Transcript Highlights:

• there becomes a brain drain from your universities, your regional universities, into your upper research
• do you think this will deter a lot of the applicants that maybe want to come to a university for research
• happens maybe because the university didn't agree with what the professor's findings would be on a research
• bill was presented on our agenda, I contacted our two, or people that I know, on our two flagship research
• I'm really confused by this bill, and I tried to do as much research as I possibly could this morning

Bills: SB514 , SB346 , SB1593 , SB1782 , SB1366 , SB1497 , SB366 , SB1895 , SB2048 , SB2005 , SB2006 , SB710 , SB1480

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: SB514, school choice, charter school, virtual charter school, OSSAA, extracurricular activities, interscholastic activities, athletics, homeschool, other means of education, alternative education, student eligibility, student transfer, district policy, public school district, adjacent district, blended learning, virtual learning, school sports, academic eligibility

Summary: The Senate Education Committee met for deadline week and first recognized guests and updates, including a report from Senator Devers on the Elgin school bus crash and recognition of 2025 Teacher of the Year Melissa Yvonne and visiting students from UCO and Darnaby Elementary. The committee then took up a series of education bills, with several authors explaining that some measures were work in progress and striking title on those bills to continue negotiations. Among the measures advanced were SB 514, clarifying alternative education programming through charter and virtual charter schools; SB 346, expanding school-to-school notification requirements about allegations or investigations involving teachers; SB 1593, updating outdated statutory references for the OSU-Tulsa board; SB 1366, using the Teacher Empowerment Fund to reward top teachers; SB 1497, correcting graduation standards to comply with IDEA and clarify alternate diplomas; SB 366, creating a process for charter schools to be notified about district facilities and lease or purchase opportunities; SB 1895, requiring districts to report whether they participate in the Community Eligibility Provision and why not; SB 2048, allowing the statewide charter school board to pay travel-related expenses for conferences and training; SB 710, allowing multiple grants under the Teach Forward teacher-prep program; and SB 1480, creating a pilot youth apprenticeship program. Most of these bills passed on bipartisan votes, often after questions about implementation, fiscal impact, or scope. Two of the more debated measures were SB 1782, which would end new tenure plans for higher education employees and move new hires to five-year contracts, and SB 2005, which would restructure the OSSAA board. SB 1782 passed 6-4 after extended debate over constitutional authority, academic freedom, recruitment, and litigation risk, with supporters arguing it would increase flexibility and accountability and opponents warning about legal and retention concerns. SB 2005 failed 4-6 after members split over whether the legislature should intervene in OSSAA governance; supporters said the association was not responsive enough to member schools and families, while opponents argued the issue should be left to the organization and that the bill risked government overreach.

Transcript Highlights:

• So are you aware right up by 35 that we have a university that does goat research?
• They're one of the premier goat research stations in the United States.
• So as I visited that research station and their work on goats, when the nanny kids, they pull them away
• First of all, you have to remember they are a research facility.
• Second of all, if they're bottle-feeding as a research station, they can control the feed.

Bills: HB4338 , HB3977 , HB2100 , HB2975 , HB3056 , HB3406 , HB3720 , HB4316 , HB3405 , HB1907 , HB3142 , HB3173 , HB3270 , HB3728 , HB2440 , HB2596 , HB3466 , HB3469 , HB4338 , HB3977 , HB2100 , HB2975 , HB3056 , HB3406 , HB3720 , HB4316 , HB3405 , HB1907 , HB3142 , HB3173 , HB3270 , HB3728 , HB2440 , HB2596 , HB3466 , HB3469

Committees: House Energy , House Energy and Natural Resources Oversight

Keywords: HB4338, Oklahoma Brine Development Act, brine unitization, produced water, produced water unit, oil and gas wastewater, produced water recycling, reclaimed water, constituent elements, brine rights, solution gas, Corporation Commission, unitization, royalty interests, surface owner, oil and gas produced water, recycling and reuse, wastewater disposal, mineral extraction, lithium extraction

Transcript Highlights:

