Transcript Highlights:

• In other words, when the right is so important, like freedom of speech or the right of parents to bring
• right is so important like<00:51:44.040><c> freedom</c><00:51:44.359><c> of</c><00:51:44.520><c> speech
• or</c><00:51:45.079><c> the</c><00:51:45.200><c> right</c><00:51:45.319><c> of</c> like freedom of speech
• or the right of like freedom of speech or the right of parents<00:51:45.680><c> to</c><00:51:45.799>
• there's a lot of really big therapist there's a lot of really big feelings<01:11:09.640><c> for</c><

Bills: HF22 , HF45

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• there a service which is one of those medical areas which we have here, um, physical therapy, not speech
• wouldn't be in a position to determine whether or not that to determine whether or not that, well, speech
• multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impaired, specific learning disability, speech
• Speech language impairment, traumatic brain injury, acquired brain injury, or visual impairment or blindness
• surgeon or maybe licensed as an orthopedics doctor or whatever, but maybe also now maybe it maybe a therapist

Summary: The Education Freedom Account Oversight Committee met on March 27 and approved the agenda, adding a request for clarification on how the Children’s Scholarship Fund separates applications for the EFA program and the education tax credit program. The committee also approved minutes from December 30, 2025, and March 27, 2026, with a request that the March minutes include a link to the live stream. Members discussed the status of pending Legislative Budget Assistant audit reports on EFA and special education, noting the reports were still not released and would likely come later in the summer after review by the Department of Education and the Children’s Scholarship Fund. A major topic was the EFA program’s administrative fee, which statute allows up to 10% of deposits. Children’s Scholarship Fund representatives said current administrative costs were under 8%, that staffing had been reduced through the ScholarVia platform, and that any unused amount is reconciled and returned to students at year’s end. Members asked for historical administrative-cost data and a written explanation of how the withholding and reconciliation process works. The committee also reviewed the distinction between the EFA and education tax credit funding streams and was told the two programs use separate applications and separate funds, though both use the same platform. The committee spent substantial time on assessment and accountability. Department of Education staff explained that EFA students may satisfy annual assessment requirements through a portfolio, a norm-referenced test, or the statewide assessment; only about 10 EFA students took the statewide assessment, while most used portfolios or standardized tests such as the California Achievement Test and NWEA. Staff described how statewide assessment data are kept separate by student identifier and can be aggregated for EFA reporting, and members asked for breakdowns by grade, test type, and school district. The department also discussed linking assessments through Lexiles and Quantiles and said it could provide a list of commonly used formative assessments in New Hampshire districts. The committee additionally discussed a possible PSAT addition to the state contract and the costs of the statewide assessment program. Another major issue was special education eligibility and services within the EFA program. Members questioned the rule allowing a medical certification of disability from a licensed professional anywhere in the United States as an alternative to an IEP-based determination. Department staff said the current system allows either pathway, that about 1,000 EFA students are identified as special education students, and that the program does not track growth or service alignment on an individual basis. Members expressed concern that the medical-certification route may be too broad and asked for data on the disability categories used. The committee also discussed career and technical education access for EFA students, noting that Senate Bill 491 would provide guidance and that House Bill 1817 would address access and funding issues, but that current law still allows EFA funds to be used to pay CTE costs. The meeting ended with a request for future agenda items and a decision to leave the next meeting date open until fall, pending further information from the LBA audit process.

Transcript Highlights:

• For the most part in this body, we are not doctors, we're not therapists, and despite what some in this
• This bill just allows Missouri to open the door for speech-language pathologists across the nation that
• This bill just allows Missouri to open the door for speech-language pathologists across the nation that
• It simply changes the requirements for speech-language pathologists to practice in Missouri.
• It simply changes the requirements for speech-language pathologists to practice in Missouri and allows

