Transcript Highlights:

• with the development of the accreditation process, including a status update that includes draft guidelines
• And the comparison schools that were also high-poverty schools were sort of flat during that first period
• opportunities learning program, the support for literacy coaches and reading specialists in high poverty
• Darby Kernan, representing Child Poverty California.
• We have data that shows schools that have been implementing California MTSS and that are in high-poverty

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> eligibility provision or C is a federal eligibility provision or C is a federal program<00:03:04.239
• Pandemic relief dropped childhood poverty from 1 in 10 to 1 in 20, yet by 2023 childhood poverty rose
• </c> what it could do with childhood poverty what it could do with childhood poverty pandemic<00:59:50.880
• 12</c><00:59:59.720><c> 1.5%</c> 2023 childhood poverty Rose to 12 1.5% 2023 childhood poverty Rose to
• We have to be mindful of these cuts that are coming from the federal government.

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:06.320><c> civil</c> attorney, as a state and federal civil attorney, as a state and federal
• </c> whole milk and the dietary guidelines whole milk and the dietary guidelines for<02:45:46.000><c>
• :02:18.880><c> take</c><03:02:18.960><c> an</c> requires federal agencies to take an requires federal
• It requires each federal agencies.
• </c> any other federal agency it creates. any other federal agency it creates.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, December 15, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And as I understand it, it also, that scenario does help the manufacturer with some federal guidelines
• So if I have one of the... ...with some federal guidelines on a reduction of emissions. All right.
• It would be whatever, yes, there's a federal standard for what VIN gets attached to different vehicle
• And just to answer some of the questions that got brought up a moment ago: the federal government has
• And so the federal government has now broken hybrid down into these various categories, and I won't,

Bills: HB214 , HB217 , HB514 , HB593 , HB618 , HB732 , HB908 , HB961 , HB1010

Committee: Senate Revenue & Fiscal Affairs

Keywords: property tax, blighted properties, urban rehabilitation, tax exemption, local government, financial incentives, blighted property, derelict property, property tax exemption, local redevelopment plans, rehabilitation standards, ad valorem tax, community development, senior citizens, homestead exemption, Louisiana Constitution, motor vehicles, local fees, transaction fees, funding

Transcript Highlights:

• Empower Missouri is the oldest and largest anti-poverty organization in our state.
• They don't have guidelines on how discipline is meted out.
• important to note the Congress just passed legislation, passed the House and the Senate, creating the Federal
• important to note the Congress just passed legislation, past the House and the Senate creating the Federal
• Prison Oversight Act, and Donald Trump has creating the Federal Prison Oversight Act, and Donald Trump

Committee: House Corrections and Public Institutions

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• large amount of non-taxable land from the University of Minnesota Forestry Center, DNR parcels, and federal
• funding to help with those needs and allow us to meet the updated Minnesota Pollution Control Agency guidelines
• As shared during your 2023 bonding tour to Folda, we are leveraging every federal and local dollar we
• I wish there was some federal money that would get into this because it helps both sides of the river
• Our median income is less than $40,000, and our poverty rate is 20%. 20%, and the average travel time

Bills: HF568 , HF433 , HF1689 , HF3135 , HF3137 , HF3145 , HF2887 , HF2819 , HF2802 , HF2664 , HF2267 , HF799 , HF800 , HF3049 , HF296 , HF580 , HF1438 , HF1237

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: special education, education funding, construction, Minnesota, regional educational programs, HF433, Cloquet Area Fire District, fire station, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, general obligation bonds, public safety, emergency services, fire protection, local infrastructure, Minnesota capital budget, DEED grant, municipal facilities, station construction

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, federally qualified health centers are critical to our state's healthcare landscape, especially
• Because there are no uniform guidelines by HHSC... ...on two MCOs on the credentialing process and when
• I see a state that has not reached the state minimum. wage over the federal minimum wage in my lifetime
• Barack Obama once said, children who grow up without a father are five times more likely to live in poverty
• instability in 2022, and parental rejection is the primary driver forcing these young people into poverty

Bills: HB1106 , HB3284 , HB541 , HB713 , HB1403 , HB1586 , HB1942 , HB2070 , HB2844 , HB2851 , HB3151 , HB3749 , HB3940 , HB3963 , HB4454 , HB4466 , HB4795 , HB5154 , HB5394 , SB1357 , HB1052 , HB4099 , HB4638 , HB5147

