Transcript Highlights:

• We want to make sure they wouldn't in any way prevent people from being able to access these services
• </c><00:03:43.440><c> to</c><00:03:43.680><c> access</c> people from being able to to access people from
• being able to to access these<00:03:44.239><c> services.
• services, but also the importance of ensuring those who are eligible are able to access that.
• the SNAP program or food stamps, in access to services like child care or cash assistance.

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• New Mexico's patients are in a crisis in access to health care as access to health care dwindles because
• New Mexico's patients are in a crisis in access to health care as access to health care dwindles because
• Thank you for your service to our communities.
• improve access to quality care across southern New Mexico.
• President, and thank you to every person in this room who is committed to world-class access to medicine

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:26:28.720><c> will</c> comes down to the Secret Service will comes down to the Secret Service
• be able to have them have access to that.
• ><c> and</c> to have them have access to that and to have them have access to that and there<01:20:47.600
• </c> doesn't have access to the internet. doesn't have access to the internet.
• </c> doesn't have access to the internet. doesn't have access to the internet.

Committee: House Election Law

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And those issues are related to payment withhold, etc., and making sure that the programs in human services
• Not cuts to services.
• </c> people see a cut to their services? people see a cut to their services?
• not</c><00:13:19.280><c> cuts</c><00:13:19.520><c> to</c><00:13:19.640><c> services.
• Um not cuts to services. fraud-proof. Um not cuts to services.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: A Minnesota Senate leader discussed the end-of-session budget deal and said the Senate had passed a comprehensive budget that addresses several recent crises and federal policy changes. He highlighted funding to respond to gun violence, Metro Surge, and the effects of a federal Republican budget bill, saying the package includes retroactive medical assistance coverage, support to keep SNAP functioning, $10 million for food banks and shelves, rental assistance, and aid for counties and property taxpayers. He also said the Senate secured $205 million for HCMC, a $30 million uncompensated care pool for other distressed hospitals, and a $500 million health care stabilization reserve, along with a one-year license tab fee reduction and a $1.2 billion bonding bill. He said some priorities were left out or rejected in negotiations, including small business relief, low-income rent, energy assistance, rural EMS stabilization, a manufactured home bill of rights, a social media platform data collection tax, and proposals to block private equity from nursing homes and single-family homes. He also said the House Speaker had promised but not brought a gun vote to the floor, and he expressed disappointment that immigration-related action and some gun control measures did not advance further. He defended the rental assistance as available to Minnesotans regardless of documentation status and said it was not tied only to Operation Metro Surge. The leader also addressed concerns about payment withholding and program integrity in human services, saying the goal was to fight fraud without cutting services. He said hospitals seeking access to the stabilization reserve would need to show distress and financial need, and that both the governor and a legislative advisory committee would have to approve. He closed by saying the process had been difficult and too much negotiation had moved into backroom settings, but that the chambers were working toward an orderly conclusion and that he expected the remaining bills to be finalized and sent to the governor.

Transcript Highlights:

• we are able to improve access to recreational facilities, which includes enhancing tourism opportunities
• to improving access to their industrial areas.
• Figure out a way to preserve some ability to do like industrial access kind of above the line fund Our
• Are there any federal funds that we could use to enhance or offset the cost of the mobility services
• like level of service out there in the rural areas, we're going to have to take a look at it at some

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the agencies, so the committees would have access to resources and help families as soon as possible
• WOULD HAVE ACCESS TO RESOURCES AND HELP FAMILIES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
• They're working with realtors and working with often local banks to help access the agency's down payment
• OFTEN LOCAL BANKS TO HELP ACCESS THE AGENCIES DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE USUALLY INDIVIDUAL'S DON'T EVEN
• that transition out of homelessness, and there's no better place to provide those supportive services

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Of course, we have ideas as to how they access.
• Use and referring to those services.
• them to Live Vape Free as part of those services.
• And phase two, also to get the Live Vape Free messaging going, to increase access to resources that the
• want, whether it's a quit now enrollment, whether it's reaching out to a family member to access services

Committee: House Tobacco Settlement Revenue Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• And through recent trailer bill language, we've clarified our access to the field.
• And through recent trailer bill language, we've clarified our access to the field, access to records
• we'll have access, HIPAA access to medical records, which is very important.
• And that kind of related to in the fire service, we had the same problem.
• Mendoza is going to stay as the Deputy Director of the Office of Fiscal Services. Ms.

