Transcript Highlights:

• And having been here for 11 years, both in the majority and the minority, and now whatever this is, I
• And having been here for 11 years, both in the majority and the minority, and now whatever this is, I
• And having been here for 11 years, both in the majority and the minority, and now whatever this is, I
• And having been here for 11 years, both in the majority and the minority, and now whatever this is, I
• And having been here for 11 years, both in the majority and the minority, and now whatever this is, I

Bills: HF3

Keywords: legislative auditor, reporting, accountability, state finance, executive agency oversight, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Moving on to page 11, this is the Table of Conduct.
• Turning to page 11. On page 11, item number 11, voter education fees.
• Turning to page 11.
• So Cyrus Reed, Lone Star, Chapter of the Sierra.
• It's your Lone Star Chapter Sierra Club.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Commonwealth, Senate Docket No. 154, be taken from the files and referred to the subcommittee relative to Chapter
• Order that when the Senate adjourns today, it shall meet again on Monday next at 11 o'clock a.m.
• The Senate stands adjourned to meet on Monday next at 11 o'clock a.m.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then adopted a resolution commending Los Angeles County first responders for their heroism in fighting devastating wildfires. The resolution, offered by Senators Feingold and Tarr, was approved by voice vote. The chamber then adopted an order, offered by Senator Spilka, creating temporary committees on Ways and Means and on Bills in the Third Reading until permanent committees are appointed. The temporary committees were set to have the same membership as in the 193rd General Court. Senator Feeney moved to suspend the rules so the order could be considered immediately, and the motion was approved without objection. The Senate also voted to take up a communication from the Auditor of the Commonwealth, Senate Docket No. 154, and refer it to the subcommittee related to Chapter 50 of the Acts of 2024. Finally, the Senate adopted an order to reconvene on Monday at 11:00 a.m., and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And they did this<00:11:21.440> across<00:11:21.839> a<00:11:22.160> number<00:11
• And<00:11:28.399> the<00:11:28.880> legislation<00:11:29.360> you<00:11:29.600><
• <01:11:10.080> the<01:11:10.159> state<01:11:10.400> I<01:11:10.560> I
• > going<01:11:13.440> to<01:11:13.600> act<01:11:13.840> like<01:11:14.000
• <01:11:20.000> So<01:11:20.719> for<01:11:21.040> the<01:11:22.159> um

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They don't qualify for the Chapter 115 benefits in the state. So that cuts them off.
• We have Chapter 115 benefits available. Those are administered at the municipal level.
• Chapter 115 is largely focused on indigent veterans and providing minimum subsistence to make sure they
• We're a team of 11 at this point, and we have 10 statutory mandates that we must comply with.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Employment Subcommittee of the Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities met on May 18 and approved the prior meeting minutes. The first presentation was an update on the Massachusetts Disability Employment Tax Credit from MassAbility. The speaker explained that the credit, created in 2022, offers employers up to $5,000 in the first year and $2,000 in later years for hiring certified employees with disabilities. He described a streamlined self-attestation certification process, the online application and outreach tools, and noted that the first full tax season resulted in one company successfully claiming the credit. Members asked about how employers learn to file, available data, carry-forward rules, and whether more information from the Department of Revenue could be shared. The second presentation was from the Office of the Veteran Advocate. The speaker described the office as an independent agency created after COVID and the state veterans home tragedy to improve veteran services and investigate problems. He reviewed VA disability ratings, the fact that service-connected disability does not necessarily prevent work, and the barriers faced by veterans with less-than-honorable discharges. He also highlighted vocational rehabilitation, GI Bill and housing supports, and the office’s work on professional licensure barriers, especially for nurses and other skilled trades. Members discussed whether Massachusetts is behind other states on licensure reciprocity and the need for more openness from licensing boards; the office said it is starting with a narrow nursing-focused review and will report back on findings. In the final portion of the meeting, members discussed a lengthy policy brief from Seed and agreed it should be taken up at the August 31 meeting rather than rushed through by email. The group focused on two emerging areas of work: the benefit cliff and youth/young adult pathways into employment, including apprenticeships. Members suggested creating a clearer tool or spreadsheet to map existing resources and possibly a white paper for appointing authorities, while noting the commission’s limits on direct advocacy. The meeting ended with an invitation for members interested in the benefit cliff work or youth employment pipeline to join follow-up discussions, and the subcommittee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and members, by way of background, laws 2019, Chapter 194, created an option to establish a path
• Chair, members, by way of backgrounds, laws 2019, Chapter 194, created an option to establish a path
• Senator Epstein: I believe that these plans, part of it is that the plans do not have to cover the 10 or 11
• changes to align with the most up-to-date version of the section of law that was amended in Laws 2026, chapter

