Transcript Highlights:

• We urge you to oppose HF 4142 and protect access to these preventative life-changing treatments.
• And if we consume all of our spending in one area, I think we should understand why and how, um, because
• And if we consume all of our spending in one area, I think we should understand why and how, um, because
• And if we consume all of our spending in one area, I think we should understand why and how, um, because
• And if we consume all of our spending in one area, I think we should understand why and how, um, because

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Does it need to be regulated to protect workers, or does the answer lie somewhere in between?
• Senator Marty says his bill includes stronger consumer protections.
• workers or does the answer to protect workers or does the answer lie<00:23:16.440> somewhere<
• <00:24:49.640> protections<00:24:50.559> this<00:24:50.679> bill stronger consumer
• protections this bill stronger consumer protections this bill is<00:24:51.200> not<00:24:51.440

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're a consumer and human rights advocacy organization.
• We need to do something to protect our liberties. And look, I am not a COVID denier.
• , as well as I want my kids to be protected.
• It protects the physicians as well as the integrity of the investigation process.
• The bill is not about protecting bad doctors.

Summary: The House Committee on Health and Welfare met on April 23 and first disposed of several items without hearing them, including HB 1093 and HB 1145, and voluntarily deferring HB 946. The committee then quickly reported HB 1095 favorably without objection. That bill would require nursing facilities to have fuel or another alternative power generation source to maintain power, and supporters said it preserves existing backup-power safety requirements while giving facilities more flexibility as technology changes. The committee then took up HB 926, which concerns vaccination status and admission to public buildings and seeks to prohibit medical mandates. After adopting an amendment set and additional changes clarifying exclusions for licensed health care providers and facilities, medical masks, and child welfare/school-related provisions, the committee heard testimony both for and against the bill. Supporters framed it as a civil-liberties measure limiting vaccine-card requirements for public buildings, while opponents warned it could interfere with public health measures, school immunization rules, and the ability of health care facilities to protect patients. The bill was reported favorably on an 8-4 vote. HB 1220, a cleanup bill for the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, was then reported favorably after a technical amendment set. HB 1227, which would require complaints involving medical judgment to be reviewed by a three-physician panel before formal disciplinary action, drew extensive testimony from a physician sponsor, a doctor describing his disciplinary experience, and the board’s executive director, who said the board already uses practicing physicians, nurses, and experts in its process and warned the proposed panel system could be impractical because physicians are difficult to recruit for such reviews. At the sponsor’s request, the committee voluntarily deferred HB 1227 for further work. Finally, the committee reported HB 1217 favorably with amendments to a pharmacy benefit manager transparency bill, after supporters said it would expose hidden pricing and rebate practices and opponents argued some provisions were duplicative or unnecessary. HB 1028, setting minimum Medicaid reimbursement rates for non-emergency medical transportation, was reported favorably and referred to Appropriations after supporters described the need for higher rates and members discussed funding. The committee also reported HB 1185 favorably, with amendments preserving the existing Rural Hospital Preservation Act while extending similar protections to additional rural-lookalike hospitals, and adopted HCR 76 to continue the Health Inequities and Disparities in Rural Areas Task Force for another year.

Transcript Highlights:

• That HOA boards, uh, seek to preserve and protect.
• It simply ensures consumers have a choice.
• I think we have a duty to protect our children, responsibility to do that.
• Protection Division of the AG's office under.
• speech, important protected speech that that children have the right to engage in.

