Transcript Highlights:

• It provides that a health care professional disclose the use of any recording device, software, or service
• by Medicaid managed care plans.
• service providers.
• The vast majority of that money goes out to the organizations that are providing the direct services.
• We are a group of homeless service providers, continuums of care, and persons with lived expertise in

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Summary: The committee first heard HB 1076, which would repeal the sunset date for the Louisiana Behavior Analyst Board. The bill was presented as a simple continuation measure, and Rep. Stagney moved to report it favorably; the motion passed without objection. The committee then took up HB 475 on artificial intelligence in health care. The author explained that the bill was intended to require disclosure when AI or recording software is used to transcribe patient encounters, and an amendment changed the proposal from patient consent/opt-out to disclosure only. The amendment was adopted, and HB 475 was reported favorably with amendments. HB 740, dealing with Medicaid managed care, was amended with technical changes and then presented as a way to let providers in the coordinated system of care appeal claim denials through the same independent review process used by Medicaid managed care plans. The Louisiana Hospital Association supported the bill, and it was reported favorably with amendments. HB 926, which would have barred public facilities from restricting access based on vaccination status and related medical decisions, drew testimony from supporters who framed it as a medical autonomy and informed-consent measure. After questions about public versus private facilities and whether the bill could affect hospitals or disease-based restrictions, Rep. Cruz moved to voluntarily defer the bill, and it was deferred without objection. The committee then considered HB 457 on housing standards for organizations serving people experiencing homelessness. The author said the bill was prompted by concerns about unsafe and unsanitary group homes and would direct LDH and the Fire Marshal to establish minimum standards for safety, sanitation, privacy, and habitability. Supporters said the bill would protect vulnerable residents, while opponents, including Oxford House and the Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center, warned it could conflict with federal fair housing protections and impose burdens that could reduce recovery housing and other services. After extensive debate, the bill was reported favorably with amendments by a recorded vote. Finally, HB 616, which would give the legislative auditor oversight of publicly funded homeless service providers, was heard with testimony from homeless service organizations that argued the bill was duplicative, costly, and could expose sensitive HMIS data; the bill remained under discussion at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Care clinics.
• home care clinics.
• That's not trauma-informed care.
• services.
• service cost.

Committee: House House Health & Human Services

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Care Services.
• gender-affirming care services.
• , medical care, mental health care, surgeries, and related ancillary services.
• They're providing services beyond gender-affirming care.
• services, 1,000 of whom are receiving gender-affirming care.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• are able to provide that care.
• So I was able to provide that care.
• Um I think some of my services.
• take care of them, and particularly to take care of our veterans in the veterans homes.
• </c><00:39:38.560><c> of</c><00:39:38.720><c> our</c> care or we haven't taken care of our care or we

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 4007, a bill to be entitled an act relating to compensation for health care services for inmates
• House Bill 40-07, a bill to be entitled in act relating to compensation for health care services for
• House Bill 40-07, a bill to be entitled in act relating to compensation for health care services for
• , or services by a health care facility based solely on the patient's vaccination status.
• Senator Smith: Perhaps want to go ahead and get services through managed care.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including interns, Denim Day awareness, and a resolution honoring Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange. Senators also paid tribute to former Senator Karen Johnson Gendron with a moment of silence. The chamber then moved to special-order bills after routine announcements that no committee reports, governor’s messages, or House messages were on the desk. The first major bill, SB 138/HB 687 on transportation offenses involving death, increased penalties for repeat DUI/BUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide offenses and added warnings and misdemeanor penalties for refusing lawful breath or urine tests. After a brief amendment and questions about attorney rights and prior impairing-substance language, the bill passed 37-0. SB 306 on Medicaid providers followed, requiring broader provider access, including after-hours availability and more primary care access for Medicaid enrollees; it also passed 37-0. The chamber then took up the major condominium reform bill, SB 1742/HB 913, addressing post-Surfside safety, reserve funding, milestone inspections, budgeting, reserve flexibility, manager regulation, conflicts of interest, and condo sale rescission periods. Senators from both parties praised the sponsors for extensive stakeholder work and the bill passed 37-0 after multiple amendments. The final major item was SB 7016/HB 1205 on constitutional amendments and petition-gathering rules, with sponsors arguing the bill was needed to combat fraud in the 2024 petition process and opponents warning it would burden citizen initiatives. The Senate adopted the House bill and then considered numerous amendments on petition circulator rules, submission deadlines, invalid-signature thresholds, voter notification, and related enforcement provisions; several amendments were adopted, and the substitute was later withdrawn, leaving the chamber to continue on the underlying bill and remaining amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• and powerful commandment in the Torah: to treat the widow and the orphan with patience, love, and care
• And it's very well known that in our health care system, frequently individuals who are taking care of
• And it's very well known that in our health care system, frequently individuals who are taking care of
• This prevents a person from being a qualified elder care coordinator.
• Senate Bill 706, it preempts the naming of major commercial service airports to the state.

