Transcript Highlights:

• This is in two sections. The top section is what is collected by the Department of Revenue.
• The code for two PT codes used to be about $20, and for 97112 it’s now going down to $18.94.
• Instead, we got a increase on 10 codes.
• That rate in might use a CPT code 97530.
• used the code for two codes for PT, PT used the code for two codes for PT, PT used to<02:04:46.880

Keywords: During the committee meeting live stream, portion of the video was lost due to network issues. There were also some technical difficulties with content and the incorrect background image being used. The lost footage was recovered from backup, and the other issues corrected in post production editing. 1. 00:00:41 Call to Order 2. 00:01:02 Roll Call 3. 00:02:54 Approval of Minutes 4. 00:05:06 Statutory Reports and Data Requests 5. 00:35:14 2025 and 2026 Session Update 6. 01:03:10 Board Structure Updates and Subcommittees 7. 01:05:20 Public Comment 8. 02:23:14 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight Board meeting opened with quorum, approval of the March 9 and March 16, 2026 minutes, and a welcome to new member Representative Willner. The board then heard a presentation from the Department of Medicaid Services on several statutory reports: the quarterly budget analysis (LRC) report, the quarterly MCO report, the provider tax and assessment report, the enrollee demographic report, the annual behavioral health/substance use disorder utilization report, and the Medicaid pharmaceutical rebate fund. Commissioner Lisa Lee and CFO Steve Bechal explained the reports and answered questions. On spending, DMS said the quarterly budget analysis report should be read using the summary tabs because the first tab reflects only traditional Medicaid and does not include all populations. Lee said the first three quarters of fiscal year 2026 showed about $191 million more in waiver spending than the same period last year, about $250 million more in other categories such as nursing facilities, CCBHCs, and FQHCs, and roughly $450 million more in total fee-for-service spending. She also noted that Medicare Part D premiums are 100% state funds and estimated the state-fund increase at about $140 million. For managed care, DMS said pharmacy, inpatient hospital, and outpatient hospital spending made up about 66% of MCO payments so far this fiscal year. Members asked about administrative costs, provider tax impacts, citizenship-status categories, medical loss ratio, and whether the reports could be expanded to show recoupments and citizenship-based spending. DMS clarified that the spending figures discussed were benefit costs only, not administrative costs, and said administrative match rates vary. On the provider tax and directed payments report, Lee said the new CMS proposed rule would allow separate payment terms to continue through the grandfathering period, but that the impact would be substantial for providers even if the administrative effect was minimal. She also said DMS was still reviewing unusual citizenship categories such as “other” and “unspecified,” and would provide more information on medical loss ratio and recoupments if available. Auditor Ball raised concerns about alleged waste, duplicate Social Security numbers, ineligible enrollees, and high error rates in other programs. Lee responded that Medicaid focuses on fraud, waste, and abuse, but said the cited $800 million figure was not factual because it did not account for people enrolled in more than one Medicaid program at the same time. She said DMS is reviewing eligibility systems, including changes tied to community engagement requirements, and is working with the cabinet’s eligibility staff and ombudsman division on error rates. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment is coded A1. I recognize the member from Carver, Representative Nash. Thank you, Mr.
• issues that we had at the end of the previous biennium before we started this, and there was a gap in elected
• The amendment is coded A2. I recognize the member from Anoka, Representative Engen. Thank you, Mr.
• ><00:01:56.840> The<00:01:56.920> amendment<00:01:57.320> is<00:01:57.440> coded
• The amendment is coded 3679 as amended. The amendment is coded A2. A2. A2.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 3679, which would allow mandatory reports to legislative committees to be submitted electronically instead of on paper, was presented as a bipartisan efficiency measure by Representative Nash. The bill also carried an A1 amendment, adopted by voice vote, that addressed interim administrative authority for the Chief Clerk during a gap in caucus leadership and was described as a procedural fix worked out with caucus leaders. A second amendment, A2, offered by Representative Engen, sought to prohibit legislators from participating in appropriations to named nonprofit recipients that later employ or contract with them, arguing this created conflicts of interest and self-serving governance. Supporters said the amendment was needed for institutional integrity and taxpayer trust, while opponents argued it was too narrow, not well defined, and would unfairly single out certain jobs or industries; the debate included references to direct appropriations, conflict-of-interest rules, and examples involving nonprofits, law firms, farmers, teachers, and other outside employment. The A2 amendment was put to a roll call and failed on a 66-66 tie. After the amendment vote, the bill was read a third time and received broad support. Representatives Nash and Cleborne urged a green vote, and the House passed House File 3679 as amended by a vote of 132-0, with its title agreed to.

Transcript Highlights:

• Public safety during elections was prioritized with the Election Security Summit, which provided nearly
• When you're Section 35, and we don't do much of that, sir.
• The other thing, and I had brought this up last year, is the state election campaign fund.
• Last year I thought it was a good idea that we rededicate the funds to a local election fund.
• I know it helps city and town clerks run their elections.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing was held in Clinton Town Hall as part of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means’ budget review, with local officials welcoming legislators and noting the long agenda of many panels. The main presentation was from Secretary Terrence Reedy of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, who outlined the Healey-Driscoll administration’s FY26 proposal for the secretariat, including a $1.7 billion budget and a 7% increase over FY25. He described investments in emergency preparedness, hate-crime prevention, reentry programming, technology modernization, internships, and public safety training, while also noting some reductions driven by resource constraints, including cuts to certain grant programs and administrative costs. Committee members also raised concerns about federal uncertainty and how it could affect state budgets and public safety planning. A major portion of the questioning focused on the Department of Correction. Secretary Reedy and Commissioner Sean Jenkins said the biggest challenges are staffing, officer wellness, facility safety, and contraband—especially K2. They described steps taken at MCI Souza and other facilities, including reducing population at the maximum-security unit, changing management, removing metal products and free weights, improving screening and roll calls, adding a rapid response team, and increasing investigative and technological efforts to combat K2. They also discussed the closure of MCI Concord, saying it was driven by high maintenance costs and staffing needs, and explained that savings are being used to improve staffing patterns and address deferred maintenance over time rather than producing immediate large budget reductions. Members also questioned the budget’s impact on police training and community policing. The administration defended the increase in police academy tuition from $3,200 to $6,000 as reflecting true training costs and said it would still be subsidized by the state, while acknowledging the burden on small municipalities. They said the MPTC is expanding regional training and considering proposals such as Greenfield Community College’s. On community policing, officials emphasized uniform statewide training, de-escalation, and communication skills. The State Police also announced an outside review of the academy by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and said the next class will be split into two smaller groups to improve oversight and allow quicker implementation of recommendations. Other topics included ICE and federal immigration enforcement, with Reedy saying state law prohibits Massachusetts law enforcement from acting in a civil immigration capacity and that no state dollars were used in the Tufts-related ICE operation mentioned by a member. Senators and representatives also raised the upcoming FIFA World Cup, warning that it will require significant public safety resources and likely federal funding. Additional discussion covered restorative justice and juvenile diversion, health care costs in DOC, electronic health records, and the need for more diverse and culturally competent public safety staffing. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• and after the election.
• and after the election.
• , not to issue elections.
• , not to issue elections.
• I got elected because of NPAs.

