Transcript Highlights:

• Is that, is that your awareness? Yes. All right.
• The average stay there is about... um, six months, but it can be up to 18 months or two years to complete
• We We started this initiative about a month or so ago.
• Rep Collier talked about a new facility, so I know oftentimes there's a six-month wait, a nine-month
• Now, as you are all aware. I started in 2004.

Committee: House Public Health

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The platforms average about 2,500 web hits per month.
• that cost you three hundred dollars a month... ...that you're paying every month that cost you $300
• a month.
• If you had 50,000 child months, all of your data was fully credible.
• This is a fresh, one-month-old look at it.

Committee: Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from Dr. Kelly O’Dare on first responder behavioral health access, peer support, and suicide prevention. She described UCF Restores, the Second Alarm Project, and related partnerships that provide culturally competent treatment, peer training, clinician education, disaster response support, and behavioral health navigation. She cited survey and state data showing significant rates of sleep problems, anxiety, depression, substance use, and suicide among Florida first responders, and said evidence-based treatment has helped many patients recover, including a reported 76% who no longer met PTSD diagnostic criteria after treatment. Senators asked about measuring outcomes, peer support standards, and whether the state should create more consistent statewide requirements; O’Dare said peer support training must be specialized, linked to higher levels of care, and supported by sustainable funding and statewide coordination. The committee also heard from a public commenter who supported the work and emphasized the need for adequate resources and peer support infrastructure. The committee then received a Department of Children and Families presentation from Casey Penn on the proposed funding methodology for community-based care lead agencies under HB 7089. Penn explained that the new model is intended to be actuarially based, reimbursement-oriented, and more transparent than prior funding approaches, using historical expenditures, standardized reporting, and two main tiers: Tier 1 for largely fixed administrative and operational costs, and Tier 2 for direct child-serving costs based on per-child-per-month blended rates. He said the model includes a 2% risk corridor for Tier 2, hold-harmless funding in the first year, and optional Tier 3 performance incentives, with an estimated additional state appropriation need after offsets. Senators raised concerns about prevention, historical inequities, reasonableness of costs, administrative overhead, blended state and federal funds, adoption subsidies, high-acuity placements, and disaster-related disruptions. Penn said some of those issues could be addressed in future iterations as the child welfare information system is modernized, and he agreed to provide written responses to committee questions. Representatives of the Florida Coalition for Children and CBCs responded that the model is a major improvement but urged additional safeguards, including an administrative cap, clearer separation of direct and indirect costs, and better treatment of federal and pass-through funds. They argued that the system already has oversight and that deficits reflect insufficient appropriations rather than excess spending, while also noting that higher-acuity children and regional differences can drive costs. No votes were taken on either topic, and the meeting ended with committee staff introductions and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are you aware of any?
• It's been a month. It's cooperating on. It's been a month.
• </c> months before we convene again. months before we convene again.
• I am here today. >> A month later. We've said before this is a month we have gone.
• </c> have an answer, be back here in a month have an answer, be back here in a month uh<01:41:03.720>

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:01 SERVS Informational Update- 00:01:22 Child Removal and Reunification Update: Department for Community Based Services Financials- 00:03:00 Small Business Sales Tax Websites: Department of Revenue-00:28:05 Senior Citizen Meal Programs: Department for Aging and Independent Living-00:35:50 Adjournment-01:41:57, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from the September 11 meeting by motion and voice vote. It then received a brief update on the statewide emergency responder voice system, but no presenter was present. The chair said he expected a more substantive update in November and warned that if there is not real progress on acquiring needed private properties, the committee may consider further action, including possibly freezing funding. The main discussion centered on the Department for Community Based Services’ child removal and reunification work and its structured decision-making tools. Commissioner Lisa Dennis and General Counsel Wesley Duke explained that the intake, safety, and risk assessment tools are being used at very high rates and that the department is still implementing and evaluating the system. Dennis said the tools are meant to inform, not replace, professional judgment; when staff disagree with a recommendation, the worker and first-line supervisor consult and decide together. Members questioned whether the system favors keeping children in the home, whether the department has studied safety outcomes for in-home cases versus removals, and whether foster home shortages affect removal decisions. Dennis said child safety remains the top priority, that the practice has not changed, and that the department would provide additional data on outcomes later. Members also asked about permanency timelines and delays in termination of parental rights cases; Dennis said federal timelines are difficult to meet because of family progress, substance use recovery, and court delays, and she confirmed foster parent shortages were not the reason for those delays. The committee then heard a presentation from the Department of Revenue on the new My Taxes portal. Staff said the portal, launched in March, replaced DOR’s portion of the old Kentucky One Stop Business Portal and now allows businesses to file and pay multiple taxes, update account information, and receive official notices. They reported the system is available 24/7 except for scheduled maintenance every other Thursday evening, has maintained over 99% availability since launch, and now has a dedicated contact center with 50 agents plus a public help line and email. In response to questions, the department said early downtime was caused by unexpectedly high traffic, but server capacity was increased and in the last three months there had been only one day of unexpected downtime.

Transcript Highlights:

• And they have already received the only aim to bring awareness. These 2 symbolic birds.
• Obviously, you know, when we come back, things like suicide awareness is important.
• It would allow up to 12 months and then 2 with 18 months of the bars. Final order.
• It's in the month applies in the delete all adopted today.
• It can take it should take it will take several months or even years.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, you're aware of the speedy trial rule.
• Just be aware of the cumulative effects of what the legislature is doing.
• Just be aware of the cumulative effects of what the legislature is doing.
• That I'm aware of.
• So if the earliest release date is six months out, they have to make victim notification.

Bills: HB1228 , HB1239 , HB2310 , HB2464

Committee: House Community Safety

Keywords: DUI, driving under the influence, impaired driving, toxicology, forensic toxicology, breath test, blood test, THC, marijuana, cannabis, alcohol concentration, state toxicologist, implied consent, evidence admissibility, venous blood draw, forensic phlebotomist, certified laboratory, accredited laboratory, law enforcement, DWI

Transcript Highlights:

• And on the federal level, you may all be aware that very recently CMS proposed a voluntary pledge to
• And on the federal level, you may all be aware that very recently CMS proposed a voluntary pledge to
• And then a few months later, you're told that it's not, and you're being billed directly.
• He was intubated, and he had a three-month stay in rehab.
• require reauthorization every two months, some every three months, some every six months, some don't

