Transcript Highlights:

• Given that the average person defines fraud as something that's somewhat subjective but is in most cases
• Could really use that money back in their pocket, like a lot of other fraud attempts are looking to do
• So taxpayers are the ones giving them this money, and I’ve heard in the fraud committee public dollars
• I urge clear enforcement and reporting I urge clear enforcement and reporting mechanisms<00:42:06.640
• report required. report required.

Bills: HF3611, HF3659, HF3909

Keywords: taxation, income tax, damage awards, sexual harassment, abuse claims, immigration enforcement, taxpayers, file income tax return, Minnesota-source income, tax regulations, detention facilities, gross revenues, private prisons, Minnesota law, 1183, house

Summary: The committee first approved the March 3, 2026 minutes and then laid over House File 3611 for possible inclusion in the 2026 tax bill. Representative Finke described HF 3611 as creating a state income tax withholding deduction for damages awarded to individuals in lawsuits against federal agents such as ICE or CBP, including emotional and financial awards. There was no public testimony or member discussion on the bill before it was laid over. The committee then took up House File 3909, which Representative Hansen said would impose a 50% tax on the gross receipts of detention centers operated by private nongovernmental entities. Hansen argued the measure would recapture public money, deter what he characterized as misuse of taxpayer dollars, and target profits made by private detention contractors such as GEO Group and CoreCivic. He also cited projected revenues and profits for those companies and said the bill was a response to human rights and civil rights concerns tied to private detention operations. Testimony on HF 3909 included support from Nancy Fitz Simmons, a Minnesota State University, Mankato social work professor, who said social workers see the effects of these issues across the state and that the bill could return money to Minnesotans in need. Representative Swedzinski opposed the bill’s impact on the Appleton facility and emphasized local jobs and economic opportunity, while Representative Lee said Minnesota should seek better economic options than jail-related work. Representative Holland supported the bill as a way to offset costs to families and the state from detentions and deportations. Representative Weiner questioned the bill’s revenue potential and criticized the 50% gross-receipts tax as politicizing taxes. Representative Hansen responded that similar proposals were being explored in Washington and California and that the bill was intended to stand up to large corporate interests. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the 2026 tax bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Reports of standing committees and divisions.
• If there is no objection, the reports will be adopted.
• The chief clerk will report the motion.
• clerk will report the motion. clerk will report the motion.
• They are sending masked agents in response to fraud, which is not an immigration problem.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum call, approval of the prior journal, adoption of standing committee reports, second readings of House Files 3131, 3241, and 3436, and first readings of House Files 3814 through 3922. The chamber also referred House Resolution 6, calling for the impeachment of Governor Tim Walz, and House Resolution 7, calling for the impeachment of Attorney General Keith Ellison, to the Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration. The main floor debate centered on House File 3412, which would prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing masks while on duty, including local, state, and federal agents, with stated exceptions. Representative Long moved to suspend the rules so the bill could be recalled from committee and brought to final passage. Supporters, led by Representative Finke, argued that masked, unidentified officers undermine public trust, intimidate communities, and should not be allowed to operate anonymously; they framed the bill as a public safety and transparency measure. Opponents, including Representative Noatne, said the bill was poorly written, unnecessary, and could interfere with legitimate law enforcement needs, urging a no vote. Other members spoke at length on both sides. Supporters described recent incidents involving masked federal agents, family separations, and fear in communities, arguing that Minnesota should require identification and accountability for anyone enforcing the law. Opponents emphasized the professionalism of peace officers, the need for masks in some situations, and the importance of not stripping humanity from law enforcement. Representative Pinto also supported the motion, saying transparency and accountability are essential and that masked officers resemble “secret police.” The transcript does not include the final roll-call result or final disposition of the motion/bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• This identifies funding for the Office of Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Control and includes reporting requirements
• > reporting Control and includes reporting Control and includes reporting requirements. requirements
• ><00:48:34.240> based House had reporting requirements based House had reporting requirements
• the capital project and the reporting the capital project and the reporting requirement.
• , State health plan actuarial reporting, State health plan actuarial reporting, uh<01:02:11.960><

