Transcript Highlights:

• It helps the medical cannabis businesses continue to provide needed medicine to medical patients by relieving
• medicine<00:05:14.000><c> to</c><00:05:14.320><c> medical</c> medicine to medical medicine to medical patients
• 05:17.440><c> a</c><00:05:17.840><c> little</c><00:05:18.080><c> bit</c><00:05:18.479><c> of</c> patients
• by relieving a little bit of patients by relieving a little bit of the<00:05:18.960><c> regulatory</
• We want to make sure that every patient who relies upon that system in order to get the medicine they

Summary: The House considered a Senate message announcing that the Senate had concurred in and adopted the conference committee report on Senate File 2370, the cannabis bill. Representative Stevenson moved adoption of the report and explained that the conference committee had largely retained House provisions while making additional changes, including directing the Office of Cannabis Management to return with a medical-market streamlining proposal, expanding testing capacity, and adding an expungement provision. Representative West also urged adoption, saying the bill improved the measure and moved Minnesota closer to a safe, tested, legal cannabis market. During debate on the bill, West argued that the legislation was still too restrictive but would help create a functioning market, support hemp businesses, ease burdens on medical cannabis operators, and improve public safety and expungement outcomes. Stevenson emphasized the bill’s low-potency hemp beverage wholesaler licensing provisions, saying they would support Minnesota breweries and create a needed wholesaling segment in the cannabis supply chain. He also noted that the bill would generate some licensing revenue and help the state’s cannabis market develop more efficiently. Members also discussed the importance of preserving the medical cannabis program for patients, including children with seizure disorders, and the need for clearer local control as cities and counties work with preliminary licensees before market launch. Hansen said local governments have key responsibilities under the legalization framework and warned that delays could affect the expected early 2025 launch. After debate, the House adopted the conference report, and the bill passed as amended by conference on an 80-50 vote, with its title agreed to.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:07:20.520><c> oh</c><01:07:20.720><c> patient</c> emergency um and patient oh patient emergency
• um and patient oh patient hospitalization<01:07:21.799><c> would</c><01:07:21.960><c> be</c><01:07:22.160
• They want the right medication at the right time for the right patient.
• They want the right medication at the right time for the right patient.
• </c> medication that you can get as a patient medication that you can get as a patient or<02:02:29.560

Summary: The House Finance Division III held an informational hearing on Medicaid, Medicare, Choices for Independence, and related financing, while postponing nursing facility financing and the county cap discussion to a later date. DHHS officials Ann Landry, Jonathan Ballard, and Medicaid Director Henry Litman provided an overview of Medicaid’s role, noting it is a federal-state partnership with state-specific eligibility and benefits, and emphasizing that Medicaid is a major funding and programmatic support for other DHHS initiatives. They also distinguished Medicaid from Medicare and explained that Medicaid funding is not the same as grant funding, though some providers may also receive federal grants through other channels. The presentation focused on New Hampshire’s relatively small Medicaid program and why it differs from national averages. Officials said about 184,000 residents are covered, roughly one in seven Granite Staters compared with one in five nationally, and attributed the difference largely to the state’s higher per-capita income and older population. They highlighted that about 65% of Medicaid-enrolled adults in New Hampshire are working, that only 22% of births are covered by Medicaid versus 42% nationally, and that the state’s uninsured rate is lower than the national rate. Members asked about covered services, income limits, federal matching rates, and the names of optional eligibility groups; staff explained that New Hampshire offers the optional groups discussed, with matching rates varying by category, including 90% for Granite Advantage and certain other groups, and 65% for children above the required level. A substantial portion of the hearing covered eligibility rules and recent policy changes. Officials reviewed the history of Medicaid, including HCBS waivers, the CFI program, Katie Beckett, the Olmstead decision, the ACA, and the end of continuous enrollment after the public health emergency. They also discussed the 2023 legislative expansion of postpartum coverage from 60 days to 12 months and child eligibility changes. In response to questions, DHHS said it is tracking utilization and costs for the postpartum expansion and reported that many maternal deaths occur after the prior 60-day coverage period, often involving substance use disorder or suicide; they said the longer coverage is intended to improve access to treatment and prevention. The committee also walked through household-income examples, clarified that Medicaid eligibility is based on household income and categorical rules, and confirmed that Granite Advantage ends at 138% of the federal poverty level unless another categorical basis applies. No votes were taken, and the hearing remained informational.