Summary: The subcommittee heard an overview from the Board of State and Community Corrections on its budget change proposal for 11 additional permanent positions, which BSCC said are needed to manage a rapidly expanded grant workload, increase technical assistance, and strengthen oversight and audits. BSCC also updated members on its new In Custody Death Review Division, created under SB 519, reporting that it has begun collecting and reviewing local jail death investigations, has hired about one-third of its staff, and has received access to medical records and related documents. Members raised concerns about family notification practices, local jail deaths, and whether BSCC’s increased administrative use would reduce grant dollars; BSCC said the change is intended to be permanent but should not substantially affect local assistance. The LAO supported the position authority request but flagged a methodological issue in the administration’s Proposition 47 savings estimate, and Finance said it would update the estimate by May Revision. The committee then reviewed CDCR’s overall budget, population, and facility issues. The Secretary said the incarcerated population is holding around 90,000, parole around 33,000, and described major cost pressures from retirements, workers’ compensation, medical transport, violence, and aging infrastructure lacking air conditioning and ADA features. He defended prison closures as creating overcrowding and reducing programming capacity, while also highlighting successes such as declining recidivism, expanded college and reentry programming, and the completion of the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center. Members pressed CDCR on fiscal discipline, the effect of closures on savings, community impacts from prison shutdowns, vacancy and staffing issues, and climate-related facility needs. CDCR said it clusters medically vulnerable and ADA-needing populations at more suitable facilities, uses heat plans and temperature monitoring, and is developing a 20-year infrastructure plan. A separate item addressed CDCR’s request for $91 million ongoing for lump-sum leave payouts for correctional officers and nurses. CDCR said these costs have historically been covered by vacancy savings, but declining vacancies and facility closures have reduced that source. The LAO said the funding is reasonable in the near term but recommended limited-term approval with reporting, and urged the Legislature to scrutinize unallocated savings assumptions and the ongoing Boston Consulting Group efficiency contract. Finance argued the lump-sum request should be ongoing because the costs are recurring and vacancy savings are less reliable. Members questioned whether CDCR is doing enough to reduce leave liability and whether the department will actually achieve the budgeted savings from the consultant work. Finally, CDCR presented updated population projections through June 2030, estimating a 6.5 percent decline in the institution population and a 10.4 percent decline in parole, while revising its Proposition 36 methodology based on actual admissions data. CDCR said Prop. 36 admissions are increasing but at a lower level than previously projected, and that the law’s long-term effects remain uncertain. On the California Rehabilitation Center closure, CDCR projected about $99.6 million in net General Fund savings next year and roughly $150 million ongoing, with 522 positions eliminated. The LAO said the state could close another prison within a few years and identified the Correctional Training Facility in Soledad as a strong candidate, recommending against approving new capital projects there unless another closure is identified. Finance said the administration has not proposed any additional closure at this time.

Transcript Highlights:

• He was appointed to Appropriations in 2021, where his focus shifted to human services.
• In 2021, where his focus shifted to human services.
• and a great service to the citizens of North Dakota.
• North Dakota Century Code relating to parent and guardian access to the medical examination room of
• parent and guardian access to a medical examination room of a minor.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum call, then approved journal corrections and moved to elect Senator Kyle Davison as President Pro Tem. Davison was nominated, elected by unanimous ballot, escorted to the rostrum, sworn in, and gave remarks thanking his family, colleagues, and faith, emphasizing relationships, service, and stewardship. The chamber also recognized National Public Health Week with a floor statement honoring public health workers and training programs, and that statement was ordered printed in the journal. The Senate then considered several House bills, beginning with HB 1485, which increases the personal needs allowance for Medicaid residents in certain facilities by $15 per month and indexes it to inflation; the amendment was adopted and the bill passed 46-1. HB 1018, the State Historical Society budget, was amended to adjust one-time and ongoing funding for museum exhibits, repatriation compliance, archives storage, local historic grants, and the military gallery project, then passed 42-0 with one senator excused from voting due to a conflict. HB 1181, defining gender in state code as an individual’s sex and removing a broader application section, passed 41-6. HB 1144, adding a penalty and enforcement mechanism related to transgender student accommodations and restroom use in public schools, passed 40-7 with its emergency clause. The Senate also passed HB 1600, creating an immigration law clinic at the University of North Dakota School of Law and shifting its funding to the strategic investment and improvements fund, by 34-13. HB 1019, the Parks and Recreation budget, was amended to fund deferred maintenance, technology, sewer work, matching grants, and other park projects, add language requiring legislative approval for new or renamed state parks, and clarify use of the Teddy Roosevelt Presidential Library line of credit; a proposed amendment to remove funding for the International Peace Gardens cactus conservatory failed 20-27, and the bill then passed 39-8. HB 1417, dealing with parole/probation violations, court fees, and a study of criminal justice fees, passed 40-7 after amendments. The most extensive debate centered on HB 1450, which would require parent or guardian access to a minor’s medical exam room and notice of questions asked of the minor, with exceptions for emancipation and suspected abuse or trafficking. Supporters framed it as a parental rights and transparency measure, while opponents warned it could hinder screening for abuse, neglect, mental health concerns, and confidential care; multiple senators shared personal experiences on both sides. A proposed amendment to narrow the bill failed 21-26, and the transcript ends amid continued debate on the bill itself, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES WILL COME TO ORDER, ROBIN WILL YOU PLEASE CALL
• PROVIDE SUCH SERVICES TO SUCH PATIENTS AND PHYSICIANS WHO BELIEVE THESE SERVICES WILL BE BENEFICIAL.
• WHY WOULD WE WANT TO REMOVE THE PHARMACIST, THE MOST ACCESSIBLE HEALTHCARE PROVIDER FROM THE PATIENT
• IF WE RESTRICT PHYSICIANS AND PHARMACISTS CPA AUTHORITY IN FLORIDA WE ARE LIMITING PATIENT ACCESS TO
• AS CARDIOLOGISTS WE BELIEVE IT IS IMPORTANT TO ENSURE THE EXPANSION OF THE ACCESS OF CARE BE DONE WITH

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Access to immediate safety measures can mean the difference between life and death.
• She said the bill ensures victims have equal access to the resources and protections they need to rebuild
• He said access to FDLE's database will be a vital tool for animal welfare organizations when vetting
• He said access to FDLE's database will be a vital tool for animal welfare organizations when vetting
• date of the decedent's injury to his or her death, future loss of support and services from the date

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Summary: The committee heard and voted on a long agenda of criminal justice, public safety, victims’ rights, and related bills. SB 984 on aggravating factors in capital cases was reported favorably after debate over its focus on religious, school, and government gatherings; the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops opposed expanding the death penalty, while supporters said it was about accountability rather than deterrence. CS for SB 1140 creating a Hillsborough County substance abuse pilot program for offenders, CS for SB 1180 broadening child sexual image protections, CS for SB 10 compensating Sidney Holmes for a wrongful conviction, CS for SB 500 creating a Spectrum Alert system for missing children with autism, and SB 1054 on tampering with electronic monitoring devices all passed favorably, with the substance abuse bill drawing supportive testimony about treatment and recovery and the Holmes bill receiving emotional support from Holmes himself. The committee also approved SB 1072 on expedited DNA testing grants, CS for SB 240 on domestic and dating violence victims, CS for SB 494 creating a statewide animal abuse database, and CS for SB 1422 on unmanned aircraft over critical infrastructure and weaponized drones. SB 240 drew extensive testimony from advocates describing a feasibility study for a discreet emergency alert system and the need to align domestic and dating violence protections; SB 494 drew strong support from animal welfare groups and county officials who described local registries and the link between animal abuse and violence toward people, while members discussed whether the bill should also bar known abusers from adopting animals. SB 1422 passed after questions about “reasonable force” against drones and concerns about firearms use, with the sponsor saying the bill was meant to protect privacy and property rights. Additional measures reported favorably included SB 1268 updating Department of Law Enforcement statutes and increasing reimbursement for retired police dogs, CS for SB 1344 revising juvenile status-offender procedures, CS for SB 1252 creating a feasibility study for a statewide pawn data database, CS for SB 1386 increasing penalties for assault and battery on utility workers, CS for SB 1084 strengthening sexual cyber harassment laws for intimate and digitally forged images, CS for SB 1654 revising sex offender/predator registration and reporting rules, CS for SB 1650 expanding the vexatious litigant law, and CS for SB 1652 creating a public records exemption for stricken court filings. The final and most heavily debated bill, CS for SB 1284 on wrongful death of an unborn child, drew extensive testimony from supporters who framed it as recognizing unborn life and opponents who warned it could be used to harass abortion patients, providers, and supporters and could increase malpractice exposure; the sponsor said the bill would allow parents to recover damages while protecting mothers and lawful medical care. The transcript ends before the roll call on SB 1284 is completed, but the committee had already reported the other measures favorably by recorded votes, generally along party lines with broad support from members present.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're really geared to help provide services to the members.
• And they're really geared to help provide services to the members.
• So all of this leads to, if a member can't get access to care, the health plans will have to struggle
• So all of this leads to, if a member can't get access to care, the health plans will have to struggle
• Services can include access to pregnancy testing, abstinence counseling, FDA-approved contraceptive methods

