Video & Transcript Research : 'language certification'

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MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Health Finance and Policy Committee 2/23/26

Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • who had been issuing phony certificates. who had been issuing phony certificates.
  • the people who do not speak languages the people who do not speak languages and<00:19:36.640>
  • don't have to get certification. don't have to get certification.
  • could have some kind of certification could have some kind of certification system.<01:01:51.839
  • attempts to make some language attempts to make some language corrections<01:08:34.239> at
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

Senate Finance (05/12/2026)

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, I come to you today with this language. threshold for granting a certificate, threshold for granting
  • <00:39:08.560> that get agreement on having language that get agreement on having language
  • Would you want to quote your language Would you want to quote your language again<00:42:40.440><
  • my language. my language.
  • this compromise language. this compromise language.
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
MD

Maryland 2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session, 3/18/2026 #2

Maryland Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • amount of tax credits or certificates amount of tax credits or certificates that<00:19:25.960>
  • for national board certification. for national board certification.
  • certification of teachers. certification of teachers.
  • And it goes on to say upon certification And it goes on to say upon certification by<01:28:58.560
  • :30:55.440> by<01:30:55.640> the states upon certification by the states upon certification
Summary: The Senate reconvened with a quorum present and then proceeded through committee reports, largely adopting favorable reports and amendments without objection. Early measures included SB 530, which funds grants for multigenerational social connection programs for older adults; SB 731, clarifying the legal status of the Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council; SB 809, directing a feasibility study on a caregiver infrastructure program; SB 860, creating an Aging Resilience Fund with reporting and budget protections; SB 910, requiring insurance reimbursement for services provided by graduate-level clinical interns under supervision; and SB 972, making several Baltimore City alcoholic beverages licensing changes. Each of these bills was advanced to third reading after committee amendments were adopted. The Finance Committee also advanced SB 555, establishing a Dementia Services and Brain Health Program and a provider resource toolkit for dementia care; SB 757, creating a Maryland Local Sourcing Portal to connect businesses with local sources for tariff-impacted goods; SB 772, creating an employment training and opportunity database to help people qualify for or maintain Medicaid and SNAP; SB 792, requiring hospitals to adopt and train staff on immigration-enforcement policies consistent with Attorney General guidance; SB 869, establishing a workforce training pilot program through Commerce and community colleges; SB 905, creating an advanced manufacturing grant program through TEDCO; and SB 974, changing who may serve as inspector for the Caroline County Board of License Commissioners. Most of these bills were reported favorably with technical or narrowing amendments and then ordered printed for third reading. Budget and Taxation advanced SB 28, which would create binding arbitration for state employee collective bargaining impasses and include a proposed constitutional amendment requiring funding in the Governor’s budget; SB 466, expanding a physician preceptor tax credit and adjusting training-hour requirements; and later SB 704, concerning estate tax treatment for qualified agricultural property transferred to an LLC. SB 557, a gaming-related bill, was laid over until the end of the evening at the majority leader’s request. In the Education, Energy, and the Environment report, the committee advanced SB 35 on a state natural science museum designation, SB 166 on shellfish aquaculture permit sanctions, SB 189 on municipal drainage inlet safety requirements prompted by a child’s death, SB 242 on civil relief for service members and spouses, SB 266 on local regulation of invasive trees and tree-of-heaven, and SB 267 on a corporate rental-property registry and local housing application review process. SB 267 drew a brief question from the minority leader, who asked whether prior opposition remained and how the amended bill differed; the sponsor said the opposition had gone away and described the bill as now focused on a responsible-owner registry and an administrative review process.
CO

Colorado 2026 Regular Session

Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 001 Jan 15th, 2026

Colorado House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:29:58.960> of State regarding the certificates of State regarding the certificates of
  • > of<01:42:53.600> a cannot share the language of a cannot share the language of a resolution
  • In a republic, such language evokes a hierarchy incompatible with equality.
  • This language to which we took an oath.
  • In a republic, such language rule.
Keywords: 981, all
Summary: The House convened for the opening of the second regular session of the 75th General Assembly of the State of Colorado with ceremonial music, the presentation of colors by the Civil Air Patrol, the national anthem, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The chamber then handled organizational business, including appointing Vanessa Riley as chief clerk temporarily, establishing a quorum, and reading notices of resignations and vacancy appointments. The Committee on Credentials was appointed, met, and reported that Lori Goldstein and Kenny Van Wyn were properly appointed to fill vacancies in House Districts 29 and 33; the House adopted the report and both representatives-elect were sworn in. Afterward, the House appointed committees to notify the Senate and the governor that it was organized and ready for business, and later received those committees’ reports back in chamber. The House also received and read the full list of committee of reference and Joint Budget Committee assignments for the session. These included standing committees such as Appropriations, Education, Finance, Judiciary, Health and Human Services, Transportation, Housing, and Local Government, among others, along with the Joint Budget Committee membership. No substantive bills were debated or voted on in this transcript beyond the organizational motions and adoption of the credentials report. The remainder of the meeting consisted of opening-day remarks from House leadership. The Speaker and other members welcomed new and returning legislators, thanked staff and veterans, and noted recent losses and a moment of silence for those who had passed. The Speaker’s address focused on political violence, the state’s fiscal challenges, affordability, health care, housing, education, public lands, civil rights, and the need to lower costs while protecting prior policy gains. The session was framed as one in which the House would work on budget pressures, affordability, and continued investments in schools, health care, housing, and environmental protections.
VT

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session - 2026-03-19 - 11:00AM

Vermont Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • certification and licensure. certification and licensure.
  • , almost like a you know, certification, almost like a you know, teacher<00:15:45.959> licensure
  • about the impact little bit of language about the impact on<00:16:13.680> that<00:16:13.800><
  • You'll see that language on page 39.
  • You've seen this language if inspection.
Keywords: 927, senate, all
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/18/2026 - Senate Judiciary and Elections

Judiciary and Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • Furthermore, I was told that's the language we use.
  • How would that work with tribal ID or lack of a birth certificate or conflicting birth certificates from
  • The language says government-issued proof of identity.
  • have a certificate of live birth or of Indian birth, a C.I.B.
  • Or they lose their birth certificate due to moving, house fires, natural disasters... ...birth certificate
Summary: The committee approved the minutes and announced several bills would be held at the sponsors’ request, including HB 4117, HCR 2016, HCR 2051, and HB 2415. It then took up HB 2811, which would expand obstructing governmental operations to include knowingly interfering with a lawful arrest and make that conduct a felony. Supporters, including a county attorney representative, argued the bill closes a loophole and protects officers from third-party interference during arrests, while opponents from criminal justice and civil liberties groups said existing laws already cover the conduct and warned the bill could chill First Amendment activity such as filming police or protesting. The committee debated whether the bill duplicated resisting arrest and hindering prosecution statutes, then passed HB 2811 on a 3-2 vote with one member not voting. The committee next heard HB 2665, which would create a manslaughter offense for an adult who intentionally gives advice or encouragement through a directed communication to a minor to die by suicide, including via social media or text. Representative Carter and family members of suicide victims described the bill as a response to online encouragement and a way to hold people accountable when minors are clearly urged toward suicide. The committee then passed HB 2665 unanimously, 6-0 with one not voting. It also approved HB 2857, allowing the Department of Corrections to store inmate medical records electronically and dispose of paper copies, by a 5-1 vote. The committee then passed HB 2226, which requires courts to ask about veteran status at initial appearance, notify prosecutors, and connect veterans to services and possible treatment court referrals; an amendment shifted the service-notice duty from prosecutors to the court. Supporters said the bill helps identify veterans with PTSD or other needs and can reduce recidivism, and it passed 6-0. HB 2168, which would require county board approval before the Attorney General could bring a public nuisance action in superior court, drew sharp disagreement over the AG’s use of nuisance litigation against businesses such as dairies, industrial plants, and rail projects; supporters framed it as local control and opposition to overreach, while opponents said it would weaken accountability and protect corporate interests. The committee passed HB 2168 on a 3-2 vote with two not voting. Finally, the committee heard HB 2966, which would bar early termination of lifetime probation for dangerous crimes against children and apply that restriction retroactively. Supporters argued it would keep serious child offenders on supervision and protect victims, while opponents, including survivors and defense advocates, said DCAC is a sentencing enhancement rather than a standalone offense, that the bill removes judicial discretion, may raise ex post facto concerns, and could sweep in lower-level online conduct. The bill passed 4-2 with one not voting. The committee then began hearing HCR 2001, a voter referral to end early voting the Friday before Election Day, require government-issued ID for voting, and restrict mail ballot procedures; the sponsor said it would improve election integrity and speed results, while opponents argued it would burden voters and reduce access. The transcript cuts off during testimony and debate on that measure.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part II) Apr 3rd, 2025

Education K-16

Transcript Highlights:
  • It really is making conforming language to what 1871 ended up being.
  • I still have concerns about the single-instance language in the bill.
  • Members, any of the questions of Senator Paxton on the substitute language?
  • Hearing none, the substitute language is adopted.
  • and submerging oneself in the language.
Summary: The committee heard and discussed several higher education and public school bills. Senator Burwell presented SB 1242 to remove an outdated Coordinating Board approval requirement for Texas State Technical College land and facility acquisitions, and SJR 59 to create a constitutionally dedicated endowment for TSTC capital needs; both drew strong support from industry and workforce groups and were left pending. SB 757, by Senator Middleton, would create a debt-to-earnings accountability system for public college programs, with supporters saying it would protect students from low-value degrees and opponents warning it could unfairly penalize programs with long-term value, especially graduate, medical, and public service fields; it was also left pending. SB 1241, by Senator Millington, would expand acceptable college entrance exams beyond the SAT and ACT, including the Classic Learning Test, and was left pending after testimony from CLT, homeschool, and student groups in support. SB 1085, by Senator Blanco, would let Sul Ross State University offer lower-division courses at its satellite campuses in the Middle Rio Grande region; it too was left pending. The committee then took up a series of public school and higher education measures, voting several out favorably. SB 605, as substituted, limits commissioner approval of charter school expansion amendments for schools under conservatorship or a management team and was reported favorably 9-0. SB 1871 and SB 1873, both by Senator Perry, were revised to narrow teacher immunity, clarify removal and suspension procedures, require periodic review of in-school suspension placements, and align discipline rules; both substitutes were adopted and reported favorably. SB 1872, SB 1874, SB 762, SB 1962, SB 1750, SB 2252, SB 2253, SB 2365, SB 1924, and SB 37 were also considered, with most reported favorably on party-line or near-unanimous votes. SB 1750 would replace a flat charter school facilities funding cap with an attendance-based formula; SB 2252 and SB 2253 address kindergarten readiness, early literacy/numeracy, and educator preparation; SB 2365 concerns student phone use during instructional time; SB 1924 restores local citation authority for certain school offenses and adds reporting, notice, and completion requirements; and SB 37 would expand state oversight of higher education curriculum, governance, faculty senates, and compliance with state law. Other measures heard included SB 769, which would require a Coordinating Board report on barriers faced by students with disabilities in higher education; supporters emphasized the need for better data and accessibility, while witnesses suggested broader reporting on race, disability types, and K-12-to-college transitions. SB 2231 would designate a Free College Application Week in October and was left pending. SB 1878 would modernize the Josie School statute and provide formula funding and aid eligibility for Polytechnic College. SB 1409 would authorize universities to offer self-funded student health benefit plans, with Rice University and Texas 2036 supporting the measure as a way to lower costs and expand coverage. SB 2431 would require universities to give foreign language credit for study abroad programs, SB 2314 would require schools to inform students about opting in or out of record sharing for direct admissions through My Texas Future, and SB 2138 would extend the state’s anti-ESG contracting restrictions to public higher education endowments and governing boards; these later bills were introduced and left pending.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Business and Professions Committee Apr 1st, 2025

Business and Professions

Transcript Highlights:
  • These systems have reached a point where they can produce natural-sounding language, and they are trained
  • California law establishes strict standards for licensing and certification of health professionals.
  • They have some basic certification and training which includes a phlebotomy certification.
  • There is also language in the bill that would require veterinarians to file paperwork with the veterinary
  • And we suspect that the only reason this language is in the bill. bill is so that animal activists can
Keywords: 988, house, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-03 (10:00AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • That would fall under, if you looked at the language, H or I, that would... ...language H or I, that
  • And I think removing the language is just good policy.
  • The amendment adjusts language on lines 1001. Mr.
  • The amendment adjusts language on lines 521 through 530.
  • How does the temporary certificate come into play?
Summary: The House opened with prayer, a moment of silence for former member Chester Clem, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum confirmation. Members then adopted the special order report for the day and approved a Rules and Ethics Committee report amending House Rule 15.3 to allow fundraising under certain circumstances during extended or special sessions. The chamber then took up several bills. HB 1405 on a statewide project for missing persons with special needs passed unanimously. CS/CS/CS/SB 290, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill, passed 94-10 after debate focused on conservation land surplus procedures and agricultural use of state lands. CS/CS/CS/HB 905, the “Fire Act” on foreign influence, foreign gifts, critical infrastructure, sister city agreements, and related restrictions, passed 80-20 after the House adopted an amendment adding a prohibition on certain surrogacy contracts involving citizens or residents of foreign countries of concern. CS/CS/HB 1197, dealing with information technology procurement and contracting, passed 109-0. HB 1103 on local administration of vessel restrictions passed unanimously. The House also debated CS/CS/CS/HB 399 on land use and development regulations. Supporters said it would limit development fees, standardize compatibility rules, allow manufactured homes in RV parks, and lower voting thresholds for comprehensive plan changes to address housing affordability; opponents argued it would preempt local control, weaken voter-approved urban boundary protections, and risk conservation lands. An amendment to preserve Orange County’s boundary rules failed, while a technical amendment on manufactured homes passed. The bill then passed 71-38. The House also passed several local bills, including measures for the Pace Fire Rescue District, Avalon Beach/Mulat Fire Protection District, East Point Water and Sewer District, Fellsmere Water Control District, and Headwaters Water Control District, with votes ranging from 83-27 to unanimous approval. The transcript also included farewell remarks from Representative Angie Nixon before the House returned to remaining business.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

Senate Executive Departments and Administration (02/11/2026)

Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:05:20.400> of concerns with the original language of concerns with the original language
  • This language allowed created in 2021.
  • changes made to this language. changes made to this language.
  • lensure and certifications lensure and certifications implementation.<00:50:56.800> I'll<
  • The language that created the language that created the legisl... I like that. I don't see it here.
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services (01/28/2025)

Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • in the law, but maybe enhance the language.
  • in the law, but maybe enhance the language.
  • in the law, but maybe enhance the language.
  • understanding of the proposed language understanding of the proposed language is<03:55:55.520>
  • um they do not have to use OSHA language um they do not have to use OSHA language and<04:09:51.760
Keywords: 1189, house, all
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • It's possible they're still clarifying language.
  • I'm happy to work with the author on some language.
  • Maybe the exact code number, I don't remember it right away, but I can help provide the language and
  • This is the 2015 certification that we are in Texas are certified to and if you go to the second page
  • Also, with respect to some of the certification components, the language in those certification documents
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, June 23, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And H.R. 8879 requires the SBA to submit annual reports to Congress on certification activities across
  • rates, recertification timelines, and the use of the SBA certification platform.
  • , the 8(a) business development program, and the unified certification platform.
  • , the 8(a) business development program, and the unified certification platform.
  • An SBA certification should not be an additional burden.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, March 31, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Birth certificate from a state agency, that's $12 in Virginia.
  • Certificate of citizenship, $1,385.
  • Certificate of citizenship, $1,385.
  • Certificate of citizenship, $1,385.
  • Certificate of citizenship, $1,385.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Election Law (03/07/2025)

Election Law

Transcript Highlights:
  • on the tax forms is the language on the tax forms is something<00:28:58.840> of<00:28:59.640>
  • the SOS to print the notary certificate on the return envelope.
  • the SOS to print the notary certificate on the return envelope.
  • But that's how they made the notary certificate go away.
  • <03:01:44.279> to already changed their language to already changed their language to residency
Keywords: 1189, house, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Mar 12th, 2025

Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • a friendly amendment that the committee staff brought to address an issue with the current bill language
  • a friendly amendment that the committee staff brought to address an issue with the current bill language
  • The strike-all also addresses indemnification language.
  • And in an earlier stint in my life, I was abroad and I learned some languages.
  • It also has language in there that provides exemptions for child care facilities.
Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs met with a quorum and considered five bills. SB 1174, by Senator Jones, would simplify the process for transferring a family foster home license when a foster parent moves within Florida. A friendly amendment clarified that the transfer applies to the same licensed person, not a different individual, and directs DCF to prioritize amended licenses. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. SB 558, by Chair Grall, created a framework for voluntary post-adoption contact agreements between adoptive and biological parents, including contact with siblings, with court filing and enforcement procedures. A strike-all amendment changed the child’s party status age from 14 to 12, required court filing in the adoption case, set a preponderance standard, and moved the effective date to January 1, 2026. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. SB 1626, also by Chair Grall, was substantially revised by a strike-all addressing unaccompanied alien children reporting and custody procedures, military family child protective investigations, domestic violence shelter certification, children’s services councils, criminal-background exemptions, group home rates, subcontractor indemnification, child care licensing extensions, small residential group home fire suppression rules, and missing-child jurisdiction issues. After testimony both supporting and opposing parts of the bill, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. SB 738, by Senator Burton, updated child care and early learning licensing rules, including expedited licensing for compliant providers, faster background screening and provisional licensure, online training/testing, exemptions for certain military and employer-provided child care, and removal of a residential insurance provision from the bill. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. SB 304, by Senator Sharief, known as Patterson’s Law, addressed child abuse investigations involving rare genetic or metabolic conditions that can mimic abuse. The strike-all required more detailed medical analysis in reports, allowed second opinions, and set procedures for experienced physician review and judicial resolution. After extensive testimony from affected families, advocates, and DCF, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. At the end, Senators Harrell and Rouson asked to be recorded as voting favorably on additional bills, and the committee adjourned.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • We have agreed upon language here and uh we just hope to cut red tape uh provide greater transparency
  • Speech-language pathologists and audiologists are critical health care providers.
  • prior to licensure and certification.
  • prior to licensure and certification.
  • prior to licensure and certification.
Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard four House bills, adjusting the order to accommodate members’ schedules. House Bill 510, on organ donation procedures, would require health care providers involved in organ procurement to pause the process if any signs of life are observed and restart the process if needed. The bill was presented as a consensus measure, received no opposition, and passed with favorable expression by unanimous vote and consent. House Bill 176 would create a framework for insurers to implement a waiver program reducing prior authorization requirements before care is provided. The sponsor said the language had been worked out with insurers to cut red tape and improve transparency. The committee approved the bill unanimously with favorable expression and then consent. House Bill 266 would add audiology and speech-language pathology to the Kentucky Healthcare Workforce Investment Fund eligibility list. Testimony emphasized that these professions are essential to patient care across the lifespan and meet the fund’s training and licensure standards. The bill passed unanimously with favorable expression and consent. House Bill 393 concerned Alzheimer’s-related statutory cleanup, adding a caregiver council seat and requiring the council to develop and distribute an early detection and diagnosis toolkit for health care providers. The bill was supported as a way to improve Alzheimer’s awareness and care, with one senator explaining a yes vote in memory of a parent who had Alzheimer’s. It also passed unanimously with favorable expression and consent. The chair announced the next committee meeting would be Wednesday, March 25 at 8:00 a.m.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House State Government & Tribal Relations Jun 22nd, 2026 at 12:00 pm

State Government & Tribal Relations

Transcript Highlights:
  • We're also seeing it more often in statutory language.
  • That certification program is voluntary for states to use, but many, if not most, do.
  • So that actual act of showing a document—usually a birth certificate, for example—it could be...
  • A document would usually be a birth certificate, for example.
  • I use the language... ...that state government operates better.
Keywords: 904, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Feb 18th, 2025

Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • We license and monitor safe homes and safe group homes, and we will soon be doing that certification
  • That brings us also to currently with the adult safe house certification rule that will be, I'll share
  • Mandated DCF to provide annual report to the legislature and collect data and strengthen language around
  • That brings us also to currently with the adult safe house certification rule that will be, I'll share
  • Safe house certification, again, thanks to really great legislation.
Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs received three presentations and took no bill votes. The Department of Children and Families gave an extensive update on human trafficking prevention and services, describing Florida’s statutory framework, hotline and investigation data, placement options such as safe houses and safe foster homes, new adult safe house certification rules, expanded screening tools for vulnerable adults, and prevention efforts including youth-led outreach and training. Members asked about whether current funding is sufficient, how DCF addresses grooming and re-victimization in residential settings, and how long youth typically remain in safe-house placements; DCF said funding is only one part of the support system, that families and youth receive prevention resources even when allegations are not substantiated, and that placement length varies by child. OPPAGA then presented its 2024 annual report on commercial sexual exploitation of children. The report found that verified CSE victims slightly declined in 2023, with Broward, Miami-Dade, Duval, Hillsborough, and Escambia among the highest-prevalence counties. Most verified victims were community youth rather than children already in care, though dependent youth had higher rates of prior maltreatment. OPPAGA also reported continued concerns about limited placement capacity, especially for less restrictive Tier 1 safe houses, and service gaps such as the need for survivor mentors. Its recommendations focused on expanding placement options, improving data collection, and strengthening collaboration to support survivor mentors. Finally, DCF presented the Step into Success pilot program for current and former foster youth ages 16 to 26. The program combines workforce education, professional development, and paid internships with mentor support; the first cohort launched in 2024 with 15 participants, all of whom secured placements, and the department reported strong satisfaction and early outcomes. Committee members asked about scalability, costs, and whether the model could be moved beyond DCF-run operations into community-based providers. DCF said the program was designed to be scalable, currently costs about $500,000 annually for the pilot, and could be expanded statewide with additional funding and partner support. The committee adjourned after the presentations.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Rehabilitative mental health service providers 3/4/26

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • These changes have resulted in somewhat confusing statutory language regarding this fund's coverage of
  • in psychiatric or mental certification in psychiatric or mental health<00:06:41.280> care<00:
  • <00:07:10.560> The<00:07:10.800> language<00:07:11.039> in<00:07:11.199>
  • The language in the prescriber role.
  • The language in the bill<00:07:11.520> would<00:07:11.680> allow<00:07:11.840> them<
Keywords: 1183, house
Summary: House File 3520, as amended by an A1 technical amendment from DHS, was heard in committee. The bill was described as a policy-only measure aimed at modernizing mental health statutes to reduce confusion, ease staffing burdens, and improve recruitment and retention in a workforce facing shortages. The author said the bill was developed with mental health stakeholders over several years, shared with DHS, and intended to have no cost unless provisions are later flagged for fiscal impact. Chris Westgard of Touchstone Mental Health testified in support and walked through the bill’s main provisions. Section 1 would exclude weekends and holidays from the 10-day deadline for completing diagnostic assessments after admission to intensive residential treatment services, which he said would reduce weekend and holiday work for limited staff. Section 2 would clarify statutory language governing the behavioral health fund’s coverage of intensive residential treatment and residential crisis stabilization services. Section 3 would update Youth ACT rules by allowing board-certified psychiatrists with relevant clinical experience to serve as prescribers, making registered nurses optional team members, and allowing teams with demonstrated experience to serve children and youth ages 8 to 20. Members raised questions about statutory wording, including the use of “notwithstanding” and the term “qualified provider.” Nonpartisan staff said the bill could be tightened with a cross-reference if it advances. There was no public testimony against the bill. The committee laid House File 3520, as amended, over for possible inclusion.