Transcript Highlights:

• We contract state contracts with community be community-based care, lead agencies for the delivery of
• If I'm having a contract with a case management organization.
• So like updating that contract monthly, right.
• We have contract oversight units. We have all kinds of mechanism.
• because you can share cost and cost cost to contracts.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, many benefit contracts are complicated and restrictive.
• It simply ensures that contracts place patient access and freedom of choice at their core.
• We are forced, and I've got several clinics that have closed because a lot of these contracts that are
• I had been having contractions all day, and when my water broke, I knew I would soon meet my baby.
• I had been having contractions all day, and when my water broke, I knew I would soon meet my baby.

Bills: SCR37 , SB145 , SB237

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Keywords: informed consent, healthcare, medical procedures, patient rights, surgeon general, regulatory review, adult residential care, generators, emergency power, health safety, Louisiana Department of Health, compliance, regulations, child welfare, Department of Children and Family Services, mandatory reporting, abuse prevention, investigative teams, child ombudsman, forensic interviews

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have contracted fare agreements with local colleges and universities.
• And $192,061 for the supplemental paratransit state aid contract.
• It is all contracted by the schools through Harlows.
• Some are in-house, some are contracted.
• Some are contracted.

Summary: The Government Finance Transportation Study committee heard detailed presentations from transit officials in Grand Forks, Bismarck/Mandan (Bisman Transit), and Fargo about fixed-route and paratransit service. Grand Forks described Cities Area Transit’s routes, fare structure, ridership recovery after COVID, fleet replacement needs, and rising costs, noting fares cover only a portion of expenses and that the system relies on local, state, federal, and university funding. Bisman Transit outlined its history, service hours, route structure, recent expansion of hours, fare levels, ridership growth, funding sources including mill levies, federal grants, and new local sales tax revenue, and major challenges such as aging buses, driver recruitment, and the need for more stable operating support. Fargo’s representative briefly reinforced the importance of public transit and asked the committee to consider additional funding for urban fixed-route systems.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that the answer to that question is that free markets and the free contract ability sometimes
• depend on a level playing field between parties to the contract.
• depend on a level playing field between parties to the contract.
• contracting here.
• the contract.

Summary: The committee first introduced RS 33403, a follow-on podiatry bill that would merge podiatry with the Board of Medicine and move certain rules into statute. Representative Ehlers explained it was a replacement for prior legislation, and the committee voted to introduce it without objection. The committee then heard House Bill 713 on copay accumulator policies. Representative Cannon and co-sponsor Representative Furman argued the bill would stop insurers from refusing to count third-party copay assistance toward deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, especially for patients with expensive specialty drugs. Supporters, including patients and advocates, described serious financial hardship and treatment adherence problems caused by accumulators. Opponents, including the Idaho Association of Health Plans, argued the bill would raise costs and premiums, could conflict with Idaho’s anti-kickback law, and might interfere with private plan design. After debate, the committee voted 7-8 against the motion to send HB 713 to the floor, so the bill was held in committee. Next, the committee took up House Bill 655 and its related RS 33527, a pilot program to incentivize preceptorships by giving certain Medicaid providers a 12-month exemption from prior authorization requirements. The sponsor said the goal was to reduce administrative burden and increase training opportunities in rural areas and in family practice, psychiatry, and OB-GYN, with caps on participation and expansion to advanced practice providers and PAs in the RS. The committee first voted to hold HB 655 in committee, then approved RS 33527 for introduction and second reading. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 723 on children’s residential facilities. Representative Erickson said the bill would add quality-of-care oversight, annual unannounced inspections, resident and staff interviews, a youth bill of rights, and critical incident reporting, based on an OPE study and prior testimony about abuse and gaps in oversight. Testifiers, including parents and former residents, described abuse, isolation, and lack of reporting mechanisms in facilities and supported the bill. The committee discussed whether the bill created enforceable rights, but the sponsor said existing child protection and corrective action processes would apply. The bill was moved to the floor with a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have some concerns that we'll see detailed on the next slide about growth contraction.
• Tax contracted by 29.
• another about 1% contraction to continue on into FY27.
• And then you throw in goods and services From imported goods and contracting them. Imported goods.
• Tightening and contracting, I think these are different.

