Video & Transcript Research : 'testimonies'
Page 270 of 500
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 29, 2026 - 12:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- All right, seeing none, we are in public testimony.
- All right, members, that is all of our public testimony. We are now in debate.
- Seeing none, we are in public testimony.
Summary:
The Transportation and Economic Development Budget Subcommittee met with a quorum and heard two member bills. The first, CS for HB 243 on electric bicycles, was presented as a safety and data-collection measure prompted by fatalities and serious injuries involving e-bikes and similar devices. The sponsor said the bill would create a task force, require law enforcement crash data collection, and focus on education and enforcement rather than licensing changes. Testimony in support came from law enforcement, AARP, and local officials, who said statewide data is inconsistent and current classifications do not reflect the speed and use of newer devices. Members discussed the need for better reporting and bike safety, and the bill passed favorably by roll call vote.
The committee then took up CS for HB 679, which would modernize Florida’s trademark registration system by aligning it more closely with federal standards, requiring clearer identification of goods and services, proof of use in commerce, and allowing streamlined online filing and renewal. The only public testimony was a supportive appearance from the Florida Bar’s business law section. There were no questions or debate, and the bill also passed favorably by roll call vote. The meeting then adjourned.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 18, 2025 - 03:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Is there any public testimony? So, let's see. Is Judge Roberts here? Yes. Thank you. Yes.
- Any public testimony? I'm looking, I'm looking. Waived in opposition.
- I think that's all the public testimony. Is there any debate? Oops. Oh, sorry.
Summary:
The Justice Budget Subcommittee met with a quorum present and considered two bills. First, the committee heard HB 813 by Rep. Tuck, the state courts’ legislative package, which would require each multi-judge circuit to designate a duty judge for weekends and holidays, repeal the cap on arbitrator compensation in court-ordered non-binding arbitration, and allow an alternative notarization option by a judge. Testimony was waived in support by court-related witnesses, there were no amendments or debate, and the bill passed 14-0.
The committee then took up CS for HB 57 by Rep. Plakon, addressing xylazine. The bill adds xylazine to the same statute as fentanyl when packaged to resemble food or marked with cartoon characters, creates a new trafficking offense, and exempts veterinary use. Discussion focused on the bill’s mandatory minimum penalty and its potential fiscal impact on prison beds; Rep. Rainer raised concerns about minimum mandatories and deterrence, while Rep. Daniels said she would support the bill while continuing to work on amendments. Public testimony was waived in support by the Florida Sheriffs Association, the City of Coconut Creek, and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. The bill passed 13-1 without amendment.
After completing the agenda, the chair noted the meeting had been unusually brief and adjourned the subcommittee.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (04/22/2026)
Executive Departments and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- In the interest of time, I'll try to keep my testimony extremely brief.
- Seeing no further questions, thank you very much for your testimony.
- <01:22:22.719>
uh support the commissioner's testimony uh support the commissioner's testimony - I think it solves a real problem that we heard in testimony.
- I think it solves a real problem that we heard in testimony.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (01/16/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Lyn Stanley Thank you, Madam Chair, and members of the committee, for hearing my testimony today.
- Thank you for hearing my testimony, and I'm very happy to answer any questions that you might have.
- Sure, it's T-H-U-N-B-R-G, and you should have received a copy of my testimony as well. Thank you.
- <04:05:45.080>
as a copy of my testimony as a copy of my testimony as well<04:05:47.359>- are not providing testimony, you don't actively ask questions.
Summary:
The meeting was an orientation-style overview from the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), led by Executive Director Deana Jurus and staff. They described the office’s mission to protect public health, safety, welfare, the environment, and the public trust, and outlined the agency structure: enforcement, licensing and board administration, operations, legal counsel, board counsel, and the hearings bureau. OPLC said it currently supports 57 boards, including seven advisory boards, and has about 104 filled positions out of 120 authorized. They also noted new voluntary certifications for doulas, lactation consultants, and community health workers that are in rulemaking.
