Transcript Highlights:

• Robert Boykin, Wi-Teknet, in respectful opposition.
• Robert Singleton and Chamber of Progress, also respectfully opposed.
• Robert Singleton and Chamber of Progress, also respectfully opposed.
• Robert Boykin with TechNet, respectful opposition.
• Robert Boykin with TechNet, in opposition. Thank you. Mr.

Committee: Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:46:13.320><c> Hendry,</c><00:46:13.960><c> Gil</c> Mediation Board Robert Hendry, Gil Mediation
• Board Robert Hendry, Gil McKendry,<00:46:15.359><c> Sarah</c><00:46:15.760><c> Falen.
• </c> Arts Council Mark Pedri, Robert Arts Council Mark Pedri, Robert Martinez,<00:46:20.720><c> M.
• Psychology Board: Robert Bayuk, Mark Gibson. Public Service Commission: Christopher Boswell.
• ><c> Mark</c> Psychology Board Robert Bayuk, Mark Psychology Board Robert Bayuk, Mark Gibson.

Transcript Highlights:

• Robert Sip to the testimony table. Welcome and state your name for the record.
• My name is Robert Sip.
• Robert Sip Uh, now I'd like to call Mr.
• My name is Robert<00:59:33.280><c> Sip.
• I'm the executive director Robert Sip.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• Nancy Roberts. I'm testifying as a consumer. Nancy Roberts: I'm testifying as a consumer.
• Nancy Roberts continued: Dear Representatives, I am a veteran. I am a father. I am a husband.
• </c><00:14:19.440><c> I'm</c><00:14:19.920><c> testifying</c> dispensary Nancy Roberts I'm testifying
• dispensary Nancy Roberts I'm testifying as<00:14:21.320><c> a</c> as a as a consumer<00:14:23.279><c
• I'm Nancy Roberts.

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 100, which would place cigarettes, vapes, and related nicotine products under the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) system, add enforcement tools against bad actors, and regulate nitrous oxide/laughing gas sales to those under 21. Supporters, including youth advocates Mallerie Jones and Griffin Kian Neth, argued the bill would reduce youth access to nicotine products through retail licensing, compliance checks, and escalating penalties. Higdon said the bill targets illegal sales rather than most retailers, and noted the measure also updates House Bill 11 from the prior year and raises the retail license fee from $250 to $500. The committee adopted the committee substitute and then passed the bill on a roll call vote, with members voting yes and no opposition recorded in the transcript. The committee then considered Senate Bill 202, focused on cannabis-infused beverages. Senator Julie Raque Adams said the bill was intended to create common-sense public health guardrails for a rapidly growing product category sold in gas stations, liquor stores, and vape shops, and to address enforcement gaps. She explained the committee substitute would define cannabis-infused beverages at a 5-milligram limit per 12-ounce can, place enforcement under ABC while keeping CHFS manufacturing and testing rules in place, require a University of Kentucky report back to the General Assembly, allow existing higher-dose inventory to be sold through June 1, exempt festivals and fairs until January 1, 2026, and allow stores to obtain licenses to continue selling the product. The committee adopted the substitute and then heard testimony from hemp-industry representatives and a consumer. Opponents of SB 202/SB 22, including Dee Taylor of the Kentucky Hemp Association, Cornbread Hemp co-founder Jim Higdon, Annie Rouse of Cannabuzz Barn, and consumer Nancy Roberts, argued the bill would hurt a legal Kentucky hemp industry, reduce consumer access, and force sales into liquor stores. They said the 100-milligram beverage referenced in debate is actually 10 servings with a resealable top, that hemp retailers educate customers, and that the industry already operates under 2024 regulations and needs better enforcement rather than new restrictions. Higdon and Rouse objected to the 5-milligram cap, the on-premise sales ban, the move to ABC enforcement, and the taxation approach, warning the bill could wipe out a large share of business and jobs. No final vote on SB 202 was taken in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Roberts. >> Sure.
• Roberts. >> Sure.
• Representative Roberts, you have a moment for a quick comment.
• Representative Roberts, you have a moment for a quick comment.
• </c> &gt;&gt; Thank you, Representative Roberts. &gt;&gt; Thank you, Representative Roberts.

