Transcript Highlights:

• It's a best practice in election management.
• Why are they opposing best practices in election management?
• Why are they opposing best practices in election management?
• I'm the chair of the California Fair Political Practices Commission.
• I'm the chair of the California Fair Political Practices Commission.

Summary: The Assembly Elections Committee met on March 25, 2026, with nine measures on the agenda and three bills taken on consent. The committee approved the consent calendar for AB 1736, AB 1853, and AB 2153. The committee also heard several election-related bills, including AB 1993 on ballot-envelope privacy, AB 1788 on nonprofit disclosure of travel payments for elected officials, AB 1560 on barring people convicted of public corruption from lobbying, AB 1539 on presidential and vice-presidential ballot eligibility certifications, AB 1919 on Santa Cruz Metro local tax initiative procedures, and AB 1562 on county selection of poll workers. The chair also noted membership changes and welcomed new and returning members and staff. AB 1993 drew the most debate. The author argued it was a common-sense safeguard to prevent voters’ choices from being visible through ballot-envelope holes, citing a Sacramento County incident and public concern about ballot privacy. County election officials, the Secretary of State’s office, and Disability Rights California opposed the bill, saying the holes also serve accessibility and processing functions, that existing voter instructions already address privacy, and that the measure would create implementation problems and an unfunded mandate. After extended discussion, the committee voted the bill out on a 2-6 roll call and it failed. AB 1788 was supported by the FPPC and the League of Women Voters and passed as amended to Appropriations, with members emphasizing transparency while seeking to avoid unintended coverage of organizations like NCSL and CSG. AB 1560 passed 6-0 despite the Secretary of State’s implementation concerns about how the office would learn of relevant convictions. AB 1539, which would require party representatives to certify presidential and vice-presidential nominees’ constitutional eligibility, passed 7-0 as amended. AB 1919, which would clarify procedures for a Santa Cruz Metro voter initiative to place a transit tax on the ballot, passed 6-2, and AB 1562, which would allow counties to randomly select poll workers, passed 7-1 after discussion about civic engagement, guardrails, and election administration. The committee then completed roll-call adjustments for absent members and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have practice-based evidence, you know.
• So can we include best practices or, you know, some..." "...best practices or, you know, something along
• I just..." "...promising and evidence-based practices.
• best—promising best practices or something?
• Practices from below. Okay. Okay. Okay. Anyone else have thoughts on this one?

Summary: The committee met for its final session before the report is delivered to the governor and legislature, with introductions and reminders that the meeting was public and recorded. Facilitators explained that the group was reviewing the final draft of the committee’s strategic priorities and recommendations for a five-year behavioral health plan focused on prevention, early intervention, and community-based services. They also noted that the recommendations were drawn from subcommittee work, a survey, and prior committee discussion, and that similar work is occurring in other groups such as Washington Thriving and the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Work Group. Most of the discussion centered on the first two overarching priorities and how to frame them. Members raised concerns that the draft did not sufficiently center people with lived experience, families, and communities, and suggested revising the vision language to reflect that. Several participants also emphasized the need for an executive-level role to coordinate behavioral health across state agencies and improve accountability. The group discussed the timing of related planning efforts, including Washington Thriving and the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Work Group, and agreed the report should acknowledge those efforts without duplicating them. The committee then turned to the high-priority recommendations and the structure of the report. Members asked for more specific action steps under the broader recommendations, rather than leaving them as aspirational statements, and suggested moving some of the lower-priority recommendations into the main sections as examples or sub-actions. There was also substantial discussion about terminology: participants recommended using language such as evidence-informed, promising practices, best practices, and practice-based evidence, especially to better reflect tribal and community-based approaches. Other edits included clarifying early intervention language, adding flexibility, addressing credentialing and carrier/MCO requirements in phases, and considering mentorship as a workforce retention strategy. The committee also discussed accountability and public engagement, with members suggesting the report include stronger references to community voice and oversight. Facilitators said they would revise the draft, circulate it by May 22, and seek comments by May 27 so the report can be finalized and submitted by the June 1 deadline. Several members offered to help with the final drafting and reorganization of the report.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, it does not expand or restrict the scope of practice of any existing health care provider.
• So yes, both the practice of medicine and the practice of other licensed health care providers in the
• Yes, both the practice of medicine and the practice of other licensed health care providers in the state
• And then there are what we would call, there falls within the practice of medicine or the practice of
• pharmacy or the practice of nursing that then triggers licensure requirements.

