Video & Transcript : 'provider credentialing' :
Page 339 of 500
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- To provide one to two minutes for your opening testimony to this committee.
- Provide the information so that you can then see that report.
- They're nonprofit re-entry providers. We've worked with the BSCC in many capacities.
- I want to thank anyone who is here today to provide support and also all those who provided public comment
- I want to thank anyone who is here today to provide support and also all those who provided test public
Committee:
Senate Rules
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Joint Administrative Procedures Committee Mar 31st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Chapter 120 does not provide for a rolling or fluid amendment of a rule.
- Chapter 120 does not provide for a rolling or fluid amendment of a rule.
- Solaris provides a comprehensive inventory of all state-owned real property.
- This component also provides facility lease information. Solaris has five components.
- This component also provides facility lease information. ...surplus.
Summary:
The Joint Administrative Procedures Committee reviewed several agency rules and objections under Chapter 120. First, the committee revisited prior objections to Agency for Health Care Administration rules containing sunset provisions. AHCA’s general counsel said the agency amended 26 of the objected rules but declined to amend five others, arguing sunset provisions are lawful, are not themselves rules, and were consistent with a 2019 gubernatorial directive. Committee members questioned that position, especially for licensing and certificate-of-need rules, and urged the agency to consider legislative changes; no formal action was taken on that item during the discussion.
The committee then considered an objection to Department of Management Services Rule 60G-1.001 defining the Governor’s Mansion grounds. Committee staff argued the rule is vague and improperly refers to future land acquisitions without updating the rule since 1998. DMS defended the rule as a general definition tied to publicly recorded property and a master lease, but said it would not object if the Legislature chose to codify the definition in statute. After discussion, the committee voted to file the objection.
Members also received informational updates from the Department of Environmental Protection on the Solaris state lands inventory system, and from the Florida Gaming Control Commission on its response to the Tampa Bay Downs unadopted-rule litigation, in which the commission said it has stopped relying on the prior tax interpretation and will not promulgate a rule on that issue. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation said it would remove an unsupported cigar wholesale dealer permit reference, repeal an obsolete excise-tax deduction rule, and amend penalty guidelines and an affirmation in its alcohol, beverage, and tobacco rules. Finally, the Division of Administrative Hearings’ interim director discussed case-processing times, possible changes to ALJ status, and whether the Florida Rules of Evidence should apply in administrative proceedings, emphasizing the need to weigh costs, independence, and impacts on pro se litigants. The chair noted this was likely the committee’s final meeting of the year.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- :36.479><c> but</c><00:07:36.800><c> I</c> testimony providing comments, but I testimony providing comments
- </c><00:08:10.479><c> notice</c> deadline, excuse me, to provide notice deadline, excuse me, to provide
- OIP, as was noted before, has interpreted the statute as providing no deadline for boards to provide
- :30.160><c> board</c> boards to provide notice that the board boards to provide notice that the board
- </c> board under existing law could provide board under existing law could provide that<00:11:35.519>
Committee:
House Labor
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 19, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- And we've got great providers in Sarasota.
- Then what this does is it provides a 2% risk corridor buffer.
- He provided some clarity.
- He provided some clarity.
- CBCs are... ...report, you know, it's, we were provided, the CBCs are to provide their reasonably accurate
Summary:
The Human Services Subcommittee met with a quorum present and took up a presentation from the Department of Children and Families on HB 7089, which revises how Florida’s community-based care (CBC) lead agencies for child welfare are funded. Representative McFarland described the bill’s background, arguing that the prior formula relied too heavily on outdated, static factors and produced inequities among CBCs. She emphasized that the new approach is intended to provide a more stable, transparent, and statute-based funding method that better supports prevention, case management, and family services while reducing year-to-year political uncertainty.
DCF Chief of Staff Casey Penn explained that HB 7089 required an actuarially sound, reimbursement-based formula developed with CBC and provider input. The new model uses a cost-based structure with three tiers: Tier 1 for operational and administrative costs, Tier 2 for per-child/per-month service costs, and a possible Tier 3 incentive component for performance measures if the Legislature chooses to fund it. The model includes regional growth factors, inflation adjustments, a 2% risk corridor for Tier 2, a hold-harmless provision for agencies that would otherwise receive less than prior funding, and the ability for CBCs to retain some state general revenue savings. DCF said the model produced a total budget need of about $1.392 billion, roughly $28.6 million above the prior year after offsets, and that the department is also updating its child welfare case management system to improve data quality and future modeling.
