Transcript Highlights:

• This is about access to care.
• This is a way to provide options, if you will, for health care, health care freedom, if you will.
• This is not about medical care.
• We hear a lot about access to care, but my question is when all of the opposition is from care providers
• And again, I'd love to talk about access to care and ways to expand access to care.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and several guest introductions and proclamations, including a proclamation designating March 10 as Cade’s Day in honor of Cade Keller and suicide prevention efforts. Members also welcomed guests from schools, cities, and medical and advocacy groups, and the clerk announced committee assignments and bill referrals. The chamber then moved through committee-of-the-whole action on several bills. HB 2946 and HB 4018 were amended and given do pass recommendations. In a later committee-of-the-whole, HB 2083, HB 2308, HB 2388, and HB 2389 were considered; HB 2083, HB 2308, and HB 2388 received do pass recommendations as amended, while HB 2389 drew debate over environmental review for power plants, with supporters arguing it would lower energy costs and opponents saying it weakened oversight. The House also retained HB 4030 and HCR 2052 on the calendar. The House then took up third-reading votes on a long list of measures. Bills that passed included HB 2047 on forcible entry and detainer, HB 2127 on special license plates, HB 2344 on the local government investment pool, HB 2371 on dissolution of marriage, HB 2140 and HB 2620 on financial institutions and veterans services, HB 2429 on short-term rentals, HB 2434 on the prescription monitoring program, HB 2437 on emergency medical services, HB 2444 on pharmacy-based testing and treatment, HB 2573 on DUI-related psychotherapy treatment, HB 2601 on state highways and routes, HB 2781 on solar energy power plants, HB 2914 on cameras in long-term care rooms, HB 2968 on evidence in child custody proceedings, HB 4043 on public schools, HB 4064 on municipal improvement districts, HB 4130 on local government budgets, and HCM 2016 renaming a stretch of U.S. Route 191 as Chief Barbonsito Highway. HB 2726 on sleep apnea treatment failed, and HB 2123 failed on reconsideration after a close vote. Several votes featured debate over housing, energy, veterans’ services, pharmacy scope, family-court evidence rules, and the balance between local control and state oversight. The session ended with committee announcements for the following week, personal privilege remarks, and a motion to adjourn until 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, which was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• During those years, for example, there was a focus on health care workers, home care health care workers
• Injured workers deserve high quality medical care in accordance with current health care best practices
• Doctors shouldn't have to fight this hard to get care for their patients.
• That diagnosis should bring compassion and care.
• That diagnosis should bring compassion and care.

Summary: The committee first received an update from the Attorney General’s office on a new workers’ rights unit and two request bills. The office said the unit will focus on wage theft and civil rights enforcement, using existing resources for a small staff. It also described a bill to expand civil investigative demand authority for labor, wage theft, prevailing wage, and discrimination investigations, and an Immigrant Worker Protection Act that would require employer notice when federal immigration authorities request employee records, limit access to nonpublic work areas without a warrant, and restrict disclosure of employee data without proper legal process. Senators asked about costs, funding sources, and the scope of the proposed authority, and the office said it would follow up with more detail. The committee then heard a detailed presentation on Washington’s workers’ compensation system from Labor and Industries, including how claims are filed, how the medical provider network works, and how treatment authorizations and utilization review are handled. L&I said the network was created to improve care quality and return workers to work, and explained that most routine care is automatically authorized while certain procedures require prior approval or review. A question from Senator Conway focused on the role of the medical director and the appeals process; L&I said decisions can be protested and reconsidered, with exceptions reviewed through a complex treatment unit and medical staff. An experience panel followed with testimony from labor representatives, physicians, and an injured-worker attorney, who argued that the medical provider network and treatment guidelines can delay or deny needed care, especially in complex cases such as PTSD, brain injuries, and serious orthopedic injuries. They described long appeals, utilization review barriers, provider shortages, and the impact on injured workers and families, while L&I’s presentation emphasized the system’s structure and review safeguards. The committee then heard a report from the Underground Economy Task Force in the construction industry. L&I summarized the task force’s findings on worker misclassification, unregistered contractors, and unpaid taxes and premiums, and outlined consensus and majority recommendations, including better interagency communication, stronger penalties for repeat offenders, more authority to address successorship, possible contractor notice requirements, and further study of cash payments. The Attorney General’s office, labor, and business representatives generally supported the report’s goals but differed on some recommendations, especially those affecting independent contractors, contractor liability, and administrative burdens. The chair and Senator Conway thanked participants and said the report would inform future legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• institutional care.
• long-term care, managed care program.
• , they get, they also get enhanced services through the long-term care managed care waiver.
• That's everything from nursing home care to in-care, in-home care uh types of services.
• Are we seeing better access to care, uh, more timely access to care where we had really um bad access

Transcript Highlights:

• And then this Legislature enacted managed care organizations.
• understood that they've paid into a system and they do expect proper care and proper health care, would
• We are a state where access to care is not theoretical.
• We're to take care of each other.
• I understand it and I care about it.

Bills: HB3312 , HB3700 , HB2981 , HB2961 , HB3016 , HB4478 , HB4326 , HB3025 , HB3710 , HB4125 , HB2951 , HB3082 , HB4142 , HB4106 , HB1752 , HB3268 , HB4440 , HJR1067 , SB1144 , SB1145 , SB1146 , SB1147 , SB1148 , SB1156 , SB1157 , SB1158 , SB1159 , SB1161 , SB1162 , SB1163 , SB1164 , SB1165 , SB1166 , SB1149 , SB1167 , HJR1024 , SB1174 , SB1175 , SB1176 , HB3419 , HB3748 , HB4335 , HB3057 , HB3279 , HB4428 , HB3420 , HB3040 , HB4140 , HB1638 , HB3298 , HB4113 , HB1082 , HB4301 , HB3269 , HB3587 , HB4226 , HB4324 , HB4339 , HB4342 , HB3278 , HB3996 , HB4236 , HB4352

