Transcript Highlights:

• Bill, is the Adult Day Health Care provision. This is huge.
• Treatment foster care, also known as professional foster care, Treatment foster care, also known as professional
• foster care, places the child in a family-like setting.
• And especially in health care. Thank you for that health care amendment. We really appreciate that.
• And especially in the health care. Thank you for that health care amendment.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayers, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions recognizing FSU Day at the Capitol, the Red Mass, visiting students, school board members, veterans, and other guests. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar and took up a series of bills, with several measures temporarily postponed before and during the day’s proceedings. Committee and executive reports were largely absent, and the Senate proceeded directly to floor action on the listed bills. The Senate passed a number of mostly unanimous bills, including SB 36, SB 38, SB 40, and SB 42 on Florida Statutes revision; CS/SB 50 on nature-based coastal resilience, amended to strengthen the Florida Flood Hub and related research; CS/SB 116 on veterans, expanding benefits coordination, mental health training, adult day health care, and other veterans services; SB 126 on mailing prescription hearing aids to adults; SB 150 on abandoning restrained dogs during natural disasters, amended to conform to the House; SB 294 limiting collaborative pharmacy practice for certain serious cardiac conditions; SB 322 creating a nonjudicial process for removing unauthorized persons from commercial property; SB 348 on ethics, including false military rank claims and collection of delinquent ethics fines; and CS/SB 7012 on child welfare workforce recruitment, treatment foster care pilots, and data collection for commercially sexually exploited children. Senate Memorial 314 urging Congress to increase Florida National Guard force structure was also adopted by voice vote. Two bills drew more extended debate. SB 118 on presidential libraries passed 36-3 after questions about local zoning, traffic, and whether the bill’s express preemption would limit county and municipal authority; supporters argued it would prevent local obstruction and help Florida attract a presidential library, while one senator said she would vote no because of concerns about local safety and planning issues. CS/SB 160 on public accountancy passed 39-0 after an amendment clarifying contracted services; supporters said it would broaden pathways into the CPA profession and address workforce shortages. CS/SB 108 on administrative procedures and CS/SB 110 on rural communities were temporarily postponed, then later taken up and passed after extensive debate, with SB 110 amended to prioritize certain rural transportation projects, expand housing, health care, broadband, and economic development support, and draw strong bipartisan praise for its focus on rural Florida. At the end of the session, the Senate waived rules to immediately certify all bills passed that day to the House, observed a moment of silence for former Surfside Chief John Healy, and made several closing announcements and recognitions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Social media platforms are not exercising ordinary care.
• Let's stand together for early patient care, ensuring care comes swiftly and hope for patients reigns
• We must recognize that access to care is not equal.
• health care, keeps... ...coming.
• reproductive health care.

Summary: The Assembly met in session, established a quorum, and opened with an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month ceremony. Members adopted House Resolution 35 recognizing May as AAPI Heritage Month, with extensive floor remarks from caucus leaders and members highlighting AAPI history, contributions, and solidarity with other communities. The chamber then honored 14 AAPI honorees from across the state, including public servants, advocates, artists, health professionals, and community leaders, before moving to the regular file. On the floor, the Assembly passed a series of bills on social media harms to minors, labor privilege, foster care family-finding, low-impact camping areas, student body association governance, drink-spiking prevention at music festivals, behavioral health access, greenhouse gas recapture, physical therapy access, housing enforcement, insurance licensing, density bonus clarification, water district proxy voting, park district updates, secured transactions, and property tax relief during emergencies. Most measures passed with broad or unanimous support; notable votes included AB 2 on social media platform accountability passing 59-0, AB 1109 on union communications privilege passing 45-4, AB 409 on student body association open meetings passing 55-6, AB 518 on low-impact camping passing 55-0, AB 668 on drink-spiking protections passing 72-0, AB 348 on behavioral health access passing 69-0, AB 663 on HFC recapture passing 71-0, AB 574 on physical therapy access passing 68-0, AB 712 on housing enforcement passing 57-1, AB 943 on insurance pre-licensing reform passing 63-0, AB 87 on density bonus law clarification passing 63-0, AB 523 on Metropolitan Water District proxy voting passing 62-1, AB 769 on park district code cleanup passing 68-0, AB 771 on secured transactions passing 69-0, and AB 1416 on property tax installment deferrals passing 66-0. The Assembly also took up AB 446, the Surveillance Pricing Protection Act, which would prohibit businesses from using personal data to charge different prices for the same product or service. Supporters described the practice as predatory and discriminatory, while noting ongoing concerns about preserving legitimate discounts and loyalty programs. The bill was presented as a consumer protection measure aimed at preventing hidden price discrimination and reducing cost-of-living pressures. The transcript ends amid repeated and partially duplicated readings of AB 446, without a final vote shown for that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• This practice has even been named hidden foster care.
• The system had no foster care reentry pathway for her.
• is receiving support in order to care for them.
• The re-entry into foster care part obviously assumes that youth was formally in foster care and thus
• not with... ...into foster care part obviously assumes that youth was formally in foster care and thus

