Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also will reiterate that professional driving schools can administer the written test at all

Bills: SB1213, SB1221, SB1636, SB1687, SB1772, SB1932, SB2062

Keywords: SB1213, earned credits, inmate credits, good time, sentence reduction, Department of Corrections, DOC, prison reform, corrections policy, inmate classification, class levels, rehabilitation credits, achievement credits, vocational training, educational credits, prison programs, public safety, violent offenders, violent crime exclusions, sex offense exclusions

Bills: S0124, S0216, S0382, S0488, S0490, S0524, S0584, S0656, S0816, S0892, S1156

Keywords: Florida Virtual School, FLVS, virtual school, online education, distance learning, K-12 education, public school choice, charter-like franchise, student enrollment priorities, home education, homeschool, military families, active duty military, rural schools, inner-city schools, accelerated graduation, education technology, supplemental funding, direct-support organization, foundation

Summary: The Committee on Fiscal Policy met and first postponed SB 524 and SB 1156. It then heard and favorably reported several bills, including SB 488 and SB 490 by Sen. Massullo, which update Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles procedures, raise the crash-reporting threshold, expand email use, and create a related public-records exemption. The committee also favorably reported SB 892 by Sen. Martin on enhanced sentencing for repeat offenders, SB 124 by Sen. Rodriguez updating Florida Virtual School statutes, and SB 584 by Sen. Yarbrough strengthening oversight of commercial driving schools and tax collector authority. SB 656 by Sen. Bradley, codifying the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and related grant program, and SB 816 by Sen. Bradley, formally establishing the University of Florida Diabetes Institute, also passed unanimously or near-unanimously. The most extensive debate centered on SB 216 by Sen. McLean, which would tighten unemployment assistance eligibility by adding job-search requirements, more frequent verification, and fraud-reporting measures. Supporters argued the bill would reduce fraud and improve program integrity, while opponents from labor groups and several senators warned it would burden claimants, especially rural residents, seniors, and workers facing layoffs, and could sharply reduce access to benefits. Despite those objections, the committee reported the bill favorably on a divided vote. The committee also considered CS/SB 382 by Sen. Truenow on electric bicycles, requiring riders to yield to pedestrians, sound an audible signal before passing, and limit speed near pedestrians, while creating a task force to study broader regulation of e-bikes and related devices. A mother whose son was killed on an electric scooter urged the committee to restore scooters to the bill, and several members expressed support for further work on that issue. The committee reported the bill favorably. At the end of the meeting, members recorded additional affirmative votes on selected tabs, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Every year the public schools in Texas administers the STAAR test to students in California. grades three
• The TEA grades and tests, TEA maintains the test. grades for each student in the database and parents
• Come on with an A that's great but if they're not performing on on whatever test whether it's star and
• In 2014, the ACT. phased out its ACT plan test, which is comparable to the PSAT test.
• In 2016, ACT replaced that with the ACT, I'm sorry, with the pre-ACT. test.

Bills: HB 1178, HB1411, HB1441, HB1773, HB1813, HB2107, HB2598, HB2911, HB2967, HB3672, HB5263, HB3797

Keywords: education, temporary certification, out-of-state educators, teacher shortage, military spouses, personal leave, school holidays, employee compensation, overtime provisions, school safety, peace officers, mental health, de-escalation techniques, trauma-informed care, student trustee, school board, student representation, education policy, nonvoting position, school governance

Transcript Highlights:

• current law requires public schools... of students to complete a nurse-administered vision screening test
• It's permissive for a few more vision tests that don't replace the exam, but might identify some really
• And unless an adult, and unless a testing program explains that to them, and obviously to their parents

Bills: HB 1178, HB1411, HB1441, HB1773, HB1813, HB2107, HB2598, HB2911, HB2967, HB3672, HB5263, HB3797

Keywords: education, temporary certification, out-of-state educators, teacher shortage, military spouses, personal leave, school holidays, employee compensation, overtime provisions, school safety, peace officers, mental health, de-escalation techniques, trauma-informed care, student trustee, school board, student representation, education policy, nonvoting position, school governance

