Transcript Highlights:

• in place and implement their plans and provide some technical assistance so that they can also streamline
• And is there like a streamlined report that we can go look at right now and say, okay, here's the 27
• And again, I think our, at least my concern is that we're taking best practices from around the country

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• meet and some of the tobacco warehouse statutes have become uh obsolete uh based on current trade practices
• House Bill 281 streamlines the process for churches and nonprofits to be able to provide food for homeless
• House Bill 281 streamlines the process for churches and nonprofits to be able to provide food for homeless

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:01 Legislator Comments 00:42 HB 56 Discussion 02:27 HB 56 Roll Call Vote 12:52 HB 258 Discussion 14:03 HB 258 Roll Call Vote 26:15 HB 281 Discussion 27:41 HB 281 Roll Call Vote 30:14, 958, all

Summary: The committee first handled opening business, including attendance, guest introductions, and a reminder about the 24-hour rule for bill substitutes. Guests were introduced by members, including an intern from California, a county judge-executive, and the committee’s session intern. The committee then took up House Bill 56, presented by Rep. Dan Fister and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, which would update and clarify several agriculture-related regulatory provisions. HB 56 would require annual inspections and annual inspection tags for amusement rides, exempt certain private-property amusement ride itineraries from the 14-day advance notice requirement, clarify grain program dispute procedures, adjust egg license renewal dates and assessment-fee rules for small producers, and repeal obsolete tobacco and egg marketing board statutes. Members asked about the definition of amusement rides, whether inflatables are covered, and how licensing and inspection work for commercial operators versus private owners. The bill sponsor and agency representative explained that businesses must still register and obtain licenses and permits, while the bill mainly clarifies annual inspection requirements and reduces unnecessary notice burdens. The committee approved HB 56 with favorable expression. The committee next heard House Bill 258, sponsored by Rep. J.T. Payne, which would raise the weight limit for milk transportation on state highways to 90,000 pounds. Supporters, including a dairy farmer and Kentucky Department of Agriculture counsel, said the change would let haulers carry fuller loads, reduce trips, improve efficiency, and help a shrinking dairy industry. Members discussed the current 80,000-pound limit, the 10% variance, possible effects on other industries, and whether the bill sets a precedent; the sponsor said other carveouts already exist in statute. Several members spoke in support, citing the importance of dairy farming and transportation efficiency. HB 258 also received favorable expression. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 281, sponsored by Rep. Robert Duvall, to streamline food service rules for churches and nonprofits that provide meals to homeless shelters and disaster-displaced people. The sponsor said current rules can require industrial-grade kitchens and restaurant-level plumbing for simple food service, and the bill would exempt churches and nonprofits from those requirements while keeping food safety standards in place. The bill had support from groups serving shelters and disaster relief. HB 281 passed with favorable expression as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• financial frauds across the spectrum, but not only that, would it be giving us, I guess, a way to streamline
• a a way would it be giving us I guess um a a way to<00:01:26.159> like<00:01:26.479> streamline
• how<00:01:27.360> the<00:01:27.600> state<00:01:27.920> address to like streamline
• how the state address to like streamline how the state address financial<00:01:28.799> fraud<

Keywords: Business and Financial Institutions - Room 216, 2 March, 2026; 4:30 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee took up several House bills related to fraud prevention and business filing procedures. On HB 1719, members discussed creating a study committee to examine prevention strategies for financial fraud and related scams, with the sponsor citing a sharp increase in securities division investigations and the need to coordinate among multiple state agencies. Questions focused on whether the study would include deed fraud and veterans’ fraud; the sponsor said the committee was initially aimed at securities fraud but could be expanded, and noted the Veterans Affairs director was included. An amendment adding the president of the Mississippi Bankers Association or designee was adopted, and the bill was given a do pass strike all recommendation. HB 1532 would allow the Secretary of State to remove fraudulent business filings and protect personal information used without consent. The sponsor explained that current law does not let the office remove a filing even when someone’s name, address, or phone number is used fraudulently, and said the bill would create a process to investigate complaints and take down fraudulent filings. Members clarified that the bill would not address scam solicitation letters sent to businesses, only fraudulent filings themselves. The committee then voted title sufficient, do pass. HB 1642 would move dissolution notices for corporations and LLCs to electronic notice. The sponsor said Mississippi already requires email addresses on filings and has been sending both email and mailed notices, but the bill would allow email-only notice and save about $65,000 in mailing costs while improving response rates. After concerns were raised about whether electronic notice alone was enough before a business is dissolved, the committee adopted a reverse repealer amendment to keep working on the issue, then reported the bill out with a title sufficient, do pass strike all recommendation and rose and reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we're focused on the best practices for rate making, and that's a balancing act.
• far outside of that balancing act between all of those different principles and good rate-making practice
• That behavior is different from the historical interconnection practices that we've seen.
• Practically, we are standing by and willing to voluntarily curtail to save the grid in those moments,
• Ultimately, from a practical standpoint, we're also able to use our investments in these communities

