Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Medicaid covers about half of long-term care costs in Minnesota.
• </c> Medicaid covers about half of long-term Medicaid covers about half of long-term care<00:06:53.120
• You know, every crisis is a good opportunity to make improvements long term.
• You know, every crisis is a good opportunity to make improvements long term.
• </c> deliverables, and maybe a long-term deliverables, and maybe a long-term maintenance<01:31:25.920

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And then they got this little project of looking at the child care system.
• And, uh, And then they got this little project of looking at the child care system.
• growing, and that will be the area that will provide the most long-term results that you can see.
• And I think that would be a long way down the road for us.
• You mentioned the child care report.

Committee: Joint Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency

Summary: The task force first approved the March 25, 2026 minutes as amended, including a correction removing language that suggested the auditor’s office would contract with a security vendor. Members then moved to a bill draft on concessions (LC 27.0161.00000), which would raise the competitive solicitation threshold from $25,000 to $50,000, allow requests for proposals in addition to bids, clarify that proceeds go to the entity’s operating fund or general fund, and make other technical updates. OMB explained the draft and answered questions about scope, fragmentation, vendor restrictions, school districts, and whether concession proceeds could be directed to nonprofits; OMB said the draft could be refined further, including clarifying covered entities and contract length. No vote was taken on the draft during the discussion. OMB also reported on other survey items. It said a proposal to broadly allow agencies to create pre-qualified architect/engineering/land surveying vendor pools would not move forward, because the existing authority is working well for the agencies that already have it. On legal notices, OMB said it has been working with the North Dakota Newspaper Association on modernization, including an ADA-compliant online notice system and possible statutory updates to reflect changing technology and notice definitions. On click-through agreements for routine IT purchases, OMB and the Attorney General’s office said policy clarification—not statutory change—was enough, and the $20,000 threshold was intended to distinguish low-dollar adhesive contracts from purchases where terms can be negotiated. The committee also heard that OMB and the Center for Distance Education had resolved questions about alternate procurements and food/beverage expenditures through existing policy, so no statutory changes were needed there. North Dakota University System representatives gave a brief update on ongoing collaboration with OMB on statutory efficiency ideas, including concessions and surplus property. Finally, the task force discussed a draft on requirements for new or expanded spending programs, which would require agencies to identify purpose, expected benefits, alternatives, success measures, and full implementation costs, and would require reporting on outcomes over time. Members debated whether OMB or Legislative Council should collect and report the information, how to use the new program evaluators, whether real-time dashboards should be used, and how to choose which programs to evaluate; staff from Legislative Council said they would work with OMB and the auditor’s office to revise the draft and process.

Transcript Highlights:

• behavioral health... ...access program framework provides tools and resources to build proactive, long-term
• emphasizing prevention and early intervention, strengthening local infrastructure, and securing stable long-term
• The term is credibility.
• I dealt with the foster care system and kids for about 30 years, and a lot of the reimbursements and
• So many of these children in the foster care system are very ill.

Committee: Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from Dr. Kelly O’Dare on first responder behavioral health access, peer support, and suicide prevention. She described UCF Restores, the Second Alarm Project, and related partnerships that provide culturally competent treatment, peer training, clinician education, disaster response support, and behavioral health navigation. She cited survey and state data showing significant rates of sleep problems, anxiety, depression, substance use, and suicide among Florida first responders, and said evidence-based treatment has helped many patients recover, including a reported 76% who no longer met PTSD diagnostic criteria after treatment. Senators asked about measuring outcomes, peer support standards, and whether the state should create more consistent statewide requirements; O’Dare said peer support training must be specialized, linked to higher levels of care, and supported by sustainable funding and statewide coordination. The committee also heard from a public commenter who supported the work and emphasized the need for adequate resources and peer support infrastructure. The committee then received a Department of Children and Families presentation from Casey Penn on the proposed funding methodology for community-based care lead agencies under HB 7089. Penn explained that the new model is intended to be actuarially based, reimbursement-oriented, and more transparent than prior funding approaches, using historical expenditures, standardized reporting, and two main tiers: Tier 1 for largely fixed administrative and operational costs, and Tier 2 for direct child-serving costs based on per-child-per-month blended rates. He said the model includes a 2% risk corridor for Tier 2, hold-harmless funding in the first year, and optional Tier 3 performance incentives, with an estimated additional state appropriation need after offsets. Senators raised concerns about prevention, historical inequities, reasonableness of costs, administrative overhead, blended state and federal funds, adoption subsidies, high-acuity placements, and disaster-related disruptions. Penn said some of those issues could be addressed in future iterations as the child welfare information system is modernized, and he agreed to provide written responses to committee questions. Representatives of the Florida Coalition for Children and CBCs responded that the model is a major improvement but urged additional safeguards, including an administrative cap, clearer separation of direct and indirect costs, and better treatment of federal and pass-through funds. They argued that the system already has oversight and that deficits reflect insufficient appropriations rather than excess spending, while also noting that higher-acuity children and regional differences can drive costs. No votes were taken on either topic, and the meeting ended with committee staff introductions and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think there are maybe four that have the most robust packages of future long-term care and other health
• services to former foster youth for at least three years after they exited the foster care system and
• services to former foster youth for at least three years after they exited the foster care system and
• , not to the patient, not to the entire health care system—as these products are competitively priced
• Not to the hospital system, not to the patient, not to the entire health care system, as these products