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I understand the definition of contract pharmacy is different.
• 00:04:37.280><c> the</c><00:04:37.400><c> definition</c><00:04:37.800><c> of</c><00:04:38.000><c> contract
• </c> understand the definition of contract understand the definition of contract Pharmacy<00:04:39.440
• with outside pharmacies and to contract with outside pharmacies and the<00:20:02.480><c> program</c>
• these savings and to be able to use these savings and to be able to use outside<00:20:56.720><c> contract

Keywords: 00:25 Call to Order/Roll Call 01:36 Discussion of 25RS SB 153 23:11 Roll Call Vote on 25RS SB 153 30:56 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Health Services met on March 14, 2025, and took up a committee substitute for Senate Bill 153. The substitute deleted the original bill language and replaced it with provisions from Senate Bill 14, aimed at prohibiting pharmaceutical manufacturers from discriminating against 340B covered entities and adding reporting requirements for those entities. The sponsor explained that the protections would sunset after one year, allowing lawmakers to review data by July 1, 2026, and that Kentucky would continue to follow any future federal changes to the 340B program. Members asked several questions about the scope of the reporting, including what “total operating cost” means, how duplicate discounts are prevented, whether the reporting applies only to hospitals and not federally qualified health centers, and who would receive the data. The sponsor said the reporting is intended to help the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and the Office of Health Data Analytics at LRC assess how the program is working, including charity care and community benefits, while preserving protections for rural hospitals and allowing them to continue using contract pharmacies. A representative from LRC confirmed the data would come to the General Assembly through the Office of Health Data Analytics. The committee expressed mixed views about the balance between transparency and potential burdens on hospitals, especially rural facilities. Several members said they were supportive but had reservations about the reporting requirements and the sunset structure, while others noted concerns about unintended consequences and the possibility of changes on the House floor. The committee ultimately adopted the committee substitute, approved a title amendment, and reported Senate Bill 153 with House Committee Substitute 2 favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• contracting process, but so long as the funding...
• Formal contract amendments through the state's contracting process, but so long as the funding is maintained
• For many years, contracts under $250,000...
• In terms of the cost of contract threshold, I want to think a little bit.
• And in terms of the contract exemption threshold from board review, again, there are lots of contracts

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the department to to deal with contracts the department to to deal with contracts to<01:41:22.639
• </c><01:43:31.040><c> contract</c><01:43:31.600><c> managers</c> and contract contract managers and contract
• </c><01:48:22.880><c> relating</c> island where we saw contracts relating island where we saw contracts
• We have all the contracts architects.
• Contract them all and hire them all out. Contract them all out. out. out.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll yield back. government contracts and government contracts and subsidies<00:08:58.519><c> never</
• These are enormous contracts.
• These are enormous contracts.
• These are enormous contracts.
• These are enormous contracts.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, February 13, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Furlow then we contract at one private Furlow then we contract at one private prison<00:18:06.799><c>
• We have even more active contracts and planning and design for them as well.
• </c> that's 10 13 uh 22 active uh contracts that's 10 13 uh 22 active uh contracts uh<00:52:47.400><c
• </c> we have uh even more active contracts we have uh even more active contracts and<00:52:53.040><c>
• We are negotiating a contract with the selected consultants.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And, of course, we don't want to disrupt collective bargaining contracts and school assignments and all
• So essentially, a grant is basically a contract, right? It's an RFP.
• IT contracts, a shared services contract with the Department of General Services.
• It means three fewer deputies watching over our communities and one of our contracts at ease.
• It means three fewer deputies watching over our communities and one of our contracts at ease.