Bills: HB 186

Keywords: public funds, lobbying activities, political subdivisions, government expenditure, transparency, local government, political subdivision, county, city, municipality, special district, taxpayer-funded lobbying, lobbying restriction, registered lobbyist, government association, county association dues, Texas Legislature, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, Chapter 556

Transcript Highlights:

• Proper oversight will protect, like these will protect land, cattle, water, and people from this kind
• Um, Texans have a right to protect their land, water, and future.
• So that's potentially food that we may consume. It also could spread the contamination.
• Please protect our groundwater and surface water. Thank you, Mr. Allen. Thank you.
• All the yucky stuff is consumed.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll take the lead on House Bill 610, the Consumer Advocate.
• House Bill 610, the Consumer Advocate. House Bill 610, the Consumer Advocate.
• Raising awareness can help us promote these individual activities to protect public health.
• activities to protect public health. activities to protect public health.
• <01:20:28.400> of recommendations are protective of recommendations are protective of children

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 94, which would prohibit municipal amendments to the state building code and move New Hampshire toward a more uniform statewide code. Senator McConi and several supporters, including the Josiah Barlo Center for Public Policy, the State Fire Marshal, the Associated General Contractors of New Hampshire, and the New Hampshire Homebuilders Association, argued that local variations create confusion, raise housing costs, and make compliance harder for builders operating in multiple towns. The Fire Marshal said the goal is a single state building and fire code with only limited administrative amendments at the local level, not technical changes, and noted that municipalities could still seek exceptions through the Building Code Review Board if needed. The chair explained that a similar House bill was already moving forward with fire code and administrative amendment language, and members agreed that retaining SB 94 would avoid conflicting bills. The committee then voted to retain SB 94 by roll call, 13-0, with no minority report. The committee then took up Senate Bill 30, which would designate the Virginia opossum as New Hampshire’s state marsupial. Senator Fenton presented the bill as a light-hearted measure inspired by Chesterfield School fourth graders, who had submitted written testimony and supported the idea. Members discussed the bill in a humorous but mostly supportive way, with one member objecting that it trivialized the legislature, while others said it could help engage students in the legislative process. The committee voted ought to pass on SB 30, 11-2, and agreed to place it on consent with no minority report. Later, the committee opened a hearing on Senate Bill 95, concerning youth camp cabins and state fire/building codes. Senator McConi said the bill would exempt new residential cabins in youth recreation camps from sprinkler requirements and allow them to omit electrical, mechanical, or plumbing systems, while requiring any such systems that are present to comply with state code. He said the measure was intended to resolve recurring interpretation problems that have caused expense and uncertainty for camp owners, and he praised work with the Fire Marshal’s office to reach a workable compromise. Representative Schmidt asked about cabin sizes and whether larger cabins with multiple occupants would still be safe; the senator explained that camps typically use counselors, drills, and supervision, and that the people behind him could answer more detailed questions. The transcript cuts off before the hearing concludes or any vote is taken on SB 95.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, of course, there are the consumer.
• Protecting health care workers in this state protects patients and strengthens the entire health care
• When they leave, access to care suffers.<00:52:37.119> Protecting<00:52:37.920> health<
• Protecting health care workers suffers.
• c> protects<00:52:40.480> patients<00:52:41.040> and in this state protects patients

Keywords: 00:00:00 - Call to Order/Roll Call 00:01:25 - Discussion of 26RS HB 689 00:15:15 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 689 00:17:02 - Discussion of 26RS HB 407 00:45:40 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 407 00:49:25 - Discussion of 26RS HB 713 00:55:50 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 713 00:56:54 - Discussion of 26RS HB 676 01:06:42 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 676 01:08:43 - Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 689, which would authorize Kentucky to seek federal approval for a Medicaid state-directed payment program for physician and non-physician professional services delivered through qualifying hospital-affiliated groups, beginning in 2026. Rep. Amy Neighbors and witnesses from Owensboro Health and St. Elizabeth Healthcare said the bill would bring in about $29 million in new federal Medicaid dollars without using general fund money, help retain physicians, support rural and underserved access, and tie payments to quality metrics. Witnesses described staffing shortages, rising costs, and the need to sustain services such as OB care, primary care, and preventive outpatient services. After questions about how the funding would work and whether private practices were included, the committee voted on the bill and passed it with favorable expression. The committee then moved to House Bill 407, as substituted, which would streamline Kentucky’s certificate-of-need process. Rep. Marianne Proctor and supporters from the Pacific Legal Foundation and the Institute for Justice said the bill would not repeal CON but would modernize a system they described as outdated and overly restrictive, citing national trends toward reform and arguing that Kentucky’s process has changed little since the 1970s. They said the substitute added language requiring the cabinet to contact a dominant provider when needed for data to make CON determinations. Mark Gilfoil, speaking in opposition for St. Elizabeth Healthcare, argued that CON is not a barrier to care in Northern Kentucky and said the bill would weaken the process by limiting who can request hearings, present evidence, and appeal decisions, effectively giving applicants control and making approvals nearly automatic. He said St. Elizabeth serves as a safety-net hospital for low-income and publicly insured patients and warned the bill could harm that role. Members questioned both sides about the appeal process, the definition of safety-net hospitals, and whether the bill could increase facilities and create waste or abuse. The discussion was still ongoing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• She added that everything they do is not only to protect themselves but also to protect the communities
• She said everything they do is not only to protect themselves but also to protect the communities, and
• She said everything they do is not only to protect themselves but also to protect the communities, and
• She said everything they do is not only to protect themselves but also to protect the communities, and
• She said everything they do is not only to protect themselves but also to protect the communities, and

Summary: The Assembly Labor and Employment Committee heard several bills focused on labor standards, worker safety, and public transparency. SB 954 by Senator Blakespear would revise last year’s CEQA exemption for advanced manufacturing by adding worker protections such as prevailing wage, a skilled and trained workforce, high-road employment standards, and environmental guardrails. Supporters from labor, environmental justice, and conservation groups said the bill restores promised safeguards after SB 131, while business groups argued the added requirements would undermine the exemption and discourage investment. The committee voted 5-0 to do pass and re-refer SB 954 to Appropriations, leaving the roll open for absent members. The committee then considered SB 966 by Senator Gonzalez, which would codify refinery worker participation and safety protections adopted in 2017 after the 2012 Chevron Richmond fire. Supporters, including United Steelworkers and a former refinery worker, said the bill would preserve workers’ ability to report hazards, select representatives, and stop unsafe work, preventing future disasters. The Western States Petroleum Association opposed the bill, arguing it could be preempted by federal labor law and would add regulatory uncertainty. The committee passed SB 966 3-0 and re-referred it to Appropriations, with the roll left open. Next, SB 1203 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas sought to modernize private security guard training, expand de-escalation instruction, strengthen accountability, and create a clearer professional pathway for the industry. The author and many security workers testified that guards are often first responders in volatile situations and need more practical training and better standards; opponents from industry and business groups warned the bill would raise costs, worsen staffing shortages, and create implementation problems, especially around third-party training and a new wage order. The committee voted 4-1 to do pass and re-refer SB 1203 to Public Safety, with one no vote and the roll left open. The committee also heard SB 1284 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas, a transparency bill requiring DHCS to publish the names of large employers with workers enrolled in Medi-Cal and the estimated taxpayer cost. Supporters said the measure would show how low wages and unaffordable coverage shift health costs to the public, while opponents argued Medi-Cal enrollment depends on many factors and that naming employers would be misleading and amount to public shaming. After discussion, the committee voted 4-2 to do pass and re-refer SB 1284 to Appropriations, leaving the roll open. The transcript then began discussion of SB 1054 by Senator Cabaldon, which would improve workforce data collection and sharing to better evaluate job-training pathways, but the excerpt cuts off before testimony or action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's about protection. It's about fairness and compassion.
• The the group home is designed to care for the individual consumer.
• Services, Child Protective Services involved.
• It's not enough to have a third party release because they want that child protected.
• They always call child protection when there is a drug exposed child.

Bills: HB 2510, HB 3589, HB 4611, HB 4655, HB 4665, HB 4666, HB 4670, HB 4700, HB 4730, HB 4798, HB 4838, HB 5136, HB 5243, HB 5302, HB 5539

Keywords: assisted living, healthcare, licensing, criminal offense, personal assistance, group home, regulation, health and safety, inspections, resident care, criminal background checks, adoption, parental rights, registry, vital statistics, disclosure, counseling, foster care, independent living, financial literacy

Transcript Highlights:

• saving taxpayers and insurance consumers saving taxpayers and insurance consumers money<01:31:53.119
• Thank you for helping to protect the New Hampshire Vaccine Association.
• <01:46:54.000> the um thank you for helping to protect the um thank you for helping to protect
• Thank you. ...carriers because it's a benefit to our consumers.
• <03:04:45.399> and pass these costs on to Consumers and pass these costs on to Consumers and

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 224, which would redirect most money from New Hampshire’s renewable energy fund back to electric ratepayers. The bill sponsor argued the measure would lower energy costs, noting recent utility rate increases and estimating annual savings of roughly $2.5 million to $7.3 million for ratepayers. Supporters said the fund has accumulated money that should be returned to customers rather than used for subsidies, and they emphasized that the state has already rebated similar funds from RGGI for years. Opponents, including Rep. Kat McGee, argued the renewable energy fund is a successful, nonlapsing dedicated fund that supports local clean-energy projects, energy resilience, emissions reductions, and private investment. McGee said the fiscal note overstated the benefit of rebates and understated the loss of investment, claiming the average annual rebate would amount to less than $10 per customer while the program has helped leverage significant private dollars and nearly 10,000 projects. She urged the committee to reject the bill as a poor deal for the state and ratepayers. Committee members questioned the fiscal note, the size of the rebate, whether the bill would set a precedent for other dedicated funds, and whether the program’s incentives amount to picking winners and losers. The Department of Energy testified neutrally, explaining how the renewable energy fund works, including renewable energy credits, alternative compliance payments, and the fund’s use for renewable energy initiatives. No vote was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It consumes significant amounts of water.
• for consumers.
• for consumers.
• I want to make sure that we hold our lawmakers accountable and protect our community members, protect
• our community members, protect our concerns. ...and protect our community members, protect our constituents

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And ensure the long-term protection of Texas livestock industry and wildlife.
• And then the consumer with beef prices, it's a lot... ...and all of this adds to it.
• Environmental Protection Agency retains oversight of that program.
• So I think we agree with you on the importance of Texas protecting its estuaries.
• They're staying in Mexico to be consumed in Mexico.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Have you heard feedback from consumers?
• But in terms of changes on when they have to reapply or get recertified, have you heard from consumers
• This bill wouldn't just restore the benefits but protect the individuals and families most affected by
• So why the act to protect the safety net really matters: when the Worcester DTA, as we shared earlier
• Nationally, nearly 85% of families investigated by child protective services have incomes below 200%

