Video & Transcript : 'open primary' :
Page 357 of 500
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Education Postsecondary Feb 18th, 2025
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Now, Gabriel enjoys hunting, fishing, and baseball, and in the future, he plans to open and operate a
- for shielding outdoor light fixtures, adding exemptions and safety signs on interstates and federal primary
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- was summoned by Montgomery County, by conservative groups, to come to a very closely fought Senate primary
- My mother made many of these opening days, but at this point in life, she's doing very well, but traveling
Bills:
SCR7
Summary:
The Texas Senate convened for the opening of the 89th Legislature with an invocation, roll call, and certification of the newly elected senators. Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock administered the oath of office to the senators-elect, and Governor Greg Abbott and First Lady Cecilia Abbott addressed the chamber, emphasizing priorities such as foster care, the budget, border security, school choice, and maintaining Texas’s economic growth and constitutional principles. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick also welcomed members and guests, noted the Senate’s bipartisan culture, and highlighted the chamber’s organization for the session.
The Senate then held its organizational election for President Pro Tempore. Senator Tan Parker nominated Senator Brandon Creighton, and Senator Paul Bettencourt seconded the nomination, both praising Creighton’s background, legislative record, and leadership. The chamber voted by standing vote to elect Creighton, who was then escorted to the front and sworn in as President Pro Tempore by State Minister Scott Wall. Creighton delivered remarks about his family, his time as a Senate messenger, and his priorities for the session, including education, border issues, energy, and Texas sovereignty.
After the leadership election, the Senate adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 7, granting permission for either house to adjourn for more than three days during the specified January period. The resolution passed by a recorded vote of 31 ayes and no nays. The Senate then adopted a motion by Senator Zaffirini to recess until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 15, after a caucus at 10 a.m. in the Betty King Room.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- was summoned by Montgomery County, by conservative groups, to come to a very closely fought Senate primary
- My mother made many of these opening days, but at this point in life, she's doing very well, but traveling
Summary:
The Texas Senate convened for the opening of the 89th Legislature with an invocation, roll call, and certification of the newly elected senators by the Secretary of State. Senators-elect were then administered the oath of office by Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock, formally seating the new members. Governor Greg Abbott and First Lady Cecilia Abbott addressed the chamber, congratulating members and emphasizing priorities such as border security, education, energy, foster care, and school choice, while Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick highlighted the Senate’s bipartisan culture and the work ahead.
The chamber then held its organizational business, including the election of Senator Brandon Creighton as President Pro Tempore. Senator Parker nominated Creighton and Senator Bettencourt seconded the nomination, both praising his background, legislative record, and leadership. The Senate voted by standing vote to elect Creighton, who was then escorted to the dais and sworn in. In his remarks, Creighton reflected on his family, his time as a Senate messenger, and his priorities for the session, including Texas sovereignty, economic opportunity, education, and conservative policy goals.
The only formal legislative action taken was adoption of Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 7, granting permission for the Legislature to adjourn for more than three days during the specified period. The resolution passed by a roll call vote of 31 ayes and no nays. The Senate then adopted a motion to recess until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 15, after a caucus meeting earlier that morning.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- We will adhere to our committee rules on time limits: five minutes for the author's opening and closing
- If you'd like to open on your bill.
- Did you all also want to say anything in opening? Thank you, Rep. Landry.
- Freeman, would you like to open on your bill? Yes. Thank you, Madam Chair and committee.
- I think the primary difference, first off, is that we fully support the Dolly Parton program.
Committee:
House Education
Summary:
The House Education Committee met on March 24, 2026, with a quorum present and announced that HB 690 would not be heard. The committee first advanced HB 350, which would extend the grades served by Ecole Ponashan in Terrebonne Parish from pre-K through 4th grade to 8th grade; members spoke in support of the school’s role in French immersion, Cajun heritage, and local educational access, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. HB 434, which shifts certain probationary employment authority over school bus operators from school boards to superintendents, also received favorable passage without objection, with support from the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents.
The committee then considered HB 445 on the Louisiana STEM Advisory Council. The bill would move the STEM Commission from the Board of Regents to Louisiana Works, reduce and reorganize membership, and cut the number of meetings from four to two while keeping funding in place. Supporters said the change would better align the council with workforce needs and economic development, while members asked about the loss of some education representatives and the continued role of employers and K-12 stakeholders. After discussion, the bill was reported favorably. HB 386, which would allow local school districts to let locally authorized charter schools operate as their own local education agency under district rules, was also reported favorably after extensive discussion of charter types, LEA status, federal funding, special education liability, and the difference between local and state authorization.
HB 363, which would let students enrolled in virtual schools participate in extracurricular activities and athletics at their zoned public school, drew strong support from members and testimony from students and families. Witnesses described the bill as a fairness measure that would give online students the same opportunity to try out for sports and activities as home study students, subject to the same eligibility rules, and the bill was reported favorably. HB 256, clarifying that school employees are mandatory reporters and subject to existing DCFS training requirements, was also reported favorably, with members emphasizing child protection and the need to simplify reporting obligations. Finally, HB 272, which expands eligibility for the READ literacy program to students in D- and F-rated schools, was supported by the sponsor, Scholastic, and literacy advocates who cited Florida data showing improved reading outcomes and stronger family engagement; members raised questions about the fiscal note, parent literacy, and program overlap, but the bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Health and Mental Health Apr 30th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Health and Mental Health
Transcript Highlights:
- then there are just a couple of components that made sure that the care plan was approved by the primary
- then there are just a couple of components that made sure that the care plan was approved by the primary
Committee:
House Health and Mental Health
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 4, 2026 - 01:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- But the primary thing it does is establishes requirements for project government structures across these
- have the biggest impact so I imagine they will draw resources from DMS and FLDS making this their primary
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Mar 24th, 2026
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Clerk will open the roll.
- Clerk will open the roll.
- Clerk will open the roll.
- Clerk will open the roll.
- Clerk will open the roll.
Bills:
SJR47 , SB1491 , SB1579 , SB1806 , SB1552 , SB483 , SB63 , SB137 , SB346 , SB514 , SB1344 , SB1360 , SB1380 , SB1437 , SB1189 , SB1217 , SB1221 , SB1262 , SB1272 , SB1325 , SB1339 , SB201
Keywords:
voter ID, elections, constitutional amendment, Oklahoma, proof of identity, presidential electors, vacancies, oath of office, political party, property tax, valuation increase, taxpayer rights, homestead, protest process, foster care, adoption assistance, transitioning youth, Department of Human Services, voluntary services, county home rule charter
Summary:
The Senate began with a quorum call, a ceremonial recognition of two Elgin High School students, Clayton Raoul and Leon Anderson, and bus driver Kevin McDonald for their heroic actions during a March 2 bus crash. A citation was read honoring their selfless efforts to evacuate injured students and assist first responders. The chamber also introduced several student pages and recognized visiting groups in the gallery, including Impact Oklahoma and the Ardmore Leadership Group.
The Senate then considered several bills. Senate Bill 1491, requiring appointed presidential electors to take the same oath as other electors, advanced and passed. Senate Bill 1579, which requires assessors to mail taxpayers a statement of rights when property valuations increase, also advanced and passed unanimously. Senate Bill 1806, extending foster care eligibility to age 21 for those who opt in and meet program requirements, drew supportive debate about helping youth transition to adulthood; it advanced and passed as an emergency measure.
A lengthy debate followed on Senate Bill 1552, which would allow certain large counties to pursue home rule charters through a voter-approved process. Supporters argued it would give populous counties more flexibility and local control, while opponents raised concerns about unequal treatment, population-based governance, rural representation, and possible constitutional issues. The bill advanced and then passed 26-18. Senate Bill 483, authorizing county-run relocation assistance programs funded by private donations for voluntarily relocating individuals, especially homeless persons, also prompted extensive questions about liability, trafficking concerns, accountability, and whether it could shift people between jurisdictions; it advanced and passed 39-6. Finally, Senate Bill 63, raising school board member stipends from $25 to $190 per meeting under permissive language, advanced over concerns about cost and then moved to final passage, with debate beginning at the end of the transcript.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Transcript Highlights:
- I had Medicare primary and MassHealth secondary, like insurance coverage.
- I had Medicare primary and MassHealth secondary, like insurance company.
- They might visit a primary care doctor or receive no care at all.
