Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also provided a one-time funding of 200 million dollars from the state's general revenue.
• As I mentioned earlier in fiscal year 2024, the Sun Trail program received a general revenue allocation
• There is third-party service approvals for utm systems that manage that drone traffic.
• And what the systems will look like to kind of manage that airspace. There's certainly a roll.
• >> I would say generally not.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• General counsel for Lloyds of London and Weight Steer the managing director and head of Tampa office
• Generally, that's a lot.
• Just just some general, just general highlights of where we see ourselves in the past year.
• Is that that that helps a general absent pause button on that general question probably know the answer
• And the percentage that was being sent to MTA's managing general agents, we still conduct or you is the

Transcript Highlights:

• Luis Ortiz, our construction information management system specialist.
• , program manager, and one regional project manager.
• We currently have the following uh vacancies regional project manager. 2, planning and design manager
• Programs and funding manager and staff attorney.
• the regional managers are using and assigning the color codes like.

Transcript Highlights:

• inspector general each bienium. inspector general each bienium.
• General.
• position of agent general. position of agent general.
• General.
• He's been a consultant to nonprofits, cooperatives, and small businesses, and was general manager of

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thus far, management appears to be managing to near extinction.
• Thus far, management appears to be managing to near extinction.
• from general conservation to legally binding science-based performance metrics.
• <01:04:24.720> regarding Water Resources Management regarding Water Resources Management regarding
• management management um<01:04:57.440> and<01:04:57.599> exempt<01:04:58.000> state

Bills: SB2341, SB2306, SB2782, SB2161, SB17, SB2358, SB2367, SB2240, SB2547, SB2401, SB3031, SB1406, SB521, SB3247, SB1654, SB1112, SB1301, SB2443, SB2996

Keywords: historic preservation, Hawaii Revised Statutes, construction, state review, burial sites, cultural artifacts, development review, phased review, administrative fees, bureau of conveyances, land court, transaction fees, public services, cost recovery, notary public, fraud, real property, Bureau of Conveyances, title recording, property rights

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to hunting, trespass enforcement, conservation banking, coral reef resilience, and search and rescue. SB 2130 would require DLNR to increase the percentage of public land acreage designated for public hunting areas; DLNR offered comments, the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council expressed concern, and a Game Management Advisory Commission member urged adequate funding for both study and maintenance of any expanded hunting areas. SB 2128 would require forfeiture to the state of firearms or motor vehicles used in hunting trespass on private land; the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council supported the bill, and another signer testified without additional detail. The committee also heard SB 3053, which appropriates funds to DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources for mangrove removal and shoreline/stream maintenance in the Westlock and Middleock shorelines and watersheds. DLNR supported the measure and noted staff involved in mangrove removal work; no other testimony was offered. On SB 20005, which authorizes conservation banks for compensatory mitigation in habitat conservation plans and incidental take licenses, DLNR supported the bill but said a House measure, HB 1802, would place key safeguards in statute rather than administrative rules. Earthjustice opposed SB 20005 for lacking statutory safeguards and said it would support incorporating the House language, while CARES supported the bill as a modernization that could reduce permit processing time and provide more predictable costs. A lengthy discussion followed on SB 3201, which would direct DLNR to prioritize coral reef resilience and set performance targets for coral cover and herbivore biomass. DLNR said it supported the intent but wanted more flexibility because outside factors such as climate and emissions policy affect reef conditions; the Nature Conservancy shared that concern and asked for more flexible language. For the bill, For the Fishes strongly supported stronger protections and suggested adding abundance as a metric, while NOAA and DLNR discussed the difficulty of setting universal benchmarks because reef conditions vary by location. Randy Kosaki and CARES supported the bill, emphasizing coral decline and the need for measurable goals, while committee members asked about restoration projects, benchmarks, and whether the bill’s deadlines were meant to require a plan rather than immediate achievement. Finally, the committee took up SB 2937, which would create a search and rescue card program and special fund to reimburse state, county, and volunteer search-and-rescue operations. DLNR’s wildlife division said it stood on its written testimony, and the Hawaii SAR Alliance supported the concept but said Hawaii first needs a stronger search-and-rescue framework, including a state coordinator, before implementing such a program. No votes or final actions were taken on any of the measures in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And electricity generation, I believe. I think the Mines Falls still actually does generation.
• throughout the state so that's managing throughout the state so that's managing contracts<00:44:
• going into the um into the generators going into the um into the generators they<01:55:03.719>
• Thank you. generation like the Pacific Northwest or generation like the Pacific Northwest or uh<01:57
• He said they generally, as a business, try to manage their business risk.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:23.520> It's rate generally. Is that correct? It's rate generally.
• > you<00:58:49.680> know<00:58:49.839> five managing over um you know five managing
• What we do is we use MCOs; we uh essentially outsource payment management to managed care organizations
• essentially outsource payment management essentially outsource payment management to<01:09:47.359
• 01:09:49.839> uh<01:09:50.319> it's to manage care organizations so uh it's to manage care

