Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:25:16.400><c> death</c> David also submitted a bill giving supervisors more flexibility in scheduling
• could have been avoided if the word Saturday was not in the law, allowing us more flexibility in scheduling
• 12.880><c> in</c> the law, allowing us more flexibility in the law, allowing us more flexibility in scheduling
• </c><00:27:14.799><c> I</c><00:27:15.120><c> simply</c><00:27:15.440><c> ask</c> scheduling our sessions
• I simply ask scheduling our sessions.

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• lady had a skiing accident at school and has gone through numerous surgeries and has another one scheduled
• trouble finding health care providers that would work with my family to... on an alternate vaccine schedule
• I had never been told the entire vaccine schedule had never been studied for long-term health outcomes
• Obviously, if you're driving... to the ER under stressful circumstances, but if you're going in for a scheduled
• Our intention is to meet Wednesday morning at 8 a.m., unless the schedule dictates otherwise.

Bills: SB95 , SB268 , SB493 , SB619 , SB660 , SB922 , SB984 , SB1098 , SB1188 , SB1307 , SB1332 , SB1822

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Keywords: immunization, written informed consent, civil liability, health care provider, vaccine compensation, administrative penalty, health care, licensing, complaint procedure, disciplinary action, law enforcement, pharmacy benefit manager, PBM, gag clause, prescription drug pricing, out-of-pocket cost, cash price, pharmacist, pharmacy, prescription drug benefit

Transcript Highlights:

• unmet needs, deferred maintenance issues such as bus replacement, Chromebook replacement, salary schedule
• improvements to fix issues we've had with our steps and grades within our salary schedule so that we
• </c><01:09:49.440><c> improvements</c><01:09:50.160><c> to</c><01:09:50.319><c> fix</c> salary schedule
• improvements to fix salary schedule improvements to fix issues<01:09:51.520><c> we've</c><01:09:51.759
• </c><01:09:55.360><c> so</c> grades within our salary schedule so grades within our salary schedule so

Keywords: 0:00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 0:00:28 Approval of Minutes 0:00:40 Information Items 0:01:13 Rpt from Postsecondary Institutions 0:26:46 Project Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 0:30:53 Lease Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 0:39:20 Rpt from OFM – KIA 0:52:42 Econ Development – EDF Grants 0:55:15 OFM Debt Issues 0:58:43 Informational Discussion 1:44:36 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, including a quorum call, approval of minutes, and informational items on school district financing and KCTCS equipment purchases. It then considered two KCTCS capital projects after initially rolling them together and later unrolling them: a Fire Commission Fire Academy maintenance building project that had grown from an original $2 million authorization to $4.7 million because of design changes, soil issues, and higher mechanical costs, and a $1.5 million renovation of the Blake Lee building at Somerset Community College for a health science simulation lab. Members questioned the large cost increase on the fire academy project and the adequacy of front-end due diligence, while KCTCS said the project was bid and ready to proceed and that a 15% contingency had been included. Both projects were approved by roll call vote, with the Blake Lee project ultimately approved after the committee unrolled the items and took them separately. The committee next heard and approved a University of Kentucky public-private partnership for the Hamburg East Medical Office Building, a five-story, 220,000-square-foot facility with a not-to-exceed budget of $275 million. UK said the project is intended to expand outpatient access, consolidate some services, and support projected growth in patient volume; the building will house multiple specialties, urgent care, therapy, imaging, and a retail pharmacy. Members asked about possible community uses, consolidation of services, and whether the project would free up other space, and UK said it hopes to consolidate some services and free campus space. The project was approved by roll call vote. The committee then approved three UK lease renegotiations: a specialty pharmacy and infusion services lease at Wellington Way in Lexington, a Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences lease at Conte Terrace, and a College of Social Work lease at McGrath Park Way. Members asked about rising lease rates, occupancy, and whether space needs should be reduced; UK and the lessor’s representative said the pharmacy space remains busy, the ophthalmology lease was lower than before, and the social work lease had been negotiated down from a higher request. The committee also approved a Department of Military Affairs project amendment for a Mutual Field Maintenance Shop Restoration project, increasing federal funding by $1 million to $4.5 million because of higher construction costs, and approved a Kentucky State University Shanty Hall renovation project funded by bond and HBCU Title III funds. Finally, it approved a new lease for the Office of Mines and Minerals in Pike County, a new lease for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services in Pulaski County, and a lease renewal for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services in Kenton County after questions about rent increases and office utilization; the cabinet said the Kenton County space still has limited vacancy and remains in use by field staff. The meeting ended as the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority began presenting six sewer and water loans and six cleaner water program grant reallocations, with members agreeing to roll those items for later consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• number of factors like children's characteristics, type of care provided, enrollment patterns, family schedule
• This schedule mirrors the initial apportionment schedule for in-contract funds, where providing funds
• But we do think, from the state's schedule in terms of making an appropriation, this is different than
• We do have a Medi-Cal fee-for-service fee schedule for payment rates in the fee-for-service delivery
• their managed care plan, the rates that they’re receiving may be similar or equivalent to our fee schedule

