Transcript Highlights:

• Windsor is a past president of the Arizona chapter of emergency physicians and the founding chair of
• She has also served as a national wellness spokesperson for the American College of Emergency Physicians
• and continues to support physicians statewide through mentorship and peer coaching.
• Windsor is a past president of the Arizona chapter of emergency physicians and the founding chair of
• and continues to support physicians statewide through mentorship and peer Thank you.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and recognition of the Doctor of the Day and several guests and community groups, including correctional officer Jacob Polanco, Pima Community Land Trust representatives, student interns, and Arizona PTA members. Members also adopted a proclamation recognizing Kosovo’s Independence Day in Arizona, with remarks highlighting the Kosovo American community’s contributions to the state. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole on a calendar of bills and resolutions. HB 2307 and HB 2758 were considered first; HB 2307 received committee amendments and was recommended do pass, while HB 2758 drew extensive debate over groundwater transport in La Paz County. Supporters argued the measure preserved a transportation-basin framework and added protections, while opponents warned it would facilitate water export for private investors and harm rural residents. After a division and recorded vote, HB 2758 failed to receive a due-pass recommendation. The House also considered HCR 2003, a referral related to transgender athletes in sports, where supporters framed it as a fairness and women’s sports issue and opponents argued it targeted a small population and should be left to athletic associations; it received a due-pass recommendation. HCR 2047 and HCR 2002, both relating to Judea and Samaria, also received due-pass recommendations after remarks citing biblical and historical references. After the Committee of the Whole report was adopted, the House referred the approved measures to engrossing and noted HB 2758 failed. The chamber then took up third-reading votes on several bills, passing HB 251, HB 262, HB 272, HB 296, and HB 2459, with brief explanations on some votes, including support for a Buffalo Soldiers monument, AHCCCS-related changes, water infrastructure authority, and mobile home park utility billing protections. The House also heard personal privilege remarks and announcements, including comments on antisemitism after vandalism at a University of Arizona campus center, a request to wear pink or green in support of a murder victim’s mother testifying on a bill, tributes to Jesse Jackson and Bishop Peter Bowie, and committee meeting notices before adjourning until February 18, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next we have Tony Large, Florida College of Emergency Physicians. Thanks.
• Next, we have Tony Large, Florida College of Emergency Physicians. Would you like to speak?
• Tony Large, representing the Florida College of Emergency Physicians.
• or lack of insurance. and we treat every patient that presents regardless of their insurance or lack
• And a lot of the physicians that you're going to go to do not have software solutions like that.

Summary: The Health Care Facilities and System Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered five bills. HB 1101 on out-of-network providers drew the most discussion; Rep. Albert said it would require written notice when a patient is referred to an out-of-network provider and would count certain insurer payments toward deductibles. Several members and the Florida College of Emergency Physicians raised concerns about placing the burden on doctors’ offices, possible delays in referrals, and unclear enforcement, but the bill was reported favorably 16-2. Public testimony included support from AARP and concerns from emergency physicians about ER workflow and insurance-network transparency. The committee then unanimously approved PCS for HB 475, reducing fines for ambulatory surgery centers that violate good-faith estimate requirements from $1,000 to $250 per day, with a lower maximum penalty. The bill sponsor said the change was intended to right-size penalties for smaller facilities; witnesses from surgery centers and HCA supported it. HB 797, which would allow a nonprofit retirement community serving veterans and spouses to create veteran-and-spouse nursing home beds and transfer a certificate of need within 100 miles, also passed unanimously after members discussed whether it could affect access for veterans; the sponsor said it would create additional private beds rather than displace existing ones. HB 1085 on the Children’s Medical Services Program was amended and reported favorably 14-3. The bill would move managed care plan operations for medically fragile children from the Department of Health to AHCA, keep clinical eligibility at DOH, and shift PPEC services fully into managed care. The adopted amendment changed the waiver provision to require AHCA to develop and present a comprehensive redesign plan for the Medicaid model waiver for children receiving private duty nursing. Several members supported the goal but raised concerns about eliminating family choice and the impact on medically fragile children. Finally, HB 1353 on home health care services passed unanimously. The bill would remove geographic limits on home health administrators, allow more licensed RNs including contract RNs to perform visits, and revise the home health excellence award program. Supporters said it would address workforce shortages and improve access, while one member warned it could increase costs and competition for nurses. The committee adjourned after reporting all five bills favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• And while there is X-ray all around us, these two nurses or physicians are not protected.
• And he's a physician; he really was a role model for all of us as to what true doctorship should be.
• Now, I knew that Scatter Denial was going to resonate with physicians.
• The radiation exposure for the physician and the entire team is zero.
• Sometimes there is one, two, or three physicians.

Committee: Senate Senate Health and Human Services COR

Summary: The committee heard a series of bills and public testimony, beginning with introductions and then taking up several health and human services measures. A major focus was SB 1120 and SB 1121, which address radiation protection in cardiac catheterization and other ionizing-radiation procedure rooms. SB 1120 would require health care facilities to equip at least 50% of procedure rooms with radiation protection systems by July 1, 2027, while SB 1121 would prohibit requiring lead aprons in rooms with such systems and instead require real-time dosimeters for staff who opt out of lead aprons. Physicians, nurses, and a hospital executive testified that enhanced radiation protection systems can dramatically reduce occupational exposure, lower cancer and orthopedic risks, and help with workforce recruitment and retention; a hospital alliance remained neutral pending further stakeholder discussions. Both bills were amended and passed out of committee on 7-0 votes, and SB 1118, which appropriates state funds for a rural hospital grant program to install radiation protection systems, also passed 7-0. The committee also approved SB 1001, which appropriates $1 million to the Department of Economic Security for the Older Individuals Who Are Blind program, after testimony from blind and low-vision Arizonans and advocates describing long waitlists, the need for independent living training, and the program’s role in preventing unnecessary dependence. SB 1072, a major funding bill for home- and community-based services and room-and-board rate increases for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, drew testimony from providers about severe staffing shortages, overtime, turnover, and underfunding; it passed 6-0 with one not voting. SB 1125, requiring DCS to pursue MOUs with tribes and improve tribal communication and access to licensing and enforcement information, also passed 6-0 with one not voting. The committee then considered SB 1123, which removes a board-certification requirement so trained forensic pathologists can supervise autopsy training for residents and fellows; Maricopa County supported it as a workforce and training fix, and it passed 6-0 with one not voting. SB 1052, allowing mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy in assisted living facilities under physician order and DHS rules, generated mixed testimony: supporters argued it could improve health and independence for residents, while opponents raised concerns about off-label treatment in nonmedical settings. The bill passed 5-2. SB 1112, which reduces the number of acquaintance witnesses required in court-ordered treatment proceedings from two to one and allows the court to waive the witness requirement under certain conditions, drew strong testimony from families and mental health advocates on both sides; it passed 5-2. The committee also began hearing SB 1113, which would allow certain service of process in court-ordered evaluation and treatment cases by evaluation-agency employees or other court-authorized persons, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is not an environment conducive to treating individuals with behavioral health issues.
• beloved physician in New Orleans took their life shortly after leaving a treatment center.
• But if we treat people as they may become, watch them blossom before your very eyes.
• Doctors have tried many medications to treat my attacks with little to no success.
• I'm an attending physician and researcher and palliative... So my name is Zachary Sager.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery

Summary: The hearing opened with remarks from House Chair Mindy Domb and Senate Vice Chair Robyn Kennedy, who outlined procedures for the hybrid public hearing, noted the committee would hear testimony on 15 bills related to treatment settings, and recognized members present. The first major bill discussed was H. 4200, authorizing a pilot program for psychedelic-assisted treatment in licensed facilities. Representative Jim O’Day and witnesses from Control Z supported the bill, describing it as a tightly controlled, medically supervised pilot with DPH oversight, limited sites, and screening requirements. Committee members asked about the number of sites and whether Column Health still existed; witnesses said the bill contemplated three separate pilot programs and that Column Health no longer existed after being purchased by another company. The committee also heard testimony on S. 1405 to make the drug stewardship program permanent by removing its 2026 sunset date. Senator John Keenan and others said the program helps collect and safely dispose of unused medications, reduces diversion, and should remain in place because manufacturers should bear disposal costs. A member from Boston added support based on local concerns about people searching through bags for drugs, and Keenan explained the original sunset reflected pilot status and industry pushback. A large portion of the hearing focused on S. 1394 and H. 2193, which would strengthen implementation of the 2023 Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform. The Children’s Mental Health Campaign, Parent/Professional Advocacy League, Massachusetts Association for Mental Health, and Elliott Community Human Services testified that the roadmap’s helpline, community behavioral health centers, and crisis services are important but unevenly implemented. They urged a single point of accountability within EOHHS, regular strategic planning, a public data dashboard, and financial analysis of the behavioral health system and the access and crisis intervention trust fund. Witnesses said commercial insurance often does not fully reimburse community behavioral health center services, making sustainability difficult, and asked for better coordination across agencies and crisis response systems. Committee members asked whether the roadmap includes substance use disorder; witnesses said it is intended to cover behavioral health broadly, including mental health and substance use. The committee also heard testimony on bills to ban aversives and on suicide prevention signage. Lisa Jean Graff testified in support of S. 1394 by urging a statewide ban on aversive practices, including electric shock, withholding food or bathroom access, and other painful interventions, arguing disabled people deserve the same protections from harm as others. Fonda Bryant and Carol McLean supported a bill requiring suicide prevention signs on tall parking garages, describing personal experiences and saying the signs could create a brief pause and connect people to 988 or other help. McLean said her son died by suicide from a parking garage and that signage might have made a difference. The committee also heard strong testimony in support of creating intensive stabilization and treatment units within DMH facilities (S. 1398/H. 2204), with the Massachusetts Nurses Association and a DMH nurse arguing that highly assaultive patients need specialized, more secure units to protect staff and other patients and to improve care. Additional testimony supported creating a dedicated board for licensed mental health counselors (H. 4696/S. 1382), with Rep. John Badger, the Mass Mental Health Counselors Association, and others saying LMHCs are a large and growing workforce that needs its own licensing board, clearer standards, and faster implementation of existing licensure reforms. The committee also heard extensive testimony on H. 2223 regarding benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics. Survivors and advocates described severe withdrawal, lack of informed consent, cognitive harms, and long-term disability, while a physician supported the bill as a way to improve disclosure of risks. Finally, the committee heard multiple witnesses in favor of H. 2231/S. 1383 to establish peer-run respite centers statewide. Advocates and people with lived experience said peer respites provide non-coercive, home-like alternatives to hospitalization, can reduce trauma and repeated admissions, and may be especially important for marginalized communities; they also cited cost savings and existing positive outcomes from current respite programs. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing portion reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> establishments are treated the same way. establishments are treated the same way.
• “Um additionally, I appreciate the effort to restore some language to it about a physician having treated
• :04.880><c> that</c><02:00:05.080><c> the</c> the physician was certifying that the the physician was
• </c> health care practitioner who has treated health care practitioner who has treated or<02:00:39.360
• physician.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there enough physicians? Are there enough nurses? Antitrust immunity is just the beginning.
• So traditional Medicare publishes their fee schedule for physicians and hospitals... ...So traditional
• Medicare publishes their fee schedule for physicians and hospitals, and you don't negotiate that.
• I'm the chief medical officer for ambulatory care for MU Health Care and a family physician.
• It's natural for physicians and staff to wonder what integration means for local access, for clinical

Committee: House Special Committee on Rural Issues

Summary: The committee first met in executive session on House Bill 1714, adopting an amendment that clarified the bill would not apply to hunting dogs or animals not under direct control of the hunter and would not affect a specified section of law. The committee then rolled the amendment into a House Committee Substitute and voted the substitute do pass, with the roll call showing passage. The committee then heard House Bill 317, which would authorize MU Health Care to collaborate with hospitals and providers in a 25-county area and seek state-action antitrust immunity for those transactions. The sponsor and MU Health Care testified that the bill is intended to help preserve rural hospitals and keep care local, citing multiple hospital closures in Missouri and examples from Alabama and other states. Supporters from MU Health Care, rural hospitals, and local business and health leaders described the bill as a way to stabilize struggling facilities, maintain emergency access, and protect rural economies. Opponents, including the Missouri Insurance Coalition and the Missouri Health Plan Association, warned that the bill could codify monopoly power, raise prices, and reduce competition, and argued that the language was too broad and not limited to distressed hospitals. Some committee members also raised concerns about antitrust immunity, facility fees, market share, and whether the bill should be tightened to ensure voluntary participation and clearer limits. No vote was taken on House Bill 317 before the hearing adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and the patients that I treat.
• And at the end of the day, the physicians, and especially independent physicians who don't enjoy the—you
• And at the end of the day, the physicians, and especially independent physicians who don't enjoy the,
• Hawkins, can you tell us who employs the physicians? Who employs the physicians? So that depends.
• I'm a board-certified family medicine physician.

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• However, we also represent physician practices and our members and partners.
• It's just different, and it should be treated as such.
• And it should be treated as such. So with that, I thank you and urge your support of this bill.
• This bill also dangerously conflates imitations by treating them all the same.
• This bill also dangerously conflates imitations by treating them always the same.

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several bills. SB 5720 would enact the Uniform Consumer Debt Default Judgments Act, adding complaint and notice requirements before default judgments in consumer debt cases and preserving existing debt-buyer protections; the sponsor and witnesses from consumer and collection groups described it as a compromise measure, and there was broad support with 53 people signed in pro. SB 5833 would allow a vehicle to remain running for up to 30 minutes to keep a pet safe from heat or cold; the sponsor said he would amend liability language, while animal control and police groups raised concerns about shifting the focus away from animal welfare and creating liability issues, though many sign-ins were pro (107 pro, 4 con). SB 5936 would update human trafficking law by allowing prosecution of business entities that knowingly benefit from trafficking, adding confidentiality protections for victims, and creating a process for T and U visa certifications; survivors and advocacy groups supported it, while hospitality and law enforcement groups asked for clarifying amendments, especially on business liability and duplicative visa procedures, and sign-ins showed 24 pro and 283 con. SB 5993 would prohibit interest on new and unpaid medical debt and shorten enforcement of judgments involving medical debt to six years without renewal; supporters said it would reduce financial harm and help patients, while hospitals, physicians, collectors, and business groups warned it could discourage payment and worsen provider finances, especially for rural hospitals, with 129 sign-ins pro and no con sign-ins. Finally, SB 5735 would create state standards for labeling imitation firearms, including BB guns and toy guns, with advisories and penalties for altered markings; the sponsor said it was intended to reduce mistaken shootings, while gun-rights and firearms-training witnesses argued federal law already covers the issue and that the bill would burden lawful training and competition, with 8 pro and 184 con sign-ins. The committee closed each public hearing and adjourned without recorded votes on the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Warnick asked about the struck language, specifically the licensing exception for physicians
• Representative Burnbaum said the provision was cleaning up the statute because physicians and attorneys
• Senator Warnick asked whether, in the past, physicians or attorneys could become foster care providers
• He said he is well aware of the research and practices for managing and treating individuals committed
• Do we have to check every box or have someone treat it all the same?

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee held a brief Monday meeting to hear two bills and a gubernatorial appointment. House Bill 2464, sponsored by Rep. Ortiz-Self, would require private detention facilities to report serious incidents such as abuse allegations, deaths, suicides, injuries requiring hospitalization, and service disruptions to the Department of Health and local law enforcement by the next business day, and would require annual law-enforcement reporting to DOH. Rep. Ortiz-Self said the bill is needed because private facilities have been inconsistent and delayed in sharing information, while state facilities already provide data more readily. Testimony from Columbia Legal Services, the League of Women Voters, La Resistencia, and the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project strongly supported the bill, citing barriers to reporting crimes and concerns about abuse in private detention. The committee did not vote on the bill during the hearing, but the chair said it would be considered in executive session. The committee also heard Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2253, a DCYF request bill making several licensing-related changes for foster care, crisis residential centers, and child care. The bill would require immediate termination of certain child-specific foster licenses if high-potency synthetic opioids or illicit substances are found, exempt kinship caregivers from blood-borne pathogen training, allow DCYF to close inactive foster homes, remove sex designation from foster licenses, adjust CRC staffing ratios to one staff for four youth during waking hours and one for six during sleeping hours, and strengthen child care subsidy fraud enforcement through electronic attendance verification and possible license revocation. DCYF and Community Youth Services testified in support, describing the changes as technical fixes that align statute with current practice and reduce burden on providers. Committee members raised concerns that some child care provisions may belong in a different committee and noted the need to ensure the bill does not duplicate or conflict with existing licensing and fraud rules. The committee then held a confirmation hearing for Corey McNally, reappointed to the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board. McNally described the board’s role in release decisions, supervision conditions, violation management, and release plans, and discussed his background in community mental health, the Special Commitment Center, DOC sex offense treatment, and ISRB leadership. Members asked about advances in sex offense assessment and treatment, the distinction between ISRB cases and sexually violent predator civil commitment, board consistency and recidivism work, and victim participation in hearings. McNally said the board uses structured decision-making and actuarial risk assessments, remains neutral on legislation, and provides victim liaisons to offer participation options. The chair closed the hearings, noted the committee would meet the next day on a large packet of bills and one appointment, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• In regard to physician assistants, Madam Chair, I'm not the author of the bill per se. Yeah.
• Supervising physician. Thank you. Okay, thank you. Now, I do have the proper procedures.
• There are currently 19 states that are members of this Physician Assistant Compact.
• Physician assistant, excuse me, I didn't say physical therapist, so that's better.
• So, Madam Chair, I don't know we're talking about physicians.

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 12, the physical therapy licensure compact. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would increase access to care and help recruit physical therapists in New Mexico, especially in rural areas and for neurodivergent patients. Support came from the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, Desert States Physical Therapy Network, Think New Mexico, the state Health Care Authority, and Americans for Autism Advocacy. A trial lawyer raised concerns about immunity, venue, and loser-pays language, and committee members discussed whether New Mexico-specific amendments would be accepted by the compact commission. Two amendments were adopted, including clarifying language on background checks, data, federal court standing, and repeal procedures, plus an immunity-related amendment. The bill was then reported out with a 9-0 due pass recommendation. The committee then considered House Bill 10, the physician assistant interstate compact. Supporters again emphasized workforce shortages, telehealth access, and the need to join the compact to qualify for Rural Health Transformation Program funding. The Health Care Authority said the compact was part of New Mexico’s commitments tied to federal funding, and a trial lawyer again raised concerns about loser-pays language. Two amendments were adopted to clarify New Mexico’s authority over reproductive and gender-affirming care issues, confidentiality of New Mexico licensee data, joint investigations, and contingent repeal procedures. After discussion about malpractice exposure, oversight, and the need for compact commission approval of language changes, the bill received an 8-0 due pass recommendation. House Bill 34, dealing with school nurse licensure provisions, was presented as a cleanup bill to clarify implementation issues from last session. The changes would add charter schools, align contract language with teacher contracts, and adjust supervision and evaluation rules for tiered school nurses in small districts. The New Mexico School Nurses Association supported the bill, and it passed unanimously with an 8-0 due pass recommendation. The committee also heard Senate Memorial 21, which would direct the Department of Health to study overdose prevention centers and other harm reduction strategies. Supporters from the ACLU, All Safe New Mexico, the Drug Policy Alliance, and Families and Youth Innovations Plus argued that New Mexico’s overdose crisis remains severe and that evidence-based interventions could save lives and connect people to treatment. The Department of Health provided background on overdose trends and said it was neutral but available for technical questions. After discussion about fentanyl trends, drug prices, and public health approaches, the memorial was approved on a 7-1 due pass vote. The committee also announced that Senate Bill 130 would be rolled over to Sunday’s meeting because a new substitute needed review.

Transcript Highlights:

• A qualified physician or medical professional is needed to properly assess these injuries and determine
• Her preexisting conditions were documented, and her treating physicians had the records I carried with
• Her preexisting conditions were documented, and her treating physicians had the records I carried with
• Her preexisting conditions were documented, and her treating physicians had the records I carried with
• And that's as a physician.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The committee first took up CS for Senate Bill 304, which would address child protective investigations involving children with certain pre-existing genetic or medical conditions. Senator Sharif said the bill is intended to prevent children from being wrongly removed from their families when symptoms of conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, rickets, or vitamin deficiencies are mistaken for abuse. Several parents and advocates testified in support, describing long dependency cases and removals they said were caused by misdiagnosis. The committee adopted a substitute amendment that removed language requiring certain medical personnel to provide differential-diagnosis analysis, and the bill then passed favorably with unanimous support. The committee then heard SB 1430 on post-judgment execution proceedings relating to terrorism, sponsored by Senator Collins, who described the long effort by U.S. victims of the FARC to enforce a federal judgment and recover assets. The bill would clarify procedures for terrorism-related judgments, modernize intangible asset law, and help prevent terrorists from hiding assets or blocking wire transfers. After one supportive appearance form and no debate, the bill passed favorably. The committee also approved SB 96, a local claims bill for Jacob Rogers, and SB 382, an affordable housing rent bill that was amended to define base rent and apply to certain shorter-term rental agreements entered after July 1, 2026; SB 382 drew support from housing advocates and some opposition, but passed unanimously. Several claims bills were also approved: SB 4 for Patricia Armini, SB 6 for Jose Correa, SB 28 for Darlene Engerville and J.R., SB 30 for the estate of M.N., and SB 24 for Mandy Penny Lemon, each involving injuries or damages caused by local government or hospital district negligence and each reported favorably after brief testimony and roll calls. The committee also passed SB 658 on waiver or release of liens after discussion about form language and enforceability. SB 72, which would allow campaign funds to pay certain child care expenses incurred while a candidate is actively campaigning, prompted questions about definitions and safeguards; the sponsor said the bill would require the expense to exist only because of campaign activity, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee approved SB 1142 on release of conservation easements, which would create a statewide process for releasing certain small, low-value parcels from conservation easements if mitigation credits are secured elsewhere. The bill drew support from the sponsor and a property representative, but environmental advocates and President Passidomo raised concerns about flood control, wildlife corridors, and whether the bill was too property-specific; the sponsor said he would continue working on the language. The committee also heard extensive testimony on SB 1622, which would repeal the 2018 customary use law and restore local authority over public beach access. Supporters argued the current law has privatized beaches, hurt tourism, and led to harassment and conflict, while opponents defended private property rights and warned against taking away owners’ ability to exclude others. The transcript ends during testimony on SB 1622, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Who are employers and owners of physician practices, as well as physicians who are employees of practices
• . undue hardship or burden on physicians.
• their former physicians. follow a physician if they move 40 minutes from their location.
• and for physicians alike.
• I think health care is unique in that respect; you should have access to your physician, and physicians

Bills: SB397 , SB481 , SB596 , SB760 , SB855 , SB1195 , SB1196 , SB1233 , SB1257 , SB1318 , SB1368 , SB1388 , SB1398 , SB1524 , SB1558 , SB1589 , SB1677 , SB1792 , SB2034

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Will we look back decades from now with regret at how we once treated?
• When treated individuals end up homeless or jailed, that is not compassion.
• or more expensive to treat.
• As a physician, it is my moral and professional obligation to ensure As a physician, it is my moral and
• As a physician, it is my moral and professional obligation to ensure As a physician, it is my moral and

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a lengthy hearing on several juvenile justice and parole-related bills, with much of the testimony focused on H. 2051/S. 1087 to end lifetime parole for juveniles and emerging adults, and H. 1923 to raise the age of juvenile court jurisdiction to include 18-, 19-, and 20-year-olds. Chairs Brandy Fluker-Reid and Lydia Edwards opened the hearing by noting the large number of bills and witnesses, the need to keep testimony moving, and special procedures for incarcerated witnesses and sensitive testimony. They also acknowledged the historic nature of the hearing being chaired by two Black women attorneys. No votes were taken during the hearing itself. Many incarcerated speakers and advocates supported ending lifetime parole, arguing that young people can change, that lifetime supervision creates constant fear of technical violations, and that it undermines rehabilitation, family stability, employment, and reintegration. Several testified about their own trauma, youth, and growth in prison programs, while others emphasized the costs of decades of supervision and the racial disparities in the system. Support also came from elected officials, UTEC, the Transformational Prison Project, United Way, CPCS’s Youth Advocacy Division, the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, and others, who said juvenile systems are better suited to developmentally appropriate treatment and that the bills would improve public safety and reduce recidivism. There was also opposition, including testimony from family members of a murder victim who argued that lifetime parole should remain for serious violent crimes and that some offenders are not sufficiently rehabilitated. One virtual witness described a family tragedy involving the kidnapping and murder of her infant nephew and warned that ending lifetime parole could remove needed long-term supervision for dangerous offenders. In addition to the juvenile justice bills, the committee heard testimony on H. 1867, a bill related to continuing care for severe mental illness, and H. 2063, which would increase penalties for assaults on correction officers and other prison staff; the correction officers’ union supported H. 2063 and related safety bills. The hearing continued with many more witnesses and bill topics, but no final committee action was announced in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• . physicians. physicians.
• Medicare billing at all. physician only requirement makes it so physician only requirement makes it
• Number one is the physician supervision. It is physician-led.
• It is physician supervision.
• </c> board-certified emergency physician. board-certified emergency physician.

Summary: The committee first handled several referred administrative regulations, including a package from the Board of Respiratory Care described as a substantive housekeeping update to its regulations and incorporated materials. There were no questions from members, and the committee also heard from the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure, which was present in case questions arose but did not require action. Members then took up an amendment to the state health plan for facilities and services, specifically 900 KAR 5:02. Wesley Duke explained that a previously proposed criteria related to mega-voltage requirements, originally suggested by the Kentucky Hospital Association, was now being removed because the association no longer considered it necessary. The committee moved to accept the agency amendment, with a motion and second, and approved it without opposition. The committee next considered Senate Joint Resolution 23, a “food is medicine” resolution sponsored by Senator Shelley Funke Frommeyer. Supporters from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Kentucky Hospital Association described the initiative as a voluntary, statewide effort already adopted by 52 hospitals, aimed at improving patient health while supporting Kentucky farmers and local food systems. Members discussed access to healthy food, grocery-store availability, school nutrition, and the need to reduce barriers to local procurement; the resolution was adopted unanimously after a roll call vote, with one senator briefly explaining a late vote due to weather. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 12, which would allow mid-level practitioners to serve as the leader of a Level IV trauma center under physician direction. The sponsor and witnesses from Appalachian Regional Healthcare argued the change would help address rural trauma-care shortages, align with national standards, and improve access without changing scope of practice or other trauma-center requirements. Several members raised questions and comments about rural access, liability, costs, and the broader health impacts, but no vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• and increased reimbursements for physicians.
• Are there any independent physicians at the table? Not always.
• Okay, reimbursement on Medicaid for physicians. We got to 85%.
• Okay, reimbursement on the Medicaid for physicians. We got to 85%.
• And then it's like $4.4 for hospital, $1.1 for physician. Okay.

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• So, let's say I've got cattle, and you've treated one of my cows.
• And it was actually due to a referral of my personal physician.
• than for physicians treating people?
• Hines, he didn't treat all of them.
• We can treat that with some antibiotics."

Bills: HB43 , HB3364 , HB3469 , HB3479 , HB43

Committee: House Agriculture & Livestock

Keywords: agriculture, finance, young farmers, financial assistance, pest control, veterinarian, veterinary medicine, veterinary telemedicine, telehealth, telemedicine, veterinarian-client-patient relationship, VCPR, animal health, livestock, pets, remote care, electronic means, telephone consultation, controlled substances, prescription drugs

Summary: The second bill, House Bill 3469, was introduced to address pest control regulations concerning nuisance birds. Representative Campos explained how the bill proposes non-lethal methods to deter these birds, such as the use of laser lights and sounds, which avoids conflict with both state and federal regulations. The committee heard impassioned testimonies from members of the public who shared firsthand experiences regarding the adverse effects of these birds on property and public health. The meeting concluded with both bills being left pending, reflecting a desire for further deliberation among the committee members.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for treating me better than I treated you in my committee.
• You treated me just fine, just fine. So why don't you tell us real quick?
• We have our own physician dispensing pharmacy at Pontchartrain.
• We have our own physician dispensing pharmacy at Pontchartrain.
• How do you feel about how pharmaceutical manufacturers would treat that in the event that negotiation

Bills: SB511 , SB512 , HB591 , HB909 , HB938 , HB1154 , HB1187

Committee: Senate Insurance

Keywords: automobile repairs, insurance transparency, repair shop liability, non-OEM parts, policyholder rights, automobile insurance, appraisal process, insurance policyholders, dispute resolution, claim valuation, behavioral health, crisis services, mental health care, insurance coverage, healthcare access, pharmacy benefit managers, reimbursement standards, local pharmacies, drug pricing, regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• of physicians were in the data bank.
• So, you have your scope over the physician.
• Home HIE, which would then have it in their record so that their physician, their primary care physician
• An ambulatory practice of physicians, a hundred and fifty dollars a year per physician.
• We have a lot of support from health care providers and physicians, and many physicians have been asking

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• As a physician, I evaluate an applicant's health holistically and risk appropriately.
• So I can understand your concern, not only as a physician, but as a patient. I'm a human being too.
• The physician sees the applicant. The physician knows the applicant.
• , and the physician says, I'm not worried about it in you, we're both happy.
• If they say, if the physician says, I'm worried about it in you, I'm... We're both happy.

Summary: The committee heard a lengthy insurance-focused agenda, including special-order bills on wildfire mitigation, Fair Plan accountability, aerial imagery, genetic testing, and wildfire moratoriums. AB 1888 would require California Safe Homes Grant Program work to be performed by a skilled and trained workforce at prevailing wage; it drew support from the author, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, and labor representatives, with no opposition heard. AB 1680, the “Make-It-Fair Act,” would impose accountability and consumer-protection reforms on the California FAIR Plan in response to Department of Insurance examination findings; it passed out on a do-pass motion to Appropriations, though the FAIR Plan Association remained opposed unless amended. AB 1559 would require notice and access rights when insurers use aerial images of homes and allow in-person inspection requests; it passed on a do-pass motion to Privacy and Consumer Protection, with broad support and one “concern” witness. The committee also took up AB 1798, which would bar life and disability insurers from using non-diagnostic genetic information, including direct-to-consumer genetic testing, for underwriting below a $1.5 million coverage threshold. Supporters, including the author, the Insurance Commissioner, the ALS Association, and several consumer and biotech groups, argued the bill would reduce fear of genetic discrimination and encourage testing and research. Opponents from life insurance and financial advisor groups argued the bill could impair risk-based underwriting and raise premiums, especially in the middle market. After extensive back-and-forth on the distinction between predictive genetic data and doctor-assessed medical risk, the bill passed as amended to Privacy and Consumer Protection on a do-pass vote, with several members voting no. AB 2038 would extend wildfire-related nonrenewal moratoriums from two to three years for total-loss homes and from one to two years for homes in and around fire zones. Supporters said the change better matches the real rebuilding timeline after major fires and protects displaced homeowners from losing coverage while rebuilding. Insurers and trade groups opposed the measure, warning that longer moratoriums could force carriers to reduce exposure elsewhere and worsen the broader availability crisis. The bill passed to Appropriations on a do-pass vote. The committee also approved AB 1800, which adds eyewear to portable electronics insurance coverage, and moved a consent calendar of additional bills, including AB 1554, AB 1683, AB 1781, and AB 2471. Later, AB 2198 was introduced to clarify title-rate filing responsibilities between title insurers and underwritten title companies and to require rate schedules to be posted publicly.

Transcript Highlights:

• She knows when somebody is treating her different because she is different.
• She knows when somebody is treating her different because she is different.
• And this lack of physicians actually... Who provide preventative and primary care.
• And this lack of physicians actually plagues all of California.
• I'm incredibly proud to honor the work of our family physicians.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, heard a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a largely ceremonial and procedural floor session. Speaker Revis delivered remarks condemning the sexual abuse allegations involving Cesar Chavez and said he would work with Senate leadership on legislation to rename Cesar Chavez Day as Farm Worker Day. The body also handled several procedural motions, including re-referrals of bills to committees and guest introductions for visiting students, advocacy groups, and university representatives. The main substantive actions were on a series of resolutions. H.R. 83, recognizing Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, drew extensive personal testimony from Assemblymembers about family members and constituents with disabilities, the need for inclusion, and the importance of state funding and direct support services; it was adopted by voice vote after 70 co-authors were added. ACR 154, recognizing California Down Syndrome Awareness Week and Day, was similarly supported with personal stories about family members with Down syndrome and the need for continued awareness and services; it was adopted after 67 co-authors were added. ACR 148, designating Family Physician Week, highlighted the shortage of primary care doctors and the importance of investment in family medicine; it was adopted after 60 co-authors were added. ACR 156, recognizing National Day of Play, emphasized social connection, reduced screen time, and community engagement; it also passed with 60 co-authors added. The Assembly also adopted the consent calendar, which included Senate Concurrent Resolution 125 related to Ramadan, by a 60-0 vote. Later, members gave an adjournment in memory for Raymond Martin Melgoza, a union laborer and community member from the Central Valley. The session ended with announcements about the schedule, including no floor session on March 20 and a mandatory joint convention on March 23 for the State of the Judiciary address, followed by adjournment until March 23 at 1 p.m.