Transcript Highlights:

• Our minority analyst is he here? Okay. So we have a minority analyst named Carter Harrison.
• This is my 17th year on the faculty, and I served as the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and the
• No, so all law schools have an Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
• The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at all law schools handles that.
• The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at all law schools handles that.

Bills: SB1 , SB3

Committee: House House Judiciary

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:

• We all united a year ago<00:40:28.720><c> to</c><00:40:28.880><c> stop</c><00:40:29.280><c> minor</c>
• <00:40:29.680><c> students</c><00:40:30.200><c> from</c><00:40:30.360><c> being</c> ago to stop minor
• students from being ago to stop minor students from being subjected<00:40:31.560><c> to</c><00:40:31.680
• The Committee on Committees has reassigned to Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection, House
• </c> reassigned to Veterans, Military Affairs reassigned to Veterans, Military Affairs and<01:03:11.720

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, and that's it for the Department of Cultural Affairs.
• Looking at page 11, lines 104 and 105, the Indian Affairs Department has not moved any of their special
• Looking at P, lines 104 and 105 on page 11, still, the Indian Affairs Department has not moved any of
• Chair, I've been trying to figure out how we're still providing chemical transitioning of minors from
• Chair, I've been trying to figure out how we're still providing chemical transitioning of minors from

Summary: The Department of Public Safety presented its FY27 budget request, emphasizing three priorities: improving community engagement through a redesigned website and outreach, expanding statewide data and intelligence integration through intelligence-led policing, and improving emergency response and officer safety through fleet replacement, a driving track, and a requested helicopter. DPS said much of its increase is driven by rising health care premiums, and it is also seeking special appropriations for fleet replacement, the website rebuild, and an Honor Guard program created after the 2022 helicopter crash that killed four public servants. Members asked about vacancies, fleet costs, cybersecurity compliance, the real-time crime center, EV fleet participation, and the Metro DPS facility. DPS said its vacancy rate is about 9%, its fleet replacement needs are driven by mileage and condition, it is compliant with federal CJIS standards even though DoIT has raised concerns, the real-time crime center would be built as a regional model to complement Albuquerque’s center, and the Metro facility is moving toward a January groundbreaking. Committee members also discussed several DPS-related capital and IT requests, including the intelligence-led policing data lake, recurring maintenance for critical systems, and a $5.6 million reauthorization for state crime lab DNA backlog work and a $900,000 reauthorization for fingerprinting equipment. DPS explained that the website request is high because the current site must be rebuilt from scratch to support missing-person alerts, memorial updates, ADA compliance, and better communication with law enforcement and the public. Members also raised concerns about speed enforcement, construction-zone cameras, and whether EVs are practical for patrol use; DPS said it is not pursuing speed cameras and is only partially participating in the state EV initiative because patrol needs make full electrification difficult. The committee then received an LFC quarterly update on non-recurring appropriations from the 2025 General Appropriation Act. LFC reported that of the $1.4 billion appropriated in Section 5, $164 million had been expended and $333 million encumbered, leaving $897.4 million unspent, which is a slower pace than the prior year. Staff highlighted a number of reauthorization requests and slow-moving projects across agencies, including AOC cybersecurity funding, DFA housing and public safety grants, DoIT cybersecurity and higher education funds, EDD economic development and energy programs, OSI mitigation and malpractice funds, EMNRD energy and geothermal grants, Health Care Authority behavioral health-related appropriations, DPS crime lab and fingerprinting funds, PED career technical education and special education initiatives, and higher education loan repayment and technology funds. Members questioned why some large appropriations had little or no spending, discussed the need to monitor reauthorizations more closely, and asked for follow-up on several specific line items and project balances.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kamakana, Government Affairs Manager for United Public Workers. You have our written testimony.
• I apologize in advance; there were a few minor, non-substantive errors that will be evident to you in
• of the committee members of the committee kamak<00:09:24.160><c> government</c><00:09:24.440><c> Affairs
• manager for un kamak government Affairs manager for un united<00:09:26.000><c> public</c><00:09:26.279
• </c> there were a there are a few minor there were a there are a few minor non-substantive<00:09:32.920

Committee: House Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Kenan Ravity, and I chair government affairs for the Minnesota Mortgage Association.
• I'm here as chair of the government affairs committee for the Minnesota Mortgage Association.
• I'm here as chair of the government affairs committee for the Minnesota Mortgage Association.
• I'm here as chair of the government affairs committee for the Minnesota Mortgage Association.
• I'm here as chair of the government affairs committee for the Minnesota Mortgage Association.

