Video & Transcript Research : 'certificate programs'
Page 13 of 500
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Agriculture (9-21-23)
Keywords:
KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGHHD-7Wdd4, 2026-06-21T07:17:05+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, • Roll Call: 00:00:35
• Approval of Minutes: 00:02:05
• Update on Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment Programs and Projects: 00:02:50
• Overview of the Raising Hope Initiative: 00:38:37
• Overview of Farmer Appreciation Day: 00:47:30
• Discussion on Farmer Mental Health: 00:58:55
• University of Kentucky Cannabis Center 2023 Report: 01:37:10, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Budget Review Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education (3-9-23) - REUPLOAD
Keywords:
KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ni8cdBtfgzw, 2026-06-21T07:17:03+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, MEETING START 00:00:00
ROLL CALL 00:00:15
DISCUSSION WITH EASTERN KY UNIVERSITY ON ENROLLMENT, CLASS STATISTICS, 00:00:39
ASSET PRESERVATION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS, AND BUDGET
APPROVAL OF MINUTES 00:15:19
DISCUSSION WITH NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY ON ALUMNI, ENROLLMENT, 00:16:02
PROGRAMS, CAPITAL PROJECTS, AND BUDGET
DISCUSSION WITH KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY ON UPDATES, ENROLLMENT, 00:35:54
ASSET PRESERVATION, AND BUDGET REQUESTS, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- childcare program or a public pre-K program, their world really opens up.
- Rappaport, I am not familiar with high school charter programs. programs.
- So with our program.
- I am familiar with with the adult charter program that y'all run, and it's a great program.
- the scholarship program.
Bills:
HB367, HB497, HB549, HB983, HB 1188, HB 1290, HB1368, HB2243, HB2310, HB2849, HB3099, HB3546, HB3629, HB3627
Keywords:
education, absences, severe illness, life-threatening, school policy, verification, healthcare, insurance, affordability, coverage, patient rights, school health, respiratory distress, airway clearance devices, medication training, public health, HB 983, Texas Education Agency, TEA, educator privacy
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- That really is our responsibility, as well as the responsibility of the various federal programs and
- My wife, just as a example, used to... to always talk about how the TELPAS program was so frustrating
- by section 33 point 0, 0, 5, the tech Texas Education Code to carry out a comprehensive counseling program
Bills:
HB367, HB497, HB549, HB983, HB 1188, HB 1290, HB1368, HB2243, HB2310, HB2849, HB3099, HB3546, HB3629, HB3627
Keywords:
education, absences, severe illness, life-threatening, school policy, verification, healthcare, insurance, affordability, coverage, patient rights, school health, respiratory distress, airway clearance devices, medication training, public health, HB 983, Texas Education Agency, TEA, educator privacy
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- , or MAP STARS program.
- To enhance existing programming. 2.
- It is also a cost-effective program. In fact, it is the country's most cost-effective program.
- It's a great program.
- . 800 teacher licensure programs.
Keywords:
HF1966, Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs, STARS program, alternative education, alternative programs, education finance, general fund appropriation, student support services, career readiness, employment skills, academic skills, social skills, student conferences, training grants, Minnesota Department of Education, specialized education, at-risk students, nontraditional education, HF54, Silver Lake
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- , or MAP Stars program, for those of you not familiar with this program or alternative education.
- <00:40:06.640>
program <00:40:07.079>averaging <00:40:07.520>10,000 programing program - cost-effective program.
- It's a great program.
- for programs that language programs for programs that honor<01:30:39.960>
students <01:30:40.360
Keywords:
HF1966, Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs, STARS program, alternative education, alternative programs, education finance, general fund appropriation, student support services, career readiness, employment skills, academic skills, social skills, student conferences, training grants, Minnesota Department of Education, specialized education, at-risk students, nontraditional education, HF54, Silver Lake
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Jan 28th, 2026 at 11:02 am
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So I'm going to ask the clerk to please read this certificate.
- It is the highest certification a teacher may obtain.
