Transcript Highlights:

• And started launching attacks against Israel again. I wish we could understand.
• If the cartels on the border Started actually launching missiles into New Mexico, would we be OK with
• But would we be OK if they started launching missiles, or would we respond?
• Would be we're gonna go down there and we're gonna wipe them out if they're going to launch missiles
• at us we're not gonna put up with that as a sovereign nation we're not gonna allow someone to launch

Transcript Highlights:

• that we provide all opportunities in all different realms for children to be able to thrive in the space
• I wanted to help bridge the space between policy and practice so the decisions that are made at the state
• So I have here that the framework both encourages students to launch into high school mathematics, Algebra
• that have really worked, but here's the things where we're still falling short in this particular space
• much appreciate that you're all thinking about this and leading our State Board in this particular space

Committee: Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• additional resources for this and other program integrity resources, not just dedicated to the hospital space
• I noticed in our binders there was a flyer on the state administrative office spaces.
• Before determining, before launching an actual follow-up.
• also wanted to mention in January we released a limited scope review on state administrative office space
• in-depth studies with a pretty high ROI, as well as an inventory of the state's administrative office space

Summary: The committee approved minutes from September 25 and December 2, 2025, then heard seven topic requests for possible Office of Performance Evaluations studies. Topics included the impacts of growth on agriculture and infrastructure, Medicaid hospital billing, Your Health Idaho plan selection, fund balance management for boards and commissions under DOPL, the Board of Community Guardians, sexual assault in women’s prisons, and drivers of prison population growth. Requesters emphasized issues such as conversion of farmland to development, possible Medicaid billing upcoding, uninsured Idahoans’ costs, uneven board fund balances after consolidation, gaps in guardianship services, prison safety and oversight, and factors driving incarceration growth. OPE staff said all were feasible, with some smaller, medium, or larger in scope depending on the topic. After a secret ballot, the committee selected four studies for OPE: the Board of Community Guardians, drivers of prison population growth, impacts of growth on agriculture and infrastructure, and oversight of sexual assault in women’s correctional facilities. Members noted the remaining topics received fewer votes, but the director said the office could potentially take on additional work later if capacity allowed. The committee also agreed to follow up on the Idaho Home Learning Academy report and the 2023 direct care workforce report, with follow-up timing suggested for December and June, respectively. The committee then received a follow-up report on Idaho’s 911 system. OPE said the system faces four major pressures: insufficient funding, staffing shortages, too many centers relative to call demand, and weak statewide data and oversight. The report recommended evolving the Idaho Public Safety Communications Commission into a statewide program with authority to oversee the system, collect standardized financial data, set performance standards, and clarify cost responsibilities. The committee heard responses from the IPSCC chairman, the Military Division, and others, who generally agreed with the need for better data and coordination but stressed local control, outdated radio infrastructure, and the lack of a clear funding estimate. The committee discussed whether to pursue a follow-up focused on funding gaps and system costs, and OPE said it could do additional background work with the commission and Military Division to see what data are available.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just how we're protecting our kids in this rapidly evolving space.
• got embargo authority, if something's egregious enough, where we'd need to remove it from a retail space
• got embargo authority, if something's egregious enough, where we'd need to remove it from a retail space
• They increased after 2018, when the regulated market launched.
• And there are plenty of unlicensed retail stores within walking distance of the swing space where you