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• number of factors like children's characteristics, type of care provided, enrollment patterns, family schedule
• This schedule mirrors the initial apportionment schedule for in-contract funds, where providing funds
• But we do think, from the state's schedule in terms of making an appropriation, this is different than
• year 2025-26, and another $8 million in 2026-27, one-time, related to updated program activation schedules
• We do have a Medi-Cal fee-for-service fee schedule for payment rates in the fee-for-service delivery

Summary: The committee first heard May Revision child care and human services items. The Department of Child Support Services described two technical adjustments, which the analyst supported. The Department of Social Services then walked through child care proposals, including a reduction in federal and Proposition 64 funding absorbed through a shift from General Child Care to the Alternative Payment program, a 2.01% child care COLA, disaster-related infrastructure grants, a new administrative support cost structure for Alternative Payment agencies, the removal of prospective pay funding after a federal rule change, a reappropriation for existing infrastructure grants, and estimates of unspent child care funds. The Legislative Analyst’s Office recommended asking for more justification for shifting reductions to CAP, supported the COLA reduction but wanted consistency across programs, recommended removing prospective pay funding, opposed the administrative cost shift, and suggested further review of disaster grant alignment. Members pressed the administration on why more slots would be cut for the same savings, why the COLA was reduced, and whether the administrative percentage would grow over time. The administration said the changes were intended to avoid disrupting currently enrolled families, reflect point-in-time relinquishments and unspent funds, and stabilize contractor operations. Public commenters, including providers, advocates, and county representatives, urged full COLA funding, rejection of child care slot reductions, preservation of prospective pay, and continued investment in child care infrastructure and access. The subcommittee then recessed before moving to health items. In Part B, the Department of State Hospitals presented its May Revision proposals, including a central utility plant replacement project at Metropolitan State Hospital, funding for a continuum electronic health record system, reduced county bed billing authority to reflect phase-in of additional LPS beds, limited contract exemption authority for online clinical subscription services, reversion of prior-year unspent operating funds, and a workforce development proposal to use Behavioral Health Services Act funds instead of General Fund for training programs. The department said the EHR would modernize records and improve continuity of care, and that the contract exemption would prevent delays in essential clinical information services. No votes were taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Only one other state, I can't remember which one, also does a regularly scheduled tax incidence study
• </c><00:26:23.200><c> tax</c><00:26:23.480><c> incidence</c> does a regularly scheduled tax incidence
• does a regularly scheduled tax incidence study<00:26:24.440><c> of</c><00:26:24.720><c> of</c><00:26
• ,</c><01:15:55.080><c> which</c><01:15:55.320><c> will</c> middle school schedules, which will middle
• school schedules, which will eliminate<01:15:56.080><c> many</c><01:15:56.360><c> of</c><01:15:56.480

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Believe me, we have left no stone unturned, and the project is actually scheduled to go online in June
• Believe me, we have left no stone unturned, and the project is actually scheduled to go online in June
• to go online in June scheduled to go online in June and<00:51:43.240><c> we</c><00:51:43.480><c> are
• It is a coal-fired power plant that has been in operation since 1958 and is scheduled for retirement
• Supervisors to kind of engage with your employees to see: are there scheduling changes that we can do

Committee: Senate Capital Investment

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They adjusted their schedules and they're working together on new approaches.
• /c><00:31:30.000><c> working</c> their schedules and they're working their schedules and they're working
• Why are you behind schedule? What are the obstacles?
• Why are you<00:53:45.040><c> behind</c><00:53:45.359><c> schedule?
• What are the you behind schedule? What are the obstacles?

