Transcript Highlights:

• For the past 12 years, I've worked and developed therapies for genetically defined diseases.
• Massachusetts residents, including those that have a family history of cancer or other genetically defined diseases
• therapies, especially as we move forward toward more personalized medicine and ultimately curing this disease
• A genetic predisposition does not mean someone will ever develop a disease.
• We are a national nonprofit that advocates for people with or at risk of hereditary cancers.

Bills: H5112, S2921, H4914

Keywords: genetic discrimination, genetic testing, genetic information, DNA, hereditary risk, insurance underwriting, life insurance, health insurance, long-term care insurance, disability insurance, medical privacy, consumer protection, anti-discrimination, insurer regulation, Commissioner of Insurance, chapter 176D, underwriting, hereditary disease, genomics, travel insurance

Summary: The Joint Committee on Financial Services held a fully virtual public hearing because the State House was closed due to a state of emergency and the prior day’s blizzard. Chairs Senator Paul Feeney and Representative James Murphy explained the decision to proceed virtually so the committee could meet bill-reporting deadlines, and they thanked first responders, DPW crews, plow operators, health care workers, and legislative staff for their efforts during the storm. Most of the testimony focused on H.5112, an act prohibiting genetic discrimination. Representative Dave Rogers and his constituent Robin Biggs testified in support, describing how federal law protects against genetic discrimination in health insurance and employment but not in life, long-term care, or disability insurance. Biggs shared her personal experience as a BRCA2 mutation carrier who was advised to secure life insurance before genetic testing, and she said the bill would let people seek testing and preventive care without fear of financial punishment. Lindsay Jack of the ALS Association and Lisa Schlager of FORCE also supported the bill, arguing that genetic testing helps people make informed medical decisions, participate in research, and pursue early intervention, while current insurance practices can discourage testing and lead to unfair underwriting based on genetic risk rather than actual illness. Committee members asked questions about whether insurers routinely ask about genetic testing and whether such information is already used in underwriting. The witness from the ALS Association said insurers commonly request this information and that the bill would bar its use in underwriting decisions. Representative Kerans asked Biggs about the cost of her screenings, and Biggs said some expensive tests still generate significant out-of-pocket bills. No votes were taken. In addition to H.5112, the chairs noted two other bills on the docket: H.4914, an act relative to the Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code, and S.2921, an act relative to travel insurance. After testimony concluded and no additional witnesses came forward, the chairs thanked staff for making the hearing possible on short notice and adjourned the meeting by unanimous voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• committed to working with the board to control the spread of CWD with thoughtful policy that balances disease
• At this time, there is no validated live test for CWD, or chronic wasting disease, that would allow us
• At this time, there is no validated live test for CWD, or chronic wasting disease, that would allow us
• There was a farm there that imported elk from Alberta that later tested positive for the disease.
• There was a farm there that imported elk from Alberta that later tested positive for the disease.

Bills: HF2103, HF4508

Keywords: energy, renewable energy, ammonia, hydrogen, certificate tracking, funding, environment, elk, cervidae, cervid importation, chronic wasting disease, CWD, animal health, livestock, wildlife disease, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, state veterinarian, zoo, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, AZA

Transcript Highlights:

• It is the cheap version of wasting disease—basically the same disease.
• we spread the disease and all sorts of things.
• Deer breeders will be the cure for the disease.
• or other diseases.
• animals like... or disease with other animals like cows.

Bills: HB509

Keywords: HB509, game breeder, game breeder license, cervid, deer breeder, whitetail deer, elk, fallow deer, deer farm, captive deer, cervidae, wildlife disease, disease testing, antemortem testing, state veterinarian, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, property rights, private property, animal transfer, breeding stock

Bills: S0198, S0422, S1236, S1356, S1456, S1722

Keywords: virtual currency, kiosks, money services business, regulation, financial services, consumer protection, cryptocurrency, registration, ADS-B, automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast, aviation, airports, airport fees, landing fees, departure fees, touch-and-go landing, general aviation, pilot privacy, airspace radius, aircraft tracking

