Transcript Highlights:

• No, that hasn't changed either.
• No, that hasn't changed either.
• Things change, procedures change, research changes.
• <04:32:23.040> procedures<04:32:23.680> change have now things change procedures change
• have now things change procedures change uh<04:32:24.840> research<04:32:25.319> changes

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held public hearings on House Bill 144 and House Bill 145, both related to professional licensing for dietitians and dental hygienists. HB 144 was described as a technical fix to align statute with existing Board of Dental Examiners rules allowing dental hygienists to administer nitrous oxide and local anesthesia, with supporters saying the bill would add needed training and examination requirements to statute. A dentist and dental society representative testified that the practice is already being done safely within scope, and committee members discussed whether nitrous oxide is still used and whether the bill was mainly to keep the paperwork and law consistent. The committee moved HB 144 forward on a 12-0 vote and placed it on consent. HB 145 would join New Hampshire to a dietitian licensure compact and add a criminal history check for initial licensure to match compact language. The sponsor and board witnesses said the compact would improve portability, support telehealth, help military families and spouses, and maintain public safety by ensuring qualified practitioners and information-sharing among member states. Committee members asked about withdrawal from the compact, the difference between single-state and compact licensure, and why a background check was included; the witness said the compact is not yet active, with four states enacted and seven needed, and that the background check is required by the compact language. Additional testimony from a private-practice dietitian supported the bill, citing continuity of care, rural access, and workforce mobility, while some members raised concerns about telehealth across state lines and the practical effect of the background check.

Transcript Highlights:

• This amendment would implement technical changes recommended by staff.
• This amendment would implement the technical changes recommended by staff.
• Yet the funding structure has not changed.
• Sometimes they change in a very short amount of time.
• Sometimes they change in a very short amount of time.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum present and took up a full agenda of bills, beginning with SB 1286 by Sen. Wright. That bill expanded the state recruitment bonus program to include newly employed firefighters, created a DFS grant review panel, and established a PTSD institute within DFS for first-responder behavioral health. Fire chiefs, the Florida League of Cities, and others supported the measure, and the committee reported it favorably. The committee then considered SB 198 on virtual currency kiosks by Sen. Rousan. A substitute amendment was adopted that clarified daily transaction limits, registration requirements, expiration rules, and OFR authority to deny registrations. Testimony focused on protecting seniors from crypto-ATM scams while giving the industry regulatory certainty. The committee also favorably reported CS/SB 198. Members next approved CS/SB 772, which allows portable electronics limited licensees to sell eyewear insurance, and CS/SB 1504, which updates insurance customer representative licensing pathways by allowing a high school insurance and personal finance course to count toward pre-licensure education. The committee also favorably reported Sen. Gruters’ CS/SB 1038 and CS/SB 1040, which together create the Florida Strategic Cryptocurrency Reserve and its trust fund framework, and CS/SB 1440, which expands public records exemptions and cybersecurity-related protections for financial institutions, loan originators, money service businesses, and credit unions. Sen. Burton’s SB 1668 on the NICA program drew extensive testimony from a NICA board member and family advocate, who urged stronger funding to preserve lifelong care for catastrophically injured children; the bill was reported favorably despite concerns from the Florida Justice Association about benefit restrictions and retroactivity. Finally, the committee approved CS/SB 570, creating a DFS task force on payment scams, after an amendment reduced FDLE’s required representation. At the end of the meeting, Sen. Burton requested to be recorded in the affirmative on SB 1286, and Sen. Passidomo requested affirmative votes on tabs 3, 5, and 9; the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• microwavable foods and the dangers that it causes for children related to burns, and so her education and Curriculum

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• piece, and what new standards are going to be out there, and what new certification pathways and curriculums
• Mule is correct: there was a lot of shifting right at that last minute because the FAA kept changing
• the deadlines and things like that, and changing the submissions and getting it all together.
• So it was really a group... ...and things like that, and changing the submissions and getting it all

