Transcript Highlights:

• Losing our local pharmacies at a quick rate, and we have some bills today that will help remedy that.
• and transparency so that employers employers, taxpayers, and health plans are charged appropriate rates
• The rates they're paying their subsidiaries, I suppose, as a result of them being vertically integrated
• Is there a way to do that rather than base it on the federal reimbursement rate?
• Is there a way to do that rather than base it on the federal reimbursement rate?

Bills: SB1673, SB1500, SB1447, SB1646, SB2007, SB1275, SB2074

Keywords: prosthetics, health insurance, medical necessity, patient rights, insurance liability, pharmacy benefits manager, healthcare providers, claims processing, reimbursement, insurance regulation, employees insurance, contract awarding, certifications, state procurement, insurance plan, mental health, substance use disorders, utilization review, benefit coverage, pharmacy

Transcript Highlights:

• So I I think as far as the broader rate.
• This is a very small error rate or fraud rate in SNAP, and yet we were over the threshold for getting
• this this is a very small error rate this this is a very small error rate or<01:25:12.400> fraud
• >> And and and and again the the error rate >> And and and and again the the error rate
• And so an error rate can be wrong thing.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee chair opened by explaining that the committee has expanded from a traditional audit-follow-up role into an oversight role focused on whether audit recommendations are implemented and whether controls are in place to detect fraud. He said the committee was concerned about fraud uncovered in social service programs in other states and wanted to understand New Hampshire’s safeguards, especially around major contracts and program performance. Charles Buchanan, director of the New Hampshire Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and investigator Tim Brackett described the unit’s structure and mission. Buchanan said the unit, housed in the Attorney General’s Criminal Justice Bureau, investigates and prosecutes fraud by health care providers serving Medicaid beneficiaries, as well as abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of residents in health care facilities. He outlined common Medicaid fraud schemes such as billing for services not rendered, upcoding, using unqualified staff, drug substitution, kickbacks, supplemental charges, and inflated customary charges. He also described resident abuse/neglect and drug diversion in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living settings. Brackett said his role is financial investigator/auditor and noted the unit is grant-funded and must include a prosecutor, investigator, and auditor. The witnesses then explained how cases reach the unit and how they are handled. Most referrals come from the state Department of Health and Human Services’ program integrity unit and from managed care organizations’ special investigations units, which look for fraud, waste, and abuse and refer credible allegations. Other sources include qui tam whistleblower actions, the national Medicaid Fraud Control Units association, citizen complaints, provider referrals, adult protective services law-enforcement referrals, local law enforcement, and federal agencies. Once a referral is received, the unit can accept or deny it; accepted matters may be investigated criminally or civilly, while nonviable matters can be referred back to HHS or other agencies for administrative action, including repayment demands and reimbursement offsets. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the state uses its uh bonding authority and excellent credit rating to secure us the lowest rates
• > rates<00:04:15.280> possible<00:04:15.599> so secure us the lowest rates possible
• <00:57:51.119> rents The higher rents and market rate rents The higher rents and market rate
• interest rate savings for the state. interest rate savings for the state.
• building debt uh for some interest rate building debt uh for some interest rate savings<01:10:25.600

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• At the end of fiscal year 27, I'm 26, my apologies, leaving the rate for 27 unknown.
• In fiscal year 2024, the turnover rate was 15.6%.
• Our call rate, our answering is within three to five minutes. Really?
• So we're experiencing a high growth rate and a tremendous.
• We need the reimbursement rates for TWC to match the market rates so that we can sustain it.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So different liabilities have different interest rates.
• account rate, which is, you know, hovers around three-ish.
• So different liabilities have different interest rates.
• The pension liabilities have a discount rate of closer to 7%.
• At any rate, my point is your description of it is in the eye of the beholder.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But at the time that he receives it, it might have been at a higher rate. Then it goes low.
• the state would invest up to, but not more than, 10% to ensure that those who would want a better rate
• And I think... ...wants a better rate of return on their retirement, would get that.
• You've got computers that are learning at a faster rate than humans can develop.
• a rate decrease using the standard rating methodology to help get savings to consumers faster.

