Transcript Highlights:

• :06.759> 20124<00:14:07.519> 25<00:14:07.959> base<00:14:08.199> was<00:14
• ><00:14:10.199> 26<00:14:10.560> and<00:14:10.800> 27<00:14:11.800> um<00
• the 26 and 27 um base is $2 million<00:14:19.360> again<00:14:19.639> within<00:14:19.880
• :55.399> and<00:14:55.720> their<00:14:56.399> 2425<00:14:57.399> fiscal<
• <00:14:58.199> me<00:14:58.320> 2425<00:14:59.279> base<00:14:59.480> was

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Housing Finance and Policy Committee met for an informational session with no bills taken up and no votes or formal actions. Members and staff introduced themselves, and Chair Speno said the committee would focus on understanding housing policy and barriers to building more homes, noting Minnesota’s housing shortage and the need to support both single-family and multifamily construction. House Research analyst Mary Davis and House Fiscal analyst Katrina Heimark gave an overview of the committee’s jurisdiction and the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency’s programs and funding streams. Davis outlined areas the committee may hear about, including real estate law, landlord-tenant law, manufactured home parks, housing cooperatives, zoning, property taxes, and MHFA programs. Heimark described MHFA’s five main budget areas—development and redevelopment, housing stability, homeownership assistance, preservation, and resident/organization support—and reviewed recent appropriations, emphasizing that much of the large 2024–25 funding was one-time money and that ongoing base funding is lower in 2026–27. Members asked several questions about how prior appropriations were spent, whether unused funds return to the general fund, and whether funds can be repurposed. Heimark said transferred funds generally are not returned to the general fund if unspent, but are expected to be used for the purposes outlined in the appropriation; she also said she had requested more detailed expenditure information from the agency and would follow up. Questions also focused on who benefits from programs such as rental housing rehabilitation and the affordable rental investment fund, with the testifiers explaining that most MHFA programs are targeted to low- and moderate-income households and that income eligibility varies by program. The committee also discussed the new metro-area sales tax revenue dedicated to housing, with members requesting more detail on reporting, oversight, and allowable uses.

Transcript Highlights:

• As we pray today, the text I've chosen is Philippians chapter 1 verse 27.
• The organization later established its southwest province chapters to serve as Arkansas...
• Brother, I think that's 14 pieces of a dream. Ron Julen. And then.
• I'd like to acknowledge the Dallas alumni chapter.
• If you're from the Dallas alumni chapter, will you wave your hand?

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And sometimes kids make mistakes, but is justice really served, especially when juveniles are 14 or 15
• The current law, which allows children as young as 14 to be indicted and face adult penalties such as
• Treating 14- and 15-year-olds, youth who can't drive, vote, buy alcohol, or do many other adult things
• From my best research, the final sentence in Chapter 272, Section 28, was added in 1974, and prior to
• sentence in Chapter 272, Section 28, was added in 1974, and prior to that, there were no exemptions

