Transcript Highlights:

• There are efficiencies of management.
• So these projects are very much supersized, and we have missed opportunities to be much more efficient
• So these projects are very much supersized, and we have missed opportunities to be much more efficient
• It's on the cover of an FHWA publication about how to make more efficient use of an existing roadway.
• It's on the cover of an F-HWA publication about how to make more efficient use of an existing roadway

Keywords: 907, all

Summary: The committee first received an informational update on the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project from Carly Francis and Travis Brower. They described the project’s purpose as improving seismic resilience, safety, freight movement, transit, and bicycle/pedestrian access across the Columbia River, and said the updated cost estimate is $13.2 billion to $14.4 billion for the full corridor. They explained the increase from the 2022 estimate as driven by construction inflation, a more conservative inflation curve, schedule delays, more detailed engineering, and risk modeling. They also outlined the funding plan, including $2.1 billion in federal funds, $1 billion each from Oregon and Washington, and $1.5 billion in projected toll revenue, and said they are working to obligate federal funds by the end of September. The panel described a first funded phase that would include the bridge, highway connections, tolling infrastructure, bridge removal, and transit design, with light rail to Vancouver still intended but dependent on additional funding. Members questioned the risk of losing federal transit funds, whether bridge design decisions were being made with legislative input, and whether the space reserved for light rail could be used for buses if transit funding does not materialize. The committee then heard testimony on maintaining Oregon’s existing roads and bridges from representatives of Knife River, the Asphalt Pavement Association of Oregon, and CRH. Witnesses said pavement and bridge preservation is severely underfunded, with ODOT needing about $400 million per year for pavement preservation but receiving roughly $100 million annually. They showed examples of deteriorating highways such as U.S. 97 and I-84 and argued that delaying maintenance leads to much higher reconstruction costs, more safety risks, and higher user costs. Knife River described layoffs and reduced work in Oregon because of limited preservation funding, while witnesses also said rising wages, equipment costs, fuel, and permitting delays are increasing project costs. Committee members asked about the role of prevailing wage, diesel equipment, hauling distances, and whether preservation work could be prioritized more effectively. Finally, economist Joe Cortright presented on recent ODOT megaproject cost overruns. He said Oregon has experienced persistent overruns driven by overly optimistic revenue forecasts, heavy reliance on debt, consultant costs, inflation above forecast, and projects that have become much larger in scope than originally presented. He cited major increases in the Interstate Bridge, Rose Quarter, and Abernathy Bridge projects and argued that some designs are far wider and more expensive than necessary. Cortright said better accountability, clearer priorities, and more disciplined project sizing are needed, and committee members pressed him on why agencies proceed with larger designs even when consultants recommend narrower, less expensive alternatives.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 479 creates a more efficient and transparent reporting process.
• Committee and an appropriator of taxpayer dollars, obviously I feel the responsibility to ensure efficiency
• Department of Justice to receive input, feedback, and suggestions relative to the framework and efficiency
• We would recognize that you've got a 30-year history of regulatory success with the Gaming Control Board
• We normally start on time and we move through pretty efficiently.

Bills: HR73, HR272, HR273, HR278, HCR91, HCR99, HCR100, HCR111, HB255, HB261, HB328, HB378, HB479, HB517, HB564, HB778, HB1090, SB135, SB278, SB448

Keywords: domestic abuse, protective orders, victim protection, Louisiana State Law Institute, mandatory procedures, parental discipline, corporal punishment, child abuse, cruelty to juveniles, juvenile delinquency, juvenile justice, child welfare, DCFS, Office of Juvenile Justice, reasonable discipline, parental rights, family law, law enforcement reports, abuse allegations, single-parent households

Transcript Highlights:

• Electronic health records, of course, bring operational efficiency.
• year for new ongoing programs, making it all the more important that programs allocate resources efficiently
• that organizations that are are not going to make investments if they're concerned about potential regulatory
• affordable biosimilar insulin Largine product, including passing initial facility inspections by regulatory
• Though I should note that this does not reflect the efficiency and position reductions, which have not