Summary: The Senate convened with an opening prayer, pledge, and a series of introductions recognizing guests, visiting groups, and special honorees in the galleries. The chamber then took up committee and executive appointment business, adopting a report confirming 42 gubernatorial appointments by a vote of 36-0. The Senate next considered a long special-order calendar of bills, most of them passing with little or no opposition. Measures included public-records sunset reviews and trade secret/cybersecurity exemptions; a child-abuse reporting statute of limitations bill; commercial driving school oversight; human trafficking training for nurses; a new injunction for protection against serious violence and its related public-records exemption; nature-based coastal resiliency and mangrove protection; a chiropractic trust-funds cap repeal; specialty license plates; a waiver of late financial disclosure fines; public school personnel compensation; the Florida Farm Bill with multiple agriculture, biosolids, and enforcement provisions; homestead exemption clarification for long-term leases; disability presumption clarifications for first responders; reinsurance intermediary manager conformity; patriotic displays in public schools; ADS-B aviation fee restrictions; autism-related law enforcement training and the Blue Envelope program; campus safety reporting procedures for public postsecondary institutions; and veterinary prescription disclosure. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including local vessel restrictions, temporary critical-need practice certificates, and domestic animals. The floor debate featured the most discussion on the farm bill, the HCSM/nonprofit religious organizations bill, the autism law-enforcement bill, and the school athletics bill. The HCSM bill drew extended debate over whether licensed insurance agents should be allowed to market faith-based health care sharing ministries, with supporters emphasizing consumer choice, free speech, and religious liberty, and opponents warning about unregulated products and commissions; it passed 32-5. The athletics bill, prompted by the Teddy Bridgewater/Miami Northwestern situation, would let coaches provide good-faith support to student-athletes while requiring reporting and FHSAA oversight; it passed 38-0. Most other measures passed overwhelmingly, including the autism bill 38-0, the campus safety bill 37-0, the public school patriotic displays bill 36-2, and the farm bill 38-0 after amendments addressing Everglades lands and biosolids timing were adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• One particular direction.
• It’s also our investments in the community, be it service to not-for-profit, service to research, service
• They don't care about you, and they sure don't care about me.
• This cut has a direct, immediate, and measurable impact on life-saving services for victims of domestic
• Our shelter is already lean: just 10 full-time staff cover all direct services for a facility that operates