Members asked about whether prevention spending is captured, how Tier 3 incentives would work and how much they might cost, how the formula accounts for insurance, hurricanes, child acuity, and staffing costs, and whether CBC executives’ compensation is capped. DCF said prevention is included in the model but is not yet separately broken out due to data limitations, Tier 3 is optional and not yet costed, and the formula can incorporate additional growth factors if needed. On executive pay, DCF explained that compensation is limited by statute for CBC contracts, but multiple contracts and non-state funding sources can affect total compensation; staff later clarified that CBC CEOs with multiple contracts had been reviewed for compliance. The meeting ended after questions, and Representative Miller moved to adjourn; the subcommittee adjourned without any vote on the bill.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Aging and Long-Term Care Committee Jun 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We have to provide greater training. And that just reminds us that we have to do more.
- We have to provide greater training.
- SB 1261 provides a simple, practical fix.
- It is concerning to know that you can simply walk away from providing service.
- But hoping you could provide some updates on that. Yeah, I think I can help with that.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care met without an initial quorum and heard four Senate bills focused on older adults and people with disabilities. SB 837 by Senator Reyes would require Aging and Disability Resource Connection programs to provide disaster and emergency preparedness education tailored to older adults and people with disabilities. Supporters, including the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers and the California Commission on Aging, cited recent wildfire deaths and the need for better evacuation planning and preparedness. The bill passed on a due pass motion and was re-referred to the Committee on Emergency Management.
SB 971 by Senator Choi would create a Healthy Aging Community Partnerships Program to encourage voluntary local partnerships, including with community colleges and other entities, to support social connection, technology help, caregiver resources, and other healthy aging activities. Supporters said it would promote independence and prevent isolation at no mandated cost, while one member questioned whether the bill addressed a current legal gap and whether public health departments should be involved. The committee approved the bill on a due pass motion and re-referred it to the Committee on Health.
SB 1261 by Senator Laird would allow Aging and Disability Resource Connections to continue operating for one to two years during transitions when an area agency on aging or independent living center operator changes, preventing service disruptions. Testimony from Access Central Coast and the California Association of Area Agencies on Aging emphasized the importance of continuity for thousands of clients. The committee passed the bill and re-referred it to the Committee on Appropriations. SB 991 by Senator Menjivar, presented by Assemblymember Gonzalez, would require the Department of Social Services to classify substantiated abuse in residential care facilities for the elderly by specific abuse type rather than a broad residents’ rights category. Ombudsman advocates argued this would improve transparency and accountability; members also discussed whether similar protections should extend to younger adults in other licensed settings. The bill passed on a due pass motion and was re-referred to the Committee on Human Services.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- And to provide an effective date. All right, backing up just slightly.
- This proposal reduces revenue, but it provides no replacement revenue, none at all.
- We do not know because those answers have not been provided today.
- And I had filed Senate Bill 270, which was to provide a property tax exemption...
- I filed Senate Bill 274, which provided property tax relief for... ...74, which provided property tax
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-06-02 (9:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- During the pandemic, federal funds provided a significant boost for Miami-Dade County.
- This proposal reduces revenue, but it provides no replacement revenue, none at all.
- We do not know because those answers have not been provided today.
- But at the end of the day, I have a choice between providing constitutional amendment.
- I filed Senate Bill 274, which provided property tax relief for 74, which provided property tax relief
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-05-29 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- An additional $30 million is provided to the Florida College System to provide additional operating funds
- It provides $22.8 million for a 1% rate increase to all iBudget waiver providers.
- Regarding the BSA, has there been a calculation or funding provided?
- How do we provide the medications that they need?
- It provides equal opportunity.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation Mar 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And this provides challenges, particularly on wolves. How do we coexist?
- . but simply put. been able to supplant that more funding could provide.
- . as much or greater than the revenue that we're providing here.
- I'm going to provide some very quick comments on a few different things.
- I'm providing comments on issues 3 and 4.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Climate, Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation opened its first hearing on the governor’s natural resources budget with Secretary Wade Crowfoot of the Natural Resources Agency. Crowfoot reviewed California’s recent climate and environmental challenges—drought, wildfire, heat, sea level rise, and federal uncertainty—and highlighted progress on clean energy, zero-emission vehicles, wildfire resilience, water management, coastal planning, conservation, tribal land return, and streamlined project delivery. Members praised his engagement and the administration’s work with tribes, and Crowfoot emphasized that the administration is focused on finishing major projects, improving nature-based solutions, and considering whether some temporary streamlining measures should be codified. He also discussed the Mediterranean Climate Action Partnership and said the state is working with other Mediterranean-climate governments on wildfire, drought, and heat response.
Members and the LAO then focused on budget conditions and priorities. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the state budget remains precarious despite strong revenues, with the governor’s proposal relying on borrowing and reserves and leaving large out-year deficits unresolved. The LAO urged a high bar for new spending, especially in a deficit environment, and recommended prioritizing immediate health and safety needs, avoiding new ongoing commitments, and thinking carefully about special funds. On Proposition 4, the LAO said the administration’s approach generally appeared reasonable and consistent with the bond, but noted implementation has been slow and that the Legislature may want to use appropriations language to shape broad programs such as home hardening, outdoor recreation, and climate education. The chair stressed that climate and environmental funds should be used for their intended purposes and that wildfire spending should shift more toward community hardening and home protection.
The hearing then turned to water resilience and Proposition 4 spending. Department of Finance and department staff outlined the bond’s water-related funding for safe drinking water, drought, flood, water recycling, stormwater, groundwater management, dam safety, and the State Water Project. Members pressed for details on how funds would be prioritized, how grants would reach disadvantaged communities, and how the state would track the bond’s 40% target for vulnerable communities. Staff said new tools and reporting systems are being used to monitor allocations, and that AB 107 and related changes should speed up grant implementation by reducing redundant regulatory steps. The committee also discussed dam safety needs, State Water Project repairs, groundwater implementation grants, and the risk of relying on uncertain future revenues from the Salton Sea lithium tax. No votes were taken, and the hearing was informational only.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
Restrictive Housing Legislative Working Group (RHG) - Tue Jan 27, 2026 @ 9:30 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, and also provide what I considered hiring bonuses.
- </c><00:57:07.200><c> us</c> facilities are required to provide us facilities are required to provide
- The response was that this was new information and that the chair should provide some clarity.
- </c> >> provide some clarity. >> provide some clarity. >> Yes. >> Yes.
- I'll provide the committee with the same document I provided that commission, where it provides all the
NJ
New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Appropriations Jun 28th, 2026
Senate Budget and Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- that the labor union is signatory to a... ...employer association, provided that the labor union is
- We provided incentives to build them to make the grid more resilient and reduce customer costs.
- The amendments would provide that the obligations of a covered online service provider...
- The amendments would provide that the obligations of a covered online service provider under the substitute
- are to apply with respect to each online service provided by the covered online service provider, and
Committee:
Senate Senate Budget and Appropriations
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Employment and Retirement Committee Apr 8th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- AB 1601 does not provide a COLA.
- AB 1601 does not provide a COLA.
- What it does is provide the Board of Supervisors flexibility to What it does is provide the Board of
- And so providing a full salary for teachers is a And so providing a full salary for teachers is a critical
- It's really about how we're going to provide that leave time and provide the staffing and support for
Summary:
The committee heard several bills related to public employment. AB 1601, by Assemblymember Rogers, would give Sonoma County flexibility to work with its retirement board and actuaries on a possible retiree cost-of-living adjustment; supporters said Sonoma is the only 1937 Act county system without an automatic COLA and that retirees have gone since 2008 without an increase, while no opposition testified. The bill passed on a do-pass vote and was placed on the floor.
AB 1729, by Assemblymember Lee, would update state telework policy by requiring written telework plans, adding more structure before return-to-office decisions, and restoring public reporting on telework savings. Supporters, including SEIU Local 1000, the Association of California State Supervisors, and many state workers, argued telework improves productivity, reduces emissions and commute costs, and could save the state about $225 million annually; there was no opposition. The committee approved the bill 6-0 and re-referred it to Appropriations.
