Transcript Highlights:

• And then around the staff, the staff that you hire... What kinds of backgrounds do they have?
• This includes about 50-50: 50 full-time and 50 part-time staff.
• There is a discrepancy in numbers between paid staff versus volunteers.
• You've got your coordinators, your staff, and you have volunteers.
• Staff. In addition to that, we do have providers on there.

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• , frontline staff, other staff, and other departments, and what's our communication externally. silos
• to our staff um frontline staff<00:14:37.040><c> other</c><00:14:37.360><c> staff</c><00:14:37.680><
• c> and</c><00:14:37.839><c> other</c><00:14:38.079><c> departments</c> staff other staff and other departments
• staff other staff and other departments and<00:14:38.800><c> what's</c><00:14:39.040><c> our</c><00:
• Kingston and my staff does do patient Kingston and my staff does do patient education<01:44:39.600><c

Summary: The committee met on January 23, 2026, to approve prior minutes and receive an update from the Department of Health and Human Services. The main presentation focused on “Project Compass,” an internal cross-department effort to prepare for changes to Medicaid and SNAP eligibility. Department staff said the goal is to maintain continuous coverage for eligible people, align policy, operations, communications, legal, finance, and eligibility work, and use the new integrated New HEIGHTS system to streamline implementation. They emphasized outreach to beneficiaries, providers, managed care organizations, and other partners, and said temporary manual workarounds had already been used to stay in compliance with fast-moving SNAP changes. Members questioned how the department would avoid repeating the costly outreach effort used in a prior Medicaid work-requirement rollout. Department officials said they are focusing on ex parte processes, sharing eligibility information across programs, and using community partners to reduce duplicate contacts and paperwork. They also said the department is monitoring the SNAP error rate closely, expects automation and a planned system contract amendment to help reduce it, and noted that current error rates are trending downward and remain below the national average. Questions were also raised about possible future SNAP restrictions on certain foods; the department said it can implement whatever the legislature directs, but that defining and administering such restrictions would be complex. The commissioner and CFO then outlined the department’s budget reduction plan. They said the department has begun implementing required “back of the budget” reductions for fiscal year 2026, using contract savings and not cutting existing services where possible. Examples included dental and home-visitation contracts, where spending was adjusted based on utilization and projected need. Officials said they had already written down a little over $15 million in prior-year encumbrances, but that this one-time source will not be available next year, making fiscal year 2027 more difficult. They also explained the difference between legally required back-of-budget cuts and lapse, and said staffing remains a major challenge because vacancies have increased and customer-facing service levels are strained. Dr. Jonathan Ballard then began an update on opioid overdose fatalities, presenting the latest medical examiner data and describing the long-term rise in deaths after fentanyl entered the illicit drug supply, with a peak in 2017 and a later increase in 2022. The transcript cuts off before his full presentation and any further committee action beyond discussion of the minutes and receipt of the department updates.

Transcript Highlights:

• Staff, please open the queue for vote. Representative Kendrix is aye.
• Seeing no debate, staff please open the queue.
• Staff, please open the queue for a vote. Representative Schreiber is aye.
• Staff, please open the queue. I'm sorry, do we have a motion?
• Seeing a due pass and a second, staff please open the queue for a vote.

Summary: The House Finance Committee met for its only meeting in the second half of the 60th legislative session, with the chair briefly turning the gavel over to the vice chair and later thanking members as his final committee meeting. The committee considered several Senate bills, including SB 1832, which adds a checkbox on driver’s licenses and hunting permits for donations to the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs; SB 44, extending a sales tax exemption from the person hiring the contractor to the contractor purchasing materials; and SB 134, reducing the required waiting period for certain Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System retirees to be rehired from 12 months to 6 months. Members also heard SB 1378 and SB 1400, both described as recommendation bills tied to tax policy, including updates to the Quality Jobs Act and consolidation of aircraft maintenance/manufacturing sales tax exemptions.

