Transcript Highlights:

• Others are things like mandatory pricing changes for pharmacy benefits, things like changes in the number
• As I read it, it's limited to disability services, behavioral health services, pharmacy, dental, and
• And across the program, we do see consistently that pharmacy spend is a higher driver.
• And across the program, we do see consistently that pharmacy spend is a higher driver.
• But we have found that some pharmacies will plug in a diagnosis that we do pay for, get a denial, and

Summary: The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee held a budget hearing on the Division of Medicaid within the Department of Health and Welfare. Legislative Services analyst Alex Williamson reviewed Medicaid’s five budgeted programs, enrollment groups, staffing, historic spending growth, and the distinction between ongoing base adjustments and one-time enhancements. She explained that most Medicaid spending is in trust and benefit payments, discussed the large FY 2026 and FY 2027 budget changes, and walked through the governor’s recommendations, including hospital assessment fund alignment, claims forecast updates, MMIS procurement funding, estate recovery, program integrity support, and population forecast adjustments. Members asked extensive questions about the 4% provider rate reduction, the expansion population, federal match rates, and the effect of House Bill 345 and federal changes on Medicaid costs and eligibility. Williamson and Deputy Director Sasha O’Connell said the expansion population has declined, but costs are driven by utilization, provider rates, pharmacy, hospital, developmental disability, behavioral health, and long-term care services. They said the department is pursuing cost containment through prior authorization, redeterminations, higher cost sharing, and program integrity efforts, while noting that expansion is codified in law and any repeal or major eligibility change would require legislative action and could affect hospital assessment revenue and other offsets. The committee also discussed the MMIS replacement project, with lawmakers emphasizing milestone-based funding and risk control. O’Connell explained the estate recovery request as a replacement case management system plus contractor support to help recover Medicaid costs from estates, and said the program is federally required and revenue-generating. Several members raised concerns about backlogs, contractor costs, and whether AI or other technology could improve efficiency in program integrity and estate recovery. No votes were taken during the hearing; the discussion remained informational and focused on the governor’s budget recommendations and possible future reductions or policy changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pharmacies are closing their doors, neighborhoods are becoming health care deserts, and long-standing
• This amendment seeks to allow pharmacies operated by the Department of Public Health the ability to distribute
• need to use these funds and others as a bridge to remedy that defect, which is wreaking havoc with school

