Video & Transcript Research : 'arbitrary assessment'
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DE
Transcript Highlights:
- How we assess students should reflect those same priorities.
- How we assess students should reflect those same priorities.
- States making the greatest progress are using this moment to think more broadly about how assessment,
- Think about coherence, not just changing an assessment, but changing what you're measuring, why you're
- The review will examine everything from core instruction and interventions to assessments, personalized
Keywords:
SB 293, youth camp, child care licensing, Office of Child Care Licensing, OCCL, American Camp Association, ACA accreditation, Purchase of Care, POC reimbursement, summer camp, school-age child care, child care exemption, Division of Public Health permit, Title 14, Delaware Department of Education, health and safety standards, child care provider reimbursement, summer child care, camp licensing, license exemption
Summary:
The House Education Committee met and first heard Senate Bill 293, the Youth Camp Licensing Act, which would amend child care licensing rules for youth camps. The sponsor said the bill, with amendments, would remove accreditation language, clarify shelter requirements for outdoor camps, and eliminate limits that had restricted the number of children camps could serve, especially for families using purchase-of-care assistance. YMCA and school representatives testified in support, saying the measure would expand access to safe, affordable summer care for low-income working families. The committee voted to release the bill.
The committee then approved Senate Bill 328, which would require the Department of Education’s school facility evaluation instrument to be established by regulation and to include lead-based paint hazards in the standard of good repair. The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Advisory Committee supported the bill, explaining that lead had not been included in the original evaluation tool and that the new language would improve transparency and public comment. Senate Bill 318, updating the Delaware State Education Association special license plate program, also passed after DSEA testified that proceeds support scholarships for educators and students pursuing education careers.
House Bill 443, dealing with background checks for education volunteers and mentors, passed as well. The sponsor said it would allow DOE to continue receiving wrapback reports for mentors in the state mentoring program and ensure state and federal criminal background checks remain in place. The committee also released Senate Joint Resolution 15, which directs DOE to reevaluate Delaware’s use of the SAT, modernize the accountability framework, and develop additional measures of student achievement and readiness; supporters argued the SAT does not capture career and technical pathways or other indicators of success. House Bill 459, which prohibits the sale of energy drinks on public middle and high school campuses during school hours or events, passed after discussion focused on whether the bill would affect possession versus sale and whether it could lead to student discipline; DOE said the bill only bans sales, and the sponsor said an amendment would clarify intent. Finally, House Concurrent Resolution 137 passed, directing DOE to review math instruction and MTSS supports statewide; testimony emphasized low math proficiency and the need for stronger, more coherent interventions. The committee also began hearing Senate Bill 279 on occupational therapist salary placement, with discussion centered on aligning OT compensation with other specialist roles and broader salary regulation updates, though the transcript cuts off before final action is shown.
ND
Transcript Highlights:
- Takes the state assessments or other normed reference tests.
- The assessment is Department shall pay associated cost materials. We want to strike that.
- The assessment is up to the school, the non- or the participating school.
- limited to the state assessment.
- Assessment, the department shall pay associated costs and materials. Strike that.
Summary:
The Senate Education Committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 1540, an education savings account bill. Senator Wobbema presented Amendment 040-003, describing mostly clarifying and reorganizing changes, including eligibility language, administrator duties, school participation standards, assessment provisions, and a correction removing a requirement that the department pay for state assessment materials if a parent selected that option. The committee adopted the amendment 4-2, then advanced HB 1540 as amended on a 4-2 vote and sent it to Appropriations, with Senator Wobbema designated as carrier. One senator opposed the bill, arguing it would divert resources from public schools and conflict with the state’s obligation to provide a free appropriate education while districts still face funding needs.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (02/04/2025)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:02:09.879>
complaint metering assessment complaint metering assessment complaint investigation - So once they're assessed, they're responsible for that assessment for the entire year, and so we've asked
- So once they're assessed, they're responsible for that assessment for the entire year, and so we've asked
- So once they're assessed, they're responsible for that assessment for the entire year, and so we've asked
- entities currently subject to assessment entities currently subject to assessment continue<00:27
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Apr 29th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Any assessment that you can provide? No specific comments or assessment. Comments or assessment?
