Transcript Highlights:

• We appreciate your interest and participation in the legislative process.
• The chair will now appropriately.
• </c><00:08:29.599><c> to</c> million as an annual appropriation to million as an annual appropriation
• </c><00:10:42.399><c> estimated</c> So for example we request estimated So for example we request estimated
• appropriations for the programs. programs. programs.

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• House Appropriations will come to order. First up, we have Senate Bill 1347.
• This legislation simply allows Idahoans and the legislature to see who is receiving grants, who those
• One, why didn't you go through in the bill and look at appropriations from JFAC?
• Just a couple of clarifying questions on what has been requested for IHFA already on this data.
• So has there been an issue with requesting information and them not giving information you think they

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: House Appropriations took up Senate Bill 1347, sponsored by Representative Jeff Ehlers and Senator Cody Galloway, which would increase transparency and reporting for Idaho Housing and Finance Association homelessness-related federal funds, specifically the continuum of care and emergency solutions grants. The sponsors said the bill is intended to let the Legislature and Idahoans see who receives the grants, how the money is used, and what outcomes result, without cutting, capping, or redirecting any federal funds. They described IHFA as a state-created entity handling large amounts of federal money, and said the bill is a first step toward better oversight and data collection. In response to questions, the sponsors said JFAC would receive the reports but would not be required to take action, and explained that the February 1 reporting deadline was chosen to allow time for year-end data to be compiled while the Legislature is still in session. They also said about 60% of the requested information already exists in federal reporting, while about 40% would be new project-level or program-specific data not currently reported to the federal government. The sponsors said IHFA was neutral on the bill and that it had passed the Senate floor on party lines. Representative Harris moved to send Senate Bill 1347 to the House floor with a do pass recommendation. The motion passed by voice vote, with Representative Green recorded as voting no. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• A new fiscal note was requested on January 23rd, and with that I'm available for questions.
• A fiscal note has been requested, and I'm available for questions. Thank you. Seeing none.
• I was going to call them burples, but I wasn't sure if that was appropriate.
• And legislation like this is not just helpful.
• A fiscal note was not requested. The next bill on the agenda is Senate Bill 6016.

Bills: SB5633 , SB6279 , SB6291 , SB6274 , SB6309 , SB5903 , SB6016 , SB5820 , SB6132 , SB6189

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: land subdivision, zoning, property development, local government authority, real estate, infrastructure, wildfire, wildland urban interface, WUI, building code, fire-resistant construction, defensible space, hazard map, risk map, state building code council, department of natural resources, fire marshal, regional fire defense board, roofing standards, exterior walls

Transcript Highlights:

• um agency to administer appropriate um agency to administer this.<00:03:27.040><c> So,</c><00:03:27.200
• Um, or I'm requesting that it go back to transportation. is why we see an excessive amount of is why
• </c><00:09:05.440><c> I'm</c><00:09:05.680><c> requesting</c> Okay.
• Um, or I'm requesting that it go back to transportation.
• passed to set up a direct legislation passed to set up a direct care<00:18:49.200><c> and</c><00:18:

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Gress has requested that HB...
• Representative Gress has requested that HB 2375 be held.
• I did sign up on request to speak, so let me know if I need to do a little slip.
• It includes the Joint Legislative Audit Committee.
• Office and transforming legislative intent into a functional accountability mechanism.

