Transcript Highlights:

• Raises the DUI assessment fee from $160 to $200.
• The background, and I have not been able to determine why, but in 2008, the DUI assessment fee was lowered
• And if you look at this, the individuals that provide this testing or this assessment are certified through
• And so raising this fee to $200, I think will help stabilize the number of. independent DUI assessment
• No, those fees would be paid prior to taking the assessment.

Bills: SB1192 , SB1264 , SB1284 , SB1810 , SB1921

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Keywords: substance abuse, counseling, assessment fees, mental health, alcohol and drug programs, domestic violence, domestic abuse, assault and battery, assault, battery, strangulation, dangerous weapon, family or household member, intimate partner, pregnant woman, great bodily injury, batterers intervention program, batterers' intervention, anger management, victim safety

Transcript Highlights:

• What we're talking about there is the assessed valuation of all the taxable property in that particular
• If you have $100 million worth of assessed valuation in that district, they could bond up to 5% of that
• A lot of these assessed valuations of taxable property districts are much higher than that.
• The issue that I'm not aware of is their assessed valuation of the taxable district of the township.
• They can't issue bonds over 5% of their assessed value, their taxable value.

Bills: HB1428

Committee: Senate Finance and Taxation

Keywords: HB 1428, North Dakota sales tax, sales tax exemption, thrift store, nonprofit corporation, 501(c)(3), charitable organization, used clothing, clothing exemption, retail tax, Century Code 57-39.2-04, charity shop, secondhand clothing, taxable events, nonprofit retail, 908, all

Summary: The Finance and Tax Committee met with a quorum and took up House Bill 1482, which would require certain municipal bond elections to be held on primary or general election days rather than at special elections. Senator Rummel walked the committee through a proposed amendment from Representative Wagner that would remove special-election language, align ballot timing requirements, and make related cleanup changes. Members discussed the distinction between constitutional debt limits and the bill’s election-timing requirements, with Senator Powers seeking clarification that the measure did not change levy or bond limits themselves. The committee also discussed whether the amended language would comply with the Secretary of State’s requirements. Chairman Weber and Senator Rummel said they had consulted legislative council and wanted a further check before the bill moved forward, and the chairman said he would hold the bill until that review was complete. The amendment was approved unanimously, 6-0, and the bill as amended was then adopted unanimously, 6-0. After passage, the committee discussed who would carry the bill, eventually settling on Senator Rummel as carrier. The chair also said several other bills, including gas tax and property tax measures, would be held for the time being while the committee waited for developments in the House. The committee announced it would not plan to meet the next day unless called from the floor, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm wondering, is your assessment that the west side is not a problem based on a regular session,
• We requested a well-executed assessment that looks beyond surface-level damage.
• It's a system-wide assessment.
• This assessment will pair with the state facility maintenance fund that is managed by OMB.
• The current FCA effort will assess 209 facilities covering approximately 4.5 million square feet.