Summary: The subcommittee first heard an item on the vehicle license fee backfill for counties, focused largely on San Mateo County and the related excess ERAF calculation. Department of Finance staff said the administration does not propose the requested $119 million backfill, arguing the payment is discretionary and that the existing statutory formula should continue to operate as written. Senators and public witnesses, including Senator Becker and former Senator Jackie Speier, argued the state has a longstanding obligation to local governments and that San Mateo County faces severe service cuts without the funds; they also discussed whether the issue could be solved through local school district boundary changes or other structural fixes. The chair held the item open after testimony. The committee then reviewed Secretary of State budget proposals. The department presented SB 851 implementation funding of $1.1 million General Fund in 2026-27 and $807,000 ongoing for four positions and software to track election-related litigation, update voting system standards, and expand vendor notice requirements. Members asked about election security, the impact of recent federal court decisions, the end of federal HAVA funds in 2027-28, and the staffing and timeline needed to implement the law. The committee also heard a $11.8 million General Fund request for the Cal Access Replacement System, intended to replace the outdated campaign finance and lobbying disclosure platform; staff said the project is on track for a November 2026 go-live with a stabilization period afterward. A separate item sought $9.795 million Business Fees Fund for the Notary Automation Program replacement, with the department explaining delays were due to more planning, a 2025 special election, and the need to secure a contractor, with go-live now projected for 2029. All three items were held open. The Department of Veterans Affairs presented its overall status and then its Yountville skilled nursing facility project. CalVet described progress on veterans homes, home loans, housing programs, and mental health initiatives, while noting higher-acuity needs among older veterans and continued support for underserved groups. For Yountville, the department said the new 240-bed skilled nursing facility is nearing completion and will replace the aging Holderman Hospital building, though some functions will remain in the old building and other campus projects, including roof and steam system work, are still underway. Members also raised concerns about retroactive tax liabilities for employees whose housing fringe benefits had not been reported, and CalVet said it has corrected the reporting, retrained staff, and is working with employees on repayment and lease adjustments. The committee also discussed a proposal to eliminate vacant positions under Control Section 4.12; CalVet said the positions were long vacant and could be given back without harming operations, while the LAO noted the Legislature had not concurred and keeping them would increase General Fund costs. The item was held open. Finally, the California Arts Council gave an informational update on its work and the cultural districts program. The director described the council’s grantmaking, technical assistance, and support for 24 cultural districts statewide, while members emphasized the economic and preservation value of arts funding and urged more investment, including a proposed $50 million General Fund augmentation and a $10 million carve-out for cultural districts. Staff explained that the original cultural district funding was reduced and that the program is currently unfunded and lacks dedicated staff, limiting its ability to expand beyond a small share of applications. Members from different regions noted that many parts of the state still lack cultural district designations and pressed the council to broaden access beyond major urban areas. The item was informational only, with no vote taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are now planning together, and we are aligning contract language with our service-providing partners
• We have included language in our contracts to require our service-providing vendors to be CalAIM contracted
• Regarding accountability, we use subcontractors for our HAP contracts.
• That doesn't mean that, for example, in our contracts, that You won't provide services if they don't
• What happened there is they lost their contract with the managed care plan locally.

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee 4 met to hear an oversight discussion focused on homelessness, including the state of homelessness in California, state data systems, and the Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention (HAP) program. In opening remarks, the chair emphasized accountability and the need to focus on families and people at the bottom rung, while the vice chair argued that homelessness and affordability problems stem from policy choices and the state should give counties more flexibility rather than top-down mandates. The committee also announced that the one scheduled vote would be postponed and public comment would be taken later. Dr. Ryan Finnegan of UC Berkeley’s Turner Center presented recent homelessness data, saying California’s homelessness remains high at about 187,000 people in the 2024 point-in-time count, with most still unsheltered, though the unsheltered share has declined somewhat. He explained differences between point-in-time counts and the state’s Homeless Data Integration System (HDIS), noted progress in shelter, permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing, and interim housing capacity, and highlighted declines in youth and veteran homelessness. He also described persistent racial disparities, the large number of chronically homeless people, and risks from federal changes and possible reductions to programs such as Emergency Housing Vouchers and Continuum of Care funding. Members questioned the causes of recent trends, the role of Housing First, Proposition 47, Martin v. Boise, and how funding streams such as HAP and CalAIM are layered together. The California Interagency Council on Homelessness then outlined its data systems and AB 799 implementation. Staff explained that HDIS aggregates HMIS data from all 44 continuums of care and is used to measure outcomes, disparities, and program effectiveness statewide. They said HAP 4 was cost-effective under the State Auditor’s methodology, and that new AB 799 dashboards will provide more public-facing fiscal and outcome reporting by June 2027. Members asked whether the system can better distinguish which interventions work, how self-sufficiency will be measured, how fraud is detected, and whether the council can meet the auditor’s concerns on time. Cal ICH said it has met prior statutory deadlines, that program outcome data already exist, and that fiscal reporting will be built through a web-based tool and aligned with existing departmental reporting systems.

