Transcript Highlights:

• restricted sale of him products ingestible products made out of hemp and hemp extract to those under the age
• So I guess the point I'm trying to make. >> All types of people of all ages are enjoying the and beverage
• state had program has always come in and then that need we have we have there's over 18 million voting aged
• synthetic cannabinoids from like Delta 8 from the market and we support common-sense compliance like age
• to 3.15, the requirement for both an alcohol, retail sons and alcohol distribution and maintain an age

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We see these services as a proactive approach to prevention, and this facility would be open for all age
• And this request is critically important because of the age of the surviving Cambodian, Lao, and Vietnamese
• As these seniors are aging out, we want to bring back and get the intergenerational programming going
• I think that's going to be the goal, and I think that we'll see more different age groups besides just
• As an emerging yet middle-aged Latina artist, finding opportunities to have a solo exhibit is not easy

Bills: HF2411, HF2471, HF1440, HF1393, HF1631, HF1259, HF280, HF1281, HF1459

Keywords: cultural heritage, funding, White Earth Nation, tribal community, construction, Delano, sesquicentennial, community events, fall of Saigon, Saigon anniversary, Vietnam War commemoration, Vietnamese Minnesotans, Cambodian Minnesotans, Lao Minnesotans, Southeast Asian refugees, Asian American heritage, cultural heritage fund, Minnesota Humanities Center, Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans, equity funding

Transcript Highlights:

• THIS IS ABOUT NEXT-GENERATION I LIKE AGRICULTURALISTS AND A NEW AGE OF DISCOVERY.
• IN ORDER TO BUILD THE FUTURE WORKFORCE OUR AGE OF DISCOVERY.
• WE MANAGED TO TAKE THOSE OFF THE MARKET IN FLORIDA, AGE GAVE MEANING YOU HAVE TO BE 21 OR OVER.
• WE NEED ACCESS RESTRICTIONS, NOT JUST AGE RESTRICTIONS.
• THE AGE OF PURCHASE. THE TESTING TO GET OUT THE IMPURITIES. THAT ARE HARMFUL.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm asking you to support HB 165 and HB 163 because we should all have the dignity of being able to age
• We should all have the dignity of being able to age in our home and a place that we call home through
• So HB 321 is an ad valorem tax, your property tax, exemption for what is called homes for the aged, which
• is by IRS tax code, folks greater than the age of 62.
• When the real issue at hand is when a nonprofit that builds homes for the aged, or essentially housing

