Transcript Highlights:

• It needs more committee work.
• It likely needs to go to the Education Committee if it changes the meaning of public services and education
• </c> uh Minnesota Human Rights Act. uh Minnesota Human Rights Act.
• It has passed been through committees. It has passed through<00:25:44.000><c> committees.
• </c><00:26:37.160><c> So,</c> Minnesota Human Rights Act. So, Minnesota Human Rights Act.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• to provide funds for the YWCA. ...and interest funds to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to
• Now we'll turn to an update from the Health and Human Services Working Group.
• Now we'll turn to an update from the Health and Human Services Working Group.
• So from the Health and Human Services Working Group, we had jurisdiction over 79 projects.
• From the Health and Human Services Working Group, we had jurisdiction over 79 projects.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding met for what leaders described as likely its final meeting, with a quorum present from both chambers. Chairs reviewed the ARPA/SLFRF process, noting the large volume of requests received, the need to meet Treasury’s December 31, 2026 paperwork deadline, and the committee’s role in reallocating excess or at-risk funds to projects that can be completed in time. Working groups reported on progress across education/economic development, transportation/rural development, government transformation, and health and human services, with most projects on track but some funds needing to be reclassified or redirected. The committee approved a series of motions, generally by unanimous or near-unanimous votes, to reclassify excess funds and appropriate interest earnings to existing obligated projects. Actions included reallocations from the Department of Commerce and the Office of Emergency Management, and interest-fund appropriations for wastewater and water infrastructure, Boys & Girls Clubs, the YWCA, the Office of Juvenile Affairs, and the Department of Human Services. Members also authorized the Oklahoma Water Resources Board and the Healthcare Workforce Training Commission to reallocate remaining funds to existing projects. In the health and human services portion, the committee approved funding for the Oklahoma Healthcare Workforce Training Commission, the OSU Medical Authority’s Human Performance Project and Pharmaceutical Expansion Program, the University Hospitals Trust Authority’s Child Behavioral Health Project, the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for Griffin Memorial bed replacement, and the State Department of Health for the Rural Hospital Rebuild Program. Members asked questions about whether funds were going to new or existing projects and about broadband progress, and staff explained that the reallocations were intended to fill gaps in already obligated projects. The meeting ended with closing remarks thanking members and staff for their work and noting the measures would continue through the appropriations process before final action by the full chambers.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not a city member of this committee, but I'm very thankful that the committee was willing to hold
• Clearly human conflict, human wildlife conflict So they'll talk more about that.
• The trafficking of humans and human slavery is also a big thing.
• And what reducing human-wildlife conflict is about is changing human behavior.
• It is indicative of how we as humans behave and how we as humans deal with coexistence.

