Transcript Highlights:

• <01:05:22.400> Um, on devices. Um, on devices.
• We've seen the damages of social media and constant access to devices.
• We've seen the damages of social media and constant access to devices.
• We've seen the damages of social media and constant access to devices.
• We've seen the damages of social media and constant access to devices.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first recessed for a subcommittee meeting on HB 313, which concerned an open-meetings-related issue. In the subcommittee, members discussed concerns that the bill might be unnecessary because current law already allows a person to request an open meeting in advance; the subcommittee then voted ITL on HB 313 by voice vote and closed its work session. The full Judiciary Committee then reconvened and took up CACR 6, the proposed constitutional amendment on a “right to compute,” with members debating whether the language was too broad and could create unintended consequences. Supporters framed it as a forward-looking protection for computation resources and strong encryption, while opponents said it was too open-ended and better addressed by future legislation. The committee voted ITL on CACR 6 by a 17-0 roll call. The committee next turned to HB 232, as amended, concerning the rights of conscience for medical professionals. The amendment narrowed the bill to abortion-related objections, removed sterilization and artificial contraception, aligned the abortion definition with existing state law, and reduced damages from treble damages to actual damages. Supporters said the bill would protect conscience rights, give physicians and patients more choice, and could help attract providers to New Hampshire. Opponents argued it was overly broad, unclear in key definitions, and could interfere with employers’ ability to assign staff, especially in rural health settings. Members also raised concerns about the bill’s scope and enforcement, including the broad definition of “participate,” the lack of clarity around exceptions for providers whose services include abortion as a “major part,” emergency determinations, and the inclusion of nursing homes in the definition of health care institution. Some members argued the bill singled out abortion while other controversial medical procedures were not treated similarly, and others criticized the minimum-damages provision as potentially punitive and designed to deter participation. The discussion continued without a final vote shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• away from them um taking a $600 device away from them um all<04:48:11.600> day<04:48:12.600><
• We are fortunate that our students have devices. They have Chromebooks.
• We are fortunate that our students have devices. They have Chromebooks.
• We are fortunate that our students have devices. They have Chromebooks.
• We are fortunate that our students have devices. They have Chromebooks.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 362, which would give the Department of Education rulemaking authority over educator licensing and testing requirements, including professional education assessments. Representative Ladd argued the bill is meant to preserve New Hampshire’s higher standards for teacher preparation and to avoid lowering requirements for licensed educators, while also allowing flexibility for career and technical education (CTE) instructors who may have strong industry experience but not traditional classroom credentials. Members discussed whether the bill should preserve industry-recognized credentials and basic academic skills testing while exempting CTE teachers from content exams; DOE Director Steven Appy said an amendment would clarify that the bill applies to initial licenses, exempt CTE teachers from the content-testing requirement, and keep current administrative practice on basic skills and industry credentials in statute. The committee also noted that an executive session would be scheduled later, likely the following week, to act on the bills and amendment. The committee then took up House Bill 90, dealing with the definition of part-time teachers. Representative Ladd explained that the bill is intended to let university and community college faculty teach limited hours in high school concurrent enrollment settings, especially in subjects like math and STEM where some schools cannot find locally certified teachers with a master’s degree. He said the measure is designed to expand student access to college-level courses, not to replace fully certified teachers or reduce standards, and emphasized that the bill is limited to faculty employed or contracted by the University System of New Hampshire or the Community College System of New Hampshire, with criminal background checks and ethics/conduct rules still applying. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the discussion ended with the understanding that further action would come in executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• , expands the scope of covered electronic devices to include electronic device peripherals and certain
• devices to scope of covered electronic devices to include<00:44:37.839> electronic<00:44:38.359
• > device<00:44:38.960> peripherals include electronic device peripherals include electronic
• device peripherals and<00:44:39.800> certain<00:44:40.160> Legacy<00:44:40.839> devices
• deal with covered electronic devices the deal with covered electronic devices the chair's<01:11:24.159

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Housing and Health and Human Services hearing began with Senate Bill 878, which would extend the sunset date for the state rent supplement program for kupuna to June 30, 2028. Testimony was uniformly supportive, including from the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions, Hawaii Public Housing Authority, Executive Office on Aging, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and others. Catholic Charities described a waitlist of seniors at imminent risk of homelessness and said the program helps seniors retain housing or secure units with landlord support. Members asked whether the bill would expand the number of households served; staff said the contract allows up to 127 households and that additional pending households could be funded, but applicants must still go through the program process. Both committees voted to pass SB 878 unamended. The committees then heard Senate Bill 1610 on Ohana Zones. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions supported the measure so long as it did not supplant existing funding, and described the funding as supporting homelessness services and wraparound supports. The Department of Human Services and Department of Land and Natural Resources offered comments, with DHS suggesting a definition of “kali” be added for clarity. The committee chair said the bill would receive technical amendments for clarity and consistency and accepted proposed amendments related to including “tales” in the program; the measure was advanced with amendments, with members voting in favor in both committees. In the joint Health and Human Services and Labor and Technology hearing, Senate Bill 1496 on civil rights and website accessibility drew support from disability advocates and organizations, including the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the National Federation of the Blind, the Deaf and Blind Task Force, and the Disability and Communication Access Board. Testimony emphasized the need for stronger state protections amid concerns about federal enforcement, while one testifier raised concerns about jurisdiction, minimum contacts, the use of WCAG 2.1 standards, and the bill’s immediate effective date. The committees decided to pass SB 1496 with technical amendments, including adding a defective date to allow further work before conference, and the recommendation was adopted in both committees. Later, the joint Health, Human Services, and Commerce and Consumer Protection hearing took up Senate Bill 404 on service animals. The Attorney General’s office raised a possible constitutional issue and the lack of an enforcement mechanism, while DHS deferred to other agencies. DCAB supported the bill but recommended amendments to identify an enforcement agency and require notices from professionals and sellers of service-animal or emotional-support-animal paraphernalia. Several advocacy and real estate-related groups testified in support. After discussion, the chair recommended deferring SB 404 for further work because of the Attorney General’s concerns, and the hearing adjourned without a vote on the measure. The final joint Transportation, Culture and the Arts, and Health and Human Services agenda heard SB 1526 on a drug and alcohol toxicology testing laboratory and SB 1492 on mobility management; both measures were advanced with amendments or as-is, with SB 1526 sent forward with technical amendments and SB 1492 moved ahead after members noted blank dollar amounts and requested the Department of Transportation provide figures.

Transcript Highlights:

• the peace, and technicians employed by a locality to confirm evidence from photo speed monitoring devices
• All those opposed... ...monitoring devices because we want to ensure that our children who are walking
• First, this bill prevents a locality from prohibiting the use of small portable solar generation devices
• House Bill 684 relates to photo speed monitoring devices, photo monitoring systems for traffic signals
• House Bill 1220 relates to photo speed monitoring devices, placement, and operation.

Keywords: March 11, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This measure requires electronic smoking device and e-liquid manufacturers to submit certifications with
• <00:14:49.360> and<00:14:49.560> eliquids<00:14:50.240> whose smoking devices
• and eliquids whose smoking devices and eliquids whose certifications<00:14:51.320> the<00:14:
• Since 2017, youth use of electronic smoking devices has soared, reaching epidemic proportions by 2020
• Since 2017, youth use of electronic smoking devices has soared, reaching epidemic proportions by 2020

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection held decision-making on SB 146, SB 147, and SB 1166. SB 146 and SB 147, both relating to condominiums, were recommended to pass with amendments. The committee adopted amendments based on testimony from Anne Anderson, including mediator/arbitrator qualifications, clarifications about disputes involving managing agents, small claims timing, lien rights, and refund determinations by an early neutral evaluator. For both bills, the effective date was deferred to July 1, 2050 for further discussion. Each measure was adopted with no objections. SB 1166, relating to insurance, was also passed with amendments. The committee removed language that would have required insurers to bring claims and condition rates on doing so, replacing it with encouraging language. The amended bill adds a private cause of action against responsible parties, authorizes insurer actions under certain conditions, defines terms tied to climate-related events and fossil fuel products, and requires HPIA to report to the insurance commissioner on whether it exercised direct action rights. The effective date was likewise deferred to July 1, 2050, and the measure was adopted without objection. The committee then heard SB 985, relating to consumer protection and gift card fraud, and SB 1525, relating to electronic smoking devices and e-liquids. SB 985 drew support from a consumer fraud victim and others who said gift card scams disproportionately harm kupuna, while the Retail Merchants of Hawaii opposed the bill’s packaging/display requirements and suggested stronger penalties instead. The committee voted to pass SB 985 with amendments, deferring its effective date to July 1, 2050, and noted it would move on to Judiciary next. SB 1525 drew significant opposition from the Attorney General’s office, Department of Taxation, Department of Health, and public health groups, who argued it conflicted with federal tobacco law, was hard for Tax to administer, and would not effectively remove unauthorized vape products. After testimony, the committee recommended deferral of SB 1525 without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, as you heard Representative McDonald mention, this bill would apply a $50 permit to those devices
• Now, those devices have evolved, although we still see some of those, they've evolved into inflatable
• /c><05:25:12.080> we<05:25:12.320> still devices have evolved, although we still devices
• He said that clause was added with respect to the location of these devices.
• these devices. these devices.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is to apply to all smart devices.
• It is to apply to all smart devices.
• How will this impact, if at all, their device when they enter our state?
• of the definition of this is only applying to mobile devices, yes, and...
• Of the definition of this is only applying to mobile devices, yes, and the definition of mobile devices

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, offered an invocation and pledges, and received several announcements and recognitions before moving to legislation. Members honored the UTRGV chess team for winning a share of the 2025 President’s Cup, educator Jessica Lopez, the late Jennifer Maddenly, Jeanette Valdez Duran and Mobile Blessings from the Heart, TAMAC’s 50th anniversary, and journalist Bernardine Steptoe’s retirement. The chamber also adopted motions allowing committees to meet, setting a local and consent calendar, and suspending posting rules for a Public Health hearing on SB 2721. The House then considered a long series of Senate and House bills on third reading, with many passing by wide margins. Measures included SB 906 on Ysleta del Sur Pueblo peace officers; SB 1229 designating Veterans Memorial Highway; SB 855 on foster care medical costs; SB 703 on massage therapy licensing and trafficking protections; SB 1025 on tax-increase ballot language; SB 1119 on water park liability; SB 1080 on provisional occupational licenses for people with criminal convictions; SB 929 on lien deadlines; SB 1355 on liquor sales credit disputes; SB 2231 on fee waivers for college applications; SB 1877 on Public Utility Commission data access; SB 1998 on pediatric preceptorships; and several House bills on topics such as bond forfeiture notice, health workforce planning, civil commitment counsel, expunction of contempt records, consumer transactions, nuisance birds, theft venue, military grant applications, AI cancer-detection grants, cybersecurity contract language, military-related tuition, utility recovery mechanisms, psychedelic therapy studies, teacher retirement funding transparency, election procedures, juvenile parole eligibility, and more. Some bills drew notable debate or amendments. HB 200, creating a “second look” parole process for certain juvenile offenders after 20 years, prompted extended discussion about serious offenses and juvenile rehabilitation before passing 102-4. HB 2298 on AI-assisted cancer detection passed 85-62 after the sponsor emphasized “augmented intelligence” and physician oversight. HB 5247 on utility capital recovery saw a failed amendment to require ratepayer credits, then passed. HB 3045, a franchise tax exemption for spaceport operators, initially failed 73-74 but later passed after verification showed a 70-69 result. SB 2420, regulating app stores and mobile software distribution, was postponed for later consideration after substantial debate over age verification responsibilities. Several other measures were postponed, including SB 888, SB 552, SB 17, and SB 2420, while HB 1128 on election judges carrying concealed handguns passed 85-57 after a withdrawn point of order.

Transcript Highlights:

• Concerningly, in some cases, the consumer's data was not only accessed but copied onto another device
• But on the other side, we want to make sure you come to us to get your devices repaired because we can
• Because when... ...get their devices repaired.
• Because when one party controls the ability to repair your device, they can also control how much it
• If after the five years, all right, we've moved on to the new generation of whatever device it is, and

Bills: SB324, HB395, HB222, HB310, HB285, HB144, HB251, HB380

Keywords: Morgan County, judge of probate, legal qualifications, equity jurisdiction, constitutional amendment, campaign finance, electronic notifications, civil penalties, Fair Campaign Practices Act, Secretary of State, sex offenders, treatment programs, electronic media, post office box restrictions, Class C felony, parole, probation, human cloning, criminal penalties, embryo

Transcript Highlights:

• Garcia: PLEASE SILENCE ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND ANYONE WISHING TO SPEAK SHOULD TO COMPLETE AN APPEARANCE
• THAT IS SENATOR LEEK SB 1168 ON INSTALLATION OR USE OF TRACKING DEVICES OR APPLICATIONS.
• YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO EXPLAIN THE BILL. >> SECTION 923 MAKES INSTALLING OR USING A TRACKING DEVICE APPLICATION
• THERE IS NOT AN INCREASE PENALTY FOR UNLAWFUL INSTALLATION OR USE OF A TRACKING DEVICE OR APPLICATION
• THIS LEGISLATION WOULD CREATE A CRIME OF ACTIVATED INSTALLATION OR USE OF TRACKING DEVICES OR TRACKING

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• such as the vertical integration mandate for medical operations that have long created barriers to entry

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: Legislative leaders from the House and Senate met in Springfield to announce and sign a conference report resolving differences between competing cannabis reform bills. Speakers described the agreement as the result of several years of work and praised the bipartisan, bicameral collaboration of committee chairs, minority members, and staff. They emphasized that the final package reflects input from industry stakeholders, communities, and legislators across the state, including Western Massachusetts. The conference report was presented as a broad modernization of Massachusetts cannabis law. Key provisions described included restructuring the Cannabis Control Commission to improve oversight and transparency, creating a portal to report illegal conduct, requiring updated reporting on public health, public safety, and tax impacts, and studying workplace safety standards. The bill also updates license caps and ownership rules, expands opportunities for social equity businesses, removes the medical vertical integration requirement, and revises purchase, possession, delivery, and advertising rules. Speakers also said the legislation addresses emerging issues such as hemp-derived products and aims to support a more stable and equitable market. Several members noted that the bill is not perfect but represents a meaningful compromise and a step forward for the industry and the Commonwealth. The meeting concluded with the formal signing of the conference report and a motion to close.

Transcript Highlights:

• with the women who would be returning to the community and needed help with rehabilitation and re-entry

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services met, approved the March 25 minutes, and heard testimony from Dr. Lynette Livesey, a nominee for the State Board of Psychologists Examiners. Dr. Livesey described her background as an Arizona psychologist with experience in public health, corrections, and behavioral health training, and emphasized her commitment to ethical standards, access to care, and community service. In response to questions, she said she had been serving on board committees and attending board meetings, noted that family court-related complaints have been a recurring challenge, and expressed support for fair, informed decision-making and better coordination among providers, probation officers, and primary care physicians in behavioral health cases. Committee members asked about her experience on the board, challenges facing the board, and her views on behavioral health system improvements. One member encouraged her to meet with caucus members and discuss family court issues further. A motion was made to recommend Dr. Livesey’s confirmation to the full Senate, and the committee approved the motion by a 5-0 vote, with two members not voting. The nomination was then forwarded to the full Senate, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm interested to know, I like the idea of a one-entry-point model.

Summary: The IT Budget and Policy Subcommittee met with a quorum present and heard two bills. CS/HB 783 by Rep. Sapp would create a coordinated access model pilot program for behavioral health services in Duval, Clay, and St. Johns counties. The bill would contract with the Department of Children and Families and a university partner to provide centralized intake, screening, referral, appointment scheduling, follow-up, and data reporting on outcomes and service gaps. Rep. Young asked about avoiding bottlenecks and what “timely referral” means; Sapp said the proposal is based on an existing Pinellas model and is intended to triage cases by urgency. An amendment clarifying procurement guidelines was adopted without objection, and the bill was reported favorably by a 14-0 vote. The committee then heard HB 1031 by Rep. Rosenwald, which would establish a callback queue pilot program for select state agencies, including Florida Commerce and DCF, so callers can leave a number and receive a return call by the end of the next business day. Rosenwald said the goal is to improve customer service for issues such as reemployment assistance and benefits access, with no fiscal impact and a required report due by December 31, 2027. Rep. Cross spoke in support, noting callback systems reduce frustration for callers. The bill passed unanimously and was reported favorably by a 14-0 vote. At the end of the meeting, the chair noted that budget recommendations for fiscal year 2026-2027 had been submitted to Chair McClure. With no further business, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I worked at San Antonio Independent Living Services, it's called SALES, and I was data entry person.

Bills: HB451, HB645, HB 1041, HB 1151, HB 1155, HB1536, HCR12, HCR12

Keywords: commercial sexual exploitation, child sex trafficking, human trafficking, child welfare, foster care, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, juvenile probation, risk assessment, needs assessment, trauma screening, child abuse prevention, exploitation screening, validated screening tool, evidence-informed tool, conservatorship, juvenile justice, at-risk youth, trafficking prevention, Child Sex Trafficking Prevention Unit

Transcript Highlights:

• can give you the names of the websites right here on the floor where you can go on and you can buy devices
• here is, as we said at the beginning of the session early on, we made it unlawful to possess these devices
• to make, uh, subject to civil penalties and liability the manufacturing and the marketing of those devices
• we've looked carefully over some period of time and not seen Amazon or sales of, of these types of devices
• armed with automatic weapons, and we've made it illegal to possess clock switches and conversion devices

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman and members, Senate Bill 6019. relates to the use of epinephrine delivery device by certain
• auto and. injectors, which may create confusion and limit the adoption of newer medically-approved devices
• Similarly then, Senate Bill 1619 would delete the term auto injector and replace with delivery devices
• and it would device it would define epinephrine delivery device. as a medical delivery device approved
• State law does not provide adequate guidance on the placement of these life-saving devices.

Bills: SB207, SB611, SB920, SB1174, SB1207, SB1325, SB1396, SB1551, SB1619

Keywords: SB 207, Texas Education Code, public school attendance, excused absence, mental health appointment, mental health care, behavioral health, school district, student absenteeism, same-day return, health care professionals, physician certification, religious holy days, court appearance, DFPS, foster care, education policy, student wellness, school mental health, attendance policy

Transcript Highlights:

• The entry-level workforce housing that can afford a monthly rent is not going to spend $10,000 a month
• <02:20:00.000> The<02:20:00.479> entry<02:20:00.880> level<02:20:01.280>
• The entry level people this market.
• The entry level people workforce<02:20:02.800> housing<02:20:03.120> that<02:20:03.359>
• And finally,<03:20:35.200> uh<03:20:35.279> an<03:20:35.520> entry-<03:20:35.760

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• or relay attack devices, referred to Judiciary C.
• House Bill 606 by Representative Boriak is an act in Title 32 relative to personal delivery devices,
• to provide for definitions, responsibilities, and rights of a personal delivery device.
• House Bill 606 by Representative Boriak is an act in Title 32 relative to personal delivery devices,
• to provide for definitions, responsibilities, and rights of a personal delivery device.

Bills: SR107, SCR53, SCR54, SCR55, SCR12, HB167, HB181, HB243, HB316, HB321, HB335, HB492, HB578, HB624, HB708, HB864, HB906, HB968, HB969, HB978, HB985, HB1005, HB1032, HB1077, HB1095, HB1104, HB1118, HB1157, HB1187, HB1189, HB1195, HB1198, HB1220, HB221, HCR58, SB283, SB338, SB488, SB520, HB90, HB127, HB138, HB150, HB201, HB268, HB273, HB285, HB315, HB354, HB355, HB360, HB376, HB445, HB506, HB606, HB649, HB665, HB681, HB721, HB746, HB757, HB781, HB835, HB844, HB857, HB872, HB886, HB889, HB892, HB972, HB982, HB987, HB1037, HB1068, HB1072, HB1078, HB1085, HB1132, HB1137, HB1167, HB1174, HB1232, HB1238, SB68, SB76, SB149, SB191, SB196, SB318, SB162, SB382, SCR33, SCR30, SB112, SB194, SB307, SB341, SB346, SB363, SB495, SB503, SB507, SB509, SB513, SB408, SB131, SB145, SB333, SB464, SB466, SB500, SB35, SB65, SB215, SB228, SB246, SB249, SB268, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB312, SB319, SB323, SB369, SB431, SB474, SB484, SB490, SB492, SB501, HCR14, HB537, HB652, HB653, HB661, HB726, HB756, HB851, HB964, HB966, HB34, HB35, HB48, HB474, HB553, HB758, HB852, HB10, HB16, HB36, HB44, HB46, HB52, HB61, HB78, HB98, HB102, HB124, HB126, HB131, HB135, HB141, HB142, HB164, HB170, HB171, HB179, HB194, HB231, HB245, HB280, HB292, HB294, HB297, HB305, HB336, HB337, HB351, HB436, HB594, HB789, HB956, HB957, HB995, HB1040, HB50, HB117, HB120, HB122, HB139, HB148, HB149, HB185, HB199, HB247, HB271, HB286, HB301, HB358, HB359, HB384, HB413, HB428, HB450, HB462, HB547, HB613, HB631, HB657, HB669, HB675, HB680, HB691, HB712, HB716, HB720, HB723, HB727, HB728, HB735, HB747, HB759, HB825, HB842, HB845, HB846, HB903, HB904, HB907, HB923, HB929, HB941, HB962, HB965, HB1036, HB287, HB370, HB515, HB521, HB570, HB1200, HB119, HB129, HB677, HB850

Keywords: condolence resolution, memorial resolution, tribute, sympathy, Joel Parker Sr., Louisiana Senate, rodeo, cowboy, horse trainer, stock and rodeo producer, black cowboy, African American history, community recognition, funeral resolution, celebration of life, Lottie Stampede Arena, Easter Sunday Rodeo, ranching, plantation work, faith community

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard a guest minister’s prayer and pledge, and then proceeded through the journal, legislative bureau report, and a large number of bills and resolutions. Several Senate resolutions and concurrent resolutions were introduced or laid over, including measures recognizing individuals and events, commemorating the YMCA’s 175th anniversary, and creating or referring study and memorial resolutions. The House also sent over multiple bills, which were introduced and referred to the appropriate committees, covering topics such as court filings, travel reimbursement, public assistance integrity, pregnancy and baby care data protections, alcohol permits, capital-case intellectual disability procedures, and pharmacy benefit manager transparency. The chamber then considered House-returned Senate bills. SB 68, a constitutional amendment concerning Louisiana Supreme Court jurisdiction over attorney disciplinary matters, failed to receive the required votes on concurrence after a 24-10 vote, though the author gave notice. SB 76, dealing with child custody modification standards, was concurred in unanimously. SB 149, on general obligation bond bid requirements, had House amendments rejected and was sent to conference. SB 191, concerning ad valorem tax notice procedures, and SB 196, extending the appeal period for tax assessments, were both concurred in. SB 318, on publication of the tax exemption budget and local reporting, was also concurred in unanimously. The Senate also suspended the rules to recall HB 1017 from the Retirement Committee and recommit it to Judiciary A. During personal privilege remarks, members highlighted Disability Awareness Day, recognized a local award recipient, and provided an update and prayer request for Senator Selders following surgery. The meeting concluded with committee announcements and adjournment to reconvene the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please silence all electronic devices. Quorum is present. Please silence all electronic devices.
• It also bars insurers and HMOs from denying claims when such devices are needed to restore or maintain
• on his running blade participating in sports, which shows that if a child has access to prosthetic devices
• Many families face costs in the thousands or tens of thousands of dollars for these devices.
• So people need access to these devices. And we're not talking about a huge population here.

Summary: The Banking and Insurance Committee took up several bills, beginning with CS/SB 326, which modernizes Florida’s curator statute in probate law by clarifying when curators may be appointed, what they may do, and the oversight required. The bill was reported favorably without opposition. The committee then heard SB 1256 on pharmacy audits, which would require PBM audits of pharmacies to follow uniform standards and provide due process protections; pharmacists testified in support, describing current audits as burdensome and conflicted. That bill was also reported favorably. Members next considered CS/SB 598 on funeral, cemetery, and consumer services. An amendment was adopted removing provisions on civil damage caps and phasing out direct disposers, and the bill was then reported favorably. SB 632, dealing with transportation network company insurance, would set coverage requirements for the period after a ride is accepted but before pickup; an opponent argued the existing insurance framework should not be reduced, but the bill passed on a divided vote and was reported favorably. CS/SB 786 on trusts, creating a nonjudicial process to close uncontested trusts and discharge trustees, was supported by banking and legal groups and reported favorably. The committee then took up CS/SB 1110 on Medicaid, health insurance, and HMO coverage for orthotics and prosthetics. A delete-all amendment clarified eligible recipients, and the bill drew extensive emotional testimony from amputees, parents, and advocates describing the high cost of activity limbs and the benefits for children’s health and participation. Several senators praised the testimony and the policy, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 1588 on legal tender refined last session’s gold-and-silver law, and SPB 7044 created related public-records exemptions for custodians of gold and silver; both were reported favorably, with SPB 7044 adopted as a committee bill. The meeting ended with senators recording additional affirmative votes on selected bills and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• still go to the store and buy a device. still go to the store and buy a device.
• devices, it was a giveaway.
• devices. You have to have a smartphone. devices. You have to have a smartphone.
• devices, they are having access to this. devices, they are having access to this.
• So they they make devices now opened.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up an insurance-related chronic pain bill and an amendment modeled on language from Massachusetts and Maine. The sponsor explained the amendment was developed after stakeholder meetings because the original bill would have created an unaffordable insurance mandate in New Hampshire. The amendment was intended to improve access to non-opioid therapies by limiting prior authorization and step-therapy barriers so they are not more restrictive than for other treatments, including opioid therapies. After questions, the committee took a straw vote and advanced the amendment. The next item was a department-sponsored bill involving the state’s all-payer claims database. Insurance Department officials explained that the bill would encourage self-funded employer plans to opt in voluntarily by giving them aggregated, deidentified claims information in return. They said self-funded plans cannot be required to report data because of federal law, but the bill would provide an incentive while protecting employee privacy. Members asked detailed questions about who would see the data, whether individual employees could be identified, and how privacy would be enforced; the department said access would be aggregated and deidentified, and employer privacy issues would be governed by ERISA and the U.S. Department of Labor. The committee also discussed a glucose-monitoring bill. Members debated whether the bill was aimed at type 1 diabetes coverage or broader access to continuous glucose monitors, and whether it would amount to an unnecessary insurance mandate that could raise premiums. Department testimony estimated the equipment cost and said the annual impact per member would be modest, but also noted that non-insulin therapies have not consistently shown clinically significant A1C reductions. The chair and some members emphasized that the bill should be considered on its own terms as a CGM coverage issue, not as a general diabetes mandate. The committee discussed the bill’s cost implications and asked the department for any prior cost analysis.

Transcript Highlights:

• addresses the gifts and grants: deposit all monies received by the district as gifts, grants, and devices
• If not inconsistent with the terms of the gifts, grants, and devices given to accommodation schools,
• I mean, you're still saying that the policy must allow students to use wireless communication devices
• I also think expecting students to use one of these devices on someone is inappropriate, and I can see
• a school setting, there will be an adult present who would be trained or be able to listen to the device

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee began with brief announcements and thanks to staff and members as this was described as the last regular House Education Committee meeting of the 57th Legislature. Chad Heinrich of the University of Phoenix invited members to an upcoming lunch-and-learn on artificial intelligence and education. The chair and ranking member both offered closing remarks recognizing staff, pages, and public testimony over the session. The committee then heard SB 1497, which requires school districts with at least 300 employees and a self-insurance program to seek quotes for health coverage and related services at least every four years, with some exceptions for certain self-insurance arrangements. The sponsor and supporters said the bill is intended to increase competition, transparency, and better benefits for school employees. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill passed 10-0 with a due pass recommendation. Members next considered SB 1711, which directs the State Board of Education to compile age-appropriate resources on preventing and recognizing inappropriate contact, including sexual conduct, and requires schools to make those resources available to students and parents. Supporters said it would provide vetted, voluntary resources without mandating curriculum; opponents argued it was too limited and should include more robust, trauma-informed, age-appropriate sex education and accessibility requirements. The bill passed 7-3. SB 1798, creating a FAFSA awareness program and school designation for schools that promote FAFSA completion, also passed after testimony from a college student and the Arizona Board of Regents in support; the vote was 8-2. The committee also heard SB 1143, which requires schools to submit federal civil rights data collection information to ADE and directs ADE to publish an annual school safety report. Supporters framed it as a transparency measure for parents and policymakers, while opponents said it was duplicative, could be misused, and should apply to private schools as well. It passed 7-3. Finally, SB 1684, as amended, creates a private right of action against public schools for serious physical injury caused by bullying after a prior report and a negligent failure to respond; an amendment narrowed the bill to on-campus or school-sponsored events and removed verbal reports from the definition of prior report. Trial lawyers and the ACLU opposed it, warning about litigation and zero-tolerance discipline, while supporters said it would hold schools accountable for serious bullying. The amended bill passed 6-3.