Transcript Highlights:

• At the conclusion of the 152nd General Assembly following the enactment of HB 209, sponsored by Rep.
• The bill ensures Delaware law accurately reflects the General Assembly's original intent.
• At the conclusion of the 152nd General Assembly following the enactment of HB209, sponsored by Rep.
• The bill ensures Delaware law accurately reflects the General Assembly's original intent.
• The General Assembly agreed with us at the time and banned these fees.

Committee: Senate Executive

Summary: The committee met in hybrid format, approved the June 24 and June 25, 2026 minutes, and then heard several bills and a joint resolution. On House Bill 382 with House Amendment 2, Senator Hoffer explained the measure as a technical correction to prior rental-car and peer-to-peer car-sharing law that would clarify when loss-of-use damages may be recovered while preserving recovery for intentional, willful, or criminal conduct. Avis Budget Group and Enterprise Mobility supported the bill, saying it resolved ambiguity and restored limited common-law recovery, while Allstate and Toro opposed it, arguing the bill could reintroduce unfair and unpredictable fees and leave too much discretion to rental companies. No vote was taken in the transcript, and Senator Townsend said he still had questions about how the bill would operate. The committee then considered House Bill 476, a Frederica charter change that would reduce town council meetings from twice monthly to monthly and make ordinances effective immediately unless otherwise stated. Representative Postles presented it as a simple, noncontroversial change, though members noted Senator Buckson, the Senate sponsor, was not present at the time. No public comment was offered on that bill. The committee also heard House Joint Resolution 13, which directs the Department of Labor to study a Delaware health care apprenticeship degree program and report recommendations; the Delaware Health Care Association supported the resolution and urged coordination with existing workforce efforts. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 458 with House Amendment 1 on backflow devices in low-hazard buildings. Senator Pardee said the bill would exempt residences and office-type buildings from costly backflow retrofits until regulations are updated, and DHSS said the current regulations do not clearly define low hazard but that the bill’s list of exempted buildings would not raise immediate public health concerns. The Delaware Association of Realtors supported the bill, arguing the regulations were overbroad and costly, while the Delaware Rural Water Association opposed it, warning that weakening backflow protections could threaten drinking water and aquifers. The committee then adjourned without any recorded votes on the substantive bills in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• The new reality in Florida where open carry is effectively the law because the Attorney General is not
• This is only on family child care facilities in this bill.
• and small wireless facilities.
• Ivermectin is generally well-tolerated when used at FDA-approved doses for approved indications.
• I am Kathy Mayfield from Tallahassee, Florida, second-generation Floridian.

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• means new facilities, adding beds to<00:30:20.640><c> existing</c><00:30:21.039><c> facilities,</c><
• general? general?
• </c> our facilities were required to operate. our facilities were required to operate.
• It's very generous.
• It's very generous. &gt;&gt; Thank you. It's very generous.

Committee: House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Health, Human Services, and Elderly Affairs heard HB 1790-FN, which would address involuntary admissions for certain individuals with a substance use disorder. Representative Lucy Weber introduced the bill for Representative Long, and the committee heard extensive testimony both in support of and in opposition to the proposal. Opponents, including John Burns of SOS Recovery and Jake Barry of New Futures, argued that involuntary commitment is not well supported by research, can retraumatize people, may increase overdose risk after release, and could undermine New Hampshire’s existing recovery and harm-reduction efforts. They emphasized that treatment should be voluntary, trauma-informed, and paired with housing, recovery supports, and other community-based services. Representative Long said he was willing to accept DHHS’s request to amend the bill into a study commission, though he expressed concern that a prior state study had not led to action. He said the commission should focus on implementation details, including where people would be placed, staffing, withdrawal management, elopement prevention, length of commitment, and aftercare. He described involuntary commitment as one tool for people with severe dangerous addictions, distinct from drug court, and said it could help avoid criminal records. Committee members asked about capacity at New Hampshire Hospital and how the proposal would work in practice. DHHS officials Katya Fox and Cynthia Pabonis testified that the bill raises major policy and fiscal concerns. They said New Hampshire’s current system has benefited from investments in naloxone, medication-assisted treatment, recovery centers, and community-based services, and that those investments have helped reduce overdose deaths. They estimated the bill would require a new 70-bed facility costing about $40 million to build and about $33.3 million annually to operate, with only a small portion offset by insurance, plus more than $600,000 in annual legal costs and additional staffing and system changes. They also said New Hampshire Hospital has 185 beds, with about 100 patients typically ready for less restrictive settings, and that housing shortages are a major bottleneck. NAMI New Hampshire also testified in opposition, saying families often want any possible treatment for loved ones but still opposed the bill. No vote or final action was taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Deputy Attorney General Michelle Lalda.
• Our department of the attorney general.
• Well, yes, the Attorney General is correct.
• I totally general is correct.
• </c><02:06:53.440><c> So</c> general and department of health. So general and department of health.

