Transcript Highlights:

• , I think it's good to know that ADDP works very closely with other human service trade associations
• , I think it's good to know that ADDP works very closely with other human service trade associations
• So it's such an important key indicator to service access.
• long-term residential services, shared living services, adult foster care services, day habilitation
• And Juan Vega, I just heard speak at a Rox Talks, Children's Services of Roxbury forum.

Summary: The Workforce Support Subcommittee of the Status of Persons with Disabilities met, approved prior minutes, and heard a presentation from the Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers (ADDP) on its 2025 workforce metrics survey. ADDP described its membership and the survey’s scope, which covers community-based services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and brain injuries. The survey had strong participation, with 102 of 132 members responding, and this year included new questions on rising health insurance costs. ADDP reported that workforce conditions have improved for a third consecutive year, with the overall vacancy rate falling from 19% in 2024 to 15% in 2025, and vacancy declines across several program areas. However, vacancies remain high in key roles such as licensed practical nurses and clinicians, nearly 4,000 positions remain unfilled, and about 1,800 people are still waiting for day services. Providers also reported major health insurance premium increases, which they said make it harder to offer competitive wages and benefits and affect recruitment and retention. Committee members discussed the impact of federal immigration policy, workforce shortages, and the need to maintain recent gains in staffing. The subcommittee then elected Rachel Caprillion and Leo Sarkisian as co-chairs by vote. Members discussed possible topics and guests for the next meeting, including training, turnover, waiting lists, direct support professional pipelines, apprenticeships, and possible speakers from state agencies, advocacy organizations, other states, and workforce programs such as JVS. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Resident Service Coordinators Program, which connects residents to local social services, is level
• This is something that's been in place on human service programs across Health and Human Services for
• This is something that's been in place on human service programs across health and human services for
• And that's how the services work.
• of service consumption or other relevant service metric.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held a public FY27 budget hearing at Barnstable Town Hall, with opening remarks emphasizing the Cape and Islands’ seasonal infrastructure, housing, transportation, workforce, and digital needs. The hearing began with testimony from the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, which outlined the Healey-Driscoll administration’s budget priorities for job training, apprenticeship, youth employment, reentry programs, and unemployment insurance modernization. The secretary highlighted proposed funding for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, Career Technical Initiative, YouthWorks, reentry workforce development, and services for young adults with disabilities, along with a proposal to streamline youth work permits. Members also discussed the unemployment trust fund, the COVID assessment on employers, rising unemployment, and the need to improve DUA customer service and claims processing. Committee members asked about job seeker barriers such as child care, housing, transportation, and out-migration of young workers, as well as how to keep Cape Cod graduates and seasonal workers in the region. The administration said its strategy is to pair training with broader affordability investments and to expose students to career pathways earlier, including through middle school, early childhood STEM, YouthWorks, pre-apprenticeships, and Building Pathways. Senators and representatives also raised concerns about regional funding disparities, especially for Hampshire Franklin MassHire, and the administration said it is reviewing MassHire funding and service equity through a policy committee and statewide workforce board. On unemployment assistance, officials reported major improvements in wait times and claims processing, but said they are still working through backlogs and staffing challenges while maintaining program integrity. The committee then heard testimony from the Executive Office of Economic Development. The secretary described House 2 as a fiscally restrained budget with no new taxes or fees, while preserving core programs and using the Mass Leads Act tools to support competitiveness. EOED’s proposal included funding for the Community One Stop for Growth, rural economic development, social enterprise operating grants, regional economic development organizations, the Workforce Investment Trust Fund, Community Workforce Partnerships, Pathmaker, advanced manufacturing training, life sciences, innovation vouchers, AI initiatives, small business assistance, and tourism and live theater support. The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation also testified on its FY27 request, focusing on consumer protection, licensing, banking, insurance, and public safety regulation. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to welcome you all to the 21st hearing of the Joint Committee on Public Service in the 194th
• Chair Brady, Chair Ryan, and members of the Joint Committee on Public Service...
• This bill before the committee corrects that inequity and says... ...from public service.
• And I chuckle at times when, in passing, I'm thanked for my service as a representative.
• And I chuckle because service for us is our job.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Service

