Transcript Highlights:

• That definitely counts.
• That definitely welcome that I did.
• there there's a a specific definition there there's a a specific definition for<00:50:16.240>
• /c> definition that exists under definition that exists under 609232<00:51:46.880> subdivision
• I think it's definitely forward.

Bills: HF1918, HF2305, HF897, HF2191, HF2617, HF2551, HF2137

Keywords: HF1918, Department of Children Youth and Families, DCYF, child welfare, foster care, out-of-home placement, permanency planning, relative search, noncustodial parent, kinship care, family preservation, African American Child and Family Well-Being, racial disproportionality, maltreatment reporting, educational neglect, truancy, school attendance, Great Start compensation, child care provider payments, TEACH early childhood program

Transcript Highlights:

• of family member and its definition of family member and its difficult<00:09:59.680> to<00:10
• situation but doesn't meet the other prescribed definition.
• <00:51:43.400> of is less by narrowing the definition of is less by narrowing the definition
• We also oppose the change to the family member definition.
• Thank you. ...opposed the change to the family member definition.

Bills: HF1976

Keywords: paid leave, family leave, employment law, Minnesota statute, benefit eligibility, seasonal employment, workforce, labor rights, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• There is a definition in there, and I mean it's pretty broad.
• 74 tries to come up with the definition 74 tries to come up with the definition of<00:48:25.599>
• <00:50:30.640> of you Mr chair um so the the definition of you Mr chair um so the the definition
• <01:24:28.760> definition<01:24:29.760> as unavoidable has a definite definition as
• unavoidable has a definite definition as a<01:24:30.159> word<01:24:30.520> if<01:24:30.600

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met in executive session and first corrected a procedural issue by revoting on House Bills 98 and 164, which had already been reported out unanimously. HB 98, concerning professional limited liability company assistant managers, was again voted ought to pass by a 16-0 roll call and placed on the consent calendar. HB 164, concerning local records, was reopened because of a fiscal note amendment; the committee adopted Amendment 2025-0087 unanimously and then voted ought to pass as amended 17-0. Because HB 164 goes to Finance, it will not go on consent, and the chair asked for the updated report that night. The committee then took up HR 6, a resolution condemning the judicial doctrine of disparate impact. Representative Manos moved inexpedient to legislate, arguing the resolution overreached because disparate impact is a judicial doctrine and the legislature cannot bind the courts. Representative Cordelli also supported ITL, citing drafting problems and the need for substantial revision, including an outdated reference to the New Hampshire governor. The committee voted 15-2 to ITL the resolution, and it was placed on consent; the chair asked for the report by the end of the day and noted there would be no minority report. Finally, the committee discussed HB 111, which extends the right-to-know ombudsman position. Representative Kuttab offered an amendment to address concerns raised in testimony about discouraging use of the office and shifting attorney-fee burdens; the amendment was adopted 16-1. The committee then voted 15-2 to ought to pass as amended. Supporters said the ombudsman saves money by reducing court filings and should be continued, while opponents argued the office needs restructuring and that additional funding was not justified. The bill will go to Finance, and the chair requested the report by the end of the day. The committee also began discussion of HB 66 and related bills on right-to-know access, with the chair outlining a proposed amendment to limit remote records requests to people with a New Hampshire connection, but no final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• the definition of whole community.
• but we've changed that with definition but we've changed that with the<00:12:12.079> definition
• So the definition of whole community.
• First change is in definitions, adding the definition of convenience store, clarifying that these are
• <00:36:45.599> adding First change is in definitions adding First change is in definitions

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• are already clearly the definitions are already clearly defined<00:37:26.000> and<00:37:26.240
• of permanently cited is the definition of permanently cited is being<01:17:13.600> amended<01
• of the definition are required to<01:17:17.199> be<01:17:17.280> met<01:17:17.520>
• This bill does not change the definition of lobbying or lobbyist or advertising.
• Um, and it no longer changes the definition of an advertisement.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill provides names for the seven airports which currently meet that definition.
• This reverts a definition of owners and properties to the definition found in the bill as it was originally
• Senate Bill 962 amends those definitions to protect our working farms and ensure that those definitions
• There are three parts to the DEI definition in the bill.
• And that’s why we put that definition in there.

Summary: The committee took up a long agenda of retained bills and several new measures, with most receiving favorable reports after amendments. Major debate centered on CS/SB 706, which preempts airport naming to the state and designates Palm Beach International Airport as the Donald J. Trump International Airport subject to FAA and trademark-related conditions. Senator Jones offered amendments to avoid private royalty benefits, but both failed. Senators Berman, Osgood, Jones, and Pizzo spoke against the bill, raising concerns about naming an airport after a sitting president, lack of local input, and ethical issues; Senator Mayfield defended the bill as cost-free to the airport and noted the naming agreement. The committee ultimately voted the bill favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 546 on conservation land notice requirements and CS/SB 1014 on municipal utility service to properties outside city limits, both with amendments and some opposition from the Florida League of Cities on the utility bill. Several other bills were heard and reported favorably with little controversy. CS/SB 1500 would streamline uncontested probate proceedings; SB 962 would exclude farms and farm operations from certain zoning definitions tied to affordable housing preemption; CS/SB 820 would strengthen reporting for problem-solving courts; SB 840 would revise portions of last year’s hurricane-related land-use law to narrow its scope and sunset temporary restrictions; and SB 856 would require online property listings to show estimated ad valorem taxes, with an amendment excluding social media platforms and broadening liability protections. SB 110 would clarify homestead exemption eligibility for 98-year or longer residential leases. SB 394 would exempt certain underwriting managers handling limited facultative reinsurance from licensure requirements, and SB 434 would prevent wind-hardening improvements from increasing assessed value for residential property tax purposes. The committee also advanced several public-safety and transparency measures. CS/CS/SB 658 and 608, a combined water-safety bill, would require safety features for rental properties with pools or nearby water bodies and authorize DBPR enforcement; supporters framed it as a response to Florida’s high child-drowning rates, and Airbnb waived in support. SB 748 would place constitutional language on restoration of voting rights on sentencing score sheets, with broad support from voting-rights and civil-rights groups. CS/SB 824 would require annual reporting of unimproved school-district land inventories, and CS/SB 848 would create a framework for off-site stormwater treatment and related credits, with support from builders and mitigation bankers. The committee also heard CS/SB 1036 on school counselors, which clarifies certification requirements and performance criteria after a delete-all amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think this would be up for some consideration, definitely.
• Uh but consideration definitely.
• Definitely<00:26:29.679> uh Definitely uh Definitely uh >> intending<00:26:31.039> to
• We will add a definition of foodware.
• Uh we will add a definition contain PAS.

Bills: HB644, HB1802, HB1569, HB1619, HB1620, HB1730, HB1749

Keywords: PFAS, single-use plastics, environmental health, food ware, pollution reduction, HB1802, conservation banking, conservation bank, mitigation banking, compensatory mitigation, incidental take permit, incidental take license, habitat conservation plan, HCP, DLNR, BLNR, Board of Land and Natural Resources, endangered species recovery committee, threatened species, endangered species

Summary: The committee heard several environmental and energy bills, beginning with HB 644 on single-use plastics. DLNR and DOH supported the measure, and environmental advocates said it would reduce plastic waste in oceans and landfills. Testifiers urged the bill to avoid weakening existing county ordinances, and some supported delaying implementation to use up inventory, while Upstream opposed compostable-plastic exemptions and urged prompt passage. Committee members asked whether reusable and refillable foodware could be added to the PFAS prohibition, and Upstream said that would be consistent with the bill’s goals. The committee then took up HB 1802 on conservation mitigation banks, HB 1569 on microfiber filters for newly manufactured washing machines, and HB 1619 on electric vehicle infrastructure. HB 1802 drew mostly agency testimony from DLNR, with opposition testimony noted from environmental groups, and members discussed whether suggested amendments would address concerns. HB 1569 received limited testimony, with support from the Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition and opposition from the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers. HB 1619 was supported by the PUC, Hawaiian Electric, the Department of Transportation, and several advocacy groups; Earthjustice said the bill was needed to address a widening EV charging shortfall and described the funding increase as relatively small compared with the benefits. The committee also heard HB 1620, which would increase the barrel tax to fund the EV charging rebate program. The State Energy Office and PUC offered comments, while the Tax Foundation of Hawaii opposed the special-fund approach and said the bill should also address the non-petroleum fossil-fuel portion of the barrel tax. Earthjustice and youth transportation advocates supported the measure, and the chair asked for information on unused hydrogen fueling subaccount funds; PUC said no hydrogen program funds had been deployed and estimated the balance was likely around $2 million, with exact figures to be provided later. Finally, the committee heard HB 1730 on wastewater systems, which would create a wastewater technical advisory group and fund positions at DOH. DLNR, DOH, OPSD, UH, and several environmental groups supported the bill, emphasizing cesspool pollution, affordability, and the need for more staffing and technical assistance. Testifiers suggested amendments to create a separate cesspool conversion implementation working group and debated the size and composition of the advisory group, including whether to include outside engineers and whether SHIP should be on the panel. No votes were taken during the hearing segment provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Further, the definition of education institutions is added, which I detailed earlier.
• are added with the cross references to those definitions in existing Vermont law.
• > education Further, the definition of education Further, the definition of education institutions
• Additionally, definitions of earlier.
• <00:33:57.720> in references to those definitions in references to those definitions in existing

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House first passed H.953, an act approving an amendment to the charter of the town of Panton, on third reading by voice vote. It then took up S.325 on regional planning and Act 250 tier jurisdiction, where a Lowell member offered an amendment to redefine conserved land for purposes of the conserved land inventory and Vermont’s conservation goals. The Speaker ruled that amendment not germane, and the House sustained that ruling. A separate Williamstown amendment to expand interim housing exemptions was then debated; supporters said it would help housing growth in already developed areas, including rural towns, while opponents from the Environment Committee and Ways and Means said it remained unfavorable and could affect towns that rely on Act 250 review. The House rejected that amendment by voice vote. A Barre City member then offered a wetlands amendment to limit Class 2 wetland buffers in targeted housing areas, arguing it would support housing in designated growth areas while still protecting most wetlands; after discussion, the member withdrew the amendment. The House then passed S.325 in concurrence with proposal of amendment by voice vote. The House next postponed action on S.208, relating to standards for law enforcement identification, for two legislative days. It then considered S.209, prohibiting civil arrest in sensitive locations. The Judiciary Committee explained that the bill expands existing civil-arrest protections beyond court proceedings to include schools, government buildings, DMV offices, libraries, polling places, social service sites, places of worship, camps, and health care facilities, while preserving exceptions for judicial warrants, court orders, contempt, and court security. The committee also described changes to remedies and definitions, including exclusions for temporary custody during a mental health crisis. Testimony cited included representatives from medical, immigrant justice, legal, library, municipal, faith, education, and civil rights groups; the bill was reported favorably by Judiciary on a 6-5 vote. A Bennington member offered an amendment to S.209 that would remove the governor’s statutory exemption to authorize 287(g) agreements, arguing such agreements can undermine due process, public safety, and trust in law enforcement. The Judiciary Committee had already found the amendment not germane, and the member withdrew it. Debate then continued on the committee-recommended bill, with a Sheldon member speaking from a law-enforcement perspective to argue Vermont already does not conduct civil immigration arrests and warning the bill could create confusion and liability for officers. The transcript ends during that discussion, before final action on S.209 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• You're probably going to look into it because I hope that we can definitely get you that data agreement
• And we can definitely reach out to some department heads because I know we have a new commissioner, so
• I definitely have some homework because I'm definitely going to look into this, and I'm sure many other
• So let me first start with the definition of IMDs, which is found in the federal statute.
• Kind of thrown you on the spot, but yeah, let's definitely get the department though.

Summary: The meeting focused heavily on behavioral health and substance use treatment, especially the IMD exclusion and whether North Dakota should pursue a Section 1115 waiver to allow Medicaid reimbursement for services in institutions for mental diseases for adults ages 21 to 64. Turtle Mountain representatives described major local needs, including limited access to care, high syphilis rates, and the importance of timely public health data. They also discussed the tribe’s recovery center, which opened the prior year, now operating five levels of care with 16 beds, and the desire to expand capacity, possibly through an IMD waiver or related policy changes. Committee members also raised related issues such as rural health transformation funding, telehealth, workforce retention, and the need for better coordination between tribal and state public health systems. A central issue was Turtle Mountain Public Health’s long-running effort to secure a data use agreement with the state so it can receive surveillance data and respond directly to infectious disease cases among tribal members. Speakers said the tribe had a successful COVID-era agreement that allowed faster contact tracing and case management, but that agreement ended with the pandemic. They argued that current delays in sharing data, especially for sexually transmitted infections, leave the tribe unable to respond quickly, while the state and county epidemiology workload is too distant and stretched to be effective. Committee members expressed support and said they would look into the issue, noting that other tribes have secured similar agreements. The committee also heard a detailed presentation from the National Health Law Program on the IMD exclusion. The presenter explained that federal Medicaid law generally bars payment for care in facilities with more than 16 beds, but that states can use other tools such as state plan amendments, managed care arrangements, telehealth, and community-based services. He said IMD waivers are administratively complex, time-limited, and have shown mixed results in other states, with some gains in residential treatment access but limited evidence of improved overdose outcomes or stronger community-based care. He urged the committee to consider broader continuum-of-care solutions and cautioned that waivers alone are not a cure-all. No final vote was taken on the bill draft during the portion shown, but the committee discussed the proposal to appropriate $49,000 and one FTE to HHS to pursue an IMD waiver and report back in the next interim. Members also debated the policy rationale for the 16-bed limit, the role of the state versus tribal sovereignty, and whether the bill should move through the Health Care or Human Services committee in the future.

Transcript Highlights:

• And you know, anyway, I just thought we needed a definition of what a co-investment organization was.
• President: definition and it strengthens the family anti-conflict of interest. Senator Steinborn.
• President, it's not my definition, but yes, this is what the definition includes.
• My question relates to the definition of what would A New Mexico business.
• I leave it up to you to help with those definitions going forward in the future.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, it was definitely a very tough bill to get passed way back when, simply because everybody talked
• So he was definitely going to have a lifelong... He's doing great today.
• I personally, if no one in this room has attended one of your conferences, they should definitely do
• A vacationer to Rehoboth Beach may not necessarily meet that definition of resident.
• These definitions are essential to ensure compliance.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, but much of the meeting focused on House Bill 306, which would require disclosure when a consumer is interacting with a chatbot rather than a human. Sponsor Senator Townsend described it as a consumer protection measure and said the bill is meant to keep pace with rapidly changing AI technology. Committee members and witnesses raised concerns about the bill’s enforcement structure, especially private rights of action and penalties that could apply even without actual consumer harm. The Department of Justice said the bill would apply where the conduct has a Delaware nexus, and that the disclosure requirement is the key consumer protection. Industry witnesses and chambers of commerce opposed the bill as drafted, arguing it would create broad compliance burdens and expose businesses to excessive litigation risk without a harm requirement or clearer safe harbor language. Earlier in the meeting, the committee discussed House Bill 429, which would update Delaware’s step therapy exception process to include biosimilars and interchangeable biologics. Senator Poore and supporters from Highmark and the Department of Insurance said the bill would modernize insurance law, improve access to effective treatments, and reduce costs; they cited national savings from biosimilars and said the bill has agency support. Members asked about Delaware-specific savings, patient switching, and how the process would work, but no vote was taken during the discussion. The committee also heard House Bill 310, which would exclude large data centers from Blue Collar Jobs Act tax credits; the sponsor said the bill is intended to ensure large energy users contribute more to state and local revenues, while supporters and opponents debated competitiveness and community impacts. House Bill 406, on allowing insureds to choose their auto repair shop, and Senate Bill 347, a cleanup bill related to medical debt collection and personal property levies, were also presented without opposition in the hearing. House Bill 253, concerning who may receive letters testamentary or of administration, was described as a cleanup to align statute with existing practice. The committee approved the meeting minutes, but the transcript does not show final votes on the bills discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, well, the new definition was thought to be more definitive, with less subjectivity.
• ... ...So we'll change the definition of places of worship to make a clear interaction with a person
• That truly is the definition of a bad bill. Thank you. Thank you. Senator Kavanaugh. Thank you.
• That truly is the definition of a bad bill. Thank you. Thank you. Senator Kavanaugh. Thank you.
• There is no narrow definition here. Senator Epstein. I rise with a comment on the bill.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I definitely think it's... Got it. Okay, thank you.
• Well, I definitely think it's a space that, you know, can improve.
• So I think it's definitely a place of policy that we should explore and advocate more.
• Well, I know that I definitely signed on with other... Great. Thank you.
• Well, I know that I definitely signed on with other colleagues to support this.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several housing-related proposals and policy ideas. One speaker urged changes to the welfare property tax exemption for affordable housing, arguing that annual income recertifications are outdated and burdensome, and proposing a one-time qualification at move-in, streamlined monitoring through TCAC or HCD, and continued exemption protection for projects that remain in compliance. The witness said rising insurance costs and administrative burdens are hurting cash flow and threatening the viability of affordable housing operations. A major portion of the meeting focused on social housing and the SB 555 study. HCD described its ongoing study process, including public engagement with residents, practitioners, and experts, and noted that California already has many building blocks for social housing, such as public land tools, long-term affordability mechanisms, community land trusts, and tenant protections. Community land trust and housing policy witnesses argued that social housing will require legislative action, expanded public subsidy, tax abatements, public land, and simplified financing, and they emphasized the need to reframe the concept for the “missing middle” and middle-class households to build broader political support. Committee members discussed stigma around “social housing,” the need for a rebrand, and the possibility of a pilot program, especially on excess public land. The committee also heard a proposal for a certified professional plan-check system modeled on Vancouver, Canada. The presenter said California’s permitting delays, inconsistent reviews, and staffing shortages add cost and uncertainty even for streamlined projects, and proposed allowing state-certified private professionals to perform plan checks and inspections under state oversight while local governments retain zoning and enforcement authority. Members discussed local control concerns, infrastructure costs, and the need to reduce delays and uncertainty in the entitlement process. Finally, the committee heard testimony supporting changes to HCD loan disbursement so funds can be used during construction rather than only after completion. Witnesses said this would reduce interest costs, improve feasibility, and could produce additional affordable homes with existing funding. The discussion also referenced AB 1053 as the vehicle for implementing that approach.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I definitely think it's... Got it. Okay. Thank you.
• Well, I definitely think it's a space that, you know, can improve.
• So I think it's definitely a place of policy that we should explore and advocate more.
• Well, I know that I definitely signed on with other... Great. Thank you.
• Well, I know that I definitely signed on with other colleagues to support this.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several housing-finance and permitting reforms aimed at making affordable and middle-income housing projects “pencil.” The first panel focused on the welfare property tax exemption, with witnesses arguing that annual recertifications are outdated, burdensome, and costly for both residents and operators. They urged streamlining by aligning eligibility rules with TCAC or HCD monitoring, allowing one-time qualification at occupancy, and preserving exemptions for projects that remain in compliance, especially as insurance costs and operating deficits are rising sharply. A major portion of the meeting centered on social housing and community land trusts under SB 555. HCD described the state’s ongoing study, due by December 31, 2026 and to be included in the 2027 annual report, and outlined public engagement already completed with residents and practitioners. Community land trust and policy witnesses argued that social housing will require legislative action beyond the study, including expanded tax abatements, public land use, soft loans, and simpler capital stacks. They emphasized that the model should include mixed-income and “missing middle” households, and several members discussed the stigma around the term “social housing,” suggesting a rebrand toward generational or multi-generational housing to broaden public support. The committee also discussed a proposed certified professional program modeled on Vancouver, Canada, to speed plan checks and inspections by allowing state-certified private professionals to perform certain code-compliance functions under local oversight. The witness said this would reduce delays, repeated reviews, and cost overruns while preserving local authority over zoning and enforcement. Members raised concerns about local control, infrastructure costs, and political resistance, but expressed interest in exploring a pilot and further recommendations. In the final panel, housing advocates supported allowing HCD loan funds to be disbursed during construction rather than only after completion. They said this would reduce interest costs, improve project feasibility, and could produce additional affordable homes without new appropriations. Members agreed the current system is fragmented and outdated, and several speakers and legislators repeatedly called for streamlined, more flexible financing and permitting tools to support housing production.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so as we looked at our statutes to really identify where we needed to expand definitions and position
• us to win some of that future investment, Identify where we need to expand definitions and position
• It seems like it has definitely been well thought out and well written.
• We add unlawful deep fakes to the definition...
• The result... ...is under 13 to the definition of sexual offense against a victim who's a minor.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Aligning Oklahoma's statutory definition with the federal definition just ensures consistency and eligibility
• It is just simply aligning those definitions.
• We're just conforming to what that federal definition is. Is that correct?
• And we have other civil procedure Statutes that have a standard definition.
• From what I understand, there is one acceptable definition of holiday in these court statutes.

Bills: SCR17, SB2104, SB2155, SB1428, SB1250, SB1651, SB1794, SB444, SB1061, SB1327, SB1425, SB1455, SB1458, SB1460, SB1480, SB1530, SB1543, SB1555, SB1593, SB1209, SB1730, SB1733, SB1769, SB1805, SB2069, SB2095, SB1503

Keywords: trusts, Oklahoma Uniform Trust Code, trust administration, trustee, beneficiary, qualified beneficiary, nonjudicial settlement agreement, trust accounting, fiduciary duty, forfeiture clause, no-contest clause, in terrorem clause, certification of trust, trust property, district court jurisdiction, venue, surcharge trustee, trust protector, trust advisor, principal distribution

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll get you a formal legal definition.
• I don't want to say the wrong words, but immigration definitions are so complex.
• CMS has their definitions.
• CMS has their definitions. Other states have already put into law. CMS has their definitions.
• Other states have already put into law their definitions.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee held a work session to review how H.R. 1 (the One Big Beautiful Bill Act) could affect Washington’s Medicaid, long-term care, developmental disabilities, and food assistance programs, with a focus on implementation challenges, fiscal impacts, and likely coverage losses. Staff and agency officials explained Washington’s Medicaid financing structure, eligibility categories, caseload trends, and the role of the Health Care Authority and DSHS in administering Apple Health and related services. They also described how Medicaid expansion increased access to behavioral health services and how H.R. 1’s provisions are expected to affect the expansion population most directly. Health Care Authority and DSHS officials outlined several major H.R. 1 changes: new work and community engagement requirements for the Medicaid expansion population, six-month redeterminations instead of annual renewals, changes to immigrant eligibility, limits on provider taxes and state-directed payments, new cost-sharing requirements, reduced retroactive coverage, and changes affecting long-term care eligibility. They said Washington is still awaiting federal guidance on many details, but estimated that about 620,000 Apple Health expansion enrollees could be subject to work requirements, that roughly 30,000 immigrants could lose Medicaid eligibility under the new definition of qualified alien, and that some long-term care and developmental disability clients could be indirectly affected. Officials also said the state is working with other agencies to build shared verification systems and may seek a delay waiver, though they do not expect broad federal flexibility. The committee also heard that H.R. 1 immediately blocks Medicaid reimbursement for Planned Parenthood services for one year, with the state planning to backfill about $11 million to preserve access. In addition, officials warned that the law could reduce federal Medicaid revenue by billions over time and strain hospitals and emergency rooms as more people become uninsured. They noted that Washington’s rural health transformation grant application is due November 5 and could bring some funding, but not to offset coverage losses. No votes were taken; the session was informational only. The committee then heard a separate presentation on food assistance, where staff and DSHS described H.R. 1’s SNAP changes, including expanded work requirements, immigrant eligibility restrictions, higher state administrative costs, and a possible future state share of benefit costs tied to payment error rates. DSHS estimated a four-year fiscal impact of about $750 million for food assistance changes and said the state is working on system and policy changes across agencies before the new requirements take effect.

Transcript Highlights:

• Definitely, the Agency for Health Care Administration—I just want to tell you that's what we've been
• But I'm really, I definitely will have to find out a little bit about that.
• Definitely something new to us: non-emergent care access plans.
• So we definitely can make sure that that’s part of that as far as uninsured.” “Okay. Thank you.
• That's the definition of infant mortality: one year following delivery.

Summary: The committee met to receive implementation updates on recently enacted health care laws from AHCA and the Department of Health. AHCA reported on rural emergency hospitals, explaining the new Class 4 hospital designation, rule changes completed June 1, 2025, and that no Florida hospitals have yet converted, though one North Walton/DeFuniak Springs-area hospital has expressed interest. AHCA also reviewed the non-emergent care access plan requirement for hospitals with emergency departments, saying 83 plans had been received since July 1 and 63 approved, with plans emphasizing patient education, referrals to primary care or urgent care, and coordination for Medicaid managed care enrollees through the Florida HIE/ENS system. Members asked about HIE capacity, data collection, and whether the plans would identify shortages or trigger accountability measures; AHCA said it had moved to a new HIE vendor and would continue gathering data. AHCA also updated the committee on the TEACH workforce program, reporting $6.8 million in FY 2024-25 spending across 59 parent organizations and 229 facilities, with more than 1,800 students and nearly 380,000 clinical hours reimbursed, and said a federal 1115 workforce waiver was unlikely to move forward under CMS. On KidCare, AHCA said House Bill 121’s expansion to 300% of the federal poverty level remains blocked by federal litigation and CMS action tied to premium nonpayment rules, and members and public witnesses urged prompt implementation and asked for enrollment/disenrollment data and the rural health transformation funding outlook. Public testimony largely supported the NCAP and TEACH programs and pressed for action on KidCare. Representatives from health centers said NCAP has strengthened hospital-health center relationships and improved care coordination, including reduced recidivism in some hospitals. A Bond Community Health Center physician said TEACH is helping offset the burden of training students and could help address workforce shortages, especially in rural and underserved areas. Advocacy groups urged the committee to push for implementation of the KidCare expansion, citing children in the coverage gap and rising uninsured rates. The Department of Health then presented on several programs from the 2024-25 session. It reported on the Florida Reimbursement Assistance for Medical Education (FRAME) program, including 78 dentists and 15 dental hygienists funded under the dental track and nearly 1,300 medical professionals funded overall, with 123 dental applications and 71 funded dentists in the most recent cycle. DOH also updated the Screening and Services Grant Program, the Health Care Innovation Revolving Loan Program, the statewide telehealth maternity care program, and the swimming lesson voucher program, noting strong participation and outcomes such as reduced ER visits and improved postpartum follow-up in the maternity program. Finally, DOH said implementation of the HIV prevention drug/pharmacist dispensing law is underway, with three certification courses approved and five certifications issued. Members asked about barriers to wider use of HIV prevention drugs, more detailed maternal outcome data, and the dental workforce program report; DOH said more detailed reports would follow.

Transcript Highlights:

• This lowering from 6 to 5 percent will definitely assist with that.
• I would hope, but I couldn't definitively say.
• Aguilar about definitions in subsection C.
• That's a broader definition.
• The one I just stated is to change the definition set.

Bills: HB40, HB1916, HB1973, HB2524, HB2530, HB3180, HB3421, HB3783, HB4170, HB4213

Keywords: business court, civil procedure, litigation, jurisdiction, arbitration, divorce, property division, family law, court jurisdiction, marital assets, parent-child relationship, birth certificate, identity proof, Family Code, court process, attorney fees, court costs, legal expenses, dispute resolution, child support

Summary: The committee heard several House bills, most of them relating to family law and court procedure, and left each bill pending after testimony. House Bill 1916 would clarify that the court that issued a final divorce decree retains exclusive jurisdiction over later actions involving undivided property. House Bill 1973 would require a certified birth certificate, if reasonably available, to be filed with a SAPCR petition or allow alternative proof of parentage while keeping the information confidential. House Bill 2530 would add qualifications and procedural safeguards for appointing amicus attorneys in SAPCR cases, including notice and hearing requirements, minimum qualifications, conflict rules, and limits on what amicus attorneys may do. House Bill 2524 would make Family Code references to attorney’s fees consistent by using “reasonable and necessary” language. House Bill 3180 would correct a scrivener’s error in the civil discovery rules by changing “settlement” to “statement.” The committee also heard House Bill 4213, which would change the interest rate on overdue child support from the current 6 percent simple interest to a fixed 5 percent and require the Attorney General to report on the impact of the change. Testimony was sharply divided: supporters argued lower interest could improve collections and help low-income obligors catch up, citing research and the size of child-support arrearages; opponents said lowering the rate would reduce incentives to pay and harm custodial parents and children. The Attorney General’s office raised implementation concerns about a House version that would have created a variable rate, while the committee substitute was described as restoring a simple fixed rate. After testimony, the bill was left pending. The committee also discussed House Bill 40, updating business court provisions and supplemental jurisdiction; House Bill 3421, streamlining probate procedures for original wills and copies; and House Bill 417, clarifying venue for lawsuits involving private transfer fees on real property. Each drew limited testimony and was left pending. Finally, House Bill 3783 drew extensive testimony on court-ordered counseling and reunification therapy in family cases. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would protect children and abuse victims from coercive, unregulated reunification practices, while opponents argued it was too broad, could interfere with legitimate therapy and judicial discretion, and might affect military families and other high-conflict cases. The committee heard testimony from judges, therapists, parents, survivors, and advocates, but took no final action and left the bill pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• They modified the definition of residential program in the Patients Bill of Rights in chapter 144 to
• Section 4 from House File 2143, as amended from Representative Momanyi-Hiltsley, modifies the definition
• the definition of mental illness<00:09:43.480> it<00:09:43.680> updates<00:09:44.160><
• Section 34 from the DHS policy bill allows the commissioner to change definitions, statutes, and rules
• and statutes and rules for definitions and statutes and rules for purposes<00:21:02.039> of<00

Keywords: 1183, house