Bills: SB8, SB650, SB667, SB779, SB1349, SB1355, SB1378, SB1585, SB1721, SB2312

Keywords: immigration enforcement, ICE agreements, sheriff grants, law enforcement, county jail, federal immigration law, China, Chinese-affiliated entities, Chinese military companies, People's Republic of China, Chinese Communist Party, divestment, state pension funds, public retirement systems, Teacher Retirement System, Employees Retirement System, Permanent School Fund, Texas Comptroller, foreign investment, national security

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs resumed consideration of several pending bills, first taking up Senate Bills 667, 1349, 1585, and 2312. After inviting testimony had already been heard, no members of the public came forward to testify on any of those measures, and the committee closed public testimony and left all four bills pending. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1355, which Senator Parker explained as a committee substitute aimed at helping Texas distillers recover unpaid invoices from wholesalers. The substitute would require distillers to invoice at the time of purchase, send a demand letter if payment terms are violated, and allow complaints to be filed with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, which could determine an appropriate penalty based on the facts. Natasha Dehart of Bent Distilling Company testified in support, describing serious cash-flow problems and unpaid invoices from a Texas wholesaler that had forced layoffs, late vendor payments, and operational strain. No one testified against the bill, and it was left pending. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1378, a narrowly tailored local bill for a Carrollton facility recently acquired by Sazerac that employs more than 1,000 Texans. Senator Parker said the bill would create a limited exemption to avoid forcing the company to shut down or move because of current permit restrictions, while preserving the three-tier system and preventing the company from selling wine to itself. A Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission resource witness said the bill was drafted so it would not open the door to broader industry changes. Mason Moreland testified against the bill as filed, arguing it gave special treatment to one company and failed to address broader problems in the wine industry, including direct-to-consumer sales and permit issues. After questions from senators, public testimony closed and SB 1378 was left pending. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• One, they give veterans access to employment and career training, and not just that, but also making
• Training, but also making sure that they have a job.
• This also allows us to train and assist... ...and provide oversight of the service officers who utilize
• of Understanding that allow us to cross-accredit the state veteran service officers by providing training

Bills: HB154, HB153, HB180, SB70

Keywords: veterans affairs, Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, State Board of Veterans Affairs, commissioner, governor appointment, board advisory, veteran service organizations, veterans homes, veterans cemeteries, veteran service officers, district managers, state veterans home trust fund, veterans benefits, military veterans, disabled veterans, elderly veterans, active-duty service members, state agency reorganization, executive authority, governance reform

Bills: HB93, HB160, HB29, HB29, HB93, HB160

Keywords: HB93, Alabama State Port Authority, State Auditor, property inventory, inventory control, audit exemption, state property, personal property inventory, public authority, port authority, Section 36-16-11, Code of Alabama 1975, administrative oversight, state audit, conforming changes, government property, Alabama Municipal Electric Authority, AMEA, municipal electric authority, board of directors

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, many kids get in the water and they've not had any training before they get in the water, or,
• not had any training before they get<00:49:36.640> in<00:49:36.720> the<00:49:36.800><
• in this bill, that the paramedic be licensed under section 5, 453-34 HRS, in order to conform to some
• in this bill, that the paramedic be licensed under section 5, 453-34 HRS, in order to conform to some
• The paramedic in this bill must be licensed under section 5, 453-34 HRS, in order to conform to some

Bills: HB2323, HB2324, HB1509, HB2164, HB2165, HB2367, HB2619, HB1765, HB2187, HB1864, HB1452, HB2314, HB1898, HB2558, HB2319, HB1643, HB2121

Keywords: workers' compensation, treatment plans, vocational rehabilitation, electronic submission, reporting requirements, occupational safety, hoisting machines, discrimination protection, Department of Labor, safety standards, treatment plan, injured worker, medical treatment authorization, employer response deadline, secure electronic transmission, facsimile, fax, mail submission, denial of care, medical necessity

