April 20 Session Updates
Nursing homes have faced critical shortages in the last few years and as they work to replace staff, they have faced challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified individuals – including increasingly relying on nursing pool agencies which often cause the cost of labor to skyrocket. Just passed by the House, HB 5313 establishes maximum rates nursing pool agencies may charge a facility.
To ensure that the state is prepared for the energy option of the future, the House acted on HB 5200 to study the feasibility, workforce development opportunities, and cost-effectiveness of hydrogen power.
Patients who will be under deep sedation, anesthesia or may fall unconscious should be sure that they can trust in their medical professionals to keep them safe and remain transparent about the procedures they may face. HB 5278 will require physicians to receive explicit consent before a pelvic exam can be performed, in addition to ensuring providers are properly educated on conditions such as endometriosis to increase patients' dignity and bodily autonomy.
Throughout a child's life in public K-12 schools, they have access to programs that supply free and reduced meals - but food insecurity doesn't end on graduation day. For college-age students, food insecurity can become a significant barrier in their ability to pursue and succeed at a higher education institution. Just passed by the House, HB 5301 will work to identify the nutritional needs of students and establish strategies to combat food insecurity at our colleges and universities, among other initiatives to better support students, including creating a plan to build additional childcare facilities at state colleges and universities.
Fair rent commissions are essential to supporting vulnerable populations facing rent hikes that often price them out of available housing – and ultimately, to helping stabilize rental costs in a climate where rates remain at an all-time high. With the House passage of HB 5205, we are a step closer to ensuring that larger cities and towns create these necessary commissions.
Through the passage of HB 5234, the House has worked to ensure that both parties are able to work together to break down the barriers to obtaining housing. This bill establishes clear rules of the road for landlords and tenants.
Our men and women in uniform face increased stress, PTSD, depression, and higher rates of suicide. If an officer faces a mental health assessment and requires treatment, they should be able to focus on recovery and not have to worry about their job protection or potential retribution. With the passage of HB 5420, the House has acted to ensure the necessary protections so that officers can focus on their mental health.