Transcript Highlights:

• , the loans that go disproportionately to borrowers of color.
• I get like six phone calls a day from some loan that I've never signed up for.
• But I think this is a step in the right direction.
• We will remove the borrower consent requirement from loan servicing transfers.
• 238% rate and a monthly payment of $10,000-plus.

Committee: Senate Banking and Financial Institutions

Transcript Highlights:

• With $10 million, I think that might be a direction we would pursue. Got it.
• With 10 million, I think that might be a direction we would pursue. Got it.
• Clients are eligible for scholarship and loan repayment.
• Melissa Cortez, on behalf of Homestyle Direct.
• Homestyle Direct provides medically tailored meals within the CalAIM program.

Summary: The hearing began with testimony from Let California Kids Hear and supporters urging action on pediatric hearing aid coverage. Advocates said California has repeatedly failed to enact a workable solution over the past eight years and argued that children need early access to sound to support development. The proposal discussed would limit the coverage mandate to the large-group market, which advocates said would cover roughly 70% to 80% of affected children and avoid the exchange-related cost issue that contributed to prior vetoes. Supporters, including parents, audiologists, and children’s health groups, backed the proposal, and the chair expressed sympathy and support while noting hope for a federal solution for exchange plans. The Department of Finance then gave opening remarks about the state’s structural deficit and the need to balance new investments against projected out-year shortfalls. HCAI followed with a broad overview of its programs, including CalRx insulin and naloxone initiatives, reproductive health grants, the Office of Health Care Affordability, hospital seismic compliance, workforce programs, and the diaper access initiative. Members asked about geographic targeting of workforce funds, the behavioral health workforce pipeline, and the status of the 21st Century Nursing Initiative, which HCAI said had reverted funds. The committee also discussed a proposed transfer of the Data Exchange Framework and Office of the Patient Advocate to HCAI, new reporting on long-term care staffing and health coverage waiting periods, and a Behavioral Health Services Act workforce proposal that would use BHSA funds to support training, stipends, and technical assistance while offsetting $100 million in General Fund spending; members and LAO questioned the offset and asked for more detail, and the item was held open. HCAI also presented the Rural Health Transformation Program, explaining that California received $233.6 million in federal funds for the first year and had to revise its proposal so that $35 million in provider payments would be tied to specific transformative activities rather than general financial relief. The program will fund rural care model redesign, workforce development, and technology/infrastructure improvements, with grants to be rolled out on a tight timeline and subject to CMS approval. Members asked about the size of California’s award, the use of funds for maternity care, labor and delivery access, dialysis, tribal set-asides, and the role of a technical assistance contractor. The department said the program will use supply-and-demand workforce modeling to target funding and that all funds must be obligated by October 30. Finally, the Department of Managed Health Care outlined its budget and two major bill-related proposals: SB 41 on PBM reform and SB 306 on prior authorization transparency. DMHC said SB 41 would require PBM licensure, ban spread pricing, require rebate pass-through, and regulate pharmacy network practices, while SB 306 would require reporting on prior authorization and create a list of services exempt from prior authorization. DMHC requested additional positions and funding to implement both measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we work on both rental and homeowner-occupied housing home improvement loans.
• So we work on both rental and homeowner-occupied housing home improvement loans.
• </c> housing we um provide grants and Loans housing we um provide grants and Loans to<00:04:29.479><c
• We've gotten outside funding through Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines.
• are quite nervous with regards to the new administration's direction.

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Transcript Highlights:

• The loans are zero interest forgivable loans, and the way that is set up, the loans have a 5-year term
• forgivable loans.
• We don't have a term on the loans. We don't have a term on the loans.
• </c> and providing loans. and providing loans.
• . loans. loans.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Keill, why are loans... Dr.
• Representative Keill, why are loans and federal gifts included on page two, line 30, where it says loans
• Yeah, I understand that, but loans—that's what I guess that loans and the federal gifts is what I don't
• So does that mean HED can get a loan, or...? I'm only...
• This was not defined benefit plus COLA; it was just a defined benefit.