Bills: HB2089, HB2090, HB2092, HB2120, HB2138, HB2173, HB2273, HB2693, HB2786

Keywords: retirement benefits, health insurance, premium payment, Arizona State Retirement System, contingent annuitant, long-term disability, benefits limitations, disability compensation, social security, retirement system, elected officials, ASRS, eligibility waiver, age 65, property tax exemption, disability, veterans, widows, income limits, Arizona Revised Statutes

Transcript Highlights:

• Up next, we're going to hear from Representative Redondo, CS for HB 11.
• local governments have with com- Amendments that are larger than 50 acres, and that process is in Chapter
• So if we have anything that's above 50 acres, Chapter 163 lays out a process that it goes to the state
• We appreciate the use of the Chapter 163 statutory definition of contiguity.

Transcript Highlights:

• on as the tax department is generally in the finance section of OPA, which is Title 7, and then Chapters
• Finally, there are those indirect impacts, also in Chapters 5 and 6 regarding PIT and SIT.
• I'm moving on to slide 11.
• Basically, the legislature would amend Chapter 7 to say something is or isn't exempt, deductible, and

Transcript Highlights:

• I also plan to offer a committee substitute to change the may on page 2 line 11 to shall to ensure full
• Um, we are a chapter, a four-state chapter of, uh, primarily Texas members, uh, of a chapter of ACA International

Bills: HJR40

Keywords: Medicaid, healthcare access, Affordable Care Act, federal funding, constitutional amendment

Transcript Highlights:

• This year's securities package will amend Chapter 517 of the Florida Statutes in the following ways.
• Now, the mergers and acquisition brokers section of Chapter 517 is amended to adopt a revision to NASAA's
• The bill also includes two must-pass amendments to Chapter 517.
• And it said the bill, in the court case, it said the thing was read at 11:44 a.m. in the morning, which

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• are special conditions for those showings, so the four showings have to be between the hours of 6 and 11
• p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• HB 37 is a bill that repeals the sunset provision of Chapter 211 of the Acts of Assembly 2024.
• That chapter stated that the Department of Medical Assistance Services shall amend financial eligibility
• They've had Medicaid waivers since they were 10 and 11, and I've experienced the whole... ...Medicaid

Summary: The Virginia Disability Commission held its first meeting of the year on June 18, established a quorum, and introduced members. Senator Barbara Favola was elected chair and Delegate Amy Laufer was elected vice chair, both unanimously. The commission also reviewed and unanimously approved its electronic/remote participation policy, which mirrors last year’s policy and allows limited remote participation under Virginia FOIA rules. Staff then reviewed a package of 14 disability-related bills that passed last session and were signed into law. Topics included disabled veterans’ vehicle registration fee exemptions, open captioning requirements for movie theaters, guardianship/conservatorship order forwarding, service dog team definitions, education and transition planning for students with disabilities, Blue Envelope and driver communication training for law enforcement and driver education, deferred disposition and jury service protections, voting rights in guardianship cases, expansion of the Virginia Human Rights Act, continuation of a DD waiver eligibility change, and DMAS training authority for autism competency checklists. Members discussed implementation concerns, especially making the Blue Envelope/driver communication program more visible and considering a follow-up letter and DMV presentation. The commission then adopted its interim work plan unanimously, with discussion of possible presentations on DMAS and Medicaid waivers, DBHDS telehealth training implementation, SCHEV and VDOE transition planning, transition from institutions to community settings, criminal justice reform, transportation and parking accessibility, adult-sized changing tables, and school accessibility. Members also suggested adding EVV concerns, seclusion and restraint, rare disease issues, and insurance coverage problems for needed medications. Public commenters urged the commission to address burdensome EVV requirements for family caregivers, improve accessibility for local government meetings and documents, and explore a standardized credential/career pathway for direct support professionals. The chair said follow-up work would be assigned on EVV and implementation issues, and the meeting location would move to the Senate side of the Capitol going forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• are special conditions for those showings, so the four showings have to be between the hours of 6 and 11
• p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• This is a bill that repeals the sunset provision of Chapter 211 of the Acts of Assembly 2024.
• That chapter stated that the Department of Medical Assistance Services shall amend financial eligibility
• They've had Medicaid waivers since they were 10 and 11, and I've experienced the whole... ...Medicaid

Keywords: Disability Commission, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sunshine Chapter Number 34.
• Ayes 50, nays 11. The bill is passed.
• AYES 50, NAYs 11. >> THE BILL IS PASSED.
• "I move to adjourn until tomorrow, Thursday, March 19, at 11:00 a.m."
• "Adjourned until Thursday, March 19 at 11:00 a.m."