Bills: SB2936 , SB2850 , SB2851 , SB2521

Committee: House Health

Keywords: accessible parking, disability, kupuna, public accommodations, small business exemptions, Hawaii Revised Statutes, parking permit, blind, deaf, accessibility, deafness, traffic safety, law enforcement, vehicle registration, communication, emergency services, commercial driver's license, first responders, public safety, authorized emergency vehicle

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several health-related bills. HB 1871, establishing a maternal health monitoring pilot program, drew support from the Department of Health, the Hawaii State Commission on Status of Women, and the Hawaii affiliate of the American College of Nurse Midwives, with testimony urging provider-neutral language so midwives and other qualified providers would not be excluded. HB 1977, requiring a maternal and infant health information mobile app, received support from ACNM and Philips, which said similar apps in other states improved awareness of services and helped families navigate care; a member asked the Department of Health about implementation time. HB 1858, relating to certificates of fetal deaths, was supported by the Department of Health and clinicians, who said the current statute is outdated and inconsistent with CDC guidance; the department and a physician testified that the bill should shift documentation responsibilities to physicians and APRNs, and members discussed optional versus mandatory issuance language and whether the bill would improve data on home births and transfers. The committee also heard HB 1591, expanding definitions for preceptor and volunteer-based clinical training to improve income tax credits. The Department of Health supported the measure but preferred a similar, broader bill; Taxation suggested clarifying terms; the University of Hawaii and the State Center for Nursing supported it. ACNM asked that midwifery preceptors and Hawaii-based students enrolled in mainland programs be included, while the Hawaii Public Health Institute supported expansion of the program as a workforce solution. HB 1574, on the health care education loan repayment program, also drew broad support, including from the governor, SHPDA, OHA, and health organizations, but ACNM raised concerns that the bill’s 30% Medicaid-client threshold could exclude many providers and limit participation. For HB 1575, creating a feasibility committee on Parkinson’s patient air transport, the Department of Health supported the intent but said transportation is more likely an insurance or benefit issue and suggested redirecting funds to Parkinson’s research; the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the Hawaii Parkinson Association supported the bill, citing inter-island travel barriers and high costs for patients and caregivers. HB 1854, establishing certification of community behavioral health clinics, was supported by the Department of Health and DHS, which said certification would help clinics qualify for enhanced Medicaid reimbursement and expand access; the Attorney General’s office raised a legal concern about the special fund language and recommended a purpose section, and the committee discussed whether the fund would be self-sustaining and noted a possible amendment to change membership language and reduce the board size if the amendment moved forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• About the section, Chapter 536, or non-severable, any powers vested in the General Assembly, et cetera
• The section are non-severable and if any of the powers vested within the General Assembly pursuant to
• So again, this is the general concern that we have with it.
• Generally, I mean, is the concern for providers a general concern? Yeah, yes, it is.
• So we're above general creditors, but below administration.