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit Committee heard an audit on the Department of Cannabis Control’s oversight of cannabis packaging and labeling, focused on products that may be attractive to children. The auditor said the department’s rules are often vague or subjective, leading to inconsistent enforcement, and that the state relies heavily on complaints rather than pre-market review. The audit found disagreements with DCC’s conclusions in 13 of 80 packaging reviews, and noted weaknesses in tracking repeat violators and escalating penalties. The auditor recommended clearer statutory standards, better internal review tools, stronger repeat-offender policies, and consideration of options such as plain packaging or pre-approval systems. Committee members and the audit requester emphasized rising cannabis poison-control calls involving children under five and cited examples of legal products with cartoon imagery, bright colors, candy-like names, and beverage packaging that resembled ordinary drinks. DCC representatives said they had already begun reforms, including a centralized review team, improved databases, enhanced technology tools, and new procedures to track compliance history and apply progressive discipline. They also stressed that illicit cannabis and intoxicating hemp remain major sources of youth exposure and argued that some issues require both regulatory refinement and more legislative clarity. Public health witnesses argued that California has not done enough to protect children and urged plain packaging, limits on flavors and child-appealing design, and a pre-market review process. Industry representatives agreed that cannabis should not be marketed to children but said the current rules are too subjective and inconsistent, and asked for objective, bright-line standards rather than broader bans. Several members said the examples shown were plainly child-appealing and called for stronger statutory guardrails, while also acknowledging the need to keep pressure on the illicit market. No formal vote or action was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Another one had a vacated space that we will turn into a business program.
• One of them had a vacated space that they turned into healthcare training.
• We know that in Oklahoma, there's a lot of white space not being served by technology centers.
• And so there's a lot of other white spaces we haven't got to.
• That Was the goal when we launched that pilot.

Transcript Highlights:

• Space Command, there are questions that the Department of Defense is now rating quality. quality of local
• In September 2024, we launched our public license lookup application that was also mandated through our
• Texas, all the way into the Rio Grande Valley, out to east Texas. and from the panhandle and all the space
• And so there are a lot of sheriffs that will say, hey, I have bed space. I'd love to help you.
• For a sheriff that's overcrowded, I could help you with bed space, but I don't have the personnel.

Committee: House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• And as Andy said, he scoped out kind of the television space.
• It is a challenging space.
• I've worked in the local news space for over a decade, starting here in San Diego.
• I've worked in the local news space. I am a San Diego native, a California native.
• I've worked in the local news space for over a decade starting here in San Diego.

Summary: The hearing focused on the impact of the federal rescission of Corporation for Public Broadcasting funding on California public media, with Assemblymember Chris Ward and Senator Akilah Weber Pierson framing public media as essential civic infrastructure for education, local news, arts, emergency alerts, and underserved communities. Local officials from San Diego and La Mesa voiced support, emphasizing public media’s role in trusted information, children’s programming, and community arts access. Panelists from PBS SoCal, KCRW, Rebuild Local News, NPR, KPBS, Radio Bilingüe, and KVPR described significant budget losses, layoffs, reduced programming, and threats to rural and specialized services. They highlighted impacts on children’s educational content, local journalism, arts coverage, science and documentary production, and emergency alert systems. Several speakers noted that smaller stations in rural or low-broadband areas are especially vulnerable, while larger stations are also cutting staff and delaying projects. They also discussed possible responses such as shared services, cost reductions, philanthropy, and state support, while warning that one-time bridge funding is not a long-term fix. Committee members asked about operational changes, alternative revenue sources, the role of state programs, and whether public pressure could restore federal funding. Witnesses said the loss is already being felt, that restoration appears unlikely in the near term, and that any state support should be structured to protect editorial independence and provide stable, timely funding. The hearing concluded with a shift to labor and production testimony and then to station-specific testimony from KPBS, Radio Bilingüe, and KVPR, followed by public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm just going to go ahead and let Bill launch on this subject matter because I know he wants to.
• So, I'm just going to go ahead and just, uh, Bill, just launch. There you go.
• on this subject matter because I launch on this subject matter because I know<00:20:51.679><c> he</c
• just<00:20:56.320><c> uh</c><00:20:57.039><c> Bill,</c><00:20:57.360><c> just</c><00:20:57.600><c> launch
• </c> just uh Bill, just launch. There you go. just uh Bill, just launch. There you go.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the June 12 minutes, and then received a presentation from Brandon Reid and Bill McCloskkey of the Agricultural Development Board on the June report and the 25th anniversary of the Agricultural Development Fund. They described a joint anniversary meeting held at the Kentucky Historical Society, thanked staff, and noted that the board presented members with a token of appreciation. They also reported a clean annual audit, with the audit report to be shared more fully at a later meeting. The presenters reviewed June activity and funding decisions, saying the development board approved about $3.3 million and the finance board about $5 million in loans. They highlighted program activity such as advisory council meetings, site visits, project reports, and county comprehensive plans. Specific projects discussed included the Food Chain project, which sought support for equipment and improvements to expand Kentucky product marketing; Miller Rockbridge Farms LLC, which sought county support for a barn for an education program; and Thompson Family Farm LLC, which sought funding for a livestock buying station. The board approved reduced or county-only funding in some cases, including $45,643 for the Food Chain project and county money for the farm projects. Members asked about the meaning and purpose of the county comprehensive plans and how counties use them to guide funding decisions. The presenters explained that House Bill 611 created a structure in which each county council develops a comprehensive plan, updated on a five-year cycle, to prioritize local agricultural investments and evaluate applications. They said county councils work with extension agents and the Agricultural Development Office, and that staff attend meetings, provide training, and help new agents and council members understand the program. Members emphasized that the planning process helps ensure funds are targeted to local needs and supports diversification of agriculture beyond tobacco.

