Video & Transcript : 'social skill game' :
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NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Government, Elections And Indian Affairs Feb 7th, 2026 at 10:15 am
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- My name is Logan Howard, licensed master social worker and director of public policy for Families and
- Across industries, employers need a workforce with strong quantitative and problem-solving skills to
- support growth in technical, skilled trade, and STEM-related fields.
- Building those skills early is essential to create a reliable talent pipeline for New Mexico's future
- You know, with this bill, reading tests may only measure English skills, not bilingual learning.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Do we want games starting prior to the start of a school district?
- </c> state to have one and now two um social state to have one and now two um social uh<00:47:35.280>
- social stress stressors including<01:00:20.720><c> bullying.
- And that have critical thinking skills.
- So, there was a teacher in the skills.
Committee:
Senate Education
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- I support the prison moratorium because I believe in rehabilitation and social responsibility.
- It's our social responsibility to care for each other.
- It starts with you all continuing to advance the skills you have. I appreciate your consideration.
- My name is Norma Wassel, and I'm a licensed social worker.
- As others have stated, we use our prison and jail system as a blanket response to any social ills.
Summary:
The committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight held a hybrid hearing covering public construction, business regulations, and honorary designations, with most of the discussion focused on two matters: a five-year moratorium on new jail and prison construction (S. 2114/H. 3422) and a bill designating June 7 as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day (S. 2152/H. 3305). The chair emphasized that the hearing was public, testimony would be recorded, and speakers should generally keep remarks to three minutes. Senator Comerford introduced the prison moratorium bill, saying it would pause new construction while allowing renovations, and Senator Friedman introduced the Tourette awareness bill and a separate Tuskegee Airmen commemoration measure, asking for favorable action on both honorary designations.
A large portion of the hearing featured remote testimony from incarcerated people at MCI Framingham and MCI Shirley in support of the prison moratorium. Witnesses repeatedly argued that Massachusetts does not need a new women’s prison, that the incarcerated population is declining, and that funds would be better spent on mental health care, addiction treatment, vocational training, pre-release programming, housing, and repairs to existing facilities. Several speakers described poor conditions, limited programming, and the need to address trauma, domestic violence, and substance use as root causes of incarceration. One committee member responded to testimony by noting that incarceration numbers are going down, that the state is working on housing and workforce opportunities for people returning home, and that the committee wants to expand pathways to employment and reentry.
The Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day bill drew testimony from the bill’s young sponsor, Owen Rosenthal, his parents, medical professionals, and advocates. They described Tourette syndrome as a misunderstood neurodevelopmental condition, said awareness would reduce stigma and improve diagnosis and support, and cited the need for education in schools, workplaces, and the medical community. The Tourette Association of America supported the bill, noting underdiagnosis, co-occurring conditions, pain, and mental health risks associated with Tourette syndrome. Committee members praised the youth advocates and asked that written testimony be submitted electronically. The hearing ended without any recorded votes or final committee action in the transcript provided.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Fifteen - Wednesday, February 4 -Morning Session-
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- School counselors help students develop the skills they need to succeed in school.
- School counselors help students develop the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.
- They support academic planning, build social skills, and help students prepare for the post-secondary
- It will be composed in a digital format and be delivered remotely, as much as the non-physical skills-based
- Well, that creates another whole ball game of workers' comp. You'll be out a lot of money.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for February 3, 2026 by roll call vote, 131-1. Members then spent much of the morning introducing special guests, including a page for the day, Missouri State University Citizen Scholars, JAG program students, school counselors, elementary students observing online, interns, and a tribute honoring Josephine Baker’s life and legacy.
The chamber then moved to first reading of several bills and to perfection of multiple House Committee Substitutes. The most substantial debate centered on a composite anti-trafficking bill, House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2273, 1946, 1814, and 2551. Supporters said it would strengthen Missouri’s response to trafficking, grooming, sextortion, and child sexual abuse material by updating terminology, creating a permanent Attorney General’s statewide council, expanding training for professionals, extending the civil statute of limitations for trafficking claims, increasing penalties, and allowing expungement for victims. Members cited testimony from survivors and advocates and emphasized the need for coordinated enforcement and education. The House adopted the committee substitute and ordered the bill perfected and printed.
