Transcript Highlights:

• And then they become, they sit an examination, and if they pass the examination, then they become certified
• And then they become, they sit an examination, and if they pass the examination, then they become certified
• And then they become, they sit an examination, and if they pass the examination, then they become certified
• and if they pass they sit an examination and if they pass the<00:21:07.440><c> examination</c><00:21
• </c> they use breeding soundness examinations they use breeding soundness examinations as<00:48:25.920

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• This includes a diagnostic breast examination and a supplemental breast examination.
• This includes a diagnostic breast examination and a supplemental breast examination.
• This includes a diagnostic breast examination and a supplemental breast examination.
• prescribes rules and reporting requirements for the study committee, and tasks the study committee with examining

Summary: The caucus reviewed a long list of Senate bills and memorials, mostly on consent calendars, covering housing, elections, health care, public safety, land use, transportation, and water. Several measures focused on housing and local government regulation, including limits on municipal interference with home design standards, restrictions on alleged “malicious delays” in permitting, and rules on exactions. Election-related bills addressed internet access for voting equipment, timekeeping requirements for election systems, primary election timing, precinct committeeman vacancies, and other election administration changes. Other topics included liquor law updates, assisted living facility rules, deed and title fraud prevention, a Freedom of Speech Monument committee, renaming public spaces, and a bill restricting gender transition procedures for minors. Health and human services bills drew discussion on behavioral health technician definitions and AHCCCS/DHS coordination, Medicaid billing during facility ownership changes, breast cancer screening cost-sharing, naturopathic physicians administering IV antibiotics and similar drugs, safe-haven newborn surrender at hospitals, and reporting requirements for dialysis social workers. In public safety and judiciary, members considered bills on probation for dangerous crimes against children, sex offender registration limitations, victim restitution costs, unlawful alerting, increased penalties for unlawful flight, and a new offense for motor fuel theft. One member noted a no vote on extending the Vulnerable Adult System Study Committee, saying it would become a long-running study committee, while supporters said the committee had produced useful recommendations. The caucus also heard land, agriculture, energy, water, and transportation measures, including creation of a foreign entity land review commission, restrictions on transporting Mexican gray wolf pups with state resources, water reuse and banking provisions, solar installation disclosures and roof inspections, a larger revolving fund loan cap, and several congressional memorials. Transportation items included roadable aircraft registration, motor vehicle booting rules, military property signage, a towing and impound study committee, and photo enforcement penalties. Public safety bills included extending traumatic event counseling programs and requiring state data sharing with the federal government regarding unauthorized aliens. No formal votes were taken in the transcript; members mostly asked clarifying questions and several sponsors explained the intent and practical effects of their bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Livestock Loss Board, those two, and then vote on them, and then the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining
• to serve in the public member representing the cattle industry on the Arizona Veterinary Medical Examining
• You've returned to the Senate, Carolyn Radajack, the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board
• Carolyn Ratta Jack to the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board for full consideration.
• return Stephanie Linteskey to the full Senate for consideration of the State Veterinary Medical Examining

Committee: Senate Senate Natural Resources Committee of Reference

Summary: The Senate Natural Resources Committee met to consider several board nominations, beginning with four nominees to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission Appointment Recommendation Board. Michael Cravens, Jared Lyman, Nathan Reese (who submitted a written statement and did not attend), and Richard Williams each described their backgrounds in wildlife management, ranching, public lands, or conservation, and emphasized balance, pragmatism, and public service in selecting commission candidates. Members asked about their experience, perspectives on candidate evaluation, and the role of the board. Each nominee was advanced to the full Senate by separate motions, all approved on 7-0 votes with one member not voting. The committee then heard Darren Rasmussen’s nomination to the Arizona State Land Department Board of Appeals. Rasmussen discussed his long career in property appraisal at the private, county, and state levels, including work with county assessors and valuation training. Senators focused on his ability to bring transparency, statutory compliance, and consistency to state land appraisals and appeals. His nomination was also forwarded to the full Senate on a 7-0 vote with one not voting. Next, the committee considered the Arizona Livestock Loss Board nominees, Stephen Clark and Randy Dahl. Clark, who chairs the board, explained the board’s process for compensating ranchers for wolf depredation and described the distinction between confirmed losses and “probables.” Senators asked about reimbursement procedures, the range of Mexican gray wolves, and whether wolves had attacked humans in Arizona; Clark said there had been no human attacks in the state and that livestock losses had been compensated. Dahl was unable to attend but submitted a statement citing his farming background and business and engineering experience. Both nominees were confirmed by 7-0 votes with one member not voting. Finally, the committee heard from Carolyn Radajack and Stephanie Teske for the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board. Radajack highlighted her prior service on the board’s investigative committee and her experience with disciplinary rules, while Teske emphasized her background as a sixth-generation rancher, veterinary assistant, and agriculture regulator, with a focus on rural livestock care and access to veterinarians. Senators discussed rural veterinary shortages, telemedicine, and the changing structure of veterinary practice. Both nominees were advanced to the full Senate on 7-0 votes with one member not voting.

