Transcript Highlights:

• And there is a correlation with the rate of speeding increasing at the different BAC levels as they increase
• There have been no significant increase...
• E-bike injuries are increasing nationwide.
• These distinctions will increase the ability to protect the use of true e-bikes while increasing the
• These distinctions will increase the ability to protect the use of true e-bikes while increasing the

Bills: SB5234 , SB6110 , SB6176

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: snowmobile, snowmobile registration, vehicle registration fees, registration fee, Department of Licensing, DOL, recreational vehicles, winter recreation, vintage snowmobile, parks and recreation, vehicle license fee, RCW 46.17, fee schedule, renewal fee, initial fee, Washington state, electric-assisted bicycles, electric motorcycles, transportation regulation, safety standards

Transcript Highlights:

• These restrictions do not benefit patients; they simply increase manufacturer profits.
• One, the types of covered entities increased as part of the ACA in 2010.
• One, the types of covered entities increased as part of the ACA in 2010.
• The clinical need for plasma-derived medication is increasing.
• The clinical need for plasma-derived medication is increasing.

Bills: HB2145 , HB1828 , HB2155 , HB2437

Committee: House Health Care & Wellness

Keywords: 340B drug pricing, healthcare access, patient rights, discounted medications, manufacturer limitations, health professions, plasma donation, physician substitutes, medical regulation, nursing titles, healthcare, regulation, professional standards, licensure, accreditation, opioid treatment, health services, fee authority, public health

Transcript Highlights:

• We have seen a 28% increase in domestic violence since COVID and a 32% increase in teen dating violence
• But that's the increase we're seeing, so we can't...
• Statewide we're seeing increased numbers.
• We continue to see those numbers increase. And to Dr.
• Those increased numbers are shocking.

Summary: The committee held a panel discussion on Florida’s domestic violence system, focusing on the roles of the state, the federally designated coalition, direct-service providers, and law enforcement. Members reviewed the history of the system after the dissolution of the former coalition in 2020, the creation of the Florida Partnership to End Domestic Violence, DCF’s Office of Domestic Violence, and the current contract structure involving Women in Distress and its subcontractors for hotline and legal services. Panelists also discussed the 2024 lethality assessment law, the workgroup’s conclusion that the evidence-based Maryland tool could not be used because of copyright and cost issues, and the state’s current use of statutory questions instead. DCF and FDLE described the statewide certification and funding framework, including more than $60 million in domestic violence funding for fiscal year 2025-26 and the requirement that law enforcement complete lethality-assessment training by October 1, 2026. Testimony highlighted both collaboration and conflict. Florida Partnership to End Domestic Violence and Women in Distress described overlapping training and technical-assistance roles, but disagreed sharply about the quality of their relationship with DCF and whether the current structure is duplicative. DCF said it maintains communication with both the coalition and the centers and emphasized that the coalition is federally required, while the coalition argued that the department has obstructed its work. Women in Distress and Hope Villages stressed direct services, prevention, and the need for more housing, staffing, and funding, especially in rural areas. They also described programs in schools, hospitals, and child welfare settings, and noted that children exposed to domestic violence often need specialized services. Members asked about funding flows, certification, rural coverage, the number of centers, and the lethality assessment rollout. DCF said the 41 certified centers serve all 67 counties and that no new applications have been received in about 15 years. FDLE reported that 46 of roughly 400 law enforcement agencies had completed the lethality-assessment training and attestation, with the statutory deadline still ahead. Panelists said domestic violence appears to be increasing, citing higher hotline demand, shelter occupancy, and local case numbers, while also noting that statewide crime data remains outdated. The discussion ended with calls for better coordination, clearer implementation of statutes, more funding, and possible legislative fixes to improve data collection, training, and service delivery.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2013, the Legislature increased the size in which wine could be sold to 5.16 gallons.
• Florida Power and Light has requested a rate increase.
• Instead, bills in FPL's panhandle territory increased 64% between 2020 and 2023.
• FPL's panhandle territory increased 64% between 2020 and 2023.
• Filed for a historic $8.9 billion rate increase over the next four years.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered several bills, reporting each favorably after hearing sponsor presentations, public testimony, and member questions. SB 578 would allow wine to be sold in recyclable containers, aligning wine with beer container rules; it received support from Americans for Prosperity and passed without debate. SB 606 clarified when guests in public lodging or food service establishments may be removed for nonpayment, updated notice and checkout provisions, and removed a mandatory arrest requirement, with support from hotel and restaurant industry groups; it also passed favorably. Members then heard SB 202, which addresses a municipal water utility surcharge issue affecting Miami Gardens and North Miami Beach by requiring the utility to charge residents where the plant sits the same rate it charges its own residents. The sponsor and supporters described it as a fairness issue, while North Miami Beach argued it would shift costs and threaten utility finances; the bill was reported favorably. SB 570 modernized and clarified the scope of work for swimming pool and spa contractors, and SB 928, as amended, regulated non-approved disposable nicotine devices by restricting advertising and display, increasing inspections and penalties, and adding a school-buffer provision; both were reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 346, which repeals state preemption over local regulation of hoisting equipment and cranes, prompted by concerns after Hurricane Milton and a crane collapse in St. Petersburg. Supporters said local governments need authority to address storm-related crane safety, while industry representatives warned against patchwork regulation and said local oversight already exists in some areas. Finally, the committee took up SB 652, creating Veterinary Professional Associates to perform certain tasks, including limited surgeries under veterinarian supervision; animal welfare groups supported it as a way to expand access, while some veterinarians opposed the surgery provisions. The bill was reported favorably after amendment. The committee then began SB 354, a major overhaul of Public Service Commission oversight, including expanding the commission, adding financial expertise, tightening rate-setting and storm-hardening review, and increasing transparency for nonprofit water and wastewater utilities; the substitute amendment was adopted and public testimony was heard from consumer advocates and utility-related groups, but the transcript ends before final action on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> states that have it have huge increases states that have it have huge increases in<00:05:21.160>
• It actually increased. Why?
• It actually increased. Why?
• It actually increased. Why?
• It actually increased. Why?

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> there's no reduction or increase there's no reduction or increase appreciably.<01:45:42.239><c>
• ><c> the</c> are several others if we increase the are several others if we increase the tolls.<02:07
• </c> language around if if the toll increase language around if if the toll increase were<02:16:30.320
• </c> other measures whether it's increasing other measures whether it's increasing grant<02:44:50.720
• </c> increase in in poundage. increase in in poundage.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think we just want to highlight that we know demand is increasing.
• by 37.7%, while the incoming text and chat volume increased by 26.7%.
• The very first goal of the plan is to increase public awareness and trust in 988.
• The very first goal of the plan is to increase public awareness and trust in 988.
• The increase is primarily related to expected increases in community-based restoration and diversion

Summary: The hearing focused first on behavioral health, especially serious mental illness and anosognosia, a condition described by witnesses as a neurological symptom that prevents people from recognizing they are ill. The chair framed the issue around families cycling through emergency rooms, jails, conservatorships, and short-term stabilization without lasting treatment, and warned that federal changes under H.R. 1 could reduce Medi-Cal funding and worsen access. Dawn Marie Anderson gave a personal account of her son’s long history of psychosis, homelessness, arrests, repeated jail and state hospital stays, and eventual stability when he received sustained medication and coordinated support. She argued that the system often treats the problem as criminal rather than medical and that voluntary programs and short-term services are not enough for people who lack insight into their illness. Other panelists, including representatives from the California Behavioral Health Association, Santa Barbara County Behavioral Health, and the County Behavioral Health Directors Association, agreed that anosognosia is not denial or noncompliance and said the system needs long-term, coordinated care, including assertive community treatment, mobile crisis, supportive housing, medication support, and stronger handoffs between county and managed care systems. They said CalAIM and other reforms have improved some coordination, but significant gaps remain, especially for people with serious mental illness, for those in jail or locked settings, and for people with private insurance, which witnesses said often offers little meaningful coverage for early psychosis or intensive behavioral health services. Several witnesses urged the Legislature to protect Medi-Cal, shore up county safety-net services, and invest in training and family engagement. The committee then turned to the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, with a focus on the virtual services platforms BrightLife Kids and Soluna and the CYBHI fee schedule. DHCS reported strong growth in app registrations, coaching sessions, referrals, and positive user outcomes, saying the platforms provide free, culturally responsive, early-intervention support statewide and help connect users to higher levels of care when needed. On the fee schedule, DHCS said more than 500 LEAs, colleges, universities, and school-linked providers are participating, 181 LEAs have submitted claims, and $9.6 million has been reimbursed to date, with 41,556 students represented in claims. The chair and several members criticized the pace of implementation and the amount of money spent relative to reimbursement levels, saying the Legislature had requested data earlier and that the return on investment still appeared low. DHCS responded that many claims are still being submitted, that 70% of denials are correctable, that $400 million in capacity grants has been distributed locally, and that reimbursement is increasing rapidly as more districts come online. Public comment included a rural county behavioral health director who said private insurance denials leave counties with significant uncompensated work, especially for unlicensed staff providing case management and mobile crisis services.

Transcript Highlights:

• We went two decades without increasing the mill fee, which was a mistake.
• That's what we heard all the way up to increasing the mill fee.
• We have a program here that's working, and folks may see that number increase.
• They may hold positions vacant to cover increased costs elsewhere.
• So there was the increase, and then a subsequent increase in the number of positions for the department

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation heard an informational hearing with Secretary Garcia and CalEPA-related departments on the administration’s budget proposals and related environmental programs. Secretary Garcia highlighted CalEPA’s work on methane reduction, community air protection, water infrastructure, Exide cleanup, safer pesticide alternatives, Prop 4 implementation, and Bay-Delta water quality, while emphasizing the impact of federal rollbacks and the need for flexible state response. Members raised broader policy concerns about the polluter-pays principle, special fund vacancies, and whether the state is maintaining sufficient staffing and enforcement capacity, especially after recent fee increases. A major portion of the hearing focused on landfill support, response, and enforcement, particularly subsurface elevated temperature events at Chiquita Canyon and El Sobrante. CalEPA requested $5.1 million and 12 positions to improve monitoring, technical response, coordination, and enforcement across CalRecycle, CARB, DTSC, the Water Board, and OEHHA. Assembly Member Schiavo described severe community impacts from Chiquita Canyon and pressed for stronger state action, more transparency, and accountability from landfill operators; Assembly Member Rogers emphasized that accountability must mean forcing operators to take preventive measures and bear the costs. Agency staff said the proposal would help augment current response efforts, support local enforcement agencies, and improve early detection, while acknowledging that the causes of set events are not fully understood and may involve factors such as lithium-ion batteries, oxygen intrusion, and gas extraction practices. The committee then heard an update on the Safe and Affordable Drinking Water program and the effects of the new cap-and-invest structure. State Water Board Chair Joaquin Esquivel reported that the program has reduced the number of Californians without safe drinking water from 1.6 million to about 600,000 since 2019, while also bringing 320 systems back into compliance and distributing $1.8 billion in drinking water grants. The Legislative Analyst’s Office explained that under SB 840, SAFER is now in a lower funding tier, which could reduce annual proceeds from the prior $130 million level to a projected $92 million in 2026-27 and delay funding until later in the year. Members expressed concern that this deprioritizes rural drinking water needs, while the board said it would continue using SAFER’s flexible funds for emergency water, technical assistance, and construction, and would keep pushing consolidations and other long-term solutions for the remaining failing systems.

Transcript Highlights:

• our minimum increase across four lines of business.
• The prices have increased 236% in 20 years. PBMs' profits have increased 300% in 20 years.
• The prices have increased 236% in 20 years. PBMs, profits have increased 300% in 20 years.
• PBMs, profits have increased 300% in, in 20 years.
• We have seen some extreme increases in some costs, so, you know, We have seen some extreme increases

Summary: The committee met to review the history and current treatment of North Dakota health insurance mandates, with presentations from Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, Sanford Health Plan, the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and the Insurance Department. The discussion focused on how mandates apply differently to fully insured, self-funded, ACA, Medicaid, and PERS plans; how the state’s benchmark plan and federal essential health benefits affect coverage; and how the existing process requires cost-benefit analysis and, for certain measures, a PERS pilot period before broader application. Presenters also reviewed the long list of existing state mandates, including provider, beneficiary, and coverage requirements, and noted that many were enacted decades ago and have not been revisited despite changes in medical evidence and treatment options. Witnesses from the carriers argued that mandates should be reviewed periodically because some are outdated, can create unintended costs, and may not align with current medical guidance. Examples cited included PSA screening, off-label drug coverage, prior authorization rules, step therapy, and cost-sharing provisions for mental health and substance use treatment. They emphasized that carriers often cover services without a mandate when supported by clinical evidence, and that mandates can shift costs to employers and employees, especially in the fully insured small-group market. They also suggested possible policy improvements such as clearer mandate definitions, better transparency around cost-benefit analyses, a regular 10-year review of mandates, and more timely submission of proposals through the interim process. PERS and the Insurance Department highlighted a recurring tension over what counts as a mandate and when a measure triggers the state’s defrayal obligation under federal law. PERS described its interim committee process, the April 1 deadline for fiscal-impact proposals, and the limited pilot program used for certain measures, noting that only a few bills have gone through the full pilot process. The Insurance Department explained that it views new benefit mandates through the lens of the ACA benchmark plan and essential health benefits, distinguishing true new benefits, such as infertility coverage, from changes to existing benefits, such as telehealth or insulin cost-sharing caps. No votes were taken on policy changes; the meeting was informational, with members asking questions about costs, applicability, transparency, and whether a periodic mandate review should be established.

Transcript Highlights:

• And if we need to increase it, they’d be willing to hear that again.
• If you look at the number of decals over time, from 2015 to 2025, that's a 54% increase.
• , and that kind of tracks right along with that 54% increase in the total number of OHVs.
• That 54% increase in the total number of OHVs.
• So this increase would be any vehicle over the weight of 2,501 pounds? Mr.

Committee: Joint Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Study Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• And so increasing the volume overall... ...we still are held accountable for that.
• Meyer in terms of the increase. I think the increase in population is very small.
• only increased by 4%, which is still astronomical.
• So there's been just an astronomical increase in the cost of drugs over time.
• So there's been just an astronomical increase in the cost of drugs over time.

Summary: The committee heard several health-related measures. SB 27 by Senator Umberg would revise and expand California’s CARE Court by limiting the expansion to people with bipolar I disorder with psychotic features, clarifying the definition of “clinically stabilized,” and narrowing the role of nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Supporters, including behavioral health officials and family members, said the bill would reduce dismissals and better serve people with severe illness; opponents warned the expansion would strain county staffing and housing resources and could undermine voluntary engagement. The bill passed on a do pass motion to the Committee on Public Safety. SB 503 by Senator Weber Pierson would require AI tools used in health care facilities to be identified, monitored, and mitigated for bias when used in clinical decision-making or resource allocation. The author and supporters from Kaiser Permanente and the California Medical Association said the bill would help prevent discriminatory outcomes and improve trust and safety. The committee discussed the need to clarify developer and deployer responsibilities, and the bill passed as amended to Privacy and Consumer Protection. SB 68 by Senator Menjivar would require restaurants to provide written allergen information for the top nine food allergens, with tiered flexibility for smaller establishments. The bill was supported by patients, families, nurses, and allergy organizations, who described severe reactions and the difficulty of relying on verbal disclosures alone. The California Restaurant Association opposed unless amended, seeking broader use of the national model food code and additional liability language. The bill passed as amended to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 403 by Senator Blakespear, which would remove the sunset from the End of Life Option Act; supporters described the law as a compassionate, well-functioning option for terminally ill patients, while faith-based groups opposed it. The bill passed to Judiciary. Later, SB 41 by Senator Wiener was introduced to rein in pharmacy benefit manager practices that steer patients to mail-order pharmacies and reimburse community pharmacies below cost; community pharmacists and several health organizations testified in support, describing pharmacy closures and patient access problems.

Transcript Highlights:

• Most of what we're seeing is the increased population using the roadways that we already have.
• So when you see increased lane miles, it'll be the projects that you've seen over time.
• That's a $30 million increase of the budget over this time frame.
• That's about a $10 million increase over this period.
• House Bill 312 of the 2015 legislative session increased registration fees and increased the gas tax

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• THE GOAL IS TO INCREASE TRANSPARENCY AND IMPROVE QUALITY CARE IN OUR NURSING HOMES.
• AGAIN, REALLY INCREASING TRANSPARENCY USING BOTH OF THESE TOOLS.
• IN SUMMARY, THREE PLANS INCREASED THE RATES FOR 2022 TO 2023.
• EIGHT PLANS INCREASED THE RATES FROM 2022 TO 23.
• WHAT WE ARE LOOKING TO DO WITH THAT PROGRAM IS INCREASE.

Transcript Highlights:

• And increasing the state contribution takes money out of our general fund.
• It's not financially the right time to talk about increasing.'
• We got an increase in 22; we got another increase in 23. We're on a pathway.
• . increasing your Sharpe ratio at all?
• Yes, it might increase the return, but it does increase our risk.

Committee: House Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• as we heard, a 10,000 person increase at the University of Minnesota.
• The increase in the Midwest average was about 3.5%, and in Minnesota, we saw a 7.4% increase overall.
• Can you share with us what the impact would be on these schools to increase enrollment?
• have also seen this increase, as I saw in your...
• That structural deficit will increase year after year.

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• The PCS also authorizes the Legislature to limit the increase in the assessed value of real property
• I hadn't looked at increasing that timeline, but I'd be happy to have a conversation about that.
• These property tax revenues for counties are increasing by almost 10% each year on average.
• So increasing supply, increasing inventory does drive down costs.
• tax revenue has increased by 48%.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on March 27, 2025 and first considered HJR 1257 and its implementing bill, HB 1259, which would create two $25,000 property tax exemptions and an assessment cap for long-term rental properties owned by Floridians who also have a homestead in the state. Supporters argued the measure would increase long-term rental supply and help Florida residents, while opponents from counties and cities warned of a large revenue loss, potential tax shifts to businesses, and weak guardrails against abuse. Members raised concerns about wealthy owners holding many condos, possible family-member workarounds, and whether savings would actually reach tenants. The committee adopted an amendment to the implementing bill, then reported both measures favorably after party-line-leaning debate and recorded votes. The committee then unanimously reported HB 761, which limits deferred ad valorem and non-ad valorem tax relief to properties with a just value of $1 million or less and raises the minimum tax certificate sale amount from $250 to $500. Members also unanimously approved CS/HB 733 on brownfields, which expands and clarifies the state brownfields program, and two Osceola/Sunbridge local bills, CS/HB 4043 and HB 4059, dealing with special district infrastructure and district boundary expansion subject to voter approval. HB 995 on Areas of Critical State Concern, focused largely on the Florida Keys, was amended to remove the ad valorem tax exemption portion and to adjust the growth cap from 500 to 825 units, then was reported favorably. Later, the committee approved HB 6021, which repeals sales tax on all bullion purchases of gold, silver, and platinum, with supporters calling it a sound-money measure and critics asking about future revenue effects if related legal-tender legislation passes. Finally, the committee passed HB 1339, which excludes wind-damage mitigation improvements from assessed value for property tax purposes, after adopting a clarifying amendment about secondary water barriers. Throughout the meeting, most bills were reported favorably, often after brief debate and with little or no public testimony beyond support or opposition from affected local-government and industry groups.

Transcript Highlights:

• Turner then explained that this bill increases the civil marriage license fee and sends the increase
• Turner then explained that this bill increases the civil marriage license fee and sends the increase
• Turner then explained that this bill increases the civil marriage license fee and sends the increase
• Turner responded that this bill increases the civil marriage license fee and sends the increase to the
• Turner explained that this bill increases the civil marriage license fee and sends the increase to the

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• All those in favor say aye. increase both the veterans credit and increase both the veterans credit and
• </c><00:38:56.320><c> the</c> forcibly mandate that they increase the forcibly mandate that they increase
• And the third one is increased in 2018.
• They don't have the data yet for now, but it's increasing.
• And the most famous but it's increasing.

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Our work on food insecurity, increasing the down payment assistance for new farmers, increasing protections
• Uh increasing work on food insecurity.
• Um and depradation really increased.
• relatively small increase, but it is<00:35:51.680><c> an</c><00:35:52.000><c> increase</c><00:35:52.720
• It increases the to directed trusts.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's an increase on line 18 bianium.
• 10:28.000><c> items</c><00:10:28.399><c> related</c> $20,000 increase for two items related $20,000 increase
• We're extremely grateful for the operating increase and the increase to the bonding authority in the
• </c> grateful uh for the operating increase grateful uh for the operating increase and<00:15:30.560><
• ><c> bonding</c> and the increase to the bonding and the increase to the bonding authority<00:15:32.079

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division