Members also debated House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1694 and related bills, a package aimed at curbing abusive website-accessibility lawsuits against Missouri businesses. Supporters described “sue-and-settle” tactics targeting small businesses with little notice and high settlement demands, while opponents of the abusive practice argued the bill preserves legitimate ADA claims and gives businesses a chance to cure problems. The House adopted the substitute and ordered it perfected and printed. Finally, the House considered House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2375 on workers’ compensation, which supporters said would clarify the “prevailing factor” standard, address preexisting-condition claims, adjust treatment and appeal rules, and reduce costs; opponents warned it could make it harder for injured workers to obtain care and create disputes between insurers. The House adopted the substitute and ordered it perfected and printed. The chamber then moved to announcements and recessed until 2 p.m.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services Apr 16th, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Strangers poked and prodded his body like a live game of Operation.
- Sub-human conditions, and the owners of these homes just steal, in essence, steal their social security
- These donations enable practitioners to refine their skills, leading to improved surgical outcomes and
- We train procedural skills; it's not science in itself, it's not research in itself, but it is to train
- The committee substitute just changed the timeline for DFPS to provide the health, social, educational
Committee:
Senate Health & Human Services
Keywords:
body donation, medical science, forensic science, willed body program, informed consent, boarding home, boarding home facility, adult care home, group home, assisted living, county reporting, municipal reporting, annual report, reasonable accommodation, fair housing, disability accommodation, local ordinance, permit requirement, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And the game of golf is about honesty. It's about integrity.
- This game is a wonderful game.
- It's also a game... ...and that's often the most fastidious and frustrating time.
- It's also a game that teaches a little kid from the barrio that he can be somebody.
- That's what the game of golf teaches you about life. And so thank all of y'all today.
Summary:
The Senate opened with a quorum, an invocation, and routine business including dispensing with the previous day’s journal, receiving a House message on HB 104/HJR 34, and a gubernatorial message naming two appointees to the Texas Real Estate Commission. The chamber also adopted several resolutions recognizing Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day, Golf Day in Texas, Cindy Ramos-Davidson, and the 50th anniversary of the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District. Members then adopted memorial resolutions honoring fallen first responders, including Deputy Jesse Ray Perez and Deputy Melissa Pollard, and the Senate agreed to adjourn in their memory.
The Senate considered and passed several bills. SB 2199 increased penalties for loading overweight vehicles transporting hazardous materials; SB 1959 adjusted permit factors for the North Texas Groundwater Conservation District; SB 1376 changed supervision rules for code enforcement officer trainees; SB 2595 created a new offense for harassing, intimidating, or threatening someone while concealing identity with a mask or similar headgear; SB 1012 authorized sale or lease of certain surplus state property in Austin; SB 2245 revised bonded title procedures; SB 2605 created a municipal housing authority asset commission; SB 3044 expanded and adjusted the board of the Presidio County Underground Water Conservation District; SB 628 clarified county fire code enforcement authority through interlocal agreements; SB 2778 raised the spending threshold for emergency services district employees; SB 3039 addressed public higher education transfer issues; and SB 2523 allowed release from municipal extraterritorial jurisdiction by petition. Most of these bills were passed to engrossment, the three-day rule was suspended, and final passage was completed, often by wide margins.
The chamber also took up SB 1844, which would require cities to provide services before expanding taxing areas into limited-purpose jurisdictions; a floor amendment narrowed the bill, and it was passed to engrossment. SB 2284 clarified municipal and county authority over firearms, airguns, archery equipment, and related items, and was passed despite opposition. SB 2529, dealing with the vote threshold for taxing units to adopt higher tax rates or issue tax bonds, prompted extended debate over voter approval and representative decision-making; after questions, the bill was passed to engrossment and held. At the end of the session, the Senate recessed for 20 minutes and announced it would meet as the Caucus of the Whole.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Feb 13th, 2026 at 11:25 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I taught with his dad at Oneate High School, who very much helped me with my basketball skills.
- But you know, ...who very much helped me with my basketball skills.
- When I think about what could be evidence, it is social media.
- When I think about what could be evidence, it is social media chats.
- We do have some competing social calendars today, and so we'll all need to... Promptly.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- , predominantly sold Scratch-off tickets, $20, $50, even $100 games, predominantly sold in low-income
- The game delayed it. Thank you. Chair lays out on second reading House Bill 150.
- You send a kid home for three days, and basically they play video games and they enjoy that.
- So in regards to behavioral support services, this can be as simple as providing the social worker or
- The bill helps foster children who are currently eligible to receive VA or Social Security benefits.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, pledges, and several ceremonial recognitions, including Wilson County Day, San Antonio Mission Indian Descendants Day, and Blue Ribbon Lobby Day, along with acknowledgments of visiting groups and a birthday greeting. The chamber also announced committee meetings and then moved into floor business, including conference committee action on Senate Bill 1, the state budget.
A series of motions to instruct House conferees on SB 1 were debated and voted on. One motion sought to restore salary for Attorney General Ken Paxton after his impeachment-related suspension; it passed 88-56. Another, from Rep. Olcott, directed conferees to support amendments requiring data collection on the costs of undocumented immigrants in hospitals and prisons; after extended debate and a failed amendment from Rep. Martinez Fischer to also study immigrants’ economic contributions, the motion passed 86-61. The House also adopted instructions to eliminate Texas Lottery Commission funding, to support amendments restricting public education institutions from affirming gender identities inconsistent with biological sex, and to seek an additional $4 billion in property tax relief, with each motion passing on recorded votes.
The House then took up a supplemental calendar and passed several bills, including HB 39 on veteran death data, HB 102 on priority registration for certain students entering military service, HB 126 on student-athlete compensation and representation, HB 290 on tuition and fee assistance for members of the Texas military forces, HB 300 on Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program updates, and HB 2143 naming a highway in honor of Army Specialist Joey Lins. The chamber also postponed consideration of HJR 2 and HJR 6.
Later, the House considered HB 120 on career and technology education pathways and HB 20 on applied science pathway programs for high school students. HB 120 received a perfecting amendment and was advanced after discussion about workforce preparation. HB 20 prompted extensive questioning about transportation, costs, and how students would access partner campuses such as community colleges and TSTC sites; debate continued as the transcript ended, with members examining how the program would operate and whether approval authority would rest with TEA.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Assembly Business and Professions and Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Mar 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Since 2020, we have significantly enhanced our social media presence, allowing the board to engage more
- Through initiatives such as hosting live events and actively responding to inquiries on social media
- We've looked at the social work compact, which was in last year's legislation...
- We've looked at the social work compact, which was in last year's legislation, and this year it's the
- social work compact.
Summary:
The joint sunset oversight hearing reviewed five regulatory entities: the Board of Behavioral Sciences, the Board of Psychology, the Physician Assistant Board, the Podiatric Medical Board, and the California Massage Therapy Council. Across the hearing, each entity described recent accomplishments, licensing and enforcement workload, workforce shortages, and efforts to modernize processes. Common themes included streamlining licensure, expanding access to care, addressing telehealth or emerging technology, and balancing consumer protection with workforce needs.
For the Board of Behavioral Sciences, members discussed workforce shortages in mental health, supervision barriers, telehealth confidentiality, AI in therapy, interstate compacts, school-based services, and military spouse licensure. The board said it has expanded outreach, improved licensing processes, and created temporary practice authority tracking, while also expressing concern about counseling compacts and emphasizing California-specific law, ethics, and cultural competency. Public commenters supported the board’s work and the possible move to a national MFT exam, while also urging more resources.
