Video & Transcript Research : 'Second Amendment'
Page 149 of 500
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 20, 2025 - 02:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- This amendment corrects this error, and that is the amendment.
- This amendment corrects this error, and that is the amendment.
- Do you want to talk on the amendment or on the bill? On the amendment? Okay.
- Seeing no debate on the amendment, Representative Risergerka has closed on the amendment.
- So the amendment adopted. We're back on the bill as amended in public testimony.
Summary:
The subcommittee met with a quorum present and took up five health-related bills. HB 1089, which would add Duchenne muscular dystrophy to Florida’s newborn screening panel, was presented as a way to enable earlier diagnosis and treatment; a pediatric neurologist from Nemours testified in support, noting existing FDA-approved therapies and ongoing clinical trials. After supportive debate, the bill passed 17-0 and was reported favorably.
HB 1083 would standardize patient access to medical records by setting deadlines for providers to produce or allow inspection of records and requiring electronic delivery when available. Supporters said it would reduce delays in care and costs, while two industry groups appeared in opposition. Members from both parties spoke in favor, and the bill passed 17-0 and was reported favorably. HB 1297, which aligns Florida’s electronic prescribing rules more closely with federal law and removes some state exceptions, drew opposition from physicians who argued paper prescriptions are still needed for emergencies, shortages, and price shopping. The sponsor said the bill’s goals were patient safety, fraud prevention, and efficiency; despite concerns, it passed 18-0 and was reported favorably.
The committee then considered PCS for HB 1421, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which would create a statewide blood clot and pulmonary embolism registry, require hospital reporting and risk-assessment policies, and expand training requirements in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. The bill was presented with emotional testimony from Emily Adkins’ parents, who urged support and co-sponsorship in her memory. Members from both parties praised the family’s advocacy, and the PCS passed 18-0 and was reported favorably.
Finally, HB 449 on optometry would expand optometrists’ authority to prescribe certain medications and perform specified laser and non-laser eye procedures after certification. The bill and amendment drew strong opposition from ophthalmologists and their association, who raised patient-safety, training, and delegation concerns, while optometrists argued the bill would improve access, especially in rural areas and counties without ophthalmologists. The amendment was adopted, and the bill as amended passed on a recorded vote and was reported favorably.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 092 Apr 15th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, colleagues, Amendment number four is the second half to the amendment that we ran on House Bill 1405
- ><05:56:38.520>
the <05:56:38.600>second <05:56:38.960>half Amendment number four - is the second half Amendment number four is the second half to<05:56:39.800>
the <05:56:40.240 - So, let's eliminate that second salary. I ask for an I vote on amendment 23. Thank you.
- So, let's eliminate that second salary. I ask for an I vote on amendment 23. Thank you.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Show the amendment is not adopted. Please read the next amendment.
- Late-file amendment barcode 229914. Next amendment.
- Show the amendment fails. Please read the next amendment.
- and insert amendment.
- My second question is, are we doing anything to change the $500,000 cap on portability in the amendment
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Local Government (2-18-25) - Reupload
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:02:03.920>
second <00:02:04.280>by we have a second second by we have a second - <00:03:09.319>
class those cities that were old second class those cities that were old second - <00:06:18.919>
should expression the bill as amended should expression the bill as amended - Bray seconded by representative Balman Bray seconded by representative Balman having<00:08:32.080>
- expression that the bill as amended expression that the bill as amended should<00:10:03.760>
Keywords:
Reuploaded to restore the end of the meeting
Meeting Start 00:01
Roll Call 00:05
HB 131 discussion 01:55
HB 131 vote 05:08
HB 256 discussion 07:09
HB 256 vote 08:58
HB 290 discussion 10:59
HB 290 vote 13:25
HB 368 discussion 15:11
HB 368 vote 31:30
Adjournment 36:27, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and considered four bills. House Bill 131, sponsored by Representative Meredith, was amended with a committee substitute and would allow former second class city fire departments more scheduling flexibility, including hybrid shift patterns, while preserving existing collective bargaining agreements. There was no opposition or questions, and the committee adopted the substitute and passed the bill favorably by voice/roll call vote.