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• make sure everyone understands that the Assembly has rules to ensure we maintain order and run efficiently
• But tax exemptions for infant car seats are far more costly and less efficient than targeted benefits
• If California's current programs are found to be efficient, we believe that they can be enhanced more
• efficiently than with this tax exemption, and we ask for a no vote.
• more efficiently than with this tax exemption, and we ask for a no vote.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I really want to say the goal here is to find efficiencies and not compound conservative prescriptive
• solutions; find the most efficient integrated solution.
• The energy code, high level, is for energy efficiency.
• And so when we reference embodied carbon, I ask not to think of that as a regulatory piece because when
• That's energy efficiency. This isn't asked to now include, to draw that...

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These reductions are achieved through efficiencies gained and strategic investments.
• The funding here will help increase staff pay, leading to better efficiencies and stabilized and secure
• The funding here will help increase staff pay, leading to better efficiencies, and stabilized and secure
• systems. help increase staff pay, leading to better efficiencies, and stabilized and secure systems.
• We’re proud to serve those who serve Florida, working every day to create efficiencies, value, and cost

Summary: The committee convened with a quorum, welcomed new member Senator Ralph Massullo, and first took up confirmation of five appointees to water management district and basin board positions. Senator McLean moved favorable confirmation of Ted Everett, Jerome Pate, Michael Romano, Paul Bissfam, John Hall, and Virginia Johns, and the motion passed by roll call. The main agenda item was the Governor’s Florida First budget presentation for the environmental agencies. Kim Kramer and DEP Secretary Alexis Lambert outlined proposed environmental funding of about $5.8 billion, including more than $1.4 billion for water resources, $810 million for Everglades restoration, $408 million for water quality, $202 million for Resilient Florida, $75 million for beach renourishment, $150 million for Florida Forever, $70 million for state park infrastructure, and $221 million for hazardous waste cleanup. They also highlighted proposed funding for FWC operations, manatee care, python removal, oyster reef restoration, forestry and wildfire equipment, and citrus research and disease response. Members asked about Florida Forever funding, state park wastewater and septic needs, a cut to the Florida Wildlife Research Institute, and how beach renourishment is handled after storms. The committee then heard the general government budget presentation. Agencies highlighted included DBPR, Gaming Control, the Lottery, DMS, PERC, DFS, OIR, and Revenue. DBPR discussed funding for license processing, an animal abuse hotline, vehicle replacement, and IT recruitment; Gaming Control requested new law enforcement squads and a licensing/enforcement IT system; the Lottery emphasized marketing, retail engagement, IT, and retention funding; DMS proposed building, fleet, telecommunications, cybersecurity, and local government grant investments; PERC described workload growth after SB 256 and requested staffing, operations, and pay increases; OIR sought more staff for consumer protection and market oversight plus building renovations; DFS highlighted My Safe Florida Home funding, fire marshal and first responder support, financial investigations, and gold and silver legal tender implementation; and Revenue requested operational, IT, and fiscally constrained county funding. Members questioned DBPR about unfunded HOA fraud and condo transparency items, DMS about cybersecurity grants, and DFS about My Safe Florida Home funding levels, abandoned grants, and reduced program uptake. No further action was taken, and the committee adjourned without additional votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• includes reductions in excess federal budget authority and reduction of 13 FTEs due to workflow efficiencies
• These reductions are achieved through efficiencies gained and strategic investments.
• The funding here will help increase staff pay, leading to better efficiencies and stabilized and secure
• That makes us one of the most efficient lotteries in the nation.
• We’re proud to serve those who serve Florida, working every day to create efficiencies, value, and cost