Committee: Senate Health Policy

Summary: The Senate Health Policy Committee met to discuss maternal and infant health, beginning with a presentation from New Jersey’s Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority (MiHA). Pamela Taylor described New Jersey’s statewide effort to reduce maternal mortality and racial disparities through the Nurture New Jersey campaign, a strategic plan with more than 80 recommendations, universal home visiting, Medicaid-covered doula care, hospital report cards, limits on non-medically indicated early elective C-sections, and a new maternal and infant health innovation center. Senators asked about doula certification, funding, home visiting, and how New Jersey coordinates across agencies; Taylor said the authority uses quarterly stakeholder meetings, annual summits, and a tracker for recommendations, and that community input helped shape its programs. Florida Agency for Health Care Administration Deputy Secretary Brian Meyer then outlined Florida Medicaid’s maternal coverage and managed care structure. He reviewed eligibility and services for pregnant women, labor and delivery, postpartum coverage, newborn coverage, and family planning, noting 12 months of postpartum coverage, expanded benefits in managed care plans, and new contracts launching February 1 with more maternal-health-focused benefits, quality measures, and a new quality withhold incentive structure. Senators questioned doula certification and duplication with Healthy Start, provider access and network adequacy, kick payments, quality reporting, and whether Florida should consider broader eligibility standards; Meyer said many details are still plan-driven, that quality metrics are public, and that the agency is working on maternal-health work groups and incentives. Department of Health Division Director Shea Holloway followed with an overview of Florida’s maternal and child health programs and data. She cited Florida CHARTS data showing pregnancy-related deaths, severe maternal morbidity, and infant mortality trends, and described the Title V block grant, the Maternal Mortality Review Committee, the Florida Perinatal Quality Collaborative, the electronic prenatal risk screen, Healthy Babies, BH Impact for perinatal mental health, Healthy Start, WIC, family planning, telehealth maternity care, and the Pregnancy Care Network. Senators asked about delays in mortality review reporting, preterm birth, substance use disorder in pregnancy, WIC participation, cesarean rates, and the impact of the abortion ban; Holloway said the department is continuing to monitor outcomes, expand screening and telehealth, and use data and hospital partnerships to improve care. The committee then adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Lung Association believes everyone should have access to quality and should have access to quality
• Will they have access to any preventative services or chronic disease management services through a pediatrician
• If their child were to go into respiratory distress, is there any recourse to seek emergency services
• recourse to seek emergency services, their only recourse for emergency services, on a regular basis to
• Timely access to care, reliable coverage, and a clear path to appeal denials are not luxuries.

Committee: Senate Banking and Insurance

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm also going to, um, ask for some legislative recommendations: access to real-time data systems, attendance
• So, access to real-time recommendations.
• access to this list um counties have access to this list um this<01:05:44.640><c> list</c><01:05:44.880
• If that student moves to Hennepin County, we don't have any of that access.
• Um, the county has access to home visit.