Transcript Highlights:

• principle that you know, basically that me personally I agree fundamentally with the ability for patients
• to get access to drugs and patients to get access to drugs and treatments<00:22:33.880><c> that</c><
• It's not so much the patients, but it's the investors. And that may be true.
• It's not so much the patients, but it's the investors. And that may be true.
• It's not so much the patients, but it's the investors. And that may be true.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• ... ...today to have some fantastic members of the Greek community with us who patiently waited.
• Bleeding disorders like hemophilia significantly impact patients and their families.
• Bleeding disorders like hemophilia significantly impact patients and their families, and like other rare
• requires specialized care, research, and policy attention to drive medical advancements and improve patient
• California Legislative Rare Disease Caucus, I know that despite each rare disease's unique nature, patients

Summary: The Assembly met, established a quorum after a roll call, and handled a series of procedural motions, guest introductions, and floor items. Members recognized several guests and student groups, then moved through the daily file, including second-reading items, Senate amendments, and the consent calendar, which was adopted 54-0. The chamber also adopted ACR 151 recognizing March 25 as Greek Independence Day, with 59 co-authors added, and ACR 146 designating March 2026 as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month, with 61 co-authors added; both resolutions were adopted by voice vote. ACR 140, proclaiming March 21 as Women in STEM Day, also passed with 56 co-authors added and was adopted by voice vote. The most substantial debate centered on AB 2156, which renames Cesar Chavez Day as Farm Workers’ Day and declares an urgency clause. Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry and several members spoke in support, emphasizing recognition of farm workers’ collective contributions and, in light of recent revelations about Cesar Chavez, the need to honor the broader movement rather than one individual. Other members echoed support while discussing farmworker history, accountability, and the importance of acknowledging survivors. Assembly Member DeMaio supported the bill but criticized state policies affecting agriculture and argued for broader recognition of Latino Californians and farmworker policy reforms. The bill passed with 67 votes and was transmitted immediately to the Senate. Later, the Assembly recessed for the Joint Convention and heard the 26th State of the Judiciary address from Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero. She focused on judicial independence, threats to judges, remote proceedings, CARE Act implementation, trial court funding and judgeship shortages, AI use in courts, immigration-related courthouse concerns, State Bar reforms after the February 2025 bar exam problems, and judicial salaries. She also highlighted the judiciary’s centennial, the importance of collaboration with the Legislature and Governor Newsom, and the need to preserve equal access to justice. After the address was ordered printed in the Journal, the joint convention adjourned and the Assembly later adjourned until Thursday, March 26 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Increasing patient access to quality health care is essential to our future economic growth.
• And, as in the previous bill, increasing patient access to quality health care is essential to our future
• So a physician assistant working for an institution who is in the patient care fund, that would be the
• No, thank you for being patient with our amendments, too. then our Nava, then our Pinto, then our Pope
• No, thank you for being patient with our amendments, too.