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board meeting began with a roll call and approval of the October 7 meeting minutes. The chair then reordered the agenda to hear the item on Medicaid reimbursement rates and network adequacy first because of scheduling issues. Dr. Steve Robertson of the Kentucky Dental Association was sworn in and testified at length about Kentucky’s dental Medicaid program, arguing that reimbursement rates are unsustainably low, have been largely flat for decades, and are often below the cost of providing care. He said Kentucky ranks near the bottom nationally in oral health, dental Medicaid rates are often 60% or less of commercial rates, and the program’s share of the Medicaid budget has effectively remained around 2% despite growth in enrollment and services. Dr. Robertson said the low rates are contributing to provider losses, rural access gaps, longer wait times, dental deserts, and greater use of emergency rooms for preventable dental problems. He cited examples of office costs exceeding reimbursement for basic procedures, noted that many dentists are small private businesses, and said the state is struggling to recruit and retain dentists because of low payment levels and high student debt. He also pointed to disparities with neighboring states and said recent increases in some oral surgery and cleaning codes were not enough to address the broader problem. His recommendations included completing the rebasing study, increasing dental reimbursement in the upcoming budget, tying future reviews to inflation and cost data, aligning benchmarks, and prioritizing preventive and restorative care to improve workforce stability and access. Board members asked about the size of the needed increase, the effect of private insurance on dental practice finances, and what a new dentist might expect to earn. Dr. Robertson said the association is working on an appropriations request and that private insurance pressures are part of the problem as well, since many plans are HMOs or PPOs with limited provider control over rates. He also said the association can no longer conduct reimbursement surveys because of FTC restrictions, but would try to obtain current ADA data. In response to questions about the future of the program, he warned that without significant changes it could become unsustainable and cited Ohio and Missouri as examples where higher reimbursement improved provider participation and access. The board then heard from Mr. Bowman of Baldwin Consulting, who discussed outpatient behavioral health providers, including ABA therapy and mental health/substance use disorder services. He said these providers face similar issues of rising costs, flat reimbursement, and access problems. He reviewed Kentucky’s network adequacy standards, including travel-time standards, 30-day appointment limits, and newer federal requirements that will require services within 10 business days by 2029. He said wait times for outpatient behavioral health, especially children’s services and ABA, have grown substantially, sometimes to more than a year, and emphasized that the Medicaid department must enforce these standards.

Transcript Highlights:

• academic programs fiscal management academic programs fiscal management Personnel<00:03:06.000><
• I'm a first-generation college student.
• procurement and contract management procurement and contract management policies<00:21:16.840>
• <00:36:31.680> asset um you know Asset Management asset um you know Asset Management asset
• <01:53:27.360> of care training the next generation of care training the next generation of

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• estimate from our construction manager estimate from our construction manager about<00:35:55.319
• There'll also be space for the Sheriff's Office, emergency management, and facilities management.
• <01:05:07.319> and<01:05:07.559> and emergencies management and and emergencies management
• It'll generate additional economic activity and will actually be one of the most important economic generators
• It'll generate additional economic activity and will actually be one of the most important economic generators

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Item 12 would be an information management system for our Office of Inspector General.
• Item 12 would be an information management system for our Office of Inspector General.
• Pharmacy benefit manager.
• And correctional managed health care and UTMB had to sit in that seat.
• Murray, do y'all have a PBM within correctional managed health care? We're basically self-managed.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard a presentation from the Legislative Budget Board on the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Article 5 budget. LBB recommended $3.7 billion in all funds for 2026-27, a 5.2 percent decrease from the base, while FTEs would rise by 856.7. Major items included funding for driver license services, DPS facilities, troopers and recruit schools, crime labs, vehicle and aircraft operations, border security, and rider changes. The committee also reviewed DPS exceptional items not included in the recommendation, including additional staffing, technology, and facility requests. Members focused heavily on driver license operations, criticizing long wait times, call abandonment, and repeated staffing increases without clear process improvements. LBB said the agency’s call-answer rate was about 9 percent in fiscal 2024, with average hold times around 34 minutes, later reduced to roughly 22-25 minutes. Senators questioned whether more FTEs alone would solve the problem and urged a broader efficiency study and better use of technology. DPS officials said they were pursuing process changes, including appointment-system upgrades, online pre-population of forms, and remote issuance options, while noting that Real ID requirements and population growth continue to drive demand. DPS leadership then outlined the agency’s priorities: completion of the Williamson County training academy, recruitment and retention of troopers, capital needs for vehicles and aircraft, and expanded responsibilities at the Capitol complex and the Alamo. Officials said the new trooper funding would help address staffing shortages, public safety, and border operations, and that overtime and deployment patterns had been adjusted to reduce burnout and improve flexibility. They also discussed Operation Lone Star, saying DPS spending is largely overtime, travel, and fuel, and that the agency continues to coordinate with federal partners while awaiting clarity on possible federal reimbursement for border security costs. Senators also raised concerns about oilfield theft, cartel activity, high-speed pursuits, bilingual pay, and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, and DPS said it would follow up on some of those issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• How was it, the coordination between local emergency management.
• I think of different ways to manage risks. That is certainly one way.
• My question is more about a general overview.
• I'm general counsel for the Texas Hotel and Lodging Association.
• It'd be codified into law, so there's one generic plan for the whole state.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've got a comment just about things in general before I ask my question.
• And freight management issues experienced during the COVID epidemic.
• And freight management issues experienced during the COVID epidemic.
• And this concerns me because it has an impact for all our future generation.
• And our generation will be Mexicans that are trying very hard to become generation.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Generally, CACFP operates year-round.
• keer thank you it's more of a general keer thank you it's more of a general question<00:40:07.800
• <01:17:33.080> that an office of Inspector General that an office of Inspector General that
• <01:19:05.080> counsel going to turn that to general counsel going to turn that to general
• establishing the office of general establishing the office of general counsel<01:20:13.840> is

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Education Policy Committee met to hear a delayed presentation from the Office of the Legislative Auditor on MDE’s oversight of Feeding Our Future, a report released in June 2024. The chair framed the hearing as an oversight review of how the Minnesota Department of Education handled the nonprofit’s participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program and the Summer Food Service Program, emphasizing that the hearing was not about criminal charges against agency staff. Legislative Auditor Judy Randall and Director of Special Reviews Katherine Tyson explained that their review focused on state oversight, not the underlying federal fraud case, which involved an alleged $250 million scheme and ongoing criminal proceedings. The auditors concluded that MDE’s oversight was inadequate and created opportunities for fraud. They said MDE failed to act on warning signs before the pandemic, did not effectively use its authority to hold Feeding Our Future accountable, and was ill prepared to respond to problems. Examples included approving applications despite concerns about internal controls and staffing, failing to follow up on earlier review findings, not adequately investigating at least 30 complaints, and in one case referring a complaint back to Feeding Our Future for resolution rather than conducting an independent investigation. They also said MDE deferred serious deficiencies without enough evidence that problems had been fully corrected and approved meal claims despite records showing major inconsistencies. Tyson said MDE had made progress on all eight recommendations in the report, though one recommendation to the legislature had not yet been addressed because the session had not convened since the report’s release. The auditors recommended that the legislature establish clearer statutory criteria or give MDE rulemaking authority for sponsor applications, and that MDE strengthen verification of sponsor information, focus more on high-risk sponsors, improve complaint procedures, and emphasize program integrity if waivers reduce oversight in the future. In response to member questions, the auditors said MDE’s reported progress was partial in some areas and that further review would be needed to fully confirm implementation. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Will the general counsel introduce this item? Yes, uh, thank you, Chair.
• Will the general counsel please address this item? Yes, thank you, Chair.
• Our new interim general counsel, Ms.
• Well, we are generally sworn complaint generated. People, third parties file complaints.
• So the general election as a tech.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the Airport Managers Association.
• That's located on the general office campus of the DOT.
• We provide a lot of general technical assistance.
• The Asset Management Bureau has four areas.
• We're also responsible for the Transportation Asset Management Plan.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:18:30.000> of only for collection and management of only for collection and management
• Minnesota generates hundreds of millions Minnesota generates hundreds of millions pounds<00:25:21.560
• from the general fund. from the general fund.
• Or general orders. General orders. Okay, that works for me. So, Mr.
• <01:45:30.960> Okay, Or general orders. General orders. Okay, Or general orders.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Nichols, my name is Alexander Ross Hernandez, and I am the sixth generation of a. sixth generation
• on the management of those funds.
• Apply this to all new generation and storage.
• We have generated literally billions.
• We, like any generator, go through a rigorous interconnection process to bring that new generation online