Summary: The committee first postponed SB 1456, then heard SB 1236, which would condition state economic development incentives on employers using secret-ballot union elections and prohibit neutrality agreements. The sponsor argued the bill protects workers from coercion and applies only to companies receiving taxpayer-funded incentives; opponents said it was government interference, likely to hurt contractors, apprenticeships, and business growth, and raised concerns about federal preemption and Attorney General enforcement. After debate, the committee reported SB 1236 favorably on a recorded vote. The committee then considered CS/SB 198, a measure to regulate cryptocurrency kiosks by requiring operator registration, fraud warnings, transaction limits, blockchain analytics, receipts, and refund protections for certain first-time transactions tied to fraud. Supporters from the banking industry, AARP, and others said the bill would help stop scams that are targeting seniors and vulnerable adults; one industry witness supported the bill but suggested narrowing the limits for existing users and shortening the new-customer period. The committee reported the bill favorably. Next, the committee took up CS/SB 1356 on dog breeding, pet sales, and breeder registration. The sponsor said the bill is intended to curb puppy mills, improve animal welfare, and add consumer protections, while an amendment removed state oversight of local animal shelters. Pet store representatives supported much of the bill but objected to the three-day waiting period for financed purchases, expanded reimbursement, and unfair trade practice penalties; others argued the bill would add red tape and litigation. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard SB 1722 on app stores and minors, which would require age verification, parental consent for minors, app-content disclosures, and enforcement by the Department of Legal Affairs. Supporters said the bill would help parents protect children online; opponents warned it could force collection of sensitive personal data, create privacy and constitutional problems, and duplicate existing parental tools. Members debated the balance between child safety and privacy, and the committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 422 on ADS-B aviation data, which would bar use of ADS-B information to calculate certain landing or access fees; an amendment added departures to the restriction. Pilots supported the bill as a safety and privacy measure, while airport representatives opposed it as undermining airport finances and shifting costs. The amendment was adopted, and the hearing on the bill began with testimony from both sides.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> The Centers for Disease Control also does not advocate for declawing cats, even if they live with
• , there's a specific allowance for this to be done to address an existing or recurring infection, disease
• , injury or abnormal condition in disease, injury or abnormal condition in the<01:18:27.040><c> claws
• Neither does the Infectious Disease Society of America.
• There are more fish diseases now.

Bills: HF4080, HF3693, HF1857, HF4350

Keywords: agriculture, livestock, retailers, ownership interest, exclusive contracts, meat packing companies, dominant retailers, state law, Department of Agriculture, appropriation, funding, agriculture policy, state budget, animal welfare, cat declawing, animal cruelty, therapeutic procedures, civil penalties, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, aquatic life

Bills: HB4568, HB5458, HB4543, HB2703, HB3728, HCR113, HCR126

Keywords: film industry, incentives, grants, Texas, moving image, economic development, production companies, content standards, HB 5458, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, TPWD, chronic wasting disease, CWD, cervids, deer, elk, moose, wildlife management, game animals, disease management

Transcript Highlights:

• Safeguards to prevent the possible spread of chronic wasting disease.
• With the advent of Chronic Wasting Disease, or CWD, all deer from breeder facilities are required to
• Chronic wasting disease is a disease among white-tailed deer that we do not know a whole lot about.
• And Canada are following standard disease protocols in dealing with chronic wasting disease (CWD).
• In these areas, many have chronic wasting disease (CWD).

Bills: HB4568, HB5458, HB4543, HB2703, HB3728, HCR113, HCR126

Keywords: film industry, incentives, grants, Texas, moving image, economic development, production companies, content standards, HB 5458, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, TPWD, chronic wasting disease, CWD, cervids, deer, elk, moose, wildlife management, game animals, disease management

Transcript Highlights:

• Co-Chair Anderson and I had an agreement that one of the bills scheduled that day, which was that fish disease
• Co-Chair Anderson and I had an agreement that one of the bills scheduled that day, which was that fish disease

Bills: HF3898, HF3957, HF4372, HF4350, HF3692, HF4085

Keywords: pesticides, wild rice, environmental protection, agriculture, water quality, pollinators, training, management plan, fertilizer research, education grants, Minnesota Agricultural Council, technology transfer, agricultural productivity, HF4372, Minnesota agriculture, meat processing, meat processing training, retention incentive grants, grant extension, project deadline extension

Bills: SB 2031, SB 2386, SB 2476, SB 2801, SB 2843, SB 2844, SB 2846, SB 2885

Keywords: deer breeding, chronic wasting disease, wildlife management, release site, landowner rights, TCEQ, environmental quality, administrative actions, public notice, legislative oversight, water supply, Angelina and Neches River Authority, ownership transfer, public utilities, Certificate of Convenience and Necessity, public health, cervid resistance, research study, wildlife regulation, criminal offenses

Transcript Highlights:

• Asthma is the most common uncommunicated disease among children, leading cause of hospitalization and

Bills: HCR1026, SB1130, SB1134, SB1131, SB1132, SB1133, SB1142, HR1049

Keywords: light pollution, bird mortality, migration, energy conservation, wildlife protection, University Hospitals Authority, funding, behavioral health, appropriation, adolescent health, emergency legislation, Oklahoma State University, Medical Authority, human performance, pharmaceutical expansion, emergency funding, juvenile justice, youth services, pandemic relief, healthcare

Bills: HCR1026, SB1130, SB1134, SB1131, SB1132, SB1133, SB1142, HR1049

Keywords: light pollution, bird mortality, migration, energy conservation, wildlife protection, University Hospitals Authority, funding, behavioral health, appropriation, adolescent health, emergency legislation, Oklahoma State University, Medical Authority, human performance, pharmaceutical expansion, emergency funding, juvenile justice, youth services, pandemic relief, healthcare

Transcript Highlights:

• Asthma is the most common noncommunicable disease among children, leading cause of hospitalization and

Bills: HCR1026, SB1130, SB1134, SB1131, SB1132, SB1133, SB1142, HR1049

Keywords: light pollution, bird mortality, migration, energy conservation, wildlife protection, University Hospitals Authority, funding, behavioral health, appropriation, adolescent health, emergency legislation, Oklahoma State University, Medical Authority, human performance, pharmaceutical expansion, emergency funding, juvenile justice, youth services, pandemic relief, healthcare

Summary: The House reconvened after a quorum call and took up several Senate bills with joint committee reports, mostly involving health and human services funding. SB 1130, relating to University Hospitals authority, passed 74-12 and its emergency clause also passed. SB 1134, funding the Oklahoma State University Medical Authority, passed 75-14 with the emergency clause approved. SB 1131, appropriating ARP interest funds to address a Rogers County gap for the Office of Juvenile Affairs, passed 81-10 and the emergency clause passed. SB 1132, reappropriating ARPA funds for rural hospital rebuild programs under the State Department of Health to avoid federal clawback, passed 82-10 with emergency approval. SB 1133, involving the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and repurposing interest funds for a Norman building project, passed 68-24 and its emergency clause also passed. SB 1142, appropriating ARPA funds to the Department of Human Services consistent with pandemic relief recommendations, passed 68-21 and the emergency clause was adopted. The House also considered H.R. 1049, a resolution designating May as Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. Representative Newton summarized asthma’s impact in Oklahoma and nationally, including child health effects and recent deaths in the state, and moved adoption by unanimous consent. The transcript ends with announcements and adjournment until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a muscle and joint disease that affects the use of his arms and legs.

Bills: HCR1026, SB1130, SB1134, SB1131, SB1132, SB1133, SB1142, HR1049

Keywords: light pollution, bird mortality, migration, energy conservation, wildlife protection, University Hospitals Authority, funding, behavioral health, appropriation, adolescent health, emergency legislation, Oklahoma State University, Medical Authority, human performance, pharmaceutical expansion, emergency funding, juvenile justice, youth services, pandemic relief, healthcare