Transcript Highlights:

• can charge in the contracts?
• can charge in the contracts?
• We’re not saying you can’t contract for higher rates.
• to post the contract on the city's website.
• H, accept contract terms. Who's making that decision?

Committee: House House Appropriations Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first took up a discussion-only strike-everything amendment to HB 2211, which would make it unprofessional conduct for certain health care providers to submit offers in independent dispute resolution above 300% of Medicare or the qualified payment amount. The chair said he was not ready to move the bill because more stakeholder meetings were needed. Testimony split between insurers, who said a small number of providers were abusing the No Surprises Act and driving up costs, and provider representatives, who argued the proposal would improperly cap rates, relied on opaque insurer-set QPAs, and could threaten licensure in a billing dispute. No vote was taken on HB 2211. The committee then considered HB 4028 on accessory dwelling units. The bill would remove the 1,000-square-foot cap, change setback rules, bar municipalities from requiring an administrative use permit and certain elevation criteria, and extend the deadline for cities to adopt ADU regulations. The sponsor argued it would give homeowners more flexibility and help address housing affordability, while cities, neighborhood groups, and residents warned it would allow oversized ADUs, reduce local control, create density and safety concerns, and invite investor-driven development. After extensive debate, the committee voted 8-9 with one present, and HB 4028 failed. Next, the committee heard HB 2620, as amended, which appropriates $300,000 annually for five years from the General Fund to the Department of Veterans’ Services for grants to emergency shelters. An amendment removed age and non-congregate-setting conditions for eligibility. The sponsor and a shelter provider said the funding would help shelters better serve homeless veterans and connect them to services. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed HB 2620 on a 17-0 vote with one member not voting. The committee then considered HB 2960, as amended, which creates a veterans specialty court grant program and a dedicated fund to support local veterans treatment courts. An amendment shifted administration of the fund to the Office of the Courts and allowed support for expansion of existing programs. The sponsor, a Lake Havasu judge, and a veteran graduate testified that veterans courts reduce recidivism and save lives by linking veterans to treatment and support. The bill was still being taken up when the transcript ended, with testimony continuing from supporters including a veterans shelter founder.

Transcript Highlights:

• So then that is the contract at third party.
• Whoever they choose to contract with is a local decision. That remains a local decision.
• And then you have the programs where some districts have contracted out...
• out, was this contracted-out entity, or is it within the state, utilizing the state?
• So Gallup contracted with that company; they terminated that contract.

Bills: HB2 , SB204 , SB241 , HB34

Committee: House House Education

Keywords: general appropriation, budget, Medicaid, education funding, public safety, higher education, research funding, federal funding, New Mexico, appropriation, University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, child care, child care assistance, child care subsidy, early childhood education, early childhood care, daycare, preschool

Transcript Highlights:

• There are already contracts in place that they've had... ...had for years, based on five of the seven
• Committee Substitute for House Bill 2221 relates to insurance and annuity contracts, and accident and
• a subjective analysis when it's a professional contract.
• So would you put lawyer contracts into the competitive bid process because they're not responding to
• The bill authorizes the Department of State Health Services or a local authority contracted with the

Bills: SB731 , SB801 , SB867 , SB2082 , SB2717 , SB2919 , HB4 , HB26 , HB103 , HB108 , HB117 , HB126 , HB144 , HB145 , HB186 , HB201 , HB223 , HB229 , HB272 , HB493 , HB521 , HB551 , HB621 , HB700 , HB748 , HB1106 , HB1234 , HB1403 , HB1500 , HB1661 , HB2017 , HB2026 , HB2035 , HB2038 , HB2073 , HB2080 , HB2221 , HB2253 , HB2294 , HB2306 , HB2313 , HB2427 , HB2512 , HB2516 , HB2593 , HB2674 , HB2761 , HB2818 , HB2820 , HB2844 , HB2851 , HB2885 , HB3010 , HB3016 , HB3053 , HB3057 , HB3133 , HB3151 , HB3159 , HB3180 , HB3181 , HB3225 , HB3234 , HB3250 , HB3254 , HB3284 , HB3333 , HB3512 , HB3556 , HB3595 , HB3689 , HB3711 , HB3732 , HB3749 , HB3812 , HB3833 , HB3866 , HB3928 , HB3940 , HB3966 , HB4063 , HB4112 , HB4157 , HB4264 , HB4281 , HB4384 , HB4454 , HB4486 , HB4488 , HB4520 , HB4530 , HB4666 , HB4690 , HB4743 , HB4749 , HB4751 , HB4795 , HB4848 , HB4903 , HB5081 , HB5115 , HB5138 , HB5149 , HB5154 , HB5247 , HB5308 , HB5394 , HB5436 , HB5659 , HB5671 , HB5674 , HB5680 , HB5696 , HCR40 , HCR108 , HCR118 , SJR5 , SJR59 , SB4 , SB8 , SB9 , SB10 , SB12 , SB22 , SB23 , SB25 , SB27 , SB34 , SB36 , SB37 , SB38 , SB40 , SB261 , SB650 , SB777 , SB924 , SB1188 , SB1318 , SB1333 , SB1398 , SB1448 , SB1566 , SB1621 , SB1723 , SB1862 , SB2405 , SB2406 , SB2407 , SB3070 , SB1 , SB17 , SB21 , SB260 , SB379 , SB509 , SB1405 , SB1506 , SB1637 , SB1833 , SB2155 , SB2308 , HB300 , HB2525 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SB2023 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB1085 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB2458 , SB801 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB2797 , SB2076 , SB2876 , SB1640 , SB1449 , SB1181 , SB1234 , SB2926 , SB2841 , SB1528 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB1237 , SB2819 , SB629 , SB2608 , SB1602 , SB2009 , SB867 , SB640 , SB1698 , SB2680 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1483 , SB1444 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1703 , SB2133 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2622 , SB2955 , SB2334 , SB1367 , SB2044 , SB2363 , SB2565 , SB1888 , SB3036 , SB3057 , SB3043 , SB3063 , SB3035 , SB203 , SB2688 , SB2522 , SB2459 , SB2655 , SB2251 , SB1884 , SB2928 , SB2566 , SB2549 , SB2553 , SB2919 , SB1944 , SB1232 , SB1798 , SB2603 , SB2607 , SB2683 , SB1319 , SB3045 , SB3071 , HJR7 , HB2674 , HB3556 , HB26 , HB4384 , HB748 , HB5652 , HB3395 , HB2516 , HB180 , HB1306 , HB3966 , HB4112 , HB322 , HB126 , HB5650 , HB4894 , HB1629 , HB5698 , HB3171 , HB2694 , HB5664 , HB4751 , HB4690 , HB4464 , HB4063 , HB3623 , HB3016 , HB2520 , HB2221 , HB2213 , HB700 , HB252 , HB146 , HB5596 , HB3619 , HB5320 , HB5651 , HB5670 , HB5665 , HB5437 , HB5679 , HB5699 , HB5661 , HB5662 , HB5654 , HB5672 , HB5656 , HB4743 , HB4666 , HB3812 , HB3595 , HB3057 , HB2035 , HB721 , HB346 , HB2512 , HB5695 , HB5694 , HB5671 , HB5674 , HB2038 , HB3185 , HB2761 , HB2593 , HB2348 , HB2073 , HB1871 , HB108 , HB2306 , HB2017 , HB1135 , HB144 , HB3689 , HB5308 , HB101 , HB5666 , HB5677 , HB5682 , HB5680 , HB5658 , HB5696 , HB4144 , HB3159 , HB3254 , HB3866 , HB3010 , HB4520 , HB3642 , HB3928 , HB3815 , HB2686 , HB2012 , HB1960 , HB227 , HB654 , HB1690 , HB2128 , HB4158 , HB4530 , HB4630 , HB5659 , HB1523 , HB2078 , HB2427 , HB145 , HB1973 , HB3333 , HB3697 , HB3546 , HB3225 , HB3181 , HB3133 , HB3053 , HB2885 , HB2820 , HB2294 , HB2253 , HB1661 , HB1506 , HB1234 , HB640 , HB621 , HB551 , HB521 , HB493 , HB272 , HB229 , HB223 , HB201 , HB186 , HB119 , HB2080 , HB2818 , HB5394 , HB4795 , HB4466 , HB4454 , HB3940 , HB3749 , HB3151 , HB3284 , HB1403 , HB1106 , HB2844 , HB2851 , HB1500 , HB4488 , HB4264 , HB4 , HB4170 , HB3909 , HB4081 , HB4145 , HB4157 , HB4281 , HB4285 , HB4463 , HB4749 , HB4995 , HB5081 , HB5115 , HB5138 , HB5624 , HB1449 , HB3711 , HB2598 , HB3629 , HB4361 , HB824 , HB1868 , HB4848 , HB2243 , HB40 , HB117 , HB2313 , HB3686 , HB500 , HB3793 , HB112 , HB104 , HB1056 , HB42 , HB4486 , HB3000 , HB100 , HB2240 , HB718 , HB27 , HB4904 , HB4202 , HB2853 , HB5129 , HB5093 , HB4765 , HB4748 , HB4559 , HB4350 , HB4214 , HB3388 , HB3112 , HB5196 , HB4211 , HB3516 , HB3092 , HB4233 , HB4687 , HB705 , HB1094 , HB2037 , HB3005 , HB3848 , HB1105 , HB121 , HB3372 , HB367 , HB783 , HB3336 , HB3441 , HB4449 , HB5616 , HB2407 , HB2854 , HB3425 , HB5294 , HB1178 , HB4623 , HB14 , HB3963 , HB1211 , HB5646 , HB5629 , HB3783 , HB4236 , HB46 , HB4638 , HB1052 , HB4070 , HB5509 , HB5435 , HB4134 , HB3923 , HB3520 , HB3320 , HB2517 , HB2488 , HB5663 , HB2731 , HB3073 , HB2655 , HB2399 , HB541 , HB4099 , HB111 , HB1532 , HB3483 , HB2963 , HB4580 , HB3748 , HB713 , HB632 , HB426 , HB4730 , HCR141 , HCR118 , HCR40 , HCR59 , HCR76 , HCR108 , HB26 , HB108 , HB144 , HB145 , HB201 , HB272 , HB493 , HB551 , HB621 , HB700 , HB1500 , HB1661 , HB2017 , HB2038 , HB2073 , HB2080 , HB2221 , HB2253 , HB2294 , HB2306 , HB2313 , HB2427 , HB2516 , HB2593 , HB2761 , HB2818 , HB2844 , HB2851 , HB2885 , HB3010 , HB3016 , HB3133 , HB3151 , HB3159 , HB3254 , HB3284 , HB3595 , HB3689 , HB3711 , HB3866 , HB3928 , HB3940 , HB3966 , HB4063 , HB4112 , HB4264 , HB4281 , HB4384 , HB4454 , HB4486 , HB4488 , HB4520 , HB4530 , HB4666 , HB4743 , HB4749 , HB4751 , HB5081 , HB5308 , HB5394 , HB5659 , HB5671 , HB5680 , HB5696 , HB2674 , HB3556 , HB223 , HB1403 , HB3053 , HB5115 , HCR108 , HCR118 , SB20 , SB33 , SB75 , SB213 , SB269 , SB458 , SB528 , SB647 , SB648 , SB681 , SB740 , SB840 , SB843 , SB1061 , SB1120 , SB1121 , SB1150 , SB1202 , SB1253 , SB1423 , SB1535 , SB1574 , SB1709 , SB1789 , SB2037 , SB2078 , SB2268 , SB2544 , SB2570 , SB1198 , SB2601 , SB2778

