Transcript Highlights:

• Certification must remain rare, narrow, and grounded in genuine judicial decisions, not determined by
• For these reasons, I respectfully urge this committee to reject the juvenile certification provisions
• I had over 50-something certificates over 26 years, and I helped facilitate.
• I wanted to hear your point of view from the certification of the juvenile aspect.
• We already have a mechanism, basically, where enumerated felonies can have a certification hearing.

Committee: House Crime and Public Safety

Summary: The Committee on Corrections and Public Institutions resumed consideration of Senate Bill 888, focusing on sentencing changes, juvenile certification provisions, and the Department of Corrections’ fiscal impact. Department officials clarified that courts, not the DOC, impose sentences, and said the bill’s main elements for the department were sentencing transparency and changes affecting people in DOC custody. Members questioned whether the bill amounted to “truth in sentencing,” whether any federal incentives still exist for such laws, and whether the department would need a supplemental appropriation if prison populations rose; the department said it was not aware of any current federal incentive dollars and would likely seek a quick supplemental if costs exceeded budgeted capacity. Officials also explained that most federal funds received by DOC are pass-through grants, mainly for education and substance abuse treatment, and that the fiscal note uses boilerplate language tied to population and capacity changes. The committee then heard opposition testimony from Clifton Davis of the Missouri Justice Coalition, who described being certified as an adult at age 16 and serving 26 years in prison. He argued the bill’s juvenile certification provisions are too broad because they would allow adult prosecution based on Class A or B felony charges alone, before facts are fully developed, and would expose more children to adult records and prison conditions that increase trauma and recidivism. In questioning, Davis said the bill would have changed his life by avoiding an adult record and likely placing him in juvenile treatment instead of adult prison. Other members raised concerns about the bill’s impact on juvenile rehabilitation, prison programming, and whether the legislation is purely punitive. In executive session, Representative Davis offered an amendment to clarify that vaccination status alone cannot prove first-degree child endangerment; he argued the bill’s reclassification of the offense could otherwise create strict-liability concerns and undermine existing religious or medical exemptions. Representative Hovis opposed the amendment as unnecessary, citing existing statute and the lack of a history of such prosecutions. The committee split 8-8 on the amendment, so it failed. The committee then voted on Senate Bill 888 itself and passed it do pass by a 9-7 roll call vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• medically appropriate.
• For medications that patients self-administer at home, regular check-ins with physicians or medical staff
• medications.
• If providers mark up these medications in the same way they do infused medications, then patients and
• Second, it requires amended birth certificates and marriage certificates that include a gender marker

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard a long agenda of health bills focused on access to preventive care, behavioral health, hospital services, and patient safety. Early items included AB 554, which would expand and protect access to HIV prevention drugs like PrEP, including injectable forms and coverage protections; supporters said it would shore up access amid federal threats, while insurers opposed it as a costly benefit mandate. AB 577 would limit insurer and PBM practices that steer medications away from physician offices and require more transparency and patient consent; doctors and patient advocates supported it, while health plans and insurers warned it could raise drug costs and disrupt specialty pharmacy networks. AB 546 would require coverage for portable HEPA purifiers for vulnerable enrollees during declared emergencies, especially wildfire smoke events, with support from air quality and public health groups and opposition from insurers concerned about benefit expansion and cost. The committee also heard AB 224, which would codify California’s updated essential health benefits benchmark plan after a public review process, adding infertility treatment, hearing aids, and durable medical equipment if approved by CMS for the 2027 plan year. DMHC said the state had completed the review and needed legislation to meet federal timing, and the measure drew broad support. AB 1032 would require plans and insurers to reimburse up to 12 additional behavioral health visits for enrollees in wildfire-affected counties for a limited period after an emergency; supporters argued it would fill gaps in trauma care after disasters, while insurers said existing parity and continuity-of-care rules already address the issue and that the bill could create inequities. AB 849 would require trained chaperones for sensitive ultrasound exams and training on how to observe and intervene; it was backed by a survivor and patient advocates, with hospitals and health districts raising staffing concerns. Later, AB 1196 would direct the Department of Public Health to update outdated rules requiring three surgeons for certain heart surgeries using cardiopulmonary bypass; supporters said the rule no longer reflects modern practice and strains staffing, while cardiology representatives had no formal opposition but wanted to review amendments. AB 1113 would codify a right to wear a mask for health reasons in public spaces, with support from disability and public health groups. AB 1386 sought to add perinatal care to the list of basic hospital services, prompting testimony about maternity ward closures, workforce shortages, and rural access; the author said the bill would be amended further and that the committee would need to revisit timelines and implementation details. The committee also heard AB 1429, which would address Kaiser’s repeated mental health parity violations and improve access to behavioral health care, though the transcript cuts off before any action on that bill is shown. Several bills were moved with motions and seconds, but many were held for quorum; AB 1196, AB 1113, and AB 1386 were among the measures advanced to a roll call or held on call, and the committee repeatedly noted that final votes would occur when quorum was available.

