Video & Transcript Research : 'human composting'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 3/27/25
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- The House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee is called to order. We do have a quorum.
- She said that, as a former Presbyterian Homes employee and now a member of the Human Services Committee
- <00:41:57.040>
right <00:41:57.280>right fundamental human right right fundamental - human right right connections<00:41:58.440>
the <00:41:58.599>ability <00:41:58.960> - <01:10:52.480>
Service nonprofit Health and Human Service nonprofit Health and Human Service
Keywords:
PACE, elderly, Medicaid, health services, long-term care, community-based services, support person, healthcare, patient rights, assisted living, community support, caregiver respite, financial eligibility, Minnesota Statutes, HF1477, residential program licensing, community residential setting, small group home, licensed capacity six or fewer, rental licensing
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- We know when we started hearing that going in, it got to be human trafficking.
- then on the other hand, we just have some real inhumane facilities that are just really not fit for human
Bills:
SJR 1, SB 9, SB 40, SJR 36, SJR 1, SJR 5, SB 9, SB 40, SR 61, SR 91, SR 97, SR 103, SR 104, SR 112, SR 115, SR 116, SCR 16, SB 26, SB 26
Keywords:
bail denial, illegal aliens, felony offenses, constitutional amendment, law enforcement, bail reform, defendants, pretrial detention, public safety, criminal justice, charitable bail organizations, bail bonds, public funds, political subdivision, injunctive relief, taxpayer rights, bail, criminal justice reform, Texas Music Advocacy Day, music industry
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 15 Feb 25th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Bills:
HB1411, HB3143, HB3144, HB3901, HCR1019, HB3981, HB4248, HB3194, HB3849, HB4095, HB4302, HB3342, HB3344, HB3287, HB3645, HB3647, HB3930, HB3931, HB1818, HB4454, HB4336
Keywords:
True Grit Trail, Oklahoma, tourism, signage, Department of Transportation, state parks, historical sites, economic development, medical marijuana, license transfer, Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, moratorium, business regulation, commercial grower licenses, licensing restrictions, agriculture, psychological autopsy, mental health, suicide prevention, state health department
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 14 Feb 24th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Bills:
HB1411, HB3143, HB3144, HB3901, HCR1019, HB3981, HB4248, HB3194, HB3849, HB4095, HB4302, HB3342, HB3344, HB3287, HB3645, HB3647, HB3930, HB3931, HB1818, HB4454, HB4336
Keywords:
True Grit Trail, Oklahoma, tourism, signage, Department of Transportation, state parks, historical sites, economic development, medical marijuana, license transfer, Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, moratorium, business regulation, commercial grower licenses, licensing restrictions, agriculture, psychological autopsy, mental health, suicide prevention, state health department
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Apr 7th, 2025
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So we heard from my district who wants to keep their land free of imported waste composting.
- And so the substitute defines a commercial food waste composting ordinance to mean a municipality ordinance
- Such entities may not deposit at a composting facility in a county that does not have a municipality.
- Meaning, if a county has a city that mandates this composting, then mandated food waste may not leave
- They do have compost...
Bills:
SB863, SB1190, SB1261, SB1413, SB1624, SB1662, SB1663, SB1855, SB1967, SB2124, SB2204, SB1623
Keywords:
Edwards Aquifer, water conservation, reclaimed water, aquifer storage, environmental protection, water loss, municipally owned utilities, Texas Water Development Board, administrative penalties, water audit, water infrastructure, water supply, state water plan, water management strategies, water financing, municipal bonds, revenue bonds, public debt, obligations, TWDB
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Health Jun 21st, 2026 at 09:00 am
Joint Committee on Public Health
Transcript Highlights:
- combination of water, alkaline chemicals, heat, and pressure to accelerate the natural decomposition of human
- We strongly support expanding residents' choice by legalizing human body disposition options of natural
- We strongly support expanding residents' choice by legalizing human body disposition options of natural
- personally, I'm a soil scientist and a soil microbiologist, really a mycologist, and I want to be composted
- I've been living here 35 years, and I don't have to ship my body out of state to be composted, at least
Summary:
The committee hearing covered a wide range of public health bills, with much of the testimony focused on two major themes: expanding access to care and stabilizing health-related workforces and services. On House 2364, an act relative to medical health and fitness facilities, representatives from Dedham Health and Athletic Club argued for a pilot program recognizing supervised exercise as medicine, saying it could improve outcomes for chronic disease, fall prevention, and mental health while reducing costs. On House/Senate bills concerning community health workers (H. 359/S. 251), multiple witnesses from MACHW, Health Care for All, MHA, Cambridge Health Alliance, Mass General Brigham, Boston Children’s Hospital, Asian Women for Health, and the City of Somerville described CHWs as essential for navigation, trust-building, language access, and addressing social needs, and urged reimbursement by MassHealth, the GIC, and private insurers, along with workforce development measures. One pediatric neurologist also told the committee that losing grant-funded CHW support led to more avoidable ER visits and threatened clinic operations.