Summary: The committee heard several administration bills related largely to workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance. On HB 2323 HD1, which would modernize workers’ compensation notice and filing procedures, DLIR and other agencies testified in support of the original bill language but said HD1 removed key components and weakened the bill’s clarity and continuity. HB 2324 HD1, which would repeal state hoisting-machine certification requirements and the separate crane operator certificate, drew support from DLIR; members asked about whether the change would affect safety or local operators, and DLIR said OSHA-compliant certifications already exist and the union supported the change. HB 1509 HD1, which would require faster employer responses to treatment plans and impose penalties for nonresponse, received support from DLIR and others, while DHRD said it wanted an amendment. The committee also took up HB 2164 HD1 on compounded prescription drugs in workers’ compensation. DLIR supported the bill as a way to define compounded drugs and curb inflated pricing, but DHRD and a medical provider opposed it and asked for amendments. Testimony focused heavily on whether the definition should include 503B compounding facilities and whether physician dispensing should be limited to the first 30 days after injury. HB 2165 HD1, dealing with unemployment insurance eligibility and removing the two-year limit on recouping overpayments, was supported by DLIR but opposed by Unite Here Local 5, which argued it would make it harder for striking workers and other claimants. Members questioned the impact of changing reporting deadlines from calendar days to business days and raised concerns about future benefit offsets; DLIR said the bill was needed for federal conformity and that the committee would revisit the offset percentage and effective date. Later, the committee heard HB 2367 on pay transparency, requiring salary ranges in job postings and removing the small-employer exemption. The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, AAUW, Hawaii Women Lawyers, and an individual testifier supported the bill, saying pay transparency promotes fairness, trust, and pay equity; one testifier described being underpaid compared with a predecessor and said posting ranges would save applicants’ time. HB 2619 HD1, concerning homemade food products and farm kitchens, received generally supportive comments from the Department of Health, which requested an amendment to preserve flexibility in future rulemaking. HB 1765 HD1, on spear-fishing safety warnings, drew support from a safety educator and comments from DLNR; supporters said warning labels would help prevent hypoxic blackout deaths and were low-cost and easy to implement. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mobile integrated health is, um, where, uh, people like paramedics or EMTs go to the home and check in
• Mobile integrated health is, um, where, uh, people like paramedics or EMTs go to the home and check in
• Mobile integrated health is, um, where, uh, people like paramedics or EMTs go to the home and check in
• Mobile integrated health is, um, where, uh, people like paramedics or EMTs go to the home and check in
• Mobile integrated health is, um, where, uh, people like paramedics or EMTs go to the home and check in

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Committee to Study Long-Term Managed Care approved the prior meeting minutes as amended after correcting the first paragraph. The chair then outlined the committee’s plan to produce a preliminary report by October 1, with additional meetings to follow, since some questions remain about the federal One Big Beautiful Bill (OB3) and its effects on Medicaid financing and managed care. The main discussion focused on New Hampshire nursing home funding and how ProShare and MQUIP work. Members reviewed Medicaid rates, supplemental payments, intergovernmental transfers, and the role of federal matching funds. The chair and Mr. Litman concluded that OB3’s phase-down of payments above the Medicare rate likely would not directly eliminate ProShare or MQUIP in New Hampshire, but uncertainty remains about intergovernmental transfers and about how these payments would function if the state moved nursing facilities into managed care. Mr. Litman said managed care would likely require waivers for supplemental payments, and Texas was cited as an example of a state operating under such waivers. The committee also discussed dual eligibles, DNIP, PACE, and the possibility of carving out HCBS from nursing facility services. DHS said its managed care contract would allow the state to use MCOs for DNIP, with the goal of better coordination between Medicaid and Medicare, while PACE would likely require more study and might be more feasible in populated counties. Members also reviewed OB3’s new presumptive eligibility provisions and a state waiver request modeled on Washington’s approach, plus a separate grant for transitioning people from facilities back to the community. The rural health transformation fund was discussed as a possible source for workforce, telehealth, mobile integrated health, and other support investments, but not for direct construction or major building renovation. County representatives emphasized that any county role in PACE or DNIP would require significant vetting, infrastructure, capital investment, and a realistic timeline. The meeting ended with the chair saying the draft report would outline issues and possible alternatives, but not recommendations yet, and the committee adjourned without taking further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe that the train is on a fast track right now, and I'm glad that 46 other states have done it
• I'm not sure what we would have had for our Easter dinner back at the paramedic quarters.
• Easter dinner back at the paramedic Easter dinner back at the paramedic quarters.<01:55:49.760><
• You are using a paramedic term, an EMT term. They were triaging every day.
• using a paramedic term, an EMT term. using a paramedic term, an EMT term.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 358, an act relating to paramedic education. Representative Stalker.
• <00:13:52.560> act<00:13:52.800> relating<00:13:53.040> to<00:13:53.200> paramedic
• an act relating to paramedic education. an act relating to paramedic education.