Bills: SF1750 , HF704 , HF3479

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: common interest community, CIC, homeowners association, HOA, condominium, planned community, cooperative, unit owner, association board, declarant, declarant control, special declarant rights, assessment lien, foreclosure, late fees, fines, attorney fees, resale disclosure, annual report, maintenance plan

Transcript Highlights:

• re-refer SB 623, Archuleta, from the Revenue and Taxation Committee to the Military and Veterans Affairs
• Existing law prohibits minors from possessing firearms.
• Existing law prohibits minors from possessing firearms. However, cases involve...
• Existing law prohibits minors from possessing firearms.
• However, cases involving minors in possession of a firearm are still eligible for a deferred entry of

Summary: The Assembly met in session after a quorum call, heard a prayer and pledge, and then moved through a large daily file of bills and resolutions. Early procedural motions were adopted, including re-referrals and a motion to allow the Appropriations Committee to notice SB 73, which passed 46-15. Members also introduced several guests, including young legislators, schoolchildren, a championship girls’ basketball team, realtors, and CASA advocates. On the floor, the Assembly concurred in Senate amendments to AB 1389, a tribal gaming compact urgency bill for the Yurok Tribe, which passed 55-0 on the urgency and measure. The body then passed a series of bills on topics including trespass enforcement (AB 1632), pest control fees (AB 2380), county investment authority (AB 2080), pupil achievement gap reporting (AB 2149), transit board stipends (AB 1625), e-filing for workplace violence restraining orders (AB 2179), election eligibility restrictions for registered sex offenders (AB 2753), juvenile firearm possession and deferred entry of judgment (AB 2636), court access and First Amendment issues (AB 1544), physician medical record integrity (AB 1637), forced marriage protections (AB 2534), and local authority to restrict under-12 e-bike use in San Mateo County (AB 2595). Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition, with votes ranging from 53-0 to 63-0. The Assembly also adopted ACR 173, reaffirming California’s sister-state relationship with Jalisco, Mexico, after adding 50 coauthors. Later, it adopted ACR 163 designating May as Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Awareness Month after extensive testimony from the author and multiple caucus members emphasizing the crisis, data gaps, tribal sovereignty, and the need for more resources and action; 64 coauthors were added before the resolution passed by voice vote. The chamber likewise adopted ACR 180 designating Compost Awareness Week and ACR 182 establishing Youth Mental Health Awareness Week, both after coauthor roll calls and voice votes. The day concluded with urgent action on AB 108, which provides up to $25 million in one-time emergency bridge funding for distressed hospitals facing imminent closure. Members from both parties spoke in support, citing rural access, prior hospital closures, and the need to protect community health care; the bill passed 59-0 and was sent to the Governor immediately. The Assembly then handled consent calendar items, heard an adjournment in memory for labor leader Larry Mazzola Sr., and adjourned until Monday, May 11 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• So all these little minor things. And so it is better now that it's brought under the DIR.
• So all these little minor things. And so it is better now that it's brought under the DIR.
• So all these little minor things. And so it was better now that it's brought under the DIR.
• So all these little minor things. And so it is better now that it's brought under the DIR.
• Hi, I’m Lisa Ann Hurt-Forsight, Vice President of Government Affairs for the American Association of

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee approved several non-appearing gubernatorial appointments and routine agenda items by 4-0 votes, including Frank Damrow Jr. to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board, Michelle Eddger to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and David Galavis to the State Park and Recreation Commission. The committee also approved bill referrals, a rule waiver to allow SB 1447 to be heard after the policy deadline, and floor acknowledgments. The committee then heard the appointment of Clint Kellam as Director of the Department of Cannabis Control. Members focused heavily on cannabis regulation, especially illicit market activity, consumer education, labeling, and youth protection. Kellam said the department’s goal is to shift consumption from illicit to legal sources, not increase use, and described efforts such as the Real California Cannabis website, the required educational pamphlet for new users, inspections, and package review. Senators raised concerns about attractive-to-children packaging, high-dose beverages, and the need for tighter labeling rules; Kellam said the department is open to legislative changes, is working on an AI tool to help licensees review packaging, and uses recalls, citations, and administrative actions when products violate rules. He also described enforcement efforts against illegal cultivation and retail, including the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force and cooperation with local, state, and federal agencies. The committee voted 4-0 to advance the appointment. The committee next heard Jennifer Osborne’s appointment as Director of the Department of Industrial Relations. Osborne described her background in state administration and said she aims to remove barriers, improve systems, and support workplace safety, wage enforcement, workers’ compensation, and apprenticeship programs. Senators asked about PAGA enforcement, Cal/OSHA audit findings, backlogs, staffing shortages, and complaint handling. Osborne said DIR’s role in PAGA is limited, but the department is working on Cal/OSHA policy revisions, training, additional investigation staff, centralized intake, IT modernization, and possible use of outside administrative law judges to reduce delays. She also said the department is addressing vacancy and backlog issues through classification changes and new hiring strategies. Public commenters from employer groups and labor organizations spoke in support, and the committee approved the appointment 4-0 for full Senate confirmation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Emergency and Military Affairs to establish and secure a dedicated communications channel for critical
• Chair, Minority Leader, from what I've seen in RTS, there are no people signed in to testify against.
• So currently, House Bill 2941 makes even the most minor technical violations of lane filtering laws a
• As a point of comparison, this punishes a minor accidental mistake with the same severity as a hit and
• I don't think we should clog our courts with innocent commuters who made minor mistakes while trying

Committee: Senate Senate Public Safety Committee of Reference

Summary: The Committee on Public Safety met to hear several presentations and bills. First, the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry presented on its K-9 program, describing staffing, specialized detection and trailing teams, and the need to replace retired dogs and modernize an aging, high-mileage vehicle fleet used to transport canines. The committee also heard a presentation from Biometrica on a privacy-focused facial recognition and sensor system designed to identify missing persons and known offenders using law-enforcement-only data; the presenters emphasized that the system does not store video or audio and is intended to balance public safety with privacy. The committee then considered HB 2134, which would prohibit Arizona governmental entities and critical infrastructure providers from contracting for critical infrastructure equipment or software from Chinese companies or the PRC. Supporters, including the sponsor and a national security witness, argued the bill would protect communications and other critical systems from foreign adversary access; concerns were raised about costs and implementation, but the bill was amended to be prospective and to rely on self-certification and risk-based audits. The committee passed HB 2134 with a due pass recommendation by a 4-3 vote. HB 2404, which would shift most inter-facility transport of behavioral health patients from peace officers to authorized transporters, drew support from law enforcement and police association witnesses who said officers are not the right personnel for these transports; it passed unanimously, 7-0. HB 2402, dealing with ambulance certificate-of-necessity rules for small or underserved areas, was presented as a compromise measure after work with ambulance stakeholders and firefighters. The bill and a 15-page amendment would require the Department of Health Services to issue certificates in certain small-population areas, streamline applications, add reporting requirements, and address GPS coverage issues; it passed as amended, 7-0. HB 2673, which originally proposed mental health screening and treatment requirements for jail and prison inmates, was narrowed by amendment to create only a study committee on inmate mental health services; family members testified about tragic failures in the system, and the bill passed as amended, 6-0 with one not voting. HB 2253, protecting public employees from retaliation or obstruction when testifying in law enforcement disciplinary appeals, passed 5-0 with two not voting. HB 2270, expanding county protections over seals, logos, and sheriff’s posse naming rights, passed 6-0 with one not voting. Finally, HB 2941, which would treat certain unsafe motorcycle lane-splitting or passing behavior as reckless driving while preserving legal lane filtering, drew both support and concern about overbreadth; after testimony from the sponsor and members of the public, it passed 5-1 with one not voting, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This type of settlement quickly resolves the county's liability to the state for its minor contribution
• This type of settlement quickly resolves the county's liability to the state for its minor contribution
• I'm managing director of state and local government affairs for Delta Airlines.
• For the record, my name is Alethea Miller, and I'm the state and local government affairs manager at
• It clarifies that the vulnerable person or minor is a passenger in the vehicle for purposes of determining

Bills: HB2495

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: vehicles, streetcar operation, public safety, urban regulation, transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• They take the form of everything from public affairs to cultural programming to educational programming
• And we do that through some of our news, public affairs, and some of our science program that she was
• there is, even though it represents a smaller number of legislators, my vision would be that the minority
• member to put on there to make sure that, and I think in both chambers that the majority of the minority
• It was a 15-member board, so often they were in the minority and would get outvoted.

Bills: SB194 , SB200 , SB203 , SB204 , SJR3 , SB194 , SB200 , SB203 , SB204 , SJR3

Committees: Senate Senate Education , Senate House Education

Keywords: appropriation, higher education, sports facilities, community college, Luna Community College, KANW, educational radio, rural news, public education, funding, education, documentary, historical figure, Padre Antonio Jose Martinez, cultural heritage, research funding, federal funding, New Mexico, University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University

Transcript Highlights:

• is the first meeting of the 2026 session for the Senate Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs
• is the first meeting of the 2026 session for the Senate Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs
• is it requires law enforcement to submit paperwork to the Kentucky State Police within 30 days of a minor
• is it requires law enforcement to submit paperwork to the Kentucky State Police within 30 days of a minor
• is it requires law enforcement to submit paperwork to the Kentucky State Police within 30 days of a minor

Committee: Senate Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• President, and through you to the minority leader on this important amendment, you know, the minority
• What the minority leader is discussing is an important conversation.
• The minority leader, Mr.
• So I know that the minority leader cares about affordability; so do I.
• So I know that the minority leader cares about affordability, so do I.

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair recognizes the minority leader. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Chairman, your Committee on Federal Relations, Military Affairs, and Elections has under consideration
• Military Affairs and Elections has under consideration Senate Bill 1237 and respectfully recommends the
• I had the honor of sitting in on the Federalism, Military Affairs and Elections Committee about a week
• Chairman, your committee on Federalism, Military Affairs and Elections has under consideration Senate

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill makes a minor change to the act by reducing the number of times the board of directors are
• Vice Chair and members, Raymond Contrairas with Lighthouse Public Affairs on behalf of Spur, San Diego
• I am the chair of the Legal Affairs Committee for the Association of California Water Agencies.
• I am the chair of the Legal Affairs Committee for the Association of California Water Agencies.
• Brenda Bass with KP Public Affairs, on behalf of Western Municipal Water District, in support.

Committee: House Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• technical obstacle to infrastructure investment, SB 390 upholds the will of local voters by preventing a minority
• Here with me today to testify in support of this bill is the sponsor of SB 611, Nicole Curian, State Affairs
• My name is Nicole Curian, and I serve as the State Affairs Manager to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, the
• I serve as the State Affairs Manager to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to sponsor this bill.
• Raymond Contreras with Lighthouse Public Affairs.

Summary: The committee opened the June 18, 2025 Local Government hearing with housekeeping rules, noting that testimony would be in person and that disruptive conduct would not be tolerated. Because a quorum was initially lacking, the committee proceeded as a subcommittee and heard several bills before later taking formal votes once quorum was established. The agenda included 15 bills, with eight placed on the consent calendar and one bill pulled by the author. The bills discussed included SB 333, which would let San Luis Obispo County voters consider raising the local sales tax cap for transportation funding; SB 390, a district-specific measure for South San Francisco to address a Mello-Roos/CFD issue affecting properties with conservation easements; SB 394, which would increase penalties for water theft and allow local agencies to recover damages; SB 611, which would restore protections for housing projects tied to adopted community plans while CEQA litigation is pending; SB 757, which would allow nuisance abatement liens or special assessments to collect cleanup costs for chronic nuisance properties; and SB 489, which would require public agencies involved in housing approvals to post application requirements online. Supporters generally framed the bills as tools for infrastructure financing, housing production, transparency, public safety, or deterrence of theft and blight. Opposition was heard on SB 757, with critics warning about due process, foreclosure risk, and displacement of low-income homeowners. After quorum was called, the committee voted 7-0 to pass SB 757, and later approved SB 489 on a 10-0 vote. The consent calendar bills—SB 74, SB 225, SB 272, SB 409, SB 558, SB 735, SB 736, and SB 737—were approved together. SB 333 advanced on a 7-2 vote, SB 390 passed 9-0, SB 394 passed 9-0, and SB 611 passed 10-0. The hearing concluded with the committee adjourned after all listed actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs is our housing— I call our housing... ...of our
• instance, low-income housing tax credits are handled by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
• state agency that operates the housing programs is the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
• The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs is what I'll call the oversight body.
• Do you have a notice that goes out about some that is minor, but then that simple message could get lost

Bills: HB1342 , HB2889 , HB3002 , HB3254 , HB4820 , HJR40 , HJR40

Committee: House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services

Keywords: private activity bonds, housing, residential rental projects, low-income, affordable housing, bond measures, funding equality, political subdivisions, public communications, election fairness, debt collection, consumer rights, disclosures, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, settlement agreements, State Board of Education, group benefits program, health insurance, state employees, dependents eligibility

Transcript Highlights:

• We encourage you to vote House Bill 5086 out of committee favorably, with very minor revisions that I
• Association through its House of Delegates, as well as endorsed by the Jewish Council for Public Affairs
• And by making the minor amendments suggested in my written testimony, that would be made even more clear

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Election Laws

Summary: The Committee on Election Laws held a hearing with House and Senate chairs and several members participating in person and online. The main bill discussed was House Bill 5086, the Electoral Count Reform/Uniform Faithful Presidential Electors Act, which would require presidential electors in Massachusetts to sign a faithfulness pledge, automatically replace any elector who casts a vote contrary to the state’s popular vote, and update state procedures to meet federal Electoral Count Act deadlines and paperwork requirements. Testimony in support came from Public Citizen, the Uniform Law Commission, and Protect Democracy United. Witnesses argued the bill would protect against coercion, threats, and “faithless electors,” and said it would help ensure Massachusetts’ electoral votes reflect voters’ choices and cannot be rejected on technical grounds. One witness noted the bill is already enacted in many states and has been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, and several organizations endorsed the model approach. Members asked about how the bill would interact with Massachusetts’ participation in the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. The witness said the bill is compatible with the compact and suggested a minor clarifying amendment to avoid any implication that the state is stepping away from it. After testimony and questions, the chair noted that testimony had also been received on the other two bills from Representative Breguire, the governor’s office, and Representative Hogan, and the committee then adjourned without taking a vote in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• John began his career in governmental affairs with inspiration from former Mayor Richard Arrington of
• He worked as an associate at the Montgomery governmental affairs firm Bloom Group.
• </c> triple the cost of their of their minor triple the cost of their of their minor projects.<01:37:
• Not minor. Major. Excuse me. Major in insurance. Designated major area.
• </c> committee on state government affairs. committee on state government affairs.

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, excused absent senators, and adopted the previous day’s journal. The chamber received several House messages referring local bills to the Committee on Local Legislation, including measures affecting Lawrence, Clayurn, Limestone, Shelby, and Alabaster. The Senate also recognized guests in the gallery, including local leaders, law enforcement officials, and a Jackson County Junior Leadership group. During personal privilege remarks, Senator Figures offered a tribute to Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr., highlighting his civil rights legacy, political influence, and impact on Black voter participation and representation; the Senate observed a moment of silence. Senator Smitherman also thanked her for the remarks. The Senate then adopted Senate Joint Resolution 47, mourning the death and celebrating the life of John J. Guthrie Jr., and Senate Joint Resolution 48, commending Tommy Jax for emergency actions to help a sick child. The Senate considered numerous confirmations from the Committee on Confirmations, all receiving favorable reports and being confirmed by unanimous or near-unanimous roll calls, including Walter Bracie and Eric Bone to the Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission, Morgan Garner and Susie Beal to the Alabama Electronic Security Board of Licensure, and Joe Brown, Brian Williams, James Spears, Charles Hedrickk, and Kathy Pierce to the Alabama Board of Polygraph Examiners. Committee reports also advanced several bills, including local legislation and county/municipal government measures. On the floor, the Senate adopted a special order calendar and passed or adopted several bills: SB 239 on child custody jurisdiction enforcement, SB 190 on a sales tax exemption for an ocular eye service company, SB 252 on Governor’s Mansion Authority employees and leave benefits, SB 170 on health savings account regulatory coordination, SB 210 on the chiropractic board, SB 242 on commercial driver’s licenses, and SB 70 on crimes and offenses. SB 247 on insurance was carried over at the sponsor’s request for further work, and SB 83 on guardianships and conservatorships was taken up with discussion of a committee amendment to clarify removal of proceedings from probate to circuit court and notice requirements; the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• The primary focus of the bill is prohibiting companies from serving addictive feeds to minors.
• The bill doesn't prevent minors from accessing content on platforms that use addictive feeds.
• Under this bill, minors could still go on platforms, access content by searching for it for themselves
• I also want to briefly address how platforms that serve addictive feeds identify minors under the bill
• Other states have sought to ban minors' access to social media entirely, for example, and those sorts

Summary: The Senate Business, Trade and Economic Development Committee first held a work session on protecting children online. Testimony focused on a proposed Kids Online Protection Act that would limit addictive algorithmic feeds for minors and restrict push notifications during school hours and at night. Supporters included a former tech executive, a Meta whistleblower, and a psychology researcher, who argued that social media design exploits adolescent development, harms well-being, and that the bill gives parents and children more control without banning access to content. Industry and trade group witnesses opposed the approach, arguing it would violate the First Amendment, create privacy risks through age verification, and could reduce useful personalization and safety tools; they said companies are already implementing teen protections and parental controls. The committee did not take a vote during the work session. The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Bill 5928, sponsored by Senators Warnick and Short at the request of the Insurance Commissioner. The bill would require property insurers using wildfire risk scores or models to disclose more information to consumers, explain adverse factors, provide appeal and rescoring processes, and account for mitigation actions in rate filings and discounts. The Office of Insurance Commissioner, a Colville Tribal representative, fire district testimony, climate advocates, realtors, hospitality businesses, and insurance agents generally supported the bill as a transparency and consumer-protection measure, with some urging inclusion of commercial lines and stronger recognition of local fire mitigation. Several insurance trade groups opposed or were neutral, warning that the bill goes too far, could expose proprietary underwriting information, increase regulation and costs, and should be narrowed to align with other states’ approaches. No vote was taken, and the chair adjourned after the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Public Policy and Legislative Affairs Manager for the Washington State Women's Commission, and
• rather than denial, becomes the barrier to care, particularly during the vulnerable transition when a minor
• carve-out amendments that could specifically address this post-discharge mental health treatment for minors
• First, establish a presumption of continuity of care for minors following residential discharge.
• I'm the deputy director of government affairs at the Washington State Labor Council, here today to ask

Summary: The Health Care and Wellness Committee held a public hearing on several bills and a joint memorial. SB 5915 would update the health technology assessment program by adding technologies recommended for Medicare populations or in national guidelines to the review priority list, requiring broader evidence review for life-threatening or rare diseases, and setting timelines for posting and deciding review requests. Supporters, including rare disease advocates and providers, said the current process is outdated and too rigid; the bill was then held for later action. SJM 8002 urged Congress to strengthen original Medicare, oppose privatization, add benefits like dental, vision, and hearing, and reduce Medicare Advantage overpayments and fraud. Supporters from labor and senior groups argued it would protect beneficiaries and send a message to federal officials; the memorial was also held after testimony. The committee also heard SB 5395 on prior authorization. Staff explained it would tighten notice requirements, require a licensed clinician—not AI alone—to deny requests based on medical necessity, add transparency around policy changes, and change how retrospective denials are treated. The prime sponsor and provider groups said the bill was a negotiated compromise meant to reduce delays and inappropriate denials, while insurers were generally neutral but sought a narrow amendment. Testifiers described prior authorization as a major source of delay and administrative burden, and the bill was held after public testimony. SB 5845 would require carriers to pay or deny clean claims within 30 days, set timelines for non-clean claims and information requests, and allow penalties for repeated noncompliance. Hospitals, physicians, and health systems supported it as a way to improve predictable payment, while insurers were neutral and asked for a narrow amendment; the bill was also held. The committee heard SB 6025, which would change the definition of fetal death so gestational age is calculated using the best clinically accurate age rather than the last menstrual period. Obstetric and nursing witnesses said the current law can force inaccurate records and unnecessary burdens on grieving families, while opponents objected to the bill’s abortion-related definitions. The bill was held after testimony. Finally, SB 5988 would authorize the Department of Health to continue accrediting opioid treatment programs and charge fees to support that work. The department and the sponsor said the measure would preserve a patient-centered accreditation option amid budget pressure, and the committee closed testimony and held the bill.