Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:07:40.240><c> I</c> lives and service to this country. I lives and service to this country.
• c> classes,</c><00:08:54.720><c> weekly</c> services, Bible study classes, weekly services, Bible study
• ><c> the</c> His service extends beyond the His service extends beyond the congregation<00:09:22.080>
• ,</c><00:23:52.799><c> he</c> During Benjamin's time in service, he During Benjamin's time in service
• </c> service to the people of Georgia. service to the people of Georgia.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And Elizabeth Pittman, Director for Division of Medical Services, Department of Human Services.
• This is a needed service across the state, particularly in that area of the state.
• So this allows us to be able to reimburse for those services.
• This is a needed service across the state, particularly in that area of the state.
• So this allows us to be able to reimburse for those services. That's a proper explanation.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And Elizabeth Pittman, Director for Division of Medical Services, Department of Human Services.
• This is a needed service across the state, particularly in that area of the state.
• So this allows us to be able to reimburse for those services.
• Service across the state, particularly in that area of the state.
• So this allows us to be able to reimburse for those services. That's a proper explanation.

Summary: The committee opened with prayer, approved the January 7 meeting minutes, and then reviewed several Department of Human Services rules. One rule would allow rehabilitative hospitals to open psychiatric units, provide acute psychiatric services, and receive Medicaid reimbursement, addressing a service gap, especially in Jefferson County. Another rule would let DHS participate in a CMS cell and gene therapy model to support value-based payment agreements for treating sickle cell disorder with CGT therapy. A third DHS rule would exempt the state from the CMS recovery audit contractor requirement. DHS explained that recovery audit contractors typically work on contingency to identify fraud, waste, abuse, or overpayments, but Arkansas law prohibits contingency arrangements of that kind. DHS said the state already has multiple other program integrity layers, including internal reviews, an external payment integrity office, the Office of Medicaid Inspector General, and the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Members asked for clarification on the role of recovery audit contractors, and DHS responded that they perform post-payment audits and recoveries. All three DHS rules were reviewed without objection. Near the end of the meeting, Representative Pilkington asked about a reported increase in uninsured individuals in a DHS postpartum report, but DHS said it was not prepared to answer and would follow up offline. Representative Johnson also asked about a handout related to program integrity and Arkansas Medicaid. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and Consulting Services for Libraries. and Consulting Services for Libraries.
• Another fund includes the fees from some state library customer service services.
• </c> state library customer service services. state library customer service services.
• </c> library staff and services. library staff and services.
• </c> the services that we provide. the services that we provide.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on State Government met for its first meeting and heard a presentation from the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KY Stats) by Executive Director Matt Barry and Legislative Director Calli Arnold. The presentation reviewed KY Stats’ statutory background, its evolution from KESUS, its board membership, and its role in housing Kentucky’s longitudinal data system and labor market information office. Barry explained that KY Stats links data from multiple state sources, validates and cleans it, deidentifies it, and uses it to produce reports, evaluations, and responses to data requests for policymakers, practitioners, and the public. Barry described the scale of the system, noting more than 6,000 active data elements, 178 unique file types, and data from 48 sources across 26 agencies. He highlighted the agency’s privacy and security practices, including separate servers for source data and deidentified reporting data, and said KY Stats does not use real-time data. He also outlined the types of reports produced, including the annual high school feedback report and a recent life outcomes report tracking the 2017 public high school cohort’s postsecondary education, completion, wages, and employment outcomes. Members asked about the timeliness and availability of data, especially SNAP and Medicaid information, and Barry said most data arrive annually or quarterly and that Medicaid data had been used in a limited one-time project rather than as an ongoing feed. Questions also focused on artificial intelligence; Barry said KY Stats has not integrated AI but is exploring it cautiously because of privacy and security concerns. Several members encouraged further work with AI tools, while Barry emphasized that any use would need to protect confidentiality. The committee also discussed staffing and funding, with Barry saying KY Stats has about 49 total staff and annual funding of roughly $3.1 million in state general funds, plus federal labor-related funding. Committee members praised the agency’s work and suggested legislators may not fully understand its capabilities. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• I take public service very seriously.
• I take public service very seriously.
• </c> in faith, family, and service to others. in faith, family, and service to others.
• , services, services, um,<01:22:25.120><c> vocational</c><01:22:25.679><c> training</c><01:22:26.080>
• <c> services,</c> um, vocational training services, um, vocational training services, whatever<01:22:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee hearing covered three judicial confirmations for the First Circuit family court. The first nominee, Maria F. Penn, was introduced for confirmation to a six-year term as a district family court judge. Testimony from family law attorneys and the Hawaii State Bar Association was strongly supportive, emphasizing her courtroom demeanor, preparation, knowledge of family law, respect for litigants and counsel, and ability to manage emotionally difficult family court matters. Judge Penn also spoke about her background, including her legal career, prior service as a PDM family court judge, and her view that family court requires both legal judgment and empathy. The chair noted that the committee would not vote that day and would take up votes the next morning. The second nomination was Wilson Aunga for a district family court judgeship. Supporters described his character, community involvement, and suitability for family court, including testimony from the Honolulu prosecutor, longtime friends, classmates, community members, and others. Speakers highlighted his work with youth, his leadership in the prosecutor’s office, his calm and impartial temperament, and his commitment to education and public service. The chair reported 105 supporters, no opposition, and one comment from the Hawaii State Bar Association. Additional testimony continued from members of the public, including a speaker discussing mental health and personal support for Aunga. Throughout the hearing, the chair enforced a two-minute limit on oral testimony and explained that the committee was short on time and would recess as needed. No votes were taken during the hearing; the chair announced that voting would occur the following day in the same room.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because there could be some contracts that are direct Services, right?
• So, it's a big portion of it is going out To the community and direct services.
• Or are there more public school pre-K providers providing wraparound services? Mr.
• , and they don't have services at one site, and their mom works full time.
• I'm the Executive Director at Abrazos Family Support Services.