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee met without a quorum and proceeded as a subcommittee while hearing a long consent calendar and several Assembly bills. Early testimony focused on AB 1744, which would prohibit sunscreen products marketed as “reef safe” or similar from containing chemical UV filters; the author and student supporters said the bill is a truth-in-labeling measure to protect marine ecosystems, and there was no opposition. Committee members praised the student witnesses and the author asked for an aye vote, but no vote was taken because of the lack of quorum. The committee then heard AB 713, which would allow undocumented students at UC, CSU, and community colleges to access campus jobs. Supporters, including a UCLA law professor and a large coalition of student, labor, immigrant-rights, and education groups, argued the bill would reduce exploitation and improve affordability and retention; opponents argued it would conflict with federal law. Members expressed strong support, and the author closed by emphasizing that students simply want the chance to work, but again no vote occurred due to the subcommittee status. The committee also heard AB 1359, allowing people age 80 and older to opt out of jury service without a doctor’s note, with support from the Alzheimer’s Association and LeadingAge California and no opposition. Additional measures included AB 2563, which would standardize California’s definition of sex discrimination across state codes to align with equal-rights principles; it drew strong support from women’s rights and labor groups and strong opposition from anti-trans advocates. AB 1705 would require websites to verify consent before hosting sexually explicit images of people, with supporters framing it as a response to nonconsensual pornography and opponents warning it could sweep in sites that prohibit such content. AB 1940 would explicitly name menopause in workplace protections, with supporters citing workforce equity and opponents saying existing accommodation law already covers it. The committee also heard AB 1824 and AB 2115 on Native American child welfare and a formal legislative apology for historic harms, both backed by tribal representatives and allies, as well as AB 2076 on nitrous oxide sales to minors and AB 2783 on court reporter licensing and remote reporting; all drew support and no recorded opposition. Several members praised the bills and indicated they would move them when a quorum was available.

Transcript Highlights:

• and not the actual care.
• These are private, personal decisions, health care decisions.
• This is a total ban on all kinds of gender transition care for minors.
• This is a total ban on all kinds of gender transition care for minors.
• Children that were in care of DCS this past year.

Bills: SB1095 , SB1127 , SB1170 , SB1208 , SB1211 , SB1237 , SB1239 , SB1240 , SB1243 , SB1244 , SB1259 , SB1283

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Elections

Keywords: gender transition, minors, irreversible surgery, health professionals, puberty-blocking drugs, medical procedures, prohibition, Arizona Revised Statutes, lifetime probation, early termination, criminal justice, supervised probation, sexual offenses, annual review hearing, community notification, aggravated harassment, lifetime injunction, victim protection, felony offenses, domestic violence

Transcript Highlights:

• , child care, and disability support.
• Whether that be veteran health care enrollment, child care assistance, or service-connected disability
• We provide multiple levels of care throughout eight veterans homes, from low-level domiciliary care all
• the way to skilled nursing and memory care.
• A 1010 is a form for VA health care.