Committee: House Business

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Personnel data under the data Practices Personnel data under the data Practices Act<00:32:16.200
• So what are unfair labor practices?
• so what are unfair labor labor practices so what are unfair labor practices<00:48:13.480><c> they're
• </c><00:48:34.960><c> could</c> unions unfair labor practices could unions unfair labor practices could
• go</c><00:48:59.960><c> to</c> practices practice cases must go to practices practice cases must go to

Committee: Senate Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:42:14.600><c> along</c> well are practicing along well are practicing along like like like I<
• "No, they do have a scope of practice, but the scope of practice is expanding."
• </c> restraint and seclusion, safer practices restraint and seclusion, safer practices for<01:45:06.960
• </c> individuals are practicing individuals are practicing independently. independently. independently
• It's not a new practice field, but it's an expanding practice field, and we're not quite sure of the

Summary: The meeting began as a Committee of Conference on House Bill 194, but the discussion quickly centered on whether to remove an attached bill, 504, because of concerns about a possible fee or tax and a House rule issue. Members debated the procedural posture of the bill, whether the House version had been non-concurred, and whether the conference committee could still resolve the issue by adopting the House amendment or reconsidering the non-concur. The exchange became tense, with one side warning that failing to pass the measure could jeopardize a linked rural health transformation grant worth about $20 million. The committee ultimately recessed without resolving the 194/504 dispute and planned to return the next day. The committee then opened conference on House Bill 609, which dealt with use-of-force/self-defense language and restraint/seclusion authority in health care settings. On the self-defense portion, House members argued strongly for restoring vehicle language, saying people should be able to defend themselves in a car the same way they can in a home, especially in carjacking or assault situations where no weapon is displayed. Senate members expressed concern about expanding deadly-force protections too broadly and suggested narrowing the language to focus on imminent harm to the person, not property, while also questioning where the provision should be placed in statute. The second major topic in HB 609 was who may order restraint or seclusion in clinical settings. House members argued that physicians are not always immediately available, especially in hospitals and emergency settings, and that APRNs and physician associates should be able to act in crises if properly trained and credentialed. Senate members raised concerns about scope of practice and asked whether the language implied patient consent was required; the Senate side explained that consent language was intended to address capacity and informed decision-making, not to require voluntary consent to restraint. The discussion ended with the sides still apart, though the Senate floated a compromise allowing physician associates to order restraint when no doctor is physically on the premises, while not yet extending that authority to APRNs. The committee took a short break to continue negotiations on the firearm/self-defense piece.

Transcript Highlights:

• How are they going to really practice this idea of shared understanding and commitment and priorities
• So based on research, we know best practices.
• , to embed these best practices in what they're doing.
• We know that to embed these practices and to continue sustaining these practices within our schools to
• And continuously improve practice to maximize student outcomes.

Summary: The joint informational and oversight hearing focused on community schools in California, with members emphasizing that the purpose was to examine effectiveness, implementation, and sustainability rather than the Governor’s budget proposal. The California Department of Education described the California Community Schools Partnership Program, created in 2021 and funded with more than $4 billion, including planning, implementation, extension, and county coordination grants. Officials said nearly 2,500 schools are participating and highlighted the statewide technical assistance structure, including the State Transformational Assistance Center, eight regional centers, county offices, and CDE support. Researchers from the Learning Policy Institute and UCLA presented early findings and implementation data. LPI reported reductions in chronic absenteeism and suspensions, along with gains in math and English language arts, with especially large benefits for Black students and other historically underserved groups. UCLA described the Annual Progress Report as a statewide improvement tool showing growth in capacity-building, shared decision-making, whole-child supports, and continuous improvement. Members asked about how the reports measure outcomes, how to interpret outliers, and how to distinguish community schools effects from other concurrent initiatives; presenters said matched comparison methods and deeper case-study work are being used, with additional statewide findings expected in June. Panelists from Oakland Unified, LAUSD/UTLA, San Diego Unified, and advocacy organizations described key elements of success: integrated student supports, strong family and student engagement, collaborative leadership, community partnerships, and school-site decision-making. They gave examples such as wellness centers, dual enrollment, student senates, parent leadership, and community campaigns that built trust and increased participation. Members also raised concerns about sustainability, implementation fidelity, and whether community schools improve participation in LCAP processes. Presenters said major barriers include unclear early guidance, the need for a mindset shift away from top-down models, and uncertainty about long-term funding for coordinators and other staff. The panel’s recommendations centered on stable ongoing funding, stronger technical assistance, shared governance, and embedding community schools practices into district and county systems.