Transcript Highlights:

• treatment team that works together for that youth includes a unit supervisor, a behavioral health staff
• A minimum of two staff per shift is required for each unit while the youth are awake.
• During nighttime hours, it can be one single staff for sleeping.
• As I mentioned, we have over 90 staff at John Paul.
• This includes administration support staff and security staff.

Committee: House Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• fill out one of the appearance cards and provide it to the sergeant to provide it to the committee staff
• The staff is handing out budget sheets, so we're going to roll out and present the budget recommendations
• salaries and benefits deficits to maintain staffing and to help ensure the safety and security of staff
• And you'll remember that when we toured the facilities and when the department staff briefed us, they
• And you'll remember that when we toured the facilities and when the department staff briefed us, they

Summary: The Justice Budget Subcommittee met to consider the fiscal year 2025-26 budget recommendations, a proposed committee bill on judicial positions, and one member bill. The chair framed the budget as part of a broader effort to slow spending growth and reduce recurring expenditures, noting the subcommittee’s proposed $7.3 billion budget is $366 million below the prior year. Major budget items included funding for the Department of Corrections to address staffing, maintenance, health services, security equipment, and facility needs; the Department of Juvenile Justice for residential beds, maintenance, the Broward detention facility replacement design, medical services, and Florida Scholars Academy costs; FDLE for the Fort Myers regional operations center and sexual offender/predator registration workload; and the state courts and justice administration entities for judges, due process resources, security, and staffing. The budget also reduced 1,280 vacant positions and $139.2 million in excess funding and authority. The committee then heard PCB-JUB-25-01, which implements part of the Florida Supreme Court’s certification of judicial need. The bill establishes 17 additional circuit court judges and 12 additional county court judges, with about $13.9 million in general revenue and 72 associated positions. In response to a question about why the two certified 6th District Court of Appeal judges were not included, the chair said the committee did not think it was the right time to add judges to a brand-new court still operating from leased space. The PCB was reported favorably on a 14-0 vote. Finally, the committee heard HB 1351 by Representative Baker, which revises sex offender and predator registration rules by clarifying resident categories, creating an in-state travel residence definition, allowing online or in-person reporting for certain temporary residence changes, removing duplicative reporting requirements, clarifying vehicle and employment reporting, and requiring local law enforcement to verify addresses more frequently for registrants not on supervision. FDLE and Smart Justice indicated support, and the bill passed unanimously, 14-0. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, with us in the gallery, you did hear from one of my staff members, Miss Faith Kinta, joining her
• are also my other staff members.
• ><00:01:18.560><c> members</c><00:01:19.400><c> Miss</c><00:01:19.720><c> Faith</c> from one of my staff
• members Miss Faith from one of my staff members Miss Faith kinta<00:01:20.640><c> joining</c><00:01:
• 00:01:21.960><c> other</c> kinta joining her are also my other kinta joining her are also my other staff

Transcript Highlights:

• So we'll start with ESSB 5975 with a staff briefing from Jacob.
• I'm the staff representative for District 12.
• If we could get a staff reminder on SSB 6269 from Jacob.
• Jacob Lipson, staff of the committee.
• All right, staff will announce the vote. All right, staff will announce the vote. Oh, yes.

Committee: House Environment & Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• Alex Fair Fortune, staff. Thank you, Madam Chair and members. Alex Fair Fortune, staff.
• Is there any questions for staff?
• Any questions for staff? I do.
• Ily Cato, committee staff.
• Alex Fairfortune, staff.

Bills: HB1796

Committee: Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education

Keywords: school construction, contract indebtedness, school districts, bonding authority, education funding

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any questions for staff? Hearing none, Representative Connors, good morning.
• Once again, all staff.
• Do we have any questions for the staff? Hearing none, good morning, Representative.
• John Kim, committee staff.
• Again, Melissa Van Gorkum, staff to the committee. Before you is House Bill 2304.

