Transcript Highlights:

• We have had a veteran treatment court since 2013.
• We started our Veterans Treatment Court.
• We started our Veterans Treatment Court.
• veterans treatment courts in all of the United States.
• And it all stems from me going to this treatment court program.

Committee: House House Appropriations Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first took up a discussion-only strike-everything amendment to HB 2211, which would make it unprofessional conduct for certain health care providers to submit offers in independent dispute resolution above 300% of Medicare or the qualified payment amount. The chair said he was not ready to move the bill because more stakeholder meetings were needed. Testimony split between insurers, who said a small number of providers were abusing the No Surprises Act and driving up costs, and provider representatives, who argued the proposal would improperly cap rates, relied on opaque insurer-set QPAs, and could threaten licensure in a billing dispute. No vote was taken on HB 2211. The committee then considered HB 4028 on accessory dwelling units. The bill would remove the 1,000-square-foot cap, change setback rules, bar municipalities from requiring an administrative use permit and certain elevation criteria, and extend the deadline for cities to adopt ADU regulations. The sponsor argued it would give homeowners more flexibility and help address housing affordability, while cities, neighborhood groups, and residents warned it would allow oversized ADUs, reduce local control, create density and safety concerns, and invite investor-driven development. After extensive debate, the committee voted 8-9 with one present, and HB 4028 failed. Next, the committee heard HB 2620, as amended, which appropriates $300,000 annually for five years from the General Fund to the Department of Veterans’ Services for grants to emergency shelters. An amendment removed age and non-congregate-setting conditions for eligibility. The sponsor and a shelter provider said the funding would help shelters better serve homeless veterans and connect them to services. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed HB 2620 on a 17-0 vote with one member not voting. The committee then considered HB 2960, as amended, which creates a veterans specialty court grant program and a dedicated fund to support local veterans treatment courts. An amendment shifted administration of the fund to the Office of the Courts and allowed support for expansion of existing programs. The sponsor, a Lake Havasu judge, and a veteran graduate testified that veterans courts reduce recidivism and save lives by linking veterans to treatment and support. The bill was still being taken up when the transcript ended, with testimony continuing from supporters including a veterans shelter founder.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are we going to have order? Yeah.
• For veterans to be able to undergo hyperbaric oxygen treatment therapy.
• So a veteran can undergo this treatment, say 30 dives, and be cured.
• But in conclusion, it's an absolutely wonderful treatment.
• But in conclusion, it's an absolutely wonderful treatment.

Summary: The Military Affairs and Border Security Committee heard two bills. SB 1055 would require immediate notification to ICE or CBP when a person unlawfully present in the U.S. is arrested by state or local law enforcement for a state or local offense. Supporters said it simply strengthens cooperation with federal authorities and clarifies existing law; opponents, including the ACLU of Arizona and several public commenters, argued it is redundant with current statute, could pressure officers to prolong stops or arrests, and would increase fear, racial profiling, and distrust of police in immigrant communities. Members debated whether the bill conflicted with SB 1070-era law and whether it would create new legal liability or merely add a reporting requirement after arrest. The committee voted 4-3 to give SB 1055 a do-pass recommendation. The committee then considered SB 1065, which appropriates $300,640,000 in FY 2027 from the general fund for a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Military Veterans Fund. Senator Rogers described hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a non-drug treatment that could help veterans with PTSD and improve quality of life, while supporters emphasized the need to explore options for veterans’ mental health and trauma care. Some members said they supported moving the bill forward but had budget concerns or wanted more detail on how veterans would be selected for the program. The committee approved SB 1065 unanimously, 7-0, with a do-pass recommendation, and then adjourned until the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• Call the order. The Committee of Public Safety is called to order.
• Her attempts to get him mental health treatment failed.
• Upon returning to jail, he failed to continue the treatment that had stabilized him.
• treatment.
• He returned to jail with treatment.

