Transcript Highlights:

• not a whole lot of uh cost Associated not a whole lot of uh cost Associated but<00:56:05.520>
• Jason Stock from the Timberland Owners Association is next.
• <01:27:11.119> person<01:27:11.400> who have an administrative person who have an administrative
• <01:37:04.400> each veterans benefits Administration each veterans benefits Administration
• <01:37:38.280> the since in fact in the administration the since in fact in the administration

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• APICA stands for the Asian Pacific Islander Capital Association.
• Charles Moran is Associate Administrator...
• Charles Moran is Associate Administrator for External Affairs in the Energy Department.
• She founded the Loma LGBTQIA-plus Alumni and Allies Association.
• Korea Alliance Association. And Paul Cho, I don't see him.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I represent the Transportation Association of Massachusetts.
• I represent the Transportation Association of Massachusetts.
• Trucks deliver approximately 93% close to 300 members of our association.
• I have found common ground with the federal administration, with this federal administration.
• Sean Collins, Sean from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. Yes, good afternoon.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on 36 bills covering aviation, commercial vehicles, school buses, veterans license plates, and related transportation issues. Chair Jim Arciero and Senate Chair Brendan Crighton outlined the hearing procedures, then the committee heard testimony on a range of measures, including a bill to modernize alternative student transportation for vulnerable students such as those covered by McKinney-Vento, foster children, and students with disabilities; a bill on unmanned aerial systems that would define drones and restrict weaponization, interference with aircraft, and certain surveillance; and a bill addressing airplane noise and reporting at Beverly Regional Airport. Supporters of the student transportation bill argued it would update outdated school bus requirements while preserving safety standards, while drone-related testimony was split between sponsors and public safety advocates who supported stronger restrictions and industry representatives who warned the bills could conflict with federal law and harm legitimate commercial uses. The committee also heard testimony on workforce and school transportation bills. Representatives and industry witnesses supported a proposal to create a grant program and career outreach for the trucking industry, citing a persistent driver shortage and the importance of trucking to the state’s economy. Teamsters Local 170 supported a bill to ease unemployment job-search requirements for school bus drivers and monitors who are expected to return to work within a short period, saying the current rules create unnecessary burdens during summer layoffs. Another school transportation bill would create an under-the-hood exception for CDL licensing of school bus drivers; several chiropractors testified in support, saying they already perform DOT-style exams and should be explicitly authorized to do school bus driver medical certifications. Veterans-related testimony focused on license plate and disability-definition bills. Advocates supported a Medal of Fidelity license plate for Gold Star families and a separate bill to create an air medal plate. The Office of the Veteran Advocate testified in favor of revising the state’s definition of disabled veteran for RMV purposes, arguing the current language is tied to special monthly compensation categories and does not adequately reflect modern service-connected disabilities, including invisible wounds. The American Legion also urged clarification of the definition, while opposing a separate women veterans plate on the grounds that it could divide veterans unnecessarily. The committee took no votes during the hearing and ended with a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• It provides an Administrative Procedures Act exemption for $2 million General Fund for the FARMER program
• Existing FARMER funding has an exemption from the Administrative Procedures Act already, so the California
• Yes, and this body, as well as the administration, has prioritized access to health care.
• my statement regarding the 12 million versus 15 million, that 3 million caseload increase is not associated
• support of the provisions of SB and AB 100 that allow for the backfill of the property tax losses associated

