Transcript Highlights:

• Over the last four years, we've seen a 31% reduction in the number of children entering foster care and
• individuals receiving behavioral health services, resulting in a decrease in Baker Act admissions, and a reduction
• agencies, managing entities, and other non-profits, and over the last four years, we've seen a 31% reduction
• individuals receiving behavioral health services, resulting in a decrease in Baker Act admissions, and a reduction

Summary: The Health Policy Committee met for its final meeting of the session and handled a very full agenda, beginning with a few housekeeping items and a brief thank-you to staff. Senate Bill 596 was temporarily postponed. The committee then reconsidered and amended SB 1606 on patient access to records, clarifying portal access obligations and deleting a section that would have improperly affected nursing home facility records; the bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. The committee also recommended confirmation of a block of appointees and separately confirmed Chavon Harris as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration after testimony focused on transparency, financial oversight, Medicaid managed care accountability, and internal controls at AHCA. Harris said she would prioritize staffing, monitoring, and improved reporting, and several health care groups waived in support. The committee next heard and passed several bills, including claims bills SB 28 and SB 22 for South Broward Hospital District settlements, both reported favorably. It also approved SB 772 on undesignated glucagon in schools, SB 998 on allowing physician assistants and APRNs to complete death certificates under hospice/palliative protocols, SB 1412 on home health agency administration and staffing flexibility, SB 1800 creating a Parkinson’s disease research consortium at USF, SB 306 on Medicaid managed care network access during holidays and after hours, SB 1768 on stem cell therapies and informed consent, SB 1602 on pediatric readiness standards in emergency departments, SB 1156 on the home health aide program for medically fragile children, SB 1490 on Children’s Medical Services and Medicaid managed care administration, and SB 1182 on Medicaid coverage of continuous glucose monitors. Most of these bills were amended, generally to narrow scope, align with the House, or make technical changes, and most received support from provider associations, advocacy groups, or affected institutions. The most debated measure was SB 1270, which combined several health freedom and medical marijuana provisions. The strike-all amendment retained language prohibiting discrimination based solely on vaccination status, added protections related to mRNA vaccine documentation requirements, and included medical marijuana regulatory and background-screening language. The committee heard extensive testimony both in support and opposition, including concerns from senators about whether the bill would force providers to treat patients contrary to medical judgment, and support from witnesses arguing it protected patient autonomy and access to care. After a time-certain motion, the bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. At the end of the meeting, senators recorded their votes on selected tabs, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• agencies, managing entities, and other nonprofits, and over the last four years, we've seen a 31% reduction
• individuals receiving behavioral health services, resulting in a decrease in Baker Act admissions, and a reduction
• agencies, managing entities, and other non-profits, and over the last four years, we've seen a 31% reduction
• individuals receiving behavioral health services, resulting in a decrease in Baker Act admissions, and a reduction

Summary: The Health Policy Committee met with a quorum and took up a long agenda of health care, Medicaid, and patient-access measures, along with confirmation votes. The committee first reconsidered and amended SB 1606 on patient access to records, clarifying portal obligations, deleting a section affecting nursing home facility records, and setting a January 1, 2026 effective date; the bill then passed favorably as a committee substitute. The committee also recommended confirmation of a block of appointees and separately confirmed Chavon Harris as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration after Harris testified about priorities including financial accountability, managed care oversight, transparency, and quality improvement. Senators asked about audit findings and Medicaid managed care performance, and several witnesses and committee members voiced support for her appointment. The committee then advanced a series of bills, most of them with amendments, including claims bills SB 28 and SB 22 for South Broward Hospital District settlements, SB 772 on undesignated glucagon in schools, SB 998 on death certification by physician assistants and APRNs, SB 1412 on home health administration flexibility, SB 1800 creating a Parkinson’s disease research consortium at USF, SB 306 on managed care network access during holidays and after hours, SB 1768 on stem cell therapies by physicians, SB 1602 on pediatric readiness in emergency departments, SB 1156 on the home health aide program for medically fragile children, SB 1490 on Children’s Medical Services and managed care administration, and SB 1182 on Medicaid coverage of continuous glucose monitors. Most of these bills received support from industry, advocacy, or provider groups and were reported favorably as committee substitutes. The most debated measure was SB 1270, a broad strike-all amendment combining provisions on mRNA vaccine documentation, vaccination-status protections in the Patient Bill of Rights, medical marijuana reporting and background-screening definitions, compact language, and volunteer immunity. The committee heard extensive testimony both for and against the vaccine-related provisions, including concerns about discrimination, patient safety, provider discretion, and medical liability. After additional technical amendments and a time-certain motion, the bill passed favorably as a committee substitute, with Senators Davis and Osgood voting no and Senator Harrell expressing a weak yes. At the end of the meeting, senators recorded their votes on selected tabs, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm very concerned that some of these reductions, while we're trying to finally help these men and
• day, and I quote part of what their statement was, we now call upon VA to reconsider its planned reduction
• Reduction in force efforts should not be bluntly used to satisfy an arbitrary budget. goal, VA should
• supposed to do their full internal review before May, publish a report in June that recommends the reduction