AB 1630, by Assemblymember Colosa, would allow union representatives to invite bargaining-unit members to observe meet-and-confer sessions, including remotely, to increase transparency and engagement. UC and CSU opposed the measure, saying observer rules should be negotiated at the table and warning the bill lacked clear limits on the number of observers and could create logistical and security problems. The bill passed 5-0 with one member not voting and was sent to Appropriations.
AB 1750, also by Assemblymember Colosa, would require school employees who exhaust sick leave and are absent due to illness or injury to receive full salary for an additional five months. CTA supported the bill as a needed safety net for teachers and classified staff, while school districts and administrators opposed it over cost, staffing, and student stability concerns, saying it could encourage longer absences and strain already tight budgets. The committee passed the bill 5-0 and sent it to Higher Education. AB 1896, by Assemblymember Gonzalez, would bar people who participated in immigration enforcement from holding California public employment, with supporters framing it as a response to ICE and Border Patrol actions and opponents warning it was overbroad and could exclude otherwise qualified applicants from law enforcement jobs; the bill passed 5-1 and was referred to Public Safety.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Employment and Retirement Committee Apr 8th, 2026
Public Employment and Retirement
Transcript Highlights:
- AB 1601 does not provide a COLA.
- This does not provide any money at all.
- And I support this bill because it provides flexibility and allows...
- It's really about how we're going to provide that leave time and provide the staffing and support for
- AB 2223 addresses this gap by requiring CDCR to provide standardized disclosure.
Committee:
House Public Employment and Retirement
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Oregon-Washington Legislative Action Committee Sep 15th, 2025
Joint Oregon-Washington Legislative Action Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- At this time, we are going to then go on to adopt the committee rules, and the staff can provide an overview
- And based on that assessment, they provide... ...that to our partners at the FTA.
- At last week's industry update, we provided an update to our entire program's...
- We provided an update to our entire program's delivery schedule.
- Those tables provide a little bit more detail about each of the projects.
Summary:
The committee met jointly with the Washington-Oregon Legislative Action Committee for an update on the Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement (IBR) program. Members first adopted the proposed committee rules, then received program updates from staff on environmental review, permitting, design, tribal consultation, and public engagement. Staff said the project remains in the supplemental EIS process, with a final supplemental EIS and amended record of decision expected in early 2026, which would allow construction to begin. They also described ongoing work on Coast Guard navigation clearance, Section 106 historic-property coordination, and architectural guidelines for the bridge and five-mile corridor, emphasizing that the visualizations shown were conceptual and that public and partner feedback has already influenced design considerations such as accessibility and shared-use path connections.
Members raised concerns about schedule delays, rising costs, and whether the project is being designed to be functional, safe, and economical. Staff acknowledged that the timeline has slipped from earlier expectations and said the delay reflects the complexity of the environmental and federal review process, as well as the need to avoid redoing steps. They said the updated cost estimate is being prepared now that design has advanced to roughly 30 percent, and that it will account for inflation, risk factors, and both fixed-span and movable-span options. Staff estimated a movable span would add more than $400 million and said the first construction work after environmental approval would likely be preliminary freeway and retaining-wall work in late 2026, followed by the bridge procurement.
The committee also received funding and tolling updates. Staff reported that major federal grants have been executed, including Mega and Bridge Investment Grant agreements, and that state STIP amendments are advancing to allow access to federal funds. The tolling team described Level 3 traffic-and-revenue work, a bi-state tolling subcommittee process, and possible toll scenarios aimed at supporting either about $1.24 billion or $1.6 billion in toll revenue. Members questioned low-income toll relief timing, truck toll rates, and the effect of tolls on freight users. Staff said low-income discounts are being analyzed for both revenue and operational feasibility, that tribal exemptions and other policy exemptions are under review, and that the commissions expect to move into public outreach on toll rates and policies in 2026, with tolling on the existing bridges currently projected to begin in spring 2027.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- And if applicable, provide proof of an affirmative vote of that public entity.
- And if applicable, provide proof of an affirmative vote of that public entity.
- So, the state buys that plan and this company then provides guidance on...
- So the 110% is a question I’m providing to you.
- It is clear that it provides for certain rights.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight held an oversight hearing on draft regulations implementing Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution under Chapter 274 of the Acts of 2022, the Open Space Act. Chairs Cabral and Collins framed the hearing as a review of how the new process for dispositions or changes in use of Article 97 land would work, including public notice, environmental justice protections, replacement land, appraisals, and the role of the legislature. Under Secretary Stephanie Cooper and Commissioner Adam Bakke testified for EEA/DCAM, followed later by Deputy Inspector General O’Neill and Deputy Inspector General Giles on appraisal review.
