Transcript Highlights:

• I can think of no better example of selfless service and heroism.
• Number three, they will not be compensated for services.
• to need vision services and who are also economically disadvantaged.
• Referred to the Committee on Human Services.
• Referred to the Committee on Human Services.

Summary: The House convened with a quorum present, heard an invocation and pledges, received Senate messages, and adopted several procedural motions allowing committees to meet during the session and postponing or scheduling certain committee hearings. Members also observed a memorial recognition for Wood County Deputy Sheriff Melissa Pollard, who died in the line of duty, and adopted a resolution honoring her service. The chamber then adopted House Resolution 897 recognizing May 6, 2025 as Golf Day in Texas and House Resolution 1063 recognizing Dallas Housing Coalition Advocacy Day; additional recognitions highlighted Mental Health Awareness Month and tardive dyskinesia awareness, The Woodlands’ 50th anniversary, Alzheimer’s advocacy, student athlete Gator Young, an intern in Rep. Leo-Wilson’s office, and educator Jessica Lopez. The House spent much of the day on third-reading consideration of a long calendar of bills. Among the measures passed were HB 24 on zoning protest procedures, HB 3800 creating a health care workforce advisory board, HB 42 on higher education appropriations, HB 129 restricting contracts with foreign adversary companies, HB 677 on county elections administrator political activity, HB 668 on license-to-carry renewal procedures, HB 2128 directing a rural firefighting study, HB 2038 expanding physician licensing options, HB 2316 on election result reporting, HB 3686 on retired peace officer ID cards, HB 2563 creating a prescribed burn manager self-insurance pool, HB 1160 increasing penalties for assaults on utility workers, HB 3883 on major events funding, HB 2788 protecting fraud-detection information, HB 2663 on inactive well plugging extensions, HB 3305 extending a county health provider participation program, HB 3474 on pension reporting, HB 1105 expanding tuition exemptions for certain paramedics, HB 3490 on closed meetings with internal auditors, HB 3597 on child care facility notice thresholds, HB 1295 on health literacy planning, HB 3512 on AI training for government employees, HB 3783 on court-ordered counseling, HB 2017 on intoxication manslaughter penalties, HB 3010 on rural disaster recovery, HB 3112 on cybersecurity-related public information and meetings, HB 4215 on delivery network companies, HB 3223 on construction claims limitation periods, HB 3464 on controlled substances in correctional facilities, HB 3120 on residential child detention facilities, HB 4214 on public information, HB 481 on trade secret sealing, HB 4783 on opioid antagonist program reporting, HB 4063 on unilateral memoranda of contract, HB 2783 on county employee deferred compensation, HB 5085 on seed banks, HB 2510 on assisted living facility operations, HB 3426 on digital driver’s licenses, HB 4361 on emergency notifications at higher education institutions, HB 1169 on oil and gas infrastructure protection, HB 2516 on Medicare supplement eligibility for Texans under 65, HB 3560 on hospital staff background checks, HB 3860 on occupational licenses for inmates, HB 3146 on SOAH hearings, HB 184 on loan repayment for border prosecution attorneys, HB 198 on firefighter cancer screenings, HB 247 on border security infrastructure taxation, HB 367 on excused absences for students with severe illnesses, HB 449 on deepfake sexually explicit images, HB 1778 on human trafficking and related offenses, HB 514 on maternal health workforce outreach, HB 632 on pharmacy regulation, HB 2582 on victim parole information, HB 766 on precinct chair ballot applications, HB 2715 on suspension/removal of officials, HB 2712 on water and sewer utility test years, HB 3069 on transmission projects, HB 3505 on health provider participation districts, HB 1269 on plant disease and pest prevention grants, HB 4224 on access to health care records, HB 5032 on historical documents in the Capitol complex, HB 2240 on void marriages, HB 5180 on diploma designation, HB 3348 on health provider participation programs, HB 4668 on PUC authority to retain assistance, HB 4665 on child care training providers, HB 3395 on beneficiary designation for manufactured homes, HB 3157 on interim electric utility rates, HB 4395 on electronic submission of public securities records, HB 4325 on bribery civil penalties, HB 4386 on annuity replacement transactions, HB 4273 on Medicaid fraud-related unlawful acts, HB 2760 on judicial review of unemployment decisions, HB 2820 on charitable bingo operating capital, HB 1828 on legislative leave for correctional officers, and a series of Senate bills including SB 2349, SB 1268, SB 610, SB 1577, SB 1369, SB 2032, SB 1057, SB 1044, SB 922, SB 1759, SB 1143, SB 1506, SB 1403, SB 2361, SB 870, SB 372, and SB 72. Several bills drew debate or amendments, including HB 24, where a germane point of order was sustained against an amendment, and HB 198, HB 3348, and SB 2361, which were amended before passage. Most measures passed by wide margins, though some drew notable opposition, including HB 3883, HB 514, HB 1295, HB 184, SB 1143, and others. The House also postponed further consideration of HB 4700 until the end of the day and HB 24 until 1 p.m., and it granted permission for committees to meet during the House session and for the Calendars Committee to meet that morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a Social Services Agency in Foley called Care, they provide services to the elderly.
• could become: a center for various kinds of services, possibly dental, medical, senior services.
• We have a Social Services Agency in Foley called Care; they provide services to the elderly.
• could become: a center for various kinds of services, possibly dental, medical, senior services.
• </c><00:45:56.119><c> to</c><00:45:57.040><c> the</c> provides service to the provides service to the

