Transcript Highlights:

• We run the risk of not learning from other states who haven't been as safe and haven't been as careful
• We know that people are careful around schools, but as you have heard, there have been instances across
• We know that people are careful around schools, but as you have heard, there have been instances across
• , pays the CEO of UCSF Health to sit on their CARE-DX corporate board of directors.
• Because this bill applies to all executives and their direct reports, regardless of their involvement

Summary: The Senate Education Committee heard several bills related to school nutrition, campus safety, college financial aid, and UC contracting ethics. SB 1058 by Senator McNerney would remove price as the primary factor in school nutrition procurement grants, allowing districts more flexibility to prioritize quality, local sourcing, cultural responsiveness, and healthier meals. Supporters from school nutrition and education groups said it would help districts better serve students and local farmers without increasing state costs. After questions about vendor selection and safeguards against favoritism, the bill was moved do pass and later approved 7-0. SB 1140 by Senator Ashby, sponsored by the California Federation of Teachers, would require school safety plans to address access control during construction, maintenance, and repair projects. Supporters said the bill closes a gap that can leave gates or doors unsecured and could help prevent unauthorized access to campuses. There was no opposition, and the committee approved the bill unanimously. SB 959 was also taken up on consent and passed. SB 1006 by Senator Padilla would raise the Cal Grant B Access Award and tie future increases to inflation using the California Consumer Price Index. Supporters said the current award has lost most of its value and does not cover basic needs like housing, food, transportation, and books, affecting hundreds of thousands of students. Members discussed the fiscal impact and the need to keep aid aligned with rising costs; the bill was moved forward and later approved 7-0. SB 1141 by Senator Wahab would bar UC contracts with businesses that pay UC executives or where executives serve in paid roles, aiming to prevent conflicts of interest. UC and the Chamber of Commerce opposed the bill as too broad and potentially disruptive to operations, while supporters argued existing rules are insufficient because many contracting decisions happen outside public view. After extended debate over recusal, transparency, and the scope of the restrictions, the committee passed the bill 4-2 and then finalized all bills on the agenda before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1191 directs the Commissioner of Education to develop a single standard method for computing GPAs
• Faculty often represent the most direct path to college for many students, particularly in rural and
• The bill states that parents have the right to direct their child's education and have access to all
• Trust is dangerous and care is penalized. It doesn't protect families; it polices students.
• Basically, taking care of them. Thank you. Thank you very much for your testimony, Mr. Dhala.

Bills: SB12, SB226, SB413, SB1049, SB1191, SB2398, SB571, SB2920, SB 12

Keywords: parental rights, education, social transitioning, diversity, equity, inclusion, school policy, student clubs, residency, public schools, child safety placement, enrollment, education code, school boards, transparency, public meetings, attendance, recording, released time, religious instruction

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you care to comment on that? Mr.
• They care about law enforcement.
• They care about law enforcement.
• As many of you know or don't know, more than 50% of our children in foster care are being cared for by
• One of the top three, and then, of course, taking care of those that can't take care of themselves.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 1630, which would direct AHCCCS to seek federal approval for a home- and community-based services program for adults determined to be seriously mentally ill, with quarterly implementation updates, a stakeholder work group, and a cap on enrollment. The sponsor and advocates from Arizona Mad Moms argued the bill would create a Medicaid-funded long-term care option for the most disabled SMI patients, reduce costly hospital and state-only care, and improve continuity of care. A committee amendment narrowed eligibility to individuals needing a long-term SMI level of care, changed reporting to semiannual, reduced the initial cap to 250 members with possible growth tied to savings, and required AHCCCS to keep pursuing approval if CMS denies it. The amendment was adopted, and SB 1630 as amended passed 10-0. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1131, which originally required every school district and charter school to adopt a cardiac emergency response plan and appropriated $1 million for implementation. A Warner amendment replaced the mandate with a reporting requirement on AED counts, CPR/AED-trained staff, and whether a plan exists, while shifting the appropriation toward AED grants and limiting school spending to purchasing and maintaining AEDs. The American Heart Association supported the amendment as a way to gather baseline data and target resources, while some members questioned the funding split and the rural-school priority. The amendment was adopted, and SB 1131 as amended passed 9-1. Next, the committee took up Senate Bill 1582, dealing with the school safety interoperability fund. The amendment changed the appropriation from ADE to ADOA and allocated funds to specific county sheriff’s offices to continue existing interoperable communication systems linking schools and first responders; supporters said the systems had been used in drills and some real incidents, and were important for school safety. One member raised concerns about the auditor general’s report and whether the program should continue, but sheriffs and school officials described it as a useful communication tool. The amendment was adopted, and SB 1582 as amended passed 6-4. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 1504, which would change retirement rules for Tier 2 and Tier 3 public safety personnel and reduce the waiting period for cost-of-living adjustments. The sponsor, police and fire representatives, and pension consultants argued the bill would improve recruitment and retention and align benefits more closely with what employees were promised, while cities, counties, and taxpayer groups warned it would add substantial unfunded liabilities and undermine the 2016 pension reforms. The committee spent extensive time on actuarial costs, funding status, and the effect of the amendment exempting the bill from statutory pre-funding requirements; the transcript ends during that discussion before a final vote on SB 1504 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't care whether it's opaque or transparent.
• we have a lot of users—you pay a higher rate because you don't care.
• The screwworm doesn't care if the pets are loved or not or cared for. It's a good host.
• I couldn't agree with you more in terms of we have to be so careful.
• , the earth and taking care of humanity?

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our union represents over 50,000 health care workers in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and self-directed
• home care.
• </c><00:30:24.799><c> um</c> want to have to go another Direction um want to have to go another Direction
• And so this is exactly the direction we need to go, and I appreciate all your work on the bill."
• And so this is exactly the direction we need to go, and I appreciate all your work on the bill.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:36:31.040><c> Uh</c> care. Okay, let's keep rolling then. Uh care.
• </c> resources to take care of these horses. resources to take care of these horses.
• ,</c> through clear statutory direction, through clear statutory direction, national<01:40:20.960><c>
• </c><02:02:03.119><c> of</c> inspector out there to take care of inspector out there to take care of
• </c> but uh uh we always welcome direction but uh uh we always welcome direction from<02:54:36.000><c

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In section two, it deletes some direct requirements of our DL examiners on things that they just don't
• In section two, it deletes some direct requirements of our DL examiners on things that they just don't
• </c> app, we'll be able to send them direct app, we'll be able to send them direct notifications<00:15
• , were subject to this crime, and are now in your care?
• to this crime, and are now in your care?

Keywords: Judiciary, Division B - Room 409, 28 January, 2026; 9:00 A.M., 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, for the most part, uh, medical care.
• They cared about was my $200 every single Friday.
• I have people that cared for me.
• They just couldn't deal cared for me.
• We'll have a direct direct direct we'll<01:16:36.000><c> make</c><01:16:36.480><c> we</c><01:16:36.719

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This has to stop now, the way that they have treated us teachers because we care about those children
• I don't see this at all as a diminishment of the profession or an acknowledgement that we don't care
• , you have to be told what direction it is.
• And if we’re talking in the medical arts, what if we’re talking about care for a certain individual?
• But to make a direct assignment or to bring. because the teacher doesn't have any control over that.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first approved minutes from March 9, 10, and 11, 2026. It then heard Senate Bill 1336 from Senator Anthon, which would update civics and American history education standards in light of the America 250 celebration. The sponsor said the bill needed more work to preserve local control and flexibility, and asked that it be sent to the 14th order for amendment. Testimony was generally supportive of stronger civics instruction, but several school representatives raised concerns about codifying standards in statute, the timing and staffing impacts of a Western civilization requirement, and the need for clearer language. The committee voted to send SB 1336 to the 14th order. The committee next considered Senate Bill 1412 from Senator Nichols, a school employee hiring and reporting bill combining earlier measures and incorporating feedback from education and legal agencies. The bill would require more uniform disclosure, employer verification, mandatory reporting to law enforcement, reporting to the Professional Standards Commission, and whistleblower protections, including for private school employees. Testimony from educators and advocates described cases where abuse reports were allegedly mishandled or retaliation occurred, and supporters said the bill would create consistent statewide safeguards. The committee passed SB 1412 with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 832, dealing with career technical education instructor recruitment, would replace a fixed 6,000-hour industry experience requirement with a more flexible standard set by the State Board of Career Technical Education by content area. It received little opposition and was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then took up House Bill 711, an alternative administrator certification bill creating grow-your-own and executive leadership pathways for principals and superintendents. Supporters said it would help districts, especially rural ones, recruit leaders and provide local flexibility; opponents argued it lowered standards and that the real problem was retention, not recruitment. After extensive testimony, the committee sent HB 711 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee returned to House Bill 516, which would restrict classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity and expand parent-rights provisions. The sponsor proposed amendment language clarifying that incidental references in subjects like literature, history, biology, health sciences, and CTE would not be prohibited. Testimony split sharply: supporters said the bill would strengthen parental control and prevent inappropriate instruction, while opponents warned it could suppress discussion of LGBTQ history and related topics. The committee was still discussing the amendment language when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• and start paying for proactive care.
• and start paying for proactive care.
• or cardiac care or cancer.
• It applies to all of health care.
• stayed in care 30 days afterwards compared to 17 percent of people randomized to usual care.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing focused on children’s health, disease prevention, screening, treatment, and pharmacy-related bills. The chair explained that the session was for public testimony only, with no votes or decisions taken that day, and outlined the three-minute limit for individual testimony. The committee then heard testimony on a range of bills, including H. 2413 on adding electromagnetic sensitivity to the state’s MAVEN registry, S. 1508 and H. 2433 on creating an amputation prevention task force, H. 2535 and S. 1551 on establishing a naloxone purchase trust fund, S. 1635 on authorizing pharmacists to provide opioid use disorder treatment, H. 2385 on creating a special commission on avian influenza, and S. 1497 on patient safety and non-FDA-approved compounded drugs. Testimony on H. 2413 came largely from advocates and individuals who described electromagnetic sensitivity as a real health condition and argued that adding it to the registry would improve data collection, provider education, and public awareness. Testimony on the amputation prevention task force bills came from the American Diabetes Association and podiatry groups, who said diabetes-related amputations are often preventable, disproportionately affect people of color, and could be reduced through earlier screening, better care coordination, and improved insurance coverage for preventive foot care. On the naloxone trust fund bills, a representative, emergency physician, and nurse testified that hospitals often cannot reliably send overdose patients home with naloxone because of billing and reimbursement barriers, and that a bulk-purchase fund would expand access at no added cost to payers or providers. The committee also heard strong support for S. 1635 from pharmacists and public health researchers, who said community pharmacists could safely initiate and maintain buprenorphine treatment and help close gaps in opioid use disorder care. On H. 2385, a local board of health chair supported a special commission on avian influenza, citing gaps in emergency preparedness and the need for clearer coordination across agencies. On S. 1497, a pharmacy representative opposed restrictions on compounded drugs from outsourcing facilities, warning that changes could reduce access to life-saving medications and harm patient safety. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The law applies to health care providers who are hired, and to unlicensed health care workers.
• So we don't care from our side what vendors they use or how they do it.
• In the health care field.
• In the health care field.
• I'm thinking about health care workers were let go.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Welfare met on May 13 with a quorum present and approved the prior meeting minutes. The committee first heard HB 971, which would equalize Medicaid reimbursement rates between independent clinics and hospital-owned rural health clinics; supporters said independent clinics are disadvantaged by a large payment disparity, and the bill was reported favorable without objection. The committee also recognized visiting Alpha Phi Alpha members and other guests during personal privilege remarks. Members then considered HB 414, which would bar hiring certain health care workers and direct support professionals with serious disqualifying convictions from other states and address background-check issues for therapeutic group homes. After adopting three amendment sets, the bill was reported as amended. HB 740, creating an independent review process for Medicaid behavioral health claim disputes in the coordinated system of care, was amended to clarify applicability and CSOC definitions and then reported as amended. HB 288, which would place the term “miscarriage” alongside “spontaneous abortion” in medical documentation, drew emotional testimony from affected parents and advocates; the committee reported it favorable. The committee also advanced several more bills: HB 405, updating the name of the national acupuncture certifying body, was reported favorable; HB 786, prohibiting extrapolation in certain managed-care claims recoupments, was reported favorable; HB 1095, allowing alternative backup power sources for nursing homes, was reported favorable; HB 403, raising the cottage food gross-sales cap, was amended from $50,000 to $150,000 and then reported favorable; HB 930, modernizing cosmetic-product regulation and creating a small-producer exemption, was reported favorable; HB 557, defining long-term pharmacies for policy purposes, was reported favorable; HB 779, on expedited partner therapy for sexually transmitted diseases, was reported favorable; HB 915, setting utilization-management timelines and standards, was reported favorable; HB 546, expanding criteria for peace officers to take someone into protective custody during a mental health crisis, was reported favorable; HB 796, creating a chiropractic preceptorship program, was reported favorable; and HB 933, authorizing commemorative birth certificates, was reported favorable. The final major item was HB 1041, a “no-mandate” bill barring discrimination based on medical intervention status. The sponsor and Surgeon General said it was aimed at healthy, asymptomatic individuals and not at public health quarantine powers, but Senator Boudreaux objected to exemptions for schools and hospitals and offered an amendment to restore broader coverage. That amendment failed on a roll-call vote, and the bill remained under discussion as the transcript ended, with no final committee disposition shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Moving forward, we need to take care of our existing system, and we need to look forward to see what
• I don't think we talk about this enough, but this makes a direct impact for our state's residents to
• So thank you for that, and we're moving and trending in a really positive direction.
• We have a tremendous amount of aging infrastructure that needs to be taken care of.
• Because we own the most road miles in the state, we Aging infrastructure that needs to be taken care

Bills: SB5989

Keywords: aircraft fuel tax, tax revenue distribution, aviation funding, transportation, state revenue, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Could be significant, could be small, but we think there should be some balance directed.
• And nobody cared about that. They just wanted wind.
• I don't really care. They stole the safety stuff, too, which is great.
• I don't really care. They stole the safety stuff, too, which is great.
• Mothers for Nuclear cares about human health, energy access, and fighting climate change.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. House Bill 2272 would update state park inspection language for ski lifts and related equipment to better match current equipment and federal standards; the sponsor and State Parks said it was a simple modernization bill, and there was no opposition. House Bill 2245 would expand Clean Energy Transformation Act coverage to port districts that distribute electricity, utilities with a single customer, and certain affected market customers such as data centers; supporters said it closes loopholes and applies clean-energy rules more fairly, while ports, business groups, and some utilities warned of unintended consequences, added reporting burdens, and impacts on cogeneration and rural economic development. Ecology and Commerce supported the goal but raised concerns about allowance allocation, fiscal impacts, and possible double counting, and WAPUDA asked that existing single-customer PUDs be grandfathered. House Bill 2215 would lower Climate Commitment Act thresholds for gasoline, diesel, biodiesel, and propane suppliers and extend coverage to some purchasers; supporters said it would prevent entities from gaming the system and cover significant emissions now below the threshold, while Ecology, fuel distributors, propane suppliers, grocers, and business groups warned of compliance costs, supply-chain impacts, possible linkage issues, and the need to preserve existing reporting authority for natural gas. Ecology estimated about 50 additional covered entities could be brought in, and several opponents argued the bill would sweep in small family-owned businesses not intended to be regulated. House Bill 2090 would direct Commerce to develop a nuclear strategic framework for inclusion in the state energy strategy, contingent on outside funding. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill is only a planning measure to ensure Washington considers advanced nuclear as a firm, low-carbon, small-footprint resource amid rising demand, grid constraints, and land-use concerns; supporters included Energy Northwest, local governments, labor/environmental Democrats, and pro-nuclear groups. Opponents, including the Sierra Club, Columbia Riverkeeper, tribal representatives from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and several environmental advocates, said the bill gives nuclear special treatment, relies on private funding that could bias the study, and risks advancing projects at Hanford without early, meaningful tribal consultation. Tribes requested explicit consultation, independent and publicly funded analysis, and attention to treaty rights and historic nuclear impacts. Testimony also sharply divided over cost, waste, and land use, with supporters emphasizing reliability and footprint and opponents citing high costs, unresolved waste disposal, and the immaturity of small modular reactors. No votes or final actions were taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Meals go unserved, clinics postpone care, and disaster relief flows are delayed.
• Um, it's a huge step in the right direction. So I'm glad that as a member, one is on top of that.
• So those are going in the right direction.
• It sounds like it's trending in the right direction. So thank you, Madam Chair.
• We have an employee-directed corporation that helps the employees direct their funds where they wanted

Summary: The Assembly held its first-ever outcome review hearing, focused on AB 488, Assemblymember Irwin’s 2021 law regulating charitable fundraising platforms and platform charities. Chair Bauer-Kahan and Irwin described the hearing as part of a new oversight process meant to evaluate whether enacted laws are working as intended and to identify implementation problems. Irwin reviewed the bill’s purpose: updating California’s charitable solicitation rules for online fundraising, requiring platform registration and reporting, setting disclosure and conduct rules, and creating protections for charities and donors. The Attorney General’s office said the implementing regulations took effect in stages in 2024 and 2025 after extensive rulemaking, and argued the law was needed because online fundraising had outgrown older solicitation laws. The office highlighted enforcement concerns, including unregistered platforms, delayed remittances, and unauthorized fundraising pages, and said the new online filing system should improve processing and compliance. Nonprofit representatives and platforms generally supported the law’s transparency goals but said implementation has created major burdens, especially around “good standing” determinations, slow registry response times, and disruptions to fundraising when charities are flagged as delinquent. PayPal Giving Fund and GoFundMe both said they complied with the law but urged changes to better fit platform operations, reduce delays, and ease requirements for small or micro-donations. Committee members pressed the witnesses on donor protection, due process, and whether California should shorten the time to resolve good-standing issues. Several members said the law has helped stop misleading or unauthorized fundraising practices, while also acknowledging unintended consequences for nonprofits. Irwin said she is preparing follow-up legislation to address implementation problems and balance the interests of charities, platforms, donors, and the Attorney General’s office. During public comment, Candid praised the review and the DOJ’s efforts to improve the process, and a PG&E representative described an unintended consequence in employee giving where donations were redirected because recipient charities were not in good standing.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's a program that provides health care to immigrants.
• </c> health care to immigrants. health care to immigrants.
• So, sports wagering, they direct apps.
• </c><00:54:14.240><c> And</c> health care costs and the state etc.
• And health care costs and the state etc.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It amends family care home to family child care home.
• I entered the foster care system at 10 months old and was adopted at three years old.
• I had a very positive experience while in foster care, and I advocate for change.
• That I feel will create impactful change within the foster care system nationally.
• I entered care at the age of 12, and I've been in six placements.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs heard several child welfare and early childhood bills and reported each favorably. SB 1690 on early childhood education was amended with a delete-all amendment that would require public posting of child care inspection and safety data, change certain child care disclosure and insurance rules, and create the Florida Endowment for Early Learning; the committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably. SB 1022 would add two new Florida Children’s Initiatives programs in Bay County and Pompano in Broward County, and it was also reported favorably. The committee then took up SB 996 on dependent children. Senator Rodriguez explained that the bill is intended to center lived experience in foster care policy and promote normalcy, including financial literacy and allowance-related supports. Multiple members of Florida Youth SHINE testified in strong support, describing the importance of youth voice, consistent allowances, and opportunities to build budgeting skills and confidence. Senator Sharief also voiced support, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee considered a bill on temporary cash assistance eligibility, presented with an amendment that narrowed a SNAP eligibility carve-out to people who were victims of human trafficking at the time of a drug conviction. The sponsor said the change recognizes coercion faced by trafficking victims and avoids a lifetime penalty tied to exploitation. After the amendment was adopted and several supporters waived in, the committee reported CS for SB 1462 favorably. The meeting then adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• We work with the institutions, and we take care of that for you as the administrators of that.
• What direction do we want to go?
• I can remember in the past, we had a process to build up our health care area.
• If we're just looking at state appropriations per FTE, we don't care how many.
• I don't... ...per FTE, we don't care how many.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education met to hear an informational presentation from the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development on Missouri’s higher education funding model and related workforce trends. Commissioner Bennett Boggs described the department’s mission, its data and workforce partnerships, and the need to better align postsecondary education with Missouri’s labor market, noting projections that 65% of jobs in the 2030s will require education beyond high school. He emphasized that the current “base-plus” funding approach dates to 1992 and no longer reflects demographic, technological, or economic changes, and said the department wants every institution to remain healthy and serve its region. Deputy Commissioner Leroye Wade outlined a proposed cost-based, performance-informed funding framework with four main parts: fixed costs, variable program costs, performance measures, and a mechanism for targeted legislative investment. He said the model is intended to be data-driven, transparent, and more responsive to enrollment changes, program mix, completion outcomes, workforce needs, and collaboration among institutions. He also reviewed the history of the effort, including a 2022 legislative appropriation for a study, a 2023 report, and subsequent interim and bill activity. Committee members asked about educational attainment goals, the P20W longitudinal data system, persistence and completion rates, and how the model would account for mission differences and student outcomes. Representative John Black, sponsor of the bill discussed, said the legislation is meant to move Missouri toward a 21st-century higher education funding system by tying appropriations more closely to state goals and institutional performance rather than continuing automatic across-the-board increases. He said the department’s work and the bill are intended to prompt continued refinement of the model, and he warned that declining enrollments and tight state finances make reform urgent. No votes were taken; the committee heard the presentation, allowed brief public comment, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do not have a direct relationship with the FBI.
• Page two, line three, so a skilled nursing facility and intermediate care facility.
• For example, the foster care system requires a background check.
• Cottage food is foods that you can sell out of your home and direct to consumers.
• I think this legislation does a really good job of taking a baby step in that direction.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate Health and Welfare Committee first considered House Bill 494, which would move certain Department of Health and Welfare background-check rules into statute. Representative Josh Wheeler and DHW Chief of Staff Jared Larson said the change was needed to maintain access to the FBI fingerprint database, because the FBI wants the background-check authority codified by legislative enactment. They also explained that the bill does not add new categories of people subject to checks, but clarifies existing ones and restores sex-offender-related language in an amendment. Some senators raised concerns about federal pressure, vague “public policy” language, and state sovereignty, while others said the bill was necessary to keep background-check systems working for foster care, nursing facilities, and other programs. A motion to hold the bill in committee failed on a roll call vote, and the committee then voted to send HB 494 to the 14th Order for possible amendment. The committee then heard House Bill 526, which would expand Idaho’s cottage food law to allow certain time- and temperature-controlled foods to be sold directly by small entrepreneurs under a $5,000 sales cap. Representative Jeff Ehlers said the bill is intended to help small sellers at farmers markets and similar venues avoid the cost of commercial kitchens and permits while still labeling products so consumers can make their own choices. Testimony in opposition came from Food Northwest and public health district officials, who said the bill would allow higher-risk foods such as meat, dairy, eggs, and cooked items without adequate training, inspection, or safety rules, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. Supporters argued that consumers should be free to choose and that existing regulations do not eliminate all risk. After debate over labeling, liability, and food safety, the committee adopted a motion to send HB 526 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Several senators spoke in support of the bill as a small-business measure, while others expressed concern about the safety of time-temperature-controlled foods and suggested more explicit labeling or additional safeguards. The committee adjourned after voting on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do not have a direct relationship with the FBI.
• For example, the foster care system requires a background check.
• For example, the foster care system requires a background check.
• Cottage food is food that you can make out of your home and sell direct to consumers.
• I think this legislation does a really good job of taking a baby step in that direction.

Summary: The Senate Health and Welfare Committee first considered House Bill 494, which would move background-check rules into statute. Representative Josh Wheeler and Department of Health and Welfare Chief of Staff Jared Larson said the change was needed to maintain access to the FBI’s national fingerprint database and to clarify who is subject to checks, without adding new categories of people. Senators questioned the bill’s reference to federal public policy and the FBI’s role, and some expressed concern about federal influence and state sovereignty. After debate, a motion to hold the bill in committee failed, and the committee voted to send HB 494 to the 14th order for possible amendment, with the intent of restoring language related to sex-offender background checks. The committee then heard House Bill 526, which would expand Idaho’s cottage food law to allow certain time- and temperature-controlled foods to be sold directly by small entrepreneurs up to a $5,000 threshold. Representative Jeff Ehlers said the bill was meant to help startup food businesses avoid the cost of commercial kitchens and permits, while still requiring labeling and direct-to-consumer sales. Testimony from Food Northwest and public health district officials opposed the bill, warning that the foods involved carry greater foodborne illness risks, that the current cottage food labeling rules were designed for shelf-stable foods, and that the bill lacked training or safety standards. Supporters argued consumers should be able to choose and that regulation does not eliminate all risk. After discussion, the committee voted to send HB 526 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Several senators voiced support for small business and consumer choice, while others noted concerns about food safety and liability. The committee adjourned after announcing it would meet again the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• This fund was created to incentivize collaboration between nursing education programs and health care
• partners while prioritizing health care providers.
• Senator Martin, would you care to comment? Thank you. Thank you for your heart.
• It changed laws and it changed the direction of how we think. I hope it did. We wanted it to.
• I don’t care about a day of remembrance. Sure, put a day of remembrance on the table.

Summary: The Committee on Education Postsecondary took up SB 1246, which would expand Florida’s LINE Fund for health workforce shortages beyond nursing to include broader health science education programs and students, allow matching funds from private contributions, and permit spending on scholarships, faculty recruitment, equipment, simulation centers, and facility renovations. Senator Harrell asked for more specificity about which career paths would qualify, saying the bill should be narrowed to target particular shortage areas. Senator Davis said the bill was intended to add flexibility while still focusing on health care and career technical programs, and noted the measure would not require additional state funding because the LINE Fund already has about $44 million, with another $30 million proposed. The bill was supported by several appearance forms and was reported favorably. The committee then heard SB 194, which would designate October 14 as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance in Florida. Senator Martin said the bill would recognize Kirk’s influence on civic engagement, youth leadership, and constitutional education without creating a state holiday or closing offices. Supporters, including Florida Voice for the Unborn and others, said Kirk was a significant advocate for free speech and unborn rights. Opponents from Equal Ground argued that Kirk had made racist and divisive statements and that the state should not honor him with a public commemoration. Senators also debated whether a statutory day of remembrance was appropriate and whether it could set a precedent for future requests. Senator Jones offered a late-filed amendment to add George Floyd to the remembrance, arguing that if the legislature was going to memorialize Kirk, it should not do so selectively. Senator Martin opposed the amendment as unfriendly, and it failed on a roll call vote. The committee then debated the bill at length, with Senators Berman and Jones opposing it as an inappropriate endorsement of Kirk’s views, while Senator Simon and Senator Martin defended it as a recognition of his role in encouraging public debate and civic participation. SB 194 was ultimately reported favorably on a party-line vote, with Senators Berman, Harrell, and Jones opposed, Senator Rodriguez and Senator Simon in support, and Chair Claudio voting yes.