The committee also heard extensive testimony on hospital closures and essential services. Witnesses including Dr. Alan Sager, MNA President Katie Murphy, nurses from Brockton Hospital and Providence Behavioral Health, and local officials and legislators from Norwood described the loss of hospitals and service lines, especially maternity, pediatric, and behavioral health care, and argued current closure processes are too weak to protect communities. They supported bills such as H. 2460/S. 1503 and H. 2534/S. 1574, which would require earlier notice, community input, stronger state oversight, possible receivership, and limits on reopening or expanding after closures. Testimony emphasized the impact of Steward’s bankruptcy, the closures of Carney and Neshoba Valley, and the need to preserve access to essential services in underserved areas.
Several end-of-life and professional regulation bills were also discussed. On H. 2436, Representative Omar Gomez and funeral industry witnesses supported eliminating Office of the Chief Medical Examiner fees for the removal of a child’s body in cases involving children five and under, describing the bill as a small but important relief for grieving families. On H. 2444 and related Senate bills, cemetery and consumer advocates supported legalizing alkaline hydrolysis and natural organic reduction as environmentally friendly after-death options, while cemetery representatives opposed H. 2360, which would allow funeral establishments to operate crematories, arguing cemeteries should retain that role. The committee also heard support for H. 2382, which would exempt dentists and oral surgeons from a new office-based surgical center framework, and for H. 2461, which would create hospital efficiency standards; employers and retailers backed that bill as a way to address rising health care costs.
Finally, the committee heard testimony on autism services and hospital governance. On S. 1414, behavior analysts and school representatives said Massachusetts already licenses assistant-level ABA providers but MassHealth does not reimburse them, causing long waitlists and limiting school and family access; an actuary testified that a three-tier ABA reimbursement model could reduce MassHealth costs by up to 6% per child served. Senator Lovely also testified in support of S. 1572, which would require at least one registered nurse on each acute care hospital governing board, arguing nurses’ frontline perspective would improve quality and retention. No votes were taken in the hearing excerpt, but many witnesses urged favorable reports on their respective bills.
VA
Virginia 2026 1st Special Session
March 14, 2026 - Regular Session Part 2
Virginia House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This conference report relates to compost and other products containing organic soil amendments, infrastructure
- It allows local governments to establish ordinances to reduce organic waste through composting and other
- This conference report relates to compost and other products containing organic soil amendments infrastructure
- It allows local governments to establish ordinances to reduce organic waste through composting and other
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (02/03/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- I think the monetization of composting is going to be a huge opportunity in the future. lawmakers very
- I think the monetization of composting<02:15:56.800>
is <02:15:57.040>going <02:15:57.199 - And I'm going to give a shout-out to Nasha, which has a local composting business.
- And we should be in the infrastructure we need is in recycling and composting and all of those things
- health and the protection of human health and the environment. environment. environment.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 3, 2026 - 02:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- It authorizes and regulates natural organic reduction, which is sometimes called human composting.
- So, so, accelerated conversion of human remains to soil? For what purpose, I guess.
- daisies as a just a different way to honor their loved one that is dignified and, um, and, you know, humane
- with wildflowers or daisies as just a different way to honor their loved one that is dignified and humane
- And, um, and, you know, humane and everything. Thank you. Members, any other questions?
Summary:
The Insurance and Banking Subcommittee met with a quorum present and heard four bills. HB 1231, relating to final disposition, funeral, and cemetery services, was presented as a consumer protection and workforce modernization measure. After questions about hospice/funeral provider exclusivity, direct disposal licensing, causes of action, and funeral director/embalmer licensure, the bill was amended by strike-all to remove some provisions and add authorization and regulation of natural organic reduction. Support came from funeral industry representatives, and the bill was reported favorably with the committee substitute.
HB 943 would require Citizens Property Insurance Corporation to create a commercial lines clearinghouse by January 1, 2027, to move certain commercial residential and other commercial risks into the private market while maintaining current eligibility rules. The sponsor and members discussed Citizens’ remaining commercial exposure, surplus lines participation, and carrier financial-strength guardrails. A strike-all amendment conforming to the Senate version and making technical corrections was adopted, and the bill passed favorably with the committee substitute after supportive debate from members.
HB 1221, a Department of Financial Services bill, was described as streamlining DFS processes, improving licensing, updating the My Safe Florida Home Program, strengthening public adjuster protections, and modernizing unclaimed property rules. Three amendments were adopted: notice before a My Safe Florida Home application is deemed abandoned, removal of a misdemeanor disclosure requirement for certain licensure applicants, and a provision allowing public officials to appoint or promote relatives to firefighter positions through a competitive process in a collective bargaining agreement. Testimony was generally supportive, including from firefighters and unclaimed-property claimants’ representatives, and the bill was reported favorably with a committee substitute.
HB 99, concerning reinsurance intermediary managers, would exempt certain underwriting managers handling limited facultative reinsurance business from the intermediary manager statute and instead require an agency license. With no public testimony or debate, the bill was reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Education
Transcript Highlights:
- I've seen in my own community a number of parent groups that have had to join together to develop composting
- I've seen in my own community a number of parent groups that have had to join together to develop composting
- I've seen in my own community a number of parent groups that have had to join together to develop composting
- Horace Mann's vision for Massachusetts public schools: education, then beyond all other devices of human
- origin, is the great equalizer of the conditions of man... ...but all other devices of human origin
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Education opened a hybrid public hearing on a large slate of bills related to school buildings, school finance, technology, data privacy, safety, and related education issues. Chairs Jason Lewis and Ken Gordon outlined procedures for the hearing, including two-minute testimony limits and the plan to group similar bills together. Several bills drew no testimony and were closed without further discussion, while others drew extensive testimony from legislators, school officials, parents, advocates, and educators.
A major theme was school safety and student well-being. Lori Al-Hadeth testified in support of bills on alert systems in public schools, describing the loss of her daughter in the Parkland shooting and urging adoption of Alyssa’s Law-style panic alert technology. Representative Gallagher and disability advocates also supported a bill authorizing, but not requiring, airway clearance devices in schools, arguing they could save lives in choking emergencies and provide an option for people who cannot use the Heimlich maneuver. Another bill on reducing cafeteria waste drew support from a legislator and a Lexington sustainability official, who said installing dishwashers during construction would reduce waste and long-term costs.
Much of the hearing focused on Chapter 70 school funding and the inflation cap. Senator Pavel Payano, Senator Sal DiDomenico, Representative Senna, and multiple local officials and school committee members from Bridgewater, Chelsea, Groton-Dunstable, and other districts argued that the 4.5% cap on inflation adjustments has left schools underfunded during years of high inflation, forcing layoffs, larger class sizes, and cuts to programs and student supports. They urged bills to eliminate the cap, restore lost funding, increase the Commonwealth’s share of the foundation budget, or create commissions to study reforms. Testimony also highlighted the impact on special education, English learners, and low-income students, with Chelsea witnesses saying the cap has cost their district about $7 million annually.
School construction and MSBA reform were the other major topic. AIA Massachusetts, Boston Public Schools, Lynn officials, and AFT Massachusetts described aging facilities, overcrowding, deferred maintenance, and the difficulty of financing new schools under current reimbursement rules. Boston officials said the district has many pre-World War II buildings and has only built a handful of new schools in decades, while Lynn leaders said reimbursement rates have fallen well below the statutory 80% because of caps and ineligible costs. Witnesses urged modernization of the MSBA program, higher reimbursement rates, and more resources for school construction. The committee also heard support for a bill to study the adequacy and equity of the school building program, and chairs indicated some bills would be closed after no one signed up to testify.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- HB 45 by Hall relating to the duty of the Attorney General to prosecute human trafficking, criminal offenses
- determination of fees, charges, and rates of certain benefits under Medicaid refer the Commune and Human
- municipal permitting requirements authorizing a fee of creating criminal offenses for the Committee on Human
- reimbursement rate for meals provided under the home delivered meals program for the Committee on Human
- to the Committee on State Affairs, HCR 103 by Simmons, expressing support of the Texas Health and Human
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation Apr 30th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Additionally, funding for food recovery and community composting is essential.
- On behalf of the California Compost Coalition, Rethink Waste, and CR in our Environmental Services, I
- CalRecycle has predicted that the state needs to double our existing composting capacity to meet the
- On behalf of the California Compost Coalition, Rethink Waste, and CR in our Environmental Services, I
- goals of S. needs to double our existing composting capacity to meet the goals of SB 1383.
Summary:
The Budget Subcommittee No. 4 hearing focused on the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) and cap-and-trade reauthorization, with members and panelists discussing how to balance climate goals, affordability, and legislative oversight. The chair emphasized the hearing as a broad review of past GGRF spending and future options, while the LAO outlined how GGRF revenues are generated, how variable they have been, and the tradeoffs between continuous appropriations and annual budget control. Two academic panelists, Dr. Kyle Meng and Danny Cullen Ward, argued that cap-and-trade remains an effective climate policy, but stressed that future revenue will depend heavily on market design, allowance allocation, and price levels. They also raised the idea that GGRF could be used more directly for affordability, especially by lowering electricity costs, and for targeted investments in technologies that the market would not otherwise support.
Committee members pressed the panelists on where revenues come from, how much has actually been spent, and whether continuous appropriations reduce oversight. CARB staff said more than $33 billion has been generated to date and a little over $11–12 billion has been spent, with the rest committed or in process, and noted that project timelines can be lengthy. Members also asked about ways to lower electricity rates, reduce wildfire-related utility liabilities, and support electrification. The panelists said transportation fuels are the largest source of GGRF revenue, that industrial emitters receive a smaller share of free allowances, and that reducing wildfire liability and investing in grid-scale batteries could help lower costs and speed decarbonization.
Public commenters largely urged the Legislature to preserve or expand continuous appropriations for specific climate programs. Speakers supported funding for nature-based solutions, natural and working lands, urban greening, agricultural climate solutions, waste and composting programs, clean transportation, AB 617 community air protection, clean cars, transit, affordable housing near transit, and dairy digesters. Several groups argued these programs are cost-effective, provide public health and affordability benefits, and should receive dedicated shares of GGRF. Others urged reducing free allowances and using more GGRF revenue to directly lower energy costs for households. No votes were taken during the hearing.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Public Health, HB45 by Hull, relating to... relating to the duty of the Attorney General to prosecute human
- determination of fees, charges, and rates of certain benefits under Medicaid for the Community and Human
- Residents without a license creating criminal offense or for the Committee on Human Services, HB 2511
- Refer to the Committee on Human Services.
- Timmons expressing support of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission of application to the cell
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Natural Resources Committee Sep 12th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Holly, from Meaning to A.S.U., on behalf of Habitat for Humanity California, says they are very supportive
- Noel Melroy, on behalf of the California Compost Coalition, Rethink Waste, and the Electric Vehicle Charging
- Noel Melroy, on behalf of the California Compost Coalition, Rethink Waste, and the Electric Vehicle Charging
Summary:
The Assembly Natural Resources Committee heard three major bills. SB 237, by Senator Grayson, proposed a package of fuel-supply and permitting changes aimed at stabilizing gasoline prices during California’s energy transition. Supporters, including state officials, Kern County representatives, labor groups, and industry groups, said it would help retain in-state refining and drilling capacity, reduce price spikes, and protect jobs. Opponents, including environmental justice and conservation groups, argued it would expand oil drilling without enough community protections and would not meaningfully address climate goals. After extensive testimony and questions about emissions, sunsets, and long-term strategy, the committee passed SB 237 on a due pass vote, with some members voting no or not voting.
SB 352, by Senator Reyes, sought to strengthen implementation of AB 617, the community air protection program, by codifying the Environmental Justice Bureau in the Department of Justice, extending monitoring requirements, and requiring annual legislative reporting. Supporters said the bill would improve accountability and ensure that funding for impacted communities actually produces emissions reductions. Some environmental justice advocates were neutral or not fully supportive because they wanted stronger language, while business and industry groups opposed the bill, arguing it was added late and duplicated existing processes. The committee approved SB 352 on a due pass vote.
SB 840, by Senator Limon, was the cap-and-invest reauthorization package. It would update offset protocols, adjust how revenues are spent, and continue funding for key climate, housing, transit, and community programs, including AB 617. Support came from environmental groups, labor, local governments, housing advocates, and clean transportation organizations, while some agricultural interests objected that the package did not sufficiently prioritize climate-smart agriculture and methane reduction programs. The committee passed SB 840 on a due pass vote as well. All three measures were later confirmed out of committee after calls were lifted.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Delivery of Government Efficiency May 7th, 2025
Delivery of Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- Can compost. Cook Curry Garcia Cry. Oka. Yes.
- Importantly, this bill promotes human-centric adoption of AI by ensuring that governments don't use AI
- as an excuse for actors to turn a blind eye and allow harm to befall Texans without a human in the loop
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- arises from our history, from our land, our identity, as a people who value liberty, the dignity of human
- successful legislation in this House which holds justice. justice, liberty, and the pursuit of genuine human
- Speaker. 733 734 735 736 737 738 739 740 741 742 743 Please excuse represent compost because of important
Bills:
HR34, HR36, HR38, HR39, HR41, HR42, HR43, HR67, HR68, HR73, HR77, HR81, HR104, HR166, HR201, HR202, HR223, HR226, HR233, HR234, HR246, HR264, HR266, HR268, HR271, HR280, HR282, HR286, HR291, HR292, HR296, HR298, HR319, HR326, HR329, HR348, HR354, HR373, HR376, HR381, HR385, HR386, HR387, HR391, HR394, HR395, HR396, HR399, HR400, HR402, HR403, HR404, HR408, HR409, HR410, HR413, HR414, HR417, HR418, HR419, HR422, HR424, HR429, HR435, HR439, HR440, HR22, HR88, HR94, HR136, HR194, HR231, HR302, HR397, HR416, HR420, HR421, HR423, HR430, HR431
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- It's not just us, and also that we met because I was not a whole human being before I met him and before
- restaurants, water, hotels, laundry; HB 2717, sexual assault survivor; HB 2819, state landscaping; Arizona compost
- consequences of intolerance, bigotry, and hatred, and underscores the importance of promoting respect, human
- on the lessons of the Holocaust and continue to work together to build a future that values the humanity
- the people, to realize that in order to go forward, you need to recognize each and every person as a human
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and recognized Dr. Heidi Teval as Doctor of the Day. Members then offered personal tributes to former Representative Noel Campbell, who died in a motorcycle accident, and observed a moment of respectful silence in his honor. The chamber also welcomed several guest groups and individuals, including members of the Arizona Muslim Association for Muslim Day, Holocaust survivors and descendants for International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Arizona Dental Association representatives, food bank and anti-hunger advocates for Food Bank Day at the Capitol, and students and seniors from Arizona Cultural Academy and GCU.
The main floor action was House Concurrent Resolution 2045, honoring the life and public service of former Congressman Raul Grijalva. The resolution detailed his career in local, state, and federal public service, his advocacy for public education, environmental protection, tribal sovereignty, and social justice, and his family legacy. The House unanimously adopted the resolution and ordered it transmitted to the Senate, followed by a moment of respectful silence. Members also introduced the Grijalva family on the floor.
Later, Representative Alma Hernandez read a proclamation marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day, emphasizing remembrance of the Holocaust, opposition to antisemitism, and the importance of education and human dignity. Holocaust survivor Oscar Noblach and Dr. Mark Olski, along with Hannah Sperberberger, shared personal remarks about survival, loss, resilience, and the need to reject hate. The House also received announcements about committee meetings, including Commerce, Education, Natural Resources, Energy and Water, Regulatory Oversight, Government, International Trade, Judiciary, and Ways and Means, and then adjourned until 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Calling the 1:00 joint agenda of Health, Human Services, Agriculture, and Environment Committee.
- Human waste and fecal material pollute our lands, freshwater, and oceans.
- Calling the 134 calendar of the Health and Human Services. First up, SB 1242, relating to nurses.
