Transcript Highlights:

• Birch, an act relating to taxation, repealing Section 63-292N, Idaho Code, relating to the Idaho Parental
• by the addition of a new section 63-292N, Idaho Code, to establish provisions regarding the Idaho Parental
• Birch, an act relating to taxation, repealing Section 63-292N, Idaho Code, relating to the Idaho Parental
• Amending Section 63-1230, Idaho Code, to revise provisions regarding the Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit
• Repealing Section 67-1230, Idaho Code, relating to the Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit Advance Payment

Transcript Highlights:

• This woman has had to quickly get shelter for these kids when they have an argument with their parents
• To Central Europe to study the Holocaust in detail, and some of their parents show up.
• The teachers are the mentors, the students, kids are the teachers, and the parents are the students.
• He mentored my daughter, even though both of her parents are teachers, and got her into the Dominican
• I visited with some parents in my home district of Kaja.

Committee: House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• It provides that, in addition to requiring more specific advanced educational planning and parent or
• intervention only if a licensed health care provider documents medical necessity in writing, and the parent
• consultation requirements by adding representatives of organizations that advocate for and support parents
• And as a parent, that’s what I want to know is being followed.
• And I think other parents do as well. And I urge your support. Thank you.

Bills: HB1795 , HB1634 , HB1662 , HB1683

Committee: House Education

Keywords: restraint, isolation, public schools, educational programs, student rights, mental health, behavioral support, education, school districts, student assistance, education agencies, administrative independence, superintendent, education reform, agency authority, school boards, district adjustments, administrative boundaries, educational governance

Transcript Highlights:

• This includes notifications to parents or families prior to special education evaluation taking place
• For example, one parent expressed appreciation for including supports to all students, such as areas
• Parents at one school also highlighted a promising practice for connecting students to supports.
• support students and their parents to feel and see a difference in their education.
• leaders are creating tangible school partnerships with parents in service of student success.

Summary: The committee meeting began with a brief explanation of the renamed Joint Legislative Audit Review Committee subcommittee, now called the Committee to Hear SAO Performance Audits, and a presentation from the State Auditor’s Office on its current biennium performance audit work plan. The auditor described how topics are selected from a large pool of potential audits and highlighted several ongoing or planned audits, including the Liquor and Cannabis Board, oversight of authorized entities serving students with disabilities, the Quality Home Care Initiative, Medicaid managed care versus fee-for-service costs, the Housing Commission tenant ownership follow-up, DSHS vendor payment patterns, implementation of the Since Time Memorial curriculum, and the Washington State ferry system. Members asked about coordination with JLARC to avoid duplication, and the auditor said the offices exchange work plans, monthly updates, and quarterly coordination meetings. The committee then heard the State Auditor’s performance audit on how charter schools identify and support at-risk students. Auditors reviewed four charter schools—Catalyst Public Schools, Innovation High School, Pinnacles Prep, and Rainier Prep—and focused on English language learners, homeless students, and special education students. The audit found the schools met nearly all legal requirements reviewed, with only one area where two schools partially met a language-access requirement. The schools also used several promising practices, including small-group instruction, culturally responsive environments, and multi-tiered systems of support, though the auditors recommended better documentation of procedures to improve consistency. Families interviewed generally reported positive experiences, while noting resource constraints. Committee members asked about how the four schools were selected, whether the audit compared charter populations to home districts, and how MTSS requirements applied to the schools reviewed. The State Auditor’s Office said the sample was chosen for geographic diversity, student population characteristics, and representation from both authorizers, and that K-2 MTSS requirements were not evaluated because they applied to only one school. Representatives from the Charter School Commission and charter school advocates responded positively, emphasizing technical assistance, collaboration, and sharing best practices across schools. Two public testifiers also supported the report and said it highlighted effective practices that could be expanded across charter and traditional public schools.

Transcript Highlights:

• So with false accusations, these include custody situations where some parents use the system to weaponize
• accusations against the other parent to favor them without repercussions.
• In addition, parents are using it more as a, you know, we had another big, While parents are using it
• In other words, one parent will make accusations, says, you know, you're guilty of child abuse or you're
• So that's going to be when someone calls law enforcement on behalf of the other parent and says such

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard House Bill 1582, a study bill on false accusations and false reports of a crime. The sponsor argued the issue is broad but important, citing concerns about weaponized accusations in custody, civil, and political disputes and saying the study should gather statistics on how often these offenses are charged and prosecuted. Testimony in support came from the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents and the North Dakota Association for Justice, both describing cases where false domestic-violence allegations or false reports caused arrests, jail time, and court burdens, while noting the difficulty of finding statistics or examples of prosecutions. Members questioned the bill’s scope, and the committee amended it to narrow the study to North Dakota Century Code Chapter 12.1 before giving it a do pass recommendation by roll call vote. The committee then took up House Bill 1613, which addresses autonomous vehicles, robots, and law enforcement use of technology. The sponsor explained the amendment was intended to create definitions for autonomous, remote, lethal, and less-than-lethal systems, while preserving current law enforcement tools such as body cameras, license plate readers, and other cameras, and requiring warrants or use-of-force policies in certain situations. Testimony and discussion focused on ensuring humans remain involved in decisions to deploy weapons, limiting autonomous use of lethal force, and clarifying how drones and other devices could be used for surveillance or emergency response. After discussion of concerns from law enforcement, technology, and other stakeholders, the committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill as amended by roll call vote. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1499, which would make home addresses and telephone numbers of federal judges, magistrate judges, and U.S. Supreme Court justices confidential under state open-records law. The sponsor and the Attorney General’s office said the bill would extend protections already given to state judges and other justice-system employees, noting increased threats to judges and explaining that federal law does not fully protect these records in state files. With no opposition offered, the committee gave the bill a do pass recommendation and then adjourned after noting it had completed action on all 122 bills before it, with only two conference committees remaining.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a certified public school educator and parent of five public school graduates.
• We listened to parents and understood that our high-cost pool sped students need a protective, environment
• Section 310 in House Bill 2, placing the the decision-making where it belongs, in the hands of the parents
• It's the parents that know. what is in the best interest of their child.
• Texas teachers and between planning rich and engaged engaging learning activities, keeping up with parent

Bills: HB2 , HB2

Committee: House Public Education

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> or the parent. or the parent. &gt;&gt; Thank<01:09:56.560><c> you.</c> &gt;&gt; Thank you.
• </c><03:21:33.120><c> and</c> and then they reimburse the parents and and then they reimburse the parents
• This student and parental opposition.
• </c><04:31:01.359><c> would</c> to get to class, but where parents would to get to class, but where parents
• That is not parents' traditional values?

Committee: House Education Policy and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• At the same time, we had a our parents.
• Often, we would get these reports from children and parents as they drove to school.
• As parents, we refused to let it happen.
• </c><02:34:57.360><c> It's</c> parent, rather than the respondent.
• It's parent, rather than the respondent.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• For American Indian parents, it is a stunning 12 times higher.
• </c><01:19:46.640><c> Um,</c> cost other parents their lives. Um, cost other parents their lives.
• and American Indian parents.
• and American Indian parents.
• His parents didn't qualify for Medicaid in their state.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. learned from living with my parents and learned from living with my parents and grandparents
• My parents are immigrants from Finland.
• My parents that we're both named Karen.
• Just like Judge Nakason told you about her parents, our parents instilled in us a very, very strong work
• </c><01:34:48.560><c> My</c><01:34:48.800><c> parents</c><01:34:49.120><c> divorced</c> My parents divorced

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard Governor’s Message 790, the nomination of Karen T. Nakasone to serve as chief judge of the Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals for a 10-year term. The chair announced that no vote would be taken that day and that the committee would vote on Thursday. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with the chair reading that there were 103 supporters, zero opposed, and one comment. Supporters included current and retired judges, public defenders, bar association representatives, former elected officials, and community members. They described Nakasone as intelligent, fair, hardworking, well respected, and a strong leader with deep legal experience. Several speakers emphasized her judicial temperament, her work as an advocate and judge, and her community involvement, including leadership in civic and civil rights organizations. One pro se litigant also testified that she had been treated kindly and respectfully by Nakasone in prior interactions. The Hawaii State Bar Association reported that it had conducted an interview and review process and found her qualified for the position. In her own remarks, Nakasone introduced family and colleagues, described her 30-year legal career, and said her first job after law school was as an ICA law clerk. She highlighted the court’s backlog reduction efforts under Acting Chief Judge Katherine Leonard, saying the number of older pending appeals had dropped significantly through team-based reforms, and stated that she would continue that work if confirmed. The hearing ended without questions from the committee and with the nomination held for a later vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 1203 by Representative Edmondston is an act in Title 17, relative to associations of parents
• House Bill 1203 by Representative Edmondston is an act in Title 17, relative to associations of parents
• It replaces existing maternity leave laws to institute this new parental leave policy.
• They will create a parental leave educators fund, subject to appropriation."
• "They will create a parental leave educators fund, subject to appropriation by the legislature.