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• facilitate my transition to the Senate, effective March 18, 2026, where I look forward to continuing my service
• Having arrived in this country from Cambodia at age 11, ...my service to our community.
• His work helped shape the town's growth and stability, and his legacy of public service will be long
• A lifelong Norwood resident and proud townie, Tim dedicated more than four decades to public service,
• His legacy of service and compassion will not be forgotten.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and received a resignation letter from Rep. Fana Howard of Lowell, effective March 17, 2026, as she transitioned to the Senate. The chamber then took up several procedural orders, including multiple unanimous or voice-vote suspensions of rules and concurrence with Senate petitions, such as referrals on housing and student transportation matters, and a suspension of Joint Rule 12 for a petition involving children served by DCF. The main substantive item was House No. 5264, a fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriations bill totaling about $1.8 billion. Members discussed its use of Fair Share surtax surplus funds for transportation and education, including major support for the MBTA, special education circuit breaker costs, early education and child care, snow and ice costs, regional transit authorities, and other deficiencies such as GIC and sheriff costs. Members also explained the bill’s tax conformity provisions responding to recent federal tax changes, with debate over whether to delay conformity to limit state revenue exposure. The House adopted a consolidated amendment to the bill and then passed it to be engrossed by roll call vote, 150-3. The House also adopted a resolution commending the Admetek Foundation on Prostate Cancer Awareness Day. Several local bills were advanced, including a sick leave bank for a Department of Corrections employee, a bill waiving the minimum age requirement for a Boston police officer, a Nantucket charter bill, a Stoneham public safety bill, and a Malden special police officers bill, the last of which was amended before being engrossed. The chamber also considered Amendment 43 to redistribute $100 million of Fair Share revenue more evenly to municipalities for roads and education; supporters argued the current distribution favored statewide priorities over local aid, while opponents said the formula would not adequately address rural road needs. That amendment was rejected 128-25. The House then recessed several times, observed moments of silence for local public servants, welcomed visiting youth sports teams, and finally ordered adjournment to meet the next day at 11 a.m. in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sarah, thank you for your service, your professionalism, and your commitment to the constituents of AD
• shared, Gauteng has become the heart and soul of South Africa’s economy and the hub for financial services
• shared, Gauteng has become the heart and soul of South Africa’s economy and the hub for financial services
• in Niagara Falls, New York, and later moved to California, dedicating his life to faith, family, service
• as a United States Postal Service worker.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then handled a series of procedural motions, including re-referrals of several bills and permission for committee notice changes. Members also made guest introductions, including anesthesia residents, family members, and a legislative intern. The body then took up House Resolution 118 by Assembly Member Garcia, welcoming the 2026 FIFA World Cup to California and highlighting the state’s host cities, economic benefits, and international goodwill. Several members spoke in support, emphasizing local hosting roles, cultural connections, and anticipated tourism and revenue. The resolution received 64 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote. On the daily file, the Assembly passed and retained or continued a number of items, then considered Assembly Concurrent Resolution 193 by Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry proclaiming 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Supporters described the role of women in California agriculture and the barriers they face; the resolution received 69 co-authors and was adopted. The Assembly also adopted Assembly Concurrent Resolution 210 by Assembly Member Jackson, establishing a sister-state relationship with Gauteng province in South Africa, with members speaking to economic, educational, and cultural ties; it received 65 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote. The second-day consent calendar was then taken up. House Resolution 113 by Assembly Member Jeff Gonzalez, on focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, was added to by 68 co-authors and the consent calendar passed 73-0. The remaining consent items were listed, and the Assembly proceeded to adjournment in memory statements for Norman L. Ford, Jr. and James McCain, Sr., followed by a moment of silence for each. The desk was ordered to remain open for budget-related business, and the House adjourned until Monday, June 15, upon the call of the Speaker.

