Video & Transcript : 'examiners' :
Page 13 of 302
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, there was no attempt to cross-examine or discredit any of the voter testimony.
- Uh, there was no attempt to cross-examine or discredit any of the voter testimony.
- Uh, there was no attempt to cross-examine or discredit any of the voter testimony.
- Uh there was no attempt to cross-examine<00:35:48.880><c> or</c><00:35:49.280><c> discredit</c><00:35
- the cross-examine or discredit any of the voter<00:35:50.839><c> testimony.
Committee:
House Ethics
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- Education Performance Operations and Funding Review Commission, and it directs this commission to examine
- It directs JLARC to establish a 15-member advisory group for the purpose of prioritizing the examination
- It removes provisions directing the commission to examine policy requirements and funding provisions
- Committees of the legislature on examinations conducted in accordance with the bill's provisions during
- This is a, the underlying substitute House bill is to examine unfunded mandates.
Committee:
House Education
Keywords:
reading instruction, structured literacy, early literacy, dyslexia, phonics, phonological awareness, language comprehension, vocabulary, fluency, oral language, orthographic knowledge, multi-tiered system of supports, MTSS, screening assessments, intervention, reading intervention, elementary education, kindergarten, first grade, second grade
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Education Feb 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Education Performance Operations and Funding Review Commission, and it directs this commission to examine
- fiscal and policy committees of the legislature that includes findings and recommendations for examinations
- It removes provisions directing the commission to examine policy requirements and funding provisions
- It removes provisions directing the commission to examine policy requirements and funding provisions
- This is, the underlying substitute House Bill is to examine unfunded mandates.
Summary:
The House Education Committee first briefed several bills and amendments before going into caucus, then returned for executive action. House Bill 1295, on comprehensive literacy programs, was amended to require aligned literacy curricula and reporting, with one proposed substitute withdrawn and several amendments debated; the committee rejected amendments that would have added implementation deadlines and reporting, adopted an amendment requiring a 2032 OSPI report on literacy outcomes, and advanced the bill with a do pass recommendation. House Bill 2262, which adds cursive signature instruction to mandatory high school civics and requires election-related reporting on signature mismatches, was amended to recognize culturally specific signatures, include historical context about marginalized communities, remove a graduation-credit condition, and drop State Board monitoring language; the committee rejected a null-and-void amendment and advanced the bill. House Bill 2551, allowing certain school districts to sell real property with superintendent authorization, was debated as a fiscal flexibility measure and passed out of committee on a 10-4 vote.
The committee also considered House Bill 2593 on school district fund balances and monthly financial reporting. A proposed substitute shifted the bill away from mandatory minimum fund balances toward formal financial monitoring for districts below required levels, technical assistance from OSPI, and possible withholding of apportionment payments for reporting failures; an amendment removed the withholding provision, and the substitute bill was then advanced with a do pass recommendation. House Bill 2594, establishing state-based protections for homeless students and aligning state requirements with McKinney-Vento, received a technical amendment to avoid duplicative provisions and was reported out unanimously. House Bill 2636, creating a Public Education Performance Operations and Funding Review Commission, was substantially revised into a Public Education Review Advisory Council that would work with JLARC to review education policy requirements and funding; a null-and-void amendment failed, and the committee advanced the substitute bill unanimously.
Throughout the meeting, sponsors and members emphasized literacy improvement, student access, district fiscal stability, and reducing or reviewing unfunded mandates. Several members spoke in support of the bills as tools to improve outcomes or provide flexibility, while others raised concerns about mandates, reporting burdens, and the practicality of implementation. Final actions included multiple do pass recommendations, with recorded votes on HB 2551, HB 2593, HB 2594, and HB 2636, and unanimous or near-unanimous support on the other measures after amendment debate.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services Apr 2nd, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- It requires medical examinations for inpatient mental health facilities to be done in person, not by
- , a required physical examination, to be performed on a patient's admission. to a psychiatric facility
- be performed in person in all cases. examination is described in Section 572.0025 and must be performed
- And for that reason, a vast majority of these examinations currently are completed in person.
- Section 572.0025, this examination must be completed in the first 24 hours as we heard of a patient's
Committee:
Senate Health & Human Services
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor & Commerce Feb 2nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It’s not the examiner.
- It's not the examiner.
- This has led many examiners to refuse to conduct an examination if there will be a recording, and it's
- For some specialties, there are very few available examiners.