Bills: SB525 , SR112 , SR109 , SCR61 , SCR62 , SCR12 , HB175 , HB276 , HB437 , HB456 , HB457 , HB459 , HB488 , HB579 , HB656 , HB804 , HB818 , HB841 , HB981 , HB1052 , HB1089 , HB1101 , HB1154 , HB1166 , HB1193 , HB1194 , HB1203 , HB1209 , HB1244 , HB1249 , HB221 , HCR69 , HCR58 , SB57 , SB405 , SB414 , HB62 , HB193 , HB203 , HB205 , HB210 , HB220 , HB222 , HB228 , HB246 , HB420 , HB475 , HB486 , HB574 , HB584 , HB750 , HB799 , HB813 , HB815 , HB826 , HB870 , HB949 , HB953 , HB1045 , HB1092 , HB1151 , HB1162 , HB1176 , HB1177 , HB1196 , HB1214 , HB1236 , HB1241 , SB106 , SB206 , SB248 , SB441 , SR86 , SCR30 , SB83 , SB135 , SB143 , SB155 , SB157 , SB202 , SB237 , SB276 , SB295 , SB388 , SB450 , SB465 , SB35 , SB65 , SB215 , SB246 , SB249 , SB269 , SB282 , SB296 , SB323 , SB363 , SB369 , SB474 , SB484 , SB490 , SB492 , SB500 , SB501 , SB513 , HCR31 , HB301 , HB358 , HB359 , HB384 , HB413 , HB428 , HB450 , HB462 , HB547 , HB613 , HB631 , HB657 , HB669 , HB675 , HB680 , HB691 , HB712 , HB716 , HB720 , HB723 , HB727 , HB728 , HB735 , HB747 , HB759 , HB825 , HB845 , HB846 , HB903 , HB904 , HB907 , HB923 , HB929 , HB941 , HB962 , HB965 , HB1036 , HB287 , HB370 , HB515 , HB521 , HB570 , HB1200 , HB29 , HB39 , HB58 , HB67 , HB73 , HB76 , HB77 , HB82 , HB112 , HB121 , HB125 , HB132 , HB134 , HB151 , HB154 , HB155 , HB161 , HB166 , HB187 , HB191 , HB207 , HB211 , HB224 , HB238 , HB241 , HB242 , HB250 , HB260 , HB265 , HB275 , HB300 , HB320 , HB338 , HB339 , HB349 , HB379 , HB399 , HB427 , HB463 , HB464 , HB468 , HB545 , HB550 , HB551 , HB565 , HB588 , HB639 , HB725 , HB782 , HB805 , HB808 , HB834 , HB847 , HB853 , HB858 , HB861 , HB883 , HB916 , HB937 , HB977 , HB1012 , HB1027 , HB1044 , HB1054 , HB1091 , HB1117 , HB90 , HB127 , HB138 , HB150 , HB201 , HB268 , HB273 , HB285 , HB315 , HB354 , HB355 , HB360 , HB376 , HB445 , HB506 , HB606 , HB649 , HB665 , HB681 , HB721 , HB746 , HB757 , HB781 , HB835 , HB844 , HB857 , HB872 , HB886 , HB889 , HB892 , HB972 , HB982 , HB987 , HB1037 , HB1068 , HB1072 , HB1078 , HB1085 , HB1132 , HB1137 , HB1167 , HB1174 , HB1232 , HB1238 , HB23 , HB136 , HB36 , HB119 , HB126 , HB129 , HB245 , HB271 , HB280 , HB337 , HB351 , HB677 , HB726 , HB789 , HB850 , HB956 , HB966 , SB149 , SB382

Transcript Highlights:

• I know that Idahoans, parents, and students all appreciate President Trump's beliefs, as we do, that
• Parents have a natural duty to provide their children with a proper education and suitable upbringing
• Constitution, the power to aid parents in providing children with quality education is reserved for the
• This is a role that the state of Idaho takes seriously, acknowledging in state law that parents have
• Decisions that should be made by parents, teachers, and local communities are increasingly dictated by

Committee: House State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Originally, the bill required parental notification within 14 days.
• Originally, the bill required parental notification within 14 days. We ended up moving that back.
• Do parents still have the right to opt their student out of the state test?
• Is there something that's changing in this provision that would prevent parents from having the right
• Is there something that's changing in this provision that would prevent parents from having the right

Bills: SB1290 , SB1332 , SB1369 , SB1379 , SB1381 , SB1386 , SB1390 , SB1428 , SB1584 , SB1696 , SB175 , SB1778 , SB1794 , SB1806 , SB1836 , SB201

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Summary: The committee heard and advanced a long series of Senate bills covering criminal justice, courts, education, health, water infrastructure, economic development, and social services. Early measures included SB 1584, which shortens the timeline for submitting sexual assault evidence kits for forensic testing, and SB 1386, a courtroom transparency bill creating a pilot program for audio/video recording in certain courtrooms; SB 1386 drew the most extended debate, with concerns raised about privacy, selective editing, political use of footage, and impacts on victims, witnesses, jurors, and attorneys. The author said the bill was intended to improve the accuracy and context of the record, not to add live streaming or AI transcripts, and both bills advanced. Several education and justice-related bills also moved forward. SB 1381 would require arrested persons to be brought before a judge within 48 to 72 hours and establishes a pilot in Oklahoma County; SB 201 raises each step of the minimum teacher salary schedule by $2,500; and SB 1778 revises the Strong Readers Act by directing a single state-paid screening instrument, adding early intervention and transitional/pull-out reading support, and phasing in changes beginning in 2027. SB 1836, requiring a board-approved mental health screener in routine primary care visits, passed after debate over its costs and implementation. SB 1806, allowing some young adults to remain in or re-enter DHS care until age 21, and SB 1428, creating an Alzheimer’s and dementia coordination office at the Health Department with private funding, also advanced. The committee approved multiple public health and human services funding and coordination measures, including SB 1369 creating a revolving fund for the 988 crisis line, SB 1290 creating a 2-1-1 hotline revolving fund, SB 1794 establishing a statewide real-time behavioral health bed/capacity registry, and SB 1379 creating a two-year private grant program for certified human trafficking service providers. Members questioned fiscal impacts, administrative overhead, and service continuity, but the bills moved on. Other bills passed included SB 1696 to fund local recruitment incentives for new residents in rural and mid-sized communities, SB 1332 creating zero-interest water infrastructure loans for housing-related projects, SB 175 creating a reimbursement fund for abandoned uninsured commercial vehicles, and SB 1390 extending the gross production tax sunset to July 1, 2032.

Transcript Highlights:

• which will allow us to expand a much-needed resource for our children in care and for Our foster parents
• What are the Qualifications for foster parents for some of these children that are more troubled Madam
• Chair and members of the committee, we do have very strict qualifications for any foster parents.
• For foster parents that participate in the Foster Care Plus program, the model that this legislation
• Our caseworkers and our foster parents Go through cultural competency training that is designed to make

Committee: Senate Senate Health & Public Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• I have a wonderful group of students, leaders, and parents in the gallery, and I want to welcome Scouting
• So all the scouts, Will you please stand, and the leaders and the parents?
• , Marcus Widmire, Joseph Branch, Jacob Branch, Olin Pebble, Kaylee Mock, and Thomas Mock, and the parent
• happens to be on food stamps. ...rob a child of a birthday cake because their parent happens to be on
• food stamps, and the government thinks it knows better than what that parent might want for their kid

