Transcript Highlights:

• When you do it in a traditional hospital, there's three different forms of payment that the hospital
• They get the payment at time of service, whatever the billing codes are.
• Over the two years, that was about an average of about $1.639 million in payments for those services.
• And so when you remove the disparity in terms of the payment rates, the opportunity for savings goes
• When you remove the disparity in terms of the payment rates, the opportunity for savings goes away.

Summary: The Finance Committee met on May 27, 2026, with six members present and took up a series of House bills, most of them dealing with education funding, criminal justice staffing, transportation, health care access, and economic development. HB 325 was reported favorably after testimony that it would expand TOPS eligibility by allowing dual-enrollment credits to satisfy eligibility criteria and by making part-time students eligible for TOPS Tech, with supporters saying the program has been underused and the change would help working students. HB 719 was amended and reported favorably to increase assistant district attorney positions in various judicial districts; the Louisiana District Attorneys Association said the changes were based on workload data and local input, and members discussed the need to coordinate any expansion with public defender funding. The committee also reported HB 749 favorably, which would move Louisiana’s 529 savings accounts to a more secure online platform after a cyber incident, and HB 1028 favorably, which concerns transportation reimbursement for providers and was described as already subject to appropriation. Several bills focused on food access and local economic development. HB 1222, the Grocery Initiative Act, was reported favorably to let LED use existing grant resources to map food deserts and develop a program, with members noting it could return for funding later if needed. HB 1194 was amended and reported favorably to define food deserts and direct the LSU AgCenter and the Department of Agriculture and Forestry to identify and map them, with authors emphasizing it was a study and not a government-run grocery program. HB 755, which would create IDIQ contracting for architects and engineers on smaller state projects, was reported favorably with no fiscal impact. HB 823, a local diversion pilot for Orleans Parish, was also reported favorably after the fiscal note was revised to remove state impact and reflect only local costs. The committee spent substantial time on HB 488, a proposal from Plaquemines Parish to use severance-tax revenue to help buy out a private toll concession on the parish’s bridge. The author and local officials described severe toll burdens, economic harm to local businesses, and what they called an unfair contract, but members noted the bill was not funded and ultimately deferred it without a motion. HB 797, the Bayou Gold/Louisiana Sound Money Act, was amended to make implementation subject to appropriation and then reported favorably. The committee also took up HB 198, which would raise Medicaid reimbursement for ambulatory surgery centers for certain outpatient procedures; after extensive discussion about fiscal notes, access to care, and potential long-term savings, the bill was amended to narrow its scope and make implementation subject to appropriation, then reported favorably as amended. The meeting ended with the chair noting it would be the committee’s last meeting and asking members to spread the word.

Transcript Highlights:

• Membership and payment of dues or fees are voluntary, and you may not be discriminated against for your
• or union in which the employee has membership shall notify the employee of his right to withhold payments
• Please remit payment by this time. Like, we don't see that occurring.
• The waiving of the payment of the fees, I have a right to stop deducting. Absolutely.
• I should not— Payment of the fees. I have a right to stop deducting. Absolutely.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Labor and Industrial Relations met for its final meeting of the 2026 session and took up SB 312 by Senator Talbot, a bill concerning labor organizations, employee dues and fees, withdrawal from unions, annual notice requirements, and related reporting and notification provisions. The committee first adopted a technical amendment set, then debated a larger amendment set that shifted the cease-withholding request to the employer, required electronic confirmation, placed certain administrative costs on the labor organization, and added language about employer notification and authorization procedures. Members discussed whether the bill was needed, whether employees already have the ability to opt out, and whether the amendments would create confusion or unnecessary bureaucracy. Supporters said the bill protects employee choice and ensures dues stoppage happens at the nearest payroll period; opponents argued the added language was unclear and burdensome. The committee also adopted a separate technical amendment adding mass transit employees to the list of exemptions. Testimony came from the bill author and several stakeholders. Senator Talbot said the bill is meant to ensure workers know they do not have to join a union, can revoke dues authorizations, and can stop deductions without waiting for a fixed annual window. Representative Eccles defended the amendments as employee protections and a way to shift administrative costs away from taxpayers. Jim Patterson of LABI supported the amendments, saying they protect public employers and taxpayers from administrative costs. After the amendments were adopted on a roll call vote, union representatives Matt Wood of the Louisiana AFL-CIO, Peter Robbins-Brown of the AFL-CIO, and Larry Carter of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers and School Employees testified in opposition to the amended bill, saying they had worked in good faith on a simpler opt-in/opt-out framework and objected to the new cost and bureaucracy provisions. Several members also spoke in favor of the bill as a matter of freedom of choice and employee control over paycheck deductions. At the end of debate, Representative Wilder moved to report SB 312 with amendments. The motion passed on a roll call vote, and the bill was reported from committee with amendments. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• that's what he thinks is better, if we can find three physicians that want to sit on it, but the payment
• Chairman and members, House Bill 1185 by Chairman Miller, relative to payment methodologies for hospitals
• for legislative findings, to provide for definitions, to provide for reimbursements and directed payments
• Amendments are wanting to relate to clarifying statements relative to the payment of funds.
• And provides that the department will withhold any payments until those obligations are satisfied.

