Transcript Highlights:

• We've had, we just, we're getting a phone call from our division of human resources.
• And he went on, and he is now having the best job ever at the Natural Resources Conservation Service
• And that is to think of the most efficient ways that meet the expectations of their communities to be
• We have put a lot of resources into literacy based on the state assessment.
• The state is supporting resources to further develop and strengthen how our students access opportunities

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The Senate Education Committee approved the January 20, 2026 minutes and then took up Senate Bill 1225, sponsored by Senator Den Hartog. The bill would codify a search committee process for public university president searches and add a 10-business-day waiting period before naming a sole finalist, with the stated goal of increasing transparency and allowing public engagement while also protecting candidates’ current jobs. Senator Den Hartog said the bill was prompted in part by the Boise State presidential search and asked that it be sent to the amending order so the waiting-period language would apply only to university president searches and not other government entities. After questions about student representation in the process, the committee voted to send SB 1225 to the amending order. The committee also heard a print request from Senator Carlson to rename Lewis-Clark State College as Lewis-Clark State University. The request was brief and was approved to print without objection. Later, Superintendent Debbie Critchfield introduced Idaho’s 2026 Teacher of the Year, Laron Johnson of Rigby High School. Johnson spoke at length about the importance of teacher-student relationships, mentoring, Holocaust and economics instruction, and keeping students connected to school. Committee members asked about growing school size, supporting new teachers, and rebuilding public respect for educators. Johnson emphasized relationships, administrative support, and staying focused on students. No formal action was taken on the Teacher of the Year presentation. Critchfield then presented an informational overview of proposed federal education waivers and an EdFlex-style request that would give Idaho more flexibility over reporting and assessment requirements. She said the state wants to reduce duplicative testing, especially for third graders, and allow students to choose from an approved list of high school assessments aligned to state standards and college/career readiness. Members asked about possible inclusion of ACT, NAEP, and other multi-measure assessments. Critchfield said the list is not final and that the State Board would evaluate options. The meeting ended with a reminder that the committee would take up rules the next day, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And hopefully done it as efficiently as possible.
• To answer your question, I believe we've given them the resources.
• We'll deploy every asset, every resource.
• But on some level, when resources and things are missing along the way, I think that's what this is an
• attempt to do, is to try to make sure that those resources are in place so that this doesn't happen

Bills: SB 9 , SB 7 , SB 17 , SB 4 , SB 1 , HB4 , HB4 , SB9 , SB7 , SB17 , SB4 , SB1 , SB2 , SB5

Keywords: school assessment, public education, accountability, transparency, education standards, STAAR, Texas Education Agency, TEA, public school accountability, school ratings, A-F ratings, assessment reform, student testing, benchmark tests, interim assessments, through-year assessment, diagnostic reports, college career military readiness, CCMR, local accountability plans

Transcript Highlights:

• And it also lets you know at community resources there if they're part of the conversation.
• ><00:01:48.640><c> community</c> also lets you know at community also lets you know at community resources
• 49.920><c> they're</c><00:01:50.079><c> part</c><00:01:50.240><c> of</c><00:01:50.399><c> the</c> resources
• there if they're part of the resources there if they're part of the conversation.<00:01:51.360><c> So
• certainly those two things are very important to Minnesotans, but we should be a little bit more efficient

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Voters who might be homebound on limited resources, lacking adequate transportation, or due to an illness
• consolidating our elections, putting them in November will save approximately $500,000 in taxpayer resources
• County election officials want to run elections that are fair, secure, and efficient.
• The resources expended on such oversight would be far better used on statewide voter education efforts
• Does anybody wish to have a resource witness? All right, and then.

Committee: House Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• For older voters who might be homebound, have limited resources, lack adequate transportation, or are
• consolidating our elections and putting them in November will save approximately $500,000 in taxpayer resources
• County election officials want to run elections that are fair, secure, and efficient.
• The resources expended on such oversight would be far better used on statewide voter education efforts
• Does anybody wish to have a resource witness? All right, here we go.

Bills: HB3097 , HB3691 , SB108 , SB827 , SB1541 , SB1862 , SB2166 , SB2216

Committee: House Elections

Keywords: Texas elections, Election Code, uniform election date, November election, local elections, political subdivisions, general election date, election administration, municipal utility district, county elections, local government, ballot scheduling, candidate filing, voter turnout, election calendar, HB 3097, early voting, electronic application, mail-in ballot, voting accessibility

Transcript Highlights:

• We have to work in Congress to provide top-down policies and resources that promote learning, allow for
• AJC's Translate Hate. is one such resource.
• and a fully funded office for civil rights within the Department of Education to effectively and efficiently
• will ensure that vulnerable nonprofits, synagogues, churches, et cetera, will have the necessary resources
• Is there a real concern that this could very well take away resources from elderly?