House Bill 256, sponsored by Chairman Flannery, would impose a 40-year statutory limit on root-of-title interests to clear dormant title issues and improve marketable title, while excluding coal and mineral interests. A committee substitute was adopted, and the bill passed favorably on a unanimous roll call. House Bill 290, sponsored by Representative Wilson, would update county law library funding/use rules to allow more modern expenditures such as online legal services; Representative Willner supported it as a useful modernization, and the bill also passed favorably on a unanimous roll call.
House Bill 368, sponsored by Representative Decker, would expand local governments’ ability to use online public notice alternatives instead of relying solely on newspaper publication in smaller counties. Supporters from local government groups argued the change would save money, improve efficiency, and still keep the public informed, while the Kentucky Press Association cautioned that website standards should be addressed and noted concerns about losing newspaper notice revenue. After discussion, the committee passed the bill favorably by roll call vote. At the end of the meeting, members recorded additional yes votes for HB 131, HB 256, and HB 290, and the committee adjourned.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- The second amendment in your name, dated March 18th, 2026 at 11:15 a.m., establishes a 29-person fuel
- Underneath that, then the second amendment, which seems very, very long, but it’s just because it lists
- Underneath that, then the second, the amendment, which seems very, very long, but it's just because it
- Amendment.
- Second Amendment.
Bills:
HB2014, HB2055, HB2145, HB2150, HB2696, HB2755, HB2763, HB2781, HB2782, HB2787, HB2795, HB2889, HB2975, HB2985, HB2986, HCM2009, HCR2020, HCR2038
Keywords:
air emissions, fuel blends, environmental quality, feasibility study, Arizona Department of Agriculture, brackish groundwater, water supply development, desalination, Arizona Revised Statutes, water infrastructure, financial assistance, environmental reviews, fuel reformulation, gasoline standards, environmental regulations, ethanol supply, Air Quality, state land department, mineral lease, renewals
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
State Committee Meeting - 2025-03-27
State Government Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Opportunity also to offer amendments.
- Your amendment for the state government piece is an amendment.
- And as you know, as a chair, we don't offer amendments to amendments in committee, so to have it come
- to amendments.
- Hearing none, the motion prevails, and the A3 is adopted to your bill as amended. As amended.
Keywords:
state government finance, biennial budget, appropriations, Minnesota Management and Budget, Healthy Aging Subcabinet, Office of Healthy Aging, older adults, aging policy, long-term care, caregivers, public health, Medicaid fraud, medical assistance fraud, attorney general subpoena power, fraud enforcement, business filing fraud, Secretary of State, deceptive mailings, consumer protection, certified public accountant
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- The second was that Senator Goodwin? Was that Senator Goodwin you seconded?
- The second was that Senator Goodwin? Was that Senator Goodwin you seconded?
- We have a second. Oh, I'm sorry, Enddra Wingard was a new pass. Do we have a second?
- Any questions on the amendment? A do pass on the amendment. We'll do a voice vote on it.
- The amended version is now on the committee substitute with an amendment.
Keywords:
cold case, unsolved homicide, violent crime, case file review, law enforcement, police records, victim family, immediate family member, designated person, forensic testing, witness reinterview, investigative leads, cold case unit, unsolved murder, public safety, Title 21, Oklahoma statutes, sexual assault, evidence kits, DNA testing
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Education Policy Committee Apr 30th, 2025
Education Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- We have an amendment. Mr.
- I move to adopt the amendment. ...I move to adopt the amendment. Second by Senator Butler.
- page of the amendment.
- In favor of the amendment, second by Senator Hatcher. Okay, now we're back on the bill as amended.
- Senator Price seconds. ...for a favorable report. Senator Price seconds. Okay.