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several health-related bills. House Bill 2384 would require continuing care retirement communities that offer life care contracts to submit actuarial analyses every other registration cycle for review by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, with the Department of Social and Health Services using the review in registration decisions. The bill sponsor and residents’ advocates said it would improve transparency and protect seniors’ prepaid care promises, while the CCRC industry supported the goal but raised concerns about scope, cost, and implementation details. House Bill 2505 would exempt certain foster family homes and child-specific foster care homes from adult family home licensure when former foster youth remain in the home as adults and certain safety conditions are met; DSHS supported the narrow exemption as a way to avoid displacing vulnerable young adults. House Bill 2402 would phase out DEHP and other orthophthalates in IV solution containers and later IV tubing, with exemptions for certain blood and cell therapy products; supporters cited health and environmental risks and the availability of safer alternatives, while manufacturers and hospitals supported the goal but asked for longer timelines, supply-chain protections, and implementation assistance. In executive session, the committee took action on a series of bills. It adopted an amendment and passed House Bill 1904, which prohibits cat declawing, on a 13-3 vote. It passed a proposed substitute for House Bill 2145 on the 340B drug program on an 11-5 vote after debate over reporting requirements and the state’s authority. It rejected several amendments to House Bill 2182 on abortion medications held by the Department of Corrections, adopted an Indian health care provider priority amendment, and passed the bill on a 10-6 vote. House Bill 2211 on medically tailored meals passed 15-1. The committee also passed Substitute House Bill 2247 on veterinarian-client-patient relationships, Substitute House Bill 2329 on midwives and lactation consultants, and Substitute House Bill 2339 on nurse licensing, each with technical amendments and broad support.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:56:03.520><c> care</c> stakeholders RPIN, long-term care stakeholders RPIN, long-term care imperative
• </c><02:18:48.240><c> care</c> say, "I want to move to a long-term care say, "I want to move to a long-term
• 53.359><c> care</c><02:18:54.280><c> setting</c> to a long-term facility care setting to a long-term
• The more motans who need long-term care.
• care system and Minnesotans' access to long-term care here in the state, especially given the cuts that

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I agree with your long-term vision.
• /c><00:08:45.160><c> medicine</c><00:08:45.560><c> is</c> Care system and and tele medicine is Care system
• to minimize long-term economic and social disruption.
• > and</c> and Health Care Systems thank you and and Health Care Systems thank you and I'll<00:36:40.560
• How do we know that these long-term effects of long COVID are not long-term effects of the actual COVID

Committee: House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, it's been a long time since we've had any systemic change to our property tax system.
• and then also what the long-term solutions are going to be.
• ><c> the</c><00:31:10.080><c> long-term</c> then also um what the long-term then also um what the long-term
• This mission is fundamental to Minnesota's health care system.
• </c> levels, putting us at risk for long-term levels, putting us at risk for long-term organ<01:19:14.800

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not debating long-term. That's where we need to go.
• I'm not debating long-term. That's where we need to go.
• of security responses, but more in terms of health care needs?
• cannot move forward, and the true long-term cost of the proposed statewide replacement model.
• cannot move forward, and the true long-term cost of the proposed statewide replacement model.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Outcomes improve for the short and long term.
• </c> Outcomes improve for the short and long Outcomes improve for the short and long term.<00:04:09.720
• Children's mental health care term.
• </c><00:11:48.280><c> tax</c><00:11:48.600><c> revenue</c> jobs, and long-term tax revenue jobs, and
• to drive long-term growth in the<01:03:11.240><c> tax</c><01:03:11.600><c> base.

