Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:26.760> in back to their homes funding facility in back to their homes funding facility
• They need professional mental health care and an appropriate facility.
• They need professional mental health care and an appropriate facility.
• They need professional mental health care and an appropriate facility.
• Mental health care and an appropriate facility.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• . ...to address the location, design, planning, beds, and costs of establishing a permanent facility.
• Following the establishment of those rules, the interim forensic facility and competency restoration
• In 2029, it is expected that a new forensic facility not operated by DOC will be online.
• This new facility, which may or may not be collocated on a correctional facility, would be operated by
• The DLC would still be permitted to provide security services on the perimeter of such a facility in

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, moving to the Facilities Commission, to begin with, there are two technical adjustments.
• commission would help construct a facility for particularly for for health services in local areas in
• The idea here is that there are the facilities commission has statutory authority to reallocate, but
• mental health facility.
• detention and or post adjudication facilities.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• services in a skilled nursing facility. services in a skilled nursing facility.
• So do you these type of facilities.
• So we have people in nursing facilities and people in intermediate care facilities, ICFIDs, that want
• facilities ICFIDs intermediate care facilities ICFIDs that<00:53:58.720> want<00:53:59.040>
• nursing facilities and two psychiatric<00:54:18.079> facilities<00:54:18.559> I<00:54:

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board’s fourth meeting focused primarily on a presentation from University of Kentucky and University of Louisville health leaders about the state university directed payment program. Mark Birdwhistle and Ken Marshall described the program as a long-running, value-based Medicaid arrangement that began in 2019, uses university-provided matching funds rather than provider taxes, and ties a portion of payments to quality outcomes. They said the program has improved measures such as tobacco cessation, diabetes control, depression screening, and cancer screening, while supporting access to specialty care, medical education, and workforce training. They also emphasized that Kentucky’s model is nationally notable and has helped improve health rankings and generate cost savings. A major topic was the federal reconciliation bill signed July 4, which the presenters said will reduce directed payments by 10% annually for 10 years beginning in 2028. UL Health estimated a first-year loss of about $75 million and a cumulative loss of about $600 million over the decade; UK estimated about $100 million in the first year, for a combined first-year impact of roughly $175 million. Both speakers warned the cuts could affect access to care, training capacity, and the sustainability of Kentucky’s value-based model, though they expressed hope that congressional action could alter or delay the changes. They also noted that 340B drug pricing changes could further strain already thin operating margins, but did not provide exact figures during the meeting. Committee members responded positively to the program’s reported outcomes and the institutions’ role in Kentucky health care. Senator Berg praised the quality of care and shared a personal example of being advised to stay at UofL for breast cancer treatment. Representative Moer highlighted Kentucky’s strong cancer-control score and asked for more explanation of the value-based payment structure; the presenters said the system is built around ongoing measurement, accountability, and collaboration with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the amended August 27 minutes by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• facilities.
• Transitional facilities. He said he wouldn't be able to get that data.
• They're in a release program, and they are in an unlocked facility.
• I'm going to the law, and by confinement, it means a transitional facility.
• Chair, Mayor Dahl, Senator Larson, in a DOCR facility.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Yeah, that's our organization as for all three facilities.
• So physician offices in most outpatient facilities do not require a CON.
• <00:24:33.120> That's facilities do not require a CO.
• That's facilities do not require a CO.
• ,<00:51:15.520> or a hospital, long-term care facility, or a hospital, long-term care facility