• Voter verification<00:10:04.399><c> and</c><00:10:04.640><c> public</c><00:10:04.880><c> research</c>
• verification and public research verification and public research organizations<00:10:06.240><c> use
• Or you could add voter verification and<00:11:09.519><c> public</c><00:11:09.839><c> research</c><00:
• 11:10.320><c> organizations</c><00:11:11.360><c> to</c><00:11:11.600><c> the</c> and public research
• organizations to the and public research organizations to the exemptions<00:11:12.399><c> under</c><00

Bills: SB249 , SB259 , HB67 , HB214 , SB249 , SB259 , HB67 , HB214

Committee: Senate County and Municipal Government

Keywords: municipal tax, license fee, local tax increase, ordinance, public hearing, 30-day notice, municipal notice requirements, city council, town council, Alabama municipalities, Code of Alabama 1975, Section 11-45-2, open meetings website, newspaper publication, local government finance, tax transparency, fee increase, municipal ordinance procedure, University of South Alabama, Board of Trustees

Transcript Highlights:

• But what research also tells us is that positive childhood experiences mitigate the ACEs' effects.
• So there's been a lot of information up here about the research, about interconnectivity between, like
• So the first step of this would actually be getting a research-backed public awareness campaign.
• It would be doing a survey to actually research how people are consuming the data that we're sending
• And with the research itself, And with the research itself, we'd start by doing a survey.

Summary: The committee met to hear presentations on proposed uses of temporary Millennium Fund money for youth- and family-focused prevention programs. The chair opened by emphasizing that the funds are one-time and not ongoing, and that the committee would not make decisions at this meeting. Minutes from the prior meeting were approved before testimony began. Roger Sherman of the Idaho Children's Trust Fund described the fund’s statutory role in preventing child abuse and neglect and requested $682,000 for mid-sized grants to community organizations for child sexual abuse prevention, abusive head trauma education, parenting programs, family resource centers, and school-based family supports. Royal Lockhart of The Children’s Bridge proposed $3.5 million over four years for a shared-services model to stabilize child care businesses through software, coaching, bookkeeping, purchasing, and benefits access, arguing that stronger child care infrastructure supports prevention and family stability. Nancy Windmill of the Idaho Safety Assessment Center Coalition requested $1 million for 12 youth assessment centers, citing diversion and early intervention outcomes for youth facing substance use, behavioral, or mental health crises. Sonia Howerton of the Idaho Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers asked for $3 million in bridge funding for 10 children’s advocacy centers, explaining that declining federal funds and prior one-time state support created a sustainability gap. Ross Edmunds of the Department of Health and Welfare requested $150,000 for a 10th recovery community center, the Upper River Youth Leadership Council in Kamiah, noting that the department now serves as the pass-through and accountability entity for existing recovery centers under prior intent language. Representative Jordan Redmond also presented a proposed $5 million statewide drug-use awareness campaign through the Office of Drug Policy, with research, survey work, and multi-platform media buys to test and refine messaging. Members asked about grant criteria, referral networks, sustainability, oversight, and coordination with state agencies; presenters generally described extensive application processes, multidisciplinary collaboration, and plans to transition toward earned revenue or state oversight. The chair closed by reiterating that the Governor’s recommendation already includes $150,000 for recovery centers and that the Governor has proposed $25 million from the Millennium Fund, limiting available funds, and said the committee would reconvene later for further discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Yarborough said he did not know the answer about commission rates, but would research it and
• Senator Yarborough said he would consider capping the commission rate, but wanted to research and get
• I would need to research who can qualify, Senator, to answer the first part of your question.
• I would need to research who can qualify, Senator, to answer the first part of your question.
• I need to research that, Senator.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several bills. SB 624, by Senator Yarborough, would allow batterers intervention programs to offer optional supplemental faith-based activities, with no participant required to take part; supporters said it would expand provider options amid a shortage of certified programs, while opponents raised concerns about government speech and mixing religion with court-ordered programming. After debate, the bill was reported favorably 7-2. The committee also considered CS/SB 834, which repeals a 2022 restriction preventing licensed insurance agents from marketing or selling health care sharing ministries; supporters framed it as restoring choice and free speech, while opponents warned about consumer confusion, commissions, and lack of insurance protections. It was reported favorably 8-2. The committee next approved CS/SB 502, via a strike-all amendment, to give Florida concurrent jurisdiction over certain juvenile offenses on military installations so juveniles can be handled in state juvenile court rather than federal court; the amendment and bill both passed unanimously. CS/SB 52 also passed unanimously after testimony from church leaders and security personnel supporting an exemption from Class D/G licensing for unpaid armed security volunteers at places of worship. Supporters said the bill would clarify legal gray areas and help churches afford security, while members noted the broader concern that houses of worship need armed protection at all. Finally, the committee reported favorably SB 840, which revises last year’s emergency/local planning law by narrowing its application after storms from 100 miles to 50 miles of the storm track and exempting certain water, flood, and state/federal planning matters; local government representatives supported the clarification, and the bill passed 9-0. CS/SB 758, as amended, updated the membership of the Justice Administration Commission to better reflect the entities it oversees, and it also passed 9-0. The meeting ended with a recorded affirmative vote from Senator DeSigley on SB 624.

