Transcript Highlights:

• So this number corresponds with a diversion rate, correct, the 55%? Is that?
• It just shows our graduation rates. We've had six years.
• It just shows our graduation rates. We've had six years.
• That's the four-year graduation... ...rate.
• Okay, you come back and you look at the rate of our teenage pregnancy. Okay.

Summary: The Senate and House Joint Committee on Children and Youth met to approve prior minutes, confirm Representative Mary Bentley to the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee, and receive several presentations. The Arkansas Infant and Child Death Review team reported on unexpected child deaths in Arkansas, saying its 2023 review covered 148 of 170 non-natural deaths, with the remainder unavailable due to criminal investigations or missing records. Of the reviewed deaths, 69 were accidents, 14 suicides, 18 homicides, and 47 undetermined, and members discussed how the report’s recommendations could be used by agencies and nonprofits for prevention work and grant applications. Committee members also asked about age breakdowns and how the data could be shared without identifying individual cases. The committee then took up HCR 1010 and a broader discussion of juvenile justice reform. Representative Shepard said the resolution was intended to confront data on juvenile incarceration and system outcomes. Senator Missy Irvin, judges Troy Braswell and Kathy Hess, and AOC Juvenile Division Director Burke Steen described the state’s long-running reform efforts, including the SAVRY risk assessment, diversion programs, and efforts to keep more youth in their communities. They said the reforms have reduced delinquency filings, DYS commitments, and revocations, while increasing diversions, but also emphasized ongoing gaps in mental health, substance abuse, and school-based supports. Members raised concerns about school data sharing, behavioral health access, and how to better identify youth with disabilities or trauma earlier. Judge Braswell and others stressed that many youth in the system have significant trauma, family instability, or unmet treatment needs, and that judges need individualized information to make decisions. Several members discussed the role of schools, the school safety dashboard, and the need for stronger community providers, especially in rural areas. The committee then heard from DYS Director Michael Crump, who provided data on commitments, facility use, demographics, offense levels, length of stay, education outcomes, recidivism, dual DCFS/DYS custody, and costs. He said commitments rose after the pandemic and then began to decline, while secure and detention costs increased with the need for more beds; he also noted that most youth in custody have behavioral health needs and that DYS works closely with DCFS, courts, and providers. No final action was taken on HCR 1010 during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then finally, innovative procurement, using pre-qualified vendors for speed, best value versus low
• And then finally, innovative procurement, using pre-qualified vendors for speed, best value versus low
• that was awarded project and the vendor that was awarded the<02:06:36.119><c> award</c><02:06:37.119
• and also the increase of the birth rates and also the increase of public<02:35:27.760><c> pre</c><02
• </c> campus come I believe the um the vendor campus come I believe the um the vendor we're<03:55:50.399

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:14.360><c> low</c><00:05:15.360><c> during</c> keep health insurance rates low during keep
• health insurance rates low during the<00:05:15.880><c> years</c><00:05:16.240><c> of</c><00:05:16.400
• We could do so more easily if our Medicaid rates were closer to our costs.
• reimbursed at Medicaid or Medicare rates, which providers say are already too low.
• or Medicare rates which is Medicaid or Medicare rates which is which<01:10:34.159><c> providers</c><

Bills: HF10, HF27

Keywords: undocumented immigrants, state funding, MinnesotaCare, scholarship ineligibility, state assistance, permit to carry, concealed carry, handgun permit, firearm permit, pistol training, sheriff, application process, electronic filing, mail application, fax submission, certified mail, certified delivery, gun rights, Second Amendment, firearms regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> market uh impact of credit rating market uh impact of credit rating impacts<05:33:49.120><c> on<
• and and the list goes on utility rates and and the list goes on these<05:33:54.000><c> rate</c><05:33
• And lastly, HECO's credit rating.
• </c> does very well in its bond rating does very well in its bond rating because<06:08:08.480><c> of<
• ><c> ethnicities</c><06:35:07.680><c> and</c> rates classify many ethnicities and rates classify many

