Transcript Highlights:

• Their input confirmed that this is a real and growing problem that requires early coordinated action.
• rats through early detection, public reporting, and coordinated government response.
• Today, the assessment program is longstanding and overseen through the regular commission governance
• And I do like the preventative approach to make sure that we're drawing a line in the sand and that we're
• And so, again, this is just a signal to prioritize real sugar in the school lunch program.

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Summary: The Senate Agricultural Committee approved minutes from January 29 and February 3, 2026, then printed two committee RSs from Chair Tammy Nichols. RS 33191 would declare Norway rats and roof rats public nuisances/invasive pests and place coordination with the Department of Agriculture; RS 33266 would require clearer labeling for alternative animal protein products and restrict use of meat-cut terms on non-meat products. Both were printed without opposition. The committee then advanced two Idaho Potato Commission cleanup bills from Senator Camille Blaylock. Senate Bill 1242, which removes outdated rulemaking language, repeals an obsolete referendum provision, and deletes a redundant records section, was sent to the floor with a do pass recommendation. Senate Bill 1243, which removes references to the no-longer-used Idaho One Plan, was also sent to the floor with a do pass recommendation. Senate Bill 1241, the Working Animal Protection Act from Senator Brandon Shippey, drew extensive testimony. Supporters from veterinary, agriculture, carriage, outfitting, youth, and recreation groups said it would protect the lawful use of working animals and preserve agricultural and recreational heritage. Opponents, including the Idaho Humane Society and Association of Idaho Cities, argued the bill was too broad, could preempt local animal-control, zoning, and nuisance laws, and could create enforcement problems. The committee voted to send the bill to the amending order for possible amendments. House Joint Memorial 10, presented by Senator Kelly Anthon, urged Congress and USDA to prohibit artificial sweeteners in federally funded school meals and favor real sugar. The sugar beet industry and supporters said it would promote real food and support Idaho’s sugar sector, while a nutritionist testified against it, arguing sugar is highly processed and that schools should reduce added sugar. The committee approved the memorial and sent it to the floor with a do pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• And again, this is just to show the breadth and the reach of the program throughout the state.
• and the impact of that determination by CMS on what is happening and on all our GME programs.
• you can kind of give us an update And on all our GME programs.
• I just wanted to come and reaffirm and reassure you that the TEACH program is fantastic.
• Back to the question I started two presentations ago: the dental program and the FRAME program.

Summary: The committee met to receive implementation updates on recently enacted health care laws from AHCA and the Department of Health. AHCA reported on rural emergency hospitals, explaining the new Class 4 hospital designation, rule changes completed June 1, 2025, and that no Florida hospitals have yet converted, though one North Walton/DeFuniak Springs-area hospital has expressed interest. AHCA also reviewed the non-emergent care access plan requirement for hospitals with emergency departments, saying 83 plans had been received since July 1 and 63 approved, with plans emphasizing patient education, referrals to primary care or urgent care, and coordination for Medicaid managed care enrollees through the Florida HIE/ENS system. Members asked about HIE capacity, data collection, and whether the plans would identify shortages or trigger accountability measures; AHCA said it had moved to a new HIE vendor and would continue gathering data. AHCA also updated the committee on the TEACH workforce program, reporting $6.8 million in FY 2024-25 spending across 59 parent organizations and 229 facilities, with more than 1,800 students and nearly 380,000 clinical hours reimbursed, and said a federal 1115 workforce waiver was unlikely to move forward under CMS. On KidCare, AHCA said House Bill 121’s expansion to 300% of the federal poverty level remains blocked by federal litigation and CMS action tied to premium nonpayment rules, and members and public witnesses urged prompt implementation and asked for enrollment/disenrollment data and the rural health transformation funding outlook. Public testimony largely supported the NCAP and TEACH programs and pressed for action on KidCare. Representatives from health centers said NCAP has strengthened hospital-health center relationships and improved care coordination, including reduced recidivism in some hospitals. A Bond Community Health Center physician said TEACH is helping offset the burden of training students and could help address workforce shortages, especially in rural and underserved areas. Advocacy groups urged the committee to push for implementation of the KidCare expansion, citing children in the coverage gap and rising uninsured rates. The Department of Health then presented on several programs from the 2024-25 session. It reported on the Florida Reimbursement Assistance for Medical Education (FRAME) program, including 78 dentists and 15 dental hygienists funded under the dental track and nearly 1,300 medical professionals funded overall, with 123 dental applications and 71 funded dentists in the most recent cycle. DOH also updated the Screening and Services Grant Program, the Health Care Innovation Revolving Loan Program, the statewide telehealth maternity care program, and the swimming lesson voucher program, noting strong participation and outcomes such as reduced ER visits and improved postpartum follow-up in the maternity program. Finally, DOH said implementation of the HIV prevention drug/pharmacist dispensing law is underway, with three certification courses approved and five certifications issued. Members asked about barriers to wider use of HIV prevention drugs, more detailed maternal outcome data, and the dental workforce program report; DOH said more detailed reports would follow.

