Video & Transcript Research : 'substantial equivalency'
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MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 4/11/25
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Meeting the proposed targets for asset sustainability ratio would result in a substantial change to our
- change to our result in a substantial change to our construction<00:05:12.080>
program. - So we are talking about a substantial benefit to Minnesotan households if we stay the course with the
- He said the shift would substantially harm DVS's ability to keep up with demand for license exams.
- The MPG equivalent of EVs tends to be over 100.
Bills:
HF2438
Keywords:
transportation finance, transportation policy, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, Metropolitan Council, highway funding, trunk highway fund, county state-aid highway fund, municipal state-aid street fund, state aid roads, local roads, bridge funding, road construction, transit funding, passenger rail, freight rail, aviation, airport development, safe routes to school
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Thus, an even modest increase in growth can result in substantial amounts of dollars.
- purchasing power and liquidity while keeping only $20 a share. 10% of the fund balance in cash or its equivalent
- On all but 10% that has to be cash or cash equivalent. Okay.
- stay in general revenue. carries forward you end up spending that we spend it yeah but it's not substantial
- Correct on that on that phone on on this the vast majority, but we have to keep ten and in-cash equivalent
Keywords:
budget, House Bill 1, public education, healthcare, border security, federal funding, spending limits
Summary:
The meeting primarily focused on reviewing the proposed budget for the upcoming biennium, with substantial discussions around House Bill 1 and its implications for public education, healthcare, and border security. The Comptroller presented a revenue overview indicating a total of $194.6 billion available for general purpose spending, which reflects a slight decrease compared to previous years due to fluctuating economic conditions. Members raised questions regarding spending limits and the impact of federal funding on state programs, highlighting concerns about the sustainability of funding in light of potential changes at the federal level.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
89th Legislative Session - Second Called Session Aug 25th, 2025
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- ...whether they're substantiated or not, to be reported? Yes, they do.
- I guess they would determine if it's substantiated or not and then where that would be kept.
- But if it is substantiated and it rises to that level, then absolutely the public should know.
- Well, who decides whether something is or isn't substantiated?
- Something substantiated, even if there wasn't something that was actionable.
Keywords:
property tax, school funding, enrollment changes, inflation adjustment, tax rate notice, judicial administration, court reform, juvenile diversion, court security, mental health services, drug offenses, constitutional amendments, property tax exemption, ad valorem tax, Texas Tax Code, nonprofit corporation, charitable organization, educational nonprofit, scientific nonprofit, agriculture support
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Administrative Rules Jun 12th, 2026
Joint Committee on Administrative Rules
Transcript Highlights:
- It was determined that clinical nurse specialists are basically the equivalent of an advanced practice
- And it reads like this: The rule is so arbitrary and capricious as to create such substantial inequity
- But the larger concern here is how substantial of a change this is in terms of, you know, one side of
- the rules in conflict with state law, and the rule is arbitrary and capricious as to create such substantial
- inequity as to be unreasonably burdensome on the person. ...create such substantial inequity as to be
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Administrative Rules met to consider a Missouri Prescription Drug Monitoring Program rule proposal after the Department of Natural Resources withdrew its items. The hearing focused on 1 CSR 60-1.010, which would expand delegate-level PDMP access to additional licensed behavioral health professionals, including licensed clinical social workers, licensed master social workers, marital and family therapists, professional counselors, and psychologists, while also correcting prior rule language involving medical assistants and clinical nurse specialists.
Testimony from the PDMP executive director and supporters from Compass Health and the Department of Mental Health argued the change would improve care coordination, medication reconciliation, and safety in multidisciplinary behavioral health settings, especially CCBHCs. They said access would remain limited to licensed professionals working under a prescriber/dispenser relationship, with individual logins and penalties for misuse. Opponents and some committee members raised concerns that the rule would expand access beyond the original statutory framework without legislative change, could be used beyond treatment purposes, and should instead be addressed through statute rather than rulemaking.
