Transcript Highlights:

• They have full police authority.
• drugs it has been a large prescription drugs it has been a large cost<00:15:27.199> driver.
• The quote from the ruling, excuse me, the actions of the defendants are authorized by KRS 286.607512.
• defendants are authorized by KRS uh<01:20:39.040> 286.607512.
• cannot be unlawful as it is authorized cannot be unlawful as it is authorized by<01:20:46.960>

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:15 Department of Insurance Update 00:01:39 Department of Financial Institutions Update 00:37:07 Insurance Industry Update 00:54:50 Credit Union Industry Update 01:10:53, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the September 16 minutes, and then received an update from Insurance Commissioner Sharon Clark and staff on the Department of Insurance. Clark reviewed department activity, including growth in premium volume and licensing, consumer complaints and recoveries, and a rise in fraud referrals. She said the department has 66 open fraud cases and described common schemes such as staged auto accidents, inflated repair or cleanup charges, and roofing scams. She also said the department’s investigators often prepare strong cases but face reluctance from local prosecutors, especially in Fayette and Jefferson counties, to pursue them. Clark reported favorable workers’ compensation news, saying rates will decrease 9.7% next year for the 20th straight year. She contrasted that with a difficult property insurance market driven by storms, reinsurance costs, inflation, labor shortages, and litigation, but said Kentucky’s market remains relatively stable, citing the Kentucky Fair Plan’s small number of policies. She then warned of significant 2026 health insurance premium increases on the exchange: 16.1% for Molina, 23% for Anthem, and 37% for WCare, after CareSource withdrew. She said the rates were reviewed by actuaries and found fair, but that the biggest pressure point is the scheduled expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, which she said could leave about 90% of exchange enrollees facing a compounded increase. Members questioned Clark about fraud prosecution, the number of people in commercial versus public coverage, and the impact of expiring subsidies. Clark said the prosecution issue is mainly with Commonwealth attorneys and that rural counties are more cooperative than urban ones. She also said the health market is individually rated and that older enrollees would be hit harder, while the loss of tax credits could push some people out of the marketplace. One member asked about the attorney general’s recent opinion on SB 188, the PBM bill; staff said attorneys were still reviewing it. Clark closed by noting that Kentucky’s fraud and towing/storage legislation has become a model for other states.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, I am also a co-author on this bill. And the thing is, uh, where is the author yourself, Mr.
• Yeah, I am also a co-author on this bill. And the thing is, uh, where is the author yourself, Mr.
• has been and I know that the bill author has been and I know that the bill author um<00:26:33.440
• authored that particular provision. authored that particular provision.
• commentary or questions for the author commentary or questions for the author on<00:52:18.079>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair and members, the State Liquor Board is authorized to grant and deny applications for liquor
• Cities and counties retain authority over zoning codes, fees, record keeping, and enforcement.
• And it's not through a government prescription that tells people how to design.
• enforcement authority over these types of care residences.
• Thank you. and enforcement authority over these type of care residences.

Bills: SB1108, SB1205, SB1241, SB1286, SB1366, SB1431, SB1473, SB1477, SB1478, SB1479, SB1492, SB1517, SB1563, SB1586, SB1665, SB1671

Keywords: cash transactions, mandatory rounding, swedish rounding, public notice, Arizona Revised Statutes, motor vehicle booting, private property, fees, dispute process, regulations, SB1241, private permitting provider, private permit, private certificate of completion, building permit, building plan review, inspection, single-trade residential construction, residential construction, municipal permitting