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of service members don't use it, so it goes unused, and that's the reason for that change.
• And they can use that because a lot of the service members don't use it, so it goes unused, and that's
• The captain's been in anywhere from four to ten years of service. He's deciding that...
• The captain's been in anywhere from four to ten years of service.
• Congressman Hearn and Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy.

Summary: The committee considered and advanced a series of bills, beginning with House Bill 3834, which creates a revolving fund at the Department of Health for ibogaine research. The author said the measure is limited to clinical trials, has support from several tribal nations, and would not have an immediate fiscal impact, though retirement-related costs were discussed as roughly $1 million based on prior estimates. HB 3834 passed 20-0. House Bill 3940, updating Oklahoma Military Department provisions, National Guard retirement benefits, and some Uniform Code of Military Justice language, also passed after questions about the same estimated retirement cost and the effect of changing the date for implementation; it passed 21-1. Members then approved House Bill 4346, with an amendment aimed at addressing fraud concerns in agricultural sales tax exemptions. The bill would extend reciprocity to holders of ag sales tax exemption cards from Texas and other surrounding states, allowing them to use those exemptions in Oklahoma border communities. Opponents argued the change would place too much burden on retailers to verify out-of-state cards and could increase liability, but supporters said it would help rural businesses. The bill passed 17-4. House Bill 2947, allowing clinical interns and accredited behavioral health graduate programs to bill Medicaid for supervised services, passed 21-0, and House Bill 3257, extending state benefits for 100% disabled veterans to those similarly disabled due to negligence at a VA hospital, also passed 21-0. The committee next passed House Bill 3264, which adds domestic abuse by strangulation to the list of 85% crimes. Supporters emphasized the seriousness of strangulation and its connection to later homicide risk, while questions focused on prison population growth and costs; the bill passed 21-0. House Bill 4326, dealing with Oklahoma Promise homeschool language and the definition of certified classroom personnel, was amended to remove unrelated T-SET restructuring language and then passed 19-2. House Bill 4421, “Leo’s Law,” which requires fentanyl testing in child welfare drug screens when fentanyl use is suspected, drew emotional testimony about a child’s death and had its fiscal estimate discussed as dropping from $125 million to about $16 million; it passed 22-0. Finally, the committee approved House Bill 3944, a State Finance Act cleanup and modernization measure, after questions about reporting dates and public finance oversight, and House Bill 3979, which raises financing caps under the Oklahoma Economic Development Finance Pool, after an amendment to add an effective date and emergency clause; both passed 21-0. House Bill 4118, updating the family caregiver tax credit and raising the maximum credit while keeping the annual cap unchanged, passed 20-1. The meeting ended with thanks to members and staff and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• For the record, my name is Alex Williamson, budget and policy analyst with Legislative Services.
• I'm a budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office.
• I am Kellan McGurkin, a budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office.
• I'm a budget and policy analyst with Legislative Services.
• with USDA Wildlife Services for wolf control and depredation activities.

