Transcript Highlights:

• So, uh, first I just wanted to say thank you and thank you for letting us join you virtually.
• So, I just wanted to thank you guys for letting us do this virtually.
• These<00:27:56.640> rates<00:27:56.960> have<00:27:57.200> virtually<00:27:57.600
• > been<00:27:57.760> the<00:27:58.000> same These rates have virtually been the
• same These rates have virtually been the same since<00:27:58.960> 2020.

Keywords: Medicaid - Room 216, 4 February, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee heard presentations on several Medicaid-related topics. First, a pharmacy representative discussed nonopioid pain medications as a way to reduce opioid dependence and overdose risk, emphasizing that options such as acetaminophen, NSAIDs, and topical diclofenac can be useful for pain management. She cautioned that nonopioids can still have risks and said any policy should avoid requiring patients to step through opioids before accessing safer alternatives, while still allowing reasonable step therapy among nonopioid options. The presenter said the goal is to keep patients from being pushed toward opioids by cost or insurance design. The committee also heard emotional testimony from parents of a child with Prader-Willi syndrome, who described the condition as a rare genetic disorder that causes severe, lifelong hyperphagia and requires rigid supervision and ongoing treatment. They argued that alternative funding programs can disrupt access to medically necessary drugs such as human growth hormone, forcing families into costly and uncertain coverage gaps. They asked lawmakers to ensure insurance coverage remains stable for rare disease patients and thanked Senator Blackwell for prior support of rare disease legislation. Next, a Livanova representative urged the committee to support higher Medicaid reimbursement for vagus nerve stimulator surgery for drug-resistant epilepsy. He said inadequate hospital reimbursement has reduced access in Mississippi, causing patients to travel long distances or go without treatment, and argued that better reimbursement would improve outcomes and save money over time. He cited studies showing seizure reductions, lower ER use, and a projected $2.8 million in five-year savings for Medicaid based on 40 patients, and asked that hospitals be reimbursed at 100% of Medicare rates for the procedure codes. Finally, a Medicaid official gave a broad overview of hospital payment structure, including fee-for-service, managed care, MHAP, DSH, UPL, provider taxes, and related funding mechanisms. She explained that hospital payments are interrelated and have shifted over time, with major changes tied to managed care, MHAP/UPL increases, and provider taxes. At the end of the discussion, the committee was running short on time and asked her to skip ahead to the provider tax component; no votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Make sure there's live-fire instruction required in our CCW training courses.
• The clerk is instructed to record the action in the House and convey the bill to the Senate.
• The clerk is instructed to record the action in the House and convey the bill to the Senate.
• The clerk is instructed to record the action in the House and convey the bill to the Senate.
• The clerk is instructed to record the action in the House and convey the bill to the Senate.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then they were instructed not there.
• And I'm not sure how instructional time.
• school flag as well as any instructional school flag as well as any instructional flags<04:15:27.040
• So that's instructional, but again, it's not included with the list of types of instructional things,
• they're<04:22:17.279> part exactly instructional, but they're part exactly instructional,

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you are able to get LDL down and you are subject to coronary if you can get that down, it's virtually
• Is that calcium scans are technically high-end radiology procedures, and virtually every health plan.
• And it, like virtually every compact, provides a mechanism by which professionals in one state can be

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the CFR definitions is a chronic condition and a need for one or more activities of daily living, virtually
• So we've got first up on virtually, so while we're going to get that set up, why don't folks come up
• We're going to next up after our virtual presenter will be Jennifer and Jenny from DCYF, and then I see