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The Louisiana Advanced Aviation and Drones Advisory Committee met and was told this would likely be its final meeting because the committee sunsets after the 2026 regular session unless legislation reconstitutes it. Members discussed the need to reduce the committee’s size and adjust quorum rules so it can function more reliably, and they later adopted a motion supporting reconstitution of LADAC with a smaller membership and new appointments effective July 1, 2027. The committee also approved the June 2025 minutes and added a legislative briefing item to the agenda. Under subcommittee and project updates, members heard about the new counter-drone effort tied to House Bill 940 and the “Let’s Go” initiative, which would create a joint task force of State Police, sheriffs, and municipal police chiefs to develop training standards and equipment standards for counter-UAS work. The committee also received a briefing on the state’s advanced air mobility work from newly named Advanced Aeronautics Director Josh Deplanis, including Louisiana’s selection for the FAA’s eVTOL/AAM Integration Pilot Program, branded “Lift Off Louisiana,” and the development of a statewide strategic plan covering airspace integration, vertiport infrastructure, charging networks, economic development, education, and community engagement. Deplanis and members emphasized that Louisiana is among a small number of national EIPP sites and that the state’s proposal is notable for also addressing international airspace and “high seas” operations beyond 12 miles offshore, which could help inform FAA and ICAO policy. Members praised the state’s leadership, the work of DOTD, OMC, GOSEP, State Police, and legislative partners, and noted the potential economic importance for oil and gas logistics and other advanced aviation uses. No public testimony was offered, and the meeting adjourned after the committee’s votes and updates.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:09:22.920> and available to parents on curriculum and available to parents on curriculum
• that the only thing that has changed that the only thing that has changed from<01:19:43.120>
• colleagues to keep up with The Changing colleagues to keep up with The Changing Times<01:46:56.520
• <02:52:51.479> over uncomfortable feelings has changed over uncomfortable feelings has changed
• experience discomfort with the changes experience discomfort with the changes in<05:20:22.840>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I will tell you, looking at our PE curriculum, oftentimes those kids work a whole lot—well, those young
• I believe that the changes that occur, I believe that the changes that occur with the administration
• of DCF, the changes in secretary, the changes in administrative staff and personnel, the lack of staff
• to lead, if you could make a commitment to really focusing in and honing in on those problems and changing

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs considered three bills and a confirmation. On SB 1600, as amended, the sponsor explained that the original child welfare language was replaced with a strike-all requiring the Office of Insurance Regulation to work with DCF and community-based care lead agencies to study liability insurance coverage and availability, report findings to the Legislature by January 1, 2027, and allow penalties for failure to provide requested information. The committee adopted the amendment and amendment to the amendment, heard supportive testimony from child welfare advocates, and reported the committee substitute favorably. The committee also heard CS/SB 556, which would allow students with disabilities to satisfy a physical education graduation requirement through participation in Special Olympics, and clarify that two years of marching band participation can satisfy PE and fine arts credit. Special Olympics Florida, parents, and other supporters testified in favor, and the bill was reported favorably. On SB 794, the sponsor described requirements for background screening of employees in residential facilities and day training programs for people with developmental disabilities, plus a review of waiver support coordination quality, workforce needs, geographic service gaps, and related recommendations due in 2027. The committee adopted a conforming amendment and reported the bill. The committee then took up the confirmation of Taylor Hatch as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families. Hatch outlined DCF’s recent work on child welfare, behavioral health, peer support, and technology improvements, and answered questions about child welfare system challenges, funding formulas, opioid settlement dollars, and interoperability of agency systems. After public comment, the committee voted to recommend her confirmation favorably, with Chair Graal voting no. The meeting ended with a request to record one senator’s vote on SB 1600 and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I will tell you, looking at our PE curriculum, oftentimes those kids work a whole... ...lot harder than
• I believe that the changes that occur, to fix a broken system.
• I believe that the changes that occur with the administration of DCF, the changes in secretary, the changes
• to lead, if you could make a commitment to really focusing in and honing in on those problems and changing

Bills: S0556, S0794, S1600

Keywords: high school diploma, graduation requirements, physical education credit, performing arts credit, marching band, Special Olympics, students with disabilities, IEP, individual education plan, 504 plan, Florida education, school credits, diploma substitution, ROTC, dance class, State Board of Education, public schools, graduation pathways, adaptive physical education, Agency for Persons with Disabilities

