Transcript Highlights:

• with the creation or expansion of career technical education programs that lead the industry certifications
• included in the Cape Industry certification funding lists.
• And this happened during the statewide nursing shortage.
• I worked in that sector and have certifications in title 9 work.
• We're so proud of what we do in the nursing, not only in the nothing population, adding nurses, too,

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You have the floor, sir. status of the state nursing homes. That's a bunch.
• So Florida is the national leader in occupancy going up in our nursing homes.
• home or have the opportunity to live in a nursing home.
• or have the opportunity to live a nursing home.
• So, again, we know who they are because they're in our state veteran nursing homes.

Summary: The committee took up SB 116 by Senator Burgess, a veterans bill aimed at several FDVA-related changes. The bill would reduce annual nominations to the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame from 20 to 5, expand FDVA’s survey work to assess veterans’ awareness of available programs and their health literacy, add mental health training to the veterans suicide prevention pilot, strengthen coordination and reporting between Veterans Florida and FDVA, direct FDVA to develop a plan for adult day health care facilities statewide, and allow the Florida Veterans Foundation to use a portion of Gadsden flag plate proceeds for administrative costs. Senator Burgess said the measure builds on prior “Forward March” efforts and helps close service gaps for aging veterans and others who may not know about available benefits. Testimony on SB 116 was uniformly supportive. FDVA leadership said adult day health care could be added at existing facilities such as Port St. Lucie and Lake City, and that the state would need authority and funding to move forward. A veterans legal collaborative, AARP Florida, and Endeavors all voiced support, with speakers emphasizing the importance of better outreach, mental health awareness, and care options that allow veterans to remain at home. The committee then voted favorably on SB 116. The remainder of the meeting was devoted to agency and stakeholder presentations. Florida National Guard officials described a high operational tempo, deployments at home and abroad, hurricane response efforts, and the need to grow the force and infrastructure. FDVA’s adjutant general reported Florida now has the nation’s second-largest veteran population, rising in-migration of younger veterans, a large and aging Vietnam-era population, strong claims and outreach activity, declining veteran homelessness, and improved suicide prevention outcomes. The Florida Veterans Foundation outlined its emergency relief, dental, transportation, and license-plate-funded programs, while Veterans Florida and CareerSource Florida detailed workforce, apprenticeship, SkillBridge, entrepreneurship, and job-fair programs for veterans and spouses, along with efforts to expand recurring funding and better protect customer information.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today is Texas Nurses Day at the Capitol and I know we have at least a few nurses left because they came
• Nurses are the backbone of our health care system.
• I am proud to be a nurse and I'm honored to recognize today as Nurses Day. in the Texas House.
• UTMB School of Nursing improves the health of Texas by advancing nursing excellence through leadership
• Gah, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer of Ascension Texas.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It adds to the staffing committee a registered nurse who is not an ER nurse, an individual with specific
• who is not an ER nurse, registered nurse who is not an ER nurse, an<00:40:54.280> individual<
• notification nursing homes, complaints, notification nursing homes, complaints, notification and
• <00:54:34.400> And nursing home investigations. And nursing home investigations.
• MPU certificates, and rescission of MPU certificates, require<01:13:47.160> an<01:13:47.280><

Keywords: House streaming session for Friday, March 20, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House met with 125 members present and began with the pledge, prayer, and opening formalities. Two House resolutions were presented and adopted by voice vote: one honoring the pioneering women of the Maryland State Police and State Fire Marshal’s Office during Women’s History Month, and another recognizing the University of Maryland School of Medicine Center for Infant and Childhood Loss on its 50th anniversary. Both resolutions highlighted the honorees’ service and contributions, and the clerk read each resolution into the record. The chamber then received Senate bills introduced in the House, including Senate Bill 6 and Senate Bill 551, which were read the first time and referred to committee without objection. The House also took up multiple committee reports, largely adopting favorable reports and ordering bills printed for third reading. Measures advanced included bills on residential real estate contract contingencies, Maryland data privacy, local alcoholic beverages licenses and fees in several counties, county salary study commission membership, sheriff and municipal enforcement matters, estates, health occupations background checks, school book fair tax exemptions, school board compensation and voting, and a Calvert County medical center bill. Several bills were amended before advancing. House Bill 443 on Prince George’s County small event center alcohol licensing received a capacity-related amendment; House Bill 348 on Baltimore City alcohol license extension received a technical amendment and a change expanding coverage to transfers of ownership before July 1, 2029; House Bill 682 changed a license classification from Class C to Class GC; House Bill 405 on EV recharging equipment in condo/HOA documents was amended to clarify budget treatment; and House Bill 895 on dynamic pricing and predatory pricing received amendments clarifying definitions, disclosures, and enforcement. After extended discussion of HB 895, including questions about whether it bans dynamic pricing for food, how it treats discounts and loyalty programs, and whether supply-and-demand pricing changes are affected, the House agreed to special order the bill until later in the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• And these investments have, for example, expanded nursing and pre-nursing student enrollment, as well
• as other health and human service trainings at the certificate and associate degree levels.
• For example: Are we training enough nurses to meet the demand of future health care needs?
• For example: Are we training enough nurses to meet the demand of future health care needs?
• We set up an ESOL program and paid for some direct nurse training, which was real helpful.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The subcommittee met to approve the April and May minutes, welcome a new member, and hear an update from Gina Frey of EOHHS on statewide health and human services workforce development efforts. Frey described cross-secretariat initiatives under the Workforce Skills Cabinet, including MA Repay loan repayment awards, expanded community college and tuition supports, ESOL/work-readiness programming for immigrants, and efforts to build career pathways and reduce attrition in nursing, behavioral health, direct care, and primary care. She also reviewed a $46 million ARPA-funded home and community-based services grant program that supported 82 grantees, led to hiring 8,752 new staff, over 1,000 interns, 2,000 new certifications, and a drop in vacancy rates from 22% to 12%. Members raised concerns about the impact of immigration policy changes on the direct care workforce, including losses of trained workers in provider agencies, and asked whether any exemption or other relief efforts were underway. Frey said EOHHS is tracking the issue closely but did not identify a specific exemption effort. The discussion also touched on Medicaid and related program changes, with Frey noting the administration is focused on understanding potential impacts to eligibility and work requirements. Rep. Howard asked about initiatives for direct support professionals and wraparound supports, and Frey said those efforts are often led by individual agencies such as MassAbility and DDS, with EOHHS coordinating across them. The latter part of the meeting shifted to planning FY26 subcommittee goals and possible events. Members discussed using the Health Policy Commission’s Behavioral Health Workforce Center and possibly asking for a study comparing compensation in DDS and related direct care roles against health care and education jobs. They also discussed a possible cross-state public event on immigration’s impact on the workforce, especially for people with disabilities and direct support services, and agreed to continue refining goals and event ideas by email and at the next meeting. Frey provided a website link and contact information for Amy Doyle at the Health Policy Commission to facilitate future presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Taking up tab 5, SB 1480 on temporary certification. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Taking up tab 5, SB 1480 on temporary certificates for practice in areas of critical need.
• I'm a postpartum nurse, school immunization requirements would make kids in public schools less safe.
• Jill Puckett, Board Association of Nurse Practitioners, waving against.
• Jill Puckett, Board Association of Nurse Practitioners, waving against.

Bills: S1082, S1168, S1756, S1156, S1480

Keywords: provider disputes, health plan, dispute resolution, Medicare, Medicaid, healthcare regulation, background screening, athletic coaches, youth sports, criminal history, expungement, Florida statutes, medical freedom, vaccination, ivermectin, healthcare practitioner liability, immunization exemptions, ambulatory surgical centers, patient safety, licensure

Summary: The committee took up several health-related bills. SB 1082, on a statewide provider and health plan claim dispute resolution program, was presented as a way to let providers and insurers use the federal independent dispute resolution process for emergency out-of-network claims under state-regulated commercial plans. A late-filed amendment clarified when providers and health plans could access the state program, and the bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 1168, which would centralize background screening clearinghouse functions at the Agency for Health Care Administration, also passed as amended after an amendment requiring sealed and expunged records to be included in screenings for qualified entities. Supporters said centralization would improve turnaround times, reduce duplication, and save costs; the sponsor said the bill also addresses coaches’ background screening language from last session. The committee then approved SB 1156, which moves ambulatory surgery center regulation out of the hospital-focused chapter of law into a standalone section, and SB 1480, as amended by a strike-all, which would grandfather certain temporary certificate holders practicing in areas of critical need if federal designation changes affect those areas. Testimony on SB 1480 emphasized continuity of care for patients in underserved communities, and the bill was reported favorably. The final and most heavily debated measure was SB 1756 on medical freedom, which would require state-approved educational materials on childhood vaccines, require practitioners to provide those materials and alternative schedules before vaccination, expand school immunization exemptions to include conscience-based objections, clarify that the Surgeon General cannot order vaccination during a public health emergency, and authorize pharmacists to provide ivermectin behind the counter without a prescription with written information and safeguards. The sponsor argued the bill strengthens parental choice and informed consent. Committee members raised concerns about vaccine-preventable disease risks, immunocompromised children, school outbreaks, and the impact of adding a new exemption. A Department of Health representative said the department would need to provide details on the history of exemption consultations and noted that removing the earlier consultation requirement had not been shown to increase outbreaks. The committee adopted a friendly amendment to give physicians the same liability protection as pharmacists for ivermectin dispensing, but rejected a substitute amendment that would have required a consultation for exemption requests. Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed to the bill, with physicians, pediatric specialists, cancer advocates, parents of immunocompromised children, and public health groups warning that it would lower vaccination rates and endanger vulnerable Floridians. The bill remained pending after testimony, with the committee continuing to hear public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a new Doctor of Nursing program starting up here this year.
• So today I have certificates for them, and I would like to introduce them.
• So that is great to hear because Interestingly, my mom was a nurse and went to nursing school, and that
• However, not all of her Able to gain employment as a registered nurse.
• to become a nurse midwife or a certified nurse practitioner.

Bills: HB111, HB103, HB109, HB128, HJM2, HJM3, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50, HB49, HB60, HB108, HB120, HB124, HB145, HB154, HB158, HB164, HB180, HB291, HJR6, HJR7, HR1, HJM1, HM13, HM47

Keywords: water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance

Transcript Highlights:

• Julie Miller from the Board of Nursing.
• basically the equivalent of an advanced practice registered nurse.
• SAMHSA updated the certification requirements for CCBHCs in 2023.
• She said she has been a nurse for 35 years, a nurse practitioner for 13 years, is a prescriber, and serves
• on the State Board of Nursing.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Beginning in 2026 and 2027, LEAs have to access non-public school certification status.
• Access non-public school certification status.
• Nurses Organization, and Dr.
• nurses and Dr.
• of the school nurse credential program at Sac State.

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee met without a quorum for much of the hearing and heard several bills out of order. SB 249 by Senator Umberg would move county board of education elections from the primary to the statewide general election. Supporters, including the League of Women Voters and many educators, argued the change would increase turnout and make the electorate more representative. The Orange County Board of Education opposed the bill, saying it would increase costs, reduce local control, and bury education races on crowded general-election ballots. The chair and members discussed turnout, cost, and representation, but the bill was held pending a quorum. Senator Grove presented SB 373, which adds safeguards for California students placed in out-of-state non-public schools through IEPs. The bill would require more robust LEA and CDE oversight, including annual site visits, student interviews, quarterly contact, stronger certification standards, and restrictions on prone, supine, and mechanical restraints. Testimony from a survivor of an out-of-state placement and from advocates emphasized abuse, neglect, and the need for stronger monitoring. There was broad support and no opposition testimony, but the measure was also held pending a quorum. Senator Ashby presented SB 568, the epinephrine in schools modernization act, to clarify and expand requirements for stocked epinephrine so they clearly apply to all public schools, including preschool programs. School nurses and medical experts said the bill would close gaps created by universal preschool and ensure life-saving treatment is available for anaphylaxis. The committee discussed dosing and implementation, and the bill was supported without opposition testimony. The committee also heard SB 414, the Charter School Accountability Act, which would strengthen fiscal oversight, audit standards, and transparency for charter schools and authorizers. Supporters said it responds to fraud and audit findings while preserving charter flexibility; opponents, including school employees and teachers, said it did not go far enough on authorizer accountability and small-district oversight. After discussion, the committee voted 7-0 to pass SB 414 as amended to Appropriations. The committee also briefly heard SB 743 by Senator Cortese, which would create an equalization reserve account to provide additional funding to underfunded school districts and reduce funding inequities tied to ZIP code. The author said the bill would support student achievement and teacher retention over time. The transcript cuts off before testimony or action on SB 743 was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• board certification in completed board certification in abstetrics<00:59:12.240> and<00:59:12.400
• The nurse was not told the procedure was an abortion until the nurse walked into the room, when the doctor
• , knowing the nurse objected to assisting in abortions, told the nurse, "Don't hate me."
• If the nurse had not done so, the nurse reasonably feared that UVMMC would fire or report the nurse to
• It's HM1 that's the certification. >> Certainly.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• just have to go through the certificate just have to go through the certificate of<00:08:24.479>
• provide as many child care certificates provide as many child care certificates as<00:16:46.720>
• one-year certificate.
• one-year certificate.
• certificate program. certificate program.

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 21 January, 2026; 3:30 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 3, a certificate-of-need measure that had passed last year but was vetoed by the governor because of one objectionable provision. The chair explained that the House had just passed the bill unanimously and urged quick Senate action so it could be sent to the governor again. He said the bill is intended to restore the prior law, with the main policy focus on rural hospitals and other future certificate-of-need changes. A question was raised about language affecting the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s academic exemption; the chair said the intent was to preserve the teaching hospital’s core exemption around its main campus while requiring certificate-of-need review for facilities it operates elsewhere, and the committee then voted title sufficient, due pass. The committee then considered Senate Bill 2476, requested by the Board of Pharmacy. Senator Hill explained that it would let licensed pharmacists self-report substance abuse or mental health issues and enter treatment before disciplinary action, similar to programs already available for nurses and with comparable provisions for physicians and dentists. Board representatives said participants would have to stop practicing until cleared, and that failure to comply would trigger discipline; the bill was described as an alternative to professional discipline, not immunity from criminal law. After questions about definitions and how many times a person could use the program, the committee voted title sufficient, due pass. The meeting concluded with an informational presentation from Mr. Anderson on child care funding and program operations. He said the state used ARPA funds during the pandemic to support child care certificates and providers, but those funds were exhausted, leading to a pause and a waiting list of about 20,000 families; the program currently serves about 18,000 children. He said the department is continuing $15 million in state support, is converting 30% of the TANF state assistance grant to child care, and is exploring additional TANF direct-assistance options, though cautiously because the state has not done that before. He also discussed child care tax credits, employer-based child care, and efforts to expand capacity through provider support and technical assistance.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I know the costs for certifications can run over $100.
• Um, I know the costs for certifications can run over $100.
• Um, I know the costs for certifications can run over $100.
• It's something to get a certification.
• that um a PE teacher or a school nurse that um a PE teacher or a school nurse could<00:27:11.240

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The committee opened by explaining it would work through a long list of interim topics one at a time and asked members to complete a selection form at the end. The first topic, long-term care, drew testimony from AARP Wyoming and the Wyoming Long-Term Care Association. AARP emphasized Wyoming’s aging population, the state’s roughly $200 million annual Medicaid spending on long-term care, and the need to examine whether more support for home-based care could reduce nursing home use and costs. The association agreed with supporting people at home as long as possible, but asked that any study also consider increased support for nursing homes and assisted living when home care is no longer feasible. Committee discussion also touched on adult day care and PACE-like services, with Mr. Laycock noting prior Department of Health discussion and limited adult day availability due to reimbursement concerns. The committee then heard proposals for neonatal intensive care unit family leave, expanded midwifery scope, and a modification to workers’ compensation law. The NICU leave idea, presented by the Wyoming Women’s Foundation, would explore leave options for families with premature infants in intensive care, potentially paid or unpaid, while considering business size and the burden on families who may need out-of-state care. The midwifery topic was framed as a way to address rural maternity and women’s health gaps by allowing midwives to practice to the full extent of their training. On workers’ compensation, the Wyoming Association of Municipalities sought to classify dispatch personnel as first responders so they could receive mental health coverage under workers’ compensation; the Department of Workforce Services explained that current law covers dispatchers under workers’ compensation generally, but the first responder mental health provision added in 2018 applies to law enforcement and firefighters and does not currently include dispatchers. Other topics included problematic gaming and program funding, breast cancer diagnostic and supplemental exams, prescription drug coverage for advanced metastatic cancer, SNAP education, behavioral health workforce clinical training site shortages, CPR in schools, and broader midwifery oversight. The behavioral health workforce proposal, brought by a WICHE commissioner, focused on increasing psychology internship slots in Wyoming, noting that the state currently has only three and that expanding placements could improve recruitment and retention. The CPR in schools topic drew strong support from the American Heart Association, which argued that CPR training in high school could improve bystander response in a rural state with long EMS response times; committee members asked about cost and curriculum fit, and the witnesses said hands-only CPR could be taught by school staff rather than requiring expensive certification. The midwifery discussion later broadened into concerns about oversight and standards after a representative described a constituent’s pregnancy loss and said complaints involving midwifery practice and staffing delays in investigations warranted a deeper review. No votes were taken during the portion provided, and most topics were simply introduced, discussed, and left open for further testimony or later committee selection.

Transcript Highlights:

• The laws were originally passed in 2009 to protect nurses. Thank you. Texas nursing staffing laws.
• In 2009, THA, the Nurses Association, and the Legislature worked together to develop the nurse staffing
• meaningful positive change and regulation of nurse staffing and hospitals, benefiting nurses, hospitals
• First, re-educate hospitals and nurses about their rights and responsibilities under the nurse staffing
• I am a registered nurse, and I am testifying on behalf of the Texas Nurses Association and the Nursing

Bills: HB 107, HB742, HB1639, HB1700, HB2071, HB2187, HB2402, HB2516, HB3211, HB4529, HB5342, HB694, HB923, HB4655

Keywords: sickle cell disease, registry, health data, confidentiality, healthcare access, human trafficking, first responders, health care, training, reporting, protection, cancer, female firefighters, health study, state health services, fire protection, telemedicine, teledentistry, telehealth, health records

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a series of health and human services bills and left each one pending after public testimony. HB 4655 would expand financial literacy instruction for youth aging out of foster care to include credit scores, predatory lending, scams, banking, budgeting, and related consumer topics; the sponsor and Buckner International described the need to protect foster youth from financial pitfalls. HB 923 would add three public members and one physician to the Texas Medical Disclosure Panel; supporters said it would improve informed consent and patient voice, while a witness raised concerns about a House amendment requiring a physician majority for decisions and senators questioned scope-of-practice limits. HHSC said the panel is an independent body and the bill expressly bars it from changing scope of practice.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:01.000> of<00:04:01.120> ownership of the certificate of ownership of the certificate
• <00:52:36.800> homes profit extracting from our nursing homes profit extracting from our nursing
• <00:53:02.360> homes, of money to invest in our nursing homes, of money to invest in our nursing
• Nursing homes, of course, are entitlements.
• additional requirements for nursing additional requirements for nursing facilities<01:16:00.480>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• nurse midwives.
• I'm a nurse by profession.
• registered nurses, and nursing practitioners.
• It does not include nurses who report working in a field outside of nursing, nurses licensed in Texas
• The four types include the nurse practitioner, certified registered nurse anesthetist, certified nurse

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I get a lot of phone calls from funeral homes about the delay in death certificates.
• People are getting their death certificates within 90 days 95% or more of the time.
• Certificates are issued within 90 days 95% or more of the time. You are recognized for a follow-up.
• I'm nine miles from the Arkansas line, trying to get her death certificate.
• That's been great for our nursing staff and our security staff as well.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• a<00:47:51.119> nurse<00:47:51.440> currently<00:47:52.240> talk former nurse
• or a nurse currently talk former nurse or a nurse currently talk about<00:47:52.720> the<00:47
• type of thing nurse license for the same type of thing with<00:52:18.319> nurses<00:52:18.720>
• The nurse is in the building.
• /c><00:53:59.040> the have to happen. the nurse is in the have to happen. the nurse is in the

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I hold a commercial pilot certificate. I'm a graduate... Again, my name is Sean Collins.
• I hold a commercial pilot certificate.
• because the statute allows licensed physicians to do the evaluations, and the Registry also allows nurse
• Chiropractors have had to follow the same format as a medical doctor, the PA, or the nurse practitioner
• They actually teach MDs, nurse practitioners, chiropractors, anybody who's allowed to get certified as

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on 36 bills covering aviation, commercial vehicles, school buses, veterans license plates, and related transportation issues. Chair Jim Arciero and Senate Chair Brendan Crighton outlined the hearing procedures, then the committee heard testimony on a range of measures, including a bill to modernize alternative student transportation for vulnerable students such as those covered by McKinney-Vento, foster children, and students with disabilities; a bill on unmanned aerial systems that would define drones and restrict weaponization, interference with aircraft, and certain surveillance; and a bill addressing airplane noise and reporting at Beverly Regional Airport. Supporters of the student transportation bill argued it would update outdated school bus requirements while preserving safety standards, while drone-related testimony was split between sponsors and public safety advocates who supported stronger restrictions and industry representatives who warned the bills could conflict with federal law and harm legitimate commercial uses. The committee also heard testimony on workforce and school transportation bills. Representatives and industry witnesses supported a proposal to create a grant program and career outreach for the trucking industry, citing a persistent driver shortage and the importance of trucking to the state’s economy. Teamsters Local 170 supported a bill to ease unemployment job-search requirements for school bus drivers and monitors who are expected to return to work within a short period, saying the current rules create unnecessary burdens during summer layoffs. Another school transportation bill would create an under-the-hood exception for CDL licensing of school bus drivers; several chiropractors testified in support, saying they already perform DOT-style exams and should be explicitly authorized to do school bus driver medical certifications. Veterans-related testimony focused on license plate and disability-definition bills. Advocates supported a Medal of Fidelity license plate for Gold Star families and a separate bill to create an air medal plate. The Office of the Veteran Advocate testified in favor of revising the state’s definition of disabled veteran for RMV purposes, arguing the current language is tied to special monthly compensation categories and does not adequately reflect modern service-connected disabilities, including invisible wounds. The American Legion also urged clarification of the definition, while opposing a separate women veterans plate on the grounds that it could divide veterans unnecessarily. The committee took no votes during the hearing and ended with a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have to submit a rate certification to CMS.
• They have to submit a rate certification to CMS.
• submit a rate rate certification to CMS. submit a rate rate certification to CMS.
• specific specific to nursing facility. specific specific to nursing facility.
• So um nursing facility is contract.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first approved the minutes from its May 13 meeting. Members then reviewed a deferred contract with the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy for the Kentucky Pharmacist Recovery Network (KYPRN), a program that provides monitoring and support for pharmacists and pharmacy interns with substance abuse or mental health issues. Board representatives explained that the contract is a long-running arrangement, renewed periodically, with an option for two additional two-year renewals. Senators asked about the program’s structure, participation trends, follow-up, and consequences for noncompliance. The board said enrollment has remained fairly consistent at about 52 participants, with roughly 500 participants over the life of the program, weekly and monthly check-ins during the five-year typical enrollment period, and possible additional sanctions if participants fail to meet obligations. The committee then approved the contract. The committee next considered a group of economic development contracts, including items from the Cabinet for Economic Development. Secretary Jeff Null and general counsel Matt Wingate testified about contracts tied to regional innovation and entrepreneurship hubs. Members focused on the large differences in funding between regions and pressed for more support for rural and eastern Kentucky. Null said the cabinet is working on a more tailored, non-one-size-fits-all approach, including possible changes to capital support, build-to-suit options, and additional resources for rural areas. He said the hubs have helped 193 startups over the last two years and helped attract nearly $350 million in private capital, and he agreed to provide a written report by hub district on startup viability. The committee approved the economic development contracts. The Kentucky Lottery Corporation then presented its contracts with vendor IGT for retail and internet sales systems. Lottery officials said the contracts are mission-critical, cover both the traditional retail system and iLottery, and are structured as a percentage of sales so no payment is made until revenue is earned. They described planned equipment upgrades, including refreshed terminals, new ticket checkers, cashless vending and bill acceptors, and connected-play features that would link retail and online wallets. Officials said keeping the same vendor reduces the risk of business disruption and that the arrangement has already produced cost savings. They also said the lottery continues to see year-over-year growth and expects to meet its annual contribution target of $360 million for scholarships and grants. The committee approved the lottery contract after discussion.

Bills: HB302, HB371, HB597, HB1097, HB1190, SB34, SB164, SB208, SB232, SB317, SB357, SB421, SB510

Keywords: legal representation, attorney general, elected officials, defense, legislative acts, judicial review, judiciary, election, judges, 19th Judicial District Court, East Baton Rouge, precincts, coroner, retention, body, mortuary, investigation, missing persons, Amber Alert, Endangered Missing Child Advisory

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard a series of Senate and House bills, mostly dealing with courts, veterans, public safety, and licensing. Early actions included favorable reports on SB 317, which adds the House and Senate Military and Veterans Affairs committee chairs to the Louisiana Military Advisory Council, and SB 357, which updates court administration and appellate e-case management provisions, cleans up outdated language, and revises reimbursement and security rules. SB 232, funding the judges’ supplemental compensation fund, was amended and reported favorably, and SB 421, modernizing electronic records terminology and safeguards, was also reported favorably. Several House bills were voluntarily deferred, including HB 1190, HB 1097, and later HB 374-1. The committee then took up SB 208 on veterans’ services, which was presented as a response to the earlier court ruling striking down Act 479. The bill seeks to regulate unaccredited “claim shark” businesses that charge veterans for disability-claim assistance, while exempting federally regulated accredited agents. Testimony from the Department of Veterans Affairs supported the bill as a way to protect veterans from predatory practices, while an opposing witness argued the issue is preempted by federal law and should be left to Congress or the pending Fifth Circuit appeal. Despite the objection, the bill was reported favorably. Members also advanced SB 510, which would restrict access to certain licensed establishments that sell hemp-based intoxicating products, especially bar-like venues where minors can currently enter; Alcohol and Tobacco Control explained the bill’s purpose and scope. HB 302, by Representative Chasson, was discussed as a measure to prohibit vape sales near schools, with testimony from public health and ATC witnesses noting the need to align the bill with existing licensing and local-ordinance authority; the committee moved it favorably after discussion. Finally, SB 34, creating “Brian’s Call” emergency alerts for missing children and adults with developmental disabilities, drew extensive emotional testimony from families and disability advocates and was reported favorably, as was SB 164, which adds public works employees to the definition of first responders. The committee adjourned after reporting HB 597, which restructures judicial compensation rules and eliminates the commission after a delayed effective date, and after deferring HB 374-1.