Transcript Highlights:

• It establishes the adult day service facilities account to be used for grants to eligible adult day service
• It establishes the adult day service facilities account to be used for grants to eligible adult day service
• It requires the ELOF to seek electricity service or already be receiving service.
• It requires the ELOF to seek electricity service or already be receiving service to agree to the terms
• It directs OSPI to prioritize areas with a high need for child care and also existing TTK programs when

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met in executive session on March 2, 2026, and worked through two large groups of bills, hearing staff briefings, caucusing, and then voting each measure out to the Rules Committee. In the first group, the committee advanced bills on state accounts (HB 2675, with an amendment creating an adult day service facilities account), immigrant worker protections (2SHB 2105, after adopting a striker and Amendment 8 while rejecting amendments that would have changed enforcement and private rights of action), voting rights compliance (E3SHB 1710, with all proposed amendments rejected), AI content provenance and notices (E2SHB 1170, with Amendment 19 adopted to exempt state/local/tribal governments and certain video-game and technical uses), public official protections (2SHB 233, with a technical amendment adopted), WOTEC civil service coverage (HB 2249), JLARC work plan changes (HB 2120), LEOFF Plan 1 termination/restatement (E2SHB 2034, with several amendments adopted including creation of a pension surplus holding account and study directives, while proposals to redirect funds to the Climate Commitment Act or provide a lump-sum payment were rejected or withdrawn), supplemental retirement bargaining (HB 1069, with a striker adopted), port employee retirement exclusions (EHB 2179, with a striker adopted), local government revenue flexibility (ESHB 2442, with Amendment 72 adopted to remove a county public utility tax and other amendments rejected), wildfire mitigation funding (SHB 2089), and timberland REET changes (HB 1983). The committee also noted that it would not take action on some items in the packet, including SHB 1833. In the second group, the committee advanced bills on local housing tax remittance programs (ESHB 1717), renewable energy tax incentives and grants (E3SHB 1960, with a striking amendment adopted that adjusted rates, timing, and related provisions), nonprofit fundraising hall property tax relief (HB 2431), food bank sales tax relief (SB 6006), local tax increment financing (E2SHB 2451), temporary staffing services for nonprofit behavioral health entities (SB 6297), school and child care-related sales tax exemptions (SSB 6351, with a substitute adopted and the competing amendment made out of order), behavioral health work group extension and leadership council creation (2SHB 2429), Working Connections Child Care changes (SB 6353, with Amendment 43 adopted), language access guidelines for state agencies (SHB 2475), unpaid wage recovery (2SHB 2479), firearms background check fee authority (HB 2521, briefed but not acted on in the portion provided), public employee information sharing (HB 2091, briefed but not acted on in the portion provided), and Office of Independent Investigations jurisdiction changes (ESHB 2508, briefed but not acted on in the portion provided). Throughout the meeting, members and staff discussed fiscal notes, implementation costs, and whether amendments would increase or reduce state impacts, with several amendments aimed at narrowing scope, delaying implementation, or shifting enforcement and funding responsibilities.

Transcript Highlights:

• It directs the Agency for Health Care Administration to provide coverage for continuous glucose monitors
• It's a direct path to isolation, instability, Managed care plan isn't just a bad fit.
• JJ just escaped the nightmare of Children's Medical Services under Sunshine Health, a managed care plan
• It has acute medical, long-term care, home community-based services. It's a robust plan.
• , or if it is actually what people who are receiving or not receiving services from managed care are

