Transcript Highlights:

• tighten that language up a little bit. tighten that language up a little bit.
• <00:46:02.240> skills, maybe someone who has language skills, maybe someone who has language
• amendment adopted or whether language amendment adopted or whether language was<01:24:09.600>
• this is a deviation from the language this is a deviation from the language that<01:37:15.679>
• No language has changed from the language that's now currently residing in taxes.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Absolutely, some language to address that specifically. Okay.
• , I feel like the non-disclosure language could be placed in those documents.
• Absolutely, some language to address that specifically. Okay.
• I feel like the type of language I feel like the non-disclosure<01:16:37.040> language<01:16:
• generally<01:28:06.440> here language that exists generally here language that exists generally

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And if you look at the language, the base language, the state law only refers to two state correctional
• And if you look at the language, the base language, the state law only refers to two state correctional
• So, I don't think that this amended language is really that problematic.
• So, I don't think that this amended language is really that problematic.
• <00:58:13.799> go have to learn my uh a new language go have to learn my uh a new language

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The author's language and accepted amendments today do not meet those commitments.
• I know it was just mentioned that the language here incorporates 60200.
• When you look at... ...that the language here incorporates 60200.
• , and this language does not clean up that factually accurate language.
• So it's very problematic language that is still on this.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:51:17.680> as as we understand the language as as we understand the language as proposed
• <00:51:31.760> if<00:51:31.920> that language to say that if that language to say that
• The current language of House Bill 457, that exact language was passed by this committee and the Senate
• language of a Senate bill.
• House is the exact carbon copy language House is the exact carbon copy language of<01:44:35.760>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So as part of the DMS project, now we have the ability to scan documents in multiple languages.
• And the other item is also a budget bill language. It's provisional authority.
• And it does involve legislative notification to the JLBC in this request, in this language.
• procurement language to be used as part of the process.
• We also request provisional language to allow technical and programmatic functions of drop.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Language access remains a priority, with 246 vital forms translated into 14 languages and new tools to
• Fast forward a few months, the administration has proposed this trailer bill language.
• That trailer bill is now before this subcommittee, this trailer bill language.
• Subcommittee, this trailer bill language.
• Trailer bill language. Thank you. Nice to see you again. All right, we did it.

Summary: The subcommittee heard a series of budget and trailer bill presentations focused on labor and public employment programs. The first item covered EDD Next modernization, where EDD described progress on customer service improvements, fraud prevention, language access, and the Integrated Claims Management System. The LAO urged stronger legislative oversight as the project enters its most difficult phase, and members questioned the revised schedule, total cost, change orders, stress testing, SB 1090 implementation, and how race and ethnicity data will be protected. EDD said the overall project cost remains about $1.2 billion, that the work is being phased with disability insurance and paid family leave first, and that fraud has been greatly reduced since pandemic-era programs ended. Members also asked for follow-up information on SB 590 outreach and equity impacts. The committee then reviewed the California Workforce Development Board’s request to reduce staffing as one-time grant workloads wind down, along with trailer bill language to streamline reporting requirements. The board and Department of Finance said the staffing reductions reflect the end of surge funding and that the proposal would consolidate roughly 10 to 12 reports into one annual report, with additional reporting only if new funds are appropriated for certain programs. Senator Durazo questioned the policy direction of reducing workforce staffing, while the administration said the positions were tied to temporary grant programs and that current staffing is sufficient for ongoing duties. Members also asked about the board’s role in AI-related workforce planning and the rationale for using state funds for the High Road Construction Careers Program. A major portion of the hearing focused on the Subsequent Injury Benefits Trust Fund reforms and related staffing request at DIR. The administration and LAO described rapid growth in applications, backlog, and liabilities, saying the program’s eligibility has expanded beyond its original intent and that liabilities could reach about $30 billion by 2030 without reform. The trailer bill would tighten eligibility, apply the changes to open cases, and use the QME process and contemporaneous evidence to document preexisting disabilities. Members raised concerns about fairness to pending claimants, evaluator capacity, and the relationship to other SIBTF legislation, while the LAO said the proposal largely aligns with its prior recommendations. DIR also presented a request to eliminate vacant positions under a statewide vacancy sweep, which drew criticism from members who argued the cuts could weaken enforcement and backlog reduction efforts; the committee asked DIR to return with more detail on impacts and on its use of temporary-help authority. The final items addressed a request for additional Cal/OSHA investigative staff and a trailer bill to make permanent the revised Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board petition timeline. DIR said the BOI staffing would help investigate fatalities and serious injuries more quickly, while members emphasized the importance of family contact and timely investigations. For the WCAB item, the chair explained that the 2024 change to Labor Code section 5909, which starts the 60-day decision clock when a case is transmitted rather than when a petition is filed, has reduced pending cases and should be made permanent; the remaining backlog was reported at 460 cases, down from 637 before the change.