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The provisions in this bill streamline The provisions in this bill streamline the<01:15:58.960><
• Chair, there's common practice and good practice.
• <01:42:27.840> It's<01:42:28.000> my practice. Senator Abler. It's my practice.
• Chair, there's common practice and<01:42:33.920> good<01:42:34.159> practice.
• So it's common practice.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition to his legal practice, Mr.
• Just a clarification, it was 15 years of practice in Texas, nearly 20 years of practice.
• As far as my practice goes...
• County and an attorney in private practice.
• I have exclusively practiced criminal law since 1991.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But with this badge and resume and portfolio development interview, practice and networking, this will
• badges for a comprehensive credential program that addresses employee ability skills and the practive practical
• The student has practiced been demonstrated the skills that translate directly to the workplace.
• Ideas is actually what research is telling us are proven practice. So we use universal design.
• So over the next few years, we can continue to streamline in advance and and stay number one in the United

Transcript Highlights:

• Associate-level professionals are allowed to have private practice.
• If a bulk of their practice was serving school children in school mental health settings by telehealth
• I do also want to note that there is a one-time incentive for practicing in the rural areas, which is
• far as the hiring process, how does the hiring process change under SB 37 as compared to current practice
• This advisory group would take a look at that 42-hour core and look for any opportunities to streamline

Bills: HB2476, HB2893, HB4848, HB5062, SB37, SB60, HB2860, HB4930, SB646, SB 37

Keywords: living expenses, higher education, student support, homeless students, financial aid, grant program, baccalaureate degrees, junior colleges, workforce development, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, competency-based education, baccalaureate degree, cost of attendance, dual credit, computer science, course credit, foreign language requirement, curriculum review, governing board, faculty council

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill amends the Asopathic Medical Practice Act. Will the House agree to the bill? Agreed to.
• This bill amends the Medical Practice Act. Will the House agree to the bill? Agreed to.
• I encourage an affirmative vote on this important amendment to ensure individuals seeking to practice
• If these individuals seek to practice in Pennsylvania, under the terms of the bill that's before us,
• That would be the practical impact of passing this legislation.

Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved several journals, and welcomed a number of guests, including Irish dignitaries, scholarship winners, interns, student pages, and members of Omega Psi Phi. After confirming a quorum, the chamber received committee reports and referred new bills and resolutions, then recessed for caucuses and committee meetings before returning to floor action. In the afternoon session, the House considered several bills and amendments. It approved amendments to House Bills 426, 1127, 2551, and Senate Bill 146, while rejecting an amendment to HB 1127 that would have tightened background-check requirements for out-of-state dentists. The chamber also agreed to HB 2234, which creates a spent grain donation tax credit and updates the malt beverage tax credit, and HB 2551, which limits text-message notices by the Turnpike Commission and other agencies about unpaid fines, fees, or tolls. Senate Bill 146, creating the Veterans Trust Fund Board, was amended to add audit-related changes and then agreed to. The House then took final passage votes on several bills. HB 133, allowing a process to petition for reinstatement of parental rights, passed 191-11; HB 138, barring parental incarceration as the sole basis for termination of parental rights, passed 200-2; HB 2207, on capital development loans, passed 202-0; and HB 2224, dealing with utility rate and tax-related changes, passed 202-0 after extensive debate over affordability, consumer protections, and tax relief. HB 2473, repealing the Flood Insurance Education Information Act of 1996, also passed unanimously, and HB 2544, addressing school administrator rights and compensation disputes, passed 141-61. The most extensive debate centered on HB 2632, which reallocates educational tax credit caps and replaces the EITC and OSTC programs with a new options tax credit framework beginning in 2027-28. Supporters said it would improve transparency, accountability, and access for the poorest students, while opponents argued it would reduce scholarship opportunities, add burdens, and harm families and schools that rely on the current programs. After lengthy debate, the House passed HB 2632 by a vote of 105-97. The chamber then announced a Finance Committee voting meeting, recommitted several bills to Appropriations, and adjourned until June 23, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• The state will now have a shared housing development platform to streamline and centralize decision-making
• AB 678 directs Cal ICH to work with the LGBTQ+ communities to identify best practices, develop training
• And also, of course, with debt buying, there's a specific Fair Debt Buying Practices Act that also sets
• It is practical infrastructure.
• It is practical infrastructure.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration heard a series of budget proposals and informational items, beginning with the Department of Housing and Community Development’s HCD Connect system. HCD requested permanent authority for seven existing temporary positions to maintain and expand the system, and also sought funding and positions to implement eight 2025 housing-related bills. Members asked about how HCD Connect will interact with programs moving to the new Housing Development Finance Committee and about the revised implementation cost for AB 1053, which HCD said had dropped from about $6 million to $1.9 million because of shared infrastructure with HDFC and CalHFA. The committee also heard Cal ICH’s request for $339,000 to implement AB 678 on LGBTQ+ inclusive and culturally competent homelessness services, with testimony emphasizing the need for better data and training for a population disproportionately affected by homelessness and discrimination. The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation presented three continuation proposals: funding for the California Consumer Financial Protection Law program, the Debt Collector Licensing Act program, and the broker-dealer/investment adviser continuing education program. Members and public commenters focused heavily on the debt collector licensing fees, the number of licensees, and whether assessments were too high compared with other states; DFPI explained that fees are set on a pro rata basis tied to net proceeds and that the workload remains substantial. Public testimony also supported DFPI’s student loan assistance work and raised a separate request for franchise broker registration funding. The committee then took up a mandate suspension item, voting to suspend a new disclosure mandate related to deferred property taxation, and heard trailer bill language from the Department of Finance on AB 91/MENA data collection, aimed at protecting federal funding, ensuring non-disclosure, and allowing more time for implementation. The Secretary of State presented Help America Vote Act funding for VoteCal and the HAVA spending plan, as well as the Cal-Access Replacement System (CARS), the Notary Automation Program Replacement Project (NAP 2.0), and AB 1392 on confidential voter registration for elected officials and candidates. Members asked about project costs, timelines, user testing, and data migration; the Secretary of State said VoteCal funds would be exhausted in 2027–28, CARS is targeted for completion by November 2026, and AB 1392 would require system modifications and new confidentiality procedures. The committee also heard an informational overview from the California Arts Council, which described its 50th anniversary, the economic impact of arts funding, and the cultural districts program; public testimony strongly urged increasing Arts Council grant funding from $24 million to $50 million and adding support for cultural districts. Throughout the hearing, the committee took multiple vote-only actions approving the items before it, with votes recorded on the HCD, Cal ICH, DFPI, HAVA, CARS, NAP 2.0, and AB 1392 proposals, while some items were held open or discussed without a quorum at earlier points in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee heard this a few weeks ago relating to certain practices of health benefit plan issuers
• The first responder can recover any out-of-pocket costs like co-pays or deductibles, streamlining the
• I have been in private practice for the past 10 years with an effort and value of increasing access to
• I'm one of three psychologists Just in my practice, all of whom accept insurance, which is rare.
• The mission of One Oncology and the community oncologists whose practices we partner with is to ensure

Bills: HB345, HB721, HB2580, SB815, HB3057, HB4603, HB3233, SB495, HB3863, HB3914, HB4570, HB5099, HB5173, SB458

Keywords: insurance, appraisal process, disputed losses, residential property, policyholder rights, insurer obligations, natural disasters, appraisal expenses, umpire selection, policyholder, insurer, umpire, claims management, health care, cost disclosure, benefit plan, administrators, traumatic brain injury, health benefit plans, insurance coverage

Transcript Highlights:

• Furthermore, while the President has imposed tariffs designed to address unfair practices and market
• He understands the mission of the USDA, not just in theory, but in practice.
• They made it possible for me to delay entering the private practice of law in order to clerk for two
• They support the move to the more expensive Washington, D.C. area, where I entered the private practice
• And then let me ask the future General Counsel, it's been my practice in a number of hearings to make

Keywords: USDA, nominations, Judge Vaden, Tyler Clarkson, agriculture policy, rural America, tariffs, farmer advocacy

Summary: The meeting focused on the nominations of Judge Stephen Alexander Vaden for Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Mr. Tyler Clarkson for General Counsel at the USDA. Members expressed concerns regarding the challenges farmers and ranchers face, especially in navigating the impacts of recent tariffs imposed by the President. Significant attention was given to how these nominations could influence agriculture policy and support rural communities amidst economic uncertainty. The committee emphasized the necessity for strong leadership in the USDA to advocate for farmer needs and ensure the proper implementation of assistance programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• People having inappropriate sexual relationships in their practices, and then of course Dr.
• So her doctor kicked her out of the practice. That was traumatizing for her.
• Senator Polsky: Do you practice something called NaProTechnology?
• Senator Polsky: As an individual practicing physician.
• practice doctor who keeps me and my family safe.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our board reports and board packets have been streamlined.
• <01:46:49.840> You<01:46:50.080> can packets have been streamlined.
• You can packets have been streamlined.
• A zillion years ago I was, uh, the director of the Office of Information Practices.
• <02:10:42.800> We office of information practices. We office of information practices.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint House and Senate tourism briefing focused on the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s interim action plans, current projects, contract oversight, destination management action plans (DMAPs), and the impact of recent legislation and audit findings. Interim CEO Caroline Anderson said she accepted the temporary role to help address agency challenges, emphasized rebuilding trust, and said HTA is reviewing the state auditor’s concerns and posting its response publicly. She also described HTA’s mission and organizational structure under SB 1571, including reporting lines to the governor, the director, and the board, and outlined staff additions in finance, brand marketing, destination stewardship, and planning. A major topic was the permanent CEO search. HTA board chair Tata Po said the goal is to select a CEO within about four months, with the search firm still engaged, the position description being revised to reflect the new law and compensation changes, and approvals still needed before the job can be reposted. Members expressed frustration that the recruitment had been paused and questioned whether HTA has sufficient qualified leadership and staff during the interim period. Board leadership said the current staff is limited by vacancies but that they have confidence in the team and will add resources if needed. Members also pressed HTA on the role of the destination stewardship team and the CNHA/Kilohana contract, asking how staff oversight works and whether staff members were effectively wearing multiple hats. HTA explained that the stewardship team provides direction to contractors and that the work is divided among specialists overseeing projects such as tour guide certification, technical assistance, community tourism collaboratives, and a destination app. The committee also discussed whether the board can still vote on budgets under the new structure; the Attorney General’s office was cited as confirming that the board may advise, but the department director retains budget authority. HTA said it is working with CNHA and HVCB on contract and budget timing, with a goal of shifting to a calendar-year process so recipients know funding earlier.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this continues my work to expand broadband access in Texas by streamlining the process at the
• It streamlines the processes at the BDO by only requiring the comptroller to submit a report on the pole
• It streamlines the process of awarding grants and loans through the program and ensures that Internet
• consent for Senate Bill 2695, relating to education programs to enable certain students and advanced practice
• registered nurses to practice medicine in certain rural counties. ...to be withdrawn from the Committee

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation, received a House message announcing passage of H.B. 500, and a gubernatorial nomination for the Upper Neches River Municipal Water Authority Board. The chamber adopted several resolutions, including SR 409 recognizing Blue Ribbon Lobby Day, SR 402 honoring the discovery of the woolly devil plant at Big Bend National Park, and recognitions for Operation Christmas RGV and Wilson County Day. The Senate also heard an announcement that the Committee on Senate Nominations action report had been placed on members’ desks. The body then took up and passed several bills. SB 2365 was passed to prohibit personal wireless communication devices by public school students during instructional time, with exceptions for health, special education, and safety needs. SB 1869 was passed to reaffirm the DSHS commissioner’s authority over controlled-substance schedule changes without rulemaking or judicial review. SB 1124 was passed to revise criminal discovery procedures in response to the Heath decision, with supporters saying it preserves exculpatory evidence protections while limiting suppression of inculpatory evidence when the defense already knew of it. SB 1758 was passed to create a Grayson County pilot study and temporary permitting hold concerning a cement kiln/quarry near a semiconductor wafer facility, and SB 2078 was passed to regulate composting in certain counties, after a clarifying amendment. The Senate also passed SB 33, barring governmental entities from transactions that support abortion assistance or out-of-state abortion procurement; SB 34, expanding wildfire preparedness measures, studies, equipment databases, and rural fire department funding; SB 1208, increasing the penalty for interference with public duties from a Class B misdemeanor to a state jail felony; SB 1030, removing the maintenance, repair, and overhaul tax for general aviation; SB 505, creating processes to address election irregularities; SB 2411, updating the Business Organizations Code and changing filing-method requirements; and SB 1333, addressing unauthorized entry, occupancy, sale, rental, lease, or conveyance of real property. Most measures advanced on voice vote or recorded roll call after motions to suspend the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule, with several members raising questions or objections, especially on the criminal justice, abortion, and public duties bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• These courts are relatively new in practice, and the thinking is to keep that consistent and let that
• The issue under Section 150.011 of our civil practice and remedy code...
• After participating in the program, I knew I couldn't allow these unethical practices to continue.
• After participating in the program, I knew I couldn't allow these unethical practices to continue.
• I'm just thinking through the practicalities of this. Yes, exactly.

