Video & Transcript : 'shared stewardship' :
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ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Jan 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The first item you will see when you open up your shared drive information will be the combined file,
- We try to get that to you beforehand, so we'll be putting it into the shared drive before the meeting
- The other thing is you will be receiving an email from your secretaries when the items are in the shared
- Going to be dealing with that day before opening up your shared drive.
- The other thing I wanted to go over is for this committee, I've already placed your rules in the shared
Summary:
The House Health and Welfare Committee held an organizational meeting with a quorum present. The chair welcomed new members Representative Tanner and Representative Hall, introduced the committee page Isabel Trinidad, and selected Representative Egbert to proofread the minutes. No legislation was heard; the meeting focused on orientation and committee logistics.
Committee secretary Irene reviewed new procedures for organizing materials in the shared drive, including a standardized order for agenda files, individual agenda items, and online written testimony. She also noted that committee rules, the Department of Health and Welfare organizational chart, and a new motion sheet were available for members. Members were encouraged to provide feedback on the new system.
The chair clarified that Representative Byswinger was listed as vice chair and said he would correct the label. He also noted that the committee would not meet on Friday, would meet again Monday, and would begin introducing RSs and rules soon. The chair mentioned that additional member Norm was absent because of his wife’s health issues and said he might be used to break a tie vote if needed. The meeting adjourned without any votes on bills or other substantive actions.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Budget Review Sub. on Health and Family Services. (1-28-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> that we we uh cover uh the state share that we we uh cover uh the state share on<00:09:37.360><c
- versus the federal share.
- versus the federal share.
- versus the federal share.
- </c><00:40:48.400><c> We</c> will be subject to cost sharing. We will be subject to cost sharing.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:00:36
Department for Medicaid Services 00:01:44, 958, all
Summary:
The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services met for an overview of the Department for Medicaid Services budget. Commissioner Lisa Lee and CFO Steve Beal described Kentucky Medicaid enrollment at about 1.4 million members, including more than 600,000 children, and said the agency’s 2025 total budget was $20.6 billion. They reviewed enrollment trends before, during, and after the COVID-19 public health emergency, noting that redeterminations begun in 2023 reduced enrollment from its peak but that total membership remains above pre-COVID levels. They also explained the difference between the fee-for-service population, which includes long-term care and waiver members, and managed care members, and gave examples of the kinds of services and diagnoses seen in each group.
A major focus was the governor’s recommended Medicaid budget and the department’s forecast process. Lee said the budget is split into benefits and administration, with benefits covering fee-for-service services, managed care capitation, transportation, and Medicare premiums, while administration covers contracts, personnel, operating costs, and IT-related advanced planning documents. She said the department uses a consensus forecasting group and actuary input, and that its forecasts have been within 1% of actual spending in recent years. The department also said the governor’s budget includes new waiver slots to address waiting lists, a 2% staff COLA, and a 10% phase-down on state-directed payments beginning in January 2028.
Much of the discussion centered on House Resolution 1 and the funding needed to implement its Medicaid-related provisions, including community engagement requirements, six-month redeterminations, and future cost sharing. Lee said the department requested about $35 million in total funds for fiscal 2027, including about $8.2 million in general funds for system changes to the integrated eligibility system, claims processing, notices, and monitoring; and about $11 million in fiscal 2028 for ongoing maintenance, with about $1.6 million in general funds. She said the department expects to seek federal APD matching funds for the IT work. In response to questions, she explained that community engagement would apply to Medicaid expansion members, with qualifying activities including work, school, volunteering, or equivalent income, and that certain groups such as pregnant women, children, caretaker relatives, and some people with chronic disease or substance use disorder would be excluded. She said the department identified roughly 70,000 expansion members who could be subject to the requirement. No votes or formal actions were taken.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Agency Performance Review and Budget Request Hearing - Office of Emergency Management Feb 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Our management costs are at a 100% cost share, which is why we've never needed appropriations for that
- And so that $800,000 would cover the assumed cost share that we would owe to the federal government for
- That's our cost share. And it's any of the FEMA programs that they have for individuals.
- That's our cost share.
- Okay, and the request number three has a public assistance 12.5% state share owed through 2023.