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the previous day’s journal by a 119-0 vote. Members then used personal privilege remarks to recognize a 40th wedding anniversary, honor Sherry Anderson for her service to the House, and observe Black History Month with a tribute to former Senator Yvonne Starks-Wilson. The chamber also welcomed several guest groups, including representatives from the Alzheimer’s Association, the Festus girls cross-country team, the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce Leadership Conference, and advocates connected to the blind pension fund. The main floor debate centered on House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2033, 1608, 1672, and 1854, which would remove the sunset from the SAFE Act and continue restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors. Supporters argued the bill protects children, citing concerns about puberty blockers, hormones, surgery, and evolving medical guidance; opponents said it targets transgender youth, interferes with family and medical decisions, and misstates the science. After extended debate, the previous question was adopted 102-45, and the combined bill package passed 102-40. House Bill 1847, creating the Dental Licensure Compact, also passed 138-10 after questions about reciprocity, data sharing, and state sovereignty. The House then passed House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1866, which bars peace officer licensure for applicants whose certification was revoked or suspended and for non-citizens, by a 101-36 vote after debate over citizenship, military service, and law enforcement standards. House Committee Substitute for House Bills 1908 and 2337 passed 147-0; the sponsor described it as protecting women and children in abusive situations and addressing legal responsibility in marriage. House Bill 1961, allowing temporary dietitian licenses and a compact for interstate practice, passed 137-8. House Bill 2180, changing Department of Revenue and blind pension notice delivery methods and allowing electronic notices, passed 146-0 and was described as both a service improvement and a cost saver. House Bill 2591, updating speech-language pathologist licensure to allow out-of-state training and practice in Missouri, passed 144-0. The House then announced upcoming committee meetings, a Scouting America Eagle Scout recognition, an America 250 celebration event, and a Labor Caucus meeting before adjourning until Monday, February 16, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have a friend who is a speech therapist and one of her patients shared this story with me.
• One of her patients has a kid who needs speech therapy and she does not have broadband, so cannot do
• She is waiting six months to get in for speech therapy. That's six months.
• It's like kids delayed, which is if you've ever done with small kids and speech delay, you know that's

Committee: House Communications and Conveyance

Transcript Highlights:

• We have many students who receive outside therapy, whether that is occupational therapy, speech therapy
• Thank you. occupational therapy speech therapy U occupational therapy speech therapy U Mental<00:20:48.080
• </c><00:25:44.360><c> would</c> therapy the occupational therapist would therapy the occupational therapist
• providers um in the training like speech providers um in the training there's<01:02:37.960><c> a</c>
• This became an issue when School District 916 denied Sandy access based on Will's speech disability,

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• I've just been thinking about the most, but is the knowingly insights, solicits, or otherwise uses speech
• So, but, like, knowingly uses speech or writing as an integral part of conduct in violation of a valid
• Speech is extremely important. So the First Amendment right, I'm all for the First Amendment right.
• Speech is extremely important, as we're doing today.
• I've heard talks about freedom of speech, but I haven't heard the word baby.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior day’s journal, and a long series of special guest introductions recognizing interns, community leaders, FFA officers, library advocates, park and recreation professionals, and others. Members also used points of personal privilege to honor Black History Month and the legacy of William Clay Sr. The chamber then moved into first reading of several bills, including measures on University of Missouri curators, personal property assessment lists, and state department spending. The main floor action centered on House Bill 1757, which would require universal screening of third-graders for gifted education using flexible screening methods and would help ensure students who qualify are identified regardless of zip code or family resources. Supporters argued the bill would close gaps in gifted identification and expand access, while questions focused on funding, screening methods, and whether the bill would create an unfunded mandate. The House adopted the committee substitute and ordered the bill perfected and printed. Members then debated the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, presented as House Committee Substitute for House Bills 1667 and 2294. Supporters said the bill would require medical care for infants who survive an abortion attempt and impose civil and criminal penalties for knowingly harming such a child. Opponents argued the bill was duplicative of existing law, could criminalize medical providers, and would worsen Missouri’s maternal care shortages. The debate included extended questioning about the bill’s standards, scope, and enforcement, but no final vote on the born-alive measure was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• reality, which is a regime that's trying to spread illiberal, anti-human rights, anti-freedom of speech
• certain subjects like the repression that's happening in China, not having the kids enjoy freedom of speech
• We collaborate with related service providers like speech therapists and OTs.
• We collaborate with related service providers like speech therapists and OTs.

Bills: HB113 , HB342 , HB632 , HB690 , HB1003 , HB1078 , HB1132 , HB1146

Committee: House Education

Keywords: grading scale, education reform, students, public schools, academic policy, data sharing, student information, privacy, education, LA FIRST, foreign adversaries, terrorism, contracting, school funding, overcapacity, school board, charter schools, education policy, local superintendent, tuition

Transcript Highlights:

• If that's the case, then is the cost of service for the speech therapist the same as it is for another
• c> as</c><03:46:21.439><c> it</c><03:46:21.680><c> is</c> the speech therapist the same as it is the
• speech therapist the same as it is for<03:46:22.399><c> another</c><03:46:23.359><c> service</c><03:46
• </c> you have a speech pathologist, yes. you have a speech pathologist, yes.
• </c> member or this or the speech member or this or the speech pathologist.<03:48:46.560><c> It's</c>

Summary: The committee first took up SB 209, which would require schools seeking building aid for construction or reconstruction projects to use an owner’s project manager. The chair explained an amendment that would remove the bill’s requirement that the manager be engaged before application and instead revert to current law, while updating the project threshold from the older $1 million figure to a more current amount and clarifying that the manager’s role is to protect the project owner’s interests. Members asked about the cost of hiring a project manager over several years before a project is funded, the 1.5% fee in rule, and whether the rules already define the manager’s duties. The chair said the amendment addressed those concerns by leaving the timing to current law and relying on existing administrative rules for qualifications and responsibilities. The committee then voted 18-0 to adopt the amendment and 18-0 to recommend SB 209 OTPA, placing it on the consent calendar. The committee then moved to SB 99, which concerns allowing students enrolled in career and technical education programs at receiving comprehensive high schools to take additional academic courses there. The chair said the bill was intended to make it easier for students to access CTE without being blocked by scheduling conflicts in their sending schools, and to clarify how agreements between sending and receiving districts would work. He described concerns about the bill’s cost formula, transportation, part-time versus full-time status, and whether the proposal could unintentionally create open-enrollment or athletic-transfer issues. He said the amendment would mirror existing treatment for homeschool and charter school students, use a familiar funding model, and limit participation to students already enrolled in one or more CTE classes at the receiving school. The chair also emphasized that comprehensive high schools already have a statutory definition and that the bill would help more students participate in CTE, which he said currently reaches only a relatively small share of students statewide. He noted that transportation would be covered only when a CTE bus is available, otherwise students would be responsible for arranging travel as under current practice. After brief discussion, the committee voted 18-0 to adopt the amendment and 18-0 to recommend SB 99 OTPA, also placing it on the consent calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• In reality, interprofessional teams of physicians, nurses, therapists, dietitians, and others within
• graduation and return home to live with her family as she slowly recovered additional motor, function, and speech
• enabled my patient who sustained a high-level spinal cord injury in the 1990s... ...motor function and speech
• to go to the store to pick some dining sets from Bob's, and then I realized this man is drooling, speech

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Health Care Financing

Summary: The Joint Committee on Health Care Financing held a public hearing focused largely on senior long-term care issues, family caregiving, post-acute care access, and direct care workforce pay. Testimony strongly supported bills to raise the personal needs allowance for nursing home and rest home residents (including H. 1411, S. 482, and related bills), with speakers from Mass Senior Action, Dignity Alliance, nursing home residents, providers, and former state officials arguing that the current $72.80 monthly allowance has been unchanged since 2008 and is inadequate for basic items like clothing, toiletries, haircuts, and transportation. Witnesses also backed bills to increase MassHealth asset and income limits for seniors and to stop counting life insurance as cash, describing the current rules as outdated and harmful to low-income elders. The committee also heard testimony on bills allowing family members, including spouses and guardians, to be paid caregivers (H. 1394/S. 886), with supporters saying this would help families keep loved ones at home and reduce reliance on costly institutional care. Another set of bills (H. 1412/S. 903) drew support from a physician who said clearer MassHealth communication and improved post-acute care determination processes would help reduce delays and backlogs for patients awaiting skilled nursing, rehabilitation, or other post-acute placement. Several speakers emphasized that better home- and community-based care can prevent hospital readmissions and support independence. A major portion of the hearing focused on S. 877, which would establish an enhanced care worker minimum wage of $25 per hour, indexed to inflation, for certain home care and human services workers. Union representatives and direct care workers from SEIU Local 509, 1199 SEIU, and the AFL-CIO described severe staffing shortages, burnout, low wages, and high turnover across home care, mental health, disability services, and crisis response. They argued that higher pay is necessary to recruit and retain workers and to stabilize services for vulnerable residents. Committee members asked about costs, comparisons with other states, and whether non-wage incentives could help, but witnesses repeatedly said wages were the central issue. The hearing concluded after all registered testimony was heard, with the committee noting it would continue accepting written testimony and then adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• For the most part in this body, we are not doctors, we're not therapists, and despite what some in this
• This bill just allows Missouri to open the door for speech-language pathologists across the nation that
• want to complete... ...allows Missouri to open the door for speech-language pathologists across the
• It simply changes the requirements for speech-language pathologists to practice in Missouri and allows

Transcript Highlights:

• His speech therapist recommended an AAC device.
• ,</c><01:43:14.400><c> an</c> language but cannot produce speech, an language but cannot produce speech
• </c> devices can be as complex as speech devices can be as complex as speech generating<01:43:19.600>
• His speech therapist recommended an him.
• His speech therapist recommended an AAC<01:43:54.400><c> device.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:13:19.119><c> patient</c> psychiatric or therapist patient psychiatric or therapist patient privilege
• Uh so I think the therapist privilege.
• </c> of privacy uh in a patient therapist of privacy uh in a patient therapist relationship.<02:18:08.679
• Please be honest and forthcoming with your therapist.
• The right to read is part of free speech.

Committee: Senate Children and Family Law

Transcript Highlights:

• So I absolutely think that should be included, that actions or speech that facilitates violence should
• So I absolutely think that should be included that actions or speech that facilitates violence should
• I noticed some have been using AI chatbots as like a resource, as like a therapist.

Bills: SB6046

Committee: House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans

Keywords: SB 6046, Civil Air Patrol, Washington Military Department, Washington Division of Civil Air Patrol, volunteer air patrol, search and rescue, disaster relief, cadet training, communications support, cyber security, emergency response, governor call-up, active state service, federally chartered Civil Air Patrol, Washington Wing, Title 38 RCW, military department, tribal cooperation, public safety aviation, aerospace cadets

Transcript Highlights:

• [No audible speech; transcript artifact: "e".] [No audible speech; transcript artifact: "e".]
• [No audible speech; transcript artifact: "e".] [No audible speech; transcript artifact: "e".]
• [No audible speech; transcript artifact: "e".] [No audible speech; transcript artifact: "e".]
• [No audible speech; transcript artifact: "e".] [No audible speech; transcript artifact: "e".]
• [No audible speech; transcript artifact: "e".] [No audible speech; transcript artifact: "e".]

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to give all credit to my physical therapist.
• The Texas Board of Physical Therapist Examiners.
• So they'd follow it with the Texas Board of Physical Therapist Examiners. therapist examiners, and there
• What are the qualifications that one needs to become a physical therapist in Texas?
• How long does it typically take for someone who is becoming a physical therapist?

Bills: HB75 , HB188 , HB199 , HB4029 , HB330 , HB507 , HB524 , HB1517 , HB 1065 , HB1375 , HB1630 , HB1398 , HB 1227 , HB689 , HB1814 , HB2160 , HB2140 , HB4897 , HB5600 , HB5489 , HB4188 , HB2881 , HB2048 , HB3900 , HB4074 , HB5568 , HB5528 , HB3811 , HB3726 , HB3382 , HB4507 , HB4775 , HB3626 , HB3569 , HB5212 , HB5248 , HB5178 , HB3453 , HB3231 , HB3941 , HB1571 , HB1969 , HB1865 , HB2879 , HB2643 , HB4799 , HB4891 , HB5567 , HB5549 , HB5187 , HB5118 , HB3191 , HB1730 , HB1687 , HB2192 , HB4511 , HB4805 , HB1863 , HB3195 , HB3199 , HB5562 , HB5551 , HB5169 , HB3290 , HB3712 , HB3996 , HB5098 , HB5097 , HB5089 , HB3897 , HB3868 , HB3829 , HB4840 , HB3753 , HB4368 , HB4142 , HB2841 , HB3457 , HB3784 , HCR46 , HCR109 , HCR10 , SB1844 , SB1833 , SB2284 , SB2052 , SB1666 , SB1265 , SB1146 , SB1921 , SB480 , SB1734 , SB296 , SB2039 , SB462 , SB1646 , SB2173 , SB2925 , SB682 , SB1173 , HB4535 , HB4520 , HB3824 , HB3066 , HB2442 , HB3863 , HB4773 , HB4327 , HB5115 , HB5515 , HB3372 , HB5659 , HB 127 , HB386 , HB 115 , HB2868 , HB 1249 , HB4766 , HB3720 , HB4879 , HB5383 , HB4621 , HB5431 , HB5678 , HB5534 , HB4212 , HB3954 , HB3966 , HB3918 , HB1422 , HB4765 , HB4732 , HB4742 , HB4518 , HB5084 , HB3986 , HB4144 , HB3976 , HB4473 , HB3425 , HB3641 , HB3642 , HB3475 , HB3424 , HB4744 , HB4539 , HB3159 , HB5228 , HB5370 , HB4359 , HB4443 , HB4466 , HB3849 , HB4240 , HB5141 , HB5686 , HB3629 , HB3554 , HB3567 , HB2015 , HB3575 , HB5381 , HB4398 , HB3514 , HB4614 , HB4546 , HB5681 , HB5663 , HB4271 , HB4350 , HB4035 , HB3812 , HB3540 , HB3715 , HB3664 , HB4233 , HB3333 , HB3510 , HB4222 , HB2070 , HB2854 , HB2347 , HB 113 , HJR218 , HB5623 , HB4921 , HB5673 , HB5520 , HB 105 , HB4685 , HB5354 , HB4683 , HB75 , HB983 , HB4847 , HB1449 , HB3833 , HB5151 , HB265 , HB1845 , HB782 , HB 108 , HB1960 , HB158 , HB1954 , HB1955 , HB2512 , HB605 , HB2581 , HB2803 , HB627 , HB2667 , HB1738 , HB636 , HB3679 , HB2638 , HB2655 , HB871 , HB2438 , HB 1107 , HB1765 , HB1822 , HB2153 , HB4099 , HB3732 , HB3171 , HB3178 , HB3182 , HB3749 , HB2814 , HB3977 , HB4204 , HB4207 , HB4449 , HB1820 , HB1876 , HB1939 , HB1347 , HB2593 , HB2136 , HB2132 , HB2658 , HB2413 , HB2757 , HB2080 , HB3154 , HB3063 , HB3009 , HB3448 , HB3006 , HB2844 , HB3241 , HB3680 , HB3169 , HB2078 , HB2507 , HB4559 , HB3946 , HB3460 , HB3405 , HB475 , HB3463 , HB3441 , HB3441 , HB3520 , HB2060 , HB4731 , HB4991 , HB1991 , HB5596 , HB2014 , HB2142 , HB2673 , HB2731 , HB2417 , HB2399 , HB2301 , HB2301 , HB3335 , HB3234 , HB3320 , HB5573 , HB5573 , HB4848 , HB4848 , HB4748 , HB4769 , HB4795 , HB2086 , HB2086 , HB2234 , HB2234 , HB2203 , HB4916 , HB5624 , HB4505 , HB139 , HB5093 , HB5302 , HB5402 , HB5606 , HB2333 , HB4630 , HB4701 , HB2583 , HB2983 , HB4924 , HB3339 , HB3339 , HB3793 , HB3631 , HB4882 , HB5509 , HB5499 , HB5430 , HB5561 , HB5561 , HB5611 , HB5043 , HB5064 , HB5064 , HB3733 , HB3733 , HB3781 , HB3219 , HB32 , HB4515 , HB5348 , HB3902 , HB4420 , HB3269 , HB469 , HB336 , HB316 , HB5396 , HB993 , HB1342 , HB1342 , HB5216 , HB2046 , HB2046 , HB2188 , HB2188 , HB2450 , HB2813 , HB2857 , HB4075 , HB4075 , HB2911 , HB4682 , HB4682 , HB3117 , HB3253 , HB3442 , HB4820 , HB4336 , HB5356 , HB3669 , HB3428 , HB5465 , HB3662 , HB2590 , HB2288 , HB2288 , HB1886 , HB3458 , HB3458 , HB5603 , HB5620 , HB1489 , HB1489 , HB4101 , HB4990 , HB5685 , HB5685 , HB4950 , HB4950 , HB4980 , HB5684 , HB3507 , HB3507 , HB3566 , HB4487 , HB4487 , HB4462 , HB4462 , HB4876 , HB4915 , HB4663 , HB5570 , HB2929 , HB5261 , HB2920 , HB4642 , HB4746 , HB1609 , HB5403 , HB5453 , HB3844 , HB2336 , HB1572 , HB 1226 , HB 1226 , HB2806 , HB2806 , HB2617 , HB2617 , HB2827 , HB3948 , HB3948 , HB3945 , HB4266 , HB4542 , HB3319 , HB1772 , HB2496 , HB1970 , HB3434 , HB5545 , HB5545 , HB5577 , HB5577 , HB31 , HB31 , HB279 , HB370 , HB370 , HB4768 , HB513 , HB875 , HB982 , HB 1085 , HB 1085 , HB2677 , HB2874 , HB5478 , HB4880 , HB4798 , HB4514 , HB4958 , HB4958 , HB4508 , HB4508 , HB3758 , HB3830 , HB3744 , HB3622 , HB741 , HB741 , HB2204 , HB2204 , HB2860 , HB4659 , HB4578 , HB813 , HB712 , HB712 , HB1551 , HB2790 , HB2698 , HB3365 , HB3504 , HB3118 , HB3118 , HB2959 , HB1862 , HB1862 , HB 1026 , HB4401 , HB4401 , HB4164 , HB4164 , HB3920 , HB4737 , HB4966 , HB4966 , HB4967 , HB1958 , HB4979 , HB4979 , HB5459 , HB3862 , HB1823 , HB1823 , HB4415 , HB4893 , HB2343 , HB 1228 , HB4337 , HB188 , HB199 , HB4029 , HB330 , HB507 , HB524 , HB1517 , HB 1065 , HB1375 , HB1630 , HB1398 , HB 1227 , HB689 , HB689 , HB1814 , HB2160 , HB2140 , HB4897 , HB5600 , HB5489 , HB4188 , HB2881 , HB2048 , HB3900 , HB4074 , HB5568 , HB5528 , HB3811 , HB3726 , HB3382 , HB3382 , HB4507 , HB4775 , HB3626 , HB3569 , HB5212 , HB5248 , HB5178 , HB3453 , HB3231 , HB3941 , HB1571 , HB1969 , HB1865 , HB2879 , HB2879 , HB2643 , HB4799 , HB4891 , HB5567 , HB5549 , HB5187 , HB5118 , HB3191 , HB1730 , HB1687 , HB1687 , HB2192 , HB4511 , HB4805 , HB4805 , HB1863 , HB3195 , HB3199 , HB5562 , HB5562 , HB5551 , HB5169 , HB3290 , HB3712 , HB3996 , HB5098 , HB5098 , HB5097 , HB5089 , HB5089 , HB3897 , HB3868 , HB3829 , HB4840 , HB3753 , HB4368 , HB4142 , HB2841 , HB3457 , HB3784 , HCR76 , HCR76 , HCR127 , HCR9 , HCR40 , HCR118 , HR559 , HCR59 , HCR59 , HCR135 , HCR141 , HCR46 , HCR46 , HCR109 , HCR10

Keywords: magistrate, criminal procedure, probable cause, written findings, law enforcement, Texas STRONG defense fund, severance tax revenue, oil and gas revenue, constitutional transfers, rainy day fund, economic stabilization fund, state highway fund, oil and gas production, qualifying county, county grants, water infrastructure, first responders, public safety, DPS staffing, commercial motor vehicle safety

Transcript Highlights:

• therapists.
• I contacted member services and was finally connected to a therapist.
• The therapist said she could no longer see my child as his case was too severe.
• There he spoke to a therapist via an iPad and was released.
• Hello, Dave Bolog, advocate for free speech and listening to each other.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard a long agenda of health bills focused on access to preventive care, behavioral health, hospital services, and patient safety. Early items included AB 554, which would expand and protect access to HIV prevention drugs like PrEP, including injectable forms and coverage protections; supporters said it would shore up access amid federal threats, while insurers opposed it as a costly benefit mandate. AB 577 would limit insurer and PBM practices that steer medications away from physician offices and require more transparency and patient consent; doctors and patient advocates supported it, while health plans and insurers warned it could raise drug costs and disrupt specialty pharmacy networks. AB 546 would require coverage for portable HEPA purifiers for vulnerable enrollees during declared emergencies, especially wildfire smoke events, with support from air quality and public health groups and opposition from insurers concerned about benefit expansion and cost. The committee also heard AB 224, which would codify California’s updated essential health benefits benchmark plan after a public review process, adding infertility treatment, hearing aids, and durable medical equipment if approved by CMS for the 2027 plan year. DMHC said the state had completed the review and needed legislation to meet federal timing, and the measure drew broad support. AB 1032 would require plans and insurers to reimburse up to 12 additional behavioral health visits for enrollees in wildfire-affected counties for a limited period after an emergency; supporters argued it would fill gaps in trauma care after disasters, while insurers said existing parity and continuity-of-care rules already address the issue and that the bill could create inequities. AB 849 would require trained chaperones for sensitive ultrasound exams and training on how to observe and intervene; it was backed by a survivor and patient advocates, with hospitals and health districts raising staffing concerns. Later, AB 1196 would direct the Department of Public Health to update outdated rules requiring three surgeons for certain heart surgeries using cardiopulmonary bypass; supporters said the rule no longer reflects modern practice and strains staffing, while cardiology representatives had no formal opposition but wanted to review amendments. AB 1113 would codify a right to wear a mask for health reasons in public spaces, with support from disability and public health groups. AB 1386 sought to add perinatal care to the list of basic hospital services, prompting testimony about maternity ward closures, workforce shortages, and rural access; the author said the bill would be amended further and that the committee would need to revisit timelines and implementation details. The committee also heard AB 1429, which would address Kaiser’s repeated mental health parity violations and improve access to behavioral health care, though the transcript cuts off before any action on that bill is shown. Several bills were moved with motions and seconds, but many were held for quorum; AB 1196, AB 1113, and AB 1386 were among the measures advanced to a roll call or held on call, and the committee repeatedly noted that final votes would occur when quorum was available.

Transcript Highlights:

• With me today is Sarah Sorkin, a marriage and family therapist, and Ben Eichert, the Director of Public
• As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I have provided direct care to patients in both private
• He could be checking for grammar, usefulness, hate speech, or pornography.
• we must affirmatively and routinely share a statement with workers affirming their rights to free speech

Summary: The committee heard several labor-related bills, with testimony largely focused on worker protections, AI, workplace safety, and employment access. AB 1697 would delay implementation of AB 692 on employer debt traps by one year to allow more time to address collective bargaining concerns; it drew support from the NFL and no opposition. AB 2495 would expand prohibitions on immigration-related threats used by employers to intimidate workers, with strong support from immigrant-rights, labor, and legal aid groups describing coercion and fear among undocumented and new-arrival workers; it advanced on a divided roll with some members voting no or not voting. AB 2511 would require DIR to study pay disparities between behavioral health and medical-surgical providers, with supporters arguing low reimbursement drives provider shortages and opponents warning of duplicative reporting, proprietary-data concerns, and added administrative burden; it was moved forward to the Health Committee. AB 2157 would make permanent the Displaced Oil and Gas Workers Fund Pilot Program, with displaced refinery workers and labor/environmental groups supporting the bill as a needed transition tool; it passed to Appropriations. AB 2530 would require 60-day notice for public-employer layoffs, relocations, and closures, narrowed by amendment to public agencies; supporters said public workers deserve the same notice protections as private-sector workers, while some opposition sought clarification, and the bill passed to Judiciary. The committee also heard AB 2488, which would direct DIR and UC to study Cal/OSHA inspector vacancies and recruitment pathways. Supporters, including a laid-off refinery worker and WorkSafe, said chronic understaffing has weakened enforcement and that experienced workers could fill the gap; the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 2545 would create an EDD study of AI-related workforce displacement and safety-net impacts, with labor and tech-policy supporters warning of large-scale job loss and the need for data to plan for unemployment and other public programs; business groups opposed the reporting and task-force structure but acknowledged the issue, and the bill passed to Privacy and Consumer Protection. AB 2027 would restrict employers and vendors from using worker data to train or deploy AI systems that replace workers, while limiting collection to what is necessary for employment administration; supporters framed it as a privacy and anti-displacement measure, and opponents argued the definitions were too broad and could hinder useful workplace technologies. The bill advanced to Privacy and Consumer Protection. Later, AB 2095, the Fair Chance Act bill, was presented to clarify and strengthen rules limiting conviction-history screening in hiring, including written explanations and protections for applicants seeking promotions or new roles with current employers. Supporters described ongoing discrimination against people with records and the need for a real second chance, while opponents said the bill was too broad, added burdens, and could conflict with existing statewide rules. The transcript cuts off before the final vote on AB 2095, but the discussion centered on balancing reentry opportunities with employer concerns about individualized assessments and safety-based hiring decisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've just been thinking about the most, but is the knowingly incites, solicits, or otherwise uses speech
• “So, but like knowingly uses speech or writing as an integral part of conduct...”
• “So, but like knowingly uses speech or writing as an integral part of conduct in violation of a valid
• But that to me sounds like—so if we cannot use speech or writing to talk about any potential...
• Speech is extremely important, as we’re doing today.”

Transcript Highlights:

• It doesn't require licensed therapists. It has nothing to do with treatment.
• It doesn't require licensed therapists, which, by the way, I am a mental health professional.
• I've had kids that come up to me and say, 'I need a therapist, and I can't ask my mom.
• I'm going to call an audible because last committee I had a stuffy speech.
• I'm going to call an audible because last committee I had a stuffy speech.

Committee: Senate Senate Education Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first considered the executive nomination of John Snyder to the State Board for Charter Schools. Snyder described his background in municipal finance, charter school financings, and prior service with Arizona charter school organizations, and said his finance experience would help the board evaluate school viability and oversight. The committee voted 6-0 with one not voting to recommend his confirmation to the full Senate. The committee then heard HB 2093, which would remove the statutory requirement that health education include mental health instruction and would repeal related consultation requirements over time. The sponsor argued schools should focus on academics and that social-emotional learning and mental health content belong with parents, while opponents, including students, a suicide-loss parent, and mental health advocates, said school-based instruction saves lives, helps students seek help, and preserves parental choice through opt-out provisions. After debate, the committee voted 4-3 to give HB 2093 a do pass recommendation. Members also considered HB 4043, requiring at least one campus employee trained in CPR, first aid, and AED use where applicable; HB 4005, requiring districts to teach ethical and educational uses of AI beginning in 2027-28; HB 2895, allowing Native American language proficiency to satisfy a world language graduation requirement; HB 2383, renaming trampoline court safety legislation as Ty’s Law; HB 4109, requiring school district public safety policies, notifications, and annual reporting after serious violence or weapon incidents; HB 2376, appropriating $40 million for the school safety program; and HB 2380, requiring public access to board meeting materials and tighter rules on out-of-state travel. HB 4043, HB 2895, and HB 2383 all received unanimous or near-unanimous do pass recommendations, while HB 4005, HB 4109, HB 2376, and HB 2380 each advanced on 4-3 votes, with some members citing concerns about unfunded mandates, criminal penalties, local control, or the scope and timing of required disclosures.

Transcript Highlights:

• So there are places where the owner is not necessarily a massage therapist, but the place has massage
• So there are places where the owner is not necessarily a massage therapist, but the place has massage
• So there are places where the owner is not necessarily a massage therapist, but the place has massage
• I was actually going to do the floor speech in support of it, but the facts of the matter are that I
• I was actually going to do the floor speech in support of it, but the facts of the matter are that I

Summary: The meeting began with unanimous committee approval of amendment 2026-2021S to HB 2. Senator Lang explained the amendment corrected a drafting error so that $2.5 million in state funds, matched with federal money for a total of $5 million, could be spent during the biennium rather than lapse at the end of the fiscal year. The money is intended to stabilize Medicaid per diem rates for county nursing homes, and members agreed without objection to adopt the amendment and continue working from the bill as amended by the Senate. The committee then discussed HB 155 and a proposed amendment, 2026-201H, dealing with the business enterprise tax. The House side described the proposal as a compromise that would raise the filing threshold from $250,000 to $375,000 and create a trigger that would reduce the BET rate by 0.05% for each $100 million in combined business tax surplus, down to a floor of 0.25%. Senate members opposed lowering the rate at this time, arguing that tax relief should focus on the filing threshold, which they said would remove filing burdens for about 3,500 small businesses, and that rate cuts should be considered in a budget cycle rather than an off-year. Concerns were raised that one-time revenues, such as tax amnesty receipts or federal repatriation-related surpluses, could unintentionally trigger reductions. Representative Sweeney later offered a revised approach by moving the effective date of the trigger mechanism to January 1, 2028, and said he was also willing to carve out tax amnesty revenues or adjust the effective date to avoid using one-time funds. The Senate remained unwilling to agree to a rate reduction, though it expressed openness to raising the filing threshold further. The committee ultimately did not resolve the business tax issue and recessed to continue discussions at a later time. The final item discussed was HB 1102, concerning an increase in the research and development tax credit paired with changes to state park fees. House members supported the R&D credit increase but opposed tying it to higher park fees, citing concerns about tourism, especially at border parks, and noting that the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources had said it did not need the increase. Senate members defended the park fee changes as a fairness issue, arguing that New Hampshire residents should pay less than out-of-state visitors and that the department had not raised rates in many years. No vote was taken on this item during the discussion captured here.