Transcript Highlights:

• I think that should be a pretty easy standard that we should all abide by. Yep. Thank you.
• A standard that would violate our ESG policies that we have the ability to get out of.
• This bill makes sure that TDI can't say, oh yeah, we have to follow that standard.
• And I do think that all those standards were met.
• No, the standards were not met. There was information that was not requested, obviously.

Bills: HB345, HB721, HB2580, SB815, HB3057, HB4603, HB3233, SB495, HB3863, HB3914, HB4570, HB5099, HB5173, SB458

Keywords: insurance, appraisal process, disputed losses, residential property, policyholder rights, insurer obligations, natural disasters, appraisal expenses, umpire selection, policyholder, insurer, umpire, claims management, health care, cost disclosure, benefit plan, administrators, traumatic brain injury, health benefit plans, insurance coverage

Transcript Highlights:

• It maintains transparency while improving readability by allowing the use of standard abbreviations,
• We cannot let LEP status become the new literacy test. I repeat.
• We cannot let LEP status become the new literacy test.
• CACEO strongly recommends moving to a county-wide standard.
• We're concerned about the lack of clear determination standard with the petition process.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I haven't tested positive for COVID, but I just want to be cautious as she has.
• We are familiar with the practice of what we call stress testing, and this was implemented, I believe
• The enhanced standard deduction. Also applies to New Mexico.
• That's one that we focus on a lot, um, in our stress tests.
• So you can use this for a revenue fall, but if you want to spend it, you need much higher standards.

Transcript Highlights:

• 48-PAGE BILL DOWN TO 19 PAGES, AND THE REASON WAS THE WAY WE ARE ELIMINATING THE GENERAL KNOWLEDGE TEST
• WE HAVE THE ACTUAL REPLACEMENT TEST TO STAND IN ITS PLACE FOR THE CERTIFICATION EXCELLENCE TRAINING.
• Requiring charter sponsors to use the Department of Education standard for local revenue data to charter
• THEREFORE, THE STATE OF FLORIDA HAS A RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE THESE SCHOOLS MEET THE STANDARDS FOR
• SO THIS PROGRAM CREATES ADDITIONAL AND DUPLICATIVE FROM SOME STANDARDS REGULATIONS WITHIN THE BOARD OF

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But, you know, we have to maintain a high standard.
• We have to maintain a high standard. constant vigilance on this and a constant awareness of that force's
• Admiral, while some experts view incidents like the damage to Taiwan's undersea cables as merely a test
• So beyond the standard voyage repairs is to do deeper, deeper repairs for our forward deployed naval
• By the way I did a little geography test it's over 1,000 miles west of Hawaii.

Keywords: Indo-Pacific Command, U.S. military strategy, China military drills, Taiwan, Philippines, North Korea, defense budget, military modernization

Summary: The meeting focused on significant strategic discussions regarding the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and its military posture in the region. Admiral Paparo and General Brunson were commended for their services, with the Chair noting an alarming shift in the balance of power towards China. Key topics included China's aggressive military drills near Taiwan, the increasing coercion against the Philippines, and the need for the U.S. to reaffirm its commitments to its allies in the region. Concerns were raised regarding China's military modernization and its implications for U.S. forces, alongside discussions on North Korea's threats and its burgeoning nuclear capabilities. The committee emphasized the urgent need for military and defense appropriations to counteract these growing security challenges.

Transcript Highlights:

• cost for seniors up to 138% of the federal poverty level, as well as the elimination of the asset test
• Obviously, I was so glad to see the asset test being eliminated.
• The current IHSS program is fragmented and is not conducive to standardizing an equitable living wage
• The purpose of the state leadership council is to develop policy, procedures, operational standards,
• The purpose of the state leadership council is to develop policy, procedures, operational standards,

