Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, there is a concerted effort at the federal level to resegregate our society.
• Gender scrutiny must receive the highest level of scrutiny; assumed equality is not enough.
• Gender scrutiny must receive the highest level of scrutiny; assumed equality is not enough.
• Gender scrutiny must receive the highest level of scrutiny; assumed equality is not enough.
• <00:17:36.039> so administration at the federal level so administration at the federal level

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: Senate POCI caucus members held a press event outlining their priorities for the session and framing them as a response to federal actions and rhetoric they described as harmful to Black, Brown, Indigenous, immigrant, and other marginalized communities. Senator Zaynab Mohamed said the caucus would not be silent and emphasized goals including culturally responsive and accessible health care, protection from discrimination, fully funded education from cradle to college, an equitable bonding bill, and safe, dignified housing. Senator Erin Maye Quade said the caucus would fight efforts to “resegregate” society and highlighted support for strengthening the READ Act and advancing the Minnesota Building Families Act to cover infertility care through insurance. Senator Clare Oumou Verbeten pointed to recent DFL accomplishments such as the CROWN Act, restoring the vote, and the African-American Family Preservation Act, and urged colleagues to consider how legislation and budgets affect communities of color. She also said she would champion Minnesota Connecting Families, a proposal to make communication free for incarcerated people, along with a ban on legacy admissions and legislation preventing housing discrimination against Section 8 voucher holders. Senator Mary Kunesh reviewed education investments made over the past two years, including increased school funding, free lunches, library funding, pre-K expansion, the READ Act, and the Teachers of Color and Indigenous Act, and said her top priority is advancing an Equal Rights Amendment and protecting tribal sovereignty and treaty rights. Senator Susan Pha said the caucus remains necessary because people of color and immigrants still face discrimination, including her own family, and said the group would continue fighting for equality and opportunity. In response to questions, caucus members said they hoped for bipartisan support on some proposals but were prepared to use their majority if needed. They said they were not intimidated by the new federal administration or Republican control in Washington, argued that Minnesota should protect residents from federal harm, and criticized GOP efforts they characterized as attacks on DEI and racial equity. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that gets down to the NDC level or the drug level itself.
• So to level set, I've been collecting data on our patients, and...
• So let's just level set on that for a minute.
• Chachai, the GPO level, it sounds like you have tried to dig in at every level of the drug supply chain
• Chachai, before you do that, I just... you talked about every level of the drug supply chain.

Bills: SB511, SB512, HB591, HB909, HB938, HB1154, HB1187

Keywords: automobile repairs, insurance transparency, repair shop liability, non-OEM parts, policyholder rights, automobile insurance, appraisal process, insurance policyholders, dispute resolution, claim valuation, family leave, insurance, paid leave, employment benefits, caregiver support, behavioral health, crisis services, mental health care, insurance coverage, healthcare access

Transcript Highlights:

• These funding levels are evidence of the state's support for that.
• It could be an increase, it could be level funding, it could be, in some cases, a decrease.
• As you're looking at the different levels, As you're looking at the different levels of funding, as far
• Most of our health care, I believe, are right now probably at the high level.
• And then last year, you can see we were essentially level funded.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee for Higher Education met to review Florida’s workforce and Florida College System funding models as part of budget planning. Chair Harrell opened by emphasizing the state’s growing focus on technical education and workforce pathways, and the committee first heard from Tara Goodman of the Department of Education on district workforce education. Goodman explained the programs funded through district workforce dollars, including career certificates, applied technology diplomas, registered apprenticeship, and adult general education, and described the model’s reliance on lagged enrollment, program cost weights, local tuition offsets, and supplemental factors such as disability services, GED testing, and minimum funding for small rural districts. She also noted federal support through Perkins and WIOA and said the model is used to determine unmet need and guide appropriations. In response to questions, she said health care programs are generally among the higher-cost offerings and may be supplemented by pipeline funds. The committee then heard from Kathy Hebda, Chancellor of the Florida College System, on the college system’s funding model. Hebda described the main funding sources, including the program fund, student success incentive funds, pipeline funds, tuition and fees, and performance-based incentives, and explained that the current model was developed by the 28 college presidents under legislative direction. She said the model uses a three-year average FTE, weights workforce enrollment more heavily than non-workforce enrollment, gives significant weight to completions, includes a small-college factor and regional cost differentials, and also provides targeted funding to bring colleges up to a floor based on per-FTE funding. Senators asked about colleges below the target, cost differences among programs, faculty salaries, and health insurance costs; Hebda said the model is meant to provide flexible operating dollars that colleges can use for those expenses, but specific salary and benefit decisions are left to the institutions. Seminole State College President Georgia Lorenz also testified in support of the college funding model, saying it holds institutions accountable for enrollment and completions, can be adjusted to reflect state priorities like workforce, and addresses differences in size and regional costs. No bills were voted on, and the committee adjourned after brief closing remarks thanking Seminole State College and the presenters.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we've done a lot of work on the state level.
• Everything else was level funded. Yes, fiscal ask.
• And uniquely, we do this at both the state and local levels.
• We take this responsibility for both levels of government very seriously.
• At the municipal level, the OIG continues to be very active.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The joint budget hearing opened the FY27 budget process with remarks from the Senate and House Ways and Means chairs, who described the fiscal outlook as challenging because of slow revenue growth, rising health care and other costs, and uncertainty from federal policy changes. Governor Healey and Secretary of Administration and Finance Matthew Gorzkowicz then presented House 2, a $62.8 billion budget that they said grows by about 1% and does not raise taxes or fees. They emphasized affordability, fiscal discipline, protection of core services, and continued investment in education, transportation, housing, child care, health care, and public safety. The administration also discussed a separate bill to delay and phase in certain federal tax-code changes from the so-called OB3 law, especially research and experimental expense provisions, to reduce immediate budget impacts and preserve competitiveness. A major portion of the hearing focused on education and municipal aid. The administration said House 2 provides about $7.6 billion for Chapter 70 aid, fully funds the final year of the Student Opportunity Act, increases special education circuit breaker funding, and raises rural school aid. Senators and representatives from both parties raised concerns that Chapter 70 and other aid formulas are not equitable for small, rural, and low-wealth communities and are not keeping pace with inflation, and several called for broader review of the formula and related funding streams. The governor and secretary said they are open to further discussion, pointed to additional support through rural aid, special education, transportation reimbursements, and minimum aid, and said total Student Opportunity Act investment would reach about $2.1 billion over the life of the law. Transportation, housing, and fair share spending were also central topics. The administration said fair share revenues are being used holistically, with education-heavy spending in the operating budget and transportation-heavy spending in the supplemental budget, and estimated the overall split to date at roughly 57% education and 43% transportation. They highlighted MBTA stabilization, regional transit authority support, microtransit, fare-free regional transit, and bridge and commuter rail investments, while noting the MBTA remains a major fiscal concern. On housing, the governor stressed production, permitting reform, ADUs, down-payment assistance, and support for public housing authorities, while lawmakers pressed for more funding for local housing authorities and for ways to address out-migration, energy costs, and affordability. The governor also said the administration will not withhold fire safety grants from communities over MBTA Communities Act noncompliance and will handle such issues case by case. No votes were taken at the hearing; it was an informational presentation and question-and-answer session.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:22:20.080> of placement options at lower levels of placement options at lower levels of
• can get our patients to the next level can get our patients to the next level of<00:24:08.559>
• If you looked in FYI next level of care.
• Those are the hospital level of care.
• get them back out into appropriate level get them back out into appropriate level of<00:28:40.960

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The briefing focused on the Hawaii State Hospital’s overcrowding, construction defects in the new addition, and how Act 26 and related court-ordered processes are affecting admissions and discharges. The chair said the hospital has become increasingly forensic-focused, has lost beds after the closure of Kahimohala, and may face further costs and possible litigation over the defective addition. Hospital and Department of Health officials said they are working with the attorney general and contractors on repairs, and that the hospital is currently using all 292 licensed beds, including 13 waiver beds, while average daily census last fiscal year was 376. Officials explained that the high census is driven by both increased admissions and discharge barriers. They said the loss of Kahimohala returned patients to the state hospital, and that Act 26-related petty misdemeanor cases are contributing to admissions. They also said limited lower-level placement options delay discharges. Hospital staff reported that many patients are repeat admissions, about 22% were unhoused before admission, and a significant share are in categories such as fitness-to-proceed evaluations and conditional-release violations. They said these groups could potentially be reduced if evaluations were done elsewhere and if more community or supportive housing were available. The chair and senators questioned whether some fitness-to-proceed detainees need to be held at the state hospital at all, and whether the Clark consent order requires transfer to the hospital. The attorney general’s office said the Clark injunction does not govern unfitness-to-proceed cases; instead, the requirement comes from state statute, and the statute could be changed. Director Johnson said DCR cannot keep such detainees because the court orders them into the custody of the Department of Health, and the department cannot provide the needed therapeutic level of care in a correctional setting. The discussion also emphasized co-occurring substance use and mental illness, especially among petty misdemeanor defendants, and the need for supportive housing and a decompression plan to reduce readmissions and free beds for civil commitments.

Transcript Highlights:

• This will significantly alleviate the service-level reductions caused by lower-level federal funding
• Can you elaborate and talk a little bit more about that from the local level and the state level type
• And can you elaborate a little more on the structure itself, local level, state level?
• This is getting to the next level.
• On July 1, we go back to pre-pandemic levels. Pre-pandemic spending levels was $10 million ongoing.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The issue is who regulates the machines at the state level at Class II.
• local level wants to put a priority on it, then it is a priority.
• The ability to move patients fluidly through this continuum, matching the level of care to the level
• We are not trying to dump patients into higher level of care.
• And so when we think about that, it just doesn't scale to the level that it needs to.

Summary: The committee met at Spirit Lake Tribe and heard an extended discussion with Spirit Lake tribal leaders and program directors about government-to-government relations with the state. Chairwoman Street and others outlined a number of concerns and requests, including taxation of tribal and trust lands, state school support for non-beneficiary students, homelessness services, Indian-managed health care, gaming/e-tabs, the Feather Alert system, industrial farming near waterways, tourism and cultural issues, and the need for more consistent tribal consultation. Committee members responded that many of these issues had previously been passed along without direct action, and several members emphasized the committee’s role in education, communication, and preparing possible legislation or resolutions for the next session. Tribal representatives also offered to provide training on treaties, IHS 638, and compact services to help legislators better understand tribal jurisdiction and billing issues. A major portion of the meeting focused on Spirit Lake Fish and Wildlife concerns, especially jurisdictional “gray areas” around hunting and fishing on the reservation, recognition of tribal licenses, and the boundary of the reservation around Spirit Lake/Devils Lake. Tribal officials said they wanted a co-stewardship agreement or MOU with the state to clarify jurisdiction, improve cooperation, and address invasive species and aquatic nuisance species. Committee members discussed whether to draft legislation or a resolution directing the executive branch and state agencies to negotiate such an agreement, and they asked for further input from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department at a future meeting. The committee also discussed county involvement in land status changes and trust land issues, with Spirit Lake leaders describing a past Benson County resolution that tried to block fee-to-trust transfers and saying it was later rescinded. The committee then heard from Benson County tax equalization director Randy Thompson, who explained how the county values land and handles tax-exempt, inundated, and fee-to-trust parcels. Members asked about the impact of tax-exempt lands on county services and discussed prior legislation that helped counties with large tax-exempt bases. The committee also received a presentation from Dr. Steven Smith of Sisseton Wahpeton College, who described the college’s programs, economic impact, and funding needs, including support for non-beneficiary students and workforce training. Members asked about expanding tribal college education into correctional settings, and Smith said the idea was worth exploring through the tribal college system. Finally, HHS interim medical services director Christoph Framing presented remotely on 1115 Medicaid waivers and the IMD exclusion, explaining current state funding mechanisms for inpatient and residential behavioral health services and the bill draft directing HHS to pursue a waiver for IMD payments.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're proposing to bring APS to the same level as our CPS caseworker.
• That almost complete level of protection. And is that testable?
• We are closely monitoring the situation at the federal level.
• The same level of appropriated funding from 2425 into 2627 just to since.
• I mean, you provide all that level of services.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• At the board level, what we've tried to do is work to establish regional committees that evaluate the
• So I'm going to just start off at a high level question as to...
• , if this is happening at the UC/CSU level, have you seen the same impact at the community college level
• They're not at the same level.
• A lot of these decisions on AI are being made in the classroom, not at any kind of global level.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not unreasonable to do it with current funding levels.
• Today, we trail peer states by more than a full grade level.
• You're not at the level of reading comprehension.
• They don't want 43% of our fourth graders reading at below basic level.
• giving out $138,000 per school district at the $75 million level.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But we don't have the numbers right now as to specific rate levels.
• Did you say level? the same homes, and the same small businesses.
• Did you say level? So we're going to put these funds out there.
• Did you say Level One and Level Two properties? Mr.
• Chairman, the next question I would ask is, do we have a Level Three and a Level Four? Mr.

Bills: HB2, SB193, SB132, SB35, SB145

Keywords: general appropriation, budget, Medicaid, education funding, public safety, SB193, acequia, community ditch, irrigation works construction fund, water infrastructure, ditch infrastructure, irrigation, New Mexico water law, agricultural water, farmers, Rio Grande, acequia association, forest land protection revolving fund, state fund transfer, irrigation projects

Transcript Highlights:

• There's assessor-level appeals. I don't know if your members are using those.
• If you win on a future appeal at another level, it changes it.
• to get certified by DOR, you know, level one, level two.
• We have level one appeal with my office. It's free.
• To have a process, we have level one appeal with my office. That's free.

Bills: HB2016, HB2104, HB2105, HB2288, HB2289

Keywords: tax penalties, filing, tax returns, administration, Arizona Revised Statutes, agricultural property, classification, county assessor, property inspection, appeal process, property tax, agricultural classification, Department of Revenue, property valuation, inspection notice, inspection report, on-site inspection, full cash value, rural land, farm land

Transcript Highlights:

• one and a level two trauma center as well.
• one or level two trauma hospital, and submit to us a plan outlining their actions for conversion to
• Again, this is at the parent organization level, but just some ideas of the reimbursement.
• So what House Bill 121 did was really increase the income level to 300% of the federal poverty level
• It's up to 200% of the federal poverty level.

Summary: The committee opened with roll call, welcomed members back for the first committee weeks, and heard brief personal updates from several senators before moving into agency implementation updates on recently enacted health care laws. The Agency for Health Care Administration reported on Senate Bill 64 creating rural emergency hospitals, explaining that AHCA adopted the required rules effective June 1, 2025, but that no hospitals have yet been designated. Members asked about possible hospital conversions, accreditation and survey responsibilities, and whether Florida would apply for federal rural health transformation funding; AHCA said it intends to apply and has already been working on the issue with federal officials. AHCA also reviewed the non-emergent care access plan requirement under Senate Bill 7016. The agency said hospitals with emergency departments must submit plans that help redirect non-emergent patients to appropriate care settings while complying with EMTALA, and that 83 plans had been received and 63 approved as of September 30. Members asked about data collection, managed care coordination, and the state’s health information exchange; AHCA said it has moved to a new HIE vendor and will continue monitoring implementation and possible care gaps. AHCA then updated the committee on the TEACH program, saying $6.8 million was spent in 2024-25 across 59 parent organizations and 229 facilities, with more than 1,800 students and nearly 380,000 clinical hours reimbursed. The agency said rulemaking is nearly complete, a new nursing student category and expanded facility eligibility were added, and a federal 1115 workforce waiver remains stalled after CMS signaled it will not approve new workforce demonstrations. AHCA also reviewed House Bill 121 on KidCare eligibility, explaining that implementation of the 300% poverty-level expansion remains blocked by federal litigation and waiver issues tied to premium nonpayment rules; members and public speakers urged action to close the coverage gap. Public testimony on AHCA’s presentation came from representatives of health centers and advocacy groups, who said the non-emergent care access plan has improved hospital-health center coordination and reduced repeat emergency use, and who urged implementation of KidCare expansion for children in the coverage gap. The Department of Health then presented updates on FRAM, the Sanadi screening grant program, the Health Care Innovation Revolving Loan Program, telehealth maternity care, swimming lesson vouchers, and House Bill 159 on pharmacist dispensing of HIV post-exposure prophylaxis. DOH reported strong participation in FRAM and the telehealth maternity program, 24 Sanadi grant awards in 42 counties, 4,945 swimming lesson vouchers issued last year and 2,371 so far this year, and three approved certification courses with five pharmacist certifications issued under HB 159. Committee members asked about recruitment of dentists and other providers, telehealth maternity outcomes, and why participation in the maternity program remains below expected levels; DOH said outreach and regional referral networks are expanding and more detailed outcome data will be included in the upcoming legislative report.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also acknowledge that there is an issue at the state I mean at the local level, municipal level, county
• level and we'll be looking to address that this session as well.
• And then, again, controlling, bringing these reforms to the local level as well.
• At the state level, at the county level. At the state level, at the local level.
• Ignored on almost every level of government, right? Not necessarily with malice.

Bills: HB8, HB9, HJR1, HB22, HB8, HB9, HJR1, HB22

Keywords: HB 8, school finance, compressed tax rate, maximum compressed tax rate, MCR, PYMCR, property tax, school district taxes, Education Code, Tax Code, state aid, school funding formula, local school taxes, Texas school finance, tax rate compression, public education funding, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property

Transcript Highlights:

• impact the lives of our service personnel, were being impacted by executive orders on the federal level
• impact the lives of our service personnel, were being impacted by executive orders on the federal level
• impact the lives of our service personnel, were being impacted by executive orders on the federal level
• impact the lives of our service personnel, were being impacted by executive orders on the federal level
• It is, at some level, unnecessary because the constitutional authority of the governor outweighs any

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• some cases, wine and beer is controlled through government agencies at the distribution and retail level
• So there's not a lot of incentive here for us to grow to become competitive on a national level.
• , and then also drinks that may have levels of various reactive mushrooms.
• , and then also drinks that may have levels of various reactive mushrooms.
• as ABT, but on a federal level.

Summary: The committee met to hear an overview of Florida’s alcoholic beverage regulatory structure and a panel discussion on the state’s three-tier system. Emily Oglesby of DBPR explained the department’s licensing and enforcement roles, described common license types, and outlined the three tiers—manufacturers, distributors, and retailers—along with tied-house restrictions and several statutory exceptions for certified Florida farm wineries, breweries with tap rooms, brew pubs, and craft distilleries. Members asked about licensing fees, the number and classification of distributors and craft producers, and how the exceptions fit within the broader system. Panelists from craft breweries, craft distilleries, wholesalers, and retailers then discussed how the system affects market access, pricing, and product selection. Craft producers argued that Florida’s rules make it difficult for small brands to reach retailers because they must rely on distributors that often prioritize larger, higher-volume products; they said limited self-distribution or other reforms could help small businesses grow without eliminating wholesalers. Wholesalers and retailers defended the three-tier model as a public-safety and anti-monopoly framework, emphasizing investment in warehousing, sales, compliance, and product vetting, while noting that they already carry some craft products and make selections based on demand, quality, and shelf space. Members also explored related issues such as direct-to-consumer sales, the role of excise-tax audits and inspections, and the emerging market for hemp-derived THC beverages and other alternative drinks. DBPR and industry witnesses said alcohol and hemp products are regulated differently, and several speakers urged the Legislature to consider clearer rules for these products. The meeting ended with no bill vote or formal action; the chair thanked the panel and adjourned after Representative Yeager moved to rise, with no objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would say personally, I think we're not as concerned with understanding that level of detail in terms
• whole lot of change in the next two or three years as a result of things happening at the federal level
• I would say personally, I think we're not as concerned with understanding that level of detail in terms
• I would say personally, I think we're not as concerned with understanding that level of detail in terms
• So um I think we'll we'll federal level.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Committee to Study Long-Term Managed Care met to approve the prior minutes and then focused on its final report. The chair reviewed the committee’s earlier options—maintaining the status quo, adopting DNIP, adopting an HCBS carveout model, or moving fully to managed care for the aging population—and noted that ABD and developmental disabilities had already been excluded from consideration. He proposed a final recommendation that New Hampshire consider adopting DNIP as a voluntary option to better coordinate Medicare and Medicaid for dual eligibles, reduce duplication, and create a possible pathway toward future managed care, while acknowledging that a majority and minority report could be issued if needed. Members generally supported the draft recommendation and asked questions about whether federal budget changes would incentivize states to move in that direction, how the proposal would align with current department efforts, and whether the program would remain voluntary. Director Henry Litman said he did not see a specific federal mandate in OB3, but noted incentives in rural health transformation funding and said the proposal aligned with existing managed care contract direction. He and others emphasized that DNIP should be voluntary and that implementation timing would need to account for federal deadlines and broader changes facing the department. Members also discussed PACE, with one member saying it appeared feasible mainly in more populous areas and expressing neutrality, while another raised concerns about county risk and the need to preserve patient choice and maintain three MCOs. After discussion, members indicated agreement with the majority report approach and no further changes were proposed. The committee then moved to accept the draft language as presented and issue it as its report; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:39:17.200> within um tumult at the federal level within um tumult at the federal level
• <01:29:15.520> there's level of a state of emergency. there's level of a state of emergency
• the professionals on the local level. the professionals on the local level.
• They made those decisions at the<01:41:36.239> local<01:41:36.760> level, the local level
• measure success at the school levels. measure success at the school levels.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > um<00:13:51.600> Minnesota On the individual level, um Minnesota On the individual level
• So that's just the fact of state level.
• think it is just at the federal level think it is just at the federal level where<01:05:19.280><
• Utility shutoffs are at record levels. We hit a new high in 2024.
• utility shut offs are at record levels. utility shut offs are at record levels.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• concise, um, eligibility determination changes at the federal level and the state level to unify them
• Eligibility determination changes at the federal level and the state level to unify them or simplify
• , level as well as on the county level, level as well as on the county level, and<01:35:11.920>
• , on a state level, because whatever's needed on those levels, we are looking to benefit families.
• on a county level, on a state level on a county level, on a state level because<01:41:42.040>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all