Transcript Highlights:

• But based on the record available to this committee, the nominee appears to have spent years and the
• But based on the record available to this committee, the nominee appears to have spent years and the
• I mean, if you're reducing staff, you end up sometimes capping beds because you have to keep the acuity
• hospitals in particular, they couldn't afford to automate any of this, so they were having to input bed
• We are confident she will continue to serve the people of Arizona with distinction, and I'm available

Summary: The Committee on Director Nominations met with four members present and approved the prior minutes without objection. Chair Jay Kaufman outlined the committee’s role in reviewing executive nominations and explained the hearing process for three nominees: Mary Foote for the Office of Economic Opportunity, Debbie Johnston for the Department of Health Services, and Chuck Bassett. Foote did not appear for her hearing, and members discussed her absence and alleged omissions in her disclosure materials, including prior service with Planned Parenthood-related organizations. The committee then moved to reject her nomination, and the motion passed 3-2, recommending that the full Senate reject Mary Foote. Debbie Johnston, nominee to lead the Department of Health Services, appeared and gave an opening statement describing her Arizona background, prior Senate staff work, and more than 20 years with the Arizona Hospital and Health Care Association. She said her priorities at ADHS include rebuilding trust in public health licensing, improving stakeholder engagement, standardizing rulemaking communication, addressing alleged religious discrimination and retaliation concerns in licensing, and using technology and AI to improve efficiency. In questioning, senators pressed her on her management style, conflict-of-interest safeguards given her prior industry role, enforcement priorities, budget pressures, behavioral health and assisted living oversight, and the department’s response to COVID-19. Johnston said she would follow statutes, recuse herself from enforcement matters involving former contacts, and resign if directed to carry out an unlawful policy. She also said the department does not regulate therapy itself, only facilities, and that it would rely on legal counsel regarding the governor’s conversion-therapy executive order and related federal civil-rights allegations. Several senators focused on public health trust and the department’s pandemic response, with Johnston acknowledging concerns about closures, data collection, and communication during COVID-19 while saying she would review past after-action materials and be better prepared in the future. Public testimony from stakeholders in aging services and health care strongly supported her confirmation, praising her accessibility, responsiveness, and collaborative approach. After testimony, the vice chair moved to recommend Johnston’s confirmation to the full Senate. The roll call was underway when the transcript ended, with several members voting aye and one member expressing reservations about her not reviewing the pandemic after-action report before another crisis occurs.

Transcript Highlights:

• The crash investigation report, available, indicated that this man floored the gas four seconds before
• documentary, well, I mentioned the documentary, 'Warehouse: The Life and Death of Tristan Murphy,' that's available
• documentary, well, I mentioned the documentary, 'Warehouse: The Life and Death of Tristan Murphy,' that's available
• Currently, we spend $200 million yearly on competency restoration, and that is only 1,600 beds and 3,300
• Currently, we spend $200 million yearly on competency restoration, and that is only 1,600 beds and 3,300

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee considered a long agenda of criminal justice, public safety, and related bills. Early measures included HB 1171, tolling the statute of limitations for failure to make mandatory child abuse reports, and HB 1403, expanding school safety provisions by allowing child care facilities in the guardian program and clarifying perimeter and door-security rules; both passed unanimously, with HB 1403 adopted as amended. The committee also approved HB 1099, giving law enforcement discretion in arrests involving elderly or medically vulnerable individuals in facilities; HB 1121, strengthening restrictions on misuse of unmanned aircraft systems; HB 1525, creating penalties for impersonating rideshare drivers and clarifying transportation-disadvantaged access; and PCS for HB 687, increasing penalties for repeat DUI/vehicular homicide offenses known as “Trenton’s Law.” Members then advanced HB 847 to create an FDLE grant program for expedited DNA testing, PCS for HB 757 to prohibit altered sexual depictions of identifiable persons and create a civil remedy, and HB 1415 to repeal an obsolete Broward County narcotics enforcement unit. The committee also heard and approved HB 1207, the Tristan Murphy Act, which expands mental health diversion grants, creates a model diversion process, and establishes a behavioral healthcare data repository; testimony from the bill’s namesake’s mother and law enforcement emphasized the need for treatment over incarceration. HB 1351 updated sexual offender/predator registration rules, and HB 1479 created a public records exemption for domestic violence lethality assessment forms; both passed without opposition. Later, the committee approved PCS for HB 1283, making sex trafficking of children under 12 or mentally incapacitated persons a capital felony, despite constitutional concerns raised in debate; the bill passed 13-2. PCS for HB 781, addressing cyber intimidation by publication (doxing), also passed unanimously after supporters described it as a needed tool against online harassment. Finally, CSHB 139 authorized pawnbrokers to use digital transaction forms, and PCS for HB 107 created and enhanced penalties for fraudulent use of gift cards. Most bills were reported favorably, many unanimously, and several were amended before passage.

Transcript Highlights:

• SO I THINK THIS BILL BLOCKS THE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR DOCTORS THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO THEM TO HELP PATIENTS
• EXACERBATE THE PROBLEMS THAT FLORIDIANS ARE EXPERIENCING TODAY IN THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM ON THE AVAILABILITY
• IN AUGUST 2023 MY ACT OF 70 -YEAR-OLD MOTHER WAS FOUND DEAD IN HER HOSPITAL BED COVERED IN BLOOD, DAYS
• PEOPLE COME IN CLAIMING TO HAVE SUICIDAL THOUGHTS THAT ARE REALLY COMING IN LOOKING FOR A BED AND MEALS
• IT IS THE QUALITY, AVAILABILITY, AND COST OF HEALTHCARE FOR ALL FLORIDIANS.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And for those who are not in the room this handout is available on our website at www.leo.ca.gov.
• , 2025, the president has signed a number of executive orders calling into question the future availability
• I am available to answer any questions. Thank you. Thank you Ms. Halderman. Dr. Johnson.
• all familiar with their analysis that California for a number of years has had a lot of empty prison beds
• organization that would argue you're not going to do more harm by closing prisons with 15,000 empty beds

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I have not heard that insurance is not available in New Mexico, so I wonder if I just, maybe if it was
• He's laying in a hospital bed right now. How many New Mexicans?
• So, Madam Chair, and Representative Lujan, I tried to use The best available data I had is sometimes
• The answer is we do the best we can with the data sources that are available.
• But I just don't see this as good for the consumer when it comes to options and availability.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so then we can have this issue put to bed long term.
• Um, I'll speak just to bed long term.
• In fact, I availability of funding.
• <01:44:20.880> for there is so much funding available for there is so much funding available
• <05:00:56.798> for this legislation and I'm available for this legislation and I'm available

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and analyzing and making it available, everyone wins.
• Outside of the bedding and I'm in a non-GCD area, so outside of the bed and banks permit, does TCEQ have
• This is again just available to you for reference.
• And then the remainder is available for FY27.
• The 3.5 plus million is available for FY 26.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We’re looking at how many seats and options are available to families statewide.
• We’re looking at how many seats and options are available to families statewide.
• We’re looking at how many seats and options are available to families statewide.
• We are asking for one position under BED 144 to help out with phase two of Act 26.
• <05:56:30.280> here capabilities Etc that are available here capabilities Etc that are available

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Finance received an informational briefing from the Department of Education on its budget request for the upcoming fiscal year. The Superintendent and staff described the department’s mission, enrollment and staffing scale, recent gains in NAEP reading and math, persistent attendance problems since the pandemic, and the need for resources to support student recovery, middle school math, and other strategic priorities. The department said its proposal is intended to be aligned with its 2023–2029 strategic plan, fiscally balanced, and reliable for schools, while also addressing inflation, workforce needs, and uncertainty in federal funding. Assistant Superintendent and CFO Brian Hallet reviewed federal grants, non-general funds, and the budget development process. He said federal funds make up about 11% of the department’s FY25 appropriation and warned that House budget proposals could threaten predictable funding for core programs. He also explained that the department began its biennial budget work in April 2024 and used an internal review group to identify possible reallocations. The department characterized its request as a “flat” budget proposal overall, with a large share devoted to continued funding for existing recurring needs, and noted challenges including a projected state funding decline, inflation, lingering pandemic impacts, recruitment and retention, and uncertainty about future federal support. A major topic was the department’s capital improvement program. DOE officials argued for a risk-based, proactive approach using lump-sum “buckets” to manage facilities and deferred maintenance across more than 21.5 million square feet at 268 sites. They said this would allow more efficient prioritization of projects and better coordination with complex area superintendents, principals, and legislators. Members asked about how legislative priorities would fit into the bucket system, county-versus-state property jurisdiction issues affecting school facilities, enrollment decline and staffing ratios, and how the department plans to adjust facilities and human resources to shifting enrollment patterns. DOE said it is studying enrollment trends, will brief the Board of Education next month, and is willing to provide further briefings to legislators. No votes or formal actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• , calls when we're safe in our beds, calls when we're safe in our beds, supporting<00:14:45.680><
• So, this technology is available.
• Not only will technology is available.
• And can a.m. when they become available.
• And uh slots as they become available.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:07 Office of the Attorney General Update: 00:04:52 Department of Kentucky State Police Update: 00:44:57, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• public body participating in the all-virtual public meeting and, when audiovisual technology is available
• I know that it was gently laid on the table and tucked into bed.
• And I raised that because if there are any bills that may have overshot what is economically available
• And got tucked in the bed, but we can shoot for, like, the ozone layer or something next time.
• I want to know. ...a few times a week that they have this available.

Keywords: Virginia Commission to End Hunger, 976, house, all

Summary: The Virginia Commission to End Hunger met on May 21, 2026 and began by electing new leadership: Senator Roem was nominated and elected chair, and Delegate Marcia Price was elected vice chair. The commission then adopted a required virtual meeting policy and a public participation policy. The chair also read a new directive creating a work group, to be chaired by the commission chair, to evaluate school nutrition department and school meal funding models, review alternatives used in other states, and report recommendations by November 1, 2026 to legislative leaders and the commission. The commission heard from Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Katie Frazier, who discussed the administration’s food access priorities, the loss of federal funding for the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program and Local Food for Schools and Child Care program, and support for programs such as the Virginia Agriculture Food Access Program and Virginia Fresh Match. Members asked about the Virginia Food Box Program, the Farm to School Task Force, universal free school breakfast, and school meal debt. Frazier said the administration sees school nutrition and local food procurement as important, but did not commit to specific budget positions. Chandler Brooks of the Division of Legislative Services reviewed 2026 legislation affecting hunger and school meals. Bills that passed included school meal debt reporting, changes to commission membership, food insecurity data collection, and Farm to School Task Force appointments. Bills that did not advance included universal free school breakfast, a statewide food security coordination act, a food insecurity survey work group, Medicaid nutrition services, school meal debt repayment, and changes to the Hunger-Free Campus grant program. Members discussed the meaning of bills being “laid on the table,” the fiscal impact of food policy proposals, SNAP fraud, rural health transformation funding for food-as-medicine programs, and the need for updates on implementation of prior laws. Emily Moore of the American Heart Association presented on healthy school meals for all, warning that federal changes, including HR1-related losses in SNAP and Medicaid participation, are reducing direct certification for free school meals and threatening CEP participation and school nutrition budgets. She urged the commission to convene a work group on sustainable school meal funding. The commission also discussed travel meetings, future work plan priorities, and possible follow-up presentations from the Department of Social Services on SNAP participation and error-rate reduction. The meeting ended with public comment from No Kid Hungry Virginia supporting a DSS briefing, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• data systems limit transparency around the number of educators, their location, and the supports available
• how to introduce yourself, your clans, but also a prayer to say every morning and before you go to bed
• how to introduce yourself, your clans, but also a prayer to say every morning and before you go to bed
• Chair, members of the committee, in terms of state support in Hawaii, one of the things that was available
• We can also use extra funding that we have available.

Summary: The committee began with a presentation on the 520 Native American Language and Culture certificate, created to let proficient tribal language and culture speakers teach in K-12 schools without a bachelor’s degree. LESC staff, PED, and HED described the certificate’s statutory basis, the role of tribes and pueblos in setting proficiency standards, and ongoing challenges such as uneven MOAs, limited professional development, rural access barriers, data gaps, and retention concerns. PED said oversight of 520 is moving from the licensure bureau to the Indian Education Division, and HED reported that the tribal education technical assistance centers authorized in 2023 are still in procurement but are expected to be awarded in early 2026. A student, Alonzo Hughes, testified about how learning Tewa from 520-certified teachers helped him understand his culture and speak with elders, and members praised the program’s role in language revitalization and asked about funding, teacher pathways, and whether similar models exist in other states. Committee members then discussed several PED rule updates. Staff reviewed an adopted rule implementing HB 54 on AEDs and cardiac emergency response plans, including staff training requirements and staggered compliance dates, and a proposed rule for school nurse licensure under HB 195 that would create a three-tier system and align nurse pay with teacher pay. They also reviewed proposed changes to the Community Schools Act rule, including a full-time community school coordinator requirement, updated grant language, and broader coalition membership criteria; PED said the broader language would not conflict with the Martinez-Yazzie work. A proposed bilingual teacher rule would standardize coursework requirements, add trans-languaging and culturally relevant curriculum competencies, and allow Native American language certification applicants to demonstrate proficiency using tribal standards. In questions, members raised concerns about AEDs being present at athletic events, the need for the amended school nurse bill to move experienced nurses directly into higher levels, and whether the community schools rule’s broader coalition language could affect current education litigation. Members also asked about funding for 520 programs, teacher residency or cohort models, and how to support advanced language instruction and sustainability. PED said the Indian Education Fund and school budgets can support some of the work, but additional strategic funding and cross-training are needed. The committee also heard that New Mexico’s 520 system is unusually robust compared with other states, and members encouraged staff to present the model at national conferences. The meeting ended with the director’s report, which noted a flat budget request of $2,024,300, staff turnover including Natasha Davalos’s departure, and appreciation for the committee’s work before adjournment for the holidays.

Transcript Highlights:

• maybe if someone stops production because they're thinking about retirement, you still have land available
• , you still have the water rights available, and hopefully the next generation can also farm that.
• Projects and high on that list is the availability of water and how water protection would be served
• But your bed and your dining room table were also taxed.
• And so they just started giving the tax collector their chairs, tables, and beds because The Emergency

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Everybody in New Mexico should have access to the freshest, locally produced food available.
• Now we're also farming, so I'm getting to see what it's like to have Falls Bed irrigation district rights
• The map is live and available, with the project concluding in 2027.
• Is there any available funding right now to help rectify these arroyos?
• are on site, that allows us to create these structures that then reduce erosion, allow the The arroyo bed

Transcript Highlights:

• though, you're going to need to fill out an electronic witness affirmation statement, which forms are available
• We hope you will support leaving the death penalty option available to juries.
• It's strictly economics; the waivers that are available for those who cannot pay still remain.
• , then get another call at midnight, and go back to bed again at 4. where I am.
• As research to be done in a case that would have been available at the time of a guilty plea.

Bills: HB 1194, HB 1221, HB1738, HB1913, HB2177, HB2178, HB2180, HB2229, HB2282, HB2448, HB2492, HB2777, HB2984, HB3357, HB3553, HB3602

Keywords: emergency protection order, protective order, magistrate, criminal procedure, victim safety, family violence, domestic violence, stalking, assault, magistrate's order, temporary protection, court order duration, defendant restrictions, Article 17.292, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, emergency restraining order, victim protection, firearm restriction, pretrial intervention, reimbursement fee

Transcript Highlights:

• You do not really get a good understanding of what is available in each state.
• it into an effective process where we reach back to DOD and say, here are those things that are available
• person down the elevator, only to be chased by somebody who said, 'Hey, it was the person in the other bed
• That's just expanding the availability to the point that why should we have any group in here coming
• entities and organizations so educating the event did you think that can be a key So educating the bed

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs held its second public hearing of the 2025–26 session, with opening remarks from Chairs John Velis and Joe McGonagle outlining testimony on 20 House bills and 18 Senate bills. The hearing covered a wide range of veterans issues, including municipal veterans assistance funds, pension equity, expanding the Office of the Veterans Advocate, veterans service officer staffing, disability benefits eligibility, service dogs, POW tax relief, courtesy parking spaces, women veterans and motherhood, and workforce-related licensing and employment measures. Chairs emphasized the hybrid format, three-minute testimony limit, and written testimony process. Several bills drew support focused on expanding services and access. Representative Arena-DeRosa spoke for bills to broaden municipal veterans assistance funds to cover housing and legal expenses and to study enhanced pension equity for veterans, citing burn pit exposure and shorter life expectancy among veterans. Senator Fattman, Representative Peas, and Veterans Advocate Bob Notch supported bills expanding the Office of the Veterans Advocate to include active-duty service members and their families, arguing it would improve transition support, coordination with state agencies, and retention of military talent in Massachusetts. Representative Arriaga backed a bill to incentivize municipalities to provide full-time or regional veterans service officers and another to study the impact of combat on women veterans and motherhood. Representative Moulton/another sponsor also sought to exempt veterans’ disability payments from income calculations for other state benefits, and Representative Hong and Senator Scanlan supported a state service dog program, POW income tax relief, and courtesy retail parking spaces for veterans. Testimony also focused on workforce and claims-assistance issues. The Military Officers Association of America and James Keene urged passage of bills waiving duplicative education requirements so qualified veterans and military medics can become licensed practical nurses, arguing it would help address health care shortages and recognize military training. Brave Veterans Inc. called for a Veterans Research Trust Fund to protect data and program evaluation work during budget cuts. On claims assistance, one witness supported criminal penalties for unaccredited agents who charge veterans for VA claims help, while a private consulting firm opposed the bill, arguing it would restrict lawful speech and veterans’ choice and that existing federal and HERO Act safeguards already address abuses. The VFW strongly opposed paid claims consulting, said its accredited service officers provide free help statewide, and urged more public awareness of existing free services. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've reached out to them to inform them of what is available.
• Available for several years. That got my attention.
• So we put in to lease or build or borrow or use any building. things that are available.
• I'm aware of the data question, which is available.
• I am here because primarily I was the only person who was available to meet with you all.

Transcript Highlights:

• provide recommendations to us on how we can increase the knowledge of those programs and services available
• Every year, DCF is required to report data about what services and placements are available for children
• This bill finally requires DCF to contract for a bed capacity study for residential treatment and a gap
• The criteria is the relevant removal and placement data, and that's what the department has available
• in a text-searchable format and available in full view for the public.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayers, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions recognizing FSU Day at the Capitol, the Red Mass, visiting students, school board members, veterans, and other guests. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar and took up a series of bills, with several measures temporarily postponed before and during the day’s proceedings. Committee and executive reports were largely absent, and the Senate proceeded directly to floor action on the listed bills. The Senate passed a number of mostly unanimous bills, including SB 36, SB 38, SB 40, and SB 42 on Florida Statutes revision; CS/SB 50 on nature-based coastal resilience, amended to strengthen the Florida Flood Hub and related research; CS/SB 116 on veterans, expanding benefits coordination, mental health training, adult day health care, and other veterans services; SB 126 on mailing prescription hearing aids to adults; SB 150 on abandoning restrained dogs during natural disasters, amended to conform to the House; SB 294 limiting collaborative pharmacy practice for certain serious cardiac conditions; SB 322 creating a nonjudicial process for removing unauthorized persons from commercial property; SB 348 on ethics, including false military rank claims and collection of delinquent ethics fines; and CS/SB 7012 on child welfare workforce recruitment, treatment foster care pilots, and data collection for commercially sexually exploited children. Senate Memorial 314 urging Congress to increase Florida National Guard force structure was also adopted by voice vote. Two bills drew more extended debate. SB 118 on presidential libraries passed 36-3 after questions about local zoning, traffic, and whether the bill’s express preemption would limit county and municipal authority; supporters argued it would prevent local obstruction and help Florida attract a presidential library, while one senator said she would vote no because of concerns about local safety and planning issues. CS/SB 160 on public accountancy passed 39-0 after an amendment clarifying contracted services; supporters said it would broaden pathways into the CPA profession and address workforce shortages. CS/SB 108 on administrative procedures and CS/SB 110 on rural communities were temporarily postponed, then later taken up and passed after extensive debate, with SB 110 amended to prioritize certain rural transportation projects, expand housing, health care, broadband, and economic development support, and draw strong bipartisan praise for its focus on rural Florida. At the end of the session, the Senate waived rules to immediately certify all bills passed that day to the House, observed a moment of silence for former Surfside Chief John Healy, and made several closing announcements and recognitions.

Transcript Highlights:

• So please, I'm available for questions if needed.
• You try to hire people and there's not a qualified candidate available.
• Thank you, and I’m available for questions.
• Thank you, and I’m available for questions.
• <02:29:09.800> for of death thank you and I'm available for of death thank you and I'm available

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committees on Health and Labor heard testimony on HB 1244, a measure relating to labor standards at health care facilities and nursing staff ratios. Committee members opened by explaining hearing procedures, including a suggested two-minute testimony limit and Zoom rules. The bill drew extensive testimony from hospitals, nursing organizations, unions, and individual nurses, with the central debate focusing on whether staffing ratios should be set by statute or left to collective bargaining and unit-level staffing decisions. Opponents included the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, Straub Benioff Medical Center, Hawaii Pacific Health, Kapiolani Medical Center, and Queen’s Health Systems. They argued that fixed ratios are too rigid for the changing conditions of hospital care, could worsen workforce shortages, and should be handled through labor negotiations, staffing committees, and existing agreements. Several also pointed to investments in nursing education, loan repayment, and workforce development as better solutions. Queen’s said it had recently reached an agreement with nurses after more than 40 meetings that included a staffing framework, and Kapiolani and others emphasized the need for flexibility in emergencies and specialty care. Supporters, including the Hawaii State Center for Nursing, Pride at Work Hawaii, the Hawaii Nurses Association/American Nurses Association chapter, Hawaii Nurses Association Local 50, UNAC/UHCP, and individual nurses, said unsafe staffing levels contribute to burnout, turnover, errors, and patient harm. Testifiers described chronic short staffing, emotionally and physically exhausting workloads, and situations in which nurses were responsible for too many patients at once. Supporters argued that safe ratios are necessary to protect both patients and nurses, and that collective bargaining has not been enough to ensure safe conditions statewide, especially in facilities without unions. No vote or final committee action was announced in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• In order to get the people in the beds, we need to have the staffing.
• And in order to we have the beds.
• In order to get the people in the beds.
• <00:03:33.040> So beds, we need to have the staffing.
• So beds, we need to have the staffing.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And are these often the homes with six or fewer beds? Um, I should defer to Ms.
• You want to know that you're scheduled to be on call, that you're available.
• So they have those strategies available to them.
• And, you know, so having, we know that there are resources available, right, to appropriately staff.
• And I think certainly when it is available, we'll have higher levels of adherence and insurance that

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard several bills focused on health care access, oversight, and affordability. The first major item was SB 306 by Senator Becker, a prior authorization reform bill. Becker and supporters, including the California Medical Association and California Hospital Association, argued that prior authorization delays care, adds administrative burden, and can lead to serious patient harm. The bill was substantially amended late in the process to have DMHC and CDI identify services and drugs to exempt from prior authorization based on utilization data, with safeguards for fraud, waste, abuse, and patient safety. Health plans and insurers opposed the measure as written, saying prior authorization remains an important utilization-management tool and raising concerns about the 90% threshold, drug inclusion, and how modifications are counted. The committee also heard SB 35 by Senator Umberg, which would let cities or counties inspect unlicensed sober living homes if DHCS does not act promptly on complaints. Supporters said the bill would address weak enforcement and protect residents, while one behavioral health directors group opposed it unless amended. Members generally supported the measure, citing problems with unlicensed facilities and the need for local enforcement backup. The committee then heard SB 62, which would codify California’s updated essential health benefits benchmark if approved by the federal government. Senator Wiener said the package would add hearing aids, durable medical equipment, and infertility treatment including IVF, acknowledging that premiums could rise but arguing the benefits were worth it. Health Access California and other advocates supported the bill, while the California Family Council opposed it. The committee also took up SB 596 by Senator Menjivar, which would tighten the rules for hospitals claiming an on-call list as a defense to nurse staffing ratio penalties. Supporters, including nurses and SEIU, said hospitals have used vague or ineffective on-call practices to avoid accountability and that the bill would improve enforcement and patient safety. Hospital groups opposed it, arguing that staffing is highly dynamic, that hospitals need flexibility to manage acuity and emergencies, and that the bill could increase costs and interfere with collective bargaining arrangements. Finally, the committee heard SB 40 by Senator Wiener, the Insulin Affordability Act, which would cap insulin copays at $35 for a 30-day supply and restrict step therapy unless a plan covers at least one insulin in each drug type. Supporters, including physicians, diabetes advocates, nurses, students, and patient groups, said insulin is life-saving and too often unaffordable, forcing patients to ration or choose between medication and basic needs. There was no formal opposition testimony, though one member questioned why insulin remains so expensive. The committee also began discussion of SB 363, but the transcript cuts off before that bill’s full presentation or any action on the measures. No votes are recorded in the portion provided, and several bills were noted as consent items earlier in the hearing.