Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a master's prepared science nurse and registered nurse.
• So they paid into the insurance program. And I just suggest to you, Mr. Chair and Mr.
• , a more robust inspection program, along the path way in a good way.
• I am a Master of Science in Nursing with more than 45 years of experience as a full-time nurse and nurse
• This program, under the Clean Water Act, is designed to.

Committee: House House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• So the program, JFAC has still passed the, I guess, the bulk of the program, the child care program,
• This is a federal program, federal money.
• I'm a doctor of nursing practice, retired nurse practitioner, and health care executive.
• I'm a doctor of nursing practice, retired nurse practitioner, and health care executive.
• I'm a doctor of nursing practice, a retired nurse practitioner, and a health care executive.

Summary: The committee first recognized a departing page, Jonathan, thanked him for his service, and approved the March 2, 2026 minutes. Members then reviewed committee procedure and took up Senate Bill 1419, the Idaho Child Care Program. Representative Jordan Redman presented the bill as a policy measure to tighten eligibility, require work or training, lower the asset cap, add anti-fraud measures, require provider registration, and sunset the program in 2028. Department of Health and Welfare Director Juliet Sharon said the department already had authority to audit and take administrative action, but the bill would add stronger tools, including clearer provider requirements and concurrent jurisdiction for the Attorney General to pursue criminal fraud cases. She also clarified the program’s federal funding structure and said the department could potentially address the foster-care eligibility concern through temporary rules. Testimony was split: Idaho Voices for Children, foster-care advocates, and several providers argued the bill was not a clean transfer from rule to statute, could create gaps in eligibility and new audit costs, and might reduce access for foster families and low-income parents; supporters, including the Foundation for Government Accountability and some legislators, emphasized program integrity, fraud prevention, and legislative oversight. After debate over whether the bill should be held or advanced, the committee voted 6-4 to send SB 1419 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. The committee then began Senate Bill 1418, a kratom regulation bill, and the sponsor, Senator Tammy Nichols, said she would request it be sent to the 14th order for amendments, including clarifications for Idaho State Police and additional labeling changes requested by the Idaho Association of Physicians. Nichols described the bill as a regulatory framework that distinguishes natural kratom leaf from adulterated or synthetic products, sets age limits, testing and labeling requirements, and enforcement tools aimed at high-potency 7-hydroxymitragynine products. Testimony was sharply divided. Supporters, including a toxicologist, a consumer, and an addiction medicine specialist, argued that kratom should be regulated rather than banned, that the bill targets dangerous adulterated products, and that a full ban could drive use underground or toward more dangerous opioids. Opponents, including an ER physician, a bereaved parent, and the Idaho Chiefs of Police, argued kratom is addictive and harmful, that the bill does not go far enough to protect the public, and that enforcement would impose significant costs on Idaho State Police without meaningful authority. Committee members raised concerns about fiscal impacts, local control, and whether the bill effectively bans or regulates the product, and the sponsor and witnesses continued responding as testimony proceeded.

Transcript Highlights:

• year, but during last year they took this ...from last year, but during last year they took this program
• trying to get a house or trying to just get off on their own and out of the way from the state's programs
• I'm a registered nurse.”
• I've administered blood transfusions many times as a nurse in clinical practice in the hospital.
• It's really important to me as a nurse.

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Give you an example: we have a recent Manoa graduate of its nursing program.
• and graduated from the state's flagship school's nursing program.
• </c> Mano um graduate of its nursing Mano um graduate of its nursing program<00:52:55.760><c> graduated
• nursing nursing program<00:53:19.000><c> that</c><00:53:19.200><c> individual</c><00:53:19.599><c> was
• </c><00:53:23.440><c> is</c> salary for a registered nurse is salary for a registered nurse is $126,000

