Video & Transcript Research : 'Chapter 45'
Page 205 of 500
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Floor Session 5/1/25 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And would<00:45:33.680>
the <00:45:34.079>uh <00:45:34.240>would <00:45:34.480>- Representative<00:45:37.680>
Ston <00:45:38.240>will <00:45:38.480>continue <00:45- Um, thank you.<00:45:42.560>
And <00:45:42.720>I <00:45:42.960>appreciate <00:45:- dramatically over<01:45:14.080>
the <01:45:14.320>last <01:45:14.960>four <01:45- >
over <01:45:53.600>that <01:45:53.960>time <01:45:54.960>in <01:45:55.199 - Representative<00:45:37.680>
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Apr 29th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I appreciate what you have and look forward to seeing what Your next chapter may be.
- Having received 45 aye votes and zero nay votes, I declare House Bill 378 to have passed.
- summer, so he would have 45 days because he's not playing full-time soldier.
- The 45 days would give the soldier a lot more time to react to that.
- Members, House Bill 4427 having received 45 'aye' votes and zero 'nay' votes.
Bills:
HB2268, HB3000, HB3043, HB3066, HB3078, HB3143, HB3144, HB3244, HB3298, HB3320, HB3467, HB3321, HB3329, HB3431, HB3464, HB3499, HB3500, HB3586, HB3590, HB3650, HB3671, HB3695, HB3700, HB3701, HB3764, HB3767, HB3834, HB3931, HB3934, HB3940, HB3944, HB3979, HB3985, HB4113, HB4294, HB4302, HB4317, HB4324, HB4359, HB4426, HB4427, HB4430, HB4431, HB4434, HJR1077, SR42, SR35, HJR1023, HB1225, HB1374, HB1381, HB1590, HB1675, HB2153
Keywords:
HB2268, Oklahoma Health Care Authority, OHCA, appropriation, General Revenue Fund, PACE, Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, elderly care, aging Oklahomans, long-term care, Medicaid, health care funding, provider reimbursement, rate increase, low-income seniors, senior services, integrated care, emergency measure, cosmetology, barbering
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HLT/HSH Joint Public Hearing - Fri Feb 7, 2025 @ 8:30 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- We’ll move on right away to our 8:45 agenda for the Committee on Health.
- American Academy of Pediatrics, Hawaii Chapter. Good morning again.
- Maya Maxim, on behalf of the Hawaii Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, representing more
- :00.840>
so <02:45:01.120>please <02:45:01.479>do <02:45:01.680>your the - /c><02:45:03.160>
know <02:45:03.439>that <02:45:03.560>there <02:45:03.680>are
Summary:
The joint hearing opened with House Bill 1462 on crisis services. Testimony from the Department of Law Enforcement, the Community Alliance on Prisons, and the Department of Health supported expanding behavioral health crisis services as an alternative to arrest or incarceration. Witnesses said additional crisis sites would help divert people in mental health crisis to appropriate care, and the Department of Health described its current crisis center in Ewa, including the need for renovations such as a padded room and the time required to get the facility operational. In response to questions, the department estimated the Ewa center’s budgeted cost at about $4.3 million, not including rent or startup repairs, and said a second site’s cost would depend on whether it was freestanding or attached to an existing facility.
The committee then heard House Bill 700 on cognitive assessments. The Executive Office on Aging supported the bill’s intent but asked that it be amended to make assessments optional rather than mandated, to pilot the program first, and to allow flexibility in handling HIPAA-protected data. SHPDA also supported the measure but said it should not be mandatory and suggested that payers reimburse for assessments when requested by patients, families, or physicians. The Alzheimer’s Association and caregivers strongly supported standardizing cognitive assessments to improve early detection and access to newer treatments, while noting the existing opt-out provision. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the bill but asked that the age 65 threshold be removed because cognitive decline can begin much earlier for people with Down syndrome, autism, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and related conditions. In response to a question, the Office on Aging said a pilot project could likely be done for about $150,000, with data security being the main added cost.