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held its 21st hearing and took up late-filed bills, with testimony focused mainly on firefighter and police personnel matters. The committee heard strong support for H.5429/H.6138, Governor Healey’s bill to provide injured-on-duty compensation and full pay and benefits to Chelmsford firefighter Nicholas Spinelli after he was seriously injured while instructing at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. Testimony from Rep. Simon Cataldo, Rep. Rodney Elliott, PFFM leaders, Chelmsford Fire Chief Gary Ryan, and others emphasized that Spinelli was performing public service training work, that the incident exposed gaps in coverage for firefighters serving in academy roles, and that the bill should be a prompt, statewide fix. Several speakers also urged future legislation to address broader policy gaps for DFS support-branch and part-time personnel. The committee also heard testimony on a Topsfield home rule petition, H.54435, to allow Police Chief Neil Hovey to continue serving until age 68 or retirement. Rep. Kristen Kasner and local officials praised Hovey’s leadership, training, regional coordination, and management of public safety at the Topsfield Fair, and asked for favorable passage. In addition, Sen. Ryan Fattman and Rep. Joe McKenna testified for S.3051, a bill to provide certain retirement benefits to the surviving spouse of fallen Uxbridge Police Officer Stephen LaPorta, describing his death while assisting a stranded motorist in a snowstorm and the town’s support for honoring his family. PFFM and other police/fire union representatives generally supported the firefighter and LaPorta bills, while PFFM also stated opposition to H.5389, a separate bill authorizing continued employment of the Upton police chief. After testimony concluded, the committee adjourned without taking a recorded vote during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• therefore difficult to determine with certainty whether or not a managed care model for long-term services
• So patients who prefer to receive services as they have done in the past may continue to do so.
• </c><00:06:09.199><c> have</c><00:06:09.440><c> shown</c><00:06:09.759><c> mixed</c> support services
• and support or long-terms services and support or behavioral<00:06:59.199><c> health.
• </c><00:07:15.919><c> and</c> long-term managed care services and long-term managed care services and

Summary: The Committee to Study Long-Term Managed Care met to approve the prior minutes and then focused on its final report. The chair reviewed the committee’s earlier options—maintaining the status quo, adopting DNIP, adopting an HCBS carveout model, or moving fully to managed care for the aging population—and noted that ABD and developmental disabilities had already been excluded from consideration. He proposed a final recommendation that New Hampshire consider adopting DNIP as a voluntary option to better coordinate Medicare and Medicaid for dual eligibles, reduce duplication, and create a possible pathway toward future managed care, while acknowledging that a majority and minority report could be issued if needed. Members generally supported the draft recommendation and asked questions about whether federal budget changes would incentivize states to move in that direction, how the proposal would align with current department efforts, and whether the program would remain voluntary. Director Henry Litman said he did not see a specific federal mandate in OB3, but noted incentives in rural health transformation funding and said the proposal aligned with existing managed care contract direction. He and others emphasized that DNIP should be voluntary and that implementation timing would need to account for federal deadlines and broader changes facing the department. Members also discussed PACE, with one member saying it appeared feasible mainly in more populous areas and expressing neutrality, while another raised concerns about county risk and the need to preserve patient choice and maintain three MCOs. After discussion, members indicated agreement with the majority report approach and no further changes were proposed. The committee then moved to accept the draft language as presented and issue it as its report; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your service in the House.
• Thank you for your service in the House.
• So we're extending those services.
• And these services will be covered under the new contracts, whatever.
• Our family will be with us for our memorial service.

