Transcript Highlights:

• Costs are tracked, reviewed, and then amortized over defined periods.
• Most utility spending is reviewed before it enters rates.
• I'm sure you have received this and have had an opportunity to review it.
• Well, I may have had a chance to review your letters. Okay. All right.
• Well, I may have had a chance to review your letter. It's an interesting proposal.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications held an oversight hearing focused on electric rates, utility regulation, affordability, reliability, and wildfire-related costs. The chair framed the discussion around the challenge of transitioning to a cleaner grid while keeping bills affordable and the system reliable, and noted the hearing also served as the annual update from the CPUC and Public Advocates Office. Professor Severin Borenstein gave a primer on utility regulation, explaining the split between deregulated generation and regulated transmission/distribution, the basics of cost-of-service regulation, and the role of return on equity. He argued that high allowed returns can encourage capital-intensive spending and that many public policy costs now embedded in rates would be better funded through the state budget, while warning that price caps or performance-based regulation are not silver bullets. CPUC President-designate Alice Reynolds described the commission’s role as economic regulator of investor-owned utilities and said affordability is being addressed through rate case scrutiny, reasonableness reviews, and legislative direction. She said wildfire mitigation and insurance costs have been major drivers of rate increases, but some wildfire-related costs are time-limited and will roll off rates over time. She also highlighted progress on clean energy procurement, battery storage growth, and integrated resource planning to meet climate goals while maintaining reliability. Reynolds said the CPUC is reviewing utility spending, disallowing imprudent costs where appropriate, and litigating at FERC to challenge transmission costs. Members pressed both witnesses on several issues, including whether rates are being inflated by legislative mandates and balancing accounts, whether utility returns are too high, and whether the state should shift more public-policy costs off electric bills and into the General Fund. Senators also raised concerns about load growth from data centers and ports, gas-system stranded assets as electrification advances, and whether the CPUC is over-regulating or discouraging innovation. Reynolds said the CPUC is working with the Energy Commission, CAISO, and the Air Resources Board on a holistic planning process, and pointed to tools such as interconnection reforms and demand flexibility. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with several follow-up requests for reports and data.

Transcript Highlights:

• By reviewing their reserves and the extent to which they rely on non-operating revenues.
• This audit would give an independent review of how well that system is working.
• We haven't conducted a comprehensive review of their use for years, perhaps.
• We haven't conducted a comprehensive review of their use for years, perhaps even decades.
• And hasn't been deeply reviewed by the Legislature in decades.

