Transcript Highlights:

• While state programs such as Medi-Cal and Family PACT reimburse for clinical care provided by some members
• In partnership with the Psychiatric Technician Program Directors across the state, we have worked to
• As Marlise stated, the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing Program continues to receive an investment of
• With these LEAs to provide them assistance, we expect that the volume of claims through this program
• dollars that it otherwise would have spent on designated state health programs.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we will continue to convert 30% of our TANF state assistance grant to child care as long as there
• c> to assistant state assistance grant to assistant state assistance grant to child<00:25:28.320>
• that assist the child care programs, such as after-school programs and activities which our TANF subgrantees
• <00:26:38.559> care programs that assist the child care programs that assist the child care
• If we did direct assistance with TANF dollars, we would replicate the child care payment program.

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 21 January, 2026; 3:30 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 3, a certificate-of-need measure that had passed last year but was vetoed by the governor because of one objectionable provision. The chair explained that the House had just passed the bill unanimously and urged quick Senate action so it could be sent to the governor again. He said the bill is intended to restore the prior law, with the main policy focus on rural hospitals and other future certificate-of-need changes. A question was raised about language affecting the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s academic exemption; the chair said the intent was to preserve the teaching hospital’s core exemption around its main campus while requiring certificate-of-need review for facilities it operates elsewhere, and the committee then voted title sufficient, due pass. The committee then considered Senate Bill 2476, requested by the Board of Pharmacy. Senator Hill explained that it would let licensed pharmacists self-report substance abuse or mental health issues and enter treatment before disciplinary action, similar to programs already available for nurses and with comparable provisions for physicians and dentists. Board representatives said participants would have to stop practicing until cleared, and that failure to comply would trigger discipline; the bill was described as an alternative to professional discipline, not immunity from criminal law. After questions about definitions and how many times a person could use the program, the committee voted title sufficient, due pass. The meeting concluded with an informational presentation from Mr. Anderson on child care funding and program operations. He said the state used ARPA funds during the pandemic to support child care certificates and providers, but those funds were exhausted, leading to a pause and a waiting list of about 20,000 families; the program currently serves about 18,000 children. He said the department is continuing $15 million in state support, is converting 30% of the TANF state assistance grant to child care, and is exploring additional TANF direct-assistance options, though cautiously because the state has not done that before. He also discussed child care tax credits, employer-based child care, and efforts to expand capacity through provider support and technical assistance.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, our program engages the...
• work, training, and technical assistance.
• And again, as I said earlier, this technical training assistance center is a program from our DPH care
• I had no idea that MassHealth had a Cares for Kids program, nor did I realize that this program existed
• I had no idea that DPH had this program.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities equity subcommittee met, approved the prior minutes, and heard a presentation from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Cater Center (Care Coordination Assistance, Training, Education, and Resources for Kids). Presenters Toria Haffey and Patty Loza explained that Cater provides training and technical assistance to MassHealth’s Cares for Kids providers serving children with medical complexity, with a focus on enhanced care coordination, family partnership, racial/cultural/linguistic equity, community resources, education systems, shared plans of care, and transition support. They described five e-learning modules, flexible one-on-one and group technical assistance, case review support, and informal virtual “cafes” for providers. They also noted the program has been operating for about two to three years and currently works with five hospital-based providers, including Boston Children’s, BMC, Tufts, NeighborHealth, and Baystate. Committee members asked about the number of families served, the relationship to MassHealth, and whether the model could be expanded beyond Boston-area providers. The presenters said Cater does not track enrollment numbers because that is handled by providers and MassHealth, and they agreed there is room to broaden reach and improve data collection. Members suggested connecting Cater with regional disability and case management networks, the Health Equity Compact, ACOs, and DDS-related contacts. Questions also focused on funding stability amid federal Medicaid cuts and workforce shortages in family engagement roles; Cater said the work remains a priority for MassHealth, though funding is a concern, and acknowledged staffing gaps, especially for family partners with lived experience. After the presentation, the committee discussed a NIH strategic plan for disability health research that had been circulated for future review. Because members had not yet read it, they agreed to place it on the agenda for the next meeting. The meeting then adjourned with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• or the medical assistance program.
• <00:01:03.480> program uh or uh the medical assistance program uh or uh the medical assistance
• <00:15:38.519> programs seems as if a lot of the state programs seems as if a lot of the state
• programs um we our medical assistance programs um we need<00:16:05.279> to<00:16:05.399> do
• Like I said, I anticipate that throughout all of state government programs, that number is actually far