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing of the Water and Land, Hawaiian Affairs, and Housing committees on January 29, 2025 focused on SB 534, with the chairs outlining hearing procedures, public testimony limits, and plans to allow extended presentations from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) and the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) before moving to other testifiers. The hearing was presented as a public, transparent discussion of OHA’s plans for Kakaʻako Makai, with committee members noting that decision-making would follow if time permitted. OHA testified in strong support of SB 534. The chair of OHA’s Board of Trustees said the bill was a novel proposal for the legislature and emphasized that OHA was bringing together a broad coalition of partners and stakeholders, including representatives from construction, hospitality, education, law enforcement, civil service, and schools, as well as longtime community advocates who have opposed development in Kakaʻako Makai. OHA’s presentation reviewed the history of the area, the creation and role of HCDA, prior master plans, the 2012 land conveyance to OHA, and the argument that OHA has not been able to realize the full economic value of the lands because desired entitlements were not secured. OHA linked the bill to its constitutional mission to improve conditions for Native Hawaiians and argued that the state’s housing crisis makes additional development, including residential use, especially important. A major theme of the testimony was housing. OHA argued that Hawaiʻi faces severe affordability pressures, out-migration, and workforce shortages, and said that residential development in Kakaʻako Makai would help address those needs while also supporting the value of the trust lands. The presentation described HCDA’s authority over zoning and development in Kakaʻako, the existing reserved housing requirements, and the need for a master plan that could move forward if SB 534 becomes law. No votes or final committee action were taken in the portion of the hearing provided; the discussion remained in the presentation and testimony phase.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> do for PAS what physicians and nurses, do for PAS what physicians and nurses, nurse<00:07:13.840
• Subject to your questions. administer that new program. administer that new program.
• President Trump ending DEI programs and programs on environmental justice.
• . program. program.
• For example, I cite the refugee resettlement program because it is a federal program.

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But we have our page, and we have a special program for our page, and she said she needed almost an hour
• for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of this committee, because I'm planning on going to nursing
• school after I graduate and becoming a nurse.
• signature, but that hopefully... ...once they read the signature, but hopefully success in going into nursing

Summary: The House Health and Welfare Committee approved the minutes from March 13, 17, 18, 19, and 25. The committee then took up House Bill 864, which concerned kratom, and members discussed it alongside a Senate regulation bill. Testimony and comments reflected sharp disagreement: some members and the bill sponsor argued kratom should be treated as a dangerous, addictive substance and favored a Schedule 1-style ban, while others said the issue is not fully studied, regulation may be preferable to an outright ban, and they wanted to see what the Senate bill would contain before acting further. The sponsor also criticized the Senate regulation approach as insufficient and said it would legitimize a harmful product. A substitute motion to send HB 864 to the floor without recommendation failed on a roll call vote, 5-11. The committee then voted 14-2 to hold HB 864 in committee subject to call of the chair, leaving the bill pending while the Senate action on related kratom legislation develops. Members noted that the committee may meet again later depending on when related bills are transmitted and assigned. At the end of the meeting, the committee recognized its page, who said she plans to attend nursing school and thanked the committee for the experience. The chair presented her with a gift and a letter of recommendation, and then adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, committee, that is our agenda, but we have our page, and we have a special program for our page,
• for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of this committee, because I'm planning on going to nursing
• school after I graduate and becoming a nurse.
• Once they read the signature, but hopefully, you know, success in going into nursing.

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• programs.
• program features.
• program?
• those programs.
• That program is critical.

