Transcript Highlights:

• One, licensing boards should not be tasked with this punitive policy, which punishes poor people.
• Instead, they must rely on other licensed professionals, which increases costs, creates inefficiencies
• a process for a license can and... ...professionality and just how having a process for a license can
• James Hill, a licensed dentist, a licensed occupationalist, and also a California Dental Board member
• AB 1952 proposes a competency-based pathway for these professionals to qualify for a hygiene license.

Committee: House Business and Professions

Transcript Highlights:

• To seek a license to practice psychology in Massachusetts, the licensing board requires applicants to
• We hope this bill will let the licensing board look at the full picture: years of professional practice
• No, nobody's ever complained about me to any licensing board.
• Board, I have given up on trying to get a Massachusetts license.
• For the past three years, the Massachusetts Licensing Board has turned down my application for a license

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Summary: The committee opened a hearing of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure and reviewed a broad agenda including credit card fees, event ticketing, music therapy licensure, senior psychologist licensure, CPA pathways, school mental health licensure, and a bill regulating alternative healing therapies. The chairs explained hearing logistics, including three-minute testimony limits and submission of written testimony, and noted that more than 70 people had signed up to testify. Legislators and advocates were heard out of order throughout the day. A major portion of the hearing focused on credit card surcharge and interchange legislation. Restaurant owners, the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, NFIB, and other small-business witnesses supported bills allowing merchants to add convenience fees and, in one proposal, preventing card companies from charging fees on tax and tip portions of transactions. They argued that swipe fees are a major and growing cost, especially for restaurants, and that Massachusetts is one of only two states that bars surcharges. Opponents from the Cooperative Credit Union Association, the Electronic Payment Coalition, and the Electronic Transactions Association warned that the proposals would create compliance burdens, fragment the payment system, raise legal preemption issues, and disrupt a system they described as efficient and secure. The committee also heard competing testimony on ticket transferability and ticket resale. Supporters, including the National Consumers League and Sports Fans Coalition, said bills on ticket transferability would protect consumers who cannot attend events and would increase competition and savings in the secondary market. Opponents, including United Musicians and Allied Workers and theater owners, argued that mandatory transferability would weaken artists’ and venues’ ability to prevent scalping and predatory resale, and that some ticket sellers should be exempt from the broader ticketing regulations. Separate testimony supported music therapy licensure, senior psychologist licensure, and new CPA education pathways, with witnesses saying these measures would expand access to care and strengthen the workforce while maintaining professional standards. The hearing also drew extensive opposition to S.261 on alternative healing therapies, with practitioners and clients arguing it would overregulate spiritual and holistic practices and was not an effective response to human trafficking concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• The three through the licensing board.
• </c><00:18:15.160><c> professionals</c> responsible for licensing professionals responsible for licensing
• </c> professionals to become licensed without professionals to become licensed without disruption<00:
• of Professional Licensing.
• Department of Professional Licensing, which provides its administrative and fiscal services to the board

Summary: The committee first approved the October 23 meeting minutes and then heard testimony on a planned 2026 bill to modernize Kentucky’s audiology practice act. Witnesses from the Academy of Doctors of Audiology and a Kentucky audiologist said the proposal would largely codify existing authority and add new powers to order certain imaging and lab tests related to auditory and vestibular conditions, as well as prescribe topical ear medications. They argued the changes would reduce delays, especially in rural areas, improve access to hearing and balance care, and help address provider shortages. Committee members asked about evidence for the expansion, responsibility for reviewing imaging results and incidental findings, and whether the changes might affect referrals or scope of practice. The witnesses said they could provide evidence, that the audiologist would be responsible for obtaining and reviewing radiology reports and following up with patients and primary care providers, and that the goal was to speed treatment and streamline referrals when needed. The committee then heard a separate proposal to update the Kentucky Board of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy statutes by licensing MRI technologists and diagnostic medical sonographers, who are not currently required to be licensed in Kentucky. The bill would create a transition period through January 1, 2028 for current practitioners, require national credentialing for new applicants after that date, expand the board from 9 to 11 members, and clarify scope and enforcement provisions. Supporters said the measure would improve patient safety, align Kentucky with most other states, and recognize national credentials. Members questioned how many workers would be affected, whether the state currently meets national standards, the cost of licensure, and whether the bill could worsen staffing shortages, especially in rural areas. The witnesses said about 800 MRI technologists and 1,600 sonographers in Kentucky are currently certified, initial licensure would cost $100, and existing licensees would not pay an additional fee. They also said the board viewed the change as a safety measure and noted increasing portability of MRI services across state lines. Finally, the committee began hearing a respiratory care interstate compact proposal. The sponsor and respiratory care representatives described the compact as a way to allow licensed respiratory therapists from member states to practice across state lines. They outlined the profession’s role in hospitals, emergency departments, home care, pulmonary labs, long-term care, and telehealth, and said the compact would help with workforce flexibility and access to care. The transcript cuts off before the discussion concluded or any action was taken on that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• It focuses on broad portability, allowing qualified licensed professionals to practice across member
• I am not a fully licensed clinical social worker, but I am able to sit the board, the state test, in
• I am not a fully licensed clinical social worker, but I am able to sit the board, the state test, in
• “Overall, the Social Work Licensure Compact will increase license portability for social work professionals
• It ensures that care remains under the oversight of licensed professionals and with approved facilities