Summary: The committee heard several housing-related bills. Representative Connors testified on two notice-service bills: HB 2452, which would change manufactured/mobile home rent increase notices so they are served like other MHLTA notices rather than by certified mail, and HB 2664, which would remove certified-mail requirements for unlawful detainer and related notices. Connors said the current certified-mail rules are causing notices to go unclaimed and creating unnecessary costs for housing providers, while staff explained the bills would allow service by regular mail in the same manner as other notices. Public testimony on both bills was generally supportive, emphasizing reduced cost and better delivery, though one witness on HB 2452 urged allowing electronic notice options as well. The committee also heard SHB 2269, which clarifies that middle housing in limited areas of more intensive rural development may be served by either a public sewer system or a large on-site sewage system in rural counties, while non-rural counties would still require public sewer service. The sponsor and supporters said the bill resolves ambiguity created by prior legislation and gives county planners more flexibility; questions focused on what kinds of systems and uses would qualify. EHB 1687 was heard next and would expand the housing cooperation law to allow cities and counties to assist social housing public development authorities. Representative Reed and supporters said the bill would give Seattle and potentially other jurisdictions a tool to support permanently public, mixed-income housing with land, infrastructure, and other assistance. In executive session, the committee adopted a due-pass recommendation for EHB 1345 after Senator Gaynor withdrew an amendment that would have removed water-withdrawal and metering requirements for detached ADUs outside urban growth areas. The committee also adopted a striking amendment and moved ESHB 1500 and EHB 1501 forward, both with updated timelines and clarifications related to common-interest-community resale certificates and owner inquiries. Amendments to ESHB 1974 on land bank authorities were rejected, including proposals to remove private negotiation and tax preferences, and the bill was sent to Ways and Means. Finally, SHB 2288 on scissors stairs was advanced without amendment. Later, the committee heard HB 2304, which would expand the 2-10 warranty option to certain four-story stacked-flat condominium projects; testimony from builders, housing advocates, and the Office of Insurance Commissioner supported it as a way to reduce liability costs and increase condo supply. The committee also took testimony on EHB 1687 and HB 2664, and then closed the hearing on SHB 2452 after hearing support from housing providers for easing manufactured-home rent notice service requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're not going to be able to find physicians to staff this unless you have some plan up your sleeve
• We would have hospitals have to close because of the inability to staff, you know, 24-7 with a doctor
• To staff an ER 24-7, to your answer, that's roughly 8,760 hours.
• To staff an ER 24-7, to your answer, that's roughly 8,760 hours. answer.
• So that's a Physicians living in those counties to staff the ER.

Committee: House Professional Registration and Licensing

Summary: The committee first completed action on House Bill 3009, adopting an amendment, rolling the bill into a House Committee Substitute, and then voting do pass on the substitute by a 20-0 roll call vote. The meeting then moved into public hearing on House Bill 1963, which would reduce from five years to three years the amount of licensed practice required before certain social workers may supervise others. Representative Tara Peters said the change would help address Missouri’s behavioral health workforce shortage, especially in rural areas, and testimony from the National Association of Social Workers and Burrell Behavioral Health supported the bill as a way to remove a bottleneck without changing education or supervision-hour requirements. There was no opposition testimony on HB 1963. The committee then heard House Bill 2557, which would require a physician to be physically present in an emergency department during all hours of operation. Representative George Hruza argued the bill would improve patient safety and standardize emergency care, while noting possible telehealth accommodations for low-volume critical access hospitals. Supporters, including physicians and medical associations, said patients expect physician-led emergency care and that physician presence is the gold standard. Opponents, led by the Missouri Hospital Association and several rural hospital administrators, argued the mandate is not realistic given physician shortages, could force rural ER closures, and would reduce access to care; they emphasized that current hospital models rely on teams, telehealth, and transfer protocols. The bill drew extensive discussion but no vote was taken. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 311, which would modernize Missouri’s bail bond laws by creating a professional board and tightening training, oversight, and recovery procedures. Representative Brandon Phelps said the industry itself wants clearer standards and that he may revise the bill in committee substitute form to merge the new board with an existing board to reduce costs. A bail bond industry representative testified in support, saying the profession wants higher standards and accountability. The chair then adjourned the meeting after testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• The staff report, please. Mr. Chair, members of the committee, Chris Blake, staff to the committee.
• Kim Whedner, staff to the committee.
• Seeing none, hearing none, staff will go announce the vote. Mr.
• Hearing and seeing none, staff will announce the total. Mr.
• Hearing and seeing none, staff will announce the vote. Mr.

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several health-related bills. House Bill 2384 would require continuing care retirement communities that offer life care contracts to submit actuarial analyses every other registration cycle for review by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, with the Department of Social and Health Services using the review in registration decisions. The bill sponsor and residents’ advocates said it would improve transparency and protect seniors’ prepaid care promises, while the CCRC industry supported the goal but raised concerns about scope, cost, and implementation details. House Bill 2505 would exempt certain foster family homes and child-specific foster care homes from adult family home licensure when former foster youth remain in the home as adults and certain safety conditions are met; DSHS supported the narrow exemption as a way to avoid displacing vulnerable young adults. House Bill 2402 would phase out DEHP and other orthophthalates in IV solution containers and later IV tubing, with exemptions for certain blood and cell therapy products; supporters cited health and environmental risks and the availability of safer alternatives, while manufacturers and hospitals supported the goal but asked for longer timelines, supply-chain protections, and implementation assistance. In executive session, the committee took action on a series of bills. It adopted an amendment and passed House Bill 1904, which prohibits cat declawing, on a 13-3 vote. It passed a proposed substitute for House Bill 2145 on the 340B drug program on an 11-5 vote after debate over reporting requirements and the state’s authority. It rejected several amendments to House Bill 2182 on abortion medications held by the Department of Corrections, adopted an Indian health care provider priority amendment, and passed the bill on a 10-6 vote. House Bill 2211 on medically tailored meals passed 15-1. The committee also passed Substitute House Bill 2247 on veterinarian-client-patient relationships, Substitute House Bill 2329 on midwives and lactation consultants, and Substitute House Bill 2339 on nurse licensing, each with technical amendments and broad support.

Transcript Highlights:

• Education School Climate and Culture Survey is used by schools across New Mexico to assess student, staff
• According to their national census report from 2022, the most recent data available to LESC staff, New
• Additionally, school psychologists work to support school staff and families rather than only serving
• Furthermore, it will be critical for PED and legislative staff to understand common barriers to entry
• The only thing that I have to do for My staff is able to make it to Albuquerque.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I just couldn't say enough about our staff.
• And I just couldn't say enough about our staff.
• Couldn't say enough about our staff.
• And as I've shared, you know, with my staff and my great staff director, I love And as I've shared, you
• know, with my staff and my great staff director, I love hearing all these presentations, and also for

Committee: Senate Environment and Natural Resources

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met to hear presentations on Lake Okeechobee from the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the South Florida Water Management District, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. FWC described the lake as a major recreation, water supply, and habitat resource, and outlined its habitat management plan, including control of invasive plants, prescribed fire, and restoration of native vegetation. The agency said low water levels have helped submerged aquatic vegetation recover, with gains in 2025 exceeding 24,000 acres and meeting its target, while torpedo grass and floating invasive plants remain active management priorities. Senators asked about bass fishing trends and blue-green algae; FWC said water levels are the main driver of fishery health and that it was not seeing current water-quality impacts on bass, though algal blooms can affect habitat and wildlife. The South Florida Water Management District focused on nutrient pollution, lake ecology, and restoration projects across the watershed. Director Drew Bartlett said the district’s work is aimed at reducing harmful discharges, improving water quality, and moving more water south to the Everglades through storage and treatment projects, including the EAA Reservoir, C-43 and C-44 reservoirs, aquifer storage and recovery, and wetland treatment areas. He said the state and federal governments have invested about $9 billion in restoration, roughly split 50-50, and that the EAA Reservoir is now targeted for completion in 2029. He also said Lake Okeechobee BMAP participation is around 92% and that recent data show phosphorus and nitrogen loading declines, though the lake remains impaired and eutrophic. An industry witness from Associated Industries of Florida said the BMAP and agricultural best management practices are producing measurable improvements and urged continued funding for water storage and treatment. The Army Corps of Engineers then explained LOSOM and Lake Recovery operations, saying the new operating approach balances flood control, water supply, navigation, ecology, and estuary protection. Colonel Brandon Bowman said Lake Recovery was implemented in late 2024 to bring the lake below 12 feet long enough to help submerged vegetation rebound, and reported that the lake met both recovery metrics, with water levels low enough to support a major increase in SAV from about 4,000 acres to 28,000 acres in 2025. He also noted benefits such as improved water clarity and more Okeechobee gourd plants, but acknowledged drawbacks including reduced navigation and some impacts to wading birds and snail kites. Senators pressed the Corps on the C-44 reservoir’s sloughing issue; Bowman said repairs are underway, the problem is geological rather than a safety failure, and the Corps expects to award a contract by 2027 and complete work by 2030. The committee did not take any substantive vote on the presentations and adjourned after Senator Smith moved to do so.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> amendment as presented by fiscal staff? amendment as presented by fiscal staff?
• </c> fiscal staff fiscal staff for<00:57:39.240><c> a</c> Oh,<00:57:42.920><c> I</c><00:57:43.040><c>
• , partisan staff, and also committee members.
• </c><01:00:21.120><c> So,</c> uh the staff who have been impacted.
• So, uh the staff who have been impacted.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• We consulted with fiscal staff from the House and Senate as well as staff from the Minnesota Management
• c> Minnesota</c> as well as staff from the Minnesota as well as staff from the Minnesota management<00
• LBO staff are standards and procedures.
• </c> review committee staff review committee staff uh<00:20:43.440><c> and</c><00:20:43.679><c> they<
• So that will be part by NCSL uh staff.

Transcript Highlights:

• We supported 230 staff, including 125 clinicians and case managers.
• We have not had an issue finding staff.
• And thankfully, we haven't had an issue of finding staff.
• , having staff that look like our students and that our students can relate to.
• school counselors and staff that have been newly certified as wellness coaches.

Transcript Highlights:

• This letter directs PACE organizations and directed entities to require staff to complete evidence-based
• In December 2017, we informed those licensees and their facility staff that they are required, on an
• Our RCFEs must also train their staff on residents' rights outlined in our regulations, which require
• We can exclude staff... There are civil penalties, enhanced civil penalties.
• We can exclude staff members. We can revoke licenses. So there's a pretty wide array.

Summary: The Select Committee on Older LGBT Californians held an inaugural hearing focused on the health care and support needs of older LGBTQ Californians, including older adults living with HIV and transgender, gender non-conforming, and intersex seniors. Committee members and state officials discussed the California Master Plan for Aging, the first statewide survey of LGBTQIA older adults, and the need to address discrimination, social isolation, housing insecurity, economic instability, and gaps in culturally competent care. Several speakers emphasized that older LGBTQ adults often lack traditional family caregiving supports and may face vulnerability in nursing homes or other institutional settings. Testimony from advocates and people with lived experience highlighted the impact of federal actions, including H.R. 1, on Medi-Cal, housing, and benefits, and called for stronger state action, outreach, and navigation services. Justice in Aging urged more investment in home- and community-based services and warned that Medicaid cuts could increase institutionalization. The Department of Aging described its survey findings and said it had convened a lived-experience advisory board, updated data tools, and incorporated HIV as a factor in local aging plans under SB 258, though members pressed for clearer implementation and accountability. CalHHS described coordination across departments, Medi-Cal coverage of gender-affirming care, PACE, and other services, while the Department of Public Health outlined Ryan White, ADAP, HOPWA, Medi-Cal waiver, and PrEP-AP programs serving older adults with HIV. The hearing also featured extensive testimony from people aging with HIV, who described fragmented systems, benefits cliffs, housing costs, and the need for legal and case-management support. One witness urged funding for HIV-specific housing and navigation services, while another described how case management and safety-net programs help clients manage medication, food, transportation, and housing needs. In the final panel, the Department of Social Services reviewed protections for TGI seniors in licensed care facilities, including SB 219, nondiscrimination notices, resident rights postings, required staff training, and complaint investigations. No formal votes were taken; the chair repeatedly asked departments to follow up on implementation gaps, data visibility, and possible budget or policy responses.

Transcript Highlights:

• You have over 350 staff? No. How many staff?
• I believe our positions that we have is about 110. 110 staff. Okay.
• Thank you so much to the staff as well. Thank you, Assembly Member.
• We continue to have conversations with the author's staff.
• Chair, committee members, and committee staff.

Committee: House Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:

• briefing. ...with a staff briefing from Ms.
• Lily Smith, staff to this committee.
• Thank you, Lily, for that staff briefing. Are there any questions for staff?
• Rebecca Lewis, staff to the committee.
• Are there questions for staff on this bill?

Summary: The committee held public hearings on House Bill 2170, which would authorize DNR to enter ecosystem service and carbon contracts on state trust lands, and House Bill 2578, which would add tribal members and alternates to the Fish and Wildlife Commission. For HB 2170, the Department of Natural Resources and supporters said the bill would diversify revenue, help meet climate goals, and allow DNR to participate in emerging carbon and ecosystem markets without necessarily eliminating timber harvest. Opponents, including counties, school districts, timber companies, loggers, and forest industry groups, argued the bill could reduce harvest levels, harm rural jobs and mill supply, and lower revenues for schools and other trust beneficiaries; several said any new authority should be limited to additive projects with stronger safeguards. Supporters included environmental groups and some local officials who said the bill would provide a more stable revenue stream and better align land management with climate and watershed benefits. The chair noted there are two related vehicles in committee, HB 1508 as the negotiated version and HB 2170 as the department version, and the public hearing on HB 2170 was closed after extensive testimony. For HB 2578, staff explained that the bill would add four tribal commissioner positions and four alternates to the Fish and Wildlife Commission, with representation from federally recognized tribes on both sides of the Cascades and staggered terms. Prime sponsor Rep. Deborah Lekanoff said the measure would strengthen co-management and the state’s government-to-government relationship with tribes, while acknowledging there are other related bills and ongoing legal issues involving WDFW. The chair asked whether the bill would affect existing tribal consultation obligations, and Lekanoff said it would not replace government-to-government consultation; she also said she would follow up on how the governor would make appointments. The hearing on HB 2578 was then suspended so the committee could return to HB 2170 testimony. The committee also heard staff briefing and sponsor testimony on House Bill 2544, which would create a pilot process for the Upper Columbia River water rights adjudication. Staff said the bill would require Ecology to run the adjudication in two phases, starting with tribal and federal claimants and allowing time for settlement before bringing in other claims, with a report due by June 2035. Rep. Larry Springer said the bill is intended to establish a baseline of water use more efficiently in a process that can otherwise take decades. After the briefing and sponsor remarks, the committee began public testimony on the bill, with tribal representatives and other stakeholders queued to testify.

Transcript Highlights:

• To follow up with John Clark, in the discussions we had with LFC staff, the economists and LFC staff,
• Great getting staff in place, and again, this also comes with.
• We now currently have a staff of three, and thanks to this new innovation office, we have a staff of
• She's going to introduce our staff that are in the room.
• , and your external staff.

Committee: House Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee