Video & Transcript : 'legislative appropriation request' :
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NM
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill removes the mandate for legislative authorization until December 2029.
- So— Let me stop you right there, and then we add to that with general fund appropriations.
- We're happy to make sure that every legislator gets a copy of the recommendation list.
- And we're certainly happy to report to other committees as requested.
- And a lot of times it's an appropriation, but then that becomes a very political process.
Summary:
The committee heard several water-related bills and one memorial in a Saturday session near the end of the legislative term. House Bill 63, the annual NMFA Water Project Fund authorization bill, would authorize grants and loans for 113 eligible water projects across 28 counties. NMFA and municipal interests supported the bill, and members emphasized the need to move water infrastructure funding quickly. The committee voted unanimously do pass.
House Bill 109 would temporarily remove the requirement for the legislature to separately authorize Water Trust Board-vetted projects through 2029, allowing the New Mexico Finance Authority and Water Trust Board to move projects forward more quickly. Sponsors and witnesses said the change would reduce a six- to 12-month delay, improve access for small and tribal systems, and allow more flexible application periods and technical assistance. Some members raised concerns about transparency, legislative authority, and equitable access, but the bill also received broad support from local governments, tribes, and advocacy groups. The committee voted unanimously do pass.
House Bill 111 would modernize water enforcement penalties by increasing fines for illegal water use, including unlawful diversions, unlicensed well drilling, and failure to meter, while exempting valid water-right holders from monetary penalties for simple over-diversion and preserving existing adjudication orders. Support came from environmental groups, irrigation districts, the Interstate Stream Commission, the Pueblo of Laguna, and others, who said stronger penalties are needed to deter illegal use. Members questioned how the bill would affect farmers, acequias, service of notices, and existing water-right disputes, and sponsors said the bill had been revised to address prior concerns. The committee voted unanimously do pass. The committee also approved Senate Memorial 27, which urges state agencies to help publicize expanded federal RECA benefits for New Mexicans exposed to Trinity radiation fallout; supporters said the memorial would help eligible residents learn about and apply for compensation before the deadline.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/03/2026 - House Natural Resources, Energy & Water
House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- HB 2014 will be heard last at the request of the sponsor.
- I'm the Chief Legislative Liaison for ADEQ.
- appropriately.
- This original bill legislation has been in since 1997.
- is appropriate and will cover our costs.
Summary:
The committee took up several energy, transportation, and land-use bills. HB 2428, dealing with county and ADEQ authority to issue voluntary permits certifying emission reduction credits for mobile and non-road sources, received neutral testimony from ADEQ and support from Maricopa County; the committee adopted the Griffin amendment and passed the bill 10-0 with a due pass recommendation. HB 2145, which expands who may request certain gasoline fuel reformulation actions and is contingent on EPA approval, also passed on a 5-4 vote after brief staff explanation and no amendment.
The committee then considered HB 2331, a strike-everything amendment requiring electric utilities to ensure 85% of generating capacity serving retail load comes from “reliable resources” by 2030. Supporters, including the sponsor and Arizona Free Enterprise Club, argued it would protect affordability and grid reliability by favoring dispatchable power; opponents, including the Sierra Club and Rural Arizona Action, said it would effectively favor fossil fuels, raise costs, and limit cleaner resources. The committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill 6-4. HB 2795, which would bar counties from using zoning to block small modular reactors once federal permitting conditions are met, drew strong support from the sponsor and industry advocates who framed it as pro-property-rights and pro-nuclear, and opposition from county, city, and environmental groups who raised preemption, local control, safety, waste, and siting concerns; it passed 6-4.
The committee also passed HB 2340, which allows the Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee to evaluate proposed generating facilities along with transmission lines, on a 5-4 vote. HB 2400, an emergency measure to suspend the motor vehicle fuel tax in Areas A and C during part of the year and replace the lost revenue through state highway funding, drew opposition from cities and counties over transportation funding impacts but support from the sponsor and some members focused on gas affordability; the Griffin amendment was adopted and the bill passed 6-4. Finally, HB 2401 was introduced as a requirement for ADEQ to conduct a biennial review of available fuel formulations and their air-quality impacts in Areas A and C, but the transcript ends before testimony or action on that bill is completed.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 59 (4-14-26) - Part 1
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- legislation legislation that<00:02:56.959><c> concerns</c><00:02:58.080><c> these</c><00:02:58.480><
- Thank you. not legislative micromanagement. For not legislative micromanagement.
- </c> Medicaid and making an appropriation Medicaid and making an appropriation therefore<04:15:55.680
- . legislate. legislate.
- House Bill 503, an act making appropriations for the operations, maintenance, and support of the legislative
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/16/2026 - House Public Safety & Law Enforcement #1
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm going to vote yes on it and send it to appropriations.
- Last year was an appropriation of around $17 or $18 million.
- Chair, members, this appropriation—it's an appropriations bill—so we'll see it later this week, too.
- This appropriation, it's an appropriations bill, so we'll see it later this week, too.
- This is a $20 million appropriation.
Summary:
The committee heard several public safety measures, beginning with HCR 2059, a resolution reaffirming support for county sheriffs and recognizing their constitutional authority in their jurisdictions. Supporters said it was a tribute to sheriffs’ work, especially in rural areas, while some members objected to language describing sheriffs as having “supreme constitutional authority,” calling it overly broad or tied to fringe legal theories. The resolution received a due-pass recommendation on an 8-3 vote.
Members then considered HB 2811, which expands obstructing governmental operations to cover interference with a lawful arrest when violence or force is used. The sponsor said the bill closes a gap and should make such conduct a felony, while an opposing attorney argued existing statutes already cover much of the conduct and that the bill was duplicative and confusing. Despite concerns about the drafting and interaction of subsections, the bill received a do-pass recommendation. The committee also heard HB 4129, a proposed DPS-run mental health and wellness program for law enforcement funded with $15 million; the sponsor described it as confidential counseling and support for officers, but several members said it duplicated existing services and was too costly, and the sponsor ultimately withdrew the bill before a vote.
The committee next took up HB 2270, which would expand protections for county seals and office insignia to include logos and other identifiers, and give sheriffs exclusive rights over posse names and dissolution. Sheriffs and county representatives said the bill was needed to prevent misuse of official names and to avoid litigation after disputes over posse identities; some members raised First Amendment and vagueness concerns about broad language such as “could imply” affiliation. The bill passed 12-1. HB 2416, a $20 million appropriation for border-related law enforcement support, drew strong support from sheriffs and county law enforcement groups who said the funds help with drug interdiction and border-related crime, and strong opposition from speakers who argued the money should go to schools, housing, health care, and other needs; it passed 7-5.
Finally, the committee heard HB 4018, a strike-everything amendment clarifying sheriffs’ authority over volunteer posses and reserve organizations. MCSO and county officials said it was meant to clarify existing authority and protect public safety operations, while an opponent warned it could expand posse use into immigration enforcement and increase militarization. The committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and gave the bill a do-pass recommendation. HB 2253, barring retaliation against employees who testify in law enforcement disciplinary appeal proceedings, also passed after a chairman’s amendment removed one voiding provision. The transcript ends as the committee begins hearing HB 4044, which would create a Public Safety Parity Fund funded by forfeited digital assets and redirected investment deposits.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Legislation... California Indian people from their lands.
- AB 2115 acknowledges the legislative act... ...Native lives.
- We’re very committed to working with the author and sponsors and appropriate stakeholders when appropriate
- I respectfully request your aye vote. Thank you.
- But we also had a very appropriate moment of how serious this is.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Environment and Agriculture (03/07/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> and the commissioner had um requested and the commissioner had um requested that<00:21:46.159><c
- <00:21:57.559><c> so</c><00:21:57.919><c> that</c><00:21:58.159><c> way</c> request so that way request
- </c> to the owner or caretaker upon request to the owner or caretaker upon request and<00:33:49.000><
- </c><00:51:51.839><c> law</c> investigations an appropriate law investigations an appropriate law enforcement
- </c><01:39:19.119><c> immunized</c> dog has been appropriately immunized dog has been appropriately immunized
Summary:
The committee worked through a draft bill amending animal cruelty and protective custody provisions, focusing on how animals may be seized, cared for, and returned, and on what rights owners have when animals are taken. Members discussed adding language requiring officers to inform a charged person in writing of the right to petition for a veterinarian of their choice, clarifying that any documents presented for signature must be fully and honestly explained, and revising language so confiscated animals cannot be altered without notarized owner authorization. They also considered a new prohibition on using confiscated animals for fundraising or donations, ultimately preferring the term “financial gain” over “profiteering.”
The discussion also covered protective custody procedures, including adding “municipal animal control officer” to the list of officers involved, allowing return of animals to the owner or caretaker if no charges have been filed or no warrant establishing probable cause has been sought or issued, and clarifying the distinction between criminal seizure and temporary protective custody. The commissioner’s comments led to several proposed deletions or revisions, including removing language viewed as redundant or inconsistent with protective custody, and striking references to live racing provisions that are no longer relevant.
Members further addressed lactating animals, agreeing to add language that confiscated lactating animals should not be separated from their nonweaned offspring. They also discussed a proposed confidentiality provision requiring people assisting in investigations or taking possession of seized animals to sign a binding nondisclosure agreement, though members noted similar protections may need to be duplicated in the temporary custody section as well. The conversation was largely about drafting and legal clarity, with no final vote or formal action recorded in the excerpt.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- 58th legislation.
- IPRA request a day, and this went on for about a year.
- One of the requests was what is the eye color of the women guards.
- You've caused enough havoc with these requests and expense.
- Of merit in all of that legislation, I thought.
Keywords:
Immigrant Safety Act, immigration detention, civil immigration violations, ICE, federal immigration enforcement, sanctuary policy, public bodies, local government, sheriff's department, school district, higher education, deputization, 287(g), 8 U.S.C. 1357(g), 8 C.F.R. 287.7, intergovernmental services agreement, detainer, immigration cooperation, public property, attorney general enforcement
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/25/2026 - Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency
Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- We're not trying to re-legislate that.
- We're not trying to re-legislate that.
- I just want to let you know this legislation is on the cusp of becoming model legislation for the United
- This is good legislation.
- And that seems appropriate.
Bills:
HB2072, HB2251, HB2279, HB2308, HB2323, HB2342, HB2400, HB2408, HB2456, HB2660, HB2697, HB2868, HB2873, HB2877, HB2910, HB2946, HB2955, HB2991, HB4001, HB4010
Keywords:
Cesar Chavez, public holiday, state law, holiday repeal, Arizona Revised Statutes, midwifery, medication administration, healthcare, patient safety, advisory committee, licensed midwives, river trips, liability, outfitter, Grand Canyon, negligence, risk management, contractual waiver, dental practice, business registration
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 26th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Article III
Transcript Highlights:
- The House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee Article 3 will come to order.
- Also, we have two additional requests for the med school.
- We are grateful for the increase in formula funding in the last legislative session.
- session and thank you for your consideration of the current request.
- I'd like to thank you for this opportunity to present our legislative appropriations request.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 26th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Article III
Transcript Highlights:
- 2 The House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee Article 3 will come to order.
- Also, we have two additional requests for the med school. Currently.
- session, and thank you for your consideration of the current request.
- Lastly, we support and request funding for the THC.
- I'd like to thank you for this opportunity to present our legislation. of Appropriations request.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 2856 is withdrawn from the Committee on Appropriations.
- House Bill 2856 is withdrawn from the Committee on Appropriations.
- Appropriations. Appropriations. Appropriations. Appropriations.
- in the legislative service.
- Sure, back in the 90s, there was legislation passed to sort of set up this legislation today.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and several guest introductions, including the Doctor of the Day, students visiting the chamber, and other special guests. Members also announced committee substitutions and bill withdrawals/re-referrals, and the chamber observed a moment of respectful silence for the late Hon. George Cunningham, after unanimously adopting HCR 2060, a death resolution honoring his public service.
The House then spent much of the day in Committee of the Whole on several calendars. The most contested item was HB 2758, a groundwater transportation bill, which drew extensive debate over fairness to the McMullen Valley and the need to protect water supplies for the CAP system and metro Phoenix. Multiple amendments were adopted, including changes affecting transfer limits and basin-specific water allocations. The bill ultimately received a do pass recommendation in COW by a 31-23 vote, and later passed third reading in the House 32-24 after several members explained their votes. A motion to amend the COW report to show the bill failed was defeated 23-32.
The House also advanced a series of other measures with little or no opposition. In COW, HB 2049, HB 2090, HB 2092, HB 2179 as amended, HB 2228 as amended, HB 2111, HB 2114, HB 2256 as amended, HCM 2007 as amended, HR 2003, HB 2098, HB 2265 as amended, HB 2663, HB 2666 as amended, HB 2756 as amended, HB 2192 as amended, HB 2476, HB 2693 as amended, and HB 2877 as amended all received do pass recommendations, while HB 2875 was retained on the calendar. The House later passed several bills on third reading, including HB 2089, HB 2258, HB 2322, HB 2786, and HB 2825, and referred the approved measures to engrossing or to the Senate as appropriate.
The session concluded with numerous personal privilege remarks, including recognition of a retiring Air Force veteran, Black History Month remarks, birthday wishes, and an announcement that Representative Chaplik plans to resign next week to focus on a congressional campaign. The House also announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until 1:30 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- Would it be more appropriate?
- legislation legislation and<00:15:56.720><c> make</c><00:15:57.680><c> um</c><00:15:58.560><c> judgments
- It has to do with the appropriate?
- ><c> of</c><00:57:16.480><c> a</c> However, the legislative body of a However, the legislative body of
- >> The member from Middbury requests that >> The member from Middbury requests that when<
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/21/2026 - House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- some bipartisan legislation passed as well.
- And I was very shocked and concerning to see legislative...
- Citizen legislator on national security issues.
- Can I request a roll call vote, sir?
- It's not in our legislative tracking system.
Keywords:
campaign contributions, foreign contributions, constitutional amendments, public disclosure, Arizona Revised Statutes, elections, voter registration, provisional ballots, primary election, voter participation, Muslim Brotherhood, terrorism, foreign terrorist organization, national security, Islamist extremism, Congress, Arizona, domestic security, CAIR, terrorist organization
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor & Commerce Jan 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- A fiscal note was requested, but not yet available.
- It also shows an indeterminate, non-appropriated cost to the accounts.
- You heard a comment about the non-appropriated benefit costs.
- That's the appropriated costs for staff and IT changes and things like that.
- You heard a comment about the non-appropriated, the benefit costs.
Summary:
The committee first held a public hearing on Senate Bill 6136, which would require Labor and Industries to publish actuarial indicated workers’ compensation rates for each risk class and disclose when rate increases are capped below those indicated levels. The sponsor and supporters from the hospitality, retail, business, and construction sectors said the bill would improve transparency about how rates are set and how reserve funds and investment earnings are used to hold down premiums. L&I testified that the bill would require publication of a large amount of rate-setting information, but said it was already developed in the normal process and that the bill had no fiscal impact. Questions focused on reserve use, advisory committee involvement, and how the actuarial calculations interact with investment returns. The committee then moved to executive session and took action on several bills, adopting substitutes or amendments and advancing bills including SB 5292, 6014, 5972, 5869, 5874, 6058, 6039, 5944, and 6180, with most sent to Rules and SB 5292 sent to Ways and Means.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 5847, which would expand injured workers’ access to medical care by allowing treatment outside the L&I provider network when no provider is available nearby, limiting employer steering to specific providers, shortening utilization review timelines, allowing provider deviation from L&I guidelines when medically appropriate, and expanding continued treatment and cancer monitoring. Labor and worker advocates argued the bill would better reflect the Murray decision and reduce delays in care, while L&I and employer groups said the current evidence-based guideline system works for most claims and warned the bill could weaken quality controls, create vague standards, and increase costs. Testimony also raised concerns about the 15-mile access rule, the employer communication restrictions, and the appeal process for provider removal. The sponsor said the goal was to improve individualized care and continue working with stakeholders.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 6067, which would change workers’ compensation time-loss calculations so that 100% of the employer-paid health insurance contribution is included in the benefit calculation instead of the current partial inclusion. Supporters said the bill would help injured workers keep health coverage during recovery and reduce pressure to choose between medical care and income, while opponents argued it would not guarantee the money is actually used for health insurance, could be diverted to other uses or attorney fees, and would significantly increase costs for employers and the accident fund. L&I said the bill would require IT and administrative changes and estimated substantial ongoing benefit costs. The hearing ended without further action on SB 6067, and the chair closed the session after public testimony concluded.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 3/18/26
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- We tried to extend the appropriation to the continuing appropriation to continue giving these grants
- > continuing</c> appropriation to the continuing appropriation to the continuing to<00:10:34.960><c>
- </c> revenue estimate had been requested. revenue estimate had been requested.
- </c> appropriate for them. appropriate for them.
- </c> request a roll call. request a roll call.
Keywords:
fireworks, public safety, regulation, tax revenue, local government, sale, safety standards, fire safety, ethanol, fuel equipment, compatibility standards, law enforcement, peace officer, unauthorized practice, criminal justice, civics education, jail medication, correctional facility, detention, incarcerated persons
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Right now, districts have to formally request a rescore.
- What the bill sets up is that districts will no longer have to request re-scores.
- So we do not change the blueprint of the test, barring legislative action.
- So we do not change the blueprint of the test, barring 460 legislative action.
- that legislative mandate.
Bills:
HB8
Keywords:
HB 8, Texas public school accountability, school accountability, public school transparency, STAAR, state assessments, instructionally supportive assessment program, Student Success Tool, Texas Education Agency, TEA, accountability ratings, A-F ratings, through-year assessment, benchmark testing, norm-referenced assessment, college career military readiness, CCMR, local accountability plan, school district performance, campus turnaround
Summary:
The House Committee on Public Education met to hear House Bill 8, which would replace STAAR with a new assessment and accountability system beginning in the 2027-28 school year. The chair described the bill as reducing testing time, limiting benchmark tests, adding beginning-, middle-, and end-of-year assessments, requiring faster score turnaround, involving Texas teachers in test development, and tightening accountability timelines and transparency rules. Members also discussed provisions on A-F ratings, cut scores, CCMR, local accountability plans, and TEA reporting requirements.
Committee members and invited witnesses split sharply on the bill’s approach. Supporters, including the chair, TEA Commissioner Mike Morath, and Ed Trust’s Nicholas Munyon Penny, argued the bill would reduce high-stakes pressure, provide quicker and more actionable data, limit over-testing, and better align assessments to Texas standards while preserving criterion-referenced accountability. They said the new system would help teachers and parents intervene sooner and would improve transparency, including parent access to student responses and automatic rescoring in some writing cases.
Opponents, including Rep. Hinojosa and student witness Ella Moran, argued the bill still increases testing and replaces one high-stakes test with multiple TEA-created tests. Moran testified that STAAR creates anxiety, disrupts instruction, and does not reflect real learning, while Hinojosa said the House had previously passed a better bill based on a nationally norm-referenced model and criticized the new proposal as a concession to the Senate. Questions also focused on AI scoring of writing, rescoring rates, and whether the bill’s new accountability rules would be reliable and fair. The committee did not take a final vote during the portion provided, but the chair said a vote on HB 8 would be called after public testimony later in the day.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Rules Apr 21st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- with notification to the requester.
- or legal representative if the requested record... ...to be provided in the form and format requested
- It is given in the way that is requested by the requester. So it might be the portal.
- It might be the portal... requested by the requester. So it might be the portal.
- Of course, again, I look at the legislation. My hope is that we look at the legislation.
Summary:
The committee first took up CS/SB 1606 on patient access to records. The sponsor explained that the bill, as amended, would align Florida law more closely with HIPAA by defining “designated record set,” requiring providers to furnish requested records within set timeframes, allowing a limited extension with notice, and requiring records to be produced in the requested form if readily producible. Several members asked about patient portals, legal representatives, and whether the bill affected meaningful-use rules or post-mortem access. Multiple witnesses opposed the bill, arguing it could create cybersecurity risks, conflict with existing privacy rules, and burden providers; supporters said it would improve patient access and consistency. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably.
The committee then considered CS/SB 712 on construction regulations. The bill would direct DEP to establish rules for synthetic turf and limit local governments from banning it if state rules are followed, while also addressing change orders, public works bidding, elevator rails, alarm contractor work, building code updates, spaceport exemptions, permit document limits, and single-trade inspections. Amendments removed the pool and spa contractor provisions and the tall mass timber language. Testimony on the bill centered heavily on the pool industry, with contractors and the Florida Swimming Pool Association opposing expansion of scope to general and building contractors, while some speakers supported other parts of the bill. After adopting the amendments, the committee reported the bill favorably.
Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 1288 on parental rights. The bill would allow minors to be tested for STDs without parental consent but require parental consent for treatment, expand parents’ rights to access records and control certain health decisions, and restrict health care services, medical procedures, and biofeedback devices for minors absent consent or an exception. An amendment moved survey and questionnaire provisions into the education code, added an explicit court-order exception, clarified DNA and biofeedback provisions, and added emergency behavioral health exceptions. The committee heard extensive public testimony both for and against the bill, with supporters emphasizing parental authority and opponents warning it could delay STI treatment, mental health care, and other services for vulnerable minors. The transcript ends during public testimony on the bill, before any final committee action is shown.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:03:49.680><c> have</c> authorization. uh loan requests have authorization. uh loan requests have
- </c> here to talk about the bonding request here to talk about the bonding request that<00:09:28.080>
- </c> as as these committees appropriate as as these committees appropriate dollars<00:19:20.799><c> to
- These requests total $42.5 Peter.
- Obviously, MDOT has more requests.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Human Services Feb 25th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill is DCYF request legislation sponsored by Representative Burnbaum that you heard on Monday.
- legislative committees.
- legislative committees.
- legislative committees.
- legislative committees.
Bills:
HB2464
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/26/2026 - House Health & Human Services
House Health & Human Services Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- Number nine: this is the governor's request, and they're requesting administrative funding to implement
- I worked for the legislative branch all my life. I am biased to the legislative branch.
- The legislative branch is supreme, okay?
- The funds, Madam Chairman, are continuously appropriated.
- We're not even subjecting it to legislative appropriation. So I think this is a soft touch.
Summary:
The committee began with a presentation from the Alzheimer’s Association Desert Southwest Chapter and Dr. Anna Burke of Barrow Neurological Institute on the growing impact of Alzheimer’s and dementia in Arizona, the need for earlier diagnosis, better provider education, caregiver support, and continued research funding. They described current gaps in training and access to specialists, but also highlighted new therapies, lifestyle interventions, and Arizona-based research efforts. Members expressed support and optimism, but no action was taken on the presentation.
The committee then heard HB 2202, which appropriates $300,000 from the general fund over fiscal years 2027 through 2029 for a dementia care tele-mentoring grant program through the Department of Health Services. Supporters, including the Alzheimer’s Association, a dementia specialist, and a patient advocate, said the program would help primary care providers diagnose dementia earlier and improve care. The bill was passed out of committee on an 11-0 vote.
Next, the committee took up HB 2251, the midwifery bill, which would authorize certain licensed midwives to dispense and administer specified medications and devices, require liability insurance disclosure and annual reporting, and create a Midwifery Advisory Committee. A committee amendment removed some medications and renamed the bill the Jordan and MacTerry Act. ACOG and the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association opposed the bill as drafted, citing concerns about oversight, peer review, and the medication list, while licensed midwives and other supporters argued the bill would improve safety, transparency, and alignment with national standards. The bill was held for further stakeholder work, with members indicating more amendments were likely.
The committee then heard HB 2252, which would allow certified nurse midwives, certified professional midwives, or licensed midwives to accompany a patient in a ground ambulance during an out-of-hospital birth if approved by medical direction. Supporters described cases where continued midwife involvement during transport helped newborns and mothers, while firefighters and EMS representatives opposed the bill as written, saying it created ambiguity about command and scene control and could raise safety concerns. The chair said the bill would be held for further stakeholder meetings and possible language changes. After a recess, the committee reconvened for presentations on federal Medicaid and rural health funding impacts, beginning with JLBC’s overview of H.R. 1’s Medicaid provisions and the rural health transformation grant program.