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 12, the physical therapy licensure compact. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would increase access to care and help recruit physical therapists in New Mexico, especially in rural areas and for neurodivergent patients. Support came from the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, Desert States Physical Therapy Network, Think New Mexico, the state Health Care Authority, and Americans for Autism Advocacy. A trial lawyer raised concerns about immunity, venue, and loser-pays language, and committee members discussed whether New Mexico-specific amendments would be accepted by the compact commission. Two amendments were adopted, including clarifying language on background checks, data, federal court standing, and repeal procedures, plus an immunity-related amendment. The bill was then reported out with a 9-0 due pass recommendation. The committee then considered House Bill 10, the physician assistant interstate compact. Supporters again emphasized workforce shortages, telehealth access, and the need to join the compact to qualify for Rural Health Transformation Program funding. The Health Care Authority said the compact was part of New Mexico’s commitments tied to federal funding, and a trial lawyer again raised concerns about loser-pays language. Two amendments were adopted to clarify New Mexico’s authority over reproductive and gender-affirming care issues, confidentiality of New Mexico licensee data, joint investigations, and contingent repeal procedures. After discussion about malpractice exposure, oversight, and the need for compact commission approval of language changes, the bill received an 8-0 due pass recommendation. House Bill 34, dealing with school nurse licensure provisions, was presented as a cleanup bill to clarify implementation issues from last session. The changes would add charter schools, align contract language with teacher contracts, and adjust supervision and evaluation rules for tiered school nurses in small districts. The New Mexico School Nurses Association supported the bill, and it passed unanimously with an 8-0 due pass recommendation. The committee also heard Senate Memorial 21, which would direct the Department of Health to study overdose prevention centers and other harm reduction strategies. Supporters from the ACLU, All Safe New Mexico, the Drug Policy Alliance, and Families and Youth Innovations Plus argued that New Mexico’s overdose crisis remains severe and that evidence-based interventions could save lives and connect people to treatment. The Department of Health provided background on overdose trends and said it was neutral but available for technical questions. After discussion about fentanyl trends, drug prices, and public health approaches, the memorial was approved on a 7-1 due pass vote. The committee also announced that Senate Bill 130 would be rolled over to Sunday’s meeting because a new substitute needed review.

Transcript Highlights:

• Radiation comes in from a source into the patient.
• I'm a very patient sponsor here, Senator Bullock. Well, I appreciate that, Mr.
• We have our very patient sponsor here, Senator Bullock.
• We have our very patient sponsor here, Senator Bullock. Well, I appreciate it.
• I'm a very patient sponsor here, Senator Bullock. Well, I appreciate that, Mr.

Bills: SB1063 , SB1118 , SB1153 , SB1154 , SB1209 , SCM1001

Committee: Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology

Keywords: appropriation, transportation, safety improvements, Route 70, infrastructure, housing, zoning, middle housing, urban development, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes, historic preservation, Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, special license plate, special plate, license plate, vanity plate

Transcript Highlights:

• How to look at a patient, gather all of the information that you can gain about a patient, and then go
• through a system. called the nursing process to ensure that you're doing all of the things that the patient
• ensure that all of our students have the appropriate number of clinical hours, actually being with patients
• and learning how to take care of real people in real situations. hours, actually being with patients
• The supplies are expired medical equipment that they can't use on live patients, but we can use on our

Committee: House Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• provisions in this bill will help keep that expectation alive, and it will save lives and improve patient
• I was a physician who, until 2020 when I got long COVID, was busy taking care of patients—pregnant patients
• We joined MDH's Long COVID Grantee Network to deliver innovative, patient-driven solutions for those
• Roundtable Rx is a lifeline, a stopgap for patients who have nowhere else to turn.
• Our patients are managing diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, and we've had them testify to us that

Bills: HF2435

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• the conversation about what we need to think about and how we go about keeping civilly committed patients
• It creates a dashboard so that patients awaiting transfer to a medically appropriate bed, along with
• Currently, my practice is focused on patients with rare inherited life-threatening disorders.
• The patients are infants affected with progressive irreversible neurologic conditions.
• Moving forward as quickly as possible to treatment puts patients at risk.

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• He noted that the bill itself cites 4,000 estimated patients, based on the Michael J.
• Fox Foundation and the Parkinson's Foundation, and that an estimate of 7,000 patients was provided by
• many, as exemplified already by what we heard, but this type of registry will tremendously help patients
• as well as tremendously help um patients as well as communities<00:38:57.040><c> we</c><00:38:57.200
• or part people with um patients or part people with Parkinson<00:41:06.160><c> so</c><00:41:06.359><