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on the work of County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs), CalVet’s role in supporting them, and the growing problem of for-profit, unaccredited claims companies. Committee leaders and witnesses emphasized that CVSOs are often the first point of contact for veterans and their families, helping with disability claims, survivor benefits, education waivers, health care access, and broader wraparound support. Several speakers argued that California’s veteran population is underserved relative to demand, that CVSOs produce a strong return on investment, and that the state should increase funding to reduce backlogs, expand staffing, and meet the Legislature’s stated goal of funding 50% of county veterans’ services operations. Testimony from county officials highlighted local models of service. Los Angeles County described a “no wrong door” approach, the Veteran Peer Access Network, suicide review efforts, justice-involved veteran services, and coordinated homelessness response, all supported by county leadership and partnerships with the VA and community organizations. San Luis Obispo County described rural outreach, mental health grants, suicide prevention work, and a food pantry, while also noting reduced subvention funding despite increased workload and high client satisfaction. Witnesses repeatedly warned that unaccredited claims consultants charge veterans large fees, sometimes seek access to VA and banking logins, and can delay or harm claims; they urged stronger enforcement and more accessible free alternatives through accredited offices. CalVet Deputy Secretary Roberto Herrera explained the accreditation system, CalVet’s training academy, district office review process, and the role of CVSOs in improving claim quality and appeals outcomes. He said California’s claims filed under CalVet power of attorney are completed faster than many others and that appeals representation has favorable outcomes above the national average. A researcher from the Center for a New American Security said California’s CVSO structure is a strong model nationally and that higher investment in CVSOs correlates with better claims outcomes and improved service delivery. Committee members asked about collaboration, funding formulas, suicide prevention, and how to curb predatory claims businesses; witnesses said the state should strengthen county partnerships, expand resources, and continue pursuing legislation targeting for-profit claims companies and veteran tax relief.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, Senator Chair Trumbull, Health Care. Chair Trumbull, health care.
• Senator Trombo, health care. Senator Trumbull, health care?
• Senator Trumbull, health care?
• The Community Care for the Elderly serves 637 new folks, and then the Home Care for the Elderly, $3.5
• Specifically, the amendment revises health care, Medicaid, developmental disability, long-term care,

Summary: The Senate took up the conference report on House Bill 501E, the General Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2026-27, with Chair Hooper and the appropriations chairs walking through the $114.5 billion budget. Major highlights included pay increases for state law enforcement, firefighters, park rangers, and correctional officers; funding for teacher salary increases and K-12 enrollment stabilization; workforce and university funding in higher education; major Medicaid, nursing home, waiver, and opioid-related investments in health and human services; corrections and prison-capacity funding; transportation, housing, and emergency management spending; and large environmental appropriations for Florida Forever, Everglades restoration, and water quality projects. Members then asked detailed questions about specific items. Senators pressed on the Hamilton Center at UF, the difference between assistant state attorney and public defender pay, declining student enrollment funding, private school scholarship vouchers, mental health funding in schools, the lack of preeminence funding, APD’s iBudget waiver wait list and provider rates, ADAP premium assistance and the return of Biktarvy to the formulary, prison staffing and air conditioning, Florida Forever land-buying versus easements, SNAP and Sun Bucks funding, Hope Florida, election audit funding, and the IDD managed care program. Chairs generally explained the negotiated compromises, noted where funding was flat or omitted, and in several cases said items would be revisited next year or depended on agency implementation. Several senators used debate to praise the budget while also criticizing major policy choices. Leader Berman argued the state should have expanded Medicaid, invested more in public schools instead of vouchers, and accepted federal summer EBT funds. Other senators highlighted local wins such as Biscayne Bay restoration, Tri-Rail, housing assistance, ADAP funding, and declining enrollment support. The transcript ends with debate remarks thanking Chair Hooper for his work on the budget; no final vote is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• They need care, and so you want whoever is having to take care of them in that situation to have as much
• Different kind of health care. It really just depends, right?
• Because had I not been there, he would not have received the appropriate care. ...care, and they would
• I don't care which library it is.
• Why not just let everybody take care of it on their own?"

Bills: HB45 , HB45 , HB755 , HB 1232 , HB1555 , HB2460 , HB2702 , HB2973 , HB3120 , HB3225 , HB3314 , HB3356 , HB3371 , HB3634 , HB3638 , HB4247 , HB4283 , HB4290 , HB4302 , HB4503 , HB4511 , HB4565 , HB4581 , HB4627 , HB4632 , HB4660 , HB4668 , HB4960 , HB5042

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: flooding, disaster response, emergency preparedness, state guidance, public safety, housing, affordable housing, rent control, landlord-tenant laws, housing rights, lobbying, public entities, expenditures, government code, transparency, Texas Ethics Commission, government regulation, lobbying restrictions, government accountability, taxpayer money

Transcript Highlights:

• In the same way as they are for federally defined continuums of care.
• . ...is a 9% reduction in 30 continuums of care in the state.
• of, and our members are taken care of.
• Are you talking about a sole recuperative care housing program? Yes.
• So, yeah, that was a CalAIM-provided recuperative care program.

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee 4 met to hear an information-only agenda focused on homelessness. The chair and vice chair opened with remarks about affordability, accountability, and the need for flexible but effective state responses. The committee then heard an update from Dr. Ryan Finnegan of UC Berkeley’s Turner Center on homelessness trends, data limitations, and program impacts. He said homelessness remains high, with 2024 point-in-time counts showing about 187,000 people experiencing homelessness statewide, though unsheltered homelessness has declined somewhat as shelter capacity expanded. He emphasized that California’s high housing costs and shortage of affordable housing are the main drivers, while also noting persistent racial disparities, high chronic homelessness, and the importance of coordinated housing, health, and social services. He also warned that cuts or changes to federal programs and state funding streams like HAP could threaten progress. Members questioned Dr. Finnegan about the 9% decline in unsheltered homelessness, the timing and methodology of point-in-time counts, how to interpret trends over time, and the role of policy changes such as Housing First, Proposition 47, and Martin v. Boise. He explained that the 9% figure came from 30 continuums of care that had completed 2025 counts, and that HUD’s eventual statewide number would likely differ because not all regions counted that year. He also discussed how different funding sources are layered in local programs, including HAP, local funds, philanthropic support, federal funds, and CalAIM reimbursements. Several members stressed the need for clearer, more comparable measures of effectiveness and outcomes, including whether programs reduce long-term homelessness and move people toward self-sufficiency. The committee then heard from the California Interagency Council on Homelessness on statewide data systems, especially the Homeless Data Integration System (HDIS). Staff described HDIS as the first state-level integrated homelessness data system, built from local HMIS data and used to track demographics, services, outcomes, and program performance across all 44 continuums of care. They said HDIS has enabled statewide dashboards, system performance measures, and new accountability tools under AB 977 and AB 799. Cal ICH also said HAP Round 4 was highly cost-effective under the State Auditor’s methodology, estimating a cost of about $9,172 per person permanently housed, and that new AB 799 dashboards are intended to provide clearer public reporting on outcomes, fiscal data, and progress toward statewide goals. Members asked about measuring self-sufficiency, identifying the best local partners, detecting fraud, and whether the new dashboards will allow better comparisons among program types and funding uses. No votes were taken, and the one scheduled vote was postponed.

Transcript Highlights:

• If there is no care, we still have to take care of the death certificate if the government doesn't allow
• Though I work in an urban setting, I still experience care droughts and can testify that the care shortage
• Though I work in an urban setting, I still experience care droughts and can testify that the care shortage
• Vets do not have to provide veterinary care.
• Vets do not have to provide veterinary care.

Summary: The Committee on Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency approved the February 11, 2026 minutes and then heard several bills. SB 1668, dealing with funeral and disposition timelines and related requirements for unborn children and minors, drew emotional testimony from funeral industry representatives and a parent about burdensome deadlines and problems obtaining signatures from an ex-partner; it also drew opposition over language referencing abortion clinics and reproductive freedom. The committee adopted a due-pass recommendation on a 4-3 vote. SB 1286, on veterinary telemedicine prescription limits, was amended to shorten non-antimicrobial prescriptions to 30 days and allow antimicrobial prescriptions for up to 14 days without an in-person exam; veterinarians and industry representatives were neutral with caution or supportive, while opponents warned about overprescribing and inadequate diagnosis. The amended bill passed 4-3. The committee then passed SB 1235, joining the emergency services personnel licensure interstate compact, on a 7-0 vote, with the sponsor describing it as a reciprocity measure for EMTs and paramedics. SB 1446, which changes dialysis social worker documentation from monthly to quarterly to match federal and most state practice, also passed unanimously after support from DaVita. SB 1515, an Industrial Commission cleanup bill that renames positions, removes obsolete private employment office oversight language, and shifts publication of fee schedules online, was amended and passed 7-0. SB 1678, concerning documentation and oversight in health care institutions and group homes for vulnerable adults, was amended to remove a patient-form requirement and instead require DHS investigation when EMS personnel complain that a DNR was not provided; providers moved to neutral or support after the amendment, and the bill passed 6-0 with one not voting. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1747, which would require social media platforms to terminate accounts for minors under 14 and certain 14- and 15-year-olds without parental consent and impose age-verification and harmful-content restrictions. Opponents from NetChoice, TechNet, and Meta raised privacy, security, and constitutional concerns and argued for app-store-based parental controls instead, while a parents’ advocate supported the bill as a starting point for child safety. The transcript ends during that hearing without a final committee action on SB 1747.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's talk about health care.
• Romney Care, which allowed us to lead on health care in the nation.
• The health care sector, okay?
• and home care programs.
• Even if you don't care about schools, roads, health care, social services, or anything else, these ballot

Bills: H5006 , H5007

Committee: Joint Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions

Summary: The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a public hearing on two proposed ballot initiatives: one to reduce the state personal income tax rate from 5% to 4% over three years, and another to revise the state tax collection cap law (62F) so the cap would be based on the prior year’s actual collections plus wage-and-salary growth and would include surtax revenue. Committee chairs outlined the hearing process and noted that the measures would need additional signatures to qualify for the 2026 ballot if not enacted by the legislature. The committee’s expert witness, Doug Howgate of the Massachusetts Taxpayer Foundation, said the income tax proposal would lower the base rate in stages beginning in 2027 and would ultimately reduce state income tax collections by about $5.4 billion annually when fully implemented. He estimated savings would vary by income level, from a few hundred dollars for lower- and middle-income households to about $10,700 for taxpayers at the surtax threshold. He argued the proposal would improve tax competitiveness but would also require major budget adjustments, likely including reserve use, spending cuts, and possibly new revenue measures; he cited prior downturns and said the state’s rainy day fund is stronger than in past recessions, though spending growth and health care costs remain concerns. On the 62F proposal, he said rebasing the cap to prior-year collections would make refunds more likely, with modeled refunds totaling about $7.9 billion without the surtax and $10.1 billion with it over the last decade, and warned it could reduce stabilization fund deposits and constrain recovery after recessions. Proponents of both petitions, including representatives from Taxpayers for an Affordable Massachusetts, NFIB, Pioneer Institute, and the Mass Opportunity Alliance, argued that Massachusetts faces an affordability and competitiveness crisis and that lower taxes would help families, small businesses, job creation, and outmigration. They said the income tax cut would put about $1,300 a year back into the hands of average families, help pass-through businesses reinvest, and improve the state’s ability to compete with lower-tax states such as North Carolina. Their economist, Rebecca Paxton, presented a model projecting average annual revenue losses of about $680 million during the phase-in and a total net income tax revenue impact of $2 billion to $2.2 billion, while saying long-term revenue growth would be stronger after implementation. The hearing ended with committee questions and a brief dispute over a planned voter testimonial video, which the chairs said was not appropriate for the hearing at that point.

Transcript Highlights:

• and promoting preventive health care.
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome is taken care of.
• So thank you for coming back and caring about the issue.
• More than I care to remember, right? So, but lots.
• So that would take care of the more high-risk immunosuppressants.

