Transcript Highlights:

• 46:16.400> road This resilient paving program will easily double the cost-effectiveness of selected
• This design change involves simply increasing the pavement thickness on selected projects, which will
• Pong Jang, Director of the Driver and Vehicle Services Division. Pleasure to be here.
• /c><01:19:30.440> the<01:19:30.679> that<01:19:30.800> the<01:19:30.960> division
• <01:19:31.360> has levels that the that the division has levels that the that the division

Bills: HF198, HF269, HF185, HF303, HF305, HF189

Keywords: HF198, shared time pupils, shared-time enrollment, nonpublic school, private school, public school, career and technical education, CTE, secondary credit, school funding, state aid, education finance, Minnesota Statutes 126C.01, compulsory attendance, school district, education policy, HF269, Spicer, Minnesota bonding bill, capital investment

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division, particularly its Educational Opportunity Division. section
• How are the ones selected that get to use it out of that pool?
• Question 11 is called multiple select. Question 13 is called. the drag-and-drop question.
• Question 22 is another drag-and-drop question, and question 30 is a multiple-select.
• Senate Bill 10's reintroduction of the Decalogue is not foreign. or traditionally divisive.

Bills: HB4, HB54, SB 10, SB 24, HB4, HB54, HB775, HB850, HB 1122, HB 1249, HB1405, HB2336, HB2757, HB3372, HB3622, HB4442, HB4687, HB4893, HB5089, HB5515, HB5606, SB10, SB24, HB1573, HB3369

Keywords: district composition, congressional election, Texas, legislature, voting districts, citizenship, U.S. citizen, non-citizen, public office, advisory board, task force, state government, local government, political subdivision, commission board, appointment eligibility, officeholder qualifications, public service, naturalization, Texas Government Code

Transcript Highlights:

• the division can care of the division the division can bring<01:38:03.560> these<01:38:03.719
• <04:05:54.279> is pursuit of perjury Family Division is pursuit of perjury Family Division
• court system uh you know as a division court system uh you know as a division or<04:15:49.640> a
• <05:05:48.160> for professionals the Family Division for professionals the Family Division
• big problem in the family division big problem in the family division is is is the<05:06:37.878>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Children and Family Law Committee opened with a brief prayer for Representative Grossman’s son, Oscar, who was reported to be in critical condition after a traumatic fall. The committee then took up House Bill 430, which would reduce DHHS retention of unfounded abuse and neglect reports from 10 years to 3 years. Prime sponsor Chairman James Spain argued that 10 years is excessive and burdens families with a long-lasting stigma, while emphasizing that founded reports and reports with reasonable concern would still be retained indefinitely. Committee members questioned whether longer retention helps identify malicious reporting or patterns of abuse, and whether parents understand the distinction between unfounded and unfounded with reasonable concern. The Office of the Child Advocate and DCF opposed the bill. Child Advocate Cassandra Sanchez said historical reports are important for identifying patterns, reviewing critical incidents, and understanding family dynamics, and that screened-out and unfounded reports can be essential context when later reports arise. She also noted that the records are highly confidential and not publicly accessible. DCF General Counsel Susan Larabe added that the bill could create inconsistencies by retaining screened-out reports longer than unfounded reports, and explained that unfounded reports can be used in court and in administrative reviews when there are multiple prior reports. The committee discussed how other states handle retention, with testimony that some keep records indefinitely and others for long periods. The hearing on HB 430 concluded, and the chair said the bill would not be executed until early March, leaving time for amendments. The committee then opened House Bill 187, concerning restraining orders sought by a parent on behalf of a minor child. Prime sponsor Representative Mike Belcher said the bill is intended to correct a gap in the law so children can access the same restraining-order protections adults can, through a parent or guardian, and framed it as an equal-protection issue. Members questioned why the proposal was placed in the child abuse and neglect statute rather than the civil restraining-order statutes, and whether it should instead be handled as a broader civil-law fix. Alanda Peterson, who said she created Jade’s Law, testified that the original wording was meant to protect all children, not just those harmed by family members, and supported expanding the language. The hearing continued with additional discussion of the bill’s scope and purpose.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there a roll call division vote on this? >> I don't know if that was the roll call. Withdrawn.
• A division has been requested. aside, I have good faith that no, no aside, I have good faith that no,
• A division<01:32:52.960> has<01:32:53.280> been<01:32:53.520> requested.
• A division has been requested. All those in the chamber not entitled to vote, please be seated.
• <04:56:06.560> of concerning regulation of the Division of concerning regulation of the Division