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Free Conference Committee on the 2026 General Assembly budget met to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of House Bill 500. Leaders opened by thanking the other chamber’s work, asking members to turn microphones on and off to avoid feedback, and stressing the need to clearly note decision points so both chambers record the same actions. Staff then walked through the bill page by page, explaining that the committee was comparing only House and Senate differences, not the governor’s proposed budget. The discussion covered a wide range of appropriations and language items, including next generation non-911 services, school safety reporting tools, restored funding for brain injury, epilepsy, veteran service, homeless veterans, and rocket docket programs, debt service changes, rural infrastructure, disaster aid caps, Attorney General and Medicaid fraud funding, agriculture and county fair grants, auditor and pension-related appropriations, school facilities and SEEK funding, and numerous education programs. Members also discussed charter-related funding such as Star Academy, Dolly Parton Imagination Library, school resource officers, school-based mental health providers, AP/IB exams, Governor’s Scholars and Entrepreneurs, and several pilot or initiative programs in economic development, energy, and labor. Several items were described as technical corrections or restorations of language and funding, while others reflected differences in amounts or how funds would be distributed. There were several questions and comments from members about wording such as “implement and carry out,” the absence of the governor’s budget from the comparison document, and whether SEEK funding should be tied to teacher raises. The chair and other members emphasized that the committee’s role was to reconcile the two chambers’ budgets, not to adopt the governor’s proposal. Members also raised concerns about opioid settlement funds and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library match rate, with one senator urging restoration of the House language. No final vote or formal action was taken in the portion provided; the meeting primarily consisted of explanation, questions, and discussion of proposed budget differences.

Transcript Highlights:

• On line 25 is Senator Gustafson's Senate File 4745 for a payroll reporting database.
• it relates to the payroll reporting it relates to the payroll reporting portal<00:23:27.720>
• .<00:24:19.200> However, reporting.
• However, reporting.
• and and the reporting? and and the reporting?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• by balancing the budget without tax increases, demanding accountability for agencies to stop waste, fraud
• Attorney Andy Luger that Minnesota has a fraud problem.
• I do think when we're addressing waste, fraud, and abuse, there's opportunities for bipartisanship.
• Inspector General is about ending fraud Inspector General is about ending fraud and<00:15:42.920
• on strengthening our anti- fraud on strengthening our anti- fraud infrastructure<00:15:57.600>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: Senate Republican leaders held a press conference to roll out their “Minnesotans First” agenda, framing it as a response to Democratic control and arguing that recent budgets and policies have increased costs for families and businesses. They said the agenda centers on balancing the budget without tax increases, reducing mandates, lowering costs, and limiting government growth. Specific proposals mentioned included addressing inflation and energy costs, reinsurance and housing issues, child care tax changes, repealing or reducing certain taxes and fees, and creating a government efficiency board. Several senators outlined issue-specific priorities. On spending and taxes, Karin Housley criticized the state’s budget growth, said Republicans would not support a budget that raises taxes, and objected to shifting costs to counties and school districts. On fraud and accountability, Jordan Rasmusson said Minnesota has a fraud problem and backed a statewide Office of Inspector General, stronger legislative auditor powers, and tighter anti-fraud oversight of grants and agencies. On public safety, Michael Kreun called for repealing what he described as soft-on-crime laws and for tougher penalties on violent and repeat offenders. On education, Julia Coleman said Republicans want to pause mandates, increase local control, adjust funding to address disparities, and improve school safety. In the question-and-answer portion, leaders said some items could attract bipartisan support, especially anti-fraud measures such as an Inspector General office and strengthening the legislative auditor. They also discussed concerns about the governor’s budget, including proposed shifts in human services costs, nursing home and disability waiver funding, and benefits for undocumented immigrants. The group said it would continue working under the Senate’s power-sharing agreement for now, though they acknowledged uncertainty about whether it would remain in place for the rest of the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• They say, "We're only going to report Delta 9 THC.
• "We're only going to report delta 9 THC. "We're only going to report delta 9 THC.
• reduction reports.
• I also get a report reduction reports.
• > to<05:46:14.958> defraud people commit fraud, seek to defraud people commit fraud, seek