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 2401, which would require physicians to complete continuing education on nutrition and metabolic health as part of the state’s rural health transformation effort. HHS supported the bill, saying it would help physicians better address chronic disease and preserve federal grant points tied to the state’s application. A member of the public also testified in favor, arguing that better nutrition education could improve diabetes outcomes and reduce costs. The committee then adopted an amendment to add the Board of Occupational Therapy Practice to the background-check statute so the occupational therapy compact could proceed, and it passed the bill as amended on a roll call vote. The committee next heard House Bill 1621, which would require the Presidential Fitness Physical Fitness Test in elementary, middle, and high school physical education courses. HHS said the bill was part of the rural health transformation application and could help preserve federal funding, but members raised many questions about the test’s criteria, adaptive options for students with disabilities, equipment needs, and whether the bill should apply to non-public schools. Senator Clemens offered an amendment to limit the requirement to public schools, but it failed. Senator Hogan then offered an amendment to clarify exemptions and allow DPI to align implementation with federal guidance; that amendment passed. A further amendment adding language allowing DPI to establish criteria for and exceptions to the test also passed. The committee then approved the bill as amended on a roll call vote. The committee also considered House Bill 1622, which joins North Dakota to the physician assistant licensure compact. HHS said the compact would improve access to care, especially in rural areas, support military families, and help preserve rural health transformation funding. Members noted the compact had been discussed in a prior session and that many earlier concerns had been resolved. After brief discussion about the compact process and its consistency with other interstate compacts, the committee voted to do pass the bill. Finally, the committee began Senate Bill 2402, which expands pharmacists’ prescriptive authority and therapeutic substitution powers. HHS and the Board of Pharmacy supported the bill as a way to improve access to care and maintain rural health transformation funding. Senator Roers introduced a detailed amendment negotiated with the Board of Medicine and Board of Pharmacy to narrow and clarify the bill, including notification requirements, limits on certain drug categories, and patient-protection language for therapeutic substitution. The Board of Pharmacy then testified in support of the broader bill and explained the CLIA-waived testing provisions and the repeal of the older, narrower pharmacist-testing language. The hearing and amendment discussion were still underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Stop pretending like you care.
• Catheter care.
• </c> Coloradoatans deserve health care, too. Coloradoatans deserve health care, too.
• </c> We<02:05:17.920><c> care.</c><02:05:19.360><c> RJBC</c> We care. RJBC We care.
• </c> THEY CAN AFFORD HEALTH CARE. THEY CAN AFFORD HEALTH CARE.

Transcript Highlights:

• I could stand up here and give you some inspirational story in order to try to get you to care about
• We as a society only care about people with disabilities when they are consumable, meaning I give you
• I could stand up here and give you some inspirational story in order to try to get you to care about
• We as a society only care about people with disabilities when they are consumable, meaning I give you
• </c> never be told and no one ever cared never be told and no one ever cared Minnesota<00:03:43.080><

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> be some accountability for those caring be some accountability for those caring for<00:03:12.480
• </c><00:47:04.079><c> Residential</c><00:47:04.720><c> care</c> for residential care.
• Residential care for residential care.
• ,</c><00:57:42.640><c> physical</c> supports, aiology care, physical supports, aiology care, physical
• </c><01:45:56.639><c> Um</c> supporting kinship care. Um supporting kinship care.

Summary: The committee approved the October 22, 2025 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel on accidental ingestion of illegal drug products by children. Panel members said pediatric ingestions have become the most common case type they review, with the highest-risk children ages one to four, and that fatal cases have increased in recent years. They reported that the substances most often involved are fentanyl, cannabinoids including THC products, methamphetamine, and increasingly xylazine; they also noted a decline in buprenorphine-related ingestions, which they viewed as a positive trend. The panel used several case examples to highlight recurring problems in investigations and medical response, including delayed DCBS involvement, failure to administer Narcan, inadequate drug testing, lack of child abuse team involvement, and limited or absent law enforcement investigation. They said law enforcement issues are especially common in pediatric ingestion cases and are concentrated in Jefferson County and the Bluegrass/KIPA regions. One example involved a one-year-old who died from fentanyl and Benadryl intoxication; another involved a two-year-old who died after ingesting multiple substances; and a third involved a four-year-old with near-fatal THC gummy ingestion where delayed treatment worsened the child’s condition. They also described a 10-month-old THC ingestion case that resulted in a criminal abuse conviction, which they presented as an example without missed investigative opportunities. Committee members discussed possible policy responses, including creating a more specific criminal child abuse offense or clarifying existing abuse and neglect definitions to cover unsafe access to illegal drugs, while preserving room for true accidents and prescribed medications. Members also raised the need for statewide standardization in reporting, investigation, and medical response, and suggested the panel should be able to call in agencies such as law enforcement, DCBS, judges, and hospitals for closed-session review of selected cases. The panel chair said they were already pursuing meetings with LMPD and would provide Jefferson County-specific breakdowns, and members expressed interest in additional data and agency follow-up before considering legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> allowed under the personal care allowed under the personal care assistance<00:04:52.400><c> benefit
• </c><00:58:57.839><c> Association</c> of the Minnesota Home Care Association of the Minnesota Home Care
• And lastly, it will enhance health care efficiency.
• No, no, they don’t withhold care.
• Yeah, so the care is going to be there.

