Transcript Highlights:

• <00:23:55.919> of members get the highest quality of members get the highest quality of care
• <00:32:09.760> same Services same Services same recommendation<00:32:11.600> any<00:32:
• on human services and homelessness same on human services and homelessness same recommendation<00:33:
• I was in service.
• I was in service.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered HB 553 on biomarker testing coverage, HB 556 on colorectal cancer screening access, and later HB 712 on 340B drug pricing. For HB 553, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, patient advocates Natalie Heyman and Susan Hirano, a surgical oncologist, and the American Lung Association strongly supported the bill, arguing that biomarker testing should be covered when ordered by a doctor and guided by current evidence. DHS and several insurers offered comments and requested amendments, with DHS saying it appreciated the intent but wanted changes. The committees then voted to pass HB 553 with amendments, including a House draft and a defective date of July 1, 3000; both the House Health and Human Services and Homelessness committees adopted the recommendation unanimously. For HB 556, testimony focused on closing gaps in colorectal cancer screening, especially for uninsured and underinsured patients who can get stool-based screening but then cannot access follow-up colonoscopies. Community Clinic of Maui, ACS CAN, and the American Cancer Society supported the bill, with ACS CAN urging a program similar to the breast and cervical cancer control program and offering amendments. DHS requested that the program and appropriation not conflict with executive budget priorities, and the committees noted technical amendments, a defective date, a blank appropriation amount, and corrections changing Medicare references to Medicaid. HB 556 was also passed with amendments by both committees. The hearing then moved to HB 712 on 340B drug pricing and contract pharmacies. The Department of Health and the Attorney General’s office expressed concern that the bill would require the state to regulate private commercial activity and said the department lacked the expertise and resources to implement it as written, suggesting it might belong in a different statutory section. In contrast, PhRMA opposed the bill, while Hawaii Pacific Health and Hawaii Island Community Health Center supported it, saying 340B savings are important for hospital services and patient access to low-cost medications, especially where manufacturers have restricted shipments to contract pharmacies. No vote on HB 712 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Just to follow up a little bit on that too, you're right about the outside services.
• . services. services.
• <00:24:08.640> because offer some of these services because offer some of these services because
• <00:25:09.279> he education services for basic reading. he education services for basic reading
• to get services. to get services.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Primary and Secondary Education met for its first meeting of the session, reviewed basic committee rules, and took attendance before considering two bills. The chair emphasized civility, no signs in the room, and deadlines for committee substitutes and amendments. House Bill 416, sponsored by Representative Clines, would change teacher-preparation admissions by replacing an entrance test score requirement with a formative assessment approach while retaining exit examinations for teacher certification. KDE witnesses said the bill would reduce barriers, provide programs with data to support students, and not lower standards. Members asked about content-specific preparation, whether the bill would water down standards, and available data on current entry-test barriers. Several members spoke in support, citing the teacher shortage and the value of giving more candidates a path into education. The committee approved HB 416 unanimously and sent it to the House floor with a favorable expression of opinion. House Bill 389, sponsored by Representative Hein, would define dysgraphia, require KDE to annually update the dyslexia toolkit, support district professional development and coaching, require local boards to develop screener/diagnostic processes, and require postsecondary teacher programs to include dyslexia instruction. A committee substitute made technical changes, including an IDEA citation and removal of specific three-cueing language in favor of evidence-based practices. Testimony stressed that dyslexia is not the same as special education eligibility and that early identification and intervention are needed. Members discussed the low number of districts with related policies, the quality of approved screeners, and the need for more local and regional support services. The committee approved HB 389 with the committee substitute attached and sent it to the House floor with a favorable expression of opinion.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:34.240> are unconditional love our services are unconditional love our services are
• and other mental health services.
• and other mental health services.
• We provide language access to services. Thank you. We provide language access to services.
• ELO Social Services.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• place because of the years of service place because of the years of service and<00:11:33.839>
• And he thought to public service.
• for and services for service members for and services for service members for service<04:44:20.560
• service of our nation. service of our nation.
• Service members life a tragedy.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, April 7, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Martin Luther King's words, one of his famous speeches centered around service.
• And he looked at and redefined service and greatness through the lens of community.
• centered around service. centered around service.
• And he looked at and redefined service And he looked at and redefined service and<00:12:48.600><
• quality assurance date. quality assurance date.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• sound similar, truly there is no comparison to the quality of services they would receive through Fast
• local base services. local base services.
• Importantly, these services services.
• health<03:12:32.399> services Services and behavioral health services, and that are, say
• service is ridiculous. service is ridiculous.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, sir, National Weather Service.
• Thank you for your service.
• of energy services.
• It's made a big difference in comfort and quality of life." difference in comfort and quality of life
• Quality and quantity.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:56:32.280> care can ACC families can access quality care can ACC families can access quality
• In Minnesota, we enjoy a really good quality of life.
• In Minnesota, we enjoy a really good quality of life.
• In Minnesota, we enjoy a really good quality of life.
• available for essential Public Services available for essential Public Services like<01:08:05.079

Bills: HF1277, HF1006

Keywords: data centers, tax exemption, Minnesota statutes, economic development, employment growth, property tax, abatement, land bank, redevelopment, political subdivision, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a division of water quality, air quality, waste management, municipal facilities, which is primarily
• or delivering the services?
• For example, there is a quality earmark on C-CAP.
• And then you go into some of the child welfare services.
• And so we worked with Aero Service Team to abate those.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first approved the December 10 minutes and then received a DEQ base budget summary and agency overview. DEQ staff explained that the agency is largely federally and special funded, with major ongoing costs in salaries, operating expenses, grants, and continuing appropriations. Director Dave Glatt and accounting director Beth Jacobson highlighted core programs, the move to a new chemistry laboratory, the new state fuel inspection program, wastewater-related funding from HB 1577, and implementation of SB 2267 for on-site wastewater rules. They also noted the agency’s spending patterns, possible federal EPA cuts, and the likelihood of some fee adjustments or program changes if federal support declines. Members asked about DEQ’s travel, field offices, future staffing, and how the agency would respond to reduced federal regulation. DEQ said most staff are based in Bismarck, with field offices in Fargo, Sawyer, and Gwinner, and that travel is driven by inspections and spill response. Glatt said the agency would continue to rely on science and law, and that any future federal retrenchment could mean more state responsibility but likely not a wholesale increase in FTEs. The committee also discussed a feedlot enforcement case in the Minot area, with DEQ explaining its role in ensuring compliance, permitting, and animal-waste management standards. The Department of Health and Human Services then presented on FTE block grant reporting, TANF balances, child care transfers, and the Rural Health Transformation Program. Donna Ockland explained that no line-item transfers had occurred yet for the new rural health work, but about 33 positions were planned and some current staff time could be reimbursed through approved cost allocation. HHS also reviewed TANF’s frozen eligibility and block grant structure, the transfer of up to 30% of TANF funds to child care, and recent program changes that increased benefits and raised the income limit. Staff said the department is using TANF more strategically to support child care and other allowable uses, while still carrying over unused funds as many states do. Finally, Pat and HHS staff gave an update on the Rural Health Transformation Program, saying the first funding opportunity was being posted and that the state is on track to obligate the federal funds within the required timeline. They described priorities such as workforce retention, preceptor development, technical assistance for critical access hospitals, community wellness projects, and ambulance upgrades. Members asked about rural versus urban eligibility, immigrant recruitment, evaluation of year-two funding, and how the program would address varied local workforce needs. The meeting then shifted to an Office of Management and Budget update on the new State Hospital project, where Lindsay Ashley reported continued construction progress, updated cost information, and selected alternates, with photos and details showing work underway in multiple building sections.

Transcript Highlights:

• is a national leader in water quality is a national leader in water quality monitoring<00:05:09.560
• is through the Minnesota a water quality is through the Minnesota a water quality certification<
• <00:22:59.240> so every potential risk to walk quality so every potential risk to walk quality
• <01:42:22.840> while<01:42:23.239> maintaining quality while maintaining quality while
• just another opportunity for quality just another opportunity for quality time<01:46:13.560>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• assistant commissioner working with parks and trails, forestry, and our operation management budget services
• Operation Services Division—Reno Soulight is our division director.
• sense that it provides water quality sense that it provides water quality improves<00:58:02.599>
• He explained that the Natural Resources Conservation Service, a primary agency of the U.S.
• costs either so those Services costs either so those Services contracts<01:34:59.000> could

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Public service and education have always been intertwined for me.
• Thank you for your service.
• Well, I want to thank you for your service. As law enforcement, we appreciate that greatly.
• We want all kids to have a high-quality education.
• I graduated in 2018, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue the service.

Summary: The Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to continue confirmation hearings, but the chair announced the committee would not present its budget that day and would instead roll it out the following week in coordination with House partners and Senate notice requirements. After a quorum was confirmed, the committee discussed how it would handle a large number of university board appointments, noting that some reappointments would be grouped for a block vote while others could be heard individually if members requested it. The committee then heard testimony from a series of appointees and reappointees to university boards. Florida A&M University nominees Roderick Harris, Victor Young, and Rafael Vasquez emphasized service to FAMU, student success, and support for the university’s national standing; Harris highlighted his FAMU background and faculty experience, Young cited his business and health care leadership, and Vasquez described scholarship support through his company. Florida Atlantic University appointees Linda Stock and Thomas Mersh focused on servant leadership, research growth, entrepreneurship, and FAU’s recent R1 designation and quantum computing initiatives. University of Central Florida reappointee Alex Martins discussed UCF’s preeminence goal, workforce needs, and strong nursing outcomes. The committee also heard from Florida Gulf Coast University appointees James Gris-Mall, Douglas Van Orte, Robert Rommel, Sarah Partial Perry, and reappointment Joseph Fogg, who spoke about workforce development, affordability, student success, water and nursing programs, and FGCU’s role in regional economic growth. University of South Florida reappointee Rogan Donnelly highlighted USF’s AAU status, research growth, and workforce-focused programs. Members and the chair responded positively throughout, praising the universities’ achievements and the nominees’ qualifications. At the end of the hearing, the committee voted by block on all nominees in tabs 2 through 13 and recommended them for confirmation without objection. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• of services being provided.
• Third is a look at the Quality Home Care Initiative, commonly referred to as Initiative 1163.
• without potentially compromising access or quality of care.
• We try to make sure we have topics that cover that wide array of government services.
• We actually break those into two categories because that's a broad sector of government services.

Summary: The committee meeting began with a brief explanation of the renamed Joint Legislative Audit Review Committee subcommittee, now called the Committee to Hear SAO Performance Audits, and a presentation from the State Auditor’s Office on its current biennium performance audit work plan. The auditor described how topics are selected from a large pool of potential audits and highlighted several ongoing or planned audits, including the Liquor and Cannabis Board, oversight of authorized entities serving students with disabilities, the Quality Home Care Initiative, Medicaid managed care versus fee-for-service costs, the Housing Commission tenant ownership follow-up, DSHS vendor payment patterns, implementation of the Since Time Memorial curriculum, and the Washington State ferry system. Members asked about coordination with JLARC to avoid duplication, and the auditor said the offices exchange work plans, monthly updates, and quarterly coordination meetings. The committee then heard the State Auditor’s performance audit on how charter schools identify and support at-risk students. Auditors reviewed four charter schools—Catalyst Public Schools, Innovation High School, Pinnacles Prep, and Rainier Prep—and focused on English language learners, homeless students, and special education students. The audit found the schools met nearly all legal requirements reviewed, with only one area where two schools partially met a language-access requirement. The schools also used several promising practices, including small-group instruction, culturally responsive environments, and multi-tiered systems of support, though the auditors recommended better documentation of procedures to improve consistency. Families interviewed generally reported positive experiences, while noting resource constraints. Committee members asked about how the four schools were selected, whether the audit compared charter populations to home districts, and how MTSS requirements applied to the schools reviewed. The State Auditor’s Office said the sample was chosen for geographic diversity, student population characteristics, and representation from both authorizers, and that K-2 MTSS requirements were not evaluated because they applied to only one school. Representatives from the Charter School Commission and charter school advocates responded positively, emphasizing technical assistance, collaboration, and sharing best practices across schools. Two public testifiers also supported the report and said it highlighted effective practices that could be expanded across charter and traditional public schools.

Transcript Highlights:

• Valentine's Day is a good day to reflect on the quality of our love.
• House Health and Human Services Committee substitute for House Bill 295.
• House Health and Human Services Committee substitute for House Bill 295.
• House Health and Human Services Committee substitute for House Bill 295.
• You're protecting our air quality, and let's have it be a win-win.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When it comes to the numbers, I know this following the Mental Health Services Act, $220,000 full-service
• Heavy-duty service vehicles, including those providing essential solid waste and recycling services,
• Everyday essential public services like solid waste collection use heavy service vehicles while on local
• street maintenance costs tied to delivering those services.
• Michael Caprio with Republic Services, here in strong support.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:23:31.760> Yet,<00:23:32.000> the<00:23:32.240> law quality of services.
• Yet, the law quality of services.
• 43.600> the<00:26:43.840> same<00:26:44.080> quality educational services or the
• same quality educational services or the same quality of<00:26:44.640> products<00:26:44.960>
• you<00:27:06.480> provide the quality of service that you provide the quality of service that

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ariel has actually done that, and she's worked with the Office of Financial Services to do that.
• We encourage that cooperative, you know, spirit to get these services back up and running.
• Quality, I think we'd be open to that. But I will put this into the equation as well.
• As a businessman, we are always looking for the highest quality for the least the price.
• take advantage of that and give us something that isn't of high quality.

Summary: The House Committee on Commerce met on May 18, 2026, with a quorum present and the chair noting it was the committee’s last meeting of the session. The committee first considered Senate Bill 254, which would prohibit certain excess debit card surcharges and authorize enforcement by the Attorney General. After adopting technical amendments and a committee amendment requiring written notice before a private right of action, the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee then took up Senate Bill 80 on broadband administration fees and GUMBO program closeout. Members questioned the proposed increase in administrative and contractor fees, the timing of project completion, and how withheld reimbursements would work for utility damage. After adopting several amendments, including cleanup language and a provision to restore the reimbursement process, the bill was reported favorably as amended, though the Louisiana Telecommunications Association voiced concerns about the withholding language and lack of a clearer fault-determination process. The committee next considered Senate Bill 469, updating the Louisiana Underground Utilities and Facilities Damage Prevention Law. Technical amendments were adopted, along with amendments clarifying that the bill’s 30-day notice to utility owner-operators is separate from existing GUMBO notice requirements and creating a rapid dispute-resolution process involving the Office of Broadband, the utility operator, and the local governing authority. Testimony from broadband and municipal stakeholders emphasized the need for quicker responses to excavation damage and better enforcement, while some witnesses raised concerns about the late amendment and the need for clearer recourse and standards. The bill was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 468, dealing with fuel rewards programs and fuel discount limits, was also amended to allow such discounts while capping them at $1 below the advertised price; it was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 131, concerning attorney’s fees and costs in professional licensing disciplinary proceedings, drew testimony from a cosmetology board representative and the Pelican Institute. Supporters argued the bill would curb incentives for boards to generate revenue through enforcement and give licensees a fairer opportunity to resolve cases; board testimony noted that some boards already have fee caps and that enforcement actions are relatively limited. After adopting an amendment clarifying when a licensee is the prevailing party, the bill was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 251 on critical infrastructure protection also received technical amendments and several substantive changes, including adding ports and airports to the definition of critical infrastructure, clarifying “significant access,” adding a knowledge requirement, and adjusting exemptions and enforcement timing; it was reported favorably as amended after testimony from State Armor representatives about foreign adversary threats. Finally, House Resolution 253 was introduced to create a task force to study how post-2005 building code additions and inspection requirements affect residential construction costs, with the sponsor explaining the goal was to gather industry input and return recommendations next session.

Transcript Highlights:

• about an amalgam a single service about an amalgam a single service amalgam<00:24:28.000> being
• and other for ABA services um and other intervention<00:31:28.480> services<00:31:28.880> it
• services to your to your point, Senator. services to your to your point, Senator.
• of those quality payments, as well as the stakeholder work group and the provider quality scorecards
• cabinet for health and family services. cabinet for health and family services.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board meeting began with a roll call and approval of the October 7 meeting minutes. The chair then reordered the agenda to hear the item on Medicaid reimbursement rates and network adequacy first because of scheduling issues. Dr. Steve Robertson of the Kentucky Dental Association was sworn in and testified at length about Kentucky’s dental Medicaid program, arguing that reimbursement rates are unsustainably low, have been largely flat for decades, and are often below the cost of providing care. He said Kentucky ranks near the bottom nationally in oral health, dental Medicaid rates are often 60% or less of commercial rates, and the program’s share of the Medicaid budget has effectively remained around 2% despite growth in enrollment and services. Dr. Robertson said the low rates are contributing to provider losses, rural access gaps, longer wait times, dental deserts, and greater use of emergency rooms for preventable dental problems. He cited examples of office costs exceeding reimbursement for basic procedures, noted that many dentists are small private businesses, and said the state is struggling to recruit and retain dentists because of low payment levels and high student debt. He also pointed to disparities with neighboring states and said recent increases in some oral surgery and cleaning codes were not enough to address the broader problem. His recommendations included completing the rebasing study, increasing dental reimbursement in the upcoming budget, tying future reviews to inflation and cost data, aligning benchmarks, and prioritizing preventive and restorative care to improve workforce stability and access. Board members asked about the size of the needed increase, the effect of private insurance on dental practice finances, and what a new dentist might expect to earn. Dr. Robertson said the association is working on an appropriations request and that private insurance pressures are part of the problem as well, since many plans are HMOs or PPOs with limited provider control over rates. He also said the association can no longer conduct reimbursement surveys because of FTC restrictions, but would try to obtain current ADA data. In response to questions about the future of the program, he warned that without significant changes it could become unsustainable and cited Ohio and Missouri as examples where higher reimbursement improved provider participation and access. The board then heard from Mr. Bowman of Baldwin Consulting, who discussed outpatient behavioral health providers, including ABA therapy and mental health/substance use disorder services. He said these providers face similar issues of rising costs, flat reimbursement, and access problems. He reviewed Kentucky’s network adequacy standards, including travel-time standards, 30-day appointment limits, and newer federal requirements that will require services within 10 business days by 2029. He said wait times for outpatient behavioral health, especially children’s services and ABA, have grown substantially, sometimes to more than a year, and emphasized that the Medicaid department must enforce these standards.

Transcript Highlights:

• portfolio, which has three different divisions: veteran services, community-based services, and veteran
• portfolio, which has three different divisions: veteran services, community-based services, and veteran
• portfolio, which has three different divisions: veteran services, community-based services, and veteran
• and have a broad uh array of uh services and have a broad uh array of uh services that<00:07:48.800
• doesn't require the level of service doesn't require the level of service that's<00:29:54.279>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's prioritize direct services and supports to those in need versus indirect services facilitated by
• <00:48:54.960> affordable don't have access to quality affordable don't have access to quality
• health care services?
• mean health care services?
• be forced to pull back on the services be forced to pull back on the services they<01:15:08.080>

Bills: HF10, HF27

Keywords: undocumented immigrants, state funding, MinnesotaCare, scholarship ineligibility, state assistance, permit to carry, concealed carry, handgun permit, firearm permit, pistol training, sheriff, application process, electronic filing, mail application, fax submission, certified mail, certified delivery, gun rights, Second Amendment, firearms regulation