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate considered a series of amendments to a supplemental appropriations bill and related measures, with several adopted and several rejected or withdrawn. Early amendments on equitable approaches to public safety and a Holyoke local account clarification failed, while amendments providing $2.5 million for Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers technical assistance and expanding access to gender-affirming medications and mifepristone were adopted. The chamber also adopted a technical amendment on alternative protein grants, a clarification to ETF modernization, and an energy storage systems amendment. Other proposals on homeowner protections, La Casa funding, emergency contract reform, an energy dashboard, EV charging ratepayer impacts, hate crimes, distressed hospital payments, and task force membership were rejected or withdrawn. A substantial portion of the debate focused on health care, food assistance, and public safety. Senators spoke in support of funding for community health centers, hospital relief, and EBT anti-skimming protections, including $15.5 million for chip-enabled EBT cards and related replacement-benefit support. One amendment to strengthen protections against impersonating federal officers was rejected, while another on professional protections was withdrawn after discussion of ballot address privacy and security concerns. The Senate also adopted amendments to continue prior appropriations for a North Shore food pantry and drought management efforts, and it later approved a sick leave bank for a Department of Mental Health employee. The chamber then took up the fiscal year 2025 fair share supplemental budget conference report, which Ways and Means described as $1.39 billion in spending split between transportation and education, including MBTA improvements, Chapter 90 aid, regional transit authorities, special education circuit breaker reimbursements, higher education deferred maintenance, and career technical education capital grants. After a roll call, the bill passed, with one recorded negative vote. The Senate also adopted a separate Ways and Means amendment and ordered the bill to third reading before final passage. The session ended with adjournment motions and a moment of silence honoring Melissa and Mark Hortman and other victims of political violence, along with a memorial adjournment for firefighter Jeffrey DeSanchez.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you go get the pill form, they want your whole deductible at the pharmacy.
• We went through this exact experience last year when she pulled up to the pharmacy and was told that
• Chairman Foreman, Senator Ruchti, simply put, architects go to school a minimum of five years.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate Commerce Committee first approved the March 10, 2026 minutes and then recognized page Hayden Carter, who thanked the committee and reflected on what he learned about observing Senate process. Members presented him with a Capitol flag, certificate, letters of recommendation, and gifts. The committee then heard House Bill 773, a credit union code cleanup bill that would remove an outdated provision on corporate credit unions. Representative Jeff Ayler said the provision had not been used in at least 10 years and the bill passed the House unanimously. With no public testimony, the committee voted to send HB 773 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee next took up House Bill 702, a Uniform Commercial Code securities bill sponsored by Senator Phil Hart and Representative Wisniewski. Supporters argued it would restore ownership rights to stockholders and protect investors from intermediary insolvency, citing Lehman Brothers and MF Global; opponents, including Idaho Uniform Law Commissioner David Jensen, warned Idaho would be out of step with other states and that the bill could disrupt margin accounts, clearing corporations, and the securities settlement system. After debate, the committee adopted a substitute motion to hold HB 702 in committee. House Bill 648, an oral anti-cancer medication parity bill, drew strong support from the sponsor, co-sponsors, cancer advocates, and patients who described high out-of-pocket costs and long travel times for infusion treatment. Testimony emphasized that the bill would require health plans to apply the same cost-sharing rules to oral chemotherapy as to IV or injectable cancer drugs. The committee members who spoke supported the measure, and HB 648 was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 787, which would consolidate the Board of Podiatry under the Board of Medicine while giving podiatrists a seat on the board, also passed out of committee with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 790, a voluntary certification bill for interior designers that would allow certified designers to sign and seal limited non-structural, non-seismic interior design documents. Supporters said the bill would reduce costs and delays and reflect the training of qualified designers, while architects testified in opposition, arguing it expanded into the practice of architecture and raised public safety concerns. After discussion, the committee voted to send HB 790 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, with one nay from the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 20 related to silicosis surveillance and AB 1264, which is restricting ultra-processed foods in schools
• For example, we recently had a tuberculosis outbreak at a school in San Francisco.
• So there were For example, we recently had a tuberculosis outbreak at a school in San Francisco.
• For example, if someone gets a vaccine in a pharmacy, that goes through CARE, and then it can go back
• I would also note that schools have access to, I believe, the care register. school.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Jose is a high school student from Red Mountain High School in Senator Farnsworth's district, and he
• He is a star student and has plans to go to GCU after high school to study government and eventually
• SB 1143, public school safety reporting requirement. SB 1146, DCS periodic review hearings report.
• SB 1166, accommodation schools, highway equivalency.
• SB 1182, represented communities instruction public schools.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• intent is for it to be a pilot program, that's stated as a pilot program with the idea that other schools
• wouldn't make... ...I want to make sure we weren't lowering the number of hours at the four-year school
• And if we get more of these individuals in our schools and in the workforce, are they still going to
• I would say most school systems would be in a... say most school systems would be in a similar situation
• And I use the analogy in pharmacy. A pharmacist can oversee three students and three technicians.