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Should you select to waive your speaking time, your position will be included in the committee meeting
• the bill to ensure consistency with SB 180 from our own Chair, Senator DeSigley, and his bill for Division

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development heard three bills after temporarily postponing SB 1524. The committee first took up CS for SB 1264, a broad economic development bill covering law enforcement recruitment bonuses, venture capital tax credits, data center tax exemptions, military land transfers, Space Florida procurement exemptions, and changes to regional planning councils. An amendment was adopted to remove sections tied to emergency management shelter plans so the bill would align with another measure. The main debate centered on the proposal to repeal regional planning council statutes; supporters argued the councils are duplicative and bureaucratic, while opponents said they provide valuable regional coordination, technical assistance, and grant support, especially for rural communities. The bill was reported favorably 13-1, with Senator Sharif voting no. The committee then considered CS for SB 1348, which streamlines motor vehicle services by expanding the role of tax collectors as DHSMV agents. Three amendments were adopted: one making the scalping of driver and motor vehicle appointment slots a misdemeanor, one increasing penalties for texting while driving and requiring a new distracted-driving course to remove points, and one allowing veterans with DV plates to use a sticker instead of a stencil or imprint. The bill received supportive testimony from tax collectors and law enforcement-related groups and was reported favorably without opposition. Finally, the committee heard SB 936, which directs the Department of Commerce’s workforce research bureau to conduct a recurring statewide study every three years on the effects of automation, robotics, and AI on Florida’s workforce. The sponsor said the study would have minimal fiscal impact and would help guide policy recommendations. With no opposition or debate, the bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned after brief closing remarks thanking staff and members.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first three will be going to Division One; the last one to Division Three.
• last one to division to division one the last one to division three<00:02:07.840> and<00:02:08.039
• going to be discussing this in division going to be discussing this in division so<00:59:03.960>
• I'm the director of the Division for Behavioral Health.
• hearing on House Bill 59 I know division hearing on House Bill 59 I know division one<02:52:24.439

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee held a hearing on several bills and announced at the outset that no votes would be taken because the measures would go to divisions later. The first major bill, HB 197, would require the state to pay 7.5% of political subdivision employer pension contributions for teachers, police officers, and firefighters. Representative Mike Edgar, the prime sponsor, argued the state had repeatedly reduced and then eliminated its promised share of retirement costs, shifting the burden to municipalities and property taxpayers. He said the bill would partially restore that commitment and provide relief to local governments, businesses, and taxpayers. Several witnesses testified in support of HB 197, including Representative John Cluder, Bradford selectman Marlene Fryer, the New Hampshire Municipal Association’s Margaret Burns, and Epping representative Mark Fone. Supporters said the bill would help with property tax pressure, school budgets, and municipal hiring, and they emphasized that much of the retirement cost reflects unfunded liability decisions made at the state level rather than by local governments. Committee members questioned whether the bill would change local incentives to control costs and how it would affect hiring and compensation. Burns said the state contribution would function as property tax relief because it offsets existing municipal expenses, and she noted the state is already on a long-term schedule to pay down the retirement system’s unfunded liability. After closing the hearing on HB 197, the committee opened a hearing on HB 97, introduced by Representative Tom Buco. He said the bill would continue funding for delayed and deferred wastewater projects and help municipalities finance expensive wastewater infrastructure, which he tied to housing development and local debt planning. No action or votes were taken on either bill during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• for the overall SCFF apportionments, there's also a cost-of-living adjustment that is proposed for select
• for the overall SCFF apportionments, there's also a cost-of-living adjustment that is proposed for select
• for the overall SCFF apportionments, there's also a cost-of-living adjustment that is proposed for select
• What's the process for selecting applicants, or what happens with the funding that was anticipated to
• have a general question for Justin, Department of Finance: How are all of the other departments and divisions

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance held a hearing focused on California Community College budget proposals. Chair Alvarez opened by emphasizing the system’s role in access, transfer, workforce training, and serving more than 2 million students, while also noting persistent challenges in enrollment, persistence, transfer, and graduation. Public commenters and system representatives broadly supported COLA, enrollment growth funding, deferred maintenance, student support block grants, and additional flexibility for districts facing uncertainty. The first major panel covered the student-centered funding formula, COLA, and enrollment growth. The Department of Finance said the Governor proposes a 2.43% COLA ($230.4 million) and 0.5% enrollment growth funding ($30.4 million). The LAO said the COLA was reasonable and recommended funding at least the proposed growth amount, citing uneven enrollment recovery and regional differences. The Chancellor’s Office supported both proposals and asked for additional changes, including using the greater of current-year or three-year average for apportionments and lifting the 10% local enrollment cap, arguing these would better fund growing districts. Members questioned how the formula works, whether SCFF is improving outcomes, and how much additional funding would be needed under different growth scenarios. The committee then reviewed categorical program COLAs, Rising Scholars, career education proposals, IT proposals, and student housing. The Governor proposed a 2.43% COLA for selected categorical programs ($31.9 million). For Rising Scholars, the Governor proposed $30 million ongoing and removal of the cap on participating colleges; the LAO urged waiting for outcome data before doubling funding, while the Chancellor’s Office said the program is serving more students and supports equity for justice-impacted students. On career education, the Governor proposed $50 million for credit for prior learning and $50 million for a career passport; the LAO supported more reporting on credit for prior learning but recommended rejecting the career passport as too undefined, while the Chancellor’s Office supported both. On technology, the Governor proposed $162.5 million for a common cloud data platform and $168 million for a common ERP system; the LAO said both were premature or lacked sufficient planning and recommended rejection, while the Chancellor’s Office argued they would improve real-time data, security, and systemwide efficiency. The committee also heard an update on student housing: the administration said the 2024 shift to a lease-revenue bond model remains in progress for 13 approved projects, with 11 still active, and members asked about withdrawn projects and possible use of any returned funds. No votes were taken, and several items were held open for further discussion and May Revision updates.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senators, this promotes division, not equity.
• Senators, this promotes division, not equity.
• That's division. That's a promotion of division. And so it really does depend.
• and decisiveness and division.
• That's divisive. That's not equity. That's not fairness. That's divisive. It's that kind of stuff.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions and memorial remarks, including a moment of silence for service members killed in the conflict in Iran. The chamber then moved to special orders and took up a series of bills, with many measures passing unanimously after brief explanations and, in several cases, substitution of House companions. Early bills included CS/CS/SB 1062 on speech and debate education, which drew extensive supportive debate about the civic value of debate programs and passed 37-0, and SB 1072 on an anti-Semitism task force, which was amended to clarify that criticism of Israel is not prohibited and then passed 37-0. The Senate also approved CS/CS/SB 1230/HB 1019 on PFAS chemicals and firefighting foam, with discussion focused on phasing out AFFF, testing requirements, exceptions for federal aviation and military uses, and support for firefighters and water quality; the bill passed 37-0. Other measures passed without opposition included SB 1706 on the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, SB 186 on student health and safety and seizure response training, SB 598 on funeral and cemetery services, SB 990/HB 883 on protected cell captive insurance companies, SB 554 on nonprofit corporations, SB 560 on child welfare and foster care medication procedures, SB 684/HB 961 on electronic signatures for salvage titles, and SB 778/HB 569 on forensic client services. Two bills, SB 432 on intoxicating substances and SB 928 on dangerous crimes, were temporarily postponed. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to SB 1134 on official actions of local governments and DEI-related activities. The sponsor argued the bill would prevent counties and municipalities from funding or promoting DEI efforts he described as discriminatory or indoctrinating, while opponents offered amendments to narrow the bill to spending only, add an intent requirement for penalties, and preserve local proclamations and observances. Those amendments were debated at length but were not adopted. The sponsor then continued explaining the bill’s exceptions, including references to holidays, heritage sites, and the Pulse Memorial, and the chamber was still in debate on the underlying measure when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• I made a recommendation in select water earlier this year that highly recommend the passage of Senate
• I made a recommendation in select water earlier this year that highly recommend the passage of Senate
• I made a recommendation in select water earlier this year that highly recommend the passage of Senate
• I made a recommendation in select water earlier this year that highly recommend the passage of Senate
• I made a recommendation in select water earlier this year that highly recommend the passage of Senate

Bills: SF0099, SF0116, SJ0006

Keywords: easement, electricity delivery, public utility, prescriptive easement, landowner rights, surface water, drainage utilities, municipality, elections, environmental management, shared parenting, family law, joint custody, child well-being, parental rights, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, following this presentation, I will discuss the final A&M Agency, which is the Texas Division of
• So now I'll be presenting the Texas Division of Emergency Management, or TETEM, and I'll be using the
• The, uh, selective contracting, but we would still use the federal aviation resources which you all as
• The chair calls Chief Nim Kidd of the Texas Division of Emergency Management and vice chancellor for
• We, the Division of Emergency Management does not do border enforcement.

Transcript Highlights:

• So now I'll be presenting the Texas Division of Emergency Management, or TDM, and I'll be using the full
• Texas Division of Emergency Management, or TDEM, was transferred from the Department of Public Safety
• Then we can cut back on the selective contracting, but we would still...
• Thank you. of the Texas Division of Emergency Management and Vice Chancellor for Disaster and Emergency
• We, the Division of Emergency Management does not do border. enforcement.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It was my mistake I didn't get a division vote on it.
• It would have get a division vote on it.
• Honorable chairman and the members, happiness cannot be selected.
• members, happiness cannot be selected. members, happiness cannot be selected.
• <04:37:55.680> I is not division. It's stewardship. I is not division. It's stewardship.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• it back the second year and we had some input from the Department of Environmental Services water division
• <00:12:00.560> um Environmental Services water division um Environmental Services water division
• We have had that in the state, and again, DES Water Division had testified to that, that there have been
• We have had that in the state, and again, DES Water Division had testified to that, that there have been
• by select boards City council's<03:23:03.000> Boards<03:23:03.319> of<03:23:03.880>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first discussed scheduling and notice for upcoming executive sessions on a larger slate of bills, including plans to take up eight bills in the morning and possibly the last three bills in the afternoon, with caucus time provided if needed. The chair emphasized advance notice, publication, and flexibility if more bills are added later. The hearing then opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and proceeded to HB 568, a bill allowing local planning boards to request water supply studies for subdivisions to ensure water adequacy as housing density increases. Representative Kat McGee, the prime sponsor, said HB 568 was developed after constituent concerns about private wells being affected by nearby development. She described the bill as narrowly tailored, non-mandatory, and intended to preserve local control while clarifying that planning boards may request studies under local regulations. She noted bipartisan support, an exclusion for community water systems and larger groundwater withdrawals regulated elsewhere, and said the bill would help prevent water shortages and related problems for new and existing homes. Questions from members focused on whether the bill should specify that it applies to subdivisions of four or more lots, since that language had been in an earlier version. Testimony on HB 568 was mixed. Bob Quinn of the New Hampshire Association of Realtors opposed the bill, arguing it lacked a definition of “water supply study,” could lead to expensive hydrology studies, and might raise housing costs; he suggested more work with DES or a study committee. DES administrator Brandon Kernin said the department had worked from a 2010 groundwater commission report, that such problems arise only intermittently in certain areas, and that the bill would make explicit local authority to adopt such ordinances. He also said DES data and homeowner surveys can help identify problem areas and that more robust wells could be considered in the long term. The committee noted 10 online submissions in favor and 3 opposed, plus blue-sheet testimony of 2 in favor and 1 neutral, and then closed the hearing on HB 568. The committee immediately opened HB 582, a bill on safety requirements for operation of personal watercraft. Representative Darby, the sponsor, said the bill responds to the speed and maneuverability of modern personal watercraft, which he described as more like motorcycles on water than traditional boats, and cited a fatal accident on Lake Monomonac as an example of the risks. He said the bill is not intended to restrict ordinary recreation or wake surfing, but to update safety standards for a newer class of larger, quieter three-person PWCs. The hearing began with Darby’s presentation, and no vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:21:44.480> if Sammons, director of the division, if Sammons, director of the division
• Misty Sammons, director for the division Misty Sammons, director for the division of<00:21:56.480
• Misty Sammons, director of the division Misty Sammons, director of the division of<00:22:02.799>
• I'm Eric Pelffrey with our Division of Professional Services.
• Good Division of Professional Services.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Government Contract Committee met with a quorum, observed a moment of silence for Representative McCool after the death of his sister, and approved the April 14 minutes. The committee then reviewed a large agenda of contracts and amendments, beginning with a deferred Office of the Controller procurement involving broker services. Members questioned why a contract that had previously been handled for about $300,000 annually was now priced at about $1 million, and why the procurement was limited to one year. Office of the Controller staff said the prior vendor had held the work for more than 20 years, the work had previously been treated as not practical to bid, and the new RFP was intended to increase competition. They said the technical evaluation was scored before cost was considered, that past performance was not scored because it was seen as unreliable, and that AON received the highest technical score despite not being the lowest bidder. After discussion, the committee voted to take no action and let the contract proceed to the Finance Cabinet, with members noting continuing concerns about the pricing and process. The committee next considered a DCBS memorandum of agreement amendment for language services. DCBS representatives said the additional funding did not come from a new cut elsewhere, but from reduced spending on interpreter services because commonly used forms had been translated into other languages, freeing up funds for the contract. The committee approved the item unanimously. The final major item discussed was an initial contract for the Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists for legal services. Board staff said the board had been without a permanent general counsel since March 2024 and had relied on special and conflict counsel because of unusually heavy litigation, including 11 active cases, plus broader disciplinary and licensing changes tied to recent legislation and an oversight report. They said the contract was a not-to-exceed amount funded entirely by agency fees and that the board was currently running a surplus. Senator Thomas urged support, citing prior legislation and oversight findings about problems at the board and saying the contract was needed to help the board address ongoing litigation and corrective work. The committee approved the contract and then approved the remaining agenda items without objection, sending them forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:21:38.440> or<00:21:38.679> political<00:21:39.120> subd<00:21:39.880> division
• <00:21:40.799> such agency or political subd division such agency or political subd division
• She said she was curious how the 11 holidays were selected because the federal holidays are different
• <01:18:49.840> on<01:18:50.000> how<01:18:50.159> they<01:18:50.320> selected
• Employee Engagement on how they selected Employee Engagement on how they selected that<01:18:51.880

Bills: HF23, HF1355

Keywords: whistleblower, whistleblower protections, public employees, state employees, retaliation, reporting fraud, misuse of authority, personal gain, state government, state services, state programs, legislative auditor, constitutional officer, public corruption, fraud reporting, government accountability, employee rights, labor law, Minnesota Statutes 181.931, Minnesota Statutes 181.932

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that entire division by itself.
• Division being called. All those in favor, please stand. 124 do pass.
• Division being called. All those in favor, please stand. Thank you. Thank you very much. That's 19.
• <00:47:50.640> Uh, the select committee on blockchain.
• Uh, the select committee on blockchain.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A division has been asked for, so let's be a division vote.
• <01:01:47.880> vote division this will be a division vote division this will be a division
• Representative Raymond requested a division vote. This will be a division vote.
• /c><04:18:40.800> requested division a division has been requested division a division has been
• division vote this will be a division division vote this will be a division vote representative<

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We asked the agency to reach out to the Department of Retirement, or retirement division, and find out
• >> Uh, this had been moving forward as a select... Hold on. Can I have a caucus, please, Mr.
• <02:46:21.600> forward<02:46:22.160> as<02:46:22.640> a<02:46:23.040> select
• been moving forward as a select Hold on. been moving forward as a select Hold on.
• of the state is and enforcement division of the state is and the<05:12:54.080> attorney<05:12

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first adopted amendment 2026-2021S to correct a drafting issue in the budget language so that the $2.5 million appropriation for Medicaid per diem rate stabilization at county nursing homes can be spent during the biennium rather than lapsing at the end of the fiscal year. Senator Lang explained that the funds are matched with federal dollars for a total of $5 million and are intended to prevent rate reductions that could shift costs to county property taxpayers. The amendment was adopted unanimously by both chambers, and the committee proceeded on the bill as amended by the Senate. The main discussion then focused on HB 155 and a proposed amendment to the business enterprise tax. The House proposal would lower the BET rate in stages when combined business tax revenues exceed certain thresholds, while the Senate opposed an immediate rate reduction and argued that tax changes should be handled in a budget year. Senators emphasized that raising the filing threshold to $375,000 had already removed about 3,500 small businesses from filing requirements, and they preferred further relief through threshold changes rather than rate cuts. House members argued that the trigger-based reduction was a reasonable, tested mechanism and would provide future tax relief without taking effect unless revenues rose enough. Members debated whether the trigger could be distorted by one-time revenue spikes, such as the recent tax amnesty receipts and prior federal repatriation-related revenue, and Representative Sweeney said he was willing to adjust the effective date or carve out amnesty revenue. The committee did not reach agreement on the BET reduction, and the chair called a break and then continued the meeting later with a new proposal to delay the trigger’s effective date to January 1, 2028. Senator Lang rejected that version but offered a counterproposal to raise the filing threshold to $400,000, and the parties ultimately agreed to continue discussions and reconvene later. The meeting also took up HB 1102, concerning the research and development tax credit and state park fees. The House position was to support the R&D tax credit but remove the park-fee provisions, citing testimony from the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources that it did not need the increase and concerns about discouraging tourism, especially at border parks. Supporters of the park-fee language argued that the department had not raised rates in years, could set its own rates, and should be able to charge nonresidents more while keeping New Hampshire residents’ fees lower. The discussion remained unresolved, with members debating the likely effect on tourism and fairness to residents versus the need for additional revenue.

Transcript Highlights:

• , such actions must be brought within 8 years after the original judgment and filed in the civil division
• Under section 5, the family division has exclusive jurisdiction if it issued the original order.
• or property in the family division. or property in the family division.
• <00:26:26.800> which services for victims to select which services for victims to select which
• This will allow the Division of Animal Welfare to gather information about animals in the state.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Krista Freming, and I am with the Medical Services Division.
• My name is Krista Freming, and I am with the Medical Services Division.
• My name is Krista Freming, and I am with the Medical Services Division.
• Good afternoon, Krista Freming with the Medical Services Division.
• Members of the committee, I'm Krista Frumming with the Medical Services Division.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 2401, which would require physicians to complete continuing education on nutrition and metabolic health as part of the state’s rural health transformation effort. HHS supported the bill, saying it would help physicians better address chronic disease and preserve federal grant points tied to the state’s application. A member of the public also testified in favor, arguing that better nutrition education could improve diabetes outcomes and reduce costs. The committee then adopted an amendment to add the Board of Occupational Therapy Practice to the background-check statute so the occupational therapy compact could proceed, and it passed the bill as amended on a roll call vote. The committee next heard House Bill 1621, which would require the Presidential Fitness Physical Fitness Test in elementary, middle, and high school physical education courses. HHS said the bill was part of the rural health transformation application and could help preserve federal funding, but members raised many questions about the test’s criteria, adaptive options for students with disabilities, equipment needs, and whether the bill should apply to non-public schools. Senator Clemens offered an amendment to limit the requirement to public schools, but it failed. Senator Hogan then offered an amendment to clarify exemptions and allow DPI to align implementation with federal guidance; that amendment passed. A further amendment adding language allowing DPI to establish criteria for and exceptions to the test also passed. The committee then approved the bill as amended on a roll call vote. The committee also considered House Bill 1622, which joins North Dakota to the physician assistant licensure compact. HHS said the compact would improve access to care, especially in rural areas, support military families, and help preserve rural health transformation funding. Members noted the compact had been discussed in a prior session and that many earlier concerns had been resolved. After brief discussion about the compact process and its consistency with other interstate compacts, the committee voted to do pass the bill. Finally, the committee began Senate Bill 2402, which expands pharmacists’ prescriptive authority and therapeutic substitution powers. HHS and the Board of Pharmacy supported the bill as a way to improve access to care and maintain rural health transformation funding. Senator Roers introduced a detailed amendment negotiated with the Board of Medicine and Board of Pharmacy to narrow and clarify the bill, including notification requirements, limits on certain drug categories, and patient-protection language for therapeutic substitution. The Board of Pharmacy then testified in support of the broader bill and explained the CLIA-waived testing provisions and the repeal of the older, narrower pharmacist-testing language. The hearing and amendment discussion were still underway when the transcript ended.