Committee: Senate Aging (Special) Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• I know that the Texas Commission on Jail Standards is here as a resource witness.
• I know that the Texas Commission on Jail Standards is here as a resource witness.
• So in essence, House Bill 3394 is a government efficiency bill.
• Many rural areas lack resources, affordable housing, Many rural areas lack resources, affordable housing
• be used to truly resources that will be needed to enforce these measures.

Bills: HB240

Committee: House S/C on County & Regional Government

Keywords: tax exemption, farm products, ad valorem taxation, tax code, producer ownership

Summary: The subcommittee heard a series of county and regional government bills, with most measures left pending after testimony. HB 2097 would let counties that opt in give sheriff’s deputies an alternative appeal route for certain discipline cases through an independent hearing examiner instead of the Civil Service Commission. The author and a CLEET witness said it would be faster, cheaper, and fairer; questions focused on why the bill was needed and whether sheriffs could already use such a process. No opposition testified, and the bill was left pending. HB 4642 drew extensive testimony after the author said it was prompted by a death involving an out-of-state jail contract. The bill would require counties contracting with out-of-state jail facilities to include Texas-like jail standards and oversight provisions. The author, a former detainee held in Louisiana, his wife, and a Texas Jail Project advocate described poor conditions, lack of accountability, and multiple deaths of Texans housed out of state. The Texas Commission on Jail Standards director said five counties are currently housing 1,251 Texas inmates out of state, mostly because of staffing shortages, and said the bill would give the commission more authority and oversight. The bill was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4350, which would allow peace officers to request redaction of personal information from online real property records. Supporters said officers face retaliation risks and should have protections similar to judges and other officials; a title industry witness cautioned that redaction should not compromise the integrity of land records. The bill was left pending. HB 3687 would require county fire marshals in counties over 100,000 to meet specified training and certification standards, and HB 4105 and HB 4205 would give Harris County preferences in construction contracting and require pay parity for comparable law enforcement ranks within the county, respectively; all drew support from county officials and were left pending. HB 5403 would repeal a special rule requiring Dallas and Tarrant county sheriffs to get commissioners court approval for commissary disbursements, and it was also left pending. Later, HB 4462 would let elected county officials in large counties choose outside counsel in civil cases involving them, rather than relying solely on the county attorney. Supporters argued this would reduce conflicts of interest and protect officials’ reputations; questions centered on who qualifies and whether it could conflict with county interests. Finally, HB 240 would restore a five-member quorum requirement for Harris County tax levies, effectively requiring all commissioners to be present before a new tax rate can be adopted; supporters framed it as a taxpayer protection, while the Conference of Urban Counties opposed it as giving one member a de facto veto and potentially disrupting the budget process. Both bills were left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• Access to these resources expands on the equity work that should be strived for in health care and in
• Why are we so quick to end a life out of convenience instead of offering resources for the mother and
• They don't have the same resources, and not all community colleges are the same.
• Some are very large, and some are very, very small, and are very limited in terms of resources.
• And we need... ...we need to make sure that you guys get the resources.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health heard a series of bills focused on access to care, insurance coverage, and public health. AB 387 on youth sports AED access drew support from the author and safety advocates, but opposition from school, park, city, and county groups over liability, cost, and access concerns. The author said he would continue working on amendments to shift the bill toward requiring access to existing AEDs rather than mandating facility procurement. Committee members emphasized the life-saving purpose of the bill while also raising affordability and access concerns for youth sports programs. The committee also heard AB 1682, which would require health plans and insurers to cover FDA-cleared scalp cooling devices for chemotherapy patients. Supporters, including breast cancer survivors and health groups, described the emotional and quality-of-life benefits of preventing hair loss and said cost is the main barrier to access. There was no formal opposition, though one senator raised concerns about whether the mandate could exceed essential health benefits. The chair and members expressed support for the bill’s goals and said it would be taken up when quorum was established. AB 2093, a follow-up to the 988 crisis line law, sought to clarify statewide leadership, improve coordination among 988, 911, and mobile crisis teams, and create a more sustainable funding structure. Behavioral health organizations and crisis center representatives supported the bill, saying implementation challenges and demand growth require statutory fixes. Committee members generally supported the concept but noted the bill was a gut-and-amend and that additional work was needed with county and behavioral health stakeholders. The committee then heard AB 1843 on hepatitis C treatment, AB 1629 on dental assignment of benefits, AB 2540 on community college access to medication abortion services, and AB 1929 on disclosure of health plan investments. AB 1843 had broad support from medical and public health groups but opposition from health plans, which argued it conflicted with the prior-authorization framework in SB 306 and could raise drug costs. AB 1629 was supported by dental and patient advocates but opposed by dental plans and insurers over concerns about network participation and out-of-pocket costs. AB 2540 drew strong support from reproductive health advocates and student representatives, while community college health services and some others opposed or were neutral pending amendments; the author said the bill was about equity and accepted amendments to reduce burdens. AB 1929 was backed by labor and immigrant rights groups as a transparency measure, but opposed by health plans and insurers who said Covered California was not the right entity to administer the disclosures and that the information was already publicly available. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly weighed public access and transparency against cost, administrative burden, and implementation concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> all of the the resources that we have. all of the the resources that we have.
• </c> um believe it was cultural resources um believe it was cultural resources used<00:27:55.279><c>
• So to the best of cultural resources.
• Madam Chair, that's all I have today. in resources recreation and development in resources recreation
• Most individual historic resources.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But in my view, they are better off reassigned or the resources used at campuses where we actually educate
• Regents that says the president isn't acting quick enough in terms of significant reforms and efficiencies
• little bit more context as to how that is the new face of the Regents. ...significant reforms and efficiencies
• , we want someone to see the future, you know, someone that can bring us to where we can get the resources
• desire for innovation and there was this desire for some of this structural more accountability and efficiency

