Transcript Highlights:

• I learned a lot that day.
• I learned a lot that day.
• Thank you for the lively discussion on White Cook Day of all days.
• School nursing is its own world every day, assessing and caring for students with the goal of keeping
• I don't care anything about the administrative part. I care more about the people.

Bills: SB237

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Keywords: child welfare, Department of Children and Family Services, mandatory reporting, abuse prevention, investigative teams, child ombudsman, forensic interviews, confidentiality

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Welfare met on May 20, 2026, with eight members present and approved the May 13 minutes. The committee quickly reported several bills favorably, including SB 1224, which requires DCFS review when a pregnancy involves a child under 17 and makes children under 12 a child in need of care; SB 1100, which repeals an old statute on unenriched bread; HB 1220, a continuation of prior work to codify certain provisions related to the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners; HB 1231, clarifying that continuous glucose monitoring is covered through Medicaid for any insulin-dependent diabetic, including gestational diabetes; and HB 198, setting reimbursement rates for ambulatory surgery centers for certain Medicaid procedures. The committee also adopted a personal privilege welcome for physicians on White Coat Day and repeatedly noted that several bills were being advanced with the understanding that further work might continue before floor debate. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 1160, which would create a streamlined restricted license pathway for qualified international medical school graduates, especially for rural and shortage areas. Committee members pressed the Board of Medical Examiners about delays in promulgating rules under an earlier 2024 law and objected to rule language they said went beyond the statute. Board representatives acknowledged a misunderstanding about the original bill’s intent and said the program had been operating, but members warned against agencies writing rules that contradict enacted law. Despite the criticism, HB 1160 was reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably HCR 67, which creates a task force to study gaps in acute care for special-needs adults and children, following emotional testimony from the sponsor about her son’s death and the lack of appropriate care options. The committee then approved HCR 27, calling for a coordinated statewide evaluation of autism services by the Department of Health and Department of Education, with testimony emphasizing rising diagnosis rates, rural provider shortages, and the need for better data and coordination between medical and school-based services. HCR 28, which would study school nurse orientation and training, was also reported favorably after school nurses described the lack of standardized onboarding for new graduates and the risks of placing them alone in schools without adequate supervision. HB 469, which would have allowed pharmacy license renewal fees to be directed to Xavier University’s pharmacy school as well as public schools, was deferred after concerns about diverting funds from public institutions and the absence of testimony from affected schools. The committee also took up HB 223, which recreates DCFS, and adopted an amendment shortening the sunset date and requiring law enforcement reports to be accepted through a secure web-based platform; the bill was then reported favorably as amended. Another major discussion centered on HB 457 and HB 616, both tied to homelessness. HB 457, establishing minimum standards for shelters and related facilities, was reported favorably as amended after sponsor testimony and support cards. HB 616, which would allow the legislative auditor and local officials access to records and databases for audits of homelessness initiatives, drew extensive debate over privacy, federal funding, and accountability. Supporters cited a 2025 audit showing more than $216 million in federal homelessness spending in New Orleans and argued that auditors need access to performance data to detect waste and abuse; opponents warned about client privacy and the impact of funding cutoffs. The committee adopted an amendment changing permissive language to mandatory language for enforcement and then continued hearing testimony, with the discussion still centered on balancing oversight with confidentiality.

Transcript Highlights:

• I understand how important your talking points are to you, but at the end of the day, of the day here
• Is that medical care?
• . care in the state of Texas.
• One fine day like any other day I was I went to my office to see patients and I see Miss Jones After
• They're being 53 eyes in 93 days.

Bills: SB1 , HB500 , SB1 , HB1400 , HB 1094 , HB365 , HB 1109 , HB647 , HB500

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, state budget, mental health funding, education funding, infrastructure improvements, public safety, groundwater, water conservation, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, innovation fund, local conservation districts, transportation protection agreement, funeral services, insurance exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• Continue delivering exceptional care.
• Yolanda, who is also a nurse here on Nurses Day.
• Forty-five days.
• DES within 30 days to know if they reside in Arizona.
• Tyler Village, and foster and relative care services.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Same thing for child care.
• It includes data on the current fiscal year rates, provider county, provider type, unit of care and care
• Smelter, you could remember back to your center director days, is there an incentive for child care providers
• We saw it in child care, right?
• We saw it in child care, right?

Summary: The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee met with a quorum and focused on School Readiness, specifically the new provider reimbursement rates and the School Readiness Plus program. The chair gave an overview of how School Readiness is funded and administered, noting that the Legislature now sets county-based reimbursement rates using market and cost data, and that School Readiness Plus was created to help families who would otherwise fall off the subsidy “cliff” at 85% of state median income by extending assistance up to 100% of state median income. Panelists from the Children’s Forum, the Association of Early Learning Coalitions, and the Division of Early Learning described the programs as major workforce and family-support tools that help parents stay employed and help providers recruit and retain qualified staff. Testimony emphasized that higher reimbursement rates increase parental choice, help providers cover rising child care costs, and support better staffing and lower turnover. The panel also said School Readiness Plus is easing the pressure on families to turn down raises or promotions for fear of losing child care assistance, though uptake is still early because the program only began in late 2024 and is only available to current School Readiness families at redetermination. The Division of Early Learning reported about 275 children enrolled in School Readiness Plus as of March 10, with expenditures of about $161,420 through January 2025, and said participation is increasing. Members asked about the federal-state funding split, wait lists, reverted funds, coalition accountability, county-based rate differences, and whether the entrance eligibility threshold should be raised or shifted to state median income. The panel said roughly 70% of School Readiness funding is federal, about 4% has typically reverted in recent years, and the wait list is around 12,000 children, with reasons including income ineligibility, lack of available seats, and funding limits. They argued that raising the entrance threshold would expand access but would require additional funding, and they also discussed the need to reduce workforce barriers such as in-person testing and training requirements. The meeting ended with no formal action beyond the presentation and member discussion, and the subcommittee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• to 60 days.
• , adult companion services, adult care, adult companion services, adult day,<00:30:26.120><c> homemaker
• </c> managed care, and HCBS. managed care, and HCBS.
• </c> care home care nursing workforce care home care nursing workforce shortage<01:25:21.520><c> in</
• care.

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But to add adult day care. Which I am delighted we now have full.
• care... ...equation?
• fragmented care.
• We already are living in a world of incredible fragmented care.
• Health care continuum.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services took up two bills. Senator Burgess presented SB 116, the Senate Veterans Package, which would reduce the number of Veterans Hall of Fame nominations, expand FDVA health survey and coordination efforts, add mental health training to the veterans suicide prevention pilot program, fix statutory references, improve coordination between Veterans Florida and FDVA, and require FDVA to develop a plan for adult day health care facilities for veterans and their families. An amendment was adopted to appropriate $300,000 for the suicide prevention training pilot and $50,000 for the health survey. The bill was supported in debate, especially for the adult day care provision, and CS/SB 116 was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then heard SB 294 by Senator Harrell, which would exclude specified cardiac conditions—such as heart failure, coronary heart disease, and cardiac arrhythmias—from the list of chronic health conditions that may be managed under collaborative pharmacy practice agreements. Senator Harrell argued that these complex conditions require direct physician involvement and that pharmacists should not be making medication changes for severe cardiac patients based on protocols alone. Senator Rouson asked why heart conditions had been included previously, and Vice Chair Davis asked about fiscal impact; Harrell said there would be no state cost, though patients might face additional out-of-pocket expenses, which she said could be offset by avoiding more serious complications. Public testimony on SB 294 was divided. The Florida Pharmacy Association opposed the bill, arguing that collaborative practice agreements are voluntary, physician-controlled, and already include safeguards, and that pharmacists are highly trained to help manage chronic conditions and improve access and outcomes. A cardiologist with the Florida Chapter of the American College of Cardiology supported the bill, warning that cardiac patients are complex and that pharmacists may make dangerous decisions without the full clinical picture. Senator Burton also supported the bill, saying the original collaborative practice framework was not intended to let pharmacists diagnose or treat serious cardiac disease. SB 294 was then reported favorably by roll call vote. At the end of the meeting, Senators Rodriguez and Garcia asked to be recorded in the affirmative on SB 116, and the committee adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, Senator care because of the cost.
• That sounds scary and adds health care.
• </c> Center will notice the difference on day Center will notice the difference on day one.<00:08:04.520
• </c> framework for direct primary care framework for direct primary care arrangements<00:13:17.160><c
• And at the end of the<00:17:25.439><c> day,</c> the day, the day, we<00:17:27.199><c> always</c><00:17

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here not to talk about my health care experience, but my personal health care journey as it relates
• I'm here not to talk about my health care experience, but my personal health care journey as it relates
• Shorter prescriptions do not equal safer care. Appropriate care equals safer care.
• Shorter prescriptions do not equal safer care. Appropriate care equals safer care.
• Too many patients face delayed care.

Summary: The Health Professions and Program Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered seven bills, all of which were reported favorably. HB 497 would create a neurofibromatosis research grant program within the Department of Health; an amendment removed automatic recurring funding and made the program subject to annual appropriations. Proponents described the disease burden and the need for Florida-based research support. The bill passed 14-0. The committee also approved HB 223, which creates a licensing and regulatory framework for naturopathic medicine, including a Board of Naturopathic Medicine under the Department of Health. Supporters argued licensure would improve patient safety, transparency, and access, while the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association and Florida Medical Association waived in opposition. The bill passed 15-0. HB 683 modernizes physician assistant and APRN prescribing rules by removing certain administrative notice and prescription-labeling requirements and allowing a 30-day course of psychotropic medication; an amendment removed language that would have allowed practice without physician supervision during declared emergencies. It passed 15-0. The committee then approved CS for HB 121, which updates Florida’s seizure action plan law by extending protections to charter school students, requiring schools to accept physician-submitted plans, clarifying training duration, expanding training to regular bus drivers, and requiring seizure-response posters in schools. HB 353 adds sickle cell disease education to existing pain-management continuing education for health professionals, prompted by extensive testimony from patients and advocates about bias, delayed treatment, and lack of provider knowledge; it passed 15-0. HB 1175 directs the Florida Building Commission and State Fire Marshal to develop updated safety design standards for office surgery suites, with an amendment delaying the effective date to January 1, 2027; it passed 14-0. Finally, HB 251 creates a public records exemption for current emergency physicians and their families, narrowed by amendment to current physicians and children up to age 26 and made subject to sunset review; it passed 15-0. The meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our kids do not do well when they're in care for a long time, and the longer they're in care, the more
• a happy day.
• It changes the timeline from the 15th day to the 30th business day for attorneys and advocates to interview
• to day.
• They can't return to care if they left care and were dismissed before they aged out.

Bills: HCR 10

Committee: House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Keywords: balanced budget amendment, federal budget, deficit reduction, deficit spending, fiscal restraint, constitutional amendment, U.S. Constitution, Congress, PAYGO, Gramm-Rudman-Hollings, national debt, budget deficit, taxpayer dollars, balanced budget resolution, memorial resolution, Texas Legislature, federal spending, budget reform, fiscal conservatism

Transcript Highlights:

• Today is a good day.
• But at the end of the day, I want people to know that for our caucus, and I know health care matters
• But at the end of the day, I want people to know that for our caucus, and I know health care matters
• But at the end of the day, I want people to know that for our caucus, and I know health care matters
• caring for them.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• , and now managed care is...
• Those folks were standing in the rain that day to get care, as I saw, in animal stalls on this county
• I mean, health care sharing is different. Health care sharing is different.
• Pay less for care.
• So we have a retiree health fund and an active care fund. Health fund and active care fund.

Committee: House Health Care Affordability, Select

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The QSP, the staff there for personal care and homemaking, respite, companion care, nursing.
• The QSP, the staff there for personal care and homemaking, respite, companion care, nursing.
• rate increase for basic care.
• Basic care?
• day add-on payment.

Committee: Senate Appropriations - Human Resources Division

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate Appropriations HR Division met with all members present to review the medical services portion of the HHS budget. Sarah Aker, Executive Director of Medical Services, walked the committee through several budget items, including HCBS cost-to-continue adjustments, the DD bed assessment, expansion of value-based purchasing, targeted rate increases for home health and QSP services, and the cross-disability waiver. Members generally supported the targeted increases for home health and QSP, and Aker explained that the cross-disability waiver funding would support startup work, service design, and infrastructure ahead of a planned July 1, 2028 implementation. The committee spent significant time on rate-setting and provider payment issues. Members discussed ambulance rate rebasing, with several senators expressing concern that the proposed increase was too high relative to peer states; the committee ultimately moved toward reducing that item to $1 million rather than zero so it could be revisited in conference committee. They also discussed a House-added critical access hospital networking grant and similarly leaned toward reducing it to $1 million. Aker explained the department’s value-based purchasing plans, including use of a vendor selected through RFP, and clarified how the department’s existing Medicaid managed care and hospital value-based programs work. A major portion of the meeting focused on long-term care and basic care payments, including a House-added extension of the $5 per day basic care add-on and a proposed shift in nursing facility incentive grants toward a withhold-based model. Senator Mathern indicated he would bring an amendment to delay or modify the withhold change, and Aker said the department would prefer language that directly addresses whether a withhold may be implemented. Members also discussed 1915(i) services, FMAP changes, the Medicaid legacy system modernization carryover, and a House-added legislative intent section on medical assistance. The committee adjourned for the morning with plans to return later to continue Human Services budget work and revisit unresolved items in conference committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• It changes the day to a day of civic engagement, condemning all political violence across the board,
• It changes the day to a day of civic engagement, condemning all political violence across the board,
• This bill would instead dedicate that day This bill would instead dedicate that day to Charlie Kirk,
• It is a day of remembrance, and it is a day of remembrance because of the Charlie Kirk assassination.
• memory care unit.

Summary: The Committee on Fiscal Policy met and considered a large agenda of bills, most of which were reported favorably after brief sponsor presentations, limited public testimony, and roll-call votes. Early actions included CSSB 1062 creating Florida Speech and Debate Week and the Florida Debate Initiative with a recurring $2.4 million appropriation, and CS for SB 196 establishing the Uterine Fibroid Research Database. The committee also approved the companion public-records bill, CS for SB 864, to keep sensitive fibroid database information confidential. Other health and public-safety measures reported favorably included CS for SB 432, which was amended to address xylazine and restrict recreational nitrous oxide sales by tobacco-permit retailers; CS for SB 646, narrowing drug-paraphernalia testing equipment exemptions to fentanyl, its analogs, and xylazine; and CS for SB 1684 and CS for SB 1686, creating and exempting records for a Parkinson’s Disease Registry at the University of South Florida. The committee also advanced several workforce, regulatory, and local-governance bills. SB 1112 on the Florida Labor Pool Act passed with testimony emphasizing removal of placement fees, annual labor-pool registration, and stronger enforcement to help workers, including returning citizens. CS for SB 524 updated Department of Law Enforcement duties and medical examiner procedures; CS for SB 530 revised lottery operations and security rules; CS for SB 676 expanded animal-cruelty penalties and the public abuser database; CS for SB 1180 created a recall framework for community development district supervisors and updated CDD rules; and CS for SB 800 increased penalties for unlicensed engineering practice after removing a student-loan assistance provision to align with the House version. CS for SB 1404 created a memory-care specialty license for assisted living facilities, with amendments extending rulemaking deadlines and clarifying advertising and resident-choice provisions. SB 1072 created an anti-Semitism task force in the Attorney General’s office, and CS for SB 1630 modernized aging and disability services, guardianship oversight, and dementia-related policy. Two memorialization bills generated the most extended debate and public comment. SB 194 would designate October 14 as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance, and SB 174 would name a portion of State Road 985 in Miami-Dade County as Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue. Both drew strong support from some speakers who framed them as recognition of civic engagement and free expression, and strong opposition from others who criticized Kirk’s rhetoric and argued the state should instead honor broader civic values or other figures. A late-file amendment to SB 194 that would have converted it into a general day of remembrance for victims of political violence was withdrawn. Despite the controversy, both bills were reported favorably. The committee adjourned after members requested to be recorded on various bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• is often denial of care.
• And the... ...is that delay of care is often denial of care.
• Children in foster care are among the most vulnerable individuals under the care and supervision of the
• The KC National Foster Care Alumni Study, which surveyed adults who had spent time in foster care, found
• Amory Day. Emory. Amory. Last name's Day. Okay, thank you.

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She says this is about access to care and health care freedom.
• , health care freedom, if you will.
• This is not about medical care.
• We hear a lot about access to care, but my question is when all of the opposition is from care providers
• And again, I'd love to talk about access to care and ways to expand access to care.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SERVICES WITH OVERSIGHT FROM FLORIDA COMMUNITY CARE CARE COORDINATORS.
• HIS CASE WAS NEVER DEEMED A CRISIS CASE AND IN THE LONG-TERM CARE PLAN, AND I WANT TO BE CAREFUL ABOUT
• CARE CORONATION IS OUR SECRET SAUCE. WE ARE PROUD OF THE CARE COORDINATORS.
• COORDINATOR WITHIN 1 TO 2 DAYS.
• IN THE CARE PLAN AS THOSE CONDITIONS CHANGE.

Transcript Highlights:

• A couple of days later, she goes, highlight of my day. Thanks for visiting.
• And I miss him every single day. He did leave me Tucker to care for and cherish.
• And each day she's here with me every day that I'm here.
• care.
• So one day I had a real rough day.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several guests, including a state champion Crossroads Academy girls basketball team and a Florida State University student intern. The chamber then turned to executive appointment confirmations reported by the Committee on Ethics and Elections and other reference committees under Rule 12.7, with Chair Don Gates explaining that the committee had reviewed the qualifications and suitability of the nominees and held public hearings where required. Members debated several confirmations at length. The report containing 186 appointments was adopted 31-0 after Senator Polsky explained her no votes on three nominees, citing concerns about past comments and ideological views. The Senate then confirmed Jeffrey Aaron to the Public Employee Relations Commission by a 26-10 vote after sharp debate over his role as counsel to the Hope Florida Foundation and allegations tied to the diversion of Medicaid settlement funds; supporters argued he was a competent lawyer and no formal action had been taken against him. Chavon Harris was confirmed as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration by a 32-5 vote, with supporters praising her work on Medicaid funding and opponents criticizing her prior leadership at DCF and the Hope Florida-related issues. Taylor Hatch was confirmed as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families by a 33-4 vote, despite concerns raised about SNAP/EBT compliance, child welfare practices, audits, and DCF’s handling of Hope Florida; supporters emphasized her commitment to reform and the difficulty of the agency’s mission. After a brief recess, the Senate held a lengthy recognition of outgoing President Kathleen Passidomo. Senators from both parties offered personal tributes focused on her leadership, toughness, humor, mentorship, and support for colleagues, especially women in the chamber. Several speakers also referenced her handling of difficult bills, her post-presidency service as Rules Chair, and her resilience after personal loss. No further legislative action was taken during the recognition segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So when you go as a provider, a home health care provider, you might be going there twice a day, You
• might go as a provider, a home health care provider, twice a day.
• So, For people in home health care, when they're sending a nurse twice a day, and then they go in in
• In fact, for one year, one shot, three minutes per day, okay, 365 days a year, you're looking at a sum
• into a nursing home because they need an insulin shot twice a day or three times a day is unbelievable

Committee: Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and took up several bills. SB 894, relating to faith-based content in batterers’ intervention programs, was explained as allowing certified programs to offer voluntary faith-based components alongside existing models. Members raised questions about how faith would be defined, whether participation would be optional, and how all faiths would be included. An amendment was adopted clarifying that faith-based activities may be offered but not required and removing language directing DCF to repeal a rule. After supportive testimony from faith-based advocates and some debate, the committee reported the bill favorably, with Senators Harrell and Garcia later recording affirmative votes. The committee then considered SB 1240 on substance abuse and mental health care, which would assign state oversight of the 988 Lifeline, remove the annual needs assessment barrier for medication-assisted treatment licensing, and require annual continuing education for forensic evaluators. An amendment with technical conforming changes and two substantive clarifications was adopted. Members expressed support for expanded access to behavioral health services, and the bill was reported favorably. Later, the chair presented SB 1736, which would allow direct support professionals and relatives to administer insulin in group home settings for individuals with developmental disabilities. After an amendment clarifying sliding scale insulin and related medication administration, the committee heard testimony from family advocates describing how the bill would prevent unnecessary institutionalization and reduce costs. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also passed SB 1286, which clarifies that allowing children to engage in unsupervised activities such as biking or playing outside does not by itself constitute neglect unless reckless or dangerous. After brief support testimony, that bill was also reported favorably, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And say the last year, 17 days is for what? Madam Chair, yes, ma'am.
• Must have changed just by one day since Damien testified.
• in 19 days?
• The difference between that and the managed care organizations is very much a network.
• Those managed care organizations have multiple staff.

Committee: Senate Senate Health and Human Services COR

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services held another oversight hearing on Access, focusing on fee-for-service behavioral health management, prior authorization and claims processing, the Targeted Investment Program (TIP), and network adequacy. The chair criticized Access for implementing a covered behavioral health services guide without public comment and for failing to produce records such as decision-making documentation, work group minutes, and public/tribal feedback. Members also raised concerns about ARPA compliance, the reduction of intensive outpatient reimbursement to a $157 per diem, and the impact of these actions on providers and Native American communities. Interim Director Roberta Harrison said Access had improved fraud controls and operations after the sober living fraud crisis, including tripling prior authorization speed, reducing denial codes by 64%, cutting claims processing to under 30 days, and adding dashboards and staffing. She said the agency is modernizing outdated systems and invited fraud referrals. On questions about claims and prior authorizations, Access reported average processing times of six days overall and 17 days for behavioral health prior authorizations, and said it had hired Constellation under a direct procurement to help with claims backlog. Harrison acknowledged that a proposal language suggesting higher ROI from denying more claims was not part of the contract scope. The committee also pressed Access on TIP delays. Staff explained that TIP payments depend on provider documentation, programmatic review, and allocation across many sites, and said year one of TIP 2.0 had been paid while years two and three had not yet been distributed. The chair requested a formal plan within 30 days to pay the delayed year two and year three TIP funds, estimated at about $122 million, along with all CMS-related TIP 2.0 documentation. On network adequacy, Access described its standards and annual MCO reporting process, but acknowledged gaps in tracking and said it would follow up on whether a fiscal year 2025 report was submitted to CMS. Members cited a federal ghost network report finding 28% of providers in Santa Cruz County inactive or unavailable, and requested unredacted network adequacy reports and further information on CMS engagement. The hearing ended with the chair noting some improvements but saying more oversight may follow, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And every additional year in extended foster care, in pre-year, in extended foster care, foster care.
• CARES is significantly different.
• in care.
• Adult and senior care, children's residential, child care, and home care services programs have each
• 90 days.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services heard an informational hearing on child welfare, foster care, community care licensing, child support, and related budget issues. CDSS described the Governor’s proposed child and family services budget, emphasized a family-centered and kin-first approach, and reported that foster care entries and congregate care placements have declined over the past decade. Witnesses also highlighted the importance of extended foster care to age 21, while noting persistent racial disparities for Native American and Black children and the need for stronger prevention, family finding, and community-based supports. A major focus was the proposed tiered rate structure (TRS), which CDSS said would shift funding from placement-based rates to child-centered supports, including care and supervision, strength-building dollars, and immediate needs funding paired with high-fidelity wraparound services. CDSS and county representatives said implementation is on track, with foundational policy guidance expected by the end of the year, CANS/CFT timeliness targeted by year-end, and the CWS CARES system nearing go-live in October 2026. Counties and providers raised concerns about whether the rate model and wraparound capacity will be sufficient, especially for higher-acuity youth, and asked for more data, clearer guidance, and continued collaboration. County Welfare Directors Association representatives also requested continued emergency response funding and an extension of flexible family supports, arguing both are needed to stabilize front-end child welfare work and bridge to TRS. Providers from FFAs and STRTPs warned that insurance costs, provider closures, and the transition to TRS could threaten service capacity unless the state addresses long-term insurance and reimbursement issues. LAO noted the Governor’s budget contains no new child welfare augmentations and said the main General Fund change reflects the expiration of one-time funding. No votes were taken; members instead asked for follow-up data, technical assistance, and possible future legislative or trailer bill solutions, including on insurance and implementation timelines.