Transcript Highlights:

• </c> was important enough for u a legislative was important enough for u a legislative body<00:46:52.920
• </c> system that ethics system that ethics uses<01:42:15.560><c> well</c><01:42:15.760><c> ethics</c>
• It's not the same interface with ethics, right?
• </c><01:42:49.480><c> ethics</c> No, no, no.
• Ethics, as you know, is a legislative branch entity with its own set of laws, and while we may intersect

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Ways and Means and Government Operations committees received a biennium budget preview from Keith Regan, Comptroller and Director of the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS), who introduced department leadership and described DAGS’ broad responsibilities across accounting, public works, procurement, elections, archives, risk management, and other attached agencies. He emphasized that DAGS supports nearly every state department and cited ongoing workforce challenges, while noting progress in reducing the department-wide vacancy rate from 21% in 2023 to 17.7% in 2024. He also highlighted recruitment efforts, including new salary schedules for engineers and architects, job fairs, internships, and outreach to retiring federal employees. A major focus was modernization of the state’s aging financial systems, especially the 55-year-old FAMIS platform and the Enterprise Financial System (EFS) project. DAGS said it expects to release the RFP for the FAMIS replacement by the end of January and is seeking a second tranche of CIP funding, including $35 million, plus position augmentation and creation of a Business Transformation Office to manage EFS and future modernization work. The department also described major capital projects such as the Aloha Stadium Entertainment District, Wahiawā Civic Center, Kauaʻi Civic Center, and Ahuimanu Community Correctional Center, and reported that Public Works is managing 455 projects statewide valued at more than $2.5 billion. Other budget requests discussed included funding for cemetery operations, with DAGS asking for two positions and $1 million in operating funds to support maintenance of eight cemeteries; a $200 million ceiling increase tied to anticipated insurance proceeds for West Maui fire-related recovery and rebuilding; and several staffing and operating items for district offices and facilities. These included full-year funding for positions in West Hawaiʻi and East Hawaiʻi, support for a small business coordinator at the State Procurement Office, funding for cloud hosting and PeopleSoft licensing, six positions and staff augmentation for the EFS project, electricity costs, and security-related funding. DAGS also noted that two requested reductions totaled $7.9 million, including transferring the security contract to the Department of Law Enforcement and reducing nonrecurring expenses; members discussed whether some security funding should remain with or be moved to DLE, and DAGS said it would not object to that transfer. No votes were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• it's just going to create a lot of confusion for everybody who's trying to interpret what are their ethical
• So a good prosecutor, ...interpret what are their ethical obligations.
• I've been asked to author this bill by the Attorney General as part of her legislative package.
• So I'm not going to be able to ethically advise my client whether or not I believe they should choose
• If I think that my client is going to, that's part of my ethics of being able to advise my client on

Summary: The committee first handled housekeeping items, voluntarily deferring HB 63 and HB 622 at the authors’ requests. It then heard HB 131 on post-conviction relief, which would remove the word “inexcusably” from the PCR statute and delay bail eligibility after relief until the state’s appeals are exhausted through the Louisiana Supreme Court. The bill drew support from the Attorney General’s office and district attorneys, with opposition cards from the Southern Poverty Law Center, and it was reported favorably. HB 789, concerning seizure of off-road vehicles used unlawfully on roadways, was amended to direct forfeiture proceeds to the Attorney General when acting as district attorney ad hoc; it was then reported as amended with support from law enforcement and no opposition testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• And just to clarify, this statute change would be completely separate than potentially the Ethics Commission
• ..." "...the statute change would be completely separate than potentially the Ethics Commission could
• source and sole brand contracting report to be posted on the OMES website in lieu of being sent to legislative
• OMES website in lieu of being sent to legislative leadership.
• striking the language on line one that says subcommittees thereof, judges, justices, and state legislators

Bills: HB3057, HB3279, HB4428, HB3420

Keywords: government reporting, information technology, child welfare, environmental policy, state agency compliance, employment restrictions, state officers, prohibited acts, government contracts, public service, public finance, pension, pension fund, retirement system, board of trustees, proxy voting, proxy proposal, shareholder vote, shareholder activism, fiduciary duty

Summary: The Senate Committee on Retirement and Insurance met and first passed House Bill 3057, which removes obsolete statutorily required reports identified in a Loft review to streamline agency reporting requirements. Senator Kirt asked whether any agency functions were being eliminated, and Senator Rader said some reporting-related functions would no longer be required, citing the organized retail crime task force final report as an example. The bill passed 7-0. The committee then unanimously confirmed Marla Tharp to another four-year term on the Board of Trustees of the Teachers’ Retirement System of Oklahoma, with members discussing her service, the system’s unfunded liability, and her long career in school administration. After that, House Bill 3279 passed 9-0. That measure raises the conflict-of-interest certification threshold to contracts of $25,000 or more, bars involved officers or employees from taking jobs with the winning contractor for one year, and clarifies that another person may sign for a director. Senators asked how broadly the restriction applies and whether the change addressed existing loopholes. House Bill 4428 also passed, 7-2, after debate and amendment. The bill directs pension boards and proxy advisors to focus on pecuniary factors in investment and proxy voting decisions, while limiting reliance on non-pecuniary considerations unless they affect financial risk or return. Amendments added language requiring entities to be headquartered and operate in the United States and aligned the bill’s investment-purpose language with existing statute. Senator Kirt opposed the measure, arguing it could unduly limit long-term considerations and proxy voting. Finally, House Bill 3420 passed 8-0. Described as part of a bipartisan effort informed by the state auditor and Loft, it makes several changes to the Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act, including limiting pilot procurement testing to one year, removing flex benefit plan acquisitions from certain bidding exemptions, clarifying that professional services need not be bid, and posting sole-source and sole-brand reports on the OMES website instead of sending them to legislative leadership. Senators questioned several deletions and additions, and the author said the bill was intended to clean up procurement rules and reduce opportunities for waste or abuse.

Transcript Highlights:

• Informed consent is the basis of medical ethics. H.
• Informed consent is the basis of medical ethics. H.B. 2248 upholds these basic human rights.
• And so I don't think our legislators should be limiting the provider's ability to prevent harm and to
• And you have 13 states that have passed some kind of pain parity legislation similar to this one.
• For the record, Damien Carpenter, Chief Legislative Liaison for Access.

