Video & Transcript Research : 'music therapy'

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WA
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Jan 21st, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Postsecondary Education & Workforce

Transcript Highlights:
  • therapy license to provide supervised music therapy for up to six months while awaiting verification
  • Music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish client goals
  • Music therapy is a fast-growing allied health profession, and music therapy programs are being created
  • of music and the director of music therapy at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma.
  • As a new music therapy program in Washington, PLU will be building a pipeline of qualified music therapy
Bills: HB2286, HB2324, HB2363, HB2098
Keywords: social work, licensure, alternative routes, education requirements, professional regulation, tuition waivers, veterans, education, children of veterans, higher education, military families, music therapy, temporary exemptions, healthcare, therapy practice, funding, tuition, financial aid, state budget, 904
Summary: The committee held its first meeting and heard public testimony on four bills. HB 2286 would create an alternative route to social worker licensure by removing the exam requirement for advanced social workers and allowing an enhanced supervised practice pathway for independent clinical social workers. The sponsor and several social workers argued the exam is a poor measure of competence and can be a barrier to licensure, while the Association of Social Work Boards opposed the bill, warning it could weaken uniform standards and create issues with Washington’s social work compact. Committee members asked follow-up questions about the compact, the exam format, and related accreditation issues; no vote was taken. HB 2363 would allow music therapy applicants to practice under supervision for up to six months while waiting for exam verification and licensure processing. The sponsor described it as a technical fix to help newly trained therapists enter the workforce sooner, and testimony from music therapists, educators, and a patient was strongly supportive, emphasizing workforce shortages and the need for supervised practice during administrative delays. There was no opposition testimony and no action taken. HB 2324 would change tuition-waiver eligibility for children of certain disabled or deceased veterans so that, when a disability determination occurs after a child turns 18, the child would have eight years from that determination to use the waiver. The sponsor said the bill is meant to address delays in federal disability determinations that can otherwise cause students to age out of state benefits. The committee heard no opposition, and public testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. HB 2098 would eliminate the cap on the advanced computing surcharge, expand Washington College Grant eligibility up to 100% of state median family income, and reduce resident undergraduate tuition by 10% for three academic years beginning in 2027-28. Supporters, including students, labor, and advocacy groups, said it would improve affordability and access to higher education by asking large tech companies to pay more. Opponents from business and university groups argued the bill would sharply increase taxes, create uncertainty, and reduce tuition revenue without backfilling institutional budgets. Members questioned the existing cap, the use of WEA funds, and the impact on universities; no vote was taken. At the end of the meeting, staff noted amendment requests would be due Monday at 10 a.m. and amendments approved by 6 p.m. Monday if executive action is planned for Tuesday.
KY
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

Interim Joint Committee on Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations (6-22-23) - Reup

WA
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Feb 4th, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Postsecondary Education & Workforce