Bills: HB441, SB274

Keywords: speech-language pathology, licensure, clinical supervision, educational qualifications, healthcare assistant, makeup application, blow-dry styling, cosmetology, licensing, regulation exemption, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chaplain Tom Doherty, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance by our House page, Hall, from Rigby High School
• Sasha is a student at the Caldwell Centennial Baptist School. Thank you, Mr.
• No school today, so my wife and four children are with us in the gallery, so please wave at them and
• I felt left out, so the pharmacy students are on the fourth floor from Idaho State, if anyone wants to

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House convened with 70 members present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the journal from the prior legislative day. The chamber also received committee reports and referred printed bills to the Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee. House Concurrent Resolution 21, which designates 2026 as the Year of Volunteerism and the America 250 in Idaho Service Challenge and includes related commemorative actions, was referred for printing. During first reading, the House introduced several Health and Welfare Committee bills: House Bill 494 on background checks and related confidentiality, fees, and liability provisions; House Bill 495 on dentistry and denturist licensure and board powers; House Bill 496 on podiatry licensure and regulation; and House Bill 497 on controlled substances scheduling, registration, discipline, records, and prescription database provisions. House Bill 498 from State Affairs would authorize legislative leaders to employ counsel, in addition to the Attorney General, to pursue actions against the federal government on behalf of the state. All of these bills were referred to the Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee for printing. Announcements welcomed teachers and IEA members, visitors in the gallery, pharmacy students from Idaho State, and family members of several legislators. Members also noted an upcoming sound money talk, a balanced budget amendment informational hearing featuring Governor Ron DeSantis, and a House majority caucus after adjournment. Committee meeting notices were announced for the following days, and the House adjourned by motion until 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• other words, it essentially makes all biosimilars automatically eligible for substitution at the pharmacy
• inconsistencies and confusing language with the bill as passed by the House, you know, existing pharmacy
• </c><01:01:21.880><c> girlfriends</c><01:01:22.440><c> in</c><01:01:22.680><c> Glenn</c> my high school
• girlfriends in Glenn my high school girlfriends in Glenn passing<01:01:24.000><c> through</c><01:01:
• or would you PR dispense at the pharmacy or would you PR or<02:07:13.840><c> is</c><02:07:13.960><c>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Should we have pharmacy in this category listing? Um because Um, because that is a key cost driver.
• So, would we want to consider adding pharmacy services?
• and then we added pharmacy and adult well<00:27:27.080><c> visits.
• Is it in pharmacy? Is it in substance use disorder? Where are the cost drivers?
• Is it in pharmacy? pharmacy? pharmacy?

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee held its first meeting to discuss creating a Healthcare Transparency Dashboard focused largely on Kentucky Medicaid. Members introduced themselves and described their interest in using data transparency to improve policy, access to care, and program efficiency. The co-chairs said the dashboard should begin with a basic framework and expand over time, with a mission centered on collaboratively designing and maintaining a secure, data-driven dashboard housed with the Legislative Research Commission. Discussion focused on what should be measured and how data should be organized. Members agreed the dashboard should segment Medicaid populations rather than aggregate them, with separate attention to aged and disabled enrollees, expansion adults, and children. Suggested measures included emergency department utilization and follow-up, cancer screenings, child and adolescent well visits, adult well visits, postpartum care, newborn screenings and follow-ups, hospitalization and readmission rates, pharmacy, behavioral health, and claims data. Several members emphasized the need to include demographic and geographic information, while noting some items such as education may not be readily available in Medicaid data and that HIPAA and access issues will affect how detailed the public-facing dashboard can be. Members also discussed existing data sources and warned against duplicating work already being done by the cabinet, the Office of Data Analytics, CMS scorecards, and university Medicaid directed payment reporting. The group was encouraged to review the Medicaid and CHIP scorecard, which includes quality, administrative, and program characteristic measures, as a possible model. No formal votes were taken, but the subcommittee agreed to continue refining the mission statement, identify priority metrics, and consider benchmarking, outcomes, data-sharing, and technical platform issues before the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• , which is provided by Diamond Pharmacy.
• , which is provided by Diamond Pharmacy.
• And a separate contract to cover pharmacy. Yes, sir. Okay.
• the only services that would be provided from a medical perspective would be the dental and the pharmacy
• outside because those are more pharmacy outside because those are more specializations<00:51:22.240>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard from the Department of Corrections first about Wellpath’s medical services contract and the contractor’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy. DOC officials said Wellpath’s reorganization plan was confirmed in May 2025, the contract was automatically assumed, and services have continued without lapses. They said DOC has not seen any reduction in care, staffing problems, or known impact on Kentucky operations, and that DOC and health services staff meet with Wellpath almost weekly. Members asked whether “emergence” meant discharge from bankruptcy; staff clarified that Wellpath has not yet been discharged and is still in the process of paying debts. The discussion then shifted to the Department of Juvenile Justice’s proposed high-acuity juvenile mental health treatment facility. DJJ said the facility is still in the conceptual and preliminary programming stage, with no full design funding yet and no entry into the formal A/B process with DECA. The proposed facility would have 24 beds total, split into 16 clinical beds and 8 assessment/stabilization beds, and would need to separate males and females as well as high- and low-risk youth under Senate Bill 162. Officials said the concept was developed with DJJ and CHFS mental health staff and outside design experts, and that the project was submitted in the capital plan for consideration. Members questioned the need for the facility, the estimated construction and staffing costs, and whether the state has enough youth to justify it. DJJ said the number of youth needing this level of care changes frequently, that they currently have one youth in Pennsylvania and typically send one to five youth out of state each year, and that out-of-state placement is increasingly difficult. Officials argued that a dedicated facility would reduce delays, keep youth closer to home, and avoid the need to retrofit multiple detention centers. Some members expressed concern that the projected operating costs seemed high compared with the small number of current out-of-state placements, and asked for more information on annual out-of-state spending and the number of youth who would qualify for the facility.

