Transcript Highlights:

• That program is transportation program.
• The witnesses said their department is responsible for operating a complex federal and state program
• It's fully federal.
• program.
• >> and because it's a state federal program >> and because it's a state federal program it's

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services met in person, approved the October 15 minutes, and began with a moment of silence following a Louisville UPS plane explosion that was described as a local tragedy affecting many families and first responders. The main presentation was an overview of Kentucky’s Medicaid non-emergency medical transportation (NMT) program from the Department for Medicaid Services and the Transportation Cabinet. Witnesses explained that NMT is a federally required Medicaid benefit, administered by the Transportation Cabinet under a risk-based capitated model, with eligibility limited to Medicaid members traveling to medically necessary, Medicaid-covered services and who lack access to other transportation. They also described exclusions, including certain KCHIP, QMB, and PACE members, and outlined the brokered regional structure, call center operations, scheduling rules, vehicle and driver oversight, complaint handling, and rider surveys. The presenters reported that NMT handled more than 3.1 million trips in state fiscal year 2024, with over 1.38 million trips already recorded in October, and said customer satisfaction surveys were high. They said the FY 2025-26 contract total is about $360.6 million, with monthly per-member capitation rates set by region through an actuarial process and approved by CMS. They emphasized that payments are tied to monthly Medicaid enrollment and that the state draws down federal funds for the exact amount paid, with no leftover balance. They also said most NMT use comes from adult day centers and rehabilitative care such as dialysis. Members questioned the witnesses about how quality metrics and contract standards are set, whether the state had explored alternatives such as Uber Health or other integrated models, and how utilization was calculated. The witnesses said contract requirements are developed collaboratively by Medicaid Services, the Transportation Cabinet, and other agencies, and that studies of other models generally found higher costs and lower approval ratings, with additional research on a hybrid model expected by the end of the year. They clarified that one figure reflected the share of Medicaid members with registered vehicles, while another reflected actual NMT users, and they defended the capitated structure as shifting financial risk to brokers rather than the state. Representative Fleming also raised concerns about oversight, reporting, and the apparent gap between budgeted and contracted amounts, asking whether any unused funds would return to general funds; the discussion ended before a final answer was given.

Transcript Highlights:

• about $10 million in federal match.
• This is a two-part program.
• One is federal, there's federal funding that comes from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and that
• We have an outreach program, a communication outreach program, because one of the biggest issues is that
• Uh, it's, it's a wonderful program.

Transcript Highlights:

• trade or a two-year program or a four-year program.
• And I I just want to say it's the federal government's prerogative right now to change that federal law
• But, you know, the federal government is doing a really good job of alienating the federal workforce.
• So the approved supplier program, which is the program that I am privileged to steward.
• So the New Mexico Grown Program Again, I spoke to the fact that this is an incentive program.

Transcript Highlights:

• . program. program.
• program.
• . program. program.
• program.
• lose federal federal funds are froze. lose federal federal funds are froze.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They just have to keep it within that specific program.
• versus $20,000 a year if they don't go through this program.
• Are there uncertainties or changes that we know about from the federal level that would impact that program
• I just worry since you have such a high percentage of federal.
• I just worry since you have such a high percentage of federal. Mr.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met to consider three measures, beginning with Senate Bill 2016 for Job Service. Testimony described Job Service’s workforce, unemployment insurance, and labor market functions, its long-term reduction in FTEs and budget, and its reliance on federal funding that does not keep pace with inflation. The bill included funding for an additional FTE for the H-2A housing inspection program, continued support for the JP3 offender placement pilot, and one-time funding for IT and mainframe costs tied to a system modernization effort. The committee approved the bill 20-0, with Representative Swiontek named as carrier. The committee then discussed Senate Bill 2305, which would allow family members to be paid as caregivers for certain young people with disabilities instead of only licensed outside providers. Members noted the specialized, 24-hour nature of the care, workforce shortages, waiting lists, and the potential to avoid more expensive institutional care. Questions focused on how the program would be structured, including certification requirements and whether it would remain a pilot or become part of the broader human services budget. The committee passed the bill 20-0, with Representative Roar as carrier and Representative Nelson available as backup. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 2024 for the Department of Environmental Quality. The House change was limited to increased special-fund support for water and wastewater operator certification testing to expand availability, while the Senate version already included added FTEs for emerging contaminants and fuel inspection work. Members discussed federal funding uncertainty, including IIJA and ARPA-related concerns, but the department said its major projects, including the new laboratory, were not currently in jeopardy. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill as amended 22-0, with Representative Berg as carrier.