Summary: The committee heard several audit requests and related testimony. The first major item was an audit of Coachella Valley Unified School District’s contract and fiscal management. The author and supporters described long-standing fiscal mismanagement, large budget shortfalls, layoffs, contracting concerns, and questions about the district’s foundation and use of public funds. District representatives and the Riverside County Office of Education said the district is already under fiscal oversight, has a stabilization plan, and is working to reduce deficits and improve student outcomes. After extensive debate and public comment, the motion to approve the audit was put on call because the committee did not have the required votes from both houses at that moment. The committee then approved an audit of East Bay transit agencies in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Senator Wahab argued the region’s many overlapping transit agencies create fragmentation, duplication, and inefficiency, especially amid a fiscal cliff and possible future tax increases. Transit agencies and labor representatives opposed the audit, saying the agencies already undergo multiple audits, serve distinct local needs, and are implementing regional coordination efforts. After testimony from agency leaders and public commenters, the committee voted to approve the audit. The next item was an audit of California Community Colleges’ unrestricted reserves. Senator Archuleta and supporting faculty representatives said reserves have grown substantially and may be diverting resources from student services, instruction, and workforce programs. They argued there is little oversight when reserves become too high. The Chancellor’s Office and Calbright College were invited to respond, and the audit objectives focused on reserve growth, reasons for high balances, oversight by the Chancellor’s Office, and effects on students and staff. The transcript cuts off during the Chancellor’s Office response, so the final committee action on this item is not shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Rights reviewed until that case is resolved. And what would be wrong with that?
• And this core curriculum review committee will be housed there.”
• “Shouldn’t we review what Senator Gutierrez just mentioned also every two years?
• Shouldn’t we review that also? I thought it was a good idea.”
• There would certainly be a review of the job postings available.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation, received a House message announcing passage of H.B. 500, and a gubernatorial nomination for the Upper Neches River Municipal Water Authority Board. The chamber adopted several resolutions, including SR 409 recognizing Blue Ribbon Lobby Day, SR 402 honoring the discovery of the woolly devil plant at Big Bend National Park, and recognitions for Operation Christmas RGV and Wilson County Day. The Senate also heard an announcement that the Committee on Senate Nominations action report had been placed on members’ desks. The body then took up and passed several bills. SB 2365 was passed to prohibit personal wireless communication devices by public school students during instructional time, with exceptions for health, special education, and safety needs. SB 1869 was passed to reaffirm the DSHS commissioner’s authority over controlled-substance schedule changes without rulemaking or judicial review. SB 1124 was passed to revise criminal discovery procedures in response to the Heath decision, with supporters saying it preserves exculpatory evidence protections while limiting suppression of inculpatory evidence when the defense already knew of it. SB 1758 was passed to create a Grayson County pilot study and temporary permitting hold concerning a cement kiln/quarry near a semiconductor wafer facility, and SB 2078 was passed to regulate composting in certain counties, after a clarifying amendment. The Senate also passed SB 33, barring governmental entities from transactions that support abortion assistance or out-of-state abortion procurement; SB 34, expanding wildfire preparedness measures, studies, equipment databases, and rural fire department funding; SB 1208, increasing the penalty for interference with public duties from a Class B misdemeanor to a state jail felony; SB 1030, removing the maintenance, repair, and overhaul tax for general aviation; SB 505, creating processes to address election irregularities; SB 2411, updating the Business Organizations Code and changing filing-method requirements; and SB 1333, addressing unauthorized entry, occupancy, sale, rental, lease, or conveyance of real property. Most measures advanced on voice vote or recorded roll call after motions to suspend the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule, with several members raising questions or objections, especially on the criminal justice, abortion, and public duties bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:45:18.160><c> committee</c> code review committee code review committee uh<00:45:20.480><c> that
• </c> review the records at that location. review the records at that location.
• </c> review committee to make that change. review committee to make that change.
• </c> review committee in the bill. review committee in the bill.
• </c> from the review commission. from the review commission. &gt;&gt; Okay. &gt;&gt; Okay.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard opening remarks and ground rules from Chair David Tarnas, including a request for two-minute testimony limits, clear speaking, Zoom etiquette, and respectful conduct. The first measure taken up was HB 2062, relating to gun violence prevention, which would appropriate funds for enforcement of gun violence protective orders and for public awareness campaigns. Judiciary submitted written testimony recommending technical changes to clarify that it does not enforce laws and instead should be funded for personnel to process temporary restraining orders and gun violence protective orders; the Department of Law Enforcement supported the bill and said it is well positioned to conduct public education. Support also came from county and advocacy witnesses, including Moms Demand Action, Giffords Gun Owners for Safety, HGEA, and a retired police officer, while opposition testimony argued the measure raises due process and Fifth Amendment concerns and that education, not enforcement, should be the focus. The chair noted 37 testimonies in support, 103 in opposition, and three comments; no vote was taken in the portion provided. Testimony on HB 2062 emphasized both public safety and constitutional concerns. Supporters described the bill as a way to increase awareness of an existing legal tool, prevent suicides and shootings, and help law enforcement and the public understand gun violence protective orders. Opponents, including gun owners and firearms groups, argued that red flag laws can be abused, lack due process, and should not be expanded through state funding. A county neighborhood safety witness suggested an amendment to allow public, private, and nonprofit consultants to assist with training and implementation. Members asked a few questions, but the agencies with written testimony were not present, so the chair referred members to their submissions. The committee then moved to HB 2061, relating to firearms, which appropriates money for the state gun buyback program and requires at least two buyback events in each county. Written support was noted from the Department of Law Enforcement, Hawaii County Council, the County of Kauai Prosecuting Attorney, and the Hawaii State Association of Counties, with the latter emphasizing that buybacks are voluntary prevention tools that can reduce risk before crises escalate. Opposition came from the Mid-Pacific Pistol League, SDM Training Group/Bows and Bullets, and others; one witness argued buybacks are ineffective, costly, and can be vulnerable to misuse or black-market diversion, and suggested a year-round surrender option instead. The committee heard additional support from a retired police officer and from a gun violence survivor with Students Demand Action, but no final action or vote was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• They were attached to the meeting materials we got ahead of time for you to review.
• I'm eager to review them.
• In our review, we were not able to definitively state why use of the preference had been so low.
• , I've reviewed a lot of these in the past, is it that there is, that there is, Since we've reviewed,
• So is it when we review or not?

