Transcript Highlights:

• impedes the orderly conduct of this hearing; no personal attacks on members of this committee, authors, staff
• I want to thank the staff for their analysis; really appreciate that.
• Thank you, Madam Chair and members, and staff who have been sharing a lot of information with us and
• Or to enable an unlicensed individual to do work that would require a license.
• We too want to acknowledge the conversations with the author and staff on the bill.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We were able to train our staff in evidence-based practices and meet those lofty criteria: same-day access
• H is the one where we made a lot of changes in response to the act that allowed delegation to unlicensed

Summary: The committee first approved a motion, then heard a lengthy presentation on homelessness policy and behavioral health. Testimony focused on the view that Arkansas should shift toward more data-driven, outcomes-based responses to homelessness, including stronger treatment options for serious mental illness and substance use disorder, better data collection, provider accountability, and possible statewide use of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model. Speakers from Fort Smith, Restore Hope, Our House, and Western Arkansas Counseling described local work, the need for better coordination across providers, and the role of crisis services, ACT teams, and employment support. Members asked about sex offender tracking, the difference between sheltered and unsheltered homelessness, how to scale successful programs statewide, and whether Arkansas could apply for a statewide Continuum of Care or CCBHC planning grant. The discussion also touched on camping bans, civil commitment, and federal funding changes, with several speakers urging the state to pursue the CCBHC planning grant and more transparent reporting systems. After the homelessness discussion, the committee moved through a series of Department of Energy and Board of Nursing rule reviews. DEQ proposed updating the post-closure cleanup threshold for solid waste matters from $50,000 to $2 million to match Act 791 of 2025, and members asked about financial assurance and oversight; the rule was reviewed without objection. The Board of Nursing then presented multiple rule changes tied to recent acts, including adding fees for dialysis patient care technician registration, expanding contact-information requirements, implementing APRN delegation authority to unlicensed workers, clarifying APRN authority for death certificates and durable medical equipment prescriptions, updating certified medication assistant training and insulin-injection authority, and conforming independent-practice rules for clinical nurse specialists. Each rule was reviewed without objection. Near the end of the meeting, Senator Irvin announced that UAMS had completed its NCI designation submission for the Winthrop Rockefeller Cancer Institute, calling it an important milestone for the state. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We were able to train our staff in evidence-based practices and meet those lofty criteria.
• H is the one where we made a lot of changes in response to the act that allowed delegation to unlicensed

Summary: The committee first approved a motion, then heard a lengthy presentation on homelessness in Arkansas, with a focus on unsheltered homelessness, untreated mental illness and substance use, public safety, and the role of local law enforcement and shelters. Presenters from law enforcement, homeless service providers, mental health, and policy groups discussed federal Continuum of Care funding, the need for better data and accountability, and proposals such as statewide camping enforcement, stronger treatment access, and consolidating or reworking the continuum-of-care structure. Much of the discussion centered on the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model, with witnesses describing it as a way to expand crisis services, treatment, and coordination with housing and justice systems. They also discussed homelessness among sex offenders, family homelessness, workforce supports, and how to scale successful local programs statewide. No formal action was taken on the homelessness proposals during the discussion. The committee then reviewed several Department of Energy and Department of Health/Board of Nursing rules. The energy rule updated solid waste post-closure cleanup thresholds from $50,000 to $2 million to match Act 791 of 2025. Nursing-related rules added fees for the new dialysis patient care technician registration created by Act 198 of 2025, updated contact-information requirements, implemented APRN authority under Act 862 of 2025, clarified durable medical equipment language under Act 431 of 2025, and incorporated delegation changes from Act 959 of 2025. Additional nursing rules updated certified medication assistant training and duties under Act 265 of 2025, and corrected rules for full independent practice to include clinical nurse specialists under Act 872 of 2023. Each rule was reviewed without objection. At the close of the meeting, members received an update that UAMS had completed its NCII designation submission for the Winthrop Rockefeller Cancer Institute, which was described as a major milestone. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We were able to train our staff in evidence-based practices and meet those lofty criteria: same-day access
• H is the one where we made a lot of changes in response to the act that allowed delegation to unlicensed

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As a result, hospital staff and law enforcement officers must often transport paperwork and personnel
• I know this building has grappled with the issue of unlicensed drivers.

Bills: HB 1239, HB1990, HB1748, HB1749, HB2578, HB2986, HB1970, HB3163, HB2733, HB1922, HB 113, HB 1088, HB1938, HB3004, HB2637, HB2960, HB113

Keywords: public health, access to healthcare, insurance reforms, medical expenses, healthcare providers, mental health, protective custody, preliminary examination, detention period, emergency circumstances, emergency detention, legal framework, detention, healthcare, liability, landowners, nonagricultural land, trespassing, public safety, interpreters

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:11:16.719><c> So</c> have we have limited number of staff.
• So have we have limited number of staff.
• It's myself, three staff attorneys, and then two administrators.
• </c> years with the staff we have at hand. years with the staff we have at hand.
• It could require more staff. It would require less. I don't know. More staff.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:19:48.559><c> activity</c> investigations unlicensed activity investigations unlicensed activity
• </c><01:40:46.520><c> we</c> and of hiring and retaining staff we and of hiring and retaining staff we
• We have staff that are in the mental health unit around the clock, nurses, correctional security staff
• We have staff that are in the mental health unit around the clock, nurses, correctional security staff
• We have staff that are in the mental health unit around the clock, nurses, correctional security staff

Bills: HF2432

Keywords: HF2432, judiciary finance bill, public safety finance bill, corrections policy, crime victims, victim services, Minnesota victims of crime account, court fees, marriage license fee, financial crimes, fraud investigations, insurance fraud, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, Commerce Fraud Bureau, wage theft, automobile theft prevention, nonprofit security grants, 911 funding, POST Board

Transcript Highlights:

• allows the State Board of Private Licensed Schools to levy a civil penalty of up to $25,000 on unlicensed
• Madam Speaker, before I begin my comments, I do want to thank all of the members of our staff who over
• Chairman Benninghoff, Senator Judy Ward, Senator Marty Flynn, Mike Carroll, and the entire PennDOT staff

Summary: The House met in extended session with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum call, and a series of journal, committee, and Senate bill reports. Members also received several referrals and Senate messages, and the Speaker signed multiple bills already prepared for the Governor. The chamber then took up a long slate of measures, largely budget-related and conference/concurrence items, with repeated roll-call votes and several brief floor remarks for and against the bills. Among the major actions, the House passed or concurred in a number of Senate bills addressing fiscal code and budget implementation, abusive towing practices, telemarketing robocalls and caller ID spoofing, prostitution penalty changes, veteran notification procedures, the cosmetology licensure compact, solar decommissioning, Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, E85 flex fuel definitions, local road transfers, civil penalties for unlicensed commercial driving schools, and trailer sales. The House also adopted House Resolution 580 designating July 18, 2026, as Piping Plover Day. Most of these measures passed overwhelmingly, many by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The most significant debate centered on House Bill 2400, the General Appropriations budget for fiscal year 2026-2027, and House Bill 1505, the education-related budget implementation bill. Supporters described the budget as a bipartisan compromise that funds adequacy and tax equity for schools, public safety, mental health, roads and bridges, veterans, seniors, and workforce programs while avoiding broad-based tax increases. Opponents argued the budget used accounting maneuvers, deferred spending, and was structurally unbalanced. After extended debate, the House concurred in the Senate amendments to HB 2400 by a 167-35 vote and to HB 1505 by a 172-30 vote. The House also considered House Bill 2559, which included Commonwealth property conveyances and a controversial provision affecting Penn State branch campus properties. A motion to recommit the bill failed, and the House ultimately concurred in the Senate amendments by a 105-97 vote after members debated property rights, labor effects, and the future use of the campuses. The session concluded with the Senate later concurring in several House amendments, the Speaker signing the final bills, and the House adjourning until September 9, 2026, unless recalled sooner.

Transcript Highlights:

• And when a child gets to school and staff kind of notices that maybe there needs to be an evaluation,
• And when a child gets to school and staff kind of notices that maybe there needs to be an evaluation,
• violations and allows the director and local fire code officials to issue stop-work orders if there's unlicensed

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2272, HB2340, HB2543, HB2554, HB2632, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2254, HB2353, HB2431, HB2441, SB5808, SB5949, SB6006, SB6260, SB6297, SB6351, SB6354, SB6355, HB2124, HB1069, HB2104, HB2624

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill was passed in response to the prevalence of unlicensed boarding homes in the state operating
• Room staff and medical professionals.
• If you would let your members know, your staff here will be voting at 10:15. Thank you. Thank you.

Bills: SB1406, SB1681, SB2480, SB2721

Keywords: body donation, medical science, forensic science, willed body program, informed consent, boarding home, boarding home facility, adult care home, group home, assisted living, county reporting, municipal reporting, annual report, reasonable accommodation, fair housing, disability accommodation, local ordinance, permit requirement, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to thank all our staff. There are so many to name.
• Thank you for all the staff; you guys make us look a whole heck...
• You know he helps both sides of the aisle, and that's something our staff does.
• The work that is done by the nonpartisan staff is amazing.
• Who made good-faith investments in their staff and resident care in 2024?

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman and members and staff. Let me start off by painting a picture for you.
• I want to thank the chairman, the staff, and all of you who've endured my comments about this very important
• Well, good morning, and thank you, Chair and committee staff for working with us to improve this bill
• Well, good morning, and thank you, Chair and committee staff for working with us to improve this bill
• Thank you, Chair and committee staff for working with us to improve this bill.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with SB 1312 by Senator Richardson on abandoned endowed-care cemeteries. Richardson described vandalism, theft, and neglect at abandoned cemeteries and said the bill would define abandonment, create a process for local governments to declare a cemetery abandoned, and allow the Bureau to act as conservator of endowment funds. Support came from Marin County, while county and special district groups opposed or had concerns, arguing the bill could shift burdens to local governments or public cemetery districts without enough safeguards. Members expressed general support but noted the need for further work; the bill was discussed but no final vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then took up SB 758 by Senator Umberg, which would restrict retail sales of nitrous oxide to curb misuse. Supporters, including the League of California Cities, narcotic officers, counties, pediatricians, and other local governments and health groups, said easy access at smoke shops and convenience stores has fueled recreational abuse and health harms. There was no opposition testimony, and members voiced strong support for a statewide approach over city-by-city bans. The bill was well received, with the author closing in support. Dr. Weber-Pierson presented SB 1094, a health care affordability bill on biosimilars and biologic substitution. The bill would allow pharmacists to substitute biosimilars under certain conditions, require advance notice to providers and patients, and add reporting on savings; the author said amendments would strengthen provider notice and preserve the ability to mark prescriptions “do not substitute.” Supporters from health plans, insurers, pharmacies, labor, business, and some provider groups argued the bill would lower costs and expand access. Opponents, including dermatology and rheumatology groups and biotech interests, warned about non-medical switching, prior authorization delays, and patient harm. After extensive discussion, the committee voted 13-0 to pass SB 1094 to the Committee on Health. The committee also passed SB 849 by Dr. Weber-Pierson, which would bar reinstatement of physicians who surrendered their licenses while a sexual misconduct accusation was pending. The Medical Board and California Medical Association were generally supportive or neutral, and members praised the bill’s patient-protection focus. SB 993 by Senator Ochoa Bogh, which limits routine disclosure of identifying information for mental health professionals in correctional and psychiatric settings while preserving complaint processes, also passed unanimously to Appropriations. SB 1002 by Senator Niello, extending the David Hall Act to allow certain patients in remission to continue telehealth care with out-of-state specialists, drew strong patient support but opposition from the Medical Board and CMA over licensure and oversight concerns; the committee voted it out on a split roll with some members not voting. Finally, SB 1263 by Senator McGuire, aimed at protecting wildfire survivors and workers by requiring licensed, trained contractors for post-disaster residential debris removal, received support from labor and the Contractors State License Board, with contractors raising a narrower amendment concern about scope.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I would say probably 25% of the puppies come from the unlicensed breeders.
• probably 25% of the puppies come<00:53:25.280><c> from</c><00:53:25.520><c> the</c><00:53:25.760><c> unlicensed
• </c><00:53:27.680><c> Um,</c> come from the unlicensed breeders.
• Um, come from the unlicensed breeders.
• Swanson is representing that 25% of his business comes from unlicensed dealers.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And it also clarifies that a person issued notice of violation or order to cease unlicensed marijuana

Keywords: March 14, 2026 - Regular Session Part 3, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the large number of licensed anglers throughout the state of Minnesota and then incorporate the unlicensed