Committee: House Health

Summary: The House Committee on Health heard testimony on several measures. On HB 1233 relating to storm water management, the Attorney General’s office said the state may need to share costs with counties for any new inspection or regulatory program. Testifiers strongly supported the bill, including the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association and a community member who described her daughter’s death in a poorly maintained detention pond and urged statewide inspections and a comprehensive approach. A member asked the Attorney General about the cost-sharing issue, and the office said state appropriations would be needed if counties are required to take on new duties. The committee then heard HB 245 on student heat exposure safety. The Department of Education, Department of Health, and the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the measure. A physician testifying for the Climate Change and Health Working Group described children’s vulnerability to heat and cited examples from other states that adopted stronger heat guidelines after school heat deaths. The Department of Education said it could do the feasibility study without additional funding and preferred to wait for the study before deciding on equipment needs. The Attorney General’s office later testified on HB 903, authorizing schools to maintain bronchodilators, supporting the concept but warning that the bill’s definition of school was broad and that DOE may not have jurisdiction over all covered entities; it suggested changing “protocol” to “guidelines” and involving the Public Charter School Commission. On HB 1314 relating to youth mental health, the Department of Education testified in opposition, though no additional testimony was offered. The committee also heard HB 1334 on meat donation, with DLNR and the Hawaii Farm Bureau supporting the measure. HB 799 on health care drew support from HMSA and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans, while the Department of Health said it supported the intent but wanted amendments, including limiting the bill to Maui, adding a sunset, and requiring a study of quality and access impacts. On HB 952 relating to Parkinson’s disease research, the Department of Health said the proposal would require additional appropriations and staffing and suggested a public-private partnership approach; the Hawaii Parkinson Association, Queen’s clinicians, and other supporters testified that a registry would help identify the number of patients and improve care. Finally, SHPDA strongly supported HB 1431 establishing an oral health task force, saying the state lacks sufficient dental oversight and that both keiki and kūpuna need better access to services.

Transcript Highlights:

• And from working on expanding access to health care for sickle cell disease patients, to protecting and
• And from working on expanding access to health care for sickle cell disease patients, to protecting and
• This came from a group of sickle cell patients and their caregivers.
• This came from a group of sick of cell patients and their caregivers.
• I have two clinics actually in my district, and I see the pain that those patients go through.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a quorum call, approval of the journal, and adoption of the special order calendar. The chamber then took up several Senate bills on special order, with members offering questions and debate before final votes. The first major measure, CS/SB 156, the Officer Jason Rayner Act, would reclassify certain offenses against law enforcement officers and add manslaughter of an officer to the life-sentence reclassification statute. Supporters said it honored Officer Rayner and clarified that resistance to officers with violence is unlawful; opponents argued it reduced judicial discretion and could sweep in unintended cases. The bill passed 100-8. The House next passed CS/SB 688 on naturopathic medicine, which creates a regulatory framework and licensure standards for naturopathic physicians, defines scope limits, and establishes a board under the Department of Health. Supporters framed it as a consumer protection and medical freedom bill, while opponents called it an expansion of scope and criticized the low penalty for unlicensed practice. It passed 85-22. The chamber also passed CS/CS/SB 1062 on speech and debate education, creating a Florida Speech and Debate Hall of Fame, a Speech and Debate Week, and a statewide debate initiative, by a unanimous 112-0 vote. Members then approved CS/CS/SB 1220, a broad transportation bill covering FDOT authority, airports and seaports, drone and delivery devices, autonomous vehicle crimes, tolls, and other transportation issues; an amendment added provisions on Space Florida, golf carts, automated license plate recognition, and related matters while removing digital driver’s license repeal language. The bill passed 87-23. SB 962 on affordable housing, which clarifies that Live Local Act zoning preemption does not unintentionally capture working farms and farm operations, passed 109-2. Finally, CS/CS/SB 1580 on aiding illegal gaming was introduced and discussed; it would strengthen penalties for illegal slot machines and unregulated gaming arcades, clarify reporting and enforcement, and preempt local regulation, with questions focused on VFWs, sweepstakes, fantasy sports, and online betting. The transcript then shifted into lengthy farewell remarks and recognitions, including tributes from members leaving the House and acknowledgments of guests in the galleries.

