Transcript Highlights:

• One of our goals with this funding has also been to increase accessibility of the language and information
• /c> accessibility of the language and accessibility of the language and information<00:10:17.760>
• multiple languages. multiple languages.
• people might currently have um, access people might currently have um, access to<00:37:28.119>
• smartphones, laptops or internet access. smartphones, laptops or internet access.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• She was a female student, English language learner, and I had her.
• English language learner, and I had her, first, second, and third.
• So when your device, when a device that you have access to as a child with a screen gives you access
• When a device that you have access to as a child with a screen gives you access to these companion chatbots
• At its core, this bill is about equity and access and ensuring that LGBTQ students and staff can access

Summary: The committee heard SB 1067, which would require annual math screening for kindergarten through second grade students beginning in 2028-29 to identify early numeracy difficulties and connect students to evidence-based supports. Senator Weber and supporters, including EdVoice, UC Davis researcher Charles Wilkes, and several education and community advocates, argued that California’s math performance is too low and that early screening would help close gaps before they widen. Opponents, including the California Mathematics Council, county superintendents, and the CTA, said the bill could narrow instruction, overemphasize deficit-based measures, and should instead be paired with stronger investments in teacher training and implementation of the California Mathematics Framework. Committee members generally expressed support for the bill’s goals while discussing how the screener would work and what kinds of follow-up supports would be needed. The committee also heard SB 1110 on child care subsidy administration, which would restructure funding for alternative payment programs and core contracts as the state moves to enrollment-based funding. Supporters said the bill would stabilize child care providers, improve payment timelines, and better reflect the administrative work of enrolling families and managing services; there was no opposition testimony. SB 1374, supported by the CSU and UC systems, would allow public higher education institutions to seek temporary restraining orders when credible threats are directed at a campus rather than a specific person. Supporters described recent campus threats that created safety concerns but did not fit current restraining-order law; there was no opposition. Senator Nilo presented SB 1321, which would direct the State Auditor to review remedial course use and student preparedness at selected UC and CSU campuses after a UC San Diego report showed a sharp decline in incoming students’ math readiness. Supporters argued the audit would help identify gaps in college readiness and the effects of K-12 changes, while some members raised concerns about bypassing the usual legislative audit process; the bill was held on call. The committee then took up SB 1086 on microschools, which would define microschools and direct model ordinances for local land-use regulation. Supporters said it would create a clearer path for small, individualized learning communities, but several members questioned whether the concept was sufficiently defined and whether the state had enough information to draft model ordinances; the bill was also placed on call after a quorum was established. Finally, SB 1181 was presented as a limited pilot program in Central Valley counties to connect schools with regional threat assessment centers when credible safety concerns arise. The author and supporters, including the mother of a student killed in a shooting and several students, said it would improve early intervention and communication; committee members raised privacy and federal-sharing concerns but indicated support, and the bill was moved forward on a vote once quorum was present.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's also language supporting increased access to school counselors, and that's in Section 15, and
• And so I know that there was language that gave access for funds to be used for for-profit pre-Ks.
• And so I know that there was language that gave access for funds to be used for for-profit pre-k's.
• R1 language for the revisions to the NEPF, but there's inclusive language that we think strikes the right
• Would it be a motion to amend and do pass, including the language from fiscal as well as the language

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Katie Van Dines for Health Access California.
• Katie Van Dines for Health Access, California.
• ICDV. 9 for Health Access California.
• Katie Van Dyne for Health Access California.
• We have some suggestions for the language.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:26.360> Representative We have language in for Representative We have language in for
• Section 11 is new language.
• <00:18:25.000> from contains um language from contains um language from House<00:18:26.480
• For us, when to access capital.
• program integrity and access to care. program integrity and access to care.

Bills: HF4207, HF4338

Keywords: housing aid, local housing trust, funding projects, income provisions, technical changes, human services, medical assistance, Medicaid, provider enrollment, provider revalidation, fraud prevention, program integrity, background study, background check, fingerprinting, licensing, license revocation, payment withholding, payment suspension, prepayment review

Transcript Highlights:

• And about... ...access to reliable food.
• Whether that be a housing support service, or GED, getting access to food pantries and the like, access
• Equity, access, and opportunities.
• We talked about access.
• Sorry, I'm sorry, my English is my second language.