Transcript Highlights:

• programs.
• in summer programs, Mr.
• pays for wells on federal lands.
• to plug federal wells.
• wells on federal and state land?

Transcript Highlights:

• There's only a few federal conservation programs, and they've been largely inaccessible in New Mexico
• So as I mentioned, 100% of legacy fund programs are leveraging federal dollars.
• This is a federal granting program. It is administered by the National Park Service.
• This is now a permanently funded federal grant program.
• So, for example, this is a federal grant program. It's not a quick granting program.

Transcript Highlights:

• disclosure consistent with federal rules from the federal government.
• eliminated the administration of community living, which oversees programs like this at the federal
• The program that we're working with is through Lutheran Social Services, and it's a proven program.
• Now, Medicare, which we normally don't do a lot with here in Minnesota because it's a federal program
• , is a great program.

Transcript Highlights:

• These programs are even more important now because of changes to federal funding at agencies such as
• <00:10:06.520> level happening at the federal level happening at the federal level programs
• And I believe that YouthBuild is a federally required program, Mr. Baudry, or it's a... yeah. Mr.
• There is a federal analog program that is There's a federal YouthBuild that runs through U.S.
• is There's a federal analog program that is There's a federal YouthBuild<01:41:31.480> that<01

Bills: HF3878, HF4131, HF3796, HF4097

Keywords: airport workers, wage standards, labor rights, minimum wage, economic equity, surveillance, price discrimination, wage discrimination, consumer rights, automated decision systems, Minnesota Statutes, suitable seating, employee seating, workplace seating, occupational safety, workplace safety, labor standards, employer requirements, chair, stool

Transcript Highlights:

• It also addresses the potential impact of the federal voucher program.
• of the federal voucher program. of the federal voucher program.
• The governor recommends that if the state of Minnesota opts into a federal educational voucher program
• It says if a future administration opts into the federal voucher program, non-public aid and non-public
• <01:30:20.800> program would qualify under that federal program would qualify under that federal

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As we look through this program as well, what is it—the basic 50/50 match with federal dollars, or is
• Chair, Representative Noor, so if Minnesota does stand up a PACE program, we would follow the federal
• , so the cost allocation between state and federal government is similar across those two programs.
• , so the cost allocation between state and federal government is similar across those two programs.
• , so the cost allocation between state and federal government is similar across those two programs.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• help navigate state and federal requirements and help with the various programs over there.
• programs are in there, the duties are basically duplicated by the federal requirements.
• programs are in there, the duties are basically duplicated by the federal requirements.
• programs are in there, the duties are basically duplicated by the federal requirements.
• programs are in there, the duties are basically duplicated by the federal requirements.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Participation, you know, we have good programming. Our programming is top-notch.
• liaison for the program.
• I don't have a formalized tutoring program at this time, but I do have federal dollars available.
• Programs for these students that are coming out of high school to go into your program?
• we call it the AS 500 program.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is a program where if you have diabetes, this is a program that can help you make.
• in this program.
• Again, a unique program.
• The North Dakota Department of Transportation has a labor compliance program to comply with the federal
• Chairman, federal, federal, right, federally funded.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Although the program has more...
• I'm a program manager at the Midas Collaborative.
• We know that this economic mobility program works.
• The federal budget deficit is nearly $2 trillion a year.
• or their evening programs.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee first heard testimony on a proposed Massachusetts baby bonds program, including H. 3429, S. 2146, and the Treasurer’s related bill H. 48. Treasurer Goldberg and a broad coalition of advocates, researchers, health professionals, and people with lived experience said the program would create trust accounts for children born into low-income families or in DCF custody, with funds available at age 18 for education, homeownership, business startup, or other long-term asset-building uses. Supporters argued the program would help close the racial wealth gap, improve economic mobility, and not affect eligibility for financial aid or public benefits. Committee members asked about administration, investment returns, eligibility, and withdrawal rules; the Treasurer said the accounts would be held in trust and managed by her office with an advisory board, with funds accessible at 18 and usable through age 35 if the beneficiary remains a Massachusetts resident. No vote was taken during the testimony shown. The committee also heard testimony on legislation establishing Lobular Breast Cancer Awareness Day, including S. 2666 and H. 4625. Senator Ross, Representative Badger, physicians, survivors, and advocates described invasive lobular carcinoma as difficult to detect because it often grows in lines rather than forming a lump, can be missed on mammography, and is underfunded and underrepresented in research and clinical trials. Witnesses said the bill would codify an annual October 15 proclamation to raise awareness, improve diagnosis, and encourage more targeted research and treatment. Committee members asked why the disease is so hard to detect, and medical witnesses explained the imaging challenges and the lack of lobular-specific protocols. The witnesses urged favorable reports. The committee then took testimony on H. 4648, a bill concerning the purchase or lease of Fenn Farm in Stockbridge by the Stockbridge-Munsee community. Representative Davis, the Stockbridge Land Trust president, and the tribal president testified that the bill would remove a conservation restriction tied to a state MVP grant so the tribe could manage the land without a restriction that they said would conflict with tribal sovereignty and Indigenous stewardship practices. They said the parcel is a sacred site connected to Monument Mountain and that the restriction is unnecessary because the land is already surrounded by conserved property. The witnesses asked for favorable action on the bill. Finally, the committee heard testimony on H. 3416, a resolution urging Congress to create a national infrastructure bank. Representative Senna and several advocates argued that an off-budget infrastructure bank could finance major repairs and upgrades to roads, bridges, rail, water systems, broadband, and housing without adding to the state budget, while creating jobs and supporting economic growth. Witnesses cited historical precedents for national infrastructure banks and said Massachusetts could benefit substantially from such a program. The transcript shown does not include a committee vote or final action on the resolution.

