Transcript Highlights:

• that different employers who can afford that different employers who can afford different<00:07:
• generous about if your program is less generous about if your program is less generous because<00
• Once you're enrolled in that program, this is actually run through the state, similar to our UI program
• It's a state program, so when you're enrolled, every organization is going to be enrolled in a program
• that would be needed for the program that would be needed for the program this<00:13:42.079>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• They cannot get a credit card, or they cannot buy a car affordable.
• . affordable. affordable.
• I'm worried that you won't get an accredited program out of the way the bill sits right now.
• <00:25:34.880> out you won't get an accredited program out you won't get an accredited program
• We're giving those people that want to benefit from this program, that want to move out of affordable

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So the hope of The Care Act program was to prevent avoidable psychiatric hospitalizations, incarceration
• They don't often just get a job and go out and afford rent in California.
• I’m a small business, and we can afford to do it. Thank you.
• It's important to remind you The patients that we are trying to make them more affordable for.
• It's called the DAW-9 program.

Summary: The committee heard several health-related measures. SB 27 by Senator Umberg would revise and expand California’s CARE Court by limiting the expansion to people with bipolar I disorder with psychotic features, clarifying the definition of “clinically stabilized,” and narrowing the role of nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Supporters, including behavioral health officials and family members, said the bill would reduce dismissals and better serve people with severe illness; opponents warned the expansion would strain county staffing and housing resources and could undermine voluntary engagement. The bill passed on a do pass motion to the Committee on Public Safety. SB 503 by Senator Weber Pierson would require AI tools used in health care facilities to be identified, monitored, and mitigated for bias when used in clinical decision-making or resource allocation. The author and supporters from Kaiser Permanente and the California Medical Association said the bill would help prevent discriminatory outcomes and improve trust and safety. The committee discussed the need to clarify developer and deployer responsibilities, and the bill passed as amended to Privacy and Consumer Protection. SB 68 by Senator Menjivar would require restaurants to provide written allergen information for the top nine food allergens, with tiered flexibility for smaller establishments. The bill was supported by patients, families, nurses, and allergy organizations, who described severe reactions and the difficulty of relying on verbal disclosures alone. The California Restaurant Association opposed unless amended, seeking broader use of the national model food code and additional liability language. The bill passed as amended to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 403 by Senator Blakespear, which would remove the sunset from the End of Life Option Act; supporters described the law as a compassionate, well-functioning option for terminally ill patients, while faith-based groups opposed it. The bill passed to Judiciary. Later, SB 41 by Senator Wiener was introduced to rein in pharmacy benefit manager practices that steer patients to mail-order pharmacies and reimburse community pharmacies below cost; community pharmacists and several health organizations testified in support, describing pharmacy closures and patient access problems.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our child care and development programs are provided through voucher-based programs, which provide certificates
• Program, also known as CAP, our Migrant Alternative Payment Program, CMAP.
• To my second point, expanding programs across our mixed delivery system, child care program enrollment
• The program has been in a state...
• doubled the impact of the youth legal services program and the removal defense program.