Bills: SB458, SB819, SB1238, SB1642, SB1643, SB1644, SB1791, SB1810, SB1824, SB1825, SB758, SB1455, SB1706

Keywords: insurance appraisal, property insurance, auto insurance, homeowners insurance, residential property, disputed loss, loss valuation, appraisal clause, appraiser, umpire, Texas Department of Insurance, TDI, insurance dispute resolution, claims adjustment, total loss, windstorm insurance, FAIR Plan, surplus lines insurance, policyholder, insurer

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of money just went out a few months ago from Proposition 4 to assist with wildland management and
• A lot of money just went out a few months ago from Proposition 4 to assist with wildland management and
• So I know that it's no secret, there's no, not news to people here, but for the general public, after
• And we will tackle that in a joint hearing in Natural Resources and Emergency Management.
• Those accounts allow us to track funds that we spend beyond our general rate case.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee held the first of several informational hearings on the SB 254 Natural Catastrophe Resiliency Study, focused on wildfire risk, utility liability, and how to finance catastrophic losses. Chair Allen opened by describing California’s recent utility-ignited wildfires, the creation of the wildfire fund under AB 1054, and SB 254’s extension of that fund and requirement for a study. The California Earthquake Authority, as wildfire fund administrator, presented the report’s process and findings, emphasizing that the study was intended to be neutral and broad, based on extensive stakeholder outreach, and that the status quo is not working well for survivors, communities, ratepayers, insurers, or utilities. CEA’s report organized recommendations into three policy pathways: continued mitigation investment, more equitable allocation of catastrophe burdens, and expanded state roles in catastrophe financing. For utilities, the report discussed options such as setting a binding risk-tolerance standard, preserving safety certificate accountability, tying executive compensation more directly to safety, creating confidential reporting with safe-harbor protections, reforming utility liability including possible changes to inverse condemnation, limiting damages, reducing insurance subrogation, and creating a fast-pay facility for survivors. The financing analysis compared a more durable wildfire fund, risk transfer/reinsurance, liability reforms, and state-backed mechanisms such as a state insurer, a state backstop, and broader funding for community wildfire mitigation. The CPUC said wildfire mitigation oversight has improved, but wildfire-related costs are driving electricity bills higher and creating an affordability crisis. The Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety highlighted its wildfire mitigation plan review and field inspections, and recommended stronger safety reporting and more safety-weighted executive compensation. In member discussion, senators and assemblymembers focused on the cost of the status quo, whether the burden should be shared by ratepayers, utilities, the state, or other parties, and whether California should consider broader disaster-financing approaches. Several members raised concerns about inverse condemnation, the pace of survivor compensation, local land-use responsibility, and the need for a more comprehensive statewide solution rather than piecemeal bills. No votes or formal actions were taken; the hearing was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, you know, that suggests that they get to do that just as legislative management.
• Who's the general?
• And then 1601 is Special Assistant Attorney General.
• My husband is buried there, and many of his family members for three generations.
• Whoever is managing it in Edward Jones or whoever.

Bills: HB1162

Keywords: Lake Agassiz, water authority, board of directors, state highways, water management, 908, all

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1162, which would add the West Fargo mayor as a voting member of the Lake Agassiz Water Authority board. The sponsor and Fargo’s mayor argued West Fargo has grown into a major regional water stakeholder and should have a formal vote, while members questioned the board structure and why the change was not framed more specifically. The bill was supported in testimony, closed without opposition, and received a 6-0 do pass recommendation. The committee then took up House Bill 1259 on annual legislative sessions and session structure. Members adopted an amendment that left the structure and logistics of sessions to legislative management rather than prescribing details in statute, after discussion about flexibility, committee workload, annual versus biennial sessions, and concerns about preserving debate and committee process. The amended bill received a 4-2 do pass recommendation, with some members voting no because they preferred a different committee recommendation or had concerns about the broader change. House Bill 1254, which would allow any North Dakota resident to obtain a State Library card, drew supportive testimony from the bill sponsor and State Library staff. They said the change would align law with current practice and expand access to books, e-materials, and other resources statewide, including for military families and out-of-state state employees. The committee closed the hearing and approved the bill 6-0. The committee also considered House Bill 1469, which narrows financial disclosure requirements so only business or trust interests directly related to the office sought or held must be disclosed. After brief discussion that the change would reduce unnecessary disclosure burdens, the committee adopted the amendment and then gave the bill a 6-0 do pass recommendation. House Bill 1368, dealing with administrative rules and the standard for challenging them, was opposed by committee counsel as too broad and legally problematic; the committee rejected it on a 4-2 do not pass vote. Finally, House Bill 1219, which would reduce the required perpetual care fund set-aside for certain cemeteries from 20% to 10%, received supportive testimony from the sponsor, cemetery representatives, and local users, but also concern about long-term fund health. The committee ultimately recommended do pass on a 5-1 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I do want to thank our Attorney General Bonta for taking swift legal action against these reckless
• This is for statewide project management.
• I will mention in general, consistent with Proposition 30, we expect to use General Funds to support
• I will mention in general, consistent with Proposition 30, we expect to use general funds to support
• Managed care plans have already been providing those, so we want to look at how they...

Summary: The hearing opened with remarks from the chair and members about recent federal cuts to public health, mental health, family planning, and Title X funding, with strong concern about the impact on California programs and providers. The committee then turned to the Department of State Hospitals, which presented its 2025-26 budget proposal of $3.4 billion, including new positions, capital improvements, and funding tied to increased patient costs and incompetent-to-stand-trial services. DSH reported major progress in reducing the IST waitlist and wait times, said it had met the court’s 28-day treatment benchmark for those without extenuating circumstances, and described workforce recruitment and retention efforts such as residency programs, fellowships, outreach, and hiring streamlining. Members asked about future IST referral trends, SB 1323’s effect on diversion and community treatment, and workforce lessons in high-cost regions; public comment urged reconsideration of county IST growth cap methodology in light of new criminal justice initiatives. The committee next received an informational overview of Proposition 1 and its changes to behavioral health funding and governance. The Legislative Analyst’s Office explained that Prop. 1 restructured county MHSA funding buckets, expanded the Commission for Behavioral Health, shifted prevention and early intervention responsibilities, and authorized a $6.4 billion bond, including $4.4 billion for behavioral health facilities through BHCIP. DHCS said it had released guidance for county integrated plans and was receiving extensive public comment. Members focused on BHCIP application requirements, especially letters of support and tribal projects, and raised concerns about whether DHCS’s implementation matched statutory intent. DHCS said it had authority to set application requirements and that tribal entities were treated differently because of sovereignty and funding structure. DHCS then updated the committee on BHCIP, the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing Program, and related bond implementation. The department said BHCIP had awarded about $1.7 billion across five rounds, with more than 130 projects and 223 distinct facilities funded, and that it was preparing to award the new bond funds after receiving nearly $8 billion in applications. The LAO’s assessment found that more than half of awards served at least 80% Medi-Cal enrollees, but also raised concerns that the regional allocation model could reinforce inequities, that the program had not sufficiently addressed the highest-need regions such as the southern San Joaquin Valley, and that smaller counties and less launch-ready applicants faced barriers. For bridge housing, DHCS said more than $1.1 billion had been awarded, serving over 5,000 people and supporting more than 2,000 operational beds, but the Governor’s budget proposes to eliminate Round 4 funding as the administration weighs other statewide investments and Proposition 1 implementation workload. Public commenters and members urged more accountability, better regional equity, stronger labor and community involvement, and caution about funding for for-profit psychiatric facilities. Finally, the committee heard on the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative. CalHHS and DHCS described CYBHI as a broad prevention- and equity-focused effort with more than 1,300 organizations funded, over $2.1 billion awarded, and multiple work streams spanning schools, community programs, workforce, and digital supports. DHCS highlighted school-based services, the fee schedule rollout, and digital platforms BrightLife Kids and Soluna, which it said are reaching users statewide and providing low-barrier access to coaching and support. Members and public commenters raised concerns about delays in school fee schedule implementation, the large share of funding going to digital tools, the need for more in-person services, and whether the initiative is sufficiently tracking outcomes and equity impacts. No formal votes were taken during the hearing.