Transcript Highlights:

• We support family child care.
• We support family child care. A field. We support family child care.
• </c> that child care programs are supported that child care programs are supported with<00:59:02.640>
• </c> DHS for families who need support. DHS for families who need support.
• </c> it's through the concept of supporting it's through the concept of supporting the<01:10:50.880><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met with DHS Chief Financial Officer Nathan White to receive an update on the department’s budget lapse and vacancy rates. White explained the difference between the “back-of-the-budget” reduction and lapse assumptions, saying DHS is facing a current biennium reduction of about $23 million and estimating roughly a $60 million general fund lapse in state fiscal year 2025, compared with about $13.5 million the prior year. He said DHS’s lapse is driven largely by program utilization, labor market conditions, contract spending, and statutory carry-forwards in areas such as Medicaid and developmental disabilities, which tend to produce a smaller lapse in the first year of the biennium and a larger one in the second year. He also noted that the House and Senate budgets differ on some operating items, including Medicaid rates, with the Senate having struck a House proposal to reduce rates by 3%. Members questioned White about whether DHS ever spends down lapse money on last-minute purchases. He said the department does not engage in that practice, though it does retain some flexibility in its facilities budget for emergencies. He also described the process for transferring funds within and between class lines, including the need for fiscal committee approval above statutory thresholds, and gave examples such as moving funds to cover overtime in the SYSC budget and to ensure Medicaid payments for nursing facilities. White said such transfers are public and transparent and are reviewed by the governor and Executive Council. The committee then discussed DHS staffing. White said the department has a little over 3,200 authorized positions, with a vacancy rate around 14.5%, and that a hiring freeze had been imposed a few months earlier while exempting direct care positions. He said DHS is planning for about a $30 million general fund reduction to personnel, equivalent to just under 400 positions, and is managing postings centrally to stay within budget by July 1. In response to questions about the loss of about $80 million in federal funds, White and Associate Commissioner Patricia Tilly said DHS avoided layoffs by shifting staff into vacant positions, but that the cuts affected community contracts, public health workers, laboratory work, and some IT/data projects. Tilly said roughly 20 positions were affected, most were reassigned, a few staff left voluntarily, and the department has less flexibility going forward if more federal funding ends.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're here in support of Mr. Sadwith.
• We're here in support of Tyler's confirmation.
• Pereteam is in support of Mr. Sadowitz's appointment.
• And here in support of Tyler's confirmation, he brings deep expertise in Medi-Cal and behavioral health
• the public behavioral health infrastructure here across the state, and in strong support of Mr.

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee established quorum and first approved several non-appearing gubernatorial appointees and procedural items on unanimous 5-0 votes, including Hampus Eitsiter to the Boating and Waterways Commission, Peter Stern to the California Horse Racing Board, Dean White to the State Mining and Geology Board, references of bills to committees, and floor acknowledgements. The committee then heard testimony on Tyler Sadwith’s appointment as Chief Deputy Director of Healthcare Programs at the Department of Health Care Services. Sadwith emphasized protecting Medi-Cal access and equity, continuing CalAIM and behavioral health transformation, and drawing on personal experience with family members needing care. Senators focused heavily on hospital financial distress, rural access, eligibility redeterminations, fraud oversight, provider reimbursement, dental access, labor and delivery closures, and the impact of federal changes; Sadwith said the department is working on expedited payments, monitoring distressed hospitals, county technical assistance, and strategies to reduce disenrollments and improve program integrity. Public commenters from county, hospital, and care organizations supported his confirmation, and the committee advanced his nomination to the full Senate on a 5-0 vote. The committee next considered Chris Thayer, PhD, for Director of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. Thayer described OEHHA’s role as providing transparent, scientifically rigorous health assessments and supporting tools such as Prop 65, CalEnviroScreen, and risk communication. Senators pressed him on the use of models versus real-world data, fenceline monitoring, PFAS, wildfire health impacts, and whether OEHHA’s work adequately reflects lived experience and local conditions. Thayer responded that the office often must rely on the best available evidence, including animal, human, and alternative methods, while continuing to improve communication and community engagement; he also discussed EnviroScreen updates, Prop 65 warning reforms, and research gaps. Public testimony in support highlighted OEHHA’s scientific role and the importance of biomonitoring and PFAS work. The committee approved Thayer’s nomination to the full Senate on a 3-1 vote, with Senator Grove voting no and Senator Jones not voting.