Summary: The committee heard an extensive Department of Social Services presentation on child care budget issues, including the Governor’s proposed 2026-27 budget, federal CCDF changes, Prop. 64 revenue adjustments, and a one-time $11.5 million disaster-related infrastructure grant for licensed child care facilities affected by 2025 declared disasters. DSS said federal formula updates and lower Prop. 64 revenues would reduce funding and could result in about 4,176 CCTR slots being reduced, but the department said it was working to avoid impacts to currently enrolled children. The LAO supported aligning general child care funding with lower revenues and asked for more detail on the disaster grant. Members pressed DSS and Finance on why reductions were not being backfilled and why so many awarded slots remain uncontracted or unused; DSS said delays are largely due to providers building new infrastructure, licensing, staffing, and enrollment challenges, and that some unspent funds revert to the General Fund. The committee also discussed whether some contract dollars should be shifted to vouchers and whether more flexibility should be allowed for infrastructure and expansion costs. A second panel focused on the state’s commitment to expand child care and on rate reform. DSS reported that nearly 125,000 new slots have been awarded since 2021-22, but speakers from Stanislaus County Office of Education, Parent Voices California, and the California Budget and Policy Center argued that unmet need remains large and that the system still leaves many families without access. Stanislaus County described a large local shortage of infant and toddler care and said reimbursement disparities between child care programs and state preschool create disincentives for providers. Parent Voices gave testimony about the burdens and instability families face when trying to access care, especially for survivors and low-income parents, and called for a universal, publicly funded system. The Budget Center said only about 16% of eligible children were enrolled in 2024, urged expansion across the mixed delivery system rather than concentrating investment in TK, and called for faster rate reform and new revenue. LAO estimated that bringing certain CCTR adjustment factors up to CSPP levels would cost $88 million to $131 million ongoing. Members and witnesses discussed the single rate structure, automation needs, and the need for deadlines and a ramp-up plan; DSS said the goal is to eliminate disparities, but that policy decisions are still needed before automation can proceed. The committee then reviewed several trailer bill proposals. DSS outlined a 2026-27 COLA proposal that would apply a 2.41% increase through cost-of-care-plus payments, though the department said it had inadvertently excluded CalWORKs Child Care and the Emergency Child Care Bridge Program and would revise the proposal; LAO recommended making the COLA methodology uniform across programs. DSS also proposed replacing the market rate survey with the federally approved alternative methodology on a triennial schedule, limiting temporary absences in family child care homes to 20% of monthly hours, defining excessive unexplained absences as more than 30 days in a year, and aligning family fee deductions with new federal requirements so providers receive the full voucher value. Members generally supported the temporary absence change and asked about implementation timing for the family fee deduction, with DSS saying it was in contact with Riverside County. The committee also heard a brief update on the Early Childhood Policy Council reappropriation, which would extend unused funds through June 30, 2028 because prior costs came in higher than expected.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are the very programs that help create affordable housing, revitalize disadvantaged neighborhoods
• <03:13:52.720> affordable programs that help create affordable programs that help create affordable
• fund the program through provider taxes. fund the program through provider taxes.
• uh for affording me this opportunity. uh for affording me this opportunity.
• want to emphasize about the program. want to emphasize about the program.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, May 8, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill appropriates $250 million to the grant program.
• It also replaces the existing unauthorized alien transport program with a new program where the transport
• GED, their online colleges, vocational programs.
• Currently 287(g) program only is in jails. That's it.
• But other agencies and programs help in other ways.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They do not want to alter their program at all.
• The heart of this bill are those provisions that don't relate to the Guardian program.
• Without high-quality, affordable child care, families can't work and make ends meet.
• And there are 16 other states already that afford both.
• They afford both the religious and the conscience-based exemption.

Bills: S0118, S0896, S1690, S1756

Keywords: recreational vehicle parks, special assessments, property tax, occupancy rates, commercial assessment, school safety, guardian program, firearms, crimes near schools, security assessments, public postsecondary education, medical freedom, vaccination, ivermectin, healthcare practitioner liability, immunization exemptions

Summary: The committee first took up CS for SB 896, a school safety bill expanding the Guardian program to public postsecondary institutions. The bill requires active assailant response plans, security risk assessments, threat-management protocols, use of the suspicious activity reporting tool, and allows voluntary participation in Guardian for colleges and universities. A late-file amendment by Senator Polsky was adopted to clarify that students who are also employees or faculty are not eligible for Guardian. Members debated campus carry concerns, storage of firearms, and whether the bill could lead to broader gun access on campuses. Several faculty and gun-safety advocates testified against the bill, while supporters argued trained guardians can deter violence. The committee reported the bill favorably by roll call vote. The committee then approved CS for CS for CS for SB 1690 on child care and early learning services. The bill updates child care laws, clarifies regulations, and reduces overregulation of before- and after-school programs. An amendment expanded authority for the Florida Education Foundation to fundraise for early learning from birth to VPK. Testimony was largely supportive, emphasizing affordability, access to quality child care, and relief for working families, though one speaker opposed the bill as an expansion of government. The bill was reported favorably. Next, the committee passed CS for CS for SB 118, which clarifies how non-ad valorem special assessments are applied to recreational vehicle parks and limits the square footage used for assessment purposes to the maximum size of an RV space. The committee also approved CS for CS for SB 1220, the Department of Transportation package, which addresses seaport and airport planning, personal delivery devices, autonomous vehicles, advanced air mobility, toll programming, and other transportation-related changes. Amendments modified provisions on personal delivery devices, utility permits, autonomous vehicle penalties, and law-enforcement cruiser lights. Both bills were reported favorably. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1756, the medical freedom bill, which proposes new vaccine information requirements, conscience-based school immunization exemptions, limits on compelled vaccination during public health emergencies, and behind-the-counter access to ivermectin for adults. The sponsor and supporters framed the bill as strengthening informed consent and parental rights, while opponents and some senators raised concerns about vaccine hesitancy, herd immunity, and the inclusion of ivermectin. Public testimony was extensive and sharply divided. The transcript ends during continued testimony and debate on SB 1756, before a final vote is taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• sort of defunct pilot program. sort of defunct pilot program. Thank<00:22:12.040> you.
• Danny Chow, program specialist for TCCA. Danny Chow, program specialist for TCCA.
• The AFRA program was a pilot program, and the zone of reasonableness was also a program born out of a
• was a pilot program and the zone program was a pilot program and the zone of<00:54:16.840> reasonableness
• <00:54:48.680> program uh but we did allow the program program uh but we did allow the program

Bills: HB1984, HB1593, HB2423, HB1691, HB2283, HB2386, HB1824, HB1697, HB2164, HB2165

Keywords: renewable energy, solar energy, self-certification, building permits, environmental regulations, HB1593, affordable housing, pet-inclusive housing, pet friendly housing, rental housing, affordable rental housing, HHFDC, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, tenant pets, companion animals, dogs, cats, landlord-tenant law, security deposit, pet deposit

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1984 HD2, which would require government entities issuing building permits to create a self-certification process for certain behind-the-meter rooftop solar and energy storage systems, allowing approved applicants to proceed without waiting for standard permit review. The Public Utilities Commission and DLNR offered comments, and the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, Holoholo Energy, Photon Works Engineering, Malama Solar, RevoluSun, and others testified in strong support. Supporters said the bill would reduce permitting delays, lower costs, and help meet Hawaii’s renewable energy goals while still relying on licensed engineers, electricians, and county inspections for safety. Committee members asked about risk, existing county pilot programs, and whether self-certification had been used before; witnesses said the professional liability remains with licensed signers and that current automated review systems often flag minor issues that slow projects. The committee also noted 16 additional written testimonies in support. The committee then took up HB 1593 HD1, which would require HHFDC-financed affordable rental housing projects to allow residents to own or keep common household pets. The Hawaiian Humane Society testified that the bill is a top priority because housing restrictions are a major reason pets are surrendered and because many unhoused residents with pets avoid housing that does not allow animals. In response to questions, the Humane Society said concerns about pet-related damage are overstated, suggested pet behavior screening as a safeguard, and said it would be willing to work on broader private-market pet-friendly housing policies. Members raised concerns about whether allowing pets in public housing could create problems for residents who later transition to the private market, and the witness said California has a similar law and no major negative effects had been identified. Finally, the committee heard HB 2423 HD2, which would require that by January 1, 2028, diesel fuel sold in Hawaii for on-highway vehicles contain at least 5% biodiesel by volume. The Hawaii State Energy Office offered comments, and Hawaii Transportation Association and Pacific Biodiesel Technologies testified in support. Pacific Biodiesel argued the mandate would improve energy security, stabilize fuel prices amid global supply disruptions, and support local clean-fuel production. In response to questions, the company said its nameplate capacity is 5.5 million gallons per year and it has produced over 6 million gallons annually, but much of its output is tied up in standby generator contracts that can fluctuate. Witnesses said the mandate would provide a stable market signal and could support future investment in expanded local biodiesel production, including agricultural feedstock development and a possible second refinery. No votes or final actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm currently attending the West-MEC Veterinary Science Program.
• Lauren Hewitt: ...accredited program.
• Madam Chair and Member, Senate Bill 1164 requires access and its program.
• And I don't know how that fits into the whole program. Why can't this be?
• My name is Jenny Guzman, and I'm the program director for Common Cause Arizona.

