Video & Transcript : 'Legislative Appropriations Request' :
Page 397 of 500
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Human Services - 03/05/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> know you have a lot of funding requests know you have a lot of funding requests just<00:21:32.760
- Boundary Waters Care Center Grant appropriation, if I remember right.
- that requires an appropriation.
- </c><00:43:58.440><c> for</c> mediate process when the request for mediate process when the request for
- It's a pre-appropriation. Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you, Senator Erin Maye Quade.
Committees:
Senate Health and Human Services , Senate Human Services
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Fri Mar 14, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 32
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Today is one of my legislative aide's last day.
- [Applause] my legislative AIDS last day Connor my legislative AIDS last day Connor morar<00:14:20.040
- Representative Alos: Same request. So ordered.
- </c><01:02:43.799><c> to</c> 1242 I'd just like to make a request to 1242 I'd just like to make a request
- </c> connect with fellow Legend legislators connect with fellow Legend legislators and<01:03:56.920><
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Community Safety Feb 2nd, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Community Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- So at this time, I would request not to adopt the amendment.
- Chair, you and I served on the Criminal Sentencing Task Force before I was a legislator.
- Chair, you and I served on the Criminal Sentencing Task Force before I was a legislator.
- I strongly support this piece of legislation.
- So I do support this piece of legislation. Any further comments?
Committee:
House Community Safety
Keywords:
reentry, reentry readiness, recidivism, earned release time, good time credits, graduated reentry, community custody, partial confinement, home detention, work release, electronic monitoring, substance use disorder treatment, mental health treatment, corrections, Department of Corrections, DOC, prison reform, sentencing, release date recalculation, transition services
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Health and Mental Health Feb 5th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Health and Mental Health
Transcript Highlights:
- I would say any way we can get this piece of legislation passed, if that's in other pieces of legislation
- Other states have enacted similar legislation.
- request.
- It is not something that is appropriate.
- It is not something that is appropriate.
Committee:
House Health and Mental Health
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- This legislation enables...
- revised piece of legislation.
- I'm a strong supporter of this legislation.
- safeguards as found in this legislation.
- We think this is an appropriate measure.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Summary:
The committee opened with procedural guidance for a very large hearing, explaining testimony limits, written testimony procedures, and rules for maintaining order. Members then heard testimony on a wide range of bills, including proposals to define antisemitism using the IHRA definition, regulate facial recognition technology, restrict weaponized robotics and drone use, expand protections for journalists’ confidential sources, address access to decedents’ email accounts, and create or adjust rules around municipal enforcement and animal cruelty fines. Several sponsors and advocates asked for favorable reports, and committee members asked clarifying questions on implementation, costs, and how the bills would interact with existing law.
On facial recognition, sponsors and advocates described the technology as a threat to privacy, due process, and civil liberties, and urged adoption of the Special Commission’s recommendations, including warrant requirements, notice to defendants, and limits on untargeted surveillance. Support came from legislators, the ACLU, CDT, EFF, and a UMass professor, while committee members asked about current state law and municipal bans. On robotics, Senator Moore and industry witnesses from MassRobotics, Boston Dynamics, and AUVSI supported a bill prohibiting weaponized robots and requiring warrants for certain law enforcement uses, describing it as a public-safety and trust-building measure. On the shield law bill, newspaper publishers, journalists, NEFAC, and the Reporters Committee argued Massachusetts needs statutory protection for confidential sources, citing costly subpoenas and chilling effects on reporting.
The committee also heard testimony on a bill to expand the right of publicity to cover image and voice, with SAG-AFTRA members supporting protections against AI-driven exploitation and some discussion about viral content and consent. Another bill would allow limited access to a decedent’s email accounts, with one witness describing a family’s inability to use a deceased relative’s email to notify friends. The committee then took testimony on psilocybin-related bills: supporters described medical and personal benefits and argued for narrow decriminalization or study, while an opponent warned of public-health risks, impaired driving, and youth exposure; the Massachusetts Psychiatric Society supported limited, safety-based decriminalization. Finally, the committee heard strong support for a “safe reporting” bill for sex workers and trafficking survivors, with advocates saying immunity would encourage victims and witnesses to report crimes without fear of arrest, and members raised questions about how the immunity would work in practice.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a request to be excluded from reporting requirements.