Bills: SB124, SB201, SB275, SB410, SB478, SB607, SB610, SB611, SB654, SB702, SB787, SB831, SB892

Keywords: Department of Veterans Affairs, disciplinary procedures, accountability, personnel actions, whistleblower protection, cancer, military, aircrew, veterans, health study, toxins, morbidity, mortality, service members, mental health, community care, accessibility, treatment programs, substance abuse, appointments

Summary: During the meeting, various members engaged in extensive discussions surrounding 15 proposed bills related to veterans' affairs. Notably, concerns regarding recent VA workforce changes sparked debates, particularly about potential cuts and their implications for veterans' care and benefits. Chairman Moran emphasized the need for thoughtful reforms and coordination with stakeholders, urging responsible measures to prevent negatively impacting service delivery. The meeting highlighted a significant bipartisan effort to enhance veterans' access to essential health services, particularly in light of recent challenges faced by the VA workforce. Senator Blumenthal's assertions about the urgent plight of veterans due to cuts in personnel drew strong reactions, showcasing the deep concern among committee members regarding the current state of veteran services.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and so, and school districts will feel that, uh, reduction for sure, and they will experience it
• because it's a $1000 reduction in generally flexible spending because the, the federal money they got
• that point in particular, that $1.7 billion dollar number that I've given you is inclusive of the reduction
• So prior to the reduction in SARS, it was only about a $1.3 billion annual deficit.

Transcript Highlights:

• okay if you don't, do you have any big picture items that you would anticipate you do want to see reductions
• When we are actually making the requested reductions, those that have been identified by the department

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Other than the reorganization and the change with examples and the reduction, Reorganization and the
• change with examples and the reduction or changes in the shall/must language.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee met on February 3 and first heard RS 32989, the “ROGUE Act,” introduced by Senator Foreman. The proposal would cap annual increases in state entities’ maintenance budgets at the average CPI-U increase for the western U.S., while allowing exceptions for exigent circumstances, federal mandates, and operational needs. Foreman said the measure was intended as a statement of legislative intent to restrain government growth without harming agency flexibility or the general fund. Senator Den Hartog moved to introduce the RS to print, but several members expressed concern about advancing it amid current budget pressures affecting Medicaid, public schools, and infrastructure. Senator Rowe asked how the cap would interact with federal and state mandates, including K-12 support units, and Foreman replied that the bill’s flexibility language was meant to avoid interfering with required services. The committee then voted on the motion to print; the RS was not advanced, with members indicating opposition and at least one request to be recorded as a nay. The committee then approved minutes from January 20 and January 22, 2026, and moved into administrative rules under the vice chair. The Idaho State Tax Commission presented docket 35-0102-2501, a zero-based rewrite of sales and use tax administrative rules that removed restatements of code, reduced mandatory language, reorganized provisions, and moved examples to an online format with hyperlinks. Members asked about practitioner access to examples, substantive changes, and the time spent on the rewrite; the Tax Commission said the work began in June 2023 and was intended to make the rules easier to use and rely more directly on Idaho Code. The committee unanimously approved the docket. Senator Ricks also noted that House Bill 559, the tax conformity bill, had passed the House and would likely come before the committee soon, with urgency emphasized so taxpayers and the Tax Commission can prepare for filing season.