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Financial Services

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a hearing on several health care access and insurance-related bills, with most testimony focused on H.1136 to improve the prior authorization process. The Massachusetts Medical Society, Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association, Health Care for All, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, physicians, and hospital representatives all supported the bill, arguing that prior authorization delays care, increases administrative burden, contributes to clinician burnout, and can worsen patient outcomes. Witnesses described examples involving delayed cancer treatment, diabetes care, COPD medication, shingles pain treatment, and hospital discharge delays. They said the bill would preserve prior authorization but add guardrails such as longer validity periods, continuity-of-care protections, faster responses for urgent care, clearer lists of services requiring authorization, and more transparency and standardization. The committee also heard testimony on H.1142/S.783 regarding equitable reimbursement for certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), with Senator Lovely and CRNA advocates supporting parity with physician anesthesiologists. They said CRNAs provide the same services at the same standard of care, but private insurers sometimes reimburse them at lower rates than physicians, which they argued is inconsistent with federal and state policy and harms access. Senator Keenan testified in support of a bill addressing claim denials and appeals, saying insurers should provide clearer explanations, time to resubmit claims, and timely appeal responses. Dr. Lorraine Schratz supported H.1126 to align state patient disclosure requirements with federal No Surprises Act rules, and Dr. Michael Trimbley supported H.1120 to recognize direct primary care as not being insurance and to encourage primary care participation. The committee also heard testimony on H.1140/S.801 to remove barriers to patient care by updating insurance statutes to reflect nurse practitioners’ full practice authority, and on H.1168/S.A.18 to eliminate the PCP referral requirement for specialty gynecological care. Witnesses on those bills described delays and denials affecting autism diagnosis, nutrition coverage, and endometriosis care, and said the proposals would reduce unnecessary barriers and improve timely access. After testimony and a few member questions, the chair closed the hearing; no votes were taken during the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• in a $1,764.36 check a month.
• So these individuals who are 70% disabled are getting $1,764.36 per month.
• per month. aware, a 70% disability rating through aware, a 70% disability rating through the<00:02:40.800
• So these individuals who check a month.
• When you're talking about the per month.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• As I'm sure you're aware, this bill really...
• of 15 months, Teddy was diagnosed with epilepsy.
• I had what were known as focal impaired awareness seizures.
• New hires would receive the training within two months of starting the job instead of the six months
• H. 583 sets a deadline of January 1, 2026, six months from now.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held a public hearing on a large slate of bills, with the chairs emphasizing time limits, written testimony, and grouping similar measures together. Early testimony focused on opioid use disorder education in schools (S.382), with Senator Keenan arguing that students should be taught about the risks of substance use disorder and naloxone use as part of health curricula. Representative DeCost also briefly introduced H.551, a narrow bill concerning parent rights for children in third grade and younger. Several bills were then closed without testimony, including measures on type 1 diabetes informational materials and other diabetes-related proposals. A major portion of the hearing centered on school health and emergency response bills. Supporters of H.652/S.342 on diabetes management in schools described inconsistent district practices and urged clearer standards so students can receive care in classrooms rather than being sent out of instruction. Bills on epinephrine access and seizure disorders drew extensive testimony: advocates for stock epinephrine in schools argued that unassigned epinephrine can save lives and should be funded in a cost-neutral way, while a pediatrician opposed one version as an unfunded mandate. For seizure-safe schools (S.422/H.635), students, parents, educators, and advocates described missed or delayed responses to seizures, stigma, and the need for staff training, seizure action plans, and emergency medication protocols. A separate bill, H.645, allowing anti-seizure medication on school buses, was supported by a parent and student who said current law forces costly and restrictive transportation arrangements. The committee also heard testimony on youth skin health bills (S.334/H.600/H.619), which would let students carry and apply sunscreen at school and camp without a physician’s note. Supporters from melanoma prevention, dermatology, and industry groups said the bills would remove unnecessary barriers and promote sun-safe habits, while one witness cautioned about drafting details and unintended consequences. The hearing then moved to CPR/AED education for graduation (S.456), where Senator Tarr, a student advocate, and the Red Cross all supported requiring hands-on CPR certification for high school students. Finally, the committee took testimony on healthy school lunches (H.539/S.401): supporters from the Healthy School Lunch Coalition and school food directors backed stronger nutrition standards and a standing advisory council, while Consumer Brands Association witnesses opposed the bill as too vague and potentially disruptive. A nutrition scientist also warned about unintended restrictions on medically necessary or innovative foods. The chairs closed the hearing on the healthy lunch bills and then opened testimony on universal school meals for virtual schools (H.700), with Superintendent Patrick Latuka supporting access for students in Commonwealth virtual schools who currently receive no meal support.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not aware of that being what was discussed.
• He was paroled after two years and three months.
• He was paroled after two years and three months.
• He was paroled two years and three months.
• , for a couple of months.

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'll just say that we already have a federal Service Dog Month.
• </c> organization, increase public awareness. organization, increase public awareness.
• or 11 months and 29 days of giving birth or having an abortion.
• I just want you to be aware of that.
• </c> to be aware of that. to be aware of that. uh<00:57:30.960><c> something</c><00:57:31.359><c> going

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up several Senate messages on House bills. It recommended non-concurrence and a committee conference on HB 428 after Representative Pearson raised a constitutional concern about a retroactive provision in the building code bill. It also recommended non-concurrence on HB 156, which had been rewritten by the Senate to create a permanent subcommittee related to food/procurement; members said they did not want to create a permanent subcommittee and preferred to let the issue return next year if needed. On HB 85, concerning temporary student licenses for respiratory therapists, the committee concurred with a Senate rewrite that added restrictions but preserved the bill’s main purpose. On HB 82, a cleanup bill for occupational licensing, the committee concurred with a Senate amendment explicitly allowing the electricians board to create subcommittees, with members noting they did not think the authority was necessary but that it would not do harm. The committee then considered SB 178 on laboratory water testing. Representative Leyon offered amendment 2025-1743H to clarify how fees would be deposited and to direct a portion of certain fees and grants into a non-lapsing lab equipment and replacement fund rather than the general fund. Members said the amendment made the bill’s fiscal flow easier to understand. The amendment passed unanimously, and the committee then voted ought to pass as amended on SB 178, also unanimously, and placed it on consent. For SB 180, dealing with Coos County distressed-area designation, the committee adopted amendment 1748H to remove a provision requiring commissioners to give extra consideration to Coos County and to add a 20-year sunset on the designation. The amendment passed 14-2, and the committee then voted ought to pass as amended 15-1; Representative Schmidt said he would file a minority report because he viewed the provision as unenforceable rather than objectionable. The committee also voted to retain SB 185, which concerned OPLC-related issues, so the agency could continue working on a policy and report back later; that motion passed 16-0. Finally, the committee voted inexpedient to legislate on SB 198, establishing New Hampshire Service Dog Week, after debate over whether the recognition should be statutory or left to a gubernatorial proclamation. Supporters argued the bill would raise awareness and help promote service dogs, while opponents said the effort could continue without a statute and that special-day statutes often lose attention once enacted. The committee also voted inexpedient to legislate on SB 182 after extensive discussion of proposed changes to the maternal mortality review process. Opponents argued the bill would broaden access to personally identifiable information, change panel structure, and affect data comparability; supporters said it was a housekeeping update requested by DHS that would add DCYF and Corrections and improve review of maternal deaths. The ITL motion passed 10-6, and Representative Long said he would file a minority report and explain the committee’s reasoning to the bill’s sponsor.

