Transcript Highlights:

• I gave them to the Attorney General's office, and one person is pled to a pre-trial intervention prevention
• I've never seen the pre-trial intervention agreement. Was there restitution involved?
• Two were dismissed and one was a pre-trial intervention, yes. No restitution. Correct.
• You don't have two dismissals and then turn around and have a pre-trial intervention with no restitution
• What I've read is that the certainty of being caught is a more powerful deterrent than the punishment

Bills: SB434, SB844, SB898, SB1177, SB1214, SB1454, SB1920, SB1927, SB1935, SB1965, SB2010, SB2046, SB2068, SB2073, SB2183, SB2260, SB3034, SB907

Keywords: SB 434, Harris County Hospital District, hospital district police, peace officers, commissioned officers, law enforcement authority, Health and Safety Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, public safety, hospital security, county hospital district, local government, Texas criminal procedure, district police, armed security, SB 898, low income housing tax credits, LIHTC, affordable housing, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, I read a story about a meeting that happened right before Christmas, and it's one of our major
• On the same page, item 12, Early Childhood Intervention or ECI.
• I'm just saying, perhaps we need to look at actual figures. physical interventions to stop aggressive
• I'll read the chart. Yes, sir. It's a little less than 10%. there.
• Moving now to page 12, item 9 at the bottom. bottom of page 12, prevention and early intervention.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Clerk, will read. Mr.
• Clerk, will read. Mr.
• This time, the clerk will read: Mr.
• Clerk, will read Amendment 2.
• and reading rates.

Bills: SJR47, SB1491, SB1579, SB1806, SB1552, SB483, SB63, SB137, SB346, SB514, SB1344, SB1360, SB1380, SB1437, SB1189, SB1217, SB1221, SB1262, SB1272, SB1325, SB1339, SB201

Keywords: voter ID, elections, constitutional amendment, Oklahoma, proof of identity, presidential electors, vacancies, oath of office, political party, property tax, valuation increase, taxpayer rights, homestead, protest process, foster care, adoption assistance, transitioning youth, Department of Human Services, voluntary services, county home rule charter

Transcript Highlights:

• It is possible to do the intervention in a real-life clinical setting.
• It is possible to do the intervention in a real-life clinical setting.
• Um there's a lot of intervention.
• <01:04:13.920> for psychological interventions for psychological interventions for pediatric
• developed um a study or an intervention developed um a study or an intervention that<01:04:24.960

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services met in person, approved the October 15 minutes, and began with a moment of silence following a Louisville UPS plane explosion that was described as a local tragedy affecting many families and first responders. The main presentation was an overview of Kentucky’s Medicaid non-emergency medical transportation (NMT) program from the Department for Medicaid Services and the Transportation Cabinet. Witnesses explained that NMT is a federally required Medicaid benefit, administered by the Transportation Cabinet under a risk-based capitated model, with eligibility limited to Medicaid members traveling to medically necessary, Medicaid-covered services and who lack access to other transportation. They also described exclusions, including certain KCHIP, QMB, and PACE members, and outlined the brokered regional structure, call center operations, scheduling rules, vehicle and driver oversight, complaint handling, and rider surveys. The presenters reported that NMT handled more than 3.1 million trips in state fiscal year 2024, with over 1.38 million trips already recorded in October, and said customer satisfaction surveys were high. They said the FY 2025-26 contract total is about $360.6 million, with monthly per-member capitation rates set by region through an actuarial process and approved by CMS. They emphasized that payments are tied to monthly Medicaid enrollment and that the state draws down federal funds for the exact amount paid, with no leftover balance. They also said most NMT use comes from adult day centers and rehabilitative care such as dialysis. Members questioned the witnesses about how quality metrics and contract standards are set, whether the state had explored alternatives such as Uber Health or other integrated models, and how utilization was calculated. The witnesses said contract requirements are developed collaboratively by Medicaid Services, the Transportation Cabinet, and other agencies, and that studies of other models generally found higher costs and lower approval ratings, with additional research on a hybrid model expected by the end of the year. They clarified that one figure reflected the share of Medicaid members with registered vehicles, while another reflected actual NMT users, and they defended the capitated structure as shifting financial risk to brokers rather than the state. Representative Fleming also raised concerns about oversight, reporting, and the apparent gap between budgeted and contracted amounts, asking whether any unused funds would return to general funds; the discussion ended before a final answer was given.

Transcript Highlights:

• It would be your testimony, contrary to the testimony of a few others, that as you read the bill and
• Then, in the fall, our retention report would just read that the bill was unnecessary.
• Then, in the fall, our retention report would just read that the bill was unnecessary.
• Then, in the fall, our retention report would just read that the bill was unnecessary.
• Then, in the fall, our retention report would just read that the bill was unnecessary.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Children and Family Law Committee opened its March 4 meeting with procedural announcements, including a deadline for any Minority Report, notice that the committee would not meet the following Tuesday because of town meeting day, and a preview of its March 18 agenda. The chair said that meeting would include hearings and executive sessions on HB 518, requiring DHHS to provide a detailed annual report of DCF costs, and HB 775, directing DHHS to seek proposals for supervised visitation centers; HB 553 was also slated for executive session. The committee also heard an update on Representative Grossman’s son, who remained in the PICU at Mass General. The main hearing was on HB 493, which would require child abuse and neglect education for physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants as a condition of licensure. Representative Alicia Gregg presented the bill and an amendment reducing the required training from two hours to one hour, saying the goal was to improve recognition of abuse and prevent both missed cases and false accusations. Cassandra Sanchez, the state Child Advocate, strongly supported the bill, describing a 2020 review of nine cases of non-ambulatory infants with serious injuries and later system mapping that identified gaps in medical recognition; she said the training should be part of existing continuing education hours and that voluntary uptake had been limited. Dr. Michael Matos of Wolfeboro Pediatrics also testified in support. Ben Bradley of the New Hampshire Hospital Association opposed legislating the requirement, saying hospitals already train staff and that the legislature should not single out one topic for statutory mandate when other reporting obligations are handled differently. In questioning, committee members asked whether the hour would be part of existing continuing education, whether hospitals already provide similar training, and whether the bill should be placed in the continuing medical education statute instead of child protection law. Bradley said hospital members already provide annual training and collaborate with proponents, but did not support putting the requirement in statute. Sanchez said the bill was intended to use one of the hours already required for training, though members noted that the bill text did not clearly say so. The committee also heard broader testimony about the Family Division of Circuit Court, including a proposal to create a subcommittee to study more difficult issues such as pre-trial counseling, evidentiary practices, and domestic violence-related cases, with the Speaker appointing members to that subcommittee.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I do want to read just one quote from CT Stud. And I do want to read just one quote from C.T.
• I, too, was surprised to read that... I, too, was surprised to read that this is a bill.
• when I read some part... ...my reading of the bill, because when I read subpart D, I see that a firefighter
• At least that's the way I read the bill. So can you please tell me, am I reading it wrong?
• Credo, am I reading the bill wrong, though? The part that I'm reading says that it's voluntary.

Bills: HB2665, HB2904, HB2917

Keywords: manslaughter, suicide encouragement, assisted suicide, online harassment, social media, text messaging, directed communication, minor suicide, youth suicide prevention, criminal liability for speech, online bullying, free speech, homicide, class 2 felony, Cade's Law, Arizona criminal law, sovereignty, border security, health crisis, drug cartels

Summary: The House Committee on Public Safety and Law Enforcement heard three bills. HB 2665, named Cade’s Law, would expand Arizona’s manslaughter statute to cover intentionally directed communications—verbal, written, or electronic—that encourage a minor to die by suicide, while excluding general public commentary and non-directed discussion of suicide or mental health. The sponsor and several parents and suicide-prevention advocates testified in support, emphasizing teen suicide risks and the need to address online communication. Some members raised concerns about ambiguity, peer-to-peer counseling, and whether minors could be swept into the statute. After a verbal amendment clarifying the communication language, the bill passed 10-4 with several members voting present due to drafting concerns. HB 2904 declared fentanyl trafficking across the Arizona-Mexico border a public health crisis and directed state health officials to act within their authority. The sponsor argued the bill was needed to combat cartels and protect Arizona from fentanyl-related deaths. The ACLU of Arizona opposed it, saying the bill used vague and unprecedented terms such as “unlawful invasion,” could sweep in asylum seekers or low-level drug offenders, and might affect bail and sentencing. After a contentious debate over border security, sovereignty, and the bill’s definitions, the committee gave HB 2904 a do pass recommendation by an 8-6 vote. HB 2917 would create a firefighter cancer registry at the Department of Health Services to collect and analyze data on cancer among Arizona firefighters. Firefighter representatives supported the measure as a way to better understand occupational exposure and improve prevention, but members questioned whether the bill’s reporting requirements were truly voluntary, since the draft appeared to require participation and provider reporting of medical information. The sponsor and supporters said the intent was not to mandate disclosure and were open to amendments to clarify consent and privacy. The committee approved the bill 12-1, with one present vote and one absence, while noting that cleanup amendments would be needed before floor consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair has read excused. Thank you.
• on page 17, third reading. on page 17, third reading.
• members, we will be taking third reading members, we will be taking third reading on<00:24:14.799
• reading. Referrals and re-referrals. reading. Referrals and re-referrals.
• . read. read.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, took roll, approved the previous day’s journal, and spent much of the first portion of the meeting recognizing Education Week honorees. Senators introduced students and coaches from the LifeSmarts Consumer Education Competition, including first-place Iolani School, second-place Kahalani High School, and Oahu teams placing third and fourth. The Senate also recognized 2025 Senate Youth Delegate Wilson Chow and thanked staff and community partners for supporting Education Week 2025. The chamber then moved to executive business, adopting standing committee reports 1210 through 1349 and confirming Governor’s Message No. 644, Steven Logan, as Adjutant General of the Department of Defense by unanimous consent. Senators spoke in support of Logan’s military and public safety experience, and he was confirmed with 23 ayes. The Senate also confirmed Governor’s Message No. 645, Mike Lambert, as Director of the Department of Law Enforcement, with senators citing his HPD background, work on homelessness, vice, agricultural crimes, and school enforcement; the confirmation passed with 22 ayes. After the confirmations, the Senate recognized the newly appointed officials and their families and guests. The body then passed House Bill 991, Senate Draft 1, relating to criminal history record checks, on third reading by unanimous consent with 22 ayes. The session concluded with announcements, including a YWCA clothing drive, a personal letter from Representative Gene Ward announcing his resignation from the House effective at the end of the month due to health issues, and a motion to adjourn until Monday, March 24th at 11:30 a.m., which was adopted without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you've not read our plan, please read it. You can find that at dfa.organsas.gov.
• It's over 100 pages, so they probably want to print it out and just read it online.
• The first initiative we're—I'm trying not to read the slide deck to you guys.
• I've sat through plenty of presentations where I'm read to, and that's just miserable.
• But what we are asking of our sub-recipients: go out and read our plan.

Summary: The committee first heard extensive public testimony from youth and advocates urging stronger restrictions on vaping. Speakers described vaping as a youth-targeted public health problem, citing flavored products, social media marketing, nicotine addiction, brain development concerns, school disruption, and exposure to harmful aerosol. They recommended prohibiting vaping in public indoor spaces and aligning vape rules with smoke-free laws. Committee members praised the speakers and encouraged them to continue building support for future legislation. The main presentation was on Arkansas’s Rural Health Transformation Program, administered through DFA. Secretary Jim Hudson and program director Brad Andi explained that Arkansas received about $209 million in the first year under the federal program, with potential for roughly $1 billion over five years if performance is strong. They emphasized that the program is meant for long-term rural health transformation, not general operating support, debt relief, or new construction. The state’s plan centers on four initiatives: HEART for prevention and community health, PACT for access and provider collaboration, RISE for workforce development, and THRIVE for technology and telehealth. Officials said applications will be handled through upcoming notices of funding opportunity, with a focus on local, shovel-ready projects, regional collaboration, and transparency. Committee members asked how the program would work for hospitals, clinics, nonprofits, schools, faith groups, and urban providers serving rural patients. Officials said eligibility is broad if applicants can show a connection to rural health, and that targeted renovations, mobile units, school-based clinics, farm-to-school or garden projects, EMS equipment, residency expansion, and behavioral health initiatives may fit if they align with the plan. They stressed that the program cannot fund working capital, routine maintenance, or new buildings, but can support repurposing space and collaborative networks. Members also raised concerns about protecting existing rural providers from being displaced, and officials said applications would be reviewed by a state committee with technical assistance and a reimbursement-based process. The committee then reviewed and took no objection to several DHS and Health Department rules. DHS presented a Medicaid/CHIP rule implementing federal requirements for incarcerated youth, including pre- and post-release coverage, care coordination, targeted case management, and screening services, with no public comments received. The Health Department also presented a licensing rule for audiology and speech pathology that implements recent acts and changes the renewal deadline; that rule was likewise reviewed without objection. The meeting adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to read essentially what she wrote as her comments for this bill, but I have comments of my
• I'm going to read essentially what she wrote as her comments for this bill, but I have comments of my
• this spill last question is when I read this spill last night<01:18:30.639> I<01:18:30.800>
• The first part is a preamble, and I would ask that you read that.
• He does interventional, but he has used these treatments and they've helped people.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard testimony on House Bill 167, which would add ski, snowboard, and boat wax containing PFAS to the state’s consumer-product restrictions. The sponsor argued the product is already banned in many places, has PFAS-free alternatives, and is used in ways that can directly contaminate water rather than landfills. She cited high PFAS levels in several New Hampshire lakes and said the bill was a simple extension of prior PFAS legislation. A witness also described a personal experience where a liquid ski wax disappeared from the market and later returned, likely because of PFAS concerns. The chair then closed the hearing on HB 167 without a vote. The committee then opened a hearing on House Bill 312, dealing with college athletes’ name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights. Representative Moffett said the bill was modeled on New Jersey law and intended to let student-athletes earn compensation from NIL without losing institutional scholarships, while also requiring licensed representation and setting limits on certain endorsements. He described the measure as proactive because NIL rules are evolving and could create conflicts among schools and future lawsuits. Members questioned whether the bill should apply to two-year institutions, whether it should exclude firearms and weapons, and whether the scholarship protections would cover need-based or academic aid as well as athletic scholarships. Moffett said the scholarship language was intended to protect scholarships generally, but not need-based aid specifically, and he acknowledged discomfort with some of the endorsement restrictions. Public testimony on HB 312 was mixed. One supporter, a former Division III athlete and coach, backed the bill but urged removal of a section allowing institutions or athletic bodies to use an athlete’s NIL without compensation, arguing most New Hampshire athletes do not receive NIL money and should not have to work extra jobs to cover basic expenses. The chair also raised concerns about the bill’s contractual and identity-rights implications, referencing prior committee work on a J.D. Salinger-related identity case and noting the committee had previously declined to get involved in similar contractual disputes. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, Senator Lang, would you read off the first three names?
• Would you read the next name, please?
• Would you read the next name, please? Would you read the next name, please?
• A minimus is read potential audits?
• If I may, I just want to read Mr. here.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• am I reading it wrong? Senator Schnell. am I reading it wrong? Senator Schnell.
• > here<00:38:06.720> in reading through the list here in reading through the list here
• This bill allows early intervention. intervention. intervention.
• Read<01:47:42.080> this.
• read it ahead of time. read it ahead of time.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This flat funding and count estimate is important because the effectiveness of interventions change over
• I can go on and on with the number of recommendations and interventions we have to allow states to get
• We know that if we can identify these specific populations and subpopulations with specific interventions
• Support law enforcement interventions and diversion programs.
• So it's important to begin to understand...” “...how these interventions will begin to start to change

Summary: The committee first approved a motion, then heard a lengthy presentation on homelessness in Arkansas, with a focus on unsheltered homelessness, untreated mental illness and substance use, public safety, and the role of local law enforcement and shelters. Presenters from law enforcement, homeless service providers, mental health, and policy groups discussed federal Continuum of Care funding, the need for better data and accountability, and proposals such as statewide camping enforcement, stronger treatment access, and consolidating or reworking the continuum-of-care structure. Much of the discussion centered on the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model, with witnesses describing it as a way to expand crisis services, treatment, and coordination with housing and justice systems. They also discussed homelessness among sex offenders, family homelessness, workforce supports, and how to scale successful local programs statewide. No formal action was taken on the homelessness proposals during the discussion. The committee then reviewed several Department of Energy and Department of Health/Board of Nursing rules. The energy rule updated solid waste post-closure cleanup thresholds from $50,000 to $2 million to match Act 791 of 2025. Nursing-related rules added fees for the new dialysis patient care technician registration created by Act 198 of 2025, updated contact-information requirements, implemented APRN authority under Act 862 of 2025, clarified durable medical equipment language under Act 431 of 2025, and incorporated delegation changes from Act 959 of 2025. Additional nursing rules updated certified medication assistant training and duties under Act 265 of 2025, and corrected rules for full independent practice to include clinical nurse specialists under Act 872 of 2023. Each rule was reviewed without objection. At the close of the meeting, members received an update that UAMS had completed its NCII designation submission for the Winthrop Rockefeller Cancer Institute, which was described as a major milestone. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• the bill and completely deferring to the board to issue rules on important subjects like pursuit intervention
• ><00:31:35.080> Pursuit important subjects like Pursuit important subjects like Pursuit intervention
• tools and tactics thank you intervention tools and tactics thank you thank<00:31:38.480> you<
• versus one that is not, um, that seems to be like the chief issue that you guys have raised, if I'm reading
• And so the way I read the bill, there's, um, four components: there's what we just spoke about, uh, which

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on House Bill 1064, which would implement recommendations from the Fire Safety Research Institute’s Maui wildfire report, clarify the role of the State Fire Marshal, and appropriate funds. Testimony was generally supportive from DLNR, the Climate Advisory Team, the State Fire Council, Hawaiʻi Electric, the Attorney General’s office, the Honu Fire Department, AARP, the Hawaiʻi Insurance Council, and others. Governor Green’s office said it supported the bill but wanted the office of the State Fire Marshal placed under the Department of Defense rather than the governor’s office, citing constitutional and administrative concerns. Members also questioned the State Fire Council about the selection process for the fire marshal and about defensible space and wildfire resilience in different communities. After discussion, the committees deferred decision-making on HB 1064 to Friday, March 14, at 3:00 p.m. in Room 225 for the Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs, with the same recommendation from the other committee. The hearing then moved to House Bill 697, which would expand who may review automated speed enforcement images. HDOT supported the bill but said it would prefer funding from the Highway Special Fund or the automated speed enforcement special fund rather than general revenues. Opposition testimony from the ACLU raised privacy concerns, argued the bill blurs the line between law enforcement and infrastructure management, and said DOT staff lack the mandate and expertise for the task. Judiciary said it would need additional capacity to process citations and hearings, and noted the program’s likely workload and costs were still uncertain. The committees then took up House Bill 277 on vehicular pursuit policy. The Attorney General and the Law Enforcement Standards Board urged the committees to defer the bill and let the board develop policy first, while Hawaii County Police opposed the measure as unnecessary, confusing, and too restrictive of officer discretion. Honolulu Police Department and the Policing Project supported the bill, arguing that clearer statewide standards and transparency are needed because pursuits can cause serious injuries or deaths and existing policies are inconsistent or not public. The Policing Project said the bill could be improved with amendments on serious crimes, but supported legislative action to set statewide standards while still involving the board. No final vote or action on HB 277 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there a reason that we are not requiring both the early intervention family, infant toddler program
• I've got a letter right here, Madam Chair... and Senator, if you don't mind me reading.
• Santa, is it OK to read this? Oh, there, I can keep it brief. We have other items on the agenda.
• And when you read page 9, starting with, "If the department determines that an infant left pursuant to
• I did read it enough to know that, that, you know, so that we're raising the thresholds to be more in

Transcript Highlights:

• testifying today, wouldn't speak or wouldn't be able to live an independent life without proper intervention
• Florida law that allow minors to access health care, mental health, substance use, and crisis intervention
• For many minors, the ability to seek help quickly is the difference between early intervention and an
• INTERVENTION SERVICES WITHOUT PARENTAL CONSENT.
• HB 173 strikes a balance by reaffirming parental rights as fundamental and saying government intervention

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and began by welcoming students and coaches participating in the inaugural Sunshine State Debate. Members then heard and voted on a series of education-related bills, with most measures receiving favorable reports by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The first bill, HB 1081, created a Cybersecurity Internship Clearance Readiness Program in the Department of Commerce for NCACE-designated universities and Florida College System institutions; a friendly amendment expanded access to private schools, and the bill passed 19-0. HB 1201 updated Florida’s epilepsy/seizure plan law to clarify protections for charter school students, require acceptance of physician-submitted plans, extend training validity to five years, and expand training to regular bus drivers; epilepsy advocates supported it, and it passed 19-0. HB 851 required annual autism-specific professional learning opportunities for teachers and school-based administrators, and it also passed 19-0. HB 615, dealing with IEPs, required quicker parent notice when services are missed, faster access to service logs, individualized parent orientation, and standardized district service logs; parents and advocates testified strongly in support, and the bill was reported favorably. HB 1503 added technology-related competencies to education courses and directed the Department of Education to develop computer science certification coverage; it passed 19-0. HB 371 required public schools to display portraits of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington in common areas and passed 19-0 after testimony both for and against. HB 731 revised extracurricular eligibility rules and allowed local policies for compensating coaches and activity sponsors; an amendment broadened manual requirements and clarified fee actions, and the bill passed 18-0. The committee also took up HB 173, a parental rights bill that drew the most extensive debate and public testimony. The bill would require parental consent for many medical decisions for minors, give parents access to medical records, and expand parental review/opt-in rights for certain school surveys and biofeedback devices. Supporters argued it restores parental authority, improves safety, and prevents children from being cut out of important medical decisions; opponents warned it would remove confidential access to STI treatment, crisis mental health care, and other services for minors in unsafe or abusive homes. Members raised questions about abuse exceptions, emergency care, and how the bill would affect routine treatment and time-sensitive care. The bill was not voted on in the portion provided, and debate continued through multiple rounds of sponsor responses and member comments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Read my letter. Thank you. Okay, thank you. We didn't have that registered, so just thank you.
• patterns across counties and barriers to engagement, the ombudsperson can highlight opportunities for intervention
• , like, over time, this is a common occurrence that shows more of a standard need for care and intervention
• include applied behavior analysis, commonly referred to as ABA treatment, and other behavioral interventions
• than there are libraries, than there are statues of people who have done amazing things that they can read

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Read my letter. Thank you. Okay, thank you. We didn't have that registered, so just thank you.
• patterns across counties and barriers to engagement, the ombudsperson can highlight opportunities for intervention
• patterns across counties and barriers to engagement, the ombudsperson can highlight opportunities for intervention
• include applied behavior analysis, commonly referred to as ABA treatment, and other behavioral interventions
• than there are libraries, than there are statues of people who have done amazing things that they can read

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard a series of bills focused on behavioral health, cancer screening, provider reimbursement, research funding, workforce licensing, and tobacco regulation. SB 16 would require counties to maintain procedures for designating and training professionals authorized to perform 5150 evaluations and initiate involuntary holds; supporters said it would expand the pool of qualified clinicians and reduce reliance on law enforcement, while opponents raised concerns about local control and implementation. SB 1124 would require CDPH to create and post lung cancer screening eligibility signage at tobacco point-of-sale locations; supporters emphasized low screening awareness and early detection, and the bill was advanced with amendments. SB 28, a CARE Court cleanup bill, proposed an ombudsperson, reporting, electronic petitions, remote participation, and other changes to improve accountability and access; it drew both strong support and significant opposition over concerns about coercion, scope, and whether the program is working as intended, but it passed the committee as amended to Judiciary. The committee also heard SB 874, which would strengthen oversight of Medi-Cal behavioral health treatment services, including background checks for providers and a stakeholder workgroup to develop standards; it passed to Public Safety. SB 1049 would let providers resubmit corrected claims within 90 days after a plan’s denial or recoupment action when the original claim had a correctable technical defect; supporters described delayed and withheld payments harming practices, while insurers argued the bill could duplicate existing dispute processes. The bill passed to Appropriations on call. SB 1224 would create a state framework to compete for federal ARPA-H funding for emerging therapies research, with testimony from a UC Davis psychiatrist and veterans’ advocates supporting expanded research into treatments for PTSD, depression, and other conditions; it passed to Military and Veterans Affairs. Later, SB 1057 would change how the Department of Public Health evaluates conviction history for certified nurse assistants and home health aides, shifting from automatic denial toward individualized assessment based on the offense, time elapsed, and rehabilitation; it passed to Appropriations with some no votes. Finally, SB 1314, a tobacco-related bill, sought to create a 600-foot buffer around schools and day care centers for certain tobacco retailers and address related issues such as cigar lounge definitions and nitrous oxide sales; several local government and public safety groups supported it, while health organizations and business groups opposed it unless amended. The chair announced that committee amendments were being set aside for now and the bill would move forward to Business and Professions with a commitment to continue working on the language; it passed out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll review data quarterly with the plans to see if their interventions are actually working.
• I will read these. We have Lisa... ...appearance cards, they are all waving. So I will read these.
• Sure, because we know everybody's read the bill.
• Evidence shows that surgical intervention performed within the first 30 to 45 days of life offers the
• And leader of our PAC, Alan Brown, who reads—this staff went through literally probably about 150 or

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 1414 by Sen. Polsky on congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) education. The bill would require the Department of Health, working with medical experts, to create and distribute CMV educational materials to expectant and new parents or caregivers through hospitals, birth centers, and OB/GYN practices. An amendment removed a section that would have required instruction for medical professionals, and the amended bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. The committee then took up a block of confirmations. Appointees on tabs 2 through 7 were recommended favorably in one vote, and Chavon Harris was separately confirmed as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration after extensive questioning. Senators praised her leadership and experience, while others raised concerns about Medicaid redeterminations, the state’s CORE modernization project, Hope Florida, and a DCF anti-marijuana ad campaign; Harris said she would follow up on some issues and defended the agency’s work on transparency, managed care oversight, and access to care. Her confirmation was recommended favorably, with Sen. Berman noting opposition. Several health-related bills were then heard and advanced. SB 186 by Sen. Garcia expanded epilepsy training requirements for school personnel, including charter school bus drivers, and was reported favorably. SB 902 by Sen. Garcia, after amendments narrowing dental workforce provisions and allowing certain seizure rescue medication delegation to family home health aides, was reported favorably; testimony focused on medical marijuana regulation, practitioner accountability, and concerns about park and child-care proximity restrictions. SB 196 by Sen. Sharif created a uterine fibroid research database with privacy protections and was reported favorably after emotional testimony from a patient and supporters. SB 688 by Sen. Rodriguez would reestablish licensure of naturopathic doctors; it drew both support and skepticism about diagnosis and treatment boundaries, but was reported favorably. SB 1574, Maddie’s Law, would add biliary atresia screening to newborn screening and was strongly supported by parents describing a delayed diagnosis; it was reported favorably. SB 878 on clinical laboratory personnel, SB 1092 on podiatric medicine and certain cellular/tissue-based products, and SB 1032 on medical marijuana registry timelines and veteran fee waivers were also reported favorably, while SB 1032 drew debate over longer renewal/supply periods. The committee then began SB 1760 on Medicaid oversight and program transparency, with the sponsor describing the bill’s creation of a joint legislative oversight committee and a legislative actuary.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you've not read our plan, please read it. You can find that at dfa.org/arkansas.gov.
• It's over 100 pages so they probably want to print it out and just read it online.
• I'm trying not to read the slide deck to you guys.
• I've sat through plenty of presentations where I'm read to, and that's just miserable.
• But what we are asking of our sub-recipients: go out and read our plan.

Summary: The committee heard extensive public testimony from youth advocates and public health speakers urging action on vaping. Witnesses said flavored products and social media are driving youth use in Arkansas, described nicotine addiction and health harms, and asked lawmakers to prohibit vaping in public indoor spaces, align vape rules with smoke-free laws, and expand prevention efforts. Committee members thanked the speakers and encouraged them to continue building support for future legislation. The main presentation was an overview of Arkansas’s Rural Health Transformation Program, a five-year federal initiative funded through CMS. State officials said Arkansas received about $209 million for the first year and may receive roughly $1 billion over five years if performance is strong. They emphasized that the program is intended for targeted, locally driven transformation rather than general operating support, debt relief, or new construction, and outlined four initiatives: Heart, PACT, Rise, and Thrive, focused on prevention, access and coordination, workforce development, and technology. Officials said applications would open in the spring, with a reimbursement-based process and a goal of launching all four initiatives by June. Members asked detailed questions about eligibility, rural definitions, school gardens, faith-based and nonprofit partnerships, mobile clinics, EMS, behavioral health, residency slots, and whether urban providers serving rural patients could apply. Officials said the program would favor regional collaboration, could support targeted renovations and expansion of existing programs, and would allow residency growth and some equipment or infrastructure purchases, but not food purchases or permanent new construction. They also said a committee of state health and finance officials would review applications, with heavy technical assistance and an expectation of quick turnaround. The committee also reviewed two DHS/Health Department rules. One implemented Medicaid and CHIP coverage and care coordination for eligible incarcerated youth before and after release, including targeted case management and screening services, with no public comments received. The other updated audiology licensing rules to reflect recent acts expanding scope of practice and changing the renewal deadline. Both rules were reviewed without objection, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Staff will be reading all comments, and we can have follow-up conversations as needed.
• note that any written testimony submitted to the committee is considered public comment and may be read
• If an emergency requires immediate physical intervention, our interaction plan details how first responders
• Emergency requires immediate physical intervention, our interaction plan details how first responders
• And I think it will be potentially unique, and in a way that will require government intervention to

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard an informational hearing on California’s newly finalized autonomous vehicle regulations, with DMV and CHP officials describing the updated framework and committee members pressing them on safety, enforcement, and first-responder impacts. DMV said the rules, effective April 28, 2026, expand reporting, create a phased permitting system from testing to deployment, add requirements for safety cases, remote operations, and first-responder coordination, and open a path for heavy-duty AV testing and deployment while still prohibiting oversized loads and hazardous materials. CHP said it worked with DMV on enforcement tools, first-responder interaction plans, and training local agencies on the new notice of noncompliance process. Members asked about crash data, immobilizations, freeway and construction-zone safety, weigh-station enforcement, and whether foreign licenses can qualify for remote assistants or drivers; DMV and CHP said the rules are intended to keep AVs accountable and that heavy-duty AVs will be held to the same roadway standards as human-driven commercial vehicles. A second panel focused on data collection and enforcement. Consumer attorneys argued the prior rules were too limited because DMV stopped collecting meaningful data once AVs moved from testing to deployment, making it difficult for the public and litigants to understand incidents; they supported the new regulations but urged that the collected information be made public. The industry association said California now has the nation’s most robust AV oversight, with monthly or quarterly reporting of collisions, system failures, immobilizations, harsh braking, vehicle miles traveled, and notices of noncompliance, plus broad DMV authority to restrict or suspend operations. In response to questions, the industry said it generally supports the new framework, believes the regulations are clear, and does not favor full federal preemption of state AV rules, though it wants federal standards for design, construction, and performance. A third panel addressed first-responder interaction and remote operations. The San Francisco Fire Department described repeated AV interference with emergency scenes and said AVs have generated hundreds of “sleeper calls,” where passengers fall asleep and trigger 911 responses; the department said these incidents consume significant staff time and it wants better protocols to reduce unnecessary dispatches. Waymo said it has trained thousands of public-safety personnel, maintains a 24/7 emergency line, uses geofencing/avoid-the-area messages, and can allow first responders to manually override or move vehicles when needed. Committee members asked about sleeper-call prevention, remote assistant licensing and drug testing, communication redundancies during outages, and how manual overrides work for vehicles without traditional controls; Waymo said it is collaborating with responders and that its vehicles are designed to reach a safe stop if connectivity is lost. The final panel began with testimony on heavy-duty autonomous vehicles. A transportation researcher said freight is essential to California’s economy and that heavy-duty AVs pose distinct safety risks because of their weight, stopping distance, and the potentially severe consequences of crashes or immobilizations on highways. He said the new regulations are important because they create a regulated pathway for heavy-duty AV deployment, require a safety case, set mileage thresholds, and add reporting categories that can serve as leading safety indicators. The hearing was still in progress when the transcript ended, with additional testimony expected from labor and industry witnesses on heavy-duty AV deployment.