Transcript Highlights:

• $21 million in this year's budget for student and mental and social-emotional health, and we've launched
• Palante into schools as a restorative approach so students, especially youth of color, can have a space
• The removal of phones opens the door for teachers to foster an educational space in which students have
• K through 12, they need space to think on their own without constant comparison or interruption.
• Let's launch our young people into the world with the tools they need to be honest leaders and creative

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Summary: The committee opened a public hearing on 41 bills related to school climate and safety, with chairs Jason Lewis and Ken Gordon outlining procedures and noting more than 125 witnesses. The first major topic was the “Study Act” on cell phones in schools and related social media restrictions (House 666/Senate 335). Secretary of Education Pat Tutwiler and Attorney General Andrea Campbell testified in strong support, arguing that bell-to-bell phone-free policies would improve student focus, reduce anxiety and distraction, and support mental health. Several legislators also supported the approach, though Representative Jeff Turco and Senator John Keenan emphasized narrower bills focused only on school-day phone restrictions rather than broader social media regulation. Senator John Velis likewise backed a comprehensive school-hours restriction, citing student distraction and mental health concerns. Representative Tarsky described successful implementation of a Yondr pouch system in a school where he served as principal, saying it improved engagement and reduced bullying and discipline issues. The committee then heard testimony on a bill to prohibit Native American mascots in public schools (Senate 312/House 575). Senator Joe Comerford, Brittany Wally, and Rhonda Anderson all urged passage, saying Native mascots are dehumanizing, harmful to Native youth, and inconsistent with civil rights and educational values. They described support from tribal nations and noted that many Massachusetts schools have already changed mascots, but some still resist. The hearing also included testimony on school start times (House 647/Senate 360), where middle school students Caroline Duffy and Emery Jarvis described exhaustion and survey data showing widespread sleep deprivation. Former educator Telia Jacobs, former principal Rep. Tarsky, and others argued that later start times would improve health, learning, and student well-being, while acknowledging transportation and scheduling challenges. Zoriana Petrosian, who helped write one of the bills as a student, said the state already has enough research to act now. Additional bills drew testimony on related school issues. Dr. Raul Fernandez supported a bill promoting racially integrated schools (Senate 324), citing a recent advisory council report showing large disparities in segregated schools and urging DESE to develop a statewide integration strategy. On safe firearm storage education (House 548/Senate 397), multiple witnesses from Grassroots for Gun Violence Prevention and school communities supported annual school-based education about secure storage, saying it would help prevent child access to unsecured firearms and build on local resolutions already adopted in some districts. The committee also heard testimony on bills to expand career and academic plans (House 533/Senate 438), with speakers saying more structured planning would help students make informed college and career choices. Later, testimony on child sexual abuse prevention and survivor support bills described the prevalence of abuse, the need for training in schools and youth-serving organizations, and the importance of extending compensation and prevention measures. Throughout the hearing, chairs repeatedly closed bills with no witnesses and moved the agenda forward, but no votes were taken in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• When I have him in these spaces like this, I know that he's going to take away something to launch him
• When I have him in these spaces like this, I know that he's going to take away something to launch him
• away something to launch him, to help me away something to launch him, to help me um<00:12:59.519><c>
• So, we need some more adequate medical space for them.
• So, we need some more adequate medical space for them.