The final bill discussed was House Bill 237 on peer support programs. Testimony from Family Hui Hawaii, Early Childhood Action Strategy, peer support workers, and families described peer-to-peer programs as a cost-effective way to reduce isolation, strengthen families, and provide long-term community support. Speakers said these programs help parents and caregivers navigate crises, child welfare involvement, addiction recovery, and other challenges, and can have lasting benefits for children’s development and family stability. Several witnesses tied the bill to broader state goals, including infant and early childhood mental health, trauma-informed care, and child welfare reform. Written testimony from about a dozen organizations and individuals was also noted in support.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- >
and <00:45:49.800>the <00:45:49.920>driver <00:45:50.160>and <00:45:50.280 - :51.079>
technology <00:45:51.760>account <00:45:52.680>although <00:45:52.960>- :53.319>
of <00:45:53.440>the <00:45:53.599>transactions <00:45:54.280>you'll - transactions you'll see a line<00:45:55.520>
2.11 <00:45:56.520>uh <00:45:56.680>p< - /c><00:45:57.119>
of <00:45:57.200>it <00:45:57.319>is <00:45:57.520>deposited - :53.319>
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- expansion<00:45:02.680>
is <00:45:03.000>though <00:45:03.440>is <00:45:03.839>- <00:45:07.160>
Roman <00:45:07.720>3 <00:45:08.480>and <00:45:08.599>that's and <00:45:15.520>then <00:45:15.640>all <00:45:15.760>of <00:45:15.839><- 00:45:34.520>
zoning <00:45:34.800>ordinances <00:45:35.359>might <00:45:35.520><- >
as <00:45:36.200>a <00:45:36.400>religious <00:45:36.839>purpose <00:45: - <00:45:07.160>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session - part 2 May 12th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Now that our moratorium is coming to expire here within the next 45 days, we finally received back a
- The A-28 introduces an entirely new chapter, 256B, and a new subject in medical assistance. rates, which
- Even if they got to that benchmark of 55%, 45% of your constituents would still not be getting a single
- It varies, and I say it varies like in Ely it can be five minutes, in North Holm it can be 45 minutes
- I did hear from one of the cities in my district with concerns about response time being as long as 45
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- are, who lived a life that was planned and that you thought that you could count on what the next chapter
- I pray for you that you quickly find joy and happiness in the next chapter.
- Somewhere around the fourth chapter, sometimes I know where the house is, but not the exact address.
- Corinthians chapter 13, verse 13. And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love.
- It clarifies that when land application becomes disposal, it's enforceable under Chapter 403.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several guests, including a state champion Crossroads Academy girls basketball team and a Florida State University student intern. The chamber then turned to executive appointment confirmations reported by the Committee on Ethics and Elections and other reference committees under Rule 12.7, with Chair Don Gates explaining that the committee had reviewed the qualifications and suitability of the nominees and held public hearings where required.
Members debated several confirmations at length. The report containing 186 appointments was adopted 31-0 after Senator Polsky explained her no votes on three nominees, citing concerns about past comments and ideological views. The Senate then confirmed Jeffrey Aaron to the Public Employee Relations Commission by a 26-10 vote after sharp debate over his role as counsel to the Hope Florida Foundation and allegations tied to the diversion of Medicaid settlement funds; supporters argued he was a competent lawyer and no formal action had been taken against him. Chavon Harris was confirmed as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration by a 32-5 vote, with supporters praising her work on Medicaid funding and opponents criticizing her prior leadership at DCF and the Hope Florida-related issues. Taylor Hatch was confirmed as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families by a 33-4 vote, despite concerns raised about SNAP/EBT compliance, child welfare practices, audits, and DCF’s handling of Hope Florida; supporters emphasized her commitment to reform and the difficulty of the agency’s mission.
After a brief recess, the Senate held a lengthy recognition of outgoing President Kathleen Passidomo. Senators from both parties offered personal tributes focused on her leadership, toughness, humor, mentorship, and support for colleagues, especially women in the chamber. Several speakers also referenced her handling of difficult bills, her post-presidency service as Rules Chair, and her resilience after personal loss. No further legislative action was taken during the recognition segment.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
AEN-GVO DEFER, GVO DEFER, GVO-HHS, GVO-PSM, GVO Public Hearings 02-17-2026
Agriculture and Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- While this measure will create a new section in chapter 489 and is outside of HCRC jurisdiction, we believe
- Can you give us the actual chapter and verse of ADA so that we can make sure we have the right citation
- Can you give us the actual chapter and verse of ADA so that we can make sure we have the right citation
- respect to that from CAP. >> But this is technically infeasible being applied to the discrimination chapter
- All right, welcome back. 3:45 p.m. Agenda: Government Operations, Thursday, February 19, 2026.
Bills:
SB2094
Keywords:
toxic chemicals, environmental action levels, public notice, environmental safety, pollution control, Hawaii State Constitution, public participation, government transparency, environmental health, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 2094, which would require state agencies monitoring environmental toxins and pollutants to establish environmental action levels and limit changes to those levels without meeting procedural requirements. The chair recommended passing the bill with amendments, including inserting estimated costs for a secure portal website and webinars into the committee report and deferring the effective date to July 1, 2050. The motion passed unanimously among those voting, with excused members noted.
