Transcript Highlights:

• bill, the piece that relates to long-term care facilities in 137-016.
• The state determines what they pay for the cost of care.
• To tax assisted living and long-term care is not the path.
• We don't care about that.
• We don't care about that.

Committee: House Special Committee on Property Tax Reform

Transcript Highlights:

• freedom state, that our constitution ensures that Californians have access to reproductive health care
• are talking about every other service that one in four women here in California rely on, prenatal care
• I think the 2.4 million Californians that will lose access to health care due to Medicaid cuts would
• that they need, including reproductive health care.
• Talk about the vulnerable people, $230 million on their health care.

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• Children in care should be free to dream, not fight to survive.
• I was in foster care from the ages of 6 to 15.
• I was in foster care from the ages of 6 to 15.
• I was in foster care from the ages of six years of six years.
• I was in foster care from the ages of 6 to 15.

Committee: Senate Fiscal Policy

Summary: The Committee on Fiscal Policy met and considered a wide range of bills, including early learning and special needs funding (SB 1102), Israel bond investment authority (SB 1674), Parkinson’s disease research at USF (SB 1800), mental health and substance use disorder reforms (SB 1620), veterans nursing home beds (SB 788), securities regulation updates (SB 988), labor pool regulation (SB 1672), Alzheimer’s awareness (SB 398), educator preparation (SB 1590), student mental health reporting (SB 1310), specialty license plates (SB 824), financial institutions and IOTA-related issues (SB 1612), transportation facility designations (SB 1408), utility worker protections (SB 1386), DNA testing grants (SB 1072), the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys (SB 364), housing support for former foster youth and homeless students (SB 584), sex offender registration changes (SB 1654), migrant vessel disposal (SB 830), commuter rail indemnification (SB 916), juvenile justice revisions (SB 1344), aggravating factors in capital cases (SB 984), and a criminal offender substance abuse pilot program (SB 1140). Most bills were explained by sponsors, often with supportive testimony from affected agencies, advocacy groups, or industry representatives, and several were amended before final action. The committee adopted amendments on many measures, including clarifications and effective-date changes for SB 1102; technical changes to SB 1620 implementing mental health commission recommendations; a delete-all amendment for SB 1620; an amendment to SB 988; a consumer-disclosure amendment on SB 1612; and multiple amendments to SB 1408, SB 364, SB 584, SB 1654, and SB 1344. SB 1672 on the Labor Pool Act drew extensive public testimony in opposition from worker advocates, who argued repeal would weaken protections for temp workers and formerly incarcerated workers, and the bill was temporarily postponed to a later meeting without a vote. Several bills received notable testimony in support, including SB 584, where former foster youth described housing instability and the importance of campus housing and federal voucher coordination; SB 1386, which was backed by utility and industry groups seeking stronger penalties for assaults on utility workers; and SB 984, which drew opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops over expansion of death penalty aggravators. The committee also heard support and opposition on SB 1612 regarding IOTA interest rates and legal aid funding, with bankers and civil legal aid representatives disputing the proper rate structure and whether the bill conflicted with Florida Bar rules. At the end of the meeting, the committee reported all voted-on bills favorably, including SB 1102, SB 1674, SB 1800, SB 1620, SB 788, SB 988, SB 398, SB 1590, SB 1310, SB 824, SB 1612, SB 1408, SB 1386, SB 1072, SB 364, SB 584, SB 1654, SB 830, SB 916, SB 1344, SB 984, and SB 1140. Members also requested to be recorded on various bills, and the committee adjourned after noting one remaining meeting would be lengthy.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we have to be very careful.
• </c> infringing on appropriate medical care. infringing on appropriate medical care.
• </c><00:14:28.959><c> I</c><00:14:29.279><c> think</c> and we have to be very careful.
• I think and we have to be very careful.
• So, we have to be very careful. drafted. So, we have to be very careful.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> health care for Disabled Veterans Act. health care for Disabled Veterans Act.
• She cared about who care about others.
• </c> 2033, don't you don't have to care. 2033, don't you don't have to care.
• </c> we cared. we cared.
• I care about the budget. budget hawk. I care about the budget.

Bills: HCR39 , HR275 , HR875

Keywords: social work, mental health, community health, social justice, addiction support, veteran assistance, child welfare, disability rights, intellectual disabilities, inclusion, The Arc, community support

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a bill that will, it is foundational to continuing to build the health care system necessary
• , and this is especially true for outpatient mental health and clinic-based care.
• This has led to a clinic based care.
• </c><00:29:39.600><c> um</c><00:29:40.080><c> access</c> healthc care um access healthc care um access
• We can reinvest it for the life-saving care that we're providing.

Bills: HF1746 , HF2585 , HF1159 , HF2574 , HF2839 , HF157 , HF158 , HF160 , HF338 , HF512

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: Oakdale, tax increment financing, local government, funding, urban development, tax increment, St. Paul, redevelopment, housing authority, housing trust fund, low-income housing, property taxation, Minnesota statutes, vacant property, housing, commercial to residential conversion, Minneapolis, urban redevelopment, public parks, tax capacity

Transcript Highlights:

• c> is</c><00:15:56.480><c> stressful</c> Planning for child care is stressful Planning for child care
• </c> don't want to have to pay for child care don't want to have to pay for child care if<00:16:04.800
• </c><02:08:42.880><c> with</c> caregivers who step into care with caregivers who step into care with
• </c> nurtured and cared for from day one. nurtured and cared for from day one.
• </c><02:56:05.279><c> about</c> will have, first of all, I care about will have, first of all, I care

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:48.720><c> of</c> is a $4 billion bill to take care of is a $4 billion bill to take care of
• </c> child care in this uh in this bill. child care in this uh in this bill.
• care child care and center-based child care and<00:48:38.079><c> families</c><00:48:38.480><c> will<
• </c> child care centers affordable. child care centers affordable.
• to take care of those needs

Transcript Highlights:

• Services Act; engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 5327, West Virginia ALS Care Services Act
• Engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 5327, West Virginia ALS Care Services Act.
• Engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 5327, West Virginia ALS Care Services Act.
• Engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 5327, West Virginia ALS Care Services Act.
• Care here is none. They were ordered.

Summary: The Senate first took up Senate Bill 155 on adjunct teaching permits. After adopting a Senate amendment to the House amendment, the chamber concurred in the House amendment as amended and passed the bill 33-0, with one member absent and not voting. The amendment was described as creating an exception so a criminal history check would not be required every year, and the bill was presented as a tool to help county boards fill vacancies, especially in shortage areas. The chamber then received a large number of committee reports and advanced several House bills on first reading. These included measures on creating the Team West Virginia Corporation, establishing the West Virginia Collaboratory, the Foster Youth Post-Secondary Transition Awareness Act, business-ready site programs, volunteer fire company allowances, extending qualified opportunity zones, natural resource police retirement, PEIA treatment flexibility, PANS/PANDAS, ALS care services, abuse prevention, the respiratory care interstate compact, peer support services, tax lien sales, the Neighborhood Investment Program, bonds for the Science and Culture Center, and a comprehensive energy development policy and plan. Several bills were reported as amended by committees, and one energy bill was referred to the Rules Committee. Additional committee action included reports on a bill to repeal the school-transfer eligibility protection, a load forecast accountability bill, oil and gas well plugging provisions, a TANF drug-screening extension, and a bill authorizing the Supreme Court of Appeals to create child protection commissioners. Most of these were advanced on first reading after unanimous consent. The Senate then moved to adjourn until the next day, with announcements of upcoming committee meetings before the chamber adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• is health care.
• I've had to take care of my brain. But I've had to work at it. I've had to take care of my brain.
• Kids need to learn how to take care of their mental health.
• Kids need to learn how to take care of their mental health.
• We'll take care of you next week. House Bill 2579, yes.

Committees: House Education , House House Education Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:

• He found $125 million from health care fraudsters in 2025 alone.
• , her health care, and long-term care at her center.
• Let's take care of them. Let's honor them.
• We have a rural health care system currently on the ropes and federally qualified health care centers
• Be careful here.