Summary: The committee heard testimony on the effects of H.R. 1 on Washington’s Medicaid, developmental disability, long-term care, and food assistance systems, followed by a separate discussion of juvenile rehabilitation caseloads and placement capacity. DSHS officials said HR1 could affect home equity rules, immigration-related eligibility, work requirements for some expansion-population enrollees, and provider taxes, while also creating a future opportunity for a new 1915(c) waiver. Advocates and providers warned that any state response that cuts home and community-based services would worsen already thin provider networks, increase waiting lists, push more people into hospitals or out-of-state placements, and strain families and workers. A pediatric behavioral health expert and a supported living provider said Medicaid reimbursement is already too low and further reductions would threaten outpatient, residential, and inpatient services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and severe behavioral needs. The committee then turned to SNAP and the state food assistance program. DSHS said HR1 would tighten work requirements and exemptions, end some immigrant eligibility for the federal program, eliminate the SNAP education program, raise state administrative costs, and eventually require Washington to share in benefit costs based on its error rate. Officials estimated large numbers of residents could lose or see reduced benefits, with significant added state costs. Anti-hunger advocates, a food bank director, and a SNAP recipient described the program as essential for low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities, and said the changes would increase paperwork, reduce benefits, and worsen food insecurity while also harming local food economies. Testimony emphasized that food banks cannot replace SNAP and that work requirements may be difficult to meet for caregivers, people with disabilities, and those facing child care or transportation barriers. In the juvenile justice portion, the Caseload Forecast Council presented the JR forecast, which is currently mostly flat through the end of the biennium but expected to grow modestly over the longer term. Members discussed how policy choices, including the 2019 JR-25 law, have increased lengths of stay for adult-sentenced youth in JR, while diversion and other reforms have affected regular JR trends. A court researcher explained the data available to help forecast admissions and noted ongoing efforts to improve data sharing with JR, AOC, and county systems, though staffing and system-lag issues limit how quickly data can be produced. Juvenile court administrators and DCYF officials described the community-based juvenile justice continuum, rising complexity in the JR population, overcrowding at Green Hill and placement constraints at Echo Glen and Harbor Heights, and the need for more flexible community transition and mental health capacity. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are going to have Senate committee members that are going to be in person and participating virtually
• For those of you that are participating virtually, thank you for being here.
• All right, both virtual. Good morning. Please proceed. Good morning or good evening.

Summary: The Senate Housing Committee heard presentations on a range of housing finance, permitting, and affordability tools. Chattanooga described its affordable housing PILOT program, which uses a per-unit property tax abatement tied to the rent loss from providing affordable units, with a 15-year term and annual compliance monitoring. Committee members asked about the program’s structure, whether it had been used elsewhere, and who was participating; the presenter said the first mixed-income project would bring 278 units with 42 affordable units and that the model was attracting private market-rate developers. Shoreline then described its MFTE and inclusionary zoning approach, emphasizing that longer tax exemption periods and station-area zoning changes had helped spur development, with most current pipeline projects concentrated near light rail stations. The committee also heard from the Municipal Research Services Center and the Department of Commerce on tax increment financing, proportional impact fees, and permit timelines. Commerce explained that TIF can fund public improvements such as roads, utilities, broadband, and some affordable housing or child care facilities, while proportional impact fee guidance is intended to help jurisdictions charge fees more closely aligned with actual project impacts. On permit timelines, Commerce presented its first annual report under recent law changes, using 2024 as a baseline year and noting that reported timelines were generally longer than statutory goals; members asked about outliers, paper versus electronic processing, and whether back-and-forth between applicants and staff was driving delays. Commerce said it would follow up with more data, including on CHIP funding and permit reform practices. Several local governments then shared permitting process improvements. Auburn reported relatively short review cycles and described its move to fully electronic permitting, internal performance standards, and a stock plan program that speeds review for repeated home designs. Bellevue described an AI permitting pilot with a local startup to help with pre-application questions, document triage, and plan review, aiming to reduce incomplete applications and revision cycles. Seattle presented a pilot for accessory dwelling unit co-development in which a mission-driven partner would help homeowners split lots, finance, build, and manage ADUs, with the homeowner eventually buying out the partner and retaining ownership; committee members asked about rent setting, management fees, and default risk, and staff said they would follow up. The committee also heard brief overviews of community land trusts and limited equity cooperatives as permanent affordability models, with presenters urging continued state and local funding support and policy recognition for these approaches.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think he's on virtually, and folks who are doing that will magically make him appear.
• I think he's on virtually, and folks who are doing that will magically make him appear.
• I appreciate the chance to testify virtually with you all today.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Accountability and Oversight held a hearing on California’s homelessness funding, focusing on the Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention (HAP) Grant and the Encampment Resolution Grant Program. HCD described new accountability requirements, including regional action plans, stronger reporting and expenditure conditions, housing-element compliance, encampment response plans, and public dashboards that track fiscal spending, service outcomes, and encampment resolution status. Officials said the goal is to use the data to identify underperforming grantees, provide technical assistance, and, if needed, withhold or reallocate funds. Local officials from San Diego, Fresno, and Santa Cruz said the programs have helped expand shelter, outreach, and permanent housing, and that state dollars have leveraged local and federal resources. Mayor Todd Gloria said San Diego has used HAP to expand shelter and safe sleeping options, reduce downtown encampments, and increase housing production, but argued the state’s new accountability website is too high-level and does not fully reflect countywide conditions, behavioral health outcomes, or the role of continuum-of-care partners. Fresno officials said HAP and other state funds helped the city add shelter beds and reduce homelessness, while Santa Cruz emphasized that state funding helped build local coordination and draw in federal vouchers. Members pressed the panel on whether HAP is actually reducing homelessness, what the best success metrics should be, and whether the state is getting full, usable data from grantees and subcontractors. Several members asked for more granular jurisdiction-level reporting, better tracking of nonprofit spending, and clearer measures beyond point-in-time counts and “people served.” HCD said it is still improving HMIS participation and data quality, but can already show outcomes such as exits to permanent housing and returns to homelessness. The hearing ended with broad agreement that transparency is important, but disagreement remained over the best measures of success and how much emphasis should be placed on housing, prevention, shelter, and treatment.

