Transcript Highlights:

• of Barbers and Cosmetologists, Board of Counseling, Board of Funeral Service Examiners, Board of Landscape
• Municipal Pension Oversight Board, Board of Occupational Therapy, Board of Osteopathic Medicine, Board
• , Board of Funeral Service Examiners, Board of Landscape Architects, Board of Medicine, Medical Imaging
• and Radiation Therapy, Technology Board of Examiners, Municipal Pension Oversight Board, Board of Occupational
• Therapy, Board of Osteopathic Medicine, Board of Pharmacy, Board of Physical Therapy, Board of Psychologists

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and spent much of the day recognizing pages, guests, school groups, and civic organizations visiting the chamber. Several communications from the House and committee reports were received, and a petition on support for new electric transmission lines was referred to the Committee on Energy, Industry, and Mining. Senate Resolution 61, urging the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse Obergefell, was referred to the Committee on Rules, while other resolutions and bills were held over or referred as required. The chamber then acted on a large number of measures, including concurrence in House amendments to Senate Bill 137 on parole eligibility for second-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter, and a conference committee was appointed on House Bill 4026 regarding integrated resource plans. Numerous House bills were advanced or passed after committee reports, covering topics such as industrial access roads, local airport hangar financing, college campus safety, youth and handicapped hunting, missing persons records, driver’s licenses, adjudicatory alternative dispositions, chronic absenteeism, party-switching deadlines for candidates, teacher/school personnel/state police pay raises, election official trainees, political committee filing notices, security personnel for the State Treasurer, post-secondary financial aid, legal practice rules, overseas voting, public officials’ residential information, homestead exemption, military juvenile jurisdiction, military interpersonal violence, kinship care subsidies, statewide prevention planning, contraband smuggling into federal prisons, forestry equipment taxation, microgrid and data center certification, transcript acceptance for students, emeritus medical licenses, higher education rule authorizations, board and commission reforms, managed care organization taxes, and deputy sheriff vacation carryover. Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition, and several received title amendments. The Senate also passed a series of supplemental appropriations, many with immediate-effect motions adopted by the required two-thirds vote. These included funding for the Department of Commerce, Workforce West Virginia, Homeland Security divisions, Health Facilities, Administration, Human Services, the Governor’s Civil Contingent Fund, the Department of Agriculture, and the Bureau of Senior Services. Votes were overwhelmingly in favor, with only a few measures drawing one or more dissenting votes. One bill on tourism appropriations was referred to the Committee on Rules, and several second-reading bills were advanced, including measures on the West Virginia Collaboratory, business-ready sites, volunteer fire companies, religious organization eminent domain restrictions, electric load forecasting, and funeral service licensure.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm talking about the Idaho Dietitian Licensure Compact.
• I'm talking about the Idaho Dietitian Licensure Compact. This is a proposal.

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• consumer information related to tariffs to the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
• consumer information related to tariffs to the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Summary: The House received a gubernatorial message recommending legislation to finance long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges, which was referred to the Committee on Transportation. The House also acted on several Rules Committee reports extending reporting deadlines for the Labor and Workforce Development and Revenue committees, and it suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow consideration of a petition by Rep. Mindy Domb concerning disclosure of consumer information related to tariffs. The Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee reported several local and special bills for House consideration, including measures to waive age requirements for Boston and Haverhill police applicants, authorize continued employment for a Monterey police officer, and update expungement law. After suspending Rule 7A, the House ordered these bills to a third reading. The House then passed to be engrossed a bill waiving the age requirement for Rodney Alcindor to join the Boston Police Department, and it adopted an emergency preamble amendment before passing to be engrossed a sick leave bank bill for Marnie Jean Goldstein of the Department of Children and Families. The House adopted an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. and a special adjournment in memory of Robert S. Hargraves, a former member from Groton. The chamber then adjourned to meet the following day in formal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• certain licensures.
• Clerk, close the board and tally the vote.
• You know, if they see the parole board after the term that was pronounced, the parole board may say..
• . ...see the parole board after the term that was pronounced, the parole board may say, no, we're just
• There's a right to see the parole board, but the parole board doesn't have to let you out if you haven't