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 00:55 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 11:09 Motion to Act on HR 21 15:13 Recess for ConC and Rules Meeting 23:52 ConC and Rules Report 29:29 Adjournment 31:04, 958, all

Summary: The House opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum with 96 members present. Routine business followed: absent members were excused, the rules were suspended to allow co-sponsorship and vote modifications, and the journal from January 12, 2026 was approved. No bills were taken up on second reading, and there were no committee reports or orders of the day at that point. During announcements, members recognized the Frederick Douglass High School cheerleading squad for winning a state title, and several members noted visits or upcoming events involving Kentucky firefighters and fire chiefs. Multiple committee meeting notices were also shared, and House Bill 244 was withdrawn by its primary sponsor. The clerk then read a long list of newly filed bills and resolutions covering topics including pharmacist reimbursements, immigration enforcement, housing, identity documents, sex-based classifications, school choking prevention, local minimum wages, rental property, labor standards, wages, veterans issues, homelessness prevention, real property appraisers, jury duty, paramedic education, adult performances, sanctuary policies, charitable gaming, court costs, National Guard benefits, child care coverage, and several resolutions. The chamber then considered House Resolution 21, honoring the victims of the UPS Airlines Flight 2976 crash in Louisville and commending first responders. The sponsor described the crash, named the victims, and detailed the extensive multi-agency response. The House opened the board for additional co-sponsors, observed a moment of silence, and adopted the resolution without objection. Afterward, the House recessed briefly for Committee on Committees and Rules Committee meetings, then received committee referrals for numerous bills to standing committees. No floor amendments were introduced, and the House adjourned until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Paramedics and EMTs rushed to my aid, and it was only then that the severity of my injuries was inventoried
• listening to me had The Misfortune of listening to me almost<00:40:21.800> die<00:40:22.720> paramedics
• and<00:40:23.280> EMTs<00:40:23.760> rushed<00:40:24.040> to almost die paramedics
• and EMTs rushed to almost die paramedics and EMTs rushed to my<00:40:24.280> Aid<00:40:24.839
• He's training to be my service dog because I have really severe PTSD after my son was killed.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on February 11, 2025, and heard a series of bills focused on transportation funding and roadway safety. HB 1154 would cap Central Services assessments from the state highway, airport, and harbor funds, with a CPI-based process for additional deductions; the Department of Transportation supported it and the Department of Budget and Finance offered comments. HB 1164 would restore highway revenue bond authorization for DOT capital projects, and HB 1286 would prohibit pedestrians from walking along interstate and certain state highways except for authorized duties; both drew DOT support, with Ulupono Initiative and an individual offering comments or support on HB 1286. HB 1162 would require motorcycle instruction permit applicants, beginning July 1, 2026, to complete an approved basic rider course before becoming eligible, and HB 537 would require helmets and chin straps for all operators and passengers of two-wheel motorized vehicles; both had DOT support, with HB 537 also drawing support from AAA Hawaii and Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, and opposition from one individual. The committee then took up HB 387, which would expand negligent injury in the first degree to include injuries negligently inflicted by intoxicated drivers. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing current law already covers drunk driving and that the proposal would turn alcohol-caused negligence causing injury into a felony; prosecutors from Honolulu and Hawaiʻi counties and DOT supported it, saying serious injuries short of “substantial bodily injury” are not adequately punished and that circuit court would better handle restitution and related proceedings. Members asked about data on cases that might fit the new felony category, and prosecutors said they did not have exact numbers but could try to provide more information. The committee also heard HB 1084 and the related HB 1387, both of which would lower Hawaiʻi’s per se DUI blood alcohol limit from 0.08 to 0.05. Support came from DOT, police departments, the Department of Health, prosecutors, the Governor’s office, MADD Hawaii, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the Hawaii Alcohol Policy Alliance, AAA Hawaii, and the National Transportation Safety Board, all citing research that lower BAC limits reduce impaired driving and fatalities. The Public Defender opposed the change, and some testimony raised concerns about enforcement and the need for an amendment in HB 1084. Several individuals and advocates gave emotional testimony about crashes and losses tied to impaired driving, while supporters emphasized that a 0.05 standard would save lives and would not harm alcohol sales or the tourism economy. No votes were taken during the portion of the hearing reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• must have the T.E., which is an accredited degree, with the Commission of Accreditation of Athletic Training
• talking about what it does, and it really does enhance the mobility and the practice of athletic training
• as well as incorporates patient protections and The mobility and the practice of athletic training as
• and that we must still whether it ...change the scope of practice of athletic training, and that we
• UCM has a robust athletic training program, and we want to do everything we can to make it as strong