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But we can do better than a 90% unsubstantiated rate. And I want to know one other thing.
• While I recognize that points on the record carry consequences in the form of higher insurance rates
• for the first-time convictions are relatively low, with a one-year recidivism rate of 3.7% and only
• 4.3% involving... ...one-year recidivism rate of 3.7% and only 4.3% involving a crash.
• If the state requires IIDs, it should fully fund the cost, enforce clear vendor standards, and ensure

Summary: The committee heard several public safety bills, with extensive testimony and debate. AB 1535 would add political affiliation as a sentencing aggravator when a felony is motivated by a victim’s actual or perceived political affiliation. The author said the bill is intended to deter political violence while preserving judicial discretion; supporters framed it as a response to rising threats and attacks tied to politics. Opponents, including ACLU Cal Action, Initiate Justice, and public defender groups, argued the term is vague, could sweep in protected speech and association, and would expand punishment without addressing crime prevention. The bill was later moved on a due-pass recommendation and passed on roll call. AB 1656 would add human trafficking to the list of offenses that qualify for good-cause continuances so a vertical prosecutor can stay with a case. The author and a San Diego DA representative said the change would support trauma-informed prosecution and improve continuity for survivors. Most support testimony came from prosecutors, victim advocates, and civil liberties groups, while some public defender and justice organizations remained in opposition or pending review of amendments. The committee ultimately approved the bill on a due-pass-as-amended vote. AB 1589 would allow Level 1 reserve peace officers to use firearm suppressors while on duty, matching the exemption already available to full-time officers. The author and reserve officer witnesses said the bill is a narrow safety measure tied to hearing protection and parity in training and equipment. Opponents, including Brady and ACLU Cal Action, said suppressors are unnecessary, could endanger the public and other officers, and further militarize policing. After discussion about safety, fiscal concerns, and community trust, the committee passed the bill on a due-pass vote. The committee also took up AB 1566, which would align the statutory definition of severe neglect with the structured decision-making tool used by county child welfare agencies. Supporters said the bill would reduce overreporting, racial disparities, and unnecessary family trauma while keeping mandated reporting in place. Opponents, including school resource officer groups, warned it would lower reporting thresholds and risk missing serious abuse. Members debated the impact on child safety versus unnecessary investigations, and the bill was held on call after a split vote. In addition, the committee approved several consent items, including bills on human trafficking data, criminal procedure jurisdiction, firearms/unsafe handguns, and the Hugs Act of 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the provider rate reductions is what you're speaking to.
• So the provider rate reductions is what you're speaking to.
• We don't set those rates. The feds set those rates.
• Again, we tie back to a percentage of Medicare rates.
• Others will be at the $4 rate because we pursued what the highest rate that was approved in any other

Summary: The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approved the January 26 and January 27, 2026 minutes, then took up the gubernatorial appointment of Juliet Sharon as director of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Sharon described her background in public health and Medicaid administration in Arizona, Texas, and Idaho, and outlined her priorities if confirmed: program integrity, efficient operations, clearer outcome measures, child welfare, disability services, and resolving long-running class action lawsuits. Senators asked about measurable goals, balancing compassion with fiscal responsibility, audit findings, and collaboration with the disability community. Sharon said she expects to more than double program integrity recoveries, that audit findings are being addressed through corrective action plans rather than firings, and that disability collaboration should be embedded in daily operations. Committee members also discussed Idaho’s influence on federal policy and Medicaid administration. No vote on the appointment was taken in the portion provided. The committee then heard a lengthy Medicaid budget presentation focused on the Department’s supplemental request for state fiscal year 2026 and line-item requests for 2027. Sharon and Deputy Director/State Medicaid Director Sasha O’Connell explained that the supplemental request was driven by caseload growth, especially in traditional Medicaid, adult disability services, and youth/adult behavioral health, along with federally required rate and system changes. They also reviewed the impact of the governor-directed 4% provider rate reduction and the ending of some adult behavioral health services, saying the department had already been tracking budget sustainability before the executive order. O’Connell said the rate cuts drew the most public comment the agency has ever received, especially from home- and community-based providers, and that access monitoring is being developed to track whether services remain available. For 2027, the department requested funding for MMIS procurement, estate recovery, additional procurement staff, Medicaid admin reductions, and population forecast adjustments. Sharon said the MMIS modernization is on pause because of litigation over a major contract award, but other modules are moving forward. She also said estate recovery is underperforming and could bring in more general funds with contractor support. The committee discussed pharmacy costs and a possible Medicaid copay under House Bill 345, with Sharon saying implementation is underway and O’Connell noting savings estimates are still being developed. Senators also asked about expansion Medicaid growth and whether it affects other eligibility groups; Sharon said expansion growth is leveling off and that recovery rules apply to any Medicaid member receiving long-term care services. The meeting ended without any budget votes in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Twice the rate.
• This is a remarkable success rate significantly higher than what is typically seen in other programs.
• Kpmg was the vendor that one this.
• They get reimbursed at a higher rate. And then that rate is kind of costs averaged so to speak.
• The final thing, the model, the model does contain what did rate for groups of care.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our goal, of course, is to make sure that we are engaging with vendors in a responsible manner and also
• Some of the grant vendors you said will be a potential for debarment if I listened to that properly and
• Some of the grant vendors you said will be a potential for debarment if I listened to that properly and
• Some of the grant vendors you said will be a potential for debarment if I listened to that properly and
• Some of the grant vendors you said will be a potential for debarment if I listened to that properly and

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The state's testing vendor, Prometric, tests prospective home care aides.
• For those students testing within their training programs, they are experiencing higher pass rates, shorter

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee held a public hearing on the State Auditor’s Office performance audit of Washington’s Restoring Quality Home Care Initiative (I-1163). Auditors said the initiative’s background checks and 75-hour training requirement are widely viewed as safety measures, but the state lacks pre-2011 data to directly measure safety outcomes. They also found Washington’s long-term care workforce is still short, though the state ranks better than many others in workers per disabled person, and that some groups and regions have larger gaps between authorized and actually used Medicaid care hours, suggesting access problems for certain clients. The audit focused heavily on the certification process for home care aides. Auditors reported that many applicants never finish certification, that the process often exceeds the 200-day legal deadline, and that delays can cause lost income, job loss, and in some cases repeated employer changes that allow aides to keep working without becoming certified. They recommended that the Department of Health accept applications only after training and testing are completed, move testing into training programs more broadly, and eliminate redundant DOH verification of FBI background checks. Committee members asked about testing contract incentives, language access, and the role of immigration in workforce shortages; auditors said they found no financial performance standards in the Prometric contract, did not specifically study immigration status, and did not focus on language barriers in this audit. Department of Health and Department of Social and Health Services officials largely agreed with the audit’s findings and recommendations. They said they have already made improvements, including expanded in-program testing, more staffing, and rule changes, and that testing has been integrated into more than 110 training programs. DSHS noted testing is offered in 13 languages. Both agencies said they support further streamlining and expect continued collaboration, including possible budget or legislative requests. No public testimony was offered, and the committee adjourned without taking any vote or formal action on the audit.

Transcript Highlights:

• , reporting burdens, and operational mandates, and leaves small systems to absorb those costs from rate
• consolidation agenda adopted by the State Water Board, not mandated by the Legislature, that has created a vendor

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• help make sure that we can ensure that there's a road to compliance, but also make sure that utility rates
• medical assistance program meet nutritional standards and prioritize sourcing from local fresh food vendors

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One thing that Senator Perry mentioned in the initial hearings for SB 5 was the veteran suicide rate,
• Jail vendors who make money off of food trade contracts every time a veteran goes to jail instead of

Summary: Senator Nathan Johnson presented a pair of bills he described as a comprehensive cannabis reform package for Texas. He said one bill would regulate hemp-derived THC with a 21-and-over purchase age, a 5 mg THC threshold, testing, labeling, licensing, packaging, and marketing standards, an advisory committee to report to the Legislature, and a tax structure that would direct revenue to public health, law enforcement, testing, and the Texas Compassionate Use Program. He also said the legislation reflects work by Chairman Ken King and is intended as an alternative to a total ban, which he argued would be unenforceable and undesirable. Johnson said the second bill would decriminalize possession and personal use of up to 2 ounces of marijuana, allow limited home cultivation, and create a path to expunction for people convicted of conduct that would no longer be illegal. He argued current Texas THC laws are inconsistent, harmful, and disproportionately affect communities of color, while also diverting law enforcement resources. He said the bills aim to create a more consistent and enforceable framework and to support medical THC use. Supportive testimony came from Shawn Salvahi, a veteran and Texas Cannabis Collective representative, who said decriminalization and homegrow would help veterans and first responders and that leaders should correct mistaken policy. Senator Molly Cook, an ER nurse, also backed Johnson’s approach and opposed SB 5, saying prohibition has failed, worsened safety, and created criminal and economic harms. In questions, Johnson said the Senate is likely to move SB 5, that the House could still change the outcome, and that he has been consistent in opposing a ban since 2018. The discussion also briefly touched on redistricting, with participants urging attention to flooding and criticizing proposed maps, but the main action was the presentation and defense of the THC bills ahead of floor consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• WE RATE IN 22 STATES. SURETY AND 48 STATES AND A NEW EXCESS AND SURPLUS LINE.
• YOU WILL PROBABLY LOOK AT THE SAME THING IF YOU ARE RATING MEDICAL MALPRACTICE AS TO THE PROVIDER, MAYBE
• WHEN THE OIR DECIDES RATES, IT'S A COMPONENT.
• Sullivan: THE RESEARCH THAT WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SEE FOR FLORIDA IS THAT RATES, ESPECIALLY IN HOMEOWNERS
• AT ANY RATE, AS INSURANCE CHANGED THE LAWS OVER MAYBE ONE YEAR, THAT HAD JUST CAME BACK AND MORE FAIRLY

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's a pretty big number, $61 million, that 4% rate reduction.
• We don't set those rates; the feds set those rates.
• Again, we tie back to a percentage of Medicare rates.
• The rate adjustments, the rate reductions, are finding savings of approximately $23 million in general
• Others will be at the $4 rate because we pursued what the highest rate that was approved in any other

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• colleagues, if you have time later, please join those that are on the fourth floor with the rest of them, vendors
• the<00:07:06.080><c> rest</c><00:07:06.320><c> of</c><00:07:06.440><c> them,</c><00:07:07.160><c> vendors
• ><00:07:07.520><c> that</c><00:07:07.680><c> are</c><00:07:07.840><c> there</c> the rest of them, vendors
• that are there the rest of them, vendors that are there within<00:07:08.480><c> the</c><00:07:08.560