Committee: Senate Senate Committee on Universities and Technical Colleges

Keywords: 970, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of the other organizations do not have all of these resources publicly available if you are not
• </c> people will be able to access resources. people will be able to access resources.
• Some of the other organizations do not have all of these resources publicly available if you are not
• It's focused on providing life, timely, efficient, effective, equitable, patient-centered care.
• :49.280><c> effective,</c> life, timely, efficient, effective, life, timely, efficient, effective, equitable

Bills: SB2936 , SB2850 , SB2851 , SB2521

Committee: House Health

Keywords: accessible parking, disability, kupuna, public accommodations, small business exemptions, Hawaii Revised Statutes, parking permit, blind, deaf, accessibility, deafness, traffic safety, law enforcement, vehicle registration, communication, emergency services, commercial driver's license, first responders, public safety, authorized emergency vehicle

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several health-related bills. HB 1871, establishing a maternal health monitoring pilot program, drew support from the Department of Health, the Hawaii State Commission on Status of Women, and the Hawaii affiliate of the American College of Nurse Midwives, with testimony urging provider-neutral language so midwives and other qualified providers would not be excluded. HB 1977, requiring a maternal and infant health information mobile app, received support from ACNM and Philips, which said similar apps in other states improved awareness of services and helped families navigate care; a member asked the Department of Health about implementation time. HB 1858, relating to certificates of fetal deaths, was supported by the Department of Health and clinicians, who said the current statute is outdated and inconsistent with CDC guidance; the department and a physician testified that the bill should shift documentation responsibilities to physicians and APRNs, and members discussed optional versus mandatory issuance language and whether the bill would improve data on home births and transfers. The committee also heard HB 1591, expanding definitions for preceptor and volunteer-based clinical training to improve income tax credits. The Department of Health supported the measure but preferred a similar, broader bill; Taxation suggested clarifying terms; the University of Hawaii and the State Center for Nursing supported it. ACNM asked that midwifery preceptors and Hawaii-based students enrolled in mainland programs be included, while the Hawaii Public Health Institute supported expansion of the program as a workforce solution. HB 1574, on the health care education loan repayment program, also drew broad support, including from the governor, SHPDA, OHA, and health organizations, but ACNM raised concerns that the bill’s 30% Medicaid-client threshold could exclude many providers and limit participation. For HB 1575, creating a feasibility committee on Parkinson’s patient air transport, the Department of Health supported the intent but said transportation is more likely an insurance or benefit issue and suggested redirecting funds to Parkinson’s research; the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the Hawaii Parkinson Association supported the bill, citing inter-island travel barriers and high costs for patients and caregivers. HB 1854, establishing certification of community behavioral health clinics, was supported by the Department of Health and DHS, which said certification would help clinics qualify for enhanced Medicaid reimbursement and expand access; the Attorney General’s office raised a legal concern about the special fund language and recommended a purpose section, and the committee discussed whether the fund would be self-sustaining and noted a possible amendment to change membership language and reduce the board size if the amendment moved forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• do is how to work with the current administration because they're going to provide a lot of the resources
• that we're not just funding programs; we're building the policy conditions for access, quality, resources
• that we're not just funding programs, we're building the policy conditions for access, quality, resources
• I will be brief and efficient. None of us should be hungrier than we already are.
• I will be brief and efficient. None of us should be hungrier than we already are.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And boy, did I have to fight to get her access to it with all my resources and expertise.
• This is a waste of resources. We're taking up a bed that somebody else could have, right?
• So if people are open to AA or NA, I think it's a great resource.
• We've got all of these great resources, and I can help you get connected with this.
• It minimizes harm, and it's a great responsible use of a limited amount of resources.

