Transcript Highlights:

• The test prep is for med school, law school, graduate school, nursing, teaching, real estate, and the
• The test prep is for med school, law school, graduate school, nursing, teaching, real estate, and the
• The test prep is for med school, law school, graduate school, nursing, teaching, real estate, and the
• The test prep is for med school, law school, graduate school, nursing, teaching, real estate, and the
• /c><00:15:04.880> teaching,<00:15:05.519> real<00:15:05.680> estate, school, nursing

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :59.279> and Hi, Diana Felton, Administrator of the Communicable Disease and Public Health Nursing
• My name is Clementina Seru, EP Dean of the University of Hawaii at Mānoa School of Nursing and Dental
• Hygiene, so both the School of Nursing and John Aurn?
• Next, we have Hawaii State Center for Nursing also in support. the School of Nursing and um John aurn
• the School of Nursing and um John aurn School<00:17:41.880> of<00:17:42.080> Med<00:17

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Education met on February 6 at 2:00 p.m. and heard testimony on a series of education-related bills. HB 1200, which would codify teacher ratios in statute, drew support from the Department of Education, the Democratic Party of the Education Caucus, and 11 individuals; no opposition was noted and the committee moved on without questions. HB 1344, concerning mandatory FAFSA completion, received testimony from the Department of Education, Hawaii P20, and a University of Hawaiʻi student who cited unclaimed Pell Grant funds and low FAFSA completion rates as reasons to support the bill. Committee members asked about current outreach efforts, and DOE and P20 described FAFSA tracking data, hotlines, email support, school-based FAFSA nights, and coordination with counselors; members also raised concerns about federal education funding and Pell Grants. The committee then heard HB 1499, which would authorize staff and volunteers to administer certain medications. The Department of Education, Department of Health, University of Hawaiʻi nursing leadership, and the Hawaii State Center for Nursing all testified in support, along with several individuals and the Democratic Party Environmental Caucus. The next measure, HB 902 on the Public Safety Power Shutoff program, was supported by DOE, the Public Utilities Commission, and Hawaiian Electric, but it prompted extensive questioning from the Vice Chair about whether taxpayers should fund a study to help schools remain open during shutoffs. Hawaiian Electric said the bill would help DOE assess impacts in wildfire-risk areas and noted its wildfire safety strategy, outreach efforts, and potential community resource centers, while the Vice Chair argued the utility should bear more of the cost. The committee also heard HB 961, a bill on school libraries and a CASS pilot program, with DOE offering comments and HSTA and the Hawaii Library Association strongly supporting it. HSTA argued certified librarians are important for literacy, research, and digital literacy, and said many schools lack them because of cost; the association and 14 individuals testified in support. HB 962, a related bill on DOE libraries and the system, also drew support from DOE, HSTA, and the Hawaii Library Association, with 15 individuals in support. Finally, HB 730, concerning the Civil Rights Compliance Branch, received support from DOE, White Children’s Action Network, AAW of Hawaiʻi, and many individuals. Testifiers said the branch needs more resources and training and handles more than Title IX, including Title VI, Title VII, and ADA matters. A student plaintiff in a Title IX lawsuit described unequal treatment in athletics and facilities, and another supporter said the bill would help ensure compliance with federal civil rights laws. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• nursing levels, RNs, advanced nursing levels, teachers,<01:44:05.920> social<01:44:06.320>
• which do not the duties of school nurses which do not include<05:30:05.680> performing<05:30:
• If I know that teachers are not doctors, and also if I know that school nurses are not pharmacists, and
• My aunt Janet was one of the first nurse practitioners in this country.
• It's not just with nurse practitioners.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <04:58:30.840> homes assault on hospitals and nursing homes assault on hospitals and nursing
• nursing nursing homes,<04:59:32.958> people<04:59:33.200> who<04:59:33.360> are
• Nursing homes will long-term care.
• They're going to cut nursing home care.
• <05:07:53.920> Nursing hospitals. Hospitals will close. Nursing hospitals.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As the committee heard testimony from the New Hampshire Nurses Association, each school nurse handles
• <01:41:48.480> Association, the New Hampshire Nurses Association, the New Hampshire Nurses
• Association, each<01:41:50.560> school<01:41:51.040> nurse<01:41:51.679> handles
• School nurses rely on staff.
• School nurses rely on standardized<01:42:02.480> forms<01:42:03.520> to<01:42:03.840>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• applicant's needs for long-term care from the applicant or participant's primary care physician or nurse
• practitioner agree that the nurse practitioner agree that the participant<03:38:19.200> no<03
• facil facility services as part nursing facil facility services as part of<03:42:38.640> the<
• Our efforts will also include mentorship programs for advanced practice registered nurses, both to keep
• , both to keep practice registered nurses, both to keep them<03:46:46.640> here<03:46:47.520><

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• will help address our healthcare workforce shortage and improve the access and affordability of a nursing
• will help address our healthcare workforce shortage and improve the access and affordability of a nursing
• degree by establishing a pilot program allowing up to 10 community college districts to establish nursing
• California is projected to be short over 44,000 registered nurses by 2030.
• our exceptional community college system has provided many students with an associate’s degree in nursing

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Would nurses be legally entitled to sit in patient rooms while making rounds?
• Would<00:35:20.080> nurses<00:35:20.440> be<00:35:20.560> legally<00:35:20.920><
• c> entitled<00:35:21.320> to<00:35:21.440> sit Would nurses be legally entitled to
• sit Would nurses be legally entitled to sit in<00:35:21.680> patient<00:35:22.080> rooms
• And that's whether that's an Uber, Lyft driver, whether it's when we talked about Uber for nursing a

Bills: HF3878, HF4131, HF3796, HF4097

Keywords: airport workers, wage standards, labor rights, minimum wage, economic equity, surveillance, price discrimination, wage discrimination, consumer rights, automated decision systems, Minnesota Statutes, suitable seating, employee seating, workplace seating, occupational safety, workplace safety, labor standards, employer requirements, chair, stool

Transcript Highlights:

• This has led to PAs being disadvantaged when applying for jobs alongside nurse practitioners.
• So, it's my understanding that nurse practitioners have to have a 3-year collaborative agreement before
• It's not just any physician assistant or nurse practitioner that's doing this.
• physician assistant or nurse physician assistant or nurse practitioner<01:41:39.240> that's
• And I go out every three years with a physician and a nurse who have trauma experience, and we go out

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee opened its sixth and final interim meeting with roll call, quorum confirmation, approval of the prior minutes, and a brief change in agenda order to preserve quorum and accommodate presenters’ schedules. Members then moved through several proposed health-related items with limited discussion, and the chair noted the committee would reconvene in January for further conversation. The first substantive item was a proposal relating to utilization controls for non-opioid analgesics in Medicaid. Senator Gerald Neal and Tara Hyde of People Advocating Recovery argued that pain parity is needed so patients can access non-opioid options without prior authorization or step therapy barriers, especially in acute pain situations and for people in recovery. Senator Berg supported the concept and suggested expanding the approach to other prescriptions by allowing physicians to explain why step therapy is inappropriate at the time of prescribing; another member cautioned against unintended cost increases if non-opioid drugs are used as add-ons to opioids. The committee then heard a proposal on physician assistants from Senator Scott and Andrew Rutherford of the Kentucky Academy of Physician Assistants. They described a shift from a supervisory to a collaborative practice model, with practice scope set at the practice level, limited Schedule II prescribing authority under guardrails, and permission for PAs to perform driver’s license vision testing. Supporters said the changes would improve rural access, reduce administrative burden, and align Kentucky with neighboring states; a question from Representative Bratcher focused on experience requirements and how the proposal compares with nurse practitioner rules. No vote was taken. Finally, Representative Nancy Tate, Adia Wuchner, and Representative Jason Nemes introduced a 2026 proposal aimed at “protecting vulnerable people.” They described a broad package focused on abortion pill trafficking, marketing to minors, commercial surrogacy, assisted suicide, and organ procurement safeguards, arguing that current law leaves gaps and that additional criminal and civil penalties are needed. The presentation was informational only, with no action taken before the meeting ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• They don't have the opportunity to leave their shift as a nurse and go pick up a CSA box.
• their their shift opportunity to leave their their shift as<00:14:06.000> a<00:14:06.160> nurse
• <00:14:08.399> So as a nurse and go pick up a CSA box.
• So as a nurse and go pick up a CSA box.
• Please educate them on nurses. Please educate them on nutrition." nutrition." nutrition."

Keywords: This meeting was pulled from back ups and uploaded in it's entirety due to technical issues., 958, all

Summary: The Make America Healthy Kentucky Task Force met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and then heard a presentation on the state’s “food is medicine” work from Kentucky Hospital Association and Kentucky Department of Agriculture leaders, including Jim Muser, Holly Harris, and Commissioner Jonathan Shell. The chair framed the discussion around personal wellness, injury prevention, and the broader goal of improving health through better sleep, nutrition, and activity, then asked the presenters to describe current initiatives and any policy changes needed. The witnesses described a partnership linking hospitals and Kentucky farmers to improve health outcomes while supporting rural agriculture. They said the effort has moved beyond the pilot stage and now includes more than 40 hospitals statewide, with programs such as healthier hospital cafeterias, grab-and-go options, farmers markets at hospital sites, subsidized CSA boxes for employees, and medically tailored meals or groceries for patients with chronic conditions. ARH was highlighted as a leading model, with local food procurement, employee wellness efforts, and measurable outcome pilots, including a Russell County Hospital project focused on diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. They also emphasized barriers to scaling the model, including fragmented short-term funding, lack of reimbursement for food-as-medicine programs, and burdensome procurement and testing requirements that can make it difficult for small farmers to participate. The presenters said hospitals are using their own funds or temporary grants to sustain programs and argued that policy changes are needed to simplify sourcing, expand reimbursement pathways, and support clinical measurement of outcomes. No votes or formal actions beyond approving the minutes were taken during the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I became a nurse. relied on a teacher and most teachers relied on a teacher and most teachers who<01:
• I became a nurse. However, I did have teachers. I had ministers.
• I became a nurse. I had a child who was very sickly and had to spend my emotions at home.
• I had a child who was very sickly nurse.
• <01:20:08.480> because degrees because I left nursing because degrees because I left nursing

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met in executive session on Senate Bill 72, a parental rights in education measure, and considered an amendment offered by Representative Raymond. Raymond explained that his changes were intended to narrow the bill so it would not force schools to act as “surveillance operatives” for parents, especially regarding older students, and to avoid requiring teachers to disclose private family matters such as a student’s sexual orientation or pronouns. He also struck the bill’s “clear and convincing” standard and replaced it with a lower “evidence” standard, arguing teachers should have some basis for concern but not a burden equivalent to terminating parental rights. He said the amendment was meant to preserve due process, avoid weaponizing the bill in civil disputes, and reduce the risk of lawsuits. Members then debated the scope of the bill and amendment. Supporters said schools should not withhold information about a child’s health, school environment, behavior, bullying, self-harm, or criminal conduct, and argued that parents have a right to know about serious issues such as mental health concerns, sexual assault, drug use, or other misconduct. Several members emphasized that teachers do not diagnose mental illness, but should report observable concerns and involve school administrators or counselors when necessary. Opponents argued the bill would chill communication between students and trusted adults at school, especially for children from dysfunctional or unsafe homes, and said it could force outing of gay or trans students and increase the risk of harm or self-harm. One member cited the Department of Education’s trusted-adult approach and said teachers are not covered by formal confidentiality rules in the same way as lawyers or doctors. The discussion included examples and hypotheticals about bullying, sexual assault, drug use, self-harm, gender dysphoria, and whether a teacher would have to tell parents if a student used different pronouns or a nickname. Raymond and supporters said the bill would require disclosure of serious safety concerns but not compel teachers to diagnose or pry into private matters. Opponents argued the bill’s language still sweeps too broadly and could force disclosure in situations where a student fears abuse or being kicked out at home. The transcript does not show a final vote on the amendment or bill in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the perinatal nurse consultant at the Maternal Child Health section in the Bureau of Family Health
• I'm the perinatal nurse consultant at the Maternal Child Health section in the Bureau of Family Health
• kiddos um I'm the perinal nurse kiddos um I'm the perinal nurse consultant<00:28:56.360> at
• You are totally still nursing, and now Representative McDonald...
• You are totally still nursing, and now Representative McDonald...