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The other one is our paramedic program just moved from Trinity Riverside, and they are in the downtown
• Could you please tell us a little bit about the paramedic program?
• Could you please tell us a little bit about the paramedic program?
• Could you please tell us a little bit about the paramedic program?
• And then the last one, Dakota College downtown with the dental and paramedic, as I said.

Summary: The committee met at Dakota College at Bottineau, approved the January 15, 2026 minutes, and heard an extensive campus update from Dean Corey Gorder and other DCB leaders. Gorder described the college’s affiliation with Minot State and its growing use of shared services, including business office functions, HR, institutional research, Title IX, printing, financial aid support through UND, and payroll support through NDSU. He said the arrangement lets DCB focus on its core mission while relying on system partners for specialized administrative work, and noted that accreditation concerns were not believed to limit those shared-service arrangements. He also highlighted DCB’s mission, enrollment growth, dual-credit reach across rural schools, and the college’s emphasis on nursing, dental, paramedic, farm management, and other workforce-oriented programs. Committee members asked detailed questions about dual credit, program delivery, and whether DCB’s partnerships were exclusive. Gorder said the relationships are generally collaborative rather than exclusive, that schools can choose other providers, and that many partnerships began through personal outreach and ongoing relationships with rural schools. Lisa Johnson of the university system added that transfer complaints are rare and that dual credit generally transfers well within North Dakota, though highly selective out-of-state institutions may treat credits differently. Members also asked about stipends for high school instructors, the share of K-12 versus DCB instructors, and the capacity limits in dental hygiene and other programs. Gorder said dental hygiene is capped by space and staffing, that there were more applicants than seats, and that expansion is being considered; he also said he would provide follow-up information on the paramedic program and instructor breakdowns. Gorder closed by identifying long-term challenges, including aging residence halls, recruiting faculty and staff, and the need to review low-enrollment programs. He said DCB should consider expanding into more high-demand trades such as welding, HVAC, and electrical work, and should streamline dual credit and strengthen its Minot programming. The committee then heard from the North Dakota Student Association, whose leaders outlined student priorities from the last session and the interim. Their main concerns included campus housing quality and affordability, food insecurity and food pantries, mental and physical health resources, student-led research funding, academic and career readiness, internships, and campus collaboration. They also discussed dual credit, saying it is valuable but uneven across the state, and raised questions about how to better retain students in North Dakota through the system. Members asked follow-up questions about housing, transferability of dual credit, and whether incentives could be used to encourage students to stay in-state for higher education.