Transcript Highlights:

• As Chairman Grassley observed, he is currently my Chief of Staff and has the... virtually impossible
• there was a court order there that upheld, which has now been, I think, correctly repudiated by virtually
• defend these. institutions, they let them twist in the wind, they allowed the violence to go on virtually

Keywords: Department of Justice, nominations, Assistant Attorney General, civil rights, enforcement, committee discussion

Summary: The meeting covered important discussions surrounding key nominations in the Department of Justice, specifically for the roles of Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights and the Office of Legal Policy. Various committee members took turns to express their views on the nominees, emphasizing the implications of their potential confirmation on civil rights enforcement in the country. Alongside the committee discussion, the nominees provided insights into their professional backgrounds and how their experiences align with the responsibilities of the positions for which they have been nominated.

Transcript Highlights:

• school and then from there instructional school and then from there instructional school and then from
• days has been about the instructional days has been about the instructional days has been compromised
• time uh dur compromised instructional time uh dur compromised instructional time uh dur during that
• I mean to the disruption to instruction I mean to the disruption to instruction I mean to me it's it's
• students and as well for instruction students and as well for instruction then to continue so that's

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Strong literacy instruction matters at this time.
• Strong literacy instruction matters at this time.
• Strong literacy instruction matters at this time.
• now for, you know, that instruction.
• <00:18:57.360> outside subsidized to do for instruction outside subsidized to do for instruction

Bills: SF0014, SF0053

Keywords: literacy, education, reading assessment, intervention program, public school funding, department of education, amateur status, high school athletics, student eligibility, sports regulation, monetary compensation, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And can two-year institutions apply for instructional projects, because it looks like the...
• For instructional projects, because it looks like the bill says only student housing and student life
• So two-year institutions need to use their already existing avenues for instruction-related projects.
• So two-year institutions need to use their already existing avenues for instruction-related projects.
• So two-year institutions need to use their already existing avenues for instruction-related projects.

