Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Army and Army Reserve. Army and Army Reserve.
• Gentleman from Michigan reserves. time. Gentleman from Michigan reserves.
• So, I'll reserve my time until closing. >> The gentleman reserves.
• &gt;&gt; I<02:33:08.319><c> reserve.</c> &gt;&gt; I reserve. &gt;&gt; I reserve.
• </c> reserve the balance of my time. reserve the balance of my time.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I reserve the balance of my time. >> The gentleman reserves.
• </c> &gt;&gt; and we reserve. Thank you, Mr. &gt;&gt; and we reserve. Thank you, Mr.
• And we will reserve.
• And we will reserve. reserve. reserve.
• We reserve the balance. The gentleman from North Carolina reserves.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, September 11, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that 100% reserve is what provides them with the financial stability.
• And that 100% reserve is what provides them with the financial stability.
• It still requires a 100% reserve bank.
• </c> we had not just a 100% reserve we had not just a 100% reserve requirement<00:23:09.840><c> of</c
• So you don't have the reserve bank.

Bills: HB0116, HB0056

Keywords: water rights, beneficial use, industrial production, hydrogen, applications, public welfare, carbon capture, energy standards, public utilities, environmental regulation, state law, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have some reserved slots that are reserved for individuals who maybe leave the waiver program for
• We do have some reserved slots that are reserved for individuals who maybe leave the waiver program for
• We do have some reserved slots that are reserved for individuals who maybe leave the waiver program for
• </c><00:08:58.560><c> slots</c> receiving we do have some reserved slots receiving we do have some reserved
• </c><00:09:02.560><c> for</c> um and I that that are reserved for um and I that that are reserved for

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services met with a quorum still coming together and first handled roll call and minutes. The main presentation came from the Department for Medicaid Services, with Commissioner Lisa Lee and CFO Steve Beckle giving an overview of Kentucky Medicaid, its federal-state financing structure, and the department’s 1915(c) home- and community-based waiver programs. They explained FMAP funding levels for traditional Medicaid, administration, IT, expansion adults, and CHIP, and noted the size of the program, including more than 600,000 Kentucky children eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, about 485,000 expansion adults, over 69,000 enrolled providers, and $18.5 billion in 2024 expenditures. A major focus was the waiver system, including the acquired brain injury waivers, model waiver, independence waiver, Michelle P. waiver, and Supports for Community Living waiver. The department said these waivers are intended to keep people with physical or developmental disabilities in home and community settings rather than facilities, and that many services are not covered by Medicare or commercial insurance. Officials described participant-directed services, interagency administration, and eligibility rules, including that some waiver programs use the child’s income only rather than family income. They also reported an unduplicated waiver wait list of 13,930 people and said the General Assembly had added waiver slots in the last budget, including 650 ABI slots and 1,275 more to be allocated July 1, 2025. The department also discussed a waiver rate study conducted by Guidehouse, explaining that CMS requires a defensible rate methodology because there is no Medicare or commercial benchmark for many waiver services. They said the study used cost and wage surveys, provider and stakeholder input, and aimed to improve transparency, provider stability, and rate parity. Officials reviewed prior COVID-era Appendix K rate increases and budget-driven increases, and said the budget ultimately funded rates at about 70% of the benchmark study, while preserving higher existing rates where needed so no provider would be cut. They highlighted larger differences in behavioral support and case management rates, and said a public report is available. Members asked several questions about the potential impact of federal FMAP changes, especially possible reductions in the enhanced match for expansion adults and Medicaid IT/admin activities. DMS said any FMAP reduction would require more state general fund dollars, estimating about $75 million for each 1% drop in the expansion match, while impacts on administrative IT funding would depend on the systems being built or implemented in a given year. Members also pressed for clarification on waiver wait-list procedures, funded versus filled slots, and what happens when someone on the wait list is later found ineligible. DMS said people on the wait list may not yet have been assessed, can be reevaluated if conditions change, and are still eligible for regular Medicaid state-plan services if they qualify, even if they are waiting for waiver services.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the uh trustee of reserve funds.
• </c><01:28:36.719><c> an</c> speculation of we need to uh reserve an speculation of we need to uh reserve
• </c> funds are properly reserved funds are properly reserved uh<01:49:58.960><c> and</c><01:49:59.199
• </c><02:12:59.280><c> fund</c> whether it be one capital reserve fund whether it be one capital reserve
• </c> county can set aside in capital reserves county can set aside in capital reserves in<02:36:18.800