- For some specialties, there are very few available examiners, especially for board exams.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills and took executive action on a number of them. Senate Bill 6282, by Senator Nobles, would require building and construction trade apprenticeship programs to provide two hours of behavioral health and wellness training starting in 2027, covering stigma reduction, distress recognition, suicide prevention, substance use awareness, peer support, and resource connection. The bill drew strong support from labor and construction groups, who described high suicide and substance use rates in the industry and said the training would help apprentices and, with a planned amendment, journey-level workers as well. No vote was taken in the hearing portion shown, but testimony was overwhelmingly pro.
Senate Bill 6135, by Senator King, would require interest arbitration panels for certain uniform personnel at local governments to consider the employer’s ability to pay. Counties and cities supported the bill as a modest fiscal-relief measure and argued it would align local arbitration with existing state-law language. Teamsters representatives and other labor witnesses opposed it, saying it would weaken collective bargaining and give employers leverage to stall or deny fair contracts. The committee closed the public hearing with 5 in favor, 22 opposed, and no other testimony. In executive session, the bill was later advanced subject to signatures.
The committee also heard Senate Bill 6128 on independent medical exams, which would require IME recordings to be made through an L&I-approved third-party app and prohibit independent local recording. Supporters said the change would improve security, consistency, and reliability of recordings and reduce cancellations and disputes; opponents said it would burden injured workers and undo the 2023 right to record IMEs on their own devices. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6068, which would make owners and direct contractors jointly liable for unpaid wages and related damages on construction projects, with a notice-and-cure process before suit. Workers and labor groups supported it as a tool against wage theft and labor trafficking, while contractors and industry groups opposed it as overbroad and costly. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6303 on cannabis packaging and vapor devices, with testimony split between sustainability advocates and industry supporters on one side and public health and poison center witnesses on the other, who warned that loosening individual edible packaging could increase child poisonings. In executive session, the committee adopted a substitute for SB 6053 and moved it forward, and also passed SB 6134, SB 6147, SB 6106, and SB 6045 subject to signatures, with SB 6045 amended before passage to Ways and Means.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 31 Apr 2nd, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Third reading of the bill: An act authorizing Kenneth Navarro to take the civil service examination for
- Third reading of the bill: An act authorizing William Rob Cargill to take the civil service examination
- Third reading of the bill: An act authorizing William Rob Cargill to take the civil service examination
- An act authorizing Kenneth Navarro to take the civil service examination for the position of firefighter
- An act authorizing William Rob Cargill to take the civil cervix examination for the position of firefighter
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- This allows us to be more comprehensive in our regulatory review for an examination of this magnitude
- Closer examination of this intervenor process has raised several concerns so far.
- Closer examination of this intervenor process has raised several concerns so far.
- Closer examinations of this intervener process has reeled several concerns so far.
- In the incoming weeks, my staff is expected to file the department's ongoing financial examination of
Committee:
House Insurance
Summary:
The Assembly Insurance Committee held an oversight hearing on the California Department of Insurance’s Sustainable Insurance Strategy (SIS), with Commissioner Ricardo Lara reporting on implementation progress and the state’s broader homeowners and commercial insurance crisis. He said the department has finalized major reforms, is reviewing catastrophe models, and expects insurers to begin submitting new rate filings in the coming weeks under the updated framework. Lara emphasized that the goal is to improve availability and stability in the admitted market, reduce reliance on the FAIR Plan, and better reward wildfire mitigation and home hardening.
A major portion of the hearing focused on claims handling after the Los Angeles-area wildfires, including smoke-damage claims, underinsurance, and the FAIR Plan. Lara said the department has opened a formal market conduct examination of State Farm’s wildfire claims handling, is investigating FAIR Plan smoke-damage claims, and has helped more than 12,000 wildfire survivors while recovering more than $60 million on complaints. He also announced a new smoke claims and remediation task force to develop standards for smoke-damage cleanup and health protections, and said the department is working with other western states on underinsurance data and policy solutions.
Members asked about implementation timelines, the impact on consumers, FAIR Plan costs, and the role of intervenors in rate cases. Lara said the department is tightening rules for intervener compensation and will no longer grant petitions unrelated to the actual rate application, while also clearing a backlog of compensation petitions. He said the FAIR Plan has begun publicly posting policy counts and financial information, and that further transparency measures may follow. Public commenters from the insurance, building, and broker industries generally supported SIS, saying it is needed to restore availability, improve rate timeliness, and stabilize the market. No votes were taken, and the hearing concluded without formal committee action.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Judiciary Committee Meeting - 2026-04-14
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- examine in person, does that mean examine a photo?
