bill, described as a comprehensive measure to increase transparency in planning, funding, budgeting, reporting, and business practices while making historic investments in Everglades restoration. Senators asked about the role of the Legislative Budget Commission and whether the bill would affect the Lake Okeechobee system operating manual; the sponsor said those issues were still being worked through and that the bill was focused on accountability and transparency. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 50 on coastal resiliency and mangroves. The bill promotes nature-based solutions such as mangroves, living seawalls, and oyster reefs, and requires DEP to establish related rules and study effects on flood risk and insurance premiums. An amendment providing $250,000 from the Resilient Florida Trust Fund for a feasibility study was adopted without objection. The bill drew broad support from environmental and coastal groups and was reported favorably. SB 56 on geoengineering and weather modification was temporarily postponed and not heard, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• individual who is with me today to test individual who is with me today to test testify<02:58:48.479
• test test firing<03:17:54.439> uh<03:17:54.800> that<03:17:55.640> uh<03:17:56.080
• wouldn't have errors in the testing is wouldn't have errors in the testing is that<03:21:38.399>
• can either test fire just they can either test fire themselves<03:29:44.880> and<03:29:45.080
• and then we will take care of test and then we will take care of test firing<03:29:50.000> it

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• DNA testing proved that neither Gary nor Michael committed the murder.
• He was willing to submit to regular COVID-19 testing.
• This vaccine was only tested for three months.
• Maybe test for you. Questions? Seeing none. What, Christina Rice?
• Most of the Lyme sufferers never test positive.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing began with opening remarks from the House and Senate chairs outlining procedures for a large public hearing with more than 100 witnesses on 64 legislative proposals. They explained time limits, rules for in-person and virtual testimony, written testimony procedures, and the committee’s reporting deadline. Testimony then moved through a series of juvenile justice, child protection, and civil liberties bills, with witnesses generally urging favorable reports or, in one case, opposing expanded juvenile court transparency and child advocate access to records. Several witnesses supported bills aimed at juvenile justice reform. Representative Hendricks backed H. 1744 to prevent child labor exploitation and trafficking, citing federal findings of child labor in seafood processing and calling for stronger penalties and a ban on minors working in such facilities. Senator Gomez supported S. 1131 and S. 1121 to reduce juvenile fees, fines, restitution burdens, and bail-related costs, arguing they worsen racial and economic disparities. Senator Crean and other advocates supported S. 1051/H. 1695 to expand juvenile diversion eligibility, while multiple witnesses from juvenile justice and immigrant advocacy groups supported H. 1657/S. 1058 to expand juvenile expungement and to limit sharing juvenile fingerprints with federal authorities, describing recent ICE detentions of Chelsea students and the resulting fear in immigrant communities. Witnesses also supported H. 1918/S. 1240 to narrow the youthful offender statute, raising the minimum age and reducing mandatory adult-style penalties for youth. The committee also heard testimony on child safety and bodily autonomy bills. Middlesex District Attorney Marion Ryan supported H. 1752 to protect children left in extreme temperatures, explaining it would create civil penalties, allow emergency responders to remove children from cars without liability, and add criminal penalties when serious injury results. Representative Thurber and Senator O’Connor testified for H. 2011/S. 1227, a bill prohibiting coercion or mandates for health-related interventions, including vaccinations, and allowing legal remedies for violations. Senator Jalen supported S. 1136/H. 1847 to prevent false confessions by requiring recording of interrogations and banning deceptive tactics, and several innocence-project and legal-services witnesses described wrongful convictions tied to false confessions and coercive interrogations. Another major topic was H. 1626, which would require age verification for pornographic content and launch an education campaign about online sexual exploitation; Representative Cruz and survivor Udoz Wallace testified in support, describing nonconsensual image sharing and deepfake harms. Not all testimony was supportive. The Committee for Public Counsel Services opposed S. 1035, which would increase transparency in juvenile court proceedings, and H. 1689, which would expand the child advocate’s access to confidential juvenile records, arguing both would undermine privacy and trauma-informed protections for children and families. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided; the session consisted of opening remarks and public testimony on the listed bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• She has gone through the required test, and every time she's submitted, she's had a new test that has
• she's submitted she's had a new test she's submitted she's had a new test that<00:35:19.520>
• <00:35:23.920> being instead of all of those tests being instead of all of those tests being
• They have been revoked, and they passed every test.
• I revoked and they passed every test.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its June 3 meeting and received an opening update on transportation revenues. Leadership noted that the gas tax formula dropped 4.1 cents on July 1, reducing road fund revenue by about $125 million, and warned that city, county, rural, and secondary road funding will be affected. The chair said the committee would likely have to be selective about transportation project requests given the reduced revenue outlook. The main presentation was an update on the I-69 bridge project. Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials said the project is the missing link in the Henderson-Evansville corridor and is being delivered in three sections, with Kentucky leading section two. They said section two is a $933 million project, with Kentucky’s share described as $58 million and the balance Indiana’s, and that toll revenue will be used to finance the project through a TIFIA loan and Garvey bonds. Officials said Kentucky and Indiana have executed an agreement under House Bill 546 to use tolls, are working on a broader bi-state development agreement, and will ask the General Assembly next session to carry forward $150 million in general funds without conditions and to ratify the agreement. Members asked about the timeline, toll sharing, whether tolls would sunset, and whether US 41 bridges would remain open for local traffic; officials said construction is planned for 2027, tolling would begin in 2031, toll revenue would be shared 50/50, and at least one US 41 bridge would remain open for local use. The committee then heard a combined update from the Department of Vehicle Regulation and the Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing on implementation of several recent changes. Officials reported that the new registration category for special-purpose vehicles is fully operational statewide, with all counties enrolled and 292 vehicles processed so far; they also said counties received at least five plates each and that the program is permissive, not mandatory. They described implementation of Senate Bill 43’s medical review board reforms and third-party driver’s license issuance framework, saying the medical review process has been updated and that third-party partners may eventually handle easier transactions such as renewals, name changes, and address changes, while initial issuances would remain at KYTC regional offices. They also reported that the sheriff’s inspection process has been integrated into CAVIS, reducing paperwork and fraud and improving tracking. Members asked about communication to counties and cities with differing local rules, the number of counties participating, and how to coordinate multiple policy changes; officials said all counties are enrolled, though not all have submitted applications, and that they are still finalizing the scope of third-party services.

