Transcript Highlights:

• So we look at stakeholder groups for, like, CTE work groups, which is going on right now.
• Same with the HING work group.
• I can't answer that, so they're invited to a work group.
• <01:38:50.480> and would be a part of that work group and would be a part of that work group
• What group do you work with? I work with INPEACE.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Research also shows disparities among racial groups.
• It's for certain groups and for blanket health policies. So, sorry.
• It's for certain groups and for blanket health policies.
• So, um, it's just saying that the bill provides for a religious exemption for certain groups and blanket
• This legislation requires all commercial, state group health insurance, and Medicaid plans to include

Summary: The committee met with roll call attendance and took up two bills. First was Senate Bill 315 with Senate Amendment 1, which would allow the Division of Small Business to add state funding to existing federal small business programs, including the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs. There was brief public support from one in-person commenter, no virtual comment, and the committee voted to release the bill, though it did not yet have enough signatures for immediate release and was left open for absent members to sign. The second item was Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 319, a women’s health insurance mandate requiring coverage for medically necessary menopause and perimenopause diagnostic and treatment services, including FDA-approved hormone replacement therapy, pelvic floor therapy, and related care. Representative Smith presented the bill as a response to gaps in menopause care and insurance coverage, and Department of Insurance witness Kennedy Cook explained the religious exemption as applying to certain religious employers and blanket health policies. Committee members asked about the scope of that exemption, and some expressed concern about religious carveouts, while others praised the bill as important women’s health legislation. During public comment, one speaker supported the bill but warned that expanding mandatory health benefits can raise insurance costs. The Department of Insurance then testified in support, saying the bill would align Delaware with other states, many insurers already comply, and the department did not expect a meaningful premium impact. The committee voted to release Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 319 from committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• I wonder if there's a representative from the advocates group that want to speak.
• what was told to agriculture groups during the conference committee process.
• There's a group of eight years.
• Um, this out of that stakeholder group.
• With $250 million in fraud just to one group. There was no guardrails on that money.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This group ensures that our research stays focused on real-world North Dakota issues.
• And so for Chinoa's group, in particular... ...to our on-farm trials with the growers.
• We really appreciate the offer from the department to keep that working group moving forward.
• And I come out and compliment your group and Dr. Poole's group.
• They go out and find the group of people that’s in that area.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we have a small group of individuals we would call case managers.
• This is a disability breakdown by age group.
• Community engagement and work requirement coming to the Our Home group.
• Well, and I would just like to clarify for the Our Home or the expansion group, or sometimes called Group
• We have estimated probably around 20% per month may be the group that’s at risk. Okay.

Summary: The meeting focused on Arkansas’s workforce development reorganization and a set of federal waiver requests intended to consolidate and streamline the state’s WIOA system. Commerce officials said the department has already centralized shared services, split the old workforce agency into reemployment and Arkansas Workforce Connections, and submitted a combined WIOA/Perkins state plan. They described nine waiver requests, including replacing local workforce boards with a single statewide board, creating one planning and accountability structure, allowing more flexible movement of funds across regions, easing the “last-dollar” requirement for training and supportive services, reducing required youth program elements, and allowing affiliate sites instead of mandatory comprehensive centers. Officials said the goal is to reduce administrative costs and redirect more money to training, supportive services, and employer-driven programs. Legislators raised concerns about rural representation, local employer relationships, and whether local offices would close. Commerce officials said local offices would remain open, some current staff could be rehired, and regional business councils would preserve local employer input. They said the current system is fragmented and expensive, with roughly $14 million in federal workforce funds flowing through local boards but only about $1.9 million spent on training and supportive services last year; they argued the reorganization could raise training spending to about $6 million to $7 million annually. Questions also addressed board composition, performance accountability, and how funds could be shifted between regions when needs change. The State Board of Workforce Development had approved the waiver package 11-3 before it was submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor. Members also discussed workforce access for people with disabilities, child care and transportation supports, and the role of Arkansas Launch, apprenticeships, and career and technical education. Officials said vocational rehabilitation now has better access to the state job board and that referrals and data-sharing with DHS and other partners still need improvement. Several legislators emphasized the need for training to align more closely with employer demand, especially in manufacturing, technology, health care, and rural areas. The committee also heard a brief overview of Workforce Pell, with staff explaining that the new federal short-term Pell option has narrow eligibility rules and may not fit many existing programs, including some CDL and CNA programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:13:49.560> of And internally, there was a group of And internally, there was a group of
• Additionally, this group is also collaborative with the Lumed District.
• Additionally, this with the same group.
• <00:30:53.200> with<00:30:53.400> the group is also collaborative with the group is
• The US non-profit conservation group.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its January 13 meeting and then moved through a large agenda of contracts and agreements, with members repeatedly voting to review items without objection. The chair noted the agenda included 227 contracts totaling about $89.5 million, all with vendors registered with the Secretary of State. Most items were approved after brief discussion and roll-call votes. Several contracts drew questions. Kentucky State University explained two four-month contracts tied to its online academic program: one for continued implementation support and one for marketing. University officials said the program is in a transition year under a management improvement plan, that the university owns the intellectual property, and that the marketing effort is aimed at growing enrollment in targeted programs such as business and social work. They reported online enrollment had grown from 74 students to 612, with an overall university enrollment of 2,872, and said the goal is to reach about 1,000 online students by fall. The committee approved both items, though Senator Douglas said he would keep watching university spending. The Department of Education presented a contract cancellation for administrative reviews of the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program. Officials said USDA changed the review requirement from every three years to every five years, making the outside contract unnecessary because internal staff can now handle the work. The committee approved the cancellation. The Transportation Cabinet also explained an increase to a professional services contract for engineering work on a section of KY 54 in Owensboro, describing it as preliminary design and commissioning work for a multi-section roadway project; the committee approved that item as well. The Kentucky Lottery Corporation sought approval for an amendment tied to its iLottery platform. Officials said the increase reflected higher sales volume, since the contract structure causes prize and platform-related expenses to rise as sales grow. The committee approved the amendment. The Department of Public Health also discussed a perinatal psychiatry consultation program funded by a five-year federal HRSA grant; members raised concerns about what would happen if federal support changes, but no action beyond discussion was noted in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• And also to my other freshmen, we are a small but mighty group.
• And also to my other freshmen, we are a small but mighty group.
• Legislative Study Group, if you don't know, is a, well, actually, I'll take that back.
• For the Legislative Study Group, we do a lot of work.
• So the Legislative Study Group freshman of the year is Ms. Linda Garcia. All right.

Summary: The House met on sine die and began with prayer, pledges, quorum verification, and a series of announcements and recognitions. The chamber received Senate messages reporting adoption of conference committee reports on SB 268 and SB 2972, and Senate concurrence in House amendments to SB 1637. Members also referred several resolutions and announced the signing of numerous House and Senate measures by the presence of the House. Technical correction resolutions were adopted: HCR 171, authorizing corrections to HB 46, passed 138-0, and SCR 55, making a wording correction in SB 1964, passed 126-12. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to memorials and recognitions. The House honored Pastor Dave Welch, with several members offering condolences and reflections on his work organizing pastors and engaging in civic life, followed by a moment of silence. Members also recognized the Ganado High School Maidens for winning the 2025 UIL 2A Division I softball state championship, Waco police K-9 Andor after being shot in the line of duty, Region 7 DPS for Capitol Complex security, and various restaurants, staff members, interns, caucus staff, and caucus freshmen of the year across Republican, Democratic, Black, Progressive, LGBTQ, IT, Energy and Climate, and Mexican American Legislative Caucuses. The chamber also heard a retirement-style address from Rep. Tony Tinderholt, who reflected on his six sessions in the House, his military service, and his decision to step aside to focus on family, while colleagues from both parties praised his service, discipline, and willingness to work across differences. The House then continued with additional staff and caucus recognitions, including committee staff, district office staff, and interns, with members repeatedly thanking their teams for their work during the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• It included a Somali young man with severe persistent mental illness who lives in a group home and has
• It included a Somali young man with severe persistent mental illness who lives in a group home and has
• <00:12:17.360> home<00:12:17.680> and illness who lives in a group home and illness
• who lives in a group home and has<00:12:18.000> a<00:12:18.160> diabetes<00:12:18.920>
• will only listen to us or the group will only listen to us or the group homeowner<00:12:36.519><

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 105 was presented by Representatives Beerman and Baker and then laid over for possible inclusion in a future omnibus bill. The bill would implement the remaining mental health and physician service recommendations from DHS’s rate study, including raising certain Medicaid reimbursement rates to at least 100% of Medicare where a Medicare equivalent exists, increasing community-based children’s and adult mental health rates and behavioral health home rates, and phasing in additional increases over three years. The authors said the proposal also addresses master’s-level clinician reimbursement and fee-for-service hospital inpatient mental health services, and they emphasized that the changes are intended to improve access, transparency, and provider stability. Both authors argued that low MA reimbursement rates are driving access problems across Minnesota, especially for children, families, and rural communities. They said providers are struggling to hire and retain staff, clinics are closing or shrinking, and patients are facing long waits, boarding in hospitals, or delayed care. Representative Baker said the issue is personal and described the bill as a phased, long-term approach because of state budget limits and the size of the cost, which he said is in the hundreds of millions but still awaiting a fiscal note. Public testimony was strongly supportive overall. A family physician said higher rates would improve access, keep clinics open, and help patients avoid emergency care, while a Children’s Minnesota mental health leader described more than 1,200 pediatric boarding episodes in 2024 and said outpatient investment is needed to reduce pressure on emergency and inpatient services. A rural provider said her organization had to close an in-home children’s mental health program because of insufficient reimbursement, harming access in underserved counties. A psychologist testifying for the Minnesota Psychological Association supported the bill’s general direction but objected to repealing the pay differential for doctoral-level psychologists, arguing that doctoral training is more extensive and that eliminating the differential could worsen workforce shortages. After testimony and member questions about the bill’s scope and cost, public testimony was closed and the bill was laid over.

Transcript Highlights:

• Crystal Adams, I am the chair for the work group for the intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• We have over 400 professionals serving across the commission's 10 work groups, and each year we collect
• , neglect, and abuse work group to ensure consensus.
• and was vetted through uh my group and was vetted through uh my dependency<00:04:24.120> neglect<
• dependency neglect and abuse work group dependency neglect and abuse work group to<00:04:25.479>

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:05 Roll Call: 00:00:14 SB 26: 00:01:50 SB 64: 00:18:29 SB 73: 00:22:54, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee met with a quorum and heard three bills. Senate Bill 26, sponsored by Chair Storm, would protect parents and prospective parents with disabilities by barring disability alone from being the sole basis for denying an adoption petition or terminating parental rights. Testimony from Judge Marcus Vanover and Crystal Adams described the bill as a product of the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health and its work groups, cited Kentucky and national cases and federal ADA guidance, and said the bill would require consideration of supportive services, clearer documentation, retention of records, and conforming language changes. Senator Carroll asked how the bill would apply to a hypothetical adult child with special needs; witnesses said the bill is aimed at adoption and termination proceedings where the Cabinet is already involved, not proactive service requests. The committee approved SB 26 by a unanimous 7-0 vote and sent it to the floor with favorable expression. The committee next considered Senate Bill 64, also sponsored by Chair Storm, which would expand the definition of key infrastructure assets to include telecommunications services such as telephone lines and broadband and make damaging, tampering with, or rendering those services inoperable a Class D felony. Representatives from Charter/Spectrum and AT&T testified that copper theft and vandalism have increasingly damaged fiber and other facilities, citing more than 20 incidents in Kentucky in 2024 affecting over 30,000 customers and diverting resources from broadband expansion. The committee adopted a committee substitute and then passed SB 64 by a 7-0 vote with favorable expression. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 73, sponsored by Senator Julie Adams, which would create a felony offense for sexual extortion, allow victims or their representatives to bring civil actions, include the offense in Kentucky’s sex-crime definitions, and require school-based notification and education efforts along with resource information for students. Senator Adams and witness Lady T. Thompson described sextortion as a fast-growing online crime targeting minors, often through social media, gaming, and messaging apps, and argued that stronger penalties and prevention efforts are needed. The transcript cuts off before any committee action on SB 73.