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House Committee on Children and Families held a hybrid hearing on a broad set of anti-hunger, family support, and basic-needs bills. Early testimony focused on SNAP and DTA operations: Rep. DeRosa and others urged passage of H. 196/S. 167 to require DTA to identify staffing, technology, funding, and operational needs to improve timeliness and customer service, warning that unanswered calls, delayed recertifications, and federal changes could sharply raise state costs through higher SNAP administrative burdens and payment-error penalties. Speakers from Massachusetts Law Reform Institute and Project Bread said DTA is under-resourced, caseloads have grown, and families are being denied or delayed due to phone and paperwork barriers. Another major SNAP-related bill, H. 254/S. 147, would require the Commonwealth to replace stolen EBT/SNAP benefits; testimony described more than $13 million stolen from about 27,000 households since June 2022 and argued families should not bear losses from organized theft rings. The committee also heard strong support for H. 207/S. 117, which would restore state-funded nutrition assistance for legally present immigrants excluded from federal SNAP under recent federal changes. Advocates from Project Bread, the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, local immigrant services, and public health groups said the federal cuts would leave thousands of residents, including refugees, asylum seekers, trafficking survivors, and children, without food support, and argued Massachusetts has a history of filling this gap. Testimony also supported H. 222/S. 104 to make the Healthy Incentives Program permanent and year-round; supporters said HIP improves nutrition, boosts local farms and regional economies, and had already served more than 212,000 households in FY25. A related child-support bill, H. 201/S. 110, would increase the amount of child support passed through to TAFDC families and expand good-cause exemptions; witnesses said the change would put more money directly in families’ hands, reduce poverty, and better protect survivors of domestic violence and families with complicated co-parenting situations. A large portion of the hearing was devoted to deep-poverty and diaper-related legislation. Supporters of H. 214/S. 118 said cash assistance grants have lost value over time and should be raised annually until they reach half of the federal poverty level; advocates from Children’s HealthWatch, Hopewell, the Lift Our Kids Coalition, and parents described the links between deep poverty, poor child health, family stress, and child welfare involvement. They argued that higher grants would help families meet basic needs, reduce hospitalizations and neglect reports, and provide stability amid federal cuts. Finally, multiple witnesses backed diaper legislation, including H. 220/S. 151 and related bills, to create a diaper benefits pilot and/or diaper allowance commission. Testimony from the National Diaper Bank Network, MassCAP, Children’s HealthWatch, local diaper banks, and parents said diaper need is widespread, affects parental employment and mental health, and can cause health problems for infants; a federally funded pilot in Massachusetts was cited as showing improved employment, financial stability, reduced stress, and fewer diaper rashes. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony and asked questions throughout.

Transcript Highlights:

• that we have been able to get because it doesn't come from the federal government, has been data on consumer
• sentiment, and consumers are not happy.
• Has been data on consumer sentiment, and consumers are not happy.
• Consumers are not optimistic about their income prospects, about their employment prospects, both current
• We have the Children's Administration, which is the foster care and child protection system, and then