Summary: The Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services heard an overview of the expected California budget and program impacts from H.R. 1, including changes to Medi-Cal and CalFresh eligibility, redeterminations, work requirements, immigration-related coverage rules, retroactive coverage limits, and reductions in federal matching for certain services and provider financing mechanisms. DHCS and CDSS described implementation plans focused on automation, data matching, clearer communications, county training, and outreach, while noting that many federal details are still pending. The Legislative Analyst’s Office also reviewed how H.R. 1 could increase pressure on county indigent care systems, explaining the history of county responsibility under Section 17000, 1991 realignment, and AB 85, and warning that counties may face large increases in uninsured residents seeking care without corresponding funding flexibility. An independent policy expert urged consideration of a more standardized statewide approach to indigent care and raised questions about governance, benefits, and financing. Department witnesses estimated substantial coverage losses and fiscal effects: DHCS projected major Medi-Cal disenrollment tied to work requirements, six-month renewals, narrowed immigrant eligibility, and reduced retroactive coverage, while CDSS estimated large CalFresh benefit losses and a significant increase in administrative workload and payment accuracy pressure. Members questioned how exemptions would work for older adults, people experiencing homelessness, undocumented residents, and cash workers, and asked about the effect on the CalFresh Minimum Nutrition Benefit Pilot and on county administrative funding. Officials said they would use available data and self-attestation where possible, but acknowledged that many cases would require manual screening and that the county workload estimates remain in dispute. They also said the state is still evaluating the impact of H.R. 1 on provider taxes and state-directed payments, which could create additional budget pressure. County representatives from Los Angeles, Santa Clara, Tulare, and San Bernardino described major local consequences if H.R. 1 is implemented as written. They warned of higher uninsured rates, more strain on emergency rooms and public hospitals, increased homelessness and food insecurity, and a likely need to rebuild or expand county indigent care programs that were largely scaled back after the ACA. Counties said they are already freezing hiring, cutting positions, reducing overtime, deferring spending, and launching outreach and coordination efforts with managed care plans and community partners, but argued that these steps are not enough without additional state support. Several counties backed the California County Welfare Directors Association’s request for $373 million in General Fund support for eligibility work and asked for a CalFresh match waiver to soften the new county share of administrative costs; Los Angeles and Santa Clara also emphasized that their local revenue measures would not close the projected gaps. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> National Association of School Nurses. National Association of School Nurses.
• school nurses, especially secondary school<00:37:43.280><c> nurses,</c><00:37:43.760><c> are</c><00:
• 37:43.920><c> definitely</c><00:37:44.400><c> seeing</c> school nurses, are definitely seeing school
• DCI is this unique program known as the DCI is this unique program known as the computer<01:18:15.679
• </c> with these state programs continues. with these state programs continues.

Bills: HB0103 , HB0070 , HB0091

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: First Amendment, free speech, lawsuits, immunity, public participation, strategic lawsuits, foreign censorship, digital innovation, constitutional rights, Wyoming GRANITE Act, extraterritorial laws, civil actions, speech protection, legal jurisdiction, joint liability, artificial intelligence, social scoring, biometric data, privacy rights, government regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 2415, nursing board regulations; reactions and expungement.
• HB 2806, lawful presence public program certification.
• HB 2808, state cybersecurity commissioner program requirements.
• HB 2986, Department of Environmental Quality programs.
• , all working alongside doctors and nurses to provide care.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 2391, Arreguín, nursing grant support program, held in committee.
• , strike the new program and apply the 10% requirement to Cal Fire's existing programs, out with Republicans
• AB 1679, Mark Gonzalez, local pop-up small business program.
• AB 2508, Hoover, public purpose programs, held in committee.
• AB 2301, Soria, nursing pilot program, do pass. That's out on an A roll call.