Transcript Highlights:

• Extremist groups make and distribute lists of people who demonstrate for causes... ...groups make and
• distribute lists of people who demonstrate for causes that those groups disagree with.
• The private cell phone location data of people in all these targeted groups must be protected.
• , nonpartisan research and advocacy group that seeks to understand—oh, I’m sorry, was that?
• There are many other groups for whom they're in a much more precarious situation than me.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing focused on a package of Massachusetts privacy and technology bills, especially measures to ban the sale of location data, establish a comprehensive consumer data privacy law, and regulate biometric recognition and surveillance pricing. Chairs and sponsors argued that self-regulation has failed, that data brokers and large tech companies routinely collect and monetize sensitive information, and that state action is needed because federal protections are weak or absent. Several speakers tied the bills to reproductive health, gender-affirming care, domestic violence, children’s data, and other sensitive uses of location and biometric information. Supporters included legislators and advocates who backed H. 86/S. 197 (Location Shield), H. 78/S. 45/H. 104/S. 29 (comprehensive privacy bills), H. 99/S. 47 (surveillance pricing in grocery stores), and H. 36/S. 36 (biometric recognition accountability). They emphasized data minimization, bans on selling sensitive data, consumer rights to access, delete, and opt out, and in some cases a private right of action. Several witnesses said Massachusetts should lead or align with other states, while others argued that stronger protections are needed because data can be weaponized by stalkers, anti-abortion actors, abusive partners, insurers, or law enforcement. Industry and coalition witnesses urged the committee to favor a more standardized, interoperable framework modeled on laws already adopted in other states, warning that novel definitions, data-minimization rules, and private rights of action could create compliance burdens, confusion, and costs for businesses, including small businesses. They argued that entity-level exemptions for sectors already covered by federal laws like HIPAA or GLBA promote consistency, and that Attorney General enforcement is preferable to private lawsuits. Committee members questioned witnesses on patchwork concerns, the scope of exemptions, and whether the proposed bills would harm or help consumers and small businesses. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; written testimony was noted as due later, and the committee continued taking testimony from multiple panels and virtual witnesses.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm assuming this also applies to if you've got a physician's group, a large physician's group that.
• We're literally a group. What I mean by independent...
• And so for our group.
• You have multiple, like work for a group and for themselves?
• So I signed my billing. rights over to the group.

Bills: HB5141, HB4638, HB2264, HB2035, HB4813, HB4408, HB2684, HB1621, HB2300, HB216, HB3829, HB4466, HB1747, HB2284, HB3614, HB2587, HB3219, HB3318, HB5147, HB4014, HB216

Keywords: lease, state property, public purpose, Travis County, Health and Human Services, pharmaceutical initiative, drug distribution, healthcare services, generic drugs, advanced pharmaceuticals, cost savings, mental health, patient discharge, medical records, health care professionals, substance use, family involvement, chemical dependency, treatment facilities, minor admissions

Transcript Highlights:

• amendment is really very much the same, but it also reflects some work that has been done with municipal groups
• And we're a member of those groups.
• In fact, when similar language was proposed years ago, a special interest group claimed the bill would
• a special interest group claimed the bill<00:09:03.760> would<00:09:04.079> quote<00:09
• <00:33:06.880> of list goes on uh and this broad group of list goes on uh and this broad group

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, our next testifier is Dan Arland from the LIR Group. As again, Mr.
• Our next testifier is Dan Arland from the LIR Group. As again, Mr.
• <01:00:11.799> and vice president with L Clair group and vice president with L Clair group
• with the committee in this work group with the committee in this work group this<01:03:40.920>
• Group who made1 14.4 billion in 2024 is Group who made1 14.4 billion in 2024 is not<01:23:39.800>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• What about other groups? And there's a statement in here.
• I don't know if we need one more working group meeting and extend past that particular November date
• This will make it clear that ERGs aren’t just social groups, but instruments of change.
• collaboration and grassroots groups.
• I want the discussions with the group to all be as part of the meeting, though.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism met to hear testimony from Chief James Hicks of the Natick Police Department, who chairs the Municipal Police Training Committee, and Chief Thomas Fowler of the Salisbury Police Department. They described the statewide civil-rights-officer model for hate-crime response, the HEART Unit, and MPTC training authority under POST, and urged the commission to recommend incorporating the IHRA definition of antisemitism into police training and to fund that effort. Commissioners asked about how law enforcement should handle antisemitic incidents that may not rise to crimes, the 2022 Mapping Project, masking during protests, and the role of HART; the chiefs said departments can update training quickly, that every department should have a trained civil-rights officer, and that HART’s expertise should be integrated statewide. The commission also approved the October 16, 2025 minutes after correcting an initial procedural error. The rest of the meeting focused on the draft report, especially the prefatory statement and the definition section. Commissioners broadly praised the report’s scope and the chairs’ work, but offered many edits aimed at tightening language, reducing advocacy tone, and clarifying the “Massachusetts way” of combating antisemitism. Several members wanted stronger emphasis on Massachusetts values, education, moral leadership, and the distinction between hate incidents, hate crimes, and statutory offenses; others urged clearer references to constitutional protections, First Amendment limits, and Attorney General review of legal statements. There was also discussion of whether to keep or remove references to alternative definitions of antisemitism: some commissioners argued that only the IHRA definition should be centered, while others said acknowledging other definitions was factually important and would reflect the range of testimony. Commissioners also raised specific substantive edits for later sections, including adding examples such as the 2022 Mapping Project, strengthening language on online intimidation, academic boycotts, and divestment campaigns, and clarifying that some conduct may be hateful even if lawful. In the higher education section, members praised recommendations on mandatory training, bystander intervention, trauma-informed responses, mental health supports, and campus climate surveys, while suggesting a few technical edits and additional best-practice examples. No final votes were taken on the draft report during this portion; the chairs said they would incorporate feedback into a revised draft before the remaining meetings and eventual vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• you know, talked about with you know that some of the realities or maybe it needs to be certain age groups
• needs to be realities or or maybe it needs to be certain<00:01:58.399> age<00:01:58.960> groups
• Um, you just mentioned that it would be limited to certain grade levels or certain age groups, right?
• , grade levels or certain age groups, grade levels or certain age groups, right?
• religious groups can run release<00:08:52.560> time<00:08:52.959> programs.