Transcript Highlights:

• The next topic is medical practice insurance and the patient compensation fund.
• In law practice, we have what we call a deposition.
• They don't let practitioners practice the care that they want to practice.
• That's how it's being negotiated practically.
• It's standard practice to require a tail.

Committee: House Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• SB1373 does not expand provider scope of practice or limit hospitals' ability to set high standards or
• This is not an expansion of our scope of practice. That ship has sailed. It has been settled.
• Scope of practice is a settled matter.
• Some personal issues may adversely impact their ability to practice medicine.
• This bill endangers civil liberties and expands coercive practices under the guise of care.

Bills: SB1117 , SB1373 , SB672 , SB1986 , SB1098 , SB626 , SB1784 , SB2480 , SB2487 , SB437 , SB660

Committee: House Public Health

Keywords: dentistry, botulinum toxin, aesthetic treatments, dental regulation, training, medical staff privileges, hospital administration, healthcare regulation, Texas Health and Safety Code, consistency in privileges, SB 672, Texas hospital emergency operations plan, hospital diversion, emergency department, cyberattack, cyber security, power outage, electrical outage, patient diversion, hospital preparedness

Transcript Highlights:

• , as well as reflect the full practice authority of not only advanced practice registered nurses, but
• SB 320 provides a necessary modernization of our scope of practice.
• It takes practice. It takes support. It takes accountability.
• It takes practice. It takes support. It takes accountability.
• It takes practice. It takes support. It takes accountability.

Bills: SB274 , SB301 , SB249

Committee: House Health & Human Development

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several measures related to health care, public health, and patient protections. House Concurrent Resolution 148, urging a statewide educational strategy on menopause, was presented as a workplace awareness measure and received supportive comments from members before being released. Senate Bill 274, updating Delaware’s MOST program to POLST and clarifying capacity determinations and documentation for end-of-life orders, also drew supportive testimony from medical and nursing groups and was released. House Bill 458, limiting local backflow preventer requirements for certain low-hazard buildings, was presented as a cost-relief measure for homeowners and small businesses; DHSS expressed concerns but said it was willing to work on amendments and a sunset provision, and the bill was released. Senate Joint Resolution 18, designating August 31, 2026 as International Overdose Awareness Day and ordering flags at half-staff, was released after brief supportive remarks. The committee then considered Senate Bill 339, a technical correction to the advance health care directive form clarifying that an agent’s authority for voluntary mental health admission cannot exceed 72 hours, consistent with existing law. Members asked detailed questions about how the 72-hour limit works and whether it applies to voluntary directives; the sponsor and a Disability Rights Delaware witness explained that the bill only aligns the form with current statute and does not expand authority. The bill was released. House Bill 301, requiring hospitals to create discharge plans for pregnant patients discharged while showing signs of labor, prompted extensive discussion. The sponsor and supporters said it would improve safety, transportation planning, and aftercare, while some members noted Delaware hospitals already do much of this work and questioned whether codifying it was necessary; supporters emphasized maternal mortality disparities and the need for guardrails. The bill was released. Senate Bill 196, creating ownership disclosure requirements for long-term care facilities and resident notice rules after ownership transfers, was presented as a transparency measure for seniors and families and was released after supportive testimony from the Delaware Nurses Association and elder-care advocates. Senate Bill 320, expanding pharmacists’ independent prescriptive authority for certain non-controlled medications and allowing opioid use disorder medications under standing order, with added malpractice reporting requirements in Senate Amendment 2, was supported by pharmacists and nurse practitioners as an access-to-care measure and was released. Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 161, establishing a unified licensing and oversight framework for adult behavioral health providers under DSAM, was presented as a patient-protection measure; providers supported the goal but cautioned that regulations must be workable, and the substitute was released. Senate Joint Resolution 19, directing DHSS to study strategies to reduce health care costs, was released with a note reflecting concerns about broadening the analysis to include additional cost drivers and alternatives. Finally, Senate Bill 249 with Senate Amendment 2, modernizing harm-reduction programs and paraphernalia laws, generated the most extended debate: supporters framed it as life-saving public health policy, while opponents raised concerns about needle litter, community impacts, and whether the approach facilitates addiction. Despite the objections, the bill was released.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a chance to take action that's practical, that's cost-effective, and grounded in dignity.
• In 1999, the legislature enacted the Massachusetts Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Act, establishing
• of dietetics and the practice of nutrition based on education, supervised practice, and demonstrated
• This bill offers a practical and needed solution. It would require age... ...supplements.
• This bill offers a practical and needed solution.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Health