Transcript Highlights:

• Emily Horowitz is a nationally recognized sociologist whose research addresses the collateral consequences
• This bill is not supported by any facts, data, evidence, or research.
• Our members are clinicians and researchers who work in prevention, assessment, treatment, and supervision
• However, based upon the research and our professional experience, we do not believe this proposal will
• Okay, so brave family, friends, landlords, therapists, researchers, and survivors of sexual harm who

Bills: S0212 , S0656 , S0682 , S0810 , S0812 , S0890 , S0892 , S0900 , S0928 , S1084 , S1284

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Keywords: sexual offender, sexual predator, sex offender registry, child protection, residency restriction, loitering, proximity restriction, public swimming pool, school safety, child care facility, day care center, park, playground, conditional release, probation, community control, warrantless arrest, background check, registry screening, minor victims

Summary: The committee took up a series of criminal justice and public safety bills. SB 1084, which exempts certain identifying and location information for non-legal support staff in state attorneys’ offices from public records requests, was supported by prosecuting attorneys and reported favorably. SB 212, as amended, created new restrictions related to sexual offenders and predators, including a 200-foot restricted presence provision near certain locations and updated notification/supervision requirements; it drew strong opposition from researchers, advocates, and affected families who argued it lacked evidence and would increase homelessness, but it was reported favorably. SB 682, addressing domestic violence, coercive control, strangulation, animal abuse, injunctions, and related training and enforcement issues, received emotional survivor testimony and support from animal welfare and law enforcement groups and was reported favorably. SB 656, creating and renaming FDLE Internet Crimes Against Children funding and grant programs, was amended and reported favorably and unanimously. The committee also considered SB 810 on sealing criminal history records, which would expand eligibility for some non-conviction records and one low-level misdemeanor conviction after waiting periods and judicial review; supporters said Florida is unusually restrictive, while one senator raised concerns about the scope, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 890, creating a standalone battery by strangulation offense applicable outside domestic relationships, was reported favorably after the sponsor said it would close a gap in current law. SB 892, revising habitual offender and violent career criminal sentencing procedures and notice requirements, was reported favorably, with defense lawyers supporting the clearer pretrial notice. SB 928, “Missy’s Law,” requiring immediate remand to custody after conviction of certain dangerous crimes, was amended to include computer pornography/child exploitation offenses and reported favorably after a family member of the namesake victim testified in support. Later, SB 1284 modernized arrest and search warrant statutes, expanding judicial summons options for some misdemeanors and broadening warrant/arrest authority in certain DUI, injunction, domestic violence, and misdemeanor force cases; defense lawyers supported the judicial-discretion portions but raised concerns about DUI/BUI arrests, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 812, a technical companion to SB 810 updating public records treatment for sealed criminal history records, was amended to clarify prosecutorial access for later cases and reported favorably. Several bills were supported by law enforcement, prosecutors, and advocacy groups, while others drew opposition from civil liberties, treatment, homelessness, and criminal defense advocates. The meeting adjourned after members recorded additional votes on selected tabs.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's the largest produce crop in our state, and we have a lot of research going on at Washington State
• We have a lot of research going on at Washington State University, helping to understand the best genetics
• Research consistently shows that faculty of color, women, and contingent faculty are more likely to be
• Research consistently shows that faculty of color, women, and contingent faculty are more likely to be
• I think that's an answer for the researcher. Well, I can make an attempt on that.

Summary: The Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee began with a work session on student complaints in higher education. Faculty, union, and research witnesses argued that current complaint systems are sometimes misused in bad faith, disproportionately affecting faculty of color, women, and contingent faculty, consuming institutional resources, and chilling academic freedom. They called for an initial screening process for bias or retaliation, routine data collection and equity review, and a faculty bill of rights. Committee members asked about FERPA, Title IX, and how complaint data could be tracked consistently across institutions. The committee then held public hearings on several bills. SB 6090 would create a Heritage Orchard Program at Washington State University to register and preserve heritage orchards and rare apple varieties; Senator Braun said it would honor Washington’s apple history and support research at low cost. SB 5931 would make technical changes to the Workforce Education Investment Oversight Board, including two-year co-chair terms, a later annual report date, and removal of a dashboard requirement; WASAC, labor, and Microsoft testified in support. SB 5963 would automatically qualify Passport to Careers students as income-eligible for the Washington College Grant and align financial aid definitions; WASAC, College Success Foundation, students, and student advocates supported it as a way to reduce barriers for foster and homeless youth. The committee also heard SB 5978, which would codify and expand the Washington Guaranteed Admissions Program and require annual student notifications about admissions, financial aid, dual credit, and related opportunities. Supporters included the Council of Presidents, faculty, students, parents, and the Washington Roundtable, who said guaranteed admission and better outreach would reduce anxiety, improve transparency, and help more students enroll. Finally, SB 6082 would direct JLARC to audit fraud in state financial aid programs, including fictitious students and AI-enabled abuse; the sponsor cited recent fraud concerns, while community and technical college officials said colleges already have fraud controls in place, warned the audit was unfunded and potentially duplicative, and asked for more resources. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after closing the hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• The next testifier we have signed up is Will Cooley from the Minnesota Justice Research Center. Mr.
• I'm the Policy Director at the Minnesota Justice Research Center.
• In regards to HF 467, the Minnesota Justice Research Center puts forth these statistics.
• As I think the research shows that was used to pass this bill in the last biennium, you know, the creating
• I'm the Executive Director of the Minnesota Justice Research Center.

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not trying to say they've done all the research they should have done.
• It's for research and development used at large facilities to research new products.
• Conduct here is research, so that rather than acting upon what we don't know, we're acting upon what
• That you all survey, you look, you research, you, when you select your sites.
• To have done research with limestone before and with water, the way these vibrations in the limestone

Bills: SB2037 , SB1757 , SB1758 , SB1759 , HB29

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Keywords: rock crushing, permits, air quality, environmental monitoring, aggregate production, seismicity, public meeting, land use, SB 1758, cement kiln, portland cement, aggregate production operation, aggregate quarry, semiconductor wafer manufacturing, chip fabrication, semiconductor plant, vibration, seismic disturbance, liability limitation, TCEQ

Transcript Highlights:

• Promise you that I will do some research to make sure that that's not unintentionally true.
• And there's a couple of reasons, but the number one reason is that what we heard from our researchers
• Research over the last year overwhelmingly indicates that these folks are studying behavioral health
• Representative Sena-Cortez: Yes, that's how we know the licensure is for New Mexico, and the research
• Just to add a few more details, I am the Director of Research at [unknown organization].

Committee: House House Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• He added that this research was nationally leading and that wastewater monitoring started with a research
• </c><00:16:17.839><c> was</c><00:16:18.519><c> uh</c><00:16:19.120><c> Nation</c> creative uh research
• was uh Nation creative uh research was uh Nation leading<00:16:20.199><c> you</c><00:16:20.319><c> know
• Wastewater that actually started uh with Wastewater that actually started uh with a<00:16:27.199><c> research
• at the University of a research at the University of Minnesota<00:16:29.279><c> that</c><00:16:29.440

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Center and a senior physician policy researcher at the RAND Corporation. Dr.
• The Chairman said I am a Senior Physician Policy Researcher at RAND and direct an NIH-funded research
• So, that's well beyond... sort of the research that I'm currently involved in.
• Research at RAND has highlighted unintended consequences of past opioid policies.
• And recent research from a colleague actually shows higher rates of child suicide.

Committee: Senate Aging (Special) Committee

Keywords: opioid crisis, overdose, naloxone, drug trafficking, law enforcement, treatment, prevention, older adults, Medicaid expansion

Summary: The meeting convened to address the dire opioid crisis affecting communities nationwide, with a particular focus on the alarming rise of opioid use disorder among older adults. Key testimonies highlighted the critical need for a comprehensive approach that encompasses prevention, treatment, and strict law enforcement actions against drug traffickers. Sheriff Dennis Lima from Seminole County outlined successful strategies implemented in Florida, including increased access to naloxone and legislative changes to hold drug dealers accountable for overdoses. Various members expressed a united front on tackling this multifaceted issue, advocating for the expansion of Medicaid and better access to treatment as essential steps to curbing the epidemic.

Transcript Highlights:

• any similar research done um offering any similar research done um offering these<00:31:28.080><c> types
• </c> focus long enough to write a research focus long enough to write a research paper<01:31:30.480><
• doing the research.
• c><01:36:54.560><c> are</c> cited research studies that are cited research studies that are misleading
• </c> the very companies doing the research. the very companies doing the research.

Committee: Joint Education

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Both groups have published research and helped other states with their juvenile justice systems.
• One reason is that research has found that smaller facilities may be more conducive to rehabilitation
• DCYF's researchers have found that the tools JR uses are not valid for the population they're used on
• DCYF's researchers have the statutory authority and expertise to validate the tools.
• And DCYS researchers had done some research on their tools that determined that they were not statistically

Summary: The committee met on July 15, 2026, but initially lacked a quorum, so it could not adopt prior minutes. Chair Jerry Pollett welcomed new member Senator Victoria Hunt and new JLARC staff, and noted national recognition for recent JLARC reports. The meeting then moved into a series of preliminary audit presentations and an agency strategic management update, with committee members asking questions after each item. JLARC presented a preliminary audit of DCYF’s Juvenile Rehabilitation programs. Staff concluded that crowding, staffing shortages, weak risk assessments, and inconsistent programming combine to create unsafe conditions. The report found that most youth are housed in two large secure facilities operating near or above capacity, incidents rise as population rises, 47% of frontline staff leave within a year, current assessment tools are not valid for the population, and program access depends more on facility than individual need. JLARC made one recommendation to the legislature to address crowding and seven to DCYF, including improving retention, training, incident response procedures, validated assessments, program alignment, and data quality. DCYF Secretary Ross Hunter said the agency agreed overcrowding is a serious problem, described ongoing efforts to improve staffing and safety, and said a detailed response would be provided later. Committee members raised concerns about education access, retaliation against staff or youth who participated in the audit, and whether JR-25 has helped or worsened conditions. JLARC then presented a preliminary audit of Labor and Industries’ enforcement of farm worker labor laws. The audit found that L&I generally meets inspection timelines for health and safety complaints, but not for wage and hour or retaliation complaints, where delays are driven largely by time before assignment to an investigator. Staff said complaint volume exceeds capacity, though the agency has added staff, created screening processes, and reorganized workloads, and 2026 legislation now allows prioritization of complaints and broader investigations. JLARC recommended that L&I report back in December 2026 and December 2027 on backlog reduction and implementation of the new law. An L&I representative said the agency is hiring additional staff and will provide a formal response later. The committee also received a JLARC overview and Department of Health strategic management plan update on hospital data reporting, inspections, complaints, and adverse event reporting. DOH reported measurable progress on inspection compliance, new staffing and licensing systems, translated complaint forms, and plans for future work on language access, adverse event reporting, and financial data dashboards. After lunch, JLARC began its 2026 tax preference performance reviews. The first review covered the Main Street tax credit, which JLARC said has helped increase the number of Main Street communities and businesses, with positive growth near designated districts; JLARC recommended continuing the preference and improving business-count data. The second review covered the equitable access to credit program, which JLARC said appears to support underserved communities by funding loans through CDFIs; JLARC recommended continuing the preference beyond its 2027 expiration. The committee began questions on the program mechanics and the role of the Community Reinvestment Act, and the presentation was still underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• the lifeguards report to be involved in critical incidences during their careers, yet almost no research
• Because of this gap race and research, we are referred to as the forgotten first responders.
• Because of this gap race and research, we are referred to as the forgotten first responders.
• ,</c><00:13:54.960><c> we</c><00:13:55.160><c> are</c> this gap race and research, we are this gap race
• and research, we are referred<00:13:55.720><c> to</c><00:13:55.880><c> as</c><00:13:56.040><c> the</