Committee: House Insurance

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The economics are increasingly difficult to just make these facilities pencil.
• And I'm concerned about that because if we want people to build generational wealth, if we want to get
• generational wealth.
• Though the amendment is generally broad in its action. particular bill though the amendment is generally
• Another part of our general push toward a less regressive tax system is making our tax system less of

Summary: House Finance met in executive session on March 2 and reviewed a series of tax and property-tax bills. Staff described measures including removing acreage limits for nonprofit public assembly hall property tax exemptions (ESSB 5252), extending timber tax distributions to certain school districts (SB 5994), expanding housing-related local sales tax uses (SB 6027), updating Department of Revenue tax administration provisions (ESSB 6113), consolidating the state property tax levy and expanding senior/disabled exemptions (ESSB 6162), extending disaster-related property tax relief (SB 6343), rolling back 2025 estate tax changes (SB 6347), adding tribes to the Conservation Futures Program (SB 6097), and extending a hazardous substance tax exemption for agricultural crop protection products (SB 6244). Members also discussed several amendments, including changes to rental assistance, library and school tax treatment, veterans’ income definitions and application assistance, estate-tax exemption and CPI language, and reporting requirements for conservation futures land acquisitions. The committee adopted some amendments and rejected others. HRA 440 was adopted to allow rental assistance as an eligible use of the local sales tax revenue for all jurisdictions rather than only Snohomish County. On ESSB 6113, the committee adopted the striking amendment H-3718.2 but rejected amendments to exempt investigative services, live presentations for schools and nonprofits, and library-related exemptions. On ESSB 6162, amendments to modernize veterans’ benefit language, require DOR application assistance, and lower the levy rate were all rejected. On SB 6347, the committee adopted an amendment restoring the estate tax exclusion amount to 2.193 million and changing the CPI reference, while the broader bill was later reported out as amended. On SB 6097, an amendment requiring county reporting on conservation futures acquisitions was rejected. The committee then voted to report several bills out with do pass recommendations: ESSB 5252, SB 5994, ESSB 6027 as amended, ESSB 6113 as amended, ESSB 6162, SB 6343, SB 6097, and SB 6244. SB 6347 was reported out with a do pass as amended recommendation after the adopted amendment. Members generally framed the bills as providing tax relief, clarifying tax administration, supporting housing and schools, or extending existing exemptions, while some members raised concerns about fiscal impact, tax burden shifts, and the need for more accountability or broader policy changes. The meeting concluded with thanks to staff and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was also illegal before people of my generation saw the benefit.
• In addition to our specific objection, Texas Impact has general concerns related to...
• Hello, my name is Adriana Hinojosa and I'm a third-generation Texan.
• We can't pass bills on generalities or averages that are always changing.
• And limit our general potential to be a healthy and safe community.

Bills: HB229 , HB229 , HB3990 , HB5082 , HB5510

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: HB 229, Texas, political subdivision, local government, county dues, county association, state association of counties, lobbying, lobbyist, public funds, taxpayer lawsuit, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, Government Code Chapter 556, Local Government Code Section 89.002, legislative advocacy, municipal government, county government, city government, special district

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:52:33.680><c> they</c> facility. They have great dogs. they facility.
• </c><01:20:59.440><c> for</c> you know, revenue that it generates for you know, revenue that it generates
• </c> with outofstatearmacies to generate with outofstatearmacies to generate revenue<01:48:49.679><c>
• </c> has evolved into a re revenue generating has evolved into a re revenue generating platform<01:57
• ,</c> it relates to healthcare in general, it relates to healthcare in general, we're<02:03:24.960><c

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:34:57.200><c> fund</c> city or county capital or general fund city or county capital or general
• on general orders. orders. orders.
• </c><01:02:31.000><c> or</c> evaluating where to expand facilities or evaluating where to expand facilities
• This one is going to general orders. I request a roll call.
• Is recommended to pass and to be placed on General Orders. Thank you.