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government met to hear presentations on the Governor’s proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 “Florida’s first” budget for environmental and general government agencies, and to act on several confirmation appointments. The committee first unanimously recommended confirmation of five appointees to water management district and basin board positions. It then heard an environmental budget overview from the Governor’s Office and DEP Secretary Alexis Lambert, followed by a general government budget presentation from Olivia McCaffrey and agency leaders. In the environmental presentation, the administration highlighted a proposed $5.8 billion environmental budget, including more than $1.4 billion for water resources, with $810 million for Everglades restoration, $408 million for water quality, $202 million for Resilient Florida, $75 million for beach renourishment, $150 million for Florida Forever and $70 million for state park infrastructure, and $221 million for hazardous waste cleanup. Additional proposals included funding for FWC law enforcement, boating access, manatee care, python removal, oyster reef restoration, forestry and wildfire equipment, and citrus research and disease prevention. Senators asked about Florida Forever funding, state park wastewater and septic needs, a cut to the Florida Wildlife Research Institute, and how beach renourishment funding would be used after storms. In the general government presentation, the administration outlined budget recommendations for DBPR, the Florida Gaming Control Commission, the Lottery, DMS, PERC, DFS/OIR/OFR, and Revenue. Highlights included DBPR funding for licensing processing, an animal abuse hotline, vehicles, and IT recruitment; FGCC funding for new enforcement squads and a licensing/enforcement IT system; Lottery funding for marketing, retail engagement, IT, and retention; DMS funding for building modernization, fleet telematics, 911 and radio upgrades, cybersecurity, and local cybersecurity grants; PERC funding to handle increased union-related caseloads after SB 256; DFS funding for My Safe Florida Home, fire marshal and first responder support, and financial investigations; and Revenue funding for operations, IT modernization, and fiscally constrained counties. Members questioned funding levels for Florida Forever, state parks, local cybersecurity grants, DBPR fraud and transparency initiatives, and the My Safe Florida Home program’s unused grant balances and matching requirements. No additional votes were taken, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• would divert commercial trucks from local neighborhoods and highways and create a safer and more efficient
• The intent is to ensure safe travel, protect infrastructure, and maintain the efficient flow of commerce
• The intent is to ensure safe travel, protect infrastructure, and maintain the efficient flow of commerce
• The intent is to ensure safe travel, protect infrastructure, and maintain the efficient flow of commerce
• I'm the director of regulatory affairs with the Texas Independent Auto Dealers Association.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard a series of mostly local transportation and memorial designation bills. Several measures would rename highway segments in honor of fallen service members or public servants, including HB 2026 (Gary C. Johnston memorial highways in Archer County), HB 4429 (McIlroy Family Memorial Highway in Blanco and Burnet counties), SB 3062 (Hamby-Webb Memorial Highway in Panola County), HB 3510 (Sergeant Mark Butler Memorial Highway in Brazos County), and HB 3986 (Corporal Speedy Espiriueta Memorial Highway in Mission). The committee also heard HB 2560, which would create an optional county-road “adopt-a-road” style program allowing donations for county road repair and maintenance. Two bills drew more substantive policy discussion. HB 2427 and HB 2455 concerned oversized/overweight freight corridors and permit authority in Hidalgo County tied to cross-border trade near the FARR International Bridge. Supporters, including the bridge director, said the measures would correct prior road descriptions, put existing TxDOT actions into statute, improve truck routing, and support trade and bridge expansion. The committee substitute for HB 2427 also removed Roma permit language, barred certain hazardous-material permits, raised permit fees, required local cost responsibility for road maintenance, and made the bill contingent on SB 2949. HB 5436 would allow licensed automotive recyclers to buy certain older, long-unregistered vehicles for dismantling or scrap without a title, with reporting, lienholder notice, and anti-theft safeguards; recyclers and dealers supported it as a way to curb illegal untitled-vehicle sales and VIN cloning. HB 3966, authored by Sen. Alvarado, was the most contested bill. It would require commercial passenger bus companies to mail advance notice to residents within one mile before opening a new stop or terminal. Alvarado said the bill responded to the relocation of a Greyhound terminal into a Houston neighborhood without notice and to resulting crime and nuisance concerns. Greyhound opposed the bill, arguing the notice requirement would be burdensome and could delay emergency relocations during hurricanes, flooding, or lease changes. After testimony, the committee voted to report most bills favorably, with HB 3966 passing on a 5-2 vote; the other reported bills passed unanimously. Several bills were also placed on the local and uncontested calendar, and the committee recessed to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> government efficiency. It's absurdity. government efficiency. It's absurdity.
• They are less efficient.
• They are less efficient. Let better. They are less efficient.
• </c> more so to make more efficient systems. more so to make more efficient systems.
• </c> save time and be much more efficient. save time and be much more efficient.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:00:12.079><c> Without</c><01:00:12.400><c> this</c> federal tax efficiency.
• Without this federal tax efficiency.
• So we focus exclusively on the New Hampshire trust code and trust regulatory laws when that comes up,
• scrutiny from the FDIC and regulatory scrutiny from the FDIC and the<01:10:32.719><c> New</c><01:10:
• </c><01:14:39.760><c> framework</c> that I think the regulatory framework that I think the regulatory