Bills: SB1432, SB2024, SB2043, SB2060, SB2069, SB2153, SB2259, SB2319, SB2321, SB2338, SB2360, SB2396, SB2405, SB2407, SB2544, SB2550, SB2552, SB2578, SB2580, SB2607, SB2614, SB2671, SB2800, SB2805, SB2816, SB2835, SB2877, SB2892, SB2928, SB2934, SB3063, SB3199, SB3233, SB3325, HCR8, HCR10, HCR11, HCR13, HCR14, HCR18, HCR19, HCR22, HCR24, HCR31, HCR32, HCR33, HCR35, HCR54, HCR62, HCR63, HCR66, HCR67, HCR82, HCR83, HCR85, HCR91, HCR93, HCR94, HCR96, HCR98, HCR102, HCR104, HCR105, HCR106, HCR110, HCR111, HCR116, HCR117, HCR118, HCR121, HCR122, HCR123, HCR124, HCR125, HCR127, HCR128, HCR137, HCR139, HCR140, HCR141, HCR144, HCR146, HCR162, HCR165, HCR166, HCR173, HCR178, HCR179, HCR180, HCR181, HCR182, HCR185, HCR189, HCR191, HCR192, HCR193, HCR194, HCR200, HCR202, HCR6, HCR36, HCR42, HCR43, HCR44, HCR53, HCR57, HCR61, HCR64, HCR69, HCR84, HCR101, HCR103, HCR107, HCR112, HCR126, HCR136, HCR154, HCR161, HCR175, HCR186, HCR187, HCR188, HCR197, HCR203, HCR204, HCR206, HB1870, HB1588, HB2429, HB2386, HB2583, HB2361, HB2270, HB2137, HB1643, HB1682, HB1692, HB2078, HB1553, HB1667, HB1700, HB1728, HB2293, HB2096, HB1959, HB1511, HB1961, HB1858, HB1897, HB2088, HB2093, HB2279, HB2314, HB2505, HB2433, HB963, HB1705, HB1550, HB469, HB1334, HB1710, HB1737, HB1753, HB1881, HB2309, HB1713, HB1741, HB2062, HB463, HB1839, HB1664, HB2455, HB2417, HB1898, HB1573, HB1768, HB1962, HB2101, HB1782, HB2033, HB1518, HB1642, HB1752, HB2097, HB2282, HB1696, HB1823, HB1886, HB2152, HB2413, HB2503, HB1875, HB1519, HB1509, HB1628, HB1810, HB1990, HB2023, HB2540, HB1679, HB1888, HB2576, HB2592

Keywords: Kalaupapa, Kalawao, Molokai, Maui County, county consolidation, Hansen's disease, leprosy, Department of Health, DOH, patient residents, former patients, public health, transition planning, jurisdiction transfer, county governance, historical preservation, cultural preservation, environmental remediation, community input, Kalaupapa Settlement

Transcript Highlights:

• This year, 60 vendors will participate, representing farmers, ranchers, advocates, and a range of organizations
• This<00:16:35.920><c> year</c><00:16:36.320><c> 60</c><00:16:37.040><c> vendors</c><00:16:37.600><c>
• will</c><00:16:37.920><c> participate</c> This year 60 vendors will participate This year 60 vendors

Bills: HB9, SB2069, SB2342, SB2861, SB3123, SB2623, SB585, SB2211, SB2446, SB2919, SB2125, SB2116, SB2999, SB2656, SB2001, SB3169

Keywords: HB9, Hawaii Purple Heart state, Purple Heart, Purple Heart recipients, veterans, military, armed forces, service members, combat wounded, war veterans, military honors, state designation, symbolic legislation, honorary designation, Chapter 5 HRS, Hawaii Revised Statutes, military appreciation, veteran recognition, SB2069, Hawaii housing

Transcript Highlights:

• BUT THEY SERVE AS CONTRACT MANAGERS FOR THE VENDORS THAT PROVIDE THE SERVICES DIRECTLY TO THE HOMEOWNERS
• , IT JUST TAKES A LONG TIME AND I WILL SAY THIS, THIS PROGRAM IS ALSO OUTSOURCED WITH A DIFFERENT VENDOR
• TALKING ABOUT AGENCIES FOR A SECOND SO I MENTIONED EARLIER WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF ON BOARDING A NEW VENDOR
• THAT'S GOING TO RUN IN PARALLEL, IT IS SOMETHING WE ARE EXCITED ABOUT GETTING GOING, WE BELIEVE THIS VENDOR

Transcript Highlights:

• Look at the fatality rates this year.
• Look at the fatality rates this year.
• When we charge rates on these, we're charging to recover electric costs, period.
• Electric rates would proven true, right?
• highest adoption rates in the nation, highest adoption rates in the nation, we're<01:37:38.320><c> I<