Summary: The Senate opened with a prayer, pledge, and several introductions recognizing guests and groups in the gallery, including representatives from Moffitt Cancer Center, students from Lakeland Christian School, space industry guests, Kappa Alpha Psi, the Florida Association of Licensed Investigators, and local visitors from Groveland and Polk County. The chamber also noted the doctor of the day and later adopted Senate Resolution 1856 honoring the life and legacy of Senator Geraldine Thompson, with 38 co-introducers recorded. In addition, Senate Bill 1324 by Senator Simon was withdrawn from further consideration. The main floor action was on Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 112, relating to children with developmental disabilities. Senator Harrell explained that the bill is aimed at improving autism diagnosis, early intervention, and services by expanding screening and referral grants, extending Early Steps services, designating the University of Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment as a coordinating research hub, creating grants for autism-focused charter schools and summer programs, and establishing a microcredential for workers who serve children with autism. Several senators spoke in support while raising implementation concerns, especially about provider recruitment, Medicaid managed care coverage, and the need for more research and technology support. In closing, Senator Harrell said the bill is a first step in a broader effort to improve services and research, and she addressed concerns by stating the services would be covered under new contracts and Medicaid, subject to a federal waiver, and that the microcredential would be developed online by the University of Florida with a stipend to encourage participation. The Senate then voted 38-0 to pass the bill. Afterward, the Rules Chair moved to waive rules and immediately certify the bill to the House, which was adopted without objection, and the Senate adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to Senate Health and Human Services.
• So, but for this one thing, they met the requirements of the RFP to provide services.
• So is this only for digital services?
• Preventive Services Task Force does not recommend routine screening.
• So I'm a big proponent of ABA services.

Bills: SB1421 , SB1427 , SB1484 , SB1503 , SB1553 , SB1557 , SB1564 , SB1566 , SB1567 , SB1591 , SB1642 , SB1794 , SB1837 , SB2044

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The Senate Health and Human Services Committee heard and advanced a series of health-related bills. Senate Bill 1503 would allow a digital abortion-related service provider to participate in the Choosing Childbirth grant program without requiring a brick-and-mortar Oklahoma presence; it passed 10-2. Senate Bill 1553, dealing with appeals reviewed by psychologists, passed unanimously. Senate Bill 1427, as amended, would add antibody screening for type 1 diabetes with parental consent and Medicaid reimbursement for the Medicaid population; it passed 9-3. Senate Bill 1642, allowing physicians to prescribe opioids in divided quantities during the initial seven-day period, passed unanimously. Senate Bill 1421, requiring non-physical intervention training for direct-care staff and volunteers in certain mental health facilities, also passed unanimously. The committee also approved several behavioral health and rural care measures. Senate Bill 1837 would ask the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to seek a federal exemption so rural providers of home- and community-based services can also provide case management and person-centered planning; it passed 12-0. Senate Bill 1566, aimed at expanding access to autism diagnosis and ABA therapy by broadening who may diagnose ASD and allowing telemedical supervision of behavioral techs, passed 9-3 with title off due to fiscal concerns. Senate Bill 1567, a cleanup bill for APRN prescriptive authority and medical board fee language, passed 9-3. Senate Bill 1794 would create a statewide behavioral health vacancy registry to help place people in crisis more quickly; it passed 11-1 with title off after fiscal concerns were raised. Later, the committee approved Senate Bill 1484, requiring medical examiner investigations of SIDS and sudden unexpected infant deaths to include review of immunization and medical records and adding parental notification/consent provisions unless a crime is suspected; it passed 12-0. Senate Bill 1557, transferring ABA therapist licensing duties from DHS to a licensing board, passed after an amendment shifting the board involved. Senate Bill 1564, requiring a standardized billing code and reimbursement rate for certain dental surgeries under general anesthesia, passed 11-1 with title off because of a $1.9 million fiscal note. Finally, Senate Bill 1591, as amended, would cap THC in medical marijuana edibles at 10 mg per edible and 100 mg per package to reduce child poisonings; it passed 10-2. Several bills were amended during discussion, and multiple members noted fiscal concerns, parental consent, and access-to-care issues throughout the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are mandated services.
• Regional service centers are voluntary cooperative service organizations that enable schools to efficiently
• We've connected families to health and dental services.
• And also customer service. So I have to work with clients face-to-face. And also customer service.
• Back home, I run weekly meetings and plan NHS community service events.