Transcript Highlights:

• The LPNs in Arkansas receive a certificate.
• The LPNs in Arkansas receive a certification of graduation.
• Medication assistants are required to be a CNA first, and then they must complete a 115-hour course.
• I'm sorry, medication assistant certified, so MACs. MACs, okay.
• I mean, we print certificates, so there’s ink, there’s paper, there’s some staff time.

Committee: All ALC-OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The Occupational Licensing Review Subcommittee met to review two occupational licensing reports: the Arkansas State Board of Nursing and the State Board of Registration for Professional Soil Classifiers. For nursing, board officials described the board’s history, scope, and licensure categories, saying it regulates about 72,000 nurses across RN, LPN, advanced practice, medication assistant, and dialysis technician-related roles. Members asked about workforce shortages, complaint volume, and the board’s finances. The board said Arkansas has enough licensed nurses overall but faces vacancy and distribution issues, receives about 2,200 complaints annually, and most serious complaints involve criminal backgrounds, fraud or misrepresentation, misappropriation, drug abuse, and criminal investigations. Officials also said they are looking at ways to improve efficiency in case handling, including better documentation and added help positions, and noted outreach efforts through nursing associations and the Arkansas Center for Nursing. For professional soil classifiers, Agriculture Department officials explained that the occupation was created in 1975 and now is administered by the Natural Resources Commission after the former board was abolished in 2023. They said the profession is small and specialized, with about 29 registered soil classifiers in Arkansas, and requires a four-year degree plus coursework in biological, earth, and soil sciences. Members asked whether the current number is sufficient, what the work involves, and how the licensing fund is used. Officials said the current number appears adequate, though demand could change with more nutrient management or related work, and that soil classifiers commonly assist with septic system design, perk testing, wetland determinations, and other soil-related projects. They also noted the program has a small reserve and may look at training, curriculum, testing, and administrative budget adjustments. Both reports were reviewed without objection, and no votes were taken. The next meeting was announced for February 19 at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:24:57.360><c> records</c> sb1421 relating to medical records sb1421 relating to medical records
• </c> of their disposition of the medical of their disposition of the medical records<00:25:57.559><c>
• </c> something um they should be on a medical something um they should be on a medical record<00:27:02.880
• </c><00:37:15.000><c> Response</c> support Jim American Medical Response support Jim American Medical
• </c> Douglas van gonma American Medical Douglas van gonma American Medical Response<00:37:25.720><c>

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee heard testimony on several health-related measures, with most of the discussion focused on SB 1419, SB 1494, and SB 1495, which were taken out of order to accommodate ASL/Death Blind Task Force testimony. SB 1419, relating to Act 253 (Session Laws of Hawaii 2023), drew support from the Department of Human Services and the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii, with testimony emphasizing use of the term “low vision” and support for the program timeline. The committee later recommended passage with amendments, including technical changes and updated appropriation fiscal years, and the motion was adopted unanimously by the members present. SB 1494, concerning hearing aids, drew broad support from disability advocates and others who argued that hearing aids improve health, reduce accidents, and may help reduce dementia risk. Testifiers also urged that the bill define hearing aids as prescription hearing aids rather than including over-the-counter devices, and the Department of the Auditor and Insurance Division raised cost and coverage questions. The committee recommended passage with amendments, changing the coverage approach to optional coverage similar to vision and dental and requesting a sunrise analysis for prescription hearing aids; that recommendation was adopted. SB 1495, which exempts hearing aids from the general excise tax, also received support, while the Attorney General flagged a possible single-subject issue and the Tax Department estimated a potential $1.1 million revenue impact. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including deletion of the challenged language, technical fixes, and noting the revenue estimate; that recommendation was adopted. The committee then moved through additional measures with mostly supportive testimony. SB 1421 on medical records prompted questions about what happens when a solo practitioner dies or closes practice, and the discussion centered on ensuring patients can obtain records, including a proposed amendment requiring a successor provider to send records to the patient’s last known address. SB 1422, dealing with a special fund and vital statistics funding, was supported by the Department of Health, which said the special fund did not meet criteria and that deposits should instead go to the Vital Statistics Improvement Special Fund. SB 1423 on certificate of need exemptions for Department of Health facilities drew support, with discussion of possibly extending exemptions to dialysis and behavioral health/psychiatric services; the Department indicated it would not oppose that change. SB 1424 on credentialing of health care providers also received support, and SB 1425 on the State Emergency Medical Services Committee focused on reducing quorum requirements because many members are active first responders and cannot always attend meetings. The committee also heard support for SB 1426 on emergency medical services, SB 1431 on viral hepatitis, and SB 1433 on harm reduction, with testimony on hepatitis outreach funding and syringe access best practices; for SB 1433, the Department of Health identified a blank in the bill and recommended a six-month period for the syringe-possession exception.

