Transcript Highlights:

• or private schools, including vision screening information reporting for public school students and
• This bill we heard previously relates to the accessibility of results from the state assessment.
• Members, this bill we heard previously relates to the terminology used to refer to certain assessment
• This bill we heard previously relates to the accessibility of results from the state assessment.
• And so we took the vision screen.

Bills: HB178, HB1551, HB1939, HB2040, HB2354, HB2674, HB3029, HB3460, HB3631, HB3662, HB5201, HB5381, HB178

Keywords: Texas education, public schools, curriculum, social studies, high school graduation requirements, State Board of Education, Education Code, ethnic studies, world history, world geography, U.S. history, government, economics, personal financial literacy, free enterprise, religious literature, Hebrew Scriptures, Old Testament, New Testament, ninth grade

Transcript Highlights:

• Home hardening assessments is one of our main ones, where we go out and provide free, no-cost assessments
• They do a risk assessment. We walk them through the process.
• But we could do things like venting of screening of the venting. Right?
• It was my job legally to assess the entire problem, look at the entire mouth.
• And here, we really need to understand the scope of the challenge we face, a real assessment.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the ED for children, and also requires that departments conduct the National Pediatric Readiness Assessment
• House Bill 355, and specifically changes the reporting dates to the National Pediatric Readiness Assessment
• This change maintains the safety requirement for background screening of visitors in these homes, but
• This change maintains the safety requirement for background screening of visitors in these homes, but
• This change maintains the safety requirement for background screening of visitors in these homes, but

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard public testimony on concerns about changes to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program and the iBudget waiver, including warnings that HIV patients could lose access to medications and that direct support providers need a rate increase. Senators discussed possible alternatives such as medically needy coverage and FQHC/340B access, and a witness urged the legislature to delay implementation of the HIV-related changes and restore funding. Another witness asked for support for a modest increase for iBudget direct care providers. The committee then considered and reported favorably several bills. SB 428, by Sen. Yarborough, expands the state swimming voucher program from ages 0-4 to ages 1-7 to align with drowning-prevention guidance; it passed without opposition. CS/SB 68, by Sen. Harrell, requires hospitals with emergency departments to adopt pediatric emergency care policies, training, equipment standards, and readiness assessments; an amendment aligning reporting dates with the House version was adopted, and the bill passed favorably. CS/SB 1718, by Sen. Grall, makes the Step Into Success foster youth pilot permanent, adjusts visitor/background screening rules for out-of-home placements, and modifies stipend provisions; it also passed favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 606, by Sen. Smith, which adds drowning-prevention and safe-bathing education to postpartum materials and requires hospitals and birthing centers to keep compliance records. CS/CS/SB 96, by Sen. Sharief, expands eligibility for the Veterans Dental Care Grant Program up to 400% of the federal poverty level; an amendment removed the $500,000 appropriation so funding can be handled in the budget process, and the bill passed. CS/SB 340, by Sen. Harrell, requires nursing education to include a human trafficking course before licensure, and CS/SB 1480, by Sen. Burton, creates a grandfathering process for certain health care providers in areas of critical need if federal designations change; both were reported favorably. The committee adjourned at the end of the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Your screens are black over there? We did that on purpose. Only on that row.
• I request unanimous consent to adopt the language as shown on the screen.
• Chairman, do you like me to discuss the language on the screen? Go ahead, please.
• I thought you did adopt the language as shown on the screen. You seconded it?
• I request unanimous consent to adopt the language as shown on the screen. Object.

Summary: The Joint Finance and Corporation Committee met with a quorum and first approved a $6.5 million federal supplemental appropriation for the Military Division to replace failing climate control systems in Idaho Air National Guard buildings at Gowen Field. The motion passed with a do-pass recommendation after brief explanation that the work would begin with design and contracting and the remaining funds would carry into fiscal year 2027. The committee then considered Idaho State Police funding tied to the Project Choice Fund. Staff explained three revenue sources supporting a $6.695 million personnel appropriation: a beer excise tax reallocation, a new specialty license plate, and House Bill 967, which would redirect additional liquor account distributions. Members discussed the impact on cities and counties, the need for stable public safety funding, and the fact that the proposal shifts some liquor revenues away from local governments. The appropriation motion passed and received a do-pass recommendation. Next, the committee took up two Idaho Digital Learning Academy-related language items. The first, a trailer to Senate Bill 1362, was adopted by unanimous consent to resolve a potential conflict with House Bill 940 regarding course fees. The second would have allowed IDLA limited access to PSIF after spending down cash balances, but members raised concerns about financial risk and whether the language was necessary; the motion failed in both chambers. The committee then approved language redirecting about $12 million from the Strategic Initiatives Fund to the local highway distribution formula instead of LTAC grants, after debate over local equity versus larger grant projects. Finally, the committee adopted language preventing an automatic transfer out of the Budget Stabilization Fund that would otherwise occur because the fund is at its statutory 15% cap. Members debated whether excess funds should instead flow to the general fund given budget pressures, but the motion passed and received a do-pass recommendation. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• These subrecipients, as you see, included school districts, and we do have those listed on the screen
• And then we're going to talk about assessment: how do we know we're doing a good job, how do we know
• And as you can see on the screen, grants to the federal, state, and local levels.
• How we assess impact initially, and all the time, everything is predicated on district need.
• The first example of how we assess for impact is looking at our services and return on investment.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met with a quorum and first heard a Department of Education program review on three district support programs: assistance to low-performing schools, the Florida Partnership program, and regional literacy teams (RAISE). Dr. Paul Burns described how the Bureau of School Improvement supports schools with D/F grades through regional teams, classroom observations, professional learning, and targeted funding, noting that 104 of 168 low-performing schools improved after 2022-23 and that the share of failing schools fell from 6% to 4%. He also outlined the Florida Partnership’s $4 million annual appropriation for advanced-course teacher training and student access, and the RAISE literacy program’s $5 million funding, universal/targeted/intensive supports, and progress monitoring results. Senators asked about rural participation, post-COVID reading data, parent support, and how long schools remain under monitoring after improving; Burns said rural districts can participate statewide, parents can access school and department support, and schools continue to receive monitoring after exiting low-performing status to prevent recidivism. The committee then received a presentation on the school district education foundation matching grants program from Suzanne Pridgen, who explained that the Consortium of the Florida Education Foundations administers the grants, which require private matching funds and support tutoring, literacy, STEM, career education, professional learning, books, and supplies. She said the program leverages about $1.44 in private support for every state dollar. The committee then moved to the regional education consortia, where representatives from PAEC, NEFEC, and Heartland, along with several rural superintendents, described the consortia as member-led organizations that provide economies of scale, professional learning, HR, risk management, purchasing, legal and operational support, crisis assistance, and leadership development for small and fiscally constrained districts. Superintendents from Lafayette, Holmes, Calhoun, Union, DeSoto, and Hendry counties testified that the consortia are essential because rural districts often have very small staffs, multiple-duty administrators, and limited in-house expertise. They cited support with insurance and hurricane recovery, training for new finance and HR staff, instructional coaching, CTE and leadership programs, and help with turnaround schools. Members emphasized that these districts can be high-performing despite limited resources, and several senators praised the consortia’s value. Senator Gaetz asked about additional back-office collaboration, possible regulatory relief, and FEFP issues tied to scholarship-related enrollment swings; rural superintendents responded that more local control would help. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, which was adopted without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• The statute requires districts to use an approved screening instrument to screen children for reading
• The statute requires districts to use an approved screening instrument to screen kids for reading difficulties
• </c> use um some type of approved screening use um some type of approved screening instrument<00:03:08.800
• ><c> reading</c> instrument to screen kids for reading instrument to screen kids for reading difficulties
• </c><00:05:04.960><c> intervention</c> the reading and assessment intervention the reading and assessment

Bills: HB0111, HB0112, HB0122

Keywords: capital construction, state funding, Wyoming, major maintenance, community colleges, task force, legislative services, budget appropriation, unexpended funds, sunset clause, healthcare, rural health, transformation program, funding, incentives, training, access, perpetuity fund, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we use assessment fees, which is what's on your screen.
• Does every hospital pay an assessment fee?
• So the hospital assessment fees totaled $119 million in state fiscal year 25.
• And then the state share of that total payment is what the assessment fee is.
• And so they get very irritated that they have to pay an assessment without getting a benefit of the assessment

Summary: The subcommittee met to review Department of Human Services hospital payments in Arkansas Medicaid, with DHS Secretary Janet Mann and Deputy Secretary Misty Eubanks presenting first, followed by Arkansas Hospital Association Executive Vice President Jody Ann Tritt and a brief comment from Arkansas Children’s. DHS outlined the main hospital payment streams: fee-for-service per diem payments, upper payment limit (UPL) supplemental payments, cost settlements, and smaller payments such as graduate medical education and disproportionate share hospital funds. Members asked for plain-language explanations of cost settlements, why per diem rates vary by hospital type, and why UPL applies to private hospitals. DHS said cost settlements and UPL are mechanisms to help offset Medicaid underpayment, with SFY 2025 hospital payments totaling hundreds of millions of dollars and no general revenue used for supplemental payments beyond the state share funded through hospital assessments and related financing structures. Committee members focused heavily on whether Arkansas hospitals are adequately reimbursed and why rural hospitals struggle. Tritt explained that critical access hospitals, rural emergency hospitals, PPS hospitals, and specialty hospitals operate under different federal and state rules, and said lower per diem rates for some facilities help with cash flow and later cost settlement adjustments. She said Arkansas hospitals are under financial strain, citing a negative patient services margin statewide and noting that Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial payers all contribute to the problem. She also said the association had just authorized a statewide survey of hospital finances and costs, which she expected would take about a year to complete. A major theme was commercial insurance reimbursement. Tritt argued Arkansas hospitals are paid far less than hospitals in neighboring states even though premiums are similar, and said administrative burdens, prior authorizations, and denials add to the problem. She said hospitals receive about 52 to 53 cents on the dollar for Medicaid costs without UPL and about 78 cents with UPL, still below cost. Members also discussed Medicare wage index issues, Medicare Advantage, and whether hospitals could use technology or alternative arrangements to improve finances. No votes were taken on the hospital presentation. At the end of the meeting, DHS provided a brief update on Living Choices and assisted living reimbursement. Officials said one assisted living facility, Pillars of the Community in Crossett, had announced closure, with nine waiver clients being transitioned to other settings. DHS said the current cost reporting period was underway and that a new rate study could be ready for review before the end of the fiscal year if reports were submitted on time. Members also asked about the broader waiver plan, and DHS said the next waiver iteration would likely be brought back to the committee in the summer.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, courts assess fines on offenders.
• First, courts assess fines on offenders.
• some fines were not assessed.
• some fines were not assessed.
• However, in cases with no fines assessed, they could have assessed an additional $57,000 to $170,000,

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee I-900 Subcommittee heard JLARC’s annual update on the status of legislative implementation of State Auditor recommendations, followed by two State Auditor performance audits. JLARC staff reported that for the 2024 review period there were three new legislative recommendations and three unresolved older recommendations. They said the legislature did not convene a work group on civil asset forfeiture, and no formal action was taken on two water-use-efficiency recommendations. Two recommendations related to concurrent Medicaid enrollments were addressed in a bill introduced this session, but that bill was not adopted. The first audit examined how Washington can ensure climate-resilient electricity infrastructure. The State Auditor found the state has opportunities to better adapt new energy infrastructure by using more site-specific climate information, broader collaboration, and vulnerability assessments. The report recommended expanding climate analyses through the University of Washington Climate Impacts Group if funding is available, using forecasted information in DNR wildfire maps, designating a non-regulatory office to coordinate siting and conflict resolution, and expanding vulnerability assessments in Ecology and Commerce processes. Agency witnesses generally agreed resilience is important but emphasized existing efforts, the need to avoid duplicative requirements, the importance of affordability and efficiency, and the role of current forums such as the Clean Energy Siting Council and SEPA processes. The second audit reviewed fines for human trafficking and related sexual exploitation crimes. Auditors found courts assessed fines inconsistently, collection rates varied, some revenues were sent to the wrong local government, and some jurisdictions did not use the money as required for enforcement, prevention, or survivor services. The audit recommended courts work with prosecutors to improve awareness of mandatory fines, and that King and Pierce County improve coding, templates, and tracking so revenues are routed and used correctly. King County testified that it appreciated the audit and described its existing prevention and survivor-support work. The committee took no votes or formal actions and adjourned after the presentations and testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said the other thing it does is that if the comprehensive assessment can be covered under Medicaid
• Um but it wouldn't uh the assessment.
• Can you run me through how assessment.
• </c> child protection and counties screening child protection and counties screening them<00:26:51.679
• </c> are very basic questions to assess are very basic questions to assess whether<00:47:51.200><c> our

Bills: HF2233, HF1999, HF1995, HF1614, HF2781, HF1775, HF1316, HF2127, HF2521, HF689, HF2380, HF1273

Keywords: Uniform Special Deposits Act, special deposit, banking law, financial institutions, escrow, escrow account, trust account, security deposit, beneficiary, depositor, creditor process, garnishment, attachment, levy, setoff, recoupment, financial market infrastructure, retirement benefits, compensation, earnest money

Transcript Highlights:

• create signage for lung cancer screening eligibility criteria.
• screening in high-risk populations.
• have preventative screenings?
• accessible, something like cervical cancer screening or skin cancer screening that's very readily accessible
• With that, I was going to ask about the accessibility of screening, lung cancer screening, but you already

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on public health, wildfire recovery, local government finance, transportation, and rural health care. SB 1124 by Senator Archuleta would require the California Department of Public Health to create and post lung cancer screening eligibility signage at tobacco retail locations. The author and a physician witness argued the bill would raise awareness of a highly underused screening that can save lives, while retailers and fuel/convenience groups raised implementation concerns about signage size, notice, and penalties. The bill passed to the Health Committee on a 4-0 vote after the committee later took up the on-call item. SB 1352 by Senator Valadao and Senator Allen would clarify that wildfire victims can rebuild homes up to 110% of the original size without triggering reassessment, so long as the property was destroyed in a governor-declared disaster. Supporters, including the L.A. County Assessor, the California Assessors Association, Realtors, and taxpayers groups, said the bill would reduce uncertainty and help families rebuild without higher property taxes. It passed to Appropriations on a 5-0 vote. SB 1343, presented by Senator Allen on behalf of Senator Dodd, would provide a $4,000 income tax credit for sales tax paid on furniture and appliances purchased to furnish a primary residence after a disaster; it drew one opposition witness from the California Teachers Association but otherwise had no public opposition and passed 5-0 to Appropriations. SB 1172 by Senator Hurtado would place caps and transparency requirements on consultant compensation in local tax-sharing agreements, responding to cases in Shafter and Dinuba where revenue was allegedly diverted to consultants. Local government and business groups supported the measure as a guardrail, while some members expressed concern about Sacramento limiting local control; it passed 4-0 to Appropriations. SB 1408 by Senator Arreguín would authorize the Contra Costa Transportation Authority to place a countywide sales tax measure of up to 1% on the ballot to continue transportation funding; transit agencies and local officials supported it, while taxpayer groups opposed it, and it passed 4-1. SB 1404 by Senator Stern would restore a fee on property owners in state responsibility areas to fund Cal Fire wildfire prevention and suppression, with supporters arguing the fee would broaden funding and opponents calling it an unfair tax on rural and wildfire-prone residents; it passed 4-1 to Appropriations. Finally, SB 1102 by Senator Dodd would create a $2,000 tax credit for frontline nurses working in rural hospitals; supporters said it would help recruit and retain nurses in underserved areas, and the bill passed 5-0 as amended to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's an assessment that is done on whether that child needs to be detained.
• Well, no, sir, because a part of the admission process, we should screen and assess every child that
• comes in, and from that screening and assessment, a child is classified and placed in certain housing
• units. ...screen and assess every child that comes in, and from that screening and assessment, a child
• ... ...detention center and to be able to see what we offer, the assessment screening tool, everything

Summary: The committee met on March 18, 2026, with a quorum present and heard several criminal justice bills. HB 36 by Rep. Butler, as amended, removed Evangeline Parish from the Acadiana Regional Juvenile Justice District and was reported favorably. HB 160 by Rep. Knox increased penalties for domestic violence offenses involving strangulation; the committee adopted an amendment requiring at least one year without probation or suspension, heard strong support from survivors and prosecutors, and reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 552 by Rep. Bryant, handled by Vice Chair LaFleur, clarified DWI law to include impairment beyond alcohol; a technical amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably as amended. HB 119 by Rep. Fontenot created and strengthened penalties for AI-generated sexual images, especially involving minors; after amendments, including a new possession offense and a name change to “Act Ivy Daniels,” the bill was reported favorably as amended. HB 171 by Rep. Spell corrected a citation in the personal surety provisions and was reported favorably without opposition. HB 140 by Rep. Cox drew the most debate. The bill lengthened juvenile delinquency filing and adjudication timelines and changed procedures for extensions and dismissals. Prosecutors and law enforcement supported the bill as a practical update to account for modern evidence gathering and case complexity, while public defenders, juvenile advocates, and other opponents argued it would prolong detention, undermine speedy-trial protections, increase costs, and harm children. After extensive testimony and discussion, the committee adopted amendments and reported HB 140 favorably as amended by a roll call vote of 8-3, with Representatives Knox, LaFleur, and Moore voting no. The committee also heard HB 68 by Rep. Schlegel, combined with concepts from Rep. Glorioso’s similar bill, to update disturbing-the-peace law to protect houses of worship from intentional disruption. An amendment clarified definitions of worship spaces and interruptions and increased the mandatory minimum jail time from 15 to 30 days, while enhancing penalties to a felony for more serious conduct such as battery, property damage, or carrying a dangerous weapon during the offense. Supporters framed it as a deterrent and protection for religious liberty, while opponents, including the ACLU, raised First Amendment concerns and asked for tighter language. The transcript cuts off during opposition testimony, and no final vote on HB 68 is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• fee okay you heard for this assessment fee okay you heard for this assessment fee okay you heard the
• with the vine there is these assess with the vine there is these assess with the vine there is these
• for safety right unnecessary screen for safety right unnecessary screen for safety right thank thank
• time been having because of the screen time been having because of the screen time the excessive screen
• time where there's not the screen time where there's not the screen time where students are not then

Bills: HB 9, HB 22, HB 908, HB 1392

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, tax exemption, local government finance, appraisal district, chief appraiser, rendition statement, property tax relief, small business, commercial property, leased property, related business entity, unified business enterprise, tax situs, Texas Tax Code, local taxing unit, constitutional amendment

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the statewide assessment. the statewide assessment.
• of the assessment. >> Yes.
• . assessment. assessment.
• </c> see that within our state assessment. see that within our state assessment.
• services</c> &gt;&gt; screening I'm sorry screening services &gt;&gt; screening I'm sorry screening services

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Legislative Oversight Committee met to review statewide education improvement and assessment issues under RSA 193-C:8-a, with the chair focusing on curriculum frameworks, academic standards, and resource elements tied to the state’s adequate education statutes. The chair walked through the statutory relationship between minimum standards for public school approval, academic standards, and local control of curriculum, noting that New Hampshire law requires curriculum frameworks to guide what students should know and be able to do while leaving districts flexibility in instruction. He also raised concerns that some subject areas appear to have current frameworks or standards while others do not, and suggested the committee may need to consider an amendment creating a curriculum frameworks and academic standards coordinator at the Department of Education. Nate Green, director of the Division of Education Analytics and Resources, explained that the terms “academic standards” and “curriculum frameworks” have evolved over time and are often used interchangeably, but can mean different things depending on the subject area. He said the state’s more prescriptive standards largely developed after No Child Left Behind, especially in math, ELA, and science, while older or less-tested subjects such as arts, physical education, and health often retained looser framework-style documents. Green outlined one possible approach of standardizing terminology, but also said New Hampshire could instead define curriculum frameworks separately as a combination of standards, curriculum, and instructional approaches. He emphasized that state standards must support statewide consistency and assessment, while local districts retain control over how they teach. Committee members discussed how these distinctions affect different grade levels and subjects, using examples from math and science to show that minimum standards are broad while academic standards are more specific and grade-level based. Green described how science standards are organized by physical science, life science, and earth/space science across grade bands, while math standards are more directly tied to individual grades. No votes were taken and no formal action was reported during this portion of the meeting; the discussion remained informational and exploratory as members considered whether statutory language or departmental organization should be updated.

Transcript Highlights:

• IT FURTHER ALIGNS US WITH BACKGROUND SCREENING REQUIREMENTS.
• FAILURE TO UPDATE THIS LANGUAGE COULD RESULT IN THE LOSS OF ACCESS TO BACKGROUND SCREENING TOOLS AND
• CHAIRMAN AND AS YOU KNOW WE HAVE VARIOUS TYPES OF NEWBORN SCREENING.
• YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO CLOSE. >> Senator Harrell: THIS IS AN IMPORTANT ADDITION TO THE NEWBORN SCREENING
• FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENTS.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, I want to open up with—we can put that up on the screen—and also every member on this dais
• So you can see the screen-in percentage for years has been about 50-ish percent.
• So you can see the screen in percentage for years has been about 50-ish percent.
• How many children are screened in for investigation?
• Arizona screened in for investigation is about the same as national.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on the Department of Child Safety met to review child welfare reforms developed after prior oversight hearings on the deaths of Emily Pike, Zariah Dodd, and Rebecca Baptiste. Committee members and the chair described a series of stakeholder meetings with tribes, DCS, law enforcement, county attorneys, schools, and other advocates that produced several bills aimed at improving communication, reporting, investigations, and court decision-making. The chair said SB 1125, creating a tribal-DCS memorandum of understanding, had already been signed, and highlighted HB 1126 on school records access, HB 1127 on mandatory reporting by people with direct knowledge, HB 1174 on hotline case history and review of prior reports, HB 1175 on photo documentation of children in care, HB 1496 on allowing attorneys to share more safety information with judges, and HB 1631 requiring advanced forensic interviews within 72 hours in sexual abuse cases, with some exceptions. DCS Director Catherine Patak presented agency data showing nearly 160,000 hotline calls in 2025, about 43,000 investigations, and a relatively steady out-of-home care population that ended the year at 7,077 children. She said about 3,000 children were reunified, 1,300 adopted, and 800 entered guardianship, while 1,100 young adults received transition services. She also reported 534 new foster homes licensed, a 50% reimbursement increase for older youth caregivers, a 40% decrease in youth missing from care since September 2024, and a 30% reduction in fatalities of children in care since 2024. Patak discussed the annual fatality review process, noting that 52 of 123 alleged fatality or near-fatality reports had prior DCS involvement, and described agency responses such as health plans for children with complex medical needs, a diabetes training app, expanded LifeSet services, fentanyl and safe-sleep prevention campaigns, staffing realignment, retention efforts, and improved coordination with law enforcement and tribes. Members asked about group home notification rules, the distinction between “missing” and “runaway,” behavioral health needs driving children back into care, training under Jacob’s Law, and whether best practices exist for placing sexually abused youth with appropriate staff. Patak said DCS is updating rules to remove “runaway” and “AWOL” in favor of “missing,” and that the agency is considering whether the statute’s immediate-or-24-hour reporting language should be clarified. She also said DCS does not currently have a specific staffing requirement tied to a child’s sex in group homes, but would look into practices in other states. The committee then heard from Malcolm Hightower of Casey Family Programs, who said Arizona is generally in the middle of the pack nationally: slightly higher than average in foster care entries and congregate care use, but near the national average on screening, substantiation, recurrence, re-entry, and maltreatment fatalities. He praised Arizona’s kin placement rate, said congregate care remains a challenge, and noted that neglect definitions and poverty-related removals remain an area of policy discussion. Finally, K.C. Melsick of Collaborative Safety described the organization’s safety-science approach to systemic critical incident reviews, arguing that child welfare systems should move away from blame and toward learning from near-misses and system failures. Members discussed applying similar methods across state agencies, and the committee adjourned after members and witnesses emphasized continued collaboration and further reforms in the interim and next session.

Transcript Highlights:

• students throughout the United States with empirically validated Tool to enhance their ability to assess

Bills: SB1423, SB1426, SB1502, SB1377, SB1983, SB1466, SB1645, SB1647, SB1847, SB1565, SB1562, SB1329, SB1383, SB1833, SB1555, SB1344, SB1839, SB1280, SB1832, SB2001, SB1405, SB2143, SB1989, SB1393, SB1392, SB1395, SB1400, SB1220, SB1516, SB1239, SB1531, SB1349, SB1221, SB1538, SB1309, SB1434, SB2108, SB2121, SB2171, SB2061, SB2112, SB2138

Keywords: Oklahoma Hospital Advisory Council, hospital licensure, public health, State Department of Health, State Board of Health, hospital regulations, healthcare regulation, hospital standards, hospital construction, hospital operations, stroke care, stroke system, emergency medical services, EMS transport, psychiatric treatment, chemical dependency treatment, substance use disorder, drug storage, pharmacy, quality indicators

Transcript Highlights:

• students throughout the United States with an empirically validated tool to enhance their ability to assess

Bills: SB1423, SB1426, SB1502, SB1377, SB1983, SB1466, SB1645, SB1647, SB1847, SB1565, SB1562, SB1329, SB1383, SB1833, SB1555, SB1344, SB1839, SB1280, SB1832, SB2001, SB1405, SB2143, SB1989, SB1393, SB1392, SB1395, SB1400, SB1220, SB1516, SB1239, SB1531, SB1349, SB1221, SB1538, SB1309, SB1434, SB2108, SB2121, SB2171, SB2061, SB2112, SB2138

Keywords: Oklahoma Hospital Advisory Council, hospital licensure, public health, State Department of Health, State Board of Health, hospital regulations, healthcare regulation, hospital standards, hospital construction, hospital operations, stroke care, stroke system, emergency medical services, EMS transport, psychiatric treatment, chemical dependency treatment, substance use disorder, drug storage, pharmacy, quality indicators

Summary: The Senate convened, the roll was called, and a quorum was declared. The chamber opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then proceeded to a series of floor introductions recognizing the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Sameed Faruqi, and psychologist of the day, Dr. Jeffrey Martindale, along with several interns and guests on the floor and in the gallery. A major ceremonial item was the introduction of the Oakdale/Oktaha Lady Tigers fast-pitch softball team, which was recognized for winning the 2025 OSSAA Class 2A state championship. Senator Fricks presented a citation honoring the team’s resilience, sportsmanship, and community pride, and the coach briefly thanked the Senate and described the long-term connection between the players and the school program. The Senate also recognized the Oklahoma Alzheimer’s Association in the gallery. No legislation was debated or voted on in the transcript; the only formal action was a motion adopted to adjourn when the clerk’s desk was clear. Committee announcements noted that HHS would meet at 1:00 and Revenue and Taxation would meet later in the afternoon, and the Senate adjourned until Tuesday, February 10th at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• and the environment where they occur, but ongoing research is required to help the FWC refine and assess
• Risk screenings help our staff assess the likelihood that a species will cause harm to Florida.
• As you can see, 239 risk screenings have been completed.
• That's over time, the entirety of our risk screenings, but the majority of those have happened in the
• to assess and prioritize efforts.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government convened with a quorum present and excused Senators Arrington and Pizzo. The committee first took up confirmation hearings for appointments on tabs 1 through 4, and Senator DiCeglie moved to recommend confirmation of all appointees together. The motion passed unanimously, and the appointees were favorably recommended. The main presentation was from FWC Chief Conservation Officer George Wharton on invasive species management in Florida. He described the scale of the problem, including more than 500 non-native species reported in the state, and outlined FWC’s prevention, containment, removal, outreach, and research efforts. He highlighted risk screenings, the conditional/prohibited species framework, enforcement actions against illegal wildlife trafficking, and public programs such as the Florida Python Challenge, lionfish outreach, the Exotic Pet Amnesty Program, and the “I’ve Got One” reporting app. He also noted ongoing removal efforts for pythons, tegus, lionfish, and iguanas, and discussed new technologies and partnerships aimed at improving control efforts. Members asked follow-up questions about FWC issues beyond invasive species, including the status of special activity licenses for threatened species and giant manta rays, the upcoming bear hunt, and whether the committee could help reduce barriers to invasive species removal on federal lands. Wharton said all SAL permits for threatened species are currently suspended pending Commission review, that Florida is on track for a bear hunt this December with 172 permits issued across four subpopulations, and that bear management is based on scientific data while urban bear conflicts still require separate management. He also said federal partners are increasingly cooperative on python control, including commercialization of hides, and that drones, sentinel snakes, robotic lures, and AI-based traps may improve future invasive species removal. Senator Sharief and Senator Burton later requested to be recorded as voting affirmatively on tabs 1 through 4, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will follow the order of the agenda, which is displayed here on the screen.
• And we'll turn to the screen and Dolores Prescott, who's testifying virtually.
• the Health Care Authority to publish the receipt of submissions for new assessments and re-review assessments
• We'll turn our attention to the screen for our remote testifiers.
• And we will now turn our attention to the screen.

Bills: SB5904, SB5915, SB6025, SB5933, SB5990, SB5981

Keywords: nursing titles, licensure, healthcare professionals, patient safety, professional standards, SB 5915, health technology assessment, HTA, clinical committee, medical technology review, coverage determination, state-purchased health care, Washington health care, RCW, evidence-based medicine, cost-effectiveness, safety and efficacy, Medicare coverage, national coverage determination, clinical guidelines

Transcript Highlights:

• and assessments and things of that nature.
• Green Hill has the infrastructure for mental health screens and assessments and things of that nature
• We use assessments. I'll talk about that later.
• We do informal workshops, assessments.
• We do informal workshops, assessments.

Summary: The committee began with a work session on juvenile rehabilitation institution capacity, services, and staffing. DCYF Assistant Secretary Jennifer Redmond described overcrowding at Green Hill School and Echo Glen, driven by longer adult-style sentences extending past age 25, limited community placements, and small facility sizes. She said Green Hill remains above safe operating capacity, but staffing, injuries, large-scale aggression, and use-of-force incidents have improved over the past year. She also discussed Harbor Heights, a new 46-bed flex facility that had opened with 22 youth and would expand once a medical trailer arrives, as well as community transition services, vocational programming, behavior management reforms, and a request for more resources for mental health-focused facilities and staffing. Members asked about success metrics, developmental disability screening and supports, college access at Echo Glen, Mission Creek planning, and gender-responsive programming; Redmond said JR uses assessments, family involvement, and specialized living units, and that some requested funding had already been secured for returning a girls’ program at Echo Glen. The committee then heard from Team Child and the Youth Action Coalition. Greta Schultz said youth perspectives should guide system reforms and identified key concerns: overuse of sentence extensions, underuse of community transition services, continued criminal referrals from Green Hill to Lewis County, limited family contact, inadequate mental health access, and unequal education opportunities, especially for young women at Echo Glen. Justella Gonzalez, a former system-involved youth, said her time in county and state facilities was harmful, with staff mistreatment, poor education, limited therapy access, and humiliating restraint practices; she also said girls at Echo Glen lacked the same college opportunities as boys at Green Hill. Committee members asked for follow-up on county versus state experiences and on telehealth mental health services. The next presentation covered county-level services for youth involved or at risk of involvement with the justice system, led by juvenile court administrators Christine Simon-Smeyer and Judge Rachel Anderson. They outlined the juvenile court continuum from prevention and truancy work through diversion, detention alternatives, community supervision, and disposition alternatives, emphasizing evidence-based, trauma-informed, and restorative practices. Clark County was used as an example of a court that partners closely with schools and community providers, uses risk assessments and wraparound behavioral health probation, and offers detention alternatives without electronic home monitoring. They said most courts do not use detention for status offenses, but instead use court involvement to connect youth to services. They also described funding, noting that courts rely on a mix of state block grant and local dollars, and that recent cuts to early intervention funding reduced programming and staff hours. Members asked about detention for truancy, developmental disability identification, restorative justice practices, and the juvenile block grant. Finally, DCYF Assistant Secretary Nicole Rose and Katie Warren of the Washington State Association of Head Start and ECAP discussed child care and early learning impacts from recent policy and budget changes. Rose said Fair Start for Kids investments had increased child care access, provider participation, and kindergarten readiness, with more than 60,000 children in Working Connections care and rising ECAP enrollment and provider capacity. She said recent reductions will raise most family copays in 2026, delay eligibility expansions, eliminate some expanded eligibility categories, reduce ECAP slots by about 3,000, delay entitlement timelines, and cut provider supports such as rate increases for centers, complex-needs grants, trauma-informed and dual-language incentives, and infant/early childhood mental health consultation. Warren emphasized ECAP’s role in family stability, workforce participation, and reducing poverty, and noted its two-generation approach to supporting both children and parents.