Transcript Highlights:

• The recognized dental school must then review the complaint pursuant to its internal quality assurance
• The recognized dental school must then review the complaint pursuant to its internal quality assurance
• to the school district, and with that I'm happy to answer any questions.
• or to reduce school district debt.
• tax exemptions for property and buildings leased from a school district.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The meeting was a Republican caucus review of several Senate and House bills, with staff summarizing committee amendments and members indicating whether sponsors concurred with Senate changes. Topics included electronic monitoring in residential rooms (SB 1041), dental school complaint forwarding and licensure exemptions (SB 1168), revitalization district contracts (SB 1189), timeshare salesperson licensing (SB 1274), veterinary telehealth prescribing (SB 1286), insurance zero-estimated-exposure policies (SB 1428), advanced air mobility funds for border security (SB 1457), death benefits for law enforcement pilots (SB 1503), ATV definitions (SB 1519), pet and fowl restrictions in planned communities (SB 1582), and pharmacist independent testing/treatment authority (SB 1713). The caucus also reviewed education-related measures on school district self-insurance procurement (SB 1497) and a strike-everything amendment to SB 1118 that instead allowed duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and townhomes in historic areas if compatible with surrounding character. The group then considered several blue-sheet House bills. HB 2120 made technical changes to align property-tax disability language with updated statute; the sponsor concurred. HB 2174 changed terminology from advisory organization to modeling and data organization and required model filing; the sponsor concurred. HB 2203 directed ADE to review statutory reporting requirements and report recommendations to the legislature; the sponsor concurred. HB 2383’s Senate amendment simply designated a 2014 trampoline court law as “TIE’s law,” with the sponsor concurring. HB 2877 was amended into an alternative education pathway for certified veterinary technicians, and HB 2875 adjusted municipal and county drone restrictions near airports, expanding the relevant airport buffer and preserving some local authority. Additional bills discussed included HB 2428 on voluntary county emissions-reduction credit permits, HB 2176 on DHS health care institution complaint investigations, and HB 2050 on radiologic technology standards and radiologist assistant supervision. Members discussed that HB 2050’s Senate changes narrowed some supervision provisions to rural counties and critical access hospitals, prompting questions about the scope. Finally, HB 2010 on digital goods refunds was amended to shorten the refund window from 10 years to five years, but a sponsor said the amendment contained a drafting error and refused concurrence, meaning a conference committee would be needed. The caucus then concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have my dear friend Jeremiah Coda from the Phoenix Union School Board.
• Middle school student. HB 2320. School district bond. HB 2321. DCS credit fees. HB 2332.
• School education. HB 2379. School district. Education. HB 2380. School district. Education.
• School district employment. Health and Human Services. HB 2405. DCS information.
• HB 2241, accommodation schools. HB 2242, appropriation. State Route 6.