Transcript Highlights:

• Other than the reorganization and the change with examples and the reduction, Other than the reorganization
• and the change with examples and the reduction or changes in the shall/must language, are there any

Summary: The Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee met on February 3 and first considered RS 32989, the “Rogue Act,” sponsored by Senator Foreman. The proposal would limit annual increases in state agencies’ maintenance budgets to the average CPI-U increase for the western region, while allowing exceptions for exigent circumstances, federal mandates, and other operational needs. Foreman said the bill was intended to restrain government growth without harming agency flexibility or the general fund. During the print hearing, several senators expressed concern about moving the measure forward given current budget pressures and cuts affecting Medicaid, public schools, and infrastructure. Senator Rowe asked how the bill would affect state-mandated education support units and other required spending, and Foreman responded that the bill’s flexibility language was meant to avoid interfering with necessary services. The committee then voted on a motion to send RS 32989 to print; the motion passed with at least one recorded nay. The committee also approved the January 20 and January 22 minutes. It then heard from the Idaho State Tax Commission on administrative rule docket 35-0102-2501, a zero-based rewrite of sales and use tax rules that removed restatements of statute, reduced restrictive language, and cut the rules by about 46 percent, or roughly 33,800 words. Commissioners explained that examples had been moved online with hyperlinks in the rules, and senators asked about usability for practitioners and whether any substantive changes remained; the commission said the remaining rules were intended to be clearer and easier for taxpayers to follow. The committee unanimously approved the docket. At the end of the meeting, senators noted that House Bill 559, the tax conformity bill, had passed the House and would likely come to the committee later in the week. Members emphasized that prompt action would be needed so Idaho taxpayers and the Tax Commission could update forms and software and proceed with filing season.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's why we're seeing a reduction in opioid deaths, because this state, again, this committee has
• And that's why we're seeing, you know, a reduction in opioid deaths, because this state, again, this

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Alcoholism and Substance Use Disorders held its first meeting of 2026, chaired by Senator Nathalia Fernandez, who opened with remarks about the committee’s recent work, declining overdose deaths in New York overall, continuing disparities in some communities, and the need to protect state funding amid possible federal cuts. She also emphasized alcohol-related harm, the importance of maintaining treatment and recovery supports, and the need to prepare for expanded gambling with downstate casino development. Senator Rob Rawlinson and Ranking Member Senator Oberacker participated, with Oberacker later praising the committee’s bipartisan approach and Fernandez’s leadership. The committee considered eight bills, all of which were advanced. The measures included S. 489 on referrals to appropriate substance use disorder service providers; a scholarship program bill for addiction professionals; S. 1812 on certifying innovative statewide substance use disorder treatment services; S. 3632 establishing a problem gambling advisory council; S. 4950 concerning payment of substances at addiction treatment centers operated by OASAS; S. 4953 creating an intensive addiction and medical services integrated services pilot program; S. 5105 directing OASAS to issue rules for providers in rural locations; and S. 5382 related to privacy protections for chemical dependency services. Several of the bills were sponsored by Senator Fernandez, while others were sponsored by Senator Peter Harckham and Senator Harkham. Discussion focused heavily on integrated care, co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, the value of dual licensing and collaboration among providers, and the practical barriers faced in rural areas, including long travel distances, weather, transportation shortages, and limited broadband for telehealth. Members also noted the importance of privacy in treatment settings and the need for accessible, centralized services so people are less likely to fall through the cracks. Each bill was moved and reported either to the calendar or to finance, with no negative votes recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this would actually be a reduction of... to safe sleep and mandated reporter training for a total
• So this would be actually a reduction of.
• So this would be actually a reduction of one hour for that particular program type that currently exists
• The reduction in meeting frequency over time reflects the overall stability and functionality of the
• The reduction in meeting frequency over time reflects the overall stability and functionality of the

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

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 872 by Representative Zeringue, commercial menhaden reduction fishery vessels, requires vessels
• House Bill 872 by Representative Zeringue, commercial menhaden reduction fishery vessels, requires vessels
• Restrictions, prohibitions, pharmacy benefit managers, managed care plans, provide for the reduction
• Commercial Manhattan reduction fishery vessels require vessels to use certain automatic identification
• So the only reduction may be in the number of hours required, whether it’s on-the-job training or whether

Bills: HR115, HR116, HR117, HR118, HR112, HR113, HR114, HCR51, HCR52, SCR18, SCR20, SB14, SB76, SB118, SB142, SB156, SB170, SB197, SB234, SB258, SB287, SB288, SB313, SB315, SB393, SB396, SB426, SB427, HCR7, HB76, HB84, HB132, HB181, HB210, HB250, HB265, HB275, HB291, HB322, HB342, HB457, HB475, HB477, HB486, HB616, HB635, HB639, HB690, HB740, HB757, HB761, HB766, HB774, HB808, HB855, HB866, HB872, HB883, HB886, HB903, HB949, HB962, HB996, HB1003, HB1036, HB1054, HB1071, HB1076, HB1078, HB1113, HB1132, HB1146, HB1232, HB1233, HR15, HR20, HCR14, HCR6, HCR19, HCR10, HR74, HCR26, HCR35, HB98, HB108, HB131, HB151, HB161, HB288, HB294, HB305, HB310, HB320, HB336, HB380, HB392, HB403, HB420, HB459, HB476, HB540, HB615, HB631, HB637, HB648, HB665, HB682, HB789, HB813, HB815, HB835, HB870, HB905, HB915, HB933, HB938, HB987, HB1040, HB51, HB82, HB143, HB145, HB160, HB180, HB192, HB393, HB430, HB445, HB506, HB515, HB521, HB565, HB590, HB614, HB638, HB670, HB672, HB685, HB692, HB752, HB773, HB781, HB799, HB860, HB874, HB887, HB917, HB937, HB956, HB965, HB972, HB977, HB982, HB1006, HB1010, HB1044, HB1072, HB1088, HB1179, HB1200, HB81, HB400, HB154, HB410, HB463, HB827, HB868, HB952, HB953, HB140, HB750, HB911, HB52, HB961, HB399, HB401, HB901, HB9, HB58, HB193, HB284, HB570, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB733

Keywords: Kappa Alpha Psi, fraternity, Louisiana, commemoration, community engagement, recognition, state championship, basketball, sports achievement, school commendation, commendation, athletics, team sports, youth, community recognition, water utility, tax credit, excessive rates, residential service, subcommittee

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, opened with prayer by guest minister Reginald Tate, and adopted the journal and several leave requests. The chamber received Senate messages, including concurrence in HCR 44 and Senate adoption of SCRs 19 and 26, and referred a number of Senate resolutions and bills to committee. It also reported and adopted several House resolutions honoring individuals, schools, and organizations, including H.R. 112, 113, 114, and 52, and referred HCR 51 to Appropriations for a study of assessor and clerk compensation. The House then processed many bills on second and third reading, with numerous measures reported favorably or amended and advanced without objection. Topics included criminal justice and public safety (including hit-and-run as a crime of violence, video voyeurism, intentional exposure to HIV, bail conditions for human trafficking defendants, and post-conviction custody rules), health and insurance matters (AI disclosure in health care, hearing aid coverage, anti-cancer medication parity, pharmacy benefit managers, Medicaid/SNAP integrity, and rare cancer treatments), education and governance (special education due process, school funding, campaign finance, public records, and legislative website transparency), and natural resources and transportation items. Several bills were substituted or renumbered, and many were engrossed and passed to third reading. Two floor debates drew extended discussion. HCR 15, urging Congress to pass the SAVE Act and require voter identification in federal elections, passed 65-32 after questions about voter roll purges and documentation requirements. HCR 14, supporting federal efforts to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education, prompted extensive debate over federal education funding, Title I, special education, student loans, land-grant institutions, desegregation oversight, and whether federal functions could be shifted to other agencies; it was adopted 59-28 with 23 coauthors. Later, HB 108, barring persons convicted of violent crimes or sex offenses from jury service, passed 68-32 after debate over jury pool size, second chances, and whether the bill would apply to civil and criminal trials. The House also passed HB 98 on penalties for unlawful release of victim information, HB 131 on custody pending appeal, HB 161 on bail conditions for human trafficking defendants, and HB 288 requiring “miscarriage” to appear alongside “spontaneous abortion” in medical records and billing.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is kind of very broad language, and you mentioned 5 to 7% reduction.
• What are the pesticides that you're contributing that reduction of 5 to 7% of the harvest to?
• </c><00:20:53.760><c> Did</c> you you mentioned 5 to 7% reduction.
• Did you you mentioned 5 to 7% reduction.
• of 5 to 7% contributing that reduction of 5 to 7% of<00:21:03.040><c> the</c><00:21:03.160><c> harvest

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These include rate reductions to the requests by Excel, CenterPoint, Minnesota Power, and Otter Tail
• These include rate reductions to the requests by Excel, CenterPoint, Minnesota Power, and Otter Tail
• These include rate reductions to the requests by Excel, CenterPoint, Minnesota Power, and Otter Tail
• These include rate reductions to the requests by Excel, CenterPoint, Minnesota Power, and Otter Tail
• These include rate reductions to the requests by Excel, CenterPoint, Minnesota Power, and Otter Tail

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Third, it complements other emissions reduction policies.
• one and complements<00:32:03.919><c> other</c><00:32:04.399><c> emissions</c><00:32:04.960><c> reductions
• </c> complements other emissions reductions complements other emissions reductions approaches.<00:32:
• 44.799><c> emissions</c> Third, it complements other emissions Third, it complements other emissions reduction
• </c> reduction policies. reduction policies.

Bills: SB2309, SB2317, SB2318, SB2319, SB2321, SB2323, SB2332, SB2405, SB2485

Keywords: agricultural loans, financial support, Hawaii agriculture, food security, revolving fund, agriculture, insurance, small producers, state support, biosecurity, farm coverage, public-private partnerships, agricultural policy, agricultural statistics, data collection, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, economic analysis, market development, grant funding, climate resiliency

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several agriculture-related measures, beginning with SB 2309, which would require the agricultural loan division to sell portions of its loan portfolio and use the proceeds to expand the agriculture loan revolving fund. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the bill, along with several other organizations and individuals. A committee question focused on the risk of not finding a qualified buyer for the loan portfolio; DAB said a mandatory sale of the full amount could force a less favorable rate, while flexibility to sell different amounts could produce a more equitable return. The measure drew eight supporters and no opposition. The committee then took up SB 2317, which directs DAB to study insurance coverage for small producers and report back to the Legislature. DAB and multiple farm groups supported the bill. In response to a question about cost, DAB estimated about $250,000 would be needed, with the study likely covering crop, health, and liability insurance. The next measure, SB 2318, would establish an agriculture statistics program in statute. DAB said it strongly supported the bill and could ramp up quickly if positions were provided; the committee discussed whether a first report could be completed by year’s end if the bill became law midyear, and DAB said yes. SB 2319, which would fund and make permanent a full-time grant writer position at DAB, also drew strong support from DAB, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Ulupono Initiative, the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, the local food coalition, and others, with testifiers emphasizing the position’s return on investment and success in bringing in federal funds. The committee also heard SB 2321, establishing a two-year pilot program to respond to the twoline spittlebug. DAB, ranching groups, and many others supported the bill, citing the pest’s spread and the need to act before it becomes unmanageable. A DAB pest control manager said he would need to research past response details and provide them later. Members emphasized the importance of early intervention. For SB 2323, which creates a farmland transition commission to study barriers to farmland access and recommend solutions, DAB offered comments and support for the intent, while farm groups generally supported the concept but raised concerns about the proposed age range and whether a separate commission was necessary. DAB said the Board of Agriculture likely would not have the capacity to perform the commission’s duties and estimated there would be costs to establish it, though no figure was available at the hearing. Finally, the committee heard SB 2332, which reestablishes the agriculture and food security special fund, creates a carbon emissions tax and dividend fund, gradually raises carbon-related tax rates, and provides a refundable carbon cashback credit. DAB supported the measure and deferred to Taxation on details; the Department of Taxation said it would stand on its comments, and the Attorney General’s office offered comments and recommendations. Carbon Cashback Hawaii and the County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development supported the bill, arguing it would reduce emissions, protect lower-income households, and be relatively simple to administer.

Transcript Highlights:

• of billions of dollars in crucial and potentially life-saving university-based research, severe reductions
• And that is the intersectionality of reductions and freezes, which Assemblymember Jackson, you already
• The negative impacts of underrepresented students who are now having to navigate reductions and freezes
• minors at one point, as well as freezes for not just SNAP, but Medicaid, as well as declines and reductions
• At the University of California, Santa Cruz, the proposed reduction At the University of California,

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee held an oversight hearing on how federal actions are affecting California higher education, with opening remarks from the chair and members emphasizing the importance of state-federal shared governance and the need to protect access, affordability, and campus diversity. The first panel included leaders from the CSU, University of the Pacific, California Community Colleges, and UC, who described broad impacts from federal grant terminations, changes to student aid, loan limits, visa and immigration policy, and proposed reductions to research support. Testimony focused on the elimination of Grad PLUS loans, caps on Parent PLUS and Pell-related changes, the loss or suspension of hundreds of grants, and the resulting harm to student support services, research, workforce pipelines, food assistance, and health care training. UC and CSU representatives warned of major losses in research funding, indirect cost reimbursement, and student opportunities, while community college leaders highlighted uncertainty around federal grants and the need to maintain services for low-income, first-generation, undocumented, and other vulnerable students. Committee members asked how the state could respond, including through intersegmental partnerships, dual enrollment, transfer pathways, and support for basic needs and nutrition programs. Witnesses said California could help by sustaining financial aid, protecting minority-serving institution programs, and investing in research, housing, and workforce development. Several speakers stressed that federal changes were creating instability for students and campuses, and that the effects would likely be long-lasting, especially in health care, teaching, STEM, and social work pipelines. A second panel then focused on equitable access. The California Student Aid Commission described state efforts such as the $3.9 billion investment in aid programs, the Cal Grant system, the Dream Act, and possible reforms to better serve adult learners, foster youth, undocumented students, and students with dependents. The Los Angeles Community College District reported that federal cuts and policy shifts are discouraging students from applying for aid, threatening TRIO and MSI/HSI-funded services, and reducing support for basic needs, counseling, and workforce programs. The Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities and the CSU Academic Senate echoed concerns about FAFSA confusion, international student restrictions, grant losses, and the erosion of equity-focused programs. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and discussed possible state responses.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:24:33.800><c> modified</c><01:24:34.400><c> to</c> reduction modified to reduction modified to 7,425
• At page 593, TRN 501, sequence 600: Reduction of vacant positions, modified to 6 permanent FTE.
• At page 593, TRN 501, sequence 600: Reduction of vacant positions, modified to 6 permanent FTE.
• Reduction of vacant positions, modified to 6 permanent FTE.
• TRN 595, sequence 64001: Reduction of vacant positions modified to -16 FTE.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition, the proposed reduction of the Redevelopment district from 25 to 20 years is going to harm
• </c><00:50:26.839><c> of</c><00:50:26.960><c> the</c> addition the proposed reduction of the addition
• the proposed reduction of the Redevelopment<00:50:27.559><c> district</c><00:50:27.880><c> from</c><
• I think the one element that concerns me with the reduction from 25 to 20 years is this: I think, as
• from 25 to 20 years is this uh reduction from 25 to 20 years is this uh I<01:06:02.920><c> think</c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Act, creating carbon reduction production and investment programs in the Economic Development Department
• , providing for the establishment of industry benchmarks and reduction calculations by the Department
• by both departments, creating a fund, and making a transfer from the general fund to the carbon reduction
• Clarifying that food recovery, composting, and organic waste reduction initiatives are eligible for grants
• An act relating to the environment, enacting the Industrial Carbon Reduction Act, creating carbon reduction

Bills: HB95, HB111, HJR1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM3, HM11, HM14, HM15, HM21, HM34, HB2, HB32, HB33, HB61, HJM2, HM23, HM24, HM26

Keywords: HB95, additional judgeship, district court, judicial district, First Judicial District, Second Judicial District, district judges, court administration, judicial staffing, caseload, access to justice, New Mexico courts, judiciary, judge vacancy, court backlog, state courts, water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order

Summary: The House convened with quorum, offered an invocation and pledges, and then moved through a series of memorials, recognitions, and announcements. House Memorial 49, declaring February 4, 2026 UNM Day, was taken from the Speaker’s table, explained, and debated at length. Members from both parties and several guests praised the University of New Mexico for its role in education, health care, research, public service, and workforce development, with special recognition of President Garnett Stokes, interim provost Barbara Rodriguez, and Health Sciences leaders and students. The memorial highlighted UNM’s enrollment, degrees awarded, scholarship support, patent activity, and the UNM Hospital and Health Sciences Center. It passed 70-0. House Memorial 48, declaring February 4, 2026 Valencia County Day, was also brought forward and passed unanimously. Supporters described Valencia County’s history, culture, economic growth, and traditions, including the annual matanza, Route 66 heritage, and major employers and development projects. Members from the county and local officials were recognized, and the memorial emphasized both historic communities and current business and infrastructure expansion. House Memorial 50, declaring Lincoln County Day, was introduced by title and placed on the Speaker’s table, but not taken up for final passage during this segment. The chamber also recognized the Artesia Bulldogs football team for winning another state championship, Del Norte High School’s class of 1966 on its 60th anniversary, and a number of guests tied to nursing, education, and local community service. Several members used announcements to highlight nurses, school programs, and local events, including a Legislative Sportsman’s Caucus invitation and a reminder that the day was the final day to file bills with the clerk. The session closed with continued announcements and guest introductions, reflecting a day focused heavily on community recognition and celebratory memorials rather than substantive legislation beyond the memorial votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementias by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction
• the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementias by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction
• And those savings, to reiterate, are based on estimated reductions in enrollment.
• And those savings, to reiterate, are based on estimated reductions in enrollment.
• To reiterate, those savings are based on estimated reductions in enrollment.