Summary: The work session focused first on Washington’s apprenticeship system, especially building trades programs and support services. Labor and Industries staff explained how registered apprenticeship works in the state, including the role of the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council, the requirements for paid on-the-job training and classroom instruction, and the difference between apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship. Panelists emphasized that apprenticeship is tied to actual jobs and training agents, and that many waitlists reflect a shortage of job openings and employer participation rather than a lack of interest. They also discussed youth apprenticeship, the growth of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, and the use of Career Bridge and L&I’s database to help people find programs. Representatives asked whether the state should expand apprenticeship programs and how people can find openings. Speakers said more programs alone would not solve the backlog without more employers signing on as training agents and more apprenticeship utilization on projects. The panel also highlighted the Constructed Career Initiative, a grant-funded navigation and support program that helps people enter and stay in building trades apprenticeships through outreach, case management, and wraparound aid such as transportation, tools, and work clothes. A related nonprofit, Build Up, described similar support services, including prison-based boot and PPE programs and assistance for reentry participants. The panel said these services are especially important because apprentices often face unstable income, housing, food, and transportation barriers. The panel also discussed House Bill 2084 and the new Construction Training Pathway Oversight Committee, which is examining construction training in correctional facilities and how to create clearer pathways from prison-based training to apprenticeship, college, or work. Speakers said the committee is still in its early stages and will report to the legislature. The session ended with committee members thanking the panel and noting the importance of support services and referral networks for apprentices. The meeting then resumed at Renton Technical College, where college leaders and faculty discussed serving non-traditional students. The college reported strong enrollment growth, a median student age of 30, a diverse student body, and high job placement rates, while also noting significant budget cuts and program reductions from the prior year. Health care and early childhood education programs were highlighted, including efforts to expand access through hybrid scheduling, evening and Saturday classes, Spanish-language offerings, and in-person wraparound support for admissions, financial aid, and registration. Faculty said these changes were driven by student data and were aimed at helping working parents, English learners, and other non-traditional students complete credentials and enter family-wage careers.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:43:33.359> to living with HIV have access to living with HIV have access to medication
• access to information<00:47:22.160> about<00:47:22.480> accessing<00:47:22.960> services
• <00:47:23.920> so information about accessing services so information about accessing services
• again is language very the same language again is language very the same language in<01:16:52.920
• occur so it is it is intended language occur so it is it is intended language for<01:27:18.800><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Section four requires the commissioner to report language development outcomes of target languages of
• development outcomes of target language development outcomes of target languages<00:09:20.160> of
• Sections um five and six language.
• Section two on page 46 is an additional requirement related to the language access plan and includes
• <00:21:34.480> access uh or related to the language access uh or related to the language access

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Best practices suggest that agencies should assess whether any language access barriers exist in their
• As such, the legislative auditor recommended that DOH assess whether language access barriers exist that
• Regarding Recommendation 4, which was to assess whether language access barriers exist, looking at our
• To achieve our objective, we will collaborate with key partners to identify language access barriers
• access barriers by December 2027.

Summary: The committee heard a JLARC presentation on the Department of Health’s oversight of hospital inspections, complaints, and reporting. JLARC said DOH was late on 72% of acute care hospital inspections as of December 2024, had not verified that third-party accrediting standards were substantially equivalent to state standards, did not consistently require proof of those inspections, did not review adverse health event corrective plans, and could make hospital data more accessible. JLARC also raised a possible language-access barrier in the complaint system. Members asked about complaint filing by staff, the meaning of adverse health events, inspection outcomes, and whether the audit compared DOH to other agencies. JLARC said it had not reviewed inspection results or cross-agency comparisons, but noted inspectors were dedicated and working long hours. DOH later said it concurred with the recommendations and outlined a strategic plan with target dates for improving timeliness, verifying accreditation standards, expanding language access, reviewing adverse event laws, and improving public data access, with annual reporting to the Legislature expected. The committee then heard a Department of Health presentation on certificate of need modernization. DOH described the current certificate of need process, which reviews need, financial feasibility, quality, and cost containment for certain facility changes and new services, and said the program has not been modernized since the 1980s. DOH proposed 10 statutory modernization recommendations, including clarifying the program’s purpose, creating a planning entity, adding flexibility, reducing legal costs, updating access-to-care standards, expanding oversight to freestanding emergency departments and urgent care, addressing equity, improving cost control coordination, strengthening long-term funding, and using better data systems. Members asked about oversight of freestanding urgent care and EDs, funding sources, and whether the process could be streamlined or made more responsive to complaints or other triggers. A third panel discussed artificial intelligence in health care. Lucy O’Rourke of the Coalition for Health AI described CHAI’s work on responsible AI principles, technical standards, model cards or “nutrition labels,” testing and governance tools, and educational resources for providers. She said the group is focused on trust, transparency, fairness, safety, security, and privacy, and noted Washington’s AI-related policy work as among the more progressive in the country. No questions were asked. The final portion focused on the financial impact of federal and state health care policy changes. The Washington State Hospital Association said hospitals are facing low or negative operating margins, service reductions, layoffs, and closures, and that state cuts and taxes enacted in 2025, combined with federal HR1 changes, will significantly worsen finances. Providence Swedish leaders described staffing reductions, service cuts, delayed capital investments, and pressure from denials, tariffs, and reimbursement changes, while emphasizing that frontline staffing cuts are tied to service reductions rather than nurse-to-patient ratio changes. The Washington Health Benefit Exchange then began a presentation on expiring federal ACA premium tax credits, state Cascade Care Savings assistance, and eligibility changes affecting lawfully present non-citizens, with examples showing large premium increases for customers if federal subsidies expire.