Summary: The House Committee on Government heard and advanced several bills, beginning with HB 2842 on deed fraud prevention. The bill would create an early alert system so escrow agents notify the Arizona Department of Real Estate when a property transaction is opened, allowing property owners to be alerted before a fraudulent sale is completed. Representative Contreras, a victim, and other witnesses described serious deed fraud cases and said the bill would provide proactive protection; the Department of Real Estate commissioner said most tracked fraud cases would have gone through escrow and outlined a simple registration and alert process. The committee adopted a Blackman amendment changing the receiving agency from DIFI to the State Real Estate Department and then passed HB 2842 with a do pass recommendation. The committee also passed HB 2667, which tightens eligibility for state first-time homebuyer and down payment assistance programs by requiring two years of Arizona residency and two years of owner occupancy, and barring out-of-state investors from using the homes as vacation or short-term rentals. The sponsor said the bill was intended to ensure the programs benefit Arizonans who are invested in the state, but committee members and representatives from local housing entities warned it could conflict with federal FHA rules, reduce lender participation, and create unintended consequences for local IDA programs. Despite those concerns, the bill received a do pass recommendation. HB 2020, which reduces certain school disruption offenses involving minors to a class one misdemeanor and narrows the definition of interference with an educational institution, also passed after testimony from a parent describing a student being charged with a felony for a school altercation and a nonprofit witness urging more trauma-informed treatment of children. Other measures advanced included HB 2793, which streamlines annexation procedures for single-owner annexations and modernizes notice requirements, with amendments clarifying treatment of municipally owned adjacent territory and allowing electronic newspaper publication; HB 2327, which allows eligible individuals to request suppression of identifying information held by county recorders, assessors, and treasurers to protect privacy while preserving title plant access; and HB 2858, which gives Arizona bidders a preference in state procurement tie situations, supported by local business groups as a way to keep public money in-state. The committee also passed HB 2660, which sets procedures and due process protections for health profession board licensing actions and adds JLAC to the list of entities receiving investigative reports, with the sponsor and a naturopathic physician arguing that board actions can chill speech and lack adequate oversight. Finally, the committee approved HB 2063 to appropriate $1.5 million for the Independent Correctional Oversight Office, HB 2681 to change civil service appeal deadlines from calendar days to business days, and HB 2812 to raise the sick-leave payout cap for retiring state employees from $30,000 to $57,000; members discussed possible future amendments to let retirees direct those funds into health savings arrangements. Most bills were reported out with do pass recommendations, and the committee adjourned after the final vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest, or other appropriate legal
• For legislative business: Assembly Member Celeste Rodriguez.
• Despite the voter approval and legislative appropriation, implementation is being slowed by lengthy procedures
• We will benefit from this legislation when California needs it the most.
• All requests to adjourn in memory will be deemed read and printed in the journal.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, offered a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the session on guest introductions recognizing visitors, community college delegations, students, caregivers, a retired Assembly staff member, and a championship high school football team. Members also observed an adjournment in memory for Alex Preddy, a VA nurse killed in Minnesota, and later for Kathy Wooten and Rowena Ramos. The chamber then moved through the daily file and third reading file, with several items passed, retained, or continued. Among the bills taken up, AB 34 on renewable portfolio standard exemptions for publicly owned utilities passed 55-0; AB 35 to accelerate implementation of Proposition 4 climate resilience funds passed 62-0; AB 52 on food and agriculture equity passed 50-6; AB 72 creating an EV economic opportunity zone passed 58-0; AB 96 removing a diploma requirement for Medi-Cal peer support specialists passed 55-0; AB 230 extending Pierce’s disease control programs passed 64-0; AB 277 requiring background checks for behavioral health employees passed 59-0; AB 647 clarifying a county RV disposal pilot passed 54-0; AB 664 authorizing limited bachelor’s programs at Southwestern Community College passed 60-1; AB 673 creating a support grant for unaccompanied homeless youth passed 55-1; AB 710 on dynamic electricity pricing passed 54-0; AB 748 streamlining pre-approved housing plans passed 65-0; AB 767 expanding protections around sexually violent predator placements near schools and daycares passed 65-0; AB 883 protecting officials’ personal information from data brokers passed 66-0; AB 946 expanding 30x30 conservation efforts to urban areas passed 65-0; AB 1054 creating a deferred retirement option program for CHP and Cal Fire passed 61-1; AB 1070 on missing middle housing code simplification passed 66-0; AB 1159 strengthening student data privacy passed 54-4; AB 1204 revising the Local Control Funding Formula passed 54-1; AB 1265 extending the historic building tax credit passed 64-0; AB 1349 banning speculative ticketing passed 61-0; AB 1359 allowing seniors 80+ to opt out of jury service without a doctor’s note passed 67-1; AB 643 on organic waste procurement credits passed 48-4; AB 685 creating a small business resiliency fund passed 63-0; AB 714 tightening oversight of commercial driving programs passed 65-1; and AB 805 establishing a youth apprenticeship bridge program passed 66-0. Several other items were passed and retained or continued without debate. Debate on AB 1054 drew the sharpest disagreement, with opponents warning about pension costs and supporters arguing it would help retain experienced CHP officers and firefighters. AB 767 also prompted strong comments about public safety and placement of sexually violent predators in rural communities. On AB 1349, supporters from both parties backed the anti-speculative ticketing bill as consumer protection, while AB 664 drew support from members emphasizing access to higher education in underserved regions. The Assembly then adjourned until January 29, 2026, after announcing upcoming session dates and recording a few vote changes from the dais.