- to create a balance between, this is a quote from a gentleman with cerebral palsy, so they need by primary
Summary:
The Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities held a public hearing focused on health equity for people with disabilities. The chair opened by explaining that the session was not about specific legislation, but about sharing data, lived experience, and strategies to inform more inclusive health systems. Presenters included representatives from the Health Equity Compact, the Department of Public Health, MassHealth, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts, UMass Chan Medical School, Spaulding Rehabilitation, and the Arc of Massachusetts/Operation House Call.
Speakers described how structural racism and ableism contribute to poor health outcomes, unemployment, poverty, and barriers to care for disabled people, especially disabled people of color. Testimony highlighted access problems such as inaccessible medical equipment, transportation, inadequate provider training, lack of culturally competent care, and insurance barriers. Several speakers emphasized the importance of collecting and disaggregating disability data, training providers in disability-competent care, and screening for accommodation needs. MassHealth described its Quality and Equity Incentive Program under the 1115 waiver, including disability-related metrics on data completeness, staff training, and accommodation screening, and reported early increases in hospitals collecting self-reported disability data.
Brain injury advocates focused on inequities in rehabilitation access, including the impact of CMS’s “three-hour rule,” which they argued denies needed inpatient rehab to people with severe traumatic brain injury. They called for policy changes, a TBI task force, and possibly bipartisan legislation if CMS cannot revise the rule. Other testimony described DPH efforts such as one-to-one navigation, health promotion workshops, mini-grants for accessible recreation, and the Massachusetts Health and Disability Partnership. The hearing also highlighted medical education efforts like Operation House Call, which uses home visits and disability-led teaching to reduce bias and improve provider competence. No votes were taken and no formal actions were announced.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- from the Vermont Criminal Justice Council and are required to perform law enforcement duties as the primary
- /c><00:09:12.720><c> duties</c><00:09:13.120><c> as</c><00:09:13.360><c> the</c><00:09:13.600><c> primary
- </c> law enforcement duties as the primary law enforcement duties as the primary function<00:09:14.720
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Preview of the Senate’s 2026 Session – Majority Leader Erin Murphy Feb 16th, 2026
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- >> I think you will see action on bonding, one of our primary principles this session, on another installment
- will see action on bonding one<00:04:13.040><c> of</c><00:04:13.120><c> our</c><00:04:13.360><c> primary
- </c><00:04:13.840><c> principles</c><00:04:14.560><c> um</c><00:04:14.640><c> this</c> one of our primary
- principles um this one of our primary principles um this session<00:04:15.840><c> on</c><00:04:16.479
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Tue Apr 1, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, there is a shortage of bilingual real estate professionals, and that's the primary reason for this
- professionals<00:31:21.960><c> and</c><00:31:22.159><c> that's</c><00:31:22.559><c> the</c><00:31:22.760><c> primary
- </c> professionals and that's the primary professionals and that's the primary reason<00:31:23.559><c
Committee:
House Consumer Protection & Commerce
Summary:
The House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on April 1 at the State Capitol and heard four measures. HCR 45/HR 38 urged the Public Utilities Commission to support transferring regulatory authority over motor carriers, water carriers, and other transportation means to the Department of Transportation; both the PUC and DOT testified in support, and members discussed that the resolution was largely symbolic because statutory changes would still be needed. HCR 58/HR 54 requested a geothermal energy working group; the Consumer Advocate, PUC, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and Life of the Land supported it, while Students for Justice in Palestine at UH opposed it, citing an active injunction, environmental risks, and the need to prioritize Native and local community voices. Members asked about the injunction and community representation, and the PUC said it would support including Hawaiian community members in the working group. HCR 91/HR 87 sought insurance coverage for prosthetic and orthotic devices; a 14-year-old amputee testified in support, describing the need for sports prosthetics and arguing that coverage should allow people with limb loss to participate fully in school and athletics. HCR 102/HR 98 urged the Real Estate Commission to allow the salesperson exam to be administered in Japanese for timeshare sales; the Real Estate Commission opposed, while ARDA supported it, arguing there is a shortage of bilingual real estate professionals and that Japanese-language testing would help the timeshare industry and Japanese visitors. Members questioned the limited-license concept and public protection concerns, and the committee later amended the measure to a limited real estate salesperson’s license for timeshare sales, changing the target from Japanese-speaking visitors to Japanese nationals, before passing all four measures out of committee, with HCR 102 passing with amendments and the others passing as is.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 3/9/26
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- .of direct appointments from the department and the Minnesota Commanders Task Force, as well as an open
- cause for pulling somebody over primary cause for pulling somebody over in<01:07:02.480><c> the</c><
- And so with that opening, I will um uh call up the testifiers and um I know That suggests to me that,
- And so with that opening, I will um uh call up the testifiers and um I know So, Representative Keagle
- And so with that opening, I will call up the testifiers and I know I have high hopes for this, but um
Committee:
House Transportation Finance and Policy
Keywords:
veterans benefits, Secret War, Laos veterans, eligibility process, burial fees, veteran designation, electronic license, driver's license, digital credential, transportation, data privacy, authentication, license plates, vehicle registration, validation stickers, Minnesota statutes, transportation policy, aeronautics, transponder, aircraft safety
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, and the goal, uh, is to provide two primary things.