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee held a suspense-file hearing on May 14, 2026, reviewing hundreds of Assembly bills and a few committee bills. The chair opened by explaining the committee’s budget constraints and the factors used in suspense decisions, including fiscal impact, return on investment, effects on constituents, and protection of the state’s social safety net. The agenda was organized alphabetically by author, and the committee noted that results would be posted later that day online. The committee then acted on a very large number of measures, sending many bills to the Assembly floor on do pass or do pass as amended motions, while holding many others in committee. Topics covered a broad range of policy areas, including housing, health care, education, labor, public safety, wildfire mitigation, water, energy, transportation, cannabis, immigration, and state governance. Many bills were amended to narrow scope, make implementation contingent on appropriations or existing resources, remove provisions, or clarify agency responsibilities; several bills were held without further action. Among the notable actions, the committee advanced bills on items such as Medi-Cal services, child care, wildfire-related programs, housing financing, school and college issues, public safety and criminal justice, environmental and energy policy, and various consumer and business regulations. Some measures were sent out on A or B roll calls, with Republicans often not voting on amended bills. The hearing concluded after the committee reported that a large number of bills had been moved to the Assembly floor, either as do pass or do pass with amendments, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• In a skilled nursing facility.
• It was such a success that 50 states now model their programs after our original program.
• We don't want to see the program go away.
• To my knowledge, we're the only state that has put that into their IOTA program among the 40-plus programs
• This is a pilot program. This program will only be implemented in Hillsborough County.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Loved ones died alone in hospitals and nursing homes. No weddings, no funerals.
• One of my best friends was a nurse at UMass. Her husband was a corrections officer.
• I am a 77-year-old retired teacher and certified nurse assistant. I'm a grandmother of six kids.
• I am a 77-year-old retired teacher and certified nurse assistant. I'm a grandmother of six kids.
• And then H-883, An Act Relative to an Emergency Preparedness and Structural Awareness Program.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management held a hearing on several emergency management bills, with most of the testimony focused on Senate Bill 539, which would prohibit COVID-19 mRNA vaccination or gene-altering procedures as a condition of entry, employment, school attendance, or access to public venues. Senator Durant and many public witnesses supported the bill, arguing that COVID-era mandates were coercive, ineffective, and harmful, and that the state should not require proof of vaccination in future emergencies. One witness, Joanne Tuller, testified in opposition, saying the government should retain authority to impose public health measures in emergencies and warning against permanently limiting that power based on the COVID experience. The committee also heard testimony on Senate Bill 540, concerning the prevention of radioactive material discharge, with a Sierra Club representative and local residents opposing Holtec’s disposal of wastewater from the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant and citing health, environmental, and economic concerns in Plymouth and nearby communities. Senator Driscoll testified in support of Senate Bills 537 and 538, describing them as measures to strengthen the Commonwealth’s strategic preparedness stockpile and to create a framework for emergency response during surges in hospitalizations, including temporary waivers of prior authorization when hospitals are over capacity. In addition, Dr. Jennifer Carlson testified in support of H.885, a resolve creating a special commission on the field of emergency management, arguing that the profession should be more fully professionalized and staffed by dedicated experts rather than part-time “second hat” officials. Several other bills on the docket, including H.883 and H.84, had no sign-ups. The chair closed each bill’s testimony section as the list was exhausted, and the hearing was adjourned without any votes taken during the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• So in talking with the nurse practitioners, I thought I should have a chat with the PAs as well.
• So in talking with the nurse practitioners, I thought I should have a chat with the PAs as well.
• I'm here specifically today on behalf of the New Hampshire nurse practitioners.
• I'm here specifically today on behalf of the New Hampshire nurse practitioners. Good morning, Mr.
• I'm here specifically today on behalf of the New Hampshire nurse practitioners.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We can get people on their programs. We can get people on their feet. feet. feet.
• , nursing homes, public schools. schools. schools.
• I want us to move programs for decades.
• </c> And let's make sure these programs And let's make sure these programs remain<00:59:06.800><c> strong
• </c> programs into people's hands. programs into people's hands.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> capital Improvement project program capital Improvement project program request<00:24:35.480><c>
• who are in this grant program with who are in this grant program with shamad<01:02:37.359><c> now</c>
• </c><01:07:17.680><c> 133</c><01:07:18.520><c> to</c> old nurse 25 26 year old nurse 133 to old nurse
• </c> Childhood special education program Childhood special education program accepts<02:06:37.559><c>
• These are existing programs.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Finance received an informational briefing from the Department of Education on its budget request for the upcoming fiscal year. The Superintendent and staff described the department’s mission, enrollment and staffing scale, recent gains in NAEP reading and math, persistent attendance problems since the pandemic, and the need for resources to support student recovery, middle school math, and other strategic priorities. The department said its proposal is intended to be aligned with its 2023–2029 strategic plan, fiscally balanced, and reliable for schools, while also addressing inflation, workforce needs, and uncertainty in federal funding. Assistant Superintendent and CFO Brian Hallet reviewed federal grants, non-general funds, and the budget development process. He said federal funds make up about 11% of the department’s FY25 appropriation and warned that House budget proposals could threaten predictable funding for core programs. He also explained that the department began its biennial budget work in April 2024 and used an internal review group to identify possible reallocations. The department characterized its request as a “flat” budget proposal overall, with a large share devoted to continued funding for existing recurring needs, and noted challenges including a projected state funding decline, inflation, lingering pandemic impacts, recruitment and retention, and uncertainty about future federal support. A major topic was the department’s capital improvement program. DOE officials argued for a risk-based, proactive approach using lump-sum “buckets” to manage facilities and deferred maintenance across more than 21.5 million square feet at 268 sites. They said this would allow more efficient prioritization of projects and better coordination with complex area superintendents, principals, and legislators. Members asked about how legislative priorities would fit into the bucket system, county-versus-state property jurisdiction issues affecting school facilities, enrollment decline and staffing ratios, and how the department plans to adjust facilities and human resources to shifting enrollment patterns. DOE said it is studying enrollment trends, will brief the Board of Education next month, and is willing to provide further briefings to legislators. No votes or formal actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• She launched workforce training programs for school-aged Black and brown girls. Please welcome.
• Workforce training programs for school-aged Black and brown girls. Please welcome Ray Naletz.
• Price served for six years as director of the Department of Social Services, overseeing programs such
• has advanced community-centered programs, public-private partnerships, and philanthropic initiatives
• Retiring as a nurse practitioner after 40 years in healthcare, Annie McCarrie embarked on a new path