Summary: The Senate convened with opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions and introductions, including guests from Miami Northwestern Senior High School, Clay County, and a moment of silence for Pope Francis. The chamber then took up a motion to reconsider the prior day’s failed vote on CS for SB 1080 (local government land regulation), which was adopted without objection, and moved into the special order calendar. A series of bills were debated and mostly passed, often after substituting House companions. Measures approved included funding for expedited DNA testing grants, additional aggravating factors in capital cases, fertility preservation coverage for cancer patients, commuter rail indemnification, migrant vessel disposition, specialty license plates, an Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness campaign, relocation of the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys to Florida Memorial University, charter school changes, sexual offender registration updates, utility worker assault/battery penalties, juvenile justice revisions, student mental health outcome reporting, foster home licensure transfers, water access facilities, Florida Virtual School changes, school readiness resources for children with disabilities, sexual images/child exploitation penalties, tampering with electronic monitoring devices, certified recovery residences, the FSU Election Law Center, the Office of Faith and Community, and bonuses for county tax collector/property appraiser employees. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on social media use by minors, veterans’ nursing homes, Parkinson’s disease, mental health and substance use disorders, education, educator preparation, benefits for certain officers injured in the line of duty, school social workers, and brownfields. Debate centered on public safety, health care access, education, recovery housing, and government administration. Some of the most substantive discussion came on the Office of Faith and Community bill, where an amendment to bar political activity by office staff was offered and defeated after extended debate over election-related communications and the proper scope of existing ethics laws. The certified recovery residences bill also drew extensive support and testimony about addiction recovery and housing stability. Most bills passed on strong bipartisan votes, with a few receiving notable opposition, including the charter schools bill, the aggravating factors bill, and the Office of Faith and Community bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• He referred to the original bill language at sections 2.13 to 2.15.
• Section 6 simply removes some redundant language.
• Education and then sections 9 through 13 Education and then sections 9 through 13 move<01:07:54.240><
• recommends reallocating those funds to cover the needs in section 17.
• those funds to cover the needs in section 17.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It is not elected. Our position is elected.
• but— For example, in the area of pretrial detention and holds on a new violation, we are creating codes
• Representative Chandler and I were just pointing out there's an entire section here on the underutilization
• Every single item that's been brought up so far and add government and elections and modernization issues
• Government, elections, modernization issues that we might be looking at in the next session. Okay.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think this is about the future of electing folks.
• You are stealing elections and killing democracy.
• None of my elected officials have responded to me.
• We want fair elections.
• Elections are meant for people to use their power to choose their elected officials, not the other way

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Lord, I pray for the elected officials honored to be here today, that are representing the people, that
• We do increase the general fund support again for the Teachers' Retirement System in this section of
• material inspectors, electrical staff, plumbing inspectors, boiler staff, HVAC staff, and building code
• staff, boiler staff, HVAC staff and staff, boiler staff, HVAC staff and building<00:44:19.480> code
• building code enforcement. building code enforcement.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Historically, this development has been accomplished in collaboration with residents and their elected
• Arizonans, but we're not sure if it's helpful to remove opportunities for constituents and their elected
• I think just speaking to this bill, what we're really talking about is Section 1, which goes into the
• I think just speaking to this bill, what we're really talking about is Section 1, which goes into the
• installations have evolved significantly since the early days, with stronger adherence to building codes

Bills: SB1041, SB1363, SB1418, SB1419, SB1445, SB1447, SB1488, SB1519, SB1523, SB1560, SB1580

Keywords: electronic monitoring, nursing care, assisted living, resident rights, privacy, consent, surveillance, marijuana, rural opportunity, dispensary, economic development, licensing, social equity, unserved communities, Arizona, small modular reactors, energy regulation, environmental compatibility, utility construction, agricultural use

Transcript Highlights:

• Specifically, the bill contains this exemption for the experimental program from the Water Code, which
• The committee analysis appropriately notes that Section 1 was extremely large in terms of its impact
• Thank you. ...budget process and associated fee rules, which the Health and Safety Code already caps
• These fixes, which include, as Assembly Member Zabur mentioned, requiring universal product codes and
• Standardized templates will streamline the point-of-sale system coding and compliance verification and

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a long series of bills, beginning with AB 2026 on groundwater recharge. The author and supporters said the bill would streamline permitting, codify existing CEQA exemptions for recharge diversions, and help California capture flood flows for storage in aquifers. Water agencies and local districts supported the measure, while environmental groups and some irrigation districts opposed it or sought amendments, warning about CEQA, streambed, Delta, and tribal-resource concerns. The bill was held open pending a quorum. Members then heard AB 1577 on data center energy accountability, which would require monthly reporting of energy use and related information to the Energy Commission and local agencies. The author and the Little Hoover Commission argued the bill would improve transparency, help protect ratepayers, and support grid planning. Data center industry and business groups opposed it as duplicative, burdensome, and uniquely targeted, while several environmental and local-government groups supported or supported if amended. The bill was left with a due-pass recommendation once a quorum was present. The committee also took up AB 2245 on producer responsibility for vehicle lubricant products and containers, AB 2170 on CEQA language-access and environmental protections in overburdened communities, AB 2059 on rural transportation/VMT analysis, AB 1808 on Western Joshua tree permitting and fee relief, AB 2182 on industrial energy efficiency program changes, AB 2231 on streamlining two hospital projects, and AB 2433 on density bonus housing incentives. Each bill drew a mix of support from sponsors, local agencies, labor, housing, or environmental justice groups and opposition or concerns from business, local government, or conservation organizations. Several measures were amended in committee, and multiple bills were reported out on due-pass or due-pass-as-amended votes, with some roll calls left open for absent members.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that section of provision within your operations being funded fully?
• With that, for the Court of Appeals, it's behind tab 2, agency code 215.
• It is agency code 235, and in Volume 2, it's page 27, Volume 2, page 27.
• District, Agency Code 239, page in Volume 2 is page 31.
• We have an elected district attorney in San Juan County and an elected district attorney in McKinley

Transcript Highlights:

• Penalty for a crime of election fraud increasing a criminal penalty is referred to the Committee on Elections
• HB5337 by Isaac relates to criminal offenses and is referred to the Committee on Elections.
• The application for the ballot to be voted by mail is requested for the Committee on Elections.
• elections.
• Day and is referred to the Committee on Elections.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So there's a section in Article 5 around 1st through 3rd supplementary supports.
• Our district went out for a Voter Approval Tax Rate Election (VADER).
• Parent choice means keeping our elected school boards.
• Second, Section 39A.204 of the Education Code should be amended to require that at least two members
• He is one unelected official with the power to dissolve elected school boards.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• had balance since you were elected had balance since you were elected there's<00:18:38.880> a
• He said, first, that is only in section three of the bill, so sections one and two are a lot broader.
• I was focused on section three, but noting that those other sections apply to all undocumented immigrants
• He said he was focused on section three, but noted that the other sections apply to all undocumented
• Now, that's bipartisan, perhaps not among elected officials.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard extended debate on a bill requiring cooperation with ICE and reporting related to undocumented people in certain criminal contexts. Representative Rymer argued the measure was meant to align with federal priorities focused on violent offenders and to ensure local governments respond to federal inquiries, not proactively target immigrants. He also said the bill was intended to address serious crimes and protect victims, citing examples of violent offenders and trafficking-related cases. Several members raised concerns that the bill’s language was broader than described and could affect family court matters, health care, elder care, and routine interactions with government agencies. Testifiers and members warned it could be used as leverage against undocumented people in custody, child support, domestic violence, and labor exploitation situations, and could discourage people from reporting crimes or seeking help. The sheriff’s association and county attorneys’ association letters were cited as raising due process, equal protection, civil rights, and public safety concerns. The discussion also focused on the bill’s definitions and mechanics, especially whether section three would require reporting after arrests that do not lead to charges and how county attorneys would know when to report. Representative Pinto pressed on the bill’s reference to “violent crime” and whether drug possession could be swept in, while Rymer argued the bill was narrower than critics suggested. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided; the exchange remained at the discussion and questioning stage.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I will also say that the section of law that this is being amended to does have some other safety
• And I will also say that the section of law that this is being amended to does have some other safety
• And I will also say that the section of law that this is being amended to does have some other safety
• Yeah, and I think that's where it ties in to CMS and the requirements under Section 2718E of this.
• Yeah, and I think that's where it ties in to CMS and the requirements under Section 2718E of this.