- </c><00:08:17.360><c> Uh,</c><00:08:17.840><c> one</c> provide two primary uh, things.
- Uh, one provide two primary uh, things.
- Is it okay if I open up to questions now?
- </c> it okay if I open up to questions now? it okay if I open up to questions now?
Committee:
Senate Transportation
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources, February 10, 2026
Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> even though they have the primary even though they have the primary responsibility<00:09:27.600>
- what's funding announcements open up?
- </c> piping of what is now the open ditch. piping of what is now the open ditch.
- </c><01:09:06.640><c> earthen</c> Um, I need a ditch is an open earthen Um, I need a ditch is an open
- </c> that uh and then actually trying to open that uh and then actually trying to open that<01:11:50.320
Keywords:
wastewater, stormwater, infrastructure, environmental quality, public data, data collection, funding, study, water development, irrigation, public works, agricultural supply, municipal water, grazing lands, subleasing, non-owned livestock, state lands, rental fees, agricultural policy, land management
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- for today that we leave the journal open for today that we leave the journal open for the clerk to complete
- to every beneficial and this is open to every beneficial and this is open to every municipality no matter
- to the discussion sure thing I mean open to the discussion sure thing I mean open to the discussion
- all all security being just wide open all all security being just wide open for everybody to and get
- goal of hb9 is to strengthen the primary goal of hb9 is to strengthen the primary goal of hb9 is to
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Aug 22nd, 2025
Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select
Transcript Highlights:
- was a rural area, particularly in riparian zones, but that risk has exponentially increased with the open
- There is a priority section in here: priorities are given to those applicants whose primary place of
- residence or small business was denied; those applicants whose non-primary residence or other family-owned
- I want to say that's what's great about it and how many state reps we have that do open up their offices
- The chair thanked Morris for her testimony and opened questions.
Bills:
HB48 , HB66 , HB68 , HB71 , HB75 , HB164 , HB171 , HB254 , SB3 , SB18 , HB123 , HB149 , HB117
Keywords:
HB 48, Texas alert notification systems, emergency alerts, public warning systems, alert fatigue, notification fatigue, Texas Division of Emergency Management, Department of Public Safety, DPS alerts, emergency management, State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry, STEAR, disaster notifications, weather alerts, Amber Alert, Silver Alert, Blue Alert, missing persons alerts, accessible alerts, hearing impaired
Summary:
The committee met in special session to hear a series of flood, preparedness, and youth-camp safety bills, with members repeatedly noting that many of the measures were intended as planning, warning, or authority-clarifying bills rather than direct spending bills. House Bill 254 would expand eligibility for the Rural Infrastructure Disaster Recovery Program to include Kerr County and 18 other flood-affected counties by raising the GDP cap and lowering the poverty threshold; it drew no opposition and was left pending. House Bill 68 would direct a study of flood mitigation in flatland areas, especially in the Rio Grande Valley, to develop cost-effective drainage and infrastructure recommendations; local officials and advocates supported it, and it was also left pending.
