Transcript Highlights:

• Members, today, when somebody studies to be a mental health therapist, they've completed their bachelor's
• They can go out into the field and work in a clinic under a licensed therapist, providing services for
• By doing that, many of them—there's a great need for more therapists out there—but they're having to
• So hopefully we'll get more therapists out into the field.
• So I think this is even more important now than it was then, because we will have more therapists out

Bills: HB2947 , HB2964 , HB3143 , HB3144 , HB3342 , HB3344 , HB3519 , HB3522 , HB3530 , HB3645 , HB3647 , HB3834 , HB4300 , HB4422 , HB4423

Committee: House Health and Human Services Oversight

Keywords: behavioral health, Medicaid expansion, clinical interns, mental health services, licensing requirements, medical records, patient rights, privacy, fees, healthcare access, legal claims, medical marijuana, license transfer, Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, moratorium, business regulation, commercial grower licenses, licensing restrictions, agriculture, Medicaid

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, today, when somebody studies to be a mental health therapist, they've completed their bachelor's
• And they can go out into the field and work in a clinic under a licensed therapist in their performance
• And by doing that, many of them—there's a great need for more therapists out there, but they're having
• So hopefully we'll get more therapists out into the field.
• So I think this is even more important now than it was then, because we will have more therapists out

Summary: The Health and Human Services Oversight Committee considered a series of bills, beginning with House Bill 4422 and House Bill 4423, which strengthen immigration status verification for public assistance programs, including SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid. Supporters said the measures would improve eligibility checks through the SAVE system, reduce fraud, and help address Oklahoma’s high error rate in benefit programs. Members raised concerns about whether the bills could discourage eligible children or mixed-status families from seeking services, but the author said the bills were intended to target ineligible applicants and would not affect eligible U.S.-citizen children. Both bills were reported out with due pass recommendations by 8-3 votes. The committee also advanced House Bill 3834, which would create a state-backed vehicle to support ibogaine research for conditions such as PTSD, alcoholism, and opioid addiction, with private matching funds and potential state royalties if a product is commercialized. House Bill 2947 would allow Medicaid billing for mental health therapist interns working under supervision, with an estimated fiscal impact discussed in the hundreds of thousands of dollars rather than millions; it passed 11-0. House Bill 2964 would remove the mandatory fee for copies of medical records requested by attorneys, insurers, or subpoenas, while still allowing providers to charge at their discretion; it also passed unanimously. Several marijuana-related bills were heard. House Bill 3143 would extend the current moratorium on new marijuana grow licenses, and House Bill 3144 would cap the number of licenses if the moratorium is later lifted. Supporters argued the limits would help law enforcement and regulators control illegal activity and reduce black-market diversion, while critics questioned whether the issue was really license count or agency resources. Both bills were reported out, 9-2 and 8-2 respectively. House Bill 3519 would replace a failed bond approach for cleaning up abandoned grows with a fee-based revolving fund, and House Bill 3522 would require the ABLE Commission to report disciplinary actions annually; both passed 10-0. House Bill 3530 would give ABLE-regulated businesses 10 days to produce requested records, and House Bill 4300 would align DHS child care worker background-check statutes with federal law; both were reported out unanimously. The committee also laid over several other bills before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• of Representatives, House Bill 545, by the Business Committee, an act relating to counselors and therapists
• And the speech or arguments like the ones being made by the senator from District 8 are appropriate in

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's my stump speech, Madam Chair.
• They have everything from places where people just are with a physical therapist and work out every day

Committee: House House Science & Technology Committee of Reference

Summary: The House Committee on Science and Technology met for its first meeting of the session, with members and staff introducing themselves and reviewing committee rules and amendment deadlines. The committee then heard several bills, beginning with HB 2121, which would prohibit original equipment manufacturers from disabling consumer electronic devices when owners make modifications, including through firmware or remote updates. Sponsor Rep. Nick Cooper described it as a “True Ownership Act” aimed at consumer products like printers and phones, while members raised concerns about manufacturing, security, and implementation. An amendment by Rep. Fink narrowed the bill to consumer products and excluded commercial, industrial, business-to-business, off-road, and retail-channel equipment. The amendment was adopted, and HB 2121 as amended passed 7-1-1, with one member voting no and one present. The committee next considered HB 2134, which would prohibit Chinese-produced critical infrastructure equipment and restrict government entities and critical communications providers from contracting with Chinese companies that have access to critical infrastructure. Rep. Cooper and supporters framed the bill as a cybersecurity and national security measure, while some members questioned costs, implementation, and the role of the Arizona Corporation Commission. Testimony from State Armor representatives and an attorney cited federal NDAA restrictions, alleged fraud in sales of certain devices, and examples from other states. The Arizona Corporation Commission director said the agency was neutral but would need several new positions to implement the bill. HB 2134 passed 5-4. The committee also approved HB 2451, which updates the Arizona Space Commission’s board terms, extends the strategic plan deadline, and adds astronautic educational opportunities to the commission’s scope. Rep. Justin Wilmeth and Space Commission members described the measure as a technical “trailer bill” to support Arizona’s growing space industry and long-term competitiveness, and the bill passed 8-0. Finally, the committee heard HB 2700, which would create a Technology Study Committee focused on assistive technology and Technology First initiatives. Rep. Connolly, constituent Sam Shepard, and advocates for people with developmental disabilities testified that the committee would help Arizona identify and expand assistive technologies and remote supports. After adopting a Connolly amendment clarifying the committee’s purpose and membership, HB 2700 passed 8-0. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• don't want to end up with assessors summarily rejecting appeals, for example, just because there's a therapist
• And I mean, that's a great speech, but the taxpayer gets a say on who's issuing that tax, the TIF or

Committee: House Special Committee on Property Tax Reform

Transcript Highlights:

• . $11.4 million on contracted services for direct support to students, supports such as speech and language
• pathologists, school psychologists, occupational therapists, teachers of the visually impaired, teachers

Committee: House Finance

Summary: The House Finance Committee held a work session that began with welcoming new member Rep. Janice Zahn, who introduced herself as representing the 41st Legislative District. The committee then received a Department of Revenue update on the Antio-related legislation. DOR explained the Washington Supreme Court’s Antio decision on the B&O deduction for investment income, the department’s post-decision guidance, and the 2025 legislative changes in HB 2081 and SB 5167, including an expanded voluntary disclosure agreement for entities with unreported investment income. DOR said the expanded program offers broader penalty and interest relief and applies to both registered and unregistered businesses, but participation has been minimal so far because additional implementation questions remain unresolved. The committee next heard the annual update on the Working Families Tax Credit. DOR reported record participation in 2025, with about $205 million refunded through the first 10 months and a major increase in applications after TurboTax integrated the credit. Officials said the program reached more than 409,000 children this year, but demographic response rates fell because TurboTax did not present optional demographic questions. DOR also discussed outreach efforts, the end of funding for community outreach partners after 2025, and challenges including fraud involving third-party preparers, turnover in eligible households, immigration-related reluctance among ITIN holders, data-sharing barriers, and difficulty verifying self-employment income. Members asked about fraud remedies, and DOR said it can pursue recipients for fraudulent refunds and may work with law enforcement, but the statute does not provide direct penalties against preparers. The final DOR presentation covered implementation of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5814, which expanded retail sales tax to certain services effective October 1. DOR described its outreach and guidance process, including 16 listening sessions, an online survey, a centralized guidance page, special notices, and about 95,000 direct taxpayer contacts. Officials said ruling requests surged sharply around the effective date, especially for live presentations, advertising, and software/IT services, and formal rulemaking is expected after the 2026 session. Committee members questioned whether the fiscal note anticipated impacts on schools and nonprofits and whether the department’s estimates should be revisited. The committee then heard stakeholder testimony from Expedia, T-Mobile, and the Construction Industry Training Council, followed by Clover Park School District and Seattle Theatre Group/Inspire Washington. Witnesses argued that SB 5814 creates complexity, uncertainty, and competitive disadvantages for Washington businesses and nonprofits, especially for digital advertising, IT, training, and live presentation services. School and nonprofit representatives said the tax raises costs for education, apprenticeship, arts, and cultural programming, with Clover Park warning of a roughly $1.2 million annual hit to special education-related contracted services. No votes were taken; the meeting ended with the chair saying the committee would continue working on SB 5814 issues in the next legislative session.

Transcript Highlights:

• . $11.4 million on contracted services for direct support to students, supports such as speech and language
• pathologists, school psychologists, occupational therapists, teachers of the visually impaired, teachers

Summary: The House Finance Committee held a work session that began with welcoming new member Rep. Janice Zahn, who introduced herself as representing the 41st Legislative District. The Department of Revenue then gave an update on the Antio-related legislation following the Washington Supreme Court decision and the 2025 session changes. DOR explained its voluntary disclosure program and the new expanded voluntary disclosure agreement for taxpayers with unreported investment income, including broader eligibility and interest/penalty relief, but said utilization has been minimal so far because additional implementation questions remain unresolved. The committee next received the annual update on the Working Families Tax Credit. DOR reported record participation in 2025, with about $205 million refunded through October and a major increase in applications after TurboTax added the credit to its filing software. Officials said most dollars went to households with children, outreach efforts remained important, and community partners and state agencies helped increase uptake. Members focused heavily on fraud concerns, especially tax preparers allegedly filing claims without applicants’ knowledge or diverting refunds; DOR said it is using fraud detection tools, training preparers, and trying to make applicants whole, but current law does not provide direct penalties against preparers. The final portion covered implementation of engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5814, which expanded sales tax to certain services. DOR described the new tax framework, its guidance process, and the large volume of ruling requests and outreach since the law took effect October 1. Committee members asked about fiscal assumptions, the scope of taxable services, and whether the department had revised its implementation estimates; DOR said the fiscal note assumed broad application absent explicit exemptions and that no expenditure revision had been made. In stakeholder testimony, Expedia and T-Mobile argued the law creates complexity and competitive disadvantages for Washington businesses, while a construction training provider said the tax raises tuition for workers seeking required certifications. School and nonprofit representatives said the tax will increase costs for special education services, arts programming, and other public-facing activities, and urged exemptions or further legislative fixes. The chair closed by noting the committee would revisit 5814 in the next session and then adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm gonna cut my speech in half. Everybody else has time.
• The groom's the right is the therapist dentists fences, nutritionist, Janessa says and more. >> I'm going

Transcript Highlights:

• Now I've given you a lot of information in the speech and still did it in less than three minutes.
• This is the time limit we admire in this chamber, so we must restrict all your speeches to that time
• Finance Committee, and we are ready to listen to your testimony. you a lot of information in the speech
• you a lot of information in the speech and<00:05:35.600><c> still</c><00:05:35.919><c> did</c><00:05
• to that time limit so that your speeches to that time limit so that more<00:05:50.800><c> of</c><00:

Summary: The House Finance Committee opened a public hearing on House Bills 1 and 2, which concern the governor’s proposed FY 2026-2027 budget. The chair explained that the committee must fit the budget to House Ways and Means revenue, which is about $800 million below the governor’s estimate in an almost $16 billion budget. He also noted a projected current-budget overspend, the impact of recently passed legislation, possible fee updates, no new tax proposals at that time, and the importance of federal funding and Medicaid stability. Testimony was limited to three minutes, with the chair asking speakers to avoid duplication. Much of the testimony focused on Medicaid, disability services, and home- and community-based care. Speakers urged the committee to restore or protect funding for transportation, Medicaid, day programs, in-home supports, and behavioral health services. Several individuals and providers described how cuts would affect people with disabilities, medically fragile children, and families who rely on services to remain employed and avoid institutional care. A home care provider argued that a proposed 3% Medicaid cut would increase hospitalizations and costs, while a behavioral health representative asked for sustainable Medicaid rates, uncompensated care support, housing resources, and continued funding for community behavioral health clinics. Another major topic was the Group II retirement provisions in HB 2 for public safety workers. Representatives from police, fire, corrections, probation/parole, and related associations testified in support, saying prior pension changes hurt recruitment and retention, pushed experienced workers to neighboring states, and should be reversed to restore promised benefits. They argued the provisions would help keep public safety careers viable and honor commitments made to first responders. An executive counselor also warned that when the state shifts costs away from itself, local property taxpayers bear the burden, and she opposed cost shifts such as Medicaid premiums and universal vouchers. A separate speaker urged funding public schools rather than universal vouchers, arguing vouchers can leave other students behind as resources are diverted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Danielson, concerning measures to increase access to licensure as a marriage and family therapist
• this bill creates an additional pathway to licensure and allows prospective marriage and family therapists
• to uh do education and therapists to uh do education and clinical<01:09:37.920><c> training</c><01:09
• Opponents of ballot title disclosure requirements argued it compels political speech and adds irrelevant
• It is to squash the speech of the citizens of Colorado.

Transcript Highlights:

• doctors, Mental Health Counselors LP ends clinical social Workers Apr ends pharmacists, massage therapist
• House Bill, 197 in 2024, was a comprehensive bill aimed at regulating massage therapists and massage
• Desist orders were issued to unlicensed massage therapists in fiscal year. 24 25, there were a total
• sexual misconduct since July. 1st of 2024, the majority of these orders were issued. 2 massage therapists

Transcript Highlights:

• Recently, the Supreme Court ruled six to three that that therapist...” “Parents.
• And that therapist prescribed antidepressants during the, after that conversation?
• No, a therapist can't prescribe anyway. Psychiatrists would have to, but no.
• I found a therapist for myself. My husband found a therapist for himself.
• That's on a therapist to help bring those parents into that conversation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair and committee members, my name is Susan Myers, and I am an active massage therapist.
• Currently, we only license the therapists. ...ability to vote to do both of those.
• Currently, we only license the therapists themselves.
• For those who are a licensed massage therapist, they also can go to someone's home.
• They can be an, I call it, traveling massage therapist also. Does this affect them?

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 246, which would require licensure and inspections for massage therapy establishments. The sponsor and Regulation and Licensing Department said the bill is intended to close a gap in oversight, improve sanitation and public safety, and help address human trafficking and prostitution concerns. Supporters from the massage therapy profession and industry groups said establishment licensing would create accountability and protect legitimate practitioners, while AMTA took a neutral position but supported the rulemaking process. Several senators raised concerns about privacy, home-based businesses, and whether mobile or traveling therapists would be affected; the department said the bill would apply to establishments, not individual therapists, and that home inspections would be governed by rules. The committee voted 8-0 to give SB 246 a do pass recommendation. The committee then took up Senate Bill 300, an appropriation for CYFD computer hardware and software to improve compatibility with the national child welfare management system. The sponsor said the goal was to reduce delays and improve data sharing, especially in child welfare and ICWA-related cases. Members asked about the current system and how the funding would help, and the sponsor said the bill was aimed at better interoperability. The committee voted 8-0 to send SB 300 forward with a do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee considered Senate Bill 146, which would amend the New Mexico Civil Rights Act. The bill and committee substitute would align the legal standard more closely with federal deliberate indifference language, reduce damages caps, shorten the statute of limitations, require 90 days’ notice, and bar double recovery under both the Civil Rights Act and Tort Claims Act. Supporters, including county and city representatives, law enforcement, AFSCME, and risk management officials, argued the changes were needed to control rapidly rising claims costs and protect public budgets. Opponents from the ACLU, civil rights, poverty, immigrant, and LGBTQ advocacy groups said the bill would weaken accountability, reintroduce qualified immunity-like protections, and make it harder for people harmed by government actors to seek justice. After a failed motion to table and a 5-5 vote on the committee substitute, the bill remained in committee and did not advance.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are therapists that mislead.
• It just wasn't what one therapist said. Well, how does the parent being excluded totally?
• Licensed therapists in the state of Texas are using evidence-based interventions.
• They weaponize it; they manipulate the therapist.
• And these therapists and people who testify, they are passing Dope Air Challenges.

Bills: HB168 , HB 1044 , HB1534 , HB1914 , HB2240 , HB2530 , HB3284 , HB3395 , HB3515 , HB3783 , HB4034 , HB4213 , HB168

Committee: House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Keywords: marriage age, minors, family law, void marriage, rights of minors, Texas marriage law, marriage ceremony, authorized officiants, family code, judges, religious leaders, parent-child relationship, Department of Family and Protective Services, legal rights, notice requirements, HB 1914, Texas Family Code, Chapter 156, conservatorship, custody

Transcript Highlights:

• As a mental health therapist, I have seen firsthand how inaccurate provider directories harm patients
• In my six years as a triage and crisis therapist at Kaiser, it was a rare day that I did not speak to
• Because I've also heard from a therapist in my district who talks about getting called multiple times
• As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I've frequently seen patients struggle to find available
• While employed at Kaiser, I took calls every day from patients unable to find available therapists on

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard a long series of health-related bills, with most measures focused on access to care, administrative simplification, and behavioral health. Early items included AB 583, allowing nurse practitioners to sign death certificates; AB 492, requiring DHCS to notify local governments when new alcohol or drug recovery facilities are licensed; and AB 280, which would tighten provider directory accuracy requirements, add enforcement benchmarks, and allow use of a centralized database. Testimony on AB 280 highlighted the harms of “ghost networks,” while insurers and some provider groups opposed the bill as written, arguing it placed too much responsibility on plans and did not fully address provider-side data problems. AB 280 passed on a roll call vote, and several other bills were placed on consent and approved. The committee also advanced AB 636, expanding Medi-Cal coverage for medically necessary diapers for children up to age 21 and lowering the age threshold for access; AB 1041, streamlining physician credentialing with a uniform form and 90-day review deadline; and AB 787, requiring health plans to help enrollees find in-network providers quickly when directories fail. Supporters of these bills emphasized family financial strain, delays in care, and the burden of administrative red tape, while opponents of AB 1041 and AB 280 raised concerns about provider participation, accuracy, and liability. All three measures were approved and sent to Appropriations. The committee then took up AB 4 and AB 29. AB 4 would allow income-eligible Californians to buy Covered California coverage regardless of immigration status, and AB 29 would authorize Medi-Cal reimbursement for community health workers and doulas conducting ACE screenings. Both bills drew strong support from immigrant-rights, health access, and community-based organizations, and both passed on roll call votes, with AB 4 receiving some no votes. The committee also approved AB 416, which would allow emergency physicians to place 5150 holds in certain circumstances; supporters said it would reduce delays and overcrowding in emergency departments, while Disability Rights California and others warned it could increase unnecessary involuntary hospitalization and transfers to locked facilities. Despite those concerns, the bill passed and was sent onward for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• And a problem even bigger than this is this is for speech.
• They're having to fight someone that they've paid for that they don't agree with it's for speech the

Bills: SCR5 , SCR13 , SB3 , SB6 , SB10 , SB12 , SB13 , SB15 , SB17 , SB18 , SB19 , SB24 , SB35 , SB57 , SB65 , SB112 , SB284 , SB290 , SB388 , SB400 , SB402 , SB412 , SB495 , SB499 , SB502 , SB509 , SB621 , SB706 , SB740 , SB815 , SB842 , SB854 , SB875 , SB893 , SB917 , SB974 , SB1025 , SB1061 , SB1073 , SB1106 , SB1268 , SB1281 , SB1300 , SB1362 , SB1379 , SB1447 , SB1451 , SB1555 , SB1902 , SJR36 , SJR12 , SCR13 , SCR25 , SCR5 , SCR22 , SCR12 , SCR24 , SB495 , SB412 , SB10 , SB18 , SB565 , SB372 , SB842 , SB765 , SB62 , SB19 , SB666 , SB707 , SB888 , SB687 , SB706 , SB847 , SB290 , SB13 , SB1248 , SB740 , SB14 , SB1006 , SB504 , SB917 , SB925 , SB388 , SB1902 , SB1121 , SB995 , SB857 , SB305 , SB296 , SB284 , SB35 , SB6 , SB815 , SB3 , SB1281 , SB1379 , SB1300 , SB1497 , SB1499 , SB1498 , SB1451 , SB1061 , SB15 , SB65 , SB241 , SB304 , SB402 , SB499 , SB621 , SB974 , SB1023 , SB1024 , SB1025 , SB1106 , SB686 , SB112 , SB371 , SB204 , SB400 , SB609 , SB1447 , SB670 , SB502 , SB427 , SB850 , SB854 , SB413 , SB1555 , SB1362 , SB1346 , SB1033 , SB1220 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB987 , SB1539 , SB893 , SB447 , SB875 , SB406 , SB509 , SB985 , SB965 , SB17 , SB1119 , SB1505 , SB12 , SB24 , SB57 , SB1194 , SB1253 , SB1215 , SB1532 , SB1268 , SB1302 , SB856 , SB650 , SB583 , SB673 , SB840 , SJR57 , SCR8 , SB213 , SB681 , SB1172 , SB1252 , SB378 , SB610 , SB918 , SB1343 , SB608 , SB487 , SB955 , SB957 , SB988 , SB990 , SB1019 , SB1021 , SB1120 , SB251 , SB958 , SB535 , SB761 , SB1 , SB541 , SB315 , SB379 , SB1018 , SB1737 , SB266 , SB1415 , SB3 , SB6 , SB15 , SB35 , SB290 , SB706 , SB842 , SB917 , SB1281 , SB1451 , SB1902 , SB12 , SB13 , SB17 , SB19 , SB388 , SR261 , SR265 , SR276 , SR277 , SR281 , SR286 , SR293 , SCR5 , SCR13 , SB2425 , SB2880 , SB10 , SB12 , SB13 , SB17 , SB18 , SB19 , SB388 , SB412 , SB495 , SB2425 , SB2880

Keywords: SCR 5, Senate Concurrent Resolution 5, Texas School for the Deaf, TSD, Robert Rives, gymnasium naming, building naming, honorary resolution, commemorative resolution, deaf education, hard of hearing, Gallaudet University, alumni hall of fame, football coach, school facility naming, education K-16, State Affairs, Texas Legislature, public school tribute, water rights

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> don't want me to answer them therapist don't want me to answer them therapist by<00:50:11.319><c
• Respiratory therapists are really hard to recruit.
• Respiratory therapists are really hard to recruit.
• Respiratory therapists are really hard to recruit.
• </c><04:06:48.840><c> there</c> to become a respiratory therapist there to become a respiratory therapist

Summary: The meeting was an orientation-style overview from the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), led by Executive Director Deana Jurus and staff. They described the office’s mission to protect public health, safety, welfare, the environment, and the public trust, and outlined the agency structure: enforcement, licensing and board administration, operations, legal counsel, board counsel, and the hearings bureau. OPLC said it currently supports 57 boards, including seven advisory boards, and has about 104 filled positions out of 120 authorized. They also noted new voluntary certifications for doulas, lactation consultants, and community health workers that are in rulemaking. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on how boards and staff divide responsibilities under RSA 310:4. Staff explained that the office handles application processing, complaint intake and initial review, records retention, 91-A requests, and rule drafting, while boards make final decisions on licensure criteria, complaint dismissals or investigations, disciplinary actions, and some hearing matters. They also described the rule structure by chapter number ranges and the distinction between full licensing boards and advisory boards. The committee asked about complaint notifications, and OPLC said it is tightening policies so complainants are told whether a matter is closed or moving forward. The licensing process was discussed in detail, especially for nursing. Bethany Katrell explained that applicants apply through an online portal, may receive approval to sit for exams, can work under provisional authority in some cases, and then receive full licensure after exam results and criminal background checks are complete. OPLC said the portal now reduces back-and-forth paperwork and that, as of the latest biweekly report, 87% of applications were decided within the statutory 90-day period and 57% within 14 days. Members also raised questions about why some professions require board approval before taking an exam, and OPLC said that requirement varies by statute or board rule. No votes or formal actions were taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, you know, that last speech was interesting in light of the fact that we can look over and see the
• was you know, that last speech was interesting<01:24:04.400><c> in</c><01:24:04.719><c> light</c><01
• Um, members, I had a different speech planned.
• </c> A lot of these speeches are just reading from scripts right now, Mr. Speaker.
• Enemy speech. Come on. speech. speech. speech. Come on. Come<04:46:22.320><c> on.</c> Terrorist.

Transcript Highlights:

• is not a good enough therapist.
• is not a good enough therapist.
• is not a a good enough therapist is not a a good enough therapist.<00:07:53.280><c> I</c><00:07:53.599
• I think we're really losing therapist.
• Olsen, who diagnosed him, and the therapist who's currently treating him saying we're treating him.