The committee then considered several other measures and adopted recommendations to pass them with amendments, generally adding technical and clarifying changes and setting a defective date of 2525. SB 2862 was amended to broaden the preamble, make additional appointees confirmable, clarify reporting requirements for gubernatorial appointees, and was held for further discussion. SB 2781 on lei production created a working group to review existing studies and conduct a statewide study of Hawaii’s floriculture industry. SB 3015 adopted California’s definition of PII, applied it to government agencies and political subdivisions, created a private cause of action, and required a compliance report. SB 3230 removed a categorical prohibition on certain third-party project management procurements while preserving state oversight responsibility, in line with procurement office requests.
The joint GVO Health and Human Services agenda then focused on two related bills requiring universal changing accommodations in public restrooms. SB 2932 would apply to new state building construction beginning July 1, 2026, and testimony from disability advocates, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and others supported the measure while asking for language clarifying that the requirement applies only where technically feasible and, in some cases, only to state-managed buildings. SB 2268 was described as broader, extending beyond government buildings into the private sector and including a private right of action; witnesses supported the concept but raised implementation concerns, especially for smaller businesses, and requested the same technically infeasible language and other clarifications. Both bills were advanced with amendments, and the committee noted adoption of the recommendations.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 04/13/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- ><00:45:11.400>
this <00:45:11.520>bill <00:45:11.760>is <00:45:11.880>that <00:45:18.440>So <00:45:19.040>I <00:45:19.200>I <00:45:19.560>I <00: - 45:19.640>
guess <00:45:19.840>I <00:45:19.920>can't <00:45:20.160>answer - <00:45:24.520>
Now <00:45:24.640>I <00:45:24.720>guess <00:45:24.920>I - The<00:45:29.800>
peace <00:45:30.120>officer, <00:45:30.480>not <00:45:30.640> - The<00:45:29.800>
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (02/11/2026)
Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- :25.520>
um <03:45:25.760>where <03:45:26.399>uh <03:45:26.560>kids <03:45 - <03:45:32.640>
retail <03:45:34.000>um <03:45:34.239>marketing <03:45:35.120> - If it's<04:45:01.920>
a <04:45:02.160>vape <04:45:02.560>being <04:45:02.798> - hidden<04:45:03.200>
in <04:45:03.520>some <04:45:03.760>kind <04:45:03.920>< - <04:45:09.280>
I <04:45:09.440>do <04:45:09.600>have <04:45:09.760>it
Summary:
The hearing focused on House Bill 1281, which would establish standards and voluntary certification for agency-owned “facility comfort dogs” used by police and other public safety agencies. Representative Morton, the prime sponsor, said the bill is intended to create a consistent statewide framework because different departments currently use different policies. He emphasized that the bill is meant to distinguish comfort dogs from service animals, emotional support animals, and therapy dogs, and noted that a small amendment may be needed to make that distinction clearer. He also said the bill is timely under the ADA because comfort dogs fall outside service-animal protections, but still need training standards for public safety and consistency.
Committee members questioned whether the bill was too detailed and whether the legislature should be setting rules on matters like training methods, diet, and breeding. Laura Barker of Hero Pups, who helped train New Hampshire’s first police comfort dog, supported the idea of a minimum standard but said the bill should be less prescriptive and should not interfere with therapy dogs or private handlers. She explained that comfort dogs vary in temperament and deployment needs, that raw diets raise zoonotic disease concerns, and that the program should remain voluntary and not cost the state money. Detective Michelle Jones of Portsmouth Police opposed the bill as written, saying the term “facility comfort dog” is confusing, the bill is overly restrictive, and some provisions go beyond what should be mandated by statute; she suggested a more flexible, guideline-based approach and noted that departments already have their own SOPs and can enforce them internally.
Justin Brassen of the Manchester Police Department also testified, describing the history of comfort dog programs in New Hampshire and the work of a prior subcommittee formed through the governor’s commission on PTSD among first responders. He said there are currently no statewide standards and that the earlier study involved police, fire, EMS, dispatch, corrections, and NAMI New Hampshire, with the goal of creating a thoughtful work product. He agreed the bill needs work and answered questions about how departments handle training and public access. By the end of the hearing, members and witnesses discussed possible amendments, and one committee member suggested the bill may be better handled through interim study because of the amount of work still needed.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- :00.520>
so <00:45:00.720>this <00:45:00.839>is <00:45:01.119>this <00:45: - <00:45:05.559>
know <00:45:05.839>the <00:45:06.160>the <00:45:06.280>housing - market is<00:45:07.280>
is <00:45:07.440>broken <00:45:08.160>um <00:45:08.280>< - addressing<00:45:09.599>
one <00:45:09.760>of <00:45:10.160>um <00:45:10.319> so <00:45:16.000>when <00:45:16.160>we <00:45:16.280>look <00:45:16.440><
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 1/16/25
State Government Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- :00.839>
but <00:45:00.960>we <00:45:01.079>do <00:45:01.280>think <00:45: - um<00:45:19.880>
that <00:45:20.040>says <00:45:20.240>it <00:45:20.400>all< - <00:45:40.319>
Effectiveness <00:45:41.160>are <00:45:41.400>things <00:45:41.640 - 45:43.200>
be <00:45:43.800>and <00:45:43.960>if <00:45:44.160>not <00:45: - is<00:45:48.640>
to <00:45:49.040>produce <00:45:49.440>reports <00:45:49.839
Summary:
The committee met on January 16, 2025, for an organizational and informational session. Members and staff introduced themselves, and Chair Jim Nash reviewed committee expectations, including that nonpartisan staff are to be used for factual information rather than political arguments. He also noted the committee rules were a blend of prior chairs’ rules and would be posted without a vote.
Helen Roberts of House Fiscal gave a high-level overview of the committee’s jurisdiction and budget structure. She explained that the State Government Finance Committee oversees funding for major administrative agencies, the legislature, constitutional offices, and several boards, councils, and commissions. She emphasized that the committee’s general fund base for fiscal years 2026-27 is about $1.31 billion, less than 2% of the state general fund, and that the largest pieces are the Department of Revenue, the legislature, and pension aids. She also described how all-funds presentations differ from general fund views, highlighting internal service funds such as Minnesota IT Services, Department of Administration services, and other chargeback or reimbursement arrangements. Members asked questions about House and Senate budgets, debt service related to the Capitol Area building project and move costs, and how Minnesota IT Services is funded through fee-for-service chargebacks.
Colby Sullivan of House Research then summarized a memo in the packet that outlines the entities within the committee’s jurisdiction and the constitutional and statutory provisions governing them. He pointed members to the memo as a reference and noted that the committee also has jurisdiction over the Legislative Coordinating Commission, the legislative auditor, the legislative reference library, the reviser of statutes, the Secretary of State’s budget and certain duties, and three gambling-related agencies, though gambling policy itself is generally handled by another committee. He offered to help members with bill drafting and amendments and to provide a linked electronic version of the memo.
The Office of the Legislative Auditor then began an overview of its work. Legislative Auditor Judy Randall explained that the office is nonpartisan, serves all 201 legislators, and provides oversight through financial audits, program evaluations, and special reviews focused on state funds. She distinguished the Legislative Auditor from the State Auditor, noting that the State Auditor is an elected constitutional officer who focuses on county and local government funds. Randall said the office would also present a deep dive into its November performance audit of the Minnesota State Lottery. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- <02:45:00.720>
Any <02:45:01.040>other <02:45:01.200>testifiers <02:45:01.760 - Seeing<02:45:03.040>
no <02:45:03.279>members <02:45:03.680>questions. - <02:45:48.319>
This <02:45:48.479>has <02:45:48.640>been <02:45:48.800>unle - ><02:45:50.399>
said <02:45:50.640>years <02:45:50.960>in <02:45:51.200>the - ><02:45:52.720>
we <02:45:52.960>have <02:45:53.120>worked <02:45:53.359>with - ><02:45:52.720>
Bills:
HB676
Keywords:
HB676, Hawaii correctional facilities, youth correctional facilities, adult correctional facilities, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Office of Youth Services, inmate phone calls, prison phone calls, jail phone calls, free prison calls, free communication services, incarcerated persons, prison reform, reentry, family visitation, recidivism, video visitation, electronic messaging, commissions, ancillary fees
Summary:
The committee heard three public safety bills. HB 2235 would appropriate $1.3 million for the Military Affairs and Community Relations Office to strengthen coordination on military and defense issues. Supporters, including the Hawaii National Guard and DBEDT’s military relations office, said the office helps Hawaiʻi understand federal contracting, USA Jobs, and military-related economic impacts. One member questioned why the state should fund a DoD-related office while Hawaiʻi remains under-reimbursed on impact aid; supporters responded that the office serves Hawaiʻi communities and helps prepare residents for federal jobs. The chair said she intended to recommend the bill pass with a HD1, a blank appropriation to be filled in the committee report, technical amendments, a defective effective date, and updated office title language.
HB 2263 would expand Hawaiʻi family leave law to cover qualifying military exigencies. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, DBEDT’s military relations office, and the Hawaii National Guard supported the measure, saying military families often face short-notice deployments, relocations, briefings, and urgent family arrangements that require time away from work, and that aligning state law with federal standards would provide clarity and consistency. The chair said she would recommend passage with a HD1, a defective effective date, and technical amendments.
HB 2291 would clarify that certain National Guard Youth and Educational Programs employees are excluded from collective bargaining, rename the program, and codify its Hawaiian name. The Hawaii National Guard said it was a housekeeping bill with no appropriation, but requested an amendment to align the bill with updated authorities and program references; the chair asked for proposed language before the later decision-making. She said she would recommend passage with a defective date and the requested amendment if provided, and then recessed the hearing until 11:30 a.m. for decision-making on all three bills.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 3/5/26
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:45:00.400>
And <00:45:00.640>you <00:45:00.720>know, <00:45:00.880>I< - <00:45:03.119>
to <00:45:03.440>all <00:45:03.680>of <00:45:03.760>the <00 - <00:45:09.839>
concern <00:45:10.079>to <00:45:10.240>a <00:45:10.400>lot - <00:45:24.160>
So, <00:45:24.960>it <00:45:25.200>is <00:45:25.599>uh - >
and <00:45:30.079>all <00:45:30.240>of <00:45:30.319>the <00:45:30.480><
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/05/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- 00:45:14.359>
people <00:45:14.800>right <00:45:15.319>it's <00:45:15.480>not - and<00:45:27.119>
I <00:45:27.200>know <00:45:27.280>there <00:45:27.359> - :45:31.960>
on <00:45:32.200>more <00:45:32.400>and <00:45:32.559>more <00 - <00:45:41.079>
in <00:45:41.520>changing <00:45:42.520>how <00:45:43.079> - <00:45:46.040>
to <00:45:46.160>me <00:45:46.280>is <00:45:46.400>one <00:
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 2, February 10, 2026-AM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- >
tune <00:45:30.880>in <00:45:31.119>every <00:45:31.359>day <00:45:32.079 - One<00:45:40.319>
of <00:45:40.480>those <00:45:40.640>might <00:45:40.880>be - I don't know.<00:45:42.400>
But <00:45:42.720>so <00:45:43.119>what <00:45:43.280 - >
I'm <00:45:43.440>going <00:45:43.520>to <00:45:43.599>do <00:45:43.599> - to<01:45:26.800>
the <01:45:26.960>courts <01:45:27.520>without <01:45:28.000
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Labor, Health & Social Services, February 11, 2026
Labor, Health & Social Services
Transcript Highlights:
- > way<00:45:18.400>
which <00:45:19.280>not <00:45:19.520>to <00:45:19.920>- <00:45:23.520>
normal <00:45:23.920>person <00:45:24.560>or <00:45:25.760>and - <00:45:37.839>
a <00:45:38.079>brand <00:45:38.800>that <00:45:39.040>I've - <00:45:23.520>
- .<00:45:40.560>
The <00:45:40.800>bottom <00:45:41.119>line <00:45:41.280>is< - >
local <00:45:57.040>church <00:45:58.319>and <00:45:58.560>there <00:45:
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- why I'm co-sponsor<00:45:16.880>
on <00:45:17.040>this <00:45:17.200>bill <00:45 - 45:19.200>
right <00:45:19.359>thing <00:45:19.520>to <00:45:19.760>say. - U I I'm<00:45:21.200>
not <00:45:21.359>trying <00:45:21.599>to <00:45:21.760> - <00:45:23.680>
That's <00:45:24.560>it's <00:45:24.880>not <00:45:25.040> - <00:45:25.839>
This <00:45:26.079>is <00:45:26.240>about <00:45:27.520>we
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Health Care Committee Jul 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We talk about evaluating females 16 through 45, and we're not talking about that many people, so the
- Door-to-initial brain imaging interpretation within 45 minutes of arrival.
- Well, we are scheduled for a brief break before our 10:45 presentation, so we will break for now.
- So for that same 45-day script, like, let's say Norco, what's the, what's the 45-day cost, just so I
- But our next presentation is not until 12:45, so we will have a little more time than we had scheduled
Summary:
The committee first approved the previous meeting minutes and then heard a detailed annual report from Dr. Thomas Arnold, chair of the Maternal Mortality Review Committee, on maternal mortality trends and policy issues. He explained the committee’s review process, confidentiality protections, and national and North Dakota data showing that most maternal deaths are preventable and that mental health conditions, substance use, cardiovascular issues, infection, hemorrhage, and embolism are the leading causes. Members asked about suicide, domestic violence, midwife training, home births, and whether pregnancy testing at death scenes should be expanded; Dr. Arnold said better coroner education, more investigation of unexplained deaths, and possible post-mortem pregnancy testing could improve case identification, especially in rural areas. He also noted that deaths often occur well after 42 days postpartum and that mental health-related deaths remain a major concern.
The committee then heard from State Fire Marshal Dr. Matthew Clark on cigarette reduced-ignition-propensity standards and related fire prevention issues. He recommended updating the state’s cigarette propensity law to current national standards and also raised a separate recommendation to require fast-breakaway oxygen tubing for home oxygen users, citing fatal fires linked to smoking around oxygen. Members asked about implementation, cost, insurance coverage, and whether the standards apply in tribal communities; Dr. Clark said he would provide follow-up information and was willing to help with any legislation, but no agency bill had yet been planned.
Next, Christine Greff of the Department of Health and Human Services reported on the North Dakota Stroke System of Care. She described the statewide network of stroke-ready hospitals, registry-based quality improvement, and performance data showing continued improvement in stroke recognition, imaging, thrombolytic treatment, transfers, and EMS pre-notification. She highlighted new quality measures for inter-facility transfers and intracerebral hemorrhage care, and said the system remains strong but depends on continued legislative and hospital support. Committee members asked about participation by the VA hospital and were encouraged to consider outreach to include it more fully in the stroke system.
Finally, the committee began a presentation on prior authorization and non-opioid pain treatment from Taha Khan of Vertex Pharmaceuticals. He argued that prior authorization can delay access to non-opioid acute pain medications, especially in the 24- to 72-hour post-discharge window when pain is most severe, and said delays can push patients toward opioids. He emphasized that prior authorization has a role in utilization management but should not create barriers in acute pain care, and he noted that current use of the company’s non-opioid product remains very low. The discussion was still underway when the transcript ended.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing: Human Services Committee and Health and Human Services Committee - Part 1 - 05/04/26
Transcript Highlights:
- >> Mr.<00:45:39.119>
Chair <00:45:39.359>and <00:45:39.599>Madam <00:45:39.920 - ,<01:45:03.360>
and <01:45:03.600>there <01:45:03.760>was <01:45:03.920>a - >
Reed <01:45:37.840>is <01:45:38.000>here <01:45:38.159>if <01:45:38.320> - <01:45:45.760>
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Summary:
The joint hearing opened with chairs explaining that the program integrity omnibus bill is a combined draft assembled from individual member bills and governor proposals, many of which had already been heard in committee. Members emphasized the compressed end-of-session timeline, said the language was not yet ready for enactment, and invited continued revisions as the bill moves next to judiciary and finance. Several speakers stressed the need for bipartisan collaboration, while also warning that the Legislature must act this session on program integrity rather than defer reforms.
The fiscal staff then walked through a spreadsheet showing the bill’s overall budget effects and major provisions. The package includes DHS proposals on transforming human services, market- and receipt-based rate reform, enhanced program and payment integrity, uniform service standards, nursing facility rate changes, ICS reforms, and a repeal/redesign of housing stabilization, along with child care assistance integrity and human services redesign items in DCYF. Staff highlighted that the bill combines multiple sources, including governor proposals and member bills, and noted several items that are also in the supplemental human services budget.
Committee discussion focused heavily on prepayment review, remote supports, ICS, and provider accountability. Chairs said the bill would codify prepayment review with a 60-day notice requirement after providers were caught off guard by prior rollout, and that remote supports and ICS language were placeholders or under active debate. One member argued the system needs stronger standards but cautioned against harming compliant providers, while another urged the committee to learn from good providers and warned against repeating failed implementations. Staff also reviewed thematic indexes covering billing and service delivery oversight, EVV, administrative reform, licensing and background studies, provider enrollment, sanctions, and child care provider compliance training.
No formal votes were taken in the portion provided. The hearing ended with staff beginning the index walkthrough and members indicating that posted amendments would be considered as the bill advances through the remaining committees.