Bills: HB689, HB742, HB926, HB946, HB948, HB1028, HB1095, HB1114, HB1121, HB1155, HB1185, HB1217, HB1220, HB1227, HCR76

Keywords: public assistance, child welfare, benefit adjustment, DCFS, LDH, fraud detection, household reporting, Medicaid, immunization, healthcare eligibility, Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program, health policy, vaccination requirements, vaccination status, vaccine mandate, medical freedom, medical autonomy, public buildings, public access, government services

Summary: The House Committee on Health and Welfare met on April 23 with a quorum and first deferred or did not hear several bills, including HB 1093, HB 1145, and HB 946. The committee then quickly advanced HB 1095, which would allow nursing facilities to use alternative power generation sources in addition to fuel-powered backup systems; supporters said it would give nursing homes more flexibility while maintaining existing safety and backup-power requirements. The bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee then took up HB 926, a bill concerning vaccination status and admission to public buildings and related medical-freedom provisions. After adopting a set of amendments, including exclusions for licensed health care providers and facilities and clarifications regarding masks and school-related provisions, the committee heard testimony both for and against the measure. Supporters framed it as a privacy and bodily-autonomy bill, while opponents warned it could interfere with public health measures and school immunization rules. After extended debate, HB 926 was reported favorably with amendments by an 8-4 vote. HB 1220, a cleanup bill concerning the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, was amended and then reported favorably. HB 1227, which would require physician peer review before certain disciplinary actions against doctors, drew testimony from the sponsor, a physician supporting the bill, and the board’s executive director, who described the board’s current complaint and review process and raised concerns about practicality and staffing; the sponsor asked for more time to work with the board, and the bill was voluntarily deferred. The committee also reported favorably HB 1217 on pharmacy benefit manager transparency after technical and substantive amendments, and HB 1028 on non-emergency medical transportation reimbursement rates, which was sent to Appropriations. Finally, the committee advanced HB 1185 on rural hospital payment methodologies and HCR 76, which would continue the rural health inequities task force for another year; both were reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 1185 by Chairman Miller concerns payment methodologies for hospitals.
• It includes legislative findings, definitions, reimbursements and directed payments for rural hospitals
• Amendments wanting to relate to clarifying statements relative to the payment of funds.
• It also provides that the department will withhold any payments until those obligations are satisfied
• . ...and provides that the department will withhold any payments until those obligations are satisfied

Summary: The House Committee on Health and Welfare met on April 23 and first disposed of several items without hearing them, including HB 1093 and HB 1145, and voluntarily deferring HB 946. The committee then quickly reported HB 1095 favorably without objection. That bill would require nursing facilities to have fuel or another alternative power generation source to maintain power, and supporters said it preserves existing backup-power safety requirements while giving facilities more flexibility as technology changes. The committee then took up HB 926, which concerns vaccination status and admission to public buildings and seeks to prohibit medical mandates. After adopting an amendment set and additional changes clarifying exclusions for licensed health care providers and facilities, medical masks, and child welfare/school-related provisions, the committee heard testimony both for and against the bill. Supporters framed it as a civil-liberties measure limiting vaccine-card requirements for public buildings, while opponents warned it could interfere with public health measures, school immunization rules, and the ability of health care facilities to protect patients. The bill was reported favorably on an 8-4 vote. HB 1220, a cleanup bill for the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, was then reported favorably after a technical amendment set. HB 1227, which would require complaints involving medical judgment to be reviewed by a three-physician panel before formal disciplinary action, drew extensive testimony from a physician sponsor, a doctor describing his disciplinary experience, and the board’s executive director, who said the board already uses practicing physicians, nurses, and experts in its process and warned the proposed panel system could be impractical because physicians are difficult to recruit for such reviews. At the sponsor’s request, the committee voluntarily deferred HB 1227 for further work. Finally, the committee reported HB 1217 favorably with amendments to a pharmacy benefit manager transparency bill, after supporters said it would expose hidden pricing and rebate practices and opponents argued some provisions were duplicative or unnecessary. HB 1028, setting minimum Medicaid reimbursement rates for non-emergency medical transportation, was reported favorably and referred to Appropriations after supporters described the need for higher rates and members discussed funding. The committee also reported HB 1185 favorably, with amendments preserving the existing Rural Hospital Preservation Act while extending similar protections to additional rural-lookalike hospitals, and adopted HCR 76 to continue the Health Inequities and Disparities in Rural Areas Task Force for another year.