- Of the screener to pupils in K-2, excluding TK, in order to assess for reading difficulties using the
- for English proficiency using the state's existing English learner assessment.
- The state's existing English learner assessment.
- With guidance from the CDE, LEAs follow a process defined by federal Title III law to assess language
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee May 5th, 2026
Budget and Fiscal Review
Transcript Highlights:
- So this is our best assessment of what is needed at this time.
- So we don't have data, like, as of yesterday, for example, to make that assessment.
- How are we able to have that assessment?
- Well, we've made an assessment based on what. And why should we support this?
- That simply we believe what we believe, we said what we said, we assessed what we assessed, and we can't
Summary:
The committee heard AB 108, a budget bill junior that would amend the 2025 Budget Act to create a one-time $25 million General Fund grant program at HCAI for hospitals in immediate and significant financial distress. The bill also included a technical change related to property tax deferments for eligible low-income seniors. Finance explained that eligible hospitals would have to be not-for-profit, have less than 10 days cash on hand, show best efforts to exhaust other financing, and have a payer mix of more than 50% government payers and uninsured patients; the bill also gives HCAI expedited contracting and rulemaking authority. Members and the LAO noted the proposal is intended as a short-term bridge until July 1, while broader hospital support is expected in the May Revision and next year’s budget.
Much of the discussion focused on whether $25 million is enough, how many hospitals would qualify, and whether the 10-day cash threshold is too narrow. Several senators argued the administration had not provided enough data or a clear methodology, and raised concerns about fairness compared with the earlier Distressed Hospital Loan Program, which used broader criteria and provided loans rather than grants. Members also raised broader policy issues affecting hospital finances, including Medi-Cal reimbursement rates, seismic retrofit costs, federal funding changes, and the need for better data and more immediate assessment of hospital distress. The LAO said the current proposal is narrower than the prior loan program and emphasized the need for better reporting and analysis going forward.
Public commenters, including the California Hospital Association, district hospital representatives, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and county officials, supported the bill and urged additional longer-term funding for distressed hospitals. The chair and several members said the bill is a short-term emergency measure for a small number of hospitals at risk of imminent closure, while broader solutions will be addressed later in the budget process. AB 108 was then moved and passed out of committee on an 18-0 vote, with the roll held open briefly to secure remaining votes.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- Appraisal of property: the Department of Assessment shall appraise all real property for the purpose
- The Department of Assessment goes on under 1005.
- The Department of Assessment shall have the same power, discharge the same duties, and proceed in the
- is to provide for of assessment is to provide for appointment<00:24:53.520>
of <00:24:53.679>< - 39.279>
goes <00:25:39.520>on the department of assessment goes on the department of assessment
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Feb 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- COMMERCIAL SEXUAL EXPLOITATION WE PROCEED WITH ASSESSING FOR APPROPRIATE PLACEMENT.
- WE HAVE ALSO CREATED A HUMAN TRAFFICKING IDENTIFICATION ASSESSMENT.
- WE DID ADD A FIVE QUESTION ASSESSMENT.
- IT'S SUPERVISORY LED ASSESSMENTS.
- THIS WILL LEAD TO THE COMPLETION OF A HUMAN TRAFFICKING ASSESSMENT TOOL.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 02/23/26
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- So, we're going to refer to these assessments throughout our presentation.
- assessments throughout our presentation. assessments throughout our presentation.
- <01:09:59.520>
is <01:09:59.760>actually assessment for this year is actually assessment - . assessments. assessments.
- And our risk assessments that we conduct kind of show three clear realities.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- So first, every year, if a house is sold, it triggers something at assessing.
- First, several bills would freeze the assessed value... ...that we need.
- First, several bills would freeze the assessed value and/or the tax rate for income-eligible seniors.
- This is not because we have... ...the increase in the assessed value of homes.
