Transcript Highlights:

• He's the one guy in the building that can stay with you step for step down the sideline.
• Therapy dogs are one option.
• Banning THC is the first best step. for Texas families.
• You're gonna see foreign entities step in, and that's how the story ends.
• As I said, this is a part of my therapy for me to come.

Bills: HB5

Keywords: hemp, cannabinoids, regulation, occupational licenses, consumable products, marketing, criminal offenses, labeling requirements, health and safety, 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Today I'm laying out House Bill 2776, a, a bill that cracks down on predators, exploiting the massage therapy
• Department of Licensing and Regulation the authority they need to enforce the law and securing the massage therapy
• Thompson's HB 4172 is another critical step forward.
• state of Texas cuts red tape for small businesses and allows them to grow, and HB 4773 is the next step

Transcript Highlights:

• Let me take a step back and ask if there's anybody who does wish to testify.
• this project from the A&M Board of Regents last February, and he is here today to tell you about the steps
• We will also have our Doctorate of Occupational Therapy, Doctorate of Physical Therapy, along with our

Bills: HB42, HB 125, HB 1233, HB2853, HB3148, HB3326, HB3701, HB4066, HB4361, HB4762, HB4909, HB4912, HB42, HB125

Keywords: higher education, funding, financial allocation, state budget, Texas A&M University, University of Houston, education funding, medical education, osteopathic medicine, healthcare workforce, Tarleton State University, industry-recognized credentials, workforce development, career opportunities, feasibility study, student fees, university funding, student union, education, UT El Paso

Transcript Highlights:

• the United States Congress to take such actions as are necessary to include the Doctor of Physical Therapy
• moralize United States Congress to take such actions as are necessary to include the doctor of physical therapy
• memorialize the United States Congress to take actions necessary to include the Doctor of Physical Therapy
• Individuals must still pay all required fees, satisfy OMB requirements, and complete any mandated compliance steps

Bills: SR146, SCR12, HB221, HCR115, HCR116, HCR58, HB1, HB312, HB313, HB314, HB383, HB983, HB1126, HCR3, HB2, HB3, SCR3, SB56, SCR9, SCR58, SB35, SB65, SB215, SB246, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB490, SB492, SB500, SB514, HCR27, HCR28, HCR66, HCR67, HCR72, HCR5, HCR32, HCR49, HCR50, HCR53, HCR60, HCR62, HCR64, HCR68, HCR78, HCR81, HCR86, HCR97, HCR102, HCR31, HCR47, HB476, HB481, HB487, HB492, HB549, HB579, HB608, HB621, HB624, HB626, HB632, HB637, HB656, HB722, HB745, HB804, HB818, HB821, HB833, HB864, HB867, HB874, HB893, HB909, HB951, HB968, HB969, HB978, HB979, HB988, HB989, HB1001, HB1005, HB1007, HB1024, HB1032, HB1050, HB1051, HB1056, HB1059, HB1077, HB1080, HB1081, HB1086, HB1108, HB1112, HB1153, HB1172, HB1173, HB1175, HB1192, HB1193, HB1204, HB1218, HB1242, HB1244, HB1249, HB1252, HB1254, HB42, HB45, HB71, HB79, HB158, HB160, HB169, HB227, HB251, HB289, HB330, HB394, HB410, HB429, HB769, HB971, HB1017, HB1234, HB1235, HB9, HB177, HB181, HB202, HB223, HB225, HB387, HB398, HB457, HB459, HB540, HB591, HB616, HB766, HB775, HB783, HB895, HB906, HB950, HB975, HB1052, HB1057, HB1076, HB1100, HB1139, HB1155, HB1160, HB1182, HB1186, HB1220, HB1223, HB1224, HB1228, HB1231, HB1245, HB1256, HB17, HB27, HB36, HB41, HB47, HB73, HB126, HB133, HB140, HB159, HB166, HB205, HB211, HB226, HB259, HB271, HB308, HB310, HB324, HB337, HB351, HB399, HB403, HB571, HB712, HB723, HB726, HB740, HB750, HB759, HB812, HB844, HB966, HB1006, HB1009, HB1018, HB1036, HB1038, HB1107, SB29, SB42, SB78, SB208, SB217, SB274, SB300, SB341, SB379, SB382, SB387, SB401, SB441, SB449, SB487, HB74, HB134, HB258, HB359, HB468, HB956, HB1117, SB43, SB149

