Transcript Highlights:

• Overall, talking about updates to license terms, updates to license categories, lengthening sunset provisions
• Overall, talking about updates to license terms, updates to license categories, lengthening sunset provisions
• Again, it reflects stakeholder collaboration with the agency and clarifying licensing requirements.
• to a five-year license.
• We also added a section in there about licensing timeframes, just to make it to where our folks who are

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any licensing? No, they're not required to be licensed. They're not regulated by HHSC.
• medical licenses are dictating that, a Texas licensee is going to lose his license if he doesn't do
• But the other is licensed investigation.
• It had a license a year before, did not.
• Yes, I'm only licensed in Texas.

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• The proposal specifies that plans licensed by the DMHC, health insurers licensed by the Department of
• health plan or California Department of Insurance-licensed insurer.
• AB 116 required the department to license PBMs, and those licensed PBMs to submit quarterly financial
• statements and other information to the DMHC, and gave the DMHC the authority to audit licensed PBMs
• AB116 required the department to license PBMs and those licensed PBMs to submit quarterly financial statements

Transcript Highlights:

• The proposal specifies that plans licensed by the DMHC, health insurers licensed by the Department of
• health plan or California Department of Insurance-licensed insurer.
• AB 116 required the department to license PBMs, and those licensed PBMs to submit quarterly financial
• to ensure compliance with the law." "...or California Department of Insurance-licensed insurer.
• AB 116 required the department to license PBMs, and those licensed PBMs to submit quarterly financial

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health heard updates on five health-related budget items. First, members reviewed state support for distressed hospitals and health facilities. The California Health Facilities Financing Authority and HCAI described the Distressed Hospital Loan Program as a lifeline for 16 hospitals, many of which remain financially strained and are expected to seek loan forgiveness rather than repayment. Speakers cited reduced contract labor, new service lines, strategic partnerships, and the reopening of Madera Hospital as signs of progress, but also warned that federal policy changes under H.R. 1 will likely increase uncompensated care and pressure emergency departments. Public commenters from hospital, dental, and consumer groups supported additional funding, including a request to refresh the program with another $300 million. The committee then heard HCAI’s update on the California Rural Health Transformation Program, a five-year federal initiative funded at $233.6 million for California. HCAI said the program will focus on rural care models, workforce development, and health technology, with grants to be rolled out on a fast timeline and all funds obligated by October 30, 2026. Members raised concerns about rural provider capacity to apply for grants, and HCAI said it will use a third-party administrator, a technical assistance center, webinars, and other supports to help applicants. HCAI also presented its budget request for the health care payments database, seeking ongoing non-General Fund support to continue operations and expand data, including pharmacy benefit manager data. The Emergency Medical Services Authority presented three budget change proposals: funding to replace disaster medical services fleet vehicles, funding for IT security work, and additional positions for HR, enforcement, and legal workload. A member also raised concern that EMSA has not yet completed the annual ambulance rate reporting required by AB 716, and EMSA said it remains committed to the requirement but lost prior funding through later budget reductions. Covered California reported that it is still finalizing its own budget, but expects a lower operating budget due to efforts to reduce baseline costs and align spending with actual expenditures; it also projected enrollment declines tied to the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, H.R. 1, and federal rule changes, while noting that revenues may still rise because premiums are expected to increase. Finally, the Department of Managed Health Care outlined budget proposals tied to menopause coverage and education, PBM licensure and enforcement under AB 116 and SB 41, credentialing reforms under AB 1041, and prior authorization reporting under SB 306. Public testimony generally supported the menopause and PBM proposals, while also urging clearer language and attention to Medi-Cal parity. The hearing concluded after public comment, including additional advocacy for sickle cell services and rural health workforce funding.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our Office of Licensing and Regulation licensed 534 new foster homes.
• And then 30% are in a licensed foster home.
• So tribes may contract with a home that we license.
• we took a licensing action.
• They could be licensed for siblings, but otherwise we wouldn't.

