Video & Transcript : 'retiree support' :
Page 282 of 500
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Jan 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- But I'm here testifying in strong support of this bill.
- support for Senate Bill 60, We're very pleased to express our strong support for Senate Bill 6008 and
- We're supportive of a battery program.
- I know Maggie and Josie had mentioned low-income support.
- I'm pro-supporting, strongly supporting the bill as written.
Summary:
The committee heard public hearings on four bills. SB 5982 would expand Clean Energy Transformation Act coverage to include port districts and certain single-customer utilities, and would revise definitions for market customers and affected market customers. Supporters, including environmental groups, Commerce, Ecology, and some port and utility representatives, said it would close loopholes and ensure large loads such as data centers and port-based generation are subject to CETA. Opponents from ports, PUDs, business groups, and industrial consumers argued the bill could sweep in existing single-customer utilities and burden smaller ports or industrial projects. No vote was taken; the chair closed the hearing after noting substantial pro, con, and other testimony.
SB 6008 would create a statewide residential battery incentive and flexible demand program administered through Commerce, with higher incentives for low- and moderate-income customers and requirements tied to utility flexible demand programs. Supporters said it would improve grid resilience, lower bills, and help deploy virtual power plants and distributed storage. Utilities and some advocates supported the concept but asked for changes on funding, low-income verification, compensation, deadlines, and program design. No action was taken beyond the public hearing.
SB 6050 would allow portable plug-in solar devices and one meter-mounted device per premises, while restricting utilities, landlords, and HOAs from blocking them and setting safety and certification conditions. Supporters called it a low-cost way to expand distributed solar access, especially for renters and lower-income households. Opponents, including labor, utilities, and safety-focused witnesses, raised concerns about fire risk, backfeeding, lack of existing electrical code standards, utility worker safety, and the need for interconnection review. The committee then heard SB 6056, which would direct Ecology to exempt utility service vehicles from certain clean vehicle emissions standards; Ecology said it was already pursuing a similar rule and flagged the bill’s broad definition and potential policy implications, while utility associations supported the exemption for emergency response vehicles and environmental advocates opposed the statutory approach. No votes were taken on any of the bills.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- support.
- Thanks for allowing a chance to support House Bill 263.
- So we do support it. One other fact, if you have it.
- So, yes, they supported it because they were misled.
- Again, we are in support, and we are advocating.
Bills:
HJR58, HJR63, HB263, HB542, HB905, HB 1288, HB1402, HB2003, HB2262, HB2323, HB2429, HB2876, HB3019, HB263
Keywords:
healthcare, insurance, elderly, retirement, benefits, transit-oriented projects, constitutional amendment, state highway fund, funding allocation, voter approval, highway fund, funding, public transportation, transit projects, transportation, local transit, fund allocation, voting rights, election integrity, ballot access
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I provide support for families through compassionate bereavement care, emotional support, memory-making
- So I did want to support that.
- nurses, to help support that bedside team. hospitalist along with experienced nurses to help support
- It provides real-time support for those bedside It provides real-time support for those bedside teams
- This is not just for doctors or nurses; it also includes support for back-end support staff.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Twenty - Thursday, February 12
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We want to support families in this way.
- We want to support families in this way.
- Support and counsel. Right.
- I support this bill, and I ask my colleagues to support it also. Thank you.
- I am very happy to speak in support of this bill. I am very happy to speak in support of this bill.
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.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Banking and Finance Committee Apr 21st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Other witnesses in support beforehand? Daniel Conway, California Grocers Association, in support.
- I support AB 1065. Thank you.
- I am Narenda Singh, and I am in full support of AB 1065, and we are going to support this.
- We also learn that survivors turn to financial institutions for support, but the support they receive
- I support it.
Summary:
The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 407, which would expand the California Pollution Control Financing Authority. The author said the measure would increase flexibility and access to resources, and the bill was approved 7-0 and sent to the Committee on Local Government. The committee also adopted the consent calendar, which included AB 76, by a 7-0 vote.
A lengthy portion of the meeting focused on AB 1065, which would prohibit swipe fees on the sales tax portion of credit card transactions. Supporters, including small business owners, restaurant and grocery representatives, and a payments-policy expert, argued the bill would reduce costs for merchants and consumers and rein in dominant card networks. Opponents, including banks, credit unions, and payment industry groups, argued the bill is likely preempted by federal law, would be difficult to implement, and could disproportionately affect community banks and credit unions. After extensive questioning about preemption, fraud, implementation, and consumer impacts, the committee rejected the bill on a 6-0 vote, but then granted reconsideration by a 7-1 vote.
The committee then heard AB 1365, which would create the Cal Account Program, a zero-fee, zero-penalty state banking account for unbanked and underbanked Californians. Supporters said the program would help low-income households, survivors of abuse, and others facing barriers to traditional banking, while opponents from community banks and credit unions argued existing low-cost accounts and the Bank On program already address the need and raised concerns about cost, feasibility, and duplication. The bill advanced on a 6-0 vote and later received enough votes on the reopened roll to move forward to the Committee on Labor and Employment.
The committee also approved AB 1052, which would create a legal framework for digital assets and address unclaimed digital property and restrictions on public officials issuing or promoting digital assets, and AB 1180, which would create a pilot program for paying state fees with digital financial assets and require a report on broader adoption. Both bills passed with broad support after brief testimony and discussion. Final roll calls later confirmed AB 1052 and AB 1180, along with AB 407 and AB 1365, were moved out of committee.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 11, 2026 - 12:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Waives in support, representing Florida PTA. Chair: Waiving in support, is that correct?
- Marquis Miller, waiving in support. Thank you.
- 584 I SUPPORT YOUR BILL.
- Thank you for your support today.
- THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT TODAY.
Summary:
The Student Academic Success Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered two PCS bills. PCS for HB 1059, by Rep. Booth, would designate the first week of November as Florida Speech and Debate Week to recognize speech and debate programs and the educators, coaches, judges, and school districts that support them. Supporters, including students and advocates, testified that speech and debate builds critical thinking, civics knowledge, confidence, and respectful civil discourse, and several members praised the students’ testimony and the program’s value. The bill was reported favorably by a 14-0 vote.
The committee then heard PCS for HB 851, by Rep. Long, which requires each school district’s professional learning system to include at least one annual autism-specific training opportunity for teachers and school-based administrators, developed with the Center for Autism and grounded in evidence-based practices. The sponsor said the bill is intended to give educators practical tools to support students with autism, while members asked questions about scope, virtual training, charter schools, and the relationship to existing law. Public testimony and member debate largely supported the bill, with speakers emphasizing the need for better educator preparation and inclusion for students with autism. The bill also passed unanimously, 14-0, and was reported favorably.
At the end of the meeting, members and the chair offered brief closing remarks thanking colleagues and staff and reflecting on the committee’s work, with the chair noting it may have been the committee’s last meeting of the session.
AR
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
ECD Public Hearing - Fri Apr 17, 2026 @ 8:30 AM HST
Economic Development & Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> support of this measure. Thank you. support of this measure. Thank you.
- </c><00:13:04.800><c> Uh</c><00:13:05.160><c> DBED</c> in support. Uh DBED in support.
- support and your genuine uh friendship. support and your genuine uh friendship.
- </c> support of the relationship with Taiwan. support of the relationship with Taiwan.
- </c> but yeah, we're in support of this. but yeah, we're in support of this.
Keywords:
SCR184, Senate Concurrent Resolution 184, Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, HCRC, civil rights, anti-discrimination, algorithmic decision making, automated decision making, artificial intelligence, AI bias, machine learning, employment screening, tenant screening, housing discrimination, credit decisions, lending discrimination, public benefits eligibility, state services, equal opportunity, algorithmic discrimination
Summary:
The committee met in Room 430 on April 17 at 8:30 a.m. and heard several resolutions focused on Hawaii’s sister-state and international relationships. Measures discussed included SCR 184, SCR 169 SD1, SCR 47, SCR 57 SD1, SCR 170 SD1, and SCR 163 SD1. Testimony generally supported expanding or formalizing ties with Japanese prefectures and other partners, including Yamaguchi, Okayama, and Aotearoa/New Zealand, as well as maintaining the Hawaii-Taiwan relationship. DBED’s Dennis Ling explained that sister-state agreements provide a framework for broader government, nonprofit, and private-sector relationships, and cited existing exchanges in transportation, health, education, culinary rice development, biosecurity, and food innovation. Catherine Stanway of the Division of Forestry and Wildlife supported the Aotearoa measure for predator control, biosecurity, and conservation cooperation. Jerry Chang of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office testified in support of the Taiwan resolution, noting 33 years of sister-state ties and ongoing cooperation in education, culture, economy, and disaster management.
One witness raised a concern about language in SCR 57 SD1 related to double taxation, saying that portion did not relate to the sister-state relationship, but the committee chose not to amend the measure to avoid possible delay or conference issues. A committee member also asked about how sister-state relationships work and whether other states have similar country-level arrangements; Ling said Hawaii has an MOU with Israel and mentioned Singapore as another possible partner, while noting that such arrangements often depend on the governor and are not standardized across states.
After testimony, the committee voted to recommend passage of all measures as is. SCR 184, SCR 169 SD1, SCR 47, SCR 57 SD1, SCR 170 SD1, and SCR 163 SD1 were all adopted by the committee without amendments. Some members were excused during the hearing, and the meeting adjourned after the final vote.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Health Mar 23rd, 2026
Joint Committee on Public Health
Transcript Highlights:
- Our team is dedicated to supporting children with celiac disease and their families.
- I'm here today in support of Bill 9-2.
- I'm here today in support of Bill 92928 and 5013.
- I urge this committee to support these two bills.
- I want to start by strongly saying that I strongly support the intent of this bill.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Health heard testimony on four bills: H. 5013 and S. 2928, which would establish a three-year celiac disease screening pilot program for children during routine cholesterol/lipid screening around ages 8 to 12; H. 5087, regulating the operation of medical spas; and H. 5115, establishing statewide food truck regulations, though the hearing focused almost entirely on the celiac and medical spa bills. Committee chairs outlined three-minute testimony limits and noted members present in person and online.
Supporters of the celiac screening bills, including Rep. Badger, Sen. Lovely, patients, clinicians, and researchers, described long delays in diagnosis, the lack of a cure beyond a gluten-free diet, and the potential for early screening to prevent years of damage, missed school and work, and long-term complications. Testifiers said celiac disease is common but frequently undiagnosed, that a simple blood test can identify many cases, and that a pilot would help assess feasibility, cost, accuracy, and family acceptance. Several witnesses emphasized that the proposal includes education and support for families after diagnosis, and some cited international screening efforts, especially in Italy, as evidence that population screening can work.
Testimony on H. 5087 was largely opposed by medical spa owners, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and a plastic surgeon. Witnesses argued the bill is outdated, duplicative of existing Massachusetts licensing and public health rules, and inconsistent with current scopes of practice and team-based care. They said the proposal could restrict access, burden small and women-owned practices, and fail to address the real issues of training, compliance, and patient safety. Some said they support regulation in principle but want the bill revised to reflect current law and modern practice. Committee members asked a few clarifying questions, including about celiac testing methods and the relationship between the medical spa bill and current state law, but no votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I am here in support of Senate Bill 1288.
- We reduce general classroom support, including curriculum.
- We postpone maintenance or technology support.
- And today I am here in strong support of Senate Bill 1288.
- I would strongly encourage you to support this bill.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Nov 4th, 2025
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security
Transcript Highlights:
- Oh, yeah, I waived in support. You waiving in support. Nolan Wiccan? All right. Matt Herden? Matt?
- We support the 1.4 million veterans here in the state of Florida.
- We support the 1.4 million veterans here in the state of Florida.
- Then there is supporting veterans with our well-being grants.
- We were created in 2014 to support the veterans in the state and those who want to be ...to support the
Summary:
The Committee on Military Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security met to consider SB 96, which originally proposed a new veterans dental care program but was amended to expand the existing Veterans Dental Care Grant Program. The amendment raised eligibility from 300% to 400% of the federal poverty level and added a recurring $500,000 general revenue appropriation. Members discussed whether expanding eligibility without guaranteed additional funding could dilute services for veterans already being served, while supporters argued it would help veterans currently turned away for dental care. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported CS/SB 96 favorably by roll call vote, with Chair Wright voting no.
The committee also approved two committee bills continuing public records exemptions: SPB 7000, covering the address and telephone number of people staying in public emergency shelters during storms or catastrophic events, and SPB 7002, covering certain Department of Military Affairs records stored in or transmitted through Department of Defense systems or related to military cyber operations. Both were moved as committee bills without objection and were favorably reported.
Members then received presentations from Dr. Pia Woodley of the Florida Veterans Foundation and Joe Marino of Veterans Florida. Dr. Woodley outlined the foundation’s dental initiatives, emergency assistance, transportation support, benefits guide distribution, new programs for state veterans’ homes and community grants, and recent audits with no findings. Marino described Veterans Florida’s SkillBridge, entrepreneur, and workforce programs, including outreach and federal partnerships, and noted legislative priorities to allow stipends for training at UF IFAS AGVets facilities and to rename a program in statute for clarity. The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee May 7th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Of course I support that.
- And we ask for your support. Thank you.
- Any witnesses in support?
- So, any witnesses in support? Any witnesses in opposition? Okay.
- Any other witnesses in support? Any witnesses in opposition?
Summary:
The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on May 7, 2025, considering a large number of bills, with several measures heard in detail before the committee moved through consent and suspense items. Early in the hearing, AB 876 by Assemblymember Flora was heard on CRNA scope of practice and anesthesia access. Supporters said it would clarify that certified registered nurse anesthetists may provide anesthesia services independently, while opponents from physician and medical groups argued that anesthesiologists and CRNAs are not interchangeable and that physician-led care is needed for patient safety. The bill was ultimately voted out, with a later vote change recorded for Mr. Tangipa from not voting to aye.
The committee also heard AB 379, a major human trafficking and child exploitation bill, which would expand penalties for solicitation of a minor, create a misdemeanor for loitering with intent to purchase commercial sex, increase fines on businesses that fail to post trafficking notices or knowingly allow trafficking, create a survivor support grant program, and establish a vertical prosecution grant program. The bill drew strong support from the author and some members who emphasized tougher enforcement and victim services, but also significant opposition from sex worker and civil liberties advocates who argued the bill would worsen criminalization, disproportionately harm Black and Brown communities, and fail to address housing and other root causes. After extensive discussion, the committee voted the bill out, with one member later changing from not voting to aye.
Other bills heard included AB 435 on child passenger safety, which would adopt a five-step test and update booster-seat and front-seat rules; AB 1415, which would give the Office of Health Care Affordability more access to information from health systems and private equity-related entities; AB 539, the Timely Care Act, which would extend the duration of approved prior authorizations for treatment; AB 1466, relating to groundwater adjudication and sustainability disputes; AB 127, which would tie the cap-and-trade price ceiling to the social cost of carbon; and AB 672, which would require public employers to notify PERB of certain court actions and allow intervention to protect labor rights. The committee also approved a large consent calendar and then deemed the suspense calendar approved, sending many bills onward. The hearing concluded with several bills reported out, some on call, and the committee adjourned.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Fri Mar 7, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 27
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Airman John Kello, and Senior Airman Asia Tia; and whereas those who were on the ground providing support
- in Maui were major Eric stadley support in Maui were major Eric stadley Captain<00:19:13.760><c> nuni
- to disaster survivors making a support to disaster survivors making a lasting<00:19:51.240><c> impact
- the mental health of Maui supporting the mental health of Maui Wildfire<00:20:02.280><c> survivors</
- the survivors of the Maui supporting the survivors of the Maui wildfires<00:20:38.159><c> and</c><00
Summary:
The House was called to order with 47 members present. After the journal reading was deferred and there were no messages from the Governor or Senate communications, members offered several introductions recognizing visiting guests, including tourism and hospitality representatives, Kahakai Elementary School students and staff from Kona, a Portuguese delegation from the Luso American Development Foundation, and other constituents and aides. The chamber then moved to floor presentations.
House Resolution No. 84 was presented, commending the United States Air Force Reserve Command 624th Aeromedical Staging Squadron Medical Operations Flight for humanitarian service providing mental health support after the Maui wildfires. Representative Perck moved adoption, Representative Cochran seconded, and the resolution was read into the record describing the unit’s work with state and nonprofit partners to distribute supplies and support survivors’ emotional recovery. The House adopted the resolution by voice vote, and the motion carried.
Following the presentation, the House recessed briefly so members could congratulate the honorees. When the House returned, there were no resolutions for action, and announcements included the Women’s Legislative Caucus Easter basket drive, recognition of Hawaii Iron Workers Stabilization Fund visitors, birthday greetings, and a reminder that substantive resolutions were due by 6:00 p.m. The House then voted to keep the journal open until 6:00 p.m. for resolution introductions and adjourned into recess until 12:00 noon Monday.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Mar 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Aarp waiving in support of the thank. Thank you. Thanks, Alex. Anderson, Wave in support.
- And I'm so happy to be a part of the Senate at this time to support it.
- Anthony DeMarco, Florida bankers waives in support.
- and happy to to support them in those efforts.
- We rise in support on this bill at this stop.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Highlighting Water Treatment Facility Improvements in Bonding Bill - 01/22/25
Transcript Highlights:
- It seems an early bonding bill should have unanimous support across the aisle, particularly considering
- Again, I support creative solutions to the water crisis in Hastings and up and down my district, but
- </c><00:05:00.080><c> Creative</c> solution again I support Creative solution again I support Creative
- supports funding critical infrastructure.
- I nor Hastings can count on his support.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
ECD Public Hearing - Fri Mar 14, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Economic Development & Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- Moving on to our next testifier: Pride at Work in Hawaii, in support. We have Mr. Guo in support.
- </c><00:22:00.640><c> for</c> 9996 um I'd like to offer my support for 9996 um I'd like to offer my support
- So then we would support that.
- </c> food industry Association in support food industry Association in support thank<01:23:37.639><c>
- </c><01:27:16.119><c> zero</c> you we have 20 in support zero you we have 20 in support zero opposition
Summary:
The committee on Economic Development and Technology heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 1343, which would amend quorum requirements for the Small Business Regulatory Review Board. The board chair testified in support, saying it has been difficult to fill all seats and that using active seats for quorum would help the board function more effectively. No opposition or questions were raised, and the committee moved on.
The committee then heard SB 1578, which drew mixed testimony. DBEDT supported the measure and the Attorney General suggested inserting preamble language from HB 1025 to provide historical context on the East-West Center. Austin Martin of the Libertarian Party of Hawaiʻi opposed the bill, arguing it could invite improper behavior, create loosely regulated satellite offices, increase foreign influence, and add competition for land ownership. The committee took no vote during the hearing.
The bulk of the meeting focused on SB 1641, a measure to establish a Hawaiʻi film commission/authority and related funding and governance structure. DBEDT supported the intent and offered friendly amendments to clarify the distinction between film and media industries, while the Honolulu Film Office and labor representatives from IATSE, Teamsters, and Pride at Work supported the bill but urged changes. Their concerns centered on conflicts of interest, especially having producers on the commission, and they asked for more labor representation and clearer oversight rules. The Attorney General raised constitutional and special-fund concerns, saying the grant standards and special-fund language needed work. Committee members discussed renaming the entity as a Hawaiʻi Film Authority, broadening its scope beyond cultural production, adjusting the commission makeup, and clarifying funding sources, including the existing film and creative industries fund and the 0.2% rebate contribution. No final vote was taken in the portion provided, but members indicated the bill would need substantial revisions and an HD1.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It's certainly something that I strongly support.
- What is your support based on?
- Instructional support in Austin ISD Maybe we have doubled down on multi-tiered systems of support.
- They get the support at absolutely no cost to us.
- Just support our teacher.
Keywords:
public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace
WA
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- This resolution supports three specific pillars of water management in the region.
- But anyway, I encourage your support with that. Debate is closed. Thank you.
- We are supporting in this resolution continued efficiency and modernization.
- I support water in Idaho. I have concerns about the language regarding... I support water in Idaho.
- And I fully support every bit of this resolution except the part about cloud seeding.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Business and Professions Committee Jun 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing none, anyone who wants to add on in support of the bill?
- Happy to support the bill today. Madam Secretary, please call the vote.
- So I'm joined today by our support. and not in private equity firms.
- In the meantime, I'm happy to support the bill in committee today.
- So I'm happy to support the bill, which I think I might be a joiner.
Summary:
The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard several bills, including SB 788 by Senator Niello, which clarified that CPAs and CPA firms, including employees and out-of-state CPAs authorized to practice in California, are regulated by the California Board of Accountancy rather than subject to Tax Preparation Act registration requirements. Supporters said the bill would reduce duplicative regulation and confusion; there was no opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations.
The committee also heard SB 351 by Senator Cabaldon, aimed at strengthening enforcement of California’s corporate practice of medicine rules as they relate to private equity and hedge fund involvement in medical and dental practices. The author and physician supporters argued that private equity can interfere with clinical decisions and patient care, while opposition from the American Investment Council said the bill could sweep in legitimate business practices and requested a narrow amendment. The bill passed to Judiciary.
SB 312 by Senator Umberg was heard next and would require health certificates for imported dogs sold in California to be submitted to CDFA and made publicly available, with supporters describing it as a transparency and consumer protection measure to combat puppy mills and misleading online sales. There was no opposition, and the bill passed to Agriculture. The committee also approved a consent calendar containing SB 291, SB 387, SB 517, SB 602, and SB 773, all moving to their respective committees. The meeting ended after additional roll calls and adjournment.