Summary: The committee first heard and favorably reported SB 255, which expands eligibility for psychosocial rehabilitation services by adding health sciences and therapeutic recreation degrees to the list of acceptable educational backgrounds. Supporters said the change would help address workforce shortages and improve access in rural areas. SB 314 was then reported favorably; it cleans up prior law so a limited scope certified social worker license can still be used for community psychiatric support and treatment services even if the application is filed after the CSW license has expired, rather than being barred by a timing restriction. The committee next took up several bills by Chairman McMath. SB 26, which repeals facility need review requirements for opioid treatment programs, was reported favorably after members and witnesses said Louisiana has too few OTPs and that removing the review would improve access, especially in rural areas. SB 29, requiring review and reporting of a child’s immunization records in certain unexpected death autopsies, was reported favorably despite questions about whether the bill should refer more broadly to medical records; supporters said the data could help evaluate vaccine-related concerns, while opponents raised concerns about singling out immunizations. SB 30, dealing with telehealth for obesity/weight management, was amended and reported favorably; the committee adopted technical amendments and a conceptual amendment replacing “metabolic condition” with “weight management services,” while witnesses debated patient safety, board authority, and whether the bill should limit agencies’ ability to restrict telehealth in the future. The committee also reported favorably SB 219, which creates an Office of Health and Nutrition within LDH. Supporters from the department, the Alzheimer’s Association, and Pennington Biomedical said the office would strengthen coordination on nutrition, physical activity, and brain health, and cited high Alzheimer’s costs and prevalence in Louisiana. SB 222, which streamlines Medicaid behavioral health administrative requirements and expands telehealth for psychosocial rehabilitation, was reported favorably with amendments after supporters described workforce and rural access barriers. SB 195, the “Danny’s Dose EMS Treatment Act,” was reported favorably; it would allow EMS personnel to administer a patient’s own prescribed time-critical medication in emergencies, and testimony from a parent and physician described life-threatening delays under current practice. The committee also adopted SCR 2, updating hospital architectural standards to the most recent Facility Guidelines Institute edition, and SCR 22, requesting a more detailed legislative auditor report on opioid settlement expenditures; members said they wanted clearer outcome data and planned to refine the language before floor debate. Finally, HB 1093 on naturopathic medicine was introduced and heavily amended, with the bill shifted under LSBME oversight and a large set of changes discussed, but no final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• for approval after the legislature authorizes them, so that will happen in the statewide general election
• The bill makes sweeping changes to the children's code, the kind of code-wide revisions that have not
• been made since 1993. when the code was first drafted.
• Our biggest concern is that the proposal expands some of the most problematic parts of the 1993 code,
• As we go forward, and I go back to the early 1980s when I did serve on the Children's Code Task Force

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Elected officials will be taken out of turn, as is the tradition of this committee.
• Elected officials who have registered will be called upon first.
• And, you know, thirdly, really thinking about the risk coding and recognizing that this risk coding will
• I can tell you, risk coding is a massive pain for us in primary care.
• Section 15 of 867. All right. Thanks. Thank you. Yep.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Health Care Financing held a public hearing on a large docket focused on primary care, workforce development, and medical debt. Chairs Cindy Friedman and John Lawn outlined hearing procedures and noted that testimony would be taken on 17 matters. The committee first heard testimony on bills to establish a community health center nurse practitioner residency program and to strengthen mental health centers. Senator Keenan, Rep. Keefe, and health center leaders described the Worcester nurse practitioner residency as a successful pipeline and retention strategy, citing workforce shortages, training needs in community health centers, and the cost of the program. Rep. O’Day also supported the mental health centers bill, saying it would raise payment rates, improve reimbursement for behavioral health services, and help clinics retain staff and expand access. The committee then took testimony on bills to address medical debt through hospital financial assistance reform. The Attorney General’s Office, Health Care for All, Health Law Advocates, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and individual patients supported the measure, arguing that hospital financial assistance policies are inconsistent, hard to find, and difficult to navigate. Witnesses said the bill would standardize eligibility criteria, create a uniform application, improve notice requirements, and expand access to discounted care up to 400% of the federal poverty level. Several personal stories described medical bills being sent to collections, confusion over insurance billing, and the burden of debt on low-income and chronically ill patients. Committee members asked about hospital concerns, the role of the health safety net, and whether the bill addressed root causes of medical debt; testimony emphasized that the proposal was meant to improve transparency and access rather than replace broader insurance reforms. The hearing also focused heavily on “Primary Care for You” legislation, H. 1370 and S. 867, which would increase primary care investment and create a new payment model. Rep. Haggerty, physicians, a patient, community health center leaders, and the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers described a primary care crisis marked by low reimbursement, staffing shortages, long waits, burnout, and difficulty recruiting clinicians. Supporters said the bills would shift spending toward preventive, team-based care, improve access and equity, and reduce long-term costs. The Massachusetts Association of Health Plans said it was directionally supportive of increased primary care investment but warned that any new spending must stay within the cost growth benchmark and preserve existing contracting structures. The hearing ended with additional testimony on a community health center workforce and loan repayment grant bill from Rep. Stanley, and with further discussion from Dr. Alan Garo about the need for payment reform in primary care.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Hudson, before you begin your testimony, I understand you have an author's amendment coded
• elected officials. elected officials.
• I think that the idea that you're getting at here, that those of us who are elected officials, we had
• I think that the idea that you're getting at here, that those of us who are elected officials, we had
• <00:37:22.120> one first subdivision or section one first subdivision or section one subdivision

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 2809 was taken up, and Representative Hudson moved the bill with a recommendation to the General Register. The committee adopted the author’s amendment A1, which changed the effective date from 2025 to 2026. Hudson described the bill as a narrow prohibition on protests at or around a person’s dwelling, arguing that homes deserve special protection from coercive or intimidating conduct and citing Supreme Court precedent on focused residential picketing. He said the bill would not apply to residences that also function as businesses or public meeting places and emphasized that it would apply equally to private citizens and public officials. Several members raised constitutional and drafting concerns. Representative Curran said the bill appeared too broad and could sweep in lawful expressive activity, including people standing on their own property with signs, and questioned whether it would survive constitutional scrutiny. Representative Pinto argued the bill either duplicates existing criminal laws or goes beyond the conduct Hudson described, stressing that the law should focus on conduct rather than the label of protest. Representative Bentele and Representative Hollins asked for clearer definitions of “protest,” “residence,” and whether the bill would reach sidewalks, streets, Airbnbs, and other public or mixed-use spaces. Representative Watson noted existing laws on targeted residential picketing, harassment, and stalking and asked what gap the bill was meant to fill. Hudson responded that the bill was intended to address coercive, disruptive activity and said he was open to amendments to clarify that constitutionally protected activity in places where a person has a right to be would not be affected. He argued that current laws are not always enforced consistently and that the bill would clarify legislative intent for law enforcement and prosecutors. The discussion ended without a final vote on the bill itself, after members and the author indicated a willingness to continue working on the language.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:25:37.159> uh the classification code likely uh is uh the classification code likely uh
• classification code versus another classific<01:28:24.119> ification<01:28:24.560> code
• It also changes section 2.
• > section<03:56:08.760> shall<03:56:08.960> not requirements of this section shall
• understand you correctly but the section understand you correctly but the section on<03:57:47.960

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To these elected officials, give wisdom as they listen to one another.
• The amendment is coded A6.
• > and<00:17:01.600> hopefully ade to that section and hopefully ade to that section and
• My colleague and I on the other side of the aisle, we just passed the bill in the Elections Committee
• committee that said no the elections committee that said no NDAs.

Keywords: 1183, house