Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, the next one is SB 3137 relating to Department of Health authority to regulate food, drugs, and
• Food and drugs. I was reading the wrong bill. Sorry. Still going. This is 3137. Excuse me.
• >> food and drugs. Food and drugs cosmetic >> food and drugs.
• And um, let me check my schedule if I have other stuff.
• check my schedule if I have<03:30:31.840><c> other</c><03:30:32.080><c> stuff.

Bills: SB2053 , SB2494 , SB2851 , SB3073 , HB1678 , HB1721 , HB2475 , HB2246 , HB1667 , HB1516 , SB2532 , SB3131 , SB3154 , HB2297 , HB1737 , SB2143 , SB2398 , SB2623 , HB1740 , HB1920 , HB1682 , SB2153 , SB3140 , HB1515 , SB2835 , HB2282 , SB3083 , SB2031 , SB2519 , SB2667 , SB3096 , SB99 , SB2138 , HB2289 , HB2319 , HB1711 , HB2270 , SB3138 , SB3076 , HB1642 , HB2338 , HB2171 , HB1785 , SB2881 , HB2505 , SB2552 , HB1518 , HB1815 , SB3125 , SB3234 , HB2158 , HB1718 , HB2207 , HB1801 , SB3229 , SB2338 , SB3069 , SB2600 , HB2300 , HB1800 , HB1960 , SB2999 , SB2060 , SB2866 , SB2239 , HB1741 , HB1713 , HB2023 , HB2417 , SB2877 , SB2598 , SB2921 , SB2645 , HB2547 , HB2275 , HB2452 , HB2329 , HB2339 , HB1838 , HB1509 , HB1661 , HB2271 , HB2272 , HB2344 , HB1888 , HB1707 , SB2340 , HB2474 , HB1576 , HB1853 , HB1804 , HB1854 , HB2095 , HB2050 , HB472 , SB3215 , SB2247 , SB2400 , HB1618 , HB1802 , HB1969 , HB1541 , HB2310 , HB2498 , HB2443 , HB2218 , HB649 , HB2104 , HB1710 , SB2802 , HB1973 , HB1974 , HB1894 , HB1891 , HB1890 , SB177 , SB2101 , SB3320 , SB2487 , HB2429 , HB1870 , HB1839 , HB2583 , HB1391 , HB2094 , SB2671 , SB2673 , SB2892 , SB2057 , SB3245 , HB306 , HB2592 , SB3157 , SB2861 , SB3204 , SB3324 , SB2580 , SB2074 , SB411 , SB3025 , SB2934 , SB2567 , SB2125 , SB3238 , SB2367 , SB2599 , SB3007 , SB2001 , SB2756 , SB3029

Keywords: salvage vehicles, vehicle title transfer, electronic signatures, insurance, administrative efficiency, bribery, corruption, statute of limitations, public servant, criminal justice, deafness, traffic safety, law enforcement, vehicle registration, communication, biological evidence, DNA analysis, post-conviction, evidence retention, court approval

Transcript Highlights:

• The drug that you mentioned, it was a respiratory drug, I guess?
• Um well, when I was Hampshire schedule.
• </c> normal kids get their vaccine schedule. normal kids get their vaccine schedule.
• going</c><03:03:02.399><c> to</c><03:03:02.560><c> be</c> schedule, so we're going to be schedule, so
• </c><03:21:53.040><c> and</c> loved ones, with prescription drugs and loved ones, with prescription drugs

Committee: House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we're ahead of schedule by one minute. Look at that.
• Say they get arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Similar question was asked about on the drug side.
• rather than the drug patch.
• This is a seizure of fentanyl from a drug task force in Fargo.

Committees: Joint Judiciary , Joint Judiciary Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• recent piece by CNN highlighted an international online community of husbands who helped one another drug
• to other countries on delegations, and we're in Europe or Asia, and people say, you know, they have drug
• want to get off drugs and they have to be in an environment where other people are not using drugs to
• help them stay off drugs, the state will not put resources to such a program.
• Our next scheduled floor session is on Thursday, April 30th, 2026, at 9 a.m. Thank you.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through privileges of the floor recognizing visitors, including Fresno State Ag Leadership students and members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. The body also approved the Senate journals and took up several gubernatorial appointments, confirming Heather Lynn Gonzalez to the Court Reporters Board and reappointing Anacubas to the California Law Revision Commission and David Hübner to the same commission, each by 26-10 votes. The chamber then considered SCR 136, commemorating the 50th anniversaries of the California Coastal Act, Coastal Commission, and Coastal Conservancy. Supporters emphasized coastal access, environmental protection, habitat restoration, public trails, and climate resilience, while opponents argued the commission can override local control and hinder development and infrastructure. The resolution passed 27-4. The Senate also adopted SR 68 on Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Denim Day unanimously, with members discussing survivor support, consent, and the need for stronger protections and accountability. Additional resolutions and bills were approved, including SCR 130 recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month, SB 1058 on school nutrition procurement flexibility, SB 930 requiring end-to-end encryption for certain school exam proctoring services, SB 917 expanding farmers’ market sales opportunities for wineries, SB 1002 on continuity of telehealth care for eligible patients, SB 1036 clarifying mitigation fee credits for redevelopment, SCR 131 calling for urgent action on unsheltered homelessness, SB 1285 on juvenile record dismissal, SB 969 on remote developmental services, and SCR 157 honoring School Bus Driver’s Day. Most of these items passed unanimously, while SCR 131 passed 34-0 after debate over housing-first approaches, self-sufficiency, interim shelter, and coordination among state and local governments. The consent calendar was then approved, committee announcements were made, and the Senate adjourned in memory of Sandy Steers, with the next floor session scheduled for April 30, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• The last time there was a change in hospital outpatient payments from a fee schedule perspective was
• So that's a difficult question because expenses for drugs, personnel, all those other things have increased
• If drugs alone costs more, If drugs alone costs more than $10,000 a patient, much less personnel in a
• Cost of drugs go up, cost of personnel goes up, cost of drugs go up, and supply chain demands.
• .based on risk of how much they believe it's going to cost to reimburse providers, to take care of drugs

Committee: All ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The subcommittee met to review Arkansas DHS hospital spending and reimbursement methods, with Secretary Janet Mann and Deputy Secretary Misty Eubanks explaining Medicaid hospital payments. They described fee-for-service per diem payments, cost settlements, and the upper payment limit (UPL) program, noting that SFY 2025 hospital payments included $688 million in inpatient/outpatient claims, $473 million in UPL payments, $248 million in cost settlements, and about $47 million in other payments such as graduate medical education and disproportionate share hospital funds. Members asked about why per diem rates vary, how cost settlements work, why UPL applies mainly to private hospitals, and how assessment fees are structured and funded. DHS said the hospital assessment fee is broad-based and uniform, used as the state share to draw federal funds, and that supplemental hospital payments after federal match totaled $548 million with no general revenue used. The Arkansas Hospital Association’s Jody Ann Tritt then gave a broader overview of the hospital landscape, explaining the different hospital types in the state, including critical access hospitals, rural emergency hospitals, PPS hospitals, and specialty hospitals. She said Arkansas hospitals face financial strain, citing a negative 5.18% patient service margin statewide and lower reimbursement than surrounding states. She argued that Arkansas hospitals are paid less than hospitals in neighboring states for similar services, that commercial payer rates and administrative burdens are a major problem, and that Medicaid and Medicare rates remain below cost even with UPL support. She also said hospitals are the backbone of community care, provide emergency and public health functions, and are looking for ways to invest in technology and telehealth but often lack the revenue to do so. Members pressed for clearer data on hospital finances, reimbursement adequacy, and the impact of commercial insurers. Tritt said the association had just authorized a statewide survey to gather updated financial information from hospitals, which she said would take about a year to complete. She also explained that Medicaid pays weekly, Medicare and commercial plans can involve delays and denials, and that hospitals often spend significant resources on revenue cycle work. The discussion ended with a brief update on assisted living reimbursement: DHS said one facility, The Pillars of the Community in Crossett, had announced closure, nine Living Choices waiver clients were being transitioned, and the updated rate study would be available after cost reports are collected, likely before the end of the fiscal year. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• reason, we can put warning labels on everything else, but we can't put warning labels on abortion drugs
• medication that is used to terminate a pregnancy before 10 weeks is the exact same combination of drugs
• you might think that somebody who has experienced a miscarriage wouldn't need the first part of the drug
• you might think that somebody who has experienced a miscarriage wouldn't need the first part of the drug
• The Secretary will read: Enacting clause: Relating to making adjustments to the schedule for reporting

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, colors, pledge, and a prayer by Sikh youth leader Gertit Singh Cocher, followed by recognition of guests from the Sikh Coalition and Kalsa Germath Center. The chamber approved the journal and then adopted Senate Resolution 8678 honoring the Chimicum High School Marching Band for being selected as Washington’s representative in the 2026 National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C.; senators praised the band’s dedication and rural-school achievement, and the band was recognized in the gallery. The Senate then confirmed two gubernatorial appointments by 49-0 votes: Ryan Moran as Director of the Health Care Authority and Dennis Worsham as Secretary of the Department of Health. Supporters highlighted Moran’s Medicaid and health system background and Worsham’s long public health career, including local health leadership and work on HIV/AIDS and community health. The chamber also advanced and passed Senate Bill 6011, expanding court bailiff authority to conduct threat assessments for the Court of Appeals, and Senate Bill 5831, creating safe harbors related to mortgage modification recording requirements. Several bills were debated and passed after amendment votes. Senate Bill 6188, concerning Labor and Industries’ asbestos training and certification rules, saw an amendment to align with federal standards rejected and then passed 38-19. Substitute Senate Bill 5917, dealing with access to abortion medications through the Department of Corrections pharmacy, had multiple proposed amendments rejected before passing 32-17 after extensive debate over access, labeling, distribution limits, and emergency status. The Senate also adopted an amendment to Senate Bill 6024 on developmental disability services confidentiality, then passed the bill 48-0-1 excused; passed Substitute Senate Bill 6091 on residential property marketing and fair housing by 49-0; and passed Substitute Senate Bill 5840 adjusting campaign finance expenditure reporting deadlines by 46-3. The body then recessed for caucus and lunch.

Transcript Highlights:

• And drug courts are very effective. I will say that.
• This slide talks about the drug and specialty courts.
• This slide talks about the drug and specialty courts.
• That's how I learned that we didn't have drug courts there.
• That's how I learned that we didn't have drug courts there.

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Every time a scheduled visit came up, my heart would start racing, my stomach would be a knot, and I
• Thank you for your time, and thank you for showing up today even though it was scheduled for yesterday
• It also helps parents stay on schedule with recommended vaccines.
• to revolve around immunizations, and the definition of medical intervention is treatment, device, drug
• this revolve around immunizations and the definition of medical intervention is treatment, device, drug

Summary: The committee approved the March 3 and March 10 minutes, then introduced RS 33592C1, a proposal for a state pilot program to study psychedelic substances for PTSD and traumatic brain injury, with the sponsor saying no state funding was requested. The committee also heard and advanced Senate Bill 1255, which would add tribal health care facilities and tribal police officers to Idaho’s involuntary commitment process so tribal members in mental health crises can be evaluated and held more quickly; tribal representatives and the sponsor said it would improve coordination without changing state funding or the underlying commitment standards. The bill was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1257 on foster care visitation and permanency. The bill would clarify that visitation can include in-person, video, phone, and written contact, limit in-person visitation after substantiated serious physical or sexual abuse unless a court finds it is in the child’s best interest, and allow courts to consider a parent’s likely long-term incarceration when deciding permanency and termination. Department officials, foster parents, adoptees, and child welfare advocates testified that the bill would protect children from re-traumatization and give courts clearer statutory guidance. Some members raised due process and parental-rights concerns, arguing the bill could expand agency power or reduce protections, but after a failed motion to hold the bill in committee, the committee approved it on a roll call vote and sent it to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee also resumed testimony on House Bill 808, which would expand the Medical Freedom Act. County, hospital, city, business, and public health witnesses opposed the bill, saying it would create conflicts with federal health and accreditation rules, weaken school and child care immunization protections, reduce the usefulness of the IRIS immunization registry, and interfere with employer and public-safety decisions. Supporters argued the bill would strengthen bodily autonomy and parental choice and reduce coercion around vaccines. The sponsor closed by saying the bill was about protecting private medical decisions, but no final action on HB 808 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• eligible cases and add a timeline requiring that anyone eligible for parole as of July 1, 2026, be scheduled
• Next up is House Bill 483, which relates to the Prescription Drug Affordability Board and drug cost affordability
• This bill is now identical to the Prescription Drug Affordability Board bill, which is now the Affordable
• conference report relates to members of the Virginia State Bar, rules and regulations relating to schedule
• and then they came back and said, no, we're only agreeing to $300. ...and regulations relating to schedule

Keywords: March 12, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's also the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act that deals with labeling and failure to warn.
• The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act deals with labeling and failure to warn.
• There's a line of case law that commercial speech with respect to drugs is protected, and that commercial
• speech with respect to drugs is protected.
• FDA-approved vaccines, many of which have already been reviewed and recommended by the CDC on the routine schedules

Bills: S0408 , S0986 , S0678 , S0800 , S1050 , S0484 , S1118

Committee: Senate Regulated Industries

Keywords: vaccine advertisement, manufacturer liability, harmful vaccine, healthcare, court action, smoking regulation, public health, vaping, marijuana, public places, Florida Statutes, alcohol distribution, tax deductions, extraordinary losses, warehouse breakage, regulatory compliance, veterinary, prescription, pharmacy, client rights

Transcript Highlights:

• There was just a little mix-up on my schedule, and we showed up a little late.
• And The other person that really helped with the detox center, the alcohol drug abuse center in Gallup
• People that have been affected by alcohol and drugs. That is a real hard-working person.
• How else are you going to enforce drug laws?
• How else are we going to address the drug problem that we have?

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, prices have increased on most necessities like food, prescription drugs, and utilities.
• But you're not supposed to use any antibiotics or veterinary drugs; you're not supposed to feed them
• Sneaking something in here where the shrimp were either fed antibiotics or given veterinary drugs.
• And what kind, can you expound a little bit more on the veterinary drugs?
• I'm ahead of schedule. Okay, is there anyone else who wishes to testify for or against HB 2343?

Bills: HB2226 , HB2269 , HB2343 , HB2760 , HB3621 , HB4079 , HB4204 , HB4518 , HB4531 , HB4555 , HB4850 , HB4876 , HB4903 , HB4996 , HB5122

Committee: House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development

Keywords: construction trust funds, Property Code, Chapter 162, construction payments, mechanics lien, contractors, subcontractors, laborers, material suppliers, materialmen, real property improvement, assignment of payment rights, unpaid trust funds, trust fund beneficiaries, construction industry, payment protection, Texas construction law, property owners association, landscaping, grass maintenance

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and I scheduled a meeting with the Democrats tomorrow at noon time.
• Um,<00:20:39.520><c> and</c><00:20:40.320><c> I</c><00:20:40.640><c> scheduled</c><00:20:40.880><c> a
• a meeting with the Um, and I scheduled a meeting with the Democrats<00:20:42.240><c> tomorrow</c><00
• The schedule is going to go out for Monday to meet at 10:00 in the morning.
• </c> that last item could have a a schedule that last item could have a a schedule direction<02:11:52.800

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, if there's other uses for this drug, this is not a partisan thing.
• A.M., homicide, gunshot, shot by a father who is hallucinating on drugs.
• We put them back in homes where they've got a drug plan, or, you know, let's lock up your drugs or that
• Home where he had two active drug-abusing parents.
• They didn't often start off life very well, born addicted to drugs. Born addicted to drugs.

Bills: HB2720 , HB2073 , HB2681 , SB5467 , SB5820 , SB5863 , SB5892 , SCR8406 , HB2487 , HB2711 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5995 , SB6278

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, cannabis, license fees, regulatory framework, revenue generation, legalization, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• And in a drug crime, the drugs are the contraband. There is money involved.
• It did not belong to a drug dealer.
• Shavani Nashar on behalf of Drug Policy Alliance, in strong support.
• It's also become a popular recreational drug.
• Shabani Nashar with Drug Policy Alliance, in opposition.

Committee: House Public Safety

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we're ahead of schedule by one minute. Look at that.
• Say they get arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Similar question was asked about the drug side.
• rather than the drug patch.
• This is a seizure of fentanyl from a drug task force in Fargo.

Committee: Joint Judiciary Committee

Summary: The committee opened with a moment of silence honoring a deceased member, then approved the April minutes. The first major presentation was from Chelsea Florey of Child and Family Services on the Diversion Task Force and related grant programs created with one-time funding from HB 1012. She reported that five of six proposals were funded, with youth diversion services operating in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, and a Red River Children’s Advocacy Center program focused on problematic sexualized behavior. Members discussed barriers such as staffing shortages, voluntary family engagement, service fatigue, and the need for better coordination, broader outreach, and possible changes to diversion eligibility rules so low-level cases can remain in diversion longer. Several legislators pressed for more practical system changes and clearer service navigation, while Florey said the task force is trying to build a service array or hub and is leaning on the Children’s Cabinet for broader recommendations. The committee then heard from North Dakota Lottery Director Thomas Lawler, who gave an operational overview and biennium report. He described the lottery’s history, games, retailer commissions, Pick and Click subscriptions, Players Club membership, and revenue distribution. For the 2023-25 biennium, about $67 million in tickets were purchased, with roughly $16.2 million transferred overall, including money for the general fund, drug task force grants, and compulsive gambling prevention and treatment. Members asked about the compulsive gambling allocation and whether the amount is set by statute. A lengthy presentation followed from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on criminal justice data connectivity and reentry. Adam Anderson explained that North Dakota’s jail, court, HHS, and correctional systems use multiple separate databases that do not communicate in real time, requiring manual cross-checks and staff communication. He said the department is exploring a centralized hub or other integration approach, but noted challenges with identifiers, vendor contracts, confidentiality, and cost. Robin Schmolenberger then updated the committee on a Medicaid data-sharing project with HHS, saying monthly application assistance is now occurring in correctional facilities and that automated bi-directional data exchange is expected in late 2026 to help suspend and reactivate Medicaid coverage and identify former foster care youth. Members also discussed parole, probation, transitional housing, and the need for better real-time notifications and clearer data definitions. The committee also received an update from county representatives on the 24/7 sobriety program, including a recent attorney general opinion that if a court waives 24/7 fees, sheriffs may use the cheaper twice-daily breath test or urine testing instead of SCRAM bracelets or drug patches. Finally, Bruce Johnson of the Racing Commission presented on an audit report, acknowledging serious findings involving overspending from the promotion fund, grant documentation failures, a breeders fund eligibility reversal, and repeated procurement violations. He said the commission has already changed its procedures by tracking fund limits monthly, requiring grant applications and itemized reports, enforcing breeders fund rules as written, and routing purchases through procurement with written contracts. The committee asked follow-up questions throughout but took no formal votes on these presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> on television of prescription drugs. on television of prescription drugs.
• On line eight, we just insert: except the prescription drug only includes drugs covered by the medical
• That would be only those drugs. drugs. drugs.
• And the doctor this new drug."
• </c> scheduled time and location. scheduled time and location.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:20:50.120><c> the</c><00:20:50.240><c> first</c> there to actually schedule the first there to
• actually schedule the first follow-up<00:20:51.000><c> appointment.
• a series of follow-up home, and schedule a series of follow-up visits<00:25:27.960><c> to</c><00:25:
• We have a lot of school programming, so Too Good for Drugs, Sources of Strength.
• Uh we also Drugs, Sources of Strength.

Committee: Joint Health Services

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, are being added to our drug supply.
• </c><01:21:49.440><c> and</c> now addicted to another drug and now addicted to another drug and including
• </c><01:22:06.639><c> So</c> drug? No, that is additional penalty. So drug?
• So we're allowing people to take drugs to these testing facilities to have their drugs tested.
• /c><06:13:03.120><c> associated</c> as a schedule 2 drug with the associated as a schedule 2 drug with

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I did schedule a whole half hour on this. I don't know what I was thinking.
• I guess I didn't read the bill when I scheduled it.
• </c><00:05:03.039><c> a</c> uh to the next one I did schedule a uh to the next one I did schedule a whole
• I think I've got all of the early bills already scheduled.
• I think I've got all of the early bills already scheduled.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on House Bill 552, which would remove the “full-time student” requirement for children ages 19 to 25 covered under the state retiree health insurance plan. The prime sponsor said the change would align retiree coverage with state employee and ACA plans, would not cost taxpayers because retirees pay the premiums, and could even reduce administrative burden and possibly state costs. The chair noted the bill simply removes the words “if full-time student” from statute and said the proposal affects very few retirees and has no cost to the state. No opposition was presented, and the chair closed the hearing on HB 552 after no further testimony. The committee then opened a public hearing on House Bill 648, which would require commercial insurance coverage for glucose monitoring devices and supplies for people with diabetes. The prime sponsor, a retired dietitian and diabetes educator, gave extensive testimony describing diabetes as common, costly, and serious, and argued that continuous glucose monitoring is important for managing type 2 and gestational diabetes, preventing hypoglycemia, and improving safety and decision-making. She said CGMs can alert users to dangerous blood sugar changes, help people understand how food, activity, and medication affect glucose, and save lives while offering a strong return on investment. During questions, a committee member asked whether the bill should specify that the monitoring be tied to prescribed treatment, and the sponsor agreed that adding “prescribed” would be appropriate. The member also asked about the proper threshold for coverage and whether the bill should be tied to fasting-test diagnosis; the sponsor responded that A1C is only one measure of control and does not show daily fluctuations, and said she was not prepared to recommend a specific threshold but could provide clinical guidelines later. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the sponsor indicated support for the bill’s general approach to broader CGM access.