Transcript Highlights:

• Springfield has been ranked among the top asthma capitals in the nation.
• I'm a physician and a member of Mothers Out Front.
• up to number four on the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's list of asthma capitals, whose ranking
• I am a semi-retired primary care physician in Boston and the co-chair of Greater Boston Physicians for
• Britta Lundborg, probably a physician as well. Dr. Lundborg, are you with us? Dr.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy

Summary: The hearing focused mainly on two subjects: expansion of the Massachusetts bottle bill and bills to remove woody biomass from state clean-energy and greenhouse-gas programs. On the bottle bill, supporters from municipal, environmental, public health, and local government groups argued that the 5-cent deposit is outdated, redemption rates have fallen, and expanding coverage to more beverage containers—especially water, sports drinks, and small alcohol bottles—would reduce litter, cut plastic waste and microplastics, and save cities and towns money. Several speakers also backed raising handling fees for retailers and redemption centers, and some supported restoring a Clean Environment Fund so unclaimed deposits would support recycling-related purposes. Opponents, including the Massachusetts Beverage Association and the National Waste and Recycling Association, argued that curbside recycling and transfer-station systems are more convenient, that the targeted containers are valuable to local recycling programs, and that the proposal would shift costs onto consumers and municipalities. Committee members questioned witnesses about redemption rates, handling fees, the 2014 ballot question, and whether the bill had changed from prior sessions. The biomass portion drew strong support from Springfield officials, state legislators, environmental advocates, and public health groups. They said woody biomass should not count as clean energy because burning wood produces particulate pollution and carbon emissions, and they warned that current law contains a loophole that could help finance the proposed Palmer Renewable Energy biomass plant in Springfield. Witnesses emphasized Springfield’s air-quality and asthma burdens, the public health impacts of PM2.5, and the need to close the loophole before a January 1, 2026 deadline. One forest-industry witness supported a separate bill promoting modern wood heat with pollution controls, arguing it is cleaner than older wood systems and has minimal ratepayer cost, while noting that those credits would be affected if the governor’s broader energy affordability bill repeals the alternative energy portfolio standard. No votes were taken during the hearing. The chairs managed testimony by alternating between the bottle bill and biomass topics, asking speakers to keep remarks brief and to note when they agreed with prior testimony. Several legislators also testified in support of the bills, and committee members asked follow-up questions on deposit levels, retailer handling fees, recycling economics, and the public-health rationale for the biomass restrictions.

Transcript Highlights:

• and Jennifer, and now you, Senator, why don't we just make the insurance companies reimburse the physicians
• but I get asked that a lot on every one of these items that relates to our efforts to bring in physicians
• And so if doctor retention, physician retention improves, can we attribute it to this, Whether that is
• And so if doctor retention, physician retention improves, can we attribute it to this, Proves.
• Just to give you an example, New Mexico ranks, American Farmland Trust ranks New Mexico as the highest

Summary: The committee’s final day focused first on a historical overview of New Mexico tax packages by Pam Stokes of Legislative Council Services. She described how tax packages have alternated over the decades between tax relief, revenue raising, and tax reform, with examples ranging from the creation of the gross receipts tax in 1966 to major packages in 1981, 1986, 1991, 1994, 2005, 2019, 2022, 2024, and the vetoed 2025 package. Members discussed how tax policy often tracks revenue conditions, how packages can combine increases and decreases, and how local government gross receipts taxes and hold-harmless distributions have affected communities differently. Several members reflected on past packages, especially the 2004 food tax repeal and the 2013 film tax and manufacturing changes, and noted that tax policy can have major economic and political effects even when it is not “sexy” legislation. The committee then heard a proposal to expand the health care practitioner gross receipts tax deduction to include co-insurance, and to extend the sunset date. Sponsor Senator Figueroa said the bill was intended to help recruit and retain medical providers and build on prior deductions for co-pays and deductibles. Testimony explained that co-insurance is the patient’s share after the deductible, that providers currently absorb the gross receipts tax on those payments, and that the proposal would cost about $30 million to the state plus about $20 million to municipalities and counties, with the exact fiscal impact likely to be updated. Members raised concerns about the effect on local governments, whether insurers could be required to reimburse providers, whether the bill would actually attract doctors, and whether better evaluation measures and sunsets should be added. The sponsor said the bill was part of a broader set of efforts to address provider shortages and that the discussion would continue. Representative McQueen then presented a bill to update the Land Conservation Incentives Act. He and conservation partners said the program has protected more than 500,000 acres but has not kept pace with rising land values, especially for irrigated agricultural land in the Middle Rio Grande. The proposal would increase the percentage of conservation value eligible for the credit, raise the per-transaction cap from $250,000 to $2 million, and make the credit refundable rather than only transferable. Testimony emphasized that the program is voluntary, keeps land in private ownership and production, and helps land-rich, cash-poor landowners preserve farmland and water rights. Members asked about average credit amounts, how easements work, whether landowners could effectively buy land and then use the credit, and whether there should be inflation indexing or a statewide cap. The discussion also touched on water rights, fencing, and the role of conservation easements in protecting agricultural land and compact water deliveries. Finally, Senator Sharer previewed his 2% tax proposal with a historical presentation on New Mexico tax law, using props to illustrate the evolution from early territorial tax codes to the modern tax system. He argued that the state’s current tax structure is overly complex and that recent federal changes have disrupted the personal income tax base. The committee did not take any votes on the day’s presentations; the meeting was primarily informational, with members offering feedback and raising policy concerns for future sessions.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the last two years, our physician call and nurse salaries alone have totaled $1.1 million.
• Physicians have been surprised.
• Yeah, do you have more nurse practitioners than physicians?
• Hewson, most of your physicians live where? In what we have...
• Physicians commuting, living in the suburbs of San Antonio or Travis County and other places.