Summary: The committee’s first interim meeting opened with roll call and a reminder that Kentucky had 8,641 children in out-of-home care with active placements as of June 1, 2025. The first presentation was from the Center for Courageous Kids (CCK), a donor-funded camp in Scottsville that serves children with lifelong illnesses and disabilities at no charge. Representatives described the camp’s history, its year-round family retreats and summer sessions, its medical and accessibility supports, and its impact on campers’ confidence and independence. They said CCK has served more than 43,000 campers from 46 states and 13 countries, including 22,000 from Kentucky, and noted plans to reach all 120 Kentucky counties. CCK also outlined future capital needs: a new art barn and a medical lodge. The organization said the art barn project would cost $2.5 million, with a legislative request of $1.5 million, and the medical lodge would cost $2.875 million, with a legislative request of $1.75 million. Members responded very positively, with several praising the camp’s work and one member asking about operational challenges. CCK said its main challenges are awareness, staff and volunteer recruitment, and expanding medical and housing capacity; it also said it is accredited by the American Camp Association and receives health and safety visits and audits. The committee then moved to a presentation on adult protective services and state guardianship programs from Jessica Wayne and Cliff Bryant of DCBS. They explained the legal framework for guardianship, the difference between full and limited guardianship/conservatorship, emergency appointments, and the state’s role as a last-resort guardian when no family member or private entity is available. They reported 4,464 individuals under state guardianship as of June 1, with most cases involving dementia, developmental disability, intellectual disability, nursing home or long-term care placement, severe mental illness, or brain injury. They also said the division has 89 field workers across 14 regional offices, with an average caseload of 52 and a goal of reducing that into the mid-40s through additional hiring.

Transcript Highlights:

• The county launched an expedited permitting system to assist residents in applying for disaster recovery
• an</c><00:09:28.440><c> expedited</c><00:09:28.959><c> permitting</c><00:09:29.480><c> system</c> launched
• an expedited permitting system launched an expedited permitting system to<00:09:29.920><c> assist</c
• We share our spaces and we take great pride in hosting our state departments.
• and we take of kaii we share our spaces and we take great<01:04:47.240><c> pride</c><01:04:47.480><c

Transcript Highlights:

• And when we talk about public safety, we often put this in a separate space.
• MoK is launching a learning management system.
• different ballgame and they want to make sure that is covered, including games, chat rooms, and similar spaces
• I know they need space sometimes, especially teenagers, but be connected with your child as much as possible
• And then in March, we decided to launch Evan's Voice.

Committee: House Children and Families

Transcript Highlights:

• They are using space. They have these family rooms.
• So the people who don't have the space can at least take care of themselves when adults don't believe
• I understand my friends at school that do not have a safe space at home and they can communicate to.
• I understand my friends at school that do not have a safe space at home and they can communicate to.
• &nbsp; 1070 MY PARENTS COULD HAVE BEEN&nbsp; BETTER DEALING WITH A GAY SON 1071 BUT HAVING THAT SPACE