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Summary: The committee heard several tax and revenue-related bills. SB 1277, by Senator Grove, proposed a California Cost of Living Tax Credit modeled on the 2022 middle-class tax refund to provide direct relief to low- and middle-income Californians facing high housing, fuel, and utility costs. Supporters argued it would help families struggling with affordability, while opponents, including the California Tax Reform Association and CTA members, said California’s tax system already provides relief and that the bill would reduce General Fund revenue and harm schools. After extended debate, the bill was put on call and later failed on a 1-4 vote, though reconsideration was granted. SB 1287, by Senator Retado, would create a performance-based tax credit for short-line rail investments; supporters said it would improve freight efficiency, safety, emissions, and rural access, while opponents preferred direct grants. The bill was placed on call and later passed 5-0 to Transportation. SB 1407, by Senator Archuleta, would exempt military retirement pay and survivor benefits from state taxes; the author, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, and veterans’ groups said it would help retain veterans and their economic contributions in California, while CTA and CTRA opposed on General Fund grounds. The bill passed 5-0 to Military and Veterans Affairs. SB 1349, by Senator Gonzalez, would direct the LAO to review major tax expenditures for effectiveness and impacts on schools and the budget; CTA and CTRA supported it as a way to increase accountability, and it passed 4-1 to Governmental Organization. SB 1120, by Senator McNerney, would extend the California Competes Tax Credit through 2035 and make credits refundable for certain strategic industries; business and industry witnesses said this would help startups and manufacturers monetize credits and attract investment, and it passed 5-0 to Appropriations. SB 1275, also by Senator McNerney, proposed converting the state sales tax on vehicle purchases into a deductible vehicle license fee to reduce Californians’ federal tax burden; the LAO provided technical testimony, and the bill passed 4-0 to Transportation. The committee also heard SB 1078, by Senator Laird, to let Santa Cruz County voters consider a temporary local tax increase for health and safety-net services, but it was put on call. Later, the committee returned to SB 1314, by Senator Min, addressing youth tobacco and illicit smoke shop sales, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a reminder, we have 8,753 As a reminder, we have 8,753 kiddos in out-of-home care here in the Commonwealth
• be coming to that child, the state will automatically take those for a portion of the cost of that care
• </c><00:04:13.040><c> in</c> entering the cabinet's care in entering the cabinet's care in um<00:04:15.920
• Or would it be dependent on when that child came into care with the state?
• ,</c><00:10:41.760><c> and</c> abuse and neglect, foster care, and abuse and neglect, foster care, and

Committee: House Families & Children

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> care, etc. So with that said, Mr. care, etc. So with that said, Mr.
• ,</c><00:31:20.880><c> child</c><00:31:21.200><c> care,</c> manufacturing, health care, child care, manufacturing
• , health care, child care, engineering,<00:31:22.880><c> and</c><00:31:23.120><c> all</c><00:31:23.279
• H.248, an act relating to supplemental child care grants and the child care financial assistance program
• </c><00:38:32.960><c> financial</c> care grants and the child care financial care grants and the child

Transcript Highlights:

• But for our members to be able to continue their health care and their eligibility for their health care
• ><c> health</c><00:13:11.040><c> care</c><00:13:11.279><c> for</c> eligibility for their health care
• So, just wanted to bring that up again. care tied to our work status is a huge care tied to our work
• </c><00:19:09.440><c> So,</c> health care when they need it. So, health care when they need it.
• These health care, this is a good start.

Committee: Senate Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> puts me in control of my healthc care puts me in control of my healthc care cost<00:09:08.600><c
• for my wife and provide health care for my wife and myself<00:09:38.160><c> my</c><00:09:38.320><c>
• </c><00:10:34.320><c> inflation</c> 2003 uh ride the healthc care inflation 2003 uh ride the healthc
• care inflation wave<00:10:35.399><c> because</c><00:10:35.639><c> it</c><00:10:35.839><c> keeps</c><00
• um in the spiring costs of Health Care um in the Commonwealth<00:15:57.800><c> and</c><00:15:57.920>

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on State and Local Government heard testimony on Senate Bill 10, which would revise CERS retiree health subsidies for members who began participating on or before July 1, 2003. Senator Mills said the bill was developed with employee and employer groups to improve retiree health benefits while protecting the system’s financial footing, using a shared-cost structure. Testimony from sheriffs, police chiefs, firefighters, and the League of Cities strongly supported the bill, emphasizing recruitment and retention, affordability of retiree health coverage, and limited taxpayer risk. Members echoed those points, and the committee approved SB 10 with a 9-0 favorable recommendation. The committee then took up Senate Bill 65, sponsored by Senator West, which would codify the Administrative Regulations Committee’s annual practice of placing certain deficient regulations into statute so they cannot take effect. West explained that the committee’s role is limited to finding regulations deficient or asking for deferral, and that SB 65 is the fifth version of this measure. He described the specific regulation at issue as a Medicaid Services rule that would have required behavioral health associates to hold a master’s degree; providers testified that it would reduce the workforce and harm behavioral health services statewide. West said the committee had deferred the matter eight times before deciding to side with providers. The bill received favorable expression and was reported out. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 104, sponsored by Senator Madon, concerning Kentucky Deferred Comp for state employees. The bill would establish a codified fiduciary standard, authorize fiduciary liability insurance, add self-correcting mechanisms to keep the plan in compliance with federal law, and allow self-directed brokerage accounts. Personnel Cabinet representatives said the changes would align the plan with other public pension plans, reduce risk, and offer participants a useful investment option with strong account growth among users. SB 104 also received favorable expression and was reported to the floor. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This includes drug checking activities, mobile health care services, and overdose prevention centers.
• Moving on down into kind of care for xylazine-associated wounds and then ways to address any gaps.
• to get care.
• Take care. Thank you. Well, take care. Thank you.
• Take care. Thank you well. Take care.

Summary: The Special Commission on the Public Health Effects of Xylazine held its fifth and final public meeting to review and approve the final draft of its report before submission to the House and Senate clerks. Chair Mindy Domb opened the meeting, noted Senator John Keenan’s absence due to National Guard deployment, approved the prior meeting minutes, and explained the process for incorporating final edits and late votes into appendices. Commissioners then voted to allow staff to make agreed-upon language changes after the meeting, and later voted on the final report itself. Staff walked commissioners through the report’s redlines and substantive updates. Changes included clarifying that xylazine is an active adulterant rather than simply a bulking agent, replacing “non-clinician” with “non-clinical staff,” removing or revising references to “hotspots” in favor of more accurate language about local trends, and refining language on wound care to refer to medical consequences and financial costs. The report also added or strengthened discussion of harm reduction measures such as drug checking, mobile health services, overdose prevention centers, oxygenation and airway support during overdose response, and the importance of naloxone remaining available while recognizing its limits for xylazine exposure. Commissioners also discussed data collection, legal protections for drug checking, and the role of the Attorney General in guidance and coordination on emerging drug threats. The commission then took a final vote, with the members present voting to approve the report. A letter from Senator Velis, who was also absent due to active duty orders, was read into the record expressing support for the report and its recommendations. In closing comments, commissioners and staff thanked one another for the collaborative work and described the report as a useful public health resource. Chair Domb adjourned the meeting at 11:11 a.m., noting that the final report would be submitted and posted online for public access.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, without this 340B, uh we would just see uh rural health care diminish even more.
• So, without this 340B, uh we would just see uh rural health care diminish even more.
• I see physicians caring for people who have been through motor vehicle trauma.
• I see physicians caring for people who have been through motor vehicle trauma.
• I see physicians caring for people who have been through motor vehicle trauma.

Summary: The meeting focused on a Minnesota Senate floor debate over a bipartisan 340B enforcement bill, with supporters arguing that the measure would require pharmaceutical companies to comply with federal and state law and continue providing discounted drugs to safety-net and rural hospitals. Senators and other speakers said the program is essential to hospital finances, especially for facilities facing operating losses and federal Medicaid cuts, and warned that without enforcement language hospitals such as Hennepin County Medical Center and rural hospitals could face severe financial harm or closure. Supporters also said pharmaceutical companies had spent heavily on media and lobbying to oppose the bill and that the Senate’s bipartisan vote showed the issue had broad support. Several speakers described how 340B revenue is used to sustain hospital services, including addiction treatment, trauma care, and other essential care in vulnerable communities. They said the program was designed to let hospitals buy drugs at low cost and bill insurers at standard rates, using the difference as a funding stream. When asked about claims that hospitals made large sums from the program, supporters said that was consistent with the program’s purpose. They also said some drug companies were not complying with 340B obligations, particularly around contract pharmacies, and that enforcement language was needed to ensure compliance. The discussion also addressed HCMC’s financial situation, with speakers saying 340B funding is not a full solution but is an important support and should not be reduced further. They rejected a proposed transparency/reporting amendment as too burdensome, while noting that federal authorities already have audit power over 340B dollars. The speakers urged the House to pass the same language, said eight Republicans joined the Senate vote, and expressed hope that the bill would advance despite concerns about House support and ongoing pharmaceutical industry opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let me just get to the why: health care affordability has been a top concern for small businesses, and
• Chair, Senator Epstein, under the Affordable Care Act, they have different rules for small and large
• Under the 10 essential benefits, pediatric dental care... Let me give you an example.
• Under the 10 essential benefits, pediatric dental care is included, but adult dental care and vision
• It's true because we know that health insurance is very expensive, health care is very expensive, and

Committee: Senate Senate Finance Committee of Reference

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee approved the February 16, 2026 minutes and then heard House Bill 2173, which would let tax officers and taxpayers communicate electronically about proposed property tax corrections or claims unless certified mail is required. County and assessor representatives supported the bill as a modernization measure, and the committee voted 6-0 to give it a do pass recommendation. The committee then considered several Arizona State Retirement System-related measures and nominations. It recommended confirmation of Thomas J. Connolly as a public member of the ASRS Board and Charles Essex as a retired member, both by 6-0 votes. The committee also passed House Bills 2089, 2090, and 2092, which clarified ASRS health subsidy eligibility, changed the disability determination timing for long-term disability benefits, and adjusted the waiver window for new eligible members age 65 or older. Each of those bills received unanimous or near-unanimous support. Members next approved House Bill 2693, as amended, which revises Arizona’s association health plan and multiple employer welfare arrangement rules to align with current federal law and adds a study by the Department of Administration on state and school employee health insurance options. Supporters said it could expand affordable coverage for small businesses, while Senator Epstein raised concerns about consumer protections, preexisting conditions, and prior fraud issues; the bill passed 5-1. The committee also passed House Bill 2120, allowing Social Security disability determination letters to help certify eligibility for the property tax exemption for disabled persons, and House Bill 2138, clarifying workers’ compensation coverage for firefighters traveling directly to or from duty, both with some discussion but no opposition. Finally, the committee approved House Bill 2273, which creates a one-time $300 income tax rebate for certain Pinal County residents using remaining escrow funds from the county transportation tax litigation, though members debated whether the money should instead go to roads. The bill passed 3-2 after comments from the sponsor, a Pinal County mayor, and senators who said they wanted the funds directed to transportation projects. The committee then passed House Bill 2786, exempting income from renting required college textbooks from transaction privilege tax, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• same principles within Medicaid-funded health care.
• Patient care.
• A merit-based approach to education and health care benefits all Idahoans.
• And I believe because we now have the managed care of behavioral health. Mr.
• And I believe because we now have the managed care of behavioral health.

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• Managed care is a fixed member-per-month payment to MCOs. Then they arrange and pay for the care.
• We have a small managed care program, which is actually an accountable care organization program.
• Long-term care also has a medical determination, for example.
• We now can also prosecute neglect in long-term care facilities.
• We can prosecute abuse in long-term care facilities.

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-MEDICAID SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The Medicaid Subcommittee of the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee met to adopt the November 2018 minutes and receive a primer on the subcommittee’s role and Medicaid oversight in Arkansas. Legislative audit staff reviewed the subcommittee’s history and explained that Medicaid is audited annually through the statewide single audit because it is a high-risk federal program. Staff summarized recent audit findings, including weaknesses in eligibility and data-matching controls, improper use of Medicaid funds for partially non-Medicaid work, issues with incarcerated juveniles’ coverage, the absence of a Medicaid recovery audit contractor program exception request, reporting problems involving MFCU recoveries, and provider eligibility documentation concerns. Staff also noted a DHS departmental audit finding involving employees who improperly received benefits, which was referred for further action. The Department of Human Services gave an overview of Medicaid’s structure, eligibility, delivery systems, and budget. DHS described Arkansas Medicaid as covering about 850,000 people through fee-for-service, managed care, and premium assistance for the expansion population, and outlined major spending categories such as institutional care, long-term services, pharmacy, capitated payments, and supplemental payments. DHS also explained the difference between state plan amendments and waivers, and said it has a beneficiary-fraud unit that refers cases to local prosecutors. The Office of Medicaid Inspector General described its role in detecting and preventing fraud, waste, and abuse, distinguishing between suspensions for credible allegations of fraud and recovery actions for mistakes or overpayments. OMIG said it works with DHS and law enforcement, issues quarterly and annual reports, and has increased recoveries in recent years. The Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit explained that it prosecutes provider fraud criminally and civilly, can also handle long-term care neglect, abuse, and exploitation cases, and works with local prosecutors as special deputies. Committee members asked about court venue, provider suspensions, beneficiary fraud, education of providers, and the status of Medicaid expansion work requirements; DHS said it is preparing to implement community engagement requirements under HR 1 and will begin with a soft launch before full enforcement. No formal votes were taken beyond adoption of the minutes, and the meeting adjourned after questions were answered.