Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the New Hampshire director of the American Friends Service Committee.
• </c> director of the American Friend Service director of the American Friend Service Committee.<00:06
• The American Friend Service Committee<00:57:30.160><c> and</c><00:57:30.319><c> New</c><00:57:30.480>
• ><c> by</c><03:03:47.439><c> human</c> Whoever sheds human blood, by human Whoever sheds human blood,
• You know, last year we did pass a study commission out of this committee for human trafficking.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we will hear public testimony on Article 2: Health and Human Services.
• Testimony on Article 2: Health and Human Services.
• Wheeler. ...testimony on Article Two, Health and Human Services.
• We're testifying for SB1, Health and Human Services Budget. As you can see, we have our hands full.
• And statute. ...the Health and Human Services budget. As you can see, we have our hands full.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Chair Hurtado and committee members.
• Thank you, Chair Hurtado and committee members.
• Thank you, Chair Hurtado, and committee members.
• Questions from committee members? No. Okay.
• Theater is one of the last places where a human being can stand in front of another human being and say

Summary: The subcommittee heard an informational update from the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development on the state’s Jobs First economic development strategy and related budget requests. Go-Biz described its regional planning process, priority sectors such as ag-tech, space defense, life sciences, and semiconductors, and requests including an extension of the CalCompetes tax credit, support for export promotion, additional film commission staff, innovation and emerging technology capacity, and a California brand campaign. Members questioned the campaign’s purpose, with some supporting efforts to counter misinformation about California and others warning it should not obscure regulatory and business-climate concerns. Go-Biz said the campaign would be nationally focused, could include business attraction efforts, and was intended to complement—not replace—policy work on permitting and workforce development. The item was informational only. The committee then heard from the California Office of the Small Business Advocate on the California RISE program, the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund, and the Technical Assistance Program/Capital Infusion Program. CalOSBA reported that California RISE’s first round awarded $16.9 million to 61 employment social enterprises, which collectively increased revenue, secured contracts, and employed thousands of people facing barriers to work; a second round is being launched with a new administrator and expanded services. For the performing arts payroll fund, the office said all 100 awardees had been paid, but demand far exceeded available funding, and the program was oversubscribed within days. California for the Arts testified that the sector remains fragile after COVID and urged statutory changes to simplify eligibility and stretch dollars further. SBDC representatives described TAP/SIP as a statewide network supporting small businesses, capital access, and disaster recovery, emphasizing their role in underserved communities and the leverage of federal matching funds. Committee members focused on whether these programs produce durable outcomes and reach smaller or disadvantaged businesses. Questions centered on long-term job retention in California RISE, outreach to ethnic and community media in the civic media program, and whether TAP/SIP are accessible to entrepreneurs with limited capital or capacity. CalOSBA and its partners said they rely heavily on local community organizations for outreach, provide one-on-one counseling and training, and are working to collect more longitudinal data. The committee also discussed the film and television tax credit program, for which Go-Biz requested funding for three permanent positions and ongoing program support. Film Commission staff said the expanded program is tracking demographic and career-pathway data, with most productions opting into new diversity provisions, and that a formal report to the Legislature is expected in 2027. The item concluded without a vote, as the hearing was for oversight and budget discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• on Human Services.
• For the Committee on Human Services, there is a bill concerning the Texas Department of Family and Protective
• For the Committee on Human Services, there is a bill related to services in place for certain legal expenses
• planning services, including the provision of those services, for the Committee on State Affairs.
• on Human Services.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hanaway thanked the committee.
• I think when I look at our central committee vacancies or our central committee structure, I see value
• Will that be more of, you know, Department of Human Services?
• I want to take you back to the Corps for Technical Services 303 and 304. ...human remains testing that
• He added that the committee is doing a better job promoting available services, especially from a mental

Summary: Attorney General Catherine Hanaway presented the Office of the Attorney General’s FY 2027 budget request and outlined her office’s priorities: reducing violent crime, targeting illegal and unregulated activities she described as a “vice squad” focus, protecting Missourians from fraud, and improving the office’s legal work. She highlighted major cases and enforcement efforts, including litigation over insulin pricing, Dollar General pricing practices, a criminal prosecution in Hermann, the Jackson County assessment dispute, and a new lawsuit involving Misha’s board policy. Committee members asked about cybercrime enforcement, cooperation with federal authorities, VLTs, ballot and referendum litigation, and the office’s approach to diversity-related legal issues. Hanaway said cybercrime and no-call enforcement rely heavily on multi-state and federal cooperation, and she emphasized that many cases begin with citizen reports. Members also questioned the cost and scope of ongoing election-related litigation, including redistricting and referendum cases, and Hanaway said her office is defending the laws and ballot processes as required. She estimated roughly $600,000 in staff time over about six months for the referendum/redistricting work combined. Several members raised concerns about the Misha lawsuit and whether similar statutory provisions elsewhere in state government could raise the same legal issues; Hanaway responded that the case involved a board rule, not a statute, and turned on whether the requirement functioned as a quota. The committee also discussed child sexual exploitation, human trafficking, Medicaid fraud, and the use of outside counsel and pro hac vice fees. Hanaway said the office is using non-GR funds where possible and is not requesting pay increases this year. The Missouri Office of Prosecution Services then presented its budget. Officials explained that MOPS trains and supports prosecutors statewide, including on DWIs, child sex cases, and new prosecutor training, and that its budget request matches the governor’s recommendation. Members asked about support for local prosecutors, the nine counties without elected prosecutors, and the new conviction integrity unit; staff said the unit’s positions were shifted between line items and that the office can help answer prosecutorial questions through its general counsel. The committee then moved to the Department of Public Safety budget. DPS reviewed funding for crime victims notification, law enforcement recruitment and retention, drug task forces, academy scholarships, Blue Star grants, local crime prevention, school safety, World Cup security, 988 trainings, wastewater testing in schools, and other programs. Members asked about the $59 million federal FIFA World Cup grant, school safety app funding, and wastewater testing participation; DPS said the World Cup funds require no state match, the app funding is being phased out, and schools opted into the testing program. The committee recessed before finishing the DPS book, with plans to return later.

Transcript Highlights:

• I will call this committee to order, the Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee.
• Committee, any discussion on that motion? Not seeing any? Committee, any discussion on that motion?
• Committee, any questions? I don't see any. Thank you for being in committee.
• Chairman, Committee.
• For that reason, I urge the committee to oppose 1257. Thank you for being in committee.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I will call this committee to order: the Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee.
• Committee, any questions? I don't see any. Thank you for being in committee.
• Chairman, Committee.
• Billingsley, thank you for being in committee. Committee, any questions? I'm not seeing any.
• Walker, for being in committee.

Summary: The Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee heard three measures and advanced all of them. RS 33312C1, sponsored by Sen. Galloway, would raise Idaho’s small claims court limit from $5,000 to $15,000 to give people a faster, less expensive way to resolve smaller disputes; the committee voted to send it to print. RS 33423, sponsored by Sen. Ricks, would create voluntary guidance for merchants on penny rounding in cash transactions as pennies become scarce, including rounding rules and tax calculation on the final invoice total; it also was sent to print. House Bill 518, presented by Rep. Skaug, would allow the Attorney General to accept referrals from law enforcement and prosecute human trafficking cases when requested, with supporters describing the need for a centralized, specialized approach to complex multi-county and interstate cases; the committee voted to send it to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1257, sponsored by Sen. Wintrow, which would clarify that in-person visitation is not required in child welfare cases where sexual or serious physical abuse has been substantiated, while preserving court discretion and allowing other forms of contact. Wintrow and Department of Health and Welfare administrator Jean Fisher said the bill largely codifies existing rules, gives courts clearer statutory guidance, and also clarifies that courts may consider a parent’s incarceration when deciding termination of parental rights. Supporters, including foster parents, child welfare advocates, and survivors, testified that forced visitation can retraumatize children and that the bill would better protect abused children. One online witness, Ives Samantha Moore, testified in opposition, arguing that courts already have authority to restrict visitation, that the bill could create momentum toward termination of parental rights, and that it could worsen disparities without broader reunification and prevention reforms. After extensive testimony, the committee voted to send SB 1257 to the Senate floor with a due-pass recommendation, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, the Committee on Health and Human Services is called to order.
• Madam Chair, members of the committee. Well, good morning.
• Madam Chair, members of the committee. Well, good morning.
• Good morning, Madam Chair and committee members.
• Good morning, Madam Chair and members of the committee.

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services heard several bills and held HB 2307. HB 2049 would allow use of a particle accelerator to treat human diseases under general supervision in counties under 400,000 population and at critical access hospitals, with documentation, observation, and monitoring requirements. Testimony from rural hospital and radiation oncology representatives emphasized oncologist shortages, long travel distances for cancer patients, and the need to maintain safety while improving access; the bill received a due pass recommendation on a 7-0 vote. HB 2178 would require any chief medical officer for a state agency to hold an active medical license, and members described it as a common-sense licensing requirement. HB 2179 would separate air ambulances from ground ambulances in statute, define air ambulance-related terms, and update staffing and regulatory provisions to better match current practice; air medical representatives said it was a statutory cleanup measure, and both bills were passed out of committee unanimously, 7-0. HB 2322 would require audio or video recording of DCS interviews with children, with exceptions for equipment failure or unforeseeable lack of access, and would preserve admissibility of statements even if a recording was not made. Supporters, including a trafficking survivor, a health care worker, and a foster parent, argued recordings protect children, improve accuracy and accountability, and reduce disputes over what was said. The bill also includes a conditional enactment tied to future federal grant legislation; it received a 7-0 due pass recommendation. The committee also announced that minutes were not ready for approval and that HB 2307 would be held.

Transcript Highlights:

• e e e e e e e e e e e Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the House Committee on Health, Human Services
• Human Services I've been of Health and Human Services I've been working<00:19:28.000><c> with</c><00:
• </c><02:05:03.880><c> Services</c><02:05:04.880><c> um</c><02:05:05.239><c> my</c> Health and Human Services
• is</c><03:50:30.520><c> a</c> Health and Human Services um hb31 is a Health and Human Services um hb31
• </c><04:02:01.239><c> they've</c> Health Human Services to do what they've Health Human Services to do

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Finance Committee will please come to order.
• The Education Committee is meeting at the same time.
• I've used the service.
• It's much like human trafficking.
• Services this year. is going to be top of the list for Senate Health and Human Services this year, and

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard a presentation from the Legislative Budget Board on the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Article 5 budget. LBB recommended $3.7 billion in all funds for 2026-27, a 5.2 percent decrease from the base, while FTEs would rise by 856.7. Major items included funding for driver license services, DPS facilities, troopers and recruit schools, crime labs, vehicle and aircraft operations, border security, and rider changes. The committee also reviewed DPS exceptional items not included in the recommendation, including additional staffing, technology, and facility requests. Members focused heavily on driver license operations, criticizing long wait times, call abandonment, and repeated staffing increases without clear process improvements. LBB said the agency’s call-answer rate was about 9 percent in fiscal 2024, with average hold times around 34 minutes, later reduced to roughly 22-25 minutes. Senators questioned whether more FTEs alone would solve the problem and urged a broader efficiency study and better use of technology. DPS officials said they were pursuing process changes, including appointment-system upgrades, online pre-population of forms, and remote issuance options, while noting that Real ID requirements and population growth continue to drive demand. DPS leadership then outlined the agency’s priorities: completion of the Williamson County training academy, recruitment and retention of troopers, capital needs for vehicles and aircraft, and expanded responsibilities at the Capitol complex and the Alamo. Officials said the new trooper funding would help address staffing shortages, public safety, and border operations, and that overtime and deployment patterns had been adjusted to reduce burnout and improve flexibility. They also discussed Operation Lone Star, saying DPS spending is largely overtime, travel, and fuel, and that the agency continues to coordinate with federal partners while awaiting clarity on possible federal reimbursement for border security costs. Senators also raised concerns about oilfield theft, cartel activity, high-speed pursuits, bilingual pay, and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, and DPS said it would follow up on some of those issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, and members of the committee.
• Are there any questions from the committee? committee? committee?
• </c> committee. Thank you, Senator. committee. Thank you, Senator.
• This is a committee sub. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This is a committee sub.
• Do pass committee sub. Motion is title sufficient to pass committee sub.

Keywords: Finance - Room 216, 3 February, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• services.
• So, having written rules for a department before, not Health and Human Services, but the Department of
• services.
• So I think we heard and human services.
• </c><00:17:06.079><c> Services,</c> before, not Health and Human Services, before, not Health and Human

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee.
• , then Senate Judiciary Committee, then Senate Finance Committee.
• , then Senate Judiciary Committee, then Senate Finance Committee.
• , then Senate Judiciary Committee, then Senate Finance Committee.
• Not get the committee report down for Friday's committee in time.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and two of the most challenging budgets for us, um, were the human services budget and the health
• and human services budget.
• the</c><00:04:04.239><c> health</c><00:04:04.400><c> and</c> human services budget and the health and
• human services budget and the health and human<00:04:04.879><c> services</c><00:04:05.280><c> budget
• And both of the human services budget.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Chair Truenow: THE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURAL WILL NOW COME TO ORDER.
• ANYONE WISHES TO SPEAK BEFORE THE COMMITTEE SHOULD COMPLETE AN APPEARANCE CARD AND HAND IT TO A MEMBER
• SHOULD YOU SELECT TO WAIVE YOUR SPEAKING TIME YOUR POSITION WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE COMMITTEE RECORDS
• YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT A HUMAN WHO ESCALATES THE ISSUE? THAT IS SOMETHING WE DISCUSSED.
• SO I WOULD JUST, THE BILL IT'S REFERENCED TO DO MORE COMMITTEES AND I SERVE ON BOTH OF THESE COMMITTEES

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Chair Hurtado and committee members.
• Thank you, Chair Hurtado and committee members.
• Questions from committee members? No. Okay.
• Questions from committee members? No. Okay.
• Theater is one of the last places where a human being can stand in front of another human being and say

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee did receive a letter from the Health and Human Services Division of Public Health.
• The committee did receive a letter from the Health and Human Services Division of Public Health.
• The majority of the Committee on Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs, to which was referred House
• majority of the committee on Health Human<02:06:28.960><c> Services</c><02:06:29.400><c> and</c><02:06
• The majority committee on Health and Human Services and Elderly Affairs, to which was referred House

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> committee. My name is Christine Davis. committee. My name is Christine Davis.
• Health and human service systems will face increased demand that they are not equipped to absorb.
• I also serve as the co-chair of the Minnesota Youth Services Network Policy Committee.
• </c><00:26:06.880><c> We</c> Services Network Policy Committee.
• We Services Network Policy Committee.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Health and Human Services Committee will come to order. Sabrina, please call the roll.
• And I want to welcome each of you to the Health and Human Services Committee.
• This committee has a broad jurisdiction and authority over health care and human services functions in
• Those of you who serve on the Human Services Subcommittee heard about that implementation last week.
• A variety of services so that it's not just one human trying to answer the phone 24-7.

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee received an overview of Florida’s intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) managed care pilot, created by legislation in 2023 to test whether a managed care model could integrate Medicaid medical services with iBudget waiver home- and community-based services for adults in pre-enrollment categories. AHCA explained the existing system, the pilot’s scope in Regions D and I, and the rollout timeline, including federal approval, contract execution with Florida Community Care, and the October 2024 go-live. Officials reported that, as of early February, 370 individuals had been sent for onboarding and 168 more were in queue, with about $35.8 million of the appropriation remaining. APD also clarified the difference between the pre-enrollment categories and the waiver waitlist, and noted that crisis cases can be enrolled more quickly depending on eligibility and funding. Florida Community Care described the pilot as a comprehensive managed care model offering medical, long-term care, and iBudget services, plus enhanced benefits such as bed-hold days, caregiver transportation, and help with legal guardianship costs. The plan said it uses one care coordinator, a 1:18 coordinator ratio, a face-to-face assessment within five days of enrollment, and 180 days of continuity of care for existing providers. The company emphasized that it is recruiting providers by offering higher rates than some iBudget rates, lower administrative burden, and network adequacy incentives, while APD said it continues to monitor provider supply and demand and recruit across service types and regions. Members repeatedly questioned whether the pilot’s costs, provider rates, and service levels were truly comparable to the iBudget system, and AHCA and APD said it was too early to draw firm conclusions because claims data are still lagging. Committee members also raised concerns about communication, enrollment delays, provider shortages, and whether the pilot could scale statewide. APD said it has used letters, phone calls, texts, emails, and community meetings to reach eligible individuals, and that some delays stem from required assessments, Medicaid eligibility checks, and level-of-care determinations. Several members asked for more detailed comparisons of costs and provider reimbursement between the pilot and iBudget, and APD said it would provide additional data. Public testimony at the end was strongly critical of managed care, with a participant and his mother describing poor service, transportation failures, and loss of control under prior managed care arrangements, and urging the committee not to expand such a model without safeguards. No votes or formal committee action were taken before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to our Legacy Committee.
• The Legacy Committee was my favorite committee for six years, so I certainly enjoyed being with you.
• And I never even mentioned this committee effort and other committees that, well, I'm certainly glad
• You are finance committee.
• What services will they offer?

Keywords: 1183, house