Transcript Highlights:

• And just so members of the public know, I plan on taking a 15-minute recess at 10:55.
• and S. 1620, impose restrictions on dietary supplements that conflict with federal law, undermine interstate
• and S. 1620, impose restrictions on dietary supplements that conflict with federal law, undermine interstate
• consistently invalidated similar state-level overreach, as evident by recent rulings on preemption and interstate

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health heard testimony on a wide range of bills focused on environmental health, disease prevention, and access to care. Major topics included restricting polystyrene use, creating a pancreatic cancer awareness and early-detection initiative, improving indoor air quality through a task force and new regulations, expanding access to epinephrine in public places, improving access to health care for people with long COVID, creating an OBGYN loan repayment program for underserved areas, expanding access to hygiene products, modernizing licensure for dietitians and nutritionists, updating school postural screening requirements, and restricting harmful diet pills and muscle-building supplements. Several legislators also testified in support of their own bills, including measures on menstrual product access and ingredient disclosure, and surgical smoke protections. Testimony on the polystyrene bill emphasized local municipal bans and the need to reduce plastic pollution. Pancreatic cancer advocates and patients described the disease’s low survival rate, the difficulty of early diagnosis, and the need for an awareness campaign and implementation of commission recommendations. Indoor air quality supporters from environmental justice groups, public health organizations, and residents described asthma, mold, pollution, and the need for a task force with technical expertise; some witnesses urged adding remediation professionals to the task force. On epinephrine access, family members of a man who died after a bee sting and an allergy organization stressed that anaphylaxis can be sudden and fatal and that stock epinephrine in public venues could save lives. Long COVID advocates said the condition affects hundreds of thousands of residents and called for better surveillance and access to care, with a request to include MECFS in the bills’ scope. Other testimony focused on workforce and equity issues. Supporters of the OBGYN loan repayment bill said it would help address maternal health disparities and provider shortages, especially in rural and underserved communities. Hope and Comfort described widespread hygiene insecurity and a long waiting list for basic products, urging a task force to study statewide solutions. Dietitians and nutritionists supported modernization of licensure to clarify standards for medical nutrition therapy while allowing broader wellness counseling. School nurses backed reducing mandatory postural screenings, arguing the current law is not evidence-based, is not reimbursed by MassHealth, and takes time from other student health needs. On the supplement bill, the industry trade group opposed restrictions as overbroad and burdensome, while a public health expert cited research linking weight-loss and muscle-building supplements to serious harms and urged passage. The committee also heard support for menstrual product access and surgical smoke protections, with legislators and advocates describing those bills as longstanding priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, Representative, the Interstate Stream Commission itself goes through an annual prioritization
• Um, I think it only applies to its interstate delivery of water or an endangered species.
• Well, um, so what I'm seeing here is that this is an expansion of the scope of work of the Interstate
• Chair, Representative, the Interstate Stream Commission prioritizes their current transactions based
• Chair, absolutely, a representative from the Interstate Stream Commission has been at this table for

Transcript Highlights:

• The second thing it does is it provides a deadline of July 1st, 2027 for the council and the Interstate
• This just tracks with the same language that it has for the Interstate Stream Commission being the one
• This just tracks with the same language that it has for the Interstate Stream Commission being the one
• that the Thank you. the same language that it has for the Interstate Stream Commission being the one
• On a similar note, House Bill 21 has the acequia bureau of the Interstate Stream Commission...

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, I've been a proponent for 80 miles an hour on the interstate for a long time.
• You know, I've been a proponent for 80 miles an hour in the interstate for a long time.
• The national average is 55%. So we're 15% below what the national average is.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. Representative Hoverson offered remarks recognizing World Autism Day, and the House then handled conference committee motions on several bills, including House Bills 1460 and 1248 and Senate Bills 2262, 2070, 2294, and 2297, with the Speaker appointing members to each conference committee. The chamber also set aside Senate Bill 2200 for re-referral to Appropriations and moved to amendments on Senate Bill 2128, which was the main subject of the day. Senate Bill 2128, a major criminal justice and corrections bill, drew extensive debate over truth-in-sentencing, mandatory minimums, parole, transitional facilities, work release, electronic monitoring, and the fiscal impact of longer incarceration. Division A of the amendments removed mandatory minimums for resisting arrest and felony simple assault while keeping consecutive-sentence language; supporters said this preserved judicial discretion and reduced costs, while opponents argued it weakened public safety. Division A was adopted 70-23. Division B proposed broader changes to preserve transitional programming, add penalties for tampering with electronic monitoring and escape, limit some work-release restrictions, create a parole board study, and fund electronic monitoring with a $600,000 appropriation. Supporters framed it as a compromise that balanced rehabilitation and public safety; opponents said it undercut the bill’s intent and left dangerous offenders with too much access to transitional release. Division B failed on a 46-46 tie. The House then took up the bill itself, with the Judiciary Committee reporting a do-not-pass recommendation as amended, and debate continued over whether the amended bill should advance, with members split between concerns about victims and public safety versus rehabilitation, prison capacity, and recidivism.

Transcript Highlights:

• So let's call<03:55:11.920> it<03:55:12.080> like<03:55:12.319> it<03:55:12.479>
• <03:55:13.040> These<03:55:13.359> banks<03:55:13.680> did<03:55:13.920>
• <03:55:35.199> every<03:55:35.520> hour,<03:55:36.000> every<03:55:36.319>
• > to<03:55:45.680> get<03:55:45.840> access<03:55:46.160> to<03:55:46.399
• Uh it what<03:55:47.920> has<03:55:48.160> to<03:55:48.319> happen<03:55:48.560>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:55:33.920> out<00:55:34.160> where<00:55:34.319> all<00:55:34.480> of
• Does<00:55:36.559> anybody<00:55:36.800> have<00:55:36.960> other<00:55:37.280><
• You're<00:55:49.440> um<00:55:50.160> aware<00:55:50.559> of<00:55:50.799> the
• There's HB<00:55:52.640> and<00:55:52.880> SB<00:55:54.240> quite<00:55:54.559><
• <02:55:23.439> I<02:55:23.600> saw<02:55:23.840> your<02:55:24.080> hand.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard SB 2694 SD2, which would authorize the Public Utilities Commission to create automatic adjustment mechanisms for water carriers, including a water carrier inflationary cost index, and to waive certain requirements under the Hawaii Water Carrier Act. Testimony was sharply divided. The Department of Transportation, Young Brothers, and several shipping, harbor, labor, and business-related supporters argued the bill would modernize regulation, reduce the need for large catch-up rate cases, and help keep rates aligned with rising costs. Young Brothers said its current rate-setting process is expensive and delayed, and that annual adjustments with guardrails such as a 5% cap and periodic full reviews would support sustainable operations and the state’s supply chain. Some supporters also said the company’s less-than-container-load service and required inter-island routes create costs that are not fully covered by current rates. Opponents, including the Consumer Advocate, the Maui Chamber of Commerce, Hawaii Food Industry Association, restaurant and chamber groups, and other businesses, argued the bill would lead to higher costs for consumers and businesses and should not move forward. Several testified that shipping costs already significantly affect pricing and that automatic increases would worsen the cost of living. The Consumer Advocate said Young Brothers should focus on cost control and implementing its business plan rather than automatic rate increases. The Maui Chamber and others pointed to a recent PUC decision that imposed a two-year stay on rate increases and said the bill would undermine that protection. Some opponents urged the committee to defer to the PUC’s regulatory authority. The PUC explained that it regulates water carriers as public utilities under existing statute and said it had recently approved a temporary rate increase while imposing a two-year stayout period on further increases, with emergency relief still possible. PUC members said they were still examining whether they have authority to adopt the proposed WICI mechanism by rule and wanted legislative clarity. In response to questions, the PUC said it prefers the current two-year stayout as reflected in its order. Young Brothers also clarified that it serves less-than-container-load cargo, that some routes and services are cross-subsidized because they are not profitable, and that an independent observer is being put in place to monitor implementation of its updated business plan. The transcript ended with the committee still taking questions; no final vote or disposition on the bill was shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a presentation on OPPAGA's examination of interstate health care compacts.
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of joining interstate health care compacts?
• This is the national landscape for interstate compacts.
• So how is that different from an interstate compact? You recognize? Nice.
• From an interstate compact? You recognize, Ms. Scott. Thank you for that question.

Summary: The committee heard and approved several health care bills. Senate Bill 68, by Senator Harrell, would require all hospital emergency departments to be prepared to treat children by maintaining pediatric equipment, staff training, written policies, a pediatric care coordinator, and completion/public posting of the National Pediatric Readiness Assessment. Senator Harrell said the bill is intended to improve pediatric emergency care in general hospitals, and the bill was supported by the Florida College of Emergency Physicians and the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. It passed favorably. The committee also approved Senate Bill 154, which corrects the Mobile Act for dentists and dental hygienists by requiring graduates of out-of-state dental schools seeking licensure by endorsement to have attended a CODA-accredited school. The bill drew support from dental and dental hygienist groups and passed favorably. Senate Bill 40, by Senator Sharif, would require Medicaid managed care networks to ensure at least half of primary care providers offer appointments outside regular business hours, including evenings and weekends, to improve access and reduce emergency room use; it also passed favorably. A lengthy discussion centered on Senate Bill 254, also by Senator Harrell, which would tighten oversight of nursing education programs, create a temporary provisional license and preceptorship for new graduates awaiting NCLEX results, require remediation for low-performing programs, add standardized admission and exit-exam requirements, and allow the Department of Health to inspect programs unannounced. Supporters said the bill would improve quality and help students gain experience, while opponents warned it could reduce the number of nursing programs and worsen shortages, especially among private schools. After debate and testimony from nursing and school representatives, the bill passed favorably, with Senator Davis voting no. The committee then received an OPPAGA presentation on interstate health care licensure compacts. OPPAGA reviewed how Florida uses licensure by endorsement, telehealth registration, and compacts for nurses, psychologists, and physicians, and explained the potential benefits and drawbacks of joining additional compacts, including portability, data sharing, and emergency staffing versus costs, administrative burdens, and possible conflicts with Florida scope-of-practice laws. No action was taken on the presentation, and the meeting adjourned after Senator Davis requested to be recorded in support of SB 68 and SB 154.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.680> 153<03:55:01.680> I<03:55:01.800> would<03:55:02.000> like<03:55
• and<03:55:06.120> recognize<03:55:06.520> the<03:55:06.640> prime<03:55:
• > you<03:55:13.279> Mr<03:55:13.520> chair<03:55:13.760> and<03:55:13.960
• <03:55:34.840> lot<03:55:35.800> whether<03:55:36.080> that<03:55:36.239> be<
• and hopefully<04:55:01.878> we<04:55:02.000> will<04:55:02.160> see<04:55:02.400

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For the most part, I don't know that we break it down by how many came through the interstate compact
• Texas is also a member of several interstate licensure compacts.
• The 55-inch screen is in there, along with a chair.
• Second, thank you for your leadership in advancing the interstate compact legislation during the last
• Household composition cases make up about 55% of our beneficiary fraud cases.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• groups<00:55:04.920> um<00:55:05.480> there<00:55:05.599> was<00:55:05.720>
• a<00:55:05.799> bill<00:55:06.119> last<00:55:06.400> year<00:55:07.319>
• have<00:55:13.680> been<00:55:13.799> playing<00:55:14.040> for<00:55:14.200>
• :55:19.240> the<00:55:19.359> things<00:55:19.559> that<00:55:19.720> was
• group was it was<00:55:21.480> public<00:55:22.280> it<00:55:22.359> was<00:55:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing focused on House Bill 610, which would fold the Office of the Consumer Advocate into the Department of Energy rather than fully eliminate consumer advocacy functions. The prime sponsor argued the current office is small, funded by a special assessment on ratepayers, and duplicative of DOE work. He said moving the function to DOE would streamline energy policy review, reduce bureaucracy, and better focus the larger agency on lowering residential energy costs. He also disputed claims that the Consumer Advocate is independent, saying the office is appointed through a political process similar to DOE leadership. Committee members and the sponsor discussed whether the bill would actually relocate existing positions or replace them, and whether the Department of Energy would absorb the cost of the transferred staff. The sponsor said the fiscal note shows roughly a million-dollar reduction in both revenue assessment and spending, and that the bill would effectively reduce the office from five positions to three. He also defended his cost estimates for energy-code-related housing impacts and said the Consumer Advocate has sometimes supported policies he считает increase costs, such as energy-efficiency measures and building code changes. He argued the office should focus more on energy supply and generation, including natural gas and nuclear, rather than efficiency alone. Representative Wendy Thomas testified in opposition, saying the Consumer Advocate is an important, fair, and impartial voice for ratepayers and warning that the bill was fiscally irresponsible because the incumbent could still be owed salary and benefits if the office were repealed. She also said the bill’s drafting was confusing and that the Consumer Advocate’s role is to push back on utilities on behalf of consumers. Other members raised questions about whether the DOE would simply inherit the same political appointment structure and whether the bill would meaningfully lower bills. No vote was taken in the excerpt; the chair indicated additional testimony would follow, and the Department of Energy was present to answer questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:55:06.640> You<00:55:06.800> end<00:55:06.960> up<00:55:07.040> with<
• /c><00:55:07.200> a<00:55:07.359> room<00:55:07.520> full<00:55:07.680> of
• > "Why<00:55:08.480> did<00:55:08.559> I<00:55:08.720> even<00:55:08.880>
• <00:55:20.480> So<00:55:21.040> to<00:55:21.280> the<00:55:21.440> extent
• <00:55:26.079> which<00:55:26.240> a<00:55:26.480> board<00:55:26.720> can

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Rather than going on the interstate, they can speed that way. No pun intended.
• They're going on the interstate. They can speed out that way. No pun intended. Right.
• That's 55. That's 45. And the speed limit on 77 outside of Jericho is 55.

Keywords: 1204, all

Summary: The committee heard multiple audit and compliance reports involving Arkansas municipalities and a regional solid waste district. Several small towns were discussed for repeat findings involving delinquent water and sewer audits, municipal accounting noncompliance, and misuse of street funds, including Fargo, Lead Hill, Alma, Jericho, Haynes, Biggers, Gilmore, and Holly Grove. In several cases, staff noted that turnback escrow was already being withheld because required water audits had not been filed, and some entities were reported to be current on payment plans only after staff updated the records through May 2026. The committee also reviewed a special report on the Pulaski County Regional Solid Waste Management District, which included findings on payroll approvals, contracts, credit card documentation, vehicle and cell phone use, bidding, advertising costs, and the sale of trailers and other equipment. A separate report on municipal accounting noncompliance was presented for towns including Denning, Gum Springs, Fargo, Lead Hill, and Alma, with staff recommending some be removed from the 60-day list while others remained under review. Several local officials appeared and explained the findings. Fargo’s mayor said the town was understaffed and had begun improving records, while Lead Hill’s mayor said the town had hired more office help and was working to complete overdue water audits. Alma’s officials said they were trying to catch up on audits and accounting issues. Jericho’s police chief defended the town’s traffic enforcement and said the town had adjusted speed limits and enforcement practices to avoid the speed-trap threshold, while staff clarified that the prosecutor decides whether to pursue penalties. Haynes officials said revenue losses and the loss of their police department had made it difficult to keep up with required street-fund payments, and Gilmore officials said they were working on IRS and other debts. The Pulaski County district director said the board had authorized many of the questioned practices and that some issues, such as advertising and vehicle use, were tied to public education and operational needs. The committee took several actions. It approved minutes, accepted or filed some reports without objection, removed Denning and Gum Springs from the 60-day list, and deferred action on several matters, including Fargo, Lead Hill, Alma, Haynes, and the Pulaski County solid waste district, generally until the September or August meeting. Motions to defer or file reports were adopted in multiple cases, and the committee also noted that some matters had been referred to the appropriate prosecuting attorney for further review. The meeting ended with recognition of visiting accounting students who were attending as part of summer internships.

Transcript Highlights:

• the<00:55:06.200> service<00:55:07.079> this<00:55:07.280> funding<00:55:07.720
• <00:55:13.839> is<00:55:14.119> projected<00:55:14.559> to<00:55:14.720>
• <00:55:23.440> at<00:55:23.599> about<00:55:23.960> 700,000<00:55:24.960>
• :55:28.200> and<00:55:28.319> a<00:55:28.440> half<00:55:28.680> hours<00
• > than<00:55:30.160> at<00:55:30.280> least<00:55:30.440> I<00:55:30.559>

Bills: HF1167, HF1242

Keywords: Northern Lights Express, NLX, Minneapolis-Duluth rail, passenger rail, intercity passenger rail, high-speed rail, Duluth, Minneapolis, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Metropolitan Council, transportation funding, rail appropriation, general fund, trunk highway fund, rail project cancellation, infrastructure spending, commercial driver training, CDL, financial assistance

Transcript Highlights:

• We have studies that have shown that if we don't protect our physicians, 55% in a recent study said they're
• That is where you turn off of Interstate 40 to go north on Highway 64.
• to 2024, there have been 800 calls for San Carlos Apache Police Department responses, which included 55

Bills: SB1063, SB1118, SB1153, SB1154, SB1209, SCM1001

Keywords: appropriation, transportation, safety improvements, Route 70, infrastructure, housing, zoning, middle housing, urban development, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes, historic preservation, Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, special license plate, special plate, license plate, vanity plate

Summary: The Senate Health and Human Services Committee heard and advanced six measures. SB 1118, as amended, appropriates $3 million to the Department of Health Services for grants to rural hospitals to install radiation protection systems in cardiac catheterization rooms; testimony focused on protecting health care workers from ionizing radiation, with the amendment narrowing the bill from an unspecified appropriation to a specific amount and room type. The committee also approved SB 1154, a $500,000 General Fund appropriation for an ADOT traffic and safety study on SR 64 between Williams and the Grand Canyon, after testimony from local officials, law enforcement, and fire personnel describing heavy tourism traffic, crashes, and fatalities. SB 1063, which appropriates $10.4 million for safety improvements on U.S. Route 70, also received a do-pass recommendation after testimony from the San Carlos Apache Tribe, sheriffs, and tribal law enforcement describing a high number of fatalities and dangerous roadway conditions. The committee then passed SB 1153, which creates a Grand Canyon National Park specialty license plate and fund; the Grand Canyon Conservancy testified that proceeds would support park conservation, research, education, and preservation work. SCM 1001, as amended, urging the renaming of State Route 260 as the Donald J. Trump Highway, was approved after a contentious debate over the symbolism of the memorial. Finally, SB 1209, which exempts people without a residence address or whose address is a homeless shelter from non-operating ID license fees and extends the validity period for those IDs, received a do-pass recommendation after testimony from homeless services providers that IDs are essential for housing, employment, and access to services. Votes were 10-0 for SB 1118, 6-4 for SB 1154, 6-4 for SB 1063, 10-0 for SB 1153, 6-4 for SCM 1001, and 9-0 with one not voting for SB 1209.

Transcript Highlights:

• The issue that we have is that this road is about 55 miles long, and we often get called one or two o'clock
• You know, the whole highway itself is about 55 miles long, but this stretch here that they're...
• most dangerous problems we encounter on County Road 1250 is that every time there's a wreck on Interstate

Bills: HB767, HB 1242, HB1373, HB1404, HB1708, HB1936, HB2041, HB2198, HB2270, HB2315, HB2415, HB2427, HB2455, HB2457, HB2522, HB2523, HB2686, HB2763, HB2775, HB2944, HB3034, HB1683, HB1695

Keywords: highway designation, memorial, Montgomery County, Paul P. Mendes, transportation, HB 1242, Texas Transportation Code, U.S. Highway 281, Brooks County, Ernesto Soliz Cantu, memorial highway, road naming, TxDOT, road signage, commemorative resolution, memorial markers, county road 304, Huppergate Road, Los Robles Trail, Farm-to-Market Road

Transcript Highlights:

• > that<00:55:02.040> must<00:55:02.200> be<00:55:02.400> met<00:55:03.160
• <00:55:10.960> it's<00:55:11.160> not<00:55:11.319> in<00:55:11.559> keeping<
• :55:27.640> I<00:55:27.720> can<00:55:27.880> tell<00:55:28.079> you<00:55
• 01:55:47.040> to<01:55:47.440> do<01:55:48.440> and<01:55:48.880> um<01:55
• :55:16.319> or<03:55:16.640> us<03:55:17.279> and<03:55:17.439> I<03:55:17.560

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The meeting was an orientation for the Resources, Recreation and Development Committee, led by Chair Bob Harb. He reviewed committee procedures, including pink cards for witnesses, blue sheets for counts, use of drawers in the committee room, scheduling practices, and how bills would be posted and distributed. Members briefly introduced themselves and explained why they wanted to serve on the committee, with several citing interests in conservation, water quality, outdoor recreation, land use, and related local issues. The committee then opened a hearing on HB 1113, relative to OHRV operation on certain highways within the town of Windsor. Representative Ré Colcombe, the sponsor, explained that the bill would allow local OHV/UTV access across a short section of state road in Windsor so residents on divided portions of town could travel legally between areas. He said the town selectmen were already allowing OHRV use on town roads, the route was paved, traffic impacts were expected to be minimal, and local police had no objections. He also said the town would hold public hearings and notify abutters as required, and that if the select board ultimately opposed the proposal he would recommend killing the bill. Members asked about the legal authority for the change, speed limits, traffic volume, winter maintenance, and whether the Department of Transportation or select board had to approve the route. Colcombe said the town must hold a public hearing and that the change would need to be incorporated into RSA 258:10, section 4. He said the road is maintained by the town in winter and by the state in summer. An opponent, Anne Davis, testified that she opposed the bill, saying ATV use should be treated as a tool for forest management rather than recreation, that law enforcement capacity in Windsor was a concern, and that she believed affected residents should be fully notified before any approval. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I WOULD SAY WHEN I AM DRIVING ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY TRYING TO GO 170 MILES WHICH I'VE DONE AND I CAUSE
• I'M NOT HERE TO EVER HAND TIE OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS WE HAVE 55 TO 57 THOUSAND LAW ENFORCEMENT

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Florida, a Florida highway patrol, none observed a young bull terrier being tied to a fence along interstate
• We have 55 as of today we 55 degrees with the Florida Highway Patrol. 9 of them being instructors instructor
• I would try. 55 the surrendered 40.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um<01:55:05.520> an<01:55:05.640> essential<01:55:06.600> piece<01:55:07.240>
• > all<01:55:10.360> of<01:55:10.640> the<01:55:10.760> debt<01:55:11.240>
• <01:55:12.760> and<01:55:12.960> all<01:55:13.120> of<01:55:13.240> the
• c> what<01:55:22.760> many<01:55:23.000> of<01:55:23.120> our<01:55:23.200><
• :34.200> and<01:55:34.400> the<01:55:34.520> lack<01:55:35.400> of<01:55:

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional by Representative Tiffany Lumley focused on lessons from horses and horsemanship, using the imagery to encourage legislators to lead, listen, stay patient, and remain attentive to constituents outside the chamber. The chamber then welcomed newly appointed Representative Kevin Scully of Burlington, who was sworn in and assigned to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs. Members took up several procedural items and resolutions. Senate Bill 239, relating to a child abuse and neglect reporting working group and carrying an appropriation, was referred to Appropriations, and Senate Bill 157, relating to recovery residence certification and affecting state revenue, was referred to Ways and Means after a favorable report with amendment from Human Services. The House also read and adopted concurrent resolutions honoring the federal TRIO programs in Vermont, recognizing tourism economy day and the importance of the visitor economy, and honoring former Representative John Killacky of South Burlington for his artistic and legislative contributions. Multiple members offered personal remarks about John Killacky/Colacci, his arts career, activism, and service in the House, and guests connected to the resolutions were welcomed from the gallery. The House then concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment to House Bill 237, which would allow certain doctoral-level psychologists to prescribe medications. The committee explained the Senate’s changes, including revised training and rotation requirements, a later effective date, and a future OPR report, and said the bill was intended as one tool to address mental health provider shortages; the House agreed by voice vote. The chamber next began second reading of House Bill 955, a major education reform bill titled “next steps in transforming Vermont’s education system,” with the Education Committee describing mandatory cooperative education service areas, merger study committees, and related changes intended to improve efficiency, support local voice, and strengthen public education. No final action on H.955 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :55:33.359> concept<00:55:34.240> of<00:55:34.480> a<00:55:34.720> safe<00
• bill<00:55:36.079> that<00:55:36.400> criminalizes<00:55:37.280> failure<00:55:
• > Senator<00:55:42.160> Gustoson<00:55:43.359> to<00:55:43.760> come<00:55
• :55:53.520> it<00:55:53.839> didn't<00:55:54.079> pass<00:55:54.480> before
• You know<01:55:00.880> what<01:55:01.119> is<01:55:01.199> the<01:55:01.360>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all