Committee: Joint Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on the Department of Child Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• to revoke a license or put a school on probation.
• or a denial of a license.
• As far as the license being revoked, they can create another LLC or business and start brand new.
• And then when you say that revoke of the license, right, is that all that you guys?
• As far as the license being revoked, they can create another LLC or business and start brand new.

Summary: The joint Sunset Review Oversight Hearing focused on the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) and its reauthorization, operations, enforcement, fiscal condition, and student protections. Committee leaders and DCA officials praised the Bureau’s recent improvements in data systems, licensing, inspections, and enforcement, while noting the Bureau’s role has become more important as federal higher education oversight weakens. Bureau Chief Deborah Cochran said the agency has met its inspection mandate for the first time since the law was enacted, increased citations and disciplinary actions, reduced pending complaints, and used data tools to identify risk and monitor institutions more effectively. A major portion of the hearing centered on student harm, especially school closures, transcript access, predatory recruiting, and the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF). Members asked how the Bureau protects students when schools close, whether bad actors can reopen under new entities, and whether enforcement tools are strong enough. Cochran said the Bureau can cite, fine, place schools on probation, revoke licenses, and order refunds, but it is seeking new authority to deny approval to operators who previously closed schools improperly or failed to refund students. She also said the Bureau is tracking ownership data and is concerned about institutions targeting immigrant and visa students. On STRF, Cochran explained that the fund is currently healthy, assessments are at zero because the balance is above the statutory target, and the Bureau paid about 1,100 claims totaling roughly $17 million over the last four years. Several members questioned the fairness of the assessment structure and discussed alternatives such as surety bonds, but the Bureau said STRF is working well and no change is needed at this time. Fee increases and the Bureau’s structural deficit were another major topic. Cochran said the Bureau reduced costs by eliminating positions, streamlining inspections, improving data analysis, and shifting some student-relief costs to STRF, but that legislative action is still needed to address the deficit. She said the proposed fees were based on workload analyses and that application fees generally match service costs, while annual fees are designed to cover most of the Bureau’s revenue needs. Some members and stakeholders criticized the proposed increases as too high, especially for out-of-state registration and campus fees, while others argued the Bureau needs sufficient resources to regulate effectively. Public commenters from private schools, Northeastern University, San Joaquin Valley College/Carrington College, and TICAS generally supported the Bureau’s mission and reauthorization, but urged changes such as risk-based oversight, better transcript protections, stronger limits on repeated provisional approvals, and more targeted fee and STRF reforms. No votes were taken, and the hearing ended with no formal action beyond discussion and receipt of testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• For licensed practical nurses.
• Licensing laws around funeral service were established in 1935.
• for an associate funeral director license to be created.
• Uh, we have temporary licenses within the office already.
• c><00:58:24.600><c> office</c> temporary licenses within the office temporary licenses within the office

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• and be licensed.
• </c> done by licensed medical professionals? done by licensed medical professionals?
• ><c> medical</c> even with licensed medical even with licensed medical professionals.<01:50:47.920><c
• Lee's license. license. license.
• </c> not a title or a specialization license. not a title or a specialization license.

Committee: House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• , the abstractor's board realized that there might be a loophole where they might have to issue a license
• What happens to the license? Do we know? Thank you for the question.
• So that they would be licensed, they would be legally allowed to work.
• Then they would be legally allowed to apply for the abstractor's license.
• So it'd be to have a valid license. Representative, you're now recognized.

Transcript Highlights:

• There it has to do with license signature, um, for this AHP licensing approval, about a person being
• signature um for this to do with license signature um for this ahp<00:09:24.079><c> licensing</c><00
• I think the board uh will that license I think the board uh will do<00:10:01.040><c> what</c><00:10:
• back and good them get their license back and good moral<00:10:10.839><c> character</c><00:10:11.839
• </c> equin dental provider is also a licensed equin dental provider is also a licensed to<00:25:06.880

Summary: The House Agriculture Committee met briefly and took up Senate Bill 69, a measure creating a certification path for non-veterinarians who perform equine dental work, especially floating teeth. Sponsor Sen. Robin Webb and supporters said the bill was the product of about two years of open meetings and stakeholder discussions, and that it would provide accountability, insurance access, and a way to grandfather in long-time practitioners with additional training. They framed it as a rural access and affordability issue, arguing that many horse owners, especially in remote areas, cannot easily reach or afford large-animal veterinarians and that the bill would preserve a long-standing husbandry practice while setting limits so certified providers could not perform surgery. Opposition came from equine veterinarians Dr. Brad Tanner and Dr. William Rainbow, who agreed there is a shortage of large-animal veterinarians and that floating teeth is necessary, but argued the bill’s scope goes beyond simple husbandry. They said the proposed authority would include procedures such as tooth removal and other work they consider surgery, which should remain within veterinary practice because of the need for sedation, pain management, and broader oral and physical exams. They also objected to the title “equine dental provider,” saying it could mislead owners into thinking the person has dentist-like training, and suggested a term like “equine teeth floater” would be clearer. Tanner cited a KVMA survey he said showed only 14 of 214 respondents supported indirect veterinary supervision in the bill. Members asked about continuing education, the “good moral character” licensing language, and whether people with past criminal records could be excluded. Supporters said continuing education would be required through certification programs and that character determinations would be handled case by case, with reference to broader second-chance licensing efforts moving through the legislature. Rep. Stalker asked for clearer terminology and educational guidance for consumers; the witnesses reiterated that the public should understand the difference between floating teeth and a full dental exam. After discussion, the committee moved to a roll call vote on the bill, but the transcript cuts off before the final vote result is fully shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, yes, the Department of Health and Welfare issues an actual tobacco license.
• It's separate than your regular business license that you might get from the city.
• What’s not under federal law is that they have to be licensed in Idaho, so I get to approve their license
• They have to abide by the laws of the state of Idaho in order to be licensed.
• So I don't work in the Medicare market, but I do have an insurance license. Thank you.

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Chief Legal Counsel for the Department of Labor and Licensing. Thank you, Parker.
• so basically we're recognizing a CPA from another state ...license.
• They are able to service Arkansas clients without getting an Arkansas license.
• We recognize that state license, so that's called substantial equivalency.
• So, in order to license, you have to have a certain amount of upper-level accounting hours.

Committee: All ALC-ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:54:36.400><c> because</c> more and more about licensing because more and more about licensing
• </c><00:54:57.440><c> inspections</c> Coast, which makes licensing inspections Coast, which makes licensing
• </c> quite sure how a $250 licensing quite sure how a $250 licensing violation<00:55:08.319><c> is</c
• </c> regulation and lure on on licensed regulation and lure on on licensed professions<00:59:04.400><
• ,</c> um establishments to also be licensed, um establishments to also be licensed, which<01:44:25.520

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• We have no agency, that’s a pun, over someone’s real estate license.
• The state real estate commission deals with real estate licenses. We do not.
• It was simply expressing an opinion from a pulpit, and they lost their license.
• We're not going to take your license, but we think you need continuing education.
• We're not going to take your license, but we think you need continuing education.

