Video & Transcript Research : 'development fees'
Page 144 of 500
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Commerce and Tourism Jan 28th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Addressing placement fees is about fairness and responsibility.
- These fees are not necessarily coming directly out of workers' pockets at first.
- Addressing placement fees is about fairness and responsibility.
- These fees are not necessarily coming directly out of workers' pockets at first.
- Fee recovery promotes compliance, accountability, and fairness across the industry.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Commerce and Tourism considered several bills. SB 1338, by Senator Burton, would strengthen protections for charitable endowment gifts by creating a legal pathway to enforce written donor agreements and by requiring legislative approval for certain charity reporting requirements. The sponsor and Philanthropy Roundtable supported the measure as a way to honor donor intent while protecting nonprofits, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 1080, by Senator DeSigley, would require FDOT to adopt rules allowing direct payments to first-tier subcontractors in certain circumstances; transportation industry testimony supported it as a rare but needed statutory remedy, and it also passed favorably.
The committee also adopted a strike-all amendment to SB 1582, by Senator Yarbrough, which would require secondhand dealers, secondary metal recyclers, and pawnbrokers to submit transaction data to FDLE for statewide sharing through systems such as LInX. The sponsor said the bill was developed with law enforcement to improve theft and fraud investigations, while a recycler representative spoke against it. The amended bill was reported favorably. SB 1672, by Senator McLean, creating a home buyer workforce tax credit for employer contributions to help employees make a first-time Florida home purchase, drew support from the Florida Chamber of Commerce and was also reported favorably.
A large portion of the meeting focused on SB 1112, by Senator Garcia, which would amend the Florida Labor Pool Act by prohibiting placement fees when a temporary worker is hired permanently by a client employer and by requiring annual registration of labor pools with the Department of Commerce. The sponsor and many speakers from Beyond the Bars, labor advocacy, and reentry communities argued the bill would improve worker protections, transparency, and pathways to stable employment, especially for formerly incarcerated workers. A few cards were filed against, but the bill received broad supportive testimony and was reported favorably. SB 1324 was temporarily postponed, and the committee adjourned after recording members who wished to be noted as voting in the affirmative on the day’s bills.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Addressing placement fees is about fairness and responsibility. These fees are not...
- Addressing placement fees is about fairness and responsibility.
- These fees are not necessarily coming directly out of workers' pockets at first.
- Workers who prevail in legitimate labor claims must be able to recover attorney's fees.
- Fee recovery promotes compliance, accountability, and fairness across the industry.
Keywords:
traffic safety, school zones, speed detection systems, license plate recognition, yellow signal timing, data privacy, municipal powers, labor pool, employment, temporary work, placement fee, Department of Commerce, limited liability companies, corporations, principal office, registered agent, Florida Statutes, charitable giving, endowment agreements, donor restrictions
Summary:
The Committee on Commerce and Tourism considered several bills. SB 1338 by Senator Burton would strengthen enforcement of written endowment agreements for charitable gifts and require legislative approval for new filing or reporting requirements on charities. The sponsor and Philanthropy Roundtable testified in support, emphasizing donor intent and protections for nonprofits; the bill was reported favorably. SB 1324, which was expected to address principal offices of LLCs, was temporarily postponed.
The committee also passed CS/SB 1080 by Senator DeSigley, which directs FDOT to adopt rules allowing direct payments to first-tier subcontractors in specified circumstances. A transportation industry representative supported the measure, saying the situations are rare but need a statutory remedy. CS/SB 1582 by Senator Yarbrough, as amended, requires secondhand dealers, secondary metal recyclers, and pawnbrokers to submit transaction data to FDLE for statewide sharing through systems such as LInX; the amendment and bill were both reported favorably, with one witness from the Florida Recycler’s Association opposing the amendment.
Senator McLean’s SB 1672, creating a home buyer workforce tax credit for employer contributions to help employees with first-time Florida home purchases, was reported favorably with support from the Florida Chamber of Commerce. SB 1112 by Senator Garcia, relating to the Florida Labor Pool Act, drew extensive testimony from workers, reentry advocates, and supporters who argued it would prohibit placement fees when workers are hired permanently, require annual registration of labor pools, improve accountability, and support stable employment and reentry; the bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned after recording votes and other closing business.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 04/15/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , transportation fees, expert witness fees, all of which are to charge our constituents more, we're actually
- >> AND THROUGH YOU, MADAM PRESIDENT, WHAT ABOUT THE ATTORNEYS FEES?