Summary: The Insurance and Banking Committee met with a quorum and heard three bills. HB 487 would authorize the CFO and State Board of Administration to invest up to 10% of certain state funds in Bitcoin, require specified custody methods, allow Bitcoin lending under rule, and create a process for accepting taxes and fees in Bitcoin. The sponsor and several proponents argued it would diversify state investments, hedge inflation, and position Florida as a leader in digital assets. Members raised concerns about volatility, security, valuation, and whether Bitcoin was being singled out over other cryptocurrencies, but the bill was reported favorably after debate and a roll call vote. The committee then considered HB 7011, an Open Government Sunset Review measure for records of insolvent insurers. The bill would continue some exemptions but make additional records public, including underwriting files, risk-solvency assessments, corporate governance annual disclosures, and the names, benefits, and compensation of insurance executive officers. There was no public testimony, and members discussed privacy and safety concerns, but the bill passed and was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard HB 1433 on hurricane mitigation grants and insurer regulation. The bill would tighten restrictions on former executives of failed insurers, raise capital requirements for new insurers, and require mitigation credits when homeowners receive Safe Florida Home funds. An amendment was adopted to require a licensed person to make final claim-denial decisions when AI or automation is used and to prioritize filings that lower rates. Consumer advocates supported the transparency and consumer protections, while industry representatives urged caution on the AI provisions. After debate, the amended bill was reported favorably. The meeting ended with closing remarks from the ranking member, vice chair, and chair reflecting on the committee’s work and likely final meeting of the term.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill proposes a significantly lower tax rate on heated... significantly lower tax rate on heated
• HB 357 proposes a tax on heated tobacco products at a rate... tax on heated tobacco products at a rate
• However, by taxing these products at a lower rate, this bill could encourage more people, especially
• This report card also includes our current tobacco tax rate.
• This has resulted in a conversion rate of almost 70%.

Bills: HB30, HB263, HB357, HB359, SB60, SB102, HB30

Keywords: elections, post-election audit, election audit, risk-limiting audit, ballot audit, election integrity, voter confidence, Secretary of State, judge of probate, canvassing board, poll watchers, ballot containers, manual tally, recount, county election, statewide election, general election, absentee ballots, provisional ballots, election transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• They boast an impressive program completion rate of 87% and a job placement rate of 91%. which is all
• They boast an impressive program completion rate of 87%, a job placement rate of 91%, a job placement
• rate of 91%. ...an impressive program completion rate of 87%, a job placement rate of 91%, and a licensure
• pass rate of 98%.
• And then couple that with a $2.88 tuition rate, which we've been the same for 18 years.

Summary: The Careers and Workforce Subcommittee heard a panel discussion focused on how Florida schools and colleges are exposing students to in-demand careers in manufacturing, semiconductors, transportation, and related fields, and how they are building pathways from middle school through postsecondary training. Panelists from Seminole County Public Schools, Lake Technical College/Lake County Schools, and St. Petersburg College described their career academies, dual enrollment options, industry certifications, and partnerships with employers, local governments, and state colleges. They emphasized early career awareness, counseling, and parent outreach as key to helping students understand technical education as a viable and prestigious path. Seminole County highlighted 51 career and professional education academies and new offerings in agricultural biotechnology, global finance, firefighting, and planned aerospace engineering. Lake County described Lake Technical College’s programs, strong completion and placement outcomes, and three partnerships: a flexible-day high school/workforce model at Lincoln Park Education Center, the Lake Works pathway collaboration with Lake Sumter State College, and a Transportation Innovation Hub with the City of Tavares that trains students on municipal vehicles and serves multiple local governments. St. Petersburg College discussed its manufacturing and engineering technology programs, including semiconductor processing, mechatronics, soldering, and clean-room training, along with new grant-funded expansion at its Midtown campus. Members asked about wages, the semiconductor workforce, how to change perceptions of technical education, how parents are engaged, and how Bright Futures CAPE and Gold Seal scholarships are communicated. Witnesses said school counselors, CTE teachers, parent nights, and district communications are used to promote these options, and that many students can earn strong wages through short-term certifications or two-year degrees. Lake Technical College also raised concerns about workforce funding not keeping pace with teacher pay increases and inflation, noting that funding covers only about 80% of what it earns and tuition has remained unchanged for 18 years. The meeting ended with members praising the programs, and the subcommittee adjourned without any vote or formal action beyond rising and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• and Minnesota utilities every available opportunity to get to that point of zero while keeping the rate
• mind<00:04:09.599> and<00:04:09.760> keeping<00:04:09.959> things the rate
• pair of mind and keeping things the rate pair of mind and keeping things affordable<00:04:10.720>
• We saw what... ...there and the $500 additional a year just for that in rates.
• just for the just for that in rates just for the nuclear<00:12:17.519> plant<00:12:18.519>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We keep emergency medical transport at reimbursement rates not to exceed the Medicaid allowable rates
• We currently have it at the Medicaid allowable rate.
• Our proposal in the amendment is that it may not exceed 110 percent of the Medicare allowable rate.
• We also keep the carve-outs, with room for community health care providers to negotiate rates above 110
• percent of the Medicare allowable rate if they enter into an agreement to: one, provide health care