Summary:
The committee heard a budget presentation from Emergency Management Director Annie Verst for the General Government appropriations budget. She described the agency’s core role as coordinating disaster response, recovery, preparedness, and mitigation, emphasizing that local governments lead initial response while the state supports recovery and resource coordination. Verst highlighted recent activity including wildfire-related declarations, $83 million in public assistance payouts, use of the new state disaster revolving fund, implementation of an Oklahoma resilient recovery strategy, and restructuring efforts that repurposed positions toward regional coordination and reduced administrative overhead.
A major focus of the presentation was uncertainty around federal funding. Verst said FEMA programs and obligations have been delayed or canceled in some cases, including hazard mitigation assistance and disaster case management, and that the agency is seeking state support to cover possible gaps. She outlined requests for a $3.7 million federal funding loss contingency, $1 million for updating the state hazard mitigation plan, $3.8 million for the state emergency fund and 12.5% public assistance obligations, and $800,000 for anticipated other needs/temporary sheltering cost share. She also explained that most of the agency’s large revolving and pass-through balances cannot be used for operating costs.
Members questioned her about Oklahoma Task Force One, including whether it is funded by OEM and whether the agency is shifting toward response rather than mitigation. Verst said Task Force One is used when local capacity is exceeded, that out-of-state deployments are reimbursed, and that the agency sees its role as coordination and recovery rather than replacing local response. She also explained the revolving fund for disaster advances, the timing of reimbursements, and the purpose of the hazard mitigation plan update. No votes or formal actions were taken, and the hearing concluded with thanks and adjournment.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- But I share your sentiments there.
- However you feel like you need to share information, leave it up to you.
- So every year I buy a share in a local CSA, community-supported agriculture.
- But when you look at this bill and you look at 737 Section 207 and you talk about animal shares, many
- But when you look at this bill and you look at 737 Section 207 and you talk about animal shares, many
Summary:
The House Agricultural Committee approved the minutes from its March 10 meeting and then took up several bills. House Bill 826 would shift regulatory functions of the Honey Commission to the Idaho State Department of Agriculture while leaving marketing and publicity with the commission; the sponsor and Idaho Honey Industry Association said the change largely codifies an existing memorandum of understanding, and the committee advanced the bill on a do-pass recommendation after questions about the $10,000 penalty, consultation with producers, and whether a misdemeanor penalty remained in the code. The committee also heard and advanced Senate Bill 1242, a DOGE cleanup bill removing obsolete definitions and duplicative public records language, and Senate Bill 1243, which removes outdated Soil and Water Commission/Idaho One Plan language; both were described as code cleanup and passed without opposition.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 1283 on direct-to-consumer sales for small producers. Representative Boyle said the bill is intended to help small Idaho producers sell directly to consumers, with labeling, recordkeeping, and food-safety requirements, while exempting them from rules aimed at large commercial operations. Testimony was largely supportive from producers, Fair Idaho, Farm Bureau, and livestock groups, who said the bill would expand local markets and help smaller operations, though Food Northwest opposed it over concerns about labeling, training, and foodborne-illness protections. Committee members raised questions about dairy, catfish, raw milk, animal shares, safety, and the bill’s revenue cap; supporters said the bill keeps existing protections for milk and dairy and includes recordkeeping and temperature standards. The committee then voted to send Senate Bill 1283 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation, with members noting potential conflicts and support from their districts.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Jan 28th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Sidewalks and crossings are shared spaces, and right now the rules haven't caught up with how fast and
- Sidewalks and crossings are shared spaces, and right now the rules haven't caught up with how fast and
- Chair, I have to say, not only do you and I share the same hairstyle, we also share the same mind.
- I share your sentiment with these cameras as well. The answer to that is no.
- and limited sharing of video surveillance.
Keywords:
transportation facility designations, road naming, highway designation, honorary designation, memorial highway, memorial boulevard, memorial interchange, airport naming, FDOT markers, Florida Department of Transportation, State Road 80, SR 80, U.S. 90, U.S. 41, A1A, Turnpike interchange, Kissimmee Park Road, Bobby Bowden, Donald Trump Highway, President Donald J. Trump Highway
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met with a quorum and considered five bills, all of which were reported favorably. First, SB 628 designated a portion of South Navy Boulevard in Pensacola as “Warrior Sacrifice Way” to honor Ensign Joshua Watson, Petty Officer Muhammad Hatham, and Cameron Walters, who were killed in the 2019 Naval Air Station Pensacola attack. Senators spoke in support, emphasizing remembrance and support for the families.