Summary: The House convened, called the roll, and opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of recognitions and presentations. Members honored Vice Admiral Jeff Trusler as Veteran of the Week, recognized the Prague Kolache Festival royalty and candidates, unveiled an artwork for the Capitol’s Hall of Heroes, and introduced the Doctor, Psychologist, and Nurse of the Day, along with the OSBI cold case team. The House also adopted HCR 1026, a resolution tied to Earth Day and “Lights Out Day” in Oklahoma, aimed at reducing light pollution and protecting migrating birds. A major portion of the meeting consisted of farewell remarks from Representatives Mike Osborne and Kevin West. Both reflected on their years of service, thanked family, staff, colleagues, and constituents, and emphasized themes of public service, hard work, conviction, and working across differences. Osborne’s remarks focused on freedom, immigration, service, and doing good in public life, while West stressed standing on principle, listening to others, and choosing courage over convenience. After the presentations and personal privilege speeches, the House moved into consideration of legislation. Chairman Caldwell presented the joint committee report on Senate Bill 1130, relating to the University Hospitals Authority, saying it would help ensure Oklahoma and the University of Oklahoma have one of the world’s leading pediatric cardiology units. The transcript ends as members begin considering the bill, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Unfortunately, our current testing methods are a lagging indicator related to the disease.
• live test that can confirm conclusively, by a validated test, that those animals do not have the disease
• Unfortunately, our current testing methods are a lagging indicator related to the disease.
• Unfortunately, our current testing methods are a lagging indicator related to the disease.
• prevention program last year and disease prevention program last year and it<01:30:52.280><c> was</c

Bills: HF47, HF434, HF1503, HF1702

Keywords: telecommunications, installation, certification, safety, underground utilities, HF434, cervidae, deer, elk, moose, chronic wasting disease, CWD, wildlife importation, animal health, biosecurity, zoo, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, AZA, USDA exhibitor, species survival plan

Transcript Highlights:

• kidney disease.
• Actually, when it comes to that, your risk factors for kidney disease and heart disease are almost identical
• It is a preventable disease. It's an extraordinarily expensive disease.
• What is causing the outstripping of kidney disease or the increase in kidney disease?
• Let me explain something: chronic kidney disease is not a black, brown, or white disease.

Bills: HB514, HB1652, HB2117, HB2298, HB3269, HB46, HB46

Keywords: maternal health, maternal care, pregnancy, labor and delivery, postpartum, doula, birth worker, midwife, obstetric care, women's health, rural health, health workforce, workforce development, trauma-informed care, public outreach campaign, health equity, minority health, underserved communities, Texas Department of State Health Services, HHSC

Transcript Highlights:

• But let's address the disease first.
• , Alzheimer's and dementia-related diseases.
• This is an expensive disease. It's a devastating disease.
• This is especially relevant in Texas, where these diseases include vascular disease, obesity, and smoking
• to the more common later-onset diseases.

Bills: SB5, SJR3, SB 5, SJR 3

Keywords: dementia, research institute, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, funding, grants, state health initiatives, research funding, state budget, prevention, healthcare, medical research, Dementia Prevention and Research Institute, disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, district apportionment, legislative rules

Transcript Highlights:

• Chronic wasting disease remains a growing concern in Minnesota.
• What about research into eradicating the disease? I haven't heard you mention that yet.
• Addressing greater problems of eradicating the disease and whatnot.
• That funding came from USDA APHIS, specifically focused on control of the disease from the perspective
• The deer themselves and what the implications of the disease will be in agricultural products.

Bills: HF2784, HF2785, HF2778, HF2281, HF2576, HF2280, HF2579

Keywords: beginning farmers, agriculture, loans, economic opportunity, farmers' equity, agriculture appropriations, farm to school, early care, child care food program, school lunch program, local food, Minnesota agriculture, food access, farm-to-institution, limited market access, county fairs, biofuels, E25, ethanol, meat processing

Transcript Highlights:

• Chronic wasting disease remains a growing concern in Minnesota.
• Chronic wasting disease remains a growing concern in Minnesota.
• What about research into eradicating<00:28:46.080><c> the</c><00:28:46.320><c> disease?
• I haven't heard eradicating the disease?
• </c> what the implications of the disease what the implications of the disease will<00:30:45.520><c>

Bills: HF2784, HF2785, HF2778, HF2281, HF2576, HF2280, HF2579

Keywords: beginning farmers, agriculture, loans, economic opportunity, farmers' equity, agriculture appropriations, farm to school, early care, child care food program, school lunch program, local food, Minnesota agriculture, food access, farm-to-institution, limited market access, county fairs, biofuels, E25, ethanol, meat processing

Transcript Highlights:

• If you have the Huntington's mutation, you get Huntington's disease.
• Most common human prion disease, that they didn't want to do that.
• , or they were controls, which means they were non-detect for the disease.
• You're going to get a disease outbreak. That is what happened.
• It's a neurodegenerative disease.