Bills: HB148, HB203, HB360, HB552, HB 1244, HB 1284, HB1533, HJR30, HB148, HB203, HJR30

Keywords: residential property, ad valorem tax, leasing, property appraisal, fair market rent, housing affordability, appraised value, tax limitation, housing market, affordable housing, leased residential real property, rent control, Texas Tax Code, property tax, residential leasing, homestead, tax code, appraisal review board, real estate sales, property tax relief

Bills: SB1, SB83, SB159, SB160, SB1

Keywords: workers' compensation, public education, employee injury, insurance trust fund, on-the-job injury, administrative procedures, adult-size changing table, changing station, accessible restroom, public bathroom, public building, public entity, ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act, accessibility, restroom renovation, new construction, grant program, state grant, local government facilities

Transcript Highlights:

• However, genetic and DNA testing, which is critical in identifying pre-existing conditions, However,
• genetic and DNA testing, which is critical in identifying pre-existing conditions, can take three to
• The most advanced genetic testing using updated technology available in March 2024 provided further confirmation
• He suspected osteogenesis imperfecta, and he ordered genetic testing.
• He never received that genetic testing.

Summary: The committee first took up CS for Senate Bill 304, which would address child protective investigations involving children with certain pre-existing genetic or medical conditions. Senator Sharif said the bill is intended to prevent children from being wrongly removed from their families when symptoms of conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, rickets, or vitamin deficiencies are mistaken for abuse. Several parents and advocates testified in support, describing long dependency cases and removals they said were caused by misdiagnosis. The committee adopted a substitute amendment that removed language requiring certain medical personnel to provide differential-diagnosis analysis, and the bill then passed favorably with unanimous support. The committee then heard SB 1430 on post-judgment execution proceedings relating to terrorism, sponsored by Senator Collins, who described the long effort by U.S. victims of the FARC to enforce a federal judgment and recover assets. The bill would clarify procedures for terrorism-related judgments, modernize intangible asset law, and help prevent terrorists from hiding assets or blocking wire transfers. After one supportive appearance form and no debate, the bill passed favorably. The committee also approved SB 96, a local claims bill for Jacob Rogers, and SB 382, an affordable housing rent bill that was amended to define base rent and apply to certain shorter-term rental agreements entered after July 1, 2026; SB 382 drew support from housing advocates and some opposition, but passed unanimously. Several claims bills were also approved: SB 4 for Patricia Armini, SB 6 for Jose Correa, SB 28 for Darlene Engerville and J.R., SB 30 for the estate of M.N., and SB 24 for Mandy Penny Lemon, each involving injuries or damages caused by local government or hospital district negligence and each reported favorably after brief testimony and roll calls. The committee also passed SB 658 on waiver or release of liens after discussion about form language and enforceability. SB 72, which would allow campaign funds to pay certain child care expenses incurred while a candidate is actively campaigning, prompted questions about definitions and safeguards; the sponsor said the bill would require the expense to exist only because of campaign activity, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee approved SB 1142 on release of conservation easements, which would create a statewide process for releasing certain small, low-value parcels from conservation easements if mitigation credits are secured elsewhere. The bill drew support from the sponsor and a property representative, but environmental advocates and President Passidomo raised concerns about flood control, wildlife corridors, and whether the bill was too property-specific; the sponsor said he would continue working on the language. The committee also heard extensive testimony on SB 1622, which would repeal the 2018 customary use law and restore local authority over public beach access. Supporters argued the current law has privatized beaches, hurt tourism, and led to harassment and conflict, while opponents defended private property rights and warned against taking away owners’ ability to exclude others. The transcript ends during testimony on SB 1622, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you know what a troponin blood test is for? Doctor, I am asking the questions.
• Troponin is the test that if it's elevated, you're not going home.
• How did you all arrive at the carve-out for cancers and genetic treatment? Yeah.
• So modified RNA is when you, in a lab, genetically change the genetic code.
• In a lab, genetically change the genetic code.

Bills: HB18, HB37, HB 116, HB388, HB879, HB913, HB 1151, HB2216, HB2358, HB2809, SB577, SB1590, SB1782, SB1887, SB2744

Keywords: rural health, hospital funding, healthcare access, mental health services, financial stability, perinatal bereavement, healthcare, hospital training, bereavement support, maternal care, fetal demise, stillbirth, neonatal death, parent-child relationship, involuntary termination, family law, child welfare, child protection, HB 388, HB388

Summary: The committee first reopened testimony on House Bill 2216, which would strengthen child welfare requirements by expanding “active efforts” to help families avoid removal and support reunification, while also raising standards related to removals and terminations. Supporters from child welfare and family defense groups said the bill would better protect families and align Texas more closely with ICWA-style principles, but several warned it would require significant new funding, staffing, and community services such as mental health care, housing, child care, and substance use treatment. The committee then left HB 2216 pending. The committee next heard Senate Bill 1782, aimed at boarding and group homes. Senator Miles said the bill closes enforcement gaps left by prior law by requiring retention of background-check records and creating misdemeanor penalties for failing to conduct or keep them, or for knowingly hiring people with serious convictions. Harris County sheriff’s investigators testified in support, describing illegal boarding homes, operators who evade permits and background checks, and exploitation of vulnerable residents; the bill was left pending. The committee also took up Senate Bill 481 on emergency preparedness for nursing facilities and assisted living facilities, adopted a new committee substitute that softened some requirements and removed the fiscal note, and left the bill pending. The committee then heard House Bill 388, which would require the Texas Department of Insurance to create a single standardized coordination-of-benefits form for dual health plans to reduce errors and surprise bills; it was left pending. Senate Bill 1590 would move paternity registry searches for adoptions to an electronic process with a 10-day target, and House Bill 2809 would track child suicide attempts in managing conservatorship and require related reporting and parental notice; both were left pending. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1887, which would prohibit administering mRNA-containing products for immunization for 10 years, with exceptions for cancer and genetic disorders. Supporters argued the bill was needed for safety, informed consent, and medical freedom, while opponents from the medical, research, and public health communities said mRNA vaccines are well-studied, save lives, and that the bill would harm access, research, and Texas’s biotech economy. The bill remained under discussion as testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• providing genetic counseling services. providing genetic counseling services.
• <00:47:52.880> order<00:47:53.040> and<00:47:53.200> genetic familiar with testing
• order and genetic familiar with testing order and genetic testing.<00:47:54.480> I<00:47:54.720
• I think some examples that testing.
• It's longer to get a right test.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several health-related measures, with most of the discussion focused on bills addressing tobacco/vape enforcement, psychology licensure, hospital price transparency, prior authorization, and medical cannabis. The chair opened by explaining the one-minute testimony limit and that written testimony had been reviewed. For SB 2175 on disposable electronic smoking devices, the Department of Health said the bill’s placement in litter-control law was not a good fit because disposable e-cigarettes contain hazardous materials like lithium and nicotine, but it supported the intent and pointed to a related measure. Public health and tobacco-control advocates strongly supported the bill, citing youth use, toxic waste, battery fires, and the need to tighten definitions and remove exemptions; a long list of organizations and individuals were noted in support, with no opposition mentioned. For SB 2410, which would create a state directory and enforcement tools for authorized e-cigarette products, the Attorney General’s office strongly supported the measure and said it would help enforce the FDA-authorized list of products through certification, inspections, and civil penalties. The Department of Health said thousands of illegal products remain on the market and cited youth usage rates, while public health groups also supported the bill. One tobacco industry-related witness was noted in opposition. SB 2080, the psychology interjurisdictional compact, drew support from the Department of Corrections, which said it had severe staffing shortages and that the compact would help fill gaps, especially for forensic psychology and neighbor island facilities. Some committee members raised concerns about whether the compact would loosen licensure standards and reduce licensing revenue, and the Board of Psychology was said to be meeting and had not taken a formal position; testimony also noted the need for resources if the compact were adopted. The committee also heard SB 2276 on surgical assistance, with DCCA in opposition and a supporter from the field, but little discussion followed. SB 2277 on hospital price transparency drew support from consumer and patient advocates, who argued that clearer pricing would reduce medical debt and help patients shop for care; DCCA and the Department of Health offered comments, with the department suggesting an alternative enforcement model using outside review entities and noting that implementation would require significant staffing and funding. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii opposed the bill, saying federal transparency rules already cover the issue and state law could create duplication. SB 2282 on prior authorization received comments from insurers and providers; HMSA asked that the bill be set aside pending the report of the prior authorization working group created by Act 151, while the Hawaii Medical Association said prior authorization is a major burden but deferred to regulators on resources. Finally, SB 2413 on medical cannabis was supported by the Office of Medical Cannabis and others, who said the bill would close a patient-access gap by allowing viable seed sales; one witness suggested clarifying jurisdictional language and allowing dispensaries to sell seeds to each other. The committee then began SB 2425 on health insurance, where an addiction treatment provider testified that insurers’ refusal to honor assignment-of-benefits payments can delay reimbursement and create relapse risk for patients, but the transcript cuts off before further action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, genetic and DNA testing, which is critical in identifying pre-existing conditions, can take
• The most advanced genetic testing, using updated technology available in March 2024, provided further
• The most advanced genetic testing using updated technology available in March 2024 provided further confirmation
• He suspected osteogenesis imperfecta, and he ordered genetic testing.
• He never received that genetic testing.

Summary: The committee first took up CS for Senate Bill 304, which would address child protective investigations involving children with certain genetic or medical conditions that can mimic signs of abuse. Senator Sharif and several family members and advocates described cases in which children were removed after injuries were initially misread as abuse, and argued the bill would give parents more opportunity to obtain qualified medical opinions. The committee adopted a substitute amendment that removed language imposing analysis duties on certain medical professionals, then passed the bill favorably after testimony in support from the Florida chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and several affected families. The committee then considered SB 1430 on post-judgment execution proceedings for terrorism victims, SB 96 on relief for Jacob Rogers, SB 382 on affordable housing rent agreements, SB 4 and SB 6 on claims bills for Patricia Armini and Jose Correa, SB 1142 on release of conservation easements, SB 658 on waiver or release of liens, SB 28 and SB 30 on claims involving South Broward Hospital District and the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, SB 24 on relief for Mandy Penny Lemon, SB 72 on campaign funds for child care expenses, and SB 1622 on recreational customary use of beaches. Most of these bills were explained by their sponsors as narrow relief or technical measures, and the committee heard a mix of support and opposition from claimants, local governments, industry groups, and advocacy organizations. Several bills drew substantive debate. On SB 382, members discussed rent stability and whether the bill should better address lease language and future rent increases; the amendment and bill were both reported favorably. On SB 1142, members raised concerns about environmental and drainage impacts and whether releases of conservation easements should be mandatory or discretionary, but the bill still passed favorably. On SB 72, members questioned the scope of allowable campaign child care expenses and the need for stronger guardrails against abuse; the bill nevertheless passed favorably. On SB 1622, testimony sharply divided between supporters of restoring public beach access and opponents defending private property rights; debate continued when the transcript ended, so no final vote on that bill is reflected here.

Transcript Highlights:

• He just didn't have a way to test for it and didn't know to. way to test for it and didn't know to test
• Testing to me is you kill, you test every deer that's killed by hunters.
• But everywhere they've tested between 0.5 and 1% test tested between 0.5 and 1% test positive.
• Eight of them tested killed 100 deer. Eight of them tested positive. About 0.7% tested positive.
• Testing started in the west, and it started testing coming this way.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Diaz, does the genetic testing, is that required in your amendment?
• Yeah, is it required for the mother to do genetic testing while she's pregnant?
• Thank you. ...for the mother to do genetic testing while she's pregnant? No, only when necessary.
• testing during pregnancy. ...any mother to undergo genetic testing during pregnancy.
• And if she does this genetic testing, then that father is responsible for the child care support.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and recognition of the Doctor of the Day. Members also read a proclamation honoring National School Social Work Week, with remarks emphasizing the role of school social workers in supporting students’ mental health, safety, and access to services. The House then handled a long series of first readings and committee/calendar actions before moving into multiple Committee of the Whole sessions. In the first major round of floor action, the House advanced HB 2123, HB 2140, and HB 2144 after adopting amendments. HB 2123 would affirm gold and silver as legal tender and allow their use through electronic systems; HB 2140 would let the state treasurer invest up to 10% in gold and silver; and HB 2144 would require child support to begin at pregnancy, prompting debate over paternity, genetic testing, rape-related pregnancies, and recourse for mistaken paternity. The House also advanced HB 2492 on urban growth boundaries, HB 2875 with clarifying language, HB 2946 on housing affordability and construction sales tax, and HB 4115/HCR 2051 on ballot initiative petition rules and disclosure. Supporters framed those measures as transparency reforms and protections against out-of-state influence, while opponents argued they would make it harder for citizens to qualify initiatives and local measures for the ballot. Later Committee of the Whole action advanced HB 2175, HB 2270, HB 2416, HB 2557, HB 2697, HB 2940, and HB 4010, along with HB 2324, HB 2573, HB 2601, HB 2876, and HCR 2004. HB 2175 drew debate over whether political affiliation should be included in hate-crime law; a proposed Garcia amendment to add gender identity and remove political affiliation failed, and a later motion to add it to the report also failed by roll call. HB 2557 clarified a medical-records timeline to business days. HB 2697 created a good-Samaritan style protection for use of expired opioid antagonists such as Narcan. HB 2940 was defended as reducing improper enrollment in Access/SNAP-related programs and opening managed-care bidding, while opponents said it would cut benefits and burden vulnerable residents. HCR 2004, dealing with photo enforcement, was amended to let cities put the issue to local voters; supporters called it a compromise and opponents argued photo radar saves lives and reduces speeding-related crashes. In third-reading votes, HB 2264 passed overwhelmingly on Arizona Geological Survey matters, HB 2373 passed unanimously on income tax refunds for veterans, HB 2413 failed on sex offender monitoring, and HB 2862 passed on sentencing enhancements for crimes committed while wearing a mask. The House also reconsidered and revived HB 2055, HB 2150, HB 2426, and HB 2755 related to state land and groundwater measures. The transcript ends with the House beginning third-reading consideration of HB 2941 on motorcycles, with members speaking in support of roadway safety and personal experience.

Transcript Highlights:

• It says to remove the need for genetic testing.
• <01:52:55.679> testing remove the need for genetic testing remove the need for genetic testing
• suddenly going to need genetic testing. suddenly going to need genetic testing.
• These are expensive genetic microarray tests. They're not simple karyotype XX and XY tests.
• These are expensive genetic microarray<03:13:54.080> tests.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It exists for genetic technologies like mRNA.
• Do you know what the troponin blood test is for? Thank you for asking the questions.
• Troponin is the test that if it's elevated, you're not going home.
• How did y'all arrive at the carve-out for cancers and genetic treatment?
• So modified RNA is when you, in a lab, genetically change the genetic code. You're actually...

Bills: HB18, HB37, HB116, HB18, HB37, HB116, HB388, HB879, HB913, HB1151, HB2216, HB2358, HB2809, SB577, SB1590, SB1782, SB1887, SB2744

Keywords: HB 18, Texas Legislature, quorum break, quorum-busting, legislative walkout, absent legislators, political contributions, campaign finance, political expenditures, legislative caucus, specific-purpose committee, Texas Ethics Commission, civil penalty, show cause order, district court, Fifteenth Court of Appeals, session fundraising, travel lodging food expenses, legislative session, compelled attendance

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, genetic counselors are highly trained healthcare professionals who have very specialized education
• in the field of medical genetics.
• Clinically, these genetic counselors are crucial educators and advocates for the patients that they serve
• One is interpreting very complex genetic testing results, helping families and physicians understand
• Today, Florida is considered a genetic counseling desert, with just 179 licensed genetic counselors residing

Transcript Highlights:

• However, genetic and DNA testing, which is critical in identifying pre-existing conditions can take 3
• The most advanced genetic testing using updated technology available.
• We sought expert consultation from other specialties, including clinical genetics, molecular genetics
• He suspected osteogenesis imperfecta and he ordered genetic testing.
• He never received that genetic testing within 6 weeks and expedite termination of parental rights.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up, we have HB 1115, related to grants for genetic counseling.
• and training in the field of medical genetics.
• They do this in a number of areas, including interpreting genetic testing results, helping families and
• physicians understand and navigate complex genetic conditions, coordinating care between specialists
• Today, Florida is considered a genetic counseling desert with just 179 licensed genetic counselors who

Transcript Highlights:

• And in recognition of this award, he directed a $10,000 donation to support genetic testing for families
• 30.800> support directed a $10,000 donation to support directed a $10,000 donation to support genetic
• <00:10:32.200> testing<00:10:32.920> for<00:10:33.120> families<00:10:33.640>
• who genetic testing for families who genetic testing for families who otherwise<00:10:34.760>

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House convened, opened with silent reflection and the Pledge of Allegiance, and the clerk called the roll to establish a quorum. The journal from the previous day was approved without objection, standing committee reports were adopted, and several House Files were given second reading. The House also received first reading on House Files 5119 through 5121. The Rules and Legislative Administration Committee reported a calendar designation for Thursday, May 7, 2026, placing House Files 3131, 3295, 3298, 3682, 4102, 4591, Senate File 856, and 4612 on the calendar and requiring pre-filing of amendments for those bills. No substantive debate on those measures occurred in this segment. Representative Perryman then rose on a point of privilege to recognize Dr. David Tilstra, recently named the 2025 recipient of the Kopick Minnesota Medical Association Humanitarian Award, highlighting his work in community health, active transportation, and access to healthy food, as well as a $10,000 donation he directed to genetic testing for families in need. After announcements that both parties would caucus, Representative Niska moved a recess to the call of the Speaker, and the House recessed on a voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Genetic testing takes months and months, and the system is moving swiftly to terminate rights.
• And that certification is simply passing a test.
• All the child's blood work lines up with bone brittleness, and she was referred for genetic testing for
• The Child Protection Team will do a basic bone fragility genetic test that does not come anywhere close
• to covering the full scope of the possible genetic conditions that could be tested for and that can

Transcript Highlights:

• could avoid $4,400 in diagnostic testing alone for each infant over the following 10 years.
• So the kids who need this testing, I want to reinforce, are really sick babies and children.
• This testing empowers both providers and parents.
• And the neurology team decided to, right away on our first visit, send out her DNA for genetic testing
• I've heard from so many other families where it took months or even years to get access to genetic testing

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Health Care Financing held a public hearing on a large docket of bills focused on MassHealth benefits and reimbursement, health equity, behavioral health, public health, dental access, 340B drug pricing, tobacco cessation, and coverage for children. The chairs emphasized rising health care costs, provider shortages, administrative burdens, and persistent inequities by income, race, geography, and immigration status. Much of the testimony centered on H.1416/S.901, an act to advance health equity, with legislators and members of the Health Equity Compact arguing for statewide benchmarks, stronger health equity leadership, reimbursement for interpreter services, community health workers and patient navigation, Medicaid graduate medical education support, and a health equity zone trust fund. Witnesses described disparities in life expectancy, maternal mortality, access to primary care, and the impact of federal Medicaid and social service cuts, and urged the committee to report the bill favorably. The committee also heard strong support for H.1368/S.847 on rapid whole genome sequencing for critically ill MassHealth children. Testifiers from industry, academia, hospitals, and families said early sequencing can end long diagnostic odysseys, improve treatment decisions, shorten hospital stays, and save money, while also providing emotional relief and information for families. The hearing then moved to H.1407 on MassHealth rate parity for inpatient behavioral health providers, where Rep. Scanlan and the Massachusetts Association of Behavioral Health Systems said the bill would codify existing administrative parity so managed care plans cannot pay less than the MassHealth fee-for-service rate. On H.1392/S.853 to preserve and protect public health, witnesses supported higher vaccine administration fees to improve provider participation and immunization rates. The committee also heard testimony on H.770/845 to protect 340B providers in MassHealth, and on S.848 to require reporting and transparency around 340B revenues and outside administrative costs. Additional bills drew testimony on tobacco cessation coverage for MassHealth members, with advocates supporting broader access to counseling and medications through medical, behavioral health, and dental providers. On H.1409, a nursing home operator asked for more flexibility in a MassHealth staffing-related penalty tied to patient days per resident. On H.1401/S.888, supporters of the “Take 10” dental access proposal said adult MassHealth dental coverage is underused because too few dentists accept MassHealth, leading to long travel times and avoidable emergency room visits; they urged incentive payments for dentists serving new adult MassHealth patients. Finally, on H.1403/S.855, “Cover All Kids,” advocates and immigrant community members urged removal of immigration status as a barrier to full MassHealth coverage for children, while also backing a related bill to ensure 12 months of continuous coverage for children. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and asked questions on costs, reimbursement levels, and implementation details.