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Keywords: child abuse, neglect, gender identity, sexual orientation, child welfare, marriage, family, Texas Commission, family welfare, marriage support, stability, premarital education, child development, strong families, direct patient care, healthcare, physicians, medical services, insurance regulation, maternal health

Transcript Highlights:

• If Texans On a fixed income or people in poverty receive a huge water bill out of nowhere.
• understand the utility's desire to recover, but also understand looking at the data here that, uh, the poverty
• that I think it's, uh, my client's gonna get upset with me, but I think it's about 110%, 120% of the poverty
• That is an active ratepayer with a step by step guideline for how to participate in these proceedings

Bills: HB 29 , HB 685 , HB 1633 , HB 1689 , HB 1690 , HB 1918 , HB 2010 , HB 2500 , HB 2608 , HB 2626

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: water audit, water loss, water loss mitigation plan, municipally owned utility, municipal utility, water conservation, Texas Water Development Board, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, water leakage, leak detection, billing data accuracy, utility validation, water audit validation, water scarcity, water management, infrastructure, public utility, conservation plan, administrative penalty

Transcript Highlights:

• multiple town halls, the emails trying to organize all of us to have different calls, talking with the federal
• of the important things that the CENTAC does, is create what's called the bench book, which is guidelines
• necessary hospital services receive free care if their household income is at or below 300% of the federal
• poverty level.
• Patients between 300% and 350% of the federal poverty level would receive at least a 75% discount, and

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, accepted the prior day’s minutes, and read several committee reports and communications into the record. Members also observed moments of silence for two young people who had recently died, and the prayer and pledge were offered before the chamber moved into business. Consent calendar number 28, consisting of several resolutions, passed by voice vote. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to tributes and retirement remarks for Representative Jeff Holowski, who was praised by colleagues for his work on financial literacy, veterans’ issues, health care, diabetes policy, and constituent service, as well as for his military service and community involvement. Holowski thanked staff, colleagues, and his family, and said he was retiring to spend more time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. The chamber also recognized former Representative Harvey Kenton as a guest. The House then acted on several measures. Senate Bill 286, as amended by House Amendment 1, passed 40-0 and extends consumer protections and dealer equity standards to ATVs, side-by-sides, and vessels. Senate Bill 179, which updates the Delaware Sentencing Accountability Commission and its bench book/data analysis process, passed 27-14. Senate Substitute 2 for Senate Bill 23, the housing supply and affordability bill, was presented with extensive explanation and questions about local control, zoning, and implementation, but the transcript ends before a final vote on that measure. Senate Joint Resolution 18, designating August 31, 2026 as International Overdose Awareness Day and directing flags at half-staff, was also discussed in emotional remarks about overdose losses and the state’s ongoing response. The House later recessed for party caucuses.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because when it happened, the district attorney reached out to us at the Federation.
• But, you know, how many people can get access to a federal infrastructure like this?
• I founded the Center for Women in Enterprise in 1995 and... ...cycle of poverty.
• Today I would doubt that at the federal level there are many, if any, resources left to pursue cases
• Today I would doubt that at the federal level, there are many, if any, resources left to pursue cases