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The program has historically been funded through a combination of one-time General Fund appropriation
• This program has been funded by a mix of General Fund and greenhouse gas reduction funds since about
• We find that the programs chosen by the administration generally align well with the language included
• And then some of this overlaps pretty generously with the GGRF.
• We oppose using the funds for backfilling general fund gaps, as was noted in previous comments.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee heard the administration’s spending plan for Proposition 4’s climate smart agriculture and biodiversity chapters, along with related trailer bill language. CDFA outlined proposed funding for existing programs such as SWEEP, Healthy Soils, Urban Agriculture, and invasive species work, plus new or phased-in programs including year-round and mobile farmers’ markets, tribal food sovereignty, and regional farm equipment sharing. The Department of Conservation described funding for the California Farmland Conservancy Program and Working Lands and Riparian Corridors Program, while the Department of Finance and LAO discussed pending allocations and generally found the overall approach reasonable, though LAO suggested the Legislature may want more statutory guidance and reporting, especially for new programs. Members focused on implementation details, equity, and accountability. Questions covered how programs would serve vulnerable and disadvantaged communities, whether new solicitations would be reopened for previously oversubscribed grants, how outcomes are tracked, and how to structure guidance for new programs such as farm equipment sharing. The chair emphasized that the Legislature wants clearer direction on program design and noted that AB 2313 should guide implementation of the regional farm equipment sharing allocation. The committee also discussed the administration’s request to directly appropriate bond funds to departments and to exempt bond program guidelines from the Administrative Procedures Act; LAO supported the APA exemption with possible legislative guardrails for public notice and comment. The committee then heard on the farm-to-school proposal, with CDFA requesting $24.9 million General Fund for incubator grants, technical assistance, and network support. CDFA said the program has reached nearly half of California schoolchildren and has shown strong demand and positive evaluation results. LAO supported the core program but recommended rejecting the $3 million technical assistance component as too broad and suggested the Legislature consider using Proposition 98 for some of the funding. Members debated that point, with some expressing concern about using General Fund dollars for a new discretionary request during a tight budget year. The biodiversity and nature-based solutions chapter included funding for the Wildlife Conservation Board, state conservancies, and tribal nature-based solutions. WCB described major recent investments and proposed projects tied to 30 by 30, habitat restoration, tribal partnerships, and public access. Members raised concerns about long-term stewardship, the size of the WCB allocation, and whether the Legislature should receive more detail on how funds will be distributed. The committee also heard requests for Bolsa Chica wetlands maintenance and Rincon Island decommissioning funding from the State Lands Commission, with members questioning long-term liability, remediation costs, and the role of private oil operators. No votes were taken, and the hearing ended with public comment from stakeholders largely supporting the APA exemption, farm-to-school funding, biodiversity investments, and related conservation programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Attorney General Rachel Jordan, Deputy Attorney General with the Office of the Attorney General, said
• What kind of services, just in general?
• on oh good afternoon good General on oh good afternoon good afternoon<00:15:22.759><c> afternoon</c>
• </c> Rachel Jordan a deputy attorney general Rachel Jordan a deputy attorney general with<00:15:27.199
• </c> with the Office of the Attorney General with the Office of the Attorney General we<00:15:28.759>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Transportation and Culture heard testimony on several transportation-related bills. HB 1422, which would exempt certain community-based organizations providing transportation services from motor carrier law, drew support from the Department of Transportation, PUC, DLNR, Kauaʻi County, the Hōnaunau Initiative, and others; members asked about narrowing amendments to prevent unintended use, and the bill later advanced with amendments, including a three-year sunset. HB 1162, requiring motorcycle instruction permit applicants to complete a DOT-approved basic rider course, received support from DOT and Honolulu Customer Services; it advanced with amendments to address city and county concerns and to allow more implementation time. HB 1259, which would remove the need for an engineering study when reducing speed limits by up to 10 mph, had mixed testimony and was deferred for further discussion. HB 1260, establishing summer streets pilot programs for counties other than Oʻahu, drew support from DOT, DOH, UH, Hawaiʻi Appleseed, bicycling and public health groups, and individuals; DOH and others asked that Oʻahu be included, but the measure was deferred for later decision-making. HB 177, making civil ID cards free, had opposition from DOT and Honolulu Customer Services and support from health advocates; DOT said the program costs about $1.3 million annually and would need replacement funding, and the bill was deferred. HB 862, authorizing motor coaches, small buses, and vans for school bus services under certain conditions, received broad support from disability advocates, DOE-related entities, neighborhood boards, and private providers, with testimony emphasizing flexibility and accessibility; it was deferred. HB 667, requiring microchip scanning and reporting when deceased cats or dogs are removed from roadways, was supported by DOT, the Hawaiian Humane Society, and many animal groups and individuals, and was passed unamended. HB 960, increasing the cap on certain DOT capital investment contracts, and HB 228, authorizing electronic license plates and banning plate-obscuring devices and flipping devices, were both heard and then deferred. HB 1156, increasing the amount of special facility revenue bonds available for harbor improvements, received support from DOT, the Island Chamber of Commerce, Alakaʻi Energy, and the Harbor Users Group, and was passed unamended to Ways and Means.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are zero FTPs, zero general funds.
• But because of what we're cutting, they took it out of the general fund to save us the general fund and
• But because of what we're cutting, they took it out of the general fund to save us the general fund and
• If you were to look at the general fund, in the general fund, you have $77,900 and $87,400.
• So general fund stays intact. We didn't use any general fund, which is a good thing.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Adequacy, reliability, and distribution of unrestricted general government aid.
• I'm proud to be able to close us off with our amendment on unrestricted general government aid.
• Allow facilities across the Commonwealth to update their safety standards and emergency preparedness
• To the gentleman from Winchester and to General Lady from Somerville, thank you for your many years of
• And boy, I could go Keeping our Head Start facilities open, and boy, I could go through so much more