Summary: The Senate first took up House Bill 4440, a proposal related to Medicaid expansion. Pro Tem Paxton said the measure would move parts of the expansion from the Constitution into statute, add work requirements for able-bodied adults, and create a trigger if the federal FMAP match falls below 90%. Supporters argued this would give the Legislature more flexibility to manage costs and protect the program long term, while opponents said it would weaken voter-approved constitutional protections and could lead to reduced coverage or benefits. After extended debate, the bill itself passed 30-8, but the separate motion to place it on an August special election ballot failed 30-9. The Senate then advanced and passed H.J.R. 1067, a related November ballot measure that would repeal the constitutional Medicaid expansion obligation entirely; it passed 29-8. The chamber then considered several retirement cost-of-living adjustment bills. SB 1144 would provide a 3% or 6% COLA for retired teachers depending on years retired, while ending a dedicated revenue apportionment once the system reaches 100% funded or in 2036. Senators raised concerns about the long-term funding changes, but the bill passed 43-1. SB 1145 provided similar COLAs for retired state employees and passed 41-4. SB 1146 offered COLAs for police retirees and passed unanimously 48-0. SB 1147, a COLA for firefighters and volunteer firefighters with estimated added unfunded liability, was also adopted by the Senate after committee approval and proceeded to final passage as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• facilities are safe and receiving quality care.
• Chair, Secretary, do you know what the average monthly cost is for nursing home care, long-term care?
• But most people can't afford that type of care. Mr.
• With respect to the provision of your New Mexico Care Program, an individual can learn to take care of
• Chair, Emily, for the Health Care Authority, we'll...

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:06:11.840><c> professional</c> licensed health care professional licensed health care professional
• </c><00:06:52.319><c> chemotherapeutic</c> vital to begin a care chemotherapeutic vital to begin a care
• Uh they have a very care providers.
• Cole will take care of testimony. Yep. Cole will take care of it.
• ,</c><00:39:44.560><c> two</c><00:39:44.800><c> in</c> care pharmacists in primary care, two in care

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• I actually take care of the kids that we're talking about and have taken care of patients with meningitis
• We have Cindy Bishop with the Child Care Association, and we have Jonathan Pierce with the Child Care
• The Child Care Association of Louisiana is the largest and oldest child care organization in the state
• As a licensed child care provider, I am responsible every day for meeting comprehensive, Child care provider
• And we, as child care providers, are my program, the school, And we as child care providers are my program

Committee: House Education

Summary: The committee first heard HB 1079 by Rep. Boudreaux, which would allow charter schools to give enrollment preference to children who attended a licensed early learning center operated by the charter school or under an articulation agreement. An amendment expanded the preference to include children of active-duty military members, foster children, and children in court-ordered custody situations, and a second amendment clarified that the preference is permissive. Supporters said the bill would improve continuity from preschool to kindergarten and encourage more early learning centers. The committee adopted the amendments and reported HB 1079 as amended. The committee then took up HB 737 by Vice Chair Amedee, which would remove the state requirement that students show proof of meningococcal vaccination for school or post-secondary entry. The author argued the bill aligns state law with updated CDC guidance and preserves parental choice and physician consultation, while opponents, including pediatricians, public health advocates, and meningitis survivors, warned that removing the requirement would lower vaccination rates and increase the risk of severe illness or death. After extensive testimony and questions, the committee voted 4-8 against the motion to report the bill, so HB 737 failed. Next, the committee considered HB 628 by Rep. Landry, as substituted, to allow school boards and the Department of Education to work with licensed early learning centers to operate micro centers at schools, including dual licensing at one location. Supporters said it would expand access for three-year-olds, improve school readiness, and help families and the workforce. The substitute was adopted, and the bill was reported by substitute without objection. Finally, the committee heard HB 1008 by Rep. Owen, which would prohibit public post-secondary institutions from retaliating against faculty for disclosing certain violations or exercising academic freedom and free speech. The author and a professor witness said the bill would protect open inquiry and reduce self-censorship in higher education. The committee adopted two amendments to clarify academic freedom and tighten remedies; the transcript cuts off before any final vote on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> every motan has access to dental care. every motan has access to dental care.
• </c><00:07:38.560><c> For</c> innovative care delivery models. For innovative care delivery models.
• </c> example, Apple Tree brings mobile care example, Apple Tree brings mobile care to<00:07:40.960><c
• </c> reimbursement rates, inconsistent care reimbursement rates, inconsistent care coordination,<00:10
• ,</c><00:10:29.440><c> and</c> the fee for service, managed care, and the fee for service, managed care

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, we we look at child carees.
• </c><01:12:21.199><c> I</c> strengthening our systems of care. I strengthening our systems of care.
• They have to provide quality care day after day. Physical care that's grueling.
• Physical care that's grueling. Is day. Physical care that's grueling.
• </c> healthc care is a privilege. healthc care is a privilege.

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, including roll call and approval of the prior meeting minutes, with one member abstaining because of absence and one member opposing. The main informational items were a Department of Health and Human Services update on the rural health transformation grant and a public health briefing on vaccines, followed by a quarterly budget and staffing update and an annual report from the Permanent Subcommittee on Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Related Dementias. Commissioner Lori Weaver reported that the department submitted the rural health transformation grant application on November 4, described it as reflecting input from communities and providers statewide, and said CMS review and budget negotiations would follow before final approval on December 31. She said the grant could support hiring as long as administrative costs stay within the 10% cap, and that the governor’s office will oversee administration with HHS. Ian Watt then testified that New Hampshire remains committed to vaccine access, including through the universal purchase program and annual respiratory virus guidance for flu, RSV, and COVID-19. He said the state continues to use evidence-based review for vaccine policy, noted the CDC’s change regarding the combined MMRV vaccine for the first dose in young children, and said New Hampshire’s school vaccine mandates remain at nine for schoolchildren and 10 for child care, with statutory exemptions still in place. Department staff also said there have been no supply or funding problems affecting childhood vaccine access. Nathan White, the department’s CFO, reviewed the DHHS budget and vacancy trends. He said DHHS makes up a large share of the state budget, that about 31% of its budget is general funds subject to lapse, and that lapse projections are difficult because much of the budget is driven by utilization rather than personnel. He reported current projected general fund lapse of just under $20 million, compared with about $39 million in the statewide surplus statement, and explained that only about a third of DHHS general funds can actually lapse because of statutory restrictions. He also said the department has about 400 unfunded positions, contributing to roughly a $30 million general fund reduction across the biennium, and that the hiring freeze has pushed vacancy trends upward while critical direct-care positions are being prioritized. The Alzheimer’s subcommittee reported six meetings this year, presentations on state services, silver alerts, brain health awareness, and palliative/hospice care, and work toward a new state Alzheimer’s plan. The subcommittee is developing a needs-assessment survey for people living with dementia, caregivers, and service providers, with the goal of using the results and other data sources to inform the plan. Its recommendations focus on integrating Alzheimer’s and dementia materials into chronic disease and aging outreach, embedding brain health into systems of care, adding cognitive health measures to BRFSS, and continuing partnerships with statewide organizations. Members also discussed recent research and prevention efforts, and the committee noted that a separate bill is being pursued to include Alzheimer’s and dementia in existing public health awareness campaigns.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh again, I to eye care in Kentucky.
• Ellis, real quick, if you don't care, uh, where we are trying to work on time, uh, do you care if we
• We with other health care professions.
• </c> trust in health care professions. trust in health care professions.
• There's no doubt in American health care we're going to have a shortage of a lot of health care providers

Summary: The subcommittee approved the minutes from the previous meeting and then took up several regulations. The first was a Department of Veterans Affairs regulation, with a staff amendment, to allow nurse practitioners to apply for the Veterans Affairs nurse loan repayment program year-round and to make technical drafting changes. The committee heard from the Office of Kentucky Veteran Centers, then adopted the staff amendment and approved the regulation without objection. The main item of the meeting was the Board of Optometric Examiners’ proposed amendment to 201 KAR 5:010, which would allow applicants to use the Optometry Examining Board of Canada written exam in place of part one of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry exam for licensure. The board said the change would improve access to care, provide an additional pathway for Canadian-trained candidates, and still require applicants to pass the remaining national board parts. Opponents, including NBEO officials, ARBO, Pearson VUE, and several optometrists, argued the Canadian exam is not equivalent, does not test the same biomedical science content, is not validated for U.S. scope of practice, and raises concerns about test security, transparency, and portability across states. They urged the committee to find the amendment deficient or vote no. Committee members questioned both sides about prior communication with the board, whether Kentucky would be the first state to adopt such a change, the rationale for the proposal, and the cost difference between the exams. Supporters said the board had received some written comments and one phone call, and that the proposal was driven by access concerns and the presence of Canadian students. Opponents said they had not had direct discussions with the Kentucky board before the hearing. No final vote on the optometry regulation is reflected in the transcript excerpt, but the committee heard extensive testimony and rebuttal before moving on.

Transcript Highlights:

• She was placed in foster care for five and a half months.
• Inpatient psychiatric care for suicidal thoughts.
• She was placed in foster care for five and a half months.
• J.R. requires 24-hour nursing care and supervision. B.H.D.'
• And as a result, I still have the same child care needs every day.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The committee first took up CS for Senate Bill 304, which would address child protective investigations involving children with certain pre-existing genetic or medical conditions. Senator Sharif said the bill is intended to prevent children from being wrongly removed from their families when symptoms of conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, rickets, or vitamin deficiencies are mistaken for abuse. Several parents and advocates testified in support, describing long dependency cases and removals they said were caused by misdiagnosis. The committee adopted a substitute amendment that removed language requiring certain medical personnel to provide differential-diagnosis analysis, and the bill then passed favorably with unanimous support. The committee then heard SB 1430 on post-judgment execution proceedings relating to terrorism, sponsored by Senator Collins, who described the long effort by U.S. victims of the FARC to enforce a federal judgment and recover assets. The bill would clarify procedures for terrorism-related judgments, modernize intangible asset law, and help prevent terrorists from hiding assets or blocking wire transfers. After one supportive appearance form and no debate, the bill passed favorably. The committee also approved SB 96, a local claims bill for Jacob Rogers, and SB 382, an affordable housing rent bill that was amended to define base rent and apply to certain shorter-term rental agreements entered after July 1, 2026; SB 382 drew support from housing advocates and some opposition, but passed unanimously. Several claims bills were also approved: SB 4 for Patricia Armini, SB 6 for Jose Correa, SB 28 for Darlene Engerville and J.R., SB 30 for the estate of M.N., and SB 24 for Mandy Penny Lemon, each involving injuries or damages caused by local government or hospital district negligence and each reported favorably after brief testimony and roll calls. The committee also passed SB 658 on waiver or release of liens after discussion about form language and enforceability. SB 72, which would allow campaign funds to pay certain child care expenses incurred while a candidate is actively campaigning, prompted questions about definitions and safeguards; the sponsor said the bill would require the expense to exist only because of campaign activity, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee approved SB 1142 on release of conservation easements, which would create a statewide process for releasing certain small, low-value parcels from conservation easements if mitigation credits are secured elsewhere. The bill drew support from the sponsor and a property representative, but environmental advocates and President Passidomo raised concerns about flood control, wildlife corridors, and whether the bill was too property-specific; the sponsor said he would continue working on the language. The committee also heard extensive testimony on SB 1622, which would repeal the 2018 customary use law and restore local authority over public beach access. Supporters argued the current law has privatized beaches, hurt tourism, and led to harassment and conflict, while opponents defended private property rights and warned against taking away owners’ ability to exclude others. The transcript ends during testimony on SB 1622, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• 06:53.120><c> they</c> unfortunately, during the care, they unfortunately, during the care, they didn't
• </c> write anything for the health care write anything for the health care providers.<00:07:28.840><c
• Would anybody else care to testify on this item? Thank you.
• </c> prescribed by a licensed health care prescribed by a licensed health care provider,<00:09:00.040
• Would anybody else care to testify on this<00:09:31.400><c> item?

Bills: SCR63 , SCR8 , SCR160 , SCR90 , SCR93

Committee: House Human Services & Homelessness

Summary: The House Committee on Human Services and Homelessness heard several resolutions focused on disability access, housing, and support for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries. SCR 63 SD1 would have the Disability and Communication Access Board study communication needs in health care settings for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind and revise provider guidance; testimony was strongly supportive, including from the board, a physician, and a family member who described harmful delays in care, and the committee later recommended passage as is. SCR 8 would require counties to act within 45 days on completed permit applications for home modifications needed for an older adult or person with a disability; testimony noted delays in permitting and financing, and the committee recommended passage as is. The committee also heard SCR 160, which urges state housing agencies to create a “housing ladder” program to help individuals and families move from subsidized to unsubsidized housing. Hawaii Public Housing Authority and other agencies supported the concept, and DHS described its family self-sufficiency program and said prior federal resident-services funding had declined over the past 20 years. The committee acknowledged the program may already exist in some form but still recommended adoption of the resolution as is. SCR 90 would ask county planning departments to establish kupuna-friendly building permit requirements for parking accessibility in private businesses. The committee moved it forward with an HD1 for technical amendments; a member raised concern that the measure did not specify the age threshold for “kupuna,” and said they would vote with reservations. Finally, SCR 93 would direct DHHL and the Statewide Office of Homelessness and Housing Solutions to develop a coordinated support and stabilization pathway for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries experiencing homelessness or very low income. DHHL said it is already operating a transitional housing effort called Ka Leo Opu Mama for about 18 beneficiaries using more than $6 million in federal Nah Ho Sa funds, with no dedicated state funding, and the committee recommended passage as is. The meeting ended with the chair thanking testifiers and members and adjourning the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• It allows child care operators and at-home child care facilities to provide child care without additional
• But we can't look at zoning and child care in a vacuum.
• Finally, child care is a revenue generator.
• For every dollar invested in child care, states realize about $2 in local spending because child care
• child care providers spend their earnings locally.

Summary: The committee first took up SB 96, which would reduce local zoning, fee, parking, HOA, and sprinkler-related barriers for child care operators and home-based child care facilities. The sponsor and the Early Childhood Education and Care Department said the bill is intended to expand child care access, especially in rural areas and child care deserts, while maintaining safety standards. Firefighters, child care advocates, and other supporters testified in favor, while one member objected to the bill’s limits on local control. The committee asked about “stacking spaces” and parking rules, then approved SB 96 on a 7-4 vote. The committee then considered House Bill 303, as amended, dealing with utility construction and certificate of convenience and necessity timing. Utility representatives from El Paso Electric, Xcel Energy, and PNM, along with consumer and energy groups, supported the bill, saying it would let utilities begin construction before the CCN process is complete, with the utility bearing the risk and no cost recovery if approval is later denied. Members questioned impacts on ratepayers, PRC oversight, co-ops, and the bill’s policy rationale. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed HB 303 as amended unanimously, 11-0. Finally, the committee heard House Memorial 6, as substituted, which asked for a study of private equity involvement in critical utilities and whether the state should consider a direct equity stake in utilities. Supporters argued the memorial would provide independent data before major ownership decisions, citing concerns about private equity acquisitions and the need to protect ratepayers and public interests. Opponents, including utility and business representatives, argued the PRC already has authority and expertise, warned about due process and conflict-of-interest concerns, and said the memorial could create uncertainty for investment. After extensive debate, the committee first tabled the committee substitute and then tabled HM 6 itself on an 8-3 vote, ending consideration of the memorial.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's outlets in strip malls where you can go take care of your registration, go take care of your
• We have top-notch hearing care, top-notch hearing aids, top-notch quality care, because he used somebody
• is actually not caring for the children.
• Our family child care center also closed.
• Access to child care matters.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, observed a moment of silence for Alex Prettie, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several visiting groups in the gallery, including UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute fellows and community college representatives. The body approved the Senate journals and then confirmed two gubernatorial appointments: Dr. Hernando Garsohn as Chief Medical Officer at the Emergency Medical Services Authority and Stephanie Weldon as Deputy Director of the Office of Health Equity at the Department of Public Health, both by 39-0 votes. The chamber then took up a series of third-reading bills. Measures that passed included SB 799 on the South Bay Regional Housing Trust, SB 33 on public contracts and contractor payment claims, SB 222 to streamline permitting for heat pump installations, SB 300 to strengthen protections for minors in AI chatbot interactions, SB 457 on community land trusts and affordable housing, SB 479 allowing certain cities to share information in homeless response teams, SB 719 extending a reporting sunset on automated decision systems, SB 722 protecting mobile home park residents from demolition-related displacement, SB 832 updating the Upper Los Angeles River working group, SB 342 on contractor license lapse rules, SB 490 on inspections of unlicensed treatment facilities, SB 828 requiring better state-local permit verification after the Esparto fireworks tragedy, SB 849 barring physician license renewal after specified sexual misconduct, SB 742 addressing decommissioned electrical lines and wildfire risk, SB 96 on over-amplified streaming and digital ads, SB 677 as a technical cleanup to last year’s housing law, and SB 58 on hydrogen sulfide monitoring and public health. Most of these bills passed unanimously or with overwhelming support; SB 222 and SB 677 drew some no votes but still passed. The most extended debate centered on SB 694, which would align California law with federal VA accreditation rules for those assisting veterans with benefits claims and impose penalties for unauthorized claims assistance and data access. Supporters argued it would protect veterans from predatory “claim shark” practices and ensure only accredited providers charge fees; opponents said it would reduce veterans’ choice and could limit access to needed help. After a motion to pull the bill from Rules and take it up immediately passed 29-9, the Senate approved SB 694 on a 29-10 vote. The session concluded with unanimous approval of the consent calendar and adjournment until January 27, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Benefit the child care services program to state affairs.
• care facilities to Health and Human Services.
• Of care of certain landlords regarding disasters to health and human services.
• their capacity to care for children, to finance.
• Relating to itemized billing for health care services and supplies provided by health care providers

Bills: SJR36 , SB2 , SJR6 , SJR7 , SJR8 , SJR9 , SJR10 , SJR11 , SJR12 , SJR13 , SJR14 , SJR15 , SJR16 , SJR17 , SJR18 , SJR19 , SJR20 , SJR21 , SJR22 , SJR23 , SJR24 , SJR25 , SJR26 , SJR27 , SJR28 , SJR29 , SJR30 , SJR31 , SJR32 , SJR49 , SCR1 , SCR2 , SCR3 , SCR4 , SCR5 , SCR6 , SCR8 , SCR9 , SB9 , SB41 , SB42 , SB43 , SB44 , SB45 , SB46 , SB47 , SB48 , SB49 , SB50 , SB51 , SB52 , SB53 , SB54 , SB55 , SB56 , SB57 , SB58 , SB59 , SB60 , SB61 , SB62 , SB63 , SB64 , SB65 , SB66 , SB67 , SB68 , SB69 , SB70 , SB71 , SB72 , SB73 , SB74 , SB75 , SB76 , SB77 , SB78 , SB79 , SB80 , SB81 , SB82 , SB83 , SB84 , SB85 , SB86 , SB87 , SB88 , SB89 , SB90 , SB91 , SB92 , SB93 , SB94 , SB95 , SB96 , SB97 , SB98 , SB99 , SB100 , SB101 , SB102 , SB103 , SB104 , SB105 , SB106 , SB107 , SB108 , SB109 , SB110 , SB111 , SB112 , SB113 , SB114 , SB115 , SB116 , SB117 , SB118 , SB119 , SB120 , SB121 , SB122 , SB123 , SB124 , SB125 , SB126 , SB127 , SB128 , SB129 , SB130 , SB131 , SB132 , SB133 , SB134 , SB135 , SB136 , SB137 , SB138 , SB139 , SB140 , SB141 , SB142 , SB143 , SB144 , SB145 , SB146 , SB147 , SB148 , SB149 , SB150 , SB151 , SB152 , SB153 , SB154 , SB155 , SB156 , SB157 , SB158 , SB159 , SB160 , SB161 , SB162 , SB163 , SB164 , SB165 , SB166 , SB167 , SB168 , SB169 , SB170 , SB171 , SB172 , SB173 , SB174 , SB175 , SB176 , SB177 , SB178 , SB179 , SB180 , SB181 , SB182 , SB183 , SB184 , SB185 , SB186 , SB187 , SB188 , SB189 , SB190 , SB191 , SB192 , SB193 , SB194 , SB195 , SB196 , SB197 , SB198 , SB199 , SB200 , SB201 , SB202 , SB203 , SB204 , SB205 , SB206 , SB207 , SB208 , SB209 , SB210 , SB211 , SB212 , SB213 , SB214 , SB215 , SB216 , SB217 , SB218 , SB219 , SB220 , SB221 , SB222 , SB223 , SB224 , SB225 , SB226 , SB227 , SB228 , SB229 , SB230 , SB231 , SB232 , SB233 , SB234 , SB235 , SB236 , SB237 , SB238 , SB239 , SB240 , SB241 , SB242 , SB243 , SB244 , SB245 , SB246 , SB247 , SB248 , SB249 , SB250 , SB251 , SB252 , SB253 , SB254 , SB255 , SB256 , SB257 , SB258 , SB259 , SB260 , SB261 , SB262 , SB263 , SB264 , SB265 , SB266 , SB267 , SB268 , SB269 , SB270 , SB271 , SB272 , SB273 , SB274 , SB275 , SB276 , SB277 , SB278 , SB279 , SB280 , SB281 , SB282 , SB283 , SB284 , SB285 , SB286 , SB287 , SB288 , SB289 , SB290 , SB291 , SB292 , SB293 , SB294 , SB295 , SB296 , SB297 , SB298 , SB299 , SB300 , SB301 , SB302 , SB303 , SB304 , SB305 , SB306 , SB307 , SB308 , SB309 , SB310 , SB311 , SB312 , SB313 , SB314 , SB315 , SB316 , SB317 , SB318 , SB319 , SB320 , SB321 , SB322 , SB323 , SB324 , SB325 , SB326 , SB327 , SB328 , SB329 , SB330 , SB331 , SB332 , SB333 , SB334 , SB335 , SB336 , SB337 , SB338 , SB339 , SB340 , SB341 , SB342 , SB343 , SB344 , SB345 , SB346 , SB347 , SB348 , SB349 , SB350 , SB351 , SB352 , SB353 , SB354 , SB355 , SB356 , SB357 , SB358 , SB359 , SB360 , SB361 , SB362 , SB363 , SB364 , SB365 , SB366 , SB367 , SB368 , SB369 , SB370 , SB371 , SB372 , SB373 , SB374 , SB375 , SB376 , SB377 , SB378 , SB379 , SB380 , SB381 , SB382 , SB383 , SB384 , SB385 , SB386 , SB387 , SB388 , SB389 , SB390 , SB391 , SB392 , SB393 , SB394 , SB395 , SB396 , SB397 , SB398 , SB399 , SB400 , SB401 , SB402 , SB403 , SB404 , SB405 , SB406 , SB407 , SB408 , SB409 , SB410 , SB411 , SB412 , SB413 , SB414 , SB415 , SB416 , SB417 , SB418 , SB419 , SB420 , SB421 , SB422 , SB423 , SB424 , SB425 , SB426 , SB427 , SB428 , SB429 , SB430 , SB431 , SB432 , SB433 , SB434 , SB435 , SB436 , SB437 , SB438 , SB439 , SB440 , SB441 , SB442 , SB443 , SB444 , SB445 , SB446 , SB447 , SB448 , SB449 , SB450 , SB451 , SB452 , SB453 , SB454 , SB455 , SB456 , SB457 , SB458 , SB459 , SB460 , SB461 , SB462 , SB463 , SB464 , SB465 , SB466 , SB467 , SB468 , SB469 , SB470 , SB471 , SB472 , SB473 , SB474 , SB475 , SB476 , SB477 , SB478 , SB479 , SB480 , SB481 , SB482 , SB483 , SB484 , SB485 , SB486 , SB487 , SB488 , SB489 , SB490 , SB491 , SB492 , SB493 , SB494 , SB495 , SB496 , SB497 , SB498 , SB499 , SB500 , SB501 , SB502 , SB503 , SB504 , SB505 , SB506 , SB507 , SB508 , SB509 , SB510 , SB511 , SB512 , SB513 , SB514 , SB515 , SB516 , SB517 , SB518 , SB519 , SB520 , SB521 , SB522 , SB523 , SB524 , SB525 , SB526 , SB527 , SB528 , SB529 , SB530 , SB531 , SB532 , SB533 , SB534 , SB535 , SB536 , SB537 , SB538 , SB539 , SB540 , SB541 , SB542 , SB543 , SB544 , SB545 , SB546 , SB547 , SB548 , SB549 , SB550 , SB551 , SB552 , SB553 , SB554 , SB555 , SB556 , SB557 , SB558 , SB559 , SB560 , SB561 , SB562 , SB563 , SB564 , SB565 , SB566 , SB567 , SB568 , SB569 , SB570 , SB571 , SB572 , SB573 , SB574 , SB575 , SB576 , SB577 , SB578 , SB579 , SB580 , SB581 , SB582 , SB583 , SB584 , SB585 , SB586 , SB587 , SB588 , SB589 , SB590 , SB591 , SB592 , SB593 , SB594 , SB595 , SB596 , SB597 , SB598 , SB599 , SB600 , SB601 , SB602 , SB603 , SB604 , SB605 , SB606 , SB607 , SB608 , SB609 , SB610 , SB611 , SB612 , SB613 , SB614 , SB615 , SB616 , SB617 , SB618 , SB619 , SB620 , SB621 , SB622 , SB623 , SB624 , SB625 , SB626 , SB627 , SB628 , SB629 , SB630 , SB631 , SB632 , SB633 , SB634 , SB635 , SB636 , SB637 , SB638 , SB639 , SB640 , SB641 , SB642 , SB643 , SB644 , SB645 , SB646 , SB647 , SB648 , SB649 , SB650 , SB651 , SB652 , SB653 , SB654 , SB655 , SB656 , SB657 , SB658 , SB659 , SB660 , SB661 , SB662 , SB663 , SB664 , SB665 , SB666 , SB667 , SB668 , SB669 , SB670 , SB671 , SB672 , SB673 , SB674 , SB675 , SB676 , SB677 , SB678 , SB679 , SB680 , SB681 , SB682 , SB683 , SB684 , SB685 , SB686 , SB687 , SB688 , SB689 , SB690 , SB691 , SB692 , SB693 , SB694 , SB695 , SB696 , SB697 , SB699 , SB700 , SB1047 , SB1048 , SJR6 , SJR7 , SJR8 , SJR9 , SJR10 , SJR11 , SJR12 , SJR13 , SJR14 , SJR15 , SJR16 , SJR17 , SJR18 , SJR19 , SJR20 , SJR21 , SJR22 , SJR23 , SJR24 , SJR25 , SJR26 , SJR27 , SJR28 , SJR29 , SJR30 , SJR31 , SJR32 , SJR49 , SCR1 , SCR2 , SCR3 , SCR4 , SCR5 , SCR6 , SCR8 , SCR9 , SB9 , SB41 , SB42 , SB43 , SB44 , SB45 , SB46 , SB47 , SB48 , SB49 , SB50 , SB51 , SB52 , SB53 , SB54 , SB55 , SB56 , SB57 , SB58 , SB59 , SB60 , SB61 , SB62 , SB63 , SB64 , SB65 , SB66 , SB67 , SB68 , SB69 , SB70 , SB71 , SB72 , SB73 , SB74 , SB75 , SB76 , SB77 , SB78 , SB79 , SB80 , SB81 , SB82 , SB83 , SB84 , SB85 , SB86 , SB87 , SB88 , SB89 , SB90 , SB91 , SB92 , SB93 , SB94 , SB95 , SB96 , SB97 , SB98 , SB99 , SB100 , SB101 , SB102 , SB103 , SB104 , SB105 , SB106 , SB107 , SB108 , SB109 , SB110 , SB111 , SB112 , SB113 , SB114 , SB115 , SB116 , SB117 , SB118 , SB119 , SB120 , SB121 , SB122 , SB123 , SB124 , SB125 , SB126 , SB127 , SB128 , SB129 , SB130 , SB131 , SB132 , SB133 , SB134 , SB135 , SB136 , SB137 , SB138 , SB139 , SB140 , SB141 , SB142 , SB143 , SB144 , SB145 , SB146 , SB147 , SB148 , SB149 , SB150 , SB151 , SB152 , SB153 , SB154 , SB155 , SB156 , SB157 , SB158 , SB159 , SB160 , SB161 , SB162 , SB163 , SB164 , SB165 , SB166 , SB167 , SB168 , SB169 , SB170 , SB171 , SB172 , SB173 , SB174 , SB175 , SB176 , SB177 , SB178 , SB179 , SB180 , SB181 , SB182 , SB183 , SB184 , SB185 , SB186 , SB187 , SB188 , SB189 , SB190 , SB191 , SB192 , SB193 , SB194 , SB195 , SB196 , SB197 , SB198 , SB199 , SB200 , SB201 , SB202 , SB203 , SB204 , SB205 , SB206 , SB207 , SB208 , SB209 , SB210 , SB211 , SB212 , SB213 , SB214 , SB215 , SB216 , SB217 , SB218 , SB219 , SB220 , SB221 , SB222 , SB223 , SB224 , SB225 , SB226 , SB227 , SB228 , SB229 , SB230 , SB231 , SB232 , SB233 , SB234 , SB235 , SB236 , SB237 , SB238 , SB239 , SB240 , SB241 , SB242 , SB243 , SB244 , SB245 , SB246 , SB247 , SB248 , SB249 , SB250 , SB251 , SB252 , SB253 , SB254 , SB255 , SB256 , SB257 , SB258 , SB259 , SB260 , SB261 , SB262 , SB263 , SB264 , SB265 , SB266 , SB267 , SB268 , SB269 , SB270 , SB271 , SB272 , SB273 , SB274 , SB275 , SB276 , SB277 , SB278 , SB279 , SB280 , SB281 , SB282 , SB283 , SB284 , SB285 , SB286 , SB287 , SB288 , SB289 , SB290 , SB291 , SB292 , SB293 , SB294 , SB295 , SB296 , SB297 , SB298 , SB299 , SB300 , SB301 , SB302 , SB303 , SB304 , SB305 , SB306 , SB307 , SB308 , SB309 , SB310 , SB311 , SB312 , SB313 , SB314 , SB315 , SB316 , SB317 , SB318 , SB319 , SB320 , SB321 , SB322 , SB323 , SB324 , SB325 , SB326 , SB327 , SB328 , SB329 , SB330 , SB331 , SB332 , SB333 , SB334 , SB335 , SB336 , SB337 , SB338 , SB339 , SB340 , SB341 , SB342 , SB343 , SB344 , SB345 , SB346 , SB347 , SB348 , SB349 , SB350 , SB351 , SB352 , SB353 , SB354 , SB355 , SB356 , SB357 , SB358 , SB359 , SB360 , SB361 , SB362 , SB363 , SB364 , SB365 , SB366 , SB367 , SB368 , SB369 , SB370 , SB371 , SB372 , SB373 , SB374 , SB375 , SB376 , SB377 , SB378 , SB379 , SB380 , SB381 , SB382 , SB383 , SB384 , SB385 , SB386 , SB387 , SB388 , SB389 , SB390 , SB391 , SB392 , SB393 , SB394 , SB395 , SB396 , SB397 , SB398 , SB399 , SB400 , SB401 , SB402 , SB403 , SB404 , SB405 , SB406 , SB407 , SB408 , SB409 , SB410 , SB411 , SB412 , SB413 , SB414 , SB415 , SB416 , SB417 , SB418 , SB419 , SB420 , SB421 , SB422 , SB423 , SB424 , SB425 , SB426 , SB427 , SB428 , SB429 , SB430 , SB431 , SB432 , SB433 , SB434 , SB435 , SB436 , SB437 , SB438 , SB439 , SB440 , SB441 , SB442 , SB443 , SB444 , SB445 , SB446 , SB447 , SB448 , SB449 , SB450 , SB451 , SB452 , SB453 , SB454 , SB455 , SB456 , SB457 , SB458 , SB459 , SB460 , SB461 , SB462 , SB463 , SB464 , SB465 , SB466 , SB467 , SB468 , SB469 , SB470 , SB471 , SB472 , SB473 , SB474 , SB475 , SB476 , SB477 , SB478 , SB479 , SB480 , SB481 , SB482 , SB483 , SB484 , SB485 , SB486 , SB487 , SB488 , SB489 , SB490 , SB491 , SB492 , SB493 , SB494 , SB495 , SB496 , SB497 , SB498 , SB499 , SB500 , SB501 , SB502 , SB503 , SB504 , SB505 , SB506 , SB507 , SB508 , SB509 , SB510 , SB511 , SB512 , SB513 , SB514 , SB515 , SB516 , SB517 , SB518 , SB519 , SB520 , SB521 , SB522 , SB523 , SB524 , SB525 , SB526 , SB527 , SB528 , SB529 , SB530 , SB531 , SB532 , SB533 , SB534 , SB535 , SB536 , SB537 , SB538 , SB539 , SB540 , SB541 , SB542 , SB543 , SB544 , SB545 , SB546 , SB547 , SB548 , SB549 , SB550 , SB551 , SB552 , SB553 , SB554 , SB555 , SB556 , SB557 , SB558 , SB559 , SB560 , SB561 , SB562 , SB563 , SB564 , SB565 , SB566 , SB567 , SB568 , SB569 , SB570 , SB571 , SB572 , SB573 , SB574 , SB575 , SB576 , SB577 , SB578 , SB579 , SB580 , SB581 , SB582 , SB583 , SB584 , SB585 , SB586 , SB587 , SB588 , SB589 , SB590 , SB591 , SB592 , SB593 , SB594 , SB595 , SB596 , SB597 , SB598 , SB599 , SB600 , SB601 , SB602 , SB603 , SB604 , SB605 , SB606 , SB607 , SB608 , SB609 , SB610 , SB611 , SB612 , SB613 , SB614 , SB615 , SB616 , SB617 , SB618 , SB619 , SB620 , SB621 , SB622 , SB623 , SB624 , SB625 , SB626 , SB627 , SB628 , SB629 , SB630 , SB631 , SB632 , SB633 , SB634 , SB635 , SB636 , SB637 , SB638 , SB639 , SB640 , SB641 , SB642 , SB643 , SB644 , SB645 , SB646 , SB647 , SB648 , SB649 , SB650 , SB651 , SB652 , SB653 , SB654 , SB655 , SB656 , SB657 , SB658 , SB659 , SB660 , SB661 , SB662 , SB663 , SB664 , SB665 , SB666 , SB667 , SB668 , SB669 , SB670 , SB671 , SB672 , SB673 , SB674 , SB675 , SB676 , SB677 , SB678 , SB679 , SB680 , SB681 , SB682 , SB683 , SB684 , SB685 , SB686 , SB687 , SB688 , SB689 , SB690 , SB691 , SB692 , SB693 , SB694 , SB695 , SB696 , SB697 , SB699 , SB700 , SB1047 , SB1048

Transcript Highlights:

• > direct</c><00:08:10.240><c> care</c><00:08:10.400><c> and</c> health care system, direct care and health
• care from our state's fantastic health care providers.
• </c> year will lose care access to care that year will lose care access to care that we<00:52:24.599>
• </c> long-term care in Minnesota? long-term care in Minnesota?
• it's the community care hub. This is the it's the community care hub.

Committee: Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• providers develop nutrition care plans for the medically tailored meals.
• , then we have to treat food like it is health care.
• My mother had a health care worker who prepared the meals from her SNAP benefits.
• My mother had a health care worker who prepared the meals from her SNAP benefits. health care worker
• And when you think you've gotten one thing taken care of, you know...

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee met on the first day of the 2026 session and heard a briefing and public testimony on Senate Bill 5966 concerning medically tailored meals. Committee staff explained that the bill would define medically tailored meals and set statewide standards for meals provided through state programs, emphasizing medical guidance, dietary and cultural accommodations, and prioritizing Washington-based nonprofit providers when possible. Senator T’wina Nobles, the sponsor, said the bill is intended to create a clear baseline for quality and accountability without expanding benefits or creating a new program, but rather to streamline and standardize existing efforts. Testifiers in support described existing medically tailored meal and food box programs already operating in Washington. Representatives from Meals on Wheels, Chicken Soup Brigade, Cascadia Produce, Emergency Food Network, and Meals on Wheels Spokane said these programs improve health outcomes for people with chronic conditions, support recovery, and help keep people stable in their communities. They also emphasized that local providers, volunteers, farmers, and food businesses benefit when state dollars stay in Washington. Several members asked whether the bill would create a new system; supporters said it would instead coordinate and standardize current waiver-based and contract-based services. Questions also touched on funding sources, delivery costs, and the role of Medicaid and other programs. The committee temporarily set aside the bill to hear from newly appointed DSHS Secretary Angela Ramirez, who outlined the department’s reorganization into new administrations and said the goal is to reduce silos, improve customer experience, and make services easier to navigate. She also briefed members on federal HR1-related changes affecting SNAP and Medicaid, including work requirements, immigrant eligibility changes, and tribal consultation, and said DSHS is developing a verification hub to reduce administrative burden. Members raised concerns about implementation, data collection, and how to avoid benefit loss due to paperwork issues. After the secretary’s presentation, the committee resumed testimony on SB 5966 and then adjourned without taking a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's an act to amend title 14 of the dollar code related to child care.
• And, you know, child care is a really big deal.
• And if they have child care opportunities, or they could be coaxed into doing child care opportunities
• And the key stakeholders are business people who need child care.
• And I think we'd all agree that you track what you care about.

Bills: SB293 , SB279

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The Senate Education Committee approved the June 10 minutes and then heard House Bill 447, which would create a framework for voluntary child care cost-sharing partnerships among the state, employers, community sponsors, and families. Supporters said the bill is meant to help make child care more affordable and support workforce participation by using the existing Interagency Resource Management Committee to coordinate planning and funding. Committee discussion focused on how the tri-share model would work, who would participate, and whether it would reach lower-income families; no public comment was offered on the bill. The committee then took up House Bill 300, as amended, which would establish a statewide Title IX coordinator within the Department of Education to provide training, technical assistance, data collection, and oversight for interscholastic athletics in grades 6 through 12. The bill’s sponsor and supporters said the position would help schools comply with Title IX, improve consistency, and make athletic participation and spending data more transparent; opponents or skeptics questioned whether a new DOE position was needed and whether districts were already meeting their obligations. The sponsor and witnesses responded that existing federal data are delayed and incomplete, that some Delaware schools have participation gaps, and that a state-level coordinator would provide needed support and accountability. Public comment on HB 300 included testimony from the Delaware State Education Association, the Delaware Association of School Administrators, the Delaware School Sports Network, and the Office of Women’s Advancement and Advocacy, all generally supporting the bill or its goals. DASA noted it remained neutral but appreciated changes made in House Amendment 1 to reduce reporting burden. After public comment, the chair asked members to sign the bill release forms for the two bills heard, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The child care providers, and I believe that's with our modernization of our IT systems.
• Child care providers, and I believe that's with our modernization of our IT systems.
• and staff, so it's furthering the workforce and supporting the workforce in child care.
• Furthering the workforce and supporting the workforce in child care. Any additional questions?
• On behalf of the Agency for Health Care Administration, my name is Brian Meyer.

Summary: The Legislative Budget Commission met to consider 21 budget amendments, beginning with the Department of Education’s request for $14.751 million in federal grant authority for the Preschool Development Grant. Members asked whether any funds would support VPK or provider payments; the department said the money is for birth-to-kindergarten early learning work, including IT modernization, workforce credentialing, training, and streamlining director certification. The amendment was adopted without objection. The commission then approved amendments for the Department of Veterans Affairs to shift $2.2 million within its trust fund to cover higher nursing home occupancy and reduce staffing agency use, and for the Department of Health to realign about $9.1 million for disability determinations amid a backlog of roughly 140,000 cases. The Agency for Health Care Administration presented multiple Medicaid-related amendments, including $766 million for indirect medical education, $1.9 million for managed care network adequacy audits, $209 million for the Rural Health Transformation Program, and several large supplemental payment programs for KidCare, hospitals, physicians, cancer hospitals, nursing IME, and public hospital payments. Members questioned network adequacy, rural access, and the KidCare surplus and expansion; the KidCare realignment drew debate, with some members objecting because the 2023 eligibility expansion has not been implemented, but the amendment passed on a roll call vote. Other amendments adopted included FDLE’s $16.3 million for counter-UAS detection and mitigation equipment, DJJ’s $1.6 million for Florida Scholars Academy and a Social Services Block Grant realignment, and emergency management pass-throughs for FIFA World Cup security and counter-drone funding to the Miami host committee. The Department of Commerce received $148.4 million for disaster recovery under the CDBG-DR program, with questions about the split between housing, infrastructure, and administrative costs. The Department of State also received $408,377 for arts and culture grant authority. Most amendments were adopted without objection, and the commission adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Improve health care outcomes for rural residents.
• Truck Services Spring advance care to the world community.
• The other point is compensated care.
• So we're number one in the nation for using the Affordable Care Act.
• And we the nation for using the Affordable Care Act.