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committees received an informational briefing from Hawaii DOT and related partners on the Navahine settlement and the department’s plan to meet its climate and transportation commitments. Speakers described the settlement as a first-of-its-kind agreement rooted in the state constitution, the public trust doctrine, and prior legislative findings and laws, including Act 131. They said the settlement is intended to formalize DOT’s work, establish milestones, and keep climate and transportation policy less dependent on changes in administration. The presentation emphasized that transportation is Hawaii’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and that the plan is aimed at meeting 2030 and 2045 clean energy goals. DOT outlined several major implementation pieces: creation of a new Office of Energy Security and Community Outreach, formation of a youth council, and development of an emissions reduction plan that will be updated over time. The youth council reported on its membership, statewide representation, meetings, and work on charter, bylaws, and committees focused on policy and legislation, events and advocacy, and ground transportation. Youth members said they provided feedback on the energy security plan and discussed walk audits and safe routes to school. The department also described a new project-scoring tool to measure greenhouse gas impacts of every DOT project, which it said is intended to make Hawaii a national leader in evaluating transportation emissions. A major topic was the settlement’s transportation network requirement, which speakers said compresses roughly 15 years of pedestrian, bicycle, and transit network work into five years and will require about $40 million to $50 million per year over the next five years. They said a GIS map is being developed to identify gaps and that the work will involve counties and other partners, with benefits for safety, connectivity, and emissions reduction. Other topics included clean fuel standards, electrification of ground transportation, sustainable aviation fuel, marine fuel transitions, cold ironing at ports, and the costs and availability challenges associated with those transitions. DOT also reported progress on EV charging infrastructure, including two completed sites and more planned, and said it is using a sustainability partner contract to maintain chargers and recover only electricity costs. The briefing also highlighted carbon sequestration and fire mitigation work, including native tree planting. DOT said it has exceeded its minimum annual tree-planting commitment, with 3,000 trees planted in 2024 and 4,200 by mid-2025, and noted that the Legislature provided $15 million for fire mitigation that is being used for this work. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've got to figure out what vendors can be...
• I think that's gonna all depend on the specific vendors who are doing the service, and that's what we've
• And so, I don't know enough about what vendors and what are the options.

Bills: SB137, SB1216, SB1226, SB1238, SB1255, SB1256, SB1258, SB1325, SB1460, SB1543, SB1730, SB1733, SB1921

Keywords: electronic monitoring, Department of Corrections, criminal justice, rehabilitation, public safety, SB 1216, drug court, drug courts, Oklahoma drug court, eligibility, substance abuse treatment, addiction, diversion program, criminal justice reform, probation violation, revocation, intermediate revocation facility, plea agreement, speedy trial waiver, preliminary hearing waiver

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Affiliate members, sponsors, vendors, if you will.
• , sponsors, vendors, if you<00:19:21.600><c> will.
• </c> you can see their SAT participation rate you can see their SAT participation rate is<01:33:40.719
• Um when we participation rates as well.
• Um you could rates, you could do that.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved corrected minutes from October 6 after members noted and fixed several transcription and spelling errors, including a clarification that a comment about SAU numbers came from former Senator Jim Rubin. The vote to approve the corrected minutes was moved, seconded, and adopted with one abstention. The main presentation came from Chuck Bates of the New Hampshire Association of School Business Officials (ASBO), who described the organization, its certification program, and the role of school business administrators. He explained that ASBO members handle accounting and financial management, facilities, food service, HR, information systems, transportation, and risk management. He also outlined the certification program, which includes 21 courses, most online, plus four in-person workshops unique to New Hampshire, and noted that many members are not certified because the state licensure requirement was removed. Bates then addressed the committee’s interest in SAU consolidation and county-wide restructuring. He said business administrators often manage multiple budgets, attend school board meetings, and serve as a visible point of contact for the community. He argued that consolidation would create operational and financial challenges, including staff and facility relocation, differing accounting systems, lack of a standardized chart of accounts, and uncertain return on investment. He said the biggest obstacle would be local control, especially in small towns that do not want outside decisions affecting school closures, class sizes, or student transportation. Committee members questioned him about the distinction between administrative and academic control, the size of district offices in larger cities, and what might reduce administrative costs; Bates responded that many administrative costs stem from legislation and that consolidation would be difficult to implement without local support.