Bills: SB2

Keywords: SB 2, State Highway Project Bonds, highway funding, transportation bonds, state road fund, motor vehicle fees, vehicle registration fees, electric vehicle fee, EV surcharge, plug-in hybrid fee, weight distance tax, road construction, infrastructure financing, Department of Transportation, State Transportation Commission, bonding authority, county road funds, municipal road funds, transportation improvement program, state highways

Transcript Highlights:

• Human Services and Labor.
• So the following agencies are going to be announced at this table: the Department of Human Services,
• , DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN SERVICES AND THE PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS BOARD.
• We added the 4 percent human services TII, and that covers approximately 20 new safety service contracts
• We are working with OTDA and other social service districts to decrease the New Yorker record rate so

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Human Services and Labor budget hearing opened with Senate and Assembly co-chairs introducing members and naming secretaries for the record. The agencies covered included Human Services, Labor, Temporary and Disability Assistance, Children and Family Services, Veterans Services, Human Rights, Workers’ Compensation, the Welfare Inspector General, and the Public Employment Relations Board. Members then gave brief statements on their priorities for the upcoming budget negotiations. A major theme was affordability, with repeated discussion of child care, SNAP, housing, and worker supports. Senators and Assembly members highlighted the Senate and Assembly one-house proposals for a $500 million child care worker retention grant program, additional child care slots and subsidies, cost-of-living adjustments for human services workers, and expanded support for supportive housing, youth employment, HEAP, and energy affordability. Several members also emphasized food insecurity and SNAP-related issues, including funding to address payment errors, prevent penalties, expand SNAP education, and respond to expected federal changes. Labor-related issues included workers’ compensation fraud, wage theft enforcement, workplace violence, temporary disability insurance reform, and the creation of dedicated enforcement funding for the Department of Labor. Some members supported using workers’ compensation assessments or insurance-company-related funding to pay for anti-fraud efforts, while others preferred grants to district attorneys or broader DOL enforcement. There was also discussion of occupational health clinics, labor standards in any SEQRA changes, and expanding access to doctors in the workers’ compensation system. Veterans, child care, and public assistance fraud prevention were also discussed, including funding for veterans legal defense and mental health services, microchip/secure EBT cards to reduce skimming, and restoring or protecting various programs. No formal votes were taken; the hearing concluded with the chairs stating that the Senate, Assembly, and Executive would continue negotiations toward a final budget.

Transcript Highlights:

• The positions eliminated come from the Division of Workforce Services, or, excuse me, Services for the
• ... ...FTEs happened, and the Division of Services for the Blind.
• Rehabilitation Services in the U.S.
• getting back up and going, or the services continuing?
• As we speak now, the services are not continuing because the funding has not been provided by RSA.