Transcript Highlights:

• We rely on that state funding to support public health, to support indigent care, and we will have to
• we started to get support.
• This would support that.
• It includes legal support, legislative support, a variety. Issue six is CalFresh-specific.
• We ask for your support.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We will not accept disruptive behavior or behavior that incites or threatens violence.
• That’s something that our members were strongly supportive of, strongly supportive of its reauthorization
• That's something that our members were strongly supportive of, strongly supportive of its reauthorization
• But, you know, more support is needed.
• But more support is needed.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Most of them were supportive.
• Jumping to page 240, 45 is amended to exclude child support dispersed to the household by a child support
• So, general support...
• So, general support...
• Well, I don't know that I'll support the motion.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first approved the December 3 minutes, then heard a request from the Board of Clinical Laboratory Practice to amend its proposed rule on exempt test methods to add certain closed-system DNA/RNA tests, including rhinovirus. After testimony explaining that the board had considered late comments from BioMérieux and wanted the rule record to reflect that review, the committee agreed to a limited amendment and passed the motion unanimously. The Department of Agriculture then outlined broad rule updates affecting dairy, eggs, poultry, pesticides, animal health, environmental mitigation, and the Egg Product Utilization Commission. The commissioner said the changes mostly clarified existing requirements, updated references, and reduced some burdens, such as easing dairy hauler training/licensing timing and clarifying out-of-state grade A milk language. Members asked about dairy industry decline, the APUC scoring system, and the rationale for the milk-hauler and out-of-state milk provisions. The State Board of Dental Examiners presented extensive rule changes tied to recent legislation and workforce issues, including a new professional health program for dentists, expanded duties for assistants and hygienists, broader local anesthetic authority for hygienists, and fee increases to fund the program and cover administrative costs. Testimony from Dr. Edward May strongly supported the professional health program based on his own recovery experience. The committee also heard from Game and Fish on rules easing some guide/outfitter experience requirements, allowing electronic exams, and modifying boating safety equipment rules, with no public comment and no fiscal impact. Later, Health and Human Services received approval for an extension to update tattoo/body art rules and a separate motion to repeal an obsolete nurse aide training chapter. HHS also described nursing facility rule updates, lodging sanitation revisions, and related clarifications on licensing, safety, pest control, and fire requirements. The Department of Environmental Quality received an extension for septic-system installer rules, and also presented rules for above-ground storage tanks and water/wastewater operator certification, including new fees and third-party testing options. The Industrial Commission’s oil and gas division described multiple rule changes, some withdrawn after comments, including drilling unit flexibility, site stability, wildfire authority, and streamlined transport/reporting procedures. Finally, DPI began presenting several rule packages, including school construction loan limits, school bus standards, cooperative agreements, special education rules for public charter schools, and new math curriculum and intervention requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• Would this legislation then, I have a follow-up, would this legislation possibly help stop that behavior
• We don't want, you know, drunken debauchery, but just human behavior.
• Would this cause an offense because of that behavior?
• We will alternate in testimony: those in support and then opposition, and I'll take the first one in
• support.