Summary: The joint Assembly Budget Subcommittee hearing focused first on long-term services and supports for older adults, especially the “forgotten/overlooked middle” who earn too much for Medi-Cal but cannot afford private long-term care. Administration witnesses from DHCS, the Department of Aging, and Social Services described Medicare’s limited long-term care coverage, Medi-Cal’s role, the elimination of the Medi-Cal asset test, and ongoing state studies and listening sessions on financing options. Testimony from advocates and researchers emphasized rising homelessness among older adults, the need for better navigation and coordination across health, aging, housing, and social service systems, and short-term policy steps such as share-of-cost reform, housing stability supports, and protecting home- and community-based services. Members highlighted the need for a coordinated, no-wrong-door approach and asked for the most impactful budget investments to address affordability and homelessness risk. The second major topic was the Community-Based Adult Services (CBAS) program. CDA reported that CBAS helps participants remain in the community, that 304 centers operate statewide serving about 42,000 people, and that demand is stable but access gaps remain in some regions. DHCS explained that a 2024 rate increase authorized by SB 159 became inoperative after Proposition 35, and that a separate 10% rate change on the fee schedule was the result of a DHCS system error; the department said it would not require recoupment, though managed care plans may act under their contracts. CBAS providers and advocates warned that reimbursement rates have not kept pace with costs, that several centers have closed, and that clawbacks could trigger more closures. They requested $74.8 million ongoing General Fund to close part of the rate gap and preserve the program, while members expressed concern about closures and the cost savings of keeping people out of more expensive institutional care. The hearing then moved to In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and statewide collective bargaining. CDSS reviewed provider recruitment and retention efforts, including electronic timesheets, direct deposit, and the now-completed IHSS Career Pathways program, which trained more than 59,000 providers. CDSS also summarized its AB 102 workgroup report on statewide versus regional bargaining, saying the final report would be sent to the Legislature soon and that statewide bargaining appeared more viable than regional bargaining, though it would require clear statutory scope and major fiscal changes. The department estimated that each $1 per hour statewide wage increase would cost at least $1.3 billion to $1.5 billion annually. Labor advocates argued that IHSS wages, benefits, and training are too inconsistent across counties and called for statewide bargaining, consumer participation, and ongoing state funding. County representatives supported stronger wages but cautioned that counties need protection from new costs and administrative burdens, and consumer advocates warned that moving bargaining to the state could weaken local consumer control and the program’s consumer-driven structure.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 306 passes this test.
• The world's foremost experts have tested this technology and determined it is safe.
• Importantly, these systems comply with international safety standards, rigorous standards.
• We found an IEC standard. Okay. And that's not in law.
• So then the probable cause standard is that high-low? Where is that on the scale?

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This provides for periodic blood tests This provides for periodic blood tests and<00:13:48.720><
• <00:20:37.120> it to govern what standards it to govern what standards it is<00:20:38.200>
• And just making sure that the test is appropriate to test an officer's ability to acknowledge danger
• <00:45:56.400> is you know, what is what is standard is you know, what is what is standard
• ability to meet that standard. ability to meet that standard. Okay. Okay. Okay.

Bills: SB709, SB2089, SB2090, SB2108, SB2211, SB2250, SB2325, SB2803, SB2866, SB3245

Keywords: mental health, crisis intervention, assisted community treatment, treatment orders, law enforcement training, public safety, court-ordered treatment, Medicaid, healthcare access, unlicensed professionals, supervised services, workforce development, mental health equity, child custody, evaluations, licensed counselors, family court, juvenile justice, waiver of jurisdiction, transfer to adult court