A substantial portion of the discussion focused on how boards and staff divide responsibilities under RSA 310:4. Staff explained that the office handles application processing, complaint intake and initial review, records retention, 91-A requests, and rule drafting, while boards make final decisions on licensure criteria, complaint dismissals or investigations, disciplinary actions, and some hearing matters. They also described the rule structure by chapter number ranges and the distinction between full licensing boards and advisory boards. The committee asked about complaint notifications, and OPLC said it is tightening policies so complainants are told whether a matter is closed or moving forward.
The licensing process was discussed in detail, especially for nursing. Bethany Katrell explained that applicants apply through an online portal, may receive approval to sit for exams, can work under provisional authority in some cases, and then receive full licensure after exam results and criminal background checks are complete. OPLC said the portal now reduces back-and-forth paperwork and that, as of the latest biweekly report, 87% of applications were decided within the statutory 90-day period and 57% within 14 days. Members also raised questions about why some professions require board approval before taking an exam, and OPLC said that requirement varies by statute or board rule. No votes or formal actions were taken during the discussion.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Rep. Heather Keeler departing member remarks 5/18/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Make sure you keep that remote testimony. Because that matters. It matters that our voice is heard.
- Make sure you keep that remote<00:15:24.040>
testimony. remote testimony. remote testimony.
Summary:
Representative Keeler delivered an emotional farewell speech reflecting on her six years in the House, describing her experience as part of the “Corona Class,” her first day in the chamber, and the challenges of campaigning and governing during the pandemic and after George Floyd’s murder. She emphasized that she came to the Legislature as a mom and community member committed to doing good, and said her work focused on representation, Indigenous visibility, mental health, homelessness, and helping families and children who lacked stable housing or support.
She thanked colleagues, staff, and allies for their support, especially Chair Gomez, Melissa, her legislative staff, and others who helped advance work such as the Pathway Home Act and efforts to prevent homelessness. She also spoke about the importance of allyship, tribal-state relations, and the need for more Indigenous and queer voices in public office, saying Minnesota is better because of their presence and urging others to make room for more diverse leadership.
Keeler closed with advice to colleagues and future legislators to care for themselves, find common ground across party lines, keep greater Minnesota and remote testimony in mind, and continue working together. The speech ended with thanks to her family, including her children, and a statement that it was time to rest, followed by applause.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I will now turn over to my testifier, Kathy Meserly, for testimony in support of the bill. >> Wonderful
- Please state your name for the record and give us your testimony. Advisory Council.
- Is there any other questions or comments from the audience or testimonies?
- welcomed the witness to the committee and asked them to state their name for the record and give testimony
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 4, 2026 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Is there public testimony on the amendment? We are in debate on the amendment.
- Thank you so much. >> Chair: That concludes public testimony. Members, we are in debate.
- We are in public testimony on the bill. We have appearance forms leading in support.
- That concludes public testimony. Members, we are in debate.
Summary:
The Pre-K-12 Budget Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered three bills. HB 157, School Teacher Training and Mentoring Program, would create a Department of Education program allowing school districts and charter schools to place current or retired high-performing teachers in D- or F-rated schools as mentors, with a proposed $3,000 stipend per mentor per mentee. Members questioned the funding source and contract-time implications; the sponsor said the program would use previously decategorized education funds and that mentoring could be done within existing planning, before-school, after-school, or weekend time. An amendment clarifying that the bill would use a contract template rather than a DOE contract was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably.
The committee then heard CS/HB 859, Exceptional Students and Video Cameras in Public Schools, which would require school boards to adopt policies for video cameras in self-contained ESE classrooms upon a parent request, with redaction of other students from footage. Public testimony strongly supported the bill, including emotional accounts from a parent of a nonverbal adult with autism who described past abuse in a classroom and from the Autism Society of Florida, which argued cameras are a necessary safety measure for vulnerable students and noted other states already allow or require them. Members emphasized student safety and the need to fund the policy, and the bill was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee considered HB 561, Educator Certification, which aims to reduce barriers for experienced educators returning to the classroom by expanding temporary certificate eligibility to those with expired Florida certificates, allowing prior subject-area exam results to count for reinstatement, and updating references related to educator professional learning support. The sponsor said the bill preserves standards while making reinstatement more efficient and less costly. There was broad support from members, who noted the value of retaining experienced teachers, and HB 561 was also reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Local Government. (2-3-26)
Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- If you can proceed with your testimony, please. >> Thank you, Chairman, and members of the committee.