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and recognized the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Tammy Penhollow, a board-certified anesthesiologist, pain medicine physician, and Navy veteran. Members also introduced several guests in the gallery, including school board members and representatives from Republic Services, which was highlighted for its Arizona operations, employment, and sustainability work. Attendance was recorded at 57 present, zero absent, and two excused. The main floor business consisted of reading a large number of bills and resolutions for first and second reading and referring first-read measures to committee. The measures covered a wide range of topics, including public safety, education, health and human services, water and natural resources, commerce, taxation, housing, transportation, artificial intelligence, abortion-related issues, firearms, labor, and appropriations. No substantive debate or votes on individual bills were taken during this portion of the session. Toward the end of the meeting, members made committee announcements and birthday wishes, including a birthday greeting for Representative Aaron Márquez. Committee schedules were announced for Commerce, Education, Natural Resources, Energy and Water, Government, Judiciary, Ways and Means, and others. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn until 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the prescription is limited to whatever that pharmacy has in supply.
• earlier, their symptoms will presumably decrease more rapidly and get them back to work, back to school
• We have a partnership with a pharmacy that provides multi-dose packaging and offers delivery, which results
• We have a partnership with a pharmacy that provides multi-dose packaging and offers delivery, which results

Summary: The committee heard several health-related bills, with extensive testimony on maternal health, prenatal safety, privacy, valley fever, Medi-Cal contracting, anti-discrimination protections, and health data sharing. SB 32 would require time-and-distance standards for labor and delivery units in health plan networks; the author and supporters said it would address maternity care deserts and improve access, while health plans opposed. SB 646 would require testing and public disclosure for toxic elements in prenatal vitamins; supporters emphasized fetal and maternal safety and transparency, while industry opponents warned it could confuse consumers or lead to reduced nutrient content. Both bills drew broad support from medical and public health groups, and both were advanced on party-line or near-unanimous votes after committee discussion. The committee also approved SB 313, which moves a parent’s birthplace on birth certificates into the confidential section to protect privacy, and SB 297, which directs CDPH to identify high-incidence valley fever regions and publish them for screening and awareness; valley fever experts and supporters stressed rising cases and the need for earlier diagnosis, while local health jurisdictions raised concerns about mandates. SB 324, dealing with Medi-Cal enhanced care management and community supports, would prioritize local community-based organizations and clarify contracting and data practices; it received strong support from nonprofits and community health advocates, with children’s hospitals and health plans seeking amendments, and it was sent forward after amendments were discussed. The committee then considered SB 418, which would codify ACA nondiscrimination protections in state law and allow up to a 12-month prescription supply for hormone therapy when medically necessary. Supporters framed it as protecting continuity of care for transgender patients and others using hormone therapy, including IVF and menopause patients, while opponents argued it would conflict with federal policy and promote harmful treatments. The bill passed to the next committee. Finally, SB 660 would strengthen the California Health and Human Services data exchange framework by creating governance and accountability for data sharing across health and social service entities; supporters said it would reduce duplication and improve care coordination, while some providers and hospital groups raised concerns. It was approved and sent to the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee. The consent calendar and the other measures were also voted out, with the committee recording the required roll-call votes and sending the bills onward.