Transcript Highlights:

• Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest, or other appropriate legal
• For legislative business: Assembly Member Celeste Rodriguez.
• Despite the voter approval, legislative appropriation implementation is being slowed by lengthy procedures
• We will benefit from this legislation when California needs it the most.
• All requests to adjourn in memory will be deemed read and printed in the journal.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:12:30.480><c> Signed,</c><00:12:31.040><c> Patrick</c> appropriating money.
• Signed, Patrick appropriating money.
• <00:12:57.360><c> conference</c> respectfully requests that a conference respectfully requests that a
• I do hope we see all green votes on this lifesaving AED legislation.
• I do hope we see all green votes on this lifesaving AED legislation.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation is really simple.
• This legislation is really simple.
• Chairman, Gerald Raymond, Representative, Legislative District 31.
• Chairman, Gerald Raymond, Representative Legislative District 31.
• So that is the intent of this legislation.

Summary: The House Resources and Conservation Committee considered a full agenda of water, irrigation, and outdoor recreation bills and resolutions. Speaker Moyle presented House Concurrent Resolution 34, which seeks two Water Resource Board studies on Bear River water allocation and options for better using Idaho’s share under the 1980 compact with Wyoming and Utah; the committee sent it to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 1307, a statewide code cleanup clarifying responsibilities for lateral ditches and maintenance costs, with support from a member who said it was needed in his area. The committee then moved House Bill 567 to General Orders after the sponsor said additional amendments were needed to avoid unintended effects on compact and irrigation language. House Bill 855, which increases the residency requirement for a lifetime hunting license from six months to five years, drew support from the Idaho Wildlife Federation and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and was sent to the floor. Senate Bill 1304, clarifying that ditch easement access may be used to move equipment and water infrastructure so long as it stays within the easement, also received a do-pass recommendation. Additional water district bills were approved: Senate Bill 1305 would allow water districts, by membership vote, to set a fixed fee for handling property-transfer and water-right tracing work; Senate Bill 1306 would clarify the process and timelines for withdrawing from a water district, including notice and hearing deadlines; and Senate Bill 1337 would expand eligibility for board service in smaller irrigation districts by allowing landowners who live in the county or adjoining county to serve if approved by a two-thirds board vote. Finally, House Bill 887 was advanced to allow two-person boating for skiing on public water without a slalom course, provided a mirror is used and the activity ends by 9 a.m. in summer. Most measures received unanimous or near-unanimous approval, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were handled.

Transcript Highlights:

• . appropriate. appropriate.
• </c><00:51:18.720><c> a</c> health branch when PGV was requesting a health branch when PGV was requesting
• <01:03:07.200><c> requests,</c><01:03:08.079><c> including</c><01:03:08.559><c> but</c> appropriation
• requests, including but appropriation requests, including but not<01:03:09.040><c> limited</c><01:03
• </c> add an additional blank appropriation add an additional blank appropriation from<01:27:33.120><c

Bills: HB1924 , HB2121 , HB1928 , HB1979 , HB1650 , HB1543 , HB1981 , HB1982

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

Keywords: mattress recycling, waste management, producer responsibility, environmental health, steafardship program, electronic cigarettes, disposable devices, environmental protection, plastic pollution, lithium batteries, pollution control, public health, deposit beverage container, bottle bill, container deposit law, container redemption, recycling refund, extended producer responsibility, EPR, deposit return system