- examine in person, does that mean examine a photo?
- examine in person, does that mean examine a photo?
- examine in person, does that mean examine a photo?
- 25.600><c> in</c> unclear like does that mean examine in unclear like does that mean examine in person
Committee:
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Seventy One - Friday, May 15 - Afternoon Session
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- conference committee report, House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 994, begs leave to report, examine
- Senate Committee Substitute, Senate Committee Substitute, Senate Bill 890, begs leave to report, examine
- Begues leave the report, examine the same, and recommends that it do pass. Mr.
- Begues leave your report, examine the same, and recommends that it do pass. Mr.
- Begues leave to report, it examined the same, and it recommends that it do pass. And, Mr.
Summary:
The House recognized its drafters and research staff, then moved through committee reports and several conference committee reports and final passage motions. Senate Joint Resolution 87 was adopted and finally passed after debate over a provision affecting the City of St. Louis sheriff; supporters said the final version restored the original format with a minor wording change, while opponents argued it removed local voter control. The resolution passed 95-46 on both the conference report and final passage votes.
Members then adopted and finally passed Senate Bill 973, a measure combining a wholesaler provision and a land bank/real estate transparency provision, with supporters describing it as consumer protection and cleanup language. Senate Bill 1421, a public safety package, was also advanced after a motion to exceed the conference differences; debate focused on clean slate provisions, masked intimidation penalties, prosecuting attorney salaries, fentanyl language, good time credit, Brianna’s Law, and a St. Louis liability provision. The conference report passed 116-18, final passage 110-25, and the emergency clause for the drone-related portion passed 136-5.
The House also adopted and finally passed Senate Bills 835 and 1111, a broad package including insurance claim assignment protections, court automation updates, treatment court administration, a circuit judgeship codification, a St. Louis civil case surcharge, and anti-SLAPP protections. Senate Bill 1408, which authorizes MoDOT and the Highway Commission to consider raising rural interstate speed limits from 70 to 75 mph, was receded to the Senate version and finally passed 93-46. Senate Bill 913, extending multiple agricultural tax credits through 2033 and adding a short-line railroad credit, drew extensive debate over tax credits, budget priorities, and return on investment before the previous question was ordered and the bill passed 107-30.
Finally, Senate Bill 1553 was passed, creating incentives and a grant program tied to critical minerals and pharmaceuticals to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers; supporters framed it as a jobs and national security measure, while one member raised concerns about local revenue impacts before clarifying the bill’s scope. The House then received Senate messages indicating the Senate had passed a House bill, and the session continued.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee Apr 15th, 2026
Banking and Financial Institutions
Transcript Highlights:
- needed for consumer protection, the bill also allows the department to rely on recent audits or examinations
- The first refinement contained in the bill relates to examinations.
- DFPI first began examinations in 2025.
- As part of the examination process, DFPI began sending three auditors for two to three weeks on-site
- for each examination.
Committee:
Senate Banking and Financial Institutions
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions heard two bills. SB 1131, by Senator Jones, would update the Debt Collection Licensing Act by requiring the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation to conduct examinations remotely unless an on-site review is needed, and by allowing the department to rely on recent audits or examinations from other regulators or approved third parties. Supporters from the debt collection industry said the bill would reduce duplicative costs and fix issues with the advisory committee process; an opposition witness from the California Low-Income Consumer Coalition said concerns remained. After discussion about preserving consumer protections while reducing burdens on licensees, the committee voted 7-0 to pass SB 1131 and re-refer it to Appropriations.
The committee also heard SB 1291, the “Shine Act,” by Senator Gonzalez, which would increase transparency and accountability for mutual water companies by removing the 24-hour written notice requirement for board meetings, requiring websites with basic information such as consumer confidence reports, and directing a comparative analysis of mutual water companies serving disadvantaged communities. Supporters, including environmental justice advocates and Los Angeles County, described problems with access to water quality information, meeting notices, and board accountability in communities such as Cudahy and Maywood. The California Association of Mutual Water Companies opposed the bill unless amended, arguing it imposed unfunded mandates and one-size-fits-all requirements on small systems. Members discussed the need for transparency while acknowledging concerns about compliance burdens; the committee then voted 7-0 to pass SB 1291 and re-refer it to Environmental Quality.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Fiscal Policy Feb 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- of district medical examiners.