Transcript Highlights:

• And from working on expanding access to health care for sickle cell disease patients, to protecting and
• Then there's Miss Alicia, the most patient human on planet Earth, putting up with all of our antics,
• This came from a group of sickle cell patients and their caregivers.
• I have two clinics actually in my district, and I see the pain that those patients go through.
• As I stated, you know, these patients, one, one, ...was actually needed.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of a quorum, then adopted the special order calendar for the day. The first major item was CS/SB 156, the Officer Jason Rayner Act, which revises laws on resisting officers and adds manslaughter of a law enforcement officer to offenses eligible for a life sentence reclassification. The sponsor said the bill was intended to honor Officer Jason Rayner and clarify that questions of fault belong in court; opponents argued it removed judicial discretion, could sweep in unintended cases, and was a broad response to a case-specific prosecutorial failure. After debate, the bill passed 108-8. The House then passed CS/SB 688 on naturopathic medicine, which creates a regulatory structure and licensure framework for naturopathic physicians, defines scope and limits of practice, and establishes a board under the Department of Health with medical doctor oversight. Supporters described it as a consumer protection and medical freedom measure; opponents called it an expansion of scope and criticized the low penalty for impersonating a naturopathic physician. The bill passed 85-22. The chamber also passed CS/CS/SB 1062 on speech and debate education, creating a Florida Speech and Debate Hall of Fame, a Florida Speech and Debate Week, and a statewide debate initiative, by a vote of 112-0. Additional measures approved included CS/CS/SB 1220 on transportation, which covers a wide range of issues including FDOT authority, airports and seaports, drone delivery, autonomous vehicles, toll revenues, and related regulatory changes; it passed 87-23. SB 962 on affordable housing, which clarifies that Live Local Act zoning preemption does not unintentionally capture working farms and farm operations, passed 109-2. CS/CS/SB 1580 on illegal gaming was introduced and explained as a crackdown on illegal slot machines and unregulated gaming arcades, with questions focused on VFWs, sweepstakes, fantasy sports, and the Seminole gaming compact, but the transcript ends before a final vote on that bill. The session also included several recognitions and lengthy farewell remarks from departing members, including Leader Driscoll and Majority Leader Sirois.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a result, Vermont patients and providers are vulnerable to exploitation at a time when our health
• </c> how providers treat patients. how providers treat patients.
• and providers for exploiting patients and providers for private<00:58:47.200><c> profit.
• As a result, Vermont patients<00:58:50.400><c> and</c><00:58:50.640><c> providers</c><00:58:51.200><c
• to patients and providers are vulnerable to exploitations<00:58:53.680><c> at</c><00:58:53.920><c> a

Transcript Highlights:

• The Minnesota Hospital Association is committed to patient access to care.
• a county process, even as the patient or family works through hospitalization.
• </c><00:31:05.679><c> support</c> protect access for patients, support protect access for patients, support
• Patients come from all over the state to go to Hennepin Healthcare.
• Our hospitals will always work towards coverage for our patients.