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any members present wishing to vote no with reservations?
• present wishing to vote<00:19:33.520><c> no</c><00:19:33.840><c> with</c> vote no with vote no with reservations
• <00:19:35.919><c> Seeing</c><00:19:36.240><c> none,</c><00:19:36.480><c> chair</c> reservations?
• Seeing none, chair reservations?

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Transportation met on Thursday, April 17 at 10:00 a.m. with a short agenda focused on two resolutions. STR 32 requested that the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation work with the Department of Transportation to use inmate work furlough programs for state roadway and highway maintenance. Testimony was received in support from the Department of Transportation, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and an individual, Frank Schultz. No one testified in opposition or with reservations. The committee also heard STR 117 SD1 HD1, which urged the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee to collaborate with the Department of Education, Department of Transportation, and the County of Hawaii to inventory bus stops on Hawaii Island used by children traveling to school and to develop safety improvements at those locations. Testimony in support came from the Department of Transportation, the Department of Education, and Frank Schultz. Again, there was no opposition or additional public testimony. After taking the measures up, the committee voted to pass both resolutions unamended as is. The chair’s recommendations were adopted, with some members excused from the vote on STR 32. Before adjournment, the chair noted this was the last traditional transportation committee hearing of the session, thanked staff, members, and advocates, and said the committee would move into conference on nearly 45 transportation measures. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any reservations? A no vote on GM 544 for Senators Awa and DeCorte. Any other no votes?
• <00:04:08.000><c> Any</c><00:04:08.319><c> reservations?
• Any reservations? A no vote on consent? Any reservations?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any members with reservations? Thank you, Chair. Your recommendation is adopted.
• Any members with reservations? Thank you, Chair.
• </c> voting no any members with reservations voting no any members with reservations thank<02:04:03.480
• </c> voting no any members with reservations voting no any members with reservations thank<02:05:00.040
• Any members with reservations? Thank you, Chair. Recommendation is adopted.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education met at the University of Hawaiʻi’s Bachman Hall and heard testimony on several UH-related bills. HB 542 would expand the Hawaiʻi Promise Program to provide unmet-need scholarships at four-year UH campuses. UH system officials, the UH Student Caucus, and a Honolulu Community College student testified in support, emphasizing college affordability, student retention, and workforce needs. Committee members asked about current program data, eligibility, transfer patterns, and cost; UH said it had data available, noted about 10% of current Hawaiʻi Promise students transfer to four-year campuses, and estimated the full expansion would cost about $12 million. UH also suggested a possible alternative of focusing on transfer opportunities from two-year to four-year campuses. The committee then heard HB 840, which concerns athletics appropriations for UH. UH Mānoa and UH Hilo supported the bill. UH officials said the funding would help cover recurring athletics operating costs, women’s sports travel and recruiting, Austin Awards, and a new nutrition fueling station, while Hilo said the money would help with travel, per diem, and conference-related costs. Members asked about the history of the athletics funding, the difference between Austin Awards and special talent waivers, NIL planning, and whether the appropriation should be restored to the base budget. UH explained that a $4 million athletics appropriation was originally made in 2018 or 2019, later removed from the base, and has been reappropriated annually since then. Finally, the committee heard HB 842, which would fund three additional permanent mental health practitioner positions at UH Mānoa’s Counseling and Student Development Center. UH supported the bill, and Academic Labor United and a high school student testified in favor, citing student stress, overwork, and the need for more counseling access. In questions, members discussed the current counselor-to-student ratio, recruitment challenges in a tight labor market, and strategies for hiring, including looking at candidates on soft-money grants who may be seeking stable employment. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THE MONEY WOULD BE SET ASIDE IN RESERVE AND LEFT ALONE.
• BEAUTIFUL BILL AND OF THE ECONOMY THAT THIS MIGHT NOT BE A GOOD TIME TO PUT SO MUCH MONEY AWAY INTO RESERVES
• THE PRESIDING OFFICERS AS A WAY TO ADDRESS LESS SPENDING AND TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE ADEQUATE RESERVES
• REVENUE IT IS LIKE THE CHECKING ACCOUNT AND THEN WE HAVE A SAVINGS ACCOUNT WHICH ARE ALL THE VARIOUS RESERVES
• HELP YOU WITH YOUR BIGGEST ECONOMIC NEED WE HAVE SO MUCH EXCESS MONEY WE WILL PUT IT AWAY AND MORE RESERVES

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is what I see, without using reserve funds, the best possible way to stop the harm that we're
• And originally, I was in support of this to go to the floor, and I was going to reserve my right. remove
• And originally, I was in support of this to go to the floor, and I was going to reserve my right.
• But at this point, I'm actually going to be supporting the original motion and then reserve my right
• So I am saying to this legislature, unless you're willing to use reserve funds, which I think we should

Summary: The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee met with a quorum and first took up the Department of Health and Welfare’s Division of Medicaid. Members approved a 2026 supplemental for the Medicaid forecast adjustment, increasing general fund and dedicated fund spending while reducing federal funds, and also approved a separate budget-neutral 2026 supplemental to move hospital assessment funding into a dedicated fund and create a new hospital assessment budgeted program, as required by House Bill 345. Both motions passed with do-pass recommendations after roll-call votes. The committee then considered the 2027 Medicaid budget. Testimony covered MMIS procurement, estate recovery staffing, program integrity contract support, Medicaid purchasing staff tied to the Department of Administration, hospital assessment fund alignment, population forecast adjustments, and an additional governor’s initiative reduction. Three competing motions were offered: one from Representative Bruce, one from Senator Cook, and one from Senator Wintrow. After debate over provider-rate cuts, RESHAB funding, forecast assumptions, and whether to reduce the governor’s requested $22 million adjustment, the Bruce motion failed and the Cook substitute failed, while the Wintrow motion passed and received a do-pass recommendation. The committee next approved Idaho State Police budgets. It passed a Brand Inspection Division request for $288,100 in dedicated funds for replacement vehicles and equipment, a Division of Idaho State Police motion adding funds for the commercial vehicle safety grant, a mobile live scan pilot, and replacement items, and a POST Academy motion for $324,100 in dedicated funds for replacement items. The Department of Juvenile Corrections budget was also approved, including a clinician services transfer from Health and Welfare, replacement items, IT hardware, and restoration of direct care and mentoring funding with six FTPs. Finally, the committee considered the Department of Administration and Military Division budgets; after debate over Medicaid procurement staffing and a training position transfer, the committee approved a Department of Administration motion with reduced general fund and increased dedicated funding, then approved the Military Division’s request for emergency management overhead recovery and state education assistance funding. The meeting ended with announcements of the next Monday agenda and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I reserve your right to close. Thank you, we’ll reserve your right to close.
• We’ll reserve your right to close at this time. The Chair calls up Richard English. Mr.
• And we will reserve your right to close. Members, are there any questions for Chairman Bell?
• I reserve my right to close. Members, any questions? The Chair calls Mary Alice McCaughan.
• All right, we'll reserve your right to close. Thank y'all. The Chair calls Kevin Rathburn.

Bills: HB5208, SB863, SB1243, SB1624, SB1965, SB2660, SB2702, SB2885

Keywords: water filtration, public drinking water, health and safety, well maintenance, water quality, Edwards Aquifer, water conservation, reclaimed water, aquifer storage, environmental protection, public utility agency, dissolution, local government, regulatory framework, municipal authority, Texas Water Bank, Texas Water Trust, water rights, water banking, instream flow

Transcript Highlights:

• I reserve the right to close. Thank you. You certainly have it. Chair calls Ashley...
• Chairman, I'm happy to answer any questions and reserve the right to close.
• I thank you for your attention, and I reserve the right to close.
• I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have and reserve my right to close.
• Four witnesses have signed up, and then we'll reserve your right to close.

Bills: HB321, HB 1027, HB 1295, HB1782, HB2295, HCR29, HCR56

Keywords: Medicaid, child health, express lane option, income verification, supplemental nutrition assistance, telepharmacy, healthcare access, remote dispensing, rural clinics, pharmacy regulations, health literacy, state health plan, health care, patient outcomes, public health, economic impact, healthcare, breast cancer, cervical cancer, insurance eligibility

Transcript Highlights:

• The board currently oversees a budget of over $3 million and has five months in reserve.
• I'm sorry, three million dollars, and has five months in reserve.
• So we are now expected to finish fiscal year 2025-26 with about 5.1 months in reserve.
• However, we're projected to finish fiscal year 2028-29 with about 0.8 months in reserve.
• However, we're projected to be operating with only 0.8 months in reserve by fiscal year 2028-29.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I do want to check with my colleagues in the Senate to see what their reservations are, and I reserve
• And I reserve the right to change my vote on the floor, but I'm a yes for today. Thank you, Mr.
• But as my colleague said, I do reserve the right to change. Vice Chair Fink? Mr.
• I have reservations. I don't remember exactly what my reservation... I have reservations.
• I don't remember exactly what my reservations were last time.

Summary: The committee first heard SB 1078, which would require courts reviewing public-records disputes to apply de novo review rather than deferring to an agency’s decision to withhold records. Senator Kavanaugh and a Goldwater Institute witness argued the bill would restore transparency and independent judicial review. The committee recommended the bill do pass on a 4-3 vote. The committee then considered SB 1184, which would add military division flags approved by the Department of Defense to the list of flags that HOAs and planned communities may not prohibit. Kavanaugh said the bill responds to HOA restrictions on veterans displaying unit flags. Members discussed whether the bill should also cover other flags, including LGBTQ flags, but no amendment was adopted. The bill passed 7-0. SB 1586 followed, requiring Arizona agencies to post federal guidance they create, adopt, or receive. Supporters said it would improve transparency; an opposing member said agencies already post such material and the bill was unnecessary. It passed 4-3. SB 1665, a state agency hiring reform bill, would require standardized hiring scores, interview panel grades, overall grades, and an appeal process for unsuccessful applicants. The State Personnel Board supported it as a merit-based reform, while ADOA opposed it as costly and burdensome, estimating more than $3 million in compliance costs and warning it could slow hiring. After extended testimony, the committee recommended it do pass 4-3. The committee also approved SCR 1024, which would require legislative candidates to reside in their district for one year and, if affiliated, be members of their party for one year before the election; it passed 6-1 after discussion about residency rules and ballot-measure concerns. Later, the committee heard SB 1135, which increases workers’ compensation burial expenses for fallen first responders from $5,000 to $10,000. Family members and first responders testified in support, describing the financial strain after line-of-duty deaths. The bill passed 6-1 with one member present. SB 1136, which allows surviving spouses of first responders to keep death benefits even if they remarry, also drew emotional testimony from widows and supporters and passed 5-2. The committee then took up SB 1435, expanding the existing prohibition on exposing minors to sexually explicit material to public libraries and making violations a class 6 felony; supporters framed it as child protection, while opponents warned it could chill library access and criminalize librarians. The bill passed 4-3. Finally, SB 1567 was introduced as another expansion of the same underlying law, prohibiting government entities and contractors from exposing minors to sexually explicit materials and from using public facilities for filming or facilitating sexually explicit acts; the sponsor described it as part of a broader effort to protect children, and the committee began discussion of the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• enforcing a strict performance floor, the legislation ensures bypassing the standard process is reserved
• I do want to check with my colleagues in the Senate to see what their reservations are, and I reserve
• And I reserve the right to change my vote on the floor, but I'm a yes for today. Thank you, Mr.
• I have reservations. I don't remember exactly what my reservation... I have reservations.
• I don't remember exactly what my reservations were last time.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any no votes or reservations? Hearing none, the measures adopted. Great.
• Are there any no votes or reservations? Hearing none, the measures adopted. Great.
• </c> Are there any no votes or reservations? Are there any no votes or reservations?
• Are there any no votes<00:03:50.239><c> or</c><00:03:50.480><c> reservations?
• </c> votes or reservations? votes or reservations?

Bills: SB2418, SB2568, SB2661

Keywords: drug paraphernalia, overdose prevention, public health, substance use, harm reduction, criminal justice reform, public servants, harassment, safety, government, criminal offense, nepotism, transparency, public officials, accountability, government ethics, 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee first took up three previously heard measures in decision-making. SB 2418, which repeals the law prohibiting drug paraphernalia under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, was amended to keep prohibitions on manufacturing-related paraphernalia and then passed. SB 2568, which elevates harassment against certain public officials to a misdemeanor, was amended to place it in the harassment statute, narrow the nexus language, and extend coverage to all public employees; it passed with amendments. SB 2661, dealing with nepotism rules in the code of ethics, was amended so the ethics restrictions would apply more broadly to legislators and judges as well, and it also passed with amendments. In each case, the committee reported no no-votes or reservations and adopted the measures. The committee then heard Governor’s Message 684, the nomination of Judge Stephanie Char to the Fifth Circuit Court on Kauai. The governor’s office testified in strong support, and the Hawaii State Bar Association representative said the usual review process found her qualified. Judge Char described her Kauai roots, 17 years as a public defender, and service as a district family court judge since December 2020, saying she would bring hard work and continued commitment to access to justice. Members questioned her about recusals on a small island, her experience handling criminal and civil matters, sentencing repeat offenders, administrative appeals, and how she would approach competency and fitness issues under HRS 704. Char said she had recused only a few times, emphasized case-by-case sentencing and probation conditions tailored to underlying problems, and said she would rely on preparation and education for unfamiliar administrative matters. On 704 cases, she said defendants awaiting evaluation should generally remain in custody, with possible diversion or strict release conditions in appropriate cases, and that those found unfit would need to be sent to Hawaii State Hospital. No vote was taken on the nomination; the committee announced it would decide on Monday, February 23, at 10:45 a.m. in Room 016.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, this resolution, however, I do have reservations that I'd like to share at this time.
• And so my reservations are that it doesn't go far enough. It doesn't set a very strong timeline.
• In support with reservations.
• Madam Speaker, I just wanted to stand up in support again with reservations.
• I agree with what the reservations.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Member Alos, reservations. Thank you, Member Garcia, reservations.
• I member Alos &gt;&gt; reservations. &gt;&gt; reservations. &gt;&gt; reservations.
• &gt;&gt; reservations. &gt;&gt; reservations.
• Any members with reservations? reservations? reservations?
• Are there any reservations? reservations? reservations? Any<01:22:58.960><c> nos?</c> Any nos?

Bills: SB2936, SB2850, SB2851, SB2521

Keywords: accessible parking, disability, kupuna, public accommodations, small business exemptions, Hawaii Revised Statutes, parking permit, blind, deaf, accessibility, deafness, traffic safety, law enforcement, vehicle registration, communication, emergency services, commercial driver's license, first responders, public safety, authorized emergency vehicle

Summary: The joint hearing covered House Bill 251, which would require hospitals to report costs associated with Medicare and uninsured patients, and House Bill 1875, which would expand protections for gender-affirming health care services. On HB 251, the Department of Health said it supported the intent but described the bill as complicated and potentially impractical as drafted because the department lacks the expertise to produce the required analyses without outside help. Hawaii Health Systems Corporation echoed those concerns, while the Queen’s Health System said it was willing to work with the department to provide the information. In committee discussion, officials explained that hospital support in Hawaii includes public hospital appropriations and the provider tax program, which uses hospital and nursing home contributions to draw federal matching funds; a department witness estimated the net benefit at about $150 million for hospitals and $20 million for nursing facilities, though exact figures would be provided later. On HB 1875, the Insurance Division testified with concerns that the bill’s language on prohibited actions by malpractice insurers was broad and vague, and that a rate-increase prohibition could conflict with actuarially based insurance pricing. The division also noted it was not the primary enforcement agency for the statute. In contrast, many testifiers strongly supported the bill, including the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, PFLAG Oahu, the ACLU of Hawaii, the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, the Hawaii County Democratic Party, and others. Supporters argued that gender-affirming care is medically necessary, evidence-based, and protected by privacy and bodily autonomy principles, and that the bill would protect patients and providers from outside political interference. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, it looks like a drawdown on the reserve accounts every year.
• So, it looks like a drawdown on the reserve accounts every year.
• </c> we have done with the budget reserve we have done with the budget reserve account. account. account
• reserve account. reserve account.
• </c><02:46:04.320><c> account</c> the reserve account the reserve account is<02:46:05.840><c> so</c><

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to reserve my right to close. Okay, thank you. Members.
• Okay, we will reserve the right to close.
• Okay, we will reserve your right to close.
• And I reserve the right to close. Thank you. Thank you. Okay.
• Okay, we will reserve your right to close. Thank you. We will reserve your right to close.

Bills: HB216

Keywords: HB216, Texas abortion law, abortion-inducing drug, medication abortion, mifepristone, misoprostol, telemedicine, in-person exam, physician presence, out-of-state physician, reproductive healthcare, abortion regulation, Health and Safety Code, Occupations Code, consultation services, remote prescribing, pro-life, pro-choice

Summary: The Committee on Public Health met with a quorum and heard public testimony on a long agenda, with members repeatedly reminded of a two-minute limit for witnesses. Several bills were voted out favorably, including HB 2588 on cottage food, HB 1639 on cancer incidence and female firefighters, HB 2581 on a reporting form for contracted services for pregnant women, and SB 922 on electronic disclosure of certain sensitive medical information. Those measures generally passed on party-line or near-unanimous votes, while HB 216 on itemized medical statements was left pending after the committee substitute was withdrawn. The committee also left pending HB 5141, HB 4638, HB 2035, HB 4813, HB 2264, HB 4014, and HB 3829 after hearing testimony and questions. The final item introduced in the excerpt was HB 4408 on health care market transparency and corporate consolidation, but the discussion was cut off before testimony or action was completed. A major theme of the hearing was mental health diversion and access to treatment. HB 5141, by Rep. Howard, would allow Travis County to use vacated Austin State Hospital property for a local mental health jail diversion center; law enforcement, the Travis County sheriff, county judge, and urban counties group all testified in support, describing the lack of alternatives for people in crisis and the burden on jails and emergency rooms. Members asked about eligible offenses, bed capacity, and whether the facility would serve only Travis County, and the bill was left pending. HB 2264, by Rep. Schoolcraft, would create a friends-and-family form for loved ones to provide information to providers during emergency mental health treatment; NAMI and hospital groups supported it, while one neutral witness and several members raised concerns about patient control, credibility of information, and liability protections. The bill was also left pending. The committee also heard multiple psychedelic-therapy and drug-policy bills. HB 4813 would speed Texas rescheduling of Schedule I substances if the FDA reclassifies them, with testimony focused on psilocybin and MDMA and their potential use for PTSD and depression; members questioned whether the bill was too broad and how state rescheduling works, and it was left pending. HB 4014 would direct HHSC to study psychedelic therapies, building on prior state research, and witnesses said Texas should prepare regulatory and clinical infrastructure before FDA approval; it too was left pending. HB 2035 would require parents to be informed that they may seek substance-use treatment for a child even if one facility turns them away, prompted by a constituent’s account of a fatal fentanyl overdose after receiving incorrect advice; it was left pending. HB 4638 would extend and expand the Texas Pharmaceutical Initiative board and timeline, with the author saying the program is still in early implementation and needs more time, and it was left pending as well. Other bills addressed public health administration and animal welfare. HB 3829 would require a study of the animal-friendly account and its grant process for spay/neuter funding, with the author arguing that the current application and reimbursement process is too burdensome for shelters and nonprofits; no opposition was heard and the bill was left pending. HB 2581 and HB 1639 were reported favorably, while HB 216 drew discussion about enforcement of itemized medical billing and was held after the committee substitute was withdrawn. Throughout the hearing, members also discussed broader concerns about homelessness, competency restoration waitlists, jail overcrowding, and the need for more treatment options outside the criminal justice system.