Transcript Highlights:

• AB 2783 adds completion of the registered professional reporter certification administered by the National
• One, it updates the definition of design professional to remove any doubt that plans must be accepted
• Professional advancement, higher compensation, or increased marketplace recognition in these types of
• Professional advancement, higher compensation, or increased marketplace recognition in these types of
• AB 1629 provides clear standards for professional conduct that the Dental Board can enforce to ensure

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It utilizes over 90 professional standardized patients to interact with the candidates while they are
• Uh, we utilize professionally trained standardized patients.
• These are professional patients to sit for our candidates as they take the examination, and they move
• utilize professionally trained we utilize professionally trained standardized<00:29:59.520> patients
• <00:30:02.400> for<00:30:02.600> our professional patients to sit for our professional

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee considered an emergency regulation from the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners, 201 KAR 5021E, along with a staff amendment to conform the text to KRS Chapter 13A. The regulation was described as implementing an Attorney General opinion and a review of optometrists licensed during the 2020–2023 period when alternative testing and waivers were used during the COVID-19 era. The board explained that the rule requires affected licensees to complete specified examinations or an alternative certification before renewing in 2027, and that it now removes the OEBC Canadian exam as a future pathway while preserving recognition of OEBC results submitted during the period when that option was in effect. The staff amendment was approved without objection. Testimony was sharply divided. Board representatives and the Attorney General’s office said the regulation is needed to protect public health and to bring the licensure review into the formal administrative process. They said the NBEO Part 3 exam is the nationally recognized hands-on clinical licensure test, while the American Board of Optometry certification is a post-licensure credential for already licensed practitioners and is not a substitute for initial licensure testing. They also said no other state uses the ABOC certification for licensure, and that the board’s approach balances fairness, due process, and public protection. Opponents argued the regulation would allow individuals who were improperly licensed to continue practicing without meeting the same standards as other Kentucky optometrists. A representative from the Kentucky School for the Blind Charitable Foundation described cases of alleged inadequate care and urged the committee to require full national board passage before independent practice. Representatives from ARBO and NBEO said the emergency regulation is not justified as an emergency, does not adequately address public safety or fiscal impacts, and exceeds the board’s authority by creating a renewal path for licensees whose initial licensure was challenged. They emphasized that NBEO Part 3 is a practical, hands-on exam and that the ABOC certification is not designed or validated for initial licensure. The committee asked several questions about the differences between the exams, and no final vote on the regulation itself was described in the transcript beyond approval of the staff amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Twelve additional practitioners are needed to eliminate the dental care health professional shortage
• In 2024, there were 164 dental health care professional shortage area designations.
• In 2024, there were 188 dental care health professional shortage area designations in the state.
• It's where they're located, just like medical professionals and other professionals.
• Should we be giving professionals more authority and then just pay or not pay based on whether or not

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met to review the history and current treatment of North Dakota health insurance mandates, with presentations from Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, Sanford Health Plan, the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and the Insurance Department. The discussion focused on how mandates apply differently to fully insured, self-funded, ACA, Medicaid, and PERS plans; how the state’s benchmark plan and federal essential health benefits affect coverage; and how the existing process requires cost-benefit analysis and, for certain measures, a PERS pilot period before broader application. Presenters also reviewed the long list of existing state mandates, including provider, beneficiary, and coverage requirements, and noted that many were enacted decades ago and have not been revisited despite changes in medical evidence and treatment options. Witnesses from the carriers argued that mandates should be reviewed periodically because some are outdated, can create unintended costs, and may not align with current medical guidance. Examples cited included PSA screening, off-label drug coverage, prior authorization rules, step therapy, and cost-sharing provisions for mental health and substance use treatment. They emphasized that carriers often cover services without a mandate when supported by clinical evidence, and that mandates can shift costs to employers and employees, especially in the fully insured small-group market. They also suggested possible policy improvements such as clearer mandate definitions, better transparency around cost-benefit analyses, a regular 10-year review of mandates, and more timely submission of proposals through the interim process. PERS and the Insurance Department highlighted a recurring tension over what counts as a mandate and when a measure triggers the state’s defrayal obligation under federal law. PERS described its interim committee process, the April 1 deadline for fiscal-impact proposals, and the limited pilot program used for certain measures, noting that only a few bills have gone through the full pilot process. The Insurance Department explained that it views new benefit mandates through the lens of the ACA benchmark plan and essential health benefits, distinguishing true new benefits, such as infertility coverage, from changes to existing benefits, such as telehealth or insulin cost-sharing caps. No votes were taken on policy changes; the meeting was informational, with members asking questions about costs, applicability, transparency, and whether a periodic mandate review should be established.

