Video & Transcript : 'Ex Parte Charrette' :
Page 226 of 500
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Taxation and Revenue Feb 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, as a state legislator, as we kill businesses in rural parts of our state, which we've done
- You know, as a state legislator, as we kill businesses in rural parts of our state, which we've done
- Are there job opportunities for rural parts of the state to get involved with this as well? Mr.
- I mean, rural parts, we've just shut down a nice facility and there's 350 jobs gone.
- And so that's part of the reason that we revert. Go three to five years.
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 108, which amends the Watershed District Act to fix a problem created by last year’s changes: appointed watershed district boards could not legally levy taxes, even though several districts already had mill levies. The sponsor and staff explained the bill would preserve the existing tax authority by tying it to the soil and water district responsible for the watershed district. There was no public opposition, and the committee voted do pass on HB 108 as amended.
The committee then heard House Bill 154, a tax credit bill intended to decouple New Mexico’s Advanced Energy Equipment Tax Credit from changing federal definitions and to add fusion machines and related components to the state definition. Supporters from economic development, industry, utilities, and education argued the bill would provide certainty, attract advanced manufacturing, and help New Mexico compete for investment without changing the credit’s caps or fiscal impact. Members questioned why hydrogen, geothermal, and small modular reactors were not included; staff said those technologies were not in the federal definition and that adding them now could create unintended consequences. The committee voted do pass on HB 154, with one member voting reluctantly yes.
House Bill 291, the Taxation and Revenue Department’s annual tax code cleanup bill, was then presented and amended twice. The first amendment preserved New Mexico’s independent definition of qualified research for the tech jobs and R&D credit. The second removed a proposed expansion of the film tax credit to certain tribal expenditures after concerns about fiscal impact; members discussed possible future approaches for tribal film activity and the film partner loophole. The bill also makes technical and policy changes including rounding certain payments to the nearest nickel, waiving interest when tax deadlines are extended for good cause, removing small late-filing penalties in some cases, allowing delinquent taxpayers to renew permits under installment agreements, intercepting excess delinquent property tax auction proceeds for other state tax debts, clarifying tobacco tax treatment for larger vape cartridges, and tightening film credit rules. After public opposition from business groups and discussion from members, the committee voted do pass on HB 291 as twice amended.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- And that's intentional on our part.
- But because they're part-time, they're not receiving benefits. Mr.
- But because they're part-time, they're not receiving benefits, they're not, you know, so the cost is
- Simmons, I have a two-part question.
- Part of that helps protect the teachers so that they can do this at a time that's best for them.
Summary:
Representative Doug Pickett introduced RS 33030 C2, describing it as legislation developed from a study and prior oversight work on virtual education, especially Idaho Home Learning Academy. He said the proposal would add clarity, transparency, and accountability for virtual programs by requiring board approval of contracts, Idaho residency for students, state-standard curriculum, written disclosure of services and costs, conflict-of-interest procedures, certified teachers, and limits on how supplemental learning funds may be used. The committee moved to introduce the RS and approved it without objection.
The bulk of the meeting was a presentation and questioning of Idaho Digital Learning Academy (IDLA) Superintendent Jeff Simmons, followed by Cambridge School District Superintendent Anthony Butler. Simmons explained that IDLA is a statewide supplemental online program created to provide access and choice, funded mainly by a per-enrollment state allocation and course fees, with most courses taught asynchronously by Idaho-certified teachers. He emphasized IDLA’s transparency, annual independent audits, open content catalog, parent app, AI policies, and programs such as dual credit, credit recovery, CTE pathways, and the Launchpad literacy intervention. Butler described how a small rural district uses IDLA for electives, dual credit, credit recovery, and required courses, saying it helps students stay on track and, in some cases, graduate.
Members pressed Simmons on IDLA’s original purpose, whether it still primarily serves rural schools, how equity should be defined, and whether the program’s budget growth and teacher pay were justified. Other questions focused on the governor’s proposed $10 million cut, audit practices, how homeschool and private school students are served and funded, whether students can take IDLA during the school day, and whether the program creates “double dipping” by generating funding for both IDLA and local districts. Simmons said a large cut would reduce services and staffing, that most teachers are part-time and paid per enrollment, and that IDLA’s model remains efficient compared with alternatives. Several members also discussed the Launchpad literacy program and dual credit savings, and the chair asked for follow-up information on in-person versus online instruction and on how daytime IDLA participation interacts with attendance funding.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- And therein lies the easy part of it. Now for the rest.