Bills: HB3270, HB3145, HB3056

Keywords: farmed cervidae, chronic wasting disease, genetic resistance, wildlife management, agriculture, wildlife tagging, hunting regulations, Cervidae family, feral swine, exotic wildlife, conservation, commercial hunting, raw milk, unpasteurized, farm sales, Oklahoma Milk and Milk Products Act, local producers, advertising

Summary: The committee heard a lengthy presentation from Texas A&M professor Chris Seaberry on chronic wasting disease (CWD) genetics in deer and elk. He argued that susceptibility to CWD is polygenic, that genomic prediction can identify more resistant animals with high accuracy, and that selecting for resistant breeding values plus the PRNP codon 96 S allele could reduce disease prevalence. He said his work has been used in USDA/APHIS programs, that some facilities have been cleaned up using these methods, and that concerns about inbreeding, increased shedding, or harm to hunting quality are overstated. Committee members questioned the science, the risk of releasing potentially infected animals, the financial incentives for breeders, and whether wildlife agencies were resisting the program for philosophical or institutional reasons. The witness and senators also discussed the Department of Wildlife’s role, the Attorney General’s opinion, and whether the state should act more quickly or wait for more data. The committee then took up House Bill 3270, which would shift rulemaking authority for the deer-release/CWD program from the Department of Wildlife to the Department of Agriculture after members said Wildlife had failed to promulgate rules for two years. The Department of Wildlife testified that it believed it had complied by collecting native deer samples and that it had been operating under a different understanding until the Attorney General’s March 5 opinion clarified the original law. After debate over agency inaction, the adequacy of the science, and the impact on deer breeders and hunters, the committee voted 3-9 against the bill, and HB 3270 failed. The committee also confirmed Jessica Wilcox to an executive nomination by a 12-0 vote. It then advanced House Bill 3145, which clarifies tagging rules for commercial hunts by making $10 tags apply only to male native wildlife and $0 tags apply to female, feral swine, and exotic wildlife; the bill passed 12-0. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 3056, which would allow unpasteurized cow, goat, and sheep milk to be sold at feed stores and farmers markets with labeling; members questioned gallon limits and whether the bill included adequate warning language, but no final action was taken in the portion provided.

Bills: SB5915, SB6025, SJM8002

Keywords: SB 5915, health technology assessment, HTA, clinical committee, medical technology review, coverage determination, state-purchased health care, Washington health care, RCW, evidence-based medicine, cost-effectiveness, safety and efficacy, Medicare coverage, national coverage determination, clinical guidelines, patient advocacy, public comment, medical necessity, rare disease, life-threatening disease

Summary: The committee held public hearings on Substitute Senate Bill 6183, which would require health plans, including public and school employee plans, to cover FDA-approved HIV antiviral drugs without prior authorization, step therapy, or other utilization management when therapeutic equivalents exist. The prime sponsor said the bill is part of Washington’s effort to end HIV/AIDS and argued that delaying access to needed medication is especially harmful for late-stage diagnoses. No one testified in person or remotely, and public testimony was closed. The committee then heard Substitute Senate Bill 6226, which would limit the Board of Hearing and Speech from adopting rules that prevent licensed audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and hearing aid specialists from using clinical judgment to choose telehealth or in-person care. Supporters said teleaudiology expands access, especially in rural areas and for patients with mobility barriers, while some testifiers raised patient safety concerns about first-time hearing aid fittings and asked for amendments or more time to review safeguards. One testifier said the Washington Hearing Society had moved to neutral after discussions on amendments. In executive session, the committee adopted amendments and advanced several measures. Substitute Senate Bill 5185, on international medical school graduate physician licensing, passed with a technical amendment and a do pass recommendation. Substitute Senate Bill 5845, on timing of claims payments, was amended to include tribal health care systems, shorten carrier refund-request timelines, and delay implementation to January 1, 2028, then passed 17-1. Senate Bill 5915, prioritizing certain health technology assessments, and Senate Bill 6025, modifying the definition of fetal death, both passed unanimously. Senate Joint Memorial 8002, asking the federal government to change Medicare policy, passed 15-3. The committee then adjourned.