Transcript Highlights:
  • As a reminder, House Bill 2363 allows applicants for music therapy licenses to provide supervised music
  • therapy for up to six months while awaiting verification of exam results.
  • The very first law I ever made in this state was House Bill 1247 to establish music therapy as a licensed
Bills: HB2498, HB2443, HB2567, HB2363, HB2422
Keywords: nursing education, nursing program standards, board of nursing, state board, national accreditation, accreditation body, nursing school, nurse educator, clinical simulation, simulation director, lead nurse educator, NCLEX, licensure exam pass rate, corrective action plan, technical assistance, higher education, program approval, Washington RCW, professional development, nursing licensure
Summary: The committee held courtesy hearings on three bills before moving to executive action on two unrelated measures. House Bill 2443 would create an Armed Forces Reserve post-secondary education grant. Staff explained the bill as written would apply to Army Reserve members and their spouses/dependents, with eligibility tied to Washington domicile or stationing, enrollment in an in-state postsecondary program, and a service obligation or repayment requirement. Rep. DeFoe said the intent was to extend educational support to reservists similar to benefits already available to Washington National Guard members. A reserve ambassador testified in support, emphasizing the role of reserve components in state and national security and disaster response. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. House Bill 2567 would restore Washington College Grant and College Bound Scholarship award levels for students attending four-year private, not-for-profit institutions. The sponsor, Rep. Street, said the Legislature had made a budget-driven cut last session and should reinstate the aid as soon as possible. Students and representatives from private colleges testified that the cuts would reduce access, increase debt, and disproportionately harm low-income, first-generation, and students of color; supporters also argued the aid helps students stay in Washington and supports workforce needs, including health care. Public university faculty and some others opposed the bill, arguing state funds should prioritize public institutions and that public higher education has also faced cuts. The committee heard extensive testimony but took no action on the bill in the hearing. House Bill 2498 would change nursing education standards by limiting the Board of Nursing’s authority where programs are nationally accredited, requiring technical assistance for low NCLEX pass rates, and expediting approval for certain programs. The sponsor said the bill was intended to reduce barriers, address perceived overreach by the board, and improve diversity and workforce supply in nursing. Community college leaders and some nursing educators supported the bill, saying current rules create unnecessary delays and hinder expansion, especially in rural areas. The Board of Nursing, nursing education groups, hospitals, clinical placement organizations, and other nurses opposed it, arguing state oversight is needed for patient safety, local workforce needs, and consistent standards; several said the board is already revising its rules through the existing WAC process. After the public hearings, the committee went into executive session and passed Substitute House Bill 2363 and Substitute House Bill 2422 out of committee with do-pass recommendations, each after adopting amendments that delayed implementation dates. The vote on 2422 was 9-7, with one excused member.
WA
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Jan 27th, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Postsecondary Education & Workforce

Bills: HB2438, HB2422, HB2525, HB2586, HB2337, HB2311, HB2286, HB2324, HB2363, HB2098, HB2088
Keywords: education, scholarship, early childhood, funding, higher education, early education, support, degree seekers, private security, security guard, armed security guard, security company, licensing fees, license renewal, endorsement fee, fingerprints, background check, workforce retention, low-wage workers, public safety
Summary: The Post-Secondary Education and Workforce Committee met on January 27 and first took executive action on three bills. House Bill 2311, which makes administrative changes to the Workforce Education Investment Accountability and Oversight Board, was advanced with a do pass recommendation after the proposed amendment was withdrawn. Members supporting the bill said it was a modest process improvement, while some members raised concerns about transparency, accountability, and ensuring workforce dollars go directly to student success. The bill passed on a 15-1 vote. House Bill 2324, which extends tuition waiver eligibility for children of certain disabled veterans, also passed unanimously with a do pass recommendation. House Bill 288, the Dietitian Licensure Compact, was amended to delay implementation until July 1, 2028, and then advanced unanimously with a do pass recommendation. The committee then held public hearings on several bills. House Bill 2422 would shift private security guard licensing fees from individual guards to their employers, eliminate transfer fees, and penalize companies that require reimbursement. The sponsor and labor advocates argued the current system unfairly burdens low-wage workers and contributes to high turnover, while committee members asked about whether the license is tied to the company, the size of the turnover rate, and whether lowering or eliminating fees might be an alternative. House Bill 2438 would create the SEEDS scholarship for early childhood education degree seekers, funded by up to $10 million from the GET account if it remains sufficiently funded. The sponsor and supporters said it would help address severe early learning workforce shortages, especially in rural areas, while WASAC said it supported the concept but had concerns about using GET funds directly and suggested a new account structure to avoid conflicts with existing requirements. The committee also heard House Bill 2525, which would create a heritage orchard program at Washington State University to register and preserve old and rare apple varieties. The sponsor and the tree fruit industry described it as a way to preserve agricultural history, support research, and promote ag education. Finally, House Bill 2586 would align Passport to Careers financial need calculations with the federal student aid formula and automatically qualify Passport students for the Washington College Grant. The sponsor, WASAC, and student testifiers said the bill would simplify aid access for foster youth and unaccompanied homeless youth; WASAC said it would absorb the modest administrative cost and clarified it was not seeking new appropriations. No final committee action was taken on the bills heard in public testimony during this meeting.
OK
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations and Budget Natural Resources Subcommittee Feb 9th, 2026 at 10:30 am

A&B Natural Resources Subcommittee

MN
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Health Finance and Policy Committee 2/23/26

Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • . therapy. therapy.
  • </c> activities that they do in art therapy. activities that they do in art therapy.
  • of therapy.
  • But it's therapy and it's of therapy.
  • </c> therapy content embedded in all of that. therapy content embedded in all of that.
Bills: HF362, HF2590, HF2760, HF3444
Keywords: massage therapy, Asian bodywork therapy, massage therapist, Asian bodywork therapist, licensure, professional licensing, health occupations, Department of Health, commissioner of health, advisory council, protected title, unlicensed practice, scope of practice, consumer protection, background check, professional liability insurance, continuing education, credentialing examination, state preemption, municipal regulation
OK
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism REVISED Apr 21st, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism

OK
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism REVISED Apr 21st, 2026

Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism

Transcript Highlights:
  • This bill has to do with a rebate through our music industry.
Bills: HB1823, HB3031, HB3369, HB3378, HB3429, HB3624, HB3657, HB3880, HB4215, HB4476
Keywords: housing finance, Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency, publication requirements, housing policy, state regulations, HB3031, North Pointe Workforce Development Initiative, workforce development, job training, skills training, job placement, local hiring, economic development, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, revolving fund, state treasury, appropriation, budget, workforce investment, employment outcomes
Summary: The Senate Economic Development, Workforce, and Tourism Committee met for a work session focused largely on executive nominations and several House bills. The committee advanced nominations for Jared Lundry and Norville Ritter to the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission, Amy Blackburn as Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation, and Jason Kays to the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, with each nominee describing their background and priorities and receiving favorable roll-call votes. Members also considered and advanced a series of bills affecting housing, tourism, workforce, and related programs. HB 1823 would require the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency to provide advance notice of HOME program changes, limit retroactive rule changes, and give preference to nonprofit grant recipients; it passed 8-1. HB 4476 created a revolving fund related to a music industry rebate program and passed 7-2 after an amendment raising a threshold from 25,000 to 28,000. HB 3880 updated tourism advertising law to include digital media and allowed the Oklahoma Today magazine to move online, with an amendment making publication permissive rather than mandatory; it passed 8-1. HB 3031 created a revolving fund for workforce development tied to skilled trades and the North Point Workforce Development Initiative, and HB 3378 staggered terms on the Oklahoma Science and Technology Research and Development Board; both passed. The committee also passed HB 3369, which aligned LP gas and fire-suppression rules for mobile food vendors and required annual fire safety training, HB 3429, which authorized up to $50 million in bonds for CareerTech-related economic development projects, HB 3657, which clarified agricultural labor reporting and allowed OESC to share workforce data with the Workforce Commission, and HB 4215, which lowered the minimum spend threshold for Oklahoma film post-production incentives from $50,000 to $20,000. Finally, HB 3624, a controversial bill changing how county lines are determined along shifting waterways, drew extensive debate over taxation, property records, and rural impacts before passing 6-5. The chair noted the committee likely had one more meeting remaining and invited further suggested language on the county-line issue.
TX
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Administration May 7th, 2025