Summary: The Budget Section Leadership Division met with a quorum present and approved the March 18 minutes. The committee first heard an update from the Petroleum Council on oil and gas activity, which described North Dakota production as holding steady around 1.1 to 1.2 million barrels per day despite lower prices and market volatility. The presentation emphasized that efficiency gains, longer laterals, and improved completion technology are allowing operators to sustain output while activity shifts north in the Bakken. Members asked about gas taxation, natural gas liquids, flaring, and enhanced oil recovery; the witness said gas is taxed by volume, most liquids are handled through oil lines or gas processing, and the state’s EOR pilot projects and new gas infrastructure are intended to help hold production flat and expand future recovery. The committee then received a presentation from the Tax Department on the federal “big beautiful bill” and its effect on North Dakota income tax collections. The department explained that most of the federal changes were extensions of existing Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions, but several items — including the larger standard deduction, senior deduction, tip and overtime exclusions, auto loan interest deduction, and business expensing changes — affect state collections. Revised estimates showed a smaller-than-expected impact on individual income tax, with the department suggesting a net cash effect in the range of roughly $30 million to $35 million when business and individual effects are combined, plus a possible one-time distortion from large oil-field transactions in fiscal year 2025. Members asked which provisions apply to standard versus itemized returns, and the department clarified that most of the individual provisions apply broadly, while the SALT-related item is itemizer-specific. OMB then reported on major capital projects and facility funding. Updates included Capitol grounds improvements such as 18th-floor renovations, wayfinding, augmented reality displays for the Rough Rider Hall of Fame, tree management and lighting studies, and restroom and parking reconfiguration in the tower. OMB also described security upgrades at the governor’s residence, where human remains were discovered on site and are being handled with historical and legal review. The state hospital project in Jamestown remains on schedule for substantial completion in winter 2027 and opening in spring 2028, with costs currently estimated a little over $292 million and a line of credit expected to be drawn in April 2027. The North Central State Office Building in Minot is under construction, with a $5.6 million line of credit already accessed. OMB also reported on the State Facility Maintenance Fund, noting about $1.1 million spent so far on projects such as the Liberty Memorial Building roof and foundation work, Capitol window replacement, boiler replacement, and kitchen remodeling. Finally, Legislative Council staff reviewed the interim compliance report on legislative intent and state trust funds. The report highlighted the status of multiple lines of credit, including those for the state hospital and Minot office building, and noted that the executive budget will likely need to include repayment planning for about $350 million of expected outstanding balances. Other updates included the Bank of North Dakota profit transfer schedule, litigation pool spending, the new Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, the Missouri River Correctional Center planning effort, HHS items such as FMAP and child care assistance, Job Service’s unemployment insurance modernization project, and DPI school aid turnback estimates. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• So only 10% of e-filings are assessed this fee.
• So generally, that leaves private attorneys who are being assessed this fee.
• This fee being assessed.
• This would result in additional fees being assessed to the clerks.
• this fee, continue to be assessed this fee.

Bills: HB75 , SB134 , SB201 , SB258 , SB288 , SB313 , SB320 , SB321 , SB325 , SB339 , SB345 , SB393 , SB422 , SB440 , SB470 , SB487 , SB523

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Keywords: HB75, Act 963, gaming, casino gaming, promotional play, promotional wagers, slot machine proceeds, net gaming proceeds, gross revenue, taxable revenue, gaming operators, gaming tax, Louisiana gaming, gaming revenue deduction, casino tax, gaming promotion, revenue cap, pilot program, child sexual abuse materials, sexting

Transcript Highlights:

• of the statewide assessment.
• Several years ago, everyone went statewide to online assessment, with the exception of special needs
• These are supposed to be standardized assessments.
• These are supposed to be standardized assessments.
• Come find me or our property tax assessing expert with Cruz if you have any questions.

Summary: The caucus reviewed a long minority calendar covering a wide range of bills, with sponsors giving brief descriptions and members frequently raising concerns about constitutionality, cost, federal preemption, and policy impacts. Topics included medical intervention and vaccination/mask prohibitions, state treasurer investment rules, vacant state positions reporting, shooting range closure limits, congressional term limits, audit penalties, cellphone use while driving, procurement restrictions tied to China, air ambulance regulation, hospital immigration-status reporting, SNAP purchase restrictions, school assessment changes, school contract transparency, religious excusals from school, student contact information, fitness reporting, and several property tax, water, and agriculture measures. Members also discussed bills on AI-generated sexual material consent verification, DEI liability, hate-crime sentencing, commercial driver forfeiture tied to immigration status, speed-limiting devices for repeat speeding offenses, PFAS firefighting foam, name changes for sex offenders, abortion-inducing drugs, prisoner transition services, sexual extortion penalties, solar radiation management bans, and cultivated-cell food labeling and sales bans. Several bills drew explicit opposition or requests to pull them from consent, especially those affecting abortion access, immigration-related hospital reporting, school testing, religious release programs, DEI policies, and cultivated-cell foods. Members noted that some measures appeared duplicative, overly broad, or likely unconstitutional, and in multiple cases referenced prior vetoes or prior-year versions of the same bills. Supportive comments were also made on selected bills, including the PFAS foam prohibition, the assistive technology study committee, the digital goods consumer protection bill, and the prisoner transition services extension. The caucus also considered water and infrastructure measures, including brackish groundwater funding and studies, water augmentation authority bonds, Pima County water rates, groundwater transport rules, and HOA drought watering limits. Toward the end, members reviewed election-related memorials and resolutions, including a proposal to limit voting centers, a memorial urging withdrawal from the United Nations, and another urging defunding the IMF; all three were noted as being on consent and were pulled for further discussion. The meeting closed with announcements, including a note about a local missing-person concern and a caucus recognition program called the Affordable Arizona Award.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, and I appreciate your assessment of my morning. Maybe just a couple of questions.
• It is oftentimes recommended, though, to take a look at and do some sort of vulnerability assessment
• </c><00:30:18.120><c> that's</c> however a regular risk assessment that's however a regular risk assessment
• He then asked whether that was a correct assessment. Mr. Chair, yes, those are valid assessments.
• </c><00:41:17.760><c> uh</c> there's 57 controls and we assessed uh there's 57 controls and we assessed

Bills: HF1060 , HF1062

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: sports facilities, Minnesota, legislative commission, financial oversight, accountability, HF1062, driver and vehicle systems oversight committee, MNLARS, VTRS, vehicle title and registration system, driver's license system, Minnesota Department of Public Safety, MN.IT, legislative oversight, transportation finance, state government, committee repeal, sunset provision, information technology audit, vehicle registration

Transcript Highlights:

• The base salaries are based upon assessed valuations, and this has not been changed for the last 45 years
• And I appreciate that you put a chart in here with the assessed value growth, so it gives them a plan
• my question is, this base is so similar to the prior bases that were several years ago that the assessed
• As the bill sponsor mentioned, it's based on assessed valuation.
• Well, assessed valuations have changed dramatically in the last 45 years.

Committee: House Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence

Summary: The committee first heard testimony on Senate Bill 975, which dealt with ambulance district mergers and community paramedic/mobile integrated health services. Supporters said the merger provisions would help rural districts combine resources, reduce costs, and improve patient care, while community paramedic programs have been effective in reducing emergency room use and supporting early hospital discharges. An EMS chief described situations where neighboring services cooperated and one where a service refused access to community paramedic care, arguing the bill should address those jurisdictional barriers. Opposition from the Missouri State Council of Firefighters focused on concerns about the Senate-added jurisdictional language, saying they did not oppose the underlying bill but wanted the jurisdictional issues resolved so services could continue in rural areas. No vote was taken, and testimony on SB 975 was closed. The committee then took up House Bill 3496, which updates county official salary schedules and assessed valuation ranges. Representative Reedy said the bill is intended to modernize salary minimums that have not been changed in about 45 years while preserving local control through county salary commissions, which can set pay below the maximum based on what each county can afford. Missouri Association of Counties staff testified in support, explaining that a task force spent about two years developing the proposal and that the updated schedule and growth factor were designed to reflect current county economics and avoid abrupt salary jumps. Committee members asked about alternative training options, coordination with other salary legislation, and whether the bill could create public misunderstandings about pay increases. A county commissioner also testified in support. The hearing closed without any vote or other action.

Transcript Highlights:

• So to answer your question specifically the law is clear that a threat assessment should inform that
• Annual threat assessment. You just earned my vote. Thank you, sir. Mr.
• Hansel, can you talk a little bit about how important it is for our warfighters to assess the kind of
• Without being in the department having the most current information I can't make a full assessment but
• So how do you assess the impact of potential workforce reductions on stockpile?

Committees: Senate Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee , Senate SeaPower Subcommittee , Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces , Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel

Keywords: national security, nuclear energy, Department of Defense, military readiness, public commentary, nominations

Summary: The meeting convened with a focus on the scrutiny of various nominations and their implications for national security. Mr. Brandon Williams was nominated as the Undersecretary of Energy for Nuclear Security, drawing attention to the pressing need to modernize the U.S. nuclear arsenal amid growing threats from other countries. This was echoed in discussions led by committee members who expressed concern over military readiness and the management of military installations, with emphasis on ensuring accountability within the Department of Defense. Public commentary was notably supportive of the nominations, although some concerns were raised regarding the administration's broader strategies.

Transcript Highlights:

• I just want to make sure that you are the one doing that assessment.
• And I think it's helpful for a new commissioner to do an assessment.
• I will do an assessment. I commit to that, yes, Senator.
• I do not, Senator. come into the office, you're going to do an assessment.
• I will do an assessment if confirmed, Senator. Thank you. Thank you.

Committee: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee

Keywords: nominations, labor, health, veterans, Social Security, Elon Musk, transparency, government accountability

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on various executive nominations and their implications on labor and health affairs. Significant discussions surrounded the nomination of Mr. Sonderling as the Deputy Secretary of Labor, with members expressing concerns about workforce cuts affecting veterans and Social Security employees. There was also a debate led by a member regarding the authority and influence of private individuals, specifically citing Elon Musk's involvement in government decisions. Such discussions raised questions about transparency and accountability within governmental agencies, leading to a proposal for Mr. Musk to provide testimony before the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Building Division obtained an assessment, and that was regarding bringing the facility up to ADA
• We, in essence, pay rent that's assessed to us by the Building Division administration, and that should
• That would be my assessment. Would you say that would be accurate? I think it is accurate.
• that that we pay so So these buildings and that sort of built into the assessment that that we pay so
• We’ve made an assessment that that’s feasible.

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee held an invited-testimony hearing on LR 425, which examines the Whitehall campus in Lincoln and possible long-term options for youth currently served there. Chair Brian Hardin explained that Whitehall houses two separate programs for adolescent males: a substance use program and a youth-who-sexually-harm program. Testimony from DHHS officials described Whitehall as a Joint Commission-accredited psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRTF) that provides about 40 hours of weekly programming, family involvement, school services, and community reintegration activities. Officials said the department is evaluating whether the programs should remain at Whitehall or move to another state-owned facility, with Hastings described as the department’s preferred alternative because it is more residential in design than a youth rehabilitation treatment center (YRTC).

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, the Building Division obtained an assessment, and that was regarding bringing the facility up to
• We, in essence, pay rent that's assessed to us by the Building Division administration.
• That would be my assessment. Would you say that would be accurate? I think it is accurate.
• We've made an assessment that that's feasible.
• We've made an assessment that that's feasible.

Committee: Unicameral Health and Human Services

Keywords: 956, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One other aspect of the bill is assessments in these communities consist of two types: the annual assessment
• The associations can also apply a special assessment, and that special assessment can be of some significant
• In the case of the new current thresholds of $10,000, if there's an assessment of greater than $10,000
• , that assessment is foreclosable on the day it is due because of the way the statute is written.
• So what we've done in this... ...bill is to address those special assessments and say for any special

Committee: House Government

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:23:18.720><c> The</c> Instead of requiring actions in circuit court to assess fines, egg handlers
• in circuit Instead of requiring actions in circuit court<00:23:58.159><c> to</c><00:23:58.400><c> assess
• </c><00:23:58.880><c> fines,</c> court to assess fines, court to assess fines, egg<00:24:00.799><c> handlers
• of fees that are between the assessment of fees that are due<00:24:12.320><c> and</c><00:24:12.720><
• </c> have to pay assessments. have to pay assessments.

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 05:11 Report of Committees 06:05 Orders of the Day/HB 320 07:52 HB 366 14:55 HB 389 17:22 HB 56 22:10 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 25:47 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 29:20 Petition of Impeachment Filed 31:24 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 32:03 ConC/Rules Report 36:31 Floor Amendments 37:29 Adjournment 37:47, 958, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the pledge, recorded 96 members present, excused absences, and approved the journal from January 27, 2026. The Senate clerk announced passage of Senate Bills 17 and 181 and requested concurrence. Committee reports advanced a number of bills on health insurance, judiciary, local government, and transportation topics, including measures on pharmacist reimbursements, hearing aid coverage, feeding and eating disorders, grooming a minor, local government liability, water fluoridation, cigar bars, chickens on residential property, highway pavement markings, motor vehicle titles, and pedestrian issues; all favorable reports were treated as first readings and placed on the calendar. The House then took up and passed House Bill 320 on human trafficking, with the sponsor explaining it would equalize penalties for promoting human trafficking with those for trafficking itself and increase the penalty when the victim is under 18. A member asked whether the bill included additional funding for cyber enforcement; the sponsor replied it was not an appropriation and would not require new funding, though prior budgets had increased support for anti-trafficking efforts. The House adopted a title amendment changing the bill’s title to combating human trafficking. The chamber also passed House Bill 366, which clarifies that materials portraying a sexual performance by a minor include computer-generated images and requires 85% service of the sentence before probation or parole; the sponsor said it was supported by law enforcement and prosecutors. House Bill 389 on reading and writing in schools also passed as amended by House Committee Substitute 1. The sponsor said it would require annual updates to the state dyslexia toolkit, expand professional development and coaching, require local school boards to develop processes for universal screening and diagnostic tools, and add dyslexia instruction to teacher preparation programs; the substitute added conformity with IDEA and revised the instructional language. Members spoke in support of early dyslexia detection and one member noted the bill updated prior legislation associated with former Rep. Bam Carney. House Bill 56, an omnibus Department of Agriculture bill, then passed; it addressed amusement ride inspections, grain warehousing penalties, egg handler licensing renewal timing, exemptions for small producers, and repealed obsolete tobacco and egg marketing board provisions. All three bills passed by roll call with 95 or 94 votes in favor and none opposed, and clinchers were applied. During announcements, members noted upcoming committee meetings and events, including a suits-and-sneakers day and cancer-related breakfast, caucus meetings, and committee meetings. New bills and resolutions were introduced, including measures on local occupational license fees, early learning and child care, tuition waivers, an adult workforce diploma pilot, motor vehicle usage tax, contract procurement, Fish and Wildlife Resources, adoption, veterans’ benefits, Cabinet for Health and Family Services operations, organ donation safety, hate crimes, prescription drugs, and resolutions on the Kentucky-Japan partnership and veterans’ benefits accreditation. The clerk also reported a petition of impeachment filed against Judge Julie Goodman. The House then referred a group of bills to committees, reported floor amendments for House Bills 321 and 416, and adjourned until 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 29, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Public records: lethality assessment forms by Representative Baker.
• This assessment asks 12 questions.
• What this bill does is it creates a public records exemption to make those lethality assessment forms
• Public records lethally assessment forms by Representative Baker.
• This assessment asks 12 questions. to administer a lethality assessment to the victim.

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee considered a long agenda of criminal justice, public safety, and related bills. Early measures included HB 1171, tolling the statute of limitations for failure to make mandatory child abuse reports, and HB 1403, expanding school safety provisions by allowing child care facilities in the guardian program and clarifying perimeter and door-security rules; both passed unanimously, with HB 1403 adopted as amended. The committee also approved HB 1099, giving law enforcement discretion in arrests involving elderly or medically vulnerable individuals in facilities; HB 1121, strengthening restrictions on misuse of unmanned aircraft systems; HB 1525, creating penalties for impersonating rideshare drivers and clarifying transportation-disadvantaged access; and PCS for HB 687, increasing penalties for repeat DUI/vehicular homicide offenses known as “Trenton’s Law.” Members then advanced HB 847 to create an FDLE grant program for expedited DNA testing, PCS for HB 757 to prohibit altered sexual depictions of identifiable persons and create a civil remedy, and HB 1415 to repeal an obsolete Broward County narcotics enforcement unit. The committee also heard and approved HB 1207, the Tristan Murphy Act, which expands mental health diversion grants, creates a model diversion process, and establishes a behavioral healthcare data repository; testimony from the bill’s namesake’s mother and law enforcement emphasized the need for treatment over incarceration. HB 1351 updated sexual offender/predator registration rules, and HB 1479 created a public records exemption for domestic violence lethality assessment forms; both passed without opposition. Later, the committee approved PCS for HB 1283, making sex trafficking of children under 12 or mentally incapacitated persons a capital felony, despite constitutional concerns raised in debate; the bill passed 13-2. PCS for HB 781, addressing cyber intimidation by publication (doxing), also passed unanimously after supporters described it as a needed tool against online harassment. Finally, CSHB 139 authorized pawnbrokers to use digital transaction forms, and PCS for HB 107 created and enhanced penalties for fraudulent use of gift cards. Most bills were reported favorably, many unanimously, and several were amended before passage.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:29:37.919><c> the</c> deferred maintenance it's assessing the deferred maintenance it's assessing
• There was a bill passed last year that mandated the assessment of a $5 registration fee assessed at the
• as of January 1. assessed at the county level to be assessed at the county level to be deposited<01:
• </c><01:32:15.840><c> for</c> qualified provider, a uh assessment for qualified provider, a uh assessment
• We think assessing a financial penalty.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1783, which would expand public-private partnership options for charter school facilities. The Department of Education offered comments, the Charter School Commission and SFA supported the bill, and Hawaii Technology Academy, Hawaii Kids, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, HGA, Aloha Project, and several individuals testified in support, while UPW opposed it. Supporters said charter schools need faster and more flexible ways to address severe facility shortages and high costs, and SFA described the bill as a pilot model that could leverage developer partnerships and state contributions, citing Maryland as an example. Members asked whether the bill was limited to charter schools; DOE said the language could be read to include other public school facilities, but if focused only on charter schools, DOE was less concerned. The Charter School Commission also described an existing public-private preschool model through Parkway Village Preschool and PACTED. The committee then took up HB 1778, which would establish a CIP database for school facilities. SFA supported the bill, saying it would create a more disciplined, transparent basis for funding decisions by documenting facility condition, needed repairs, classification, and timing. DOE initially said it rested on its comments, then responded to questions by saying it already maintains deferred maintenance lists, uses systems such as Maximo, CPT, GIS, and finance software, and sends legislators project-status letters twice a year. DOE said it is working on improving its outward-facing dashboard and integrating its systems, but questioned whether the bill would add value beyond existing tools. Members emphasized the need for a publicly accessible, real-time transparency tool, while DOE said it was still evaluating its current systems and was not yet seeking funding for a new IT program. For HB 2344, creating an Independent Public School Realignment and Closure Commission, DOE said it wants to remain part of any consolidation process to keep students and education central, while SFA said the bill is timely and framed it as a restructuring response to changing conditions and possible federal funding cuts. SFA compared the proposal to the federal BRAC process for military base closures and said Hawaii has the same enrollment as in 1961 but many more schools, arguing that the state needs a more deliberate approach to school closures and land reuse. The Attorney General’s office raised technical concerns about several sections, including unclear references to administrative support, a governor-approval sequence, a possible conflict with existing statutes governing closed-school disposition, and a missing section number. Testimony on HB 2345, which would establish a geographic CIP district, began with DOE in opposition; DOE said the bill would duplicate existing work, add confusion by creating two agencies doing the same thing, and spend money inefficiently because district project coordinators and project lists already exist.

Transcript Highlights:

• Require a school to have a vulnerability assessment before the funds are spent.
• Require a school to have a vulnerability assessment before the funds are spent.
• Require a school to have a vulnerability assessment before the funds are spent.
• Require a school to have a vulnerability assessment before the funds are spent.
• Require a school to have a vulnerability assessment before the funds are spent.

Bills: HF3492 , HF3493 , HF3494 , HF3495 , HF3602

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: school safety, grants, education funding, Northern Lights Express, security improvements, rural schools, safe schools, charter schools, nonpublic schools, Tribal education, funding increase, safe schools aid, school security, mental health support, Tribal schools, cybersecurity, funding, mental health, evidence-based plans, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, we would have to do an assessment.
• So I think there would have assessment.
• But, you and not have to assess again.
• </c> million assessment. million assessment. &gt;&gt; Okay. &gt;&gt; Okay. &gt;&gt; Okay.
• </c><00:43:37.920><c> and</c> I know it was a large assessment and I know it was a large assessment and

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• every five years where we assessment every five years where we relook<00:04:31.360><c> at</c><00:04:
• conducted with assessment that's conducted with community<00:04:37.199><c> members</c><00:04:38.320>
• Uh, there is a standardized needs-based assessment that is child-specific to determine the functional
• </c> &gt;&gt; I think we'd need to go back and assess &gt;&gt; I think we'd need to go back and assess
• </c> or less. uh is a procedure to assess or less. uh is a procedure to assess providers<01:10:11.520

