Video & Transcript : 'High Socks for Hope' :
Page 376 of 500
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Consumer and Public Affairs Feb 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- and 21 for a handgun.
- would say for an adult, but for a finding as a juvenile.
- bond, for sentencing, for other things.
- And you have the option for mediation only sue and for both.
- Most importantly, this matters for victims, for public safety, and for maintaining trust in our justice
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 25, which would prohibit a juvenile who committed a firearm-related delinquent act that would be a felony if committed by an adult from legally owning or possessing a firearm for 10 years after disposition. The sponsor and supporters said the bill is intended to address serious youth gun violence without lengthening juvenile sentences or unsealing records, and they emphasized that the substitute language was meant to clarify, not change, the bill’s intent. Support came from law enforcement, the district attorney’s office, CYFD, and business interests, while opponents including the Public Defender, ACLU, and criminal defense advocates argued it conflicts with juvenile-code principles, creates civil disabilities based on juvenile conduct, and could raise Second Amendment and sealing-record concerns. Members raised extensive questions about how the NICS background-check process would work, what offenses would qualify, whether the measure would apply retroactively, and how sealed juvenile records and pardons would be handled. After discussion, the committee adopted the committee substitute, but no final vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided; members discussed possibly working on the language further in Judiciary or tabling it.
The committee then took up House Bill 15, the Medical Injury and Collaborative Resolution Act, described by the sponsor as New Mexico’s version of a candor law. The bill would create a protected adverse outcome conference process allowing patients and providers to discuss medical injuries or undesirable outcomes outside of court, with the goal of improving communication, giving patients answers, and reducing litigation. A family medicine doctor and a trial lawyer testified in support, saying patients often want explanations more than money and that open conversations can sometimes resolve disputes early. Public commenters also supported the concept, though one noted concerns about how pro se litigants would fit into the process.
Committee questions focused on how the bill would define injury, how confidentiality would be enforced, whether statements could be used in court, who would pay for the process, and how it would interact with existing malpractice procedures. The sponsors said the conference would be voluntary, not require an apology, and would be protected by evidentiary rules; if protected statements were introduced at trial, they said remedies such as mistrial could apply. The discussion continued into procedural details, but no final action on HB 15 appears in the provided portion.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Feb 2nd, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Tangipa, for what reason? Mr.
- Tangipa is asking for an aye vote. Majority leader is asking for a no vote.
- Hope you enjoyed it. Assembly Member Elhawary, you are recognized for your guest introduction.
- For over a century, students have learned real skills that they use to better themselves, For over a
- Doug never stopped advocating for the people who grow our food, care for our forests, and keep rural
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 33 Apr 1st, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Please rise as you are able for the invocation and remain standing for the pledge of allegiance to be
- I wait for the Lord, my whole. Being waits, and in His word, I put my hope.
- Thank you for each member as they wait upon You and place their hope in, Your word and the truth of Your
- As we were waiting for the Nurse of the Day and the Adair High School Football Team, I asked the House
- We've got them here for Aerospace Day. I just hope you'll welcome them to the House.
Bills:
SB1636 , SB1772 , SB1221 , SB1932 , SB1687 , SB1213 , SB843 , SB1410 , SB1317 , SB1338 , SB1976 , SB1314 , SB1191 , SB1613 , SB1246 , SB1439 , SB1930 , HR1044
Keywords:
cold case, unsolved homicide, violent crime, case file review, law enforcement, police records, victim family, immediate family member, designated person, forensic testing, witness reinterview, investigative leads, cold case unit, unsolved murder, public safety, Title 21, Oklahoma statutes, motor vehicle safety, headlamps, headlights
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Cmte on Rules - Subcommittee on the Federal Impact on Minnesotans and Economic Stability - 11/24/25
Transcript Highlights:
- 00:14:01.600><c> for</c><00:14:01.920><c> adding</c> for weatherizing housing, for adding for weatherizing
- What I'm also hoping for my brothers and sisters across the aisle is to hear your plan to address climate
- What I'm also hoping for that's a plus.
- What I'm also hoping for my<00:31:14.559><c> brothers</c><00:31:14.880><c> and</c><00:31:15.039><c> sisters
- </c><00:32:31.039><c> that</c> for rate increases for things that for rate increases for things that
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- for parasitic infections, for the rashes or whatever it is.
- President and members, and on to Chairman Buckley for, I hope, concurrence.
- I'm not wishing for another special session, so I do hope this...
- wisdom for me.
- Thank you all for what each of you did to assist me in being effective for our constituents and for the
Bills:
SB 3 , SB 16 , SB 2 , SB 5 , SB 10 , HB17 , SB 54 , SB 9 , SB 7 , SB 17 , SB 4 , HB8 , HB25 , HB26 , HB192 , HB8 , HB25 , HB26 , HB48 , HB149 , HB192 , HB254 , HB17 , SB54 , SB9 , SB7 , SB17 , SB4 , SB3 , SB16 , SB2 , SB5 , SB10
Keywords:
flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program, backup power, weather siren, emergency management, flood-prone area, warning system, real property theft, real property fraud
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration Nov 21st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- for this public hearing.
- Thank you for your service. Thank you for your sacrifice.
- Thank you for your continued work and advocacy for yourselves, for your peers, for so many that we know
- Our flag is a powerful symbol of hope, but it's time for there to be more than a flag on this 240-acre
- Thank you for your time and for your support for our veterans and their families. Thank you.
Summary:
The hearing focused on the long-delayed Southern California Veterans Cemetery project at Gypsum Canyon in Anaheim, with opening remarks from Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva, Senator Tom Umberg, and Assemblymember Avelino Valencia emphasizing the project’s importance to Orange County veterans and families. Anaheim city leaders, including the mayor pro tem and council members, voiced strong support and described the city’s role in planning, utilities, and final approvals. Quirk-Silva reviewed the project history, including prior legislation, county and state funding commitments, and the recent federal determination that the site meets VA criteria for a state veterans cemetery.
The first panel, representing the veterans community, included the American Legion, American Gold Star Mothers, and Valor. They argued that Orange County—home to a large veteran population—still lacks a local veterans cemetery, forcing families to travel long distances to Riverside or elsewhere. Testimony stressed the emotional and practical burden on aging veterans and grieving families, and called for immediate action and possession of the property. Some speakers were sharply critical of CalVet and the pace of the process, saying veterans have waited too long and that the project should move forward without further delay.
The second panel, from Orange County, described the county’s and cemetery district’s support and the unique opportunity to develop a shared site for a public cemetery and a separate state veterans cemetery. County officials said the county has dedicated land and funding, and that shared infrastructure—roads, utilities, grading, and access—could reduce costs substantially if the two projects are coordinated. They also said the county is ready to transfer the property to CalVet when appropriate and that the project has already cleared major local approvals and litigation.
The final panel from DGS and CalVet explained the state’s feasibility study and current planning work. DGS said the 2023 study estimated the state’s portion of phase one at about $126 million, largely driven by site work and grading, though that estimate may change as assumptions are updated. CalVet said it is working with DGS and the county on a revised concept plan to lower costs and refine the timeline, and that legislative budget action will be needed to authorize spending from the Southern California Veterans Cemetery fund. No formal vote was taken; the hearing was informational, and the main action was continued coordination among the state, county, city, and veterans groups, with public comment at the end overwhelmingly urging faster construction.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for the opportunity to testify today for House Bill 4923.
- Um, I'm sorry, we have a question for the. Yeah, for the church.
- This grant financed the necessary funds for career and technical training courses, which are in high
- Are there any questions for Mr. Castillo? Thank you for your testimony. OK.
- Any other questions for Representative McLaughlin? Thank you for. Thanks.
Committee:
House S/C on Juvenile Justice
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for your time. We just want to thank Senator Wright for this great bill.
- But I think this is a good start for us, and I'm hoping that we will get to a point as a legislature
- A good start for us.
- Thank you for this bill, and I ask for everybody's favor of support. Thank you very much.
- We cannot ever take these men and women for granted, and I ask you for your favorable support.
Committee:
Senate Banking and Insurance
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum present and took up a series of bills, beginning with SB 1286, which expands Florida’s first responder recruitment bonus program to include newly employed firefighters, creates a DFS grant review panel, and establishes a PTSD institute within DFS. Supporters from the fire service and local government spoke in favor, and the bill was reported favorably.