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: House Republicans held a press event to announce two priority bills focused on immigration and state spending. Rep. Isaac Schultz said his bill, House File 10, would stop taxpayer funding for people in Minnesota illegally, including through programs such as Northstar Promise, MinnesotaCare, medical assistance, and legal services. He framed the proposal as a way to redirect limited state resources to Minnesota families, veterans, people with disabilities, the homeless, and infrastructure needs, and said it could save more than $100 million, with some estimates discussed during debate reaching about $200 million for MinnesotaCare alone. Rep. Max Rymer introduced House File 16, which would require reporting to ICE or other federal immigration authorities when an undocumented immigrant is suspected of committing a violent crime, and would bar local governments from withholding information from federal authorities. He said the bill is intended to end sanctuary-city practices and improve public safety. Both lawmakers argued that the measures are narrow, targeted at violent offenders, and consistent with cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. They also said the bills respond to voter concerns about illegal immigration and rising costs. During questions, the members said the state-funding bill is aimed at state dollars, while the reporting bill complements federal law by addressing local noncooperation. They discussed concerns about eligibility tracking and said current programs do not provide enough data on how many undocumented people receive benefits. Schultz cited a family in his district that lost MinnesotaCare after an income change as an example of what he sees as unfair treatment compared with benefits for undocumented immigrants. No votes were taken at the event; the lawmakers said these are the first of several bills they plan to advance this session.

Transcript Highlights:

• The state has programs where they use loan loss reserves to leverage private capital to Has programs
• So the program... [01:59:35] Chair Bennett: So the program will only do assistance for 3,125 homes.
• So using the financial assistance program parameters very similar to the wildfire mitigation grant program
• So using the financial assistance program parameters very similar to the wildfire mitigation grant program
• of the current programs, do you have an idea, do you have, which ones do you feel, which state programs

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• or the childcare assistance program. or the childcare assistance program.
• First, the Child Care Assistance Program, which provides assistance to Minnesota Family Investment Program
• First, the Child Care Assistance Program, which provides assistance to Minnesota Family Investment Program
• First, the Child Care Assistance Program, which provides assistance to Minnesota Family Investment Program
• assistance program.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c> assistance program uh is being assistance program uh is being implemented.<00:50:00.760> Um
• <00:51:07.520> program emergency rental assistance program emergency rental assistance program
• It's been an assistance program.
• program after assistant on assistant program after assistant program<03:38:17.680> after<03:38
• :17.920> assistant<03:38:18.480> program, program after assistant program, program after

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Come on up, sir, benefit assistance and status of our state veterans nursing homes.
• Adult day health care is only funded by the states. It's not a federal program.
• The state non-congregate sheltering program assisted survivors in 18 counties impacted by Idalia, and
• Our state home repair connection program assisted, mainly supported by and run by our volunteer organizations
• Our state home repair connection program assisted, mainly supported by and run by our volunteer organizations

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from Major General James Hartzell of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs on the agency’s outreach, benefits assistance, and state veterans nursing homes. He highlighted Florida’s large and growing veteran population, the decline in World War II and Vietnam-era veterans, and the increase in post-9/11 veterans moving to the state. Hartzell discussed the state veterans nursing home system, including a new Collier County facility that will include skilled nursing, assisted living, adult day health care, and outpatient therapy, and he said the department is also studying future adult day health care expansion and possible additional homes in underserved areas. He also reported on the dental program funded by the Legislature, saying 245 veterans were served in the first quarter of the fiscal year, with 1,631 procedures completed and more than $525,000 in savings, and he credited the added state veterans service officer positions with helping connect more veterans to benefits. Hartzell also noted a 13% year-over-year reduction in homeless veterans, emphasized mental health outreach through SaveFLVets.org and the Overwatch program, and announced a new deputy executive director, retired Colonel D.J. Reyes. Members asked about the need for additional veterans homes in South Florida, the criteria used to site new homes, the homeless veteran reduction, and whether adult day health care could be added at existing facilities. Hartzell explained that federal criteria focus on the availability of private skilled nursing beds for veterans 65 and older, and that adult day health care is state-funded and being studied for broader deployment. He also said the department tracks where homeless veterans are concentrated and works with local partners and organizations like Tunnels to Towers to provide housing and services that reduce recidivism. The committee also discussed Florida’s national reputation for veteran support, including Veterans Month and the state’s culture of veteran awareness. The committee then received a presentation from Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, on disaster response, recovery, and technology systems. Guthrie described the State Emergency Response Team, the new Florida Central Operations and Coordination Office in Auburndale, and the new State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee, which is expected to be fully operational by spring 2026 and will significantly expand capacity and hardening. He reviewed recovery efforts for Hurricanes Helene, Milton, Debbie, Idalia, Ian, Irma, Michael, Dorian, Sally, Nicole, and others, including sheltering, travel trailers, debris removal, and FEMA reimbursement totals. Guthrie said Florida removed more than 31.6 million cubic yards of debris from Helene and Milton in 90 days on a 24/7 basis, and he described Elevate Florida, the Florida Recovery Obligation Calculation (FROC), the DEMES platform, and WebEOC as tools to streamline recovery, mitigation, and intergovernmental coordination. Members asked about flood-response resources for cities, the state’s use of pumps and mutual aid, and lessons learned from inland flooding after Milton. Guthrie said local governments should first use county and city mutual aid, then request state assistance when needed, and he encouraged more partnerships for staging and maintaining flood equipment. He also said future flood mitigation must address outdated development patterns, watershed flow, and the need for better drainage planning, while continuing temporary fixes and homeowner assistance programs. The committee ended with no votes or formal actions beyond adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then they may pay a fee and receive a card stating their role in the program for a period of 12 months
• This is a pilot program.
• Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy.
• in our state.
• Psilocybin programs already exist.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• build on the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
• Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP.
• To summarize, the bill provides state funding to supplement the federal LIHEAP program.
• I'm the Director of the Energy Assistance Program for the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
• For households who really need the assistance, this is a program we should support.

Transcript Highlights:

• Repeals the sunset for the state rent supplement program for Kapuna.
• the state rent supplement program<00:16:48.280> for<00:16:48.440> Kapuna.
• funds to HPHA for the state rent supplement program for Kapuna and for positions to support the program
• <00:31:59.120> It payment loan assistance program. It payment loan assistance program.
• And in our testimony, we state that we have a lot of experience with the federal program.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Housing, meeting jointly with the Committee on Health and Human Services, heard testimony on Senate Bill 2787, which would expand use of the rental housing revolving fund to provide loans or grants for purchasing rental units, and Senate Bill 2957, which addresses tenant displacement and relocation protections, as well as Senate Bill 2866, which would make the state rent supplement program for kupuna permanent and appropriate funds for it. Testimony on SB 2787 included support from DHHL, HHFDC, AARP Hawaii, and others, while the Attorney General recommended clarifying language and standards for grants, and the Tax Foundation questioned whether grants fit the revolving-fund structure. On SB 2957, supporters including OHA, PACT, medical-legal advocates, and tenant representatives emphasized relocation hardships from the KPT redevelopment, language access, and the need for clearer minimum safeguards; the Attorney General suggested defining “comparable units” and correcting a drafting error. On SB 2866, HPHA, Catholic Charities, AARP, the Executive Office on Aging, and others supported making the kupuna rent supplement program permanent to prevent homelessness among low-income seniors. During discussion on SB 2957, members questioned HPHA and tenant counsel about the KPT low-rise relocation process and what “comparable housing” meant in practice. HPHA said all tenants were relocated, but counsel described disputes over comparability, disability and family-size issues, and at least one offered unit that was not livable. For SB 2787, members questioned DHHL about why it sought funding from the rental housing revolving fund rather than other sources; DHHL said it was still exploring options and had mostly used its funds for infrastructure, with only a small portion used as revolving funds. The chair expressed concern about relying on scarce housing funds and urged more efficient use of DHHL’s existing resources. In decision-making, the committees voted to pass SB 2957 with amendments and SB 2866 with amendments. For SB 2957, the amendments would replace the bill with a working group on tenant displacement and relocation, include a blank appropriation and defective date, and request $75,000 for the working group; the motion was adopted unanimously by the members present, with Senator Favela excused. For SB 2866, the amended version would include a blank appropriation, defective date, and committee report language noting requests for $110,160 for two HPHA public housing specialist positions and $2.16 million for the state rent supplement program; this motion was also adopted, with Senator Favela excused. After the joint hearing adjourned, the committee returned to the housing-only agenda and continued discussion of SB 2787 before moving on to SB 3089, which would amend the down payment loan assistance program for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers; testimony on SB 3089 was beginning when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and he received food assistance through the Federal Supplemental Nutritional Assistant Program, SNAP
• Assistant Supplemental Nutritional Assistant Program,<00:15:29.839> SNAP.
• Program, SNAP. Program, SNAP.
• Our local food purchasing assistance program is something that has been bipartisan.
• It's a great program to help folks who need assistance get that assistance.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Almost $10 billion in state funding will go towards the medical assistance program.
• assistance program towards the medical assistance program just<00:02:47.959> over<00:02:48.360
• <00:09:42.519> that state-only funded uh program until that state-only funded uh program until
• program the next the ch care assistance program the next the ch care assistance program<00:36:28.680
• /c> program provides childcare assistance to program provides childcare assistance to MIP<00:36:30.359

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• technical assistance and capacity building types of programs.
• technical assistance and capacity building types of programs.
• We had State Parks law enforcement personnel from across the state assist with the emergency response
• We had state parks law enforcement personnel from across the state assist with the emergency response
• to implement this program in a way... ...across the state to implement this program in a way that will

Summary: The subcommittee heard presentations on the administration’s Proposition 4 spending plans for extreme heat mitigation and outdoor access, then took up SB 54 implementation, SB 707 textile producer responsibility, and recovery needs related to the Los Angeles fires at state parks. For the extreme heat chapter, agencies described funding for the Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program, urban greening, urban forestry, fairground upgrades, and technical assistance for community-based climate programs. Witnesses emphasized that these are existing programs with strong demand, that technical assistance is important for reaching disadvantaged and tribal communities, and that the proposed funding would expand outreach and implementation capacity. Members asked for more detail on where funds have gone geographically, examples of successful projects, tree-planting totals, and how fairgrounds could better support fire staging and emergency preparedness. The LAO said the timing of the administration’s proposed funding generally made sense because the programs are already established, and no votes were taken. For outdoor access, State Parks, Fish and Wildlife, and Natural Resources described funding for new parks in underserved communities, deferred maintenance, state lands access, and several new or pending programs. State Parks said the park development program would fund roughly 48 projects and that deferred maintenance funding would address high-priority health, safety, and access needs. Fish and Wildlife said its lands program would improve visitor amenities and access on properties that often lack basic facilities. The Natural Resources Agency also outlined three newer outdoor-access proposals: expanding recreation in disadvantaged communities, enhancing natural resource values and trail access, and a nature/climate/education facilities grant program. The LAO distinguished between existing programs, which are ready to move forward, and the newer proposals, where the Legislature may want more input before funds are allocated. Members also raised concerns about park police vacancies, the need to track outcomes for accessibility investments, and whether Prop. 4 could help with wildfire-related recovery at state parks. CalRecycle then presented on SB 54, the plastics and packaging producer responsibility law, and members pressed hard on the delay in regulations. CalRecycle said it has held workshops, formed an advisory committee, selected the producer responsibility organization, and completed required baseline and covered-material reports, but needs more time to address complex comments and novel features such as source reduction and eco-modulated fees. Members expressed frustration that a statutory deadline was missed and asked for a concrete timeline; CalRecycle said it expects regulations in place by 2026, ahead of the PRO’s January 1, 2027 plan deadline. Finance said the Beverage Container Recycling Fund is currently healthy enough to support short-term loans for implementation. The committee also reviewed SB 707, the textile EPR law, which would create the nation’s first textile producer responsibility program; staff said the proposal would add positions and loan authority, and members noted the statutory deadlines for PRO approval, needs assessment, and later regulations. The hearing ended with discussion of the January Los Angeles fires’ damage to Topanga State Park and Will Rogers State Historic Park, where State Parks described extensive losses, emergency response work, and ongoing damage assessment. Members asked about FEMA eligibility, state funding sources, and community engagement in rebuilding, and the department said it is still assessing costs and will work with the public on reimagining the parks.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill includes programs for providers, specifically for those in rural areas near the state border
• There is not another state in the Union that has a program like ours.
• So we're not dependent on the state for all of the funds in the program, but when we know exactly what
• While the Thriving Texas Families Program utilizes the appropriate agency... ...in our state, such as
• I am with the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, advocating for assisted living facility residents.

Bills: SB397, SB481, SB596, SB760, SB855, SB1195, SB1196, SB1233, SB1257, SB1318, SB1368, SB1388, SB1398, SB1524, SB1558, SB1589, SB1677, SB1792, SB2034

Keywords: SB 397, telemedicine, telehealth, teledentistry, remote care, virtual care, consent documentation, patient consent, data collection, data sharing, audio-only telehealth, in-person examination, irreversible medical procedure, health professional regulation, Occupations Code, Texas Health and Human Services, medical records, provider compliance, data privacy, consumer rights

Transcript Highlights:

• The program reaches finance and insurance, manufacturing, construction, health care, and social assistance
• It's important that the state continues investing in the Small Business Technical Assistance Program
• It's important that the state continues investing in the Small Business Technical Assistance Program
• Technical Assistance Program under MassDevelopment. ...state-level funding for the Small Business Technical
• Assistance Program under MassDevelopment, or consider creating a technical assistance stabilization

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business held an informational hearing focused on the conditions facing small and micro businesses in Massachusetts and the state programs intended to support them. Chairs Andy Vargas and Adam Gomez opened by emphasizing equitable economic development, the importance of CDFIs, and the need to help underserved entrepreneurs, especially women, minorities, veterans, immigrants, and other groups facing barriers. Committee members noted the hearing would not take up bills, and testimony was limited to 10 minutes per organization. State and quasi-public agency witnesses described current programs and funding. Dico Gibral of the Executive Office of Economic Development highlighted the Business Front Door, multilingual access, small business office hours in Gateway Cities, and funding in the Mass Leads Act, including support for CDFIs, small business technology, and capital grants. Tom Hooper of Commonwealth Corporation described workforce training programs such as the Workforce Training Fund, Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, and Career Technical Initiative, saying they help small businesses train workers, fill labor shortages, and support returning citizens and people with disabilities. Committee members asked about federal funding uncertainty, workforce migration, training schedules, and program uptake. Business and advocacy groups focused on cost pressures and regulatory burdens. The Massachusetts Restaurant Association urged continuation of outdoor dining and takeout alcohol sales, and pressed for relief from high credit card swipe fees, support for surcharging, and streamlining municipal licensing. The Retailers Association of Massachusetts cited survey results showing inflation, utility costs, payroll taxes, health insurance, and interchange fees as major concerns, and said many members might sell or close within five years; it also backed ending the state prohibition on surcharging and creating an Office of Main Streets Massachusetts. MACDC, BECKMA, and the Coalition for an Equitable Economy emphasized the need for more technical assistance, CDFI and small business funding, and protections against rising costs, tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and immigration enforcement impacts on immigrant-heavy business districts. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• and by state governments. and by state governments.
• And as you know, the state director of program integrity, Tim Ali, recommended just two days ago, maybe
• And as you know, the state director of program integrity, Tim Ali, recommended just two days ago, maybe
• And as you know, the state director of program integrity, Tim Ali, recommended just two days ago, maybe
• the program. the program.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• program and 150 in the medical career advancement program.
• This program provides crucial technical assistance and financial support.
• Um, I love this program in the fact that you not only provide technical assistance, but that you provide
• and Workforce Development assistance and Workforce Development programs<01:09:32.319> for<01:09
• This program works. It's a program that prevents violence.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The uh Kentucky Transitional Assistance The uh Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program,<00:29:11.920
• /c> The Kentucky Transitional Assistance The Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program,<00:30:02.000><
• So, as cash assistance spending program.
• In state fiscal year 23, we had around 10,000 households participating in the program, and that grew
• >> For state fiscal year 26, $32 million. >> $32 million for both programs?

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its September 24 meeting after a motion and second. It then heard a presentation from New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Secretary Elizabeth Gragensky on that state’s early childhood system and planned universal child care rollout. She described how New Mexico consolidated multiple prenatal-to-age-five programs into a cabinet-level department, expanded pre-K to a longer day, and uses a cost model to set reimbursement rates intended to cover true provider costs, including wages, benefits, occupancy, food, and reserves. She also said the state created an Early Childhood Trust Fund and secured a constitutional amendment to dedicate 0.60% of the land grant permanent fund to early care and education, with the department’s budget growing from about $400 million in 2021 to just under $1 billion this year. Gragensky said families can begin applying for universal child care on November 1, with participation voluntary for both families and providers. She reported that New Mexico is aiming to expand capacity by adding 1,000 registered home providers, 120 group homes, and about 55 more centers, supported in part by a $13 million low-interest loan fund and a request for an additional $20 million. She said the state has seen growth in early childhood professionals, including a 64% increase over the last three to four years, and pointed to reported outcomes such as a 21% increase in literacy and a 75% kindergarten readiness rate, while noting that some measures are new and baseline comparisons are still being developed. Members asked about the funding sources, provider profitability, workforce development, and measurable outcomes. Gragensky said the program is designed to support provider sustainability through rates tied to true cost and includes allowances for sick leave, vacation, benefits, and reserves. She also said maternal labor force participation is 10% higher than the national rate and attributed that in part to child care access. The committee then moved to a separate presentation by Department for Community Based Services Commissioner Lisa Dennis and Division of Family Support Director Roger McCann on anticipated cuts to TANF and SNAP, beginning with an overview of TANF as a federal block grant with a fixed annual Kentucky allocation of about $180.7 million.

Transcript Highlights:

• These options rely on leveraging the existing California Food Assistance Program, or CFAP, expansion
• The Stop the Hate Program is now an established network of community-based organizations across the state
• , Housing Support Program, and Homeless Assistance Program utilization through the CalWORKs Interactive
• , Housing Support Program, and Homeless Assistance Program utilization through the CalWORKs Interactive
• Are you aware of the number of people who are projected to lose food assistance in the state of California

Keywords: 988, house, all