Video & Transcript Research : 'technology security'
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NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs (01/17/2025)
State-federal Relations and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, modern technology, it's now a 3D screen, so it's almost like a computer game.
- visual um you know modern technology visual um you know modern technology it's<00:44:44.440>
- It's really amazing what technology has provided us, and we're really proud of that program.
- it's it's really amazing what technology it's it's really amazing what technology has<02:12:48.360
- We also were able to approve security.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 50 (3-19-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill loans secured by a mortgage.
- That's why if the book thinks, you know, they have this technology to catch that.
- That's why if the book thinks, you know, they have this technology to catch that.
- That's why if the book thinks, you know, they have this technology to catch that.
- <01:06:14.400>
that technologies that technologies that calculating<01:06:16.080>the <01
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Judiciary Mar 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The most advanced genetic testing, using updated technology available in March 2024, provided further
- In less than 60 to 90 days, we had secured the services of board-certified medical experts in the areas
- these low-value parcels from easements and returning them to the tax rolls for development, while securing
- They've been chased, harassed, screamed at by security guards on the beach. It's been three years.
- They've been chased, harassed, screamed at by security guards on the beach. It's been awful.
Summary:
The committee first took up CS for Senate Bill 304, which would address child protective investigations involving children with certain genetic or medical conditions that can mimic signs of abuse. Senator Sharif and several family members and advocates described cases in which children were removed after injuries were initially misread as abuse, and argued the bill would give parents more opportunity to obtain qualified medical opinions. The committee adopted a substitute amendment that removed language imposing analysis duties on certain medical professionals, then passed the bill favorably after testimony in support from the Florida chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and several affected families.
The committee then considered SB 1430 on post-judgment execution proceedings for terrorism victims, SB 96 on relief for Jacob Rogers, SB 382 on affordable housing rent agreements, SB 4 and SB 6 on claims bills for Patricia Armini and Jose Correa, SB 1142 on release of conservation easements, SB 658 on waiver or release of liens, SB 28 and SB 30 on claims involving South Broward Hospital District and the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, SB 24 on relief for Mandy Penny Lemon, SB 72 on campaign funds for child care expenses, and SB 1622 on recreational customary use of beaches. Most of these bills were explained by their sponsors as narrow relief or technical measures, and the committee heard a mix of support and opposition from claimants, local governments, industry groups, and advocacy organizations.
Several bills drew substantive debate. On SB 382, members discussed rent stability and whether the bill should better address lease language and future rent increases; the amendment and bill were both reported favorably. On SB 1142, members raised concerns about environmental and drainage impacts and whether releases of conservation easements should be mandatory or discretionary, but the bill still passed favorably. On SB 72, members questioned the scope of allowable campaign child care expenses and the need for stronger guardrails against abuse; the bill nevertheless passed favorably. On SB 1622, testimony sharply divided between supporters of restoring public beach access and opponents defending private property rights; debate continued when the transcript ended, so no final vote on that bill is reflected here.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Oct 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We can only anticipate that we will stay the same or continue to execute at a high rate and secure more
- The other ask is regarding information technology services.
- So, we're going to try and use technology and integrate it to become more efficient.
- So, under $50,000, you fill out a secure certification to our office, which basically states that you
- Clearly, technology has to be a huge part of that. Is that sort of your approach? Absolutely.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, December 3, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- for me to take my Social Security for me to take my Social Security early." early." early."
- our children and national security. our children and national security.
- values, but also our national security. values, but also our national security.
- of security. But let me be very clear. of security. But let me be very clear.
- We just stopped having children. spending is social security. It's spending is social security.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 01/07/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- we hear the expectation that government should be a partner, making life more affordable and more secure
- a menu of energy options to keep prices down, keep New Yorkers working as we transition to new technologies
- We must give a sense of security to our constituents who are living in unprecedented times of uncertainty
- WE MUST GIVE A SENSE OF SECURITY TO OUR CONSTITUENTS WHO ARE LIVING IN UNPRECEDENTED TIMES OF UNCERTAINTY
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and briefly closed out the 2025 legislative session by adopting a concurrent resolution on adjournment. The chamber then reopened for the 2026 session with a quorum present, a prayer by Bishop Mark O’Connell, and opening remarks from the Lieutenant Governor, Minority Leader Rob Ortt, and Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. The remarks focused on the responsibilities of the new session, the need to listen to constituents, and broad priorities such as affordability, public safety, rights protections, and working across party lines.