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on March 13, 2025, for its first meeting of the session, with member and staff introductions followed by consideration of several tax-related bills. The committee first heard HJR 163 and its implementing bill HB 165, which would extend the homestead property tax exemption for quadriplegics to surviving spouses, similar to the treatment for surviving spouses of certain disabled veterans. Sponsor Rep. Tant and constituent J.R. Harding described the financial and caregiving burdens faced by spouses of quadriplegics. The committee heard supportive testimony from the Florida Association of Property Appraisers and members voted both measures favorably without opposition. The committee then considered HB 785 on heated tobacco products. Rep. Tramont said the bill would create a new tax/regulatory category for the product, and an amendment clarifying the definition was adopted. The James Madison Institute offered a resource on the issue, the Florida Retail Federation waived in support, and Ranking Member Eskamani said she had concerns about the excise tax treatment and would vote no. The bill passed 16-1. Next, HB 321, a property tax exemption clarification for homes for the aged, was presented by Rep. Smith as a technical “glitch bill” to align state law with IRS tax code and ease development of low-income senior housing. It drew supportive testimony and passed unanimously. The final bill, HB 503 by Rep. Botana, would cap local government revenue from local business taxes and require refunds if collections exceed the cap, with carve-outs for fiscally constrained areas. Local government and economic development groups, including the Florida League of Cities, the City of Winter Haven, the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, and the Florida Association of Counties, opposed the bill, arguing it would limit funding for public safety, inspections, economic development, and other services and create administrative refund problems. Several members supported the bill as a tax-cutting measure, while others warned of impacts on local services and revenue flexibility. The committee reported HB 503 favorably on a 14-5 vote, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator, the report is now aging, but I think the specific language we used was that the reform as we
• What I’m saying is, instead of us having 10 prisons that all have individuals that are over the age of
• So health care is one issue, age is another issue, mental health is another issue.
• Helping transition-aged youth is how we prevent chronically homeless adults.
• Helping transition-aged youth is how we prevent chronically homeless adults.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on the Governor’s May Revision proposals for labor, public safety/judiciary, and transportation, and no votes were taken. In Part A on labor, the Employment Development Department reviewed proposals for EDD Next document management system funding, updated UI loan interest costs, disability insurance and paid family leave benefit and administration adjustments, WIOA funding changes, UI administrative and benefit changes, school employee benefit adjustments, an EMT training reappropriation, and a technical correction tied to EDD Next. PERB discussed funding tied to AB 28 and AB 1, including litigation-related workload and new jurisdiction over legislative employees. DIR presented proposals for legal unit reclassifications, two major IT modernization projects, a new Cal/OSHA emerging technologies unit, a COIA reappropriation, and trailer bill language on electronic assessment payments and the DWC director salary cap. CalHR proposed additional funding for a consolidated employee assistance program contract, and CalPERS and CalSTRS presented budget adjustments tied to investment costs and state contribution changes. Members focused heavily on UI debt and interest payments, asking the administration for a plan to reduce the outstanding loan and relieve employers. Finance said no specific repayment plan was included in the May Revision, while LAO said the state’s UI tax structure is structurally insufficient and that any debt payoff should be paired with tax-system reform. Senators also questioned EDD Next costs and timelines, PERB’s caseload and staffing needs, and DIR’s emerging technologies unit, with LAO noting that the unit would appear focused on physical workplace safety rather than broader AI labor issues. CalHR said the new EAP contract would consolidate services, improve access to clinicians, and lower costs relative to the current model. CalPERS defended higher external management fees as part of a strategy to pursue higher net returns, while some members pressed for more transparency about private investments; CalSTRS said it was not prepared to address investment-strategy questions at this hearing. Public comment in Part A was dominated by advocates urging support for an immigration enforcement emergency relief fund, along with comments supporting the Jails to Jobs proposal, the Apprenticeship Innovation Fund, and additional PERB funding. The chair noted that many of the immigration-related requests might fall under other committees and said staff would follow up. In Part B, Finance and LAO outlined judicial branch and DOJ May Revision items, including funding for court interpreter services, appellate court security, lactation room implementation delays, courthouse construction reappropriations, and DOJ budget increases. LAO recommended approving the language-access proposal with a report on reducing interpreter cost growth and reducing the General Fund backfill for state court facilities by $10 million on an ongoing basis.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that delivery then at a pre-viable age or is that treatment? treatment later.
• The- risk is high for women in your situation and at my age.
• that with an age exception where children who become pregnant under a given age would be legally able
• Rather, the age of the pregnant child would be enough for a doctor to provide an abortion.
• , and then provide counseling relevant to that gestational age.

Bills: HB44, HB2200, HB1612, HB2747, HB2038, HB3717, HB1431, HB3800, HB3801, HB3560, HB3246, HB44

Keywords: HB 44, Life of the Mother Act, abortion exceptions, medical emergency, reasonable medical judgment, pregnancy complications, maternal health, life-threatening condition, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, spontaneous abortion, fetal survival, Texas abortion law, abortion ban, physician liability, health care provider, disciplinary action, aiding and abetting, emergency abortion, obstetric care

Transcript Highlights:

• And as was said then, let us say again now: she belongs to the ages.
• about six months after President ages about six months after President Lincoln<00:55:47.240> was<
• And when I joined the ag committee, she said that's a great committee.
• And when I joined the ag committee, she said that's a great committee.
• And when I joined the ag committee, she said that's a great committee.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Minnesota Senate convened for opening day of the 94th legislative session, with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and remarks honoring the late Senator Carrie Dike, whose seat was left empty. Leaders from both parties described her as a unifying, hardworking public servant and noted the chamber’s grief at her death. A quorum was established by roll call of members from all districts. The Senate then elected Bobby Joe Champion and Jeremy Miller as co-presiding officers by a vote of 65 ayes and 1 pass, and they were sworn in. In their remarks, both emphasized cooperation, open dialogue, and working forward together despite a projected budget deficit and other difficult issues ahead. The chamber also elected Thomas Bodin as Secretary of the Senate by 66 votes, and then approved a slate of other officers—including assistant secretaries, engrossing secretary, sergeant at arms, assistant sergeant at arms, and chaplain—by one roll call with 66 votes. Senate Resolution No. 1, which set the temporary organization of the Senate and memorialized the organizing agreement between the two caucuses, was adopted by a vote of 66 ayes and 0 nays. The resolution covered temporary leadership structure, staff and appointments, committee memberships and schedules, adoption of temporary rules from the prior session with updated committee names, and procedures for resolving future issues. After adoption, the Senate set aside time for members to speak in tribute to Senator Dike, with several senators offering personal remembrances and condolences to her family and staff.

