Transcript Highlights:

• version from last week that was here basically defined, of course, we still had the defining of the pet
• /c><01:35:32.719><c> defining</c><01:35:33.199><c> of</c><01:35:33.440><c> the</c><01:35:33.760><c> pet
• </c><01:35:34.000><c> vendor</c> still had the defining of the pet vendor still had the defining of the
• </c><01:36:15.120><c> vendor</c> annually um in regards where pet vendor annually um in regards where
• pet vendor foster<01:36:16.159><c> homes</c><01:36:17.040><c> um</c><01:36:17.280><c> that</c><01:36

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My concern last year and my concern this year, if it's still there, is the pet portion.
• Is the pet portion still the same when it comes to pets? There's no pet part of it.
• Because if it's the same, then the— okay, so last year's proposed law was pets are excluded from the
• And I don't have pets and I didn't grow up with pets.
• I just, just the notion of pets being where you're making the spices and the sauces. I agree.

Bills: HB288, HB403, HB420, HB783, HB815, HB915, HB927, HB933, HB944, HB962, HB971, HR74, SCR3, SCR20, SB5, SB34, SB37, SB190, SB255, SB270, SB273, SB314, SB415

Keywords: medical terminology, documentation, miscarriage, spontaneous abortion, healthcare, medical records, billing, homemade food, food safety, small business, exemption, regulation, Department of Children and Family Services, background checks, child welfare, employee screening, safety regulations, criminal history, non-lactational dairy, labeling requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• THIS GIVES THE ADOPTION CLINIC OR THE PET STORES THE ABILITY TO REFUSE TO SELL AN ANIMAL. >> THAT'S WHAT
• PUTTING THIS ONUS ON THE ADOPTION CLINIC FOR THE PET STORE AND WHAT THE RAMIFICATIONS OF THAT ARE FOR
• THIS WILL HELP THE PET STORES AND RESPONSIBLE BREEDERS AND MORE IMPORTANTLY AT LAW ENFORCEMENT ANIMAL
• THE STATEWIDE CENTRALIZED DATABASE GIVES SHELTERS AND RESCUERS AND BREEDERS AND PET STORES AND ANYONE
• IS ALREADY COLLECTED BY THE CLERK OF IT'S NOT ACCESSIBLE IN A USABLE WAY TO THE ADOPTION CLINICS AND PET

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To improve availability for needed services for livestock producers and pet owners, I want to support
• Pet owners want good outcomes. All of this requires the local attention of veterinarians.
• returning home after college to join the business, we transformed our feed store to also cater to pets
• As a result, pet owners and livestock producers are struggling.
• A lot of times, the same veterinarians that are actually working on your pets are the ones we need to

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and she did change quite a bit and unfortunately died a couple years later. we love our pets and
• </c> veterinarian and a pet owner. veterinarian and a pet owner.
• </c><01:17:53.760><c> Um</c><01:17:54.320><c> so</c> pet owner uh and the veterinarian.
• Um so pet owner uh and the veterinarian.
• able to use your judgment along with the pet owner.

Bills: HF4080, HF3693, HF1857, HF4350

Keywords: agriculture, livestock, retailers, ownership interest, exclusive contracts, meat packing companies, dominant retailers, state law, Department of Agriculture, appropriation, funding, agriculture policy, state budget, animal welfare, cat declawing, animal cruelty, therapeutic procedures, civil penalties, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, aquatic life

Transcript Highlights:

• You can go on a little trip to the zoo.
• color now you can go on a little trip<01:43:05.239><c> to</c><01:43:05.400><c> the</c><01:43:05.520><c> zoo
• c> they</c><01:43:06.960><c> made</c><01:43:07.199><c> it</c><01:43:07.400><c> into</c> trip to the zoo
• so they made it into trip to the zoo so they made it into like<01:43:08.280><c> coloring</c><01:43:09.280