Summary: The committee first heard the Office of State Treasurer’s FY27 budget presentation from Treasurer Vivek Malik. He highlighted record investment earnings, growth in MOBUCK$ linked deposits, record unclaimed property returns, expansion of the MOST 529 plan, and changes to the MoABLE disability savings program. Members then focused heavily on two budget requests: $750,000 for the Show Me My Retirement Savings program and additional spending authority for the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (MOST Scholars) program, along with a staffing request for compliance and communications positions. Much of the discussion centered on MOST Scholars’ rapid growth, how applications are prioritized, whether income is reverified, how funds flow through educational assistance organizations, and concerns about marketing, geographic distribution, and the use of public dollars for private schools. The treasurer also answered questions about the 529 plan, the pending lawsuit over the ESA general-revenue transfer, and whether funds should be swept back to general revenue when unused. Several members raised policy objections to MOST Scholars, including concerns about discrimination by participating private schools, the lack of annual income requalification, and whether the program shifts money away from public education. Other members defended the program as a parent-driven choice option and asked about expanding access, improving outreach, and ensuring the program is fully funded. The treasurer said the office was following the statute as written, that the program’s demand could exceed available resources, and that the office would continue to seek more funding and better outreach. The committee then concluded the treasurer’s budget hearing. The committee next began the FY27 budget hearing for the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. Commissioner Bennett Boggs introduced the department’s leadership team and gave a brief overview of the department’s role in aligning postsecondary education with workforce needs through its coordinating board and strategic planning. The hearing had just started when the transcript ended, and no votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Policy Analyst with the Legislative Services Office.
• Typically, these are the giant lighted boards that you see directing traffic.
• You know, the general fund helps take care of animal care complaints and certain types of inspections
• I'm a budget analyst with the Legislative Services Office.
• And, you know, we're also very careful, as you know, a higher markup.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee heard presentations on the Idaho State Department of Agriculture and the State Liquor Division. For Agriculture, legislative staff reviewed the agency’s structure, staffing, dedicated funds, and FY 2026–2027 budget requests, including pay adjustments, replacement items, IT hardware, a reappropriation for the Resilient Food Systems Grant, and two major one-time requests: a deficiency warrant for exotic pest response and a supplemental appropriation for quagga mussel treatment. Director Chanel Tewalt emphasized the history and urgency of Idaho’s invasive species program, described the state’s rapid response to quagga mussels, and explained how the program uses inspections, stations, chemicals, and other tools to reduce risk. Members asked about grant timing, vehicle replacement, signage costs, research into alternative treatments, chemical costs, possible use of sturgeon, and whether budget cuts would affect inspection stations; the director said some station openings or hours could be delayed or reduced, but priority would be given to border crossings and higher-risk locations. The committee then reviewed the State Liquor Division budget. Staff outlined the division’s dedicated-fund operations, personnel levels, statutory distributions, and FY 2027 requests for inflation, replacement items, and IT/security equipment, all recommended by the governor. Director Andrew Arulenandum said his priorities were safety, legal exposure, and operational continuity, citing a store shelving collapse and warehouse safety needs as reasons for some requests. Members asked about a policy proposal to restrict bulk lottery ticket purchases by out-of-state syndicates, the division’s pricing and markup structure, and whether Idaho might move away from a state-run liquor model. The director and his staff said the lottery restriction would not have a fiscal impact, that the markup is standardized, and that while the division remains open to efficiency ideas, the current control-state structure is intended to support revenue and temperance. The meeting ended with notice that the committee would return the next day to take action on FY 2027 maintenance budgets.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because to provide care, just like if I take care of patients, I mean, other services that I no longer
• And at the end of the day, our job is to try and provide the best health care services for our members
• And at the end of the day, our job is to try and provide the best health care services for our members
• We look at all this legislation. and ultimately The best health care services for our members out there
• But at the end of the day, they didn't care about my dad. They did not care about his care.