Bills: HF647, HF2824, HF1249, HF623, HF820

Keywords: water appropriation, aquifer management, potable water, water conservation, environmental policy, fishing regulation, angling, sustainability, biodiversity, game fish, Carley State Park, Minnesota state parks, state lands, park boundary expansion, Wabasha County, Department of Natural Resources, DNR, public lands, land acquisition, park addition

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> resources and extremely limited staff. resources and extremely limited staff.
• 07:17.520><c> for</c><01:07:17.760><c> those</c> to staff work overnight for those to staff work overnight
• She called the staff Margold's care.
• They're not a public health risk. not count for the staff time that will not count for the staff time
• </c> veterary fees and substantial staff veterary fees and substantial staff times<02:33:12.960><c> spent

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't have dietary staff, and we don't have laundry staff. It's our staff that do that.
• Our staff, they do...
• I'm asking... that my staff gets paid the same amount that SSLC staff does.
• Please pay my staff the same amount of money as I do. ...the same as SSLC staff.
• Rick is the best art staff. And I love all of my staff so much from the heart.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman and members and staff. Let me start off by painting a picture for you.
• I want to thank the chairman, the staff, and all of you who've endured my comments about this very important
• Well, good morning and thank you, Chair and committee staff, for working with us to improve this bill
• Thank you, Chair and committee staff, for working with us to improve this bill.
• training for their employees, the workers were being protected, that we didn't have the degree of unlicensed

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• business services, we work with businesses to help them offer workplace English training to their staff
• business services, we work with businesses to help them offer workplace English training to their staff
• Throughout my career, I have seen firsthand the consequences of unlicensed and untrained electrical work
• Lawrence Dixon, 60 Lake Street, Unit N, and Winchester, co-chairs, senators, representatives, and staff
• She had to rely on the kindness of office staff to give her grace when she was late or missed appointments

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development heard testimony on several workforce-related bills, with most of the hearing focused on ESOL and apprenticeship legislation, followed by testimony on a four-day workweek pilot and paid prenatal leave. On ESOL, witnesses including the Boston Foundation, Skillworks, MassINC, MIRA, JVS Boston, Eastern Bank, immigrant advocates, employers, and legislators supported H.2080/S.1326, arguing that Massachusetts has a large backlog of limited-English-proficiency residents waiting for classes, that ESOL is essential to economic mobility and immigrant integration, and that the state needs a coordinated, statewide strategy with more vocational and workplace-focused English instruction. Testifiers cited long waitlists, fragmented delivery across agencies, labor shortages, and examples of workplace English programs helping immigrants gain jobs, advance careers, and support businesses. Committee members asked questions about how vocational ESOL differs from standard classes, and witnesses explained that it focuses on job-specific language and workplace scenarios. The committee also heard strong support for H.2085/S.1303, which would require more use of registered apprentices on public construction projects over $1 million. Labor leaders from the Massachusetts AFL-CIO and Massachusetts Building Trades, along with electricians and apprentices, said the bill would help apprentices complete training by ensuring enough job-site hours, expand access to good union careers, and strengthen the construction workforce for housing, infrastructure, and clean energy work. Several witnesses defended existing apprenticeship ratios and electrical licensing standards, warning against deregulation and emphasizing safety. Committee members asked about project thresholds and apprenticeship ratios, and witnesses said the bill’s phased apprentice-hour requirement was intended to cover most public projects under current cost conditions. The committee then heard testimony on S.1330, a four-day workweek pilot program. Senator Dillon Fernandez and Representative Shirley Arriaga described the proposal as a response to burnout, affordability pressures, and changing workplace norms, arguing that a pilot would let Massachusetts study whether shorter workweeks improve productivity, retention, and worker well-being. Witnesses said the model could help families balance caregiving and commuting while maintaining or improving output. Finally, the committee took testimony on S.1361, establishing paid prenatal leave. Parents, health advocates, March of Dimes, and others said paid leave would help pregnant workers attend critical prenatal appointments, reduce missed care, and improve maternal and infant health outcomes. Several speakers shared personal stories about high-risk pregnancies, pregnancy loss, and the financial strain of taking unpaid time off. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and asked a limited number of questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you require assistance in registering or testifying, please contact the committee staff.
• Before we get started, I want to take a moment to introduce my staff.
• There are 29 ports of entry along the border that we have staff at that collect excise taxes for folks
• So we had worked with sunset staff, and I'm gonna interrupt you.
• And ultimately, they developed the, what they call the sunset Staff evaluation in January 2025.