Transcript Highlights:

• I would not, not to my knowledge. Okay. Thank you.
• I would not Not not to my knowledge. I would not Not not to my knowledge.
• This simply tweaks that slightly when it comes to the perveyor's knowledge of where a food comes from
• Uh, they're simple updates to existing fish production practices.
• to existing fish production practices. to existing fish production practices.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I felt that I didn't have the knowledge base I needed to be successful, and I remember sitting in my
• It took that knowledge and what I had learned in my college classes at that moment to realize that I
• Analysis focused on structured literacy practices would be a great next step as we look at this.
• Incorporating those types of practices also in their classrooms.
• Students on their feet and really generating a knowledge base. That's my say.

Transcript Highlights:

• , annual increase in wisdom and knowledge, annual increase in wisdom and knowledge, are<00:43:50.000
• went to a hospital or physician practice went to a hospital or physician practice to<02:19:52.319
• So, um, again, this is knowledge.
• When that course of action involves planting in a child's mind knowledge of sexual practices that cannot
• that mind knowledge of sexual practices that mind knowledge of sexual practices that cannot<03

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• System contracting and procurement practices and processes shall be transparent, fair, and consistent
• The program integrates education theory, practice, and assessment with Anishinaabe knowledge, values,
• and assessment with Theory practice and assessment with anishinabi<00:48:30.200> knowledge<00
• :48:31.000> values<00:48:31.559> and anishinabi knowledge values and anishinabi knowledge
• provided we chose to provide practices provided we chose to provide practices that<01:31:57.320>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• “I think that the issue that you have when you have the foreign practice knowledge base, right, coming
• But in my practice, I would offer you that. That's a significant piece.
• They leave school with basic nursing experience, not knowledge, I'm sorry.
• You are actually in the practice of this, of medicine.
• It's about an $80,000, $100,000 benefit to the practice of care center yearly.

Bills: SB237

Keywords: child welfare, Department of Children and Family Services, mandatory reporting, abuse prevention, investigative teams, child ombudsman, forensic interviews, confidentiality

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Welfare met on May 20, 2026, with eight members present and approved the May 13 minutes. The committee quickly reported several bills favorably, including SB 1224, which requires DCFS review when a pregnancy involves a child under 17 and makes children under 12 a child in need of care; SB 1100, which repeals an old statute on unenriched bread; HB 1220, a continuation of prior work to codify certain provisions related to the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners; HB 1231, clarifying that continuous glucose monitoring is covered through Medicaid for any insulin-dependent diabetic, including gestational diabetes; and HB 198, setting reimbursement rates for ambulatory surgery centers for certain Medicaid procedures. The committee also adopted a personal privilege welcome for physicians on White Coat Day and repeatedly noted that several bills were being advanced with the understanding that further work might continue before floor debate. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 1160, which would create a streamlined restricted license pathway for qualified international medical school graduates, especially for rural and shortage areas. Committee members pressed the Board of Medical Examiners about delays in promulgating rules under an earlier 2024 law and objected to rule language they said went beyond the statute. Board representatives acknowledged a misunderstanding about the original bill’s intent and said the program had been operating, but members warned against agencies writing rules that contradict enacted law. Despite the criticism, HB 1160 was reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably HCR 67, which creates a task force to study gaps in acute care for special-needs adults and children, following emotional testimony from the sponsor about her son’s death and the lack of appropriate care options. The committee then approved HCR 27, calling for a coordinated statewide evaluation of autism services by the Department of Health and Department of Education, with testimony emphasizing rising diagnosis rates, rural provider shortages, and the need for better data and coordination between medical and school-based services. HCR 28, which would study school nurse orientation and training, was also reported favorably after school nurses described the lack of standardized onboarding for new graduates and the risks of placing them alone in schools without adequate supervision. HB 469, which would have allowed pharmacy license renewal fees to be directed to Xavier University’s pharmacy school as well as public schools, was deferred after concerns about diverting funds from public institutions and the absence of testimony from affected schools. The committee also took up HB 223, which recreates DCFS, and adopted an amendment shortening the sunset date and requiring law enforcement reports to be accepted through a secure web-based platform; the bill was then reported favorably as amended. Another major discussion centered on HB 457 and HB 616, both tied to homelessness. HB 457, establishing minimum standards for shelters and related facilities, was reported favorably as amended after sponsor testimony and support cards. HB 616, which would allow the legislative auditor and local officials access to records and databases for audits of homelessness initiatives, drew extensive debate over privacy, federal funding, and accountability. Supporters cited a 2025 audit showing more than $216 million in federal homelessness spending in New Orleans and argued that auditors need access to performance data to detect waste and abuse; opponents warned about client privacy and the impact of funding cutoffs. The committee adopted an amendment changing permissive language to mandatory language for enforcement and then continued hearing testimony, with the discussion still centered on balancing oversight with confidentiality.

Transcript Highlights:

• To my knowledge, fetal development is not required in any of our state frameworks.
• Passing this bill continues that leadership by aligning research with practice and ensuring all students
• gain both knowledge and belonging.
• As these impacts grow more severe, it's critical that the next generation is equipped with the knowledge
• I believe this bill offers a concrete, thoughtful pathway to help schools give students the knowledge

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education heard testimony on a wide range of bills, with the largest portions focused on the Healthy Youth Act (S.340/H.656), comprehensive and inclusive curriculum bills (H.655/S.371 and related measures), climate literacy education (H.560/S.391), computer science coursework (H.534/S.362), arts education funding and STEM-to-STEAM proposals (H.561 and H.4297), and a homeschooling reporting bill (H.518). Supporters of the Healthy Youth Act argued it would preserve local control while requiring medically accurate, age-appropriate, LGBTQ-inclusive sex education and regular updates to state health frameworks; opponents raised parental rights, age-appropriateness, and opt-out concerns, with some calling for fetal development content. Supporters of inclusive curriculum bills said they would improve representation, belonging, and civic understanding, while opponents argued they could undermine parental authority or promote ideological content. Climate, computer science, and arts advocates emphasized workforce readiness, student engagement, and the need for state support and funding to expand access and teacher training. Testimony on the climate literacy bill described increasing climate impacts in Massachusetts and argued that interdisciplinary instruction would prepare students for science, policy, and green careers; witnesses said the bill was not a mandate but a support and funding measure. Computer science supporters said access remains uneven, especially for girls, students of color, and students with disabilities, and urged stronger statewide requirements and AI-related standards. Arts advocates backed both the STEM-to-STEAM bill and the Lowell Mason arts funding proposal, citing research on student achievement, attendance, creativity, and the economic importance of the arts sector. The homeschool bill was supported by a homeschool advocacy group as a modernization of reporting requirements. The committee closed testimony on numerous bills where no one remained signed up or testimony had concluded, including several education, curriculum, and commission proposals. No votes were taken during the hearing itself. At the end of the session, the committee closed out the remaining testimony and adjourned after a motion and second.

Transcript Highlights:

• And to my knowledge, they don't have concerns.
• We can share that knowledge, and that knowledge can be shared along with this committee, and we can start
• 43.880> that<00:20:44.040> knowledge share that knowledge and that knowledge share that
• knowledge and that knowledge can<00:20:44.560> be<00:20:44.760> shared,<00:20:45.720><
• <00:23:58.960> Thank sharing knowledge with others. Thank sharing knowledge with others.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of the issue and his staff's knowledge of the issue.
• They had been... knowledge of the issue.
• They were just so knowledgeable about... They were just so knowledgeable about the issue.
• Last year, we were forced to close one of our Birmingham locations because of PBM practices.
• SB93 will not sufficiently change the legal framework that is allowing the PBM practices.

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:32:14.960> and this bill is both practical and this bill is both practical and necessary
• to use um the pet Pathway to practice to use um the pet Pathway to practice moving<03:47:18.920>
• <03:48:40.560> and better practice and better practice and apprenticeship<03:48:42.479>
• and customary native Hawaiian practices and customary native Hawaiian practices as<04:18:34.000>
• cultural and spiritual birth practices cultural and spiritual birth practices are<04:21:22.319><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All of us appreciate that knowledge is a powerful thing.
• c> powerful appreciate that knowledge is a powerful appreciate that knowledge is a powerful thing
• possibility thing knowledge offers the possibility thing knowledge offers the possibility of<01:
• I urge you to support this knowledge for classroom teachers across the state.
• And you might say, well, we've been practicing it, we've been working on it.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It already does, and practically it will.
• They discussed HIV prevention and testing, knowledge, stigma, advocacy, MSM culture.
• Related to that, one practical recommendation is data transparency.
• Related to that, one practical recommendation is data transparency.
• And I cannot, when I do this work, rely on my own knowledge or lived experience as an LGBTQ plus young

Summary: The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee held an informational hearing on the impact of social media on LGBTQ+ youth, focusing on benefits, risks, and possible safeguards. Chair members framed the discussion around the tension between protecting young people from addictive design, harassment, hate speech, exploitation, and mental health harms while preserving access to affirming resources, community, and crisis support that many LGBTQ+ youth rely on online. Members emphasized that the hearing was meant to inform future policy rather than relitigate prior bills, and several members of the LGBTQ+ Caucus attended or participated. The first panel featured lived experience and advocacy testimony from Madi Roby of Alliance for Trans Youth Rights, Shea Gardner of LGBT Tech, and Casey Pick of the Trevor Project. Roby described social media as essential to exploring identity, finding trans language and safety information, and connecting to Trevor Project resources during a family crisis, while also acknowledging online hate and bullying. Gardner argued that lawmakers should regulate harms more precisely rather than impose broad age-based exclusions, warning that account bans and age-gating could cut off access to community, privacy-protective pseudonymity, and crisis resources. Pick testified that LGBTQ+ youth are more likely than peers to attempt suicide, that social media can be both a lifeline and a risk, and that Trevor Space and other moderated online spaces can improve mental health and reduce isolation; she also cautioned against policies that would push youth into less visible, less moderated spaces. Committee members questioned the witnesses about algorithmic feeds, addictive design, age verification, and whether platforms should be required to do more to protect youth. Several lawmakers distinguished between personalized feeds and addictive features such as infinite scroll and autoplay, and asked for more targeted prescriptions. Witnesses generally supported stronger privacy protections, limits on data collection and use, better reporting and moderation tools, digital literacy, and design changes that reduce harmful engagement patterns without eliminating access to community. The discussion also touched on the loss of LGBTQ-specific 988 services at the national level and the importance of maintaining alternative support pathways. The second panel presented research from Common Sense Media, UC Irvine, Hope Lab, and LGBTQ+ Health Australia. Researchers reported that LGBTQ+ youth often arrive online with higher depressive symptoms and limited in-person support, encounter homophobic and transphobic content at high rates, and may self-censor because of fear of harassment. At the same time, many said social media helps them feel less alone and find affirmation. Dr. Sean Young emphasized a harm-reduction approach, noting that online environments can be designed to support health and that policymakers should measure whether restrictions actually reduce harm or simply displace it. Dr. Amy Green echoed that social media is both harmful and supportive for LGBTQ+ youth, underscoring that the policy goal should be to make youth safer rather than less visible online.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are so many great practices. The gentleman talks about the family law system.
• In the courts that I practice in, the courts permit unsupervised contact.
• The best practice is to create a window at the beginning so that they have a window.
• I am a lawyer licensed to practice law in this state.
• For the state of Texas to insert oversight into this practice, amen to that.

Bills: HB168, HB 1044, HB1534, HB1914, HB2240, HB2530, HB3284, HB3395, HB3515, HB3783, HB4034, HB4213, HB168

Keywords: marriage age, minors, family law, void marriage, rights of minors, Texas marriage law, marriage ceremony, authorized officiants, family code, judges, religious leaders, parent-child relationship, Department of Family and Protective Services, legal rights, notice requirements, HB 1914, Texas Family Code, Chapter 156, conservatorship, custody

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, practice is automatic enrollment.
• skills, knowledge and dispositions skills, knowledge and dispositions required<00:24:26.559> today
• It's determined by the amount of knowledge you have.
• From 2018 amount of knowledge you have.
• Millennials, we have to have knowledge.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• IS DEFINED IN LEGISLATION THE OFFICE OF SAFE SCHOOLS SERVES AS A GENERAL REPOSITORY FOR BEST PRACTICES
• SLIDE NUMBER TEN WE TALK ABOUT BEST PRACTICES. THIS IS NOT AN ALL ENCOMPASSING SIDE BY ANY MEANS.
• IT IS THE SEEKING OF TRUTH AND DISSEMINATION OF KNOWLEDGE.
• AND, AGAIN, A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE AND IT IS AN AMAZING JOB THAT YOU ARE DOING K 12 NEED.
• LET'S KEEP BUILDING UPON THE BEST PRACTICES. LET'S BE INNOVATIVE.