Summary: The committee heard SB 709 SD2, which would require the Department of Health to respond to reports involving persons with severe mental illness, assess eligibility for assisted community treatment, and coordinate treatment when appropriate. Testimony from the Department of Human Services and the Department of Health supported the measure, with DOH saying it generally supported the bill but had comments on one section it viewed as unnecessary. The Department of Law Enforcement later explained that the bill would shift certification and standards for crisis intervention officer training from DOH to DLE, while still involving DOH in the training process. Opposition came from the Hawaii Disability Rights Center and an individual testifier, both of whom argued the bill expands state authority over people with mental illness and could worsen forced treatment practices. The Disability Rights Center also raised procedural concerns, saying the bill was effectively moved from a prior administration measure that had not been heard this session, and questioned whether the bill’s changes to assisted community treatment, blood tests, urinalysis, and living arrangements went beyond current law. The individual testifier argued the bill would further entrench harmful psychiatric drugging and urged the committee to defer it. Committee members questioned the administration about the bill’s process, the role of the Attorney General in treatment-over-objection proceedings, and the practical effects of moving CIT certification to DLE. The Attorney General’s office said the bill was intended to fill a gap by allowing it to assist with treatment proceedings, while public defenders would continue to represent respondents and due process protections would remain in place. DLE and DOH said the change would better align certification with law enforcement training needs, improve speed in crisis response, and still keep DOH involved; members also discussed whether WAM counted as a hearing and whether the bill should more explicitly preserve DOH’s role. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, genetic and DNA testing, which is critical in identifying pre-existing conditions can take 3
• Multiple siblings must also undergo testing further delaying reunification.
• The most advanced genetic testing using updated technology available.
• He suspected osteogenesis imperfecta and he ordered genetic testing.
• This bill creates a statewide standard to fix that.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• preparation pilot program 400,000 test preparation pilot program 250,000<00:20:38.720> and<00
• Okay, down to the labor standards change items.
• The total change for the labor standards division is a decrease of $391,000, and all the change items
• The general fund increase in the labor standards division is $896,000 each biennium, and that is from
• division of 896,000 the labor standards division of 896,000 each<00:35:14.480> bianium<00:35:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, standards for accreditation require districts to provide gifted and talented services.
• Additionally, standards for accreditation require districts to provide gifted and talented services.
• Standards also require each public school district to offer at least one career pathway aligned with
• And then just two weeks ago, I was in Raleigh and was kind of introduced to dyslexia testing that could
• And then just two weeks ago, I was in Raleigh and was kind of introduced to dyslexia testing that could

Keywords: 1204, all

Summary: The joint education committee continued its adequacy study with a Bureau of Legislative Research presentation on resource allocation, covering how Arkansas school spending is mapped to the adequacy matrix and how expenditures are split between foundation funds and other funding sources. Staff explained the methodology, district and school categories used for comparisons, and key findings for matrix spending, including that classroom teachers account for the largest share of matrix expenditures and that districts spend more per student than charter districts in most categories. Members asked for additional breakdowns on waivers, trend data, and more detailed spending by district type, and staff agreed to provide follow-up information. The committee then reviewed non-matrix spending, including instructional aides, facilities, school safety, mental health services, dyslexia support, gifted and talented, career and technical education, and other items not explicitly in the matrix. Staff noted that non-matrix spending exceeded $2 billion and that superintendents consistently identified mental health services, school safety, and dyslexia support as important needs not fully captured in the matrix. Members raised concerns about dyslexia identification and funding, school safety, facilities spending, and whether some items such as food service should be included in adequacy calculations. Staff and Department of Education representatives explained that some expenditures are difficult to isolate because of coding and commingled funds, and that certain items are funded outside the matrix or through separate programs. In the final section, staff summarized total spending across matrix and non-matrix items, noting that districts spent more than the foundation amount per student and that most total spending was on matrix resources. They also highlighted data limitations, including two matrix lines that cannot be fully tracked through current accounting codes. The chair then proposed postponing the second part of the presentation until a May meeting after the fiscal session, with additional time set aside to address questions for both staff and the Department of Education. The committee agreed, and the meeting adjourned without any formal vote on policy changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Requires regular treatment plan reviews and standardized use of the DLA-20 assessment tool across child
• Next, take up tab 10, Senate Bill 1072 on expedited DNA testing grant program by Senator McLean.
• Senate Bill 1072 establishes the expedited DNA testing grant program within FDLE.
• Senate Bill 1072 establishes the expedited DNA testing grant program within FDLE.
• Many law enforcement agencies do not have dedicated DNA testing funding in their budgets.

Summary: The Committee on Fiscal Policy met and considered a wide range of bills, including early learning and special needs funding (SB 1102), Israel bond investment authority (SB 1674), Parkinson’s disease research at USF (SB 1800), mental health and substance use disorder reforms (SB 1620), veterans nursing home beds (SB 788), securities regulation updates (SB 988), labor pool regulation (SB 1672), Alzheimer’s awareness (SB 398), educator preparation (SB 1590), student mental health reporting (SB 1310), specialty license plates (SB 824), financial institutions and IOTA-related issues (SB 1612), transportation facility designations (SB 1408), utility worker protections (SB 1386), DNA testing grants (SB 1072), the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys (SB 364), housing support for former foster youth and homeless students (SB 584), sex offender registration changes (SB 1654), migrant vessel disposal (SB 830), commuter rail indemnification (SB 916), juvenile justice revisions (SB 1344), aggravating factors in capital cases (SB 984), and a criminal offender substance abuse pilot program (SB 1140). Most bills were explained by sponsors, often with supportive testimony from affected agencies, advocacy groups, or industry representatives, and several were amended before final action. The committee adopted amendments on many measures, including clarifications and effective-date changes for SB 1102; technical changes to SB 1620 implementing mental health commission recommendations; a delete-all amendment for SB 1620; an amendment to SB 988; a consumer-disclosure amendment on SB 1612; and multiple amendments to SB 1408, SB 364, SB 584, SB 1654, and SB 1344. SB 1672 on the Labor Pool Act drew extensive public testimony in opposition from worker advocates, who argued repeal would weaken protections for temp workers and formerly incarcerated workers, and the bill was temporarily postponed to a later meeting without a vote. Several bills received notable testimony in support, including SB 584, where former foster youth described housing instability and the importance of campus housing and federal voucher coordination; SB 1386, which was backed by utility and industry groups seeking stronger penalties for assaults on utility workers; and SB 984, which drew opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops over expansion of death penalty aggravators. The committee also heard support and opposition on SB 1612 regarding IOTA interest rates and legal aid funding, with bankers and civil legal aid representatives disputing the proper rate structure and whether the bill conflicted with Florida Bar rules. At the end of the meeting, the committee reported all voted-on bills favorably, including SB 1102, SB 1674, SB 1800, SB 1620, SB 788, SB 988, SB 398, SB 1590, SB 1310, SB 824, SB 1612, SB 1408, SB 1386, SB 1072, SB 364, SB 584, SB 1654, SB 830, SB 916, SB 1344, SB 984, and SB 1140. Members also requested to be recorded on various bills, and the committee adjourned after noting one remaining meeting would be lengthy.

Transcript Highlights:

• of those members of those task forces are here today because my concern is that there should be a standard
• What is the test? Who determines whether the student engages in conduct?
• The test is, the new language is engaging.
• The test for determining whether or not a student has engaged should be reasonable suspicion; that's
• You have all these requirements for standardized tests and timelines. ...and calendars and staying on

Bills: SB27, SB226, SB326, SB570, SB605, SB870, SB991, SB1871, SB1872, SB1873, SB1874, SB1924, SB1925

Keywords: residency, public schools, child safety placement, enrollment, education code, antisemitism, student conduct, education, disciplinary actions, Texas Education Code, truancy, attendance policy, chronic absenteeism, school attendance, student absence notifications, parent notification, home visit, attendance officer, truancy court, school district

Transcript Highlights:

• These standards have also been incorporated into the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Code in 2022.
• This is a vital service which requires skilled technicians who perform these inspections and who test
• Since 1936, state law has mandated that gas meters must be removed, tested, and replaced every seven
• Since 1936, state law has mandated that gas meters must be removed, tested, and replaced every seven
• We really do know we tested your patience. Thank you very much. Please don't test ours.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a wide range of late-file energy bills, with much of the discussion focused on battery storage siting, gas system expansion, propane consumer protections, gas workforce safety, and a Taunton home-rule petition on water rates for manufactured housing communities. Representative Sweeney urged support for H. 4689 and H. 4690, which would impose a moratorium and setback requirements for lithium battery storage facilities, citing fire risk, proximity to homes, and environmental concerns. Several local officials and residents from Oakham, Tewksbury, and other communities described proposed battery projects near homes, schools, wetlands, and conservation land, while industry and clean-energy advocates argued the bills would effectively block storage development and conflict with state energy goals and existing fire-safety standards. The committee also heard strong support for S. 2290/H. 3547, a bill to prevent gas expansion near environmental justice communities, from environmental justice advocates, municipal officials, and clean-energy groups. Testimony emphasized rising gas bills, the cost of new pipelines, methane and health impacts, and the need to avoid locking in long-term gas infrastructure costs. Witnesses also discussed related bills on gas workforce safety, gas shut-off valves, and gas meter replacement plans, with labor representatives supporting safety-focused measures and opposing changes they said would weaken inspections, while consumer and environmental advocates argued that some utility replacement practices are unnecessarily expensive and should be reined in to reduce ratepayer costs. Other testimony included support for H. 3518 on propane gas ratepayer protections, with the witness arguing for clearer contract terms and website price disclosure, and support for S. 2652, which would authorize Taunton to create a separate water billing rate for manufactured housing communities because residents there are effectively paying higher water costs through rent due to a single master meter. No committee votes or final actions were taken during the hearing, and members mostly asked brief clarifying questions or made no comment after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't test athletes to see whether they were born with specific biological advantages.
• same is true in the state of Idaho, where there are not just body inspections but also chromosomal testing
• The state of Texas is suing the NCAA to require examinations or chromosomal testing, and the same is
• And the standard will be what the sex assigned at birth was to the people.
• If there's any ambiguity or dispute, there's no invasive testing contemplated.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• completion of the audit for compliance with national standards.
• The performance standards are the outcome.
• Their compliance standards are based on the national accrediting standards. Okay. Thank you.
• In other words, we haven't created a higher standard for them that wouldn't be industry standard to meet
• There are a couple of them higher than the standard.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• expanded insurance coverage for life-saving opiate reversal tools, strengthened the workforce by standardizing
• If you fail this test, you die.
• Who in Massachusetts will be making the decision on what we test here and what we don’t?”
• Who in Massachusetts will be making the decision on what we test here and what we don't?
• We spent three years with a GI specialist at MGH and underwent countless invasive tests with no clear

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery opened its first public hearing of the 2025–26 session with remarks from the Senate and House chairs outlining the committee’s priorities. They noted recent work on addiction and recovery legislation, the ongoing youth behavioral health crisis, and that members might need to leave periodically for floor votes. The chairs explained hearing procedures, including three-minute testimony limits, written testimony deadlines, and reporting deadlines for Senate and House bills. The hearing then focused on several bills related to youth mental health, overdose prevention, and psychedelic treatment research. A major portion of the hearing centered on bills to improve youth crisis response and overdose prevention. Testimony strongly supported bills to print the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on student ID cards, with speakers from mental health organizations, crisis centers, and individuals sharing personal stories of depression, suicide attempts, and the importance of making 988 as familiar as 911. Another set of bills would require schools to stock naloxone and provide overdose prevention education. Physicians, harm reduction advocates, students, and grieving family members testified that school-based Narcan access and education could save lives, reduce stigma, and help students recognize overdoses and understand Good Samaritan protections. Senator O’Connor and Tamika Perry also testified for a bill to strengthen substance use prevention education and reduce overdose abandonment, emphasizing the need to teach students about overdose risks and the legal protections for calling 911. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to authorize a pilot program for psychedelic treatment in licensed facilities. Senator Friedman and several medical and behavioral health professionals argued the proposal was a narrow, research-based approach distinct from the broader ballot question rejected in 2024. They said the bill would allow only a small number of supervised clinics to use psychedelics for conditions such as depression, PTSD, anxiety, and substance use disorders, with data reporting and Department of Public Health oversight. Supporters described it as a cautious way to study promising treatments while avoiding unsupervised or commercialized use. Finally, the committee heard support for a bill to create a special commission and five-year strategic plan for children’s behavioral health services, with testimony that the current system is fragmented, difficult for families to navigate, and strained by workforce and funding challenges. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and questions on the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the end, our labs do not even test for some of the chemicals.
• The voice writing test is different. Oklahoma is one of two states that does not offer it.
• Just if they learn the language of court reporting, the test is easier. Those two things.
• I think it's the commitment to take the classes and pass the test Thank you.
• It's the gold Standard for training for judges.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• should be held to the highest standards should be held to the highest standards of<00:07:00.319>
• <00:07:18.800> for support safety and care standards for support safety and care standards
• This bill clarifies both refuse testing.
• independent investigation standards independent investigation standards supports<00:19:54.880>
• Um this provides that there is the<00:24:54.400> standardization the standardization the standardization

Bills: HF3405, HF3413, HF3769, HF3768, HF3771, HF3465

Keywords: Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, Use of Force Investigations Unit, federal agents, Department of Homeland Security, DHS, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, Customs and Border Protection, CBP, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, USCIS, officer-involved death, use of force, law enforcement accountability, police oversight, independent investigation, criminal sexual conduct, sexual assault, peace officers

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from February 25, 2026, and then took up several Department of Corrections-related bills. House File 3768, as amended by the A1 amendment, would extend the DOC’s graduated licensing and enforcement tools to juvenile detention facilities and state-licensed halfway houses, allowing corrective action plans and conditional licenses instead of only revocation. Commissioner Paul Schnell and Dakota County Juvenile Services Center Deputy Director Matt Bower testified in support, saying the bill would improve consistency, stability, and accountability without changing jail licensing. Members asked about costs and sheriff input; the commissioner said the bill is cost-neutral and that sheriffs were informed but did not provide input. The committee adopted the amendment and recommended the bill to the general register. The committee then heard House File 3769, another DOC technical update bill, which would clarify tuberculosis screening procedures when incarcerated people refuse testing, allow mental health units at more than one facility and short-term stabilization at Oak Park Heights when clinically appropriate, and clarify the department’s substance use disorder treatment programs. Schnell said the changes were technical but important for effective operations. Members again asked about county costs and sheriff support, and the commissioner said the bill affects only DOC facilities and is cost-neutral. The committee approved the motion to re-refer the bill to the Health Finance and Policy Committee. The final major item was House File 3405, the chair’s bill, as amended by the A3 amendment. The amendment broadened the definition of federal agents, made the effective date retroactive, and removed a sexual assault investigation section to eliminate the fiscal note. The bill would require the BCA’s use-of-force unit to investigate deaths caused by federal agents in Minnesota, not just Minnesota peace officers. Chair Mohler argued the bill closes a loophole and ensures state-level, independent investigations; Dr. B.B. Newman testified in support, saying it preserves Minnesota’s investigative authority and public confidence. Deputy Superintendent Scott Mueller said the BCA already investigates deadly-force cases and has handled some federal-related cases, but he did not think the bill was necessary and recommended a no vote. Members debated whether the bill was needed given existing practice, with supporters saying the statute should clearly require state investigation and opponents questioning whether it would change anything. The committee adopted the amendment and continued discussion of the bill as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, it requires the BEC to create standards for interconnecting large-load customers.
• The commission last year adopted a reliability standard for the power region which creates a test, a
• if the project threatens the reliability standards that boil down into the SINs.
• So really, it's driven by NERC reliability standards on our thresholds.
• First, uniform standards.

Bills: SB6, SB11, SB33

Keywords: electric power, interconnection, utilities, ERCOT, large load customers, water supply, sewer service, demand management, school prayer, Bible reading, religious text, public schools, Texas Education Code, student prayer, silent prayer, meditation, religious liberty, First Amendment, Establishment Clause, church and state