Video & Transcript Research : 'unauthorized practice'
Page 111 of 500
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee Mar 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Importantly, there is also a difference between a company choosing to put fingerprinting into practice
- But this emerging practice appears to exist through loopholes that allow companies to charge different
- So AB 446 will prohibit the practice of surveillance pricing by making it unlawful for businesses to
- Ultimately, we want the practice to stop, and we hope it's a deterrent enough that it doesn't happen
- We're trying to make sure that we are stopping the practice in the first place.
Summary:
The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee met with a new membership roster and adopted its committee rules after quorum was established. The hearing then began with AB 412, the AI Copyright Transparency Act, which would require generative AI developers to provide copyright holders notice when registered copyrighted works are used in training data. The author and supporters, including SAG-AFTRA, the Transparency Coalition, voice actors, writers, labor groups, and other creators, argued the bill would give artists a practical way to learn whether their works were used and to vindicate their rights. Opponents, including EFF, CalChamber, RIAA, CCIA, Chamber of Progress, Bay Area Council, BSA, and TechNet, said the proposal was technically unworkable, could burden startups, conflict with existing law and pending litigation, and raise federal preemption concerns. Members discussed the bill’s amendments, including a fingerprinting approach and narrowing the bill to model developers, and the committee voted 8-2 to pass AB 412 as amended to the Judiciary Committee.
The committee then heard AB 446, which would prohibit “surveillance pricing,” or the use of personal data to charge different prices for the same product or service. The author and supporters, including Consumer Watchdog, UFCW, labor organizations, and consumer/privacy groups, described examples of differential pricing tied to device type, location, shopping behavior, and digital price tags, and argued the bill would protect consumers from discriminatory and predatory pricing. Business and industry opponents, including CalChamber, grocers, retailers, travel, broadband, and other associations, said the bill could conflict with the CCPA, interfere with loyalty and rewards programs, and create confusion about personalized discounts and dynamic pricing. The discussion focused on how the bill would treat loyalty programs, whether existing privacy law already covers the issue, and whether the proposal would unintentionally affect legitimate discounts and promotions.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider S.527, to require the Federal Trade Commission to study the role of intermediaries in the pharmaceutical supply chain and provide Congress with appropriate policy recommendations, S.1040, to amend the Federal Trade Commis Apr 3rd, 2025 at 09:15 am
Senate Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- Today's markup is about addressing the high cost of prescription drugs and abusive practices that keep
- taking another shot at making sure consumers aren't being taken advantage of by anti-competitive practices
- You see patent practices and strengthen agency collaboration.
- Before answering your question, my answer is going to be based upon practice.
- , our practice is, at least in the last 40 years, never to have a hearing.
Keywords:
drug competition, product hopping, generic drugs, biosimilars, federal regulations, FTC Act, patent, biological products, healthcare access, affordable prescriptions, Medicare, Federal Trade Commission, sham petitions, competition, public health, unfair competition, healthcare, pharmaceutical, antitrust law, pay-for-delay
Summary:
The meeting focused on addressing the high cost of prescription drugs and the abusive practices that contribute to elevated prices affecting American families. Several bills were presented, including proposals to end pay-for-delay deals and to enhance transparency in the operations of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). The discussion was notable for its emphasis on consumer protection and ensuring that cheaper generic drugs reach the market more effectively. Members expressed frustration over past attempts to pass similar legislation stalling in the Senate, leading to renewed efforts to push these bills forward.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 3/25/25
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- one narrow six-month window practically one narrow six-month window of<00:17:30.880>
time <00: - And just like appraisers having to follow a set of standards when performing appraisal practice, we're
- And just like appraisers having to follow a set of standards when performing appraisal practice, we're
- And again, if you folks have never seen the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practices and
- and again the goal being practice and again the goal being consistency<00:41:38.119>
transparency
Keywords:
Medicare, health insurance, supplement policies, preexisting conditions, medical assistance, premium classification, real estate, appraisers, disciplinary actions, sanction matrix, Minnesota Statutes, continuing education, out-of-state, licensing, commerce, fraud prevention, automobile theft, law enforcement, insurance crimes, 1183
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Banking and Insurance Jan 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And they can go and unfair trade practices.
- And they can go and unfair trade practices.
- So at the end of the day, what are the practical implications of this?
- with the law and with the current practices at DFS.
- with the law with the current practices at DFS.
Summary:
The Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum present and took up several bills, beginning with SB 834 on health care sharing ministries and insurance agents. Senator Yarbrough presented the bill to repeal a recent restriction on licensed insurance agents marketing or selling faith-based health care sharing programs. Supporters argued the change restores free speech and consumer education while preserving existing consumer protections; opponents said the bill was unnecessary and could increase confusion or misuse of agents and brokers. The committee adopted a title amendment and then reported the bill favorably after debate, with Senator Pizzo raising concerns about consumer reliance and lack of guaranteed coverage.
The committee then approved SB 642 on foreign and alien bail bond insurers, SB 394 on reinsurance intermediary managers, and SB 266 on public adjuster contracts. SB 266 would let vulnerable adults rescind public adjuster contracts at any time without penalty; it drew support from consumer and industry groups, with some discussion about estimates and claim work product. The committee also passed SB 832 on residential property insurance transparency, which requires rate transparency reports and a consumer resource center at OIR, and adds a provision excluding land value from homeowners coverage calculations in most cases. Testimony on SB 832 was generally supportive of the transparency goal, though insurers said some of the required cost breakdowns may be difficult to produce as written.
The committee next considered SB 1028 on Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, which would create a commercial lines clearinghouse to move eligible policyholders into the private market and reduce Citizens’ commercial exposure. Supporters said it would lower taxpayer risk and improve competition; a speaker suggested additional changes to deductibles, water-damage caps, and repair practices. The bill was reported favorably after a delete-all amendment and supportive debate from Senator Boyd. Finally, the committee passed SB 540 on the Office of Financial Regulation, which adds cybersecurity requirements for certain licensees, updates oversight of investment advisers and money service businesses, adjusts some charter and meeting rules for financial institutions and credit unions, and includes amendments clarifying repossession/deficiency claims, family office exemptions, and virtual credit union meetings. The meeting ended with all of the considered bills reported favorably and the committee adjourned.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits May 14th, 2025
JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits
Transcript Highlights:
- For the sites Ecology does manage, the agency followed many required and leading practices, but community
- In several cases, the practice was not applicable or the agency did not use it.
- We did note one area of improvement that stood out in particular when reviewing the leading practices
- This was the last leading practice on the slide, conducting the lessons learned evaluation to identify
- It really has been a good opportunity for us to reflect on community engagement practices that we have
Summary:
The I-900 Subcommittee held a public hearing on the State Auditor’s performance audit, Community Engagement During Contaminated Site Cleanups. Auditors said Ecology directly conducts or supervises cleanup at only about 8% of active contaminated sites, while most sites are handled by third parties or have no cleanup plan yet. The audit found that Ecology generally met legal requirements at the sites it oversees, but community engagement varied, was not consistently tailored to local needs, and lacked a systematic “lessons learned” process. Auditors also found inconsistent coordination between Ecology and the Department of Health, and limited guidance for staff on when to collaborate. Tribal feedback was mixed: some tribes said engagement met their needs, while others wanted earlier and more tailored outreach.
Committee members pressed the auditors on why many third-party-managed sites appeared to have little or no public involvement, and whether Ecology has broader authority to require public engagement and oversight. The auditors responded that their review focused on community engagement requirements, not the full cleanup permitting process, and said the gap they identified was the lack of required oversight for third-party engagement. Members also asked about tribal engagement, exposure scenarios, and the meaning of “active” and “planless” sites. Ecology officials said they agreed with many of the findings, were already taking steps to improve community research, lessons-learned reviews, tribal guidance, and coordination with Health, and had recently launched a public email notification system for site status changes. They also said some recommendations would require additional funding or staff resources.
Public testimony supported stronger community engagement and more resources for Ecology. Washington Conservation Action said contaminated sites disproportionately affect communities of color and low-income communities, praised the audit for highlighting the need for better site-specific engagement, and urged full funding for MTCA-related work. The hearing ended with the chair inviting written comments and adjourning the meeting.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Tue Feb 24, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- from the office of information practices from the office of information practices with<00:08:13.599
- I am submitting practicing in Hawaii.
- <01:43:49.840>
We addressing practical concerns. We addressing practical concerns. - physician assistant advanced practice physician assistant advanced practice registered<03:18:14.319
- <03:18:35.439>
registered assistant advanced practice registered assistant advanced practice
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard testimony on HB 1875, which would expand Hawaii’s existing protections to include gender-affirming health care, clarify permitted disclosures of protected health information, and bar certain adverse actions by malpractice insurers and health carriers against providers of lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care. The Insurance Division of DCCA supported the bill with a technical amendment, suggesting language tied to actuarial analysis rather than the phrase “actuarially sound.” The Office of Information Practices also provided comments.
Most testimony was strongly in support. State agencies and advocacy groups, including the Hawaii State Youth Commission, State Health Planning and Development Agency, Commission on the Status of Women, Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Stonewall Caucus, ACLU of Hawaii, PFLAG Oahu, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, said the bill would protect patient privacy, reduce chilling effects from out-of-state litigation, and help retain providers in a state already facing shortages. Several testifiers said gender-affirming care is medically necessary, evidence-based, and life-saving, and emphasized that Hawaii should protect its own health care decisions from outside political pressure.
A few individuals testified in opposition, arguing the bill was unnecessary or that it protected providers more than opponents of the bill, but these views were not echoed by most of the testimony. The chair repeatedly reminded testifiers to keep comments brief and maintain decorum. The transcript provided does not include a final committee vote or disposition on the bill.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HLT/HSH Joint Public Hearing - Fri Feb 7, 2025 @ 8:30 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- It's not practical. It doesn't make sense.
- <02:15:15.480>
and religious freedom Faith practices and religious freedom Faith practices - <02:15:48.159>
their education or the right to practice their education or the right to practice - <02:46:36.760>
medicine yanked his license to practice medicine yanked his license to practice - or Krishna whatever faith-based practice or Krishna whatever faith-based practice religious<02:49
Summary:
The joint hearing opened with House Bill 1462 on crisis services. Testimony from the Department of Law Enforcement, the Community Alliance on Prisons, and the Department of Health supported expanding behavioral health crisis services as an alternative to arrest or incarceration. Witnesses said additional crisis sites would help divert people in mental health crisis to appropriate care, and the Department of Health described its current crisis center in Ewa, including the need for renovations such as a padded room and the time required to get the facility operational. In response to questions, the department estimated the Ewa center’s budgeted cost at about $4.3 million, not including rent or startup repairs, and said a second site’s cost would depend on whether it was freestanding or attached to an existing facility.
The committee then heard House Bill 700 on cognitive assessments. The Executive Office on Aging supported the bill’s intent but asked that it be amended to make assessments optional rather than mandated, to pilot the program first, and to allow flexibility in handling HIPAA-protected data. SHPDA also supported the measure but said it should not be mandatory and suggested that payers reimburse for assessments when requested by patients, families, or physicians. The Alzheimer’s Association and caregivers strongly supported standardizing cognitive assessments to improve early detection and access to newer treatments, while noting the existing opt-out provision. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the bill but asked that the age 65 threshold be removed because cognitive decline can begin much earlier for people with Down syndrome, autism, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and related conditions. In response to a question, the Office on Aging said a pilot project could likely be done for about $150,000, with data security being the main added cost.
The final bill discussed was House Bill 237 on peer support programs. Testimony from Family Hui Hawaii, Early Childhood Action Strategy, peer support workers, and families described peer-to-peer programs as a cost-effective way to reduce isolation, strengthen families, and provide long-term community support. Speakers said these programs help parents and caregivers navigate crises, child welfare involvement, addiction recovery, and other challenges, and can have lasting benefits for children’s development and family stability. Several witnesses tied the bill to broader state goals, including infant and early childhood mental health, trauma-informed care, and child welfare reform. Written testimony from about a dozen organizations and individuals was also noted in support.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 02/24/26
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- This practice further this sciences.
- This practice further this practice<00:25:05.520>
helps <00:25:05.840>further <00:25:06.240 - >
important practice helps further important practice helps further important research<00:25:07.600 - <00:28:22.159>
Our practices are consistently followed. - Our practices are consistently followed.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 02/07/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- to civil rights when the Minnesota Constitution was ratified on May 11, 1858, by prohibiting the practice
- 45.920>
the May 11th of 1858 by prohibiting uh the May 11th of 1858 by prohibiting uh the practice - of slavery in Minnesota uh this practice of slavery in Minnesota uh this was<00:03:48.879>
nearly - um and that means that practices um and that means that employers<00:19:48.080>
should <00:19: - <00:19:55.600>
um <00:19:55.760>their practice um their practice um their religion<00:19
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 04/08/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- So the question practices are located.
- um medical practice under chapter 147. um medical practice under chapter 147.
- We're not opposed to the practice. This is standard practice to provide a showing to residents.
- We're not opposed to the practice. This is standard practice to provide a showing to residents.
- This is standard to the practice.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Conference Committee on SF3045 5/9/25
Transcript Highlights:
- They lower the practice requirements to be a member on the Board of Architecture.
- They lower the practice requirements to be a member on the Board of Architecture.
- They lower the practice requirements to be a member on the Board of Architecture.
- <01:09:43.679>
and as provided as soon as practicable and as provided as soon as practicable - A cross-reference to the Data Practices Act.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- An example of promising practices...
- If things are successful and you're noticing best practices, fund those.
- So, these are considered some of the best practices.
- We don't have a standard scope of practice.
- We don't have an entity that looks at scope of practice. They bring scope of practices up here.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Jan 26th, 2026 at 11:12 am
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- wheelchair or an activity chair with respect to a health benefits plan is an unfair and deceptive practice
- in certain circumstances. ...and deceptive practice in certain circumstances.
- wheelchair or an activity chair with respect to a health benefits plan is an unfair and deceptive practice
- Respectful yours, Michelle Hohan Gresham Governor. and deceptive practice in certain circumstances.
- in New Mexico or agree to relocate to and commence practice in New Mexico, requiring the Higher Education
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Practicality, actually 42 other states already allow animal composting and more states are moving in
- We've developed a best management practices document, worked alongside and educated each agency and collected
- Just as current practices, including bone piles and burial, have not spelled the end for.
- Cockfighting is an important crime to address because it's an inexcusable practice that profits from
- Flawed logic states the practice of staking roosters on the grass invites infection.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- So we've been practicing this over the last four years.
- I know you worked very hard on this bill, as you know, I practice...
- As you know, I practice exclusively in domestic relations and have now for almost 32 years.
- I've been practicing for 30 something years.
- This turns into a practical problem... This turns into a practical problem, doesn't it? Mr.
Keywords:
hospital liens, medical billing, government healthcare, insurance claims, patient rights, blood tests, DUI, law enforcement, traffic offenses, chemical analysis, public nuisance, event liability, local government, community health, legal action, transparency, reporting, public safety, regulation, accountability
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- And whereas Arizona is experiencing severe workforce shortages of physicians, nurses, advanced practice
- He is a board-certified anesthesiologist practicing in Arizona.
- After a rotating internship in Santa Barbara, California, he moved to Tucson to begin practicing.
- After his internship in Santa Barbara, California, he moved to Tucson to begin practice as an emergency
- He practiced emergency medicine in rural hospitals in southern Arizona for over 30 years.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, recorded attendance, and recognized several guests and proclamations, including Arizona Health Workforce Well-Being Day of Awareness, the Doctor of the Day, educators visiting the Capitol, and student guests. The chamber also announced temporary committee replacements and received House messages and bill referrals before moving to floor action.
On third reading, the Senate passed SB 1014 on health insurance, SB 1016 on employment practices, SB 1050 on state parks board/veterans park access, SB 1054 on referendum power and emergency measures, SB 1177 on public monies and gender-affirming care, SB 1194 on health care services and vaccination-related treatment issues, SB 1398 on AHCCCS, SB 1751 on capital punishment, and SCR 1049, a constitutional amendment proposal related to capital punishment. Several members explained votes, with supporters emphasizing veterans’ benefits, limits on emergency measure abuse, health care access, and policy changes on capital punishment, while opponents raised concerns about worker protections, local government authority, discrimination against transgender people, and the death penalty. Each measure passed by recorded vote and was transmitted to the House.
The Senate also noted upcoming committee meetings, including Health and Human Services the next day, and then adjourned until Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 10 a.m.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Public Works and Highways (01/27/2026)
Public Works and Highways
Transcript Highlights:
- practices that you've been trained in. practices that you've been trained in.
- um the best practices in salt storage. um the best practices in salt storage.
- best practices all they're implementing best practices all the<03:34:56.479>
time. - best practices? best practices?
- management practices. management practices.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Tue Feb 25, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- manufacturers practices that limit safety<00:18:22.280>
net <00:18:22.520>providers <00 - office practicing law in the defender office practicing law in the public<01:42:01.199>
defender's - The Office of Information Practices opposes this bill.
- I have one quick question for the Office of Information Practices, Ms. Amarino.
- Amarino from the Office of Information Practices with her willingness to do so.
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 302, which would repeal the requirement that a provider-patient relationship for medical cannabis certification be established in person first. The Department of Health said it supported the House Draft 2 version as a way to expand patient access, and several testifiers from the medical cannabis community and dispensary industry supported the bill, especially for patients on outer islands or those unable to travel. One witness asked that earlier language removed in committee be restored to further improve access. Representative Shimizu asked whether follow-up in-person visits would still occur, and DOH responded that this varies by provider, with some continuing in-person care and others moving to telehealth for chronic conditions.
The committee then took up House Bill 712, relating to the federal 340B drug pricing program and contract pharmacies. The Office of Consumer Protection and the Attorney General’s office both said they supported the bill’s purpose but wanted it clarified and possibly moved into a standalone chapter rather than chapter 481B. Supporters, including Hawaii Pacific Health and the Queen’s Health Systems, said the bill is needed to protect safety-net funding and access to discounted drugs, citing large financial benefits from 340B and losses caused by manufacturer restrictions on contract pharmacies. PhRMA opposed the bill, arguing the issue is not access to discounts but accountability and transparency in how contract pharmacies distribute benefits, and said it was willing to discuss amendments. Members asked follow-up questions about whether there was data showing misuse; PhRMA said it did not have numbers, while hospital witnesses said the program is federally audited and used appropriately in Hawaii.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1482, HD1, which would tighten hemp and controlled-substance definitions to exclude Schedule I cannabinoids from manufactured hemp products and clarify the treatment of artificially derived cannabis. The Department of Health supported the measure, saying it adds clarity to existing prohibitions. Kūre Hawaii and other supporters said it would close loopholes involving Delta-8 and similar products. An individual testifier urged stronger language to also cover compounds such as HHC, THCA, THCP, and THCO. In response to questions about enforcement against mislabeled hemp products, DOH explained that THC percentages are relative to product weight, that some products can remain under the hemp threshold while still containing significant THC, and that hemp flower is already prohibited from direct retail sale, though enforcement can be complicated and involves both administrative and criminal authorities.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EEP-WAL Joint Public Hearing - Wed Feb 18, 2026 @ 8:45 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- of the commercial targeted practices of the commercial aquarium<00:19:16.240>
industry. - We're not here to ban this practice.
- <00:19:57.760>
So called for a ban of this practice. - So called for a ban of this practice.
- <00:31:57.519>
of <00:31:57.760>aloha customary practices of aloha customary practices
Bills:
HB2101
Keywords:
aquatic life, commercial aquarium purposes, Hawaii, environmental protection, sustainability, Native Hawaiian values, marine resources, 910, house, all
Summary:
The joint committees on Energy and Environmental Protection and Water and Land heard testimony on House Bill 21101, which would ban or otherwise end commercial aquarium collection. Chairs opened the hearing with a short time limit for testimony and noted they would move to decision-making before the next committee meeting. The Department of Land and Natural Resources said it appreciated the bill’s intent and stood on written testimony, while the Office of Hawaiian Affairs strongly supported the measure as part of its legislative package, citing community calls to ban the practice. Many other organizations and individuals also testified in support, including environmental, Native Hawaiian, and community groups, with arguments focused on reef protection, public trust, cultural concerns, and the view that the trade is extractive and not sustainable.
Supporters repeatedly cited declines in yellow tang and other reef fish, especially on West Hawaii and Oahu, and argued that reef recovery has not occurred where collection pressure existed. Several testified that legal aquarium collection has not occurred in West Hawaii since 2017 or on Oahu since 2021, and that the state should not reopen an industry that has been effectively shut down for years. Others said the program is fiscally inefficient because permits generate little revenue compared with the cost of administering and enforcing the program, and that aquaculture or other alternatives could provide jobs without removing wild fish. Native Hawaiian speakers and civic club representatives emphasized traditional and customary practices, community stewardship, and the need to protect resources for future generations.
Opposition testimony came from aquarium fishers and related advocates who argued the fishery has been shown sustainable, that the EIS process was completed, and that the bill would unfairly target one user group over another. They said the trade provides livelihoods for local families, that management is solid, and that the legislature should not ban a fishery after requiring compliance with environmental review. Some opponents also argued that fish populations have increased in recent years and that the issue reflects broader user conflict rather than science. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided; the chair continued taking testimony, including on Zoom, as time allowed.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on State Government (2-27-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- of so-called conversion therapy practice of so-called conversion therapy has<00:15:44.480>
no - to force their children into a practice to force their children into a practice condemned<00:18:
- passion to fight against these practices passion to fight against these practices uh<00:21:51.520
- destroy families and hurt practices destroy families and hurt lgbtq<00:25:39.080>
youth <00:25 - This is already in practice. Representative Hancock, thank you, Madam Chair.
Keywords:
Consideration of HB 9 00:02:20
Consideration of HB 495 00:08:53
Consideration of HB 520 00:46:51
Consideration of HB 622 00:54:39
Consideration of HB 635 00:59:25, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 9, which would create oversight for Medicaid-related policy through a board modeled after the Public Pension Oversight Board. Sponsor Rep. Adam Bowling said the measure was intended to bring legislative, executive, and stakeholder voices together to vet issues and make better-informed Medicaid policy. Members generally supported the concept, though some questioned the proposed board’s party breakdown and whether the language should be updated now rather than later. After discussion, the committee voted 19-0 to pass HB 9 favorably.
The committee then heard House Bill 495, which Rep. Hail said would protect mental health care professionals, institutions, and ordained ministers from discrimination when providing what the bill calls protected counseling services. He described the bill as a parental-choice measure that would allow counseling aligned with family values and said it also creates a civil cause of action for harmed parties. Opponents argued the bill would shield conversion therapy, with Dr. Eric Russ, Brandon Long, Dr. Brandon Creech, Brenda Rosen, Chris Hartman, and Dr. Bobby Glass testifying that conversion therapy is discredited, harmful, and associated with depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide risk. They said professional medical and counseling organizations oppose such practices and urged rejection of the bill.
During questions, Rep. Layman pressed the sponsor on whether the bill would protect therapies even if a child was not in distress and on whether the committee should be endorsing a practice discredited by professional organizations. Rep. Hail responded that he viewed the issue as a parental choice and said he believed the bill protects providers offering those services. The transcript ends during continued discussion of HB 495, with no final vote shown on that bill.