Transcript Highlights:

• An AMA Journal of Ethics abstract report recommends continuing education regarding child abuse and neglect
• <00:56:22.400> An<00:56:22.640> AMA<00:56:23.200> Journal<00:56:23.520> of
• An AMA Journal of Ethics weighed in.
• An AMA Journal of Ethics abstract<00:56:24.880> report<00:56:25.280> recommends<00:56:25.839

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> The AMA has signed on to the ASAM letter, but earlier on in the comment period, they took no position

Keywords: 00:00:20 - Call to Order/Roll Call 00:02:00 - Update on Rural Health Transformation Program 00:29:20 - Discussion of 26RS HB 134 00:36:35 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 134 00:37:41 - Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations 01:09:44 - Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Health Services Committee met to receive an update from Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Steven Stack on Kentucky’s Rural Health Transformation Grant. He explained that all 50 states applied and were awarded funding, and Kentucky received about $212.9 million over five years, with the first year treated as a nine-month period. He emphasized that the award is a cooperative agreement with CMS, is not Medicaid funding, cannot be used to supplant existing funds, and is limited to the five areas approved in Kentucky’s application. He also said the state must submit a revised budget before major spending begins, and that CMS could claw back money if performance metrics are not met. Secretary Stack outlined the five focus areas: maternal health, mental health, oral health, emergency medical services, and chronic disease prevention/management, especially obesity and diabetes. He described possible approaches such as expanding behavioral health crisis stabilization models like EMPath, using teledentistry and mobile services, strengthening EMS staffing and treat-in-place options, and building healthier nutrition and activity supports. He said the application was developed quickly with broad stakeholder input and that the state plans to work with universities, nonprofits, and other partners through procurement and other formal processes. He also noted the program will be overseen by the public health department, with Commissioner John Langfeld leading the effort. Committee members asked about the grant timeline, the split between formula and competitive funding, the role of certificate of need, and whether new laws or regulations would be needed. Stack said the state believes it can implement the approved projects under current law, though some broader policy issues such as certificate of need were not included because they would be risky to change within the grant timeline. Members also asked how stakeholders can submit ideas; Stack pointed them to the public website and contact email, saying additional partner information will be posted soon. The committee did not take any formal vote or action during this discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• That categorization of "stop scope creep" is telling, as the AMA is calling for more policies to restrict

Bills: HB35, HB4490, HB4454, HB2188, HB3078, HB4743, HB2556, HB46, HB5342, HB4783, HB3785, HB5278, HB1639, HB2581, HB4224, HB4070, HB4099, HB4882, HB3794, HB46

Keywords: peer support, first responders, mental health, confidentiality, emergency services, disclosure, next of kin, public information, deceased persons, privacy rights, patient solicitation, marketing practices, healthcare regulation, task force, deceptive advertising, nurse aide, certification, Texas Board of Nursing, healthcare workforce, nursing standards