Transcript Highlights:

• They analyze and recommend solutions to mitigate and prevent behaviors harmful to our soldiers, airmen
• and</c> prevention, and mental health, and prevention, and mental health, and assesses<00:14:47.120><
• solutions to mitigate<00:14:54.160><c> and</c><00:14:54.480><c> prevent</c><00:14:55.519><c> behaviors
• </c><00:14:56.639><c> harmful</c> mitigate and prevent behaviors harmful mitigate and prevent behaviors
• The Howard Center is listening and has recently implemented a military and veteran program designed to

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I do want Incentive Pilot Program.
• >> They would, and looking at programs like the hands program, those programs that go in home and any
• . part of the early childhood uh program.
• </c> wife and I put them in early child wife and I put them in early child education<00:20:05.840><c>
• And I made in early child education.

Committee: Senate Families & Children

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• more accurately stated, could this bill—impact the State Soldiers Assistance Program, and in what ways
• What ways might that impact the program, and could it negatively impact our brave women and men in uniform
• </c> opportunity and time for checks and opportunity and time for checks and balances<00:10:36.040><c
• </c> and so this helps again put checks and and so this helps again put checks and balances<00:14:58.759
• All right, thank you. with the author uh and and work on with the author uh and and work on through<00

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• At the request of Chair Ramos, we will also explore ways in which our UC field courses and programs can
• There are some very technical requirements for their background, and this is why the academic program
• Thank you for that, and we would look forward to getting any of the criteria for that certificate program
• But I also hope that if we are able to develop this educational program, that their sons and daughters
• And I can tell you, those early days were very hard, very difficult.

Summary: The joint hearing of the Select Committee on Native American Affairs and the Joint Legislative Audit Committee focused on the University of California’s compliance with NAGPRA and CalNAGPRA and the return of Native American human remains and cultural items. Senators and Assembly Members opened by emphasizing the sacredness of repatriation, the ongoing trauma caused by delayed returns, and the need for stronger systemwide accountability. The State Auditor presented the third audit of UC’s repatriation efforts, concluding that UC still lacks the urgency, oversight, and clear timelines needed to promptly return remains and belongings. The audit found thousands of remains and hundreds of thousands of cultural items still in UC custody, new undisclosed collections at several campuses, weak budgeting and underspending, and repatriation plans that often lacked concrete deadlines. The auditor recommended stronger UCOP oversight, performance metrics, proactive searches for undiscovered items, and possible legislative action to tie funding to measurable progress. UC officials responded that the system is committed to full compliance and has accelerated its work since adopting a new policy in 2022. UC Provost Catherine Newman said the system repatriated more than 2,800 ancestors and nearly 80,000 funerary belongings in the past year, and that UC now says 80.3% of Native American remains are either repatriated or available for repatriation. UC announced a new systemwide plan to complete repatriation of human remains by the end of 2028, to finish high-risk campus reviews by June 2026, to recall all loans by January 2026, and to require quarterly reporting to UCOP. UC also said it will spend an additional $8.8 million over three years, expand staffing, improve databases, support tribal consultation costs, and identify potential reburial sites on UC land. Berkeley and San Diego described increased staffing, consultations, and repatriation activity, while Santa Barbara said it had corrected earlier omissions, notified tribes about previously unreported ancestors, and was working toward completing repatriations and updated inventories. Committee members pressed UC on why progress has been so slow, why the audit’s timelines differed from UC’s public reporting, and whether the 2028 goal applies only to human remains rather than all cultural items. UC said the 2028 target is for human remains, while cultural items will take longer, and acknowledged that more work remains. Members also asked about the technical expertise needed for repatriation, the role of tribal experts, and whether repatriation should be embedded more permanently in UC governance or statute. Tribal leaders and representatives then testified that remains and belongings were taken without consent and must be returned with tribal consent and leadership. They criticized the repeated delays, stressed that tribes are the experts on their ancestors and cultural heritage, and urged UC to treat repatriation as a top priority and to return all associated items, not just human remains, so ancestors can truly rest.

Transcript Highlights:

• can prevent flooding and reduce water pollution.
• > accidents</c> bridges and roads can prevent accidents bridges and roads can prevent accidents and<00
• can prevent flooding and reduce systems can prevent flooding and reduce water<00:03:48.640><c> pollution
• You've mentioned that this is part of the National School Lunch Program, and that whole milk and 2% are
• lunch program um and that<00:19:13.840><c> whole</c><00:19:14.160><c> milk</c><00:19:14.400><c> and<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• fiscal minutiae of many topics, including LIHEAP and weatherization programs.
• And whereas in the early 1990s, Maria Blair's proven record of achievement and leadership resulted in
• And whereas, for example, the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion's Division
• </c> Center for Chronic Disease Prevention Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and<00:09:34.480><c>
• Consulting with and making policy and program recommendations to city departments, the mayor's office

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:29:36.480><c> and</c> Hawai's efforts under her program and Hawai's efforts under her program
• </c> distribution system under that program distribution system under that program and<00:53:34.880><
• ,</c> and which by the end of that program, and which by the end of that program, we've<00:53:37.119>
• > monitoring</c> program and resume compliance monitoring program and resume compliance monitoring like
• c> under the EDWM program and so you can under the EDWM program and so you can find<01:22:43.120><c>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Special Committee on Red Hill held an informational briefing at the State Capitol focused on updates from the Navy Closure Task Force Red Hill and NAVFAC Hawaii. Members and Navy officials opened by noting the meeting format, providing public links to tank closure supplement 4 and environmental remediation resources, and thanking Admiral Barnett for attending before his transition. The Navy emphasized that the Red Hill closure effort and the PFAS/PAS environmental remediation effort are separate but coordinated, and that both are long-term undertakings. For the closure effort, Navy officials reported progress on tank cleaning, ventilation, sludge removal, groundwater monitoring, and preparation for pipeline removal. They said supplement 4 to the tank closure plan was submitted in May and outlines the overall closure strategy, post-closure monitoring, and the decision to proceed with closure rather than wait for beneficial reuse decisions. They described completed ventilation of tanks 3 through 8, the start of tank 2 ventilation, removal of 283 gallons of sludge from the first six tanks, and plans to begin pipeline pigging and removal later this year. Officials also said all sludge samples tested so far were non-hazardous and that air monitoring has not shown elevated volatile organic readings during operations. NAVFAC Hawaii then outlined the PFAS/PAS remedial investigation under CERCLA, explaining the cleanup process, the nature of PFAS, and the role of aqueous film-forming foam as a source. The presentation said the Navy began investigating PFAS releases in 2014-2015, that the 2021 Red Hill fuel release led directly into remedial investigation work, and that current activities include quarterly groundwater sampling at 42 monitoring wells, installation of new shallow and deep wells, soil sampling where exceedances were found, fate-and-transport modeling, and human health risk assessments. Officials said data are publicly available on the Red Hill environmental website and that the next restoration advisory board meeting is scheduled for August 27. The Navy also gave a water resiliency update, saying it is upgrading the joint base drinking water system with pump, tank, and cybersecurity improvements and is installing treatment systems for the inactive Navy Aiea and Red Hill shafts ahead of EPA drinking water standards taking effect in 2029. No votes or formal committee actions were taken, as the meeting was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• The cap-and-trade. trade program is a tax and spend program.
• programs by the IOUs or prevent rate payer funds from being collected and have rate increases for the
• TURCIP program and the LCTOP program.
• prevention and forest health.
• , and the TURCIP and LCTOP transit programs, and the continuous appropriation.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Tax to fund this program, and then it's implemented.
• Early responsible mosquito control prevents emergencies or airplanes.
• and what the effect that would have on the overall program?
• hinder and stop the program immediately.
• Our mosquito control program relies heavily on surveillance of larval and adult mosquito. control program

Committee: House Local Government

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Health Professions and Programs Subcommittee will come to order. Anola, please call the roll.
• HB 723, Type 1 Diabetes Early Detection Program.
• The education and training CRNAs receive in an anesthesia program, including the nine programs here in
• This is a very common-sense bill that will help with early detection and prevention.
• This is a very common-sense bill that will help with early detection and prevention.

Summary: The Health Professions and Programs Subcommittee met with a quorum and heard two bills. HB 649 would remove the current written physician protocol requirement for certified registered nurse anesthetists, allowing CRNAs to practice autonomously. The sponsor and supporters argued the change would modernize Florida law, address anesthesia workforce shortages, keep graduates in the state, and improve access especially in rural areas; opponents, including the Florida Medical Association and a cardiologist, warned that physician oversight is important for patient safety and that anesthesia complications can arise quickly. After debate, the committee passed HB 649 favorably by a vote of 12 yeas and 6 nays. The committee then heard HB 723, which requires the Department of Health, working with school districts, to develop informational materials on early detection of type 1 diabetes and have schools notify parents within the first 30 school days about those materials. The sponsor said the goal is to help parents recognize warning signs earlier and avoid emergency diagnoses such as diabetic ketoacidosis, with minimal fiscal impact because the materials would be distributed digitally. Members generally supported the bill and discussed timing and distribution methods, suggesting the notice not get lost in back-to-school paperwork. HB 723 passed unanimously, 18 yeas and 0 nays, and was reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so by that we mean lure programs.
• And so we're their lensure program.
• And this um rubric will each program.
• and programs approved in other states.
• And clarify what early literacy means.

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It was set to expire, and we really did some research to demonstrate the benefits of that program, the
• cost savings of the program, and how Congress was really ruining the program because they weren't providing
• And I know Massachusetts has re-engaged in that program.
• these disparities and try to have more policies and programs that can support equity for people who
• I like to make sure that I'm covering all the bases and getting all the HCBS programs and the number

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities’ Long-Term Services and Supports and Health Equity Subcommittee met to hear a presentation from the Lurie Institute for Disability Policy at Brandeis University. Monica Mitra introduced the institute’s work on disability health equity and long-term services and supports, and staff described several research centers focused on community living policy, disability and pregnancy, and parents with disabilities. The presentation emphasized participatory research, accessible dissemination, and the connection between health equity and access to home- and community-based services. Joe Caldwell discussed the Community Living Policy Center’s work on Medicaid HCBS, the direct care workforce crisis, housing, and policy advocacy, including efforts related to the Money Follows the Person program and the Medicaid access rule’s interested parties advisory group. Sid Pickern highlighted a workforce study interviewing direct care workers, a forthcoming policy brief on the access rule, and housing research including Massachusetts’ Alternative Housing Voucher Program. Teresa Nguyen described the Community Living Equity Center’s focus on disparities in community living for people of color, especially a study on self-direction and community living outcomes, and asked for help recruiting participants. Lauren Bixby demonstrated the community living data dashboard, which compares adults who need LTSS with those receiving Medicaid LTSS using ACS and TMSIS data. She explained that the dashboard can be filtered by state and demographics, but noted major race and ethnicity data gaps for Massachusetts and other states. Commissioners praised the dashboard and the institute’s work, asked questions about data sources and the 1115 waiver, and discussed possible connections to the Health Equity Compact. No votes were taken; the meeting ended with an invitation for follow-up, including a forthcoming direct care workforce brief and the institute’s October 28 lecture.

Transcript Highlights:

• , January 23, 2026, and open the public hearing on House Bill 2428, preventing unintentional lapses and
• And this bill is a really simple and effective way to prevent that from happening.
• detect, prevent, and deter insurance fraud and crimes.
• And then lastly, back to the voluntary grant program.
• the sexual assault prevention and that sort of thing, and harassment.

Summary: The Consumer Protection and Business Committee held public hearings on three bills and then moved into a work session on insurance-related topics. House Bill 2428 would require life insurers to send advance written notice of an impending lapse or cancellation, including notice to a designated third party, and to provide proof of delivery; it would also require applicants to be told they may designate such a third party. The prime sponsor and the Office of the Insurance Commissioner supported the bill as a consumer protection measure for older or vulnerable policyholders, while the life insurance industry supported the concept but requested a delayed implementation date and a small technical amendment. The committee then heard House Bill 2399, which would prohibit post-loss assignments of benefits in property insurance. Staff and the prime sponsor described the practice as allowing contractors to step into the policyholder’s shoes and potentially take control of claims, litigation, and settlement, often to the consumer’s detriment. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner, the Washington State Association for Justice, PEMCO, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau all supported the bill, emphasizing consumer vulnerability after disasters and the risk of fraud or inflated claims. Members asked about steering by adjusters, alternative ways for homeowners to authorize others to help with claims, and the $50,000 per-violation penalty, which would go to the general fund. House Bill 2087 would enact a Washington Travel Insurance Act based on the NAIC model, creating a more detailed statutory framework for travel insurance licensing, travel retailers, travel administrators, disclosures, and prohibited sales practices. The sponsor and industry witnesses said the bill would expand consumer choice and standardize rules, while the Office of the Insurance Commissioner supported the compromise language but raised a remaining concern about claims being adjusted by unlicensed adjusters. The Attorney General’s Office testified that the bill should not be read to supersede Washington’s anti-discrimination and consumer protection laws, and the sponsor said amendments were being worked on to address that concern. In the work session, OIC and Department of Natural Resources staff presented the wildfire mitigation and resiliency work group report. They said the group reached consensus on several areas, including the importance of community-level mitigation, better data sharing, improved transparency around wildfire-related nonrenewals and cancellations, and a voluntary grant program to help homeowners retrofit to IBHS wildfire-prepared standards. Members asked about leadership for the recommendations, overlap with existing programs, privacy concerns in data sharing, and how the proposals would fit with broader statewide wildfire planning. The committee also received a briefing on flood insurance markets and claims after the December atmospheric flooding event, with staff noting that private flood policies generally offer broader coverage than the federal NFIP, and that Washington had seen about 700 federal claims and roughly $18 million paid out so far.

Transcript Highlights:

• can do it early, insurance and and if we can do it early, we<00:45:43.119><c> spare</c><00:45:43.359
• The anticipate and act early on this.
• </c> um they have a program in place and they um they have a program in place and they have<01:13:34.159
• program and numbers for the unemployment program right<01:47:35.600><c> now</c><01:47:35.760><c> and
• my</c> information and preventing my information and preventing my adjudicator<02:35:41.760><c> from<

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• a little louder about how critical these programs are, and how life-saving these programs are, and how
• CalFresh and food programs.
• program features and things going on. in the program.
• and prevent child summer hunger.
• and bring the program away from its racist and sexist roots.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of the UCB Latinx and the Environment Program.
• Early diagnosis and treatment, including new emergency drug therapies, can be immensely beneficial and
• for better prevention, treatment, and support.
• retail activity, and tax revenue will ripple down past those venues that will support services and programs
• health programs. ...campuses, and two labor occupational safety and health programs at UCLA and UC Berkeley

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And all of that is in the amendment while maintaining the mentoring program, and that is the bill, Mr
• The bill updates the Early Steps program by aligning dispute resolution and transition procedures with
• and outcomes of the program.
• And it also sunsets the program on July 1, 2031. That is the amendment.
• the pilot program does expire, and we're going to be back on this subject.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition, these chemicals enter and remain in water, soil, and sediment, and eventually make their
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says... The U.S.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says, I quote, studies have not found any added health benefit
• And finally, I just want to note that DTSC is also running a research program through their safer consumer
• And this profile typically... ...chemical profile later this year or early next year, and this profile

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.