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee held an informational hearing on SB 100/AB 100, the early action budget bills, with a focus on Medi-Cal funding, wildfire recovery, and several smaller budget adjustments. The Department of Finance explained that the bill would add $2.8 billion General Fund and $8.3 billion federal funds for Medi-Cal, along with other items including wildfire-related local assistance for Los Angeles County, property tax backfills for fire-damaged local agencies, Cal OES wildfire monitoring authority, nonprofit security grants, the Property Tax Postponement Fund, FARMER and Clean Cars for All funding, foster family home insurance claims, Proposition 98 technical assistance for LA wildfire-impacted schools, teacher credentialing authority, and Proposition 4 climate bond appropriations for wildfire and forest resilience projects. Much of the member discussion centered on rising Medi-Cal costs, the recent $3.4 billion cash-flow loan, and whether the new appropriation would cover payments through June. Finance said the new funds were for program costs and cash flow, not repayment of the loan, and that no additional loan authority remained. Members also debated the causes of higher Medi-Cal spending, including expanded eligibility, higher enrollment, pharmacy costs, and federal policy changes. The LAO noted that forecasting errors are not unusual but that current revisions are somewhat higher than typical, though not unprecedented. Several members emphasized that Medi-Cal supports access to care and hospital stability, while others raised concerns about sustainability and future federal cuts. Public commenters largely supported the bill, especially the Medi-Cal funding and wildfire-related provisions. Health and labor advocates argued that the program is functioning as intended by covering more low-income Californians and preventing uncompensated care. Representatives of special districts and the Altadena Library District supported the property tax backfill provisions tied to the Eaton fire. The hearing ended without a vote, with the chair noting that the committee would adjourn for floor session and that the Assembly would vote on one of the early action bills later that morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• the paramedic association?
• and perhaps one from the association and perhaps one from the paramedic<00:29:19.679> association
• associated with this? associated with this?
• >> New Hampshire Paramedic Association. >> New Hampshire Paramedic Association.
• . associates. associates.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then further to the administrative offices of the courts to help deal with adjudication of the senior
• Goes off to the Office of the State Engineer and further then to the administrative offices of the courts
• It's been a while since we've had any drama associated with that.
• They're not just doing a preliminary engineering report; they're likely doing a lot of Administrative
• There's a whole range of costs associated with wastewater. Facilities can vary widely.

Transcript Highlights:

• What this bill accomplishes, it revises civil and administrative penalty criteria.
• I'm with the Texas Hospital Association and I'm here on behalf of our members.
• Blake Hudson with Texas Association of Health Plans here testifying on the bill.
• Close to this, they've had really high administrative costs.
• I represent the Texas Association of Business Administrators but also myself.

Bills: SB437, SB528, SB626, SB636, SB884, SB968, SB1044, SB1608, SB2336

Keywords: healthcare, training, abuse, neglect, penalties, chemical dependency, safety, regulation, inpatient competency restoration, competency restoration, forensic mental health, mental health law, criminal competency, incompetent to stand trial, Chapter 46B, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission, state hospital, behavioral health, local mental health authority

Transcript Highlights:

• Josh Mosel, on behalf of the Association for the Chronically Mentally Ill.
• I'm also on the board of the Association for the Chronically Mentally Ill.
• I'm also on the board of the Association for the Chronically Mentally Ill.
• ... ...designation in Arizona have some diagnoses associated with that.
• The 12 calls at the school were social workers or administrators.

Bills: SB1095, SB1127, SB1170, SB1208, SB1211, SB1237, SB1239, SB1240, SB1243, SB1244, SB1259, SB1283

Keywords: gender transition, minors, irreversible surgery, health professionals, puberty-blocking drugs, medical procedures, prohibition, Arizona Revised Statutes, reporting abuse, child neglect, mandatory reporting, child safety, medical treatment, faith exemptions, penalties, narcotic drugs, fentanyl, sentencing, drug offenses, juvenile justice

Transcript Highlights:

• And then I went to the State Board of Administration."
• And then I went to the State Board of Administration and worked out there for a while.
• I’ve worked at the association level as well, and a dozen years in state government.
• The Education Market Association, which was founded in 1916, functions as a nonprofit trade association
• “My association with UNF: I remember when it opened. I was in my early teens.

Summary: The committee first heard a confirmation from UCF trustee reappointee Mr. Christie, who described his background in medical devices and prior board service and said he wanted to help UCF strengthen its financial foundation, workforce alignment, and engineering and technology pipeline. Members asked about UCF’s direction, and he emphasized the university’s role in producing engineers and supporting Florida’s space and technology sectors. The committee then moved to the higher education budget for fiscal year 2025-26, which was presented as an $11.5 billion total budget including local funds and focused heavily on workforce education, nursing, agriculture technology, tutoring, student aid, and university initiatives. Chair Harrell highlighted increases for school district workforce education, Florida College System operations, career and technical education grants, the GATE program, nursing education through USF’s Florida Center for Nursing, UF/IFAS rural and agricultural programs, UCF’s Community School Grant Program, UF’s literacy and tutoring initiatives, autism and neurodevelopment services, full funding for major scholarship programs, and $250 million for state universities through the Board of Governors. Senator Davis asked about line grant flexibility, and Harrell said a conforming bill would address the details. The budget proposal was adopted as a recommendation to the full Appropriations Committee, with staff authorized to make technical corrections. The committee then took up a series of confirmations, beginning with Florida State University reappointee Peter Collins, who emphasized his long FSU ties, leadership on the board, and goal of keeping FSU on a path toward top-10 status and AAU membership. Rebecca Matthews, a new University of West Florida appointee, discussed her education-related volunteer work, Florida Education Foundation service, and interest in supporting UWF’s continued excellence; senators questioned her on Title IX and she said she would support student protections and compliance. Rachel Moyah, another UWF appointee, highlighted her education, school board experience, and priorities of student safety, fiscal discipline, and workforce readiness; she also said she would comply with Title IX and other applicable rules. Ashley Ross, also nominated to UWF, said she would focus on university advancement, military ties, cybersecurity, civil engineering, and strong governance, and agreed that Title IX protections should be preserved and advanced. The most extensive questioning came during the confirmation of Adam Kessel, a UWF appointee and Heritage Foundation fellow, who was asked about prior writings on privatizing public universities, his comments about the GI Bill, and his views on free speech and Project 2025. Kessel said he did not recommend privatizing Florida universities, clarified that his comments about the GI Bill and over-enrollment were about broader higher education policy, and said he supports veterans and the GI Bill. He described his higher education work as focused on civic education, accreditation, student success, tenure, and free speech, and said trustees should improve campus culture through policies, training, and institutional neutrality. Public testimony on UWF was sharply divided: former UWF leaders and community members warned that the new slate of trustees and their vote to make Scott Yenor chair had chilled donations, enrollment, and community trust, while a James Madison Institute representative praised Kessel’s scholarship and thoughtful approach. The committee also heard from FAMU reappointment Belvin Perry, who cited his judicial career and board service and said his goal is to support student success, retain strong faculty and staff, and help FAMU continue rising in national standing. Finally, the committee began hearing from remote appointees, including UCF nominee Mark Philburn, who emphasized his construction, affordable housing, and higher education board experience, and FSU nominee Peter Jones, who described his finance and investment background and long service to FSU boards and committees. The last nominee heard before the transcript ended was Florida Gulf Coast appointee Paul Applegarth, whose audio issues delayed his remarks; he began by noting his prior federal confirmation, military service, and GI Bill-supported education.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next I have Catherine Webb from American Property Casualty Insurance Association.
• Kristen Dobson, Florida Hospital Association, wishing to appear in person.
• Kristen Dobson, Florida Hospital Association, wishing to appear in person. Good afternoon.
• First of all, there's an administrative process.
• Adam Bassford with Associated Industries of Florida.

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met to consider HB 6003, a bill to repeal Florida’s “free kill” law that limits certain survivors’ ability to recover non-economic damages in medical negligence wrongful death cases. The sponsor, Rep. Trabulsy, said the bill would restore access to the courts for a small class of families and noted the measure passed both chambers last year before being vetoed by the governor. She and supporters framed the bill as a fairness and constitutional issue, while opponents argued repeal would increase malpractice exposure, insurance costs, and pressure on physician access, especially in high-risk specialties and rural areas. Public testimony was sharply divided. Supporters included family members who described deaths they said were caused by medical negligence and who argued the current law denies accountability and equal treatment based on marital status or whether a decedent had minor children. Opponents included the Florida Hospital Association, Florida Medical Association, Florida Chamber, U.S. Chamber, Florida Insurance Council, and other health care and business groups, who warned that repeal could worsen already high malpractice premiums, contribute to physician shortages, and destabilize access to care. Several speakers on both sides discussed possible caps on non-economic damages as a compromise, though the bill itself was presented as a clean repealer with no amendments. During debate, several members spoke in support, emphasizing equal access to the courts and rejecting the idea that the law should treat some families differently from others. Opponents of the bill argued that the current system helps preserve market stability and that liability concerns, not the free kill law, are driving provider departures. After closing remarks from the sponsor, the committee voted 15 yeas and 1 nay to report HB 6003 favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• , Hawaii Financial Services Association, Hawaii Financial Services Association, and<00:58:28.079>
• Uh, we also have Stephanie Donoho, administrative director for Kohala Coast Resort Association, offering
• Uh, we also have Stephanie Donoho, administrative director for Kohala Coast Resort Association, offering
• Uh, we also have Stephanie Donoho, administrative director for Kohala Coast Resort Association, offering
• Uh, we also have Stephanie Donoho, administrative director for Kohala Coast Resort Association, offering

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on several personnel and employment bills. SB 2119 would require the state or counties to reimburse public officers and employees for approved work-related travel costs within 30 days; testifiers from the State Procurement Office, UPW, HGA, the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly, and others supported the measure, citing delayed reimbursements. SB 3131 would update state position titles by changing “private secretary” to “executive assistant” and “secretary” to “administrative assistant” where applicable, and it drew support from DEED and comments from the State Librarian. SB 3069 would permanently exempt a limited number of specialized positions in DAGS Public Works and the Comptroller’s office from civil service; DAGS, HCDA, and DEED supported it, while UPW opposed it. Committee members questioned whether the exemption should be narrower and whether the positions should be consultants or actual employees, and DAGS said the roles were narrowly tailored, highly specialized, and intended to help manage complex projects such as Aloha Stadium, the convention center, and other major redevelopment work. The committee then heard SB 3180, which would repeal the limit on temporary employment in a single position for two 89-day terms. Testimony included support from the Procurement Office, DOE, DHRD, the State Librarian in opposition, UPW written comments, HGA, the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii, and others. Discussion focused on whether the bill was needed to address abuse of repeated 89-day hires and whether it would affect recruitment and career pathways. Finally, SB 2137 would allow departments, divisions, and agencies to assume hiring and recruitment functions from DHRD under certain conditions. DHRD opposed the bill, saying existing law already allows delegation and that agency-level recruitment often lacks the expertise and staffing to do the work; UHPA supported it, and UPW submitted written support. In questioning, DHRD said it had reduced backlog and was now current on screening, while also offering programs like Operation Hire Hawaii for faster agency-led recruitment.

Transcript Highlights:

• , Families for Vaccines, Arizona Academy of Family Physicians, Arizona Medical Association, Chapter of
• American Academy of Pediatrics, Pharmacy Association, School Nurses Association, Maricopa County Medical
• And I would just like to tell the Trump administration to stop it, open up the... ...the Trump administration
• And this administration is doing nothing, absolutely nothing, to lower costs.
• And this administration is doing nothing, absolutely nothing, to lower costs.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is my belief, and the belief of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, that we can never It is my belief
• , and the belief of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, that we can never do enough to honor our fallen
• He was president for a long time of the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association and also a proud member
• He was president for a long time of the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association and also a proud member
• We are also a member of a specialized carrier and rigging association.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on 31 bills covering driver privacy and data, distinctive license plates, public awareness signage, railroad safety, superload permitting, TNC/delivery data reporting, and MBTA safety measures. Chairs Jim Arciero and Brendan Crighton outlined the hearing process, and the committee heard testimony from state officials, advocates, family members of fallen officers and firefighters, transportation industry representatives, civil liberties groups, and others. No votes were taken during the hearing itself, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn. Several speakers supported bills creating a Blue Star Family license plate to honor families of fallen law enforcement officers, and a separate motorcycle plate for fallen firefighters. Colonel Jeffrey Noble and others from the Healey-Driscoll Administration and law enforcement groups said the plates would complement existing memorial practices and provide a lasting public tribute. Family members of officers killed in the line of duty gave emotional testimony in support, and Representative Steve Ultrino and Paul Jakes backed the firefighter memorial motorcycle plate as revenue-neutral, with proceeds supporting the fallen firefighter memorial. The committee also heard testimony on transportation policy and safety bills. Industry witnesses urged modernization of Massachusetts superload permitting rules, saying current requirements are slower and more expensive than neighboring states and delay public projects. Advocates supported a human trafficking awareness bill requiring hotline signage in transit facilities, a driver privacy bill limiting automatic license plate reader data retention and sharing, and a bill requiring two-person crews on freight trains and other railroad safety measures such as hotbox detectors and transportation for railroad employees. Senator John Keenan also testified for expanded naloxone availability in MBTA stations and said the MBTA had not fully complied with prior legislative directives.

Transcript Highlights:

• the motor vehicle account shortfall this year is not unreasonable, but it does have trade-offs associated
• And pointed out by the administration, everybody knows we've got this problem.
• I want to associate with my colleague.
• So really, to the administration: can you provide the rationale for including this?
• Chair and members, Michael Pimdell here with the California Transit Association.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Richard Markson for the Western Electrical Contractors Association.
• Special Districts Association to testify in support of the bill.
• Marcus Detweiler with the California Special Districts Association, CSDA.
• Pat Mrand of the Retired Public Employees Association supports the bill.
• Pat Mrand of the Retired Public Employees Association supports the bill.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government met to hear a long agenda of local government, housing, labor, and transparency bills. The committee first adopted the consent calendar for SB 1187 and SB 1388, then heard SB 983, which would authorize the Port of San Diego to use job order contracting for repairs and repetitive maintenance work. Supporters said the bill would speed emergency and small repairs and reduce costs, while opponents raised concerns about construction definitions and project labor agreement language. The bill was ultimately moved forward on a 2-2 vote after discussion of amendments and labor negotiations, and later the committee’s final roll call showed it passing out on a 5-2 vote. The committee also heard SB 1256, aimed at limiting duplicative litigation over a San Diego County housing project, and SB 992, which would make permanent and expand a small special-district audit flexibility by raising the revenue threshold from $150,000 to $250,000. SB 1256 drew support from the author and project counsel, who argued the project had already been litigated and was delaying needed housing, while opponents said the bill would interfere with wildfire and subdivision-map review. SB 992 had support from county auditors and special districts, with no opposition, and was approved 5-0. SB 1115, addressing governance failures at the Tulare County Public Cemetery District by allowing county supervisors to remove an individual trustee for cause, also passed unanimously after testimony describing serious dysfunction and opposition from the California Special Districts Association. The committee then took up SB 1193, which would impose transparency and approval requirements on Alameda County discretionary funding to nonprofits and other entities. The author and supporters described the bill as a response to grand jury findings and alleged conflicts of interest, while Alameda County argued its current process is already transparent and that the bill would add burdens and could harm services. After amendments and discussion, the bill passed 5-0. SB 1383, a density bonus law bill clarifying that local labor standards cannot be waived through density bonus concessions, was supported by labor groups and moved forward despite no opposition, with the final roll call showing it passing out 5-1. SB 1361, intended to prevent local governments from undermining transit projects because of SB 79 density concerns, also passed after support from L.A. Metro and labor and no formal opposition, with the final vote recorded as 5-2. The committee later resumed to hear SB 1272, the CASH Act, which would limit certain sanctions on homeowners for prior unpermitted work by previous owners; the transcript cuts off before that bill’s full testimony and vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the bill, and Jason Wynn, Florida Osteopathic Medical Association.
• Jared Fowler, Florida Medical Association, waves in opposition.
• Nicholas Green with the Florida Optometric Association. You're recognized.
• I'm a past president of the Florida Optometric Association.
• Mark Marciano with the Florida Optometrics Association. You're recognized.

Summary: The subcommittee met with a quorum present and took up five health-related bills. HB 1089, which would add Duchenne muscular dystrophy to Florida’s newborn screening panel, was presented as a way to enable earlier diagnosis and treatment; a pediatric neurologist from Nemours testified in support, noting existing FDA-approved therapies and ongoing clinical trials. After supportive debate, the bill passed 17-0 and was reported favorably. HB 1083 would standardize patient access to medical records by setting deadlines for providers to produce or allow inspection of records and requiring electronic delivery when available. Supporters said it would reduce delays in care and costs, while two industry groups appeared in opposition. Members from both parties spoke in favor, and the bill passed 17-0 and was reported favorably. HB 1297, which aligns Florida’s electronic prescribing rules more closely with federal law and removes some state exceptions, drew opposition from physicians who argued paper prescriptions are still needed for emergencies, shortages, and price shopping. The sponsor said the bill’s goals were patient safety, fraud prevention, and efficiency; despite concerns, it passed 18-0 and was reported favorably. The committee then considered PCS for HB 1421, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which would create a statewide blood clot and pulmonary embolism registry, require hospital reporting and risk-assessment policies, and expand training requirements in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. The bill was presented with emotional testimony from Emily Adkins’ parents, who urged support and co-sponsorship in her memory. Members from both parties praised the family’s advocacy, and the PCS passed 18-0 and was reported favorably. Finally, HB 449 on optometry would expand optometrists’ authority to prescribe certain medications and perform specified laser and non-laser eye procedures after certification. The bill and amendment drew strong opposition from ophthalmologists and their association, who raised patient-safety, training, and delegation concerns, while optometrists argued the bill would improve access, especially in rural areas and counties without ophthalmologists. The amendment was adopted, and the bill as amended passed on a recorded vote and was reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• It becomes the association just to be more accurate with business processes.
• It becomes the association<00:01:10.799> just<00:01:11.040> to<00:01:11.280> be<
• 00:01:11.439> more<00:01:11.760> accurate association just to be more accurate association
• fired 25% of its federal administration fired 25% of its staff<00:19:16.559> at<00:19:16.799>
• <00:43:51.839> has<00:43:52.079> really years, the bar association has really years

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• These honors reflect a Association.
• The the bill associated with a match.
• Economic Development Administration is Economic Development Administration is the<04:10:48.880><
• Thank y'all. administrator during inspections. You administrator during inspections.
• retirement from the Wyoming Association retirement from the Wyoming Association of<07:10:29.680>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As a result, they remain vulnerable to shifting priorities or changes in the administration.
• So if for me, as a state senator with a master's degree in public administration, struggled...
• And with me to testify today is Dennis Albiani on behalf of the California Seed Association.
• As she mentioned, Dennis Alviani with the California Seed Association. Thank you very much.
• Crystal De Chavez with the California Association of the Hill Conservation Corps is in support.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm talking about the administrative folks, not the medical folks—the administrators who are worried
• I'm an optometrist, and I represent myself and the Texas Optometric Association.
• My name is Jamie Dudenzing, and I'm the CEO of the Texas Association of Health Plans.
• of Texas and the Texas Association of Health Plans.
• Almost 10 years ago, as an associate judge in Harris County, I sanctioned the agency.

Bills: HB136, HB451, SB425, SB466, SB905, SB1986, SB2311, SB2450, SB2805, SB2826, SB2919, SB3001, HB136

Keywords: Medicaid, lactation, healthcare, consultation, reimbursement, maternal health, infant care, commercial sexual exploitation, child sex trafficking, human trafficking, child welfare, foster care, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, juvenile probation, risk assessment, needs assessment, trauma screening, child abuse prevention, exploitation screening