Video & Transcript : 'Family Support Services' :
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- I know that the cost per family, for a family that was using the devices in all of those places I mentioned
- I speak to you today in support of House Bill 918 and House Bill 948 and ask you for your support as
- I urge you to support these bills.
- I'm here in support, and I hope you will support and move out House 918 as well as 948.
- I support these two bills, and I really ask that you guys support these two bills as well.
Summary:
The hearing covered a broad set of environmental and water-related bills, with much of the testimony focused on blue economy and circular economy proposals, drought management, drinking water safety, flood resilience, and water infrastructure funding. Supporters of bills such as H. 987 and H. 988 described grant programs for blue economy workforce development, research, small businesses, and public education about a circular economy. Other speakers backed measures on coastal erosion research, recreational boating dredging, cranberry water-right transfers, sand mining oversight, and a voucher program for home water filtration in PFAS-impacted communities. Several elected officials and advocates also urged passage of bills to require private well testing, improve school drinking water safety, and address sand mining pollution and PFAS contamination.
Water supply and drought issues drew extensive testimony. Senator Eldridge and others supported legislation to let the state, through DEP and the drought management task force, impose regional water-use restrictions during droughts and make the task force permanent in statute. Advocates from watershed groups, farms, and environmental organizations said the current town-by-town approach is inconsistent and ineffective, and they described drought impacts on rivers, farms, private wells, and wildfire risk. A related bill on private wells was supported as a way to help homeowners test and remediate contaminated wells, especially in rural areas without public water.
The committee also heard testimony on a bill to allow the Lynnfield Water District to join the MWRA, with local officials saying the move would help address PFAS and other contamination and improve supply reliability. Another major panel supported a water infrastructure funding bill, arguing that aging drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems need major new investment, including support for PFAS treatment, sewer rate relief, biosolids research, and regional interconnections. Members asked about costs, funding sources, and the relationship to existing revolving loan funds; witnesses said the bill would need to be paired with future bond funding and new revenue ideas. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chairs repeatedly invited written testimony and noted the large number of speakers.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-05-02 (11:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And for that purpose, I would ask members to support your... ...support your position and support this
- , and this is what families do.
- I ask for your support to put our students first.
- We ask for your support.
- I did not fall in love with this bill, but I fell in love with this family, the Fernandez family.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum established, and several recognitions, including a legislative intern, a guest in the gallery, and Representative Bruce Antone’s upcoming induction into the Tuskegee Athletic Hall of Fame. The Speaker also gave brief remarks about the end of session and the freshman class. The chamber then took up a series of Senate-returned messages and concurred or insisted on several amendments while moving bills toward final passage.
The House unanimously approved CS/CS/HB 1299 on Department of Health matters, CS/HB 1549 on financial institutions after adopting a House amendment to remove the IOTA-related provision, and CS/CS/SB 768 on foreign ties and business interests after a House concurrence motion. It also insisted on its amendment to CS/CS/CS/SB 184 on housing. CS/CS/HB 875 on educator preparation was amended to restore House provisions on teacher-prep courses, the Florida Center for Teaching Excellence at Miami-Dade College, and related testing and mentor-qualification changes; it passed 91-22 after debate over teacher certification, testing, and “identity politics” language. HB 1101 on out-of-network providers was amended to keep the House’s original notice and referral framework with a good-cause exemption; it passed 87-27 despite objections that it placed too much responsibility on doctors.
After recess, the House took up CS/CS/SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response. Members described changes including removal of some homestead-assessment and debris-removal provisions, a study requirement for a post-hurricane county restriction concept, and a Florida Keys evacuation-time change paired with a 10-year cap of 900 permit allocations; the bill passed 116-0. The House also refused to concur in a Senate amendment to HB 1609 on waste incineration and requested the Senate recede. Later, the House returned to HB 1101 and insisted on its amendment after the Senate refused to concur.
The longest debate came on CS/CS/HB 1115 on education, where the House amendment replaced the Senate version with the substance of HB 1267, including Schools of Hope, higher education governance, and course transparency. Members questioned provisions expanding Schools of Hope co-location and sponsorship authority beyond traditional opportunity zones, the role of the Department of Education versus school districts, transportation and facility-cost issues, and performance-based agreements. Supporters said the changes would expand options for students and use vacant or underutilized facilities; opponents argued the language was added late, lacked transportation funding, and could allow charter operators to enter high-performing schools. The bill remained under debate at the end of the transcript, with no final vote shown.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Clem specializes in family medicine. Welcome to the Florida Senate. Dr.
- Clem specializes in family medicine. Welcome to the Florida Senate.
- , with my family.
- with my family.
- And so with that, I ask for your favorable support.
Summary:
The Senate convened with an opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and introductions recognizing the YMCA’s 175th anniversary, the Senate’s doctor of the day, and visiting guests. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar after confirming there were no committee reports, executive messages, House messages, or other pending motions.
The Senate passed several bills unanimously: SB 100, adopting the 2026 Florida Statutes and the 2025 session laws; SB 102, deleting statutory provisions that had already been repealed or expired; and SB 104, the general reviser’s bill, which removes obsolete language, updates cross-references, and corrects drafting errors. Senators briefly joked during debate on SB 104, but there was no substantive opposition. The Senate also passed SB 320 on administrative efficiency in public schools, which reduces district-level requirements, expands teacher apprenticeship and certification flexibility, streamlines assessment and budgeting rules, and adjusts VPK oversight and facility planning requirements.
The chamber also approved SB 7010, allowing state and local deferred compensation plans to offer Roth post-tax contributions in addition to pre-tax options. In addition, SB 1720 on public school personnel compensation was withdrawn from further consideration. After passage of the day’s bills, the Senate adopted a motion to immediately certify the passed bills to the House, then adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (02/07/2025)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- Statistics show that, with the support of family and educational opportunities, recidivism rates and
- Furthermore, Gary has a robust and well-structured re-entry plan supported by a dedicated family unit
- Furthermore, Gary has a robust and well-structured re-entry plan supported by a dedicated family unit
- These funds can be allocated to community crime prevention support services and a program like the one
- </c> community crime preventions support community crime preventions support services<01:28:17.560><c
Committee:
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Education Subcommittee REVISED: Agency presentation times revised Jan 20th, 2026 at 09:00 am
A&B Education Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- So, we want to continue funding those family medicine residency programs.
- Our mission is pretty simple: managing assets to support education.
- Ability to potentially someday be at least partially self-supporting.
- We're seeing inroads where people realize that people can make good living wages, support a family, and
- Would support that we have classrooms. It is not a lot. Is that legal?
Committee:
House A&B Education Subcommittee
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Joint Reentry Committee Mar 20th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, and then the last piece is around expanding job support services to individuals and... support services
- To be able to provide those services to all who are in need... provide those services to all who are
- So... most likely to need that service.
- focusing on understanding child support. around understanding child support obligations and amending
- child support orders.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- ,</c><00:28:55.279><c> will</c> SB241 has little local support, will SB241 has little local support,
- ><00:29:46.640><c> of</c> press the green button in support of press the green button in support of this
- </c><00:59:27.520><c> in</c> this bill, this bill sets up families in this bill, this bill sets up families
- Moreover, the change may services.
- </c> which supports homeless veterans. which supports homeless veterans.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Business and Professions Committee Apr 8th, 2025
Business and Professions
Transcript Highlights:
- Any additional witnesses in support? Anybody want to? add on in support of the bill.
- So I am here to support this bill and I hope that you all support it as well. Thank you so much.
- Jessica Gott on behalf of the California Alliance of Child and Family Services.
- There may be instances where test takers themselves may be getting tutoring or support from family members
- , and support economic growth.
Committee:
House Business and Professions
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 3/19/25
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a family Patrick Rock uh Rock.
- </c> healthcare services. So, thank you Dr. healthcare services. So, thank you Dr.
- legislature that support and improve access to critical interpreting services provided across the state
- legislature that support and improve access to critical interpreting services provided across the state
- </c> support of House File 2007. support of House File 2007.
Committee:
House Health Finance and Policy
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- also to coordinate with the Department of Children and Families.
- Changes with the volunteer services module being deployed in October of 2024.
- , thereby expanding service in counties that do not have sufficient resources.
- make informed decisions, and supports ongoing research.
- A sixth family is figuring out who the heir of that person is.
Committee:
Senate Health Policy
Summary:
The Senate Health Policy Committee received updates from the Agency for Health Care Administration and the Department of Health on implementation of 2024 health care laws. AHCA reviewed progress on workforce and reimbursement measures in Senate Bill 7016 and related bills, including FRAME and TEACH funding, graduate medical education reporting, behavioral health teaching hospitals, acute hospital care at home, advanced birth centers, non-emergent care access plans, and rural emergency hospitals. Agency officials said several programs are already operational or have begun payments, while others are still in rulemaking, federal approval, or report-preparation stages. Senators asked about timing, funding reversion concerns, and whether appropriated dollars would be spent on schedule, especially for behavioral health teaching hospitals and the new birth center category.
The Department of Health then reported on practitioner licensure and public health programs. MQA described implementation of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, the Mobile Act licensure pathway, massage therapy enforcement changes, background screening expansion, liposuction safety requirements, pharmacist HIV post-exposure prophylaxis authority, and chiropractic dry needling. Public health staff updated the committee on FRAME and dental loan repayment, the Sinati screening grant program, the cancer research and innovation changes, the health care innovation council and loan program, the pediatric rare disease grant program, telehealth maternity care expansion, newborn screening for congenital CMV, the sickle cell registry and grants, and the swimming lesson voucher program. Members focused questions on how practitioners were being recruited to underserved areas, the pace of licensure approvals, and whether new programs were on track to use appropriated funds.
The committee also heard a lengthy update from the Office of Medical Marijuana Use. The director reported more than 900,000 qualified patients, real-time seed-to-sale tracking now integrated across most dispensaries and labs, and ongoing compliance work on product testing, advertising, diversion, and patient safety. Senators questioned the decline in qualified physicians, how THC potency is labeled and verified, and what the agency can do about diversion to non-patients. The director said the office relies on complaints, inspections, lab audits, and coordination with law enforcement, and that patients can be suspended if violations are confirmed.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Banking and Insurance (9-16-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> psychiatric services. psychiatric services.
- with families.
- and replacement parts for the hearing device, or additional support services such as speech language
- </c><01:31:01.920><c> services</c><01:31:02.560><c> such</c><01:31:02.800><c> as</c> additional support
- services such as additional support services such as speech<01:31:03.360><c> language</c><01:31:03.760
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:23
Kentucky Bankers Association 00:02:32
How to Read and Understand KRS 6.948 Health Mandate and Federal Cost Defrayal Impact Statements 00:25:40
Proposed Amendments to Kentucky's Essential Health Benefit-Benchmark Plan 00:50:18
Proposed Health Insurance Legislation for the 2026 Session 01:04:22
Reimbursement for Covered Benefits Delivered Through the Psychiatric Collaborative Care Model 01:01:46
Coverage of Eating or Feeding Disorders 01:18:47
Coverage of Hearing Loss 01:25:31, 958, all
Summary:
The Interim Joint Committee on Banking and Insurance met for its first interim meeting, established a quorum, approved routine opening items, and welcomed a new committee assistant and a legislative intern. The committee first heard a Kentucky Bankers Association presentation from Tim Shank and John Cooper focused on the state’s housing shortage, which they described as affecting all 120 counties and especially low- and moderate-income and workforce housing. They urged support for a proposed $20 million banker-backed revolving fund, paired with tax credits, to finance new housing construction; they said the program would be flexible, could support alternatives such as manufactured housing, and would use below-market loans with tax credits vesting over five years only after units are completed. They also asked for extension of the historical tax credit carryforward from five to seven years and for continued support of new market tax credits, arguing that supply-chain delays make the longer period necessary for historic rehabilitation projects.
The bankers also raised concerns about credit unions, arguing that because credit unions do not pay the same taxes as banks, they should not be allowed to acquire healthy state-chartered banks or hold state and local deposits. They cited the recent purchase of First State Bank of Middlesborough as an example, saying the transaction would reduce state, county, and city tax revenue and weaken local tax bases. In response to committee questions, the presenters said local regulations, zoning, parking, sidewalk, and utility easement issues can significantly delay housing projects, and they emphasized that state policy and infrastructure support are needed to help address affordability and development barriers.
The committee then shifted to a Department of Insurance presentation by Commissioner Sharon Clark on how to read KRS 6.948 health mandate and federal cost defrayal impact statements. Clark explained that the mandate statements were created in 1998 so legislators would have actuarial estimates of how proposed health insurance mandates would affect administrative costs, premiums, and total costs, and she noted that later legislation added federal cost-defrayal analysis. She also reviewed the background of the Affordable Care Act’s essential health benefits framework and said the department’s statements are intended to help lawmakers make informed decisions on proposed health coverage mandates. No votes or formal actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- This industry supports more than 500 families and over 2,000 rural jobs and generates more than $1 billion
- This industry supports more than 500 families and over 2,000 rural jobs and generates more than $1 billion
- So what this does is create controls for a group of service providers called education service providers
- They've written a letter of support.
- One is a letter of support from Ada County.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
December 11, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- We have Sam Wagner, Florida League of Cities, waves in support.
- Do you wish is waves in support? Any debate? Any debate on the bill? Any debate?
- Development is needed to support the new residents.
- For more than eight generations, my family have called Florida home.
- We have Alyssa Wilson, representing Baron Collier, waving in support.
Summary:
The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee heard a full agenda of local and policy bills, with most measures receiving favorable reports. Early in the meeting, the committee approved HB 4019, capping Lake County inmate health care and emergency transport reimbursements at percentages tied to Medicare; HB 97, allowing small counties to opt back into transportation concurrency; HB 267, expanding SHIP/local housing assistance eligibility to mobile home owners paying lot rent; HB 351, creating a framework for concurrent state jurisdiction over certain matters involving military installations, with an amendment changing the bill to say the state “may accept” jurisdiction; HB 4013, revising and merging fire district boundaries in Lee County; HB 481, increasing public nuisance fines and strengthening nuisance abatement and foreclosure procedures; HB 4025, conveying state land to the Village of Tequesta for continued park use; and HB 4017, repealing an obsolete Nassau County recreation and water control district, as amended.
The most extensive discussion centered on HB 299, the “Blue Ribbon Projects” bill, which would create a voluntary framework for very large developments that dedicate 60% of land to conservation while allowing compact, walkable development and affordable housing on the remainder. The sponsor argued it would balance growth, conservation, and housing affordability without new bureaucracy, while opponents from Audubon Florida, county groups, and local governments warned the bill could weaken local planning, lack enforceable conservation safeguards, and allow nonconservation uses within reserved areas. Supporters said it could preserve large tracts of land at no taxpayer cost and improve long-range planning. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying reserve areas, allowing use of the state’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, requiring easements be provided without charge, and aligning affordability definitions with existing programs. The bill then passed favorably as amended, with some members voting no.
The committee also approved HB 4023, a local bill adjusting the boundaries of the Ave Maria Stewardship Community District in Collier County, with no change to the district’s powers and duties. Several bills drew supportive testimony from local officials, industry groups, or affected residents, and some had amendments adopted without objection. At the end of the meeting, the chair noted it was the last interim committee week meeting, thanked members and staff, and encouraged continued stakeholder engagement ahead of session.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- In its seventh year, the Kinship Navigation Grant supports services for kinship families, relatives,
- Moving on to the Division of Public Health Services.
- home visiting services to qualified families.
- Substance Abuse Services.
- It includes 12 limited-service FTPs.
Committee:
Senate Health and Welfare
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Jul 1st, 2026
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- I support all the home rule petitions on today's docket.
- I support all the home rule petitions on today's docket.
- We respectfully ask you to support S. 3117 and support and honor the wishes of the North End River community
- education, supplies, and ongoing support.
- I do not support parrot mills. I don't support puppy mills.
Keywords:
Newbury, rodenticides, second generation anticoagulant rodenticides, SGARs, pesticides, pest control, wildlife protection, environmental regulation, local bylaw, municipal authority, private property, rodent control, anticoagulant poison, public health, Massachusetts local option, Wellfleet, fertilizer, nitrogen, phosphorus, nutrient pollution
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a hybrid hearing on late-file bills, with testimony focused first on multiple home rule petitions seeking local authority to restrict anticoagulant rodenticides in towns including Andover, Topsfield, North Andover, Williamstown, Georgetown, Lexington, and others. Municipal officials, residents, wildlife advocates, and conservation groups described documented harm to hawks, owls, foxes, turtles, pets, and other wildlife, and argued that towns should be able to regulate these poisons locally. Several speakers said their towns had already voted to support restrictions and were using integrated pest management and other alternatives. Committee members noted that statewide rodenticide legislation had already advanced out of committee in both chambers and that the environmental bond bill was in conference committee, but no votes were taken during the hearing itself.
The committee then heard testimony on H. 5137, a bill to prohibit the retail sale of parrots. Supporters, including animal welfare groups, veterinarians, rescue operators, and advocates, said parrots are often sourced from large breeding facilities with poor conditions, that many birds are surrendered because they are difficult long-term pets, and that rescues are overwhelmed. They argued the bill would encourage adoption, reduce demand for commercial breeding and trafficking, and improve bird welfare and public health. Opponents, including breeders, pet retailers, aviculture representatives, and rescue operators, said the bill would harm small businesses, reduce consumer access and transparency, and push sales to unregulated markets without improving welfare. Several speakers said the bill should instead focus on stronger standards and enforcement rather than banning sales.
A separate bill, S. 310, designating the Marion Stoddard River Walk, was also briefly discussed in testimony supporting Marion Stoddard’s environmental work. The hearing ended after the committee finished taking testimony and adjourned; no roll-call votes or formal actions were taken in the transcript.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine managing risk for the long-term in the 7(a) loan program, focusing on hearing from lenders. Feb 26th, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- We accomplish this work with the support of the SBA.
- Yeah, I do appreciate that support. Thank you. And Mr. Fitzgibbon, the SBA.
- I like the fact that the support that we received from them.
- I think in you Madam Chair we have somebody who supports the support that we can give from SBA particularly
- There's a lack of providers for the demand of mental health services.
Keywords:
SBA, 7A loan program, underwriting standards, loan defaults, Community Advantage Program, small business funding, testimony
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on discussions regarding the SBA's 7A loan program and its implementation challenges. Members raised significant concerns about recent changes to the underwriting standards, which have been criticized for leading to an increase in loan defaults. Ranking members expressed a desire for a return to stronger guidelines to protect taxpayers and ensure the program remains a viable source for small businesses struggling to secure funding. Testimonies from community lenders highlighted their efforts to support underserved communities and stressed the importance of the Community Advantage Program.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for your support. Thank you. Any further discussion?
- Madam Chair, your committee on health and human services. So ordered.
- Human Services Committee be adopted. Any discussion?
- Thank you so much for your service.
- We support youth and adults seeking protected health care services by opposing hurtful and misguided
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and recognition of the Doctor of the Day. Members then introduced a number of guests and delegations, with a major theme being Arizona Creative Economy Day and the presence of artists, arts advocates, and cultural organizations at the Capitol. Several members highlighted the economic and community value of the arts, and other personal privilege remarks recognized farm workers, Women’s History Month honorees, and Transgender Day of Visibility.
The House then resolved into Committee of the Whole and considered several Senate bills. SB 1113, SB 1165, SB 1477, and SB 1479 were each reported out with do-pass recommendations, with amendments adopted on SB 1113, SB 1477, and SB 1479. Members described SB 1113 as supporting a City of Phoenix police crisis team, SB 1165 as removing financial barriers to breast cancer testing and diagnosis, and SB 1477 as adding transparency and accountability for senior referral agencies. SB 1479 was also advanced after a floor amendment was adopted.
On third reading, the House passed SB 1092 on probation by a vote of 39-17, with supporters emphasizing protections for child victims and opposition to probation for child sex offenders. SB 1181, relating to certified public accountants, passed 47-9 after concerns were raised about delegating key licensing requirements to rulemaking. SB 1473, concerning municipal and county zoning, passed 49-7. The House also adopted a motion to request Senate consent to adjourn after Thursday, April 2, 2026, until Tuesday, April 7, 2026, and then adjourned until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm here on behalf of our 450 members to testify in support of HB 3163.
- They voted for it and we all support this.
- So we strongly urge you all to support this.
- access to justice, and cultivating additional pro bono legal services.
- That bill was enacted by with bipartisan support.
Bills:
HB113
Committee:
House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
Keywords:
HB 113, Texas, Government Code Chapter 1253, general obligation bonds, bond election, voter approval, political subdivision, local government, city bonds, county bonds, school district bonds, capital projects, public finance, bond referendum, ballot measure, five-year waiting period, rejected proposition, election law, municipal finance
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 3/26/25
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- If selfishly, to get justice for my family, but honestly, it's not obvious this won't affect my family
- If selfishly, to get justice for my family, but honestly, it's not obvious this won't affect my family
- We support the current statute, which requires the commissioner of the Bureau of Mediation Services,
- </c> emergency medical service providers. emergency medical service providers.
- </c> Minnesota with bipartisan support. Minnesota with bipartisan support.
Committee:
House Public Safety Finance and Policy
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- support.
- House Bill 774 helps close that gap, supports families, and gives these individuals a fair opportunity
- We do have a couple of green cards in support. Present support not wishing to speak.
- I'll support a motion. I'll support a motion. I'll make that motion for her. Okay.
- I appreciate your support.
Committee:
House Insurance
Summary:
The committee first took up HB 774, which would extend required hearing-aid coverage for certain individuals up to age 26. Representative Boyer said the bill helps young adults maintain access to hearing aids during school and early work years. The Louisiana Academy of Audiology supported the measure, and the committee adopted technical amendments and reported the bill favorably as amended.
The committee then heard extensive testimony on HB 702, which would require transportation network companies to provide uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Representative Landry and supporters argued that current law and court rulings have left injured drivers and passengers without meaningful coverage in some cases, especially for riders who do not own cars and therefore lack personal UM coverage. Insurance agents and legal witnesses said they cannot currently find a product to cover the driver in certain ride-share phases, while Uber representatives opposed the bill, warning it would raise fares and noting that drivers already have optional occupational accident coverage and that passengers’ own UM coverage would generally apply. After debate over costs, coverage gaps, and whether the issue should instead be studied further, the committee voted to voluntarily defer the bill.
The committee next considered HB 477, as substituted, which would require coverage for prosthetic and custom orthotic devices and associated services. Representative Ebert and witnesses described the bill as a modernization of existing coverage rules so people with limb loss can obtain more than one medically necessary device, including activity-specific prosthetics. Testimony from amputees and a physical therapist emphasized the impact on mobility, work, sports, and quality of life. The committee adopted the substitute and reported the bill favorably by substitute.
The committee also reported HB 76, which updates oral anti-cancer medication parity rules, by adopting amendments that clarify applicability and exempt certain limited-benefit and ERISA self-funded plans. HB 903, which increases the commissioner of insurance’s fine authority, was amended to set higher aggregate caps and then reported favorably. Finally, HB 291, which would prohibit health plans from penalizing hospitals when a member of the care team is out of network, drew support from the sponsor and the Louisiana Hospital Association as a preventative measure against insurer pressure tactics; Louisiana Blue opposed it, citing cost concerns and questioning the need for the bill. The transcript ends during that bill’s hearing, before final action is shown.