Transcript Highlights:

• The initial language was a little stronger. It was a little more heavy-handed.
• House Bill 3781 simply drops Senate Bill 1592 rate-filing language into that bill. roll.
• ..1992 rate-filing language into that bill.
• It will also remove sunset language from the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes...
• The bill creates an inactive endorsee status and adds necessary enforcement language.

Bills: HB4322, HB4202, HB4203, HB4457, HB3983, HB3660, HB3802, HB2933, HB2955, HB2956, HB3781, HB3521, HB3794, HB3796, HB3800

Keywords: funeral services licensing, funeral director, embalmer, funeral director in charge, dual licensure, mortuary science, Oklahoma Funeral Board, funeral establishment, commercial embalming establishment, crematory, cremation, alkaline hydrolysis, apprenticeship, licensing requirements, professional regulation, undertaker, mortician, burial services, death care industry, workers' compensation

Summary: The Business and Insurance Committee first handled a series of executive nominations, including appointments or reappointments to the Oklahoma Securities Commission, Real Estate Commission, State Athletic Commission, Accountancy Board, Commission on Consumer Credit, Uniform Building Code Commission, Abstractors Board, Used Motor Vehicle Dismantler and Manufactured Housing Commission, and State Banking Board. Most nominees briefly addressed the committee, and the nominations were advanced by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. One HB 4488 was laid over at the start of the meeting. The committee then considered several bills. HB 4322, which would remove a dual-licensure requirement for funeral directors and embalmers, drew questions about consumer protection and body care procedures and passed 6-3. HB 4202, changing workers’ compensation fee schedule treatment for radiology, passed unanimously. HB 4203, directing the Uniform Building Code Commission to explore guidelines for single-exit configurations in certain buildings up to four stories, passed 7-2 after concerns were raised about fire safety. HB 4457, dealing with specialty pharmacies, pharmacy benefit managers, and access to specialty medications, passed unanimously. Members also debated HB 3983, which would move Oklahoma’s moist smokeless tobacco tax to a weight-based system; supporters argued it would improve fairness and revenue stability, while opponents said it would raise taxes on some products and lacked consumer protections. It passed 6-3. HB 3660, authorizing natural organic reduction as an additional end-of-life option, prompted a lengthy debate over dignity, religious concerns, and consumer choice; it passed 5-4. HB 3802, prohibiting auto insurers from raising premiums solely because a spouse died, passed unanimously. HB 2933, a consumer protection insurance bill, passed 9-0 after extensive discussion of claims handling and insurer accountability. Additional insurance and regulatory measures—HB 2955, HB 2956, HB 3781, HB 3521, HB 3796, HB 3794, and HB 3800—were also advanced, most with little or no opposition. The chair closed by noting all executive nominations and legislation had been cleared from the committee for the year.

Transcript Highlights:

• Could you help me maybe understand what the intent of that language is?
• What is the intent behind that language, sir? Senator Massullo. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• that this language can maybe perhaps go in either direction.
• that this language can maybe perhaps go in either direction.
• That’s the language that’s currently in the bill. Thank you. Any further questions?

Bills: S0002, S0026, S0354, S1112, S1192, S1220, S1352, S1670

Keywords: negligence, settlement, appropriation, highway safety, damages, law enforcement, motorcycle accident, compensation, Department of Transportation, legal claim, land use, development, sustainability, environmental protection, housing policy, labor pool, employment, temporary work, placement fee, Department of Commerce

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development heard several bills and reported most of them favorably. The first major measure, CS/SB 1220, was described as a broad transportation package expanding FDOT authority over trails, seaports, aviation, advanced air mobility, delivery devices, and related technology, while also addressing toll revenue use, autonomous vehicle penalties, digital driver licenses, and an FDOT study on alternative-fuel vehicles. An amendment narrowed some provisions, including local regulation of personal delivery devices and FDOT airport language. Senator Smith and others raised concerns about language involving FDOT assistance to local governments on federal grant applications, but the bill passed unanimously after support from industry and local-government appearance cards. The committee also approved SB 1112, the Labor Pool Act, which would prohibit labor pools from charging placement fees when workers are hired permanently by a third-party employer and require annual registration with the Department of Commerce. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would reduce barriers to full-time employment, improve oversight, and help returning citizens and low-wage workers; multiple witnesses testified in support, including labor advocates and individuals describing high placement fees. Senators from both parties praised the bill’s worker and reentry benefits, and it passed unanimously. The committee then favorably reported SB 2, a claims bill for the estate of Danielle Maudsley arising from a fatal FHP arrest incident and settlement, and SB 26, another claims bill providing relief for the estate of Mark Legata after alleged FDOT negligence. Senate Bill 1352 on motor vehicles also passed without opposition. It would create a secure online portal for license plate seizure processing, allow disabled veterans to retain their DV plate designation upon reissuance or transfer, ban license plate covers and similar devices that obscure plates, and route certain online driver license and ID transactions through county tax collectors. SB 1192, a customer service pilot requiring callback queues for certain calls to the Department of Commerce and Department of Children and Families, was likewise reported favorably to improve response times and reduce hold times. The most extensive debate centered on CS/SB 354, the Blue Ribbon Projects bill, which would create a new process for very large developments on 10,000-acre or larger parcels if the owner sets aside 60% of the land for conservation or reserve uses. Supporters said it was intended to promote long-range planning, preserve land, and provide certainty for infrastructure and services, while opponents from counties, planning groups, and environmental organizations argued it would preempt local land-use authority, weaken public participation, and allow conservation requirements to be too vague. An amendment added more detail, but concerns remained about administrative approval, timelines, and the definition of reserve areas. Despite opposition from some members, the committee reported the bill favorably on a divided vote. SB 1670 was temporarily postponed, and the committee adjourned after recording one member’s vote on SB 1220.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, um, what the commissioner's language here is, uh, if a bank is in good standing, they don't have
• So um what what<00:03:44.480> the<00:03:44.560> commissioner's<00:03:45.040> language
• <00:03:45.680> here what the commissioner's language here what the commissioner's language
• We'll pass that out. you know inputs language that that says you know inputs language that that says
• So th this language is particular act.