Committee: House Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Task Force

Summary: The task force meeting opened with a brief organizational update, including new leadership, roll call, and an explanation of the task force’s statutory duties: to study current and future drug and substance use in Missouri, explore solutions, draft or modify legislation, and report recommendations on prevention and treatment. The chair outlined the summer hearing plan, which would feature field experts, with future sessions expected to cover alternative therapies such as psilocybin and ibogaine and testimony from the Department of Mental Health. Members were encouraged to think about legislative ideas and policy recommendations for the upcoming session. The first major testimony came from Dr. Rachel Winograd, who described Missouri’s overdose crisis as evolving into a “fourth wave” marked by fentanyl mixed with animal tranquilizers such as xylazine and medetomidine, along with methamphetamine and other synthetic drugs. She said overdose deaths have declined for a third straight year, with preliminary 2025 data around 1,200 deaths, but emphasized that the crisis remains severe. Her main recommendations were to focus on demand reduction rather than repeated supply crackdowns, expand evidence-based treatment—especially methadone and buprenorphine—broaden naloxone access, and improve practical supports like housing, transportation, and case management. She also said peer services are valuable but should not be used as a substitute for clinical care, and noted that Missouri Medicaid generally covers evidence-based treatment but reimbursement for peer recovery services remains a gap. Dr. Heidi Miller, the state medical director at the Department of Health and Senior Services, reinforced the call for integrating substance use disorder care into whole-person health care. She highlighted the state naloxone standing order, which supports more than 11,000 Medicaid naloxone prescriptions annually, and urged five best practices: integrating SUD treatment into primary care, maternal health, general medical training, EMS initiation of buprenorphine after overdose, and expanded methadone access. She also argued for team-based reimbursement, stronger parity enforcement between behavioral health/SUD and physical health, and caution in regulating emerging substances so policy does not outrun the science. Dr. Doug Burgess of University Health in Kansas City echoed the integration theme, arguing that Missouri’s system is too fragmented and that patients are often stabilized and then left to coordinate their own next steps. He compared ideal SUD care to the coordinated response used for heart attacks, with seamless transitions from emergency care to inpatient treatment, rehab, and outpatient follow-up. He said treatment courts can be effective when they are well coordinated and informed by addiction science, and he stressed the importance of discharge planning, peer recovery coaches, information-sharing, and maintaining Medicaid coverage during justice involvement. No formal votes or committee actions were taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• You're the trustee of that resource.
• I think it's our resource.
• This is a resource.
• This is a Louisiana public resource, whether it's just like oil or timber or any other natural resource
• Welcome to Natural Resources.

