Video & Transcript Research : 'DHS'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Veterans and Military Affairs Division 3/5/25
Veterans and Military Affairs Division
Transcript Highlights:
- We have continued conversations with DCYF and DHS, and there's likely to be an amendment that will go
- administration of doesn't affect the administration of benefits<00:03:39.000>
by <00:03:39.280>DHS - <00:03:40.200>
or benefits by DHS or benefits by DHS or DCF<00:03:42.840>um <00:03: - We have continued to be in conversations with DCYF and DHS, and there's likely going to be an amendment
- <00:05:18.440>
and conversations with dcyf and DHS and conversations with dcyf and DHS and
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 2/25/26 - Part 1
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I just wondered if we could have DHS come up and answer a few questions as far as the process of this
- I think someone from DHS is here. Hi, Christie. Go ahead there. Go ahead with your question.
- I will say that current law requires DHS to have and maintain a drug formulary committee, which works
- Um I think someone from<00:35:07.280>
DHS <00:35:07.920>is <00:35:08.160>here. - <00:36:19.680>
to that um current law uh requires DHS to that um current law uh requires DHS
Keywords:
hospital moratorium, hospital construction, bed capacity, hospital expansion, health care facilities, hospital licensing, safety-net hospital, level I trauma center, Ramsey County, Minnesota health law, hospital beds, new hospital exception, certificate of need, inpatient capacity, emergency care, trauma services, health system regulation, state moratorium, hospital modernization, health infrastructure
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division III (03/18/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- So if you start and we turn to page two, DHS, our providers and our contractors really play a critical
- So if you start and we turn to page page page two.<00:04:44.199>
So <00:04:45.199>DHS <00 - So DHS um our our providers and our two.
- So DHS um our our providers and our contractors<00:04:50.400>
really <00:04:50.720>play - your programs at DHS. Is that correct? your programs at DHS. Is that correct?
Summary:
The committee met after recess to hear a Department of Health and Human Services overview of its contract structure, with CFO Nathan White explaining that DHS currently has 969 active agreements spanning service contracts, grants, data-sharing agreements, use-of-premises agreements, and MOUs. He said contracts are budgeted across multiple class lines and accounting units, often braided with federal funds, which makes the system complex; he also noted that the department’s top spending list was limited to 18 items rather than 20 and included both individual contracts and grouped regional/provider contracts. White emphasized that many contracts support direct services to residents, while others support departmental operations such as software support and staffing.
Commissioner Hardy said the listed contracts are essential to serving vulnerable populations and supporting required administrative infrastructure, and she stressed that the department tries to work with providers and families rather than impose changes on them. In response to questions about area agencies and developmental disability services, DHS officials said the agencies’ duties are spelled out in contract and statute, including family support services, billing-related functions, and services tied to the state’s community-based system; they said some billing duties have already been moved outside the contract. They also explained that the department rejected a previously discussed two-tier waiver concept after stakeholder feedback in October 2023 and instead shifted to rate-based work, including CIS assessments, to better align payment with individual need.
Members also raised concerns about possible waste, sole-source contracting, and subcontracting. Hardy said she had not seen specific evidence of waste beyond a whistleblower call mentioned by a member, but acknowledged that inefficient execution can occur in government and said the department is trying to improve management. On procurement, she said sole-source contracts require her approval and that competitive procurement is the default when possible. White added that subcontracting is allowed only with written state permission under the standard P-37 terms, and subcontractors must meet the same obligations as the prime contractor. No votes or formal actions were taken.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 04/10/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Talked to DHS. They are in favor of the A13.
- Talked to DHS. They are in clarifies it. Talked to DHS.
- Uh, this is just some language I've shared it with DHS.
- It's a bill that was shared it with DHS.