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Apple Valley is a community of 56,000 people, a south suburb, proud home of the Minnesota Zoo, and we
• are every day happy with the fact that we are the home of the zoo, bringing in so many visitors into
• Apple Valley is a community of 56,000 people, a south suburb, proud home of the Minnesota Zoo, and we
• are every day happy with the fact that we are the home of the zoo, bringing in so many visitors into

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and supporters include Ignite Afterschool, the Science Museum, Minnesota Department of Education, the zoo
• museum Minnesota Department of<00:03:50.080><c> Education</c><00:03:51.080><c> the</c><00:03:51.200><c> zoo
• </c><00:03:51.879><c> Boston</c><00:03:52.239><c> Scientific</c> of Education the zoo Boston Scientific
• of Education the zoo Boston Scientific Mayo<00:03:53.079><c> 3M</c><00:03:53.879><c> and</c><00:03:54.159

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have a couple of zoos in Greater Minnesota—who'd have thought?
• differences here we do have a<00:25:48.840><c> couple</c><00:25:49.080><c> of</c><00:25:49.200><c> zoos
• c><00:25:49.520><c> in</c><00:25:49.679><c> Greater</c><00:25:50.000><c> Minnesota</c> a couple of zoos
• in Greater Minnesota a couple of zoos in Greater Minnesota who'd<00:25:50.960><c> have</c><00:25:51.120

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, in addition, the Senate added language relative to pet vendor foster homes and relative to cruelty
• House proposal would be for the Senate to drop the bill relative to cruelty to livestock, but keep pet
• Keep pet vendor foster homes onto 1709. >> What with the agreement that 475 goes. >> I will sign 475.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The discussion focused on reconciling amendments between the House and Senate on a bill. The Senate had added language related to pet vendor foster homes and cruelty to livestock, and the House requested that the cruelty-to-livestock language be removed while keeping the pet vendor foster homes provision attached to bill 1709. The participants confirmed the compromise, including that bill 475 would be signed, and agreed on the amended position. After the agreement was clarified, the chair called for a vote. The motion passed with no opposition, and the matter was sent to the consent calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:07:15.240><c> is</c><00:07:15.400><c> actually</c><00:07:15.919><c> the</c><00:07:16.240><c> pet
• </c> wage well that is actually the pet wage well that is actually the pet program<00:07:17.120><c> that
• <c> or</c><00:10:03.720><c> I</c><00:10:04.000><c> I</c><00:10:04.079><c> mean</c><00:10:04.519><c> pet
• /c><00:10:05.279><c> I</c><00:10:05.360><c> don't</c><00:10:05.519><c> know</c> program or I I mean pet
• I don't know program or I I mean pet I don't know what<00:10:05.760><c> you</c><00:10:05.880><c> said

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice, Public Safety, and Judiciary heard an update from the Department of Corrections on Kentucky Correctional Industries (KCI), sentence-credit payments for program completion, and the expansion of the Little Sandy Correctional Complex. Department officials said KCI, the department’s long-running re-entry program, operates 15 industries in 11 institutions, employs more than 400 inmates and 37 staff, and had $5.8 million in expenditures against $6.8 million in revenues through January 31. Members asked about inmate pay, the role of the Prison Industries Enhancement Certification (PIE) program, and whether KCI generates profit; the department said it aims to break even while supporting state government, with PIE participants earning prevailing wages and some programs offering certificates tied to post-release employment opportunities. The subcommittee also reviewed the budget-authorized sentence-credit program for county jails. Officials reported 37,300 program completions in fiscal year 2024 and, through January, $6.128 million paid for 90-day sentence credits and $1.6548 million for 60-day credits, with total county jail expenditures of $8.1 million and 67 jails participating. They said additional participation would require more funding and that they do not expect many more jails to join, though attendance and population levels can affect costs. Members asked how jails opt in, whether there are added costs, how inmate earnings are handled, and whether deductions are made for child support or victim compensation; the department said jails apply through an approved program matrix, inmate earnings are tracked in individual accounts, and required deductions are made when ordered. Questions from members focused on re-entry outcomes and program structure. Officials said evidence-based programming and employment opportunities are major contributors to lowering recidivism, and they cited a recent recidivism rate of 30.8 percent, down about 1 percentage point, while noting they would provide additional trend and savings data later. The department also clarified that adult education and GED programming are separate from KCI and are handled by a different education division. For the Little Sandy expansion, officials said the project remains on schedule for completion on June 25, 2025, with inmate transfers expected to begin at about 50 per week and roughly 200 additional staff eventually needed; they said hiring is being phased in as inmate population increases. The committee asked for the total construction cost of the expansion, which the witnesses said they did not have at the meeting and would report back. The meeting adjourned with the next meeting set for February 18.

Transcript Highlights:

• name is Katie Jarl, and I am here on behalf of Partnership for Expanded Telemedicine Services, or PETS
• guidelines or rules, would change the status quo that is currently not working for the one in three pets
• We are a small nonprofit providing low-cost mobile veterinary care to pets of people who are low-income
• and unhoused, while also connecting pet owners to essential social services.
• I firmly believe that pet ownership should not be limited to the wealthy elite.

Bills: HB2340, HB2155, HB2531

Keywords: HB 2340, nursing assistants, nurse aide, substance use disorder monitoring program, monitoring program, credentialing, licensure, disciplinary records, enforcement action, public disclosure, privacy, third-party website, stipend program, financial assistance, treatment costs, drug testing, peer support, recovery, rehabilitation, board-approved program

Transcript Highlights:

• My concern last year and my concern this year, if it's still there, is the pet portion.
• Is the pet portion still the same when it comes to pets? There's no pet part of it?
• prepared, which then the reverse of that is when food is not being prepared, the pets are allowed to
• And I don't have pets and I didn't grow up with pets.
• I just... just the notion of pets being where you're making the spices and the sauces. I agree.

Summary: The committee met on April 1 and considered several health-related bills and one resolution. HB 933, by Rep. Charles Owen, would create commemorative birth certificates and adjust vital records fees; after adopting a technical amendment, the committee reported the bill favorably. HB 288, by Rep. Boyer, would require the term “miscarriage” to appear alongside “spontaneous abortion” in medical documentation and billing; after an amendment changed the bill from mandatory “shall” language to permissive “may,” the committee heard emotional testimony both in support and opposition and then reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 420, by Rep. Berault, would require criminal background checks and registry review for all DCFS employees, not just those with direct contact with children; it was reported favorably. The committee also voluntarily deferred HB 927 and HB 962. The committee then heard HB 971, by Rep. Stagney, which seeks to equalize Medicaid reimbursement rates for independent rural health clinics and hospital-owned provider-based clinics. Supporters, including clinic owners and practitioners, testified that independent clinics provide the same services under the same rules but receive far lower reimbursement, making it difficult to retain staff and avoid sale to hospital systems. The author said the bill is intended to prompt discussion and eventual parity without harming hospitals, and the committee reported the bill favorably. HB 815, by Rep. Carver, would allow federally insured financial institutions to receive death certificate information from vital records to reduce losses and help reconcile account issues after a death; credit union representatives supported the measure, and it was reported favorably. The committee also adopted HR 74, by Rep. Sterling, which urges the Department of Education and local school authorities to report on how schools accommodate students with seizure disorders. Sterling described personal experience with epilepsy and said the resolution is meant to gather data on implementation of existing seizure action plan law and identify gaps in access to rescue medication and training. Finally, the committee took up HB 915, by Rep. Dickerson, which would place Medicaid prior authorization and utilization management timelines into statute. After technical and substantive amendments, including changing some deadlines from five business days to seven calendar days, the bill drew support from providers and health groups concerned about delays in care, and the committee reported it favorably as amended. The committee also began consideration of HB 944, by Rep. Hilferty, creating a women’s consortium within LDH focused on menopause and related women’s health issues; technical amendments were adopted and testimony emphasized coordination of existing research and resources, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• It created a program whereby those pet food manufacturers...
