Transcript Highlights:

• The county was going to look for someone to operate it and I, you know, went to some meetings to help
• Our forensic division is also operating at a higher rate than we ever have before.
• So with that, we'll launch into the City of Albuquerque on slide 9.
• Housing New Mexico, or MFA, Mortgage Finance Authority, launched this recently.
• They recently launched the Statewide Landlord Incentive Program.

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Believe it or not, the 1990s was the last launch of a product.
• Believe it or not, the 1990s was the last launch of a product. Right?
• Believe it or not, the 1990s was the last launch of a product.
• Part of that is the cost of operating a mobile unit. It's very expensive.
• There, we have, you know, from a critical access standpoint, a fairly robust operating room or operating

Committee: Joint Health Care Committee

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then heard a detailed annual presentation from Dr. Thomas Arnold, chair of the Maternal Mortality Review Committee, on maternal mortality trends and review findings. He explained the committee’s structure, the de-identified review process, and the distinction between pregnancy-associated and pregnancy-related deaths. He said national maternal mortality has declined from its 2021 peak, but mental health conditions, substance use, overdose, suicide, cardiovascular disease, hemorrhage, infection, and embolism remain major causes. He emphasized that many deaths are preventable, with especially high rates among non-Hispanic Black women and in the American Indian/Alaska Native population, and noted that a large share of deaths occur after 42 days postpartum. Committee members asked about suicide, domestic abuse, pregnancy testing in unexplained deaths, and the role of home births and midwife training. Dr. Arnold said the committee is adding a caseworker, exploring post-mortem pregnancy testing in suspicious cases, and working with coroners and forensic officials; he also said home births and untrained midwifery pose safety concerns and that better public education and facility-based care are important. The committee then heard from State Fire Marshal Dr. Matt Clark on cigarette ignition propensity standards and fire prevention. He recommended updating North Dakota’s cigarette ignition legislation to the current national standard and also considering legislation requiring fast-breakaway oxygen tubing, citing fatal fires involving smoking around home oxygen. He explained that his office verifies manufacturer testing and maintains certification for cigarettes sold in the state, but does not itself conduct the testing. Members asked about implementation, cost, and whether the standards apply in tribal communities; Clark said he would follow up with cost information and additional details, and that he had not seen evidence of a major issue on tribal lands but would look further. Christine Greff of the Department of Health and Human Services presented the North Dakota Stroke System of Care report. She described the statewide network of two comprehensive stroke centers, four primary stroke centers, and 30 acute stroke-ready hospitals, along with the stroke registry and quality-improvement efforts. She reported that most strokes are ischemic, that the median stroke patient age is 71.5, and that common risk factors include hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, and diabetes. She highlighted improvements in door-to-CT, thrombolytic treatment times, dysphagia screening, EMS pre-notification, and interfacility transfer performance, and said new priorities include hemorrhagic stroke quality measures and standardized EMS stroke screening tools. Members asked about the VA hospital’s participation, and Greff said she would pursue outreach. After a break, the committee heard testimony from Taha Khan of Vertex Pharmaceuticals as part of the prior authorization study, focused on non-opioid pain treatment. He argued that prior authorization can delay access to acute pain treatment and may push patients toward opioids, especially in the critical 24- to 72-hour post-discharge window. He cited data showing that even short opioid exposure can increase the risk of long-term use and said prior authorization is often a barrier for physicians and patients. Khan recommended open access with a quantity limit rather than prior authorization, suggesting a 14-day limit supported by the product’s data and an episode-of-care approach. Members asked about dental use, payer discussions, and cost; he said the product’s wholesale acquisition cost is about $16.10 per tablet, with patient assistance available, and that he would follow up on payer and comparison-cost questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• DAGS doesn't operate that way. We've never operated that way.
• DAGS doesn't operate that way. We've never operated that way.
• DAGS doesn't operate that way. We've never operated that way.
• We've never operated that way.
• </c> like what the ongoing um operational like what the ongoing um operational needs<06:23:18.080><c>

Summary: The Committee on Finance received an informational briefing from the Department of Law Enforcement on its priorities following the January 1 transfer of law enforcement assets into the department, including the sheriff’s division, narcotics enforcement, criminal investigations, homeland security, and the inspector general’s office. DLE said its goals are to improve public safety, accountability, communications, training, and standards. The department outlined planned initiatives such as stronger federal partnerships, narcotics and gun-violence enforcement, an agricultural crime unit, traffic and commercial vehicle enforcement, an explosive/fireworks enforcement section, gun buybacks, new police facilities in the airport area, Aahu, and the leeward side, a state training center, upgraded law-enforcement IT, and efforts to narrow salary gaps with county departments to improve recruitment. A major portion of the discussion focused on illegal fireworks enforcement after the recent explosion tragedy. DLE said its current task force is small and relies on ad hoc support from HPD, the Attorney General’s office, criminal investigations, and sheriffs, which is not sustainable. The department requested eight FTEs for the effort—one administrator, two clerical staff, and six investigators—plus funding for a laboratory, equipment, storage, disposal, vehicles, safety gear, and a criminalist. DLE said the explosive enforcement section would use an existing facility and that the initial lab startup cost is about $2 million. Members asked for follow-up materials, and DLE said it would send the explosive enforcement forms and additional details to the Finance and Judiciary chairs. Members also questioned staffing vacancies, interagency coordination, and whether new specialized units could be filled. DLE said it has about 119 vacancies and that recruitment is hindered by a roughly $28,000 starting pay gap with county police departments; academy classes are down to about 12 to 14 recruits. The department said it is streamlining hiring, using QR-code recruitment, and hopes specialized units will attract applicants. On coordination, DLE said it works closely with HPD and other agencies on operations such as fireworks enforcement and public events, and that DOCARE remains a case-by-case partner but is not currently moving into DLE. The committee also received updates on the Silver Alert program, which is nearing rollout with county MOUs and a coordinator expected later in the month, the special duty officer program, which is being moved to a web-based vendor-managed system at no cost to the department, and the SaferWatch school safety system, which is being deployed statewide with annual software costs of $3,500 per school in the first year and $2,500 thereafter. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Johns Hopkins is launching Florida's only Children's Oncology Group early-phase clinical trials site.
• Implementation of these projects is rapidly forming partnerships and launching clinical tools.
• pretty much all universities in the state that we also send out the information to, because we also operate
• ... ...in the state that we also send out the information to, because we also operate all of the other

Committee: Senate Health Policy

Summary: The committee first received an update from the Department of Health on the Cancer Connect Collaborative, the Cancer Innovation Fund, and the new Cancer Connect Collaborative Research Incubator, created and expanded by recent legislation. The department reported that the Cancer Innovation Fund has awarded $80 million to 95 researchers to date, with $60 million available in the current cycle and 65 projects funded across 28 institutions in 16 cancer areas last year. The new pediatric cancer incubator received $30 million and awarded four Florida children’s hospitals $7.5 million each. Senators asked about outreach to oncologists statewide, peer review and accountability, funding for National Cancer Institute-affiliated institutions, and whether underserved and rural areas are being prioritized; the department said it uses website notices, listservs, collaborative outreach, and eligibility criteria favoring rural and high-cancer-care providers, and that it monitors projects through reports, expenditures, and contract provisions. The committee then heard Senate Bill 312 on patient-directed medical orders, which would create a voluntary, portable, physician-authorized electronic registry for patients to document end-of-life and serious-illness treatment preferences. Supporters, including nurses, hospice and emergency care advocates, and medical professionals, said the bill would help ensure patient wishes are accessible in emergencies, reduce unwanted interventions, and improve continuity of care. Opponents, including Florida Right to Life, argued the bill could broaden end-of-life decisions too far, raise privacy and coercion concerns, and allow withdrawal of care inappropriately. The sponsor said the measure is intended to support patient autonomy and is not anti-life, and noted she was open to amendments. After public testimony, the committee voted on SB 312 and reported it favorably. The roll call showed support from Senators Berman and Harrell, with the bill passing on the committee vote. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• An operator comes out. They happen to see this.
• operators.
• What does it take to be a qualified water operator?
• No, you don't need a college degree to be a water operator.
• and how they. operate like Florida.

Transcript Highlights:

• Serving as the second-in-command chief operating officer and co-chair of the VADOD Joint Executive Council
• Beds and operating rooms at VA hospitals have been reduced.
• We successfully launched Solid Start and the Veterans Benefits Banking Program.
• The VA is limited to contracts, general operation, and management of the IT system.
• operation of the VA.

Committee: Senate Senate Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: veterans affairs, VA modernization, employee layoffs, mental health, suicide prevention, transparency, senate committee, bipartisan support, oversight

Summary: The meeting involved detailed discussions on various veterans' issues, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amidst a backdrop of significant staffing changes. Members expressed deep concerns over the recent layoffs of over 1,000 VA employees, emphasizing the crucial nature of these positions in the context of mental health support for veterans, particularly amid rising suicide rates. Senators articulated the need for transparency and effective communication between the VA and Congress to avoid further breakdowns in services. The session also spotlighted the ongoing modernization of VA systems and the urgent need to streamline processes to benefit veterans effectively.

Transcript Highlights:

• What is the total operational cost of the program right now?
• She is our business operations chief. Good afternoon.
• So we will be operational.
• We will, We'll be operational on the first segments of the network this July, so we will be operational
• As I noted, we're going to be operational in 2026-27.

Transcript Highlights:

• California Trade and Commerce was formed in 1992 and formally began operating the statewide SBDC program
• So even though we operate a federal program, we are state folks. We're California's SBDC.
• lot of actionable items, how do the regulatory and compliance requirements impact the day-to-day operations
• I think we need to be aware of and to have an impact on the day-to-day operations.
• I am the founder and CEO of Primos Beverage Company, which is a company that we launched in January of

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact held an informational hearing focused on the California Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network and its role in helping small businesses access capital, recover from disasters, and scale innovative companies. Chair Salas and Vice Chair Castillo opened by emphasizing the importance of small businesses to California’s economy and noting recent passage of AB 685, described as a small business resiliency and innovation measure. Witnesses from multiple SBDC regions and business owners testified about the network’s statewide reach, confidentiality, multilingual advising, and partnerships with universities and state agencies. Panelists described SBDC’s work in three main areas: disaster recovery, startup and innovation support, and capital access. Testimony highlighted SBDC assistance after major disasters such as the Camp Fire, Dixie Fire, San Diego floods, and the Los Angeles fires, including help with insurance claims, grant applications, debt restructuring, and reopening businesses. Business owners from Altadena and Sacramento shared personal stories of how SBDC guidance, grants, and connections helped restore operations, preserve jobs, and navigate crises. Another panel focused on technology startups and the “valley of death,” explaining how SBDC helps founders with customer discovery, grant strategy, intellectual property, and financing; examples included a mobility-tech company and a biodegradable plastics startup that secured major grants, investment, and jobs with SBDC support. A third panel focused on access to capital, with SBDC staff explaining lending options, state loan programs, and finance centers that package loans and match businesses with lenders. They said many small businesses need less than $100,000 and often turn to high-cost alternatives without guidance; SBDC helps them refinance and secure better terms. A beverage company founder described using SBDC to move from a failed public affairs firm to launching a tequila brand, raising capital, and building distribution. Members asked about barriers facing immigrant-owned businesses, disaster aid gaps, and regulatory burdens; SBDC representatives said their services are confidential, available to eligible businesses regardless of immigration status, and designed to connect clients to whatever public or private resources exist. No formal vote was taken at the hearing, and the meeting ended after public comment with the chair urging continued funding for SBDC and related small business support programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Avila: THE AMENDMENT PROPOSES THE ALLOCATION OF A SUM OF $190,000 IN A NONRECURRING FUND FOR THE OPERATING
• THE REGISTRY OPERATES UNDER A TIERED SYSTEM BASED ON THE SEVERITY AND FREQUENCY OF OFFENSES.
• SINCE THE REGISTRY LAUNCH MARION HAS BECOME A MODEL FOR OTHERS.
• IN LEE COUNTY SINCE WE LAUNCHED OUR OWN DATABASE IN 2023 WE HAVE IDENTIFIED OVER 20 KNOWN ABUSERS.
• I THINK THERE IS A FEDERAL PROVISION THAT YOU HAVE TO OPERATE A DRONE UNDER A CERTAIN LEVEL.

Transcript Highlights:

• The general code of operating is G-Core, which pertains to the operations at crossings.
• it on hand to continue operations.
• No, Bristow is an operator of aircraft.
• Our core competency is in their safe operation.
• The operational side of it is important as well.

Bills: HB341 , HB791 , HB1564 , HB1695 , HB1722 , HB1729 , HB1772 , HB2003 , HB2954 , HB2989 , HB3084 , HB3134 , HB3135 , HB3309 , HB3611 , HB3679 , HB3727 , HB3832

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: affordable housing, zoning, development, community support, local regulations, bicycle lanes, traffic collisions, Texas Department of Transportation, study, public safety, bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, road safety, transportation study, HB 791, Central Catholic High School, San Antonio, specialty license plate, specialty plates

Transcript Highlights:

• Dorisa Squire's operating engineer, first-year apprentice.
• I expressed my interest in wanting to become an operator.
• </c><01:19:42.840><c> engineers</c> today which is the operating engineers today which is the operating
• ><c> is</c> program demand for skilled operators is program demand for skilled operators is very<01:20
• </c><01:20:52.760><c> do</c> work that heavy equipment operators do work that heavy equipment operators

Bills: HF339 , HF1272 , HF2121 , HF2122 , HF1216 , HF1003 , HF2319

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• MHC last legislative session<00:04:53.759><c> has</c><00:04:54.080><c> been</c><00:04:54.240><c> launched
• </c> session has been launched or awarded. session has been launched or awarded. listening<00:04:56.639
• So that brings us to what is remaining to launch.
• Here's a quick snapshot of our remaining grant lines that are rolled out or about to launch.
• Representative Burkel said that both issues really reflect how the council operates, and that is what

Bills: HF4148

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• I won't spend too much time here, but just kind of a quick snapshot of our process to getting to launching
• So we're about two and a half years out from the launch of the service.
• I won't spend too much time here, but just kind of a quick snapshot of our process to getting to launching
• So we're about two and a half years out from the launch of the service.
• I think when we first launched it in the fall of 2023, we had more like 10.

Bills: HB2402 , HB2555 , HB2599 , HB2685

Committee: House Health Care & Wellness

Keywords: phthalates, medical equipment, healthcare regulation, intravenous therapy, toxic substances, Medicaid, healthcare, traditional practices, health insurance, coverage expansion, therapy, psychotherapy, mental health, regulation, professional standards, tribal data, data protection, privacy, sharing of information, Indigenous rights

Transcript Highlights:

• We’ll talk a little bit about what we call the soft launch portion of our work.
• And so they started talking about the work as a soft launch.
• </c> talking about the work as a soft launch talking about the work as a soft launch there<00:21:43.400
• budget, but we had a significant demand for operations.
• </c><01:32:01.960><c> plan</c> enforcement so an arrest operation plan enforcement so an arrest operation

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• As we're still operating at a deficit. Thank you. Thank you. Anyone else for public comment?
• 7, I will try to provide a quick crash course on how school meal programs are funded and how they operate
• They have to still operate independently. Mr.
• We asked schools to operate in order to...
• We're literally operating almost on a daily update cycle.

Transcript Highlights:

• We had exhausted all of our reserves just trying to maintain operations.
• We had exhausted all of our reserves just trying to maintain operations.
• As operational revenue stabilized with the support of the 340B savings, we were able to begin offering
• There are two other programs that we've developed that are in the process of launching that would make
• Appalachian Regional Healthcare operates in some of the most medically underserved areas of our state

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services opened with the chair welcoming several new members and outlining session rules: hearings would start and end on time, the committee would limit the number of bills heard each meeting, prioritize bills heard during the interim, and generally avoid using the consent calendar except in extreme circumstances. The committee then briefly considered administrative regulations, which were treated as approved if members had no questions. The main item was Senate Bill 14, a measure addressing the 340B drug discount program. The chair said the bill had already passed the Senate in a prior session and had been heard in interim, so he did not present it again. He described the bill as prohibiting drug manufacturers from discriminating against 340B covered entities by refusing 340B pricing when the same drug is offered at that price in the state. He also said the committee would not debate the federal 340B program itself, but would hear testimony on the bill. Hospital leaders and Kentucky Hospital Association representatives testified in support, arguing that 340B savings are essential to rural hospitals, oncology services, transportation support, chronic care, addiction recovery, and new service lines such as chemotherapy and hepatitis treatment. They said the program helps keep care close to home and that manufacturer restrictions on contract pharmacies have reduced access and cost hospitals millions. Opponents from BIO Kentucky and the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions argued the bill would expand federal law beyond Congress’s intent, create administrative burdens, and not lower patient out-of-pocket costs. The chair repeatedly pressed opponents to address why Kentucky should be denied the same 340B pricing available in other states. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we have many of the winners here on the floor with us today, and just a reminder, ODOT launched
• And so they launched this program. They've been doing it for 35 years.
• And whereas Oklahoma State University has launched the Code Calls, a $2 billion comprehensive campaign
• Representative, there’s approximately, I think, 40 PBMs operating, and three that we know of are considered
• do is allow the independent pharmacists or even the chain pharmacies that don’t also own a PBM to operate

Bills: HR1051 , HR1048 , SB2074 , SJR39 , SJR47 , SB1983 , SB444 , SB1503 , SB1561 , SB592 , SB1501 , SB1946 , SB1567 , SB1833 , SB2026 , SB904 , SB2178 , SB1651 , SB1558 , SB1565 , SB1553 , SB1257 , SB65 , SB1749 , SB1242 , SB1642 , SB640 , SB667 , SB1436 , SB1484 , SB1562 , SB1794 , SB1644 , SB1533 , SB933 , SB1555

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of special presentations and introductions celebrating Oklahoma State University, the Cowgirl Wrestling Club, the OSU livestock judging team, military children, poster contest winners, and several visiting groups and honorees. The chamber also recognized the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Kurt Emerson, and the Nurse of the Day, Beverly Felton. Much of the floor time was devoted to OSU Day remarks, including a citation honoring the university and comments from Speaker Hilbert, Coach Eric Morris, and President Jim Hess. The House then took up Senate Bill 2074, a pharmacy benefit manager measure intended to regulate PBMs and support pharmacists. An amendment by Representative Jenkins to remove a section of the bill was tabled, and members questioned the bill extensively about reimbursement rates, consumer costs, employer options, transparency, and the impact on independent pharmacies. After debate, the bill advanced and passed the House by a vote of 87-7. Members also considered Senate Joint Resolution 39, which would place a constitutional amendment on the ballot to cap property tax growth. The measure, as amended, would set a 1.75% annual cap on homestead property tax growth and a 4% cap on other properties, with a stair-step senior freeze. The resolution drew debate over effects on local government revenue, schools, roads, jails, and inflation, but supporters argued it would provide strong taxpayer protections. The House passed the resolution 85-9 and then took the additional vote required to refer the constitutional amendment to a special election.

Transcript Highlights:

• committee and staff a little bit later in our meeting, but I want to first begin this morning by launching
• surgery center, and then tell you a little bit about a fair pricing initiative that we are just launching
• encourage each one of you that if there are any questions, any concerns at all around committee operations
• So with that, we're going to launch into our very first public hearing of the year.
• Once a month we host a mobile mammography van operated by Fred Hutch in our parking lot at Carolyn Downs

Bills: SB5877 , SB5967

Committee: Senate Health & Long-Term Care

Keywords: anesthesiology, medical personnel, surcharges, licensing, healthcare regulations, preventive services, state authority, healthcare access, insurance coverage, public health

Transcript Highlights:

• His work empowers Latino communities, including launching the Tu Voz, Tu Voto, Tu Vida campaign to boost
• In December 2021, Agricultural Marketing Service launched the Local Food for Schools Program, a package
• In December 2021, Agricultural Marketing Services launched the local food for school programs, a package
• , they never assume that their puppy might have actually come from a cruel out-of-state breeding operation
• , they never assume that their puppy might have actually come from a cruel out-of-state breeding operation

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then held its Latino Spirit Awards ceremony. Members adopted House Resolution 16, proclaiming May 4–11, 2025 as Cinco de Mayo Week, after supportive remarks from several caucuses emphasizing Mexican history, women’s contributions, LGBTQ solidarity, Black and Brown unity, and AAPI and Jewish community support. The chamber then recognized 11 Latino Spirit honorees for achievements in human rights, business, arts, public service, community empowerment, health and science, environmental justice, philanthropy, and entertainment. After the ceremony, the Assembly returned to floor business and approved a series of measures. AB 60, banning synthetic nitro musks in cosmetics and personal care products, passed 56–3. AJR 6, urging Congress to protect federal school meal and local food funding, drew extensive debate and broad bipartisan support; members cited child hunger, farm economies, and local food systems, and it passed 76–0 with 73 coauthors added. Other measures adopted included AB 679 on state park land acquisitions, AB 681 expanding Dream Loan Program caps for undocumented graduate students, AB 1224 on substitute teacher continuity, AB 831 on gaming technical changes, AB 259 extending Brown Act teleconferencing flexibility, AB 467 extending Los Angeles Neighborhood Council teleconferencing authority, and AB 519 targeting deceptive puppy mill sales. The chamber also passed AB 1522, an urgency Judiciary Committee bill protecting attorneys from politically motivated discipline and creating an expedited licensing path for some former federal attorneys, and AB 263, which extends temporary water flow requirements on the Shasta and Smith Rivers; that bill drew sharp disagreement over water rights, tribal participation, and impacts on farmers, but ultimately passed 51–16. Additional measures approved included AB 428 on pooled insurance for water corporations, AB 492 requiring notice to local jurisdictions when recovery treatment facilities are licensed, and AB 536 preserving colorectal cancer screening coverage. The Assembly also adopted a motion to suspend file notice so Appropriations could hear AB 379 on May 7.

Transcript Highlights:

• programs that have a the goal to launch programs that have a goal<00:20:06.919><c> to</c><00:20:07.039
• ><c> launch</c><00:20:07.280><c> in</c><00:20:07.440><c> the</c><00:20:07.559><c> fall</c><00:20:07.919
• ><c> under</c><00:20:08.240><c> bright</c> goal to launch in the fall under bright goal to launch in
• I've been working for the past year to launch a teacher apprenticeship model with the University's four
• I've been working for the past year to launch a teacher apprenticeship model with the University's four