Transcript Highlights:

• Under current law, a blood or breath analysis must be performed by an individual with a valid permit
• The bill before you, House Bill 1228, establishes an alternative means of validating blood and breath
• Under the bill, blood and breath analyses are still valid if conducted...
• Blood and breath analyses.
• Under the bill, blood and breath analyses are still valid if conducted pursuant to the state toxicologist

Bills: HB1228, HB1239, HB2310, HB2464

Keywords: DUI, driving under the influence, impaired driving, toxicology, forensic toxicology, breath test, blood test, THC, marijuana, cannabis, alcohol concentration, state toxicologist, implied consent, evidence admissibility, venous blood draw, forensic phlebotomist, certified laboratory, accredited laboratory, law enforcement, DWI

Summary: The committee heard public hearings on several bills, with staff briefings and sponsor testimony before moving to public testimony later. House Bill 2310 would elevate fourth-degree assault with sexual motivation to a Class C felony for repeat offenders with qualifying prior convictions. The sponsor said it responds to a constituent’s experience and is intended to increase accountability for repeat conduct. Supporters from prosecutors and law enforcement said it addresses repeated plea-downs and aligns with other repeat-offense statutes, while defense advocates warned it would trigger sex-offense consequences, registration, immigration impacts, and higher incarceration and supervision costs, and urged review by the Sex Offender Policy Board. House Bill 1239, the reentry readiness bill, would prospectively increase earned release time to up to 33.33% for eligible sentences starting July 1, 2026, make certain enhancements eligible for earned release time, create a two-year peer-support pilot for incarcerated survivors of sexual violence and intimate partner violence at the women’s correctional center, and require victim notification materials about sentencing changes. The sponsor and reentry advocates said it would improve reentry, reduce recidivism, and support trauma-informed preparation for release. Prosecutors and sheriffs opposed the bill, arguing it mainly shortens sentences rather than improving rehabilitation and could reduce accountability for serious offenses, though they supported the pilot concept. House Bill 1228 would allow blood and breath toxicology analyses to be valid if performed by an accredited ISO/IEC 17025 forensic toxicology lab, creating an alternative to the state toxicologist process. The sponsor, Seattle’s city attorney, prosecutors, and law enforcement supporters said Washington’s toxicology backlog is causing long delays, missed filings, and repeat impaired-driving offenses, and that private lab use could speed cases and improve public safety. Defense advocates asked for discovery protections and cautioned about out-of-state lab complications, while county representatives opposed shifting costs to local governments and warned of unequal access if only some jurisdictions can afford private testing. House Bill 2464 would require private detention facilities to report serious incidents—such as abuse, neglect, deaths, suicides, hospitalizations, and emergencies—to the Department of Health and local law enforcement within one business day, and would require annual law-enforcement reporting on calls and investigations involving those facilities. The sponsor and advocates said the bill is needed because conditions and incidents at the Tacoma ICE facility are not being transparently reported, citing deaths, assaults, hunger strikes, fires, and barriers to detainees reporting abuse. Law enforcement said the bill should be discussed with the affected agencies and noted reporting burdens, while supporters from civil rights, immigrant rights, media, and human rights groups said the measure would improve transparency and public safety. No votes were taken; the committee repeatedly held the hearings open and moved from one bill to the next for testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• the committee, House Bill 1228 relates to the certification of toxicology labs for the purpose of blood
• This is the bill that lowers the blood alcohol level from 0.08 to 0.05. And I have been persuaded.
• And the dynamics of changing the blood alcohol... ...decrease in deaths and injuries.
• And yet law enforcement doesn't know the blood alcohol number.
• And yet law enforcement doesn't know the blood alcohol number.

Bills: HB1228, HB1982, HB2156, HB2165, HB2173, HB2203, HB2220, HB2362, HB2403, HB2464

Keywords: DUI, driving under the influence, impaired driving, toxicology, forensic toxicology, breath test, blood test, THC, marijuana, cannabis, alcohol concentration, state toxicologist, implied consent, evidence admissibility, venous blood draw, forensic phlebotomist, certified laboratory, accredited laboratory, law enforcement, DWI

Summary: The Community Safety Committee met in executive session to act on several bills previously heard in public hearings. House Bill 1228, dealing with certification of toxicology labs for blood and breath analysis, was amended to allow use of a private lab with an out-of-state expert available for pretrial interview and virtual trial appearance if requested by the prosecutor and agreed to by defense counsel, and to require a Washington State Patrol report on implementation and backlog reduction by October 1, 2031. The committee adopted amendments 261 and 341, withdrew amendment 340, and reported the bill out with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 1982, expanding vacatur eligibility for convictions tied to exercise of treaty Indian rights and requiring Office of Public Defense representation, was advanced as a proposed substitute that reorganizes the statute and clarifies hunting-rights eligibility; it was reported out due pass. House Bill 2156, concerning Attorney General investigators’ authority to obtain email search warrants, also passed out of committee after a roll call vote of 6-3, with supporters citing efficiency and opponents wanting more stakeholder work. The committee next considered House Bill 2165, creating the gross misdemeanor of false identification as a peace officer. The proposed substitute moved some conduct from criminal impersonation into the new offense, narrowed defenses, and defined “peace officer” to include state, local, reserve, and federal officers. Members raised concerns about clarity, honorary or reserve officer issues, and possible unintended effects, but the substitute was adopted and the bill was reported out 8-1. House Bill 2173 was held because a Senate companion is moving. House Bill 2203, creating reckless interference with emergency operations and allowing recovery of emergency response costs, was amended to reduce penalties in some cases and shorten license suspensions; the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill out unanimously. House Bill 2220, relating to the Criminal Justice Training Commission, was deferred to a later executive session. The committee also advanced House Bill 2362, the so-called 0.05 impaired driving bill, after a divided debate. Supporters argued lower blood alcohol limits reduce deaths and injuries, while opponents raised concerns about toxicology backlogs, court capacity, racial disproportionality in traffic stops, disability-related enforcement issues, and the lack of a broader second-chance policy for DUI convictions. The bill passed 5-4. House Bill 2403, modifying failure-to-register offenses for sex offenders and kidnapping offenders, was reported out 6-3 after debate over whether the offense should remain treated as a sex offense. Finally, House Bill 2464, requiring private detention facilities and local law enforcement to report incidents to the Department of Health, passed 6-3 amid arguments over transparency and whether the issue should be addressed at the federal level. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• someone else's blood.
• . blood.
• not just anonymous blood.
• One of the first components of the blood to degrade is the secretion of blood.
• It has for the. specific need for donated blood, for blood that has a very narrow. you know okay blood

Bills: SB 53, SB53, SB125, SB315, SB379, SB457, SB541, SB599, SB896, SB921, SB963, SB1038, SB1084, SB1330, SB1461

Keywords: voter registration, election procedures, provisional ballot, change of address, residence requirements, mental health, court proceedings, notice requirements, legal filings, electronic documents, autologous blood donation, direct blood donation, blood bank, hospital, Health and Safety Code, physician order, preoperative blood donation, patient blood reserve, transfusion, surgery

Transcript Highlights:

• blood... ...healthcare provider could draw blood at the request of law enforcement.
• That was kind of misinterpreted in a sense that they must draw that blood.
• blood for an individual.
• They could not refuse to draw that blood.
• this blood for this patient," they can say, "We're not able to do that at this time."

Bills: HB384, SB181, HB391

Keywords: food enrichment, corn masa, health regulations, nutritional standards, folic acid, respiratory therapy, interstate compact, public health, licensure, workforce mobility, military families, adverse actions, streamlined practice, traffic offenses, blood testing, law enforcement, chemical analysis, DUI, 1136, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, a lot of times there's things like getting a blood test or some of those smaller services that
• You know, I don't have time to drive all the way to Tulsa to get my blood test done today, so I'm just
• So I think this will help them be able to go if it's a blood test or something smaller like that to go
• basically requires certain Hospitals that meant implement policies and procedures for the prevention of venous
• Now, this is the same exact exemption the Oklahoma Blood Institute has.