Summary: The committee began with a presentation from the Alzheimer’s Association Desert Southwest Chapter and Dr. Anna Burke of Barrow Neurological Institute on the growing impact of Alzheimer’s and dementia in Arizona, the need for earlier diagnosis, better provider education, caregiver support, and continued research funding. They described current gaps in training and access to specialists, but also highlighted new therapies, lifestyle interventions, and Arizona-based research efforts. Members expressed support and optimism, but no action was taken on the presentation. The committee then heard HB 2202, which appropriates $300,000 from the general fund over fiscal years 2027 through 2029 for a dementia care tele-mentoring grant program through the Department of Health Services. Supporters, including the Alzheimer’s Association, a dementia specialist, and a patient advocate, said the program would help primary care providers diagnose dementia earlier and improve care. The bill was passed out of committee on an 11-0 vote. Next, the committee took up HB 2251, the midwifery bill, which would authorize certain licensed midwives to dispense and administer specified medications and devices, require liability insurance disclosure and annual reporting, and create a Midwifery Advisory Committee. A committee amendment removed some medications and renamed the bill the Jordan and MacTerry Act. ACOG and the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association opposed the bill as drafted, citing concerns about oversight, peer review, and the medication list, while licensed midwives and other supporters argued the bill would improve safety, transparency, and alignment with national standards. The bill was held for further stakeholder work, with members indicating more amendments were likely. The committee then heard HB 2252, which would allow certified nurse midwives, certified professional midwives, or licensed midwives to accompany a patient in a ground ambulance during an out-of-hospital birth if approved by medical direction. Supporters described cases where continued midwife involvement during transport helped newborns and mothers, while firefighters and EMS representatives opposed the bill as written, saying it created ambiguity about command and scene control and could raise safety concerns. The chair said the bill would be held for further stakeholder meetings and possible language changes. After a recess, the committee reconvened for presentations on federal Medicaid and rural health funding impacts, beginning with JLBC’s overview of H.R. 1’s Medicaid provisions and the rural health transformation grant program.

Transcript Highlights:

• Which I believe you mentioned earlier, patrolling, and the byproduct of that is a reduction in crime
• Reduction of cost for impact fees if there is a reduction of water consumption, our wastewater dependency
• Faced with an expenditure limit tied to that reduction, we're constantly falling back.
• What that means is for the second year in a row, we have had to make reductions in other general fund
• And again, as I mentioned, for the second year in a row, our general fund budget had to make reductions

Bills: HB26, HB73, SB 14, HB46

Keywords: HB26, law enforcement contracts, sheriff, constable, county commissioners court, commissioners court, private security, special law enforcement district, property owners association, POA, municipal utility district, school district, junior college district, local government, contract policing, supplemental police services, large counties, population over 3.3 million, Texas Local Government Code, Harris County

Transcript Highlights:

• In the 20 years before I was sworn in as attorney general in 2019, the office saw a reduction in budget
• In the 20 years before I was sworn in as attorney general in 2019, the office saw a reduction in budget
• In the 20 years before I was sworn in as attorney general in 2019, the office saw a reduction in budget
• In the 20 years before I was sworn in as attorney general in 2019, the office saw a reduction in budget
• in budget even as our saw a reduction in budget even as our state's<00:25:55.399><c> population</c><

Bills: HF627, HF474, HF361, HF1837

Keywords: HF627, fiscal note, fiscal notes, Minnesota Legislature, state government, committee procedure, ranking minority member, minority party, standing committee, Ways and Means, Finance Committee, legislative process, budget analysis, fiscal impact, Minnesota Statutes 3.98, committee chair, legislative transparency, HF474, Hubert H. Humphrey, Henry Mower Rice