Bills: HB2134 , HB2253 , HB2270 , HB2402 , HB2404 , HB2673 , HB2941

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Keywords: critical infrastructure, foreign adversaries, China, communications, security, law enforcement, disciplinary action, administrative appeals, investigative files, due process, retaliation, county seal, law enforcement authority, sheriff's posse, public safety, county governance, ambulance services, certificate of necessity, emergency medical services, state regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> have to endure such egregious treatment have to endure such egregious treatment we<00:04:31.120>
• </c><00:29:20.080><c> would</c> level up these um are orders that would level up these um are orders
• so a fine um for Mal child Mal treatment so a fine um for Mal treatment<00:30:17.000><c> can</c><00:
• </c> we um our licensers or our Mal treatment we um our licensers or our Mal treatment investigators<
• </c> to do a notification if Mal treatment to do a notification if Mal treatment has<01:08:31.120><c>

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• What is the treatment plan? What does that look like?
• They cover things beyond hormones and endocrine treatments.
• However, you are denying that treatment.
• But in order to even get that therapy, we had to see therapists.
• never gotten treatment.

Committee: House Emerging Issues

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I want to add, the key over here is active treatment.
• active treatment, because...
• Will that individual benefit from active treatment or will they engage in active treatment?
• Help me understand what active treatment is.
• And as far as SUD treatment, we do not provide SUD treatment in our facilities and the RHCs.

Summary: The committee heard a lengthy update on Washington child welfare from Casey Family Programs and DCYF. Dr. David Sanders said Washington has sharply reduced out-of-home care and increased kinship placements, but he flagged concerns about low screening-in rates, long stays in foster care for many children, and a recent rise in repeat maltreatment and child fatalities, especially among infants. He urged more focus on infants and young children, better coordination among child protection, health care, and law enforcement, and more proactive review and investigation practices. Members asked for disaggregated data on children lingering in care, fatalities, and causes such as fentanyl exposure. DCYF said it has increased relative placements and guardianships, but also reported a concerning rise in 2025 critical incidents, mostly near-fatalities involving children age three and under, many opioid-related. The department described responses including safe child consults for opioid cases, more training, hotspot analysis, and proposed investments in peer support, public health nurses, community referrals, and an updated safety framework. Members also discussed whether a broader commission on child abuse prevention would be useful, and DCYF said it was open to that idea. The committee then received a DSHS reorganization update from Secretary Angela Ramirez, who described the “Reimagined” plan to consolidate four administrations into three new ones, with the stated goals of reducing silos, improving customer experience, and making transitions between services smoother. She said the agency is seeking statutory changes and CMS approval to align the new structure, and members asked about preparing for federal HR1 impacts, especially SNAP. Ramirez said DSHS is monitoring those impacts closely and emphasized the need for accurate data and cross-agency coordination. Finally, DSHS’s Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration updated the committee on residential habilitation centers and implementation of Substitute Senate Bill 5393, which phases out Rainier School by June 30, 2027 and limits new admissions. Officials reported current census and staffing levels at the state’s RHCs, said Rainier has had some residents transition to supported living or adult family homes, and explained that emergency and permanent rulemaking was needed to implement the law. They also said Rainier was recently cited by federal surveyors for not meeting the active treatment requirement for two residents, and that the facility has 90 days to return to compliance before possible payment penalties or further remedies. Members pressed for details on the citation, the meaning of active treatment, the assessment process for admissions, and whether Rainier could be repurposed for other services; DSHS said it is working on corrective action and will follow up in writing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Judiciary will now come to order. Lisa, please call the roll. Chair Yarbrough?
• This language will lead to issues regarding IVF, emergency treatment, and cancer treatment. ...will lead
• to issues regarding IVF, emergency treatment, and cancer treatments for people while pregnant.
• I don't think they have any of the. number in order to do that.
• The bill proposes amendments regarding treatment of surrendered infants.

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1272 on guardianship, which would limit a guardian’s ability to isolate an adult ward from family and require notice to family or other named persons about major events such as a ward’s death or medical relocation. Senator Jones said the bill was intended to curb abuse by bad actors while not affecting good-faith guardians. Fortuna Smuggler and Phyllis Smith spoke in support, describing the need for family notification and closure. The bill passed unanimously, 8-0, and was reported favorably. The committee then considered CS/SB 1284 on wrongful death for an unborn child. Senator Graal explained that the bill would expand Florida’s Wrongful Death Act to allow parents to recover economic and non-economic damages for the death of an unborn child. An amendment was adopted to define “unborn child” as a member of the species Homo sapiens carried in the womb and to state that the act does not authorize a wrongful death action against the mother or a health care provider acting within the applicable standard of care. The amendment drew questions about abortion, medical emergencies, and whether fathers could sue; the sponsor said the bill was not intended to create claims against mothers or lawful medical care. Public testimony was sharply divided, with supporters arguing it gives families parity and accountability, and opponents warning it could be used to target abortion care, increase malpractice pressure, and worsen physician shortages. The committee approved the bill as amended by a 6-4 vote. Finally, the committee heard a strike-all amendment to SB 1288 on parental rights. The amendment would strengthen parental consent requirements for minors’ medical care, with exceptions for emergencies, court orders, certain legal categories of minors, and other existing statutory exceptions. It also would require parental consent for treatment related to STD screening, give parents more control over school or health surveys, and address use of biofeedback devices. Supporters said the measure restores parents’ authority and protects children from inappropriate questioning or treatment, while opponents argued it could block needed care for minors in unsafe homes, reduce access to STI treatment and mental health services, and create unintended consequences. The amendment was adopted, and the committee continued hearing testimony on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Substance abuse treatment records are covered by 42 CFR Part 2.
• Disclosure is prohibited without patient consent or a special court order.
• So that's where Missouri... ...the bloodstream in order to establish exigency.
• We need probable cause in order to obtain blood or their consent.
• So we have effectively used risk protection orders many times.

Summary: The committee met with Senators Garcia and Simon excused and heard a presentation from FDLE Deputy Commissioner Vaden Pollard on homicide and violent-crime investigations, focusing on access to blood evidence, toxicology, medical records, mental health records, and the legal limits imposed by Florida law, HIPAA, and 42 CFR Part 2. He explained that autopsy evidence collected by medical examiners is generally available to law enforcement, while hospital records and mental health/substance abuse records usually require subpoenas, court orders, or consent, which can delay investigations. He also discussed the difference between DNA testing and toxicology testing, the role of warrants and probable cause for living suspects, and the special rules that apply when a suspect is deceased. Members asked detailed questions about what toxicology panels include, whether medications can be tested for, how medical examiners review prior medical history, and whether FDLE tracks data linking violent crime to mental health issues or follow up with regulators after incidents. Pollard said the agency follows investigative leads where relevant, but regulatory follow-up depends on the circumstances. He also discussed behavioral threat assessment and management, and said risk protection orders have been used effectively to prevent violence and can lead to court-ordered evaluations and services. The committee then shifted to crime lab capacity and turnaround times. Pollard said the average DNA turnaround time was 208 days for some evidence, with anything over 30 days considered backlog, but that sexual assault kits are prioritized and generally handled much faster, with rush cases sometimes completed within 24 hours. Members expressed concern about delays in unsolved violent and sexual assault cases and asked what resources would help reduce backlog; Pollard said additional analysts would improve turnaround times. The meeting concluded with thanks to the presenter and adjournment after Senator Bernard moved to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll officially call the Water Topics Overview Committee meeting to order.
• And then 71 have their own source, whether a water treatment complex, water treatment plant, or maybe
• We are affiliated with two cities in our county as far as our raw water treatment goes and our treatment
• The treatment plant, you're talking '70s.
• As Brian mentioned, the treatment plant is 50 years old.

Committee: Joint Water Topics Overview Committee

Summary: The Water Topics Overview Committee met to review several interim studies and receive updates from the Department of Water Resources. The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes, observed a moment of silence for the late Representative Conmy, and welcomed Representative Hansen to the committee. Staff then reported that the watershed management study and the stormwater/wastewater study had both satisfied the presentation requirements in their study directives, with no further required testimony unless members wanted additional information. The department’s main presentation focused on major water projects and agency operations. Reese Haas and staff updated members on the NAWS project, the Southwest Pipeline Project, Devils Lake outlet operations, low-head dam safety work, floodplain management repository implementation, data center water use, and the 2027 Water Development Plan. Members asked detailed questions about NAWS funding sources, remaining project costs, capacity concerns for All Seasons and other users, and whether current construction is being designed for future demand. The department said NAWS remains on track for substantial completion by October, that remaining NAWS funding will come from a mix of federal, state, and local sources, and that current construction is designed for ultimate capacity while some future components will be adjusted for increased demand. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to the department’s cash management, Resources Trust Fund revenues, carryover balances, and the State Water Commission’s cost-share program. The department reported $340.6 million in carryover remaining, explained that much of it is already obligated to long-term projects, and noted that oil price forecasts and stripper-well exemptions will affect future revenues. Members raised concerns about large carryovers, affordability for local sponsors, and whether the state should continue obligating money multiple bienniums ahead. The department said it is working with the commission on a revised prioritization framework, including high/moderate/low project categories and a two-tier pre-construction/construction approach, to better manage obligations and affordability. The committee also reviewed Deloitte’s finalized studies on regional governance/finance and cost-share policy. Deloitte presented options for Southwest, NAWS, and Red River governance, with stakeholders generally favoring keeping NAWS largely as is, using the current Southwest model with improvements, and pursuing a more structured governance option for Red River. On cost share, the department said Deloitte’s recommended package would cover projected needs through the 2030s, but would require policy changes such as lower percentages for some project types, a 25% replacement-project rate with a cap, and possible bonding or delayed reimbursement strategies. No votes were taken on these policy questions, and the chair indicated the committee would continue the discussion at future basin meetings and the September Water Topics meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> treatments</c><00:33:19.320><c> are</c><00:33:19.440><c> very</c> everywhere their treatments are
• to be established treatments.
• to be established treatments.
• to be established treatments.
• to be established treatments.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Disability Rights Washington's Treatment Facilities Team focuses on serving people in treatment facilities
• Inpatient treatment at an inpatient psychiatric treatment facility is very restrictive.
• Inpatient treatment is also expensive.
• existing facilities and repurposing them for inpatient treatment. ...for inpatient treatment, and in
• order to serve the population with extensive behavioral health treatment needs, it is necessary to focus

Committee: Joint Joint Legislative Executive Committee on Planning for Aging and Disability Issues

Summary: The committee met for what was described as its final meeting, with members and staff reflecting on the work of the Joint Legislative Executive Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care and noting that future work would likely shift to standing health and wellness committees. The meeting began with introductions and then moved into updates on major initiatives that originated from the committee, including Washington Cares, the Dementia Action Collaborative, and Medicaid long-term care programs. Presenters emphasized that these efforts were developed through long-term legislative-executive collaboration and were intended to help Washington prepare for the state’s aging population. On Washington Cares, DSHS described the program’s development from a 2014 research effort to its 2019 enactment, premium collection beginning in 2023, portability improvements in 2024, and 2025 changes including a grandfathered opt-out fix and a framework for supplemental private long-term care insurance. The agency said benefits are expected to go fully live next summer, with a pilot of up to 400 applicants planned for next January. On dementia policy, the Dementia Action Collaborative reported on the state dementia plan, Project ECHO training for providers, and pilot dementia-capable community programs at area agencies on aging, citing preliminary results that about 85% of family caregivers said services helped people remain at home. DSHS also reviewed Medicaid Transformation Project initiatives, including Medicaid Alternative Care, Tailored Supports for Older Adults, presumptive eligibility, and health-related social needs benefits such as rental assistance, nutrition support, and home modifications. The committee then heard an emerging issues panel from ombuds and disability advocates. Patricia Hunter of the long-term care ombuds program raised concerns about staffing shortages, resident rights, surveillance technology, private equity ownership of facilities, and illegal discharges or evictions. Betty Sweeterman of the Developmental Disabilities Ombuds discussed people stuck in hospitals without medical need, gaps in behavioral health services for people with developmental disabilities, and the need for better workforce training. Todd Carlyle of Disability Rights Washington urged expansion and bundling of community supports such as PACT, GOSH, and peer bridgers to reduce repeated institutionalization and support discharge from inpatient psychiatric settings. Provider and labor panels followed, with nursing home, assisted living, supported living, and union representatives all emphasizing workforce shortages, low wages, Medicaid rate inadequacy, case management bottlenecks, behavioral health complexity, and the need for more flexible care models and stronger accountability for rate increases. No formal votes were taken; the meeting ended with public comment on manufactured housing and closing remarks thanking staff and participants for the committee’s work.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> THE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES WILL COME TO ORDER.
• IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A PLACE FOR THEM TO STAY AND GO TO BED YOU CANNOT GET TREATMENT.
• IT IS A DIFFERENT TREATMENT THAN WHAT THIS IS.
• JARED WILLIS A BETTER TOMORROW TREATMENT SENATOR SPEAKING FOR. COME ON UP.
• THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT THERE IS NO TREATMENT WITHOUT HOUSING.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is in regards to treatment foster care.
• Treatment foster care placements.
• years old and the New Mexico law allows them to say, 'I don't want medical treatment,' and treatment
• foster care is medical treatment.
• , to transitioning, and to behavioral health services like psychiatric treatment. ...treatment, those