Keywords:
computer science, K-12 education, public schools, graduation requirement, digital literacy, coding, programming, STEM, artificial intelligence, AI, computational thinking, technology education, computer literacy, high school credit, middle school, elementary school, teacher training, professional development, distance learning, virtual school
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I second. I second.
- amendment.
- So we strike it as amended. Yes, strike it as amended.
- This passed was the Liguori amendment to the Lopez strike-everything amendment.
- The motion before you is the Lopez strike-everything amendment, as amended by the Ligori amendment, be
Bills:
SB1052, SB1115, SB1118, SB1120, SB1121, SB1124, SB1171, SB1172, SB1174, SB1175, SB1214, SB1233, SB1235, SB1316, SB1345, SB1372, SB1399, SB1458, SB1494, SB1496, SB1564, SB1602, SB1621, SB1628, SB1630, SB1631, SB1668, SB1672, SB1814, SB1821
Keywords:
assisted living, health care, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, physician orders, informed consent, AHCCCS, remote work, state agency, employment, public health, housing, zoning, middle housing, urban development, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes, historic preservation, radiation protection
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 11th, 2025 at 12:30 pm
North Dakota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The amendment on...
- the amendments and the...
- And second question would be, like, it seems language in the new Section 1 in the Hug House amendment
- along on the amendment in context.
- The amendment has failed. 25 nays, one absent not voting. The amendment has failed.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum call showing 46 members present. It then took up multiple House messages and amendments, appointing conference committees on several measures, including SB 2007, SCR 4007, SB 2374, SB 233, and House bills 1029, 1218, and 1022. The chamber also considered a series of House bills on the sixth and 14th orders, often adopting committee amendments before final passage or, in some cases, rejecting the bill outright.
Among the major policy items, the Senate passed HB 1524 on regional planning council grants, HB 1143 increasing a food bank appropriation to $10 million, HB 1126 modernizing cosmetology licensing and inspections, HB 1542 making student applications for admission exempt records, HB 1613 regulating law enforcement use of robots, HB 1582 directing a study on false reports and accusations, HB 1214 revising school transportation funding, HB 1448 creating a study on advanced technologies, HB 1280 on drainage project voting rules, HB 1499 protecting records related to federal judges, and several Senate bills returned from the House, including SB 2221, SB 2117, SB 2198, SB 2120, and SB 2214. The Senate also adopted amendments to HB 1541 on septic systems before rejecting it on final passage.
Several high-profile bills failed after debate. HB 1566, dealing with kratom regulation, saw an amendment to convert it to a study fail on a 21-25 vote, after which the chamber laid the bill over for one legislative day rather than take final action. HB 1283, which would have eliminated cost-sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast exams in the state employee plan, was defeated 22-24 after extensive debate over cost, precedent, and insurance impacts. HB 1527, requiring Holocaust education in statute, also failed 22-24, with supporters emphasizing the importance of the subject and opponents arguing curriculum belongs in standards rather than statute. The Senate adjourned after announcements, scheduling its next meeting for Monday, April 14, 2025.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 5, 2025 - 01:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- We are on the amendment. We will now vote on the amendment.
- It will amend...
- The second is an amendment to the FBI fingerprinting requirements.
- We're now move to amendments. Sorry, I missed the amendment, so you've got Amendment 510581.
- That is the amendment. Thank you. Any questions on the amendment?
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum present and heard several insurance- and financial-services-related bills. HB 315 was temporarily postponed. The chair also noted that, following the speaker’s remarks, members should expect additional special meetings as the committee investigates insurance-related issues and seeks transparency and the truth.
HB 497, relating to nonprofit agricultural organization health coverage, was presented as a way to give Florida Farm Bureau members—especially farmers, ranchers, and small business owners—more affordable health coverage options. An amendment added statutory placement changes, disclosures that the product is not commercially sold, and annual financial audits. Members discussed ACA-related protections, fraud, and insolvency concerns, and the bill received support from Florida Farm Bureau and was reported favorably 16-0. HB 379, the annual securities package, updated exemptions, foreign jurisdiction rules, the Florida Invest Local Exemption, merger-and-acquisition broker rules, fingerprinting requirements, and technical issues in the Securities Guarantee Fund. Three amendments clarified entity definitions and fingerprint/live-scan requirements; the bill drew support from industry and OFR and passed favorably 17-0.
The PCS for HB 147 on consumer debt collection clarified prohibited communications during nighttime hours, with the sponsor and supporters explaining the intent was to allow email while restricting other forms of contact and reduce litigation over passive communications. Members and public witnesses discussed ambiguity in the wording, and the sponsor said further cleanup language may still be needed; the PCS was reported favorably 17-0. HB 655 on pet insurance and wellness programs created a regulatory framework for pet insurance, drew support from industry and humane society representatives, and passed favorably 17-0. HB 367 on home and service warranty association financial requirements allowed financial compliance through multiple contractual liability insurance policies and alternative parent-company documentation; an amendment corrected cross-references and duplicative language, and after questions about consumer protections and insolvency, the bill was reported favorably 17-0. Finally, HB 7003 preserved a public-records exemption for sensitive financial technology sandbox application materials; members discussed the sandbox concept and possible future issues, but no amendments were taken and the bill passed favorably 17-0. The meeting adjourned without objection.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Committee of Conference on HB 421, HB 701, HB 377, HB 712 (06/17/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- point of the Senate amendment 1964. point of the Senate amendment 1964.
- of the amendment. of the amendment.
- amended version? amended version? Is<00:07:38.400>
it <00:07:38.639>what? - Amended to recognizing the second Thursday in October as Environmental Health Day.
- for their efforts on the amendment. for their efforts on the amendment.
Summary:
The committee of conference first took up House Bill 421FN, concerning notice of tax-exempt status filing procedures by town officials. Members reviewed the Senate changes and focused on whether the amended language would require multiple mailings to charitable organizations. House conferees said the Senate wording appeared to create more than one mailing and asked for clarification; Senate members explained the intent was to reduce clerk workload by posting forms and sending a follow-up notice only to organizations that failed to file after the deadline. After a brief caucus, the House concluded there were too many unresolved changes to work out in conference and moved to non-concur with the Senate amendment.
The House motion to non-concur passed unanimously, 4-0, and the committee agreed to place the conference report on the House consent calendar. The chair then closed the committee of conference on House Bill 421FN.
The transcript then shifted to a separate committee of conference on another bill, where members discussed revisions involving direct supervision at an eligible facility, federalwide assurance requirements, and immunity language. Testimony focused on whether the bill should require supervision at a specific facility or allow broader supervision arrangements, whether rulemaking should define direct supervision, and whether the immunity provision should cover reckless as well as willful misconduct. No final vote or action on that second bill was reached in the portion provided.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Emergency Management Committee Jun 15th, 2026
Emergency Management
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Feb 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And the amendment provides that it's elevated. Second-degree misdemeanor.
- The amendment provides that it's a second-degree felony, which is a higher degree than was in the underlying
- Members, questions on the amendment? Public testimony on the amendment? Debate?
- And as I indicated, the amendment provides it's a second-degree felony if a person or person of authority
- That is the bill and the amendment. Excellent. So we're on the amendment.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government met with a quorum present and first took up confirmation votes for appointees on tabs 2 through 6, which were recommended favorably without public testimony. The committee then heard and approved CS/SB 1474, which would direct DEP to stop issuing or reissuing permits for Class B biosolids land application when a wastewater treatment facility is reasonably accessible within 50 miles, and CS/SB 1708, which removes a timing requirement for out-of-state veterinarians seeking Florida licensure while keeping other competency safeguards in place. Both bills were reported favorably after brief discussion and support from public witnesses on SB 1708.