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate met on the FY27 budget and began with several ceremonial introductions and brief amendment withdrawals. Senator Collins withdrew amendments related to restoring DCF social worker funding and educator pay. The chamber then ruled a package of tax-related amendments offered by Senator Tarr out of order on constitutional grounds, finding they would create money-bill provisions that must originate in the House; the Senate upheld that ruling by a vote of 35-4. Senator Tarr later offered amendments on a gas tax suspension and related tax relief themes, but those were not adopted. The Senate considered and rejected several other amendments, including proposals on commemorating Commonwealth history, naming a bridge, repeat offenders, and no-cost calls. One amendment by Senator Fattman to extend domestic violence leave protections to contract employees was adopted unanimously, with 39 votes in favor and none opposed. The chamber also adopted an amendment creating a special commission to study the adequacy, reliability, and distribution of unrestricted general government aid (UGA), after extended debate about inequities in municipal aid and local budget pressures. Members from across the chamber supported the commission, while some emphasized that adequacy of funding, not just redistribution, remains a concern. The Senate then took up Chapter 90, passing the municipal roads and bridges bill to be engrossed. It also adopted a community programming amendment and a Senate Ways and Means amendment, then adopted the Ways and Means budget amendment as amended and ordered the underlying FY27 appropriations bill to a third reading. After lengthy closing remarks from the Ways and Means chair, minority leader, and the Senate President praising the budget process and highlighting investments in local aid, education, public safety, and other priorities, the Senate voted 40-0 to pass the FY27 budget bill to be engrossed. The chamber then adopted an order to reconvene the following Tuesday at 11 a.m. and adjourned in memory of Trooper Kevin Thomas Traynor.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, first step, we have a request for an additional $25,000 for our general operating expenses.
• They assess their needs, and either they get, generally speaking, the levels of care vary.
• We put those people into a sober living facility home, but it's a home environment.
• If you agree to go to Firstep, which is strictly a sober living facility, but it's residential.
• of corrections case manager in that facility.

Committee: House A&B Judiciary Subcommittee

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As a result, both of those municipal facilities see about a 20 to 25% decrease in wages and benefits.
• two agencies in central Washington, including one that operated a managed 85-bed municipal jail facility
• We value our corrections officers and all those who work in our local public safety facilities.
• We value our corrections officers and all those who work in our local public safety facilities.
• As this committee is aware, a worker is generally eligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits

Bills: HB2107 , HB2137 , HB2243 , HB2264

Committee: House Labor & Workplace Standards

Keywords: construction safety, hazard notification, worksite regulations, labor safety, state law, law enforcement, correctional officers, interest arbitration, collective bargaining, public safety, workers' compensation, healthcare providers, physical therapy, occupational therapy, employment, unemployment insurance, benefits, layoffs, workforce reduction, 904

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's the general Senate position.
• </c> them where so so that's the general them where so so that's the general Senate<00:17:40.400><c>
• And that would have triggered a one-time $110 million surplus that was generated.
• And that would have triggered a one-time $110 million surplus that was generated.
• So those places have uh facilities.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first adopted amendment 2026-2021S to correct a drafting issue in the budget language so that the $2.5 million appropriation for Medicaid per diem rate stabilization at county nursing homes can be spent during the biennium rather than lapsing at the end of the fiscal year. Senator Lang explained that the funds are matched with federal dollars for a total of $5 million and are intended to prevent rate reductions that could shift costs to county property taxpayers. The amendment was adopted unanimously by both chambers, and the committee proceeded on the bill as amended by the Senate. The main discussion then focused on HB 155 and a proposed amendment to the business enterprise tax. The House proposal would lower the BET rate in stages when combined business tax revenues exceed certain thresholds, while the Senate opposed an immediate rate reduction and argued that tax changes should be handled in a budget year. Senators emphasized that raising the filing threshold to $375,000 had already removed about 3,500 small businesses from filing requirements, and they preferred further relief through threshold changes rather than rate cuts. House members argued that the trigger-based reduction was a reasonable, tested mechanism and would provide future tax relief without taking effect unless revenues rose enough. Members debated whether the trigger could be distorted by one-time revenue spikes, such as the recent tax amnesty receipts and prior federal repatriation-related revenue, and Representative Sweeney said he was willing to adjust the effective date or carve out amnesty revenue. The committee did not reach agreement on the BET reduction, and the chair called a break and then continued the meeting later with a new proposal to delay the trigger’s effective date to January 1, 2028. Senator Lang rejected that version but offered a counterproposal to raise the filing threshold to $400,000, and the parties ultimately agreed to continue discussions and reconvene later. The meeting also took up HB 1102, concerning the research and development tax credit and state park fees. The House position was to support the R&D tax credit but remove the park-fee provisions, citing testimony from the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources that it did not need the increase and concerns about discouraging tourism, especially at border parks. Supporters of the park-fee language argued that the department had not raised rates in years, could set its own rates, and should be able to charge nonresidents more while keeping New Hampshire residents’ fees lower. The discussion remained unresolved, with members debating the likely effect on tourism and fairness to residents versus the need for additional revenue.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, generally. The law would say at any times.
• We go into this whole rigmarole that does not include a health facility.
• It does not include a health care facility defined in Section 59A. What, um... But what?
• That's everyone who works in any of those facilities.
• That's everyone who works in any of those facilities.

Bills: HB294 , SB40 , SB43 , SB35

Committee: Senate House Judiciary

Keywords: cannabis, cannabis packaging, cannabis labeling, cannabis regulation, Cannabis Control Division, adulterated cannabis, artificial color additive, food dye, youth appeal, minor appeal, child-resistant packaging, black-and-white packaging, edibles, product labeling, consumer protection, marijuana, hemp, dispensary, licensed cannabis business, cannabis manufacturer