Summary: The Crime and Public Safety Committee met with a quorum and first went into executive session. In that session, members adopted a House Committee Substitute for Senate Substitute for Senate Joint Resolution 87 and voted it do pass by an 8-0 roll call. The committee also adopted a House Committee Substitute for House Bills 1868 and 3257, which were combined into one bill string, and voted that substitute do pass 8-2. House Bill 3017 was then voted do pass 8-2 as well. The committee then moved to public hearing on House Bill 2808, which would create a new offense for an adult who knowingly permits, encourages, aids, or causes a minor to commit an offense. The sponsor said the bill is intended to address adults exploiting minors to commit crimes such as car theft, burglary, and theft, with penalties ranging from a class C misdemeanor if the minor commits a misdemeanor to a class A misdemeanor if the minor commits a felony, along with possible restitution. Members asked about whether the bill could reach parents at teen gatherings, how it would apply beyond parents to other adults or guardians, and how prosecutors would prove encouragement or causation. The sponsor responded that existing laws already cover some conduct like providing alcohol to minors, that the bill is meant to apply to any adult who encourages a minor, and that proof would rely on ordinary criminal standards such as text messages, emails, witness testimony, and other circumstantial evidence. One member raised concern that the language could be used to overreach against parents or be weaponized in investigations; the sponsor said the bill would only apply after the minor is adjudicated guilty and would be a secondary review of whether an adult caused the offense. No one signed up to testify in support, opposition, or for informational purposes, and the hearing on HB 2808 concluded without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Would this legislation then possibly help stop that behavior by holding the parent accountable if they
• We don't want, you know, drunken debauchery, but just human behavior.
• Would this cause an offense because of that behavior?
• We will alternate in testimony, those in support and then opposition, and I'll take the first one in
• support.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:28:18.960><c> challenges</c> behavioral challenges behavioral challenges that<00:28:21.919><c> due
• </c> support this amendment. Thank you, Mr. support this amendment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• I have been in the legislature, and I went from supporting it to not supporting it because essentially
• </c><01:25:27.920><c> of</c> worked on with the support of worked on with the support of stakeholders
• </c><01:28:35.760><c> on</c> work and I appreciate your support on work and I appreciate your support

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• TARS supports the consideration of these issues.
• The TARS supports are listed in your packet.
• support my kids.
• I thought that we were going to get support because they said it would be support.
• Please hear that we support those priorities.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It says 896 Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health.
• It's funded with general revenue, federal funds, and various program support.
• This supports the options counseling program. Sorry if I'm not close enough.
• Representing the Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health.
• It is in the various program support. That's where it's coming in.

Summary: The committee heard a series of Arkansas Department of Human Services budget presentations and questions, beginning with the Secretary’s Office and then the Division of Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health Services. Staff described the divisions’ appropriations, funding sources, and major programs, including senior centers, Meals on Wheels, mental health grants, substance abuse treatment, community alcohol safety, the Medicaid tobacco settlement program, and crisis stabilization units. Members raised concerns about flat or limited funding for senior services, the use and tracing of federal block grants, the lack of a funding source for the veterans’ mental health grant, and the mechanics of the community alcohol safety and treatment programs. The committee also discussed patient benefits funds at state facilities, transportation for senior center clients, and whether some special-language appropriations or fund balances should be revisited. Executive recommendations were adopted for the divisions considered. The committee then reviewed the Division of Children and Family Services and the Division of County Operations. Questions focused on foster care growth, adoption subsidies, professional fees tied to staff training and onboarding, vacancies, the Children’s Trust Fund, and TANF subgrants. Members asked about the reduction or elimination of TANF funding to child advocacy centers and other subgrantees, and DHS explained that prior reserves had been spent down and that the department was now trying to live within the annual TANF block grant and rebuild reserves. County operations questions also covered summer EBT, SNAP employment and training, the farmers’ market program, and the expected impact of a federal SNAP administrative match change, which DHS estimated would increase state costs by about $24 million annually, with roughly $18 million affecting the current year because the change begins October 1. Executive recommendations were again adopted. Finally, the committee heard from the Division of Developmental Disability Services and the Division of Medical Services. DDS testimony covered vacancies, staffing shortages, human development center construction and repairs, the reopening of the Boonville work training program, and funding for infant infirmary and child/family life programs. Medical Services testimony covered the Medicaid program, the current FMAP rate, the Our Kids B CHIP program, Medicaid payments to schools, nursing home distress funding, and large appropriation lines used to provide flexibility for claims and potential facility closures. Members asked for more detail on school Medicaid payments, reserve balances, and why some appropriations were much larger than actual spending. In each division, the committee moved and adopted Executive REC after questions concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• That’s stalking behavior.
• That’s stalking behavior.
• That’s stalking behavior.
• stalking behavior and stalking behavior<00:21:43.960><c> when</c><00:21:44.200><c> there</c><00:21:44.360
• </c><00:42:31.680><c> with</c> stuff on child support with stuff on child support with representative

Keywords: The live stream for this meeting cut off before the end. This is the complete meeting pulled from back ups. Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:05 HB 38: 00:02:42 HB 206: 00:29:22, 958, all

Summary: The committee began with roll call and introductory remarks, including recognition of new members and guests. It then took up House Bill 38, sponsored by Representative Tipton, which would increase penalties for repeated violations of an order of protection. Under the committee substitute, a third violation involving the same order and same individual could be elevated from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class D felony. Tipton and domestic violence survivor Maryanne Pratt testified in support, with Pratt describing repeated abuse, protective-order violations, and ongoing fear despite arrests and jail time. Several members spoke in favor of the bill and praised Pratt’s testimony. Members and outside witnesses raised concerns about the substitute’s language, especially the requirement that the same victim be involved and whether the bill could leave gaps for repeat abusers with different victims. Representative Burke and others questioned whether the conduct was already covered by stalking or assault statutes. Scott West, speaking for the Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, argued that the bill could allow technical contempt findings to be used as predicate offenses and noted that existing assault and stalking laws already address much of the conduct. Sponsor Tipton said the language was not final and that further changes might be considered in the Senate. Despite the concerns, the committee adopted the substitute and passed HB 38 with favorable expression by a 19-0 vote. The committee then heard House Bill 206, sponsored by Representative Nemes, on wrongful conviction compensation. Nemes introduced exonerees and representatives from the Kentucky Innocence Project, and the substitute was adopted without objection. Testimony came from Paul Herd, who spent 20 years wrongfully convicted and described the difficulty of reentry, and Jon Acar, who said he was wrongly convicted as a teenager and spent years in custody and on parole. Both urged passage of the bill as overdue support for people exonerated after wrongful convictions.

Transcript Highlights:

• The behavioral impact destroys families, prevents people from getting jobs, destroys marriages.
• It was also seen as a way to support individuals who have demonstrated rehabilitation and change.
• And it's harmful to taxpayers who are supporting those maybe unnecessary expenses.
• Those types of support services have continued on into the community, I would add.
• So they end up going to us for support, which, of course, we're happy to do.

Summary: The committee held a work session on tort liability and parole, with the chair explaining that the topics were linked because criminal justice reform and state liability often intersect, especially in cases involving child welfare and corrections. Staff first outlined Washington’s tort liability framework, including the state’s broad waiver of sovereign immunity, statutes governing mandatory reporting and investigation of abuse, the childhood sexual abuse statute of limitations, and the lack of caps on non-economic damages. Staff and presenters also compared Washington to other states and noted that Washington remains among the broadest states for state liability and childhood sexual abuse claims. Presenters from the Attorney General’s office, Washington State Association for Justice, DCYF, DSHS, and DOC discussed how tort exposure has grown, especially in claims involving DCYF, historical child abuse, juvenile rehabilitation, vulnerable adults, employment discrimination, medical negligence, and negligent supervision. DCYF and AG staff said claims and payouts are rising, with many claims tied to older abuse and new theories of liability, while defense counsel emphasized the human harm behind the claims and argued that tort cases have historically driven accountability and reform. Agency witnesses said they face large volumes of old claims with limited records, rising verdicts and settlements, and staffing and systems challenges, and they highlighted efforts such as early resolution programs, electronic health records, medication-assisted treatment, and improved incident review processes. The committee then shifted to parole. Sentencing experts reviewed Washington’s move from indeterminate sentencing to the current determinate sentencing system under the Sentencing Reform Act, and explained how parole could be integrated with sentencing guidelines through different models used in other states. They also summarized Criminal Sentencing Task Force recommendations related to a determinate-plus approach for three-strikes and persistent offender laws and a second-chance review process, noting there was no consensus on those ideas. Judges from the Minority and Justice Commission and the Superior Court Judges Association said a parole system could support rehabilitation and reduce disparities if it includes data collection, fairness, transparency, due process, and meaningful judicial review; they also pointed to research suggesting parole and structured reentry can reduce recidivism and costs, while warning that access and outcomes can vary by geography and other factors.