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal, then moved through a series of introductions and resolutions recognizing Women’s History Month honorees, Prince Hall Masons and Eastern Stars, Agriculture Week, Pakistan-American Heritage Day, visiting Mercaz Academy students, and the 175th anniversary of Albany Law School. Several senators spoke in support of the commemorations, and each resolution was adopted. The chamber then took up a number of bills on the calendar. Among the measures passed were bills related to insurance, private housing finance, public health, mental hygiene, real property, elder law, public authorities, and environmental conservation. One bill on the Environmental Conservation Law drew a procedural challenge over a proposed amendment; the Chair’s ruling that the amendment was nongermane was upheld by a show of hands, after which the bill passed. Another bill amending the Emergency Tenant Protection Act was debated on the issue of vacant rent-stabilized units and LLC ownership transparency, with supporters saying it would help identify responsible owners and opponents arguing it was too broad and could impose unclear penalties; it ultimately passed. The most extended debate centered on a real property bill concerning electronic rent payment systems and automated clearinghouse fees. Supporters framed it as a transparency measure that lets tenants choose whether to use such systems, while critics questioned how fees would be handled and whether the bill would affect landlord costs. After debate, the bill passed. A public health bill sponsored by Senator Webb also passed after she explained it was intended to improve transparency and oversight of changes to maternity and perinatal services amid concerns about maternal health deserts and hospital closures. The Senate then completed the calendar and adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• again<00:11:05.920> calling<00:11:06.240> on<00:11:06.399> Senator<00:11:06.720>
• <00:11:12.640> I<00:11:12.880> move<00:11:13.120> to<00:11:13.360> take
• >> All<00:11:16.160> in<00:11:16.320> favor<00:11:17.360> say<00:11:17.680
• <00:11:32.160> I<00:11:32.320> am<00:11:32.480> now<00:11:32.720> calling
• Abler from 11:20 to 11:35. Housley 11:25 until the end.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There will be 11 present, and a quorum is established.
• Next, with regard to confidentiality statutes, we added language confirming that nothing in this chapter
• The bill receives 11 ayes and 0 nays.
• Being 11 ayes and 0 nays, the committee substitute for House Bill 2963 is favorably reported.
• It would be 11-0-0.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um over<00:11:24.880> the<00:11:25.120> past<00:11:25.279> couple<00:11:25.600><
• 00:11:28.240> about<00:11:28.480> the<00:11:28.720> need<00:11:28.959> for
• <00:11:31.440> Um<00:11:31.760> I<00:11:31.920> I<00:11:32.240> would
• Um I I would say to<00:11:32.720> you<00:11:32.880> that<00:11:33.360> if<00:11:
• > think<00:11:35.920> I<00:11:36.160> hope<00:11:36.320> you<00:11:36.480

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senators, we will take Tab 11. Senator Brodeur, you're recognized to explain the bill. Sen.
• It is proposing changes to several sections of Chapter 943 to clarify the duties and responsibilities
• May I please be recorded as voting favorably on Tabs 11, 3, 10, 4, 16, and 13?
• In the affirmative for Tab 11, 1062, and Tab 10, 396. Chair: Thank you.
• I would like to be recorded in the affirmative for Tab 3, 4, 10, 11, 13, 16. Chair: Thank you.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :31.279> Harrington<00:11:32.000> Geneian<00:11:32.880> Levitt<00:11:34.240>
• :35.519> Smith<00:11:35.920> and<00:11:36.160> Vney<00:11:36.959> and<00:
• Gilman these<00:11:41.279> leaves<00:11:41.600> of<00:11:41.680> abence<00:11:42.000
• <00:11:43.600> by<00:11:43.760> the<00:11:43.920> house<00:11:44.240> the
• > will<00:11:44.800> attend<00:11:44.959> to<00:11:45.120> the<00:11:45.279

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have significant concerns with issue number 11 of the Sunset Review background paper, where the Board
• I have served on the AMTA's California Chapter and National Boards of Directors, as well as on the boards
• My application was received on 11/10/2023, application ID 167-360.
• the American Massage Therapy Association, I am the government relations chair for the California chapter
• I was the GR chair of the AMTA California chapter during the 2014 sunset review, and I have participated

Summary: The joint sunset oversight hearing reviewed five regulatory entities: the Board of Behavioral Sciences, the Board of Psychology, the Physician Assistant Board, the Podiatric Medical Board, and the California Massage Therapy Council. Across the hearing, each entity described recent accomplishments, licensing and enforcement workload, workforce shortages, and efforts to modernize processes. Common themes included streamlining licensure, expanding access to care, addressing telehealth or emerging technology, and balancing consumer protection with workforce needs. For the Board of Behavioral Sciences, members discussed workforce shortages in mental health, supervision barriers, telehealth confidentiality, AI in therapy, interstate compacts, school-based services, and military spouse licensure. The board said it has expanded outreach, improved licensing processes, and created temporary practice authority tracking, while also expressing concern about counseling compacts and emphasizing California-specific law, ethics, and cultural competency. Public commenters supported the board’s work and the possible move to a national MFT exam, while also urging more resources. The Board of Psychology highlighted fee adjustments, streamlined licensure pathways, enforcement process improvements, new CPD requirements, and proposed changes including a psychotherapist-client privilege exception for investigations. Committee members and public witnesses focused heavily on that privilege proposal, with some members opposing it as too broad and privacy-invasive, while the board argued it is needed to obtain records in bias and sexual misconduct cases. The board also discussed workforce shortages, processing improvements, and the use of inactive status for psychological associates. The Physician Assistant Board reported growth in the PA workforce and education programs, SB 697 implementation, and financial pressure from rising enforcement costs. The main policy debate centered on physician-to-PA ratios and practice agreements, with board representatives and many public commenters arguing that current restrictions limit access to care, especially in rural areas, while the California Medical Association defended the need for explicit ratios and agreements. The board also discussed AI, fee increases, and tracking temporary practice authority. The Podiatric Medical Board described licensing and renewal reforms, residency expansion, enforcement support, and budget constraints, while public testimony raised concerns about a proposed fee increase and about reimbursement parity and practice recognition for podiatrists. Finally, the California Massage Therapy Council defended the certification model over licensure, citing lower costs, local government collaboration, anti-trafficking work, and its role in vetting applications and disciplining bad actors; no formal votes or final actions were taken during this portion of the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• But Senator Baskin, you talked about crying and Psalm chapter 30, verse 5.
• On 5/14, remember chapter 5, verse 14. Be that light. Shine the light.
• >> There is no further business at the desk. >> I move to adjourn until Monday, May 18 at 11:00 a.m.,
• >> I MOVE TO ADJOURN UNTIL MONDAY, MAY 18 AT 11:00 A.M.
• On motion, the Senate stands adjourned until Monday, May 18, at 11:00 a.m., with intervening days being

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with routine proceedings, approved the prior journal, and processed several messages from the Assembly, including motions to discharge and substitute identical Senate bills for Assembly bills on the calendars. The chamber also reconsidered and restored Senate Print 1788, an act amending the Real Property Tax Law, to the third reading calendar. The Rules Committee reported Senate Print 10324, the state budget appropriations bill, directly to third reading, and the Senate accepted the message of necessity and laid the bill aside before taking it up on the controversial calendar as a budget extender. A lengthy debate followed on the budget extender, with Senator O’Mara and others criticizing the continued delay in finalizing the state budget, the lack of public details, and the absence of a schedule for joint budget committee meetings. Senator Serrano responded that the extender was necessary to keep state government operating while final budget negotiations continued, but could not provide specifics on policy items such as Tier 6 pension changes, New York City aid, local government support, or school aid. The extender was ultimately passed 56-2, with Senators Rhoads and Weik voting no. The Senate then adopted several previously adopted resolutions, including a memorial resolution for former Congressman Eliot Engel and a resolution marking the fourth anniversary of the Tops Friendly Markets mass shooting in Buffalo. The Buffalo resolution prompted extensive remarks from multiple senators about racism, gun violence, community trauma, and the need for policy responses; it was adopted with broad support. The chamber also passed a series of bills on the third reading calendar covering highway, municipal, environmental, banking, veterans, education, public health, and public service matters, with most passing overwhelmingly and a few drawing minority opposition. Notable floor debate occurred on a study bill regarding battery energy storage systems, where senators raised concerns about fire safety and siting; the bill passed 45-13. The Senate adjourned to reconvene on Monday, May 18 at 11:00 a.m.