Keywords: Business and Financial Institutions - Room 210; 28 January, 2026: 2:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee took up several banking, real estate, and licensing bills. Senate Bill 20007 would remove the repeal date for Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance authority to conduct joint bank exams with the Federal Reserve, after testimony that the program has been successful; it was passed out on a do-pass motion. Senate Bill 2011, extending the repeal date for the Mississippi Debt Management Services Act by three years, was also passed out. Senate Bill 2383, a banking modernization bill, was explained as updating definitions and procedures, including treating ITMs like ATMs, allowing state banks to approve dividends without prior regulatory approval if in good standing, streamlining articles-of-incorporation amendments by making the banking commissioner the final approver, and eliminating parity-request requirements for certain public welfare investments; it was passed out as a committee substitute. The committee then considered Senate Bill 2711, which would update residential mortgage lending recordkeeping and disclosure language under the SAFE Act to remove obsolete federal references and better fit manufactured-home lending; it was passed out as a committee substitute. Senate Bill 2706, a professional engineers and surveyors bill, was described as a reorganization and modernization of licensure statutes, with the main policy change expanding who may recommend board appointments, staggering six-year terms, and barring recent disciplinary offenders from board service; after questions about appointment advice-and-consent and term length, it was passed out as a committee substitute. Senate Bill 2713, supported by the Mississippi Association of Realtors, would codify buyer agency agreements and move the required signing deadline from before a home is shown to before an offer is submitted; it was passed out. Senate Bill 2748 would align real estate statutes with current rules, replace certified-mail renewal notices with email notices, and extend the earnest-money submission deadline from one business day to two; it was passed out as a committee substitute. Senate Bill 2715, from the Department of Banking and Consumer Finance, would clarify the new money transmitter law, direct collected fees and penalties to enforcement of the act, add consumer notices and fraud warnings, and create data-security requirements based on a model law; senators questioned the fund balance, annual budget, and the relationship to a separate virtual currency kiosk bill, but the bill was passed out. The final bill on the agenda, 2768, was postponed to the committee’s Monday meeting, and the committee then rose and reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill that we've got and the language that we've got doesn't address the word primarily, but it gets
• Our language would affect that. legislature passed the current exemption legislature passed the current
• uh if you if we um updated our language uh if you if we um updated our language I<00:25:57.840><
• or ambiguous uh primarily uh language or ambiguous uh primarily uh language that's<00:27:18.919>
• <00:39:09.200> um language um language um the<00:39:11.880> uh<00:39:12.880> uh<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• bill we actually took uh the language bill we actually took uh the language about<01:34:40.719><
• for the the prior language prior to uh<01:34:55.440> the<01:34:55.679> language<01:34:
• So, we have added language be hired.
• Um through this language experience.
• > experience understand that language um experience understand that language um experience in<

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's permissive language.
• So it's permissive language.
• So maybe we can add that specific language to this.
• I can work on some language really quickly.
• That language? Fine with me. Amy, that's something to add.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The conference committee on HB 1308 met to review Senate amendments related to the Human Trafficking Commission and continuing education language for regulated professions. Senator Beauchay explained that the bill would make the commission more independent and robust by changing permissive language to mandatory language, adding members from DHS/Children and Family Services, school districts, the State’s Attorneys Association, and the governor’s office, and designating the Attorney General or designee as presiding officer. The committee also discussed a new duty for the commission to provide annual human trafficking prevention and awareness education for students, with a proposed cross-reference to DPI curriculum law to avoid conflict with HB 2330. Members raised questions about the size of the commission, quorum concerns, and how the existing human trafficking task force differs from the commission. Testimony from Amy Boyd-Bomey of YouthWorks supported broader representation, especially from child welfare, schools, and tribal entities, and emphasized that trafficking of youth in North Dakota disproportionately affects Native youth. Committee members discussed the need for tribal representation, including a single representative chosen by tribal chairs, and suggested adding language to ensure that perspective. Boyd-Bomey also noted that the statute already references designees from state, local, and tribal agencies, though the committee considered making that more specific. No final action was taken. Representative Davis was asked to draft possible language changes, and the committee agreed to stand at ease and reconvene later, but ultimately the chair announced that more time would be needed and that another meeting would be scheduled.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you have an estimate of when the trailer bill language will be available?
• I look forward to reading the trailer bill language.
• We have a number of different languages in the Asian American community.
• As you heard, though, the proposed trailer bill language would require...
• So in reading the trailer language, the proposed trailer language, if Alameda County did not get that