Bills: SB209, SB248, HB122, SB99, SB209, SB248, HB122, SB99

Keywords: sales tax exemption, Consumer Price Index, local government, clothing, school supplies, emergency preparedness, Alabama Administrative Procedure Act, APA, administrative law, judicial review, agency deference, Chevron deference, de novo review, contested case, state agency, regulatory power, individual liberty, statutory interpretation, rule interpretation, license revocation

Transcript Highlights:

• I am from the AARP Sacramento State Response Group, and we're...
• Group, and we are in support.
• Any of our groups that are delegated down have to abide by that as well.
• California's capitated delegated medical groups stand in the middle of this process.
• If you have an HMO or a group plan like that, you do get a referral from a physician.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee met on April 22 and took up a special order of bills focused largely on prior authorization and utilization management in health care. The chair framed the discussion as part of a broader legislative effort to reduce delays and barriers to care, especially in behavioral health, chronic disease management, cancer treatment, and rehabilitation services. AB 384 by Assembly Member Connolly would prohibit prior authorization for inpatient mental health or substance use emergency admissions and related physician care; supporters said it would prevent dangerous delays in crisis care, while insurers and health plans warned about fraud, abuse, and ambiguity around residential treatment facilities. The bill was moved on a due pass as amended motion and passed the committee on a party-line style vote, with Republicans largely absent or not voting. The committee then heard AB 510 by Assembly Member Addis, which would require health plans, upon request, to provide a peer reviewer of the same or similar specialty when a treating provider appeals a prior authorization denial or modification. Supporters argued that specialty-matched review would make appeals fairer and more clinically informed; opponents said the requirement was too rigid and that timelines and electronic submission rules needed changes. After discussion about the need for timely, specialty-specific review, the bill was approved on a due pass as amended motion and placed on call. AB 539 by Assembly Member Schiavo would extend prior authorization approvals to one year or the duration of the physician’s prescribed treatment for chronic conditions; supporters cited repeated denials and treatment interruptions, while opponents raised concerns about overbreadth, fraud, and the need for shorter validity periods. The bill was also passed as amended and placed on call. The committee next considered AB 669 by Assembly Member Haney, which would bar concurrent and retrospective review for the first 28 days of medically necessary substance use disorder treatment and limit prior authorization for related outpatient medications. The bill was presented with a powerful personal story from Ryan Matlock’s mother about her son’s death after an insurer cut off treatment early; supporters said the measure would keep patients in care long enough to stabilize, while opponents argued it would reduce oversight and could allow lower-quality or non-evidence-based care. The bill was moved on a due pass as amended motion and placed on call. Finally, AB 512 by Assembly Member Harabedian would shorten prior authorization response times to 24 hours for urgent requests and 48 hours for non-urgent requests; supporters said delays can worsen outcomes, while opponents warned the timelines were unrealistic and could increase administrative burdens and safety issues. The bill was approved as amended and placed on call. AB 574 by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez was then heard; it would allow up to 12 medically necessary physical therapy sessions for a new episode of care without prior authorization, with supporters emphasizing stroke and neurological recovery and opponents warning of reduced oversight and unnecessary care. The transcript ends during testimony on AB 574, before final action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• We recently sent our largest group of recently sent our largest group of recently sent our largest group
• And to all the members, thank you group. And to all the members, thank you group.
• Currently, those groups uh do not have Currently, those groups uh do not have Currently, those groups
• Uh we will uh we did make those groups. Uh we will uh we did make those groups.
• things that come from different groups things that come from different groups in the state.

Bills: HB 10, HB 12, HB 147, HB 1522, HB 422, HB 675, HB 204, HB 748, HB 912

Keywords: regulatory reform, government efficiency, administrative law, rulemaking, agency deference, judicial review, de novo review, Texas Government Code, Administrative Procedure Act, state agencies, plain language, regulatory burden, regulatory reduction, cost-benefit analysis, fiscal note, public benefits and costs, contested case, rule challenge, Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office, advisory panel

Transcript Highlights:

• of people that show up, not whole group of people that show up, not just<00:42:24.560> a<00:42
• , and maybe it's eight people in the group, but they are key to the area.
• <00:46:36.560> in<00:46:36.800> the<00:46:37.040> group it's eight people in
• the group it's eight people in the group but<00:46:39.040> they<00:46:39.359> are<00:46
• if we can have a commitment as our group if we can have a commitment as our group and<00:59:03.920

Bills: HF1667, HF2526, HF68

Keywords: correctional fees, supervision fees, probation, Department of Corrections, criminal justice funding, electronic home monitoring, drug testing, restitution collection, community service work, postprison supervision, court-ordered services, fee sunset, fee phaseout, offender fees, community corrections, supervised individuals, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Adult and Aging, and the Bureau of Developmental Services work group.
• It's certainly possible to pick a group It's certainly possible to pick a group of<00:28:37.600>
• So I wanted to throw it out to the group for their collective expertise.
• So I wanted to throw it out to the group for their collective expertise.
• I I wanted to throw it out to the group I I wanted to throw it out to the group for<00:49:01.359

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Legislative Performance Audit and Oversight Committee approved the November 7 minutes with three abstentions and then received status updates on several ongoing audits. Audit staff reported that the special education oversight audit was in report-writing, with 34 of 71 observations completed and a draft expected in the second quarter and a final report in the summer. The education freedom accounts audit had 22 of 41 observations completed, with a draft also expected in the second quarter and a final report in the summer. The Doorway program audit had 5 of 13 observations completed, with a draft expected by the end of February and a final report by April or May. The committee then discussed possible new oversight topics, prompted by concerns about fraud in other states and the need to ensure New Hampshire programs are not vulnerable. Members suggested hearing from DHS officials, contract administrators, and possibly the Department of Justice Medicaid fraud unit about SNAP and other programs, as well as reviewing staffing levels in HHS contract management. There was also discussion of whether to revisit the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services, though members noted that prior work on that area had been suspended because of litigation. A representative from HHS, Teresa Narrow, briefed the committee on the Bureau of Developmental Services. She said the state had been in compliance with CMS since July 1, 2023 after resolving issues tied to a system redesign and billing changes, and that provider-side billing problems had also been fixed. She also described three existing bodies involved in developmental disability housing oversight, including the Council on Housing Stability, the ABLE Housing Task Force, and a legislative study committee created by HB 168 in 2024. Committee members asked for her notes to be shared. The committee spent substantial time debating whether to pursue a new special education audit at the school-district level. Members discussed the need to examine why some districts have much higher special education rates and costs than others, and whether a statistically selected sample of schools could be used. Audit staff said no new audits could begin until about May or June and that only a couple of auditors would then be available. Members also noted that a legislative study committee is already working on special education and may issue a report later this year, and the committee appeared to leave the school-level audit idea as a potential future item rather than taking immediate action.

Transcript Highlights:

• another work group. another work group.
• I urge you to pause this proposal and prioritize the work group.
• Thank you for prioritize the work group.
• group a residential facility. group a residential facility.
• , management, support support groups, management, support support groups, education<01:42:42.040>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all