Administration

Transcript Highlights:
  • research, we've arranged for Simon to attend Independent Identity two days a week for day hab and ABA therapy
  • He was kicked out of his preschool, out of Miracle League Baseball, out of speech therapy...
  • He was kicked out of his preschool, out of Miracle League Baseball, out of speech therapy.
  • Carthage, Texas, is home to the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame and the Tex Ritter Museum.
  • As such, House Concurrent Resolution 74 designates Carthage as the official Country Music Capital of
Bills: SB2959, HB3096, HCR29, HCR56, HCR12, HCR55, HCR74, HCR78, HCR116, HCR117, HCR6, HCR50, HCR107, HCR80, HCR58, HCR70, HCR71, HCR72, HCR75, HCR93
Keywords: firearm safety, awareness month, public safety, responsible ownership, storage, recreational use, profound autism, awareness day, caregiver, disabilities, support, counseling, mental health, awareness, support services, community health, necrotizing enterocolitis, premature infants, breastfeeding, health awareness
Summary: The Senate Committee on Administration met with a quorum and took up a series of pending resolutions, bills, and the local uncontested calendar. The committee first reported HCR 80 favorably and placed it on the May 9, 2025 local and uncontested calendar. It then heard and approved several commemorative resolutions, including HCR 12 designating September as Deaf Awareness Month for 10 years, HCR 55 reaffirming Poteet as the Strawberry Capital of Texas, HCR 56 designating May as NEC and Breastfeeding Awareness Month, and HB 3096 creating Profound Autism Awareness Day on March 17. Each of these measures was reported favorably to the full Senate, with no opposition in testimony except HB 3096, which included supportive testimony from Tara Duval describing the needs of individuals with profound autism and their families. The committee also approved HCR 58 redesignating Dripping Springs as the Wedding Capital of Texas, SB 2959 designating August as Firearm Safety Month, HCR 74 naming Carthage the Country Music Capital of Texas, HCR 78 establishing Lone Star Santa’s Charities Day, HCR 116 redesignating Brownsville as the Bicycling Capital of the Rio Grande Valley, and HCR 117 designating Port Aransas as the Fishing Capital of Texas. SB 2959 drew supportive testimony from Stephen Price, who emphasized gun safety, suicide prevention, and public awareness, while other measures received no public testimony. All were reported favorably and recommended for the May 9 local and uncontested calendar. Later, the committee approved HCR 6 naming Galveston the Juneteenth Capital of Texas, HCR 50 naming Galveston the Mardi Gras Capital of Texas, HCR 107 making the Texas Almanac the official State Book of Texas, HCR 70 designating Jim Hogg County as the Vaquero Capital of Texas, HCR 71 recognizing LaSalle County for wild hog hunting and related traditions, and HCR 29 designating April as Counseling Awareness Month. HCR 6 received testimony from a Galveston city representative in support of the Juneteenth designation, and HCR 29 received testimony from the Texas Counseling Association supporting recognition of counselors. Finally, the committee certified the May 9, 2025 local and uncontested calendar after removing 32 bills for reasons including penalties, fiscal notes, or opposition, specifically noting SB 317 was removed due to criminal and civil penalties, and then recessed.
WA
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Health Care & Wellness Feb 4th, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Health Care & Wellness

Transcript Highlights:
  • Individuals receiving PDN may also be eligible for other state plan services, for example, physical therapy
  • that's on here, but just to call out some examples, we have enteral G-tube and J-tube feedings, oxygen therapy
  • that's on here, but just to call up some examples, we have Entrel G-tube and J-tube feedings, oxygen therapy
Bills: HB2402, HB2555, HB2599, HB2685
Keywords: phthalates, medical equipment, healthcare regulation, intravenous therapy, toxic substances, Medicaid, healthcare, traditional practices, health insurance, coverage expansion, therapy, psychotherapy, mental health, regulation, professional standards, tribal data, data protection, privacy, sharing of information, Indigenous rights
Summary: The House Health Care and Wellness Committee met on February 4 at policy cutoff and first took executive action on four bills, with one bill deferred. The committee advanced a proposed third substitute for House Bill 1589, which would require health carriers to give providers more detailed advance notice and copies of contract changes and payment methodology, and would also add notice requirements for significant payer contract modifications. Members discussed the bill as a way to help hospitals and independent providers better understand carrier contract changes; it passed with a due pass recommendation. The committee also adopted a substitute for House Bill 2402, which delays and adds exemptions to the proposed ban on DEHP in IV solution containers and tubing, after testimony about implementation concerns from hospitals and fire chiefs; it passed. House Bill 2555, concerning Medicaid coverage of traditional health care practices, was reported out with broad support but some concern about state exposure when non-tribal members are treated at Indian clinics. House Bill 2685, on tribal data and disease reporting to tribal health jurisdictions, also passed, though some members raised questions about data use, scope, and a Public Records Act exemption. House Bill 2599 was deferred. The committee then held a work session on private duty nursing in the medically intensive children’s program. The Health Care Authority and DSHS explained how the program serves children with complex medical needs through managed care and fee-for-service pathways, the limited number of children served, and the difficulty agencies face filling authorized hours because of workforce shortages, rural access issues, and frequent hospitalizations. They noted that family members often fill unpaid gaps in care. Public testimony from a home care agency representative and a parent described severe staffing shortages, the burden on families, and support for a model that would allow trusted family caregivers to be paid for some skilled care. The committee also heard from Montana and Massachusetts officials about similar family caregiver or complex care assistant programs in those states, including eligibility, covered tasks, training, supervision, and payment structures, as examples of how other states are addressing care gaps.
TX
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Culture, Recreation & Tourism Apr 8th, 2025