Keywords: 00:00:00 - Call to Order/Roll Call 00:01:25 - Discussion of 26RS HB 689 00:15:15 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 689 00:17:02 - Discussion of 26RS HB 407 00:45:40 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 407 00:49:25 - Discussion of 26RS HB 713 00:55:50 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 713 00:56:54 - Discussion of 26RS HB 676 01:06:42 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 676 01:08:43 - Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 689, which would authorize Kentucky to seek federal approval for a Medicaid state-directed payment program for physician and non-physician professional services delivered through qualifying hospital-affiliated groups, beginning in 2026. Rep. Amy Neighbors and witnesses from Owensboro Health and St. Elizabeth Healthcare said the bill would bring in about $29 million in new federal Medicaid dollars without using general fund money, help retain physicians, support rural and underserved access, and tie payments to quality metrics. Witnesses described staffing shortages, rising costs, and the need to sustain services such as OB care, primary care, and preventive outpatient services. After questions about how the funding would work and whether private practices were included, the committee voted on the bill and passed it with favorable expression. The committee then moved to House Bill 407, as substituted, which would streamline Kentucky’s certificate-of-need process. Rep. Marianne Proctor and supporters from the Pacific Legal Foundation and the Institute for Justice said the bill would not repeal CON but would modernize a system they described as outdated and overly restrictive, citing national trends toward reform and arguing that Kentucky’s process has changed little since the 1970s. They said the substitute added language requiring the cabinet to contact a dominant provider when needed for data to make CON determinations. Mark Gilfoil, speaking in opposition for St. Elizabeth Healthcare, argued that CON is not a barrier to care in Northern Kentucky and said the bill would weaken the process by limiting who can request hearings, present evidence, and appeal decisions, effectively giving applicants control and making approvals nearly automatic. He said St. Elizabeth serves as a safety-net hospital for low-income and publicly insured patients and warned the bill could harm that role. Members questioned both sides about the appeal process, the definition of safety-net hospitals, and whether the bill could increase facilities and create waste or abuse. The discussion was still ongoing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• >>> THE HEALTHCARE FACILITIES AND SYSTEMS WILL COME TO ORDER.
• SOMETIMES FACILITIES WILL RECLASSIFY THEIR SERVICES IS OPTIONAL SUPPORTED SERVICES TO BYPASS LICENSING
• THAT THEY CAN QUALIFY FOR AND BE CERTIFIED, A MEMORY CARE FACILITY IS NOT ONE OF THOSE.
• ON A TRUE MEMORY CARE FACILITY BUT MAYBE MONDAY MORNING HAS A MEMORY CARE ACTIVITY OPEN TO ALL OF ITS
• FLORIDA'S ADVOCATE ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES OWNERS AND OPERATORS.

Transcript Highlights:

• or host it at an additional facility, I think that is where we left off our discussion for necessary
• That kind of addresses school-owned facilities, if you want to take a minute to look at that.
• their coaches and trained responders have the responsibility of at least identifying where that facility
• Life-threatening emergency on school-owned facilities and grounds.
• What's in the email would say, on school-owned facilities and grounds, comma, continuing on to the next

Bills: HB1404

Keywords: HB 1404, North Dakota scholarship, scholarship eligibility, student aid, high school graduation, college readiness, career readiness, career and technical education, CTE, dual credit, advanced placement, AP exam, International Baccalaureate, IB exam, ACT, SAT, WorkKeys, ASVAB, JROTC, Civil Air Patrol

Summary: The Senate Education Committee met with six members present and first took up House Bill 1404, which would update North Dakota scholarship eligibility language by allowing the NDA Plus assessment to be used in place of ACT scores in certain pathways. The Department of Public Instruction explained that the bill does not eliminate the ACT entirely, but removes outdated references tied to ACT accountability testing that will no longer apply after this year’s seniors graduate. Members discussed how the change affects public and nonpublic schools, then voted 6-0 to give HB 1404 a do pass recommendation. The committee then returned to House Bill 1363, a bill dealing with school emergency response planning and automatic external defibrillators. Members adopted an amendment clarifying that the requirements apply to school-owned facilities and grounds, replacing language about school events and venues, and revising the planning language for school-based events not held on school-owned property. The committee also debated whether the bill should be mandatory or permissive; a motion to change “shall” to “may” failed, with members noting the bill’s liability protections. The committee then voted 5-1 to pass HB 1363 as amended, with Senator Gerhardt carrying the bill. Before recessing, the chair noted that House Bill 1533 would be taken up later in the day after additional information from DPI was received.