Transcript Highlights:

• uh place and will continue our mission um of protecting Kentucky consumers while supporting a professional
• , while supporting a professional, while supporting a professional, accountable,<00:06:57.960>
• health, safety, and professional health, safety, and professional standards,<00:15:49.240> the
• Calmes, again a professional industry.
• Community college or professional barbers as well.

Keywords: 00:00 Call to Order 02:45 Roll Call 05:25 Cosmetologists 13:48 Barbers 01:16:06 Adjournment, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hello, Tiffany Mock, on behalf of CFT, a union of educators and classified professionals.
• Hello, Tiffany Mock, on behalf of CFT, a union of educators and classified professionals.
• The commission is bringing National Board for Professional Teaching Certification Incentive Program on
• There's professional development for educators that are designed to heighten their understanding and
• Hi, Tiffany Mock with CFT, Union of Educators and Classified Professionals.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up the May Revision update on Proposition 98 and the school rainy-day fund. The Department of Finance said the minimum guarantee rises by $6.4 billion over the Governor’s Budget across the three-year window, with lower average daily attendance projections offsetting some of the revenue gains. Finance also described a reduced $3.9 billion settle-up proposal, increased deposits into the Public School System Stabilization Account, and an ending reserve balance of about $10.3 billion. The LAO said the revenue and LCFF adjustments were reasonable, but urged the Legislature to be cautious about delaying settle-up payments and to consider more budget resiliency, including larger cushions or other tools to protect ongoing programs. Members then questioned the administration and LAO about the size of the settle-up, the rationale for the reserve deposit, declining enrollment, and how lower attendance is creating savings that can be redirected to other school priorities. The LAO said the May Revision’s mix of one-time and ongoing spending was generally reasonable but recommended keeping a strong cushion and considering alternatives such as advance payments or pension-related savings. Questions also focused on how the May Revision’s funding mix affects districts if revenues weaken, and on the treatment of special education, discretionary block grants, and paid family leave costs for LEAs and community colleges. The committee next heard the community colleges portion of the budget. Finance described a higher SCFF COLA, increased apportionment costs, a student support block grant, deferred maintenance, Common Cloud, Calbright, credit for prior learning, and a one-time adult learner demonstration project. The Chancellor’s Office supported the core investments but asked for more funding for enrollment growth, changes to the SCFF growth formula, and a COLA for Student Equity and Achievement. The LAO recommended funding the statutory COLA increase, noted a $52 million current-year apportionment shortfall not yet included in the May Revision, and suggested the Legislature could instead direct some funds to enrollment growth, categorical COLAs, or one-time uses. Members also clarified how COLA and hold-harmless rules apply to different community college districts. Finally, the committee reviewed the proposed state implementation of the federal Workforce Pell program. Finance proposed one-time funding for the Student Aid Commission and Cradle to Career data work, plus trailer bill changes to set up state approval of eligible programs. CSAC said the program is promising but highly complex, with new federal rules just released and significant data, regulatory, and systems work still needed; it said the state will not be ready by July 1 and that ongoing funding will likely be necessary. The LAO agreed that implementation will require careful trailer bill language and noted that ongoing administrative costs remain unresolved. Members asked about other states’ approaches and the practical effect on short-term workforce programs in California.

