Bills: SB2275, SB2390, SB2540, SB3142, SB2414, SB2340, SB2848

Keywords: Medicaid, disability, buy-in program, workers with disabilities, income eligibility, premium structure, biomarker testing, health insurance, medical coverage, state law, health maintenance organization, juvenile justice, youth penalties, minors, court fees, court costs, fines, surcharges, restitution, fee waiver

Summary: The House Committee on Health heard testimony on a series of bills related to public health, pharmacy regulation, disability access, and health care infrastructure. HB 1535, creating an income tax credit for automated external defibrillator installations, drew support from the Department of Health, tax department comments, and public testimony emphasizing AED access in community and transit settings. HB 1765, requiring safety warnings for spear fishing gear, received comments from DLNR and strong support from a free-diving safety advocate who described blackout risks and argued for point-of-sale warnings. HB 1549, which would repeal the law prohibiting drug paraphernalia, drew mixed testimony: the Department of Health, the Public Defender, and harm-reduction advocates supported repeal as a public health measure, while HPD and a county prosecutor opposed it, warning it could encourage drug use and create public safety issues. The committee also heard HB 1550, which would exclude drug testing products from the definition of drug paraphernalia. The Department of Health and harm-reduction advocates supported the bill, saying drug checking tools save lives and help prevent overdoses, while one written opponent was noted. HB 1995, allowing people who are blind or deaf to receive disabled parking permits, drew opposition from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Disability and Communication Access Board, and other opponents, while a few written supporters were also noted. HB 1671, allowing licensed dental hygienists to place interim therapeutic restorations in public health settings, received support from the Department of Health and several oral health organizations, with the Board of Dentistry offering comments. HB 1643, establishing a framework for pharmacy audits and record retrieval, prompted the most extended discussion. The Board of Pharmacy and independent pharmacy representatives supported the bill as a needed framework to limit burdensome audits and protect patient care, while HMSA raised concerns about possible conflicts with upcoming federal PBM reforms and potential unintended consequences. Committee members questioned both sides about timing and workload, and supporters argued the bill was needed now to protect rural and independent pharmacies. Finally, HB 1978, appropriating funds for a new outpatient care center in North Kona, received strong support from Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, Queen’s Health Systems, the Kona-Kohala Chamber, and others, who described it as a long-term investment in West Hawaii’s health care capacity and economy. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also authorizes the commissioner to establish a fee schedule to help offset the cost of burial.
• Removing the fees simply lowers costs for our disabled veterans.
• Removing the fees simply lowers costs for our disabled veterans.
• They're not going to have to fees. They can just designate disability. Is that correct?
• They're not going to have to fees.

Bills: HF4615, HF3532, HF4492, HF4171

Keywords: military, pay, officers, enlisted members, state active service, Minnesota Statutes, veterans, burial eligibility, honor guard, state cemeteries, military service, burial fees, veterans affairs, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, advisory task force, commanders task force, veterans service organizations, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this bill relates to student access to certain academic records, authorizing a fee.
• Our Health Sciences Centers, if you look... at the overall makeup of their budget from tuition and fees
• We've been working very hard to hold tuition and fees. steady now, I believe this is the third session
• College application fees alone can be a deterrent. current for prospective students.
• Research shows that application fees, even modest ones, can discourage students from applying to malls

Bills: HB42, HB 125, HB 1233, HB2853, HB3148, HB3326, HB3701, HB4066, HB4361, HB4762, HB4909, HB4912, HB42, HB125

Keywords: higher education, funding, financial allocation, state budget, Texas A&M University, University of Houston, education funding, medical education, osteopathic medicine, healthcare workforce, Tarleton State University, industry-recognized credentials, workforce development, career opportunities, feasibility study, student fees, university funding, student union, education, UT El Paso

Transcript Highlights:

• The fee has not changed since 1980, number one.
• where the fee is.
• But fee-wise, it would be in line with university fees. Thank you. Yes, sir. Okay.
• Do they see in their tuition and fees as compared to a resident of Texas?
• They would see the same increase because it would be a mandatory fee.

Bills: HB42, HB 125, HB 1233, HB2853, HB3148, HB3326, HB3701, HB4066, HB4361, HB4762, HB4909, HB4912, HB42, HB125

Keywords: higher education, funding, financial allocation, state budget, Texas A&M University, University of Houston, education funding, medical education, osteopathic medicine, healthcare workforce, Tarleton State University, industry-recognized credentials, workforce development, career opportunities, feasibility study, student fees, university funding, student union, education, UT El Paso

Transcript Highlights:

• It was, I think, birthed from a number of requests over the years to uh talk about license fees for those
• 00:02:18.519> talk<00:02:18.879> about<00:02:19.480> license<00:02:19.959> fees
• <00:02:20.920> for years to uh talk about license fees for years to uh talk about license
• fees for those<00:02:21.640> buying<00:02:22.080> a<00:02:22.239> fishing<00:02:
• <00:10:38.160> I provide the service uh with the fees I provide the service uh with the fees