- She achieved certification as an early childhood generalist. Congratulations.
- He also noted San Juan County's nursing and dental hygienist programs and the role those programs play
- And even in San Juan County, where we have a big nursing program, dental hygienist program, everything
Keywords:
nurses, health care workers, healthcare workers, frontline workers, hospital staff, clinicians, allied health professionals, support staff, public health, workforce shortage, nursing shortage, safe staffing, patient safety, rural health care, frontier communities, behavioral health, mental health, substance use disorder, substance abuse, health care memorial
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/18/2026 - Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency
Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- Monopoly utilities are not always forthcoming with information, and the certificate of environmental
- They look at fish, wildlife, and plant life, noise emission, receiving a certificate of environmental
- Monopoly utilities are not always forthcoming with information, and the certificate of environmental
- If you go to 40-360.06, the factors to be considered in issuing a certificate of environmental compatibility
- office, they are required to look at these factors in evaluating whether the plant should get a certificate
Keywords:
AHCCCS, lactation care, breastfeeding, health services, healthcare access, HB2324, fire code, fire marshal, state fire marshal, municipalities, cities and towns, county-owned buildings, county buildings, intergovernmental agreement, IGA, fire inspection, occupancy certificate, building inventory, local government, county government
Summary:
The Committee on Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency approved the March 11, 2026 minutes and then heard several bills. HB 2686, a patient-protection measure for outpatient surgical facilities, would require surgeons to file and update a call-coverage plan for hospital complications; the sponsor said it would improve continuity of care and reduce emergency room confusion, and the committee recommended it do pass. HB 2051 would require AHCCCS contractors, subject to CMS approval, to cover breastfeeding and lactation services in multiple settings; supporters described it as a maternal and infant health measure, AHCCCS was neutral and noted a projected state cost of about $1.8 million, and the bill received a do-pass recommendation on a 6-0 vote with one member not voting.
The committee also approved HB 2837, which requires compensation disclosure for testimony or written comments in municipal zoning matters and requires certain municipal board members or hearing officers to disclose and recuse for recent conflicts involving entities they served; the sponsor framed it as a transparency and conflict-of-interest bill, and it passed 6-0 with one not voting. HB 2875, concerning commercial drone delivery systems, was amended to allow local regulation of drone facilities near medium and large hub airports within a 2.5-mile buffer and to require consultation with airports; Zipline and industry groups supported the measure as providing regulatory clarity, and the committee adopted the amendment and recommended the bill do pass.
HB 2324 would let cities with their own fire codes, through an intergovernmental agreement, have city fire inspectors enforce those codes on county-owned buildings in city limits when state enforcement is burdensome; county and fire officials said it would resolve jurisdictional confusion, and the bill passed 6-0 with one not voting. HB 2439 would exempt single-user public or semi-public cold plunges from ADEQ spa rules, and an amendment removed ADEQ rulemaking authority; county health representatives said the change would reduce confusion, but one member raised public-health concerns, and the amended bill passed 4-2 with one not voting. HB 2457 would allow utilities to bypass the certificate of environmental compatibility process for new plants co-located with large electricity users after notice and a public comment session; the Sierra Club opposed it as reducing public review, while supporters said it preserved some local input and improved efficiency, and it passed 4-2 with one not voting. Finally, HB 2953 would cap certain nondisciplinary and civil penalties imposed by the Board of Pharmacy at $25,000 and allow lower penalties based on prior activity; a supporter said it matched limits used in other regulatory contexts, and the committee recommended it do pass unanimously.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Generally, the bill would remove antiquated language referring to the certificate of the clerk of the
- However, one Estates Code section refers to a certificate of the clerk in addition to letters testamentary
- This is an old reference in the Texas Estates Code, as the practice of issuing certificates has actually
- fallen out of use, and so the reference to a certificate is being removed by this bill.
- And it is an expedited process with form affidavits and certificates of mailing and even motions and
Keywords:
probate court, statutory judge, reimbursement, court costs, court proceedings, judicial assignments, judge assignment, cost reimbursement, judicial expenses, estate management, statutory requirement, court expenses, estates, inheritance, representative duties, court authority, personal representative, real property, deed fraud, title fraud
Summary:
The committee heard several probate, family law, judicial, property, and contract-related bills. Senate Bill 1335, relating to decedents’ estates, would remove outdated references to a clerk’s certificate, allow courts to remove personal representatives on their own motion with notice by qualified delivery method, and add independent administrators to provisions that referenced only independent executors; an estate-planning attorney testified in support, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 1760, concerning guardianship transfer fees and procedures, was described as setting a $45 filing fee for transferred guardianship cases and clarifying completion and dismissal procedures; it received no testimony and was left pending. Senate Bill 2127 would shorten the eligibility period for retired judges to serve as visiting judges from eight years to six, restrict practice in their assigned region for two years, and require conflict-related certification; it also was left pending without testimony. Senate Bill 302 would shift the cost of a traveling probate judge to the requesting estate or parties rather than the county; one witness registered in favor, no one testified, and the bill was left pending.
The committee then considered a committee substitute for Senate Bill 252, which would clarify the parental presumption in conservatorship cases, require non-parents seeking relief against a parent to file an affidavit showing significant impairment to the child if relief is denied, require courts to state specific findings when overcoming the presumption, confirm the clear-and-convincing standard, and clarify that agreed prior orders do not defeat the presumption. The substitute was explained as consensus language from a work group, public testimony was reopened, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 1734, on deed fraud, would create a streamlined ex parte process for property owners to have fraudulent deeds declared void, modeled on the fraudulent lien statute; county clerk and title association representatives testified that it would provide a low-cost self-help remedy for a growing problem, and the bill was left pending subject to the chair. Senate Bill 1975 would prevent Texas contractors from being forced to litigate disputes in foreign jurisdictions and require disputes to be handled in the county where the project is located; it was presented as a repeat of a previously vetoed bill and was left pending.
Finally, the committee took up a substitute for Senate Bill 1940, concerning transfer-on-death style beneficiary designations for manufactured homes. The substitute would allow one or more beneficiaries instead of only one, transfer the interest to surviving designated beneficiaries who survive by 120 hours, extend the application period for transfer to 365 days, void the designation if not timely filed, and require mailing by certified or registered mail with return receipt requested. The substitute was adopted without objection. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- I like the thought of a tiered program.
- but into that bachelor's program and on into the master's program, which is what they actually have
- An SLP associate program would be vital to filling those needs. ...program would be vital to filling
- We have a cancer program and a Parkinson's support program where we give products directly to these folks
- We got their publicly available certificate of analysis. Well, that certificate...
Keywords:
speech-language pathology, licensure, clinical supervision, educational qualifications, healthcare assistant, hemp-derived cannabinoids, CBD, THC, delta-8, delta-9, delta-10, consumable hemp products, psychoactive cannabinoids, cannabinoid regulation, hemp licensing, ABC Board, Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, retail hemp sales, wholesale hemp distribution, hemp tax
LA
Bills:
HB288, HB403, HB420, HB783, HB815, HB915, HB927, HB933, HB944, HB962, HB971, HR74, SCR3, SCR20, SB5, SB34, SB37, SB190, SB255, SB270, SB273, SB314, SB415
Keywords:
medical terminology, documentation, miscarriage, spontaneous abortion, healthcare, medical records, billing, homemade food, food safety, small business, exemption, regulation, Department of Children and Family Services, background checks, child welfare, employee screening, safety regulations, criminal history, non-lactational dairy, labeling requirements
TX
Texas 89th Regular
89th Legislative Session - Second Called Session Aug 21st, 2025
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Congress, this amendment would create a reimbursement grant program for counties or municipalities that
- Travis County's Starflight program is an example of what we're talking about.
- This amendment would only create a grant program. It would not appropriate state funding.
- That would have to be done through a future appropriations bill or Or once the grant program exists,
- And that's the two hundred and forty million dollars that goes into the disaster grant program in the
Keywords:
youth camps, emergency preparedness, safety standards, health regulations, camp licensing, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace, medical examiner, county judge, sheriff, mayor, emergency coordinator, emergency manager license
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee Apr 1st, 2026
Finance and Taxation Education
Transcript Highlights:
- We’ve got one for pilot programs. We got another for innovation type programs in the K-12 world.
- We got another for innovation programs.
- There's type programs in the K-12 world.
- in the state for those summer programs? in the state for those summer programs?
- There's a request for the bass program. There's a request for the bass program.
Bills:
HB517, HB98, HB235, HB236, HB237, HB238, HB239, HB240, HB241, HB242, HB565, HB517, HB98, HB235, HB236, HB237, HB238, HB239, HB240, HB241, HB242, HB565, SB380
Keywords:
underground damage prevention, one-call notification system, utility locating, excavation safety, dig safe, call before you dig, 811, utility lines, underground utilities, pipeline safety, gas pipeline, electric utility, telecommunications, water utility, wastewater, cable television, locate request, premark, tolerance zone, positive response
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- whether or not the dollars that we are putting, that the state taxpayers are putting towards these programs
- I mean, you know, we've been up here and looked at lots of statistics on some of these programs, and
- Some of the programs are a little bit longer.
- There are some associate degree programs that apply to some of the demand out there.
- Get the community and technical colleges and other training providers to shorten those programs where
Keywords:
survivor benefits, law enforcement, reserve officer, auxiliary officer, public safety, firefighters, medical expenses, dental expenses, disability benefits, Medicaid, dental coverage, healthcare access, medical necessity, Louisiana Department of Health, health insurance, provider agreements, contracting actions, participating facilities, network status, survivors benefits
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 4/16/26
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- requirements on various programs. requirements on various programs.
- it made the program unstable. it made the program unstable.
- And<01:09:59.840>
this <01:10:00.800>program And this program And this program I<01:10: - program.
- program.
Bills:
HF4252
Keywords:
higher education, student aid, financial aid, grant programs, scholarships, Office of Higher Education, Minnesota State, University of Minnesota, community college, technical college, postsecondary institution, college affordability, student fees, athletic facilities, competitive athletics, developmental education, remedial courses, pregnant students, parenting students, priority registration
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 3/11/26
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- we could not get them into a program. we could not get them into a program.
- programming cost me over $26,000. programming cost me over $26,000.
- them up just because school programming them up just because school programming was<00:26:50.240
- 29:06.960>
care After-school programming and child care After-school programming and child care - Through conversations and programming, Through conversations and programming, some<01:14:34.520>
Keywords:
public authorities, dissolution cases, court system, child protection, legal notice, foster care, child welfare, enrollment priority, education programs, child care assistance, foster youth, extended foster care, bill of rights, out-of-home placement, Minnesota Statutes chapter 260C, social services agency, caseworker, permanency team, sibling visitation, relative contact
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 2/25/26
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:04:32.240>
that screenshot of the MAXA program that screenshot of the MAXA program that - . programs. programs.
- program from the proposed state budget. program from the proposed state budget.
- appropriation to our food shelf program. appropriation to our food shelf program.
- program in a very short period of time. program in a very short period of time.
Keywords:
HF45, Lake Benton, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, bond proceeds fund, Public Facilities Authority, public infrastructure, sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer, utility replacement, U.S. Highway 75, road reconstruction, municipal infrastructure, local government grant, Minnesota bonding, capital appropriation, food insecurity, prepared meals
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- So the physician certification of the patient is for 52 weeks.
- So we're aligning the supply with the physician certification.
- And financing of our own Medicaid program.
- Medicaid program.
- Medicaid program.