Much of the discussion focused on how the draft regulations would operate in practice. EEA said the regulations would require advance public notice, define “comparable location” for replacement land, and allow the Secretary to make findings on whether an action would adversely affect environmental justice communities. Members pressed for longer public comment periods, clearer notice to local officials, more frequent updates to the site evaluation tool, and a clearer definition of terms such as “limited duration” for permits and licenses. EEA said the regulations are intended to standardize a process that has been handled through policy and case-by-case review, and that the legislature still retains the final authority to approve any Article 97 disposition.
Committee members also questioned whether the draft rules shift too much discretion to the Secretary and whether the proposed “proponent” process could allow private entities to drive Article 97 actions. EEA responded that non-public proponents would still need municipal support and legislative sponsorship, and that the regulations do not create a new avenue to bypass the existing home rule and legislative process. Members raised concerns about the current policy’s unanimous-vote requirements for municipal commissions, the proposed waiver provisions, whether MEPA applies, and the lack of explicit enforcement or penalty language in the act or regulations. EEA and DCAM said the act does not provide an enforcement mechanism and that disputes would generally be handled through the courts or the Attorney General.
The Inspector General’s office explained its role in reviewing appraisals for special legislation, including Article 97 matters, to ensure compliance with USPAP standards and to forward its review to DCAM. The hearing did not include any votes or formal committee action; members indicated that the committee may later issue recommendations to the executive agencies based on the testimony and questions raised.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Procedure and Arrangements Jun 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This is just to provide you kind of an update on this new NCSL Legislator Security Fund.
- Those must be provided to the ag committees of each house.
- So the memo does provide a lot of historical information, and then the charts that you're seeing provide
- We also do not provide a housing allowance or travel expenses for our legal interns.
- We also do not provide housing allowance or travel expenses for our legal interns.
Summary:
The Legislative Procedures and Arrangements Committee met with a quorum and approved the minutes from the previous meeting. The committee first considered and adopted a Joint Rule 211 change clarifying the deadline and statutory references for bill drafts involving health insurance mandates, after discussion that the process is still somewhat cumbersome but improved by the clarification. The committee then reviewed a revised draft addressing confidentiality protections for certain legislators and candidates, but members expressed concerns about the breadth, enforceability, and transparency implications of the proposal, and the committee chose not to advance it at this time.
The committee received an informational update on the new NCSL Legislator Security Fund. Staff explained that North Dakota is applying for the grant, which could provide about $200 per legislator for home security or related safety expenses, subject to Emergency Commission approval and reimbursement procedures. Members asked about eligible expenses, administrative burden, and whether new legislators would be covered; staff said guidance would be provided if funding is approved. The committee also approved the 2027 timing for the State of the Judiciary, tribal-state relationship message, and State of the State address on January 5, and set the Commerce Department and agricultural commodity reports for January 13 and 14, respectively, as required by statute.
A major portion of the meeting focused on legislative staffing and organizational planning. The committee approved a recommendation for 36 Senate staff positions and 41 House staff positions, along with a 3% compensation increase for session staff. Discussion centered on replacing some procedural clerk duties with permanent policy analyst staff, retaining quality assurance roles for now, and adding or repurposing positions in IT, program evaluation, legal, and administration. Members also discussed expanding program evaluation capacity and the need for clearer oversight of new programs, with staff noting upcoming training and model-sharing with other states. Finally, the committee reviewed a proposed new legislator orientation day on November 30 and broader organizational session training changes, including mock committee and floor sessions, security training, and more robust budget/appropriations instruction, but took no final action on the agenda items and adjourned after completing the budget-related recommendations.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 433 provides for Medicaid coverage of certain medications.
- It provides for paid parental leave for eligible employees.
- It already provides the definition. That is what has been changed.
- So I think the fiscal office can provide some additional commentary.
- Senate Bill 202 by Senator Klein-Peter provides for...