Summary: The Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency Committee approved the February 4, 2026 minutes and first considered the reappointment of Troy L. Campbell to the Arizona State Liquor Board. Campbell described his nearly 10 years of service, his role as chair since 2019, and his focus on fairness, public safety, and applying the law consistently. He answered questions about the board’s workload and authority, noting it handles roughly 40 to 50 cases a year and does not issue fines. With no public testimony, the committee voted 6-0 with one not voting to recommend his confirmation to the full Senate. The committee then heard and passed SB 1478, a liquor omnibus bill making technical and policy updates to liquor statutes, including changing “manufacture” to “produce,” allowing rather than requiring cities and towns to levy certain liquor-related taxes or fees, repealing a federal food-safety preemption reference, and clarifying cider’s definition to include products up to 8.5% alcohol by volume. Supporters described it as an annual stakeholder-driven cleanup bill, and the Department of Liquor Licenses and Control testified neutral. The committee adopted the Bolick amendment and then passed the bill as amended. It also passed SB 1108, which creates a Swedish-rounding framework for cash transactions when pennies are unavailable, with signage and enforcement provisions; the Leach amendment removed an individual-item exemption and clarified tax treatment. The Greater Phoenix Chamber supported the bill, and the committee passed it as amended. The committee next approved SB 1205, regulating private-property vehicle booting by prohibiting local bans, setting signage, written permission, rate limits, release rules, and misdemeanor penalties. Supporters said it would provide a more transparent, less costly alternative to towing, while members raised concerns about signage, appeals, and consumer protections. The Bolick amendment made a technical change, and the bill passed as amended. SB 1241, allowing private permitting providers to conduct plan reviews and inspections for single-trade residential projects, drew the most debate: supporters argued it would reduce delays and costs for homeowners and help cities with backlogs, while cities and counties warned about public-safety risks, loss of local control, and liability concerns. After adopting the Payne amendment on immunity, the committee passed the bill 5-2. Finally, the committee passed SB 1366, which creates a Public Property Towing and Impound Practices Study Committee to review fees, standards, insurance, background checks, and related DPS and public-property towing practices. Some members objected that the study committee lacked minority-leader appointments, but supporters said the review was needed before making permanent changes. The committee then began hearing SB 1431, a housing-design bill limiting municipal design standards and restrictions on certain shared features, but the transcript ends before any action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• And just in the way of background on this topic, in 2009, Washington State Senate Bill 5499 authorized
• And there are both dollar limits and scope prescriptions.
• There are some both dollar limits and scope prescriptions, and these types of contracts really are set
• I do know that both transit, the three transit authorities that I represent, one asked and wanted to
• Recall that the regulation was adopted in 2007, and it was authorized by the EPA in 2011.

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from WSDOT on balancing uncertainty in capital program estimates and cash flow management. WSDOT explained the differences between design-bid-build and design-build delivery, its tiered risk-assessment process by project size, and how it uses base estimates, inflation, and risk modeling to set budgets. Staff said design-bid-build estimates are generally accurate within about 1% across the program, while design-build projects carry much wider uncertainty and are better communicated as ranges; they cited a P85 budget approach and noted that large, complex projects can be affected by market competition and long procurement timelines. Members asked about the Columbia River Bridge cost growth and about value engineering, and WSDOT said it uses value engineering but has limited scope to cut costs because of project requirements and policy mandates. Troy Swing also discussed cash flow, noting that a few large projects can significantly affect biennial funding needs, and said a risk pool would not reduce overall program risk but could help manage timing if paired with appropriation and cash-flow controls. The committee then received the final presentation in the WSDOT Project Delivery and Innovative Practices study from HKA Global. The consultant said WSDOT’s estimating practices are generally robust and recommended improving transparency by presenting budget authorizations as ranges or estimate classes, better tracking estimate growth over time, and adjusting advertisement timing to avoid competing lettings. The report also discussed surety bonding, suggesting the legislature consider restoring authority for reduced bonding on select large design-build projects or using phased bonding and alternative securities. On indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracting, the consultant said current job order contract rules are restrictive and recommended legislative changes to make such tools more usable, especially for smaller tasks and to help use unspent funds more flexibly. The committee also heard a follow-up presentation on transit-oriented development policy recommendations tied to HB 1491. The Urban Institute’s Yona Freemark said Washington has been a national leader on TOD but that housing construction, especially in the Puget Sound, has slowed sharply since 2022. He said rising construction costs, high financing costs, and local tax and rent conditions are making many TOD projects infeasible, and recommended that the state fill infrastructure funding gaps around stations, revisit MFTE affordability requirements, consider minimum rather than average density requirements near transit, and create a statewide system to track TOD outcomes such as affordability, gentrification, and transit access. Members questioned the study’s developer interviews, the role of rent control and crime, property tax assumptions, and parking needs; the presenter said the study included five private developers, that rent control was not part of the study scope, and that parking was included in the model assumptions. Finally, the committee began a presentation on regulating emissions from ocean-going vessels at berth. Staff and consultants described California-style at-berth rules, which require shore power or equivalent emissions controls so ships can shut off diesel auxiliary engines while docked. The study is examining vessel traffic, emissions reductions, implementation costs, labor and operational needs, and possible effects on port competitiveness and cargo diversion. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section six authorizes economic development travel appropriations.
• not a ban and it's not prescriptive not a ban and it's not prescriptive about<01:26:47.199> how
• words is authorized to have access.
• <02:40:06.479> to property, the sportsman is authorized to property, the sportsman is authorized
• the total amount of time the authorizer the total amount of time the authorizer has<03:32:45.200

