Video & Transcript Research : 'DHS'
Page 22 of 95
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Rules and Administration with Subcommittee on Committees Following - 01/06/26
Transcript Highlights:
- anything like that, but, uh, you know, with the situation that's going on now regarding some of the DHS
- I don't know sort of how far that goes into um some of the DHS things.
- ,<00:23:26.960>
uh, uh, regarding some of the DHS, uh, uh, regarding some of the DHS, uh, - <00:24:20.000>
It <00:24:20.159>seems into um some of the DHS things. - It seems into um some of the DHS things.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Rules and Administration met virtually on January 6, 2026, and took up four administrative policy items. Darren Hoff, Senate Human Resources Director, presented updates to the Legislative Coordinating Commission benefit book, including insurance changes tied to SEGIP, mental health and substance use office visit cost sharing, dental plan updates, dependent eligibility clarifications, a new voluntary legal services benefit, a 17% increase in Medicare premiums, and multiple leave-policy revisions to conform with the new paid leave law and other employment rules. Senator Pappas moved adoption of the benefit book with the LCC’s November 10, 2025 changes and staff technical corrections, and the motion passed.
Secretary Tom Bern described a proposed Senate Policy 1.56 allowing written rules of conduct for visitors in Senate spaces, aimed at setting clear expectations for behavior such as not blocking hallways or using shouting and profanity, while being developed with consultation to address First Amendment concerns. Senator Marty moved adoption, and the committee approved the policy. Council Lexi Stangle then presented a change to Senate Policy 2.47 on severe weather emergencies that would allow employees who work remotely on severe weather days to accrue compensatory time with supervisor approval; Senator Johnson moved adoption, and the motion passed.
The committee also considered a modernization of the Senate information systems policy. Secretary Bern and staff explained that the policy had not been substantially updated in about 20 years and was being condensed and updated to reflect current technology and practices. The revisions reduced the policy from 29 pages to 10, removed obsolete references, added a purpose statement, clarified email inspection and hardware/software procedures, updated website rules and accessibility guidance, and removed the secondary member page option. Senator Coleman moved adoption of the Senate information systems update, and it was approved.
After the Rules Committee adjourned, the Subcommittee on Committees met and approved two appointments: one public member to the Legislative Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources through December 31, 2030, and Senator Gustafson to the Financial Crimes Advisory Board Task Force. Members asked about the task force’s scope and the public appointee’s background; staff explained the task force advises on identity theft and financial crimes, and identified the public appointee as Sha Lang of Preston, Minnesota. Senator Pappas moved adoption of the appointment list, and the subcommittee approved it before adjourning.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- ICE agents and DHS agents have had to deal with bricks, cement blocks,...
- uniform. other wears a DHS uniform.
- They also have the words DHS or ICE emblank. They also wear badges.
- They also have the words DHS or ice emblazoned on their flack jackets. Then she added context.
- Democrats celebrated and gave awards to celebrated and gave awards to DHS officers and ICE agents for
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior journal, and heard several guest introductions, including Arizona agricultural producers and suppliers and sixth graders from James W. Rice Elementary School. The chamber then moved through a lengthy calendar of first- and second-reading bill references and committee reports, with no substantive debate on those items in the transcript.
The main floor action centered on Senate Resolution 1036, which criticized Attorney General Chris Mays for public comments about the use of force and law enforcement, and called on her to retract the statements, support law enforcement, issue corrective guidance, and resign. The Senate first voted to suspend rules and place the resolution into Committee of the Whole, then debated a motion to read the resolution by number and title only, and later considered a floor amendment adding findings about law enforcement organizations’ criticism and alleged use of state resources to target ICE officers. Supporters argued the Attorney General’s remarks were dangerous, misleading, and politically motivated; opponents said the resolution distorted her comments, was a partisan stunt, and skipped normal committee review. After extensive debate, the Committee of the Whole recommended the resolution do pass, and the Senate adopted SR 1036 on third reading by a vote of 17 ayes to 13 nays.