Summary: The committee first heard HB 245, which would replace references in Florida law to “child pornography” with “child sexual abuse material.” The sponsor said the change was overdue and more accurately reflects the criminal nature of the material. There was brief supportive public testimony, no debate, and the bill was reported favorably on a unanimous vote. The committee then took up HB 237 on the use of professional nursing titles. The sponsor said advanced practice registered nurses should be able to use earned academic titles such as DNP or PhD. Supporters testified in favor, there was no opposition or debate, and the bill passed unanimously and was reported favorably. The longest discussion centered on HB 173, which would expand parental consent and access requirements for minors’ medical care, medical records, certain school surveys, and biomedical devices. Supporters argued it restores parental rights and keeps parents involved in children’s health decisions, while opponents—many from medical, mental health, LGBTQ, and youth advocacy groups—warned it could block access to STI treatment, mental health care, crisis hotlines, and confidential services for vulnerable youth, including those in abusive homes. After extensive testimony and debate, the bill was reported favorably on a 19-7 vote. Finally, the committee began HB 327 on uterine fibroid research. The sponsor explained the bill would require health care providers to submit identified data so the Department of Health can build a usable de-identified research database, after prior implementation problems with duplicate or unverified data. A supportive local official testified, and members indicated support as the meeting moved toward a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• about a similar amount, payroll, and then that was a significant expense because we are trying to launch
• /c><00:20:20.840><c> are</c><00:20:21.440><c> trying</c><00:20:21.760><c> to</c><00:20:22.200><c> launch
• them and then see phase of launching them and then see thereafter<00:22:45.400><c> what's</c><00:22:
• One is sports betting launching in Massachusetts, which hasn't had quite the impact we anticipated on
• </c><00:30:58.639><c> in</c> one is sports betting launching in one is sports betting launching in Massachusetts

Summary: The committee heard a budget presentation from New Hampshire Lottery Director Charlie McIntyre and CFO Jim Durus. McIntyre said the Lottery has more than tripled its return to the Education Trust Fund since 2011, from $62 million to $207 million in FY 24, while keeping expenses relatively flat over time. He explained that the Lottery operates like a business, is heavily audited, and that the governor’s budget raises the FY 26-27 revenue estimate to $185 million, up about $12 million annually from prior estimates. He attributed FY 24’s unusually strong results to record Powerball sales driven by a spike in billion-dollar jackpots tied to higher interest rates, and said scratch tickets still make up most gross sales, though Powerball is the highest-margin product. Members questioned the Lottery about the difference between gross revenue and profit, the steep rise in operating expenses, and the reasons for requested budget increases. McIntyre said the main drivers were payroll, benefits, advertising, added regulatory responsibilities from expanded gaming, and a new Salesforce customer-tracking system. He also described requested capital needs, including an outdated security system, building access and ADA improvements, and upgrades to the front office for employee safety. He said the security system is still running on an old Windows 7-based setup and that the requested upgrade would modernize cameras and add redundancy. The discussion also covered staffing and gaming expansion. McIntyre said the Lottery has 84 employees including three commissioners, with 13 funded vacancies, and that it plans to fill positions as two new gaming rooms come online in Rochester and Derry. He said the Lottery’s revenue estimates were revised upward because sports betting in Massachusetts had less impact than expected and historic horse racing machines have been more profitable than forecast. He also explained the governor’s proposal to shift historic horse racing toward slot-style machines, saying the physical machines would look largely the same but the content and math would change, and that the state’s revenue share would increase under the proposal. No votes were taken; the committee mainly asked questions and received explanations about the Lottery’s budget and revenue assumptions.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 2230 protects two critical spaces: voting centers and child care facilities.
• AB 2230 ensures that these spaces remain safe, free from fear and intimidation.
• A printer, paper, tape, and visible wall space.
• Members, this is our chance to offer a safe space, a space where identities are validated, where help
• And since its launch, the federal service had handled more than one million crisis contacts from LGBTQ

Transcript Highlights:

• and disturbing summer and spring, I just want to make the point that we have very limited hearing space
• to sort of soft launch the conversations that<00:30:18.799><c> we</c><00:30:18.960><c> might</c><00:
• </c> have to direct him to an interior space have to direct him to an interior space of<00:56:16.160>
• </c><01:02:19.040><c> to</c> showing up in a doicilelike space to showing up in a doicilelike space to
• in a public space does not translate<01:03:31.039><c> to</c><01:03:31.440><c> license</c> translate

Bills: HF1567 , HF2809 , HF3380

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Since its launch, we have processed over 90 administrative dissolutions, many citing the website portal
• Representative Guggemos, so I mean, this is a 37-page document single-space.
• It's probably document single-space.
• In 2019, I launched a privacy product called The Red Pill.
• In 2019, I launched a privacy product called The Red Pill.

Committee: Joint Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions

Transcript Highlights:

• It came out, and this was launched in 2023, which was from a different administration, the Biden administration
• It came out, and this was launched in 2023, which was from a different administration, the Biden administration
• won't take much time on this, but let me quickly read you what this says is the Justice Department launched

Committee: All ALC-PEER

Summary: The committee considered several appropriation and fund transfer requests. In Section B, it approved temporary appropriations for the Department of Military to match a federal grant for design work at the 39th Brigade Headquarters, for State Police to rebuild the Troop I CDL facility damaged by a tornado, for State Police equipment replacements, and for DF&A to reclassify Rural Health Transformation Program contract costs. In Section C, it approved a $4.2 million Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act appropriation for the Department of Energy and Environment’s statewide energy plans and programs, with members asking for more detail on the grant uses. In Section D, it approved a $40 million transfer within the Department of Education from teacher salary equalization and school funding contingency to minimum teacher salary and raise, and in Section E it approved a $243,000 restricted reserve transfer for the Military Department’s National Guard matching funds. In Section F, the committee reviewed federal grant appropriations including $729,000 for the National Guard headquarters project, $35.6 million for workforce apprenticeship expansion, and $6.7 million in DOJ grants for extreme risk protection order programs, crisis intervention court proceedings, and gun violence reduction initiatives. Senators asked detailed questions about the DOJ grants, and DFA officials said Arkansas would use safeguards in grant agreements to ensure the funds would not be used to infringe Second Amendment rights. The committee then reviewed a small Department of Health pay plan appropriation for a critical staff member. During reports, members discussed the Department of Agriculture’s use of American Rescue Plan Act funds for water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure. Officials said the program is in its final year, with about 205 projects awarded and roughly 81 still under construction, and that the remaining funds are intended to finish existing projects rather than start new ones. After no further questions on the remaining reports, the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, we used to have to have a receipt from the public boat launch south of U.S. Highway 90.
• Now we just can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the use of a boat launch.
• We just can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the use of a boat launch south of U.S.
• They launched from south of 190.
• It's just primarily the launch issue. The bags and everything remains the same.

Summary: The committee first considered several local property-transfer and wildlife/fisheries bills, including SB 229 (Bojeur Parish property transfer), SB 71 (Lafayette Parish property transfer), and a series of Department of Wildlife and Fisheries measures. SB 203 simplified possession rules for fish on multi-day trips and remote camps; SB 429 created an administrative path to register “orphan” boats with lapsed registrations; SB 204 removed a residency-based restriction on certain commercial fishing gear licenses; SB 205 reduced duplicate registration requirements for federally documented boats; SB 213 clarified titling rules for vessels and outboard motors; and SB 257 removed Social Security number requirements from certain commercial fishing tags. Each of these bills was reported favorable, generally without objection, after brief explanations from sponsors and department counsel about reducing red tape, improving enforcement, or modernizing records. The committee also heard SB 214, which would allow the Teche-Vermilion Fresh Water District to stop pumping during an imminent flood threat identified by the National Weather Service or GOSEP, addressing liability concerns and giving local officials more flexibility in emergencies. SB 274, as amended, required lead hazard risk assessments for certain child care, early learning, and pre-kindergarten facilities and required hazards found in assessments to be addressed before licensing. Both bills were reported favorable. SB 379, a technical reorganization bill for the Department of Conservation and Energy, received two amendment sets: one changing investment language and another standardizing judicial-review procedures and online notice requirements; it was reported favorable after those amendments. The committee then adopted HCR 62, urging FEMA to review flood maps every five years instead of every ten and to better account for local flood-protection projects, with members discussing the burden of flood insurance and the need for FEMA to recognize levees, pump stations, and elevated homes. HCR 78 was also reported favorable, memorializing Congress to pass the American Seafood Competitiveness Act of 2026 in support of Louisiana’s seafood industry. HB 662, as substituted, was reported favorable after being rewritten to codify the department’s internal protocol for seized sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife, prioritizing release, rehabilitation, placement, and euthanasia as a last resort. Finally, the committee considered two more contentious items. HR 216, which urged repudiation of the Louisiana Climate Action Plan of 2022, drew extended debate over whether the plan had been adopted without legislative input and whether it could affect permits or future policy; after discussion, the sponsor voluntarily deferred the resolution to return with a revised approach focused on a legislative hearing or review. SCR 24, dealing with chronic wasting disease rules, was introduced with amendments that would raise the prevalence threshold, cap samples, allow zone removal after three years without new detections, and lift baiting/feed prohibitions above a higher prevalence level; the transcript cuts off before final action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• We did a soft launch. We're in a soft launch right now. We started on July 1.
• And what soft launch means is that we are using the data we have available now in our system and sending
• And part of the reason for doing the soft launch go-live is for training within our divisions and county
• We just, in the last couple of weeks, launched a returned mail bot, which looks at all the return mail