Bills: HB256 , HCR19 , SB2101 , SB2334 , SB2633 , SB2637 , SB2713 , SB2781 , SB2782 , SB3059 , HB 1130

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Summary: The committee first reopened public testimony on Senate Bill 2713, which concerned protections for freedom of conscience in the context of Realtor association discipline. Texas Realtors representatives testified that their organization is a separate Texas legal entity but affiliated with the National Association of Realtors through a charter and code of ethics. They said Texas Realtors is neutral on SB 2713, that their ethics process is focused on fair housing and equal professional service, and that they have not suspended or terminated anyone in Texas for religious or political speech. Senators pressed them on whether national standards could override Texas law and on examples from other states; the witnesses said state and federal law control and that they would comply with Texas law if the bill passed. Public testimony then closed and SB 2713 was left pending. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1698 on e-cigarettes. Senator Parker explained a committee substitute that tightened enforcement, required distributor registration, expanded regulation to nicotine from any source, added restrictions on child-appealing packaging, authorized inspections and audits, and set compliance deadlines later in 2025 and 2026. After questions, the substitute was adopted and SB 1698, as substituted, was reported favorably to the full Senate on a 6-0 vote, with a recommendation for the local and uncontested calendar. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 2487 on crisis and mental health facilities. Senator Parker described a substitute that renamed the program a crisis service model, allowed multiple county facilities, added local siting limits, expanded staffing options, shortened clinical timelines, required discharge referrals, directed law enforcement and EMS to transport people there first, and created local boards and expanded reporting. The substitute was adopted and the bill was reported favorably on a 6-0 vote, also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. Senate Bill 2819, dealing with political activities of county elections administrators, was then reported favorably on a 6-0 vote and likewise sent to the local and uncontested calendar. Senate Bill 2043 was withdrawn. The committee spent substantial time on Senate Bill 2101, which would require municipal public libraries to move sexually explicit materials out of minors’ sections and impose age-verification and review requirements. Supporters argued the bill would protect children from explicit material in public libraries and that libraries should not be left to self-regulate. Opponents, including librarians, parents, authors, and ACLU representatives, argued the definitions were vague, the bill would be costly and burdensome for small libraries, could function as a book ban, and would restrict teens’ access to classics, research materials, and other books. Several witnesses said parents should make those decisions, not the state. The bill’s author said the committee substitute was still being worked on and asked witnesses to review it; public testimony remained open in the portion provided, with no final action on SB 2101 shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• To date, we have successfully licensed one facility.
• The facility is licensed for 14 beds. Yes.
• The facility is licensed for 14 beds and currently has 12 youth placed. Okay.
• The timeframe for licensing any facility can vary by the facility.
• does that process take for me to get through to become a licensed provider?

Committee: Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

Summary: The committee heard three presentations focused on child welfare workforce development and the needs of children in Florida’s dependency system. First, the Florida Institute for Child Welfare described its Grow Center and related initiatives, including academic curriculum enhancements, simulations, virtual reality training, coaching, on-demand learning, advanced certifications, and the planned Tallahassee learning lab opening in January 2026. Members asked about conflict resolution, domestic violence, addiction, and microcredentials; the presenter said the institute is expanding training in those areas and is working with DCF to align advanced certifications with the department’s career ladder. The Department of Children and Families then presented on the Continue the Mission initiative, which recruits veterans, military spouses, and former law enforcement officers into CPI, API, and case management roles. DCF said it has held more than 240 hiring events and hired 372 such workers since launch, while also improving recruitment and retention through higher starting pay, streamlined hiring, rebranding, wellness supports, and enhanced pre-service training. Senators asked about PTSD concerns, staffing levels, caseloads, hotline vacancies, and salaries; DCF said it had not seen direct PTSD issues from the hiring effort and provided figures including a $50,000 starting salary for CPIs, $37,000 for APIs, and average caseloads of 12 to 15 investigations for CPIs and about 10 for APIs. Finally, DCF discussed the increased acuity of children in the dependency system, explaining that fewer children are entering care overall but those who do often have more complex behavioral, mental health, developmental, or medical needs. The department highlighted a new Behavioral Qualified Residential Treatment Program (BQRTP) designed for youth who need more intensive support than traditional foster or group home settings but do not require inpatient psychiatric treatment; one facility is licensed with 12 of 14 beds filled, and DCF said it is seeking funding for placement for 230 youth total. Members pressed for details on licensure timelines, standards, funding, and the handling of crossover youth and lockouts, and DCF said it uses braided funding and works with DJJ, APD, and lead agencies through local and state review teams. A representative of the Florida Coalition for Children also testified, saying the issue is complex and multi-year, and that the coalition is working on possible legislative and programmatic solutions. The committee took no formal votes and adjourned after the presentations and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• It allows the hiring licensing authority to deny an applicant unless the person can show evidence of
• It allows the hiring of licensing licensing licensing authority<00:10:11.800><c> to</c> authority to
• authority to or<00:10:12.840><c> a</c><00:10:12.920><c> licensing</c><00:10:13.400><c> authority</c><
• 00:10:13.800><c> to</c><00:10:13.960><c> deny</c><00:10:14.400><c> an</c> or a licensing authority to
• licensing authority can exercise<00:10:33.000><c> discretion.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it was enlightening for me to learn that actually there's no one who is licensed, whether it's a
• There are some states that do license equine dentists and then have a very specific training program
• Is that something that should be licensed and regulated?
• And so even though I am a licensed veterinarian and it would be legal for me, if I do that and cause
• harm, I am also going to lose my license because I shouldn't have been doing it.