Following passage of SR 1036, members continued to offer personal privilege remarks, including an introduction of visitors connected to civics education. The Senate then recessed and adjourned until Monday, February 2, 2026.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
04/08/2026 - House Republican Caucus Calendar #17
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Whip, members, as passed by the House, House Bill 2176 modifies DHS criteria for denying a health
- The Senate amended the bill to allow DHS to initiate complaint investigation of a health care institution
- Madam Whip, members, as passed by the House, House Bill 2050 updates standards used by DHS when considering
- It also requires DHS to allow for general supervision of a radiologist's assistant... ...in a county
Summary:
The meeting was a Republican caucus review of several Senate and House bills, with staff summarizing committee amendments and members indicating whether sponsors concurred with Senate changes. Topics included electronic monitoring in residential rooms (SB 1041), dental school complaint forwarding and licensure exemptions (SB 1168), revitalization district contracts (SB 1189), timeshare salesperson licensing (SB 1274), veterinary telehealth prescribing (SB 1286), insurance zero-estimated-exposure policies (SB 1428), advanced air mobility funds for border security (SB 1457), death benefits for law enforcement pilots (SB 1503), ATV definitions (SB 1519), pet and fowl restrictions in planned communities (SB 1582), and pharmacist independent testing/treatment authority (SB 1713). The caucus also reviewed education-related measures on school district self-insurance procurement (SB 1497) and a strike-everything amendment to SB 1118 that instead allowed duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and townhomes in historic areas if compatible with surrounding character.
The group then considered several blue-sheet House bills. HB 2120 made technical changes to align property-tax disability language with updated statute; the sponsor concurred. HB 2174 changed terminology from advisory organization to modeling and data organization and required model filing; the sponsor concurred. HB 2203 directed ADE to review statutory reporting requirements and report recommendations to the legislature; the sponsor concurred. HB 2383’s Senate amendment simply designated a 2014 trampoline court law as “TIE’s law,” with the sponsor concurring. HB 2877 was amended into an alternative education pathway for certified veterinary technicians, and HB 2875 adjusted municipal and county drone restrictions near airports, expanding the relevant airport buffer and preserving some local authority.
Additional bills discussed included HB 2428 on voluntary county emissions-reduction credit permits, HB 2176 on DHS health care institution complaint investigations, and HB 2050 on radiologic technology standards and radiologist assistant supervision. Members discussed that HB 2050’s Senate changes narrowed some supervision provisions to rural counties and critical access hospitals, prompting questions about the scope. Finally, HB 2010 on digital goods refunds was amended to shorten the refund window from 10 years to five years, but a sponsor said the amendment contained a drafting error and refused concurrence, meaning a conference committee would be needed. The caucus then concluded.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/24/2026 - House Republican Caucus Calendar #13
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Whip, members, as amended by the Health and Human Services Committee, Senate Bill 1162 directs DHS
- The bill also requires DHS and AHCCCS to review their rules and policies relating to behavioral health
- The Arizona Hospital and Health Care Association reminds us that currently DHS licenses and monitors
- The bill also requires DHS and AHCCCS to review their rules and policies relating to behavioral health
- The Arizona Hospital and Health Care Association reminds us that currently DHS licenses and monitors
Summary:
The caucus reviewed a long list of Senate bills and memorials across several policy areas, with most items presented as consent or third-read measures and little debate. Topics included special license plates for the Arizona Space Commission, local land-use and housing restrictions, liquor regulation updates, limits on municipal delays in permitting and exactions, election equipment security and timekeeping requirements, precinct committeeman vacancy procedures, assisted living and deed-fraud measures, a Freedom of Speech Monument committee, renaming Wesley Bolin Plaza, and a ban on gender transition procedures for minors. Members also discussed health and human services bills on behavioral health technician standards, Medicaid billing during ownership changes, breast cancer screening cost-sharing, naturopathic IV administration authority, safe-haven newborn surrender at hospitals, and access claim-processing timelines.
The Judiciary portion covered probation limits for dangerous crimes against children, a civil cause of action related to prohibited gender reassignment surgery on minors, elimination of the statute of limitations for failure to register as a sex offender, probation incentive calculations, victim-rights expense recovery, unlawful flight penalties, vulnerable adult theft definitions, motor fuel theft, unlawful alerting, and evidence rules in sexual-assault-related hearings. In discussion, members asked for clarifications on several bills, including the definitions of “malicious” delay, internet access on election equipment, the scope of the breast screening bill, and the meaning of unlawful alerting. Supporters repeatedly described bills as common-sense, fraud-prevention, patient-access, or public-safety measures, while one member noted a no vote on extending the Vulnerable Adult System Study Committee.
