Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 984 establishes a pathway by which patients with rare and ultra-rare diseases can...
• And really what we have here is ultra-rare diseases. rare diseases that simply don't have a solution.
• I mean, the list of these diseases is so rare that I hadn't even heard half of these: Barr syndrome,
• Fabry's disease, Batten's disease, LCMD, Sanfilippo syndrome, and there's more.
• It is about preventing disease by the antibodies. And you know what they found out?

Bills: SB95, SB268, SB493, SB619, SB660, SB922, SB984, SB1098, SB1188, SB1307, SB1332, SB1822

Keywords: immunization, written informed consent, civil liability, health care provider, vaccine compensation, administrative penalty, health care, licensing, complaint procedure, disciplinary action, law enforcement, pharmacy benefit manager, PBM, gag clause, prescription drug pricing, out-of-pocket cost, cash price, pharmacist, pharmacy, prescription drug benefit

Bills: SB746, SB1404, SB1536, SB1559, SB1838

Keywords: guardianship, guardian ad litem, incapacitated person, proposed ward, ward, probate, Estates Code, Texas probate, elder abuse, adult protective services, capacity restoration, guardian removal, annual account, annual report, estate guardian, person guardian, civil immunity, court-appointed representative, judiciary, civil jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a portfolio of bills today that's going to talk about plant disease and pest prevention.
• And I love them because they have a strategy when we have animal disease.
• It creates an agricultural plant disease and pest prevention grant program.
• I could talk about plant disease and pest prevention. all day long.
• You've mentioned some diseases, but... What is that? What's yellowleg?

Bills: HB147, HB 1113, HB 1203, HB 1269, HB 1276, HB 1277, HB1437, HB147

Keywords: livestock, brands, marks, earmarks, tattoos, electronic registry, Texas Animal Health Commission, county clerk, Agriculture Code, cattle, hogs, sheep, goats, horses, animal identification, brand registry, livestock traceability, electronic filing, rerecording, law enforcement access

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, all types of invasive plants, all types of invasive, uh, diseases.
• Language within that statutory authority to provide that funding for animal disease emergencies.
• Uh, or, uh, manage this disease in a way and we know that we can move animals safely, uh, as we do in
• The foreign animal disease response plan that's in this is based upon a foot and mouth disease response
• Foot and mouth disease is very different than New World screw worm.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kemp, Jr., founder of Kemp Legacy Foundation, having battled a rare vascular malformation and multiple
• autoimmune diseases since childhood, including life-threatening periods of illness.
• Kemp, Jr., founder of Kemp Legacy Foundation, having battled a rare vascular malformation and multiple
• autoimmune diseases since childhood, including life-threatening periods of illness.
• a foundation dedicated to supporting children, families, and individuals navigating rare chronic diseases

Keywords: 998, house, all

Bills: HB227, HB454, SB323, HB266, SB52, SB53, SB296, HB37, HB429, HB93, HB249, HB328, HB111, HB132, HB26, SB261, HB227, HB454, SB323, HB266, SB52, SB53, SB296, HB37, HB429, HB93, HB249, HB328, HB111, HB132, HB26, SB261

Keywords: firefighter benefits, occupational disease, line of duty, disability pension, death benefits, retirement benefits, hypertension, heart disease, respiratory disease, cancer presumption, HIV, hepatitis, municipal firefighters, state firefighters, fire districts, workers' compensation, public safety employees, post-retirement benefits, benefit eligibility cutoff, occupational illness

Transcript Highlights:

• Her specialty is neurology, neurocritical care, and vascular neurology. So, welcome, doc.
• Vascular neurology. So, welcome, Doc. I guess I said that right. Was that even close? It was good.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 22 January, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• After seeing the region's top geneticist that specializes in connective tissue disease, I had my reason
• this point, I explained to the emergency response worker that I have a genetic connective tissue disease
• this point, I explained to the emergency response worker that I have a genetic connective tissue disease
• hospital and DCF stating that the doctor could not decipher whether the lucency was a fracture or a vascular
• increasing risks of infant mortality, impaired cognitive and socio-emotional development, chronic disease

Bills: H5085, H5286

Keywords: poverty alleviation, family support, economic mobility, youth transition, financial education, matched savings, community programs, Department of Children and Families, DCF, child abuse investigation, child neglect, pediatrician, advanced practice registered nurse, medical misdiagnosis, rickets, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, vitamin D deficiency, bone fragility, child welfare