Summary: The Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission met on November 18, 2025, approved the October 14 minutes, and then took up five motions in ethics matters 24LEC3 and 24LEC6. Those motions included a renewed motion to dismiss and motion to quash by Representative Daniel Gberg, a renewed motion to compel/sanctions and continuance request by Mr. Jenkins, and competing motions in limine concerning evidence and redaction of deposition transcripts. Vice Chair Mike Schaw was appointed hearing officer for the motion practice, and the commission agreed to hear the motions one at a time in open session. Representative Chris Lily joined later by Zoom. Counsel for Representative Gberg argued the remaining allegations were minor, that the commission lacked key exculpatory materials such as an alleged LRC report, policies, procedures, and training materials, and that the record did not support the ethics charges. She also argued the case had been broadened by extraneous allegations and that the respondent had been unfairly prejudiced. Enforcement counsel responded that he had produced all materials in his possession, that any LRC materials were not in the commission’s custody, and that the commission’s probable-cause findings were based on sworn testimony and affidavits already in the record. He argued the motions to dismiss and for summary judgment should be denied because genuine issues of material fact remained and the commission had already found probable cause on three ethics violations. Commission members questioned both sides about the alleged LRC report and whether it was part of the commission’s record. The chair stated the commission had not relied on any LRC report and had not withheld anything, while another member emphasized that the proceeding concerned alleged violations of the ethics code, not LRC sexual-harassment policy. A commissioner also noted the unusual structure of the proceeding and questioned whether the complaints, taken as true, stated a basis for dismissal. The transcript ends during continued discussion of the standard for dismissal and summary judgment, with no final ruling on the motions captured in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, you're saying that the therapist can breach therapist-patient privilege not only if there's
• So would you mind explaining exactly how that exemption from therapist-patient privileges works under
• I think the idea is that this obviously a licensed therapist is going to have their standards, if you
• Clor, the contemplation is that it might not always be the therapist delivering these services? Mr.
• the officer, the therapist maintains their usual privileges under the law?

Committee: House House Public Safety & Law Enforcement Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several public safety and corrections measures. SB 1161 would prevent $750,000 appropriated to DPS for Yuma County’s Amberly’s Place Family Advocacy Center from lapsing; testimony emphasized that the bill preserves existing funding for crisis response and victim services. The committee also advanced SB 1215, which clarifies the cancer list tied to the occupational disease presumption for firefighters and peace officers and adds retroactivity to June 30, 2021. SB 1270, aimed at retention for Tier 3 corrections employees, would allow optional employer supplemental contributions to defined contribution accounts at specified service intervals, with an amendment capping annual contributions at $5,000 and requiring employer policies; members discussed retention, vesting, and whether the incentive could simply be taken and left after the waiting period. Both SB 1161 and SB 1215 received due pass recommendations, as did SB 1270 after one no vote and several members noting the need for better retention tools. The committee then considered SB 1400, which authorizes law enforcement wellness and crisis response programs and sets confidentiality rules for information shared in those programs. Supporters said the bill would expand access to peer and professional support while preserving public records and misconduct investigation access, but members raised concerns that the privilege language could be too broad for licensed therapists; the sponsor indicated openness to an amendment, and the bill was advanced with members reserving the right to change their votes if the language is not tightened. SB 1538, as a strike-everything amendment, would require workers’ compensation coverage for PTSD treatment for firefighters and peace officers and could include one course of MDMA treatment if federal approval and DEA rescheduling occur by the stated deadline. Supporters described promising clinical trial results and argued the bill is a conditional authorization, while counties opposed the mandate and raised cost concerns; after debate over whether the bill is permissive or mandatory, the committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and gave the bill a due pass recommendation. The committee also passed SB 1537, which renames the Peace Officer Training Equipment Fund as the Public Safety De-escalation and Life Safety Fund and repeals the advisory commission. Supporters said the new name better reflects the fund’s use for de-escalation and less-lethal equipment, while some members opposed the change and preferred the money be used for raises. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1580, which would appropriate funds for fire incident management support hardware and software and, under a chairman’s amendment, redirect money from the Peace Officer Training Equipment Fund to additional public safety technology and retention/recruitment purposes; testimony focused on regional data-sharing systems and the need for accountability and clarity on how the funds would be spent.