Transcript Highlights:

• So I do have with me as well Nicholas Fry, my general counsel, who does primary legislative work, so
• , close that perceived gap to say we're all moving in the same direction.
• it and even if it's perceived close it and even if it's perceived close<00:44:39.960><c> that</c><00
• that perceived Gap to say we're close that perceived Gap to say we're all<00:44:41.480><c> moving</c
• I think a lot of those things end up in rules, not just in the laws, but we will take a close look.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting was an orientation-style overview from the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), led by Executive Director Deana Jurus and staff. They described the office’s mission to protect public health, safety, welfare, the environment, and the public trust, and outlined the agency structure: enforcement, licensing and board administration, operations, legal counsel, board counsel, and the hearings bureau. OPLC said it currently supports 57 boards, including seven advisory boards, and has about 104 filled positions out of 120 authorized. They also noted new voluntary certifications for doulas, lactation consultants, and community health workers that are in rulemaking. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on how boards and staff divide responsibilities under RSA 310:4. Staff explained that the office handles application processing, complaint intake and initial review, records retention, 91-A requests, and rule drafting, while boards make final decisions on licensure criteria, complaint dismissals or investigations, disciplinary actions, and some hearing matters. They also described the rule structure by chapter number ranges and the distinction between full licensing boards and advisory boards. The committee asked about complaint notifications, and OPLC said it is tightening policies so complainants are told whether a matter is closed or moving forward. The licensing process was discussed in detail, especially for nursing. Bethany Katrell explained that applicants apply through an online portal, may receive approval to sit for exams, can work under provisional authority in some cases, and then receive full licensure after exam results and criminal background checks are complete. OPLC said the portal now reduces back-and-forth paperwork and that, as of the latest biweekly report, 87% of applications were decided within the statutory 90-day period and 57% within 14 days. Members also raised questions about why some professions require board approval before taking an exam, and OPLC said that requirement varies by statute or board rule. No votes or formal actions were taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, seeing none, we will close the hearing. Next up is Senate Bill 109.
• </c> 108 all right seeing none we will close 108 all right seeing none we will close the hearing<00:39
• </c> going to highlight a few of our primary going to highlight a few of our primary concerns<00:49:48.680
• Shall we close the hearing on SB 110? I'm kidding." "Yeah, Senator Lang out there.
• </c> the legislature to take a very close the legislature to take a very close look<01:54:27.480><c>

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to close public testimony. Committee, what's your preference?
• We're going to close public testimony. Committee, what's your preference?
• Going to close public comment, committee. What's your further? Move the bill.
• Going to close public comment, committee. What's your further? Move the bill.
• </c><01:39:58.239><c> public</c> All right, we're going to close public All right, we're going to close

Bills: SF0071 , SF0088 , SF0056

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: homeland security, search and rescue, grants, emergency response, Wyoming, sex offender, child care facility, residency restrictions, public safety, criminal law, sex offenders, child care facilities, legislation, kratom, regulation, healthcare, age restrictions, manufacturing standards, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> local policies are not the primary local policies are not the primary reason<00:14:11.040><c> for
• This is a great effort and the door is not closed.
• We'll continue to come up not closed.
• </c> Senator Rasmusson, if you have closing comments. Thank you, Mr.
• Uh, Senator House, any closing comments for us? Uh, thank you, Mr. Chair.

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Their job is to visit and educate at the zoo and also throughout the state up close like this, so no
• /c><00:02:44.080><c> it</c><00:02:44.200><c> is</c><00:02:44.319><c> a</c> [Music] And they get up close
• they</c><00:05:11.400><c> get</c><00:05:11.560><c> up</c><00:05:11.720><c> the</c><00:05:11.960><c> close
• </c><00:05:12.639><c> so</c><00:05:12.800><c> you</c><00:05:12.960><c> can</c> and they get up the close
• is that we can service those primary is that we can service those 5,000<00:13:39.760><c> animals</c>

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Working here at the Capitol is getting to grow close friendships with staff and members with all the
• Chair Nash, closing comments on your bill. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• I want to be working closely with the chairs of all the standing committees.
• I want to be working closely with the chairs of all the standing committees.
• I want to be working closely with the chairs of all the standing committees.

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Bradley, you are recognized to close on your amendment. We have closed.
• Senator Burton, you are recognized to close on your bill.
• Senator Grohl, you recognize the closing on the bill. Thank you.
• Senator Graley, recognize the closing on the bill. Thank you.
• Senator Burgess, you're recognized to close on the bill.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several bills. SB 330, by Sen. Bradley, clarified the heart disease presumption for firefighters, law enforcement, and correctional officers, including allowing a prior physical exam to count if a transferring officer is not given a new one; an amendment declaring the act an important state interest was adopted, and the bill passed favorably. SB 594, by Sen. Burton, would make mobile home residents eligible for local housing assistance programs such as SHIP for lot rent and home repairs; it received supportive testimony from manufactured-home advocates and passed favorably. SB 840, by Sen. DeSigley, revised hurricane-related land-use restrictions from prior legislation by shortening the affected area from 100 miles to 50 miles, ending certain temporary limits on June 30, 2026, and exempting some water, flood, and state/federal planning matters; it passed favorably after supportive comments from local-government interests and members noting the need to fix unintended consequences of prior law. The committee also approved SB 526, by Sen. Grawe, which addresses no-damages-for-delay clauses in public construction contracts, creates a uniform commercial permit application, requires permit fee reductions when private providers are used, and adds mitigation to statewide product approval categories. County representatives testified with concerns about the contracting language, unfunded mandates, and fee reductions, but the bill passed favorably. SB 504, by Sen. Burgess, creates a statewide framework for code inspector body camera use, and SB 506, its linked public-records bill, exempts certain sensitive content from disclosure; both passed favorably with support from the sponsor and no opposition in committee. The most heavily debated measure was SB 354, by Chair McLean, which creates a “blue ribbon project” framework for very large developments that trade state preemption over local land-use regulation for reserving at least 60% of the land for conservation, agriculture, recreation, utilities, and related uses. The bill drew significant testimony from environmental groups, counties, smart-growth advocates, and local residents who argued it could weaken local control, reduce public review, and allow sprawl or inadequate infrastructure planning; supporters argued it could help address housing needs and preserve large amounts of land. The committee adopted two amendments clarifying reserve-area easements and requiring certain easements to be granted without charge, and the committee then reported the bill favorably, with some senators noting they supported it in concept but wanted further changes before later stops.

Transcript Highlights:

• Darby, to close on the amendment as amended. Thank you. Mr.
• King to close on the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Bonin to close on the bill. I close. Passage on the third reading of Senate Bill 5.
• Darby to close on the bill. Thank you, members. This has been a good day.
• Bonin to close on the bill. Mr. Speaker. Mr. Moody, for what purpose?

Bills: HB1 , HB 2 , HB 3 , HB 5 , HB20 , HB 22 , HB 1 , HB 2 , HB 3 , HB 5 , HB 20 , HB 22

Keywords: youth camps, emergency preparedness, safety standards, health regulations, camp licensing, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace, medical examiner, county judge, sheriff, mayor, emergency coordinator, emergency manager license

Transcript Highlights:

• But what I will tell you is that I have statistics that are closed.
• And with that, I close. Thank you.
• Subject to any questions, I close. Thank you, Chair.
• Subject to any questions, I close. Thanks, Chairman.
• I'll close on the bill. The meal closes at this point in time. Any questions? OK, go ahead.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Berman, you are recognized to close on the bill. Thank you, Madam Chair. Wave close.
• Sarah Howard, you're recognized to close. Wave close.
• Senator Rodriguez, you're recognized to close on your bill. Wave close.
• Senator Trumbull, you're recognized to close.
• Senator McLean, you're recognized to close.

Committee: Senate Health Policy

Summary: The committee took up a large health policy agenda. SB 1568 on electronic prescribing was explained as a federal conformity measure, but members raised concerns about preserving patients’ ability to obtain paper prescriptions and about exemptions for emergency, hospice, and other situations. Emergency physicians testified in support of e-prescribing but asked for flexibility, and the bill was reported favorably despite Senator Harrell’s opposition. SB 1606 on patient access to records sought to standardize record-production timelines and require electronic delivery when available; after an amendment correcting a drafting error, the bill drew concerns about HIPAA, behavioral health confidentiality, and the distinction between personal and legal representatives, and it was reported unfavorably as a committee substitute. The committee then approved SB 1346 on fentanyl testing, with a technical amendment, to require hospitals and campus emergency departments to test for fentanyl in urine testing for suspected overdose or poisoning. SB 1224 on administration of controlled substances by paramedics was amended to clarify language and reported favorably. SB 656 on health care billing and collection activities was substantially revised by strike-all amendment to allow sale of medical debt to third parties under new limits, including no interest or fees and return of debt if charity care applies; it was reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 68 expanded health facilities authority financing to include not-for-profit LLCs and parent companies, and SB 524 added Duchenne muscular dystrophy to the newborn screening panel; both were reported favorably. Later, the committee approved SB 1842 on out-of-network referrals after multiple amendments, requiring providers to verify network participation at the point of service and notify patients in writing, though several members and physicians warned it could burden providers and increase workload. The committee also advanced proposed committee bill SB 7028, which revises the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program, adds oversight and reporting requirements, creates a pediatric cancer research incubator, and establishes the Bascom-Palmer VisionGen initiative; cancer center representatives testified in strong support, and the bill was reported favorably as a committee bill. SB 172 on specialty titles and designations was amended to clarify enforcement and was reported favorably after supporters said it would prevent misleading use of specialist titles, while opponents argued it could confuse practitioners’ titles. Finally, SB 1690 on surrendered infants was reported favorably after supporters said it would codify and expand safe-haven baby box procedures and opponents raised safety concerns about the devices. The committee also noted SB 1606 remained pending for reconsideration next week before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've been closed on a bill. The question now occurs on Senate Bill 794.
• If you could clarify that in your close. Senators, we'll have that clarified in the close.
• Senator Davis, you are now recognized to close on the bill. Thank you, Mr.
• Having closed on the bill, closed. Your favorable support.
• Having closed on the bill, closed on Senate Bill 1578, the question now recurs.

Committee: Senate Banking and Insurance

Summary: The committee first took up SB 794, as amended by a late-filed strike-all, which would require a human being to make insurance claim denial decisions and prohibit artificial intelligence from being the sole basis for a denial. The sponsor said the bill was intended to preserve human oversight while allowing innovation in claims processing. Public testimony included support from the Florida Insurance Consumer Advocate and the Florida Medical Association, along with one speaker urging additional protections for homeowners. The committee adopted the strike-all and reported SB 794 favorably with committee substitutes. Members then heard SB 134, which removes the $500 threshold on the sales tax exemption for bullion, making sales of gold, silver, and platinum bullion fully exempt and eliminating certain dealer documentation requirements. Supporters argued the change would reduce a regressive tax and help consumers preserve savings; the sponsor estimated a revenue impact of about $300,000. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also adopted a strike-all on SB 888, which directs the Office of Insurance Regulation to create a more consumer-friendly homeowners insurance website with premium comparison information, market data, rate filing access, and educational resources. The sponsor and Leader Boyd said the goal was to improve transparency and help consumers navigate a stabilizing market. SB 888 was reported favorably with committee substitutes. The final bill heard was SB 1578, covering mammograms and supplemental breast cancer screenings. The sponsor said it would expand coverage requirements in ACA plans and private insurance policies, including annual mammograms for women ages 40 to 50 and supplemental screening coverage, while noting Medicaid already provides these services. The Florida Insurance Consumer Advocate waived in support, and the bill was reported favorably. After the bills, the committee held a lengthy panel discussion on gold and silver as legal tender and transactional money, with testimony from officials from Utah and Florida, industry representatives, and advocacy groups. Panelists discussed constitutional authority, consumer protections, depository oversight, taxation issues, and possible transactional platforms for precious metals. No further action was taken after the discussion, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, that close collaboration and implementation of...
• Now we're down to close to 800,000 enrolled in Medicaid within the department.
• It's really close, so that's great.
• This is the primary way to avoid that.
• We'll look forward to being closely connected. Thanks to the analysts.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we are, again, working very closely with the sponsor and working with the department.
• Seeing none, that will close the public hearing on House Bill 3328.
• Seeing none, that will close the public hearing on House Bill 3328.
• Our two primary concerns are, one, meeting some of these requirements is going to add an administrative
• All right, seeing none, that'll close the public hearing on House Bill 23-24.

Committee: House Insurance

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we've worked really closely with mining companies and other energy priorities for the governor in
• And in closing, I think it's super important to say that this isn't anybody's fault.
• Senator O'Conniewicz, you want to close? Thank you, Mr. Chairman, committee.
• And the response was no, not even close.
• Senator Bernt, you’re welcome to join us back up here for the vote, or do you want to close?

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• because plan A was—and this is something I worked on a couple of years ago for a year—we got this close
• We got this close.” “We worked through Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act reauthorization.
• So we literally came this close to having that kind of pilot and demonstration authority.
• And I worked very closely with our...
• The primary reason was because they, again, did a quick audit, and they found that 70% of the people

Committee: All ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Opening or closing, up to you, sir.
• I think the Arizona Navigable Stream Adjudication Commission is a one-line-item commission whose primary
• I bet the county is somewhere close to 15% of what their members have to cover.
• And just to that point, the school for the deaf and blind down in Tucson, they've closed that facility
• Speaker, can you close us out, sir? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And oh, I'm sorry, are we doing those?

Summary: House Republican caucus met on April 29 to review the FY 2027 budget package and several related “budget implementation” bills, with Chairman Livingston noting that HB 2415 was being held. Staff and members walked through HB 4138, the General Appropriations Act (“feed bill”), which appropriates about $17.96 billion from the general fund and includes one-time fund transfers, 5% lump-sum reductions for most agencies, funding for the state health insurance plan, school facilities, child care, correctional officer stipends, public safety, and other prior-year items. Members emphasized that the budget reflected House and Senate negotiations after the governor left budget talks, and Republican leaders framed it as a package that lowers taxes, shrinks government, and funds priorities such as K-12, child care, foster care, and public safety. The caucus then reviewed a series of mostly standard budget bills: HB 4139 on gaming/racing assessments; HB 4140 on federal monies, the budget stabilization fund, and ACE initiative savings reporting; HB 4141 on capital outlay, highway construction, airport funding, and rural transportation match funds; HB 4142 on commerce and lottery distributions; HB 4143 on corrections reporting; HB 4144 on environmental provisions and water-related fund uses; HB 4145 on state employee health insurance premiums and DES reforms; HB 4146 on higher education funding provisions; HB 4147 on SNAP administration and error-rate reduction; HB 4148 on K-12 inflation adjustments, school facilities, and ASDB property-sale oversight; HB 4150 on county expenditure flexibility and state office rent rates; HB 4151 on the Department of Revenue’s integrated tax system funding and related charges; HB 4152 on tax conformity, deductions, and repeal of several renewable-energy tax preferences and the Rio Nuevo diversion; and HB 4153 on transportation reporting. Discussion repeatedly centered on health plan solvency, SNAP/ACCESS eligibility and fraud controls, school funding, rural transportation, and tax conformity and relief. The caucus also took up several blue-sheet bills: HB 2035 on extended-family placement notifications in child welfare cases; HB 2170 restricting certain PRC-controlled companies from state IT contracts; HB 2249 expanding Parents’ Bill of Rights provisions; HB 2573 on DUI interlock/restricted-license rules and psychotherapy definitions; and HB 2873, which was amended to allow withdrawal of referendum petitions before ballot qualification. HB 2415 was held. The Speaker closed by praising the caucus for its budget work, saying the package delivers tax relief, protects vulnerable populations and public safety, and reflects months of Republican negotiations, and the meeting adjourned to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are also very close to Elevate Quantum's new packaging facility to help assemble and test parts
• This is one of my primary swim lanes that I work on here in the legislature.
• Any closing thoughts? Mr. Chair and Senator, and thank you so much.
• having this on state land, and I don't know what kind of state land we have around the state that are close
• to railroads, close to infrastructure, close to good schools, that that's something that needs to be

Bills: SB145 , SB143

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Keywords: auditing, financial reporting, state auditor, public agencies, capital outlay, compliance, federal audits, agriculture, New Mexico Department of Agriculture, fee update, regulatory fees, egg inspection, egg grading, egg dealer, pesticide control, pesticide registration, pesticide applicator, pest management consultant, plant protection, nursery license

Transcript Highlights:

• The primary drivers, as you'll hear, are PEIA cost increases, the 3% proposed pay raise, and the big
• Teachers is getting close. It was poorly funded back in the day, in the 1980s.
• The sale was $60 million after closing costs and all the other things. We netted $52.8 million.
• Yeah, those are estimates because it doesn't close until May.
• Whatever inflation is, I would think it'll be close to three, four percent.

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• nutrition support services be approved by the state and that registered dietitian nutritionists and primary
• And we will temporarily close this hearing and do some business, and then we'll open it up for public
• I'm going to go to my closing highlight now, but just to take a beat on SNAP and give appreciation to
• Now, I'm going into my closing highlight and I am watching the clock.
• Through the pandemic, we learned just how important it is to keep food systems close to home.

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee met on the first day of the 2026 session and heard a briefing and public testimony on Senate Bill 5966 concerning medically tailored meals. Committee staff explained that the bill would define medically tailored meals and set statewide standards for meals provided through state programs, emphasizing medical guidance, dietary and cultural accommodations, and prioritizing Washington-based nonprofit providers when possible. Senator T’wina Nobles, the sponsor, said the bill is intended to create a clear baseline for quality and accountability without expanding benefits or creating a new program, but rather to streamline and standardize existing efforts. Testifiers in support described existing medically tailored meal and food box programs already operating in Washington. Representatives from Meals on Wheels, Chicken Soup Brigade, Cascadia Produce, Emergency Food Network, and Meals on Wheels Spokane said these programs improve health outcomes for people with chronic conditions, support recovery, and help keep people stable in their communities. They also emphasized that local providers, volunteers, farmers, and food businesses benefit when state dollars stay in Washington. Several members asked whether the bill would create a new system; supporters said it would instead coordinate and standardize current waiver-based and contract-based services. Questions also touched on funding sources, delivery costs, and the role of Medicaid and other programs. The committee temporarily set aside the bill to hear from newly appointed DSHS Secretary Angela Ramirez, who outlined the department’s reorganization into new administrations and said the goal is to reduce silos, improve customer experience, and make services easier to navigate. She also briefed members on federal HR1-related changes affecting SNAP and Medicaid, including work requirements, immigrant eligibility changes, and tribal consultation, and said DSHS is developing a verification hub to reduce administrative burden. Members raised concerns about implementation, data collection, and how to avoid benefit loss due to paperwork issues. After the secretary’s presentation, the committee resumed testimony on SB 5966 and then adjourned without taking a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm very close to Opportunity Austin.
• I would like to close with my life's creed at the end of...
• I'm open for questions to close that introduction. Members, are there questions for...?
• Information Resources' primary mission is to set technology strategy and direction for the state of Texas
• Well, I guess we'll close with the fact that Price Waterhouse ranks Texas as number one in attractiveness

Committee: Senate Nominations

Keywords: 1185, senate, all