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the previous journal by roll call. Members then offered personal privilege remarks honoring Dr. Penelope Martin Knox of Raytown Schools for Black History Month and introduced guests, including Adeline Overcast, who was made a page for the day, and visitors from a rural hospital in Rolla. Several new bills were first read, including measures on blind pensions, penalties for impeding first responders, and flag display in the state capitol. The chamber then took up multiple third-reading bills. House Bill 2596, dealing with multiple employee self-insured health plans for small businesses, passed unanimously after supporters said it would help small employers offer affordable health coverage. House Bill 1644, addressing franchisor liability and joint-employer issues, passed 103-45 after debate over whether it protected small businesses or limited workers’ ability to sue franchisors. House Bill 2423, increasing funding for the Division of Finance through fee authority, passed 146-0 despite concerns about higher costs being passed on to consumers. House Bill 2641, regulating intoxicating hemp-derived products and aligning state law with federal changes, drew extensive debate over a beverage carve-out, impacts on hemp businesses, and public safety; it passed 109-34. The House also passed House Bills 2498 and the combined House Bills 2637 and 3155. HB 2498, a juvenile justice reform bill shifting some referral responsibilities to prosecutors and expanding information sharing, passed 100-44 after strong debate over whether it would politicize juvenile cases and overburden treatment facilities, versus claims it would improve accountability and public safety. The combined sentencing bill, HB 2637/3155, passed 102-45 amid disagreement over whether it was truly a transparency measure or instead increased mandatory minimums and reduced judicial discretion. Finally, the House considered House Joint Resolution 154, which opponents described as an attack on Medicaid expansion tied to work requirements. Supporters argued it would encourage able-bodied recipients to work, volunteer, or attend school and reduce administrative costs, while opponents warned it would increase bureaucracy and risk coverage losses for vulnerable Missourians. The transcript ends during the procedural vote on the previous question for HJR 154, before the final disposition is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• certain licensures.
• You know, if they see the parole board after the term that was pronounced, the parole board may say,
• There's a right to see the parole board, but the parole board doesn't have to let you out if you haven't
• You know, if they see the parole board after the term that was pronounced, the parole board may say,
• Clerk, please ring the bell and open the board. Please ring the bell and open the board.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Board of Registered Nursing does not have to provide an overview.
• And if the board does not currently have inspection authority, will the board be able to adequately investigate
• So then we close it with the nursing board and we send it over to the medical board.
• And so then we would close it at the RN board and send it to the LVN board.
• Contractors State License Board; item number 12, enforcement funding for the Osteopathic Medical Board

Summary: The subcommittee heard budget proposals for Exposition Park, the California Science Center, the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI), the Debt Collection Licensing Act program, and the Board of Registered Nursing. For Exposition Park, the administration requested $96.5 million for utility replacement, site improvements, code compliance, accessibility, and safety upgrades, plus $1.698 million for operational sustainability funded from the park’s improvement fund. The LAO said the proposals had merit but noted the first item could be downscaled if needed because of the state’s budget condition. Members emphasized the park’s deferred maintenance, major upcoming events, and the need to protect a statewide asset; both Exposition Park items were held open. The Science Center requested funding to open and operate the new Air and Space Center, including staffing for the facility that will display the Space Shuttle Endeavour and expand exhibit space. The LAO supported the proposal but suggested the Legislature consider alternative funding sources such as admission fees, parking fees, or private funds. Members discussed the Science Center’s public-private funding model, the importance of keeping access affordable for disadvantaged communities, and the tradeoff between free admission and long-term operating support. The item was also held open. DFPI sought continuation of expenditure authority for the California Consumer Financial Protection Law, debt collection licensing, and broker-dealer/investment adviser workloads, and the LAO recommended limited-term funding with more cumulative reporting before permanent funding is considered. Members pressed the department on whether its workload and spending are tied to measurable outcomes rather than just activity counts, and DFPI cited complaint resolution, enforcement actions, and restitution recovered as examples of impact. The Debt Collection Licensing Act item drew similar LAO comments, but members raised stronger concerns about the financing model, the gap between projected and actual licensee counts, and whether spending levels are justified; that item was held open. The Board of Registered Nursing requested $1.4 million for eight special investigators to address rising complaints, and the board said most complaints are resolved through investigation, referral, probation, or rehabilitation rather than discipline. Members asked about complaint backlogs, viral and potentially automated complaints, bias in care, and the lack of broader inspection authority; the item was also held open.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> was</c> When assisted living licensure was When assisted living licensure was passed<01:05:12.240
• So this executive board is defined as a health-related board under chapter 214.
• is defined as a this executive board is defined as a health-related<01:25:08.080><c> board</c><01:25
• </c> health-related board under chapter 214. health-related board under chapter 214.
• </c><01:25:57.080><c> is</c> be within this committee's The board is be within this committee's The board

Committee: Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• I hope that you’re also talking to the board of plumbing.
• But I think more the board of plumbing.
• Maybe I'll ask the board of plumbing first about that.
• So, board of plumbing, have you been in touch with them?
• I'm saying the board of plumbing—have you been in touch with the board at all to get input regarding

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Six, directs EOPSS to establish training and licensure for individuals and entities to service microstamp-enabled
• firearms and licensure for individuals and entities to service microstamp-enabled firearms.