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up a series of health and human services bills, beginning with CS/SB 1602, which would require hospital emergency departments to have evidence-based pediatric care protocols, staff training, child-sized equipment and medications, a pediatric care coordinator, and participation in a national pediatric readiness assessment. The bill was reported favorably after no public opposition. CS/SB 1224, aligning Florida law with federal requirements for paramedics to administer controlled substances under physician or nurse practitioner direction, also drew supportive testimony from the Florida Fire Chiefs Association and was reported favorably. CS/SB 1182, requiring coverage of continuous glucose monitors under both pharmacy and durable medical equipment benefits, was likewise reported favorably after brief support from AARP. The committee then considered CS/SB 890, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which addresses venous thromboembolism by defining certain conditions as chronic diseases, creating a statewide registry, and requiring screening and training in hospitals, surgical centers, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Family members and blood clot advocates strongly supported the bill, but assisted living representatives objected to being included, arguing the bill would impose unrealistic medical expectations and liability on residential care facilities. Senators also raised concerns about the assisted living provisions, but the bill was reported favorably after the sponsor said more changes were likely later. CS/CS/SB 954, dealing with recovery residences and treatment centers, was amended to reduce the number of active patients from 500 to 300 and then reported favorably after extensive debate over zoning, clustering, neighborhood impacts, and access to recovery housing. CS/SB 1050, which expands the developmental disabilities pilot program and creates an adult pathways waiver option, generated the most extensive testimony. Supporters said it would help reduce the long APD waitlist and expand services, while many families and advocates warned against managed care, citing provider shortages, weak oversight, and the importance of consumer-directed care. Committee members emphasized that participation is voluntary and that people can disenroll, and the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 614, requiring a public educational webpage about background screening and level-two screening requirements, and CS/SB 1578, expanding breast cancer screening coverage, were both reported favorably with little opposition. CS/SB 1060 created a joint legislative oversight committee for Medicaid financing and operations; after an amendment expanding the committee from three to five members, it was reported favorably. CS/CS/SB 1240, updating DCF substance abuse and mental health procedures including 988, methadone assessment, forensic evaluators, and Baker Act transfer timing, was amended and reported favorably after debate over transfer deadlines and facility responsibilities. Finally, the committee began hearing CS/SB 526, a major nursing education bill aimed at improving Florida’s low NCLEX passage rates by tightening program standards, requiring exit exams and remediation, mandating reporting and inspections, and limiting accreditation extensions. A strike-all amendment was introduced that would also require certain low-performing programs to offer a three-month graduate preceptorship. The transcript cuts off before the bill’s full debate and final action are completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• control over many aspects of patient care, including setting prices for health care providers' services
• control over many aspects of patient care, including setting prices for health care providers' services
• control over many aspects of patient care, including setting prices for health care providers' services
• control over many aspects of patient care, including setting prices for health care providers' services
• control over many aspects of patient care, including setting prices for health care providers' services

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am with the long-term care ombudsman services of San Luis Obispo County, in strong support of this
• It's based on a solid infrastructure and resource for consistent services to child care providers.
• In reality, the work of the program includes significant direct client services to families, including
• I'm the Executive Director of Long-Term Care Ombudsman Services of San Luis Obispo County.
• care ombudsman services in Sonoma County and also the California Long-Term Care Ombudsman Association

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You look at our direct care staffing levels, just direct care, it's roughly running about 63% agency,
• The staffing mix that I have presented here is the overall staffing mix, direct care, including other
• You look at our direct care staffing levels, just direct care, it's roughly running about 63% agency,
• The staffing mix that I have presented here is the overall staffing mix, direct care, including other
• The staffing mix that I have presented here is the overall staffing mix, direct care, including other

Bills: HB1

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: feed bill, legislative appropriations, legislative branch, New Mexico Legislature, general fund, legislative council service, legislative finance committee, legislative education study committee, house chief clerk, senate chief clerk, per diem, mileage, session expenses, interim committees, district staff, capitol complex, capital outlay data system, legislative processing system, redistricting, census redistricting

Transcript Highlights:

• Proposition 35, the Health Care Act, includes $90 million for reproductive health care services support
• That includes direct care workers and support staff across both fee-for-service and managed care delivery
• telehealth services, e-consults, and evidence-based care models, really focusing on primary care and
• They need to buy equipment to do that service for maternity care.
• They need to buy equipment to do that service for maternity care.

