Transcript Highlights:

• <01:45:07.360> the<01:45:07.639> last<01:45:08.040> week<01:45:08.360> of
• > to<01:45:11.000> change<01:45:11.960> um<01:45:12.440> just<01:45:13.119
• <01:45:14.920> happens<01:45:15.599> but<01:45:16.040> um<01:45:16.280> see
• see no further<01:45:17.360> business<01:45:17.719> to<01:45:17.920> come<01:45
• <01:45:19.199> journ<01:45:19.639> thank<01:45:19.800> you

Keywords: 00:00:00 Call to Order/Roll Call 00:01:19 Discussion of 25RS HB 785 00:30:25 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 785 00:32:15 Discussion of 25RS HB 61 00:36:42 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 61 00:38:07 Discussion of 25RS HB 788 00:51:01 Discussion of 25RS SB 14 01:11:09 Discussion of 25RS HB 685 01:44:57 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and took up House Bill 785, as amended by a committee substitute that combined language from HB 785 and HB 787. The bill was described as addressing Medicaid managed care organization (MCO) audits, provider contract notice and amendment procedures, mental health parity compliance, and related transparency requirements. Supporters said the measure would tighten notice to providers, limit repeated contract amendments and rate reductions, require more standardized audit procedures, and add reporting on Medicaid claims, appeals, and grievances. It also includes a provision requiring coverage of at least two evaluation-and-management billable services per physician per recipient per date of service, and a section addressing narcotic/opioid treatment program licensing and reimbursement language. Testimony in support came from Representative Kim Moore, John Inman of BrightView Health, Michelle Sandborne of the Children’s Alliance, and Kelly Cormic of RYSE. They argued that MCOs often use audits and recoupments in ways that are burdensome, opaque, and financially damaging to providers, especially smaller and rural ones. They cited examples of multiple audit requests in short timeframes, large record requests with short deadlines, delayed or absent feedback, and recoupments taken before appeals are resolved. They also said parity laws are not being consistently enforced and that the bill would give the Department of Insurance authority to suspend or revoke an MCO certificate of authority for willful or repeated parity violations. Committee members generally expressed support for provider protections and transparency, while asking for clarification on the narcotic treatment and E/M billing provisions. Tom Stevens of the Kentucky Association of Health Plans testified in opposition, saying the bill is complex to implement and should be handled through the broader Medicaid oversight work of House Bill 9, the MOAB. He said the issues raised were better suited for that bipartisan stakeholder process and noted the committee substitute had not yet been fully reviewed by his group. After discussion, the committee adopted the committee substitute and then moved to a vote on the bill; the roll call began, with several members recorded as voting yes, but the transcript cuts off before the final vote result is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• He was a spring 2004 initiative of the Beta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
• As a result, we have about eight different chapters in our medical treatment guidelines.
• I'm proposing has 21 different chapters.
• Clerk will close the machine. 45 yeas, 46 nays, and the resolution failed. Mr.
• Clerk will close the machine. 45 yays, 46 nays, and the resolution failed. Mr.

