Transcript Highlights:

• Did you support just a few days ago. Did you support that<00:27:46.240><c> repeal?</c> that repeal?
• Um but they are also behavior analysts.
• </c><01:09:10.560><c> analysis</c> on licensed assistance behavior analysis on licensed assistance behavior
• </c> treated for a behavior treated for a behavior and<01:09:51.759><c> then</c><01:09:52.080><c> replace
• </c><01:35:26.880><c> Thank</c> I'm I'm going to support that. Thank I'm I'm going to support that.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Slide 12: program support roll up.
• health supports pursuant to regional plans of the Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act.
• health supports.
• Because they probably supported the line item.
• And our goal, our intention was that we were going to prioritize behavioral health and community behavioral

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• support and coordinate behavioral health services.
• support and coordinate behavioral health services.
• Regional behavioral health boards are behavioral health boards.
• I do not support the 1%... ...support the cuts that were recommended by the governor.
• So I think in general, the people of Idaho support... ...the people of Idaho support this legislature

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate met with all 35 members present, approved the journal, and heard several committee reports and introductions. State Affairs reported multiple bills, including measures on the Idaho Housing and Finance Association, public outdoor target ranges, machine guns, cash rounding, gubernatorial appointments and vacancies, housing and subdivision changes, education scholarship and career ladder revisions, virtual currency kiosk fraud prevention, and the project choice fee. The House sent over bills on unauthorized workers and unlawful employment of unauthorized aliens, which were referred to committee. The Senate also introduced a resolution recognizing ties with Italy, a concurrent resolution supporting Taiwan, and a resolution on the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. Later, the Senate introduced a public safety appropriation bill for fiscal year 2027 and took up Senate Bill 1308 on mediation and Senate Bill 1309 on juvenile corrections, both of which passed unanimously. The chamber then debated and passed Senate Bill 1314, which restructures the Department of Health and Welfare by repealing the Board of Health and Welfare and ending the statutory requirement for regional behavioral health boards. Supporters said the bill modernizes oversight, removes duplicative layers, and saves money while preserving local collaboration and other public input channels; opponents argued the behavioral health boards provide transparency, public accountability, and community input, and one senator declared a possible conflict based on family experience with mental illness. The bill passed 28-7. Senate Bill 1316, updating newborn screening exemption language to align with other Idaho law and clarify parental rights without changing screenings, passed 35-0. Senate Bill 1301, expanding small brewers’ ability to operate a second remote taproom, passed 31-4. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 1331, a large rescission bill reducing fiscal year 2026 appropriations by about $192.7 million and reducing authorized positions, after extensive debate over whether the cuts were too broad and whether the bill was transparent or a necessary budget-balancing step. Senators supporting it said the state faced a revenue shortfall and needed across-the-board reductions; opponents criticized the bill as a “Christmas tree” and argued it cut too bluntly and late in the fiscal year. The vote was close at 18-17. The chamber then passed Senate Bill 1332, transferring about $106.7 million from several funds to the general fund to help balance the budget, despite objections that the transfers would divert money from water projects, career training, and building projects. After recess, the Senate returned and passed Senate Bill 1300, which would subject three agency directors to gubernatorial appointment and Senate confirmation. Supporters said it would improve accountability and align Idaho with other states; opponents argued it would increase political influence and could conflict with the Harriman Park agreement’s merit-based staffing language. The transcript ends during that debate, before a final vote on Senate Bill 1300.

Transcript Highlights:

• they've been very supportive of what we do.
• It's not easy to police students' behavior, and I'm not so sure policing behavior is the correct answer
• This behavior does not equip our universities to combat... ...moral panic.
• BDS resolutions. students that opt to support BDS resolutions.
• They don't know how to support viewpoint diversity.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on Anti-Semitism met for its 11th meeting and approved the minutes from its August 7 meeting. Co-chairs said the commission had recently completed preliminary K-12 recommendations and would continue work on higher education, with additional topics such as workplace issues, the medical sector, and the arts to be addressed before the November 30 reporting deadline. They also said another public comment meeting would be held this fall. The first testimony came from Dr. Mark Posnansky of Harvard Medical School, who described anti-Semitism affecting STEM, research, and higher education. He said Jewish and Israeli students and faculty reported ostracism, gaslighting, intimidation, discrimination, and hiding Jewish identity, and he urged clear leadership statements, mandatory anti-Semitism education, and stronger reporting and discipline procedures. Commissioners asked about Harvard training, spillover into teaching hospitals, and whether anti-Semitic climates were causing students to leave; he said some students had turned down opportunities because of the environment and that concerns also affected healthcare settings. Lindsey Gabbo, a Harvard Law student and mother, testified that campus discourse after October 7 had made Jewish and Zionist students feel isolated and unwelcome, with protests, defaced hostage posters, and a student council BDS vote contributing to the climate. She said Harvard had sent some emails acknowledging anti-Semitism but that she had not seen meaningful steps to restore dialogue, and she argued the school needed more structured venues for conversation. Commissioners also asked about campus security, the effect on students’ mental health, and the impact of chants and protests that she said many Jewish students understood as calls to violence. A panel of concerned Jewish faculty and staff then offered contrasting views. Professor Jeremy Menchick argued the commission should use data carefully, include non-Zionist Jews in its analysis, and avoid reinforcing divisions within the Jewish community. Professor Hilary Lustick described restorative-practice approaches and said structured dialogue could address conflict without immediate punishment. Professor Jonathan Feingold warned that anti-Semitism was being weaponized by the Trump administration and right-wing groups to attack universities and DEI, and he urged the commission not to adopt approaches that could be used to undermine civil rights institutions. Commissioners pushed back on claims that the problem was being exaggerated or reduced to a “problem” rather than a “crisis,” and the discussion ended with continued debate over data, context, and how to balance anti-Semitism concerns with broader civil-rights protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• support.
• We are in strong support of AB 1537.
• I want to support this bill.
• Sponsor and strong support.
• for their behavior.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety bills, with extensive testimony and debate. AB 1535 would add political affiliation as a sentencing aggravator when a felony is motivated by a victim’s actual or perceived political affiliation. The author said the bill is intended to deter political violence while preserving judicial discretion; supporters framed it as a response to rising threats and attacks tied to politics. Opponents, including ACLU Cal Action, Initiate Justice, and public defender groups, argued the term is vague, could sweep in protected speech and association, and would expand punishment without addressing crime prevention. The bill was later moved on a due-pass recommendation and passed on roll call. AB 1656 would add human trafficking to the list of offenses that qualify for good-cause continuances so a vertical prosecutor can stay with a case. The author and a San Diego DA representative said the change would support trauma-informed prosecution and improve continuity for survivors. Most support testimony came from prosecutors, victim advocates, and civil liberties groups, while some public defender and justice organizations remained in opposition or pending review of amendments. The committee ultimately approved the bill on a due-pass-as-amended vote. AB 1589 would allow Level 1 reserve peace officers to use firearm suppressors while on duty, matching the exemption already available to full-time officers. The author and reserve officer witnesses said the bill is a narrow safety measure tied to hearing protection and parity in training and equipment. Opponents, including Brady and ACLU Cal Action, said suppressors are unnecessary, could endanger the public and other officers, and further militarize policing. After discussion about safety, fiscal concerns, and community trust, the committee passed the bill on a due-pass vote. The committee also took up AB 1566, which would align the statutory definition of severe neglect with the structured decision-making tool used by county child welfare agencies. Supporters said the bill would reduce overreporting, racial disparities, and unnecessary family trauma while keeping mandated reporting in place. Opponents, including school resource officer groups, warned it would lower reporting thresholds and risk missing serious abuse. Members debated the impact on child safety versus unnecessary investigations, and the bill was held on call after a split vote. In addition, the committee approved several consent items, including bills on human trafficking data, criminal procedure jurisdiction, firearms/unsafe handguns, and the Hugs Act of 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the second program is called the Adult Peer Support Services.
• I get trained on how to be a peer support.
• So the second program is called the Adult Peer Support Services.
• I get trained on how to be a peer support.
• So the peer support, again, is huge. It's successful. It's...

Summary: The committee met briefly to discuss how to use available funding and to clarify priorities after a recent JFAC action removed funding from one program. Senator Kevin Cook was invited to outline several behavioral health and Medicaid-related options, emphasizing that he was not lobbying but providing cost and program information. The main programs discussed were assertive community treatment (ACT), adult peer support services, and Healthy Connections. Cook described ACT as an evidence-based team service for people with severe mental illness, peer support as a trained recovery-based support model, and Healthy Connections as a statutory program that had ended due to legislation rather than a department decision. Department of Health and Welfare Medicaid administrator Sasha O’Connell explained that ACT had been cut under the governor’s holdback direction and that the department had already pursued rate reductions and other cuts to meet budget targets. She said ACT and peer supports were not protected in statute, while some other services were, and that the department had limited options once it reached the point of service reductions. She also clarified federal match rates for ACT participants and said the program had been moved into the Magellan contract to leverage federal funding. Estimated costs to restore the programs were discussed, including about $1.3 million for ACT in fiscal year 2026 and $4.1 million in fiscal year 2027, $2 million and $6 million for peer support, and $1.5 million and $6.3 million for Healthy Connections. Several members expressed support for restoring ACT, citing its impact on law enforcement, hospitals, and vulnerable individuals, and noting reported deaths among former participants after the service ended. Others questioned how the program fit within the committee’s mission and whether it should be funded from the Millennium Fund or through a statutory change. No final vote was taken; the chair said the committee would consider the information, possibly meet again, and then decide on next steps.

Transcript Highlights:

• for children and adults with behavioral health needs.
• Medicaid is a primary payer in the behavioral health space.
• Wave and support. Wave and support. Steve, is it B-A-H-N-E-R, Boehner?
• Southeast, waves and support. Thank you. Victoria Zep. Wave and support.
• And so, consequently, I will enthusiastically support Mr.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I support this and I hope that you do too. Thank you so much. Those in support? Good morning.
• s Association, support. Kayla Robinson, with Californians Against Waste, in support. Thank you.
• Warriors in support.
• I support.
• s office, in strong support. Heidi Gurkha with Love Never Fails, in strong support.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 469 directs DMAS to amend regulations to allow positive behavior support facilitators to conduct training
• The positive behavior support facilitators are professionals who are endorsed, I believe, through a program
• support is an applied science that uses educational methods to expand individuals' behavioral repertoire
• So DSB, is that the disability support personnel? Direct support professional.
• they need to support the system.

Keywords: Disability Commission, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Melanie Brown-Woofter, Florida Council for Behavioral Health Care, waives support.
• Victoria Zep, also with Family Support Services, also waiving in support.
• Melissa Olive, the Board Association of Behavior Analysis, is waiving in support.
• Melissa Olive, the Board Association of Behavior Analysis is waiving in support.
• So, very supportive.

