Transcript Highlights:

• the oldest native tribe with a reservation in our Lone Star State, the Alabama Coushatta Tribe has deep
• Located on roughly 10,000 acres in the big thicket of deep East Texas, the reservation is visited every

Transcript Highlights:

• The Alabama Cushata Tribe has deep roots and takes great pride in its contribution. and culture of Texas
• our war from independence from mexico located on roughly ten thousand acres in the big Thicket of Deep

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So overall, you know, codification of these fundamental rights do warrant a really deep and structured
• ><00:40:51.720> warrant<00:40:52.080> a<00:40:52.120> really<00:40:52.400> deep
• <00:40:52.800> and um, do warrant a really deep and um, do warrant a really deep and structured
• <01:12:39.880> concern<01:12:40.880> about I share and have a deep concern about I
• share and have a deep concern about corporations<01:12:42.160> who<01:12:42.320> are<01

Bills: HF3951, HF4005, HF962, HF4585, HF3870, HF4542, HF3893, HF4293, HF4075, HF4057, HF3809

Keywords: submetered utility service, tenant rights, digital payment, eviction protection, housing policy, biometric data, consent, data protection, civil penalties, privacy laws, HF4585, Minnesota, harassment restraining order, HRO, restraining order, temporary restraining order, petitioner notice, service of process, law enforcement notification, sheriff

Transcript Highlights:

• :04:27.800> and<00:04:28.000> far-reaching<00:04:28.400> and<00:04:29.160> deep
• significant and far-reaching and deep significant and far-reaching and deep the<00:04:30.400>
• I'll just say, you know, we're delighted for the state partnership and view it as a deep partnership
• partnership and view it as a deep partnership and view it as a deep partnership<01:02:27.839>
• understand the Deep connection between physical<01:09:16.880> and<01:09:17.040> mental

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This means they can buy medicines at deep discounts and be reimbursed from health plans at much higher
• PBMs can negotiate deep discounts from drug manufacturers and create extensive pharmacy networks for
• PBMs can negotiate deep discounts from drug manufacturers and create extensive pharmacy networks for
• PBMs can negotiate deep discounts from drug manufacturers and create extensive pharmacy networks for

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a lengthy hearing on a large docket of pharmacy and drug-pricing bills, with most testimony focused on PBM reform, 340B drug discount program protections, specialty medication access, and medication adherence. Chair James Murphy and Senator Paul Feeney opened the hearing and took testimony from legislators, patient advocates, pharmacists, health center leaders, industry representatives, and policy groups. Several speakers described delays, denials, high out-of-pocket costs, and pharmacy closures tied to PBM practices, while others emphasized the importance of community health centers and independent pharmacies in serving patients. On the 340B program, supporters including Senator Eldridge, Senator Payano, Community Care Cooperative, Fenway Health, the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, and several community health center leaders argued that bills such as H. 1107 and S. 819 would stop discriminatory PBM and manufacturer practices, preserve contract pharmacy access, and protect safety-net providers that say they reinvest savings into care, pharmacy expansion, interpreter services, behavioral health, and other services. Opponents including PhRMA, the Community Liver Alliance, and a public policy analyst argued the program lacks transparency and accountability, has grown beyond its original purpose, and may benefit large hospitals and for-profit entities more than low-income patients. They urged more reporting and oversight rather than expanding protections. On PBM reform, testimony supported bills including H. 1157, H. 1234, S. 724, S. 831, and related measures that would require rebate pass-through, ban spread pricing, limit steering to PBM-owned pharmacies, and improve reimbursement for community pharmacies. Independent pharmacists and patients said current PBM practices raise costs, create administrative burdens, and threaten access to local pharmacies. PCMA, representing PBMs, opposed the reforms, arguing PBMs lower costs, that plan sponsors choose to contract with them, and that the Health Policy Commission and CHIA should complete their ongoing study before new mandates are adopted. The committee also heard support for H. 1322 and S. 734 on specialty medications, and for H. 781 and H. 1305 on medication synchronization to improve adherence. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll let staff comment on that, but you're getting really, really deep in the technical weeds.
• that it is the fact that they're looking at some and not at others, looking at some deeper and not as deep
• I think it more has to do with the— Some deeper and not as deep.
• I don't want to go deep into that because we are having some conversations about how they get that data