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And I want to remind everyone, this is a Schedule I drug. This is a hallucinogen.
• <01:07:07.480><c> one</c> schedule one schedule one drug. drug. drug.
• It's Schedule I for a reason.
• So we need to look at them individually, not just bring up the Schedule I designation, because frankly
• That is all 14 bills we had on the schedule for executive session this morning. >> Mr. Chair.

Committee: House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A worker who receives Schedule II opioids is six times more likely to experience chronic work loss than
• A worker<00:42:15.200><c> who</c><00:42:15.440><c> receives</c><00:42:15.760><c> schedule</c><00:42:16.160
• ><c> 2</c><00:42:16.400><c> opioids</c> worker who receives schedule 2 opioids worker who receives schedule
• Um what we have scheduled is to Okay.
• Um what we have scheduled is to break<01:25:47.920><c> for</c><01:25:48.159><c> lunch.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board met with a quorum, approved the November 12 minutes by voice vote, and then heard a presentation from former Governor Ernie Fletcher and Dave Johnson on Medicaid reimbursement for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Fletcher argued that addiction should be treated as a chronic disease requiring a longer continuum of care, not just short residential stays, and said recovery should combine clinical treatment with social supports such as housing, transportation, employment, peer coaching, and recovery housing. He cited data on overdose trends, low treatment rates, and high costs for people with SUD, and said current reimbursement models create poor incentives and do not adequately support long-term recovery or measure outcomes well. Fletcher proposed a “carve through” model administered at the MCO level with standardized metrics, data sharing, and an independent recovery coordinator that would assess patients, coordinate care, and connect them to clinical and social recovery services. He suggested using bundled payments, shared savings, and partial risk arrangements, with recovery housing reimbursed on a PMPM or weekly basis and funded in part through existing Medicaid spending and other sources such as opioid abatement funds. He also emphasized peer support, telemedicine, criminal justice coordination, workforce and education supports, and the use of technology, including text messaging and possibly AI, to maintain long-term follow-up and identify relapse risk. Members questioned how the model would work in practice, especially the education and staffing requirements for recovery coordinators, reimbursement levels, and how many patients each coordinator or peer would serve. Fletcher said peers could be certified and would need additional training in assessments such as ASAM and recovery residence standards, but he did not give a precise salary figure, saying the market and bundled rates would determine that. He also said follow-up should continue for years, noting relapse risk over the first 18 to 24 months and that meaningful employment and ongoing peer contact help sustain recovery. No formal vote or action was taken on the substance use presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• We all were hoping that the shutdown would end by now, and that's the reason why we have scheduled it
• </c><00:08:42.560><c> it</c><00:08:42.719><c> for</c><00:08:42.959><c> as</c> reason why we have scheduled
• it for as reason why we have scheduled it for as late<00:08:43.360><c> as</c><00:08:43.519><c> it</c
• </c><00:46:45.680><c> this</c><00:46:46.240><c> um</c> reason we had scheduled this um reason we had
• scheduled this um informational<00:46:47.760><c> briefing</c><00:46:48.319><c> as</c><00:46:48.640><c

Keywords: 912, senate, all

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• So within HRS 712-1249, we talk about marijuana, but also scheduled five substances, which would be such
• marijuana we talk about they talk about marijuana but<00:16:45.600><c> also</c><00:16:46.160><c> scheduled
• c><00:16:47.279><c> five</c><00:16:47.680><c> substances</c><00:16:48.480><c> which</c> but also scheduled
• five substances which but also scheduled five substances which would<00:16:48.959><c> be</c><00:16:49.759
• and the sheriff's department and determine whether the arrest was marijuana or whether it was for Schedule

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs held an information briefing on expungement and record clearance, with Chair David Tarnis and Vice Chair Mahina Poo Poy emphasizing second chances and the legislature’s recent work on state-initiated relief. The chair reviewed prior measures, including Act 62 (2024), which created Hawaii’s first state-initiated expungement pilot for certain non-conviction cannabis-related arrests, Act 159 (2023), which required automatic sealing or removal of expunged records from the judiciary’s public database, and Act 241 (2024), which created the Clean Slate Task Force. He said the committee invited the Clean Slate Initiative and Code for America because of their national experience with state-initiated record clearance systems. Phil Hickden of the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center and Attorney General’s office reported that Act 62 was implemented using existing resources and no new funding, initially covering single-charge, pre-2020 arrests in Hawaii County for possession of less than one ounce of marijuana and later expanded by Act 005 (2025) to all arrests under HRS 712-1249 regardless of drug type. He said the project identified 2,268 potentially eligible records, with 1,072 processed so far, 989 granted and 83 denied, and that the work has taken about 872 staff hours and roughly 45 days per expungement. He also said the office has identified about 412,000 people who could potentially qualify for expungement under broader legislation, though that estimate does not include case-by-case research. Michelle Acasta of the judiciary explained that Act 159 changed the process so HCJDC now digitally transmits expungement certificates to the court, eliminating the applicant’s second step of filing paperwork with the court. She said the courts still manually review eligibility, but the process is easier because certificates now include a case ID and HCJDC provides additional information to help locate records. She reported that since implementation the courts received 125 certificates in July and 87 in August, with 17 court orders filed in July and August, including 81 in the First Circuit, 14 in Maui, 7 in the Third Circuit, and 15 in the Fifth Circuit. She also noted that the Hawaii Supreme Court’s State v. Rogan decision affects procedure by requiring a written request or motion, an opportunity to be heard, and written findings for sealing court records, and that new Supreme Court rules are expected for public comment. Members asked about qualitative outcomes and whether the process could be expanded statewide; staff said they do not track recidivism or personal stories, and the chair encouraged further discussion before the next session to identify barriers and capacity needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• 1 drug, but the fact of the matter is it doesn't belong on Schedule 1.
• </c><01:14:21.199><c> It's</c><01:14:21.440><c> a</c><01:14:21.600><c> schedule</c><01:14:21.920><c>
• It's a schedule one cannabis debate.
• </c><01:14:25.679><c> It</c><01:14:25.920><c> is</c> doesn't belong on schedule one.
• It is doesn't belong on schedule one.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The phasing and scheduling of the work and taking care of the stakeholders' needs as well.
• Workshops are facilitated during the pre-construction period to improve the schedule and lower costs.
• In terms of schedule, CMGC can really fast track a project delivery and gets it done fast.
• Thank you for coming, but we're trying to stay on schedule here. Appreciate it. Thank you.
• It allows me to have a flexible schedule so that I can go to a show or manage other commitments.

Bills: HB2065 , HB2462 , HB2621 , HB3187 , HB3539 , HB3563 , HB3726 , HB4164 , HB4207 , HB4368 , HB4706 , HB4916 , HB4950 , HB4967 , HB5177 , HB4429 , HB5597

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: commercial vehicles, parking regulations, residential areas, local governance, land use, traffic safety, high occupancy vehicle lane, pregnant operators, transportation, parental rights, motor vehicle regulations, live video feed, state agency, transparency, public safety, regional transportation, mobility program, sales tax, public infrastructure, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• in their area, the pediatricians will not see their kid if they deviate at all from the vaccine schedule
• agnostic about the exclusion of parents and families who wanted to deviate from the CDC's vaccine schedule
• From the CDC's vaccine schedule.
• . and in their most recent policy. from the CDC's vaccine schedule.
• for a shift when a co-worker doesn't show up, how to show up on time, how to be responsible and schedule

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The committee first took up CS/SB 1606 on patient access to records. Sponsor Senator Grall explained an amendment that aligned the bill more closely with HIPAA by defining “designated record set,” allowing a 14-day extension, and requiring records to be produced in the requested form if readily producible. Several senators asked about patient portals, legal representatives, and whether the bill applied post-mortem; Grall said the bill was limited to authorized access during the patient’s life. Testimony was largely opposed, with health information and provider groups warning that the bill could create cybersecurity risks, conflict with HIPAA and meaningful-use rules, burden facilities, and improperly broaden access to portals and sensitive records. Supporters argued it would improve patient access and speed. The amendment was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably by roll call vote after debate on the bill as amended. The committee then considered CS/SB 712 on construction regulations. Grall described provisions on synthetic turf, change orders, public works bidding, elevator rails, alarm contractor scope, tall mass timber, pool and spa contractor scope, spaceport exemptions, permit document limits, and solar/energy storage inspections. Two amendments were adopted: one removed pool and spa contractor language and delayed the change-order provision until July 1, 2025; the other removed the tall mass timber section. Pool contractors testified against the scope expansion in the original bill, while others supported the remaining provisions. Senators raised concerns about the Florida Building Commission process and how the public-works language might affect small-business participation, but the bill as amended was ultimately reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 1288 on parental rights. Grall said the bill would require parental consent for most minor health care decisions, allow parental access to records, restrict surveys/questionnaires, and limit use of biofeedback devices, while preserving certain exceptions such as emergency care and STD testing. An amendment clarified questionnaire opt-outs for K-12 students, added court-order exceptions, addressed DNA sampling for criminal investigations, refined biofeedback language, and added emergency behavioral health exceptions; it was adopted. The bill drew extensive testimony both for and against: supporters said it restored parental authority and protected children from decisions they are not equipped to make, while opponents argued it would endanger minors seeking confidential STI, mental health, or abuse-related care, especially in unsafe homes. Senators also debated whether the bill would conflict with existing laws and whether it could leave some minors untreated. The transcript ends during continued public testimony on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• If we have a network failure, it may be necessary to reschedule the hearing or schedule a meeting for
• accomplish what you're seeking to accomplish possibly, Chair, is requiring annual filings of your Schedule
• accomplish what you're seeking to accomplish possibly, Chair, is requiring annual filings of your Schedule
• accomplish what you're seeking to accomplish possibly, Chair, is requiring annual filings of your Schedule
• G of your Schedule F, which is the farm tax return, the ACT dedication with the counties.

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• $2.9 billion on the Southwest Light Rail, and it was just to give a little history: in 2011 it was scheduled
• </c><00:07:45.919><c> 2011</c><00:07:46.919><c> it</c><00:07:47.039><c> was</c><00:07:47.240><c> scheduled
• </c> little history in 2011 it was scheduled little history in 2011 it was scheduled to<00:07:47.840>
• experience has shown us is extremely expensive, usually way over budget and usually years behind schedule
• </c> budget and usually years behind schedule budget and usually years behind schedule that<00:32:09.639

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• that we are requiring a public ensuring that we are requiring a public hearing<00:37:58.160><c> schedule
• c> uh</c><00:37:59.319><c> this</c><00:37:59.560><c> actually</c><00:37:59.800><c> I</c> hearing schedule
• uh this actually I hearing schedule uh this actually I think<00:38:00.119><c> follows</c><00:38:00.560
• We encourage language that commits to hearings scheduled during the evenings and weekends to maximize
• during the evenings and scheduled during the evenings and weekends<00:57:53.640><c> to</c><00:57:53.839

Committee: House Elections Finance and Government Operations

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• both agreed to reschedule<00:49:13.960><c> cannabis</c><00:49:14.400><c> to</c><00:49:14.559><c> schedule
• </c><00:49:15.040><c> three</c> reschedule cannabis to schedule three reschedule cannabis to schedule
• Finally, for this committee's consideration, is that when it goes from Schedule I to Schedule III, that'll
• 29.960><c> from</c> consideration is that when it goes from consideration is that when it goes from schedule
• <01:09:30.440><c> one</c><01:09:30.600><c> to</c><01:09:30.719><c> schedule</c><01:09:31.080><c> three

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Health and Human Services and Judiciary meeting heard testimony on several measures, with most of the discussion focused on SB 709 and SB 955. On SB 709, relating to mental health data and related appropriations, the Department of Health supported the bill’s intent and said the funding would help maintain a data dashboard and positions, though it had no suggested amount for one blank appropriation. Members also discussed whether sections of the bill were duplicative of existing data reporting. The committees later recommended SB 709 be passed with amendments, including technical changes, deferring the date to December 31, 2050, and blanking out the appropriation for later clarification. SB 955, relating to fitness to proceed, drew mixed testimony. Judiciary opposed portions of the bill, saying some changes could have unintended practical consequences. The Office of the Public Defender supported the bill’s intent but urged keeping a three-member evaluation panel rather than reducing it to two, warning that a two-panel process could create delays if a third evaluator had to be added later. A former Hawaii State Hospital clinician said the bill placed too much blame on the courts and should address institutional and administrative problems at the hospital more directly. The Department of Health supported the intent and said it appreciated efforts to address overcrowding. After discussion about examiner shortages and status hearings, the committees recommended SB 955 be passed with amendments reducing the number of qualified examiners from three to one and making related technical changes. The committee also heard SB 1228, a child welfare services measure creating a working group related to youth legal representation and child welfare reform. DHS requested adding a Child Welfare Services representative to the work group, and multiple advocates, including the National Center for Youth Law and Hawaii Youth Services Network, testified in strong support, emphasizing the need for youth voice and implementation of Malama Ohana recommendations. Members asked whether this working group overlapped with another recently passed working group bill; testimony indicated the two measures addressed different issues. The meeting then recessed and later resumed for decision-making on the 9 o’clock calendar, where SB 709 was adopted with amendments and SB 955 was adopted with amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• We may end up providing it on a lengthened repayment schedule, or we may choose to pay it just as it
• providing it on a lengthened uh uh providing it on a lengthened uh uh repayment<00:30:52.559><c> schedule
• or we may choose to repayment schedule or we may choose to pay<00:30:55.799><c> it</c><00:30:56.000>
• </c><02:23:32.680><c> for</c><02:23:32.840><c> the</c> 1 and I have nothing scheduled for the 1 and I
• have nothing scheduled for the morning<02:23:34.800><c> okay</c><02:23:35.399><c> so</c><02:23:35.600

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: Division 3 Finance held a work session to move through five bills before noon, noting one member’s early departure and adjusting the order of bills accordingly. The first item, HB 54, would allow some alternative treatment centers in the medical cannabis system to operate for profit. Members discussed a fiscal note showing a one-time $133,000 cost, which was described as a Division 1 budget item to be handled through HB 2 rather than directly in Division 3. After discussion about keeping Division 1 informed and the distinction between retaining a bill versus funding it, the committee voted unanimously to retain HB 54 for further finance work and conversion into HB 2. The committee then took up HB 547, concerning reimbursement to counties for enhanced FMAP funds during the COVID period. The chair summarized the issue as federal enhanced Medicaid matching funds that were received by the state before authority existed to pass them through to counties, creating a disputed amount owed to counties. County representatives said the money should have gone to counties and clarified the relevant time period, while the department did not take a position. The chair proposed retaining the bill and moving it into HB 2, with discussion of a possible four-year repayment structure in equal annual installments. The committee agreed to retain the bill for continued work in the budget process. During the HB 547 discussion, members also clarified the fiscal and accounting details, including that the fiscal note had not been widely available and that some figures in the note should be treated as county revenue rather than county expenditure. Testimony explained that the enhanced FMAP increased from 50 percent to 56.2 percent, and that the state’s and counties’ shares of claims were affected by the timing of the federal change and the later state authorization. The committee emphasized that the issue was complex and budget-dependent, and that retaining the bill would allow further negotiation and incorporation into HB 2 rather than immediate final action.