Transcript Highlights:

• The House Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee will come to order.
• It's a green screen, and you have to put commands in order to get to the next step.
• County involvement varies depending on the acuity of those treatment needs.
• </c> other Direct Care and treatment other Direct Care and treatment facilities<00:22:35.840><c> so</
• </c><00:24:23.640><c> needs</c> the Acuity of those treatment needs the Acuity of those treatment needs

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> be involved in this uh in this treatment be involved in this uh in this treatment uh<00:11:42.639
• </c><00:28:46.360><c> it's</c> opportunity alternate treatment it's opportunity alternate treatment it's
• </c> released from an inpatient treatment released from an inpatient treatment program<00:29:55.679><
• first treatment for me.
• Well, that's how you get the silver bullet: you test to see yes, treatment, treatment, treatment.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Health Care Budget Subcommittee will come to order. Connor, will you please call the roll?
• , to have life-saving treatment, just doesn't seem fair.
• Can you speak to that in order to increase our health care workforce?
• Can you speak to that in order to increase our health care workforce?
• And so we don't just care for them while they're during treatment for cancer.

Summary: The Health Care Budget Subcommittee held a panel discussion on Florida’s cancer research and funding programs, including the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program, the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund, the James and Esther King Biomedical Research Program, the Bankhead-Coley Research Program, and Live Like Bella. Dr. Ladapo and leaders from Moffitt, Sylvester/University of Miami, UF Health, and Mayo Clinic described how state funding has helped Florida’s four NCI-designated cancer centers expand research, recruit faculty, increase clinical trials, and build collaborations. They emphasized that the programs are intended to improve cancer care statewide, support innovation, and encourage more institutions to pursue NCI designation. The Governor’s budget recommendation was noted as including additional funding, and members asked about the cost and requirements of becoming NCI-designated and eventually comprehensive. Panelists said NCI designation requires major infrastructure, compliance, research, and training investments, with de novo development estimated at about $1 billion. They described Florida’s collaborative model as unusual nationally, with annual symposia, shared pilot funding, and joint projects across the four centers. Members also asked about rural access, home-based care, and recruitment/retention. Mayo described its “Cancer Care Beyond Walls” home-treatment model and said it could expand to rural counties within months; Moffitt and UF discussed mobile screening, satellite sites, and affiliations with local hospitals and practices. Several members raised concerns about workforce shortages, licensure delays, and the need to reach underserved areas. The discussion also covered outcomes, data reporting, and the broader economic impact of the cancer centers. Panelists cited growth in jobs, federal research funding, and clinical trial enrollment, and highlighted advances in immunotherapy, CAR-T, TIL therapy, carbon ion therapy, AI-driven screening, and the firefighter cancer initiative. They said the Florida Cancer Data System is being expanded to track recurrence and quality-of-life measures. Members also asked about philanthropy, medical tourism, and federal funding risks, including possible indirect cost reductions that could affect research budgets. The meeting ended with general support for continued investment, while some members noted an ongoing policy debate over whether future cancer research dollars should be concentrated in the four NCI centers or spread more broadly across the state.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><03:31:56.080><c> Uh</c> uh uh this uh type of treatment. Uh uh uh this uh type of treatment.
• </c> treatments left. They're about to die. treatments left. They're about to die.
• </c><03:43:33.520><c> Many</c> order to survive. We are not alone. Many order to survive.
• </c> Hampshire gives this type of treatment Hampshire gives this type of treatment to?
• And just treatments they received.

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Connected to that is the next item on executive orders.
• Then several of them in here, you had executive orders looking at executive orders again.
• Telehealth is a subcategory under mental health treatments.
• Is the treatment less effective? What is that a result of?
• have been working and what treatments haven't been working.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> appropriate placement and treatment appropriate placement and treatment options<00:11:57.760><c>
• CBD order was discontinued per policy.
• CBD order was discontinued per policy.
• CBD order was discontinued per policy.
• CBD order was discontinued per policy.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> The Committee on Children, Families and Elder fairs will now come to order.
• We get the court orders.
• It's a petition for a temporary order. It goes to the judge.
• They usually enter that temporary order within 24 hours.
• placements for children with high acuity, behavioral needs treatment.

Keywords: 999, senate, all