- 00:09:24.640>
proceed <00:09:24.959>with <00:09:25.120>your <00:09:25.360>testimony - , If you can proceed with your testimony, If you can proceed with your testimony, please. please.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:07
Roll Call 00:00:18
HB 333 Discussion 00:02:49
HB 333 Vote 00:06:47
HB 432 Discussion 00:08:44
HB 432 Vote 00:12:13
Adjournment 00:13:54, 958, all
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Local Government met with a quorum present, heard introductions, and then considered two bills. House Bill 333, sponsored by Representative Pollock, would allow faith-based organizations to develop small-scale affordable housing projects of up to 24 units on property owned before January 1, 2026, and to operate modest homeless shelters, including cooling or warming centers, in commercial, business, or industrial zones if health and safety requirements are met. Pollock said the bill is intended to help address homelessness and housing affordability while preserving building, fire, health, and reporting standards. Representative Stalker supported the measure and asked about its effect on the tax base, and Representative Fleming asked a clarifying question about the bill number. The committee voted 16-0 to give HB 333 favorable expression.
The committee then took up House Bill 432, sponsored by Vice Chair Neighbors, which updates Kentucky local purchasing laws. A committee substitute was adopted first, then Neighbors explained that the bill clarifies when local public agencies may use non-competitive negotiations, such as in emergencies, with single-source providers, licensed professionals, perishable foods, replacement parts, and certain insurance products, while still requiring written justification. The bill also keeps the $40,000 advertised-bid threshold and adds clearer exceptions, including used vehicles or equipment purchased at no more than 75% of MSRP, to give local governments more flexibility and stretch taxpayer dollars. Representative Roarx explained the difference between the original bill and the substitute regarding how the 75% value is measured. The committee voted 17-0 to report HB 432 favorably as amended.
Before adjournment, the chair welcomed constituents in the audience and congratulated Representative Roarx on becoming ranking member. The meeting then adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 20, 2026 - 10:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing no questions, is there public testimony on House Bill 569? No public testimony.
- Seeing no questions, there is one public testimony: Dr. Samuel Carter. Waving in support. Okay.
- Seeing no further public testimony... On the bill, members, is there any debate?
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Higher Education Committee Jul 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Additionally, please note that while this hearing will not have phone testimony, we are accepting written
- testimony through the position letter portal on the committee's website at www.ahe-d.dot.ahe-d.dot.assembly.ca.gov
- Further, please note that the guidelines for bills in certain committees allow for testimony from two
- Stakeholder groups and entities that are neither in support nor in opposition will be allowed to give testimony
Summary:
The Assembly Higher Education Committee met in a special hearing and took up SB 638 by Senator Padilla, a workforce development bill aimed at creating a coordinating entity called the Middle Class Pipeline Project. The bill would streamline interagency education and workforce programs, improve career technical education and career pathways, and direct resources toward high-unemployment, low-income regions through changes to the CTE incentive grant program. Supporters, including the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities, the California Edge Coalition, National University, Long Beach City College, and United Ways of California, argued that California needs a statewide coordinating body to reduce silos, improve access to high-quality jobs, and better align education with labor market needs.
Committee members focused heavily on whether the proposed entity would duplicate existing bodies such as the California Workforce Development Board and other education/workforce agencies, and whether its broad duties could be carried out with the $1.5 million budget allocation. The author said the bill is intended to move an operational coordinating entity into broader tri-party negotiations with legislative leadership and the Governor, and that the final structure and staffing would depend on those talks. Some members supported the concept but raised concerns about scope, duplication, and whether the bill should be delayed or audited; one member opposed it as too broad and underfunded.
The committee ultimately voted to pass SB 638 to the Assembly Appropriations Committee on a courtesy vote. The roll call showed five ayes and three noes, with one member not voting, and the chair later allowed additional members to add on, including an additional aye from Assemblymember Haney. The hearing then adjourned with the chair noting that further conversations would continue on the coordinating entity and its responsibilities.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Apr 29th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Before we begin, I want to make sure that we make a statement about providing testimony at this hearing
- All witnesses will be testifying in person, and all testimony comments are Be testifying in person and
- all testimony comments are limited to the bill at hand.
- student in the welding program at the San Diego College of Continuing Education, to provide additional testimony
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs heard four bills after briefly opening as a subcommittee due to a lack of quorum. AB 571 by Assembly Member Quirk-Silva proposed a targeted CEQA exemption and urgency clause to help move forward the Southern California Veterans Cemetery at Gypsum Canyon in Anaheim. Supporters, including the Orange County Board of Supervisors, veterans organizations, and county veterans service officers, said the project has broad local backing, significant funding, and has been delayed for more than a decade; there was no opposition testimony. The committee later voted the bill out on a unanimous 8-0 vote to Appropriations.
AB 1412 by Assembly Member Jeff Gonzalez would require school districts to implement a transferring special education student’s IEP within 30 days of receiving records from out of state, coordinate with parents and prior schools, and accept unofficial records pending validation. The author and a Department of Defense witness said military-connected children with special needs often face harmful delays when families move, while the Association of California School Administrators registered opposition and said it was working with the author on clarifying concerns. The bill passed 8-0 to Appropriations.
AB 1433 by Assembly Member Sharp-Collins sought to expand eligibility for student support funding at non-credit centers and stand-alone community college institutions, especially those serving veterans and other non-traditional students. Support came from San Diego College of Continuing Education, Calbright College, the Department of Defense, and several students and staff who described non-credit programs as important pathways to jobs, certifications, and veteran transition support; there was no opposition. The committee approved the bill 8-0 to Appropriations. The consent item, AB 1346 by Assembly Member DeMaio, was also moved out on a unanimous vote.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate State and Local Government Apr 10th, 2025 at 02:30 pm
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Read back through the testimony of the sponsor of the bill, and... ...testimony of the sponsor of the
- The best I can get is from that testimony?
- Looking at the testimony, the Insurance Commissioner favored the bill, so we'd want to consider what
Summary:
The Senate State and Local Government Committee reconvened and reviewed the status of several bills. The chair said bill 1377 could not be acted on until the House finished work on campaign finance bill 2156, and bill 1535 likely would not be ready because of unresolved concerns from Representative Davis and planned meetings with Highway Patrol and BCI. The committee therefore focused on bill 1601, which dealt with when the Attorney General may refuse or revoke special assistant attorney general appointments for certain state offices and entities.
Members debated the policy and constitutional implications of the bill, including whether it was solving a real problem or creating a potential conflict, and whether statewide elected officials and independent bodies should have their own counsel. After testimony from the Chief Deputy Attorney General clarifying current law and the appropriations process, the committee amended the bill to add the Ethics Commission to the list of entities and to narrow the affected offices to the Governor, State Auditor, and Ethics Commission. The committee also changed one provision from “and” to “or” to clarify the standard for refusal or revocation.
The committee then approved the bill as amended on a 6-0 vote and designated Senator Braunberger as the carrier. The chair said the committee would not meet the next morning and would instead reconvene the following week at the call of the chair.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V Feb 26th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V
Transcript Highlights:
- Public testimony, we'll take public testimony, but we'll also open for at the end and I am testifying
- Thank you for your testimony. Members, questions? Representative Wu? I thought you had a question.
- I've heard in prior testimony already is, we don't have a window of how that's going to happen or how
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Funding (04/15/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:22:33.520>
on there is there any other testimony on there is there any other testimony - My name is to listen to my testimony.
- you're going to hear some testimony you're going to hear some testimony today<03:40:07.439>
um - I do want to bills and testimonies.
- So we've identified the problem. testimony that I will pass around testimony that I will pass around
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 292, which would authorize a governor’s warrant to cover special education aid shortfalls from the education trust fund, and from the general fund if needed, so local school districts would not have to absorb prorated costs or raise local property taxes. Senator Lang said the bill was prompted by a prior $15 million special education funding shortfall caused by higher-than-expected catastrophic aid claims, including more qualifying students and the recent increase in the special education age limit to 22. He emphasized that the bill is intended to ensure the state meets its funding commitment and avoid shifting costs to towns.