Summary: The committee met to adopt prior minutes and reports from its executive and standing committees, including counties and municipalities, educational institutions, and state agencies. Those reports covered routine audit activity, delinquent private water and sewer audits, municipal accounting compliance issues, education audit findings, and several state agency audit items. The committee also reviewed and adopted the State of Arkansas annual comprehensive financial report for fiscal year 2025 and the related single audit report, both presented by Legislative Audit staff. The state financial report showed unmodified opinions on the state’s financial statements and described total assets of about $41.9 billion and liabilities of about $11.1 billion, along with retirement system assets of $39.9 billion and a net pension liability of $9 billion. Two material weaknesses were identified: insufficient internal controls at the Office of State Technology to monitor threats and unauthorized access, and a Division of Workforce Services methodology change for unemployment-related estimates that was not properly documented or approved. The single audit covered $12.4 billion in federal awards across 469 programs, with 16 major programs reviewed; it resulted in 33 findings, 14 with questioned costs totaling $16.6 million, and qualified opinions for the Summer EBT program, the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, and the Child Care Development Fund cluster. Members questioned agency officials in detail about the Summer EBT questioned costs, DHS unresolved findings, broadband grant documentation, cyber security controls, workers’ compensation liabilities, and child care funding and reporting. DHS explained that the Summer EBT issue involved drawing federal funds in advance rather than as benefits were redeemed, and said the process has been corrected. Broadband officials said the questioned $6.6 million reflected documentation-detail disagreements across many invoices rather than missing payments. OST officials described new logging, endpoint detection, and phishing-training efforts, and DFA and Education officials addressed specific audit findings and corrective actions. The committee ultimately moved to hold the two large statewide reports over until the August meeting for further review, with discussion continuing on whether to release some agency staff in the meantime.

Transcript Highlights:

• I still have deep concerns with passing this bill.
• I<02:13:07.119> still<02:13:07.280> have<02:13:08.320> deep<02:13:08.639> concerns
• <02:13:08.960> with<02:13:09.199> passing I still have deep concerns with passing I
• still have deep concerns with passing this<02:13:09.760> bill.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, as you know, in digging deep into this issue, it has come to my attention that there is a requirement
• this, being the chair of this committee now, obviously, again, back to taking it seriously, digging deep
• into it and discovering more things than— Digging deep into it and discovering more things than I even
• we saw that mattered when AHS moved This past winter, we saw that mattered when AHS moved to make deep

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health met without a quorum for much of the hearing and began as a subcommittee, hearing several bills and taking some votes once quorum was established. SB 1124 by Senator Archiletta would require CDPH to create and post lung cancer screening eligibility signage at tobacco point-of-sale locations; supporters said the bill addresses low awareness and late-stage diagnosis, while retailers raised implementation concerns about sign size, distribution, and notice. SB 1150 by Senator Jones would require clearer patient notice when cancer cases are reported to the California Cancer Registry; the author and chair emphasized patient privacy and awareness, while registry and university stakeholders said they appreciated the amendments and would continue working on the language. SB 1400 by Senator Argin would modernize Alameda Health System governance to give Alameda County more flexibility and direct oversight; county and labor witnesses supported the bill as a way to improve accountability and system stability. The committee then heard SB 1094 by Senator Weber Pierson, a sponsor-backed measure to expand biosimilar substitution and allow health plans and pharmacists to use lower-cost biologics unless a prescriber opts out. Supporters from health plans, hospitals, pharmacists, labor, business, and consumer groups argued it would lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs, while biotechnology and rheumatology groups opposed or sought amendments, warning about non-interchangeable biosimilars, switching concerns, and physician oversight. After discussion about notice requirements and substitution authority, the committee passed SB 1094 on a 6-0 vote and re-referred it to Appropriations. SB 1314 by Senator Menjivar would create a statewide definition for smoke shops, impose a 600-foot buffer from schools and daycares, restrict nitrous oxide sales, and allow local governments to adopt stricter rules. Support came from city officials, pediatric and public safety groups, and the bill’s author framed it as a youth-protection measure; members discussed alignment with alcohol and cannabis buffer rules, operating hours, and enforcement. The committee approved SB 1314 on a 6-0 vote and re-referred it to Appropriations. SB 1309 by Senator Rubio would eliminate cost-sharing for medically necessary follow-up care after lung cancer screening; supporters, including clinicians and cancer advocates, said it would prevent delayed diagnosis and treatment, while health plans opposed it over premium impacts. After questions about costs and follow-up coverage, the committee passed SB 1309 on a 7-0 vote and placed it on call. The hearing also began SB 1199, which would ban copay accumulators, but the transcript cuts off before testimony or action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, as you know, in digging deep into this issue, it has come to my attention that there is a requirement
• this, being the Chair of this committee now, obviously, again, back to taking it serious, digging deep
• into it and discovering more things than— Digging deep into it and discovering more things than I even
• we saw that mattered when AHS moved This past winter, we saw that mattered when AHS moved to make deep

Summary: The committee heard several health-related bills, beginning with SB 1124 on lung cancer screening awareness. The author and supporters said the bill would require CDPH signage about lung cancer screening eligibility at tobacco point-of-sale locations to address low awareness and low screening rates. Support came from medical students, physicians, and the California Academy of Family Physicians, while retailers raised concerns about sign size, retailer notification, and implementation. Committee members generally supported the bill and noted the need to work through those concerns. SB 1150 sought to require clearer patient notice when cancer cases are reported to the California Cancer Registry. The author described the bill as a response to inconsistent notification practices and privacy concerns, and the chair and other members shared personal stories about learning they or family members were in the registry without knowing it. Cancer registry and university stakeholders expressed appreciation for amendments but continued to have concerns or wanted more time to review the language. The bill was discussed as a patient-awareness measure rather than a change to reporting requirements. The committee also heard SB 1400 on Alameda Health System governance, SB 1094 on biosimilar substitution and health plan policies, SB 1314 on smoke shop regulation and nitrous oxide restrictions, and SB 1309 on eliminating cost-sharing for medically necessary follow-up after lung cancer screening. SB 1400 and SB 1314 drew support from local officials, labor, and public health advocates, with members emphasizing youth protection and local oversight. SB 1094 passed after extensive debate over pharmacist substitution authority and notification requirements, with a 6-0 vote and opposition from biotechnology and physician groups. SB 1309 also passed after members discussed the cost of follow-up care and the value of early detection, despite opposition from health plans over premium impacts; it received a 7-0 vote and was placed on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• For instance, I could dig a deep hole in my property Raise up a large rock and then have it drop slowly
• If I had a deep well, I could raise up the water and store it above.
• Through her years of service, Lorraine has developed deep insight into the overall legislative process
• member of the Senate thoroughly prepared him for the role of president of the Senate, as he developed deep

Bills: SB273, SB37, SB100

Keywords: SB273, appropriations, general fund, hold harmless, local government finance, municipal revenue, county revenue, correctional facility, jail contract, private prison, detention facility, immigration detention, revenue bonds, clawback, child welfare, juvenile justice, protective services, school improvement, New MexiCare, aging services

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to say a deep thank you to this body for the two bienniums of support and asset preservation.
• want<00:10:27.600> to<00:10:27.760> say<00:10:28.320> a<00:10:28.640> deep
• thank<00:10:29.120> you<00:10:29.600> uh<00:10:29.760> to I want to say a deep
• thank you uh to I want to say a deep thank you uh to this<00:10:30.160> body<00:10:30.800>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education met to begin hearing budget requests from Kentucky universities. Eastern Kentucky University President David McFaden highlighted EKU’s enrollment growth, its large population of Pell-eligible and first-generation students, and its role in producing graduates for Kentucky’s workforce, especially in health care, public safety, manufacturing, engineering, and aviation. He said EKU is seeking support for a Center for Health Innovation, including a doctor of osteopathic medicine program, with a $50 million accreditation escrow and startup funding that would be returned to the state after accreditation. He also described EKU’s health programs, which have strong pass rates and high in-state employment outcomes, and said the university wants continued asset preservation funding, inflationary operating support, and other recurring budget items. McFaden also outlined EKU’s aviation request, including $10 million for new aircraft and support for an enhanced air traffic control program created in response to a legislative study. He said the program would enroll cohorts of about 30 students, likely attract out-of-state students, and require a $5 million startup investment plus $1.5 million in annual recurring support. He added that EKU’s lab school is seeking a revised funding model tied to enrollment rather than a flat mandated amount. Committee members asked follow-up questions about the medical school escrow, aircraft needs, and program capacity, and McFaden clarified that the escrow would remain intact until accreditation and then be returned to the general fund. Kentucky State University President Kakpo then reviewed prior capital support that helped repair a dorm and several leaking roofs, and said the university is still addressing campus infrastructure problems. He said KSU’s main request is a new health sciences building to house its growing nursing program and language program, along with $40 million for additional dorm renovations and a carve-out for its aquaculture program. Kakpo said the aquaculture PhD proposal would be federally funded and could bring in more revenue, while the new building would help relieve overcrowding and support KSU’s research role. In response to questions, he said KSU’s campus housing capacity would be about 1,334 beds if all dorms were repaired, and that the university is rotating students through renovated buildings while trying to keep them on campus. Committee members also raised safety concerns about the December campus shooting at KSU. Kakpo said the incident was isolated, expressed sympathy for the families affected, and said the university has reviewed campus procedures, added police and security positions, and is strengthening safety processes. The meeting did not include any votes or formal actions; it was a budget presentation and question-and-answer session.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we totally have the data to do the deep dive that you're calling out." "Yeah." "Thank you.
• At the same time, we had a lot of pockets of very deep poverty in which people were going hungry.
• And as Chris mentioned, there's this deep bench of knowledge and experience, there's a lot of...
• And with this deep bench of knowledge and experience, there's a lot of cross-pollination happening with

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held a work session on food systems and food security, with no public testimony. The first panel focused on household food security and data. Marie Spiker of the University of Washington explained what food insecurity means, its health impacts, and the importance of reliable measurement, warning that the federal Census food security data is being terminated and that there is no true replacement. She described Washington’s WaFOOD surveys as a useful complement, not a substitute, and noted that they show food insecurity affects households at a range of income levels. Katie Raines of WSDA described the state’s food systems work, the need for shared data and dashboards, and the role of agriculture in both food production and the hunger safety net. Committee members asked about the $2.2 million state food assistance allocation, the scale of the SNAP gap, and how household size, housing costs, and other factors intersect with food insecurity. The committee then heard from Tracy Roof of the University of Richmond on the history of SNAP and its relationship to agriculture. She traced the program from Depression-era commodity distribution through the modern farm bill, emphasizing that food assistance has long functioned both as anti-hunger policy and as an agricultural and economic stabilizer. She highlighted how SNAP expands during recessions, supports retailers and farmers, and has become more important since the Great Recession because participation stayed high even as the economy recovered. Roof also noted that Washington has relatively high SNAP participation and low payment error rates, but that recent federal changes could reduce eligibility and shift more costs to states. Members asked how Washington compares to other states and why the program is structured as it is. A later panel featured the Washington State Food Policy Forum and a joint systems presentation from the Washington Farm Bureau, Washington Retail Association, and Washington Food Industry Association. The Food Policy Forum described its consensus-based recommendations on food insecurity, climate and water, regional food infrastructure, farmland protection, and farm viability, including more support for producer purchasing, water planning, and farmland conservation. The industry groups presented a systems map showing how agriculture, processing, retail, and transportation are interconnected, and argued that rising costs, regulations, labor and fuel expenses, retail theft, and thin margins make it harder to keep farms and stores viable. They said food security depends on store viability and local agricultural profitability, and promised to provide a more detailed list of policy recommendations. The final panel included state agency staff from DSHS, DOH, and WSDA. Bryce Montgomery said the Basic Food program serves about 920,000 Washingtonians monthly and warned that H.R. 1 could require Washington to pay up to 15% of SNAP benefits, broaden work requirements, and restrict immigrant eligibility. Karen Mullen described DOH nutrition programs, including WIC, farmers market nutrition benefits, fruit and vegetable incentives, and a fruit-and-vegetable prescription program, while noting funding instability and the end of SNAP-Ed. WSDA’s Katie Raines began describing ongoing food assistance and farmer support challenges, including farmer mental health and the need to address food insecurity across both producers and consumers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Deep breath. Excellent.
• having a regular look at those metrics would help us as a committee and a legislature to continue to do deep
• a policy nerd kind of concerned, we're not having like a more discussion about how to Some of the deep
• , deep seated policy issues, it's sort of like all the coverages on horse trading and what the, the process

Transcript Highlights:

• This experience has given me a deep understanding of the horse industry and the long-term implications
• alongside the other Seminole tribal towns in the Seminole Wars of the 1800s, until we were pushed deep
• alongside the other Seminole tribal towns in the Seminole Wars of the 1800s, until we were pushed deep
• All I can reassure you with is a deep commitment that we are seeking to get this right.

Summary: The committee first handled Senate confirmations, hearing two support waivers from the Florida Swimming Pool Association, and then voted to recommend confirmation of all appointees in a block vote. It then took up several bills, adopting amendments and reporting each measure favorably: CS/SB 462 on transportation, which included FDOT authority over speed limits, EV-related funding, MPO changes, workforce grants, and an I-4 widening report; SB 1574 on energy infrastructure investment, creating a PSC mechanism for renewable natural gas infrastructure cost recovery; SB 1002 on utility service restrictions, limiting local government energy-source restrictions; and SB 726 on swatting, adding liability for prosecution/investigation costs and restitution for injuries or property damage. The committee also approved CS/SB 496 on timeshare management and CS/SB 1076 on roof contracting, both with technical or clarifying amendments. A major portion of the meeting focused on SB 408 on thoroughbred permit holders and decoupling live racing from gaming licenses at Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs. Senator Burgess presented a strike-all amendment that would delay decoupling for seven years, with a three-year notice period and a four-year guarantee of racing and current purse/breeder award structures. The sponsor and supporters said the longer runway was intended to create room for negotiations and align Florida with other pari-mutuel operations. The committee heard extensive public testimony, overwhelmingly opposed, from horsemen, breeders, veterinarians, farm owners, sales companies, and related businesses who warned the bill would reduce racing, depress breeding, threaten tens of thousands of jobs, and harm a major agricultural industry. A few speakers, including representatives of the Miccosukee Tribe, opposed the bill as a casino expansion that would benefit out-of-state interests and undermine existing gaming arrangements. No final vote on SB 408 was taken in the portion provided, and the committee continued public testimony after a recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is a very deep detailed report on their service quality performance, how many lines were out
• We've spent the better part of several years under this chair. having deep conversations with CPUC in
• lot of fiber in the ground, you have to put a lot of construction workers and technicians out there. deep
• One of the companies in this state that has very deep relationships with labor has embedded in their

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 2010, the EPA created a Class six, well, uh, class specifically to regulate the injection of CO2 into deep
• There are 11 deep disposal wells that we have asked to shut in, and we are doing an inspection to see
• well as we have made most everybody, if not everybody shallow up because what we now understand is deep
• Two, we've shallowed up everything that was deep in those areas, everybody's had to shallow up.

Transcript Highlights:

• To regulate the injection of CO2 into deep subsurface rock formations.
• There are 11 deep disposal wells that we have asked to show.
• Because what we now understand is deep disposal is causing some of the seismic issues.
• you're required to give us a lot more data before we permit two we've shallowed up everything that was deep

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• understanding, is home to the largest population of Norwegian Americans in the United States, with deep
• Norwegian Americans in the United States Norwegian Americans in the United States with<00:41:08.839> deep
• > and<00:41:10.200> ancestral<00:41:10.839> ties<00:41:11.119> to with deep
• cultural and ancestral ties to with deep cultural and ancestral ties to Norway<00:41:12.640> uh

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We can sit here and we can all look at the numbers and dive deep into it.
• We want to take our time, appreciate very much incisive questions and digging deep.
• We also have a team of program evaluators that go out and conduct deep dives into government accountability
• And then we move on to, it doesn't ask why or what to do about it, so we have to do a deep dive.

Transcript Highlights:

• This iconic tradition is a testament to our community's frontier spirit and deep-rooted heritage.
• My deep condolences to his family and the Cheektowaga community.
• So today we remember a man of deep faith, of deep action, and someone who was a man of love. Dr.
• we remember a man of deep faith of deep<02:10:35.520> action<02:10:36.400> uh<02:10:36.520
• <05:52:17.440> division navigate a time of deep division navigate a time of deep division

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 1012, house, all