Transcript Highlights:

• These proposals are practical, preventative, and focus on child safety.
• These proposals are practical, preventative and focus on child safety.
• It also updates language to reflect current practices and ensure that peace officers have the tools needed
• or employee that makes or returns a certificate, official report, or other like document, having knowledge
• of something that carries criminal penalties, and for whatever reason those cases have to, to my knowledge

Bills: HF3489, HF3990, HF3825, HF3826, HF3827, HF3822

Keywords: grooming, child protection, student safety, sexual exploitation, educator licensing, teacher discipline, mandatory reporting, mandated reporter training, school misconduct, predatory offender, child abuse, sexual abuse, sex trafficking, child sexual abuse material, child pornography, position of authority, school employee, school administrator, license revocation, license suspension

Transcript Highlights:

• She has a thirst for knowledge; that's wonderful. So how does someone join the association?
• It's a no-cost, very practical way that we can help families. and help our workforce and our economy.
• I'm a fan; I go to a lot of events, and I would like to continue advocating for better practices.
• Today, Ticketmaster and Live Nation can shut out competition with closed practices.
• So we have some witnesses here who are certainly more knowledgeable and can...

Bills: HB2226, HB2269, HB2343, HB2760, HB3621, HB4079, HB4204, HB4518, HB4531, HB4555, HB4850, HB4876, HB4903, HB4996, HB5122

Keywords: construction trust funds, Property Code, Chapter 162, construction payments, mechanics lien, contractors, subcontractors, laborers, material suppliers, materialmen, real property improvement, assignment of payment rights, unpaid trust funds, trust fund beneficiaries, construction industry, payment protection, Texas construction law, property owners association, landscaping, grass maintenance

Transcript Highlights:

• History record checks by the Board of Occupational Therapy Practice.
• This is practicing at the top of license for all members of the health care team.
• States actively reviewing or considering expanding scope of practice is the state of Washington.
• In closing, empowering pharmacists with limited prescriptive and diagnostic authority is a practical,
• And the erosion of the practice of medicine by pharmacists is, of course, a question.

Bills: HB1621, HB1624, HB1623, HB1622, HB1625, HB1626, HB1627, HCR3038

Keywords: presidential physical fitness test, physical education, fitness assessment, student fitness, school curriculum, graduation requirements, elementary school, middle school, high school, public schools, nonpublic schools, superintendent of public instruction, exceptions, disability accommodations, North Dakota studies, computer science, cybersecurity, health education, concept-based fitness class, school standards

Summary: The North Dakota House convened in special session with prayer, roll call, and a quorum present, then took up several rural health-related bills. Senate Bill 2401, as amended, required physicians to complete one hour of continuing education in nutrition and metabolic health each renewal cycle and also added language allowing criminal history background checks for the Board of Occupational Therapy Practice. Supporters emphasized the role of nutrition in reducing chronic disease, and the bill passed 92-0. The House then considered Senate Bill 2402, which expanded pharmacists’ limited prescriptive and therapeutic substitution authority for certain low-acuity conditions and clarified related lab-test and communication requirements. Members discussed examples such as motion sickness, cold sores, lice, hypoglycemia, COVID and flu testing, emergency access to medications and supplies, and limits excluding certain drug classes; the bill passed 91-1. Senate Bill 2403 created a temporary medical facility emergency operating loan option through the Bank of North Dakota for qualifying rural hospitals facing severe financial distress, with extensive debate over the targeted nature of the aid, anti-gifting concerns, repayment terms, and the hospital’s turnaround plan; it passed 80-12. Senate Bill 2404 appropriated funds for NDIT to address federal digital accessibility requirements and for the Public Service Commission’s litigation efforts related to transmission costs, with a backup loan authorization available if needed; it passed 92-0. At the close of the session, leaders thanked members and staff for their work on the rural health transformation package, a committee notified the Governor and the Senate that the House had completed its business, absent members were excused, and the House adjourned sine die.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I have firsthand knowledge that this is a problem.
• Can you explain the line, the housing first practice? What does that mean?
• I’ll provide information on screening practices.”
• Best practices...”
• And to my knowledge, no.

Summary: The committee first heard an update on North Dakota’s Interagency Council on Homelessness and Continuum of Care funding. Jennifer Henderson of the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency reported that homelessness remains driven by tight housing markets, low incomes, rising rents, and barriers to rental assistance, public benefits, and disability determinations. She said the state’s one-time North Dakota Homeless Grant is serving all regions but reaches far fewer households than the former Rent Help program, and that aging homelessness, shelter staffing shortages, and limited affordable units are growing concerns. Members discussed the need for more housing supply, better coordination with Health and Human Services, landlord engagement, reentry housing, and possible continued one-time funding for the $10 million Homeless Grant and $25 million Housing Incentive Fund. Henderson also warned that federal Continuum of Care funding is uncertain, with HUD expected to issue a new notice June 1 and possible shifts away from permanent supportive housing toward transitional housing and other models. The committee then took testimony on accessibility of government services for people who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, or hard of hearing. Paul Olson of North Dakota Vision Services School for the Blind described the school’s services for infants, children, and adults, including screenings, mobility training, assistive technology, and outreach across the state. He said the agency works closely with Vocational Rehabilitation and is also involved in improving website and document accessibility, especially for PDF materials. Public testimony highlighted barriers such as inaccessible CAPTCHA systems, online forms, driver’s license requirements on job applications, and limited transportation in rural areas. A deaf resident urged broader use of video remote interpreting and video relay services, along with training so people know how to use them effectively. Finally, Kay Larson presented the final report on the child care provider licensing study. The report recommended streamlining North Dakota’s child care licensing structure into three provider types plus a preschool designation, while preserving health and safety standards and maintaining eligibility for child care assistance. The committee discussed simplifying training and qualification rules, revising ratio and group-size requirements, and adjusting age bands for infants and toddlers. The report also noted that some changes would require statutory amendments and later administrative rule changes, with a transition period likely extending through 2029. No formal votes were taken in the transcript, but the committee accepted the updates and scheduled follow-up presentations for a later meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• practice program. practice program.
• So, I am looking forward, um, as Laura mentioned, I have taken evidence-based practice from the Center
• <00:05:03.360> from have taken evidence-based practice from have taken evidence-based practice
• Her collaborative approach, institutional knowledge, and dedication to cross-agency coordination are
• to knowledge, and dedication to cross-agency<00:19:22.640> coordination<00:19:23.600> are<

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services committee heard and considered several gubernatorial nominations to advisory boards and councils. Early in the meeting, members heard testimony in support of Miriam Chang for the Health Planning Council Windward O‘ahu subarea, with supporters highlighting her long medical practice on the Windward side, work at Ko‘olau Health Center, and community involvement. Chang said she wanted to help improve health, especially in rural areas. The committee also heard support for Terrilyn Luke’s nomination to the Center for Nursing Advisory Board; the Center for Nursing director and nursing organizations backed her, and Luke said she would bring a front-line nursing perspective, focus on workforce conditions, retention, and collaboration, and help address tensions between the Center and nursing labor groups. The committee then heard support for Valerie Rose’s nomination to the Language Access Advisory Council; Rose briefly noted her prior work in the Chronic Disease Branch and Bilingual Health Aide Section. The committee also took up nominations in a later agenda segment. James Montgomery was heard for the State Rehabilitation Council and described his interest in serving based on a family experience with disability and his work in talent management, saying he wanted to help people with disabilities gain opportunities. Kevin Nakamura was heard for the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants and said his 30-plus years of wastewater experience would help ensure operators are properly trained and certified to protect resources and the environment. Pina Lemusu was heard for the State Council on Developmental Disabilities; she said her long career with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and personal experience with disability would help her contribute to the council. Additional testimony in support came from the State DD Council and Voc Rehab representatives. The committee voted to recommend advise and consent on the nominations it considered, including Miriam Chang, Terrilyn Luke, Valerie Rose, James Montgomery, Kevin Nakamura, and Pina Lemusu. Most recommendations were adopted without objection, though Senator Dela Cruz voted no on some of the later nominations. The meeting also briefly noted another nomination, Olivia Kim, which was recalled and advanced with an advise-and-consent recommendation before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Emily Marek and I'm a licensed clinical social worker currently practicing at Grand Prairie
• In effect, this is a deceptive practice.
• One, price information knowledge asymmetry; and two, burdensome expenses that may deter patients from
• I practice in San Antonio.
• Doctor, are you still practicing? No, ma'am, I'm not practicing currently.

Bills: HB35, HB138, HB754, HB1314, HB1612, HB2254, HB2510, HB2789, HB3560, HB3597, HB4224, HB4273, HB4643, HB4783, HB138

Keywords: peer support, first responders, mental health, confidentiality, emergency services, health impact analysis, cost analysis, coverage mandates, health insurance, legislative analysis, health care data, human trafficking, trafficking prevention, medical assistant training, health care facilities, hospital compliance, clinic compliance, anti-retaliation, whistleblower protection, employee reporting