• President, the plaintiffs are the Pet Food Institute, just to be clear.
• The pet food manufacturers, this is like right on their radar.
• So the fee is assessed not to the food manufacturer, but for each pet food.
• So we'll go ahead and we'll do the pet food. We'll put that on for tomorrow.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation from Rabbi Jack Stocker for New Mexico’s first Jewish Community Day at the legislature, and then proceeded with the Pledge of Allegiance, Spanish pledge, flag salute, and national anthem. Early floor business included unanimous-consent approvals for cameras on the floor and in the gallery, a relaxed dress code for guests, and an excuse for Senator Hickey. Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth noted it was the last day for bill introductions and reviewed the day’s observances and receptions, including Multiple Sclerosis Advocacy Day, Jewish Community Day, Santo Domingo Pueblo Day, Lincoln County Day, and UNM Day. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to honoring the Artesia Bulldogs football team, recognized for winning another state championship and for their long record of success. Senators and coaches praised the team’s resilience, community support, and the role of local fundraising and school support in sustaining athletic excellence. The Senate also observed a moment of silence for New Mexico State Police Officer Darien Jarrett on the fifth anniversary of his death in the line of duty, with Senator Brantley speaking about Jarrett’s service and the impact of his loss on law enforcement and the region. The chamber then celebrated UNM Day with a formal certificate recognizing the University of New Mexico’s role as the state’s flagship university, its enrollment, degrees awarded, research, patents, health sciences, and hospital services. Multiple senators spoke in support, emphasizing UNM’s impact on education, health care, public service, first-generation students, and athletics, and several introduced guests from UNM programs and leadership. The Senate also read and adopted a certificate recognizing Dr. V. Sue Cleveland for 32 years leading Rio Rancho Public Schools, with members praising her role in building the district and supporting its growth and success. Later, the Senate recognized Valencia County Day and Hidalgo County Day, with senators highlighting each county’s history, economic development, agriculture, transportation, and community identity, and introducing local officials, business leaders, and youth honorary lieutenant governors. Additional floor remarks honored nurses and health care professionals tied to Lincoln County Day and related observances, with senators introducing guests from nursing, education, and hospital settings and emphasizing the importance of the nursing workforce and rural health care.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's about the pets, right? It's about the habitat.
• And so from 2001 to 2003, I was doing this for my infant child. pets right it's about the habitat so
• She then said that was not the topic of this bill, but it is a personal pet concern of hers.
• She apologized that this was not the topic of the bill and called it a personal pet concern.
• She then said that was not the topic of this bill, but it is a personal pet concern of hers.