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing began with opening remarks from the House and Senate chairs outlining procedures for a large public hearing with more than 100 witnesses on 64 legislative proposals. They explained time limits, rules for in-person and virtual testimony, written testimony procedures, and the committee’s reporting deadline. Testimony then moved through a series of juvenile justice, child protection, and civil liberties bills, with witnesses generally urging favorable reports or, in one case, opposing expanded juvenile court transparency and child advocate access to records. Several witnesses supported bills aimed at juvenile justice reform. Representative Hendricks backed H. 1744 to prevent child labor exploitation and trafficking, citing federal findings of child labor in seafood processing and calling for stronger penalties and a ban on minors working in such facilities. Senator Gomez supported S. 1131 and S. 1121 to reduce juvenile fees, fines, restitution burdens, and bail-related costs, arguing they worsen racial and economic disparities. Senator Crean and other advocates supported S. 1051/H. 1695 to expand juvenile diversion eligibility, while multiple witnesses from juvenile justice and immigrant advocacy groups supported H. 1657/S. 1058 to expand juvenile expungement and to limit sharing juvenile fingerprints with federal authorities, describing recent ICE detentions of Chelsea students and the resulting fear in immigrant communities. Witnesses also supported H. 1918/S. 1240 to narrow the youthful offender statute, raising the minimum age and reducing mandatory adult-style penalties for youth. The committee also heard testimony on child safety and bodily autonomy bills. Middlesex District Attorney Marion Ryan supported H. 1752 to protect children left in extreme temperatures, explaining it would create civil penalties, allow emergency responders to remove children from cars without liability, and add criminal penalties when serious injury results. Representative Thurber and Senator O’Connor testified for H. 2011/S. 1227, a bill prohibiting coercion or mandates for health-related interventions, including vaccinations, and allowing legal remedies for violations. Senator Jalen supported S. 1136/H. 1847 to prevent false confessions by requiring recording of interrogations and banning deceptive tactics, and several innocence-project and legal-services witnesses described wrongful convictions tied to false confessions and coercive interrogations. Another major topic was H. 1626, which would require age verification for pornographic content and launch an education campaign about online sexual exploitation; Representative Cruz and survivor Udoz Wallace testified in support, describing nonconsensual image sharing and deepfake harms. Not all testimony was supportive. The Committee for Public Counsel Services opposed S. 1035, which would increase transparency in juvenile court proceedings, and H. 1689, which would expand the child advocate’s access to confidential juvenile records, arguing both would undermine privacy and trauma-informed protections for children and families. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided; the session consisted of opening remarks and public testimony on the listed bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• on Education's leadership, on getting this law past the finish line, increasing the dire need for Chapter
• My daughter has been teaching in the town of Holbrook for 14 years now.
• We need, and we propose that I would work with several of you on this, to have a full new Chapter 70
• then this would be something calculated outside of Chapter 70 and over and above the Chapter 70 allocation
• And hopefully we will... would be something calculated outside of Chapter 70 over and above the Chapter

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held a public hearing on a large slate of bills, with most testimony focused on two main topics: improving access to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for students with disabilities, and raising educator pay statewide. On the AAC bills (House 514/Senate 418), parents, advocates, and attorneys described how AAC devices and communication books help nonverbal or minimally verbal children communicate, participate in class, and reduce frustration and behavioral issues. Testimony emphasized that while districts are generally required to provide devices, many teachers and school staff lack training to use them effectively; the bill would direct DESE to update licensure and training requirements so newly licensed teachers are prepared to support AAC users. Committee members asked about current teacher-prep practices, implementation, and whether DESE could act without legislation, and witnesses said the proposal was intended as a long-term solution and had previously received some support and compromise language. The committee also heard extensive testimony on House 733/Senate 370, which would set a statewide minimum salary of $70,000 for teachers and $55,000 for education support professionals (ESPs/paras), with inflation adjustments and a phase-in structure that would shift costs over time from the state to municipalities. Supporters, including the bill sponsor, MTA leaders, and school employees from several districts, argued that current pay is not a living wage, contributes to staffing shortages and turnover, and forces many educators to work multiple jobs or rely on public assistance. They said the bill would help recruit and retain staff and better reflect the importance of the work. Committee members raised questions about how the state would fund the mandate, how it would interact with Chapter 70 school aid and local budgets, whether other states have similar mechanisms, and whether the proposal could create disincentives for districts already paying above the floor. Witnesses pointed to the Student Opportunity Act, the Fair Share Amendment, and the need for a broader school funding formula review as possible parts of the solution. The committee also briefly heard and discussed Senate Bill 435/House Bill 736, which would require de-escalation training for school bus operators, with the training paid for by employers. The sponsor and a parent advocate said the bill was prompted by a school bus incident involving a child with cerebral palsy and epilepsy and would improve safety and reduce reliance on law enforcement. Members asked whether the bill should also cover bus monitors and other transportation staff, and whether private contractors and public operators currently provide similar training. At the end of the hearing, the chairs closed testimony on the full list of bills and adjourned the hearing without taking any votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 3892 is a bill that addresses vagueness and closes loopholes that exist in chapters 232 and
• chapter 233 of the Texas Local Government Code.
• Um, as Chairman Bell pointed out, Chapter 232 is clear that counties cannot regulate density.
• Um, over the past 14 years, I've worked on thousands of lots across Central Texas.
• Clarifying that Chapter 43 Development Agreement, landowners are entitled to exercise their rights to

Transcript Highlights:

• She is a member of the Dothan Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta
• of Delta member of Sigma ADA chapter of Delta member of Sigma ADA chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
• Record the vote. 14 nays, no nays. House Bill 540 vote. 14 nays, no nays.
• president, Vida Boyd. their chapter president, Vida Boyd. their chapter president, Vida Boyd.
• ADA 14 days. The B is adopted. Thank you. Uh 14 days. The B is adopted. Thank you. Uh 14 days.