After public testimony, the committee debated whether the proposal exceeded statutory authority and whether the expansion was too substantive for rulemaking alone. A motion was made to disapprove the rule on grounds including lack of statutory authority, conflict with state law, and arbitrariness. The motion passed by a roll call vote of 7-1, and the committee disapproved Rule 1 CSR 60-1.010 before adjourning.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/17/2026 - House Democratic Caucus Calendar #6
Transcript Highlights:
- procedures with a device produced by a company that is either domiciled in a foreign adversary or substantially
- state mental health facility, but there are no beds available, DHS must send those people to an equivalent
- that clarifies that an individual has to comply by providing the board information that they have substantially
- an employee benefit to a superintendent to offer or provide the same the employment benefit on substantially
- equal terms to offer provide the same the employment benefit on substantially equal terms to all employees
Summary:
The caucus reviewed a long calendar of House bills across education, health, water, land, housing, labor, public safety, and taxation. Several measures dealt with artificial intelligence, including bills on AI disclosures for minors, AI-assisted divorce arbitration, an Arizona AI education program, AI privilege protections, and a required AI course in schools. Other topics included ESA administration funding, a prohibition on public money for certain foreign-controlled genetic sequencing devices, towing regulations, DUI and ignition interlock changes, health facility and nursing facility complaint timelines, internationally trained physicians, nurse anesthetist reimbursement, pharmacy penalties, childhood cancer research, cybersecurity encryption, school mental health instruction repeal, superintendent performance pay, adoption disclosures in student health settings, anti-Semitism in schools, and a range of water, land, and housing bills.
Members frequently raised concerns about local control, unfunded mandates, constitutional issues, and the scope of state intervention. Several bills drew criticism for affecting school curriculum, public education, reproductive rights, protest activity, or tribal communities. Others were supported as technical fixes, consumer protections, or funding measures. The caucus also discussed a series of bills related to the Mexican gray wolf, state land management, solar and wind siting, groundwater transport, and rural development, with some members objecting that the proposals would undermine federal protections or tribal interests.
A number of bills were pulled from consent for further discussion, including HB 2020, HB 2957, HCR 2044, HB 2352, HB 2667, HB 2906, HB 2093, HB 2386, HB 2481, HB 2830, HB 2076, HB 2411, HB 2136, HB 2665, and HB 2904. The meeting ended with an announcement of the Latino Caucus guest presentation and an emotional tribute to Reverend Jesse Jackson, followed by presentation of an Affordability Award to Representatives Lorena Austin and Stephanie Simacek for work on economic justice and working families. The caucus then adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- incredibly advantageous for them; it prepares them better to go into college and it is certainly the equivalent
- of AP classes. should be treated equally with equivalent GPA credit, whatever that is.
- If you have questions, it is I would say substantially different, but in many ways remarkably different
Keywords:
parental rights, education, social transitioning, diversity, equity, inclusion, school policy, student clubs, residency, public schools, child safety placement, enrollment, education code, school boards, transparency, public meetings, attendance, recording, released time, religious instruction
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The current reporting framework has significant deficiencies that substantially undermine student protection
- this example, I shared that $12 million for maintenance on just one of our high schools is the equivalent
- of a 2.5% raise for our staff or the equivalent of 185 teaching positions.
Summary:
The Senate Education K-16 Committee heard several bills focused on school finance, transparency, student safety, and educator misconduct. SB 843 by Senator Kolkhorst would create a centralized TEA database for school bond elections, tax rates, and project details; supporters said it would improve transparency for taxpayers, while members discussed the fiscal note and suggested adding charter schools. SB 1224 by Senator Sparks would require superintendents to report alleged romantic, sexual, or abusive conduct between staff and students directly to law enforcement within 48 hours, with penalties for failure to report; testimony from advocates and survivors strongly supported the bill and urged that it also apply to private and charter schools. SB 747 by Senator Paxton on behalf of Senator King would require school district policies addressing AI-generated sexually explicit images of minors as cyberbullying and direct the School Safety Center to develop guidance; the committee heard emotional testimony from a student victim and discussed school authority to discipline off-campus conduct and the role of cell phones.
The committee also heard SB 1636 by Senator Hinojosa, which would limit use of interest and sinking tax revenues to debt service for voter-approved capital projects and not deferred maintenance; school finance witnesses raised concerns that the bill’s language could restrict needed facility maintenance spending and asked for a clearer definition of deferred maintenance. SB 2185, also by Senator Hinojosa, would expand access to the bilingual education allotment for dual-language programs; district officials and educators testified in support, saying it would remove barriers to funding and better support bilingual instruction. SB 604 by Senator West would require the Permanent School Fund Corporation to publicly track bonds backed by the state guarantee program that are downgraded to speculative or junk status, with West arguing the information would provide an early warning sign of district financial distress.
Across the hearing, much of the testimony centered on student protection and accountability in schools. Multiple witnesses described educator misconduct cases, failures to report abuse, and the need for outside law enforcement involvement rather than internal district investigations. Committee members repeatedly discussed extending reporting and safety requirements to private and charter schools, and several witnesses urged independent oversight. No bills were voted out; each measure heard was left pending, and the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Jan 14th, 2025
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Each percentage represents a substantial number of individuals, such as over 14,000 reporting difficulty
- count from CBC to CBC, was there a more granular approach to actual FTE, let's say, like full-time equivalent
- Actual FTE, let's say, like full-time equivalent of a child being in services for a month, or do you
Summary:
The committee heard a presentation from Dr. Kelly O’Dare on first responder behavioral health access, peer support, and suicide prevention. She described UCF Restores, the Second Alarm Project, and related partnerships that provide culturally competent treatment, peer training, clinician education, disaster response support, and behavioral health navigation. She cited survey and state data showing significant rates of sleep problems, anxiety, depression, substance use, and suicide among Florida first responders, and said evidence-based treatment has helped many patients recover, including a reported 76% who no longer met PTSD diagnostic criteria after treatment. Senators asked about measuring outcomes, peer support standards, and whether the state should create more consistent statewide requirements; O’Dare said peer support training must be specialized, linked to higher levels of care, and supported by sustainable funding and statewide coordination. The committee also heard from a public commenter who supported the work and emphasized the need for adequate resources and peer support infrastructure.
The committee then received a Department of Children and Families presentation from Casey Penn on the proposed funding methodology for community-based care lead agencies under HB 7089. Penn explained that the new model is intended to be actuarially based, reimbursement-oriented, and more transparent than prior funding approaches, using historical expenditures, standardized reporting, and two main tiers: Tier 1 for largely fixed administrative and operational costs, and Tier 2 for direct child-serving costs based on per-child-per-month blended rates. He said the model includes a 2% risk corridor for Tier 2, hold-harmless funding in the first year, and optional Tier 3 performance incentives, with an estimated additional state appropriation need after offsets. Senators raised concerns about prevention, historical inequities, reasonableness of costs, administrative overhead, blended state and federal funds, adoption subsidies, high-acuity placements, and disaster-related disruptions. Penn said some of those issues could be addressed in future iterations as the child welfare information system is modernized, and he agreed to provide written responses to committee questions.
Representatives of the Florida Coalition for Children and CBCs responded that the model is a major improvement but urged additional safeguards, including an administrative cap, clearer separation of direct and indirect costs, and better treatment of federal and pass-through funds. They argued that the system already has oversight and that deficits reflect insufficient appropriations rather than excess spending, while also noting that higher-acuity children and regional differences can drive costs. No votes were taken on either topic, and the meeting ended with committee staff introductions and adjournment.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 4/1/25
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Their backup generation alone is 600 megawatts, which is equivalent to the entire city of Minneapolis
- <00:02:32.640>
to <00:02:32.879>the megawws, which is equivalent to the megawws, which - Data centers in those places has caused their residential electricity rates to go up substantially.
- The potential benefits could be substantial.
- <01:37:20.159>
In benefits could be substantial. In benefits could be substantial.