Summary: The committee took up House File 4466, the sub health supplemental budget bill, and moved it to the Ways and Means Committee after a walkthrough of the fiscal spreadsheet and the DE1 amendment. Nonpartisan staff explained that the bill produces general fund savings of about $2.4 million in FY27 for the 2026-27 biennium and about $97.7 million in the next biennium, with most savings tied to HR1-related Medical Assistance changes affecting adults without children. The Department of Health provisions were described as largely cost-neutral, with some increases for implementation, data, and IT work. Staff then reviewed the DE1, which combines several bills into four articles. The bill includes health licensing board changes, Department of Health provisions such as all-payer claims database fees, newborn screening fee exceptions, loan forgiveness and scholarship program extensions, workforce shortage grant changes, and reciprocal licensure and mortuary science provisions. The federal conformity article makes changes related to MA work and community engagement requirements, six-month renewals, retroactive eligibility limits, contact information updates, cost sharing for MA expansion enrollees, and related provider tax and disability-notice provisions. Article 4 and Article 5 were described as forecast adjustments for DHS and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. Public testimony focused largely on the federal conformity and eligibility provisions. Legal aid testified that the work requirements and retroactive eligibility changes would be confusing, could expand requirements beyond intended groups, and would increase uncompensated care. The Minnesota Hospital Association said shortening retroactive eligibility would increase uncompensated care and strain hospital finances, and Unidos Minnesota criticized the immigrant eligibility changes as harmful to lawfully present immigrants and Native communities. Blood Cancer United supported the all-payer claims database provisions and urged attention to fertility coverage. Representative Elkins offered an amendment to add $55,000 for the Department of Health to include denied-claims data in the all-payer claims database; Department of Health staff said the idea was useful and provided a one-time setup cost, but the amendment was not acted on in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So there should be a guarantee of patient privacy. There should be no commercialization.
• So there should be a guarantee of patient privacy. There should be no commercialization.
• So there should be a guarantee of patient privacy. There should be no commercialization.
• So there should be a guarantee of patient privacy. There should be no commercialization.
• So there should be a guarantee of patient privacy. There should be no commercialization.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then heard testimony on the use of artificial intelligence in therapy and mental health settings. Representative Lisa Willner and Brenda Rosen of NASW Kentucky argued for “guard rails” on AI chatbots so they cannot present themselves as licensed therapists or replace school counselors, psychologists, or social workers. They said AI can support licensed professionals, but warned that chatbots cannot reliably recognize nonverbal cues, escalate crises, or provide accountable care, and they cited examples of harmful chatbot interactions, including a suicide case and a chatbot telling a user to “Please die.” The witnesses also raised concerns about data privacy, commercialization of sensitive mental health conversations, and the use of personal clinical content to train AI models. They said minors should require parental consent and suggested transparency about how a chatbot is trained and who created it. They distinguished between unvetted consumer chatbots and AI tools that have been scientifically validated or approved as digital therapeutics, noting that some evidence-based tools may be useful for specific conditions such as depression, anxiety, or eating disorders. Committee members asked whether regulation should be handled by the legislature or by professional boards, and whether a multi-state model would be preferable to 50 different state approaches. The witnesses generally favored expert-led standards and said a board or panel of experts could review and approve mental health chatbots, but members cautioned that boards can become too restrictive and that legislation should preserve flexibility and avoid discouraging children from seeking help. The discussion ended with a request for the witnesses to restate their proposed policy ideas, including privacy protections, bans on commercialization, limits on training AI with clinical content, transparency requirements, and informed consent.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:23.600><c> as</c> establishment stops treating patients as establishment stops treating patients
• So, in conclusion, uh for patients.
• > high</c><01:22:43.920><c> community</c> These patients rely on high community These patients rely on
• My patients have been HB1 1811.
• </c><02:36:26.240><c> and</c> exceed 20 to $50,000 per patient. and exceed 20 to $50,000 per patient.

Committee: House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> 86% of the patients 86% of the patients uh<00:25:02.320><c> were</c><00:25:02.559><c> still</c><
• If this is something that the physician thinks is helpful to the patient and the patient wants to undergo
• </c><00:57:58.000><c> who</c> open and continue serving patients who open and continue serving patients
• ,</c> serve lowincome and uninsured patients, serve lowincome and uninsured patients, not<00:58:10.319
• They seek medical care in the emergency room. patients who are put into the hospitals patients who are

Transcript Highlights:

• services from individuals based on their vaccination status. routine visits to lifesaving care due to a patient
• House Bill 4076, which is limited only to organ transplant patients, has received a hearing, but its
• Informed consent, one of the fundamental tenets of medical care, is the understanding that patients have
• This requirement puts patients' lives at risk. due to their personal vaccine decisions.

Keywords: immigration, children's rights, E-Verify, social transitioning, election integrity, Texas GOP, legislative session, urgent legislation

Summary: The committee meeting was characterized by fervent discussions surrounding critical legislation, particularly regarding immigration, children's rights, and election integrity. Key bills such as HB2258, aiming to ban social transitioning for children, and E-Verify legislation were highlighted as urgent priorities. Several representatives expressed frustration over stalled bills and emphasized the necessity of decisive action to fulfill their commitments made during their campaigns. The urgency was marked by the approaching deadline for bill passage, with only days remaining in the legislative session. Members urged House leadership to prioritize these bills, warning that failure to act would undermine public trust in their capacity to fulfill the Republicans' campaign promises.

Transcript Highlights:

• A recent study published in radiology found that one in five patients said they would not go back.
• It simply addresses the patient cost-sharing requirement as currently defined in the Florida Statutes
• It ensures that a patient who needs tests, such as an MRI, an ultrasound, or a diagnostic mammogram,
• House Bill 839 is about improved access to mental health care for patients with insurance.

Summary: The Health Care Facilities and Systems Subcommittee met and heard two bills. HB 141, by Rep. Woodson, would require the state group insurance program to cover out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations for covered employees, with the goal of improving early detection and reducing the chance that patients skip follow-up imaging because of cost. Woodson described her personal experience with breast cancer screening and emphasized that the bill would help state employees get recommended mammograms, MRIs, ultrasounds, and related tests without financial barriers. The American Cancer Society and Cancer Action Network supported the bill, and several members spoke in strong support, citing the importance of early detection and employee retention. The committee voted 15-0 to report HB 141 favorably. The committee then heard CS for HB 839, by Rep. Booth, which would shorten the period for health insurers to seek overpayment claims against participating psychologists from 30 months to 12 months, aligning psychologists with other health care providers and applying to claims on or after January 1, 2026. Booth said the change would improve access to mental health care by encouraging more psychologists to participate in insurance networks. The Florida Psychological Association appeared in support, and there was no debate. The committee voted 15-0 to report the bill favorably. At the end of the meeting, the vice chair, ranking member, and chair each offered brief remarks thanking members and staff for their work during the session. The chair noted the committee had focused on implementation and oversight issues and described the process as member-driven. The meeting then adjourned by motion to rise.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and members of the committee, Senate Bill 924 addresses a critical issue faced by young cancer patients
• While medical advancements have led to 87% of young adult cancer patients surviving their diagnosis,
• Many patients must make immediate decisions about fertility before starting their therapies, but the
• This bill removes financial barriers, allows patients to focus on their treatments, and protects their

Committee: Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability

Summary: The Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability met and reported several bills favorably. Senate Bill 7000 repealed the sunset on a public records exemption protecting site-specific location information for threatened and endangered species; Senate Bill 7006 preserved exemptions for building plans and related records showing 911, E911, public safety radio, and NG911 infrastructure; and Senate Bill 7004 extended the exemption for property photographs and personal identifying information tied to certain housing assistance programs. Each of those bills drew no questions, no public testimony, and no debate before favorable votes. The committee also considered Senate Bill 448 on administrative procedure, which proposed broader reforms to the Administrative Procedure Act, including agency rulemaking oversight and cost-benefit analysis requirements. An amendment removed the bill’s eight-year sunset. The Florida Bar’s Administrative Law Section testified with concerns that some provisions could chill agency guidance, increase costs and delays, and create standing issues for challenges. Supportive testimony also came from Americans for Prosperity and the James Madison Institute. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably as amended. Senate Bill 1058, as amended, updated state references to the “Gulf of America” in geographic and instructional materials and removed the road designation of Tamami Trail. Senator Polsky objected to the change as unnecessary and wasteful, while the sponsor said the bill simply aligns materials with the new name going forward. The committee adopted the strike-all amendment and then reported the bill favorably. Later, Senate Bill 924 was heard and amended to expand state employee fertility preservation coverage beyond cancer to other medically necessary treatments, remove age limits, require coverage of standard cryopreservation services, and set storage limits. Senators Polsky and Rodriguez praised the measure as important for young patients facing infertility risks, while one senator questioned whether the state group plan was the right vehicle. The committee reported SB 924 favorably, and members later recorded additional affirmative votes on SB 448 and SB 1058 before adjournment.