Summary: The hearing focused on human-wildlife conflict in California, especially predator management involving bears, mountain lions, coyotes, and wolves. The chair and Assemblymember Hadwick framed the issue as a balance between protecting people, livestock, and property while preserving wildlife and biodiversity, citing habitat loss, development, drought, wildfire, and climate change as drivers of conflict. Department of Fish and Wildlife officials described their conflict-response work, including public education, depredation permits, wildlife incident reporting, and coordination with sheriffs, counties, and other agencies. They also noted that wildlife sightings and conflicts are increasingly common in both rural and urban areas, including recent mountain lion activity in San Francisco and ongoing bear conflicts in places like Tahoe and Sierra Madre. CDFW staff outlined the department’s human-wildlife conflict program, including the WEIR reporting system, a public toolkit, limited-term staff, and regional response efforts. They said the program grew out of drought-related incidents and later state funding, but that one-time money has expired, creating service gaps. Officials also discussed specific management approaches such as Tahoe’s trap-tag-haze bear program, DNA-based incident tracking, and the use of nonlethal deterrents before lethal action. For wolves, they explained that the species is protected and managed differently from bears and lions, that there is no general depredation-kill process for wolves, and that the department is working on data-sharing agreements, county liaisons, compensation programs, and improved coordination with ranchers and local law enforcement. Members pressed the department on underreporting, trust in state agencies, the need for sheriffs to participate in investigations, and whether more authority should be given for public-safety removals or hazing. Assemblymember Gonzalez also raised wildlife trafficking and border enforcement issues in Southern California. The panel repeatedly emphasized that more resources, technology, and local partnerships are needed. Officials gave budget context, saying roughly $17 million in one-time funding over several years supported conflict response and wolf compensation efforts, but that staffing and program capacity remain limited. The chair concluded by noting interest in further work on technology, funding, and institutionalizing collaboration, and the hearing then moved to a second panel of university researchers who presented on wolf and mountain lion conflict, habitat planning, trust, and the need for flexible, science-based, locally tailored mitigation strategies.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Department of Human Services. Department of Human Services.
• </c> department of human services. department of human services.
• </c> Department of Human Services. Department of Human Services.
• </c> Department of Human Services. Department of Human Services.
• </c> Department of Human Services. Department of Human Services.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , health care provider charges, eligibility for services, and questions for Department of Human Services
• The United States Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
• We will begin with the Department of Human Services, so Secretary Mann, Arkansas Department of Human
• Thank you, Arkansas Department of Human Services. You are recognized. Give me one second.
• Those include, obviously, the Department of Human Services.

Summary: The Medicaid Subcommittee of the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee met to receive a primer on the subcommittee’s history and on how Medicaid oversight works in Arkansas. Legislative audit staff reviewed the subcommittee’s origins in response to earlier Medicaid audit concerns and explained that Medicaid is audited every year in the statewide single audit because it is a high-risk, large federal program. Staff summarized recent audit findings, including issues with eligibility controls, data matching, contractor charging, incarcerated juveniles’ coverage handling, provider eligibility support, and the state’s Medicaid recovery audit contractor exception request. They also noted a DHS departmental audit finding involving employees who improperly received benefits, which was referred for possible prosecution. The Department of Human Services gave an overview of the Medicaid program, describing eligibility groups, delivery systems (fee-for-service, managed care/PASSE, and premium assistance for expansion adults), the size of the program, and the agency’s budget and provider base. DHS also outlined the difference between state plan amendments and waivers and said other committee materials would be sent to members. The Office of Medicaid Inspector General described its role in detecting and preventing fraud, waste, and abuse, explaining that it investigates suspected intentional fraud, suspends providers when there is a credible allegation of fraud, recovers improper payments in mistake cases, and recommends policy changes when trends are identified. The Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit explained that it prosecutes provider fraud criminally and civilly, handles neglect, abuse, and exploitation cases in long-term care settings, and works with DHS, OMIG, and federal partners. Members asked about where cases are filed, how provider suspensions work, whether beneficiary fraud is investigated, and how education is provided to providers. DHS confirmed that beneficiary fraud cases are referred to local prosecutors and said the expansion population will move toward community engagement/work requirements under federal changes, with a soft launch planned before full implementation. The meeting ended with no formal votes beyond adoption of the prior minutes and no other committee actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• [Music] I’d like to call the meeting of the Minnesota Senate Health and Human Services Committee to order
• Chair Wiklund and members of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.
• </c><00:58:05.839><c> For</c> Health and Human Services Committee.
• For Health and Human Services Committee.
• Good morning, Chair Wiklund and members of the Health and Human Services Committee.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 2038 to Health and Human Services. HB 2128 to Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs.
• HB 2510 to Health and Human Services.
• Students, HB 2316 to State Affairs, HB 2510 to Health and Human Services, HB 2516 to Health and Human
• Services, HB 3597 to Health and Human Services, HB 3686 to Criminal Justice, HB 3783 to Jurisprudence
• Services, HB 4273 to Health and Human Services, HB 4325 to Jurisprudence.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, heard an invocation, adopted the prior day’s journal, received House messages, and adopted several resolutions and recognitions, including Senate Resolution 496 honoring Leadership Garland and resolutions 503 and 504. The chamber also recognized guests, including a North Dakota senator and the Doctor of the Day, and received gubernatorial nominations for the Texas Economic Development Corporation Board and the Nueces River Authority Board. The Senate then took up and passed a series of bills, often by suspending the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule. Measures approved included SB 614 on Texas Forensic Science Commission referrals to the Office of Capital and Forensic Writs; SB 250 on municipal annexation across railroad rights-of-way; SB 1660 on toxicological evidence retention and destruction procedures; SB 2586 requiring property owners associations to file governing documents with the Texas Real Estate Commission; SB 1588 increasing penalties for certain failures to report child sexual abuse; HB 912 on compensation for distributed renewable generation outside ERCOT; SB 1957 setting eligibility standards for civilian oversight boards; HB 2525 clarifying a charitable property tax exemption; SB 1525 limiting repeated prior authorization for neurodegenerative disease drugs; SB 865 requiring CPR/AED training and cardiac emergency response planning in schools; SB 1212 elevating human trafficking penalties; SB 2690 on solicitations for Secretary of State documents; SB 1802 on landlord repair duties for ramps, elevators, and handrails; SB 905 on licensing rules for speech-language pathologists and audiologists; SB 2929 allowing removal of disruptive spectators at school athletic events; SB 2675 creating a narrow McAllen-specific parkland conveyance exception; SB 872 increasing punishment for burglary of a vehicle involving firearm theft; and SB 1113 clarifying sales rules for certain converter-license holders. Several bills drew extended debate. SB 2487, dealing with crisis and mental health services for homelessness, was amended to make the county model permissive rather than mandatory and to remove state funding/assistance requirements before passing 28-3. SB 2138, barring higher education funds from contracting with firms that boycott fossil fuels through ESG policies, also passed after questions about fiscal effects and First Amendment concerns. SB 2615, restricting remote work at public institutions of higher education, advanced 22-9. The Senate also began consideration of SB 3016, which would expand enforcement tools against local governments that fail to comply with state law, but the transcript cuts off before action on that bill is completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• on Human Services.
• on Human Services.
• Refer to the Committee on Human Services.
• for the Committee on Human Services.
• to certain parents, heard of the Committee on Human Services.

Transcript Highlights:

• A Committee on Health and Human Resources. Second reading of the bill.
• A committee on health and human resources. Second reading of the bill.
• A committee on health and human resources moved to amend the bill on page four.
• Engrossed Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for House Bill 4483, relating to Funeral Service
• Engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 4602, relating to requiring the Department of Human Services

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and committee members.
• All right, seeing no one in opposition, bring it back to the committee. Committee, any questions?
• Chair, members of the committee.
• They asked questions, they offered services, they treated me like a human being, not a criminal.
• And calls for service.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety measures, beginning with housekeeping items and the adoption of a four-bill consent calendar. Bills on the consent calendar included AB 476 on metal theft, AB 619 on California Conservation Corps training for formerly incarcerated people, AB 1192 on child abuse or neglect reporting, and AB 1239 on human trafficking data. Several bills were pulled by the authors before hearing, and the committee also announced that AB 379 would be heard with a file notice waiver and AB 63 would be for testimony only. The most extensive discussion was on AB 366, which would require ignition interlock devices for anyone convicted of DUI. The author, Senator Archuleta, and a MADD representative gave emotional testimony about family members killed by drunk drivers and argued the bill would save lives. Support came from law enforcement, fire, medical, auto club, and safety groups. Opposition from public defenders and criminal justice advocates focused on loss of judicial discretion, costs for low-income drivers, and concerns about vendor oversight and effectiveness. The committee voted to pass AB 366 as amended to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 1380, which would create a permanent pathway into firefighting careers for formerly incarcerated people who served on Cal Fire hand crews. The author and supporters said the bill would recognize service, improve reentry, and reduce recidivism; a fire labor group withdrew its opposition after amendments were discussed. The measure passed to Appropriations, though it remained on call pending one additional vote. AB 461, which would remove criminal penalties for parents of truant K-8 students and replace them with supportive responses, drew broad support from education and justice advocates but no opposition testimony; it was also passed to Appropriations and left on call pending one more vote. ACR 60, recognizing the Downey Police Department’s special-needs communication program for interactions with people with disabilities or sensory challenges, was adopted unanimously. The committee then heard AB 746 on creating an inmate cooperative program and a green reentry reserve for incarcerated workers. Supporters said it would build job skills, dignity, and reentry success; there was no opposition testimony. The bill passed to Appropriations and was left on call pending votes. Finally, AB 379 on human trafficking drew strong support from survivor advocates, law enforcement, and local officials for creating a survivor services fund and targeting buyers, but also strong opposition from survivors and civil liberties groups who warned it would criminalize vulnerable people and revive harmful loitering enforcement. The committee discussion continued with members weighing survivor support, public safety tools, and concerns about the bill’s amendments and scope.

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Health and Human Services.
• , again, the humanity.
• But let me be clear, access to safe and legal abortion services is a human right and an integral part
• But let me be clear, access to safe and legal abortion services is a human right and an integral part
• Harvey White's life was defined by service, innovation, and an unwavering belief in the power of human

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><05:17:58.878><c> $560,254</c> of Human Services. $560,254 of Human Services. $560,254 shall<05:18
• > Healthcare</c> of Human Services from the Healthcare of Human Services from the Healthcare and<05:25
• ; and Human Services Executive Director's Office.
• 45 D Human Public School Health Services 45 D Human Services<05:40:29.040><c> 1</c><05:40:29.440><c>
• </c><05:51:05.840><c> Seven</c> department of human services. Seven department of human services.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c> same</c><00:09:12.399><c> sort</c> Human Services reports those same sort Human Services reports those
• human services for reports commissioner human services for reports related<00:20:43.440><c> to</c> related
• Services providing that of Human Services providing that um<00:27:05.520><c> that</c><00:27:06.240><c
• </c><00:41:58.960><c> services</c> not all health and human services not all health and human services
• So looking at human services programs.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am very much questioning the competency of the leadership of the Department of Human Services.
• That is not present at the Department of Human Services.
• That is not present at the Department of Human Services.
• </c> change at the Department of Human change at the Department of Human Services,<00:05:14.680><c> in
• </c> Human Services. Thank you for your testimony, Ms. Bernstein.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Human Services Committee.
• </c><00:07:43.360><c> Services</c> solutions to the Human Services solutions to the Human Services committee
• It's a Human Services bill. Merely pass this and send it back to my committee.
• No, seriously, we have our committee. Human Services does not operate.
• Services Committee.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'
• In February, the California Health and Human Services Agency, in partnership with the department and
• The Department and the California Health and Human Services Agency are preparing strategies to maintain
• The Department and the California Health and Human Services Agency are preparing strategies to maintain
• I want to thank all the folks... ...Thank you, honorable members, for your service on this committee,