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on Combating Anti-Semitism opened by approving the minutes from its November 5, 2025 meeting and outlining plans for its next meeting on November 20, when it expects to vote on the draft master report and recommendations. The chair explained that revised drafts would be circulated, changes would be handled by motion, and the final vote would be by roll call. The meeting then moved through several public panels focused on prevention, education, workplace support, and community safety. Parents for Peace testified that anti-Semitism and extremism should be treated as a public health crisis and urged state funding for training in K-12 schools, healthcare, and law enforcement. The panel described its intervention work with radicalized youth and families, argued for early-warning training for educators, and recommended diversion resources for courts and prosecutors so cases can be addressed before they escalate. Commissioners asked about the origins of radicalization, the need for school-based training, and how to connect courts and police to available resources. Project Shema’s Orrin Jacobson argued that effective anti-Semitism education must be nuanced, pluralistic, and grounded in a better understanding of Jewish identity and contemporary anti-Semitism, especially in conversations about Israel and Palestine. He said the group has run dozens of workshops in Massachusetts and emphasized that institutions should adopt content-neutral norms, train staff and administrators, and measure whether trainings lower tensions and increase willingness to intervene. Commissioners asked about handling activists who reject nuance, the role of faculty versus students, and whether classroom norms should limit teachers from advancing personal agendas. A workplace panel from Klaal and Combined Jewish Philanthropies presented survey data showing many Jewish employees feel unsafe being openly Jewish at work and that antisemitism training is the top requested support. They described rapid growth in Jewish employee resource groups, existing programming and stipends for ERG leaders, and recommended mandatory anti-Semitism training, support for Jewish affinity groups in public and private sectors, and broader convenings of major employers. The commission also heard from Truah rabbis and educators, who urged stronger interfaith solidarity, a state office of faith-based and neighborhood partnerships, and explicit attention to democracy and civil rights as part of anti-Semitism strategy. After a recess, the commission heard from Israeli-American, Russian Jewish, and Persian Jewish witnesses who described antisemitism as a lived, personal, and civic issue affecting immigrants and their families. They called for inclusion of diverse Jewish voices in state initiatives, stronger protections for Israeli-American businesses, and recognition that anti-Zionist rhetoric often becomes direct harassment of Jews. The chair said the testimony and suggested edits would be incorporated into the draft report, and the meeting ended with plans for further revisions before the final vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• may result in the removal guidelines may result in the removal from<00:46:59.000><c> the</c><00:46:59.080
• This is in alignment with existing models such as the CFR, SR, and existing federal audit structures,
• ><c> maybe</c><01:14:10.560><c> they</c><01:14:10.720><c> need</c><01:14:11.040><c> better</c> of poverty
• Um maybe they need better of poverty.
• A state are just constantly being asked to step in to the gap that the federal government is creating

Bills: HF3665 , HF3002 , HF4217 , HF4125 , HF4174

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Keywords: foster care, early childhood education, child care programs, placement plan, social services, extended foster care, kinship care, relative custody, permanent legal and physical custody, Northstar kinship assistance, independent living plan, transition services, youth aging out of care, medical assistance, Medicaid, child welfare, children youth and families, out-of-home placement, case plan, relative placement

Transcript Highlights:

• Federal funds is about $1.8 billion and it comes from various grants.
• Federal funds lead the charge in this agency with 57.6%.
• And in federal funds, you'll see those various statewide adjustments and a decrease.
• That looks like federal funds that came into the department and then the removal of those federal funds
• They meet the guidelines.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee met on March 17 to review the FY27 budgets for the Department of Education and several special schools and commissions. Fiscal staff outlined the Department of Education’s roughly $6.4 billion budget, noting that most funding goes to the Minimum Foundation Program and subgrantee assistance. Major changes discussed included the removal of one-time teacher pay stipends, increases for the LA GATOR scholarship program, and projected adjustments in early childhood funding. Members also reviewed the constitutional amendment proposal tied to using about $2 billion to pay down teacher retirement obligations and provide future teacher pay raises. Dr. Cade Brumley testified that Louisiana’s education outcomes have improved and answered questions on math performance, charter school funding, the LA GATOR scholarship, and the special education Choice program. Members pressed the department on the sustainability and balance of funding between LA GATOR and Choice, the number of applicants and current recipients, and outreach efforts. Brumley said charter schools are funded through the MFP like other public schools, that LA GATOR currently serves about 5,500 students with applications recently reaching about 17,000, and that the Choice program serves about 500 students with a waiting list of about 700 applicants. He also said the department would implement whatever funding levels the legislature approves. The committee then heard the special schools and commissions budget, including the Special School District, Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts, Thrive Academy, École Pointe-au-Chien, Louisiana Public Broadcasting, and BESE. Testimony focused on facility needs, enrollment, and program outcomes. LSU? No—LSM leaders described urgent roof and ceiling repairs estimated at about $800,000, while Thrive Academy highlighted student achievement, community service requirements, and economic impact. LPB said it is facing a federal funding loss of about $2.5 million and is responding with higher Passport fees, underwriting, and private fundraising. BESE’s small staff and administrative role were also explained, with members asking about board operations and the use of statutory dedication funds.