Summary: The committee opened with the State Controller’s Office May Revision requests, including funding for Fiscal book-of-record stabilization, a Broadcom IDMS licensing adjustment, the California State Payroll System, ACFR reporting automation, and $3 million for unclaimed property outreach. Testimony emphasized progress on Fiscal becoming the state’s accounting book of record in July, faster ACFR publication, and the move to electronic unclaimed property claims. Members asked about the size of the unclaimed property fund and how quickly money is transferred to the General Fund; the Controller’s office said about $15 billion is held, with most excess transferred regularly, and the LAO noted the fund is the General Fund’s fourth-largest revenue source. No concerns were raised by Finance or the LAO, and the item was closed after no public comment. The committee then heard the administration’s proposal to tax prewritten digital software and software-as-a-service, with Finance saying it would modernize sales tax treatment and raise an estimated $450 million General Fund and $560 million local revenue in 2026-27. The LAO supported modernizing the tax but suggested broader digital goods coverage and a business-use exemption; industry and taxpayer groups opposed the proposal, warning of higher costs for consumers and businesses. Members also heard CDTFA’s administrative request tied to the proposal, plus a separate CDTFA budget reduction reflecting lower operational needs; that reduction was presented as a savings item and drew positive reactions. Next, the committee considered federal conformity for “Trump accounts,” which would align California tax treatment with federal rules for tax-deferred children’s accounts and avoid tracking burdens for families. The LAO recommended approval, and the item drew no opposition. The committee also heard a proposal to cut the first-year $800 annual business tax to $400 for LLCs, LPs, and LLPs; Finance argued it would lower startup costs and encourage new business formation, while the LAO said the benefit was not well targeted and could subsidize entities that would form anyway. Members discussed the policy tradeoff, and public commenters split between support for small business relief and concern about revenue loss. The final major revenue item was a permanent business tax credit limitation, capping credits at the greater of $5 million per corporation or 50% of pre-credit liability, while excluding the low-income housing tax credit and personal income tax credits. Finance said it would raise significant revenue from large profitable corporations, and the LAO said it was a reasonable option but noted it would mainly affect the R&D credit and could have future implications for programs like California Competes. Public testimony was sharply divided, with business groups opposing the cap and anti-poverty advocates supporting it as a way to recapture revenue. The committee also heard FTB’s CalFile realignment request, which would return most of the direct-file-related resources to the General Fund while retaining a smaller staff to improve CalFile, and the California Arts Council’s request to reauthorize the Keep Arts in Schools voluntary contribution fund, which members and advocates supported despite relatively modest annual donations. The hearing continued with GoBiz proposals on civic media funding, CA RISE reappropriation, and a semiconductor facility reversion, with the LAO supporting the latter two and members raising questions about the civic media program’s scope, outreach, and inclusion of broadcast and ethnic media.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:04.800> to Proposal four would add new language to Proposal four would add new language
• <01:12:52.560> Justice funds to the Vermont Language Justice funds to the Vermont Language
• Madam Speaker, the Vermont Language Madam Speaker, the Vermont Language Justice<01:13:00.239>
• who speak languages other than English. who speak languages other than English.
• Since its founding, the Vermont Language Since its founding, the Vermont Language Justice<01:13:

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional for Mental Health Awareness Month, focused on the fragility and renewability of mental health and the importance of human connection, kindness, and reaching out to people who are struggling. The chamber then handled several referral items, including first reading and referral of Senate Bill 329, an act relating to criminal procedures involving firearms, to the Judiciary Committee. It also referred Senate Bills 323 and 326 to the Committee on Appropriations because they carry appropriations, and noted that Senate Bill 278, relating to cannabis and state revenue, had been reported favorably with amendment and was referred to Ways and Means under House Rule 35A. The House took up Joint Senate Resolution 53 on weekend adjournment for May 15, 2026, and adopted it in concurrence by voice vote. The chamber also read House Concurrent Resolution 284 honoring former Senate Majority Leader and Department of State’s Attorneys and Sheriffs’ Executive Director John F. Campbell for his public service, including his work on marriage equality and gun control, and members gave remarks recognizing his leadership, humor, and impact on the institution. Several guests were welcomed and recognized during announcements, including a representative involved in a diaper drive, local officials, and Norma Malone, who was honored for decades of public service in Barry Town and related local boards. The main floor action was on Proposal 4, a proposed constitutional amendment on equality of rights. The Judiciary Committee recommended concurrence, and the member from Burlington explained the amendment’s purpose and process, emphasizing that it would add an equal protection guarantee to the Vermont Constitution covering race, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and national origin, while preserving other constitutional protections. The member also reviewed the proposal’s prior passage in both chambers in the previous biennium and its current path toward appearing on the November 2026 ballot if approved again by the House and Senate. The transcript ends while the House is still hearing extended remarks on Proposal 4, with no final vote on the amendment shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• It, if there is a modification to that language, did you have an amendment you wish to move forward?
• I mean, maybe nonpartisan staff can answer whether it's sufficient, whether there's any language that
• in, and so, uh, um, yeah, basically this is a language from nonpartisan staff to cover the situation
• the people if you control the language the people if you control the language creating<00:29:28.399
• specific suggestion on some language specific suggestion on some language maybe<01:04:11.559>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• They added some more non-domiciled CDL language.
• It also includes language for truck driver training schools that may train non-domiciled CDL drivers
• All the language in the bill has passed out of one chamber or the other.
• There was some language added in the Senate that we had to pull back and modify.
• And then finally, we have some trailer language for 282.

Keywords: 964, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And there was some solid waste site evaluation committee language added as well that was in House Bill
• We're not going to be able to support that language.
• We're not going to accept language dealing with this topic in 302, but representative, if you'd like
• But again, the Senate is not going to accept this language on this topic in Senate Bill 302.
• is is not going to accept this language is is not going to accept this language on<00:08:39.680>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Summary: The Committee of Conference opened on Senate Bill 302, originally focused on background checks for solid waste management facility owners. Members discussed House-added amendments, including language from House Bill 616 on animal cruelty and additional solid waste site evaluation committee provisions from House Bill 2. The Senate chair said the Senate would not accept the HB 616 animal cruelty language in SB 302, though he indicated the issue could return next year in a standalone or amended bill. Representative Comtois explained a revised version of the animal-related language, including a provision that an owner’s name and address would not be publicized until a case is adjudicated and that donations raised using the stories or likeness of animals in protective custody would be limited to covering the animals’ care costs. Despite that explanation, the Senate maintained its opposition. House members said their side would not concur unless the language remained in the bill, and the chair responded that the Senate would let the bill go rather than accept the amendment. The hearing was then closed without agreement or final action on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate File 3868, Kagel substituting the House language.
• Senate File 3868, Kagel substituting the House language.
• Senate File 3887, Bakeberg substituting the House language.
• Kagel substituting the House language. Kagel substituting the House language.
• the House language. the House language.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• But here we are today where the rules have to follow the language, black-and-white language, of the laws
• It's just we have to follow the language of the law. This is what the law says.
• Can you tell me where that language comes from? Because it comes from the codes.
• I knew it was coming from the people who knew the language.
• We also updated some of the language to make it more consistent throughout the rule.

Summary: The Arkansas Administrative Rules Subcommittee met to review a large slate of agency rules and related reports. The chair announced that several items were stricken from the agenda and that the maternal health providers and remote monitoring rules were pulled by the agency. The committee filed reports on emergency rules, ALC subcommittee rule reviews, and administrative directives, then moved through agency rules from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce/Insurance, Department of Corrections, and multiple divisions of the Department of Human Services. Most rules were explained as technical updates or implementations of 2025 legislation and were approved without objection. Examples included repeal of obsolete equine ID-chip rules, updates to agriculture financing and pesticide rules, removal of duplicative workers’ compensation plan language, a unified visitation rule for correctional facilities, DHS marketing rules for PASS programs, a comprehensive DCFS policy manual revision, Medicaid-related changes for fictive kin, ABLE accounts, presumptive eligibility for pregnant women, SNAP work requirements and alien eligibility, coverage for certain incarcerated youth, nurse aide training updates, and permanent rules for state employee insurance and procurement. The committee also approved requests to exclude the Insurance Department from rulemaking requirements for Act 772 on forced organ harvesting and for restorative reproductive medicine, with the department saying it would issue rules later when more guidance is available. The most extended discussion concerned DHS’s dental Medicaid rate rule under Act 1025. Members and witnesses debated whether the statute’s language covered only oral surgeons or also general dentists performing oral surgery procedures, and whether the rate increase should apply more broadly to the services rather than the provider title. DHS said it was following the black-letter language of the law and could not confirm a broader interpretation without further approvals and funding, while legislators and a Dental Association representative said the intent was to increase payment for the services, especially in rural areas. Members also discussed the possibility of fixing the language in a future session or through a new rule if approvals and CMS review allow. Despite the concerns, the committee approved the rule. The meeting ended with approval of rule review reports and monthly updates, and the committee adjourned.