Transcript Highlights:

• Victor medical officer of Tinare, Dr.
• </c> savings they can realize from medical savings they can realize from medical loss<00:47:08.960><c
• </c> established in the medical literature. established in the medical literature.
• It is a public only a medical issue.
• </c><01:20:07.040><c> for</c> psychiatrist, or medication for psychiatrist, or medication for follow-up

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board met with a quorum, approved the November 12 minutes by voice vote, and then heard a presentation from former Governor Ernie Fletcher and Dave Johnson on Medicaid reimbursement for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Fletcher argued that addiction should be treated as a chronic disease requiring a longer continuum of care, not just short residential stays, and said recovery should combine clinical treatment with social supports such as housing, transportation, employment, peer coaching, and recovery housing. He cited data on overdose trends, low treatment rates, and high costs for people with SUD, and said current reimbursement models create poor incentives and do not adequately support long-term recovery or measure outcomes well. Fletcher proposed a “carve through” model administered at the MCO level with standardized metrics, data sharing, and an independent recovery coordinator that would assess patients, coordinate care, and connect them to clinical and social recovery services. He suggested using bundled payments, shared savings, and partial risk arrangements, with recovery housing reimbursed on a PMPM or weekly basis and funded in part through existing Medicaid spending and other sources such as opioid abatement funds. He also emphasized peer support, telemedicine, criminal justice coordination, workforce and education supports, and the use of technology, including text messaging and possibly AI, to maintain long-term follow-up and identify relapse risk. Members questioned how the model would work in practice, especially the education and staffing requirements for recovery coordinators, reimbursement levels, and how many patients each coordinator or peer would serve. Fletcher said peers could be certified and would need additional training in assessments such as ASAM and recovery residence standards, but he did not give a precise salary figure, saying the market and bundled rates would determine that. He also said follow-up should continue for years, noting relapse risk over the first 18 to 24 months and that meaningful employment and ongoing peer contact help sustain recovery. No formal vote or action was taken on the substance use presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:17:48.800><c> process</c> existing voluntary certification process existing voluntary certification
• , medications, medications, sets<00:22:25.160><c> out</c><00:22:25.320><c> the</c><00:22:25.440><c> criteria
• :25:07.800><c> program</c> voluntary state certification program voluntary state certification program
• </c> is needed to sustain the certification is needed to sustain the certification program,<00:25:58.920
• </c><00:27:53.960><c> program</c> recovery residence certification program recovery residence certification

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the, and I may, we'll add to that, if I may, having certification as a K-12 teacher, although
• Later that same year, I had another experience of a medical emergency as a student athlete.
• She also said the district would be required to enforce a new medical certification process that goes
• Raeum said limiting local effort assistance restoration only to students with medical certification raises
• Limiting local effort assistance restoration only to students with medical certification also raises

Bills: SB6222 , SB6263 , SB6118 , SB6261 , SB6320

Committee: Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education

Keywords: public education, technology access, surplus hardware, digital divide, student resources, school district, public bidding, bid limits, procurement, public works, construction contracts, competitive bidding, lowest responsible bidder, small works roster, quotations, school purchasing, Washington-grown food, local food, inmate work programs, Department of Corrections

Transcript Highlights:

• With that certificate of Indian blood, which we call it.
• , the certificate of Indian blood.
• Recommendation of some medical professional is that correct? Mr.
• I think it was in regards to the certification, if there's any type of certification qualifications for
• It's close, but it's not quite the same as in the Medical Malpractice Act.

Bills: SB273 , SB37 , SB100

Summary: The Senate convened on the 30th day of the 2026 session, established a quorum, heard an invocation from Chaplain Harry Eberts, and received several announcements and House messages. The chamber then took up multiple concurrence and third-reading items, including Senate Bill 273, Senate Bill 37, Senate Bill 100, Senate Bill 41, House Bill 34, House Bill 20, House Bill 43, House Bill 38, and House Bill 256. The body also heard that House Joint Memorial 2 was moved from the President’s table to the calendar, and later received messages from the House on several other Senate and House measures. The most contentious action was concurrence on Senate Bill 273, which concerns correction facility loss of revenue for counties affected by the loss of ICE detainees. Senators debated the economic impact on Torrance, Otero, and Cibola counties, with supporters arguing the bill provided partial relief and critics saying it did not come close to replacing lost jobs and revenue. The Senate ultimately concurred with the House amendments by a vote of 22-18. On Senate Bill 100, which would have expanded burglary-related definitions to include an “extension of a dwelling,” several senators argued the House language was too broad and legally vague, and the Senate voted not to concur, sending the bill back to the House. Senate Bill 41, with a technical correction and addition of second-degree criminal sexual penetration, was concurred with by voice vote. Among the bills passed on third reading, House Bill 34 updated school nurse licensure rules and supervision pathways and passed 38-0. House Bill 43, a PERA cleanup bill, clarified retirement and survivor-benefit provisions, and passed 39-0 after questions about whether it affected PERA’s unfunded liability; sponsors said it did not. House Bill 38 expanded insurance coverage for powered mobility devices and prosthetics, including coverage for batteries and in-state provider requirements, and passed 38-0. House Bill 256 expanded cardiac emergency response planning and AED requirements to athletic activities and schools, including private schools on a phased-in basis, and was debated over cost and scope before passing. House Bill 20, which would allow Native American designation on driver’s licenses and IDs, prompted extended discussion about tribal support, documentation, and possible profiling concerns; the transcript cuts off before final disposition of that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• People cannot afford their medication as low as a few cents. So please kindly support ACIP.
• With me, I'm joined by my co-sponsors, SEIU California and the California Medical Association.
• I'm here representing the California Medical Association. One of the proud co-specialists.
• They have some basic certification and training which includes a phlebotomy certification.
• I'm the lobbyist for the California Veterinary Medical Association. Please excuse my cold.

Committee: House Business and Professions

Transcript Highlights:

• So in order to be eligible for the Board of Certification exam, the national certification that credentials
• That exam is offered by the Board of Certification.
• They have to have failed less expensive medications.
• They have to have failed less expensive medications.
• For those that have no insurance or underinsured, we provide free medications or reduced price medications

Committee: House Health and Mental Health

Summary: The committee first heard House Bills 2365, 2490, and 2249, a bipartisan version of Elijah’s Law, which would require child care facilities to receive training and guidance on recognizing and responding to food allergies and anaphylaxis. Sponsors described the bill as a response to the death of Elijah, whose daycare did not administer epinephrine quickly enough after a food exposure. Witnesses in support, including a parent and food allergy advocate, said the measure would improve preparedness and save lives. Committee members asked about whether the bill should use broader epinephrine terminology, whether the requirements could also be handled through child care licensing rules, and whether the bill was already included in a larger measure. No opposition was presented, and the hearing on those bills was closed. The committee then heard House Bill 1965, which would require insurers to reimburse athletic trainers for covered services and add athletic trainers to the practitioner definition for billing purposes. The sponsor and athletic training witnesses said the bill would recognize athletic trainers as licensed health care providers, improve access in rural and underserved areas, and allow reimbursement when trainers work in clinics, hospitals, or other non-school settings. Committee members raised repeated questions about the difference between athletic trainers and physical therapists, whether school-based services were already paid through contracts, whether the bill would increase costs or create double payment, and how diagnosis and billing would work under the current scope of practice. Opponents from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City and the Missouri Insurance Coalition argued the bill would create a mandate, increase costs, and expand billing before clarifying the underlying scope of practice. No vote was taken in public hearing. The committee then moved into executive session and voted several bills do pass. A substitute was adopted for House Bill 1826 and the committee substitute for House Bills 1826, 2560, 2349, and 2194 passed 17-0. House Bill 1783 also passed 17-0. House Bill 2372, which incorporated multiple related provisions including changes to epinephrine terminology and other committee items, passed 17-1 after a substitute and amendment were adopted. House Bill 1827, the occupational therapy bill related to disabled placards and license plates, passed 18-0. The committee then returned to public hearing and heard House Bills 1941 and 2279, which would prohibit copay accumulator programs for fully insured plans so that third-party assistance counts toward a patient’s deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. Sponsors and a rheumatologist testified that the bills would prevent patients with serious illnesses from being forced to pay the same deductible twice and said similar laws have been enacted in many other states. Opponents from America’s Health Insurance Plans argued the measure would affect only a minority of plans, raise costs in the individual and small-group market, and could worsen affordability for remaining enrollees. The hearing ended without a vote on those bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our children need a straightforward framework where they're medical care, demands the man's permission
• With popped out options for parents based on religious or medical reasons. Chair.
• medical history.
• This technical changes to weapons certification requirements, but those waived into certification are
• Certification prohibits exemptions for background screening for educator certification removes the Commissioner

Transcript Highlights:

• Available to minors for a medical reason? Is that kind of what you're trying to say?
• And as I mentioned, all those other medical indications.
• I assume your goal is not to ban anti-acne medication.
• Yes, this bill does not encompass any of the acne products nor medication.
• The state water board may receive thousands of certificates under the 401 process.

Committee: House Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> couple um one is so the FDA medication couple um one is so the FDA medication guide<02:06:54.119
• We know that there are many medications, including GI medications and allergy medications, that have
• </c> informational purpose that medications informational purpose that medications that<02:10:04.320>
• </c> medications that um GI medications medications that um GI medications allergy<02:12:44.079><c> medications
• actually true medically.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• It is not just a benign, no-big-deal type of medication.
• The women of Arizona deserve better, better medical care, better protection from abuse.
• Criminally punish anyone who provides or receives medication abortion.
• If the employee has valid certification from the approved training and certification program, and the
• Could you kind of expound on the medical training part that is not a standard medical training?

Committee: House House Judiciary Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2763, which would require a joint resolution of the legislature before the Arizona Game and Fish Commission could close a state-run shooting range. The sponsor and several supporters, including a Prescott-area doctor, Arizona Citizens Defense League representatives, and Game and Fish staff, argued that closures can push shooters into unsafe public lands, create trash and safety problems, and that the legislature should have a voice in any closure decision. Game and Fish said its goal is to preserve Ben Avery and emphasized public safety. The bill was moved and received a do pass recommendation on an 8-1 vote. The committee then considered House Bill 2417, allowing courts to order speed-inhibiting devices as an alternative to license suspension or revocation for certain traffic offenses. Supporters said it could help people keep working and reduce recidivism, while opponents and some members raised concerns about scope and implementation. An amendment removed eligibility for people convicted of reckless driving or racing and clarified manufacturers are not required to build compatible vehicles. The bill, as amended, passed 7-2. House Bill 2345 followed, creating a felony for unlawfully present persons who possess a falsified commercial driver’s license and authorizing vehicle forfeiture and penalties for employers who knowingly hire such drivers. The sponsor framed it as a narrow public-safety measure, but the Arizona Trucking Association opposed it, arguing it was preempted by federal law, unworkable, and could jeopardize federal funding. Despite those concerns, the committee adopted an amendment and gave the bill a 5-3-1 do pass recommendation. The committee also advanced House Bill 2666, increasing penalties for sexual extortion involving victims ages 15 to 17; testimony from prosecutors and anti-trafficking advocates supported the bill, while defense attorneys and some members urged caution about juvenile defendants and mandatory consecutive sentences. It passed 8-0 with members noting possible future amendments. Finally, the committee approved House Bill 2175, which adds hate-crime-style sentencing enhancements for bias-motivated offenses and expands protected categories to include political expression and political affiliation. The ADL and Maricopa County Attorney’s Office supported the measure as a needed tool, while the ACLU and defense attorneys warned the political-expression language was too broad and could chill speech or invite selective prosecution. The bill passed 6-2 after adoption of an amendment. House Bill 2186, which lets a passenger satisfy identity requirements during a traffic stop by verbally providing information instead of showing physical ID, also received a do pass recommendation on a 7-0-1 vote after the sponsor said it was meant to fix an unconstitutional vagueness problem. The transcript then began discussion of House Bill 2364, concerning penalties for distribution or receipt of abortion-inducing drugs by courier or delivery service, but the exchange was cut off before testimony or action on that bill was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not medically necessary, and Medicaid says it's not medically necessary. Thank you.
• </c> question if it was deemed medically question if it was deemed medically necessary<00:07:41.400><
• </c> portion of it yes sir if it's medically portion of it yes sir if it's medically necessary<00:08:
• All major medical associations agree that this is medically necessary care.
• All major medical associations agree that this is medically necessary care.

Summary: The committee first considered Senate Bill 2, sponsored by Senator Mike Wilson, which would prohibit incarcerated people from receiving cross-sex hormones or gender-affirming surgeries, while allowing a tapering period if stopping an existing treatment would cause physical harm. Wilson said the bill was needed to prevent the Department of Corrections from providing such care by memo or policy rather than statute, and he argued the care was elective and not medically necessary. Senators Thomas, Neal, Nemes, Styers, and others questioned whether any gender-affirming surgeries had actually occurred in Kentucky, whether the hormone treatments were physician-prescribed, and whether the bill would override medical judgment; Wilson said the department reported no surgeries, that 67 incarcerated people were receiving cross-sex hormone therapy, and that he would only support treatment if it fit the bill’s narrow medical-harm exception. Public testimony on SB 2 was strongly opposed. Chris Hartman of the Fairness Campaign said the bill would deny medically necessary care, violate the Eighth Amendment, and target a very small and vulnerable incarcerated population. Dr. Jack Skilles testified that gender-affirming care is medically necessary and supported by major medical organizations, warning that denying it could worsen mental health and lead to suicidality. Hannah Callahan, a transgender woman, described being denied hormone therapy while incarcerated and said the interruption caused severe physical and mental harm, including suicidal thoughts. Emma Curtis, Lexington’s Fourth District councilwoman, also urged a no vote, framing the issue as a matter of compassion and religious duty. The committee then voted on SB 2. Senator Neal explained his no vote by saying he was not medically trained and deferred to doctors; Senator Nemes said he wanted clarification that the bill would not stop ongoing treatment; and Senator Styers argued the bill was a poor priority and noted there was no fiscal note and that only 67 people were affected. Senator Wheeler moved the bill, Senator Reed seconded, and the committee reported Senate Bill 2 favorably. Afterward, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 84, sponsored by Senator Steve Rawlings, which would limit judicial deference to state agency interpretations and require courts, not agencies, to interpret ambiguous laws, citing the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2024 Loper Bright decision overturning Chevron deference.

Transcript Highlights:

• Angela Hill, with the California Medical Association, in support.
• The confidential section on each birth certificate for public health purposes.
• Hi, Angela Hill, California Medical Association.
• I'm grateful for the access to these medications.
• I'm grateful for the access to these medications.

Committee: House Health

Summary: The committee heard several health-related bills, with extensive testimony on maternal health, prenatal safety, valley fever, Medi-Cal care coordination, anti-discrimination protections in health care, and health data sharing. SB 32 would require time-and-distance standards for labor and delivery units in health plans; supporters said it addresses maternity care deserts and dangerous delays, while one opposition witness raised concerns. SB 646 would require testing and public disclosure of toxic elements in prenatal vitamins; supporters emphasized fetal and maternal safety and transparency, while opponents warned the bill could discourage use of prenatal vitamins or lead to products with fewer nutrients. Both bills were moved out of committee on due-pass motions as amended, with recorded roll-call support. The committee also advanced SB 313, which moves a parent’s birthplace from the public portion of a birth certificate to a confidential section to protect privacy; it passed with little opposition. SB 297 would require CDPH to annually identify high-incidence valley fever regions and publish them to improve screening and awareness; supporters cited the disease’s spread beyond the Central Valley and the need for earlier diagnosis, while county health officials were opposed unless amended. SB 324 would steer Medi-Cal enhanced care management and community supports contracting toward local community-based organizations and clarify related guidance; supporters said local nonprofits and promotoras are more effective, while children’s hospitals and health plans sought amendments. SB 418 would codify ACA nondiscrimination protections in state law and allow up to a 12-month supply of medically necessary hormone therapy; supporters framed it as protecting access and continuity of care, while opponents argued it could conflict with federal law and expand coverage for gender-affirming care. SB 660 would strengthen the California health data exchange framework by creating governance and accountability for data sharing across providers and social services; supporters said it would reduce duplication and improve coordinated care, and the bill passed to the next committee. The consent calendar and the other measures were also approved, with some items held on call for absent members before final passage.

Transcript Highlights:

• You need a card to purchase medical marijuana in the state of Florida.
• You could have medication.
• You could, uh, To be sober to not drink alcohol, you could have medication.
• the medical marijuana consortium um stated that there are more accidents with medical marijuana patients
• That's why we regulate medical marijuana.

Committee: Senate Agriculture

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture heard a presentation from Florida FFA state officers Gabby Howell and Macy Jordan, who described FFA and agricultural education as a three-part model of classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience, and leadership development. They highlighted FFA membership growth, Florida’s more than 60,000 members, industry certifications, and state funding that allows all agriculture education students to participate at no cost. Members praised the students and the organization’s role in developing future agricultural leaders. The committee then took up SB 438, which would regulate hemp and hemp extract products, including THC-infused beverages, by adding testing, labeling, retail location, age, and event restrictions, along with penalties and $2 million for testing equipment. Senator Burton said the bill is intended to address public safety, prevent products with illegal THC levels from reaching consumers, and respond to the governor’s prior veto concerns, especially store location and regulation. An amendment clarifying final batch testing was adopted without objection. Testimony was mixed. Supporters, including beverage distributors, law enforcement, and some hemp beverage businesses, backed regulation and said the bill would improve safety and clarity, though some asked for changes to avoid treating specialty beverage retailers like liquor stores. Opponents and some hemp industry representatives argued the bill was too restrictive, would hurt small businesses, and could push products into the black market; they also objected to THC limits, event restrictions, and the proposed regulatory structure. After debate, the committee voted 6-0 to report CS for SB 438 favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• or teacher assignment or an advanced degree in another field that has area of certification or teacher
• And this is data we get from the FDLE, which compiles this data through the medical examiner's offices
• They cannot claim that there's a medical benefit, which is, quite frankly, federally legal anyways, to
• , they need not be dispensed from a medical marijuana treatment center.
• The medical marijuana lane, the application fee is $146,000.

Committee: Senate Fiscal Policy

Summary: The Committee on Fiscal Policy considered several bills and reported all of them favorably. SB 70-24, on state planning and budgeting, was presented as a modernization of the long-range planning program to simplify reporting, remove outdated measures, and focus on key data points and outcomes; it passed without opposition. CS/SB 166, on administrative efficiency in public schools, made broad changes to school accountability and operations, including lowering the stakes of certain student assessments, giving districts more flexibility on evaluations, contracts, certification, calendars, facilities, and VPK oversight. Two amendments were adopted: one clarifying that Title I funds may be used for STEM services, and another refining how advanced degrees count on salary schedules. The bill passed favorably after testimony both supporting and opposing the changes, with supporters emphasizing flexibility and opponents raising concerns about teacher evaluation and instructional practice. CS/SB 164, on vessel accountability, was described as a measure to address derelict and at-risk vessels by improving owner identification, creating a free long-term anchoring permit program, increasing penalties, and authorizing grants for local governments in the FWC prevention program. It received support from marine industry groups and was reported favorably. CS/SB 472, on education and correctional facilities for licensed professions, would allow inmates to receive credit toward licensure for qualifying coursework; a strike-all amendment added coordination with DBPR and professional boards. The bill drew support from criminal justice, business, and policy groups and passed unanimously. The committee spent the most time on CS/SB 438, on food and hemp products. Senator Burton and co-sponsor Senator Davis argued the bill was needed to regulate intoxicating hemp products, restrict child-appealing packaging and signage, ban synthetic hemp products, cap THC content in edibles and beverages, and require hemp beverages to be sold through alcohol-style distribution channels. Supporters, including alcohol distributors and some public safety advocates, said the bill would improve testing, labeling, and consumer protection. Opponents, including hemp retailers, farmers, and libertarian advocates, argued it would harm small businesses, reduce consumer choice, and push sales to the black market. After extensive debate, the bill was reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, senators requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on tab five, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up, we will take up CS for HB 547, medical debt, by Representative Partington.
• And then, unstable, they medically discharged him and sent him home. Why?
• And then unstable, they medically discharged him and sent him home. Why?
• It takes a very long time to process death certificates.
• It takes a very long time to process death certificates.

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee heard and passed several bills. HB 293 would codify the Office of Faith and Community in the Executive Office of the Governor, create a liaison and advisory council, and was supported by faith-based and nonprofit groups; some members questioned possible duplication with existing services and the source of any future funding, but the bill passed 24-0. CS/HB 547 would create an exception to the 30-day notice requirement before hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers sell medical debt when the debt buyer agrees not to use interest, fees, or extraordinary collection actions and must return charity-care-eligible debt; it passed unanimously after brief support testimony. CS/HB 1553 would require reporting of uterine fibroid data to the Department of Health to create a de-identified public database and reauthorize funding for implementation; it also passed 24-0, with members noting the earlier database mandate had not been carried out. The committee then took up CS/HB 1195, “Gage’s Law,” which would require hospitals and hospital-based emergency departments to test for fentanyl in urine drug screens for suspected overdose or poisoning cases. The bill was presented as a response to overdose deaths and the need to better detect fentanyl, and emotional testimony from a parent described a son’s death after a hospital did not test for fentanyl. Members from both parties spoke in strong support, emphasizing stigma, the need for better treatment and data, and the potential to save lives; the bill passed 24-0. CS/HB 47 on child care and early learning providers would streamline inspections, speed background screening, offer free online training/testing, update definitions, protect certain family child care homes from insurance issues, and create a license-exempt category for employer-provided child care; after questions about parent notice, database listing, background checks, and insurance, an amendment was adopted and the bill passed 24-0 as amended. Finally, CS/HB 647 would allow advanced practice registered nurses to sign death certificates in hospice settings, addressing delays that can leave families waiting to complete burial arrangements. Support testimony came from advocacy and hospice groups, and members cited the bill’s importance for families and religious burial timelines. The bill passed 23-0. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and Representative, so you apply for the certification validating that you're a true affordable
• Chair, is you would go to MFA and ask for this certification that you were going to do rehabilitation
• Many of our patients live in rural communities where access to specialty medical services is limited.
• services, many medical services throughout the southwest region of New Mexico, including Grant, Luna
• . ...and that gives them an additional 180 days to come back with their certification.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 296, which would double New Mexico’s working families tax credit. The sponsor said the bill would increase work incentives, reduce poverty, and could provide families up to about $1,900 more per year, with benefits concentrated among families with children and lower earners. Public testimony from advocacy groups and faith organizations supported the bill. Members asked about foster family eligibility, age eligibility, refundability, and how the credit compared with a prior vetoed proposal. After discussion, a member moved to table the bill, and HB 296 was tabled. The committee then took up the committee substitute for House Bill 77, a tax credit for rehabilitating vacant or blighted buildings into affordable multifamily housing, with at least half of the credit reserved for rural New Mexico. Supporters from housing, business, construction, local government, and advocacy groups said it would expand housing supply, revitalize downtowns and vacant properties, and help rural communities. Members questioned the certification and recertification process, affordability requirements, and the role of the Mortgage Finance Authority. The sponsor asked to roll the bill to Friday so an amendment could be considered, and the committee agreed to roll HB 77 rather than vote on it. House Bill 275, authorizing revenue bonds for Hila Regional Medical Center to replace an aging linear accelerator used for radiation cancer treatment, was heard next. The sponsor and supporters said the equipment is essential for cancer care in southwest New Mexico and that patients would otherwise have to travel long distances for treatment. An amendment extending the bond term from 20 to 30 years was adopted after the New Mexico Finance Authority explained declining tobacco-tax revenues and the need to protect against default risk. The committee then gave HB 275, as amended, a do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 285, as amended, which clarifies and streamlines the disabled veteran property tax exemption. The sponsor said the bill limits the exemption to a primary residence, clarifies how it applies to multiple owners, and gives veterans more time and clearer procedures to claim or protest the exemption while they await VA certification. County assessors and realtor representatives supported the measure, saying it would reduce administrative confusion and ensure eligible veterans receive the benefit consistently. The committee adopted the bill on a do pass motion. The meeting then adjourned with notice that work would continue on Friday.