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Summary: The committee opened a hearing of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure focused on health care and human services, reviewed testimony logistics, and then heard a long series of witnesses on several bills. Much of the testimony centered on interstate licensure compacts for dentistry, social work, and occupational therapy, with supporters arguing these compacts would improve workforce mobility, continuity of care, and access while preserving state oversight and public protection. Dental witnesses were split on H.455/S.257, with supporters backing the AADB dental compact for its hands-on exam, background checks, and disciplinary safeguards, while opponents argued a competing compact would better promote portability and avoid conflicts tied to proprietary testing and outside commissions. Social work witnesses strongly supported H.380/S.252, emphasizing continuity of care for clients who move across state lines, reduced costs and delays for practitioners, and the compact’s public-protection features; occupational therapy witnesses similarly supported H.427/S.256, citing access, telehealth, military families, and maintained standards. The committee also heard testimony on S.242, which would expand licensure for lactation care providers. Supporters, including lactation counselors and health center staff, said adding certified lactation counselors and related credentials would expand access, improve breastfeeding support, and allow reimbursement for services now often provided without billing. They described the training required and said the bill would help families, especially in underserved communities. Representative James O’Day also testified in support of the social work compact, and a Council of State Governments witness provided background on compact mechanics and state participation. Another major topic was H.419/S.214 on medical debt. Physicians and researchers testified that cancer patients experience long-lasting medical debt and collections burdens, and they supported limits on the sale and collection of medical debt, bans on reporting it to credit bureaus, and related consumer protections. The hearing also included H.465 on a pathway to special licensure for certain long-term limited-registration dentists serving MassHealth patients, which Representative Senna supported as a way to allow immigrant dentists to practice independently. Finally, the committee heard sharply divided testimony on H.444/S.284, which would allow trained dental hygienists to administer Botox and dermal fillers: supporters framed it as a safe, preventive, and access-expanding tool for TMJ, bruxism, and pain management, while dermatologists opposed it as outside hygienists’ training and a patient-safety risk. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• at the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses.
• the State Board John Price: Of Occupational and Professional Licenses.
• licensing system as well that brought all the 48 boards under one licensing system.
• So they'll set that code to the occupational licensing board.
• So they'll set that code to the occupational licensing board.

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• related to members of the Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, including
• law and would not change the name of the board, but it would continue to use the word 'professional'
• to members of the board of registration for professional engineers and land surveyors, including adding
• for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors so that the Board would not be renamed the State Board
• of Registration for Professional. so that the board would not be renamed the state board of registration