Bills: HB3976, HB3000, HB3001, HB3003, HB3004, HB3066, HB3904, HB3644, HB1687, HB3920

Keywords: rural hospitals, small hospitals, grant program, healthcare funding, Oklahoma health department, cosmetology, barbering, massage therapy, State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, Service Oklahoma, license renewal, license reinstatement, licensing fees, sunset extension, board membership, human trafficking, victim services, beauty school, barber school, esthetics

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, a lot of times there's things like getting a blood test or some of those smaller services that
• I don't have time to drive all the way to Tulsa to get my blood test done today, so I'm just going to
• So I think this will help them be able to go, if it's a blood test or something smaller like that, to
• that basically requires certain hospitals to implement policies and procedures for the prevention of venous
• This is the same exact exemption the Oklahoma Blood Institute has.

Bills: HB3976, HB3000, HB3001, HB3003, HB3004, HB3066, HB3904, HB3644, HB1687, HB3920

Keywords: rural hospitals, small hospitals, grant program, healthcare funding, Oklahoma health department, cosmetology, barbering, massage therapy, State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, Service Oklahoma, license renewal, license reinstatement, licensing fees, sunset extension, board membership, human trafficking, victim services, beauty school, barber school, esthetics

Summary: The Senate Health and Human Services Committee met to consider several House bills, beginning with a series of sunset extensions for professional licensing and review boards. House Bill 3000 extended the State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering to 2031 after brief questions about prior executive-branch efforts to improve board transparency; House Bill 3001 extended the Child Death Review Board to 2031; House Bill 3003 extended the Board of Chiropractic Examiners to 2031; and House Bill 3004 extended the Board of Examiners in Optometry to 2031. Each of these bills advanced on unanimous 9-0 votes. The committee also advanced House Bill 366, which creates a revolving fund at the Health Care Workforce Training Commission to receive rural health transformation funds. Members asked about the timing and distribution of the funds, but no timeline was available. House Bill 3904 changed prenatal delivery and postpartum services from a global payment model to individualized payments, with supporters saying it would improve access to local and rural prenatal care and could help hospitals qualify for birth-friendly designations and related funding. That bill also passed 9-0. Two health-related policy bills were amended in committee and advanced. House Bill 3644, the Blake Burgess Act, requires certain hospitals to adopt policies to prevent venous thromboembolism; members asked whether the required report would be public, and the author said that was the intent. House Bill 1687, the Uniform Health Care Decisions Act, replaces older advance directive and health care agent laws with a single framework for end-of-life decision-making, with committee substitute changes adding safeguards and clarifying surrogate authority. House Bill 3920 created a sales tax exemption for LifeShare Network, matching an exemption already given to the Oklahoma Blood Institute, and it also passed after supportive testimony. All measures considered were reported out favorably, and the committee adjourned after announcing it would meet again the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• He has invented products that help lower cholesterol, increase good cholesterol, and lower blood pressure
• Cholesterol and lower blood pressure and also wound care, and he's our medical director.

Bills: HB1

Keywords: DUI, driving under the influence, ignition interlock, interlock device, driver license suspension, restricted license, motor vehicle, alcohol offense, first offense, repeat offender, blood alcohol concentration, BAC, license revocation, Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency, ALEA, public safety, traffic safety, chemical dependency, substance abuse, court referral program

Bills: SB210, SB225, HB280, HB287, HB94, HB88, SB157, HB7, HB8, HB42

Keywords: hospital liens, medical billing, government healthcare, insurance claims, patient rights, blood tests, DUI, law enforcement, traffic offenses, chemical analysis, public nuisance, event liability, local government, community health, legal action, transparency, reporting, public safety, regulation, accountability

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to draw your attention up here to the North Gaery and students, if you would stand up as well.
• blood clots are preventable, but fewer than half are caught in hospitals in time to actually provide
• I do know that there is a simple blood test that's one more vial that can actually identify that they
• Nobody else really used the blood thinners throughout COVID because they didn't.
• or deaths from blood clots.