Bills: HB188 , HB52

Committee: House Ways and Means Education

Keywords: healthcare, insurance, patient rights, medical treatment, access, affordability, income tax, CHOOSE Act, education funding, ABLE account, tax credits, poverty threshold, legislative funding

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> committee's um motion and and directives committee's um motion and and directives is<00:10:50.079
• Uh the committee has directed basis.
• The committee's directive is to make this loan available from July, and we have it paid back by June
• plus special education plus guarantee plus special education plus any<00:57:58.480><c> other</c><00:57
• ,</c> top four in any metrics from HUD loans, top four in any metrics from HUD loans, household<01:48

Committee: Joint Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it's moving us in the right direction as a state.
• I think it's moving us in the right direction as a state.
• quick-cash loan.
• Well, one of them is number five, understanding credit, loans, and interest.
• Looking at Good choices and helping them make better choices, looking at car loans, taking a car loan

Committee: House Financial Institutions

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and approved House Bill 2863 by a 14-0 vote. It then took up House Bill 2967, adopted a committee amendment that removed a fixed one-third allocation and allowed funds to be allocated by the body as needed, rolled the amendment into a substitute, and passed the House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2967 by a 15-0 vote. Members discussed how the bill related to another expungement-fund measure already passed by the House, and were told the two bills were intended to mirror each other and would not conflict. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 2303 and the mirrored House Bill 2867, both aimed at expanding Missouri’s personal finance education requirements. Sponsor testimony said the bills would require a half-credit in personal finance for graduation beginning in 2027-28, broaden instruction to include budgeting, credit, investing, fraud prevention, taxes, contracts, and major purchases, and create a DESE work group with industry and educator input to update standards every seven years. Sponsors and supporters said the goal was to better prepare students for real-world financial decisions, reduce debt traps, and improve workforce readiness. Witnesses from the Missouri Bankers Association, mortgage bankers, consumer credit groups, financial advisors, and individual advocates testified in support, emphasizing the need for updated, practical financial literacy instruction and regular curriculum review as financial products change. Committee members asked about the bill’s interaction with existing personal finance requirements, whether it would apply to public, private, homeschool, and GED pathways, and how early course completion waivers would work. Members also suggested adding insurance and gambling/probability topics to the curriculum discussion. No opposition testimony was offered, and House Bill 2119 was postponed to a future hearing before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this ensures state funds<00:10:50.640><c> are</c><00:10:50.959><c> not</c><00:10:51.200><c> directed
• made for personal, family, or household purposes and not to commercial or business purpose loans.
• This helps ensure our purpose loans.
• In Minnesota, prior to the sale, a homeowner need come up only with the amount in arrears plus costs
• </c> only with the amount in a rears plus only with the amount in a rears plus costs<00:34:46.800><c>

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of that is self-directed.
• And so, there are some directive riders.
• I didn't know if you wanted me to direct this.
• I don't know if they want to be directed to Chairman Bettencourt.
• The Agricultural Loan Program shall establish a Certified Lender Program.

Bills: SCR8 , SCR25 , SB1 , SB14 , SB24 , SB213 , SB251 , SB315 , SB371 , SB378 , SB379 , SB406 , SB413 , SB472 , SB487 , SB502 , SB502 , SB509 , SB513 , SB513 , SB565 , SB565 , SB583 , SB608 , SB621 , SB650 , SB686 , SB686 , SB707 , SB710 , SB710 , SB761 , SB761 , SB810 , SB815 , SB840 , SB856 , SB875 , SB875 , SB896 , SB896 , SB916 , SB925 , SB958 , SB958 , SB961 , SB965 , SB965 , SB973 , SB973 , SB987 , SB990 , SB995 , SB1018 , SB1019 , SB1146 , SB1146 , SB1198 , SB1252 , SB1252 , SB1253 , SB1253 , SB1330 , SB1343 , SB1362 , SB1499 , SB1499 , SB1532 , SB1532 , SB1547 , SB1547 , SB1555 , SB1596 , SB1596 , SJR36 , SJR12 , SJR57 , SCR25 , SCR22 , SCR12 , SCR8 , SB565 , SB765 , SB62 , SB666 , SB707 , SB888 , SB687 , SB847 , SB1248 , SB14 , SB1006 , SB504 , SB925 , SB995 , SB857 , SB305 , SB296 , SB284 , SB815 , SB1379 , SB1497 , SB1499 , SB1498 , SB241 , SB304 , SB621 , SB1023 , SB1024 , SB686 , SB112 , SB371 , SB204 , SB609 , SB670 , SB502 , SB850 , SB854 , SB413 , SB1555 , SB1362 , SB1346 , SB1033 , SB1220 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB987 , SB1539 , SB447 , SB875 , SB406 , SB985 , SB965 , SB1119 , SB1505 , SB24 , SB1194 , SB1253 , SB1215 , SB1532 , SB1302 , SB856 , SB650 , SB583 , SB673 , SB213 , SB681 , SB1172 , SB1252 , SB378 , SB1343 , SB608 , SB487 , SB955 , SB957 , SB988 , SB990 , SB1019 , SB1021 , SB1120 , SB251 , SB958 , SB761 , SB1 , SB541 , SB315 , SB379 , SB1018 , SB1737 , SB266 , SB1415 , SB1527 , SB125 , SB599 , SB1330 , SB53 , SB916 , SB896 , SB1352 , SB973 , SB785 , SB710 , SB472 , SB1450 , SB1502 , SB1566 , SB414 , SB1062 , SB1547 , SB961 , SB1038 , SB513 , SB578 , SB711 , SB746 , SB942 , SB1404 , SB1448 , SB1738 , SB108 , SB8 , SB318 , SB507 , SB533 , SB689 , SB1026 , SB1349 , SB1355 , SB1433 , SB1434 , SB1596 , SB1403 , SB1198 , SB1146 , SB763 , SB667 , SB1059 , SB617 , SB1567 , SB503 , SB1 , SB1555 , SR233 , SR307 , SR310 , SR318 , SR319 , SCR25 , SJR72 , SJR73 , SJR75 , SJR77 , SJR79 , SJR80 , SJR81 , SJR82 , SB2198 , SB2201 , SB2202 , SB2203 , SB2204 , SB2205 , SB2206 , SB2207 , SB2208 , SB2209 , SB2210 , SB2211 , SB2213 , SB2214 , SB2215 , SB2216 , SB2217 , SB2218 , SB2219 , SB2220 , SB2221 , SB2222 , SB2223 , SB2224 , SB2225 , SB2226 , SB2227 , SB2228 , SB2229 , SB2231 , SB2232 , SB2233 , SB2234 , SB2235 , SB2236 , SB2237 , SB2238 , SB2239 , SB2240 , SB2241 , SB2242 , SB2243 , SB2244 , SB2245 , SB2246 , SB2247 , SB2248 , SB2249 , SB2250 , SB2251 , SB2252 , SB2253 , SB2254 , SB2255 , SB2256 , SB2257 , SB2258 , SB2259 , SB2260 , SB2261 , SB2262 , SB2263 , SB2264 , SB2265 , SB2266 , SB2267 , SB2268 , SB2269 , SB2270 , SB2271 , SB2272 , SB2273 , SB2274 , SB2275 , SB2276 , SB2277 , SB2278 , SB2279 , SB2280 , SB2281 , SB2282 , SB2283 , SB2284 , SB2285 , SB2286 , SB2287 , SB2288 , SB2289 , SB2290 , SB2291 , SB2292 , SB2293 , SB2294 , SB2295 , SB2296 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2299 , SB2300 , SB2301 , SB2302 , SB2303 , SB2304 , SB2305 , SB2306 , SB2307 , SB2308 , SB2309 , SB2310 , SB2311 , SB2313 , SB2314 , SB2315 , SB2316 , SB2317 , SB2318 , SB2319 , SB2320 , SB2321 , SB2322 , SB2323 , SB2324 , SB2325 , SB2326 , SB2327 , SB2328 , SB2329 , SB2330 , SB2331 , SB2333 , SB2334 , SB2335 , SB2336 , SB2337 , SB2338 , SB2339 , SB2340 , SB2341 , SB2342 , SB2343 , SB2344 , SB2346 , SB2347 , SB2348 , SB2349 , SB2350 , SB2351 , SB2352 , SB2353 , SB2354 , SB2355 , SB2356 , SB2357 , SB2358 , SB2359 , SB2360 , SB2361 , SB2362 , SB2363 , SB2364 , SB2365 , SB2366 , SB2367 , SB2368 , SB2369 , SB2370 , SB2371 , SB2372 , SB2373 , SB2374 , SB2375 , SB2376 , SB2377 , SB2378 , SB2379 , SB2380 , SB2381 , SB2382 , SB2383 , SB2384 , SB2385 , SB2386 , SB2387 , SB2388 , SB2389 , SB2390 , SB2391 , SB2393 , SB2394 , SB2395 , SB2396 , SB2397 , SB2398 , SB2399 , SB2400 , SB2401 , SB2402 , SB2403 , SB2404 , SB2405 , SB2406 , SB2410 , SB2411 , SB2412 , SB2413 , SB2414 , SB2415 , SB2416 , SB2417 , SB2418 , SB2419 , SB2420 , SB2421 , SB2422 , SB2423 , SB2424 , SB2426 , SB2427 , SB2428 , SB2429 , SB2430 , SB2431 , SB2432 , SB2433 , SB2434 , SB2435 , SB2436 , SB2437 , SB2438 , SB2439 , SB2440 , SB2441 , SB2442 , SB2443 , SB2444 , SB2445 , SB2446 , SB2447 , SB2448 , SB2449 , SB2450 , SB2451 , SB2452 , SB2453 , SB2454 , SB2455 , SB2456 , SB2457 , SB2458 , SB2459 , SB2460 , SJR72 , SJR73 , SJR75 , SJR77 , SJR79 , SJR80 , SJR81 , SJR82 , SB2198 , SB2201 , SB2202 , SB2203 , SB2204 , SB2205 , SB2206 , SB2207 , SB2208 , SB2209 , SB2210 , SB2211 , SB2213 , SB2214 , SB2215 , SB2216 , SB2217 , SB2218 , SB2219 , SB2220 , SB2221 , SB2222 , SB2223 , SB2224 , SB2225 , SB2226 , SB2227 , SB2228 , SB2229 , SB2231 , SB2232 , SB2233 , SB2234 , SB2235 , SB2236 , SB2237 , SB2238 , SB2239 , SB2240 , SB2241 , SB2242 , SB2243 , SB2244 , SB2245 , SB2246 , SB2247 , SB2248 , SB2249 , SB2250 , SB2251 , SB2252 , SB2253 , SB2254 , SB2255 , SB2256 , SB2257 , SB2258 , SB2259 , SB2260 , SB2261 , SB2262 , SB2263 , SB2264 , SB2265 , SB2266 , SB2267 , SB2268 , SB2269 , SB2270 , SB2271 , SB2272 , SB2273 , SB2274 , SB2275 , SB2276 , SB2277 , SB2278 , SB2279 , SB2280 , SB2281 , SB2282 , SB2283 , SB2284 , SB2285 , SB2286 , SB2287 , SB2288 , SB2289 , SB2290 , SB2291 , SB2292 , SB2293 , SB2294 , SB2295 , SB2296 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2299 , SB2300 , SB2301 , SB2302 , SB2303 , SB2304 , SB2305 , SB2306 , SB2307 , SB2308 , SB2309 , SB2310 , SB2311 , SB2313 , SB2314 , SB2315 , SB2316 , SB2317 , SB2318 , SB2319 , SB2320 , SB2321 , SB2322 , SB2323 , SB2324 , SB2325 , SB2326 , SB2327 , SB2328 , SB2329 , SB2330 , SB2331 , SB2333 , SB2334 , SB2335 , SB2336 , SB2337 , SB2338 , SB2339 , SB2340 , SB2341 , SB2342 , SB2343 , SB2344 , SB2346 , SB2347 , SB2348 , SB2349 , SB2350 , SB2351 , SB2352 , SB2353 , SB2354 , SB2355 , SB2356 , SB2357 , SB2358 , SB2359 , SB2360 , SB2361 , SB2362 , SB2363 , SB2364 , SB2365 , SB2366 , SB2367 , SB2368 , SB2369 , SB2370 , SB2371 , SB2372 , SB2373 , SB2374 , SB2375 , SB2376 , SB2377 , SB2378 , SB2379 , SB2380 , SB2381 , SB2382 , SB2383 , SB2384 , SB2385 , SB2386 , SB2387 , SB2388 , SB2389 , SB2390 , SB2391 , SB2393 , SB2394 , SB2395 , SB2396 , SB2397 , SB2398 , SB2399 , SB2400 , SB2401 , SB2402 , SB2403 , SB2404 , SB2405 , SB2406 , SB2410 , SB2411 , SB2412 , SB2413 , SB2414 , SB2415 , SB2416 , SB2417 , SB2418 , SB2419 , SB2420 , SB2421 , SB2422 , SB2423 , SB2424 , SB2426 , SB2427 , SB2428 , SB2429 , SB2430 , SB2431 , SB2432 , SB2433 , SB2434 , SB2435 , SB2436 , SB2437 , SB2438 , SB2439 , SB2440 , SB2441 , SB2442 , SB2443 , SB2444 , SB2445 , SB2446 , SB2447 , SB2448 , SB2449 , SB2450 , SB2451 , SB2452 , SB2453 , SB2454 , SB2455 , SB2456 , SB2457 , SB2458 , SB2459 , SB2460

Bills: HF2393 , HF2052 , HF2218 , HF2307 , HF2003 , HF2366 , HSB725 , HF2078 , HSB554 , HSB676 , HSB717 , HF2270 , HSB718 , HF2306 , HSB746 , HF332 , HF460 , HSB680 , HF2051 , HSB677 , HF2187 , HSB719 , HF2123 , HF2451 , HF621 , HSB608 , HSB683 , HSB735

Committee: Joint Education

Keywords: education savings account, general fund, school districts, funding flexibility, teacher salary, professional development, preschool, education, community-based providers, instruction, school district agreements, special education, classroom cameras, video surveillance, school safety, student privacy, FERPA, Iowa school districts, charter schools, innovation zone schools

Transcript Highlights:

• But of course, if the loan is less than that, you can't get any extra money, only what covers the loan
• We reduce that to the amount of the loan plus 15% interest in this bill.
• Again, they would owe the service time for the complete loan.
• If they have a big loan, they can do that.
• If they have a big loan, they can do that.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 21, as amended, which would create an annual birthday-based open enrollment period for Medicare supplement policyholders age 65 and older, allowing them to switch to equal or lesser coverage without medical underwriting. The Aging and Long-Term Services Department and the Office of Superintendent of Insurance supported the bill as a consumer protection measure for seniors who are locked into rising premiums, while AHIP opposed it, warning it could raise premiums for existing policyholders. The League of Women Voters and AARP supported the measure. After debate over premium impacts and market stability, the committee voted 6-4 to give SB 21 a due pass. The committee then considered Senate Bill 20, dealing with prior authorization for medications used to treat serious mental illness. An amendment to change the bill from limiting prior authorization to once every three years to once every 12 months was debated; insurers supported the annual review, while nursing, disability, and mental health advocates argued that more frequent prior authorization would add burden and delay care. The committee tabled the amendment 5-4, then passed the unamended bill on a do pass vote. Testimony emphasized that the bill would not change how often patients see their doctors, only how often insurers can require prior authorization. Next, Senate Bill 101 was heard, which repeals the delayed sunset of the Health Care Delivery and Access Act so the hospital provider tax can continue. Sponsors and the Health Care Authority said the program has generated substantial federal matching funds and supports hospitals, especially rural facilities. AARP, Health Action New Mexico, the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, and the New Mexico Hospital Association supported the bill. Committee members asked about how funds are distributed and reported; the agency said distributions are based on Medicaid discharges and hospitals must report on spending. The bill received a do pass. The committee also approved House Memorial 52, which requests a study group on health insurance premium affordability for working families and small employers. Supporters from Blue Cross and Blue Shield and AHIP said the memorial would help identify cost drivers and improve transparency. The committee then passed House Bill 132, as amended, creating a workers’ compensation presumption for certain occupational conditions affecting police officers. Supporters from labor, state police, OSI, and business groups said it would help recruitment, retention, and recovery, while members discussed the removal of back pain from the presumption and the reinstatement of PTSD. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 14, which expands the state’s health professional loan repayment program and creates a broader advisory structure to address workforce shortages. The bill would cover physicians and many other health professions, with a large appropriation and special provisions for part-time service and loan repayment terms. The sponsor described it as a competitive recruitment tool, and numerous health care, labor, and consumer groups testified in support. The sponsor also described a proposed amendment to reallocate physician funds to other eligible health professionals if there are not enough qualified physician applicants, but the committee was preparing to move on when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the loans are signed up. Yeah. All right, so I'm getting in Kennedy. All right.
• With damaged credit, they can be turned down for needs like a job, housing, or a vehicle loan.
• I can't open a credit card, get a car loan, or even find safe housing.
• He coerced me into an auto loan.
• He took out a $33,000 PPP loan in my name without my knowledge or consent.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a lengthy public hearing on a wide range of civil actions, labor, consumer protection, and animal welfare bills. Chair Lydia Edwards and Representative Michael Day opened with strict testimony rules and time limits, then heard from legislators and advocates on measures including animal-abuser pet ownership bans (S. 1207/H. 1914), a name-change privacy bill (S. 1045/H. 1973), tort claims reform (H. 1724), law enforcement council coverage under the Tort Claims Act (S. 1199), civil rights and qualified immunity-related proposals (H. 1641), employee free speech/captive audience restrictions (S. 1078/H. 1653), consumer protection and civil rights jurisdiction expansion (S. 1041), private right of action for wage theft (H. 1916), gun-owner liability insurance (H. 1836), pseudoephedrine sales tracking (S. 1243/H. 1581), prepaid legal services plans (H. 1612), structured settlement protections (H. 1863), third-party litigation financing disclosure (H. 1861), antitrust reform for small businesses and workers (S. 1038/H. 1982), legal notices in online-only newspapers (S. 1279/H. 1632), and several animal cruelty and protection bills including H. 1938, H. 1949, S. 1277/H. 1934, and H. 1764. Testimony was largely supportive from bill sponsors and advocacy groups, with repeated themes of protecting vulnerable people and animals, improving access to justice, and updating outdated laws. Supporters of the animal bills argued for stronger possession bans, broader cruelty citations, and civil removal tools to prevent repeat abuse; opponents or conditional supporters raised due process and enforcement concerns, especially around warrantless seizures and requiring retail or shelter staff to check registries. On the labor and consumer side, supporters said the antitrust bill would curb monopoly power and help small businesses and workers, while opponents warned it could destabilize competition and burden successful firms. The employee free speech bill was backed as a response to captive audience meetings, and the wage-theft bill was presented as a way to let workers or organizations pursue claims when individual employees are afraid to come forward. Several public officials and association representatives testified on the law enforcement and civil rights bills. Chiefs of police supported adding law enforcement councils to the Tort Claims Act, saying it would close a liability gap for regional mutual-aid collaborations. But police representatives opposed changes to the Massachusetts Civil Rights Act and qualified immunity-related provisions, arguing the federal system already provides a workable forum and that expanding liability could increase costs, reduce morale, and worsen recruitment and retention. On the consumer/civil rights bill, Senator Collins and a veteran described an out-of-state assault case that they said showed the need for Massachusetts to let residents seek redress at home when rights are violated elsewhere. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing itself; the committee mainly received testimony and questions. Several witnesses indicated they had submitted written testimony or proposed amendments, and some bills drew requests for favorable reports while others were explicitly opposed unless amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• loan funds.
• These revolving loan funds are administered by ADFA.
• The three component units, the U of A medical sciences, and the revolving loan funds.
• loan funds.
• These revolving loan funds are administered by ADFA.

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING

Transcript Highlights:

• The governor did request and direct us to pause any action and then to establish... ...and direct us
• To me, that we're moving in the wrong direction.
• And what do you envision for any future potential loan forgiveness or reimbursement needs?
• of loan forgiveness for DMH.
• It also directs and authorizes the office and the HPC to do rapid, focused assessments.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: The committee heard budget testimony from Department of Mental Health Commissioner Brooke Doyle, who said DMH serves about 29,000 people and is facing rising demand, higher operating costs, and uncertainty about federal funding. She explained that the FY26 budget prioritizes fully funding the state-operated inpatient system, which is at 100% occupancy and often serves people transferred from Bridgewater State Hospital, while making reductions in other areas to balance the budget. Those reductions include a 50% cut to case managers, a pause on closing the Pocasset unit pending a working group on Cape access, and changes to youth and contracted services such as right-sizing IRTP and CIRT, reducing Youth PACT from seven teams to three, scaling back flex and jail diversion grants as ARPA funds wind down, and preserving the behavioral health helpline and community-based crisis services. Members from Western Massachusetts and the Cape raised concerns about access, staffing, and the impact of cuts, and Doyle said the department would continue operating IRTP services, improve the referral process, and work with stakeholders on the Pocasset review and other access issues. The committee also discussed school-based mental health, 988, loan forgiveness for workforce recruitment, and the role of co-response programs for law enforcement. Secretary Robin Lipson then testified for the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, describing a proposed FY26 budget increase of about 21% to support councils on aging, home care, elder abuse investigations, caregiver support, care transitions, and nutrition programs. She said the agency is managing rising demand, especially from the growing 80-plus population, and noted uncertainty around federal Older Americans Act funding after the federal disbursement agency was disbanded. To control costs, the office will manage intake and caseload growth in a fully state-funded home care program, but current clients will not lose services. Lipson also highlighted a new $1 million line item for local mini-grants to support age-friendly initiatives. In questions, members focused on elder scams, and Lipson said scams are increasing and the agency is working with banks, district attorneys, and public awareness campaigns. The Health Policy Commission’s Executive Director David Seltz presented the agency’s FY26 request and said the biggest challenge is health care affordability, with family premiums near $29,000 annually and many residents delaying care because of cost. He emphasized that recent legislation significantly expands HPC’s role through a new Office of Pharmaceutical Policy and Analysis, which will examine the drug supply chain and pricing, and a new Office of Health Resource Planning, which will support statewide planning around closures and access gaps. The new law also creates task forces on maternal health access and primary care, and adds transparency and oversight for private equity in health care. Members asked about pharmaceutical costs, GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, 340B, and maternal health closures; Seltz said the data show rapid growth in GLP-1 spending and that the new offices will help the state better understand cost drivers and access problems. The Center for Health Information and Analysis then began its testimony, describing its role as the state’s data hub for health care spending, utilization, quality, and affordability analysis.

Transcript Highlights:

• In other words, it would be the directive.
• Small businesses that apply for the loans have to be paid in full for any previous loan they received
• under the loan program, I believe that's correct.
• So I think we've got the right direction.
• no-interest loan.

Bills: SB8 , SB4 , SB43 , SB1 , SB2 , SB13 , SB6 , SB10 , SB16 , SB14 , SB3 , SB8 , SB4 , SB43 , SB1 , SB2 , SB13 , SB6 , SB10 , SB16 , SB14 , SB3

Transcript Highlights:

• and they don't accept those loans.
• With loans, it's more around the $13,000 to $14,000.
• . education through part-time work and, if necessary, student loans.
• We anticipate an increase in direct aid spending as emergency relief funds have decreased.
• The governor's budget is following the leadership's direction to support the institution.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the piece that we need to be direct about, because it's probably the most challenging.
• We can't loan you any money based on that.” They said, “No, your house isn't worth anything.
• We can't loan you any money based on that.” I had no coverage.
• So ultimately, a supervisor came in and said, “Listen, we'll loan you $100,000. That's it.”
• I have three loans on my house.

Bills: S3091 , H5477

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Financial Services

Keywords: crumbling concrete, pyrite, pyrrhotite, homeowner assistance, financial relief, CEDAC, construction, insurance surcharge, foundation repair, Massachusetts

Transcript Highlights:

• THE ACUTE HOSPITAL AT HOME PROGRAM DIRECT THE AGENCY TO HAVE FEDERAL DIRECTION OF THIS PROGRAM WHICH
• AND A LOAN APPLICATION PORTAL IS CURRENTLY IN DEVELOPMENT AND AIMS TO BE OPEN TO ACCEPT LOANS IN THE
• THEY HAVE PUT TOGETHER WHAT I HEARD IS THEY PUT TOGETHER CRITERIA FOR THESE LOANS.
• YOU CAN ADD THE 27 THAT WE HAVE PLUS THE ONE THAT WILL HAPPEN.
• WE HAVE A LITIGANT APPLICANT AND HIS IS A LEGAL LICENSE THAT'S 20 PLUS 22 MAKING 50.

Transcript Highlights:

• loan funds.
• These revolving loan funds are administered by ADFA.
• The three component units, the U of A medical sciences, and the revolving loan funds.
• loan funds.
• These revolving loan funds are administered by ADFA.

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING

Summary: The committee met to adopt prior minutes and reports from its executive and standing committees, including counties and municipalities, educational institutions, and state agencies. Those reports covered routine audit activity, delinquent private water and sewer audits, municipal accounting compliance issues, education audit findings, and several state agency audit items. The committee also reviewed and adopted the State of Arkansas annual comprehensive financial report for fiscal year 2025 and the related single audit report, both presented by Legislative Audit staff. The state financial report showed unmodified opinions on the state’s financial statements and described total assets of about $41.9 billion and liabilities of about $11.1 billion, along with retirement system assets of $39.9 billion and a net pension liability of $9 billion. Two material weaknesses were identified: insufficient internal controls at the Office of State Technology to monitor threats and unauthorized access, and a Division of Workforce Services methodology change for unemployment-related estimates that was not properly documented or approved. The single audit covered $12.4 billion in federal awards across 469 programs, with 16 major programs reviewed; it resulted in 33 findings, 14 with questioned costs totaling $16.6 million, and qualified opinions for the Summer EBT program, the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, and the Child Care Development Fund cluster. Members questioned agency officials in detail about the Summer EBT questioned costs, DHS unresolved findings, broadband grant documentation, cyber security controls, workers’ compensation liabilities, and child care funding and reporting. DHS explained that the Summer EBT issue involved drawing federal funds in advance rather than as benefits were redeemed, and said the process has been corrected. Broadband officials said the questioned $6.6 million reflected documentation-detail disagreements across many invoices rather than missing payments. OST officials described new logging, endpoint detection, and phishing-training efforts, and DFA and Education officials addressed specific audit findings and corrective actions. The committee ultimately moved to hold the two large statewide reports over until the August meeting for further review, with discussion continuing on whether to release some agency staff in the meantime.

Transcript Highlights:

• We did not direct Mr. Mendel to take an action.
• Plus the low tier. Plus the low tier. Yes. And you've sent you've sent letters to the governor.
• Channel revolving loan fund program.
• That went out as a loan that is intended to issue revenue bonds to come back in to repay that. that loan
• So we're going in the wrong direction.

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance