Transcript Highlights:

• You'd see if you could identify new compounds in there.
• These are a number of the compounds that have been identified through this process.
• One of the things that is done nowadays is, rather than try to find compounds, you sequence the genes
• So rather than trying to find the compound, you sequence the gene and cells. Create new compounds.
• So rather than trying to find the compound, you sequence the gene and say, oh, does this species produce

Summary: The Education Postsecondary Committee held its first meeting and focused on state university centers and institutes, with an overview from the Board of Governors on how the more than 500 centers and institutes across Florida’s public universities are categorized, overseen, and reported. The Board described three categories: state-level centers, legislatively established centers, and university-established centers. Members were told universities must maintain policies, notify the Board of changes, publish public inventories, and submit annual reports and compliance certifications. Senator Harrell asked about funding sources and whether underperforming centers are reviewed for elimination; the response was that funding varies by center and that universities decide whether to maintain or disband centers under their own policies, with annual reporting and audit findings shared with the Board. Four university presentations followed. Florida Atlantic University highlighted its Center of Excellence in Biomedical and Marine Biotechnology, describing research in marine-derived drug discovery, genomics, imaging, cancer, neurodegenerative disease, and ocean sustainability, along with spin-off institutes and partnerships that have generated significant grant and contract support. FIU presented its Center of Excellence for Hurricane Damage Mitigation and Product Development, emphasizing the Wall of Wind facility, hurricane and water intrusion testing, code and product innovation, insurance modeling, and future expansion toward higher wind speeds and flood simulation. Florida State University’s High-Performance Materials Institute described work in advanced materials, aerospace composites, sensors, nanocomposites, and AI-enabled materials development, along with patents, industry partnerships, and new facilities tied to economic development. The University of Florida’s Lastinger Center for Learning outlined its work on teacher professional learning, literacy, New Worlds Reading, tutoring, and mathematics supports, including microcredentials, statewide book distribution, and early results showing improved reading confidence and growth. Members generally praised the centers for their research, commercialization, workforce development, and education impacts. Senator Jones and Senator Harrell commended the Lastinger Center’s literacy work and the broader return on investment from these programs, while Senator Berman noted the value of the synergies across institutions. The chair emphasized that future funding requests should clearly show measurable success, commercialization, and statewide impact. The committee then adjourned without any formal votes on legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• The report will include participation by residents and pharmacies, prescription drug savings achieved
• , and the program's impact on the viability of Vermont's pharmacies.
• ,<00:33:01.360><c> prescription</c><00:33:01.920><c> drug</c><00:33:02.240><c> savings</c> pharmacies
• </c> the viability of Vermont's pharmacies. the viability of Vermont's pharmacies.
• </c> it relates to pharmacies it relates to pharmacies with<00:37:54.520><c> which</c><00:37:54.920><

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The synthetic fragrance compounds are still found in soaps, perfumes, and deodorants.
• In 2023, our institute led a major peer-reviewed paper on quaternary ammonium compounds, a chemical class
• Quaternary ammonium compounds can be absorbed from soap into our bodies and have been linked to reduced
• Though the FDA discourages the use of antibacterial soap and has banned 19 antimicrobial compounds, they
• Yes, a committee analysis pulls directly from the DTSC report on the quaternary ammonium compounds, and

Summary: The Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee met to adopt its rules, establish quorum, and approve a consent calendar of five bills, all sent to the Committee on Appropriations. The committee then heard three measures: AB 638 by Assembly Member Rodriguez on stormwater capture for irrigation of urban public lands; AB 60 by Assembly Member Papin on banning synthetic nitro musks in cosmetics and personal care products; and AB 916 by Assembly Member Lee on restricting certain antibacterial soap ingredients in consumer hand soaps and body washes. AB 638 was presented as a climate and water-supply measure directing the State Water Resources Control Board to develop guidelines for capturing and safely reusing stormwater for irrigation. Supporters, including NRDC and several environmental groups, argued it would reduce potable water use and help move stalled projects forward. The bill drew no opposition and received strong support from committee members, including requests to coauthor. It passed the committee on a due pass motion to Appropriations. AB 60 would ban synthetic nitro musks in cosmetics and personal care products due to health and environmental concerns. Supporters cited endocrine disruption, reproductive harms, persistence in waterways, and international restrictions. The bill passed on a due pass motion to the floor, with one member not voting. AB 916 generated the most debate: supporters said the three targeted antimicrobials offer no added benefit over plain soap, may contribute to health harms and antibiotic resistance, and should be banned in consumer products while exempting health care settings. Opponents argued the ingredients are already under FDA and DTSC review, raised preemption concerns, and warned of costs and impacts on food handling and other uses. After extensive discussion, the committee approved AB 916 on a due pass motion to the Committee on Health, with several no votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a chief pharmacy officer for Western Health Advantage.
• So people are seeing direct benefits at the pharmacy counter. ...benefits at the pharmacy counter with
• So you will see it at the pharmacy.”
• “Yeah, at the pharmacy.” “Okay.
• and they come with their coupon, does the pharmacy have, “Does the pharmacy have to report this to the

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In food deserts, this food affordability crisis compounds.
• These products are not recommended by physicians, but are widely available in pharmacies, grocery stores
• These products are not recommended by physicians, but are widely available in pharmacies, grocery stores

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As a woman, I struggle with compound bow.
• </c> compound bows and to be able to um hunt. compound bows and to be able to um hunt.
• Um, I shoot a compound bow.
• Um, I shoot a compound bow.
• Um, I shoot a compound bow.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• PCMA is the national trade association that represents pharmacy benefit managers.
• to, at a minimum, inform the patient of alternate pharmacy locations.
• And Barney Bishop, Small Business Pharmacies. Small Business Pharmacies.
• We've lost 1,600 pharmacies in the past year.
• Not all of them are community, neighborhood pharmacies like I represent.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These actions included more than 68,000 claims and 330 pharmacies.
• And those adversely impacted pharmacies are now made whole.
• It's also important to note that while we are securing the funds for pharmacies, we're also ensuring
• This was Optum Rx's own negligence and not the fault of our pharmacies.
• Pharmacy benefit managers do not like me. They will spend millions of dollars against me.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• compact change for your practice, the training risk for care, massage therapy, medical radiology, pharmacy
• The bill is the Pharmacy Practice Act.
• It provides for pharmaceutical care according to written protocols, requires the pharmacy to notify the

Bills: LB764, LB815A, LB839, LB888, LB955, LB972A, LB1029, LB1087, LB1091, LB1126A, LB1181A, LB1237A, LB1261A, LB304A, LB762, LB889, LB929, LB966, LB1022, LB1187, LR508

Keywords: law enforcement, correctional services, Department of Correctional Services, corrections officers, state prison employees, peace officer, certification, police standards, training academy, Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, Nebraska Police Standards Advisory Council, criminal justice, correctional staff, conditional officer, law enforcement authority, public safety, LB815A, LB815, appropriation, appropriations bill

Transcript Highlights:

• municipalities; 1436 school district bond; 1446 school workers, social workers documentation; 1450 pharmacy
• board. 1446 school workers, social workers documentation; 1458 pharmacy board; 1471 school mapping needed
• new revenue stream for large corporations, like the private equity group that is now the largest pharmacy
• They've got a high level of education, and nearly 90% of Americans live within five miles of a pharmacy
• , making pharmacies one of the most accessible care settings in America.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Jenny Arnold, a pharmacist and the CEO of the Washington State Pharmacy Association.
• Since 2000, pharmacists have earned a doctor of pharmacy degree.
• These pharmacists may become board-certified... ...in psychiatric pharmacy, or BCPP.
• These pharmacists may become board-certified in psychiatric pharmacy, or BCPP.
• training and training in pharmacy law in order to earn our Doctor of Pharmacy.

Summary: The Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. House Bill 2445, requested by the Attorney General, would curb “probate for profit” schemes by extending the waiting period before a “suitable person” can be appointed, limiting non-intervention powers and repeat appointments, tightening venue rules, and restricting self-dealing by estate administrators. The sponsor and Attorney General’s Office described cases in which strangers used probate loopholes to control estates, sell property, and profit from heirs; the Northwest Justice Project and other witnesses strongly supported the bill. Members raised questions about whether the bill would complicate probate for laypeople and about the timeline changes, and the sponsor said she was open to amendments. No vote was taken. The committee also heard House Bill 2386, which would replace a statutory garnishment answer form with a form developed by the Washington Pattern Forms Committee or a substantially similar form. The sponsor and a district court judge said the current form causes calculation errors, especially for fluctuating wages, and that the change would make garnishments more accurate and transparent. A collectors’ association supported updating the form but asked for a longer implementation period and flexibility for employers to use their own forms; the judge said a rollout period would not be a problem. The bill was heard but not voted on. House Bill 2585 would create a Washington State False Claims Act modeled on the federal act, allowing the Attorney General and private relators to pursue fraud against state programs, with treble damages, civil penalties, and whistleblower protections. Supporters said it would recover stolen public dollars and deter fraud in areas such as wages, housing, education, and environmental programs. Contractors warned that the bill could sweep in good-faith construction change orders, and a wireless industry group asked for a tax exemption; the Attorney General’s Office said it supported the concept but would provide technical and substantive feedback. The bill was heard without action. Finally, House Bill 2590 would exempt limited equity cooperatives from the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act unless they elect coverage, while keeping the tax exemption framework for those cooperatives. The sponsor and housing advocates said WUCIOA imposes requirements that do not fit cooperative ownership and can hinder permanently affordable housing, while lenders already impose appropriate reserve and governance standards. Witnesses from cooperative development organizations and community land trusts supported the bill, and committee members asked about resale limits, reserve obligations, and who benefits from appreciation. The hearing concluded without a vote. The committee also heard House Bill 2453, which would allow board-certified psychiatric pharmacists to participate in certain involuntary treatment proceedings and provide concurring medical opinions for involuntary medication under less restrictive alternative orders. Supporters said it would improve workforce capacity and continuity of care; opponents argued it could weaken civil-liberty protections and that pharmacists lack authority for diagnosis and treatment. The hearing ended with no final action on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, 90% of those in Kentucky live within 5 miles of a pharmacy.
• 00:02:25.280><c> a</c> in Kentucky live within 5 miles of a in Kentucky live within 5 miles of a pharmacy
• It is proven through research pharmacy.
• Just a swab could happen in a community pharmacy already authorized under our scope of practice.
• Berg here about how we don't have adequate pharmacies in Louisville anymore.

Keywords: 26RS SB 38 Testimony 00:28 26RS SB 38 Roll Call Vote 06:54 26RS SCR 9 Testimony 11:06 26RS SCR 9 Roll Call Vote 32:00 Adjournment 32:49, 958, all

Summary: The committee first considered Senate Bill 38, sponsored by Sen. Richardson, which would require Medicaid to reimburse pharmacists for services already within their legal scope of practice. Richardson and Taylor Williams of the Kentucky Pharmacists Association argued the bill would improve access to care, especially in rural areas, reduce emergency room use, and lower Medicaid costs by using pharmacists as lower-cost providers. Members asked whether the bill’s language simply aligned Medicaid with an earlier commercial parity law, and Richardson confirmed that it did. He also cited prior study work, research articles, and examples such as strep/flu testing and medication therapy management as covered services. The bill passed unanimously, and several members commented in support, including concerns about pharmacy access and the need for pharmacists to remain available to patients. The committee then took up a concurrent resolution sponsored by Sen. Meredith calling for a feasibility study of a proposed new Medicaid delivery model. Meredith argued that Kentucky’s Medicaid spending is growing unsustainably and that current managed care arrangements are not improving outcomes enough. He proposed an accountable community health care organization, described as a locally owned, not-for-profit public-private partnership combining elements of accountable care models, with the goal of reducing bureaucracy, improving outcomes, and lowering costs. He said the study would examine a five-year program and ultimately test the model in five regions, with initial focus on the Lincoln Trail, Green River, and Barren River area development districts. Members asked about the study timeline, vendor costs, rural versus urban impacts, and provider recruitment; Meredith said the resolution would be studied by November and that no fiscal note had been prepared. The resolution passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• This ensures fair reimbursements to pharmacies while allowing Texans to access new medication options
• I'm a pharmacist with Amazon Pharmacy here in Austin, and I'm testifying on behalf of Amazon Pharmacy
• Amazon Pharmacy is a full-service, digital-forward pharmacy in your pocket.
• The small pharmacies...
• We'll push out independent small pharmacies across the country.

Bills: HB107, HB742, HB1639, HB1700, HB2071, HB2187, HB2402, HB2516, HB3211, HB4529, HB5342, HB694, HB923, HB4655, HB107

Keywords: sickle cell disease, registry, health data, confidentiality, healthcare access, human trafficking, first responders, health care, training, reporting, protection, cancer, female firefighters, health study, state health services, fire protection, telemedicine, teledentistry, telehealth, health records

Transcript Highlights:

• So again, keep in mind: one part per billion is an unacceptable risk for one of the PFAS compounds.
• There are thousands of PFAS compounds, both in the environment and in production.
• It's anti-fluorinated organic compound. And the numbers are huge.
• It's an anti-fluorinated organic compound. And the numbers are huge.
• It's in thousands of these compounds. EPA's focus is on a handful at this point.