Bills: SB 1, HB 500, SB 1, HB 1400, HB 1094, HB 365, HB 1109, HB 647, HB 500

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, state budget, mental health funding, education funding, infrastructure improvements, public safety, groundwater, water conservation, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, innovation fund, local conservation districts, transportation protection agreement, funeral services, insurance exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.040> c<00:14:00.360> St<00:14:00.639> Peter<00:14:01.000> nckl<00:14:
• 00:14:04.240> decided<00:14:04.560> to<00:14:04.639> join<00:14:04.839> tax
• > I<00:14:05.399> heard<00:14:05.519> it<00:14:05.600> was<00:14:05.759><
• <00:14:07.600> also<00:14:07.800> as<00:14:07.920> a<00:14:08.040> formal
• > see<00:14:17.240> what<00:14:17.360> we<00:14:17.480> can<00:14:17.600>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Matthew Leopold from President Trump's first term, 14 years as an environmental lawyer and state agency
• We approach the site, we use the general approach, what is the last chapter in this story, and we work
• we look at it in the context of the end use or best development option for that property, the last chapter
• Finally, making the delisting process more efficient can help achieve the last chapter more quickly and
• And let's get to the end chapter, let's get to that end zone, and let's look at it.

Keywords: presidential nominations, EPA, environmental policy, Fish and Wildlife, committee meeting

Summary: The committee meeting focused on the presidential nominations of Brigadier General Brian Nesvick as Director of Fish and Wildlife and Jess Kramer and Sean Donahue as assistant administrators at the EPA. Each nominee presented their qualifications and experiences in their respective fields, with an emphasis on their commitment to uphold the laws passed by Congress. The discussion highlighted the nominees' dedication to addressing environmental issues and their proactive stances on regulatory matters. After deliberation, votes were held to report the nominations favorably, despite some members voicing concerns regarding their qualifications and potential conflicts with environmental interests.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:16.000> uh<00:14:16.120> while<00:14:16.399> having<00:14:17.040> 128<
• <00:14:19.199> and<00:14:19.440> place<00:14:20.000> uh<00:14:20.399> 516
• uh<00:14:34.759> and<00:14:34.920> of<00:14:35.120> that<00:14:35.399> 17
• > in<00:14:40.399> Hilo<00:14:40.959> and<00:14:41.160> two<00:14:41.440>
• :14:46.639> bring<00:14:46.880> a<00:14:47.000> few<00:14:47.199> things

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Finance held an informational briefing with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations on its budget, staffing, and operations. The director reviewed department leadership and reported on recruitment and retention efforts, including a 14% vacancy rate, a 10.5% workforce increase from filling 189 positions, and the Hela Imua internship program, which has placed 516 interns since inception and led to 62 permanent hires. The department also described modernization efforts, including the UI Huakai project and the Disability Compensation Division’s electronic case management system, and said the unemployment compensation trust fund exceeded $71.5 million, triggering Schedule C for calendar year 2025. The department’s main budget requests included $2.9 million for fiscal year 2026 to support maintenance and operations of the electronic case management system, plus restoration of two enforcement specialist positions. Officials said those positions are needed to address a decline in investigators from 11 to six since 2009, improve compliance, and handle Hawaii Compliance Express certificate work. Additional requests included two human resources specialists to address recruitment backlogs, two labor enforcement specialists to reduce a backlog of Chapter 104 prevailing wage and wage cases, and two positions for the Office of Community Services to expand immigrant services and access centers. The department also discussed federal funding for unemployment insurance and workforce programs, including National Dislocated Worker Grants and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds, and said some funding is received in increments and may require extensions. Members asked about Kauai inspection coverage, federal funding uncertainty, the size of the special unemployment insurance fund, and whether the department could ramp up staffing during a future crisis. Officials said Kauai is currently served by inspectors from Honolulu and there are no plans to open a permanent island position because of staffing constraints. They said the department is meeting federal guidelines and is not in jeopardy, and that the special unemployment insurance fund has about $10 million, with current UI operations funded at a little over $15 million, meaning the fund may need to cover roughly $5 million if federal support declines. The director said the department would use the special fund to supplement shortfalls, but noted that federal funding cuts and the loss of ARPA support have already affected operations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, and<00:14:03.040> 90%<00:14:03.760> of<00:14:04.000> every<00:14:04.480>
• > that<00:14:07.600> I<00:14:07.839> had<00:14:08.079> this<00:14:08.480>
• :18.480> put<00:14:18.639> up<00:14:18.880> signs<00:14:19.839> uh<00:14:
• <00:14:22.880> So,<00:14:24.079> I<00:14:24.480> am<00:14:24.720> all
• :14:35.360> want<00:14:35.680> records<00:14:36.240> to<00:14:36.480> be<

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :14:04.239> in<03:14:04.479> the<03:14:04.640> town<03:14:04.800> of way
• <03:14:53.279> went<03:14:53.439> all<03:14:53.600> the<03:14:53.680> way
• c><06:14:46.320> filed<06:14:46.558> the<06:14:46.718> bill<06:14:46.958> in<
• <06:14:49.600> we<06:14:49.760> got<06:14:50.000> to<06:14:50.080> to
• And<06:14:58.320> the<06:14:58.638> other<06:14:58.798> problem<06:14:59.120>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You were 14. Well, you were over there. You don't count over there. Okay.
• But, you know, I can't give you chapter and verse on that. Senator Walsh. Thank you.
• ...the purposes of item number 14 on the agenda, House Bill 180.
• Senator Lawson: To the tune of $14 million? To the tune of at least half of that.
• Madam President, I could read another probably 10 chapters.

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll<01:14:32.320> come<01:14:32.560> follow<01:14:32.800> up<01:14:32.960> with
• Does the department<01:14:39.840> have<01:14:40.159> like<01:14:40.400> a<01:14:
• And if you were<01:14:47.040> to<01:14:47.199> get<01:14:47.440> funding,<01:14:
• <01:14:49.520> being<01:14:49.679> requested<01:14:50.000> in<01:14:50.239><
• facing.<01:14:54.239> I<01:14:54.400> think<01:14:54.560> there<01:14:54.719>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 2485, which would require cardiovascular screening for student athletes. The Department of Education and Department of Health said they support the bill’s intent but noted that many screenings are already part of existing school-entry and well-child exams. The Attorney General’s office asked for clarifying language on who performs the screenings, where results go, how “positive findings” are defined, how referrals would work, and whether funding would be appropriated if DOE must hire health professionals. The American Heart Association strongly supported the bill, citing the risk of sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes and arguing that sports physicals are an effective opportunity for early detection. No vote was taken, and the committee moved on after testimony. The committee then heard HB 89, concerning a school psychologist working group and possible licensing or credentialing of school psychologists. The Department of Education and Board of Psychology supported the measure. The Hawaii Psychological Association said it supports licensing school psychologists but asked to be included in the working group, arguing it is an important stakeholder. The Hawaii Association of School Psychologists opposed including HPA, saying the issue is between school psychologists and DCCA and that HPA is not part of their organization. Testimony and discussion focused on the long-running disagreement over whether school psychologists should be regulated under the Board of Psychology or another mechanism, and on title protection and scope of practice. No action was reported during this portion. The committee also took up HB 2445, relating to standardized emergency responses for immigration enforcement at or near schools. The Department of Education said it already issued internal law-enforcement guidance and questioned whether the bill was necessary, while also raising concerns about the bill’s 1,000-foot buffer language and the limits of school authority over activity off campus. The Board of Education echoed those concerns and suggested the bill may need clearer definitions. Supporters, including the White Coalition for Immigrant Rights, the Legal Clinic, and an attorney testifying on Know Your Rights training, argued that recent federal changes have increased ICE activity near schools and that a law is needed to ensure clear, public protocols, staff training, and family protections. A student testifier said the measure was a top priority of the state student council. The transcript ends during testimony, with no vote or final committee action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.199> who's<01:14:01.520> the<01:14:01.679> clerk<01:14:01.920> of to
• <01:14:02.560> division<01:14:02.960> of<01:14:03.120> the<01:14:03.360>
• > All<01:14:05.280> that<01:14:05.520> remains<01:14:05.920> of<01:14:06.159
• All that remains of the register of<01:14:06.960> probate<01:14:07.360> is<01:14:07.520
• :58.000> day<01:14:58.880> that<01:14:59.199> the<01:14:59.760> Senate<01

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The one<01:14:03.280> of<01:14:03.360> the<01:14:03.600> things<01:14:03.679>
• So<01:14:15.520> you<01:14:15.760> saw<01:14:16.000> Utah<01:14:16.400><
• > a<01:14:34.159> a<01:14:34.480> Sky<01:14:34.800> Vision<01:14:35.120><
• > outfitted<01:14:44.880> with<01:14:45.040> all<01:14:45.280> the<01:14:
• :46.400> So,<01:14:46.560> it<01:14:46.719> can<01:14:46.800> roll<01:14:

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The task force approved the October 14, 2025 meeting minutes and then heard a presentation from Austin Kaylor of WSP on alternative aviation fuels. Kaylor described an ongoing feasibility study focused on Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport and the other four commercial airports in Kentucky, with an eye toward both near-term use of alternative aviation fuel in existing supply chains and longer-term in-state production using local feedstocks. He said Kentucky’s current jet fuel use at the five airports is about 609 million gallons annually and could approach 1 billion gallons by 2050, and he outlined potential feedstocks such as soybeans, corn, and waste oils, along with existing logistics assets like river terminals, trucking, rail, and some pipelines. He also discussed federal and state policy support, including renewable fuel credits and the recent 45Z tax credit extension, and said the study suggests significant economic-development potential if Kentucky can leverage existing infrastructure and incentives. Members asked about the cost of sustainable aviation fuel, whether taxpayers would be subsidizing it, and whether food crops would be diverted from food use. Kaylor responded that the market is increasingly using second-generation and waste-based feedstocks, that federal incentives can cover much of the price differential, and that SAF is a direct substitute for conventional jet fuel with some efficiency benefits. He said demand comes from both U.S. and foreign carriers, including major U.S. airlines that have made emissions-reduction commitments. Members also raised the possibility of locating production in Appalachia to create jobs closer to feedstock sources; Kaylor said that approach has worked in other states and could fit Kentucky’s logistics network. The committee then heard from Leif Elder of the Utah Department of Transportation, who introduced himself and said he would discuss advanced air mobility legislation in Utah. The transcript cuts off before his substantive presentation, and no further votes or actions were recorded after the question-and-answer discussion on alternative aviation fuels.

Transcript Highlights:

• HR 14 by Raymond in memory of Judge Morris Overstreet. Chair, recognize Mr. Raymond. Thank you Mr.
• In 1929, it became incorporated National Collegiate sorority when the Alpha chapter was chartered at
• Sigma Gamma Rho has 45 chapters in Texas, including the Epsilon Ta Sigma alumni chapter in my district
• States and around the world, including over 50 undergraduate and graduate chapters across the state
• Uh, today with us in the gallery are members of the Bartlett High School chapter of the Family Career

Transcript Highlights:

• :56.880> later<00:14:57.880> as<00:14:58.000> you<00:14:58.120> can<00:14
• :30.440> the<01:14:30.560> decision<01:14:30.880> to<01:14:31.080> Pivot<
• > as<01:14:33.800> part<01:14:33.920> of<01:14:34.040> that<01:14:34.199>
• this round<01:14:39.280> people<01:14:39.520> were<01:14:39.760> offed<01:14:40.480
• c> um<01:14:45.440> and<01:14:45.560> for<01:14:45.800> those<01:14:46.239><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• State Civil Service law, amends the definition of the convention center facility for the purposes of chapter
• State Civil Service law, amends the definition of the convention center facility for the purposes of chapter
• questions okay um we're going to take a questions okay um we're going to take a short Recess. e e<00:14
• State Civil Service law, amends the definition of the convention center facility for the purposes of chapter

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chapter 71 as written in stone.
• and Chapter 70 as a percent of actual net school spending was 44 percent.
• The difference in Chapter 70 aid in the 17 years between 2008 and 2025 is $55,401.
• , shall we say, a Chapter 70 formula that just doesn't work.
• We know Chapter 70 is going to be a heavy lift to change it.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused primarily on H. 517/S. 314, a bill to provide a sustainable future for rural schools, and H. 697, a bill to require full funding of regional school transportation. Witnesses from rural districts, school committees, superintendents, students, and local officials described chronic underfunding, declining enrollment, high fixed costs, special education and transportation burdens, and the loss of programs, staff, and extracurriculars. Several speakers argued that rural aid should be funded at $60 million annually and made non-discretionary, while others emphasized that transportation reimbursement for regional districts has repeatedly fallen short of the state’s promise and is driving budget crises and overrides. A number of students testified in support of rural aid, describing cuts to classes, counselors, and activities, and the impact on their schools and communities. Committee members also discussed whether transportation policy should be revisited to address underlying cost drivers, including bus bidding practices and whether regional districts should have more flexibility in transportation requirements. The committee also heard H. 515, concerning Hancock Elementary School and a school choice-related exemption from a state requirement that has created a large financial burden for the district. Hancock’s superintendent and Rep. John Barrett explained that a decades-old regulation, recently enforced by DESE, would require Hancock to pay tuition for choice-in students through high school graduation even though the district only serves pre-K through grade 6 and sends its own students elsewhere for middle and high school. They said the rule creates a significant per-student shortfall and has forced Hancock to opt out of school choice. Committee members asked for clarification about how the arrangement works and how the costs fall on Hancock. Additional testimony supported related transportation bills for non-regional districts, especially Plymouth/Carver and North Middlesex, describing high and rising bus costs, special education and McKinney-Vento transportation expenses, and the strain on local budgets. Speakers repeatedly said that state reimbursement has not matched actual costs and that communities are being forced to choose between transportation and classroom services. No votes or final actions were taken in the hearing; the committee simply received testimony and closed the hearing on the bills discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• This amendment clarifies that only physicians licensed under chapters 458 and 459 can provide a written
• think I understood you to say that the optician would not have to be licensed, but I'm reading line 14
• of the bill and it says, Line 14 of the bill, and it says in the statute 484.001, and it's underlying
• Therefore, would the line that we have been talking about, line 14, now be totally deleted from your
• Therefore, wouldn't line 14 of your existing bill be... 14 of your existing bill be deleted and the discussion

Summary: The Health Policy Committee heard and advanced several health-related bills. SB 1546 on background screening for athletic coaches was explained as another extension of the deadline for coaches to be added to the background screening clearinghouse; it passed favorably with support from athletic and youth sports organizations. SB 958 on type 1 diabetes early detection was amended to match the House version, requiring the Department of Health to provide school districts, school boards, and charter schools with informational materials for parents; it was reported favorably as a committee substitute. CS/SB 1070 on electrocardiograms for student athletes drew extensive discussion about sudden cardiac arrest prevention, implementation timelines, costs, funding through private and public sources, and whether insurance, KidCare, or Medicaid should cover screenings; after supportive testimony from school and athletic groups, it was reported favorably as a committee substitute. The committee also heard SB 1060, which would create a joint legislative oversight committee for Medicaid managed care to review encounter data, financials, audits, and rebate calculations with assistance from an actuary and the Auditor General. The sponsor and several senators framed it as a transparency and verification measure in response to large mid-year Medicaid funding increases and concerns about network adequacy and vertical integration; it passed favorably. CS/SB 944, which shortens the insurer overpayment recovery look-back period for claims involving psychologists from 30 months to 12 months, also passed favorably with support from the Florida Psychological Association. SB 1370, moving ambulatory surgical centers into their own statute rather than under hospital licensure provisions, was supported by surgery center representatives and reported favorably. The committee approved SB 768, as amended, to narrow the foreign-country-of-concern licensure attestation for health care entities to direct controlling interests and clarify the “reasonable efforts” standard; it passed after questions about how the standard would work in practice. SB 1544 on opticianry prompted significant debate over whether the bill would limit nonlicensed staff in ophthalmology and optometry settings; after a proposed amendment was withdrawn and multiple witnesses spoke both for and against, the bill was temporarily postponed. Finally, the committee adopted a strike-all amendment to SB 1808 requiring health care practitioners and facilities to refund patient overpayments within 30 days, with enforcement through AHCA fines or professional discipline, and then reported the bill favorably.