Summary: The Health Policy Committee met with a quorum and took up a long agenda of health care, Medicaid, and patient-access measures, along with confirmation votes. The committee first reconsidered and amended SB 1606 on patient access to records, clarifying portal obligations, deleting a section affecting nursing home facility records, and setting a January 1, 2026 effective date; the bill then passed favorably as a committee substitute. The committee also recommended confirmation of a block of appointees and separately confirmed Chavon Harris as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration after Harris testified about priorities including financial accountability, managed care oversight, transparency, and quality improvement. Senators asked about audit findings and Medicaid managed care performance, and several witnesses and committee members voiced support for her appointment. The committee then advanced a series of bills, most of them with amendments, including claims bills SB 28 and SB 22 for South Broward Hospital District settlements, SB 772 on undesignated glucagon in schools, SB 998 on death certification by physician assistants and APRNs, SB 1412 on home health administration flexibility, SB 1800 creating a Parkinson’s disease research consortium at USF, SB 306 on managed care network access during holidays and after hours, SB 1768 on stem cell therapies by physicians, SB 1602 on pediatric readiness in emergency departments, SB 1156 on the home health aide program for medically fragile children, SB 1490 on Children’s Medical Services and managed care administration, and SB 1182 on Medicaid coverage of continuous glucose monitors. Most of these bills received support from industry, advocacy, or provider groups and were reported favorably as committee substitutes. The most debated measure was SB 1270, a broad strike-all amendment combining provisions on mRNA vaccine documentation, vaccination-status protections in the Patient Bill of Rights, medical marijuana reporting and background-screening definitions, compact language, and volunteer immunity. The committee heard extensive testimony both for and against the vaccine-related provisions, including concerns about discrimination, patient safety, provider discretion, and medical liability. After additional technical amendments and a time-certain motion, the bill passed favorably as a committee substitute, with Senators Davis and Osgood voting no and Senator Harrell expressing a weak yes. At the end of the meeting, senators recorded their votes on selected tabs, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We advocate for policies, practices, and investments that will support kids and families.
• . behaviors. behaviors.
• >> I'm here for moral support. >> I understand. Ms. Walker, you're recognized. Thank you.
• And I'm not saying I'm supporting anything.
• </c> is I'm not saying I'm supporting is I'm not saying I'm supporting anything.<00:15:33.360><c> I'm

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:09 State of the Judiciary: 00:02:33 The Corrections - KCTCS Reentry Program: 00:49:44 Update on 2022 RS SB 90: 01:27:49, 958, all

Summary: The Juvenile Justice Oversight Council met with a quorum, approved the October 8, 2025 minutes, and welcomed guests including Marshall County Attorney Jason Darnall. The main topic was juvenile interrogation, with a presentation from Kentucky Youth Advocates by Courtney Downs and Shannon Moody. They said their organization is supporting a 2026 Blueprint priority requiring children to consult with an attorney before waiving Miranda rights, and they emphasized research on adolescent brain development, susceptibility to peer pressure and impulsive decision-making, and the risk of false confessions. They cited National Registry of Exonerations data showing high rates of false confessions among exonerated youth, especially younger children, and described approaches in other states such as Maryland’s Child Interrogation Protection Act, Indiana’s statute allowing certain adults to waive rights in some circumstances, and laws in other states requiring recording of interrogations or limiting deceptive tactics. Members asked about trauma and adverse childhood experiences, whether the proposal would require attorney consultation in every juvenile interview, whether parents could instead be the ones consulted, and how such a rule would affect law enforcement investigations and juvenile accountability. Senator Carroll and others raised concerns about feasibility, delays, and whether juveniles might avoid accountability if attorneys are required before questioning. The presenters responded that they were focused on ensuring children understand their legal rights, that some states use age- or offense-based limits, and that parent consultation is another model used elsewhere, though they said a lawyer is best suited to explain legal rights and process. Members also discussed the role of the Department of Public Advocacy and whether legislative action or court decisions should address the issue. The council did not take final action on the policy, but requested additional materials, including the text of laws from Maryland, Indiana, and North Carolina, for further review.