Summary: The committee hearing focused on biosolids, sewage sludge, and PFAS contamination, with the opening remarks and first three presenters arguing that land application of municipal sludge poses serious risks to soil, water, livestock, and human health. Representative Shaw cited EPA and state data on detected pollutants and PFAS in biosolids, while Denise Travick Poyer described her background in chemical engineering and PFAS work and said the EPA’s draft sewage sludge risk assessment shows unacceptable risk at very low PFOS/PFOA levels. She urged source reduction, more testing, and consideration of total organic fluorine, and noted examples from Michigan where industrial pretreatment and source reduction reduced PFAS in biosolids. Johnson County, Texas Commissioner Larry Woolley and Investigator Dana Ames presented a case study of alleged runoff from land-applied biosolids affecting a ranch, with high PFAS readings in soil, water, fish, cattle tissue, and a stillborn calf, and said the county and state had pursued investigations, lawsuits, and legislative responses. Sandra Trawick of Save Oklahoma Farms and Ranches argued that Oklahoma’s biosolids program relies heavily on Class B sludge, that current rules are outdated, and that land application exposes farms and rural communities to pathogens, chemicals, odors, flies, and runoff; she cited examples from Maine, Texas, Georgia, Michigan, and Oklahoma to support calls for stronger regulation or a ban. After the testimony, members asked about sampling methods, lab testing, EPA limits, and whether the cited PFAS blood levels were comparable to the soil and sludge measurements. Witnesses said the Johnson County samples were collected by a Texas A&M PhD contractor and tested at a single lab, and they explained that the EPA’s 4 parts per trillion figure applied to municipal drinking water standards. Questions also addressed whether sludge is incorporated into soil; Trawick said it had often been left on the surface, though she had seen better disking after public scrutiny. Members asked how biosolids compare with manure and feedlot waste, and witnesses responded that municipal sludge is more contaminated because it includes industrial, hospital, and household waste streams, unlike animal manure. The committee then moved to alternative solutions, hearing from Doug McKinney of Advanced Microbial Solutions, who promoted biological sludge removal using bacteria to reduce sludge volumes and avoid land application, citing cost savings for wastewater plants and correctional facilities. Jason Jepsen of Eden Energy followed with a pitch for an eight-stage waste-to-energy system that converts mixed waste into clean energy, biochar, and reusable products, framing waste as an asset and presenting his company’s technology as a no-land-application alternative.

Transcript Highlights:

• YOU WOULD DRIVE THE SPECIES UP AND SEE IF YOU IDENTIFY NEW COMPOUNDS IN THERE AND YOU CAN SEE CHEMICAL
• STRUCTURES HERE, THESE ARE A NUMBER OF THE COMPOUNDS IDENTIFIED THROUGH THIS PROCESS.
• ONE OF THE THINGS THAT IS DONE NOW IS RATHER THAN FIND COMPOUNDS YOU SEQUENCED THE GENES THAT ARE IN
• RATHER THAN TRYING TO FIND THE COMPOUND YOU SEQUENCED THE GENE AND SAY THESE ARE SPECIES THAT CAN DO
• FROM THE OTHER ORGANISMS WE ARE TALKING SOMETHING ON THE ORDER OF OVER 1 MILLION UNIQUE COMPOUNDS.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Founder of Birth Control Pharmacist, and Michelle Caredo, PharmD, a community-based pharmacy resident
• A young lady, first-generation college student, on a break to see her family, came into the pharmacy
• If a patient comes to my pharmacy for opioids today and wants to use their Medi-Cal insurance, I have
• Only after the patient comes to my pharmacy can I issue the prescription.
• Now, we know that about 1,500 pharmacies throughout the state are able to do this, assuming that the

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• like the amendment to read: The term vision benefit manager shall not be construed to include a pharmacy
• services, including entities regulated under pharmacy benefit manager statutes.
• </c><00:32:42.159><c> benefit</c> construed to include a pharmacy benefit construed to include a pharmacy
• </c> prescription drug benefits or pharmacy prescription drug benefits or pharmacy services,<00:32:51.360
• </c><00:32:54.080><c> benefit</c><00:32:54.559><c> manager</c><00:32:55.279><c> stat</c> under pharmacy