Members asked about how the bill interacts with House Bill 742 and House Bill 773, including whether the language should be merged or whether the state should fund 100% versus an 80% floor. Lang said he was open to improving the bill and to adding a study committee or performance audit on special education costs, but maintained that the state should not push costs to local taxpayers when it has available funds. The hearing on SB 292 was then closed, with no vote taken.
The committee then opened Senate Bill 98, which would extend for five more years a tax credit program for donations to regional career and technical education centers. Senator Waters said the program has been successful in building partnerships between CTE centers and employers, especially through equipment donations that support training and apprenticeships. He cited examples including automotive, marine trades, and advanced manufacturing programs, and said the five-year extension would let lawmakers continue to review whether the incentive is working as intended.
Several members questioned whether the credit is effectively a 100% subsidy and how the cap works. Waters and another member explained that the underlying program has an aggregate cap of $500,000 and that credits are prorated if requests exceed that amount; they also said the donations are primarily equipment, not cash. Some members raised concerns about whether businesses could also claim other tax deductions or credits, but the sponsor said the existing structure has been in place for years and has been revisited periodically. No vote was taken during the hearing excerpt provided.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Then we want to have public testimony.
- Then we want to have public testimony. Then we want to have public testimony.
be <00:21:26.760>a <00:21:26.800>little testimony is going to be a little testimony- the<00:48:28.160>
written <00:48:28.440>testimony reading some of the written testimony - testimony testimony uh<01:04:26.080>
folks, <01:04:26.400>then <01:04:26.520>we'll<
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee Apr 16th, 2026
Privacy and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll be limiting testimony: two minutes for witnesses in support and two minutes in opposition on each
- Another thing I distinctly noted between the testimony hearing is you noted, you discounted the testimony
- I was reconciling your testimony.
- We appreciate your testimony. Any other witnesses here in support of this bill? Come on up.
- My testimony was very similar to yours about what has been happening in the Ninth Circuit.
Summary:
The committee heard AB 1988, which would require companion chatbots to respond to credible crisis expressions with a 988 lifeline notice, human review after repeated crisis signals, and a pause in the chat. The author and supporters said AI chatbots are increasingly used for emotional support but are not equipped to handle suicidal or violent ideation safely; they cited cases of harmful chatbot responses and argued the bill is a limited safety measure, not a ban. Support came from crisis, family medicine, and child/family service organizations, and there was no formal opposition testimony. Members praised the bill’s intent and the author’s work, and the bill was held pending quorum before later discussion moved on to the next item.
The committee then took up AB 1709, which would set a minimum age of 16 for accounts on social media platforms with harmful addictive features and create an e-safety advisory commission. The author argued that social media product design—such as infinite scroll, autoplay, and algorithmic feeds—drives compulsive use and mental health harms, especially for children, and said the bill would still allow safer, non-addictive platforms and online spaces. Supporters, including a psychologist and the Organization for Social Media Safety, described cyberbullying, predation, addiction, and mental health harms; several organizations and advocates also supported the measure.
Opponents, including EFF, privacy groups, civil liberties organizations, and youth and LGBTQ advocates, argued the bill is overbroad, raises privacy and First Amendment concerns, and could cut off young people from community, news, and support. They pointed to Australia’s experience as evidence that age restrictions are easy to circumvent and may shift harms elsewhere, and urged feature-level regulation instead of age-based exclusion. Committee members debated whether the bill is a “ban” or a delay, how age assurance would work, and whether the commission could meaningfully define and update harmful features; several members said they would support the bill while acknowledging it needs further work and ongoing oversight.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee 3/23/26
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Please begin your testimony. Good morning, all.
- Please begin your<00:11:56.600>
testimony. your testimony. your testimony. - Please state your name for the record and begin your testimony.
- <00:13:51.800>
My the record and begin your testimony. - My the record and begin your testimony.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Committee to Study Long-Term Managed Care (09/15/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, we may take some additional testimony next Wednesday.
- Um, and with that, um, we have four organizations signed up to offer testimony today.
