Transcript Highlights:

• So this is a last dollar program.
• So this is a last dollar program. Okay. So this is a last dollar program.
• program with its implementation. program with its implementation.
• EMS to administer that program. EMS to administer that program.
• <00:30:11.520> that's money and then this program that's money and then this program that's

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• and an intern in the Sato program.
• But our program of doctors from Mexico was never intended to be a permanent licensed program.
• There are 28 programs, with four more in development, and existing programs have been approved to grow
• Dental programs are focused on restorative treatment.
• Dental programs are focused on restorative treatment.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• bureaucracy into the Medicaid program. bureaucracy into the Medicaid program.
• to its fourth super regional in program to its fourth super regional in program history,<00:10:09.920
• outstanding program. Thank you, Mr. outstanding program. Thank you, Mr.
• Programs and veterans depend on.
• , needed to deliver these treatments, needed to deliver these treatments, training<03:30:12.239><

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:10.480> plan easier because we have a treatment plan easier because we have a treatment
• One is concern about moving money from one intent to another program.
• I know they have this program and return to home program, yes, but don't...
• I know they have this program and return to home program, yes, but don't...
• <01:33:49.480> is reason to believe that Mal treatment is reason to believe that Mal treatment

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered several bills focused on environmental protection and wastewater management. HB 26 HD 2, relating to environmental protection, drew support from the Department of Health, Reworld, and Energy Justice Network. Supporters said it would preserve existing standards for waste-to-energy facilities, including H-Power, even if federal EPA rules are weakened, while Energy Justice Network urged the state to go further and require stronger pollution controls on older burners at the plant. HB 734 and HB 735, both relating to wastewater systems, received broad support from state agencies, county representatives, realtors, environmental groups, and others. Testimony emphasized reducing the cost of cesspool upgrades, updating rules, and improving coordination between the Department of Health, counties, and the University of Hawaiʻi. Members raised concerns about whether some areas, such as Ewa, should be treated differently if they are not near aquifers or the ocean, but the department said the existing prioritization process already considered statewide conditions and that cesspools generally still affect water resources. On HB 735, the committee discussed the current bedroom-based limits for individual wastewater systems and whether the bill would allow more flexibility for housing configurations, with the department explaining the limits are tied to density and system capacity. HB 879, relating to cesspool conversions, was also supported by the Department of Health, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and several advocacy groups. Testimony said the bill would help low- and moderate-income homeowners in priority areas by increasing grant assistance for cesspool upgrades, but the Department of Health noted it would need three full-time positions to administer the program. Members asked for clarification on the grant amount and staffing costs, and the department indicated the grant cap should remain at $20,000 unless changed. HB 918, relating to labeling of non-flushable wipes, drew support from wastewater and industry groups, including the Association of Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, which said similar laws have passed in other states and that the bill reflects cooperation between manufacturers and wastewater officials. The Department of Health and county officials supported the concept but said enforcement and outreach would require additional staff, and senators questioned whether the state could effectively enforce the labeling requirement without a national standard.

Transcript Highlights:

• New treatments and therapies drive both unit costs because new treatments tend to be very expensive,
• get those drugs and treatments.
• Griminger not know the background on the program? I don't know the background on the program.
• This is a federal program.
• The program has doubled in size.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Participation, you know, we have good programming. Our programming is top-notch.
• liaison for the program.
• Programs for these students that are coming out of high school to go into your program?
• we call it the AS 500 program.
• The program we have is helpful.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, typically, that works as the treatment team will create a service plan for the individual.
• However, 20 years of therapy Treatment and necessary service plans have allowed this person to go off
• Members, Senate Bill 933 is the Right to Try for Individualized Treatment Act.
• a more targeted treatment approach.
• treatment outcomes.

Bills: SB1328, SB1380, SB1436, SB1558, SB1572, SB1651, SB1805, SB1831, SB1836, SB2014, SB2023, SB2044, SB2179, SB933

Keywords: parents' rights, healthcare consent, minors, medical records, protection, legal guardianship, hospital, fetal death, miscarriage, healthcare, state health department, vital records, patient rights, child care, licensing, definitions, foster care, child welfare, mental health, substance abuse

Transcript Highlights:

• As the Department of Health testified a little while ago, a successful cesspool upgrade program needs
• So, better treatment, but, you know, bringing down the size of the leach field with that better treatment
• > know,<00:16:25.560> bringing better treatment, but you know, bringing better treatment
• <00:16:29.640> But<00:16:29.800> there with that better treatment.
• But there with that better treatment.

Bills: HB1730, HB1985, HB1749, HB1921

Keywords: cesspool, wastewater systems, public health, environmental protection, affordable upgrades, coral reefs, water quality, Hawaii legislation, cesspools, wastewater, environment, pollution, Hawaii, sustainable development, sewerage system, real estate, disclosure, environmental impact, wastewater management, housing

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several cesspool-related measures. HB 1730 HD2 would create a cesspool conversion implementation working group to help the Department of Health review rules and practices and develop changes to make conversions more affordable. DOH and DLNR stood on written testimony, while environmental and wastewater advocates strongly supported the bill, emphasizing the need for dedicated staffing, technical expertise, and smaller, more focused advisory groups. Members discussed the high cost of upgrades and the need for new technologies that reduce excavation and leach field costs. The bill was passed with amendments, including clarifying the DOH director’s discretion over the size of the working group, and the committee noted DOH’s appropriation request for consideration. HB 1985 HD1 would extend certain cesspool conversion deadlines and authorize funding for consultants, while also advancing outreach and education. Testimony split sharply: advocates supported the education component but opposed deadline extensions as premature, arguing the state still has many years before the 2050 mandate and should not weaken the conversion timeline. The committee agreed to amend the bill to delete the deadline-extension portion, keep technical changes, and note DOH’s position request. HB 1749 HD2 would require sellers to disclose cesspools to buyers before a real estate purchase contract is executed and direct DOH and the Real Estate Commission to create a standardized form. Realtors supported the intent but asked to avoid duplicative statutory form requirements, and advocates stressed that disclosure should be prominent and not buried in paperwork. The committee adopted amendments removing the standardized-form mandate and passed the bill. HB 1921 HD2 would allow certain existing cesspools in priority level three areas to continue serving dwellings with additional bedrooms under conditions. DOH brought the measure, and supporters from the real estate and environmental sectors discussed innovative wastewater technologies, retrofits, and composting toilets as ways to reduce costs while improving treatment. The committee amended the bill to require DOH director-approved wastewater technology using solid waste separation for bedroom-count increases and to clarify priority-level determinations using block-level data from the Hawaii cesspool prioritization tool, then passed it. The committee also heard HB 2310, an emergency appropriation for the Department of Human Services to restore funding used to keep SNAP benefits flowing during the federal shutdown; DHS, public health, children’s advocates, and others supported it, and members questioned why it was not handled through the budget. The discussion clarified that the bill sought new money to move quickly for ACA-related premium support. No final vote on HB 2310 was shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• their program. their program.
• . programs. programs.
• right treatment.
• . program. program.
• degree programs and some PhD programs degree programs and some PhD programs will<01:29:39.440>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are especially proud of our educational program, and any family in San Diego Pueblo. look and send
• We have also built state-of-the-art wastewater treatment. for our master plan development area and our
• We have chosen instead to use the gaming revenues to create programs that work for our people and to
• We are starting a medically-assisted treatment program for members of the community who suffer from these
• Patients they have to agree in order for them to get themselves into treatments.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the program is very successful. It's modeled after a program in North Carolina.
• This is one option for, uh, TS to find funding for this program.
• It, they may or may not use the funding from this program.
• This is a bracketed program.
• of sponsors for apprentice programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• treatment and by not going to treatment treatment and by not going to treatment you<00:34:42.399
• not seek treatment because of that?
• from certain health education programs from certain health education programs that<03:18:06.800>
• a law would create delays in treatment a law would create delays in treatment and<04:13:07.520><
• <04:13:20.680> it's and substance use treatment it's and substance use treatment it's critical