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 886 by Rep. Orgeron, which would make seasonal catch totals and related reporting for the commercial menhaden fishery publicly available by carving out an exception to confidentiality rules. The author said the bill was intended to align with the original intent of prior reporting legislation and to ensure the public can see how much menhaden is being taken from Louisiana waters. Supporters, including Louisiana Wildlife Federation, CCA, charter captains, and recreational anglers, argued the fishery uses a public resource and that transparency is needed for policymaking. Opponents said they did not object to transparency in principle, but one speaker asked that size-sampling data be removed, arguing it has no scientific value and is already handled through NOAA and Gulf States Marine Fisheries Council processes. The committee reported HB 886 favorably without opposition. The committee then heard House Bill 855, also by Rep. Orgeron, which would establish a 22-foot depth requirement for the commercial use of purse seines in the menhaden fishery. The author said the bill was based on a state-funded bycatch study showing red drum bycatch rises sharply in shallow water and that the current quarter-mile buffer is insufficient, especially in nearshore areas where recreational fishing and sensitive habitats are concentrated. Supporters emphasized the public trust nature of menhaden, the economic value of recreational fishing, and concerns about bycatch, beach fouling, and localized depletion. Several speakers cited the bycatch study, public comments opposing the recent reduction from a half-mile to a quarter-mile buffer, and the belief that deeper-water fishing would reduce impacts on redfish and other species. Department of Wildlife and Fisheries staff and the study’s principal investigator, Dr. Scott Rayburn, answered questions about the current buffer rules, enforcement, and the science behind the 22-foot threshold. They explained that the recent reduction to a quarter-mile buffer came from a commission directive and that the department had investigated complaints but found no violations. Dr. Rayburn said the 22-foot figure came from modeling red drum bycatch as a function of depth and that the study focused on red drum because of its economic and social importance, while not analyzing every species in the same way. Opponents of the bill, including West Bank Fishing and Ocean Harvesters representatives, said the rule of three is a standard confidentiality concept, argued the bill should not be framed as anti-transparency, and urged removal of the size-sampling provisions. The committee heard extensive testimony but no final action on HB 855 was recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we're following up with that directive with giving them the resources they need to do it.
• The last legislature had quite a bit of resources for county security training, is that correct?
• So to the chair's point, if there is a the desire to give this agency sufficient resources to do their
• Item 6. career and technical education resources. This has two components continued on page 13.
• Item 21 to enhance GED resources.

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> &gt;&gt; Senate Bill 2260, government efficiency &gt;&gt; Senate Bill 2260, government efficiency
• "This is just for the Department of Marine Resources. So, saltwater." "Mississippi.
• "This is just for the Department of Marine Resources. So, saltwater.
• And this is Department of Marine Resources. So, this will be Salt Water South I-10." "All right.
• "Senate Bill 2634, Department of Marine Resources, authorized payment of resource unit for special need

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 9 February, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have some resource witness if anybody needs them.
• Seeing none, we, uh, there are some resource witnesses members if you need them here.
• If you ever see any other questions for this resource witnessing that, thank you for being here.
• I'm really here as a resource witness for this wonderful bill.
• Do y'all need any resource witnesses? We're good. OK.

Bills: HCR6

Committee: House Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Keywords: Meals on Wheels, senior services, nutrition, community support, volunteerism

Transcript Highlights:

• A merit-based health care system strengthens trust, improves outcomes, and ensures that resources are
• directed toward excellence and efficiency.
• This can include things like financial resources, area code where someone grew up, or geography.
• Fields: Things like financial resources, area code where someone grew up or geography, distance to care
• and less resource-rich parts of our state.

Summary: The Senate Health and Welfare Committee first approved the minutes from February 25 and February 26, 2026, then took up House Bill 928, the Merit-Based Health Care Act. The bill’s sponsor said it would prohibit DEI-related considerations in Medicaid-funded health care hiring, promotion, contracting, and training, while preserving compliance with federal law and allowing certain clinical and quality-improvement activities. Committee members questioned how the bill would apply in practice, especially to hiring and patient preferences, and the sponsor said an amendment would remove certain terms to align with federal code. The committee heard extensive testimony on HB 928. Physicians and the Idaho Academy of Family Physicians opposed the bill, arguing it would restrict evidence-based training, create legal uncertainty, worsen recruitment and retention in a state already facing provider shortages, and interfere with use of social determinants of health and implicit bias training to improve patient care. Supporters, including a plastic surgeon, Idaho Family Policy Center, and the bill sponsors, argued DEI undermines merit and that taxpayer-funded health care should be based on qualifications and excellence. After debate, the committee voted to send HB 928 to the 14th order for possible amendment, with Senators Harris and Wintrow recorded as opposed. The committee then heard House Bill 916, which would create a legislative rural health transformation oversight committee to monitor federal rural health funds flowing to Idaho. The sponsor said the committee would provide legislative stewardship over the money without appropriating funds, while some senators raised concerns that the bill did not require rural representation on the committee and that appointments should reflect rural advocacy. After testimony from a supporter emphasizing oversight and taxpayer stewardship, the committee voted to hold HB 916 in committee. The meeting ended with notice of a two-hour committee meeting scheduled for the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• need to be taking a look at some of these things where there are places where we can make some efficiencies
• The wildland equipment replacement fund is funding that we receive when we send our resources off district
• And again, those monies come from other districts, other agencies when using our resources.
• So when we send things off district... ...when using our resources, so when we send things off district
• And if that's the case, if we don't stand up these resources, then we will be having to rely on our friends