Bills: HB2894, HB3418, HB3415, HB3413, HB3414, HB3416, HB3417, HB3419, HB3420, HB1739, HB1752, HB1979, HB2941, HB2992, HB3075, HB3086, HB3177, HB3269, HB3278, HB3279, HB3497, HB3644, HB4432, HB3720, HB3849, HB3882, HB3919, HB3941, HB4118, HB4141, HB4268, HB4342, HB4428, HB4429, HB4434

Keywords: HB2894, Oklahoma Rural Jobs Act, rural jobs, rural investment, tax credit, capital investment tax credit, state tax credits, economic development, rural fund, rural investor, qualified investment, eligible business, Department of Commerce, rural business, investment certification, tax liability, credit cap, workforce development, small business finance, rural development

Transcript Highlights:

• Venous thromboembolism also referred to here as a blood clot.
• blood clot.
• Assisted-living facilities must provide new residents with educational information about blood clot,
• And finally, it creates a statewide blood clot registry.
• The National Blood Clot Alliance to develop and maintain the registry at no cost to the state and has

Transcript Highlights:

• honorable assembly, enable us to settle the things to the best and surest foundation that the scene of blood

Bills: HB3976, HB3000, HB3001, HB3003, HB3004, HB3066, HB3904, HB3644, HB1687, HB3920, SR40

Keywords: rural hospitals, small hospitals, grant program, healthcare funding, Oklahoma health department, cosmetology, barbering, massage therapy, State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, Service Oklahoma, license renewal, license reinstatement, licensing fees, sunset extension, board membership, human trafficking, victim services, beauty school, barber school, esthetics

Transcript Highlights:

• Enable us to settle the things to the best and surest foundation, that the scene of blood and war may

Bills: HB3976, HB3000, HB3001, HB3003, HB3004, HB3066, HB3904, HB3644, HB1687, HB3920, SR40

Keywords: rural hospitals, small hospitals, grant program, healthcare funding, Oklahoma health department, cosmetology, barbering, massage therapy, State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, Service Oklahoma, license renewal, license reinstatement, licensing fees, sunset extension, board membership, human trafficking, victim services, beauty school, barber school, esthetics

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, and opened with prayer. The chamber then recognized several guests and groups, including the Doctor of the Day Dr. Abby Woods, Nurse of the Day Kara de la Pena, and multiple student and community delegations. These included Dominic Matthias of Moore High School for his cross-country accomplishments, Calumet boys baseball and basketball teams for state championships, the Oklahoma Federation of Republican Women, Morris High School’s academic team, the Junior Chamber of Catoosa, Rogers County Leadership Program participants, and Legacy Christian Schools students. The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 40, designating the second week in April as Lung Cancer Action Week in Oklahoma. The resolution was presented in support of the American Lung Association’s efforts to raise awareness, encourage screening, and promote early detection, especially given the low screening rate among high-risk Oklahomans. The resolution passed without opposition, and unanimous consent was granted to make all senators co-authors unless they declined. The chamber also hosted Cherokee Nation Legislative Day. Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and other Cherokee leaders spoke about the tribe’s history, sovereignty, and major investments in education, housing, health care, workforce development, and economic growth in Oklahoma. Hoskin emphasized the Cherokee Nation’s partnership with the state and urged support for Medicaid expansion, arguing it helps fund health care services and jobs. Later, Senator Weaver offered a personal privilege statement mourning the death of Trooper Vernon Brake in the line of duty, followed by a moment of silence. The only other action was an announcement inviting members to a Sportsman’s Caucus reception. With the clerk’s desk clear, the Senate adopted a motion to adjourn until Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Health Law in relation to infant eligibility for State Early Intervention Services due to elevated venous
• blood levels.
• Health Law in relation to infant eligibility for State Early Intervention Services due to elevated venous
• blood levels.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Disabilities Committee met on March 31, 2026, with Senator Pat Fahy presiding and a quorum present. The committee considered several bills related to disability services, education, housing, and accessibility. Bills advanced included S.1197, requiring day care facilities to maintain evacuation and block-off plans for children with disabilities during emergencies; S.4042, the Traveling with Dignity Act, which was reported to Senate Finance; S.4845, concerning closure or transfer of state-operated individualized residential alternatives; S.4848, extending the OPWDD Care Demonstration Program; S.4908, creating an innovative housing initiative for people with developmental disabilities; S.5538, expanding early intervention eligibility for infants with elevated venous blood levels; and S.7826, directing school districts to establish parent advisory councils on special education. The committee also discussed S.7792C, which was laid aside for further work with academics and advocacy groups. Most bills were moved by committee members and approved unanimously or without objection. Several measures were reported to the calendar, while others were referred onward, including S.4042 to Senate Finance and S.7826 to Education. The meeting concluded after all listed bills were acted on, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Venous thromboembolism affects approximately 900,000 Americans each year, Venous thromboembolism affects
• clots. ...to create rules related to identification of residents at risk for developing blood clots
• We know from the blood clot workgroup report that within 90 days, you're at risk for 90 ...days after
• They're all keenly aware of this blood clot workgroup report. And I can tell you this legislation.
• To echo Representative Rizzo, thank you for letting me draw your eye to my concerns on this bill.

Summary: The subcommittee met with a quorum present and took up five health-related bills. HB 1089, which would add Duchenne muscular dystrophy to Florida’s newborn screening panel, was presented as a way to enable earlier diagnosis and treatment; a pediatric neurologist from Nemours testified in support, noting existing FDA-approved therapies and ongoing clinical trials. After supportive debate, the bill passed 17-0 and was reported favorably. HB 1083 would standardize patient access to medical records by setting deadlines for providers to produce or allow inspection of records and requiring electronic delivery when available. Supporters said it would reduce delays in care and costs, while two industry groups appeared in opposition. Members from both parties spoke in favor, and the bill passed 17-0 and was reported favorably. HB 1297, which aligns Florida’s electronic prescribing rules more closely with federal law and removes some state exceptions, drew opposition from physicians who argued paper prescriptions are still needed for emergencies, shortages, and price shopping. The sponsor said the bill’s goals were patient safety, fraud prevention, and efficiency; despite concerns, it passed 18-0 and was reported favorably. The committee then considered PCS for HB 1421, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which would create a statewide blood clot and pulmonary embolism registry, require hospital reporting and risk-assessment policies, and expand training requirements in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. The bill was presented with emotional testimony from Emily Adkins’ parents, who urged support and co-sponsorship in her memory. Members from both parties praised the family’s advocacy, and the PCS passed 18-0 and was reported favorably. Finally, HB 449 on optometry would expand optometrists’ authority to prescribe certain medications and perform specified laser and non-laser eye procedures after certification. The bill and amendment drew strong opposition from ophthalmologists and their association, who raised patient-safety, training, and delegation concerns, while optometrists argued the bill would improve access, especially in rural areas and counties without ophthalmologists. The amendment was adopted, and the bill as amended passed on a recorded vote and was reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Losing that much blood that quickly would place me in the threshold for a blood transfusion, and every
• It can be measured easily with the same blood draw obtained during the heel stick.
• It can be measured easily with the same blood draw obtained during the heel stick.
• Easily with the same blood draw obtained during the heel stick.
• It cannot be done off a dry blood spot, so it doesn't go to the public lab.

Bills: S0688, S1414, S0186, S0902, S0196, S1574, S0878, S1092, S1032, S1684, S1686, S1760

Keywords: cytomegalovirus, education, maternal health, newborn care, infectious diseases, student health, epilepsy, seizure disorders, school safety, training requirements, medical marijuana, low-THC cannabis, neurofibromatosis, healthcare, state regulations, child care facilities, public safety, grant program, uterine fibroids, health database

Summary: The committee took up several health-related bills and confirmations. It first heard SB 1414 on congenital cytomegalovirus education, which would require the Department of Health to develop and distribute educational materials to expectant and new parents through maternity, prenatal, newborn, and OB-GYN settings; an amendment removed a section on required instruction for medical professionals, and the bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. The committee then approved a block of appointees on tabs 2 through 7 and separately confirmed Chavon Harris as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration after her testimony on Medicaid accountability, transparency, managed care oversight, rural health, behavioral health, and the state’s technology modernization efforts. Senators asked Harris about Hope Florida, Medicaid redeterminations, the CORE project, an anti-marijuana ad campaign at DCF, and compliance with a federal Medicaid-related court order; she said she would follow up on some issues. The confirmation was recommended favorably, with Senator Berman voting no. The committee next passed SB 186 on student health and safety, which expands epilepsy and seizure-disorder training requirements to more school personnel, including bus drivers and charter school staff, and requires seizure-first-aid posters and updated Department of Health education efforts. It also approved SB 902 on Department of Health issues after amendments narrowed the bill’s scope and added provisions on medical marijuana regulation, early childhood intervention, practitioner accountability, and autism workforce development; one speaker raised concerns about marijuana dispensary location restrictions and low-THC ratios. SB 196 creating a uterine fibroid research database was also reported favorably after an amendment protecting patient privacy; the bill drew emotional testimony from a patient describing severe symptoms and the need for more research. SB 688 on naturopathic medicine was approved after committee discussion about scope of practice, referral obligations, and whether naturopathic care should be adjunctive to conventional medicine; supporters described complementary care and access issues, while opponents worried about delayed treatment for serious disease. Later, the committee passed SB 1574, “Maddie’s Law,” to add biliary atresia screening to newborn screening using the same blood specimen already collected at birth and to launch an education campaign; parents of a child affected by the disease testified that earlier screening could have prevented severe harm. SB 878 on clinical laboratory personnel was reported favorably to address staffing shortages by allowing Florida to rely more directly on federal CLIA standards for qualified lab workers. SB 1092 on podiatric medicine was approved after an amendment narrowed it to cellular/tissue-based products and podiatrists’ use of certain therapies; the bill also addresses continuing education, informed consent, and advertising disclosures. SB 1032 on medical marijuana was amended and passed, aligning physician certification and card renewal timelines, setting 70-day and 35-day supply limits, and reducing the fee for honorably discharged veterans while preserving funding for FAMU; Senator Harrell opposed it, saying the longer timeframes were too much of an expansion. The committee also heard SB 1760 on Medicaid coverage transparency from Senator Brodeur, who said the bill focuses on accountability and fiscal responsibility, but the transcript cuts off before further discussion or action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• The hospital does a blood draw, and at the time that they draw the blood, it's above 0.08.
• Before we had no refusal nights, when we got blood draws, we did...
• If they go to the hospital, maybe get a blood draw that way.
• blood draw.
• They are limited on hospital facilities or medical facilities to draw that blood.

Bills: HB 1194, HB 1221, HB1738, HB1913, HB2177, HB2178, HB2180, HB2229, HB2282, HB2448, HB2492, HB2777, HB2984, HB3357, HB3553, HB3602

Keywords: emergency protection order, protective order, magistrate, criminal procedure, victim safety, family violence, domestic violence, stalking, assault, magistrate's order, temporary protection, court order duration, defendant restrictions, Article 17.292, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, emergency restraining order, victim protection, firearm restriction, pretrial intervention, reimbursement fee

Transcript Highlights:

• Losing that much blood that quickly would place me in the threshold for a blood transfusion, and every
• My doctor made it clear that the next time I lose that much blood, I have to go straight to the ER.
• It can be measured easily with the same blood draw obtained during the heel stick, so there's no additional
• It can be measured easily with the same blood draw obtained during the heel stick, so there's no additional
• It cannot be done off a dry blood spot, so it doesn't go to the public lab.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 1414 by Sen. Polsky on congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) education. The bill would require the Department of Health, working with medical experts, to create and distribute CMV educational materials to expectant and new parents or caregivers through hospitals, birth centers, and OB/GYN practices. An amendment removed a section that would have required instruction for medical professionals, and the amended bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. The committee then took up a block of confirmations. Appointees on tabs 2 through 7 were recommended favorably in one vote, and Chavon Harris was separately confirmed as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration after extensive questioning. Senators praised her leadership and experience, while others raised concerns about Medicaid redeterminations, the state’s CORE modernization project, Hope Florida, and a DCF anti-marijuana ad campaign; Harris said she would follow up on some issues and defended the agency’s work on transparency, managed care oversight, and access to care. Her confirmation was recommended favorably, with Sen. Berman noting opposition. Several health-related bills were then heard and advanced. SB 186 by Sen. Garcia expanded epilepsy training requirements for school personnel, including charter school bus drivers, and was reported favorably. SB 902 by Sen. Garcia, after amendments narrowing dental workforce provisions and allowing certain seizure rescue medication delegation to family home health aides, was reported favorably; testimony focused on medical marijuana regulation, practitioner accountability, and concerns about park and child-care proximity restrictions. SB 196 by Sen. Sharif created a uterine fibroid research database with privacy protections and was reported favorably after emotional testimony from a patient and supporters. SB 688 by Sen. Rodriguez would reestablish licensure of naturopathic doctors; it drew both support and skepticism about diagnosis and treatment boundaries, but was reported favorably. SB 1574, Maddie’s Law, would add biliary atresia screening to newborn screening and was strongly supported by parents describing a delayed diagnosis; it was reported favorably. SB 878 on clinical laboratory personnel, SB 1092 on podiatric medicine and certain cellular/tissue-based products, and SB 1032 on medical marijuana registry timelines and veteran fee waivers were also reported favorably, while SB 1032 drew debate over longer renewal/supply periods. The committee then began SB 1760 on Medicaid oversight and program transparency, with the sponsor describing the bill’s creation of a joint legislative oversight committee and a legislative actuary.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 3644 by Stinson of the House and Hines of the Senate, an act relating to venous thromboembolism
• assisted living facilities undergo annual training on how to recognize signs of pulmonary embolism, venous
• Also, it would create within the state designated HIE a blood clot registry for hospitals and assisted
• House Bill 3644 by Stinson of the House and Hines of the Senate, Act relating to venous thromboembolism

Bills: HB4358, HB2398, HB3557, HB3129, HB3312, HB2210, HB1937, HB3021, HB4246, HB4230, HB3617, HB3657, HB2976, HB3391, HB4459, HB4128, HB3989, HB2989, HB4060, HB3145, HB2992, HB3464, HB3552, HB2984, HB4124, HB3934, HB3448, HB3131, HB4200, HB4201, HB3011, HB1912, HB3380, HB3881, HB3538, HB3851, HB3907, HB4430, HB4431, HB4457, HB2947, HB2951, HB2980, HB3082, HB3519, HB3644, HB3882, HB3661, HB3996, HB4335

Keywords: screen time, education, public schools, child development, digital learning, youth health, academic performance, credential of value, workforce development, labor market, government reporting, Oklahoma Agricultural Extension, local funding, financial institutions, county extension services, state funds, free expression, colleges, security fees, public forums

Transcript Highlights:

• Who knew that blood clots could impact young people? Emily was 23.
• He had blood clots in his lung. No symptoms, no feeling bad, no...
• I'm the volunteer president of the National Blood Clot Alliance.
• I myself suffered a blood clot in June of 2018, and...
• Blood clots are preventable.

