Transcript Highlights:

• Sarah Alri, you care to continue your explanation? That should take care of it.
• There, Stanley, care to close?
• I don't care about organizations. I care about kids and teachers. That's it.
• But what ended up getting spun out was that I didn't want to take care of kids on IEP, so I didn't care
• Senator Hicks, do you care to vote? Senator Mann, do you care to vote?

Bills: SB1632, SB1594, SB2045, SB1251, SB1884, SB1250, SB1630, SB1262, SB1374, SB1292, SB1432, SB1199, SB1790, SB1481, SB1614, SB1734, SB1437, SB1489, SB1718, SB1778

Keywords: career readiness, education reform, high school assessments, workplace skills, state education, credentialing, teacher certification, principal requirements, education administration, special education, Oklahoma education law, SB2045, Grow Your Own Educator Program, teacher recruitment, teacher retention, alternative certification, alternative teacher certification, teacher preparation, tuition reimbursement, course fee reimbursement

Transcript Highlights:

• Where we've got direct and we've got indirect impacts.
• Where we've got direct and we've got indirect impacts.
• So a huge direct impact.
• At the same time, we do care, I think, about our business climate.
• form of subsidy to health care.

Summary: The committee heard testimony from Doug Howe of the Mass Taxpayers Foundation and Evan Horowitz of Tufts on the fiscal effects of federal policy changes, especially the OB3 reconciliation law, federal shutdown risks, and Massachusetts budget planning. Howe outlined a framework of direct and indirect federal impacts on the state budget, capital program, and grant funding, emphasizing uncertainty around Medicaid, SNAP, LIHEAP, immigration, NIH funding, and federal tax changes. He said OB3 is expected to reduce federal health spending in Massachusetts by about $3 billion annually when fully implemented, with an estimated 250,000 to 300,000 people losing coverage, and could shift up to $400 million in annual SNAP costs to the state if Massachusetts’ error rate remains above the federal threshold. He also discussed the governor’s proposal to delay conformity with certain federal tax changes and to expand the pass-through entity tax to offset revenue losses. Members questioned the witnesses about SNAP error rates, unemployment insurance, the use of the stabilization fund, and whether the state should adopt a Maryland-style delay in implementing federal tax changes. Howe argued the stabilization fund should not be used to backfill permanent obligations, but could be used for temporary crises, and said the state should improve data-sharing and administrative systems so eligible residents do not lose MassHealth or other benefits because of paperwork barriers. He also said unemployment insurance remains a major problem and that a broader fix should include benefit, tax, and possibly state contributions. Horowitz took a more aggressive view on using reserves for urgent needs like SNAP, argued the state should harden its budget against volatility, and warned that Massachusetts is increasingly exposed to stock-market-driven revenue swings and to a possible income tax ballot question that could significantly reduce revenues. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, and the chair asked both witnesses for follow-up written recommendations, especially on system integration and accountability.

Transcript Highlights:

• What we have before us in health care is the product of ten health care-focused public hearings totaling
• Family planning and abortion care coverage, preserves direct access to hospice care, long-term care coverage
• , the total cost of care.
• Quality care.
• Emergency Child Care Bridge.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He truly cares about people. It's his rocket fuel. His superpower is relationships.
• Thank you for your loving care of our House.
• Love this place and treat it with the reverence and care that it deserves.
• You don't care about the Constitution. You care about keeping a certain group of people in power.
• And when we're asking people, prove how much he cares and loves this country.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Advanced directives being DNRs are a kind of advanced directive.
• There are other advanced directives.
• It's made scarce by the way that our health care facilities work and the way our health care programs
• It's about whether politics... our health care facilities work and the way our health care programs are
• The Senate version, yes, out of Health Care Financing. Yes, out of Health Care Financing.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities’ Long-Term Services and Supports and Health Equity Subcommittee met to hear a presentation from Colin Killick of the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network on disability discrimination in crisis standards of care during COVID-19. He described how Massachusetts and other states initially used standards that prioritized longer life expectancy and, in some cases, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), which he argued devalued the lives of disabled people and older adults. He also discussed related issues such as denial of transplants, pressure on disabled patients to sign do-not-resuscitate orders, and inequities affecting communities of color. He said disability advocates, legal groups, and public officials pushed back through litigation, media, and organizing, leading to revisions of Massachusetts’ standards and the eventual inclusion of disability advocates in the drafting process. Killick also discussed vaccine rollout, saying disabled people were initially under-prioritized but later gained broader access and more accessible vaccination options such as ASL interpretation and in-home vaccination. He closed by urging support for S. 869, an act relative to preventing discrimination against persons with disabilities in the provision of health care, which he said would ban disability-based discrimination in crisis standards, prohibit QALYs in health care decision-making, and add protections against coerced DNRs. He noted the bill had been favorably reported out of the Health Care Financing Committee but still needed support. In questions, members asked why the bill had not advanced further; Killick said earlier opposition from QALY supporters had been resolved, and the main barrier now was lack of legislative prioritization. Members thanked him for the presentation and for the work on revising crisis standards. The subcommittee then completed roll call, approved the prior minutes, and adjourned, noting the next meeting would be August 31.

Transcript Highlights:

• . ...uphold the Constitution over any contrary direction.
• care of them again when they come back.
• They're very welcomed and taken care of, taken great care of by the folks at CBP down there, so that's
• That directive by DoD had not been declared unconstitutional.”
• “That directive by DoD had not been declared unconstitutional.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Director Nominations held a confirmation hearing for John Connolly, the current Adjutant General and Director of the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA). Connolly described his background in the Army, National Guard, and military law, and outlined DEMA’s dual mission of supporting the Arizona National Guard and emergency management. He emphasized readiness, modernization of aging aircraft and facilities, growth in capabilities such as drones and electronic warfare, partnerships to restore helicopter training at Silver Bell, and stewardship of resources. He also discussed DEMA’s border-related missions, including Task Force Safe at Nogales, counter-drug operations, and use of artificial intelligence to monitor drone activity and build a common operating picture for law enforcement. Committee members questioned Connolly about his interview and vetting process, his role in emergency management, disaster response in Gila County, support for rural counties and tribes, and services for Guard members and families through the Integrated Resilience Operations Center. Several members pressed him on military discipline, lawful orders, classified information, and the distinction between war and hostilities. Senator Rogers focused on chain of command, combat readiness, and whether Connolly’s JAG background prepared him to lead a combat-oriented force; Connolly responded that his role is to provide ready forces, follow civilian authority, and ensure troops have training, equipment, and family support. He also said he had experience advising commanders and teaching lawful versus unlawful orders. A major point of contention came when members questioned Connolly about the 2021 COVID-19 vaccination mandate for the Guard and whether he had treated it as unlawful or unconstitutional. Connolly said it was a lawful order at the time and that exemption processes existed under the regulations. The hearing also turned to immigration enforcement, emergency powers, and whether the Guard should support ICE; Connolly said the Guard is a support function and would respond to a direct request through the governor, but he could not identify a specific scenario in the abstract. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing, and the committee appeared to continue its review after testimony and questioning.

Transcript Highlights:

• care.
• </c><00:05:09.800><c> in</c><00:05:10.000><c> this</c> care when a child enters care in this care when
• direct care we use it and not for their direct care we use it<00:05:29.720><c> for</c><00:05:30.039><
• <c> Care</c><01:19:32.239><c> businesses</c> in existing Child Care businesses in existing Child Care
• </c><01:33:29.719><c> um</c> Care Northstar care for children um Care Northstar care for children um

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am here today to provide a report on the progress of the North Dakota Stroke System of Care as directed
• I am here today to provide a report on the progress of the North Dakota Stroke System of Care as directed
• in stroke care.
• It begins with on-the-ground direct education and support for hospitals and health care providers.
• It begins with on-the-ground direct education and support for hospitals and health care providers.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then heard a detailed annual presentation from Dr. Thomas Arnold, chair of the Maternal Mortality Review Committee, on maternal mortality trends and review findings. He explained the committee’s structure, the de-identified review process, and the distinction between pregnancy-associated and pregnancy-related deaths. He said national maternal mortality has declined from its 2021 peak, but mental health conditions, substance use, overdose, suicide, cardiovascular disease, hemorrhage, infection, and embolism remain major causes. He emphasized that many deaths are preventable, with especially high rates among non-Hispanic Black women and in the American Indian/Alaska Native population, and noted that a large share of deaths occur after 42 days postpartum. Committee members asked about suicide, domestic abuse, pregnancy testing in unexplained deaths, and the role of home births and midwife training. Dr. Arnold said the committee is adding a caseworker, exploring post-mortem pregnancy testing in suspicious cases, and working with coroners and forensic officials; he also said home births and untrained midwifery pose safety concerns and that better public education and facility-based care are important. The committee then heard from State Fire Marshal Dr. Matt Clark on cigarette ignition propensity standards and fire prevention. He recommended updating North Dakota’s cigarette ignition legislation to the current national standard and also considering legislation requiring fast-breakaway oxygen tubing, citing fatal fires involving smoking around home oxygen. He explained that his office verifies manufacturer testing and maintains certification for cigarettes sold in the state, but does not itself conduct the testing. Members asked about implementation, cost, and whether the standards apply in tribal communities; Clark said he would follow up with cost information and additional details, and that he had not seen evidence of a major issue on tribal lands but would look further. Christine Greff of the Department of Health and Human Services presented the North Dakota Stroke System of Care report. She described the statewide network of two comprehensive stroke centers, four primary stroke centers, and 30 acute stroke-ready hospitals, along with the stroke registry and quality-improvement efforts. She reported that most strokes are ischemic, that the median stroke patient age is 71.5, and that common risk factors include hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, and diabetes. She highlighted improvements in door-to-CT, thrombolytic treatment times, dysphagia screening, EMS pre-notification, and interfacility transfer performance, and said new priorities include hemorrhagic stroke quality measures and standardized EMS stroke screening tools. Members asked about the VA hospital’s participation, and Greff said she would pursue outreach. After a break, the committee heard testimony from Taha Khan of Vertex Pharmaceuticals as part of the prior authorization study, focused on non-opioid pain treatment. He argued that prior authorization can delay access to acute pain treatment and may push patients toward opioids, especially in the critical 24- to 72-hour post-discharge window. He cited data showing that even short opioid exposure can increase the risk of long-term use and said prior authorization is often a barrier for physicians and patients. Khan recommended open access with a quantity limit rather than prior authorization, suggesting a 14-day limit supported by the product’s data and an episode-of-care approach. Members asked about dental use, payer discussions, and cost; he said the product’s wholesale acquisition cost is about $16.10 per tablet, with patient assistance available, and that he would follow up on payer and comparison-cost questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• costs in the Health Care Authority.
• Because of that, there's less funding available to cover health care costs in the Health Care Authority
• The Working Connections Child Care subsidy allows my son to attend a YMCA-based before- and after-care
• It destabilizes care.
• , child care, and education.

Bills: SB5998

Keywords: fiscal appropriations, budget, state funding, financial management, operating expenses, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She's advocated for other approaches to making child care more affordable, but this will make child care
• She's advocated for other approaches to making child care more affordable, but this will make child care
• as child care costs soar.
• When Arizonans can barely afford to pay their health care.
• That is known as the big gut health care bill.

Summary: The House convened, approved the journal, recognized the Doctor of the Day, and welcomed several guest groups, including JAG students and students from Heila Ben High School. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider HB 2153, the annual tax conformity bill, which was described by supporters as aligning Arizona tax law with recent federal changes and providing relief through no tax on tips and overtime, a larger child tax credit, a new child care expense deduction, and a deduction for certain retirement income. Opponents argued the measure would primarily benefit wealthy individuals and corporations, reduce state revenue, and leave some seniors out because the retirement-income deduction is tied to retirement accounts. Members also discussed the Department of Revenue’s already-issued tax forms and the need for certainty for filers. After extended debate, the Committee of the Whole gave HB 2153 a do pass recommendation by a vote of 31-26, and the House adopted the report and sent the bill to engrossing. The House then took up the Senate mirror bill, SB 1106, substituted for HB 2153, and after floor explanations of vote, passed it 31-27 with 2 not voting. Supporters said the bill would help working families, seniors, and small businesses and prevent filing confusion, while opponents repeated concerns about cost, fairness, and impacts on public services. The bill was transmitted to the Senate. Following the tax vote, members made several announcements, including birthday wishes and a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and committee chairs announced upcoming cancellations. The House then recessed and reconvened for first reading and referral of a long list of new bills covering topics such as elections, health care, education, transportation, public safety, taxation, housing, and appropriations. The session ended with a motion to adjourn until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that it would correspond with the beginning of a health care plan on the calendar year.
• Everything is moving that direction.
• But she led me in the direction. Alex led me in a direction.
• Abortions are health care.
• for our earth, air, and water also care for those oppressed among us.

Summary: The committee first heard SB 20, as amended, which would limit prior authorization for certain medications used to treat serious mental illness and extend prior authorization approvals for other chronic maintenance drugs to three years. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would reduce treatment interruptions and administrative burden for patients, clinicians, and pharmacies, while opponents argued the three-year period could raise safety concerns, reduce annual clinical review, and increase costs and premiums. After public testimony and committee discussion, the bill passed on a 7-2 vote. The committee then considered SB 21, as amended, establishing an annual Medigap open enrollment period with guaranteed issue protections for eligible Medicare beneficiaries already enrolled in Medigap plans. The Aging and Long-Term Services Department said the measure would give seniors more flexibility to change plans as their needs and premiums change, and OSI said premium impacts were expected to be limited. An amendment setting the effective date at January 1, 2027 was adopted, and the bill passed unanimously. Next, the committee heard SB 177, a large economic development package centered on quantum, advanced energy, defense, and related workforce and research investments. The sponsor and administration witnesses described New Mexico as uniquely positioned to attract major private and federal investment, while members raised questions about guardrails, reporting, use of the Research and Development Fund, and whether EDD could manage the spending and educational components. An amendment removed the public safety section, a technical title fix was adopted, and the bill passed 9-1. The committee also took up SB 189, which would protect existing coverage and expand insurance coverage for reproductive and gender-affirming care, including mid-year enrollment options for pregnancy and coverage for double electric breast pumps. Supporters said the bill would prevent abrupt coverage changes and ensure access to care, while opponents objected to abortion-related coverage and argued existing law and Medicaid already cover much of the care. A motion to table failed, and the bill then passed 6-4. Finally, the committee unanimously passed Senate Memorial 6 honoring golfer Nancy Lopez and her New Mexico roots and achievements.

Transcript Highlights:

• Been historically seen as direct payments to beneficiaries.
• just the direct.
• of um people that get care.
• might have heard the terminology Centennial Care, now we're on turquoise care for a managed care, uh
• That's that ACA group, that Affordable Care Act group.

Transcript Highlights:

• across our state from foster care, community-based care, family preservation, mental.
• We'd ask you to direct DFPS to fund community-based care providers to maintain their caseloads, uh, by
• We'd love to direct DFPS and the community-based care providers to work better together to identify other
• No child should be coming into foster care because the state cannot meet the child's mental health care
• It's a reason that kids should not be coming into care.

Transcript Highlights:

• small and large appliances, building supplies, farm merchandise, hardware, heating equipment, home care
• small and large appliances, building supplies, farm merchandise, hardware, heating equipment, home care
• Further resolved that the Secretary of State be directed to send a copy of this resolution to the Pick
• Yeah, you know, I care about accuracy.
• and what these care providers will look like in the next 5 to 10 years.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The system didn't fail because people did not care.
• This bill originally also required a direct contract care center to be reimbursed based on an 85% enrollment
• I'm the president of the Child Care Resource Center.
• to improve needed transparency in long-term care facilities.
• to improve needed transparency in long-term care facilities.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And some of these actions have a direct And some of these actions have a direct impact on Americans.
• Many of us have had the personal experience of caring for a parent or... experience of caring for a parent
• They took care of us when we needed it most.
• after the devastating Dobbs decision unleashed abortion care bans across our unleashed abortion care
• But no, don't send up to me, ...direction.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of uncompensated care, which had cost impacts across the health care system.
• care system.
• care system.
• care system.
• care system.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division 3 work session continued its review of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Medicaid budget and related policy issues, with CFO Nathan White and Medicaid Director Henry Litman presenting updated materials. The discussion focused on a crosswalk between the adjusted FY 2025 Medicaid budget and the governor’s FY 2026 recommendation, plus handouts showing service additions, eligibility changes, dental rates, and other Medicaid changes since 2019. The department also said it would provide a clearer breakdown of the pharmacy cost-sharing item by general, federal, and other funds. Members asked detailed questions about the Medicaid enhancement tax, the 80% plan, and how funds are allocated between hospital payments, directed payments, and DSH uncompensated care. The department explained that the MET is being used more toward rates and directed payments to better align with federal matching rules, while DSH remains important for uncompensated care. They also noted that a pending Senate Bill 249 would keep the 80% structure and move to Senate Finance. On the trigger law, the department identified the governing provision as Chapter 342:12, Laws of 2018, and explained that if the federal match for Medicaid expansion falls below 90%, the state must notify legislative leaders and participants and the program would sunset after 180 days unless the legislature acts. The committee also reviewed current Medicaid expansion enrollment and program trends. Officials said enrollment was just under 59,000 as of March 3, with about 87,000 people enrolled over the past year and more than a quarter-million residents having used the program over its lifetime. They said enrollment has fallen from a post-pandemic high of nearly 97,000 and may eventually settle in the low 50,000s. Finally, the department discussed federal DSH funding risk, saying New Hampshire could face a significant reduction if Congress does not extend current protections, which is part of why the state has shifted more funding toward payment rates and directed payments.

Transcript Highlights:

• By the way, health care — when we talk about national security, health care is part of it.
• Provided life-saving care.
• care.
• HEALTH CARE, DIABETES IS 31% OF HEALTH CARE.
• These workers are certified nursing assistants, home health aides, personal care attendants, and direct

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And parties can be directed to resources for legal advice.
• And parties can be directed to resources for legal advice.
• I think this is a good step in the right direction.
• The right direction.
• Is there anyone else in the audience who would care to testify?

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Idaho Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee approved the minutes from February 19, 2026, then heard a series of informational presentations from court administrators on court assistance services, family court services, and treatment courts. Imelda Lopez described the court assistance program for self-represented litigants, including statewide forms, legal-information-only help, county funding, and high usage in Ada County. Chris Paulson outlined family court services, including parenting resources, the Focus on Children course, mediation, and financial assistance for court-ordered services. Israel Enriquez described treatment courts in the Fifth District, emphasizing intensive supervision, drug testing, treatment, sanctions, and recidivism outcomes; members asked about statewide standards, sanctions, and metrics. The committee then considered House Bill 692, which would expand access to child protection hearings and create a rebuttable presumption for attendance by children, relatives, foster parents, fictive kin, service providers, and legislators unless the judge finds exclusion appropriate. Supporters argued the bill would improve transparency and allow children and caregivers to be heard; opponents raised concerns about overbreadth, confidentiality, and whether legislators should be included. After discussion, the committee voted 15-1 to send the bill to general orders rather than directly to the floor. The committee also advanced House Bill 23, which would modify procedures during a call of the House to allow access to leadership offices, staff offices, restrooms, and floor desks while still requiring members to remain available for business; it passed unanimously. House Bill 683, dealing with sex offender residency rules near schools and care facilities, and House Bill 684, shifting prisoner escape transport costs from counties to the state, both received unanimous due-pass recommendations. Finally, House Bill 615, which would add religious gatherings and houses of worship to the disturbing-the-peace statute, drew testimony both for and against on First Amendment grounds and concerns about vagueness, but the committee approved it 9-2 and sent it to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• We recognize that when people lose health care coverage, when they lose access to their health care clinics
• So yes, health care has gone up. It's not available to most people.
• payments, which directly affects hospital systems and care access.
• to be care because three million of them in this state are going to go without health care due to these
• They take care of people who need help.

Keywords: 987, senate, all