Transcript Highlights:

• Christine Smith, Health Access California, in support. I'm at Pelfaxis, California, in support.
• McKay Carney on behalf of Cottage Health, in support. David Bologas of the Alliance, in support.
• California, in support.
• That goal had real support.
• Thank you. had real support.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health heard a series of bills focused on access to care, insurance coverage, and public health. AB 387 on youth sports AED access drew support from the author and safety advocates, but opposition from school, park, city, and county groups over liability, cost, and access concerns. The author said he would continue working on amendments to shift the bill toward requiring access to existing AEDs rather than mandating facility procurement. Committee members emphasized the life-saving purpose of the bill while also raising affordability and access concerns for youth sports programs. The committee also heard AB 1682, which would require health plans and insurers to cover FDA-cleared scalp cooling devices for chemotherapy patients. Supporters, including breast cancer survivors and health groups, described the emotional and quality-of-life benefits of preventing hair loss and said cost is the main barrier to access. There was no formal opposition, though one senator raised concerns about whether the mandate could exceed essential health benefits. The chair and members expressed support for the bill’s goals and said it would be taken up when quorum was established. AB 2093, a follow-up to the 988 crisis line law, sought to clarify statewide leadership, improve coordination among 988, 911, and mobile crisis teams, and create a more sustainable funding structure. Behavioral health organizations and crisis center representatives supported the bill, saying implementation challenges and demand growth require statutory fixes. Committee members generally supported the concept but noted the bill was a gut-and-amend and that additional work was needed with county and behavioral health stakeholders. The committee then heard AB 1843 on hepatitis C treatment, AB 1629 on dental assignment of benefits, AB 2540 on community college access to medication abortion services, and AB 1929 on disclosure of health plan investments. AB 1843 had broad support from medical and public health groups but opposition from health plans, which argued it conflicted with the prior-authorization framework in SB 306 and could raise drug costs. AB 1629 was supported by dental and patient advocates but opposed by dental plans and insurers over concerns about network participation and out-of-pocket costs. AB 2540 drew strong support from reproductive health advocates and student representatives, while community college health services and some others opposed or were neutral pending amendments; the author said the bill was about equity and accepted amendments to reduce burdens. AB 1929 was backed by labor and immigrant rights groups as a transparency measure, but opposed by health plans and insurers who said Covered California was not the right entity to administer the disclosures and that the information was already publicly available. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly weighed public access and transparency against cost, administrative burden, and implementation concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• It re-administers Medicaid and is the primary funding source for children's behavioral health treatment
• Determine whether they need income support, housing support, mental health support, and provide that.
• They could be referred for parental support.
• I'm the JPO, I'm the Child Protective Services worker, I'm this income support worker.
• These are: program support, protective services, juvenile justice, and behavioral health.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> on this legislation and are in support. on this legislation and are in support.
• </c> actually does change their behavior? actually does change their behavior?
• </c> behavioral choice. behavioral choice.
• </c> help change driver behavior. help change driver behavior.
• </c> uh restraining that type of behavior. uh restraining that type of behavior.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• support services, our behavioral health, which includes our executive medical director, our outpatient
• is the only Behavioral Health system DCT is the only Behavioral Health Care<00:02:02.960><c> system</
• divisions which includes our supporting divisions which includes our operation<00:04:24.560><c> support
• support services our Behavioral<00:04:26.680><c> Health</c><00:04:26.960><c> which</c><00:04:27.080><
• those areas that DHS was uh to support those areas that DHS was supporting<00:18:47.360><c> prior</c

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here to concerning student behaviors I'm here to support<00:16:12.680><c> hf5</c><00:16:13.680><
• Combined with our positive behavior systems and mental health supports, we can create a great learning
• It makes no distinction between upbringing and the provision of basic behavioral support to manage a
• It makes no distinction between upbringing and the provision of basic behavioral support to manage a
• It makes no distinction between upbringing and the provision of basic behavioral support to manage a

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• $355 million in child support. ...collect over $355 million in child support payments each year.
• Then we also support 5,000...
• Those services are to individuals who are in a behavioral health crisis who can... ...behavioral health
• In addition, it will integrate health and behavioral health care access and support for veteran connections
• I appreciate your support.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Youth Who Sexually Harm Program serves adolescent males who have engaged in sexually harmful behaviors
• Thomas Janicek, T-H-O-M-A-S J-A-N-O-U-S-E-K, and I am the Director of the Division of Behavioral Health
• It significantly impacts patient behavior.
• The committee has heard testimony from the Director of Behavioral Health and received information on
• These programs operate under the Department of Behavioral Health's general authority.