Additional measures in land, agriculture, water, public safety, and transportation included foreign-entity restrictions on land transactions, limits on transporting Mexican gray wolf puppies, water reuse and groundwater fee extensions, a larger water supply revolving fund loan cap, congressional memorials on EPA authority and the San Carlos irrigation project, expanded traumatic event counseling coverage, reimbursement of legal costs for certain disciplined law enforcement officers, data sharing with the federal government on unauthorized aliens, roadable aircraft registration, motor vehicle booting rules, military-property sign placement, a towing and impound study committee, photo enforcement penalties, and highway renaming memorials. No roll-call votes were described in the transcript, and the meeting ended after the transportation items and memorials were completed.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (01/14/2026)
Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- DHS in general? DHS in general?
- Um, DHS purchases approximately 9,300 doses according to the data that I received from DHS.
- That costs DHS approximately $158,000. Again, this is the data that I received from DHS.
- that costs DHS received from DHS that costs DHS approximately<02:10:42.560>
$158,000. - So my question is DHS.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Children and Family Law (03/18/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Does it be, um, DHS?
- So I'm wondering if DHS hasn't doing it.
- DHS that would be zero from DHHS. Yeah. DHS that would be zero from DHHS. Yeah.
- Chair recognizes Susan Bristen from DHS. Chair recognizes Susan Bristen from DHS. Good morning.
- DHS with regards to um this bill. DHS with regards to um this bill.
Summary:
The committee first opened with brief remarks about a member’s recovery and then heard House Bill 518, which would require the commissioner of Health and Human Services to provide a detailed annual report of all costs related to DCYF. The sponsor, Representative Erica Layon, said the bill was intended to improve transparency, clarify how much time and money are spent on DCYF work versus other departmental work, and help future discussions about staffing, resources, and whether DCYF should remain within DHHS or become a separate department. She said the department could likely produce the report without additional cost, though she was open to adjusting the reporting date and possibly adding more detail about federal mandates.
Former Representative Betty Gay and several members supported the bill as a way to better document costs and procedures, while DCYF Director Marie Nunan said the department was not taking a position on the bill, already has many policies and operating procedures, and believed it could comply without a fiscal note. Members raised questions about whether the reporting requirement duplicated existing oversight, whether it should apply to other agencies, and whether the report should include federal funding mandates. Some suggested that a broader review or subcommittee on DCYF might be more useful than a single reporting bill.
In executive session, the committee voted 15-1 to retain HB 518, so it will not go on the calendar. Members said they wanted more time to discuss the bill, watch the budget process, and consider whether the reporting requirement could be implemented informally or through a broader oversight effort. The committee then moved on to House Bill 775, which was introduced by Representative Jodi Nelson as a measure to support supervised visitation centers. Dr. Scott Hampton testified in favor, describing the loss of visitation centers since 2019, the role of supervised visitation in protecting children and vulnerable parents in domestic violence cases, and the potential benefits for child safety, crime prevention, and family preservation.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/17/26 - Part 3
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- When it came back over to provide an annual program integrity report from both DHS and DCYF that directs
- for program some reporting in here for program integrity<00:05:09.880>
with <00:05:10.120>DHS - <00:05:12.560>
So <00:05:12.720>in integrity with DHS and DCYF. - So in integrity with DHS and DCYF.
Summary:
The House considered Senate amendments to House File 3629, a grants-management and anti-fraud bill. Representative Bonner explained that the bill clarifies definitions so grants can be terminated for individuals and related parties convicted of fraud, narrows agency exception authority, strengthens whistleblower privacy protections, and allows agencies to permanently withhold payments when there is a credible allegation of fraud. It also incorporates provisions from another Senate bill and adds annual program integrity reporting from DHS and DCYF with a five-year look-back. Representative Cleghorn and Representative Nash spoke in support, emphasizing anti-fraud protections and the bill’s bipartisan support in the Senate.
The House concurred in the Senate amendments and then passed the bill on third reading. A roll call vote followed, and House File 3629 was repassed as amended by the Senate by a vote of 134 yeas and 0 nays, with the title agreed to. The chamber then received first readings for House Files 5161 and 5162.
Later, members offered remarks thanking House staff, including the Sergeant at Arms Office, nonpartisan research and fiscal staff, the Revisor’s Office, the Chief Clerk’s Office, and front desk staff. The session then shifted to parliamentary inquiries about Senate File 3699, a comprehensive response package related to Operation Metro Surge and gun violence prevention, with the Speaker stating the bills were still under review. After further questioning and a point of order, Representative Niska moved a recess to the call of the Speaker, and the House recessed.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (04/09/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 3/19/25
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- >
uh <00:04:17.280>the <00:04:17.600>value <00:04:17.840>of DHS has long - We could very well get a fiscal note from DHS. I don't know yet. It's a distinct possibility.
- Chad Hope from DHS has appeared at the testifier's table to probably answer the DHS-related question.
- I'm the pharmacy director at DHS.
- . pharmacy director at DHS.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Commission to Study Costs of Special Education (06/02/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, it could be covered by a fund through DHS.
- >> And I think that goes back to the DHS >> And I think that goes back to the DHS bid
- it, not not the DHS it, not not the DHS >> person.
- is with part C for IDA which is with DHS is with part C for IDA which is with DHS and<01:44:50.560
- But the B doesn't work for DHS, right?
Summary:
The commission met to approve the May 18, 2026 minutes and then focused on how SB 57’s special education cost study should inform HB 1099, which creates a separate study committee on residential placements and related education costs. Members discussed sending the commission’s minutes and findings to that new committee, noting the short timeline for its work and the need to be specific about unresolved issues so the new group does not duplicate the same questions.
A major topic was the cost and responsibility for students placed at Spalding and similar residential programs, especially transportation and whether costs are paid through the Department of Education’s episode-of-treatment (EOT) fund, local districts, DHS, or Medicaid. Staff explained that for students with disabilities, EOT funds cover special education and transportation costs tied to the placement, while students without disabilities are handled through DHS care-management and best-interest meetings. Members raised concerns about whether some students at Spalding are receiving no schooling, whether transportation costs are substantial, and whether Medicaid reimbursement could offset some expenses.
The commission also discussed confusion over district responsibility when students placed in residential programs attend school in another district, using Winnisquam as an example. Several members said the receiving district was not notified that DHHS-approved programs could bring in additional students and costs, and they suggested DHHS or its care-management entity should notify both the district of residence and the receiving district when a program is approved. The group agreed this notification issue, along with transportation funding, privacy concerns in Medicaid-to-schools billing, and the distinction between special education placements, EOT placements, and other voluntary residential placements, should be passed to the HB 1099 study committee for further work.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Government Structure - Room 210; 21 January, 2026: 10:30 AM
Government Structure
Transcript Highlights:
- You also have DHS that is doing child care.
- Um, and DHS is um willing to take this on.
- Um and DHS is um willing at one agency.
- In order, does that move to DHS? So this gives us time to address it next year. Yes, thank you.
- In order, does that move to DHS?
Summary:
The committee first took up an Irish trade commission bill, described as a recurring measure that had previously stalled in the other chamber. Members said prior concerns had been reconciled, no questions were raised, and the committee moved it out by voice vote. The next major item was Senator Boyd’s “People’s Access Act” (SB 2259), which would require public bodies to livestream meetings and provide a central listing of those streams. Boyd said the bill was intended to improve public access, especially for people who cannot attend in person, and noted it had passed the Senate before.
Members asked whether the bill would cover subcommittees and subboards; Boyd said those meetings were not contemplated in the bill. Senator Blunt supported the transparency goal but raised concerns about small municipalities lacking staff or equipment to comply, and suggested the notice links be housed on a Department of Finance and Administration page rather than with the Secretary of State. The committee adopted that amendment. After further discussion, members added population-based implementation dates for municipalities and discussed a possible due-diligence exception for technology failures, with several senators emphasizing the need to balance transparency with practical limits for small towns. The bill was then reported out as amended.
The committee then began Senator Boyd’s task force bill (SB 2260), which would direct several health and human services agencies—including Medicaid, Human Services, Child Protective Services, Health, and Mental Health—to recommend ways to reduce duplication and improve coordination in licensing and certification processes. Boyd said the bill grew out of testimony about inefficiencies in child care and mental health regulation and was intended to create a more streamlined process. Discussion began, and Senator Sparks suggested considering whether the Department of Rehabilitation Services should also be included, but no action on the bill was taken in the portion provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/05/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- you had any productive conversation have you had any productive conversation with<01:24:02.360>
DHS - Is it I with DHS or anybody involved?
- and from DHS or anybody. and from DHS or anybody.
- conversations with them and with DHS. conversations with them and with DHS.
- <01:25:40.040>
and <01:25:40.280>DCYF that they could that MN and DHS and DCYF that
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Feb 24th, 2026 at 04:30 pm
Appropriations and Budget
Transcript Highlights:
- They are not going to be covered in the current kind of path we are on for the DHS funding.
- if we are going to fund this revolving fund and we are going to continue to make these cuts on the DHS
- if we are going to fund this revolving fund and we are going to continue to make these cuts on the DHS
- It may become more in play when we see the rules propagated by DHS, because right now it says, I'm trying
- I guess we'll have to wait for rules from DHS. Follow up. Thank you. Well, thanks.
Bills:
HB3622, HB3621, HB3151, HB3882, HB3661, HB4273, HB3644, HB3706, HB3708, HB2021, HB3986, HB3972
Keywords:
HB3622, 2030 Census, Decennial Census, U.S. Decennial Census Revolving Fund, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, Commerce Department, census preparation, federal census, state treasury fund, revolving fund, continuing fund, deemed appropriated, technology upgrades, census outreach, redistricting, population count, Title 74, OMES, State Treasurer, budgeting
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/04/2026 - Senate Health and Human Services
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Chair, members, House Bill 2049 requires DHS, or the Department of Health Services, to allow the
- ambulance to staff an air ambulance during transport of a patient and specifies the statutes relating to DHS
- The bill also specifies that DHS investigations of ambulance operations and services apply to air ambulances
- Lastly, the bill removes the requirement that DHS rules for air ambulance services must establish response
Keywords:
radiation therapy, particle accelerator, critical access hospitals, patient care, rural healthcare, HB2178, Arizona, state agencies, chief medical officer, medical license, physician license, osteopathic license, licensure requirement, Title 41, Title 32, Arizona Revised Statutes, A.R.S. 41-5902, public health administration, agency leadership, state government personnel
Summary:
The Committee on Health and Human Services heard several bills and held HB 2307. HB 2049 would allow particle accelerator treatment for human diseases under general supervision in certain rural counties and critical access hospitals, with documentation, observation, and physician availability requirements. Supporters from the Arizona Hospital and Health Care Association and rural radiation oncologists said it would improve access to cancer care in underserved areas while maintaining safety. The committee also heard HB 2178, requiring state agency chief medical officers to hold an active medical license, and HB 2179, which separates air ambulance definitions and regulations from ground ambulances to clarify statute and align oversight with current practice; both were described as cleanup/common-sense measures and supported by the air medical industry.
The committee also heard HB 2322, which would require audio or video recording of DCS interviews with children subject to investigations, with limited exceptions for equipment failure or lack of access. Testimony in support came from a human trafficking survivor, a health care worker and counselor, and a foster parent/child welfare advocate, who argued recordings would improve accuracy, accountability, and child protection, and help preserve a child’s exact words. No opposition was presented. The bill includes a conditional enactment tied to future federal grant legislation and directs DCS to apply for grants if available.
After discussion, the committee voted unanimously to give HB 2049, HB 2178, HB 2179, and HB 2322 due pass recommendations, each by a 7-0 vote. The committee then announced HB 2307 would be held and adjourned.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-STATE AGENCIES Feb 12th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-STATE AGENCIES
Transcript Highlights:
- email notification from the Treasury State's Office stating that a state warrant issued on behalf of DHS
- , payable to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, had been altered and cashed, and that DHS would
- Chair, that concludes the findings for DHS. Members, do you have any questions?
- Brett Hayes, Chief Deputy Counsel, DHS. Now you're recognized. Thank you. All right, Mr.
Summary:
The committee met with prayer and approved the January minutes, then heard a series of Arkansas Legislative Audit reports. Reports with findings were presented for the Department of Human Services, Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, Department of Corrections, and Department of Veterans Affairs, along with a special report on law enforcement racial profiling policy compliance. Several reports without findings were also filed without objection.
For DHS, auditors reported apparent thefts involving false benefit claims in disaster nutrition assistance and Medicaid, a nearly $610,000 altered warrant cashed by a California auto body shop, and multiple asset-control issues, including missing equipment, inventory discrepancies, and improper sales tax paid on exempt vehicle purchases. Members questioned DHS about the warrant fraud and whether other agencies or California officials had been notified. For Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, auditors cited missing museum receipts and problems with change funds at Daisy State Park and War Memorial Stadium; department officials said they are considering cashless payment options and provided an update on the museum loss investigation.
For Corrections, auditors reported unauthorized personal fuel-card purchases totaling about $4,500 and a delayed disaster recovery test for critical IT systems. Department officials said staffing has been increased for fuel-card oversight and that a full production disaster recovery test is scheduled soon. For Veterans Affairs, auditors found improper pay for employees who were not working, duplicate vendor payment, and numerous overtime approvals that were not properly authorized; the department said it has tightened overtime approval procedures. The special report said only 203 of 383 law enforcement agencies had responded regarding racial profiling policies, and the Attorney General had notified the remaining agencies that they were not in compliance. The committee requested a list of nonresponding agencies and adjourned, with the next meeting scheduled for March 12.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Rural Health Transformation Committee Jan 14th, 2026 at 08:30 am
Transcript Highlights:
- authorizes OMB to increase state agency federal funds appropriation authority for any grant funds awarded by DHS
- The section also authorizes cooperative purchases of equipment and authorizes DHS to make bulk purchases
- It also authorizes DHS to require recipients to submit process and outcome measures to the department
- I don't know if he or any of his staff from DHS want to respond to that.
Summary:
The Health Care Task Force reconvened to hear reports from its divisions. The Appropriations Division reviewed a draft bill appropriating $198 million in federal grant funds for the current year and another $198 million for the next grant year, authorizing DHS to transfer funds within its budget, allowing OMB to adjust federal fund authority for related grants, speeding procurement and bulk purchasing, requiring grant recipients to acknowledge the temporary nature of the funding, and mandating periodic reporting. After questions were answered to the division’s satisfaction, the committee voted to forward the appropriations bill draft to Legislative Management.
The Policy Division then reviewed four bills. One would require the presidential physical fitness test to be included in high school physical education; another would require physicians to complete one hour of continuing education on nutrition and metabolic health each renewal cycle; a third would add physician assistants to the interstate licensure compact framework; and a fourth would authorize limited pharmacist prescriptive authority and therapeutic substitution. Members generally supported the first three measures and noted that the pharmacist bill had been amended in discussion but was left in its current form so stakeholders could comment before the special session. The division also discussed that all four policy bills were tied to the federal grant funding and that failure to pass them, or changing them in a way that reduced CMS scoring, could reduce or eliminate funding.
Department officials confirmed that if any of the bills failed or were altered in a way that lowered the score, the state could lose money and could not make up the points elsewhere. Members raised concerns about the physical fitness bill, including possible exemptions for students with severe illnesses or physical limitations, and noted the need for DPI input. Leadership indicated the special session hearings would likely begin Wednesday morning. The committee then approved a motion for Legislative Council to prepare a committee report for Legislative Management and adjourned, noting the task force may need to remain available during the special session.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/28/2026 - Senate Health and Human Services
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill also allows DHS to adopt rules for the outlined reports and admission or registration forms
- The bill also allows DHS to adopt rules for the outlined reports and admission or registration forms
- And you may have heard just yesterday two DHS inspectors were arrested for coercion in a sting operation
- And, as we saw on the news today, there were two surveyors and inspectors with DHS who were threatening
- My office met Damien Carpenter and Carly Fleege from DHS.
Bills:
SB1051, SB1114, SB1115, SB1122, SB1132, SB1162, SB1169, SB1171, SB1172, SB1173, SB1174, SB1175, SB1179, SB1188, SB1233, SB1236, SB1242, SB1316, SB1368
Keywords:
SB1051, Arizona hospitals, immigration status, patient intake, admission forms, registration forms, health care reporting, uncompensated care, emergency department, lawfully present, undocumented immigrants, noncitizen patients, hospital funding, Arizona Department of Health Services, ADHS, border security, health care institutions, patient privacy, medical access, immigration policy
Summary:
The Health and Human Services Committee approved the January 21 minutes and then heard a series of bills focused on developmental disabilities oversight, behavioral health fraud, AHCCCS operations, child safety, and state hospital capacity. SB 1179 would make the Developmental Disabilities Group Home Monitoring Program permanent and remove the appropriations contingency; Disability Rights Arizona and program managers testified that Commit had identified systemic care problems, while the sponsor said the work should continue. The bill received a 6-1 do-pass recommendation. SB 1114 would appropriate $1 million to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for behavioral health patient brokering investigations; Native advocates described widespread recruitment and exploitation of vulnerable people, especially Native Americans, and the bill passed 8-0. SB 1115 would prohibit AHCCCS from allowing remote work for Access employees; the sponsor argued in-person oversight was needed, while AHCCCS warned of space and staffing problems. It passed 4-3. SB 1051 would require hospitals to collect and report patients’ citizenship or immigration status for cost accounting; supporters called it a data-collection measure, while nurses and physicians said it would create fear and deter care. It passed 4-3. SB 1122, as amended, would replace prior authorization with 100% prepayment review for certain behavioral health services under the American Indian Health Plan, and passed 7-0 after AHCCCS said it had worked on the amendment. SB 1132, to appropriate unspecified funds for a new Arizona State Hospital wing, drew testimony from families and advocates describing severe shortages of state hospital beds and the need for more long-term treatment capacity; it passed 7-0. SB 1169, to fund graduate medical education and a new residency program, passed 6-0. SB 1171, requiring AHCCCS to check for dual enrollment in exchange plans and AHCCCS, passed 4-2-1 after AHCCCS said implementation would require system changes and costs. SB 1172, requiring more experienced DCS investigators for repeated abuse/neglect reports and court notification of hotline calls in dependency cases, passed 7-0. SB 1173, requiring behavioral health facility applicants, owners, and licensees to be U.S. citizens or lawfully present permanent residents with fingerprint clearance cards, passed 4-3 after an amendment clarifying the lawful-presence requirement.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- that, and, you know, no department I think has shown systemic fraud and lack of controls more than DHS
- specifically done in your year and a half to stop the fraud and prevent the fraud from going out at DHS
- DHS Commissioner, Mr.
- /c><00:23:41.120>
what <00:23:41.240>have <00:23:41.360>you controls more than DHS - commissioner Mr chair Senator Pratt DHS commissioner Mr chair Senator Pratt uh<00:23:58.720>
what
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes the human services finance bill, HF2434 5/5/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- system and gives the commissioner of DHS system and gives the commissioner of DHS the<00:04:39.600
- We didn't move people from DHS. We are actually hiring new people.
- We didn't move people from DHS. We are actually hiring new people.
- We didn't move people from DHS. We are actually hiring new people.
- We didn't move people from DHS. We are actually hiring new people.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 2/25/26 - Part 1
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I just wondered if we could have DHS come up and answer a few questions as far as the process of this
- I think someone from DHS is here. Hi, Christie. Go ahead there. Go ahead with your question.
- I will say that current law requires DHS to have and maintain a drug formulary committee, which works
- Um I think someone from<00:35:07.280>
DHS <00:35:07.920>is <00:35:08.160>here. - <00:36:19.680>
to that um current law uh requires DHS to that um current law uh requires DHS
Keywords:
hospital moratorium, hospital construction, bed capacity, hospital expansion, health care facilities, hospital licensing, safety-net hospital, level I trauma center, Ramsey County, Minnesota health law, hospital beds, new hospital exception, certificate of need, inpatient capacity, emergency care, trauma services, health system regulation, state moratorium, hospital modernization, health infrastructure