The committee then heard CS/SB 382 on electric bicycles and scooters. The bill would require riders on shared pathways to yield to pedestrians, sound an audible signal before passing, and limit speed near pedestrians, while creating an e-bike safety task force and reporting requirements. Law enforcement, local officials, and school board representatives supported the bill and described safety concerns and data gaps, while several senators raised questions about enforcement and asked that e-scooters be addressed more explicitly. The bill was reported favorably.
Members also approved SB 880, creating a Miami Northwestern Alumni Association specialty license plate to fund scholarships and school programs, and SB 696, which allows online trademark registration applications and updates Florida’s trademark classification and verification procedures. Finally, the committee took up CS/CS/SB 654 on traffic infraction enforcement cameras for red light, school zone speeding, and school bus violations. The bill and an amendment added guardrails on data use, hearings, reporting, signage, and contract limits; senators raised concerns about privacy, surveillance, and school zone enforcement, and a Hillsborough County sheriff’s representative testified that all-day school zone enforcement has improved safety. All measures were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned after recording additional affirmative votes on SB 628 from Senators Martin and Smith.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Jan 23rd, 2026 at 10:30 am
Environment, Energy & Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- If I can share the infrastructure, Because grids have these incredible economies of scale.
- If I can share the infrastructure of a grid with more and more people and more and more users, then my
- It's critical that new large energy users pay their fair share to mitigate these costs, as the unmet
- . ...and families while data centers pay their fair share.
- of costs. there's also a risk that Large loads to commit to paying their fair share of costs.
Keywords:
energy facilities, large energy consumers, regulation, environment, sustainability, retail bags, pollution, customer impact, consumer-owned utilities, clean energy, port districts, market customers, energy transformation, renewable energy, public entities, electric generation, contracting, SB 6010, Washington energy siting, EFSEC
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Business, Trade & Economic Development Jan 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We appreciate the committee’s attention to children’s online safety, a priority we share.
- Everyone does share the same goal, making the internet safer for kids, but that goal cannot be achieved
- And again, I think the record and the information that I've shared with the committee on the cases, you
- My name is Max Martin with the Association of Washington Business, and I'm here to share the industry's
- Thank you for the opportunity to share our thoughts today. Thank you for your testimony.
Summary:
The Senate Business, Trade and Economic Development Committee first held a work session on protecting children online. Testimony focused on a proposed Kids Online Protection Act that would limit addictive algorithmic feeds for minors and restrict push notifications during school hours and at night. Supporters included a former tech executive, a Meta whistleblower, and a psychology researcher, who argued that social media design exploits adolescent development, harms well-being, and that the bill gives parents and children more control without banning access to content. Industry and trade group witnesses opposed the approach, arguing it would violate the First Amendment, create privacy risks through age verification, and could reduce useful personalization and safety tools; they said companies are already implementing teen protections and parental controls. The committee did not take a vote during the work session.
The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Bill 5928, sponsored by Senators Warnick and Short at the request of the Insurance Commissioner. The bill would require property insurers using wildfire risk scores or models to disclose more information to consumers, explain adverse factors, provide appeal and rescoring processes, and account for mitigation actions in rate filings and discounts. The Office of Insurance Commissioner, a Colville Tribal representative, fire district testimony, climate advocates, realtors, hospitality businesses, and insurance agents generally supported the bill as a transparency and consumer-protection measure, with some urging inclusion of commercial lines and stronger recognition of local fire mitigation. Several insurance trade groups opposed or were neutral, warning that the bill goes too far, could expose proprietary underwriting information, increase regulation and costs, and should be narrowed to align with other states’ approaches. No vote was taken, and the chair adjourned after the hearing.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider the nominations of Warren Stephens, of Arkansas, to be Ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Thomas Barrack, of Colorado, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey, Tilman Fertitta, of Apr 9th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Foreign Relations Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- commit to you that I will work closely with this committee and with Congress to drive forward our shared
- the Fulbright, Gilman and other exchange programs, along with sports and music diplomacy, and the shared
- And I also want to thank your staff for meeting with me this week and spending some time sharing with
- I appreciate you sharing your views. Correct, I was on the board of Radio Free Asia.
- Because international exchange programs not only create shared bonds, understanding and innovation. but
Keywords:
Senator Flinstone, HB22, SB4, amendments, public testimony, legislation, environmental impact, economic implications
Summary:
The meeting featured a thorough examination of various bills, including substantial discussions on HB22 and SB4. Key points included amendments proposed by committee members, particularly from Senator Flinstone, who emphasized the need for clarifications on certain provisions. The committee actively engaged with several witnesses providing public testimony, some in favor of the proposed legislation while others highlighted concerns and potential implications. The discussions were vibrant, showcasing different perspectives, especially on the environmental and economic impacts of the bills in question. The meeting concluded with a consensus to reconvene after a recess to further address the outstanding issues related to the bills.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Industry, Business and Labor Apr 8th, 2025 at 02:45 pm
Industry, Business and Labor
Transcript Highlights:
- Our current, it's kind of a gain share arrangement, which for the upcoming biennium, what it amounts
- Previously, we shared in the first $3 million at a 50-50 level with Sanford.
- Frickie, that benefit sharing could happen even in a non-grandfathered status? Mr.
- And so we shared, and I believe at that point it was 50% of the savings.
- I just wanted to share with you, if I may, some of our members' concerns.
Bills:
SB2160
Keywords:
health insurance, public employees, uniform group insurance, retirement, state employees, 908, all
Summary:
The committee resumed work on Senate Bill 2160, which would move the Public Employees Retirement System health plan from grandfathered to non-grandfathered status under the Affordable Care Act. PERS officials Rebecca Frickie and Derek Holbein explained that the bill would allow more flexibility in plan design, including higher deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket maximums, while also adding enhanced preventive benefits. They clarified that ACA “essential health benefits” apply to individual and small-group markets, not to PERS as a large employer, and that the bill’s projected cost increases were based on actuarial estimates and prior bid scenarios from Sanford and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Members debated whether the bill would actually save money or simply shift costs to employees. Supporters argued that non-grandfathered status would create more levers to manage medical inflation and could produce net premium savings through plan redesign, citing prior bid comparisons showing potential reductions of 1% to 8% depending on the option. Opponents, including Representative Schauer and North Dakota United president Nick Archelette, questioned how the state would pay for the estimated $25 million to $30 million in added benefits and warned that employees could face higher out-of-pocket costs amid already strained household budgets. Frickie said the legislature would control funding decisions and that current law requiring the state to pay full family premiums could be changed only by statute.
The committee also discussed reserve funding, with members noting that a $4.3 million reserve draw in the bill was intended to cover the final months of the biennium and could be modified. After testimony and discussion, Vice Chair Johnson moved a do-pass recommendation and referral to Appropriations. The motion passed 10-3-1, with Representatives Ostlie, Schatz, and Schauer voting no. Representative Gump agreed to carry the bill.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Senate Republicans Respond to Governor’s Comments - 02/27/25
Transcript Highlights:
- You saw in the power-sharing agreement that we had at the Senate what a great opportunity to reset the
- if you guys can share more about that<00:09:05.360><c> sure</c><00:09:05.760><c> I</c><00:09:05.920>
- He hasn't shared it with us, I know. insurance and making health insurance insurance and making health
- </c> companies pay their fair share companies pay their fair share essentially<00:10:18.720><c> taxing
- That's great news, so thanks for sharing that.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Banking and Finance Committee Mar 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I would like to start by giving some brief remarks and share some of the work that the committee and
- And I'll share with you, as legislators in Sacramento, that my personal loss was substantial.
- It's sad to hear the really compelling stories that our survivors have shared here today.
- Thank you for the opportunity to share our perspective today. Thank you.
- I want to share what that looks like for our community. We are homeowners.
Summary:
The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee held an outcomes review of AB 238, the wildfire mortgage forbearance law, focused on how the law has worked for survivors of the Eaton and Palisades fires. Chair Valencia and Assemblymember Harabedian said the hearing was intended to hear directly from survivors, assess whether the law is being implemented as intended, and identify fixes. Several survivors described losing homes, facing long rebuild timelines, and struggling with insurers, housing costs, and mortgage servicers. Many said they encountered confusion, inconsistent information, requests for financial documentation, lump-sum repayment demands, credit reporting problems, or loan modifications that they viewed as undermining the law’s purpose. Some urged clearer consumer education, a consumer bill of rights, and an extension of forbearance relief; one witness specifically advocated for AB 1847 to extend forbearance to 36 months.
DFPI Chief Deputy Commissioner Suzanne Martindale said the department had received about 300 wildfire-related consumer complaints, mostly about mortgage forbearance, and that more than 91% had been resolved in the consumer’s favor. She said the department works with both state-licensed and federally regulated institutions, but its authority is limited when national banks are involved, so it often uses outreach and direct contact with lenders and federal partners to resolve complaints. She also described recurring complaint themes such as difficulty obtaining forbearance, customer-service breakdowns, withholding of insurance funds, and non-interest-bearing impound accounts. Committee members pressed DFPI on which institutions were noncompliant, what enforcement tools were available, and how much data the state could collect and make public.
Representatives of the California Bankers Association and California Mortgage Bankers Association said lenders had provided early disaster relief and were working to comply with AB 238, but emphasized that mortgage servicing is constrained by federal law, investor requirements, and secondary-market guidelines. They argued that forbearance is temporary relief, not forgiveness, and warned that extending it without a clear repayment path can create future payment shock or larger debt burdens. They also said many servicers use disaster protocols tied to federal declarations and that clearer communication is needed. In response to committee concerns, the mortgage bankers said they would continue working with the Legislature and federal agencies, but could not promise changes beyond investor and agency rules. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Banking and Finance Committee Mar 20th, 2026
Banking and Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- I’ll share with you, as legislators in Sacramento, that my personal loss was substantial.
- It was shared by a couple of the presenters' national programs during the pandemic.
- Thank you for the opportunity to share our perspective today. Thank you.
- Thank you for the opportunity to share our perspective today. Thank you.
- I want to share what that looks like for our community. We are homeowners.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 3 on Health and Human Services Feb 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'll be sharing with you our five strategic priorities.
- And, you know, I've seen OICR does briefs, reports, webinars that are shared.
- What you shared, I felt like that's what the report should have had.
- Therefore, California's share has also increased.
- Thank you for this opportunity to share California's health status.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Health and Public Affairs Jan 26th, 2026 at 01:45 pm
Senate Health & Public Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Anyway, it's great to be able to come up here and share ideas with these good folks. Thank you.
- And then, as I mentioned, we shared key findings and recommendations with interim committees, as well
- I might be able to share my screen. I see. All right. Let me organize myself here.
- So if you need me, please just share.
- And maybe another time, maybe not this session, but still to bring him back to share.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Mar 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Really what we need to do is look at data sharing.
- Maybe you can share that with us if you have it.
- More than happy to share it. Thank you.
- I'll be very brief by sharing one final story.
- I train, and I talk, and I share.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Military and Veteran Affairs held an informational hearing focused on the effects of federal budget cuts and policy changes on veterans, military readiness, and California’s veteran support systems. The chair and members emphasized that federal reductions to the VA, Medicaid/Medi-Cal, SNAP, and the federal workforce are disproportionately harming veterans by threatening health care, employment, housing, crisis lines, and suicide prevention services. The chair also highlighted California’s progress on veteran homelessness and the importance of preserving state programs that leverage federal dollars.
Major General Matthew Beavers of the California Military Department described the department’s structure, its response to the Los Angeles fire emergency, and concerns that federal cuts could reduce readiness through less training, older equipment, and fewer resources. He also discussed state programs such as Work for Warriors, STARBASE, youth and community schools, and the counterdrug task force, saying they are valuable but vulnerable if funding is redirected away from readiness. Members asked about the impact of federal changes on the Guard and how the Legislature could help, and Beavers said the state should advocate for recapitalized equipment and continued support for key programs.
A second panel focused on veterans’ benefits and claims support. CalVet, Los Angeles County, and Swords to Plowshares testified that county veteran service officers, legal aid, and community-based partnerships are essential to helping veterans access VA benefits, especially after the PACT Act expanded eligibility and increased claims volume. Witnesses said these services bring substantial federal dollars back to California, but county offices and legal providers are underfunded and overburdened. Members discussed data sharing, staffing shortages, and the need for more resources to reach veterans who are not connected to VA care.
In the final panel on mental health and suicide prevention, CalVet and nonprofit providers described state-funded programs such as the Veterans Support Self-Reliance program and the California Veterans Health Initiative, which place services in permanent supportive housing and provide no-cost counseling statewide. Witnesses said these programs are showing measurable improvements in health, medication adherence, and emergency room use, but they depend on sustained funding and are vulnerable to step-down grants and federal instability. Committee members expressed support for the programs and raised questions about access, staffing, and the role of non-veteran family members in Vet Center services.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 01/21/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm not going to share a lot of stats, but there are a couple that are important to really make this
- And there's a lot more statistics like that that we are going to be sharing throughout this session.
- This team supports things like our Office of Vital Records, which I want to share, since the law came
- uh since the law which I want to share uh since the law came<00:17:32.120><c> into</c><00:17:32.480>
- </c><01:37:04.040><c> of</c> or for for the volume for the share of or for for the volume for the share
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HSH Public Hearing - Tue Feb 3, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST
Human Services & Homelessness
Transcript Highlights:
- Um so, we really need sharing in SNAP.
- And another shared feel represented."
- ,</c> currently still in foster care shared, currently still in foster care shared, "Important<00:41:
- </c> is changing rapidly and as was shared is changing rapidly and as was shared that<01:11:47.000><c
- So, I want to focus on what you shared is costs are tied to risk.
Keywords:
HB1518, Hawaii SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, food stamps, Department of Human Services, DHS, pre-release SNAP, pre-release application process, incarcerated individuals, prisoner reentry, reentry services, formerly incarcerated, jail release, prison release, recidivism, food security, benefits eligibility, controlled substance felony, drug felony, drug conviction
Summary:
The committee opened its first meeting of the 2020 session and heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 1518, which would allow people incarcerated and nearing release to apply for SNAP benefits before release. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Department of Human Services said they support the bill and are already piloting a pre-release application process at two facilities, with plans to expand it. The Attorney General’s Office supported the intent but noted a technical issue: one section of the bill appears to affect TANF as well as SNAP, while the title refers only to SNAP. A wide range of advocates, including Catholic Charities, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Hunger Action Network, Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, ACLU of Hawaii, and others, testified in strong support, emphasizing food insecurity after release, reentry stability, and reduced recidivism. The committee did not take a vote during the hearing.
The committee then heard HB 1747, which would direct the Department of Human Services to seek federal waivers or extensions related to restricting certain SNAP purchases, including sugary drinks. DHS said it had already been approved for a narrow demonstration waiver and was working with retailers on implementation, with a target date of August 1. Supporters of the measure argued it would promote healthier choices, while opponents, including Hawaii Appleseed, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association, said such restrictions are ineffective, stigmatize low-income residents, create burdens for retailers and DHS, and may be difficult to implement. Members asked DHS to clarify the scope of the waiver and confirmed it applies to sugary drinks and beverages containing more than 10 grams of sugar.
Finally, the committee took up HB 1705, which would allow licensed mental health counselors to serve as child custody evaluators, but there was no testimony from the relevant agencies and the item was quickly set aside. The committee also heard HB 1565, which would establish a judiciary working group to improve family court processes and legal representation for youth in the child welfare system. The Attorney General’s Office offered minor technical amendments, and supporters from the Office of Wellness and Resilience, High Hopes Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and a social work student described the need for legal representation, citing better reunification and stability outcomes and the importance of youth voice in court proceedings. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- what it the Outreach that uh sharing what it the Outreach that we're<00:08:40.000><c> having</c><00:
- But really, just to share with you the uniqueness of your community.
- </c> programs uh so next just want to share programs uh so next just want to share some<00:15:54.319>
- I appreciate you all coming up and sharing those with us.
- Well, thank you for making the effort to come in again today and share this bill with us.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Financial Services Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Emily, thank you for coming in and sharing your experience.
- Devin, thank you for sharing your story with us. We appreciate it.
- So we shared those stories together.
- Thank you so much for your testimony for sharing your story with us.