Keywords: SB 731, Texas, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, TDHCA, low-income housing tax credits, LIHTC, affordable housing, senior housing, 55 and older, elderly housing, multifamily housing, apartment buildings, high-rise, four-story building, water pressure booster, water pressure system, emergency water supply, building safety, housing development regulations, Government Code Chapter 2306

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't think the substitute. made any changes to that because basically your contract or your your bill
• asked to contract with the university Am I correct on that?
• The bill is not specific with whom a contract would occur.
• It'll give us greater flexibility and greater search. in the event we are entering into contracts for
• This kind of information is. going to be extremely valuable in determining the length of the contract

Bills: SB500 , SB719 , SB912 , SB1232 , SB1467 , SB1777 , SB1864 , SB2023 , SB2119 , SB2458

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Keywords: SB 500, Texas adoption law, Family Code, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, child-placing agency, prospective adoptive parents, adoption records, confidential information, nondisclosure agreement, child history report, health history, social history, educational history, genetic history, termination of parental rights, permanency plan, single source continuum contractor, privacy, redaction

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> def definition of a contract def definition of a contract uh<00:37:58.920><c> we</c><00:37:59.040
• A covered retailer can ask for contract terms for the sale of a dominant retailer.
• Collaboration of contract terms is, by its nature, anti-competitive.
• </c> in Windam be able to ask for a contract in Windam be able to ask for a contract that<01:10:10.239
• </c><01:13:26.800><c> terms</c> about the disclosure of contract terms about the disclosure of contract

Bills: HF2228 , HF46 , HF856 , HF2149 , HF2215

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: homeowners insurance, property insurance, commercial property insurance, insurance affordability, insurance market stabilization, reinsurance, catastrophic reinsurance fund, self-insured pool, premium costs, coverage notice, liability reform, climate risk, climate change, housing affordability, multifamily housing, rental housing, common interest communities, cooperatives, small business insurance, Minnesota Commerce Department

Transcript Highlights:

• So, Bishop Brady is a school that allows our students to take the SAT through the state contract.
• So, that would be covered by the state So, that would be covered by the state contract.
• be a voluntary test that school districts could access, but it would be a component of the state contract
• Nate, do you have any idea what that contract might cost or what you're looking at in terms of getting
• We would be able to sort of pick up that cost or absorb that into our current contract without too much

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Education Freedom Account Oversight Committee met on March 27 and approved the agenda, adding a request for clarification on how the Children’s Scholarship Fund separates applications for the EFA program and the education tax credit program. The committee also approved minutes from December 30, 2025, and March 27, 2026, with a request that the March minutes include a link to the live stream. Members discussed the status of pending Legislative Budget Assistant audit reports on EFA and special education, noting the reports were still not released and would likely come later in the summer after review by the Department of Education and the Children’s Scholarship Fund. A major topic was the EFA program’s administrative fee, which statute allows up to 10% of deposits. Children’s Scholarship Fund representatives said current administrative costs were under 8%, that staffing had been reduced through the ScholarVia platform, and that any unused amount is reconciled and returned to students at year’s end. Members asked for historical administrative-cost data and a written explanation of how the withholding and reconciliation process works. The committee also reviewed the distinction between the EFA and education tax credit funding streams and was told the two programs use separate applications and separate funds, though both use the same platform. The committee spent substantial time on assessment and accountability. Department of Education staff explained that EFA students may satisfy annual assessment requirements through a portfolio, a norm-referenced test, or the statewide assessment; only about 10 EFA students took the statewide assessment, while most used portfolios or standardized tests such as the California Achievement Test and NWEA. Staff described how statewide assessment data are kept separate by student identifier and can be aggregated for EFA reporting, and members asked for breakdowns by grade, test type, and school district. The department also discussed linking assessments through Lexiles and Quantiles and said it could provide a list of commonly used formative assessments in New Hampshire districts. The committee additionally discussed a possible PSAT addition to the state contract and the costs of the statewide assessment program. Another major issue was special education eligibility and services within the EFA program. Members questioned the rule allowing a medical certification of disability from a licensed professional anywhere in the United States as an alternative to an IEP-based determination. Department staff said the current system allows either pathway, that about 1,000 EFA students are identified as special education students, and that the program does not track growth or service alignment on an individual basis. Members expressed concern that the medical-certification route may be too broad and asked for data on the disability categories used. The committee also discussed career and technical education access for EFA students, noting that Senate Bill 491 would provide guidance and that House Bill 1817 would address access and funding issues, but that current law still allows EFA funds to be used to pay CTE costs. The meeting ended with a request for future agenda items and a decision to leave the next meeting date open until fall, pending further information from the LBA audit process.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we have a fiscal officer and we have a contract officer at CMS.
• teams really working through those year-one opportunities and also looking and working with our contract
• There were also options via state contract and universities that we are also looking at.
• There were also options via state contract and university.
• There were also options via state contract and universities that we are also looking at.

Keywords: 989, all

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, created under the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Sharon explained the $50 billion federal program, Idaho’s application timeline, the state’s ranking and award amount, and the five broad initiative areas in the approved plan: technology and access, innovative care models, workforce development, chronic disease and behavioral health, and rural infrastructure/partnerships. She emphasized that the funding is tightly overseen by CMS, with required reporting, compliance checks, sustainability plans, and the risk of losing funds if Idaho does not obligate money or meet milestones on time. She also outlined the state’s plan to hire a 12-person temporary team and to use a mix of RFPs and competitive subgrants, with monthly reporting to the committee and a shared information space to track solicitations, rubrics, and awards. Committee members questioned several parts of the plan, especially scope-of-practice issues tied to the application, the use of telehealth funding, workforce retention, and the survey process used to shape the application. Representative Tanner asked whether the state could continue pursuing scope changes for dental hygienists and physician assistants and whether legislative action could affect funding outcomes; Sharon said the state would continue to evaluate those policies, but that compliance, timely spending, and performance would be the main factors affecting funding. Representative Healy raised concerns about the survey’s heavy use of “other” responses and about telehealth spending, arguing some telehealth uses may not be practical for specialty care. Representative Manwaring requested a shared drive for real-time data and asked for raw survey results and dollar-based funding caps. Sharon agreed to provide follow-up information, including survey data and additional details on funding limits. Chris Jones of Catalyst Policy Group then presented broader policy observations and examples from other states. He praised Idaho’s application, urged the committee to keep the focus on patient-centered rural access, and highlighted ideas such as community health workers, remote patient monitoring, rural training pipelines, value-based care networks, and telehealth models that reduce staffing needs and improve sustainability. He also cautioned against relying on social determinants of health funding, noted the importance of rural training and partnerships, and praised Idaho’s 3.5% tribal set-aside. The committee ended by agreeing to set up a shared information hub with LSO, to expect follow-up materials and possible solicitation drafts soon, and to tentatively plan its next meeting around CMS’s Idaho visit on May 28.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is what you're getting paid, depending on what your contract is.
• We evaluate PBM contracts.
• They do bring something to the table because they contract the rates that they're going to reimburse.
• So instead of paying retail price, it's a contracted rate that they'll reimburse the pharmacist.
• He says that he does not want to ban value-based contracting.

Committee: House Insurance

Summary: The House Insurance Committee met on April 1 with a quorum present and first took up House Bill 938 by Rep. Turner, which would overhaul pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) regulation by setting a flat administration fee, requiring dispensing fees and NADAC-based reimbursement, mandating rebate pass-through, giving the Department of Insurance access to PBM data, and creating a reverse-auction process for PBM procurement. Turner said the bill is intended to level the playing field for independent pharmacies, improve transparency, and reduce hidden PBM practices. The committee adopted amendment set 1444 without objection, and Turner said additional conceptual amendments were still being worked on. Supporters included independent pharmacies and the PBM Accountability Project; opponents included union plan representatives, benefits consultants, and PBM/insurance industry witnesses who warned of higher costs, ERISA preemption problems, and likely litigation. After extended questioning on cost, preemption, and vertical integration, the committee reported HB 938 with amendments. The committee then considered House Bill 870, also by Rep. Turner, dealing with formulary placement and cost-sharing for generic drugs and biosimilars and limiting certain utilization management practices. Amendment set 1540 was adopted, revising and tightening technical definitions. Turner and a representative of the Association for Accessible Medicines argued the bill would help lower-cost generics and biosimilars gain market share and reduce patient costs, citing examples such as insulin and Humira biosimilars. Opponents from Louisiana Blue said the bill would force coverage based on wholesale acquisition cost rather than net cost, would raise premiums for fully insured members, and would mandate coverage of drugs that are not always the lowest net-cost option. Rep. Jordan again raised ERISA and preemption concerns, and committee members discussed whether the bill would interfere with tiering and plan design. After closing comments and a motion by Rep. Glorioso, HB 870 was reported with amendments, and the committee adjourned.