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Children and Family Law Committee opened a hearing on House Bill 285, which would add language to the parental rights and responsibilities statute directing judges to consider known mental health or medical conditions that could affect parenting. Representative Ball, the bill’s sponsor, said the intent was not to require disclosure of private records, but to give judges a reminder to ask whether anything in a parent’s condition could interfere with parenting and to help ensure children’s safety and best interests, especially in high-conflict or pro se family court cases. He said the proposal was meant as a guardrail and not as a way to reduce parenting time or take children from parents. Committee members questioned whether the existing best-interest factors already cover parenting ability, whether the new language could invite stigma or weaponization in custody disputes, and whether judges already have authority to ask these questions. Ball responded that judges often do not ask, that family court can be difficult for unrepresented parties, and that the language would simply make the issue explicit. He also said he would be open to amendments, including language that more directly instructs judges to ask the question. One member raised concerns about whether the bill should say judges “shall” ask rather than “may,” and Ball said he was willing to work with the committee on wording. Sarah Horn, a NAMI New Hampshire board member and parent, testified in opposition. She described her own history with OCD, ADD, PTSD, hospitalization, and recovery, and said mental illness had not harmed her ability to parent; she warned the bill could increase stigma and discourage people from seeking treatment. In response, Ball said her testimony was part of why he had considered an amendment to include physical health as well, so the bill would not single out mental health. The hearing ended without a vote in the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's been a very successful program.
• So please join me in supporting this important program.
• It's been a very successful program.
• So please join me in supporting this important program.
• It's been a very successful program.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several member introductions recognizing interns, guests, and advocates. The Rules Chair added CS for CS for SB 622 to the special order calendar, and SB 80 on state land management was temporarily postponed. The chamber then moved through a series of bills, often substituting House companions for Senate bills when the measures were identical or nearly identical. The Senate passed SB 200/HB 295 on a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan, requiring DEP to develop a recycling and waste diversion roadmap by 2026; SB 492 on land development and mitigation banking, after adopting amendments related to mitigation credit use and former phosphate mine lands; and SB 494/HB 255 on aggravated animal cruelty, which increases sentencing consequences and creates a searchable FDLE database of convicted animal abusers, with an amendment clarifying the database language. The Senate also passed SB 500/HB 711 establishing the Spectrum Alert for missing children with autism, SB 524/HB 1089 adding Duchenne muscular dystrophy to newborn screening, SB 592/HB 393 revising the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, SB 742/HB 1145 on workforce education, SB 936/HB 827 on a statewide study of automation and workforce impact, SB 964/HB 181 on parole guidelines, SB 976/HB 901 on court-appointed psychologists, SB 1084/HB 1451 on sexual cyber harassment, and SB 1156 on a home health aid program for medically fragile children. Most of these bills were adopted after brief sponsor explanations, questions, and in some cases amendments or House-substitute motions. Debate centered on several policy issues. Senators raised concerns about the constitutional and environmental implications of mitigation banking credits in SB 492, the scope and privacy implications of the animal abuse database in SB 494, the funding and eligibility details of the condo resilience program in SB 592, and the public-school/charter-school balance in SB 822, which drew extensive questioning about enrollment, governance, discipline, accountability, and data sharing before being placed on the third-reading calendar after amendments. The Spectrum Alert bill drew support from members who compared it to the Purple Alert and emphasized the risks faced by children with ASD. The medically fragile children home health aid bill also drew strong support, with senators describing it as a long-needed fix to help families provide in-home care without losing Medicaid coverage. Votes on the measures reported in the transcript were overwhelmingly favorable, with bills passing by margins such as 38-0, 35-3, 37-0, 36-0, and 35-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• A comprehensive wellness support program.
• Uh, they're put on a program for just like anything, you fail a standard.
• Wellness programs go underutilized.
• But it's a, it's a governor appointed program.
• There are cost effective programs. These are cost effective programs that reduce reliance.

