Transcript Highlights:

• We assume will be on the RBHA program currently and will shift to a new AHCCCS-like program, which has
• This is not a bill to create a new program.
• We capped this program headcount-wise.
• We capped this program headcount-wise.
• It's all well and good to have a rebate program. He said, hey, we can still keep a rebate program.

Bills: SB1052, SB1115, SB1118, SB1120, SB1121, SB1124, SB1171, SB1172, SB1174, SB1175, SB1214, SB1233, SB1235, SB1316, SB1345, SB1372, SB1399, SB1458, SB1494, SB1496, SB1564, SB1602, SB1621, SB1628, SB1630, SB1631, SB1668, SB1672, SB1814, SB1821

Keywords: assisted living, health care, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, physician orders, informed consent, AHCCCS, remote work, state agency, employment, public health, housing, zoning, middle housing, urban development, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes, historic preservation, radiation protection

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 1121, which would prohibit hospitals from requiring lead aprons for cardiac catheterization staff when a radiation protection system is in place, while still allowing hospitals to require aprons outside the designated safety zone or when exposure levels warrant additional protection. An amendment added flexibility for radiation safety officers to require lead or other PPE if exposures approach occupational limits and removed expedited rulemaking language. Supporters, including the sponsor and interventional cardiologists, argued the devices reduce radiation and orthopedic injuries and improve recruitment and retention; hospital groups shifted to neutral after the amendment. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1121 on a 9-2 vote. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1120, which would require hospitals performing cardiac catheterization procedures to equip at least 50% of those rooms with radiation protection systems by 2027. Supporters said the systems protect clinicians from radiation and long-term injury, while opponents, including hospital and radiology groups, argued the bill was overly prescriptive, could create a captive market, and might not fit all rooms or procedures. After adopting a children’s hospital exemption amendment, the committee passed SB 1120 on a 6-6 vote, with the chair breaking the tie in favor of the bill. Senate Bill 1118, an appropriation measure tied to the radiation protection system proposal, was also advanced after brief discussion, passing 6-5. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1214, which would create guardrails for non-FDA-approved stem cell and regenerative therapies, including provider standards, informed consent, advertising limits, reporting requirements, and a private right of action for violations. Supporters described it as a patient-protection and access bill, while testimony emphasized concerns about unregulated “bad actors” and patients traveling out of state for treatment. The committee adopted an amendment removing a reference to the National Law and passed SB 1214 on a 9-3 vote. The transcript then began discussion of SB 1630, which would create a Medicaid-funded home and community-based service benefit for adults with serious mental illness, with AHCCCS taking a neutral position and estimating a significant fiscal impact.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a bill first that y'all passed last year, but the day program is a program in my county that
• /c><00:09:28.880> my but the day program is a program in my but the day program is a program in
• Um, these institutions are premier STEM museums and designated Alabama STEM hubs, providing hands-on
• The Sabin Center is the West Alabama STEM hub, and the Central East Alabama STEM hub is the McWane Center
• c> the central East Alabama STEM hub is the central East Alabama STEM hub is the Mcuane<00:16:52.399

Bills: HB130, HB190, HB123, HB250, HB130, HB190, HB123, HB250

Keywords: HB130, Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Geologists, Sunset Law, sunset review, licensure board, professional geologists, geology, geologist licensing, board appointments, congressional district representation, gubernatorial appointments, state boards and commissions, professional licensing, regulatory board, Alabama Code 34-41-4, environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, mining industry, petroleum industry, geological sciences

Transcript Highlights:

• STEM.
• , making up 26% of the STEM workforce.
• I want girls to feel encouraged to pursue a STEM field.
• STEM Robotics Day recognizes and honors California's leadership in the STEM fields, especially technological
• the program.

Summary: The Assembly met on March 6, 2025, established a quorum, and opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and routine procedural motions, including unanimous consent requests and a re-referral of AB 506. The chamber then moved through a series of guest introductions and second-reading items before taking up several resolutions recognizing awareness days and cultural observances. Members adopted ACR 41 on Down Syndrome Awareness Week/Day and HR 24 on Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month after extensive bipartisan remarks focused on family experiences, inclusion, bullying, funding for services, and support for people with disabilities. The Assembly also adopted ACR 48 recognizing Women in STEM Day, ACR 49 recognizing California STEM Robotics Day, HR 18 celebrating Nauruze, and ACR 2 marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Each resolution drew co-authors and supportive comments from members across the aisle. The body then debated and passed AB 248, which would remove the state wage cap on county jail inmate labor and allow counties more discretion; supporters framed it as local control and rehabilitation, while opponents argued it would raise costs and conflict with voter sentiment. The Assembly also passed AB 100, a budget-process measure moving a large package of bills to the Senate, and used a substituted roll call for the remaining related bills. Consent calendar items were approved, and the chamber concluded with multiple adjournments in memory, including tributes to Eric Lopez, Johnny D. Giles, and Roger Diamond, before adjourning until March 24, 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• Each program, no matter whether it's a provider program or an at-home program, has a coach, so the coach
• may find themselves unprepared to succeed in college STEM programs or pursue careers in these fields
• Expanding advanced STEM programs in our schools can demonstrate that students don't need to look beyond
• stem careers these programs success in stem careers these programs prepare<03:51:14.640> students
• never return expanding Advanced stem never return expanding Advanced stem programs<03:53:37.359>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee began by announcing that afternoon hearings, including House Bill 283, would be moved to Representatives Hall because of expected public interest. It then took up House Bill 671, which would establish a kindergarten literacy readiness program. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Mark Pearson, described the measure as a way to close gaps in early reading readiness and said it was intended as a first step, with only a placeholder appropriation while details are developed. He framed it as a targeted effort to help children who are not entering first grade ready to read. Testimony on HB 671 was largely supportive. Representatives asked about the bill’s structure, whether a specific program had been identified, how it would interact with play-based learning, and why the provider was limited to a registered nonprofit. Waterford.org representatives Teresa Rosenberger and Rob Riley testified in support, describing Waterford Upstart as a home-based, evidence-based early learning program already used in New Hampshire. They said the program provides adaptive instruction, family coaching, and technology support, including computers, tablets, internet access, and translation services in more than 100 languages. They also said the model has been successful in New Hampshire, including a Nashua pilot and later statewide efforts, and that similar legislation has existed in other states. Rep. Jonah Wheeler also spoke in support of the bill. The chair then closed the hearing on HB 671. After a fiscal note for HB 671 was distributed, the committee moved to House Bill 781, which would require school districts to adopt policies for a cell phone-free education and includes an appropriation. The transcript cuts off as Rep. Litchfield was introduced to testify on that bill, so no testimony, debate, or vote on HB 781 is included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• You don't have STEM without mathematics.
• You don't have STEM without mathematics.
• You don't have STEM without mathematics.
• You don't have STEM without mathematics.
• You don't have STEM without mathematics.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, March 24, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• STEM.
• STEM fields.
• Claiming March 22nd, 2025, Women in STEM Day.
• , making up 26% of the STEM workforce.
• the program.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• programs.
• programming.
• And so, the same thing will happen with programming through the Literacy Center and the STEM Center.
• And programming, but I foresee them being an important player for us as we look at STEM.
• area just to make it Easier for them to participate and do great things with the STEM program.

Transcript Highlights:

• Through on-site or STEM kit programming,<01:20:29.920> Starbase<01:20:30.480> provides<
• They report that Starbase programs make it easier to teach STEM, connect learning to future STEM careers
• The state funding we receive helps us to bring our STEM programming with proven results to students and
• programs make it easier to teach<01:21:10.960> STEM,<01:21:11.520> connect<01:21:11.920
• results<01:21:20.800> to STEM programming with proven results to STEM programming with

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Stem cell happens to be one of those different modalities, stem cell therapy.
• Now we're taking stem cell and applying that same standard to stem cell therapy.
• that same standard stem cell therapy. that same standard stem cell therapy.
• Got stem cell. Within Couldn't do it. Got stem cell.
• Um it is stem stem cell freedom bill.

Bills: HB0003, HB0117, HB0041

Keywords: pregnancy centers, abortion, pro-life, healthcare, women's rights, state regulation, civil rights, freedom of speech, informed consent, civil liability, coercion, healthcare rights, law enforcement, death benefits, retirement, survivor support, public safety, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• were in STEM professions.
• But we do have a few in STEM. CNM's ITAP program is a really great one.
• They Have a wildland fire management program, and then Highlands has a forestry program.
• Absolutely focus on STEM.
• But the IOUs are very interested in this program. So I again We're reviewing a program.

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, in my district, we lack enough positions for instructional support in some STEM programs
• Let me be clear: I support STEM education and believe that providing our students with STEM education
• I support STEM education and believe that providing our students with STEM education is at the heart
• The STEM Center project was not on that list.
• Letters only went to the STEM community.

Summary: The committee heard several audit requests and related testimony. The first major item was an audit of Coachella Valley Unified School District’s contract and fiscal management. The author and supporters described long-standing fiscal mismanagement, large budget shortfalls, layoffs, contracting concerns, and questions about the district’s foundation and use of public funds. District representatives and the Riverside County Office of Education said the district is already under fiscal oversight, has a stabilization plan, and is working to reduce deficits and improve student outcomes. After extensive debate and public comment, the motion to approve the audit was put on call because the committee did not have the required votes from both houses at that moment. The committee then approved an audit of East Bay transit agencies in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Senator Wahab argued the region’s many overlapping transit agencies create fragmentation, duplication, and inefficiency, especially amid a fiscal cliff and possible future tax increases. Transit agencies and labor representatives opposed the audit, saying the agencies already undergo multiple audits, serve distinct local needs, and are implementing regional coordination efforts. After testimony from agency leaders and public commenters, the committee voted to approve the audit. The next item was an audit of California Community Colleges’ unrestricted reserves. Senator Archuleta and supporting faculty representatives said reserves have grown substantially and may be diverting resources from student services, instruction, and workforce programs. They argued there is little oversight when reserves become too high. The Chancellor’s Office and Calbright College were invited to respond, and the audit objectives focused on reserve growth, reasons for high balances, oversight by the Chancellor’s Office, and effects on students and staff. The transcript cuts off during the Chancellor’s Office response, so the final committee action on this item is not shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• but I see this bill just looks to do prohibitions and prohibit stem cell research.
• By the American Academy of Tissue Banks, the American Academy of Stem Cell Medicine.
• Like, for example, if you use stem cells that cause cancer, or if you use other types of stem cells,
• Stem cell research has been going on for a long time, and you're right.
• In Europe, they are shutting down these programs.

Bills: SB1014, SB1094, SB1146, SB1177, SB1192, SB1194, SB1214, SB1372, SB1390, SB1398, SB1399, SB1494, SB1557, SB1561, SB1564, SB1602, SB1603, SB1621, SB1628, SB1629, SB1713, SB1752, SB1776, SB1813, SB1814, SB1821

Keywords: gender transition, gender detransition, health insurance, medical procedures, insurance claims, official documents, Arizona law, gender reassignment, civil liability, minors, medical consent, detransition, dependent children, foster care, periodic review, court hearings, child welfare, public funds, prohibition, Arizona legislation

Summary: The committee heard and acted on several health-related bills, with the longest discussion centered on SB 1214, the Arizona Stem Cell Therapy Act. The bill would regulate stem cell and birth tissue therapies, bar use of tissues derived from aborted fetuses or embryos, require informed consent and disclosure for non-FDA-approved therapies, and create civil and criminal penalties for violations. Supporters framed it as a patient-safety and bioscience-innovation measure, while opponents objected to the abortion-related language and felony penalties. The committee approved SB 1214 on a 4-3 vote. The committee also advanced SB 1194, which would prohibit health professionals and institutions from denying care or reducing care quality based on vaccination status, and SB 1814, which creates a study committee on substance use disorder treatment standards and oversight. SB 1602, increasing monthly stipends for kinship foster care parents, and SB 1603, expanding child-only cash assistance eligibility for certain foster and relative placements, were both amended and passed unanimously. SB 1177, barring public funds from being used for gender transition procedures, and SB 1014, requiring insurance coverage for detransition care and related reporting, both drew strong support and opposition and were each approved on 4-3 votes. Later, the committee unanimously passed SB 1628, requiring insurers and health plans to report claims-denial and prior-authorization data to DIFI for public reporting, and SB 1629, requiring AHCCCS managed care organizations to give advance notice and network-adequacy documentation before terminating high-volume providers without cause. Supporters of both bills emphasized transparency and patient access, while opponents argued the measures duplicated existing federal or state oversight. The committee then heard SB 1752, which would criminalize commercial harvesting or sale of mescaline while preserving a religious-use defense; the sponsor said it was intended to address improper sales of peyote-derived substances, but no final action on that bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have before you today a similar program called Continuous Living Cover, which is a program that works
• program number 10 is it helps keep stem program number 10 is it helps keep stem talent<00:25:00.880
• When businesses enter the SciTech internship program, we connect college students pursuing STEM majors
• When businesses enter the SciTech internship program, we connect college students pursuing STEM majors
• or competitive grant programs.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We call them STEM kits.
• And then we did two test STEM zones.
• Now you've got to think of what a STEM zone is: think of a STEM carnival.
• And the beauty of a STEM kit or STEM activities is that we can scale up or scale down.
• program, a biostatistical core.

Summary: The committee met at NDSU and approved the April 9 minutes. The main purpose of the meeting was an informational presentation from NDSU President David Stewart and university leaders on the university’s priorities, including enrollment, student success, research, commercialization, and use of New Horizons funding. Stewart emphasized a “One NDSU” approach, thanked legislators for past support, and said the university will focus on recruitment and retention, a new strategic plan, and growing research and tech transfer while serving North Dakota’s workforce needs. University leaders said NDSU is using tuition waivers more strategically and will work to reduce them over time through scholarship optimization. Provost Sherry Vale described academic portfolio reviews, program closures or consolidations, strategic hiring, and workload policies aimed at aligning resources with demand. They also highlighted student outcomes, including high completion rates, strong employment placement, and NDSU’s role in producing a large share of the state’s engineers, nurses, and agriculture graduates. Several students testified about how NDSU’s mentoring, internships, research, and support services helped them succeed. The committee also heard from partners on New Horizons-related collaborations: Gateway to Science described K-12 STEM outreach in rural and tribal areas, and Sanford Research discussed joint research efforts, including COBRE-related work, obesity and GLP-1 studies, and a joint biostatistics hire. Later speakers highlighted Governor’s School and NDSU’s research and commercialization efforts, including growth in research expenditures and invention disclosures. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• newly produced Legacy funded programming newly produced Legacy funded programming reaching<00:04
• Members sh dues to acquire programming Members sh dues to acquire programming but<00:17:02.560> we
• Education um they provide uh stem Education um they provide uh stem education<00:21:03.280> in
• and interactive exhibits and programming and interactive exhibits and programming in<00:25:09.960
• able to afford it one of our programs able to afford it one of our programs the<00:29:31.640>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• At this time, there is not funding associated in the budget with this program.
• The whole program is geared to taking care of the individual child.
• Every other managed care program is under AHCA.
• AHCA is handling the whole program now.
• You know, there’s a lot of advertising about stem cell research and what is going on in stem cell medications

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services met to consider a full agenda of bills, moving quickly through 20 measures and several amendments. Early bills reported favorably included SB 976 on procedures for challenging court-appointed psychologists in family law cases, SB 306 on Medicaid managed care provider access outside regular business hours, and SB 584 on housing supports for foster youth and college students, which drew supportive testimony from former foster youth and was backed by members as a way to improve stability and educational opportunity. The committee also approved SB 1412 to modernize home health regulations and SB 1800 to create a Parkinson’s research consortium at USF, with members citing the need for more research and future funding opportunities. The committee adopted amendments on several bills, including technical and conforming changes to the Parkinson’s bill and other measures. The committee then advanced a series of health care and child welfare bills. SB 524 added Duchenne muscular dystrophy to newborn screening; SB 1156 revised the Home Health Aide Program for medically fragile children, including training, reimbursement, and work-hour flexibility; and SB 1490 reorganized services for medically fragile children by shifting program administration to AHCA and requiring a redesign plan for the Medicaid waiver. SB 1174 allowed foster home and child-caring agency licenses to be amended when a foster parent relocates, and SB 1620 implemented selected recommendations from the Commission on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders, including a new research center at USF and school-based behavioral health review requirements. SB 1568 revised e-prescribing exemptions, and SB 78 authorized certain veterans’ nursing home beds and related certificate-of-need transfers. All of these measures were reported favorably after brief debate or supportive testimony. Several bills prompted more extensive discussion and some opposition. CS for CS SB 1270, the Department of Health agency package, included provisions on vaccination-related patient rights, medical marijuana reporting, background screening, temporary licensure, compact participation, and sovereign immunity for volunteer dentists; it passed despite concerns from Senators Berman, Brodeur, and Harrell about vaccination language and board/voting-power provisions. CS for SB 1606 on patient access to records drew strong opposition from physicians and health information professionals over privacy, security, fines, and portal access; it was initially reported unfavorably, then reconsidered and ultimately reported favorably as a committee bill. CS for SB 1736, allowing insulin administration by direct support professionals and relatives for individuals with developmental disabilities, and SB 1808, requiring timely refunds to patients, both passed. CS for SB 1842, requiring referring providers to help patients determine whether referred providers are in-network, also passed over concerns about burden on small practices. The committee also advanced SB 1354, a behavioral health oversight bill requiring audits, performance reporting, and system transparency measures for managing entities, and SB 1768, which authorizes physicians to perform certain stem cell therapies using specified products and requires informed consent; both drew supportive comments but also concerns about patient understanding and oversight. Finally, the committee approved SPB 7032 as a committee bill to create presumptive Medicaid eligibility for permanently disabled individuals during redetermination, and after reconsideration it reported SB 1606 favorably as a committee bill. The meeting ended with members noting their recorded votes on select tabs and adjourning after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• HR number 671 by Howard recognizing March 14, 2026 as Texas Women in STEM Day. Chair recognized Ms.
• And finally, Poppy Northcutt is a pioneering figure in the history of women in STEM, mainly known for
• Speaker and thank you Representative Howard for this great resolution about Texas women in STEM.
• When we recognize women in STEM, we think of Poppy.
• HP 4893 by Bowers relating to the breakthrough program for the Committee on Public Education.

Transcript Highlights:

• H.R. number 671 by Howard, recognizing March 14th. 2026 as Texas Women in STEM Day.
• Finally, Poppy Northcutt is a pioneering figure in the history of women in STEM.
• Howard for this great resolution about Texas women in STEM.
• Which made Texas Girls in STEM Day a national holiday, or state holiday.
• Programs to reverse and prevent opioid overdoses for the committee on public health.

Bills: HB9, HB22, HB908, HB1392

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, tax exemption, local government finance, appraisal district, chief appraiser, rendition statement, property tax relief, small business, commercial property, leased property, related business entity, unified business enterprise, tax situs, Texas Tax Code, local taxing unit, constitutional amendment

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we offer we're launching our STEM programs this year, which I'd love to tell you about on a separate
• So, we offer we're launching our STEM programs this year, which I'd love to tell you about on a separate
• 00:19:08.160> programs<00:19:08.640> this we're launching our STEM programs this we're
• launching our STEM programs this year,<00:19:09.760> which<00:19:10.080> I'd<00:19:10.320
• Eventually, I do want to talk to you all about our STEM programs that we're launching this year and internships

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:08 Infrastructure Grant Program 00:00:45 SB 76 Discussion 00:25:50 SB 76 Vote 00:31:55, 958, all

Summary: The committee met without a quorum at first, so it began with an informational presentation from Dr. Kristen Goodell, executive director of LifeKY, about innovation infrastructure and a proposed grant program to support life sciences and other startup facilities. She argued that Kentucky’s research investments only translate into jobs and companies if startups have access to physical lab and equipment space, and said shared facilities can serve many companies over time. Goodell described LifeKY’s Northern Kentucky facility as a proof of concept, noting it has attracted companies from other states and Japan, secured a Thermo Fisher Scientific partnership, and could be replicated elsewhere in the Commonwealth. Members asked about university pipelines, local talent development, sustainability, and how the grant program would measure return on investment; Goodell emphasized public-private partnerships, earned revenue, philanthropy, internships, and STEM programming as part of the model. The committee then took up Senate Bill 76, sponsored by Senator Bledsoe, which would limit school board occupational license tax increases by raising the population threshold for such increases from 300,000 to 500,000. Bledsoe said the bill was intended to respond to Fayette County’s recent tax controversy, restore public trust, and provide stability for employees, employers, and the school system. He argued that occupational taxes affect many commuters who work in Fayette County but live elsewhere, and said the measure would give time for community buy-in before any future increase. Supportive comments came from Senator Nunn and others, while Senator Boswell asked about the tax rate and cautioned against local tax increases offsetting state income tax reductions. After discussion, the committee called the roll on SB 76. The bill advanced on a roll-call vote, with Senator Armstrong explaining a no vote because he did not want to take tools away from local government and preferred local control. The transcript indicates the measure moved forward from committee after the vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• THIS GIVES FLEXIBILITY TO THE PROGRAM AS WELL. THAT IS THE BILL. >> Chair: ANY QUESTIONS?
• EVERY OTHER MANAGED CARE PROGRAM IS UNDER ACHA. THEY HAVE THE EXPERIENCE TO HANDLE IT.
• IT EXPANDS THE CURRENT MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAM FOR MEDICALLY FRAGILE CHILDREN.
• THAT THE DAYCARE PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN MEDICALLY FRAGILE CHILDREN.
• THERE IS A LOT OF ADVERTISING ABOUT STEM CELL RESEARCH AND WHAT IS GOING ON AND STEM CELL MEDICATIONS

Keywords: 999, senate, all