The Board of Psychology highlighted fee adjustments, streamlined licensure pathways, enforcement process improvements, new CPD requirements, and proposed changes including a psychotherapist-client privilege exception for investigations. Committee members and public witnesses focused heavily on that privilege proposal, with some members opposing it as too broad and privacy-invasive, while the board argued it is needed to obtain records in bias and sexual misconduct cases. The board also discussed workforce shortages, processing improvements, and the use of inactive status for psychological associates.
The Physician Assistant Board reported growth in the PA workforce and education programs, SB 697 implementation, and financial pressure from rising enforcement costs. The main policy debate centered on physician-to-PA ratios and practice agreements, with board representatives and many public commenters arguing that current restrictions limit access to care, especially in rural areas, while the California Medical Association defended the need for explicit ratios and agreements. The board also discussed AI, fee increases, and tracking temporary practice authority. The Podiatric Medical Board described licensing and renewal reforms, residency expansion, enforcement support, and budget constraints, while public testimony raised concerns about a proposed fee increase and about reimbursement parity and practice recognition for podiatrists. Finally, the California Massage Therapy Council defended the certification model over licensure, citing lower costs, local government collaboration, anti-trafficking work, and its role in vetting applications and disciplining bad actors; no formal votes or final actions were taken during this portion of the hearing.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- video, and ever since that time, Jerry Jones has been terrific with the family, inviting them to a game
- This guy has game. These are the people that we need leading the state of Texas in the future.
- Through TILIP, he's not only honed his skills in...
- we've benefited greatly from his Texas, Lexus, Nexus certification, indeed in his legal research skills
- For example, some individuals actively monitor social media for car accident victims and message them
Summary:
The Senate met with a quorum, heard an invocation, dispensed with the previous journal, and received a House message. Members also recognized Dr. Namita Bardwaj as doctor of the day. The chamber then adopted Senate Resolution 554 honoring Christopher “Chris” Jake Stone of Santa Fe for his heroism during the 2018 Santa Fe High School shooting, with several senators and the lieutenant governor offering remarks about his sacrifice and the ongoing impact on his family and community. The Senate also signed a number of bills and resolutions and adopted Senate Resolution 533 recognizing the Texas Legislative Internship Program class, with multiple senators highlighting individual interns and the program’s role in developing future public servants.
The floor then took up and passed several bills, often by suspending the regular order and the three-day rule. These included HB 1639 on a study of cancer incidence among female firefighters; HB 102 granting early registration for students in military-related programs; HB 4325 increasing civil penalties for barratry; HB 5342 creating a 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline trust fund and related funding study; HB 3370 allowing late timberland appraisal applications after an owner’s death; HB 3376 requiring certain guardians to complete dementia/Alzheimer’s training; HB 132 extending confidentiality protections to information about hostile acts by foreign adversaries; and HB 1978, which sought to restrict ERCOT interconnections, but its motion to pass to engrossment failed on a 20-11 vote.
Additional measures passed included HB 511 on unsolicited voter registration mailings, HB 2187 on nurse staffing, retaliation, and overtime protections, HB 2510 creating offenses for unlicensed assisted living operations, HB 694 on DFPS notification timelines, HB 1893 making license plates in law-enforcement video nonconfidential for public information requests, HB 2733 updating barratry and solicitation laws for digital communications, HB 4506 allowing opt-in electronic zoning notices, HB 3751 transferring a TxDOT property to DPS, HB 3033 creating a grant program for nonprofits supporting injured or killed DPS employees, HB 4273 on Medicaid fraud prevention and eligibility verification, HB 3211 on vision care benefits, HB 4529 exempting certain DoD-certified child care facilities from state licensure, HB 2522 easing fingerprinting requirements for certain vehicle dealers, HB 4219 tightening public information request response requirements, and HB 4783 requiring a report on opioid antagonist programs. The Senate also received a House message noting passage of SB 9, and a nominations committee report was announced for future consideration.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 21st, 2026
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- Our child care providers do incredible work—highly skilled and sensitive work—every day for children.
- This is a game changer: the opportunity for people to have child care where the providers have background
- So, I wanted to start by saying that, and I do believe it is going to be a game changer.
- I also have a bachelor's in social work.
- As I mentioned, I'm a social worker. Please go ahead and conclude your comments.
Bills:
SB2
Committee:
House House Appropriations & Finance
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Aug 5th, 2025
Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select
Transcript Highlights:
- This work is too important to wait for the political games to be over.
- And you know, a lot of misinformation is out there on social media and different... ...things about where
- And they registered that, then you would be able to match the skills and the needs and the volume.
- Own, changing their frequencies, changing their encryption keys, and not socializing that amongst the
- Games shouldn't be played with this topic, and if it needs legislation, we will pass it.
Keywords:
emergency communication, interoperability, grant program, first responders, state council, disaster response, emergency management, mass fatality, justices of the peace, training programs, emergency manager license, volunteer management, justice of the peace training, criminal history checks, state health services, broadband, public safety, disaster preparedness, funding, flood disaster plan
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Mar 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- English, drama, is another area: mathematics and social sciences.
- Program, but doesn't really know how to get into the teacher preparation game.
- I'm pretty sure that the testing issues, the basic skills test, the subject matter test, the RECA.
- Subsequent to that, the legislature took action to create a new pathway for someone to meet basic skills
- It's not that simple; it's not a numbers game.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Labor and Industrial Relations Mar 19th, 2026
Labor & Industrial Relations
Transcript Highlights:
- So right now, the welders fit straight inside our major focus, which is the skilled trades.
- So all of those are going to need skilled trade workers.
- So we’re going to need to expand the number of workers that are skilled in those trades.
- Skilled trade labor is what makes us successful.
- I won't say that there aren't some bad actors out there still trying to play games.
Committee:
House Labor & Industrial Relations
Summary:
The committee first adopted prior meeting minutes and voluntarily deferred three bills before taking up House Bill 232, which would shift the employment-certificate process for minors away from school boards and to Louisiana Works. Rep. Carlson said the bill is intended to reduce burdens on schools and make it easier for 16- and 17-year-olds to work, especially in the summer. A youth advisory council testified in support, describing the current process as cumbersome for students and families. The committee adopted amendments, including a change making the bill effective upon the governor’s signature, and then reported HB 232 favorably with amendments.
The committee next considered House Bill 951, creating an Office of Talent Accelerator within Louisiana Works and a Business Workforce Committee to coordinate employer-facing workforce services. Rep. Bamberg and Secretary Susie Schowen described it as a centralized, regional, business-facing effort to respond more quickly to workforce needs tied to major economic development projects, while also supporting existing small and mid-sized businesses. Supporters, including Bollinger Shipyards and Leaders for a Better Louisiana, said similar models in Mississippi had helped expand training pipelines and better match employers with workers. The committee adopted a large amendment set and reported HB 951 with amendments.
House Bill 923, a cleanup measure reorganizing Louisiana Works statutes and updating language after last year’s agency restructuring, was then adopted with technical amendments and reported with amendments. The committee also took up House Bill 301, which would create a voluntary portable-benefits framework for independent contractors and gig workers. Supporters said it would give contractors a way to negotiate benefits such as health care or retirement contributions, while opponents warned it could encourage misclassification, weaken workers’ compensation protections, and shift costs to workers and the state. After debate, the committee adopted amendments and reported HB 301 with a 6-5 vote.
Finally, House Bill 185 was introduced as a workers’ compensation measure to expand the definition of independent contractor and restore tort immunity for employers in certain contract-labor situations. The sponsor said it was part of the Attorney General’s package and aimed at addressing a recent court decision; the bill was just beginning discussion when the transcript ended.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Government, Elections And Indian Affairs Feb 7th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- My name is Logan Howard, licensed master social worker and director of public policy for Families and
- Across industries, employers need a workforce with strong quantitative and problem-solving skills to
- support growth in technical, skilled trade, and STEM-related fields.