Bills: HB18 , HB37 , HB 116 , HB388 , HB879 , HB913 , HB 1151 , HB2216 , HB2358 , HB2809 , SB577 , SB1590 , SB1782 , SB1887 , SB2744 , HB18 , HB37 , HB116

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Physicians, you know this, do a lot of work, but the nursing part of it carries it out, and the nurses
• Physicians, you know this, do a lot of work, but the nursing part of it carries it out, and the nurses
• </c> the program Minnesota has been ranked the program Minnesota has been ranked number<00:56:24.880>
• I, Paula Crao, am a retired physician. I’m Dr.
• I'm Dr cigo crao I'm a retired physician I'm Dr cigo and<01:04:18.359><c> anesthesiologist</c><01:04

Bills: HF837 , HF1903 , HF499 , HF794

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• It gives physicians new discretion to decide when someone needs medical intervention to expand their
• I’m a physician and a reproductive specialist.
• I'm a physician and have practiced... Can you hear me? Yes.
• We do simulation classes with some of the disease. staff educate physicians, attendings.
• I thank you for... ...physical physicians and RNs and others working with patients.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Financial Services

Summary: The hearing opened with the Senate and House chairs of the Joint Committee on Financial Services explaining that the day’s agenda would focus on health insurance and other insurance matters, with a large number of witnesses and a request for brief testimony. Legislators were taken out of order to accommodate their schedules, and the committee heard testimony on several bills, including coverage for hair prostheses for alopecia (H. 1223/S. 832), medically necessary oral and dental care for head and neck cancer survivors (H. 1258), modernizing fertility and family-building coverage (H. 715/H. 1190 and related bills), coverage for prosthetic devices to support physical activity for people with limb loss (the “So Everybody Can Move” bill), remediation coverage for home heating oil releases (S. 813/H. 1302), and expanded access to physical therapy for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (H. 1170). A separate bill on sickle cell care and registry development (S. 788) was also discussed by Senator Liz Miranda. Witnesses largely offered personal stories and expert testimony in support of the bills. Advocates for alopecia coverage described the medical and emotional impact of hair loss, the high cost of quality wigs, and the argument that scalp and facial hair prostheses should be treated like other medically necessary prosthetics. Cancer survivors and supporters of H. 1258 said oral and dental care after head and neck cancer treatment is a quality-of-life issue and often not covered despite major out-of-pocket costs. Fertility specialists, LGBTQ+ advocates, and legislators supporting the modern family-building bills said the current infertility definition is outdated and discriminatory, excluding same-sex couples, people needing donors or gestational carriers, and others with medical barriers to conception. For the limb-loss bill, parents and adults with prosthetic needs stressed that activity-specific prostheses are essential for children and adults to run, swim, play sports, and stay healthy, but are often excluded from coverage. The home heating oil testimony focused on the financial devastation caused by residential oil spills and the need to make spill coverage automatic in homeowners policies. Environmental professionals and homeowners described cleanup costs ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, the strict liability homeowners face, and the fact that many policyholders do not know the rider exists. The insurance industry testified in opposition to the mandatory-coverage approach, arguing for clearer distinctions between first- and third-party coverage, risk-mitigation standards, a delayed effective date, and more emphasis on education and notification rather than mandates. Committee members pressed the industry witness on why agents do not routinely tell customers about the rider and suggested that the issue may require broader disclosure by insurers, agents, and fuel dealers. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony and discussed possible compromise language and future action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Board certified as a family physician, Dr.
• He's also a member of the American Medical Association, the Texas Academy of Family Physicians and the
• And the amendment also removes the requirement that all claims be reviewed by a physician. of the same
• While I'm not a physician, there are physicians in this room that when you have a patient before you,
• I have heard those numbers and then between In 2008 and 2017, were you aware that the number of physicians