Committee: Joint Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences

Summary: The Citizens Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences met on October 22, 2025. Members approved the September 22, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously and reviewed a draft 2026 meeting schedule, tentatively setting meetings for May 6, August 4, September 15, and October 20, 2026, without taking a formal vote. The commission then worked through its commissioner comments on tax preference reviews, with Commissioner Forsyth recusing himself from the natural gas for transportation and energy sales to silicon smelters items. The discussion focused on reconciling endorse/endorse with comment/does not endorse positions into final recommendations. The commission adopted comments for the liquefied natural gas preference, the natural gas for transportation preference, the energy sales to silicon smelters preference, several low-income housing and veterans-related preferences, and other reviewed tax preferences. Several comments emphasized reporting burdens, the need for clearer legislative guidance, and in the veterans’ item, the possibility that low use may reflect limited visibility of the preference. Staff also clarified the reporting requirements for the natural gas transportation preference and the rationale for continuing the LNG preference while asking the legislature to consider a Department of Revenue workgroup report. All commissioner comment packages were ultimately adopted by roll call votes, with the relevant recusals noted. No members of the public testified in person. The chair invited written testimony by email or mail and thanked staff and members for their work. The next commission meeting was announced for May 6, 2026, at 10 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next um, the panel process: we review cases from both DCBS and the Department of Public Health.
• In 2025, the panel reviewed 248 cases, comprised of 72 fatalities and 176 near fatalities.
• In 2025, the panel reviewed 248 cases, comprised of 72 fatalities and 176 near fatalities.
• The panel reviewed 55 cases of physical abuse, which was a 31% increase over the prior year.
• Everyone on the panel reviews each case.

Committee: Joint Families & Children

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Falkner, have you had a chance to review the minutes and be willing?
• , we then review them.
• Chair, so I was actually the author of the mandate review bill, carried the bill for the chamber, and
• </c><00:24:37.840><c> we</c> the ones that you want us to review we the ones that you want us to review
• Andre. month numbers to the to the reviewer um month numbers to the to the reviewer um as<01:18:34.280

Bills: HF747 , HF1014 , HF320 , HF400

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: corporate governance, shareholder rights, beneficial ownership, defective corporate acts, Minnesota Business Corporation Act, Minnesota Insurance Guaranty Association, MIGA, insurance guaranty fund, insurer insolvency, covered claim, net worth threshold, high-net-worth insured, financial information request, insurance claims, self-insured retention, deductible, commercial insurance, insurance regulation, Minnesota Statutes 60C.09, guaranty association

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires the governing boards to review their programs, compile an annual list, and produce reports
• One of the most frustrating things is when you have local municipalities require multiple reviews of
• So they still can require a third-party review if there's a conflict.
• They still can require a third-party review if they don't have someone on staff to make that review that's
• it takes to process an application for building housing. ...reduce the number of unnecessary reviews

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee met to place a large package of bills on the floor calendar, along with several individual measures. The package poll was advanced with bipartisan support, though Senator Braun noted some bills would face debate on the floor. Most motions were approved without objection, and the committee repeatedly advanced housing, education, health care, transportation, labor, public safety, and administrative measures. Among the bills discussed were proposals on housing supply and permitting efficiency, including measures affecting residential development in commercial and mixed-use zones, peer review fees for housing applications, and factory-built housing standards. Other bills addressed wildfire-resistant building materials, disabled placard renewal periods, preschool access for military families, insurance fraud penalties, higher education support for student parents, affordable health coverage, rural hospital reimbursement and critical access status, and collective bargaining in agriculture. Several members voiced support for bills they described as bipartisan or practical, while some opposition was raised to measures involving sheriffs’ accountability, immigration-related protections, and agricultural labor issues. A few bills drew more substantive debate. Senate Bill 5974, concerning sheriff accountability and replacement standards, advanced despite Senator Short’s objection that sheriffs are locally elected and should not be subject to state replacement procedures. Senate Bill 6045, which would create a framework for agricultural collective bargaining, was opposed by Senators King and Mazzol, but after a division vote it advanced 10-6. The committee also advanced measures recognizing Diwali, protecting privacy in government records, limiting immigration enforcement access in certain public spaces, and establishing a public-private P-20W partnership account. The meeting concluded after all listed measures were advanced and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> committee that's tasked with reviewing committee that's tasked with reviewing the<00:03:32.959><
• In reviewing the structure, do we have any idea what other states or other organizations similar to the
• Uh madam chair in in in in<00:04:45.919><c> reviewing</c><00:04:46.800><c> in</c><00:04:47.120><c> reviewing
• </c><00:04:47.520><c> the</c><00:04:47.759><c> structure</c> in reviewing in reviewing the structure
• in reviewing in reviewing the structure do<00:04:48.720><c> we</c><00:04:48.880><c> have</c><00:04:49.120

Committee: Joint Universities and Colleges

Keywords: Universities and Colleges - Room 216, 2 February, 2026; 4:30 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the program evaluation must include the review of all the laws and policies.
• And the program evaluation must include the review of all the laws and policies.
• And then we're also going to do review of enacted legislation because, Do review of enacted legislation
• and administrative review process.
• But I didn't even put a review of it then.

Bills: HB1220

Committee: Senate Workforce Development

Keywords: accelerated degree, high-demand occupations, education reform, North Dakota, licensing, 908, all

Summary: The Workforce Development Committee reconvened to discuss House Bill 1119, which would create a child care advisory committee and authorize a Legislative Council program evaluation of child care services. Senator Hogan explained that the bill is intended to review child care licensing rules, child care assistance, and related laws and policies, while also giving child care providers a stronger voice in the rulemaking process. He described the proposal as a new model for legislative program evaluation and noted that leadership had been briefed and was supportive. Committee members raised concerns about the bill’s wording, scope, and structure. Senator Larson questioned the title and several sections, and multiple members suggested making the response language less directive and more collaborative, including changing “shall” to “may” in the section requiring a written response from the Department of Health and Human Services. Members also discussed limiting the advisory committee to the interim, clarifying that the evaluation would focus on child care services rather than broader early childhood programs, and adjusting language about enacted legislation to sound more neutral. The committee also discussed fiscal impact, with Hogan saying the evaluation would be done by Legislative Council staff and that any costs would likely be limited to meetings and existing DHS rulemaking activities. Members compared the proposal to other oversight models, including audit-style reviews and a possible DOGE process, and Hogan emphasized that the bill is meant to evaluate why child care issues keep recurring and why some laws are not fully implemented. No vote was taken; the committee agreed to continue refining the bill and planned to meet again the following Thursday.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Navy completed National Environmental Policy Act, NEPA, environmental review for the disposal and
• Extensive CEQA and NEPA review already completed for the Concord Naval Weapons Station for qualifying
• It leverages review and oversight already completed.
• It leverages review and oversight already completed for Concord Naval Weapons Station.
• This bill seeks to streamline environmental review for a very important development near Concord, in

Committee: Senate Environmental Quality

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> I'll have that track to that motion. >> This is to review a complaint. >> Second. is going to be
• uh a uh is going to be uh a uh &gt;&gt; to<00:04:13.519><c> review</c><00:04:13.840><c> a</c><00:04:
• 14.080><c> complaint</c> &gt;&gt; to review a complaint &gt;&gt; to review a complaint &gt;&gt; submitted
• </c><00:04:26.880><c> Uh</c> &gt;&gt; This is to review a complaint.
• Uh &gt;&gt; This is to review a complaint. Uh &gt;&gt; second. >> Okay. Motion made and seconded.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting began with a procedural motion to defer consideration of Miss White’s motion to dismiss until a later date to be set in a forthcoming scheduling order. The motion was seconded and approved unanimously. The chair then announced that a motion to compel and postpone was granted, moving the hearing date to December 2 and directing that a scheduling order be issued promptly to outline the schedule leading up to that hearing. At the request of a member, the chair also stated that both parties would be held to the terms of the scheduling order and that filings made outside of compliance would not be considered. No separate action was required on that point because the chair said it would be included in the order. The committee then took a 10-minute break and announced it would return at 11:45 and go into executive session. A motion was made and seconded to enter executive session to review a complaint, and after some clarification that it was not a personnel matter, the motion was approved. The body then entered executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• So as part of the Grants Committee, we did review the hardship request.
• At the time that we did review it, they didn’t meet the requirements.
• The technology roadmap may be reviewed on our website.
• We've got another review next week.
• We've got another review next week.

Summary: The Oklahoma 911 Management Authority met with a quorum and approved the minutes from the February 5 regular meeting and the March 9 special meeting, along with the January 2026 financial report. The authority also recognized the Emergency Telecommunicator of the Quarter, Claire Gutierrez of the Pott County Sheriff’s Office, for her work during a fast-moving wildfire incident, and the Emergency Technologist of the Quarter, Jason White of the City of Shawnee, for his support of the 911 center’s technology needs. Members approved the City of Norman’s in-person 40-hour telecommunicator training program as a vetted training option. They also approved Washington County 911’s request to submit an amended hardship application for a radio console grant match waiver, rather than granting the waiver outright. In addition, the authority approved the annual land area and population percentages used to determine 911 telephone fee distributions for fiscal year 2027, and approved a new PSAP call-taking boundary change form for future boundary adjustments. The authority approved three grant requests: Creek County for APCO/Telecom training, the City of El Reno for ADA and facility improvements to its dispatch center, and the City of Moore for ADA furniture and a larger dispatch setup. Committee and staff reports covered audit completion, boundary verification and population model work, recruitment website updates, upcoming 911 Day at the Capitol, NG9-1-1 and GIS progress, cybersecurity training planning, 988 integration efforts, and ongoing concerns about TCPR policy and liability. The legislative report noted House Bill 2710 passed the House after amendments removing 911-related language and was sent to the Senate Appropriations Committee. The meeting ended with public comments, a brief new business item wishing member Brent Hawkinson well after surgery, and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also participate in land management reviews along.
• We also participate in land management reviews along with all other state lands.
• review and approve on behalf of the Board of Trustees.
• Regional review teams conduct the reviews.
• on-site review of the property.

Committee: Senate Environment and Natural Resources

Summary: The Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources convened with a quorum present and took up SB 302 by Senator Garcia, which would promote nature-based solutions for coastal resilience. Garcia said the bill would direct DEP to adopt statewide guidelines, encourage local restoration projects through existing grant programs, streamline permitting for green and hybrid infrastructure, support workforce training, and require a study on flood-risk and insurance benefits. Senator Harrell asked about implementation, existing statutory authority, and possible fiscal impacts. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying that hybrid infrastructure need only combine green and gray elements, not prove superiority over either alone. The committee heard supportive testimony on SB 302 from Katie Bauman of Surfrider Foundation, who said nature-based approaches such as dunes, wetlands, and mangroves are cost-effective and protective, and several organizations waived in support, including the Environmental Defense Fund of Florida, the Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association, and 1,000 Friends of Florida. Senator Harrell said she supported the concept but remained concerned about the breadth of rulemaking and the fiscal implications of workforce funding. After closing remarks from Garcia, the committee voted to report CS for SB 302 favorably. The remainder of the meeting consisted of informational presentations on land management. Brian Bradner of DEP reviewed Florida State Parks management, including prescribed fire, invasive species removal, hydrologic restoration, cultural resource preservation, visitor use, and budgeted land-management activities. Melissa Tucker of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission described wildlife management areas, emphasizing habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, ranch infrastructure, public access, and the economic value of the system. Rick Dolan of the Florida Forest Service outlined state forest management funded through a $20 million appropriation, including road and facility work, recreation upgrades, invasive species control, reforestation, habitat restoration, prescribed burning, and boundary marking. Senators praised the agencies’ work and noted the ongoing cost of managing state lands. The committee then adjourned without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we spend a lot of time in duplication of reviewing and reviewing. That's just one example.
• And then when there's a review that comes about and anyone on that list can also do the review.
• </c> So this would just come in on the review So this would just come in on the review section,<01:50
• </c> review these examinations. review these examinations.
• Uh, the review, I just, as I mentioned before, I think the review is always probably going to be done

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You will find those rules on page 110 through 112 of your Rules Review book.
• This concludes my review of the rule chapter, and I would respectfully ask that the committee approve
• To assist the committee in its review, we have provided a detailed crosswalk of these changes.
• The board spent a significant amount of time reviewing this issue. So why did this change?
• I will now review the changes to the IDAPA rules based on the review of the 2024 building codes. ...of

Committee: House Business

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• THE OPEN GOVERNMENT SUNSET REVIEW ACT.
• GOVERNMENT SUNSET REVIEW ACT.
• UNDER THE OPEN GOVERNMENT SUNSET REVIEW ACT.
• HOUSE BILL 7003 A BILL ENTITLED AN ACT RELATED TO UNDER REVIEW OF THE OPEN GOVERNMENT SUNSET REVIEW ACT
• HOUSE BILL 7003 A BILL ENTITLED AN ACT RELATED TO UNDER REVIEW OF THE OPEN GOVERNMENT SUNSET REVIEW ACT

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee that review mortality Review Committee that review process<00:39:21.440><c> is</c><00:39:21.599
• the story about and we death reviewing the story about and we review<00:42:07.359><c> the</c><00:42:
• </c><00:42:33.599><c> Committee</c><00:42:34.480><c> review</c> mortality Review Committee review mortality
• </c> over 300 recommendations were reviewed over 300 recommendations were reviewed uh<00:48:42.319><c
• We are currently doing reviews.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• WE REVIEW THEIR FINANCIALS, PROVIDE FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT OVER DIFFERENT COMPANIES, REVIEW THEIR RATES
• WHILE WE DO HAVE A RAVE REVIEW, THE ACA MARKET, PPAC MARKET IS RELATIVELY UNIQUE IN THAT THERE ARE FEDERAL
• FOR PLAN YEAR 2026 WE HAVE 18 COMPANIES SUBMITTED FILINGS TO OIR FOR REVIEW AND WE APPROVED STATEWIDE
• JUST SO YOU CAN SEE THE YEAR-TO-YEAR REVIEW, HERE'S THE SAME SLIDE BUT WITH 2025 THROUGH 2026.
• WE DO THINK WE HAVE SUFFICIENT RESOURCES TO BE ABLE TO THOROUGHLY REVIEW THE RATES THAT ARE UNDER OUR

Transcript Highlights:

• A designated record set is something that a provider has actually signed off on, said, 'I've reviewed
• It's important that we have a peer review process, and that's across this country, across...
• Innovation research fund will be peer reviewed. Yes, ma'am. Thank you. Yes, ma'am.
• No, the question didn't come up until you talked about peer review.
• will be, but oftentimes in a peer review... ...what the process will be, but oftentimes in a peer review

Committee: Senate Health Policy

Summary: The committee took up a large health policy agenda. SB 1568 on electronic prescribing was explained as a federal conformity measure, but members raised concerns about preserving patients’ ability to obtain paper prescriptions and about exemptions for emergency, hospice, and other situations. Emergency physicians testified in support of e-prescribing but asked for flexibility, and the bill was reported favorably despite Senator Harrell’s opposition. SB 1606 on patient access to records sought to standardize record-production timelines and require electronic delivery when available; after an amendment correcting a drafting error, the bill drew concerns about HIPAA, behavioral health confidentiality, and the distinction between personal and legal representatives, and it was reported unfavorably as a committee substitute. The committee then approved SB 1346 on fentanyl testing, with a technical amendment, to require hospitals and campus emergency departments to test for fentanyl in urine testing for suspected overdose or poisoning. SB 1224 on administration of controlled substances by paramedics was amended to clarify language and reported favorably. SB 656 on health care billing and collection activities was substantially revised by strike-all amendment to allow sale of medical debt to third parties under new limits, including no interest or fees and return of debt if charity care applies; it was reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 68 expanded health facilities authority financing to include not-for-profit LLCs and parent companies, and SB 524 added Duchenne muscular dystrophy to the newborn screening panel; both were reported favorably. Later, the committee approved SB 1842 on out-of-network referrals after multiple amendments, requiring providers to verify network participation at the point of service and notify patients in writing, though several members and physicians warned it could burden providers and increase workload. The committee also advanced proposed committee bill SB 7028, which revises the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program, adds oversight and reporting requirements, creates a pediatric cancer research incubator, and establishes the Bascom-Palmer VisionGen initiative; cancer center representatives testified in strong support, and the bill was reported favorably as a committee bill. SB 172 on specialty titles and designations was amended to clarify enforcement and was reported favorably after supporters said it would prevent misleading use of specialist titles, while opponents argued it could confuse practitioners’ titles. Finally, SB 1690 on surrendered infants was reported favorably after supporters said it would codify and expand safe-haven baby box procedures and opponents raised safety concerns about the devices. The committee also noted SB 1606 remained pending for reconsideration next week before adjourning.