Summary: The Consumer Protection and Business Committee held public hearings on several alcohol-related bills. HB 2128 would expand the sports entertainment facility liquor license to cover publicly or privately owned facilities where patrons engage in sports, amusement, or recreational activities, such as the Leavenworth Adventure Park. The prime sponsor and supporters said it would modernize the license while keeping LCB safety controls in place; one member questioned whether it amounted to an expansion of alcohol access. A fiscal note had been requested but not yet received, and the public hearing was closed without action. The committee then heard HB 2207, which would create a bonded beer warehouse license and make related changes to bonded wine warehouse law. The sponsor said it would help a Ridgefield logistics warehouse store beer the same way it can already store wine and spirits, while supporters from the Washington Brewers Guild said it would give breweries parity with wineries. Distributors and other opponents raised concerns about direct-to-consumer shipping, public access to warehouses, and federal tax-and-trade restrictions; the sponsor said amendments were being considered to address some of those issues. The hearing was closed without action. HB 2536 would allow wineries to hold spirits, beer, and wine restaurant licenses, or beer and/or wine restaurant licenses, at additional winery locations. The sponsor and winery representatives said the bill would reduce administrative burden and let wineries operate tasting rooms and restaurant-style spaces more flexibly, while opponents argued it could broaden alcohol access and create tied-house concerns. HB 2476 would remove the 120-seat-per-screen limit for theaters seeking a spirits, beer, and wine theater license; the sponsor and theater operators said existing alcohol control plans and other safeguards would remain in place, and the change would help theaters compete and attract patrons. The committee also heard HB 1701, which would allow multiple liquor licensees to operate within a shared facility and was described as a way to support a mixed-use winery/brewery/restaurant project; the sponsor said he was willing to remove the Public Records Act exemption again, and distributors urged transparency and guardrails. In executive action, the committee took up HB 2229, revising the Professional Engineers Registration Act. After adopting Amendment CLA 407 to restore current law on the board’s name, the committee voted to report the substitute bill out with a due pass recommendation. Several members supported the bill as a modernization of registration and continuing-education provisions, while some members voted no, citing concerns about changes to board membership requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill all increases the pathway to licensure for certain licensed professionals.
• the public by ensuring that only professional licensed and experienced a little contractors.
• to have a license underground utility and excavation contractor on its board.
• You have a room full of professional associations saying to you, please help keep us licensed and professional
• We have to continuing education to keep our professional license and very enlightening to me.

Transcript Highlights:

• John Paris on his professional civic accomplishments.
• Senate Bill 326 by Senator Abraham revises relative to the state licensing board of contractors, the
• The Speaker, Madam Clerk, members, update the Louisiana law governing the state licensing board for contractors
• and contractor license requirements.
• It authorized the local school board, in accordance with rules adopted by the board, for Type 1, 3, and

Bills: SCR59 , SCR70 , HR275 , HR279 , HR282 , HR289 , HR307 , HCR112 , SCR61 , SCR62 , SCR64 , SB121 , HR310 , HR314 , HR316 , HR317 , HR321 , HCR117 , SCR5 , SCR29 , SCR33 , SCR37 , SCR63 , SCR30 , SCR40 , SCR65 , HCR3 , HCR49 , HCR66 , HCR67 , HB54 , HB137 , HB321 , HB368 , HB386 , HB414 , HB431 , HB552 , HB555 , HB578 , HB590 , HB593 , HB618 , HB638 , HB670 , HB692 , HB707 , HB708 , HB715 , HB718 , HB732 , HB741 , HB748 , HB776 , HB796 , HB807 , HB822 , HB848 , HB856 , HB887 , HB888 , HB917 , HB921 , HB1082 , HB1243 , HB1246 , HB1 , HB2 , HB42 , HB45 , HB71 , HB79 , HB126 , HB133 , HB159 , HB213 , HB218 , HB222 , HB289 , HB291 , HB312 , HB313 , HB324 , HB352 , HB383 , HB398 , HB403 , HB429 , HB457 , HB459 , HB549 , HB571 , HB579 , HB591 , HB608 , HB616 , HB624 , HB766 , HB769 , HB783 , HB804 , HB864 , HB874 , HB909 , HB951 , HB971 , HB983 , HB1005 , HB1017 , HB1051 , HB1056 , HB1126 , HB1186 , HB1193 , HB1223 , HB1224 , HB1235 , HB1249 , SB259 , SB295 , SB312 , SB348 , SB444 , SB485 , SB441 , SB149 , HB359 , SB29 , SB43 , SB78 , HB463 , HB998 , SB197 , SB268 , SB123 , SB276 , SB326 , SB80 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HCR65 , HCR71 , HCR98 , HB284 , HB306 , HB341 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB603 , HB605 , HB614 , HB625 , HB646 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB798 , HB911 , HB955 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1140 , HB1180 , HB1191 , HB1240 , HB1255 , SB82 , SB89 , SB97 , SB479 , HB74 , HB119 , HB134 , HB210 , HB258 , HB468 , HB784 , HB870 , HB953 , HB956 , HB1117 , HB1236 , SB42 , SB208 , SB217 , SB274 , SB300 , SB341 , SB379 , SB382 , SB387 , SB401 , SB449 , SB487

Keywords: Major Richard Star Act, veterans, military retirement, disability compensation, VA benefits, combat-wounded, medically retired, military retirees, service members, veterans benefits, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, concurrent receipt, retirement offset, combat-related disability, bipartisan support, memorial resolution, Congressional memorial, Louisiana delegation, Richard Star

Transcript Highlights:

• member licensing board, then we ask five member licensing board, then we ask that<04:02:36.800><c> one
• </c> board examination in order to license. board examination in order to license.
• We have very few licensed professional engineers.
• </c><04:36:03.920><c> its</c> board of professional engineers of its board of professional engineers
• I'm a licensed professional engineer.

Committee: House Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:06:58.680><c> and</c><00:06:58.840><c> board</c> division licensing and board division licensing
• The nuance there is the boards, the licensing boards.
• So in that case, that is the same across every board, whether advisory or a licensing board, is that
• </c><00:15:00.519><c> own</c> licensing board they have their own licensing board they have their own
• </c><04:32:29.319><c> license</c> added to the list of boards license added to the list of boards license

Summary: The meeting was an orientation-style overview from the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), led by Executive Director Deana Jurus and staff. They described the office’s mission to protect public health, safety, welfare, the environment, and the public trust, and outlined the agency structure: enforcement, licensing and board administration, operations, legal counsel, board counsel, and the hearings bureau. OPLC said it currently supports 57 boards, including seven advisory boards, and has about 104 filled positions out of 120 authorized. They also noted new voluntary certifications for doulas, lactation consultants, and community health workers that are in rulemaking. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on how boards and staff divide responsibilities under RSA 310:4. Staff explained that the office handles application processing, complaint intake and initial review, records retention, 91-A requests, and rule drafting, while boards make final decisions on licensure criteria, complaint dismissals or investigations, disciplinary actions, and some hearing matters. They also described the rule structure by chapter number ranges and the distinction between full licensing boards and advisory boards. The committee asked about complaint notifications, and OPLC said it is tightening policies so complainants are told whether a matter is closed or moving forward. The licensing process was discussed in detail, especially for nursing. Bethany Katrell explained that applicants apply through an online portal, may receive approval to sit for exams, can work under provisional authority in some cases, and then receive full licensure after exam results and criminal background checks are complete. OPLC said the portal now reduces back-and-forth paperwork and that, as of the latest biweekly report, 87% of applications were decided within the statutory 90-day period and 57% within 14 days. Members also raised questions about why some professions require board approval before taking an exam, and OPLC said that requirement varies by statute or board rule. No votes or formal actions were taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• boards and and some of the licensing boards and and some<00:01:10.200><c> of</c><00:01:10.240><c> the
• ><c> not</c> licensed mental health professional, not licensed mental health professional, not a<00:02
• And it says unless it's conducted by an individual who's a licensed professional.
• And then I looked at the definition of licensed professional, and it's someone with a Minnesota license
• And then also just a concern about licensed professional.

Transcript Highlights:

• A qualified professional must be educated in licensed. Act 656.
• A qualified professional must be educated and licensed in fields related to physical health, mental health
• A qualified professional must be educated in licensed. Act 656.
• On the licensing board, do you have an update on that?
• Has the licensing board been moving forward with issuing these licenses yet?

Committee: All TASK FORCE ON AUTISM

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:05:12.639><c> to</c> mental health professionals licensed to mental health professionals licensed
• Licensing boards already have of AI.
• This is not a bill for the licensing boards.
• This is not a bill for the licensing boards.
• Very little of any of licensing boards.

Transcript Highlights:

• The board would also look at professional qualifications because you may know that professional qualifications
• look</c><00:10:04.000><c> at</c> The board would also look at The board would also look at professional
• Nurses set nursing standards through professional boards.
• Nurses set nursing standards through professional boards.
• So early through professional boards.

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• And up front, we are fully in support of adding the licensed or provisionally licensed professional counselors
• And what I wrote is access should be limited to licensed, professionally licensed behavioral health professionals
• Access should be limited to licensed, professionally or provisionally licensed behavioral professionals
• All these people are licensed professionals. All these people are licensed professionals. Yes, sir.
• These are all licensed professionals in the state of Missouri and bound by ethics and bound by professional

Committee: House Joint Committee on Administrative Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a board-certified behavioral analyst appointed by the Arkansas Psychology Board.
• We had licensed psychological examiners independent, and that's actually my license.
• A qualified professional must be educated and licensed in fields related to physical health, mental health
• On the licensing board, do you have an update on that?
• Has the licensing board been moving forward with issuing these licenses yet?

Committee: All TASK FORCE ON AUTISM

Summary: The Arkansas Legislative Autism Task Force approved the April 1, 2026 meeting minutes and then reviewed several vacant membership slots on the task force, including appointments from the Arkansas Psychology Board, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, UAMS, and parent or guardian positions. Members discussed trying to fill those vacancies before the next meeting, and noted that if they remain open they may be addressed in the task force’s legislative report and through possible statutory changes in the next General Assembly. Representatives from the Developmental Disabilities Provider Association (DDPA) and Civitan Services presented on DDPA’s role serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Arkansas. They said DDPA now represents 80 providers serving more than 13,000 individuals in 75 counties, with services including early intervention, adult day programs, supported employment, intermediate care facilities, work activities, and community/residential waiver services. They also shared survey data on older clients and said these services remain available to seniors with IDD, including people with autism. The task force then heard a proposal to amend Act 656 of 2021 to include licensed psychological practitioners as qualified providers for autism waiver-related evaluations. The presenter argued this would reduce wait times, avoid duplicate assessments, and help families access services sooner, while still maintaining quality standards. Members asked about training, licensure, and whether other professionals such as speech-language pathologists or audiologists should be included; Dr. Scott noted that current practice already relies on a two-provider model and that speech-language pathologists play a role because autism diagnosis considers communication, cognitive ability, and language. The discussion also touched on the need for proper testing standards and board oversight. No vote was taken on the amendment, and the meeting ended with plans to return to fraud-related discussion and to begin prioritizing recommendations for the 2027 session before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• The board focuses on efficient and modern licensing.
• impact, and licensed professionals protect Oklahoma's capital investments.
• The board, in the past, has not reduced license renewal fees.
• OK, our next one is the State Board of Licensers for Engineers and Land Surveyors.
• I'm the executive director for the Board of Professional Engineers and Surveyors.

Committee: House Administrative Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• The board would also look at professional qualifications because you may know that professional qualifications
• . professionalism. professionalism.
• Nurses set nursing standards through professional boards.
• I'm also a four-star parent-rated licensed family child care professional, and I'm also a grandmother
• family child care pro um rated licensed family child care pro um professional<00:34:59.280><c> and</

Transcript Highlights:

• State agencies and boards establish rules about licensing requirements and perform licensing functions
• licensing fees, and those related to professional practice and licensure, such as reviewing license
• For example, in Illinois, the medical board advises the department that oversees professional licensing
• Similarly, in Utah, the Director of Professional Licensing may remove a board member for failing to fulfill
• , the board conducts an election among licensed providers to nominate some or all board members.

Bills: S0428 , S0606 , S0192 , S0162 , S0340

Committee: Senate Health Policy

Summary: The Senate Health Policy Committee met with a quorum and took up several health-related bills, with a strong focus on drowning prevention and patient safety. SB 428 by Senator Yarborough would expand Florida’s swim lesson voucher program from children ages 0-4 to ages 1-7. Supporters, including a pediatric emergency physician and YMCA leadership, cited Florida’s high child drowning rates and argued that swim lessons reduce risk and should be available to more children. Senator Harrell noted the need to consider increasing the program’s funding as eligibility expands. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 606 by Senator Smith, which adds drowning prevention and safe bathing education to postpartum materials provided by hospitals, birthing centers, and, after amendment, no longer home birth providers. A parent who lost a child to drowning testified in support, and senators emphasized the preventability of such deaths. The bill, as amended, was reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 340 by Senator Harrell would require nursing students to complete a two-hour human trafficking course before licensure; after a strike-all amendment shifted the requirement from nursing programs to the students themselves, the bill received support from advocates and was reported favorably as a committee substitute. The committee also considered SB 162 by Senator Davis, which would require hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies for using smoke evacuation systems during procedures that generate surgical smoke. The sponsor said the equipment is relatively inexpensive and already common in many facilities, while opponents and some senators questioned the medical evidence, enforcement, and possible impacts on rural and smaller facilities. Despite those concerns, the bill was reported favorably, with some members voting no. SB 192, presented by Senator Trumbull on behalf of Senator Martin, would remove the $1,500 cap on advances chiropractic physicians may collect for examinations or treatment; the Florida Chiropractic Society supported the change as pro-small-business, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also received an OPAGA presentation comparing Florida’s health care practitioner regulation system with other states, focusing on board autonomy, rulemaking oversight, board composition, appointments, term limits, and funding mechanisms.

Transcript Highlights:

• People expect honesty when interacting with licensed professionals, and they expect the government and
• We decided to report her to the social work licensing board.
• We decided to report her to the social work licensing board.
• A licensed social worker is frequently the first, and sometimes the only, professional responding.
• A licensed social worker is frequently the first, and sometimes the only, professional responding.

Bills: HF3454 , HF3917 , HF2906 , HF3832 , HF3769

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy