Transcript Highlights:

• And to be clear, these deaths are the result of purposeful and systemic medical neglect.
• And to be clear, these deaths are the results of the purposeful and of purposeful and systemic medical
• I'm happy to present SB 1398, Green Globe Certification.
• However, we do not believe the solution is to bypass the DGS for just one certification.
• However, we do not believe the solution is to bypass the DGS for just one certification.

Summary: The Governmental Organization Committee met as a subcommittee for much of the hearing because a quorum was initially absent, and it heard several bills focused on nonprofit support, alcohol regulation, immigration-related funding restrictions, outdoor advertising, and green building standards. SB 1240 by Senator McNerney would create an Office of Nonprofit Empowerment to help nonprofits navigate state procurement, grants, and reimbursement processes; supporters, including the Child Care Resource Center and the Little Hoover Commission, said nonprofits provide essential services but face delayed payments and burdensome bureaucracy. Committee members raised accountability concerns, but the author emphasized the bill does not dispense grants and would cost about $1.7 million in the first year. The bill was later approved and sent to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 917 by Senator Laird, which would remove the estate-grown grape requirement for wineries selling at farmers markets, allowing more family wineries to participate; winery and grape grower representatives said the change would help direct-to-consumer sales and local growers. SB 1171 by Senator Caballero would make private entities that contract with ICE ineligible for state-funded loans or grants; supporters from immigrant-rights groups described ICE detention and raids as harmful and inhumane, while some members spoke in favor of using state funds to avoid indirectly supporting ICE-related activity. Both bills advanced on party-line or near-party-line votes and were sent to Appropriations or Local Government as noted in the roll calls. Senator Rubio presented SB 1195, which would expand tied-house exemptions for certain entertainment, convention, and sports venues in specified counties, and SB 1228, which would allow a small number of existing outdoor advertising displays to continue operating despite a statutory sunset. Supporters said SB 1195 would create economic opportunity and clarify current law, while SB 1228 was described as a narrow fix to preserve legally permitted signs and local revenue; both bills passed the committee and were sent to Appropriations. The committee also considered SB 1398, which would recognize Green Globes as an alternative green building certification for state projects alongside LEED; supporters argued it would add flexibility and competition, while the U.S. Green Building Council opposed bypassing the Department of General Services’ equivalency review. The bill was approved and sent to Appropriations. The committee also took up a consent calendar and adjourned at 2:55 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• But it's the medically assisted drug treatment where they take a medication and that's on the clinical
• </c><00:39:52.560><c> or</c> don't have the certifications or don't have the certifications or whatever
• Uh, birth certificates, we've begun ordering birth certificates through the Alabama Department of Public
• Uh, birth certificates, we've begun ordering birth certificates through the Alabama Department of Public
• Birth certificates, we've begun ordering birth certificates through the Alabama Department of Public

Transcript Highlights:

• A central piece of this plan is our new medical campus in Emeryville.
• And let's focus on the certification of the material itself. Thank you. Thank you, sir.
• the third-party certification.
• The third-party certification is meant to determine exactly where this is coming from.
• But just to be clear, the country of origin is separate from the third-party certification.

Committee: House Natural Resources

Summary: The Assembly Natural Resources Committee met with a quorum established after a brief delay and first adopted two consent items, SB 423 and SB 581. The committee then heard SB 71, which extends and expands an existing CEQA exemption for sustainable transportation projects, including transit, bike, pedestrian, microtransit, paratransit, ferry, and shuttle projects. The author and supporters said the exemption has sped delivery of climate-friendly projects statewide; some members raised concerns about the bill’s Tier 4 diesel rail provisions and right-of-way language, but the bill was passed out as amended to Appropriations. The committee next heard SB 614 on carbon dioxide pipeline safety. The bill would direct the State Fire Marshal to establish safety standards for intrastate CO2 pipelines, using federal draft rules as a starting point while allowing California to add stronger protections. Supporters argued the state must act because federal rulemaking has stalled, while environmental justice groups opposed the bill unless amended, citing siting risks, leak hazards, and the need for more specific setback and planning-zone protections. The bill advanced on a due-pass vote to Appropriations. Members also approved SB 304, a district bill to temporarily lift public trust use restrictions for a portion of Jack London Square in Oakland so the Port can lease the land for broader uses under State Lands Commission oversight and annual reporting. Supporters said the measure would help address high vacancy and revitalize the waterfront; the bill passed with no opposition. The committee then heard SB 830, which creates a CEQA streamlining process for Sutter Health’s new Emeryville hospital campus to replace services lost with the closure of Alta Bates in Berkeley; supporters emphasized access to care, seismic deadlines, and job creation, and the bill passed out as amended to the Judiciary Committee. Finally, the committee took up SB 486, a higher-education planning bill that would require UC and CSU enrollment to be incorporated into regional sustainable communities plans and would limit certain CEQA no-project alternative analyses for campus long-range plans; supporters said it would better align university growth with housing and transportation planning, while opponents warned it could weaken accountability for student housing impacts. The bill was left open for further work and then advanced as amended to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• But you have medical staff at the unit level and then you also have a regional medical facility at...
• Do you do the certifications?
• Do you do the certifications?
• , and annual certification renewal.
• , and annual certification renewal.

Bills: SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> address the backlog in certification address the backlog in certification surveys.<00:03:25.200>
• </c><00:07:57.120><c> And</c> certification or standard surveys.
• And certification or standard surveys.
• </c> uh certification surveys. uh certification surveys.
• And um this uh certification surveys.

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Human Services met to review budget items carved out in the prior session budget, including long-term care surveyor contracts, funding for local health departments, and expansion of the central laboratory. The committee approved the June 4 minutes and then heard an update from the Office of Inspector General’s Division of Health Care on long-term care certification surveys and complaint investigations. Officials said the $1 million annual appropriation for contracted survey work, along with salary increases and other resources, helped the state reduce its backlog. They reported that Kentucky completed 101 long-term care certification surveys in fiscal year 2024, up from 28 in fiscal year 2023, and had completed 186 surveys by July 7, 2025, with a goal of 40 to 50 more before the end of fiscal year 2025. Outstanding complaints fell from 1,565 at the end of fiscal year 2024 to 695 by July 7, 2025, and outstanding priority-one or immediate-jeopardy complaints were reduced to zero. Members asked about the definition of priority-one cases, survey timing, the number of facilities still overdue, vacancy rates, federal funding reliance, and the use of contract surveyors. Officials said priority-one cases involve serious harm or high risk of harm, that surveys are required within a 12- to 15.7-month window, and that the agency now has 40 contract surveyors and an outside team option. Several members praised the progress but warned that delays in surveys can endanger residents and urged continued funding and monitoring. The committee then began hearing from Mike Tuggle of the Department of Public Health on the Public Health Transformation Initiative, with Tuggle noting the legislation’s importance to public health financing. The transcript cuts off as he began his remarks.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> things require enhanced medical support. things require enhanced medical support.
• They don't have access to the medication that treats this medical illness.
• They don't have access to the medication that treats this medical illness.
• They don't have access to the medication that treats this medical illness.
• They don't have access to the medication that treats this medical illness.

Committee: House Health Services

Transcript Highlights:

• We are trying to do a medical interpreter program, you name it. We have a driving school program.
• We've had one in medical assisting that started like seven years ago.
• We've been teaching for over 25 years a medical interpreter foundations training. Thank you.
• We've been teaching for over 25 years a medical interpreter foundations training.
• And it's amazing how many people. for medical interpreters.

Summary: The Workforce Support Subcommittee met to discuss using registered apprenticeships to help address workforce shortages in disability services, human services, and other high-need fields. Co-chairs and staff introduced the session as a follow-up to earlier discussions with state labor officials and representatives from developmental disability and behavioral health provider associations. The panel focused on how apprenticeships can create paid, structured pathways into jobs while also supporting credentialing and retention. Amara Ramon of the Division of Apprenticeship Standards explained how Massachusetts apprenticeship programs are registered and supported, including the roles of apprenticeship liaison staff, operations, quality assurance, and grant support. She described the core features of apprenticeships—paid on-the-job training, related technical instruction, wage progression, and industry credentials—and contrasted them with internships or co-ops. Melissa Chabelli of the MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board described the intermediary role her board plays in designing programs, registering apprentices, coordinating employers, and handling compliance. She emphasized flexibility, employer investment, tax credits, retention benefits, and the importance of mentors and local workforce partnerships. Lisa Morris of UMass Chan/For Health Consulting described a developing apprenticeship for medical interpreters, built from an existing training foundation and designed to address the gap between classroom preparation and work experience. She said the model would combine pre-apprenticeship training, employer interviews, 2,000 hours of apprenticeship, and related technical instruction tied to national certification. Speakers also discussed examples for nursing, early childhood education, CNC machining, and programs serving neurodivergent learners, including Bridgewater State’s Excel program. In response to audience questions, panelists said state agencies can serve as intermediaries, recruitment can come through career centers, youth programs, community colleges, ESL centers, and incumbent workers, and accommodations or modified curricula can support apprentices with disabilities. No votes were taken; the session ended with encouragement for attendees to contact the presenters and Division of Apprenticeship Standards for help developing programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:05.919><c> of</c> that failed to submit a certificate of that failed to submit a certificate
• </c> emergency medical services aid program. emergency medical services aid program.
• These add a definition of credit certificate for purposes of the certification and transfer provisions
• These add a definition of credit certificate for purposes of the certification and transfer provisions
• These add a definition of credit certificate for purposes of the certification and transfer provisions

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• And despite the higher medical resource use, NPs achieve less favorable patient outcomes.
• And despite the higher medical resource use, NPs achieve less favorable patient outcomes.
• The authors found extensive variability in education, licensure, and certification requirements.
• I'm speaking on behalf of the Missouri State Medical Association in support of House Bill 2557.
• We've had our medical director stay 24 hours. We do also have APPs that support.

Committee: House Professional Registration and Licensing

Summary: The committee first completed action on House Bill 3009, adopting an amendment, rolling the bill into a House Committee Substitute, and then voting do pass on the substitute by a 20-0 roll call vote. The meeting then moved into public hearing on House Bill 1963, which would reduce from five years to three years the amount of licensed practice required before certain social workers may supervise others. Representative Tara Peters said the change would help address Missouri’s behavioral health workforce shortage, especially in rural areas, and testimony from the National Association of Social Workers and Burrell Behavioral Health supported the bill as a way to remove a bottleneck without changing education or supervision-hour requirements. There was no opposition testimony on HB 1963. The committee then heard House Bill 2557, which would require a physician to be physically present in an emergency department during all hours of operation. Representative George Hruza argued the bill would improve patient safety and standardize emergency care, while noting possible telehealth accommodations for low-volume critical access hospitals. Supporters, including physicians and medical associations, said patients expect physician-led emergency care and that physician presence is the gold standard. Opponents, led by the Missouri Hospital Association and several rural hospital administrators, argued the mandate is not realistic given physician shortages, could force rural ER closures, and would reduce access to care; they emphasized that current hospital models rely on teams, telehealth, and transfer protocols. The bill drew extensive discussion but no vote was taken. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 311, which would modernize Missouri’s bail bond laws by creating a professional board and tightening training, oversight, and recovery procedures. Representative Brandon Phelps said the industry itself wants clearer standards and that he may revise the bill in committee substitute form to merge the new board with an existing board to reduce costs. A bail bond industry representative testified in support, saying the profession wants higher standards and accountability. The chair then adjourned the meeting after testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, for the most part, uh, medical care.
• </c><00:34:48.639><c> and</c> sober living house certification and sober living house certification and
• certification certification and<00:46:34.800><c> do</c><00:46:34.960><c> it</c><00:46:35.119><c> in<
• And with certification, I don't care who certifies it.
• </c> we need without bogging down the medical we need without bogging down the medical oversight<01:22

Committee: House Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> shortening of the SNAP certification shortening of the SNAP certification periods<00:31:28.320><
• </c><01:14:48.880><c> And</c> medically advisable into use. And medically advisable into use.
• but the medical community.
• </c> medical community is not supporting it. medical community is not supporting it. not<01:51:27.280
• </c><01:51:31.520><c> So,</c> this, but the medical community. So, this, but the medical community.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Item I is a request for continuation of certification differentials for employees at Parks, Heritage,
• and Tourism who have met the certification criteria for wastewater management duties.
• Item L is a request for continuation of an established labor market for the crime lab medical examiner
• The approved labor market entry rate for incoming medical examiners is set at $300,000 in order to recruit
• It's going to be medical examiners, that kind of thing at the crime lab. That makes sense.

Committee: All ALC-PERSONNEL

Summary: The committee reviewed several personnel and appropriation requests. Item C was a two-for-two position swap with no net increase in authorized positions and was approved. Item D, for South Arkansas College, added three net positions through a mix of growth and swap pool positions, including food service, public safety, housing, and compliance support roles, and was approved. Item E moved positions and $3 million in salary and match appropriation within Workforce Services to consolidate shared services, with no net change in positions, and was approved. The committee then considered a group of continuation items for FY27, covering previously approved growth and surrender pool positions, various differentials, hard-to-fill and on-call pay, a labor market adjustment for crime lab medical examiners, and continuation of grant-funded classifications tied to ARPA and IIJA grants across several agencies. These items were reviewed together and approved. Reports on the agenda required no action and were simply reviewed. On the supplemental agenda, the committee suspended the rules and approved OPM’s request for salary increases for 92 employees whose merit raises would place them over their grade maximums. Senator Dotson asked about several public safety medical examiner positions listed on the salary schedule, and staff indicated they were likely crime lab medical examiner roles. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:10:28.040><c> it's</c><00:10:28.160><c> a</c> get ISO certification it's a get ISO certification
• the future medical program under the future medical program under 342<00:25:20.039><c> and</c><00:25:
• ><c> be</c> we anticipate medical providers will be we anticipate medical providers will be operating
• </c> importance for access to medical importance for access to medical cannabis<00:26:27.200><c> for<
• /c><00:26:27.440><c> medical</c><00:26:27.760><c> cannabis</c> cannabis for medical cannabis cannabis

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> that oversees the national certification that oversees the national certification of<00:48:43.560
• </c> pressure medication or not. pressure medication or not.
• So, it's medical care.
• It's medical care.
• </c> a medical issue. a medical issue.

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• These selective certification lists include only eligible candidates that possess an emergency medical
• technician paramedic certification from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health
• Office of Emergency Medical Services, thereby allowing the Holbrook Fire Department to maintain adequate
• In response to our most recent selective certification requisition to fill three entry-level firefighter
• He has his paramedic certification, his license, so everything is in order.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Service

Transcript Highlights:

• Medically and scientifically accurate. **Rep. Harris**: Thank you, Mister Speaker.
• I would not—that is not what I would consider medically accurate or scientific.
• Who would be the ultimate decider if that video is or isn't medically accurate?
• Certain kinds of certifications.
• House Bill 1089 is about early detection and improved access to medical care.

Bills: SB 5 , SJR 3 , HB 11 , HJR 72 , HB 48 , HB 27 , HB 144 , HB 37 , HB 1481 , HB 581 , HB 1696 , HB 2216 , HB 1035 , HB 1633 , HB 742 , HB 754 , HB 1689 , HB 1690 , HB 2669 , HB 391 , HB 517 , HB 1775 , HB 1024 , HB 1607 , HB 252 , HB 1716 , HB 1562 , HB 4116 , HB 1866 , HB 1741 , HB 2103 , HB 2637 , HB 2884 , HB 3707 , HB 503 , HB 1089 , HB 1757 , HB 2986 , HB 972 , SB 365 , SB 1786 , SB 5 , SJR 3 , HB 14 , HB 43 , HB 36 , HB 26 , HB 149 , HB 121 , HB 206 , HB 136 , HB 3114 , HB 2733 , HB 1732 , HB 3700 , HB 467 , HB 1130 , HB 1846 , HB 1442 , HB 1147 , HB 2176 , HB 2701 , HB 805 , HB 2890 , HB 1154 , HB 1644 , HB 2118 , HB 1718 , HB 2488 , HB 2596 , HB 2468 , HB 484 , HB 2578 , HB 3204 , HB 1041 , HB 307 , HB 685 , HB 538 , HB 2525 , HB 3125 , HB 2027 , HB 2894 , HB 3077 , HB 106 , HB 18 , HB 11 , HJR 72 , HB 48 , HB 27 , HB 144 , HB 37 , HB 1481 , HB 581 , HB 1696 , HB 2216 , HB 1035 , HB 1633 , HB 742 , HB 754 , HB 1689 , HB 1690 , HB 2669 , HB 391 , HB 517 , HB 1775 , HB 1024 , HB 1607 , HB 252 , HB 1716 , HB 1562 , HB 4116 , HB 1866 , HB 1741 , HB 2103 , HB 2637 , HB 2884 , HB 3707 , HB 503 , HB 1089 , HB 1757 , HB 2986 , HB 972

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 3322 by Harris relates the procedure of amending and revoking certifications of public convenience
• HB 3357 by Oliverson relates to the cremation authorization procedures in certain counties with medical
• for certain out of network medical care provided for children in foster care for of the Committee on
• HB 3406 by Rodriguez Ramos relating to the medical accuracy and informational materials given to a woman
• Certificated telecommunication provider to the right of way poles.

Transcript Highlights:

• The certification resolutions adopted.
• President, I move certification &gt;&gt; Mr.
• President, I move certification &gt;&gt; Mr.
• The certification &gt;&gt; 33 eyes. No. The certification resolutions<00:22:29.440><c> adopted.
• </c><01:14:31.840><c> and</c> animals all need this medication and animals all need this medication and

Transcript Highlights:

• They have these COAs, these Certificates of Accuracy.
• Well, I'm not a medical doctor.
• I am a medical refugee who moved out of.
• Same thing with medical doctors.
• His father was having serious medical issues and he was not able to get legitimate relief from medications

Bills: HB28 , SB3 , SB 3

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, state health, youth protection, licensing fees, criminal offenses, flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 2251, midwives, medication administration advisory committee.
• HB 2402, ambulance services, certificates of necessity. Public Safety.
• HB 2402, ambulance services, certificates of necessity. Public Safety.
• HB 2557, releasing medical records promptness. Judiciary, Elections.
• HB 2895, Native American language instruction certification. Education.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then spent much of the opening portion recognizing guests and advocacy groups, including State Farm agents, justice court judges, Donate Life participants, AARP, educators, and rural water advocates. Members also introduced a doctor of the day and several former legislators and officials. The chamber later agreed to the House’s request to adjourn after completing business on March 11 until March 16, and committee meetings and caucuses were scheduled for the recess. The Senate then took up a series of third-reading votes. Bills passed included SB 1602 on kinship foster care; SB 1621 creating an obesity treatment and prevention advisory council; SB 1672 on AHCCCS step therapy, where one senator objected to the fiscal note while another argued for broader access to treatment; SB 1677 appropriating funds for forestry and fire management, with comments about tamarisk removal and native plant restoration; SB 1811 on public schools; SB 1001 and SB 1072 appropriating funds to the Department of Economic Security; SB 1169 appropriating funds to AHCCCS administration, with support tied to medical residency opportunities; SB 1531 on special plates; and SB 1776 amending AHCCCS statutes. SCR 1020, a proposed constitutional amendment on compensation for elective state officers, also advanced after debate about recruiting a broader range of candidates and making the salary more livable. The chamber also used Committee of the Whole to amend and advance several bills. SB 1170 on drug offenses was amended to change crime qualifications and remove mandatory minimums, then recommended do pass. SB 1488 establishing a study committee on coal-impacted communities was amended to alter appointment provisions and then passed out of committee and later on third reading, with a lengthy explanation from a senator about the economic history of coal plants and tribal communities. SB 1641 on marijuana licensure was amended to remove DHS’s annual license determination role and passed with the required three-quarters vote. SB 1752 on mescaline offenses and SB 1740 on turquoise alerts also advanced. The Senate confirmed gubernatorial nominations for Alex Ridgeway as Director of Tourism, Jessica Manuel to the Game and Fish Commission, and Stephen Williams to the Livestock Loss Board. The session ended with announcements, a motion to reconsider the failed SCR 1047, a civic learning proclamation, and a series of first-reading referrals for House bills before adjournment.