Transcript Highlights:

• Please be aware that violations of these rules may subject you to removal or other enforcement processes
• Some counties maintain clear designation and training programs, while others have limited or no formal
• We are a student-led organization dedicated to raising awareness of lung cancer screening.
• As far as we're aware, there's not been a single sanction issued under Care Court.
• programs, peer support programs, and other innovative approaches that complement traditional care.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard a series of bills focused on behavioral health, cancer screening, provider reimbursement, research funding, workforce licensing, and tobacco regulation. SB 16 would require counties to maintain procedures for designating and training professionals authorized to perform 5150 evaluations and initiate involuntary holds; supporters said it would expand the pool of qualified clinicians and reduce reliance on law enforcement, while opponents raised concerns about local control and implementation. SB 1124 would require CDPH to create and post lung cancer screening eligibility signage at tobacco point-of-sale locations; supporters emphasized low screening awareness and early detection, and the bill was advanced with amendments. SB 28, a CARE Court cleanup bill, proposed an ombudsperson, reporting, electronic petitions, remote participation, and other changes to improve accountability and access; it drew both strong support and significant opposition over concerns about coercion, scope, and whether the program is working as intended, but it passed the committee as amended to Judiciary. The committee also heard SB 874, which would strengthen oversight of Medi-Cal behavioral health treatment services, including background checks for providers and a stakeholder workgroup to develop standards; it passed to Public Safety. SB 1049 would let providers resubmit corrected claims within 90 days after a plan’s denial or recoupment action when the original claim had a correctable technical defect; supporters described delayed and withheld payments harming practices, while insurers argued the bill could duplicate existing dispute processes. The bill passed to Appropriations on call. SB 1224 would create a state framework to compete for federal ARPA-H funding for emerging therapies research, with testimony from a UC Davis psychiatrist and veterans’ advocates supporting expanded research into treatments for PTSD, depression, and other conditions; it passed to Military and Veterans Affairs. Later, SB 1057 would change how the Department of Public Health evaluates conviction history for certified nurse assistants and home health aides, shifting from automatic denial toward individualized assessment based on the offense, time elapsed, and rehabilitation; it passed to Appropriations with some no votes. Finally, SB 1314, a tobacco-related bill, sought to create a 600-foot buffer around schools and day care centers for certain tobacco retailers and address related issues such as cigar lounge definitions and nitrous oxide sales; several local government and public safety groups supported it, while health organizations and business groups opposed it unless amended. The chair announced that committee amendments were being set aside for now and the bill would move forward to Business and Professions with a commitment to continue working on the language; it passed out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we are aware and have been aware of those issues.
• We are aware and have been aware of those issues. All right. Okay, we've got a motion and a second.
• A number of these programs at the CPUC include air conditioning cycling programs, capacity bidding programs
• We have ELRP programs.
• program to continue.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For any of you who have been to the Capitol before during session, you are aware of just how busy it
• However, I'm not aware of any other grants and don't anticipate more grants coming from the TEA. for
• With allowing homeschool students participation in the UIL program, which is why the current proposal
• I'm not really sure that they're aware of that. So this is sort of a win-win here to do this.
• of the program.

Bills: SB2920, SB2929, SB2398, SB865, SB401, SB2619, SB2927, SB1395, SB1972, SB2540, SB1635, SB1581, SB2008

Keywords: steroids, student athletes, athletic competition, University Interscholastic League, medical purpose, gender transition, school athletics, spectator conduct, referees, ejection policy, extracurricular activities, concussion, brain injury, school policy, academic accommodations, student welfare, cardiac arrest, emergency response, CPR training, automated external defibrillators

Transcript Highlights:

• of the available transition programs and services.
• Teams, programs, and people affiliated with them are poaching young people.
• There's a lot of things going on out there with a lot of programs with...
• Has that discussion been going on, but we're not aware of that? Yes, sir.
• And I know for a fact, I have individual cases that I'm aware of.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The committee met, approved the prior minutes, and removed House Bill 5537 from the agenda. It then took up three House bills. House Bill 4002, creating the West Virginia Collaboratory at Marshall University to connect higher education research with state and local government, was explained by counsel and advanced to the full Senate with a do pass recommendation after brief supportive discussion. House Bill 4573, requiring the Department of Human Services to share information with the Department of Education and county boards about post-secondary transition programs for students with foster care experience, was also reported to the full Senate with a do pass recommendation. The most extensive discussion centered on House Bill 4425, which would repeal the current code section allowing students one transfer during their four years of secondary school while retaining athletic eligibility. Counsel explained that the repeal would return transfer eligibility decisions to the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (SSAC). Several athletic directors, principals, and coaches testified in support of repeal, arguing the current rule has led to recruiting, instability, competitive imbalance, and harm to school communities and team culture. They cited examples of transfers affecting rosters, community support, and competitive balance, and said the rule has created a “free agency” atmosphere in high school sports. SSAC director Wayne Ryan testified that the legislature’s current code has limited the association’s ability to address the issue, and said the SSAC wants the rule repealed so it can adopt an emergency rule and then work with its membership to craft a better system. He said bona fide residential moves remain eligible and described the waiver process for hardship cases. After discussion from senators on both sides about school choice, fairness, and the need for a better long-term solution, the committee voted to report House Bill 4425 to the full Senate with a do pass recommendation, then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ourth is the the RAP program. I don't like acronyms.
• But those are the four that I'm aware of.
• Next, our second ask is a rural loan assistance program.
• That's coming up with Cynthia's program. Go ahead, Janny.
• That program. Any follow-up questions or questions?

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:17:12.880> that the mountain um are you aware that the mountain um are you aware that
• has been targeted by those who are aware has been targeted by those who are aware of<02:47:19.800
• That's what the IOLTA program does; it provides that.
• That's what the IOLTA program does; it provides that.
• 2018 as a school board member I am aware 2018 as a school board member I am aware that<04:18:37.960

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 232, which would protect health care workers’ conscience rights in connection with certain procedures, especially abortion and sterilization, and also referenced contraception. The prime sponsor, Rep. Mark Pearson, said the bill is meant to prevent medical professionals from being forced to participate in procedures that violate their beliefs, while still prohibiting discrimination against patients based on protected characteristics. He said the measure was intended to help retain health care workers in New Hampshire and noted he had added an amendment to address concerns about people taking jobs only to later refuse duties, as well as emergency situations where a provider is the only one available. Committee members raised concerns about how broadly the bill and amendment were written. Questions focused on whether the protections could apply to non-physician staff such as schedulers, receptionists, or pharmacy employees; whether a provider could refuse to schedule, refer, or otherwise assist with services; and how “emergency” would be determined in practice. Several members also questioned whether the bill could affect access to contraception, including pharmacy sales and procedures such as tubal ligation, and whether the language was clear enough to prevent confusion or unintended refusals of care. Pearson said the bill was not intended to allow refusal of emergency care or general patient discrimination, and he acknowledged some language could be tweaked. Rep. Paige Boerman, a maternal-child health nurse, testified in opposition, saying she had seen pharmacists question prescriptions related to miscarriage care and that the bill could create barriers to contraception and other reproductive health services. She warned that the lack of a disclosure requirement and the broad definitions could create risks, especially in rural areas with limited providers. She also pointed to problems she said had occurred in other states, arguing the bill could lead to delayed care in emergencies. The hearing ended after questions and discussion; no vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Going to the program, there is a giant conflict of interest in this program.
• Going to the program, there is a giant conflict of interest in this program.
• are funded by this program.
• are funded by this program.
• even aware of. even aware of.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Some people are involved in some of our programs.
• and prevention program.
• Now he instituted a misdemeanor diversion program.
• You all are well aware.
• We call it VPP, violence prevention program.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is a provider who is a provisional selectee in the program.
• And number two is the way that the BED program is structured.
• And number two is the way that the BED program is structured.
• The District 4 tire removal program.
• And members, just so you're aware, I've skipped down to item H4 currently.

Summary: The meeting opened with prayer, approval of the prior minutes, and a monthly revenue report from the Bureau of Legislative Research. The report showed gross general revenue collections up year to date and net general revenue above forecast, with the increase attributed in part to income tax growth, a fiscal-year shift, and lottery-related collections. Members asked no questions, and no action was required on the revenue report. Several subcommittee reports were then presented and adopted, including executive, administrative rules, game and fish/state police, hospital/Medicaid/developmental disability, occupational licensing, PEER, revenue, state insurance programs, and personnel. The executive report noted a waiver request for Jackson County School District construction services and an audit with no findings. The administrative rules report covered agency directives, rulemaking updates, and a few rules pulled for later consideration. The revenue subcommittee held one District 4 tire removal contract until its next meeting, while the state insurance subcommittee reviewed the EBD contract with Boston Consulting Group and approved pharmacy formulary and drug recommendations. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on the State Insurance Department’s examination of pharmacy benefit managers, especially Navitus Health Solutions. Commissioners and staff explained that Navitus objected to producing certain claims data for self-funded plans, raising an ERISA preemption argument, and that the matter was being set for an administrative hearing, likely in April. Members questioned compliance, due process, and the implications of the objection, while the department said the state initiated the examination and was continuing to seek resolution. The committee also reviewed an Arkansas Teacher Retirement System agreement, with one member noting a potential conflict and abstaining. The meeting ended after members reviewed additional reports with no further action and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Schoffler, please read SJR22 at length. >> Whereas plastic pollution awareness week is meant to be a
• awareness week. awareness week. >> Senator<00:38:20.320> Cutter.
• pollution awareness week is<00:38:34.560> meant<00:38:34.720> to<00:38:34.880> be
• Five, by raising awareness, we can better come together as local communities, businesses, institutions
• for community resilience grant program. for community resilience grant program.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, approved the previous day’s journal, and received several committee reports and House messages. Committee reports advanced a number of bills and appointments, including Senate Bill 163, House Bill 1320, Senate Bill 160, House Bill 1210, and several board and commission appointments recommended for the consent calendar. The chamber also received House action on multiple bills, including concurrence in Senate amendments to House Bills 1239, 1262, and 1110, a request for a conference committee on House Bill 1084, and transmission of several other measures to the Revisor of Statutes. The Senate then took up Senate Joint Resolution 22, designating July 12-18, 2026, as Plastic Pollution Awareness Week. Senator Cutter spoke in support, arguing that plastic pollution harms environmental and human health, disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, and cannot be solved by recycling alone. The resolution was adopted on a 25-9 vote, with several senators recorded in opposition, and co-sponsors were noted. The chamber also recognized guests from the Colorado Society of Enrolled Agents and the National Association of Tax Professionals, as well as visitors from the Colorado School of Mines and former Senator John Evans. Later, the Senate considered special orders on the consent calendar, including House Bills 103, 1026, and 1051, and adopted the committee reports and the bills. House Bill 1026 was amended and House Bill 1051 was advanced to third reading and final passage. The Senate also took up Senate Bill 117, concerning permissible methods for the sale of lottery tickets. Senator Bridges explained that the bill was intended to respond to lottery rules allowing online sales and credit card purchases, but said the measure had been narrowed in committee and then raised constitutional concerns under Colorado’s prohibition on slot machines outside limited gaming areas. The transcript ends during that debate, before final action on Senate Bill 117 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and that those programs are, You know, we would be either eliminating the programs, and if those programs
• I'm not aware of any. I mean, we don't regulate the therapy.
• I'm fully aware, but that's not my question.
• And are you aware that Ms.
• I don't think I'm aware of the Attorney General. Okay.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Safe Routes to School program. Safe Routes to School program.
• Education and awareness, reducing barriers, state programs, infrastructure, and of course data.
• :16.600> programs, barriers, state programs, barriers, state programs, infrastructure,<00:21:18.040
• So the e-bike rebate program from 2023 would be an opportunity to increase safety education and awareness
• than access and education programs. than access and education programs.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so as I mentioned on the program.
• And so since theseUS program.
• And we found that DHS continued the program and paid about $6.6 million to employees after the program
• However, upon continue the program.
• As you all are aware, DOC with MMB.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• All program income received by the VR program is to report it as federal program income earned.
• We have a pre-EDS program.
• It's a very successful program.
• However, the program is in a hiatus until Congressional renewal of the program has passed.
• It is a structured program.

Keywords: 977, all

Summary: The committee met to receive a detailed financial operations presentation from the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency, with staff walking members through funding sources, budgeting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and grants management. Sabrina Walker explained VR’s blended funding structure, including federal grants, state appropriations, program income, and interagency contracts, and emphasized that state funds are essential to meeting the federal match and maintenance-of-effort requirements. Members asked repeatedly about transparency, audit controls, and the risk that state cuts could reduce federal drawdowns; staff responded that all reports reconcile back to the SCEIS accounting system, are subject to state audits and internal reviews, and that even modest state reductions could significantly reduce total available funding. The committee also discussed pre-employment transition services for students with disabilities, with staff confirming services are offered through school districts, charters, and private schools, and that contracts are monitored for performance and compliance. The presentation then shifted to budgeting and internal controls. Walker described a zero-based departmental budgeting process, monthly monitoring reports, contingency reserves for unexpected expenses, and a formal annual cycle that culminates in board approval. Members asked about facilities tracking, culture, and how the agency maintains accountability; staff said facilities staff inspect buildings and equipment, supervisors justify line-item requests, and the process has become smoother over time as departments learned the system. Cynthia Johnson followed with an accounts receivable overview, describing invoicing, receipting, aging, customer verification, year-end reporting, and the use of cross-training, shared email inboxes, and spreadsheets as checks and balances. She also explained work training center billing, interdepartmental transfers, and the revolving fund used to issue consumer checks more quickly than standard vendor payments. Olivia Perez presented accounts payable operations, including invoice processing through SCEIS and OnBase, the three-way match, travel reimbursements, revolving fund checks, State Treasury Office interactions, and handling of reversals, rejections, and levy notices. She reported that AP processed 67,723 SCEIS payments, 13,670 case management system invoices, 3,379 travel reimbursements, and 15,693 revolving fund checks in fiscal year 2025, with only 70 payment rejections. The final portion of the meeting covered Grants and Funds Management, where Walker explained federal reporting, drawdowns, payroll allocation, asset tracking, lease and IT contract reviews, cost allocation, and closing packages. She noted upcoming system changes such as S/4HANA, Workiva, and SC Pro, but said the agency is receiving training and feedback opportunities. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the presentation portion beyond approval of the prior minutes and a brief recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• They already offer various programs and resources that could benefit these individuals.
• In the state of Alabama, you have to wait until age 19 to participate in that program.
• My concern is that we might backfill that program with...
• , so they would do the traditional GED program.
• and... through research, public awareness, and advocacy.

Bills: HB266, SB85, SB166, HB266, SB85, SB166

Keywords: education, diploma, adult education, dropout prevention, nontraditional high school program, driver's license eligibility, vaccination exemption, religious exemption, medical exemption, vaccine mandate, testing requirement, public schools, K-12, students, parents, guardians, higher education, college enrollment, university attendance, public institutions of higher education

Transcript Highlights:

• , which is a federal matching program, and the manufacturing assistance program.
• We’re combining B16 into one program so that way HTA will just have three programs to manage.
• from that program ID.
• I'm not aware of that.
• There is a high-demand program.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In the Medicaid program, we're referring to this as a family home health aide program.
• health aide program.
• to as the SMMC program.
• program to an opt-out.
• have in our Medicaid program.

Summary: The subcommittee held its first meeting of the 2025-2026 term, took attendance, confirmed a quorum, and heard introductory remarks from members and staff. Chair Anderson outlined the subcommittee’s jurisdiction over access and affordability issues, including health facility regulation, insurance, Medicaid, CHIP, and state employee health coverage. The main agenda item was an update on implementation of HB 391, which created a family home health aide program for medically fragile children. Representative Tramont, the bill sponsor, explained that the law was intended to let trained family caregivers be paid through Medicaid to care for their children, reduce reliance on private duty nursing, and relieve families. He and several members expressed frustration that implementation had taken nearly two years and that families still faced barriers. Deputy Secretary Brian Meyer of AHCA and Bridget Royce of DCF said the program was implemented October 1, 2024, with billing available, but no home health agencies had yet launched the required 80-hour training program and no claims had been paid. They described the program’s requirements, including agency employment, background screening, training, a $25-per-hour Medicaid rate paid to the agency, and an annual assessment report. A major issue discussed was that income earned by family caregivers counts toward Medicaid eligibility and could cause families to lose coverage. AHCA and DCF outlined two possible fixes that would require CMS approval: disregarding the income for eligibility purposes or treating the child as a family of one. Members and public witnesses strongly urged changes to avoid forcing families to choose between income and coverage. Several providers said they had begun preparing training programs, but asked for clearer approval processes and more patient-specific training requirements. The committee then heard extensive public testimony from parents and caregivers of medically fragile children, who described the financial, emotional, and logistical strain of caring for children with severe disabilities and argued that the bill should be expanded to include Florida KidCare families and others in the coverage gap. They also raised concerns about the eight-hour-per-day limit, low pay, and the need for simpler rules and direct support. Home health providers and associations supported the concept but asked for modifications, including more targeted training and clearer implementation guidance. The meeting then shifted to a second agenda item on the Andrew John Anderson Rapid Whole Genome Sequencing Program, which was funded in the 2023 budget. Deputy Secretary Meyer said the program has been implemented since January 1, 2024, but utilization has been lower than expected, with only about 60 claims paid and many denials occurring through managed care. Public testimony from a lab, a hospital, and a pediatric rare disease expert said the program is clinically valuable and cost-saving, but managed care billing barriers, prior authorization issues, and DRG-related denials are limiting access; they urged direct billing to Medicaid and possible expansion to all newborns.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's always available, but is there any provision to have students aware, not just faculty members and
• for schools and for programs across the state. Okay. Did you have a chance to look them up?
• Those are important certificate programs.
• Even though we're a four-year, graduate, doctoral university, we have certificate programs.
• So you’re very aware of the responsibilities as well as the major commitment you’re making.

Bills: S0176, S0816

Keywords: campus safety, higher education, university safety, college safety, student safety, threat assessment, violence prevention, credible threat, campus security, law enforcement notification, emergency response, public universities, Florida College System, student conduct, workplace violence, security escorts, incident reporting, title IX-like safety procedures, institutional safety policy, school violence

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to hear two bills and several confirmation appointments. Senate Bill 176, as amended, required public universities to maintain and publicize clear campus safety policies and reporting procedures for threats to students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Senator Polsky said the bill was intended to close a gap in postsecondary safety guidance and mirror K-12 requirements. The committee adopted the amendment without objection, heard supportive comments about campus safety, and reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard Senate Bill 116, which would codify the University of Florida Diabetes Institute in statute to support research, prevention, education, collaboration, and outreach on diabetes; the bill drew supportive testimony from AARP and others and was also reported favorably. The committee then took up confirmations for multiple university and college boards of trustees. Nominees and appointees testified about their backgrounds and priorities, including FIU trustee Nestor Plana, UNF trustee Clarence Stephen Moore, UCF trustees Mark Philburn and Alan Flores, USF trustees Rick Piccolo and Nancy Watkins Hemingway, and Miami Dade College trustee Ismarie Monreal, among others. Their remarks emphasized student success, research growth, workforce development, financial stewardship, and institutional goals such as engineering, cybersecurity, health care, and preeminence. Several members asked about NCLEX nursing pass rates and university performance metrics, and one public commenter raised concerns about campus climate and student safety at UCF. After hearing the appointees and public comment, the committee voted to confirm the group of nominees in a block and reported the confirmations favorably. The meeting concluded without further business after a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• agriculture's Bio incentive program agriculture's Bio incentive program thank<00:03:06.920> you
• <00:03:55.720> was fuel um when this program was fuel um when this program was established
• applied to participate in the program applied to participate in the program but<00:04:17.320>
• program with fuel retailers.
• biof Fu infrastructure grant program biof Fu infrastructure grant program alleviates<00:20:30.799

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for the Education Savings Account Program.
• Those programs could certainly be included.
• We’ve got a very rigorous underwriting program.
• for this program.
• program?

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all