Bills: SB234, SB210, SB243, SB244, SM16, HB8

Keywords: foster children, school transportation, education funding, public education, child welfare, New Mexico Highlands University, soccer field, women's sports, infrastructure improvement, funding allocation, student athletes, appropriation, New Mexico State University, nutrition, travel support, funding, education, university support, financial assistance, parenting students

Transcript Highlights:

• I will also say they had some requests like taking virtual driving tests, which I don't know about that
• These smugglers are often instructed to run when they encounter a trooper.
• Additionally, $28,000 is needed to update the Commissioner's meeting room to allow for virtual meetings
• Mike Wiseman: $28,000 is needed to update the Commissioner's meeting room to allow for virtual meetings
• Additionally, $28,000 is needed to update the Commissioner's meeting room to facilitate virtual meetings

Bills: SB1

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

Summary: The committee heard a Legislative Budget Board presentation and then testimony from the Department of Public Safety on the Article 5 public safety budget. LBB said DPS’s 2026-27 recommendation totals $3.7 billion, down from the prior base, while FTEs rise by 856.7. Major items included increased funding for driver license services and customer support, new trooper funding and recruit schools, crime lab operations, border security, and reductions tied to one-time facility, vehicle, and aircraft spending. The committee also discussed new riders, including one to lapse unused trooper funds and require reporting after recruit schools. Members focused heavily on driver license operations, questioning why prior staffing increases and a prior efficiency study had not solved long wait times, high call abandonment, and appointment delays. DPS and LBB said the agency receives about 22,000 calls per day, answers only about 9 percent, and is seeking more staff plus technology upgrades such as automation, kiosks, and better online processing. Senators also raised concerns about rural access, REAL ID document requirements, and whether the department should rethink its processes rather than simply add employees. DPS leadership then described needs for the Williamson County training academy, additional troopers, Capitol and Alamo security, border operations, aircraft and vehicle replacement, and regional headquarters in El Paso and San Antonio. Members asked about Operation Lone Star costs, overtime, pursuit safety, border crime, oilfield theft, and sexual assault kit and toxicology backlogs. DPS said border deployments remain focused on criminal threats, that overtime is partly driven by deployments and staffing shortages, and that the sexual assault kit backlog is down to 118 cases with a goal of zero by April. The committee later recessed and began the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission budget presentation, where LBB outlined a $115.1 million recommendation and noted ongoing costs for the AIMS technology project.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a result, this has a fairly significant interruption to instructional time.
• school obtain an exemption from the KDE school bus<00:32:00.559> safety<00:32:00.880> instruction
• <00:32:01.679> requirement<00:32:02.679> which bus safety instruction requirement which
• bus safety instruction requirement which which<00:32:03.320> currently<00:32:03.679> requires
• policy at the local safety instruction policy at the local level<00:32:21.480> and<00:32:21.639

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 342, which would require all Kentucky students to complete a one-credit financial literacy course for graduation, with the credit able to count toward math, social studies, or an elective. Representative Meredith and student advocate Patrick Rovi argued the current financial literacy mandate is too weak without a credit requirement, citing low implementation across schools and the need for practical instruction in loans, credit, investing, and budgeting. Members generally supported the bill, while Representative Tipton raised concerns about adding credit requirements and limiting dual credit options, and Representative Willner questioned whether it would create an unfunded mandate. Supporters responded that the bill is designed to fit within existing graduation requirements and that free curriculum and professional development resources are available through groups like Next Generation Personal Finance. HB 342 passed the committee unanimously with an expression of opinion that it should pass. The committee next considered House Bill 661, a technical cleanup bill related to the previously enacted nine-passenger van option for school transportation. Representative Emily Callaway said the measure only adjusts regulations needed for KDE to implement the earlier law effectively. The bill passed without opposition. House Bill 208, sponsored by Representatives Josh Bray and James Tipton, would require school districts to adopt policies limiting cell phone use during the school day and, in the updated version, restrict social media access as well. Supporters said the bill is intended to improve student attention, reduce cyberbullying and mental health harms, and address concerns raised by school disruptions and social media use. Members asked about exemptions for students with medical needs, emergency access, and whether districts would need new software; sponsors said existing district technology and local discretion should handle those issues. The bill passed unanimously. The committee then began taking up House Bill 430, which would let certain small-transportation districts seek an exemption from the KDE requirement for four annual bus safety trainings, provided they adopt a local safety policy and submit it to KDE. A district superintendent testified that the current blanket requirement causes significant instructional disruption for districts with very limited daily transportation needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kimberly Rosenberger, on behalf of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction in CDE, we're supportive
• Kimberly Rosenberger with CDE, on behalf of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
• We know community schools are how we organize services around students and the MTSS is the instructional
• For example, Black students gained an equivalent of 130 extra days of math instruction.
• These are public schools where students regularly engage in in-person instruction, often three to four