Transcript Highlights:

• facilities though are getting old and we facilities though are getting old and we know<00:13:30.399><
• I've been with the state for Facilities.
• So facility managers is a term we use, and most schools have a facility manager who's well versed in
• <01:04:43.920> man and we had one of the facility man and we had one of the facility man facilities
• get it back until the facilities get it back until the facilities are<01:45:10.000> adequate<

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee opened its first meeting on retained education funding bills, focusing on HB 366, which concerns school building aid for eligible projects, and HB 295, which would make school building aid program funds non-lapsing. The chair framed the discussion broadly around whether school building aid should remain a state program, how to address limited revenues, and whether the current system should continue to prioritize debt service and the existing formula or move toward a different model such as per-pupil allocations, a dedicated fund, or a split between new construction and renovation. He also raised questions about whether leasing should be included and how to manage any new fund under current law and the school building authority structure. Representatives and department staff discussed the current backlog of applications, the age and condition of school facilities, and the possibility that large projects can consume available funding for a year while other districts go unsupported. Tim Carney of the Bureau of School Facilities introduced himself and provided technical context on the program and current debt levels. Representative Luneau argued that under the ConVal decision, the state’s responsibility includes school buildings, construction, and renovation, and that the program also serves an equity function by helping districts with less property wealth. He noted that construction and renovation have long been recognized categories and asked about leasing, which staff said is already supported in statute for charter schools and possibly CTE, with a cap of 30% of annual lease cost or $50,000. The discussion also covered CTE facilities: staff explained that capital funding for CTE centers is state-funded, that federal Carl Perkins funds cannot be used for construction, and that the current rotational capital model means only a few centers are funded each year, which may not match changing program needs. A committee studying CTE capital needs was referenced, along with concerns that the report from that work had not yet been received. Representative Papich urged the subcommittee to focus on policy, principles, and structure rather than just numbers, saying the current system produces a few winners and many districts that never receive aid. He favored a simpler, more equitable per-capita or formula-based approach, while acknowledging the need for a transition plan for projects already in the pipeline. The chair later cautioned against mixing maintenance and operations with construction and renovation, noting that operation and maintenance are already part of the adequacy formula and should not be confused with capital funding. No votes were taken during the meeting; the discussion was exploratory, with members and staff laying out competing approaches and identifying issues for further work.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> I think that the site evaluation committee is a very important tool for citing energy facilities in
• I think that that waste facilities.
• Yeah, it actually does include current facilities.
• And those background checks for the new entity that's acquiring the facility would be required.
• <00:35:14.960> would that's acquiring the facility would that's acquiring the facility would

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You're also affecting veterans in the 14 counties where there are VA facilities.
• Care at some of these facilities, I don't think it's improving patient care.
• The chronic shortages That are documented, both for Indian health facilities and for VA facilities, are
• I'm sorry, 25% higher rate of injury on private equity-owned facilities.
• Of readmission to a hospital after being seen at a private equity facility.

Transcript Highlights:

• . facilities. facilities.
• The Minnesota Sports Facility Authority, I've been on this board two out of the four terms I've been
• ><00:09:09.120> I've Minnesota Sports Facility Authority I've Minnesota Sports Facility Authority
• <00:10:23.320> And<00:10:23.480> so, dollars to go to that facility.
• And so, dollars to go to that facility.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Yvonne Chung with the California Association of Health Facilities.
• Health facilities as settings where trained LVNs can provide basic respiratory care.
• Establishing a more restrictive scope of practice for LVNs working in health facilities than for LVNs
• working in a non-health care facility is contrary to the state's goals for patient safety and public
• I'm a social worker at California Health Care Facility in Stockton.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• After analyzing the capital investment it would take to grow the herd, update the facility, and purchase
• , my family decided to sell the farm I grew up on in 2023 and are no longer milking cows at that facility
• Sale pricing due to the time constraints of cutting the cheese at our facility and the cost of precision
• closely with their dairy division to be able to meet the regulatory requirements of a processing facility
• Incentive Grant Program, CIGP, assists counties with funding for improvements to transportation facilities

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture convened, took roll, and heard Senate Bill 58 by Senator Harrow, which would create regulation for companion animal cremation. Harrow described a case involving mishandled pet remains and said the bill would require written service descriptions, prohibit false or misleading statements, require certification with returned remains, authorize Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services rulemaking, and impose civil penalties for violations. With no questions or public opposition, the committee voted the bill favorably. The committee then heard presentations on robotics in agriculture and aquaculture. Dr. Nathan Boyd of UF/IFAS discussed the rapid growth of agricultural robotics, including AI-driven weed detection, targeted spraying, autonomous tractors, and harvesting technology, emphasizing reduced pesticide use, lower input costs, and labor-saving automation. Dr. Nicole Kirchoff of Live Advantage Bait and Adrian Johnson of the Florida Shellfish Aquaculture Association highlighted aquaculture’s economic and environmental value, Florida’s strong position in the industry, and challenges including hurricane losses, lack of insurance, land-use instability, capital access, and water quality. They urged support for working waterfronts, risk mitigation, and policies to help the sector commercialize and expand. The committee also heard from dairy producers Kevin Lusher and Jacob Larson. Lusher described his family’s dairy and artisan cheese business, noting reliance on USDA grants, rising costs, labor shortages, and regulatory burdens, and asked for more grant support, marketing for Fresh From Florida products, and permanent funding for Farmers Feeding Florida. Larson discussed the broader dairy market, declining herd sizes due to efficiency gains, high production costs in Florida, and competition from out-of-state processing, suggesting incentives for local processing and supply management. Finally, FDOT Chief Planner Wayway Schen presented on arterial and local road funding programs, including ART, ARTW, SCOP, SCRAP, CIGP, and TRIP, and said rural road needs remain significant, with more than $16 billion in unfunded or partially funded project needs. The committee adjourned after brief discussion and thanks to the presenters.

Transcript Highlights:

• have to exit the cannabis event facility have to exit the cannabis event facility not<00:31:10.360
• <00:48:29.760> and Office know those those facilities and Office know those those facilities
• Medical marij want dispensary facility Medical marij want dispensary facility and<00:49:28.559><
• I welcome any questions. out of the facility um it's my belief out of the facility um it's my belief
• collection sites or recycling facilities collection sites or recycling facilities um<01:53:36.079

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, can you list out what facilities, what healthcare facilities are providing gender affirming
• This bill is completely contained to facilities that receive taxpayer dollars.
• This Bill is completely contained to facilities that receive taxpayer dollars.
• Again, this is talking about the facilities.
• It doesn't say that you can't have those conversations in a private facility.

Bills: HB3057, HB3130, HB3310, HB3314, HB3985, HB4113, HB4486

Keywords: government reporting, information technology, child welfare, environmental policy, state agency compliance, gender transition, minors, health services, punitive damages, parental rights, health care providers, purchasing, compliance, state employees, longevity pay, contract management, marijuana tax, public service impact tax, county funding, voter approval

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're going to streamline inspection for facilities that are in good standing.
• Now, it's not to say that it's going to be some terrible facility with no oversight.
• And then the facility was losing that teacher, right?
• does, and the facility still needs to be accredited.
• Now my child care facility has to have me sign that paper copy twice a year.

Summary: The Health Care Budget Subcommittee began with a roll call confirming a quorum, then heard a presentation of the proposed health care budget. The chair said the overall health care budget would total $46.7 billion, a 2.1% decrease in total spending and a 3% increase in general revenue, while reducing 3,585 state FTE. He highlighted funding for Medicaid, KidCare, developmental disabilities services, opioid settlement spending, mental health facilities, senior services, school health nurses, veterans’ dental care, and veterans nursing home improvements. The chair also presented PCB HCB 25-01, a conforming bill that eliminates the Health Care Innovation Program, the Health Care Innovation Council, and the revolving loan program; makes changes to cancer research and graduate medical education provisions; and adjusts Medicaid rebate-related language. The conforming bill passed favorably after no questions, public testimony, or debate. The committee then considered CS/HB 47 on child care. The bill, as explained by Rep. McFarland, would reduce regulation for child care providers in good standing, speed background screening for child care workers, allow provisional hiring status in some cases, create license-exempt status for certain employer-provided child care facilities and DOD child care facilities, and remove outdated paperwork requirements such as the flu brochure. An amendment restored language protecting large family child care homes from being dropped by residential insurers and cleaned up statutory language; it was adopted. Members debated the bill at length, with supporters emphasizing common-sense deregulation and helping working parents, while some members raised concerns about safety, early learning quality, and the loss of informational reminders to parents. The bill was reported favorably. The subcommittee also heard HB 1553 on a uterine fibroid research database. Rep. Dunkley explained that the bill would require health care providers to submit identified fibroid data to DOH so it can be de-identified for a research database, after the department had been unable to use prior de-identified submissions reliably. An amendment removed the current appropriation and was adopted. Members spoke in strong support, noting the prevalence of fibroids and the value of better diagnosis and treatment data. The bill passed favorably. Finally, the committee heard HB 1529, which addresses the home health aide program for medically fragile children. Rep. Tremont said the bill would direct AHCA to seek a federal waiver so parents’ earnings from caring for their children would not count against Medicaid eligibility, and would revise training requirements and remove mandated annual program assessments. The bill drew supportive public testimony from home care stakeholders, had no debate, and was reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I really think they need to, you know, if they have enough money to open up an AI facility, then they
• So I'll move on To facilities management. Let's see.
• the facility, which are currently funding through the capital outlay process.
• Help support our new facilities and we have created term positions.
• It's this facility. This division.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 4523 by Martinez ruling the requirements of a certain funding in the aviation facilities and project
• History 4563 by Flores relating to allowing a therapy or facility dog to accompany a child or person
• HB 4581 by Ian relating to a temporary emergency energy facilities for the Committee on state affairs
• HB 4662 by having their ruling the financial assistance for rail facilities referred the committee on
• HG 4815 by CERTIS ruling the liability of owners and operators for certain sources of facilities and