- the governor to the Medical Examiners Commission, and clarifies that the Criminal Justice Standards
- of district medical examiners.
- Specifies that governor appointees to the Medical Examiner Commission remain active until resignation
- The annual report of the Florida medical examiners documents these contaminants appearing frequently
Summary:
The Committee on Fiscal Policy met and considered a large agenda of bills, most of which were reported favorably after brief sponsor presentations, limited public testimony, and roll-call votes. Early actions included CSSB 1062 creating Florida Speech and Debate Week and the Florida Debate Initiative with a recurring $2.4 million appropriation, and CS for SB 196 establishing the Uterine Fibroid Research Database. The committee also approved the companion public-records bill, CS for SB 864, to keep sensitive fibroid database information confidential. Other health and public-safety measures reported favorably included CS for SB 432, which was amended to address xylazine and restrict recreational nitrous oxide sales by tobacco-permit retailers; CS for SB 646, narrowing drug-paraphernalia testing equipment exemptions to fentanyl, its analogs, and xylazine; and CS for SB 1684 and CS for SB 1686, creating and exempting records for a Parkinson’s Disease Registry at the University of South Florida.
The committee also advanced several workforce, regulatory, and local-governance bills. SB 1112 on the Florida Labor Pool Act passed with testimony emphasizing removal of placement fees, annual labor-pool registration, and stronger enforcement to help workers, including returning citizens. CS for SB 524 updated Department of Law Enforcement duties and medical examiner procedures; CS for SB 530 revised lottery operations and security rules; CS for SB 676 expanded animal-cruelty penalties and the public abuser database; CS for SB 1180 created a recall framework for community development district supervisors and updated CDD rules; and CS for SB 800 increased penalties for unlicensed engineering practice after removing a student-loan assistance provision to align with the House version. CS for SB 1404 created a memory-care specialty license for assisted living facilities, with amendments extending rulemaking deadlines and clarifying advertising and resident-choice provisions. SB 1072 created an anti-Semitism task force in the Attorney General’s office, and CS for SB 1630 modernized aging and disability services, guardianship oversight, and dementia-related policy.
Two memorialization bills generated the most extended debate and public comment. SB 194 would designate October 14 as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance, and SB 174 would name a portion of State Road 985 in Miami-Dade County as Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue. Both drew strong support from some speakers who framed them as recognition of civic engagement and free expression, and strong opposition from others who criticized Kirk’s rhetoric and argued the state should instead honor broader civic values or other figures. A late-file amendment to SB 194 that would have converted it into a general day of remembrance for victims of political violence was withdrawn. Despite the controversy, both bills were reported favorably. The committee adjourned after members requested to be recorded on various bills.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- of district medical examiners.
- the governor to the Medical Examiners Commission, and clarifies that the Criminal Justice Standards
- of district medical examiners.
- Specifies that governor appointees to the Medical Examiner Commission remain active until resignation
- The annual report of the Florida medical examiners documents these contaminants appearing frequently
Committee:
Senate Fiscal Policy
Summary:
The Committee on Fiscal Policy considered a long agenda of bills covering education, health, criminal justice, aging services, labor, and commemorative measures. Among the measures reported favorably were CS/SB 1062 creating Florida Speech and Debate Week and the Florida Debate Initiative; CS/SB 196 and CS/SB 864 establishing and protecting a Uterine Fibroid Research Database; CS/SB 432, as amended, adding restrictions on xylazine and nitrous oxide sales; CS/SB 1630 modernizing aging and disability services and guardianship oversight; SB 1112 on labor pool placement fees and registration; CS/SB 524 revising FDLE and medical examiner provisions; CS/SB 530 updating lottery operations; CS/SB 646 narrowing drug paraphernalia testing equipment exemptions to fentanyl, analogs, and xylazine; SB 676 strengthening animal cruelty penalties and the animal abuser database; CS/SB 1180 creating a recall process for community development district board members; CS/SB 800 increasing penalties for unlicensed engineering practice; CS/SB 1404 creating a memory care specialty license for assisted living facilities; SB 1072 creating an anti-Semitism task force; and CS/SB 1684 and CS/SB 1686 establishing and exempting records for a Parkinson’s Disease Registry.