- <01:10:26.480>
does this but this doesn't mandate DHS does this but this doesn't mandate DHS
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- and<00:21:16.640>
we <00:21:16.799>look <00:21:16.960>at <00:21:17.159>DHS - we look at the more into detail with DHS we look at the Medicare<00:21:46.159>
program <00:21: - spending a couple of those things DHS spending a couple of those things that<00:30:46.559>
state< - , we'll be talking about DHS spending, at least before it was divided into the three categories that
- spending that if we're talking about DHS spending that if we're talking about State<01:05:05.520>
Summary:
The Ways and Means Committee began with member and staff introductions, including several new members and committee staff. Representative Zach Stevenson, the DFL lead, objected to the day’s presentation, saying he was disappointed the committee was starting with a group he viewed as aligned with Republicans rather than a nonpartisan budget presentation. The chair responded that the committee had a bipartisan agreement and that hearing a different perspective was appropriate. The committee then proceeded to a presentation from economists with the Center of the American Experiment, with questions held until the end.
The presentation focused on Minnesota’s budget outlook, arguing that the state faces a structural imbalance and a projected $5.14 billion deficit in the 2028-29 biennium. The presenters said spending has outpaced revenues, highlighted a large increase in general fund spending since 2023, and argued that inflation-adjusted per-capita spending remains above pre-2024 levels through the forecast period. They said the biggest growth areas are E-12 education and especially Health and Human Services, with HHS projected to become the largest budget category and much of its growth tied to Medicaid and long-term care waivers.
The presenters also argued Minnesota spends more than most states on welfare and Medicaid, citing comparisons showing the state near the top nationally in spending per person in poverty and in several Medicaid categories. They said some of the HHS growth reflects policy changes from the 2023 session, while other pressures come from enrollment growth, health care prices, federal debt, and an aging population. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting shown.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HHS, HHS DEFER, HHS DEFER, HHS DEFER, HHS-HRE Public Hearings 02-12-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- When we first did Malama Moana, people said we were naive, that the government wouldn't listen, the DHS
- wouldn't<00:03:54.159>
listen <00:03:55.159>and <00:03:56.000>and listen the DHS - wouldn't listen and and listen the DHS wouldn't listen and and now<00:03:56.920>
I'm <00:03:57.120 - The chair added that they hoped that by the time of conference, DHS would give them the amounts needed
- If DHS is here, the committee will request an appropriation amount for HB 1477 to make the caregivers
Summary:
The Health and Human Services Committee heard testimony on several measures related to child welfare, health care access, overdose response, disability services, and waste management. For SB 710 on child welfare, the Department of Human Services, the Office of Wellness and Resilience, the Attorney General’s office, and multiple advocacy groups testified in support, with the Governor’s office noting support but deferring to the Attorney General on implementation because of separation-of-powers concerns. For SB 952 on child welfare services, DHS, the Governor’s office, and child- and trauma-informed care advocates supported the bill, saying it would help families access services, provide basic material support, and reduce strain on the child welfare system. SB 954 on a home health services rate study also drew support, including from DHS, the Hawaii Healthcare Association, and a public testifier who said the study would help ensure funds reach low-income, disabled, and kupuna recipients. SB 957 on overdose prevention received support from the Department of Health and the Attorney General, who said overdose prevention centers are evidence-based but raised federal-law concerns and recommended amendments; the Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center and others also testified in support.
The committee then moved to the 1:00 regular calendar and heard SB 850 on disability health disparity, which was supported by the Executive Office on Aging, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Hawaii Disability Rights Center, self-advocates, and others. Testimony emphasized that a disparity study could improve workforce development, training, and services for people with disabilities. SB 838 on continuous glucose monitoring drew support from health agencies and advocates, with testimony stressing that monitors can be critical for some diabetes patients. SB 829 on health care was supported by the Department of Health and health care stakeholders, who said it would help rotating physicians serve neighbor islands without local hospital privileges and align with CMS rules. SB 446 on waste management drew mixed testimony: the Department of Health and several public entities provided comments, the County of Maui opposed, and environmental advocates urged stronger aquifer protections and limits on ash reuse.
During decision making, the committee adopted recommendations to pass SB 298, SB 322, SB 299, SB 450, SB 451, SB 949, SB 710, SB 957, SB 69, and SD 952 with various amendments, including technical changes, blank appropriations, and defective dates. SB 323, SB 324, SB 712, SB 950, SB 954, and SB 959 were deferred, largely because companion House measures were moving or similar Senate measures had already passed. The chair also announced recesses to find quorum and noted that some bills from the earlier Monday calendar were being deferred to avoid duplication.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Appropriations Apr 8th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- We wanted to make sure that this came out of judiciary, but we wanted to make sure that DHS, because
- You know, I think during our section, we were really good with DHS in terms of, you know, we actually
- This is just going to be part of the DHS budget, and it's part of the policy.
