Transcript Highlights:

• Genetic tests often cannot reliably predict whether or It protects California's genetic information and
• Genetic discrimination is a major barrier, Genetic discrimination is a major barrier preventing people
• from getting genetic testing.
• The doctor could have ordered a genetic test, and so that is how they find out about the genetic test
• So you will no longer have access to genetic testing, just the doctor’s assessment of that genetic testing

Committee: House Privacy and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• A genetic fault.
• </c> your genetic data. your genetic data.
• </c> consumers genetic data. consumers genetic data.
• </c> Genetic data is not just about people. Genetic data is not just about people.
• </c> genetic data and privacy at all times. genetic data and privacy at all times.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1135 by Senator Blakspier and equine to wildlife. Senator Blake Spear. Thank you Mr.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered a Memorial Day prayer, and welcomed a third-grade class from Sacred Heart Parish School to the chamber. Members then handled several procedural motions, including suspending a joint rule to allow budget subcommittees to meet during blackout period and removing certain bills from inactive or consent files. The chamber confirmed multiple gubernatorial appointments, including Nicholas Mueller to the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission, Arthur Krantz to the Public Employment Relations Board, Chris Ferguson to the California Student Aid Commission, and Brian Haynes to the same commission. The Senate also adopted several resolutions, including SR 102 recognizing National Safe Boating Week, SCR 172 proclaiming Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, SCR 177 declaring World No Tobacco Day, SR 107 for Lupus Awareness Month, and SR 115 marking the 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris in California wine history. On third reading, the Senate passed a series of bills on topics including beverage container recycling fees (SB 1341), school employee misconduct procedures (SB 1083), wildfire preparedness for water suppliers (SB 1153), insurance cost-sharing accounting (SB 1199), nonprofit government liaison services (SB 1240), energy coordination and fuel supply planning (SB 1337), language access in elections (SB 1360), gaming fee transparency (SB 920), mental health evaluation in Care Court-related cases (SB 1016), reckless driving penalties (SB 1198), greenhouse gas reporting for subsidized medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (SB 1213), the Go Green financing program (SB 1265), repossession transport interference (SB 1338), and wildlife coexistence (SB 1135). Most measures passed on unanimous or near-unanimous votes; SB 920 passed 28-1, SB 1265 passed 26-5, and SB 1135 passed with two no votes. The session concluded with a Veterans Caucus adjournment-in-memory ceremony honoring 82 fallen service members, followed by adjournment until the next scheduled floor session.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have special guests on the floor today: equine athlete, 2025 California female breakaway rookie of

Summary: The Senate opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, then took up several resolutions and guest introductions, with much of the session focused on commemorations and recognitions. Senate Resolution 87, by Senator Archuleta, marked the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Archuleta and other senators spoke in support of remembrance, historical recognition, and concern for Armenians facing current threats and displacement. The resolution was adopted by a 37-0 vote, and the chamber also welcomed members of the Armenian community and other guests. The Senate also adopted SR 93 by Senator Cortese honoring Jim Plunkett’s football career and legacy as a California and Latino sports figure. Senators highlighted his Heisman Trophy, Super Bowl victories, and recent selection for the NFL Hispanic Football Hall of Fame. The resolution passed unanimously. Later, SCR 124 by Senator Wiener recognized transportation barriers faced by Californians with epilepsy and the importance of reliable transit for employment and independence; it was adopted by unanimous roll call. SCR 158 by Senator Allen declared April Arts, Culture and Creativity Month and celebrated the 50th anniversary of the California Arts Council, with remarks emphasizing the state’s arts economy and the Council’s history; it also passed unanimously. The Senate further adopted SCR 159 by Senator Alvarado-Gil designating April as California Rodeo Appreciation Month. Supporters described rodeo as part of California’s agricultural and Western heritage, noted its economic impact, and highlighted the roles of Black cowboys, women competitors, and rural communities. Each resolution was followed by introductions of related guests, including Armenian community members, Jim Plunkett and family, epilepsy advocates, arts leaders such as Luis Valdez and Cheech Marin, and rodeo representatives and titleholders. After the resolutions, the Senate handled the daily file and adopted the consent calendar 38-0. The body also approved the Senate journals for April 13-16, 2026, announced committee meetings, and acknowledged Senator Menjivar’s upcoming birthday. The Senate then recessed until its next scheduled floor session on Tuesday, April 23, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• thoroughbred Canterbury Park does thoroughbred racehorse<00:42:20.640><c> uh</c><00:42:21.240><c> equin
• </c><00:42:21.640><c> therapy</c><00:42:22.480><c> and</c><00:42:22.599><c> we've</c> racehorse uh equin
• therapy and we've racehorse uh equin therapy and we've worked<00:42:23.200><c> with</c><00:42:23.400

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans

Transcript Highlights:

• Genetic discrimination is a major barrier preventing people from getting genetic testing.
• find out about the genetic test.
• Why should genetics be treated differently?
• Why should genetics be treated differently?
• So you will no longer have access to genetic testing, just the doctor's assessment of that genetic testing

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on privacy, accessibility, labor, and public safety. AB 1798 by Assemblymember Wilson would bar life and disability insurers from using non-diagnostic genetic information, including direct-to-consumer test results, in underwriting. Supporters argued the bill would protect privacy and encourage genetic testing, while insurers opposed it as unnecessary and said genetic data should be treated like other predictive health information. The bill passed the committee on a 7-0 vote and was held open for absent members. AB 2190 by Assemblymember Wallace would create website accessibility standards based on WCAG guidelines and add affirmative defenses intended to reduce serial litigation while improving access for people with disabilities. Disability advocates supported the measure as a needed civil-rights update, while business groups warned it could increase liability and create unclear compliance obligations. The bill passed 9-0 and was sent to Appropriations. AB 2721 by Assemblymember Carrillo would require hotels to post notice when they know or should know that U.S. Customs and Border Protection or ICE are using the premises, with supporters saying workers and guests deserve transparency and safety. Hotel and business groups opposed it, citing privacy, liability, and concerns about interfering with federal operations. The committee voted 6-2 to pass the bill to Appropriations, with the roll left open. AB 2027 by Assemblymember Ward would restrict employers from using worker data to train AI systems that replace workers and limit sharing of worker data for automation; labor groups supported it and business and public-sector groups opposed it as too broad. The bill passed 7-2 to Appropriations, with the roll left open. The committee also heard AB 1837 by Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez, which would extend and tighten privacy rules for transit agencies’ use of forward-facing cameras to enforce bus-lane violations; supporters said the cameras improve transit flow and safety, and the bill was presented with amendments, though no final vote is reflected in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• broad protections for a person's genetic data or genetic material.
• broad protections for a person's genetic data or genetic material.
• genetic information.
• protection for person, genetic data, or genetic material.
• , genetic information.

Committee: House Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• So SB 1376 is a bill seeking to address the shortage of genetic counselors in our state.
• Council for Genetic Counseling.
• We finally are realizing the importance of genetic counseling.
• I was just going to say I did use a genetic counselor before I had my first child.
• And I think I actually had a genetic counselor down here also with my second child.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and first took up SB 1376, a bill by Senator Burgess to create an education grant program to help address Florida’s shortage of genetic counselors. Burgess explained that the program would support students pursuing genetics-related careers at state universities, noting the growing need in clinical areas such as oncology, prenatal care, and rare diseases. An amendment was adopted requiring graduate genetic counseling programs to be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling and to show sufficient clinical training capacity. Members speaking in support said genetic counseling is an important and underrecognized field and that the bill would help expand access to services in Florida. After the amendment, CS for SB 1376 was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then took up SB 1570 by President Gates, which would restore a previously sunsetted statewide program, Project Leo, to help locate missing persons with special needs who are at high risk of wandering, using voluntary tracking devices through CARD centers and local sheriff’s offices, with $1 million in nonrecurring funding. Senators Berman and Harrell strongly supported the bill, citing the dangers of wandering, especially for individuals with autism or developmental disabilities, and the potential for the program to save lives. SB 1570 was also reported favorably by roll call vote. No other business was raised, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So SB 1376 is a bill seeking to address the shortage of genetic counselors in our state.
• Council for Genetic Counseling.
• We finally are realizing the importance of genetic counseling.
• I think I actually had a genetic counselor down here also with my second child.
• I think it speaks to the importance of genetic counselors.

Bills: S1376 , S1570

Committee: Senate Education Postsecondary

Keywords: genetic counseling, education grants, state universities, faculty recruitment, student financial assistance, missing persons, special needs, autism, search-and-rescue, Florida, voluntary program, funding

Transcript Highlights:

• As you will recall, this is an act relating to genetic data privacy, which requires by creating genetic
• Genetic data is not just about people; it is people.
• Genetic data is not just about people; it is people.
• Genetic data represents the fundamental essence of the biological human being.
• Our genetic data is who we are in the most intimate sense.

Transcript Highlights:

• So SB 1376 is a bill seeking to address the shortage of genetic counselors in our state.
• So SB 1376 is a bill seeking to address the shortage of genetic counselors in our state.
• Council for Genetic Counseling.
• We finally are realizing the importance of genetic counseling.
• And I think I actually had a genetic counselor down here also with my second child.

Bills: S1376 , S1570

Committee: Senate Education Postsecondary

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and first considered SB 1376, which would create an education grant program to help address Florida’s shortage of genetic counselors by supporting students in genetics programs at state universities. Senator Burgess described genetic counselors’ roles in oncology, prenatal care, rare diseases, and other clinical settings, and noted Florida’s limited number of licensed counselors. The committee adopted an amendment requiring graduate programs to be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling and to show sufficient clinical training capacity. Members spoke in support, and CS/SB 1376 was reported favorably by roll call vote. After a brief recess, the committee took up SB 1570, which would revive Project Leo, a prior Florida program that helped locate missing persons with special needs who are at high risk of wandering or elopement. President Gates explained that the bill would allow participating CARD centers to work with local sheriff’s offices to provide voluntary tracking devices and included $1 million in nonrecurring funding. Senators Berman and Harrell supported the measure, citing the dangers of wandering, especially for individuals with developmental disabilities or autism, and the importance of preventing drownings and other tragedies. The bill was reported favorably by roll call vote. No other business was raised, no senators requested to be recorded on the bills, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• material and their genetic information.
• Second, I would expand the definition of genetic test and genetic care.
• And third, I would expand the definition of genetic test and genetic care characteristic to cover DNA
• Non-medical genetic information includes paternity tests and other measures of genetic relatedness. genealogy
• , DNA ancestry, and forensic genetics.

Bills: SB 53 , SB53 , SB125 , SB315 , SB379 , SB457 , SB541 , SB599 , SB896 , SB921 , SB963 , SB1038 , SB1084 , SB1330 , SB1461

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• registration and licensing statutes for post-secondary institutions, largely in response to the Armstrong Equine
• <00:04:00.720><c> to</c><00:04:00.880><c> the</c><00:04:01.120><c> Armstrong</c><00:04:01.800><c> Equine
• </c> in response to the Armstrong Equine in response to the Armstrong Equine Massage<00:04:02.840><c>

Bills: HF4252

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Keywords: higher education, student aid, financial aid, grant programs, scholarships, Office of Higher Education, Minnesota State, University of Minnesota, community college, technical college, postsecondary institution, college affordability, student fees, athletic facilities, competitive athletics, developmental education, remedial courses, pregnant students, parenting students, priority registration

Transcript Highlights:

• It looks like you're an urban, but uh in looking at Kentucky equine therapy, are you familiar with that
• It looks like you're an urban, but uh in looking at Kentucky equine therapy, are you familiar with that
• >> Up here, we unfortunately don't offer equine therapy.
• Um, I'm sure Rachel can attest, our students would love to have some kind of equine therapy or interaction

Summary: The committee approved the October 22, 2025 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel on accidental ingestion of illegal drug products by children. Panel members said pediatric ingestions have become the most common case type they review, with the highest-risk children ages one to four, and that fatal cases have increased in recent years. They reported that the substances most often involved are fentanyl, cannabinoids including THC products, methamphetamine, and increasingly xylazine; they also noted a decline in buprenorphine-related ingestions, which they viewed as a positive trend. The panel used several case examples to highlight recurring problems in investigations and medical response, including delayed DCBS involvement, failure to administer Narcan, inadequate drug testing, lack of child abuse team involvement, and limited or absent law enforcement investigation. They said law enforcement issues are especially common in pediatric ingestion cases and are concentrated in Jefferson County and the Bluegrass/KIPA regions. One example involved a one-year-old who died from fentanyl and Benadryl intoxication; another involved a two-year-old who died after ingesting multiple substances; and a third involved a four-year-old with near-fatal THC gummy ingestion where delayed treatment worsened the child’s condition. They also described a 10-month-old THC ingestion case that resulted in a criminal abuse conviction, which they presented as an example without missed investigative opportunities. Committee members discussed possible policy responses, including creating a more specific criminal child abuse offense or clarifying existing abuse and neglect definitions to cover unsafe access to illegal drugs, while preserving room for true accidents and prescribed medications. Members also raised the need for statewide standardization in reporting, investigation, and medical response, and suggested the panel should be able to call in agencies such as law enforcement, DCBS, judges, and hospitals for closed-session review of selected cases. The panel chair said they were already pursuing meetings with LMPD and would provide Jefferson County-specific breakdowns, and members expressed interest in additional data and agency follow-up before considering legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is an equine-assisted therapy specifically designed to meet the needs of first responders, and since
• appreciate that uh aij is on the backside<01:12:49.639><c> is</c><01:12:49.760><c> an</c><01:12:49.920><c> equin
• </c><01:12:50.480><c> assisted</c><01:12:51.120><c> therapy</c> backside is an equin assisted therapy
• backside is an equin assisted therapy specifically<01:12:52.320><c> designed</c><01:12:52.719><c> to

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• However, we persisted and found another genetics clinic run by the former head of genetics at Mayo Clinic
• We need to hear the genetic testing.
• And I think genetic testing is new.
• We need to hear the genetic testing.
• We need to hear the genetic testing.

Committee: Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs met with a quorum and considered five bills. SB 1174, by Senator Jones, would simplify the process for transferring a family foster home license when a foster parent moves within Florida. A friendly amendment clarified that the transfer applies to the same licensed person, not a different individual, and directs DCF to prioritize amended licenses. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. SB 558, by Chair Grall, created a framework for voluntary post-adoption contact agreements between adoptive and biological parents, including contact with siblings, with court filing and enforcement procedures. A strike-all amendment changed the child’s party status age from 14 to 12, required court filing in the adoption case, set a preponderance standard, and moved the effective date to January 1, 2026. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. SB 1626, also by Chair Grall, was substantially revised by a strike-all addressing unaccompanied alien children reporting and custody procedures, military family child protective investigations, domestic violence shelter certification, children’s services councils, criminal-background exemptions, group home rates, subcontractor indemnification, child care licensing extensions, small residential group home fire suppression rules, and missing-child jurisdiction issues. After testimony both supporting and opposing parts of the bill, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. SB 738, by Senator Burton, updated child care and early learning licensing rules, including expedited licensing for compliant providers, faster background screening and provisional licensure, online training/testing, exemptions for certain military and employer-provided child care, and removal of a residential insurance provision from the bill. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. SB 304, by Senator Sharief, known as Patterson’s Law, addressed child abuse investigations involving rare genetic or metabolic conditions that can mimic abuse. The strike-all required more detailed medical analysis in reports, allowed second opinions, and set procedures for experienced physician review and judicial resolution. After extensive testimony from affected families, advocates, and DCF, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. At the end, Senators Harrell and Rouson asked to be recorded as voting favorably on additional bills, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a local cancer genetic counselor and president of the Arizona Genetics Alliance.
• I'm a local cancer genetic counselor and president of the Arizona Genetics Alliance.
• Genetic counseling saved my life.
• We had our own genetic counselor.
• We had our own genetic counselor.

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 2433, which would require insurers offering Medicare supplement policies to people 65 and older to also offer them to Medicare beneficiaries under 65 with ALS or end-stage renal disease, with enrollment periods and premium protections tied to 65-year-old rates. Supporters, including dialysis and ALS advocates, said the bill would help a small population facing high out-of-pocket costs and could improve access to transplants and care; opponents argued it would shift costs onto older seniors and raise Medigap premiums. The committee recommended the bill do pass on a 12-0 vote. The committee also heard House Bill 2593, appropriating $1.5 million to the University of Arizona for the Arizona Perinatal Psychiatry Access Line. The sponsor and physicians testified that the line helps obstetric and pediatric providers quickly consult on perinatal depression, postpartum psychosis, suicidality, and other mental health crises, improving outcomes for mothers, children, and families and reducing costly emergency and crisis care. The bill received a do pass recommendation on a 10-1 vote. House Concurrent Resolution 2013, proclaiming June 2026 as Celebrate Life Month, drew emotional testimony from a young woman with spina bifida and another speaker supporting the sanctity of life. Some members objected that the state should focus on practical supports such as paid leave, child care, and health care access, while others supported the resolution as a statement of human dignity. The resolution passed the committee 7-5. The committee then approved House Bill 4010, creating a Board of Genetic Counselors and licensure standards, after testimony from genetic counselors and a patient advocate about the need for qualified counseling and better access; it passed 11-1. Later, the committee approved House Bill 2196, which would require pharmacy benefit managers to reimburse non-affiliated pharmacies at least their acquisition cost and pay a dispensing fee, and establish an appeals process. Independent pharmacists and their coalition said PBM practices are driving closures and unfairly favor affiliated pharmacies, while PBM and employer representatives warned of major cost increases and said the bill would interfere with private contracts; the bill passed 11-1. The committee also adopted a strike-everything amendment to House Bill 2182 requiring insurers and health plans to report claims denial and prior authorization data to DIFI, and then gave the amended bill a 12-0 do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee approved House Bill 2189, directing the Board of Nursing to update rules for licensed health aides and collect annual data, with the sponsor and board staff saying it would help implement routine ventilator care in the home; it passed 12-0. The committee then began hearing House Bill 2404, a strike-everything amendment on inter-facility transports for behavioral health patients, but the transcript cuts off before action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• genetic counselors and designates the executive, ...and establishes the Board of Genetic Counselors
• I am a local cancer genetic counselor and president of the Arizona Genetics Alliance.
• I'm a local cancer genetic counselor and president of the Arizona Genetics Alliance.
• Genetic counseling saved my life.
• We had our own genetic counselor.

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 2433, which would require insurers offering Medicare supplement policies to also offer them to people under 65 who qualify for Medicare because of ALS or end-stage renal disease, with enrollment periods and premium protections. Supporters, including patient advocates and an ALS patient, said the bill would improve access to needed coverage and transplant-related care and could have only a small premium impact. Opponents, including Blue Cross Blue Shield/AHIP, argued it would shift significant costs onto older seniors and shrink the Medigap risk pool. The bill was ultimately given a do-pass recommendation on a 12-0 vote. House Bill 2593 would appropriate $1.5 million to the University of Arizona for the Arizona Perinatal Psychiatry Access Line. The sponsor and physicians testified that the line helps providers quickly treat pregnant and postpartum patients with depression, psychosis, OCD, and suicide risk, and also supports pediatric mental health care. Supporters said it improves outcomes and reduces emergency and referral costs. The committee approved the bill with a do-pass recommendation by a 10-1 vote, with one member present. The committee also passed House Concurrent Resolution 2013, proclaiming June 2026 as Celebrate Life Month, after emotional testimony from a woman born with spina bifida and another supporter. Several members objected that the state should focus on concrete supports such as health care and family leave, but the resolution still received a 7-5 do-pass recommendation. House Bill 4010, creating a licensing and regulatory board for genetic counselors, also advanced 11-1 after testimony from genetic counselors and a cancer survivor who said licensure would protect patients and improve access. House Bill 2196, addressing pharmacy benefit manager reimbursement and dispensing fees, passed 11-1 despite opposition from PBMs and employers who warned of higher costs; independent pharmacies argued the bill would help them cover costs and stay open. The committee then adopted a strike-everything amendment to House Bill 2182 requiring insurers and health plans to report claims denial and prior authorization data to DIFI, which would publish aggregated information and hold a later stakeholder review. Supporters said Arizona needs state-specific transparency data, while opponents called it redundant to federal CMS reporting; the amended bill passed 12-0. House Bill 2189, directing the Board of Nursing to update rules for licensed health aides and collect annual data, also passed unanimously after the board said it was already working on curriculum and implementation. The committee held House Bill 2813 and 2725, and began discussion of House Bill 2404, as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first is House Bill 639, House Bill 639, which is an act relating to genetic data privacy, the Committee
• House Bill 639 is an act relating to genetic data privacy.
• The bill was genetic data privacy.
• </c><00:02:44.520><c> or</c> a cure period on the actual genetics or a cure period on the actual genetics
• </c> the information derived from genetics the information derived from genetics and<00:02:48.480><c>

Transcript Highlights:

• We're also obtained a genetic test which was positive for potable disease.
• The CS still to this day, 614 days later has yet to seek out or obtain any genetic expert testing.
• I, myself requested a referral from our pediatrician and schedule an appointment with genetics.
• And from another genetics clinic ran by the former head of genetics at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Dr
• We drove myself and son to his clinic in West Palm Beach where he did genetic testing.