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Transcript Highlights:
  • It brings together residents and visitors in a celebration of music, art, and heritage.
  • Carthage is home to the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.
  • The Country Music Hayride continues its series and performances.
  • As the Country Music Capital, Texas Hall of Fame. Thank you, Representative Schaffner.
  • Oh, the French music. You've reached your limits. I'm telling you for sure. You heard it here.
Bills: HB1397, HB1886, HB3088, HB4187, HB4229, HB4230, HB5032, HCR6, HCR34, HCR50, HCR55, HCR58, HCR70, HCR71, HCR72, HCR74, HCR75, HCR80, HCR86, HCR93, HCR100, HCR107, HCR116, HCR117, HCR6
Keywords: Texas Constitution, Declaration of Independence, victory or death letter, display, historic preservation, lifeguard requirements, public beaches, municipalities, county regulations, exemptions, Parks and Wildlife, procurement, goods and services, revenue generation, Texas legislature, historical preservation, Texas Historical Commission, fees, nonprofit organizations, fundraising
TX
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Committee on Administration May 7th, 2025

Administration

Transcript Highlights:
  • He was kicked out of his preschool, out of Miracle League-based baseball, and out of speech therapy.
  • Texas is home to the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame and the Tex Ritter Museum.
  • As such, House Concurrent Resolution designates Carthage as the official country music capital of Texas
Bills: SB2959, HB3096, HCR29, HCR56, HCR12, HCR55, HCR74, HCR78, HCR116, HCR117, HCR6, HCR50, HCR107, HCR80, HCR58, HCR70, HCR71, HCR72, HCR75, HCR93, HCR12, HCR6
Keywords: firearm safety, awareness month, public safety, responsible ownership, storage, recreational use, profound autism, awareness day, caregiver, disabilities, support, counseling, mental health, awareness, support services, community health, necrotizing enterocolitis, premature infants, breastfeeding, health awareness
OK
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Public Health REVISION 2- Meeting moved to room 4S5 Apr 1st, 2026 at 09:00 am

Public Health

AL
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Feb 18th, 2025

Alabama Senate Floor Meeting

AZ
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/26/2026 - Senate Military Affairs and Border Security

Military Affairs and Border Security

Transcript Highlights:
  • appropriates $300,640,000 in fiscal year 2027 from the State General Fund to the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
  • For veterans to be able to undergo hyperbaric oxygen treatment therapy.
  • veterans that could probably use... ...because there's a lot more veterans that could probably use this therapy
Bills: SB1055, SB1065
Keywords: immigration enforcement, law enforcement, illegal aliens, state legislation, civil penalties, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, veterans, military health, mental health treatment, funding allocation, 1182, all
KY
KY

Kentucky 2025 Regular Session

Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee (9-9-25)