- Freezing the assessed value reflects a commitment to long-term aging homeowners who have helped build
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hearing on bills related to senior and disability property tax relief, with a focus on helping older adults and people with disabilities remain in their homes. Testimony supported H. 3968, which would make certain senior and disability property tax exemptions permanent so eligible residents would not have to refile annually, and H. 3198, which would expand the senior circuit breaker tax credit by indexing income and credit limits to cost of living and raising the home valuation cap from $1.1 million to $1.5 million. Representative Scanlan also testified in favor of several additional bills, including a local option motor vehicle excise tax exemption for low-income seniors and veterans, a local property tax cap for low-income seniors, an expanded senior property tax exemption, and a senior property tax deferral program designed to be revenue neutral over time.
Witnesses from the City of Boston, the Massachusetts Municipal Association, and the Massachusetts Association of Assessing Officers generally supported local-option property tax relief measures and said they would help seniors age in place while giving municipalities flexibility. Committee members raised concerns about possible abuse or fraud if exemptions became permanent, and about how assessors would verify continued eligibility without annual reapplication. Supporters responded that eligibility could still be tied to real estate transactions and other documentation, and that the current annual filing requirement causes many eligible seniors to miss out on benefits. Mass Senior Action Council members testified that many seniors are struggling with rising property taxes, insurance, and other costs, and urged broader reforms such as freezing assessed values, improving outreach, strengthening the work-off program, and allowing more flexible payment or deferral options. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded after testimony and questions.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- A third benefit is more instructional time before key assessments.
- A third benefit is more instructional time before key assessments.
- A third benefit is more instructional time before key assessments.
- A third benefit is more instructional time before key assessments.
- <00:57:49.119>
which alternate alternative assessment which alternate alternative assessment
Keywords:
school calendar, education, school year, Labor Day, state law, school construction, landfill, dump site, closed landfill, contaminated site, pollution control agency, school siting, public school, charter school, environmental health, student safety, brownfield, solid waste, waste disposal site, site contamination
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Primary and Secondary Education. (1-21-26)
Primary and Secondary Education
Transcript Highlights:
- And what what formative assessment.
- This really is about that formative assessment for entry.
- This just removes the expectation for that assessment score.
- This really is about that formative assessment for entry.
- However, it does allow assessment score.
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Primary and Secondary Education met for its first meeting of the session, reviewed basic committee rules, and took attendance before considering two bills. The chair emphasized civility, no signs in the room, and deadlines for committee substitutes and amendments.
House Bill 416, sponsored by Representative Clines, would change teacher-preparation admissions by replacing an entrance test score requirement with a formative assessment approach while retaining exit examinations for teacher certification. KDE witnesses said the bill would reduce barriers, provide programs with data to support students, and not lower standards. Members asked about content-specific preparation, whether the bill would water down standards, and available data on current entry-test barriers. Several members spoke in support, citing the teacher shortage and the value of giving more candidates a path into education. The committee approved HB 416 unanimously and sent it to the House floor with a favorable expression of opinion.
House Bill 389, sponsored by Representative Hein, would define dysgraphia, require KDE to annually update the dyslexia toolkit, support district professional development and coaching, require local boards to develop screener/diagnostic processes, and require postsecondary teacher programs to include dyslexia instruction. A committee substitute made technical changes, including an IDEA citation and removal of specific three-cueing language in favor of evidence-based practices. Testimony stressed that dyslexia is not the same as special education eligibility and that early identification and intervention are needed. Members discussed the low number of districts with related policies, the quality of approved screeners, and the need for more local and regional support services. The committee approved HB 389 with the committee substitute attached and sent it to the House floor with a favorable expression of opinion.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 11, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Those included an assessment process called a QSI.
- The other two components are a needs assessment.
- The other two components are a needs assessment.
- So I want to switch gears to the assessment, the QSI assessment in particular.
- So APD performs that assessment.
Summary:
The Health and Human Services Committee received an overview of Florida’s intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) managed care pilot, created by legislation in 2023 to test whether a managed care model could integrate Medicaid medical services with iBudget waiver home- and community-based services for adults in pre-enrollment categories. AHCA explained the existing system, the pilot’s scope in Regions D and I, and the rollout timeline, including federal approval, contract execution with Florida Community Care, and the October 2024 go-live. Officials reported that, as of early February, 370 individuals had been sent for onboarding and 168 more were in queue, with about $35.8 million of the appropriation remaining. APD also clarified the difference between the pre-enrollment categories and the waiver waitlist, and noted that crisis cases can be enrolled more quickly depending on eligibility and funding.
Florida Community Care described the pilot as a comprehensive managed care model offering medical, long-term care, and iBudget services, plus enhanced benefits such as bed-hold days, caregiver transportation, and help with legal guardianship costs. The plan said it uses one care coordinator, a 1:18 coordinator ratio, a face-to-face assessment within five days of enrollment, and 180 days of continuity of care for existing providers. The company emphasized that it is recruiting providers by offering higher rates than some iBudget rates, lower administrative burden, and network adequacy incentives, while APD said it continues to monitor provider supply and demand and recruit across service types and regions. Members repeatedly questioned whether the pilot’s costs, provider rates, and service levels were truly comparable to the iBudget system, and AHCA and APD said it was too early to draw firm conclusions because claims data are still lagging.
Committee members also raised concerns about communication, enrollment delays, provider shortages, and whether the pilot could scale statewide. APD said it has used letters, phone calls, texts, emails, and community meetings to reach eligible individuals, and that some delays stem from required assessments, Medicaid eligibility checks, and level-of-care determinations. Several members asked for more detailed comparisons of costs and provider reimbursement between the pilot and iBudget, and APD said it would provide additional data. Public testimony at the end was strongly critical of managed care, with a participant and his mother describing poor service, transportation failures, and loss of control under prior managed care arrangements, and urging the committee not to expand such a model without safeguards. No votes or formal committee action were taken before adjournment.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Beginning on January 1, 2007, the first $150,000 of the assessed value is exempt.
- Beginning on January 1, 2008, the first $250,000 of the assessed value is exempt.
- Beginning January 1, 2007, the first $50,000 of assessed value is exempt.
- , really do a deep dive and assess what is a need and what is a want.
- So, again, this goes back to each jurisdiction assessing their balance sheet.
Summary:
The Senate took up Committee Substitute for Senate Joint Resolution 2F, a proposed constitutional amendment on property tax reform. The measure would increase the homestead exemption in stages, lower the assessment cap on non-homestead property from 10% to 5%, and limit county and municipal ad valorem tax revenues to specified uses such as public safety, education, infrastructure, natural resources, debt service, employee benefits, and certain administrative costs. Supporters, led by Senator Avila, argued the proposal would provide meaningful property tax relief and push local governments to rein in spending, while opponents warned it would shift costs to fees, reduce local flexibility, and threaten funding for core services.
Several amendments were offered and rejected. Senator Sharief proposed an income-based circuit breaker for property tax relief; Senator Smith offered a sunset clause; and Senator Berman proposed revising the ballot statement to better match the amended proposal and remove outdated references. Each amendment failed on recorded votes. During questioning and debate, senators pressed Avila on the ballot language, the effect on local services, whether the legislature could later restrict local spending by statute, and whether renters would benefit. Avila said the ballot language was not his and repeatedly stated he was presenting the governor’s proposal, while also saying local governments would need to prioritize budgets and that future legislatures could address implementation details.
After the amendment votes, the joint resolution was read a third time and moved into final debate. Supporters said the proposal would give homeowners relief and force fiscal discipline at the local level. Opponents, including Senators Nathan, Bracey Davis, Smith, Polsky, and Errington, argued the measure was rushed, lacked a completed fiscal analysis or replacement revenue, and could harm police, fire, libraries, parks, housing, and other local services. They also criticized the ballot summary as misleading, especially regarding the staged homestead exemption increase. The transcript ends during debate, before any final vote on the joint resolution itself.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Wed Mar 12, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- The $5 wouldn't be assessed if the transaction is approved. It'll go right through.
- are going to continue to be given to homeowners, you know, one-time assessments or on a payment plan
- are going to continue to be given to homeowners, you know, one-time assessments or on a payment plan
- are going to continue to be given to homeowners, you know, one-time assessments or on a payment plan
- are going to continue to be given to homeowners, you know, one-time assessments or on a payment plan
Summary:
The Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on March 12, 2025, and heard testimony on several bills, with most measures drawing support from state boards, agencies, and industry groups. SB 102 (restaurants) had one supportive testifier and no questions. SB 1367 SD1 (installment loans) drew support from DCCA and other boards, but the chair raised concerns about a proposed $5 debit-card convenience fee, saying it seemed high and suggesting it might be amended downward; DCCA said it would check with industry on the likely impact. SB 1373 SD2 (administrative licensure action against sex offenders) received broad support from DCCA and multiple professional licensing boards, including psychology, physical therapy, naturopathic medicine, chiropractic, dentistry, massage therapy, nursing, optometry, barbering and cosmetology, the Hawaii Medical Board, and HPD.
The committee then heard SB 1142 SD1 (insurance proceeds), which was supported by DCCA, the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, AARP, Hawaiʻi Realtors, and the Hawaiʻi Insurers Council, while State Farm offered comments and the Hawaii Bankers Association opposed. Testimony focused on insurance access after the Lahaina wildfires and the need to address underinsured homeowners. The committee also discussed SB 144 SD2 (stabilization of property insurance), with support from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, AARP, Hawaiʻi Realtors, and the Hawaiʻi Insurers Council, and comments from the Attorney General and DCCA Insurance Division about revising the financing structure and correcting bill language. Opponents and reservationed supporters argued the bill may not help if applicants can still obtain coverage at very high prices, while supporters said it would expand market capacity and provide a safety net as climate-related losses continue.
Finally, SB 253 SD2 (condominium reserves) received support from Hawaiʻi Realtors, CI, and several individual testifiers. Supporters said it would enforce existing disclosure requirements under Act 199 and improve reserve funding transparency, while one individual argued stronger enforcement and an ombudsman-style office would be more effective. The chair reminded testifiers to stay on the bill at hand. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting reflected in the transcript.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources Committee, February 24, 2026
Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- assessments for these purposes.
- assessments for these purposes.
- assessments for these purposes.
- assessments for these purposes.
- assessments for these purposes.
Keywords:
forest health, grant program, state forester, wildfire prevention, environmental conservation, habitat improvement, water development, feasibility studies, appropriations, water management, rehabilitation, irrigation, public works, agricultural supply, municipal water, funding, maintenance projects, tax assessments, state law, forestry management
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Health & Long-Term Care Jul 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The safety net assessment is about $1.3 billion leveraged through this vehicle.
- They then go through an evaluation and assessment period of varying lengths, depending on the state.
- They call it practice-ready assessment.
- That's why I'm raising the innovations that are happening with the practice-ready assessment.
- That's why I'm raising the innovations that are happening with the practice-ready assessment.
Summary:
The committee first received an update on the effects of HR1 and related federal Medicaid and marketplace changes from Governor’s Office and Health Care Authority staff. Presenters said the most immediate coverage losses are expected in the individual market beginning in January, with premium increases and an estimated 80,000 people potentially unable to afford coverage. They warned that larger Medicaid impacts will follow over the next year and beyond, including tighter eligibility checks, work requirements, reduced retroactive coverage, limits on state-directed payments and provider taxes, new cost-sharing, and changes affecting certain non-citizen adults. They also said the state plans to seek a waiver or extension for work requirements and will continue to analyze impacts, including on rural providers and Planned Parenthood-related services. Members asked about the effect on nursing homes, rural hospitals, and how the state can help providers and enrollees navigate the new requirements; staff said timelines and a state-specific implementation chart are being developed.
