Transcript Highlights:

• Increasing housing affordability... More money for results that are just not clear.
• Are you increasing? Well, Arkansas, unlike many states, is actually kind of holding steady.
• And the federal government actually says, well, those are increases in income.
• And the federal government actually says, well, those are increases in income.
• The proposed amendment would increase the threshold amount for review from $50,000 to $2 million.

Summary: The committee first approved a motion, then heard a lengthy presentation on homelessness in Arkansas, with a focus on unsheltered homelessness, untreated mental illness and substance use, public safety, and the role of local law enforcement and shelters. Presenters from law enforcement, homeless service providers, mental health, and policy groups discussed federal Continuum of Care funding, the need for better data and accountability, and proposals such as statewide camping enforcement, stronger treatment access, and consolidating or reworking the continuum-of-care structure. Much of the discussion centered on the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model, with witnesses describing it as a way to expand crisis services, treatment, and coordination with housing and justice systems. They also discussed homelessness among sex offenders, family homelessness, workforce supports, and how to scale successful local programs statewide. No formal action was taken on the homelessness proposals during the discussion. The committee then reviewed several Department of Energy and Department of Health/Board of Nursing rules. The energy rule updated solid waste post-closure cleanup thresholds from $50,000 to $2 million to match Act 791 of 2025. Nursing-related rules added fees for the new dialysis patient care technician registration created by Act 198 of 2025, updated contact-information requirements, implemented APRN authority under Act 862 of 2025, clarified durable medical equipment language under Act 431 of 2025, and incorporated delegation changes from Act 959 of 2025. Additional nursing rules updated certified medication assistant training and duties under Act 265 of 2025, and corrected rules for full independent practice to include clinical nurse specialists under Act 872 of 2023. Each rule was reviewed without objection. At the close of the meeting, members received an update that UAMS had completed its NCII designation submission for the Winthrop Rockefeller Cancer Institute, which was described as a major milestone. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We increased that by $7.3 million.
• The House has increased that to $25 million. That should be, we had $24 million on that one.
• and we've increased that line by $5 million, so that goes up to $7 million total.
• Increased that line by $5 million, so that goes up to $7 million total.
• And then the last one, tuition increase limitation.

Bills: SB2003

Keywords: higher education, student loans, scholarships, capital projects, workforce development, funding, North Dakota university system, 908, all

Summary: The committee met to work through the higher education budget, beginning with a conflict-of-interest request from Representative Martinson, who was excused from voting because of a partnership that leases office space to Bismarck State College. Members then reviewed the higher education institution budget sheets, covering ongoing and one-time funding items for campuses and system projects such as BSC housing, Lake Region roof repairs, UND’s STEM and National Security Crossroads projects, the UND allied health facility, NDSU projects including New Horizons, DSU deferred maintenance and campus security, Mayville’s Old Main, Minot projects, and the regional health institutes. Members also discussed student financial assistance, the professional student exchange program, IT security funding, and workforce/education innovation grants. Several amendments and policy questions were debated. The committee adopted an amendment to make workforce education innovation grants competitive rather than automatically distributed, and then voted to remove language prohibiting those funds from being used to duplicate academic programs. Members also removed similar anti-duplication language from the New Horizons section. They agreed to extend the UND hyperbaric chamber transfer authority to 2027 and clarified language around UND land-sale proceeds. A proposed amendment to add $5.6 million for the Wahpeton State School of Science building purchase failed for lack of a second, and a proposal to restore fetal alcohol spectrum disorder funding to UND was left for conference. The committee also discussed, but did not add, a tuition cap change, a study on the Praxis exam, and several governance-related provisions. The committee spent significant time on broader higher education policy items, including a $3 million enterprise resource planning request for the university system, a $2 million grant program for students who are pregnant, recently gave birth, or are caring for young children, and a $1.1 million request for library age-verification software tied to the Odin system. Members also discussed dual-credit authority for UND and NDSU, a goal for the UND medical school to increase North Dakota resident enrollment, and intent language regarding the commissioner/chancellor model and presidential search authority. At the end of the meeting, the committee approved the amendments and then gave the higher education budget a do-pass recommendation as amended, with Representative Sanford designated as the carrier. The Forest Service budget was also approved, including two additional FTEs, and the committee adjourned after noting it would continue with other budgets the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• It does not increase the funding. However, this is based on donations.
• So, updating that increase at that time, the update for that increase was from $25,000 to $50,000.
• I'm here for this bill, This is the bid limit increase, correct? So sorry about that.
• that $50,000 amount to increase that to at least come close to the same.
• It is no secret that Texas's older adult population is increasing.

Bills: HB158

Keywords: public funds, lobbying activities, political subdivision, government spending, transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• And we aim to increase transparency and hold companies accountable while driving innovation to ensure
• The race to the bottom also means increased toxics exposures for California. particularly California's
• The repairs are expensive. and they can definitely increase rates to our rate payers.
• It increased about 200x. So it is with that compelling background and perspective.
• Delaying or rescinding the drinking water standard will not only increase the cost of treatment will

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Assaultive offenses continue to increase, especially aggravated assault and attempted murder.
• Um, we have much increased the quality of our data.
• So is there like a base rate and then you get an increase for years of service?
• And uh, I think the increase would put us up in the one teens. Thank you. Thank you.
• Um, in addition, By providing this information, we increase efficiency in the courts.

Transcript Highlights:

• We saw a death increase from 22 to 23 for Americans who are aged 55 and older after seeing an increase
• The frequency of overdose deaths in senior homes has likewise increased.
• That's right, and what's the consequence of increasing those administrative burdens?
• The Medicare SUD bundled payments provisions could be increased.
• So we're seeing an increase in white collar crimes and victimization of seniors.

Keywords: opioid crisis, overdose, naloxone, drug trafficking, law enforcement, treatment, prevention, older adults, Medicaid expansion

Summary: The meeting convened to address the dire opioid crisis affecting communities nationwide, with a particular focus on the alarming rise of opioid use disorder among older adults. Key testimonies highlighted the critical need for a comprehensive approach that encompasses prevention, treatment, and strict law enforcement actions against drug traffickers. Sheriff Dennis Lima from Seminole County outlined successful strategies implemented in Florida, including increased access to naloxone and legislative changes to hold drug dealers accountable for overdoses. Various members expressed a united front on tackling this multifaceted issue, advocating for the expansion of Medicaid and better access to treatment as essential steps to curbing the epidemic.

Transcript Highlights:

• This action increases the scope by $6.1 million, for a total authorized project appropriation of $9.6
• The scope increase was approved by the KCTCS Board of Regents at its December 5, 2024, meeting.
• The scope increase was approved by the KCTCS Board of Regents at its December 5, 2024, meeting.
• The scope increase was approved by the KCTCS Board of Regents at its December 5, 2024, meeting.
• <00:13:28.160> of<00:13:28.440> 28 fund a loan increase of 28 fund a loan increase

Keywords: 00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:30 Approval of Minutes 00:59 Information Items 03:34 Finance and Admin Cabinet 12:31 KY Infrastructure Authority 21:47 Office of Financial Mgmt 23:27 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first handled informational reports on several bond and lease matters, including school district and board of education debt-service items, upcoming revenue bond issues in Henderson and Jessamine counties, and three advertised lease-space requests for state agencies. Members also reviewed prior lease transactions that had not been approved in November and December; the Finance and Administration Cabinet later canceled and rebid the Harlan County lease and moved ahead with the Perry County lease modification. Additional information items included a Kentucky Communications Network Authority quarterly capital projects report and Eastern Kentucky University asset preservation revisions. The committee then heard from Deputy State Budget Director Janice Thomas on four action items. She reported a $2.85 million USDA-funded renovation at Kentucky State University’s Betty White Building, a $294,000 increase for the Kentucky School for the Deaf’s Middleton Hall renovation, and a $6.1 million restricted-funds scope increase for the KCTCS Science Building Expansion in Elizabethtown. Members asked about how often the statutory 15% increase authority is used for school dormitory and cottage projects and about the competitiveness of construction bids; Thomas said bids are typically competitive but recent estimates have been difficult because of higher material and equipment costs. The committee approved the three action items unanimously and also received a no-action report on a $3.918 million Corrections project to repair and replace the KCIW kitchen drain line. Next, the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented seven loans and grants, all of which the committee approved unanimously. The package included sewer and water projects for Frankfort, Sturgis, Scottsville, Morganfield, Western Pulaski County Water District, and Springfield, plus an emergency $5.487 million Kentucky Waters grant for Eddyville after a catastrophic sewer plant failure and weather-related emergency declarations. The projects covered wastewater interceptor and treatment upgrades, sewer collection rehabilitation, water transmission main installation, and planning/design work, with loan terms ranging from five to 30 years and interest rates from 0.5% to 2.25%. Finally, the committee considered a $38.4 million Kentucky Housing Corporation conduit issuance for a 322-unit multifamily rental project in Jefferson County. A member asked how the committee participates in the transaction, and staff explained that it is a conduit issuance and not state debt. The committee then moved to approve the issuance.

Transcript Highlights:

• The safe houses did increase the bed rate from 33 to 47 last year.
• So Devereaux increased their homes. care network that has a chance model of homes so Devereaux increased
• So that was an increase.
• And then we've also increased law enforcement grants.
• So I was just curious as to why there was an increase and what do we do...

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs received three presentations and took no bill votes. The Department of Children and Families gave an extensive update on human trafficking prevention and services, describing Florida’s statutory framework, hotline and investigation data, placement options such as safe houses and safe foster homes, new adult safe house certification rules, expanded screening tools for vulnerable adults, and prevention efforts including youth-led outreach and training. Members asked about whether current funding is sufficient, how DCF addresses grooming and re-victimization in residential settings, and how long youth typically remain in safe-house placements; DCF said funding is only one part of the support system, that families and youth receive prevention resources even when allegations are not substantiated, and that placement length varies by child. OPPAGA then presented its 2024 annual report on commercial sexual exploitation of children. The report found that verified CSE victims slightly declined in 2023, with Broward, Miami-Dade, Duval, Hillsborough, and Escambia among the highest-prevalence counties. Most verified victims were community youth rather than children already in care, though dependent youth had higher rates of prior maltreatment. OPPAGA also reported continued concerns about limited placement capacity, especially for less restrictive Tier 1 safe houses, and service gaps such as the need for survivor mentors. Its recommendations focused on expanding placement options, improving data collection, and strengthening collaboration to support survivor mentors. Finally, DCF presented the Step into Success pilot program for current and former foster youth ages 16 to 26. The program combines workforce education, professional development, and paid internships with mentor support; the first cohort launched in 2024 with 15 participants, all of whom secured placements, and the department reported strong satisfaction and early outcomes. Committee members asked about scalability, costs, and whether the model could be moved beyond DCF-run operations into community-based providers. DCF said the program was designed to be scalable, currently costs about $500,000 annually for the pilot, and could be expanded statewide with additional funding and partner support. The committee adjourned after the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you look at Exhibit D, we propose pricing increases for the replacement volumes, the index, and the
• The increase is roughly 7%, and a lot of that is based on several factors: our cost increases and also
• Our cost increases and also the PPI increase.
• for a 7% increase to help offset some of our increases.
• consistent with what past increases have been.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Since 2007, teen pregnancy rates have steadily declined thanks to in large part to increased access to
• birth control and emergency contraception, but In 2022, Texas saw a 1% increase in teen pregnancies.
• We're also. seeing an increase, an alarming increase, in maternal mortality. in infant mortality and
• Between 2017 and 2022, there was a 400. percent increase in syphilis in Texas.
• around health and sexuality instead of increasing my faith. fear and isolation.

Keywords: Texas, healthcare, reproductive health, Care No Matter What Act, Planned Parenthood, maternal mortality, teen pregnancy, funding cuts, community health

Summary: The meeting addressed critical health care concerns in Texas, highlighting the consequences of funding cuts on access to reproductive health services. Key speakers emphasized the urgent need for the Care No Matter What Act, which aims to restore funding to healthcare providers like Planned Parenthood. They underscored the alarming statistics of maternal mortality and the rising rates of teen pregnancies, particularly in Black and Latina communities. Testimonies shared during the meeting illustrated the real-life impacts of healthcare access issues on individuals and families across the state, illustrating the necessity for legislative action to ensure comprehensive reproductive health services.

Transcript Highlights:

• are getting care through state programs, birth control access dropped by 41%, and teen pregnancy increased
• control and emergency contraception, but in 2022, Texas saw a 1% increase.
• , an alarming increase in maternal mortality, in infant mortality.
• Between 2017 and 2022, there was a 400% increase in syphilis in Texas.
• of increasing my fear and isolation.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's a one-to-one; there's no increase in revenues without a commensurate increase in expenditures
• So it's a one-to-one; there's no increase in revenues without a commensurate increase in expenditures
• So it's a one-to-one; there's no increase in revenues without a commensurate increase in expenditures
• So it's a one-to-one; there's no increase in revenues without a commensurate increase in expenditures
• So it's a one-to-one; there's no increase in revenues without a commensurate increase in expenditures

Bills: HF2371, HF2147, HF2557, HF1165, HF2466, HF2465, HF2482

Keywords: informed consent, sensitive examinations, healthcare, patient rights, anesthesia, hot water pools, rental properties, public health, safety regulations, Minnesota Statutes, health care access, hospital surcharge, fund allocation, medical assistance, health funding, health care, education, bonding capacity, financing, Minnesota Higher Education Facilities Authority

Transcript Highlights:

• In Hayward, there has been a 184% increase in families accessing food and a significant reduction in
• The savings are being leveraged to fund increased cost in 2025-26 in comparison to what was projected
• And that's where Jessica gets spoken to the increased capacity so that we don't push out the schedule
• These increases, the earlier increase and the subsequent decrease, made it very difficult for our local
• to increased caseload per caseworker, reversing some progress made in prior years.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held an informational hearing on child welfare, foster care, child support, and related prevention efforts. The chair opened by emphasizing mandated reporting reform, foster care system improvements, and community-based prevention, and noted that no votes would be taken. Public testimony focused first on mandated reporting, where a lived-experience advocate and several organizations argued that the current system overreports families, especially Black, Native, and Latino families, causes trauma, and should be reformed through standardized training, clearer thresholds, and stronger community supports rather than more hotline referrals. Casey Family Programs cited data showing nearly 90% of reports are unsubstantiated, while CDSS said it is already forming a Mandated Reporting Advisory Committee, updating training, and exploring community pathways and possible changes to the list of mandated reporters. CWDA and SEIU supported training and alternative response concepts but stressed child safety, county capacity, funding, and the need for careful implementation and accountability. The committee then discussed a proposal to create a foster care multi-agency office within the California Health and Human Services Agency, led by a chief foster youth advocate with authority to coordinate across departments. Advocates said foster youth often need services from education, health, housing, and behavioral health systems that do not coordinate well, and argued that a central office with real authority could improve placement stability and access to services. CDSS responded that existing structures already provide coordination, including AB 2083 interagency teams, the Child Welfare Council, complex care steering committees, and the foster care ombudsperson, but said it was open to technical assistance. Members raised concerns about whether the new office would have enough authority and funding to avoid becoming another layer of bureaucracy, and the chair emphasized the need for real “teeth” and better interagency action. The final major topic was the continuation and expansion of Promise Neighborhoods. A community leader described strong early results from the state-funded neighborhoods, including improved kindergarten readiness, reduced chronic absenteeism, higher graduation rates, food access, housing supports, and mental health services, but warned that current funding sunsets in June 2025 and that a fiscal cliff could jeopardize staff and services. CDSS said the four funded neighborhoods have reported positive outcomes and valuable flexibility, but also noted challenges with one-time funding, student mental health, and long-term planning. Assemblymember Mia Bonta urged continued investment, saying the place-based model is difficult to rebuild once lost, and the chair asked LAO to help identify the minimum funding needed to preserve the existing infrastructure while evaluation results are still pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• The increase in chain law penalties, we're going to work with our awesome partner, Dr.
• The increase in chain law penalties, we're going to work with our awesome partner, Dr.
• The increase in chain law penalties, we're going to work with our awesome partner, Dr.
• The increase in chain law penalties, we're going to work with our awesome partner, Dr.
• The increase in chain law penalties, we're going to work with our awesome partner, Dr.

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The committee opened by taking roll for the Joint Transportation, Highways, and Military Affairs Committee and noting that 20 topics had been submitted for discussion, including one late addition. Members were asked to number the topics for reference, and the chair explained that each presenter should give a brief overview before the committee returned to the dais for questions and possible ranking or action. No votes were taken during the portion provided. The first topic was a request from the Associated General Contractors of Wyoming to have TRIP, a third-party transportation research organization, present a report on Wyoming’s highway system. The report is intended to identify transportation needs and 25 priority projects, and the committee generally supported hearing the report and methodology directly from TRIP. The next topic combined two similar railroad safety proposals. Representative Chestek described a bill addressing train length, wayside detectors, and track inspections, citing the East Palestine derailment and concerns about reduced inspection frequency. Committee members raised questions about federal preemption and enforcement authority; Chestek said states can be more protective of safety where federal rules leave gaps, and WYDOT said it would need additional expertise and staffing to administer such a program. No public testimony was offered on the railroad topic. The committee then heard two proposals from the Wyoming Military Department. One would study Tricare subsidies for mental health providers by comparing Tricare reimbursement rates with other insurers, gathering de-identified data on eligible members and provider participation, and then returning to the committee with findings before any legislative recommendation. Members discussed whether the issue might fit better in Labor, Health, and Social Services, but the military department said it believed the committee had a strong connection to the topic. The second military topic would study Service Group Life Insurance for state active duty, comparing state and federal death benefits for Guard members to identify any shortfalls. The committee also briefly discussed a VSO program review raised by Representative Neff, focusing on the number of veterans service officers and retention, but no action was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the current funding to 1.3%, and this will increase our current FTE.
• , increase MDE capacity to partner and support data collection and monitoring.
• of the current funding to 1.3%, and this will increase our current FTE.
• , increase MDE capacity to partner and support data collection and monitoring.
• <01:37:36.920> funding does all this while increasing funding does all this while increasing

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• we are seeing increases already in some of the categoricals, but yet we're increasing things here.
• we are seeing increases already in some of the categoricals, but yet we're increasing things here.
• we are seeing increases already in some of the categoricals, but yet we're increasing things here.
• Because of the increase we are seeing increases already in some of the categoricals, but yet we're increasing
• 02:03:11.199> increased have increased um increased increased have increased um increased increased

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The maternal mortality rate increases. The newborn mortality rate increases.
• The maternal mortality rate increases. The newborn mortality rate increases.
• The maternal mortality rate increases. The newborn mortality rate increases.
• The maternal mortality rate increases. The newborn mortality rate increases.
• The maternal mortality rate increases. The newborn mortality rate increases.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we have uh increased the news.
• We continue uh to do increased We continue uh to do increased compliance<01:19:39.360> checks
• It is at 10 which is increased to 12.
• I entered this increase safety.
• document etc reaches increased document etc reaches increased paperwork.<01:48:30.719> We

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The coalitions can speak to the need as well, and the increases there.
• House File 1775 would increase the transparency of Minnesota's criminal legal system and increase public
• today in support of hf1 1686 to increase today in support of hf1 1686 to increase training<01:49
• That's a 333% increase. Again, that's for Mr. Cook. Annual goes from 6 to 24.
• That's a 333% increase. Again, that's for Mr. Cook. Annual goes from 6 to 24.

Bills: HF1082, HF1042, HF1295, HF1686, HF1998, HF1775, HF1163

Keywords: public safety, law enforcement, mental health, domestic violence, appropriations, criminal justice, Minnesota corrections, victim services, task force, personal safety, Independent Use of Force Investigations Unit, criminal sexual conduct, sexual assault, peace officers, law enforcement oversight, Minnesota National Guard, U.S. armed forces, military installation, armory, air base

Transcript Highlights:

• Others will have—” increases of 2 and 3% per year, but that increases of 2 and 3% per year, but that
• I work as the FI proposed 5% increase.
• /c><02:34:59.200> our<02:34:59.439> mental for increased funding for our mental for increased
• 59.760> with<03:18:00.000> the some increases particularly with the some increases particularly
• We don't need to increase the costs.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all