Committee: House Health and Mental Health

Summary: The committee first took testimony on House Bill 1681, which would require health carriers and pharmacy benefit managers to count amounts paid by or on behalf of an enrollee for certain medications toward out-of-pocket maximums when no generic substitute is available. The sponsor described the bill as helping patients with serious illnesses afford needed drugs. The committee then adopted a substitute that rolled HB 1681 together with House Bills 1941 and 2279, including an ERISA-related labor exemption, and passed the combined committee substitute by a vote of 15-2. The committee next heard House Bill 2365, which was also combined with related bills through a substitute that changed terminology to “delivery systems.” That substitute was adopted by voice vote, and the House Committee substitute for House Bills 2365, 2490, and 2249 was then approved unanimously, 18-0. After that, the committee heard House Bill 2149, the dementia care coordinator bill. The sponsor and supporters from the Alzheimer’s Association and family caregivers argued the state needs a central point person to coordinate resources, improve early detection, support caregivers, and connect rural residents to services. Members raised concerns about the fiscal note, whether the work duplicates existing Area Agencies on Aging and Alzheimer’s Association services, and whether two FTEs would be effective statewide. No vote was taken on HB 2149 during the portion provided. The committee also heard House Bill 2309, which would prohibit Missouri insurance coverage for organ transplants or related services involving organs taken from prisoners of conscience in China. The sponsor and supporters framed the bill as a human-rights measure aimed at condemning organ harvesting and abuse of Falun Gong practitioners and other prisoners of conscience. Members asked whether there was documentation of such transplants in Missouri and whether federal oversight exists; the sponsor said there is no reporting mechanism and no known opposition. No action was taken on the bill in the excerpt. Finally, the committee began testimony on House Bills 1975 and 1850, pharmacy benefit manager reform bills. The sponsors said the measures are intended to protect local pharmacies, improve transparency, limit harmful audit practices, and create a critical access pharmacy program. Supporters, including a pharmacy business group, argued PBM practices drive up drug costs and close pharmacies. Opponents, including a carpenters’ health plan representative, warned the bills could increase costs for self-funded plans, limit network and mail-order arrangements, and shift more administrative burden onto plan sponsors. The hearing continued with questions and testimony, but no final vote is shown in the provided transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• . services. services.
• of those services."
• What about those services?" those roads? What about those services?"
• I think we need to be very careful going in that direction. But as for this amendment...
• . services. services.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill directs the Pharmacy Board to develop a statewide written protocol regarding the independent
• Madam Whip, members, as passed by the House of Representatives, House Bill 2203 directs ADE to review
• Whip, members, as passed by the House, House Bill 2176 modifies DHS criteria for denying a health care
• This is important for access to care, staffing, and keeping services open with limited staff and availability
• This is important for access to care, staffing, and keeping services open with limited staff and availability

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The meeting was a Republican caucus review of several Senate and House bills, with staff summarizing committee amendments and members indicating whether sponsors concurred with Senate changes. Topics included electronic monitoring in residential rooms (SB 1041), dental school complaint forwarding and licensure exemptions (SB 1168), revitalization district contracts (SB 1189), timeshare salesperson licensing (SB 1274), veterinary telehealth prescribing (SB 1286), insurance zero-estimated-exposure policies (SB 1428), advanced air mobility funds for border security (SB 1457), death benefits for law enforcement pilots (SB 1503), ATV definitions (SB 1519), pet and fowl restrictions in planned communities (SB 1582), and pharmacist independent testing/treatment authority (SB 1713). The caucus also reviewed education-related measures on school district self-insurance procurement (SB 1497) and a strike-everything amendment to SB 1118 that instead allowed duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and townhomes in historic areas if compatible with surrounding character. The group then considered several blue-sheet House bills. HB 2120 made technical changes to align property-tax disability language with updated statute; the sponsor concurred. HB 2174 changed terminology from advisory organization to modeling and data organization and required model filing; the sponsor concurred. HB 2203 directed ADE to review statutory reporting requirements and report recommendations to the legislature; the sponsor concurred. HB 2383’s Senate amendment simply designated a 2014 trampoline court law as “TIE’s law,” with the sponsor concurring. HB 2877 was amended into an alternative education pathway for certified veterinary technicians, and HB 2875 adjusted municipal and county drone restrictions near airports, expanding the relevant airport buffer and preserving some local authority. Additional bills discussed included HB 2428 on voluntary county emissions-reduction credit permits, HB 2176 on DHS health care institution complaint investigations, and HB 2050 on radiologic technology standards and radiologist assistant supervision. Members discussed that HB 2050’s Senate changes narrowed some supervision provisions to rural counties and critical access hospitals, prompting questions about the scope. Finally, HB 2010 on digital goods refunds was amended to shorten the refund window from 10 years to five years, but a sponsor said the amendment contained a drafting error and refused concurrence, meaning a conference committee would be needed. The caucus then concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• We believe in expanded health savings accounts that you can use for direct primary care to go to a doctor
• We believe in expanded health savings accounts that you can use for direct primary care to go to a doctor
• : the insurance premiums that they want to pay, the direct primary care, long-term care, and wellness
• <c> care,</c><03:20:30.479><c> and</c> direct primary care, long-term care, and direct primary care,
• primary care. all sorts of plans direct primary care. all sorts of plans out<03:25:11.279><c> there<

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, December 12, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• system... ...access to treatment services for a comprehensive system of care.
• They help confirm that services are delivered as intended and that financial services meet the standards
• And also the new system that we're be ramping up, we were careful to make sure we mapped our services
• We were careful to make sure we mapped our services, that the services covered by Medicaid, how they've
• coded those services.

Summary: The subcommittee heard two Department of Children and Families implementation updates on measures passed in prior sessions. First, DCF reviewed House Bill 633, which increased oversight of behavioral health managing entities through biennial independent audits, standardized claims-based reporting, and new monthly outcome dashboards. The department said it had awarded the inaugural audit to Ernst & Young, found no significant waste, fraud, or abuse, but identified process risks involving financial controls, claims validation, data access, and system access controls. DCF also described its transition to standardized behavioral health coding and said the new public dashboard of 11 measures is posted on its website, though members asked for easier access and for hard copies of the audit report. Members asked about how the department distinguishes Medicaid-covered services from department-funded services, how duplicate payment risks are being addressed, and whether the new reporting and audit requirements would improve oversight without disrupting services. DCF said it is the payer of last resort for uninsured or underinsured individuals, that some overlap with Medicaid is expected because Medicaid does not cover all behavioral health services, and that new claims edits and cross-checks are being built into the system. The department also said it had not found significant negative feedback from providers and that the new requirements are intended to improve transparency and accountability. DCF then updated the committee on Senate Bill 7012, covering human trafficking data collection, domestic violence center certification, limited background-screening exemptions, expanded recruitment for child welfare staff, subcontractor liability protections, a four-year treatment foster care pilot, case management efficiency recommendations, and a statewide study of residential bed capacity for child victims of commercial sexual exploitation. The department said several items are already complete or underway, including limited exemptions in the screening clearinghouse, while others are in procurement or rulemaking. It identified Circuits 4 and 12 as the treatment foster care pilot sites and said the pilot will launch in January 2026. Members questioned recruitment metrics, pilot timing, and report deadlines; the department said final reports are expected by January and that some dates were flexible because of procurement and implementation timelines. The meeting ended after the presentations and questions, and the subcommittee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• , the universal child care?
• , the universal child care?
• , and to educate and care for and deliver very important services to New Mexico families.
• , quality care.
• Chair. a state care. Mr.

Summary: The committee heard first from LFC staff on a brief about New Mexico’s universal child care expansion. Staff said child care assistance has clear benefits for parents and families, but LFC has not found evidence in New Mexico that it improves children’s educational outcomes; they argued pre-K is the better tool for that goal. The brief highlighted four concerns with universal access: an estimated annual cost of about $849.7 million, a sharp decline in registered homes, possible crowding out of lower-income families, and reduced access for children under age two. Staff also suggested possible mitigations such as prioritizing slots for low-income and at-risk families, reinstating sliding-scale co-pays, and tying quality improvements to workforce wages. Members raised questions about the cost estimate, funding sources, provider quality, and whether the data showed actual crowding out. Several lawmakers expressed support for child care generally but concern about the fiscal impact and whether universal access would divert resources from the families most in need. Others emphasized the importance of child care for workforce participation, rural communities, and family stability, and questioned how registered homes are counted and regulated. LFC staff clarified that the cost estimate was for child care assistance only, not the entire ECECD budget, and that the data showed declines in the share of lowest-income children and infants/toddlers served, though not causation. The ECECD secretary then presented the department’s response, saying universal child care is intended to complete a cradle-to-career system and that the department has already seen strong uptake, increased capacity, and rising workforce participation. She said 6,206 families were found eligible in the first month, the share of infants and toddlers served rose, and new provider applications and licensed slots increased after the November rollout. The department also emphasized wage increases, quality improvements, and a new wage scale/career lattice, while projecting a lower near-term cost than LFC’s estimate and requesting additional funding for child care, early pre-K, home visiting, workforce systems, and capacity-building. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided; the discussion was informational and focused on questions and testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• as protective services, victim services, foster care and adoptions, foster workforce development and
• services. ...and adoptions, foster workforce development and training, continuum of care, Medicaid,
• essential health services and screenings to thousands of patients.
• Regina Sells Arnold, as the Literacy Services and Adult Education Coordinator, directs all activities
• Captain Alyssa Brostrom leads investigative services. Thank you.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call and prayer, then moved through routine procedural business. A motion to suspend the rules for AJR 28, urging Congress to pass the Department of Homeland Security funding bill, failed on a 43-16 vote. The body then proceeded to the daily file and third reading file, with several items passed, retained, or continued. The main floor action centered on House Resolution 81 recognizing Women’s History Month. Assembly Member Aguiar-Curry opened on the resolution, and members from several caucuses spoke in support, highlighting the contributions of women in California history and current public life, as well as ongoing issues such as violence, discrimination, wage gaps, and representation. The resolution was opened for coauthors, received 74 coauthors, and was adopted by voice vote. The Assembly also held a lengthy Women of the Year ceremony, recognizing honorees from across the state for community service, advocacy, education, health care, public safety, housing, labor, and civic leadership. Later, the Assembly took up ACR 153 designating March as Irish Heritage Month. Members spoke about Irish American history, immigration, labor, public service, and California’s ties to Ireland. The resolution received 70 coauthors and was adopted by voice vote. The chamber then approved consent calendar items, including AB 1597 and AB 1549, both by 69-0 votes. The Assembly announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until Thursday, March 19 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we have a large amount of our staff provides direct care.
• , um, providing pre-screening services.
• care positions.
• care positions.
• The task force also directed our office to work on an RFI announced by The task force also directed our