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a roll call showing 29 present, and several guest introductions, including Scout groups from Phoenix/Levine, Dr. John Galgiani for Valley Fever Awareness, and Dr. Sarah Lee Davidson as Doctor of the Day. Senator Kavanagh read a proclamation recognizing Valley Fever Awareness and the work of the University of Arizona’s Valley Fever Center for Excellence. The chamber also adopted a death resolution for Victor E. Hardy and observed a moment of silence. The Committee of the Whole considered SB 1036 on unemployment insurance, SB 1056 on reporting vacant state positions, SB 1236 on AHCCCS enrollment verification and presumptive eligibility, and SB 1238 on the physician assistant licensure compact. SB 1036, SB 1056, and SB 1238 were approved in Committee of the Whole, with SB 1036 and SB 1238 amended. During floor debate, SB 1036 drew criticism from Democrats as adding burdens and reducing benefits for unemployed workers, while supporters said it was aimed at preventing fraud; it later passed the Senate 17-12. SB 1056 also passed 17-12 after debate over whether automatic elimination of long-vacant positions would improve efficiency or harm agency staffing. SB 1238 passed with a conforming amendment and later the House version HB 2190 was substituted and passed. The Senate then took up several third-reading bills. SB 1126 on educational records passed 29-0. SB 1189 on campaign expenditures passed 27-2 after debate about political violence and campaign-related expenses. SB 1211 on sentencing passed 29-0. The chamber also reconsidered and substituted House bills for identical Senate bills: HB 2206 for SB 1333 and HB 2396 for SB 1368, both related to SNAP. HB 2206 passed 17-12 after debate over a proposed SNAP error-rate penalty and its impact on food access, and HB 2396 passed 17-12 after debate over restricting SNAP purchases. Finally, HB 2796 was substituted for SB 1236 and passed after debate over AHCCCS enrollment barriers. The Senate adjourned until Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• The challenge is that if they're undergoing some treatment, then they end up—the parents end up getting
• This amendment simply helps out by sending a form to the parents, creating a form and sending a form
• from these Hope Centers to the parents to make sure their parents are aware and approve of that billing
• We simply need to be able to help young folks get back with their parents and have reconciliation amongst
• And so this amendment moves the compelling reason is deleted for a reason of not contacting their parents

Summary: The Human Services Committee met on policy cutoff day and first completed executive action on several bills. Members advanced Senate Bill 6224 on the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Leadership Council to Ways and Means, Senate Bill 6255 on the poverty task force/council changes to Rules, Senate Bill 5977 on DCYF near-fatality reports to Rules, Senate Bill 5979 on in-home dependency procedures to Rules, Senate Bill 6249 on DOC supervision of stalking convictions to Rules, and Senate Bill 6007 on WISIP’s evaluation of child welfare screening tools to Ways and Means. The committee also confirmed gubernatorial appointee Angela Ramirez. Several proposed amendments were debated, mostly offered by Senator Christian, but most failed; one technical amendment to SB 6184 was adopted, and an amendment to SB 6007 removing the risk-assessment portion of the study was adopted before the bill advanced. The committee also moved to waive the five-day notice rule for Senate Bill 6339 so it could be heard that day. The public hearing on Senate Bill 6339 focused on a proposed requirement that a less restrictive alternative (LRA) placement for sexually violent predators be owned and operated by the same individuals. Senator Torres and Senator Banke argued the bill would improve accountability, transparency, and community safety, citing a proposed Kennewick placement near schools and children. Supporters from the city of Kennewick and community members said the current process lacked transparency and that owner-operators should have a direct stake in safe operation. Opponents, including DSHS, the Washington Defender Association, the Office of Public Defense, and Disability Rights Washington, said the bill would create conflicts of interest, be difficult or impossible to implement, and could undermine the constitutional LRA process by making community placement unattainable. Committee members asked about liability, supervision, and the difference between LRA placements and unconditional release, and the chair said more work was needed on the issue. No final action was taken on SB 6339 during the hearing. The chair closed the hearing after noting the committee was at cutoff and that further discussion would continue later.

Transcript Highlights:

• But there is a very vocal and vociferous group of parents that are consumers of ALE programs.
• what you just said: if there was a site-based alternative learning experience program, such as a parent
• And a parent partnership, like you mentioned, Chair Santos, so I'll have Mr.
• a combination of so and a parent partner partnership like you mentioned chair Santos so I'll have mr
• I would react probably negatively to that, and I'd probably have a whole bunch of parents that would

Bills: HB2142 , HB2369 , HB2432

Committee: House Education

Keywords: remote learning, hybrid learning, education reform, alternative education, student engagement, local food, public schools, nutrition, sustainability, agriculture, technology access, educational resources, surplus hardware, student support

Transcript Highlights:

• These are cuts that are going to throw parents... How the hell can you applaud that?
• These are cuts that are going to throw parents into total disarray, forcing them to choose between going
• And I just want to say this: to the teachers, the classified employees, and to the parents of L.A.
• And if you don't agree, you're not a parent. Every parent understands this.
• And if you don't agree, you're not a parent. Every parent understands this.

Summary: The Assembly met, initially lacking a quorum, and the Clerk called the roll until a quorum was established. The chamber then proceeded through routine opening business, including prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, recognition of Native lands, approval of procedural motions, and several unanimous-consent actions to re-refer bills and allow committees to notice bills pending re-referral. The Assembly also recessed regular session to convene a joint convention for the Governor’s State of the State address. In the joint convention, Governor Gavin Newsom delivered his final State of the State speech, focusing on California’s economic performance, education investments, housing reforms, public safety, homelessness, climate policy, insurance issues, and the state’s response to federal actions. He highlighted budget plans, including a proposed $248.3 billion general fund, increased reserves, major education funding, child care and after-school investments, housing and affordability measures, mental health and homelessness funding, infrastructure projects, clean energy goals, and wildfire recovery efforts. He also praised legislative collaboration on AI regulation, tax credits, and other policy areas while criticizing federal policies and calling for continued state action. After the address, the Governor’s speech was ordered printed in the journal, the joint convention adjourned sine die, and the Assembly returned to regular session. The Speaker announced the desk would remain open for introduction of the budget bill, noted the next floor session would be Monday, January 12 at 1 p.m., and the House adjourned on motion of the Majority Leader.

Transcript Highlights:

• When my wife and I were going through the process of becoming foster parents, we were surprised to find
• Agency and CPS are unnecessary and actually cause would-be foster parents to abandon the licensing process
• This is not information that should be required of foster parents if they check all the other boxes.
• begin with, because they have a heart for these children and they feel a calling to become foster parents
• About 75% of nursing facilities use these related parties to transact, where the same parent company

Bills: HB660 , HB4845 , HB3902 , HB5396 , HB4615 , HB1825 , HB1403 , HB4336 , HB4585 , HB4371 , HB863 , SB1589 , HB5223 , HB3195 , HB2734

Committee: House Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and next I'm really grateful that we have one of those parents here with us today. cost to the Medicaid
• Commerce and Consumer Protection, where we heard from families yesterday like this one, uh, and a parent
• Commerce and Consumer Protection, where we heard from families yesterday like this one, uh, and a parent
• one,</c><00:12:30.640><c> uh</c><00:12:30.800><c> and</c><00:12:30.920><c> a</c><00:12:30.960><c> parent
• </c> yesterday like this one, uh and a parent yesterday like this one, uh and a parent who<00:12:31.400

Summary: Senators and House members held a press event in support of HF 4188, a bill addressing commercial insurance coverage for home care nursing for medically complex children who also receive medical assistance. Speakers said the issue arose after Medica and HealthPartners began imposing caps on coverage that had been provided for years under Minnesota law, and argued that the change would shift costs to Medicaid and taxpayers, create budget pressure, and force families to reduce other needed services. They emphasized that home care nursing is distinct from short-term home health visits and said the bill would prohibit quantity limits and clarify that insurers must continue covering authorized nursing care. Parents and family members described the impact on children who depend on continuous skilled nursing to remain safely at home, including one family whose child Nash has spent extensive time hospitalized and another speaker who said her niece Isabel’s care showed how many nurses, aides, and hospice workers are involved in these cases. Testimony stressed that the coverage caps could lead to more hospitalizations, ICU stays, and trauma for children and families, while costing more overall than home care. Several lawmakers, including Sen. Matt Klein and Rep. Robert Bierman, said the statute’s original intent was clear in 2010 and that the plans’ reinterpretation and the Commerce Department’s response should be corrected. Lawmakers said the Commerce and Consumer Protection Conference Committee has completed its work but is being kept open for the remaining days of session in hopes of resolving the issue this year. In response to questions, supporters said the bill is intended as a clarification rather than a new mandate, that it would simply bar caps on already-authorized home care nursing, and that they believe there is support to move it through the House and Senate before adjournment.