The committee also took up several high-profile commemorative bills. CS/SB 194, designating October 14 as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance, drew extensive public testimony both for and against, with supporters emphasizing civic engagement and free speech and opponents criticizing Kirk’s rhetoric and the appropriateness of a state honor. The bill was reported favorably after a recorded vote. SB 174, designating Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue in Miami-Dade County, also drew significant opposition testimony on similar grounds and was reported favorably. A late-file amendment to a related remembrance measure was withdrawn after discussion. Other bills, including the speech and debate, fibroid research, aging services, labor pool, animal cruelty, engineering, memory care, anti-Semitism, and Parkinson’s registry measures, were generally supported by agency, advocacy, or stakeholder testimony and advanced without major opposition.
Several bills were amended before passage, including substitute or delete-all amendments on SB 432, SB 524, SB 646, SB 676, SB 1180, SB 800, and SB 1404. The committee repeatedly adopted amendments by voice vote and then reported the bills favorably by recorded roll call. The meeting ended with members requesting to be recorded on specific bills, followed by adjournment.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of Jonathan Gould, of Virginia, to be Comptroller of the Currency for a term of five years, Luke Pettit, of the District of Columbia, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, Paul Atkins, of Virginia, to be Mar 27th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Hood has removed references to reputational risk consistent with my firm act from the OCC Bank Examination
- Guidance and instructed examiners to no longer examine for reputational risk.
- that they should no longer examine for reputational risk.
- Do you agree with me that the examiners... on that account should be fired.
- I think it is rich to think that some government examiner or supervisor could go into a publicly traded
Keywords:
financial regulations, SEC, Comptroller of the Currency, Federal Transit Administration, nominees, Empowering Main Street in America Act, capital formation, economic growth
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on several nominees within key financial institutions, including discussions surrounding the SEC, the Federal Transit Administration, and the Comptroller of the Currency. Notable dialogue included concerns over regulatory balance, with various members emphasizing a need to streamline regulations to foster innovation while ensuring accountability and safety for investors. The importance of the proposed 'Empowering Main Street in America Act' was highlighted as a means to facilitate access to capital for small businesses, underlining the current administration's approach towards financial regulations.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- On page six, Senate Bill 127 by Senator Coleman-Madison regarding the Board of Examiners in Counseling
- </c><00:09:31.040><c> and</c> regarding the board of examiners and regarding the board of examiners and
- </c> examiners in counseling. BR pending. examiners in counseling. BR pending.
- I'd like to move the bill for the continuance of the Board of Examiners in Counseling for the next four
- </c> examiners and counseling. examiners and counseling.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, approved excusing absent members, dispensed with the previous day’s journal, and allowed bill introductions and committee reports throughout the day. Members also recognized guests in the gallery, including Judge Smitherman and later Karen Butler, wife of Senator Tom Butler. The chamber adopted Senate Joint Resolution 11, honoring Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated on its Founders Day and 118 years of service, after reading the resolution at length and hearing brief remarks from Senator Figures.
The Senate then adopted the Rules Committee’s special order calendar and took up several bills. Senate Bill 12 by Senator Gudger, repealing a prior community development districts law tied to a Coleman County project, passed. Senate Bill 19 by Senator Livingston, dealing with health insurance/prostate cancer screening, also passed. Senate Bill 89 by Senator Sessions, repealing the 1931 State Pilotage Commission statute, passed; Senate Bill 134 by Senator Beasley, concerning taxation and interstate warehousing of tobacco products, passed after a committee amendment was adopted; Senate Bill 100 by Senator Kelly, extending the State Board of Pharmacy sunset for one year with appointment changes, passed; Senate Bill 114 by Senator Bell, expanding Alabama’s handling of out-of-state warrants to additional felonies, passed; Senate Bill 122 by Senator Stewart, regarding the State Board of Registration for Foresters, passed; Senate Bill 35 by Senator Kitchens, updating vessel registration language for Coast Guard compliance, passed; and Senate Bill 127 by Senators Coleman-Madison and Stewart, continuing the Board of Examiners in Counseling for four years, passed.