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to waste, recycling, and environmental review. On HB 1924, which would establish a mattress stewardship program, the Department of Health said it stood on written testimony and offered comments, while Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition and one individual supported the bill and the International Sleep Products Association opposed it. No questions were raised and the committee moved on. A large portion of the hearing focused on HB 2121, which would prohibit the sale of disposable vapes in Hawaii. The Department of Health supported the measure but suggested the bill may be better placed in a different part of state law because the cited waste-management section regulates products after consumption, while still praising the effort to remove disposable vapes from the market and environment. Testimony in strong support came from the Coalition for Tobacco Free Hawaii Youth Council, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii COPD Coalition, Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center, the City and County of Honolulu, and many individuals; supporters emphasized youth vaping, toxic waste, lithium battery fire risks, and environmental harm. There was at least one opposing individual and the International Sleep Products Association was listed in opposition. The committee noted there were many written testimonies and no immediate vote was taken. The committee also heard HB 1928 on the deposit beverage container recycling program. The Department of Health stood on written testimony. The Solid Waste Task Force of Hawaii Environmental Change Agents and Upstream supported the bill but urged amendments to better integrate reuse and reusables, strengthen enforcement, clarify definitions, and protect existing redemption centers. The Hawaii Food Industry Association supported the concept of a backdrop program but preferred strengthening the existing program and raised concerns about undefined fees, existing infrastructure, and future audit costs. The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii supported the bill, and the chair said the measure needs work and that decision-making would occur in a few days. Finally, the committee took up HB 979 on environmental review and HB 1650 on environmental assessments. For HB 979, OPSD offered amendments, HCDA supported the bill but suggested clarifying the affordable-housing definition, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative supported it, and Earthjustice was asked about the court process for environmental challenges; the chair asked about shortening the challenge period and the relationship between environmental court, the intermediate court of appeals, and the Supreme Court. For HB 1650, OPSD and the State Historic Preservation Division stood on written testimony, OHA asked to retain historic sites, and several groups and individuals testified in support or opposition. Opponents argued that removing Wiki special district and historic sites from Chapter 343 trigger language would weaken environmental review and risk impacts to iwi kūpuna and historic resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, you've heard the unanimous consent request. Without objection, that will be the order.
• , and intrastate commerce and growth, and finds it appropriate to designate an official name for the
• I moved to reject the House amendments to Senate Bill 202 and request conference Senate conferees to
• With that, I move for advancement at the appropriate time and yield for questions.
• Over the weekend, bring it by to our office for the OIE legislative drive out at the fairgrounds next

Bills: SB1246 , SB1510 , SB1979 , SB1929 , SB1930 , SB1976 , HCR1019 , SB1459 , SB1673 , SB1500 , SB1447 , SB1646 , SB2007 , SB1275 , SB2074

Keywords: environmental permitting, Oklahoma, Department of Environmental Quality, public participation, regulatory framework, administered applications, energy, wind energy, financial assurance, property restoration, environmental regulation, mining, blasting, residential protection, buffer zone, Department of Mines, public utilities, electric transmission lines, landowner rights, payment regulations

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered the invocation, and recognized the Doctor of the Day and Nurse of the Day. Members also welcomed guests in the gallery, including supporters of a prosthetic coverage bill. The chamber then took up HCR 1019, which designates the planned turnpike corridor from I-44 to I-40 as the Toby Keith Expressway in honor of the late Oklahoma country music star. The resolution was read, discussed in celebratory terms, and adopted by voice vote. The Senate also acted on Senate Bill 202 by rejecting House amendments and requesting Senate conferees to be named later. Senate Bill 1459, which extends the sunset date for the Oklahoma Abstractors Board to 2031, was explained by its author, advanced, and then passed on third reading by a roll call vote of 41-6. The Senate then approved the emergency clause for the bill, making it effective immediately. During announcements, members noted an upcoming legislative drive for the OIE fair project, a Business and Insurance Committee meeting, and recognized the agenda clerk for a birthday. The Senate then adjourned until Monday, March 2 at 1:30 p.m. when the clerk’s desk is clear.

