Transcript Highlights:

• AB 1503 is the sunset bill for the California State Board of Pharmacy.
• Rhiannon Morales, legislative aid with UFCW Western State Council.
• With AB 671, we have the opportunity to do the same in our state.
• But the information that the state would be receiving is duplicative.
• the cannabis product ever leaving the state of California.

Committee: House Business and Professions

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's something that some other states have similar law and rule.
• As it was stated, this was... Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• It's the second state in the country for family-owned farms.
• It's the second state in the country for family-owned farms.
• Yeah, the changes are we went back to the local state system.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh we see that we lag behind a lot of the other states in the nation.
• </c> lot of the other states in the nation. lot of the other states in the nation.
• </c><00:05:38.000><c> after</c><00:05:38.240><c> a</c> State with more people working.
• If we don't get control United States.
• And you know, when have in the state.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Make America Healthy Again task force held its first meeting to set interim priorities rather than take formal action. Co-chairs and members said the group’s goal is to identify practical policy ideas to improve Kentucky’s poor health outcomes, with an emphasis on prevention, and to gather input from members and outside stakeholders. Roll was called, several members were present, and the co-chairs noted the meeting would be limited in length and would not include a lunch break. Members identified a wide range of possible focus areas, including childhood and adult obesity, nutrition in schools, food deserts, agriculture and support for local farms, health responsibility, physical activity, mental health, and provider education on nutrition. Several speakers stressed that Kentucky’s health care costs are rising unsustainably and that prevention is cheaper than treatment. Others emphasized that the task force should work with agencies, hospitals, universities, and experts, and should narrow its work to a few actionable areas rather than “chase every rabbit.” There was also discussion of food as medicine, improving the quality of food in schools and hospitals, and making healthier choices more accessible and affordable. Members referenced conversations already underway with industries, the Kentucky Department of Education, the Kentucky Hospital Association, and agricultural leaders. No votes or formal motions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided; the main action was the exchange of priorities and direction for future task force work.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have quite a few people here, given how treacherous it was to reach the State House today for many
• State Director for Reproductive Equity Now.
• Each day, approximately 6,000 people in the United States reach menopause.
• state in the nation because they don't have access to clinicians who can help them.
• the women of their states.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Health

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing during a snowstorm, with members participating both in person and via Teams, and the chairs said testimony would be kept open for an additional week. The first bill heard was H.4796, an act relative to organ transplant vehicles. NORA New England testified in support, arguing that dedicated organ transport vehicles need authority to use lights and sirens so time-sensitive organs can be moved more quickly and safely without relying on EMS systems already stretched by 9-1-1 calls. No opposition was heard and the bill was then set aside as the committee moved to the next item. The bulk of the hearing focused on H.4838, an act expanding access to perimenopause and menopause care. Chair Decker, who filed the bill, said it was the product of a year of meetings with dozens of individuals and organizations and was intended as a starting point to identify gaps in care, training, access, and coverage. Testimony overwhelmingly supported the bill and described widespread misdiagnosis, dismissal of symptoms, limited clinician training, insurance barriers, medication access problems, and workplace impacts. Speakers included patients, clinicians, advocates, the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association, Blue Cross Blue Shield, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, and out-of-state and international experts, many of whom urged better education, public awareness, research, and workplace accommodations. Several witnesses emphasized that menopause affects whole-body health, including cardiovascular, bone, mental health, and work outcomes, and that Black women and other marginalized groups face greater barriers and worse outcomes. Some speakers noted the bill is important but largely a framework that will need further work to address coverage and access more directly. Blue Cross Blue Shield said it supports the bill and already covers menopause-related care and training, though the chair used the exchange to criticize broader insurer and state decisions on GLP-1 coverage for obesity. The committee took no vote during the hearing, and the chairs closed by thanking witnesses and stating that additional written testimony would be accepted.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have quite a few people here, given how treacherous it was to reach the State House today for many
• State Director for Reproductive Equity Now.
• Each day, approximately 6,000 people in the United States reach menopause.
• state in the nation because they don't have access to clinicians who can help them.
• women of their states.

Bills: H4796 , H4838

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Health

Keywords: organ transplant, emergency vehicle, transportation, medical personnel, regulation, organs, menopause, perimenopause, healthcare access, female health, public health, medical education, workplace policies, discrimination, accommodation, 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• forward and there's no defined direction of which way it's going, then we would address it at the state
• Would address it at the state level. Yes. May I make a motion to carry over the bill?
• That would come in line with what 26 other states are already doing.
• It also allows state officials to monitor and identify when and where outbreaks are most likely to occur
• well, I mean so we have seen right, um, well I mean so we have seen outbreaks of measles in other states

Bills: HB491 , SB85

Committee: House Health

Keywords: HB491, public schools, K-12, school nutrition, school lunch, cafeteria, artificial dyes, food additives, food coloring, synthetic dyes, Red Dye No. 3, Red Dye No. 40, Yellow Dye No. 5, Yellow Dye No. 6, Blue Dye No. 1, Blue Dye No. 2, Green Dye No. 3, school fundraising, vending, snacks

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> our state. our state. Thank<01:05:01.200><c> you.
• state.
• and</c><02:00:00.080><c> so</c><02:00:00.239><c> we</c> states that's a trigger state and so we states
• </c> to this in our state? to this in our state?
• have state human majority of US states have state human rights<05:11:38.958><c> commissions.

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's within higher education at U of I and Boise State? Senator Burtenshaw.
• We see it in Texas. We see it all over.
• Many different states have a similar support system in place. We see it in Texas.
• Many different states have a similar support system in place.
• All of those different city-states had different constitutions.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are the state parks open right now?
• </c> Are the state parks open right now? Are the state parks open right now?
• However, the state society said that was too arduous for New Hampshire because we're a smaller state.
• It would be fine for a larger state like Texas or California, but we have a smaller population.
• It would be fine for a larger state like Texas or California, but we have a smaller population.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from the prior meeting and adopted the consent calendar without objection. It then postponed the Board of Licensed Dieticians item until next month after granting a waiver, and also postponed the Board of Accountancy item to next month so the agency could respond. The Board of Registry and Optometry received conditional approval. Staff noted the board had addressed editorial comments, but flagged one substantive issue involving the drug formulary and whether it should be exempt from rulemaking requirements; the committee agreed to add that as a legislative suggestion for later review. The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources interim rule drew more discussion, focused on a provision regulating kindling size for Category 3 fires. Staff and committee members questioned whether the agency had authority over Category 3 fires under the statute, but agency representatives said the interim rules were needed because the prior rules had expired and forest rangers lacked enforcement authority while final rulemaking was pending. The committee ultimately granted conditional approval to interim rule 25-4, with one member voting against it over concerns about consistency with the law. The Board of Examiners’ Dental 304 rules were presented next. The agency explained that it had revised the rules to address prior committee concerns about anesthesia and sedation for children, including creating a pathway for oral surgeons and dentist anesthesiologists to obtain exemptions for under-13 patients, setting a 20-patient-every-two-years threshold for certain permits, adding pediatric minimal sedation permitting, and loosening moderate sedation rules for pediatric dentists. Members also discussed whether the rules were compatible with House Bill 470, and staff said they appeared compatible and would not require additional rulemaking. The committee then approved the dental rules, and after that it adjourned after announcing it would cancel the continued meeting and take up remaining business next month.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Secretary of State, the Department of State, has the ability today to do this.
• that the state has put in place.
• Some out-of-state actors who are being prosecuted in other states.
• parks across the state.
• But just not in our state parks.

Summary: The Florida Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including interns, Denim Day awareness for sexual assault survivors, a resolution honoring Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange, and a memorial proclamation for former Senator Karen Johnson Gendron. The chamber then moved to special-order bills, with senators also briefly discussing the session’s pace and thanking staff and colleagues for their work. The first major bill, on driving and boating offenses, was amended and passed 37-0. As amended, it increases penalties for repeat DUI/BUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide/vessel homicide offenses, and adds notice requirements and misdemeanor penalties for refusing lawful breath or urine tests. Senators also passed SB 306 on Medicaid providers 37-0, requiring Medicaid managed care plans to offer more after-hours and holiday access and ensuring more primary care appointment availability outside regular business hours. The Senate then passed a major condominium and cooperative associations bill, also 37-0, after extensive debate and multiple amendments. The measure extends deadlines for structural integrity reserve studies, adds flexibility for reserve funding and budgeting, tightens rules for managers and inspectors, limits certain requirements to buildings of three or more habitable stories, and extends the rescission period for condo purchases. Senators from both parties praised the bill’s sponsors for years of work responding to post-Surfside safety and affordability concerns. The longest and most contentious item was SB 7016/HB 1205 on constitutional amendment petition procedures. Sponsors said the bill responds to fraud and abuse in the citizen initiative process by tightening circulator rules, requiring faster submission of signed petitions, adding voter notification, increasing penalties, and shifting costs to sponsors. Opponents argued it would burden volunteers and make it harder for citizens to qualify initiatives. The chamber adopted a series of amendments, including changes to the petition-circulator threshold, volunteer protections, submission timing, invalid-signature investigation thresholds, and notice/cure provisions, while debate continued over whether the overall package would protect election integrity or suppress citizen-led amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> corridors and projects in the state. corridors and projects in the state.
• </c><00:29:33.560><c> It's</c> and to the state. It's and to the state.
• </c> state average. state average.
• </c> state economy. state economy.
• </c> as a state on these on these things. as a state on these on these things.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> we could bring into this state, we could bring into this state, and<00:26:13.360><c> I</c><00:26
• </c> regard to the state policy. regard to the state policy.
• to every state is in other states to every state without<01:22:13.440><c> having</c><01:22:13.720><c
• </c> a problem across the state in education. a problem across the state in education.
• </c> teacher in this state. teacher in this state.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This helps prevent doxxing of our employees and state people involved in that.
• That's not something the state grants.
• And the other thing I'd like to finish by sharing is this is happening in other states.
• Texas, South Dakota, and North Dakota.
• Everybody here wants to do what's best for kids in our state, and I know that.

Summary: The House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee approved the minutes from March 11, 2026, then took up House Bill 803 on execution procedures. The bill would extend confidentiality protections for people involved in firing squad executions to match those already used for lethal injection, with supporters saying it protects state employees from doxxing and is consistent with recent court rulings. Some members objected that the bill reduces transparency and removes even limited administrative review, but the committee passed it on a roll call vote, 11-2, with Representatives Matthias and Rubel voting no. The committee then heard House Bill 857, which would give both parents equal access to a minor child’s records, including medical, educational, child care, law enforcement, and court records, unless a court order restricts access with written findings that the restriction is necessary to prevent substantial harm to the child. The sponsor said the bill clarifies parental rights and helps schools and providers know when records must be released, while opponents argued it could expose parents and children to danger, create a high burden for courts, and reduce privacy protections. After testimony from family law attorneys, a court representative, and parents, the committee sent the bill to General Orders unanimously. House Bill 859, also from Representative Scott, would require restoration of parenting time when a parent loses time due to abuse allegations that are later found unsubstantiated or insufficient, and would require courts to order make-up time and report willful interference to prosecutors. Supporters said it would deter false allegations and restore time wrongfully lost, while opponents said existing family law rules already provide make-up time, the bill would burden courts, and the reporting requirement would compromise judicial neutrality. The committee rejected a motion to hold the bill and instead passed a motion to hold it in committee by a 7-5 roll call vote. The committee then quickly passed Senate Bill 1308, a cleanup bill related to mediator information, and Senate Bill 1293, which clarifies that crime victims compensation is not a public benefit under last session’s public benefits law. Both were sent to the floor with due pass recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• This helps prevent doxxing of our employees and state people involved in that.
• That's not something the state grants.
• Second judge allowed you, the state, to pay for the transcript. Is that what happened?
• Texas, South Dakota, North Dakota.
• Everybody here wants to do what's best for kids in our state. And I know that.

Committee: House Judiciary, Rules and Administration

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that would be entirely regulated within the state and they may not be exported from the state.
• </c> they may not be exported from the state. they may not be exported from the state.
• It's an option for people. of the state. We're talking about of the state.
• </c> one's over the authority of the state. one's over the authority of the state.
• </c><00:29:10.159><c> do</c> carry state, residents in this state do carry state, residents in this state

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and four Democrat-led states."
• Sorry, excuse me—state employers. State employers. So we still have the county...
• No state has that level of brand use. States that don't have this have 80% generic use.
• Other states have recognized this and are already taking steps. North Dakota, Texas.
• I know Colorado is another state... It's own state-named trail. I know Colorado is another state.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 1630, which would direct AHCCCS to seek federal approval for a home- and community-based services program for adults determined to be seriously mentally ill, with quarterly implementation updates, a stakeholder work group, and a cap on enrollment. The sponsor and advocates from Arizona Mad Moms argued the bill would create a Medicaid-funded long-term care option for the most disabled SMI patients, reduce costly hospital and state-only care, and improve continuity of care. A committee amendment narrowed eligibility to individuals needing a long-term SMI level of care, changed reporting to semiannual, reduced the initial cap to 250 members with possible growth tied to savings, and required AHCCCS to keep pursuing approval if CMS denies it. The amendment was adopted, and SB 1630 as amended passed 10-0. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1131, which originally required every school district and charter school to adopt a cardiac emergency response plan and appropriated $1 million for implementation. A Warner amendment replaced the mandate with a reporting requirement on AED counts, CPR/AED-trained staff, and whether a plan exists, while shifting the appropriation toward AED grants and limiting school spending to purchasing and maintaining AEDs. The American Heart Association supported the amendment as a way to gather baseline data and target resources, while some members questioned the funding split and the rural-school priority. The amendment was adopted, and SB 1131 as amended passed 9-1. Next, the committee took up Senate Bill 1582, dealing with the school safety interoperability fund. The amendment changed the appropriation from ADE to ADOA and allocated funds to specific county sheriff’s offices to continue existing interoperable communication systems linking schools and first responders; supporters said the systems had been used in drills and some real incidents, and were important for school safety. One member raised concerns about the auditor general’s report and whether the program should continue, but sheriffs and school officials described it as a useful communication tool. The amendment was adopted, and SB 1582 as amended passed 6-4. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 1504, which would change retirement rules for Tier 2 and Tier 3 public safety personnel and reduce the waiting period for cost-of-living adjustments. The sponsor, police and fire representatives, and pension consultants argued the bill would improve recruitment and retention and align benefits more closely with what employees were promised, while cities, counties, and taxpayer groups warned it would add substantial unfunded liabilities and undermine the 2016 pension reforms. The committee spent extensive time on actuarial costs, funding status, and the effect of the amendment exempting the bill from statutory pre-funding requirements; the transcript ends during that discussion before a final vote on SB 1504 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• You've probably read about Florida, California, Texas, and some of the Eastern Seaboard states.
• At a state-by-state basis, as insurance is regulated at the state level, not the federal level.
• You've probably read about Florida, California, Texas, and some of the Eastern Seaboard states.
• In every other state, they chip in; not every, but in many other states they chip in.
• In every other state, they chip in; not every, but in many other states they chip in.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In the state, there are four programs: University of Arkansas, Arkansas State, Pulaski Tech, and Southern
• In our current state, the 3D program can serve 20 students at max at a time.
• The goal is to create individualized, state-of-the-art vocational programming.
• I mean, I think that I was there with Susie traveling the state.
• And so other states are ahead of Arkansas in making that a viable possibility.

Committee: All TASK FORCE ON AUTISM

Summary: The committee heard presentations on three Arkansas programs serving students and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. University of Arkansas representatives described the Empower Program, a non-degree, four-year inclusive postsecondary program for young adults with mild intellectual disabilities, and the Autism Support Program, which provides intensive academic, peer, and career coaching for degree-seeking students with autism. They explained the programs’ person-centered planning, residential and employment supports, fee structure of $5,000 per semester for each program, and scholarship/fundraising efforts to offset costs. Members asked about dorm arrangements, mentoring, individualized plans, and how students move in and out of support services, and the presenters emphasized independence, integrated campus life, and transition planning. Pulaski Technical College staff then presented the 3D program, a three-year transition program in culinary, baking, and hospitality for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They outlined integrated classes, internships, job placement outcomes, and data showing strong completion and employment retention rates. Questions focused on how success is measured, tuition and financial aid, and the challenge of securing community partners for practicum and employment sites. The presenters said the program uses rubrics that include technical and professional skills, charges $5,700 per semester, and is pursuing accreditation through the Inclusive Higher Education Accreditation Council. The final presentation was from SLS Community, a Fayetteville nonprofit serving neurodivergent adults through residential supports, supported employment, and community initiatives. Leaders described their vision for a future mixed-use “live-work-play” development at Cato Springs, current residential and vocational services, and community events such as a 5K and a neurodiversity health care conference. Family members testified about the need for adult services, trained direct support professionals, and better reimbursement and behavioral health supports after age 21. No formal votes were taken beyond approving the prior meeting minutes, and members also announced upcoming autism-related events and requested future discussion on task force appointments and ABA-related issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> name is Susan Brower I'm the state name is Susan Brower I'm the state demographer<00:00:50.680><
• to the state.
• States.
• a growing state.
• state a growing State want to make our state a growing State we<00:31:37.679><c> do</c><00:31:37.840>

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This will be the budget hearing presentation for the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission, which graciously
• So the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission was founded in 1999. We regulate professional boxing.
• Our temps are around the state of Oklahoma. They attend the events. They inspect at our events.
• We have at least one, maybe four wrestling every single weekend all over the state.
• Our total sales from combined events in 2025... ...over the state.

Summary: The committee heard a budget presentation from the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission, which regulates professional boxing, MMA, kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, wrestling, and newer combat sports such as slap fighting and bare-knuckle fighting. The director apologized for missing an earlier appearance and explained that the agency now operates as its own standalone agency rather than under the Health Department. She described the commission’s safety role, including licensing participants, requiring blood testing, and sending inspectors to events, while promoters pay for doctors, ambulances, referees, judges, and other event personnel. The commission said its main accomplishments included securing its own agency number, updating outdated statutory language, adding authority to regulate slap fighting and bare-knuckle events, and moving to credit-card payments. Major challenges discussed were staffing and modernization: the agency has only two full-time employees, 36 temporary inspectors, and still relies on Excel as its database. The director said the commission needs a new licensing system, training for officials, and more outreach to attract larger promotions. She noted that in fiscal year 2025 the commission licensed 1,287 participants, oversaw about 40 combat events plus weekly wrestling events, and reported combined event sales of more than $3.1 million. Members asked about event operations, referee certification, charitable-event fees, and how the commission could grow combat sports in Oklahoma. The director said the agency is seeking a recurring $500,000 annual appropriation, plus a $300,000 supplemental, to cover new standalone-agency costs, hire an additional employee, and begin purchasing licensing software. She explained that the supplemental would help fund immediate expenses and allow the agency to hire a current temp worker. The chair encouraged the agency to coordinate earlier with committee leadership next session and closed the meeting after a brief discussion of “chess boxing.”