Summary: The committee first considered a Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism request to swap three administrative coordinator positions for one park superintendent, one maintenance supervisor, and one park manager for Blanchard Springs State Park. Members were told the change would be funded by conservation tax special revenues, would not increase total positions, and had OPM’s support. The item was reviewed and approved without objection. Members then approved two special compensation plans: one from the Department of Commerce for lump-sum bonuses of up to $5,000 for employees involved in the unemployment insurance system migration to a cloud-based platform, and one from the Department of Veterans Affairs for $2,000 recruitment bonuses for certified nursing assistants at the Fayetteville and North Little Rock State Veterans Homes. The Department of Health also received approval to reinstate a previously frozen fiscal support manager position for the State Medical Board, with the agency noting the position was already authorized and would not increase total staffing. The committee spent substantial time on a Commerce reduction-in-force affecting the Division of Services for the Blind and related workforce operations. Secretary Hugh McDonald said the layoffs were driven by over-obligated federal funds, lack of fiscal planning, and a need to realign operations; he said the RIF would be permanent and that 56 employees remained furloughed, with 17 positions slated for elimination. Senators questioned the division’s accountability structure, the role of the board and governor, and whether the cuts disproportionately affected African American employees; Commerce was asked to provide racial composition data for the workforce and the RIF. The committee also reviewed quarterly employment and overtime reports. Members asked about overtime levels at DHS, Corrections, and Transportation, and whether higher staffing levels and the new pay plan were reducing overtime. OPM said overtime was being monitored, that direct-care positions are exempt from the hiring freeze, and that the state had hired more than 1,200 employees at DHS since the new system went live. No further action was taken on the report items, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for having me here today to provide an overview of the Florida Park Service.
• The mission of the Florida Park Service is to provide resource-based recreation.
• On average, the Florida Park Service hosts over 28 million visitors on an annual basis.
• The Florida Park Service is a hundred.
• And it gives our concessionaires a chance to operate some different services within the park.

Transcript Highlights:

• Psych, and get them the services they needed.
• We want to get them the services they need. They need that assistance. They need that help.
• And all of those governmental hospitals have a defined border for their service area.
• They have a hard time getting where they need to go for their services.
• They have a hard time getting where they need to go for their services, but if we can take services to

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Like housing instability, affordability, access, health and social services.
• The only thing we care about is Re-refer to the Committee on Human Services, AB 450, Baines? Aye.
• In this process, we discovered new and innovative ways to deliver services to our residents.
• Family Services Association, our senior services provider, instituted a grab-and-go meal program, where
• Services can include medically tailored nutrition, legal services, a critical work ombudsman provides

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:23:45.919><c> eligible</c> which um expands the services eligible which um expands the services
• </c> reimbursement to include services reimbursement to include services furnished<00:23:52.000><c> by
• access to care, services, and essential social<00:52:12.880><c> services</c><00:52:13.200><c> for</c
• </c> money without losing Medicaid services. money without losing Medicaid services.
• </c> working and keeping the service we need. working and keeping the service we need.

Bills: HB2488, HB2456

Keywords: disability, communication access, deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, healthcare, sign language interpreters, auxiliary aids, weight loss, GLP-1 drugs, obesity, Medicaid, healthcare costs, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HP 1972, which would create a nonrefundable family caregiver tax credit, and on a related tax measure to increase the existing dependent care tax credit. Supporters of HP 1972, including AARP, the Executive Office on Aging, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and others, said unpaid caregivers are essential to keeping kūpuna and other loved ones at home and described significant out-of-pocket costs. The Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation raised technical concerns, including the need to avoid overlap with existing credits and to prevent double-dipping. The department said taxpayers can claim credits to the extent allowed, but recommended explicit language barring the same costs from being claimed under more than one credit. No vote was taken in the excerpt, and the chair moved the bill along after questions. The committee then heard HP 1975, which would repeal the sunset on the state rent supplement program for kūpuna. AARP, Catholic Charities Hawaii, the Executive Office on Aging, and others supported making the program permanent, saying it helps low-income older adults avoid eviction and homelessness and allows them to remain in affordable housing. Catholic Charities described clients who were paying unsustainable shares of income for rent before receiving the supplement. Members also shared a constituent example of an elderly retiree who needed the subsidy to stay housed. Written support was noted from additional organizations and individuals. Next, the committee took up HB 1706, which would expand Medicaid prospective payment reimbursement to include mental health services furnished in federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics by mental health professionals under supervision. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the bill, and DHS said it appreciated the intent to address workforce shortages and expand training, but cautioned that unlicensed professionals cannot currently bill Medicaid and that a state plan amendment would be needed, with limited precedent for approval. Members asked about the likelihood and timing of federal approval and whether the bill could help rural areas; DHS said approval is uncertain and the process can take time, though it saw possible alignment with the state’s rural health transformation efforts. The committee also discussed HB 546, a three-year health coverage continuity pilot program for people losing Medicaid coverage. DHS, the Attorney General’s office, DCCA, Catholic Charities, the University of Hawaii, and others testified, with DHS warning that federal changes could increase uninsured rates and that the state may need to act quickly. Catholic Charities and others emphasized the risk to Medicaid recipients, including homeless and near-elderly residents, while DHS explained the state’s existing premium assistance program for certain immigrants and compared it to the proposed pilot. The excerpt ends during discussion of that comparison, with no vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> future the final major students service future the final major students service initiative<00:31
• </c> you'll note is that um purchase Services you'll note is that um purchase Services is<01:07:05.680
• to our students so student or services to our students so student services<01:19:28.400><c> at</c><01
• </c><01:23:43.600><c> and</c> model um student services and model um student services and institutional
• Service represent no yes Madam chair um Service represent no yes Madam chair um Vice<01:39:12.080><c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> about how we keep our volunteer services about how we keep our volunteer services in<01:08:37.000
• 17:13.560><c> in</c> license to provide the best services in license to provide the best services in
• </c> volunteer Ambulance Service volunteer Ambulance Service Personnel<01:21:09.840><c> um</c><01:21:
• </c> uh or Home and Community Based Services uh or Home and Community Based Services it<01:37:57.320>
• </c> do not pay the cost to provide services do not pay the cost to provide services um<01:47:57.880>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> what we do is provide the the services. what we do is provide the the services.
• Our mission is to provide services.
• <00:32:45.039><c> centers,</c> service centers, service centers, &gt;&gt; I<00:32:46.159><c> mean,</c
• </c> have to be more than one courier service have to be more than one courier service &gt;&gt; because
• </c> choose to add to the voter service choose to add to the voter service centers<00:47:06.480><c> if

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Divya Shib with the California Alliance of Child and Family Services, in support.
• We provide ambulance services that are transporting across the county currently.
• We provide ambulance services that are transporting across the county currently.
• My name is Divya Shiv with the California Alliance of Child and Family Services.
• All Californians deserve access to critical health care services without fear.

Summary: The committee heard AB 1887, which would speed prior authorization for FDA-approved rare disease treatments prescribed by specialists and, if a plan does not act within 30 days, deem the request approved. The author and supporters, including patients and clinicians, said delays can cause irreversible harm, hospitalizations, and death, especially for children and people with progressive rare diseases. Health plans and insurers opposed the bill’s automatic-approval provision and said the measure lacked safeguards for incomplete requests and shared responsibility for timely information. The chair encouraged continued work with opponents, and the author said the bill was narrowed from an earlier version that would have waived prior authorization entirely. The committee also heard AB 1979 on artificial intelligence in health care, AB 2161 on Medi-Cal work requirements, AB 539 on extending approved prior authorizations, AB 2311 on physician employment at public hospital districts, AB 1148 on banning phthalates and bisphenols in food packaging, AB 1825 on mental health offender reentry coordination, and AB 2282 on a temporary emergency stabilization unit in Patterson. AB 1979 would preserve licensed clinicians’ professional judgment, bar AI from directing unlicensed clinical functions, and protect medical records used by consumer chatbots; after amendments, several hospital, medical, and industry groups moved from opposition to neutral. AB 2161 would limit the harm of federal Medi-Cal work-reporting rules by using existing data, improving notices, and protecting due process; it drew broad support from patient, provider, and advocacy groups. AB 539 would keep prior authorization approvals valid for up to one year or the course of treatment, with supporters citing continuity of care and opponents warning about utilization, fraud, and cost concerns. AB 2311, as amended, would let certain high-payer-mix or distressed public health care districts directly employ physicians; CMA withdrew opposition after the bill was narrowed, while some hospital interests still objected to the carve-out. AB 1148 would prohibit two chemicals commonly used in food packaging, with supporters citing cancer and endocrine-disruption risks and opponents arguing DTSC should handle the issue through its existing regulatory process. AB 1825 would improve transition planning and Medi-Cal enrollment for offenders with mental health disorders leaving state hospitals, and AB 2282 would authorize a temporary rural emergency stabilization care unit in Patterson until a permanent hospital is built. Several bills were held for later action because the committee lacked a quorum, and the chair repeatedly noted that motions would be taken once enough members returned.