Transcript Highlights:

• to access it under chapter 13. to access it under chapter 13.
• <00:53:42.319> this you'd be able to access this you'd be able to access this information,
• c> category<01:17:32.000> of accessing an entire category of accessing an entire category
• see why we're using different language see why we're using different language in<01:31:27.520>
• to have different language.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of access to non-opioid therapies. of access to non-opioid therapies.
• <00:07:02.160> to a barrier uh to providing access to a barrier uh to providing access to
• problem because it does create an access problem because it does create an access issue.<00:07:25.840
• devices, they are having access to this. devices, they are having access to this.
• They added additional language, but language was removed as well.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up an insurance-related chronic pain bill and an amendment modeled on language from Massachusetts and Maine. The sponsor explained the amendment was developed after stakeholder meetings because the original bill would have created an unaffordable insurance mandate in New Hampshire. The amendment was intended to improve access to non-opioid therapies by limiting prior authorization and step-therapy barriers so they are not more restrictive than for other treatments, including opioid therapies. After questions, the committee took a straw vote and advanced the amendment. The next item was a department-sponsored bill involving the state’s all-payer claims database. Insurance Department officials explained that the bill would encourage self-funded employer plans to opt in voluntarily by giving them aggregated, deidentified claims information in return. They said self-funded plans cannot be required to report data because of federal law, but the bill would provide an incentive while protecting employee privacy. Members asked detailed questions about who would see the data, whether individual employees could be identified, and how privacy would be enforced; the department said access would be aggregated and deidentified, and employer privacy issues would be governed by ERISA and the U.S. Department of Labor. The committee also discussed a glucose-monitoring bill. Members debated whether the bill was aimed at type 1 diabetes coverage or broader access to continuous glucose monitors, and whether it would amount to an unnecessary insurance mandate that could raise premiums. Department testimony estimated the equipment cost and said the annual impact per member would be modest, but also noted that non-insulin therapies have not consistently shown clinically significant A1C reductions. The chair and some members emphasized that the bill should be considered on its own terms as a CGM coverage issue, not as a general diabetes mandate. The committee discussed the bill’s cost implications and asked the department for any prior cost analysis.

Transcript Highlights:

• access and opportunity board. access and opportunity board.
• <00:33:42.480> opportunity away from the land access opportunity away from the land access
• You know, the governor's language, this is a different language where he said it's only for property
• You know, the governor's language, this is a different language where he said it's only for property
• President, this language is quite different from the House language.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The proposed changes also clarified language.
• Access to Acceleration Scholarship Program.
• To my knowledge, that language is from statute, and so we did not add an additional... ...that language
• They would have access to the next quarter.
• There was some compromise language. ...that was agreed to, but in that language and then through the

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Strengthen access to care for simple.
• and<00:04:14.159> workforce about access stability and workforce about access stability and
• And most importantly, accessing care.
• you have said about what the language you have said about what the language intended<01:04:00.720
• <01:04:23.119> to in the future um impacting access to in the future um impacting access to

Keywords: 00:00:00 - Call to Order/Roll Call 00:01:25 - Discussion of 26RS HB 689 00:15:15 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 689 00:17:02 - Discussion of 26RS HB 407 00:45:40 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 407 00:49:25 - Discussion of 26RS HB 713 00:55:50 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 713 00:56:54 - Discussion of 26RS HB 676 01:06:42 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 676 01:08:43 - Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 689, which would authorize Kentucky to seek federal approval for a Medicaid state-directed payment program for physician and non-physician professional services delivered through qualifying hospital-affiliated groups, beginning in 2026. Rep. Amy Neighbors and witnesses from Owensboro Health and St. Elizabeth Healthcare said the bill would bring in about $29 million in new federal Medicaid dollars without using general fund money, help retain physicians, support rural and underserved access, and tie payments to quality metrics. Witnesses described staffing shortages, rising costs, and the need to sustain services such as OB care, primary care, and preventive outpatient services. After questions about how the funding would work and whether private practices were included, the committee voted on the bill and passed it with favorable expression. The committee then moved to House Bill 407, as substituted, which would streamline Kentucky’s certificate-of-need process. Rep. Marianne Proctor and supporters from the Pacific Legal Foundation and the Institute for Justice said the bill would not repeal CON but would modernize a system they described as outdated and overly restrictive, citing national trends toward reform and arguing that Kentucky’s process has changed little since the 1970s. They said the substitute added language requiring the cabinet to contact a dominant provider when needed for data to make CON determinations. Mark Gilfoil, speaking in opposition for St. Elizabeth Healthcare, argued that CON is not a barrier to care in Northern Kentucky and said the bill would weaken the process by limiting who can request hearings, present evidence, and appeal decisions, effectively giving applicants control and making approvals nearly automatic. He said St. Elizabeth serves as a safety-net hospital for low-income and publicly insured patients and warned the bill could harm that role. Members questioned both sides about the appeal process, the definition of safety-net hospitals, and whether the bill could increase facilities and create waste or abuse. The discussion was still ongoing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• the language is not the same, which is the authority and the laws?
• I just don't know that we're understanding and/or speaking the same language.
• There is the language from Senate Bill 283 just from that section.
• Then there is the bill that that language was taken from.
• I think the intention primarily was CPI, but the language was not that clear.

Keywords: 907, all

Transcript Highlights:

• patients are experiencing in accessing patients are experiencing in accessing the<01:14:49.440><
• <01:18:17.360> to fortifies access to fortifies access to care.<01:18:19.360> This<
• 22.23 deletes and reinserts language 22.23 deletes and reinserts language related<01:39:55.840><
• Can you explain why those language.
• Line 260 is um the healthcare access Line 260 is um the healthcare access fund<01:52:56.320>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think wellness language.
• um to be able to access these services. um to be able to access these services.
• go to access. go to access.
• paying to access these services. paying to access these services.
• to access the Fast Forward program. to access the Fast Forward program.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:18:13.039> for<00:18:13.280> all and access for all and access for all youth<00
• making sure that students have access to educators who can support their language and cultural knowledge
• making sure that students have access to educators who can support their language and cultural knowledge
• which supports the Heritage language which supports the Heritage language educator<01:09:51.880>
• with those languages before.

Bills: HF1966, HF54, HF2043, HF1171, HF2741

Keywords: HF1966, Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs, STARS program, alternative education, alternative programs, education finance, general fund appropriation, student support services, career readiness, employment skills, academic skills, social skills, student conferences, training grants, Minnesota Department of Education, specialized education, at-risk students, nontraditional education, HF54, Silver Lake

Transcript Highlights:

• the premium gets their bill and access the premium gets their bill and access to<00:19:33.960>
• other motans who are not able to access other motans who are not able to access this<00:51:03.280
• Accessing mental health care providers can be incredibly difficult to do on your own.
• Chair, and I would guess I would say then why are we deleting the language?
• Chair, and I would guess I would say then why are we deleting the language?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• requirement to have readily accessible requirement to have readily accessible information<00:13:
• . accessible. accessible.
• have kind of accepted the same language. have kind of accepted the same language.
• But I will say that par and<01:39:28.480> access and access and access are<01:39:30.400> different
• <01:39:36.400> It's don't have adequate access. It's don't have adequate access.

Keywords: 1189, house, all