Summary: The hearing began with testimony from Let California Kids Hear and supporters urging action on pediatric hearing aid coverage. Advocates said California has repeatedly failed to enact a workable solution over the past eight years and argued that children need early access to sound to support development. The proposal discussed would limit the coverage mandate to the large-group market, which advocates said would cover roughly 70% to 80% of affected children and avoid the exchange-related cost issue that contributed to prior vetoes. Supporters, including parents, audiologists, and children’s health groups, backed the proposal, and the chair expressed sympathy and support while noting hope for a federal solution for exchange plans. The Department of Finance then gave opening remarks about the state’s structural deficit and the need to balance new investments against projected out-year shortfalls. HCAI followed with a broad overview of its programs, including CalRx insulin and naloxone initiatives, reproductive health grants, the Office of Health Care Affordability, hospital seismic compliance, workforce programs, and the diaper access initiative. Members asked about geographic targeting of workforce funds, the behavioral health workforce pipeline, and the status of the 21st Century Nursing Initiative, which HCAI said had reverted funds. The committee also discussed a proposed transfer of the Data Exchange Framework and Office of the Patient Advocate to HCAI, new reporting on long-term care staffing and health coverage waiting periods, and a Behavioral Health Services Act workforce proposal that would use BHSA funds to support training, stipends, and technical assistance while offsetting $100 million in General Fund spending; members and LAO questioned the offset and asked for more detail, and the item was held open. HCAI also presented the Rural Health Transformation Program, explaining that California received $233.6 million in federal funds for the first year and had to revise its proposal so that $35 million in provider payments would be tied to specific transformative activities rather than general financial relief. The program will fund rural care model redesign, workforce development, and technology/infrastructure improvements, with grants to be rolled out on a tight timeline and subject to CMS approval. Members asked about the size of California’s award, the use of funds for maternity care, labor and delivery access, dialysis, tribal set-asides, and the role of a technical assistance contractor. The department said the program will use supply-and-demand workforce modeling to target funding and that all funds must be obligated by October 30. Finally, the Department of Managed Health Care outlined its budget and two major bill-related proposals: SB 41 on PBM reform and SB 306 on prior authorization transparency. DMHC said SB 41 would require PBM licensure, ban spread pricing, require rebate pass-through, and regulate pharmacy network practices, while SB 306 would require reporting on prior authorization and create a list of services exempt from prior authorization. DMHC requested additional positions and funding to implement both measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also operate our integrated primary care program to ensure that primary care services are available
• So, uh, so that's not a direct service we provide.
• So, uh, so that's not a direct service we provide.
• </c> volume of providers for maternal care volume of providers for maternal care services<02:56:51.359
• </c><02:57:29.840><c> service</c> So, uh, so that's not a direct service So, uh, so that's not a direct