Bills: SJR57 , SCR8 , SB8 , SB14 , SB24 , SB108 , SB112 , SB125 , SB213 , SB251 , SB315 , SB318 , SB371 , SB378 , SB379 , SB472 , SB487 , SB502 , SB513 , SB565 , SB621 , SB650 , SB689 , SB707 , SB710 , SB761 , SB763 , SB815 , SB854 , SB875 , SB896 , SB916 , SB925 , SB958 , SB961 , SB965 , SB973 , SB987 , SB990 , SB995 , SB1006 , SB1018 , SB1019 , SB1024 , SB1026 , SB1146 , SB1194 , SB1198 , SB1253 , SB1330 , SB1343 , SB1362 , SB1379 , SB1497 , SB1498 , SB1527 , SB1532 , SB1547 , SB1596 , SJR36 , SJR12 , SJR57 , SCR22 , SCR12 , SCR8 , SB565 , SB765 , SB62 , SB666 , SB707 , SB888 , SB687 , SB847 , SB1248 , SB14 , SB1006 , SB504 , SB925 , SB995 , SB857 , SB305 , SB296 , SB284 , SB815 , SB1379 , SB1497 , SB1499 , SB1498 , SB241 , SB304 , SB621 , SB1023 , SB1024 , SB686 , SB112 , SB371 , SB204 , SB609 , SB670 , SB502 , SB850 , SB854 , SB413 , SB1362 , SB1346 , SB1033 , SB1220 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB987 , SB1539 , SB447 , SB875 , SB406 , SB985 , SB965 , SB1119 , SB1505 , SB24 , SB1194 , SB1253 , SB1215 , SB1532 , SB1302 , SB856 , SB650 , SB583 , SB673 , SB213 , SB681 , SB1172 , SB1252 , SB378 , SB1343 , SB608 , SB487 , SB955 , SB957 , SB988 , SB990 , SB1019 , SB1021 , SB1120 , SB251 , SB958 , SB761 , SB541 , SB315 , SB379 , SB1018 , SB1737 , SB266 , SB1415 , SB1527 , SB125 , SB599 , SB1330 , SB53 , SB916 , SB896 , SB1352 , SB973 , SB785 , SB710 , SB472 , SB1450 , SB1502 , SB1566 , SB414 , SB1062 , SB1547 , SB961 , SB1038 , SB513 , SB578 , SB711 , SB746 , SB942 , SB1404 , SB1448 , SB1738 , SB108 , SB8 , SB318 , SB507 , SB533 , SB689 , SB1026 , SB1349 , SB1355 , SB1433 , SB1434 , SB1596 , SB1403 , SB1198 , SB1146 , SB763 , SB667 , SB1059 , SB617 , SB1567 , SB503 , SJR37 , SB16 , SB310 , SB311 , SB396 , SB505 , SB1209 , SB1210 , SB1470 , SB264 , SB924 , SB1029 , SB1185 , SB1202 , SB1358 , SB1364 , SB1569 , SB1697 , SB1376 , SB1228 , SB519 , SB878 , SB1350 , SB462 , SB1535 , SB827 , SB1585 , SB207 , SB1207 , SB1619 , SB1396 , SB920 , SB1484 , SB1273 , SB1741

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh we currently rank I I I'll say first but we currently rank I I I'll say first but we currently rank
• to have discussion with the physician to have discussion with the physician to have discussion with
• So it allows the the physician to be able to discuss the physician to be able to discuss the physician
• I have no know, for for physicians. I have no know, for for physicians.
• I think this physician to my patients. I think this physician to my patients.