The committee also approved CS/SB 204, as amended, to increase penalties for illegal slot machine operations, with the amendment setting misdemeanor treatment for lower-level violations and felony penalties for larger-scale or repeat offenses; the bill also creates a process for veteran service organizations to seek binding declaratory statements from the Gaming Commission about machine legality. Public testimony on that bill was largely supportive, including from gaming and veterans-related stakeholders, though one witness urged clarity so smaller, lawful operators would not face felony exposure. CS/CS/SB 1294 was then amended and reported favorably; it addresses oversight of Class AA biosolids by requiring application at or below agronomic rates, recordkeeping, IFAS guidance, and application of existing fertilizer-related requirements, while preserving an exemption for certain compost products.
Later, the committee favorably reported CS/SB 772, which allows portable electronics limited licensees to sell warranty insurance and defines that coverage, and CS/SB 1504, which lets a high school student who completes a half-credit insurance and personal finance elective qualify to apply for a 440 customer service representative license upon turning 18. Finally, the committee adopted a strike-all amendment to CS/SB 540, creating cybersecurity program requirements for licensed mortgage and money service businesses, expanding oversight of certain investment advisers, clarifying emergency suspension authority for anti-money laundering violations, extending payment deadlines for examination costs, and updating director experience requirements for chartered financial institutions; the bill was then reported favorably. Senators McLean and Trunow requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on tabs 11 and 13, and the committee adjourned without objection.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/29/2026 - House Artificial Intelligence & Innovation
Artificial Intelligence & Innovation
Transcript Highlights:
- The second is protecting affordability for existing customers.
- The second is protecting affordability for existing customers.
- Chair, there is an amendment that I can explain. Please go ahead.
- And if we have to go back years later and amend this, we do.
- If we have to go back years later and amend this, we do.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (03/17/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- So, let's take up 593. >> I'll move pass. >> Seconded by Senator Waters. >> I want to move amendment
- 1168 S, but I want to actually move a committee amendment. >> Second.
- . amendment. amendment.
- >> Senator Waters moving the committee amendment. >> 1194. >> Seconded by Senator Pearl.
- You make the motion. >> I move ought to pass as amended. >> Second. >> Any opposed?
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- This amends the criminal penalties for various animal cruelty offenses by increasing the category of
- So the recommendation here is to go ahead and pass with some amendments that sharpen the focus on pet
- pet animal for a minimum of five years from the date of conviction for cruelty to animals in the second
- to HRS section 711-109.4 that increase the level of offenses for the second or subsequent offense for
- Recommendation is to pass with amendments. Chair Rose: Aye. Vice Chair Osai: Aye.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee considered House Bill 698, which increases criminal penalties for certain animal cruelty offenses. The chair explained that the committee would adopt the proposed SD1 and further amend the bill to narrow its scope to pet animals, clarify that the five-year prohibition on owning a pet animal applies only when the conviction involves a pet animal, and separate the increased penalties into distinct subsections at the Attorney General’s recommendation. The committee also planned to reinstate provisions increasing penalties for second or subsequent offenses involving injury or death to service animals or law enforcement animals, and to place the definitions of pet animal and service animal in the preamble. It was noted that the pet-animal definition would not apply to chickens, roosters, or pigs raised for food, and that the service-animal definition covers only dogs.
Senator Chang said he appreciated the effort to tighten the bill and clarify its scope, but he remained concerned about possible impacts on the agricultural sector and said he would vote with reservations. No other concerns were raised.
The committee then voted to pass HB 698 HD1 with amendments. The vote was Chair Rose aye, Vice Chair Osai aye, Senator Chang reservations, Senator Sanur excused, and Senator A aye. The measure was adopted and the meeting concluded.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- I do have an amendment.
- Having explained the amendment, are there questions on the amendment? Questions on the amendment?
- amendment?
- bill as amended.
- bill as amended.
Keywords:
property assessment, wind damage, home improvements, real estate, tax exemption, Florida statutes, ad valorem taxes, property listings, tax estimation, disclosure, Florida, residential property
Summary:
The committee heard and passed three bills before moving to a staff presentation on the state revenue forecast and the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act. SB 856, by Senator DeSantis? [sic], would require online real estate listing platforms to display estimated property taxes for residential properties using prescribed methods and DOR-developed formulas rather than the current owner’s tax bill. Supporters from county, city, and property appraiser groups said the bill would improve transparency and help homebuyers avoid surprise tax and escrow increases. The bill was reported favorably after debate about making sure the estimate appears on realtor and platform sites for first-time buyers.