Transcript Highlights:

• access to experienced tax professionals access to experienced tax professionals to<00:08:55.680>
• I don't believe my viewpoint is unique among tax professionals, CPAs, and lawyers.
• I don't believe my viewpoint is unique among tax professionals, CPAs, and lawyers.
• I don't believe my viewpoint is unique among tax professionals, CPAs, and lawyers.
• testifiers, our you know professionals testifiers, our you know professionals who<00:14:24.560><

Bills: HF2048, HF2360, HF2006, HF950, HF912, HF3140, HF2931

Keywords: individual income tax, retirement contributions, tax corrections, annuity contracts, tax year attribution, tax credit, economic development, community investment, data disclosure, Minnesota regulations, tax increment financing, municipal authority, job creation, transferred increment, public hearing, nonresident employees, income tax exemption, Minnesota taxation, employment duties, tax withholding

Transcript Highlights:

• Teachers must undergo intrusive, cult-like professional development as a condition of employment.
• My largest concern is in regards to the massive amount of professional development time that will be
• massive amount of professional massive amount of professional development<00:09:50.680> time<
• <00:10:03.680> development additional professional development additional professional development
• Beyond my professional public.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 29 was heard in committee as a proposal to suspend adoption of the revised social studies standards, push implementation to 2030-31, repeal the requirement to embed ethnic studies across all standards, and cancel related appropriations. The bill sponsor argued Minnesota schools should focus on basic academic achievement and that ethnic studies requirements add burdens and distract from reading, math, and science. The chair moved the bill to the Committee on Education Finance after opening the hearing and then took extensive public testimony. Testimony was sharply divided. Supporters of HF 29, including Katherine Kersten, Deanna Moose, Kendall Qualls, Hillary Swanson, and Diane Smith, argued the ethnic studies framework is ideological, overly focused on race, insufficiently transparent, and costly in professional development time; several said it would divide students or burden teachers. Some supporters also claimed the standards or framework promote activism, critical race theory, or racial stratification. Opponents, including Mark Westfall, Crystal Johnson, Jim Grathwol, Marcus Penny, Claude Sigman, and Courtney Major, said the standards are inclusive, research-based, and designed to help students understand multiple perspectives, civic life, and the contributions of diverse Minnesotans. They emphasized that ethnic studies can improve engagement, critical thinking, and representation, and that teachers should be trusted to implement the standards. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided. The only formal action noted was the chair’s motion to re-refer House File 29 to the Committee on Education Finance.

Transcript Highlights:

• Give us an example of a professional employer organization creating an employer reserve account within
• for professional employer organizations to<01:01:46.440> file<01:01:46.960> client<01:
• <01:01:51.960> employer<01:01:52.559> organization professional employer organization professional
• professional employer organization's contribution<01:02:03.960> election<01:02:04.960> the
• <01:02:57.480> employee uh a professional employee uh a professional employee organization

Keywords: 0:01– Meeting start/roll call 0:34 – Approval of minutes 0:48 – Welcome of new committee members 1:34 – Council on Postsecondary Education 25:17 – Teachers’ Retirement System 27:00 – Kentucky Public Pension Authority 29:04 – Board of Veterinary Examiners 31:40 – Board of Nursing 34:01 – Board of Emergency Medical Services 36:15 – Fish & Wildlife Resources 40:34 – Department of Corrections 56:00 – Department of State Police 58:05 – Department of Criminal Justice Training 59:22 – Transportation Cabinet 1:00:18 – Department of Education 1:01:23 – Department of Employment Services 1:04:17 – Department of Workplace Standards 1:05:25 – Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction 1:06:59 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services, Dept. for Public Health (Sanitation) 1:13:50 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services, Dept. for Public Health (Trauma System) 1:17:46 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services, Dept. for Public Health (Radon) 1:18:30 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services, Dept. for Medicaid Services 1:19:15 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services, Dept. of Aging Services 1:20:36 – Other Business/Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and welcomed new members before taking up Council on Postsecondary Education regulations 13 KAR 2:120 and 13 KAR 2:130. The regulations, as amended by staff and agency amendments, update public university and KCTCS performance funding models to conform to 2024 Senate Bill 191 and the performance funding work group’s recommendations. Changes discussed included replacing the underrepresented minority metric with an underrepresented students metric defined as first-generation students, adding an adult learner metric, increasing the low-income degree premium, adjusting small-school and nonresident credit-hour weights, revising data aging and progression metrics, and adding STEM+H criteria in 13 KAR 2:120. Travis Pal of the Council on Postsecondary Education explained that the changes reflect the work group’s three-year review process and that the work group ultimately voted to define underrepresented students as first-generation students and to apply half-weighting between research and comprehensive universities for the new metric. Michael Frasier of the Kentucky Student Rights Coalition and Eastern Kentucky University student government opposed 13 KAR 2:120, arguing that the regulation improperly applies weights where the statute does not clearly authorize them and that the funding changes disadvantage comprehensive universities and vulnerable students. He asked the committee to find the regulation deficient or, alternatively, recommend legislative clarification and a revised fiscal analysis. Pal responded that weighting has been part of the model since 2017, that CPE was following the statute and work group recommendations, and that the model could be changed by future legislation. Members asked about the timing of the broader performance funding review, and Pal said the full model is reviewed every three years, with the next work group cycle beginning in 2026. No motion to find the regulation deficient was made, and the committee allowed the regulations to proceed to the committee of jurisdiction. The committee then approved a staff amendment to Teachers’ Retirement System regulations 102 KAR 1:195 and 102 KAR 1:340, which require annual reporting of accumulated sick leave, leave policies, and salary schedules to TRS and make technical changes to the final average salary calculation and related definitions.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name's Scott Badness, president of the Minnesota Professional Firefighters. As Ms.
• labor, public safety professional labor, public safety professional associations,<01:04:12.680><
• professionals across Minnesota. professionals across Minnesota.
• Association of Professional Employees. Association of Professional Employees.
• c> incredibly<01:12:41.360> helpful professional and uh incredibly helpful professional and

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The commission approved the March 17 minutes and then heard testimony on Senate File 4419 / House File 4069, as amended, which would exempt J-1 visa-holding teachers and their school districts from Teachers Retirement Association contribution requirements during the teachers’ exchange term. Senator Pappas and Representative Feist said the bill is intended to help districts fill hard-to-staff special education and other positions by letting J-1 teachers keep more of their pay for immediate relocation costs, while also redirecting employer savings toward onboarding, mentorship, and cultural orientation. They argued the teachers are temporary by design, often cannot stay long enough to benefit from TRA, and that the bill would be roughly neutral for TRA because contributions and matching liability would both be removed. Supportive testimony came from Matthew Connelly of Lattice Global Teachers and Melissa Schaller of Intermediate School District 917. Connelly said J-1 teachers arrive with significant upfront expenses and only a short window to establish themselves, and that the exemption could save them about $4,000 to $5,000 while helping schools afford recruitment and support costs. Schaller said her district has relied on international special education teachers to fill vacancies, that the H-1B option is no longer workable because of a large fee increase, and that J-1 hiring is needed to remain competitive; she noted 17 open special education positions for 2026-27 and no other applicants. Caitlin Snyder of Education Minnesota opposed the bill, arguing it lowers compensation and removes a retirement option without enough input from teachers themselves. She said the bill does not ensure the employer savings would be used for housing or other supports, and urged more direct consultation with J-1 teachers. Several members raised concerns about fairness, pension protection, and whether the bill could create unintended consequences for teachers who later remain in Minnesota. Senator Pappas responded that the circumstances are unusual because J-1 teachers are temporary and often cannot return, and said TRA had indicated the proposal would be neutral or supportive, unlike a separate St. Paul teachers issue. Representative O’Driscoll asked about J-1 teachers in higher education and private schools, and Mr. Connelly said the visa is mainly used in K-12 settings but can also appear in charter and private schools; he also noted many J-1 holders face a two-year home-residence requirement. The chair indicated the bill was slated for inclusion in the omnibus pension bill, but no final vote on the bill itself was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• this is accomplished via a robust professional development portfolio.
• <00:43:28.480> development our professional development our professional development opportunities
• <00:43:40.880> development sample of our professional development sample of our professional
• of this into a series of professional of this into a series of professional development<00:45:19.480
• <01:48:59.560> and<01:48:59.800> faculty by professionals and faculty by professionals

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:36:21.520> can only licensed medical professionals can only licensed medical professionals
• done by licensed medical professionals? done by licensed medical professionals?
• ,<02:19:40.880> you know, to hire medical professionals, you know, to hire medical professionals
• professional professional professionals<02:35:50.399> but<02:35:51.359> can<02:35:51.600
• public health professionals public health professionals advising<06:01:40.958> against<06

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Commonwealth cannot prohibit an abortion unless, in the physician's professional judgment, it is
• life of, or physical or mental health of, the pregnant individual, or when, in the physician's professional
• trimester, provided that in no circumstance shall the Commonwealth prohibit an abortion when, in the professional
• physician, it is medically indicated. ...shall the Commonwealth prohibit an abortion when, in the professional
• indicated to protect the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant individual, or when, in the professional

Keywords: House Committee Room C, General Assembly Building, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Public works professionals focus on infrastructure facilities and services that are of vital importance
• for being named 2024 Engineer of the Year by the South Plains chapter of the Texas Society of Professional
• being named the 2024 Engineer of the Year by the South Plains chapter of the Texas Society of Professional
• including the Lubbock Area United Way, the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, and the Texas Society of Professional
• The Asian-American community plays an integral role in the economic, cultural, and professional fabric

Transcript Highlights:

• bill is about ensuring patient access to care at affordable, accessible, and trained health care professionals
• bill is about ensuring patient access to care at affordable, accessible, and trained health care professionals
• It's that simple, but this is under the guidance of a trained professional, and HIV testing.
• By reducing recidivism with the highest levels of professionalism possible.
• Incidentally, tomorrow is Arizona Correctional Professionals Day here in the Capitol.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Bumgarner's bill relating to the regulation of land surveyors by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers
• Harless's bill relating to the licensing regulation of certain real estate professionals by the Texas
• While the vast majority of licensed massage therapists in Texas are hardworking, ethical professionals
• Thank you. ...protecting victims, legitimate professionals, and the integrity of the licensing system
• This has resulted in inconsistencies in professional standards and oversight.

Bills: HB 1301, HB2278, HB2776, HB2820, HB3848, HB3920, HB4172, HB4215, HB4284, HB4285, HB4463, HB4517, HB4690, HB4765, HB4766, HB4767, HB4768, HB4769, HB4773, HB4830, HB5506

Keywords: alcohol, beverages, winery permit, restaurant, malt beverages, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, alcohol production, home brewing, family use, craft beverages, massage therapy, licensing, criminal offenses, sexually oriented businesses, public safety, bingo, charitable gaming, operating capital, regulation, funding

Transcript Highlights:

• it's a realtor representing the seller, but the consumer signs all that paperwork without any professional
• signs all that paperwork<00:30:32.600> without<00:30:33.240> any<00:30:33.960> professional
• paperwork without any professional paperwork without any professional Advocate<00:30:35.440>
• Well, there is a shortage of bilingual real estate professionals, and that's the primary reason for this
• and that's the primary professionals and that's the primary reason<00:31:23.559> for<00:31:23.840

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on April 1 at the State Capitol and heard four measures. HCR 45/HR 38 urged the Public Utilities Commission to support transferring regulatory authority over motor carriers, water carriers, and other transportation means to the Department of Transportation; both the PUC and DOT testified in support, and members discussed that the resolution was largely symbolic because statutory changes would still be needed. HCR 58/HR 54 requested a geothermal energy working group; the Consumer Advocate, PUC, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and Life of the Land supported it, while Students for Justice in Palestine at UH opposed it, citing an active injunction, environmental risks, and the need to prioritize Native and local community voices. Members asked about the injunction and community representation, and the PUC said it would support including Hawaiian community members in the working group. HCR 91/HR 87 sought insurance coverage for prosthetic and orthotic devices; a 14-year-old amputee testified in support, describing the need for sports prosthetics and arguing that coverage should allow people with limb loss to participate fully in school and athletics. HCR 102/HR 98 urged the Real Estate Commission to allow the salesperson exam to be administered in Japanese for timeshare sales; the Real Estate Commission opposed, while ARDA supported it, arguing there is a shortage of bilingual real estate professionals and that Japanese-language testing would help the timeshare industry and Japanese visitors. Members questioned the limited-license concept and public protection concerns, and the committee later amended the measure to a limited real estate salesperson’s license for timeshare sales, changing the target from Japanese-speaking visitors to Japanese nationals, before passing all four measures out of committee, with HCR 102 passing with amendments and the others passing as is.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Um, there are, to my knowledge, a lot of other professional baseball teams and small-time semi-professional
• Um, so this amendment, as I read it, applies solely to minor league professional baseball players who
• There’s a professional rugby league that plays in New Hampshire.
• There's a professional<00:32:45.279> rugby<00:32:45.679> league<00:32:45.919> that
• c><00:32:46.080> plays<00:32:46.320> in professional rugby league that plays in professional

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This level of workforce alignment helps ensure students graduate with competitive skills, professional
• I have been a professional in Jacksonville, Florida, my whole professional career.
• Northeast Florida is my professional home, and I've carried that love of education to my children.
• UWF not only shaped my academic and athletic experience, it launched my professional career.
• Most of my professional life has been in the supply chain industry, building and operating logistics

Summary: The committee on Higher Education Appropriations heard and favorably reported two bills: SB 1570, which revives the former Project Leo program to help locate missing persons with special needs through voluntary tracking devices and coordination with sheriff’s offices, and CS/SB 1376, which creates a grant program to support genetic counseling education in response to a statewide shortage of genetic counselors. Both bills drew supportive comments, with the genetic counseling bill also receiving public support from a university representative. The committee then took up a large slate of confirmations. It first approved a block of reappointments to various university and college boards of trustees, including institutions such as UWF, Broward College, Chipola College, FIU, Pasco-Hernando, Polk State, St. Petersburg College, Valencia, FAMU, FAU, UCF, FSU, New College, UNF, USF, and Broward College. It then heard from numerous new appointees and some requested reappointments, many of whom emphasized workforce training, nursing, military and veteran support, dual enrollment, and local economic development as priorities for their institutions. Several nominees highlighted their personal ties to the schools and communities they would serve, including appointees to Pensacola State, Polk State, St. Petersburg College, UNF, UWF, FIU, the College of the Florida Keys, Valencia College, and Chipola College. Committee members repeatedly asked about nursing NCLEX pass rates, workforce alignment, and institutional growth. One reappointment, Thomas Zachary Smith to the UWF board, was pulled from the block for separate questioning about his past public comments and his role in Project 2025; he said he would serve in his personal capacity and treat all students equally. The committee also separately heard from a Florida Poly reappointment, I. Shapiro, who was questioned about prior remarks regarding race and Supreme Court nominations, and from a New College reappointment, Mark Bowerlaine, who described campus improvements and enrollment growth. The meeting ended amid ongoing confirmation processing and separate votes on the remaining nominees.

Transcript Highlights:

• This level of workforce alignment helps ensure students graduate with competitive skills, professional
• I have been a professional in Jacksonville, Florida, my whole professional career.
• Northeast Florida is my professional home, and I've carried that love of education to my children.
• UWF not only shaped my academic and athletic experience, it launched my professional career.
• Most of my professional life has been in the supply chain industry, building and operating logistics

Bills: S1570, S1376

Keywords: missing persons, special needs, autism, search-and-rescue, Florida, voluntary program, funding, genetic counseling, education grants, state universities, faculty recruitment, student financial assistance

Summary: The committee heard and approved two bills before moving to a long confirmation agenda. SB 1570, by Sen. Gates, would restore Project Leo, a previously sunset program that helps locate missing persons with special needs through voluntary tracking devices and coordination between CARD centers and local sheriffs; it was praised as a proven tool for families and first responders and was reported favorably. CS/SB 1376, by Sen. Burgess, would create grants to support genetic counseling education and help address Florida’s shortage of genetic counselors; testimony noted the state’s limited supply of licensed counselors and the need to expand clinical training, and the bill also passed favorably. The committee then considered a block of reappointments to university and college boards of trustees, including institutions such as UWF, Broward College, Chipola College, FIU, Pasco-Hernando, Polk State, St. Petersburg, Valencia, FAMU, FAU, UCF, FSU, New College, UNF, USF, and others. No one requested separate votes on the reappointments, and the block was confirmed unanimously for recommendation to the next committee. A series of new appointees then appeared and largely emphasized workforce training, nursing, military support, and local economic development at their institutions. Witnesses included appointees to Pensacola State, Polk State, St. Petersburg College, UNF, FIU, UWF, Valencia, the College of the Florida Keys, and others; several highlighted strong NCLEX pass rates, dual enrollment, and partnerships with employers or military communities. One nominee, Florida Poly reappointment Ilya Shapiro, faced pointed questioning from Sen. Bracey Davis about past comments regarding race and the Supreme Court; he said his remarks were about hiring criteria, not a specific justice, and reiterated opposition to race- or sex-based selection. The committee also briefly struggled to reach Sherry Young by phone before hearing her testimony for Chipola College, where she said she wanted to give back as an alumna and nurse practitioner. Most new appointees were recommended for confirmation in a block, while Thomas Zachary Smith of UWF was pulled for separate consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a primary care oral health professional, I have seen firsthand the damage tooth decay causes."
• These individuals also are traveling two or three hours to see a medical professional, a dentist, or
• And the third type of person is an individual who works for a professional service that collects public
• Please let the public officials, the public school professionals at the building level, continue to do
• Please trust the professionals. Please vote no. Would time not be better spent ...professionals.

Bills: HB2015, HB2060, HB2129, HB2170, HB2210, HB2228, HB2352, HB2460, HB2533, SB1019, SB1045, SB1050, SB1078, SB1083, SB1167, SB1184, SCR1006

Keywords: budget procedures, late filing penalty, accounting standards, financial reporting, state appropriations, abortion, educational institutions, health education, state aid, public schools, municipal libraries, annual reporting, state legislation, transparency, government accountability, procurement, foreign adversary, China, state contracts, information technology

Summary: The committee first handled Senate Bill 1045, which would bar cities, towns, and counties from taxing or charging fees on the use of blockchain technology in residences, with limited exceptions. The sponsor said the bill was a repeat of a measure vetoed the prior year and framed it as a tax-preemption issue. There was no testimony, and the bill was moved and passed out of committee on a 4-3 vote. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1019, which would prohibit the addition of fluoride to public water systems. Senator Shamp argued the bill was about health freedom, informed consent, and emerging research she said raised concerns about fluoride’s benefits and possible neurodevelopmental risks. Opponents, including representatives of Arizona dental and public health groups, testified that community water fluoridation is safe, effective, and especially important for low-income and rural communities with limited dental access. After extended debate, the bill received a do pass recommendation on a 4-3 vote. Senate Bill 1050 would provide free lifetime state park passes to Arizona veterans. State Parks testified neutrally but warned the measure could reduce revenue used to support park operations and rural economies; the sponsor said the bill was prompted by a park visit where veterans were charged admission. The committee also approved SB 1050 on a 4-3 vote. Later, SB 1078, dealing with de novo review in public records denial cases, passed unanimously after support from the Goldwater Institute, and SB 1083, which would prevent HOAs and condo associations from banning certain lighted home address devices for emergency response, also passed after testimony from the sponsor and a homeowners coalition.