- And then the bank imposes all of these fees.
- And you can develop cogeneration projects.
- AND YOU CAN DEVELOP COGEN PROJECTS.
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then took up a series of utility and public service bills and resolutions. A resolution sponsored by Senator Scarcella-Spanton designating April 9, 2026, as Yellow Ribbon Day was adopted after remarks honoring veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. The chamber then moved through several Public Service Law measures focused on utility affordability, consumer protections, and PSC procedures, with some bills laid aside and others advanced.
Among the bills passed were measures by Senators Mayer, Cleare, Hinchey, Comrie, and Parker. Debate on the Mayer bill centered on limiting utility expenses and fees recoverable in rate cases; supporters said it was part of a broader package to reform PSC practices, while opponents argued it would not lower current bills and had been softened from earlier versions. The Webb bill creating a residential utility usage monitoring program drew extended debate over whether it would meaningfully reduce costs, who would pay for the program, and whether it could lead to government monitoring of household usage; supporters said it would give consumers more control and transparency, while critics said it would not lower rates. The Gonzalez bill, which would add consumer protections during PSC investigations and delay shutoffs in certain circumstances, also passed after questions about whether it applied to rate cases, with the sponsor saying rate cases were explicitly excluded.
Several members explained their votes, with supporters emphasizing affordability, transparency, and consumer protection, and opponents arguing the package would not address immediate rate relief and could burden ratepayers or encourage nonpayment. Senator Tedisco and others criticized PSC appointments and state energy policy, while Democratic sponsors argued the bills were part of a longer-term effort to reform utility regulation and address climate and affordability concerns. The chamber restored multiple bills to the non-controversial calendar before final votes, and the recorded results showed passage of the major utility bills by substantial margins, along with one amendment appeal being ruled nongermane and rejected.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I commend DHS, the staff at DHS, and AMC for engaging in this collaborative work to develop CARMA.
- Again, with a $0 dispensing fee for his service. The math just does not work.
- So you got in the fee-for-service model over here, you can take rebates in the 340B claims.
- The offset to that would be the dispensing fees would increase to the fee-for-service dispensing fee.
- So the fee-for-service program will still continue to pay at the lower ceiling price estimate.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Continuing Care Retirement Communities Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- “And CCRC is also charged an entrance fee. This is very key to the definition of a CCRC.
- And that entrance fee is separate and distinct from any other fees.
- times such periodic fees, shall be considered as constituting an entrance fee.”
- “Such periodic fees shall be considered as constituting an entrance fee.
- of entrance fees within CCRCs as well.
Summary:
The meeting was the introductory session of the new Commission on Aging and Independence focused on continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). Co-chairs Senator Pat Jehlen and committee staff introduced the commission’s purpose, and members and stakeholders from AARP Massachusetts, the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, LeadingAge Massachusetts, SEIU Local 1199, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the Attorney General’s office briefly introduced themselves and described their interests. Several participants emphasized the value of CCRCs for aging in place, while also noting concerns about affordability, accessibility, resident rights, dementia supports, and the need for clearer complaint and oversight processes.
The commission reviewed the basic definition of a CCRC, including the requirement for housing plus health-related services, a life contract, and an entrance fee, and discussed how Massachusetts law defines entrance fees and their return. Staff explained that the commission was created by Chapter 197 of the Acts of 2024 and is charged with studying CCRC contracts, consumer impacts, financial viability, entrance fees, oversight and enforcement, advertising practices, and procedures for closure or change of ownership. The commission also outlined its deadline to submit recommendations by August 1, 2025.
Because quorum issues and technical problems limited the session, no substantive votes were taken. Instead, the meeting focused on logistics: members will receive a survey to suggest priorities, site visits, and outside presenters; the group plans monthly meetings with two in June; and a public hearing may be held earlier in the process so feedback can shape the agenda. Staff also noted that ethics training for members was still being arranged.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WAM-CPN, WAM DEFER, WAM DEFER, WAM, WAM, WAM, WAM-JDC Public Hearings 02-26-2025
Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:16:55.040>
of Grant agreement and the development of Grant agreement and the development - are trying to develop a that they are trying to develop a financial<00:47:19.480>
plan <00:47:20.119 - the version of this the development the version of this the development agreement<00:50:45.319><
- also looking at 201h or development also looking at 201h or development agreements<01:07:35.279>
- Or is that a question for the developer?
Summary:
The committees considered a large number of Senate bills, with many measures advanced either unamended or with technical or substantive amendments. Early action included SB 88 and SB 11 SD1, both passed unamended, and SB 562 SD1 and SB 642 SD1, which were passed with amendments reflecting agency testimony. SB 1133 SD1 was amended to remove duplicative county requirements and clarify tax credit carry-forward eligibility, while SB 1569 SD1 on sports wagering was deferred. Later, SB 933 on nonprofit/federal funding support drew strong testimony from nonprofit and health advocates emphasizing the risk of federal funding freezes and the importance of protecting services such as early learning, domestic violence support, housing, and workforce supports; the committee recommended amendments to define eligible organizations, require reporting, and include the Judiciary. SB 934 and SB 935 were also amended, with SB 934 tying mass transit funding to Honolulu project milestones and SB 935 revising retirement-system language to change “fewer than five years” to “five or more years.”
The committees then took up additional measures with targeted amendments. SB 1033 was amended to clarify that the bill applies to legal entities, not individuals, though members noted concerns about closely held family corporations and asked that the issue be reflected in the committee report. SB 1166, SB 1249, and SB 1256 were advanced with amendments or committee-report notes reflecting concerns from the Attorney General, Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, and Hawaii Farmers Union United, respectively. SB 1432 and SB 137, both relating to electric utilities, were amended to require retention of covered employees after mergers or acquisitions and to direct the PUC to consider whether proposed transactions further state policy goals. SB 157 on antitrust was narrowed to focus on coordinator conduct in rental housing markets, SB 252 on invasive species received a defective effective date, and SB 336 on defense of state employers and employees passed unamended. SB 536 on the Hawaii Community Development Authority was deferred to a later hearing, and SB 1064 on medical cannabis was heavily amended to authorize cultivator licenses with limits on canopy size, license counts, physician fees, and a special-fund appropriation for enforcement.
In the Ways and Means portion, the committee passed several bills unamended, including SB 19, SB 124, SB 264, SB 345, SB 422, and SB 741 and SB 747 later in the agenda. SB 361 was amended to remove references to the attorney general and delete an appropriation section, SB 438 was amended to redefine buffer zones and landfill-unit language, and SB 441 and SB 494 were amended to blank appropriations and, in SB 494, assign charter-school audit responsibility to the state auditor. SB 659 was substantially amended to promote local procurement, including county-level geographic preferences and higher thresholds for locally sourced purchases, and SB 732 was amended to adjust film tax credit provisions, including the streaming-platform definition and sunset-related language. SB 819 was amended to replace references to “educators” with “teachers.” Throughout, most measures were adopted without recorded opposition, though several members noted reservations on particular bills.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Natural Resources & Energy Committee Meeting Jun 17th, 2026
Natural Resources & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- The other is from the community solar facility to collect your subscription fee to the facility.
- Under SB 321, the subscriber fee will be shown Under SB 321, the subscriber fee will be shown on the
- They'll forward the subscriber fee, then they will pay it to the community solar facility.
- We're proud to actually have developed the first community Projects right here in Delaware.
- We're proud to actually have developed the first community energy facilities project that came online
Bills:
SB9
Keywords:
wetlands protection, nontidal wetlands, Delaware, environmental sustainability, climate change, carbon sink, permitting process
Summary:
The House Natural Resources and Energy Committee met and first considered SB 321 with Senate Amendment 1, the community solar utility billing bill. The sponsor explained that it would consolidate the two-bill system for community solar subscribers into one utility bill, with the utility forwarding the subscriber fee to the solar facility through an escrow mechanism so costs are not shifted to other ratepayers. Testimony from the solar industry, the Public Advocate, and environmental advocates supported the measure, emphasizing easier enrollment, fewer barriers for low-income customers, and guaranteed savings. The committee initially lacked enough members present to release the bill, but after a roll call vote it was released from committee.
The committee then heard SB 9 with Senate Amendment 1, a wetlands protection bill creating a state non-tidal freshwater wetlands permitting program. The sponsor and DNREC described a framework of exemptions, general permits, and individual permits based on wetland type and value, with an advisory committee to develop regulations. Witnesses explained that “exceptional value” wetlands would include unique wetland communities and high-functioning wetlands, and that the bill was intended to preserve important habitat while allowing farming, drainage, and other exempt activities to continue. Some members raised concerns about flooding, land classification, and the balance of the advisory committee, while supporters said the bill was the product of broad stakeholder consensus and would protect wetlands without unduly harming agriculture or development.
Public comment on SB 9 was strongly supportive from environmental groups, the Delaware Native Species Commission, the Home Builders Association, the Farm Bureau, The Nature Conservancy, and affordable housing advocates, who said the bill balanced conservation with practical land use concerns. After remote testimony, the committee took a roll call vote and SB 9 was released from committee. The meeting concluded with remarks thanking the chair for her service and instructions for members to sign the backers before adjournment.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- , Fort Novael and advanced developments, Fort Novael and advanced developments, Fort Novael soldiers
- , battle drills, and mission development, battle drills, and mission development, battle drills, and
- Okay, part of their administrative fee. Okay, part of their administrative fee.
- That that has administrative fee, right? That that has administrative fee, right?
- The fee is collected by the state 911 The fee is collected by the state 911 The fee is collected by the
Keywords:
regulatory reform, government efficiency, administrative law, rulemaking, agency deference, judicial review, de novo review, Texas Government Code, Administrative Procedure Act, state agencies, plain language, regulatory burden, regulatory reduction, cost-benefit analysis, fiscal note, public benefits and costs, contested case, rule challenge, Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office, advisory panel
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- in those fees that are available.
- We also get a little fee from lawyers in terms of their licensing, and then there is a fee on surety
- They investigate and develop...
- They investigate and develop...
- They investigate and develop...
Bills:
SB 1
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Senate in Session Mar 12th, 2026 at 03:29 pm
West Virginia Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Committee on Economic Development moved to amend the bill by striking out everything after the enacting
- Project Fund will be put into the Airport Hangar Development Fund, which is a subfund, and therefore
- Development Project Fund will be put into the airport hangar development fund, which is a sub-fund, and
- The committee also removed language that set maximum fees and commissions.
- The committee also removed language that set maximum fees and commissions.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Assembly Business and Professions and Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Mar 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- But they do develop these standardized procedures.
- take when increasing fees in regulations?
- So having a fee increase at this time is tricky.
- a fee increase as a part of this sunset review.
- a fee increase as a part of this sunset review.
Summary:
The joint Assembly and Senate Business and Professions sunset oversight hearing focused first on the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), with committee chairs emphasizing oversight, consumer protection, workforce access, and economic mobility. BRN leaders reported improvements since the last review, including faster licensing timelines, streamlined enforcement, higher consumer satisfaction, growth in pre-licensure enrollment, and expanded data collection. Members questioned the board about nurse practitioner scope and supervision, international and military pathways to licensure, online nursing education and clinical requirements, rural workforce shortages, and the 30-unit LVN-to-RN option. BRN staff explained California’s tiered advanced practice system, the NCLEX and certification requirements, English proficiency rules, clinical hour standards, and the board’s role in approving programs and supporting schools through nursing education consultants. Several members and the board president also discussed the need to retain new graduates, improve diversity in the workforce, and better support nontraditional students and rural placements.
Public comment on the BRN sunset review was extensive and largely supportive of the board, while also urging policy changes. Nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, and nursing education groups generally supported the BRN report and especially backed clarification of APRN-to-RN delegation authority under issue 13. Other commenters asked for clearer implementation of AB 890, more flexibility for clinical nurse specialists, streamlined renewals for nurse midwives, and changes to federal loan limits affecting graduate nursing education. Higher education representatives and private nursing schools raised concerns about duplicative BRN documentation, clinical placement bottlenecks, and barriers faced by out-of-state and online programs seeking to serve California students. The California Medical Association and some physician groups opposed easing transition-to-practice requirements for out-of-state nurse practitioners and cautioned against changes to specialty and delegation rules, while the California Nurses Association and others stressed the importance of community college pathways, new graduate support, and workforce retention.
The hearing then moved to the Physical Therapy Board of California. Board leadership reported that the board oversees more than 41,000 active licensees, has seen about 15% growth since 2021, and continues to maintain high exam pass rates among California physical therapy and physical therapist assistant programs. The board described its mission as consumer protection through licensing, enforcement, continuing competency oversight, and stakeholder engagement. The vice president’s remote testimony encountered technical problems, so the executive officer continued with a brief overview of the board’s work and its commitment to efficient service and public protection. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 5, 2025 - 10:15 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- is to file the application with the appropriate agency, including all necessary documentation and fees
- We worked very closely with the FDOT as they developed their one-stop permitting, and really FDOT is
- We worked very closely with the FDOT as they developed their one-stop permitting, and really FDOT is
- So typically when a road project of any kind, city, county, state, is developed, there's typically a
- Municipalities have the ability to develop their own process.
Summary:
The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee met with a quorum present and first heard HB 11 from Representative Robinson. The bill would address an unintended consequence in Florida’s municipal utility surcharge law by requiring the same water/utility rate for residents when a utility facility is physically located within one municipality but owned by another, rather than allowing the owning municipality to impose a 25% surcharge. The sponsor and several members described it as a fairness issue affecting residents who do not receive local tax support for the facility but still bear the surcharge. Public testimony included support from AARP and Miami-Dade County and opposition from North Miami Beach. The bill was reported favorably on an 18-0 vote.
The committee then held a panel discussion on utility use of public rights-of-way and utility relocation. Panelists from FDOT, county government, gas, water, electric, and communications sectors described the permitting process, noting that FDOT uses a detailed utility accommodation manual and that local governments may use permits, franchise agreements, or ordinances depending on the utility type. They emphasized that utilities often must coordinate early with agencies using long-range work programs and project plans, and that the process differs by utility and jurisdiction. Communications witnesses discussed Chapter 337 and the 60-day local permitting shot clock, while others noted the role of Sunshine State One Call in locating facilities before excavation.
A major focus was who pays for relocations when road or infrastructure projects require utilities to move. FDOT and several panelists said utilities generally bear the cost when they are in public right-of-way, with exceptions such as certain interstate/interchange projects and easement impacts. Utility representatives said relocations are often effectively new builds, can be costly, and are ultimately reflected in rates or customer costs. Members also asked about easements versus right-of-way, damage and disputes during construction, broadband workforce needs, and whether legislation could improve coordination. Panelists largely said the existing process works best when agencies, contractors, and utilities communicate early and continuously, and that more legislation may not be necessary compared with better planning, staffing, and use of technology.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Air Mobility & Aviation Economic Development Task Force (9-16-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- For decades, and workforce development.
- new investment and economic development new investment and economic development opportunities<00
- <00:20:47.520>
to workforce development that's critical to workforce development that's critical - <00:35:59.200>
their Mazeville who are developing their Mazeville who are developing their - So that will workforce development.
Summary:
The task force meeting began with approval of the July 14 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Kentucky Aviation Association. Association leaders described general aviation airports as important to rural access, commerce, emergency response, tourism, agriculture, and workforce development, and cited statewide economic impacts they said exceed $1.6 billion and support more than 9,400 jobs. They thanked the legislature for prior airport funding and said it had helped airports with basic operations and repairs.
The association asked lawmakers for four things: continued appropriations for general aviation airports; relief or a more workable process for required financial audits, which they said can cost $10,000 to $20,000 or more and sometimes exceed a small airport’s annual budget; a regularized statewide appropriations process for airport infrastructure needs, which they said total about $100 million and are currently addressed unevenly; and funding for the Aerospace Education Reinvestment Opportunity Act to support scholarships and aviation workforce training. Members of the task force asked follow-up questions about the audit burden, the difference between financial and safety audits, and the difficulty of finding audit firms. The presenters said they would bring specific ideas back on audit reform.
Eastern Kentucky University then presented on its aviation program. EKU leaders thanked the committee for prior support, including a $25 million appropriation for a new flight school building at Central Kentucky Regional Airport, and said the project is expected to break ground in 2026. They reported strong enrollment growth, with 502 aviation majors, most of them Kentuckians, and said the program has expanded flight hours and job placement. EKU also outlined plans to add an air traffic control program in response to Senate Bill 87 and the national shortage of controllers, saying it could train students to FAA standards if the university receives the needed investment in simulators, equipment, space, and faculty. They also discussed the need to replace an aging fleet of training aircraft, saying the current planes are decades old and costly to maintain, and that newer aircraft would improve training quality and reduce student costs.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (01/20/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- It also eliminates fees.
- Thank you. eliminates fees. Senate Bill 443 removes eliminates fees.