Transcript Highlights:

• that significantly increases risk of breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and other cancers, often at younger ages
• Age 5112 ensures that people are evaluated based on their real health, not hypothetical outcomes.
• individuals with this mutation undergo more intensive, more frequent screening, starting at younger ages
• Someone with Lynch syndrome typically starts colonoscopy every one to two years between the ages of 20

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Financial Services held a fully virtual public hearing after a blizzard and state emergency closed the State House and created travel and cleanup concerns. Chairs Senator Paul Feeney and Representative James Murphy opened by thanking first responders and committee staff for making the hearing possible and noted that several members attended remotely. The committee heard testimony on three bills: H.5112, An Act Prohibiting Genetic Discrimination; H.4914, An Act Relative to the Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code; and S.2921, An Act Relative to Travel Insurance. Most of the testimony focused on H.5112. Representative Dave Rogers and his constituent Robin Biggs testified in support of H.5112, describing gaps in federal genetic nondiscrimination law that do not cover life, long-term care, or disability insurance. Biggs shared her experience as a BRCA2 mutation carrier and said genetic knowledge helped her take preventive steps, but that people fear testing because insurers may use results against them. Lindsay Jack of the ALS Association and Lisa Schlager of FORCE also supported the bill, arguing that it would encourage preventive care, research participation, and fairer underwriting without harming insurance markets. They said insurers could still use medical history and diagnoses, but not genetic test results alone. Committee members asked questions about whether insurers currently request genetic testing and how such information is used in underwriting. Testifiers said the information is routinely asked for or found in medical records, but the bill would prohibit its use in coverage decisions and would prevent insurers from requiring testing. No votes were taken. After testimony concluded and no additional witnesses came forward, the chairs closed the hearing and adjourned the meeting by unanimous voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• opportunity together to work on something that really shouldn't be ignored in Minnesota, and that's aging
• shouldn't be ignored in Minnesota,<00:05:04.160> and<00:05:04.280> that's<00:05:04.640> aging
• Minnesota, and that's aging Minnesota, and that's aging infrastructure,<00:05:06.280> specifically

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up House File 3426, the annual LCCMR bill appropriating money from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, which is funded by lottery proceeds and does not use general fund money. Representative Jordan said the bill funds 108 projects totaling $102.036 million, including projects in resiliency, water, outdoor recreation, fish and wildlife, energy, and a newly created community grants program. He thanked LCCMR members and staff and noted strong voter support for these programs. Representative Fischer supported the bill but raised concern about a prior decision to cut funding from a group that had misused the LCCMR logo, saying the penalty may have been too severe given the project’s purpose of helping expose 12,000 children to the outdoors. Representative Heintzeman also supported the bill and emphasized the committee’s work on integrity measures for the new community grants program, including consulting the Office of the Legislative Auditor and building safeguards against fraud. He highlighted the program’s focus on aging trail infrastructure and said grants of up to $2 million could help restore trails and improve safety. After discussion, the House proceeded to a roll call vote. The bill passed with 117 yeas and 15 nays, and its title was agreed to.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2019, which was the last time the USDA did this study, the United States' investment in ag sciences
• So if we have constituents who say, 'We have a great idea for a food or ag product,' please send them
• So we offer free soil testing and interpretation for community gardens through Ag and Markets partnership
• general public on how Cornell can be funded, and especially for things like CALS and for all of our ag