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first reviewed the Department of Juvenile Corrections budget. Legislative Services analyst Noah Peterson outlined the agency’s funding sources, staffing, recent expenditure patterns, and several FY 2026 and FY 2027 budget requests, including substance use disorder treatment, youth assessment center funding, replacement items, IT upgrades, and a clinician services transfer from the Department of Health and Welfare. Members asked about the governor’s holdback, public works projects, vehicle replacements, and staffing. Director Ashley Dowell said the department’s census has declined due to strong county partnerships, prevention and diversion efforts, and youth assessment centers, and she explained that a staffing analysis found the agency understaffed by 12 positions, with six vacancies converted to direct care roles. She also described the holdback impacts as coming from contract reductions, internal efficiencies, travel and training cuts, and substance use disorder funding adjustments. The committee adjourned after the department discussion. The committee then reviewed the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources budget. Peterson described the office’s mostly federal funding, small staff, dedicated funds, prior energy resilience appropriations, and FY 2027 requests for personnel realignment, Idaho Orchestrating Nuclear (ION) support, and home energy rebates. Administrator Callie Younger said the office is focused on energy resilience, permitting coordination, hydropower relicensing, geothermal and mining projects, and a growing nuclear policy portfolio. She highlighted the new nuclear task force, the office’s request for information to industry, and work on a federal request related to a nuclear lifecycle campus. Members asked about nuclear development, spent fuel, modular reactors, permitting efficiency, and whether the office might merge with the Office of Species Conservation. Younger said the office is exploring a merger because of overlapping permitting functions and could reduce positions and save some general funds, while also improving its ability to handle nuclear and mining work. The chair closed by noting the committee’s alignment with several governor’s office recommendations and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1630 modernizes Florida's aging and long-term care statutes, streamlines service delivery, and strengthens
• With regard to emergency authority and continuity of care, it authorizes DOEA to provide temporary direct
• This amendment extends the deadline for AHCA to adopt rules for memory care services license from June
• obtaining a memory care services license and directs AHCA to address requirements and rules for how
• memory care residents may choose to stay in an ALF without that ALF obtaining a memory care services

Committee: Senate Fiscal Policy

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hospitals are treated very differently than the rest of health care services, and prior to how House
• Now we turn to other types of health care services.
• Services, nursing home care are still included in the base unless they're provided through a managed
• Health care services are taxable both here and in Hawaii, with some deductions, exemptions, and other
• So after all of these deductions, health care services have an effective tax rate of about 3.3 percent

Committee: House Revenue Stabilization & Tax Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• care.
• The first one is what we call resource navigators and OIDS direct care for the total all-in of $1.5 million
• And then we're asking for $750,000 in cash to use in direct care.
• So I guess let's start with your priorities as they're up here, the resource navigators and direct care
• And this request becomes a one-time request for direct care, and then we can go into the use of the money

Summary: The Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety and Judiciary heard presentations from several agencies. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reported full National Association of Medical Examiners accreditation, major improvements in turnaround times, staffing growth to 18 forensic pathologists, and expanded rural coverage, but warned that a flat budget would leave it short of funds by August. The agency requested $4.5 million in recurring funding for professional staff and operations, citing rising supply, transport, IT, and facility costs, and said failure to fund the request would cause a catastrophic collapse. Members asked about cremation fees, other revenue sources, and the consequences of not funding the request; the chair said the recommendation would be forwarded but not necessarily adopted. The Council on Judicial Complaints said complaints against judges have roughly doubled since 2018, with most complaints involving dissatisfaction with judicial rulings rather than misconduct. The council emphasized its goal of responding within 90 days, its new judges college to prevent ethics problems, and the cost of removal proceedings. It requested an additional $125,000 on top of its current $300,000 appropriation to cover rising operating costs, a lease increase, judicial college expenses, and salary adjustments. Senators asked about case prioritization, turnover, staffing, and whether a specific courtroom incident could be investigated; the director said it would be an appropriate complaint to review. The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System described heavy caseloads in rural counties, a mix of satellite offices and county contracts, and a need to reduce attorney workloads, especially in Norman and Lawton. It requested funding for six resource navigators, a project manager, direct-care support, eight additional attorneys, internal training, and continued county contract funding, while also discussing possible diversion programs and grant opportunities. The Department of Corrections requested increases for county jail backup per diem and ICON maintenance, highlighted contraband interdiction, centralized visitation, mobile check-ins, and tablet-based efficiencies, and discussed an ICE detention contract at Watonga that brings in monthly revenue and jobs but is not counted in the budget request. The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs presented a revised legacy-fund request tied to purchasing and remodeling a building shared with OSBI, saying the new plan would cost about $25 million total and save money compared with new construction; it also noted declining wire-transfer revenue tied to fewer grow operations and other enforcement changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• You can't contradict his direct testimony, his direct evidence ... ...You're not allowed to do that.
• You can't contradict his direct testimony, his direct evidence, with Ms.
• I was in foster care, and I was in foster care and was in jail, in juvenile detention, jail, prison.
• And that’s why I have a service dog, who is, I think, the first legislative service dog as well.
• And I'm directing everyone.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The hearing resumed on day two of the Legislative Ethics Board fact-finding matter involving Representative Tara Simmons. After opening remarks and confirmation that board members had not engaged in outside research or ex parte communications, Simmons’s counsel moved to dismiss two allegations at the close of the board staff’s case: that Simmons pressured the Administrative Office of the Courts to alter a contract in favor of her employer, and that she improperly combined a legislative proviso for AEJG with a personal donation to the organization. Board staff opposed the motion, arguing the evidence showed Simmons’s legislative and private conduct were intertwined and that the board had enough evidence to require a defense. After deliberation, the board denied the motion to dismiss and proceeded to hear defense testimony. The first defense witness, Sharon Navas, testified that she met Simmons through advocacy work, later hired her at the Equity and Education Coalition (EEC), and maintained written employment policies intended to separate Simmons’s legislative role from her work for EEC. Navas said Simmons was never compensated for lobbying or legislative acts, that EEC paid her from unrestricted funds, and that Simmons did not work on the AEJG dashboard project or participate in the contract dispute with Anthony Powers and Chris Stanley. Navas described the proviso request and later contract issues as separate from Simmons’s legislative duties, and said she continued to pay invoices while the project was being completed. Simmons then testified about her background, legislative career, disability accommodations, and extensive efforts to seek ethics advice before taking outside employment or pursuing provisos. She said she repeatedly consulted House ethics counsel and reviewed prior board decisions to ensure her outside work and legislative actions were separated. Simmons described her relationship with Anthony Powers, the dashboard project, the proviso process, and her understanding that the work was distinct from her legislative role. The hearing paused for lunch after part of Simmons’s direct examination, with testimony set to continue after the break.