Transcript Highlights:

• The approval request text at the bottom.
• </c> one of the conditional approval request. one of the conditional approval request.
• ><c> department</c><00:15:25.920><c> also</c> approval request, the department also approval request,
• Um so we need to amend approval request.
• </c> that we're making that oral request. that we're making that oral request.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee began with routine business, including the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the minutes, seating of an alternate member, and approval of the consent agenda. It then took up Department of Health and Human Services Rule 25188 on New Hampshire Early Childhood and Out-of-School Time Credentials. Staff explained that the rule adopts two new parts to implement RSA 170E:50, which had long required rules. The main issue was an unclear comment created by changes in the department’s amended conditional approval request: language defining out-of-school-time basics and a requirement tied to the New Hampshire Professional Registry training transcript had been removed, creating a mismatch between the form and the rule text. The department said it revised the language so the form and rule now match. A member also asked about the fee schedule, and the department said the fees are sufficient and supported in part by federal funds. The committee then approved Rule 25188 as amended, with oral edits, on a voice vote. The committee next considered Department of Environmental Services Rule 25206, dealing with subsurface wastewater rules and an administrative fine schedule. Staff said most comments had been addressed, but one remaining issue concerned the fine schedule because the prior interim rule had expired years ago. Staff also noted public concerns about septic tank replacement sizes, but pointed to waiver provisions and replacement-in-kind language that would still allow smaller existing systems to be replaced under certain conditions. DES officials explained that the rule package adds the fine schedule into the program rules and that no fines have been brought under these expired provisions for many years. They also described the waiver and grandfathering provisions as intended to protect existing systems and seasonal campgrounds from unnecessary upgrades. A public witness, Christopher Albert, testified that two sections of the rule would harm manufactured home parks and cooperatives. He argued that the new “two people per bedroom” assumption and the minimum bedroom threshold for using water-meter data would inflate design flows, make water-meter data unusable, and increase costs for low-income residents. Committee members questioned both the witness and the agency about the assumptions. DES staff responded that the two-person-per-bedroom standard is meant for individual on-site system design, not citywide planning, and that water-meter data is only useful in larger or unusual facilities. They said the rule still allows flexibility through waivers and grandfathering for existing uses, and that the drinking-water rule cited by the witness was not the correct comparison. No final vote on Rule 25206 was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> 775 directing DHHS to issue a request 775 directing DHHS to issue a request for<00:05:20.759><c>
• board and physicians rather than legislatively.
• board and physicians rather than legislatively.
• </c><01:33:25.760><c> needed</c> excuse me on any legislation needed excuse me on any legislation needed
• </c><03:13:37.239><c> that</c> later than 5 days after the request that later than 5 days after the request

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Children and Family Law Committee opened its March 4 meeting with procedural announcements, including a deadline for any Minority Report, notice that the committee would not meet the following Tuesday because of town meeting day, and a preview of its March 18 agenda. The chair said that meeting would include hearings and executive sessions on HB 518, requiring DHHS to provide a detailed annual report of DCF costs, and HB 775, directing DHHS to seek proposals for supervised visitation centers; HB 553 was also slated for executive session. The committee also heard an update on Representative Grossman’s son, who remained in the PICU at Mass General. The main hearing was on HB 493, which would require child abuse and neglect education for physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants as a condition of licensure. Representative Alicia Gregg presented the bill and an amendment reducing the required training from two hours to one hour, saying the goal was to improve recognition of abuse and prevent both missed cases and false accusations. Cassandra Sanchez, the state Child Advocate, strongly supported the bill, describing a 2020 review of nine cases of non-ambulatory infants with serious injuries and later system mapping that identified gaps in medical recognition; she said the training should be part of existing continuing education hours and that voluntary uptake had been limited. Dr. Michael Matos of Wolfeboro Pediatrics also testified in support. Ben Bradley of the New Hampshire Hospital Association opposed legislating the requirement, saying hospitals already train staff and that the legislature should not single out one topic for statutory mandate when other reporting obligations are handled differently. In questioning, committee members asked whether the hour would be part of existing continuing education, whether hospitals already provide similar training, and whether the bill should be placed in the continuing medical education statute instead of child protection law. Bradley said hospital members already provide annual training and collaborate with proponents, but did not support putting the requirement in statute. Sanchez said the bill was intended to use one of the hours already required for training, though members noted that the bill text did not clearly say so. The committee also heard broader testimony about the Family Division of Circuit Court, including a proposal to create a subcommittee to study more difficult issues such as pre-trial counseling, evidentiary practices, and domestic violence-related cases, with the Speaker appointing members to that subcommittee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and so what what have requested.
• </c><00:02:24.080><c> committee</c> Hobson and the appropriations committee Hobson and the appropriations
• </c><00:19:57.679><c> currently,</c> change to the legislation currently, change to the legislation currently
• </c><00:26:28.000><c> to</c> whatever they think is appropriate to whatever they think is appropriate
• </c> piece of legislation. And so, Mr. piece of legislation. And so, Mr.

