Transcript Highlights:

• implement a new payment rate for private duty nursing services that are provided in the fee-for-service delivery
• Medicaid fee-for-service fee schedule to ensure those children who are getting services in that delivery
• CCE delivers essential everyday services, including meals, transportation, personal care, homemaking,

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard a presentation on the governor’s proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget for the health and human services silo, which totals $48.5 billion. Agency leaders outlined major requests for AHCA, APD, DCF, DOEA, DOH, and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, including behavioral health redesign, Medicaid rate changes, developmental disability services, child welfare and opioid programs, senior services, cancer research, public health initiatives, and veterans’ facility and technology needs. The committee also received an overview of the overall state budget, which was described as $117.4 billion, up 1.1% from the current year. AHCA’s presentation focused on $71.6 million for a Medicaid behavioral health redesign, including funding for residential treatment, a serious mental illness waiver, and higher inpatient psychiatric rates for youth, plus $7.1 million to raise private duty nursing reimbursement in fee-for-service Medicaid, $2.5 million for the background screening clearinghouse, and $124.4 million for the Health Care Connection System (FX). APD requested funding to continue moving people off the pre-enrollment list and to support developmental disability centers, a new forensic facility, an electronic health record system, and higher operating costs. DCF highlighted $81.9 million for eligibility and system integrity, $187.5 million for opioid prevention and treatment, $35.5 million for community-based care lead agencies, and $72.7 million to expand behavioral health bed capacity, including 474 new beds at state hospitals. DOEA sought additional funding for Alzheimer’s services, home care, and community care for the elderly. DOH emphasized $278 million for cancer research and innovation, $5 million for food and product safety testing, $5 million for the Florida FIRST blood-on-ambulance initiative, and $5.7 million for a public lab feasibility study. Veterans Affairs requested funds for facility improvements, cybersecurity, and medication management equipment. Members asked detailed questions about several items, especially the proposed changes to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), which would reduce eligibility and the number of people served. Senators and public witnesses criticized the lack of transparency and urged the department to pause the changes and work with stakeholders; the Surgeon General said the issue was driven by funding constraints and federal changes, not a legal barrier, and that the agency was exploring alternatives. Questions also addressed the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity, the Kids Care/CHIP expansion implementation, the cancer research funding structure, and the timeline and cost of the FX system. Public testimony focused heavily on ADAP, with speakers warning that thousands could lose medication access and calling for community involvement and a review of the program’s finances. The committee adjourned after the presentations and questions, with no votes taken on the budget items during this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• implement a new payment rate for private duty nursing services that are provided in the fee-for-service delivery
• the Medicaid fee-for-service fee schedule to ensure those children who are getting service in that delivery
• CCE delivers a CCE delivers essential everyday services, including meals, transportation, personal care

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard presentations on the governor’s proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 budget for the health and human services agencies. Kendall Kelly outlined the overall HHS budget at $48.5 billion, with AHCA accounting for the largest share, and agency heads then highlighted major proposals for Medicaid behavioral health redesign, APD waiver enrollment and facility needs, DCF child welfare, opioid, and mental health investments, DOEA funding for Alzheimer’s, home care, and community services, DOH funding for cancer research, public health initiatives, and lab capacity, and VA funding for facility improvements, cybersecurity, and medication management. Several members praised specific proposals, including increased reimbursement for private duty nursing, Alzheimer’s supports, and the Florida FIRST blood-in-ambulance initiative. Senators also questioned the proposed changes to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), with the Surgeon General explaining that the department expects a reduction in covered patients from about 30,000 to about 20,000 because of funding pressures tied to rebates, federal changes, and premium tax credit issues. Public testimony strongly criticized the ADAP changes, citing lack of transparency and warning that many patients could lose access to medications. Other questions focused on the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity, DCF’s substance abuse and mental health data dashboard, Kids Care/CHIP expansion implementation, APD bed and facility planning, and the FX Medicaid technology project. DCF said about $7 million is set aside for the dashboard system, and AHCA said the governor’s budget includes $124.4 million for FX maintenance and continued module development, with $13.5 million to begin claims processing work. The committee did not take a substantive vote on the budget presentations and adjourned after questions and public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• implement a new payment rate for private duty nursing services that are provided in the fee-for-service delivery
• the Medicaid fee-for-service fee schedule to ensure those children who are getting service in that delivery
• CCE delivers essential everyday services, including meals, transportation, personal care, homemaking,

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard presentations on the governor’s proposed FY 26-27 budget for the health and human services silo, which totals $48.5 billion within a $117.4 billion state budget. Agency leaders outlined major spending priorities, including AHCA’s behavioral health redesign, APD waiver enrollment and facility needs, DCF’s integrity and self-sufficiency systems, opioid response, community-based care and mental health bed expansion, DOEA’s Alzheimer’s, home care, and community care programs, DOH’s cancer research, public health, EMS blood-transfusion initiative, and lab feasibility study, and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ facility, cybersecurity, and medication-management investments. Members generally praised several proposals, especially increased reimbursement for private duty nursing, behavioral health funding, Alzheimer’s support, and the EMS blood program. Senator Sharief raised concerns about the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), warning that changes could leave many Floridians without coverage for HIV medications and asking whether manufacturers could provide rebates directly to patients. Surgeon General Ladapo said the issue was driven largely by funding and federal changes, not a legal barrier, and said the department had explored alternatives but could not fill the gap with current resources. Senator Rouson asked about the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity, and DCF said its budget includes about $7 million for the substance abuse and mental health data dashboard required by prior legislation. Public testimony focused heavily on ADAP. Former program leaders and advocates said the proposed changes would reduce enrollment and remove key drugs and insurance-premium support, calling the situation a crisis and criticizing the department for lack of transparency and stakeholder engagement. They urged a pause and collaborative review of the program’s finances. The committee also discussed KidsCare implementation, with AHCA saying federal conditions and litigation have delayed the expansion. The meeting ended after the chair noted the budget would still need to be adjusted for updated Medicaid caseload estimates, and the committee adjourned without taking any formal votes or other action on the budget items.

Transcript Highlights:

• ; you're the messenger, but why wouldn't they need additional funding to comport their education delivery
• their education delivery that they have on the campuses to comply with the Literacy Act, you know, to
• School nurses, and we serve 122 million meals, making us the largest provider of food, even exceeding

Transcript Highlights:

• trust fund from any sweep, $3 million for civil legal aid and eviction prevention, funding for school meals
• Who's going to cook our meals?
• Meals on Wheels for our elders, building renewal for our schools, $183 million in FY27, and then nothing
• People need Meals on Wheels, and that is being cut.
• Stand by, late delivery.

Summary: The meeting began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and a guest introduction for Deputy Frank Sloop. The Senate then moved through multiple Committee of the Whole calendars, with most measures receiving do-pass recommendations after brief explanations and, in several cases, floor amendments. Topics included public records, capital outlay review, local government, taxation, state budget implementation, higher education appropriations, utility regulation, towing regulation, homeowners association disclosures, nursing board regulation, veteran services, criminal justice, human services, K-12 education, state property management, and the continuation of the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Several bills were amended on the floor before receiving favorable recommendations. House Bill 2114 on motorcycle-related provisions was amended to require that at least one registered owner be legally licensed to operate a motorcycle in Arizona. House Bill 2397 on HOA/condominium disclosures was amended to change disclosure timing and fee rules and make other conforming changes. House Bill 2408 on nursing board regulatory action was amended to remove a clear-and-convincing-evidence burden in disciplinary matters and clarify complaint-sharing procedures. House Bill 2957 on driver’s license/handheld provisions, House Bill 2305 on towing regulation, and House Bill 2321 on DCS-related reporting also received amendments before do-pass recommendations. The largest item was Senate Bill 1847, the 2026-2027 General Appropriations Act. Senators offered extensive floor amendments affecting agriculture, corrections, criminal justice, school safety, law enforcement equipment, vehicle theft task force funding, liquor licensing, and other budget items. During third reading and debate on the budget, Democratic senators praised negotiated gains such as funding for aging services, food assistance, civil legal aid, school meals, heat relief, and a three-year moratorium on new data center tax incentives, while criticizing border-related funding, ESA/voucher policy, and cuts to higher education and adult education. One member’s remarks were ruled dilatory after repeated off-topic comments, and the ruling of the chair was sustained by a 16-12 vote. The transcript ends with additional budget-related explanation of votes continuing after the budget’s third reading.

Transcript Highlights:

• Have you had any discussions with the aging service division, whether it's Meals on Wheels and the senior
• Have you had any discussions with the aging service division, whether it's Meals on Wheels and the senior
• It's a federal program that provides reimbursement for nutritious meals and snacks.
• The food care program provides reimbursement for nutritious meals and snacks to eligible children who
• And so that goes across the mixed delivery system, across the state and tribal nations.” “I see it.

Summary: The committee first heard an update on North Dakota’s Interagency Council on Homelessness and Continuum of Care funding. Jennifer Henderson of the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency reported that homelessness remains driven by tight housing markets, low incomes, rising rents, and barriers to rental assistance, public benefits, and disability determinations. She said the state’s one-time North Dakota Homeless Grant is serving all regions but reaches far fewer households than the former Rent Help program, and that aging homelessness, shelter staffing shortages, and limited affordable units are growing concerns. Members discussed the need for more housing supply, better coordination with Health and Human Services, landlord engagement, reentry housing, and possible continued one-time funding for the $10 million Homeless Grant and $25 million Housing Incentive Fund. Henderson also warned that federal Continuum of Care funding is uncertain, with HUD expected to issue a new notice June 1 and possible shifts away from permanent supportive housing toward transitional housing and other models. The committee then took testimony on accessibility of government services for people who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, or hard of hearing. Paul Olson of North Dakota Vision Services School for the Blind described the school’s services for infants, children, and adults, including screenings, mobility training, assistive technology, and outreach across the state. He said the agency works closely with Vocational Rehabilitation and is also involved in improving website and document accessibility, especially for PDF materials. Public testimony highlighted barriers such as inaccessible CAPTCHA systems, online forms, driver’s license requirements on job applications, and limited transportation in rural areas. A deaf resident urged broader use of video remote interpreting and video relay services, along with training so people know how to use them effectively. Finally, Kay Larson presented the final report on the child care provider licensing study. The report recommended streamlining North Dakota’s child care licensing structure into three provider types plus a preschool designation, while preserving health and safety standards and maintaining eligibility for child care assistance. The committee discussed simplifying training and qualification rules, revising ratio and group-size requirements, and adjusting age bands for infants and toddlers. The report also noted that some changes would require statutory amendments and later administrative rule changes, with a transition period likely extending through 2029. No formal votes were taken in the transcript, but the committee accepted the updates and scheduled follow-up presentations for a later meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• behalf of a number of nonprofits who asked me to convey their support: Tulli, Creative Alternatives, Meals
• facilities, detained individuals have limited access at times to clean water and are often given inadequate meals
• attention to the people who see it as the cost of doing business, to not pay overtime, to not pay meal
• They free up our man-hours and provide safe and reliable deliveries.
• They free up our man-hours and provide safe and reliable deliveries.

Summary: The committee heard several bills and took action on a number of them. SB 1234 by Senator Alvarado-Gil would require fentanyl to be included in drug tests ordered by juvenile courts for parents or guardians in dependency cases; there was no opposition, a committee member confirmed it would apply to caregivers rather than children, and the bill was supported for moving forward. SB 1257 by Senator Arreguín would require the Attorney General to publish an annual public report on immigration enforcement incidents at designated safe locations such as schools, hospitals, courthouses, and places of worship; supporters from immigrant advocacy and health groups testified about fear and chilling effects in communities, while questions focused on how data would be collected and concerns were raised about sanctuary policies. SB 1176 by Senator Choi would bar foreign adversary entities from buying California agricultural land; supporters cited national security concerns, but committee members pressed on enforcement, straw buyers, and who would be responsible for identifying prohibited purchasers, and the bill was held on a 2-4 vote after debate. The committee also heard SB 1146 by Senator Gonzalez, which would require clear disclosure when AI-generated or altered images, audio, or video are used in health-related advertisements depicting health care providers. The California Medical Association and California Dental Association supported the bill, describing deepfake health ads as deceptive and harmful; it passed the committee 7-0 to Appropriations. SB 988 by Senator Grayson would regulate auto glass insurance practices by restricting assignment of benefits, requiring claim numbers and itemized estimates, and addressing steering and billing practices; supporters said it would curb fraud and stabilize premiums, while independent glass businesses worried about steering and market concentration. After discussion of consumer choice and small-business impacts, the bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. SB 1288, presented by Senator Grayson on behalf of Senator Laird, would require financial institutions to make a good-faith effort to notify beneficiaries of non-probate assets and would reduce barriers to claiming those assets, especially for nonprofits. Nonprofit witnesses described long delays and burdensome account-opening requirements, while SIFMA and bankers opposed the bill unless amended, citing conflicts with federal and industry obligations and concerns about retroactivity and verification. The bill passed 8-0 to call. The committee also heard SB 941 by Senator Padilla, which would cap commissary markups in private immigration detention facilities at 35% above vendor cost; the Attorney General’s office and immigrant advocates supported it as a response to exploitative pricing and poor conditions, and it passed 8-0 to call. Finally, SB 909 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas would raise and index public works contractor fees and penalties and dedicate more penalty revenue to enforcement; labor supporters said stronger funding is needed to address wage theft and backlogs, while contractors opposed the fee and penalty structure as uncapped and costly. The bill was moved forward on a vote and remained on call after committee discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• So looking at Meals on Wheels and Lutheran Social Services.
• ><c> and</c><00:09:44.480><c> Lutheran</c><00:09:44.880><c> social</c> at meals on wheels and Lutheran
• social at meals on wheels and Lutheran social services.<00:09:47.279><c> Um</c><00:09:47.519><c> I</
• This bill's provisions addressing homelessness are particularly important, as is the food delivery and
• This bill's provisions addressing homelessness are particularly important, as is the food delivery and

Transcript Highlights:

• The enforcement of the bill to restricting delivery of 340B by pharmacy right now.
• They claimed through their two meal distribution sites to have served 2.9 million meals. the New American
• <01:05:34.880><c> through</c><01:05:35.080><c> their</c><01:05:35.240><c> two</c><01:05:35.440><c> meal
• </c> They claimed through their two meal They claimed through their two meal distribution<01:05:36.240
• </c> ...million meals, for a total of $7.8 million.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:09:00.480><c> methods</c> limitations on product delivery methods limitations on product delivery
• We have an 8.5% room and meals tax here, and this will now become the room, meals, and cannabis tax.
• And this will now become meals tax here.
• And so the room meals and cannabis tax.
• But are there concerns about expanding the rooms and meals tax specifically?

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• barriers hit students, renters, immigrants, and low-income residents hardest due to increasing mail delivery
• barriers hit students, renters, immigrants, and low-income residents hardest due to increasing mail delivery
• They won't lose their civic voice just because they prioritized a meal or a bed over filling out a change-of-address
• They won't lose their civic voice just because they prioritized a meal or a bed overfilling a change
• of address form by an arbitrary cutoff. ...meal or a bed over filling out a change-of-address form by

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Election Laws

Summary: The Joint Committee on Election Laws held a hearing on a wide range of voting-access and election-administration bills. The largest portion of testimony focused on same-day voter registration (H. 834/S. 505), with support from Rep. Gentile, Boston and Chelsea officials, civic groups, and election administrators from Maine and Vermont. Supporters argued that same-day registration would help eligible voters who move frequently, miss deadlines, or face administrative errors, and would reduce rejected provisional ballots. Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and Vermont elections director Sean Sheehan testified that same-day registration has worked in their states without major administrative problems and has helped increase turnout. A Boston-based panel also described high rejection rates for provisional ballots and the burden of registration cutoffs on renters, students, immigrants, and low-income voters. A second major topic was restoration of voting rights for incarcerated people, including S. 524 and related House bills. The committee heard extensive virtual testimony from incarcerated individuals at MCI Norfolk and MCI Shirley, who said voting should be restored as part of rehabilitation, civic engagement, and reintegration. They described disenfranchisement as dehumanizing and argued that voting would help maintain family and community ties, reduce recidivism, and give incarcerated people a voice on laws affecting prisons and reentry. Rep. Erica Uyterhoeven also testified in support, saying the bill would restore municipal voting rights for incarcerated residents and align with broader efforts to expand political participation. The committee also heard testimony on bills affecting election administration and access, including a proposal to reduce or eliminate mandated early in-person voting in primaries and shorten the general-election early voting period, with supporters from the town clerks’ community arguing that low usage, staffing burdens, and costs justify the change. Opponents warned that reducing in-person early voting could hurt voters who do not use mail ballots and could disproportionately affect communities of color. Other bills discussed included decoupling the municipal census from voter registration, requiring periodic accessibility inspections of polling places, and a Somerville home-rule petition on non-citizen municipal voting and another on lowering the voting age in municipal elections. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• For free and reduced meals and leads to higher high school graduation rates. 28 percent of pre-kindergarten
• Every day, they go through the labor and delivery department, and that's how we're able to actually get
• We ran a little over and didn't have time to really give them their meal.
• And then also NMSU for providing such great meals for us. The chef, I'm not sure where he is.

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• about nutrition support services for our senior population that depends on healthy and nutritious meals
• about changing the way that we treat people and recognizing that we're very person-centered, but our delivery
• Whether we're digging each other out of the snow or sharing a meal in Minnesota, we look out for each
• like MACV, the Assistance for Council on Veterans, rely on this funding to strengthen their service delivery

Transcript Highlights:

• So looking at Meals on Wheels and Lutheran Social Services. I've been able to talk to as well.
• efficiently.<00:05:10.320><c> So</c><00:05:10.639><c> looking</c><00:05:10.800><c> at</c><00:05:10.880><c> meals
• So looking at meals on efficiently.
• So looking at meals on wheels<00:05:11.520><c> and</c><00:05:11.680><c> Lutheran</c><00:05:12.080><c>
• This bill's provisions addressing homelessness are particularly important, as is the food delivery and

Transcript Highlights:

• home, while receiving services like in-home caregiving, assistive technology, home modifications, and meal
• delivery.
• It is fundamental to care delivery.
• We feed them three meals a day. We give the ones that don't have clothes clothes.
• It's in the delivery. Look, so, I mean, I, I don't...

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill represents a regression rather than a modernization of healthcare delivery in the Commonwealth
• to read food labels, prevent cross-contact in their kitchens, and help their child navigate school meals

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Health

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health heard testimony on four bills: H. 5013 and S. 2928, which would establish a three-year celiac disease screening pilot program for children during routine cholesterol/lipid screening around ages 8 to 12; H. 5087, regulating the operation of medical spas; and H. 5115, establishing statewide food truck regulations, though the hearing focused almost entirely on the celiac and medical spa bills. Committee chairs outlined three-minute testimony limits and noted members present in person and online. Supporters of the celiac screening bills, including Rep. Badger, Sen. Lovely, patients, clinicians, and researchers, described long delays in diagnosis, the lack of a cure beyond a gluten-free diet, and the potential for early screening to prevent years of damage, missed school and work, and long-term complications. Testifiers said celiac disease is common but frequently undiagnosed, that a simple blood test can identify many cases, and that a pilot would help assess feasibility, cost, accuracy, and family acceptance. Several witnesses emphasized that the proposal includes education and support for families after diagnosis, and some cited international screening efforts, especially in Italy, as evidence that population screening can work. Testimony on H. 5087 was largely opposed by medical spa owners, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and a plastic surgeon. Witnesses argued the bill is outdated, duplicative of existing Massachusetts licensing and public health rules, and inconsistent with current scopes of practice and team-based care. They said the proposal could restrict access, burden small and women-owned practices, and fail to address the real issues of training, compliance, and patient safety. Some said they support regulation in principle but want the bill revised to reflect current law and modern practice. Committee members asked a few clarifying questions, including about celiac testing methods and the relationship between the medical spa bill and current state law, but no votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• You made an incredible difference whether was out helping get meals to communities, getting communication
• Kennedy support includes delivery proponents as well as planning scheduling and dissemination of information

Transcript Highlights:

• More than 200 million meals every year go to older adults and people with disabilities through the Meals
• Perhaps in certain city delivery situations, those delivery routes could be done with electric vehicles
• c> those</c><04:24:35.120><c> delivery</c> city delivery situations, those delivery city delivery situations
• How are you going to get deliveries when these vehicles aren't purchased?
• ><c> vehicles</c><05:04:45.200><c> aren't</c> deliveries when these vehicles aren't deliveries when these

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we're just having people being able to sign up for like a .gov delivery notice, and we'll be able
• So, we're just having people being able to sign up for like a .gov delivery notice, and we'll be able
• Taylor, I'm forgetting anything. for like a dot gov delivery notice.
• Um for like a dot gov delivery notice.
• that we were able to enjoy a meal that we were able to collect<00:51:00.000><c> together.

Bills: HF3426 , HF3896 , HF1426 , HF3793 , HF4061 , HF4246

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• I work with area agencies on aging to provide nutritious meals to thousands of Phoenix seniors.
• It takes food away from Arizonans by cutting Meals on Wheels. That's corporations first.
• Food insecurity grows when affordability declines; cuts to SNAP, school meals, and senior meal programs
• School meals: removed the co-pay for reduced-price school meals, $2 million.
• The data centers got funded, but Meals on Wheels doesn't." Representative D.