Committee:
House Appropriations
Summary:
The House Appropriations Committee met on May 26, 2026, and first took up Senate Bill 433, which would provide Medicaid coverage for certain weight-loss medications. After adopting a House amendment adding customary subject-to-appropriation language, the committee heard from LDH Secretary Bruce Greenstein, who said the state currently spends about $240 million a year on GLP-1 drugs for Medicaid patients with obesity and certain other conditions, and that the bill would let the department expand coverage gradually while controlling costs and negotiating better pricing. Members spoke in strong support, and SB 433 was reported favorable as amended.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 157, which creates paid parental leave for eligible public K-12 educators and staff. An amendment was adopted to adjust fund language and make the bill proper for Appropriations. Senator Jenkins and supporters, including the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, described the bill as providing six weeks of paid leave for birth, adoption, fostering, and related family-building events, while members discussed whether medical leave should also be included and confirmed the leave applies to fathers as well. The bill drew broad support and was reported favorable as amended.
Senate Bill 250, requiring the Office of Group Benefits to offer a comprehensive weight management plan with employees paying the full premium and medication costs, was briefly discussed and reported favorable without objection. The committee then spent considerable time on Senate Bill 237, a child welfare measure from Senator Barrow that would expand notification, access, and investigative procedures for the Child Ombudsman and DCFS, including child-on-child sexual abuse cases and multidisciplinary fatality reviews. Members and agency officials debated the fiscal note, with estimates ranging from about $525,000 to $3.2 million and disagreement over whether some costs were already covered or could be absorbed; after a roll call, the bill passed 10-9 and was reported favorable as amended.
Finally, the committee began Senate Bill 155, which requires insurance coverage for medically necessary dental care tied to cancer treatment. Senator Talbot and medical and cancer advocacy witnesses said the bill would remove a barrier to timely chemotherapy or radiation and could prevent more expensive complications later. Members expressed support and discussed a relatively small fiscal note, but the transcript cuts off before final action on the bill.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session May 18th, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Over the span of her career, Diane's work to provide this critical service to the South Shore undoubtedly
- And so this budget begins as it's proposed in providing some important additional local aid.
- , sanitation, in providing some important additional local aid.
- provides in the Commonwealth.
- pay for the staff and support to provide services for those young youngsters in our community.
WI
Wisconsin 2026 1st Special Session
Assembly Committee on Government Operations, Accountability, and Transparency Apr 15th, 2026
Assembly Committee on Government Operations, Accountability, and Transparency
Transcript Highlights:
- Numerous correspondences that they have provided in their compliance manual.
- So again, we provided this. So you appointed them? No, they were not appointed, right?
- Based on the public records, IRG provided the following key findings in its report.
- The agency did not provide receipts for staff time, food, travel, or lodging.
- And for DPI to say we will not provide open records, uh, uh, To say we will not provide open records
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- The list of the bad actors that the VA says I have provided as well.
- Now, you may also hear that this bill is about providing veterans with more choice.
- are provided, I urge you to vote no on this bill and continue to provide the Senate the opportunity
- And the solution that we are providing is our Freedom Camp.
- So we're happy to provide that and very excited to see this grow.
Committee:
House Veterans and Armed Forces
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 2535 in executive session. Members adopted a House committee substitute and two cleanup amendments, including clarifications related to Gold Star spouses and a correction to a property tax exemption amount for veterans. The substitute was then approved, and the committee voted the House Committee Substitute for HB 2535 do pass by a recorded vote of 15 ayes and 1 no.
The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 974, which Senator Black described as a consumer-protection measure aimed at preventing exploitation of veterans by unaccredited claims assistance companies. The bill would restrict compensation for referrals and certain claims work, require written agreements, cap fees tied to benefit increases, and prohibit upfront fees and misleading practices. Supporters, including a former VA official and several veterans, argued the bill would provide needed guardrails and choice for veterans navigating a difficult claims process. Opponents, including the VFW and Missouri veterans groups, argued the bill conflicts with federal law and could legitimize paid claims assistance outside the VA accreditation system; they urged striking the contested section and relying on existing federal rules and Missouri consumer-protection law instead.
Testimony also covered several other provisions folded into SB 974, including military leave for public employees, National Guard-related items, survivor benefit tax deductions, and the MoGives living organ donor language. Witnesses on the organ donor provision said it would help service members avoid financial hardship while donating organs. The hearing ended without a vote on SB 974, and the chair announced the committee was out of time and adjourned.