Transcript Highlights:

• In 2024, the Board of Nursing was required to establish a stipend program to defray up to 80% of each
• as a registered nurse, advanced nurse practitioner, or licensed practical nurse, submit an application
• SUD monitoring program and, if recommended by the program, contracts with and participates in the program
• I was a registered nurse who suffered with substance use disorder and finished that program in five and
• to be eligible for this program, for the grant program.

Bills: HB2340, HB2155, HB2531

Keywords: HB 2340, nursing assistants, nurse aide, substance use disorder monitoring program, monitoring program, credentialing, licensure, disciplinary records, enforcement action, public disclosure, privacy, third-party website, stipend program, financial assistance, treatment costs, drug testing, peer support, recovery, rehabilitation, board-approved program

Transcript Highlights:

• Before you is House Bill 2498, modifying nursing education program standards.
• The bill also prohibits the Board of Nursing from requiring nursing education programs to meet standards
• That authority was to establish the minimum standards for a nursing program to operate.
• nursing programs, 27 associate degree in nursing programs, five LPN to BSN programs, 12 RN to BSN programs
• program accreditation to serve as a recognized standard for Washington's nursing education programs.

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is not a clear standard for them.
• While Washington pharmacies follow USP standards, these standards focus on compounding processes, not
• It moves up the date that the Board of Nursing must adopt rules regarding appropriate nurse delegation
• in the course of the delegation of nursing duties and for nursing assistants and home care aides performing
• Just a simple bill allowing nurse assistants to take advantage of a preexisting program that is not funded

Bills: HB2545, HB2613, HB1496, HB2155, HB2283, HB2340, HB2425, HB2437, HB2577

Keywords: healthcare, patients, cardiovascular procedures, outpatient services, surgical facilities, HB2613, compounded medications, compounded drugs, pharmacy compounding, bulk drug substances, active pharmaceutical ingredients, API, drug safety, patient safety, pharmacy license, Washington pharmacy law, RCW 18.64, Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, FDA, pharmaceutical compounding

Summary: The House Health Care and Wellness Committee held public hearings on House Bill 2545, which would direct the Department of Health to create rules allowing elective percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) at ambulatory surgical facilities, and House Bill 2613, which would add quality-assurance requirements for compounded drugs using bulk drug substances. On HB 2545, supporters including ambulatory surgery center representatives, cardiologists, and the prime sponsor argued the bill would improve access, reduce wait times, and lower costs while maintaining safety through patient selection and existing accreditation standards. Opponents from the hospital association argued that shifting PCI volume away from hospitals could undermine provider proficiency and the financial support hospitals use to maintain emergency cardiac services, and suggested the issue should be studied further. On HB 2613, the prime sponsor and several supporters said the bill was intended to address unsafe, large-scale compounding—especially weight-loss drugs—by requiring stronger sourcing, testing, and documentation of ingredients. Opponents from pharmacy, medical, hospital, clinic, and compounding groups argued the bill was overbroad, could restrict access to legitimate compounded medications, increase costs and delays, and in some cases conflict with existing federal and state compounding rules; some also urged narrowing the bill to focus on GLP-1 weight-loss products and exempt hospitals, nursing homes, and animal compounding. The sponsor of HB 2613 said amendments were being developed to narrow the scope and clarify the bill before executive session. In executive session, the committee considered six bills and then took final action on seven measures. It adopted amendments and advanced HB 1496, which limits fees for certain electronically stored health care information and changes attorney-fee provisions under the Uniform Health Care Information Act; HB 2283, which raises the medical loss ratio target for health plans to 90% with a delayed implementation date and added reporting authority for the insurance commissioner; HB 2425, which revises nurse delegation rules and delays implementation to 2028; and HB 2577, which clarifies hospital inspection timing and allows Department of Health flexibility in using CMS surveys as equivalent inspections. The committee also advanced HB 2155, addressing non-human entities using nursing titles; HB 2340, relating to substance use disorder monitoring program provisions for nursing assistants; and HB 2437, concerning Department of Health opioid treatment accreditation activities and associated fee authority. Votes were largely bipartisan, though several members voted no or without recommendation on some bills, especially HB 2283 and HB 2437. The meeting ended with all seven bills reported out of committee with due pass recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, nursing assistants are made eligible for the Board of Nursing stipend program.
• And this bill honestly just allows nursing assistants to utilize the program now because nursing assistants
• Additionally, nursing assistants are made eligible for the Board of Nursing stipend program.
• And this bill honestly just allows nursing assistants to utilize the program now because nursing assistants
• And this bill honestly just allows nursing assistants to utilize the program now because nursing assistants

Bills: HB1812, HB2232, HB2250, HB2340, HB2577

Keywords: anesthesia services, healthcare access, reimbursement, patient care, equitable treatment, emergency services, healthcare outcomes, health infrastructure, system improvement, charity care, residency requirements, medical assistance, low-income, HB 2340, nursing assistants, nurse aide, substance use disorder monitoring program, monitoring program, credentialing, licensure

Summary: The House Health Care & Wellness Committee held public hearings on several bills. House Bill 2232 would create a time-sensitive emergency data repository for cardiac, stroke, and trauma care, with Department of Health oversight, quality improvement reporting, and support for rural facilities; emergency physicians, nurses, and DOH supported it as a way to improve outcomes and reduce rural-urban disparities, while the Washington State Hospital Association said hospitals support the goal but lack resources to absorb the added reporting burden. House Bill 1812, on the proposed substitute, would bar insurers, public employee plans, HCA, and Medicaid managed care from imposing anesthesia time limits or related reimbursement caps; the sponsor and anesthesia providers said it protects patient safety and prevents insurers from interfering with medical judgment, and the Washington State Society of Anesthesiologists asked for a clarifying amendment on physical status modifiers. House Bill 2340 would extend substance use disorder monitoring program protections and stipend eligibility to nursing assistants; the sponsor and Board of Nursing supported it as a way to reduce stigma and help participants afford treatment and monitoring, and the board said the stipend is currently funded through general funds. House Bill 2577 would require acute care hospital inspections at least every 18 months, clarify use of approved accrediting organizations, and adjust fire protection re-inspection rules; the sponsor and Department of Health said it responds to a JLARC audit and clarifies timelines after COVID-related delays, while the department said it is still working to catch up on inspections and continues complaint investigations. House Bill 2250 would limit hospital charity care eligibility to Washington residents, using residency standards similar to Medicaid and preserving emergency care coverage under EMTALA. Supporters, including border hospital officials, the Washington State Hospital Association, and Seattle Children’s, argued the current policy draws nonresident non-emergent patients and strains rural and border hospitals, especially Newport Hospital, while opponents from Columbia Legal Services, Dollar For, Northwest Health Law Advocates, and QLaw Foundation said the bill would chill access for immigrants, temporary visa holders, and people seeking reproductive or gender-affirming care, and that the real problem is hospitals failing to provide charity care to eligible patients. The sponsor said he is working with DOH on amendments to address unintended consequences, and several testifiers indicated willingness to continue stakeholder discussions. No votes were taken; the committee heard testimony and then closed public hearings on the bills before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, these relate to the nursing home Workforce Standards Board.
• ><c> boards</c> nursing home Workforce standards boards nursing home Workforce standards boards bill<
• </c><00:02:58.080><c> industry</c> standards for the nursing home industry standards for the nursing
• </c><00:10:49.600><c> home</c> The nursing home Workforce Standards Board.
• ><c> a</c> about the nursing home Standards Board a about the nursing home Standards Board a few<00:14

Bills: HF339, HF1272, HF2121, HF2122, HF1216, HF1003, HF2319

Keywords: HF339, Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board, nursing homes, long-term care, elder care, workforce standards, certified worker organizations, labor funding, general fund appropriation, worker grants, Minnesota labor law, nursing home staffing, caregiver workforce, section 181.214, HF1272, nursing home, boarding care home, nursing home workers, labor standards, Medicaid-certified facility

