Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:03:45.920><c> and</c> treatment and risk of non-treatment and treatment and risk of non-treatment
• Experimental treatments.
• treatment being um treated the medical treatment itself<02:06:23.639><c> thank</c><02:06:23.800><c>
• </c> puberty blockers and hormone treatments puberty blockers and hormone treatments can<03:39:29.080
• s</c> surgery and hormone treatments he had s surgery and hormone treatments he had s suffered<04:14:

Committee: House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Nuclear fuel production should not be given this special tax treatment.
• And so this is a bill that expands the eligibility to other kinds of programs.
• Skepticism towards this program is widespread among tax experts like myself.
• Since then, the program has gotten bigger.
• , and massage programs.

Bills: HB2175 , HB2227 , HB2528 , HB2292 , HB2257 , HB2608

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: durable medical equipment, sales tax exemption, healthcare accessibility, cost reduction, nonprofit providers, affordable housing, real estate tax, exemption, housing policy, tax incentives, real estate excise tax, REET, growth management act, GMA, local government finance, capital facilities plan, comprehensive plan, county tax, city tax, voter approval

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, there are several existing property tax exemption, deferral, and assistance programs.
• Grocery store property tax exemption program to provide property tax exemptions to preserve existing
• The solid waste excise tax is not currently going to solid waste programs directly.
• But taxes are not treatment, and revenue streams are not reform.
• What she needed was support, treatment, and a way out.

Summary: The committee heard briefings, sponsor presentations, and public testimony on several finance bills. HB 2038 would impose an additional B&O tax on businesses operating social media platforms beginning in 2027 and create a youth behavioral health account funded by the tax. The sponsor argued the bill would help address youth mental health harms linked to social media and support implementation of the Washington Thriving plan. Supporters in testimony, including youth advocates and some public health voices, said social media contributes to youth anxiety and addiction and that the revenue should be used for behavioral health services. Opponents, including technology and business groups, argued the tax unfairly singles out one sector, could be passed on to consumers, and may violate federal internet tax law. The hearing on HB 2038 was suspended and later reopened for public testimony; no vote was taken. HB 2297 would create tax incentives for grocery stores in underserved communities, including local B&O preferences, a sales tax exemption for security services, a 30-year property tax exemption program, a B&O tax credit, and a B&O exemption for certain locally owned or employee-owned stores. The sponsor and supporters said the bill is intended to preserve and attract grocery stores in food deserts, especially after recent store closures, and to help communities with limited transportation and access to healthy food. County representatives supported the goal but raised concern about the bill’s sales tax exemption and its effect on local revenues. Public testimony was largely supportive, with advocates, local officials, grocers, and residents describing grocery stores as essential community infrastructure. No action was taken. HB 2382 would raise cigarette taxes by $2 per pack, restructure vapor and other tobacco product taxes, and dedicate portions of the revenue to a time-sensitive emergency system, tobacco enforcement, and the foundational public health services account. The sponsor said the bill would generate needed revenue, support cancer research funding, and strengthen public health and enforcement. Supporters said higher tobacco taxes reduce use and help cover long-term health costs, while some public health witnesses supported the revenue but suggested directing more funds to existing tobacco prevention accounts. Opponents from retail and industry groups argued the proposal is regressive, could increase illicit sales and cross-border purchasing, and would hurt small businesses and low-income consumers. The committee also heard HB 2487, a Department of Revenue request bill that would narrow the B&O exemption for insurers to clarify that it applies only to premium income subject to insurance premium tax, and apply the change retroactively to 2019. The sponsor and supporters said the bill closes a loophole created by a recent Supreme Court ruling and preserves tax equity, while insurers and business groups objected to the retroactive application, warning of higher premiums and unfair taxation. Finally, HB 2018 would increase the solid waste tax by 0.5% per year for five years and direct the new revenue to a local government solid waste assistance account for county and city waste management plans. County officials supported the bill as a way to stabilize funding for solid waste systems, and testimony emphasized rising disposal and infrastructure costs. No votes were taken on any of the bills during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• President and Senator, do we know if there are programs that follow up if a student is expelled?
• President, there are, I think, a few programs. Mr.
• These children generally have lower risk profiles because they have been proven amenable to treatment
• I need more information about what evidence-based programs are available, what works, what helps get
• They're going to be amenable to treatment. They're not going to be put in the adult system.

Transcript Highlights:

• So my question for you: I love the program and support it.
• Obviously, I'm just the face of the program.
• But is there a program, either federal...
• There is a program.
• program, loan assistance program.

Committee: Senate Agriculture

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture heard two informational presentations before taking up legislation. Tracy Dean of Conservation Florida described the organization’s work protecting wild and working lands, especially ranch and timber lands within the Florida Wildlife Corridor, and argued that agricultural conservation easements are essential to preserving habitat, water resources, family farms, and the corridor itself. Senators discussed how conservation easements can help family operations remain viable across generations, and Dean emphasized strong demand for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program and Florida Forever funding. Dr. Jamie Ellis of the University of Florida then gave a detailed presentation on honeybees, their role in pollination and Florida agriculture, and major threats such as Varroa mites, queen quality, nutrition issues, hurricanes, and the yellow-legged hornet; senators asked about colony losses, pollination alternatives, and the economic importance of beekeeping in Florida. The committee then considered SB 210 on animal cremation, sponsored by Senator Harrell. The bill was described as a response to a case involving mishandled pet cremation and would require crematories to provide clear disclosures about services, prohibit false or misleading information, and authorize civil penalties enforced by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The bill was reported favorably after a roll call vote. Next, the committee took up SJR 318, a joint resolution by Chair Truenow creating a proposed ad valorem tax exemption for tangible personal property used in agricultural production or agritourism on agricultural land and owned by the landowner or leaseholder. Several industry and agency representatives appeared in support, and the resolution was also reported favorably by unanimous vote. The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment motioned by Senator Rouson.

Transcript Highlights:

• But is the weevil program still up and running? Has that been effective?
• This is a voluntary program.
• As with anything, with creating a new program, we also need to consider how to fund that program and
• staff that program.
• program that helps fund hog traps.

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 1209, which would pause new cooperative endeavor agreements for surface water withdrawals after December 31, 2026, while allowing existing agreements to continue and renew through 2036. The author said the bill is intended to force a broader, data-driven review of Louisiana’s surface water management and to improve funding for aquatic plant control, especially giant salvinia. An amendment was adopted to broaden the description of how the aquatic plant control fund may be used and to require annual reporting on agreements, withdrawals, revenues, deposits, spending, and non-monetary consideration. Department officials said the current program is voluntary, underfunded for monitoring, and that the bill could create a gap for new users if no replacement mechanism is enacted. The bill was reported favorable as amended after testimony from supporters including the Louisiana Wildlife Federation and opposition concerns from industry representatives were noted but not formally presented. House Bill 599 was then heard, which would prohibit the sale of Louisiana running surface water outside the state. The author argued that out-of-state sales, especially involving Toledo Bend and Texas, would be short-sighted and could harm Louisiana’s long-term water interests. Supporters said Louisiana lacks a water budget and should preserve water for in-state needs, while the Department of Conservation and Energy noted that the state currently has no mandatory process for such agreements and that the bill would not affect Sabine River Authority authority. The committee reported the bill favorable. Finally, House Bill 1206, dealing with permitting and reporting of water usage at data centers, was discussed. The substitute bill and amendment would give the department authority to monitor and regulate groundwater and surface water withdrawals, require public hearings, and improve transparency through reporting and a universal project identifier. The author and supporters said the bill was prompted by concerns in communities affected by large data center projects and the lack of public hearings on water use. Department officials agreed that more comprehensive data and a clearer framework are needed, but the author voluntarily deferred the bill to continue working with the department on a broader measure for next session. The committee also heard House Bill 1171 on allowing airboats in the Mar-Paw Swamp Wildlife Management Area, but after extensive debate over noise, habitat impacts, and existing restrictions, the discussion was ongoing in the portion provided and no final action on that bill was shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• But is the Weevil program still up and running? Has that been effective?
• This is a voluntary program.
• As with anything, with creating a new program, we also need to consider how to fund that program and
• staff that program.
• program that helps fund hog traps.

Committee: House Natural Resources & Environment

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:20:36.640><c> that</c> participate in after school program that participate in after school program
• </c><00:21:37.400><c> so</c> other sort of diversionary programs so other sort of diversionary programs
• We are doing where education is going for the future as far as facilities, programs.
• </c> these programs these programs attendance<01:36:55.119><c> is</c><01:36:55.239><c> a</c><01:36:55.400
• </c> as progress was made once treatment as progress was made once treatment began<01:39:09.679><c> this

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Of this money, $300,000 was directed to the DNR to assist in implementing the program.
• </c><00:07:37.759><c> Uh</c><00:07:38.479><c> then</c> and consider habitat program.
• Uh then and consider habitat program.
• Legacy Grant Program, and that's administered by the DNR.
• </c><01:42:02.320><c> So,</c> Wastewater treatment plant permits.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Usually that's okay because we actually have treatments.
• program, or the storm assistance for immigrants program, which provided state-funded disaster relief
• The treatments can be quite similar in both cases.
• We do not administer any programs.
• We make sure that the program staff have everything.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee held an informational hearing on the health impacts of wildfires and the effects on health care systems and access to care. The first panel focused on public health consequences, with testimony from UCLA and UCSF physicians, a community organizer, and an Altadena recovery leader. Witnesses described acute and long-term physical harms from wildfire smoke and ash, including asthma and COPD exacerbations, cardiovascular and stroke risks, pregnancy impacts, infection risk, and possible added hazards from lithium-ion battery fires. They also emphasized mental health effects such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, “firebrain,” and the need for psychological first aid, trauma-informed community networks, and youth-focused resilience programs. Community advocates stressed that Latine, Indigenous, undocumented, and Black communities face disproportionate harm because of language barriers, unsafe work conditions, lack of insurance, and exclusion from disaster aid, and they called for stronger language access, worker protections, permanent disaster relief, and better outreach. Committee members asked about air monitoring, masks, wind events, lithium-ion batteries, and how to reach communities with translation and emergency information. Panelists said AQI is useful but incomplete, that N95s help for smoke but P100 masks are needed for ash/asbestos exposure, and that communities should be warned to stay indoors and avoid windy dust-ups after fires. They also discussed the importance of building relationships during non-emergency periods, using text alerts and trusted community organizations, and providing culturally and linguistically appropriate information. Several members and witnesses highlighted the need for more research on long-term health effects, especially for people with chronic lung disease, workers who cannot stay indoors, and residents exposed to repeated disasters. The second panel addressed health care system response and access to care. DHCS and DMHC described emergency flexibilities used during the Southern California fires, including federal waivers, extended Medi-Cal renewal deadlines, reinstated coverage for some disenrolled members, suspension of prior authorization and prescription refill barriers, out-of-network access at in-network cost-sharing, and communication through websites, toll-free numbers, and social media. Hospital and community health center leaders described major operational strain: emergency room surges, canceled surgeries, dialysis disruptions, staff displacement, temporary housing needs, and financial losses. Huntington Health and AltaMed reported using incident command systems, temporary care spaces, bilingual and culturally tailored services, mobile clinics, infection control measures, and community health workers to keep care going. Members and witnesses also discussed the need for better disaster staffing pools, more flexible facility rules, stronger mental health coverage, child care planning, and statewide coordination for future emergencies; no formal votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• This recommendation led to the creation of the grant program.
• Um, this grant program, as the representative mentioned, has typically funded these innovative programs
• Uh, it's almost close to like a master's level, um, um, program.
• So that's kind of the part of the point of developing these types of residency programs.
• Campus, it's our adolescent forensic program.

Bills: HB163 , HB 296

Committee: House Public Health

Keywords: judicial liability, personal bond, felony offenses, judges, criminal justice reform, voter registration, election procedures, change of address, residence requirements, Texas Election Code, Texas election law, residence address, precinct voting, county move, same-county move, Election Code, registrar, statement of residence, polling place, local elections

Transcript Highlights:

• marketing program.
• , the Blue Shield grant program. various grant programs, the Blue Shield grant program that the governor's
• , which is a behavioral health treatment program in the Department of Corrections.
• But in addition to that, they also have substance abuse treatment programs.
• They have in-classroom programming. They have programming for early education.

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the previous day’s journal by a 126-0 vote, and suspended business for the Speaker to sign several bills and substitutes. Members then spent much of the day introducing guests, including county assessors, students, civic groups, and visitors from local schools and universities. The chamber then took up House Bill 2002, the elementary and secondary education budget. Members adopted several amendments, including technical fixes to allow board-operated schools to use personal service funds for career ladder payments, clarifications to child care subsidy language, and changes to Parents as Teachers rules so that enrollment remains voluntary and virtual visits are not reimbursable. An amendment to shift $1 million from one child care facilities line to Child Care Works passed, as did an amendment to fund a new Success-Ready Student Assessment with $2 million to help replace the MAP test. A proposal to pay child care subsidies for foster children based on enrollment rather than attendance failed 53-93, and an amendment to divert $10 million in Title I funds into a competitive grant program also failed. A later amendment to send budget reports to the ranking minority member passed, while an attempt to remove child care subsidy language from the bill failed. The House then moved to higher education and workforce development appropriations. Members approved an amendment broadening a pre-apprenticeship program statewide and supported funding for Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries through a transfer from dual credit scholarship funds. The most extensive debate centered on House Bill 2003’s higher education funding model, where the chair defended an FTE-based approach as more transparent than the long-standing status quo, while opponents warned it would sharply cut funding for institutions such as Harris-Stowe, Lincoln, Truman State, and some community colleges, and would ignore factors like graduation rates, research, and workforce needs. A compromise amendment to soften the transition was withdrawn, and a separate amendment to restore the governor’s recommendation was also debated at length, with members arguing over the fairness and consequences of the proposed model.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> subject</c> Nonopioid treatments are often subject Nonopioid treatments are often subject to<00:
• <01:01:25.599><c> is</c><01:01:26.000><c> by</c> treatments is by treatments is by making<01:01:28.240
• we've created, the JCAP program.
• </c><03:10:56.560><c> here</c> applies to one particular program here applies to one particular program
• So the whole program as it uh there.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• suddenly undergoing fast growth, and they're going to, uh, gonna have to be a very aggressive building program
• Here's, it's a temporary service until you actually get a sewer, whole wastewater treatment plant kind
• decisions, uh, that are optional are ones that really have to go to the voters, ones that such as a treatment
• We just went out for our first GO program that passed from the voters in 22 years and so we're really

Committee: House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> we'll just walk through a few program we'll just walk through a few program Basics<00:04:15.799>
• ><c> but</c> program certain program parameters but program certain program parameters but not<00:05:
• program unhoused.
• treatment.
• </c><01:37:39.920><c> up</c><01:37:40.080><c> to</c> of the program um our program is up to of the program

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to thank UCF and the Legislative Scholars Program for connecting us with such a talented student
• You talked about the Guardian program now with our child care facilities.
• in the same way that a school may take advantage of the Guardian program.
• foster care pilot program and reporting related to commercial sexual exploitation of children.
• They're eligible for loan forgiveness in the frame program.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of introductions recognizing interns, pages, and retiring Senate staff, including Pastor Gary Austin. Leaders also noted ongoing budget talks with the House and said senators would not need to plan on being in Tallahassee the following week. The chamber then moved to third reading and returned messages from the House later in the day. The main floor debate centered on Committee Substitute for House Bill 12.5, the citizen initiative/constitutional amendment bill. Sponsors said the measure was intended to address fraud in the petition process, citing investigations, arrests, pleas, and open cases involving paid circulators and invalid petitions. Opponents argued the bill would make citizen-led amendments far more difficult, expensive, and risky, warning it would chill grassroots participation, burden supervisors of elections, and effectively favor wealthy or corporate-backed efforts. Supporters responded that the bill preserved grassroots petitioning, placed reasonable guardrails on paid circulators and sponsors, and included a provision barring public funds from being used to advocate for or against ballot initiatives. The bill passed 28-10. The Senate also passed several education measures unanimously, including bills tied to Bright Futures, dual enrollment, educator preparation, and broader education policy. Later, the chamber concurred in House amendments on several bills: stem cell therapy legislation clarifying permitted therapies and penalties for improper use of fetal or embryonic tissue; an EKG requirement bill for student athletes with exemptions and partnership options for districts; and a cardiac emergency response bill that renamed the school emergency plan and removed a bill title honoring Rafe McCrone. These measures passed by wide margins, generally 37-0 or 38-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• I also worked in the Office of The Guardian ad Litem program office also work for use in the Office of
• The Guardian ad litem program.
• When she finally came home off of Oliver medical treatments, she had deteriorated.
• Her doctors when able put her back on all medical could treatments and she has improved much in our case
• Many of the loving parents that you've seen here today receive medical care and treatment during labor

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I do have a question about the educational program. I always think of DARE.
• Thank you for your heartfelt... and seeking treatment and recovery.
• And so this education program, I think, is so, so important.
• I mean, there has to be a program where, you know, she can turn to.
• And I'm trying to visualize a program.

Committee: House Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Program that can tell students, like, hey, college is affordable, and we have programs like the North
• </c><01:20:49.560><c> but</c> again can vary across the program but again can vary across the program
• losses with that program we creating losses with that program we train<01:36:21.800><c> dnp</c><01:36
• </c> received Veterinary exams and treatment received Veterinary exams and treatment from<01:46:39.760
• Thank you so much. state um through uh their programs um state um through uh their programs um that<01

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Furthermore, the law is steering students away from private dental programs and toward programs that
• Graduates of other programs.
• cannot continue as OPAs as easily as graduates of other programs.
• of other programs.
• However, there is no accreditation that even exists for an OPA program.

Bills: HB2072 , HB2251 , HB2279 , HB2308 , HB2323 , HB2342 , HB2400 , HB2408 , HB2456 , HB2660 , HB2697 , HB2868 , HB2873 , HB2877 , HB2910 , HB2946 , HB2955 , HB2991 , HB4001 , HB4010

Committee: Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency

Keywords: Cesar Chavez, public holiday, state law, holiday repeal, Arizona Revised Statutes, midwifery, medication administration, healthcare, patient safety, advisory committee, licensed midwives, river trips, liability, outfitter, Grand Canyon, negligence, risk management, contractual waiver, dental practice, business registration