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 25, which would allow New Hampshire state-chartered credit unions to choose, by member vote, to compensate their board members. Prime sponsor Senator Dan Innis said the bill is enabling only, does not require compensation, and is intended to align New Hampshire with other states that already permit this. He argued that credit union board service now requires more time and expertise, and that compensation could help attract stronger candidates and improve governance. Representatives from the Cooperative Credit Union Association and St. Mary’s Bank testified in support. They said the change would not create salaries, but could cover modest compensation or reimbursements such as daycare, education, cybersecurity, or accounting training. They emphasized that credit unions remain nonprofit and member-driven, that board members must be credit union members and elected by members, and that any compensation decision would be made by the membership at an annual meeting or through the credit union’s voting process. Witnesses also said the bill would help with recruitment and retention, especially as credit union operations have become more complex and digital, and noted that similar authority exists in 16 other states, including Rhode Island. Committee members asked about the historical reason credit unions were excluded, the amount and structure of compensation, whether there would be a cap, and how voting would work. Witnesses said the bill does not set a statutory maximum, but in practice the amount would be disclosed to members and set through the vote; they also described St. Mary’s Bank’s ballot process and said proxy or ballot procedures depend on each credit union’s bylaws. One witness noted that federally chartered credit unions are subject to different limits. After testimony and questions, the chair closed the public hearing on Senate Bill 25 and then moved on to Senate Bill 26.

Transcript Highlights:

• We did, oh, several years ago that concentrates on the most efficient off-system bridges.
• And we have increased the obligations that the board must meet regarding regulatory enforcement across

Bills: SB1239, SB1732

Keywords: Service Oklahoma, apportionment, state revenue, funding, vehicle registration, professional licensing, licensing fees, home inspection, home inspector, Construction Industries Board, CIB, contractor license, journeyman license, apprentice registration, alarm endorsement, code inspector, electrical license, plumbing license, mechanical license, permit fees

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, there's an energy efficiency advisory council contained in the bill.
• Now, there's an Energy Efficiency Advisory Council contained in the bill already, and this amendment
• President, this amendment reconfigures the Energy Efficiency Advisory Council by expanding its voting
• This is a section that addresses new frameworks governing how natural gas energy efficiency programs
• The underlying bill amends the composition of the Energy Efficiency Advisory Council, which oversees

Summary: The Senate continued debate on House 5175, An Act Relative to Energy Affordability, Clean Power, and Economic Competitiveness, taking up a series of amendments focused on clean energy procurement, oversight, gas infrastructure, housing impacts, and ratepayer costs. Amendment 22, offered by Senator Rogers, was rejected 5-34 after he argued the underlying bill already improves clean energy procurement and reduces utility middlemen. Senator Tarr then offered Amendment 34 to expand reporting, oversight boards, and consumer representation, and to strike provisions on consumer choice, gas program frameworks, and municipal procurement authority; it was also rejected 5-34 after supporters of the bill said the legislation already strengthens oversight through the EEAC, a new review board, and DPU audits. The chamber also considered Amendment 77 by Senator Eldridge to end ratepayer-funded gas line extension subsidies for new construction. Supporters said the subsidy unfairly shifts costs to all ratepayers, favors gas over cleaner alternatives, and could save about $1.6 billion over ten years; opponents argued it could raise housing construction costs, especially for gateway cities and large projects. After extended debate, the amendment failed 19-20. Senator Moore withdrew Amendment 65, which would have created a commission on reducing emissions from medium- and heavy-duty vehicles while preserving long-term zero-emissions goals. Several other amendments were adopted, including measures on low-income discount charges, environmental justice protections, data and tax printing, and increased access to plug-in solar. The Senate also adopted the Ways and Means amendment, ordered the bill to a third reading, and then passed it to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 32-8. Separately, the Senate adopted a Judiciary extension order after removing two bills from it, and agreed to adjourn in memory of Robert G. Najarian.

Transcript Highlights:

• appreciate looking at the tools that we have and trying to move us toward a system where we are more efficient
• This bill raises serious concerns, though, for us related to federal compliance, regulatory consistency
• Additionally, creating project-specific exemptions undermines the uniform regulatory framework established
• able to come together and decide that it's for agencies to talk to other agencies to find the most efficient
• clarifies the High-Speed Rail Authority's ability to engage in additional activities that maximize the efficiency

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard a series of bills focused on driver accountability, curb management, privacy, illegal dumping enforcement, rail coordination, billboard signage, and high-speed rail development. SB 953 by Senator Nilo would add DMV points for misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter cases dismissed through diversion; the author and supporters, including a victim’s mother and CHP representatives, argued it would ensure fatal conduct is reflected in driving records, while no opposition testified. SB 1292 by Senator Richardson would let certain cities use stationary cameras or sensors to enforce curb use in designated zones with human review of citations; supporters said it would help manage modern delivery and loading activity, while one privacy group remained cautious but noted the committee amendments improved the bill. SB 1228 by Senator Rubio would create a permanent compliance path for a small number of existing redevelopment-era LED advertising displays; supporters said it preserves local revenue and existing signs, while the outdoor advertising industry opposed it over federal compliance and fairness concerns. SB 1013 by Senator Cervantes would tighten ALPR privacy and security rules, require DOJ audits, training, and a 30-day retention limit; privacy advocates supported it as a needed enforcement measure, while law enforcement groups opposed the retention cap and hot-list limits as too restrictive. SB 1218 by Senator Arreguín would block DMV registration renewal for vehicles with unpaid illegal dumping fines, modeled on parking citation enforcement; local officials and city representatives strongly supported it as a deterrent, and no opposition was heard. SB 1136 by Senator Blakespear would require rail agencies to better coordinate service to major events and integrate fares and schedules; transit and rail advocates supported it, with some agencies taking a work-with-author or neutral position. SB 1425 by the committee chair would create a permit process for new encroachments on high-speed rail right-of-way; supporters said it would help protect and manage the corridor, while utilities and a city raised concerns about rights-of-way and enforcement language. SB 1411 by Senator Stern would expand high-speed rail authority to pursue public-private partnerships and early works, removing a project cap; supporters from Metro, labor, and rail groups said it would help leverage funding and advance the project, while Merced-area agencies remained cautious but noted amendments. Most bills were moved on committee votes, generally along party lines or with broad support, and several were left on call after roll calls.

Transcript Highlights:

• appreciate looking at the tools that we have and trying to move us toward a system where we are more efficient
• This bill raises serious concerns, though, for us related to federal compliance, regulatory consistency
• Additionally, creating project-specific exemptions undermines the uniform regulatory framework established
• able to come together and decide that it’s for agencies to talk to other agencies to find the most efficient
• clarifies the high-speed rail authority's ability to engage in additional activities that maximize the efficiency