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the combination of long-term care facilities, long-term care waivers, and basic care, as well
• This is the combination of long-term care facilities, long-term care waivers, and basic care, as well
• This is the combination of long-term care facilities, long-term care waivers, and basic care, as well
• This is the combination of long-term care facilities, long-term care waivers, and basic care, as well
• ><c> facilities</c> care focus on long-term care facilities care focus on long-term care facilities and

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Three years ago, Ethan and I moved to Massachusetts because of its strong health care and education system
• About a decade ago, this legislature authored a bill that established a commission to look at the long-term
• because I think I've heard in these conversations before legislators saying we need to figure out a long-term
• This will provide immediate relief to the school districts and lay the foundation for additional long-term
• This will provide immediate relief to the school districts and lay the foundation for additional long-term

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held a hearing focused primarily on special education-related bills, with testimony centered on two major themes: transition planning for students aging out of school-based services at age 22, and the fiscal strain special education costs place on districts. Committee members explained hearing procedures, noted the House was in formal session, and periodically stepped out for votes while staff recorded testimony. A separate bill on special education due process was also taken up briefly, along with a bill on special education finance and another on equitable access/data reporting. On House Bill 752 and Senate Bill 313, witnesses from the Arc of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress, the Developmental Disabilities Council, families, self-advocates, and Senator Comerford described the “Turning 22” transition as a crisis point that often leaves families without adult placements, services, or clear communication. Testimony emphasized earlier planning, more accountability, better data collection, and a commission to improve coordination and residential placement. Several parents and advocates shared personal accounts of traumatic transitions, delayed placements, and the need for plans to begin at least a year before age 22. The committee later closed testimony on these bills after hearing from all signed-up speakers. House Bill 4217, on special education due process, drew support from Representative Sullivan-Almeida, parents, and advocates who argued that the burden of proof should shift from families to school districts. Testimony described costly legal battles, delays, and parents having to become experts in reading instruction or hire advocates and attorneys to secure services. Brody Dwyer, a 10-year-old student with dyslexia, and his mother described how evidence-based instruction helped him after years of struggle. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 546/Senate Bill 317, which would require DESE to publish cross-tabulated data on race, disability, gender, income, and other factors; advocates said this would better expose disparities and help address the school-to-prison pipeline. Finally, on House Bill 691/Senate Bill 430, school leaders, educators, and union representatives testified that special education costs are outpacing district budgets and that increasing circuit breaker reimbursement and creating a commission to study long-term sustainability would help prevent staffing cuts and service reductions. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee repeatedly closed testimony on individual bills as speakers finished and moved through the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are about to lose access to long-term care services.
• Benefits, they are about to lose access to long-term care services, and more will lose access to health
• We worked hard to provide long-term care services for people who will be losing those benefits.
• We also want to make sure our budget looks into the long term.
• We also want to make sure our budget looks into the long term.

Bills: SB6061 , SB6234 , SB6170 , SB6176 , SB6182 , SB6335 , SB5647 , SB6047 , HB2367 , HB2606 , SB5998 , SB6005 , SB6003 , SB6129 , SB6225 , SB6228 , SB6231

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, contracting rules, state highway construction, procurement limits, state regulations, infrastructure funding, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law

Summary: The Senate convened with roll call, prayer, and approval of the previous day’s journal, then moved to a resolution honoring piano teachers. Senate Resolution 8698 was adopted after remarks from Senator Conway and others describing the role of piano teachers in music education, family life, and community service. Members of the Washington State Music Teachers Association and the National Guild of Piano Teachers were recognized in the gallery. The chamber then took up the operating budget and considered a long series of amendments. Several amendments focused on housing costs and local planning, utility and energy policy, ballot measure costs, state spending growth, tort liability, and paid family and medical leave. Some amendments were adopted, including a study of utility cost impacts from climate laws, a grid-related funding amendment, a tort liability oversight/reporting amendment, and a workgroup on services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Others were rejected, including proposals to create a housing task force, cap state spending growth, fund ballot initiative costs, restore local planning grants, and change paid family and medical leave usage rules. Debate on the budget amendments was often partisan and detailed, with supporters arguing for fiscal restraint, cost transparency, and relief for taxpayers and local governments, while opponents emphasized existing work, program solvency, and the need to preserve services. The Senate also heard amendments on zero-based budgeting, federal education tax credit opt-in language, reproductive health funding, food assistance work requirements, and support for the Pediatric Interim Care Center; some were defeated and some were adopted. Roll-call votes were taken on certain amendments, and the transcript ends during consideration of Amendment 0787, which would restore funding for the Pediatric Interim Care Center.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we do know that most of our large system hospitals have this evacuation system already.
• So we have a small system, a medium medical system, as well as a large hospital system.
• Hospitals have a system.
• far as incident reports, I don't know that you would necessarily have many of them because this is a long-term
• Health care boards.