Summary: The Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities held a hybrid hearing on miscellaneous bills, including H. 5286, which would require DCF to consult a medical professional when a parent presents evidence of a pre-existing diagnosis that could explain symptoms mistaken for abuse or neglect. Representative Brian Mario said the bill would give DCF another tool in difficult cases. Jennifer Fernandes testified about her family’s experience with her grandson being removed after doctors initially suspected a skull fracture that later proved unfounded, saying the bill could help prevent similar outcomes. Committee members expressed sympathy and indicated interest in further discussion. The committee then heard extensive testimony on H. 5085/S. 3095, the omnibus “An Act Significantly Alleviating Poverty.” Supporters described the bill as a comprehensive anti-poverty package built from the Poverty Commission’s work, combining higher cash assistance grants, matched savings, baby bonds, a guaranteed stipend for youth aging out of foster care, expanded tax credits, language access, clean slate record sealing, and worker protections. Senator Eldridge, Senator Miranda, Representative Decker, and many advocates argued that poverty is tied to housing instability, child welfare involvement, health harms, and racial and gender inequities, and that the bill would help families meet basic needs, build wealth, and reduce the benefits cliff. Witnesses from social service, legal aid, labor, immigrant advocacy, and public health groups strongly supported the bill’s provisions. Several focused on specific sections: child support pass-through and a broader good-cause exception for TAFDC recipients; extending the state EITC to ITIN filers; creating baby bonds and matched savings programs; automating criminal record sealing; improving language access at state agencies; and ending the subminimum wage for farm workers. Former foster youth and service providers said the guaranteed stipend would help young adults avoid homelessness and transition more safely into adulthood. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chairs repeatedly noted the limited time and encouraged written testimony and follow-up conversations.

Transcript Highlights:

• After seeing the region's top geneticist that specializes in connective tissue disease, I had my reason
• this point, I explained to the emergency response worker that I have a genetic connective tissue disease
• At the 72-hour hearing that was top geneticist that specializes in connective tissue disease, I had my
• this point, I explained to the emergency response worker that I have a genetic connective tissue disease
• increasing risks of infant mortality, impaired cognitive and socio-emotional development, chronic disease

Bills: H5085, H5286

Keywords: poverty alleviation, family support, economic mobility, youth transition, financial education, matched savings, community programs, Department of Children and Families, DCF, child abuse investigation, child neglect, pediatrician, advanced practice registered nurse, medical misdiagnosis, rickets, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, vitamin D deficiency, bone fragility, child welfare

Bills: SB169, SB180, SB203, SB87, SB195, SB192, SB169, SB180, SB203, SB87, SB195, SB192, HB132, HB37, HB13, HB54, HB126, HB7, SB30, HB188, HB189, HB26, HB264, HB288, HB248, HB249, HB227, HB228

Keywords: Lieutenant Governor, vacancy, governor appointment, Alabama Constitution, state government, media monitoring, government contracts, state agencies, local agencies, media regulations, transparency, dental insurance, medical loss ratio, premium regulation, insurance commissioner, rebate, consumer protection, midwifery, licensed midwives, State Board of Midwifery

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, there's no anesthesia, there's no vascular surgery, no critical care specialist.
• Um, there's no anesthesia, there's<00:35:36.560><c> no</c><00:35:36.800><c> vascular</c><00:35:37.440
• ><c> surgery,</c><00:35:38.000><c> no</c><00:35:38.240><c> critical</c> there's no vascular surgery,
• no critical there's no vascular surgery, no critical care<00:35:39.119><c> specialist.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first handled several referred administrative regulations, including a package from the Board of Respiratory Care described as a substantive housekeeping update to its regulations and incorporated materials. There were no questions from members, and the committee also heard from the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure, which was present in case questions arose but did not require action. Members then took up an amendment to the state health plan for facilities and services, specifically 900 KAR 5:02. Wesley Duke explained that a previously proposed criteria related to mega-voltage requirements, originally suggested by the Kentucky Hospital Association, was now being removed because the association no longer considered it necessary. The committee moved to accept the agency amendment, with a motion and second, and approved it without opposition. The committee next considered Senate Joint Resolution 23, a “food is medicine” resolution sponsored by Senator Shelley Funke Frommeyer. Supporters from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Kentucky Hospital Association described the initiative as a voluntary, statewide effort already adopted by 52 hospitals, aimed at improving patient health while supporting Kentucky farmers and local food systems. Members discussed access to healthy food, grocery-store availability, school nutrition, and the need to reduce barriers to local procurement; the resolution was adopted unanimously after a roll call vote, with one senator briefly explaining a late vote due to weather. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 12, which would allow mid-level practitioners to serve as the leader of a Level IV trauma center under physician direction. The sponsor and witnesses from Appalachian Regional Healthcare argued the change would help address rural trauma-care shortages, align with national standards, and improve access without changing scope of practice or other trauma-center requirements. Several members raised questions and comments about rural access, liability, costs, and the broader health impacts, but no vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• This disease also destroys the heart, kidneys, and... also a patient with Fabri disease.
• I'm just asking you to add Fabry disease and Gaucher disease and NPS1 and Pompe disease and the rest
• of the diseases in the bill.
• I also run a Fabry disease clinic, and I am a person living with Fabry disease.
• disease.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health heard testimony on a wide range of bills focused on children’s health, tobacco control, newborn screening, pediatric cancer, palliative care, and professional licensure. Early testimony highlighted Senate bills to expand newborn screening for pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency, lysosomal storage disorders, and congenital CMV, with families and clinicians describing severe diagnostic delays, missed treatment windows, and the benefits of early detection. Speakers also supported a bill to improve pediatric cancer research through a dedicated trust fund, and a bill to extend pediatric palliative care services to age 22, with parents and providers emphasizing continuity of care for seriously ill young people. Several witnesses gave personal accounts in support of the newborn screening measures. Families described children who endured years of misdiagnosis before receiving diagnoses such as Gaucher disease, Fabry disease, Pompe disease, Niemann-Pick disease, and CMV, often after irreversible damage had already occurred. Medical and advocacy witnesses said Massachusetts already collects some of the relevant screening data and argued that results should be reported to families, while others urged the committee to add conditions to the state panel because effective treatments already exist. The committee also heard support for a bill to establish a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder program and training for providers. On tobacco and youth health, testimony supported bills to ban internet tobacco sales, strengthen youth protections, and reduce lung cancer deaths through point-of-sale information and quit-line access. A student testified about easily purchasing flavored nicotine products online without meaningful age verification, and public health advocates backed measures to keep tobacco out of children’s environments. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to ensure parents have access to their children’s medical records through age 16, with exceptions for sensitive services already protected by law. The committee additionally took testimony on an optometry licensure bill, where ophthalmologists opposed language they said could broaden scope of practice and allow optometrists to use the title “optometric physician,” while optometry educators and students supported the bill as a modernization measure with no scope expansion. No votes were taken during the hearing; the chair repeatedly reminded speakers of time limits and noted that written testimony could be submitted for additional comments.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm an Ehlers-Danlos syndrome rare diseases patient and disability advocate. I was also Ms.
• I'm also a rare disease patient myself. I'm here in support, obviously.
• My name is Chanel Cordova, and I'm here representing the Northwest Rare Disease Coalition in support
• I speak to you as an advocate for others, as well as a patient and mother to a child with rare disease
• I cannot take NSAIDs due to my Crohn's disease and the blood thinners that I take daily.

Bills: SB5845, SB5916, SB6102, SB6071, SB6103, SB6159, SB5877, SB5967, SB5904, SB5915, SB6025

Keywords: health insurance, health carrier, insurance carrier, prompt pay, timely payment, claims processing, clean claim, remittance advice, provider reimbursement, hospital billing, medical billing, prior authorization, claims denial, interest on late claims, administrative penalty, Washington insurance commissioner, RCW 48, public employees benefits board, school employees benefits board, Medicaid managed care