- Calling the 134 calendar of the Health and Human Services. First up, SB 1242, relating to nurses.
- He said he opposes that bill, and any bill that he believes is meant to depopulate the human race.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills related to cesspools, Red Hill cleanup, water testing, environmental governance, and beverage container recycling. For SB 472, SB 501, SB 675, and SB 958 on cesspools, most testimony supported accelerating cesspool conversion and expanding Department of Health capacity, though the Attorney General flagged a single-subject issue on SB 472 and the Department of Health and others raised concerns about funding, program structure, and coordination. Supporters emphasized cesspools as a major water pollution source and urged earlier deadlines, while some testimony questioned the tax credit approach and asked for clearer grant and staffing language.
For SB 639 on underground storage tanks and Red Hill cleanup, the Department of Health asked for clearer cleanup standards and noted limits on laboratory detection and sampling, while supporters argued the bill would create a binding legal standard for remediation and help prevent reopening of the facility. Testimony also stressed the need to remove all contamination to the extent practicable and protect aquifers and drinking water. SB 664 on water quality testing drew strong support from residents and water advocates, but the Department of Health warned the measure could duplicate existing authority and create significant cost; the Board of Water Supply supported the concept while noting it would expand responsibilities into private-property testing.
SB 674 on environmental advisory council and waste reduction received mixed testimony: supporters said it would help address landfill siting and protect water resources, while industry groups requested changes to advisory council membership and exemptions for certain products, and one witness opposed the measure. For SB 1067 on deposit beverage container recycling, the Attorney General said the grant language may be constitutionally problematic because it lacks standards, while industry testimony both supported the recycling goals and asked for amendments, including broader representation on the advisory council and clearer treatment of compostable and packaging-related issues. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion provided.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- at the Hawaii Department of Human at the Hawaii Department of Human Services.<00:10:05.279>
Um - Joseph Compost, Deputy Director, Department of Human Services. Thank you, Chair Senator Kho.
- > >> Joseph Compost deputy director >> Joseph Compost deputy director department<00:42:09.599
- <00:42:44.960>
services, affairs, department of human services, affairs, department of human - know this because you folks do human know this because you folks do human services<00:47:49.680>
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services held an informational briefing on the federal shutdown’s impact on state benefits, with the main focus on SNAP. DHS Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division Administrator Scott Morish explained that SNAP serves about 86,229 households statewide, or 168,947 individuals, and averages roughly $58–60 million in monthly federal benefits. He said USDA directed states to suspend November SNAP benefits effective November 1 if the shutdown continues, while existing October balances on EBT cards remain usable and cash benefits such as TANF, General Assistance, and AABD are not affected. DHS said it has continued processing applications, recertifications, interviews, and required reporting, and has posted public guidance on its website.
Morish also reviewed other SNAP-related changes taking effect November 1 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including expanded able-bodied adult work requirements and tighter non-citizen eligibility rules. He said the work requirements now extend from ages 18–54 to 18–64 and apply to additional groups previously exempt, while only lawful permanent residents, COFA residents, and Cuban or Haitian entrants will remain eligible among non-citizens. He also noted Hawaii’s ongoing SNAP benefit reduction tied to a federal calculation error in the thrifty food plan, which has lowered benefits by about $8 per person per month for the past three years.
On the state response, DHS said it is working with the Hawaii Food Bank and seeking $2 million in state funding to support it, and is also developing a Hawaii Relief Program using TANF reserve funds. The program is intended as a short-term housing and utility assistance program for families with dependent children under 300% of the federal poverty level, with up to four months of assistance. Senators questioned why rainy day funds were not being used and whether the state could directly fund EBT cards; DHS responded that the TANF approach was the fastest available option, that EBT delivery involves significant technical and administrative mechanics, and that the department is still in discussions with the vendor and other stakeholders about additional options.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - 02/05/25
Jobs and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- PFAS manufacturers knew in the 1950s that these chemicals are toxic and harm human health, and we all
- PFAS manufacturers knew in the 1950s that these chemicals are toxic and harm human health, and we all
- PFAS manufacturers knew in the 1950s that these chemicals are toxic and harm human health, and we all
- PFAS manufacturers knew in the 1950s that these chemicals are toxic and harm human health, and we all
- PFAS manufacturers knew in the 1950s that these chemicals are toxic and harm human health, and we all