Summary: The committee first took up the Department of Environmental Quality budget. Staff outlined enhancements for monitoring and maintenance at the Triumph Mine, a transfer for Coeur d’Alene Basin remediation, and a fund shift to move positions from federal funds to the Idaho Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program fund. Members also approved language to consolidate certain air permitting and drinking water permitting fee funds, and later adopted additional language related to a solid waste regulatory fund transfer tied to House Bill 555. The DEQ motion passed with do-pass recommendations. The committee then considered the Department of Lands, focusing heavily on fire preparedness funding for the Forest and Range Fire Protection Program. Members debated whether to restore one-time General Fund money for standby crews in FY 2026 and FY 2027, with some arguing the department had reverted funds in prior years and had other dedicated funds available, while the department explained those funds were legally committed to other purposes and that the standby crews support state firefighting readiness. The FY 2026 supplemental passed, the FY 2027 enhancement initially failed, reconsideration was debated under parliamentary rules, and after reconsideration the FY 2027 fire preparedness funding passed. The committee also adopted language allowing transfers between department programs and approved language restricting the use of General Fund firefighter bonus money to firefighters. Next, the committee reviewed Educational Services for the Deaf and the Blind. The budget included career ladder adjustments, a van replacement, staffing for a new 18-bed residential building in Gooding, replacement items, and an endowment fund adjustment. Members debated a substitute motion that would fund the new cottage staff for the opening of the new dormitory, with supporters emphasizing the need to avoid leaving the new facility unused and opponents noting the budget’s size and the broader constraints on other agencies. The substitute motion failed and the original motion passed, resulting in a do-pass recommendation. Finally, the committee considered the State Department of Education budget. The agency requested additional spending authority for school bus camera grants, an extended USDA farm-to-school grant, and ongoing child nutrition technology grants. A substitute motion to increase the farm-to-school authority to match the anticipated federal extension failed, and the original motion passed, approving the dedicated and federal fund increases and sending the budget forward with a do-pass recommendation. The committee then adjourned after announcing the next day’s agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also makes technical corrections to promote statutory consistency and improve efficiency in
• And today, I also serve as a resource peer mentor in Region 1, supporting other kinship families as they
• So as Senator Wintrow said..." "...you can save, you have a higher resource that you can save.
• earn a certain amount." "...Medicaid program where you can only earn a certain amount, and your resources
• If they have the staff and the resources, I guess what I'm saying is, if they already have the staff,

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from January 28 and January 29, 2026. It then heard several RS print requests. Senator Shippey presented RS 33115C1, a follow-up to prior foster care legislation that would set a basic 10-hour foster parent training expectation in statute, with training topics including trauma, behavior management, birth parents, court processes, and child safety; the committee voted to send it to print. Senator Wintrow presented RS 33213 to clarify that crime victims compensation and sexual assault forensic exam funding are not public benefits under prior immigration-status verification law; she explained the funds come from criminal fines and fees and are meant to support victims, and the committee voted to print it. Senator Galloway presented RS 3314 to establish the importance of voluntary newborn hearing screenings in Idaho code amid federal uncertainty, and the committee voted to print it. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1266 from Senator Galloway, which would expand expedited foster placement eligibility from relatives to “kin,” including extended family members and others with a significant family-like relationship, while keeping licensing and safety standards in place. A foster/kinship parent testified in support, describing how kinship placement helped her family care for a newborn and later adopt him. The committee voted to send SB 1266 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, Senator Wintrow presented Senate Bill 1267, which would direct the Department of Health and Welfare to study and prepare for changes to Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities so participants can continue working past age 65 without losing coverage or facing sharply higher costs. She and several testifiers described the program’s role in supporting independent living and avoiding institutionalization, and Wintrow said the bill was intended as a study/implementation directive rather than an immediate program change. Committee members raised questions about the federal changes, the meaning of “institutionalization,” and the bill’s metrics, but no motion was made; the bill was held in committee and the meeting adjourned.