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Um so his service has kind in the army.
• Um, and while that service, period.
• Um, and while that service, those<00:07:55.840><c> services</c><00:07:56.319><c> offer</c><00:07:57.280
• ><c> therapy</c><00:07:57.919><c> for</c> those services offer therapy for those services offer therapy
• So yes, a Lutheran Social Services.

Bills: HF4588 , HF3685 , HF4577 , HF4932

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Transcript Highlights:

• His service demonstrates a steadfast commitment to progress and public good.
• HIS SERVICE DEMONSTRATES A STEADFAST COMMITMENT TO PROGRESS AND PUBLIC GOOD.
• Helen Hayes Hospital, celebrating over 125 years of service as of last year.
• His leadership was a courage rooted in faith, total commitment to public service.
• HIS LEADERSHIP WAS A COURAGE ROOTED IN FAITH, TOTAL COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC SERVICE.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'll never forget that service. I walked in. And I'll never forget that service.
• I want to thank you for your service.
• I want to thank you for your service.
• Texas and the services they provide, and it would also direct Health and Human Services, in collaboration
• At that service, we will pay tribute to U.S. service members killed in action, particularly recognizing

Bills: SJR60 , SB203 , SB317 , SB397 , SB511 , SB524 , SB731 , SB781 , SB801 , SB867 , SB1071 , SB1232 , SB1319 , SB1444 , SB1483 , SB1633 , SB1798 , SB1944 , SB1978 , SB2082 , SB2233 , SB2363 , SB2603 , SB2607 , SB2717 , SB2797 , SB2841 , SB2919 , SB2928 , SB2969 , SB3038 , SB3063 , HB 102 , HB 107 , HB 130 , HB132 , HB148 , HB647 , HB668 , HB677 , HB694 , HB748 , HB754 , HB923 , HB 1193 , HB 1240 , HB1318 , HB1397 , HB1584 , HB1639 , HB1875 , HB1893 , HB1922 , HB2071 , HB2187 , HB2254 , HB2350 , HB2510 , HB2513 , HB2516 , HB2522 , HB2559 , HB2712 , HB2713 , HB2733 , HB2775 , HB2788 , HB2789 , HB2894 , HB2960 , HB3033 , HB3126 , HB3211 , HB3370 , HB3376 , HB3751 , HB3805 , HB3810 , HB4187 , HB4219 , HB4238 , HB4273 , HB4325 , HB4344 , HB4384 , HB4506 , HB4529 , HB4643 , HB4753 , HB4783 , HB4850 , HB4885 , HB5342 , HB5424 , HB5560 , HCR90 , HCR98 , SJR5 , SJR34 , SB9 , SB27 , SB40 , SB458 , SB482 , SB493 , SB529 , SB541 , SB693 , SB841 , SB843 , SB912 , SB963 , SB1173 , SB1241 , SB1350 , SB1383 , SB1388 , SB1559 , SB1646 , SB1734 , SB1789 , SB1833 , SB1883 , SB1951 , SB1968 , SB2143 , SB2544 , SB1 , SB17 , SB260 , SB509 , SB1506 , SB1637 , SB1833 , SB2308 , HB2525 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SJR60 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SB2023 , SB511 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB1085 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB2458 , SB801 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB2797 , SB2076 , SB2876 , SB1640 , SB1449 , SB1181 , SB1234 , SB2926 , SB2841 , SB1528 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB1237 , SB2819 , SB629 , SB2608 , SB1602 , SB2009 , SB867 , SB640 , SB1698 , SB2680 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1483 , SB1444 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1703 , SB2133 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2622 , SB2955 , SB2334 , SB1367 , SB2044 , SB2363 , SB2565 , SB1888 , SB3036 , SB3057 , SB3043 , SB3063 , SB3035 , SB203 , SB2688 , SB2522 , SB2459 , SB2655 , SB2251 , SB1884 , SB2928 , SB2566 , SB1749 , SB2549 , SB2553 , SB2919 , SB1944 , SB1232 , SB1798 , SB2603 , SB2607 , SB2233 , SB2683 , SB1319 , SB1978 , SB3038 , SB3045 , SB1633 , SB1538 , SB719 , SB3071 , SB3065 , HJR34 , HB1393 , HB26 , HB3810 , HB388 , HB2712 , HB1633 , HB685 , HB4753 , HB762 , HB2286 , HB1606 , HB132 , HB1458 , HB 1240 , HB2788 , HB2791 , HB3146 , HB1893 , HB4850 , HB4187 , HB1397 , HB3751 , HB2061 , HB647 , HB2522 , HB4738 , HB3033 , HB2563 , HB 128 , HB581 , HB766 , HB2259 , HB2358 , HB4384 , HB748 , HB793 , HB1734 , HB2340 , HB2350 , HB3104 , HB5180 , HB1584 , HB4219 , HB3806 , HB3804 , HB3803 , HB1522 , HB3597 , HB1612 , HB4224 , HB1314 , HB2254 , HB4643 , HB 1237 , HB3126 , HB2856 , HB3114 , HB3505 , HB4205 , HB5652 , HB3687 , HB5424 , HB4506 , HB3370 , HB2025 , HB4273 , HB3395 , HB3376 , HB2733 , HB2495 , HB4325 , HB2071 , HB2510 , HB138 , HB18 , HB 107 , HB694 , HB923 , HB1639 , HB1700 , HB2187 , HB3211 , HB4529 , HB4655 , HB5342 , HB2516 , HB4783 , HB1894 , HB1965 , HB 102 , HB300 , HB1875 , HB2513 , HB2713 , HB39 , HB 114 , HB24 , HB3088 , HB4163 , HB3479 , HB2842 , HB519 , HB609 , HB 1275 , HB1592 , HB3348 , HB 120 , HB6 , HB247 , HB1533 , HB2421 , HB2273 , HB2464 , HB2011 , HB3575 , HB3788 , HB4370 , HB4809 , HB5057 , HB5084 , HB5534 , HB5668 , HB3424 , HB2715 , HB2564 , HB2760 , HB2765 , HB2898 , HB3260 , HB3800 , HB4396 , HB5195 , HB4341 , HB43 , HB5686 , HCR90 , HCR98 , SJR60 , SB1633 , SB2233 , HB 102 , HB 107 , HB132 , HB694 , HB923 , HB1639 , HB1875 , HB1893 , HB2071 , HB2187 , HB2510 , HB2513 , HB2522 , HB2733 , HB2788 , HB3033 , HB3211 , HB3370 , HB3376 , HB3751 , HB3810 , HB4187 , HB4219 , HB4273 , HB4325 , HB4506 , HB4529 , HB4643 , HB4753 , HB4783 , HB4850 , HB5342 , HB5424 , SB511 , SB1978 , SR533 , SR554 , HCR90 , HCR98 , HCR144 , SJR34 , SB529 , SB541 , SB693 , SB1173 , SB1646 , SB1734 , SB1833 , SB3074 , HB 1233 , HB 1285 , HB1828 , HB1876 , HB2091 , HB2301 , HB2725 , HB3063 , HB3177 , HB3483 , HB4662 , HB5606 , HCR9 , HCR10 , HCR40 , HCR76 , HCR118 , HCR127 , HCR135 , HCR141 , SB3074 , HB 1233 , HB 1285 , HB1828 , HB1876 , HB2091 , HB2301 , HB2725 , HB3063 , HB3177 , HB3483 , HB4662 , HB5606 , HCR9 , HCR10 , HCR40 , HCR76 , HCR118 , HCR127 , HCR135 , HCR141

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, heard an invocation, dispensed with the previous journal, and received a House message. Members also recognized Dr. Namita Bardwaj as doctor of the day. The chamber then adopted Senate Resolution 554 honoring Christopher “Chris” Jake Stone of Santa Fe for his heroism during the 2018 Santa Fe High School shooting, with several senators and the lieutenant governor offering remarks about his sacrifice and the ongoing impact on his family and community. The Senate also signed a number of bills and resolutions and adopted Senate Resolution 533 recognizing the Texas Legislative Internship Program class, with multiple senators highlighting individual interns and the program’s role in developing future public servants. The floor then took up and passed several bills, often by suspending the regular order and the three-day rule. These included HB 1639 on a study of cancer incidence among female firefighters; HB 102 granting early registration for students in military-related programs; HB 4325 increasing civil penalties for barratry; HB 5342 creating a 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline trust fund and related funding study; HB 3370 allowing late timberland appraisal applications after an owner’s death; HB 3376 requiring certain guardians to complete dementia/Alzheimer’s training; HB 132 extending confidentiality protections to information about hostile acts by foreign adversaries; and HB 1978, which sought to restrict ERCOT interconnections, but its motion to pass to engrossment failed on a 20-11 vote. Additional measures passed included HB 511 on unsolicited voter registration mailings, HB 2187 on nurse staffing, retaliation, and overtime protections, HB 2510 creating offenses for unlicensed assisted living operations, HB 694 on DFPS notification timelines, HB 1893 making license plates in law-enforcement video nonconfidential for public information requests, HB 2733 updating barratry and solicitation laws for digital communications, HB 4506 allowing opt-in electronic zoning notices, HB 3751 transferring a TxDOT property to DPS, HB 3033 creating a grant program for nonprofits supporting injured or killed DPS employees, HB 4273 on Medicaid fraud prevention and eligibility verification, HB 3211 on vision care benefits, HB 4529 exempting certain DoD-certified child care facilities from state licensure, HB 2522 easing fingerprinting requirements for certain vehicle dealers, HB 4219 tightening public information request response requirements, and HB 4783 requiring a report on opioid antagonist programs. The Senate also received a House message noting passage of SB 9, and a nominations committee report was announced for future consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a veteran service officer.
• I'm a veteran service officer.
• And we know service members trying to decide where they're going to retire.
• Association of County Veterans Service Officers, strong support.
• It's offensive to the husbands and wives of service members.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Military and Veteran Affairs heard several veteran-focused measures, with extensive testimony in support from veterans’ organizations and individual veterans. SB 888 would exclude VA service-connected disability compensation from household income calculations for the low-income disabled veterans’ property tax exemption, addressing a situation where disability benefits can disqualify veterans from tax relief. SB 1354 would prohibit military personnel from another state, territory, or district from entering California to perform military or law enforcement functions without the Governor’s express permission, while preserving Title X activity, training, and mutual aid arrangements. SB 623 would place the Veterans Bond Act of 2026 on the ballot to authorize a $1.25 billion general obligation bond for the CalVet Home Loan Program, which supporters said is nearing depletion of bond authority and remains a critical path to homeownership for veterans and military families. SB 1407 would increase the state income tax exclusion for military retirement pay and surviving spouse benefits to the first $40,000, subject to income caps, as a retention measure to keep military retirees in California. Supporters for the bills emphasized housing stability, affordability, retention of veterans in California, and the economic benefits of keeping military retirees and their income in the state. SB 888 and SB 623 drew broad support from veterans’ groups, county veterans service officers, and related organizations, with no opposition testimony. SB 1354 also received support from veterans’ advocates, while committee members sought clarification on training, mutual aid, and the bill’s scope, and the author agreed to work on amendments. SB 1407 drew strong support from veterans and military organizations, but also formal opposition from the California Tax Reform Association, which argued the state already provides generous veteran benefits and that the tax break would be unfair to other public servants. The committee voted to advance all four measures. SB 888 was approved and re-referred to Revenue and Taxation; SB 1354 was approved as amended and re-referred to Public Safety; SB 623 was approved as amended, given urgency, and re-referred to Housing and Community Development; and SB 1407 was approved and re-referred to Revenue and Taxation. The consent item, SCR 143, was adopted unanimously. After the initial votes, the committee later took add-on votes to confirm passage of SB 888 and SB 1354, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your service. Are there any questions? Thank you. Thank you for your service.
• One is to create a performance-based grid services value stack to compensate resources for the services
• We provide a variety of services, from supported housing, mobile crisis outreach, services on the grounds
• non-public school security services to be used to support non-public school transportation services.
• , the scope of services, the availability of services, and they wish to continue that program and not

Transcript Highlights:

• So without and hospital service pricing.
• and not for emergency services.
• </c> really for more shoppable type services really for more shoppable type services and<00:54:15.440
• </c><00:54:28.960><c> services.
• How not only can health care provide quality service, access to service, but also affordable services

Bills: SF0023 , SF0057

Committee: House Labor, Health & Social Services

Transcript Highlights:

• An act to amend the Civil Service Law in relation to transfer of sick time.
• An act to amend the Civil Service Law in relation to the hearing officers.
• Civil Service Law in relation to hearing procedures for certain public employees.
• an exit service for designing employees.
• Legislative session of the Standing Committee on Civil Service and Pensions.

Committee: Senate Civil Service And Pensions

Summary: The Civil Service and Pensions Committee met on January 28, 2026, with a quorum present and 13 bills on the agenda. Chair Robert Jackson opened the first committee meeting of the 2026 session and noted members present in person and by voting sheet. The committee then took up a series of civil service, retirement, and public employee labor bills, with brief motions and votes on each measure. Several bills concerned retirement and benefits, including changes to membership eligibility in the New York State and Local Retirement System (S-1011), transfer of sick time (S-3354), identical skilled nursing care health benefits for public retirees (S-4724), teleworking extension (S-5211), beneficiary changes for retirees (S-625A and S-6750), and an exit service requirement for designated employees (S-6999A). Other bills addressed public employee hearing procedures, collective negotiation disputes, preventing outsourcing during a hiring freeze, and related civil service law changes, including measures sponsored by Chair Jackson and other senators. Most bills were approved unanimously or with one abstention and were reported either to the Finance Committee or to the floor, depending on the bill. The committee also reported S-1011, S-3354, S-4724, S-4773, S-4894, S-4901, S-5211, S-6750, and S-6999A to Finance, while S-1540, S-2264, S-625A, and some others were reported to the floor. The meeting concluded after all agenda items were acted on, with no further discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• AI may not be the sole means used to deny, delay, or modify health care services.
• Another issue is the carrier's retrospective denial of services, despite the service having received
• That plan required step-down treatment with wraparound psychiatric services.
• versus the services that were actually authorized.
• , including trauma-related services at Harborview.

Summary: The Health Care and Wellness Committee held a public hearing on several bills and a joint memorial. SB 5915 would update the health technology assessment program by adding technologies recommended for Medicare populations or in national guidelines to the review priority list, requiring broader evidence review for life-threatening or rare diseases, and setting timelines for posting and deciding review requests. Supporters, including rare disease advocates and providers, said the current process is outdated and too rigid; the bill was then held for later action. SJM 8002 urged Congress to strengthen original Medicare, oppose privatization, add benefits like dental, vision, and hearing, and reduce Medicare Advantage overpayments and fraud. Supporters from labor and senior groups argued it would protect beneficiaries and send a message to federal officials; the memorial was also held after testimony. The committee also heard SB 5395 on prior authorization. Staff explained it would tighten notice requirements, require a licensed clinician—not AI alone—to deny requests based on medical necessity, add transparency around policy changes, and change how retrospective denials are treated. The prime sponsor and provider groups said the bill was a negotiated compromise meant to reduce delays and inappropriate denials, while insurers were generally neutral but sought a narrow amendment. Testifiers described prior authorization as a major source of delay and administrative burden, and the bill was held after public testimony. SB 5845 would require carriers to pay or deny clean claims within 30 days, set timelines for non-clean claims and information requests, and allow penalties for repeated noncompliance. Hospitals, physicians, and health systems supported it as a way to improve predictable payment, while insurers were neutral and asked for a narrow amendment; the bill was also held. The committee heard SB 6025, which would change the definition of fetal death so gestational age is calculated using the best clinically accurate age rather than the last menstrual period. Obstetric and nursing witnesses said the current law can force inaccurate records and unnecessary burdens on grieving families, while opponents objected to the bill’s abortion-related definitions. The bill was held after testimony. Finally, SB 5988 would authorize the Department of Health to continue accrediting opioid treatment programs and charge fees to support that work. The department and the sponsor said the measure would preserve a patient-centered accreditation option amid budget pressure, and the committee closed testimony and held the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• ; has participated in early ECEAP or the Early Childhood Intervention and Prevention Services program
• services.
• Yakima is a priority area for ECEAP services. Classroom services.
• Fees should pay for the services being provided.
• Ambulance service providers are reimbursed through HCA's fee-for-service program.

Summary: The committee held a public hearing and briefing on several bills, with House Bill 2441, House Bill 2159, House Bill 2521, House Bill 2531, House Bill 2543, and House Bill 1607 discussed in that order after agenda changes. HB 2441 would expand reimbursement from the LEO retirement fund for survivors of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, covering Medicare Parts A and B premiums and retroactive health insurance premiums during the period before a death is officially determined to be work-related. Staff described a relatively small number of affected survivors and modest actuarial impacts, and the prime sponsor spoke emotionally in support. A representative from the L&I Board also testified that the board had studied the issue and endorsed the bill. HB 2159 would create the Pre-K Promise Account to receive philanthropic funds for ECEAP expansion. Staff explained ECEAP eligibility and the proposed non-appropriated account structure, noting Governor Ferguson’s budget included $34.5 million in non-appropriated authority for about 2,000 new school-day slots. Testimony was strongly supportive from Ballmer Group, DCYF, Head Start/ECEAP advocates, a Yakima provider, and the governor’s office, all emphasizing the public-private partnership, expanded access, and support for children furthest from opportunity. HB 2521 would remove the $18 cap on the State Patrol’s firearm background check fee and allow the fee to be set to cover total program costs. Staff said the fee could rise to about $33 per check based on current costs, and the State Patrol testified that the cap no longer matches actual expenses and threatens staffing and service levels. One member of the public opposed the bill, arguing the state system should be scrapped or capped and that consumers would face higher costs. HB 2531 would freeze the ambulance quality assurance fee at its July 4, 2025 level to comply with federal law and adjust Medicaid add-on payments accordingly; the Washington Ambulance Association strongly supported it as essential to preserving federal matching funds and improving wages and benefits. HB 2543 would update county clerk fees and modernize outdated references, with county officials supporting the changes as necessary to reflect current electronic-record practices. HB 1607, the Recycling Refund Act, drew the most extensive testimony. Staff described a 10-cent refund system for covered beverage containers, a producer responsibility organization, Ecology oversight, and fiscal impacts tied to program administration and lost tax revenue. Supporters, including environmental groups, youth advocates, Seattle Public Utilities, and some industry voices, argued the bill would reduce litter, increase recycling rates, support reuse systems, and complement the existing recycling reform law. Opponents from recycling haulers, grocers, beverage interests, counties, and solid waste providers argued it would function like a tax, raise consumer and retailer costs, duplicate or undermine curbside recycling and EPR, and create siting and implementation problems. No votes were taken on the bills in this transcript; the hearing concluded with public testimony and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Or there's no service charge, and the customer pays in more than four installments.
• And how do they deal with customer service?
• in which this transaction or service is available?
• , education training, professional services, and home and repair services, and I'm sure you've encountered
• American Express card is not to be used for delivery service.

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Business

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• All in on Health and Human Services.
• </c> recovered from the pandemic and services recovered from the pandemic and services are<00:19:46.799
• </c> and human services. and human services.
• We are a small nonprofit ambulance service that services Lake County, Minnesota, and also portions of

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your service.
• Services and a member of the West Valley Mavericks.
• My dad was in the state service for over 30 years.
• Health and Human Services. House Bill 17, informed consent signatures. Health and Human Services.
• Senate Bill 1100, patient rights and health care services. Health and Human Services.

Transcript Highlights:

• of personal service lines.
• of personal service lines.
• allow them to take money from meal services and provide to other services.
• allow them to take money from meal services and provide to other services.
• allow them to take money from meal services and provide to other services.