Bills: SB1021, SB1144, SB1164, SB1178, SB1181, SB1241, SB1247, SB1286, SB1415, SCR1011

Keywords: health profession, regulatory boards, criminal activity, notification, auditor general, investigations, veterinary technicians, certification, education alternative, Arizona Revised Statutes, veterinary education, ALTCS, providers, ownership change, healthcare, Arizona Long Term Care System, naturopathic physician, naturopathic medicine, naturopathic doctor, naturopathic physicians medical board

Summary: The committee approved the minutes and held Senate Bill 1241 for a later hearing because a witness was unavailable. It then took up Senate Bill 1144, which would create an alternative pathway for veterinary technician certification through supervised on-the-job training instead of only a two-year curriculum. Supporters, including the Arizona Humane Society, a high school student in a veterinary program, and a veterinary technician employer, argued the bill would help address a veterinary technician shortage, reduce student debt, and expand access to care. Opponents, including the Arizona Veterinary Technician Association and some veterinarians, said Arizona already has an existing pathway, warned the bill could weaken competency standards and patient safety, and argued the shortage is more about retention and utilization than entry requirements. The committee adopted a Bolick amendment tightening supervision and documentation requirements, then passed SB 1144 as amended on a 6-1 vote. The committee next approved Senate Bill 1247 unanimously. That bill would allow an individual who does not need services to live with a resident in an assisted living center or other unit in the facility, and would bar the Department of Health Services from imposing care requirements on that individual. The sponsor and a lobbyist said the bill was intended to fix a recent statutory interpretation that could force spouses or other companions to separate or pay for services they do not use; a floor amendment was mentioned to extend the same treatment to assisted living homes. Senate Bill 1286, which would extend from 14 days to 60 days the period for veterinary prescriptions and renewals issued through telemedicine, drew extensive testimony and was ultimately held for a possible amendment next week. Supporters, including the sponsor, the Arizona Humane Society, and Animal Policy Group, said telemedicine has expanded access in rural and underserved areas and that longer prescription windows would improve convenience and continuity of care while still excluding controlled substances. Opponents, including the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association and several veterinarians, argued the current 14-day limit is a compromise that protects animal safety, that telemedicine without an in-person exam can lead to misdiagnosis and delayed diagnostics, and that the bill could function like a “pill mill.” The committee then passed Senate Bill 1164, which would let Medicaid billing continue under the prior owner’s certification number during a change of ownership for skilled nursing and assisted living facilities. Supporters said the current process can delay reimbursement for 6 to 18 months and strain providers; Access said it had legal concerns about possible conflict with federal law but was working on fixes. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1181, which would expand CPA certification pathways by adding degree-and-experience options and updating reciprocity rules, and a supporter from the Arizona Society of CPAs said it would address workforce shortages and improve mobility.

Transcript Highlights:

• like the BFA and other programs.
• Um so again programs that it supports.
• this you know the the guarantee programs this you know the the guarantee programs work<00:17:55.360
• you know, the risks of our programs you know, the risks of our programs candidly.<00:26:11.440><
• A lot of their programs are.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard testimony on House Bill 1042, which would increase the BFA contingent credit limit. State Treasurer Monica Misipelli explained that under RSA 66, state debt capacity is tied to unrestricted revenue and that guaranteed debt counts in the calculation even though it is contingent rather than direct debt. She said the state currently has about 4.2% to 4.3% debt-to-revenue ratio, about $120 million in additional capacity, and that approving the bill’s proposed increase would reduce available capacity for future state borrowing, including capital budgets. She noted the BFA has a long history of using guarantees without a state payout, but said the legislature should consider whether the full additional $250 million is needed and whether unused guarantee authorizations, such as one for the Pease Development Authority, should be reviewed in the future. Committee members asked whether guarantees have the same effect as actual debt for bonding capacity, and the treasurer confirmed that they do for purposes of the formula. Members also asked about the usual level of debt relative to the statutory 10% cap, and she said the state generally stays well below that limit. BFA Executive Director James Key Wallace then testified that the request was driven by rising project costs, inflation, and the need for more runway so the agency does not have to return to the legislature in an emergency. He said the BFA is self-supported, has never had a guarantee paid out by the state, requires collateral and reserves, and believes the appropriate range is closer to $400 million to $450 million; he also said a Senate bill would raise the limit to $400 million. He added that the BFA’s pipeline includes projects from about $15 million to $100 million and that housing availability is an important factor in business location decisions. After closing the work session on House Bill 1042, the committee opened House Bill 241, a bill on health insurance coverage for pain management services for chronic pain. Representative Dave Nagel, the prime sponsor, gave extensive background on his long career in pain medicine and said the bill is intended to improve access to non-opioid therapies and evidence-based pain management. He described the broad population affected by chronic pain and opioid use disorder, and said the proposal has long had bipartisan and stakeholder support. No vote or final action was taken on House Bill 241 in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• program. Thank you. program. Thank you.
• . programs. programs.
• could afford it. Ditto. We can't. could afford it. Ditto. We can't.
• programs? programs?
• Education Freedom Account Program. Education Freedom Account Program.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Indian food sovereignty program food Indian food sovereignty program food shelves<00:03:57.760> and
• shelves and the prepared meals program. shelves and the prepared meals program.
• CCAP program. Um, so it caps it at 6.9% CCAP program.
• assets in Minnesota or the FAME program. assets in Minnesota or the FAME program.
• meals grant program in the omnibus bill. meals grant program in the omnibus bill.

Bills: HF2436

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The voucher program is a voluntary program.
• The voucher program is a voluntary program.
• programs, music, and extracurriculars. programs, music, and extracurriculars.
• programs that are voluntary. programs that are voluntary.
• we should not expand the EFA program. we should not expand the EFA program.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you know, does the Guardian program actually provide the weapon to the guardian? Mr.
• They do not want to alter their program at all.
• The heart of this bill are those provisions that don't relate to the Guardian program.
• Without high-quality, affordable child care, families can't work and make ends meet.
• Without affordable child care, families can't work and make ends meet.