Transcript Highlights:

• After that, we will hear the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board nominees to close us out
• Chair, members, the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board is a nine-member board that was
• Radajack to the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board. All right. You further motion?
• Carolyn Ratta Jack to the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board for full consideration.
• We return Stephanie Teske to the full Senate for consideration of the State Veterinary Medical Examining

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• They've had their examinations. They've done clinical training.
• Once they get here, they have to be re-examined for U.S.
• There may be value in a specialty-specific examination, such as an in-training examination, to inform
• There may be value in a specialty-specific examination, such as an in-training examination, to inform
• an I, Specialty-specific examination, such as an in-training examination, to inform an ITP's learning

Summary: The committee first received an update on the effects of HR1 and related federal Medicaid and marketplace changes from Governor’s Office and Health Care Authority staff. Presenters said the most immediate coverage losses are expected in the individual market beginning in January, with premium increases and an estimated 80,000 people potentially unable to afford coverage. They warned that larger Medicaid impacts will follow over the next year and beyond, including tighter eligibility checks, work requirements, reduced retroactive coverage, limits on state-directed payments and provider taxes, new cost-sharing, and changes affecting certain non-citizen adults. They also said the state plans to seek a waiver or extension for work requirements and will continue to analyze impacts, including on rural providers and Planned Parenthood-related services. Members asked about the effect on nursing homes, rural hospitals, and how the state can help providers and enrollees navigate the new requirements; staff said timelines and a state-specific implementation chart are being developed. The committee then heard a report on the International Medical Graduate Work Group and Washington’s efforts to create pathways for internationally trained physicians. Testimony described the clinical experience license, the clinical evaluation assessment tool, grant funding for IMG support organizations, and a new hardship waiver process enacted this year. National presenters said many states have adopted similar pathways because of physician shortages, but Washington and Tennessee are among the few states that have actually issued licenses so far. They recommended clear guardrails, an employment offer before application, ECFMG certification, supervised practice, and data collection to avoid exploitation and protect patients. Members asked about state-to-state variation, retention of IMGs, and whether Washington should pursue dedicated residency or preceptorship options; presenters said the key next step is moving successful participants from supervised experience to a durable long-term license. The final topic was implementation of Washington’s Apple Health doula benefit and the statewide doula hub and referral system. Senator T’wina Nobles highlighted the state’s $3,500 per-birth Medicaid reimbursement rate for doulas and the importance of the hub for referrals, training, and billing. Health Care Authority staff said the benefit launched January 1, 2025, and covers prenatal intake, labor and delivery, postpartum visits, and telehealth-supported services. They reported 336 state-certified doulas, 134 enrolled in Apple Health, 287 unique clients served, and 641 claims paid so far. Testimony emphasized doulas’ role in improving birth outcomes, reducing unnecessary interventions, and addressing racial disparities in maternal health, while noting that implementation is still early and ongoing.