Keywords:
water appropriation, data centers, environmental review, energy conservation, permit application, carbon-free energy, geothermal energy, renewable energy, Macalester College, appropriation, sustainability, solar energy, pollinator programs, license plates, agrivoltaics, environmental sustainability, 1183, house
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 3/19/25
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- And patients who are taking the equivalent brand-name drugs are free to try them out in order to save
- brand name drugs uh are free equivalent brand name drugs uh are free to<00:37:18.240>
try <00: - PBMs say that rebates can substantially lower the plan's final cost of drugs, and some plans use the
- PBMs say that rebates can substantially lower the plan's final cost of drugs, and some plans use the
- PBMs say that rebates can substantially lower the plan's final cost of drugs, and some plans use the
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Commerce and Economic Development Feb 11th, 2026 at 05:14 pm
House Commerce & Economic Development Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I am intimately familiar with the M4 assault rifle, the military equivalent of an AR-15.
- We have a substantial Madam Chair, Representative, I disagree with that.
- We have a substantial, Madam Chair, Representative, I disagree with that.
- Deffey, did you mention the substantial likelihood of success on the merits?
- So with that behind us, I think we have a substantial likelihood of prevailing. Okay.
Keywords:
State Fairgrounds District, fairgrounds bonds, public financing, bond authorization, gross receipts tax, gaming tax, tax-backed bonds, infrastructure funding, Albuquerque fairgrounds, State Fair Tid, economic development, municipal bonds, revenue pledge, capital projects, New Mexico finance, technology, innovation, advisory board, entrepreneurial support, stakeholder representation
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 4, February 12, 2026-PM
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- appropriations committee moved that to one full-time and two full-time equivalents to the office.
- <01:11:53.840>
Uh <01:11:54.560>that's equivalents to the office. - Uh, we JAC decreased $740,000 and two full-time equivalent in half.
- And two full-time equivalent in half.
- Or could somebody uh substantiate bit.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:16:38.160>
uh <00:16:38.399>more <00:16:38.639>data will have substantially - uh more data will have substantially uh more data that<00:16:39.120>
will <00:16:39.279>need - It would be an equivalent to that because it has value to certain people, but others it would have zero
- be<01:10:42.159>
an nonfgeible token. it would be an nonfgeible token. it would be an equivalent - to that because it has value equivalent to that because it has value to<01:10:44.239>
certain
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs Committee, February 12, 2026
Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- It's 6-1-104(x), and that is the serious bodily injury definition, and that's the substantial risk of
- <00:11:55.760>
and <00:11:56.000>that's <00:11:56.320>the <00:11:56.640>substantial - definition and that's the substantial definition and that's the substantial risk<00:11:57.600>
- As far as a National Guard soldier, when he retires, he's issued an NGB22, which is the Guard equivalent
- <00:58:37.520>
of <00:58:37.760>a which is the guard equivalent of a which is the guard
Keywords:
tribal governments, vehicle registration, exemption, license plates, Wind River Indian Reservation, vehicle, accident, duty to stop, felony, personal injury, death, veterans property tax exemption, ad valorem tax, property tax relief, military tax exemption, Wyoming National Guard, active duty, reserve members, surviving spouse, surviving parent
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 3/4/25
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- a broad priority in the legislature, but if we don't get it done, it's likely to lead to pretty substantial
- it done it's likely to lead to pretty it done it's likely to lead to pretty sub<00:37:57.760>
substantial - uh<00:37:59.119>
budget <00:37:59.440>shortfalls <00:38:00.079>for sub substantial - uh budget shortfalls for sub substantial uh budget shortfalls for healthcare<00:38:00.800>
providers - The amount of money this bill is giving to companies is roughly the equivalent of 80% of the total projected
Bills:
HF837
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies
Transcript Highlights:
- Substantially similar language was in a bill in 2016, and that was what actually killed the legislation
- Substantially similar language was in a bill in 2016, and that was what actually killed the legislation
- That is substantial. This is on par with, if not greater than, the state's life science sector.
- to other high-growth sectors, is the state serving as a champion of its defense sector through equivalent
- These resources could help leverage substantial outside investment.