Summary: The joint hearing focused on access to gender-affirming care in California, with opening remarks emphasizing the state’s legal protections, the importance of decorum, and the impact of federal actions on transgender, gender-diverse, and intersex Californians. The Department of Justice, Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC), and Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) described current state protections, including nondiscrimination rules, privacy and shield laws, Medi-Cal and commercial coverage requirements for medically necessary care, and ongoing litigation challenging federal executive orders, proposed rules, and HHS actions that could restrict care or threaten provider participation in Medicare and Medicaid. Officials also noted that California continues to oppose federal proposals through lawsuits and public comments, and that the state is preparing strategies if those proposals are finalized. Members asked about hospital closures or pauses in care, continuity of care, provider network adequacy, whether additional legislation or funding is needed, and how the state can better track access and enforce existing protections. DMHC said it monitors complaints and independent medical reviews, but does not have a specific provider category for gender-affirming care and does not collect utilization data by service type; DHCS said Medi-Cal covers medically necessary gender-affirming care and that federal proposals are not yet final. Finance staff said the previously approved $15 million allocation is still being implemented through Covered California. The second panel heard from a physician, clinic leaders, parents, and a transgender youth about how families and providers navigate access to care. Dr. Johanna Olson-Kennedy described the history of transgender medical care, the role of puberty blockers and hormones, and said minors need parental consent for medical interventions, while emphasizing that care should be individualized and that supportive parents improve outcomes. She also described the closure of the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles youth program and the difficulty of rebuilding care in private practice, including insurance contracting barriers and inadequate reimbursement. J.M. Jaffe of Lyon Martin Community Health Services said the clinic has expanded to serve minors after hospital programs closed, but that the shift has created major financial strain and increased demand, and asked for a $26 million state investment to stabilize transgender health services. Parents and youth described delays, cancellations, and uncertainty at Kaiser, Stanford, UCSF, and Rady Children’s, along with the emotional and medical consequences of interrupted care. One parent said TRICARE stopped covering her son’s care after federal changes and that Rady later closed its clinic; her family urged California to backfill lost access and funding. A 16-year-old trans student and other witnesses argued that California should remain a reliable source of care and that current protections are not enough without funding, provider support, and stronger enforcement.

Transcript Highlights:

• on Human Services.
• Services Committee.
• on Human Services.
• to the committee on human services.<01:08:34.400><c> All</c><01:08:34.640><c> in</c><01:08:34.799><c
• All of the financing and most of the policy in this bill are covered by the Human Services Committee,

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, this is the human services policy bill.
• The A8 represents a bill that we heard in Human Services Committee to take what might some might say
• </c><00:05:03.480><c> Services</c> a bill that we heard in Human Services a bill that we heard in Human
• Services Committee this year.
• </c> the Human Services Committee this year. the Human Services Committee this year.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Health and Human Services.
• , again, the humanity.
• But let me be clear, access to safe and legal abortion services is a human right and an integral part
• Or abortion services. Not all of those women will seek that service.
• Harvey White's life was defined by service, innovation, and an unwavering belief in the power of human

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through privileges of the floor to recognize several guests, including the St. Mary’s High School football team from Stockton for winning the 2025 state championship, Black-owned businesses honored by the California Legislative Black Caucus and California Black Chamber of Commerce, and students and guests visiting the Capitol. The Rules Committee reported Senate Resolution 77 to third reading, and the Senate approved the journals and proceeded to the daily file. The chamber then confirmed Tyler Sadwith as Chief Deputy Director for Health Care Programs at the Department of Health Care Services by a 33-0 vote. The main floor action was on Senate Resolution 77, which condemned racist and dehumanizing imagery shared by President Donald Trump depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama. Numerous senators from multiple caucuses spoke in support, framing the post as racist, dangerous, and part of a broader pattern of dehumanization; one Republican senator objected to the resolution’s language and process but said racism should be condemned. SR 77 was adopted on a 28-0 vote. The Senate then took up SB 106, a budget bill to create a one-time $90 million grant program to support family planning providers after federal cuts under H.R. 1 reduced reimbursements to Planned Parenthood and similar clinics. Supporters said the measure would preserve access to reproductive and preventive health care, especially in rural and underserved areas, while opponents criticized the bill for secrecy, no-bid contracting, and prioritizing abortion-related services over other budget needs such as rural hospitals and developmental disability services. After debate, the Assembly amendments were concurred in by a 26-9 vote. At the end of the session, the Senate moved to adjournment in memory, with Senator Choi offering a remembrance for Mitzi Ortiz, the city manager of Aliso Viejo, who died on December 22, 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Madam Chair, members of the committee.
• Thank you, Madam Chair, members of the committee.
• Thank you, Madam Chair, members of the committee.
• We have, like I said, a piece of legislation by a committee member that this committee has seen that
• We ask this committee to support stability.

Keywords: 988, house, all