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Good afternoon, and welcome, everyone, to the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services.
• Thank you again for inviting me to come to the Senate Health and Human Services.
• Basically, the intent of AB 234 initially started off to protect access to cancer screenings for... .
• Basically, the intent of AB 234 initially started off to protect access to cancer screenings for Nevada
• It is important, however, to ensure that all Nevadans have access to the most effective cancer screening

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Judge McDonnell brings a strong commitment to the rule of law and a deep dedication to public service
• Judge McDonald brings a strong commitment to the rule of law and a deep dedication to public service
• And I have to say. ...dedication to public service in her role on the Superior Court.
• The owner of the vehicle consents to access of data and images.
• First of all, I'd like to apologize to all of my colleagues on the Health and Human Services Committee

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to Human Services finance re-referred to Human Services finance and<00:18:46.720><c> policy</c><00:18
• a crime or seeking services to address trauma or harm.
• of</c><01:09:02.600><c> Domestic</c> Services to victim survivors of Domestic Services to victim survivors
• Undocumented immigrants already have less access to health insurance compared to legal residents.
• c> will</c> residents less access to insurance will residents less access to insurance will increase<

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This waiver, the 1115 waiver, allows us to provide certain services in the carceral setting prior to
• So, today we're services to our members.
• making changes to Assembly before making changes to eligibility,<00:03:32.959><c> services,</c><00:03
• </c><00:30:01.280><c> to</c> application, we have um access to application, we have um access to various
• ><c> and</c><00:30:08.360><c> death</c> have access to birth and death have access to birth and death

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee for Health and Family Services met for its first meeting, established quorum, and heard a presentation from Department for Medicaid Services Commissioner Lisa Lee and CFO Steve Becktold. The department reviewed its compliance with House Bill 695, which requires legislative approval before certain Medicaid eligibility, service, benefit, or waiver changes, along with fiscal impact reporting to the Legislative Research Commission. They described current waivers, including home and community-based waivers, managed care and transportation waivers, and the 1115 re-entry waiver, and said the community engagement waiver is in public comment and on track for submission to CMS. They also said required reports and other HB 695 tasks, including a pharmacy rebate fund, budget analyses, expenditure reports, and a behavioral health scorecard, are underway or completed as required. The CFO outlined Medicaid’s budget, saying the department has two appropriation units and projecting near-full use of state funds while leaving some federal funds unspent because of matching-rate differences. They reported roughly 211 filled positions and 11 vacancies. Members asked about the vacancy makeup, the behavioral health scorecard, and whether a provider involved in quality metrics could have a conflict if used in the scorecard process; the department said it would follow up. Members also asked about the community engagement waiver and its interaction with federal policy, and the department said CMS guidance is still pending and that it will proceed under HB 695. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on federal Medicaid policy changes under a reconciliation bill, including possible limits on provider taxes, directed payments, cost-sharing, and community engagement requirements. Department officials said the final federal impact is still uncertain because the Senate bill is not finalized, but they have modeled several scenarios and warned that any reduction in federal support or benefits would be harmful, especially for hospitals and rural hospitals. They estimated Medicaid benefits are funded about 80% federal and 20% state overall, with expansion populations closer to 90% federal funding, and said administrative costs would also rise if federal requirements change. Members also asked about work requirements and eligibility. The department said the community engagement waiver would mainly affect the expansion population, which they estimated at about 450,000 people out of roughly 1.5 million total Medicaid enrollees, and that many groups are exempt, including children, the aged, blind, disabled, and people in substance use disorder treatment. Officials said they can provide data on how many enrollees are working or work-ready and explained that their eligibility system is designed to prevent duplication by automatically placing people in the correct category and correcting errors quickly. They also noted a federal proposal to require expansion eligibility reviews every six months, compared with current annual renewals.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're just waiting for some access to city utilities.
• It has been sold to the General Services Department. So, Mr. Chairman, with that...
• They also are requesting to move money between the contractual services and the other cost category to
• With no access to special appropriations in Fiscal 27, I am asking you to please not leave us behind
• Chair, we do provide a lot of guardianship services to individuals on the DD waiver, but also to people

Transcript Highlights:

• This fund ensures that Maui's communities continue to have access to reliable emergency medical services
• , where access to primary health care services can be as much as 30 miles away.
• service to the island of Molokai, ensuring that residents and visitors have reliable access to transportation
• the</c> government to give services to the government to give services to the people<01:49:03.520><c
• to all vendors. services, in construction in order to services, in construction in order to circumvent

Keywords: 910, house, all