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 2031, Grandfather Wright, Wilcox AMA. Natural Resources.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the journal, received House messages and first-read a large number of bills, then moved through several Committee of the Whole calendars. On Calendar 2, SB 1419 on solar energy inspection contractors was amended with a Carroll floor amendment and passed; a Sundareshan amendment aimed at requiring utilities to shield residential ratepayers from costs tied to large loads such as data centers was debated at length, but failed on a 12-15 division. SB 1498 (Department of Public Safety appropriation) and SB 1502 (unlawful flight/reckless endangerment) also received do-pass recommendations. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted, and the Senate later rejected an attempt to add the failed data-center amendment to the report by a 13-14 vote. On Calendar 3, the Senate advanced SB 1165 (insurance cost sharing for breast exams), SB 1206 (storm-related insurance claims), SB 1212 (health insurance reimbursement rates for vaccines), SB 1215 (firefighters’ occupational disease/workers’ compensation), SB 1290 and SB 1291 (agricultural property notices/classification), and SB 1347 (fertility preservation coverage), with committee amendments adopted on most of them. A Warner substitute floor amendment to SB 1347 was adopted to address insurer concerns by allowing prior authorization with a 72-hour processing requirement and clarifying storage-cost responsibility. The Senate also retained SB 1503 on the calendar. On Calendar 1 and the additional calendars, the Senate advanced SB 1013 (public employees merit hiring), SB 1108 (cash transactions and rounding, with an emergency clause added), SB 1178 (naturopathic physicians), SB 1186 (document retention/proposals/donations), SB 1286 (veterinary visits and prescriptions), SB 1366 (commercial buildings and telecommunications), SB 1431 (municipal design prohibitions), SB 1671 (gaming/racing/boxing conflict-of-interest continuation), SB 1004 (ESA students’ interscholastic activities), SB 1116 (AHCCCS access/claims review/behavioral health), SB 1162 (health care institution licensing complaints), SB 1179 (group home monitoring), SB 1475 (school district governing boards/eligibility), SB 1821 (DCS training and child placement), and SCR 1012. Several floor amendments were debated and adopted or rejected, including a Kavanaugh emergency-clause amendment to SB 1108, a failed Sears amendment to SB 1178 on prescription drug price gouging, a failed Sundareshan transparency amendment to SB 1186, a failed Kavanaugh amendment to SB 1286 on veterinary prescriptions, a Gowan amendment to SB 1366, a Payne amendment to SB 1077, a Carroll amendment to SB 1479, a Petersen amendment to SB 1566, and an Angius amendment to SB 1018 expanding the definition of foreign law to include certain harmful practices. The Senate adopted the Committee of the Whole reports and properly assigned the bills after each calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm wondering, since you work with AMA, why wouldn't a landlord accept the payment? Mr.

Bills: HB2118, HB2181, HB2308, HB2309, HB2402, HB2476, HB2682, HB2698, HB2875, HB2877, HB2903, HB2910

Keywords: mobile food vendors, licensure, food safety, statewide regulations, health standards, zoning, temporary vendors, HB2181, death certificate, death certificates, vital records, funeral establishment, funeral home, human remains, medical certification of death, death registration, state registrar, local registrar, county medical examiner, alternate medical examiner

Summary: The House Commerce Committee heard and advanced several bills. HB 2181, as amended, would extend the deadline for funeral establishments to submit death certificates from 7 days to a maximum of 14 days and clarify that a provider’s medical certification period excludes weekends and holidays. The sponsor and a mortuary owner testified that the current timeline is often difficult to meet because of weekends, holidays, doctor availability, county delays, and family circumstances. Several members said the bill did not fully address the underlying compliance problems, but the committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill 6-4-1. HB 2682 would create a DES rental assistance program offering up to two months or $5,000 in aid, with a $5 million general fund appropriation for administration. The sponsor and a tenant advocate described the bill as a short-term bridge to prevent eviction and homelessness, while an industry representative said rental assistance is an effective early intervention tool. Some members raised concerns about limiting eligibility to households with children and about program administration, but the bill passed 7-4. HB 2698 would create a rental assistance study committee to evaluate program effectiveness and repeal in 2028; it passed on a 7-4 vote. HB 2476 would revise CPA certification and reciprocity requirements, creating multiple pathways to licensure and updating related rules and fees. Supporters said it would help address a CPA shortage and align Arizona with other states; after clarification from the sponsor and the State Board of Accountancy, the committee passed it unanimously, 11-0. The committee then heard HB 2308, which would bar dental insurers and certain holding companies from owning dental practices; the Arizona Dental Association supported it as a safeguard against vertical integration, while Delta Dental opposed it as overbroad and burdensome. The bill passed 8-0-3. Finally, the committee began hearing HB 2118 on mobile food vendors and local permitting, with the sponsor and food truck operators arguing for streamlined county/state licensing and reduced local duplication, while a vendor representative warned the proposal could affect existing local ordinances and private-property vendors.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's what the president of the AMA, Dr. Callis, said. That's a complaint.