- Eric Sprott, who's a major precious metals investor, owned part of the mine and, as part of this transaction
- This is an interesting part of our story now, which has always been part of it, but we didn't really
- That's going to be part of the Galena operations.
- That's going to be part of the Galena operations. It's already... There already.
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes from January 14, 19, 20, and 21, 2026. It then heard Senate Bill 1238, which would require Idaho Fish and Game to provide a 30-day public comment period on proposed season-setting proclamations. Senator Foreman said the bill was intended to give sportsmen more time to review data and comment, but outfitters testified that the change could disrupt the timing of big game tag allocations and shorten the window for selling hunts. Fish and Game said the proposal was doable but would require timeline adjustments and could create pinch points. After discussion, Senator Foreman asked that the bill be held at the call of the chair, and the committee approved that motion.
The committee next considered Senate Concurrent Resolution 115, which supports consolidating the Soil and Water Conservation Commission with the Department of Water Resources to improve efficiency while preserving each entity’s mission. Senator Harris said the resolution was developed with input from soil and water districts and would also eliminate an administrative position, producing some savings. The Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts and the Department of Water Resources both testified in support, emphasizing that the consolidation would not change the voluntary, locally led, non-regulatory nature of the districts. The committee voted to send SCR 115 to the floor with a do pass recommendation.
The remainder of the meeting was a series of informational presentations from the Idaho Mining Association and several mining companies on projects and operations around the state, including Thompson Creek, Liberty Gold’s Black Pine project, Perpetua Resources’ Stibnite Gold Project, Integra Resources’ Delamar project, and U.S. Silver’s Galena Mine. Speakers highlighted project histories, permitting status, capital investment, jobs, local tax impacts, and production plans, with several emphasizing critical minerals, antimony, and reclamation or redevelopment of previously disturbed sites. No votes or formal actions were taken on those presentations.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- That's still part of the education program.
- Therefore, gifted should be part of special education.
- It's Part 3, gifted and talented students. It's where the definitions are.
- Nothing has been changed in the gifted part of it.
- That's the part I like.
Keywords:
special education, office of special education, deputy secretary, public education department, IEP, individualized education program, students with disabilities, IDEA, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, dyslexia, dyslexia screening, structured literacy, reading intervention, multilayered system of supports, MTSS, student assistance team, free appropriate public education, FAPE, special education compliance, charter schools
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment & Energy Jan 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- that goes— Part of it, not quite what you're asking, I know.
- So part of the concerns...
- So part of the concern, and I get that it's not their whole concern raised, but part of the concern raised
- And yes, we're all part of the forest products sector, which is critically important.
- So we want to help be part of the solution, not part of the problem.
Summary:
The Environment and Energy Committee heard testimony on House Bill 2537, which would change how energy-intensive, trade-exposed facilities (EITEs) are treated under the Climate Commitment Act. Committee staff and the bill sponsor explained that the measure would require Ecology to update its post-2034 report to include proposed allowance-reduction methods, leakage-risk adjustments, and consignment recommendations, and would add new reporting and decarbonization-planning requirements for EITEs to continue receiving no-cost allowances. The committee also briefly took up House Bill 2245, a separate Clean Energy Transformation Act bill, and later voted the proposed substitute out of committee on an 11-8 vote with 2 excused, after debate over exemptions for certain utilities and market customers.
Supporters of HB 2537, including The Nature Conservancy, NRDC, Washington Conservation Action, Climate Solutions, Clean and Prosperous Washington, Ecology, and some utility representatives, said the bill would provide needed clarity, better data, and a path for long-term industrial decarbonization while helping prevent emissions leakage. They argued that EITEs receive substantial public value through free allowances and should be required to document emissions sources, energy needs, and feasible reduction pathways so the state can design a post-2035 policy consistent with climate goals. Ecology said it generally supports the bill, though it recommended streamlining duplicative reporting and noted the work would require significant agency resources not included in the governor’s budget.