- I mean, that’s our responsibility as legislator.
- Throughout this last legislative session, it was very clear that there was an interest among legislators
- So that became their request.
- Motion to accept the division's request. Is there a second?
Committee:
All ALC-ADMINISTRATIVE RULES
Summary:
The Administrative Rules Subcommittee of the Arkansas Legislative Council reviewed several agency rules and requests. The Insurance Department’s amendment to its holding company system rule was reviewed and approved, as were two State Board of Election Commissioners rules: one clarifying poll watcher conduct, vote challenges, and provisional voting, and another increasing pay for certified election monitors and defining training, observation, and report-writing compensation. The Arkansas Financial Education Commission also had its rule reviewed and approved after removing membership requirements tied to DEI language to comply with Act 938. The committee held over the Department of Education’s request to be excluded from reporting requirements for one month to allow further discussion about who should write or implement the rules.
A major portion of the meeting focused on the Department of Human Services’ request to be excluded from reporting requirements for Acts 567, 568, 967, and 1025. DHS said CMS had raised comparability and other federal approval concerns, especially for the dental and diagnostic lab provisions, and that it might not be able to meet the acts’ effective dates. DHS described several possible paths forward, including broader benefit changes, waivers, or splitting the dental provisions so the pediatric rate increase could move separately from the special-needs adult cap increase. The Arkansas State Dental Association disputed DHS’s conclusion that the acts could not be implemented as written, argued that Act 1025 is workable, and urged DHS to continue pursuing implementation and preserve the September 1 effective date where possible. Public testimony also supported expanded dental access for adults with disabilities and special needs. After discussion, the committee voted not to exclude DHS from reporting requirements for those acts.
The committee then reviewed the Division of Higher Education’s Act 781 report. The division said it has 32 rules in effect, asked to repeal three rules—two replaced by new rules and one no longer supported by authority or current law—and to continue the remaining 29 rules. The committee approved that request, with the repeals effective upon adjournment of the Legislative Council meeting on January 16, 2026. The meeting concluded with no questions on the remaining written rulemaking updates from prior and current sessions, which were filed without further action.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (01/23/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:05:33.639><c> okay</c> statute this is a board request okay statute this is a board request okay
- For the record, was this a request? Yes. Request of whom? The board of dieticians.
- </c><00:47:55.040><c> yes</c> the record was this a request yes the record was this a request yes request
- </c><01:35:34.800><c> because</c> help it's certainly appropriate because help it's certainly appropriate
- </c> glaucoma sometimes it's more appropriate glaucoma sometimes it's more appropriate to<04:42:22.920
Summary:
The committee held public hearings on House Bill 144 and House Bill 145, both related to professional licensing for dietitians and dental hygienists. HB 144 was described as a technical fix to align statute with existing Board of Dental Examiners rules allowing dental hygienists to administer nitrous oxide and local anesthesia, with supporters saying the bill would add needed training and examination requirements to statute. A dentist and dental society representative testified that the practice is already being done safely within scope, and committee members discussed whether nitrous oxide is still used and whether the bill was mainly to keep the paperwork and law consistent. The committee moved HB 144 forward on a 12-0 vote and placed it on consent.
HB 145 would join New Hampshire to a dietitian licensure compact and add a criminal history check for initial licensure to match compact language. The sponsor and board witnesses said the compact would improve portability, support telehealth, help military families and spouses, and maintain public safety by ensuring qualified practitioners and information-sharing among member states. Committee members asked about withdrawal from the compact, the difference between single-state and compact licensure, and why a background check was included; the witness said the compact is not yet active, with four states enacted and seven needed, and that the background check is required by the compact language. Additional testimony from a private-practice dietitian supported the bill, citing continuity of care, rural access, and workforce mobility, while some members raised concerns about telehealth across state lines and the practical effect of the background check.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Feb 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services will come to order.
- The program needs to be whole, whether the Joint Legislative Budget Commission meets to fill the hole
- . ...has led to many deaths that could have been prevented had they been appropriately trained and had
- So I think that's specific to an appropriations request, which is admirable that you're here, and I appreciate
- Request, which is admirable that you're here, and I appreciate that.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard public comment on several health and human services funding concerns before moving through a series of bills. Testimony at the start focused on the AIDS Drug Assistance Program, with a client warning that proposed changes to eligibility and drug access could disrupt care for thousands of people living with HIV/AIDS, and urging the Legislature to intervene. Another speaker asked for support for the iBudget waiver, saying provider costs have risen and requesting about a 7% increase for direct support professionals to help stabilize the developmental disabilities workforce.
The committee then unanimously reported favorably several bills. SB 428 expanded Florida’s swim lesson voucher program from children ages 0-4 to ages 1-7, based on drowning-prevention recommendations. SB 68 required hospitals with emergency departments to adopt pediatric emergency care policies, training, equipment standards, and readiness assessments; an amendment aligned reporting dates with the House version. SB 1718 changed the definition of when an adult visitor in an out-of-home placement becomes a non-visitor, reducing repeated background checks, made the Step Into Success pilot permanent, adjusted foster youth stipends, and created a best-practices program within the Florida Institute for Child Welfare.
The committee also approved SB 606, which adds drowning-prevention and safe-bathing education to postpartum materials provided to new parents and requires hospitals and birthing centers to document compliance; members highlighted bathtub drownings as a key concern. SB 96 expanded eligibility for the Veterans Dental Care Grant Program to veterans up to 400% of the federal poverty level, while an amendment removed the bill’s specific appropriation so funding can be handled in the budget process. SB 340 required nursing students to complete a two-hour human trafficking course before taking the NCLEX. SB 1480 created a grandfathering process for certain health care providers in federally designated areas of critical need if an area is de-designated, to avoid disrupting patient-provider relationships. All bills were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned at the end of the agenda.
CT
Connecticut 2026 Regular Session
Transforming Children's Behavioral Health Policy and Planning Committee June 17th Meeting Jun 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So we had met with the agencies and orgs involved. 2025 legislation.
- , and an overview of what the legislation is asking us to do.
- Some data requests that we'll be doing and have already started.
- Some data requests that we'll be doing and have already started.
- Again, data requests: we've dropped in a list of requests for data from them specifically.
Summary:
The meeting began with approval of the May minutes and then moved into administrative updates on several 2025 legislative workstreams. Staff reported progress on two marketing efforts tied to the youth mental health crisis: one focused on increasing awareness and use of urgent crisis centers, and another broader crisis-continuum campaign led by United Way. Both projects are refining materials based on working-group feedback and aim to have materials ready before the start of the school year. Updates were also given on the UCC private insurance review and the crisis continuum review, both of which are gathering data and reconvening working groups over the summer.
The main discussion centered on a Civic Solutions Group update on Medicaid school billing. The contractor explained that the project is examining why Connecticut schools are not billing for behavioral health and related services, with the goal of maximizing federal reimbursement. Members clarified that the study is about schools billing for services, not private providers billing in schools. Questions focused on whether Medicaid has caps or authorization issues when students receive services both in school and in the community, and whether recent federal or state changes affect billing. The contractor said the work is still in data collection and analysis, and that some issues, such as reauthorization procedures, were outside his scope. Participants also raised concerns about perceived barriers, fee-for-service limitations, and the need to distinguish school-based billing from provider billing.
