Transcript Highlights:

• The committee sub is a permissive tool available only to political subdivisions who have an identified
• Now, authorizing these financial tools will enable wholesale customers of regional projects.
• And so this bill offers a needed tool in the toolbox for our. regional water suppliers to be able to
• Presently, we have vacancies on our board that we need to fill, and we think having this tool in our
• This would give us a tool in the toolbox, a vehicle, a framework to be able to.

Bills: HB1520, HB1525, HB1530, HB1535, HB2068, HB2091, HB2347, HB2372, HB2805, HB2815, HB2867, HB3154, HB3482, HB3483, HB3663, HB3781, HB3901, HB3915, HB4135, HB4153, HB4158, HB4329, HB4331

Keywords: Angelina and Neches River Authority, river authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Sunset Act, Special District Local Laws Code, local government, natural resources, board of directors, director training, board governance, public testimony, open meetings, public information, conflict of interest, ethics, complaint system, general manager, board president, staggered terms, removal of director

Transcript Highlights:

• that piece to the committee substitute for Senate Bill 719 does is it adds that piece to a reporting tool
• , and I'm meant to say this to you, Senator Eckhart, I know we've discussed this before, there's a tool
• It's an interactive tool. You go on there.
• Counties want to do the right thing, but we need the tools and resources to do it responsibly.
• She then said vaccine risks are similar: for most people, they are completely safe and a useful tool

Bills: SB500, SB719, SB912, SB1232, SB1467, SB1777, SB1864, SB2023, SB2119, SB2458

Keywords: SB 500, Texas adoption law, Family Code, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, child-placing agency, prospective adoptive parents, adoption records, confidential information, nondisclosure agreement, child history report, health history, social history, educational history, genetic history, termination of parental rights, permanency plan, single source continuum contractor, privacy, redaction

Summary: The committee first took up several pending bills and reported them favorably: SB 968, SB 636 as substituted, SB 1137, and SB 1138 as substituted. Each was advanced by roll call vote, and the committee also recommended the approved bills for the local and uncontested calendar. The chair then moved to the posted agenda and heard SB 719, a mental health bed-capacity study bill by Senator Eckhart, with a committee substitute that refined the data collection to distinguish state and non-state beds, child and adult beds, include two point-in-time counts, and capture jail diversion data. Testimony on SB 719 was largely supportive from Integral Care, NAMI Texas, and the Children’s Hospital Association of Texas, all of whom said Texas needs better data on inpatient psychiatric capacity, workforce needs, and future demand. Several witnesses described long waits for beds, especially for forensic restoration, and argued the study would help target future investments. Senator Perry and others noted the state has already made major investments in new beds and urged the bill to account for beds already coming online; the committee ultimately withdrew the substitute and left SB 719 pending after public testimony closed. The committee then heard SB 1864, which would allow small egg producers to sell ungraded eggs more broadly, including to restaurants and retailers, with the substitute increasing the weekly sales threshold and addressing sanitation and labeling. Supporters said grading is about size, not safety, and that the bill would help small farms reach new markets; opponents from the Texas Poultry Federation argued grading and candling help identify cracks and defects that can affect safety and quality. The committee adopted the substitute and left the bill pending. It also heard SB 1467, requiring DSHS to share death record information with hospitals for record accuracy and quality review, and SB 912, which would modernize continuing education tracking for health licensing agencies; both bills drew supportive testimony and were left pending. Finally, the committee heard SB 2023, which would create an HHSC grant program to help counties pay for indigent burial costs, with county representatives testifying in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• and commissioned law enforcement officers already on site, ready to act, but currently lacking the tools
• Just to highlight to him exactly what tools this would bring.
• HB 1832 will provide law enforcement with additional tools to manage the lingering effects of our border
• This program should be a very helpful tool.
• It would also equip our law enforcement agencies with an essential legal tool to prosecute those who

Bills: HB1583, HB1775, HB1832, HB1836, HB1837, HB1866, HB1983, HB2029, HB2217, HB2318, HB2363, HB2486

Keywords: mental health, emergency detention, peace officer, mental illness, prevention of harm, border security, private landowners, study and report, General Land Office, participation, controlled substances, opioid antagonists, law enforcement training, substance abuse prevention, Texas-Mexico border, criminal justice, public safety, law enforcement, National Park Service, arrest powers

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's particularly important that this tool is available to them now.
• Finally, we can't emphasize enough just how much R-trikes are a tool of accessibility for some of the
• um R<00:23:34.400> trikes<00:23:34.880> are<00:23:35.120> a<00:23:35.320> tool
• 00:23:35.840> of<00:23:36.039> accessibility<00:23:36.919> for R trikes are a tool
• This is a tool to get more people into e-bikes.

Bills: HF2066, HF340, HF341, HF566, HF2107, HF2130

Keywords: electric bicycles, tax rebate, transportation, environment, local economy, fleeing peace officer, culpable negligence, traffic laws, public safety, motor vehicle offenses, driving violations, penalties, license suspension, traffic enforcement, all-terrain vehicle, ATV, class 1 ATV, class 2 ATV, road rights-of-way, public roads

Transcript Highlights:

• funding some cybersecurity pieces that support the systems that we currently operate, so our online tools
• funding some cybersecurity pieces that support the systems that we currently operate, so our online tools
• funding some cybersecurity pieces that support the systems that we currently operate, so our online tools
• funding some cybersecurity pieces that support the systems that we currently operate, so our online tools
• funding some cybersecurity pieces that support the systems that we currently operate, so our online tools

Bills: HF1345, HF71, HF993, HF1943

Keywords: HF1345, statutory city, public utility commission, municipal utilities, city council, local government, utility governance, commission membership, staggered terms, vacancy appointment, ordinance, Minnesota Statutes 412.341, municipal ordinance, city commission, public utilities, HF71, Minnesota, public safety, peace officers, correctional officers

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have something called the, uh, policy comparison tool, which is an additional shopping tool.
• Going on to the rest of our exceptional items, uh, we're asking for $100,000 for the policy comparison tool
• going to be part of their day to day, but everybody has embraced it, recognizing if we're given a tool
• strong cybersecurity framework and we, of course, partner with DIR in our selections and our, um, the tools
• internally where we can stop some repetitive behaviors inside the agency, but primarily it's to make tools

Transcript Highlights:

• that helped our Border Patrol agents through some tough times, gives our law enforcement one more tool
• that helped our Border Patrol agents through some tough times, gives our law enforcement one more tool
• c> times, gives our law enforcement one times, gives our law enforcement one more<02:43:51.760> tool
• > to<02:43:52.479> improve<02:43:52.960> mental<02:43:53.279> health more tool
• needed to execute their many tools needed to execute their duties<04:29:35.199> safely<04:29:

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We must ensure that this data is protected, that our researchers have the tools they need, and that the
• <03:38:28.560> to<03:38:28.800> effectively the necessary tools to effectively the
• necessary tools to effectively oversee<03:38:30.160> the<03:38:30.399> Department<03:38
• <03:40:49.359> to provide Congress with crucial tools to provide Congress with crucial tools
• We will continue to use all the tools in our toolbox.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, May 19, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We must invest in the tools that teach, build empathy, and uphold democracy.
• Education is one of those tools, and I mean that broadly.
• Education is one of those tools, and I mean that broadly.
• We have to give the next generation the tools they need to make anti-Semites the pariahs they are.
• This only turns it into a tool to silence people.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The meeting focused on the commission’s work addressing antisemitism in Massachusetts, including security, education, victim services, and legal responses. A major presentation came from former federal prosecutor Eric O’Sham, who described the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, the attack’s planning and execution, the 11 victims killed, the defendant’s white supremacist and antisemitic online activity, the federal prosecution, and the long aftermath for the victim community. Commissioners asked about prevention, radicalization online, security for houses of worship, and how to support victims; O’Sham emphasized the limits of law enforcement when speech is protected, the importance of public education, security grants, and victim-witness support. The commission also heard from Ariel Holman of Agudath Israel, who described a wide range of antisemitic incidents affecting Orthodox Jews, including assaults, threats, vandalism, school harassment, and zoning barriers, and urged expanded security personnel grants, mental health resources, kosher food access, and support for synagogue development. Other speakers included advocates and local officials who supported Holocaust education, the planned Boston Holocaust Museum, cemetery protection, and broader public education efforts, while some public commenters criticized the commission’s focus or raised concerns about definitions of antisemitism and free speech. The meeting concluded with approval of prior meeting minutes and the start of public comment, which was limited to three minutes per speaker due to time constraints.

Transcript Highlights:

• board, when they look at a project, they look at what's the farmer impact, and they've got several tools
• 39.519> several farmer impact and they've got several farmer impact and they've got several tools
• in the toolbox where as we look tools in the toolbox where as we look through<00:13:42.000> these
• So this will give us another tool to do that. And then thank you for my mug.
• will give us another tool to do that. will give us another tool to do that.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:18 KOAP Report 00:58 Approval of Minutes 53:58, 958, all

Summary: The Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee met on June 11 but did not have a quorum, so it could not approve the prior minutes. The committee then received a compliance and program update from Brandon Reed and Bill McClowski of the agricultural development board, who said the office is fully staffed, has digitized most records, and has added a Facebook page to share board actions, projects, and compliance work. They also reported that the board and finance corporation continue to operate with strong county-council participation and that the office had completed numerous site visits, program reviews, and project closeouts over the reporting period. The presenters reviewed monthly funding actions from December through May, including board approvals ranging from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars, with a December finance meeting delayed by a snowstorm. They highlighted that the Kentucky Agriculture Finance Corporation now has 57 loans generating more than $2 million per month in payments, and that the revolving loan program has grown to support more than $24 million annually in repayments available for relending. They also noted that 75% of the portfolio is in beginning farmer loans and that the office had recently surpassed 1,000 active loans. Several projects were discussed in detail. These included a grain facility in Callaway County supporting organic corn production for expanding egg-layer operations, a Union County cattle business expansion, a West Liberty Veterinary Clinic project to build a working cattle facility, a Grayson County farmers market project, a Casey County veterinary services project, and a packing warehouse for the Kanye family to support specialty crops. The presenters emphasized that county and state tobacco settlement funds are often combined, sometimes with participation loans, to leverage local investment. They also stressed the importance of supporting greenhouses, farmers markets, specialty crops, and large-animal veterinary services as key agricultural priorities. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond the lack of quorum and the informational presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• “I am proud to share that NDVSSB started a new infant screening vision tool called the neonatal assessment
• thing I would like to note is that a majority of people with low vision may not benefit from that tool
• actually developed, with the Quality Business and Support Center, a survey option as well as some tools
• The authors of the tool changed that. Last year, I believe, was when we implemented that.
• Do you use the CIS, the assessment tool for children?

Summary: The committee first heard an update on North Dakota’s Interagency Council on Homelessness and Continuum of Care funding. Jennifer Henderson of the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency reported that homelessness remains driven by tight housing markets, low incomes, rising rents, and barriers to rental assistance, public benefits, and disability determinations. She said the state’s one-time North Dakota Homeless Grant is serving all regions but reaches far fewer households than the former Rent Help program, and that aging homelessness, shelter staffing shortages, and limited affordable units are growing concerns. Members discussed the need for more housing supply, better coordination with Health and Human Services, landlord engagement, reentry housing, and possible continued one-time funding for the $10 million Homeless Grant and $25 million Housing Incentive Fund. Henderson also warned that federal Continuum of Care funding is uncertain, with HUD expected to issue a new notice June 1 and possible shifts away from permanent supportive housing toward transitional housing and other models. The committee then took testimony on accessibility of government services for people who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, or hard of hearing. Paul Olson of North Dakota Vision Services School for the Blind described the school’s services for infants, children, and adults, including screenings, mobility training, assistive technology, and outreach across the state. He said the agency works closely with Vocational Rehabilitation and is also involved in improving website and document accessibility, especially for PDF materials. Public testimony highlighted barriers such as inaccessible CAPTCHA systems, online forms, driver’s license requirements on job applications, and limited transportation in rural areas. A deaf resident urged broader use of video remote interpreting and video relay services, along with training so people know how to use them effectively. Finally, Kay Larson presented the final report on the child care provider licensing study. The report recommended streamlining North Dakota’s child care licensing structure into three provider types plus a preschool designation, while preserving health and safety standards and maintaining eligibility for child care assistance. The committee discussed simplifying training and qualification rules, revising ratio and group-size requirements, and adjusting age bands for infants and toddlers. The report also noted that some changes would require statutory amendments and later administrative rule changes, with a transition period likely extending through 2029. No formal votes were taken in the transcript, but the committee accepted the updates and scheduled follow-up presentations for a later meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, libraries cannot negotiate or comparison shop, the tools that normally help markets function
• comparison shop. the tools that normally comparison shop. the tools that normally help<00:05:19.919
• We're taking the tools away from the libraries and we're doing nothing to the publishers except allowing
• We're taking the tools away everything.
• We're taking the tools away from<00:43:26.720> the<00:43:26.880> libraries<00:43:27.440

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it should be one of the tools in the toolbox.
• And we do use tools. We have several tools to keep ourselves on track on the operational side.
• And we do use tools. We have several tools to keep ourselves on track on the operational side.
• We have tools available for them to get their stuff compliant. Compliance.
• We have tools available for them to get their stuff compliant.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um we have income and employment verification<00:46:24.960> tools<00:46:25.280> that<00
• :46:25.520> helps<00:46:25.760> us<00:46:26.240> uh verification tools that helps
• us uh verification tools that helps us uh check<00:46:27.200> uh<00:46:27.839> with<00
• We've moved from talking about it to having a tool to implement.
• <01:02:43.280> I'm it to have a tool to implement. I'm it to have a tool to implement.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:01 Department for Public Health Budget Request 00:01:46 Department for Community Based Services Budget Request 00:31:58 Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) 00:57:13, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes, then heard a lengthy presentation from the Department for Public Health on Kentucky’s rural health transformation plan and related budget questions. Commissioner John Langfeld said the state received a $212.9 million federal award, one of the larger awards nationally, and outlined five focus areas: maternal and infant health, integrated EMS/trauma response, behavioral health and substance use disorder, oral health, and chronic disease prevention with an emphasis on obesity and diabetes. He stressed that the effort is intended to be integrated, data-driven, and sustainable, and that the federal funds cannot be used for new construction, clinician salaries, research and development, EHR replacement, or to pay for currently billable services. He also said the program carries accountability requirements and that funds can be clawed back if milestones are not met. Members pressed for clarification on duplication with other budget requests, sustainability after the five-year funding period, and how success would be measured. Langfeld said he was not aware of any duplicate funding with the department’s additional budget requests and said the rural health funds were separate from those requests. He also said the program will be tracked through specific metrics and timelines, using both execution measures and outcome measures such as readmissions, with more rapid-cycle feedback to allow course correction. Representative Fleming raised concerns about possible overlap with navigator funding and asked for more detail on the budget breakdown; Langfeld said a detailed line-item budget had been prepared but was still awaiting final CMS approval before release, and that he would explore sharing more information once restrictions were lifted. The committee then heard from the Kentucky State Public Health Laboratory about a request for a new central lab expansion. The presenter described the current 35-year-old facility as outdated and constrained by aging infrastructure, obsolete equipment, deferred maintenance, and inadequate space, and said the lab performs critical work with no in-state alternative for many services, including newborn screening, select-agent and biosafety level 3 testing, animal necropsy for rabies, genetic sequencing, environmental and food safety testing, and response to emerging infectious diseases. The project is already in design phase C, expected to finish in mid-April, with construction funding sought at roughly $276 million on top of about $35 million already approved for design. Members asked about long-term operating costs, backup arrangements, and whether the current facility would remain in use; the presenter said the current lab would continue to be used by the department while other divisions move into vacated space, and that the lab has mutual-aid agreements with the Southeast Consortium and universities for contingency support. Finally, the Department for Community Based Services began its budget presentation on SNAP and relative caregiver issues. Commissioner Lisa Dennis and budget director Misty Sammons identified the governor’s recommended budget items tied to new federal requirements under HR1, including changes affecting payment error rates. The discussion was just beginning when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• It provides a tool to the health and wellness class. It's a tool.
• It provides<01:38:21.040> a<01:38:21.199> tool<01:38:21.760> to<01:38:22.000>
• a tool to the health and wellness<01:38:23.119> class.
• <01:38:23.920> It's<01:38:24.159> a<01:38:24.320> tool.
• It's a tool. The short wellness class. It's a tool.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:57:59.599> that platform, excuse me, um with a tool that platform, excuse me, um with
• a tool that provides<00:58:00.160> more<00:58:00.400> than<00:58:00.640> 700<00:
• There are lots of similar tools like this, but never to this level.
• There are lots of similar<01:04:04.240> tools<01:04:04.559> like<01:04:04.720> this,
• , but never to similar tools like this, but never to this<01:04:05.920> level.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Budget Review Subcommittee on Education met and approved the July 15, 2025 minutes before hearing a presentation from the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA/KIA) on student financial aid ahead of the January biennial budget session. KHEAA outlined its role administering 17 state-funded grant and scholarship programs, 529 plans, and outreach services, and emphasized that net lottery proceeds after a $3 million literacy appropriation are statutorily dedicated to student aid. The agency focused on the major need-based programs—College Access Program (CAP), Kentucky Tuition Grant (KTG), and KEES—along with dual credit, Work Ready Kentucky, teacher scholarship, and National Guard tuition assistance. Officials said the new federal FAFSA methodology created a major increase in eligible students, especially for CAP, and thanked lawmakers for adding substantial funding this biennium to meet the higher demand. Staff explained that CAP is for Pell-eligible, low-income students, while KTG is a need-based grant for students at private Kentucky colleges; both use FAFSA data, but schools verify final eligibility. They said CAP awards are first-come, first-served and that the higher funding level allowed the program to last the full 21-month application cycle in FY 2024-2025, compared with much shorter periods in earlier years. KHEAA reported about $232 million spent on CAP for roughly 72,000 students last year, with current applications running about 10% ahead of the prior year. Members asked about the difference between applicants and recipients, the effect of lower lottery revenues, and whether recent federal legislation would affect state aid; KHEAA said it does not expect major impacts on grants and scholarships, though student loan changes could affect graduate students. The committee also discussed KEES and dual credit. KHEAA said KEES has been fully funded since its creation and that its forecast was within $76,000 of actual need last year. For dual credit, staff said a recent bill consolidated work-ready dual credit and career/technical education under one scholarship program, and KHEAA will seek growth funding because participation and costs continue to rise. The agency said FY 2025 dual credit spending reached $26.4 million across dual credit and work-ready funding, requiring transfers from Work Ready Kentucky to keep dual credit fully funded. Members asked about transferability of dual credit hours and whether the program reduces later college costs; KHEAA said it does not have hard data on every credit transfer, but it does see higher bachelor’s completion rates and lower student debt, suggesting positive effects. No votes were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• I never want to hear that our team on the ground and our law enforcement out there don't have the tools
• That's the tools.
• I'm a contractor, and I know how important tools are to get the job done, but these tools make the difference
• Um, I think it's very important that we provide the tools that is necessary.
• the tools that is necessary<00:29:07.440> you<00:29:07.600> heard<00:29:07.880> some

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• development of clean energy and greenhouse gas emission reduction projects by using innovative financing tools
• <00:06:05.440> leverage<00:06:06.000> private<00:06:06.440> and financing tools
• to leverage private and financing tools to leverage private and public<00:06:07.039> capital<
• mission that we established is that MIFA works to remove financial barriers and creates financial tools
• mission that we established is that MIFA works to remove financial barriers and creates financial tools

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, codes and things we also look, you know, tools that we use internally within Medicaid as a whole,
• c><00:29:35.039> we<00:29:35.200> kind<00:29:35.279> of agreements just other tools
• we kind of agreements just other tools we kind of talked<00:29:35.720> about<00:29:36.279>
• codes and things we also look<00:29:38.080> you<00:29:38.240> know<00:29:38.919> tools
• <00:29:39.240> that<00:29:39.399> we<00:29:39.519> use look you know tools that

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee met to review the Department for Medicaid Services’ program integrity work. Commissioner Lisa Lee and Program Integrity Director Jennifer Dudinsky outlined Kentucky Medicaid’s structure, funding, enrollment, and spending, including FMAP rates, the size of the Medicaid and KCHIP populations, the number of providers, and 2024 expenditures. They also described the managed care and fee-for-service populations, noting that managed care serves most members while fee-for-service is concentrated in long-term care and waiver populations. Most of the discussion focused on fraud, waste, abuse prevention, and provider oversight. The department described its provider enrollment and certification checks, revalidation requirements, site reviews, fingerprinting for some high-risk providers, and termination grounds such as false application information, Medicare actions, unreported ownership changes, and abandonment of a provider number. Members asked about nonprofit ownership reporting, MCO fraud oversight, and how the department tracks unusual CPT code utilization, especially in behavioral health. The department said it uses data analytics, audits, policy review, and collaboration with behavioral health staff to monitor those trends. Dudinsky explained the division’s four branches: provider licensing and certification, audits and compliance, recovery, and third-party liability/estate recovery. She described prepayment and postpayment audits, referrals of credible fraud allegations to the Attorney General, monthly meetings with the AG’s office, and coordination with the Office of Inspector General, CMS, HHS OIG, MCOs, and other partners. She also explained payment suspensions, stand-downs during law enforcement investigations, and recovery efforts for overpayments, provider/member fraud, and third-party liability. The department said its recovery and avoidance efforts produced more than $251 million in savings so far in 2025. No votes or formal actions beyond approving the minutes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Wilson, this bill does not require judges to give this alternative sentence; it just gives them another tool
• 45.519> another sentence say it just gives them another sentence say it just gives them another tool
• <00:29:46.000> in<00:29:46.120> the<00:29:46.200> tool<00:29:46.480> box<
• 00:29:47.279> absolutely<00:29:48.279> ABS tool in the tool box absolutely ABS tool in
• the tool box absolutely ABS correct<00:29:49.279> the<00:29:49.360> only<00:29:49.559><

Keywords: 00:00:00 Call to Order/Roll Call 00:01:20 Discussion of 25RS HB 479 00:03:22 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 479 00:04:51 Discussion of 25RS HB 574 00:21:49 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 475 00:23:41 Discussion of 25RS HB 291 01:04:38 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 291 01:05:42 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Families and Children met and first took up House Bill 479, which would require one hour of dementia training for DCBS workers. Representative Derrick Lewis and the Alzheimer’s Association said the bill was a straightforward, bipartisan effort to address dementia awareness and improve worker training, with no fiscal impact. Members spoke in support, including remarks about personal family experiences with dementia and the importance of recognizing symptoms early. The committee voted 11-0 to pass the bill with favorable expression. The committee then heard House Bill 574, the “Baby Maya” child protection bill, sponsored by Representatives Dossett and Lewis. The bill would require reporting when a child is born to a parent who previously had children removed for neglect or abuse, create a rebuttable presumption allowing the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to make an initial safety determination, authorize emergency custody procedures, and name the measure the Baby Maya Law. Sponsors said it was intended to add guardrails after the Baby Maya case and stressed that it would not automatically remove children or add new mandatory-reporter penalties. Members asked about hospital involvement, HIPAA, and information-sharing; the Cabinet commissioner said the agency would be open to better data-sharing with hospitals, but currently has no such system. The bill passed 12-1 with favorable expression. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 291, the Family Preservation and Accountability Act, with a committee substitute. The bill would expand sentencing alternatives for primary caregivers convicted of nonviolent offenses, allowing judges to consider family status and use options such as counseling, parenting classes, and related services. Supporters argued it would keep families together, reduce harm from parental incarceration, and save money; one witness cited a report estimating $4 million in direct incarceration savings and broader economic benefits. Another witness, Amanda Hall, gave emotional testimony about the long-term harm of parental incarceration and said access to help would have been better for her family than prison. The committee adopted the committee substitute and passed the bill 12-1 with favorable expression.