Summary: The conference committee on House/Senate Bill 2129 met to resolve the House amendment to the Senate-passed bill, which concerns exemptions related to veterinary practice. The main dispute centered on the House language adding terms such as “specialized or holistic trade” and expanding exemptions to include acupuncture/acupressure and non-veterinary dentistry, while the Senate preferred a narrower, more definitive list of exempt activities. Senators and House members discussed whether the word “includes” made the exemption open-ended, and whether equine dentistry should be treated as veterinary medicine or allowed as a separate practice. Testimony from Dr. Sarah Lyons of the North Dakota Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners and veterinarian Troy Dutton emphasized that dentistry, including equine dentistry, is generally considered the practice of veterinary medicine and can involve invasive procedures and animal safety risks. They argued the House amendment lacked educational or licensing requirements and could allow untrained individuals to perform procedures such as dentistry or acupuncture. House members raised concerns about rural access, shortages of veterinarians, and the practical reality that some horse owners and equine practitioners currently perform float work and similar services. After extended discussion, the committee did not reach agreement. Members noted that the House amendment language differed from the Senate version on the key exemption provisions, and that further review of proposed alternative language would be needed. A motion was made and approved by roll call that the committee was unable to agree at this time and would schedule another meeting. The meeting was then adjourned pending rescheduling.

Transcript Highlights:

• TWO ARE THE HEALTH CARE LICENSING AND THREE ARE RELATED TO CERTIFICATES.
• AND IF YOU COULD SAY WHICH LICENSING ENTITIES THIS RELATES TO THAT WOULD BE HELPFUL.
• , BUT YOU'RE LOOKING AT THOUSANDS OF THESE LICENSES ACROSS THE STATE.
• MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN LICENSE FEES.
• WHEN DO WE START TO PRACTICE ON THE CIGAR QUOTE UNQUOTE LICENSE? WE KNOW WHEN WE STARTED THIS?

Transcript Highlights:

• and newly licensed care center licenses and newly licensed providers<00:37:24.720><c> offering</c><00
• </c> as a unit so that um from the licensing as a unit so that um from the licensing and<01:19:54.040
• It's been a long day, but child care licensing—family child care and centers—are licensed, or family
• family child care and centers licensing family child care and centers are<01:39:10.520><c> licensed<
• c> least is licensed in individual counties least is licensed in individual counties is<01:39:14.679>

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Someone with a married name tries to get an ID or a driver's license.
• It's a star or something that's on your driver's license, I believe.
• Like if you have a motorcycle license, it's going to be an M on your license.
• You said what should go on the license to indicate your citizenship?
• And when my driver's license expired in 2020, I was now faced with updating my driver's license to getting

Committee: House Special Committee on Redistricting