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met on March 28 for a Health and Human Services Oversight Committee meeting, approved the draft minutes from February 21, and then received updates from DHHS on the sudden termination of about $80 million in federal COVID-era funding. Commissioner Lori Weaver and Trisha Tilly said the funding had been expected to continue through September 2026, but an email ending it immediately created a 15-month budget gap. They explained that most of the money supported public health work, especially epidemiology, laboratory capacity, data systems, community health workers, outbreak response, and some behavioral health supports. DHHS said it had notified contractors, was reassessing which activities could continue, and had managed to avoid layoffs for its 20 affected staff by shifting funding sources, though some contract lab staff had to leave and some work would stop or be put on hold. Senators and representatives asked about impacts on labs, staffing, and the state budget lapse, and DHHS said the water lab and testing supplies would be affected and that the department was trying to backfill where possible with other federal funds. The committee then heard a maternal mortality report from the Maternal Mortality Review Committee. Alison Power and Caroline Naami explained that the MMRC reviews maternal deaths to identify contributing factors and make recommendations, and that it had completed one CDC grant and received another five years of funding. For 2023, the state recorded five pregnancy-associated deaths, including three from overdose, two from cardiovascular causes, and one homicide; the share of deaths related to substance use fell from 62.5% in 2022 to 40% in 2023. Over the 2019–2023 period, half of pregnancy-related deaths were due to overdose, most occurred postpartum, and many involved Medicaid recipients, transportation or financial barriers, and deaths at home. The committee said mental health and substance use remained the main drivers of maternal mortality, but that 79% of pregnancy-related deaths in the five-year aggregate were considered preventable. Presenters highlighted recommendations and ongoing interventions, including expanding Medicaid coverage through one year postpartum, strengthening behavioral health access, partnering with the Department of Corrections on care for pregnant and postpartum women, and continuing clinical education through the Northern New England Perinatal Quality Improvement Network. Members asked why the maternal mortality rate had declined in recent years; staff said the 2021 spike was tied to the pandemic and that recent declines likely reflected both that spike and the impact of interventions, though the small number of cases makes trends hard to interpret. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• I provided some information on recent unprovoked attacks on nurses and correctional officers by inmates
• I provided some information on recent unprovoked attacks on nurses and correctional officers by inmates
• I provided some information on recent unprovoked attacks on nurses and correctional officers by inmates
• I provided some information on recent unprovoked attacks on nurses and correctional officers by inmates
• and correctional officers on on nurses and correctional officers by<01:38:55.719> inmates<01:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: At the joint hearing on SB 951 SD2, the committees heard testimony on a child protection measure requiring mandatory child abuse and neglect reports to include military status and to improve communication between DHS and the Department of Defense. The U.S. Department of Defense testified in support and described its coordinated community response process for abuse reports, saying the bill would help ensure child safety and better coordination with DHS. DHS was initially absent, later appeared, and said it supported the measure but was still working with DOD on implementation details and staff training. Members asked about how DHS becomes involved and whether there were gaps in the current process. The chair recommended passage with technical amendments, including changing the effective date to 7/1/25 and conforming related language, and both committees adopted the recommendation by vote. The Public Safety committee then heard SB 1377 SD2, which would create a Veterans Cemeteries Board within the Office of Veterans Services in the Department of Defense to provide guidance, education, and technical assistance to state veteran cemeteries. DOD supported the bill and explained that county-run cemeteries must meet National Cemetery Administration standards to remain eligible for federal reimbursements and grants; witnesses described past compliance problems at several cemeteries, including one still not compliant in Hilo, and said the board would help counties prepare for future site visits and improve oversight without taking over operations. Members asked about costs, reimbursement amounts, and whether the state would assume cemetery operations; DOD said the current reimbursement process runs through the state to the counties and that direct takeover would be costly. The committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass the bill with amendments. The committee also heard SB 1382, which would make intentionally or knowingly causing bodily injury to a National Guard member performing duty a class C felony. The Hawaii National Guard and HPD supported the bill, citing incidents during the Maui response where Guard members encountered noncompliant and sometimes physically confrontational individuals while assisting police and protecting impacted areas. Testimony emphasized that Guard members are often unarmed and should receive protections similar to first responders. One witness opposed the bill, but the committee moved forward and adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass with amendments. Finally, the committee took up SB 1379 SD2 on emergency preparedness and Community Readiness Centers. Hawaii Emergency Management supported the bill, and supporters said it would create a statewide framework for resilience hubs that can provide supplies, action plans, and refuge during disasters. Testimony highlighted recent hurricanes, wildfires, and other hazards, and argued the measure would complement existing county efforts rather than replace them. County of Hawaii testimony opposed the bill, raising concerns about overlap and cost, while members asked about estimated expenses and implementation. The discussion ended with questions about planning and whether the bill would enhance existing programs; no final vote was captured in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• you know I think the with nursing you know I think the university<00:26:07.679> says<00:26:07.919
• > we<00:26:08.120> can't<00:26:08.799> offer<00:26:09.080> nursing university
• says we can't offer nursing university says we can't offer nursing at<00:26:09.640> another<00
• we<00:35:24.119> do<00:35:24.520> the<00:35:24.720> recruitment The pre-nursing
• and Mānoa's School of Nursing offers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing on our campus, so we know we

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As a nurse, I understand how important safe medicine is to the patients.
• I do have registered nurses that work at my location.
• Pediatric nurse practitioner get a little closer to the microphone. I'm Liz cross.
• I'm a pediatric nurse practitioner here in Austin.
• As a nurse, I believe in education, patient safety, and. compliance.

Bills: SB3, SB810, SB965, SB1073, SB1119, SB1505, SB 3

Keywords: Texas Education Code, public schools, school district, open-enrollment charter school, teacher speech, employee speech, biological sex, pronouns, gender identity, retaliation, discipline, workplace protections, school personnel, education policy, LGBTQ, transgender, charter schools, SB 965, religious speech, prayer

Transcript Highlights:

• Our programs would provide training into high-demand jobs in the STEM fields, nursing, consumer electronics
• Our programs would provide training into high-demand jobs in the STEM fields, nursing, consumer electronics
• Our programs would provide training into high-demand jobs in the STEM fields, nursing, consumer electronics
• Our programs would provide training into high-demand jobs in the STEM fields, nursing, consumer electronics
• Our programs would provide training into high-demand jobs in the STEM fields, nursing, consumer electronics

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Up next, we have Ben Bego with the Minnesota Nurses Association. Welcome to the committee.
• The Minnesota Nurses Association represents over 22,000 registered nurses that work directly at the bedside
• While caring for patients and families, nurses witness firsthand not only the barriers the patients face
• homes and self-directed clinics nursing homes and self-directed home<00:59:39.680> care<00:59
• Will you be able to make critical new investments in long-term care funding for nursing homes and home

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard a reinsurance overview from Deputy Commissioner Julia Dryer of the Minnesota Department of Commerce on the Minnesota Premium Security Plan. She explained that reinsurance helps stabilize premiums in the individual market by reimbursing insurers for high-cost claims, and said Minnesota’s program has lowered premiums, preserved carrier participation, and helped maintain consumer choice. She warned that without continued funding, the program would be depleted and individual-market premiums could rise by about 25%, with potential losses in coverage and access to care. She also described the program’s structure under a federal 1332 waiver, the role of MCHA in administering the program, and the state’s receipt of more than $650 million in federal pass-through funds to date. Dryer said the current program is funded through the end of 2025, though the federal waiver authority runs through 2027. The governor’s proposal would create a new assessment on insurers, estimated at roughly 2% to 3%, to fund the state share of the program and avoid another full waiver submission. She noted that the proposal assumes MinnesotaCare funding would be held harmless and that the program would be reduced if federal basic health plan funding were negatively affected. She also said projected costs changed because individual-market enrollment has grown and enhanced federal subsidies were removed from the estimate. Members raised concerns about the proposal’s impact on premiums and the history of the fund. Senator Rasmusson argued the new assessment amounts to a large tax increase on health insurance and questioned who would be assessed and whether the surcharge would be capped. Dryer responded that the assessment would be based on annual claims experience and market conditions, with final amounts determined at the end of each year, not monthly. Senator Duckworth and Senator Frentz supported reinsurance as a way to keep premiums lower, while also questioning how the program should be financed. Senator Green asked about the mechanics of the assessment and the role of the department in setting it, and Senator H questioned why the fiscal note assumed 12% annual growth for program costs when general premium growth was lower. No vote or formal action was taken in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• visits and there are other nursing visits and there are other people<00:08:14.520> who<00:08:
• If you are familiar with other nursing homes in the state, you know it is very rare to find a single
• ventilator in a skilled nursing facility.
• Under federal law, the Medicare Medicaid program, all inspections are made public for nursing homes,
• Under federal law, the Medicare Medicaid program, all inspections are made public for nursing homes,

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• limited service laboratories and order and administer COVID-19 and influenza tests and modernizing nurse
• limited service laboratories and order and administer COVID-19 and influenza tests and modernizing nurse

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Health Committee met to consider a series of bills, many of them repeat proposals from prior sessions. Early measures included S.11 on disclosure for non-invasive prenatal screening, S.92 allowing redaction of certain physician names from birth certificates, S.135 creating practical support grants for abortion care, S.428A requiring chain restaurants to label high-sodium menu items, S.555 prohibiting visual images of people undergoing medical treatment without consent, and S.1614A establishing presumptive Medicaid eligibility for people leaving incarceration. The committee also advanced S.1438A to create an abortion clinical training program, S.1468 on access to medical records and limiting copy charges to actual cost, S.1619 expanding pharmacists’ authority to order and administer certain tests, and S.1714 banning the use of “excited delirium” as a diagnosis or cause of death. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on S.1633A, which would add protections for sensitive health information and allow patients to restrict disclosure of specified categories of data. One senator argued the bill could hinder care by limiting access to complete records, especially in emergencies, while supporters said the measure was needed to protect patients and providers from legal action by other states or the federal government, particularly in reproductive health cases. Staff clarified that the bill would allow segregation of specific sensitive data rather than locking an entire record. The committee also discussed S.1913, a 340B prescription drug anti-discrimination bill; supporters said it would protect safety-net providers and federally qualified health centers from pharmaceutical company practices, while one senator raised concerns about broad state intervention in a federal program. Additional bills advanced included S.5981 establishing a comprehensive sexual and reproductive health program, S.6178 directing a sickle cell disparity study, S.7457 permitting cremation or natural organic reduction for certain unclaimed decedents, S.7541 moving up reporting timelines for licensed home care services agencies, and S.8257A directing an alternative payment methodology for federally qualified health centers to support fertility care. Most bills were moved by committee vote, generally with some opposition or without recommendation, and were referred to first reading, rules, or finance as appropriate.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, this is different than human prescribing laws that allow PAs and nurse practitioners to prescribe
• Because I'll be honest with you, I just had surgery, and I met the anesthesiologist, and then it was the nurse

Bills: S0754, S0796

Keywords: heated tobacco products, tobacco regulation, vaping, definition changes, Florida statutes, veterinary medicine, telehealth, veterinary professional associate, animal health, public safety, access to veterinary services

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and took up two bills. First, it heard SB 754 on heated tobacco products. The bill would statutorily define heated tobacco products and exempt them from the cigarette tax. Senator Davis questioned why the exemption was needed, and Senator Bernard asked about youth access; the sponsor said the bill was limited to taxation and would look into age and regulatory issues. A Florida Retail Federation representative appeared in support. The committee voted the bill favorably, and Senator Bracey Davis later asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on tab 1. The committee then considered SB 796 on veterinary medicine, after adopting a delete-everything amendment. The amended bill would create a Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA) role for individuals with a master’s degree in veterinary clinical care to perform delegated tasks under a licensed veterinarian’s responsible supervision. It also would extend the time period for telehealth prescriptions for flea and tick products from one month to six months and for other medications from 14 days to 30 days. Senator Boyd raised liability concerns, and the sponsor said existing statute already places liability on the supervising veterinarian. The Florida Veterinary Medical Association testified against the bill, arguing Florida should expand and better utilize existing veterinary technicians rather than create a new mid-level role, and warning about federal prescribing restrictions and animal safety. Supporters, including the Animal Legal Defense Fund and Dr. Wayne Jensen, argued the bill would expand access to care, reduce costs, and provide a well-trained supervised workforce. Several senators said the bill balanced access and safety, and the committee reported SB 796 favorably. The meeting then adjourned.