Committee: Joint Education

Keywords: Education - Room 216, January 6, 2026; 12:45 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I don't think this legislation is clear enough.
• The motion is due pass to the Appropriations Committee.
• So we think it is appropriate for the legislature to take a look at this and institute some appropriate
• So I respectfully request your support of AB 289. Thank you.
• The motion is do pass as amended to the Appropriations Committee.

Summary: The committee heard several bills and took up multiple votes. AB 576, dealing with updates to California’s charitable fundraising platform registry after AB 488, was presented as a technical fix to help charities and platforms more quickly update eligible listings; there was no opposition testimony, and the measure was later moved on a due pass basis. AB 1160, on law enforcement drone programs, was presented with proposed amendments requiring U.S.-based data storage and limits on sharing or selling collected data; supporters said it would protect sensitive drone-collected information while preserving affordable drone use, while there was no opposition testimony, and it was also later passed out on a due pass as amended basis. AB 75, which would require insurers to give notice before collecting aerial images of homes and provide homeowners access to those images, drew support from the Department of Insurance and consumer advocates, while insurers opposed it unless amended, arguing aerial imaging is a cost-saving inspection tool and that the bill could worsen availability and affordability; the bill was moved to Appropriations on a due pass basis, with the roll held open for absent members. The committee spent the most time on AB 325, which would address algorithmic price-fixing and collusion. The author and supporters argued that competitors using the same pricing software or algorithm to set prices can function as collusion even when the agreement is hidden behind code, and cited examples involving housing, frozen potatoes, gas pricing, and other industries. Opponents, including apartment, business, hospital, retail, chamber, and tech groups, said the bill was too broad, could sweep in lawful software and public-data market research, and might chill legitimate pricing tools, especially for small businesses and housing providers. Committee members raised concerns about clarity, intent standards, and whether the bill should focus more narrowly on nonpublic competitor data; despite those concerns, AB 325 was moved to Appropriations on a due pass basis, with the roll held open. Later, AB 1221 was presented as a workplace surveillance bill that would prohibit certain invasive or discriminatory surveillance tools, require notice to workers, limit sharing of worker data, and require corroborating evidence before discipline based on surveillance outputs. Labor and consumer groups supported the bill, saying modern surveillance technologies can track speech, movement, emotion, and other sensitive traits and can be biased or abusive. The Security Industry Association opposed it, warning that the bill’s broad definitions could restrict legitimate security systems, emergency sharing with first responders, and employer responses to misconduct or unsafe behavior. The transcript cuts off before any final vote on AB 1221 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also accept special requests.
• the appropriate codes are being billed and that the provider has the appropriate documentation.
• the appropriate codes are being billed and that the provider has the appropriate documentation.
• </c> enforcement exception is is um requested enforcement exception is is um requested then<00:28:29.960
• </c><00:46:31.720><c> service</c> that it's an appropriate service that it's an appropriate service likewise