- c> the<00:37:38.640>
industrial fees associated with the industrial fees associated with the - adopted in House Bill 2 eliminated fees adopted in House Bill 2 eliminated fees for<00:37:50.400
- House Bill two eliminated the fee. House Bill two eliminated the fee.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII Feb 27th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII
Transcript Highlights:
- period where registration fees would begin collapsing. in fiscal year 2027.
- Texas Water Development Board, Brian. Yes, sir.
- Item number 11, voter education fees.
- When we would go purchase land, when we would use those funds for development.
- Water Development Board, we have one more underwater development work. water development board sorry
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Business and Professions Committee Jul 8th, 2025
Business and Professions
Transcript Highlights:
- Ochoa-Bogue, and the 8- And SB 861 by the Senate Committee on Business Professions and Economic Development
- So one hundred percent of the fees would go to the Bureau's operations and 50% would go to the actual
- And even though individuals who've been buried, they've paid endowment fees, sometimes endowment fees
- They've become part of the city's vital economic development.
- And so a national compact, led in part by California, was developed called this.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Veterans and Military Affairs Division 3/12/25
Veterans and Military Affairs Division
Transcript Highlights:
- of this bill last session development of this bill last session especially<00:04:44.120>
from - um wave the vehicle registration fees um wave the vehicle registration fees for<00:26:02.480>
- Dave Swan, who will talk about what we use the burial fees for. Thank you for your testimony.
- Cemetery Maintenance and Development account.
- <00:35:25.599>
and the importance of of these uh fees and the importance of of these uh fees
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee (5-12-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- fee, it's 1490. >> Thank you.
- , and establishes fee deadlines.
- <00:49:44.520>
and <00:49:44.720>bulk an application fee and bulk an application fee - ,<00:50:08.040>
and <00:50:08.200>establishes <00:50:08.960>fee proposed fees - , and establishes fee proposed fees, and establishes fee deadlines.<00:50:10.440>
Revises <00:50
Summary:
The subcommittee considered an emergency regulation from the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners, 201 KAR 5021E, along with a staff amendment to conform the text to KRS Chapter 13A. The regulation was described as implementing an Attorney General opinion and a review of optometrists licensed during the 2020–2023 period when alternative testing and waivers were used during the COVID-19 era. The board explained that the rule requires affected licensees to complete specified examinations or an alternative certification before renewing in 2027, and that it now removes the OEBC Canadian exam as a future pathway while preserving recognition of OEBC results submitted during the period when that option was in effect. The staff amendment was approved without objection.
Testimony was sharply divided. Board representatives and the Attorney General’s office said the regulation is needed to protect public health and to bring the licensure review into the formal administrative process. They said the NBEO Part 3 exam is the nationally recognized hands-on clinical licensure test, while the American Board of Optometry certification is a post-licensure credential for already licensed practitioners and is not a substitute for initial licensure testing. They also said no other state uses the ABOC certification for licensure, and that the board’s approach balances fairness, due process, and public protection.
Opponents argued the regulation would allow individuals who were improperly licensed to continue practicing without meeting the same standards as other Kentucky optometrists. A representative from the Kentucky School for the Blind Charitable Foundation described cases of alleged inadequate care and urged the committee to require full national board passage before independent practice. Representatives from ARBO and NBEO said the emergency regulation is not justified as an emergency, does not adequately address public safety or fiscal impacts, and exceeds the board’s authority by creating a renewal path for licensees whose initial licensure was challenged. They emphasized that NBEO Part 3 is a practical, hands-on exam and that the ABOC certification is not designed or validated for initial licensure. The committee asked several questions about the differences between the exams, and no final vote on the regulation itself was described in the transcript beyond approval of the staff amendment.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 27th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill authorizes CARB to assess annual fees.
- Their request for a broad fee authority through the budget with no public rulemaking, fee schedules,
- Big change in our neighborhoods and community development.
- It fails to achieve administrative savings before enacting a fee increase.
- The trailer bill raises $39 million in fee increases by statute.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The biggest one that's part of funding for is our participation fees.
- really comes from the participation fees really comes from the participation fees uh<00:09:33.200
- Statewide some programs have developed Statewide some programs have developed online<00:37:23.920
- <00:44:56.040>
it education it is economic development it education it is economic development - we have strong professional development we have strong professional development and<01:08:26.839