The committee then heard a report on the International Medical Graduate Work Group and Washington’s efforts to create pathways for internationally trained physicians. Testimony described the clinical experience license, the clinical evaluation assessment tool, grant funding for IMG support organizations, and a new hardship waiver process enacted this year. National presenters said many states have adopted similar pathways because of physician shortages, but Washington and Tennessee are among the few states that have actually issued licenses so far. They recommended clear guardrails, an employment offer before application, ECFMG certification, supervised practice, and data collection to avoid exploitation and protect patients. Members asked about state-to-state variation, retention of IMGs, and whether Washington should pursue dedicated residency or preceptorship options; presenters said the key next step is moving successful participants from supervised experience to a durable long-term license.
The final topic was implementation of Washington’s Apple Health doula benefit and the statewide doula hub and referral system. Senator T’wina Nobles highlighted the state’s $3,500 per-birth Medicaid reimbursement rate for doulas and the importance of the hub for referrals, training, and billing. Health Care Authority staff said the benefit launched January 1, 2025, and covers prenatal intake, labor and delivery, postpartum visits, and telehealth-supported services. They reported 336 state-certified doulas, 134 enrolled in Apple Health, 287 unique clients served, and 641 claims paid so far. Testimony emphasized doulas’ role in improving birth outcomes, reducing unnecessary interventions, and addressing racial disparities in maternal health, while noting that implementation is still early and ongoing.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Joint Senate and House Standing Committee on Appropriations and Revenue (3-3-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:10:26.440>
or <00:10:26.640>debris <00:10:27.079>assessments <00:10:27.560>- > come assessments or debris assessments come assessments or debris assessments come in<00:10:27.920
- those Assessments those Assessments in<00:12:02.040>
thank <00:12:02.200>you <00:12- That's inspecting bridges and providing damage assessments.
- once those joint damage assessments are done. ...And as we continue to do our assessments, then we request
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Senate Roll Call 00:00:00
House Roll Call 00:00:10
Discussion of Recent Disaster 00:01:18
House Adjourned 00:42:28
SB 218 Discussion 00:43:00
SB 218 Vote 00:46:46
SB 186 Discussion 00:47:22:00, 958, all
Summary:
The concurrent House-Senate meeting opened with a roll call and then received a briefing from Kentucky Emergency Management and the Transportation Cabinet on the February storms and flooding. Officials described the event as ongoing and statewide in scope, beginning in western counties and then heavily affecting Eastern Kentucky, including major impacts in Perry, Letcher, Clay, Bell, Martin, Pike, and other counties. They reported widespread power and water outages, nearly 600 people initially sheltered, more than 1,500 water rescues, over 250 National Guard members activated, and substantial mutual aid from other states and FEMA. They also said 73 counties had declared emergencies, 23 fatalities had been confirmed at that point, and individual assistance had already distributed $5.5 million to residents after the federal declaration was signed.
The administration emphasized that recovery needs were still being assessed but were already significant. Kentucky Emergency Management said public assistance estimates were about $58 million and rising, with about 2,005 homes and 272 businesses inspected so far. Debris removal was identified as a major issue, and officials said they had requested Category A federal assistance for debris in four counties while continuing to seek more as assessments continued. They also noted that disaster recovery centers were opening and that teams were going door to door in affected areas. On transportation, KYTC reported 39 counties affected, a peak of 355 road closures reduced to 49, 18 damaged bridges, 94 bridges with debris on them, and 579 roadway damages, while continuing to clear roads and move supplies such as water, food, blankets, and heaters.
Secretary Hicks then asked lawmakers to consider additional funding mechanisms. He said the current $50 million emergency cap in the budget was likely to be exhausted, with $21.5 million already allocated, and proposed either lifting the cap or creating a new “safe fund” for this disaster, similar to prior funds used after the western Kentucky tornadoes and the 2022 eastern Kentucky floods. He said the state could redirect about $25 million from an unused western Kentucky economic development allocation and about $20 million from an eastern Kentucky transportation allocation, for a total of $45 million, to help with this response. Members and officials also discussed debris disposal, with the Pike County landfill expansion identified as a possible site to receive some of the debris and reduce costs. Representative Fugate thanked the agencies for their response and described severe local impacts, including water outages, road slides, damaged water treatment plants, and heavy debris in homes and driveways.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Rehabilitative mental health service providers 3/4/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- These diagnostic assessments must be completed and/or signed off by a mental health professional, and
- This change will ensure that the diagnostic assessment is completed in a timely manner while relieving
- has to be completed following assessment has to be completed following admission<00:04:57.440>
to - assessments must be completed<00:05:04.720>
and <00:05:05.040>or <00:05:05.360>signed - <00:05:19.759>
is ensure that the diagnostic assessment is ensure that the diagnostic assessment
Summary:
House File 3520, as amended by an A1 technical amendment from DHS, was heard in committee. The bill was described as a policy-only measure aimed at modernizing mental health statutes to reduce confusion, ease staffing burdens, and improve recruitment and retention in a workforce facing shortages. The author said the bill was developed with mental health stakeholders over several years, shared with DHS, and intended to have no cost unless provisions are later flagged for fiscal impact.
Chris Westgard of Touchstone Mental Health testified in support and walked through the bill’s main provisions. Section 1 would exclude weekends and holidays from the 10-day deadline for completing diagnostic assessments after admission to intensive residential treatment services, which he said would reduce weekend and holiday work for limited staff. Section 2 would clarify statutory language governing the behavioral health fund’s coverage of intensive residential treatment and residential crisis stabilization services. Section 3 would update Youth ACT rules by allowing board-certified psychiatrists with relevant clinical experience to serve as prescribers, making registered nurses optional team members, and allowing teams with demonstrated experience to serve children and youth ages 8 to 20.
Members raised questions about statutory wording, including the use of “notwithstanding” and the term “qualified provider.” Nonpartisan staff said the bill could be tightened with a cross-reference if it advances. There was no public testimony against the bill. The committee laid House File 3520, as amended, over for possible inclusion.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee May 5th, 2026
Budget and Fiscal Review
Transcript Highlights:
- So this is our best assessment of what is needed at this time.
- So we don't have data, like, as of yesterday, for example, to make that assessment.
- How are we able to have that assessment?
- Well, we've made an assessment based on what. And why should we support this?
- That simply we believe what we believe, we said what we said, we assessed what we assessed, and we can't
Summary:
The subcommittee heard Assembly Bill 108, a budget bill junior that would amend the 2025 Budget Act to provide a one-time $25 million General Fund grant program through HCAI for hospitals in immediate and significant financial distress. Finance explained that eligible hospitals would need to show less than 10 days cash on hand, best efforts to exhaust other financing, a payer mix of more than 50% government payers and uninsured patients, and nonprofit status. The bill also included a technical change related to property tax deferments for eligible low-income seniors, plus expedited contracting and rulemaking authority so HCAI could move funds quickly.
Most of the discussion focused on whether the amount and eligibility standard were sufficient, how many hospitals might qualify, and whether the state was addressing the underlying causes of hospital distress. Members raised concerns about limited and lagging data, the 10-day threshold, fairness compared with the earlier Distressed Hospital Loan Program, and whether hospitals receiving grants should be required to maintain services. Several members cited broader pressures such as Medi-Cal reimbursement rates, seismic retrofit costs, federal policy changes, and the need for loan forgiveness or a more comprehensive hospital support plan in the next budget cycle. The LAO noted that the bill was intentionally narrow and short-term, while the administration said the grant was meant as a bridge until July 1 and that more extensive discussions would continue with the May Revision and the 2026 budget.
Public commenters from the California Hospital Association, district hospital leaders, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and county representatives supported the measure and urged additional longer-term funding for distressed hospitals. After discussion, Senator Richardson moved the bill, the committee voted unanimously in favor, and AB 108 passed 18-0, with the roll held open briefly to secure remaining votes.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- us to different assessment levels.
- We also assess Minnesota's second KRD, expenditure framework, at AAA.
- /c> more context about our assessment of more context about our assessment of long-term<00:19:08.799>
- <00:21:13.960>
and operating performance assessment and operating performance assessment and - Our role is simply to assess what a government is doing and then provide a Credit View.