A second major presentation came from Disability Rights Connecticut on a separate legislative study concerning behavioral health issues affecting students receiving special education. The subgroup is examining the feasibility and impact of requiring evidence-based interventions, especially for challenging behaviors that can lead to restraint and seclusion, and is also looking at monitoring and random audits of restraint and seclusion practices. The team described its project plan, including literature reviews, interviews, focus groups, surveys, and data requests from the State Department of Education and other stakeholders. Members emphasized that the work is aimed primarily at private providers under the statute, but may have broader relevance. Questions from the group focused on whether the study would include public schools, how evidence-based practices apply to students with intellectual disabilities and autism, and whether caregivers or parents would be interviewed; the presenters said caregiver input is not currently part of the charge. The meeting ended with reminders about the July 15 meeting, which will include a Solnit briefing, and a note that August TCB meetings will not be held, though a workshop on the Connecticut Children’s Behavioral Health Provider Survey is being planned for late July or early August.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Joint Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions, May 22, 2026 - AM
Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions
Transcript Highlights:
- c> committee</c><00:06:14.160><c> is</c><00:06:14.400><c> to</c> requests of this committee is to requests
- </c><00:15:49.600><c> Um</c> legislative session. Um legislative session.
- So it is de facto in legislative.
- legislative leadership in and legisl legislative leadership in each<02:54:20.880><c> state.
- </c> legislative or congressional district. legislative or congressional district.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I appreciate the opportunity to bring this piece of legislation before you.
- purview for appropriating the money?
- But if JFAC decided not to appropriate the funds, then, again, that's a different piece of legislation
- First, this is about legislative oversight, because... Mr.
- First, this is about legislative oversight.
Committee:
House Health and Welfare
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The House Bill 5483 aims to amend Section 152.09718 A, the enacting legislation for the Grayson County
- This went through TIDC's legislative work group process and was endorsed by our board.
- Owens has requested that we pull down House Bill 5525, so House Bill 5525 will not be considered today
- Lastly, DFPS can be a more appropriate place for children who are running away from home. ...and who
- Any requests to forward this to local and consent? Thank you. Okay. Thank you, Dr. Lalani.
Bills:
HB1821 , HB1822 , HB1943 , HB3882 , HB4263 , HB4476 , HB4628 , HB4631 , HB4885 , HB4923 , HB5461 , HB5483 , HB5525
Committee:
House S/C on Juvenile Justice
Keywords:
juvenile records, sealing, privacy, criminal justice, youth rehabilitation, legal procedures, juvenile court, record sealing, nondisclosure, age jurisdiction, criminal justice reform, juvenile board, compensation, Winkler County, juvenile justice, county funding, grants, career education, technical programs, workforce development
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Commerce and Economic Development Feb 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- On House Appropriations and Finance Committee substitute for House Bill 371. Senate bill.
- We stand in support of this legislation.
- We stand in support of this legislation. Energy demand is going to continue to go up.
- But I just know as legislators, we're always looking for unbiased data.
- Madam Chair and Representative, the memorial is requesting that the Legislative Finance Committee...
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 96, which would reduce local zoning, fee, parking, HOA, and sprinkler-related barriers for child care operators and home-based child care facilities. The sponsor and the Early Childhood Education and Care Department said the bill is intended to expand child care access, especially in rural areas and child care deserts, while maintaining safety standards. Firefighters, child care advocates, and other supporters testified in favor, while one member objected to the bill’s limits on local control. The committee asked about “stacking spaces” and parking rules, then approved SB 96 on a 7-4 vote.
The committee then considered House Bill 303, as amended, dealing with utility construction and certificate of convenience and necessity timing. Utility representatives from El Paso Electric, Xcel Energy, and PNM, along with consumer and energy groups, supported the bill, saying it would let utilities begin construction before the CCN process is complete, with the utility bearing the risk and no cost recovery if approval is later denied. Members questioned impacts on ratepayers, PRC oversight, co-ops, and the bill’s policy rationale. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed HB 303 as amended unanimously, 11-0.
Finally, the committee heard House Memorial 6, as substituted, which asked for a study of private equity involvement in critical utilities and whether the state should consider a direct equity stake in utilities. Supporters argued the memorial would provide independent data before major ownership decisions, citing concerns about private equity acquisitions and the need to protect ratepayers and public interests. Opponents, including utility and business representatives, argued the PRC already has authority and expertise, warned about due process and conflict-of-interest concerns, and said the memorial could create uncertainty for investment. After extensive debate, the committee first tabled the committee substitute and then tabled HM 6 itself on an 8-3 vote, ending consideration of the memorial.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Professional Registration and Licensing Mar 4th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Professional Registration and Licensing
Transcript Highlights:
- Optometrists cite a need for change based on lack of access in rural communities, the appropriateness
- To answer that, the epinephrine delivery devices was something that was requested to be added.