Keywords: Insurance - Room 216, 3 February, 2026; 9:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This ensures fair reimbursement to pharmacies while allowing Texans to access new cost-saving services
• I'm a pharmacist with Amazon Pharmacy here in Austin, and I'm testifying on behalf of Amazon Pharmacy
• I'm testifying on behalf of Amazon Pharmacy in support of House Bill 2402.
• Amazon Pharmacy is a full-service, digital-forward pharmacy in your pocket.
• The small pharmacies, and I know we're going to argue, well, U&C's not well— The small pharmacies, and

Bills: HB 107, HB742, HB1639, HB1700, HB2071, HB2187, HB2402, HB2516, HB3211, HB4529, HB5342, HB694, HB923, HB4655

Keywords: sickle cell disease, registry, health data, confidentiality, healthcare access, human trafficking, first responders, health care, training, reporting, protection, cancer, female firefighters, health study, state health services, fire protection, telemedicine, teledentistry, telehealth, health records

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a series of health and human services bills and left each one pending after public testimony. HB 4655 would expand financial literacy instruction for youth aging out of foster care to include credit scores, predatory lending, scams, banking, budgeting, and related consumer topics; the sponsor and Buckner International described the need to protect foster youth from financial pitfalls. HB 923 would add three public members and one physician to the Texas Medical Disclosure Panel; supporters said it would improve informed consent and patient voice, while a witness raised concerns about a House amendment requiring a physician majority for decisions and senators questioned scope-of-practice limits. HHSC said the panel is an independent body and the bill expressly bars it from changing scope of practice.

Transcript Highlights:

• From a system perspective, pharmacy-led care reduces unnecessary emergency department visits and hospital
• From a system perspective, pharmacy-led care reduces unnecessary emergency department visits and hospital
• It isn't really mentioned in the bill, and would pharmacies then be required to have a separate exam
• So I'm not familiar with the other pharmacies, but I would think that if this is something that they're
• So I'm not familiar with the other pharmacies, but I would think that if this is something that they're

Bills: HB1621, HB1624, HB1623, HB1622, HB1625, HB1626, HB1627, HCR3038

Keywords: presidential physical fitness test, physical education, fitness assessment, student fitness, school curriculum, graduation requirements, elementary school, middle school, high school, public schools, nonpublic schools, superintendent of public instruction, exceptions, disability accommodations, North Dakota studies, computer science, cybersecurity, health education, concept-based fitness class, school standards

Summary: The North Dakota House convened in special session with prayer, roll call, and a quorum present, then took up several rural health-related bills. Senate Bill 2401, as amended, required physicians to complete one hour of continuing education in nutrition and metabolic health each renewal cycle and also added language allowing criminal history background checks for the Board of Occupational Therapy Practice. Supporters emphasized the role of nutrition in reducing chronic disease, and the bill passed 92-0. The House then considered Senate Bill 2402, which expanded pharmacists’ limited prescriptive and therapeutic substitution authority for certain low-acuity conditions and clarified related lab-test and communication requirements. Members discussed examples such as motion sickness, cold sores, lice, hypoglycemia, COVID and flu testing, emergency access to medications and supplies, and limits excluding certain drug classes; the bill passed 91-1. Senate Bill 2403 created a temporary medical facility emergency operating loan option through the Bank of North Dakota for qualifying rural hospitals facing severe financial distress, with extensive debate over the targeted nature of the aid, anti-gifting concerns, repayment terms, and the hospital’s turnaround plan; it passed 80-12. Senate Bill 2404 appropriated funds for NDIT to address federal digital accessibility requirements and for the Public Service Commission’s litigation efforts related to transmission costs, with a backup loan authorization available if needed; it passed 92-0. At the close of the session, leaders thanked members and staff for their work on the rural health transformation package, a committee notified the Governor and the Senate that the House had completed its business, absent members were excused, and the House adjourned sine die.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's still important that it's there, but this setting it up with our pharmaceuticals, our pharmacies
• It's still important that it's there, but this setting it up with our pharmaceuticals, our pharmacies
• It's still important that it's there, but this setting it up with our pharmaceuticals, our pharmacies
• It's still important that it's there, but this setting it up with our pharmaceuticals, our pharmacies
• Thank you. pharmaceuticals, our pharmacies in our communities will be a huge step forward.

Keywords: 1183, house