Summary: The Criminal and Civil Justice Committee met with a quorum present and began with a notice that the committee would not present its budget that day, instead planning to roll it out the following week in coordination with House counterparts and Senate notice requirements. The chair also noted several members were excused or late, and the committee proceeded to the agenda items. The committee heard CS for SB 760 by Senator McLean, relating to violations of pretrial release conditions for violent crimes. There was no debate, and the Florida Sheriffs Association waived in support. The bill was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee also took up SB 1536 by Senator Pizzo on digital voyeurism, described as expanding the reasonable expectation of privacy to include a privately fenced yard; no questions, appearances, or debate were recorded, and the bill was closed on without further action noted in the transcript. Next, the committee considered SB 102 by Senator Yarbrough on inmate services. A leave-filed amendment was adopted that addressed correctional facility maintenance and repair deductions, Medicaid supplemental reimbursement participation, emergency medical transport reimbursement, and negotiated rates for certain community health care providers, including telehealth arrangements. The Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida spoke in information and indicated the amendment was a positive step, while the Florida Department of Corrections waived in support. The bill, as amended, was reported favorably by roll call vote. Two additional agenda items, CS for SB 1582 on statewide data sharing of secondhand dealer and pawnbroker transactions and SB 1792 on public records for pawnbroker transactions, were temporarily postponed, and the committee adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• The default rate against consumers in these cases is unusually high.
• The bills that once again seek to grow credit unions at an exponential rate here in the Commonwealth
• These changes are necessary to address unintended consequences because of rate volatility.
• The second provision would reduce the interest rate on judgments.
• Let's just talk about the interest rate for a second. $5,000 in debt, 12% interest, $600 a year.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Committee on Financial Services heard testimony on several bills focused on consumer debt, mortgage regulation, credit unions, and foreclosure prevention. The Attorney General’s Office strongly supported the Debt Collection Fairness Act (S. 735/H. 1275), saying it would curb abusive debt collection, prevent stale claims, limit civil arrest warrants, modernize wage garnishment rules, and reduce judgment interest rates. Senator Eldridge and legal aid advocates echoed that support, while the Massachusetts Bankers Association and the Massachusetts Mortgage Bankers Association supported bills on credit union mission/competition, consumer privacy in mortgage applications, subprime loan definitions, UCC updates, and protections for vulnerable adults, but opposed foreclosure mediation proposals and several credit union expansion measures, arguing they would distort competition and add unnecessary burdens. A large portion of the hearing focused on foreclosure prevention bills (S. 765/H. 1090), with testimony from homeowners, housing organizers, and legal advocates describing predatory lending, confusing servicing practices, health harms, and displacement caused by foreclosure. Supporters said a statewide pre-foreclosure mediation program would give borrowers and lenders a chance to reach alternatives such as loan modifications or repayment plans, and cited local experience in Lynn where mediation reportedly produced high rates of foreclosure alternatives. Opponents from the banking industry argued Massachusetts already has strong foreclosure protections and that a new mandatory process could delay resolution without added benefit, though they also noted a 2024 pilot should be evaluated first. The committee also heard strong support for H. 1282/S. 684, which would update the Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code. State Street and a bankruptcy attorney said the changes are needed to keep commercial law current with electronic transactions, tokenized assets, and blockchain technology, and to maintain competitiveness with other states. The hearing concluded after public testimony, with no bill votes taken during the session; the chair thanked speakers and the committee voted to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• But, you know, as a per capita rate, we were really, really good.
• We're at, uh, But, you know, as a per capita rate, we were really, really good.
• Well, and I realize you're using the prevalence rate, but I'm asking you a...
• rate from?
• Dementia rates. That was where we saw the problem and the pain.

Bills: HB1623

Keywords: HB 1623, North Dakota, rural health, rural health transformation program, medical facility infrastructure loan fund, medical facility infrastructure loan program, rural health loan program, Bank of North Dakota, Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, federal grant, health care infrastructure, rural hospitals, critical access hospitals, nonprofit health care providers, gap financing, loan fund, public health funding, healthcare financing, Medicaid

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1623, the appropriations bill tied to North Dakota’s Rural Health Transformation Program, which is funded through a new federal rural health care grant. Senator Bekkedahl explained the bill’s background, the interim committee process that developed it, and the federal conditions attached to the award, including spending deadlines, administrative cost limits, and restrictions on uses such as new construction, supplanting existing funding, and certain other costs. Legislative staff then walked through the seven sections of the bill, including appropriation authority, transfer authority, contingent appropriations for pass-through grants, procurement and public improvement exemptions, recipient reporting, legislative reporting, and immediate effective date. Commissioner Traynor and HHS staff described how the department plans to implement the program, emphasizing that the funding is intended to improve rural access, workforce recruitment and retention, technology and data connectivity, and community health initiatives. They said the department will rely on local applications, technical assistance, templates, listening sessions, and partnerships with providers, schools, public health units, tribal entities, and other community groups. Members asked about reimbursement timing, upfront costs, administrative expenses, sustainability after the five-year grant period, and whether CTE centers, public health units, gyms, grocery stores, and other community partners could participate; the department said yes, within program rules and with a focus on measurable outcomes and sustainability. Several supporters testified in favor. Mental Health America of North Dakota and the Mental Health Advocacy Network supported the bill and urged investment in community-based mental health, crisis response, children’s services, peer support, and mobile crisis teams. HIA Health described the grant as a chance to expand home-based and hospice care, noting that rural providers already have workable models but need funding to scale them. A cybersecurity representative also supported the bill, warning that the large amount of health data and AI-related tools will require strong data protection and professional support. The hearing was closed with no opposition testimony, and the committee announced it would return later in the day for further work on the bill and other measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's nowhere else to go that would increase our rates.
• Using that approach, they have a 90% completion rate. Thank you very much.
• Also, to see if the rates, which we've estimated at 50, 75, and then 100 over that 80.
• Their legislature can't rate it because I know it would have been rated by them, right?
• or California rate payers?

Transcript Highlights:

• hearings, and that's why part of the reason our costs are increasing, as well as just general postage rates
• Despite the recent rate increases and general fund transfer into this fund to supplement it, the fund
• Right now, we're paying them $445 per case based on a rate study from FY 21.
• The rate study that was just completed in June of 2025 says the rate should be $600 per month because
• We added new intergovernmental transfers to leverage part of that big rate increase through Medicaid

Transcript Highlights:

• Drivers continue to work without a voice, without transparency as to how rates are set or in some cases
• <00:02:07.119> are without transparency as to how rates are without transparency as to how
• rates are set<00:02:07.840> or<00:02:08.080> in<00:02:08.319> some<00:02:08.560
• , share companies can change the rates, share companies can change the rates, the<00:05:22.240>
• <00:15:18.639> and per minute and per mile rates and per minute and per mile rates and insurance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With the record growth of employment rates in Texas, the skilled labor shortage also continues to grow
• With an incredible 83% job placement rate, TSTC is the only higher education institution but 9774,000
• rate, TSTC is the only higher education institution that is 100% outcomes-based funded.
• I might also point out that we have the best three-year graduation rate in the two-year sector.
• Between the ages of 19 and 25, that uninsured rate is about 27 percent.

Summary: The committee heard and discussed several higher education and public school bills. Senator Burwell presented SB 1242 to remove an outdated Coordinating Board approval requirement for Texas State Technical College land and facility acquisitions, and SJR 59 to create a constitutionally dedicated endowment for TSTC capital needs; both drew strong support from industry and workforce groups and were left pending. SB 757, by Senator Middleton, would create a debt-to-earnings accountability system for public college programs, with supporters saying it would protect students from low-value degrees and opponents warning it could unfairly penalize programs with long-term value, especially graduate, medical, and public service fields; it was also left pending. SB 1241, by Senator Millington, would expand acceptable college entrance exams beyond the SAT and ACT, including the Classic Learning Test, and was left pending after testimony from CLT, homeschool, and student groups in support. SB 1085, by Senator Blanco, would let Sul Ross State University offer lower-division courses at its satellite campuses in the Middle Rio Grande region; it too was left pending. The committee then took up a series of public school and higher education measures, voting several out favorably. SB 605, as substituted, limits commissioner approval of charter school expansion amendments for schools under conservatorship or a management team and was reported favorably 9-0. SB 1871 and SB 1873, both by Senator Perry, were revised to narrow teacher immunity, clarify removal and suspension procedures, require periodic review of in-school suspension placements, and align discipline rules; both substitutes were adopted and reported favorably. SB 1872, SB 1874, SB 762, SB 1962, SB 1750, SB 2252, SB 2253, SB 2365, SB 1924, and SB 37 were also considered, with most reported favorably on party-line or near-unanimous votes. SB 1750 would replace a flat charter school facilities funding cap with an attendance-based formula; SB 2252 and SB 2253 address kindergarten readiness, early literacy/numeracy, and educator preparation; SB 2365 concerns student phone use during instructional time; SB 1924 restores local citation authority for certain school offenses and adds reporting, notice, and completion requirements; and SB 37 would expand state oversight of higher education curriculum, governance, faculty senates, and compliance with state law. Other measures heard included SB 769, which would require a Coordinating Board report on barriers faced by students with disabilities in higher education; supporters emphasized the need for better data and accessibility, while witnesses suggested broader reporting on race, disability types, and K-12-to-college transitions. SB 2231 would designate a Free College Application Week in October and was left pending. SB 1878 would modernize the Josie School statute and provide formula funding and aid eligibility for Polytechnic College. SB 1409 would authorize universities to offer self-funded student health benefit plans, with Rice University and Texas 2036 supporting the measure as a way to lower costs and expand coverage. SB 2431 would require universities to give foreign language credit for study abroad programs, SB 2314 would require schools to inform students about opting in or out of record sharing for direct admissions through My Texas Future, and SB 2138 would extend the state’s anti-ESG contracting restrictions to public higher education endowments and governing boards; these later bills were introduced and left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• completion of the time, I think we'll hold questions till the end and get everybody going at that rate
• And we try to maintain a clearance rate of 100% throughout the year if we can.
• That clearance rate ratio is one of our... ...being out of alignment.
• That clearance rate ratio is one of our ways to indicate an effectively operating court system.
• And do we know, because I think that rate was set well over 20 years ago?

Summary: The committee first heard an update from the Florida Department of Corrections on the proposed Lake Correctional Institution mental health project in Clermont. Tim Fitzgerald explained the project’s history, including the 2016 Disability Rights Florida litigation, the 2018 consent decree, and the original plan for a 550-bed inpatient mental health facility. He said inflation and design changes pushed the project above the bond amount, leading the department to shift to a “continuum of care” alternative with 572 beds total: 92 inpatient beds and 480 residential treatment beds in three special housing units. Fitzgerald said the project is currently paused pending House concurrence, while the Senate has already agreed to the alternate plan, and noted the bond balance, prior expenditures, and the need to spend down the tax-exempt bond by August 2026. Members questioned how the new plan differs from the original facility, whether it satisfies the consent decree, and what caused the cost increases. Fitzgerald said the department believes it has already met the consent decree through systemwide improvements to housing, staffing, programming, and out-of-cell time, though he said he would confirm the court documentation. He also said the original scope grew from 275,000 to 350,000 square feet as treatment, nursing, security, and programming needs were refined, and that inflation, fees, permitting, and contingencies contributed to the higher cost. Several members asked for follow-up information on Senate approval, consent decree documentation, and the project’s impact on crisis-stabilization capacity. The committee then received a joint court-system presentation from State Courts Administrator Eric McClure and Clerks Corporation Executive Director Jason Welty on caseload trends, case tracking, and staffing. McClure described statewide filing trends, the use of weighted caseload studies to certify judicial need, and recent Supreme Court rule changes aimed at active civil case management, including differentiated case tracks, stricter deadlines, and proportional discovery. He said the latest workload study led the Supreme Court to certify a need for 23 circuit judges and 25 county judges. Welty reviewed clerk workload trends, the statewide case maintenance and CCIS systems, and declining clerk FTE despite rising case volumes, and said clerks are seeking additional funding for injunctions, Baker Act/Marchman Act/sexually violent predator work, and juror management. In questions, members pressed both presenters on data quality, case-weight calculations, filing fees, and whether current resources are enough to reduce delays. McClure clarified that the workload weights are based on judge time studies and that a capital murder case averaged 3,177 minutes, while other examples such as auto negligence and dissolution cases were much lower. Welty said the Legislature could help by increasing funding or potentially revisiting filing fees, and noted that many clerk services are unfunded or underfunded, especially indigent and protective filings. The chair and members also raised concerns about backlog, inconsistent case reporting across circuits, and enforcement of judicial time standards; McClure said there is no direct sanction in the rules, and compliance is largely managed through chief judges and the Supreme Court. The meeting ended with no votes taken and adjournment by motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Maybe we can start at a higher rate.
• But when you're talking about just one rate, all of that money goes to that one single rate.
• But when you're talking about just one rate, all of that money goes to that one single rate.
• rate of pay goes up three and a half%. rate of pay goes up three and a half%.
• twos getting the same SR rating? twos getting the same SR rating?

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Collectively, Easton has had to increase our water rates paid by our residents and businesses by more
• And so we were fortunate, in a sense, where our existing water rates were quite affordable.
• But there are a lot of communities where that is not the case. ...water rates were quite affordable.
• So you funded that all through your water rate? Thank you, Representative Kerans. Most of it.
• The U.S. has the highest meat consumption rate per capita in the world and the highest obesity rate in

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a lengthy hearing to take testimony on a wide range of bills related to environmental health, PFAS, medical device chemicals, food access, lead poisoning, air quality, oral health, and school food additives. Chair Driscoll and Chair Decker emphasized that the hearing was for testimony only, no decisions would be made that day, and that written testimony could still be submitted. They also noted the high volume of speakers and asked witnesses to keep remarks brief. A major portion of the hearing focused on PFAS-related legislation, including bills to restrict PFAS in products and food packaging and to create a PFAS remediation trust fund. Municipal officials and advocates described the high costs of PFAS cleanup, especially for drinking water systems, citing Easton’s multimillion-dollar treatment investments and rate increases. Testimony from legislators and advocates argued that Massachusetts should act despite federal uncertainty, and that the state should stop PFAS at the source rather than leaving municipalities and residents to pay for remediation. The committee also heard strong support for a bill banning DEHP in medical devices, with physicians, nurses, and a bill sponsor saying the chemical can leach from IV bags and tubing and that safer alternatives already exist. The committee also heard testimony on bills to establish statewide food truck permitting, with food truck owners and a senator describing the current system as costly, duplicative, and inconsistent across municipalities. Another set of witnesses supported the “Bean New Deal,” which would expand plant-based food options in public institutions, senior nutrition programs, and WIC, citing health, equity, and cost savings. On lead poisoning, housing advocates and a representative backed bills to expand lead-safe housing requirements to all rental units, arguing the current law contributes to discrimination against families with children and leaves too much pre-1978 housing uncertified. The committee also heard support for an outdoor air pollution bill that would create an advisory committee, identify pollution hotspots, expand monitoring, and set reduction targets, with testimony from environmental justice groups, pediatricians, and legislators describing disproportionate asthma and other health harms in overburdened communities. Later testimony addressed oral health bills to create dental therapists and allow dental hygienists to administer nitrous oxide, with supporters saying the measures would expand access, reduce costs, and help underserved patients. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to prohibit harmful food dyes in competitive school foods, with parents describing behavioral and health concerns tied to synthetic dyes. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, if we're going to require the rate payer, and I believe cost recovery is necessary, the rate
• We also have a certified rate of return analyst. These are specific utility industry functions.
• When this team put together our budget goals, we wanted to maintain a low vacancy rate.
• When this team put together our budget goals, we wanted to maintain a low vacancy rate.
• With the pay rates kind of low, we need to increase those pay rates to be more attractive for people

Keywords: 996, all