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on several health care bills. SB 6159 would create a public hospital infrastructure account funded by a new coverage assessment on insurers and other premium-tax payers, to help public hospital districts and other public health entities finance major construction and modernization projects and allow more cooperative agreements among public hospitals. The sponsor and supporters said it would help public hospitals remain competitive and better serve rural and underserved patients, while opponents argued the assessment would raise health care costs, could sweep in property and casualty insurers and mutual companies, and might create legal and affordability problems. Testimony also raised concerns that the bill’s cooperation language could unintentionally narrow existing affiliations with nonpublic entities. The hearing closed with 5 signed in pro, 74 con, and 2 other. The committee then heard SB 5845, which would replace the current 95% timely-payment standard with a requirement that all clean claims be paid or denied within 30 days, with notice requirements for incomplete claims and interest or penalties for late payment. Hospitals, physicians, and health systems strongly supported the bill, saying delayed and unpredictable payments create major cash-flow and administrative burdens and that some large claims can remain unpaid for months or longer even when care was approved. Health plans opposed the bill, saying they already meet current standards, that the bill could limit their ability to investigate fraud, waste, and abuse or review high-dollar claims, and that it should include more balanced timelines and exceptions. The hearing closed with 69 signed in pro, 4 con, and 2 other. The committee also heard SB 5916, which would prohibit health plans, Medicaid managed care organizations, and public employee plans from disadvantaging non-opioid pain treatments relative to opioids through formulary placement or utilization management, and would require a Department of Health educational pamphlet on non-opioid options. Patients, recovery advocates, and rare disease advocates supported the bill as a way to improve access to safer pain care and reduce barriers like prior authorization and step therapy. The Health Care Authority and an insurers’ representative said they support access to non-opioids but were concerned the bill could require preferred status for all non-opioids whenever any opioid is preferred, increasing costs and limiting formulary management. The hearing closed with 8 signed in pro, 1 con, and 2 other. Later, the committee heard SB 6102, a technical bill to align the ambulance transport quality assurance fee with federal rules after changes in federal law limited new provider taxes. The ambulance association supported the bill, saying the existing fee has significantly improved wages and benefits for EMS workers and that the change is needed to preserve the program. The hearing closed with 50 signed in pro, 1 con, and 0 other. The committee also heard SB 6103, which would make Medicaid payments for rural emergency hospitals subject to appropriation and create a state framework for a rural hospital conversion model. Supporters from East Adams Rural Health Care and the Washington State Hospital Association said the bill would help keep rural emergency services viable, especially for communities along the I-90 corridor. The hearing closed with 58 signed in pro, 1 con, and 0 other. Finally, the committee heard SB 6071, which would shorten the time limit for insurers to seek overpayment recoveries from providers from two years to six months, or nine months for coordination-of-benefits cases, extending a standard already enacted for mental health and substance use disorder services. Providers from acupuncture, massage, podiatry, and other small practices supported the bill, saying long clawback periods create financial instability and administrative burden, while the remaining testimony was still being taken when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Offer education on the transmission and prevention of infectious diseases; and 3.
• Studies have shown that access to clean needles dramatically reduces the transmission of diseases like
• Preventing the spread of infectious diseases is so important.
• We also understand the facts: diseases are preventable.
• I mean, the spread of diseases, I should say. OK. And then my other question is, I'm going to.

Bills: HB1320, HB2012, HB2293, HB2655, HB3174, HB4108, HB4661, HB4799, HB5534, HB5580

Keywords: transportation, infrastructure, funding, state budget, public safety, child welfare, county boards, membership, local governance, public welfare, government service, social services, Texas Family Code, regulation, vendors, solicitors, roadside sales, county authority, Sweeny Hospital District, board of directors

Bills: HB1320, HB2012, HB2293, HB2655, HB3174, HB4108, HB4661, HB4799, HB5534, HB5580

Keywords: transportation, infrastructure, funding, state budget, public safety, child welfare, county boards, membership, local governance, public welfare, government service, social services, Texas Family Code, regulation, vendors, solicitors, roadside sales, county authority, Sweeny Hospital District, board of directors

Transcript Highlights:

• Rick Roberts, a retired vascular surgeon and chemical engineer.
• has seen the number of patients with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other degenerative neurologic diseases
• Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other degenerative<00:54:48.880><c> neurologic</c><00:54:49.599><c> diseases
• </c> degenerative neurologic diseases degenerative neurologic diseases increased<00:54:50.720><c> tremendously

Bills: SB174, SB39, SB40, SB206, SB200, HB169, HB345, HB381, HB25

Keywords: business taxes, annual reports, Alabama Tax Tribunal, tax appeals, local government, board governance, occupational licensing, Sunset Law, public accountability, training requirements, SB40, Houston/Hunter Act, firearm hold agreement, gun storage, temporary firearm storage, firearms dealer, federal firearms licensee, FFL, civil immunity, gun owner

Transcript Highlights:

• It reads: Whereas a brain injury is damage to the brain resulting from trauma, infection, anoxia, vascular

Bills: HB3522, HB4300, HB4359, HB4363, HB3467, HB2987, HB3076, HB4427, HB3026, HB3288, HB3315, HB3711, HB3885

Keywords: alcoholic beverages, ABLE Commission, licensing, regulation, annual reporting, child care, criminal history, background checks, child safety, Oklahoma laws, advisory committees, statewide assessments, student testing, testing window, end-of-year testing, Oklahoma Academic Standards, Oklahoma School Testing Program, State Board of Education, grade 3-8, alternate assessment

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including Veteran of the Week Aaron Hudkins, Psychologist of the Day Dr. Emily Corley, Doctor of the Day Dr. Jason Reagan, and a proclamation recognizing Brain Injury Awareness Month. Members also honored the Edmond Santa Fe Palm Squad and Ava Garrett for assembling and funding 100 overnight bags for children entering foster care in memory of fallen Oklahoma service member Serena Butcher. On legislation, the House considered and passed House Bill 3522, a transparency measure requiring alcoholic beverage licensees to report disciplinary actions annually, and House Bill 4300, a Department of Human Services request bill aligning child-care worker assessment language with federal requirements. Both bills advanced without debate; HB 3522 passed by recorded vote and HB 4300 passed 94-0. The chamber also recognized 17 Pages of the Week and heard multiple announcements, including caucus and birthday notices, a planned Jeans Day request tied to Bob Wills Day, and the introduction of Oklahoma Task Force One members and a search dog. The House then adjourned until Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• work and education failures and costly chronic illnesses like schizophrenia, dementia, and heart disease
• work and education failures and costly chronic illnesses like schizophrenia, dementia, and heart disease
• and cancer. ...causing liver disease and cancer.
• Right, right. is causing liver disease and cancer thank you and thank you for your testimony if there's
• not only as a cannabis owner, but as someone whose life has personally changed because of a lung disease

Bills: SB 5, SB 11, SB 12

Keywords: disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, human trafficking, trafficking victim, compelling prostitution, affirmative defense, criminal defense, coercion, force fraud or coercion, sexual exploitation, victim protection, Penal Code, Texas criminal law, prosecution, party liability, affirmative defense statute, survivor rights

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs took up Senate Bill 5, which Senator Perry described as a ban on intoxicating THC consumer products while preserving legal CBD, CBG, hemp seed, hemp seed protein powder, and hemp seed oil products. Perry argued that most retail THC products are already illegal under federal law, that the industry has used loopholes and misleading labeling to sell high-potency products, and that regulation would be ineffective because chemists can quickly alter formulations. He also said the bill would steer people with medical needs toward the Texas Compassionate Use Program (T-Cup), which he and other supporters described as the proper physician-guided alternative. Committee members and witnesses repeatedly discussed the distinction between legal hemp-derived products and intoxicating THC products, and Perry said the bill would not touch non-consumable hemp uses such as fiber and clothing. Invited testimony came from law enforcement and medical witnesses who supported the bill. Texas Police Chiefs Association representative Steve Dye, Kaufman County District Attorney Early Wiley, and Chambers County Sheriff Brian Hawthorne all said regulation would be too costly, too complex, and ultimately unenforceable, while a ban would be clearer and easier to enforce. They cited overloaded DPS labs, the need for expensive private testing, limited police and prosecutor resources, and the difficulty of keeping up with constantly changing cannabinoids and out-of-state products. Hawthorne and Wiley described raids and investigations involving warehouses, retail stores, cash seizures, and products they said were marketed to young people and often mislabeled or imported from other states. They also said the bill would help law enforcement by creating a clearer legal line and protecting legitimate CBD/CBG businesses. Dr. Lindy McGee, speaking for the Texas Medical Association and Texas Pediatric Society, testified that retail THC products pose serious risks to children and adolescents, including addiction, impaired brain development, psychosis, suicide attempts, self-harm, accidental toddler ingestions, and possible long-term cognitive effects. She said there is no effective medication treatment for THC addiction comparable to nicotine cessation tools, and she supported restrictions such as child-resistant packaging, no marketing to minors, and age limits, while opposing criminal penalties for possession by minors. Senators asked follow-up questions about brain development, memory, dementia risk, pregnancy, and cardiovascular effects. No vote was taken during the portion provided, and the committee continued with invited testimony and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• For health plans and individuals, I would hope that people, especially with chronic diseases, get to

Bills: SB101, SB21, HM52, HB132, SB14, SB20

Keywords: SB 101, Health Care Delivery and Access Act, repeal of repeal, sunset repeal, delayed repeal, health care, healthcare, access to care, medical services, provider regulation, state health law, New Mexico, SB 21, Medicare supplement, Medigap, open enrollment, guaranteed issue, birthday month enrollment, health insurance, insurance regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• and we did Senate Bill 39, and we took the prior authorization and exempted all people with rare diseases
• So rare diseases can be blood disorders; they could be.
• So one in 200,000 we actually have some people in the State Senate with rare diseases because after we
• For example, Senator Tobiasen even before the West Nile disease told me that her husband had a rare disease
• The bill prohibits prior authorization for medications to treat chronic disease to no more often than

Bills: SB20, SB53, SB86, SB96, SB129

Keywords: prior authorization, pharmacy benefits manager, PBM, health insurer, prescription drugs, step therapy, formulary, auto-adjudication, electronic portal, appeals, medical necessity, serious mental illness, mental health, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, substance use disorder, addiction treatment, cancer, autoimmune disorder