Summary:
The committee held a hearing on Governor Healey’s economic development proposal, H. 5386, also referred to as the Mass Winds Act, focused on global investment, talent, innovation, housing, and business competitiveness. Governor Healey, Secretary of Economic Development Eric Paley, and Secretary of Administration and Finance Matt Gorzkowicz described the bill as a response to federal uncertainty and global competition, building on the 2024 Mass Leads Act. They highlighted proposed investments in a Global Mass initiative, including a $50 million innovation access fund and $20 million for sites to help international companies locate or expand in Massachusetts, along with support for AI, quantum, robotics, defense innovation, climate tech, downtown revitalization, and creative/cultural economy projects. They also emphasized measures to lower business costs, including reducing the LLC filing fee, expanding the small business energy tax exemption, and streamlining housing and development rules.
Committee members questioned the administration about non-compete reform, AI and data-center infrastructure, housing affordability, and whether the bill would help retain workers and companies in Massachusetts. The governor and secretaries argued that the non-compete changes would restore the original compromise by requiring any alternative to garden leave to be negotiated at separation, and they said the bill’s housing and workforce provisions are intended to help young workers stay in the state. They also said Massachusetts is already investing in AI training, an AI hub, and energy-related planning, while acknowledging that data-center growth will require careful attention to water, electricity, and ratepayer impacts.
Several witnesses testified on specific sections. Northeastern University supported the internship tax credit, saying experiential learning helps students gain jobs and remain in Massachusetts. The Latino Empowerment Advisory Council supported the waiver of redundant English testing for internationally trained nurses, saying it would speed entry into the workforce without lowering clinical standards. Russell Beck opposed the non-compete changes, arguing they would undermine the 2018 compromise and could reduce other forms of employee compensation. The Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office opposed the LLC fee reduction, citing revenue loss and fraud concerns. Municipal and regional groups, including the MMA and the Metro Mayors Coalition, supported site plan review codification and downtown/arts investments, while urging continued municipal input. The AFL-CIO asked for trigger language to preserve labor protections if federal law changes, and business and industry witnesses generally supported the bill’s competitiveness and global investment provisions. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with written testimony invited after the meeting.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/04/2026 - Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency
Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- technician certification to furnish the veterinary board satisfactory evidence of graduation or the equivalent
- to be done, and I would encourage the pro people for this bill to continue that so we do have a substantial
- done and I would encourage the the pro people for this bill to continue that so we we do have a substantial
- A substantial portion of our online appointments come from residents in underserved areas, such as South
- equivalency, meaning if you're a CPA in good standing in Arizona, you have similar rules and regs in
Keywords:
health profession, regulatory boards, criminal activity, notification, auditor general, investigations, veterinary technicians, certification, education alternative, Arizona Revised Statutes, veterinary education, ALTCS, providers, ownership change, healthcare, Arizona Long Term Care System, naturopathic physician, naturopathic medicine, naturopathic doctor, naturopathic physicians medical board
Summary:
The committee approved the minutes and held Senate Bill 1241 for a later hearing because a witness was unavailable. It then took up Senate Bill 1144, which would create an alternative pathway for veterinary technician certification through supervised on-the-job training instead of only a two-year curriculum. Supporters, including the Arizona Humane Society, a high school student in a veterinary program, and a veterinary technician employer, argued the bill would help address a veterinary technician shortage, reduce student debt, and expand access to care. Opponents, including the Arizona Veterinary Technician Association and some veterinarians, said Arizona already has an existing pathway, warned the bill could weaken competency standards and patient safety, and argued the shortage is more about retention and utilization than entry requirements. The committee adopted a Bolick amendment tightening supervision and documentation requirements, then passed SB 1144 as amended on a 6-1 vote.
The committee next approved Senate Bill 1247 unanimously. That bill would allow an individual who does not need services to live with a resident in an assisted living center or other unit in the facility, and would bar the Department of Health Services from imposing care requirements on that individual. The sponsor and a lobbyist said the bill was intended to fix a recent statutory interpretation that could force spouses or other companions to separate or pay for services they do not use; a floor amendment was mentioned to extend the same treatment to assisted living homes.