Keywords:
cytomegalovirus, education, maternal health, newborn care, infectious diseases, student health, epilepsy, seizure disorders, school safety, training requirements, medical marijuana, low-THC cannabis, neurofibromatosis, healthcare, state regulations, child care facilities, public safety, grant program, uterine fibroids, health database
Summary:
The committee took up several health-related bills and confirmations. It first heard SB 1414 on congenital cytomegalovirus education, which would require the Department of Health to develop and distribute educational materials to expectant and new parents through maternity, prenatal, newborn, and OB-GYN settings; an amendment removed a section on required instruction for medical professionals, and the bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. The committee then approved a block of appointees on tabs 2 through 7 and separately confirmed Chavon Harris as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration after her testimony on Medicaid accountability, transparency, managed care oversight, rural health, behavioral health, and the state’s technology modernization efforts. Senators asked Harris about Hope Florida, Medicaid redeterminations, the CORE project, an anti-marijuana ad campaign at DCF, and compliance with a federal Medicaid-related court order; she said she would follow up on some issues. The confirmation was recommended favorably, with Senator Berman voting no.
The committee next passed SB 186 on student health and safety, which expands epilepsy and seizure-disorder training requirements to more school personnel, including bus drivers and charter school staff, and requires seizure-first-aid posters and updated Department of Health education efforts. It also approved SB 902 on Department of Health issues after amendments narrowed the bill’s scope and added provisions on medical marijuana regulation, early childhood intervention, practitioner accountability, and autism workforce development; one speaker raised concerns about marijuana dispensary location restrictions and low-THC ratios. SB 196 creating a uterine fibroid research database was also reported favorably after an amendment protecting patient privacy; the bill drew emotional testimony from a patient describing severe symptoms and the need for more research. SB 688 on naturopathic medicine was approved after committee discussion about scope of practice, referral obligations, and whether naturopathic care should be adjunctive to conventional medicine; supporters described complementary care and access issues, while opponents worried about delayed treatment for serious disease.
Later, the committee passed SB 1574, “Maddie’s Law,” to add biliary atresia screening to newborn screening using the same blood specimen already collected at birth and to launch an education campaign; parents of a child affected by the disease testified that earlier screening could have prevented severe harm. SB 878 on clinical laboratory personnel was reported favorably to address staffing shortages by allowing Florida to rely more directly on federal CLIA standards for qualified lab workers. SB 1092 on podiatric medicine was approved after an amendment narrowed it to cellular/tissue-based products and podiatrists’ use of certain therapies; the bill also addresses continuing education, informed consent, and advertising disclosures. SB 1032 on medical marijuana was amended and passed, aligning physician certification and card renewal timelines, setting 70-day and 35-day supply limits, and reducing the fee for honorably discharged veterans while preserving funding for FAMU; Senator Harrell opposed it, saying the longer timeframes were too much of an expansion. The committee also heard SB 1760 on Medicaid coverage transparency from Senator Brodeur, who said the bill focuses on accountability and fiscal responsibility, but the transcript cuts off before further discussion or action on that measure.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- And that is SB 1706, My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program.
- All of you voted for what was intended to be a wildly popular condo pilot program for My Safe Florida
- So this revises the eligibility requirements for participation in that program for those buildings that
- We had the best of intentions when we created this program, but it's just not rolling out in practice
- Provides the certificate of compliance must be signed by the private provider and any duly authorized
Keywords:
animal cruelty, reporting, veterinary, protection, liability, regulation, community association, management certification, Florida Statutes, certified manager, association governance, building permits, inspections, offsite construction, local government, housing, property regulation, construction standards, state of emergency, emergency response
Summary:
The committee heard and approved several bills. SB 468 would require veterinarians and veterinary technicians to report suspected animal cruelty to law enforcement or animal control and allow release of patient records in good faith; it was reported favorably with support from animal welfare groups. SB 1706 narrows eligibility for the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program to buildings with at least 80% owner-occupied units and residents at or below 80% of area median income, and it also passed favorably. SB 1234 on building permits and inspections was amended extensively to clarify permit exemptions, private-provider rules, and timelines, then reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 1260, dealing with building inspections after emergencies, was amended to require state-term contracts for inspection vendors and then passed. SB 822 would require professionally managed community associations above a budget threshold; an amendment raised the threshold to $750,000, added a parcel-count trigger, and allowed direct-hire credentialed managers, after which the bill was reported favorably. SB 1580 would increase penalties for illegal gaming operations, add enforcement tools, and clarify procedures for veterans organizations; after removing a fantasy sports provision, it also passed favorably.