Transcript Highlights:

• the non-conforming use until they recoup their investment in the property, or they are entitled to payment
• So that's what that bill did; it allowed the payment schedule, the actual amortization of the value,
• It's the changes in the uncertainty in the bill that could lead to the differentiation. ...the payment
• , and there's been a new payment structure as part of 929 and all of that.
• It relates to payments. You all are talking about market value.

Bills: HB24, HB2015, HB2149, HB2559, HB2701, HB2797, HB3172, HB24

Keywords: zoning, public notice, local government, residential development, protests, water conservation, municipal utility districts, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, environmental regulation, groundwater management, nonconforming uses, zoning regulations, land use, property rights, municipal authority, municipal moratorium, development moratorium, property development, subdivision, site plan

Transcript Highlights:

• And you mentioned this in your remarks a minute ago, Representative Johnson, that these payments would
• We also, in 2024, implemented advance payments for the child tax credit.
• We decide to borrow from our school districts by delaying their payments.
• The state dropped those payments down close to 80-20.
• They struggled and they adjusted, but in 2010 and 2011, those payments dropped down to 70-30.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is a payment for the time period that they were state employees and were entitled to.
• <01:33:48.159> period<01:33:48.480> that<01:33:48.719> they payment for the
• So it would have a financial impact on them, though I mean it seems fair that if the Medicare payment
• is going up mean the social payment is going up mean the social security<01:38:23.360> payment
• <01:47:17.760> So question of uh the the payments. So question of uh the the payments.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• uh, $2.4 million in kept money back, but the problem is most of that was just curtailing future payments
• uh, $2.4 million in kept money back, but the problem is most of that was just curtailing future payments
• uh, $2.4 million in kept money back, but the problem is most of that was just curtailing future payments
• uh, $2.4 million in kept money back, but the problem is most of that was just curtailing future payments
• uh, $2.4 million in kept money back, but the problem is most of that was just curtailing future payments

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And then municipalities have payment.
• <01:42:49.160> by remit payment by remit payment by April<01:42:50.600> 30th,<01:42
• working on submitting payments soon. working on submitting payments soon.
• already been one or two payments already been one or two payments submitted<01:44:36.880> by<
• So, first the first one or two payments.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But also on the Revenue Cabinet, because they're the ones that actually provide the payment of those
• of that actually provide the payment of those<00:18:26.720> credits.
• And that’s a form that’s used relative to making the reimbursement, or the payment to the company, using
• And that’s a form that’s used relative to making the reimbursement, or the payment to the company, using
• And that’s a form that’s used relative to making the reimbursement, or the payment to the company, using

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The speaker outlined Kentucky’s economic development strategy and how the cabinet evaluates and awards incentives. He emphasized using national benchmarks such as Site Selection and Area Development magazines, focusing on real data, competitiveness, and performance-based incentives. He said the state is performing well nationally in investment rankings, and credited the legislature with providing tools that help attract and retain jobs, especially through speed to market, site readiness, transportation, and workforce coordination. A major portion of the remarks described the “anatomy” of an incentive package: first improving sites and infrastructure such as water, sewer, roads, and rail spurs; then using sales tax benefits for construction materials and equipment; then training support through the Bluegrass State Skills Corporation; and finally the Kentucky Business Incentive (KBI) program, which reimburses qualifying expenses from incremental tax revenue. He said incentives are negotiated, data-driven, and targeted toward companies with strong wage levels, training plans, growth potential, and, in some cases, agricultural benefits or industry leadership. He also noted special treatment for heritage communities and said the state has expanded KBI beyond heavy manufacturing to include R&D, headquarters, and service businesses. The speaker also described compliance and oversight. Incentive agreements are written with job, wage, investment, and community-benefit terms, and companies must file regular reports and invoices. Cash incentives can be clawed back if commitments are not met, while tax credits are tied to actual investment and job creation. He said the Revenue Cabinet and Environment and Energy Cabinet play important monitoring roles, and that projects go through application review and preliminary approval by the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority before final approval and payment. He closed by thanking legislators for their support and for allowing more flexible, capped, and data-driven incentive tools.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um the payment portal bill that was heard and then this also includes the impending claims bill as well
• Um the payment portal bill that heard.
• Um the payment portal bill that was<00:02:24.400> heard<00:02:24.800> and<00:02:24.959>
• fraud cost Minnesota between 56 million and 1.3 billion, which includes unrealized tax incomes, payments
• fraud cost Minnesota between 56 million and 1.3 billion, which includes unrealized tax incomes, payments

Transcript Highlights:

• broadcast systems, to authorize airport authorities to adopt regulations that charge fees, enforce payment
• broadcast systems, to authorize airport authorities to adopt regulations that charge fees, enforce payment
• And all other payments. That's transparency and that's accountability.
• I saw medical payouts when there was zero property damage to a back bumper, and we saw a medical payment
• There were also some concerns about payment that we're just going to scratch out. Rep.