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education heard the Governor’s proposals for universal school meals, the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP), and community schools. On universal meals, the Department of Education supported continued funding for the Universal School Meals Program and a fourth round of Kitchen Infrastructure and Training Grants, citing meal-count growth, improved meal service, and the need to offset federal uncertainty, inflation, and reduced direct certification tied to immigration-related policy changes. The LAO recommended rejecting another kitchen grant round, arguing prior rounds are still being spent and the state has not clearly defined unmet need. Members also raised concerns about the state’s ability to backfill federal meal funding and about how federal requirements affect programs like Summer EBT/SUN Bucks. Public commenters largely supported school meals and kitchen investments, with some urging support for plant-based milk options and continued infrastructure funding. For ELOP, the Department of Finance proposed $4.7 billion ongoing Proposition 98 funding, including $62.4 million to set a minimum Tier 2 rate of $1,800 per pupil. The LAO recommended going further and fully fixing the Tier 2 rate, saying rate uncertainty complicates district planning. CDE supported the proposal and said the program has improved attendance and academic outcomes, while noting new CalPADS reporting will provide more data soon. Senators discussed whether ELOP should remain a standalone program or be folded into LCFF, and whether the state should require stronger outcome reporting. Public testimony generally backed stabilizing Tier 2 funding, but some speakers urged more support for older youth and more timely, user-friendly reporting. On community schools, the administration proposed $1 billion ongoing Proposition 98 funding to expand the model to thousands more schools and to support existing grantees, along with stronger technical assistance, statewide alignment, and an accreditation/self-certification framework. The LAO recommended continuing the current one-time grant approach instead of creating a new ongoing categorical program, warning about reduced flexibility, administrative burden, and the state’s capacity to support a much larger cohort. CDE supported the ongoing investment but asked for additional county office and technical assistance funding. Senators and public commenters were broadly supportive of community schools, emphasizing improved attendance, graduation, and student engagement, while also debating accountability, accreditation, and whether non-classroom-based charter schools should be eligible. Public testimony strongly favored ongoing funding and highlighted community schools’ role in mental health, family engagement, and wraparound supports.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kimberly Rosenberger, on behalf of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction in CDE, we're supportive
• Kimberly Rosenberger with CDE, on behalf of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
• By strengthening best first instruction and using data to guide decisions, the Multi-Tiered System of
• For example, Black students gained an equivalent of 130 extra days of math instruction.
• These are public schools where students regularly engage in in-person instruction, often three to four

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• we're doing in terms of what instruction we're doing in terms of what instruction looks<01:44:57.360
• ,<02:01:05.080> you education, you have instruction, you education, you have instruction,
• <02:01:14.120> and<02:01:14.240> your with your instruction and your with your instruction
• <02:01:20.200> and then we're going to have instruction and then we're going to have instruction
• primary job is make sure instructions primary job is make sure instructions going<02:04:55.880><

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill allows vacant facilities to co-locate with the passing, providing non-instructional services
• The School of Hope is going to utilize non-instructional services, so they must pay the school then,
• or the school district, for the non-instructional services.
• So let's be sure wherever our kids go they get access to a quality education with quality instruction
• They do have to pay for non-instructional services they use.

Bills: SB 5, SJR 3, HB 11, HJR 72, HB 48, HB 27, HB 144, HB 37, HB 1481, HB 581, HB 1696, HB 2216, HB 1035, HB 1633, HB 742, HB 754, HB 1689, HB 1690, HB 2669, HB 391, HB 517, HB 1775, HB 1024, HB 1607, HB 252, HB 1716, HB 1562, HB 4116, HB 1866, HB 1741, HB 2103, HB 2637, HB 2884, HB 3707, HB 503, HB 1089, HB 1757, HB 2986, HB 972, SB 365, SB 1786, SB 5, SJR 3, HB 14, HB 43, HB 36, HB 26, HB 149, HB 121, HB 206, HB 136, HB 3114, HB 2733, HB 1732, HB 3700, HB 467, HB 1130, HB 1846, HB 1442, HB 1147, HB 2176, HB 2701, HB 805, HB 2890, HB 1154, HB 1644, HB 2118, HB 1718, HB 2488, HB 2596, HB 2468, HB 484, HB 2578, HB 3204, HB 1041, HB 307, HB 685, HB 538, HB 2525, HB 3125, HB 2027, HB 2894, HB 3077, HB 106, HB 18, HB 11, HJR 72, HB 48, HB 27, HB 144, HB 37, HB 1481, HB 581, HB 1696, HB 2216, HB 1035, HB 1633, HB 742, HB 754, HB 1689, HB 1690, HB 2669, HB 391, HB 517, HB 1775, HB 1024, HB 1607, HB 252, HB 1716, HB 1562, HB 4116, HB 1866, HB 1741, HB 2103, HB 2637, HB 2884, HB 3707, HB 503, HB 1089, HB 1757, HB 2986, HB 972

Keywords: dementia, research institute, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, funding, grants, state health initiatives, research funding, state budget, prevention, healthcare, medical research, Dementia Prevention and Research Institute, licensing, reciprocity, regulation, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, interstate agreements, tax exemption, intellectual disability

Transcript Highlights:

• A couple of other things regarding our move to career-relevant instruction.
• CTE is a great example of a shift in our instructional offerings.
• Are no longer allowed to count as instructional days.
• We talk about coursework and instruction; it's about a number of things, right?
• All I would simply say is, as you consider efforts to fund career-relevant instruction in the future,

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 371 relating to parental approval for students participation in human sexuality instruction
• Senate Bill 1207 relating to instruction on adoption in the Parenting and Paternity Awareness Program
• Senate Bill 1207 relating to instruction on adoption and the parenting and paternity awareness program
• That it will eat into the instructional time, which right now are limited to 45 minutes of instruction
• Triangles. it's gonna rob the students of their instruction. Thank you, Senator Menendez.

Keywords: HCR65, HCR19, Senate resolutions, memorial, community impact, legislative proceedings

Summary: The recent Senate meeting primarily covered two resolutions, HCR65 and HCR19, both of which were passed unanimously with little to no opposition. HCR65 was introduced in memory of Tracy Lee Vincent of Longview, while HCR19 was presented to honor the late Terrell Lynn Roberts of Angleton. The meeting included brief addresses from several senators, who shared personal reflections on the impacts of the individuals being honored and expressed gratitude for their contributions to the community. This collaborative atmosphere showcased the members' capacity for camaraderie and respect, emphasizing the importance of human connection in legislative proceedings.

Transcript Highlights:

• We send out a press release, and we hold a virtual press conference now, and we're getting eight, nine
• , 10 press sources in that virtual.
• c> and we hold a and we hold a we<01:40:15.120> do<01:40:15.280> a<01:40:15.400> virtual
• press conference now, we do a virtual press conference now, and<01:40:17.600> we're<01:40:17.760
• And so, remember, part of our virtual.

Keywords: 910, house, all