Transcript Highlights:

• nursing home Workforce Standards for the nursing home Workforce Standards Board<00:01:04.400><c> I've
• c> board</c> nursing who Workforce standard board nursing who Workforce standard board mandates<00:49
• home Workforce standard the nursing home Workforce standard board's board's board's actions<01:03:40.160
• ><c> Board</c> the nursing homework for Standards Board the nursing homework for Standards Board let<
• home Workforce Standards the nursing home Workforce Standards Board<01:44:27.679><c> thank</c><01:44

Bills: HF1419, HF500

Keywords: nursing facilities, reimbursement rates, elderly care, minimum wage, healthcare funding, nursing home, employment standards, worker rights, Minnesota Statutes, labor compensation, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The DE2 amendment is an amendment that simply prohibits the standard that was created by the Nursing
• It prohibits it from going into effect unless the cost of the standard to each nursing home is estimated
• From going into effect unless the cost of the standard to each nursing home is estimated and paid in
• ><c> Sports</c> nursing home Workforce standards Sports nursing home Workforce standards Sports I<00:
• of the nursing home work force<00:30:58.120><c> Standards</c><00:30:58.799><c> Board</c><00:30:59.799

Bills: HF1419, HF500

Keywords: nursing facilities, reimbursement rates, elderly care, minimum wage, healthcare funding, nursing home, employment standards, worker rights, Minnesota Statutes, labor compensation, 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 500, which would require the legislature to fund the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board’s standards before they could take effect. An author’s DE2 amendment was adopted first; the amendment was described as pausing the board’s standards unless the legislature estimates and fully pays the cost for each nursing home. The bill author argued that mandates without money create serious consequences for seniors and providers, and said the measure would keep budget authority with the legislature rather than an appointed board. Supporters, including nursing home operators and the Long-Term Care Imperative, said the board’s holiday pay and minimum wage standards would create large unfunded costs, citing estimates ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars for individual facilities and more than $200 million statewide. They argued that some facilities could face debt, reserve depletion, or reduced access to care if the standards are not funded. Opponents, including SEIU workers and union leaders, said the board has improved staffing, recruitment, morale, and worker safety, and that caregivers deserve higher wages and holiday pay. They argued the bill would weaken the board’s ability to address chronic understaffing and would shift focus away from worker protections. Members also debated whether nursing home reimbursement rates have already risen enough to cover wages and whether the problem lies with how funds are used by providers. After public testimony closed, several members spoke in opposition and support. A roll call was requested, and the committee voted 9-7 to re-refer House File 500, as amended, to the Committee on Labor and Workforce and Economic Development Finance and Policy.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, there are some 340B-type programs.
• The bill makes this program permanent.
• The bill makes this program permanent, with a statewide program and expansion into more diverse areas
• We require nurses now, as a part of their continuing education program, to have a two-hour course in
• There’s various ways they can be within the program, or they can take them through the CE/CEU-type programs

Bills: S0068, S0096, S0340, S0428, S0606, S1480, S7018

Keywords: pediatric care, emergency departments, hospital regulations, patient safety, health care standards, veterans, dental care, healthcare, grant program, income assistance, human trafficking, nurse licensure, registered nurse, RN, licensed practical nurse, LPN, Florida Board of Nursing, Department of Health, licensure by examination, nursing education