Keywords: 1183, house

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, we'll take up tab 1, Senate Bill 158 on pet insurance by Senator Jones.
• consumer protections for a growing insurance market that many Floridians rely on to care for their pets
• SB 158 requires agents who sell pet insurance to complete two hours of continuing education on these
• This ensures agents understand the benefits, exclusions, and wellness components of pet insurance so
• We have one appearance, Donovan Brown, North American Pet Health Insurance Association.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum present and heard a full agenda of bills, most of which were reported favorably. Early in the meeting, SB 1000 on trust fund interest for attorney trust accounts was explained as setting a floor and ceiling tied to the Wall Street Journal prime rate and passed without objection after supportive testimony from banking and credit union groups. The committee then took up CS/SB 1082 on a statewide provider and health plan claim dispute resolution program; the sponsor described it as a way to move emergency out-of-network payment disputes away from costly litigation and into an independent dispute resolution process modeled on the federal No Surprises Act. A proposed amendment drew significant questions from senators and concerns from the Florida Insurance Council about confusion over state versus federal eligibility and possible effects on contracted rates, and the sponsor ultimately withdrew the amendment. The underlying bill was then supported by health care and insurance stakeholders and reported favorably. SB 684 on electronic signatures for total loss vehicles and vessels also passed, with Progressive Insurance waiving in support. The committee next approved CS/SB 158 on pet insurance, which requires continuing education for agents, clearer consumer disclosures, and annual reporting to OIR; the amendment was technical and adopted. SB 1494 on breast cancer screening coverage was presented as expanding required coverage for mammograms and supplemental screenings for certain insurance products, and it passed with support from cancer and radiology groups. CS/SB 314 on digital asset issuers was amended to create a Florida framework for payment stablecoin issuers consistent with the federal GENIUS Act, allowing state-level regulation as an alternative to federal supervision, and was reported favorably. SB 1500 on uncontested probate proceedings, including higher small-estate thresholds and clearer authority for personal representatives, also passed after a banking-related amendment requiring letters of administration for safe deposit box access was adopted. Later, the committee approved CS/SB 618 on workers’ compensation insurance, which raises the consent-to-rate cap for workers’ comp policies from 10% to 20% and adjusts the Florida Workers’ Compensation Guarantee Association board membership; a carrier representative testified that the change would help keep more high-risk accounts in the voluntary market. CS/SB 1568 on a Florida Stable Coin Pilot Program was amended to remove authority for DFS to create a Florida coin, limit the pilot to existing stablecoins with at least $1 billion market capitalization, and require qualified public deposit handling; it then passed. CS/SB 838 on electronic payments for retail installment contracts clarified that convenience fees for electronic payments are permissible while preserving a fee-free option, and it was reported favorably after questions about consumer access to free payment methods. SB 1452, the Department of Financial Services agency bill, made a wide range of administrative changes affecting My Safe Florida Home, unclaimed property, licensing, bail bonds, and other DFS functions; a late-filed amendment on title insurer appointments was adopted, and the bill passed. The committee also approved SB 1706 on the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, targeting condo hardening assistance to owner-occupied units meeting income and occupancy criteria, and SB 990 on protected cell captive insurance companies, which the sponsor and industry witnesses said would modernize Florida law and promote insurance competition and economic activity. The meeting ended with all bills on the agenda reported favorably and the committee adjourning without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, we'll take up tab 1, Senate Bill 158 on pet insurance by Senator Jones.
• consumer protections for a growing insurance market that many Floridians rely on to care for their pets
• SB 158 requires agents who sell pet insurance to complete two hours of continuing education on these
• This ensures agents understand the benefits, exclusions, and wellness components of pet insurance so
• We have one appearance, Donovan Brown, North American Pet Health Insurance Association.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The Banking and Insurance Committee considered a full agenda of insurance, financial services, and probate bills. Early action included SB 1000, setting a floor and ceiling for interest on attorneys’ trust accounts, which was reported favorably. The committee then took up CS/SB 1082 on a statewide provider and health plan claim dispute resolution program for out-of-network emergency claims. Senator Graal explained it as a way to reduce litigation and use a dispute-resolution process similar to the federal No Surprises Act. An amendment intended to require plan disclosure and prevent default by nonparticipation drew questions from members and concerns from insurers and providers about clarity and scope, especially whether it could affect contracted rates or shift claims between state and federal systems. Senator Graal withdrew the amendment, and the bill was reported favorably after testimony from insurers and emergency physicians both supporting the underlying dispute-resolution concept while asking for further clarification. The committee also favorably reported SB 684 on electronic signatures for total loss vehicles and vessels; CS/SB 158 on pet insurance, which adds agent continuing education, stronger consumer disclosures, and annual reporting to