Transcript Highlights:

• But that's a medically necessary service, right?
• So we're going to put a capitation rate on a particular service.
• The only way to increase the service is... Only way to make money is increase the service.
• I want to talk a little bit about the Family First Prevention Services Act.
• When children get timely services, we reduce disruptions.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We support nonprofit service organizations near our posts.
• We support nonprofit service organizations near our posts.
• We replaced old football helmets... essential services and needs in the past essential services and needs
• substance use services including substance use disorder<00:53:29.799><c> Services</c><00:53:30.359><
• for Seniors across our into Services for Seniors across our state<00:54:01.799><c> services</c><00:54

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 169, which would change the tax structure for charitable gambling. Representative Robbins offered and the committee adopted the A1 author’s amendment, described as a technical correction to ensure sports-themed tip boards are not inadvertently taxed under the bill. Robbins then presented the bill as a way to replace the current tiered combined net receipts tax on charitable gambling with a flat 5% rate, arguing charities were being overtaxed and that prior promises of relief had not been fully delivered. Chair Stevenson pushed back on several of Robbins’ factual claims, correcting the record on the status of E-pull tabs, the share of charitable gambling revenue they represent, and the amount of tax relief already enacted in 2023 and 2024. He said E-tabs were not eliminated, that the revenue split between paper pull tabs and E-tabs is closer to 45/55, and that charities had already received a $15 million tax cut plus savings from reduced developer fees. Robbins responded that the changes still significantly reduced revenue and that the bill was intended as a middle-ground approach. Testimony largely came from charitable gambling and veterans groups in support of the bill. Rachel Jenner of Allied Charities of Minnesota said nearly 1,000 charities depend on charitable gambling, cited high taxes and fees, and said many organizations were seeing revenue declines after the new E-pull tab rules took effect. Dr. Christy Jano of the American Legion Department of Minnesota said charitable gambling funds support veterans, youth, and community programs, and that a flat 5% tax would help posts continue those efforts. Members asked about the size of the revenue drops and how much gambling proceeds go to overhead and operating costs; Jenner said the losses varied by organization and that it was too early to know the long-term effect, while Jano said some expenses are used for property taxes and building upkeep. The committee then moved on to additional testimony, including Tim Angstrom, but no final vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> those services. those services. &gt;&gt; Okay. &gt;&gt; Okay.
• So what happens to services? So in violation of the IEP, what happens to that youngster's services?
• Thank you for looking for services. looking for services.
• that the services student needs services that the services would<01:19:56.080><c> be</c><01:19:56.239
• Um, so that was my first... your town services. So, your town services.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A service meaning you're going to provide me with the information.
• Sir, who's eligible to use your service? Mr.
• Our services overlapped during the periods of conflict, providing me a dual perspective as both the service
• The cost of legal services is absolutely too high, 100%.
• Five signatures with Touch on Service Arizona? Oh, Mr.

Summary: The committee heard an extended presentation and discussion on Arizona higher education research security, focused heavily on Arizona State University’s foreign funding, international partnerships, and alleged ties to Chinese military-affiliated institutions. The presenter argued that ASU and the Arizona Board of Regents had not been transparent about foreign gifts, contracts, and research collaborations, especially those involving the Chinese “Seven Sons” universities, and said the committee would pursue a congressional referral and other federal review. A strike-everything amendment to SB 1060 was described but then withdrawn; the underlying SB 1327 was then taken up as a companion measure requiring ABOR to adopt university research security policies and submit annual reports on those policies and on foreign contributions over $250,000. The committee heard testimony in support from Marina Macklin, who said the bill would help protect dual-use and defense-relevant research from being funneled to China’s military ecosystem, and she answered questions about biosecurity, semiconductors, AI model theft, and election systems. After debate, SB 1327 was approved on a 4-2 vote, with Delos Santos and Marquez voting no and Colloden, Powell, and the chair voting yes; the chair stated his support was to keep missile, armor, guidance, and other technology safe from the Chinese government. The committee then heard SB 1803, a veterans’ consumer-protection bill regulating private companies that help veterans file disability claims. The bill would prohibit unaccredited persons from preparing, presenting, or prosecuting veterans’ benefits matters, require service agreements to be filed with the Attorney General, cap compensation, ban certain practices such as overseas call centers and in-house doctors, and create consumer-fraud enforcement authority. Sponsor Sen. Gallin said the measure was intended to add guardrails for veterans and prevent bad actors from taking excessive fees or misleading claimants. Testimony from Veterans Guardian representatives supported the bill as a way to create transparency and preserve veterans’ choice while regulating the industry; they said many veterans seek private help after unsuccessful attempts with free services and that the bill would not eliminate competition. Opponents and skeptical members questioned whether the bill would effectively legalize one business model while restricting others, whether the contingent-fee structure was consumer-friendly, and whether the companies were engaging in the unauthorized practice of law. The discussion also referenced prior federal and state litigation involving similar laws and the possibility of future federal accreditation reform. The transcript ends during continued questioning on SB 1803, before a final vote is shown.