Committees: Senate Health and Human Services , Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• These limitations create barriers to timely care and disrupt continuity of treatment for patients.
• AB 1949 provides a balanced solution, Health care costs.
• Acupuncture is a core part of the whole person care we provide, and we see it works.
• Access to safe, evidence-informed, and non-pharmacological care.
• So NAMS is committed to integrated, patient-centered care. AB 1949 supports that mission directly.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health heard presentations on several bills, beginning with AB 1734, which would expand California Health Interview Survey food insecurity data collection to households up to 400% of the federal poverty level. The author and supporters from food banks, AARP, county governments, and nutrition groups argued the bill would improve California’s ability to measure hunger amid federal cuts; there was no opposition. The committee also heard AB 1949, which would treat acupuncture as its own Medi-Cal benefit and allow up to 24 visits per year. Supporters said the current two-visits-per-month cap limits effective treatment and can increase reliance on medications; the bill drew broad support and no opposition. AB 1910, a postpartum pelvic floor health bill, was presented as an education and awareness measure encouraging patients to discuss pelvic floor concerns with providers, with no opposition. AB 2011 would codify federal mental health parity standards into state law; supporters said it would preserve enforcement if federal rules are rolled back, while insurers opposed it as premature given ongoing federal litigation and possible new rules. AB 2706 would modernize California’s cannery law to align with federal food safety standards and reduce duplicative requirements for food processors, with support from the dairy industry and no opposition. AB 2041 would require certain public safety agencies to report compliance with 911 dispatcher pre-arrival instruction training requirements, building on prior legislation; it also faced no opposition. After quorum was established, the committee voted on the bills. The consent calendar bills AB 1571, AB 1864, and AB 1956 were approved 6-0. AB 1734, AB 1910, AB 1949, AB 2041, and AB 2706 all passed the committee unanimously or near-unanimously and were re-referred to Appropriations or Education as applicable. AB 2011 passed 8-2, with some members expressing concern about federal litigation, implementation costs, and the timing of codifying the 2024 parity rule into state law. All bills were placed on call after the votes, and the committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• We know that our health care providers, all of us are overworked and dealing with many, many different
• One of the things that we've done is created a poster project for health care facility providers.
• Thank you for being here. >> And it re Florida Health Care Association is waiving in support.
• These clauses are becoming more common health care contracts between health care providers and large
• How to care for me. She's a great doctor. And she left a group practice.

Transcript Highlights:

• for licensed family child care.
• We focus on licensed child care centers, different than Cindy and family child care.
• </c> care providers uh on staff child ratios. care providers uh on staff child ratios.
• </c> mentioned that it's for licensed care. mentioned that it's for licensed care.
• </c> cares. Would that be true? cares. Would that be true? &gt;&gt; Um,<02:09:05.360><c> Mr.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Even with patients with insurance or Medicaid, clinics must subsidize care.
• Not one has anything to do with adoption or after-birth care.
• At a time when low-income Washingtonians are already struggling with cuts to child care and health care
• At a time when low-income Washingtonians are already struggling with cuts to child care and health care
• However, abortion is not health care, nor even contraception.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee held public hearings on several bills and took executive action on House Bill 2747. HB 2747 would change how Washington estimates future revenue in its four-year balanced budget outlooks by using the official revenue forecast instead of the current 4.5% growth assumption for the next two biennia. Staff described the bill as a technical change with indeterminate fiscal effects, and supporters said it would make budgeting more realistic and sustainable. The committee adopted a technical amendment and then reported the bill out of committee with a do pass recommendation by a vote of 26 ayes, 3 nays, and 2 excused. The committee also heard Second Substitute Senate Bill 6182, which would create an abortion savings program funded by a new annual assessment on health carriers offering exchange plans. Staff said the bill would generate about $10 million in fiscal year 2027 and about $2.1 million annually thereafter, with most funds going to grants for abortion care providers and some administrative costs for the Office of the Insurance Commissioner and the Department of Health. Supporters said it would stabilize access to abortion care and help low-income patients, while opponents argued it would force taxpayers and insurers to subsidize abortion and raised concerns about oversight, morality, and premium impacts. Substitute Senate Bill 6355, which would create a Washington Electric Transmission Authority to support new transmission projects and related tribal clean energy work, drew testimony from utilities, labor, clean energy advocates, counties, and landowners. Supporters said the state needs faster transmission buildout to improve reliability, support clean energy, and reduce congestion costs; opponents and county representatives raised concerns about eminent domain, loss of local tax revenue, board accountability, and the need for stronger landowner and county involvement. Staff estimated the bill would have a several-million-dollar general fund impact and noted possible indeterminate local revenue effects. The committee also received a briefing on engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6260, which would reduce funding or eligibility for several K-12 programs, including bus depreciation, Running Start, and transition to kindergarten; public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, with school officials, educators, community college representatives, students, and rural districts warning of reduced opportunities and harm to small and low-income districts.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Medical Care Medical Care however<01:24:55.560><c> um</c><01:24:55.679><c> the</c><01:24:55.760>
• </c> who I trusted with my children's care who I trusted with my children's care that<01:29:35.280><c
• Children and Youth in foster care Children and Youth in foster care qualify<03:07:57.080><c> for</c><
• </c> child until they are no longer in care child until they are no longer in care last<03:08:36.520>
• They don't care.

Summary: The House Children and Family Law Committee opened with a brief prayer for Representative Grossman’s son, Oscar, who was reported to be in critical condition after a traumatic fall. The committee then took up House Bill 430, which would reduce DHHS retention of unfounded abuse and neglect reports from 10 years to 3 years. Prime sponsor Chairman James Spain argued that 10 years is excessive and burdens families with a long-lasting stigma, while emphasizing that founded reports and reports with reasonable concern would still be retained indefinitely. Committee members questioned whether longer retention helps identify malicious reporting or patterns of abuse, and whether parents understand the distinction between unfounded and unfounded with reasonable concern. The Office of the Child Advocate and DCF opposed the bill. Child Advocate Cassandra Sanchez said historical reports are important for identifying patterns, reviewing critical incidents, and understanding family dynamics, and that screened-out and unfounded reports can be essential context when later reports arise. She also noted that the records are highly confidential and not publicly accessible. DCF General Counsel Susan Larabe added that the bill could create inconsistencies by retaining screened-out reports longer than unfounded reports, and explained that unfounded reports can be used in court and in administrative reviews when there are multiple prior reports. The committee discussed how other states handle retention, with testimony that some keep records indefinitely and others for long periods. The hearing on HB 430 concluded, and the chair said the bill would not be executed until early March, leaving time for amendments. The committee then opened House Bill 187, concerning restraining orders sought by a parent on behalf of a minor child. Prime sponsor Representative Mike Belcher said the bill is intended to correct a gap in the law so children can access the same restraining-order protections adults can, through a parent or guardian, and framed it as an equal-protection issue. Members questioned why the proposal was placed in the child abuse and neglect statute rather than the civil restraining-order statutes, and whether it should instead be handled as a broader civil-law fix. Alanda Peterson, who said she created Jade’s Law, testified that the original wording was meant to protect all children, not just those harmed by family members, and supported expanding the language. The hearing continued with additional discussion of the bill’s scope and purpose.