Transcript Highlights:

• He was not breathing when the paramedics got there.
• we got the kid on the stretcher, started CPR, we were getting him to one of our units when the paramedics
• And us as EMTs, seeing the paramedics, that's like God, right? Because we can only do so much.
• I was just told a few moments ago that our paramedics may have to roll out. They're always on call.

Summary: The Senate received communications from the House listing numerous bills, substitutes, amendments, and concurrent resolutions passed by the House or returned to the Senate, and it also noted a Senate amendment being stricken from House Bill 190. Committee reports were read on a wide range of nominations and bills, including favorable reports on several executive nominations and legislation involving nurse preceptors, voting, agricultural/forestry grants, child care, Title IX coordination, vehicle security devices, dry needling, human remains disposition, child care assistance, autism-related oversight, nursing advancement, correctional oversight, massage and bodywork, probate letters, computer security breaches, automobile insurance, medical debt protection, and technical corrections. The Senate also assigned House Bill 300, House Bill 64, and House Bill 385 to the Finance Committee. The chamber confirmed several gubernatorial nominations by roll call vote, each receiving the required majority: Heidi J. A. Gilmore to the Marijuana Appeals Commission; Lee Wynne and Ruth J. Tucker to the Delaware River and Bay Authority Board; Jennifer R. Hallman and Lindsay E. Alexich to the Professional Standards Board; Jason M. Munion and F. Todd Kulata to the Environmental Appeals Board. The Senate also passed House Substitute 1 for House Bill 383, which changes overtime eligibility for certain DelDOT employees and clarifies covered positions, and Senate Bill 315 with Senate Amendment 1, which revises the Delaware Technical Innovation Program to give the Division of Small Business more flexibility in using federal grant funds. Consent Agenda M passed unanimously, including Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 319 on menopause and perimenopause coverage, House Bill 411 on alcohol/tobacco/marijuana enforcement, House Bill 271 on marijuana establishment spacing, House Bill 258 on alcohol licenses, House Bill 303 on juvenile probation/parole officers and DCYF employees, and House Bill 377 on Ocean View municipal election deadlines. Consent Calendar 63 also passed unanimously, including resolutions recognizing Day of Service, National Adoption Month, National Coaches Day, Free Speech Week, Women’s Equality Day, and Spirit of America 250, along with resolutions encouraging a veteran cemetery in Kent County, seeking plans for repurposing underused public buildings, and honoring Delaware Boys State. The Senate spent significant time on floor remarks about the Boys State delegates and on a tribute to emergency responders who helped save a seven-year-old child trapped by a seatbelt; the responders were recognized individually and thanked for their work. Additional remarks explained the purpose of the menopause coverage bill, the adoption month resolution, the free speech resolution, and the America 250 resolution. The session ended with no further business and the Senate recessed until June 18.

Transcript Highlights:

• Service dogs are unique: on one hand, they're trained to be obedient, and on the other hand, they're
• trained to be disobedient to prevent somebody from stepping into a car or being startled or not seeing
• > hand<00:20:34.039> they're<00:20:34.200> trained<00:20:34.480> to<00:20
• :34.559> be the other hand they're trained to be the other hand they're trained to be disobedient
• and EMTs rushed on the phone paramedics and EMTs rushed to<00:38:08.920> my<00:38:09.079>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a series of transportation-related bills. SB 21 on water carriers would create an inflationary cost index mechanism; DOT, Agriculture, DCCA, the PUC, and several harbor and logistics interests supported it, while Pacific Transfer opposed. SB 1478 would require vessel masters to follow harbor master evacuation orders during emergencies; DOT clarified it applies only to commercial ports, with support from Hima and the Harbor Users Group and opposition from the Hailongm Association. SB 108 would authorize DOT to regulate vessel noise near commercial harbors; the White Harbor Users Group opposed, while DOT said it supported the intent but warned the bill may be preempted by federal law. SB 1475 would raise the bond ceiling for harbor improvement projects from $100 million to $600 million, and SB 1473 would cap central services assessments on DOT funds at $5 million and tie them to CPI; DOT supported both, and Budget and Finance explained the central services fee is generally a 5% deduction from special funds with some statutory exceptions. The committee also heard SB 1402 on securing mooring lines in state commercial harbors, which drew support from the General Contractors Association of Hawaii and the Hawaii Longline Association. SB 1522 on vehicle title transfers was supported by the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Customer Services. SB 599 would require DOT or counties to scan deceased cats and dogs for microchips before disposal; DOT said it would provide scanners, the Hawaiian Humane Society and a private witness strongly supported the bill, and the committee discussed that the measure would not charge pet owners and that Oʻahu microchip rates are about 80% for dogs and 70% for cats. SB 1025 would allow service and non-service animals on mass transit under certain conditions; DHS offered comments, Maui and Honolulu opposed, while the Hawaiian Humane Society, the Environmental Caucus, and others supported it, and an opponent raised concerns about large pets, service animals, and the need for size and off-peak restrictions. Later, the committee heard SB 1096 on license plate-flipping devices, with DOT and Honolulu police supporting it. SB 384 would expand victim restitution in DUI-related negligent homicide cases to include child support for surviving minor children; DOT, MADD, and the Kiki Injury Prevention Coalition supported it, while the Public Defender opposed, arguing the restitution amounts would be unverified and better handled through civil remedies. SB 597 would extend the deadline for the administrative driver license revocation office to issue decisions, and the Attorney General, police, and Maui prosecutors supported it because of drug-testing delays, especially on neighbor islands. Finally, SB 1285 would create a lower-level impaired driving offense and authorize administrative action; the Attorney General and Public Defender both raised concerns about charging discretion and resource impacts, while county, public health, alcohol policy, and victim advocates strongly supported the bill as a life-saving measure. The transcript ends partway through testimony on SB 1285, with no final committee votes or actions recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So in committee, it was brought up, well, if you're doing this for the EMTs, why not the paramedics?
• So I want to thank my colleague from District 12. ...the paramedics.
• seemed obvious, so I want to thank my colleague from District 12 for her amendment to include the paramedics

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and several recognitions and proclamations, including a doctor of the day introduction, a thank-you to members who supported care packages for deployed troops, a visit from Mom’s Demand Action, and a proclamation honoring the 205th anniversary of Greek Independence Day. The chamber also announced committee substitutions, bill referrals, and the day’s calendar, then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider measures on the calendar. In Committee of the Whole, the House recommended do pass on Senate Bill 1125, which was described as a response to child welfare and tribal communication issues raised after the Emily Pike tragedy; members noted the Department of Child Safety supported the bill. The committee also adopted an agreed floor amendment to Senate Bill 1193 and recommended it do pass as amended; discussion focused on protecting EMTs and paramedics from disclosure of private information sold through vendors. Senate Bill 1448 was also amended and recommended do pass; the bill would add certain utility, telecommunications, and video service workers to aggravated assault protections when they are engaged in work duties, and members debated whether the protection was appropriately limited to on-duty work situations. The House then adopted the Committee of the Whole report and referred the amended bills to engrossing. In open session, Senate Bill 1023 passed 43-10 and Senate Bill 1211 passed 53-0. The House also received announcements about upcoming committee meetings and a personal privilege proclamation designating April 26 to May 2, 2026, as Arizona Water Professionals Week. The chamber adjourned until 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are the nurses, doctors,<00:13:34.160> paramedics,<00:13:34.800> and<00:13:34.959>
• caregivers<00:13:35.839> who doctors, paramedics, and caregivers who doctors, paramedics

Bills: SB2723, HB9

Keywords: law enforcement, State Sheriffs Day, Hawaii, commemoration, public safety, honor sheriffs, HB9, Hawaii Purple Heart state, Purple Heart, Purple Heart recipients, veterans, military, armed forces, service members, combat wounded, war veterans, military honors, state designation, symbolic legislation, honorary designation

Transcript Highlights:

• supported young, brave activists through the Courage Fellowship Program, which provides support and training
• supported young, brave activists through the Courage Fellowship Program, which provides support and training
• worked in the field, and this is how I got to know you about 30 years ago, as an Arizona ground paramedic
• Second reading of bills: SB 1000, high school student training; SB 1011, medical examiners; SB 1046,

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Arizona House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the March 18, 2026 journal, and recognition of Doctor of the Day Dr. Bradley Butler, an Arizona emergency physician and Navy Reserve captain. Members also introduced visiting carpenters, local officials from Show Low, World Down Syndrome Day advocates, and Giffords Courage Fellows. The House read and adopted a proclamation designating March 19, 2026 as ALS Awareness Day, with remarks from Representative Selina Bliss and testimony from ALS patients and advocates about the disease’s impact and the need for research, care, and support. The House then adopted House Resolution 2007 honoring Sheila “Ginger” Mattox, with family and friends present and members speaking about her community service and problem-solving work in Phoenix’s FQ Story neighborhood. The resolution was adopted unanimously, followed by a moment of silence. The chamber also announced committee assignments and received Senate messages listing several bills on first and second reading. The House resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider HB 2680, which received a Commerce Committee amendment and a floor amendment before being recommended do pass as amended. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole report and referred HB 2680 to engrossing. Later, HB 1004 was withdrawn from the Education Committee and additionally referred to Judiciary. The House recessed, made several announcements, and then adjourned until 1:30 p.m. on Monday, March 23, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• other IMRT, 3D ones where it's not high doses can be maintained with radiation therapists that are trained
• I'm a chief flight paramedic for Guardian Air Transport for Northern Arizona Health Care, but today I
• Over those 18 years, I have helped pass legislation, trained caregivers, supported youth in crisis, and
• Over those 18 years, I have helped pass legislation, trained caregivers, supported youth in crisis, and

Bills: HB2049, HB2178, HB2179, HB2307, HB2322

Keywords: radiation therapy, particle accelerator, critical access hospitals, patient care, rural healthcare, HB2178, Arizona, state agencies, chief medical officer, medical license, physician license, osteopathic license, licensure requirement, Title 41, Title 32, Arizona Revised Statutes, A.R.S. 41-5902, public health administration, agency leadership, state government personnel

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services heard several bills and held HB 2307. HB 2049 would allow particle accelerator treatment for human diseases under general supervision in certain rural counties and critical access hospitals, with documentation, observation, and physician availability requirements. Supporters from the Arizona Hospital and Health Care Association and rural radiation oncologists said it would improve access to cancer care in underserved areas while maintaining safety. The committee also heard HB 2178, requiring state agency chief medical officers to hold an active medical license, and HB 2179, which separates air ambulance definitions and regulations from ground ambulances to clarify statute and align oversight with current practice; both were described as cleanup/common-sense measures and supported by the air medical industry. The committee also heard HB 2322, which would require audio or video recording of DCS interviews with children subject to investigations, with limited exceptions for equipment failure or lack of access. Testimony in support came from a human trafficking survivor, a health care worker and counselor, and a foster parent/child welfare advocate, who argued recordings would improve accuracy, accountability, and child protection, and help preserve a child’s exact words. No opposition was presented. The bill includes a conditional enactment tied to future federal grant legislation and directs DCS to apply for grants if available. After discussion, the committee voted unanimously to give HB 2049, HB 2178, HB 2179, and HB 2322 due pass recommendations, each by a 7-0 vote. The committee then announced HB 2307 would be held and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• government units for the county seat, or the payment in lieu of taxes package, and also for the paramedic
• And again, the paramedic program operation line is increasing to $19,053,743.
• funding methodology, and the state appropriation for operational costs associated with each county's paramedic
• seat package appropriation from the grant aid appropriation limit, to be consistent with the county paramedic

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• funding to government units for the county seat, or the payment in lieu of taxes package, also for the paramedic
• And again, the paramedic program operation line is increasing to $19,053,743.
• funding methodology, and the state appropriation for operational costs associated with each county's paramedic
• package appropriation from the grant-in-aid appropriation limit, to be consistent with the county paramedic

Summary: The Joint Finance Committee met to review and vote on the fiscal year 2027 Grants and Aid Act, which was expected to be pre-filed as Senate Bill 337. Members first reviewed Section 1, covering county seat payments, paramedic operations, senior center allocations, senior center transportation, and Homeland Security grants. They approved Section 1 after discussion of how senior center transportation is being moved from DART to grant-in-aid and how some organizations can appear in both the senior center formula and the general aging category. The committee then worked through Section 2, which included one-time appropriations and the various grant categories for aging, arts/historical/recreation, economic housing or labor services, family and youth services, health or disability services, and neighborhood and community services. Members discussed several specific items, including New Castle County reassessment-related funding, Friends of Cooch’s Bridge, Slaughter Neck Community Action Organization, Plastic-Free Delaware, Love, Inc. of the Delmarva, and the Southern Delaware Horse Retirement Association. One aging line for Slaughter Neck was reduced back to flat funding after members questioned a large increase, and the revised category total was adjusted accordingly. Each of the Section 2 subcategories was then adopted. Section 3, covering fire companies and public service ambulance companies, was approved with increases across apparatus, ambulance, rescue truck, aerial truck, rescue boat, substation, and insurance rebate equalization funding. Section 4, for veterans organizations and youth programs such as Boys State, Girls State, and Trooper Youth Week, was also adopted. The committee then approved the epilogue sections, which included eligibility, audit, payment, and reporting rules; special provisions for the Wilmington Senior Center contingency; conditions tied to several one-time appropriations; withholding funding from Merri-Dell Volunteer Fire Company pending a corrective report; and reprogramming $1,485,000 from a prior SMART food program appropriation toward SNAP/WIC-related food access initiatives. The meeting ended with remarks thanking staff and noting that it was likely the last JFC meeting for two members, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The two that I remember mostly with that were paramedics.
• Paramedics had not been allowed by any other PDMP across the country to access the system.
• My education for residency and fellowship training was at the University of Missouri, Columbia, and I
• You have to prove hours of pharmaceutical training, be educated, and pay about $800 every five years

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The two that I remember mostly with that were paramedics.
• Paramedics had not been allowed by any other PDMP across the country to access the system.
• My education for residency and fellowship training was at the University of Missouri, Columbia, and I
• You have to prove hours of pharmaceutical training. You have to, you know, be educated.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Administrative Rules met to consider a Missouri Prescription Drug Monitoring Program rule proposal after the Department of Natural Resources withdrew its items. The hearing focused on 1 CSR 60-1.010, which would expand delegate-level PDMP access to additional licensed behavioral health professionals, including licensed clinical social workers, licensed master social workers, marital and family therapists, professional counselors, and psychologists, while also correcting prior rule language involving medical assistants and clinical nurse specialists. Testimony from the PDMP executive director and supporters from Compass Health and the Department of Mental Health argued the change would improve care coordination, medication reconciliation, and safety in multidisciplinary behavioral health settings, especially CCBHCs. They said access would remain limited to licensed professionals working under a prescriber/dispenser relationship, with individual logins and penalties for misuse. Opponents and some committee members raised concerns that the rule would expand access beyond the original statutory framework without legislative change, could be used beyond treatment purposes, and should instead be addressed through statute rather than rulemaking. After public testimony, the committee debated whether the proposal exceeded statutory authority and whether the expansion was too substantive for rulemaking alone. A motion was made to disapprove the rule on grounds including lack of statutory authority, conflict with state law, and arbitrariness. The motion passed by a roll call vote of 7-1, and the committee disapproved Rule 1 CSR 60-1.010 before adjourning.