Transcript Highlights:
  • . >> Board of Lenture for Occupational Therapy 2011 K28240.
  • This regulation has staff-suggested amendments. 2011 K28240 amends the occupational therapy compact to
  • </c><00:03:53.840><c> compact</c> amends the occupational therapy compact amends the occupational therapy
  • Board of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy 2011 K46010 Emergency and 46081 Emergency. 2011 KR460110E
  • </c> [Music] Representative Fraser Gorn is going to have a question. Thank you. Proceed.
Keywords: :54 – Board of Pharmacy 2:00 – Board of Social Work 3:44 – Board of Licensure for Occupational Therapy 4:43 – Board of Registration for Professional Geologists 7:27 – Board of Imaging and Radiation Therapy 8:33 – Board of Emergency Medical Services 10:38 – Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources 17:37 – Transportation Cabinet 18:37 – Department of Education 25:00 – Department of Workplace Standards 27:06 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services, 958, all
Summary: The Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and then reviewed a series of agency regulations, most of which had staff-suggested amendments. The Board of Pharmacy regulation on remote prescription processing was amended to make grammatical and KRS Chapter 13A compliance corrections, and the Board of Social Work regulation on continuing education, telehealth training, waivers, and related fees was deferred at the agency’s request. The Occupational Therapy Compact rule update and the Professional Geologists fee increase regulation both received staff amendments and were approved, with the geologists’ board explaining the increases were driven by rising oversight costs and declining revenue. The committee also reviewed emergency regulations from the Board of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy, the Board of Emergency Medical Services, the Transportation Cabinet, and the Department of Workplace Standards. The EMS package covered licensing classifications, compliance audits, ambulance service rules, and electronic forms; the Transportation Cabinet’s emergency rule established procedures for street-legal special purpose vehicles; and Workplace Standards’ emergency rules updated Kentucky requirements to align with federal standards and House Bill 398, including shortening the discrimination complaint filing deadline from 120 days to 30 days and adjusting appeal procedures. Staff amendments were approved where offered, and members asked several clarifying questions about the rationale and effect of the workplace and EMS changes. The Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources explained rules on aircraft and drone use in taking wildlife and on reciprocal hunting and fishing agreements with neighboring states. The agency said the drone restriction was intended to align with federal law and address hunter complaints, while the reciprocal agreement rule was a cleanup of older agreements that had lapsed or been overlooked; the committee deferred the wildlife regulation 301 KAR 2:031 at the agency’s request. The Department of Education also presented multiple KHSAA-related and standards updates, including academic eligibility, sports timing, health and physical education standards, and career studies/financial literacy standards; staff amendments were approved, and members questioned the athletic forms and the designation of KHSAA as the state’s athletic agent. Finally, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services presented emergency regulations to support a pediatric teaching hospital expansion and related certificate-of-need changes, which the agency said were aimed at improving pediatric and neonatal access to care; staff amendments were approved, and the committee concluded by setting its next meeting for October 13 at 1:00 p.m.
AL
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Boards, Agencies and Commissions Committee Apr 29th, 2025

Boards, Agencies and Commissions

ND
ND

North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session

Senate Floor Session Jan 23rd, 2026 at 08:30 am

North Dakota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • emergency medical services personnel, interstate medical licensure, nurse licensure, occupational therapy
  • , physical therapy, psychological inter-jurisdictional compact, and social work.
Bills: SB2401, SB2402, SB2403, SB2404
Keywords: SB 2401, North Dakota, Century Code, occupational therapy, occupational therapy board, criminal history record check, background check, licensee investigation, physician continuing education, medical license renewal, nutrition education, metabolic health, chronic disease prevention, health occupation boards, medical board, licensure fee, audit response, disciplinary action, Title 43, board of medicine
Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, roll call, and a quorum present, then took up second reading and final passage of several House bills related to the Rural Health Transformation Program and other matters. House Bill 1621, requiring the presidential fitness test in school physical education with exceptions and a delayed effective date, passed 43-3. House Bill 1623, appropriating federal rural health transformation grant funds and creating a related loan program and reporting structure, passed 46-0 after extensive debate about using the federal money for community health, infrastructure, and sustainability. House Bill 1622, joining the physician assistant licensure compact, also passed unanimously 46-0. House Bill 1625, authorizing the Ray Richards Golf Course land sale to support a Grand Forks transportation project and golf course improvements, passed 46-0. House Bill 1626, clarifying that the primary residence credit is applied after the early payment discount so taxpayers receive the full $1,600 benefit, passed 40-6.
ND
ND

