Video & Transcript Research : 'Native education'
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NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 21st, 2026
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- It's coming at the public education.
- With similarly credentialed K-12 educators.
- I always quote, "Teachers are education builders; early childhood educators are brain builders."
- education for your child?
- I support education, but I support education pre-K through higher ed.
Bills:
SB2
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- , through outreach, advocacy, education, through outreach, advocacy, education, certification,<00
- Procurement Coordinator is to educate Procurement Coordinator is to educate and<00:03:59.520>
- We will be the resource that educates We will be the resource that educates and<00:10:42.800>
- Are you going out to Native Hawaiian groups?
- For Native Hawaiian, veteran, small boat.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Government Operations held an informational briefing with the State Procurement Office on its small business procurement program. SPO staff described the program’s purpose as expanding access to state contracting for small businesses, including veteran-, Native Hawaiian-, and women-owned firms, and said they are seeking to make the current five-year initiative permanent before it ends in June 2027. They reported outreach efforts, a new website and newsletter, statewide surveys, draft administrative rules, and a 38% increase in small business registrations in the HANS database. They also explained that the program is intended to support outreach, education, certification, compliance, and a statewide database to connect agencies with qualified small businesses.
Committee members focused heavily on whether the program is producing measurable contract awards, not just registrations. The chair and senators questioned the definition of “small business,” noting that SPO currently relies on SBA standards in HANS and is considering a Hawaii-specific definition based on employees, revenue, and Hawaii residency. Members raised concerns that the data showed only a small number of registered businesses receiving awards and that the database does not yet track awards well enough to evaluate performance. SPO responded that the database has had funding gaps, that the position was only filled in February 2025, and that the agency is still building the system and rules needed to track outcomes accurately.
A major theme was how to make the program more effective for very small or “micro” businesses and how to reduce the complexity of state procurement. Members discussed the difference between set-asides and bid preferences, with SPO explaining that set-asides are generally tied to RFPs and preferences to IFBs. The committee suggested that future rules should make participation easier, provide more training and hand-holding, and possibly create pathways for micro businesses or groups of small businesses to bid together. No votes or formal actions were taken; the briefing ended with the committee asking SPO to provide more performance data and clearer information on outreach results and database contents.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 21st, 2026 at 01:58 pm
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- education for your child?
- I'm an educator. I support education, but I support and Gabriela Fernandez. Thank you.
- I'm an educator. I educate pre-K through higher ed.
- With the first in the nation, Assistant Secretary for Native American Early Education and Care, to bring
- Education Fund.
Bills:
SB2
Keywords:
SB 2, State Highway Project Bonds, highway funding, transportation bonds, state road fund, motor vehicle fees, vehicle registration fees, electric vehicle fee, EV surcharge, plug-in hybrid fee, weight distance tax, road construction, infrastructure financing, Department of Transportation, State Transportation Commission, bonding authority, county road funds, municipal road funds, transportation improvement program, state highways
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Agriculture and Wildlife Apr 20th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Agriculture and Wildlife
Transcript Highlights:
- We need to make an intelligent educated vote today. You need to know all the facts, not one side.
- Would it be fair to say that EHD is way more prevalent in high fences than it is in the native herd?
- We need to preserve our native herd.
- So, what species are we capturing with the exotic wildlife not native to North America.
- It's clarifying that only the $10 tag is for native male species.
Keywords:
farmed cervidae, chronic wasting disease, genetic resistance, wildlife management, agriculture, wildlife tagging, hunting regulations, Cervidae family, feral swine, exotic wildlife, conservation, commercial hunting, raw milk, unpasteurized, farm sales, Oklahoma Milk and Milk Products Act, local producers, advertising, 914, all
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- record shows that businesses owned by women and businesses owned by Black, Hispanic, Asian Pacific, Native
- Native American and service-disabled veterans were being systematically excluded from the contracting
- Native American and women-owned businesses continue to be grossly underutilized in the state contracting
- statute are majority owned by Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, women, Asian Pacific Americans, Native
- We had a conversation in the Education Committee, I believe, about Muslims and all of that.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
AGR Public Hearing - Wed Feb 4, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST
Agriculture & Food Systems
Transcript Highlights:
- So hopefully pointing them towards a non-invasive or even native option, you know, with a green sticker
- Reducing the numbers would potentially make it less impactful on native species, etc.
- So we stand in native species etc.
- We all know that every state dollar will be required to provide basic human services, education, and
- <01:28:29.040>
birds <01:28:29.520>safe <01:28:30.159>from vulnerable native
Keywords:
agriculture, sugarcane, permitting process, land use, conservation district, diversified agriculture, economic impact, invasive species, plant sales, weed risk assessment, consumer protection, environmental impact, workforce development, biosecurity, training program, partnerships, tax credit, Hawaiian home lands, investment costs, nonrefundable
Summary:
The committee heard opening remarks and then took testimony on several agriculture-related bills. HB 2425 would exempt agricultural enterprises on former commercial sugarcane lands in conservation use districts from certain permitting and site plan requirements. The Department of Agriculture supported the measure and stood on written comments. The Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the intent but said the bill appeared to cite the wrong statute and suggested amending the conservation district law instead. Other testimony was generally supportive, while some witnesses raised concerns about using the right statutory vehicle. Committee members questioned whether the bill should be redirected through a different chapter.
The committee then heard HB 596, which would require retail sellers of plants to disclose invasiveness risk, direct the Invasive Species Council to create a labeling system and weed risk assessments, and establish fines. The Department of Land and Natural Resources strongly supported the bill, saying point-of-sale labels would help consumers make informed choices. Supporters from the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species said the state’s noxious weed and restricted plant lists are outdated or incomplete and that the bill would help prevent harmful species from being purchased and planted. Opponents, including the Hawaii Farm Bureau and Hawaii Food Policy Foundation, argued the measure was too broad, could stigmatize plants and producers, and might be better implemented through voluntary education or narrower definitions. Committee discussion focused on possible amendments, including using printable labels from a website and limiting the bill to larger commercial retailers.
HB 2573 would create a five-year agriculture and biosecurity workforce development pilot program involving the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Leeward Community College, and the Department of Human Resources Development. DHRD said it supported the intent but wanted clearer responsibilities; the University of Hawaiʻi, the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, the Hawaii Food Policy Foundation, and others supported the proposal. DAB said the program would help build needed biosecurity staffing and training, and that law-enforcement-related curriculum could be incorporated. Finally, the committee began hearing HB 207, which would expand the important agricultural land qualified agricultural tax credit to include certain Hawaiian homelands and additional agricultural costs such as orchards, fruit crops, and clearing former sugar and pineapple lands. The Department of Taxation and DAB stood on written comments, while the Department of Hawaiian Homelands strongly supported the bill, calling it a potential game-changer for developing agricultural lands and offsetting infrastructure costs; the department also asked that the credit be broadened beyond agriculture alone.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
HB 1308 Conference Committee Apr 16th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Transcript Highlights:
- continuing ed taken by a licensee of the various boards listed, that that may count as continuing education
- continuing ed taken by a licensee of the various boards listed, that that may count as continuing education
- the commission, so lines one through three, which is to provide annual prevention and awareness education
- Native American youth are absolutely overrepresented in our client base, and having the feedback and
- So in Bismarck, I would say roughly 70 to 80% of the youth that we serve are Native.
Summary:
The conference committee on HB 1308 met to review Senate amendments related to the Human Trafficking Commission and continuing education language for regulated professions. Senator Beauchay explained that the bill would make the commission more independent and robust by changing permissive language to mandatory language, adding members from DHS/Children and Family Services, school districts, the State’s Attorneys Association, and the governor’s office, and designating the Attorney General or designee as presiding officer. The committee also discussed a new duty for the commission to provide annual human trafficking prevention and awareness education for students, with a proposed cross-reference to DPI curriculum law to avoid conflict with HB 2330.
Members raised questions about the size of the commission, quorum concerns, and how the existing human trafficking task force differs from the commission. Testimony from Amy Boyd-Bomey of YouthWorks supported broader representation, especially from child welfare, schools, and tribal entities, and emphasized that trafficking of youth in North Dakota disproportionately affects Native youth. Committee members discussed the need for tribal representation, including a single representative chosen by tribal chairs, and suggested adding language to ensure that perspective. Boyd-Bomey also noted that the statute already references designees from state, local, and tribal agencies, though the committee considered making that more specific.
No final action was taken. Representative Davis was asked to draft possible language changes, and the committee agreed to stand at ease and reconvene later, but ultimately the chair announced that more time would be needed and that another meeting would be scheduled.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 5th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Renee Ramirez has advanced surgical care through innovation, education, and service. Dr.
- René Ramirez has advanced surgical care through innovation, education, and service.
- Moreover, school meals have the added benefit of improving educational outcomes through better focus
- I am pleased to present AB 681, a bill that reflects my deep commitment to education equity.
- As an educator and daughter of immigrants, I believe higher education should be based on potential and
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then held its Latino Spirit Awards ceremony. Members adopted House Resolution 16, proclaiming May 4–11, 2025 as Cinco de Mayo Week, after supportive remarks from several caucuses emphasizing Mexican history, women’s contributions, LGBTQ solidarity, Black and Brown unity, and AAPI and Jewish community support. The chamber then recognized 11 Latino Spirit honorees for achievements in human rights, business, arts, public service, community empowerment, health and science, environmental justice, philanthropy, and entertainment.
After the ceremony, the Assembly returned to floor business and approved a series of measures. AB 60, banning synthetic nitro musks in cosmetics and personal care products, passed 56–3. AJR 6, urging Congress to protect federal school meal and local food funding, drew extensive debate and broad bipartisan support; members cited child hunger, farm economies, and local food systems, and it passed 76–0 with 73 coauthors added. Other measures adopted included AB 679 on state park land acquisitions, AB 681 expanding Dream Loan Program caps for undocumented graduate students, AB 1224 on substitute teacher continuity, AB 831 on gaming technical changes, AB 259 extending Brown Act teleconferencing flexibility, AB 467 extending Los Angeles Neighborhood Council teleconferencing authority, and AB 519 targeting deceptive puppy mill sales.
The chamber also passed AB 1522, an urgency Judiciary Committee bill protecting attorneys from politically motivated discipline and creating an expedited licensing path for some former federal attorneys, and AB 263, which extends temporary water flow requirements on the Shasta and Smith Rivers; that bill drew sharp disagreement over water rights, tribal participation, and impacts on farmers, but ultimately passed 51–16. Additional measures approved included AB 428 on pooled insurance for water corporations, AB 492 requiring notice to local jurisdictions when recovery treatment facilities are licensed, and AB 536 preserving colorectal cancer screening coverage. The Assembly also adopted a motion to suspend file notice so Appropriations could hear AB 379 on May 7.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JDC, JDC Public Hearings 03-31-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, Mark Kawika Patterson for Native Um, Mark Kawika Patterson for Native Hawaiian<00:03:18.440>
- I'm a Staff Attorney at the Native Hui.
- When she first arrived at Native When she first arrived at Native Hawaiian<00:04:18.799>
Legal - was not yet familiar with Native was not yet familiar with Native Hawaiian<00:04:24.440>
rights - <00:10:52.520>
Hawaiian For those reasons, the Native Hawaiian For those reasons, the Native
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the confirmation of Kursha Kauahi Kani Mililani Durrant to the District Court of the First Circuit, but announced it would not vote until April 2. The chair also noted a backup plan if Zoom failed. Testimony was limited to two minutes per speaker. The hearing focused on Durrant’s qualifications, judicial temperament, and readiness for the bench, with no opposition presented.
Support came from the Office of the Public Defender, Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, Native Hawaiian Bar Association, Hawaii State Bar Association, Hawaii Women’s Lawyers, and numerous individuals. Witnesses described Durrant as highly experienced in both criminal and civil practice, including district, family, circuit, appellate, ICA, and Supreme Court work. Several speakers emphasized her legal reasoning, mentorship, civility, cultural grounding, and ability to listen and treat litigants with dignity. Personal supporters also highlighted her public service, hula background, and character.
Committee members questioned Durrant about how she would approach district court cases involving repeat offenders, mental illness, substance abuse, houselessness, and diversion. Durrant said she would follow the law, consider the full range of sentencing factors, and use available probation, diversion, and treatment options where appropriate. She said she would be committed to using legislative tools such as Act 26 and other diversion powers, and to looking beyond advocacy toward practical justice and reducing recidivism. She also said her clerkship with Judge Marsha Waldorf, including exposure to drug court and mental health court, shaped her approach to problem-solving on the bench.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota Zoo bonding request 3/5/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Aspen, the star of the show, is a North American porcupine, so a Minnesota native here.
- The fisher, a Minnesota native animal, also is one that has been able to figure out a way to hunt after
- Sounds good. >> [applause] the fisher, a Minnesota native animal, the fisher, a Minnesota native animal
- <00:08:10.160>
in environmental destination educators in environmental destination educators - and just overall conservation education and just overall large<00:08:44.440>
experience.
Summary:
The Minnesota Zoo presented its infrastructure and animal health needs to the committee, beginning with an educational demonstration featuring Aspen, a North American porcupine. Staff used the animal to explain porcupine biology and correct common myths, including that porcupines cannot shoot their quills and that the quills are not poisonous. Members asked about the animal’s natural predators and care, and staff explained that porcupines are protected by their quills but can still be preyed on by animals such as bobcats, cougars, great horned owls, and fishers.
Zoo leadership then shifted to the facility request, describing the zoo as a major state attraction and education center with about 1.4 to 1.5 million annual visitors, nearly 100,000 students served, and significant economic impact. They said the 50-year-old campus is in poor condition, with a third of its 125 structures in poor or crisis condition and more than $78 million in deferred maintenance, creating safety risks for visitors, staff, and animals. The zoo said it is seeking to use the governor’s recommended $4 million for critical life-support and infrastructure needs.
The main funding request discussed was an additional $6 million for the zoo’s animal hospital project. Zoo officials explained that the original plan for a standalone new hospital was no longer affordable, so they are now proposing a new wing attached to the existing A Building hospital. The extra funds would renovate A Building for staff, storage, and support spaces, remove asbestos, meet code, and improve safety so the new hospital can function as intended. Members asked about incidents at the zoo, and staff described examples such as close calls with animal enclosures and injuries tied to aging facilities and outdated equipment. No vote or formal action was taken in the transcript.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Rules and Legislative Administration Committee 3/10/25
Rules and Legislative Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a bill that we heard in Education Policy, and it was referred to Education Finance, where it
- That was the decision that was made in Education Finance, that it wasn't necessary.
- That was the decision that was made in Education Finance, that it wasn't necessary.
- but still need a hearing and education but still need a hearing and education Finance<00:02:32.640
- So this, at a minimum, needs to go back to Education Finance before going to Ways and Means.
Bills:
HF550
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Before joining the Texas Education Agency, Mr.
- He's a native Austinite.
- Very briefly, I am a native Texan, fifth generation.
- I am a native Texan. I was born and raised in Houston. My mother is a native of the region.
- I expected to get an adequate education, but what I got was so much more.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Feb 24th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Legislative Caucus and the Native American Legislative Caucus.
- We stood together with Cesar Chavez and those who fought to ensure that Native American have a right
- She advocated for education self-sufficiency, and equal rights for black people.
- Wells Barnett, who was an investigative journalist, sociologist, educator who dedicated her career to
- students, mentoring teachers, and developing impactful educational programs.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- looking for good bills in education looking for good bills in education Finance<00:02:09.640>
- in education in education settings<00:07:44.479>
so <00:07:44.639>when <00:07:44.759 - educator educators of greater Minnesota educator educators of color<01:38:23.239>
Grant color - <01:54:51.000>
language native language in my native language native language in my native - Through that educator program, I was able to obtain free books written by Native Americans and also receive
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- the Minnesota Department of Education the Minnesota Department of Education and<00:23:07.440>
- values and expectations for Education values and expectations for Education would<00:25:37.120><
- 18,000 per pupil in public education 18,000 per pupil in public education while<00:42:13.200>
- the solution to Minnesota's education the solution to Minnesota's education crisis<00:42:54.200>
- Paul by educating our local youth.
Summary:
The Education Finance Committee met on February 5, 2025, to hear testimony from representatives of Minnesota’s Catholic and other nonpublic schools, focused on state nonpublic pupil aid, transportation, counseling, nursing, and related support programs. Meg Forette of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis argued that Catholic schools serve more than 30,000 students across many districts, educate a diverse population, and achieve strong academic results while operating at far lower per-student costs than public schools. She urged lawmakers to reject proposed cuts to nonpublic funding, saying they would be inequitable and harmful to lower-income families, and also raised concerns about state teacher-licensing requirements conflicting with Catholic values.
Trisha Menshu, principal of St. John Paul II Catholic School in Northeast Minneapolis, described a student body with high levels of poverty, learning needs, and academic gaps, and said state-funded nurse and guidance-counseling services are essential to keeping students safe, healthy, and on track for high school. She said the school absorbs many costs itself, including medical supplies and significant staff time, and credited the support programs with helping students make strong academic growth and graduate on time. In response to a senator’s question, she clarified that the school uses the nursing aid for limited nurse time and pays other medical-related costs from operating funds, with no billing back to public school districts.
Committee members asked follow-up questions about the relationship between teacher licensing and Catholic values, and about how medical needs for nonpublic students are funded. Forette said the concern was not with welcoming all students but with how DEI-related trainings and language are presented in ways that conflict with Catholic teaching. The committee then moved on to the next testifier, Andrew Hiliker of Stella Maris Academy in Duluth, who began by describing his school’s growth and the state’s role in supporting all students, regardless of school choice.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Thu Apr 3, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 45
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I would like to appreciate the comments made by the vice chair of education. Was it education?
- I would like to appreciate the comments made by the vice chair of education. Was it education?
- Was it chair of education. Was it education?
- Um that's so education and access.
- um very important concerns of our Native um very important concerns of our Native Hawaiian<01:31
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/24/2026 - House Natural Resources, Energy & Water
Natural Resources, Energy & Water
Transcript Highlights:
- Risk as well as help restore native habitat that birds and other wildlife need.
- Thank you, Madam Chair. ...remove salt cedar and then restore with native habitat.
- I was just watching something that showed planting different plants before you can restore the native
- They consume about 250 to 400 gallons of water per day and crowd out native species like cottonwoods
- But no, there was no focus on getting the native plants back or anything.
Keywords:
underground utilities, utility locating, dig safe, call before you dig, 811, excavation safety, damage prevention, one-call center, locate request, white lining, large project coordination, buried infrastructure, subsurface utilities, utility marking, locator wire, locator strip, interactive positive response system, landlord duties, apartment community, mobile home park
Summary:
The committee first received a presentation from the Arizona Water Banking Authority by Dr. Rebecca Burnett. She explained the authority’s role in storing Colorado River water as long-term storage credits, its funding sources, and its obligations to provide backup supplies for CAP municipal and industrial subcontractors, the Hualapai River Indian community, and Nevada. Members asked about future firming for CAP users, recovery of credits, water quality issues, and whether municipalities banking water themselves affects the authority’s supply. Burnett said the authority has no current firming policy for CAP M&I subcontractors, is waiting on Colorado River guidelines, and does not have excess water to bank because no surplus is available. No action was taken on the presentation.
The committee then heard and voted on several bills. SB 1445, as amended, allows small municipalities to test bacteriological samples on site with EPA-approved equipment; the sponsor and a rural mayor argued it would save money and improve responsiveness, while some members questioned whether the change was already possible under existing law. The bill passed 6-4. SB 1137, with a Taylor amendment, modernizes Arizona’s 811 call-before-you-dig system by adding large-project coordination meetings, an interactive positive response system, and related procedures; it passed unanimously 10-0. SB 1287, which expands an existing groundwater use allowance for irrigation grandfathered rights from initial AMAs to all AMAs, passed 9-1.
The committee also considered SB 1335, as amended, which in its final form addressed a temporary continuation of irrigation tied to the Ag-to-Urban program and groundwater savings credits; DWR said the amendment was still a placeholder and needed cleanup, while supporters said it would help manage timing issues for farmers and developers. It passed 5-4. SB 1336 reauthorized the State Land Department through 2030 and added oversight, reporting, and planning requirements; the department was neutral but raised concerns about the proposed oversight committee and implementation details. After debate over the need for another board and the length of reauthorization, it passed 5-4.
Finally, SB 1677 appropriates $3 million to the Department of Forestry and Fire Management for salt cedar mitigation along the lower Gila River corridor. Supporters from Audubon Southwest, the City of Buckeye, and local landowners said the invasive trees increase flood and wildfire risk, consume large amounts of water, and crowd out native habitat; some members raised concerns about herbicide use and wanted more detail on the mitigation plan. The bill passed 9-0. The chair then thanked staff and members, and the meeting adjourned.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 53 (3-25-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- our students deserve good educational our students deserve good educational opportunities. opportunities
- The student shall be given educational The student shall be given educational services services
- Our teachers should be focused on educating kids.
- the first formally trained Native the first formally trained Native American<01:42:30.920>
physician - the<01:43:15.720>
state Native Native artifacts in the state Native Native artifacts in the
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- e e e e e e e e e e e e Good afternoon, everyone, calling to order the House Committee on Higher Education
- the second leading cause among native the second leading cause among native Hawaiians<00:18:41.039
- <00:19:22.480>
Hawaiians the populations of native Hawaiians the populations of native Hawaiians - questioning at our last higher education questioning at our last higher education hearing<01:04:
- Reconvening the House Committee on Higher Education for purposes of decision-making.
Summary:
The House Committee on Higher Education heard several measures focused on health, environment, and research. HB 970 would allow chiropractic students to participate in clinical practice under direct supervision; the Hawaii Board of Chiropractic offered comments and asked for a delayed implementation date until July 2027 to allow time to adopt rules, while the Hawaii State Chiropractic Association supported the bill. Members also discussed that there are currently no chiropractic schools in the state.
The committee then heard HB 1185, which creates a plant-based building materials working group, and HB 1337, which establishes an endemic plant seed bank pilot program. Supporters of HB 1185 said the bill could help create green jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by developing materials such as bamboo, hempcrete, and bio-cements, with questions raised about in-state processing. For HB 1337, witnesses supported the goal of preserving endemic species but said a large-scale refrigerated storage and seed-production facility would be needed; one witness estimated startup costs of about $6 million for one island and noted existing seed banks are small-scale and not designed for reforestation.
HB 1300 would fund a University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center multi-ethnic cohort study on cancer disparities among Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, Filipinos, and Asians, including environmental and social factors such as proximity to landfills. The Cancer Center, ACS CAN, and labor representatives supported the bill, emphasizing health disparities and concerns about landfill exposure; committee members asked about federal funding, and the Cancer Center said it would pursue NIH, private, and foundation support, with the state share described as $500,000 per year for two years. HB 736 would create a wastewater technology testing pilot program at the Water Resources Research Center; supporters said it could help certify cheaper alternatives to costly cesspool and septic upgrades, and the Department of Health supported the measure. The committee also heard HB 531, which authorizes special license plates for the Cancer Center; supporters said it would raise visibility and funds, and the Cancer Center estimated revenue would likely be under $100,000. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/29/2026 - Senate Health and Human Services
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- For years, many individuals—many of them Native American, unsheltered, justice-involved, and struggling
- Americans and non-Natives up from the street and take them to facilities?
- ...pick Native Americans and non-Natives up from the street and take them to facilities and see who's
- So it is very important for us to work with them, to educate them, give them technical assistance, help
- So it is very important for us to work with them, to educate them, give them technical assistance, help
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services held a fourth hearing in its ongoing review of alleged fraud, waste, and abuse involving AHCCCS/Access and DHS, with a major focus on Medicaid eligibility verification for the aged, blind, and disabled (ABD) population, behavioral health and sober living oversight, and payment delays to providers. Senator Shamp presented findings she said showed major gaps in ABD asset verification, including claims that only a fraction of enrollees were checked and that many ineligible members may remain on the rolls. She urged referrals to law enforcement, tighter verification requirements, better PARIS data sharing, and legislative changes to close what she described as a compliance and taxpayer-risk gap. Reva Stewart also testified that patient brokering and fraudulent recruitment of vulnerable people, including Native Americans, continues through social media and other channels, and she called for stronger enforcement and transparency.
Heather Dukes, representing behavioral health and sober living operators, argued that the state’s response to fraud has become overly punitive toward legitimate providers. She said ADHS often sends technical paperwork deficiencies straight to enforcement instead of allowing plans of correction, that zoning approvals are being questioned despite not being within ADHS authority, and that long Access approval timelines are creating licensing and billing delays. ADHS Deputy Assistant Director Tiffany Slater said the department has seen a large volume of unlicensed complaints, that it is trying to improve staffing and data systems, and that some enforcement tools have been expanded for sober living homes. She also said many sober living operators are in recovery themselves and provide low-cost housing and support rather than direct billing to Access.
Access Director Virginia Roundtree said the agency is trying to balance fraud prevention with support for legitimate providers. She reported steps such as daily internal huddles, live dashboards, added project management support, an outside review of the Division of Fee-for-Service Management, and a new external claims vendor to help reduce backlogs. Senators pressed her on a specific provider’s long-delayed payments and prepayment review, and she said the agency would provide answers early the following week. Access staff also described provider resolution roundtables and said unadjudicated claims had been reduced to zero, though members questioned whether that was due to denials rather than resolution. The hearing ended with the chair announcing legislation to preserve the American Indian Health Plan as a fee-for-service option while requiring Access to contract administrative and care management functions to another entity, citing structural failures in Access’s ability to operate the plan safely and effectively.