Bills: HB 200 , HB 541 , HB 1803 , HB 30 , HB 175 , HB 249 , HB 721 , HB 851 , HB 897 , HB 1128 , HB 1904 , HB 1916 , HB 5560 , HB 3071 , HB 5627 , HB 5435 , HB 3913 , HB 2921 , HB 2695 , HB 2688 , HB 3045 , HB 3483 , HB 3673 , HB 4213 , HB 4226 , HB 783 , HB 4373 , HB 4735 , HB 5155 , HB 5057 , HB 4984 , HB 4944 , HB 4813 , HB 5339 , HB 5196 , HB 5033 , HB 4853 , HB 3486 , HB 4211 , HB 74 , HB 4670 , HB 4730 , HB 4743 , HB 4603 , HB 4463 , HB 3892 , HB 4139 , HB 4752 , HB 4520 , HB 4517 , HB 4486 , HB 4437 , HB 4426 , HB 4396 , HB 4263 , HB 3487 , HB 3418 , HB 2284 , HB 2266 , HB 2229 , HB 4912 , HB 2189 , HB 4506 , HB 5269 , HB 5224 , HB 5195 , HB 3317 , HB 4166 , HB 3947 , HB 3358 , HB 3370 , HB 4438 , HB 3745 , HB 3602 , HB 3697 , HB 2001 , HB 1968 , HB 3371 , HB 3909 , HCR 7 , SB 1744 , SB 1364 , SB 1316 , HB 2026 , HB 3302 , HB 3368 , HB 1639 , HB 5652 , HB 4655 , HB 5654 , HB 5658 , HB 5656 , HB 4894 , HB 4996 , HB 5088 , HB 5650 , HB 4464 , HB 3751 , HB 5665 , HB 5661 , HB 1237 , HB 2802 , HB 5437 , HB 2703 , HB 5666 , HB 5667 , HCR 113 , HCR 86 , SB 2196 , SB 463 , SB 856 , SB 1245 , SB 1169 , SB 509 , SB 985 , SB 305 , SB 552 , HB 1535 , HB 123 , HB 1804 , HB 426 , HB 1773 , HB 1871 , HB 2035 , HB 2492 , HB 1411 , HB 4753 , HB 4666 , HB 4529 , HB 1499 , HB 1610 , HB 2028 , HB 1506 , HB 886 , HB 3546 , HB 796 , HB 223 , HB 3556 , HB 2448 , HB 4638 , HB 111 , HB 180 , HB 1027 , HB 1178 , HB 610 , HB 1277 , HB 1615 , HB 1620 , HB 5342 , HB 4885 , HB 4751 , HB 4530 , HB 4488 , HB 2149 , HB 2071 , HB 2282 , HB 2248 , HB 2243 , HB 2522 , HB 2310 , HB 2513 , HB 2300 , HB 1902 , HB 1813 , HB 3719 , HB 4284 , HB 3743 , HB 3778 , HB 5153 , HB 5147 , HB 4877 , HB 4850 , HB 3261 , HB 3005 , HB 3033 , HB 2849 , HB 2967 , HB 3531 , HB 1768 , HB 333 , HB 2914 , HB 2613 , HB 3717 , HB 3704 , HB 2697 , HB 3801 , HB 3099 , HB 3488 , HB 3477 , HB 3466 , HB 3396 , HB 3469 , HB 2594 , HB 2776 , HB 2564 , HB 2298 , HB 5331 , HB 5646 , HB 5247 , HB 5323 , HB 4384 , HB 3896 , HB 4014 , HB 3627 , HB 3594 , HB 2524 , HB 510 , HB 561 , HB 5111 , HB 5446 , HB 1181 , HB 3963 , HB 2785 , HB 1661 , HB 2460 , HB 200 , HB 541 , HB 1803 , HB 30 , HB 175 , HB 249 , HB 721 , HB 851 , HB 897 , HB 1128 , HB 1904 , HB 1916 , HB 5560 , HB 3071 , HB 5627 , HB 5435 , HB 3913 , HB 2921 , HB 2695 , HB 2688 , HB 3045 , HB 3483 , HB 3673 , HB 4213 , HB 4226 , HB 783 , HB 4373 , HB 4735 , HB 5155 , HB 5057 , HB 4984 , HB 4944 , HB 4813 , HB 5339 , HB 5196 , HB 5033 , HB 4853 , HB 3486 , HB 4211 , HB 74 , HB 4670 , HB 4730 , HB 4743 , HB 4603 , HB 4463 , HB 3892 , HB 4139 , HB 4752 , HB 4520 , HB 4517 , HB 4486 , HB 4437 , HB 4426 , HB 4396 , HB 4263 , HB 3487 , HB 3418 , HB 2284 , HB 2266 , HB 2229 , HB 4912 , HB 2189 , HB 4506 , HB 5269 , HB 5224 , HB 5195 , HB 3317 , HB 4166 , HB 3947 , HB 3358 , HB 3370 , HB 4438 , HB 3745 , HB 3602 , HB 3697 , HB 2001 , HB 1968 , HB 3371 , HB 3909 , HCR 98 , HCR 92 , HCR 126 , HCR 7

Transcript Highlights:

• Los Angeles ranked ninth.
• the risk faced by Riverside, Calaveras, Los Angeles, and Tehama counties, the top 7th through 10th ranked
• I'm happy to be here as a proud Native Californian and as a long-time physician-scientist and currently
• George Osborne, for the Union of American Physicians and Dentists, co-sponsor, in support.
• George Osborne, for the Union of American Physicians and Dentists, co-sponsor, in support.