Bills: HR223, HR224, HR225, HR226, HR227, HR228, HR229, HR230, HR231, HR232, HR233, HR234, HR235, HR236, HR237, HR238, HR239, HR240, HR241, HR242, HR243, HCR94, HCR95, HCR96, HCR97, HCR98, HCR99, HCR100, HR218, HR219, HR220, HR221, HR222, HCR91, HCR92, HCR93, SCR41, SCR42, SCR43, SCR44, SCR45, SCR46, SCR47, SCR48, SCR49, SCR50, SCR51, SCR52, SB259, SB347, SB398, SB469, SB483, SB518, HR37, HCR64, SCR11, SCR22, HB89, HB341, HB451, HB456, HB541, HB579, HB595, HB621, HB818, HB841, HB1064, HB1101, HB1165, HB1191, SB1, SB23, SB32, SB42, SB43, SB46, SB51, SB110, SB113, SB150, SB154, SB161, SB218, SB220, SB221, SB253, SB289, SB310, SB351, SB399, SB404, SB502, SB123, SB125, SB387, SB401, HB730, HCR41, HCR76, HCR77, HCR63, HCR69, HCR86, HR171, HCR49, HCR65, HCR72, SCR19, SCR3, SCR6, SCR18, HB64, HB68, HB92, HB130, HB175, HB198, HB437, HB457, HB488, HB646, HB763, HB909, HB971, HB981, HB1066, HB1089, HB1125, HB1154, HB1231, HB1246, HB1248, HB1249, HB276, HB508, HB512, HB599, HB632, HB656, HB998, HB1052, HB1084, HB1171, HB1193, HB1194, HB1204, HB1209, HB1250, SB47, SB82, SB106, SB206, SB210, SB248, SB305, SB376, SB397, SB441, SB2, SB19, SB24, SB50, SB70, SB96, SB101, SB103, SB104, SB114, SB122, SB159, SB160, SB173, SB180, SB182, SB260, SB412, SB418, SB424, SB442, SB460, SB476, HCR32, HB911, HB1223, HB798, HB824, HB989, HB1140, HB1166, HB1244, HB459, HB617, HB804, HB926, HB225, HB955, HB901, HB79, HR20, HR74, HB59, HB284, HB306, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1180, HB1203, HB1234, HB1240, SB89

Keywords: Southern Soul, Shreveport, tourism, economic development, cultural preservation, music history, Paul Hollis, United States Mint, Louisiana House of Representatives, commendation, honorary resolution, ceremonial resolution, public service, State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, BESE, former legislator, Louisiana politics, recognition, tribute, House Resolution 224

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, prayer, pledge, and a series of personal privileges recognizing visitors and honorees, including Northside High students, the YMCA’s 175th anniversary, Literacy Day, Special Olympics Louisiana, a 75th wedding anniversary, police jurors, Young Marine Sergeant Valerie Uitt, Elmer’s, and other community guests. The chamber also received Senate messages, including refusal to concur in House amendments to SB 149, concurrence in several House measures, adoption of Senate resolutions, and passage of multiple Senate bills. House resolutions were introduced and many were adopted without objection, including measures honoring local events, organizations, and individuals, as well as resolutions on literacy, municipal day, firefighters appreciation, and sports-related commendations. Committee reports moved numerous House and Senate bills and resolutions forward, and members were urged to monitor the Senate calendar to ensure House bills had Senate sponsors before being returned late in session. Several bills were debated and passed. HB 175 created a Veterans Service Grant Fund funded by $500,000 annually from Louisiana Lottery net proceeds, overseen by a board within the Department of Veterans Affairs to award grants to eligible veteran-serving nonprofits, colleges, JROTC programs, veteran courts, and local governments; it passed after questions about the use of lottery proceeds and the role of nonprofits. HB 198 authorized ambulatory surgical centers to perform certain procedures and be reimbursed at Medicare rates, and HB 437 restricted expert witnesses from receiving contingency-style compensation tied to case outcomes after debate over ethics and whether the bill was necessary. HB 488 created the Bell Chase Bridge Merit-Based Special Fund to support the bridge toll buyback effort. HB 763 required a centralized public database of government settlement agreements and consent decrees, with confidentiality protections preserved, and passed after questions about sensitive cases. HB 989 required commercial health coverage for behavioral health crisis services, HB 971 addressed Medicaid reimbursement parity for rural health clinics, HB 981 created a law enforcement recruitment/retention incentive stipend for campus police at public postsecondary institutions, HB 1066 clarified that campus police are not eligible for state supplemental pay, and HB 1089 established care accounts for future medical expense awards, with amendments limiting certain case types and providing for reversion of unused funds. The House also reconsidered and defeated HB 225, a constitutional amendment to impose a lifetime gubernatorial term limit, and HB 730, concerning airport authority regulation of automatic dependent surveillance broadcast systems. Several resolutions were adopted, including HCR 76 continuing a health inequities task force, HJR 77 urging federal action on H-2B seasonal employer designation for the crawfish industry, HJR 67 creating a task force on military drivers without civilian licenses, and HCR 69 urging DOTD to study Interstate 12 safety improvements. The chamber adopted numerous additional commemorative resolutions and concurred in Senate resolutions recognizing sports figures, Mental Health Awareness Month, state observances, and school achievements. Overall, the day featured a mix of ceremonial recognitions, committee reporting, and floor action on veterans, health care, transparency, labor, transportation, law enforcement, and court-related legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have to do with electronic medical records and value-based payment, as well as leveraging the AHEAD
• ,<00:18:27.600> as<00:18:27.800> well records and value-based payment, as well records
• and value-based payment, as well as<00:18:28.600> a<00:18:28.680> leveraging<00:18:29.480
• They did include within the Rural Health Transformation program a specific cap on provider payments,
• , provider payments, provider payments, uh<01:05:07.200> which<01:05:07.480> are<01