Summary: The committee met, approved the October 21 minutes, and then took up BR 25 for the 2026 regular session, a proposal to prohibit the use of tax dollars and public resources to advocate for or against ballot questions, including constitutional amendments. Senator Rawlings and the other presenters argued the current law already bars such advocacy but lacks meaningful enforcement, citing the 2024 school choice amendment campaign and other examples where public officials and school systems allegedly used taxpayer-funded resources to influence voters. They said the bill would add civil and criminal penalties, while preserving First Amendment rights for public employees acting in their personal capacities. Much of the discussion focused on whether the bill should be limited to school districts or broadened to cover other public entities, and on how to define terms such as “advocating in impartial terms.” Members raised concerns about possible effects on county and city lobbying through groups like KLC and KCO, on legitimate factual explanations by public officials, and on whether the bill could unintentionally restrict needed representation for local governments. The sponsors said the measure was intended to be narrow, would be vetted further, and would not bar individuals from speaking on their own behalf. Several members suggested revisions. Representative Lockett asked that schools and school employees be specifically named, and suggested separating the lobbying restrictions from the ballot-measure provisions into different bills. Representative Layman questioned the meaning of the bill’s language and whether it would cover factual testimony by officials. Representative Heen asked about a Jefferson County example involving legal fees used to challenge petition signatures; counsel said that situation would likely be allowable under the bill as drafted, though some members thought it should be covered. No final vote was taken on BR 25 during this discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Roberts. Thank you. That has nine votes.
• Robert Boykin with TechNet, respectfully opposed.
• My name is Robert Boykin with TechNet.
• Hi, Robert Boykin with TechNet, in opposition. Thank you.
• Good evening, Robert Boykin with TechNet, in opposition. Thank you.

Committee: House Privacy and Consumer Protection

Summary: The committee first took up AB 56, a bill by Assembly Member Bauer-Kahan to require social media platforms to display a warning about potential mental health harms from sustained use, especially for minors. The author and supporters, including a bereaved parent and a therapist, argued that social media contributes to teen anxiety, self-harm, and isolation, and that a warning label would help families make informed choices. Opponents from TechNet, CCIA, and privacy groups said the bill would be ineffective, could be ignored, and raised First Amendment and implementation concerns. Members discussed emergency access during disasters, multilingual warnings, and whether the warning should be more action-oriented. The committee accepted amendments, then voted 9-0 to pass AB 56 to the Judiciary Committee, with several members noting support and some requesting to be added as coauthors. The committee then heard AB 358, which would let law enforcement inspect certain tracking or surveillance devices found in a victim’s home or vehicle without first obtaining a warrant, if the victim consents. The author and a San Diego prosecutor said the bill is meant to help stalking and domestic violence survivors quickly examine devices like AirTags or hidden cameras before evidence is lost, and they emphasized the bill was narrowed to devices used solely for surveillance. Opponents from the EFF and ACLU argued the bill would weaken CalECPA and create a warrantless-search loophole, while some members raised Fourth Amendment, transparency, and ICE-sharing concerns. Others supported the bill as a narrow, common-sense tool for victim safety. The committee passed AB 358 on a 9-0 vote to Appropriations. Finally, the committee heard AB 1137, which would strengthen California’s reporting system for child sexual abuse material on social media platforms. The author said the bill expands who can report CSAM, requires clearer reporting mechanisms, adds human review in some cases, and creates public audit and enforcement provisions to improve compliance with the existing framework enacted last year. Supporters, including survivors and advocacy organizations, said the bill would reduce the burden on victims and help remove abusive images more effectively. TechNet, CalChamber, and CCIA opposed unless amended, saying the human-review, audit, and public-reporting requirements could be costly, burdensome, and potentially harmful to safety and security. Members generally supported the goal but raised concerns about the frequency and public release of audits and the role of human review; the bill was left open for further action after discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mr Roberts Mr Roberts Mr sessions Mr sessions Mr sessions Mr shellnut Mr shellnut Mr shellnut Mr Singleton
• Mr Roberts Mr Roberts Mr sessions Mr shellnut Mr shellnut Mr Singleton Mr smithman hi Mr Singleton Mr
• Price Mr Roberts Price Mr Roberts Mr Mr Mr sessions Mr sessions Mr sessions Mr shellnut Mr Singleton
• is ready you I know you know C Roberts is ready you I know you know C Roberts is ready to vote I can
• Mr Roberts Mr Roberts Mr sessions Mr shellnut Mr Mr Singleton Mr Singleton Mr Singleton Mr smithman