Senate Bill 28 by Senator Elliott, which would raise the earnings cap for retired law enforcement officers and district attorneys returning to work and address school bus driver staffing, was discussed at length but carried over at the sponsor’s request. Senators raised concerns about the bill’s impact on RSA/retirement system funding and the possibility of broader pressure for similar retiree reemployment arrangements, while supporters emphasized staffing shortages, training savings, and benefits for schools and public safety. The session concluded with the calendar completed and a new resolution introduced by Senator Orr recognizing the 250th anniversary of the United States Postal Service, which was taken up for immediate consideration and adopted.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 13th, 2026 at 09:00 am
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- We are on track to add 40 more examiners to do those examinations, and the larger the supervised banks
- All right, the next board: Board of Medical Examiners 446.
- They start pre-race examinations because we went from pre-race examining 20 to 30 percent of our horses
- Our regulatory vets will go and do the pre-race examinations and then do follow-ups.
- We have three vets pre-race examining the horses in the morning...
Committee:
House House Appropriations & Finance
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Apr 30th, 2026 at 01:45 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Samuel Haubrick to the committee of home inspector examiners. Senator Devers Mr.
- and Robert Whip Junior to the committee of Home inspector examiners.
- and consent to the executive nomination of Robert Whip Junior to the committee of Home inspector examiners
- Boyd MD to the board of examiners for speech language pathology and audiology.
- Conna Martin to the board of examiners for speech language pathology and audiology.
Bills:
HB1168
Keywords:
abortion, abortion-inducing drugs, medication abortion, mifepristone, misoprostol, methotrexate, pro-life, pro-choice, reproductive health, unborn child, trafficking, felony, contraception, pharmacist, pharmacy, Title 63, Oklahoma statutes, abortion pill, drug distribution, criminal penalty
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- It provides relative to examinations of victims with sexual assault.
- I work with LDH, and we sat down and they examined the bill.
- Shea Corbin with the Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
- Jim Morvon, Louisiana Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
- Jim Morvon, Louisiana Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
Committee:
House Health and Welfare
Summary:
The committee first adopted the minutes from several prior 2025 meetings, then took up HB 574 by Rep. Spell, which updates the names of two organizations on the Mental Health Advocacy Service Board of Trustees. Rep. Spell explained it as a technical cleanup bill to correct the names of the Louisiana Mental Health Association and the Louisiana State Medical Society so the board’s membership records match current organization names. With no objections, HB 574 was reported favorably.
The committee then heard HB 486, also by Rep. Spell, to join the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PsyPact) and allow Louisiana psychologists to provide telepsychology and temporary in-person services across state lines. Rep. Spell and PsyPact representatives said the compact would expand access to mental health care, especially in rural areas, while maintaining standards and disciplinary oversight. The committee adopted amendments on fees and the effective date, and HB 486 was reported favorably with amendments.
HB 198 by Rep. Eccles proposed a Medicaid reimbursement methodology for ambulatory surgical centers, using a Medicare-based rate to improve access for Medicaid patients needing specialty procedures. Amendments were adopted to add ophthalmology-related services and to cap reimbursement at the lesser of the outpatient hospital rate or 100% of the Medicaid rate, along with a technical amendment to address the fiscal note. Supporters from GI and ASC groups said the bill would improve access and lower long-term costs, and the bill was reported favorably with amendments.
The committee spent the most time on HB 182 by Rep. Travis Johnson, which would require hospitals to ensure access to sexual assault forensic exams and related training. Johnson, law enforcement witnesses, and the Attorney General’s office emphasized the need for timely evidence collection, especially in rural areas, and said the current system leaves victims traveling long distances or losing evidence. Hospital and coroner witnesses supported the goal but opposed the bill as written, arguing it could impose duties on hospitals without enough trained personnel, funding, or a workable statewide training and coordination system; they urged a statewide coordinator, mobile SANE units, and clearer implementation. The bill was not finally disposed of in the portion of the meeting provided, and members discussed continuing to work on amendments and timing before floor consideration.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Health Committee Feb 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Odeiukpo, Chief Medical Examiner of the County of Los Angeles. Dr.
- O'Dayupo, Chief Medical Examiner of the County of Los Angeles.
- The medical examiner does not characterize these as overdoses.
- I also think it's clear from our medical examiner that...
- are ending up in the medical examiner.
Summary:
The committee held an informational hearing on kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), focusing on public health risks, overdose deaths, and regulatory gaps in California. The chair opened by noting that FDA and CDPH consider kratom and 7-OH products unlawful, yet they remain widely sold in smoke shops, vape stores, gas stations, and convenience stores. Members referenced AB 1088, which would be considered later, and said the hearing was intended to clarify the science, medical perspective, and whether stronger safeguards are needed.
The first panel featured a toxicology expert, state and local public health officials, an emergency/addiction physician, a medical examiner, and county health representatives. Witnesses from CDPH and Los Angeles County described rising deaths and enforcement actions, including statewide advisories, retailer letters, and product removals from manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. Medical testimony emphasized that 7-OH acts much more like an opioid than traditional kratom leaf, can cause dependence, withdrawal, and respiratory depression, and may require naloxone, buprenorphine, or methadone in overdose or withdrawal cases. Local officials said enforcement is difficult because packaging is inconsistent, testing capacity is limited, and counties lack resources and statewide infrastructure; they generally favored a centralized state framework if regulation is pursued.
Committee members asked about testing, age restrictions, scheduling, and whether a distinction between kratom and 7-OH could be enforced. Witnesses said forensic labs can potentially test for 7-OH but validated assays are not routine, emergency departments cannot readily distinguish exposures, and local health departments do not have the lab capacity to verify product labels. Several officials warned that a ban or abrupt scheduling could push products into the black market and discourage research, while others argued that current prohibition and enforcement are the most protective approach because legalization or age-limited regulation could create confusion about legality and safety.
The second panel included kratom and 7-OH advocates and industry representatives, who argued that natural kratom leaf and concentrated or synthetic 7-OH are different products and should be regulated differently. They supported age-gating, labeling, testing, and packaging rules for kratom leaf while opposing a ban on the botanical. They said 7-OH is used by many adults for pain relief or harm reduction, and that prohibition would drive consumers to illicit markets and worsen harm. Committee members pressed them on whether 7-OH is more potent than kratom, the availability of testing, and whether any safe dose is known. The hearing ended without a vote or formal action, with the chair noting the issue will continue to be considered in future legislation.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 102 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Janikovsky to take the civil service examination for the position of police officer in the city of Haverhill
- Janikovsky to take the civil service examination for the position of police officer in the city of Havel
- , not with the civil service examination for the position of police officer in the city of Havel, notwithstanding
- Genakowski to take the civil service examination for the position of police officer in this... ...T.
- Genakowski to take the civil service examination for the position of police officer in the city of Haverhill
Summary:
The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several committee reports and local bills. It concurred in a Senate referral of a petition on fair tax treatment for zero-emission vehicles and suspended Joint Rule 12 for additional petitions, including measures on construction supervisory licensing, the Athol-Royalston Regional School District Financial Stability Fund, and zero-emission vehicle taxes. The House also acted on a Judiciary Committee report recommending passage of House No. 4647, establishing a sick leave bank for Amy Tangway, and ordered it to a third reading.
The chamber then considered a series of bills reported by Steering, Policy and Scheduling, including measures for tax abatement for permanently disabled veterans, line-of-duty death benefits for firefighters, Building Trades Recovery Week, and a civil service exam exemption for a Haverhill police officer candidate. These bills were advanced to third reading. The House also passed several engrossed bills to enactment, including a sick leave bank for Candy J. Pike, a special fund for the Festival of Hills in Conway, authorization for Watertown to lease property, a change to the Holden moderator term, and an update to Medford’s linkage exaction program.
Later, the House concurred in Senate amendments related to sewer service authority in Sharon, and passed to engrossment bills authorizing parking fines in Marblehead and an additional liquor license in Somerset. It also engrossed sick leave bank bills for David A. Russell and Jean McCarran; the McCarran bill was amended to add an emergency preamble before passage. Finally, the House enacted the Candy J. Pike sick leave bank bill, adopted an order to meet the following Wednesday at 11 a.m., and adjourned in formal session.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 3/24/26 - Part 2
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- That team would be able to actually examine those items on scene, be able to identify them and triage
- So, we're examining the triage them.
- </c><00:45:57.839><c> As</c> examinations once they are back. As examinations once they are back.
- </c><00:52:14.160><c> And</c><00:52:14.319><c> I</c> should be examined uh by Congress.
- And I should be examined uh by Congress.
Bills:
HF2354 , HF3407 , HF4359 , HF4192 , HF3356 , HF3695 , HF1597 , HF3155 , HF3871 , HF4437 , HF4446 , HF3990
Committee:
House Public Safety Finance and Policy