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard public comment first on the AIDS Drug Assistance Program and the iBudget waiver. Testimony on the HIV program warned that proposed Department of Health changes could disrupt care for thousands of clients, create confusion, and force people off life-saving medications; a senator suggested affected clients explore medically needy and FQHC/340B options. Testimony on iBudget urged support for a roughly 7% rate adjustment for direct support professionals, citing rising costs and the need to sustain the developmental disabilities workforce. The committee then considered several bills. SB 428 expanded Florida’s swim lesson voucher program from children ages 0-4 to ages 1-7 and was reported favorably. SB 68 required hospitals with emergency departments to adopt pediatric emergency care policies, training, equipment standards, and readiness assessments; an amendment aligning reporting dates with the House was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 1718 lengthened the time an adult may stay in an out-of-home placement before being treated as a visitor, reduced background screening burdens for foster families, made the Step Into Success program permanent, and created a best-practices program; it was also reported favorably. The committee next approved SB 606, which adds drowning-prevention and safe-bathing education to postpartum materials and requires related compliance records, and SB 96, which expands the Veterans Dental Care Grant Program to veterans up to 400% of the federal poverty level; an amendment removed the bill’s specific $500,000 appropriation so funding can be handled in the budget process. SB 340 required nursing education to include a two-hour human trafficking course before licensure, and SB 1480 created a grandfathering process for certain area-of-critical-need health care providers if federal designations change, both of which were reported favorably. The committee adjourned after all bills passed their roll calls.

Transcript Highlights:

• $1.4 million to launch the pre-licensure nurse apprenticeship program.
• $1.4 million to launch the pre-licensure nurse apprenticeship program.
• $1.4 million to launch the pre-licensure nurse apprenticeship program.
• </c> program standards.
• This is a program program standards.

Bills: HF3843, HF3597, HF4003, HF3167, HF4193

Keywords: workforce development, appropriations, nonprofit organizations, employment services, state funding, paid leave, S corporations, employment law, exemptions, Minnesota Statutes, cancer, healthcare, appropriation, Rural Cancer Institute, Minnesota clinicians, pilot program, nursing, education, University of Minnesota, equity

Transcript Highlights:

• This program was.
• in the 7A program.
• Fitzgibbon, thank you. recently weakened underwriting standards in the SBA's 7A loan program.
• How important are strong underwriting standards to the long-term stability of the 7A loan program?
• Community Advantage Program? The Advantage Program gave us $250,000.

Keywords: SBA, 7A loan program, underwriting standards, loan defaults, Community Advantage Program, small business funding, testimony

Summary: The committee meeting focused on discussions regarding the SBA's 7A loan program and its implementation challenges. Members raised significant concerns about recent changes to the underwriting standards, which have been criticized for leading to an increase in loan defaults. Ranking members expressed a desire for a return to stronger guidelines to protect taxpayers and ensure the program remains a viable source for small businesses struggling to secure funding. Testimonies from community lenders highlighted their efforts to support underserved communities and stressed the importance of the Community Advantage Program.

Transcript Highlights:

• These titles are registered nurse, nurse, or RN; advanced registered nurse practitioner, ARNP or NP;
• for nurses.
• The bill amends the Nurse Practice Act, which governs nursing practice and title protection for nurses
• This is needed policy, establishing network adequacy standards for skilled nursing facilities and rehab
• This is needed policy, establishing network adequate standards for skilled nursing facilities and rehab

Bills: SB5877, SB5904, SB5988

Keywords: anesthesiology, medical personnel, surcharges, licensing, healthcare regulations, nursing titles, licensure, healthcare professionals, patient safety, professional standards, opioid treatment, accreditation, health department, fee authority, substance abuse, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It tightens the state's oversight in nursing education programs so that poor-performing programs are
• We represent a very large program, nursing programs all around the country.
• I can live with not being a nursing program director, but I can't live with not being a nurse for my
• nursing programs must meet.
• education programs, all nursing programs.

Bills: S0162, S0254, S0688, S0794, S1110, S1574

Keywords: surgical smoke, health standards, hospital safety, patient protection, medical regulations, nursing education, licensure, remedial courses, temporary license, graduate nursing preceptorship, Agency for Persons with Disabilities, background screening, support coordination services, developmental disabilities, Tatton-Brown-Rahman syndrome, public hearings, orthotics, prosthetics, healthcare, Medicaid

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services met with a quorum present and took up several health-related bills. CS/SB 1110 on Medicaid and insurance coverage for orthotics and prosthetics was heard first. The bill would require coverage for medically necessary orthotics and prosthetics without lifetime or continuous-use caps, direct AHCA to seek federal approval and update contracts, and require annual reporting. Testimony from a child using prosthetic “gymnastics blades,” his mother, and another young person with a prosthetic leg emphasized the high cost of activity-specific devices and the impact on children’s mobility, sports participation, and quality of life. Senators voiced strong support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then approved SB 1574, “Maddie’s Law,” which adds newborn screening for biliary atresia using the existing blood specimen collected at birth. The sponsor and the child’s father described the condition as time-sensitive and potentially fatal without early detection, and argued the screening could prevent transplants and save money. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also considered CS/SB 794 on background screening for employees of residential facilities and day training programs for people with developmental disabilities, plus a review of waiver support coordination quality, training, and access issues. Parents and a support coordinator testified that strong support coordination is essential for families and that the bill would help standardize expectations and improve services. An amendment aligning the bill with the House companion was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. Members next heard SB 162, which requires hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies using smoke evacuation systems during procedures that generate surgical smoke. Supporters, including nurses and the Florida Nurses Association, described surgical smoke as a workplace hazard with toxic chemicals and potential cancer risks; hospital representatives said they support the intent but argued existing federal and state standards already regulate the issue and the bill is too prescriptive. A late-filed amendment clarifying the smoke must be “effectively captured and filtered” was adopted, and the bill passed favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 254, a major nursing education bill that tightens oversight of low-performing nursing programs, creates a temporary provisional license and preceptorship pathway for graduates awaiting NCLEX results, requires remediation for delayed testing, and increases transparency by posting passage rates. Nursing groups supported stronger standards, while private nursing schools warned the bill could reduce capacity and discourage program directors; the amended bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 688, which would reestablish licensure and regulation of naturopathic doctors in Florida, create a board of naturopathic medicine, set licensure and renewal requirements, and define the scope of practice while excluding most prescription authority. Supporters said it would expand health care choices and allow naturopathic doctors to practice openly, while opponents from the medical community warned the bill could authorize diagnosis and treatment without sufficient training and rely on unproven therapies. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned after members thanked staff for their work.

Transcript Highlights:

• and principal preparation programs to include the following components: program standards, educator
• role standards, evidence submitted by programs, and input from community constituents and pre-kindergarten
• approved teacher and principal preparation programs and to particularly pay attention to program standards
• , educator role standards, evidence submitted by the programs, as well as input from community constituents
• approved teacher and principal preparation programs and to particularly pay attention to program standards

Bills: SB6278

Keywords: teacher preparation, principal preparation, educator preparation, alternative route certification, teacher certification, principal certification, Washington Professional Educator Standards Board, PESB, field placement, student teacher, residency, mentoring, school district partnerships, K-12 education, preK-12, high-need schools, Title I, special education, English language learner, rural schools

Transcript Highlights:

• what extent the programs are meeting knowledge, skill, and performance standards, reviews educator preparation
• program approval standards at least every five years to reflect research findings and assure continued
• of standard alignment, followed by notification or reporting of the results of the review to the program
• following components as established by PESB: program standards, educator role standards, evidence submitted
• This includes review of PESB-approved program standards, educator role standards, evidence submitted

Bills: SB6278

Keywords: teacher preparation, principal preparation, educator preparation, alternative route certification, teacher certification, principal certification, Washington Professional Educator Standards Board, PESB, field placement, student teacher, residency, mentoring, school district partnerships, K-12 education, preK-12, high-need schools, Title I, special education, English language learner, rural schools

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and also a retired public health nurse. and also a retired public health nurse.
• So, is this program or in this resolution really called for if that program still exists, which could
• program program it<00:20:21.880><c> potentially</c><00:20:22.440><c> could</c><00:20:22.640><c> interfere
• So, you higher than this program costs.
• </c><00:44:41.760><c> that</c> like to see the previous program that like to see the previous program

Bills: HCR18, HCR32, HCR35, HCR105, HCR173

Keywords: hospice, health care, aging population, regulations, Medicare, working group, fraud prevention, quality of care, mental health, recidivism, civil commitment, Hawaii State Hospital, justice system, shelter, treatment pathways, biomarker testing, health insurance, precision medicine, healthcare access, medical necessity

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SCR 21 SD1, which asks Hawaii Health Systems Corporation’s East Hawaii Regional Health Care System to study the feasibility of a rural health clinic or similar access point for the Volcano community. Testimony in strong support came from HHSC representatives, Volcano residents, the Volcano Health Collaborative, the Rotary Club of Volcano, and others, who said the area has a clear need and that local primary and urgent care would align with regional plans. HHSC said it had already looked at the area, found no suitable temporary buildings, and would need a longer-term, capital-intensive solution, but that the study could help accelerate next steps. The committee then took up SCR 50 SD1, proposing a Hawaii Health Plan Working Group to design a basic affordable health plan for residents. Dr. Jack Lewin of SHIPTA said the state faces a growing uninsured population and argued for a short-term, lower-cost plan focused on preventive and primary care, drawing on the old State Health Insurance Plan as a possible model. Members asked about whether that prior program still exists and whether the working group should include the Hawaii Medical Association and Hawaii Primary Care Association; Dr. Lewin said the statute still exists but is unfunded, and that the group should be inclusive. The Department of Labor and other organizations also provided comments. For SCR 75 SD1, which urges a coordinated interdepartmental effort to reduce fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, Dr. Lewin and others said prevention, prenatal screening, and early intervention are needed because FASD is often hidden until later problems appear. Amanda from Hawaii FASD Action Group said current implementation under Act 192 is still largely a landscape analysis and that Hawaii lacks the infrastructure and specialists for a full system. Darlene Chance Govor urged adding the judiciary as a partner so juvenile justice and probation staff can be trained and referral pathways improved, while the Department of Health said it supports prevention but prefers a broader, systems-based approach focused on child needs and upstream care. The Disability Rights Center supported the resolution and asked for an earlier reporting date. The committee also heard SCR 149 SD1, which seeks an informal working group to address complex patients with multiple diagnoses involving substance use, mental health, or chronic physical illness. The Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition and Ke Nui Malo strongly supported the measure, saying current siloed systems leave people bouncing between medical, mental health, and substance use providers without coordinated care, often ending up in crisis, emergency rooms, or the justice system. They said integrated residential care and a coordinated working group could improve outcomes and align with federal funding opportunities. The transcript ended before any final vote or action on the measures was announced, and SCR 109 was noted as withdrawn from the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• to nursing assistants.
• The next bill is Substitute House Bill 2339 concerning the regulation of nursing.
• Substitute House Bill 2339 concerning the regulation of nursing.
• We have House Bill 2340 before us, applying substance use disorder monitoring program provisions to nursing
• Thank you. ...provisions to nursing assistants.

Bills: HB2340, HB2540, HB2113

Keywords: HB 2340, nursing assistants, nurse aide, substance use disorder monitoring program, monitoring program, credentialing, licensure, disciplinary records, enforcement action, public disclosure, privacy, third-party website, stipend program, financial assistance, treatment costs, drug testing, peer support, recovery, rehabilitation, board-approved program

Transcript Highlights:

• Then, Item 3 is the **Landowner's Compensation Program**.
• This program was started by the **88th Legislature**.
• This program, per statute, expires two years after all the money appropriated for this program has been
• That whole program has gotten so much better.
• a really important program.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, Attorney General, budget recommendations, funding swaps, salary increases, Landowner's Compensation Program, public testimony, law enforcement

Summary: The meeting focused on the budget recommendations for the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), where key issues included the proposed decrease of $163.9 million for the 2024-25 biennium and various methodology swaps for funding. Attorney General Paxton discussed ongoing litigation expenditures and emphasized the need for continued investments in agency staffing to address rising demands within law enforcement. Notably, he requested a 6% salary increase for 2026 and 2027 to retain talented personnel amidst competitive job markets. Public testimony highlighted community awareness challenges regarding the Landowner's Compensation Program, indicating a need for enhanced outreach efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do we currently have a rating system for our HEB programs? No, not that I'm aware of.
• We have a mid-range program called ACE, a federal program that transports seniors to a facility that
• These programs, home and community-based services and PACE, are underutilized because no one knows about
• In 2019, Senate Bill 888, an options counseling program, was passed.

