Video & Transcript Research : 'reading screening'

Page 105 of 500
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Administrative Rules Jun 12th, 2026

Joint Committee on Administrative Rules

Transcript Highlights:
  • Are they, by our statute, able to access just, you know, by reading the statute alone?
  • Let me read that for you. This is talking directly about who can actually.
  • Employment screening, custody dispute.
  • In 2023, SAMHSA said, and I'm going to read it directly, appropriate care coordination requires the CCBHCs
  • And it reads like this: The rule is so arbitrary and capricious as to create such substantial inequity
Summary: The Joint Committee on Administrative Rules met to consider a Missouri Prescription Drug Monitoring Program rule proposal after the Department of Natural Resources withdrew its items. The hearing focused on 1 CSR 60-1.010, which would expand delegate-level PDMP access to additional licensed behavioral health professionals, including licensed clinical social workers, licensed master social workers, marital and family therapists, professional counselors, and psychologists, while also correcting prior rule language involving medical assistants and clinical nurse specialists. Testimony from the PDMP executive director and supporters from Compass Health and the Department of Mental Health argued the change would improve care coordination, medication reconciliation, and safety in multidisciplinary behavioral health settings, especially CCBHCs. They said access would remain limited to licensed professionals working under a prescriber/dispenser relationship, with individual logins and penalties for misuse. Opponents and some committee members raised concerns that the rule would expand access beyond the original statutory framework without legislative change, could be used beyond treatment purposes, and should instead be addressed through statute rather than rulemaking. After public testimony, the committee debated whether the proposal exceeded statutory authority and whether the expansion was too substantive for rulemaking alone. A motion was made to disapprove the rule on grounds including lack of statutory authority, conflict with state law, and arbitrariness. The motion passed by a roll call vote of 7-1, and the committee disapproved Rule 1 CSR 60-1.010 before adjourning.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
  • know if you have it in front of you, but I think it would be helpful if the auditor's office were to read
  • aloud for the record The auditor's office were to read aloud for the record the opening, at least, of
  • Opening statement from the auditor on this to be read into the record? Mr. Chair, we have. Mr.
  • So would you like me to read the entire conclusion or just the first couple of paragraphs, sir?
  • , J-L-A-R-C at L-E-G.WA.gov. ...which is on your screen, J-L-A-R-C at L-E-G.WA.gov, or by mail to P.O
Keywords: 904, all
Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee subcommittee held a hybrid hearing to receive three State Auditor’s Office performance audits. The first audit examined implementation of the Law Enforcement Training and Community Safety Act. Auditors said the Criminal Justice Training Commission had developed most required training, but six community/cultural topics were still unfinished, the patrol tactics curriculum was incomplete in one area, and the agency lacked a systematic project management approach. They reported that most officers had not completed the 40 required hours, with low participation in patrol tactics training, weak communication, limited data to track compliance, and ineffective incentives or consequences. Committee members questioned staffing, liability, and enforcement, and the Commission said it generally agreed with the findings and had begun implementing recommendations, including improving training development and communication. The second audit reviewed Washington’s digital equity planning. Auditors concluded the state lacked a comprehensive, unified digital equity strategy, a designated lead, and reliable funding. They said the existing PEAR/Impact Plan, BEAD five-year plan, and NTIA-approved digital equity plan each addressed parts of the issue but none provided a full statewide framework with clear authority across agencies. The Department of Commerce’s Broadband Office and the Office of Equity said they agreed with the findings and were open to working with the legislature and the Digital Equity Forum on a more structured approach. A public witness described local and regional digital equity planning efforts and emphasized the importance of coordination and community-based work. The third audit focused on Commerce’s management of the Digital Navigator Program. Auditors said Commerce did not consistently use a competitive process, did not adequately vet grantees and subgrantees, wrote contracts that lacked clear deliverables and monitoring requirements, failed to enforce reporting, and paid $10.7 million without sufficient documentation to verify reimbursement eligibility. They said agency staff had raised concerns that were ignored and that some payments and contract expansions occurred despite warnings. Commerce officials said new leadership had already begun major contract-management reforms, including centralized oversight, risk assessments, clearer documentation standards, and staff training, and they said they would pursue recapture where appropriate. Committee members expressed strong concern about accountability, and the hearing ended after public testimony and committee discussion.
WV
Transcript Highlights:
  • Please explain the bill in lieu of having it read. Absolutely.
  • Counsel, would you explain the bill in lieu of having it read? Yes, thank you, Madam Chair.
  • Counsel, would you please explain the bill in lieu of having it read? Absolutely.
  • Well, I mean, at least there's a screening process, you know, through that.
  • Well, I mean, at least there's a screening process, you know, through that.
Keywords: 994, senate, all
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • And obviously, I'm just reading here, but the budget is 38 million.
  • On the screen are the appropriation levels for the agency.
  • It's agency goals and keep No, I can't read that. I need glasses. It's printed off too small.
  • Yeah, I can't read that. I tell you the one we have referring to.
  • Point out the screening super. Grey, right. Good morning, Mr. Chair, Mr. Vice Chairman.
Keywords: 914, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Education Committee Jul 16th, 2025

