Transcript Highlights:

• Will there be an evaluation process after the study, after the pilot?
• Decades of research shows that doula care is associated with lower rates of preterm birth and cesarean
• She passed that, and Senator Rouson passed a bill last year for ACCA to do a study on sickle cell.
• She passed that and Senator Roussin passed a bill last year for ACCA to do a study on sickle sale.
• Okay, we'll do some research and back to fill that in for us. Is there any objection? I hope not.

Bills: S0036, S0864, S0268, S0844, S0514, S1404, S0914, S1758

Keywords: nursing title, advanced practice registered nurse, advertising, professional standards, disciplinary action, uterine fibroids, public records, health privacy, epidemiology, medical information, emergency department, physicians, privacy, personal information, sickle cell disease, sickle cell anemia, pain management, controlled substances, prescribing education, continuing medical education

Summary: The committee first considered SB 268, a public records exemption for emergency physicians. Senator Rodriguez’s strike-all amendment narrowed and clarified the exemption, and testimony from an emergency physician described threats, harassment, and safety concerns tied to mandatory reporting and patient encounters. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably as a committee substitute. Members then heard SB 514, creating the Dula Support for Healthy Births Pilot Program in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties for pregnant and postpartum women affected by substance use disorder. Senator Osgood explained the pilot would provide non-medical doula support and data collection, and an amendment changed the funding source to specific appropriations in the General Appropriations Act. Supporters said doula care can improve maternal and infant outcomes and complement medical providers. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably as a committee substitute. The committee also approved SB 36 on use of professional nursing titles after extensive debate over whether nurses with doctoral degrees should be allowed to use “doctor” in clinical settings, with concerns raised about patient confusion and the need for clearer identification. The bill was amended to align with the House version and then reported favorably as a committee substitute. The committee next approved SB 864, a public records exemption for uterine fibroid research data, after a technical amendment setting a July 1, 2026 effective date; Senator Sharif said the exemption is needed so the Department of Health can collect sensitive data for the related research bill. SB 844, requiring continuing education on sickle cell disease care management for certain licensed physicians and nurses, was also reported favorably after emotional testimony from patients and advocates describing delayed care and bias. Later, the committee approved SB 1404 on memory care, after a strike-all amendment creating a new memory care specialty license for assisted living facilities that advertise or provide specialized memory care services, while allowing optional supportive services without the new license. Supporters from the senior living industry backed the clarification. The committee then passed SB 914, which clarifies that licensed occupational therapists may perform dry needling, after an amendment adjusting supervision and continuing education language. Finally, the committee took up SB 1758, a broad Medicaid and SNAP reform bill that would strengthen fraud enforcement, impose Medicaid work requirements for certain able-bodied adults, expand behavioral health services, modernize drug purchasing and prior authorization, and require SNAP fraud-reduction measures. Several amendments were adopted, and members questioned the work requirement, implementation costs, EBT card photo identification, and due process concerns; debate continued as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am the House DFL researcher. researcher. researcher. Hello<00:02:46.720> everyone.
• Matt Burrus with House Research.
• Burrus with House Research. Burrus with House Research.
• Tom Cheetah, Senate GOP Research, and Danny Gillis, Senate DFL Research. So, Mr.
• > search<01:16:31.520> charge first study studies a search charge first study studies a

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We were the subject, you know, there were studies commissioned by the State Bar.
• As a result of that, some studies were done.
• Going through the process of research...
• I'm trying to do some quick research up here and find out what the 10 charges are.
• Do some quick research up here and find out what the 10 charges are.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules established a quorum and first approved several items without required appearances, including the appointments of Rick Simpson to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Trinidad Solis, M.D., and Gerald Talbert, M.D., to the Medical Board of California, along with references of bills to committees and floor acknowledgments. The committee then heard testimony on two State Bar of California appointments requiring appearance: George Cardona, J.D., for Chief Trial Counsel, and Laura Enderton Speed, J.D., for Executive Director. Cardona described his first four years as chief trial counsel, emphasizing reforms after the Girardi matter, including stronger conflict-of-interest and gift rules, tighter trust-account investigations, more data tracking, and efforts to reduce case backlogs and discipline disparities. Senators questioned him about the John Eastman disbarment case, the office’s role and jurisdiction, racial and Latino discipline disparities, unauthorized practice of law by notarios, staffing vacancies, and the use of AI in pleadings and internal work. Public witnesses from the State Bar, SEIU Local 1000, and others supported his confirmation, and the committee voted 3-0 to advance his appointment to the full Senate. Enderton Speed said she sought the executive director role to help restore public trust, strengthen discipline and admissions, and address the February 2025 bar exam problems. Senators asked about the State Bar’s budget deficit, hiring freeze, long-term fiscal stability, the bar exam audit and litigation, safeguards against conflicts and gifts, and the decision to move the February exam largely remote before returning to in-person administration for July. Public witnesses also supported her confirmation, citing leadership, accessibility, and a focus on core functions. The committee voted 5-0 to advance her appointment to the full Senate. The meeting ended with remarks honoring Senator Jones on his final day on the committee and a cake presentation before adjournment to executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• In a 2022 study, uh, 27% of American patients have undergone care with uncertainty that they can pay
• And so would you say that would be equal to what a psychiatrist would study?
• Did you submit that research to this committee? I'm unaware if we did.
• I would like to see that research.
• In fact, I was reading this weekend and one study points to a 162% increase.

Transcript Highlights:

• Has there been any research or study done or a survey given to the donors to see if they were willing
• Okay, so no formal studies have been done. Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Mr.
• Research shows that access to financial services and support is the most likely priority.
• In fact, a 2024 study by the Texas Violence and Injury...
• A 2019 study conducted by TCFV found that 71% Needed assistance finding housing.

Bills: HB158, HB714, HB 1198, HB1630, HB1998, HB3509, HB3788, HB3875, HB3948, HB3977, HB4097, HB4313, HB4314, HB4317, HB158

Keywords: housing, veterans, surplus government property, affordable housing, funding sources, housing assistance, homeless prevention, landlord incentives, rural housing, domestic violence, community development, tenant readiness, program participants, financial assistance, homelessness, rental support, Texas Tenant Readiness Program, tenant assistance, housing stability, Texas Department of Housing

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I think that studying is great.
• So, I think that studying is great.
• I think that doing a detailed study is a I think that doing a detailed study is a states.
• going to be coming out with a a study going to be coming out with a a study detailing<00:36:38.079
• research and development uh tax, right? research and development uh tax, right?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Together, we hope to build on the overview presented earlier by our House research colleagues, but in
• Like House Research, our department is also a nonpartisan office.
• earlier from from our house research earlier from from our house research colleagues<00:08:43.320
• And I have seen academic studies on migration and related to taxation.
• <01:27:59.280> are both House fiscal and house research are both House fiscal and house research

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Tax Committee met to receive a presentation from House Fiscal staff Cynthia Templin and Katrina Heimark on state tax revenues, property tax aids and credits, and key budget terms and timelines. They explained the difference between fiscal years, tax years, biennia, the general fund, and dedicated funds, and reviewed the legislative budget calendar, including the governor’s January budget recommendation, the February forecast update, March budget resolution deadlines, and the expected end of session in May. The presentation focused on how Minnesota tax revenue is collected and where it goes. House Fiscal said fiscal 2024 total revenue for public services was about $102.5 billion, with $46.5 billion coming from state and local taxes. Of total state tax revenue, about 85% goes to the general fund and about 15% is dedicated to other funds. They noted that income and sales taxes make up the largest share of state collections, while local property taxes are the largest share of local revenue. They also reviewed constitutional and statutory dedications, including the Legacy sales tax dedication, the motor vehicle sales tax dedication to transportation, and the auto parts sales tax dedication that was changed in 2023 to a 100% transportation dedication phased in over 10 years. Members asked several questions about slowing income tax growth, possible effects of migration and corporate departures, and whether changes in population or wages were affecting revenue trends. Templin said she was not aware of recent independent or MMB studies tying revenue loss to migration, but would look into it. Members also discussed the sharp rise in tax receipts in fiscal 2021 and 2022 after the pandemic downturn, with staff explaining that the low fiscal 2020 base and a shift toward goods purchases during COVID helped drive the increase, especially in sales tax revenue. No bills were taken up and no votes were recorded during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, to the bill itself with that long preamble, the research and science is clear that elective cat
• , committed to evidence-based research, committed to evidence-based research, uh,<00:03:28.720>
• has made it clear that the research has made it clear that elective<00:03:32.480> declawing<00
• We have new research have new evidence.
• They did a study for just this outlawed.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• the Year research the Year research going<00:46:18.240> still<00:46:18.760> still<
• I am a licensed social studies teacher.
• teaching I am a licensed social studies teaching I am a licensed social studies teacher<00:50:21.240
• ensuring a structured research-based ensuring a structured research-based approach<00:59:44.559>
• <01:15:50.040> has remarkable at least research has remarkable at least research has consistently

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Minnesota Senate Education Policy Committee heard testimony on Senate File 508, a bill to restrict cell phone use in schools. Senator Mann said the proposal was based on roundtables with school districts across the state and on reports from other states, and argued that cell phones are harming student attention, mental health, classroom culture, and student-teacher relationships. She said K-8 restrictions are broadly supported, while high school policies should be more flexible, and emphasized that districts should control implementation. The bill also includes funding for education efforts around why the restrictions are being adopted and how students can use technology responsibly. Testifiers largely supported the bill or the general goal of limiting cell phone use. Dr. Anna Tyranny, a parent and licensed psychologist, said cell phones and social media can contribute to anxiety, poor concentration, cyberbullying, and inappropriate sharing, and urged a balanced approach that includes digital literacy education. St. Cloud Area Public Schools Superintendent Laori Pam and Tech High School staff member Molly Kenzie described their district’s policies, which keep phones away for the day in elementary and middle school and restrict them during class in high school. They cited U.S. Department of Education guidance, research on mental health and sleep disruption, and the need for age-appropriate, equitable, and consistently communicated policies. St. Cloud reported that its middle school policy, piloted and then expanded districtwide, led to a 50% reduction in cell phone discipline referrals and fewer classroom power struggles. The district said high school violations remain concentrated in certain grades, especially ninth and eleventh, and that it continues to address the issue through PBIS teams. No vote or final committee action on the bill was described in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Most Texans were not told that long-term safety studies hadn't been completed.
• The absence of rigorous and transparent studies applies to most, if not all, vaccines.
• We formed the Opt Institute, which has become the number one research organization studying what's going
• We are researchers and storytellers.
• They want to work at some of your research facilities here.

Bills: HB163, HB216, HB721, HB2035, HB2038, HB3057, HB3153, HB3233, HB3595, HB3801, HB3812, HB4076, HB4129, HB4377, HB4535, HB4666, HB4730, HB4743, HB4903, HB5149, HB5155, HB1534, HB163, HB216

Keywords: epinephrine, healthcare, emergency response, administration, medical policy, health care, itemized billing, patient rights, provider regulations, Texas Health and Safety Code, cost disclosure, insurance, benefit plan, administrators, chemical dependency, treatment facilities, minor admissions, parental notice, mental health, medical licensing

Transcript Highlights:

• That $4 million is applied research through 40 universities.
• Senate Bill 178, a bill entitled: An act relating to an agronomic study on emerging crops.
• research.
• Senate Bill 7028 revises several aspects of the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program.
• The bill also creates a new cancer research initiative within the Bankhead-Coley program.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, doctor and guest introductions, and then took up Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 168, the Tristan Murphy Act, on mental health. Senator Bradley described the bill as a major criminal justice and behavioral health reform measure that would expand pretrial mental health diversion, strengthen treatment-based probation conditions, broaden grant uses for mental health and substance abuse programs, add Hillsborough County to a forensic hospital diversion pilot, require certain DOC mental health evaluations, and create a Florida Behavioral Health Data Repository. Senators from both parties spoke in strong support, emphasizing treatment over incarceration, public safety, data collection, and the Murphy family’s role in advancing the bill. The Senate passed the bill 37-0 and then approved 37 co-sponsors. The chamber then received the Senate’s 2025-26 General Appropriations Bill, SB 2500, with Chair Hooper outlining a $117.4 billion budget that he said reduces spending, preserves reserves, and includes major investments in water quality, transportation, education infrastructure, and reporting requirements. Committee chairs summarized their portions: K-12 funding at $34.7 billion with increases for FEFP, scholarships, VPK, school hardening, and school safety; higher education at $11.5 billion with workforce, nursing, reading, autism, and student aid investments; health and human services with a $1.8 billion increase for Medicaid, mental health, opioid response, disability services, and veterans programs; criminal and civil justice at $7.6 billion for corrections, juvenile justice, law enforcement, courts, and judgeships; transportation/tourism/economic development at about $18 billion including roads, housing, Visit Florida, and cultural grants; and agriculture/environment/general government with major Everglades, water quality, citrus, food bank, and agency IT funding. Members then questioned several budget items, especially education funding formulas, the shift of scholarship dollars below the line, the impact on public school districts, AP/IB and other accelerated program funding, the APD wait list, opioid settlement spending, arts grants, and the My Safe Florida Home and condo pilot programs. Chairs generally said scholarship and accelerated-program dollars were being restructured for transparency and flexibility rather than cut, that school districts would still receive funding based on enrollment, and that APD and other human services issues would continue to be worked out in conference. The budget discussion concluded with remarks praising staff and noting a 4% across-the-board pay raise for state employees and targeted increases for law enforcement and firefighters, followed by a recognition for FAMU Day at the Capitol.

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, the bill does have to have an actuarial study, or the COLA, excuse me, before it is granted.
• s actuary produced four cost studies. Those options range from $30 million to $366 million.
• So this bill is a study bill.
• But this is a study. It makes sense. I would move the bill. Okay, we have a motion.
• Connie Tan, and I'm a research manager at Stop AAPI Hate.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:21.759> request so if you have a research request so if you have a research request something
• A study by Wilder Research found that for every dollar invested in MICC, the state sees a $38 return.
• Multiple opportunities to participate in research projects or QI projects with the fellows.
• I'm the chief academic and research officer at Hennepin Healthcare.
• I'm the chief academic and research officer at Hennepin Healthcare.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• These findings are based on research and reports you can find.
• Does the bill shut down scientific progress and climate research? Not at all.
• Doesn't ban legitimate climate research? Not at all.
• It targets geoengineering nonstandard climate research programs.
• So that is why the OPPAGA study is a better source.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Who is this Institutional Research?
• ><00:54:29.760> been so institutional research is I've been so institutional research is I've
• done the study, right?
• You guys paid for this study? I think that was paid for the study under the leadership of Dr.
• warberg did a study and the study came warberg did a study and the study came out<01:43:42.520><

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Carlos Silva, Bureau of Legislative Research.
• Ryan Moultz, Bureau of Legislative Research. Adrienne Beck, also with the Bureau.
• You may remember from Jasmine's introduction to the adequacy study earlier this year... ...the report
• Secondary science, special education, and secondary social studies.
• The first one is based on the annual studies.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're just looking to move that to an interim study. Questions? That to an interim study.
• There is opposition to this study.
• the interim study.
• We would have to do a greater in-depth study.
• Congratulations, your study is passed. Thank you.

Summary: The committee first approved special expenses incurred by the committee, then took up interim study proposals. ISP 2025-069, sponsored by Representative Perry and presented by Representative Eaton, would move collection of sales tax on motor vehicles from the current post-purchase registration process to the point of sale at dealerships. Committee members and DFA discussed the current 60-day registration/tax payment window, possible fiscal and programming impacts on DFA, the added administrative burden on dealers, verification and audit issues, and concerns about whether the change would improve or complicate tax collection. After questions, the committee voted to send the proposal to research/interim study. The committee then considered ISP 2025-071, from Representative Ray, based on House Bill 1636, which would phase out the state excise tax on soda over five years if revenue triggers were met. Representative Ray explained the tax revenue supports the Medicaid trust fund and said the proposal was intended to continue discussion after the bill failed on the House floor in the regular session. Members asked about the annual revenue generated, the trust fund’s other revenue sources, and whether the revenue would be replaced. DFA was asked to provide additional information on how withdrawals from the Medicaid trust fund are authorized and whether the legislature has oversight. The committee then approved the proposal for interim study and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We work with our research partners to try to figure out with the newest technology we can have.
• The researchers said only if you do this, it will help. But what does it mean on the ground?
• sewer conversion study.
• This data can contribute to ongoing research.
• The research is an excellent first step to filling in this information.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm very thankful for the research that's been done.
• I view what we're doing here as an epic collision between research and resources.
• It's a great description: a collision between research and resources.
• Those are things that were not happening years ago, based on the research.
• Those are things that were not happening years ago, based on the research.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met with a quorum present and observed a moment of silence for Senator Geraldine Thompson. The committee first took up CS/SB 102, a bill by Senator Gates directing the Department of Education to develop a workforce credential program for students with autism spectrum disorder or students on a modified curriculum, in coordination with the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities and OSHA. Supporters said the bill would help autistic students gain job skills and workplace safety credentials, while an opponent argued the bill should clearly make participation voluntary, expand to other exceptional student groups, include funding, and add stronger accountability. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 166, the Administrative Efficiency in Public Schools bill by Senator Simon. The bill would reduce or remove several state mandates and give districts more flexibility on testing, teacher evaluations, contracts and certification, school board operations, instructional materials timelines, audits, facilities planning, emergency make-up days, federal fund use, and public VPK oversight. Senators asked about the impact on student proficiency, teacher evaluations, and the transfer of public VPK oversight to districts; Simon said the tests would remain but count as 30 percent of the grade, districts would retain flexibility in evaluation measures, and only public VPK would shift to districts. Public testimony was largely supportive, with some speakers praising reduced testing and local control, while one senator cautioned that Florida still has a math proficiency problem. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 296 by Senator Bradley, which would repeal the 2023 statewide mandate requiring later middle and high school start times and return the decision to local districts, while still requiring districts to inform the community about the health, safety, and academic impacts of sleep deprivation and consider later start times. Supporters argued the mandate created transportation, staffing, and scheduling problems and that local control was more practical, while opponents emphasized sleep science and the benefits of later start times for teens. Several senators discussed the tension between research and district resources, and the bill sponsor said the measure preserves the conversation about sleep while allowing local scheduling decisions. CS/SB 296 was reported favorably, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• than 75% of our students receive financial aid and over 55% of our recent graduates complete their studies
• Our commitment to serve Texas also extends to becoming a preeminent national research university.
• This achievement places us in the top 20% of research universities in the country, far exceeding the
• With a full share, we would receive about $70 million to enhance our research functions.
• Strengthening our research capacity allows us to tackle Texas's biggest challenges, drive innovation,