Bills: HB3390, HB4199, HB4407, HB4412

Keywords: home care, community services, Oklahoma Department of Human Services, rating system, inspection reports, substantiated complaints, agency oversight, child care, workforce, pilot program, affordable care, income eligibility, long-term care, revolving fund, options counseling, funding, consultation services, Medicaid, community-based services, seniors

Transcript Highlights:

• repair programs.
• repair programs.
• program? program? &gt;&gt; Miss<00:52:34.480><c> Chair</c><00:52:34.720><c> Kaggel.
• These workers have... program. Um, you know, I I want to kind program.
• </c> end that program. end that program.

Bills: HF3889, HF2567, HF3878

Keywords: workforce development, grant program, employment, economic development, funding, employment contract, labor policy, employee rights, unconscionable provisions, public policy, legal enforcement, airport workers, wage standards, labor rights, minimum wage, economic equity, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It extends Minimum Wage Act standards and protections to certain domestic workers who were previously
• It extends Minimum Wage Act standards and protections to certain domestic workers who were previously
• It creates the program and creates a wage recovery account.
• So it specifies that self-insurers have the choice to participate in the pilot program.
• I hope we see some good results out of this pilot program. I'm confident we will.

Bills: HB2355, HB2405, HB2406, HB2471, HB2472, HB2478, HB2479, HB2492

Keywords: labor protections, domestic workers, wage standards, employment rights, worker safety, mental health, PTSD, treatment program, research, pilot program, veteran support, trauma, healthcare funding, labor, communication, Department of Labor and Industries, workplace standards, modernization, collective bargaining, labor relations

Summary: The committee met in executive session on eight bills and first received staff briefings on each measure and the proposed amendments or substitutes. The bills covered domestic worker labor protections (HB 2355), a PTSD treatment pilot in workers’ compensation (HB 2405), electronic notices from L&I (HB 2406), private-sector collective bargaining triggers tied to federal labor law (HB 2471), fire sprinkler contractor licensing and fitter certification (HB 2472), wage complaint enforcement discretion (HB 2478), wage recovery and a wage recovery account (HB 2479), and behavioral health and wellness training for apprentices (HB 2492). Members discussed several amendments that narrowed or clarified exemptions, preserved current law in certain areas, and aligned related wage enforcement provisions. The committee then took up each bill in turn. Proposed Substitute HB 2355, which expands domestic worker protections and remedies, was advanced on a 6-3 vote after members debated the scope of the bill and a fiscal note; supporters emphasized protections for a vulnerable workforce, while opponents cited cost concerns. HB 2405 was amended to make participation in the PTSD pilot optional for workers and self-insurers, then passed unanimously. HB 2406 was amended to preserve current law for certain workers’ compensation and transportation-network-company notices while allowing electronic notices with recipient consent, and it passed unanimously. Proposed Substitute HB 2471, which would create a state collective bargaining trigger if federal labor law is no longer effective, passed 6-3 after debate over whether the bill was premature. The remaining bills also advanced with broad support. HB 2472 was amended to remove a stop-work reference for residential sprinkler fitting and then passed unanimously. HB 2478 was amended to require L&I to prioritize wage complaints and make its enforcement priorities public, then passed unanimously. HB 2479, the wage recovery bill, was amended to adjust repeat-willful-violator penalties and passed unanimously after members from both parties praised the bipartisan work group behind it. HB 2492 was amended to allow certain behavioral health training to count toward continuing education for licensed electricians and plumbers, then passed unanimously. At the end of the meeting, all eight bills were reported out of committee with due pass recommendations, and the committee adjourned.