Committee: Senate Health Policy

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Health Policy Committee heard and advanced several health-related bills focused largely on drowning prevention, surgical smoke, human trafficking training, and chiropractic patient funds. SB 428 would expand Florida’s swim lesson voucher program from children ages 0-4 to ages 1-7; the sponsor and supporters from Nemours and the YMCA emphasized Florida’s high child drowning rates and argued that swim lessons reduce risk and should be more widely accessible. Senator Harrell noted the need to revisit funding levels as eligibility expands. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also considered SB 606, which adds drowning prevention and safe bathing education to postpartum education provided by hospitals, birthing centers, and home birth providers. A mother who lost her daughter to drowning testified in support, describing the bill as an early opportunity to educate parents. An amendment removed home birth providers from the compliance-proof requirement, and the bill was adopted as amended and reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 162 would require hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies for using smoke evacuation systems during procedures that generate surgical smoke. The sponsor said the equipment is relatively inexpensive and already used in many facilities, while several senators raised concerns about the lack of supporting data, possible burdens on rural and smaller facilities, and whether the mandate should be narrower. Despite those concerns, the bill was reported favorably, with the sponsor saying more data would be provided later. The committee also approved SB 340, requiring a two-hour human trafficking course for nursing students before licensure, after amending it to make the requirement apply to students rather than nursing programs. Finally, SB 192, presented by Senator Trumbull for Senator Martin, removed the $1,500 cap on advances chiropractic physicians may collect for examinations or treatment; the Florida Chiropractic Society supported the change, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee also received an OPAGA presentation reviewing Florida’s health care practitioner regulation system and comparing board oversight, rulemaking, funding, appointments, and term-limit models in other states.

Transcript Highlights:

• years and in the long term.
• and in the long term.
• access, transportation, and other necessities, but importantly not including long-term care.
• access, transportation, and other necessities, but importantly not including long-term care, seniors
• coverage, food assistance, public transit and paratransit, and home-based long-term care services that

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a public hearing on two proposed ballot initiatives: one to reduce the state personal income tax rate from 5% to 4% over three years, and another to revise the state’s tax collection cap/62F process so it would be based on prior-year collections plus wage growth and include surtax revenue. The committee chair and House co-chair outlined the hearing process, and the first witness was Doug Howgate of the Massachusetts Taxpayer Foundation, who testified as the committee’s subject-matter expert on both measures. He said the income tax proposal would lower taxes broadly but would reduce state revenue by about $5.4 billion when fully implemented, with an estimated $800 million hit in FY27, and he discussed possible effects on competitiveness, taxpayer savings, and public finances. On the 62F proposal, he said the revised cap would make refunds more likely, could have produced several large refunds in recent years, and would reduce stabilization fund deposits and constrain recovery after recessions. Committee members questioned Howgate about competitiveness, outmigration, prior tax ballot measures, spending growth, MassHealth, and the interaction between the income tax and surtax. He emphasized that taxes are only one part of the state’s overall competitiveness and that housing, public services, and other factors also matter. He also noted that the surtax is constitutionally restricted but can still support ongoing spending choices. After his testimony, the committee moved to the proponents’ panel. Proponents of both initiatives, including representatives from Taxpayers for an Affordable Massachusetts, the National Federation of Independent Business, Pioneer Institute, and the Mass Opportunity Alliance, argued that the measures would improve affordability, help retain residents and businesses, and support job growth. They cited polling support, outmigration, small-business reinvestment, and comparisons to lower-tax states such as North Carolina. Their economist, Rebecca Paxton, said her model showed smaller revenue losses than critics claim and projected that the revised revenue cap would not create additional annual revenue losses while producing more regular taxpayer refunds. Committee members pressed the panel on competitiveness, prior ballot initiative implementation, and whether the measures would actually address broader affordability pressures; the hearing ended with the committee continuing to take questions from the proponents.

Transcript Highlights:

• Why do you think so many potential long-term teachers? are not not staying on the job.
• In terms of the The contributions they make to our system, they contribute more than traditional ISDs
• But in terms of the actual number of individuals in our system, he assumes that it is level. what we
• We as a state are continuing to experience significant long-term transportation, our population growth
• be considerably. more and so everything that we can do together with the legislature to enhance the long-term

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• At the same time, the Santa California, And no long-term support.
• They are living with trauma, battling untreated mental health conditions, or dealing with the long-term
• care systems.
• At the center of this community-based system of care is the county veteran service officer.
• The importance of CBSO's accessibility and connection to that community-based system of care is even