Summary: The committee first approved the March 11 minutes and heard a presentation from Nathan Smith, CEO of Central Arizona Shelter Services, on homelessness in Maricopa County. He described rising homelessness, especially among older adults, and said CASS uses low-barrier emergency shelter, family shelter, and an older-adult shelter with case management, behavioral health services, and partnerships with outside groups for food, banking, digital access, and other supports. Members asked about collaborations with mutual aid groups and about point-in-time data, and Smith said the county data could be drilled down through AZMAG. The committee then moved to legislation. HB 2248, the Arizona Medical Freedom Act, would bar businesses, schools, and government entities from denying services or employment based on medical interventions, with an amendment allowing schools to limit access during outbreaks or for certain infections. Supporters framed the bill as protecting bodily autonomy and informed consent, while opponents argued it would undermine employers’ ability to prevent disease spread. The committee adopted the amendment and gave the bill a due pass recommendation on a 4-3 vote. HB 2906, requiring one dental board member to be an active oral and maxillofacial surgeon, passed unanimously after testimony that the board needs surgical expertise for complex cases and anesthesia oversight. HB 2189, directing the Nursing Board to adopt rules for licensed health aides and routine ventilator care, also passed with an amendment and a 6-0 vote. HB 2403 appropriates $2.5 million in FY2027 for home and community-based services providers for elderly and physically disabled Arizonans. Supporters said the funding would help retain caregivers, whose wages have lagged for years, and argued home care is cheaper than hospitalization or institutional care; the bill passed 6-0. HB 2731 continued the Physician Assistant Board to 2030 and passed with a technical amendment, and HB 2730 continued the Occupational Therapy Board and passed as well. HB 2729 continued the Nursing Board to 2030; the board said it regulates about 150,000 licensees and handles thousands of complaints annually, and the bill passed 6-0. HB 2728 continued the Department of Economic Security and incorporated several previously vetoed policy provisions affecting SNAP, unemployment, and eligibility/redetermination rules. Speakers in opposition said it would make benefits harder to access and turn a continuation bill into a vehicle for controversial policy changes, while supporters argued it was part of the legislature’s oversight role. The bill passed 4-3. The committee also adopted a strike-everything amendment to HB 2048, which limits utilization controls on FDA-approved non-opioid pain medications relative to opioids; supporters said it would improve access to non-opioid pain treatment and reduce opioid harm, while opponents warned it would bypass clinical review and raise costs. HB 2048 passed 4-3. Finally, HCR 2058 would require a comprehensive claim-level audit of Arizona Medicaid claims and direct recovery efforts for misappropriated funds; supporters said it could recover significant overpayments, while opponents questioned its incentives and overlap with existing oversight. The resolution passed 4-3, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• That experience showed me that the level of training, ethics, and infrastructure required to implement
• personally, after years of struggle... ...training program, where part of our studying is safety, ethics
• , and responsibly and ensuring ethically, and responsibly and ensuring that<00:21:03.440><c> when</c>
• Faith-based nonprofits are frequently legislated or contracted into partnerships to assist the state
• So, that's what the legislators do &gt;&gt; Okay?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 3025, relating to medical debt, with multiple organizations and individuals, including the Office of Wellness and Resilience, Healthcare Association of Hawaii, Queens Health Systems, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Aloha Care, Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction, Hawaii Data Collaborative, and Hawaii Appleseed, all speaking in support. No opposition was heard, and the member present had no questions. The committee then took up SB 3199, which would establish a mental health emerging therapies task force. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, with speakers including veterans, clinicians, researchers, and advocacy groups describing personal experiences with PTSD, depression, traumatic brain injury, and treatment-resistant conditions, and arguing that Hawaii should prepare for regulated access to emerging therapies such as MDMA, psilocybin, ketamine, and ibogaine. The Department of Health and some medical organizations provided comments, and one opposition witness was called but not present. The chair noted broad support, especially from veterans, and no vote was taken during the excerpt. The final measure discussed was SB 3324, relating to Medicaid. The Department of Human Services, Department of Health, Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, Aloha Care, and numerous care-provider and aging/disability organizations testified in support, while one witness was in opposition and several others offered comments. The discussion then moved to SB 2563, relating to homelessness, where the Department of the Attorney General offered comments on specific sections and recommended adopting suggested amendments if the bill proceeds. Additional testimony on SB 2563 began with support from several individuals, including Shelby Pikachu, who emphasized the severity of homelessness and related social problems in the community.

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation is important.
• This legislation shows citizens and businesses alike.
• I'm from Legislative District 35, live in Soda Springs.
• We have no state agency designed for multiple use management and no legislative management and no legislative
• I'm just interested in your intentions with this legislation.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 20 and February 23, 2026. It then introduced several RS measures, including RS 3313-C-1 on Idaho Housing and Finance Association reporting and transparency, RS 33525 relating to an Idaho Department of Fish and Game gun club-related alternative, and RS 3344-1, a trigger bill concerning machine guns if the federal ban is repealed or overturned. Each of those motions passed without opposition. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1326, a private property/warrant bill sponsored by Senator Harris. The bill would generally require government agents to have a warrant, exigent circumstances, or consent before entering private land not open to the public, while preserving certain exceptions for law enforcement, water rights, drones, weed control, and abatement districts. Supporters, including landowners and the Idaho Farm Bureau, described experiences with government officials entering private property without permission; Fish and Game and the Idaho Association of Counties opposed the bill, arguing it would hinder routine compliance checks and enforcement. After testimony and questions, the committee voted to send SB 1326 to the 14th order for possible amendment. Next, the committee heard Senate Bill 1286, sponsored by Senator Nichols, which would regulate paid non-accredited assistance for veterans’ federal benefit claims. Supporters said the bill would protect veterans from aggressive marketing, unclear fees, and misuse of personal information while preserving access to free help and allowing contingent-fee arrangements under set rules. Some veterans testified in favor of consumer protections, while one veteran said the bill could limit his ability to choose paid help that had worked for him. The committee approved a motion to send SB 1286 to the floor with a do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee heard Senate Joint Resolution 103, sponsored by Senator Adams, proposing a constitutional amendment to create a trust for certain lands granted or acquired from the federal government and to bar their sale, with revenues used for land management, county payments, and education-related purposes. Supporters framed it as a way to protect public lands from sale and preserve access, while opponents from Conservation Voters for Idaho and the Wilderness Society warned it could create financial uncertainty, wildfire costs, and management problems without a clear state structure. The transcript ends during continued testimony on the resolution, with no final committee action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:58:05.040><c> on</c> that go against their code of ethics on that go against their code of ethics
• Um, and I'll just remind the body that pharmacists have a code of ethics.
• </c> pharmacists have a code of ethics. pharmacists have a code of ethics.
• </c> bullet points in that code of ethics bullet points in that code of ethics states<01:04:44.240><c
• c><02:05:30.880><c> the</c><02:05:31.119><c> various</c> legislators representing all the various legislators

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I also carried legislation like this last biennium and did not get a hearing on it.
• I am the director of state legislative affairs with the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, better
• I am the director of state legislative affairs with the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, better
• The author said the medical ethical obligation has not stopped this from happening, as shown in a study
• obligation is in the oath ethical obligation is in the oath certainly<00:12:24.399><c> hasn't</c><00

Bills: HF2371, HF2147, HF2557, HF1165, HF2466, HF2465, HF2482

Keywords: informed consent, sensitive examinations, healthcare, patient rights, anesthesia, hot water pools, rental properties, public health, safety regulations, Minnesota Statutes, health care access, hospital surcharge, fund allocation, medical assistance, health funding, health care, education, bonding capacity, financing, Minnesota Higher Education Facilities Authority

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:24:13.520><c> representative</c> inexpedient to legislate representative inexpedient to legislate
• </c> that it is inexpedient to leg legislate that it is inexpedient to leg legislate representative<00
• </c> committee report of indexp to legisl committee report of indexp to legisl House<04:00:09.960><c>
• </c> is inexpedient to legislate is inexpedient to legislate representative<04:03:27.960><c> Gerald</
• The chair recognized Representative Heath Howard. to legislate representative Jeremy Sai to legislate

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, leaves of absence, guest introductions, and memorial remarks honoring former Representative Carolyn Gargas of Hollis, who was remembered for her long House service, work on child and family issues, and community involvement. The House then adopted a consent calendar and approved a motion to withdraw House Bill 431, which would have created a commission to review draft rules on minimum standards for public school approval and state academic standards; the motion failed after a roll call vote, so the bill remained in play. The House next took up House Bill 109-FN, relative to false reports to law enforcement. The majority supported the bill as a way to add penalties for knowingly false reports about law enforcement officers, arguing officers deserve protection from false accusations and that the knowingly standard is a high bar. The minority opposed it as duplicative of existing law and warned it could chill legitimate complaints against police. After debate and a division vote, the majority committee report of ought to pass was adopted, 198-173. The House also considered House Bill 218-FN, which would provide victims of crime a free police report. The committee amendment changed the bill so victims would receive a written confirmation that a crime occurred rather than the initial police report, to avoid conflicts with right-to-know law and active-investigation confidentiality. Supporters said the change was a small but important clarification agreed to by law enforcement and domestic violence advocates, while opponents argued the original language was already workable and that the floor amendment was unnecessary. A division vote was requested on the amendment, and the transcript ends during that debate before the final outcome on HB 218 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• WHAT PROBLEM ARE WE TRYING TO SOLVE WITH THIS PROVISION IN THE LEGISLATION?
• DO YOU DISAGREE WITH THE AMA'S PRINCIPAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS?
• WHEN WE DEFINE CONSCIOUS SPACE SUGGESTION ONE OF THE ELEMENTS OF THAT IS ETHICAL BELIEF.
• THESE ARE BASED ON RELIGIOUS, MORAL OR ETHICAL BELIEF.
• WE HAVE THE ABILITY AS LEGISLATORS TO NARROWLY TAILOR LEGISLATION IF IT SERVES A COMPELLING GOVERNMENT

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She authored this legislation that started this program.
• ><c> that</c> She authored this legislation that She authored this legislation that started<00:14:17.279
• And as hunters, we know that if you cannot make an ethical harvest, you do not take the shot.
• </c> ethical harvest. ethical harvest.
• But I appreciate Senator P for coming along and carrying this legislation forward.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am state representative for the beautiful 38th legislative district, and I'm really proud to bring
• This legislation was brought together on a consensus out of the worker wage recovery work group.
• So glad that you chose to hear this bill this morning, as this is a small piece of legislation, but a
• This is a small piece of legislation, but a huge piece of legislation for the cannabis industry.
• As licensed clinicians, we are ethically required to provide clients with their options when there is

Bills: HB1526, HB1069, HB1347, HB2091, HB2264

Keywords: liquor license, snack bar, state regulations, alcohol sales, business licensing, collective bargaining, retirement benefits, employee rights, public sector, supplemental benefits, education, funding, student loans, affordability, higher education, public employers, employee information, bargaining representatives, labor relations, union representation

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, tonight we passed legislation extending a tax preference to data centers.
• Um, tonight we passed legislation media.
• Uh, but we have a tremendous work ethic. Um, we have a great labor force.
• Uh, but we have a tremendous work ethic. Um, we have a great labor force.
• Uh, but we have a tremendous work ethic. Um, we have a great labor force.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:01:55.840><c> session</c> efforts of the last legislative session efforts of the last legislative
• </c><00:07:04.080><c> journey</c> partners in this legislative journey partners in this legislative journey
• </c><00:09:55.600><c> League,</c> President of Kentucky Ethics League, President of Kentucky Ethics League
• <00:14:59.360><c> that</c><00:14:59.880><c> um</c> legislation that um legislation that um I<00:15:00.520
• So, thank you, and I do support the legislation, and, um, thank you for being here.

Keywords: The livestream event for this meeting cut off shortly after the meeting began. This is the complete copy pulled from back ups., 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If, you know, moving forward, again, I don't know how many of these things are rules by legislative or
• Raising that bar so that we can at least have some good work ethic.
• No, you can't take a nap in the We can at least have some good work ethic.
• You know, just some table stakes for work ethic.
• Legislators that we work with, they don't, like we were talking about that service provider, no one knows

Keywords: 914, all

Summary: The committee/task force met with several disability service providers to discuss integrated employment, transition services, and barriers to community jobs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Robin Arder and Belinda Stevens of ThinkAbility described creating their own businesses when community employers were not hiring their clients, and said rigid service rules, employer readiness, bullying, and reimbursement structures often force the person to fit the service rather than the service fitting the person. They said they have not seen clients lose benefits, but they do closely manage reporting to Social Security and related supports. Tina Hannah of South Central Industries described a broad business model that includes manufacturing, janitorial work, city beautification, state-use contracts, a food truck, and an entertainment trailer, along with an adult day program and residential services. She said many employers are hesitant because of productivity and cost concerns, and that businesses are often more open to contracting with her agency than hiring individuals directly. Miranda Figueroa of A New Leaf said her agency is moving toward a more person-centered model with sheltered work, volunteer sites, paid contracts, and a Transition Academy. She said the academy is a two-year program focused first on independent living and then on employment, with internships and an 85% placement rate, but funding is a major barrier because the program is not accredited and students cannot access traditional aid. She also cited dual diagnoses, inconsistent job coaches, and employer uncertainty as major obstacles. Angela Decker and Deborah Copeland of DRTC described DRTC’s long-running enclave contracts, a new Community Skills and Connections program, and a plan to phase out 14(c) subminimum wage use by the end of the year. They said the new program is designed to keep people engaged in community-based skill-building and networking while families still need day supports, and that DRTC has developed more than 100 community partnerships. Senator Kirt, Rep. Hefner, and participants discussed broader system issues, including the need for better school-to-work transition, more social integration, transportation, safety, and employer education. DRS staff said the agency is already required to provide pre-employment transition services in schools starting at age 14 and offers employer accommodations support and job-carving assistance, though they acknowledged federal reporting expectations and service rules can be restrictive. Several participants raised concerns about line-of-sight restrictions, congregate living rules, benefit cliffs, and the difficulty of moving from DDS to DRS services. The group also discussed the need for better data and possible working groups focused on in-school transition, program support and blending services, and community integration. No formal votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think this bill accomplishes that and it's a good piece of legislation. years.
• ><00:12:25.839><c> good</c><00:12:26.079><c> piece</c><00:12:26.240><c> of</c><00:12:26.399><c> legislation
• </c> And it's a good piece of legislation that will protect your decisions. >> Uh, thank you.
• without permission, then we certainly enforce that there needs to be disclosure, there needs to be ethics
• </c> disclosure there needs to be ethics disclosure there needs to be ethics within<00:27:44.240><c>

Bills: SB274, HB586

Keywords: cannabis, psychoactive cannabinoids, CBD, delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, delta-10 THC, criminal penalties, youth protection, medical cannabis, HB586, Cullman, Cullman County, City of Cullman, annexation, municipal boundaries, corporate limits, local legislation, boundary adjustment, city limits, municipal expansion

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't think that would be possible from the ethics standpoint.
• So, we would have to decline that, but thank you for your offer. possible from the ethics standpoint.
• So, possible from the ethics standpoint.

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, thank you for the legislation. Senator Andrews?
• Again, thank you for the legislation. Senator Andrews?
• This is a state legislative auditor.
• And that's why this legislation helps with that.
• This legislation is not an attack on homelessness.

Bills: SB237

Keywords: child welfare, Department of Children and Family Services, mandatory reporting, abuse prevention, investigative teams, child ombudsman, forensic interviews, confidentiality

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Welfare met on May 20, 2026, with eight members present and approved the May 13 minutes. The committee quickly reported several bills favorably, including SB 1224, which requires DCFS review when a pregnancy involves a child under 17 and makes children under 12 a child in need of care; SB 1100, which repeals an old statute on unenriched bread; HB 1220, a continuation of prior work to codify certain provisions related to the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners; HB 1231, clarifying that continuous glucose monitoring is covered through Medicaid for any insulin-dependent diabetic, including gestational diabetes; and HB 198, setting reimbursement rates for ambulatory surgery centers for certain Medicaid procedures. The committee also adopted a personal privilege welcome for physicians on White Coat Day and repeatedly noted that several bills were being advanced with the understanding that further work might continue before floor debate. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 1160, which would create a streamlined restricted license pathway for qualified international medical school graduates, especially for rural and shortage areas. Committee members pressed the Board of Medical Examiners about delays in promulgating rules under an earlier 2024 law and objected to rule language they said went beyond the statute. Board representatives acknowledged a misunderstanding about the original bill’s intent and said the program had been operating, but members warned against agencies writing rules that contradict enacted law. Despite the criticism, HB 1160 was reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably HCR 67, which creates a task force to study gaps in acute care for special-needs adults and children, following emotional testimony from the sponsor about her son’s death and the lack of appropriate care options. The committee then approved HCR 27, calling for a coordinated statewide evaluation of autism services by the Department of Health and Department of Education, with testimony emphasizing rising diagnosis rates, rural provider shortages, and the need for better data and coordination between medical and school-based services. HCR 28, which would study school nurse orientation and training, was also reported favorably after school nurses described the lack of standardized onboarding for new graduates and the risks of placing them alone in schools without adequate supervision. HB 469, which would have allowed pharmacy license renewal fees to be directed to Xavier University’s pharmacy school as well as public schools, was deferred after concerns about diverting funds from public institutions and the absence of testimony from affected schools. The committee also took up HB 223, which recreates DCFS, and adopted an amendment shortening the sunset date and requiring law enforcement reports to be accepted through a secure web-based platform; the bill was then reported favorably as amended. Another major discussion centered on HB 457 and HB 616, both tied to homelessness. HB 457, establishing minimum standards for shelters and related facilities, was reported favorably as amended after sponsor testimony and support cards. HB 616, which would allow the legislative auditor and local officials access to records and databases for audits of homelessness initiatives, drew extensive debate over privacy, federal funding, and accountability. Supporters cited a 2025 audit showing more than $216 million in federal homelessness spending in New Orleans and argued that auditors need access to performance data to detect waste and abuse; opponents warned about client privacy and the impact of funding cutoffs. The committee adopted an amendment changing permissive language to mandatory language for enforcement and then continued hearing testimony, with the discussion still centered on balancing oversight with confidentiality.

Transcript Highlights:

• Joe, will the legislative body get to enforce that here with this bill? >> You're recognized.
• By supporting this legislation, we empower individuals to engage more fully in their rehabilitation,
• I cannot thank Representative Blackmon for sponsoring this very important legislation.
• You are 452 recognized. 453 >> Thank you guys so much for consideration of this important 454 legislation
• Justice Alliance waving in support Robert Sutton waiving 471 in support Bill Bunkley with Florida Ethics

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee heard and advanced four member bills. CS/HB 303 would require nurses to complete the existing two-hour human trafficking prevention course before initial licensure, rather than waiting until renewal; the sponsor said this closes a gap for new nurses, and supporters from the Florida Nurses Association and other groups said it would improve early identification and reporting of trafficking victims. Members asked whether the bill changed reporting duties, and the sponsor said it did not. The bill passed unanimously, 24-0. PCS/HB 1069 would treat independent sanctioning authorities as qualified entities for background screening purposes and allow an unscreened athletic coach to work only if directly supervised by a screened coach. The sponsor said the measure is intended to help families and youth sports organizations while keeping children safe, and members discussed how it would apply to Little League and whether disqualifying offenses would still bar work with children. The bill received support from several organizations and passed 25-0. HB 491 would allow batterers intervention programs to offer voluntary faith-based content alongside required cognitive behavioral therapy, without mandating participation. Supporters argued the bill restores options for clients seeking faith-based counseling and said it does not use taxpayer funds or impose religion; members emphasized the voluntary nature of the program. The bill passed 24-0. HB 569 would change how the Agency for Persons with Disabilities organizes forensic client services by grouping clients based on clinical needs rather than legal charges, which the sponsor said would improve efficiency and reduce duplication. The agency and Florida Smart Justice Alliance supported the bill, and it also passed unanimously, 24-0. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am Cindy Ryu, state representative from the 32nd legislative district.
• Stephanie Barnard from the 8th legislative district. Just keep going down, thank you.
• Representative Josh Penner from the 31st legislative district. Michael Keaton, 25th district.
• Julio Cortes from the 38th legislative district. Tarra Simmons from the 23rd legislative district.
• We also have Amy Pearson and Josh Johnston in the room with us, who lead legislative affairs at WATAC

Summary: The Technology, Economic Development, and Veterans Committee held its first meeting of the session and began with member and staff introductions, followed by a work session on emerging technology, digital risks, and governance, focused on artificial intelligence in state government. Washington Technology Solutions officials Gretchen Perry, Katie Ruckel, and James Galvin described the state’s approach to balancing innovation with public trust, emphasizing human judgment, transparency, accountability, and the use of AI to augment rather than replace people. They outlined benefits such as automating repetitive tasks, improving fraud and anomaly detection, supporting multilingual access, and improving customer service and internal productivity. The presenters also discussed AI risks, including algorithmic bias, overreliance, hallucinations, and ethical concerns, and explained the state’s governance framework. That framework is based on NIST AI risk principles and includes statewide AI principles, inventory requirements, risk assessments for high-risk uses, accuracy and monitoring requirements, training, data-sharing controls, and restrictions on creating likenesses without consent. They noted the state adopted a statewide AI policy on December 11 and has created an AI community of practice and related subcommittees to support implementation. They also said the policy was bargained with unions where required and that agencies must give notice before consequential AI-related changes affecting working conditions. James Galvin highlighted current AI use cases across state agencies, including visual and spatial analysis for emergency response and flood recovery, the Department of Licensing’s Dolly chatbot for resident services, and an internal contract-assistance tool for staff that is limited to approved materials. Members asked about audit implications, language services and interpreters, the policy’s applicability beyond government, union involvement, return on investment, and whether the state uses off-the-shelf or custom AI models. The presenters said most uses rely on off-the-shelf large language models, that high-risk generative AI is not yet in production, and that the policy is designed to encourage low- and moderate-risk uses while adding more scrutiny for higher-risk applications. No votes or legislative actions were taken; the meeting concluded with committee housekeeping and adjournment.