Bills: HB2246, HB2119, HB1929, HB1953, HB1572, HB2549, HB2594, HB2551, HB2595, HB2548, HB2459, HB1931, HB1604, HB1616, HB1736, HB2233, HB2241, HB1891, HB1803, HB2567, HB2534, HB2399, HB2172, HB1595, HB1811, HB2168, HB1780, HB1781, HB1785, HB2122, HB2012, HB2398, HB1779, HB2296, HB1894, HB1925, HB2019, HB1896, HB2294, HB2298, HB2300, HB2344, HB2345, HB2391, HB2037, HB2201, HB1941, HB1635, HB1943, HB2325, HB1926, HB2490, HB1710, HB2545, HB1976, HB2173, HB1804, HB1563, HB2015, HB1619, HB2475, HB1889, HB2367, HB2187, HB1765, HB1452, HB2231, HB1700, HB1705, HB1626, HB1897, HB1642, HB1523, HB2593, HB815, HB1655, HB1596, HB1732, HB1842, HB2476, HB2478, HB2022, HB1588, HB2575, HB1163, HB2153, HB772, HB1519, HB2050, HB2309, HB2147, HB2329, HB2274, HB2280, HB2547, HB2275, HB2452, HB2306, HB2148, HB2088, HB1764, HB2438, HB2117, HB1860, HB2604, HB2118, HB2017, HB2155, HB1832, HB2216, HB1601, HB1934, HB2297, HB2397, HB1893, HB2533, HB1890, HB2454, HB2004, HB2427, HB2207, HB1810, HB1840, HB1644, HB1645, HB1946, HB1648, HB2324, HB2323, HB1509, HB1514, HB1515, HB2164, HB2165, HB2283, HB1691, HB2386, HB2423, HB2121, HB1984, HB1593, HB1671, HB2619, HB1481, HB2314, HB2319, HB1643, HB2558, HB1864, HB1898, HB2214, HB2167, HB2488, HB2009, HB2007, HB322, HB1964, HB2218, HB2616, HB1535, HB1574, HB1977, HB2054, HB2046, HB146, HB2094, HB2181, HB2250, HB2515, HB2444, HB2385, HB1740, HB1724, HB1733, HB1799, HB1725, HB2049, HB2161, HB1970, HB2519, HB1790, HB2416, HB1873, HB2001, HB2151, HB1603, HB1880, HB1753, HB2198, HB1511, HB1991, HB2546, HB1615, HB1939, HB2140, HB2429, HB1870, HB1850, HB1782, HB2137

Keywords: agriculture, federal grants, Hawaii, grant administration, revolving fund, department of agriculture and biosecurity, grant compliance, financial support, coffee, pest control, subsidy program, coffee berry borer, coffee leaf rust, economy, biosecurity, invasive species, Molokai, advisory board, quarantine, environmental protection

Transcript Highlights:

• So we increase that funding factor, that factor then becomes part of the per-pupil payments.
• The per-pupil payment goes to the school district.
• that district, with the money coming from the state even if it would be pulled from the per-pupil payment
• if you do an out-of-district placement, is a school district responsible for the majority of the payment
• I don't know that the levels are payment levels, if I can say that.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met to discuss special education funding and retention, beginning with approval of the prior meeting minutes and then hearing a presentation from North Dakota United on a statewide special education survey and retention rubric. Presenters described how the rubric and survey were developed from special educator input around four domains: paperwork and due process support, workload, student and staff safety, and paraprofessional management. They reported high levels of stress and burnout, including increased workload, difficulty taking prep and lunch time, concerns about mental health, and widespread difficulty filling special education positions. Committee members questioned the survey’s lack of a general-education comparison group, the interpretation of terms like “rarely” and “sometimes,” and whether results could be broken down further by district size, unit, or disability area. The survey results showed the weakest area was workload, with respondents reporting caseloads increasing without corresponding adjustments, little additional support or compensation when workloads rise, and few negotiated-agreement protections. Paperwork and due process also scored poorly, with many teachers saying they rarely receive dedicated time during the duty day, often work outside contract hours without compensation, and take work home on evenings and weekends. Student and staff safety scored somewhat better but still showed gaps in crisis follow-up, notification about violent behavior, protective gear, and leave options after incidents. Paraprofessional management also drew concern, especially low pay, insufficient staffing, limited administrative support, and the burden placed on teachers to supervise and train paras. Several teachers then testified directly about the practical impact of these issues. One special education teacher described the job as combining instruction, legal compliance, and paraprofessional supervision, often requiring work beyond contracted hours and contributing to burnout and turnover. Another testified that special education case managers are effectively doing three full-time jobs and that the paperwork and caseload demands are a major reason people avoid or leave the field. Committee members discussed whether the problems are primarily local or state-level, whether more funding would solve them, and whether changes to the funding formula or weighting for high-cost students might be needed. No formal vote or action was taken beyond a recess and return to order for the next presentation, which continued the discussion of possible special education study objectives and potential policy directions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Tom Yamachica for Tax Foundation. >> The primary goal of this bill is to avoid forfeiture when a payment
• Tom Yamachica for Tax Foundation. >> The primary goal of this bill is to avoid forfeiture when a payment
• Tom Yamachica for Tax Foundation. >> The primary goal of this bill is to avoid forfeiture when a payment
• Tom Yamachica for Tax Foundation. >> The primary goal of this bill is to avoid forfeiture when a payment
• to payments to the state under protest. to payments to the state under protest.

Bills: SB2040, SB2248, SB2530, SB2732, SB2871, SB2919, SB3076, SB3300, SB3301

Keywords: freedom of speech, elections, campaign finance, non-natural persons, regulated participation, constitutional amendment, financial disclosures, government transparency, public confidence, Senate confirmation, conflicts of interest, state ethics commission, campaign contributions, state contracts, transparency, conflict of interest, government ethics, pretrial release, bail reform, financial ability

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 2248 would expand financial disclosure requirements to certain gubernatorial nominees subject to Senate confirmation. The State Ethics Commission supported the measure, saying disclosures should be filed before confirmation so the public and interested parties can review them in advance. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, with 22 supporters, no opposition, and one comment. SB 2530 would broaden Hawaii’s campaign contribution ban for state and county contractors to include officers and immediate family members, and would extend the ban to certain grantees and their officers and family members, with specified contract thresholds. The Campaign Spending Commission said the bill is its own proposal and would align the thresholds with procurement guidelines. Testimony was entirely favorable, with 30 in support, no opposition, and two comments. Members asked about conforming amendments and how the existing prohibition on soliciting contributions applies; CSC said the calendar-day language clarifies current practice and that the solicitation ban already applies to contractors, with the bill extending the same standard to officers and immediate family members. SB 2732 would require courts to consider a defendant’s ability to pay when setting bail, including excluding public benefits from income calculations and clarifying the 40-hour affordability benchmark for those above 150% of the federal poverty level. The Office of the Public Defender, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, and the ACLU of Hawaii supported the bill, arguing that unaffordable bail creates wealth-based disparities, contributes to jail overcrowding, and can cause severe collateral consequences for people not yet convicted. There was one opposition testimony and 18 supporters. Committee discussion focused on when the 40-hour period should begin, how income would be verified, and whether misrepresentation could affect bail; the Public Defender said the measure should be read to start from initial appearance and that judges could address false statements through existing remedies. SB 2871 would prohibit discrimination based on perceived characteristics, association with someone who has or is perceived to have protected characteristics, and intersectional combinations of characteristics. The Department of Education supported the intent but asked for clear definitions, while the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission said the bill does not add new protected classes and simply codifies the Lamb v. University of Hawaii decision on intersectional discrimination. LGBTQ+, civil rights, ACLU, and other advocacy groups testified in support, with one opposition testimony and a total of 27 in support, two opposed, and one comment. The committee then heard SB 2919, which appropriates funds for one full-time public deputy public defender position. The Public Defender’s Office said the position would provide statewide legal support and a centralized resource on constitutional, appellate, and immigration-related issues; several advocacy groups supported the measure, and committee questions focused on how the new position would complement existing training and keep staff updated on changing law.

Transcript Highlights:

• For non-payment.
• Would it still just be for non-payment because it's not what the bill said?
• Non-payment. Non-payment. Well, okay, why don't you go back and forth? We can. Yeah, that's fine.
• For non-payment.
• Would it still just be for non-payment because it's not what the bill said?

Summary: The committee considered a long agenda of bills, with most measures reported favorably after brief sponsor presentations, amendments, and roll calls. Early bills included SB 658 on lien waivers/releases, SB 736 on Brownfields redevelopment, SB 1002 on utility service restrictions, SB 1132 on right-to-repair for certain equipment, and SB 1378 on restitution for leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage. Each was amended or discussed as needed and then approved by the committee. The committee also advanced SB 768 on foreign control interests in health care licensing, SB 772 on school diabetes management and access to glucagon, SB 1400 on removal of altered sexual depictions posted without consent, SB 1696 on prearranged transportation services, and SB 1374 on school district reporting requirements for educator arrests and misconduct. Several bills drew notable public testimony and debate. SB 1132 prompted strong support from the sponsor and agriculture interests, but opposition from equipment dealers, technology groups, and wireless industry representatives who argued the market already provides repair options and that the bill could harm dealer networks and security. SB 1730, the Live Local/affordable housing bill, received extensive discussion about parking reductions, height and density preemption, attorney’s fees, local government authority, and impacts on Monroe County and other areas; the committee adopted an amendment and reported the bill favorably despite concerns from some members and advocates about parking, due process, and local control. SB 606 on public lodging and food service establishments also generated significant debate, with opponents warning it could displace long-term guests and vulnerable families, while the sponsor said it clarifies transient occupancy and removes ambiguity in the removal process; the bill passed after the committee rejected a related amendment. Other measures advanced with less controversy. SB 576 updated service-of-process rules, and SB 1164 authorized email delivery of landlord-tenant notices if the parties agree in writing, though tenant advocates urged clearer safeguards and the sponsor said he was not yet committed to the House version. SB 940 prohibited the resale of restaurant reservations without consent and was supported by restaurant interests. SB 1690, allowing infant safety devices or “baby boxes” as a legal surrender option, drew emotional support from several witnesses who said it would provide anonymous, life-saving alternatives for mothers in crisis; the committee continued discussion into the latter part of the meeting. Throughout, the committee adopted several amendments, heard both support and opposition from industry, advocacy, and local-government witnesses, and reported the discussed bills favorably by recorded vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, increasing SSP payments or updating provider rates.
• The biggest barrier is that the payment system itself is inverted.
• The biggest barriers that the payment system itself is inverted.
• Those have the higher reimbursement and payment rates.
• And it is a bit out of line with some of the best practices for value-based payments.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held a hearing on developmental services, rehabilitation, and related supports, with no votes taken. The first major topic was the Master Plan for Developmental Services. Administration officials described a year-long, community-driven process that included a steering committee, work groups, and statewide engagement sessions, and said the final draft would be released that Friday with about 170 recommendations. The Department of Developmental Services said the plan would inform future work, but did not offer a detailed implementation roadmap. The LAO said the plan contains significant policy and budget implications, may require statutory changes, and needs further analysis to turn recommendations into actionable proposals. Advocates and regional center representatives urged the Legislature and administration to avoid letting the plan sit on a shelf, called for prioritization and ongoing stakeholder oversight, and emphasized the need to address equity, workforce, service coordination, and cross-system collaboration. The chair said he wanted to work with the LAO on trailer bill language and future reporting to create a clearer path forward. The second topic was the Office of Employment First and competitive integrated employment. Administration witnesses said California has ended subminimum wage under SB 639, but that moving people into competitive integrated employment remains a major priority. They described existing efforts such as DDS’s coordinated career pathways pilot, paid internships, job development services, benefits counseling, and DOR’s career counseling and referral services, along with pilot projects in San Diego and Orange County. The State Council on Developmental Disabilities and advocates argued that employment outcomes have remained stuck at roughly 15% and that a dedicated Employment First Office is needed to coordinate across agencies, align goals, and improve outcomes. The LAO recommended regular legislative oversight on people transitioning out of subminimum wage and asked for technical assistance on coordinated career pathways. The chair criticized the administration’s decision to effectively eliminate funding for the office, requested a detailed implementation timeline and quarterly transition reports, and said the committee would continue pressing for the office to be implemented. The final issue was respite services, utilization trends, and access. DDS reported that in-home respite use and spending have risen sharply over several years, with about 150,000 people using respite in 2023-24 and expenditures reaching about $1 billion. Officials said access depends on families knowing the service exists, service coordinators identifying need, and having enough providers, especially in rural and linguistically diverse communities. The San Diego Regional Center said utilization generally mirrors statewide trends, but access is stronger in some areas, such as Imperial County, where families often prefer family-directed or agency-supported models that allow them to hire trusted workers. Committee members emphasized the importance of respite for family health and caregiver well-being, asked whether service coordinators are asking practical questions about sleep and stress, and discussed the need for better identification of complex behavioral and medical needs. DDS said a standardized family support tool and updated IPP process are intended to improve consistency, transparency, and person-centered assessment for respite and related services.

Transcript Highlights:

• And direct payment is a key driver of network participation.
• AB 1629 is mandating that we extend the benefit of direct payment to non-contracted dentists without
• a plan accept that payment as payment in full, aside from any cost sharing.
• against the currently available fee-for-service payment model.
• As a large purchaser, self-funding allows for... ...fee-for-service payment model.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a different system looking at the oversight of payments than we do at the counties, um, and in
• We have a different system looking at the oversight of payments than we do at the counties, um, and in
• We have a different system looking at the oversight of payments than we do at the counties, um, and in
• looking at the oversight of payments looking at the oversight of payments than<01:08:49.440>
• are made, who's provide it, how payments are made, who's overseeing<01:16:06.880> them<01:16:

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: Judge Tim O’Malley, Minnesota’s director of program integrity, presented a roadmap to program integrity and fraud prevention built around nine areas for improvement, including leadership and culture, stronger program controls, better coordination among agencies and prosecutors, training, technology modernization, independent oversight, stakeholder engagement, and expanded resources. He said long-standing vulnerabilities in state programs have been exploited by organized criminals, and argued the state must shift from reactive enforcement to front-end prevention, faster detection, and recovery of improper payments. He emphasized that modern data sharing and analytics are especially urgent, and said oversight and accountability are essential for lasting change. Fay Bernstein, a long-time DHS employee, testified that she experienced retaliation after raising contract compliance concerns years ago. She said she was removed from the building, barred from DHS property, investigated for months, and accused of racism and threatening leadership, which she denied. Bernstein argued DHS leadership lacks a fraud-prevention mindset and said the department’s culture punishes employees who speak up, while serious program failures have harmed vulnerable Minnesotans. She called for major leadership changes and firings at DHS. Members questioned O’Malley about whether fraud was driven more by sophisticated criminals or by weaknesses in state systems. He said the vulnerabilities have existed for a long time and organized criminal groups are taking advantage of them, especially where data sharing is weak. Members also pressed him on whistleblower protections and retaliation; O’Malley said he should have included the legislature among places employees can report concerns, and said complaints should be thoroughly investigated with accurate information and appropriate consequences for supervisors who fail to act, ranging from coaching to termination depending on the case. No votes or formal actions were taken in this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, now I’ll try to review the— when they make that payment.
• So, in the when they make that payment.
• to make the payments under this formula. formula. formula.
• Is the payment made on a particular date of the year? Is that the way it works?
• <01:15:12.840> would<01:15:13.000> be of the payment would be of the payment would

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee took up HB 1563, a special education aid formula bill, after a brief recess. Members reviewed a replace-all amendment that would keep the current reimbursement lag structure but make the bill effective July 1, 2028, with districts beginning to collect the new data in the next biennium. The amendment changes the reimbursement tiers from a dollar-based system to one tied to average per-pupil spending: districts would pay 100% below 2.5 times average per-pupil spending, 85% from 2.5 to 3.5 times, 20% from 3.5 to 10 times, and 10% above 10 times, with the state covering the remainder. Speakers emphasized that the bill is intended as an incremental step to gather better data before any larger expansion of state participation. A major new section would create a risk-based monitoring program for reimbursement claims. Instead of reviewing every claim individually, the department would review at least 20% of districts each year so every district is reviewed at least once every five years, with additional random or targeted reviews based on risk indicators, anomalies, prior findings, or other department criteria. Members discussed whether the audit sample should be district-based or student-based, and whether the bill should more specifically define the type of audit and the meaning of “other” criteria. Department witnesses said the current process already involves confidential information and that the new approach would not worsen privacy concerns; they also said the department would follow federal and state privacy laws and adopt rules to implement the process. Several members supported the bill as a practical first step to improve data collection and eventually expand aid, noting that districts currently do not track lower-cost special education students well. Others raised concerns about the lack of a fiscal note, possible local costs, and whether the new monitoring language gives the department too much discretion. The discussion ended with no vote taken in the excerpt, and members indicated they may need more time to review the final amendment before proceeding.