Transcript Highlights:

• It specifies that isolation may not be used as a behavioral intervention in IEPs or 504 plans and allows
• The barrier must allow the student to be in the line of sight of the instructional or support staff in
• So just really thinking that this is a clarity and support the striker and hope you will also.
• Engrossed third substitute House Bill 1634 relates to behavioral health and schools and directs OSPI
• student behavioral health.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It specifies that isolation may not be used as a behavioral intervention in IEPs or 504 plans and allows
• The barrier must allow the student to be in the line of sight of the instructional or support staff in
• So just really thinking— ...that this is a clarity and support the striker and hope you will also.
• Engrossed third substitute House Bill 1634 relates to behavioral health and schools and directs OSPI
• student behavioral health.

Summary: The committee met for its final executive session of the session and took up several House bills related to early learning and K-12 education. House Bill 1795 on restraint and isolation in schools was briefed as prohibiting mechanical, chemical, and certain physical restraints, limiting isolation, and barring new isolation rooms; a proposed amendment to the striker was defeated, and the bill then advanced. House Bill 2219 on child care licensing and drug safety was briefed as requiring licensed child care settings to be free of high-potency synthetic opioids, drug paraphernalia, and manufacturing equipment, with amendments to add drug testing and broader controlled-substance prohibitions; both amendments failed, and the striker was adopted before the bill advanced. House Bill 1295 on literacy was described as setting curriculum and educator training requirements; the committee adopted a striking amendment that removed some district implementation and continuing-education requirements, then advanced the bill. The committee also heard briefings on House Bill 1634 on behavioral health supports in schools, House Bill 2557 on timelines for special education evaluation reports and eligibility meetings, and House Bill 2636 creating a public education review steering committee and JLARC review process, all of which had no amendments at the briefing stage. In formal action, the committee voted to adopt the striker on HB 1295 and then passed HB 1795, HB 2219, HB 1295, HB 1634, and HB 2557 out of committee with due pass recommendations. HB 2636 was also advanced, but to the Ways and Means Committee rather than the Rules Committee. Several members noted concerns about costs and unfunded mandates, particularly regarding literacy implementation and child care safety provisions, while supporters emphasized student safety, child care safety, and clarity in existing law. The meeting ended with thanks to staff and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• It eliminates regional behavioral health boards, and it consolidates rulemaking authority within the
• Boards of health as well as behavioral health.
• And as I mentioned, with strong support out of the House, this is not a garbage bill, but it's about
• We appreciate your support and ask that you send it to the Senate.
• But it's about garbage, and we appreciate your support and send it to the Senate. Thank you.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate Health and Welfare Committee heard several RS drafts and one House bill. Senator Van Orden presented RS 33393, described as a transparency measure related to residential habilitation and future provider rate increases; it would create an audit process to show how funds are used. The committee asked whether it set wage amounts or only an audit, and after brief discussion it voted to send the RS to print by voice vote. Senator Anthon, with law student Elizabeth Marshall, presented RS 33404, which would allow pharmacists to seek voluntary dual licensure as naturopathic doctors under the Idaho Board of Naturopathic Health Care. Members discussed the distinction between naturopathic doctors and physicians of naturopathy, and the RS was sent to print. Senator Blaylock then presented RS 33355, which would eliminate the Board of Health and Welfare, remove administrative regions and regional director positions, eliminate regional behavioral health boards, and consolidate rulemaking authority in the department. Senator Wintrow raised concerns about losing advisory capacity, but the committee still voted to print the RS. Blaylock also presented RS 33406, a hospital price-transparency proposal requiring a single-click page with bundled labor-and-delivery pricing and common add-on charges, and RS 33419, which updates newborn screening exemptions to align with vaccine exemption language; both were sent to print without opposition. The committee then heard House Bill 555 from Representative John Weber, a rewrite of the Idaho Solid Waste Code that shifts solid-waste regulatory authority from health districts to DEQ, adds user-fee funding, and updates technical provisions. Testimony from the Idaho Solid Waste Association emphasized expertise, statewide consistency, and maintaining federal primacy, while questions focused on DEQ capacity and public health protections. The committee voted to send HB 555 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation, and adjourned after noting a meeting was scheduled for the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• I, for one, am supporting it.
• And we ask for support. Thank you. Anyone else here in support of this bill?
• We're in strong support.
• from EQCA, strong support.
• from EQCA strong support.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm just supporting, I am against it, and that's all.
• AND I ASK FOR YOUR SUPPORT. 506 MR.
• I ask for your support on this great legislation. Thank you.
• I ask for your support on this great legislation.
• Harris Reynolds, speaking in support.

Summary: The Budget Committee met with a quorum present and heard several bills, with HB 1483 temporarily postponed. The most contentious measure was HB 945, which would create a state counterintelligence/counterterrorism team within FDLE. The sponsor said it was aimed at terrorists, nation-state actors, and other criminal threats, not political speech, and noted an amendment would address First Amendment concerns later. Opponents from the First Amendment Foundation, ACLU Florida, and other groups argued the bill was too vague, lacked guardrails, and could enable surveillance of protected speech or political activity. Members also raised questions about fiscal impact, oversight, warrants, and the bill’s July start date. Despite those concerns, the committee reported HB 945 favorably by roll call vote. The committee then unanimously passed HB 6507, a claims bill appropriating funds to compensate for damages caused by departmental negligence. HB 813, which clarifies Florida’s firefighter cancer law and death-benefit provisions, also passed after an amendment narrowed the bill and added language allowing a firefighter’s family to receive the death benefit if the firefighter separates from employment and dies within one year. Firefighter representatives supported the bill as a compassionate fix, while one local firefighter representative opposed the amendment, saying it would remove protections and create an arbitrary cutoff. Sponsors responded that DROP would not be affected and that the change was intended to help terminally ill firefighters spend their final days at home without losing survivor benefits. Finally, HB 365, dealing with law enforcement interactions with individuals with autism, passed favorably. Supporters, including family members and autism advocates, said in-person training and positive interactions are crucial to preventing escalations and tragedies during police encounters. They described real-life incidents where lack of training led to harmful outcomes and urged adoption of the bill’s training provisions. Members from both parties voiced support, calling the measure overdue and important for both public safety and the autism community. The chair closed the meeting by noting it was likely the committee’s last budget meeting and adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• But there’s no indication for us that raising the no-show fee would actually change the behavior, and
• But there’s no indication for us that raising the no-show fee would actually change the behavior, and
• </c><00:21:12.720><c> um</c> would actually change the behavior um would actually change the behavior
• </c><00:21:23.840><c> that</c> the past um you know supporting that the past um you know supporting that
• I'm here today to express AFSCME's support for raising the no-show fee from $20 to $50.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So I really... ...to their specific needs, their specific behaviors, to keep the community safe.
• Behavioral Health, Vice Chair. We have Substitute House Bill 2350 before us.
• for children and families in the behavioral health and mental health space.
• Thank you, Madam Chair, and I'm going to support this bill today as well.
• So I'll be supporting the bill and ask you that we also be yes.

Bills: HB2510, SGA9305

Keywords: community custody, probation, Department of Corrections, DOC supervision, Washington criminal law, sentencing, felony supervision, risk assessment, sex offense, serious violent offense, domestic violence, repetitive domestic violence, failure to register, sex offender registration, dangerous mentally ill offender, indeterminate sentence, parole, conditional commutation, gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:41.759><c> Um,</c> displaying violent behaviors. Um, displaying violent behaviors.
• </c> retention and personnel feel supported retention and personnel feel supported when<00:05:15.840>
• the the bill and question and I support the the bill and um<00:06:43.280><c> and</c><00:06:43.600><c
• Um, I am supportive of it.
• I am supportive of it.

Keywords: 1183, house