Transcript Highlights:

• Do you have modified text or language that you could give us?
• Do you have modified<04:55:41.120> text<04:55:41.520> or<04:55:41.760> language<
• 04:55:42.160> that<04:55:42.480> you<04:55:42.718> could modified text or language
• that you could modified text or language that you could give<04:55:43.520> us?
• So we've got some mixed messaging going on.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met in Division 3 work session on HB 2 and began by noting a delayed start to allow the Legislative Budget Assistant to finish a large packet of updated amendments and revisions. The chair said the goal for the day was to move as many items as possible, with any cleanup deferred to a Friday follow-up. Members also discussed the process for handling public and department testimony on selected items before votes. Several early amendments were taken up and voted on. The committee unanimously recommended items dealing with repealing the liquor transfer to the alcohol fund and redirecting liquor-related revenue to the general fund, and it also approved an amendment revising Granite Advantage funding so there would be no automatic transfer from the liquor fund, instead using a general fund appropriation. Members then approved repealing the foster grandparent program by a 5-4 vote, and later approved an amendment requiring DHS contractors to comply with the patients’ bill of rights by a 9-0 vote. The committee also approved incorporating House Bill 94 on Medicaid coverage of circumcision by a 5-4 vote, while deferring the Wick Farmers Market Nutrition Program repeal for more discussion. The committee spent substantial time on the youth risk behavior survey amendment. Supporters said the change was intended to clarify opt-out procedures and ensure parents, guardians, and students are clearly notified that they may opt out without negative consequences. Some members raised privacy concerns and said the language could add administrative burden, but the amendment was ultimately recommended to Finance by a recorded vote of 8-1. Another amendment on civil rights and contractor standards for DHHS was discussed but not voted on after concerns were raised about vague enforcement language and possible penalties. The committee also struck amendment 1026 as redundant, with members noting related work in existing law and Senate Bill 134, and then moved on to other items, including a revised equity/access-related amendment that was postponed for later discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Whether it's a story about texting his brother, who's a Lexington police officer, to pull him over while
• /c><01:26:19.080> a<01:26:19.120> story<01:26:19.400> about<01:26:19.960> texting
• <01:26:20.360> his Whether it's a story about texting his Whether it's a story about texting

Bills: SB141, SB124, SB56, SJR116, SB94, SB37, SB127, SB197, SB66, SB70, SB133, SB160, SB214, SB312, SB52, SJR62, SJR75

Keywords: legal advertisements, tax rates, public hearings, transparency, local government, sick leave, education, teacher retirement, benefits, employee compensation, Medicaid, nonopioid analgesics, pain management, health care regulation, utilization controls, physician shortage, health care access, medically underserved areas, medical education, workforce development

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I texted and said, "Hey, this bill is up. Would this help?"
• <00:24:25.919> And<00:24:26.159> so<00:24:26.640> I<00:24:26.960> texted<
• And so I texted peer-to-peer provider.
• And so I texted and<00:24:27.520> said,<00:24:27.679> "Hey,<00:24:28.080> this<00

Bills: HF3174, HF3800

Keywords: background study, disqualification, set-aside, permanent disqualification, Office of Administrative Hearings, chief judge, human services licensing, substance use disorder treatment, SUD treatment, chemical dependency, recovery, rehabilitation, abstinence, foster care, child foster care, vulnerable adults, caregiver background check, license holder, direct contact, risk of harm

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm just going to read a little text that I got last night from a constituent.
• <00:46:47.920> read<00:46:48.120> a<00:46:48.160> little<00:46:48.400> text
• <00:46:48.720> that<00:46:48.840> I just going to read a little text that I just going
• to read a little text that I got<00:46:49.120> last<00:46:49.440> night got last night

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• as the author said, Senate File 3913, recommended by the LCCMR, proposes to remove the challenging text
• as the author said, Senate File 3913, recommended by the LCCMR, proposes to remove the challenging text
• as the author said, Senate File 3913, recommended by the LCCMR, proposes to remove the challenging text
• as the author said, Senate File 3913, recommended by the LCCMR, proposes to remove the challenging text

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's just a matter of how many phone numbers can I text out? How many can I call out?
• c> can<00:35:21.680> I<00:35:22.080> can<00:35:22.240> I<00:35:22.440> text
• <00:35:23.040> How<00:35:23.120> many numbers can I can I text out?
• How many numbers can I can I text out?

Bills: HB0098, HB0075, HB0041, HB0101

Keywords: gun control, Second Amendment, constitutional rights, misdemeanor, law enforcement, virtual currency, kiosk, financial institutions, regulation, Wyoming Money Transmitters Act, penalties, death benefits, retirement, survivor support, public safety, guardianship, monitoring, ward protection, financial independence, case management

Transcript Highlights:

• If you have any specific questions on any of these, feel free to call, text, email, and we can direct
• feel free questions on any of these, uh, feel free to<01:19:49.360> call,<01:19:49.760> text
• 50.800> we<01:19:51.040> can<01:19:51.199> we<01:19:51.440> can to call, text
• , email, and we can we can to call, text, email, and we can we can direct<01:19:51.840> you,<01

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:11 Discussion of County Clerks’ Land Records Update 00:02:42 Discussion of Area Development Districts 00:22:48 Discussion of Legislative Measures 00:50:09 Discussion of Local Taxing Sources 01:02:33 Adjournment 01:29:16, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up an update from the Kentucky County Clerks Association on the transition to electronic recording and land records modernization. Testimony explained that legislation from the 2021 task force created funding and deadlines for counties to provide online search portals and complete a 30-year property record search, with a later move to a 60-year standard. Speakers said the money has been awarded to counties, but much of the work is still in progress because records must be scanned, indexed, and manually verified. They said only a handful of counties are fully compliant with electronic recording so far, while many are still working through staffing and vendor issues. They also noted that the 60-year standard may ultimately be easier and more efficient to complete than the 30-year standard, and that compliance is expected to improve by next summer. The clerks’ representatives also raised related issues, including deed fraud, the county document storage fee, and KDLA digitization grants. They said online recording can make deed fraud easier to attempt, so they expect to seek legislation next session to address it. They described an existing notification service available in many counties that alerts property owners when a document is recorded, which can help detect suspicious activity quickly. They also said the storage fee and separate county account structure has generally worked well, but that two recent KDLA grant cycles have not released money for clerks, limiting support for digitization work. Another topic was whether, once records are fully digitized and verified, some permanent records should remain publicly accessible or be moved to a safer archive under KDLA control. Members asked about the balance in the KDLA fund, what the General Assembly could do to help lagging counties, and how much of the $25 million modernization funding had been spent. Witnesses said they did not have the current fund balance but would try to get it, that the main obstacle now appears to be staffing rather than additional money, and that the funds have been awarded but not fully expended because work is still ongoing. They emphasized that counties are helping one another and asked members to alert association leadership if any county is struggling. The committee then heard a presentation from Dan London, executive director of the Lincoln Trail Area Development District, who described area development districts as regional staff extensions and technical resources for cities and counties, and highlighted their role in coordinating regional services and partnerships across county lines.

Transcript Highlights:

• And after talking to, um, I haven't talked to the mayor very much, but I do have his texts, and he has
• I<01:01:59.040> do<01:01:59.200> have<01:01:59.359> his<01:01:59.680> texts
• <01:02:00.559> and<01:02:00.960> he but I have I do have his texts and he but I have
• I do have his texts and he has<01:02:01.440> done<01:02:01.599> an<01:02:01.839> excellent

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The actual text of the bill is notwithstanding a section in current statutes and any other laws or rules
• 17.680> actual and not placed in statute um the actual and not placed in statute um the actual text
• 00:54:19.359> the<00:54:19.520> bill<00:54:20.040> is<00:54:20.960> not text
• of the bill is not text of the bill is not withstanding withstanding withstanding um<00:54:25.799>

Bills: HF2367, HF2319, HF2523, HF1742, HF671, HF2331, HF2722, HF2406, HF1674

Keywords: HF2367, Community First Services and Supports, CFSS, personal care assistance, PCA, consumer-directed community supports, CDCS, home and community-based services, HCBS, direct support professionals, direct care workers, caregivers, support workers, SEIU Healthcare Minnesota & Iowa, collective bargaining agreement, retention stipend, health care cost stipend, training stipend, orientation program, retirement trust

Transcript Highlights:

• And if you can help them by adding to the text that will cause them to be trained in overdose recognition
• <00:25:12.320> adding<00:25:12.799> to<00:25:13.120> the<00:25:13.279> text
• Representative Keeler knows she can text me anytime. Thank you.
• Keeler knows she can text me anytime. Thank you. Other members, Representative Lawrence.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We haven't looked at that as a possibility, but I will say I got to start texting members during committee
• <00:37:17.880> got<00:37:18.000> to<00:37:18.160> start<00:37:18.440> texting
• but I will say I got to start texting but I will say I got to start texting members<00:37:19.319

Bills: HF2090, HF982, HF2229

Keywords: higher education, scholarship, financial aid, state grant, tuition assistance, Pell grants, student retention, education equity, disabled veterans, veterans' dependents, dependent children, college affordability, books and fees, University of Minnesota, public colleges, Office of Higher Education, veterans benefits, military families, permanent disability, 100 percent disability

Transcript Highlights:

• Di started, and I think the fact that we spent a lot of time, she and I, over the last year or so texting
• or<01:11:36.920> so and I over the last uh year or so and I over the last uh year or so texting
• 38.120> forth<01:11:38.600> about<01:11:38.960> the<01:11:39.120> denial texting
• back and forth about the denial texting back and forth about the denial process<01:11:40.120> and

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think about when maybe the same articles that you were reading, Representative Hansen, my mom texted
• were reading representative Hansen<00:56:18.960> my<00:56:19.079> mom<00:56:19.280> texted
• > to<00:56:19.920> me<00:56:20.039> and<00:56:20.160> said Hansen my mom texted
• them to me and said Hansen my mom texted them to me and said what<00:56:20.480> are<00:56:20.559

Bills: HF601, HF271, HF1101, HF979

Keywords: agriculture, depredation compensation, livestock, crop damage, elk, wolves, wildlife management, skills path program, career and technical education, CTE, dual credit, postsecondary options enrollment, apprenticeship, apprenticeship readiness, dual training, work-based learning, career pathways, skilled trades, workforce development, high school to career

Transcript Highlights:

• Any young person in crisis on Oahu or Hawaii Island can walk into a Safe Place site or text for help
• safe place Hawaii Island can walk into a safe place site<01:00:45.160> or<01:00:45.359> text
• > help<01:00:46.359> 24<01:00:46.880> hours<01:00:47.440> with site or text
• for help 24 hours with site or text for help 24 hours with 24-hour<01:00:48.359> a<01:00:48.559

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Human Services and Homelessness met on February 6, 2025, and heard testimony on several measures. HB 44, which would appropriate funds to the Department of Human Services to work with community-based organizations on social services needs, drew broad support from nonprofit providers and coalitions that said contracts and reimbursement rates have not kept pace with the actual cost of services, leaving agencies unable to retain staff or meet demand. DHS said it supported the bill’s intent but asked for clarification because the language was broad and did not specify which organizations or how funds should be allocated. Committee members and the bill’s introducer discussed how to make the measure more specific and equitable, including whether to set a percentage increase, use a baseline date, and direct DHS to distribute funds among different program areas; the True Cost Coalition and DHS agreed to follow up in writing with proposed language and a funding number. The committee then heard HB 1349, which would authorize Medicaid/CHIP coverage for income-qualified pregnant persons and children regardless of immigration status. Supporters, including the Legal Clinic, Aloha Care, and the Hawaiʻi Coalition for Immigrant Rights, said the bill would improve prenatal and child health, reduce the chilling effect of immigration enforcement on care-seeking, and help prevent premature or underweight births by ensuring earlier access to providers. DHS provided comments and the committee asked where the measure would fit in the budget; the department identified the relevant budget code. Written testimony in support came from multiple advocacy and health organizations and dozens of individuals. Finally, the committee heard HB 613, which would appropriate funds to DHS for emergency shelter and services for unaccompanied homeless youth. The Office of the Public Defender, the Statewide Office of Homelessness and Housing Solutions, the Office of Youth Services, Rise, the Hawaiʻi State LGBTQ+ Commission, and others supported the bill, emphasizing youth homelessness, the need for coordinated shelter and outreach, and the high share of LGBTQ+ youth among homeless minors. OYS asked that the committee consider funding its existing Safe Spaces pilot rather than creating a new program, while DHS said it supported the intent but wanted clarification because multiple department programs could be implicated. No votes were taken during the hearing; the chair instead requested follow-up language and funding information for HB 44 and continued the measures for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like for you, if you could, if you could look at your text of the bill on page five and look at lines
• If you could look at your text of the bill on page five and look at lines 145 through 147, I think this

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To add, Chair and Representative, one of our colleagues just texted us saying that we have done some
• In terms of residencies, some of you may have heard I got panicked texts, I think Saturday, that eight

Transcript Highlights:

• We have 23 active chapters geographically aligned with a test text dot or text Department of Transportation

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I just texted her. I said, I don't have to be sent me to. So, I just texted her.

Summary: The committee first heard SB 14, which would direct state agencies to reduce single-use plastics and improve waste diversion at state facilities by updating integrated waste management plans, increasing reusable foodware use, reducing paper purchasing, and requiring better employee education and recycling/composting practices. Supporters from the California Compost Coalition, Republic Services, Waste Management, and others said the bill would help build composting and recycling markets and let the state lead by example. Several groups that had opposed earlier versions said they were now neutral after amendments, including the removal of a 90% requirement. The bill was moved out on a due pass as amended recommendation. The committee then took up SB 326 on wildfire mitigation. The bill would create a framework for Cal Fire to evaluate the risk-reduction benefits of fuels management and landscape resilience investments, and it would accelerate implementation of Zone Zero defensible-space standards, including grants for local enforcement and broader application to rental and sale properties and post-fire reconstruction. Support came from Stanford climate researcher Michael Mastrandrea and several local government, insurance, and climate groups. With no opposition, the bill passed as amended to Appropriations. Next, SB 34 on port emissions and the South Coast Air Quality Management District drew extensive testimony. The author said the bill was narrowed by committee amendments to preserve the ports’ ability to reduce emissions while preventing cargo throughput caps and addressing concerns about automation, local control, and the timeline for port clean-air planning. Supporters included ILWU, business groups, and port-related stakeholders, while the South Coast AQMD and many environmental and community organizations opposed it, arguing it would weaken public-health protections and set a bad precedent. After lengthy debate, the committee approved the bill on a due pass as amended vote to Transportation, with some members voting no and others abstaining. The committee also heard SB 279, which would expand composting options for farmers and small community composters by allowing limited on-farm composting after large biomass events and increasing the amount small operations may process and sell. Supporters said the bill would help address agricultural waste, expand composting capacity, and reduce landfill disposal. Commercial composting representatives opposed it, warning that the bill could create regulatory inequities, strand recent investments in permitted facilities, and allow too much unregulated food waste. Despite those concerns, the bill passed to Appropriations on a due pass vote. The transcript also briefly referenced SB 613 on upstream methane emissions data, described as having no opposition and intended to improve tracking of imported oil and gas emissions.

Transcript Highlights:

• am the president of the National Association of Freestanding Emergency Centers, which includes the text
• am the president of the National Association of Freestanding Emergency Centers, which includes the text

Bills: SB227, SB269, SB407, SB463, SB527, SB547, SB1283, SB1380, SB1383, SB1511, SB1640, SB1784, SB2069

Keywords: school funding, education reform, state budget, property taxes, equity in education, healthcare policy, vaccines, exemptions, religious beliefs, public health, workplace violence, healthcare facilities, definition expansion, safety regulations, health and safety code, health insurance, anesthesia, pediatric dental services, coverage, medical necessity

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services met with several members initially absent, then later established a quorum. The committee heard multiple bills, with most testimony focusing on access to care, insurance practices, senior safety, and health care worker protections. Several bills were laid out with committee substitutes, and public testimony was limited to two minutes per witness. Most bills were left pending after testimony, with no final votes taken in the portion provided. Senate Bill 2069 would create a work group to study the feasibility of a statewide acute psychiatric bed registry; the substitute shifts appointment authority to the Health and Human Services Commissioner and extends reporting and sunset dates. Senate Bill 463 would expand workplace violence protections to additional hospice, home and community support, intermediate care, and state-supported living center settings. Senate Bill 1283 would require background checks and transparency measures for senior retirement communities after testimony about the Dallas-area serial killings of elderly residents. Senate Bill 1784 would require 60 days’ written notice before medical debt is sent to collections. Senate Bill 527 would require medical insurance coverage for general anesthesia for medically necessary pediatric dental procedures for children under 13 with qualifying conditions; pediatric dentists testified that denials delay needed care. A major portion of the meeting centered on prior authorization. Senate Bill 1380 would eliminate prior authorization for a broad list of services, including emergency, primary, mental health, substance use, chemotherapy, preventive, pediatric hospice, and certain chronic-condition care. Physicians and hospice advocates supported the bill, describing delays, administrative burden, and patient harm, while health plans opposed blanket exemptions and argued prior authorization helps prevent unnecessary care and control costs. Relatedly, Senate Bill 547 would require insurers to report gold-card prior authorization exemptions to TDI and create a centralized database and annual report; TMA supported better tracking, while health plans warned of duplicative reporting and administrative cost. Senate Bill 407 would require health care facilities to honor conscience- and religion-based vaccine exemptions for employees, with testimony from a physician and vaccine-choice advocate supporting the bill. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1383, which would regulate senior living referral agencies, allow more flexible compensation structures, and add disclosure and consumer protections; an out-of-state referral company and A Place for Mom supported it. Senate Bill 1511 would allow freestanding emergency centers to provide outpatient services in addition to emergency care, with consumer protections such as estimates, limits on facility fees, and restrictions on balance billing. The chair repeatedly announced that bills were being left pending after testimony, and no final committee action or recorded votes were taken in the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, no new money is being appropriated, and the things you want to look for in the bill are the texts
• Again, no new money is being appropriated, and the things you want to look for in the bill are the texts

Keywords: 1187, senate, all