Bills: HR275, HR276, HR277, HR278, HR279, HR280, HR281, HR282, HR283, HR284, HCR112, HCR113, HR265, HR266, HR267, HR268, HR269, HR270, HR271, HR272, HR273, HCR107, HCR108, HCR109, HCR110, HCR111, SCR63, SCR66, SCR67, SB414, SB484, SB513, HR168, HR174, HR194, HR216, HR264, HCR54, HCR74, HCR79, HCR85, HCR87, HCR94, HCR95, HCR97, HCR98, HCR104, SCR23, SCR29, SCR33, SCR38, HB75, HB705, SB54, SB56, SB72, SB79, SB97, SB105, SB123, SB125, SB129, SB163, SB171, SB252, SB287, SB375, SB386, SB461, SB466, HR84, HR188, HR205, HR3, HR197, HR243, SCR19, SCR3, SCR6, SCR18, SCR11, SCR22, SCR2, SCR20, SCR24, SCR35, HCR6, HB301, HB359, HB657, HB675, HB680, HB727, HB39, HB58, HB112, HB134, HB155, HB187, HB287, HB462, HB782, HB825, HB846, HB903, HB904, HB929, HB941, HB962, HB1200, HB4, HB623, HB944, HB986, HB1098, HB1222, SB45, SB58, SB71, SB81, SB92, SB100, SB109, SB141, SB156, SB181, SB203, SB204, SB205, SB207, SB213, SB214, SB216, SB229, SB257, SB274, SB290, SB304, SB374, SB379, SB396, SB410, SB425, SB427, SB429, SB479, SB522, SB34, SB164, SB172, SB198, SB208, SB232, SB281, SB286, SB317, SB322, SB334, SB380, SB385, SB409, SB417, SB421, SB430, SB439, SB447, SB458, SB510, HB842, HB633, HB1191, HB625, HB1255, HB251, HB582, HB646, HB819, HB998, HB1257, SB197, SB436, SB78, HB901, HR20, HR74, HCR65, HCR71, HB284, HB302, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB603, HB605, HB614, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1240, SB82, SB89, HB258, SB149, SB382, SB441

Keywords: highway maintenance, signage, transportation safety, DOTD, infrastructure, public safety, federal grants, job creation, carbon storage, carbon dioxide storage, carbon capture and storage, CCS, mineral rights, mineral owners, oil and gas, disposal wells, injection wells, advanced drilling, carbon sequestration, Louisiana energy policy

Summary: The House met with a quorum and began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several personal privileges recognizing National Police Week, fallen law enforcement officers, a young Olympic weightlifter, a community sports agent, a deceased coach, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Day, the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association, aviation professionals, and a birthday tribute. The chamber also received Senate messages, committee reports, and a long series of resolutions and bills, many of which were adopted or concurred in without objection. Several measures were returned to the calendar, while others were advanced with technical or clarifying amendments. A major portion of the meeting focused on resolutions honoring or commemorating people and groups, including National Police Week, Barron Baker, Paul T. Derezel II, Coach Emilio Tese, Alpha Phi Alpha, Louisiana Realtors Day, Special Olympics Louisiana, and various memorial highway designations. The House also adopted or concurred in resolutions on topics such as DOTD signage, shrimp procurement, geothermal energy, opioid settlement reporting, hospital design standards, Medicaid redetermination flexibility, chronic wasting disease management, remote online notarization, and a task force on intestate succession. Testimony on these items was generally supportive and brief, with sponsors explaining that most were technical, commemorative, or requests for study. The chamber also took up several substantive bills and Senate amendments. Among the measures concurred in were bills on peace officer citizenship requirements, post-conviction bail limits, portable benefits for independent contractors, workforce development, construction debris burning, license plate coverings, insurance and captive insurers, oil field indemnification, and rural infrastructure financing. One notable bill, HB 39 on peace officer citizenship, drew questions about National Guard members and legal permanent residents before the House concurred in the Senate amendments by a 74-22 vote. HB 134 on harmful material and interactive computer services had its Senate amendments rejected, while HB 359 on nonaffiliated candidates was temporarily returned to the calendar. The most extended debate came on the conference committee report for HB 842, which addressed Louisiana election law in response to the federal Callais decision. Members questioned how the report would affect the current congressional election cycle, absentee ballots, qualifying dates, signature requirements, and whether the closed party primary for U.S. House races had been canceled in favor of an open primary in the fall. The sponsor explained that the report cancels the current closed party primary for congressional races, voids ballots cast in that canceled election, returns qualifying fees, lowers petition-signature requirements, and sets new dates for the open primary and runoff. The House suspended the rules to consider the report the same day it was received, and the discussion highlighted concerns about election administration, district maps, and the scope of the changes before the chamber moved forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• 45:26.559> have<00:45:26.720> been<00:45:27.079> victims<00:45:27.559> of
• statutes<00:45:40.800> need<00:45:41.000> to<00:45:41.119> be<00:45:41.280>
• /c><00:45:43.000> predators<00:45:43.440> are<00:45:43.640> off<00:45:43.880>
• > and<00:45:44.800> they<00:45:45.000> can't<00:45:45.359> continue<00:45
• /c><00:45:50.280> penalties<00:45:51.000> for<00:45:51.359> use<00:45:51.640>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This would just require clarifying or housekeeping language in a statute in Chapter 179A. Mr.
• This would just require clarifying or housekeeping language in a statute in Chapter 179A. Mr.
• chapter chapter 179a<00:09:54.440> Mr<00:09:54.680> chair<00:09:54.920> and<00:
• I left at 2:45.
• I left the committee at the end of 2:45 I left the committee at the end of our<00:37:48.000> last

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chapter 6, 2, 0, 6, 0, 1, Florida statutes.
• released by University of Florida that we've licensed and there was a new line you guys passed under Chapter
• Under chapter one, 19, nearly all the district's 45 black, some type of formal performance goals, objectives
• Yes, thank you. >> So with regard to the performance metrics that you said that 45 of the district's

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:45:01.920> Can<00:45:02.079> I<00:45:02.240> follow<00:45:02.480> up
• <00:45:02.560> on<00:45:02.720> that?
• I was involved<00:45:52.960> in<00:45:53.119> that<00:45:53.280> special<00:45:53.520
• <00:45:54.880> So,<00:45:55.200> it's<00:45:55.440> important<00:45:55.839><
• <00:45:57.359> these<00:45:57.599> leases<00:45:58.000> are<00:45:58.160> coming

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Water and Land met on March 25, 2025, and first announced it had deleted HCR 3 and HCR 4567 from the agenda pending similar Senate measures. It then heard HR 35/HCR 40, which urges DLNR and other state agencies to work with community groups to co-steward community forests on public lands. DLNR’s urban and community forester testified in strong support, and several organizations and individuals submitted support; there were no questions or opposition noted. The committee next heard HCR 64, asking OPSD to convene a working group on establishing and placing an Office of Resilience and Recovery. OPSD and the Governor’s Office of Recovery and Resilience supported the resolution and suggested friendly amendments, including replacing county civil defense representatives with mayors or their designees and allowing subject-matter experts to serve. Members questioned the office’s role, funding, and relationship to other resilience and emergency management offices, and the witness explained it was created after the Maui wildfires to coordinate long-term recovery, with special-project funding and a focus distinct from response and mental health functions. The committee also heard HR 59/HCR 65 on coordinating concurrent reviews of general plan, district boundary, and zoning amendments during land reclassification. OPSD testified with comments and warned that the proposal could facilitate spot zoning if individual landowners could use the concurrent process, recommending it be limited to county-initiated actions. A related discussion followed on HR 118/HCR 122, which would create a collaborative working group on surveying and protecting iwi kūpuna and related coastal erosion issues; DNR, OHA, and others supported it with suggested additions, and testimony emphasized cultural sensitivity and community-specific decision-making. Members asked about burial practices and a recent court ruling, and witnesses said the working group could help guide broader policy and communication. Finally, the committee heard HR 145/HCR 151, requesting DLNR to report on its lease enforcement process and procedures. DLNR said it was recruiting staff to conduct lease inspections but had difficulty filling positions due to compensation, and explained that new or extended leases can include inspection requirements, while retroactive cost-shifting would raise contractual issues. Members asked for information on lease renewal timelines and whether inspection provisions were being added to renewals; DLNR said those decisions are made in public sunshine meetings and agreed to provide additional information. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And my goal was<00:45:06.800> to<00:45:06.960> go<00:45:07.119> out<00:45:07.359
• > to<00:45:07.440> to<00:45:07.920> figure<00:45:08.160> out<00:45:08.400
• :45:11.200> ways<00:45:11.440> that<00:45:11.599> we<00:45:11.760> might
• 45:25.920> me<00:45:26.079> is<00:45:26.240> that<00:45:26.640> uh<00:45:
• :45:44.080> is<01:45:44.719> be<01:45:44.880> able<01:45:45.040> to<01:45

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• With regard<00:45:07.119> to<00:45:07.359> any<00:45:07.760> specific<00:45:08.640
• > work<00:45:46.240> that<00:45:46.480> we<00:45:46.720> are<00:45:46.800
• And before<00:45:50.079> I<00:45:50.240> go<00:45:50.400> too<00:45:50.560> far
• ,<00:45:50.800> I<00:45:50.960> think<00:45:51.040> there's<00:45:51.280>
• > that<00:45:52.000> specifically<00:45:52.720> I<00:45:52.960> was<00:45

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• if we're going<00:45:11.440> to<00:45:11.559> go<00:45:11.640> to<00:45:11.839>
• I<00:45:17.280> have<00:45:17.400> to<00:45:17.480> learn<00:45:17.760><
• :45:18.880> I<00:45:19.000> said<00:45:19.200> there<00:45:19.280> are<00
• /c><00:45:20.359> because<00:45:20.520> it<00:45:20.640> makes<00:45:20.800>
• > human<00:45:21.680> beings<00:45:22.040> and<00:45:22.240> better<00:45

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This I I you know<00:45:45.040> you<00:45:45.200> may<00:45:45.359> amend<00:45:
• You<00:45:46.480> may<00:45:46.720> want<00:45:46.880> to<00:45:47.040> change
• But this was<00:45:48.560> just<00:45:48.800> an<00:45:49.040> idea<00:45:49.359
• > that<00:45:49.839> we<00:45:50.079> came<00:45:50.319> up<00:45:50.480>
• <00:45:55.839> Where<00:45:56.079> do<00:45:56.240> we<00:45:56.480> start?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:26.800> uh,<00:45:26.960> Madame<00:45:27.359> Chair,<00:45:28.000>
• > might<00:45:31.680> be<00:45:31.680> able<00:45:31.839> to<00:45:31.920>
• <00:45:37.680> I<00:45:37.839> I'd<00:45:38.240> appreciate<00:45:38.720>
• And because<00:45:40.400> I<00:45:40.640> do<00:45:40.880> share<00:45:41.119>
• > many<00:45:52.720> of<00:45:52.880> the<00:45:53.480> coaches<00:45:54.480

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :45:21.440> we<00:45:21.599> have<00:45:21.800> the<00:45:21.960> ability
• > but<00:45:23.960> we<00:45:24.319> but<00:45:24.520> going<00:45:25.280
• 00:45:27.880> put<00:45:28.040> out<00:45:28.240> an<00:45:28.400> RFP um
• /c><00:45:39.280> the<00:45:39.480> ha<00:45:40.319> administrative<00:45:41.319
• uh the hero<00:45:43.839> going<00:45:44.119> forward<00:45:44.920> after<00:45

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard SB 252 on invasive species, which would broaden the Department of Agriculture’s authority to inspect items moved into or within Hawaii, prohibit the sale of pest-infested merchandise, and allow quarantine, treatment, or destruction of affected materials with clarified penalties. Testifiers from the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, the Farmers Union, and many others strongly supported the bill, emphasizing gaps in current inspection authority and the need to address high-risk non-agricultural commodities such as outdoor furniture and other cargo that can carry pests like red imported fire ants. Members raised concerns about staffing, inspection capacity, commerce impacts, and whether better manifest descriptions or scanners could help target higher-risk shipments. The chairs recommended passage with Department of Agriculture and technical amendments, and the committees adopted the recommendation. The joint CPN/EDT hearing then took up SB 148 on combat sports, which would create a Hawaii Combat Sports Commission and regulate combat sports while prohibiting no-rules contests. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs offered comments on effective dates and later said other jurisdictions generally use a single commission for boxing and MMA. Supporters, including a professional fighter and a longtime advocate, argued the bill would help revive the sport in Hawaii, improve local opportunities, and reduce costs associated with separate commissions; one testifier initially appeared opposed but clarified he was actually in support. Committee members asked about safety, medical coverage, staffing, vacancies, and whether separate commissions could share staff. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, including an Attorney General effective-date amendment, amendments from the Hawaii Association of Professional Nurses to increase health-care coverage at fights, and DCCA’s recommendation to unify boxing and MMA under one commission; the effective date was deferred to July 1, 2050, and the recommendation was adopted. A later joint CPN/Housing agenda began with SB 69 on deposits of public funds, which would require the Director of Finance to consider the benefits of using in-state depositories, including favorable lending terms for affordable housing. The Department of Budget and Finance and the Hawaii Bankers Association offered comments, and no other testimony or questions were noted before the discussion moved on. The next measure introduced was SB 24 on limited profit housing associations, which would create a regulatory framework and a limited profit housing council; the transcript cuts off as testimony on that bill was beginning.

Transcript Highlights:

• :25.280> little<00:45:25.440> bit<00:45:25.559> more<00:45:25.800> detail
• <00:45:31.079> get<00:45:31.359> here<00:45:32.240> uh<00:45:32.400> how<
• can<00:45:34.319> we<00:45:34.480> plan<00:45:34.800> for<00:45:35.800>
• :45:37.839> in<00:45:37.960> the<00:45:38.079> purview<00:45:38.440> of state
• <00:45:39.359> budget<00:45:39.760> cycle<00:45:40.760> certainly<00:45:41.319

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Transportation Working Group met on January 15, 2025, with Chair John Kosnik opening by saying the committee expected to pass a transportation bill this year and emphasizing efficient use of transportation revenues, maintenance of roads and transit, and safety. Members and staff introduced themselves, and several representatives noted their interest in roads, bridges, and regional transportation needs. Kosnik also said he had spoken with Representative Kel about leadership arrangements and stressed that bipartisan support would be needed for a transportation bill. House Fiscal Staff’s Andrew Lee and House Research’s Matt Burus then gave an overview of transportation finance, focusing mainly on highways and transit. Burus explained Minnesota’s highway funding structure, including the constitutional Highway User Tax Distribution Fund and the related Trunk Highway Fund, County State-Aid Highway Fund, and Municipal State-Aid Street Fund. He reviewed the main revenue sources: the motor fuels tax, motor vehicle registration tax, motor vehicle sales tax, portions of the general sales tax tied to auto parts, vehicle rentals and leases, and the retail delivery fee. He noted several changes from 2023 legislation, including indexing of the gas tax, creation of the Transportation Advancement Account, and the retail delivery fee, which began in July 2024 and therefore would affect fiscal year 2025 rather than the fiscal 2024 data shown. The presentation also covered how highway dollars flow through constitutional formulas, including the 95/5 split from the Highway User Tax Distribution Fund, with the 5 percent set-aside used for town roads, town bridges, and flexible highway purposes such as turnbacks. Burus distinguished trunk highway bonds from general obligation bonds and explained that both are debt-financing tools for transportation projects, but with different repayment sources and uses. No votes or formal actions were taken at this informational meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• 23 or 33, against the PA under 26 V.S.A. chapter 31, or against an APRN under 26 V.S.A. chapter 28.
• An APRN under 26 V.S.A. chapter 28.
• 23 or 33, a PA licensed pursuant to 26 V.S.A. chapter 31, or an APRN licensed pursuant to 26 V.S.A.
• <00:23:48.520> chapter<00:23:48.960> 23<00:23:49.560> or<00:23:49.720> 33
• , pursuant to 26 V.S.A. chapter 23 or 33, pursuant to 26 V.S.A. chapter 23 or 33, a<00:23:50.840>

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional for Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Memorial Day, delivered by Rabbi Grace Odell. Her remarks focused on remembrance of the Holocaust, warning against dehumanization, and urging lawmakers to act from love rather than fear. Members then observed a moment of silence and heard announcements recognizing visitors, including students from Orwell Village School and guests from the Vermont Holocaust Memorial. The chamber took up several procedural and legislative items. House Bill 574, relating to epinephrine use and maintenance at child care facilities, was moved from the House Committee on Human Services to the Committee on Education and approved by voice vote. The House also announced caucus and committee schedules, including meetings of the Rural Caucus and Older Vermonters Caucus. Later, the body reordered its calendar and prepared to recess after completing action on the day’s bills. On Senate Bill 163, concerning the role of advanced practice registered nurses in hospital care, the House Health Care Committee recommended amendment, explaining that the bill updates the Patient Bill of Rights to reflect current hospital practice, especially in rural hospitals, by recognizing APRNs and physician assistants as possible attending providers. The committee reported a 10-0-0 vote in support, and the House agreed to propose the Senate amendment and ordered third reading. The House also concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment to House Bill 508, which revises Burlington’s charter so the city council can adjust ward and district boundaries when needed to correct unconstitutional population divisions without requiring a charter change; the Government Operations and Military Affairs Committee reported a 9-0-1 favorable straw poll. After these actions, the House recessed briefly while the committee continued hearing amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• the price set at the Chapter 8 tax sale.
• Chapter 7 auction sales are often expensive and ineffective.
• Tax collectors must notify an SSE before a sale to 45 days.
• When we look at alternatives to Chapter 8 sales, often it's Chapter 7 sales or an appraisal.
• The more we can get into Chapter 7 sales, the better.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation held its first regular hearing of the 2025-26 session, adopted its proposed committee rules on a 5-0 vote, and reinstated a suspense file for bills with fiscal impacts over the committee threshold. The chair explained that only AB 418 would be eligible for an immediate vote, while several other measures would be held for suspense consideration because of budget constraints. AB 330 was pulled by the author. AB 418 by Wilson, which would create a clearer process and administrative remedy for county Chapter 8 tax sales, received support from county tax collectors and housing and taxpayer groups. Supporters said the bill would add transparency, due process, and a noticed public hearing for negotiated sales of tax-defaulted properties, while helping counties dispose of low-value or problematic properties more efficiently. The committee voted 6-0 to send AB 418 to Appropriations. Several other bills were heard and then referred to suspense: AB 27 by Chau, which would exclude Chiquita Canyon landfill relief payments from gross income and protect recipients’ eligibility for public benefits, drew strong support from affected residents and environmental advocates; AB 258 by Conley would increase funding for California fairs, with supporters emphasizing fairs’ emergency-response role; AB 397 by Gonzalez would expand the California Young Child Tax Credit into a broader child tax credit for older children; and AB 398 by Aaron would set a $300 minimum refundable Cal EITC benefit. The committee also heard AB 231 by Tye, which would offer a tax credit to microbusinesses that hire formerly incarcerated people, and it too was referred to suspense after supportive testimony from reentry and small-business advocates.

Transcript Highlights:

• Rushed<00:45:12.240> to<00:45:12.480> a<00:45:12.640> vote.
• <00:45:22.560> Well,<00:45:23.040> I've<00:45:23.280> been<00:45:23.440>
• :45:37.119> debate<00:45:38.000> on<00:45:38.560> a<00:45:38.800> de<00:45
• But<00:45:51.119> when<00:45:51.359> things<00:45:51.599> are<00:45:51.839> important
• > a<00:45:57.200> open<00:45:57.599> discussion<00:45:58.079> that<00:45:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Well,<00:45:00.160> can<00:45:00.319> I<00:45:00.880> follow<00:45:01.280> up
• They<01:45:30.880> provide<01:45:31.119> about<01:45:31.520> 15<01:45:31.760>
• .<01:45:36.239> And<01:45:36.480> uniquely<01:45:37.040> available<01:45:37.440>
• So,<01:45:43.040> if<01:45:43.280> we<01:45:43.520> are<01:45:43.679> going
• use<01:45:46.239> concerns,<01:45:46.800> we're<01:45:47.040> able<01:45:47.199

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the states that do enforce a physician-to-PA ratio, 45% of those states have adjusted their ratio
• We have a packet out, a regulatory packet, for a 45-day comment period to increase the initial licensing
• Well, as a person who personally entered the field of massage 45 years ago, I can definitely relate to
• You know, I've been in this industry for 45 years, actually starting to be involved in regulation of
• I find it laughable that CAMTC can claim a licensing board is incapable of regulating massage when 45

Summary: The joint sunset oversight hearing reviewed five regulatory entities: the Board of Behavioral Sciences, the Board of Psychology, the Physician Assistant Board, the Podiatric Medical Board, and the California Massage Therapy Council. Across the hearing, each entity described recent accomplishments, licensing and enforcement workload, workforce shortages, and efforts to modernize processes. Common themes included streamlining licensure, expanding access to care, addressing telehealth or emerging technology, and balancing consumer protection with workforce needs. For the Board of Behavioral Sciences, members discussed workforce shortages in mental health, supervision barriers, telehealth confidentiality, AI in therapy, interstate compacts, school-based services, and military spouse licensure. The board said it has expanded outreach, improved licensing processes, and created temporary practice authority tracking, while also expressing concern about counseling compacts and emphasizing California-specific law, ethics, and cultural competency. Public commenters supported the board’s work and the possible move to a national MFT exam, while also urging more resources. The Board of Psychology highlighted fee adjustments, streamlined licensure pathways, enforcement process improvements, new CPD requirements, and proposed changes including a psychotherapist-client privilege exception for investigations. Committee members and public witnesses focused heavily on that privilege proposal, with some members opposing it as too broad and privacy-invasive, while the board argued it is needed to obtain records in bias and sexual misconduct cases. The board also discussed workforce shortages, processing improvements, and the use of inactive status for psychological associates. The Physician Assistant Board reported growth in the PA workforce and education programs, SB 697 implementation, and financial pressure from rising enforcement costs. The main policy debate centered on physician-to-PA ratios and practice agreements, with board representatives and many public commenters arguing that current restrictions limit access to care, especially in rural areas, while the California Medical Association defended the need for explicit ratios and agreements. The board also discussed AI, fee increases, and tracking temporary practice authority. The Podiatric Medical Board described licensing and renewal reforms, residency expansion, enforcement support, and budget constraints, while public testimony raised concerns about a proposed fee increase and about reimbursement parity and practice recognition for podiatrists. Finally, the California Massage Therapy Council defended the certification model over licensure, citing lower costs, local government collaboration, anti-trafficking work, and its role in vetting applications and disciplining bad actors; no formal votes or final actions were taken during this portion of the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:45:18.240> Chairman,<00:45:18.640> members<00:45:18.880> of<00:45:19.040>
• <00:45:19.920> Uh<00:45:20.160> my<00:45:20.319> name<00:45:20.400> is
• Uh my name is Steve Kiggins<00:45:21.200> and<00:45:21.359> again<00:45:21.520> I'm<
• Association.<00:45:24.720> Uh<00:45:24.960> the<00:45:25.119> WPA<00:45:25.760>
• Uh<00:45:56.079> HB<00:45:56.560> 103<00:45:57.119> would<00:45:57.359> stop<

Bills: HB0103, HB0070, HB0091

Keywords: First Amendment, free speech, lawsuits, immunity, public participation, strategic lawsuits, foreign censorship, digital innovation, constitutional rights, Wyoming GRANITE Act, extraterritorial laws, civil actions, speech protection, legal jurisdiction, joint liability, artificial intelligence, social scoring, biometric data, privacy rights, government regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:43.040> So,<00:45:43.240> thank<00:45:43.520> you<00:45:43.600> so
• With<00:45:45.160> that,<00:45:45.480> Chair<00:45:45.800> Nash<00:45:46.200>
• 45:48.520> House<00:45:48.760> File<00:45:49.040> 4591<00:45:50.120> to<00
• Uh<00:45:52.560> all<00:45:52.720> those<00:45:53.080> in<00:45:53.240> favor
• <00:45:53.560> say<00:45:53.840> I.

Bills: SF856, HF4482, HF3672, HF1234, HF4591, HF3554, HF936

Keywords: Inspector General, fraud prevention, state audit, public funds, misuse, transparency, government accountability, HF4482, Minnesota Historical Society, state historic sites, historic site management, historic preservation, county historical society, local historical society, municipality, county government, admission fees, grants-in-aid, site operations, site maintenance