The committee then considered SB 198 on virtual currency kiosks. After adopting a substitute amendment, members heard testimony from consumer advocates, industry representatives, and credit unions about scam prevention, elder financial exploitation, and the need for regulatory certainty. The bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. Members also approved SB 772, which allows limited licenses for portable electronics and eyewear insurance, and SB 1504, which creates a pathway for high school students to qualify for insurance customer representative licensure through insurance and personal finance coursework.
Later, the committee approved SB 1038 and SB 1040, which together create a Florida Strategic Cryptocurrency Reserve and the related trust fund, both with technical amendments. SB 1440, dealing with public records exemptions tied to cybersecurity events and financial regulation, was also reported favorably after amendment. The committee then heard SB 1668 on the NICA program, with testimony both supporting solvency reforms and raising concerns about benefits and retroactivity; the bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 570 created a task force on payment scams under DFS, was amended to reduce FDLE staffing requirements, and was reported favorably. The meeting ended after senators requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on certain bills and the committee adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Jun 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I want to recognize them for being with us. So welcome, and thank you very much for being here.
- Thank you for the opportunity.
- For these reasons, we respectfully ask for your aye vote. Thank you very much.
- But this is absolutely a line that is solid for me, and I hope for others, that we cannot use public
- funds for this.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation heard several bills focused largely on veterans’ tax relief, disaster-related property tax rules, contractor tax compliance, and nonprofit property tax exemptions. The chair reviewed committee procedures, including the suspense file process for bills with significant revenue impacts, and noted that only one bill would be voted on immediately. Most measures were presented with supportive testimony and then referred to suspense.
SB 888 would exclude VA service-connected disability compensation from household income when determining eligibility for the low-income disabled veterans’ property tax exemption. The author argued the bill would prevent disabled veterans from being unfairly penalized and help them remain in their homes; a VFW representative testified in support, and there was no opposition. SB 1053 would allow county boards of supervisors, for disasters declared on or after January 1, 2026, to extend the five-year period for transferring a damaged property’s base-year value by up to three years. Support came from the California Assessor Association, and the bill was also sent to suspense.
SB 1407 would exempt the first $40,000 of military retirement pay and surviving spouse benefit payments from state income tax for qualifying filers, with the author and witnesses arguing it would improve veteran retention in California and support the state economy. Multiple organizations and veterans spoke in support, and the committee members expressed strong sympathy for the measure, but it too was referred to suspense. SB 420 would deny charitable property tax exemption to organizations tied to private immigration detention facilities; the author and supporters said the bill would close a loophole that had allowed a detention facility in Imperial County to avoid millions in property taxes. Members voiced strong support and concern about the reported conditions at the facility, and the bill was also sent to suspense.
The only bill taken up for a vote was SB 1165, which would improve coordination between the CDTFA and the Contractors State License Board so unpaid tax liabilities by contractors could be used in licensing enforcement, while preserving due process and installment agreement flexibility. After supportive testimony from the author and the California Tax Reform Association, the committee approved a due pass motion to Appropriations on a 7-0 vote. The committee then adjourned.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Labor & Workplace Standards Jan 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- their food, for their housing.
- Thank you for your testimony.
- and 52% for medical leave.
- it in pre-fabricated housing for that because we were going to store it for two years.
- I want to commend Ranking Member Schmidt for all of her work on this bill, for sponsoring it, and for
Summary:
The Labor and Workplace Standards Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 2479, the Wage Recovery Act, which would create a wage recovery program and account to provide limited advance payments to low-wage workers facing immediate hardship from unpaid wages, while also changing how L&I prioritizes wage complaints and increasing civil penalties for willful wage violations. The bill was described as a consensus product of a labor-business work group, and testimony from the sponsor, work group members, business groups, and labor organizations was strongly supportive, emphasizing faster wage recovery, better enforcement, and a balanced approach to wage theft. No one testified in opposition.