Bills: SB 26 , SB 28 , SJR 36 , SB 616 , SB 565 , SB 384 , SB 28 , SB 28 , SR 131 , SR 168 , SR 174 , SR 175

Transcript Highlights:

• From Indivisible Hawaii, we have Robert Justice.
• From Indivisible Hawaii, we have Robert Justice.
• From Indivisible Hawaii, we have Robert Justice.

Bills: HB2315 , SB2471 , HB306 , HB1692 , HB1842 , HB2171 , HB2207 , HB2343 , HB2296 , HB389 , HB469 , HB1510 , HB1573 , HB1705 , HB1858 , HB1875 , HB1946 , HB1961 , HB1962 , HB2001 , HB2093 , HB2096 , HB2097 , HCR200 , HCR144 , HCR33 , HCR154 , HCR165 , HCR186 , HCR206 , HCR166 , HCR31 , HCR85 , HCR103 , HCR117 , HCR180 , HCR112 , HCR18 , HCR105 , HCR173 , HCR137 , HCR179 , HCR32

Transcript Highlights:

• We will move to Robert Mellion. Hello, sir.
• We have Robert Okanowsky for the Massachusetts State Auto Dealers Association opposing House 5036.
• none appreciate your time thank you we're right along in a on a fast hearing today uh we have uh robert

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a public hearing on House Bill 5036, concerning consumer information related to tariffs, and House Bill 5138, concerning consumer protections for low-value tender scarcity and penny rounding. The chairs opened with procedural remarks, noted both chambers were in session, and explained that testimony would be limited to three minutes. The hearing also included light discussion of the committee’s one-year anniversary and the large volume of bills the committee handles. Testimony on H. 5138 was broadly supportive. Senator Paul Feeney, the bill’s co-sponsor, said the measure would address confusion caused by the penny’s scarcity by creating a statewide cash-rounding standard to the nearest five cents, with rounding up or down depending on the final digit. He emphasized that the bill would apply only to cash transactions and would require consumer notice rules from the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. Representatives from the Massachusetts Package Stores Association, Massachusetts Retailers Association, Massachusetts Restaurant Association, and New England Convenience Store and Energy Marketers Association all supported the bill, citing operational efficiency, legal clarity, fairness, and reduced burden on retailers and restaurants. The Retailers Association suggested amendments to make rounding discretionary rather than mandatory and to clarify that taxes and fees would not be affected. Testimony on H. 5036 was largely opposed by business groups. The Massachusetts Retailers Association, New England Convenience Store and Energy Marketers Association, and Massachusetts State Auto Dealers Association all said the tariff disclosure requirements would be difficult or impossible to implement in practice, especially given frequent tariff changes and the complexity of pricing goods and vehicles. They argued the bill would create compliance burdens and could increase costs rather than help consumers. No votes were taken on either bill. The hearing concluded after no further witnesses came forward, and the committee voted to close the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Roberts, aye. Deck, aye. Hefner, aye. Clear the vote.
• Roberts, aye. Roberts, aye. Bayshore, aye. Deck, aye. Declare the vote. Ten aye, zero nay.

Bills: SB1191 , SB1976 , SB1613 , SB1439 , SB1930 , SB1314 , SB1246

Committee: House Energy

Summary: The committee took up several energy and environmental bills, most of them mirror measures or agency-related changes. SB 1976, a mirror of HB 3469, would provide a three-year phase-in for new surety bond requirements adopted in HB 1369 and was reported out do pass on a 10-0 vote. SB 1314 would increase the well drillers fund limits for plugging bad wells that could contaminate aquifers, raising the per-well amount to $25,000 and the fund cap from $50,000 to $100,000; it also passed 10-0. SB 1191 repeals the law creating the Oklahoma Energy Low Carbon Initiative Board, which had never been appointed or met, and it passed 10-0. SB 1613, a mirror of HB 3142, was also reported do pass 10-0 after members noted prior questions had been resolved. SB 1246, from the Department of Environmental Quality, was described as streamlining services while keeping information online and preserving public comment time; it passed 11-0. The committee then spent the most time on SB 1439, the Energy Security and Independence Act, which would bar certain causes of action related to greenhouse gas emissions and alleged climate-change effects. Supporters argued it would protect Oklahoma’s oil and gas industry from costly, speculative lawsuits and preserve the state’s economy, while opponents questioned whether it would shield an industry from accountability and compared it to past tobacco litigation. The bill’s author said it would not affect other pollution claims or federal enforcement, only climate-related civil actions. After extended discussion, SB 1439 was reported out do pass on a 9-3 vote. Finally, SB 1930, the mirror bill to the Brine Development Act, was presented as a measure to speed up development of iodine and other mineral recovery from oilfield wastewater while avoiding conflicts with existing oil and gas operations and Corporation Commission rules. Members discussed Oklahoma’s role in iodine production, possible market growth, and concerns about creating unintended causes of action for surface owners or class-action claims. The author said amendments were still being negotiated, but the bill was nevertheless reported out do pass on an 11-0 vote. The chair closed by noting this was expected to be the committee’s only scheduled meeting, absent any reassignments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Patzkowsky here, Pfeiffer here, Pogemiller, Pogemiller, Provenzano, Provenzano, Ranson here, Roberts,
• Olivia Womack here with Representative Roberts. Olivia is a junior from Edmond.
• She wants to attend Oral Roberts to study journalism. Let's give Sophie a round of applause.

Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including Veteran of the Week First Sergeant Jeff Osterdock, Nurse of the Day Madison Lehman, Psychologist of the Day Dr. Jennifer Steber, and a large group of student pages and visitors. Members also made personal announcements and welcomed guests from schools and community groups. On the floor, the House considered and adopted Senate amendments to House Bill 1484, a schools measure, and passed it 96-1; the emergency clause also passed 96-1. The House then took up House Bill 1085 on contracts, which would standardize service warranty fees with a delayed phase-in schedule, adopted the Senate amendments, and passed the bill 8-1. The House also considered Senate Bill 133 on groundwater permits. After an amendment and debate, members discussed how the bill would apply to commercial water wells and how it would interact with marijuana-related licensing and notification to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. The bill passed 85-12, and the emergency clause also passed by the same vote. The chamber then adjourned until February 24, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Robert, just give me, let me see. I don't think that's on the list. Chairman: I think that's 5568.
• Chairman: Hand Robert... keep... just deal them to Robert. OK, yeah, just have to hand the stack.

Bills: HB103

Committee: Senate Local Government

Summary: The Senate Local Government Committee met to hear and act on a series of municipal utility district and municipal management district bills, most of them presented as template or cleanup measures. The committee first heard HB 5672, which redefined the boundaries of the Driftwood Conservation District in Hays County to match acreage added through landowner petitions; no one testified, and the bill was reported favorably and placed on the local and uncontested calendar. The committee then took up HB 5696 for the Reserve Municipal Management District in Mansfield, where Senator Birdwell explained a committee substitute that conformed the bill to the standard MMD template; the bill was left pending subject to call of the chair. Similar template or technical bills followed, including HB 5680 (Bayou Bell No. 1 MMD in Liberty County), HB 5654 (Montgomery County MUD No. 263), HB 5662 (Fort Bend County WCID No. 12 with road powers), HB 5658 (Craver Ranch MMD in Denton County), HB 5661 (Fort Bend County MUD No. 286), HB 5699 (an exclusion/contract provision for Harris County MUD No. 405), HB 5679 (Hills of Walnut Creek MUD in Parker County), HB 5437 (validation language for Austin County MUD No. 1), HB 5665 (Waller County MUD No. 70), HB 5656 (Fort Bend County MUD No. 263), HB 5670 (Montgomery County MUD No. 259), HB 5651 (Montgomery County WCID with drainage powers), HB 5682 (Comina Ranch MMD No. 1 in McKinney), HB 5320 (merging Starr County drainage-related districts), HB 5677 (Pura Vida MMD No. 1), and HB 5666 (Fencey Road MUD in Harris County). In each case, the sponsor described the district, acreage, location, and powers, and committee substitutes were often used to align the bills with the chamber’s standard template language or correct drafting errors. Public testimony was repeatedly opened and closed with no witnesses appearing for or against the bills. The committee consistently adopted committee substitutes when offered, then voted to report the measures favorably, usually with recommendations that they do pass and be printed, and to place them on the local and uncontested calendar. Most roll calls showed 4 or 5 ayes and 0 nays, with some members absent or not voting. HB 5680 and HB 5682 were reported with committee substitutes in lieu of the filed versions; HB 5658 was reported with a do-not-pass recommendation on the filed bill but do-pass on the substitute; HB 5677 was handled similarly as a companion/template cleanup measure. The committee also noted a few procedural issues, including quorum concerns early in the meeting and a mislabeled bill number that required clarification. At the end of the meeting, the committee adopted several motions in writing and then recessed to reconvene 15 minutes after adjournment of the floor, anticipating possible additional bills later in the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair calls Christopher Lee, Robert Wood, and Gloy Robinson. Thank you.
• You are Robert Wood.
• I'm Robert Wood representing the Texas Association of Manufacturers, testifying in favor of Senate Bill

Bills: SB263 , SB467 , SB850 , SB1030 , SB1352 , SB1453 , SB2064 , SB2206 , SB2779 , SJR84

Committee: House Ways & Means

Keywords: SB 263, Texas franchise tax, cost of goods sold, COGS, broadcasters, television broadcasting, radio broadcasting, media tax, broadcast license, FCC, 47 C.F.R. Part 73, 47 C.F.R. Part 74, film production, television production, tax deduction, margin tax, Texas Tax Code, depreciation, amortization, broadcast rights

Transcript Highlights:

• Robert, see, every time I have this discussion with Robert, Robert says he's using paper versus, you

Bills: SB23 , SJR85 , SB 23

Committee: Senate Local Government

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government heard testimony on Senate Bill 23 and its companion constitutional amendment, Senate Joint Resolution 85, both by Senator Bettencourt. The bills would increase the additional homestead exemption for elderly and disabled homeowners from $10,000 to $60,000, which proponents said would significantly reduce property taxes and help seniors and disabled Texans age in place. Bettencourt and supporters described the measure as part of a broader property tax relief package, estimating combined savings of about $950 for over-65 and disabled homeowners when paired with other recent homestead exemption changes. Witnesses largely supported the proposal. Testimony in favor came from a lawyer, a private citizen, Texas Realtors, the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature, and the Texas Association of Builders, all emphasizing relief for fixed-income seniors, housing stability, and the ability to remain in their homes. Several witnesses noted rising property taxes, medical costs, and the challenges seniors face in moving or affording home modifications. One witness from Every Texan said a flat homestead exemption is the most equitable way to cut property taxes, but argued against additional tax cuts generally, favoring a circuit-breaker approach and warning that permanent tax cuts could reduce funding for schools and other needs. The committee also discussed data showing many over-65 homeowners already pay no school property taxes in some counties and that the proposed changes would increase that share. After closing public testimony, the committee voted on the measures. Senate Bill 23 was reported favorably to the full Senate by a 7-0 vote, and S.J.R. 85 was also reported favorably by a 7-0 vote. The transcript also shows Senate Bill 898 being laid out and passed unanimously earlier in the meeting, with a recommendation for the local and uncontested calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• Calls Robert Graves.
• We show you registered as Robert Graves on behalf of the Texas Association of Counties, and yourself
• Just to clarify, it's Robert Graves on behalf of the Texas Association of Counties Risk Management Pool

Bills: HB1654 , HB1691 , HB2545 , HB2652 , HB3799 , HB4144 , HB5008

Committee: House S/C on Workforce

Keywords: peace officers, firefighters, employment protection, worker's compensation, job security, maximum medical improvement, government employment, firefighter cancer benefits, emergency medical technicians, compensation claims, cancer exposures, firefighting hazards, workforce training, rural development, grant program, job-specific training, Texas Workforce Commission, child care, single-parent, subsidized

Transcript Highlights:

• Provenzano Ranson here Roberts Roberts Robert's here Roe Roe Rosecrantz Rosecrantzz here, Schreiber here
• She wants to attend Oral Roberts to study early childhood education and evangelism ministry.
• I've Representative Roberts. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Bills: SB1290 , SB1530 , SB1847 , HR1050 , SB169 , SB1377 , SB1990 , SB1991 , SB1778 , SB1579 , SB1992 , SB3 , SB2028 , SB1928 , SB2127 , SB2117 , SB1439 , SB1930 , SB330 , SB1191 , SB2110 , SB2134 , SB2069 , SB2095 , SB1613 , SB1246 , SB1976 , SB1346 , SB1509 , SB2071 , SB259 , SB1314

Keywords: 2-1-1 services, revolving fund, Department of Human Services, crisis pregnancy, abortion, legal funding, research funding, development rebate, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, tax incentives, higher education partnerships, Medicaid, ADvantage Waiver, home-based services, eligibility criteria, healthcare, senior services, Taiwan, Oklahoma, sister-state relationship

Transcript Highlights:

• My uncle Robert Jones' wife is in the stands. In the gallery on the north gallery.
• My<00:22:15.280><c> uncle</c><00:22:15.760><c> Robert</c><00:22:16.080><c> Jones'</c><00:22:16.760><c
• > wife</c><00:22:17.160><c> is</c><00:22:17.320><c> in</c><00:22:17.480><c> the</c> My uncle Robert Jones
• ' wife is in the My uncle Robert Jones' wife is in the stands. stands. stands.

Transcript Highlights:

• Commonwealth of Kentucky does hereby adjourn this legislative day in loving memory and in honor of Robert
• Representative Roberts.<00:18:17.120><c> House</c><00:18:17.360><c> Bill</c><00:18:17.679><c> 423,</c
• ><00:18:18.559><c> an</c><00:18:18.720><c> act</c><00:18:18.960><c> relating</c> Roberts.
• House Bill 423, an act relating Roberts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also in the front we will ask our Speaker Robert Rivas, Republican Leader Heath Flora, legislative...
• Speaker Robert Rivas, Republican Leader Heath Flora, and Legislative Black Caucus Chair Senator Akilah
• Escorted by Assembly Member McKenna is Robert Pullen Miles.
• Mayor Robert Pullen Miles was first elected to the Lawndale City Council in 2004, following his service
• Please welcome Robert Pullen Miles. Thank you.

Summary: The Assembly met with a quorum call at the start, then proceeded with Black History Month observances, including a libation ceremony, the Pledge of Allegiance, and remarks emphasizing remembrance, ancestry, and the importance of honoring Black history. The chamber also handled routine procedural matters, including dispensing with the journal, re-referring certain Senate budget items to the Budget Committee, and allowing guest introductions and other unanimous-consent requests. The main floor action was on Assembly Concurrent Resolution 134, recognizing Black History Month. Members from multiple caucuses spoke in support, highlighting the historical contributions of Black Americans, the ongoing effects of slavery and segregation, the need to protect voting rights and education, and the importance of solidarity across communities. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 74 co-authors were added. The Assembly also adopted Assembly Concurrent Resolution 132, declaring February 28 as Rare Disease Day. Members shared personal stories about ALS and other rare diseases, described barriers to diagnosis, treatment, and insurance coverage, and called for more research and support. The resolution received broad bipartisan support, with 71 co-authors added before adoption by voice vote. The chamber then recognized a series of Black History Month Unsung Heroes honorees, including community leaders, health professionals, advocates, and public servants, and later heard additional guest introductions. The meeting concluded with adjournments in memory of Peyton Trilling and John Jackson, followed by announcements and adjournment until February 26 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Robert Pearson, for your work on this bill.
• Robert Pearson. Thank you, everybody. Thanks for the, I thought, really great conversation. Dr.
• Robert Pearson, I believe you've got another bill. All right. Good morning again.
• Robert Pearson. Any primary witnesses in support of the bill?
• Robert Pearson, would you like to close?

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with SB 1312 by Senator Richardson on abandoned endowed-care cemeteries. Richardson described vandalism, theft, and neglect at abandoned cemeteries and said the bill would define abandonment, create a process for local governments to declare a cemetery abandoned, and allow the Bureau to act as conservator of endowment funds. Support came from Marin County, while county and special district groups opposed or had concerns, arguing the bill could shift burdens to local governments or public cemetery districts without enough safeguards. Members expressed general support but noted the need for further work; the bill was discussed but no final vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then took up SB 758 by Senator Umberg, which would restrict retail sales of nitrous oxide to curb misuse. Supporters, including the League of California Cities, narcotic officers, counties, pediatricians, and other local governments and health groups, said easy access at smoke shops and convenience stores has fueled recreational abuse and health harms. There was no opposition testimony, and members voiced strong support for a statewide approach over city-by-city bans. The bill was well received, with the author closing in support. Dr. Weber-Pierson presented SB 1094, a health care affordability bill on biosimilars and biologic substitution. The bill would allow pharmacists to substitute biosimilars under certain conditions, require advance notice to providers and patients, and add reporting on savings; the author said amendments would strengthen provider notice and preserve the ability to mark prescriptions “do not substitute.” Supporters from health plans, insurers, pharmacies, labor, business, and some provider groups argued the bill would lower costs and expand access. Opponents, including dermatology and rheumatology groups and biotech interests, warned about non-medical switching, prior authorization delays, and patient harm. After extensive discussion, the committee voted 13-0 to pass SB 1094 to the Committee on Health. The committee also passed SB 849 by Dr. Weber-Pierson, which would bar reinstatement of physicians who surrendered their licenses while a sexual misconduct accusation was pending. The Medical Board and California Medical Association were generally supportive or neutral, and members praised the bill’s patient-protection focus. SB 993 by Senator Ochoa Bogh, which limits routine disclosure of identifying information for mental health professionals in correctional and psychiatric settings while preserving complaint processes, also passed unanimously to Appropriations. SB 1002 by Senator Niello, extending the David Hall Act to allow certain patients in remission to continue telehealth care with out-of-state specialists, drew strong patient support but opposition from the Medical Board and CMA over licensure and oversight concerns; the committee voted it out on a split roll with some members not voting. Finally, SB 1263 by Senator McGuire, aimed at protecting wildfire survivors and workers by requiring licensed, trained contractors for post-disaster residential debris removal, received support from labor and the Contractors State License Board, with contractors raising a narrower amendment concern about scope.