- To answer that, the epinephrine delivery devices was something that was requested to be added.
- The wise legislators passed the bill, allowed us to use those drugs.
- So I just think that it’s at their request and they should be able to answer that for you.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- during the last legislative session.
- This year, Senator Aaron Grohl and Representative Danny Alvarez have requested a continuation of the
- funding for the 2025-26 school year by filing appropriation request number 2788 in the Florida Senate
- The bill appropriates $2 million, allocated from the general revenue fund, for testing.
- The bill appropriates $2 million from the general revenue fund for testing equipment to support FDLE's
Committee:
Senate Agriculture
Summary:
The Committee on Agriculture heard a presentation from Florida FFA state officers Gabby Howell and Macy Jordan, who described FFA and agricultural education as a three-part model of classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience, and leadership development. They highlighted FFA membership growth, Florida’s more than 60,000 members, industry certifications, and state funding that allows all agriculture education students to participate at no cost. Members praised the students and the organization’s role in developing future agricultural leaders.
The committee then took up SB 438, which would regulate hemp and hemp extract products, including THC-infused beverages, by adding testing, labeling, retail location, age, and event restrictions, along with penalties and $2 million for testing equipment. Senator Burton said the bill is intended to address public safety, prevent products with illegal THC levels from reaching consumers, and respond to the governor’s prior veto concerns, especially store location and regulation. An amendment clarifying final batch testing was adopted without objection.
Testimony was mixed. Supporters, including beverage distributors, law enforcement, and some hemp beverage businesses, backed regulation and said the bill would improve safety and clarity, though some asked for changes to avoid treating specialty beverage retailers like liquor stores. Opponents and some hemp industry representatives argued the bill was too restrictive, would hurt small businesses, and could push products into the black market; they also objected to THC limits, event restrictions, and the proposed regulatory structure. After debate, the committee voted 6-0 to report CS for SB 438 favorably.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- The margins on roadway safety and in legislative decision-making are often very small.
- The margins on roadway safety and in legislative decision-making are often very small.
- So those dispatchers are sending out the appropriate units to whatever the 911 call responds to.
- But, you know, right now, innovation is kind of outpacing the legislation.
- For example, we took action against Cruise when it was appropriate to do so.
Committee:
Senate Transportation
Summary:
The Senate Transportation Committee held an informational hearing on autonomous vehicle technology in California, focusing on safety, regulation, first responder impacts, and the state’s evolving oversight framework. The chair said the committee would hear all panels before public comment, with witnesses limited to five minutes and public commenters to one minute. The first panel featured an industry representative, a safety academic, and victims/advocates who described sharply different views of AV safety and accountability.
Ariel Wolf of the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association argued that fully autonomous vehicles are distinct from driver-assist systems, said AVs are already reducing crashes and fatalities, and urged clear, uniform standards. Dr. Missy Cummings countered that remote operations and computer-vision failures show the technology still depends on human intervention and can be unsafe, especially when remote assistance is done from abroad. Robert O’Dowd and Dylan Angulo, both tied to Tesla crash cases, described fatal and serious injuries involving Autopilot/Full Self-Driving, criticized limited transparency and data access, and called for stronger disclosure, preservation of crash data, and mandatory fixes or disabling of defective software.
Committee members questioned witnesses about data comparing AVs to human drivers, the role of remote operators, liability, and whether California should create clearer standards for the human element behind AV systems. Several members and witnesses discussed the need for “guardrails,” black-box-style data access, and accountability for the remaining crash risk. The hearing then shifted to first responders and road users: a San Francisco Fire Department representative described AVs blocking fire scenes, ambulances, and apparatus access during emergencies and urged a public safety manual override; a San Jose police representative said officers need clear enforcement authority, training, and reliable ways to stop or redirect AVs; a rideshare driver described near-collisions and congestion caused by robo-taxis; and a Teamsters representative opposed proposed heavy-duty AV truck rules as too reliant on manufacturer self-certification and lacking independent validation.
In the final panel, DMV and CPUC officials defended California’s regulatory structure. DMV said it has regulated AVs since 2014, has issued multiple rulemakings and permit types, and is developing a fourth package that would add reporting, enforcement tools, emergency-response requirements, and rules for heavy-duty AVs. DMV said it has revoked or suspended permits when needed, including Cruise and Pony.ai actions. CPUC said its authority covers passenger service only, requires safety plans and ongoing reporting, and continues oversight after permits are issued. No votes or formal actions were taken, as the hearing was informational only.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- But what's done is done, and it's time for people to pay their dues appropriately. Thank you.
- Okay, clearly, the legislative history of this is pretty clear.
- So, we think it's appropriate to go ahead and have a civil remedy for folks.
- I requested the personnel records from them.
- The legislation does three key things.
Committee:
Senate Education
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Rules and Administration - 05/07/26
Rules and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, comes to us late, but also that there's a legislative appointment in the proposal.
- </c> a few things including legislative a few things including legislative appointment,<00:04:28.480>
- c> the</c><00:08:31.560><c> Rules</c> So, I'm requesting that the Rules So, I'm requesting that the Rules
- </c><00:10:44.000><c> This</c><00:10:44.200><c> is</c> appropriate, in my opinion.
- This is appropriate, in my opinion.
Committee:
Senate Rules and Administration
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, June 29, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and I reserve the balance of legislation and I reserve
- This legislation Protect taxpayers.
- I'd request the yeas and nays. I'd request the yeas and nays. Yeas and nays are requested.
- Importantly, the legislation also brings industry experts legislation also brings industry experts to
- Speaker, I request unanimous consent to address the House out of order. The gentleman's request?
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Health Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Health
Transcript Highlights:
- request the same this session.
- We respectfully request your continued support and... ...palliative care legislation, and we respectfully
- request your continued support and favorable report.
- No new scope of practice is added under this legislation.
- I hope that you pass this legislation. It will be... I hope that you pass this legislation.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Public Health
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Health heard testimony on a wide range of bills focused on children’s health, tobacco control, newborn screening, pediatric cancer, palliative care, and professional licensure. Early testimony highlighted Senate bills to expand newborn screening for pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency, lysosomal storage disorders, and congenital CMV, with families and clinicians describing severe diagnostic delays, missed treatment windows, and the benefits of early detection. Speakers also supported a bill to improve pediatric cancer research through a dedicated trust fund, and a bill to extend pediatric palliative care services to age 22, with parents and providers emphasizing continuity of care for seriously ill young people.
Several witnesses gave personal accounts in support of the newborn screening measures. Families described children who endured years of misdiagnosis before receiving diagnoses such as Gaucher disease, Fabry disease, Pompe disease, Niemann-Pick disease, and CMV, often after irreversible damage had already occurred. Medical and advocacy witnesses said Massachusetts already collects some of the relevant screening data and argued that results should be reported to families, while others urged the committee to add conditions to the state panel because effective treatments already exist. The committee also heard support for a bill to establish a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder program and training for providers.
On tobacco and youth health, testimony supported bills to ban internet tobacco sales, strengthen youth protections, and reduce lung cancer deaths through point-of-sale information and quit-line access. A student testified about easily purchasing flavored nicotine products online without meaningful age verification, and public health advocates backed measures to keep tobacco out of children’s environments. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to ensure parents have access to their children’s medical records through age 16, with exceptions for sensitive services already protected by law.
The committee additionally took testimony on an optometry licensure bill, where ophthalmologists opposed language they said could broaden scope of practice and allow optometrists to use the title “optometric physician,” while optometry educators and students supported the bill as a modernization measure with no scope expansion. No votes were taken during the hearing; the chair repeatedly reminded speakers of time limits and noted that written testimony could be submitted for additional comments.