Transcript Highlights:

• On June 6, the federal government released updated guidance through NTIA on the BEAD program.
• The federal government released updated guidance through NTIA on the BEAD program, removing a number
• and services are available, and speaking toward federal support programs like Lifeline.
• So we've been working with these programs that you've spoken to that have been cut, the BEAD program,
• So it needed a federal response.

Summary: The committee held a work session focused on technology in government, AI, broadband, and digital equity. Seattle CTO Rob Lloyd described the city’s AI strategy, emphasizing responsible use, privacy, security, community input, and data strategy. He said Seattle is using small pilots and partnerships to test AI for tasks such as public records processing, infrastructure inspection, and permitting, while keeping humans as the final decision-makers. Members asked about bias, liability, training on best practices, labor involvement, and public records; Lloyd said AI should remain an assistant tool, not a replacement for human judgment, and that Seattle is still testing solutions for records requests and permitting. WATech CTO Nick Stow and Deputy Director Mark Quimby discussed the state’s broader AI policy, the generative AI executive order, a sandbox with more than 15 agencies, and use cases including a resident portal, cybersecurity, and wildfire detection. They stressed consent, closed systems, human-centered design, and the need to govern all forms of AI, not just generative AI. Committee members raised concerns about federal data access, labor issues, and wildfire detection effectiveness. Spokane County IT staff described a more restrictive approach to AI, citing privacy, bias, and cyber risks. The county standardized on Microsoft Copilot as its only approved chat-style AI tool, blocked other AI chat platforms, and requires human review of all AI-generated content. They said AI is also being used by criminals for phishing and deepfakes, underscoring the need for strong policy and security controls. The committee also received an update from the Attorney General’s AI Task Force. Yuki Ishizuka said the task force has 19 members and eight subcommittees covering ethics, consumer protection, labor, health care, public safety, education, government efficiency, cybersecurity, and industry/energy. The task force is working toward an interim report due December 1, 2025 and a final report due July 1, 2026, and is reviewing recommendations through public forums and advisory committees. Ishizuka warned that a federal budget reconciliation provision could bar states from enforcing AI regulations for 10 years, and several members voiced support for state authority and asked about possible 2026 legislation. The committee then heard updates on broadband and digital equity. Commerce’s Dave Pringle said the BEAD broadband program is being reshaped by new NTIA guidance, which removed or reduced emphasis on several prior priorities, and Washington is now working under an expedited process to submit its state application by September 4. He noted that no projects have been built yet, that four counties did not receive applications in round two, and that the state is trying to keep applicants engaged through office hours and a shortened review window. The Office of Equity and the Digital Equity Forum reported increased participation, new members, and ongoing outreach to tribal, rural, and underserved communities, while previewing recommendations such as creating an interdepartmental digital equity team and improving data use. Finally, Lumen’s Robert Thoms described private-sector broadband deployment challenges, including permitting, regulation, and the economics of extending fiber, while noting continued investment in overbuild projects, a $30 low-cost service option tied to the former ACP, and work with the state, tribes, and libraries. No votes were taken; the meeting consisted of presentations and member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• program and to operate it? program and to operate it?
• the Code of Federal Regulations.
• the Code of Federal Regulations.
• elevator inspector inspection program. elevator inspector inspection program.
• do we want the fellows program to be? do we want the fellows program to be?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Labor and Technology heard several resolutions focused on workforce shortages and program development. STR 145/SR 117 would create a legislative working group on paid family and medical leave; testimony from state agencies, labor groups, advocacy organizations, and others was overwhelmingly supportive, though some asked for broader representation and legal expertise. Members raised questions about prior studies, staffing estimates, and funding needs for administering a future program. The chair ultimately deferred decision making on this measure to March 28, 2025. The committee also heard STR 55/SR 37 on reviewing the boiler and elevator inspection branch to improve recruitment and retention. DLIR supported the measure, while the Department of Human Resources Development supported the intent but suggested labor should lead the study. Industry witnesses described long inspection wait times, backlogs, and difficulty recruiting inspectors, and several said higher pay and training pathways were needed. The committee voted to pass the resolution unamended. For STR 64/SR 49, which would establish a Hawaii State Fellows Program, the department supported the concept but said resources would be needed and should be included in the budget rather than a resolution; the committee recommended deferral indefinitely. STR 67/SR 51, addressing hiring shortages in the public mental health care system, drew support from the State Council on Mental Health and others, with requests for amendments to ensure broader cooperation and added agencies. The committee moved the measure as a Senate draft with amendments. STR 63/SR 48, proposing a Hawaii Workforce Excellence Award, received support from DLIR, and the committee later recessed and reconvened for decision making on the measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• And both of those programs, the Double Bucks program and the Grow for Good program, have not only netted
• And these programs, these matching programs, are one of the few morsels of federal dollars that small
• These programs, these matching programs, are one of the few morsels of federal dollars that small, medium
• of this program.
• On top of that, we administer a state- and federally funded program, which means that we would bear the

Bills: HCR41, HB11, HB227, HB243, HB278, HB335, HB424, HB454, HB455, HB492, HB623, HB641, HB660, HB708, HB719, HB940, HB1029, HB1053, HB1069, HB1077

Keywords: coupons, rebates, alcohol regulation, malt beverages, Louisiana Department of Revenue, remembrance, Charlie Kirk, state recognition, October 14, memorial day, court filings, electronic filing, letter size paper, privacy, legal procedure, recusal, district attorney, substitute attorney, appointment process, legal proceedings

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a massive program within our state government.
• There are federal components, there are state components, but it's a huge program in our state.
• <00:12:47.880> and looking to go into these programs and looking to go into these programs
• <00:15:33.199> are state and how those programs are state and how those programs are implemented
• You learned something every day. the federal money 1% of that will equ the federal money 1% of that will

Keywords: Meeting start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:15 HB 537 Discussion 00:01:30 HB 537 Vote 00:05:15 HB 695 Discussion 00:07:00 HB 695 Vote 00:23:15 HJR 31 Discussion 00:27:40 HJR 31 Vote 00:29:55, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 537, as amended by PHS 1, which was described as a technical measure needed to ensure Kentucky can receive opioid settlement funds despite changes in bankruptcy court orders. The sponsor and Attorney General’s office explained that the bill does not change the settlement formula or substantive terms, but adjusts the mechanism for receiving the money. After brief discussion, the committee adopted PHS 1 and then passed HB 537 out favorably on a 17-0 vote, with one member recording attendance after arriving late. The committee then considered House Bill 695, also amended by PHS 1, a Medicaid stabilization bill. The sponsor said the measure is intended to hold the program steady while the legislature gathers more information and awaits work by a future Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board. The bill would limit new waivers, state plan amendments, and coverage expansions; require reporting and record retention; create a Kentucky Medicaid Pharmaceutical Rebate Fund; direct certain behavioral health and managed care changes; and include an emergency clause. Members raised questions about the rebate fund, work requirements, and whether the bill could affect coverage or funding, while supporters emphasized transparency, data collection, and preventing new expansions until oversight is in place. Several members spoke in favor of the bill’s goals but expressed caution about micromanaging a complex program and about possible unintended consequences for beneficiaries. Representative Fleming stressed the need for stronger oversight and noted the potential fiscal impact of federal Medicaid changes. Representative Stevenson voted pass, saying the committee should let the new oversight board handle the issue, and Representative Gentry also passed, citing concern about overreach and the burden of data collection. The committee ultimately reported HB 695 favorably on a 16-1 vote with three pass votes. Afterward, members recorded additional yes votes on HB 537 for the record.

Transcript Highlights:

• But there are federal funds out there as a part of a federal settlement. ...by definition, but there
• are federal funds out there as a part of a federal settlement called the Tronox Settlement.
• That's not an adequate program.
• We run the Approved Supplier Program.
• Recent changes to federal law are making it harder for families to access federal food assistance programs

Bills: SB66, SB79, SB108

Keywords: environment, cleanup, contamination, uranium mining, abandoned sites, state funding, mosquito control, public health, surveillance, prevention funds, local government grants, food security, agriculture, food bank, regional program, appropriation, 996, all