Transcript Highlights:

• Turning to I-90, I’m not sure how much awareness there was around this area.
• We expect that to get underway shortly, hoping to have this repaired and done by the end of the month
• We expect that to get underway shortly, hoping to have this repaired and done by the end of the month
• So you're all aware that we get federal funding on a regular basis from, you know, for transportation
• I think you're all aware that we're applying for FEMA Public Assistance, a major disaster declaration

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
• There would not be any additional trainings that I'm aware of.
• in any six-month period.
• Are you aware of of the counties where this bill would apply.
• Senator Martin: I'm not aware of it. Senator Martin: I'm not aware of a formal education plan.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge, and heard several member introductions and recognitions. The Rules Chair moved CS/CS/SB 622 to the end of the special order calendar, which was adopted without objection. SB 80 on state land management was temporarily postponed, as were later bills SB 716 and CS/CS/CS/SB 1348. The chamber then took up a series of bills, often substituting House companions and adopting amendments before final passage. Measures approved included a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan (HB 295, 38-0), mitigation banking and land development changes with a phosphate mining lands amendment (CS/CS/SB 492, 35-3), aggravated animal cruelty with a searchable FDLE database and sentencing multiplier (HB 255, 37-0), the Spectrum Alert for missing children with autism and related training/funding (HB 711, 37-0), newborn screening for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (CS/CS/HB 1089, 36-0), and revisions to the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program to expand eligible mitigation projects and adjust approval thresholds (CS/CS/HB 393, 37-0). The Senate also passed workforce education legislation allowing charter schools access to grant funding and expanding money-back guarantees (HB 1145, 37-0), a statewide study on automation and workforce impact (HB 827, 35-0), parole guideline revisions (HB 181, 37-0), court-appointed psychologist procedures in family law cases (HB 901, 37-0), sexual cyber harassment protections covering digitally forged intimate images (HB 1451, 37-0), a home health aide program for medically fragile children with training and reimbursement provisions (CS/CS/SB 1156, 37-0), substance abuse and mental health care changes including 988 oversight and involuntary examination procedures (HB 1091, 37-0), a feasibility study for a statewide pond data database (HB 1359, 37-0), and Department of Law Enforcement housekeeping changes and retired police dog reimbursements (HB 1053, 37-0). The most extensive debate centered on the charter schools bill (HB 443), which expanded charter autonomy, reporting parity, enrollment flexibility, and governance rules; after a delete-all amendment and a friendly amendment, it was placed on the third-reading calendar rather than immediately voted on. Several bills were briefly discussed with concerns about transparency, accountability, funding, and constitutional issues, but all bills brought to a vote during this segment passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• You are all very aware of the services they provide.
• You are all very aware of the services they provide.
• We pay out whatever the amount is for that month.
• But just so people are really aware, I'm looking at But just so people are really aware, I'm looking
• We are in the midst of issuing a PBM RFP into this month.

Committee: House Budget

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, a cruel month. And if I may, um, I was with the Department of Public Safety for 19 years.
• Well, a cruel month. And if I may, um, I was with the Department of Public Safety for 19 years.
• Well, a cruel month. And if I may, um, I was with the Department of Public Safety for 19 years.
• I think she's acutely aware of some of the circumstances and issues they deal with.
• And if I may, um I was with cruel month.

Committee: Joint Corrections

Keywords: Corrections - Room 210, 24 March, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Make sure that your local schools and others are aware of it.
• This is a scam that most of us are very well aware of.
• And then general awareness campaigns.
• How are we reaching them to make sure they're aware of this?
• And sometimes it goes on for months.

Summary: The committee began with a work session on the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee’s cannabis market study, presented by JLARC staff member Susanna Pratt. The report found Washington’s cannabis production in 2023 was likely two to three times higher than retail sales, with production estimated at 292,000 to 443,000 pounds of THC versus 139,000 pounds sold. Pratt explained that canopy data are inconsistent and that the Liquor and Cannabis Board’s traceability system is incomplete and unreliable, limiting data-driven regulation, tax verification, recall tracking, and diversion enforcement. JLARC recommended that LCB submit a plan by the end of 2025 for obtaining accurate licensee data by the end of 2026; LCB partially concurred and said a 2027 timeline may be more realistic. JLARC also concluded that the social equity producer licenses would likely have only a minimal effect on statewide production capacity, and suggested the legislature consider broader ways to increase equity in the industry. Members asked about the slow issuance of social equity licenses and about comparable traceability systems in other states. The committee then heard a series of presentations on fraud and scam prevention. Paul Benda of the American Bankers Association described the scale of fraud losses, the role of telecom spoofing, social media scam ads, SIM farms, and crypto ATMs, and argued for a shared-responsibility approach involving banks, telecoms, and platforms. Katie Clark of IQ Credit Union described member-to-member fraud, romance scams, and the operational and financial impacts on credit unions, and recommended better information sharing, safe harbors for returning scam-related funds, and stronger fraud education. Kyle Innes of SIFMA highlighted investor fraud and Washington’s 2009 report-and-hold law, which he said helped shape similar protections in most states, and emphasized the need for better communication among financial firms, APS, and law enforcement. Brian Gerard and Ali Higgs from the Department of Financial Institutions discussed “pig butchering” and other investment scams, focusing on how scammers build trust through social media, dating apps, fake websites, and crypto schemes before extracting funds. Across the fraud presentations, witnesses repeatedly stressed consumer education, interagency information sharing, and stronger controls on telecom, social media, and crypto ATM activity. Members asked about model laws from other states, the role of financial education in schools, and whether crypto ATMs should be regulated or banned. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Concurrent Resolution 146 by Senator Laird relative to Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month.
• Senate Concurrent Resolution 146 by Senator Laird relative to Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month.
• Senate Concurrent Resolution 146 declares May as Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month.
• As part of this Mental Health Awareness Month, I want to Social and emotional well-being.
• As part of this Mental Health Awareness Month, I want to recognize those seeking treatment and working

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ’s a reason not to that I’m not aware of.
• Unless there’s a reason not to that I’m not aware of, Mike? Correct me if I’m wrong.
• The reality of it is we've got a core group of people who show up every month.
• And so that's something that you should be aware of, just in case. Okay.
• Chair, I'm not aware of any this month. All right, perfect.

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy

Summary: The committee approved the May minutes by roll call vote and then received brief updates from the Attorney General’s office and the Office of the State Actuary. The AG’s office said it would handle legal analysis related to the committee’s work, while the actuary reported that staff were at capacity this summer due to annual valuation work, experience studies, and other retirement system projects, but would have more capacity in the fall. Members also requested access to fiscal note and actuarial materials related to the LEOFF 1 study and related legislation. The main discussion focused on the LEOFF 1 study, including actuarial funding, a proposed merger/termination/restatement approach, and the possibility of a permanent COLA for Plan 1 members. Several members supported keeping COLA recommendations in the committee’s work, while others raised concerns about whether merging or restating plans could affect benefits, legal status, or IRS tax treatment. The actuary explained that the temporary pause in certain funding rates reflected prior overfunding buffers and assumptions about future investment returns, and said future base-rate funding could still be needed depending on experience. Members also discussed constituent correspondence, which staff said largely fell into four categories: the LEOFF 1 study, Plan 1 benefits and COLAs, fossil fuel divestment, and ESSB 5357. The committee agreed that divestment concerns are more appropriately directed to the State Investment Board, not this committee. In reviewing the draft interim work plan, members added or adjusted several topics for future meetings, including a July educational briefing on LEOFF 1 history and tax/IRS issues, a September discussion of COLAs, and a December placeholder for excess compensation/pension spiking, pending coordination with the LEOFF 2 Board. The committee then approved the July agenda and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sometimes it takes up to six months to set a preliminary hearing, and then the six-month statutory clock
• , and up to 3 to 13 months for others.
• So you're not going to be waiting six months just to get that date.
• Were you aware? We were definitely not aware, sir. When did you guys become aware?
• But I'm aware. Yeah, I'm very, very aware. So, um, anybody else?

Bills: SB2037 , SB1757 , SB1758 , SB1759 , HB29

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Keywords: rock crushing, permits, air quality, environmental monitoring, aggregate production, seismicity, public meeting, land use, SB 1758, cement kiln, portland cement, aggregate production operation, aggregate quarry, semiconductor wafer manufacturing, chip fabrication, semiconductor plant, vibration, seismic disturbance, liability limitation, TCEQ

Transcript Highlights:

• anywhere that's doing a three-month compliance lookback.
• This will be every six months that they have to recheck.
• to 12 months.
• to 12 months.
• It's already in code for 12 months.

Summary: The House Health and Welfare Committee first approved the minutes from March 5, 9, and 16, then took up House Bill 913 on Medicaid community engagement requirements. Representative Van de Woude explained the bill would align Idaho Medicaid expansion with new federal community engagement rules, using a redetermination process beginning when the bill takes effect and aiming to avoid immediate loss of coverage by allowing time to cure deficiencies before January 1. Members asked about disability exceptions, department staffing and budget, the three-month lookback period, impacts on hospitals and uninsured care, and how children would be affected; the sponsor said the department had budgeted for the work, that children are covered separately, and that the federal rules require 80 hours per month of qualifying activity. Despite concerns from some members about administrative burden and coverage losses, the committee voted to send HB 913 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, with two members requesting to be recorded as opposed. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1266, a foster care cleanup bill presented by Representative Healy. He said it removes an outdated expedited-placement provision for extended foster care youth ages 18 to 23, adds kinship placement language, and makes technical corrections to conform the code to existing law. Members questioned language changing termination-of-parental-rights timelines from 15 months to 12 months; Healy said those were technical corrections because the code was already intended to say 12 months. The committee voted to send SB 1266 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee considered Senate Bill 1316, also presented by Representative Healy. He said the bill codifies current hospital practice allowing parents to decline newborn screening, vitamin K, or eye ointment without stating a reason, aligning the statute with existing exemption language. After brief discussion, the committee voted to send SB 1316 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The meeting ended with notice of additional bills expected later and adjournment subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Month.
• Colleagues, I rise to present ACR 146 to recognize the month of March 2026 as Bleeding Disorders Awareness
• As Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month.
• Designating March 2026 as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month serves as a crucial step in advancing the
• Designating March 2026 as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month serves as a crucial step in advancing the

Summary: The Assembly met, established a quorum after a roll call, and handled a series of procedural motions, guest introductions, and floor items. Members recognized several guests and student groups, then moved through the daily file, including second-reading items, Senate amendments, and the consent calendar, which was adopted 54-0. The chamber also adopted ACR 151 recognizing March 25 as Greek Independence Day, with 59 co-authors added, and ACR 146 designating March 2026 as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month, with 61 co-authors added; both resolutions were adopted by voice vote. ACR 140, proclaiming March 21 as Women in STEM Day, also passed with 56 co-authors added and was adopted by voice vote. The most substantial debate centered on AB 2156, which renames Cesar Chavez Day as Farm Workers’ Day and declares an urgency clause. Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry and several members spoke in support, emphasizing recognition of farm workers’ collective contributions and, in light of recent revelations about Cesar Chavez, the need to honor the broader movement rather than one individual. Other members echoed support while discussing farmworker history, accountability, and the importance of acknowledging survivors. Assembly Member DeMaio supported the bill but criticized state policies affecting agriculture and argued for broader recognition of Latino Californians and farmworker policy reforms. The bill passed with 67 votes and was transmitted immediately to the Senate. Later, the Assembly recessed for the Joint Convention and heard the 26th State of the Judiciary address from Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero. She focused on judicial independence, threats to judges, remote proceedings, CARE Act implementation, trial court funding and judgeship shortages, AI use in courts, immigration-related courthouse concerns, State Bar reforms after the February 2025 bar exam problems, and judicial salaries. She also highlighted the judiciary’s centennial, the importance of collaboration with the Legislature and Governor Newsom, and the need to preserve equal access to justice. After the address was ordered printed in the Journal, the joint convention adjourned and the Assembly later adjourned until Thursday, March 26 at 9 a.m.