Transcript Highlights:

• And I would argue, Madam Speaker, that this is an industry that touches every community, every community
• And I would argue, Madam Speaker, that this is an industry that touches every community, every community
• in their area. ...are built in a community, that that community should see a lasting economic benefit
• of the Cascade Mountains, Large communities on the west side of the Cascade Mountains should have community
• benefits for the communities there.

Bills: HB2325 , HB2521 , HB2720 , HB1960 , HB2073 , HB2675 , HB2681

Keywords: tourism, tourism promotion, Washington Tourism Marketing Authority, assessment, self-supported assessment, visitor economy, destination marketing, statewide marketing, lodging, hotels, restaurants, travel services, attractions, recreation, retail, beverage producers, arts and culture, tribal nations, tribal businesses, rural communities

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> give it a shot if there's Community give it a shot if there's Community Support<01:36:16.520><c>
• Community safety: keep our community safe.
• </c> Community safety keep our community Community safety keep our community safe<01:54:43.840><c> in
• </c><02:04:30.800><c> right</c> away from our local communities right away from our local communities
• <02:22:02.000><c> communities</c><02:22:02.439><c> that</c><02:22:02.600><c> need</c> communities communities

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• None of these attained the results that the staff or community desired.
• , these communications don't add additional work for teachers.
• This is adult-to-adult communication.
• It uses the communication channels that already exist and work well.
• with students, such as the lacrosse team coach using Instagram for team scheduling communications—communications

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee opened a public hearing on 41 bills related to school climate and safety, with chairs Jason Lewis and Ken Gordon outlining procedures and noting more than 125 witnesses. The first major topic was the “Study Act” on cell phones in schools and related social media restrictions (House 666/Senate 335). Secretary of Education Pat Tutwiler and Attorney General Andrea Campbell testified in strong support, arguing that bell-to-bell phone-free policies would improve student focus, reduce anxiety and distraction, and support mental health. Several legislators also supported the approach, though Representative Jeff Turco and Senator John Keenan emphasized narrower bills focused only on school-day phone restrictions rather than broader social media regulation. Senator John Velis likewise backed a comprehensive school-hours restriction, citing student distraction and mental health concerns. Representative Tarsky described successful implementation of a Yondr pouch system in a school where he served as principal, saying it improved engagement and reduced bullying and discipline issues. The committee then heard testimony on a bill to prohibit Native American mascots in public schools (Senate 312/House 575). Senator Joe Comerford, Brittany Wally, and Rhonda Anderson all urged passage, saying Native mascots are dehumanizing, harmful to Native youth, and inconsistent with civil rights and educational values. They described support from tribal nations and noted that many Massachusetts schools have already changed mascots, but some still resist. The hearing also included testimony on school start times (House 647/Senate 360), where middle school students Caroline Duffy and Emery Jarvis described exhaustion and survey data showing widespread sleep deprivation. Former educator Telia Jacobs, former principal Rep. Tarsky, and others argued that later start times would improve health, learning, and student well-being, while acknowledging transportation and scheduling challenges. Zoriana Petrosian, who helped write one of the bills as a student, said the state already has enough research to act now. Additional bills drew testimony on related school issues. Dr. Raul Fernandez supported a bill promoting racially integrated schools (Senate 324), citing a recent advisory council report showing large disparities in segregated schools and urging DESE to develop a statewide integration strategy. On safe firearm storage education (House 548/Senate 397), multiple witnesses from Grassroots for Gun Violence Prevention and school communities supported annual school-based education about secure storage, saying it would help prevent child access to unsecured firearms and build on local resolutions already adopted in some districts. The committee also heard testimony on bills to expand career and academic plans (House 533/Senate 438), with speakers saying more structured planning would help students make informed college and career choices. Later, testimony on child sexual abuse prevention and survivor support bills described the prevalence of abuse, the need for training in schools and youth-serving organizations, and the importance of extending compensation and prevention measures. Throughout the hearing, chairs repeatedly closed bills with no witnesses and moved the agenda forward, but no votes were taken in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:26:30.080><c> is</c><01:26:30.800><c> um</c> community banks do in my community is um community
• c> when</c><01:30:56.639><c> communities</c><01:30:57.120><c> need</c> community banks or when communities
• need community banks or when communities need support,<01:30:57.840><c> community</c><01:30:58.159><
• into those communities.
• </c> when their communities succeed. when their communities succeed.

Bills: HF331 , HF916

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: school supplies, sales tax exemption, use tax, sales and use tax, back-to-school, classroom supplies, education tax relief, tax holiday, retail exemption, Minnesota sales tax, school materials, binders, calculators, notebooks, pencils, backpacks, book bags, local tax revenue, taxable sales base, income tax

Transcript Highlights:

• And specifically, I'm excited about community land trusts.
• in communities all over Washington.
• Prout Ground is the Pacific Northwest largest community land trust.
• Rural, suburban, and urban communities alike, this is not just housing policy; it's community stability
• I've been supporting the startup community here for 25 years.

Bills: HB2175 , HB2227 , HB2528 , HB2292 , HB2257 , HB2608

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: durable medical equipment, sales tax exemption, healthcare accessibility, cost reduction, nonprofit providers, affordable housing, real estate tax, exemption, housing policy, tax incentives, real estate excise tax, REET, growth management act, GMA, local government finance, capital facilities plan, comprehensive plan, county tax, city tax, voter approval

Transcript Highlights:

• But don't be surprised if you hear about this issue from other communities.
• That struggle as well with a small user base and small community service districts.
• Assembly Bill 353 by Assemblymember Berner, an act relating to communications.
• I served 10 years on the local school board in my community in Linwood.
• Some communities do not recover like our urban areas.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Should new federal leases be... which power our tourism, fisheries, and coastal communities.
• Further, over 10 million people live nearby in communities around the Diablo Range.
• Last year, we opened our first park in the unincorporated community of Carson.
• We opened our first park in the unincorporated community of Carson.
• We should prioritize all investments for both rural communities and urban communities, and this ensures

Committee: Senate Natural Resources and Water

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I went to the academy at Pasco-Hernando Community College at the time.
• I serve on numerous nonprofit boards here in our community.
• I've been very, very blessed to be able to serve my community.
• It elevates the entire community.
• I am the entire community.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to consider a slate of trustee confirmations for several Florida state colleges and universities. Chair Harrell outlined the process, including swearing in nominees, allowing brief presentations and questions, taking public comment after each nominee, and voting on the full slate at the end unless a member was pulled for separate consideration. One nominee, Edward Fleming, was not heard and was deferred to a future meeting. The committee also dealt with several technical issues for remote participants before proceeding through the agenda. Nominees and reappointees emphasized their personal ties to their institutions and focused their remarks on workforce development, affordability, and partnerships with local employers. Several highlighted nursing and allied health programs, with committee members repeatedly asking about NCLEX pass rates; reported figures included Polk State at 100%, Lake-Sumter at 97.5%, Northwest Florida State at 100%, Daytona State at 95%, Pasco-Hernando at 97% for associate degree and 100% for practical nursing, Pensacola State at 90% practical nursing and 85% RN, and Hillsborough College at 87.5%. Other priorities mentioned included construction technology, agriculture and ag technology, surveying/geodetic programs, maritime and diesel mechanics, aircraft maintenance, dual enrollment, AI, cybersecurity, and support for military and veteran transitions. After hearing from all nominees, the committee asked whether any names should be voted on separately; none were requested. Senator Bradley moved a block vote to recommend confirmation, the motion was approved by roll call, and all nominees heard that day were recommended for confirmation except Tab 10, Edward Fleming, who was postponed to a later meeting. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• 41.520><c> relo</c><00:19:42.080><c> those</c> communities pay back, we relo those communities pay back
• </c><00:24:10.480><c> And</c> communities, and generations. And communities, and generations.
• These are loss communities.
• </c> request came from a community member. request came from a community member.
• uh to the community.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• beds for diversion and community-based restoration.
• We also maintain a consistent emphasis on historically underserved communities through our community
• In their own communities.
• But the community benefit is so much larger.
• It saves lives and strengthens our communities.

Summary: The subcommittee heard budget and policy updates from the Department of State Hospitals, the Commission for Behavioral Health, and the Department of Health Care Services. DSH described its proposed 2026-27 budget of $3.2 billion, including savings tied to IST solutions, higher patient-driven operating costs, and a small increase in caseload projections. Officials said the department has met court-ordered IST treatment benchmarks, with wait times reduced from a pandemic peak of 1,953 pending placements to about 250, and average treatment initiation now around five days. Members asked about the effects of Proposition 36 and SB 1323, rising outside hospitalization costs, Medicare enrollment, and whether IST solution funding was being overbudgeted; DSH said referrals are slightly down overall, aging and medically complex patients are driving outside care costs, and the IST solution savings reflect slower-than-expected program activation rather than a service gap. The department also outlined proposed funding for CONREP cost increases, a new county-by-county LPS bed allocation model, electrical infrastructure upgrades at Napa and Patton, SB 380 transitional housing feasibility work, and additional dental staffing and space at Metropolitan and Patton. The Commission for Behavioral Health reviewed its role in the Behavioral Health Services Act transition and its new Innovation Partnership Fund. Staff said the commission is shifting from county-level innovation oversight to a statewide grant strategy, with the first $20 million RFA drawing strong interest and awards expected in mid-June. Members asked how “innovation” would be defined, whether grants could be renewed after the initial three-year contracts, and how the state would ensure the money supports real service delivery rather than general outreach or training. The commission also sought a liquidation deadline extension for the Alcove youth drop-in center grants so remaining funds can be spent before they revert, allowing sites to finish implementation and support the final evaluation. DHCS provided an overview of CalAIM and BH Connect implementation, including updated specialty mental health access criteria, new ASAM-based substance use treatment standards, contingency management, traditional health care practices for tribal members, workforce investments, evidence-based practice expansion, IMD participation, and transitional rent services. The department also addressed BHSA implementation, saying it does not track specific local program cuts but will monitor county three-year plans, performance measures, and outcomes as counties shift to the new funding structure. On H.R. 1, DHCS said it is preparing outreach, eligibility simplification, and exemption strategies to reduce Medi-Cal coverage losses, including clinic navigators, a statewide outreach campaign, and possible employment supports through a future waiver. The department also reported that BH-CHIP bond funds have supported 437 infrastructure projects, creating 546 facilities and more than 9,500 residential beds, with additional outpatient capacity and tribal investments. Finally, DHCS outlined a proposed 988 trailer bill to create a statewide designation process for 988 centers and mobile crisis teams, with implementation no earlier than October 1, 2027.

Transcript Highlights:

• The members of our community who need this level of care would have to leave our community, and their
• The members of our community who need this level of care would have to leave our community, and their
• I fear for the community when Kimber has to retire because without her that community would not have
• would</c> because without her that Community would because without her that Community would not<00:26
• </c> pharmacy to their Community pharmacy to their Community unfortunately<00:49:15.119><c> each</c><

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Community, that specialist is in Idaho Falls. They are in Boise.
• So they have two patients and not all kids can communicate what's going on.
• So having someone with that skill set. communicate what's going on.
• eat lunch in a rural community.
• eat lunch in a rural community.

Summary: The Rural Health Transformation Committee met to receive an overview from Department of Health and Welfare Director Juliet Sharon on Idaho’s Rural Health Transformation Program application and the federal rules governing the five-year funding. Sharon explained the program was created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, that Idaho’s award is about $186 million annually in year one, and that the state must obligate the funds by October 30 or risk losing them. She reviewed the application timeline, the federal scoring process, reporting and audit requirements, and the state’s plan to hire a 12-person limited-term team to manage solicitations, monitoring, and compliance. Committee members asked about scope-of-practice issues for dental hygienists and physician assistants, the risk of losing or gaining funds, survey methodology, telehealth, and how the state will use the money for workforce, technology, behavioral health, infrastructure, and tribal set-asides. Sharon said the department would continue working with the legislature on scope-of-practice policy, provide more detail on survey data and funding caps, and set up a shared information space with LSO for committee access. Sharon also walked through the five main initiative areas in Idaho’s plan: technology and access, innovative models, workforce, chronic disease and behavioral health, and rural infrastructure/partnerships. She emphasized that allowable uses include telehealth and EHR modernization, cybersecurity, EMS support, workforce recruitment and retention incentives, evidence-based behavioral health and chronic disease programs, renovations and mobile units, and a 3.5% tribal set-aside. She said the department is still refining what is allowable with CMS and that the committee will receive monthly summaries, procurement information, and performance reports. Members raised concerns about the survey’s heavy use of “other” responses, the amount of money going to administration, and whether telehealth spending is the best use of funds. Chris Jones of Catalyst Policy Group then offered outside perspective on rural health strategy and the federal program. He praised Idaho’s application but urged the committee to think in terms of integrated, patient-centered systems rather than isolated projects. He highlighted examples from other states involving community health workers, telehealth hubs, remote monitoring, value-based care networks, rural training pipelines, and partnerships among hospitals, FQHCs, and tribal providers. He cautioned against focusing on social determinants of health funding, encouraged use of technology to reduce labor burden and improve sustainability, and emphasized that training providers in rural areas tends to keep them there. No votes were taken. The committee agreed to tentatively meet again on May 28 during CMS’s planned Idaho visit, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the president of Luna Community College.
• Substance abuse that's opening up in our community.
• I've always worked with Luna Community College.
• College is to the community.
• I do think that Luna Community College is a true asset to this community.

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• It will be not wealthy communities, but it will be Black, brown, and low-income communities who are already
• And honestly, all of this is because my community, the Jewish community, isn't safe right now in their
• communities.
• So this can happen to any community.
• These remaining fees fall hardest on low-income communities and communities of color, creating barriers

Committee: House Public Safety

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In the to school in our community.
• </c> our communities. our communities.
• </c> to try to regain trust of the community to try to regain trust of the community and<00:58:05.119
• </c> community in order to make it safe? community in order to make it safe?
• </c><01:49:04.880><c> I</c> communities. It helps our businesses. I communities.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The Community Choices Waiver...
• The Community Choices Waiver provides essential home or community services that help people stay independent
• They would do better out in the community. That's why all these community waivers now exist, right?
• , mobility, safety, and community inclusion.
• She is rated excellent in this community.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on several budget requests tied to health and human services. Louisiana Children’s Advocacy Centers asked for continued support and a supplemental appropriation of $1.173 million for infrastructure and standardization, explaining that the money would expand use of the Guardify digital evidence system, improve chain of custody, and reduce reliance on DVDs. Baton Rouge and statewide CAC leaders said prior funding helped eliminate a therapy wait list and speed services for abused children. Members asked detailed questions about the digital system, MDT coordination, and how the request related to SB 237, which would strengthen multidisciplinary review of child abuse cases. The Alzheimer’s Association sought $824,000 to sustain the dementia care specialist program, saying it helps families navigate services, keep loved ones at home longer, and reduce Medicaid costs. AARP and the Live at Home Coalition also testified for 750 additional Community Choice waiver slots at a state cost of $3.3 million, arguing that home- and community-based care is cheaper than nursing homes and that the current wait list is more than 11,000 people. Legislators discussed the size of the need, the state’s long-term care spending mix, and whether more support should go to family caregivers and community-based options. Testimony also focused on disability support services, substance use treatment, and developmental disability provider rates. A parent and direct support worker described the Children’s Choice waiver’s 20-hour cap and low pay, saying it makes it hard to retain caregivers and meet the needs of medically fragile children. Odyssey House and O’Brien House asked for higher Medicaid reimbursement rates under ASAM 4, warned that removal of room-and-board payments and weak Medicaid eligibility pathways are reducing access, and called for more oversight of sober living homes; members questioned outcomes data, length of stay, and links to homelessness. Finally, the Arc of Louisiana said the LDH rate study confirmed underfunding and supported a $53.6 million increase in state general funds, with local ARC leaders describing the services they provide and the need for higher direct support professional wages.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any communications? There are no communications. Any reports of standing committees?
• This exploitation doesn't belong in our community.
• They have communicated with each other.
• that those communities will need.
• and to grow those communities.

Keywords: 905, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We welcome them into our community.
• resource and a place that folks around the community and the African American community can understand
• These are the things that should be one-on-one in the home, in community centers, community events.
• or unserved communities as well.
• Communities or unserved communities as well.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The most basic thing our communities need.
• And it's important for small communities.
• and rural communities.
• So it's important to listen to those community voices that talk about community vulnerabilities as they
• For example, the community solar...

Committee: House New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• We learned Communities that government cannot reach on its own.
• Frato Cruz, we have a community resource project.
• Frato Cruz, we have a community resource project. Thank you.
• They're connected to their local communities.
• My community continues to live in fear. My community continues to be afraid.

Committee: House Governmental Organization

Keywords: 988, house, all