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So they're migrating services.
• We run all of the state's outpatient services, all of those community-based services.
• Also for 660 of our direct care workforce to bring them up to just what other state agencies are paying
• Yes, sir, we're we're moving in that direction.
• But again, we looked at all those services.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , the Idaho Home Learning Academy, and the direct care workforce.
• I'm going to turn it... ...residential care, the Idaho Home Learning Academy, and the Direct Care Workforce
• We'll need a motion for the Home Learning Academy and the direct care workforce. Thank you, Mr.
• Langrell said that some folks raised some discussion points about the direct care workforce.
• So there's a motion to do a follow-up study of the 2023 direct care workforce study.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee approved minutes from September 25 and December 2, 2025, then heard seven topic requests for possible Office of Performance Evaluations studies. Topics included the impacts of growth on agriculture and infrastructure, Medicaid hospital billing, Your Health Idaho plan selection, fund balance management for boards and commissions under DOPL, the Board of Community Guardians, sexual assault in women’s prisons, and drivers of prison population growth. Requesters emphasized issues such as conversion of farmland to development, possible Medicaid billing upcoding, uninsured Idahoans’ costs, uneven board fund balances after consolidation, gaps in guardianship services, prison safety and oversight, and factors driving incarceration growth. OPE staff said all were feasible, with some smaller, medium, or larger in scope depending on the topic. After a secret ballot, the committee selected four studies for OPE: the Board of Community Guardians, drivers of prison population growth, impacts of growth on agriculture and infrastructure, and oversight of sexual assault in women’s correctional facilities. Members noted the remaining topics received fewer votes, but the director said the office could potentially take on additional work later if capacity allowed. The committee also agreed to follow up on the Idaho Home Learning Academy report and the 2023 direct care workforce report, with follow-up timing suggested for December and June, respectively. The committee then received a follow-up report on Idaho’s 911 system. OPE said the system faces four major pressures: insufficient funding, staffing shortages, too many centers relative to call demand, and weak statewide data and oversight. The report recommended evolving the Idaho Public Safety Communications Commission into a statewide program with authority to oversee the system, collect standardized financial data, set performance standards, and clarify cost responsibilities. The committee heard responses from the IPSCC chairman, the Military Division, and others, who generally agreed with the need for better data and coordination but stressed local control, outdated radio infrastructure, and the lack of a clear funding estimate. The committee discussed whether to pursue a follow-up focused on funding gaps and system costs, and OPE said it could do additional background work with the commission and Military Division to see what data are available.

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> most</c> care services to Minnesota's most care services to Minnesota's most vulnerable<00:05:11.680
• Moving to the next slide, you can see that as a public safety net hospital, Hennepin Health Care service
• . care. care.
• </c><01:08:54.720><c> service</c> hospital, Hennepin Health Care service hospital, Hennepin Health Care
• Those directed payments are tied to the managed care program.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c> programs</c> of direct services and these programs of direct services and these programs approximately
• </c><01:09:41.520><c> service</c> people to hire personal care service people to hire personal care service
• And foster care is a necessary service to be able to provide that level of care when kinship is not available
• And foster care is a necessary service to be able to provide that level of care when kinship is not available
• care is a necessary service to be able to provide that level of care when kinship is not available or

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we're also long-term care services and supports accredited before expound on the history of Humana
• We also service long-term care. Simply healthcare is also a Medicare Advantage plan.
• >> This new contract was a step in the right direction for Medicaid, managed care in Florida and included
• The second priority, for example, access to care, family should be able recent services they need when
• care coordination did not return for additional crisis services.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, that bill neglected one chapter accidentally, and that is the consumer-directed services chapter
• With the Consumer Directed Services chapter that we'll consider as a second item on your agenda, we did
• Larson, just want to clarify, we're talking about 16-0313-2501, the consumer-directed services as your
• So what is before you is a repeal of the consumer-directed services rules that were neglected in House
• services to align with other like services, reverting the definition of extraordinary care to align

Summary: The Senate Health and Welfare Committee considered two Medicaid rule dockets from the Department of Health and Welfare. The first docket repealed the consumer-directed services chapter that had been inadvertently omitted from last session’s House Bill 345 Medicaid rule consolidation, with the understanding that the same material would be incorporated into the consolidated Medicaid rules. The committee asked for confirmation that no substantive policy changes were being made in the repeal-and-replace process, and the docket was adopted on a voice vote. The second docket, Medicaid plan benefits, consolidated Medicaid provisions into a single chapter and updated the rules by removing duplicative or outdated language, aligning case management and personal care provisions with appropriations and other services, reverting one definition to federal guidance, removing references to programs now supported in the provider handbook or state plan, and adding speech-language pathology assistants as providers. Senators noted the document was lengthy and discussed the need for transparency and stakeholder input in rulemaking. The department said the docket contained no new policies beyond the consumer-directed services material and the listed cleanup changes. Senator Wintrow raised a stakeholder concern about psychological evaluation timelines affecting payment for providers serving individuals with disabilities. A provider testified that psychologist shortages and long wait times, sometimes four to seven months, delay eligibility determinations and reimbursement, and asked the department to work on a solution. The department said the policy itself was unchanged but was willing to continue discussions during the interim. The committee then approved the Medicaid plan benefits docket, including the temporary and pending rule, by voice vote and adjourned after a brief announcement about a future rule-process presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• in Minnesota and your direction to us to establish this Center for Health Care Affordability.
• Our health, as we know, is more than individual care and clinical care.
• Is that direct or less direct?
• </c><01:43:15.920><c> um</c> that direct or less less direct um that direct or less less direct um what's
• and the nonrecoverable services care that... operational costs and I think really in operational costs

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Rolling applied behavioral analysis into managed care.
• And I think this is a step in the right direction.
• Not controlling or otherwise determining health care services in Florida.
• clinical care.
• My health care provider had a credit for me."

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Nobody in the service industry who cares for people—that's for the most part...
• of care for them to go to with all those services is very attractive.
• By redesigning structures and programs and services that will improve access to health care, education
• In almost 20 years providing direct care in the private sector, it was really the first time I'd ever
• I work with a... care despite repeated assurances that DPS is filing the EOHH secretary's directive to

Summary: The hearing focused on the future of the Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children and the work of the special legislative commission studying whether and how the facility should continue. Senators and representatives said the Legislature has continued funding Pappas, that the hospital cannot be closed before the commission reports, and that they are seeking to extend the commission’s deadline. Multiple commissioners and witnesses described Pappas as a unique setting combining inpatient medical care, residential programming, special education, therapy, and campus-based activities for children with complex medical needs. Union leaders, staff, parents, and local officials argued that Pappas is being quietly depopulated through blocked admissions and continued discharges despite the formal pause on closure. They said the hospital’s integrated model cannot be replicated elsewhere, that families and staff are being left in limbo, and that the state should invest in repairs, modernization, and possibly temporary modular space to reopen admissions. Several witnesses emphasized the impact on children who have benefited from Pappas and on workers who fear losing a specialized workforce built over decades. Department of Public Health Commissioner Robert Goldstein said the state is committed to keeping Pappas open and stable while the commission works, but that admissions must meet hospital-level-of-care standards and the current infrastructure limits who can safely be served. He said the administration has been expanding outreach, hiring staff, and exploring ways to broaden services, including outpatient and therapy programs over time. Commissioners pressed him on why admissions remain so limited and whether the facility is being effectively depopulated, while Goldstein maintained that the restrictions reflect legal and safety requirements rather than an effort to close the hospital.

Transcript Highlights:

• First of all, we absolutely want to employ only state employees in our nursing and direct care facilities
• Over the years, we run in the mid-30s to mid-40% state employee rate in the direct care.
• Obviously, we make up the difference with contract agency direct care personnel.
• We run in the high 30s to low 40% state employee rate, direct care, in our two facilities.
• We run in the high 30s to low 40% state employee rate, direct care, in our two facilities.

Committee: All ALC-REVIEW

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• would increase from the current $463 a month for each year of service to $40 for each year of service
• of $2,194 per month for each year of service to $50 for each year of service.
• </c> puts me in control of my healthc care puts me in control of my healthc care cost<00:09:08.600><c
• Health services has gone up, and that's not doable.
• </c><00:27:18.039><c> brokerage</c> participate self-directed brokerage participate self-directed brokerage

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:11 Attendance Roll Call: 00:18 Senate Bill 10 (Sen. Mills): 01:47 Senate Bill 65 (Sen. West): 18:47 Senate Bill 104 (Sen. Madon): 25:41 Adjournment: 31:38, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on State and Local Government heard testimony on Senate Bill 10, which would revise CERS retiree health subsidies for members who began participating on or before July 1, 2003. Senator Mills said the bill was developed with employee and employer groups to improve retiree health benefits while protecting the system’s financial footing, using a shared-cost structure. Testimony from sheriffs, police chiefs, firefighters, and the League of Cities strongly supported the bill, emphasizing recruitment and retention, affordability of retiree health coverage, and limited taxpayer risk. Members echoed those points, and the committee approved SB 10 with a 9-0 favorable recommendation. The committee then took up Senate Bill 65, sponsored by Senator West, which would codify the Administrative Regulations Committee’s annual practice of placing certain deficient regulations into statute so they cannot take effect. West explained that the committee’s role is limited to finding regulations deficient or asking for deferral, and that SB 65 is the fifth version of this measure. He described the specific regulation at issue as a Medicaid Services rule that would have required behavioral health associates to hold a master’s degree; providers testified that it would reduce the workforce and harm behavioral health services statewide. West said the committee had deferred the matter eight times before deciding to side with providers. The bill received favorable expression and was reported out. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 104, sponsored by Senator Madon, concerning Kentucky Deferred Comp for state employees. The bill would establish a codified fiduciary standard, authorize fiduciary liability insurance, add self-correcting mechanisms to keep the plan in compliance with federal law, and allow self-directed brokerage accounts. Personnel Cabinet representatives said the changes would align the plan with other public pension plans, reduce risk, and offer participants a useful investment option with strong account growth among users. SB 104 also received favorable expression and was reported to the floor. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The majority of the programs said support care professionals, or what we used to call direct care workers
• We're still competing with the fast food industry for our direct care workers.
• </c><00:09:49.360><c> And</c> we used to call direct care workers.
• And we used to call direct care workers.
• </c> the fast food industry for our direct the fast food industry for our direct care<00:10:14.160><c

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 210; 29 January, 2026: 8:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 3% for all premiums and prepayments for health care services collected or received by the taxpayer.
• health care services.
• health care services.
• direct patient service outcomes that are going to improve health care for Washingtonians.
• We are a limited health care services contractor that underwrites, administers, and sells... ...are a

Summary: House Finance heard several bills and took no recorded votes. HB 2367 would end special tax and emissions exemptions for the Centralia coal plant by limiting its Climate Commitment Act exemption to pre-2026 emissions, removing limits on additional greenhouse gas requirements, and repealing coal sales and use tax exemptions. The sponsor, Rep. Fitzgibbon, said the bill would help keep the plant’s transition to cleaner natural gas generation on track; Climate Solutions supported it, while business and clean-energy groups raised concerns about allowance-market impacts and asked for amendments to adjust the cap-and-invest allowance budget. HB 1974 would authorize public housing authorities, public corporations, and nonprofits to operate as land banks for affordable housing, give them priority for tax-foreclosed properties, and provide property tax, leasehold excise tax, and REET exemptions for land bank transactions. Rep. Hill said the bill was narrowed to reduce fiscal impact and support existing land banking work in Spokane; supporters said it would lower land costs and speed affordable housing development, while questions focused on how public land would be used and whether affordability should be permanent rather than limited to 30 years. HB 2650, a Department of Revenue request, would standardize notice and effective dates for local REET and lodging tax changes and clarify documentation for an affordable housing sales tax deferral. DOR supported the bill as an administrative efficiency measure, and there was no opposition testimony. HB 2626 would raise the premium tax on health maintenance organizations, health care service contractors, and self-funded multiple employer welfare arrangements from 2% to 3%, remove a dentistry-related exemption, and add a new 1% tax on certain disability and group stop-loss insurers. The sponsor said the bill is intended to help fund Apple Health and subsidies amid federal funding concerns; insurers and business groups opposed it as a cost increase likely to be passed on to consumers and employers, while patient and advocacy groups supported the revenue idea but urged that funds be dedicated to subsidies or other health care supports and that pass-through to consumers be prevented.