Committee: All ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The subcommittee met to hear from DHS Secretary Janet Mann and Mary Franklin on Arkansas’s upcoming Medicaid community engagement/work requirements for the Our Home expansion population. DHS said the federal changes, tied to the 2025 budget bill, are being soft-launched now, with full implementation set for January 1, 2027, and a shorter six-month renewal cycle for most adults. They outlined who would be exempt or excluded, including certain parents/caretakers, pregnant and postpartum individuals, former foster youth, people with disabilities or serious medical conditions, SNAP/TANF participants, inmates and recent releasees, and some others. They also explained compliance standards such as 80 hours per month of work, community service, work programs, or education, and discussed how income, student status, and caregiver hours would be counted. Members asked about the fairness of the income threshold, how part-time and non-credit education would be verified, how disability exemptions would be documented, and whether appeals would be available. DHS said notices include appeal rights and that it is using ex parte data checks, provider forms, and claims data to identify exemptions. A major theme was implementation capacity and outreach. DHS said it is preparing a customer service center and outbound verification system to contact beneficiaries by text, email, phone, and mail, and is using notices, social media, town halls, and a web page to inform recipients. Members raised concerns about manpower, low-tech access for people without internet, and whether beneficiaries could be connected to workforce or education opportunities rather than simply being screened for compliance. DHS said it is also expanding use of AI tools to automate routine eligibility tasks, while keeping a human in the loop, and that the new call center contract will include AI and closed-loop referrals. Members also asked about the interaction with SNAP/TANF work rules and whether local offices could connect clients to workforce and training resources; DHS said it is already doing some of that through SNAP E&T, TANF, and notices, and is discussing broader partnerships with Workforce Connections and local initiatives. The committee then shifted to Arkansas Medicaid expansion and the state’s waiver renewal. Secretary Mann said CMS has changed its budget neutrality rules, and Arkansas believes its current waiver will not meet the new standard. DHS has asked for a two-year extension and said it is optimistic coverage will continue on January 1 while a new delivery system is worked out. Members asked about possible alternatives, and DHS said it is considering fee-for-service and managed care options, including different managed care structures, but is not considering ending coverage for the expansion population. Questions also focused on possible effects on private insurance, hospitals, premium tax revenue, and state costs if the expansion population were moved off the current model. DHS said it is still modeling those impacts with actuaries and the Insurance Department. At the end, DHS also provided a brief update on assisted living reimbursement rate work, saying the cost report is out for public comment and a recommendation will follow. The chair closed by reviewing committee timelines, noting the DHS report is due in January and the workforce report is due to ALC on October 1, with a possible request for a short extension.