Bills: SB 36

Keywords: transportation, regional authorities, mobility, infrastructure, sales tax

Transcript Highlights:

• These treatments are costly, invasive, anxiety-producing, and preventable.
• By tasking FDACS with launching a targeted program. We're not saying for everyone.
• So when these programs, is it your understanding that right now these programs are having issues or they're
• So when these programs, is it your understanding that right now these programs are having issues or they're
• Always volunteers are needed to make sure that a lot of these programs work.

Summary: The Senate convened with an opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance led by pages, and several introductions recognizing guests, family members, and a USF Day at the Capitol presentation. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar, where it first passed two Open Government Sunset Review bills: CS/SB 7010, preserving a public records exemption for certain Department of Financial Services receiver information, and SB 7008/HB 7003, preserving confidentiality for financial technology sandbox application records. Both measures passed unanimously. The Senate also passed CS/SB 1430 on post-judgment execution proceedings relating to terrorism, a bill intended to help victims enforce judgments against terrorist entities, and CS/CS/SB 910 on veterans benefits assistance, aimed at improving veterans’ access to benefits and transition support. Additional measures passed included CS/CS/CS/SB 832 on former phosphate mining lands, SB 796 on general permits for distributed wastewater treatment systems, CS/CS/CS/SB 700, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill, and several claims bills, including relief for Darlene Angerville and J.R., Eric and Jennifer Miles on behalf of EEM, and Marcus Button. SB 994 on driver’s license education requirements also passed after an amendment making texting while driving a moving violation with points and a distracted-driving course requirement. The most extended debate centered on CS/CS/CS/SB 700, where senators discussed provisions on fluoride in drinking water, labeling of plant-based products, drone penalties, charity registration, agricultural housing, and other agriculture-related policy changes. Several amendments on fluoride were offered and defeated, while a technical amendment on financial institution definitions was adopted. Senators also briefly discussed the policy implications of the bill’s fluoride language and its relationship to local control and public health. Several other bills on the calendar were temporarily postponed, and at the end of the session the Senate adopted motions to certify passed bills to the House, retain postponed bills on the special order calendar, and remove CS/SB 7016 from the special order calendar. The Senate then adjourned until April 16.

Transcript Highlights:

• programs programs CH<00:15:22.199> so<00:15:22.839> just<00:15:23.120> repeat<00
• LPNs, once they get off probation, to try to attract them to work in our direct care and treatment programs
• LPNs, once they get off probation, to try to attract them to work in our direct care and treatment programs
• I didn't know what treatment was. I didn't even go to treatment.
• <01:19:56.719> to proving this uh you know program to proving this uh you know program to

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Their programs help connect defendants to mental health and substance use treatment as cases move through
• In the last fiscal year alone, these programs served approximately 4,500 Vermonters.
• > defendants Their programs help connect defendants Their programs help connect defendants to<
• as cases move through the treatment as cases move through the courts.<00:01:58.159> They<00:01
• <00:02:20.080> served year alone, these programs served year alone, these programs served

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a moment of silence and referred House Bill 542, relating to terminating PCB testing of schools in Vermont and carrying an appropriation, to the Committee on Appropriations under House Rule 35A. The body then heard a series of announcements recognizing guests in the gallery, including directors and staff from court diversion and pre-trial services, Community College of Vermont early college and free degree promise students, and a former House member returning to the chamber. Members also offered personal remarks, including a birthday recognition for a colleague and a story about reconnecting with the Okamoto family. On the action calendar, House Bill 907, relating to legislative review of reporting requirements, was taken up and a motion was made to postpone action on the bill for one legislative day. The House agreed, and action on H. 907 was postponed. No other substantive floor debate or amendments were recorded. Before adjournment, a member announced a legislative ski night at Bolton Valley Ski Resort on February 25 and said a signup email would be recirculated. The House then adjourned by motion until Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Most program whenever we collected properly become the composition of the blood, the body, it complicates
• Substance abuse treatment records are covered by 42 Cfr.
• These protections ensure individuals are not deterred from seeking treatment, but they present roadblocks
• This means that with those 3 things considered Tpo, part 2 program does not need to seek in consent each
• Substance use treatment confidentiality for 42 Cfr part 2.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• conjunction with other agencies to study the feasibility of creating a housing rental assistance program
• conjunction with other agencies to study the feasibility of creating a housing rental assistance program
• Substance abuse treatment and training.
• Senate Bill 324 by Senator Reese provides relative to the Water Sector Program and administration of
• the program, phase two sub-fund, emergency sub-fund grant awards, and rate-study requirements.

Bills: HR265, HR266, HR267, HR268, HR269, HR270, HR271, HR272, HR273, HCR107, HCR108, HCR109, HCR110, HCR111, HR257, HR258, HR259, HR260, HR261, HR262, HR263, HCR105, HCR106, SCR30, SB57, SB157, SB202, SB237, SB276, SB450, SB465, SB501, SB525, HR3, HR80, HR197, HR243, SCR5, SCR35, HB4, HB623, HB944, HB986, HB1098, HB1222, SB34, SB164, SB172, SB198, SB208, SB232, SB281, SB286, SB317, SB322, SB334, SB380, SB385, SB409, SB417, SB421, SB430, SB439, SB447, SB458, SB510, SB398, HB646, HR84, HR188, HR205, SCR19, SCR3, SCR6, SCR18, SCR11, SCR22, SCR2, SCR20, SCR24, HCR6, HB301, HB359, HB657, HB675, HB680, HB727, HB302, HB819, HB1257, HB1258, SB8, SB10, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB14, SB16, SB17, SB18, SB20, SB21, SB22, SB40, SB48, SB55, SB69, SB75, SB77, SB78, SB85, SB102, SB115, SB133, SB140, SB148, SB151, SB165, SB169, SB170, SB185, SB197, SB200, SB217, SB235, SB278, SB280, SB291, SB300, SB303, SB315, SB324, SB330, SB411, SB416, SB420, SB436, SB438, SB449, SB455, SB456, SB477, SB489, SB521, SB45, SB58, SB71, SB81, SB92, SB100, SB109, SB141, SB156, SB181, SB203, SB204, SB205, SB207, SB213, SB214, SB216, SB229, SB257, SB274, SB290, SB304, SB374, SB379, SB396, SB410, SB425, SB427, SB429, SB479, SB522, HCR72, HB633, HB603, HB940, HB251, HB775, HB998, HB1191, HB625, HB1255, HB901, HR20, HR74, HCR65, HCR71, HB284, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1240, SB82, SB89, HB258, HB842, SB149, SB382, SB441

Keywords: Pineville High School, Lady Rebels, softball, LHSAA, Louisiana High School Athletic Association, Class 5A, state championship, high school sports, student athletes, commendation, resolution, athletics, girls softball, championship team, Pineville, school recognition, sportsmanship, coach Allison Frye, Louisiana legislature, House Resolution