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health heard testimony on a wide range of bills focused on environmental health, disease prevention, and access to care. Major topics included restricting polystyrene use, creating a pancreatic cancer awareness and early-detection initiative, improving indoor air quality through a task force and new regulations, expanding access to epinephrine in public places, improving access to health care for people with long COVID, creating an OBGYN loan repayment program for underserved areas, expanding access to hygiene products, modernizing licensure for dietitians and nutritionists, updating school postural screening requirements, and restricting harmful diet pills and muscle-building supplements. Several legislators also testified in support of their own bills, including measures on menstrual product access and ingredient disclosure, and surgical smoke protections. Testimony on the polystyrene bill emphasized local municipal bans and the need to reduce plastic pollution. Pancreatic cancer advocates and patients described the disease’s low survival rate, the difficulty of early diagnosis, and the need for an awareness campaign and implementation of commission recommendations. Indoor air quality supporters from environmental justice groups, public health organizations, and residents described asthma, mold, pollution, and the need for a task force with technical expertise; some witnesses urged adding remediation professionals to the task force. On epinephrine access, family members of a man who died after a bee sting and an allergy organization stressed that anaphylaxis can be sudden and fatal and that stock epinephrine in public venues could save lives. Long COVID advocates said the condition affects hundreds of thousands of residents and called for better surveillance and access to care, with a request to include MECFS in the bills’ scope. Other testimony focused on workforce and equity issues. Supporters of the OBGYN loan repayment bill said it would help address maternal health disparities and provider shortages, especially in rural and underserved communities. Hope and Comfort described widespread hygiene insecurity and a long waiting list for basic products, urging a task force to study statewide solutions. Dietitians and nutritionists supported modernization of licensure to clarify standards for medical nutrition therapy while allowing broader wellness counseling. School nurses backed reducing mandatory postural screenings, arguing the current law is not evidence-based, is not reimbursed by MassHealth, and takes time from other student health needs. On the supplement bill, the industry trade group opposed restrictions as overbroad and burdensome, while a public health expert cited research linking weight-loss and muscle-building supplements to serious harms and urged passage. The committee also heard support for menstrual product access and surgical smoke protections, with legislators and advocates describing those bills as longstanding priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're only about a week away from the end for practical purposes.
• And it says within the scope of their practice, they can practice in a health care facility, but then
• And so we are expanding their scope of practice within the facility, right? Mr.
• Stated in a way that makes it clear what that scope of practice actually is.
• I mean, where you see this, the practice in a health care facility, emergency practice in a medical offices

Bills: SB40 , SB104 , SB136 , SB164 , HB99 , HB38 , HB165 , HB127 , HB72 , HB151 , SB40 , SB104 , SB136 , SB164

Committees: Senate Senate Judiciary , Senate House Judiciary

Keywords: SB40, Driver Privacy and Safety Act, automated license plate reader, ALPR, license plate reader, vehicle surveillance, privacy, data sharing, law enforcement data, immigration enforcement, reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, civil liberties, surveillance, public records, Inspection of Public Records Act, New Mexico State Police, Department of Public Safety, data sovereignty, vehicle tracking

Transcript Highlights:

• I have practiced for 40 years. I am a certified criminal law specialist.
• If you are placed on probation, you are still able to practice law.
• But they are allowed to practice law.
• But if you’re on probation, you can practice. Yes. Madam Chair, if I may.
• Attorneys get to practice law until the case is fully adjudicated.