Summary: The committee took up a series of health and human services bills, beginning with CS/SB 1602, which would require emergency departments to have evidence-based pediatric care protocols, training, appropriate child-sized equipment and medications, a designated care coordinator, and participation in a pediatric readiness assessment. It was reported favorably. CS/SB 1224 followed, aligning Florida law with federal requirements so paramedics may administer controlled substances in the field under physician or nurse practitioner protocols; it also passed favorably after supportive testimony from fire chiefs. The committee then adopted a strike-all for SB 890, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which addresses venous thromboembolism by creating a statewide registry, requiring screening and training in hospitals and long-term care settings, and adding assisted living facility response requirements. Assisted living representatives objected to the ALF provisions as unrealistic and potentially harmful, while supporters argued the bill would save lives; the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 1182, requiring continuous glucose monitors to be covered as both durable medical equipment and a pharmacy benefit, also passed favorably with support from AARP. The committee next considered CS/SB 12, a claim bill for a child severely injured after a DCF home visit allegedly failed to meet standards, and it was reported favorably without opposition. CS/CS/SB 954, dealing with substance abuse treatment centers and recovery residences, drew substantial debate. The bill would limit local zoning restrictions on treatment facilities and allow larger recovery residences if staffing ratios are increased; a late-filed amendment reduced the maximum active patients from 500 to 300. Municipal and county representatives warned that the bill could override local reasonable-accommodation efforts and create institutional-scale facilities, while supporters said housing is essential to recovery and that clustering concerns are overstated. The committee ultimately reported the bill favorably. CS/SB 1050, expanding the developmental disabilities pilot program statewide and creating a statewide family care council, also passed after extensive testimony from families and advocates. Supporters emphasized the long waitlist and the need for more services, while some speakers opposed managed care and warned about provider shortages and loss of individualized supports. Later, CS/SB 614, requiring a public educational webpage about background screening clearinghouse and level two screening requirements, was reported favorably. CS/SB 1578, which would require coverage for mammograms and supplemental breast cancer screening in certain circumstances, was also reported favorably. CS/SB 1060 created a joint legislative oversight committee to review Medicaid operations and financing; members discussed the need for stronger oversight of large midyear spending adjustments, and the bill passed favorably. CS/SB 1240, a Department of Children and Families substance abuse and mental health bill, was amended to clarify Baker Act transfer timing and notification requirements after debate over whether facilities could hold patients too long; it was then reported favorably. Finally, Senator Harrell presented CS/SB 526, a major nursing education bill aimed at Florida’s low NCLEX passage rates. The bill would require nursing programs to use exit exams, remediation, reporting, and stricter oversight, and the strike-all would add graduate preceptorships for low-performing programs and temporary provisional licenses for graduates pending NCLEX passage. The transcript ended while that bill was still being explained, before final action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 3644 by Stinson of the House and Heinz of the Senate, an act relating to venous thromboembolism
• assisted living facilities undergo annual training on how to recognize signs of pulmonary embolism and venous
• It would also create, within the state-designated HIE, a blood clot registry for hospitals and assisted
• House Bill 3644 by Stinson of the House and Heinz of the Senate, an act relating to venous thromboembolism

Bills: HB4358, HB2398, HB3557, HB3129, HB3312, HB2210, HB1937, HB3021, HB4246, HB4230, HB3617, HB3657, HB2976, HB3391, HB4459, HB4128, HB3989, HB2989, HB4060, HB3145, HB2992, HB3464, HB3552, HB2984, HB4124, HB3934, HB3448, HB3131, HB4200, HB4201, HB3011, HB1912, HB3380, HB3881, HB3538, HB3851, HB3907, HB4430, HB4431, HB4457, HB2947, HB2951, HB2980, HB3082, HB3519, HB3644, HB3882, HB3661, HB3996, HB4335

Keywords: screen time, education, public schools, child development, digital learning, youth health, academic performance, credential of value, workforce development, labor market, government reporting, Oklahoma Agricultural Extension, local funding, financial institutions, county extension services, state funds, free expression, colleges, security fees, public forums

Summary: The House convened, took the roll, heard an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a series of introductions and floor presentations recognizing visitors, students, local officials, and the Luther cheer team. The chamber also introduced the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Lydia Dennis, and several members made personal announcements later in the day. The House then considered and passed several bills, mostly by wide margins. Measures included HB 2947 on behavioral health, allowing Medicaid billing for supervised mental health interns; HB 2951 cleaning up Department of Corrections prison listings in statute; HB 2980 allowing DMVs to accept valid physical proof of insurance; HB 382 barring fire departments from employing people who must register as sex offenders; HB 3519 changing the abandoned medical marijuana grow cleanup process from a bond to a fee; HB 3644, the Blake Burgess Act, requiring clot and embolism training and reporting; HB 3882 creating a revolving fund for ODOT lake and industrial access grants; HB 3661 removing a sunset from the forestry equipment tax provision; and HB 3996 memorializing OIDS obligations in capital appeal cases. Several bills drew brief questions about fiscal impact or implementation, and title-striking motions were made on some measures. The most debated item was HB 4335 on pet shops and local regulation. Supporters said it created a framework for municipalities and counties to regulate pet shops without outright bans, while opponents argued it undermined local control and favored a commercial retailer. After debate from both sides, the bill passed 60-26. The House also adopted the emergency on HB 3882, and at the end of the day the chamber adjourned until March 5, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.