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• safeguard animal health and protect our economy and food supply, while also improving production efficiency
• AGER helps Minnesota's beef, dairy, swine, and poultry producers efficiently raise these herds and flocks
• Agreed helps Minnesota's beef, dairy swine and poultry producers efficiently raised these herds and flocks
• that do for businesses and communities, of course, because that farmer's more productive and more efficient
• that our vision is that seals, the agricultural grow in a way that is voluntary market driven, not regulatory

Bills: HF3692

Keywords: Farmer-Lender Mediation Act, mediation, agriculture finance, debt relief, civil law, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• measures that would help unlock further decarbonization for EITEs through pathways such as energy efficiency
• mitigation projects, so replacing existing machinery, boilers, and things like that with a more efficient
• In the cement industry, putting in place new grinders, more efficient ones in order to make the clinker
• Is it just the regulatory? It's the infrastructure that we have in place.
• And like any other proposal for energy generation, a utility must go through the established regulatory

Summary: The committee began with member and staff introductions, then held a work session on emissions-intensive trade-exposed facilities (EITEs) under Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. Ecology staff reviewed how cap-and-invest works, explained EITE no-cost allowance allocations, and summarized a new report to the Legislature on policy options for 2035-2050. Ecology recommended continuing no-cost allocations but adjusting them to fit the cap, considering a consignment approach that would require EITEs to invest part of the value of free allowances in decarbonization, and studying additional benchmarking and leakage-mitigation refinements. Quebec officials described their cap-and-trade system, including a consignment model that withholds part of free allocations, holds the value in trust for facilities, and requires technical studies and investment in mitigation projects; they said it has encouraged industrial investment and no business closures. Members asked about facility closures, compliance costs, eligible uses of consigned funds, and adaptation spending. The work session then closed. The committee then heard House Bill 2296, which would expand distributed energy resources by allowing portable plug-in solar devices and meter-mounted devices. The prime sponsor said the bill is intended to lower barriers and startup costs for renters and homeowners who want to electrify or add solar. Supporters, including a nonprofit promoting plug-in solar and a physician group, said the devices could broaden access to clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas and health harms. Utilities, labor, and industry groups opposed the bill as written, citing safety concerns, lack of national electrical code standards, possible backfeeding and fire risks, utility-worker hazards, unclear interconnection rules, and concerns about multifamily housing and small-utility review burdens. Some witnesses said they were open to continued work on the proposal. Next, the committee heard House Bill 2285, which would allow natural gas generation paired with carbon capture, utilization, storage, or mineralization to count toward Clean Energy Transformation Act compliance. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill would provide a “bridge” for firm power, help address reliability and transmission constraints, and support jobs while reducing emissions compared with conventional gas. Opponents said the bill would weaken CETA’s 100% clean electricity target by allowing resources that still emit carbon to qualify, and they questioned whether 75% capture is sufficient. Other testimony raised cost concerns and warned that carbon capture could increase ratepayer costs. The hearing on HB 2285 was later suspended and reopened briefly for additional testimony from Ecology, which said the bill would permanently weaken CETA standards and likely reduce emissions reductions. The committee also briefly received a staff briefing on House Bill 2272, a ski-area terminology bill, and then suspended that hearing to take it up later.

Transcript Highlights:

• I urge you to support House Bill 1083 today to help create a more patient-centered, efficient health
• on this e-prescribing, or electronic prescribing, bill are patient safety, fraud prevention, and efficiency
• prices for their prescriptions, and a paper script does give them the ability to do that much more efficiently
• From a policy perspective, it is patient safety, fraud prevention, elimination, and efficiency.
• technical aspects of these procedures and evaluated with respect to entry-level competency by objective regulatory

Summary: The subcommittee met with a quorum present and took up five health-related bills. HB 1089, which would add Duchenne muscular dystrophy to Florida’s newborn screening panel, was presented as a way to enable earlier diagnosis and treatment; a pediatric neurologist from Nemours testified in support, noting existing FDA-approved therapies and ongoing clinical trials. After supportive debate, the bill passed 17-0 and was reported favorably. HB 1083 would standardize patient access to medical records by setting deadlines for providers to produce or allow inspection of records and requiring electronic delivery when available. Supporters said it would reduce delays in care and costs, while two industry groups appeared in opposition. Members from both parties spoke in favor, and the bill passed 17-0 and was reported favorably. HB 1297, which aligns Florida’s electronic prescribing rules more closely with federal law and removes some state exceptions, drew opposition from physicians who argued paper prescriptions are still needed for emergencies, shortages, and price shopping. The sponsor said the bill’s goals were patient safety, fraud prevention, and efficiency; despite concerns, it passed 18-0 and was reported favorably. The committee then considered PCS for HB 1421, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which would create a statewide blood clot and pulmonary embolism registry, require hospital reporting and risk-assessment policies, and expand training requirements in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. The bill was presented with emotional testimony from Emily Adkins’ parents, who urged support and co-sponsorship in her memory. Members from both parties praised the family’s advocacy, and the PCS passed 18-0 and was reported favorably. Finally, HB 449 on optometry would expand optometrists’ authority to prescribe certain medications and perform specified laser and non-laser eye procedures after certification. The bill and amendment drew strong opposition from ophthalmologists and their association, who raised patient-safety, training, and delegation concerns, while optometrists argued the bill would improve access, especially in rural areas and counties without ophthalmologists. The amendment was adopted, and the bill as amended passed on a recorded vote and was reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> regulatory barriers to innovation. regulatory barriers to innovation. allowing<00:24:27.360><c>
• </c> to allow for more efficient to allow for more efficient implementation.<00:25:05.120><c> The</c>
• So um lines 17 efficiency program.
• Um, investments in energy efficiency.
• </c> market barriers to energy efficiency? market barriers to energy efficiency?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• businesses are primarily performed by relevant divisions of DSHS, while also being subject to the regulatory
• So this bill is about efficiency, right?
• And again, when we think about efficiencies and we think about giving folks more time to provide service
• As such, we looked for ways to create efficiencies so that our focus could remain squarely on client
• customer experience, simplify processes, improve service clarity, and provide opportunities for efficiencies

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee heard several Department of Social and Health Services-related bills. Senate Bill 6024, sponsored by Senator Gildon, would streamline oversight of community residential service providers by limiting DSHS to one annual routine review per subject area when possible, requiring better document sharing within the department, and preserving investigations tied to complaints, incidents, mortality reviews, and other legally required oversight. Supporters said the bill would reduce duplicative audits and paperwork so providers can spend more time on direct client services. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6063, an agency-request bill sponsored by Senator Bateman and supported by DSHS Secretary Angela Ramirez, to update statutes to reflect DSHS’s recent reorganization into the Home and Community Living Administration and the Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration. Testimony described the measure as a technical cleanup with no fiscal impact. In addition, Senate Bill 6036, sponsored by Senator Kaufman, would exempt certain former foster parents and kinship caregivers from adult family home licensure when they continue caring for a former foster youth who is now an adult and the only unrelated adult in the home. DSHS supported the bill as a narrow way to preserve continuity and stability for vulnerable young adults. The committee spent the most time on Senate Bill 5681, sponsored by Senator Cortez, as amended in a proposed substitute. The bill would lower the age for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to access employment and community inclusion services from 21 to 20, and rename community access as community inclusion. Senator Cortez and multiple advocates, educators, and service providers argued that earlier access would reduce service gaps, support transition from school to work, and help young adults maintain employment. Staff explained that the substitute changed the eligibility age from the original bill’s 19 to 20. No final action was taken; the chair closed the hearings and announced upcoming executive sessions on previously heard bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a regulatory agency, we do not influence legislation. We just track it.
• station weed or whatever is, you know, when it comes to OMMA and the MET team, our authority, our regulatory
• When it comes to the criminal stuff, like I said, regulatory, we have, we're the only game in town basically
• So when we are asked to support, I don't know what that means We're a government regulatory body that
• just want to be part of a bigger group to take advantage of economies of scale and operational efficiencies

Keywords: 914, all