Summary: The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee first approved a trailer appropriation for House Bill 730, adding $351,000 one-time General Fund to the Department of Health and Welfare’s Division of Welfare for SNAP eligibility system changes. One member argued the change was unnecessary because Idaho already has a low error rate and the current eligibility systems work well, but the motion passed with a due pass recommendation. The committee then considered House Bill 898, which moves the State Historic Preservation Office from the Idaho State Historical Society to the Office of Species, Minerals, and Energy Coordination. Members discussed whether the move was requested by the governor and whether it would create efficiencies in permitting and federal coordination. The committee approved both the reduction from the Historical Society budget and the corresponding addition to SMEC, along with language exempting SMEC from certain transfer restrictions. The State Historical Society director was said to support the move. Next, the committee approved trailer funding for Senate Bill 128, creating the Idaho High Need Students Fund. The committee added $5 million one-time dedicated funding and approved transfers of $1 million from the Idaho Career Ready Students Program Fund and $4 million from the driver training account. Analysts explained that while the funding is one-time, it could increase the state’s ongoing maintenance-of-effort obligation under federal special education rules if other funding remains unchanged. Members described the measure as a partial, temporary response to a larger special education funding gap. Finally, the committee revisited the Department of Fish and Game budget after it had failed on the House floor earlier. Members discussed multiple enhancement requests, including habitat projects, Good Neighbor Authority work, fisheries inflation, wolf depredation, communications, and replacement items. A substitute motion that included additional funding for temporary employees failed in the House vote, and the committee then approved a revised motion with a due pass recommendation. The committee also adopted language directing $200,000 of wolf depredation funds to wolf trapping. The meeting ended with discussion of pending items for the next day, including rural health transformation and state police-related budget actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• For the record, my name is Alex Williamson, budget and policy analyst with Legislative Services.
• I'm a budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office.
• I am Kellan McGurkin, a budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office.
• I'm a budget and policy analyst with Legislative Services.
• with USDA Wildlife Services for wolf control and depredation activities.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee met with a quorum and first considered a trailer appropriation for House Bill 730, which changes how SNAP eligibility is determined. The committee heard that the bill would require $351,000 one-time from the General Fund for system changes in the Division of Welfare. One member argued the change was unnecessary because Idaho already has a low SNAP error rate and uses existing verification systems, but the motion passed in both chambers and received a do-pass recommendation. The committee then took up trailer actions for House Bill 898, moving the State Historic Preservation Office from the Idaho State Historical Society to the new Office of Species, Minerals, and Energy Coordination. Members discussed whether the move was requested by the governor and whether it would improve coordination and permitting efficiency; supporters said it would streamline federal review and the historical society director supported the move. The committee approved reducing the Historical Society budget by 12 FTP and $1,699,700, then approved adding the same staffing and funding to SMEC, and also adopted language exempting SMEC from certain transfer restrictions. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 128, creating the Idaho High Need Students Fund for extraordinary special education costs. The analyst explained that the recommended one-time $5 million dedicated fund appropriation would also require a $5 million cash transfer, and that increasing special education spending could raise the state’s federal maintenance-of-effort obligation. The committee approved the $5 million appropriation and two transfers: $1 million from the Idaho Career Ready Students Program Fund and $4 million from the driver training account, all with do-pass recommendations. Finally, the committee revisited the Department of Fish and Game budget. After discussion of habitat projects, Good Neighbor Authority work, fisheries inflation, wolf depredation, communications, OITS replacements, and replacement items, a substitute motion that would have funded a larger package failed in the House, and the original motion passed instead. The committee approved a reduced Fish and Game budget package and adopted language directing the $200,000 wolf depredation enhancement specifically to wolf trapping. The meeting ended with brief discussion of the next day’s agenda and timing, including pending items such as rural health transformation and state police-related legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• facilitate my transition to the Senate, effective March 18, 2026, where I look forward to continuing my service
• Having arrived in this country from Cambodia at age 11, ...my service to our community.
• His work helped shape the town's growth and stability, and his legacy of public service will be long
• His legacy of service and compassion will not be forgotten.
• His legacy of service and compassion will not be forgotten.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you issued bonds at the current interest rate, $100 million in bonds would require annual debt service
• If they were 40-year bonds, then the annual debt service payments would be about $4.9 million for $100
• Fifty-year bonds would require an annual debt service payment for $100 million of bonds of about $4.5
• So the annual debt service payment for $100 million of bonds would be about $4.1 million.
• So as the term increases, the benefit in terms of reduced debt service diminishes.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Second Substitute Senate Bill 5690, which would require WSDOT to improve coordination with utilities on fish barrier removal projects and utility relocations, provide advance notice when feasible, and seek to maximize federal funding for relocation costs. Staff described the bill’s background, including the federal culvert injunction and WSDOT’s fish barrier work, and noted fiscal impacts tied to grant monitoring and possible revenue changes. Senator McEwen said the bill was narrowed from a prior version to reduce fiscal concerns and cited a district example where poor coordination allegedly wasted public and ratepayer funds. Utility representatives from PUDs testified in support, emphasizing better communication, advance notice for budgeting, and access to federal funds; no opposition was presented on this bill before the public hearing was closed. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6148, which would extend the maximum term for regional transit authority bonds from 40 years to 75 years and remove eligibility for regional mobility grant funds if an RTA uses bonds longer than 40 years. Staff and committee fiscal discussion focused on how longer terms reduce annual debt service but increase total interest paid over time, with examples comparing 25-, 40-, 50-, and 75-year bonds. Supporters, including Sound Transit board members, local officials, labor, and transit advocates, argued the bill would give Sound Transit flexibility to manage inflation, preserve project schedules, and align financing with long-lived infrastructure and the federal TIFIA loan program. Opponents argued the bill would increase long-term costs, shift burdens to future generations, and is premature because Sound Transit is still revising its plan and already has substantial cash and bonding capacity. The hearing ended after questions about debt safeguards, refinancing, and how the proposed authority would interact with TIFIA loans.