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee held a work session covering the state revenue outlook, caseload forecasts, wildfire costs, budget balance, tort liability, water supply, and pension policy. The Economic and Revenue Forecast Council reported modest near-term U.S. growth, no near-term Washington employment growth in 2026, continued personal income growth, and elevated inflation, with tariffs and federal policy cited as major risks. Revenue forecasts were slightly improved for the current biennium by about $105 million but down about $185 million for the next biennium. Members asked about income inequality and housing permits; staff said personal income is an aggregate measure and housing production remains below long-term needs. The Caseload Forecast Council then reported that most forecasts were unchanged or only slightly changed, but several programs increased, including Washington College Grant, Working Connections, aged/blind/disabled cash grants, nursing homes, home and community services, and developmental disabilities personal care. The largest policy-driven change was in Medicaid low-income adult caseloads, where federal H.R. 1 was projected to reduce coverage substantially through narrower eligibility, community engagement requirements, and shorter eligibility periods. The committee also heard a wildfire funding update and a 2025 fire season review. Staff explained that the state budgets $93 million annually for suppression and uses supplemental appropriations for costs above that level, with an estimated state supplemental need of about $139 million for the current year. Department of Natural Resources officials said 2025 fire activity remained below the 10-year average in acres burned, but fires were more complex and closer to communities, contributing to higher residence loss. They described expanded use of aircraft, firefighters from other states, corrections crews, and the Arcadia 20 hand crew, and said the state did not need National Guard ground support this year. A budget preview then showed that the near general fund outlook had worsened after vetoes, lapses, and forecast changes, and that maintenance-level costs alone would leave a projected negative balance by fiscal year 2027 and about $4.3 billion by fiscal year 2029, before any policy decisions. Jason Seams, the state risk manager, reported a sharp rise in tort claim costs, with indemnity expenses nearly doubling from fiscal year 2023 to 2025 and DCYF accounting for most of the increase. He said the state self-insurance liability account has run deficits for four straight biennia and is now facing nearly $600 million in deficits, driven largely by a surge in DCYF claims, especially juvenile rehabilitation and long-running sex abuse cases. Members asked about the role of old claims, comparisons with other states, excess insurance, and whether more Attorney General staff could reduce special assistant attorney general costs. The committee then shifted to water policy, hearing from tribal leaders, Ecology, and the Washington Water Trust. Tribal witnesses emphasized overappropriation, declining flows, climate impacts, and the need for legislative oversight and tribal participation in water policy. Ecology described major projects in the Odessa sub-area, Yakima Basin, and Dungeness, along with the need for storage, recharge, conservation, and policy changes to support water supply development. The Washington Water Trust argued that climate change is reducing summer flows and that the state needs more funding, enforcement, and long-term commitment to restore instream flows. The final item was a pension update on LEOFF 1 surplus assets; staff reviewed two 2025 bills that would have merged or restructured the plan and used surplus assets, but neither passed, and instead the budget directed the Select Committee on Pension Policy to study the issue and report back.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 969, Reyes, from the Human Services Committee to the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee.
• SB 969, Reyes, from the Human Services Committee to the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee.
• Decisive steps to expand and protect our constituents' health care.
• “When we protect DEI measures, we protect our opportunity for people to fulfill their dreams and aspirations
• We want to protect the billions of dollars in funding for health care.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think there's a lot of good intent on this bill as far as the desire to protect our water resources
• If you don't want to do it fine, but let us protect our island. Surrounded by water.
• We've heard about the Department of Environmental Protection Study.
• The justification for this bill has been that consumers and businesses need freedom and choice.
• A warship has 1500 foot protection zone. A cruise ship has 300.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• loss is what drives new laws, but I love that you guys are able to take that and move forward and protect
• We need more troopers on the road to protect our citizens. So, it's really about recruiting.
• protection, jobs and economic development, labor, state and local government, and veterans and military
• <00:26:15.120> protection,<00:26:16.000> jobs<00:26:16.320> and<00:26:16.559>
• economic consumer protection, jobs and economic consumer protection, jobs and economic development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, kids have consumer protection bills that are keeping our most precious population safe online.
• Consuming or creating?
• You are not protecting kids.
• This bill won't protect women.
• protect women.

Bills: HB186, HB201, HB229, HB796, HB1506, HB2702, HB2885, HB3225, HB3909, HB4285, HB5138

Keywords: social media, children, account verification, data privacy, parental control, financial crime, card fraud, motor fuel theft, law enforcement, criminal activity, skimmers, prevention, training, biological sex, government information, definitions, sex-based distinctions, public health, federal directives, state authority

Transcript Highlights:

• unanimous consent to re-refer the following bills to committee: SB 53, Wiener, from the Privacy and Consumer
• Protection Committee to the Judiciary Committee, then back to the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee

Summary: The Assembly met on Friday, May 23, 2025, after a quorum call and roll call established that a quorum was present. The session opened with a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a special introduction recognizing the Dixon High School Rocketry Club for national achievement in the American Rocketry Challenge. No committee reports, governor’s messages, or Senate messages were presented. The main floor action was a procedural motion by the Majority Leader to withdraw SB 101 (Wiener) from the Budget Committee and place it on the third reading file. Assembly Member Flora withheld consent and requested a roll call vote; the motion passed 47-17. At the request of the authors, AB 281 (Gallagher) and AB 794 (Gabriel) were moved to the inactive file. The Majority Leader also requested unanimous consent to re-refer several bills between committees: SB 53, SB 456, SB 582, and SB 703 were temporarily sent to other committees and then returned to their original committees. There was no objection. The Assembly then adjourned until 8 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Father, today we thank you again for protecting us from our enemies.
• During his service as Attorney General, Mark championed consumer protection in Arizona, securing over
• He worked diligently to protect consumer privacy and data and to attain protections for Arizona's residents
• He worked diligently to protect consumer privacy and data and to attain protections for Arizona's residents
• This is a common sense measure that protects taxpayers.

Keywords: 1182, all