Keywords: SR146, Senate Resolution 146, Louis Thomas Nelson, Thomas Nelson, condolences, memorial resolution, tribute, obituary, public service, St. Martinville, Cade, St. Martin Parish, police juror, mayor, community center, water system, school bus driver, school board, Louisiana Senate, sympathy

Transcript Highlights:

• think it just really costs our society a whole lot to help maintain those children by giving them therapy
• think it just really costs our society a whole lot to help maintain those children by giving them therapy
• We got her in therapy, and there she disclosed more severe abuse, and another forensic interview was
• HB 2662 is a critical step forward.

Bills: HB2047, HB2136, HB2198, HB2411, HB2662, HB2966, HB2970

Keywords: forcible entry, detainer, writ of restitution, criminal trespass, judgment enforcement, civil terrorism, disorderly conduct, vandalism, political activism, public order, subversion, government security, criminal records, sealing records, civil rights, expungement, rehabilitation, coerced abortion, abortion-inducing drugs, felony

Transcript Highlights:

• There’s parts about marriage counseling therapy and other things in there that I kind of have to wrap
• Because if we don't take steps like this to represent Trubolsky's comment, how do we secure a pipeline
• And this is a step. Is this solving the fundamental problem?
• And this is a step to help solve that fundamental problem, where we provide a pathway to ensure that
• And I'm going to take it a step further. I'm asking all the members to vote up on this great bill.

Summary: The committee first took up PCS for CS for HB 1279, a higher education bill focused on Florida’s preeminent universities. The sponsor said the measure would increase access for Florida students, strengthen accountability and transparency, update accreditation references, adjust performance metrics, and address issues such as GPA weighting, engineering credit-hour differences, and certain fee-waiver and dental-program provisions. Members raised questions about the 95% Florida-resident enrollment target, possible funding impacts, Pell Grant metrics, and whether the bill would affect community college pathways; the sponsor said the bill was aimed at first-time-in-college students and that the 95% standard would be measured on a three-year rolling average. After an amendment removing an adjustment to the four-year graduation metric was adopted, the bill was reported favorably by a 17-2 vote. The committee then heard PCS for CS for HB 1059, which would strengthen speech and debate education by designating the Florida Debate Initiative as the statewide organization, supporting coach and judge training, statewide data collection, tournaments, and a Florida Speech and Debate Week. The sponsor and several students and advocates testified that speech and debate builds confidence, civics knowledge, leadership, and opportunities for English learners and other students, with multiple speakers describing how the program changed their lives. Members from both parties spoke strongly in support, and the bill was reported favorably without opposition. Finally, the committee considered PCS for HB 725 on political activity at public institutions of higher education. The sponsor said the bill would standardize campus policies, require notice to students and employees about free-expression and political-campaign rules, and align state practice with federal guidelines while preserving free speech and nonpartisan voter engagement. An opponent argued the bill could create barriers to civic engagement and student organizing, while supporters said it would clarify existing rules and prevent institutions from favoring one viewpoint over another. The sponsor closed by emphasizing that the bill was about information and neutrality rather than restricting speech.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, I want to thank Aloha United Way for being our community partner, you know, for really stepping
• I want to thank Aloha United Way for being our community partner, you know, for really stepping up and
• Sounding Joy Music Therapy, 145,000. Spill the Tea Cafe, 500,000.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The hearing was an informational briefing on Act 310, which set aside $50 million to support Hawaii nonprofits facing uncertainty, including organizations affected by federal funding disruptions. The chair and Senate co-chair thanked Aloha United Way for handling applications, as well as the governor, lieutenant governor, legislative leadership, and House and Senate members for helping craft the measure and review the needs statewide. They noted the process drew more than 200 applications totaling over $150 million, showing demand far exceeded available funds, and encouraged unsuccessful applicants to apply again through the regular grant-and-aid process in January. The Senate co-chair explained that the committee prioritized organizations serving healthcare, human services, education, the arts, food distribution, and at-risk populations, especially amid concerns about SNAP, WIC, federal employees, and possible future disruptions. The co-chair then read a long list of recommended awardees and funding amounts, including major allocations to groups such as Boys and Girls Club of the Big Island, Child and Family Service, Goodwill Industries of Hawaii, Hawaii Food Bank, The Food Basket, West Hawaii Community Health Center, and several YWCA and YMCA organizations, among many others. After the awards list was read, the chair asked for discussion or objections. Hearing none, the list of nonprofit awards was adopted, and the informational briefing was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a step towards making sure where you live, what you earn, or even the color of your skin doesn't
• folks in, uh, in managed care and out and out there in the insurance world, uh, there are several steps
• You're going to the hospital, and we know that intensive outpatient therapy, partial hospitalization
• When you provide these stair step services instead of going from very structured to no structure.

Bills: HB231

Keywords: HB 231, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, permit exemption, dam, reservoir, erosion control, flood control, floodwater control, sediment control, watershed protection, Natural Resources Conservation Service, NRCS, Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act, local sponsor, water appropriation, small dam, water diversion, maintenance, rehabilitation

Transcript Highlights:

• If you want to step on up...
• What would the steps have to go through, and any other physician in this state or researcher in this
• What would the steps have what this.
• [snorts] HB1 1378 is a necessary step [snorts] HB1 1378 is a necessary step towards<02:01:23.599>
• Um, I believe that HB 360 is the necessary next step after HP 1378.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:10:52.720> is<00:10:52.800> a<00:10:52.959> necessary<00:10:53.480> step
• them house Val 12 is a necessary step them house Val 12 is a necessary step forward<00:10:54.440
• It's my understanding that this bill is just going one step at a time to address what we all know to
• It's my understanding that this bill is just going one step at a time to address what we all know to
• It's my understanding that this bill is just going one step at a time to address what we all know to

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a second slide that gets a bit more into the specific steps and rules that were updated.
• the step A, B, corresponding to the step on that slide.
• But what I do want to note here is that all the steps have been completed.
• In terms of next steps, specific to the income and this impact on eligibility, there were two.
• I'm an occupational therapy practitioner.

Summary: The subcommittee held its first meeting of the 2025-2026 term, took attendance, confirmed a quorum, and heard introductory remarks from members and staff. Chair Anderson outlined the subcommittee’s jurisdiction over access and affordability issues, including health facility regulation, insurance, Medicaid, CHIP, and state employee health coverage. The main agenda item was an update on implementation of HB 391, which created a family home health aide program for medically fragile children. Representative Tramont, the bill sponsor, explained that the law was intended to let trained family caregivers be paid through Medicaid to care for their children, reduce reliance on private duty nursing, and relieve families. He and several members expressed frustration that implementation had taken nearly two years and that families still faced barriers. Deputy Secretary Brian Meyer of AHCA and Bridget Royce of DCF said the program was implemented October 1, 2024, with billing available, but no home health agencies had yet launched the required 80-hour training program and no claims had been paid. They described the program’s requirements, including agency employment, background screening, training, a $25-per-hour Medicaid rate paid to the agency, and an annual assessment report. A major issue discussed was that income earned by family caregivers counts toward Medicaid eligibility and could cause families to lose coverage. AHCA and DCF outlined two possible fixes that would require CMS approval: disregarding the income for eligibility purposes or treating the child as a family of one. Members and public witnesses strongly urged changes to avoid forcing families to choose between income and coverage. Several providers said they had begun preparing training programs, but asked for clearer approval processes and more patient-specific training requirements. The committee then heard extensive public testimony from parents and caregivers of medically fragile children, who described the financial, emotional, and logistical strain of caring for children with severe disabilities and argued that the bill should be expanded to include Florida KidCare families and others in the coverage gap. They also raised concerns about the eight-hour-per-day limit, low pay, and the need for simpler rules and direct support. Home health providers and associations supported the concept but asked for modifications, including more targeted training and clearer implementation guidance. The meeting then shifted to a second agenda item on the Andrew John Anderson Rapid Whole Genome Sequencing Program, which was funded in the 2023 budget. Deputy Secretary Meyer said the program has been implemented since January 1, 2024, but utilization has been lower than expected, with only about 60 claims paid and many denials occurring through managed care. Public testimony from a lab, a hospital, and a pediatric rare disease expert said the program is clinically valuable and cost-saving, but managed care billing barriers, prior authorization issues, and DRG-related denials are limiting access; they urged direct billing to Medicaid and possible expansion to all newborns.

Transcript Highlights:

• Therapy Examiners or PTOs.
• And, Madam Chair, great step forward. Y'all did not survey higher education, did you?
• housing, multisystemic therapy, and coordinated specialization.
• multiple steps and actions to reduce the backlog.
• And they're gonna stay a step ahead of us.

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:

• name is Malcolm Greer, and I support SB 260, which will finally require employees to take concrete steps
• And I'm going to ask you, before you step away from the tables, are both projects anticipated to have
• access for students who need these courses as prerequisites for medical, dental, nursing, physical therapy
• and my youngest daughter just graduated from UNR two weeks ago and is hoping to attend occupational therapy
• And my youngest daughter just graduated from UNR two weeks ago and is hoping to attend occupational therapy

Bills: SB6, SB62, SB74, SB90, SB104, SB119, SB132, SB133, SB135, SB182, SB185, SB193, SB207, SB217, SB229, SB233, SB260, SB262, SB280, SB281, SB300, SB306, SB378, SB382, SB393, SB403, SB422, SB427, SB431, SB434, SB442, SB452, SB456, SB468, SB472, SB487, SB503, SB6

Keywords: cloud seeding, Nevada, water conservation, agriculture, Desert Research Institute, victim compensation, hate crimes, property remediation, criminal justice, vulnerable persons, elections, voter registration, mail ballots, candidate eligibility, cybersecurity, education funding, teacher grants, classroom supplies, instructional support, specialized personnel

Transcript Highlights:

• in the future if there are other cells that are utilized and able to be captured for this kind of therapy
• . ...cells that are utilized and able to be captured for this kind of therapy.
• The only thing that changed was the definition of what is utilized for stem cell therapy.
• But I assure you, this is a bill to set up guardrails to allow for stem cell regenerative therapy in
• This bill allows for non-FDA-approved therapies.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we asked teachers to do is really said clear parameters and certain models that we use again, step
• one would be 0 use of AI step 5 would be I exploration the highest level.
• We talked about companionship and therapy and relationships.
• I don't know what all they do, but it sounds like it's the next step to moving in education.
• Is your student is using AI for therapy or emotional support?

Transcript Highlights:

• We have taken small steps in things that I thought we had done with bills I had done.
• Do you refer them out to other organizations that might provide that kind of therapy?
• In terms of next steps, I really don't feel like we need additional studies to.
• What I would like to see is, you know, what are the next steps in terms of solutions.
• And it's the more steps related to that.

Transcript Highlights:

• So by providing groups therapy and individual therapy with our students, and then we have a mental health
• What is the next step?
• But that pairing of both at one time is an important step when we're doing something new.
• But that pairing of both at one time is an important step when we're doing something new.
• we're doing important step when we're doing something<01:31:25.440> new.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Blanco: behavioral therapy framework.
• This is a group therapy session.
• Christian counselor I incorporate wisdom from the Word of God in my sessions for my clients in group therapy
• stating they Beth Gerhart: realize this is a Christian counseling office and that is a component of the therapy

Transcript Highlights:

• There's speech and occupational therapy, physical therapy, behaviorists, clinical social workers to support
• There's speech and occupational therapy, physical therapy, behaviorists, clinical social workers to support
• There's speech and occupational therapy, physical therapy, behaviorists, clinical social workers to support
• Again, it's just going to add steps and steps to this process when, in fact, there's not, I don't think
• <02:00:59.360> Um another step. Um another step.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The commission on the costing of special education met to review several documents and updates, including draft materials on residential placements, an LBA dispute resolution report, prior minutes, rate-setting rules, and a letter involving Senator Hassan. The minutes from March 16 were approved by motion, second, and one abstention. Members also received an update that the LBA special education performance audit is still pending; the report is expected to be very large, NHED and the Board of Education must review and comment before release, and it likely will not be available until late summer or early fall. The separate EFA audit was also noted as still unreleased, and members said they may return later to issues involving EFA costing and differentiated aid. A major focus was HB 1099, which would create a committee to study the cost and liability of providing educational services to students placed in residential facilities. The chair explained that the House version had passed unanimously and the bill was headed to a committee of conference. Members discussed a proposed amendment to add the phrase “including but not limited to” so the study would cover not only court-ordered or treatment-related placements but also other residential placements, including those tied to school district decisions. Some members said this was a substantial expansion, while others said it would simply give the committee broader latitude. Jason Stock of the Winnisquam Regional School Board described how the issue arose during budget work at Winnisquam, where the district was trying to determine who should pay for educational services for students living at Spaulding Youth Center in Northfield. He said the district had 10 students attending Winnisquam, including three foster students and seven students connected to Spaulding, and that Spaulding-specific invoicing for 2024-2025 totaled $141,417.05 for eight students. Members also discussed rising private placement tuition costs and the difficulty of determining residency and fiscal responsibility for students placed in residential settings. Department counsel explained that under RSA 193:27 and 193:28, children placed in a home for children may attend the local district school, and that special education cost responsibility depends on whether the student is identified as disabled and on the nature of the placement. Spaulding representatives had not yet presented by the end of the excerpt, and the committee was still working through the residency and funding questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many patients must make immediate decisions about fertility before starting their therapies, but the
• This legislation aligns Florida with other states that have taken similar steps to support young cancer
• And this is a really important step that we can take to help them.
• And this is a really important step that we can take to help them.

Summary: The Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability met and reported several bills favorably. Senate Bill 7000 repealed the sunset on a public records exemption protecting site-specific location information for threatened and endangered species; Senate Bill 7006 preserved exemptions for building plans and related records showing 911, E911, public safety radio, and NG911 infrastructure; and Senate Bill 7004 extended the exemption for property photographs and personal identifying information tied to certain housing assistance programs. Each of those bills drew no questions, no public testimony, and no debate before favorable votes. The committee also considered Senate Bill 448 on administrative procedure, which proposed broader reforms to the Administrative Procedure Act, including agency rulemaking oversight and cost-benefit analysis requirements. An amendment removed the bill’s eight-year sunset. The Florida Bar’s Administrative Law Section testified with concerns that some provisions could chill agency guidance, increase costs and delays, and create standing issues for challenges. Supportive testimony also came from Americans for Prosperity and the James Madison Institute. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably as amended. Senate Bill 1058, as amended, updated state references to the “Gulf of America” in geographic and instructional materials and removed the road designation of Tamami Trail. Senator Polsky objected to the change as unnecessary and wasteful, while the sponsor said the bill simply aligns materials with the new name going forward. The committee adopted the strike-all amendment and then reported the bill favorably. Later, Senate Bill 924 was heard and amended to expand state employee fertility preservation coverage beyond cancer to other medically necessary treatments, remove age limits, require coverage of standard cryopreservation services, and set storage limits. Senators Polsky and Rodriguez praised the measure as important for young patients facing infertility risks, while one senator questioned whether the state group plan was the right vehicle. The committee reported SB 924 favorably, and members later recorded additional affirmative votes on SB 448 and SB 1058 before adjournment.