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first heard brief presentations on Kentucky’s 2025 Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant and Title V Maternal and Child Health Block Grant. Department for Public Health staff explained that the preventive health block grant provides about $2.3 million annually and supports programs such as accreditation and performance improvement, local health department grants, community health workers, prescription assistance, asthma and COPD programs, workforce development, and a sexual assault programs set-aside. They said the Title V block grant provides about $11.7 million, with 35% directed to children and youth with special health care needs and 65% to maternal and child health populations, largely through local health departments and a five-year needs assessment process. After no questions, a motion was made and seconded to approve both block grants. The roll call vote passed 19-0, and the two block grants were approved. The committee then approved the minutes from the prior meeting. The next item was a discussion of the child waiver created in House Bill 6. Committee members raised concerns that the proposed 1915(c) waiver did not match the legislature’s intent, which they said was to move children from the Michelle P. waiver to free slots for adults. Cabinet officials from DCBS, behavioral health, and Medicaid described the proposed “Community Health for Improved Lives and Development” waiver as a targeted home- and community-based program for children under 21 with severe behavioral health or developmental needs, including those stepping down from inpatient or residential care or at risk of out-of-home placement. They said the waiver is designed for about 100 slots, uses a standardized needs-based assessment, and includes case management, community living supports, home modifications, respite, supervised residential care, and clinical therapeutic services. Officials said the public comment period ended July 15, responses are being compiled for August submission to CMS, and the waiver is part of the broader Families First initiative.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Is that a fair assessment? Is that a fair assessment? &gt;&gt; Yeah.<01:38:00.400><c> Yeah.
• I think that's a fair assessment.
• </c><02:11:46.960><c> The</c> assessment administered 11:40. The assessment administered 11:40.
• </c> better on these assessment tests. better on these assessment tests.
• </c> guess that's a fair assessment, right? guess that's a fair assessment, right?

Keywords: MS House Floor - 15 January, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're trying to assessment etc etc.
• </c><01:31:57.120><c> when</c> able to pay it through assessments when able to pay it through assessments
• </c> committee, it takes the assessment committee, it takes the assessment language<01:56:20.000><c>
• </c><01:56:44.000><c> reserve,</c> And then with the 4% assessment reserve, And then with the 4% assessment
• </c> being experiencing a massive assessment being experiencing a massive assessment mid<02:04:02.239

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee continued work on Senate Bill 297 and a new amendment dealing with pooled risk management programs and whether they should be regulated under the insurance department. Lisa Duket, executive director of SchoolCare, testified at length that the draft language could allow co-mingling of public entity risk funds, could trigger producer-licensing requirements for staff who are not actually brokers, and may not fit public entity risk pools because they are not insurance companies. She also raised concerns about the March 1 reporting deadline, the proposed uniform accounting language, aggregate excess insurance, examination costs being charged to the program, and confidentiality provisions that she argued may conflict with right-to-know principles for public entities. She urged the committee to slow down and consider a study committee or more time for review, saying the regulated entities were not adequately involved in drafting the proposal. Chairman Hunt and the department responded that the bill is intended to create a licensure-based regulatory model, similar to other licensed industries, and that the pooled risk management program would be exempt from producer licensing while anyone else selling or negotiating such coverage would need a producer license. The department said failure to comply would be handled through an administrative licensing process, with denial or nonrenewal of a license and appeal through the department process. On the reporting deadline, the department said March 1 is a standard filing date used for financial analysis and that the filing can be the most recent annual report, regardless of fiscal year end. They also explained that the confidentiality language was taken from existing RSA 5B, that aggregate excess insurance was included as a solvency measure, and that the draft was intended to preserve familiar language while adapting it for pooled risk programs. The discussion did not include a final vote or formal action on the bill in the portion provided. The committee appeared to be compiling follow-up questions for the insurance department and considering whether additional revisions or a slower process would be needed before moving the bill forward.