Bills: SB1888, SB3003, SB2417, SB2459, SB3055, HB1393, HB2884, SB2943

Keywords: grand jury, jury qualifications, jury wheel, small counties, Texas legislation, age verification, obscene devices, online sales, juvenile protection, penalties, antitrust, attorney general, Texas Free Enterprise, business regulations, legal confidentiality, personal identifying information, data brokers, judicial safety, civil rights, data privacy

Transcript Highlights:

• bad for my district, in that it would be a greater draw of water from our aquifer here in the Phoenix AMA

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I know my fellow physicians in the AMA, the Hawaii Medical Association, psych psychiatrist colleagues

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint HHS, Agriculture, Environment, Energy, and Intergovernmental Affairs hearing focused first on SB 2262, a pollution and illegal dumping measure. The Department of Health said it stood on its written testimony, and public testimony included support from CARES with suggested amendments to involve the counties in standardized response planning and to address pollution caused by individuals. Members questioned the bill’s fines, where they would go, and how the department would handle carcasses and illegal dumping enforcement. DOH said administrative fines go to the general fund, criminal fines are collected by the Attorney General, carcasses are generally buried by the landowner under existing rules, and DOH mainly regulates solid waste and coordinates with counties and other agencies when violations arise. After discussion, the chair recommended SB 2262 be passed with substantial amendments. The proposed amendments would add DLNR to the task force, deposit all fines into a special fund to support enforcement, allow fines below $5,000 for littering and higher fines for excessive or chronic illegal dumping, and include a January 30, 2050 effective date. The committee adopted the recommendation, with members voting aye. The hearing then moved to the HHS calendar. On SB 2087, relating to health insurance, agencies including DHS, DCCA, the Attorney General, and Labor stood on written testimony, while several advocacy and medical groups testified in support. One Medicaid recipient opposed the bill, arguing the coverage should be immediate rather than phased in over three years. Angela Melody Young supported the bill but urged amendments to prioritize people with disabilities, kupuna, and mothers. Members questioned whether the rural health transformation program could support the bill’s deductible structure; the Department of Human Services said it was unlikely CMS would allow that level of coverage, though rural funds might help in other ways. The committee then moved on to SB 2089, which would expand services eligible for Medicaid prospective payment system reimbursement, hearing support from OHA, DHS, and others, along with testimony about mental health access and training. The transcript also began SB 2106, relating to health and eating disorder prevention, with a student testifying in support and citing youth eating disorder harms, but the discussion was cut off before any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, there's a number out through the AMA and a variety of other that I'm familiar with that look

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the draft minutes of its May 16, 2025 meeting, with one correction removing Representative Dry from the attendance list because she was present as a guest rather than an appointed member. The committee then received a Department of Health and Human Services update from Commissioner Lori Weaver, who focused on the rural health transformation grant process. She said the department has been gathering stakeholder input since July, issued a request for information on September 22, and is working toward an end-of-October draft and a November 3 deadline, with a grant writer request expected to go before Governor and Council at no cost to the state. The bulk of the meeting centered on federal changes affecting SNAP and Medicaid. Karen Heert explained that the federal law changes commonly referred to as the “Big Beautiful Bill” or HR1 will affect SNAP eligibility and state costs, including a shift in administrative cost sharing from 50/50 to 75/25 beginning in October 2026 and a possible state share of benefits if New Hampshire’s error rate is too high. She said the program affects about 43,000 households, that New Hampshire’s federal fiscal year 2024 error rate was 7.57% versus a national rate of 10.93%, and that the state must get below 6% to avoid liability. She also said DHS is preparing remediation steps, auditing cases, and seeking technology and staffing support, including a grant for automation and training. Henry Litman then described Medicaid changes under HB2 and the new federal law. He said New Hampshire returned to pre-pandemic eligibility verification rules on July 1, including a 10% income compatibility standard and reduced ex parte renewals, which has increased manual work and contributed to a drop in enrollment from about 185,000 in late June to about 178,000 in early September. He also reviewed new child premiums, pharmacy copays, Granite Advantage premiums, and possible Medicaid work requirements, noting that DHS is working with CMS on implementation details and may use a state plan option rather than an 1115 waiver because it would be less expensive and faster. Members asked several questions about the SNAP error-rate rules, the distinction between administrative and client errors, the effect of unpaid copays, and the timing and legal risk of the Medicaid work requirement; no votes were taken on those policy issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• AMA Journal, I don't know whether it's right or not, that's data, so I don't know.

Bills: HB46, HB35, HB4490, HB4454, HB2188, HB3078, HB4743, HB2556, HB46, HB5342, HB4783, HB3785, HB5278, HB1639, HB2581, HB4224, HB4070, HB4099, HB4882, HB3794

Keywords: local government spending cap, expenditure limit, political subdivision, property tax, ad valorem tax, budget cap, taxpayer protection, spending restraint, inflation adjustment, population growth, voter approval, supermajority vote, county budget, municipal budget, school district finance, junior college district, hospital district, special district, attorney general enforcement, local fiscal limits

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Amas, can I finish an answer to Senator Ridden's question earlier? Yeah. Yes.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Check out the recommendations from the APA, the AMA, you name it.
• Check out the recommendations from the APA, the AMA, you name it.
• I can email you that. ...APA, the AMA, you name it.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee opened a hearing on House Bill 148, with the chair limiting testimony to two minutes and asking for no outbursts so the committee could get through eight bills that day. Representative Kofalt, the prime sponsor, said HB 148 was the same as last year’s HB 396, which passed both chambers but was vetoed by the governor. He explained the bill would allow, but not require, separation by biological sex in bathrooms, locker rooms, houses of correction, and certain athletic competitions, leaving local school boards and administrators discretion to set policies. He argued the bill was meant to address safety and privacy concerns and cited a Milford incident and concerns in several school districts as examples of why local flexibility was needed. Committee members questioned the lack of a definition of “biological sex” and how the bill would be applied. Kofalt said he did not think a definition was necessary because males and females are generally understood, and he said the bill would give local policymakers latitude to make practical rules. He also said the bill was intended to address situations where people might misuse transgender claims to access spaces inappropriately. In response to questions, he said he was aware of issues in Kearsarge, Milford, and Mascoma school districts and had heard of discomfort in the State House, though he did not know all the details. Several opponents testified that the bill would discriminate against transgender and non-binary people and create enforcement problems. Executive Councilor Karen Hill said the bill would roll back New Hampshire’s anti-discrimination protections and conflict with the state’s Live Free or Die values. Alice Wade, a trans woman, said she had used women’s restrooms without incident and argued the bill would invite invasive enforcement and harassment. Representative La Selig said the bill was discriminatory and that bathroom concerns were being confused with unrelated harassment by cisgender males. Betsy Harrington supported the bill, citing a girls’ soccer game at Kearsarge that she said was disrupted by a boy playing on a girls’ team. Rosie Emer and her child testified against the bill, saying bathroom restrictions would increase anxiety and risk for trans and non-binary children. Stephen Scaer and Wendy Stallings supported the bill, arguing sex is biologically fixed and that excluding males from female spaces should not require genital inspections. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And if we don't trust the AMA Association's numbers, the CHBRP report, California Health Benefits Review

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee met on April 22 and took up a special order of bills focused largely on prior authorization and utilization management in health care. The chair framed the discussion as part of a broader legislative effort to reduce delays and barriers to care, especially in behavioral health, chronic disease management, cancer treatment, and rehabilitation services. AB 384 by Assembly Member Connolly would prohibit prior authorization for inpatient mental health or substance use emergency admissions and related physician care; supporters said it would prevent dangerous delays in crisis care, while insurers and health plans warned about fraud, abuse, and ambiguity around residential treatment facilities. The bill was moved on a due pass as amended motion and passed the committee on a party-line style vote, with Republicans largely absent or not voting. The committee then heard AB 510 by Assembly Member Addis, which would require health plans, upon request, to provide a peer reviewer of the same or similar specialty when a treating provider appeals a prior authorization denial or modification. Supporters argued that specialty-matched review would make appeals fairer and more clinically informed; opponents said the requirement was too rigid and that timelines and electronic submission rules needed changes. After discussion about the need for timely, specialty-specific review, the bill was approved on a due pass as amended motion and placed on call. AB 539 by Assembly Member Schiavo would extend prior authorization approvals to one year or the duration of the physician’s prescribed treatment for chronic conditions; supporters cited repeated denials and treatment interruptions, while opponents raised concerns about overbreadth, fraud, and the need for shorter validity periods. The bill was also passed as amended and placed on call. The committee next considered AB 669 by Assembly Member Haney, which would bar concurrent and retrospective review for the first 28 days of medically necessary substance use disorder treatment and limit prior authorization for related outpatient medications. The bill was presented with a powerful personal story from Ryan Matlock’s mother about her son’s death after an insurer cut off treatment early; supporters said the measure would keep patients in care long enough to stabilize, while opponents argued it would reduce oversight and could allow lower-quality or non-evidence-based care. The bill was moved on a due pass as amended motion and placed on call. Finally, AB 512 by Assembly Member Harabedian would shorten prior authorization response times to 24 hours for urgent requests and 48 hours for non-urgent requests; supporters said delays can worsen outcomes, while opponents warned the timelines were unrealistic and could increase administrative burdens and safety issues. The bill was approved as amended and placed on call. AB 574 by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez was then heard; it would allow up to 12 medically necessary physical therapy sessions for a new episode of care without prior authorization, with supporters emphasizing stroke and neurological recovery and opponents warning of reduced oversight and unnecessary care. The transcript ends during testimony on AB 574, before final action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Ama<03:59:12.080> Winter. >> Ama Winter. >> Ama Winter.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House opened with the national anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a roll call establishing a quorum. Members then approved the journal of April 8, 2026, and heard several introductions and tributes, including recognition of Home Education Day in Colorado, a welcome to Sigma Lambda Gamma members, and a reminder about an education luncheon. The chamber then recessed briefly before moving into second reading and floor consideration of bills. The main substantive debate centered on House Bill 1357, which phases out the Teacher Recruitment Education and Preparation (TREP) program. Supporters said the program serves a relatively small number of students, costs more per student than community college alternatives, and should be wound down so limited state education dollars can go to core services and the school finance formula. Opponents argued the state had promised the program to students who planned their education around it, including some who turned down scholarships, and said the change would harm future teachers and should have been treated as a pause rather than an end. The House adopted an appropriations amendment (L003), withdrew a proposed substitute amendment (L005), and then passed HB 1357 as amended. The House also passed House Bill 1358, which reduces the appropriation for the Colorado Academic Accelerator Grant Program by $5.2 million in general fund. The sponsor described it as a grant program supporting community learning centers and math/STEM enrichment, but said funding will end after the following fiscal year and the program must step down so families can seek other services. The bill was adopted without further opposition. Finally, the House considered House Bill 1359, which redirects certain revenue from public school land natural resource removals to the state public school fund rather than the permanent fund, with projected transfers of $25 million in FY 2025-26 and $45 million in FY 2026-27. Supporters said the measure is needed to help balance the budget. An opponent raised concerns about impacts on a constituent ranch lease tied to a proposed green energy project, but the sponsor clarified the bill applies only to royalties and leases on state-owned public school lands. The House then adopted HB 1359.

Transcript Highlights:

• 50:00.839> the you know their own uh estimates uh the you know their own uh estimates uh the AMA
• c> Ami<00:50:03.319> Network<00:50:03.760> and<00:50:04.000> communication AMA
• the Ami Network and communication AMA the Ami Network and communication that's<00:50:05.000> like

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I would submit to this body that the purpose of the VPA, the purpose of 207, the purpose of AMA,

Bills: SB1041, SB1088, SB1118, SB1128, SB1168, SB1176, SB1189, SB1207, SB1250, SB1272, SB1274, SB1286, SB1428, SB1457, SB1461, SB1503, SB1519, SB1537, SB1582, SB1618, SB1654, SB1713, SB1827, SCR1012, SCR1020

Keywords: electronic monitoring, nursing care, assisted living, resident rights, privacy, consent, surveillance, cybersecurity, homeland security, artificial intelligence, state appropriation, VPN security, zero trust, housing, zoning, middle housing, urban development, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes

Summary: The committee began with Senate Bill 1272, which would provide $5 million for the City of Douglas as a state match for the Douglas Port of Entry project. The chair adopted a Livingston amendment changing the funding source from the General Fund to the Water Supply Development Revolving Fund. Senator Gowen, Douglas Mayor Jose Grijalva, and city staff testified that the project could unlock $678 million in federal funding, create jobs, improve trade and national security, and generate future tax revenue. The bill passed 15-0 with three present and one not voting. Senate Bill 1503 was then amended with a strike-everything to expand the state death benefit for first responders to include pilots employed by law enforcement agencies, retroactive to January 1, 2026, and subject to voter approval. Senator Gowen and DPS Director Colonel Jeffrey Glover said the change would ensure the family of a DPS aviation supervisor killed in a helicopter crash would qualify for the benefit. The committee approved the bill 18-0 with one not voting. Senate Bill 1274 was converted by strike-everything amendment into a timeshare salesperson licensing measure, creating a separate license and training path focused on timeshare sales. Supporters said the change would better prepare salespeople and streamline licensing, while the sponsor said it would make government more efficient. The bill passed 17-1 with one not voting. Senate Bill 1286, dealing with veterinary telemedicine, was also approved after negotiated changes extended most telemedicine prescription periods to 30 days, kept antimicrobials at 14 days with no renewal, and allowed longer flea-and-tick prescriptions; supporters said it would help rural and disabled pet owners. It passed 18-0 with one not voting. The committee next considered Senate Bill 1519 on off-highway vehicles. A hostile strike-everything amendment proposing paid family and medical leave failed 7-11 with one not voting. The committee then adopted a Lopez amendment and advanced the underlying bill, which raises the OHV weight threshold from 2,500 to 3,500 pounds and adjusts registration and funding provisions. Supporters said it reflects newer enclosed and electric vehicles and helps trail funding, while opponents warned of trail damage and said the issue should wait for the study committee. The bill passed 10-7 with one present and one not voting. Senate Bill 1618, which updates the Military Affairs Commission, expands its membership and duties, and creates a military affairs fund, drew mixed testimony about whether it would strengthen Arizona’s ability to attract and retain military missions or shift the commission away from its traditional support role; it passed 10-6 with two present and one not voting. Finally, Senate Concurrent Resolution 1020, which would send to voters a CPI-based annual adjustment to legislative salaries, passed 9-8 with one present and one not voting after members debated legislative compensation, citizen-legislator concerns, and whether the change would broaden access to public service.

Transcript Highlights:

• For all of the positives and benefits to this bill, the team at AMA is proud to stand in support.

Bills: HB3772, HB1656, HB4504, HB1896, HB4420, HB4421, HB4076, HB3708, HB2806, HB3540, HB1586, HB5459, HB4553, HB4535, HB3811, HB3749, HB4255, HB4051, HB5098, HB3554, HB4539, HB5274

Keywords: e-cigarettes, health and safety, regulations, directory, penalties, regulation, certification, compliance, manufacturers, FDA, nicotine, mental health, emergency detention, paramedic authority, mental illness, healthcare facility, public health, covenants not to compete, health care practitioners, physicians

Transcript Highlights:

• It is not apparent that seeking medical outside of the AMA, okay, and when I bring evidence, somebody

Bills: HF22, HF45

Keywords: parent's bill of rights, parental rights, minor consent, minors, parents, guardians, education rights, school records, home schooling, charter school, private school, health care consent, medical privacy, patient records, exam room access, biometric data, DNA samples, blood samples, mental health, physical health