Transcript Highlights:

• Those payments would return to the medical facility infrastructure loan.
• So this bill would potentially impact up to two facilities, but you don't know of any other facility
• So this bill would potentially impact up to two facilities, but you don't know of any other facility
• And in your testimony, you've said the facility probably will close.
• new facilities, particularly renewable facilities, and maintaining those facilities, they get to pass

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee opened with roll call and a review of special-session procedure: bills would be heard in filing order, with related school-lunch bills grouped together, and any bill advancing would require a motion, second, and majority vote to be introduced. Members also discussed that the committee was functioning much like a delayed-bills committee, with final referral to either Appropriations or Policy depending on the bill’s fiscal impact. The first major proposal was Senator Schibley’s bill to create a narrow, statewide Bank of North Dakota bridge-loan program for struggling nonprofit medical facilities, prompted by Jacobson Memorial Hospital’s financial crisis. He argued the hospital and surrounding EMS services could close without short-term help, while committee members questioned the added language, the population cap, the $10 million fund with $5 million per applicant limit, and whether the program could open the door to future requests. Representative Headland then presented two cleanup bills from the prior property-tax session: one to fix notice and tax-certification issues for local taxing districts, and another to correct how the primary residence credit is applied so taxpayers receive the full benefit rather than counties retaining part of the reimbursement. Members asked about township hearing timing, the estimated $10–15 million annual impact, and whether the credit issue could be fixed retroactively; Headland said the bill was intended to correct the problem going forward. Three school-lunch bills drew extensive discussion. Representative Vetter proposed a small administrative appropriation to add an FTE to help eligible families enroll in the existing free/reduced lunch program, saying the goal was to ensure needy children are signed up and that the state should not subsidize meals for wealthy families. Representative Nathe offered a broader bill mirroring the pending initiated measure but placing the program in statute instead of the Constitution, moving implementation up a year, and funding it with a one-time $65 million from the strategic investment fund; he said this would preserve legislative flexibility and avoid constitutional entrenchment. Representative Dressler proposed raising the state-funded eligibility threshold from 225% to 300% of poverty, arguing it would expand access while still preserving federal reimbursements and encouraging better enrollment systems. Members debated costs, future budget pressure, whether the bills set a precedent for responding to ballot measures, and whether the program should include breakfast and other operational details. Other proposals included Senator Powers’ bill to create a hyperbaric oxygen board and support rural access to hyperbaric chambers for wounds, concussions, PTSD, and other conditions; Representative Tolman’s reporting-requirements bill to force new or expanded programs to justify purpose, alternatives, evaluation methods, and full implementation costs; Representative Frelich’s bill addressing the ongoing redistricting litigation and what happens if the Supreme Court or lower courts alter the current map; and a bill requested by the Public Service Commission and ITD for FERC litigation support and ADA website/document compliance. The committee also heard a rural-health eligibility bill from Representative Twait aimed at steering federal rural health dollars toward rural providers, with questions focused on whether the mileage limits would exclude some communities. One Holocaust education item was deferred until the sponsor could be located.