- Building those skills early is essential to create a reliable talent pipeline for New Mexico's future
- You know, with this bill, reading tests may only measure English skills, not bilingual learning.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and heard three measures: H.J.R. 5 on legislative compensation, Senate Bill 29 as amended on math instruction, and Senate Bill 37 on literacy instruction. H.J.R. 5 was presented as a constitutional amendment to create a paid legislature tied to New Mexico’s median household income, with supporters arguing it would broaden access to public service, reduce conflicts of interest, and better reflect the realities of modern legislative work. Public testimony was overwhelmingly in support, including from advocacy groups, civic organizations, faith groups, and veterans; one member raised concerns about fairness, attendance, and whether outside employment would still be allowed. The committee adopted an amendment to move the ballot question from 2028 to 2026, then approved H.J.R. 5 on a 5-1 vote.
Senate Bill 29, endorsed by the Legislative Education Study Committee, would strengthen math instruction by improving teacher preparation, requiring PED to set up statewide math supports, and creating early screening and family engagement for students. Supporters, including educators, business groups, and education nonprofits, said New Mexico’s math outcomes are too low and that early intervention and better teacher preparation are needed. Members asked about teacher licensure requirements, parent support, standardized testing concerns, and district implementation. The committee heard that the bill’s screenings are intended to be developmental rather than high-stakes tests, and that parents would be supported through school-based guidance. The bill passed unanimously.
Senate Bill 37 would codify a science-of-reading framework, require high-quality instructional materials, add literacy coaches and assessments, and expand support for bilingual and dual-language instruction. Supporters said the bill builds on recent gains in reading proficiency and strengthens teacher preparation and early intervention. Opponents, including tribal leaders, bilingual education scholars, and advocacy groups, argued the bill was too English-dominant, could conflict with existing bilingual and tribal language laws, and did not go far enough to protect indigenous languages and community-based approaches. Sponsors said amendments were being developed to clarify biliteracy, culturally responsive instruction, and protections for native language learning, and the committee advanced the bill on a vote with several members noting their support was contingent on those promised amendments.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 03/18/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- development, fostering both technical skills and artistic expression.
- development, fostering both technical skills and artistic expression.
- I have to tell you how it started: he had no job, and he had a dream, and he had no skill.
- I have to tell you how it started: he had no job, and he had a dream, and he had no skill.
- I have to tell you how it started: he had no job, and he had a dream, and he had no skill.
Committee:
Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor & Commerce Feb 2nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- When we invest in workforce development, we should invest in a whole person, not just a skill set, but
- Heather Curtinbach continued: We represent over 80,000 highly skilled construction workers across our
- The statute provides that the worker may not post the recording to social media.
- It was because it depends on skills, right?
- It was because it depends on skills, right?
Summary:
The committee heard several bills and took executive action on a number of them. Senate Bill 6282, by Senator Nobles, would require building and construction trade apprenticeship programs to provide two hours of behavioral health and wellness training starting in 2027, covering stigma reduction, distress recognition, suicide prevention, substance use awareness, peer support, and resource connection. The bill drew strong support from labor and construction groups, who described high suicide and substance use rates in the industry and said the training would help apprentices and, with a planned amendment, journey-level workers as well. No vote was taken in the hearing portion shown, but testimony was overwhelmingly pro.
Senate Bill 6135, by Senator King, would require interest arbitration panels for certain uniform personnel at local governments to consider the employer’s ability to pay. Counties and cities supported the bill as a modest fiscal-relief measure and argued it would align local arbitration with existing state-law language. Teamsters representatives and other labor witnesses opposed it, saying it would weaken collective bargaining and give employers leverage to stall or deny fair contracts. The committee closed the public hearing with 5 in favor, 22 opposed, and no other testimony. In executive session, the bill was later advanced subject to signatures.
