Transcript Highlights:

• So why are we identifying children early, but allowing health plans to shift the cost of treatment to
• Plans to shift the cost of treatment to taxpayers.
• , including screening, evaluation, and treatment.
• I think AB 432 would have removed that requirement for treatment of certain symptoms.
• options, including innovative new treatments that might not otherwise be covered by insurance.

Transcript Highlights:

• for people during pregnancy and discourages people who genuinely want treatment from seeking it out
• We did carve out the women who were already seeking out treatment, and I would ask for a yes vote.
• Senator Bolick: We already carved out the women who were seeking out treatment, and I would ask for a
• , any other treatment.
• IOPs is not residential treatment; it's outpatient treatment, the intensive outpatient program.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, journal approval, guest introductions, and recognition of doctors and other visitors. The chamber then moved through multiple Committee of the Whole calendars, considering a large number of bills on topics including public schools and curricula, transportation, health care, child welfare, municipal and county governance, homeowners’ associations, speech, and election-related matters. Several measures were retained on the calendar, while many others were advanced with committee or floor amendments. Among the more notable debates, senators discussed SB 1094, which would impose civil liability related to gender reassignment surgery on minors; supporters said it would compensate minors harmed by such procedures, while opponents argued it would discriminate against transgender youth, raise malpractice costs, and chill access to care. SB 1813, concerning the state hospital governing board and Maricopa County bed limits, drew concern about litigation and the need to expand capacity for people with serious mental illness, while supporters said the bill would remove a legal cap and allow more beds to be used. SB 1496 on Department of Child Safety procedures was amended to clarify representative payee requirements and received generally favorable comments, though some members raised concerns about child safety and DCS discretion. The Senate also advanced SCR 1004, a photo radar ballot referral, after an amendment requiring voter approval in jurisdictions that use photo radar; Senator Leach thanked the sponsor for the change. Other bills moved forward included measures on school firearm safety instruction, civics instruction, chiropractic claims, behavioral health prior authorization, psychiatric evaluations, DCS procedures, AHCCCS procurement contracting, county recorder and HOA-related issues, and legislative qualifications. The chamber adopted the Committee of the Whole reports and properly assigned the bills after each calendar was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• that may harm patient health treatment that may harm patient health and<00:04:56.000><c> safety.
• Uh, just because there's not a bright line always between speech and the treatment of conduct.
• </c><00:15:06.160><c> of</c> between speech and the treatment of between speech and the treatment of
• They suffered for a year under treatment, and that's what happened.
• </c> patient and they decide the treatment patient and they decide the treatment they<00:21:14.320><c

Bills: HB0143 , HB0129

Committee: House Labor, Health & Social Services

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:03:01.599><c> robotic</c> have um new treatments robotic have um new treatments robotic treatments
• </c> a radius of 70 miles your treatment a radius of 70 miles your treatment starts<01:03:19.079><c>
• We are working with MPCA to deliver three water treatment technologies, two for sulfate, one for PFAS
• We are working with MPCA to deliver three water treatment technologies, two for sulfate, one for PFAS
• We are working with MPCA to deliver three water treatment technologies, two for sulfate, one for PFAS

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• government body when it comes to Freedom of Information Act if it's requested by physician for the treatment
• 00:02:16.040><c> the</c> it's requested by physician for the it's requested by physician for the treatment
• </c><00:02:17.960><c> Pretty</c> treatment of a patient. Pretty treatment of a patient.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• There is some limited evidence of its use, but not conclusive as an evidence-based beneficial treatment
• an use, but not conclusive as an evidence-based<00:04:24.160><c> beneficial</c><00:04:24.960><c> treatment
• </c><00:04:26.080><c> that</c> evidence-based beneficial treatment that evidence-based beneficial treatment

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Allergy treatment must be given long term to be effective and prevent these infections, and 28 days of
• treatment is not enough.
• Treatment includes behavioral monitoring. ...difficult, leading to pet surrenders.
• , which could lead to increased treatment time and suffering that could have been prevented.
• , which could lead to increased treatment time and suffering that could have been prevented.

Summary: The Committee on Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency approved the February 11, 2026 minutes and then heard several bills. SB 1668, dealing with funeral and disposition timelines and related requirements for unborn children and minors, drew emotional testimony from funeral industry representatives and a parent about burdensome deadlines and problems obtaining signatures from an ex-partner; it also drew opposition over language referencing abortion clinics and reproductive freedom. The committee adopted a due-pass recommendation on a 4-3 vote. SB 1286, on veterinary telemedicine prescription limits, was amended to shorten non-antimicrobial prescriptions to 30 days and allow antimicrobial prescriptions for up to 14 days without an in-person exam; veterinarians and industry representatives were neutral with caution or supportive, while opponents warned about overprescribing and inadequate diagnosis. The amended bill passed 4-3. The committee then passed SB 1235, joining the emergency services personnel licensure interstate compact, on a 7-0 vote, with the sponsor describing it as a reciprocity measure for EMTs and paramedics. SB 1446, which changes dialysis social worker documentation from monthly to quarterly to match federal and most state practice, also passed unanimously after support from DaVita. SB 1515, an Industrial Commission cleanup bill that renames positions, removes obsolete private employment office oversight language, and shifts publication of fee schedules online, was amended and passed 7-0. SB 1678, concerning documentation and oversight in health care institutions and group homes for vulnerable adults, was amended to remove a patient-form requirement and instead require DHS investigation when EMS personnel complain that a DNR was not provided; providers moved to neutral or support after the amendment, and the bill passed 6-0 with one not voting. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1747, which would require social media platforms to terminate accounts for minors under 14 and certain 14- and 15-year-olds without parental consent and impose age-verification and harmful-content restrictions. Opponents from NetChoice, TechNet, and Meta raised privacy, security, and constitutional concerns and argued for app-store-based parental controls instead, while a parents’ advocate supported the bill as a starting point for child safety. The transcript ends during that hearing without a final committee action on SB 1747.

Transcript Highlights:

• In an attempt to ensure fair treatment of our constable investigators and to hopefully keep them from
• In an attempt to ensure fair treatment of our constable investigators and to hopefully keep them from
• They're expected to go to treatment providers, but they can't live within miles of their treatment providers
• It regulates treatment and assessment of sex offenders. We issue licenses.
• I was one of the first treatment providers and I trained people to do treatment.

Bills: HB240 , HB2097 , HB2731 , HB3087 , HB3234 , HB3319 , HB3394 , HB3687 , HB4105 , HB4205 , HB4350 , HB4462 , HB4642 , HB4801 , HB5403 , HB240

Committee: House S/C on County & Regional Government

Keywords: quorum, tax levy, county governance, local government, population regulations, quorum requirement, Texas counties, population threshold, deputy sheriff, civil service, law enforcement, appeals process, sheriff's department, HB 2731, roadside vendors, solicitors, county regulation, border counties, Mexico border, Transportation Code

Summary: The subcommittee on county and regional government heard a long agenda of county-related bills, with most measures left pending after testimony. HB 2097, by Rep. Martinez, would let counties that opt in use an independent hearing examiner instead of a civil service commission for certain deputy sheriff discipline appeals; the bill drew support from CLEET’s Robert Leonard, who said it would be fairer and faster, and it was left pending. HB 4642, by Rep. Gonzalez, would require counties that contract with out-of-state jail facilities to include Texas jail-standard protections and oversight; Gonzalez, detainee Jess Hampton, his wife, Texas Jail Project’s Krish Kundu, and TCJS director Brandon Wood all discussed deaths and poor conditions in Louisiana facilities, staffing shortages, and the need for guardrails and data collection. The bill was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4350, by Rep. Capriglione, allowing peace officers to request redaction of personal information from online real property records. Supporters said officers face targeted threats and should have protections similar to judges; a title industry witness warned about preserving the integrity of land records. The bill was left pending. HB 3687, by Rep. Harless, would require county fire marshals in counties over 100,000 to meet training and certification standards within set timeframes; Harris County Fire Marshal Laurie Christensen supported professionalization, and the bill was left pending. HB 4105 would let very large counties give a local-bid preference for construction and infrastructure contracts, and HB 4205 would require pay parity for similar law enforcement ranks within large counties; both were supported by Harris County officials and constables and left pending. Later, the committee heard HB 5403, which would repeal a special rule limiting Dallas and Tarrant county sheriffs’ control over commissary funds; the author said it would remove an outdated population bracket, and the bill was left pending. HB 4462 would require large counties to allow elected officials named in civil suits to seek outside counsel and have a role in settlement decisions; supporters argued county attorneys and commissioners court can have conflicts of interest, while questions focused on who qualifies and whether the bill could complicate settlements. The bill was left pending. Finally, HB 240, by Rep. Swanson, would restore a five-member quorum requirement for Harris County tax levies, effectively preventing tax action without all commissioners present and defaulting to the no-new-revenue rate if quorum is not met; urban counties opposed it as a potential budget obstruction, while supporters said it protects taxpayers and representation. That bill was also left pending. The transcript ends as the committee begins HB 3319, which would create a civil service system for constable department employees in large counties, but the discussion is cut off before testimony or action.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:15:02.160><c> and</c> substance use disorder treatment and substance use disorder treatment and
• <01:15:26.200><c> children's</c><01:15:26.520><c> residential</c> treatment children's residential treatment
• Um one improve access to SUD treatment.
• This program was previously called our treatment foster care services.
• This program was previously called our treatment foster care services.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• We are a nonprofit therapeutic cannabis alternative treatment center.
• </c><02:04:53.159><c> centers</c> Hampshire alternative treatment centers Hampshire alternative treatment
• </c><04:58:33.878><c> and</c> they are looking for treatment and they are looking for treatment and Recovery
• , they can be barred from treatment.
• </c><05:18:47.480><c> the</c> in drug checking sign into treatment the in drug checking sign into treatment

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Unconstitutional differential treatment based on religion, race, color, sex, and national origin
• or benefits to a scholarship treatment or benefits to a scholarship applicant<00:58:03.160><c> or</c
• If you look at Amendment Two, It deletes the words differential treatment of benefits because that's
• I do know what prejudicial or preferential treatment means, and I'm suggesting that if that wording,
• </c> definitions of differential treatment definitions of differential treatment will<01:26:53.840><c

Summary: The Senate Education Committee met with a quorum and first considered two concurrent resolutions. SCR 76, sponsored by Sen. Amanda Bledsoe, would create a Kentucky School for the Deaf Governance Task Force to examine the school’s future governance and its relationship with the Kentucky Department of Education. Bledsoe described the school’s long history and said the task force would give the small deaf-school community more voice. The committee adopted the resolution unanimously with favorable expression. The committee then took up SCR 131, sponsored by Sen. Max Wise, to continue the Efficient and Effective Districts Task Force from 2024. Wise said the prior task force met about 10 times and focused on student achievement and district policy, and the new version would continue that work as a legislature-only task force. The resolution passed unanimously with favorable expression. Members next considered HB 240 on primary school promotion. Rep. Truitt explained that the bill would require students who are not ready in kindergarten to repeat kindergarten, while a committee substitute softened the approach by allowing a school to hold a child back in kindergarten but requiring action in first grade. He said the bill aligns with existing reading-screening efforts and is intended to strengthen early literacy foundations. The committee adopted the substitute and passed the bill unanimously with favorable expression; Sen. Williams briefly explained his support as favoring performance-based advancement. The committee also approved HB 298, which would change the identification of schools for comprehensive support and improvement from every three years to annually, require KDE recommendations during management audits, add professional development in reading and math, and require effective instructional resources. The committee substitute also allowed districts with multiple CSI schools to contract for a turnaround vendor. The bill additionally carried employee-misconduct provisions from prior sessions, including disclosure requirements for applicants; the only change discussed was removing the word “investigation” from one disclosure section. HB 298 passed unanimously with favorable expression, and the committee also adopted a title amendment. Finally, the committee heard HB 424 on employment at public postsecondary institutions. Rep. Tipton said the bill would require performance and productivity reviews for faculty at least every four years, clarify appointment and removal authority for presidents at certain institutions, and expand “cause” for dismissal to include failure to meet performance and productivity requirements. Dr. Ray Horton, speaking for faculty groups, proposed a small substitute that would tie any performance measures to existing employment contracts to preserve academic integrity and avoid unintended changes to tenure processes. Members discussed how tenure works at Kentucky universities, and the committee was still in the middle of considering the proposed substitute when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• of aerobic treatment units and aerobic<00:47:47.160><c> treatment</c><00:47:47.440><c> units</c><00:
• So when they're within that 50-foot setback, that's when we require a 245 aerobic treatment unit.
• </c><00:52:36.280><c> 3030</c> 40 which is aerobic treatment 3030 40 which is aerobic treatment 3030
• </c> including an exemption for treatment including an exemption for treatment plants<00:53:09.480><c
• :10.599><c> of</c> plants having a treatment capacity of plants having a treatment capacity of less<00

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

Summary: The committee heard several energy and environmental bills. On HB 974, which would authorize state step-in agreements for certain power purchase agreements and create a trust fund/reserve mechanism, the Attorney General’s office raised concern that the state should not incur liability beyond the trust fund. The Division of Consumer Advocacy said it had comments but did not take a position, while the Public Utilities Commission, Ameresco, Hawaiian Electric, and other industry groups supported the measure, saying it would help developers secure financing for renewable projects and improve reliability. Hawaiian Electric said the bill would not use state funds and that its proposed reserve account would be held in trust and returned to customers if unused. Committee members questioned whether the reserve would raise customer costs; Hawaiian Electric said the amount would be small and would be offset by avoiding higher financing costs, while Consumer Advocacy suggested the language should be strengthened to ensure unused funds are fully returned. The committee then heard HB 338, which would clarify that premium interest-rate adjustments for non-fossil fuel generation are just and reasonable and allow the PUC to include them in rates. DCCA and the State Energy Office supported the bill, and the PUC also supported it. Hawaiian Electric opposed unless amended, arguing the PUC already has discretion and warning the bill could weaken competitive procurement by encouraging higher bids tied to the utility’s credit rating. DCCA said the concern was that developers might not seek the best financing if premium rates are recoverable, but said Hawaiian Electric’s suggested amendment requiring clear and convincing evidence of unavoidable financing-cost increases would help. Members also asked about refinancing and whether developers could later lower debt costs after locking in a premium rate; DCCA said that ability exists and suggested a time limit or review mechanism. For HB 337, which would direct the PUC to establish standards requiring utilities to remove certain fossil-fuel costs from the rate base when adding renewable resources, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Hawaii Clean Power Alliance, and the State Energy Office supported the measure. Hawaiian Electric opposed it, saying it misunderstood utility cost recovery and could threaten grid reliability because fossil plants provide ancillary services such as voltage regulation and balancing, not just energy. Hawaiian Electric pointed to its integrated grid plan and recent fossil-unit retirements as evidence of ongoing transition, and asked the committee to defer the bill and leave oversight to the PUC. The committee also heard HB 879 on cesspool conversions, which would raise the maximum grant from $20,000 to $30,000 and add DOH positions; DHHL, DOH, environmental groups, Hawaii Realtors, and others supported it, while DOH discussed staffing needs and the practical effect of the higher grant cap. The committee also began HB 379 on requiring denitrification capacity for certain wastewater systems near shorelines or groundwater, with DLNR testifying in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• That was the one that would allow people to continue to get treatment from dentists even if they don't
• um even after they other treatment um even after they refuse<00:15:20.000><c> x-rays.
• </c> with no x-rays than uh no treatment. with no x-rays than uh no treatment.
• There's nothing that requires any particular treatment.
• There's nothing that requires any particular treatment.

Committee: House Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• House File 3599 for the Becker water treatment facility improvements. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• From the state for the design phase of a much needed water treatment plant in the city of Becker.
• Wastewater flow at our treatment plant has dropped from 2.6 to 2 million gallons a day.
• Louis County, which focuses on treatment of landfill wastewater, or leachate, for PFAS.
• 16.680><c> facility</c> The proposed leachate treatment facility The proposed leachate treatment facility

Bills: HF3599 , HF3761 , HF3523 , HF3515 , HF573

Committee: House Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• Fortunately, there are millions of Floridians who receive cancer treatment successfully.
• And nobody told me not come to work during the time that I was receiving cancer treatment.
• And nobody told me not come to work during the time that I was receiving cancer treatment.
• Florida has kind of matched with our temporary treatment.
• Florida has kind of matched with our temporary treatment.

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1814, relating to substance use disorder treatment, is under consideration.
• Thank you. ...already seeking out treatment, and I would ask for a yes vote. Thank you.
• IOPs is not a residential treatment.
• It's the outpatient treatment, the intensive outpatient program.
• Senate Bill 1814, an act relating to substance use disorder treatment standards and...

Transcript Highlights:

• Now he's gone through the appropriate treatments, and he is now cancer free. So Mr.
• </c> treatments and uh he is now cancer free. treatments and uh he is now cancer free.
• Nearly 70% of adults needing substance use treatment are not receiving it.
• Nearly 70% of adults needing substance use treatment are not receiving it.
• Nearly 70% of adults needing substance use treatment are not receiving it.

Summary: The meeting opened with roll call, approval of the September 17 minutes, and an introduction of Sarah Rome to the committee. The chair also noted that the committee would stay on schedule and then moved to presentations. Representative Amy Neighbors and Taylor Williams of the Kentucky Pharmacists Association presented a refiled “pharmacy parity” proposal, formerly House Bill 3, to require Medicaid reimbursement for pharmacist clinical services already authorized under current scope of practice. They said the bill would not expand Medicaid or pharmacist scope, but would align Medicaid with commercial insurance, improve access and outcomes, and likely save money; they cited a Cabinet report under Senate Joint Resolution 26, which found similar laws in other states were producing savings or trending toward savings and would require only modest administrative updates. No member questions were raised after that presentation. The committee then heard an update on the Kentucky Colon Cancer Screening Program from Senator Stephen Meredith, Dr. Whitney Jones, Melissa Carrier, and Representative Neighbors. They described the program’s goals of increasing screening, reducing deaths through earlier detection, and preventing cancers by finding polyps, saying it has produced substantial savings and improved outcomes. Speakers emphasized Kentucky’s high colorectal cancer burden, especially in younger adults, and said the program helps uninsured and underinsured Kentuckians access stool-based screening and follow-up colonoscopies through a network of partners including the Department for Public Health, Kentucky Cancer Link, and university cancer programs. They requested an increase in funding from $500,000 to $1.25 million annually, or $2.5 million over the biennium, to expand services, fill geographic gaps, and support education and navigation. Members asked whether the colon cancer screening was already covered by Medicaid, and the presenters replied that Medicaid does cover it, but the program serves people who are not on Medicaid or who fall into a separate eligibility category based on income and insurance status. A member also clarified the requested funding increase. The committee then moved on to the next agenda item, an update from the Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky, where board member Sal Santoro and CHNK Behavioral Health leaders began a presentation describing the organization’s broader behavioral health work and its request, but the transcript cuts off before that presentation concludes or any action is taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise to present SB 1088, which will ensure people receive the medical treatment they desire and planned
• First, SB 1088 changes the name physician orders for life-sustaining treatment to portable orders for
• life-sustaining treatment.
• The court and the care team of critical information and limiting family involvement in treatment planning
• The court determines that it would be harmful for the respondent's treatment.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill requires health care insurance to provide coverage for treatments related to cancer.
• It addresses a critical barrier to cancer care: access to medically necessary dental treatment.
• At the same time, we know cancer treatment can cost well over $100,000, as often covered by insurance
• SB 155 removes this barrier and helps ensure patients can begin treatment when it matters most.
• And I hate to do good legislation for cancer treatment and consistently have to take OGB out.

Committee: Senate Finance

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 135, which would redirect a portion of wagering dedications from the sports fund to the Louisiana Early Childhood Education Fund and remove a cap affecting that funding stream. The author and staff explained the amendment was designed to avoid any impact on the State General Fund while increasing support for early childhood education. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably as amended. Senate Bill 202, from the Secretary of State’s office, would increase the number of compensated days for parish board of election supervisors to cover additional election-related duties. Secretary Landry and election officials testified that the change was needed because supervisors now perform more work, including ballot tabulation, machine sealing, and verification tasks. The committee adopted technical and appropriation-related amendments and reported the bill favorably as amended. The committee then took up several health and human services bills. Senate Bill 155 would require insurance coverage for medically necessary dental procedures needed before cancer treatment; testimony from medical and dental professionals emphasized that untreated dental problems can delay chemotherapy or radiation and worsen outcomes. After adopting amendments to narrow the fiscal impact, the bill was reported favorably as amended, with discussion of a possible subject-to-appropriation amendment to be worked out later. Senate Bill 237, a major DCFS reform bill, drew extensive testimony and debate over child welfare oversight, mandatory reporter training, law enforcement coordination, and the bill’s large fiscal note. The committee adopted amendments, including a subject-to-appropriation provision, and reported the bill favorably as amended after emotional testimony from supporters and former DCFS employees. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 465 on prompt-pay insurance reform after an amendment reduced the fiscal note to zero; Senate Bill 261 on unclaimed property after a substitute bill was adopted; Senate Bill 295 on expanded coverage for traumatic brain injury rehabilitation after amendments narrowed the mandate and added subject-to-appropriation language; Senate Bill 157 providing six weeks of paid parental leave for K-12 educators and staff, also subject to appropriation; Senate Bill 276 requiring bail bond producers to certify outstanding obligations before new appointments; Senate Bill 83 on human trafficking services after removing the age-expansion cost; Senate Bill 143 on bulletproof vests after shifting funding away from a direct state appropriation; and Senate Bill 450 on school safety assessments after an amendment limited implementation to available funds and resources. In each case, the committee’s actions focused on reducing or eliminating fiscal notes while keeping the bills moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• If I was able, I would have voted in the affirmative on S. 3014, an act promoting pet treatment, equity
• , treatment, and safety.
• If I was able, I would have voted the affirmative on S-3014 on Act Promoting Pet Treatment, Equity, Treatment
• I'd also like to see judges held accountable for the lax treatment, for some reason, even though, as
• Third reading of the bill: An Act Promoting Pet Equity, Treatment, and Safety, Senate Number 3014.