OIR; SB 1494 on breast cancer screening coverage, expanding required mammogram and supplemental screening coverage; and CS/SB 314, a strike-all bill creating a Florida framework for payment stablecoin issuers consistent with the federal GENIUS Act. CS/SB 1500 on uncontested probate proceedings was also approved, with an amendment addressing access to safe deposit boxes by requiring letters of administration. SB 618 on workers’ compensation insurance raised the consent-to-rate cap from 10% to 20% for workers’ comp policies and adjusted the Florida Workers’ Compensation Guarantee Association board membership; supporters said it would help keep high-risk employers in the voluntary market. Later, the committee approved CS/SB 1568 creating a Florida Stablecoin Pilot Program within DFS to allow certain stablecoin payments for fees, after a substitute amendment removed authority for a Florida coin, limited eligible stablecoins, and required qualified public deposit handling. CS/SB 838 clarified that convenience fees for electronic payments on retail installment contracts are permissible, while preserving a fee-free payment option; members discussed consumer access and fee concerns. CS/SB 1452, a broad DFS agency bill covering My Safe Florida Home, insurance administration, unclaimed property, licensing, and other departmental changes, was reported favorably after a technical amendment. The committee also approved SB 1706 creating a My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program targeted to owner-occupied, lower-income condominiums, and SB 990 authorizing protected cell captive insurance companies in Florida, with supporters arguing it would modernize law and promote competition. The meeting concluded with all bills on the agenda that were heard being reported favorably and the committee adjourning without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, we have testimony from the Pacific Pet Alliance.
• </c><01:32:13.560><c> cat</c> the tap of unintended pet cat the tap of unintended pet cat reproduction
• </c> of all residents supported mandatory pet of all residents supported mandatory pet cat cat cat sterilization
• We don't see how pet populations are contributing to this.
• We don't see how pet populations are contributing to this.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee met on February 12 at 2 p.m. and heard several measures related to corrections, re-entry, law enforcement, retirement benefits, and gun violence prevention. On HB 10002, which would extend the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission coordinator’s term and clarify unannounced inspection authority, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said it had no objection to the term length or to 24/7 unannounced access. The commission’s chair, Commissioner Mark Patterson, asked for a longer term, saying the commission needs more time and stability to manage reform efforts after years without staff during COVID. Community Alliance on Prisons and Carolyn Eaton also supported a longer term, with both suggesting six years would better insulate the position from politics. The chair noted he had asked Chair Bot for background on the prior committee’s changes and said that could be discussed during decision-making. The committee then heard HB 67, which would require DCR to help inmates obtain civil identification documents such as IDs, birth certificates, and Social Security cards as soon as practicable, including for people in furlough or community placement programs. DCR said it supported the bill and described ongoing work with the city and county on ID machines and with agencies on certificates and Social Security cards. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Oversight Commission, Community Alliance on Prisons, and the Office of Public Defense all supported the measure, emphasizing that identification is essential for housing, employment, and successful re-entry and noting the disproportionate impact of incarceration on Native Hawaiians. On HB 1183, which would classify certain law enforcement administrators and Department of Law Enforcement employees as Class A members for retirement purposes, the Department of Human Resources Development, the Employees’ Retirement System, and the Department of Law Enforcement all supported the bill. DHRD said it would help recruitment and retention, ERS said it had technical amendments to suggest, and DLE said the change would help with succession planning and allow the governor to appoint the most qualified leader. The committee also heard HB 1045, an emergency appropriation bill to cover payroll fringe benefits for Department of Law Enforcement personnel after salary funding had been shifted to other departments; Budget and Finance and DLE explained the need for the supplemental funding, and no opposition was noted. Finally, the committee took up HB 664, which would create an Office of Gun Violence Prevention, a grant program, a resource bank, and a special fund. The Attorney General recommended adding standards for grant awards and warned of overlap with the existing Gun Violence and Violent Crimes Commission, suggesting consolidation and repeal of the older commission to avoid duplication. Supporters included the Brady Campaign, Everytown for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action Hawaii, a physician, and an Army veteran, who argued the office would centralize data, coordinate prevention efforts, and help secure outside funding. Testimony was mixed, with the chair noting 37 supporters, nine opponents, and three commenters, but no vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um they're a significant source of pet poisonings in Colorado, more than 2,100 reported cases over the
• Um pets are most often exposed by eating this bait directly and they also move through the food chain
• , not getting into getting into our pets, not getting into our<01:01:26.480><c> ecosystem,</c><01:01:
• </c> they're a significant source of pet they're a significant source of pet poisonings<01:02:37.520>
• , our wildlife, and our environment pets, our wildlife, and our environment for<01:03:06.480><c> some

Keywords: 981, all