Summary: The committee began with lengthy testimony and affidavits criticizing the Arizona State Bar, with speakers alleging selective discipline, due process problems, and retaliation against attorneys who take controversial cases. Committee members questioned the witnesses and discussed whether the bar and court system properly oversee attorney discipline, but no action was taken on that testimony. The committee then considered several election-related bills. SB 1037 would impose stricter security requirements on voting and tabulating equipment, including no internet access, tamper-proof seals, chain-of-custody documentation, nonstop video at accounting centers, and criminal penalties for violations; it passed 4-2 with one not voting. SB 1038 would require rapid public release of cast vote records, but an amendment changed the timing and transmission process; the amended bill passed 4-2 with one not voting. SB 1040 would expand public access to voter registration rolls through an internet portal and a read-only format; it also passed 4-2 with one not voting. The committee next approved SB 1039, which would allow attorneys who prevail in bar discipline matters to seek damages for reputational harm and lost earnings; it passed 4-2 with one not voting after extensive discussion about bar procedures, interim suspension, and whether attorneys can practice while under investigation. SB 1053, reducing concealed carry permit fees for Arizona residents, passed 4-2 with one not voting. SB 1057, requiring ballot paper fraud-countermeasure features, also passed 4-2 with one not voting. SB 1060, removing a voting exemption for U.S. citizens who have never resided in the United States, passed 3-2 with two not voting. The committee then heard SB 1061, which would lower the fentanyl threshold for enhanced sentencing from 200 grams to 9 grams; testimony focused on whether the bill would sweep in users as well as dealers, but the transcript ends before a vote is taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lastly, the act establishes prohibited practices and gives the Department of Agriculture authority to
• Lastly, the act establishes prohibited practices and gives the Department of Agriculture authority to
• Prohibited practices include refusal to negotiate, coercion, or knowingly making false reports.
• protection of cultural resources, tribal treaty rights, and adaptive management practices.
• The tribes currently and rightly share information about forest practices and the best forest practices

Bills: SB5919 , SB5816 , SJM8015 , HB2737

Committee: House Agriculture & Natural Resources

Keywords: fire safety, insurance incentives, best practices, community protection, voluntary measures, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, state regulation, market access, federal response, wildfire protection, community safety, infrastructure, natural resources, commercial shellfish, shellfish fees, Department of Health, biotoxin testing, export certificate

Transcript Highlights:

• For practical purposes only, this bill defines an infant as a child younger than 18 months.
• elements and then develop a program improvement plan to improve all of that practice.
• AB 2247 represented an important shift toward trauma-informed child welfare practice.
• I think everything that we strive to do is our best practices.
• But best practices run into resources and limitations on time and facilities.

Committee: House Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, it's a practice. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
• I missed so out of practice because we haven't, this is our first committee.
• So again, our kind of focus is kind of turning away from requirement into the best practice.
• We'd want it to work in practice. You have my commitment. Thank you. Thank you.
• It was just common practice.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee met and began without a quorum, first hearing AB 612 by Assembly Member Rogers and later AB 435 by Assembly Member Wilson. AB 612 would direct Caltrans to update the highway design manual so local jurisdictions consult with fire departments on major road improvements. Supporters, including the California Professional Firefighters and labor representatives, said the bill would improve emergency response and prevent road designs from hindering fire apparatus. County representatives said they were not opposed but wanted the bill narrowed to avoid mandatory consultation on minor maintenance projects or in areas without a local fire district. Several members praised the bill as common-sense safety legislation, and it was moved forward to Appropriations. The committee then adopted its rules and approved a seven-bill consent calendar. AB 435 would update California child passenger safety law to require children under 10 to be properly restrained in the back seat, require children ages 10 to 13 to remain in the back seat unless they pass the five-step seat belt fit test, and require the five-step test before a child may ride in the front seat. The author and supporters, including Safe Kids Greater Sacramento, Safety Belt Safe USA, AAA, the Automobile Club, and hospitals, argued the bill would align state law with national best practices and improve child safety. Committee members raised concerns about enforceability, implementation timing, pickup trucks, large families, and low-speed vehicles, and the author said he was open to amendments and additional data, including California-specific information. AB 435 was advanced to the Committee on Appropriations after discussion. AB 612 also received a due pass recommendation to Appropriations. The committee held rolls open to allow additional members to add on, then later confirmed the votes and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And do teacher candidates get the same clinical practice experience at all EPPs?
• With clinical practice and considerations for the committee. Thank you. Thank you, Evan.
• and clinical practice hours observing instruction in a classroom that includes diverse learners.
• I don't deal with kids Why the huge discrepancy in hours when preclinical practice is a best practice
• And something our teachers who are already teaching lack best practices.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it doesn't change or affect the practice.
• So it doesn't change or affect the practice.
• </c><00:20:24.400><c> for</c> is modeling uh the best practices for is modeling uh the best practices
• This section codifies that prior practice permanently.
• </c> section codifies that prior practice section codifies that prior practice permanently.<00:24:46.880

Transcript Highlights:

• Areas as their practice destination.
• I am a practicing primary care physician trained in internal medicine.
• A typical concierge practice, someone who goes into concierge practice has been practicing for a few
• Yeah, and I think just also where people are practicing, right?
• Like I said, I also practice in an urgent care setting.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held a hearing focused first on the impact of H.R. 1 on medical student financing and physician access, then on state residency-support programs. The chair framed the discussion around expected federal Medicaid and student loan changes, warning that higher borrowing barriers could reduce access to medical school for lower-income students and worsen physician shortages, especially in underserved regions. The LAO explained that H.R. 1 would cap federal loans for professional students, eliminate Grad PLUS for new borrowers, and likely shift more students toward private loans with less favorable terms; it said the bigger concern may be who can afford to attend medical school rather than a sharp drop in enrollment. HCAI described three physician loan repayment programs—the State Loan Repayment Program, the Stephen M. Thompson Physician Corps Loan Repayment Program, and the County Medical Services Program loan repayment program—and said retention data show many awardees remain in California and in underserved or safety-net settings after service obligations end. University of California and UCSF witnesses described California’s physician workforce shortages, especially on the Central Coast and in rural and agricultural communities, and said affordability, limited medical school capacity, and burnout are pushing some doctors into concierge practice or out of underserved areas. They emphasized that students from low-income backgrounds and underrepresented communities are more likely to be affected by loan limits and that residency location strongly influences where physicians ultimately practice. Members asked about medical school capacity, out-of-state students, residency retention, and whether the state could expand slots or better target aid to keep physicians in California and in high-need communities. Public commenters urged the Legislature to consider shortages in anesthesia, pediatric subspecialties, midwifery, and culturally concordant care, and to support broader workforce pathways and public-service loan programs. The second panel reviewed graduate medical education programs, especially CalMedForce, CalMedForce Plus, and Song-Brown. UC and HCAI said CalMedForce has supported new residency slots since 2018, while Song-Brown funds primary care residency training and has recently supported new programs in rural areas such as Del Norte County. The LAO said the state should decide whether residency support should remain a budget priority, whether these competitive grant programs are the best mechanism, and whether their structures are too rigid or duplicative. It noted that most awardees receive funding more than once and that the programs overlap substantially, suggesting possible coordination or consolidation. A family physician from the California Academy of Family Physicians argued that stable funding for primary care residencies is essential, that many California-trained physicians stay where they train, and that future funding should be more deliberately directed to primary care and high-need communities. The hearing ended with discussion of emergency room crowding, geographic inequities in residency distribution, and HCAI’s plan to develop supply-and-demand models to guide future funding decisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, we're trying to maintain their scope of practice, not open up their scope of practice.
• practices there are.
• And we want to maintain that they still have that practice, but not open up the scope.
• to maintain that scope of practice.
• Recently, the FTC and Congressional House Judiciary studies have warned about these practices.

Summary: The Public Health Committee heard several bills, beginning with HB 4336, which updates definitions of acute and chronic pain to align with the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Act and adds certain violations as unprofessional conduct. The committee adopted a PCS as the working draft, took no questions, and passed the bill 7-0. HB 3194, which would prevent pregnancy centers from being singled out for discrimination or censorship based on pro-life principles, drew questions about oversight, medical staffing, ultrasound interpretation, and contraceptive counseling; after discussion, it passed 6-1. The committee then passed HB 3934, described as a measure to help rural Oklahoma children get dental care through dental hygienists, with a question confirming parents could opt in or out. HB 3762, dealing with chiropractic practice and defining “serum” to cover vitamins, minerals, and nutrients while excluding blood products, was amended in committee but did not receive a motion and remained in committee. HB 1818, clarifying licensed social workers as licensed bachelor social workers and aligning Oklahoma with neighboring states, passed 6-0. Later, HB 3538 on pharmacy benefit manager vertical integration and community pharmacy reimbursement passed 7-0 after extensive discussion about independent pharmacy closures, mail-order pharmacy issues, specialty drugs, and network access. HB 3682, the Oklahoma Clean Indoor Air Act, would prohibit smoking in most public gathering places while allowing certain exceptions and local governments to adopt stricter rules; it passed 7-0. The committee also heard HB 3793, a placeholder bill on nursing education and diploma programs intended to address workforce shortages, but no motion was made and it remained in committee. The meeting ended with a short recess for the swearing-in of a new representative-elect.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, it basically makes the practice of medicine kind of nationwide, instead of just each little state
• I understand that we're kind of out of practice, and so thank you for being the first.
• I have nurses crossing the border, our New Mexico border, to practice here.
• The network is comprised of 30 independent private practices throughout the state.
• Well, the state licensing board is responsible for PTs or whoever practicing in New Mexico.

Committee: House House Health & Human Services