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the pledge, roll call, and several personal privileges recognizing visitors and special observances, including Transportation Day and a day without child care at the Capitol. Members also honored the Southern University Laboratory School track teams, early childhood educators, and later offered condolences and tributes, including a memorial resolution for Derek Butler’s family and birthday recognitions for members and staff. The chamber received Senate messages, committee reports, and introduced or adopted several resolutions and bills throughout the day. A major portion of the floor was devoted to retirement-system cleanup and funding bills, including Senate Bills 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 20, and 21. Members and authors explained these measures as technical changes to simplify contribution formulas, separate funding for COLAs and benefit increases from debt paydown, and update reemployment or benefit rules for retirees in various systems. Most of these bills passed with large margins after brief questions about whether they would affect automatic debt reduction; authors repeatedly said they would not stop debt paydown. Other measures passed on topics such as emergency vehicle procedures, international driving reciprocity with Ireland, seat belt use, port commission appointments, GOHSEP cybersecurity authority, storage facility rental rules, biomarker testing coverage, DNA sample collection procedures, and a law-institute bill on movable-property leases. The House also adopted HCR 72, the Jonas A. Feeley Act, which memorializes Congress to expedite research and treatment development for acute myeloid leukemia in honor of a deceased veteran, and H.B. 1258, which directs the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries on handling unlawfully possessed sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife. Another notable bill, Senate Bill 200, created a process for expropriating property tied to foreign adversaries near military bases, with amendments allowing voluntary divestment before expropriation. Most measures were adopted by wide margins, with co-author votes taken on some resolutions and bills tabled or returned to the calendar when requested. The most extended debate centered on Senate Bill 217, which would reduce the number of judges in Orleans Parish courts based on a statewide workload study. Supporters said the National Center for State Courts study showed Orleans had more judges than comparable parishes and that the bill would right-size the courts and save about $2.1 million. Opponents questioned the study’s methodology, the lack of Orleans delegation involvement, the counting of cases, the absence of uniform statewide clerk-of-court standards, and whether reducing criminal judges made sense given crime concerns. Despite the criticism, the bill was advanced after lengthy questioning, while the chamber continued to move other bills and resolutions forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• substance use or addiction treatment. substance use or addiction treatment.
• But as far as the pilot program, I'm just not envisioning what a pilot program would be.
• visioning what a pilot program would be. visioning what a pilot program would be.
• <00:59:11.359> Yes, program. I highip that we call it. Yes, program.
• <00:59:13.359> Um that program is still in place. Um that program is still in place.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board reconvened and heard a presentation from the Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Control unit. AG staff described the unit’s structure and work: it investigates and prosecutes Medicaid provider fraud, and also handles abuse, neglect, and exploitation cases involving vulnerable adults in facility settings when asked to assist. They said the office has prosecutors, detectives, auditors, and support staff, works with federal partners, Commonwealth’s attorneys, CHFS, DMS, OIG, and MCOs, and uses a hotline and referral line for complaints. They also explained the MCO referral process, including monthly meetings, stand-down lists, and review of referrals for a “credible allegation of fraud” before the AG office decides whether to open a criminal or civil investigation. The presentation focused heavily on current fraud trends. Staff said behavioral health is a major concern, along with participant-directed waiver services, medically assisted treatment, cash billing for services, controlled-substance billing, and vision and dental fraud. They gave examples such as duplicate time sheets for family caregivers, questionable Suboxone counseling and urine drug screening practices, and a prior optometry case involving false claims for children’s glasses. They also discussed CMS’s estimate that about 5% of Medicaid payments are improper, noted that most improper payments are at the fee-for-service level, and said there is no reliable overall fraud-rate estimate. They highlighted a sharp shift in behavioral health billing after the cabinet’s November 1, 2024 policy changes, saying individual psychotherapy spending dropped while group billing increased, suggesting providers may have moved billing to different codes. Members asked about the scale and timing of cases, how MCO referrals are screened, and whether the data reflected more people being served or just higher spending. The AG office said investigations can take years, with some federal cases still awaiting sentencing from 2018 and 2019 matters, and that they currently had nine individuals awaiting sentencing in federal court. They also reported 58 hotline reports during the referenced period, six cases opened from MCO referrals, and four additional MCO referrals not accepted for active cases. Several members raised concerns about home-based services and the risk of abuse or fraud when family members are reimbursed, and asked whether the process could be streamlined; the AG office said it had no immediate recommendations but would be willing to return with suggestions after further review.