Transcript Highlights:

• Countless tens of thousands of others have been temporarily or permanently harmed by non-fatal overdose
• disability.
• It permanently changes your mind.
• It permanently changes your mind. use disorder. It is a chronic disease.
• It permanently changes your mind, your brain. And it needs to be managed like a chronic disease.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Countless tens of thousands of others are temporarily or permanently harmed by non-fatal overdose.
• disability.
• Sharing injection-related equipment, and temporary and permanent disability.
• It permanently changes your mind. ...your brain. And it needs to be managed like a chronic disease.
• It permanently changes your mind, your brain. And it needs to be managed like a chronic disease.

Summary: The task force meeting opened with new leadership announcements, including Senator Nick Schroer thanking outgoing chair Representative John Black and naming Representative Del Taylor as vice chair. After some initial technical difficulties with audio and Zoom, members reviewed the task force’s statutory charge under Missouri law: to hold hearings on substance use, explore solutions, draft or modify legislation, and produce recommendations for prevention and treatment. The chair said the goal for this year is to develop concrete legislative ideas for the next session, with hearings focused first on field experts and later on alternative therapies and the Department of Mental Health. Dr. Rachel Winograd gave the first major presentation, describing Missouri’s overdose crisis as increasingly complex and driven primarily by fentanyl, now compounded by xylazine and metatomidine. She said overdose deaths have declined for a third straight year, with preliminary 2025 data around 1,200 deaths, and attributed the decline to a smaller fentanyl supply, wider naloxone availability, and fewer young people entering use. Her main recommendations were to focus on reducing harm rather than trying to eliminate drug use, expand evidence-based medications for opioid use disorder—especially methadone and buprenorphine—improve access to naloxone, and loosen methadone regulations, including take-home doses, the federal 72-hour rule, and broader methadone units. She also emphasized that peer support, housing, transportation, and other practical supports matter, and noted that naloxone can still reverse fentanyl overdoses even when tranquilizers are present. Dr. Heidi Miller, the state medical director, followed with two recommendations: integrate substance use disorder care into whole-person health care and follow the science when considering substance-related legislation. She argued that primary care, maternal health, workforce training, EMS, public health, and methadone access should all be part of a coordinated model, and said reimbursement should support teams rather than isolated providers. She also urged stronger enforcement of parity between behavioral health/SUD and physical health coverage, and highlighted tobacco and alcohol as major, under-addressed causes of death in Missouri. Dr. Doug Burgess then reinforced the need for a coordinated continuum of care, comparing substance use treatment to the seamless system used for heart attacks, and said patients should have standardized assessment, discharge planning from day one, transition coordinators, peer recovery coaches, and better information-sharing between levels of care. Members asked questions about relapse, treatment court, EMS referral barriers, reimbursement, and whether buprenorphine can be started in the field; no votes were taken, and the meeting ended with plans to continue hearing testimony and use it to shape future policy recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a result, preventable disability, education and job loss, and in the worst cases, homelessness and
• 12 schools and institutions of higher education to participate in the program and provide them a permanent
• million in fiscal year 2026-27, and $1.37 million in fiscal year 2027-28 and ongoing, for eight permanent
• stayed to focus on logistics, ensuring that police, the PD, had the right documentation for a grave disability
• DSH requests $3.9 million and four permanent positions in fiscal year 2026-27 and $1.1 million in fiscal

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The proposed budget includes four permanent positions and two one-year limited-term positions in budget
• And the department requests $3.9 million and four permanent positions in fiscal year 2026-27, and $1.1
• There are named exemptions for people who are disabled, people who are actively in substance use treatment
• And so there are named exemptions for people who are disabled, people who are actively in substance use
• $1.4 million in fiscal year 2026–27 and then $1.37 million in 2027–28 and ongoing to support eight permanent

Summary: The subcommittee heard presentations from the Department of State Hospitals (DSH), the Commission for Behavioral Health, and the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) on budget proposals and implementation updates. DSH outlined its proposed 2026-27 budget, including funding for patient operating expenses, IST solutions savings, conditional release program costs, LPS bed allocation changes, electrical infrastructure projects at Napa and Patton, SB 380 transitional housing feasibility work, and expanded dental services at Metropolitan and Patton. DSH also reported that it has met court-ordered IST treatment benchmarks in the Stiavedi v. Clinton case, with average time to initiate treatment down to about five days and pending placements reduced to roughly 250, while noting that Proposition 36 could increase referrals and SB 1323 may divert some individuals earlier into community-based treatment. Members asked about rising outside hospitalization costs, Medicare enrollment, the timing and structure of capital projects, and whether IST solution funds are being fully used; DSH said the savings reflect slower-than-expected ramp-up of community programs and that the Central California FACT replacement program is still on track for January 2027 activation. The Commission for Behavioral Health described its role under the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA), including data, evaluation, grantmaking, technical assistance, and transparency work. It highlighted the new statewide Innovation Partnership Fund, a five-year, $20 million-per-year program with small and large grant categories; the first RFA drew strong interest, with more than 400 questions and over 1,000 bidders’ conference participants. The Commission also discussed a proposed extension to spend down about $4.1 million remaining for the Alcove Youth Drop-in Center grants so sites can finish implementation and Stanford can complete the final evaluation. Members asked about grant duration, whether projects can be renewed, what qualifies as innovation, and whether the fund could support service delivery rather than awareness campaigns or training; the Commission said awards are expected to be three-year contracts and that proposals must be new or meaningfully expanded approaches that support BHSA priority populations. DHCS reviewed major behavioral health changes under CalAIM and BH Connect, including peer support, mobile crisis, contingency management, traditional health care practices for tribal members, updated specialty mental health access criteria, and new substance use treatment standards based on ASAM’s fourth edition. DHCS reported strong contingency management results, with more than 13,000 members served and 95% testing negative for stimulant use during treatment, and said 21 Indian health care providers have been approved to offer traditional health care practices. It also described BH Connect initiatives such as the $1.9 billion access reform and outcomes incentive program, workforce investments, evidence-based practice expansion, IMD participation by four counties, and transitional rent services. On BHSA implementation, DHCS said it is not tracking individual county contract cuts but is monitoring county plans and statewide outcomes, while stakeholders raised concerns about local prevention and service gaps. DHCS also outlined its H.R. 1 implementation strategy, including outreach, streamlined renewals, exemptions for disabled, substance use, and medically frail individuals, and proposed clinic navigator and outreach funding; it said it has not yet produced a focused estimate of H.R. 1 impacts on behavioral health populations. The discussion ended with DHCS noting that B-CHIP bond funding has supported 437 infrastructure projects, creating 546 new or expanded facilities and more than 9,500 residential beds across the state.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> uh<00:49:13.000> I<00:49:13.079> am<00:49:13.200> a<00:49:13.359> disabled
• <00:49:13.799> veteran<00:49:14.119> and conflict uh I am a disabled veteran and conflict
• uh I am a disabled veteran and this<00:49:14.359> would<00:49:14.559> impact<00:49:14.960
• , saved parents from incredible harm and suffering when they watch their children die or become permanently
• , saved parents from incredible harm and suffering when they watch their children die or become permanently

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• requirements applicable to a permanent requirements applicable to a permanent conservatorship conservatorship
• Or they could be, you know, have developmental disabilities and just been like that since birth, and
• They don't meet the Disabilities Act, you know, just the act of disability.
• Americans with<01:31:29.360> Disability<01:31:30.000> Act with Disability Act with Disability
• with the American Disability Act. with the American Disability Act.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, excused absent senators, and adopted the previous day’s journal. The chamber received several House messages referring local bills to the Committee on Local Legislation, including measures affecting Lawrence, Clayurn, Limestone, Shelby, and Alabaster. The Senate also recognized guests in the gallery, including local leaders, law enforcement officials, and a Jackson County Junior Leadership group. During personal privilege remarks, Senator Figures offered a tribute to Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr., highlighting his civil rights legacy, political influence, and impact on Black voter participation and representation; the Senate observed a moment of silence. Senator Smitherman also thanked her for the remarks. The Senate then adopted Senate Joint Resolution 47, mourning the death and celebrating the life of John J. Guthrie Jr., and Senate Joint Resolution 48, commending Tommy Jax for emergency actions to help a sick child. The Senate considered numerous confirmations from the Committee on Confirmations, all receiving favorable reports and being confirmed by unanimous or near-unanimous roll calls, including Walter Bracie and Eric Bone to the Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission, Morgan Garner and Susie Beal to the Alabama Electronic Security Board of Licensure, and Joe Brown, Brian Williams, James Spears, Charles Hedrickk, and Kathy Pierce to the Alabama Board of Polygraph Examiners. Committee reports also advanced several bills, including local legislation and county/municipal government measures. On the floor, the Senate adopted a special order calendar and passed or adopted several bills: SB 239 on child custody jurisdiction enforcement, SB 190 on a sales tax exemption for an ocular eye service company, SB 252 on Governor’s Mansion Authority employees and leave benefits, SB 170 on health savings account regulatory coordination, SB 210 on the chiropractic board, SB 242 on commercial driver’s licenses, and SB 70 on crimes and offenses. SB 247 on insurance was carried over at the sponsor’s request for further work, and SB 83 on guardianships and conservatorships was taken up with discussion of a committee amendment to clarify removal of proceedings from probate to circuit court and notice requirements; the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Elkins said that last session they enacted a Metro sales tax of 75% to provide a permanent
• we all know if you send transportation funding to the general fund, it's up against seniors, the disabled
• we all know if you send transportation funding to the general fund, it's up against seniors, the disabled
• we all know if you send transportation funding to the general fund, it's up against seniors, the disabled
• we all know if you send transportation funding to the general fund, it's up against seniors, the disabled

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<01:19:42.320> the for the disabled, the for the disabled, the schools,<01:19:44.159>
• Um, and that's partially explains some of the different changes that are being requested from each of
• And that that's partially explains some of the different changes that are being requested from each of
• But our counties, who do a lot of our work for people with disabilities, they do most of the work for
• But our counties, who do a lot of our work for people with disabilities, they do most of the work for

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• year, 30% of households who received the renters credit included seniors or people living with disabilities
• And in 22 counties in disabilities.
• . disabilities. disabilities.
• <00:24:22.480> with<00:24:22.720> the<00:24:23.039> 2026 these changes permanent
• Son was disabled. In Missouri, I can't get help for my wife.

Bills: HF4119, HF3959, HF3792, HF3913, HF3752

Keywords: property tax, renter credits, co-pay, housing affordability, tax relief, homestead, tax refund, Minnesota, tax increase, financial relief, homeowners, AmeriCorps, taxation, individual income tax, living allowances, stipends, national service, tax compliance, revenue, analytics

Transcript Highlights:

• will be provided to specific positions at the department for review and then maintained until the permanent
• maintained until the the permanent maintained until the the permanent action<00:46:22.319> is
• It is important to note that service dogs are recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act, whereas
• with Disabilities at<01:00:37.440> Americans<01:00:38.200> with<01:00:38.720> Disabilities
• <01:00:39.720> Act at Americans with Disabilities Act at Americans with Disabilities Act whereas

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a disabled veteran.
• Every disabled veteran’s life has value. Every disabled person has value.
• Every disabled veteran’s life has value. Every disabled person has value.
• Every disabled veteran’s life has value. Every disabled person has value.
• Every disabled veteran’s life has value. Every disabled person has value.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 199, which would extend the statute of limitations for civil actions seeking damages from PFAS contamination from six years to 20 years. The prime sponsor and other supporters argued that PFAS contamination in southern New Hampshire has long-term and often delayed health and property impacts, making the current six-year period too short for victims to discover harm, connect it to exposure, and seek relief. Supporters described contamination in places such as Merrimack and surrounding communities, cited health concerns including cancer, developmental issues, and other illnesses, and said a longer period would better preserve legal rights while still requiring proof of causation. The Department of Environmental Services said it was not taking a position but acknowledged the contamination and ongoing work to address it. The Business and Industry Association opposed the bill, arguing that evidence becomes stale over time, memories and documents fade, and a longer window would make it harder to determine causation when other exposures or intervening factors may be involved. Committee members questioned both sides about causation, the difficulty of proving PFAS-related illness, and whether a 20-year period was necessary if a plaintiff already knows of the injury and its source. Supporters responded that PFAS effects can emerge slowly, that scientific understanding continues to develop, and that current knowledge is still incomplete. Opponents said the existing discovery rule already starts the clock when harm and causal connection are known, and that extending the period would reduce clarity and fairness in litigation. After testimony and questions, the chair closed the hearing on HB 199. The committee then opened House Bill 268 FN, which was described as a technical measure to confirm that the Board of Tax and Land Appeals may hold hearings in its Concord hearing rooms. The sponsor indicated the bill reflects current practice and does not require additional facilities. With only one witness listed and no apparent opposition, the discussion was brief and focused on why the authorization should be placed in statute rather than left to practice.

Transcript Highlights:

• I serve as the executive director at the New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities.
• I’ve worked for 30 years advocating for the rights of people with disabilities, including pain.
• excessive pain to um lifelong disability excessive pain to um lifelong disability and<04:17:55.279
• disabled from procedures and stuff, but not going after what we're talking about.
• permanently disabled from U procedures permanently disabled from U procedures and<05:11:08.320><

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So my mind is partially on that.
• So, my mind is<01:08:31.120> partially<01:08:31.520> on<01:08:31.759> that.
• But we can talk is partially on that.
• Um, I was disabled, stuck in bed, not able to get out of bed.
• <03:21:50.560> or that have adopted partial or that have adopted partial or comprehensive<

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Um, next up is Representative David Priest, who looks like he will be a permanent fixture in this
• justice organization that works to protect and expand the civil and human rights of people with disabilities
• For people with disabilities, it means losing medications, mobility devices, and access to care.
• For people with<03:27:35.600> disabilities,<03:27:36.239> it<03:27:36.399> means
• <03:27:36.640> losing with disabilities, it means losing with disabilities, it means losing medications

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Housing Committee opened with a public hearing on HB 196, which would repeal the Housing Champion program. Representative Matt Drew, the prime sponsor, argued the program is an unnecessary and poorly targeted subsidy, saying it rewards municipalities after projects are completed and may not be limited to new housing production. He questioned the transparency of the program, cited difficulty finding required annual reports, and noted a fiscal note suggesting the state could recover up to $3 million if obligations are terminated. Committee members and witnesses debated whether the program’s criteria amount to political favoritism or a standard grant process; supporters said the rubric is specific and that municipalities are evaluated against objective requirements. Representative Priest, Nick Taylor of Housing Action New Hampshire, and Karen Benfield of Stay Work Play New Hampshire all opposed repeal, saying the program encourages local zoning and regulatory changes, helps smaller communities participate, and supports housing supply and young people’s ability to stay in the state. The hearing on HB 196 was then closed. The committee then opened a hearing on HB 1405, a bill establishing an affordable housing guarantee program within the Housing Finance Authority. Prime sponsor Representative Chris Muns said the bill would reduce lender risk by guaranteeing up to 80% of principal on qualifying loans for affordable housing, with a cap of $30 million per lender per year and $300 million outstanding at any time. He described the measure as a low-cost public-private partnership backed by the full faith and credit of the state, and said it was identical to a prior Senate bill that had received unanimous bipartisan committee support before dying later in the process. He framed the bill as one part of a broader housing package aimed at financing, infrastructure, workforce, zoning reform, and other housing-related issues. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided. The only formal actions were opening and closing the public hearing on HB 196 and opening the public hearing on HB 1405, with testimony continuing on HB 1405 at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• for those individuals, including individuals who may inadvertently register to vote if they're a permanent
• Students, members of the military who move and travel all over the world, people who are disabled, and
• Additionally, there are stipulations in the bill that require reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities
• This amendment deals with permanent total cases, and they receive ongoing benefits.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the previous day’s journal by roll call vote, 117-1. Members then spent much of the morning recognizing guests and groups in the chamber, including students, local officials, fraternity and sorority members, banking and county association representatives, and other visitors. The Speaker also suspended business several times to sign enrolled bills, including House Bill 2641, House Bill 2934, and Senate substitutes for House Bills 261 and 2423. The main floor debate centered on House Concurrent Resolution 48, which urges Congress to pass the SAVE Act requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote. Supporters argued it would protect election integrity and prevent non-citizens from voting, while opponents said it would create burdensome documentation requirements, function like a poll tax, and disenfranchise eligible voters, especially women, rural residents, the elderly, students, military members, and people with limited access to records. After extended debate and a successful previous-question motion, the House passed HCR 48 by a vote of 92-43. The House then took up House Concurrent Resolution 23, which calls on Congress to reaffirm state authority over elections under the Constitution’s Elections Clause. It was presented as a federalism measure, and members discussed the tension between state control and federal election standards. The resolution passed overwhelmingly, 137-0. The chamber also perfected and printed House Bill 2855, which adjusts workers’ compensation fund tax increments from 0.5% steps to 0.1% steps and included an amendment allowing replacement of attorneys in long-running permanent total cases; and House Bill 1906, which lets township counties offer annual, semi-annual, or quarterly property tax payment options. The House then recessed until 2 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• prior role in DCF as secretary set a vision, an agenda to work upstream, focused on prevention and permanency
• We cut through the bureaucratic red tape to help improve permanency outcomes resulting in a 10% increase
• Margaret Hooper, Florida Development Disabilities Council, you're waving support. Thank you.
• Margaret Hooper, Florida developmental Disabilities Council waives in support. Thank you.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Behavioral and mental health conditions are the major and increasing contributors to years lived with disability
• As has been noted, these systems were partially supported by federal funding that has since lapsed, and

Summary: The Assembly Subcommittee on Health heard an overview of the California Department of Public Health budget, including a $5.1 billion department budget and 19 non-IT budget change proposals spanning environmental health, healthcare quality, infectious disease, healthy communities, health statistics, preparedness, and laboratory sciences. CDPH also presented estimates for WIC and the Genetic Disease Screening Program, both of which were described as relatively stable, with WIC food costs rising mainly due to inflation and participation holding near 1 million monthly participants. Members and public commenters raised support for several proposals, including funding for the California Reducing Disparities Project, AB 1264 implementation on school food standards, childhood lead poisoning prevention, the hospital bed capacity registry, sickle cell care networks, and WIC protections amid federal policy changes and shutdown-related uncertainty. Dr. Erica Pond then presented the 2026 State of Public Health report, highlighting major gains such as record-low mortality rates, all-time high life expectancy, and the first decline in overdose deaths in 14 years, while warning about persistent disparities in maternal and infant outcomes, rising severe maternal morbidity, and worsening mental and behavioral health trends, especially among younger adults. She emphasized racial and geographic inequities, the role of social drivers like poverty and education, and the importance of prevention investments through the Behavioral Health Services Act. Members discussed the need for upstream public health spending, environmental health preparedness, and how to translate data into action, while public comment largely focused on sustaining community-based prevention and equity programs. In a separate update on federal actions and public health partnerships, Dr. Pond and CDPH staff described California’s response to federal funding threats, vaccine policy changes, and measles outbreaks. They outlined new collaborations such as the West Coast Health Alliance, the Governor’s Public Health Alliance, the WHO outbreak network, and the FACT Coalition, along with CDPH’s process for reviewing and updating immunization and preventive service recommendations under AB 144. Members questioned the rise in measles and declining vaccination coverage, and CDPH said it is using trusted messengers and tailored outreach while continuing to evaluate federal recommendations. The committee then heard an ADAP estimate showing lower projected budget authority needs due to reduced caseload and one-time funding expiring, followed by public support for using ADAP rebate funds to expand HIV prevention, PrEP, testing, and disease intervention staffing. The final issue focused on public health information technology systems, including Sapphire, CalReady, CalConnect, CARE, MyTurn, MyCAVAC, and the digital vaccine record. CDPH explained how these systems support disease reporting, contact tracing, immunization tracking, vaccine ordering, and outbreak response, while the Department of Finance said only Sapphire and CalReady are funded in the Governor’s budget and the rest are under review because of the state’s budget deficit and declining utilization. Local health department representatives strongly opposed losing the systems, arguing that lower usage reflects post-pandemic conditions and that the tools save staff time, improve outbreak response, and prevent a return to manual spreadsheets and phone calls. Members echoed concern that cutting the systems would undermine public health capacity and waste prior state investment, and urged the administration to present a funding plan that matches its stated commitment to public health.

Transcript Highlights:

• expertise in state budget matters and for his strong advocacy for children with autism and other disabilities
• I'm with you on, we got, I feel like we got fooled once, and I thought maybe we partially fixed it, but

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that says who's going to do what and how we're going to resolve either ones that are non-concur or partially
• vendor data systems policy and ensure that accounts that are no longer associated with employees are disabled

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Joint Fiscal Committee met on March 20, 2026, approved the minutes, and adopted the consent calendar after removing two items for separate discussion: FIS 26048 from the Department of Safety and FIS 26053 from the Department of Environmental Services. The committee then adopted both of those items after brief questioning. Safety explained that a $2 million transfer would reduce its lapse, though it still expected a lapse of just under $4 million. Members, especially Senator Gray, emphasized concern about lapses and the need to track them closely given prior-year shortfalls. On the Environmental Services item, members discussed the Heavy Falls dam removal. The commissioner said the dam is old, not grounded in bedrock, and does not meet current safety standards, so removal was the practical option because replacement funding was unavailable. He said the aquatic resource mitigation fund and Army Corps of Engineers support made the removal feasible, and that the town had been involved in discussions for years. The committee adopted the item. The committee also adopted a Department of Transportation item, with staff noting high snowfall and a roughly 25% vacancy rate but saying contractors and bonus incentives had allowed plowing operations to continue. A Judicial Council item was then adopted, with the director saying it would likely be his last appearance this fiscal year. The committee next reviewed information materials on YDC claims administration, where DOJ staff said current spending would leave about a $10 million buffer into the next fiscal year and described reduced staffing and ongoing claims work; no action was taken. The committee then heard audit presentations for the Liquor Commission and Lottery Commission. The Liquor Commission audit reported seven findings, including a material weakness on reconciliations, issues with NextGen data/reporting, gift and promotional card controls, procurement and leasing practices, and one nonconcurrence on whether certain purchases were exempt from bidding requirements; members discussed whether attorney general review or legislation might be needed. The commission said it had completed a year-end reconciliation and was about 70% reconciled through February. The Lottery Commission audit reported three internal control comments, all concurred with by the lottery, focused on written procedures, filling the controller position, annual risk assessments, disaster recovery testing, user access controls, and training compliance; the lottery said it was hiring to reduce reliance on one employee and had no unresolved findings. The committee took no vote on the audit materials and adjourned after setting the next meeting for April 17 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, members of the committee, Ellen Pines, representing the Disability Coalition, and we do
• And so you could see a $100 million quantum tech stack that's paired with artificial intelligence, partially

Bills: SB20, SB21, SB166, SB177, SB181, SB189, SM6

Keywords: prior authorization, pharmacy benefits manager, PBM, health insurer, prescription drugs, step therapy, formulary, auto-adjudication, electronic portal, appeals, medical necessity, serious mental illness, mental health, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, substance use disorder, addiction treatment, cancer, autoimmune disorder