Summary: The Special Commission on Emerging Firearm Technology held its final meeting to consider and vote on its report. The chairs reviewed the commission’s charge under the 2024 act to study intentional firearm microstamping and personalized firearms (“smart guns”), and noted that a dissenting policy brief from Senator Durant and Representative Berthiaume, as well as a report from Commissioner Lazot on microstamps, would be appended to the final report. On microstamping, the commission recommended that the General Court pursue legislation modeled on California and New York. The proposal would direct EOPSS to study feasibility and viability, set testing standards, require newly registered semi-automatic handguns to include microstamping once feasibility is established, create penalties for noncompliant manufacturers and for tampering, establish training/licensure for servicing microstamp-enabled firearms, and provide funding for implementation. The recommendation passed 9-3 with one abstention. On personalized firearms, the commission endorsed tax incentives to encourage purchase, including a five-year sales tax exemption for personalized firearms. Two versions were approved: one without a trade-in requirement, which passed 10-2 with one abstention, and one with a trade-in of a non-personalized firearm, which passed 7-5 with one abstention. The commission then unanimously enough approved the final report itself, voting 8-3 with two abstentions to submit it to the General Court and conclude its work.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Board of Optometry is an appointed board comprised of seven people: five optometrists and two lay
• This bill would put an appointed board of non-surgeons who have no experience in performing surgical
• I'm also an optometrist and elected member of my school board.
• I currently serve on the Florida Board of Optometry.
• I also serve on a board for the Southern Council of Optometrists.

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:

• Board of Regents of UT System announced the creation of the University of Texas Medical Center, anchored
• Board of Regents.
• Houston was established in 1972 by the UT System Board of Regents and Texas legislator, so relatively
• And we have our seventh school, the newest school, already approved by the UT System Board. region, and
• by the Texas Coordinating Board.

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> an exception, school board, an exception, school board, that<00:07:57.760><c> you</c><00:07:57.920
• ><c> to,</c> boards of education to, boards of education to, uh,<00:09:59.200><c> to</c><00:09:59.520
• </c> Community Service Advisory Board. Community Service Advisory Board.
• Clerk will read the first bill. box or the Board of Elections, has to be box or the Board of Elections
• . licensure. licensure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Staff review licensure applications on a.
• The board reviewed that issue in the August 2023. board meeting, they instructed staff to say, hey, given
• You mentioned earlier... earlier that the board.
• The board reviewed after SB 1820 that passed in the Senate, didn't pass in the House, so the board.
• How did you advise the board, who advised the board of the potential. potential for this type of stealing

Committee: House Licensing & Administrative Procedures

Transcript Highlights:

• Unlock the board and senators, proceed to vote. Has everyone voted?
• Unlock the board and proceed to vote. Okay, all senators voted?
• Senator Harrell: Unlock the board and Senators proceed to vote.
• SECRETARY, UNLOCK THE BOARD AND SENATORS PROCEED TO VOTE. HAVE ALL SENATORS VOTED? LOCK THE BOARD.
• CLERK, UNLOCK THE BOARD. CLERK, LOCK THE BOARD AND ANNOUNCE THE VOTE. 18 YES, 19 NO.

Bills: SCR4 , SCR18 , SCR43 , SB227 , SB269 , SB330 , SB434 , SB437 , SB438 , SB463 , SB528 , SB584 , SB604 , SB663 , SB668 , SB682 , SB747 , SB841 , SB912 , SB968 , SB1013 , SB1020 , SB1044 , SB1137 , SB1138 , SB1143 , SB1164 , SB1169 , SB1200 , SB1236 , SB1244 , SB1299 , SB1325 , SB1335 , SB1369 , SB1410 , SB1418 , SB1422 , SB1455 , SB1468 , SB1495 , SB1534 , SB1579 , SB1580 , SB1612 , SB1624 , SB1667 , SB1734 , SB1745 , SB1746 , SB1760 , SB1784 , SB1860 , SB1862 , SB1864 , SB1896 , SB1898 , SB1920 , SB1940 , SB1952 , SB1998 , SB1999 , SB2004 , SB2032 , SB2052 , SB2068 , SB2073 , SB2121 , SB2127 , SB2141 , SB2145 , SB2161 , SB2167 , SB2196 , SB2207 , SB2216 , SB2246 , SB2323 , SB2332 , SB2395 , SB2429 , SB2431 , SB2439 , SB2443 , SB2581 , SB2601 , SB2629 , SB2702 , SB2705 , SB2717 , SB2798 , SB2873 , SB2881 , SB2964 , SB3034 , SCR4 , SCR38 , SB39 , SB227 , SB240 , SB330 , SB401 , SB407 , SB467 , SB506 , SB512 , SB527 , SB584 , SB618 , SB619 , SB636 , SB648 , SB663 , SB715 , SB732 , SB758 , SB801 , SB843 , SB847 , SB870 , SB957 , SB1013 , SB1020 , SB1065 , SB1152 , SB1164 , SB1181 , SB1183 , SB1257 , SB1283 , SB1299 , SB1325 , SB1349 , SB1395 , SB1433 , SB1455 , SB1490 , SB1558 , SB1574 , SB1624 , SB1626 , SB1640 , SB1717 , SB1718 , SB1727 , SB1734 , SB1756 , SB1757 , SB1789 , SB1832 , SB1845 , SB1868 , SB1920 , SB1924 , SB1964 , SB2004 , SB2018 , SB2031 , SB2037 , SB2052 , SB2073 , SB2075 , SB2080 , SB2111 , SB2117 , SB2154 , SB2161 , SB2196 , SB2206 , SB2253 , SB2268 , SB2322 , SB2323 , SB2349 , SB2533 , SB2540 , SB2570 , SB2623 , SB2626 , SB2658 , SB2660 , SB2692 , SB2705 , SB2717 , SB2722 , SB2742 , SB2743 , SB2753 , SB2788 , SB2877 , SB2900 , SB2920 , SB3031 , SB5 , SB260 , SB1786 , SB1 , HJR4 , HB135 , HB 1109 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SJR84 , SJR59 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SCR38 , SCR4 , SCR18 , SCR43 , SCR46 , SCR48 , SCR19 , SB2023 , SB1257 , SB240 , SB1727 , SB870 , SB618 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB1502 , SB507 , SB1026 , SB1349 , SB1433 , SB1434 , SB1376 , SB1585 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1163 , SB619 , SB1122 , SB732 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB261 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB529 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB1999 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB510 , SB1860 , SB2037 , SB1924 , SB2253 , SB2018 , SB2206 , SB1299 , SB841 , SB668 , SB584 , SB1085 , SB2431 , SB1490 , SB1868 , SB2314 , SB434 , SB2046 , SB1667 , SB2127 , SB1975 , SB1760 , SB1734 , SB1335 , SB2246 , SB2439 , SB1624 , SB1244 , SB1468 , SB2717 , SB1612 , SB1262 , SB604 , SB2395 , SB1832 , SB1745 , SB1746 , SB2207 , SB1784 , SB1524 , SB528 , SB437 , SB269 , SB1137 , SB968 , SB636 , SB747 , SB1325 , SB1455 , SB2056 , SB1940 , SB2052 , SB1579 , SB2068 , SB3034 , SB1920 , SB1558 , SB1236 , SB1044 , SB884 , SB463 , SB227 , SB517 , SB1200 , SB1410 , SB1626 , SB1845 , SB1863 , SB2216 , SB2681 , SB1717 , SB2141 , SB2323 , SB2200 , SB2332 , SB2199 , SB1757 , SB2050 , SB1138 , SB2458 , SB1864 , SB2201 , SB1862 , SB1055 , SB2660 , SB1898 , SB2662 , SB2161 , SB2964 , SB2881 , SB1065 , SB801 , SB2743 , SB2533 , SB2073 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB2702 , SB2629 , SB2443 , SB2349 , SB2167 , SB2145 , SB2121 , SB758 , SB648 , SB647 , SB512 , SB438 , SB1721 , SB2268 , SB1495 , SB2705 , SB2366 , SB1422 , SB1369 , SB1013 , SB682 , SB2692 , SB2570 , SB2797 , SB2111 , SB1896 , SB1164 , SB1020 , SB663 , SB2371 , SB1152 , SB2196 , SB2383 , SB2581 , SB2798 , SB330 , SB646 , SB843 , SB1998 , SB1418 , SB2788 , SB1169 , SB2873 , SB1754 , SB1534 , SB1718 , SB2779 , SB2004 , SB1143 , SB1756 , SB912 , SB2119 , SB2032 , SB527 , SB1580 , SB1952 , SB2601 , SB2322 , SB2448 , SB1777 , SB1283 , SB407 , SB2392 , SB2076 , SB2786 , SB3031 , SB2877 , SB2876 , SB2284 , SB2225 , SB1540 , SB2920 , SB2929 , SB1395 , SB1972 , SB2540 , SB1183 , SB2742 , SB2595 , SB2217 , SB2117 , SB715 , SB2330 , SB1964 , SB1383 , SB500 , SB1640 , SB39 , SB2001 , SB2080 , SB2722 , SB506 , SB2514 , SB2623 , SB2658 , SB1574 , SB2900 , SB2753 , SB2398 , SB401 , SB1241 , SB2927 , SB2173 , SB2538 , SB898 , SB467 , SB1449 , SB2529 , SB1531 , SB2846 , SB2476 , SB2031 , SB986 , SB1181 , SB2075 , SB2154 , SB2864 , SB31 , SB2880 , SB1359 , SB2386 , SB771 , SB2844 , SB2550 , SB1351 , SB1423 , SB1931 , SB2245 , SB2589 , SB2707 , SB2807 , SB2351 , SB410 , SB659 , SB816 , SB2776 , SB2693 , SB2580 , SB1980 , SB1886 , SB1234 , SB739 , SB482 , SB456 , SB127 , SB1666 , SB2843 , SB2801 , SB800 , SB2055 , SB784 , SB2986 , SB735 , SB1012 , SB324 , SB2926 , SB2938 , SB2007 , SB2138 , SB1242 , SB843 , SB1152 , SB1164 , SB1299 , SB1349 , SB1868 , SB2037 , SB2349 , SB2788 , SB39 , SB1183 , SB1717 , SB1832 , SB2743 , SR429 , SR432 , SCR38 , SB39 , SB240 , SB618 , SB870 , SB1183 , SB1257 , SB1717 , SB1727 , SB1832 , SB2743 , SB2 , SB3058 , SB3059 , HB6 , HB14 , HB43 , HB 100 , HB136 , HB149 , HB204 , HB206 , HB307 , HB467 , HB685 , HB 1130 , HB1393 , HB1644 , HB2027 , HB2118 , HB2176 , HB2468 , HB2488 , HB2525 , HB2596 , HB2890 , HB2894 , HB3077 , HB3114 , HB3204 , SCR4 , SCR18 , SCR43 , SB269 , SB330 , SB434 , SB437 , SB438 , SB463 , SB528 , SB604 , SB663 , SB668 , SB682 , SB747 , SB841 , SB912 , SB968 , SB1020 , SB1044 , SB1138 , SB1143 , SB1236 , SB1244 , SB1325 , SB1335 , SB1369 , SB1418 , SB1422 , SB1455 , SB1468 , SB1495 , SB1534 , SB1579 , SB1580 , SB1612 , SB1624 , SB1667 , SB1734 , SB1745 , SB1746 , SB1760 , SB1784 , SB1860 , SB1862 , SB1864 , SB1896 , SB1898 , SB1920 , SB1940 , SB1952 , SB1998 , SB2032 , SB2052 , SB2068 , SB2073 , SB2121 , SB2127 , SB2141 , SB2145 , SB2161 , SB2167 , SB2196 , SB2207 , SB2216 , SB2246 , SB2323 , SB2332 , SB2395 , SB2431 , SB2439 , SB2443 , SB2581 , SB2601 , SB2629 , SB2702 , SB2705 , SB2798 , SB2873 , SB2881 , SB2964 , SB3034 , SB227 , SB584 , SB1013 , SB1137 , SB1169 , SB1200 , SB1299 , SB1410 , SB1999 , SB2004 , SB2429 , SB2717 , SB3058 , SB3059 , HB6 , HB14 , HB43 , HB 100 , HB136 , HB149 , HB204 , HB206 , HB307 , HB467 , HB685 , HB 1130 , HB1393 , HB1644 , HB2027 , HB2118 , HB2176 , HB2468 , HB2488 , HB2525 , HB2596 , HB2890 , HB2894 , HB3077 , HB3114 , HB3204

Transcript Highlights:

• Secretary, call the roll: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Board of Women. 21 ayes, 10 nays.
• school campus, but only in the manner provided by written regulations adopted by a school district's board
• Senate Bill 870 would provide the board of trustees of the school district or the governing body of the
• This requires the Texas Medical Board and the Board of Nursing to create. continuing education curriculum
• Alvarado, Bancorp Board. 30 ayes, 1 nay. The rule is suspended.

Bills: SJR85 , SCR29 , SCR38 , SCR42 , SB23 , SB39 , SB209 , SB227 , SB240 , SB330 , SB527 , SB584 , SB618 , SB619 , SB636 , SB663 , SB715 , SB732 , SB758 , SB801 , SB825 , SB826 , SB843 , SB844 , SB847 , SB870 , SB884 , SB912 , SB957 , SB1013 , SB1020 , SB1065 , SB1143 , SB1152 , SB1164 , SB1183 , SB1257 , SB1299 , SB1325 , SB1349 , SB1413 , SB1455 , SB1539 , SB1558 , SB1574 , SB1583 , SB1624 , SB1642 , SB1643 , SB1667 , SB1717 , SB1718 , SB1727 , SB1734 , SB1756 , SB1757 , SB1784 , SB1789 , SB1832 , SB1868 , SB1870 , SB1883 , SB1896 , SB1920 , SB1924 , SB1963 , SB2010 , SB2018 , SB2024 , SB2037 , SB2052 , SB2073 , SB2111 , SB2161 , SB2196 , SB2207 , SB2253 , SB2268 , SB2322 , SB2323 , SB2332 , SB2349 , SB2371 , SB2533 , SB2570 , SB2601 , SB2626 , SB2692 , SB2705 , SB2717 , SB2774 , SB2788 , SB2877 , SB2920 , SB2 , SB260 , SB1786 , SB1 , HJR4 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SJR85 , SJR84 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SCR38 , SCR42 , SCR29 , SCR4 , SCR18 , SCR43 , SCR46 , SB2023 , SB825 , SB2010 , SB1870 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1539 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB957 , SB1502 , SB507 , SB1026 , SB1349 , SB1433 , SB1434 , SB1376 , SB1585 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1163 , SB619 , SB1122 , SB732 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB261 , SB1882 , SB618 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB826 , SB1257 , SB870 , SB529 , SB209 , SB1883 , SB2024 , SB2429 , SB1999 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB510 , SB1860 , SB2037 , SB1924 , SB2253 , SB2018 , SB2206 , SB1963 , SB1643 , SB1299 , SB841 , SB668 , SB584 , SB1085 , SB2431 , SB1490 , SB1868 , SB2314 , SB434 , SB2046 , SB1667 , SB1727 , SB2127 , SB1975 , SB1760 , SB1734 , SB1335 , SB2246 , SB2439 , SB1624 , SB1244 , SB1468 , SB2717 , SB1612 , SB1262 , SB604 , SB2395 , SB1832 , SB1745 , SB1746 , SB2207 , SB1784 , SB1524 , SB528 , SB437 , SB269 , SB1137 , SB968 , SB636 , SB747 , SB1325 , SB1789 , SB1455 , SB2056 , SB1940 , SB2052 , SB1579 , SB2068 , SB3034 , SB844 , SB1920 , SB1558 , SB1236 , SB1044 , SB884 , SB463 , SB227 , SB240 , SB517 , SB1200 , SB1410 , SB1626 , SB1845 , SB1863 , SB2216 , SB2681 , SB1717 , SB2141 , SB2323 , SB2200 , SB2332 , SB2199 , SB1642 , SB1757 , SB2050 , SB1138 , SB2626 , SB2458 , SB1864 , SB2201 , SB1862 , SB1583 , SB1055 , SB2660 , SB1898 , SB2662 , SB2161 , SB2964 , SB2881 , SB1065 , SB801 , SB2743 , SB2533 , SB1413 , SB2073 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB2774 , SB2702 , SB2629 , SB2443 , SB2349 , SB2167 , SB2145 , SB2121 , SB758 , SB648 , SB647 , SB512 , SB438 , SB1721 , SB2268 , SB1495 , SB2705 , SB2366 , SB1422 , SB1369 , SB1013 , SB682 , SB2692 , SB2570 , SB2797 , SB2111 , SB1896 , SB1164 , SB1020 , SB663 , SB2371 , SB1152 , SB2196 , SB2383 , SB2581 , SB2798 , SB330 , SB646 , SB843 , SB1998 , SB1418 , SB2788 , SB1169 , SB2873 , SB1754 , SB1534 , SB1718 , SB2779 , SB2004 , SB1143 , SB1756 , SB912 , SB2119 , SB2032 , SB527 , SB1580 , SB1952 , SB2601 , SB2322 , SB2448 , SB1777 , SB1283 , SB407 , SB2392 , SB2076 , SB2786 , SB3031 , SB2877 , SB2876 , SB2284 , SB2225 , SB1540 , SB2920 , SB2929 , SB1395 , SB1972 , SB2540 , SB1183 , SB2742 , SB2595 , SB2217 , SB2117 , SB715 , SB2330 , SB1964 , SB1383 , SB500 , SB1640 , SB39 , SB2001 , SB2080 , SB2722 , SB506 , SB2514 , SB2623 , SB2658 , SB1574 , SB2900 , SB23 , SB2753 , SB2398 , SB401 , SB1241 , SB2927 , SB2173 , SB2538 , SB898 , SB467 , SB1449 , SB2529 , SB1531 , SB2846 , SB2476 , SB2031 , SB986 , SB1181 , SB2075 , SB2154 , SB2864 , HB135 , HB 1109 , SCR48 , SB31 , SB2880 , SB1359 , SB2386 , SB771 , SB2844 , SB2550 , SB1351 , SB1423 , SB1931 , SB2245 , SB2589 , SB2707 , SB2807 , SB2351 , SB410 , SB659 , SB816 , SB2776 , SB2693 , SB2580 , SB1980 , SB1886 , SB1234 , SB739 , SB482 , SB456 , SB127 , SB1666

Transcript Highlights:

• Wednesday, July 8: Senate Bill 1401 referred to Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure; Senate
• House Bill 2512 referred to Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure; House Bill 2529 referred

Summary: The Senate met in a non-voting session, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and received routine communications from the President pro tempore, the Governor, and the House. The House transmitted Senate Bills 604, 971, 972, and 1259, and several Senate and House bills and resolutions were referred to committees, including Judiciary, Appropriations, Finance, Education, Transportation, Labor and Industry, and others. The Senate also noted reports from the Department of State and the Department of Environmental Protection, and announced a minority leader appointment of Boyes Butler to the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority. The chamber recessed briefly for committee meetings, including Judiciary and Appropriations in the Rules Room. When the Senate returned, Senator Pittman moved that all bills and resolutions on the day’s calendar go over in their order without prejudice, and the motion was adopted without objection. Committee reports were then received: Appropriations reported House Bills 2401, 2412, and 2413 as committed, and re-reported several other House bills as committed; Judiciary reported House Bill 1042 as amended. The Senate then agreed to proceed on the first-time committee reports for House Bills 1042, 2401, 2412, and 2413, and moved on without further action. Announcements indicated the Appropriations Committee would meet the next day to consider House Bills 1042, 1505, and 2400. The Senate finally adopted a motion to recess until Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 5 p.m., unless recalled sooner.

Transcript Highlights:

• Government Operations and Military Affairs be relieved of Senate Bill 206, which is an act relating to licensure
• , and that the same be committed to the Committee on Human Services. which is an act relating to licensure
• of which is an act relating to licensure of early<00:10:08.000><c> childhood</c><00:10:08.640><c> educators
• Next is Senate Bill 142, which is an act relating to a pathway to licensure for internationally trained
• S. 142, an act relating to a pathway to licensure for internationally trained physicians and medical

Transcript Highlights:

• not saying it's right or wrong, I just want to make sure that we're intentionally doing that or on board
• Lacey's, carriers and MCOs have their own additional credentialing requirements that they layer over licensure
• So it's not just licensure and good standing. You're muted, Liz. Sorry.
• all of the systems that need to sign a All of the systems that need to sign off, so both whatever board

Summary: The committee met for its final session before the report is delivered to the governor and legislature, with introductions and reminders that the meeting was public and recorded. Facilitators explained that the group was reviewing the final draft of the committee’s strategic priorities and recommendations for a five-year behavioral health plan focused on prevention, early intervention, and community-based services. They also noted that the recommendations were drawn from subcommittee work, a survey, and prior committee discussion, and that similar work is occurring in other groups such as Washington Thriving and the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Work Group. Most of the discussion centered on the first two overarching priorities and how to frame them. Members raised concerns that the draft did not sufficiently center people with lived experience, families, and communities, and suggested revising the vision language to reflect that. Several participants also emphasized the need for an executive-level role to coordinate behavioral health across state agencies and improve accountability. The group discussed the timing of related planning efforts, including Washington Thriving and the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Work Group, and agreed the report should acknowledge those efforts without duplicating them. The committee then turned to the high-priority recommendations and the structure of the report. Members asked for more specific action steps under the broader recommendations, rather than leaving them as aspirational statements, and suggested moving some of the lower-priority recommendations into the main sections as examples or sub-actions. There was also substantial discussion about terminology: participants recommended using language such as evidence-informed, promising practices, best practices, and practice-based evidence, especially to better reflect tribal and community-based approaches. Other edits included clarifying early intervention language, adding flexibility, addressing credentialing and carrier/MCO requirements in phases, and considering mentorship as a workforce retention strategy. The committee also discussed accountability and public engagement, with members suggesting the report include stronger references to community voice and oversight. Facilitators said they would revise the draft, circulate it by May 22, and seek comments by May 27 so the report can be finalized and submitted by the June 1 deadline. Several members offered to help with the final drafting and reorganization of the report.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that’s why— Is anybody here from the board?
• “The board didn't want me to be here.” “So the board didn't want you to be here. Right.
• The board didn't want me to be here. So the board didn't want you to be here. Right.
• Thank you. 1182, I'm carrying this bill on the behalf of the Louisiana Board, State Board of Medical
• Board is clear. Thank you, Representative Knox.

Bills: SB237

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Welfare met on May 20, 2026, with eight members present and approved the May 13 minutes. The committee quickly reported several bills favorably, including SB 1224, which requires DCFS review when a pregnancy involves a child under 17 and makes children under 12 a child in need of care; SB 1100, which repeals an old statute on unenriched bread; HB 1220, a continuation of prior work to codify certain provisions related to the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners; HB 1231, clarifying that continuous glucose monitoring is covered through Medicaid for any insulin-dependent diabetic, including gestational diabetes; and HB 198, setting reimbursement rates for ambulatory surgery centers for certain Medicaid procedures. The committee also adopted a personal privilege welcome for physicians on White Coat Day and repeatedly noted that several bills were being advanced with the understanding that further work might continue before floor debate. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 1160, which would create a streamlined restricted license pathway for qualified international medical school graduates, especially for rural and shortage areas. Committee members pressed the Board of Medical Examiners about delays in promulgating rules under an earlier 2024 law and objected to rule language they said went beyond the statute. Board representatives acknowledged a misunderstanding about the original bill’s intent and said the program had been operating, but members warned against agencies writing rules that contradict enacted law. Despite the criticism, HB 1160 was reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably HCR 67, which creates a task force to study gaps in acute care for special-needs adults and children, following emotional testimony from the sponsor about her son’s death and the lack of appropriate care options. The committee then approved HCR 27, calling for a coordinated statewide evaluation of autism services by the Department of Health and Department of Education, with testimony emphasizing rising diagnosis rates, rural provider shortages, and the need for better data and coordination between medical and school-based services. HCR 28, which would study school nurse orientation and training, was also reported favorably after school nurses described the lack of standardized onboarding for new graduates and the risks of placing them alone in schools without adequate supervision. HB 469, which would have allowed pharmacy license renewal fees to be directed to Xavier University’s pharmacy school as well as public schools, was deferred after concerns about diverting funds from public institutions and the absence of testimony from affected schools. The committee also took up HB 223, which recreates DCFS, and adopted an amendment shortening the sunset date and requiring law enforcement reports to be accepted through a secure web-based platform; the bill was then reported favorably as amended. Another major discussion centered on HB 457 and HB 616, both tied to homelessness. HB 457, establishing minimum standards for shelters and related facilities, was reported favorably as amended after sponsor testimony and support cards. HB 616, which would allow the legislative auditor and local officials access to records and databases for audits of homelessness initiatives, drew extensive debate over privacy, federal funding, and accountability. Supporters cited a 2025 audit showing more than $216 million in federal homelessness spending in New Orleans and argued that auditors need access to performance data to detect waste and abuse; opponents warned about client privacy and the impact of funding cutoffs. The committee adopted an amendment changing permissive language to mandatory language for enforcement and then continued hearing testimony, with the discussion still centered on balancing oversight with confidentiality.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lori Martinez, California Board of Pharmacy, in support.
• We have been seeing this across the board. And the market won't just adjust itself.
• We have been seeing this across the board. And the market won't just adjust itself.
• Both the CSU Board of Trustees and the governing board of the nonprofit school must approve the pilot
• Both the CSU Board of Trustees and the governing board of the nonprofit school must approve the pilot

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills, beginning with SB 41 by Senator Wiener, which would regulate pharmacy benefit managers by increasing transparency, banning patient steering and spread pricing, and requiring full pass-through of rebates. Supporters, including independent pharmacists and health advocates, said PBM practices are driving up drug costs and closing neighborhood pharmacies. Opponents from PBM and health plan groups argued the bill overlaps with recently enacted licensing and reporting requirements, would not lower consumer prices, and may be preempted by ERISA. Members discussed confidentiality issues, consumer savings, and the relationship between SB 41 and the new budget trailer bill; the author asked for an aye vote. The committee then took up SB 378, also by Senator Wiener, aimed at online marketplaces that advertise illegal intoxicating hemp and unlicensed cannabis products. Supporters from labor, public health, and the licensed cannabis industry said online sales are undermining regulated businesses and exposing children to unsafe products. Opponents from tech and hemp industry groups warned the bill is overbroad, could sweep in general-purpose platforms and lawful hemp wellness products, and raises Dormant Commerce Clause and First Amendment concerns. The author said he would narrow the bill, remove industrial hemp references, and address strict liability and standing issues; members largely focused on how to target illegal products without capturing lawful marketplaces. SB 243 by Senator Padilla addressed AI companion chatbots, with supporters including Common Sense Media and transparency advocates warning that these systems can be addictive, manipulative, and dangerous for minors and vulnerable users, citing studies and the death of a Florida teenager. The bill would require disclosures, anti-addiction design limits, self-harm protocols, audits, reporting, and a private right of action. Tech and business groups opposed the measure as overly broad and said its definitions could sweep in general-purpose AI tools; several members supported the goal but questioned the breadth of the definitions and the private right of action. Finally, SB 522 by Senator Wahab would extend just-cause eviction protections to rental units that were previously covered by the Tenant Protection Act but were destroyed in disasters and later rebuilt. Supporters, including Los Angeles city officials and tenant advocates, said the bill would help keep displaced renters housed after wildfires and other disasters. Apartment and realtor groups opposed it, arguing it would remove a key exemption needed to finance rebuilding and could discourage post-disaster reconstruction. Members expressed support for tenant protections in disaster areas, and the author asked for an aye vote.