The committee also heard Senate Bill 6128 on independent medical exams, which would require IME recordings to be made through an L&I-approved third-party app and prohibit independent local recording. Supporters said the change would improve security, consistency, and reliability of recordings and reduce cancellations and disputes; opponents said it would burden injured workers and undo the 2023 right to record IMEs on their own devices. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6068, which would make owners and direct contractors jointly liable for unpaid wages and related damages on construction projects, with a notice-and-cure process before suit. Workers and labor groups supported it as a tool against wage theft and labor trafficking, while contractors and industry groups opposed it as overbroad and costly. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6303 on cannabis packaging and vapor devices, with testimony split between sustainability advocates and industry supporters on one side and public health and poison center witnesses on the other, who warned that loosening individual edible packaging could increase child poisonings. In executive session, the committee adopted a substitute for SB 6053 and moved it forward, and also passed SB 6134, SB 6147, SB 6106, and SB 6045 subject to signatures, with SB 6045 amended before passage to Ways and Means.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 3 on Health and Human Services Mar 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- You have to submit through your local social worker and contact them. I'm sorry.
- You have to submit through your local social worker and contact them.
- They are working on long-term care, really carving skilled nursing facilities and sub-acute facilities
- Skilled nursing facilities, again, are one of the only medical providers that get an annual increase,
- These individuals often have complex medical and social needs.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Appropriations Jan 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And skilled nursing facilities care for about 40,000 patients a year that transition from hospitals,
- I am the administrator of Alderwood Park Health and Rehab up in Bellingham, just one of the 194 skilled
- This work is a game changer, so please support the Ninth Grade Success Initiative. Thank you.
- I am the executive director at Enumclaw Health and Rehabilitation, and we're a skilled rural nursing
- Housing is the bottleneck through which all social problems pass. Housing is a basic need.
Summary:
The House Appropriations Committee continued its public hearing on House Bill 2289, the fiscal biennial supplemental operating budget appropriations bill. The chair and vice chair explained the hearing process, limited testimony to one minute per person, and then heard extensive public comment from a wide range of advocates, local officials, service providers, and residents. No committee vote was taken during the hearing.
Much of the testimony focused on opposition to proposed budget shifts involving Climate Commitment Act revenue, especially the proposed diversion of $569 million to other uses, including the Working Families Tax Credit. Environmental, public health, and local government witnesses argued those funds should remain dedicated to climate pollution reduction, wildfire resilience, clean transportation, natural climate solutions, and affordability programs. Several speakers also urged full funding for wildfire response and forest health, including the HB 1168 commitment, and opposed transfers from the Public Works Assistance Account.
Other major topics included Medicaid and long-term care rates, with nursing home and assisted living providers warning that freezing or delaying rate rebasing would worsen staffing shortages and threaten access to care. Public health and health care advocates opposed cuts to foundational public health services, Apple Health expansion, and pharmacy benefit changes, while oral health advocates asked to preserve Medicaid dental funding and support Dentist Link. Testimony also supported or opposed funding for K-12 programs such as special education, the Ninth Grade Success Initiative, and homeless student stability; early learning and child care subsidies; disability services; public defense; housing and homelessness prevention; food assistance; higher education; and immigrant legal services. The committee concluded the hearing and adjourned after public testimony ended.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hied Committee Meeting - 2025-04-01
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Across the state, the demand spans industries from healthcare to advanced manufacturing to skilled trades
- Building and retaining a skilled workforce that is responsive to the evolving needs of the economy is
- should follow suit by increasing those outreach programs through direct mail, text messaging, and social
- Through the clinic, we both develop student skills. and we help protect our community.
- They're simply asking that they have some skin in the game upon receiving this generous benefit from
Committee:
House Higher Education Finance and Policy
Keywords:
North Star Promise, scholarship, higher education, Minnesota Office of Higher Education, in-demand jobs, workforce development, career training, job market, high-demand occupations, high-demand industries, college aid, state financial aid, FAFSA, student eligibility, program of study, degree program, certificate program, community college, university, labor market data