Transcript Highlights:

• Enforcement investigations are confidential pursuant to federal and state laws, but I can say that we
• Enforcement investigations are confidential pursuant to federal and state laws, but I can say that we
• We were founded by former Congressman Patrick Kennedy, who’s the author of the Federal Parity Act.
• On key parity compliance metrics under the federal law.
• Good afternoon, Linda Way with Western Center on Law and Poverty.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee held an informational hearing on Kaiser Permanente’s behavioral health care system, focusing on Department of Managed Health Care enforcement actions, Kaiser’s corrective action work plan, and testimony from patients, advocates, and union representatives. DMHC officials reviewed a long history of complaints, surveys, fines, and settlements involving Kaiser’s access to behavioral health services, including deficiencies found in 2012 and 2016, a 2022 non-routine survey, and a 2023 settlement that imposed a $50 million penalty and required $150 million in community investments over five years. DMHC said it continues to monitor Kaiser through quarterly meetings, complaint review, follow-up surveys, and a reimbursement process for members who could not obtain timely in-network care. Committee members pressed DMHC on what “timely access” and continuity of care mean in practice, how virtual care and group therapy fit into the standards, and what triggers a non-routine survey. DMHC said initial behavioral health appointments generally should not take more than two weeks, urgent care should be within days, and follow-up care within 10 days, with out-of-network care required when plans cannot meet standards. Officials also said Kaiser’s initial corrective action work plan lacked detail, but the revised plan was accepted and will be tracked through quarterly reporting and possible additional enforcement if Kaiser fails to comply. The second panel featured testimony from a Kaiser enrollee, a behavioral health policy expert, a Kaiser therapist, and the NUHW president. The enrollee described serious delays and inadequate treatment for his daughter after a suicide attempt, while the therapist and union leader said Kaiser’s behavioral health system is understaffed, relies too heavily on short appointments, group therapy, and webinars, and treats behavioral health as less important than medical-surgical care. They argued Kaiser’s one-appointment-at-a-time scheduling rule and limited treatment time violate parity requirements and harm continuity of care. Several members criticized Kaiser for not appearing at the hearing and said the testimony underscored the need for stronger oversight, clearer metrics, and faster remedies for patients.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> a contract that we have with Federal a contract that we have with Federal Marshals<03:27:27.319>
• This is a federal issue that needs to be addressed with a federal solution.
• This is a federal issue that needs to be addressed with a federal solution.
• This is a federal issue that needs to be addressed with a federal solution.
• Under federal guidelines, a veteran is defined as anyone who served in active military duty and was discharged

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><03:32:29.760><c> federal</c><03:32:30.120><c> poverty</c> to 4 400% of the poverty federal poverty
• It increases the FY 26 cap from 350% to 400% of the federal poverty guidelines and removes the cap completely
• It increases the FY 26 cap from 350% to 400% of the federal poverty guidelines and removes the cap completely
• poverty guidelines to 400% of the federal poverty guidelines.
• poverty guidelines to 400% of the federal poverty guidelines.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee met to review Division One of a very large budget package, with the chair explaining that the budget was being analyzed in three divisions over multiple days. Members first discussed procedure, including when amendments and line-item votes would be taken, and agreed to proceed with the division’s presentation before questions. Representative Maguire then outlined the division’s approach as a series of tradeoffs to close a large budget gap, emphasizing cuts, some revenue changes, and a focus on overall spending levels as well as individual reductions. The presentation covered a wide range of agencies and policy areas. Major proposed changes included cuts or eliminations to several boards and commissions viewed as costly or duplicative, such as the Housing Appeals Board, Board of Tax and Land Appeals, Human Rights Commission, Commission on Aging, Office of the Child Advocate, and the Personnel Appeals Board, with some functions consolidated into other boards. The division also proposed back-of-the-budget cuts to the Information Technology Department, Judicial Branch, Justice Department, Retirement System, Corrections, and Environmental Services, along with fee increases in several areas. Other notable items included ending marketing for Paid Family Leave, reducing job advertising and tourism promotion, defunding the Arts Council, moving liquor enforcement functions out of the Liquor Commission, and shifting some funds such as the College Savings Commission money to Division Two. Several members questioned specific cuts, especially the elimination of the Council on Aging, the reduction in regional planning commission grants, and the large cut to tourism advertising. Maguire defended the choices as necessary budget tradeoffs, arguing that some programs duplicated work done elsewhere, that regional planning grants were not among the most essential items, and that tourism promotion was a form of spending he viewed skeptically. He also explained that the public defender’s budget was partially restored after a credible claim of a governor’s budget error, and that the committee would continue refining corrections-related cuts because the House was only halfway through the budget process and further changes could still occur in the Senate and conference committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• for our families and extended families in the face of a worsening personal economy and threats of poverty
• The website update this next year will accommodate compliance with certain federal requirements.
• standard, stricter scrutiny, and that is both in New Mexico law as well as through the IRS and other federal
• And then finally, whether the person satisfies the IRS guidelines for determining that an individual
• It's hard to convince someone to make a non-refundable contract under current IRS rules and guidelines

Committee: House Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• , leaving Massachusetts survivors at a disadvantage compared to federal standards.
• Mandatory minimums fall hardest on low-level offenders, people struggling with addiction or poverty,
• ...Massachusetts law enforcement officers, or is this to federal officers as well? It says...
• So as Massachusetts officers, we could enforce a Massachusetts law, but a federal officer cannot.
• Federal agents cannot impose state laws, which is why they rely on task force officers from the state

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing opened with procedural remarks and acknowledgments of Rosh Hashanah, followed by testimony on several criminal justice bills before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary. A major focus was S. 1061, the “Raise the Age” bill, which would gradually move 18- to 20-year-olds into the juvenile justice system. Supporters included youth and young adult advocates, former juvenile court Judge Jay Blitzman, ACLU and CPCS representatives, Roca, United Way, Citizens for Juvenile Justice, and Senator Brendan Crichton. They argued that young adults are still developmentally immature, that juvenile court services improve education and rehabilitation, and that adult-system involvement leads to higher recidivism and racial disparities. Committee members asked practical questions about how the bill would work, and witnesses explained that it would expand access to juvenile court diversion, probation, and DYS services for the covered age group. The chairs also noted a notice issue, clarifying that the hearing had been posted seven days in advance rather than the usual ten. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to revise accomplice and joint venture murder liability and sentencing. Representative Sam Montaño and Senator Liz Miranda supported the reform, arguing that current law can impose life sentences on people with limited or no knowledge of a killing and that the doctrine contributes to racial bias and disproportionate punishment. A law professor, a former defendant, and advocates from the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls described cases where people were punished far beyond their actual role and said the bill would better align charges and sentences with individual culpability. Related testimony also supported a proportionality-focused reform to reduce the harshness of joint venture sentencing. Several other public safety and criminal justice bills drew testimony. Senator Robin Kennedy supported a bill redefining strangulation in domestic violence law, saying the current “substantial pressure” standard is too vague and that strangulation is often lethal without visible injury. District Attorney Ryan and a retail business executive backed a bill on organized retail theft, saying it would give prosecutors more flexible charging options and better address coordinated theft rings. Representative Vieira and the family of Kiana Barros urged action on Kiana’s Law, which would improve restraining-order notification and enforcement after Barros’s daughter was killed after an order was not served. The hearing also included support for the HALO Act, which would create a 25-foot safety zone around first responders and penalize harassment or obstruction, and for a bill to enhance courthouse security by creating specific protections for judges and their families. No votes were taken during the hearing."} 0}]}

Transcript Highlights:

• But what federal law requires, right, is for districts to provide comparable services.
• SEARAC, Asian Law Caucus, and Western Center on Law and Poverty.
• Katie Bassler, Salinas Valley Federation of Teachers, I stand in support. Mr.
• It has to do with what's happening at the federal government.
• There doesn't seem to be enough guidelines on there.

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee heard a full agenda of bills, first adopting a consent calendar of 11 measures without individual presentations. The committee then took up AB 1412, which would require California schools to implement or adopt a transferred special education student’s IEP within 30 days for out-of-state transfers and to coordinate more quickly on records. The author and military-family witnesses said the bill would reduce delays for highly mobile students, especially military children; a school administrators group opposed it. The bill received initial support from committee members and was moved on call. The committee also reconsidered AB 281, which would require notice to parents when outside consultants provide sex education instruction; the author accepted amendments removing a copy-right provision, but the bill remained on call after a split vote. The committee heard AB 1005, which would create a statewide drowning-prevention education and swim-lesson voucher framework for underserved communities. The author and supporters described drowning as a preventable public health and equity issue, while the bill was clarified as developing a plan rather than immediately launching a voucher program. It was voted out on a 3-0 roll with the measure placed on call. AB 908, as amended, would add compliance monitoring for existing requirements that schools use LGBTQ-inclusive instructional materials and curriculum under the FAIR Act. Supporters said the bill would improve implementation and student safety; opponents raised concerns about privacy, girls’ sports, and school burdens. The committee approved the bill 5-2 and sent it to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 1401, which would affirm parents’ access to school records, including unofficial records unless exempt by law. The author argued that parents need clearer access to information held by schools and vendors, while school officials and teachers’ union representatives warned the bill was too vague and could sweep in personal notes, journals, and other sensitive material. The bill failed on a 2-3 vote and was placed on call. Finally, AB 727 would require student ID cards to include the Trevor Project hotline for LGBTQ youth; supporters framed it as a suicide-prevention measure, while opponents argued it conflicted with parental rights and religious beliefs. Committee discussion focused on whether 988 already provides similar access and whether the Trevor Project is an appropriate resource to print on IDs; the hearing continued with the bill still under consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> capacity and guideline two capacity. capacity and guideline two capacity.
• Um, in terms of guideline limit, guideline number three is the lowest limit right now.
• Um, in terms of guideline limit, guideline number three is the lowest limit right now.
• </c> federal lead service line requirements. federal lead service line requirements.
• the MMB guideline.

Bills: HF4736 , HF4737 , HF3806 , HF3352 , HF4840 , HF3748

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: emergency shelter, grant program, homelessness, capital investment, Minnesota Statutes, appropriation bonds, public funding, housing, infrastructure bonds, funding, appropriation, Minnesota constitutional amendment, public debt, state bonds, general obligation bonds, information technology, IT infrastructure, software licenses, technology modernization, capital improvements

Transcript Highlights:

• He said it provides more guidelines for people on welfare.
• We would have to get a federal waiver, yes.
• If we were to implement a change that did go against the federal guidelines, yes, we could lose the federal
• If we were to implement a change that did go against the federal guidelines, yes, we could lose the federal
• Federal regulations just require a birth certificate. Okay.

Committee: House Professional Registration and Licensing

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and adopted a House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2300 by a unanimous roll call vote of 18-0. The substitute combined a number of previously approved professional registration items, including emergency suspension authority, chiropractic and massage therapy provisions, accountant regulations, the athletic trainer compact, social worker regulations, a speech-language pathologist fix, telehealth, nonprofit pharmacies, and the physician assistant compact. Members noted that work was still ongoing on bell bondsman language before the committee moved into public hearing. The main public hearing was on House Bill 2897, which would expand optometrists’ authority to perform certain laser and in-office procedures. Representative Farnan and optometry supporters argued the bill is about patient access, especially in rural areas, and said it would allow three laser procedures—YAG capsulotomy, laser trabeculoplasty, and laser iridotomy—plus clarify other already-performed office procedures, while still excluding major surgeries such as cataract surgery, LASIK, and corneal transplants. Supporters said optometrists already receive relevant training, that a 32-hour certification course would serve as a safeguard, and that patients often face long waits or long travel times for care. Opponents, including ophthalmologists, argued the bill would blur the line between optometry and surgery, create safety risks, and rely on insufficient training and ambiguous language. They cited complications from laser procedures, questioned emergency care claims, and said optometrists should not be regulated as surgeons unless placed under the State Board of Healing Arts. No vote was taken on HB 2897, and the chair recessed the hearing for later continuation. The Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education then took up House Bill 3239 and adopted Amendment 0.01H, which capped the program at $4 million to keep it from becoming an open-ended cost. The committee then adopted the House Committee Substitute and voted the bill do pass by 11-7. The committee also combined House Bills 2913 and 3228 into one substitute and voted that combined measure do pass by 19-0. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2195, which would create the Missouri Integrated Safe Driving Program and encourage school districts to incorporate driver-safety content into existing courses without adding a fiscal note or mandating a standalone driver’s ed class. Sponsor Representative Reedy and supporters from AAA Missouri and the Missouri Driver Education Coalition said the bill would address teen crash rates, improve access to driver education, and help schools use existing curriculum time more flexibly. The hearing remained in discussion with testimony continuing.