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on the role of County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs), CalVet’s support for them, and the growing problem of for-profit, unaccredited claims companies. Committee leaders and witnesses emphasized that CVSOs are often the first point of contact for veterans and their families, helping with disability claims, education benefits, survivor benefits, housing, health care, and other wraparound services. Testimony highlighted the return on investment from CVSO work, with witnesses citing hundreds of millions in new federal benefits secured for California veterans and arguing that current state funding is too low relative to the workload and need. County representatives from Nevada, Los Angeles, and San Luis Obispo described local models of service. Los Angeles County highlighted a “no wrong door” approach, peer navigators, suicide review work, justice-involved veteran services, and homelessness coordination, while San Luis Obispo described rural outreach, mental health partnerships, and high suicide rates in its county. Nevada County stressed that smaller counties can be disadvantaged by workload-based formulas and that additional funding would expand access, especially in rural areas. Several witnesses said veterans often need more than claims help and should be connected to mental health, employment, food, and family supports. Much of the discussion centered on predatory claims consultants, which witnesses said charge veterans for services that accredited CVSOs provide free. Members and witnesses described cases involving requests for VA and banking logins, misleading advertising, and contracts that can take a percentage of veterans’ benefits. Committee members expressed support for legislation to curb these practices and for increased funding for CVSOs, including the Legislature’s intent to fund 50% of county veterans’ services operations. A CalVet deputy secretary also testified that California’s accreditation and training system improves claim quality and appeal outcomes, and that CalVet works with CVSOs through training, district offices, and appeals representation.

Transcript Highlights:

• All that is needed is a long-term sustainable funding source that maintains the movement of public funds
• All that is needed is a long-term sustainable funding source that maintains the movement of public funds
• </c><00:45:55.599><c> sustainable</c> is needed is a long-term sustainable is needed is a long-term sustainable
• Uh, but we do need that long-term sustainable funding model to ensure that continued viability of EMS
• Uh, but we do need that long-term sustainable funding model to ensure that continued viability of EMS

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As a previous long-term convenience store owner, kratom and other dangerous substances are not needed
• It's bad for the long-term health and stability of the industry, and it is counter to the intent of the
• term in this industry, and anyone who is invested long term should also be in support of this bill.
• term in this industry, and anyone who is invested long term should also be in support of this bill.
• Long-term oversupply, Sure. Washington's I-502 and cannabis market.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 5882 would extend workers’ compensation PTSD presumptions to local correctional facility workers after 90 days of employment, with staff explaining the bill’s scope, fiscal note, and how claims would affect employers’ experience ratings. The sponsor and labor representatives supported the measure as a response to correctional officer trauma, while cities, retailers, and self-insurers opposed it over cost, system sustainability, and the need for more study. Labor and Industries said the estimated five-year state-fund claim cost ranges from $6.7 million to $15.3 million, and the hearing closed after testimony from both sides. The committee then heard SB 6196, which would impose a 95% excise tax on kratom products starting in 2027, create licensing and labeling requirements, and direct revenue to youth harmful substance prevention. Supporters argued kratom is unregulated and increasingly available to youth, and some urged age-gating and stronger restrictions on synthetic concentrated products. Opponents, including retailers and the American Kratom Association, said the bill is too punitive, would hurt legitimate businesses, and should be revised into a consumer protection framework rather than treated like a controlled substance. No vote was taken. SB 6204, allowing adults to grow up to six cannabis plants at home with a 15-plant household cap, drew strong support from cannabis advocates and some medical users, who said home grow should have been part of legalization and would help consumers understand the plant. Opponents from law enforcement, cities, and public health warned about youth access, enforcement problems, fire and chemical risks, and possible impacts on cannabis tax revenue. The committee also heard SB 6134, requiring notice to striking workers about possible UI overpayments if they later receive retroactive wages, which the sponsor said would prevent surprise repayment obligations; testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. Finally, SB 6195, aimed at reducing cannabis oversupply by tying producer canopy size to reported sales, drew broad support from cannabis businesses and trade groups, who said it would stabilize the market and address JLARC’s findings, with some stakeholders asking for implementation fixes and clearer language.

Transcript Highlights:

• care, our hospitals, improving our system of care through cost reduction and making health care more
• Systems are suffering from exploding health care costs.
• In our health care system and in our education system, it's really important that we pass it now, and
• Do they want their health care system reformed? Yes.
• It doesn't do everything that we'll need to do over the long term.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In terms of what was mentioned about the long-term impacts that these cuts and these proposals would
• The long-term impact on the children of California is really significant, and it goes all the way to
• But overall, you know, as I think you're articulating, it's a very long-term methodic. effort to go through
• crucial responsibility to manage taxpayer dollars, and I think every decision we make should prioritize long-term
• Can anyone speak to the impact on our hospital system and our health care system and the proposed changes

Keywords: 988, house, all