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, that's my personal, you know, prescription.
• personal<00:13:44.240> uh<00:13:44.639> you<00:13:44.880> know<00:13:45.760> prescription
• <00:13:46.560> Um personal uh you know prescription.
• Um personal uh you know prescription.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting opened with roll call and approval of the prior minutes, including a requested correction to Thomas Han’s statement about a Granite State Division of the Society of American Foresters subcommittee studying the timber yield tax and current use forest land tax assessment formula. The correction was adopted, and the minutes were then approved as amended. The main agenda item was a hearing of landowners on forest taxation and carbon credits. Several scheduled speakers canceled, so the committee received a letter from Ross Karen, a Coos County landowner and forester, who opposed carbon credit sales because of “leakage” and argued that diverse local markets and productive forests are better than carbon sales. Aean Kelly of White Mountain Lumber and the Randolph Town Forest also testified, saying many Coos County landowners and forest managers have declined carbon credit offers because they do not fit New Hampshire’s working-forest tradition. He argued that carbon agreements should be treated on a level playing field with traditional harvesting and that, if they are to be encouraged, they should face a fiscal adjustment comparable to the timber tax. Kelly also gave a detailed history of the timber tax, explaining that it was created in 1948 to replace uneven local property taxation on standing timber, discourage clearcutting, and stabilize the tax base while preserving working forests. He said the tax was intended to be collected when timber is harvested, not to stop logging, and that a later commission found the 10% rate roughly matched the revenue towns lost. In response to questions, he said pre-1948 assessments varied widely by town and tax collector, and that carbon projects today are already being valued by sophisticated models, so he believes carbon should be included in the assessment system. He also said short-term carbon agreements may simply monetize existing forest value, while 100-year agreements raise enforceability concerns. No votes or other formal actions were taken beyond approving the amended minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, you know, our prescription drugs, Madam Chair, Representative, you know, they're all over our house
• I feel so often that as a body, we transfer this authority to the executive without really clear definitions
• Madam Chair, Representative, that's how the statutes work and how we give local authorities and local

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To ask the author some questions. Do you? I do. Thank you.
• But it was very prescriptive in the details: not only was it about bathrooms, but it was about overnight
• Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 15 is authored by Senator West and Senator Miles.

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation and then handled several procedural matters, including a failed motion to excuse Senator Johnson’s absence after a roll-call vote. The chamber also postponed the reading and referral of bills until later in the calendar and adopted motions allowing the Education K-16 Committee to meet while the Senate was in session. The Senate then recessed until 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 6. The main floor action centered on Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 9, which lowers the voter-approval tax rate for certain cities and counties from 3.5% to 2.5% for maintenance and operations. Senator Bettencourt argued the bill would slow local property tax growth and align city and county limits more closely with school district limits, while Senators Hinojosa and Menendez raised concerns about reduced local revenue, public safety funding, and the short time for cities to assess the impact. The Senate suspended the regular order, passed the bill to engrossment, suspended the constitutional three-day rule, and finally passed SB 9, with a clarification later entered that the final passage vote was 18-3. The Senate also took up Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 7, the Texas Women’s Privacy Act, which sets state policy for the use of certain spaces and facilities according to biological sex and creates enforcement mechanisms for state agencies and political subdivisions. Supporters said the bill was needed to protect women and children in restrooms, locker rooms, shelters, prisons, and schools, while opponents questioned the scope, enforcement, civil penalties, and possible conflicts with federal law and local control. After extensive questioning, the chamber adopted a clarifying amendment, suspended the three-day rule, and finally passed SB 7 by a vote of 19-2. Finally, the Senate passed Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 15, which addresses deed fraud and real property theft by tightening recording requirements for certain property documents and creating new criminal offenses for real property theft and fraud. Senator Hinojosa explained that the bill combined civil and criminal provisions, added photo ID requirements for in-person filings, and included restitution and enhanced penalties for certain victims and properties; a floor amendment made cleanup changes, removed a training mandate, and clarified that electronic and mail filings were not affected. The Senate adopted the amendment, suspended the three-day rule, and passed SB 15 unanimously, 21-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• As well as AB 265 authored by Assemblymember Colloza and Kawhi authored.
• more to make sure that we have certain policies that are a little less general and a lot more prescriptive

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Of the remaining amount, those students go to the healthcare authority and they go back to PED to be
• separation of powers and asserted that LESC as a legislative entity was not subject to the court's authority
• And so the order itself is not overly prescriptive in exactly what those qualifications per se need to

Transcript Highlights:

• But it is up to you, our elected leaders, to ensure the resources are in place to fill that prescription
• For example, some states have used existing Medicaid authorities to provide medically tailored meals
• National Geographic Fellow, Emmy Award-winning journalist and producer, New York Times best-selling author

Keywords: health policy, lifespan, quality of life, community health, public testimony

Summary: The committee meeting was marked by discussions surrounding health policies aimed at enhancing the lifespan and quality of life for the community members. The chairperson initiated the session with personal reflections on the importance of extending not just the years of life but also the quality of those years, especially from the perspective of parents and grandparents. Members engaged in thoughtful dialogue regarding potential legislative measures that could address public health in a more holistic manner, emphasizing the need for community outreach and effective health education programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here in strong support of HF 3883, authored by Representative Beerman, which would establish an office
• health initiative, House File 3668 would establish a permanent taxpayer-funded office with broad authority
• <00:26:52.799> to<00:26:53.039> shape office with broad authority to shape office with
• This includes legislation to reduce credentialing timelines, reduce or eliminate prior authorization,
• over prescription of tests, [clears throat]<01:29:08.159> performing<01:29:08.560> low-v

Bills: HF3668, HF2779, HF2771

Keywords: gun violence, public health, Department of Health, prevention, criminal justice, health care transparency, ownership disclosure, control reporting, health care consolidation, private equity, management services organization, MSO, provider organization, health insurer, pharmacy benefit manager, hospital system, affiliate reporting, financial disclosure, public reporting, market concentration

Summary: The House Finance and Policy Committee met on March 2 with a quorum present and heard House File 3668, which would create a state Office of Gun Violence Prevention. The bill author argued the office would treat gun violence as a public health crisis, improve research and coordination, and help reduce deaths and trauma, especially among children. Several supporters testified, including representatives from the Minnesota Medical Association, Protect Minnesota, family medicine, public health, and obstetrics/gynecology, all emphasizing firearm injury and suicide as major public health problems and urging a coordinated, data-driven response. Multiple testifiers shared personal accounts of shootings and their effects on children and families, including the Annunciation shooting, and said the office could help align prevention efforts across health care, law enforcement, and community organizations. Opposition came from the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, which argued the bill would create a permanent taxpayer-funded bureaucracy that could be used to shape firearm policy and restrict a constitutional right. The group said Minnesota should focus instead on enforcing existing laws, prosecuting violent offenders, and providing direct victim services. During committee discussion, Vice Chair Nadeau offered an A2 amendment to move the proposed office from the Department of Health to the Department of Public Safety, citing data-sharing, accountability, and examples from other cities and states; after discussion with the bill author, he withdrew the amendment. Chair Becker then noted existing state and local spending on violence prevention and public safety programs and raised concerns about duplication of effort.