Governor Kathy Hochul’s message requesting the Senate’s presence for the 2026 State of the State address was read and filed. In their remarks, Ortt emphasized affordability, keeping more money in New Yorkers’ pockets, energy choices, and public safety, while Stewart-Cousins highlighted rising costs for housing, groceries, utilities, health care, and child care, along with defending voting rights, equal rights, and immigrant communities. Both leaders said their conferences were prepared to work with each other and with the Governor.
The Senate then adopted two organizational resolutions: one appointing Senators Bynoe and Chan to inform the Governor that the Senate was organized and ready to proceed, and another appointing Senators Ryan and Wildcat to inform the Assembly that the Senate was assembled and ready to proceed. No substantive legislation was debated, and the Senate adjourned until Monday, January 12, at 3:00 p.m., with intervening days designated as legislative days.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Commerce and Tourism Feb 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- COMPANY REGISTER OR GET A GOVERNMENT CONTRACT BUT NOW IT IS MORE ABOUT HELPING BUSINESSES WITH A SECURED
- SMALL BUSINESS CONNECTED TO MAY BE DEFENSE DEPARTMENT NEED OR MAYBE A DEFENSE DEPARTMENT HAS A TECHNOLOGY
- AND YOU CAN SEE IN SECURED ABOUT 5 PERCENT OF THE CAPITAL NUMBER IN THESE COMMUNITIES WITH JUST OF 4
- RAO GOT CAPITAL SECURITY EXCEEDING 4 PERCENT OF THE POPULATION.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- dynamically competing against one another, trying to underbid their competitors' bids in order to secure
- The result was with support... bid their competitors' bids in order to secure reverse auction under multiple
- It is a story of using 21st-century technology to create something that's been around for thousands of
- It is a story of using 21st-century technology to create something that's been around for thousands of
Summary:
The Senate Insurance Committee met on May 13, 2026, adopted the May 6 minutes, and then took up several bills dealing with pharmacy benefit managers, prescription access, behavioral health coverage, and Citizens Property Insurance. HB 938, as amended, was the main PBM reform measure. After the committee adopted a large amendment set that narrowed the bill, members heard extensive testimony in support from Mark Bloom, Justin Joseph of Capital Rx, and Kathy Ue of Pontchartrain Cancer Center, all emphasizing transparency, pass-through pricing, reverse auctions, and patient access. Supporters described savings from reverse auctions and administrative models, while the cancer center testified that PBM-owned specialty pharmacy requirements can delay cancer medications and create financial hardship. The committee reported HB 938 favorably with amendments.
The committee also heard HB 1154, which prohibits prior authorization for certain generic medications prescribed by qualified physicians, with a $250 cap discussed as a safeguard against higher-cost generics. The bill was supported by representatives from Ochsner Health and the Louisiana State Medical Society and was reported favorably. HB 909, which requires commercial coverage for behavioral health crisis services, was amended to clarify the insurers covered and then reported favorably with support from the Office of Behavioral Health and several outside groups. Testimony on HB 909 focused on reducing emergency room and law enforcement burdens and expanding crisis response capacity across the state.
HB 1187, dealing with excess emergency assessment funds from Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, was explained by the Insurance Commissioner as a way to transfer remaining Katrina-era assessment funds to the Fortified Roof Program. The committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, SB 511 and SB 512 were deferred and converted into a study resolution approach because there was not yet consensus on the underlying issue. The meeting then adjourned.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 47 - 1 Apr 27th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- leadership, and excellence in command in 2006, and was a fellow of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Tressler continued his service to his nation and country as an independent consultant in national Security
- Affairs, supporting organizations in defense intelligence and advanced technology.
- anything worth keeping Truth is, the future of our state, our communities, and our families will not be secured
Keywords:
light pollution, bird mortality, migration, energy conservation, wildlife protection, University Hospitals Authority, funding, behavioral health, appropriation, adolescent health, emergency legislation, Oklahoma State University, Medical Authority, human performance, pharmaceutical expansion, emergency funding, juvenile justice, youth services, pandemic relief, healthcare
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- address the state's workforce needs, and to ultimately position UCF as the preeminent engineering and technology
- a growing influx of high-net-worth individuals and businesses, financial businesses, as well as technology
- an early age, I understood that a good education was my clearest path to opportunity and economic security
- This committee knows how directly a college degree bears on a young person's ability to secure the life
Summary:
The Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to continue confirmation hearings, but the chair announced the committee would not present its budget that day and would instead roll it out the following week in coordination with House partners and Senate notice requirements. After a quorum was confirmed, the committee discussed how it would handle a large number of university board appointments, noting that some reappointments would be grouped for a block vote while others could be heard individually if members requested it.
The committee then heard testimony from a series of appointees and reappointees to university boards. Florida A&M University nominees Roderick Harris, Victor Young, and Rafael Vasquez emphasized service to FAMU, student success, and support for the university’s national standing; Harris highlighted his FAMU background and faculty experience, Young cited his business and health care leadership, and Vasquez described scholarship support through his company. Florida Atlantic University appointees Linda Stock and Thomas Mersh focused on servant leadership, research growth, entrepreneurship, and FAU’s recent R1 designation and quantum computing initiatives. University of Central Florida reappointee Alex Martins discussed UCF’s preeminence goal, workforce needs, and strong nursing outcomes.
The committee also heard from Florida Gulf Coast University appointees James Gris-Mall, Douglas Van Orte, Robert Rommel, Sarah Partial Perry, and reappointment Joseph Fogg, who spoke about workforce development, affordability, student success, water and nursing programs, and FGCU’s role in regional economic growth. University of South Florida reappointee Rogan Donnelly highlighted USF’s AAU status, research growth, and workforce-focused programs. Members and the chair responded positively throughout, praising the universities’ achievements and the nominees’ qualifications.
At the end of the hearing, the committee voted by block on all nominees in tabs 2 through 13 and recommended them for confirmation without objection. The meeting then adjourned.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services May 5th, 2025
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- So really trying to get those individuals who have, who are living off Social Security, who have a minimum
- income, uh, retirees that may be getting, um, uh, low retirement and no Social Security, all of that
- However, as technology improves and consumers become more informed, This antiquated requirement now stands
- lot of protections put in the bill back in the mid-nineties and And so we've, we've advanced technologically
Bills:
HJR40
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee Mar 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- ensure that affordable housing developers can rely on the project costs they originally budgeted and secured
- It also, the bill does expect technological updates, which are being done more and more, that give the
- use of technology in the building of structures and residences.
- AB 226 creates long-term security for consumers, homeowners, and businesses across the state and is a
Summary:
The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on March 19, 2025, adopted its committee rules unanimously, and then heard a series of housing, insurance, and disaster-recovery bills. Early bills focused on wildfire relief and insurance issues, including AB 238 on mortgage forbearance for Los Angeles County wildfire survivors, AB 493 on insurance payout interest for homeowners, AB 597 on consumer protections after disasters, and AB 226 on strengthening the California FAIR Plan’s liquidity tools. Supporters generally framed these measures as necessary protections for disaster survivors and market stability, while opponents and concerned witnesses raised issues such as investor guidelines, compliance conflicts, and market disruption. Several members also noted equity concerns and the need to balance relief with consistency across the state.
The committee also heard a cluster of housing-production bills. AB 306 proposed a six-year pause on new state building code updates affecting residential construction and limits on local code modifications, drawing strong support from housing and building industry groups who argued it would reduce costs and improve predictability. It also drew opposition from code, environmental, and clean-energy advocates, who warned about safety, local control, and the loss of important code updates. AB 253 would allow licensed third-party professionals to perform plan checks if local review takes 30 days or more, and AB 301 would impose state-agency permitting timelines similar to those already applied to local governments; both were presented as ways to reduce delays and speed housing development. AB 462 would exempt ADU construction from coastal development permit requirements in Los Angeles County, especially to aid fire recovery and expand housing supply.
After hearing testimony and brief member discussion on each measure, the committee placed the bills on suspense or advanced them as appropriate. In the suspense hearing at the end of the meeting, the committee took up the suspense-file bills and reported AB 226, AB 238, AB 301, and AB 306 out with due pass recommendations on roll call votes. The meeting then adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- A significant share of those households is also experiencing what is considered very low food security
- Regularly missing meals or going an entire day without eating because they see. food security.
- federal requirements without the support of a trained professional, let alone adding the required technology
- workers, which I think certainly needs to be part of this equation, but maybe also through increased technology
- This is done in support with my counterpart in Bridgewater, Representative Dennis Gallagher, who secured
Summary:
The Senate considered a supplemental appropriations bill and a series of amendments focused on education, health, transportation, tax administration, and oversight. Senator Kennedy spoke in support of increasing funding for DTA caseworkers to improve SNAP access and reduce delays, but then withdrew the amendment by unanimous consent. Senator O’Connor’s amendment adding $500,000 for Free Period to provide free menstrual products in public schools was adopted, as was Senator Miranda’s $1 million METCO transportation and student support amendment. Senator Collins briefly proposed extending paid family and medical leave and unemployment insurance coverage to graduate student workers, but withdrew that amendment for later discussion.
Several amendments were debated and either adopted or rejected. Senator Tarr’s proposal to create oversight of the Group Insurance Commission and fund an Inspector General review was defeated after opposition argued existing oversight was sufficient. Tarr also offered amendments on MBTA deficiency fund withdrawals and on requiring 90 days’ notice before state tax code decoupling changes; both were rejected after standing votes. Senator Driscoll’s amendment for Randolph Public Schools restroom improvements was adopted, while his veterans student loan forgiveness amendment was withdrawn. Additional amendments were adopted for Bridgewater Middle School water filtration, Uffum’s Corner Health Center, and NeighborHealth’s pharmacy technician training program for local high school students.
A major discussion centered on school funding and enrollment declines. Senator DiDomenico withdrew an amendment that would have provided $100 million to address Chapter 70 funding losses tied to enrollment drops, but he and Senator Collins used the floor to argue that districts facing declining enrollment and rising costs need a broader state response. The Senate also adopted a new draft of the supplemental budget and then passed the bill to be engrossed by a roll call vote, with 35 members in the affirmative and 4 in the negative. The chamber then adjourned to meet again Monday, and did so in memory of Arthur H. Tobin, a former Quincy mayor, state legislator, and clerk magistrate.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appr/Sub-Natural Resources REVISED Jan 8th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- The work that we do is critical, of course, for both food security and the economic stability of our
- And we had an opportunity of people being scared and concerned about food security, and they looked local
- A big part of that, of course, is over the years technologies have helped us to be more efficient. lot
- We have a new Chief Technology Officer, and he's working to modernize our systems and coordinate our
- For example, Tinker has purchased land to help expand their area, make it more secure, install gates,
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Emergency Management Committee Jul 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Even with the technological advances in spill response, spills still cause millions of dollars in damage
- Authoritarian regimes have made use of advanced technologies such as digital surveillance and social
- former intelligence analyst with the California State Threat Assessment Center and a former Homeland Security
- also have seen, and there are currently grants for folks in temples in places that need additional security
- want to get to a point where that's not happening in our state, that people don't need grants for security
Summary:
The committee met to hear seven Senate bills, first approving two consent items, SB 352 and SB 804, on motions to do pass to Appropriations. SB 542 (Limón) would require public notice and comment before issuing a financial responsibility certificate for an oil pipeline and require hydrostatic testing before restarting pipelines idle for five years or more; it was supported by the Center for Biological Diversity and passed the committee on a due-pass motion to Appropriations. SB 616 (Rubio) would create an independent community hardening commission within the Department of Insurance to coordinate wildfire mitigation and insurance-related recommendations; it drew support from the Department of Insurance and several local and industry groups, while water agencies, special districts, and the building industry raised concerns about water infrastructure standards, and it passed on a due-pass motion to Insurance. SB 429 (Cortese), which would establish a public wildfire catastrophe model and related university-based research and education program, received support from the Department of Insurance and outside groups and passed as amended to Appropriations.
SB 256 (Perez) would strengthen wildfire mitigation and emergency response by expanding planning, improving PSPS communication, requiring utility coordination with emergency centers, and directing removal of permanently abandoned electrical facilities; utilities and business groups were generally neutral after amendments, while the author emphasized the bill’s connection to recent wildfire losses, and it passed as amended to Appropriations. SB 509 (Caballero) would require specialized training for local law enforcement on transnational repression targeting diaspora communities; it received support from the California Police Chiefs Association and immigrant-rights advocates, but drew extensive opposition from Hindu and civil-rights organizations concerned about bias, implementation, and First Amendment issues. Committee members discussed amendments to clarify cultural competency, diversity, and constitutional protections, and the bill passed as amended to Appropriations. After the hearing, the committee took final roll-call votes on the bills, with the consent items and SB 429, SB 256, and SB 509 moving forward, while SB 542 and SB 616 were also reported out on earlier motions.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Water and Natural Resources Jul 1st, 2025
Water & Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- they're going to work with venture capitalists throughout the United States on creating their own technology
- Technology company with the help of venture capitalists throughout the United States.
- So, the second page is titled "The Secure Work."
- flooding lasts several years, and it took some work in working with our consultant and with Homeland Security
- So again, through our consultant, through Paula's group, and through Homeland Security.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- stroke within 8 hours after a strenuous shift are presumed to have been injured in the line of duty, securing
- participation fund to allow them to continue meeting the community's medical needs, invest in medical technology
- participation fund to allow them to continue meeting the community's medical needs, invest in medical technology
- powerful signal to companies and families alike that we are equally serious about keeping costs low, securing
- powerful signal to companies and families alike that we are equally serious about keeping costs low, securing
Bills:
SB1331, SB1375, SB1443, SB1578, SB2251, SB2519, SB2553, SB2655, SB2764, SB2907, SB3030, SB3033, SB3035, SB3036, SB3037, SB3043, SB3047, SB3050, SB3051, SB3056, SB3057, SB3063, HB9, HB467, HB331, HB1244, HB1399, HB2559, HB2730, HB3307, HJR1, HJR99, SB3048, SB3052, SB3053, SJR78, HB1327, HB2723
Keywords:
civil service, firefighters, police officers, municipalities, local government, repeal, voter petition, health care, provider participation, continuation programs, population-based regulation, health care provider participation, Medicaid, hospital funding, voluntary compliance, mandatory payments, public health, healthcare program, county participation, nonpublic hospitals
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Local Government heard several bills, most of them left pending after brief public testimony. House Bill 331, by Rep. Patterson and sponsored by Sen. Hinojosa, would create a presumption that firefighters, police officers, and EMTs who suffer a heart attack or stroke within eight hours after a strenuous shift were injured in the line of duty for workers’ compensation purposes; testimony from a firefighters’ association supported the bill, and it was left pending. Senate Bill 2655, by Sen. Flores, would authorize Burnet County to establish a local provider participation fund to help support local hospital services; a hospital administrator testified in support, and the committee substitute was left pending. Senate Bill 1443, by Sen. Hughes, would extend the Northeast Healthcare Provider Participation District in three counties, and House Bill 3307, by Rep. Noble, would allow property tax arbitrators to complete required continuing education online; both were left pending without opposition. Senate Bill 3048, by Sen. Birdwell, would create the Bluebonnet Hills Municipal Management District in Midlothian and was also left pending.
The committee then took up House Bill 9 and HJR 1, sponsored by Sen. Bettencourt, which would raise the business personal property tax exemption from $2,500 to $125,000 and place the constitutional amendment on the November 4, 2025 ballot. Business groups, realtors, and taxpayers’ advocates testified in strong support, saying the change would provide meaningful relief to small businesses and help balance earlier homeowner tax relief. The City of Fort Worth testified in opposition, warning of a revenue shift to homeowners and budget impacts, but the committee adopted the committee substitutes and reported both measures to the full Senate on 6-0 votes.
The committee also heard House Bill 1399 and HJR 99, by Sen. Nichols, to exempt animal feed from property tax when it is already sales-tax exempt; no one testified against them, and both were left pending. Senate Bill 2553, by Sen. West, would let owners of historic archaeological sites protest land and structure appraisals separately, and it was left pending after supportive testimony. Senate Bill 2907 and SJR 78, also by Sen. West, would exempt certain perishable inventory, including food and some prescription drugs, from property tax if approved by voters; pharmacists, business groups, a researcher, and a coalition of retailers and food/medicine advocates supported the bill, and it was left pending. Finally, Senate Bill 1331, by Sen. Hancock and explained by Sen. Middleton, would lower the population threshold for certain municipal civil-service-related petition restrictions from 950,000 to 70,000; law enforcement representatives and a San Marcos police association supported it, and it was left pending. The committee then recessed until 15 to 30 minutes after adjournment.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- By working together, we can hopefully secure the future for northeastern Minnesota.
- working together, we can hopefully working together, we can hopefully secure<00:25:26.960>
the - Excuse me while we get connected here on our technology.
- <00:46:10.079>
But <00:46:10.800>by connected here on our technology. - But by connected here on our technology.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- This investment in technology has allowed the railroads in Minnesota to experience a 56% reduction in
- This investment in technology has allowed the railroads in Minnesota to experience a 56% reduction in
- This investment in technology has allowed the railroads in Minnesota to experience a 56% reduction in
- This investment in technology has allowed the railroads in Minnesota to experience a 56% reduction in
- This investment in technology has allowed the railroads in Minnesota to experience a 56% reduction in
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee BR Sub. on Health & Family Services (2-19-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- We are governed by Title 19 of the Social Security Act.
- Our information technology also receives an enhanced FMAP.
- Act it is a partnership between Security Act it is a partnership between the<00:02:41.239>
federal - Yeah, and I'd also say that they're also looking at the N where you see informational technology.
- We get a 90% on informational technology and a 75% on, you know, DDI active design, development, and
Summary:
The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services met with a quorum still coming together and first handled roll call and minutes. The main presentation came from the Department for Medicaid Services, with Commissioner Lisa Lee and CFO Steve Beckle giving an overview of Kentucky Medicaid, its federal-state financing structure, and the department’s 1915(c) home- and community-based waiver programs. They explained FMAP funding levels for traditional Medicaid, administration, IT, expansion adults, and CHIP, and noted the size of the program, including more than 600,000 Kentucky children eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, about 485,000 expansion adults, over 69,000 enrolled providers, and $18.5 billion in 2024 expenditures.
A major focus was the waiver system, including the acquired brain injury waivers, model waiver, independence waiver, Michelle P. waiver, and Supports for Community Living waiver. The department said these waivers are intended to keep people with physical or developmental disabilities in home and community settings rather than facilities, and that many services are not covered by Medicare or commercial insurance. Officials described participant-directed services, interagency administration, and eligibility rules, including that some waiver programs use the child’s income only rather than family income. They also reported an unduplicated waiver wait list of 13,930 people and said the General Assembly had added waiver slots in the last budget, including 650 ABI slots and 1,275 more to be allocated July 1, 2025.
The department also discussed a waiver rate study conducted by Guidehouse, explaining that CMS requires a defensible rate methodology because there is no Medicare or commercial benchmark for many waiver services. They said the study used cost and wage surveys, provider and stakeholder input, and aimed to improve transparency, provider stability, and rate parity. Officials reviewed prior COVID-era Appendix K rate increases and budget-driven increases, and said the budget ultimately funded rates at about 70% of the benchmark study, while preserving higher existing rates where needed so no provider would be cut. They highlighted larger differences in behavioral support and case management rates, and said a public report is available.
Members asked several questions about the potential impact of federal FMAP changes, especially possible reductions in the enhanced match for expansion adults and Medicaid IT/admin activities. DMS said any FMAP reduction would require more state general fund dollars, estimating about $75 million for each 1% drop in the expansion match, while impacts on administrative IT funding would depend on the systems being built or implemented in a given year. Members also pressed for clarification on waiver wait-list procedures, funded versus filled slots, and what happens when someone on the wait list is later found ineligible. DMS said people on the wait list may not yet have been assessed, can be reevaluated if conditions change, and are still eligible for regular Medicaid state-plan services if they qualify, even if they are waiting for waiver services.