Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:22:18.400><c> nursing</c> to nursing homes or or skilled nursing to nursing homes or or skilled
• We did put out, uh, remove the nursing homes.
• We did put out, uh, remove the nursing homes.
• We did put out, uh, remove the nursing homes.
• </c><00:58:29.440><c> homes</c> including of course the nursing homes including of course the nursing

Summary: The Division 3 work session focused largely on amendment 1176 to HB 2, which would have incorporated the substance of HB 548FN, a House-passed bill creating a direct-pay or membership-based model for health care facilities. Representative Mlan described the proposal as a way to increase competition in health care by extending the direct-care model used in primary care to facilities, arguing it could encourage innovation and that concerns about widespread harm to critical access hospitals were overstated. He pointed to Oklahoma’s long-standing Surgical Center model as evidence that the approach had not spread broadly or displaced hospitals there. Several members and witnesses raised concerns. Representative Stringham questioned whether the model would shift profitable services and patients away from existing hospitals, potentially worsening their finances and affecting Medicaid-related funding. David Ross, speaking for county nursing homes, opposed the language because it also removed moratoriums on nursing home, skilled nursing, inpatient rehabilitation, and self-pay beds, warning that it could increase pressure on Medicaid rates and undermine community-based care. Ben Bradley of the New Hampshire Hospital Association said the proposal appeared to create a separate regulatory framework for direct-pay facilities and raised concerns about patient safety, CMS participation rules, and a separate patient bill of rights. The chair concluded that, because HB 548 was already moving through the Senate, the HB 2 process was not the best vehicle for the policy and that the issue should be left to the Senate’s more deliberative committee process. Representative Ferski moved to not accept or remove amendment 1176 from the agenda, and the committee approved the motion by roll call, 9-0, withdrawing the item from HB 2.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate amended the bill to include additional requirements for investigated procedures for nursing
• The Arizona Assisted Living Homes Association reached out and asked if we could use this amendment to
• Does that apply to nursing home institutions? Yes. Thank you.
• Does that apply to nursing home institutions? Yes. Yes, please.
• Does that apply to nursing home institutions? Yes. Thank you.

Summary: The Republican caucus reviewed a long list of House bills returned from the Senate with amendments, generally asking staff to describe the changes and then confirming whether the sponsor concurred. Many measures were accepted with little or no debate, including bills on tax filing penalties (HB 2016), court-ordered restitution for homeless or indigent defendants (HB 2028), vaccination and mask restrictions (HB 286), bullion investments by the state treasurer (HB 2140), nursing care complaint timelines (HB 2195), privacy protections for county records (HB 2327), cold plunge regulation (HB 2439), medical records access timelines (HB 2557), licensing board procedures (HB 2660), school and public records provisions, AI governance (HB 2592), fingerprint clearance temporary work authorization (HB 2916), development fees (HB 2946), affordability infrastructure districts (HB 2999), distracted driving penalties (HB 2109), health aide scope of practice (HB 2189), eviction record sealing (HB 2244), backyard structure rules in planned communities (HB 2342), inmate transition services (HB 2440), nuclear-ready community designation criteria (HB 2456), address confidentiality protections (HB 2594), groundwater/medical reimbursement changes (HB 2932), traffic citation signature authority (HB 2369), advanced math enrollment (HB 2423), school district training and intervention requirements (HB 2435), job order contracting limits (HB 2482), special education and placement rules (HB 2621), DCS parent rights notice changes (HB 2661), domestic violence expert testimony standards (HB 2662), inmate mental health study committee provisions (HB 2673), legislative subpoena enforcement (HB 2745), ACA trade office oversight (HB 2752), utility reporting changes (HB 2756), Native American language proficiency credit (HB 2895), mental health judicial review timelines (HB 2923), mobile food vendor licensing (HB 2118), medical intervention/school attendance rules (HB 2248), school board finance training (HB 2379), and school board meeting access/video requirements (HB 2380). Sponsors repeatedly stated they concurred with the Senate amendments, and no roll-call votes were taken in the transcript. A few items were set aside or sent back, including HB 2035 and HB 2249, and one bill (HB 2594) was left pending because the sponsor had not yet responded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please recognize Representative Wesammmy to present the nurse of the day.
• She's the nurse of the day and she is the charge nurse of a cardiac stepdown unit at Saint Anthony's.
• Went home and died. Became septic. Preeclampsia killed her.
• Today, there are physicians and nurses sitting in this chamber.
• I've been in these homes in these different.