- We're going to have Chairman Nelson check with DHS on a couple things.
- We're going to have Chairman Nelson check with DHS on a couple things.
Summary:
The committee began with roll call and a brief update on remaining work, then took up Senate Bill 2213, the “science of math” bill. Members clarified that the appropriation for the program was not included in the DPI budget and would remain attached to the policy bill for now. The committee adopted the amendment and then gave the bill a do pass recommendation, 21-2.
The committee next considered Senate Bills 2036 and 2037, both juvenile justice/Human Services bills involving mental health and criminal responsibility evaluations for minors. Testimony explained that the bills create new processes and require DHS to contract with specialized providers, with appropriations of $500,000 in 2036 and $300,000 in 2037. Members debated whether the funding should come from existing DHS resources or remain as separate appropriations, and whether the programs were one-time or ongoing. The committee adopted amendments on both bills and then recommended both do pass, with 2036 passing 14-6 and 2037 passing 17-4.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 2021, the Information Technology Department budget. Representative Bosch outlined major themes in the budget, including migration from PeopleSoft and the mainframe, onboarding/off-boarding automation, double-counting of IT spending, and the transition of education technology from PowerSchool to Infinite Campus. Members also discussed a study amendment related to a statewide enterprise resource planning system, and added language on grant management and compliance management. The committee adopted the amendments and gave the budget a do pass recommendation, 20-0-3.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2011, the Highway Patrol budget. Representative Pyle explained the House changes, including shifting some one-time costs to the motor carrier electronic permit fund, funding for body armor, breath tests, road course resurfacing, fleet costs, handgun replacement, and carryover authority for federal technology funds. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the budget 21-0-2. The committee then began Senate Bill 2399, a Human Services bill on Medicaid reimbursement for psychiatric residential treatment facilities, but deferred action after testimony from a facility representative and committee discussion about therapeutic leave days, reimbursement rates, and whether a cap on reimbursable days should be set in statute or rule. The chair said the committee would seek more information from DHS and take the bill up the next day.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- So this bill is program from um DHS.
- office was to creative from the DHS office was to access<03:10:11.359>
funding <03:10:11.760>< - We stand in strong support of this measure, and we're thrilled to partner with DHS on this effort.
- <03:12:28.960>
on <03:12:29.200>this thrilled to partner with DHS on this thrilled - to partner with DHS on this effort.<03:12:29.920>
Um <03:12:30.359>SB952 <03:12:31.359><
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-STATE AGENCIES Feb 12th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-STATE AGENCIES
Transcript Highlights:
- email notification from the Treasury State's Office stating that a state warrant issued on behalf of DHS
- , payable to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, had been altered and cashed, and that DHS would
- Chair, that concludes the findings for DHS. Members, do you have any questions?
- Brett Hayes, Chief Deputy Counsel, DHS. Now you're recognized. Thank you. All right, Mr.
Summary:
The committee opened with prayer and approved the January minutes, then heard a series of audit reports with findings. The Department of Human Services report described theft and fraud involving false benefit claims, including about $8,000 in Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, about $5,800 in Medicaid benefits, and an altered state warrant for nearly $610,000 that was cashed by an auto body shop in California; it also noted asset-control problems and an error in sales tax paid on exempt vehicle purchases. Members asked whether the fraudulent business had been flagged or notified to other agencies, and DHS said the matter had been referred to law enforcement but no broader notification to California officials was known. The Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism report cited missing museum receipts of nearly $3,500 and issues with change funds at Daisy State Park and War Memorial Stadium, including a missing $100 drawer fund and an $80 overage; officials said they were considering cashless operations at War Memorial Stadium and provided an update that the museum theft investigation was still ongoing, with misdemeanor time limits expired but felony investigation still possible. The Department of Corrections report found unauthorized fuel-card purchases totaling about $4,500 and a delayed disaster-recovery test for offender management software; Corrections said staffing had been increased for fuel-card oversight and that a full production disaster-recovery test was now scheduled after DIS upgrades were completed. The Department of Veterans Affairs report found four Fayetteville Veterans Home employees were paid for hours not worked, with additional unapproved overtime totaling more than $6,600, a duplicate vendor payment of nearly $1,000 that was refunded, and many overtime instances lacking proper approval; the department said it had tightened overtime approval policies statewide.
The committee also received a special report on law enforcement agencies’ compliance with Arkansas’s racial profiling policy requirement. Legislative Audit said it had received responses from 203 of 383 agencies and forwarded updated policies to the Attorney General, while identifying 180 agencies that had not responded and were deemed out of compliance. Members asked what happens if agencies still fail to respond and requested a list of nonresponding agencies; staff said their role is limited to collecting and forwarding policies, and the committee agreed to receive the list. All reports were filed or reviewed without objection, and the meeting adjourned after announcing the next meeting date and a possible room change due to building work.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Health and Human Services Oversight Committee (10/24/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- DHS meets with Hampstead very frequently. >> Good.
- DHS meets with Hampstead very frequently. >> Good.
- DHS meets with Hampstead very frequently. >> Good.
- DHS meets with Hampstead very frequently. >> Good.
- <01:29:47.360>
inter lastly we have um a DHS inter lastly we have um a DHS inter departmental
Summary:
The committee first approved the draft minutes from September 26. Senator Gray then raised the idea of creating a continuing subcommittee or recurring agenda item on palliative care and hospice, noting that the issues are evolving and suggesting the committee revisit the idea in coming months.
The bulk of the meeting focused on Department of Health and Human Services updates. Officials described contingency planning for SNAP amid the federal shutdown, including a USDA notice that November benefits may not be fully funded, letters to participants warning of possible delays, and coordination with the New Hampshire Food Bank and local pantries. They said New Hampshire serves about 42,000 SNAP households, with average benefits around $300 a month, and that the department is also preparing to transfer funds for a special fiscal committee meeting. WIC was discussed separately: officials said WIC benefits had been extended through November 7 using additional USDA funds, but that some community agency-based WIC services may need to pause while money is redirected to food benefits.
Officials also outlined New Hampshire’s rural health transformation grant application under the federal One Big Beautiful Bill, describing a potential five-year, up-to-$1 billion opportunity focused on critical access hospitals, small rural hospitals, federally qualified health centers, community mental health centers, and EMS. Members asked about transportation, workforce, and nursing retention; officials said transportation is included in the proposal, housing is not, and workforce supports may include lower tuition or awards but not loan repayment or traditional scholarships. They also said the final application would be submitted in early November and that priorities would be adjusted depending on the eventual federal award.
Finally, Medicaid director Henry Lipman gave a quarterly postpartum coverage update. He said postpartum coverage is now nearly universal nationwide, and in New Hampshire 2,351 women had used the benefit through May 2025. He reported that mental health services were the most frequently used postpartum service, followed by preventive care, substance use disorder treatment, and cardiovascular-related care, and noted that Medicaid women have experienced a disproportionate share of maternal deaths. Committee members asked about rural distribution and the share of women receiving mental health services, and Lipman said the department would follow up with additional data. The meeting then moved into the annual update on New Hampshire’s 10-year mental health plan, with staff describing progress toward a more integrated continuum of care and improved data infrastructure.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Part of the concern here is that the unauthorized disclosure of confidential data to DHS may create a
- The litigation is ongoing. with DHS. Uh there is ample evidence uh with DHS.
- disclosure of confidential data to DHS disclosure of confidential data to DHS uh<00:22:35.520>
- injunction in this case that bars DHS injunction in this case that bars DHS from<00:23:03.360>
- <00:23:12.320>
for plaintiff states with DHS for plaintiff states with DHS for immigration - injunction in this case that bars DHS injunction in this case that bars DHS from<00:23:03.360>
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee held an informational briefing on the State of Hawaii’s affirmative litigation against the federal administration, with no public testimony. Attorney General Lopez and deputies said the office’s goal is to enforce the rule of law, not make partisan points, and noted that Hawaii is involved in 27 ongoing cases. They grouped the cases into four broad areas: immigration, funding freezes and grant terminations, federal agency dismantling/reductions in force, and protecting elections, health, and safety.
Several immigration-related cases were discussed in detail. These included a challenge to the federal sharing of Medicaid data with DHS for immigration enforcement, a similar challenge to USDA’s demand for SNAP applicant and recipient data, and litigation over immigration-enforcement conditions attached to federal grants. The office also described the birthright citizenship executive order, saying it conflicts with the 14th Amendment and Supreme Court precedent; lower courts granted preliminary relief, and the U.S. Supreme Court later addressed only the scope of nationwide injunctions, not the merits. In the Department of Transportation case, the court granted a preliminary injunction against the “Duffy directive,” finding the immigration conditions lacked statutory authority, were arbitrary and capricious, and violated the Spending Clause and APA.
The briefing also covered multiple funding disputes. In the education funding freeze case, the Department of Education and OMB withheld about $6 billion in formula funds, including roughly $33 million for Hawaii; after suit was filed, the funds were released. Other cases included the termination of over $11 billion in public health grants, which affected Hawaii Department of Health grants, the NIH indirect cost cap case, and NIH grant terminations tied to DEI, transgender issues, and vaccine hesitancy. The speakers said some cases have already resulted in preliminary or permanent injunctions, while others remain on appeal or are still being litigated.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 3/26/25
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- In 2023, the legislature authorized DHS to award grants to organizations for supported decision-making
- That's the DHS costs and the corrections costs.
- That's the DHS costs and the corrections costs.
- That's the DHS costs and the corrections costs.
- And thanks to DHS funding, we currently have six such programs across Minnesota.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HSH Public Hearing - Tue Mar 11, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Human Services & Homelessness
Transcript Highlights:
- What about DHS? What about the state of Hawaii?
- working group, they don't feel like DHS working group, they don't feel like DHS is<01:33:43.040>
- What about DHS? What accountability? What about DHS?
- And that's just straight up, but DHS.
- We have next DHS in support. Thank you very much.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on SB 281 SD1, which would define and prohibit torture as a Class A felony. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, HPD investigators, and other supporters said the bill is needed because existing laws do not adequately capture torture, especially cases involving children and vulnerable persons. Several testifiers emphasized that starvation is a common method of torture that often leaves little visible evidence, and they urged the committee to restore the original starvation language removed from the measure. The Office of the Public Defender said it did not oppose the bill’s purpose but raised concerns that the language was too broad and could create trial issues, particularly around minors and vulnerable people, and suggested narrowing amendments. The chair indicated the testimony had made a strong impression and said the committee would try to move the bill forward.
The committee then heard SB 292 SD1, relating to sexual exploitation and safe harbor protections for survivors seeking medical or law enforcement help. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the measure, noting that a prior version raised equal protection concerns that were no longer present, and said survivors should be able to seek help without fear of prosecution. Written support was also noted from several advocacy and state groups. Testimony in support focused on retaliation fears, trafficking, and the need for manpower and resources to address exploitation and related crimes.
Finally, the committee took up SB 295 SD1, which would increase penalties for violating temporary restraining orders and orders for protection and treat a violation of one as a second offense for the other. The Public Defender’s Office objected to the mandatory jail component, arguing judges should retain discretion and that there was no clear evidence mandatory jail deters violations. The transcript cuts off before any final committee action or vote on SB 295 was recorded.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you very much, Director Yaman, DHS, and the Executive Office on Early Learning providing comments
- I think this bill is very important, and I think it's one step in the right direction, but what is DHS
- What we're dealing with is the current DHS-licensed child care facilities.
- > up<00:48:54.839>
we <00:48:55.200>have first up we have first up we have excuse DHS - Jeters, on behalf of Director Yamane and DHS, we stand on our written testimony, offering comments and
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several health-related bills. HB 72 on pharmacy drew only support, with testimony from the University of Hawaiʻi system, the Board of Pharmacy, pharmacists, and others; no questions were raised. HB 237 on peer support programs also received broad support from the Department of Health, DHS, early learning officials, families, and advocates, with testimony emphasizing the value of peer-to-peer mentoring and support for parents, youth, and people with disabilities; no opposition or questions were noted.
HB 250, the prior authorization bill, generated the most discussion. SHPDA supported a revised version focused on reporting prior authorization practices and creating a nonbinding working group to develop automation standards, while PCMA, HMSA, Kaiser Permanente, and others raised concerns about duplicative pharmacy requirements, unintended consequences, and alignment with federal timelines and reporting. Several medical groups and individual patients supported the measure, describing delays and burdens caused by prior authorization. A committee member asked whether the bill’s working group differed from a similar group in Senate Bill 1449, and the witness said it was intended to be the same.
HB 303 on health care preceptors was supported by the Department of Health, University of Hawaiʻi, nursing and health care organizations, and the Hawaii Pharmacists Association, which asked that pharmacists’ residency programs be specifically tied to national accreditation standards. HB 341, relating to issuance of SPURS to assist the Hawaii Island Community Health Association, drew support from the health center and related groups. HB 692 on Preschool Open Doors received extensive support from early learning, education, family, labor, and community organizations; testimony stressed the shortage of child care and preschool slots, especially on Kauai, and the need to expand access for families. Committee members asked about adding family child care providers and about licensing/certification barriers, and DHS said the bill was focused on current licensed child care facilities and that certification issues were a separate, broader problem. HB 700 on cognitive assessments also drew strong support, with the Department of Health, the Executive Office on Aging, disability advocates, the Alzheimer’s Association, caregivers, and others urging use of a validated cognitive assessment tool during annual wellness visits and asking that the age 65 threshold be removed; some witnesses supported keeping the data-collection portion as a pilot and emphasized early detection and reporting.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- > to<01:17:06.000>
do <01:17:06.159>these ability of DHS to do these ability of DHS - There is some additional DHS oversight that could be added to this bill.
- And I just I'm curious to see what DHS And I just I'm curious to see what DHS comes<02:51:54.319
- or that DHS would have concerns around. or that DHS would have concerns around.
- No, but DHS I think didn't have an issue with them.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Conference Committee on HF2432 5/16/25
Transcript Highlights:
- There's some references here to employees in DHS. Could you put this into context for me?
- Madam Chair and members, the employees and judges of the DHS appeals division are being added to the
- Judges and employees of the DHS appeals division are being excluded from the real property provisions
- appeals division from the real DHS appeals division from the real property<00:56:27.119>
records< - Um and uh you put this into context DHS.
Summary:
The conference committee met late on Friday evening to discuss the Public Safety and Judiciary budget agreement, beginning with a brief exchange among members about concerns that the executive branch had been delaying the committee’s work by waiting to approve legislative decisions. Members emphasized that the legislature should retain its independence while still allowing normal collaboration with the governor’s office. The committee then moved through several outstanding policy items and adopted them without opposition, including the A38 amendment addressing data-sharing concerns involving disability-related information, a study of firefighting services by the state fire marshal, and an A46 amendment governing access to unredacted portable recording system data in collision investigations, with guardrails on disclosure and use.
The committee next reviewed the spreadsheet and budget targets. Fiscal staff explained the judiciary side of the agreement, including funding for court operating costs, a one-time Justice Partner Access Program appropriation, forensic exam rate increases, guardian ad litem funding, public defense, human rights, the competency attainment board, the cannabis expungement board, and fee increases for civil filings and motions. On the public safety side, staff described the target as well as the discretionary items funded, including nonprofit security grants, BCA staffing changes, fire marshal initiatives, a 10-year arson statute of limitations, prosecutor training grants, legal representation for children, E911 funding for critical infrastructure, Philando Castile Training Fund support, corrections-related savings from the Stillwater phased closure and sentence-to-serve elimination, a mandatory minimums task force, a victims of crime account transfer, a decommissioning study, in-service use-of-force training, and extensions of several expiring appropriations. The committee also noted a correction to a spreadsheet label related to the Stillwater closure item.