SB 110, by Senator Arrington, was amended and then reported favorably. The bill clarifies that people holding 98-year-or-longer residential leases remain eligible for the homestead tax exemption even if the lease ends upon the tenant’s death, aligning those leaseholds with life estates for estate-planning purposes. The amendment, supported by the Florida Bar’s real property, probate and trust law section, clarified that lease provisions terminating at death are valid under current law. SB 434, by Senator Leak, was also reported favorably; it would prevent property tax assessments from reflecting increased just value attributable to wind-hardening improvements such as stronger roof attachments, shutters, and roof-to-wall reinforcements.
The committee then received an update from staff director Azar Khan on the new general revenue forecast. He said collections had been running slightly above estimate overall, but the Revenue Estimating Conference reduced corporate income tax projections because of weaker recent collections and uncertainty around tariffs, while increasing some other revenue sources. Members then discussed the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which staff said would significantly reduce Florida corporate income tax revenue, with a large first-year impact driven by retroactive provisions such as bonus depreciation, research expensing, and business interest deductions. Senators and the appropriations chair said the forecast and federal changes would affect budget planning, and the committee adjourned after noting the bills had been favorably reported and the meeting was complete.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Municipal and County Government (02/03/2026)
Municipal and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- And the second handout is the amendment.
- <04:24:34.239>
So the second handout is the amendment. - So the second handout is the amendment.
- I'd like to introduce an amendment to this bill. The amendment is 2026-024H. Is there a second?
- Motion to approve Amendment 2026-0204H to House Bill 1134. >> Is there a second? >> Second.
Summary:
The committee convened for a day of public hearings on nine bills, with plans to later execute several early bills and possibly additional measures under House Rule 44. Chair Diane Pauer outlined time limits for sponsors and testimony, announced a lunch break around noon, and noted substitute members would be arriving later. The first hearing was on House Bill 1107, which would allow municipal budget committees to have one to three alternate members. Representative Valon, the prime sponsor, said the bill was intended to help towns like Epping deal with quorum problems during the compressed budget season and noted that alternates are common on other local boards. The New Hampshire Municipal Association testified in support, saying the bill would increase flexibility and help fill seats. Committee members raised concerns about whether alternates should be elected, how they would be selected, whether they would be sufficiently informed to vote, and whether the bill’s one-year term language and rescission provisions were clear. The sponsor and NHMA said the process would be consistent with other local boards, that alternates would typically be appointed after elections, and that they would follow up on possible statutory clarification. The hearing closed with six remote supporters, one paper supporter, and no opposition reported.
The committee then heard House Bill 1118, sponsored by Representative Colby, which would raise the daily amount municipal employees may hold before remitting funds to the treasurer from the current $1,500 limit to $3,500. Colby said the existing thresholds are outdated, have not been updated in about 20 years, and create burdens for smaller towns that must make frequent bank deposits, sometimes far from town offices. She said the bill would improve efficiency and allow staff to focus more on serving residents, while still allowing municipalities to keep lower limits if they choose. Members asked about how the remittance process works in practice, what amounts municipalities typically collect, and whether the change reflected a broader trend of updating cash-handling thresholds. The sponsor explained that the bill only changes the dollar thresholds in the relevant statutes and does not require municipalities to adopt the higher limit. The transcript cuts off before any final action on HB 1118 is reported.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee (5-12-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- >> Second. >> Second. >> Second.
- <00:50:27.320>
to amendment amends various sections to amendment amends various sections to - staff suggested amendments. staff suggested amendments.
- 52:23.640>
sections staff amendments amend various sections staff amendments amend various sections - approval of staff amendments? approval of staff amendments?
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.