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • the public are also welcome to provide further comments through our committee website, and let me read
  • to complete a CDE standardized on-site site visit which will now include or expanded to include screening
  • from kindergarten to 12th grade over my 13 years as a virtual educator, but my passion is really reading
  • On a screen? Or see the waves crash? Feel the sand under your feet?
  • make sure it doesn't interfere with Prop 98 the way it's written and as you can imagine but I will read
Keywords: 988, house, all
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity

Transcript Highlights:
  • these insights are then used to feed endless streams of personalized content. ...designed to maximize screen
  • Attention spans are falling while reading and math scores go down.
  • Our cameras record in 4K, our studio hosts podcasts, film screenings, and events, and we have a computer
  • So if you hear a growing voice off-screen, that's just part of the reality so many of us are living.
  • We launched a film production career, and another, excuse me, who's since screened at the Sundance Film
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The committee held its second hearing on a large docket of technology, internet, cybersecurity, broadband, and media bills. Early testimony focused on community media funding legislation, with lawmakers and local access advocates arguing that as cable subscriptions decline and streaming grows, revenue tied to cable franchises no longer supports community television and PEG programming. Supporters said community media remains a key source of local news, government meeting coverage, and civic transparency as newspapers disappear or consolidate. A related bill on cable contract oversight also drew support, with testimony that the Department of Telecommunications and Cable is backlogged and should more actively review municipal-provider agreements and report its workload to the committee. Another major topic was a proposal to create a Massachusetts Innovation Fund for state IT modernization. The Alliance for Digital Innovation backed the bill, saying agencies need flexible upfront capital to replace outdated systems and improve cybersecurity, and pointing to the federal Technology Modernization Fund as a model. The witness noted that funding for the state program still needs to be identified. The committee also heard strong support for a bill requiring free broadband in public housing, with Rep. Emmela Goodwin and MAPC describing internet access as essential for jobs, school, telehealth, and civic participation. They said the digital divide in Massachusetts is driven largely by affordability rather than infrastructure, though questions were raised about costs, wiring, and whether all housing sites already have broadband access available at the curb. A substantial portion of the hearing centered on bills to limit addictive social media feeds for minors. Supporters, including lawmakers, parents, teens, and advocacy groups, argued that algorithmic feeds contribute to addiction, anxiety, body image problems, and other harms, and said the bills would restrict surveillance-based curation and overnight notifications while leaving search and followed accounts available. Opponents, including FIRE, CCIA, and the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, argued the bills would require invasive age verification, threaten privacy and cybersecurity, burden adults’ anonymity, and likely face First Amendment challenges. They also warned the measures could disadvantage smaller businesses and may be unconstitutional based on recent court rulings in other states. The committee also heard support for blockchain-related bills creating a commission, a pilot program, and consumer education efforts, with testimony that Massachusetts has the talent but needs a coordinated state strategy. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Public Health Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am

Joint Committee on Public Health

Transcript Highlights:
  • All I want to do is read to you some of the laws of Massachusetts.
  • I started reading books.
  • Has anybody read that book? Have you seen that book? Anyone? Okay.
  • I recommend you read that book, because after reading that book, guess what? I was for a vaccine.
  • We will read it at Matthew.murphy@ma.senate.gov. Angela.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing on several vaccination-related bills, including proposals to eliminate non-medical or religious exemptions for school immunizations (notably H. 2554 and S. 1557), a bill to require or improve reporting and administration of immunization data and exemptions (described as the Community Immunity Act, S. 1618), and H. 2431, which would prohibit COVID-19, mRNA, or gene-altering vaccine requirements. The committee also heard testimony on H. 2463, which would classify funeral directors as public health workers for vaccine-priority purposes during emergencies. The chair reviewed testimony rules and repeatedly asked speakers to keep comments orderly and brief so the committee could hear as many people as possible. No votes were taken during the hearing. Testimony on H. 2554 and S. 1557 was sharply divided. Pediatricians, infectious disease specialists, public health advocates, and groups such as the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Massachusetts Medical Society, March of Dimes, Massachusetts Families for Vaccines, and several parents supported eliminating religious exemptions, arguing that vaccination protects medically vulnerable children and adults, improves herd immunity, and helps prevent outbreaks of measles, pertussis, and other diseases. They cited local school data showing pockets of lower coverage and incomplete reporting, and several speakers referenced outbreaks in other states and the need for stronger, more consistent reporting and exemption management. Opponents argued the bills would infringe on religious freedom and parental rights, force families to choose between faith and education, and unfairly target a small number of families; some also said Massachusetts already has high vaccination rates and that the real issue is incomplete data or the gap population rather than religious exemptions. H. 2431 drew testimony from supporters who said COVID-era mandates caused job losses, privacy concerns, and harm, and that the bill would prevent future requirements for COVID, mRNA, or gene-altering vaccines in schools, workplaces, and public settings. Supporters described personal experiences with alleged vaccine injury or mandate-related hardship. H. 2463 was supported by the Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association, which argued funeral directors work in infection-facing settings and should be eligible for vaccine priority during public health emergencies. The hearing featured extensive public testimony but no committee action beyond hearing the bills and taking questions from members.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • But I’ll read the remarks first and see what happens.
  • But I’ll read the remarks first and see what happens.
  • Jolie Fisher, Secretary-Treasurer of the Screen Actors Guild, and then Jay J.
  • From the silver screen to home television, videotapes—remember VHS?
  • I mean, I read papers about this in the late '80s and early '90s.
Summary: The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee met with a new membership roster and adopted its committee rules after quorum was established. The hearing then began with AB 412, the AI Copyright Transparency Act, which would require generative AI developers to provide copyright holders notice when registered copyrighted works are used in training data. The author and supporters, including SAG-AFTRA, the Transparency Coalition, voice actors, writers, labor groups, and other creators, argued the bill would give artists a practical way to learn whether their works were used and to vindicate their rights. Opponents, including EFF, CalChamber, RIAA, CCIA, Chamber of Progress, Bay Area Council, BSA, and TechNet, said the proposal was technically unworkable, could burden startups, conflict with existing law and pending litigation, and raise federal preemption concerns. Members discussed the bill’s amendments, including a fingerprinting approach and narrowing the bill to model developers, and the committee voted 8-2 to pass AB 412 as amended to the Judiciary Committee. The committee then heard AB 446, which would prohibit “surveillance pricing,” or the use of personal data to charge different prices for the same product or service. The author and supporters, including Consumer Watchdog, UFCW, labor organizations, and consumer/privacy groups, described examples of differential pricing tied to device type, location, shopping behavior, and digital price tags, and argued the bill would protect consumers from discriminatory and predatory pricing. Business and industry opponents, including CalChamber, grocers, retailers, travel, broadband, and other associations, said the bill could conflict with the CCPA, interfere with loyalty and rewards programs, and create confusion about personalized discounts and dynamic pricing. The discussion focused on how the bill would treat loyalty programs, whether existing privacy law already covers the issue, and whether the proposal would unintentionally affect legitimate discounts and promotions.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (02/18/2026)

Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • I read that into it, and that was agreed.
  • So, you would read the summary >> Right?
  • to this whole committee what I'm reading to this whole committee what I'm reading off<04:44:18.400
  • That's the name of the Apple screen.
  • <05:44:17.280> off after that it shuts the screen off after that it shuts the screen off &
Keywords: 1189, house, all
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Public Health Aug 22nd, 2025

Public Health

Transcript Highlights:
  • They have a screened-in cabin with fans. Screened-in with fans, right? Not air conditioners.
  • Because as I read the bill, it won't be out in the store, right?
  • Okay, you read the box and the box will explain all of those examples.
  • In this case, and I'm reading the language, this talks about statewide.
  • It's almost funny reading the side effects. I've used it fairly often.
Bills: HB 265, HB25
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session Apr 29th, 2026

Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Clerk will read.
  • Clerk will read.
  • Clerk will read. Amendment 1, I move to amend. Amendment 1 by Stanley. Clerk will read.
  • Clerk will read. Amendment 2.
  • Clerk will read. Amendment 1.
Summary: The Senate began with a quorum call, gallery introductions, and extended farewell remarks from Senator Jett, who reflected on his six years in the Legislature, his focus on representing constituents, protecting families, and holding government accountable. Several senators responded with personal tributes, praising his conviction, faith, family involvement, and willingness to ask difficult questions. No votes were taken during the farewell portion. The chamber then considered House Bill 2268, a PACE appropriation to support comprehensive care for low-income seniors and expand services in rural Oklahoma. The bill was amended to restore the title, advanced, and passed 34-9, then passed as an emergency measure 36-7. House Bill 3000, a cosmetology and barbering measure, made multiple changes including board reorganization, adding a human trafficking specialist and massage therapist, shifting some licensing functions to Service Oklahoma, and eliminating the massage therapy advisory board. It drew significant debate over process and policy, especially from senators concerned about late changes, lack of board input, and the human trafficking rationale; it passed 25-19 and then as an emergency 33-11. The Senate also passed House Bill 3043, allowing the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs to hire prorated seasonal staff for veterans homes, 37-6; House Bill 3066, creating a revolving fund for federal workforce training money for behavioral health recruitment and retention, 38-6 and as an emergency; and House Bill 3078, allowing donation options on state payment forms for the ODVA revolving fund, 45-0 and as an emergency. Additional measures passed included House Bill 3143, extending the moratorium on new medical marijuana business licenses to 2028, 39-7; House Bill 3144, capping medical marijuana commercial grower licenses at 2,550 after amendment, 34-12; House Bill 3244 on identity theft, 46-0; House Bill 3298 on child interview procedures in court cases, 46-0 and as an emergency; House Bill 3320, replacing the traditional sunset process with more immediate legislative review of agencies, 33-13 and as an emergency; House Bill 3321, requiring county data collection and reporting related to court costs and financial obligations, 45-0 and as an emergency; House Bill 3329, a trailer bill adding a repealer and a sunset for the Board of Psychological Examiners, 33-10 and as an emergency; House Bill 3431, expanding restrictions on foreign entities owning or leasing land and critical minerals, 43-0; House Bill 3464, setting safety and training requirements for certain projects involving fire code compliance and decommissioning, 43-0 and as an emergency; and House Bill 3499, expanding special judges’ authority over vehicle title orders, which was presented and advanced as the transcript ended.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Senate Floor Session - 05/14/25

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • First reading of House bills. The House files have been given their first reading.
  • secretary will read the report. secretary will read the report.
  • Um, members, if you haven't read it, article 22 makes for some good reading.
  • article 22 makes for some good reading. article 22 makes for some good reading.
  • I was shocked at what I read. I was shocked at what I read.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • access to specialty mental health services, our no wrong door policy for mental health, standardizing screening
  • We now have a list of DHCS-approved youth trauma screening tools that can help practitioners determine
  • We also made updates to our standardized screening and transition of care tools for mental health services
  • Those were to allow practitioners to intervene or override the screening tool direction based on their
  • None of them are for presentation, but take a look if you are interested in reading what they are.
Keywords: 987, senate, all
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Commerce Apr 22nd, 2026

Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • McArthur, can you read it in? Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members.
  • Vigras, can you read it in, please? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
  • Vigras, can you read it in?” “Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
  • Screen options on the phones.
  • Vygress, can you read it in, please? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Summary: The committee first heard HB 1195, which updates Louisiana State Athletic Commission rules for contests and exhibitions, increases certain fines, and changes student athlete agent registration fees and terms. Members adopted technical amendments and one amendment tied to a separate Attorney General/NIL bill. After questions about criminal penalties and whether prison athletic events were covered, the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee then took up HB 798, which would require broadband and cable providers to give clearer written notice of prices, fees, contract terms, and price increases, and to explain cancellation rights. After a technical amendment package and a conceptual amendment clarifying the bill’s scope and severability, the author said the goal was transparency rather than price regulation. Charter Communications and other industry groups opposed the bill as duplicative of federal notice rules and costly; committee members raised concerns about interstate commerce, private rights of action, and whether notice should be on the bill instead of separate. The bill was reported favorably as amended. HB 1140 followed, targeting robocalls and spoofed calls by requiring telecommunications providers to use authentication and mitigation tools, respond to the Attorney General, and stop illegal spoofing, with penalties for violations. Members discussed federal preemption, the 30-day cure period, and whether the bill should include a private right of action; no opposition was recorded, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. HB 1222, creating a grocery initiative grant and support program through LED to address food deserts, also advanced after a committee amendment changed mandatory language to permissive language to avoid a fiscal note/appropriations issue; it was reported favorably as amended. The committee then considered HB 471 on surveillance-based price discrimination, but the author said the bill would be deferred while stakeholders continue working on it. Members adopted a large amendment package narrowing the bill’s focus and adding exemptions for loyalty programs, insurers, and certain discounts, then deferred the bill. HB 947 was also deferred at the author’s request. Finally, HB 1186, a major overhaul of the Louisiana Uniform Construction Code Commission and related inspection/licensing rules, was introduced and a large technical amendment package was presented, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-11 (10:00AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Please read the bill.
  • Please read the bill.
  • Please read the bill.
  • Let's please read the next bill. Please read the next bill.
  • The bill will be read a third time. Please read the bill third time.
Summary: The Florida Senate convened with a quorum, opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, and heard several member introductions recognizing guests, interns, public servants, and a resolution honoring Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza for winning the Heisman Trophy. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar and took up a series of bills, with some measures temporarily postponed and others advanced after brief debate and, in several cases, substitution of House companions for Senate bills. The first major bill passed was CS/CS/HB 355 on health care patient protection, which requires hospitals with emergency departments to have pediatric emergency care policies, training, equipment, and a designated pediatric coordinator; it passed 36-0. The Senate also passed CS/HB 1113 on public records, expanding confidentiality protections for victims and temporarily protecting the name of a law enforcement officer who becomes a victim in the line of duty; it passed 33-4. CS/CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity was amended to place the program under the Florida Digital Service and to adjust grant timing, then passed 37-0. CS/CS/HB 925 on clerks of court passed 38-0 after amendments affecting revenue retention, legal notices, traffic citation distributions, and municipal fee sharing. CS/CS/HB 679 on trademark registration modernization and CS/CS/HB 589 on septic permit timing also passed unanimously. The most extensive debate centered on CS/CS/HB 991 / SB 1334, an elections bill that would use Real ID data to verify citizenship, change voter ID rules, alter candidate qualifying requirements, and revise election administration procedures. Senators offered and debated numerous amendments on documentation fees, senior exemptions, human review versus automated systems, student and retirement-center IDs, and effective dates; most were defeated, though one amendment adding stock-trading disclosure language for candidates was adopted. The bill’s sponsor cited election-crimes reports and specific prosecutions involving non-citizens as justification for the measure, while opponents argued it could disenfranchise eligible voters, especially students and seniors. The transcript ends during continued questioning and debate on that elections bill, before final disposition is shown.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Ways and Means Jan 20th, 2026

Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • Now, you know, one of the things that I have seen reading these, it really doesn't take away a lot of
  • paper, because if it's paper, that sometimes doesn't get transferred into the system to be able to read
  • on the state level to mask the overtaxation on the local level, it's almost just putting a smoke screen
  • on it. ...the local level, it's almost, you know, just putting a smoke screen on it and just hiding
Keywords: 959, house, all
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • So I'm hopeful that they all have read that document prior to today's meeting.
  • questions from the committee about maybe something that you've mentioned, maybe something that they've read
  • DCF screens a lot of things out for us. We were very close.
  • And so there might be some time between that safety screening minimal facts and when the child comes
Summary: The Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee held a panel discussion on Florida’s child protection teams (CPTs), child advocacy centers (CACs), and related state systems. Testimony came from the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Health, a local CAC director, the Florida Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers, a CPT medical lead, and a Jacksonville sheriff’s sergeant. Witnesses described how DCF investigations, CPT medical and forensic services, CAC multidisciplinary coordination, and law enforcement work together to assess abuse allegations, provide interviews and exams, and connect children and families to services. Several speakers highlighted telemedicine, co-location, and Jacksonville’s specialized investigative model as examples of stronger coordination. Committee members focused heavily on communication gaps, staffing shortages, and delays in forensic interviews and medical evaluations. Senators asked about implementation of Jordan’s Law, the timing of DCF and law enforcement notifications, whether law enforcement is always included in decisions about forensic interviews, and how quickly children are seen after a report. DCF and DOH representatives said referrals are generally made within 24 hours and that multidisciplinary staffings are used to share information, but law enforcement described cases where interviews were scheduled weeks out or reports arrived late, creating problems for probable cause and safety decisions. Members also raised concerns about turnover among CPIs and CPT staff, caseloads, and the need for more specialty providers. CAC representatives said the model reduces trauma by bringing services together in one place, but noted uneven access across the state, especially in rural areas and in counties without CACs. They said sustainable funding and workforce development are needed to maintain and expand services, and one speaker noted that some CACs have closed due to funding challenges. DCF said there are about 1,500 CPIs statewide and an average active caseload of about 12 per investigator, while CPTs serve roughly 22,000 to 23,000 children annually. The committee did not take any formal vote or action, but members requested follow-up information on staffing numbers, communication practices, CAC locations, and recommendations for statutory or budget changes. The meeting ended with adjournment.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Jan 14th, 2025

Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security

Transcript Highlights:
  • And again, 48 pumps, sump pumps, water control systems, what we were able to do to read, pumps, some
  • And I hadn't screened the presentation prior.
  • talk helping our impacted communities, 57 of the When you're sitting through this, and I hadn't screened
  • We're trying to use technology to help us get better and faster at using generative AI to help us read
Summary: The committee held its first meeting of the session, with members introducing themselves and expressing support for veterans, military families, first responders, space industry growth, and domestic security. The first presentation was from the Florida Division of Emergency Management on the 2024 hurricane season and recovery efforts. Officials described response and recovery operations for Hurricanes Debbie, Helene, and Milton, including sheltering, meals, water, tarps, power restoration, flood control, debris removal, and public assistance funding. They emphasized that recovery is ongoing, that mitigation and resiliency investments are critical, and that Florida’s shelter space remains in deficit in many counties, especially for special needs populations. Senators asked about improving logistics capacity, technology for grant processing, HOA/private property debris issues, drainage and culvert maintenance, and ways to expand shelter capacity; the witness said more technology, better local coordination, and county-by-county planning would help, while noting limits on state authority over private property and county emergency manager qualifications. Committee members praised FDEM’s response and asked how the Legislature could help, including whether more logistical hubs, pumps, and flood-control equipment were needed. The witness said technology investments could reduce fatigue and improve grant and recovery processing, but that manpower would still be necessary. The committee also discussed the statewide emergency shelter plan, the use of schools as shelters, and the need to identify vacant commercial space and other facilities for future sheltering and special-needs needs. The witness said FDEM works with counties and commerce partners to identify available space and uses legislative funding for shelter retrofits and new construction when needed. The second presentation was from Blue Origin on its Florida operations. The company outlined its work in New Glenn, New Shepard, Blue Ring, lunar landers, and engine production, highlighting its Space Coast presence, more than 3,600 Florida employees, and over $3 billion invested in facilities. Blue Origin also described partnerships with Space Florida, public school Space Academies, internships, SkillBridge, and STEM outreach through Club for the Future. Members asked about the upcoming New Glenn launch window, which the company said was targeted for later that week, and the committee expressed interest in Blue Origin’s role in Florida’s space economy. The meeting ended with no further business and a motion to adjourn, which was adopted.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Health Finance and Policy Committee 4/15/26

Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • The recommendation was to codify the language about newborn screening fee exception.
  • <00:18:00.040> fee language about newborn screening fee language about newborn screening fee
  • First, when reading the exemptions, you'll see that the exemptions conflict with Minnesota's Medicaid
  • Ryherd just read off a number<01:24:39.000> of<01:24:39.080> them.
  • Bailey: Our initial read is that that would be incredibly complex.
Bills: HF4401, HF4466
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • It addresses a gap in our newborn screening system by adding screening for biliary atresia, a rare but
  • This bill requires the Department of Health to incorporate screening for biliary atresia into the existing
  • newborn screening program using the same blood specimen already collected at birth.
  • adding screening for billiary atresia, a rare but life-threatening condition that affects infants in
  • newborn screening program using the same blood specimen already collected at birth.
Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services met with a quorum present and took up several health-related bills. CS/SB 1110, covering Medicaid and insurance coverage for medically necessary orthotics and prosthetics, including activity-specific devices without lifetime or continuous-use caps, received emotional testimony from families and athletes describing high costs and the importance of access for children and adults with disabilities. Members voiced strong support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 1574, which would add biliary atresia screening to the newborn screening program using the existing birth blood specimen. The sponsor and a parent testified that earlier detection could prevent severe liver damage, transplants, and deaths, and the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 794, dealing with background screening for employees at residential facilities and day training programs for people with developmental disabilities and a review of waiver support coordination, was amended to align with the House companion and then reported favorably after testimony emphasizing the importance of strong support coordinators for APD waiver families. Members then considered SB 162, requiring hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies for smoke evacuation systems during procedures that generate surgical smoke. Nurses and other supporters described surgical smoke as a serious occupational hazard, while the Florida Hospital Association said hospitals are already regulated in this area and the bill was somewhat prescriptive; an amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 254, which tightens oversight of nursing education programs, adds preceptorship and provisional licensure pathways for graduates awaiting NCLEX results, and increases transparency and accountability for low-performing programs, drew support from nursing advocates and opposition from private nursing schools concerned about workforce impacts; after amendment, it was reported favorably. Finally, SB 688 to reestablish licensure and regulation of naturopathic doctors in Florida was heard with testimony both supporting expanded health care choices and opposing the bill over safety and scope concerns, and it too was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.