Summary: The committee first took up CS for SB 896 on school safety, which would expand the Guardian program to public postsecondary institutions, require active assailant response plans and threat management protocols, improve reporting and information sharing, and make it a felony to discharge a weapon within 1,000 feet of a campus. A late-file amendment by Senator Polsky was adopted to clarify that students who are also employees or faculty at a public postsecondary institution are not eligible for the Guardian program. The bill drew strong opposition from faculty, students, and gun-safety advocates who argued that more guns on campus would create confusion, weaken safety, and undermine campus police; supporters said trained guardians would improve deterrence and protection. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably by a roll call vote. The committee then considered SB 1690 on child care and early learning services, which updates child care laws, reduces some regulatory burdens, and expands the Florida Education Foundation’s authority to fundraise for early learning from birth through VPK. Members discussed oversight of the related direct-support organization and the removal of certain notice requirements, while supporters from Moms Rising and other advocates said the bill would help families access affordable, high-quality child care and support home-based providers. One opponent argued the bill added more government regulation, but the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. Next, the committee passed CS for SB 118, a narrow bill on non-ad valorem special assessments for recreational vehicle parks, clarifying how assessments are calculated for RV spaces and campsites. The bill received supportive comments from RV advocates and was reported favorably without controversy. The committee then took up CS for SB 1220, the Department of Transportation package, which included provisions on seaports and airports, personal delivery devices, autonomous vehicles, broadband and utility permitting, and advanced air mobility. Amendments were adopted that revised research institute membership, limited some delivery-device provisions, and clarified cruiser light rules for law enforcement; after questions about utility preemption and PDD safety, the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1756 on medical freedom, which would require new vaccine educational materials, expand school-entry exemptions to include conscience-based objections, limit the Surgeon General’s emergency vaccination authority, and allow behind-the-counter ivermectin for adults with written information and liability protections. The bill drew extensive testimony from both supporters and opponents, with supporters emphasizing parental rights, informed consent, and vaccine injury concerns, and opponents warning about reduced immunization rates, public health risks, and the appropriateness of ivermectin provisions. The transcript ends during public testimony and debate on SB 1756, before final action on that bill is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Summer feeding programs and that we get a little confused on the summer feeding programs.
• We have a seed program.
• Uh, when that program, and it's been many years since we had that program, but we actually saw springs
• Uh, my program, the Farm Fresh program, is strictly a, a volunteer program, uh, but we have about, you
• , a young farmer grant program.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have already seen the... catch and revoke program is currently catch and revoke program is currently
• Minnesota cannot afford another murder like George Floyd's. Minnesota cannot afford...
• Minnesota cannot afford agriculture.
• <00:29:26.440> another<00:29:26.919> lawsuit afford another lawsuit afford another lawsuit
• I'm the policy program manager at Violence Free Minnesota.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House File 16, and the chair moved the bill with a recommendation that it be re-referred to Elections Finance and Government Operations. Representative Rymer said the bill would require reporting to ICE when an illegal immigrant is arrested on suspicion of a violent crime, even if the county attorney does not prosecute, and would bar state and local entities from blocking federal immigration enforcement. He described the bill as narrowly focused on serious offenses such as murder, assault, robbery, kidnapping, and criminal sexual conduct, and said it was intended to improve communication with federal authorities about dangerous offenders. Supporters argued the bill would improve public safety and cooperation with federal law enforcement. David Zimmer, a former local law enforcement official, said cooperation with ICE is consistent with law enforcement practice and helps with information-sharing, warrants, consulate notifications, and locating individuals. Several other supporters, including a crime victim family member and a security officer, said the bill would help identify dangerous criminals and protect communities. Opponents said the bill would reduce trust in local law enforcement and discourage victims and witnesses from reporting crimes. Testifiers from the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, The Advocates for Human Rights, Violence Free Minnesota, the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs, the Northstar Alliance, the City of Minneapolis, and others said mandatory ICE notification could deter domestic violence and trafficking victims from seeking help, harm due process, and undermine community safety. Some also warned it would interfere with local separation policies, burden local agencies, and have negative economic and civil rights impacts. The committee also heard emotional testimony from individuals describing domestic abuse and immigration-related fears, and from family members of a murder victim who supported the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• We hear time and time again that, 'I love this work, but I just can't afford to keep doing it.'
• <00:03:59.360> to<00:03:59.480> keep<00:03:59.920> doing afford to keep doing afford
• And so to cut these programs further and compromise, as you say, and creating turnover and maybe some
• least the Minnesota sex offender program least the Minnesota sex offender program should<00:26:20.880
• <00:43:55.880> um mental health and SD programs um mental health and SD programs um certainly

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Committee on Human Services Finance and Policy met to approve prior minutes and then take public testimony on the governor’s budget recommendations for human services. The chair explained the hearing format and noted that DHS declined to testify. Much of the testimony focused on proposed reductions or caps affecting disability waiver services, nursing homes, and elderly waiver programs, as well as related fee and tax changes in the budget. Representatives of ARM argued that the governor’s proposal would cap inflationary adjustments at 2%, limit rate exceptions, cap billable days, and restrict individualized home supports, which they said would worsen workforce shortages, reduce wages for direct support professionals, and destabilize disability services. They said the package would cut about $600 million over four years and could lead to group home closures, higher turnover, and families losing access to local homes and services. Committee members asked about real-world impacts and future rate adjustments, and ARM responded that providers have already planned around expected 2026 rates, so a cap would create immediate budget and staffing problems. Long-Term Care Imperative testified against nursing home-related cuts, saying the budget would cap future rate increases, limit health insurance costs in rate setting, phase out closure-related agreements and incentives, and fail to fully fund the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board. They estimated the nursing home provisions could amount to a $218 million cut over four years, or roughly $350 million when combined with other underfunding, and said every nursing home and bed in Minnesota would be affected. They also criticized the lack of an inflation factor in Elderly Waiver, a proposed 54% increase in assisted living fees, and possible changes to provider-assessed fine and penalty funds. Members asked about staffing and bed availability, and the testifiers said reduced funding would likely force more beds out of service. A later testifier, Dan Andre of the Minnesota Council of Health Plans, raised concerns about the DHS budget’s proposed increase in the HMO surcharge and about carving pharmacy and non-emergency medical transportation benefits out of managed care. He argued the tax increase would raise premiums for fully insured and Medicare supplement enrollees and that managed care coordination helps members access care and medications. The hearing also included one unrelated, disruptive testimony about the Minnesota Sex Offender Program and other agencies, which the chair redirected back to the human services budget. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• But health care affordability for employers and their employees is not getting easier.
• premium to subsidize low public program premium to subsidize low public program rates<00:25:52.600
• that if we are if we enter the program that if we are if we enter the program we<00:38:47.160>
• overburdened um and not able to afford overburdened um and not able to afford their<00:58:03.960
• <01:47:23.719> we the psychiatric residency program we the psychiatric residency program we

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• AN AREA WHERE REASON THE PROPERTY WOULD BE NECESSARY TO COMPLY WITH FEMA NATURAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM
• WHEN THE DIVISION PLANS TO APPLY FOR OR ACCEPT FEDERAL FUNDS FOR NEW AND INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS SUCH AS
• THE NEW ELEVATE PROGRAM DIRECTS THE PROVISION STATEWIDE MUTUAL AID AND REIMBURSABLE BY FEMA.
• AFFORDABLE HOUSING IS SOMETHING THAT HAS BEEN INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT.
• IS A DIRECT NEXUS TO BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING AS MENTIONED.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The work we are doing at the state and city level is for the people who cannot afford to buy a home,
• These are the people who can't afford lobbyists, and they are the people I work for too.
• , but it was called the Sexual Assault Response Program for the United States Army.
• This is an opt-out program.
• So the money that this program is taking away could be used to inform all students in public schools

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and recognized Dr. Kai Sun as Doctor of the Day. Members also welcomed newly sworn Representative Cody Reim, congratulated Sergeant-at-Arms Chuck Fitzgerald on his wedding, and introduced numerous guests and visiting groups, including pharmacists at Pharmacy Day, the Arizona Education Association, the Well-Being Collaborative of Arizona, and local officials from San Luis. The chamber then took up several measures. House Resolution 2001, recognizing March 18, 2026 as Health Workforce Well-Being Day in Arizona, was adopted unanimously after brief remarks about burnout and workforce shortages in health care. On House Bill 2375, relating to housing and historic neighborhoods, members debated at length the balance between middle-housing reforms, local control, historic preservation, and concerns about exclusion and displacement; the bill passed 31-24, but the emergency clause failed because it did not receive the required two-thirds vote. House Bill 2931, creating the Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board, passed 36-19, and House Bill 2992, establishing a child sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention pilot program with appropriations, passed 35-20. The House also passed Senate Bill 1010, substituted for House Bill 4027, relating to historic names, by a vote of 33-22. Several other Senate bills were read for the first time or second reading, and committee assignments were adjusted, including withdrawals and re-referrals of multiple bills. The session concluded with announcements of upcoming committee meetings, a statement from the Arizona Latino Legislative Caucus condemning alleged misconduct and affirming support for survivors, and adjournment until 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2026.