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee held an invited-testimony hearing on LR 425, which examines the Whitehall campus in Lincoln and possible long-term options for youth currently served there. Chair Brian Hardin explained that Whitehall houses two separate programs for adolescent males: a substance use program and a youth-who-sexually-harm program. Testimony from DHHS officials described Whitehall as a Joint Commission-accredited psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRTF) that provides about 40 hours of weekly programming, family involvement, school services, and community reintegration activities. Officials said the department is evaluating whether the programs should remain at Whitehall or move to another state-owned facility, with Hastings described as the department’s preferred alternative because it is more residential in design than a youth rehabilitation treatment center (YRTC).

Transcript Highlights:

• The Youth Who Sexually Harm Program serves adolescent males who have engaged in sexually harmful behaviors
• Thomas Janicek, T-H-O-M-A-S J-A-N-O-U-S-E-K, and I am the Director of the Division of Behavioral Health
• Thomas Janicek, T-H-O-M-A-S-J-A-N-O-U-S-E-K, and I am the Director of the Division of Behavioral Health
• It significantly impacts patient behavior.
• These programs operate in the Department of Behavioral Health's general authority.

Keywords: 956, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I support innovation and resident choice.
• I am very much in support of treatment and I'm very in support of having a further evaluation of that
• . ...support of having a further evaluation of that.
• All of this we support. Those recommendations save lives.
• All of this we support. Those recommendations save lives.

Summary: The committee heard a series of bills and public testimony, beginning with introductions and then taking up several health and human services measures. A major focus was SB 1120 and SB 1121, which address radiation protection in cardiac catheterization and other ionizing-radiation procedure rooms. SB 1120 would require health care facilities to equip at least 50% of procedure rooms with radiation protection systems by July 1, 2027, while SB 1121 would prohibit requiring lead aprons in rooms with such systems and instead require real-time dosimeters for staff who opt out of lead aprons. Physicians, nurses, and a hospital executive testified that enhanced radiation protection systems can dramatically reduce occupational exposure, lower cancer and orthopedic risks, and help with workforce recruitment and retention; a hospital alliance remained neutral pending further stakeholder discussions. Both bills were amended and passed out of committee on 7-0 votes, and SB 1118, which appropriates state funds for a rural hospital grant program to install radiation protection systems, also passed 7-0. The committee also approved SB 1001, which appropriates $1 million to the Department of Economic Security for the Older Individuals Who Are Blind program, after testimony from blind and low-vision Arizonans and advocates describing long waitlists, the need for independent living training, and the program’s role in preventing unnecessary dependence. SB 1072, a major funding bill for home- and community-based services and room-and-board rate increases for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, drew testimony from providers about severe staffing shortages, overtime, turnover, and underfunding; it passed 6-0 with one not voting. SB 1125, requiring DCS to pursue MOUs with tribes and improve tribal communication and access to licensing and enforcement information, also passed 6-0 with one not voting. The committee then considered SB 1123, which removes a board-certification requirement so trained forensic pathologists can supervise autopsy training for residents and fellows; Maricopa County supported it as a workforce and training fix, and it passed 6-0 with one not voting. SB 1052, allowing mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy in assisted living facilities under physician order and DHS rules, generated mixed testimony: supporters argued it could improve health and independence for residents, while opponents raised concerns about off-label treatment in nonmedical settings. The bill passed 5-2. SB 1112, which reduces the number of acquaintance witnesses required in court-ordered treatment proceedings from two to one and allows the court to waive the witness requirement under certain conditions, drew strong testimony from families and mental health advocates on both sides; it passed 5-2. The committee also began hearing SB 1113, which would allow certain service of process in court-ordered evaluation and treatment cases by evaluation-agency employees or other court-authorized persons, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.