Transcript Highlights:

• And may we honor your word and let it shape Idaho's public service.
• regarding policy options for Medicaid for workers with disabilities and home and community-based services
• And that will be harmful to the very people that need these services.
• and services for people with disabilities, Meals on Wheels, sexual assault kits, skilled nursing and
• Occasionally, you know, I have family members that struggle from time to time and need public services

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• People have passed away waiting for ambulance services because there aren't enough.
• They are both governor's bills, and I think it's important to call out that emergency medical services
• It impacts whether families can receive timely services, and whether employees can recruit and retain
• Underserved communities can continue to provide essential health care services.
• They desperately need these services. Thank you.

Committee: House House Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Health and Human Services. Katie Committee will come to our chair severely.
• Good morning Chair Tom cow and members of the House Health and Human Services Committee.
• Mccarthy, nice service, the executive director of the National Association of Social Workers, Florida
• Thank you, Madam Chair and members of the Health and Human Services Committee. Good Morning.
• What the a cutie services are.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking, which is the largest provider of comprehensive services
• , including housing, case management, and legal services to survivors in all forms of human trafficking
• , including housing, case management, and legal services to survivors in all forms of human trafficking
• Joy Atkinson's life was a master class in service, leadership, and unconditional love of her community
• I had the honor of knowing and working alongside Joy during my service as Chairman of the Los Angeles

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're continuing to just stretch that service life.
• And so as you start to use more of that service life that I talked about, the payment then can get to
• And when we look at the service life of a bridge, it's usually right around 75 to 80 years old.
• So we're doing what we can to do small fixes to try and extend that service life as much as we can.
• Extend that service life as much as we can.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee devoted its meeting to a presentation from Troy Suing of the Department of Transportation on state highway preservation needs. Suing said DOT is a leader in asset planning, but that current funding is not enough to keep up with the condition of highways, bridges, and other assets. He distinguished operations and maintenance from preservation, and described the preservation program’s main parts: pavements, bridges, and other highway facilities such as slopes, rest areas, signal systems, retaining walls, and culverts. Suing reported that about 40% of state roads are already overdue for preservation and that, with current funding, as much as 85% could need preservation within 10 years. He said there are more than 7,900 lane miles currently due, and that delaying work past the “lowest life cycle zone” increases risk and can cost three to five times more later. For bridges, he said the state has about 3,400 bridges, an average age of 52 years, and roughly 10% are over 80 years old; the share of bridges in poor condition is about 9.9%, near the federal threshold that could trigger more federal oversight. He also highlighted culvert failures, including one on SR-510, and the closed Carbon River Bridge on SR-165 as examples of how deferred preservation can lead to closures and community disruption. Committee members questioned the comparison to national asset management leadership, liability risk as roads deteriorate, the cost and regulatory burden of bridge projects, and whether DOT is relying more on its own crews for bridge work because of cost and urgency. Suing said the department is underfunded to fully implement its asset plans and is forced to focus on risk, emergent needs, and the most critical bridge work first. He said DOT’s 2026 supplemental budget identified preservation as one of five unfunded critical priorities and estimated a 10-year preservation need of $8 billion to address the backlog and become proactive again. Members discussed whether targeted funding in the next biennium could help move the state back toward the “green zone,” and the chair closed by emphasizing the real-world impacts of bridge and road failures and the need for legislative action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, there's one that's kind of pay for performance or fee for service.
• </c><00:09:58.160><c> Uh</c><00:09:58.480><c> and</c> performance or fee for service.
• Uh and performance or fee for service.
• that the nonprofits offer these services that the nonprofits do.<00:10:05.920><c> And</c><00:10:06.080
• And, you know, one service to me that makes the most sense to try to maintain is the oncologists, or

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Alex Haley, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Wave and support. Thank you.
• do business in this state, which has total assets of more than $100 million and offers financial services
• , including any affiliate or support. of more than $100 million and offers financial services, including
• A bank may overcome this inference. of a financial service to an agriculture producer violates this law
• It's actually the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Summary: The Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee heard House Bill 651, described by sponsors as the Florida Farm Bill and a comprehensive FDACS agency package. The bill combined technical agency updates with several policy provisions, including changes to water additive rules, labeling requirements for meat, milk, poultry, and eggs, criminal penalties related to drones over agricultural land, mail theft, and retail fuel theft, updates to disaster recovery loan programs, an FFA scholarship, school infrastructure provisions, land purchase authority for converted agricultural land, and a Florida Farmer Financial Protection Act addressing ESG-related banking practices. A major portion of the discussion focused on the bill’s fluoride language, with supporters arguing for local choice and consumer consent and opponents warning about public health impacts and loss of local control. Members also questioned the C-4 registry language and whether it was duplicative or could affect organizations’ status. Public testimony was split. Opponents included Florida for All and the Florida Dental Association, with testimony arguing the bill protected agribusiness interests and that removing fluoride would harm dental health, especially for low-income families. Proponents included Heritage Action, Heartland Impact, and several individuals who argued the bill protected farmers from ESG-driven banking restrictions and supported informed consent and the removal of fluoride from public water. Several agricultural and advocacy groups also waved in support. During debate, some members praised portions of the bill such as housing for agricultural workers, drone penalties, and school-related provisions, but said they could not support the fluoride preemption or the C-4 language. Others supported the fluoride provision as a matter of individual and local choice. On final passage, the committee reported HB 651 favorably. The vote was 11-4, with Chair Esposito, Vice Chair Botana, Representatives Barnaby, Benaroch, Black, Mayfield, Mooney, Plasencia, Salzman, and Weinberger voting yes, and Representatives Alvarez, Bartleman, Henson, and Rainer voting no.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services will now come to order.
• From increasing access to critical services to advancing public health initiatives that benefit communities
• To support these efforts, the Health and Human Services budget represents a $1.8 billion increase over
• projects, totaling $238 million, to strengthen infrastructure, streamline operations, and enhance service
• development and implementation of recruitment and retention incentives for home and community-based service

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services first heard and adopted the proposed fiscal year 2025-26 budget for the committee, which was presented as a $1.8 billion increase over the current base budget. The budget emphasized Medicaid and KidCare funding, IT modernization, workforce reductions tied to unfilled or augmented positions, provider rate increases, mental health and substance use funding, opioid treatment, elder care, veterans’ services, cancer research, and school nurse staffing. The committee approved technical adjustments and then adopted the budget proposal for submission to the full Senate Appropriations Committee. The committee then considered several bills, most of which were reported favorably. SB 152 on surgical smoke required hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt smoke evacuation policies; it drew strong support from nurses and other health care workers describing workplace and patient safety risks. CS/SB 958 on early detection of type 1 diabetes required the Department of Health to develop informational materials for schools and, by amendment, early learning coalitions. CS/CS/SB 170 on nursing homes required consumer satisfaction surveys, patient safety culture surveys, reporting to the health information exchange, financial reporting penalties, and Medicaid quality incentive reporting; an amendment exempted state-operated homes, including veterans’ facilities, and directed a study of quality incentive systems. CS/SB 738 updated and streamlined child care regulation, and CS/SB 1356 created the Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases at Florida State University and a related pediatric rare disease screening pilot. The committee also passed SB 1370, which reorganized ambulatory surgical centers into their own statutory framework, with testimony emphasizing their lower costs compared with hospitals. Finally, the committee considered CS/CS/SB 1626 on child welfare and related issues. After adopting multiple amendments that removed references to unaccompanied alien children and special immigrant visas, changed language on child abuse definitions, and required DCF to set room-and-board rates by methodology rather than fee schedule, the bill was explained as strengthening child welfare protections, codifying military-family coordination, improving domestic violence shelter certification, adjusting children’s services council appointments, clarifying missing-child procedures, and updating licensing and compliance provisions. The bill drew both support and opposition, particularly over missing-child jurisdiction and immigration-related concerns, and was ultimately reported favorably. A final motion to record a vote on SB 958 was also adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chatfield and Captain, thank you for your service and for your presentation.
• service earned on or after July 1, 2024, from 3.25% to 4% per year for the next 10 years. years of service
• Second, it increases the service credit in the first years of service, so that somebody who's a little
• We extended the term of service. Didn't move the needle.
• Also, most of the magistrate judges. are drawing a pension from other sources of state service.

Committee: House House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• c> dear</c><00:08:02.000><c> God,</c> We would their service, dear God, We would their service, dear
• </c> are grateful for her exemplary service are grateful for her exemplary service and<00:11:36.160><
• I yield back. services will be easier to access. It'll services will be easier to access.
• Forest Service.
• Forest Service personnel who have been Forest Service personnel who have been illegally<02:11:02.000>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, May 8, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Brandon Frye with the Public Service Commission.
• Brandon Frye, Executive Secretary with the Public Service Commission. As Rep.
• Like in the telecom world, we used to have the wrong service charge, etc.
• I think by the time I got through civil service and funding to put on...
• Who created the Louisiana Public Service Commission?

Bills: HB267 , HB478 , HB617 , HB659 , HB800 , HB922 , HB924 , HB947 , HB1166 , HB1223

Committee: House Commerce

Keywords: home inspectors, board membership, licensing, term limits, Louisiana State Board, utility, reimbursement, overcharges, consumer protection, economic relief, hidden fees, junk fees, drip pricing, price transparency, mandatory fees, surcharges, unfair trade practices, advertising disclosures, total price, service fees