Transcript Highlights:

• A hand skills examination is critical to demonstrate competency for this type of clinical practice.
• is acting improperly in some fashion because they, quote, make money off of the examinations.
• Every licensure examination in the U.S. charges a fee.
• In addition, applicants must have passed the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology.
• It's the same examination. It's the same requirements.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Health

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing to take testimony on a wide range of bills involving professional licensure, clinical practice, and public health-related workforce issues. The chair explained that no votes would be taken at the hearing and that the purpose was to gather public input. Early testimony focused on Marnie’s Law, with supporters describing the bill as a no-cost, preventive measure to require nursing education on inflammatory breast cancer after a family tragedy and arguing it could reduce misdiagnosis and save lives. A major portion of the hearing centered on bills affecting clinical decision-making and licensure compacts. Supporters of the physician ownership/clinical autonomy bills argued they would protect independent practices from corporate interference after the Steward collapse, while supporters of EMS, dental, psychology, physical therapy, and physician assistant compacts said the measures would improve workforce mobility, reduce delays, and expand access to care, especially for rural patients, military families, and telehealth users. Several witnesses emphasized that the compacts would not reduce standards and would strengthen public protection through shared disciplinary databases and streamlined credentialing. There was also testimony on bills to ensure safe medication administration and to protect the independence of complementary and alternative health care practitioners. Nursing representatives urged that only licensed professionals administer medications in hospitals, hospices, and home care settings, warning that delegation to unlicensed staff could endanger patients and nurses’ licenses. A complementary and alternative care witness supported consumer access with mandatory disclosures and limits on reserved medical acts. On the dental compact, witnesses were split: some supported portability and workforce flexibility, while others warned the compact lacked a hands-on skills exam and could weaken Massachusetts’ regulatory authority and patient safety. The hearing concluded with continued testimony on the psychology compact, physical therapy compact, and physician assistant bills, with most speakers favoring expanded interstate practice and reduced administrative barriers.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> One of the examiners said, "Get in the car and turn your lights on." >> They went and got in the
• They couldn't understand enough English to even follow the instructions of the examiner.
• This is a of the the uh examiner.
• </c><00:29:56.399><c> You</c><00:29:56.640><c> know</c> assist in their examination.
• You know assist in their examination.

Bills: HB274 , HB287 , HB301 , HB157 , HB254 , HB88 , HB274 , HB287 , HB301 , HB157 , HB254 , HB88

Committee: House Public Safety and Homeland Security

Transcript Highlights:

• The animal is examined, and any notes that are made regarding that examination are placed in the system
• Is there an importance to that first examination? Absolutely. And what is it?
• This physical in-person examination was removed from the current law.
• Technical examiners.
• Medical Examiners. There are board members and there are staff.

Bills: SB34 , SB119 , SB261 , SB532 , SB1035 , SB1245 , SB1247 , SB1267 , SB1442 , SB1930 , SB1948 , SB2078 , SB2112 , SB2143 , SB2155

Committee: Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Of those, 393 are state driver's license examiners and 542 TPST examiners.
• and state examiners.
• And again, there's an annual audit for every third-party provider, every DPS examiner, and TPST examiner
• When I was an examiner, I was a CDL examiner for DPS.
• So everyone—examiners, all examiners, TPST and DPS—we are all audited by the compliance inspectors.

Summary: The committee met to hear interim charges on rail grade crossing safety, autonomous vehicle deployment, and commercial driver’s license oversight. After opening remarks from the chair and members, the committee first focused on rail grade separations under SB 1555, with TxDOT and the Texas Railroad Association testifying that the new state grant program was implemented quickly, drew far more applications than available funding, and helped Texas leverage state dollars into major federal awards. TxDOT said the first round funded five projects, with additional federal matching funds helping support a total project portfolio worth more than $1 billion, including the Sergio Ivan Rodriguez Memorial Bridge in Houston. Witnesses emphasized that grade separations improve safety and mobility, and committee members discussed alternative mitigation tools such as siding relocation, digital routing/notification systems, and better public education about emergency notification signs at crossings. Public testimony on rail grade separations largely supported continuing and expanding the program. Representatives from regional business and transportation groups in Houston-area communities said blocked crossings harm safety, freight movement, emergency access, and economic activity, and urged the Legislature to extend SB 1555 and keep state funding in place so Texas can continue competing for federal grants. One witness argued that railroads should bear more of the cost because the projects primarily benefit rail companies, while others stressed that the state should continue using public-private partnerships and federal matching opportunities. Committee members asked about project selection criteria, how success should be measured over time, and whether railroads contribute financially; TxDOT said future success would be measured by projects moving to construction and by reductions in crashes and fatalities at treated crossings. The committee then turned to autonomous vehicles and heard from Texas DMV officials on implementation of SB 2807. DMV explained that Level 4 and Level 5 automated vehicles transporting people or goods for a commercial enterprise must obtain a state authorization, in addition to normal title, registration, insurance, and other requirements. The agency described its rulemaking timeline, the online application and verification system, coordination with DPS on first-responder interaction plans, and the current status of authorized companies operating in Texas. A companion enforcement presentation showed how law enforcement and the public can search AV authorizations and file complaints through the DMV’s truck stop database. The hearing continued into questions about the regulatory framework and complaint process, with the committee emphasizing that safety remains the central concern as the technology expands.

Transcript Highlights:

• My position would be that they should, while they're awaiting their examinations, be in custody.
• </c> their examination their examination what<00:23:48.559><c> is</c><00:23:48.720><c> your</c><00:23
• Okay, class C felony they examinations.
• </c><00:24:11.520><c> So</c><00:24:11.760><c> sometimes</c> people to examine them.
• So sometimes people to examine them.

Bills: SB2418 , SB2568 , SB2661

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The Judiciary Committee first took up three previously heard measures in decision-making. SB 2418, which repeals the law prohibiting drug paraphernalia under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, was amended to keep prohibitions on manufacturing-related paraphernalia and then passed. SB 2568, which elevates harassment against certain public officials to a misdemeanor, was amended to place it in the harassment statute, narrow the nexus language, and extend coverage to all public employees; it passed with amendments. SB 2661, dealing with nepotism rules in the code of ethics, was amended so the ethics restrictions would apply more broadly to legislators and judges as well, and it also passed with amendments. In each case, the committee reported no no-votes or reservations and adopted the measures. The committee then heard Governor’s Message 684, the nomination of Judge Stephanie Char to the Fifth Circuit Court on Kauai. The governor’s office testified in strong support, and the Hawaii State Bar Association representative said the usual review process found her qualified. Judge Char described her Kauai roots, 17 years as a public defender, and service as a district family court judge since December 2020, saying she would bring hard work and continued commitment to access to justice. Members questioned her about recusals on a small island, her experience handling criminal and civil matters, sentencing repeat offenders, administrative appeals, and how she would approach competency and fitness issues under HRS 704. Char said she had recused only a few times, emphasized case-by-case sentencing and probation conditions tailored to underlying problems, and said she would rely on preparation and education for unfamiliar administrative matters. On 704 cases, she said defendants awaiting evaluation should generally remain in custody, with possible diversion or strict release conditions in appropriate cases, and that those found unfit would need to be sent to Hawaii State Hospital. No vote was taken on the nomination; the committee announced it would decide on Monday, February 23, at 10:45 a.m. in Room 016.

Transcript Highlights:

• At the same time, IME examiners would be allowed to record and upload those exams as well.
• It’s not the examiner.
• It's not the examiner.
• This has led many examiners to refuse to conduct an examination if there'll be a recording, and it's
• For some specialties, there's very few available examiners, especially for board exams.

Bills: SB6053 , SB6134 , SB6147 , SB6106 , SB6045 , SB6135 , SB6128 , SB6282 , SB6068 , SB6303 , SB6290

Committee: Senate Labor & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• They were placed on a kind of one list below that's called the Continued Examination List, where we're
• They currently are on that list, on the continued examination.
• They currently are on that list, on the Continued Examination List.
• They currently remain on the Continued Examination List until the next meeting of the trustees, which
• So they're on the continued examination list pending that review by those states' attorneys general.

Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee met with a quorum and began with member introductions and remarks from the chair emphasizing the committee’s focus on government efficiency, accountability, and oversight of executive branch agencies. Members shared their districts and backgrounds, with several noting hurricane recovery in their communities and a shared interest in reducing bureaucracy and improving service to Floridians. The committee’s only presentation was from Chris Spencer, Executive Director of the State Board of Administration, who gave an overview of the SBA’s governance structure, investment responsibilities, and divestment policies. He explained the SBA’s management of more than $257 billion in assets, including the Florida Retirement System, the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, and Florida PRIME, and reviewed the Protecting Florida’s Investments Act restrictions covering Northern Ireland, Cuba, Venezuela, Israel, Sudan, Iran, and China. He also described the implementation of HB 7071, including the required divestment from direct holdings in Chinese companies, and said the SBA had reduced its direct Chinese holdings from 33 companies totaling over $172 million to 13 companies totaling about $64 million, with completion expected ahead of the September 1, 2025 deadline. Members asked detailed questions about the Israel boycott list, Morningstar and MSCI, how the SBA gathers information, whether Cuba’s federal designation changes affect Florida law, how companies are removed from scrutinized lists, and whether divestment timing could affect returns. Spencer said the SBA uses public and paid research sources, gives companies a 90-day cure period in some cases, and brings list changes to the trustees for approval. He also explained that the China benchmark change is intended to reduce passive exposure while still allowing active investment decisions, and said the PFIA restrictions have had a modestly positive overall effect on pension performance. The chair also asked about the Florida Retirement System funded ratio and the CAT Fund’s capacity; Spencer said the pension fund is at 80.7% funded, that actuarial assumptions are reviewed regularly, and that the CAT Fund currently has more than $10.5 billion in liquid claims-paying capacity and is expected to remain well positioned for hurricane losses. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of times you need to re-examine for a new injury, and if you only can examine once per year, it's
• A lot of times you need to re-examine for a new injury, and if you only can examine once per year, it's
• A lot of times you need to re-examine for a new injury, and if you only can examine once per year, it's
• A lot of times you need to re-examine for a new injury, and if you only can examine once per year, it's
• </c> patients cannot afford the examination patients cannot afford the examination and<00:38:07.560><

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• So they've examined several states that have parallels with Florida's program to determine whether or
• not there is, in fact, significant fiscal impact when you examine policies such as this. ...with this
• So they've examined several states that have parallels with Florida's program to determine whether or
• not there is, in fact, significant fiscal impact when you examine policies such as this.
• .. ...various medications for very specific conditions where there was not the need for a major examination

Committee: Senate Health Policy

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health Policy met with a quorum and heard five bills. SB 126, on prescription hearing aids, would remove Florida’s prohibition on mailing hearing aids when required tele-audiology testing and procedures are completed before sale. The sponsor said the bill would improve access, especially for people with travel or geographic barriers. The Florida Academy of Audiologists expressed support in concept but said it was still working with the sponsor on an amendment for consumer safety. The committee voted the bill favorably. SB 152 would require hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies using smoke evacuation systems during certain surgical procedures. Supporters, including the Florida Nurses Association and several nurses, described surgical smoke as a workplace and patient safety hazard containing harmful chemicals, viruses, bacteria, and other contaminants, and said evacuation technology is available and already required in some settings. The committee voted the bill favorably. SB 264 would expand step-therapy exemptions for severe mental illness, including certain postpartum and pregnancy-related mental health conditions, so physicians would not have to require patients to fail preferred drugs in specified circumstances. Support came from Otsuka Pharmaceuticals, NAMI Florida, and several medical and pharmacy groups, who argued that delays in effective treatment can worsen crises and increase hospital and crisis-care costs. The committee voted the bill favorably. SB 342 would create a public-records exemption for current and former AHCA employees and certain family information, citing threats and harassment directed at inspectors and regulators. President Gaetz said he generally opposes such exemptions but supported this one because the employees are not elected officials and face real safety risks. The committee voted the bill favorably. SB 294 would limit the Board of Pharmacy’s ability to add heart failure, coronary heart disease, and cardiac rhythm disorders to the list of chronic conditions eligible for collaborative pharmacy practice, keeping those conditions under direct physician management. The Florida Society of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeons, Florida Medical Association, and the Florida chapter of the American College of Cardiology supported the bill, while the Florida Society of Health System Pharmacists opposed it. The committee voted the bill favorably. Senator Trumbull asked to be recorded in support of SB 126 and SB 152, and the meeting adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• the existing licensure and regulation of behavior analysts from the Arizona Board of Psychology Examiners
• the existing licensure and regulation of behavior analysts from the Arizona Board of Psychology Examiners
• Later, it was put into the Board of Psychologists Examiners.
• according to community standards of care, with a recommended examination interval of one year. ...with
• their recommended examination interval of one year.

Committee: House House Health & Human Services Committee of Reference

Summary: The House Committee on Health and Human Services heard and advanced four Senate bills. Senate Bill 1242 would allow courts to conduct mental health evaluation and treatment hearings, or testimony within those hearings, virtually by phone, video, or other audiovisual technology when the court finds no unfair prejudice; supporters said it reflects current practice and helps avoid dismissals due to technical issues. It passed on an 11-0 vote with one member absent. Senate Bill 1145 would transfer licensure and regulation of behavior analysts from the Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners to the existing Behavior Analyst Committee, effective January 1, 2027, and make the committee’s decisions final rather than requiring board ratification. Supporters described it as an efficiency measure that reduces delay in licensing and complaint resolution. The committee recommended the bill 11-0, with one absent. Senate Bill 1247 would allow individuals who do not receive assisted-living services to live with a resident in an assisted living center or home if the facility authorizes it, and it was described as a clarification of a recent statutory interpretation affecting independent residents. Members discussed possible safety concerns and facility discretion, and one member voted present while the rest voted aye; the bill received a due pass recommendation 10-0 with one present and one absent. Senate Bill 1023 would set optometry eye-exam standards based on community standards of care, recommend a one-year exam interval, and allow optometrists to extend eyeglass prescription validity up to two years, with adjustments based on patient risk factors; supporters said it codifies best practices and does not affect contact lens prescriptions. It passed 11-0 with one absent, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, we have done an equipment requirements examination of this vehicle.
• 52.880><c> and</c><01:03:53.119><c> found</c> conducted that examination and found conducted that examination
• </c><01:04:02.799><c> of</c> requirements, you know, examination of requirements, you know, examination
• </c> don't look them over, don't examine don't look them over, don't examine them.<01:04:17.599><c> Um
• examinations examinations instead<01:06:29.839><c> of</c><01:06:30.000><c> a</c><01:06:30.319><c> full

Committee: Senate Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• As Chair Burton said, this is OPAGA's examination of health care practitioner regulation in Florida and
• For example, in Nevada, the Board of Medical Examiners and Board of Osteopathic Medicine deposit fee
• The bill deletes the phrases limiting patient advances for examinations or treatments to amounts that
• A chiropractic physician may collect for examinations or treatment.
• The bill deletes the phrases limiting patient advances for examinations or treatments to amounts that

Committee: Senate Health Policy

Summary: The Senate Health Policy Committee heard and advanced several health-related bills focused largely on drowning prevention, surgical smoke, human trafficking training, and chiropractic patient funds. SB 428 would expand Florida’s swim lesson voucher program from children ages 0-4 to ages 1-7; the sponsor and supporters from Nemours and the YMCA emphasized Florida’s high child drowning rates and argued that swim lessons reduce risk and should be more widely accessible. Senator Harrell noted the need to revisit funding levels as eligibility expands. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also considered SB 606, which adds drowning prevention and safe bathing education to postpartum education provided by hospitals, birthing centers, and home birth providers. A mother who lost her daughter to drowning testified in support, describing the bill as an early opportunity to educate parents. An amendment removed home birth providers from the compliance-proof requirement, and the bill was adopted as amended and reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 162 would require hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies for using smoke evacuation systems during procedures that generate surgical smoke. The sponsor said the equipment is relatively inexpensive and already used in many facilities, while several senators raised concerns about the lack of supporting data, possible burdens on rural and smaller facilities, and whether the mandate should be narrower. Despite those concerns, the bill was reported favorably, with the sponsor saying more data would be provided later. The committee also approved SB 340, requiring a two-hour human trafficking course for nursing students before licensure, after amending it to make the requirement apply to students rather than nursing programs. Finally, SB 192, presented by Senator Trumbull for Senator Martin, removed the $1,500 cap on advances chiropractic physicians may collect for examinations or treatment; the Florida Chiropractic Society supported the change, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee also received an OPAGA presentation reviewing Florida’s health care practitioner regulation system and comparing board oversight, rulemaking, funding, appointments, and term-limit models in other states.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's what led us to to examine options around providing more adequate cooling in our housing units
• So it's very important that we examine options.
• So that will be part of as we examine how to move forward with this pilot program, then we'll also examine
• Part of what we're trying. to examine is the particular weaknesses of our ventilation systems as they
• So part of what we need to examine is related to options of actually delivering. the air to the cells

Transcript Highlights:

• the audience to answer any questions: Debra Hamach, executive director of the Board of Veterinary Examiners
• Steve Wills, the former chair of the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, could not.
• </c><00:02:52.040><c> uh</c> the con Board of Veterinary examiners uh the con Board of Veterinary examiners
• </c><00:03:13.319><c> could</c> KB uh K veter Medicals examiners could KB uh K veter Medicals examiners
• Because the Board of Veterinary Examiners are in the spot of perhaps writing letters to people who do

Summary: The House Agriculture Committee met briefly and took up Senate Bill 69, a measure creating a certification path for non-veterinarians who perform equine dental work, especially floating teeth. Sponsor Sen. Robin Webb and supporters said the bill was the product of about two years of open meetings and stakeholder discussions, and that it would provide accountability, insurance access, and a way to grandfather in long-time practitioners with additional training. They framed it as a rural access and affordability issue, arguing that many horse owners, especially in remote areas, cannot easily reach or afford large-animal veterinarians and that the bill would preserve a long-standing husbandry practice while setting limits so certified providers could not perform surgery. Opposition came from equine veterinarians Dr. Brad Tanner and Dr. William Rainbow, who agreed there is a shortage of large-animal veterinarians and that floating teeth is necessary, but argued the bill’s scope goes beyond simple husbandry. They said the proposed authority would include procedures such as tooth removal and other work they consider surgery, which should remain within veterinary practice because of the need for sedation, pain management, and broader oral and physical exams. They also objected to the title “equine dental provider,” saying it could mislead owners into thinking the person has dentist-like training, and suggested a term like “equine teeth floater” would be clearer. Tanner cited a KVMA survey he said showed only 14 of 214 respondents supported indirect veterinary supervision in the bill. Members asked about continuing education, the “good moral character” licensing language, and whether people with past criminal records could be excluded. Supporters said continuing education would be required through certification programs and that character determinations would be handled case by case, with reference to broader second-chance licensing efforts moving through the legislature. Rep. Stalker asked for clearer terminology and educational guidance for consumers; the witnesses reiterated that the public should understand the difference between floating teeth and a full dental exam. After discussion, the committee moved to a roll call vote on the bill, but the transcript cuts off before the final vote result is fully shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Relative to the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, to provide for membership of the board, to
• The Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners and to provide for related matters.
• Doc, have you ever served on the Board of Medicine, Medical Examiners? No, sir, I have not.
• Have you ever served on the Board of Medicine, Medical Examiners? No, sir, I have not. Okay.
• I'm the executive director of the Board of Medical Examiners.

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Summary: The House Committee on Health and Welfare met on April 23 and first disposed of several items without hearing them, including HB 1093 and HB 1145, and voluntarily deferring HB 946. The committee then quickly reported HB 1095 favorably without objection. That bill would require nursing facilities to have fuel or another alternative power generation source to maintain power, and supporters said it preserves existing backup-power safety requirements while giving facilities more flexibility as technology changes. The committee then took up HB 926, which concerns vaccination status and admission to public buildings and seeks to prohibit medical mandates. After adopting an amendment set and additional changes clarifying exclusions for licensed health care providers and facilities, medical masks, and child welfare/school-related provisions, the committee heard testimony both for and against the bill. Supporters framed it as a civil-liberties measure limiting vaccine-card requirements for public buildings, while opponents warned it could interfere with public health measures, school immunization rules, and the ability of health care facilities to protect patients. The bill was reported favorably on an 8-4 vote. HB 1220, a cleanup bill for the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, was then reported favorably after a technical amendment set. HB 1227, which would require complaints involving medical judgment to be reviewed by a three-physician panel before formal disciplinary action, drew extensive testimony from a physician sponsor, a doctor describing his disciplinary experience, and the board’s executive director, who said the board already uses practicing physicians, nurses, and experts in its process and warned the proposed panel system could be impractical because physicians are difficult to recruit for such reviews. At the sponsor’s request, the committee voluntarily deferred HB 1227 for further work. Finally, the committee reported HB 1217 favorably with amendments to a pharmacy benefit manager transparency bill, after supporters said it would expose hidden pricing and rebate practices and opponents argued some provisions were duplicative or unnecessary. HB 1028, setting minimum Medicaid reimbursement rates for non-emergency medical transportation, was reported favorably and referred to Appropriations after supporters described the need for higher rates and members discussed funding. The committee also reported HB 1185 favorably, with amendments preserving the existing Rural Hospital Preservation Act while extending similar protections to additional rural-lookalike hospitals, and adopted HCR 76 to continue the Health Inequities and Disparities in Rural Areas Task Force for another year.