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs considered three bills and a confirmation. On SB 1600, the committee adopted a strike-all amendment and a technical amendment that shifted the bill from creating an accreditation process to requiring the Office of Insurance Regulation, DCF, and community-based care lead agencies to study liability insurance coverage and availability in the child welfare sector and report findings to the legislature by January 1, 2027; the bill also included enforcement provisions for failure to provide requested information. Support was noted from child and family advocacy groups, and the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard CS for SB 556, which would allow students with disabilities to satisfy a physical education graduation requirement through participation in Special Olympics, if included in the student’s IEP, and would clarify that two years of marching band participation can satisfy both PE and fine arts credit. Special Olympics Florida, families, and other supporters testified in favor, emphasizing flexibility, access, and recognition of rigorous activity. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered CS for SB 794, which requires background screening for employees of residential facilities and day training programs serving people with developmental disabilities and directs a review of waiver support coordination, including quality, consistency, access, competencies, recruitment and retention, caseloads, and geographic gaps in services. An amendment to conform to the House version was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. Members then questioned Secretary Taylor Hatch regarding her confirmation as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families. Senators raised concerns about child welfare system performance, parent notification and rights, CBC funding formulas, managing entities, opioid settlement spending, peer support expansion, and technology/interoperability improvements. Hatch described DCF’s recent data and initiatives, including reductions in out-of-home care entries, youth advisory efforts, missing children recovery operations, expanded behavioral health capacity, and technology upgrades for benefits processing. Public comment included support from family and provider organizations and concerns from a former foster care worker about medical misdiagnosis cases. The committee voted to recommend Hatch’s confirmation favorably, with Chair Grall voting no, and adjourned after allowing Senator Sharief to be recorded as voting in favor of SB 1600.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bill 1035 by Senator Myrie: An act to amend the Election Law in relation to mandatory training curriculum

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Elections Committee met on January 12 at 3:48 p.m. with Chair Kristen Gonzalez presiding and a quorum present. Seven bills were on the agenda, and the committee moved through them quickly, generally with motions, seconds, and voice votes. Most bills were reported to the Rules Committee, with some members voting no or no recommendation on certain measures. The committee advanced S.324, the Democracy Preservation Act; S.568, establishing portable polling locations for early voting, which Senator Walczyk questioned because the Assembly has not advanced a companion bill; S.1035, requiring mandatory training for election commissioners and key staff, which Senator Borrello opposed as an unfunded mandate and staffing burden for counties; S.10306, allowing voter registration at any residence with which a voter maintains a continuous connection and intent to remain; and S.1085, prohibiting voter suppression, with Senator May noting it addressed conduct she said occurred in the 2006 elections and had been introduced years earlier by Senator Cousins. The committee also reported S.8604, moving the presidential primary to the first Tuesday in March, and S.8646A, a new bill sponsored by Chair Gonzalez on New York Election Officer Protection. Gonzalez said S.8646A had been developed recently with advocates, including the Brennan Center for Justice, and amended to align more closely with a model Peace Act. After the final bill was approved, the chair thanked members for a quick and productive meeting and adjourned the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:34:00.960> the current law has not changed the current law has not changed the department
• Nothing changes, or submit documentation of successful completion of the Fundamentals of Nursing curriculum
• That’s the change there.
• Thank you. changes to the harbor infrastructure and changes to the harbor infrastructure and management
• <01:35:13.360> the would be on line seven changing the would be on line seven changing the

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So there will be no change in fiscal year 2027.
• We changed the uses for literacy aid.
• the literacy coaches and the curriculum the literacy coaches and the curriculum and<00:33:26.960
• <01:11:02.640> are that these proposed changes are that these proposed changes are unnecessary
• changing the transportation changing the reimbursement<01:18:23.679> from<01:18:24.000> 100%

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The background for they have changed.
• lot of people who um make those changes lot of people who um make those changes and<00:17:19.520
• is it's not changing the standards. is it's not changing the standards.
• And what changed their whole life.
• <01:10:07.199> Federal programs or networks change. Federal programs or networks change.

Bills: HF3174, HF3800

Keywords: background study, disqualification, set-aside, permanent disqualification, Office of Administrative Hearings, chief judge, human services licensing, substance use disorder treatment, SUD treatment, chemical dependency, recovery, rehabilitation, abstinence, foster care, child foster care, vulnerable adults, caregiver background check, license holder, direct contact, risk of harm

Transcript Highlights:

• through those years where a lot changed. through those years where a lot changed.
• So, you've got to constantly change.
• <01:05:48.799> over looking at um how that's changed over looking at um how that's changed
• >> Okay.<01:27:14.960> Curriculum. >> Okay. Curriculum. >> Okay.
• Curriculum.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The commission held an organizational meeting under SB 57 to study the cost of special education, with the meeting streamed publicly at the chair’s request. Members introduced themselves, and the chair explained that the bill creates two separate pieces, one dealing with SAU structure and the other with a commission on special education costing. He outlined his background in education and special education and said the commission’s work would focus on understanding and controlling special education costs. The commission reviewed its membership requirements and noted several vacancies or unfilled appointments, including the special education advocate, two governor-appointed parent advocates, and a Department of Health and Human Services representative. The members then elected Representative Rick Ladd as chair, Representative Dick Ames as vice chair, and Representative Megan Murray as clerk. Representative Ames briefly described his legal and policy background in disability and special education work in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The chair then walked through the commission’s study topics, including referral rates by IDEA category, reasons for increases in categories such as autism and other health impairment, post-COVID referral trends, pre-referral interventions, Medicaid and 504-related costs, out-of-district placements, dispute resolution, billing practices, privacy, reimbursement, legal services, graduation rates, attendance, and adult learning. Members discussed how special education costs are distributed, noting that the state spends about $977 million annually on special education, with only part covered by state aid and the remainder largely borne by local districts. Testimony also noted that out-of-district placement costs have risen sharply since rate-setting changes around 2018, and that some categories may reflect changes in identification practices, medical factors, or broader population shifts. The commission agreed to continue reviewing the data and formulas in future meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• My work is rooted in for systems change.
• I support the uh change in Minnesota.
• AB programs may be approved for up to six years under this change.
• Um, I am concerned about this change.
• Um, I'm concerned about the this change.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• How does your amendment change that calculus?
• It might not have changed, I've changed my bump up to the next scoring level, and I'm using this as an
• Nothing in this bill changes that.
• That's what we're changing now. Okay.
• That's not just a policy change. That's a constitutional change in the balance of power.

Bills: HB8, HB12, SB 3, HJR1, SB 11, SB 16, SB 14

Keywords: HB 8, Texas public school accountability, school accountability, public school transparency, STAAR, state assessments, instructionally supportive assessment program, Student Success Tool, Texas Education Agency, TEA, accountability ratings, A-F ratings, through-year assessment, benchmark testing, norm-referenced assessment, college career military readiness, CCMR, local accountability plan, school district performance, campus turnaround

Transcript Highlights:

• So in our curriculum, we have standards and...
• Yes, all that would change.
• No, not the change of districts.
• Nothing in this bill changes that.
• It's not just a policy change; that's a constitutional change in the balance of power.

Bills: HB8, HB12, SB 3, HJR1, SB 11, SB 16, SB 14, HB 8, HB 12, SB 3, HJR 1, SB 11, SB 16, SB 14

Keywords: HB 8, Texas public school accountability, school accountability, public school transparency, STAAR, state assessments, instructionally supportive assessment program, Student Success Tool, Texas Education Agency, TEA, accountability ratings, A-F ratings, through-year assessment, benchmark testing, norm-referenced assessment, college career military readiness, CCMR, local accountability plan, school district performance, campus turnaround

Transcript Highlights:

• So maybe I should change my position from testifying for to testifying on the bill.
• Would you like us to, do we have your permission to change your registration to 'on the bill'? Yes.
• If any changes arise to the budget recommendation, forgive me.
• Those changed through the committee process and they continue to evolve.
• Senate Bill 2098 by Hughes relates to requirements for courses in the curriculum adopted by public institutions

Bills: SCR8, SCR24, SCR25, SB1, SB65, SB315, SB371, SB372, SB379, SB400, SB402, SB406, SB427, SB487, SB502, SB509, SB535, SB610, SB707, SB740, SB761, SB840, SB875, SB893, SB918, SB925, SB965, SB987, SB990, SB995, SB1006, SB1018, SB1073, SB1106, SB1121, SB1194, SB1253, SB1300, SB1343, SB1362, SB1379, SB1447, SB1532, SB1555, SJR36, SJR12, SJR57, SCR25, SCR22, SCR12, SCR24, SCR8, SB565, SB372, SB765, SB62, SB666, SB707, SB888, SB687, SB847, SB1248, SB740, SB14, SB1006, SB504, SB925, SB1121, SB995, SB857, SB305, SB296, SB284, SB815, SB1379, SB1300, SB1497, SB1499, SB1498, SB65, SB241, SB304, SB402, SB621, SB1023, SB1024, SB1106, SB686, SB112, SB371, SB204, SB400, SB609, SB1447, SB670, SB502, SB427, SB850, SB854, SB413, SB1555, SB1362, SB1346, SB1033, SB1220, SB1073, SB810, SB987, SB1539, SB893, SB447, SB875, SB406, SB509, SB985, SB965, SB1119, SB1505, SB24, SB1194, SB1253, SB1215, SB1532, SB1302, SB856, SB650, SB583, SB673, SB840, SB213, SB681, SB1172, SB1252, SB378, SB610, SB918, SB1343, SB608, SB487, SB955, SB957, SB988, SB990, SB1019, SB1021, SB1120, SB251, SB958, SB535, SB761, SB1, SB541, SB315, SB379, SB1018, SB1737, SB266, SB1415, SB1527, SB125, SB599, SB1330, SB53, SB916, SB896, SB1352, SB973, SB785, SB710, SB472, SB1450, SB1502, SB1566, SB414, SB1062, SB1547, SB961, SB1038, SB513, SB578, SB711, SB746, SB942, SB1404, SB1448, SB1738, SB108, SB8, SB318, SB507, SB533, SB689, SB1026, SB1349, SB1355, SB1433, SB1434, SB1596, SB1403, SB1198, SB1146, SB763, SB667