Summary: The committee heard SB 1135, which would reestablish the California Wildlife Coexistence Program to reduce human-wildlife conflict through nonlethal strategies such as deterrents, conflict reporting, and outreach. The author and supporters said the program had been effective but lost funding in 2024, and they argued it would help communities, ranchers, and wildlife by preventing conflicts before they escalate. Support came from conservation, animal welfare, local government, and county groups, while the California Cattlemen’s Association and California Farm Bureau opposed unless amended, saying the bill needed clearer limits on when nonlethal measures are practicable and protections so compensation funds for livestock losses are not reduced. Members discussed wolf-livestock conflicts, compensation, and the need for continued collaboration. The committee voted 2-0 on call to send the bill to Appropriations. The committee then heard SB 1085, which would preserve water supply assessments for large housing and development projects even when those projects are exempt from CEQA. The author and sponsor EBMUD said the bill is needed to keep water planning tied to land-use planning and avoid “paper water” problems, especially as climate and drought conditions worsen. Supporters included water agencies, environmental groups, labor, and local governments. The California Building Industry Association opposed the bill, arguing that current law already requires verified water supplies, that the bill could add unnecessary process and litigation risk, and that it could slow housing production. Members raised concerns about duplication in cities that also operate their own water systems, but the author said the goal was better coordination, not more bureaucracy. The committee voted 4-1 on call to send the bill to Local Government. The committee also heard SB 1270, which would expand the state wildfire mitigation home-hardening pilot to the top 10 counties by wildfire risk and social vulnerability, adding Riverside, Calaveras, Los Angeles, and Tehama counties and prioritizing future funds for those areas. The author said the bill responds to recent destructive fires and aims to extend home-hardening assistance to more high-risk communities. There was no opposition, and members discussed how to scale funding, whether the program should be broader than the listed counties, and how to focus on cost-effective mitigation. The committee voted 5-0 on call to send the bill to Emergency Management. Finally, the committee heard SB 895, a major science funding measure that would place a $23 billion bond on the ballot and create a California Foundation for Science and Health Research to support research in the state. The author and supporters said California’s research sector is a major economic engine and that federal funding cuts and instability threaten jobs, talent retention, and scientific progress. There was broad support from UC, CSU, labor, health, and research organizations, with no formal opposition. Some members raised concerns about the role of sponsoring unions and the potential for politicization, but the author said the new foundation would operate under California law and that the measure is meant to protect science funding and collaboration. The committee discussion continued, but the transcript excerpt ends before a final vote on SB 895.

Transcript Highlights:

• The physicians in training would have to do CMEs, and once these physicians in training get an offer
• So you made the statement that these physicians from the third world are going to be quality physicians
• So you made the statement that these physicians from the Third War are going to be quality physicians
• When we talk about foreign physicians, we're not talking about physicians who may have qualifications
• All this can be prevented if we can expedite the process for these physicians, international physicians

Committee: House House Health & Human Services Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several health-related bills. HB 2726 would require coverage for diagnosis and treatment of mild obstructive sleep apnea, including a tongue-muscle stimulation device. The sponsor and medical witnesses said the device is a less burdensome alternative to CPAP and could improve adherence and reduce long-term complications, while Access said it already covers medically necessary sleep apnea treatment but was neutral and concerned the bill could narrow review and limit cost-effectiveness analysis. The committee adopted the Bliss amendment and then gave HB 2726 a due-pass recommendation by an 8-4 vote. HB 2435, as amended, would create a provisional licensing pathway for internationally trained physicians who meet specified ECFMG-related criteria, with supervision, fees set by the Medical Board, and automatic conversion to a full license after four years if conditions are met. Supporters argued Arizona faces severe physician shortages, especially in rural and tribal areas, and that the bill would bring in experienced doctors while preserving oversight. Opponents, including the Arizona Medical Board, said current law already allows case-by-case licensure review and warned the bill could weaken safeguards and bypass existing scrutiny. After adopting the amendment, the committee approved HB 2435 on a due-pass recommendation. HB 2958 would require Access coverage for comprehensive dental care for pregnant women age 21 and older, with a $500,000 general fund appropriation for a pilot program. The sponsor and public health witnesses said dental care during pregnancy is linked to better maternal and infant outcomes and could reduce emergency room use and complications. The committee adopted the bill and sent it out with an 11-1 due-pass recommendation. HB 2176, which sets timelines and standards for health care institution complaint investigations and dispute resolution, also received broad support from hospitals and was approved unanimously on a 12-0 due-pass recommendation. The committee then heard HB 2447, which would bar insurers from reimbursing certified registered nurse anesthetists at a lower rate than anesthesiologists for the same service. Opponents argued the bill would interfere with private contracting, ignore differences in training and liability, and likely raise costs for the state and taxpayers; supporters said anesthesia demand has outpaced reimbursement and that parity is needed to protect access, especially in rural areas. The transcript ends during testimony on HB 2447, before any vote is taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• And at the end of the day, the physicians, and especially independent physicians who don't enjoy the—you
• And at the end of the day, the physicians, and especially independent physicians who don't enjoy the,
• Hawkins, can you tell us who employs the physicians? Who employs the physicians? So that depends.
• Payment to the hospital and physician was $21,000.
• I'm a board-certified family medicine physician.

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• These physicians that are going to cure you of this deadly drug.
• Is it a nurse or a physician that makes the final determination?
• Is it a nurse or a physician that makes the final determination?
• Is it a nurse or a physician that makes the final determination?
• Is it a nurse or a physician that makes the final determination?

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• trained by replacement—well, they're being trained by travel nurses who, number one, don't know our physicians
• The physicians in the hospital that I still remain friends with have actually said that they are told
• Most recently, a respected leader in our ranks was targeted and shortly terminated after a difficult
• Most recently, a respected leader in our ranks was targeted and shortly terminated after a difficult

Committee: Senate Labor

Summary: The Senate Committee on Labor met with a quorum, adopted the June 4 minutes, and then took up Senate Bill 948, the Workplace Employees Boundaries Act (WEB Act), after adopting an S-1 substitute by a 4-1 vote. Senator Geis presented the bill as a Michigan “right to disconnect” measure that would generally bar employers from requiring employees to access or respond to work communications outside usual work hours, allow employees to set availability hours, prohibit retaliation, direct LEO to write rules, and provide complaint and enforcement procedures with exceptions for emergencies and existing collective bargaining agreements. In questioning, Senator Albert raised concerns about how the bill would apply in small businesses and practical situations like staffing calls, school notifications, and emergency-like circumstances; Geis said the bill was meant to protect non-work time while preserving emergency carve-outs and informational messages. NFIB’s Amanda Fisher opposed the bill, arguing it was too broad, difficult to define across industries and schedules, potentially duplicative of existing wage-and-hour law, and likely to create confusion and reduce flexibility, especially for small employers. The committee then shifted to testimony on health care workforce and labor disputes. Nurses from Teamsters Local 332 described a 291-day strike at Henry Ford/Genesis over safe staffing, return-to-work terms, and alleged union-busting, saying the hospital’s staffing levels and use of replacement workers threatened patient safety and could displace experienced specialty nurses. Michigan Nurses Association president Aaron McCormick and Marquette RN union president Christina Hanson said Michigan’s problem is not a shortage of licensed nurses but of nurses willing to stay in overworked, hostile workplaces; they cited retaliation, slow grievance/arbitration processes, hospital consolidation, rural OB closures, and unsafe staffing ratios as drivers of burnout and departures. They urged stronger protections and faster dispute resolution, especially given the limited effectiveness of the NLRB and delays in labor processes. Additional testimony came from UAW Local 4911’s Kim Wheeler, who said UMH Sparrow was outsourcing two low-paid support groups—patient transport/housekeeping and food and nutrition—despite their importance to hospital operations and despite a recently ratified contract, and asked for transparency and limits on corporate outsourcing. Don Hill of SEIU Health Care Michigan described chronic understaffing in nursing homes, mandatory overtime, burnout, retaliation fears, and the need for enforceable patient-to-staff ratios and stronger wage support; he also noted that home care workers are negotiating first contracts after restored bargaining rights. The committee took no vote on SB 948 beyond adopting the substitute, heard extensive testimony, and adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• promising a certain rating, stating they can speed up a claim, and sending veterans to a private physician
• years, a very robust training program. training program staffed by former CVSOs working at the CVSO ranks
• We have no opposition to accreditation; we would love for them to have accreditation in their ranks.
• When they asked and GPT created generated position assistance letters, this physician assistant never

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:10:32.280><c> in</c> Last year we ranked sixth in Last year we ranked sixth in investigations
• ><c> APPs,</c><01:22:54.120><c> advanced</c> essential physicians or APPs, advanced essential physicians
• We train physicians from across the country.
• </c><01:24:11.800><c> and</c> experienced faculty physicians and experienced faculty physicians and strong
• We are a safety net physician workforce.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• It's just guidance for the physician. The physician can still treat the injury anytime they want.
• The physicians that kill can still treat the injury anytime they want. That's part of my confusion.
• The physician always ultimately makes the decision on what kind of treatment they get.
• And again, the physician has the ultimate responsibility to decide, but this is guidance for them.
• It takes an annual bunch of gathering of a bunch of physicians to even change it.

Bills: HR275 , HR276 , HR277 , HR278 , HR279 , HR280 , HR281 , HR282 , HR283 , HR284 , HCR112 , HCR113 , HR265 , HR266 , HR267 , HR268 , HR269 , HR270 , HR271 , HR272 , HR273 , HCR107 , HCR108 , HCR109 , HCR110 , HCR111 , SCR63 , SCR66 , SCR67 , SB414 , SB484 , SB513 , HR168 , HR174 , HR194 , HR216 , HR264 , HCR54 , HCR74 , HCR79 , HCR85 , HCR87 , HCR94 , HCR95 , HCR97 , HCR98 , HCR104 , SCR23 , SCR29 , SCR33 , SCR38 , HB75 , HB705 , SB54 , SB56 , SB72 , SB79 , SB97 , SB105 , SB123 , SB125 , SB129 , SB163 , SB171 , SB252 , SB287 , SB375 , SB386 , SB461 , SB466 , HR84 , HR188 , HR205 , HR3 , HR197 , HR243 , SCR19 , SCR3 , SCR6 , SCR18 , SCR11 , SCR22 , SCR2 , SCR20 , SCR24 , SCR35 , HCR6 , HB301 , HB359 , HB657 , HB675 , HB680 , HB727 , HB39 , HB58 , HB112 , HB134 , HB155 , HB187 , HB287 , HB462 , HB782 , HB825 , HB846 , HB903 , HB904 , HB929 , HB941 , HB962 , HB1200 , HB4 , HB623 , HB944 , HB986 , HB1098 , HB1222 , SB45 , SB58 , SB71 , SB81 , SB92 , SB100 , SB109 , SB141 , SB156 , SB181 , SB203 , SB204 , SB205 , SB207 , SB213 , SB214 , SB216 , SB229 , SB257 , SB274 , SB290 , SB304 , SB374 , SB379 , SB396 , SB410 , SB425 , SB427 , SB429 , SB479 , SB522 , SB34 , SB164 , SB172 , SB198 , SB208 , SB232 , SB281 , SB286 , SB317 , SB322 , SB334 , SB380 , SB385 , SB409 , SB417 , SB421 , SB430 , SB439 , SB447 , SB458 , SB510 , HB842 , HB633 , HB1191 , HB625 , HB1255 , HB251 , HB582 , HB646 , HB819 , HB998 , HB1257 , SB197 , SB436 , SB78 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HCR65 , HCR71 , HB284 , HB302 , HB306 , HB341 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB603 , HB605 , HB614 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB798 , HB911 , HB955 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1140 , HB1180 , HB1240 , SB82 , SB89 , HB258 , SB149 , SB382 , SB441

Summary: The House met with a quorum and began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several personal privileges recognizing National Police Week, fallen law enforcement officers, a young Olympic weightlifter, a community sports agent, a deceased coach, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Day, the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association, aviation professionals, and a birthday tribute. The chamber also received Senate messages, committee reports, and a long series of resolutions and bills, many of which were adopted or concurred in without objection. Several measures were returned to the calendar, while others were advanced with technical or clarifying amendments. A major portion of the meeting focused on resolutions honoring or commemorating people and groups, including National Police Week, Barron Baker, Paul T. Derezel II, Coach Emilio Tese, Alpha Phi Alpha, Louisiana Realtors Day, Special Olympics Louisiana, and various memorial highway designations. The House also adopted or concurred in resolutions on topics such as DOTD signage, shrimp procurement, geothermal energy, opioid settlement reporting, hospital design standards, Medicaid redetermination flexibility, chronic wasting disease management, remote online notarization, and a task force on intestate succession. Testimony on these items was generally supportive and brief, with sponsors explaining that most were technical, commemorative, or requests for study. The chamber also took up several substantive bills and Senate amendments. Among the measures concurred in were bills on peace officer citizenship requirements, post-conviction bail limits, portable benefits for independent contractors, workforce development, construction debris burning, license plate coverings, insurance and captive insurers, oil field indemnification, and rural infrastructure financing. One notable bill, HB 39 on peace officer citizenship, drew questions about National Guard members and legal permanent residents before the House concurred in the Senate amendments by a 74-22 vote. HB 134 on harmful material and interactive computer services had its Senate amendments rejected, while HB 359 on nonaffiliated candidates was temporarily returned to the calendar. The most extended debate came on the conference committee report for HB 842, which addressed Louisiana election law in response to the federal Callais decision. Members questioned how the report would affect the current congressional election cycle, absentee ballots, qualifying dates, signature requirements, and whether the closed party primary for U.S. House races had been canceled in favor of an open primary in the fall. The sponsor explained that the report cancels the current closed party primary for congressional races, voids ballots cast in that canceled election, returns qualifying fees, lowers petition-signature requirements, and sets new dates for the open primary and runoff. The House suspended the rules to consider the report the same day it was received, and the discussion highlighted concerns about election administration, district maps, and the scope of the changes before the chamber moved forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Ranking Member Nixon: HERE. >> Rep. Albert: HERE. >> Rep. Alvarez: HERE. >> Rep.
• REPRESENTATIVE NIXON, YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> Ranking Member Nixon: HEY REP.
• Nix: YES. >> Ranking Member Nixon: NO. >> Rep. Porras: YES. >> Rep. Sapp: YES. >> Rep.
• AND WITH THAT YOU ARE WELCOME TO PRESENT. >> THANK YOU MADAM CHAIR AND RANKING MEMBERS.
• >> Ranking Member Nixon: I DO. THANK YOU MADAM CHAIR.

Transcript Highlights:

• presentations included associations that represented a complete range of providers, hospitals, physicians
• , other providers, and state... physicians, other providers, state agencies, individual physician leaders
• And we asked the question that, as far as transparency goes, where did Mississippi rank as far as this

Committee: Joint Public Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• He's a family physician trained at St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City.
• Graduated from OU Health Science Center in 2009, is currently managing partner of Metro Physicians, a
• stewardship and safety in the hospital and mentored hospitals in opioid stewardship, growing group of physician
• She is ranked in the top one-third at state golf. She started a nonprofit called United for Peace.