The committee also heard from several appointees and reappointees to the Public Service Commission and Florida Gaming Control Commission. Public Service Commission nominees Anna Ortega and Robert Payne were questioned closely about utility hardening projects, ratepayer costs, and the role of the Office of Public Counsel. Gaming Commission reappointee Julie Brown and appointees William Spacola, John DeQuilla, Peter Cutterman, and Tina Rep discussed illegal gaming enforcement, audits, agency operations, and their backgrounds in law, regulation, law enforcement, and public service. Several members raised concerns about contract timing and evidence handling at the Gaming Commission, while others praised the nominees’ experience and service.
At the end of the meeting, the committee voted to recommend confirmation of all appointees on tabs 1 through 7. Members then requested favorable placement on the record for specific bills, including SB 468, SB 1234, SB 1260, SB 1580, and SB 1706, and the committee adjourned.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/04/2026 - House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- Services to conduct a study to evaluate the extent to which veterans in Arizona are aware of the programs
- I have been conflicted on this because studies generally lead to pilot programs, and pilot programs lead
- Legislative counsel can only call it a pilot program or a study.
- Ledge Council can only call it a pilot program or a study.
- Would the question still apply, since it would not be eligible for a diversion program? Mr.
Keywords:
veteran status, veterans court, treatment court, diversion program, initial appearance, arrestee processing, criminal procedure, DD-214, Department of Veterans' Services, prosecuting agency, court notification, military service, armed forces, veterans benefits, reentry, mental health court, drug court, specialty court, Arizona criminal law, pretrial hearing
Summary:
The committee first took up HB 2663, which updates military leave protections for state and non-state employees by aligning statutory language with how service members’ orders are described. Representative Pena said the change was intended to remove confusion without affecting benefits, and members noted it would help protect employees called to training, deployment, or state active duty. The bill passed unanimously with a due pass recommendation.
The committee then heard HB 2976, a bill addressing administrative control of justice courts and due process for elected justices of the peace when state or county entities take action affecting their statutory authority. Supporters, including two Pima County justices of the peace, described administrative orders that transferred control of their courts without notice, findings, or a meaningful chance to respond, and argued the bill would require notice, a hearing, written findings, and review before such changes. The Arizona Supreme Court’s government affairs director opposed the bill as unconstitutional, arguing the state constitution gives the Chief Justice administrative supervision over all courts and that the legislature cannot impose those procedures by statute. After a lengthy and at times contentious exchange over constitutional authority and the role of elected JPs, the committee voted 6-1 to give HB 2976 a due pass recommendation.
After a recess, the committee considered HB 2406, which requires the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services to study how aware veterans are of available state, local, and federal benefits and to report recommendations for improving awareness. Testimony in support emphasized that many veterans do not know the full range of benefits available to them and suggested surveys, outreach, and other low-cost methods to gather information. Some members questioned whether a study was necessary or how it would be conducted, but several said they would support it for now; the bill received a due pass recommendation by a 5-1-1 vote.
Finally, the committee heard HB 2226, which requires courts at initial appearance hearings to ask whether a defendant is a veteran and, if so, to consider referral to veterans’ treatment or diversion programs. Supporters said the bill would help identify eligible veterans early in the process and connect them to services, while one member raised Fifth Amendment concerns about asking the question before counsel is present. The sponsor and testifier agreed to work on an amendment clarifying that the answer could not be used against the defendant in later proceedings. The committee moved the bill forward with a due pass recommendation, with members indicating support pending that amendment.