Bills: HF276, HF413, HF411

Keywords: human services, Medical Assistance, Medicaid, long-term services and supports, LTSS, public assistance, application process, eligibility determination, customer service survey, wait times, form complexity, lead agencies, Department of Human Services, Department of Children Youth and Families, streamlining, administrative reform, case management, reassessment, intake system, adaptive eligibility form

Transcript Highlights:

• However, these designated groups are currently required to pay an additional $3 fee for their license
• plates, a fee not uniformly applied across all military merit plates.
• On the fee, the $3 fee, this is going to be exempted for all military license plates, is that correct
• This is going to wipe out that $3 fee. That first $3 fee. On all of them? Yes, sir.
• It's basically multiplying the $3 fee for the applicable recipients, and we'll get you that number.

Bills: HB4458, SB651, SB1227, SB1931

Keywords: veterans, service members, military transition, Texas Veterans Commission, pilot program, self-reliance, employment assistance, housing assistance, mental health services, career training, veterans service organizations, spouses and dependents, military families, Texas military forces, post-separation support, reentry services, workforce development, benefits navigation, transition assistance, SB 651

Transcript Highlights:

• The net budget impact was slightly positive based on the fee adjustments.
• positive based on the fee adjustments. positive based on the fee adjustments.
• And then a couple of fee adjustments throughout, but mostly a cleanup bill. >> Thank you, Representative
• Uh ability to assess ability to assess um<00:32:47.039> a<00:32:47.279> fee,<00:32:47.600
• , but they don't see that they um a fee, but they don't see that they will<00:32:49.679> need<

Bills: HF3298, SF3832, HF3528, HF3516, HF3972, HF4118

Keywords: underground storage tanks, petroleum, reimbursement program, environmental regulation, pollution control, dairy assistance, investment relief, agriculture support, food production, economic relief, barbering, licensing, examinations, barber schools, public safety, certifications, Barber Examiners Board, dentistry, licensure, registration

Transcript Highlights:

• The measure provides the spouse and children of a Goldar recipient with free tuition, fees, and room

Bills: HB3312, HB3700, HB2981, HB2961, HB3016, HB4478, HB4326, HB3025, HB3710

Keywords: firearm safety, public schools, education policy, student safety, gun control, opt-out option, grading system, student assessment, academic integrity, state funding, opinion conduct, open meetings, school boards, transparency, public access, education governance, HB2961, TSgt Marshal Dakota Roberts Gold Star Survivor Act, Gold Star family, Gold Star recipient

Transcript Highlights:

• Port has issued over 937,000 permits, generating more than 28... point one million dollars in permit fees
• Our operator has consistently invested, and we've used every penny of our lease fees to buy ties, install
• The bill allows peace officers to register one personal vehicle without paying standard registration fees
• , other than a $3.00 license plate fee.

Bills: SB 682, SB 1013, SB 1369, SB 1422, SB 2001, SB 2080, SB 2366, SB 2705, SB 2841

Keywords: memorial highway, Captain Kevin Williams, Firefighter Austin Cheek, Smith County, transportation, pedestrian right-of-way, sidewalk users, bicycle safety, micromobility, electric scooter, motor-assisted scooter, electric personal assistive mobility device, skateboard, roller skates, driveway crossing, alley crossing, traffic safety, yield law, Texas Transportation Code, vehicle-pedestrian collision

Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on several bills aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency of Texas transportation and port authorities. Key discussions included the implications of SB2080, which seeks to streamline operations for navigation districts by raising procurement authority, exempting security discussions from recording requirements, and aligning Texas ports with national standards to foster economic growth. Senator Alvarado advocated fervently for the bill, emphasizing its positive impact on competitiveness with ports in states like Virginia and New Jersey. Public testimony reflected mixed responses, with strong support from industry representatives but opposition from some municipal authorities concerned about the potential overreach of port authorities into local development.

Transcript Highlights:

• . $3.1 million in permit fees.
• Our operator has consistently invested, and we've used every penny of our lease fees to buy ties, install
• To peace officers to register one personal vehicle without paying standard registration fees.

Bills: SB682, SB1013, SB1369, SB1422, SB2001, SB2080, SB2366, SB2705, SB2841

Keywords: memorial highway, Captain Kevin Williams, Firefighter Austin Cheek, Smith County, transportation, pedestrian right-of-way, sidewalk users, bicycle safety, micromobility, electric scooter, motor-assisted scooter, electric personal assistive mobility device, skateboard, roller skates, driveway crossing, alley crossing, traffic safety, yield law, Texas Transportation Code, vehicle-pedestrian collision

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Chair O'Driscoll, the question I have is I'm interested in knowing the full list of taxes and fees
• and assessments are often taxes fees and assessments are often passed<00:20:21.600> on<00:20:
• It is largely based in their administrative fees, which are then passed on to consumers.
• We can only fund through two more years because that's all we have on the waiver.
• <00:56:42.440> be so you're asking that the waiver be so you're asking that the waiver be

Bills: HF837

Keywords: health insurance, premium security plan, federal funding, state innovation waiver, Minnesota, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• service called individualized home supports with training, which supports people on the disability waiver
• IHS is one of the services available to people on a disability waiver who are living in their own home
• They'll probably look at county case waiver management procedures, budget setting, etc.
• all, you're absolutely correct, the legislature will have to act to make adjustments to what's in waiver
• case manager procedure, uh uh waiver case manager procedure, uh uh<01:13:25.960> claims<01:13

Bills: HF3526, HF3375, HF3469

Keywords: home care, licensing, fines, advisory council, grant program, client safety, healthcare regulation, HF3375, Minnesota disability waiver, waiver rate system, human services, individualized home supports, individualized home supports with training, individualized home supports with family training, positive support services, employment support services, employment development services, employment exploration services, billing limits, service authorization year

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, it might work out for a waiver program.
• Quite honestly, Representative, they cannot absorb these cuts, and a potential waiver, you know, when
• Quite honestly, Representative, they cannot absorb these cuts, and a potential waiver, you know, when
• Quite honestly, Representative, they cannot absorb these cuts, and a potential waiver, you know, when
• Additionally the most recent CSM waivers Additionally the most recent CSM waivers Amendment<01:46

Bills: HF2367, HF2319, HF2523, HF1742, HF671, HF2331, HF2722, HF2406, HF1674

Keywords: HF2367, Community First Services and Supports, CFSS, personal care assistance, PCA, consumer-directed community supports, CDCS, home and community-based services, HCBS, direct support professionals, direct care workers, caregivers, support workers, SEIU Healthcare Minnesota & Iowa, collective bargaining agreement, retention stipend, health care cost stipend, training stipend, orientation program, retirement trust

Transcript Highlights:

• They were going to go on a waiver.
• It prevents arbitrary price waiver.
• waiver rooms, a limited waiver rooms, a limited number.<00:05:17.360> This<00:05:17.600><
• having elderly waiver having elderly waiver available?
• not covered today under the DD waiver. not covered today under the DD waiver.

Bills: HF2216, HF1978, HF2354, HF1963, HF1994, HF1995, HF1894

Keywords: assisted living, nursing home, long-term care, guardian, conservator, resident rights, arbitration, mandatory arbitration, consumer protection, fee increase, rate increase, price hike, private pay, public funds, Medicaid, waiver services, elderly, seniors, older adults, disability rights

Transcript Highlights:

• They would have to have exempt plates not to be charged a fee.
• It just exempts the fee, as we have done for as long as the DMV has been in existence.
• I was under the opinion that this was no longer to be a fee associated with the overall bond.
• I think the intent here is to be clear: you get the permit, you just don't have to pay the fee.
• Just like you could either pay the fee if you were not a government entity, and then you'd be exempt.

Bills: SB215, SB1104, SB1351, SB1931, SB2245, SB2589, SB2707, SB2807, SB1423, SB1568

Keywords: education, funding, school districts, local control, equity, digital identification, identity verification, Department of Public Safety, Texas legislature, wireless communication, Texas, technology, identification program, fee structure, wireless devices, public safety, hunting license, handgun license, fingerprinting, dealer license

Bills: HF1667, HF2526, HF68

Keywords: correctional fees, supervision fees, probation, Department of Corrections, criminal justice funding, electronic home monitoring, drug testing, restitution collection, community service work, postprison supervision, court-ordered services, fee sunset, fee phaseout, offender fees, community corrections, supervised individuals, 1183, house

Bills: HB31, HB31

Keywords: absentee voting, disabled, blind, voter assistance, voting rights, SNAP, public assistance, nutritional standards, waiver, food regulation, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It updates certain agriculture fees every so often.
• This gives a list of the fees, a list of where we're at, all the different things.
• These will, in case you don't know, these fees will go through a board.
• And so we never have the wherewithal to raise fees.
• There's a lot of fees in here.

Bills: SB145, SB143

Keywords: auditing, financial reporting, state auditor, public agencies, capital outlay, compliance, federal audits, agriculture, New Mexico Department of Agriculture, fee update, regulatory fees, egg inspection, egg grading, egg dealer, pesticide control, pesticide registration, pesticide applicator, pest management consultant, plant protection, nursery license

Bills: SB145, SB143

Keywords: auditing, financial reporting, state auditor, public agencies, capital outlay, compliance, federal audits, agriculture, New Mexico Department of Agriculture, fee update, regulatory fees, egg inspection, egg grading, egg dealer, pesticide control, pesticide registration, pesticide applicator, pest management consultant, plant protection, nursery license

Transcript Highlights:

• Agencies, first responder agencies, from charging a fee to respond.
• Responding that they also shouldn't charge a fee for what basically is their mission, which is to be
• And one of the ideas that came up was to charge an accident response fee when fire departments go out
• Those fees will only be charged to insured drivers.
• Accident fees can be $710 to $1,800 per accident.

Bills: HB3045

Keywords: accident response, motor vehicle, law enforcement, fire department, fee prohibition, 914, all