After the spreadsheet walkthrough, the committee took testimony from Chief Justice Natalie Hudson and State Court Administrator Jeff Shorban on behalf of the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Hudson thanked the committee for its work and said the agreement covers some unavoidable costs, including insurance, lease expenses, forensic examiner pay, and the new access system, but argued it does not adequately address the judiciary’s most urgent problem: staffing and judicial compensation. She said court employees are leaving for better-paying jobs, judicial salaries are frozen for two years, and applicant pools for judgeships have declined, especially in greater Minnesota. She also said the judicial branch was not meaningfully consulted on the budget target and urged lawmakers to recognize the courts as a constitutional obligation rather than a discretionary program.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh according to DHS,<00:06:46.320>
uh <00:06:46.400>with <00:06:46.560>regard <00 - 06:46.840>
to <00:06:46.920>the <00:06:47.000>state's <00:06:47.240>SNAP DHS - , uh with regard to the state's SNAP DHS, uh with regard to the state's SNAP enrollment,<00:06:47.840
- Uh, Director Yamane, DHS. Anyone from DHS? Okay. Move on. Um, Deputy Attorney General Sermona?
- Uh, Director Yamane, DHS. Anyone from DHS? Okay. Move on. Um, Deputy Attorney General Sermona?
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several measures. HB 2271 HD2, making emergency appropriations for public employment cost items, drew support from state agencies and other entities, including HPHA, the University of Hawaiʻi, DLNR, OYS, DAGS, DOH, DOA/Biosecurity, and the Behavioral Health Administration; no opposition was noted. HB 2324 HD2, relating to the Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Law, was supported by DLIR, which said the bill removes a duplicative Hoisting Machine Operators Advisory Board requirement and aligns whistleblower investigation timelines with federal standards. HB 2387 HD1, relating to workers’ compensation medical benefits, also received support from DLIR and the State Fire Council, with the chair noting 40 supporters and no opposition or comments.
HB 2116 HD2, relating to grants, was presented as a response to federal SNAP-related eligibility changes. Supporters included the Office of Community Services, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and several other organizations. Testimony said the bill would help nonprofits provide volunteer opportunities that could count toward an 80-hour monthly work requirement and help vulnerable residents avoid losing benefits; witnesses cited potential impacts on older adults and households with dependent children. HB 1682 HD1, relating to the disclosure of intimate images, drew strong support from advocates, the Uniform Law Commission, the Commission to Promote Uniform Laws, the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, and others. Testifiers emphasized the harms of non-consensual image sharing, the need for civil remedies, confidentiality protections, and the bill’s alignment with a uniform act already enacted in other states.
HB 2468 HD1, relating to internship programs, received support from the University of Hawaiʻi, DLIR, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and others. Testimony focused on the Hālau Mua internship program, workforce development, and the need to clarify sponsor contracts, background checks, and onboarding; committee members asked about a former intern now working in an 89-day hire position and how to streamline hiring into civil service roles. HB 2091 HD2, relating to petitions to restrain and enjoin harassment of DOE employees, was supported by DOE, the Attorney General’s office, UPW, and others; the AG’s office requested a data-driven appropriation amount, and members discussed a $300,000 figure for the full two-year pilot. The chair also asked for confirmation of prior cost figures for HB 2116 before moving toward decision-making.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-STATE AGENCIES Feb 12th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-STATE AGENCIES
Transcript Highlights:
- email notification from the Treasury State's Office stating that a state warrant issued on behalf of DHS
- , payable to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, had been altered and cashed, and that DHS would
- Chair, that concludes the findings for the DHS. Members, do you have any questions?
- Brett Hayes, Chief Deputy Counsel, DHS. Now you're recognized. Thank you. All right, Mr.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Task Force on Child Protection - 01/08/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Many of these youth go back and forth between the DHS system and the correction system, and that can
- <00:09:31.760>
system back and forth between the DHS system back and forth between the DHS - We had experts from both DHS and the Department of Community Corrections, providers, individuals with
- For one, with the DHS data, we were able to get demographics, including the race of the youth, but we
- I would get a neglect charge through DHS as a result of this.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
MA cover weight-loss drugs 3/25/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- At that time, the fiscal note estimated that the cost to DHS would be $1.268 million dollars for FY24
- At that time, the fiscal note estimated that the cost to DHS would be $1.268 million dollars for FY24
- At that time, the fiscal note estimated that the cost to DHS would be $1.268 million dollars for FY24
- At that time, the fiscal note estimated that the cost to DHS would be $1.268 million dollars for FY24
- At that time, the fiscal note estimated that the cost to DHS would be $1.268 million dollars for FY24