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ; HB 2472, water; HB 2473, water; HB 2480, waste program; HB 2485, plant resources, energy and water;
• measure; HB 2804, rule affordable; HB 2805, electronic signatures; HB 2806, lawful present public program
• , including charter schools and education savings accounts, has found positive... ...programs, including
• He was 37 years old, an ICU nurse, a U.S. citizen with no criminal record.
• And every day, I see my dad's service program. And on the back, it's a picture of him.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and recognition of Dr. Pamela Murphy as Doctor of the Day. Members also introduced a number of guests, including Deacon Ernie Gonzalez, local Prescott officials, Arizona Game and Fish commissioners, and advocates from the Alzheimer’s Association. A proclamation was read designating January 26, 2026, as Arizona Aviation Day, with remarks highlighting the aviation industry’s economic impact and the presence of airport and aviation representatives in the gallery. The clerk then read a long list of bills that had been first read or referred for printing, and a second-reading calendar covering measures on water and energy, education, elections, taxes, housing, veterans, public safety, and other topics. No floor votes on those bills were taken during this segment. Representative Gress also read a resolution recognizing National School Choice Week and praising Arizona’s school choice programs, including charters and ESAs. Much of the remainder of the session consisted of members’ personal privilege remarks responding to violence and immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota and elsewhere. Speakers from both parties and several senators and representatives condemned ICE tactics, described constituent fear and family separations, and called for constitutional rights, due process, and accountability. Representative Sandoval requested and the House observed a moment of respectful silence in memory of Alex Pretty and Renee Good. The House then received committee and caucus announcements and adjourned until 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• I served as a lead negotiator for the first two statewide Medicaid managed care program contracts and
• I believe this place is... ...program, as well as our quality improvement strategy.
• I'm a certified nurse midwife and an advanced nurse practitioner. I've been one for over 40 years.
• I serve as a nurse manager at the Pregnancy Care Center in Lake City and Live Oak.
• Chair, is a very complicated program. Medicaid, as you stated, Mr.

Committee: Senate Ethics and Elections

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• because without that awareness, those programs don't matter a whole lot.
• And I am so delighted that we have the RTECopus nursing home in our district.
• And then when they need that nursing home, they have friends there already.
• , appropriately named the FARM program.
• The FARM program.

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