Transcript Highlights:

• Our licensing division, as Dr.
• licenses.
• We are a licensing agency.
• My understanding is that licensing fees in Texas for our providers that you regulate are among, if not
• I'm just assuming maybe for the social work licensing licensing in Spanish.

Transcript Highlights:

• over a dual-licensed counselor because a dual-licensed counselor can bring in Medicaid dollars.
• To seek a license to practice psychology in Massachusetts, the licensing board requires applicants to
• for this license.
• program, but no legitimate national or state licensed or licensing organization exists for Reiki.
• But none of them were licensed, nor am I, because no legitimate licensing body exists.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee opened a hearing of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure and reviewed a broad agenda including credit card fees, event ticketing, music therapy licensure, senior psychologist licensure, CPA pathways, school mental health licensure, and a bill regulating alternative healing therapies. The chairs explained hearing logistics, including three-minute testimony limits and submission of written testimony, and noted that more than 70 people had signed up to testify. Legislators and advocates were heard out of order throughout the day. A major portion of the hearing focused on credit card surcharge and interchange legislation. Restaurant owners, the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, NFIB, and other small-business witnesses supported bills allowing merchants to add convenience fees and, in one proposal, preventing card companies from charging fees on tax and tip portions of transactions. They argued that swipe fees are a major and growing cost, especially for restaurants, and that Massachusetts is one of only two states that bars surcharges. Opponents from the Cooperative Credit Union Association, the Electronic Payment Coalition, and the Electronic Transactions Association warned that the proposals would create compliance burdens, fragment the payment system, raise legal preemption issues, and disrupt a system they described as efficient and secure. The committee also heard competing testimony on ticket transferability and ticket resale. Supporters, including the National Consumers League and Sports Fans Coalition, said bills on ticket transferability would protect consumers who cannot attend events and would increase competition and savings in the secondary market. Opponents, including United Musicians and Allied Workers and theater owners, argued that mandatory transferability would weaken artists’ and venues’ ability to prevent scalping and predatory resale, and that some ticket sellers should be exempt from the broader ticketing regulations. Separate testimony supported music therapy licensure, senior psychologist licensure, and new CPA education pathways, with witnesses saying these measures would expand access to care and strengthen the workforce while maintaining professional standards. The hearing also drew extensive opposition to S.261 on alternative healing therapies, with practitioners and clients arguing it would overregulate spiritual and holistic practices and was not an effective response to human trafficking concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• license application.
• They were a good provider. Access said they were a good provider and a valued provider.
• I also understand there are providers that we need to partner with who want to provide good treatment
• I also understand there are providers that we need to partner with who want to provide good treatment
• How many providers are...

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this is Senate Bill 273 by Senator Abraham, relative to inpatient licensed facilities, to provide
• provide for hospice care, to provide for legislative intent, to provide for definitions, to provide
• But it says that if hospice services are provided to a patient in a licensed facility, other than an
• participation, to provide for funding, to provide for records, to provide for reporting, and to provide
• So if I own a—if I have a home and I’m providing a service, are you licensing my...

Summary: The House Committee on Health and Welfare met on May 12 and considered a wide range of health, social services, and licensing measures. Early in the meeting, the committee reported favorably HCR 98, which asks the Louisiana Department of Health to study whether SNAP recipients should be allowed to use benefits for grocery delivery fees. The author said the proposal would not change SNAP rules directly, but would examine access issues for elderly, disabled, rural, and transportation-limited residents. The committee also advanced SB 273, a hospice patient-protection bill requiring documentation of hydration, nutrition, and care decisions in inpatient licensed facilities where hospice is provided, with LDH oversight and enforcement authority; members discussed how responsibility is shared between facilities and outside hospice providers, and adopted technical amendments. The committee then approved SB 415, creating the Empower Louisiana Food Purchase Program, a privately funded charitable food-card program intended to let nonprofits distribute food-only cards to people in need. Members and the author discussed whether the cards would be reloadable, which retailers could accept them, and whether prepared foods could be included; LDH said the program could use all SNAP-authorized retailers, and the bill was reported favorably with amendments. SB 437, a cleanup bill for judicially referred residential substance abuse treatment facilities, was also reported favorably with amendments after LDH clarified that facilities providing treatment must be licensed, while residences only housing individuals would not be. SB 451, updating newborn hearing screening terminology and reporting requirements, was reported favorably after testimony that the bill would strengthen early detection and follow-up for deaf or hard-of-hearing children. Later, the committee advanced SB 426, which modernizes the addictive disorder regulatory authority and creates a formal peer support specialist licensing pathway. Supporters said the bill would strengthen the behavioral health workforce, improve accountability, and create a progression from peer support to higher credentials; the committee adopted technical and transition amendments and reported the bill favorably with amendments. SB 236, requiring LDH annual reviews and reports on kidney disease treatment services in Medicaid, was also reported favorably with amendments. Additional measures approved included SB 39, allowing provisional licenses for massage therapy graduates; SB 190, which tightens oversight of poor-performing nursing facilities in the CMS Special Focus Facility Program and sets an 18-month improvement timeline; SB 124, allowing hospitals within the same health system to share peer review records without waiving privilege; HR 174, urging study of fenbendazole as a possible cancer treatment; SB 270, allowing terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana in health care facilities; SB 359, changing terms for certain Morehouse Parish hospital district commissioners; and HR 194, requesting de-identified school visual acuity screening data for research. The committee adjourned after reporting all measures favorably, several with amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Physicians and other providers can provide those.
• Physicians and other providers can provide those.
• Moving to Item B6, we have the Department of Labor and Licensing HVACR Licensing Board.
• for licensing.
• They would be licensed. They would still be— they could be licensed. They would be licensed.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It also provides that scholarship applicants can work in certified license-exempt child care centers
• Section 11 sets out training requirements for legal non-licensed child care providers, and then Section
• It modifies the length of time or provides that when a child foster care license holder, the license
• In the area of relative and kin licensing, we recommend addressing private providers charging county
• administrative fees after the private provider conducts the licensing.

Bills: HF2436

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras

Transcript Highlights:

• No, but they urge their members to go after doctors and take the license away from any that provide "
• Next, the board is requesting funding to update Adobe licenses and purchase Tableau licenses.
• The agency needs Tableau licenses for additional... staff, and to upgrade Adobe 2017 licenses, which
• By purchasing the license and not opting to choose subscription service licenses, the agency will save
• If there are details I cannot provide today, I will provide them promptly. Any questions, members?

Bills: SB1, SB 1

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

Transcript Highlights:

• And non-licensed childcare providers.
• It modifies the length of time, or provides that when a child foster care license holder, the license
• It modifies the length of time, or provides that when a child foster care license holder, the license
• It modifies the length of time, or provides that when a child foster care license holder, the license
• private provider conducts the licensing. private provider conducts the licensing.

Bills: HF2436

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• With a functional database, we should be able to provide online licensing services in 2027, as well as
• Um, we maintain registration programs for securities and, uh, licensed financial, uh, service providers
• Our licenses provide key assessment for environmental cleanup and restoration as well as erosion and
• rolls and performing audits to ensure only licensed providers who are in good standing with the board
• geoscientist about how to report concerns or complaints related to a licensed geoscience provider.

Transcript Highlights:

• the service hold a license.
• The other license was the licensed social work associate, LSWA.
• <03:06:23.160> the license the other license was the license the other license was the licensed
• initial license.
• <03:45:31.760> licensing exempt from Veterinary license licensing exempt from Veterinary license

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting was an orientation-style overview from the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), led by Executive Director Deana Jurus and staff. They described the office’s mission to protect public health, safety, welfare, the environment, and the public trust, and outlined the agency structure: enforcement, licensing and board administration, operations, legal counsel, board counsel, and the hearings bureau. OPLC said it currently supports 57 boards, including seven advisory boards, and has about 104 filled positions out of 120 authorized. They also noted new voluntary certifications for doulas, lactation consultants, and community health workers that are in rulemaking. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on how boards and staff divide responsibilities under RSA 310:4. Staff explained that the office handles application processing, complaint intake and initial review, records retention, 91-A requests, and rule drafting, while boards make final decisions on licensure criteria, complaint dismissals or investigations, disciplinary actions, and some hearing matters. They also described the rule structure by chapter number ranges and the distinction between full licensing boards and advisory boards. The committee asked about complaint notifications, and OPLC said it is tightening policies so complainants are told whether a matter is closed or moving forward. The licensing process was discussed in detail, especially for nursing. Bethany Katrell explained that applicants apply through an online portal, may receive approval to sit for exams, can work under provisional authority in some cases, and then receive full licensure after exam results and criminal background checks are complete. OPLC said the portal now reduces back-and-forth paperwork and that, as of the latest biweekly report, 87% of applications were decided within the statutory 90-day period and 57% within 14 days. Members also raised questions about why some professions require board approval before taking an exam, and OPLC said that requirement varies by statute or board rule. No votes or formal actions were taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• They'll be licensed in New Mexico and they'll be licensed under this compact.
• There are only two states that are actively issuing licenses. license compacts.
• be provided in our state.
• education department licenses, teachers, the Supreme Court licenses, lawyers.
• fees in the state that you're licensed in and every state that you're licensed in.

Bills: SB1, SB3

Keywords: interstate medical licensure compact, physician licensure, medical license reciprocity, expedited licensure, medical practice act, New Mexico medical board, compact commission, physician mobility, telemedicine, license portability, background check, disciplinary action, joint investigation, reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, scope of practice, medical board transparency, multistate compact, licensure renewal, health care workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• They'll be licensed in New Mexico, and they'll be licensed under this compact.
• There are only two states that are actively issuing licenses. license compacts.
• First, it expedites licensing.
• Licenses, police officers, the public education department licenses, teachers, the Supreme Court licenses
• fees in the state that you're licensed in and every state that you're licensed in.

Bills: SB1, SB3

Keywords: interstate medical licensure compact, physician licensure, medical license reciprocity, expedited licensure, medical practice act, New Mexico medical board, compact commission, physician mobility, telemedicine, license portability, background check, disciplinary action, joint investigation, reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, scope of practice, medical board transparency, multistate compact, licensure renewal, health care workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• that license system upgrade. that license system upgrade.
• We license and regulate funeral establishments and funeral licenses.
• Our agency licenses nearly 9,300 non-bank financial service providers, and that represents approximately
• All pawn industry licenses were issued a license January 14th.
• All pawn industry licenses were issued a license January 14th.

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 22 January, 2026; 8:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The hearing began with the State Board of Architecture’s budget presentation. The executive director described the board’s mission to regulate architecture, landscape architecture, and certified interior design to protect public health and safety. He highlighted the board’s consolidated structure, license totals, high reciprocity rate, recent rule changes to reduce barriers to practice, and a proposed FY 2027 budget of $368,123, which included a 5% staff salary increase and higher operating costs. He also noted a newly identified need to modernize the licensing system, estimated at at least $25,000, and asked that the board not be reduced below the requested level. A board member also praised the small staff’s responsiveness and effectiveness. The State Board of Public Accountancy then presented its budget and policy requests. The executive director said the board regulates CPAs and CPA firms, oversees the CPA exam process, and has about 3,600 active individual licensees and 800 firms. The board requested only a 3% compensation increase for staff, plus a special request to allow an audit supervisor to repay the cost of a Becker review course through payroll deduction as part of succession planning. She also described a board-approved waiver program that began January 1, eliminating application fees for CPA exam candidates and retakes; 42 candidates had used the waiver in the first two weeks. In response to questions, she said the board does not assist CPAs with IRS disputes, but it does investigate complaints from the IRS, SEC, PCAOB, or others. Finally, a representative presented for the Board of Licensed Professional Counselors. She explained that the board regulates licensed counselors and psychotherapy providers, meets frequently, and has two staff members. The board’s main request was for additional investigative capacity: a full-time investigator and related funding, because complaints are currently handled by part-time investigators, contractors, and sometimes board members, which can require recusals from hearings. She said the state auditor had recently flagged complaint backlogs at regulatory agencies, supporting the request. The board also sought funding for a contractual administrative position, salary progressions, and a one-time technology increase to modify its new licensing system for the counseling compact and better search functions. Members questioned the board about its large cash balance, which was reported at about $860,000, and whether it should provide fee relief or other benefits to members; the presenter said the board would look into that and noted that revenues had increased significantly in recent years, partly due to out-of-state and telehealth-related licensing demand.

Transcript Highlights:

• 8560, you will see that that was recently given a 2-year extension of the license despite the town providing
• 8560, you will see that that was recently given a 2-year extension of the license despite the town providing
• 8560, you will see that that was recently given a 2-year extension of the license despite the town providing
• 8560, you will see that that was recently given a 2-year extension of the license despite the town providing
• 8560, you will see that that was recently given a 2-year extension of the license despite the town providing

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• AN ONLINE LICENSING ACCOUNT FOR ADVANCED BIRTH CENTERS BECAUSE WE ALREADY HAVE LICENSED BIRTH CENTERS
• THE DIVISION OF MEDICAL QUALITY ASSISTANCE WILL PROVIDE AN UPDATE PROVIDING UPDATED PRACTITIONERS.
• AS YOU KNOW, CREATING 31986 PROVIDED ONE LICENSE FOR A RECOGNIZED CLASS MEMBER OF 102 FEDERAL LAWSUITS
• WHEN WE GRANTED THE LICENSES THAT WE ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE LICENSED?
• IT CREATED LICENSES.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• sources and provides education about the differences between the licensed and unlicensed markets.
• Good morning, Chair. which educates consumers about buying from legal licensed sources and provides education
• look at with licensed markets.
• to annual licenses.
• licenses to annual licensure.

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on the Department of Cannabis Control’s report on the condition and health of California’s cannabis industry. Department staff reviewed the evolution of state cannabis law, the creation of the current regulatory framework, licensing and compliance efforts, and enforcement against illicit cannabis and hemp-derived intoxicating cannabinoids. The department said the licensed market has grown in production and retail units sold, while active licenses and retail sales value have declined, and that the illicit market remains a major competitive factor. The department also highlighted consumer education efforts, product testing and recalls, and coordination through the state enforcement task force and other agencies. The department’s economist said the data show continued growth in licensed production and a rising share of consumption through the licensed market, but falling wholesale and retail prices have reduced overall industry value. He identified major headwinds as taxes and fees, illicit-market competition, local prohibitions that limit retail access, regulatory costs, and broader business pressures, while noting opportunities in product innovation and possible hemp-market changes. Committee members pressed the department on enforcement, public health concerns, equity ownership and employment, delays in grant administration, pesticide testing, and whether the legal market is truly viable for small businesses and farmers. Several members argued that stronger enforcement and lower costs are needed, while one member raised concerns about cannabis-related health harms and said the hearing focused too narrowly on supply-side issues. Public commenters from industry groups and advocacy organizations largely echoed concerns about high taxes, regulatory burdens, limited retail access, and the size of the illicit market. Many urged the Legislature not to let the excise tax rise from 15% to 19% and called for tax relief, compliance reform, more enforcement, and broader retail access. Some speakers said the report was too optimistic and did not reflect business failures, debt, and closures, while others emphasized the need to protect small farmers, address wildfire insurance, and support equity businesses. No votes or formal actions were taken; the hearing was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill introduces flexible pathways to licensing, providing students with alternative pathways to
• And by the way, I am a licensed CPA. I just don't make money out of that my license anymore.
• with substantially similar license, licensing standards.
• This committee substitute for HB 11 provides clarity by specifically asking the TDLR to maximize licensing
• So our need for installers and licensed maintenance providers is going to grow.

Transcript Highlights:

• And other providers can provide those.
• Moving to B-5, Department of Labor and Licensing, Contractors Licensing Board.
• for licensing.
• They would still be licensed for us. We don't require them to have that EPA license.
• Well, that should be on their license. All the licenses have their class on them.

Summary: The Administrative Rules Subcommittee reviewed several agency rules and most were approved without objection. The Department of Agriculture repealed rules tied to the now-repealed Arkansas Catfish Processors Fair Practice Act. The Department of Human Services updated Medicaid policy to clarify child support enforcement treatment for pregnant women, remove the word “forcible” from rape/incest good-cause language, and eliminate a 90-day waiting period for ARKids B after loss of group coverage; members highlighted the significance of the language change and asked for a quick-reference eligibility chart. DHS Medical Services also received approval for a CMS cell and gene therapy model rule for sickle cell drugs and a technical Medicaid-assisted medication-assisted treatment update that was described as cost-neutral and non-substantive. The Department of Labor and Licensing presented several rules implementing recent acts and internal cleanup changes. These included procedures for local construction plan disputes under Act 591, Contractors Licensing Board amendments raising the restricted commercial license threshold from $750,000 to $1.5 million and allowing deferral of owner-complaint investigations during civil litigation, and a similar residential contractors change. The HVACR Licensing Board presented broader revisions under Act 746, including grammar and cleanup changes, elimination of the Class C license with transfer of existing holders to Class B, expansion of allowable work limits, a change to continuing education from four hours annually to eight hours per three-year code cycle, and clarification on training, child labor, and licensing issues. Several members questioned the practical impact of the HVAC changes, but the rule was approved. The committee also granted the Department of Inspector General’s request for exclusion from rulemaking reporting under Act 473, concluding that no rule was necessary because the act already defines the key terms and review process for foreign-adversary cultural exchange agreements. In addition, the Arkansas State Library’s report recommending continuation of its existing rules was accepted. During the status updates on outstanding 2023-session rulemaking, Education explained delays were due to overlapping 2025 amendments and the large volume of rules, while members expressed concern about the length of time since enactment; staff noted only a small number of 2023 rules remain outstanding. The meeting ended after written 2025-session updates were received with no further questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I just wanted to provide to you all what I provide to the taxpayers.
• The service provider that is providing this. It's a company called Fastst. It's called Genax.
• So, anything around your driver's license, and there's a whole host of driver's licenses that we offer
• that the number of driver's licenses or the number of license plates they have matches the number of
• That can't be all just two-year license and eight-year license and two-year tag.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• audiobooks are licensed, not bought. audiobooks are licensed, not bought.
• to provide local access to the world. to provide local access to the world.
• licenses.
• Once you become a licensed licenses.
• licenses.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all