- <00:05:59.440>
As to, uh, to offer testimony today. As to, uh, to offer testimony today. - if there are um if there's testimony if there are um if there's testimony that<00:06:18.400>
- I appreciate uh Miss Bird's testimony I appreciate uh Miss Bird's testimony and<00:57:43.920>
Summary:
The Committee to Study Long-Term Managed Care met to approve prior minutes and outline its schedule, with meetings set for September 24 and September 29 ahead of an October 1 report deadline. The chair said the committee would use the first two meetings to digest testimony, likely ask follow-up questions of DHS, and then work toward conclusions and a report format. The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously.
The main testimony came from Sharon Alexander of Amera Health, who argued in favor of moving from fee-for-service Medicaid long-term services and supports to a managed LTSS model. She described managed LTSS as a capitated, quality-driven system used in about 26 states, and said it can improve care coordination, accountability, access to home- and community-based services, and budget predictability. She cited Amera Health’s experience in Pennsylvania and Delaware, including care coordination, housing and transportation support, caregiver programs, and quality benchmarks tied to state oversight. She also said nursing facilities would remain an important option for people who need that level of care.
Committee members asked about how the programs are administered, how rates are set, how care managers work, and how quality is measured. Alexander said states contract with managed care organizations at actuarially sound capitated rates, with annual contracts, reporting, and oversight. She explained that care managers typically conduct quarterly assessments and follow up after trigger events such as hospitalization, and that housing coordinators may assist with transitions to the community. On quality, she said states use CMS-related and HCBS benchmark measures covering service timeliness, care planning, transitions, and other outcomes, and that New Hampshire could build on existing metrics rather than starting from scratch. She also noted that rural areas face workforce and transportation challenges, which managed care plans try to address through technology and self-direction options.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 03/25/25
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for your testimony. Pastor, can you make room for Dominic Pierre, please?
- Smith, please introduce yourself and begin your testimony.
- Could you identify yourself for the record and begin your testimony?
- Could you state your name for the record and begin your testimony?
- Smith, please identify yourself for the record and begin your testimony.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Health Services (3-6-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Yes, Senator, thank you for your testimony today.
- Thank you so much for all of your testimony.
- Thank you so much for all of your testimony.
- I can add anything to your testimony I can add anything to your testimony except<01:30:30.320>
- I really appreciate your testimony.
Keywords:
00:00:00 Call to Order/Roll Call
00:01:19 Discussion of 25RS HB 785
00:30:25 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 785
00:32:15 Discussion of 25RS HB 61
00:36:42 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 61
00:38:07 Discussion of 25RS HB 788
00:51:01 Discussion of 25RS SB 14
01:11:09 Discussion of 25RS HB 685
01:44:57 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and took up House Bill 785, as amended by a committee substitute that combined language from HB 785 and HB 787. The bill was described as addressing Medicaid managed care organization (MCO) audits, provider contract notice and amendment procedures, mental health parity compliance, and related transparency requirements. Supporters said the measure would tighten notice to providers, limit repeated contract amendments and rate reductions, require more standardized audit procedures, and add reporting on Medicaid claims, appeals, and grievances. It also includes a provision requiring coverage of at least two evaluation-and-management billable services per physician per recipient per date of service, and a section addressing narcotic/opioid treatment program licensing and reimbursement language.
Testimony in support came from Representative Kim Moore, John Inman of BrightView Health, Michelle Sandborne of the Children’s Alliance, and Kelly Cormic of RYSE. They argued that MCOs often use audits and recoupments in ways that are burdensome, opaque, and financially damaging to providers, especially smaller and rural ones. They cited examples of multiple audit requests in short timeframes, large record requests with short deadlines, delayed or absent feedback, and recoupments taken before appeals are resolved. They also said parity laws are not being consistently enforced and that the bill would give the Department of Insurance authority to suspend or revoke an MCO certificate of authority for willful or repeated parity violations. Committee members generally expressed support for provider protections and transparency, while asking for clarification on the narcotic treatment and E/M billing provisions.
Tom Stevens of the Kentucky Association of Health Plans testified in opposition, saying the bill is complex to implement and should be handled through the broader Medicaid oversight work of House Bill 9, the MOAB. He said the issues raised were better suited for that bipartisan stakeholder process and noted the committee substitute had not yet been fully reviewed by his group. After discussion, the committee adopted the committee substitute and then moved to a vote on the bill; the roll call began, with several members recorded as voting yes, but the transcript cuts off before the final vote result is shown.