Transcript Highlights:

• Appointments, tests, and months... Every step of the way. Appointments, tests, and medications.
• We are both self-employed, and insurance didn't cover the testing and treatment that we needed.
• Two, testing braid hair or weave hair to determine whether or not there was any other kind of coating
• But they do have to test and do an inspection because once the prohibition comes down, then a retail
• Samquas, committee counsel, the bill as written only applies, only provides for the testing of these

Bills: AB52, AB76, AB163, AB388, AB483

Keywords: health insurance, claims process, insurance regulation, admin penalties, healthcare access, cannabis, cannabis establishment, medical cannabis, adult-use cannabis, advertising regulations, packaging requirements, unlicensed cannabis activities, state prosecution, confidentiality, Cannabis Compliance Board, disciplinary proceedings, mental health, counseling, interstate practice, telehealth

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, this I think was the first major test of our ability to work together under this power-sharing
• agreement, and I'm really pleased that we passed that test and delivered a budget resolution on time
• agreement, and I'm really pleased that we passed that test and delivered a budget resolution on time
• > You know, this I think was the first You know, this I think was the first major<00:09:25.200> test
• and delivered um a we passed that test and delivered um a uh<00:09:34.240> budget<00:09:34.680

Bills: HF601

Keywords: agriculture, depredation compensation, livestock, crop damage, elk, wolves, wildlife management, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• talking about harmful content as already defined in the penal code, which has to pass a three-pronged test
• That three-part test is also a subjective test based on community standards. say that it is somewhat
• Let's walk through the three-part test and see how that fits. Can you read back test number one?
• But, you know. as defined in Supreme Court precedent, I don't believe that that would meet the test for
• We don't want our teachers to suddenly be subjected to lawsuits, subjective tests.

Bills: HB14, HB 106, HB146, HB267, HB274, HB 1127, HB1359, HB1393, HB1584, HB1640, HB1710, HB2152, HCR101, HJR8, HR51

Keywords: nuclear energy, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, HB 106, oil and gas, Railroad Commission of Texas, overhead electrical lines, electrical distribution system, power line maintenance, administrative penalty, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas lease, well operator, energy safety, utility infrastructure, regulatory compliance, cleanup fund, oil and gas regulation and cleanup fund

Transcript Highlights:

• That's exactly why I'm just looking at the test.
• Take the test, and if they pass, they pass; if they don't, they don't.
• I also know that there were people passing around tests before.
• So just because you necessarily pass a test doesn't mean you actually can do the test.
• My nurse practitioner sent all of my results of all of the tests to him. Thank you.

Bills: HB35, HB4490, HB4454, HB2188, HB3078, HB4743, HB2556, HB46, HB5342, HB4783, HB3785, HB5278, HB1639, HB2581, HB4224, HB4070, HB4099, HB4882, HB3794, HB46

Keywords: peer support, first responders, mental health, confidentiality, emergency services, disclosure, next of kin, public information, deceased persons, privacy rights, patient solicitation, marketing practices, healthcare regulation, task force, deceptive advertising, nurse aide, certification, Texas Board of Nursing, healthcare workforce, nursing standards

Transcript Highlights:

• , okay, licensed social worker test is too high a bar?
• <00:10:57.279> okay worker uh professional test okay worker uh professional test okay licensed
• <00:10:58.079> social<00:10:58.360> worker<00:10:58.760> test<00:10:59.560> is
• I do not have unable to pass the test I do not have that<00:11:15.120> data<00:11:15.560>
• it's an academic test or practical skills test, that would actually just be more relevant to what people

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee hearing focused on House Bill 271, which would remove the exam requirement for licensure as a Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA). The chair and several members expressed reservations about repealing a requirement that was only created in 2021, arguing that licensure should include some measurable demonstration of competency and that it is too early to judge whether the current standard is working. Members also raised concerns about the social work compact and the lack of uniformity across states, saying that changing the requirement now could undermine the standards New Hampshire agreed to at the outset. Testimony in support of the bill argued that the LSWA exam is a barrier for applicants because the level is intended for people without formal social work education, and the exam is the same national exam used for licensed social workers. The witness said there is only one LSWA in New Hampshire, so there is little pass/fail data, but noted that the Association of Social Worker Boards reported 78% of its membership favored retaining the exam. Supporters also emphasized that LSWA holders complete 30 hours of training and extensive supervised hours, and that they are not intended to work independently. Opponents or skeptics questioned whether the exam is the right measure for this role and asked for data showing actual failures or barriers. The discussion turned to possible alternatives, including a different exam, a practical skills assessment, or broader rulemaking authority for the board to set LSWA criteria. One suggestion was to amend the law to give the board authority to develop appropriate standards in rulemaking, rather than naming a specific exam in statute. Members also discussed whether the board could create a more suitable assessment and noted that the current law requires a national proctored examination approved by the board, but there is no national exam specifically for LSWA. No final vote or action was taken in the excerpt, and the subcommittee indicated it would gather more information, including the existing rule language, before moving the bill forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• This system stands and has been proven and stood the test of time, and it is audited.
• This system stands and has been proven and stood the test of time, and it is audited.
• This system stands and has been proven and stood the test of time, and it is audited.
• This system stands and has been proven and stood the test of time, and it is audited.
• opportunity for this opportunity to test opportunity for this opportunity to test thank<00:34:59.119

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on January 29, 2025, and heard testimony on HB 108, which concerns intoxicating liquor and would expand direct-to-consumer shipping for beer and spirits. Supporters included representatives of Koloa Rum Company, Maui Brewing Company, and Ola Brew, who argued the bill would modernize alcohol laws, help small local producers compete, support jobs and local agriculture, and give consumers more access to Hawaii-made products. They also said Hawaii already has experience regulating direct wine shipments, with age verification and carrier-based delivery systems in place, and that direct shipping could help businesses reach visitors after they return home and diversify beyond tourism. Opposition came from the Hawaii Public Health Institute, whose representative said the bill could increase access for underage drinking, especially because liquor commissions do not currently conduct compliance checks on alcohol shipments and may lack capacity to do so. The group also raised tax-enforcement concerns, saying the existing three-tier system makes excise and sales tax collection easier, while direct shipping would require additional auditing. They urged the committee to oppose the bill or defer it until more research is done, and suggested a common carrier reporting requirement to help reconcile shipments. Committee members questioned both sides about whether current law already allows some alcohol shipments, whether a Kentucky distiller could ship directly to Hawaii, and how reciprocity with other states would work. Supporters said the bill is modeled on wine-shipping language and could be amended to clarify reciprocity, while opponents said the bill lacks a common carrier reporting requirement and would place a burden on county liquor commissions. No vote or final action on HB 108 was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to view the case test, and we're going to view the budget. Okay.
• We see they're passing all these tests. That's what we expect to see.
• We're going to view the case test, and we're going to view the budget. Okay.
• We see they're passing all these tests. That's what we expect to see.
• After the vendor is selected, what will the process for beta testing and testing include?

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• How much does it cost to do this literally 10-second test? It's very cheap.
• of those tests and drugs.
• The lab running the tests will still be expecting their money.
• The test to the radiology is about a tenth of that.
• Get the test positive.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:17.120> this<00:10:17.360> test<00:10:17.760> to<00:10:18.079> all
• <00:10:19.120> uh<00:10:19.360> law able to provide this test to all uh law able to
• provide this test to all uh law enforcement<00:10:20.079> entities<00:10:21.040> in<00
• <00:10:36.959> Um, test. also standardized questions.
• Um, test. also standardized questions.

Bills: HB0032

Keywords: English proficiency, commercial drivers, vehicle operation, traffic safety, penalties, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is now required for every athlete to be tested for sickle cell, whether it be basketball, football
• "Aren't all babies tested, right?" >> Aren't all babies tested, right?
• >> So, all babies are tested. That was started back in 1987. Actually, Alabama led the way.
• We're the very first state to start testing for sickle cell. >> So, why would athletes need to because
• have sickle cell trait and you see urine in your blood, you should be going to your doctor to be tested

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• tested positive for at least one drug.
• And 67% of the population tested positive for two or more substances.
• And then when you break that down a little more and you look at that, 7,455 that tested positive, 48%
• So can you tell me what percentage of the population is testing positive for substance use?
• percent of those of that number that was tested that tested positive for substance abuse.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are just concerned that we have students who are taking a tech-use test, not a test of academic
• Fourth-grade tests, their paper-pencil tests, to still have the option to do so.
• In Colorado, third- and fourth-grade students take the English CMAS test, the math CMAS test, and in
• Math CMAS test, and in fourth grade also the social studies CMAS test.
• And studies show that those who take online tests score generally lower than those taking paper tests

Keywords: 981, all