North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session

Senate Floor Session Jan 22nd, 2026 at 08:30 am

North Dakota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • North Dakota Century Code, relating to criminal history record checks by the Board of Occupational Therapy
  • North Dakota Century Code relating to criminal history record checks by the Board of Occupational Therapy
Bills: SB2401, SB2402, SB2403, SB2404
Keywords: SB 2401, North Dakota, Century Code, occupational therapy, occupational therapy board, criminal history record check, background check, licensee investigation, physician continuing education, medical license renewal, nutrition education, metabolic health, chronic disease prevention, health occupation boards, medical board, licensure fee, audit response, disciplinary action, Title 43, board of medicine
Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. It adopted the procedural employment committee report naming Senate staff for the special session. The chamber then took up several health-care and appropriations measures, first adopting amendments to Senate Bills 2401, 2402, and 2403 before moving them to final passage. Senate Bill 2401 passed 44-2 and requires physicians to complete at least one hour of continuing education in nutrition and metabolic health, part of a broader rural health care package. Senate Bill 2402 passed 46-0 after major amendments negotiated between the medical and pharmacy boards; as amended, it expands pharmacists’ prescriptive authority and therapeutic substitution in limited areas while excluding categories such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, chemotherapy agents, Schedule II drugs, biological products, and narrow therapeutic index drugs. Supporters said it would improve rural access and help secure rural health transformation funding, while questions focused on how pharmacist competence would be measured and enforced. Senate Bill 2403, also passed 46-0, creates a short-term medical facility emergency operating loan program through the Bank of North Dakota, reduced by amendment from $10 million to $5 million, to help a financially distressed rural hospital. Senators discussed the hospital’s mismanagement, the need for a bridge loan, and safeguards including a limited application window and expiration in 2027. Senate Bill 2404 passed 46-0 and provides supplemental appropriations to the Information Technology Department for ADA-related website accessibility compliance and to the Public Service Commission for additional legal costs in federal energy-rate litigation. The Senate then made announcements about a Highway Patrol safety presentation and filing deadlines, excused an absent member, and adjourned until the next morning.
ND
ND

North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session

Senate Floor Session Jan 21st, 2026 at 08:30 am

North Dakota Senate Floor Meeting

Bills: SB2401, SB2402, SB2403, SB2404
Keywords: SB 2401, North Dakota, Century Code, occupational therapy, occupational therapy board, criminal history record check, background check, licensee investigation, physician continuing education, medical license renewal, nutrition education, metabolic health, chronic disease prevention, health occupation boards, medical board, licensure fee, audit response, disciplinary action, Title 43, board of medicine
Summary: The Senate convened in special session with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and roll call establishing a quorum of 45 members present and two absent. The chamber received certification from the Secretary of State and the governor’s executive order calling the special session to address funding for the Rural Health Transformation Program and to act quickly to accept and appropriate federal funds. The main action was adoption of the procedural rules for the extraordinary session. Senator Klein explained the proposed rule changes, which were designed to speed up consideration of bills during the short session, including limits on bill introduction, same-day second reading and final passage, elimination of standing committees for the session, creation of a Joint Policy Committee and Joint Appropriations Committee, and authorization for remote testimony and limited remote participation. The procedural committee’s report on these rules was adopted without opposition. The Senate also adopted reports naming members to the Joint Policy Committee and Joint Appropriations Committee. Announcements noted that the Senate Employment Committee, Joint Policy Committee, and Joint Appropriations Committee would meet later that morning, that the Senate would not reconvene at 4 p.m., and that a Highway Patrol presentation on legislator safety would be held. The Senate then moved through the listed orders of business and recessed, planning to meet in joint session with the House before adjourning until Thursday, January 22, 2026.