Bills: SB1290 , SB1530 , SB1847 , HR1050 , SB169 , SB1377 , SB1990 , SB1991 , SB1778 , SB1579 , SB1992 , SB3 , SB2028 , SB1928 , SB2127 , SB2117 , SB1439 , SB1930 , SB330 , SB1191 , SB2110 , SB2134 , SB2069 , SB2095 , SB1613 , SB1246 , SB1976 , SB1346 , SB1509 , SB2071 , SB259 , SB1314

Summary: The House convened, completed the roll call, and heard an invocation, a Veteran of the Week recognition for Colonel William S. Hartzell, and several guest introductions and special presentations, including the Coeta Tigers wrestling team, the Murray State College shotgun team, and visitors from Taiwan. The chamber also recognized the Psychologist of the Day, Nurse of the Day, Doctor of the Day, and Pages of the Week, along with committee meeting announcements and a motion to adjourn at the end of business. Members then considered and passed a series of bills. Senate Bill 1290 on 211 services passed 82-0 and its emergency clause also passed. Senate Bill 1530 on state government and innovation/research funding passed 58-27. Senate Bill 1847 on Medicaid home and community-based services passed 78-10 with its emergency clause. Senate Bill 169 increasing longevity pay for state employees passed 85-4 with emergency. Senate Bill 1377 requiring DHS to provide duffel bags and hygiene items for foster children passed 88-4 with emergency. Senate Bill 1990 on the Incentive Evaluation Commission passed 88-4. Senate Bill 1991, a cleanup measure redirecting certain lease and land-sale revenues to O-CAMP, passed and its emergency clause also passed. The House also adopted H.R. 1050 reaffirming Oklahoma’s sister-state relationship with Taiwan, followed by remarks from Taiwanese officials. Senate Bill 1778, the Strong Readers Act, passed 87-5 with emergency after discussion about reading screeners, funding tiers, and an optional second-grade assessment. Senate Bill 1579, described as a taxpayer bill of rights related to ad valorem tax, drew extended debate over property taxes and state savings before passing 85-0. Senate Bill 1992, defining strategic financial partners for an income tax credit, passed 65-24. The House then moved to adjourn until Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Laura Neatfield as our physician of the day.
• As a physician to her patients and to her greater community and we are truly blessed to have her here
• Texas ranks third in the nation in the number of Alzheimer's cases with the Department of State Health
• The members will consist primarily of physicians or scientists with extensive experience in the dementia

Bills: SJR3 , SB5 , SB21 , SB72 , SB703 , SB764 , SB790 , SJR36 , SJR3 , SJR34 , SJR18 , SCR9 , SB616 , SB565 , SB384 , SB5 , SB21 , SB72 , SB140 , SB262 , SB370 , SB372 , SB495 , SB627 , SB703 , SB764 , SB842 , SB971 , SB790 , SB767 , SB480 , SB1066 , SB929 , SB765 , SB523 , SB62 , SB19 , SB18 , SB666 , SB688 , SB707 , SB888 , SB687 , SB706 , SB847 , SB869 , SB890 , SB992 , SB1145 , SB494 , SB290 , SB766 , SB11 , SB10 , SB13 , SB263 , SJR3 , SB5 , SR172 , SR176 , SR177 , SR190 , SR193 , SR194 , SR202 , SR203 , SR208

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the same process that is used for physicians and surgeons and physician assistants, nurses, advanced
• I just want to go on record to say that Missouri ranks ninth in the nation for DWI offenses.
• I serve as a ranking member, ranking minority member, on the Crime and Public Safety Committee where

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the House Journal by roll call vote, 135-1. Members then observed a moment of silence for a constituent killed in a roadway tragedy, and several members introduced guests, including family members, veterans, students, and a child celebrating his birthday on the dais. The chamber then considered a series of bills. HB 2944, dealing with automatic continuation of a senior property tax freeze without annual reapplication, passed 145-0. HB 2230/2978, addressing school instructional methods by limiting excessive screen-based instruction and promoting cursive writing, passed 143-10 after extended debate over technology use in elementary schools. HB 1825, removing sheriffs and prosecutors from county salary commissions with a Boone County carve-out, passed 152-0. HB 1840, creating a Purple Alert system for missing individuals with developmental disabilities, passed 153-0, and its emergency clause was adopted 143-8. HB 1623, allowing emergency suspension or restriction of licenses for massage therapists and chiropractors, passed 103-48. HB 3279, moving the Community Service Commission to the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, passed 151-0. HB 2508, clarifying certificates of good standing for series LLCs and making them searchable, passed 152-0. HB 1963, allowing social workers to supervise after three years of practice, passed 151-0. HB 2408, removing the appropriation cap for grants serving the deaf-blind community, was perfected and printed. HB 3113, requiring Narcan in public buildings, designating October as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month, and expanding school-law enforcement prevention efforts, was perfected and printed after discussion about funding and Narcan shelf life. HB 3000, fixing signature requirements for local audits based on population at the start of petitioning and adding a fire district surplus-sale amendment, was perfected and printed as amended. HB 2898, reviving and refining land bank authority and Chapter 141 judicial foreclosure tools, was perfected and printed after debate about neighborhood cleanup and title clearing. HB 1740, renamed Melanie’s Law, increasing penalties for intoxicated driving and strengthening ignition interlock requirements, was perfected and printed following emotional testimony from members and the sponsor’s explanation of the bill’s origins. At the end of the session, the House moved to announcements, including committee meetings and a fish fry notice. A member also issued a correction and apology regarding an earlier false report about Willie McGee. The House then adjourned until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.