Opponents, including the Association of Washington Business, the Northwest Pulp and Paper Association, the Association of Western Pulp and Paperworkers, WISPA, the Alliance of Western Energy Consumers, Food Northwest, Simplot, Kaiser Aluminum, and Newcor Steel, warned that the bill could increase compliance burdens, expose sensitive business information, and worsen leakage risks by making Washington less competitive. They said many facilities have already made major investments and face high capital costs, limited clean electricity supply, permitting delays, and technologies that are not yet commercially viable at scale. Several speakers pointed to recent plant closures and job losses in pulp and paper, food processing, and metals as evidence that leakage is already occurring, and urged the committee to preserve flexibility, protect confidentiality, and consider targeted funding or other incentives rather than new mandates alone.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The fourth and final part, Mr. Chair, relates to Florida's E-Verify statutes.
- The fourth and final part, Mr. Chair, relates to Florida's E-Verify statutes.
- The fourth and final part, Mr. Chair, relates to Florida's E-Verify statutes.
- However, parts of the bill’s approach move away from that foundation.
- As a Democrat, I want to be a part of this conversation on how we respond to AI.
Keywords:
special districts, funding, financial assistance, rural community, state agency, economic development, artificial intelligence, personal data protection, consumer rights, chatbot, deceptive practices, government contracts, public records, consumer protection, data privacy, investigations, proprietary information, chatbots, Florida statutes, nonprofit
Summary:
The Committee on Commerce and Tourism heard and advanced several bills focused on economic development, consumer protection, workforce issues, and technology. SB 1076 would raise Florida’s research and development tax credit cap from $9 million to $50 million beginning with the 2027 allocation, and it was reported favorably. SB 1266, as amended, creates a cybersecurity experiential internship and clearance-readiness program with Cyber Florida and was also reported favorably. SB 554, a Florida Bar-backed update to the not-for-profit corporations statute, was approved without opposition. SB 1004, aimed at protecting buyers of dogs and cats from deceptive sales practices and predatory financing at retail pet stores, received supportive testimony from animal welfare advocates and was reported favorably. SB 1074, which sets rounding rules for cash transactions if pennies are unavailable, also passed favorably.
The committee also considered SB 998, the Department of Commerce package, which combines updates to the Small Cities CDBG program, clarification of rural community eligibility, an exemption from a reverter clause for military-related land conveyances, and revisions to E-Verify enforcement. The E-Verify portion drew the most debate, with questions about employer cure periods, treatment of current investigations, and whether the bill creates a loophole for independent contractors. Senator Smith opposed the bill, arguing it creates unequal enforcement between employers and immigrant workers, while Senator Wright supported the military-related provisions. SB 998 was reported favorably on a divided vote.
SB 214, which expands the rural community definition to include special districts in rural counties, was reported favorably. The committee then took up SB 482, an artificial intelligence consumer-protection bill that creates an “AI bill of rights” covering companion chatbots, parental controls for minors, data privacy, de-identified data, unauthorized use of likeness, and enforcement by the Attorney General, with a limited private cause of action for minors. The bill drew extensive testimony both in support and in opposition, including concerns about privacy, age verification, and enforcement, but it was reported favorably. Finally, the committee approved SPB 7030, a public-records exemption tied to Department of Legal Affairs investigations under the AI bill, and adjourned after members requested to be recorded on certain votes.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Jan 21st, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- But we are made up of 13 river basins, and all are part...
- But we are made up of 13 river basins, and all are part of our 15 counties in our area.
- Johns River, and it was diverted as a part of developing the area for agriculture.
- That's part of what we're doing.
- without that part.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government heard budget presentations from all five water management districts for FY 2026-2027: Northwest Florida, Suwannee River, St. Johns River, Southwest Florida, and South Florida. Each district described its preliminary budget, major funding sources, staffing levels, and how most of its spending is tied to the four core missions of water supply, water quality, natural systems, and flood protection. Several directors noted budget reductions from the prior year largely because major projects were completed or because grant/appropriation funding is not yet fully reflected in preliminary budgets. Committee members repeatedly asked how districts project operations and maintenance costs, how projects are selected, and what share of staff and spending is devoted to core missions versus administration or regulatory work.
Northwest Florida Water Management District said its preliminary budget is $93.4 million, down about 15%, with 97% of spending tied to core responsibilities and a request for additional regulatory services funding. Suwannee River Water Management District presented a $70.4 million budget, emphasized its rural/agricultural character and spring protection work, and highlighted the Water First North Florida reclaimed-water recharge project; members also discussed its need for an additional FTE to handle consumptive use permit reviews tied to a new lower Santa Fe rule. St. Johns River Water Management District presented a $181 million budget, highlighted major water supply, water quality, flood protection, and land management projects such as Taylor Creek Reservoir, Water First North Florida, Black Creek, Crane Creek, and Lake Jessup restoration, and said about 93% of its budget supports core missions.
Southwest Florida Water Management District presented a $227.6 million budget, with major spending on alternative water supply, water control structure repairs, watershed projects, and land management; officials said 93.4% of the budget supports core missions and discussed rising construction costs for aging infrastructure. South Florida Water Management District presented the largest budget at $1.05 billion, focused on Everglades restoration, flood control, water supply, and ecosystem recovery; the director described major reservoirs and treatment projects, the EAA Reservoir, and ongoing efforts to improve water quality and restore flows to the Everglades and Florida Bay. The committee took no formal votes on the district budgets and adjourned after the presentations and questions.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Economic and Rural Development Dec 8th, 2025 at 01:04 pm
Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Is it part of your program or not?
- Those are all part of my question. They are struggling.
- But it's not really part of anything the State Library tracks. ...part of anything the State Library
- I just want to thank you for being part of this.
- Is anybody, Madam Chair, is anybody on the part of the Irish caucus?
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Would you repeat the last part?
- You do understand that in rural parts of Texas and urban parts of Texas, that the digital divide is real
- There are certainly parts of virtual. will act to virtual capacity.
- And we're sitting here saying we want everybody to be a part, everybody to be transparent.
- Another part I want to talk to you about also.
Bills:
SR5, SB5, SB11, SB12, SB25, SB26, SB28, SB35, SB5, SB11, SB12, SB25, SB26, SB28, SB35, SB5, SB11, SB12, SB25, SB26, SB28, SB35, SR5
Keywords:
redistricting, Senate procedures, public input, Texas Legislature, amendments, Texas Senate, congressional districts, legislative procedures, legislative transparency, Senate rules, public hearings, committee procedures, hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, occupational licenses, criminal offenses, SB 11, Texas attorney general, election crimes
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine S.222, to amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to allow schools that participate in the school lunch program to serve whole milk. Apr 1st, 2025 at 09:00 am
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Studi... has played a key part in the development of dietary guidelines for Americans dating back to
- Is USDA's position that fruits and vegetables are a critical part of a healthy diet? Yes. Okay.
- The amount that�s recommended still holds and that�s in large part because of all the nutrients.
- Part of a healthy diet, and how important whole milk is.
- or fat parts of milk?
Bills:
SB222
Keywords:
whole milk, school lunch, school meals, National School Lunch Program, Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, Child Nutrition Act, USDA, nutrition standards, dairy, nonfat milk, low-fat milk, reduced-fat milk, lactose-free milk, nondairy beverages, plant-based milk, milk substitution, parental consent, legal guardian, food allergies, allergic reaction
Summary:
This meeting of the committee focused primarily on the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, S222, which aims to permit schools to offer a fuller range of milk options, including whole, reduced, and low-fat varieties, that have garnered bipartisan support. Chairman Bozeman opened the session by highlighting concerns over children's nutrition and the obesity epidemic, emphasizing the significance of nutritious school meals in addressing these issues. Experts from various organizations were invited to discuss the implications of this bill as well as the current challenges facing school meal programs, including budget constraints and food supply issues. The meeting included passionate testimonies about the direct impacts of current dietary guidelines and federal funding reductions affecting schools' abilities to provide healthy meal options.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- So you have a significant part of the population.
- So you have a significant part of the population that are cost burdened.
- So you have a significant part of the population that are cost burdened.
- So for the most part, yes.
- There is a county/municipality part there.
Summary:
The Committee on Community Affairs held its first meeting and heard presentations focused on affordable housing implementation under the Live Local Act. Florida Housing Finance Corporation described its role in administering rental and homeownership programs, including SAIL, SHIP, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, disaster recovery efforts, supportive housing, and the Live Local funding and tax incentives. Officials said the first year’s $150 million Live Local rental allocation was fully committed to 23 developments producing 3,171 units with mixed-income set-asides, and they outlined how projects were selected through competitive solicitations tied to statutory priorities such as mixed-use development, publicly owned land, foster youth, rural areas of opportunity, redevelopment, and housing near military installations. They also discussed the tax credit contribution program, the missing-middle property tax exemption, sales tax rebates, and the year-one ad valorem exemption for qualifying affordable projects.
Members asked detailed questions about the data and program design, including the use of area median income figures, per-unit subsidy levels, county targeting, tenant relocation during redevelopment, and whether the programs were helping lower-income households. Florida Housing said it uses competitive scoring and data from the Schimberg Center and that redevelopment projects are supposed to include tenant relocation plans. The homeownership portion of the presentation covered the Hometown Heroes program, which provides down payment and closing cost assistance to first-time homebuyers, with exceptions for active-duty military and veterans. Staff said the program has assisted more than 21,000 families and leveraged over $6.5 billion in first mortgages, and members asked about repayment rates, credit scores, and whether participants were staying in homes long enough to show the program was serving intended buyers.
The committee then heard from OPAGA on two required Live Local evaluations: affordable housing strategies in other states and affordable housing policies in Florida. OPAGA reported that Florida has a high share of cost-burdened households, with 1.5 million households cost burdened and 1.4 million severely cost burdened, and that Florida’s counties and municipalities reported more than $1.4 billion in affordable housing expenditures in fiscal year 2023-24. The report identified 13 innovative out-of-state programs, with three considered high-potential for Florida implementation, and summarized Florida local government practices such as SHIP-funded homeownership and rental assistance, expedited permitting, mixed-income zoning, rehabilitation programs, and interlocal cooperation. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentations and questions.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Thirty Four - Monday, March 9
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I was the sole no vote on that, and that was a mistake on my part.
- So that part was included in there.
- Can you repeat that part?
- There are parts of it I like. There's parts I like less, very honestly.
- There are parts of it I like. There's parts I like less, very honestly.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Fiscal Policy Apr 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- was a part of that 100,000.
- I was part of the...
- I appreciate particularly the first part of the amendment.
- It's oftentimes part of their, an expanded part of their practice report, part of their portfolio.
- Again, that's part of the purpose of today's amendment.
Summary:
The committee met and first reported favorably CS for SB 1782, which creates a new offense for dangerous excessive speeding, with support noted from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida PBA. It also reported favorably CS for SB 306, which addresses Medicaid managed care provider network access by requiring after-hours and holiday appointment availability and a minimum level of primary care participation. CS for SB 716, imposing mandatory minimum sentences for certain sexual offenses committed by registered sex offenders or predators, and CS for SB 1084, expanding protections against non-consensual dissemination of intimate images and digitally forged intimate images, were also approved.
The committee then approved CS for CS for SB 1604, a corrections package that would require prepayment of court costs for certain inmate lawsuits, shorten the limitations period for confinement-condition claims, allow consecutive sentencing in some cases, and revise mental health treatment procedures in correctional settings. Members discussed constitutional concerns and access-to-courts issues, but the bill was reported favorably. CS for CS for SB 1804, which creates a capital offense for trafficking a child 12 or younger or a mentally incapacitated person for sexual exploitation, drew extensive debate and opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Floridaans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty; despite objections about constitutionality and ethics, it was reported favorably.
The committee also approved CS for SB 1838, expanding protections for court officials against tampering, harassment, and retaliation, and CS for CS for SB 890, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which creates a statewide VTE registry and requires blood clot screening and training in hospitals and care facilities. Members and public witnesses spoke in strong support of the blood clot bill, including family members and survivors. Finally, the committee reported favorably CS for SB 1252, directing FDLE to study a statewide pawn data database, CS for SB 468, increasing penalties for fleeing or eluding law enforcement and allowing vehicle impoundment, CS for SB 490, expanding off-duty concealed carry eligibility for correctional officers and correctional probation officers, and CS for SB 572, the Pam Rock Act on dangerous dogs, which was amended to refine enclosure, confiscation, euthanasia, and insurance requirements.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- c> we</c><00:02:20.480><c> have</c><00:02:20.640><c> with</c> First off, there's three requests as part
- I have to say that this is not something that is part of a normal activity for this agency.
- say that this is uh not something that say that this is uh not something that is<00:03:39.159><c> part
- of a normal uh activity for this is part of a normal uh activity for this agency<00:03:42.319><c> it
- </c><00:32:11.480><c> of</c> federal guidelines there's the part of federal guidelines there's the part
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
WAM-AEN, WAM-JDC Informational Briefings 01-09-2026
Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I get that part.
- </c> million is part of infrastructure. million is part of infrastructure.
- really every part justice system and and really every part of<02:00:54.640><c> society.
- No, it's part of our policies.
- </c> I said one question on the legal part. I said one question on the legal part.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Health Committee Aug 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So AI chatbots are part of virtual care, but not part of the definition of telehealth we used in some
- To give you an idea of my day, I'm a part-timer at this point.
- So it's an important part of our practice.
- And this will be a huge part of her legacy in this Legislature. And we are very lucky.
- This will be a huge part of her legacy in this Legislature.
Summary:
The committee held an outcomes review hearing on AB 744 and AB 32, two telehealth bills authored by Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry. Members and witnesses discussed how AB 744 established payment parity for telehealth in the commercial market, while AB 32 expanded Medi-Cal access to audio-only telehealth and helped make telehealth a more permanent part of California’s health care system. The chair and author emphasized that the hearing was meant to assess implementation, identify remaining gaps, and consider future policy changes.
First-panel testimony from policy experts described telehealth’s growth before and after COVID-19, noting strong patient satisfaction, continued higher utilization than pre-pandemic levels, and particular value for behavioral health, chronic care, rural communities, older adults, and patients facing transportation, work, child care, broadband, or language barriers. Witnesses said audio-only remains especially important for patients without reliable internet, but gaps remain in asynchronous care, FQHC/RHC billing, remote-only provider participation, and public data availability beyond 2022. Committee members asked about reimbursement, clinical safeguards, disparities, data collection, e-consults, commercialization concerns, and cross-state licensure.
The second panel featured providers and advocates who said the laws have improved access in practice. A family physician described telehealth as useful for established patients, follow-up care, mental health, and rapid triage, while Planned Parenthood said AB 744 and AB 32 support confidential reproductive health care and that Medi-Cal should allow more asynchronous care and new-patient access. A rural behavioral health clinician said telehealth has been essential for low-income and geographically isolated patients, though broadband and device access remain barriers. Public comment largely supported telehealth expansion while urging the Legislature to close remaining Medi-Cal gaps, modernize licensure, and preserve timely in-person care. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded with members and the author thanking witnesses and saying the review would inform future legislation.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 40 Afternoon Session Apr 14th, 2026 at 12:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And middle American family values for the most part.
- Could it be a part of this program?
- The Chosen is actually currently would be a part of the program we have.
- So to answer your first part of your question, who's going to manage the fund?
- Yeah, could you say that last part again? I didn't understand what you said.
Bills:
SB1290, SB1530, SB1847, HR1050, SB169, SB1377, SB1990, SB1991, SB1778, SB1579, SB1992, SB3, SB2028, SB1928, SB2127, SB2117, SB1439, SB1930, SB330, SB1191, SB2110, SB2134, SB2069, SB2095, SB1613, SB1246, SB1976, SB1346, SB1509, SB2071, SB259, SB1314
Keywords:
2-1-1 services, revolving fund, Department of Human Services, crisis pregnancy, abortion, legal funding, research funding, development rebate, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, tax incentives, higher education partnerships, Medicaid, ADvantage Waiver, home-based services, eligibility criteria, healthcare, senior services, Taiwan, Oklahoma, sister-state relationship
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- They have the guys that run the PBM part of it. They also have a pharmacy.
- The biggest part of this is we know what we're getting paid.
- But all right, you asked it part of it. So it's a totally different beast.
- But all right, you answered part of what I had.
- And then we’re getting into a whole new discussion that isn’t part of this.
Summary:
The House Insurance Committee met on April 1 with a quorum present and first took up House Bill 938 by Rep. Turner, which would overhaul pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) regulation by setting a flat administration fee, requiring dispensing fees and NADAC-based reimbursement, mandating rebate pass-through, giving the Department of Insurance access to PBM data, and creating a reverse-auction process for PBM procurement. Turner said the bill is intended to level the playing field for independent pharmacies, improve transparency, and reduce hidden PBM practices. The committee adopted amendment set 1444 without objection, and Turner said additional conceptual amendments were still being worked on. Supporters included independent pharmacies and the PBM Accountability Project; opponents included union plan representatives, benefits consultants, and PBM/insurance industry witnesses who warned of higher costs, ERISA preemption problems, and likely litigation. After extended questioning on cost, preemption, and vertical integration, the committee reported HB 938 with amendments.
The committee then considered House Bill 870, also by Rep. Turner, dealing with formulary placement and cost-sharing for generic drugs and biosimilars and limiting certain utilization management practices. Amendment set 1540 was adopted, revising and tightening technical definitions. Turner and a representative of the Association for Accessible Medicines argued the bill would help lower-cost generics and biosimilars gain market share and reduce patient costs, citing examples such as insulin and Humira biosimilars. Opponents from Louisiana Blue said the bill would force coverage based on wholesale acquisition cost rather than net cost, would raise premiums for fully insured members, and would mandate coverage of drugs that are not always the lowest net-cost option. Rep. Jordan again raised ERISA and preemption concerns, and committee members discussed whether the bill would interfere with tiering and plan design. After closing comments and a motion by Rep. Glorioso, HB 870 was reported with amendments, and the committee adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 3 on Health and Human Services Mar 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- They're just not part of your budget directly. We'll be addressing those.
- They're just not part of your budget directly. Exactly. Exactly.
- It's never happened in any other part of the state.
- That completes your part of the presentation. Let's go to the Legislative Analyst.
- Family caregivers are also an essential part of the system.
Summary:
The Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services heard a series of budget items focused first on the California Department of Aging and then on the Department of Social Services. For Aging, the director reported the state is at the midpoint of the Master Plan for Aging, with about 300 initiatives launched and roughly three-quarters completed, nearly $1 billion invested, and expanded local planning, research, and stakeholder engagement. The committee also discussed HICAP modernization, which would add ongoing funding from the Special HICAP Fund to expand Medicare counseling capacity, and senior meal programs, including support for virtual congregate/to-go meals and the use of prior one-time nutrition investments. The chair raised concerns about federal H.R. 1 and its downstream effects on older adults, food assistance, and other safety-net programs, and the department said its direct budget was not affected but that other programs serving older adults could be under pressure.
The committee then reviewed multiple CDSS proposals. These included implementing the federal Medicaid Access Rule by creating a statewide grievance process and critical incident reporting system for IHSS and other home- and community-based services; housing and homelessness programs such as CalWORKs Housing Support, Housing and Disability Advocacy, Home Safe, and Bringing Families Home, where the department described strong outcomes but warned that one-time funding is expiring and services are scaling back; and permanent position authority for the Housing and Homelessness Division. Members also heard about the facility management system modernization for Community Care Licensing, home care services branch solvency and regulation work, child care centers in multifamily housing, the Seizure Emergency Response Act, licensing during emergencies and disasters, the Family Preparedness Plan Act, and social services automation projects including CalSAWS, the enterprise data pipeline, and CalWORKs child support notices. The LAO and Department of Finance generally had no additional comments or were still reviewing several requests.
A notable exchange occurred on the Community Care Licensing item, where Senator Grove pressed the department about the Autumn Oaks facility in Tulare County, citing dozens of complaints and severe conditions affecting seniors. The department said it had worked with the county and ombudsman on relocation, was reviewing what went wrong, and had authority to pursue administrative action even after a license surrender. The hearing ended with a stakeholder presentation from the California Association of Area Agencies on Aging supporting a $62.3 million Older Californians Act request, followed by public comment from advocates for housing, Meals on Wheels, HICAP, Home Safe, and H-DAP. The subcommittee adjourned without taking votes, and all items were held open.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee Mar 11th, 2026
Housing and Community Development
Transcript Highlights:
- The most unique part of the centers is the funding model.
- So it is a critical part of the system.
- We do speak to developers, and it's just part of the process.
- We do speak to developers and it's just part of the process.
- The City of Mendota is committed to doing its part.