Keywords: central bank digital currency, CBDC, Federal Reserve, digital dollar, digital currency, cashless payments, financial privacy, cybersecurity, government surveillance, financial surveillance, money laundering, terrorism financing, illicit finance, banking policy, monetary policy, payments system, commercial banks, Texas Legislature, concurrent resolution, federal reserve digital currency

Transcript Highlights:

• I have discussed the changes with the prior committee chair, and he concurs with the changes.
• I have discussed the changes with the prior committee chair, and he concurs with the changes.
• I have discussed the changes with the prior committee chair, and he concurs with the changes.
• I have discussed the changes with the prior committee chair, and he concurs with the changes.
• So I'd like to make that small change.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Health heard testimony on several measures. On HB 1233 relating to storm water management, the Attorney General’s office said the state may need to share costs with counties for any new inspection or regulatory program. Testifiers strongly supported the bill, including the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association and a community member who described her daughter’s death in a poorly maintained detention pond and urged statewide inspections and a comprehensive approach. A member asked the Attorney General about the cost-sharing issue, and the office said state appropriations would be needed if counties are required to take on new duties. The committee then heard HB 245 on student heat exposure safety. The Department of Education, Department of Health, and the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the measure. A physician testifying for the Climate Change and Health Working Group described children’s vulnerability to heat and cited examples from other states that adopted stronger heat guidelines after school heat deaths. The Department of Education said it could do the feasibility study without additional funding and preferred to wait for the study before deciding on equipment needs. The Attorney General’s office later testified on HB 903, authorizing schools to maintain bronchodilators, supporting the concept but warning that the bill’s definition of school was broad and that DOE may not have jurisdiction over all covered entities; it suggested changing “protocol” to “guidelines” and involving the Public Charter School Commission. On HB 1314 relating to youth mental health, the Department of Education testified in opposition, though no additional testimony was offered. The committee also heard HB 1334 on meat donation, with DLNR and the Hawaii Farm Bureau supporting the measure. HB 799 on health care drew support from HMSA and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans, while the Department of Health said it supported the intent but wanted amendments, including limiting the bill to Maui, adding a sunset, and requiring a study of quality and access impacts. On HB 952 relating to Parkinson’s disease research, the Department of Health said the proposal would require additional appropriations and staffing and suggested a public-private partnership approach; the Hawaii Parkinson Association, Queen’s clinicians, and other supporters testified that a registry would help identify the number of patients and improve care. Finally, SHPDA strongly supported HB 1431 establishing an oral health task force, saying the state lacks sufficient dental oversight and that both keiki and kūpuna need better access to services.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, understand nothing changed in the language with the exception of the price.
• And you talked about some ways to say change the wait time by, like, driving up to where I live, you
• one thing and it was the price changed one thing and it was the price they<00:09:22.079> they
• In driver education monthly meetings, the committee members have advocated for these changes and many
• I do know that, again, the boating industry is supportive of this language change as well.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill makes changes to our CalWORKs program to improve early engagement and help families find pathway
• This bill also requires the development of a standardized curriculum for child welfare mandated reporters

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, it's hard to keep up with the ever-changing tasks.
• The bill has changed substantially.
• The bill has changed substantially.
• Yet nothing changes.
• It's just a like-for-like change.

Keywords: 987, senate, all