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This has to do with preventing fraud and making sure that government employees and officials do not use
• there has To be a pattern of practice, if a city is answering calls when a property owner calls and reports
• So the intent here was to eliminate any potential fraud or waste and to create some efficiency.
• auditor in mind, basically at the head of this for the sole purpose of protecting and creating potential fraud

Bills: HB3002, HB3416, HB3417, HB3418, HB3419, HB3463, HB3919, HB3985, HB4303

Keywords: counties, county officers, education, training, sunset law, county purchasing, procurement practices, budget management, public accountability, emergency procurement, reverse auction, bidding process, competitive bidding, public procurement, city council regulations, public works, bidding procedures, construction contracts, transparency, public trust

Transcript Highlights:

• And the report that we are going to be discussing today is born out of Senate Bill 5200.
• You offered fraud as one of the, I assume, risks that's being mitigated?
• You offered fraud as one of the, I assume, risks that's being mitigated? That's right.
• What other risks do these processes mitigate or manage other than fraud?
• “Okay, I can make sure that’s shared, and in the report we do highlight a lot of that.

Summary: The Capital Budget Committee heard presentations from the Department of Commerce, the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO), and a consultant on the School Construction Assistance Program (SCAP) study. Commerce officials described their agency’s role in housing, energy, local government, broadband, and other capital programs, and reported on a $5 million pilot under Senate Bill 5200 that used trusted community messengers and technical assistance to help historically excluded organizations prepare for capital funding. They said 18 organizations received direct support and 79 smaller projects were also funded, but emphasized that statutory match rules, reimbursement-based payments, site-control requirements, insurance and audit costs, and extensive contracting rules remain major barriers. Commerce outlined efforts to expand outreach, digital modernization, internal contracting improvements, tribal MOUs, and innovation centers, and members asked about small business support, housing program placement, and outreach to Eastern Washington and communities of color. RCO described its grant programs for recreation, conservation, education, and salmon/orca recovery, and reviewed equity work done before and after a 2021-23 proviso. The agency had already created a small-communities carve-out in youth athletic facilities, piloted stipends for advisory committee members, and reduced match requirements where allowed. Under the proviso, RCO completed an equity review and a planning program that funded 54 projects across 34 counties, with many applicants being new or long-absent grantees. Staff said the review led to changes in scoring criteria, clearer application guidance, more objective data measures, expanded technical assistance, and targeted community engagement. Members asked about application burden, project sizes, outreach, and how the agency is broadening participation and representation on advisory committees. The final presentation summarized a planning study on SCAP, which examined rising construction costs, fragmented grant programs, local funding barriers, and uneven district capacity. The report recommended nine major changes, including stronger planning support, a new minor-modernization category, a mechanism to use unused funds more quickly, an education-specification prototype, a SCAP enhancement program for low-capacity districts, acceptance of non-SCAP funds, phased modernization, streamlined D-form and reimbursement processes, and revisions to the SCAP formula to better account for grade-band differences, enrollment projections, and regional cost factors. Additional recommendations included ongoing monitoring and evaluation, facilities-impact reviews, matching SCAP increases to construction-cost inflation, earlier locking of funding estimates, flexible program spaces, and updated statewide building-condition assessments. No votes were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Would there be like a deposition, a court reporting company that does this?
• , wire fraud, and even civil rights violations that intersect with election law.
• Larry Robinson: And I had two weeks to report to Fort Bragg and couldn't take my family.
• The deliberations, the prosecutor leaves and the court reporter leaves.
• These offense reports don't just show up on our desk overnight.

Bills: HB200

Keywords: HB 200, emergency communication, backup communications, satellite phone, portable satellite equipment, radio, floodplain, 100-year floodplain, FEMA, natural disaster, disaster preparedness, emergency preparedness, vulnerable populations, children, elderly, seniors, people with disabilities, care facilities, residential care, assisted living

Transcript Highlights:

• possible or more likely evidence of misuse or fraud.
• evidence of misuse or fraud.
• Does that mean I report to my local Plymouth police? Who do we report to? Right?
• So should it be the reporting to the BCA?
• Um, it reporting to the state auditor.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 1239, authored by Representative Wam and presented by Legislative Auditor Judy Randall, would align reporting requirements for suspected theft, embezzlement, unlawful use of public funds, and similar misconduct by public employees and officers with existing language used for reporting to the state auditor. Randall said the bill is intended as a cleanup measure to clarify that such matters should be reported promptly to law enforcement and to the legislative auditor, and to remove language that she said had sometimes been used to delay reporting. Committee members raised concerns about the bill’s reference to “law enforcement,” saying the term is broad and could create confusion about where reports should go. They questioned whether reports should go to local police, the BCA, or another entity, and suggested that the current process may already work adequately. Randall responded that she was open to further discussion and said delays in reporting to law enforcement have been problematic. The author emphasized that the bill mirrors existing state auditor language and said any changes should remain consistent across both auditors’ reporting statutes. The chair said the committee should resolve the language and definitions before the bill moves further and preferred to address it in the policy omnibus bill. By agreement, House File 1239 was laid over for possible inclusion rather than advanced out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• So when I just a couple quick questions when I look at the fiscal impact report...
• Actually, there was extensive reporting required on all the programs that have been currently assisting
• tentative consequence of the One Big Beautiful Bill was to strengthen Medicaid by eliminating waste, fraud
• Have waste, fraud, and abuse.
• So, the typical controls for fraud, waste, and abuse that the health care authority and the office of

Transcript Highlights:

• A vote yes means you wish to report the bill favorably, and a vote no means you do not wish to report
• A vote yes means you wish to report the bill favorably, and a vote no means you do not wish to report
• We maintain a 24/7 reporting hotline.
• We maintain a 24-7 reporting hotline.
• report the bill with amendments.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee first disposed of several measures without debate, including deferrals of House Bill 460, House Bill 561, Senate Bill 322, and another deferred Senate measure, before taking up House Bill 819 by Chairman Cruz. HB 819 would replace Louisiana’s current workers’ compensation medical treatment schedule with ODG by MCG, a private evidence-based guideline system used in other states. Cruz and Troy Prevo argued ODG is more comprehensive, updated more frequently, and could reduce claim duration, medical costs, and premium rates; Dr. Jason Picard said Louisiana already uses ODG as a secondary reference for gaps in the state schedule and that the bill would not change appeals or variance procedures. Opponents, including injured-worker advocates Joseph Jola St. and Robin Crumholt, argued Louisiana’s current guidelines are working, that ODG is more cost-cutting and insurer-driven, and that the bill could increase denials and delay care. Members discussed amendments to add a two-year sunset, allow tacit approval when treatment follows the schedule, require payment within 30 days, and raise the carrier’s burden to challenge care; the committee adopted the amendments and then reported HB 819 favorably by a 7-6 vote. The committee then began Senate Bill 409 by Senator Myers, the Louisiana Living Donor Leave Protection Act. The bill would provide paid leave protections for living organ donors, set eligibility and verification procedures, and prohibit forfeiture of leave in certain circumstances for private employers. Myers said the measure is intended to remove job and paycheck barriers for people willing to donate organs and to support better transplant outcomes. Technical amendments were adopted at the start of the presentation, and the bill was introduced for further discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, we're starting to see occasionally reports of people doing things they shouldn't do, trying
• So, one of the last year, Senator Girdler filed a bill to start a conversation about deed fraud, and
• You know, we're starting to deed fraud.
• <00:10:50.399> legislation what what would deed fraud legislation what what would deed fraud
• Those reports and those audits depend on the revenues that they bring in.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:11 Discussion of County Clerks’ Land Records Update 00:02:42 Discussion of Area Development Districts 00:22:48 Discussion of Legislative Measures 00:50:09 Discussion of Local Taxing Sources 01:02:33 Adjournment 01:29:16, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up an update from the Kentucky County Clerks Association on the transition to electronic recording and land records modernization. Testimony explained that legislation from the 2021 task force created funding and deadlines for counties to provide online search portals and complete a 30-year property record search, with a later move to a 60-year standard. Speakers said the money has been awarded to counties, but much of the work is still in progress because records must be scanned, indexed, and manually verified. They said only a handful of counties are fully compliant with electronic recording so far, while many are still working through staffing and vendor issues. They also noted that the 60-year standard may ultimately be easier and more efficient to complete than the 30-year standard, and that compliance is expected to improve by next summer. The clerks’ representatives also raised related issues, including deed fraud, the county document storage fee, and KDLA digitization grants. They said online recording can make deed fraud easier to attempt, so they expect to seek legislation next session to address it. They described an existing notification service available in many counties that alerts property owners when a document is recorded, which can help detect suspicious activity quickly. They also said the storage fee and separate county account structure has generally worked well, but that two recent KDLA grant cycles have not released money for clerks, limiting support for digitization work. Another topic was whether, once records are fully digitized and verified, some permanent records should remain publicly accessible or be moved to a safer archive under KDLA control. Members asked about the balance in the KDLA fund, what the General Assembly could do to help lagging counties, and how much of the $25 million modernization funding had been spent. Witnesses said they did not have the current fund balance but would try to get it, that the main obstacle now appears to be staffing rather than additional money, and that the funds have been awarded but not fully expended because work is still ongoing. They emphasized that counties are helping one another and asked members to alert association leadership if any county is struggling. The committee then heard a presentation from Dan London, executive director of the Lincoln Trail Area Development District, who described area development districts as regional staff extensions and technical resources for cities and counties, and highlighted their role in coordinating regional services and partnerships across county lines.

Transcript Highlights:

• will report the bill. will report the bill.
• will report the bill. will report the bill.
• chief clerk will report the amendment. chief clerk will report the amendment.
• They stripped away reporting. Let's go on HF1. Why would they strip away the reporting?
• Why would they strip away the reporting? Why would they strip away the reporting?

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House adopted the conference committee report on House File 1141, the housing bill, and repassed the bill as amended by conference. Representative Howard said the compromise bill would help build thousands of homes, keep Minnesotans housed, and improve transparency and collaboration with the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, while remaining budget-neutral by using MHFA interest earnings and fund transfers. He highlighted investments in housing infrastructure bonds, greater Minnesota workforce housing, manufactured housing, FHPAP, supportive housing, and added transparency for MHFA board meetings, while noting that some Senate provisions such as a manufactured housing bill of rights and a ban on private equity home purchases were not included. Several members spoke in support, emphasizing housing as a basic need and linking the bill to homelessness, workforce shortages, and health outcomes. Supporters praised the bill’s funding for supportive housing, first-generation homebuyer assistance, tenant hotline services, and manufactured housing, and said the bipartisan conference process improved the measure. Representative Kosowski and others argued the bill would help people stay housed, reduce pressure on schools, hospitals, and emergency rooms, and support communities across all 87 counties and tribal nations. Republican members raised concerns about spending and government growth, arguing the state should prioritize taxpayer relief, school safety, fraud prevention, and asset preservation instead of housing investments. Representative McDonald questioned the growth in MHFA staffing over the past decade, and Representative Howard responded that the agency had taken on many new responsibilities since the state’s larger housing investments and needed staff to administer programs effectively. After the motion to adopt the conference report prevailed, the bill moved to third reading, where further discussion continued in a generally supportive but divided debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said he looks at the millions of dollars of fraud that are a potential target in online gambling.
• She said she knows millions of dollars are lost annually to gambling fraud in the U.S. sports betting
• and I would really just like us to fraud and I would really just like us to<00:53:07.359> be<
• reported to the commissioner<01:07:08.680> and<01:07:08.760> then<01:07:08.880> the
• It affects their businesses, the places they work, because of fraud, and so on.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• uh if somebody votes of f voter fraud uh if somebody votes twice<00:10:03.399> um<00:10:03.760
• possible voter frauds in uh voter fraud possible voter frauds in uh voter fraud or<00:10:26.200>
• The speaker added that some states have withdrawn because they felt it was not detecting voter fraud
• uh in the way that it had voter fraud uh in the way that it had hoped<00:12:01.160> for<00:12
• efforts to fight FR supposed voter fraud efforts to fight FR supposed voter fraud um<00:16:46.199

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:37.880> and brought on to uncover waste Fraud and brought on to uncover waste Fraud
• <00:34:04.480> and taxes instead of fighting fraud and taxes instead of fighting fraud and
• the CRA executive agencies must report the CRA executive agencies must report all<05:37:27.638><
• <06:15:06.360> um Privacy Act and the Computer Fraud um Privacy Act and the Computer Fraud
• <07:59:58.718> that of July 21st 2024 ice reported that of July 21st 2024 ice reported that

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I know one thing that you'll be looking at is anti-fraud legislation, right?
• <00:05:25.600> legislation, looking at is anti-fraud legislation, looking at is anti-fraud
• Do you expect any bipartisan anti-fraud proposals to get to the governor's desk? You know, I do.
• Fraud has been nationally recognized here in the state of Minnesota.
• they need right away because it's been held back while fraud is being sought out and trying to have fraud

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House Speaker Lisa Demuth reflected on the 2025 session as a difficult but productive year in a closely divided House, saying the tie forced Republicans and Democrats to work together and empowered co-chairs and committee leaders to negotiate throughout the session. She said her partnership with former Speaker Melissa Hortman showed that both caucuses could still get work done even when neither side got everything it wanted, and she expects to continue that approach in 2026 if the House remains tied. She also said she has a workable relationship with DFL leader Zack Stevenson and wants to maintain respectful decorum while still allowing strong debate and committee input. On policy, Demuth said gun violence and public safety remain major concerns after the Hortman assassination, the Annunciation school shooting, and other high-profile violence. She said Republicans are focused on keeping communities safe, increasing penalties for firearm-related crimes, and expanding mental health supports across the state, especially outside densely populated areas. She also said anti-fraud legislation will be a major priority, noting prior bipartisan steps such as whistleblower protections and added staff for the Legislative Auditor, and she expects bipartisan action on fraud again this session. Demuth said immigration and ICE-related legislation will likely return, referencing last year’s House File 16 and saying cooperation with ICE would make Minnesota safer. She also pointed to budget concerns, saying the state moved from an $18 billion surplus to a tighter fiscal picture and that a $5 billion spending reduction last year was a step in the right direction. She said the February forecast will be important for setting responsible priorities and emphasized that the caucus’s goal is to keep working in a bipartisan way for Minnesotans.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 2217 will increase transparency in elections by requiring consistent data reporting across
• It means that when looking at data across counties, That they can get similar reports from every county
• Election Day voting because those will now be combined into one number in the reports.
• Election Day voting because those will now be combined into one number in the reports.
• In the 2020 election, Harris County received, by their reporting, 50,000 ballot-by-mail.

Bills: HB311, SB447, SB505, SB2217, SB2753

Keywords: voter registration, electronic, Texas election law, Signature verification, DPS, internet application, Texas Election Code, signature verification, online application, data security, electronic application, Department of Public Safety, information security, electronic voter registration, voting technology, voter access, state election laws, digital signature, election irregularities, audit

Summary: The committee heard several election-related bills. SB 447 would let the City of Mission in Hidalgo County permanently move its municipal elections from May to the uniform November election date if it chooses. The bill was described as permissive and intended to increase turnout and reduce costs. Mission’s mayor testified in support, saying voters had already approved the change by a wide margin in a charter amendment election. The bill was left pending after no objection. SB 2217 focused on standardizing election data reporting and reconciliation across counties to improve transparency and comparability. Testimony was generally supportive of the goal, but Dr. Laura Presley and others flagged technical issues, including a discrepancy between a three-ballot mismatch threshold in existing law and a 1% threshold in part of the bill, plus a definition issue involving central accumulators. Supporters said consistent auditing and reconciliation would help election integrity, while the bill was also left pending. The committee then took up SB 2753, a major proposal to create a continuous in-person voting period that would combine early voting and Election Day into one uninterrupted process, with precinct consolidation and other changes. Supporters said it could simplify administration, reduce equipment changes, and improve security by using one set of machines. Opponents and neutral witnesses raised concerns about cost, staffing, ballot security, reporting changes, weekend voting, and whether the bill was ready for implementation; several urged a pilot or study instead. The committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill was left pending. SB 505 would create a process for election workers, candidates, party officials, and measure proponents or opponents to request explanations of election irregularities, with escalation to the Secretary of State for audit or enforcement if responses were unsatisfactory. Supporters said it would provide a way to resolve irregularities and restore confidence, while opponents argued it was too broad, lacked guardrails against abuse, and could be used by partisan actors to pressure counties. The bill was left pending. Finally, HB 311 would expand Texas’s online voter registration system to first-time registrants and others, with supporters citing efficiency, lower costs, and broader access, and opponents raising concerns about signature verification and implementation details. Testimony was cut short because of the session deadline, and the bill had not been disposed of in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• All reported subcapitation—there's a lot of negatives there.
• So that's what the subcapitated entities reported in total.
• provide reporting on trend evaluation.
• So it's an increase in reports from Mercer.
• We have a couple of cases of fraud, waste, and abuse.

Keywords: 907, all

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing focused first on Oregon Medicaid coordinated care organization (CCO) finances and rate setting. Oregon Health Authority staff explained how 2025 CCO financial results will inform 2027 capitation rates, including reserve requirements, subcapitation arrangements, and major cost drivers such as behavioral health, pharmacy, rural hospital costs, and dental directed payments. They said the Legislature’s added 2025 funding materially improved CCO margins and that, without it, the program would have been negative overall. Members asked about retained earnings, subcapitation, behavioral health utilization, ABA therapy, and whether outcomes are being evaluated; OHA said rate setting is actuarial and that CCOs, OHA, and other partners all play roles in monitoring efficacy and access. OHA also reviewed House Bill 4039 changes intended to increase transparency and give CCOs earlier access to rate information and reconciliation exhibits. CCO representatives then testified that the system is under significant financial pressure and that behavioral health state-directed payments, benefit changes, and federal uncertainty from H.R. 1 are reducing flexibility. CareOregon said it has lost more than $500 million over the last couple of years and is now making provider terminations and other network changes to align spending with available funding, while emphasizing that CCOs must make hard decisions about which services and providers can be sustained. Eastern Oregon CCO said rural and frontier factors, cost-based hospitals, air ambulance needs, and statewide efficiency adjustments are not fully reflected in rates, and that dental funding is especially strained. Trillium similarly warned that state-directed payments and benefit expansion pressures are constraining the global budget model and that H.R. 1 could worsen acuity and volatility. Members pressed the witnesses on who is responsible for evaluating treatment effectiveness, especially for ABA and psychotherapy, and on how utilization limits and reimbursement changes are being used to control costs. The committee then shifted to an overview of the Affordable Care Act and Oregon’s commercial insurance market. Department of Consumer and Business Services staff explained actuarial value, metal tiers, premium tax credits, medical loss ratio rules, and the main drivers of premium rates: cost trend, utilization trend, and administrative costs. They said mandates have likely added only a limited amount to premiums over the past decade, though the exact effect is difficult to isolate, and they gave examples of how high-cost, low-volume services versus broad, high-utilization services can affect rates differently. Staff also noted that Providence Health Plan and PacificSource Health Plans are withdrawing from the individual market, though consumers should still have at least three insurer options in every county and may have four in many counties. The division said it is in the middle of reviewing proposed 2027 rates and will continue its public rate review process, including hearings and written comment.