Bills: HCR92 , HCR46 , HCR172 , HCR147 , HCR112 , HCR100 , HR84 , HR42 , HR139 , HR104 , HR92

Committee: House Labor

Keywords: automated external defibrillator, AED, cardiac arrest, state buildings, health education, public health, lifeguards, first responders, public safety, ocean safety, emergency response, Hawaii, workers' compensation, auditor, procurement audit, compliance, Department of Human Resources Development, transparency, accountability, medical care

Transcript Highlights:

• Our tribal college and resource management program is working on a research project called Protecting
• called protecting research project called protecting menomomen<00:07:25.599><c> for</c><00:07:25.759
• Um, it's just, in my research, bass, walleye, and northern pike all have their eggs within wild rice
• , and just in my research, bass, walleye, and northern<00:17:13.439><c> pike,</c><00:17:13.839><c> all
• Can I please— [clears throat] talked about the research project that I'm working on.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And I will challenge anyone to look at the data and to look at the research to find something that says
• I don't think we have any specific research or anything saying that, but yeah, I appreciate your point
• LAO does not have any research on the benefits of child care to the economy.
• So let's think through this in an innovative way, because I research show that there's going to be a
• These include positions within accounting, human resources, research, and...

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I don’t think we have any specific research or anything saying that, but I appreciate your point.
• LAO does not have any research on the benefits of child care to the economy.
• In my very quick research, I was also able to find... ...some numbers from First 5 Years Fund that it
• So let's think through this in an innovative way, because I research show that there's going to be a
• Research does show that child care costs are pushing our families into poverty every year, not because

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittees on early childhood education heard a broad review of the Governor’s child care and preschool budget proposals, with testimony from the Department of Finance, the Department of Social Services (CDSS), the California Department of Education (CDE), and the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO). The main topics were cost-of-care-plus and COLA adjustments, the California State Preschool Program, child care slot reductions tied to federal and Proposition 64 funding changes, disaster recovery grants for child care facilities, trailer bill proposals on family fees and absences, prospective pay, and several budget change proposals for departmental staffing and licensing. Officials also discussed the state’s transition toward an alternative methodology for setting rates based on the true cost of care. On rate reform, CDSS and CDE said the current reimbursement system remains below the alternative methodology in many counties and that providers continue to struggle with recruitment and retention. The LAO recommended aligning cost-of-care-plus increases across provider types, while CDE urged that any COLA be added to base rates rather than cost-of-care-plus payments because providers view the latter as less ongoing. CDSS said the next alternative methodology update will be developed with a contractor during fiscal year 2026-27, with public engagement and legislative input, and estimated that fully transitioning to rates informed by the methodology would take about 24 months once policy and funding are in place. CDSS also said the direct-service cost of care under the methodology was estimated at about $18.7 billion in a July 2025 report. A major point of contention was the proposed reduction of 4,167 child care slots due to lower federal CCDF funding and reduced Proposition 64 revenue. CDSS said it expects to absorb the reduction through unspent funds and relinquishments so currently enrolled children are not disrupted, while the LAO supported the reduction as a way to avoid worsening the structural deficit. Members strongly objected to the slot cuts, arguing the administration has repeatedly proposed reductions after prior budget agreements and emphasizing the economic and family benefits of child care. The committee also discussed preschool enrollment trends, including growth in three-year-old enrollment and a sharp increase in two-year-olds served under a temporary provision, with CDE warning that the temporary two-year-old authority expires in 2027. The committee also reviewed an $11.5 million Proposition 64 proposal for child care infrastructure grants for facilities impacted by 2025 state disasters, especially the Los Angeles fires, and members asked for trailer bill language to make the funds flexible for repairs, equipment, insurance, and permitting. On trailer bill items, the panel discussed codifying family fee reimbursement rules, defining excessive unexplained absences to allow disenrollment after prolonged nonuse, and expanding temporary provider absences; CDSS said the absence policy is meant to mirror federal CCDF rules, while CDE said it is already pursuing its own rulemaking. The hearing also covered prospective pay, with CDSS and CDE saying they are waiting for final federal guidance before moving ahead; LAO said the state could save ongoing costs if the federal requirement is rescinded. Finally, the committee reviewed staffing and support budget requests for CDSS and other implementation items, and held several items open for further discussion before the May Revision. Public comment overwhelmingly urged full funding for child care slots, true cost-of-care payments, and ongoing support for early education programs and county offices of education.

Transcript Highlights:

• The level of expertise and research in these letters arguing for protecting human health, ecosystems,
• According to Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, quote, The level of expertise and research in these
• In 2025, Quebec expanded the program to all insecticide seed treatments, consistent with the research
• ><c> Council's</c> The National Research Defense Council's The National Research Defense Council's testimony
• Um, I believe that was my quote from the National Research Defense Council.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise to present Senate Bill 196, which relates to the Uterine Fibroid Research Database.
• Thank you. to present Senate Bill 196, which relates to the Uterine Fibroid Research Database.
• Okay, this amendment clarifies that the uterine fibroid research database may not include any personal
• Uterine fibroids research will hopefully lead to expansion in treatment options and lead to more accurate
• So I think it's really important that we do more research.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 1414 by Sen. Polsky on congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) education. The bill would require the Department of Health, working with medical experts, to create and distribute CMV educational materials to expectant and new parents or caregivers through hospitals, birth centers, and OB/GYN practices. An amendment removed a section that would have required instruction for medical professionals, and the amended bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. The committee then took up a block of confirmations. Appointees on tabs 2 through 7 were recommended favorably in one vote, and Chavon Harris was separately confirmed as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration after extensive questioning. Senators praised her leadership and experience, while others raised concerns about Medicaid redeterminations, the state’s CORE modernization project, Hope Florida, and a DCF anti-marijuana ad campaign; Harris said she would follow up on some issues and defended the agency’s work on transparency, managed care oversight, and access to care. Her confirmation was recommended favorably, with Sen. Berman noting opposition. Several health-related bills were then heard and advanced. SB 186 by Sen. Garcia expanded epilepsy training requirements for school personnel, including charter school bus drivers, and was reported favorably. SB 902 by Sen. Garcia, after amendments narrowing dental workforce provisions and allowing certain seizure rescue medication delegation to family home health aides, was reported favorably; testimony focused on medical marijuana regulation, practitioner accountability, and concerns about park and child-care proximity restrictions. SB 196 by Sen. Sharif created a uterine fibroid research database with privacy protections and was reported favorably after emotional testimony from a patient and supporters. SB 688 by Sen. Rodriguez would reestablish licensure of naturopathic doctors; it drew both support and skepticism about diagnosis and treatment boundaries, but was reported favorably. SB 1574, Maddie’s Law, would add biliary atresia screening to newborn screening and was strongly supported by parents describing a delayed diagnosis; it was reported favorably. SB 878 on clinical laboratory personnel, SB 1092 on podiatric medicine and certain cellular/tissue-based products, and SB 1032 on medical marijuana registry timelines and veteran fee waivers were also reported favorably, while SB 1032 drew debate over longer renewal/supply periods. The committee then began SB 1760 on Medicaid oversight and program transparency, with the sponsor describing the bill’s creation of a joint legislative oversight committee and a legislative actuary.