The committee then moved into executive session and took action on several bills. It reported out House Bill 291, extending employee contact-information sharing requirements to all state agencies; House Bill 2105, as amended, on notice requirements for I-9 audits and related records; House Bill 2107, as amended, on L&I notice to employers after construction-site hazard inspections; House Bill 2151, as amended, on factory-built housing and inspection standards; House Bill 2190, on compensation for language access providers for missed appointments; House Bill 2303, as amended, prohibiting employer requests or coercion for microchip implantation; and House Bill 2345, as amended, adjusting paid family and medical leave premium allocation to address an IRS-related issue. The committee also deferred action on House Bills 2191 and 2218.
Several amendments were adopted during executive session, including technical and policy changes to HB 2105, a carve-out in HB 2151 for certain prefabricated enclosures used for energy equipment, and removal of administrative enforcement from HB 2303. Final votes were largely bipartisan, with most measures passing on voice vote or by recorded vote and receiving due pass recommendations.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- But thank you for the consideration. Maybe, but thank you for the consideration.
- But thank you for the consideration. maybe, but thank you for the consideration.
- For those who know, Miami Northwestern Senior High School was established in 1955.
- It was the first new high school for the Black community in Miami-Dade County.
- The first new high school for the Black community in Miami-Dade County.
Committee:
Senate Transportation
Summary:
The Transportation Committee heard and advanced several measures. SB 654 on traffic infraction enforcement was presented as a comprehensive cleanup of camera-based enforcement for red lights, school zones, and school bus violations. The sponsor said the bill aims to improve consistency, transparency, privacy limits, and due process, including clerk fee retention, virtual hearings, recordkeeping, limits on data use, school district approval for bus cameras, and reporting requirements. An amendment clarifying reporting and liability-transfer procedures was adopted without objection. Members raised questions about information sharing, facial recognition, school-zone flashing lights, private school buses, and bus stop safety; the sponsor said those issues were either already covered in statute or outside the bill’s scope, though he was open to future clarification. The committee reported the bill favorably.
The committee also heard SB 1080, which received a delete-all amendment concerning FDOT direct payments to first-tier subcontractors and takeover agreements with sureties. The amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably. A block of appointments to various boards was then considered together and reported favorably after a single confirmation vote.
Later, SB 382 on electric bicycles and scooters was substantially revised with a strike-all amendment. The new version keeps pedestrian-yield and audible-signal rules, adds a 10-mph limit when pedestrians are within 50 feet, creates an e-bike task force, and requires crash data collection and reporting. Members discussed whether the speed rule applies to shared-use paths, how it would be enforced, whether licensing or speedometers should be required, and whether the bill could create barriers for seniors or others who rely on e-bikes. Supporters emphasized safety, data collection, and the need for stakeholder input; the bill was reported favorably.
The committee also reported favorably SB 684, which allows electronic signatures in connection with total-loss vehicles and vessels, and SB 880, creating a Miami Northwestern Alumni Association specialty license plate. The meeting ended after all bills and appointments were approved and the committee adjourned.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Joint License Plate Committee Apr 8th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> you can be ready for your presentation. you can be ready for your presentation.
- We pay for all of the national board certification for our teachers, and we had originally budgeted for
- </c><00:11:37.519><c> So,</c> for being here. So, for being here.
- For the city, for the state, and for the game. So, thank you for bringing this forward.
- And so we just wanted to thank her publicly for all that she's done for our division for the last year
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- of the President, for acting chief clerk.
- women to high and responsible positions in the Idaho state government for the first year of his administration
- Child care is not just an issue for women, but for families and the economic growth and stability of
- I am thankful for those who have come before me to allow for the opportunity to serve in this body.
- Thank you for bringing this.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- So I thank you for your time and the opportunity here to speak on behalf of the city, and I hope that
- So I thank you for your time and the opportunity here to speak on behalf of the city, and I hope that
- Please help us give them hope. Miigwech for your time and for your partnership.
- It is the key that will unlock hope and opportunity for Midlakes's future.
- </c><00:34:04.640><c> for</c> unlock hope and opportunity for unlock hope and opportunity for Midlakes's
Bills:
HF568 , HF433 , HF1689 , HF3135 , HF3137 , HF3145 , HF2887 , HF2819 , HF2802 , HF2664 , HF2267 , HF799 , HF800 , HF3049 , HF296 , HF580 , HF1438 , HF1237
Committee:
House Capital Investment
Keywords:
special education, education funding, construction, Minnesota, regional educational programs, HF433, Cloquet Area Fire District, fire station, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, general obligation bonds, public safety, emergency services, fire protection, local infrastructure, Minnesota capital budget, DEED grant, municipal facilities, station construction
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Apr 30th, 2026 at 01:45 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Have I thanked you for that before? I have thanked you for that.
- Thank you for being here.
- That's for sure.
- And so, thank you, thank you for, being that. Thank you for being the example.
- And I hope you understand that I have respect for you as well. We disagreed on some issues.
Bills:
HB1168
Keywords:
abortion, abortion-inducing drugs, medication abortion, mifepristone, misoprostol, methotrexate, pro-life, pro-choice, reproductive health, unborn child, trafficking, felony, contraception, pharmacist, pharmacy, Title 63, Oklahoma statutes, abortion pill, drug distribution, criminal penalty
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Air Mobility & Aviation Economic Development Task Force (11-4-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> for the ATCTI school. for the ATCTI school.
- But there are estimates for different high-cost needs like the technology, the faculty and staff, and
- </c><00:56:52.000><c> high-cost</c> estimates for different uh high-cost estimates for different uh high-cost
- So thank you for letting me share, and I'm hopeful to those conversations continuing across states. >
- me share um and I'm you for letting me share um and I'm hopeful<01:23:41.679><c> to</c><01:23:41.920
Summary:
The task force met on November 4, 2025, approved the prior minutes without objection, and then heard a presentation from Amazon on its Kentucky aviation and logistics operations. Amazon described its statewide footprint, including its Boone County air hub at KCVG, its investment of more than $60 billion in Kentucky since 2010, about 20,000 jobs in the state, and its use of Amazon Air as a middle-mile network supported by third-party carriers. The company also highlighted small-business support, community relief efforts, and workforce development through Career Choice, including partnerships with Kentucky schools and aviation maintenance training.
Members asked about Amazon’s most in-demand workforce needs, future operational challenges, and whether autonomous vehicles are used on the KCVG ramp. Amazon said it would follow up on workforce-demand details, identified customer-driven innovation and culture as ongoing challenges, and said autonomous vehicles are in testing but are not part of regular KCVG operations. Amazon also emphasized sustainability efforts, including alternative aviation fuel, and said it wants to work with the legislature to expand AAF production and supply in Kentucky.
The task force then heard from Secretary Jeff Noel of the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and Matt Wingate on the state’s aviation economic development strategy. They said aviation and aerospace are central to Kentucky’s logistics and economic-development goals, with aerospace identified as the state’s top export and air cargo as a major strength. They discussed outreach to general aviation airports, support for local grant matching, airport funding projects, workforce and education partnerships, and efforts to market Kentucky at aviation trade shows such as Paris Air Show and MRO America. No formal votes or other actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Fiscal Responsibility Committee Mar 19th, 2025
Fiscal Responsibility
Transcript Highlights:
- So, I hope that helped, Mr.
- Crawling for several years knocked us out for a year, and then we're crawling again.
- For you, I know the governor has declared this a holiday for the state for the last four years.
- As for your minimum cost for the holiday pay or the day in lieu for state employees, they have to be
- Uh, compensation is $1,750 for the board members for meetings they attend and $2,000 for the chair for
Committee:
House Fiscal Responsibility
Keywords:
business regulation, nonprofit entities, electronic filing, merger agreements, limited liability companies, partnerships, property transfer, termination fees, HB140, private sewer systems, wastewater utilities, Public Service Commission, PSC jurisdiction, utility regulation, rate setting, rate consolidation, affiliated systems, common ownership, private utilities, sewer rates
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 72 Jul 22nd, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Please join me in expressing our pride for Maynard High School's varsity softball accomplishments.
- I filed this bill for patients who can't travel for medical care at all.
- What's the reason for that?
- Thank you for speaking up for me, who didn’t have a voice 16 years ago.”
- Time for voting is expired.
Summary:
The House first took up several local and committee-reported bills, including a Ways and Means amendment to House No. 2370, an act prioritizing patient access to care, and a Senate bill authorizing the Town of Dighton to use a portion of conservation land for public way purposes. The House suspended rules to advance both measures, adopted the Ways and Means amendment to House No. 2370, and ordered that bill to a third reading. It also passed to be enacted a group of local bills concerning Leominster police civil service exemptions, additional liquor licenses in Milton and Southborough, Carlisle town administrator powers, and Watertown tax classification, and passed to be engrossed bills involving Petersham police employment and land transfers in Weston and Marion. The House then approved Senate No. 2735, dissolving the North Carver Water District, by roll call, and House No. 5388, a Marion land transfer bill, also by roll call.
The major debate centered on House No. 5595, an act prioritizing patient access to care, which would revise Massachusetts abortion law for pregnancies after 24 weeks by replacing specific statutory exceptions with reliance on the treating physician’s professional medical judgment, and clarifying that outside review boards could not override that judgment. Supporters, including the bill’s sponsors and public health leaders, argued the measure was needed to remove legal barriers, reduce trauma, and ensure patients can receive care in Massachusetts without being forced to travel out of state. They cited testimony from patients, physicians, hospitals, and advocacy groups such as Reproductive Equity Now, Planned Parenthood, the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association, and the Massachusetts Medical Society.
Opposition came from Representative Sotomayor of Bellingham, who said he supported abortion rights generally but objected to removing what he viewed as safeguards, especially reporting and parental-rights concerns, and argued the bill went too far by relying solely on physician judgment. Representative Svara of Northampton responded that the bill still leaves reporting requirements in statute and is intended to prevent patients from being forced to leave the Commonwealth for care. A proposed amendment by Representative McKenna of Sutton was ruled out of order as beyond the scope of the bill. The House then passed House No. 5595 to be engrossed by roll call, 119-33, and later adopted an order to adjourn until the next day at 11 a.m.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Health Service (3-25-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- the outcomes for health care improves the outcomes for patients.
- </c> for consent. Is there a second? for consent. Is there a second?
- Thank you for having me in.
- </c> motion for consent? Second. motion for consent? Second.
- </c> there a motion for consent? Motion. there a motion for consent? Motion.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and took up a series of health-related measures. House Bill 178, on the psychiatric collaborative care model, was presented by Rep. Kim Mosher and psychiatrist Arthur Oliva. They said the bill would let primary care providers address mental health needs more quickly with psychiatrist consultation, reduce long wait times, and save money. Members voiced support, and the bill passed 7-0 with favorable expression and consent.
House Bill 387, presented by Speaker Pro Tem David Meade, would keep veterinarians excluded from KASPER reporting requirements and instead add two veterinarians to the Controlled Substance Council. Meade argued that veterinary prescribing is difficult to track by animal, that prior efforts created complications, and that rural Kentucky needs the flexibility. A senator asked about possible diversion of veterinary opioids to humans; Meade said there was no substantial evidence of widespread abuse. The bill passed 9-0 with favorable expression and consent.
House Bill 676, by Rep. Rebecca Raymer, was amended from creating a health data utility to directing LRC to study best practices for one during the interim, with a report due December 1, 2026. Members said the state needs a coordinated way to use health data. The amended bill passed 9-0 with favorable expression and consent. House Bill 689, presented by Rep. Amy Neighbors and Dr. Heidi Marley, would authorize a Medicaid state-directed payment program for qualifying hospital-affiliated physician and non-physician services, pending federal approval, with supporters saying it would improve access in underserved areas, support provider retention, and bring in about $29 million annually in federal funds without using state dollars. It also passed 9-0 with favorable expression and consent.
Finally, House Joint Resolution 24, presented by Rep. Kim Fleming, would direct the administration to withdraw a previously required community engagement waiver request because it is no longer needed. The resolution passed 9-0 with favorable expression and consent. The chair noted the next meeting might be April 1, though no bills were currently scheduled, and the committee adjourned.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Douglas Collins, of Georgia, to be Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Jan 21st, 2025
Senate Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- For me, it is about having respect for the members.
- I'm a big fan, and I certainly hope that we have bipartisan support for your confirmation given your
- I really hope we stand for that because even when we deeply disagree with a veteran's actions, their
- I have to get in there first, if confirmed by this committee, which I'd hope to earn votes for.
- Just for the record, I hope that you will continue this fund because it provides a solid source of benefits
Committee:
Senate Senate Veterans' Affairs