Video & Transcript Research : 'dependency cases'
Page 157 of 500
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Ticket resale disclosures and pricing restrictions 3/18/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- There's no evidence that that is the case.
- Uh it also implies that the is the case.
- We saw cases brought to court.
- defend on the depend on those platforms. defend on the depend on those platforms.
- same is case is the case for the Bruce same is case is the case for the Bruce Springsteen<00:25:
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 7, February 17, 2026-PM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (01/29/2026)
Education Policy and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- In some cases, declined.
- Again, most of this really depends that.
- It disruptive to learning in some cases.
- So if that is the case, um, if it's there, great.
- So if it if that is the case um if date.
Summary:
The committee held a hearing on House Bill 1571, which would direct the Department of Education to review and revise statewide academic standards and curriculum and make an appropriation. Representative Kristen Noble, the sponsor, said the bill is intended to update outdated standards, especially in math, and to have the department create a list of high-quality curriculum and materials aligned to the revised standards. She noted she would likely amend the bill to change a requirement that districts “shall” select from the list to “may,” and said a misplaced crossed-out section would need to be restored and moved by amendment. She also said assessments would need to be updated to match any new standards.
Testimony from Marie Banfield strongly supported the bill and the move away from a mandate, arguing that current standards are outdated and that Common Core and related standards have not improved student outcomes. She criticized the math standards for emphasizing multiple strategies and written explanations over computation, and said stronger standards would better support students, including those with learning or communication challenges. She also argued that New Hampshire should follow examples such as Massachusetts, which she said used rigorous standards successfully.
Nate Green of the Department of Education did not take a position on the bill but explained that the bill would affect statewide academic standards, state assessments, and potentially federal compliance. He distinguished academic standards from minimum standards in statute, said any standards revision would require work with content experts, State Board approval, and then a corresponding assessment update that could take about two years. He estimated assessment development costs could range from about $200,000 to $500,000 for minor revisions and $1 million to $2 million for a wholesale new set of standards. He also said the bill would apply to public and charter public schools, not private or homeschool students, and that the department does not currently provide a statewide list of curriculum materials because curriculum decisions have historically been local.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- You have to round down or you have to round up depending on what the final price is.
- on what the final round up depending on what the final price<01:01:47.920>
is. - in case there wants to be uh in case in case there wants to be uh in case folks<01:20:29.600>
- President, that if there is a problem that the court their case. their case.
- <02:05:22.720>
on range of penalties that also depends on range of penalties that also depends
Summary:
The Senate convened on March 10, 2026, established a quorum, and began with an invocation by Reverend Damien Flowers, which was journalized without objection. The chamber then recognized several guests and honorees, including Dr. Courtney Glickman for being named 2025 Play Therapist of the Year, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Dr. Sonja B. Santelises for her leadership of Baltimore City Public Schools, students shadowing legislators, Navy Alliance representatives, the Maryland Alliance for Advocacy for Sickle Cell, and Ms. Kimberly Body for her lupus advocacy. The Senate also journalized prior remarks about the 6888 regiment.
The Finance Committee report then moved several bills forward. Senate Bill 348 would allow hospitals and freestanding birthing centers to contact, rather than only call, patients after high-risk pregnancies; its amendments were adopted and the bill was ordered to third reading. Senate Bill 390 on Wicomico County liquor licenses was laid over under the rule. Senate Bill 492, addressing massage therapy advertising and prohibiting misleading sexual-service advertising, was amended and sent to third reading. Senate Bill 562, concerning pharmacist-prescriber agreements for opioid use disorder treatment, was amended and advanced. Senate Bill 773 would let pharmacists order certain vaccines, including intranasal flu vaccines, for self-administration and was advanced without amendment. Senate Bill 53, on Maryland Port Administration land acquisition notice in Anne Arundel County, was amended and advanced. Senate Bill 428 would bar cost-sharing for collaborative care model services under Medicaid and private coverage and was advanced without amendment. Senate Bill 473 would require human trafficking awareness training for for-hire and transportation network drivers; its amendments were adopted and it was sent to third reading. Senate Bill 585 would shift administration of the human relevant research fund from Health to Agriculture and was advanced. Senate Bill 606, the Easy Pass Commuter Fairness and Transparency Act, would require an MDTA report on commuter plans and unused trips; its amendment was moved as the transcript ended.
During debate on Senate Bill 917, which would expand the definition of audiology practice to include certain screenings and non-radiographic imaging, a senator questioned whether the bill would make Maryland the only state restricting a health occupation from performing Medicare-required screenings. The floor leader said the committee had heard that claim in testimony but had not verified it, and the senator moved to special order the bill for amendment, which was granted without objection. Most other bills were reported favorably, with committee amendments adopted without objection and several bills ordered printed for third reading.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:23:07.279>
there school tuition or in some cases there school tuition or in some cases - <00:23:26.120>
with regarding funding in some cases with regarding funding in some cases with - Um, Senator Svin, Svin, Svin, so could this continue to be handled on a case-by-case basis, and um do
- Thank you for the question. case by case basis so thank you for the case by case basis so thank you for
- <01:07:46.079>
on <01:07:46.240>it <01:07:46.839>for case on it for case on it for
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
EDUCATION COMMITTEE - SENATE AND HOUSE Mar 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- , but essentially means dividing the benefits that a policy provides to its recipients, so in this case
- And then our last one is sustainable, meaning schools have a dependable level of state resources that
- And then we as staff are directed to draft the bill, depending on what Joint Budget Committee indicates
- ESA students generate three different amounts depending on the concentration Generate three different
- amounts depending on the concentration of free or reduced-price lunch students at the district.
Summary:
The House and Senate Education Committee first approved minutes from February 2 and 3, then heard an interim study proposal on Arkansas adult education and the Excel Center model, presented by Goodwill Industries of Arkansas and the University of Notre Dame’s Lab for Economic Opportunities. Witnesses argued that about 300,000 Arkansas adults lack a high school diploma or GED and described the Excel Center as a diploma-granting public charter option for adults 19 and older, with wraparound supports such as child care, transportation, tutoring, life coaching, and career services. They said the Arkansas campuses are not state-funded, highlighted growth in enrollment and graduation outcomes, and cited research showing improved employment, earnings, and reduced criminal justice involvement for graduates. Committee members discussed the role of Goodwill’s nonprofit mission, the need for multiple adult education pathways, and the relationship between adult education challenges and broader state efforts such as LEARNS and ACCESS.
The committee then debated the interim study proposal procedure, including whether questions should have been taken before the vote. The motion to adopt the ISP passed, and members noted that the study would broadly examine adult education, GED testing, high school diplomas, charter schools, in-person adult education, and funding allocation. Several members asked for follow-up information on current adult education funding, the availability of Excel Centers, and the criminal justice study results.
After that, staff from the Bureau of Legislative Research gave a detailed adequacy funding overview for Arkansas K-12 education. They reviewed national funding principles and then explained Arkansas’s revenue streams and distribution system, including general revenue, the Educational Excellence Trust Fund, the Educational Adequacy Fund, local property-tax revenues, and facilities partnership funding. They also walked through the state’s foundation formula, categorical aid, supplemental aid, and additional funding, including the per-student matrix amount of $7,771 for 2025 and how funds are allocated to districts and charters. Members asked about student support staff, special education high-cost occurrences, ALE funding, teacher salary equalization, and the Excel Center’s treatment in funding totals; staff said some of those questions would be addressed in a later spending presentation. The meeting ended after the committee was told the department was present mainly to answer questions and no further business remained.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Appropriations - Human Resources Division Apr 3rd, 2025 at 09:00 am
Appropriations - Human Resources Division
Transcript Highlights:
- And so, right, depending on what's appropriated, we would, and kind of what we're anticipating spending
- was passed probably about 10 years ago now, where for a select group of services that are largely dependent
- Chair, Senator Davison, I think it depends on the providers.
- And this one, that doesn't seem to be the case.
- Chair, Senator Cleary, I think it would depend on the size and scope of that reduction in the F-MAP.
Summary:
The Senate Appropriations HR Division met with all members present to review the medical services portion of the HHS budget. Sarah Aker, Executive Director of Medical Services, walked the committee through several budget items, including HCBS cost-to-continue adjustments, the DD bed assessment, expansion of value-based purchasing, targeted rate increases for home health and QSP services, and the cross-disability waiver. Members generally supported the targeted increases for home health and QSP, and Aker explained that the cross-disability waiver funding would support startup work, service design, and infrastructure ahead of a planned July 1, 2028 implementation.
The committee spent significant time on rate-setting and provider payment issues. Members discussed ambulance rate rebasing, with several senators expressing concern that the proposed increase was too high relative to peer states; the committee ultimately moved toward reducing that item to $1 million rather than zero so it could be revisited in conference committee. They also discussed a House-added critical access hospital networking grant and similarly leaned toward reducing it to $1 million. Aker explained the department’s value-based purchasing plans, including use of a vendor selected through RFP, and clarified how the department’s existing Medicaid managed care and hospital value-based programs work.
A major portion of the meeting focused on long-term care and basic care payments, including a House-added extension of the $5 per day basic care add-on and a proposed shift in nursing facility incentive grants toward a withhold-based model. Senator Mathern indicated he would bring an amendment to delay or modify the withhold change, and Aker said the department would prefer language that directly addresses whether a withhold may be implemented. Members also discussed 1915(i) services, FMAP changes, the Medicaid legacy system modernization carryover, and a House-added legislative intent section on medical assistance. The committee adjourned for the morning with plans to return later to continue Human Services budget work and revisit unresolved items in conference committee.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- of full-service partnership programs, which provide comprehensive services including housing, food, case
- Less than a quarter of lung cancer cases are diagnosed at stage one when survival rates are at their
- Nearly 70% of lung cancer cases are diagnosed at a late stage.
- When people who depend on Medi-Cal lose their coverage, they lose access to life-saving medications,
- in-home care, dependable emergency room care, and other vital services.
Summary:
The Assembly Health Committee heard several bills focused on access to care, public health, and oversight. SB 989 would streamline Care Court referrals by allowing first responders to ask county behavioral health agencies to review and file petitions; supporters, including firefighters and mental health advocates, said it would reduce barriers, while opponents argued Care Court is coercive, costly, and not yet proven effective. SB 1089, as amended, would direct CalRx/HHS to help distribute GLP-1 medications more affordably; the author described personal experience with the drugs and supporters emphasized prevention and chronic disease management, while members asked about distribution, liability, and age limits. SB 1309 would eliminate cost sharing for medically necessary lung cancer follow-up care after abnormal screenings; cancer survivors and clinicians strongly supported it, while health plans and insurers opposed it, saying the bill could raise premiums and did not address low initial screening rates. The committee also heard SB 1284, which would require DHCS to publish an annual report identifying large employers with workers enrolled in Medi-Cal and estimating taxpayer costs; supporters framed it as transparency and corporate accountability, while the chair and others linked it to broader budget and fairness concerns. SCR 7, urging permanent standard time, was presented as a public health measure to reduce sleep disruption and related harms, and it passed with support from the California Medical Association. The committee also took up SB 995, which would create a statewide inspection and enforcement framework for large involuntary residential facilities, including private immigration detention centers and some youth facilities; supporters cited unsafe and inhumane conditions, while probation officials objected to overlap with existing oversight for secure youth treatment facilities. The committee approved the measures it heard, with roll calls showing SB 989, SB 1089, SB 1309, SB 1284, SCR 7, and SB 995 all advancing out of committee, along with consent items and add-on votes.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Republican Media Availability 5/17/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That's roads, bridges, wastewater, the things that Minnesotans depend on in our communities.
- <00:05:12.480>
on <00:05:12.720>in <00:05:12.919>our things that Minnesotans depend - on in our things that Minnesotans depend on in our communities.<00:05:14.440>
Uh, communities - The discussions that I had and that our members had were with, in my case, the other leaders and the
- ,<00:20:10.680>
I members had were with um in my case, I members had were with um in my case
Summary:
House Republican leaders in Minnesota gave a post-session recap focused on what they described as major accomplishments in a tied legislature. They highlighted passage of the Office of Inspector General bill to combat fraud, along with tax and fee relief measures including $125 million in property tax relief and $250 million in car tab reductions. They also pointed to funding for hospitals and uncompensated care, county IT modernization, school safety and mental health programs, public official safety at the Capitol and judicial branch, and a $1.2 billion bonding bill for infrastructure.
Leaders repeatedly contrasted this session with the prior Democratic trifecta, arguing Republicans blocked new tax increases and helped make government more accountable and affordable. They said the OIG bill had been a top priority, had previously been blocked in the House, and was now signed into law. On health care, they said the final package included support for hospitals and denied that discussions about 340B involved pharmaceutical companies, saying offers on that issue were rejected by House Democrats.
In response to questions, leaders said the tie forced public negotiation and that Minnesotans were the real winners because lawmakers worked together. They also defended the lack of final floor votes on gun-related proposals, saying those measures had been voted on multiple times in committee and on the floor but did not have the votes to pass. On transparency, they said the process was as open as possible and that bonding projects had been heard in committee and reviewed by the bonding team before inclusion.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- commissioner to retain discretion to determine the appropriate sanction based upon the specific facts of the case
- specific<00:28:58.600>
facts <00:28:59.120>of <00:28:59.280>the <00:28:59.400>case - specific facts of the case. specific facts of the case.
- 21.880>
who consistent, and effective for those who consistent, and effective for those who depend - depend on it. depend on it.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/18/2026 - House Transportation & Infrastructure
Transportation & Infrastructure
Transcript Highlights:
- And to your point there, Emily, I believe also it depends on the area.
- Let me give you case in point: I was leaving the hospital two nights ago and I was going through Chandler
- you know, with the support of the governor, or it's been added by a voter of the people, as in the case
- I know that you're trying to do your case, and I appreciate you giving me the information, but this is
- , but everyone's kind of at the same... ...difference, okay, maybe 50 depending, but everyone's kind
Keywords:
Charlie Kirk, Loop 202, Arizona highways, transportation, renaming, roadable aircraft, registration, vehicle title, license plates, aviation safety, motor vehicle booting, private property, fees, dispute process, regulations, outdoor advertising, military compatibility, zoning, electronic signage, permitting
Summary:
The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee heard a series of transportation, traffic enforcement, and memorial bills. SB 1024, dealing with licensing and registration for roadable aircraft, drew a question about where vehicle license tax revenue would go, but with no sponsor present the committee still advanced it on a do pass recommendation by a 3-2 vote. SB 1205, which creates rules for private-property vehicle booting, was supported by industry and sponsor testimony as a consumer-protection framework modeled on towing laws; it passed 5-0 after discussion of time limits, recordkeeping, dispute resolution, and penalties. SB 1366, creating a temporary study committee on public-property towing and impound practices, was presented as a bipartisan, data-gathering measure and passed 5-0. SB 1232, a billboard/outdoor advertising zoning bill tied to military compatibility and ADOT permitting, was described as a technical cleanup measure negotiated with ADOT and local stakeholders; it passed unanimously 6-0.
The committee spent the most time on SB 1624, which would cap photo-enforcement civil penalties at $75 and limit the effect of photo-radar violations on licensing and insurance. Supporters argued the bill would simplify enforcement and reduce reliance on cameras, while opponents from insurers and local governments warned it would mask risk, shift costs to other drivers, and reduce revenue for several state funds and local programs. An amendment was adopted to treat excessive speeding caught by photo enforcement as a class 3 misdemeanor and direct $15 of the penalty to the Peace Officer Training Equipment Fund. The amended bill then passed 4-2, with members citing concerns about school zones, revenue impacts, and the role of photo enforcement. The committee also advanced SCR 1004, a voter referral that would let Arizona voters decide whether cities may continue using photo enforcement; it passed 4-2 after testimony that it was a negotiated compromise preserving local control while requiring a future local vote in affected cities.
The final items were memorials naming highways. SCM 1002 would rename a portion of State Route 77 the L.F. Quinn Memorial Highway, and SCM 1006 would rename a portion of U.S. Route 70 the PFC Michael A. Nolene Memorial Highway. Both were described as constituent-driven and appropriate under naming procedures, with members noting Quinn’s long-ago death and Nolene’s service as the first Native American to die in the Gulf War. Both memorials passed unanimously 6-0. Earlier in the meeting, SB 1010 and SB 1552 were announced as held, and the committee adjourned after completing the remaining agenda.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Worst case scenario, we'll be here Wednesday and Thursday of next week.
- <00:54:11.520>
Worst <00:54:11.839>case <00:54:12.000>scenario, <00:54:12.400 - Worst case scenario, we'll what I think.
- Worst case scenario, we'll be<00:54:12.720>
here <00:54:12.960>Wednesday <00:54:13.599>< - ,<00:55:33.839>
just Depending on how it rolls, just Depending on how it rolls, just hopefully
Summary:
The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum. Early procedural motions were adopted without objection, including excusing absent senators, dispensing with the prior journal, and allowing bills and committee reports to be introduced throughout the day. The Senate then took up several confirmation reports from the Committee on Confirmations, unanimously confirming Ralph Foster, Andre Harrison, Katie Randall, Donna Jones, and Reetta McCannan to the State Textbook Committee for Social Studies.
The chamber also received a favorable report on Senate Bill 174 from the Transportation and Energy Committee, and later adopted a special order calendar from the Rules Committee. On the floor, the Senate passed a series of measures, including SB 104, which requires training for members of certain boards, commissions, and councils under the sunset law but was amended to exclude county and municipal boards; HB 59, a cleanup bill concerning the Certified Public Accountants Board; SB 8, authorizing the Emergency Management Agency to spend public funds on public information; SB 66, changing University of Monavalo board terms and related requirements, with an amendment protecting certain trustees appointed before January 1, 2027; SB 168, codifying limits on a reading technique and emphasizing the science of reading; SB 149, creating a temporary teaching certificate pathway for qualified military veterans; SB 46, adding a special driver’s license designation for individuals with invisible disabilities; and SB 90, addressing seafood dealer licenses and support for domestic seafood producers. Local bills including SB 175 and HB 84, HB 200, HB 201, HB 184, HB 203, HB 204, HB 205, HB 133, HB 134, HB 193, and HB 112 also advanced or passed, with several county-specific measures receiving BR adoption, final passage, and in one case certification.
Near the end of the meeting, leadership and members discussed severe weather and contingency plans for the coming week. Budget hearings scheduled for Monday were canceled and moved to Thursday, with the Senate planning to meet Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. if weather permits, or Wednesday if necessary. The Senate also received several House messages referring local bills to committee. The session adjourned after a motion to adjourn until Tuesday, January 27 at 3:00 p.m., with the journal left open to receive House messages.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appr/Sub-General Government and Transportation 2ND REVISED Jan 12th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- It depends year after year how many we have, how much money we push out the door.
- And then disaster case management.
- These are funds that come in for us to hire case managers to assist disaster survivors.
- Right, so under the sequencing of data dependent enforcement.
- I believe we now have only a handful of cases and investigations, so we are staying very timely and I
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Reporting of campaign contributions from outside district required under HF1447 3/3/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It really depends on the expectation of the legislature.
- appreciate the the question<00:09:14.360>
it <00:09:14.480>really <00:09:14.720>depends - depends on the expectation<00:09:16.120>
of <00:09:16.279>the <00:09:16.440>legislature - c><00:18:50.600>
one <00:18:50.919>block <00:18:51.919>uh lines moved in this case - one block uh lines moved in this case one block uh and<00:18:52.240>
so <00:18:52.480>I
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Press Conference: Senate POCI Caucus Announces 2025 Priorities - 02/03/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Our colleagues will hear from us from experts and from their own constituents to make that case in our
- c><00:01:25.560>
in <00:01:25.720>our <00:01:25.960>historically to make that case - in our historically to make that case in our historically imbalanced<00:01:27.439>
state <00:01 - Our communities know the importance of this work because our lives depend on it.
- <00:03:02.159>
on <00:03:02.280>it work because our lives depend on it work because
Summary:
Senate POCI caucus members held a press event outlining their priorities for the session and framing them as a response to federal actions and rhetoric they described as harmful to Black, Brown, Indigenous, immigrant, and other marginalized communities. Senator Zaynab Mohamed said the caucus would not be silent and emphasized goals including culturally responsive and accessible health care, protection from discrimination, fully funded education from cradle to college, an equitable bonding bill, and safe, dignified housing. Senator Erin Maye Quade said the caucus would fight efforts to “resegregate” society and highlighted support for strengthening the READ Act and advancing the Minnesota Building Families Act to cover infertility care through insurance.
Senator Clare Oumou Verbeten pointed to recent DFL accomplishments such as the CROWN Act, restoring the vote, and the African-American Family Preservation Act, and urged colleagues to consider how legislation and budgets affect communities of color. She also said she would champion Minnesota Connecting Families, a proposal to make communication free for incarcerated people, along with a ban on legacy admissions and legislation preventing housing discrimination against Section 8 voucher holders. Senator Mary Kunesh reviewed education investments made over the past two years, including increased school funding, free lunches, library funding, pre-K expansion, the READ Act, and the Teachers of Color and Indigenous Act, and said her top priority is advancing an Equal Rights Amendment and protecting tribal sovereignty and treaty rights.
Senator Susan Pha said the caucus remains necessary because people of color and immigrants still face discrimination, including her own family, and said the group would continue fighting for equality and opportunity. In response to questions, caucus members said they hoped for bipartisan support on some proposals but were prepared to use their majority if needed. They said they were not intimidated by the new federal administration or Republican control in Washington, argued that Minnesota should protect residents from federal harm, and criticized GOP efforts they characterized as attacks on DEI and racial equity. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the meeting.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (02/12/2025)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- and across our state and in some cases and across our state and in some cases law<00:08:16.159><
- <00:19:57.799>
but do that so there are some cases but do that so there are some cases but - A number... small number of cases where all of that small number of cases where all of that whole<00:
- and maybe I'm sure there's been cases and maybe I'm sure there's been cases where<00:39:44.520><
- alternative to some what in some cases alternative to some what in some cases is<00:56:55.160>
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
STATE AGENCIES & GOVT'L AFFAIRS-SENATE AND HOUSE May 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Yeah, because I don't think that it's isolated to this specific case either.
- How many individuals are charged with manslaughter in this case?
- And so we know where the failures were in this particular case.
- Now, that might change in the incident, depending on who shows up later.
- Now, that might change in the incident, depending on who shows up later or whatever.
Summary:
The Joint State Agencies committee met to approve prior minutes and then focused on the death of Zachary Moore at the Southeast Arkansas Human Development Center, later clarified in discussion as the Warren facility. DHS officials described Moore’s background, said he died after a prolonged prone restraint followed by a delayed chemical restraint, and reported that 13 staff were terminated, the superintendent was replaced, a consultant was brought in, and the agency entered a settlement with the family for $725,000. Members pressed DHS on the cause of death, restraint policies, staff training, supervision, family notification, and why the family had not been kept informed; DHS said a family-notification procedure exists but that communications during litigation had been handled through counsel. The committee also heard that six staff had been criminally charged with manslaughter and neglect of a vulnerable person, and that the death certificate listed the manner of death as homicide with cause of death tied to physiologic stress associated with struggle and prone restraint.
DHS officials gave broader context on the five human development centers, their licensing and accreditation, resident population, mortality review process, and training programs. They said the centers serve highly medically and behaviorally complex residents, that annual restraint training and CPI-based instruction are required, and that the mortality review committee and Office of Long-Term Care review deaths and make recommendations. Members repeatedly criticized the agency for not having complete information at the meeting and for what they saw as gaps in oversight, staffing, and chain-of-command clarity during emergencies. DHS responded that the Warren facility had not been meeting the same standards as the others, that the consultant’s root-cause analysis identified multiple failures, and that new crisis-team and chain-of-command procedures were being drafted.
A second major topic was staffing and recruitment. Members discussed low pay, turnover, use of float and on-call staff, rural staffing shortages, and a waiting list of about 2,000 people for home- and community-based services. DHS said CNAs at the centers start at about $39,000 a year, that a broader retention and recruitment plan is being drafted for all five centers, and that a separate rate study for PASS services will be implemented in January 2027 but does not cover CNA pay. The meeting ended with testimony from Moore’s mother, Angela Stevens, who said money could not replace her son and urged stronger training, background checks, and supervision so other residents would be protected. The committee asked DHS to keep members and Stevens updated on consultant reports, recruitment efforts, and follow-up on the family communication issue, and then adjourned.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- And we're tying these two as special diagnosis in the case of the diagnostic lab service to chronic pain
- So it's about a 9- to 18-month process depending on how backlogged CMS is, and there is no ability to
- So it's about a 9 to 18-month process depending on how backlogged CMS is, and there is no ability to
- It can take anywhere from 9 to 18 months, depending on their backlog.
- We're using a single case agreement process right now. We're doing it primarily with UAMS.
Summary:
The Administrative Rules Subcommittee of the Arkansas Legislative Council reviewed several agency rules and requests. The Insurance Department’s amendment to its holding company system rule was reviewed and approved, as were two State Board of Election Commissioners rules: one clarifying poll watcher conduct, vote challenges, and provisional voting, and another increasing pay for certified election monitors and defining training, observation, and report-writing compensation. The Arkansas Financial Education Commission also had its rule reviewed and approved after removing membership requirements tied to DEI language to comply with Act 938. The committee held over the Department of Education’s request to be excluded from reporting requirements for one month to allow further discussion about who should write or implement the rules.
A major portion of the meeting focused on the Department of Human Services’ request to be excluded from reporting requirements for Acts 567, 568, 967, and 1025. DHS said CMS had raised comparability and other federal approval concerns, especially for the dental and diagnostic lab provisions, and that it might not be able to meet the acts’ effective dates. DHS described several possible paths forward, including broader benefit changes, waivers, or splitting the dental provisions so the pediatric rate increase could move separately from the special-needs adult cap increase. The Arkansas State Dental Association disputed DHS’s conclusion that the acts could not be implemented as written, argued that Act 1025 is workable, and urged DHS to continue pursuing implementation and preserve the September 1 effective date where possible. Public testimony also supported expanded dental access for adults with disabilities and special needs. After discussion, the committee voted not to exclude DHS from reporting requirements for those acts.
The committee then reviewed the Division of Higher Education’s Act 781 report. The division said it has 32 rules in effect, asked to repeal three rules—two replaced by new rules and one no longer supported by authority or current law—and to continue the remaining 29 rules. The committee approved that request, with the repeals effective upon adjournment of the Legislative Council meeting on January 16, 2026. The meeting concluded with no questions on the remaining written rulemaking updates from prior and current sessions, which were filed without further action.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Mar 26th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education
Transcript Highlights:
- And then secondly, again, in the case of Senator Yarborough's example, if you have a director or a...
- Giving a student different numbers depending upon where they are, you can't ever find them. Right.
- Now, in some cases, that can be done very easily.
- And in other cases, you know, somebody has to go around and collect all the information. Thank you.
- Will this also be the case for current FES UA students moving forward?
Summary:
The committee first heard the proposed Pre-K-12 education budget for fiscal year 2025-26, totaling $34.7 billion. The chair highlighted major increases for the FEFP, including $29.6 billion for public schools and K-12 scholarships, a $984 million year-over-year increase, along with higher per-FTE funding, $4 billion for the Family Empowerment Scholarship, $431.4 million for VPK, funding for school safety, the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, school hardening, Jewish day school security, and an education enrollment stabilization fund. With no public comment, the committee adopted a motion for staff technical corrections and then approved the budget proposal as a recommendation to the full Senate Appropriations Committee.
The committee then considered SB 1402 on dropout retrieval programs. The bill expands eligibility so any individual who has withdrawn from high school may enroll in dropout retrieval services and clarifies how school grades are calculated for virtual instruction providers that offer those services. An amendment clarifying the grading calculation was adopted, and the committee reported the bill favorably.
Next, the committee took up SPB 7030 on educational scholarship programs, a broad measure addressing school choice funding and administration. The bill would fund the Family Empowerment Scholarship as a separate categorical, expand the education stabilization fund, create fall and spring application windows, require a single scholarship application and more documentation, assign student IDs, standardize payment timing to monthly installments, require continued eligibility verification, and add Level 2 background checks for providers receiving state funds. Members raised questions about background-check enforcement, payment timing, data sharing, and the impact on homeschool and private-school families. Public testimony included support from school-choice advocates and concerns from private-school representatives about added regulatory burdens and deadlines. The committee adopted the bill as a committee bill and reported it favorably, with Senator Osgood voting no.
Finally, the committee considered SB 508 on the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program, which requires private schools to disclose in writing what accommodations, modifications, and services they will provide to students with existing plans such as IEPs, EEPs, 504 plans, or ELL plans before enrollment. An amendment was adopted to require public schools to consult with private schools about equitable services. Testimony was mixed: supporters said the bill would give parents needed information for informed choice, while private-school representatives said the language could be burdensome and vague. The committee reported the bill favorably.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 24th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Article III
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, so a lot depends on what bill comes forward or what law is passed.
- So in one case it's a thousand dollars per kid for four days.
- In other cases, $1,200 per kid for about 100 days.
- Student access to mental well-being should not depend on the district that they live in.
- And again, that amount would change depending on the number of golden pennies.