Transcript Highlights:

• then medication management, we're looking for how medications flow from the provider's order to the pharmacy
• Another big cost area is pharmacy... ...what we can do. Another big cost area is pharmacy.
• save us $10 million this year, is what we're projecting, and saving side of the rebate program in pharmacy
• ... ...side of the rebate program in pharmacy.
• because of restrictions on where they can reside after release, such as being within 2,000 feet of schools

Summary: The committee heard an overview from the Office of the Inspector General and California Correctional Health Care Services on prison oversight, medical care, reentry, and related budget requests. The OIG requested $275,000 General Fund for two additional intake analysts, citing a sharp rise in complaints from 3,200 in 2022 to 7,860 in 2025 and explaining that the unit reviews and routes complaints, including PREA and staff misconduct allegations, within 30 days. Its medical inspection unit reported on cycle seven prison health inspections, noting generally adequate case-review performance but weak policy-compliance results, especially in medication management and health care environment indicators, and said it was beginning cycle eight with revised inspection methods. Members questioned the OIG about what kinds of complaints were driving the increase, whether the office tracks validity or systemic patterns, and how it distinguishes duplicative complaints from those already handled by CDCR. OIG said the largest categories were prison conditions and staff misconduct, that it does not determine whether complaints are “valid” in a statistical sense, and that it forwards issues to CDCR or other entities as appropriate. Senators also asked about the medical inspection findings, the remaining prisons not yet delegated back from federal receivership, and whether more detail should be provided in future reports. LAO and Department of Finance staff said they had no concerns with the OIG proposal. The committee then reviewed the correctional health care budget, including staffing, pharmacy, contract medical costs, and the state’s progress toward ending the Plata medical receivership. CDCR said it is trying to reduce vacancies through hiring events, social media outreach, new classifications, and more on-site care, while also using CalAIM to improve reentry services; CalAIM officials reported 89% Medi-Cal activation at release, 87% managed care assignment, 88% reentry care plans, and 59% warm handoffs, with about $14.7 million in reimbursements to date. Members pressed staff on the cost of receivership, the pace of delegation, whether more care could be consolidated into fewer facilities, and whether the state should seek more federal reimbursement or alternative staffing models. Finally, the committee discussed the new mental health receivership and a telemental health staffing proposal. The receiver’s office requested $33.9 million from the Mental Health Special Deposit Fund, including $8.2 million for the receiver’s office and $25.3 million to make court-ordered bonus payments permanent; CDCR also sought about $8.9 million for telemental health staffing, growing to $13 million ongoing. LAO recommended approving the action plan and portions of the telehealth request, but urged the Legislature to monitor progress, consider out-of-state recruitment and expanded telehealth, and avoid across-the-board salary increases; Finance cautioned that out-of-state licensure would require major statutory changes and that staffing-ratio changes would need receiver approval. Senators raised concerns about the high cost of receiverships, vacancy-driven fines, the need for more detailed benchmarks, and whether the state should consolidate mental health populations and better target recruitment to fill hard-to-staff positions.

Transcript Highlights:

• But under current law, plans and pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, can make changes to formularies
• I go to school with ICUC. I go to San Bernardino High School, and I'm in strong support of this.
• schools.
• Schools should be safe havens, not sources of chronic disease.
• Schools should be safe havens, not sources of chronic disease.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The other thing that caused the increase in the rate for managed care is on the pharmacy side.
• The other thing that caused the increase in the rate for managed care is on the pharmacy side.
• The other thing that caused the increase in the rate for managed care is on the pharmacy side.
• The other thing that caused the increase in the rate for managed care is on the pharmacy side.
• There are some high-cost pharmacy side.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services heard a presentation on Kentucky personal care homes from representatives of the Kentucky Association of Healthcare Facilities, Management Systems of Kentucky, and Elder Care Partners. Witnesses described personal care homes as a lower-cost, 24/7 residential option for adults with serious mental illness who do not qualify for nursing home care but need structured support, medication assistance, meals, housekeeping, transportation, and supervision. They said the homes are regulated by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, are not Medicaid-funded, and rely on a state supplementation rate of about $50.70 per day, which they argued no longer covers operating costs because of rising food, labor, insurance, and maintenance expenses. The presenters said the sector has shrunk significantly over time, citing a drop from 64 homes in 2002 to 34 today among the homes serving this population, with 30 closures over 23 years and two more closures since August. They argued that the closures have contributed to homelessness, hospital overcrowding, and longer stays in psychiatric hospitals, and they gave examples of residents who had spent many months in hospitals before stabilizing in a personal care home. One provider also described spending more than $800,000 on capital improvements after acquiring Kentucky facilities and said reimbursement is too low to sustain safe operations. They asked for an incremental reimbursement increase over two years and said they have also proposed an assisted-living model for people with mental illness. Members asked about staffing, reimbursement, and the number of people still needing placement. The presenters said there is no requirement for licensed or certified staff in these facilities, though some homes use medication technicians and occasional LPNs. They estimated they are currently serving about 2,000 residents and said they receive roughly 30 referrals for every one person admitted, with many referrals involving people whose needs exceed the personal care home level. Senator Meredith and Representative Fleming said any funding request would need documentation of savings and corresponding budget offsets, while Representative Duval expressed support and asked about possible staffing and program improvements. The witnesses also compared Kentucky’s flat-rate reimbursement to a more individualized reimbursement model in Minnesota, saying a needs-based system would better match staffing and reduce hospitalizations.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> placement. at Laconia State School. placement. at Laconia State School.
• and religious schools.
• schools.
• ><c> public</c><03:40:36.080><c> school</c> Private schools take away public school Private schools take
• </c><03:55:32.800><c> You</c> State School. That took a lawsuit. You State School.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Pharmacy cost took off.
• </c> happens in healthcare happened Pharmacy happens in healthcare happened Pharmacy cost<00:10:51.000
• </c> carolon pharmacy carolon pharmacy processes<00:29:13.240><c> and</c><00:29:13.840><c> um</c><00:
• </c><02:51:13.760><c> building</c> just like the tale of school building just like the tale of school
• We also inspect schools under the AHERA program.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Department of Administrative Services presented an overview of its budget and operations, emphasizing that it is the lowest-spending agency in state government and that its general fund allocation has declined since 2019. Commissioner Arling House explained that DAS also handles back-office functions for several administratively attached boards, which has affected staffing and spending comparisons. He said the department’s current general fund spending is roughly split between retiree health and other operations, and that the presentation was based on adjusted authorized spending rather than the original budget figures. A major portion of the meeting focused on retiree health benefits and the long-term effort to control costs. Deputy Commissioner Cassie Keane described how the state moved from a projected deficit in retiree health to savings through a series of changes, including higher premium contributions, co-pay adjustments, and shifting Medicare retirees into Medicare Advantage arrangements to capture federal reimbursement. She said the state has about 12,500 retirees and spouses on the plan, with roughly 10,906 Medicare retirees and 1,580 non-Medicare retirees, and that the savings have depended heavily on federal funding and procurement decisions. She also noted that Medicare retirees pay Part B premiums and that the state has grandfathered older retirees from some premium contributions. Members asked about what the expenditures cover, why the state offers retiree health instead of simply giving retirees a payment to buy coverage themselves, and whether out-of-pocket costs changed under Medicare Advantage. Keane said the plan covers actual health claims or insurance premiums, that co-pays and maximum out-of-pocket limits remain in place, and that the state has no authority to change benefit details without legislative action. She explained that retiree health is a long-standing employee benefit that wraps around Medicare and is not collectively bargained in the usual sense, though its eligibility rules and cost-sharing have been tightened over time to better target the benefit to long-term state service. The discussion also covered vendor performance problems. Keane said Anthem recently won the contract back from Aetna, but its pharmacy subsidiary, Caroline, caused serious service disruptions. DAS responded by withholding payments, assessing more than $2 million in performance guarantees, and hiring a third-party auditor to review the pharmacy processes. The current contract runs through the end of calendar year 2026, and officials said they are watching federal Medicare Advantage reimbursement changes closely because future savings are uncertain.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we have with us the McCall Donnelly School, some of the members from that school, if you guys would
• The last I checked, I had some kids from Raft River High School with me today.
• Raft River High School is my mother's alma mater from Cajah County.
• In the Senate, Senate Bill 1367 by the State Affairs Committee, an act relating to pharmacy benefit managers
• regarding dispensing fees, and to establish provisions regarding duties and restrictions pertaining to pharmacy

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate met with all 35 members present at the start of the day, approved the journal, and then moved through a series of resolutions, memorials, and bills. It adopted House Concurrent Resolution 24 honoring fallen firefighters Battalion Chiefs Frank Harwood and John Morrison, Jr., and recognizing the recovery of Engineer David Tisdell. It also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 120 encouraging used nuclear fuel reprocessing capabilities in Idaho, with debate focusing on Idaho National Laboratory’s role, energy security, jobs, and the need to maintain safety and environmental protections. Senate Joint Memorial 112, calling on Congress to pursue a balanced budget amendment and address the federal debt, was also adopted after debate about fiscal discipline and federal dependence. In first reading, the Senate introduced several bills including appropriations for natural resources, administrative rules, election and campaign finance changes, pharmacy benefit manager regulation, and public utilities. It also received House bills on forcible entry and unlawful detainer, election integrity, video voyeurism, trapping, collective bargaining and taxpayer funding of unions, tax filing deadlines, council elections, child care licensing, truck speed limits, and non-domiciled CDL rules. On second reading, several measures were advanced to third reading, including Senate Bill 1335 and House Bills 591, 532, and 663. On third reading, Senate Bill 1241 as amended passed 31-3. The bill, described as protecting working animals and preserving Idaho’s agricultural and Western heritage, drew support from senators who said it would safeguard hunting, rodeo, ranching, and other traditional uses while preserving local authority over animal care, zoning, and public safety. The Senate also held some bills on the calendar and then recessed for Idaho Day activities. During the Committee of the Whole, members considered amendments to Senate Bills 1224, 1326, and 1340, adopting each amendment and reporting those bills back as amended without recommendation. The committee also reported progress on House Bills 494, 613, and 526, and Senate Bills 1297, 1294, and 1299. The Senate later adopted the committee report and adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we have with us the McCall-Donnelly School, some of the members from that school, if you guys would
• The last I checked, I had some kids from Raft River High School with me today.
• Rafter River High School is my mother's alma mater from Cajah County.
• In the Senate, Senate Bill 1367 by the State Affairs Committee, an act relating to pharmacy benefit managers
• regarding dispensing fees, and to establish provisions regarding duties and restrictions pertaining to pharmacy

Summary: The Senate met with all 35 members present, heard prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the corrected journal. Several guests and school groups were recognized throughout the day, and the chamber later paused for an Idaho Day celebration featuring historical remarks, music, and presentations on Idaho history and agriculture. In floor action, the Senate adopted House Concurrent Resolution 24 honoring fallen firefighters Battalion Chiefs Frank Harwood and John Morrison, Jr., and recognizing the recovery of Engineer David Tisdell. It also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 120 encouraging advancement of used nuclear fuel reprocessing in Idaho and supporting the state’s role at the Idaho National Laboratory, and Senate Joint Memorial 112 urging Congress to pursue a balanced budget amendment and fiscal discipline. The Senate then introduced several new bills, including measures on appropriations, administrative rules, elections, pharmacy benefit managers, utilities, abortion trafficking, educator disclosure, and whistleblower protections. The Senate passed Senate Bill 1241, as amended, which protects working animals and clarifies its applicability; supporters described it as preserving Idaho’s agricultural and Western heritage while preserving local authority over health, safety, and animal care. The Committee of the Whole later considered Senate Bills 1224, 1326, and 1340, adopted amendments to each, and reported them back without recommendation, while several other bills were held in place or reported as progressing. The Senate adopted the committee report and then adjourned until the next day.