- Thank you for your testimony for sharing your story with us.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on a wide range of health insurance and public health bills, with most speakers focused on expanding coverage for specific treatments and services. Bills discussed included H. 1187/S. 792 on rehabilitation counselors, H. 1173/S. 692 on patient navigation, S. 2600 on scalp cooling for chemotherapy patients, S. 2599 on medically necessary treatment for port wine birthmarks, H. 1164 on licensed educational psychologists for child and adolescent mental health services, S. 754/H. 1254 on autism diagnosis and treatment by nurse practitioners and psychiatric nurse mental health clinical specialists, S. 714/H. 1137 on infectious disease response and coverage, and S. 791 on making nature a prescriptive therapeutic intervention. Speakers generally argued these bills would improve access, reduce out-of-pocket costs, and address gaps in current insurance reimbursement rules.
Testimony in support emphasized personal stories and clinical evidence. Cancer patients and providers described the benefits of patient navigation and scalp cooling for dignity and quality of life during treatment. Boston Children’s Hospital staff and families said port wine birthmark treatment is medically necessary, can prevent complications, and should not be denied as cosmetic. Rehabilitation counselors and school psychologists argued their services are effective, cost-saving, and underused because they cannot bill insurance. Autism advocates said current insurance statutes are outdated because nurse practitioners and psychiatric nurse mental health clinical specialists already provide evaluations and should be recognized for reimbursement to avoid delays in early intervention. Public health and GLAD Law testimony supported stronger infectious disease coverage to remove barriers to testing, treatment, and PrEP access.
The hearing also included extensive testimony on H. 1172, a bill requiring insurance coverage for detransition-related care. Supporters said it would ensure coverage for medically necessary care for people who regret or reverse gender transition, while opponents argued it would legitimize anti-trans narratives or, conversely, that detransition care is needed because transition procedures can cause harm. The committee also heard strong support for S. 791 from advocates who described nature access as a health intervention that could help with trauma, anxiety, substance use recovery, and environmental justice, with claims that insurance coverage and reduced park fees would improve access. No votes were taken during the transcript, and the chair repeatedly thanked speakers and moved through the long list of public testimony.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Native American Affairs May 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Information is not being a share in a way that is. than that speaks to the larger issue.
- Thank you for sharing that. Oftentimes, those happen within hours. Okay.
- Actually, I'll just share an example.
- And so I had shared in the last panel when we were testifying, Can't invest more.
- And so that's what I would share. Thank you.
Summary:
The Select Committee on Native American Affairs held an informational hearing on the state’s response to the missing and murdered Indigenous people (MMIP) crisis, with an added focus on foster youth and child welfare. Opening remarks from the chair and members emphasized that California has made some progress through the Feather Alert, DOJ coordination, grant funding, and MMIP summits, but that the crisis remains severe and requires ongoing, not one-time, investment. Members repeatedly noted the need for stronger statewide coordination, better data, and more consistent attention to tribal communities and foster youth.
Tribal leaders described the crisis as rooted in jurisdictional gaps, poor data collection, and lack of urgency from law enforcement. Witnesses from Hamul, Chachancey, Tahon, Yurok, and Hoopa tribes shared personal accounts of missing and murdered relatives, criticized inconsistent responses, and called for regional response agreements, direct tribal access to data, sustained funding, and clearer law enforcement protocols in Public Law 280 settings. Several leaders said Feather Alert and state grants have helped build infrastructure and partnerships, but stressed that trust-building, training, and accountability are still uneven across the state.
The second panel featured the California Highway Patrol and the Department of Justice’s Office of Native American Affairs, both of which reported on implementation improvements. CHP said it has tightened Feather Alert practices, increased activations, improved outreach and training, appointed a tribal liaison, and expanded human trafficking training. DOJ described work under AB 3099 and AB 1334, including a Public Law 280 advisory council, improved crime reporting and data systems, MMIP outreach, and a tribal police pilot program with the Yurok Tribe. Members also raised the need to better support tribal courts and ensure protection orders are enforced.
The final panel focused on foster youth as part of the MMIP crisis. Advocates from Pitt River, the California Tribal Families Coalition, and Coyote Valley said Native children are disproportionately represented in foster care and are at heightened risk of going missing or being exploited. They argued that foster care, trafficking, poverty, housing instability, and historical trauma are all connected to MMIP, and called for stronger ICWA implementation, culturally grounded services, better coordination with social workers and law enforcement, and immediate use of Feather Alert when Native children are missing. No formal votes were taken; the hearing was informational and ended with continued calls for legislative, budgetary, and policy action.