Summary: The committee first briefly discussed House Bill 95, which would create an additional judgeship in the Second Judicial District. Members noted it was being aligned with the Senate version so the House and Senate bills would match. An amendment was adopted to also include the new First Judicial District judgeship that had been added earlier in the session, and the bill then received a do pass recommendation as amended. The committee then heard Senate Bill 23, which would require school districts and charter schools to adopt and implement policies banning wireless communication devices during the school day, with exceptions for educational purposes, emergencies, and health care needs. The sponsors and Public Education Department officials said the bill was intended to reduce classroom distractions, improve student focus and mental health, and support teachers, and the Office of Broadband explained that $1 million from an existing education technology fund would help schools implement storage solutions such as lockers or pouches. Supporters included representatives from New Mexico Kids Can, Albuquerque Public Schools, and the Higher Education Department; there was no opposition testimony. Committee members raised concerns about the bill’s definition of “school day,” the three-year phase-in, local control, and whether the funding and storage requirements were necessary. After debate, the committee adopted a motion to strike Section 4, which contained the phase-in schedule, and then voted to report the bill do pass as amended. Members also discussed whether the bill should be more direct and immediate, but sponsors said the phased approach and funding were intended to improve chances of passage and implementation. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 246, which would add licensure and inspection requirements for massage therapy establishments to address safety, sanitation, and concerns about illegal activity such as prostitution and human trafficking. The sponsor and Regulation and Licensing Department said the bill would close a regulatory gap and allow inspections of establishments, while the massage therapy industry supported the rulemaking being left to the board. Members questioned the breadth of the bill, including inspection timing, the impact on legitimate businesses, and language that could unintentionally bar people from licensure for past conduct. The committee worked through amendments to narrow those provisions, including adding “for compensation” and limiting certain denial language to conduct after the bill’s effective date, and the sponsor accepted those changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the lady that opened up the facility the lady that opened up the facility lost<00:04:31.759><c>
• I was told that this facility had been inspected.
• </c><00:07:28.240><c> had</c><00:07:28.560><c> been</c> I was told that this facility had been I was
• told that this facility had been inspected. inspected. inspected.
• I think generally speaking, these child care centers do want to do the right thing.

Committee: Senate Families & Children

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, um, I, I think it needs, the general intent is really good.
• TDLR issues around about 180 types of licenses for equipment, occupations and facilities.
• This change will streamline operations for healthcare facilities, reduce costs, ensure Texas law aligns
• This bill will help healthcare facilities operate more efficient and focus on what matters most, patient
• We employ almost 1100 associates in the state of Texas across our four main facilities, which are located

Committee: House Licensing & Administrative Procedures

Transcript Highlights:

• professional certification, expands eligibility for teachers apprenticeship programs, limits the general
• The bill provides districts with greater control over their facilities, removing prescribed 5-, 10-,
• removes the cost per student station limits to enable districts to build high-quality education facilities
• The bill provides districts with greater control over their facilities, which removes prescribed 5, 10
• I'm on third generation of families, so it's quite wonderful.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met with a quorum present and observed a moment of silence for Senator Geraldine Thompson. The committee first took up CS/SB 102, a bill by Senator Gates directing the Department of Education to develop a workforce credential program for students with autism spectrum disorder or students on a modified curriculum, in coordination with the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities and OSHA. Supporters said the bill would help autistic students gain job skills and workplace safety credentials, while an opponent argued the bill should clearly make participation voluntary, expand to other exceptional student groups, include funding, and add stronger accountability. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 166, the Administrative Efficiency in Public Schools bill by Senator Simon. The bill would reduce or remove several state mandates and give districts more flexibility on testing, teacher evaluations, contracts and certification, school board operations, instructional materials timelines, audits, facilities planning, emergency make-up days, federal fund use, and public VPK oversight. Senators asked about the impact on student proficiency, teacher evaluations, and the transfer of public VPK oversight to districts; Simon said the tests would remain but count as 30 percent of the grade, districts would retain flexibility in evaluation measures, and only public VPK would shift to districts. Public testimony was largely supportive, with some speakers praising reduced testing and local control, while one senator cautioned that Florida still has a math proficiency problem. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 296 by Senator Bradley, which would repeal the 2023 statewide mandate requiring later middle and high school start times and return the decision to local districts, while still requiring districts to inform the community about the health, safety, and academic impacts of sleep deprivation and consider later start times. Supporters argued the mandate created transportation, staffing, and scheduling problems and that local control was more practical, while opponents emphasized sleep science and the benefits of later start times for teens. Several senators discussed the tension between research and district resources, and the bill sponsor said the measure preserves the conversation about sleep while allowing local scheduling decisions. CS/SB 296 was reported favorably, and the committee then adjourned.