Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:31:16.480> plays<00:31:16.799> a<00:31:17.200> role<00:31:17.440> in
• >> So,<00:31:22.000> it<00:31:22.320> is<00:31:23.120> that<00:31:23.360><
• > that<00:31:43.919> kind<00:31:44.080> of<00:31:44.240> gray<00:31:45.279><
• <00:31:47.919> And<00:31:48.159> that's<00:31:48.480> just<00:31:48.880>
• c> you<00:31:56.559> see<00:31:56.640> in<00:31:56.880> the<00:31:57.120>

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The motion<02:31:42.319> before<02:31:42.640> us<02:31:42.880> is<02:31:43.120><
• <02:31:47.600> She<02:31:47.920> will<02:31:48.160> please<02:31:48.399>
• Representative<02:31:52.240> Marorrow,<02:31:52.720> how<02:31:52.800> do<02:31:
• <04:31:09.760> It<04:31:09.920> is<04:31:10.159> it<04:31:10.399> is
• <04:31:11.680> Um<04:31:12.319> but<04:31:12.560> what<04:31:12.800> we

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> So,<00:31:00.000> DEARD<00:31:00.559> is<00:31:00.799> not<00:31:01.039
• <00:31:03.360> It<00:31:03.600> doesn't<00:31:03.919> come<00:31:04.559>
• a<00:31:07.039> um<00:31:07.279> an<00:31:07.600> opportunity<00:31:08.159><
• <00:31:16.000> We<00:31:16.159> can<00:31:16.320> give<00:31:16.480> you<
• 00:31:20.159> you<00:31:20.399> could<00:31:20.559> simply<00:31:20.799> ask<

Bills: SB1, SB4, SB6, SB9, SB16, SB17, SB20, SB22, SB28, SB29, SB36, SB41, SB45, SB77, SB85, SB87, SB96, SB98, SB110, SB126, SB139, SB143, SB164, SB167, SB171, SB186, SB188, SB195, SB197, SB198, SB204, SB205, SB206, SB207, SB209, SB210, SB211, SB217, SB219, SB220, SB225, SB231, SB237, SB238, SB241, SB244, SB246, SB247, SB272, SB294, SB315, SB346, SB364, SB366, SB367, SB386, SB392, SB403, SB415, SB427, SB431, SB437, SB457, SB459, SB469, SB471, SB478, SB484, SB489, SB502, SB503, SB507, SB508, SB510, SB516, SB517, SB518, SB519, SB521, SB535, SB543, SB550, SB564, SB568, SB570, SB575, SB577, SB578, SB590, SB607, SB616, SB621, SB634, SB644, SB647, SB649, SB652, SB655, SB656, SB663

Keywords: agricultural lands, foreign ownership, state agriculture policy, real estate regulation, land conservation, SB4, Royal Mausoleum, Mauna Ala, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, OHA, Department of Land and Natural Resources, DLNR, stewardship, Hawaiian affairs, cemetery, burial site, ancestral remains, cultural preservation, state land management, agency transfer

Transcript Highlights:

• :31:02.159> enough<00:31:02.480> to<00:31:03.440> you<00:31:03.559> know<
• sort<00:31:05.480> of<00:31:05.679> speak<00:31:06.519> and<00:31:07.120
• /c><00:31:16.799> maybe<00:31:17.120> that's<00:31:17.279> more<00:31:17.399>
• 31:20.240> but<00:31:20.480> we<00:31:20.600> can<00:31:20.720> move<00:31
• <00:31:22.159> for colle<00:31:26.360> I<00:31:26.519> support<00:31:27.039>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 834, which would change restrictions on transfers of real property under chapter 201H, HRS, and was discussed in the context of Hawaiian homelands and HHFDC-funded projects. Supporters, including HHFDC, DHHL, and individual testifiers, said the bill would clarify that Hawaiian homelands should not be subject to the 201H buyback and appreciation restrictions, while preserving affordability requirements tied to federal mortgage and tax credit programs. HHFDC explained that the main concern was the buyback/share-appreciation provisions, especially for DHHL projects using LIHTC or similar financing, and said aligning the statute with DHHL’s program goals would not be a problem. Members questioned whether removing the restrictions could weaken affordability protections, and whether the state could still prioritize beneficiaries and workforce housing, but no vote was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up SB 759, which would add the DHHL chairperson or designee to the HHFDC board of directors and adjust quorum requirements. DHHL and several supporters argued the measure would give Hawaiian Homes a seat at the table, improve access to HHFDC funding sources such as tax credits, private activity bonds, and revolving funds, and help leverage limited resources to reduce the Hawaiian Homes waitlist. One testifier supported the bill but urged safeguards to prevent favoritism or abuse of power, and another raised concerns about whether a DHHL representative would need to recuse from voting on projects involving DHHL. HHFDC testified that DHHL projects still must compete under the same criteria and set-asides as other applicants, and that the board already includes multiple public and executive representatives. Members pressed on whether DHHL could achieve the same informational goals without a voting seat, and whether the added board role would create leverage or conflicts. The DHHL witness said a nonvoting role could provide information, but a voting seat would be more useful for decision-making and advocacy. The discussion also covered DHHL’s use of LIHTC, rent-to-own models, transitional housing, and other layered financing, as well as the broader need to coordinate state housing resources. The transcript ends during continued questioning, with no final committee action or vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:11.679> At<00:31:11.840> the<00:31:12.000> end<00:31:12.080> of
• <00:31:24.559> we<00:31:24.720> were<00:31:24.880> able<00:31:24.960> to<
• They scheduled<00:31:27.200> it<00:31:27.360> at<00:31:27.600> a<00:31:27.760>
• <00:31:45.840> a<00:31:46.000> teacher<00:31:46.880> talking<00:31:47.120>
• <01:31:27.360> Um<01:31:27.679> I<01:31:27.840> I<01:31:28.159> mean<01:31

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:07 Office of the Attorney General Update: 00:04:52 Department of Kentucky State Police Update: 00:44:57, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > now<01:31:33.159> we're<01:31:33.280> going<01:31:33.360> to<01:31:33.440
• :33.800> B<01:31:34.040> forward<01:31:34.360> so<01:31:34.560> I'd<01:31
• :34.760> like<01:31:34.960> to<01:31:35.480> uh<01:31:36.480> like<01:31:
• > none<01:31:43.480> all<01:31:43.639> in<01:31:43.800> favor<01:31:44.280
• <01:45:49.480> uh state building codes and fire codes uh state building codes and fire codes

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Bills: HR58, HR59, HR60, HR61, HR62, HR63, HR64, HCR32, HB43, HB447, HB573, HB1000, HB1001, HB1002, HB1003, HB1004, HB1005, HR46, HR48, HR50, HR51, HR52, HR53, HR54, HR55, HR56, HR57, HCR31, HB20, HB21, HB166, HB494, HB710, HB795, HB985, HB986, HB987, HB988, HB989, HB990, HB991, HB992, HB993, HB994, HB995, HB996, HB997, HB998, SB128, SB149, SB174, SB191, SB205, SB213, SB218, SB220, SB229, SB238, SB243, SB375, SB379, HB8, HB9, HB10, HB15, HB16, HB17, HB18, HB19, HB22, HB33, HB34, HB35, HB44, HB46, HB47, HB48, HB61, HB101, HB126, HB135, HB142, HB164, HB185, HB215, HB226, HB232, HB233, HB242, HB284, HB292, HB297, HB301, HB334, HB436, HB468, HB548, HB571, HB582, HB593, HB594, HB609, HB613, HB712, HB722, HB732, HB746, HB781, HB827, HB845, HB848, HB921, HB923, HB951, HB953, HB999, HB129, HB130, HB287, HB489, HB545, HB553, HB555, HB570, HB854, HB952, HB28, HB36, HB50, HB52, HB56, HB62, HB68, HB92, HB110, HB117, HB119, HB124, HB140, HB147, HB171, HB182, HB193, HB196, HB203, HB228, HB234, HB260, HB268, HB271, HB285, HB289, HB351, HB400, HB413, HB469, HB534, HB551, HB552, HB574, HB576, HB634, HB649, HB677, HB735, HB739, HB779, HB784, HB796, HB842, HB850, HB919, HB149, HB733, HB875, HB868, HB901

Keywords: waterfowl conservation, wetlands preservation, Ducks Unlimited, environmental stewardship, Louisiana, tennis, athlete recognition, family legacy, sports achievements, coaching, student parents, higher education, academic support, family stability, workforce equity, Homeland Security, federal funding, public safety, emergency services, TSA

Transcript Highlights:

• You<03:31:40.479> know,<03:31:40.640> we<03:31:40.880> want<03:31:40.960> to<
• Well, how about<03:31:45.920> we<03:31:46.160> do<03:31:46.319> something<03:31:
• Let's<03:31:48.560> let's<03:31:49.040> figure<03:31:49.279> out<03:31:49.520>
• /c><03:31:54.560> of<03:31:54.800> Colorado<03:31:55.439> rather<03:31:55.920>
• The majority<04:31:13.520> of<04:31:13.600> the<04:31:13.760> money<04:31:15.199

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This makes it their fourth straight title and their 16th state title overall.
• Ayes, 69; noes, 31. The Governor's recommendation is agreed to.
• Ayes, 69; noes, 31. The Governor's recommendations are agreed to.
• Ayes, 68; noes, 31. The Governor's recommendations are agreed to.
• Ayes, 69; noes, 31. The Governor's recommendation has agreed to.

Keywords: April 22, 2026 - Reconvened Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :39.919> And<00:31:40.320> I<00:31:40.640> truly<00:31:40.960> feel<00:31
• Um our<00:31:45.440> board,<00:31:46.000> you<00:31:46.159> know,<00:31:46.559><
• the evidence<00:31:47.360> and<00:31:47.760> strung<00:31:48.000> out<00:31:48.240
• 31:49.360> like<00:31:49.519> the<00:31:49.679> criminals<00:31:50.240> got
• > so<00:31:57.360> this<00:31:57.840> system<00:31:58.320> is<00:31:58.640

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several housing, landlord-tenant, and condominium-related measures. Senate Bill 62, relating to the Hawaii Public Housing Authority, would allow HPHA-owned parcels and related areas such as parking lots to be closed to the public with posted signage; HPHA strongly supported the bill, saying it would help reduce loitering, drinking, and other problems, and no further testimony was offered. Senate Bill 822, relating to the landlord tenant code, would create a three-year working group in the Department of the Attorney General to study and improve the residential landlord-tenant code. The Judiciary supported the measure but said the scope should be narrowed; the Attorney General opposed leading the group and suggested another agency should do so; Hawaii Realtors and the Hawaii Worker Center supported the concept and suggested moving the chairmanship to the Judiciary and including Legal Aid participation. The Judiciary said it could chair the group if the bill were narrowed to matters within the court’s purview. Senate Bill 38, relating to housing, would limit counties from imposing stricter conditions, AMI requirements, or fee-waiver reductions on certain affordable housing proposals if those changes would increase project costs. HHFDC supported the bill, saying county changes after state approval create uncertainty for developers, while the Hawaii State Association of Counties opposed it as an intrusion on local authority and a restriction on county safety and infrastructure conditions. Members asked about whether existing county review periods were sufficient, and the county association said the main concern was the bill’s language limiting counties from making cost-increasing conditions. Senate Bill 146, relating to condominiums, would revise alternative dispute resolution procedures for condo disputes, including evaluative mediation and binding arbitration. The Hawaii Real Estate Commission said it took no position overall but supported a $150 mediation fee and asked for a similar arbitration fee; Community Associations Institute supported the bill with suggested amendments; however, most testimony was strongly opposed by condominium owners and advocates, who said the bill had been changed to the detriment of owners and would increase costs and reduce protections. The committee noted 44 testimonies on the bill, with 2 in support, 37 in opposition, and 2 with comments. Senate Bill 253, relating to condominium reserves, would require a detailed budget summary to stand on its own, remove a good-faith defense for certain noncompliant budgets, and clarify standing and the association’s burden regarding substantial compliance. Hawaii Realtors and Community Associations Institute supported the measure as improving transparency and giving owners and buyers a clearer picture of association finances. Greg Msakian also supported it, arguing it would help owners and describing problems he experienced with budget committee exclusion and budget noncompliance in his own association. The discussion ended while testimony on the bill was still underway, with additional witnesses expected.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:31.200> the<00:31:31.440> question<00:31:31.679> with<00:31:32.000> the
• <00:31:33.679> the<00:31:33.840> TR<00:31:34.320> that<00:31:34.720> any<
• legal actions<00:31:36.159> support<00:31:36.559> would<00:31:36.720> be<00:31:
• only and<00:31:40.960> um<00:31:41.279> there<00:31:41.679> were<00:31:42.000><
• /c><00:31:47.200> adopt<00:31:48.320> adding<00:31:48.720> the<00:31:48.880>

Bills: SB3179, SB2872, SB2391, SB3282, SB2836, SB2181

Keywords: educational workers, harassment, workplace safety, temporary restraining orders, investigation procedures, retired education employees, teacher shortage, rehired retirants, entry level salary, collective bargaining agreements, pension benefits, education, teacher salaries, automatic increments, collective bargaining, teacher retention, workforce development, Pell grant program, short-term education, eligibility

Summary: The joint committee first heard SB 3179, which would require the Department of Education and charter schools to report harassment incidents involving educational workers and adopt procedures for handling them. DOE supported the bill, while the Attorney General recommended clarifying amendments to limit the measure to harassment directed at workers because of their position, to limit DOE legal assistance to temporary restraining order actions, and to clarify whether the harassment must come from outside the school system. Members also discussed whether the bill should cover non-DOE individuals on campus, whether investigations could be handled in-house, and whether training should be embedded in existing workday or school-year training rather than added as a separate requirement. The committee later voted to pass the bill with amendments as SD1. The committee then took up SB 2872, which would require retired teachers or administrators rehired into shortage or hard-to-fill positions to be paid the entry-level salary for that position. DOE supported the bill, and the Attorney General requested clarifying language about its effective date and that it would not affect already matured rights and duties. The Employees’ Retirement System administration emphasized that the bill should retain a 12-month break in service to preserve the pension system’s tax-exempt status and noted the importance of consistent classification of eligible positions. Members expressed support for using retired educators to help fill staffing gaps, but no final action was taken in the portion provided. The committee also heard SB 2391, which would provide annual step increases for public school teachers under bargaining unit 5, subject to funding. The Attorney General said the bill could conflict with collective bargaining procedures and Chapter 89, while DOE said unit 5 includes more than teachers and asked that the benefit be considered for other bargaining units as well, with funding provided if enacted. HSTA strongly supported the measure, arguing that annual step movement is already recognized in the collective bargaining agreement as a recruiting and retention tool. Testimony totals were noted as 16 in support, two in opposition, and three comments. Finally, the committee heard SB 3282, which would establish a statewide framework for the federal workforce Pell Grant program to fund short-term workforce education and training. The Attorney General suggested clarifying that the matter is one of statewide concern because UH is involved. UH and the Chamber of Commerce supported the bill, and DLIR testified that it is coordinating with DOE, the Workforce Development Council, and national groups on implementation. Members questioned whether the Workforce Development Council or DLIR should handle rulemaking and administration, and DLIR said the council is advisory while the department has grant administration expertise. The committee then moved into decision-making after discussion of possible amendments and implementation concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• how they directly affect our our kids ability to learn for all the reasons that the senator from Alabama
• I'm honored here for a hearing that's titled The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act and Improving Children's

Bills: SB222

Keywords: whole milk, school lunch, school meals, National School Lunch Program, Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, Child Nutrition Act, USDA, nutrition standards, dairy, nonfat milk, low-fat milk, reduced-fat milk, lactose-free milk, nondairy beverages, plant-based milk, milk substitution, parental consent, legal guardian, food allergies, allergic reaction

Summary: This meeting of the committee focused primarily on the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, S222, which aims to permit schools to offer a fuller range of milk options, including whole, reduced, and low-fat varieties, that have garnered bipartisan support. Chairman Bozeman opened the session by highlighting concerns over children's nutrition and the obesity epidemic, emphasizing the significance of nutritious school meals in addressing these issues. Experts from various organizations were invited to discuss the implications of this bill as well as the current challenges facing school meal programs, including budget constraints and food supply issues. The meeting included passionate testimonies about the direct impacts of current dietary guidelines and federal funding reductions affecting schools' abilities to provide healthy meal options.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:03.520> I<00:31:03.840> say<00:31:04.000> that's<00:31:04.159> all
• ><00:31:35.279> and<00:31:35.520> a<00:31:35.679> negative<00:31:36.159> 0.6%
• <00:31:44.640> both<00:31:44.880> 0.5%<00:31:45.760> in<00:31:46.000> the
• :31:50.720> that<00:31:51.039> we<00:31:51.360> have<00:31:52.080> u<00:31
• federal code? federal code?

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting focused on reaching consensus on official Kentucky revenue estimates for fiscal years 2026 through 2028, using updated S&P Global economic forecasts compared with the September presentation. Staff explained that the updated forecast relied partly on alternative data because of the federal government shutdown, and they walked through changes in national and Kentucky economic assumptions across control, optimistic, and pessimistic scenarios. The control forecast was described as slightly more optimistic in the near term but more cautious in fiscal 2027 and 2028, with GDP growth revised up for the current year and down somewhat in the outer years. The pessimistic scenario now assumed a two-quarter recession beginning in the current quarter, while the optimistic scenario was given a higher probability weight than before. The presenters highlighted several Kentucky-relevant variables that changed since September, including weaker manufacturing employment, weaker housing starts, weaker consumer sentiment, and lower expected non-farm employment in fiscal 2026. At the same time, wage and salary disbursements were revised upward in fiscal 2027, reflecting higher disposable income from tax changes, and real consumer spending was expected to be stronger in the near term. They also discussed assumptions about tariffs, business profits, the Federal Reserve, unemployment, oil prices, retail sales, vehicle sales, exports, and consumer sentiment, noting that some indicators were little changed while others shifted materially. Consumer sentiment was attributed to affordability concerns, tariff impacts, and a general sense of malaise, but was expected to improve in later years from a low base. Members asked follow-up questions about why the forecast worsened in later years and about the consumer sentiment assumptions. Staff responded that the forecast assumed larger take-home pay and refunds from tax withholding changes, along with some easing of tariff effects, which they believed would help offset a negative wealth effect from stock market declines. They also noted that S&P Global’s December forecast, which had already been published, was essentially consistent with the presentation and that the firm believed its earlier assumptions had tracked recent data well. No vote or final action was recorded in the portion provided, but the discussion was aimed at settling the revenue estimates that will underpin the upcoming branch budget bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:31:05.080> be<00:31:05.320> betrayed<00:31:05.880> Again<00:31:06.760> by
• 00:31:49.000> received<00:31:50.000> keeping<00:31:50.320> our<00:31:50.559>
• <01:31:02.480> there's<01:31:02.920> 36<01:31:03.920> families<01:31:04.920>
• 01:31:11.080> people<01:31:11.719> are<01:31:12.159> waiting<01:31:13.119> a<
• :31:11.560> on<04:31:12.279> okay<04:31:12.960> um<04:31:13.840> so<04:31

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 662, which would require public schools to include discussion of abortion procedures and show specified videos in health education classes. The prime sponsor argued the bill would ensure students receive medically accurate, age-appropriate, and nonpolitical information about abortion, saying the topic is important for informed decision-making and should be taught consistently statewide. He said the videos were intended for grades 9-12, that parents could opt out, and that the requirement was meant to supplement, not sway, students’ views. He also acknowledged the bill could be seen as limiting local control over curriculum and said the intent was to prevent the topic from being missed due to scheduling disruptions. Committee members questioned the sponsor about local control, the need for a video mandate, the source of his statistics, whether the bill could be biased or inflammatory, and whether the requirement should apply every year in high school. The sponsor said the videos were only a starting point, could be replaced by others, and were meant to be informational. He also said the bill was not intended to influence students’ decisions about abortion. Several supporters testified in favor, including representatives of New Hampshire Right to Life and others who said students should be told the “truth” about abortion and its consequences. They emphasized graphic or emotionally difficult aspects of abortion and argued that young people need this information to make informed choices. Opponents and skeptical witnesses raised concerns about prescribing curriculum, eroding local control, and the appropriateness of the material for younger high school students. The New Hampshire School Administrators Association said the bill was overly prescriptive, that health education standards are already set by the State Board of Education, and that the topics in the bill are not part of the current standards. That witness recommended the committee consider retaining the bill for further work or making it less prescriptive. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:14.720> support<00:31:15.399> next<00:31:15.639> is<00:31:15.799> Dar<
• <00:31:17.159> public defender<00:31:21.639> okay<00:31:21.960> thank<00:31:
• c><00:31:24.200> Bulan<00:31:24.919> council<00:31:25.200> member<00:31:25.480><
• > County<00:31:27.399> in<00:31:27.600> support<00:31:28.240> Mark<00:31:
• > s261<00:31:42.480> would<00:31:42.639> anyone<00:31:42.880> else<00:31:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several Judiciary-related measures. SB 94 would increase the mandatory minimum jail term for a first knowing or intentional violation of a temporary restraining order from 48 to 72 hours. The Office of the Public Defender and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence opposed the bill, arguing the current penalty is effective, the measure treats very different conduct the same, and the mental health assessment language is unclear and could be harmful or misapplied. Some other testifiers were listed in support or opposition, but no vote was taken. SB 15 would raise the real property exemption amount for attachment or execution. The Hawaiʻi Financial Services Association offered comments rather than opposition, suggesting the bill should be clarified as applying to creditor claims rather than property taxes and possibly limited to a primary residence, with restrictions on frequency of use. Committee discussion focused on how the exemption would affect unsecured creditors, the role of recorded mortgages and judgment liens, and whether the bill should instead establish a clearer homestead-style exemption. The bill drew both support and comments, with no action taken during the hearing. The committee also took testimony on SB 117, which would protect people making sexual misconduct claims from defamation suits unless made with malice; SB 121, a constitutional amendment to give the Senate more time to confirm judicial appointments; SB 14, a reapportionment amendment tied to the decennial census and resident population; SB 175, which would raise the mandatory retirement age for judges and justices from 70 to 75; SB 173, creating a three-year pilot program for free child care for minor children of parties and witnesses attending First Circuit court hearings; and SB 261, increasing juror pay from $30 to $50 per day. Testimony on these measures was generally supportive in the case of SB 175, SB 173, and SB 261, with some opposition on SB 14 and SB 117. On SB 173 and SB 261, committee members asked questions about practical implementation, and on SB 261 the State Bar Association said the increase was overdue and intended to encourage jury participation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Recompiling the Special Education Ombud Act in the Public School Code, making conforming amendments.
• Senate Bill 261, having been read twice by title, is ordered.
• President, in hearing the title read in, I believe that you are correct.
• Senate Bill 265, having been read twice by title, is ordered.
• Senate Bill 266, having been read twice by title, is ordered printed.

Transcript Highlights:

• We<00:31:28.080> are<00:31:28.399> still<00:31:28.720> not<00:31:28.960> getting
• Okay.<00:31:38.159> If<00:31:38.399> you<00:31:38.480> want<00:31:38.640> to<
• I'm<00:31:49.440> going<00:31:49.600> to<00:31:49.679> assume<00:31:50.000> that
• >> Okay.<01:31:25.280> Is<01:31:25.440> there<01:31:25.600> a<01:31:25.760
• :31:37.199> Oh,<01:31:37.360> so<01:31:37.520> we're<01:31:37.679> moving.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• what<00:31:02.760> we<00:31:02.880> could<00:31:03.040> do<00:31:03.160>
• <00:31:11.680> staffing<00:31:12.280> issue<00:31:13.320> um<00:31:13.440>
• I think<00:31:24.800> there's<00:31:24.960> only<00:31:25.160> one<00:31:25.320>
• So which creates<00:31:37.480> a<00:31:37.520> lot<00:31:37.720> of<00:31:37.840
• title three, but it also touches title title three, but it also touches title 14. 14. 14.

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The committee opened by explaining it would work through a long list of interim topics one at a time and asked members to complete a selection form at the end. The first topic, long-term care, drew testimony from AARP Wyoming and the Wyoming Long-Term Care Association. AARP emphasized Wyoming’s aging population, the state’s roughly $200 million annual Medicaid spending on long-term care, and the need to examine whether more support for home-based care could reduce nursing home use and costs. The association agreed with supporting people at home as long as possible, but asked that any study also consider increased support for nursing homes and assisted living when home care is no longer feasible. Committee discussion also touched on adult day care and PACE-like services, with Mr. Laycock noting prior Department of Health discussion and limited adult day availability due to reimbursement concerns. The committee then heard proposals for neonatal intensive care unit family leave, expanded midwifery scope, and a modification to workers’ compensation law. The NICU leave idea, presented by the Wyoming Women’s Foundation, would explore leave options for families with premature infants in intensive care, potentially paid or unpaid, while considering business size and the burden on families who may need out-of-state care. The midwifery topic was framed as a way to address rural maternity and women’s health gaps by allowing midwives to practice to the full extent of their training. On workers’ compensation, the Wyoming Association of Municipalities sought to classify dispatch personnel as first responders so they could receive mental health coverage under workers’ compensation; the Department of Workforce Services explained that current law covers dispatchers under workers’ compensation generally, but the first responder mental health provision added in 2018 applies to law enforcement and firefighters and does not currently include dispatchers. Other topics included problematic gaming and program funding, breast cancer diagnostic and supplemental exams, prescription drug coverage for advanced metastatic cancer, SNAP education, behavioral health workforce clinical training site shortages, CPR in schools, and broader midwifery oversight. The behavioral health workforce proposal, brought by a WICHE commissioner, focused on increasing psychology internship slots in Wyoming, noting that the state currently has only three and that expanding placements could improve recruitment and retention. The CPR in schools topic drew strong support from the American Heart Association, which argued that CPR training in high school could improve bystander response in a rural state with long EMS response times; committee members asked about cost and curriculum fit, and the witnesses said hands-only CPR could be taught by school staff rather than requiring expensive certification. The midwifery discussion later broadened into concerns about oversight and standards after a representative described a constituent’s pregnancy loss and said complaints involving midwifery practice and staffing delays in investigations warranted a deeper review. No votes were taken during the portion provided, and most topics were simply introduced, discussed, and left open for further testimony or later committee selection.

Transcript Highlights:

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• It's just<00:31:30.720> they<00:31:30.880> are<00:31:31.039> too<00:31:31.200>
• > and<00:31:37.120> most<00:31:37.360> of<00:31:37.519> the<00:31:37.679>
• <00:31:57.679> managing<00:31:58.080> that<00:31:58.320> type<00:31:58.480><
• :59.120> I<00:31:59.279> want<00:31:59.360> to<00:31:59.519> assure<00:31

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:

• <00:31:10.159> Whereas<00:31:10.480> a<00:31:10.720> civil<00:31:11.039>
• 00:31:16.640> doubt,<00:31:17.840> then<00:31:18.080> we<00:31:18.240> may
• <00:31:23.360> with,<00:31:23.760> we<00:31:24.080> can<00:31:24.240> still
• <00:31:42.880> But<00:31:43.039> once<00:31:43.200> it's<00:31:43.360> a<
• > whether<00:31:50.880> it's<00:31:51.120> a<00:31:51.360> New<00:31:51.519

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee chair opened by explaining that the committee has expanded from a traditional audit-follow-up role into an oversight role focused on whether audit recommendations are implemented and whether controls are in place to detect fraud. He said the committee was concerned about fraud uncovered in social service programs in other states and wanted to understand New Hampshire’s safeguards, especially around major contracts and program performance. Charles Buchanan, director of the New Hampshire Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and investigator Tim Brackett described the unit’s structure and mission. Buchanan said the unit, housed in the Attorney General’s Criminal Justice Bureau, investigates and prosecutes fraud by health care providers serving Medicaid beneficiaries, as well as abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of residents in health care facilities. He outlined common Medicaid fraud schemes such as billing for services not rendered, upcoding, using unqualified staff, drug substitution, kickbacks, supplemental charges, and inflated customary charges. He also described resident abuse/neglect and drug diversion in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living settings. Brackett said his role is financial investigator/auditor and noted the unit is grant-funded and must include a prosecutor, investigator, and auditor. The witnesses then explained how cases reach the unit and how they are handled. Most referrals come from the state Department of Health and Human Services’ program integrity unit and from managed care organizations’ special investigations units, which look for fraud, waste, and abuse and refer credible allegations. Other sources include qui tam whistleblower actions, the national Medicaid Fraud Control Units association, citizen complaints, provider referrals, adult protective services law-enforcement referrals, local law enforcement, and federal agencies. Once a referral is received, the unit can accept or deny it; accepted matters may be investigated criminally or civilly, while nonviable matters can be referred back to HHS or other agencies for administrative action, including repayment demands and reimbursement offsets. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the portion provided.