Senate Bill 1286, which would extend from 14 days to 60 days the period for veterinary prescriptions and renewals issued through telemedicine, drew extensive testimony and was ultimately held for a possible amendment next week. Supporters, including the sponsor, the Arizona Humane Society, and Animal Policy Group, said telemedicine has expanded access in rural and underserved areas and that longer prescription windows would improve convenience and continuity of care while still excluding controlled substances. Opponents, including the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association and several veterinarians, argued the current 14-day limit is a compromise that protects animal safety, that telemedicine without an in-person exam can lead to misdiagnosis and delayed diagnostics, and that the bill could function like a “pill mill.” The committee then passed Senate Bill 1164, which would let Medicaid billing continue under the prior owner’s certification number during a change of ownership for skilled nursing and assisted living facilities. Supporters said the current process can delay reimbursement for 6 to 18 months and strain providers; Access said it had legal concerns about possible conflict with federal law but was working on fixes. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1181, which would expand CPA certification pathways by adding degree-and-experience options and updating reciprocity rules, and a supporter from the Arizona Society of CPAs said it would address workforce shortages and improve mobility.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- provides relief to districts that receive ...little or no state aid and are required to send a substantial
- Scores for children up to the age of 12 have a significant impact on earnings at age 30, more than equivalent
Keywords:
HB 123, kindergarten readiness, early literacy, early numeracy, reading screening, math screening, foundational literacy, foundational numeracy, dyslexia screening, reading intervention, math intervention, teacher academy, literacy academy, mathematics academy, interventionist academy, K-3 assessments, school readiness, prekindergarten, tutoring grant, parent-directed tutoring
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Provided to newborns, lay midwives attending home births do not have the equivalent training or clinical
- The last part is the substantial part where we're going to replace lines 106 through 115 on page four
Keywords:
midwifery, licensed midwives, State Board of Midwifery, licensure fees, professional liability insurance, complaints investigation, emergency care plan, out-of-hospital care, HB491, public schools, K-12, school nutrition, school lunch, cafeteria, artificial dyes, food additives, food coloring, synthetic dyes, Red Dye No. 3, Red Dye No. 40
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Since 2019, military spouses are allowed to practice in Texas if they hold a license that is substantially
- equivalent to one in another state and that license is in good standing.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs heard a briefing from the Texas Veterans Commission on its major programs and outreach efforts. TVC described its claims assistance, health care advocacy, education oversight, employment services, entrepreneurship support, mental health and suicide prevention work, women veterans services, grant funding for nonprofits and local governments, and support for veteran treatment courts. The agency also highlighted its communications strategy, including media outreach, events, newsletters, social media, and the Texas Veterans State Benefits Booklet, and noted that less than 58% of veterans were aware of TVC in the latest needs assessment. A committee member asked about performance metrics, and TVC said each appropriation has associated measures and that it could provide recent results.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 651, which would allow a county veterans service office in a large county to report either directly to commissioners court or to a designated county executive official. Senator West explained the bill as a cleanup of current practice, and Dallas County testified in support, saying the change would streamline internal management. No opposition was heard, and the bill was left pending.
Senate Bill 897 would reduce the non-state matching requirement for the Texas Veterans and Family Alliance grant program in larger counties from 100 percent to 75 percent in the committee substitute, rather than the 50 percent reduction in the filed version. Supporters from MetroCare and Emergence Health Network said the lower match would help sustain and expand veteran mental health services, citing increased demand and program growth. The bill was left pending after testimony. The committee also adopted its rules.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 1814, which would create an interagency database to collect and coordinate contact information for transitioning veterans so agencies could proactively connect them with services. Senator Hancock said the goal was to better use information already being collected, though he noted the bill had a significant fiscal note. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1818, which would create a temporary six-month licensing and certification process for military members and spouses assigned to Texas while they wait for letters of good standing from other states. VFW testified in support, emphasizing the importance of employment for military families. Both bills were left pending, and the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.