Bills: HR1036 , HB2975 , HB3026 , HB3297 , HB2981 , HB2978 , HB4144 , HB1322 , HB1818 , HB3194 , HB3767 , HB3342 , HB3344 , HB4170 , HB3287 , HB3288 , HB4454 , HB3264 , HB3266 , HB3268 , HB4095 , HB4115 , HB4316 , HB3530 , HB3428 , HB4272 , HB4273 , HB4274 , HB3405 , HB3406 , HB3467 , HB3469 , HB3931

Keywords: Bob Wills, Western Swing, Cain's Ballroom, Oklahoma music history, country music, rock and roll, folk jazz blues, Oklahoma Arts Council, Oklahoma Film and Music Office, Oklahoma Historical Society, OKPOP Museum, commemorative resolution, day at the Capitol, musician recognition, heritage celebration, Tulsa, poultry waste, nutrient management, environmental regulations, agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• We also recently released two dashboards: one that provides data on nursing home utilization and financial
• A registered nurse will not be able to delegate to a regular home health aide or certified nursing assistant
• A registered nurse will not be able to delegate to a regular home health aide or certified nursing assistant
• Denise Bellville, Home Care Association of Florida.
• It's limited in scope to the nurse delegation statute.

Bills: S0688 , S1414 , S0186 , S0902 , S0196 , S1574 , S0878 , S1092 , S1032 , S1684 , S1686 , S1760

Committee: Senate Health Policy

Summary: The committee took up several health-related bills and confirmations. It first heard SB 1414 on congenital cytomegalovirus education, which would require the Department of Health to develop and distribute educational materials to expectant and new parents through maternity, prenatal, newborn, and OB-GYN settings; an amendment removed a section on required instruction for medical professionals, and the bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. The committee then approved a block of appointees on tabs 2 through 7 and separately confirmed Chavon Harris as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration after her testimony on Medicaid accountability, transparency, managed care oversight, rural health, behavioral health, and the state’s technology modernization efforts. Senators asked Harris about Hope Florida, Medicaid redeterminations, the CORE project, an anti-marijuana ad campaign at DCF, and compliance with a federal Medicaid-related court order; she said she would follow up on some issues. The confirmation was recommended favorably, with Senator Berman voting no. The committee next passed SB 186 on student health and safety, which expands epilepsy and seizure-disorder training requirements to more school personnel, including bus drivers and charter school staff, and requires seizure-first-aid posters and updated Department of Health education efforts. It also approved SB 902 on Department of Health issues after amendments narrowed the bill’s scope and added provisions on medical marijuana regulation, early childhood intervention, practitioner accountability, and autism workforce development; one speaker raised concerns about marijuana dispensary location restrictions and low-THC ratios. SB 196 creating a uterine fibroid research database was also reported favorably after an amendment protecting patient privacy; the bill drew emotional testimony from a patient describing severe symptoms and the need for more research. SB 688 on naturopathic medicine was approved after committee discussion about scope of practice, referral obligations, and whether naturopathic care should be adjunctive to conventional medicine; supporters described complementary care and access issues, while opponents worried about delayed treatment for serious disease. Later, the committee passed SB 1574, “Maddie’s Law,” to add biliary atresia screening to newborn screening using the same blood specimen already collected at birth and to launch an education campaign; parents of a child affected by the disease testified that earlier screening could have prevented severe harm. SB 878 on clinical laboratory personnel was reported favorably to address staffing shortages by allowing Florida to rely more directly on federal CLIA standards for qualified lab workers. SB 1092 on podiatric medicine was approved after an amendment narrowed it to cellular/tissue-based products and podiatrists’ use of certain therapies; the bill also addresses continuing education, informed consent, and advertising disclosures. SB 1032 on medical marijuana was amended and passed, aligning physician certification and card renewal timelines, setting 70-day and 35-day supply limits, and reducing the fee for honorably discharged veterans while preserving funding for FAMU; Senator Harrell opposed it, saying the longer timeframes were too much of an expansion. The committee also heard SB 1760 on Medicaid coverage transparency from Senator Brodeur, who said the bill focuses on accountability and fiscal responsibility, but the transcript cuts off before further discussion or action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there enough nurses? Antitrust immunity is just the beginning.
• They want to get that care close to home.
• It really is to keep care closer to home. That model would not work.
• We really want to keep that care close to home.
• I immediately told my wife, who's a nurse in surgery at another hospital.

Committee: House Special Committee on Rural Issues

Summary: The committee first met in executive session on House Bill 1714, adopting an amendment that clarified the bill would not apply to hunting dogs or animals not under direct control of the hunter and would not affect a specified section of law. The committee then rolled the amendment into a House Committee Substitute and voted the substitute do pass, with the roll call showing passage. The committee then heard House Bill 317, which would authorize MU Health Care to collaborate with hospitals and providers in a 25-county area and seek state-action antitrust immunity for those transactions. The sponsor and MU Health Care testified that the bill is intended to help preserve rural hospitals and keep care local, citing multiple hospital closures in Missouri and examples from Alabama and other states. Supporters from MU Health Care, rural hospitals, and local business and health leaders described the bill as a way to stabilize struggling facilities, maintain emergency access, and protect rural economies. Opponents, including the Missouri Insurance Coalition and the Missouri Health Plan Association, warned that the bill could codify monopoly power, raise prices, and reduce competition, and argued that the language was too broad and not limited to distressed hospitals. Some committee members also raised concerns about antitrust immunity, facility fees, market share, and whether the bill should be tightened to ensure voluntary participation and clearer limits. No vote was taken on House Bill 317 before the hearing adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think all of... ...you know that I was a nurse. I've got my bachelor's in nursing, so I'm an RN.
• I got my master's in nursing in cardiovascular clinical nursing specialty as well as administration,
• Chairman, just a comment: We need more nurses, more bedside nurses. ...with empty beds.
• Because we don't have nurses. Molly knows. You know, we've got to have bedside nurses.
• It makes a huge difference when a nurse who speaks the language walks in, when a nurse who looks like

Bills: SB128 , SB640 , SB672 , SB904 , SB1141 , SB1263 , SB1525 , SB1528 , SB2041 , SB2306 , SB2308 , SB2357 , SB2446 , SB2695 , SB2857 , SB2891 , SB2583

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Your nursing homes have their own hospices in many cases.
• nursing home settings.
• You're going to be in the hospital, nursing home, or in your private home. Okay.
• I can be in a Medicaid nursing home today.
• Home health care. Home health care is, like I say, it's skilled nursing.

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Children's Home Society of Florida, Children's Advocacy Center, Bartow.
• That is my only job as a nurse practitioner thus far.
• Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, I was a registered nurse for nearly eight years at a local children's
• I work closely with two other nurse practitioners on my team.
• or to get that child back home with the family.”

Committee: Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

Summary: The Senate Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs held a panel discussion on Florida’s child protection teams (CPTs), child advocacy centers (CACs), and the related roles of DCF, DOH, and law enforcement. Testimony from DCF, the Department of Health, a local CAC director, the Florida Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers, a Pinellas County CPT nurse practitioner, and a Jacksonville sheriff’s sergeant described how the system is intended to work: hotline reports are screened by DCF, mandatory referrals are sent to CPT, forensic interviews and medical exams are coordinated through CPT/CACs, and multidisciplinary teams share findings with law enforcement and prosecutors. Speakers emphasized the value of co-location, telemedicine, multidisciplinary staffings, and trauma-informed practices to reduce repeated interviews and improve child safety and case outcomes. Committee members focused heavily on communication breakdowns, staffing shortages, and delays in response times. Senators raised Jordan’s Law and asked what had been done to improve coordination among DCF, CPT, and law enforcement. Several members questioned whether the promised 24-hour response standard is being met in practice, citing reports of delayed referrals, delayed forensic interviews, and bottlenecks that can affect medical evaluations and criminal investigations. Law enforcement testimony from Jacksonville described cases where CPT interviews were scheduled one to two weeks out and reports were not received for weeks, while DCF acknowledged average CPI caseloads of about 12 investigations and turnover commonly occurring within 12 to 18 months. The panel also discussed access gaps and funding concerns. The Florida Network of CACs said Florida has 26 member centers, with some counties lacking CAC coverage and some centers having closed due to funding challenges. Speakers said CACs are voluntary but critical for integrated services, and that workforce shortages in medical and mental health providers limit expansion. DCF and DOH representatives said they would provide follow-up information on the number of CPT medical staff and other requested data. No bills were voted on; the meeting ended with committee members requesting additional information and recommendations for statutory and budgetary changes, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this happened during a statewide nursing shortage.
• school and join the nursing workforce.
• So that's where it really hits home. Thank you very much for being here.
• I've also got a home in Putnam County, so I'm home in two different counties.
• We're so proud of what we do in the nursing... ...nursing, not only in the nursing population, adding

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Summary: The committee heard and voted on two higher education bills before moving to a long series of university and college board appointment confirmations. CS/SB 742 would let charter schools directly access the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program for career and technical education programs tied to industry certifications, and would expand the money-back guarantee requirement from three to six programs at career centers and Florida College System institutions. A question was raised about whether the charter school access could reduce district funding or grant availability; the sponsor said it could, depending on available funds. The bill was supported by one appearance form and was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 892, which codifies the Florida State University Election Law Center so it can continue and receive recurring funding. The sponsor and FSU witnesses said the center is nonpartisan and focused on evidence-based research, especially on election administration issues related to natural disasters and public confidence in elections. After testimony and questions, including about the center’s scope and funding, the bill was reported favorably. The remainder of the meeting consisted of testimony from numerous appointees to boards of trustees for state colleges and universities, including Tallahassee State College, Valencia College, New College, Pensacola State College, Florida Gulf Coast University, University of North Florida, St. Johns River State College, Palm Beach State College, Santa Fe College, Daytona State College, and Florida Atlantic University. Most nominees emphasized their personal ties to the institutions, support for workforce education, student success, and local economic development. Several highlighted priorities such as keeping tuition affordable, expanding internships and career pathways, strengthening nursing and other workforce programs, and improving graduation and retention rates. Some appointees also described campus-specific goals, including research growth at FAU and Harbor Branch, community engagement at New College, and continued support for health care workforce partnerships at FGCU. The most notable exchange came during testimony from Dr. Joel Rudman for the Pensacola State College board, where Senator Leek questioned him extensively about prior public comments that appeared to reference threats and drug testing legislators. Rudman said his remarks were aimed at Florida House members and not the Senate, denied any knowledge of illicit drug use by current or former senators, and said he was speaking candidly as a private citizen. Public testimony on his nomination included both support and strong opposition, with one speaker praising his community service and another warning about his alleged disruptive behavior and social media posts. The committee also heard from several supporters and appointees who were not questioned further, and the meeting ended with plans to vote on the appointments after all testimony was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:44:27.520><c> uh</c> nursing home and assisted living uh nursing home and assisted living uh
• </c><01:44:40.960><c> or</c><01:44:41.280><c> nursing</c> Either assisted living homes or nursing homes
• </c> thing that you said, you said nursing thing that you said, you said nursing homes homes homes and
• </c> uh nursing homes, assisted living? uh nursing homes, assisted living?
• <01:49:50.639><c> they</c><01:49:50.800><c> have</c> nursing home or you know they have nursing home

Transcript Highlights:

• I saw $199,000 for one person's residence in a group home.
• homes.
• homes that are coming online.
• And again, these are positions that, as these veterans' nursing homes are staffed with veterans, we'll
• This year, the entire veterans' home in Collier County.

Summary: The Health Care Budget Subcommittee met to review agency budgets, vacant positions, and possible efficiencies across several health and human services agencies. Members were asked to identify savings and potential areas for increased funding, and the discussion repeatedly focused on whether long-vacant FTEs, reversion of funds, and staffing shortages reflect true operational needs or broader budgeting and recruitment problems. The chair and members emphasized that the exercise was intended to help the committee make more informed budget decisions and to identify structural issues that may require legislative action. For the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, members highlighted a large waiting list, including individuals in crisis and children, and discussed whether vacant positions and unspent funds could be redirected to services. Several members raised concerns about delays in crisis applications, the use of paper applications, and whether the issue is staffing, process, or both. For the Department of Children and Families, the presenters discussed vacant positions, the use of staff augmentation in state hospitals, support for expanding behavioral qualified residential treatment program beds, and concerns raised by audits of the managing entities, which showed procurement and financial management problems. They recommended continued oversight, reporting requirements on Medicaid enrollees receiving mental health services through managing entities, and support for the governor’s proposed funding items. Other agencies reviewed included Elder Affairs, where members questioned the need for multiple divisions, CARES assessments, and supervisory overhead; the Department of Health, where vacancies, turnover, pay gaps, and units of rate were discussed as barriers to recruitment and retention; and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, where the presenters said vacancies were tied to new nursing homes and recommended shifting a major priority into general revenue rather than trust funds. Throughout the meeting, members generally agreed that the vacancy review was eye-opening and suggested deeper, possibly separate, reviews of agency staffing, pay parity, and fund reversion practices. No formal votes were taken during the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Golden State, proud to be home to some of the world's best surf destinations.
• Golden State, proud to be home to some of the world's best surf destinations.
• So this table, that bench, your home is captured carbon.
• I started our program about four years after I came home.
• Pernardino County Medical Society, Society of Latinik's Nurses, St.

Committee: House Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• nursing homes, assisted living coverage, nursing homes, assisted living facilities,<00:36:53.599><c>
• Senate Bill 293 requires each nursing home, assisted living program, and nurse midwife to provide notification
• Each nursing home, assisted living program, and nurse midwife that does not maintain professional liability
• Each nursing home assistant renewed.
• Each nursing home assistant living<00:37:16.400><c> program</c><00:37:16.880><c> and</c><00:37:17.119

Transcript Highlights:

• CAs do not replace nurse anesthetists nor anesthesiologists.
• I'd like to come home, support the bill. Thank you.
• JP Hanna with the California Nurses Association.
• . of Nurse Anesthesiology.
• Good morning, my name is Mark Pahetz here and a nurse anesthesiologist.

Committee: House Business and Professions

Transcript Highlights:

• Two in seven working-age adults with disabilities are on Medicaid, and five in eight nursing home residents
• c> on</c> and eight nursing home residents are on and eight nursing home residents are on Medicaid.<00
• </c><00:10:22.399><c> homes</c><00:10:22.959><c> would</c> children disabled nursing homes would children
• disabled nursing homes would not<00:10:23.360><c> be</c><00:10:23.880><c> impacted.
• homes.

Bills: HR377

Transcript Highlights:

• What wasn't mentioned is what happens when the hospice provider is hospice at home.
• It standardizes the timeframe that health care providers and facilities, except for nursing homes, must
• It aligns Florida law with federal law to require nursing homes to allow inspection of records within
• It aligns Florida law with federal law to require nursing homes to allow inspection of records within
• home facility records to new provisions in section 408.833.

Committee: Senate Health Policy

Summary: The committee took up a large health policy agenda. SB 1568 on electronic prescribing was explained as a federal conformity measure, but members raised concerns about preserving patients’ ability to obtain paper prescriptions and about exemptions for emergency, hospice, and other situations. Emergency physicians testified in support of e-prescribing but asked for flexibility, and the bill was reported favorably despite Senator Harrell’s opposition. SB 1606 on patient access to records sought to standardize record-production timelines and require electronic delivery when available; after an amendment correcting a drafting error, the bill drew concerns about HIPAA, behavioral health confidentiality, and the distinction between personal and legal representatives, and it was reported unfavorably as a committee substitute. The committee then approved SB 1346 on fentanyl testing, with a technical amendment, to require hospitals and campus emergency departments to test for fentanyl in urine testing for suspected overdose or poisoning. SB 1224 on administration of controlled substances by paramedics was amended to clarify language and reported favorably. SB 656 on health care billing and collection activities was substantially revised by strike-all amendment to allow sale of medical debt to third parties under new limits, including no interest or fees and return of debt if charity care applies; it was reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 68 expanded health facilities authority financing to include not-for-profit LLCs and parent companies, and SB 524 added Duchenne muscular dystrophy to the newborn screening panel; both were reported favorably. Later, the committee approved SB 1842 on out-of-network referrals after multiple amendments, requiring providers to verify network participation at the point of service and notify patients in writing, though several members and physicians warned it could burden providers and increase workload. The committee also advanced proposed committee bill SB 7028, which revises the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program, adds oversight and reporting requirements, creates a pediatric cancer research incubator, and establishes the Bascom-Palmer VisionGen initiative; cancer center representatives testified in strong support, and the bill was reported favorably as a committee bill. SB 172 on specialty titles and designations was amended to clarify enforcement and was reported favorably after supporters said it would prevent misleading use of specialist titles, while opponents argued it could confuse practitioners’ titles. Finally, SB 1690 on surrendered infants was reported favorably after supporters said it would codify and expand safe-haven baby box procedures and opponents raised safety concerns about the devices. The committee also noted SB 1606 remained pending for reconsideration next week before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then on the return home, it's the same thing.
• or even a therapeutic foster home if necessary.
• Then you wrap those services around, whether that's intensive home-based services in the home daily,
• And I do want to highlight nursing assistants specifically, because in order to teach the nursing assistant
• , we really want to invest in nursing assistant CTE programs.

Summary: The committee met with Representative Redman participating remotely after his flight was canceled. Members approved the minutes, then voted to proceed with a Medicaid study and to release the follow-up report on state oversight of children’s residential care. OPE staff said the original report had identified major gaps in oversight, but that most recommendations had now been addressed through agency changes and House Bill 723, which codified several reforms including a Youth Bill of Rights, annual unannounced surveys, revised interview procedures, and restraint/seclusion reporting to licensing. Of 19 recommendations, 13 were complete, two were in progress, and four remained open, with one requiring legislative action. The follow-up discussion focused on the remaining gaps: whether licensing should have authority to oversee treatment quality, whether restraint and seclusion data should be reported publicly or to the legislature, and how to address abuse by facility staff, including a registry pathway and a single investigative process. OPE and committee members noted that these unresolved items would require policy decisions by the legislature. Department of Health and Welfare and licensing officials described improved oversight practices, including unannounced surveys, a new tracking system, and better monitoring of foster placements. The ombudsman reported increased complaints, more facility visits, and stronger collaboration with licensing, and said his office could potentially take on more oversight if given authority and staffing. The committee then voted to close the report, with several members saying they wanted to work on legislation next session. The committee also heard OPE’s report on career technical education funding and teacher recruitment. The report said Idaho had 1,103 approved secondary CTE programs and about 151,500 enrollments, with agriculture the largest program area. Members heard that larger and more urban districts, especially in southwest Idaho, offered more diverse CTE options, while smaller and more remote districts relied more heavily on agriculture and had fewer health, public safety, and engineering programs. OPE said 60% of surveyed LEAs reported funding constraints, especially equipment and facility costs, and many said dedicated CTE funds could not be used for base teacher salaries. The report also found that recruiting CTE teachers was difficult, with respondents citing a lack of qualified candidates and pay that often was not competitive with local industry, though the comparison varied widely by program area. OPE outlined policy options such as allowing more CTE funds to pay salaries, adjusting the funding formula for smaller class sizes, simplifying occupational specialist credential routes, and targeting salary incentives to high-need fields. The presentation was still underway when the transcript ended, with members asking questions about district settings, salary comparisons, and how the funding options might affect staffing and program access.

Transcript Highlights:

• be followed today: Inspirational Message and Prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, Introduction of Dr. and Nurse
• When his brothers, during the famine, come to Egypt to kneel before the king in hopes of returning home
• And bless each member and through them bless the great state of Oklahoma, our home.
• Please recognize Representative Culver to present the nurse of the day.
• Representative Culver, you're recognized to present the nurse of the day. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Summary: The House convened, the roll was called, and the chamber proceeded with its customary opening order of business, including an invocation by Chaplain Ronnie Wilson and the Pledge of Allegiance. The prayer focused on forgiveness, using the biblical story of Joseph to emphasize turning harm into good. The House also recognized Auctioneer Day at the Capitol, with a presentation featuring Oklahoma auctioneers and a live auction demonstration, and later honored Deer Creek High School’s boys and girls cross-country teams for their state-level success, including the boys’ Class 6A championship and the girls’ strong finish. Members also received several introductions and recognitions, including former Representative Bill Gurley, Bristow Chamber Day visitors, Guthrie High School AP Government students, and Representative Culver’s family. The nurse of the day was Donna Reynolds, an emergency room manager at St. Anthony, recognized for more than 30 years in nursing, her response to the Oklahoma City bombing, and her advocacy for patient safety and organ donation. Representative Timmins honored the Millwood boys basketball team and coach Nate Jones for winning a third straight state championship and for the program’s long record of success, including Isaiah Wilkes’ Gatorade Player of the Year recognition. No legislation was debated or voted on in the transcript provided. The House concluded with a motion to adjourn, and members agreed to adjourn until Monday, April 27, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• the critical need we have in the nursing field.
• Doing it through the Center for Nursing, we will be able to do that.
• My parents had a home there.
• She brought me back home. We brought our son home, and we had a pretty little girl.
• We'll connect when I get home. Can't wait. Please do. We'll connect when I get home. Can't wait.

Summary: The committee first took up a confirmation for UCF trustee reappointment candidate Mr. Christie, who described his long service on the board, his UCF business-school background, and his focus on strengthening UCF’s financial foundation, workforce alignment, and engineering and technology programs. Members praised his service and asked about UCF’s future direction, including its role in Florida’s space and engineering sectors. He was allowed to leave early for a meeting with the governor. The committee then heard the Higher Education Appropriations budget presentation for fiscal year 2025-26. The chair outlined a proposed $11.5 billion higher education budget emphasizing workforce education, Florida College System operations, career and technical education, the GATE program, nursing education through the Florida Center for Nursing, UF/IFAS agriculture technology, tutoring, autism and neurodevelopment services, student financial aid, and $250 million for state universities through the Board of Governors. Senator Davis asked about line grant flexibility, and the chair said a conforming bill would address details. The committee adopted a motion allowing technical corrections and then adopted the budget proposal as a recommendation to the full Appropriations Committee. The remainder of the meeting focused on confirmations for university boards, especially the University of West Florida, where several nominees were questioned about Title IX compliance, free speech, workforce readiness, military/veteran ties, and prior statements about privatization and higher education. Rebecca Matthews, Rachel Moyah, Ashley Ross, and Adam Kessel each described their backgrounds and goals for UWF; Kessel faced extensive questioning about his past writings on privatization, the GI Bill, and speech suppression, and said he would not recommend privatizing Florida universities and supported veterans’ education benefits. Public testimony on UWF was largely opposed, with speakers arguing the nominees lacked local ties and warning the slate would harm the university and community. The committee also heard from FAMU reappointment nominee Judge Belvin Perry, who emphasized student success, workforce quality, and FAMU’s continued rise, and from UCF nominee Mark Philburn and FSU nominee Peter Jones, both of whom highlighted their professional experience and commitment to student success and prudent stewardship. The meeting extended its time to 6:30 p.m. to continue hearing nominees and public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is the medication that allows my husband to live at home.
• That’s what allows him to live at home. He’s not in the hospital.
• And at the end of the day, we are the people taking care of our family at home.
• It puts higher logistical demand on the MDs doing it, on the nurse practitioners.
• There are many nurse practitioners office. The 14 conditions you ordered for? Sure.

Bills: HB946 , HB1093 , SB26 , SB29 , SB30 , SB195 , SB219 , SB222 , SB255 , SB314 , SCR2 , SCR22

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Keywords: healthcare transparency, hospital pricing, consumer protection, collection actions, fines, naturopathic medicine, Louisiana Board of Naturopathic Medicine, licensing, healthcare, prescriptive authority, natural therapies, opioid treatment, regulation, addiction recovery, state law, SB 29, Act 732, coroner, autopsy, child death