Transcript Highlights:

• THESE ARE ALREADY IN EXISTENCE IN THE LEGISLATION DIRECTED US TO SEEK FEDERAL AUTHORITY TO THIS EXPANDED
• AND THIS IS A HIGH HIGH LEVEL OVERVIEW OF THE STEPS TAKEN TO REQUEST FEDERAL AUTHORITY TO GO AHEAD FOR
• THAT WAS THE IMPLEMENTATION IN TERMS OF REQUEST OF FEDERAL AUTHORITY WHICH WE ARE GOING THROUGH THE 1150
• LASTLY, 1063 AUTHORIZES CHIROPRACTIC PHYSICIANS TO PERFORM DRY NEEDLING.
• THINKS THAT WERE NOT AUTHORIZED UNDER STATUTE OR RULE OR INTRODUCED AND PUT IN THE PRODUCT.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a small step to respond. purpose authority to create purpose authority to create infrastructure
• provide spending authority to this body. provide spending authority to this body.
• to authorize interpreted to authorize unconstitutional<04:06:26.560> takings.
• So granting that authority courts.
• utilities commission any new authority. utilities commission any new authority.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House opened with a quorum call, a Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal in a lighthearted exchange honoring Representative Bacon’s father. Members then announced upcoming committee meetings, including State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs; Finance; and Appropriations. The chamber moved into third reading and took up a series of bills, with several laid over or moved on the calendar before votes began. The House adopted House Bill 1433 on firefighter behavioral health benefits, House Bill 1416 on transfers from the Universal High School Scholarship Cash Fund, and House Bill 1431 on occupational licensure portability. It also adopted House Bill 1426, a Department of Law report bill, after a technical third-reading amendment correcting numbering errors. House Bill 1063, requiring an accessible list of secure transportation providers on certain department websites, also passed. In addition, the chamber adopted Senate Bill 172 on the Front Range Passenger Rail District, Senate Bill 93 on workers’ compensation coverage compliance, Senate Bill 175 on experience modification factors in workers’ compensation, Senate Bill 131 on abusive practices in sports betting, Senate Bill 165 on species conservation funding, Senate Bill 157 on a town with critical water infrastructure, Senate Bill 154 on Colorado Channel Authority Board appointments, and House Bill 1286 requiring a human present when an automated driving system operates a commercial motor vehicle. House Bill 1422, concerning security measures for certain governmental entities, drew the most extended debate. Representative Luck opposed it, citing concerns about creating a legislative police force, language affecting online speech and constituent conduct, and what she described as a workaround for TABOR. Representative Clifford explained the bill’s security provisions and sought a technical amendment to address local records language; the amendment and the bill both passed, though with notable opposition. House Bill 1424, increasing protections for persons engaged with transportation network companies, also prompted extensive testimony from Representative Wilford, who described her own assault by a rideshare driver and argued that Uber and Lyft have minimized and obscured sexual assault data while failing to protect riders; after a technical amendment, the bill passed. The House then continued with additional third-reading votes, including House Bill 1325 on natural medicine, which passed despite some opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c> Amendments I recognize the author Amendments I recognize the author representative<00:11:20.839><
• The chair recognizes the author of the A5 amendment.
• I know that because I asked the author myself.
• Will the author of this bill, Representative Scott, yield to a few questions?
• <02:21:12.840> by 9 Title 9 was championed and authored by 9 Title 9 was championed and authored

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair lays out House Bill 783 by Representative Leilani and recognizes its author, our colleague
• Injunctions to stop the impersonation and authorize recovery of actual damages, including costs related
• She was told she would have to go to a pharmacy or she would have to wait for a prescription, but by
• Hancock, about the promotion and sale of wine produced in this state, creating a farm winery permit, authorizing

Bills: HB220, HB783, HB2240, HB3336, HB4202, HB4449, HB4904, HB3441, HB4284

Keywords: sexual assault, healthcare facilities, forensic examination, survivor support, emergency contraceptive, online impersonation, civil liability, social media, identity theft, defamation, counseling damages, injunctive relief, public health, safety regulations, community health, state standards, healthcare access, HB 3336, alcoholic beverage tax credit, spent grain

Transcript Highlights:

• Current law is outdated, overly prescriptive, and cumbersome, slowing community and economic development
• The bill would authorize recovery of investigative and legal costs in cases of violations.
• Can we talk about the authorized workers who are incorrectly flagged?
• Florida has the authority to require this kind of transparency and accountability.
• Florida has the authority to require this kind of transparency and accountability because that's what

Summary: The Committee on Commerce and Tourism considered a series of bills affecting tax policy, workforce development, business regulation, consumer protection, rural development, and artificial intelligence. SB 1076 would raise Florida’s research and development tax credit cap from $9 million to $50 million beginning with the 2027 allocation, and it was reported favorably. CS/SB 1266 would create a cybersecurity experiential internship and clearance-readiness program with the Department of Commerce and Cyber Florida; an amendment removed an appropriation from the bill, and the committee reported it favorably. SB 554, a broad update to Florida’s not-for-profit corporation law, was also reported favorably after supportive testimony from Florida Bar representatives. SB 1004, aimed at protecting buyers of dogs and cats from deceptive sales and predatory financing practices, received strong support from animal welfare advocates and was reported favorably. SB 1074, which provides rounding rules for cash transactions if pennies are unavailable, was likewise reported favorably. SB 214, expanding the rural community definition to include special districts in rural counties for economic development purposes, was reported favorably. SPB 7030, a public records exemption tied to Department of Legal Affairs investigations, was adopted as a committee bill and favorably reported. The committee also heard extensive discussion on SB 998, the Department of Commerce package. The bill would modernize the Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant program, clarify rural community eligibility for certain unincorporated areas, exempt military entities from a reverter clause on land conveyances, and revise E-Verify enforcement procedures. Members questioned the E-Verify provisions, including penalties, protections for workers incorrectly flagged, and the treatment of gig workers. Senator Smith opposed the bill, arguing it creates unequal treatment between employers and immigrant workers, while Senator Wright supported the military-related provisions. Despite the debate, SB 998 was reported favorably, with Senators Bracy Davis, Smith, and Errington voting no. The committee also took up SB 482, an “Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights” that would create consumer protections for companion chatbots, require parental consent and access for minors, mandate periodic disclosures that users are interacting with AI, restrict certain uses of personal data and likenesses, and give the Attorney General enforcement authority. The bill drew both support and criticism: supporters emphasized child safety, transparency, and consumer protection, while opponents raised concerns about privacy, broad definitions, lack of audit mechanisms, and the absence of a private right of action for adults. Senators Smith and Davis urged clearer definitions and stronger accountability, but both said the bill was a starting point. The committee reported SB 482 favorably. The meeting ended with recorded affirmative votes requested by Senators Yarbrough, Wright, and Davis on selected tabs, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Current law is outdated, overly prescriptive, and cumbersome, slowing community and economic development
• Can we talk about the authorized workers who are incorrectly flagged?
• Florida has the authority to require this kind of transparency and accountability.
• Florida has the authority to require this kind of transparency and accountability because that is what
• She called for disclosure requirements, audit mechanisms, and robust enforcement authority in the bill

Bills: S0214, S0482, S7030, S0554, S0994, S0998, S1004, S1074, S1076, S1266

Keywords: special districts, funding, financial assistance, rural community, state agency, economic development, artificial intelligence, personal data protection, consumer rights, chatbot, deceptive practices, government contracts, public records, consumer protection, data privacy, investigations, proprietary information, chatbots, Florida statutes, nonprofit

Summary: The Committee on Commerce and Tourism heard and advanced several bills focused on economic development, consumer protection, workforce issues, and technology. SB 1076 would raise Florida’s research and development tax credit cap from $9 million to $50 million beginning with the 2027 allocation, and it was reported favorably. SB 1266, as amended, creates a cybersecurity experiential internship and clearance-readiness program with Cyber Florida and was also reported favorably. SB 554, a Florida Bar-backed update to the not-for-profit corporations statute, was approved without opposition. SB 1004, aimed at protecting buyers of dogs and cats from deceptive sales practices and predatory financing at retail pet stores, received supportive testimony from animal welfare advocates and was reported favorably. SB 1074, which sets rounding rules for cash transactions if pennies are unavailable, also passed favorably. The committee also considered SB 998, the Department of Commerce package, which combines updates to the Small Cities CDBG program, clarification of rural community eligibility, an exemption from a reverter clause for military-related land conveyances, and revisions to E-Verify enforcement. The E-Verify portion drew the most debate, with questions about employer cure periods, treatment of current investigations, and whether the bill creates a loophole for independent contractors. Senator Smith opposed the bill, arguing it creates unequal enforcement between employers and immigrant workers, while Senator Wright supported the military-related provisions. SB 998 was reported favorably on a divided vote. SB 214, which expands the rural community definition to include special districts in rural counties, was reported favorably. The committee then took up SB 482, an artificial intelligence consumer-protection bill that creates an “AI bill of rights” covering companion chatbots, parental controls for minors, data privacy, de-identified data, unauthorized use of likeness, and enforcement by the Attorney General, with a limited private cause of action for minors. The bill drew extensive testimony both in support and in opposition, including concerns about privacy, age verification, and enforcement, but it was reported favorably. Finally, the committee approved SPB 7030, a public-records exemption tied to Department of Legal Affairs investigations under the AI bill, and adjourned after members requested to be recorded on certain votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Co-Chair, I will tell you this topic and the next one, coverage of prescription drugs for advanced
• saying, you know, when you have advanced metastatic cancer, can the doctor have a little bit more authority
• saying, you know, when you have advanced metastatic cancer, can the doctor have a little bit more authority
• can the doctor have a little bit cancer, can the doctor have a little bit more<00:14:10.480> authority
• there to try the right more authority there to try the right treatment<00:14:14.640> and<00:14

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The committee opened by explaining it would work through a long list of interim topics one at a time and asked members to complete a selection form at the end. The first topic, long-term care, drew testimony from AARP Wyoming and the Wyoming Long-Term Care Association. AARP emphasized Wyoming’s aging population, the state’s roughly $200 million annual Medicaid spending on long-term care, and the need to examine whether more support for home-based care could reduce nursing home use and costs. The association agreed with supporting people at home as long as possible, but asked that any study also consider increased support for nursing homes and assisted living when home care is no longer feasible. Committee discussion also touched on adult day care and PACE-like services, with Mr. Laycock noting prior Department of Health discussion and limited adult day availability due to reimbursement concerns. The committee then heard proposals for neonatal intensive care unit family leave, expanded midwifery scope, and a modification to workers’ compensation law. The NICU leave idea, presented by the Wyoming Women’s Foundation, would explore leave options for families with premature infants in intensive care, potentially paid or unpaid, while considering business size and the burden on families who may need out-of-state care. The midwifery topic was framed as a way to address rural maternity and women’s health gaps by allowing midwives to practice to the full extent of their training. On workers’ compensation, the Wyoming Association of Municipalities sought to classify dispatch personnel as first responders so they could receive mental health coverage under workers’ compensation; the Department of Workforce Services explained that current law covers dispatchers under workers’ compensation generally, but the first responder mental health provision added in 2018 applies to law enforcement and firefighters and does not currently include dispatchers. Other topics included problematic gaming and program funding, breast cancer diagnostic and supplemental exams, prescription drug coverage for advanced metastatic cancer, SNAP education, behavioral health workforce clinical training site shortages, CPR in schools, and broader midwifery oversight. The behavioral health workforce proposal, brought by a WICHE commissioner, focused on increasing psychology internship slots in Wyoming, noting that the state currently has only three and that expanding placements could improve recruitment and retention. The CPR in schools topic drew strong support from the American Heart Association, which argued that CPR training in high school could improve bystander response in a rural state with long EMS response times; committee members asked about cost and curriculum fit, and the witnesses said hands-only CPR could be taught by school staff rather than requiring expensive certification. The midwifery discussion later broadened into concerns about oversight and standards after a representative described a constituent’s pregnancy loss and said complaints involving midwifery practice and staffing delays in investigations warranted a deeper review. No votes were taken during the portion provided, and most topics were simply introduced, discussed, and left open for further testimony or later committee selection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Local governments decide whether and how to use the authority provided.
• So it gives them the power and authority to figure out, do we want to extend it?
• It's and it wasn't prescriptive, but it said you could through conversations with the city of Albuquerque
• possibility of, through this program, providing a loan of up to $75,000 through MFA, New Mexico Finance Authority
• They are returned to the Mortgage Finance Authority upon sale of the home. to the Mortgage Finance Authority

Keywords: 996, all