Bills: HB40, HB1916, HB1973, HB2524, HB2530, HB3180, HB3421, HB3783, HB4170, HB4213, HB40

Keywords: business court, civil procedure, litigation, jurisdiction, arbitration, divorce, property division, family law, court jurisdiction, marital assets, parent-child relationship, birth certificate, identity proof, Family Code, court process, attorney fees, court costs, legal expenses, dispute resolution, child support

Transcript Highlights:

• A senior at FAMU, majoring in criminal justice pre-law, plans to attend law school and practice criminal
• The bill is intended to help streamline processes. It's not meant to hide transparency.
• Senator Rodriguez: It's intended to help streamline processes. It's not meant to hide transparency.
• How would that work in practicality?
• Senators, this bill includes several updates designed to streamline customer experiences through services

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge, and heard several member introductions before moving to the special order calendar. The chamber first took up SB 200/HB 295 on a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan, which directs DEP to develop a statewide recycling strategy by 2026 with stakeholder input and a three-year implementation roadmap; the House bill was substituted and passed 38-0. Senators then approved CS/CS/SB 492 on mitigation banking and land development after adopting two McLean amendments, including one on out-of-service credits and another incorporating phosphate mining lands provisions; the bill passed 35-3 after debate over possible constitutional issues. CS/SB 494 on aggravated animal cruelty was also amended and substituted with the House companion to add a searchable FDLE database of convicted animal abusers and a sentencing multiplier, with an agriculture-related exemption; it passed 37-0. The Senate next passed CS/CS/SB 500/HB 711 creating the Spectrum Alert for missing children with autism, including training and coordinated alert procedures, with a House amendment to align implementation timing and funding; it passed 37-0. CS/CS/SB 524/HB 1089 added Duchenne muscular dystrophy to newborn screening tests and passed 36-0. CS/CS/SB 592/HB 393 revised the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program by lowering approval thresholds, clarifying eligibility and ownership issues, and adding sliding-door wind-driven rain mitigation devices; it passed 37-0 after discussion about funding and insurance premium credits. CS/SB 742/HB 1145 on workforce education allowed charter schools direct access to grant funding and expanded money-back guarantees for certain programs, and it passed 37-0. CS/CS/SB 822/HB 443 on charter schools generated extensive debate and multiple amendments, including a Jones amendment requiring parent acknowledgment of school rules; the bill would expand charter autonomy, reporting flexibility, enrollment capacity, and governance provisions, and it was placed on the calendar for third reading after the amendment process. Later, the Senate passed HB 827 on a statewide study of automation and workforce impact, which would examine job displacement, wages, vulnerable regions, and training needs, by a 35-0 vote. It also passed CS/CS/SB 964/HB 181 on parole guidelines, CS/SB 976/HB 901 on court-appointed psychologists, and CS/SB 1084/HB 1451 on sexual cyber harassment and digitally forged intimate images, all unanimously. CS/CS/SB 1156 on a Home Health Aid for Medically Fragile Children Program was amended to clarify training requirements and passed 37-0 after supportive debate about helping parents care for medically fragile children. Finally, CS/CS/CS/SB 1240/HB 1091 on substance abuse and mental health care was amended to allow designated facilities to retain certain stabilized patients during the 72-hour involuntary examination period and passed 37-0. Several other bills were temporarily postponed, and the chamber also recognized guests and interns throughout the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• This reorganization plan expressed that this will, in fact, move dollars faster, make it more streamlined
• So again, in the effort to help with streamlining efforts and other goals of the reorganization.
• about what we've already said several years ago, which was to be, we have legislation related to streamlining
• We also appreciate the effort to prioritize streamlining collective bargaining.
• AB 156 also streamlines the mediation fact-finding process in IHSS collective bargaining to make sure

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee held an informational hearing on the September budget package, which included SB 105 and a series of trailer bills covering health, human services, education, resources, child care, transportation, labor, public safety, housing, revenue, background checks, collective bargaining, and a special election. The Department of Finance described the package as largely technical and clarifying, but also responsive to state and federal changes, especially H.R. 1. Key items included roughly $3.3 billion in Proposition 4 climate and environmental spending, $540 million in discretionary greenhouse gas reduction funds, and major responses to H.R. 1 such as CalFresh error-rate mitigation, food bank support, and Medicaid-related changes. Other notable provisions included vaccine policy flexibility, an Abortion Access Fund, a gender-affirming care program, community college basic-needs and aid changes, CEQA and coastal permit exemptions tied to the 2028 Olympics, invasive mussel prevention funding, a civic media program, labor and pension-related provisions, and special election administration changes. Members raised questions and concerns about several parts of the package. There was support for climate, water, transit, offshore wind, food security, and health investments, but also significant criticism of the lack of cleanup language for SB 131 and its advanced manufacturing exemptions, with multiple members saying promised fixes had not materialized and expressing concerns about tribal consultation, labor standards, and environmental protections. Members also questioned the scale and timing of some Proposition 4 allocations, including fairground upgrades, regional conveyance, and a UC Davis alternative protein research center. The Department of Finance said some programs would roll out over time and that certain funding levels reflected current implementation capacity. The hearing also featured discussion of Bay Area transit financing, with Finance saying SB 105 directs the department and CalSTA to examine loan or other financing options rather than immediately providing loans. Members and public commenters also discussed the state’s response to H.R. 1, with advocates supporting food bank, health care, and immunization provisions while warning of ongoing harm to immigrants, foster youth, and other vulnerable groups. Public testimony broadly supported the health, food, water, offshore wind, and golden mussel provisions, while many speakers echoed legislative concerns about SB 131 and urged cleanup action in the next session. No votes were taken because the hearing was informational only, though the chair noted votes on the bills were expected later that night or the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, the question I have is around the hiring practices.
• um uh I believe um last practices um uh I believe um last bium<01:02:45.440> uh<01:02:45.599>
• So this is an instance of poor billing practices at a provider.
• at a provider we billing practices at a provider we identify<01:51:49.880> that<01:51:50.280>
• We have not made a policy for it, but it is general practice. Okay.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: House Finance Division III convened a work session on the DHHS budget, with the chair noting there would be no votes and that the committee would spend the day hearing from the commissioner’s office. Nathan White, DHHS Chief Financial Officer, opened with the Division of Finance/Office of Business Operations, explaining that the unit supports the department through daily financial management, AP/AR, audit work, expense projections, transfers, and procurement functions such as contracts, amendments, RFPs/RFAs, and grants management. He also described the division’s revenue and reporting work, including federal draws, CMS-64 reporting, and the public assistance cost allocation plan, and said the department had centralized rate-setting work and a small team handling Medicaid rate analysis and nursing facility rebase work. Members asked about vacancies, turnover, and budget changes. White said the division had 18 positions unfunded in the governor’s budget, reducing personal services from about $10.8 million to $9.9 million, and estimated the division’s vacancy rate at about 11 percent, below the department average. He said turnover was relatively low, with one retirement at the manager level and higher turnover mainly at lower AP-level positions. He also explained that some budget lines reflected reallocations rather than new spending, including fringe benefits centralized elsewhere and an EBT card contract moved into this unit because the staff member overseeing it works in Finance. When asked about a rent/lease increase, he said it was due to higher copier leasing costs under a statewide DAS contract. White highlighted several management and technology improvements. He said a business intelligence tool procured in 2022, using Salesforce and Excel-based data, helped DHHS better track federal revenue and maintenance-of-effort spending, reducing FY24 General Fund lapse by about 70 percent and federal/other revenue lapse by 88 percent compared with FY23; he warned that the tool is not funded in the current budget. He also described Lean Six Sigma efforts in the contracts team, training for vendors and nonprofits on procurement and indirect cost rules, and a Finance Academy to standardize policies and procedures. On the contracts side, he said the department uses Smartsheet for project management and DocuSign for electronic signatures, which cut contract execution time dramatically, but noted DocuSign is also not funded in the governor’s budget. The session ended as the committee prepared to move on to the Employee Assistance Program presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's a slightly more streamlined and less cumbersome process. That hasn't changed at all.
• So it's a slightly more streamlined and less cumbersome process. Thank you for the follow-up.
• <00:17:36.640> and it's a slightly more streamlined and it's a slightly more streamlined and
• Thank you. anybody and actually I think streamlines anybody and actually I think streamlines the<00:40
• and whether there might be some practice and whether there might be some changes<04:07:04.960> that

Keywords: 1189, house, all