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee met to review the Department for Medicaid Services’ program integrity work. Commissioner Lisa Lee and Program Integrity Director Jennifer Dudinsky outlined Kentucky Medicaid’s structure, funding, enrollment, and spending, including FMAP rates, the size of the Medicaid and KCHIP populations, the number of providers, and 2024 expenditures. They also described the managed care and fee-for-service populations, noting that managed care serves most members while fee-for-service is concentrated in long-term care and waiver populations. Most of the discussion focused on fraud, waste, abuse prevention, and provider oversight. The department described its provider enrollment and certification checks, revalidation requirements, site reviews, fingerprinting for some high-risk providers, and termination grounds such as false application information, Medicare actions, unreported ownership changes, and abandonment of a provider number. Members asked about nonprofit ownership reporting, MCO fraud oversight, and how the department tracks unusual CPT code utilization, especially in behavioral health. The department said it uses data analytics, audits, policy review, and collaboration with behavioral health staff to monitor those trends. Dudinsky explained the division’s four branches: provider licensing and certification, audits and compliance, recovery, and third-party liability/estate recovery. She described prepayment and postpayment audits, referrals of credible fraud allegations to the Attorney General, monthly meetings with the AG’s office, and coordination with the Office of Inspector General, CMS, HHS OIG, MCOs, and other partners. She also explained payment suspensions, stand-downs during law enforcement investigations, and recovery efforts for overpayments, provider/member fraud, and third-party liability. The department said its recovery and avoidance efforts produced more than $251 million in savings so far in 2025. No votes or formal actions beyond approving the minutes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are very concerned that while that was one of the primary requests at the outset of the process of
• The proposed legislation provides a reliable funding mechanism which allows Aging and Independence to
• . both these provisions in the current legislation.
• Those are the three areas we would like to see included in this legislation.
• Is the proposed legislation adequate, or do you think you can deal with the other proposed Legislation

Bills: H5243 , H5376 , S3056 , S3057

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Aging and Independence

Keywords: rest home, rest homes, medication administration, medication management, assisted living, long-term care, elder care, older adults, senior care, nursing home, resident care, self-administration, licensed facility, Chapter 111, section 71, Responsible Person, caregiver, direct care staff, care facilities, funding

Transcript Highlights:

• Katie Walden, Bureau of Legislative Research, Fiscal Division. Good afternoon, members.
• It wasn't the first; this was at a request of the board.
• So every contract is dependent on appropriated funds." "Okay. Thank you, ma'am. Thank you.
• The next thing is a ratification request, which I will detail further here in a few minutes.
• Then she goes into identifying the contracts that were requested by Legislative Council to be contracted

Committee: All ALC-REVIEW

Summary: The subcommittee first considered a used tire program contract for Arkansas District 4, an $88,000 one-year contract with LTR Intermediate Holdings. Senators raised concerns that the tire district’s revised business plan had not yet been approved and that the contract could leave the district unable to pay. Questions also focused on solicitation language that excluded bidders under corrective action plans. On motion, the committee held the contract until next month and encouraged the tire board to appear. Members then reviewed and, without objection, moved forward a series of methods of finance, alternative delivery projects, and discretionary grants. These included multiple university and college projects such as renovations, roof replacements, a new UCA multipurpose arena, and a revised financing package for UA Fayetteville’s Maple Hill residence hall. The committee also reviewed DHS and Department of Health grants for aging services, substance abuse prevention, mental health, nutrition outreach, hearing-loss follow-up, HIV services, maternal health, and rural hospital quality improvement. The committee next handled contract items, including a UAMS ratification for FMLA Source after an amendment was not submitted for review and payments continued past expiration; UAMS said it had retrained staff and would review for other missed contracts. Members also reviewed numerous construction, intergovernmental, out-of-state, and in-state contracts across state agencies and universities. Questions were raised about an out-of-state aeronautics study, a U of A Fayetteville parking guidance system, and a Veterans Affairs nursing contract. Most items were reviewed without objection, and the meeting adjourned after informational reports on contract amendments and minor contracts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Appropriations report. Appropriations report.
• uh the Appropriations Committee uh the Appropriations Appropriations Appropriations a<00:42:04.760><
• To<01:50:20.560><c> the</c><01:50:20.680><c> Appropriations</c> To the Appropriations To the Appropriations
• </c> Appropriation report passes. Appropriation report passes.
• </c> Committee on Appropriations. Committee on Appropriations.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:11.120><c> amount</c> determining what the appropriate amount determining what the appropriate
• </c><00:33:56.559><c> at</c><00:33:56.640><c> least</c> appropriate at this point. at least appropriate
• </c> Chair, you see that this appropriation Chair, you see that this appropriation is<00:41:08.640><c
• </c> reason for the increased appropriation reason for the increased appropriation is<00:41:28.319><c
• </c> detailed on page four of our legislative detailed on page four of our legislative report,<01:34:

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all