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Agriculture Committee met and first took up five bills. It reported S.593 (land used in agricultural production), S.879A (the Garden Protection Act), S.3277 (transfer-on-death beneficiaries for farming implements), and S.4754 (creating an Office of Urban Agriculture). S.1529A, the Carbon Farming Act, was moved to the Finance Committee. The committee briefly discussed S.4754, with Senator Borrello asking about its status and members noting strong support for urban agriculture and food-system resilience; the bill was then reported to Finance by voice vote. The committee then heard from Julie Suarez, Associate Dean for Land Grant Affairs at Cornell CALS, who described Cornell’s role in research, extension, and public service across New York agriculture. She highlighted Cornell’s economic impact, growth in FFA participation including new urban chapters, dairy investment, and the potential of the maple industry, while emphasizing the need for continued agricultural science funding to address climate change, invasive species, and market challenges. She also pointed members to Cornell programs supporting food entrepreneurs, soil health, small farms, veterans entering agriculture, and community integrated pest management. Members asked questions about tick increases, with Suarez attributing them to deer, rodents, climate change, and invasive species, and said Cornell’s community IPM program offers landscaping and prevention guidance. She also explained Cornell’s land-grant and contract-college structure, including its statutory mission and state support. The meeting ended after members expressed interest in further outreach and informational sessions, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• For every homeowner in Texas in the next few years, no matter their age.
• homestead exemption will travel with you whether you're 55, 56, 57, or 80. 56, 57, 58, whatever your age
• I don't want the median age, I've got all these numbers in my head, of 35.
• So if you keep bringing that age down a little bit over time, and you keep the combs, it's coming up.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For every homeowner in Texas in the next few years, no matter their age, we've already done it now for
• Your homestead exemption will travel with you, whether you're 55, 56, 57, 58, whatever your age, now
• Uh, age, I got all these numbers in my head, uh, of 35 going to 40. I'd rather see it go down.
• So if you keep bringing that age down a little bit over time and you keep the homestead's coming up,

Transcript Highlights:

• the New Mexico Agricultural Leadership Program, and this program is designed to foster leaders in the ag
• industry, networking, and to increase awareness about the ag industry and its importance around the
• Dean's Office at NMSU, Aaron Romero, American Ag Credit, Agriculture, Michael Purdy, the New Mexico Department
• Indian Resources Department at NMSU, Marissa Dials from the Ag Trust Farm Credit, and Christina Wilson

Transcript Highlights:

• Children, Youth, and Families Department to obtain identification cards for certain children 14 years of age
• provides that a detained child be transferred to an adult facility if that child reaches 18 years of age
• detention hearing by means of electronic communication and allows a serious youthful offender 14 years of age
• bill provides a court with discretion to extend a judgment up to the date a child reaches 25 years of age

Transcript Highlights:

• Who's responsible for your AG opinions and... ...before your AG opinions, and how average or in your
• So we have AG opinions come out of our general counsel division. We have two different sets.
• where, for economy of scale, rather than agencies having their own lawyers, bringing them under the AG
• Is there a preference the AG office has when it comes to that?
• We've heard the Commerce budget as part of this group the last time, and now we've heard the AG.

Summary: The committee met as the Commerce and Legal Services Division and first approved the minutes, then received a Legislative Council overview of the Attorney General’s current budget status and a blue-sheet summary of the AG’s base budget for the next biennium. Staff highlighted compliance with legislative intent items, including FTE changes, one-time funding updates, litigation pool spending, opioid settlement receipts, and continuing appropriations. Members asked about specific funds such as the Missing Indigenous People Grant Fund and the Internet Crimes Investigation Fund, and staff explained the statutory basis and status of those items. The Attorney General’s office then presented an extensive overview of its divisions and budget pressures. Chief Deputy Attorney General Clare Ness described the office’s 14 divisions, the role of the office in defending the state and recouping funds, and concerns about attorney pay, recruitment, and retention. Members discussed whether attorney salaries should be benchmarked across state government and whether more legal work could be centralized in the AG’s office. The office also described challenges with the new-and-vacant FTE pool, operating expense cuts, leased office space, and the criminal justice information systems used to connect law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts. The Crime Laboratory director gave a detailed update on space and infrastructure problems, saying the current lab is overcrowded and outdated, with safety, workflow, air-handling, glycol leak, alarm, and maintenance issues that can delay casework and risk evidence integrity. She said a 2024 study projected a need for a much larger facility and that the preferred option would be a new building on the current health department site, at an estimated cost of roughly $40 million to $45 million. She also reported that backlogs have improved significantly in DNA, firearms, fingerprint, and drug cases, though toxicology had recently developed a small backlog after an air compressor failure. The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, gaming division, and BCI also provided updates. MFCU’s new director said the unit is federally funded 75/25, focuses on fraud, abuse, and neglect, and is seeking two attorney hires while continuing to work with federal partners on cases and recertification. Gaming staff reported continued growth in charitable gaming and electronic pull-tab activity, with concerns about site competition, large trust balances, possible ineligible expenditures, and the need for more scrutiny as revenues have grown. BCI outlined its staffing, drug task forces, ICAC work, and the Missing Indigenous Person Task Force, which is using its $250,000 appropriation to help tribal nations develop emergency response plans and purchase alerting tools such as IPAWS. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• At a young age, the family farm provided John with the opportunity to pursue his passion,...
• At a young age, the family farm provided John with the opportunity to pursue his passion for growing
• watermelons, and in 1943, at the age of 10, John planted his first watermelon patch.
• At the age of 15, John graduated from Pelican High School and enrolled at LSU as one of the youngest
• by Senator Alaa is a concurrent resolution of urgent request to the American Sugarcane League, LSU Ag

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a lot of drink, underage drinking on campus, older age drinking on campus.
• Welcome to the age of the Jetsons. Additional debate.
• And at the age of 20, I survive in Mr. Chair and Senators. My name is Jamie Shambalm.
• And at the age of 20, I survive meningitis, a potentially devastating disease.
• I'm a parent of three school-aged children.

Summary: The committee first took up CS for SB 896 on school safety, which would expand the Guardian program to public postsecondary institutions, require active assailant response plans and threat management protocols, improve reporting and information sharing, and make it a felony to discharge a weapon within 1,000 feet of a campus. A late-file amendment by Senator Polsky was adopted to clarify that students who are also employees or faculty at a public postsecondary institution are not eligible for the Guardian program. The bill drew strong opposition from faculty, students, and gun-safety advocates who argued that more guns on campus would create confusion, weaken safety, and undermine campus police; supporters said trained guardians would improve deterrence and protection. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably by a roll call vote. The committee then considered SB 1690 on child care and early learning services, which updates child care laws, reduces some regulatory burdens, and expands the Florida Education Foundation’s authority to fundraise for early learning from birth through VPK. Members discussed oversight of the related direct-support organization and the removal of certain notice requirements, while supporters from Moms Rising and other advocates said the bill would help families access affordable, high-quality child care and support home-based providers. One opponent argued the bill added more government regulation, but the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. Next, the committee passed CS for SB 118, a narrow bill on non-ad valorem special assessments for recreational vehicle parks, clarifying how assessments are calculated for RV spaces and campsites. The bill received supportive comments from RV advocates and was reported favorably without controversy. The committee then took up CS for SB 1220, the Department of Transportation package, which included provisions on seaports and airports, personal delivery devices, autonomous vehicles, broadband and utility permitting, and advanced air mobility. Amendments were adopted that revised research institute membership, limited some delivery-device provisions, and clarified cruiser light rules for law enforcement; after questions about utility preemption and PDD safety, the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1756 on medical freedom, which would require new vaccine educational materials, expand school-entry exemptions to include conscience-based objections, limit the Surgeon General’s emergency vaccination authority, and allow behind-the-counter ivermectin for adults with written information and liability protections. The bill drew extensive testimony from both supporters and opponents, with supporters emphasizing parental rights, informed consent, and vaccine injury concerns, and opponents warning about reduced immunization rates, public health risks, and the appropriateness of ivermectin provisions. The transcript ends during public testimony and debate on SB 1756, before final action on that bill is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Turquoise Alert is from 0 to 65 years of age. And it really would codify.
• to oversee a marijuana establishment license issued under the Social Equity Ownership Program if the AG
• Equity Ownership Program on April 8, 2022, to file complaints and petition to restore a license with AG
• Give the authority to the AG to investigate and act on those predatory agreements, and then the victims
• There's no due process in this because it gives the AG the sole authority to determine that something

Bills: SB1071, SB1315, SB1317, SB1416, SB1493, SB1537, SB1542, SB1584, SB1626, SB1740, SB1751, SB1804, SCR1047, SCR1049

Keywords: Arizona Rangers, statutory repeal, security, state law, regulatory changes, school safety, interoperable communications, law enforcement, emergency response, funding, reentry programs, criminal justice, grants, recidivism, attorney general, missing children, kidnapping, reporting requirements, child safety, training

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1071, which would repeal the statutory framework for the Arizona Rangers. The sponsor argued the bill was about accountability and transparency, citing concerns about missing training and firearms qualification records; Arizona Rangers representatives and several sheriffs opposed the bill, saying the Rangers provide valuable volunteer support and that the real issue was adding oversight rather than eliminating protections. After discussion, the committee voted 4-3 to give SB 1071 a do pass recommendation, with members noting they expected amendments later. The committee then heard SB 1315, requiring school districts and charter schools to maintain interoperable emergency communications with law enforcement and to submit annual affidavits confirming testing and compliance. Testimony from school safety officials and sheriffs emphasized the value of real-time communication during emergencies and the need for secure sharing of campus maps and floor plans; concerns about cost and information security were addressed by supporters. The bill passed unanimously, 7-0. The committee also advanced SB 1317, which appropriates opioid settlement funds for county reentry planning programs; sheriffs and association representatives supported it, citing reduced recidivism and jail populations, and it passed 7-0. Several public safety and missing-children measures were considered next. SB 1416, as amended, revises missing child reporting requirements, adds runaway children back into reporting, requires faster photo and information sharing, and expands training requirements; advocates for missing children and law enforcement supported the compromise language, and the bill passed 7-0. SB 1740, which updates Turquoise Alert training and procedures, was also advanced 7-0 after discussion about statewide versus geographically targeted alerts and the need to keep alerts effective. Later, SB 1493, a strike-everything amendment affecting police officer termination appeals and fee shifting when an employer rejects a favorable administrative ruling, passed 5-2 despite opposition from chiefs’ representatives. SB 1537, renaming the Peace Officer Training Equipment Fund and repealing its advisory commission, passed 5-2. The committee also approved SB 1751 and SCR 1049, which expand execution methods to include lethal gas and firing squad and make firing squad mandatory in certain cases involving the murder of a law enforcement officer; opponents raised constitutional, ethical, and practical concerns, while supporters framed the measures as aligning Arizona with other states and providing additional options. Both measures passed 4-3. Finally, SB 1542, which would create a framework and funding for MDMA research and treatment for PTSD in first responders and peace officers contingent on FDA approval, was heard with testimony describing promising clinical trial results and the need for Arizona research; the bill was then moved forward, though the transcript cuts off before the final roll call result is fully shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Approximately 26,200 of those people were under the age of 18.
• It's also the number one cause of all pediatric organ transplants under the age of 17.
• The average age of diagnosis in the U.S. right now is shockingly 65 to 70 days.
• The average age of diagnosis in the U.S. right now is shockingly 65 to 70 days.
• Maddie's already at $7 million at three years of age.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 1414 by Sen. Polsky on congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) education. The bill would require the Department of Health, working with medical experts, to create and distribute CMV educational materials to expectant and new parents or caregivers through hospitals, birth centers, and OB/GYN practices. An amendment removed a section that would have required instruction for medical professionals, and the amended bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. The committee then took up a block of confirmations. Appointees on tabs 2 through 7 were recommended favorably in one vote, and Chavon Harris was separately confirmed as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration after extensive questioning. Senators praised her leadership and experience, while others raised concerns about Medicaid redeterminations, the state’s CORE modernization project, Hope Florida, and a DCF anti-marijuana ad campaign; Harris said she would follow up on some issues and defended the agency’s work on transparency, managed care oversight, and access to care. Her confirmation was recommended favorably, with Sen. Berman noting opposition. Several health-related bills were then heard and advanced. SB 186 by Sen. Garcia expanded epilepsy training requirements for school personnel, including charter school bus drivers, and was reported favorably. SB 902 by Sen. Garcia, after amendments narrowing dental workforce provisions and allowing certain seizure rescue medication delegation to family home health aides, was reported favorably; testimony focused on medical marijuana regulation, practitioner accountability, and concerns about park and child-care proximity restrictions. SB 196 by Sen. Sharif created a uterine fibroid research database with privacy protections and was reported favorably after emotional testimony from a patient and supporters. SB 688 by Sen. Rodriguez would reestablish licensure of naturopathic doctors; it drew both support and skepticism about diagnosis and treatment boundaries, but was reported favorably. SB 1574, Maddie’s Law, would add biliary atresia screening to newborn screening and was strongly supported by parents describing a delayed diagnosis; it was reported favorably. SB 878 on clinical laboratory personnel, SB 1092 on podiatric medicine and certain cellular/tissue-based products, and SB 1032 on medical marijuana registry timelines and veteran fee waivers were also reported favorably, while SB 1032 drew debate over longer renewal/supply periods. The committee then began SB 1760 on Medicaid oversight and program transparency, with the sponsor describing the bill’s creation of a joint legislative oversight committee and a legislative actuary.

Transcript Highlights:

• Approximately 26,200 of those people were under the age of 18.
• It's also the number one cause of all pediatric organ transplants under the age of 17.
• The average age of diagnosis in the U.S. right now is shockingly 65 to 70 days.
• The average age of diagnosis in the U.S. right now is shockingly 65 to 70 days.
• Maddie's already at $7 million at three years of age.

Bills: S0688, S1414, S0186, S0902, S0196, S1574, S0878, S1092, S1032, S1684, S1686, S1760

Keywords: cytomegalovirus, education, maternal health, newborn care, infectious diseases, student health, epilepsy, seizure disorders, school safety, training requirements, medical marijuana, low-THC cannabis, neurofibromatosis, healthcare, state regulations, child care facilities, public safety, grant program, uterine fibroids, health database

Summary: The committee took up several health-related bills and confirmations. It first heard SB 1414 on congenital cytomegalovirus education, which would require the Department of Health to develop and distribute educational materials to expectant and new parents through maternity, prenatal, newborn, and OB-GYN settings; an amendment removed a section on required instruction for medical professionals, and the bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. The committee then approved a block of appointees on tabs 2 through 7 and separately confirmed Chavon Harris as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration after her testimony on Medicaid accountability, transparency, managed care oversight, rural health, behavioral health, and the state’s technology modernization efforts. Senators asked Harris about Hope Florida, Medicaid redeterminations, the CORE project, an anti-marijuana ad campaign at DCF, and compliance with a federal Medicaid-related court order; she said she would follow up on some issues. The confirmation was recommended favorably, with Senator Berman voting no. The committee next passed SB 186 on student health and safety, which expands epilepsy and seizure-disorder training requirements to more school personnel, including bus drivers and charter school staff, and requires seizure-first-aid posters and updated Department of Health education efforts. It also approved SB 902 on Department of Health issues after amendments narrowed the bill’s scope and added provisions on medical marijuana regulation, early childhood intervention, practitioner accountability, and autism workforce development; one speaker raised concerns about marijuana dispensary location restrictions and low-THC ratios. SB 196 creating a uterine fibroid research database was also reported favorably after an amendment protecting patient privacy; the bill drew emotional testimony from a patient describing severe symptoms and the need for more research. SB 688 on naturopathic medicine was approved after committee discussion about scope of practice, referral obligations, and whether naturopathic care should be adjunctive to conventional medicine; supporters described complementary care and access issues, while opponents worried about delayed treatment for serious disease. Later, the committee passed SB 1574, “Maddie’s Law,” to add biliary atresia screening to newborn screening using the same blood specimen already collected at birth and to launch an education campaign; parents of a child affected by the disease testified that earlier screening could have prevented severe harm. SB 878 on clinical laboratory personnel was reported favorably to address staffing shortages by allowing Florida to rely more directly on federal CLIA standards for qualified lab workers. SB 1092 on podiatric medicine was approved after an amendment narrowed it to cellular/tissue-based products and podiatrists’ use of certain therapies; the bill also addresses continuing education, informed consent, and advertising disclosures. SB 1032 on medical marijuana was amended and passed, aligning physician certification and card renewal timelines, setting 70-day and 35-day supply limits, and reducing the fee for honorably discharged veterans while preserving funding for FAMU; Senator Harrell opposed it, saying the longer timeframes were too much of an expansion. The committee also heard SB 1760 on Medicaid coverage transparency from Senator Brodeur, who said the bill focuses on accountability and fiscal responsibility, but the transcript cuts off before further discussion or action on that measure.