The committee then heard several youth camp bills tied to the recent Hill Country flooding. House Bill 75 would impose flood-aware building and site standards for youth camps near floodplains, and House Bill 71 would require camps and youth activity entities to submit emergency preparedness plans to TDEM, coordinate with local responders, and maintain readiness protocols; both bills were supported by safety advocates and camp representatives, and both were left pending. House Bill 171 would require campgrounds near flood-prone waters to give written flood-risk notice to campers and obtain signed acknowledgment; it was presented as informed consent and left pending. Testimony on these bills emphasized Camp Mystic and other recent flood tragedies, with some witnesses urging broader building-code and floodplain reforms.
The committee also heard House Bill 117, which would let counties regulate impervious cover for flood mitigation in unincorporated areas. Supporters, including county officials, environmental groups, and residents, argued that rapid development in the Hill Country and other growing areas is worsening runoff and downstream flooding; opponents from the builders’ association said counties already have substantial authority and warned about overreach into rural property use. After extensive testimony, the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 18 would streamline permitting for certain flood control districts to repair dams and reservoirs and build small holding areas, and it was left pending after supportive testimony from Plum Creek Conservation District. Senate Bill 3 would create a state-backed outdoor flood warning siren program for identified flood-prone areas, funded through a grant program; witnesses generally supported it, though some cautioned that sirens are not sufficient by themselves and may not be heard indoors or in overnight storms. It too was left pending. The committee also began hearing House Bill 149 on public-safety radio interoperability, but the transcript cuts off before the bill’s full testimony or action is shown.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/24/2026 - House Republican Caucus Calendar #13
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Whip, members, Senate Bill 1687 adjusts the date for primary elections and other applicable non-candidate
- lawfully placed on a military property to be placed or maintained along an interstate, secondary, or primary
- lawfully placed on a military property to be placed or maintained along an interstate secondary or primary
Summary:
The caucus reviewed a long list of Senate bills and memorials across several policy areas, with most items presented as consent or third-read measures and little debate. Topics included special license plates for the Arizona Space Commission, local land-use and housing restrictions, liquor regulation updates, limits on municipal delays in permitting and exactions, election equipment security and timekeeping requirements, precinct committeeman vacancy procedures, assisted living and deed-fraud measures, a Freedom of Speech Monument committee, renaming Wesley Bolin Plaza, and a ban on gender transition procedures for minors. Members also discussed health and human services bills on behavioral health technician standards, Medicaid billing during ownership changes, breast cancer screening cost-sharing, naturopathic IV administration authority, safe-haven newborn surrender at hospitals, and access claim-processing timelines.
The Judiciary portion covered probation limits for dangerous crimes against children, a civil cause of action related to prohibited gender reassignment surgery on minors, elimination of the statute of limitations for failure to register as a sex offender, probation incentive calculations, victim-rights expense recovery, unlawful flight penalties, vulnerable adult theft definitions, motor fuel theft, unlawful alerting, and evidence rules in sexual-assault-related hearings. In discussion, members asked for clarifications on several bills, including the definitions of “malicious” delay, internet access on election equipment, the scope of the breast screening bill, and the meaning of unlawful alerting. Supporters repeatedly described bills as common-sense, fraud-prevention, patient-access, or public-safety measures, while one member noted a no vote on extending the Vulnerable Adult System Study Committee.
Additional measures in land, agriculture, water, public safety, and transportation included foreign-entity restrictions on land transactions, limits on transporting Mexican gray wolf puppies, water reuse and groundwater fee extensions, a larger water supply revolving fund loan cap, congressional memorials on EPA authority and the San Carlos irrigation project, expanded traumatic event counseling coverage, reimbursement of legal costs for certain disciplined law enforcement officers, data sharing with the federal government on unauthorized aliens, roadable aircraft registration, motor vehicle booting rules, military-property sign placement, a towing and impound study committee, photo enforcement penalties, and highway renaming memorials. No roll-call votes were described in the transcript, and the meeting ended after the transportation items and memorials were completed.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The primary use of Millennium Funds is to be focused on youth substance abuse prevention.
- In particular, the committee had a primary focus on... ...programs.
- In particular, the committee had a primary focus on restoring the ACT program.
Summary:
The committee first considered trailer appropriations for House Bill 684 and Senate Bill 1226. HB 684 would allow sheriffs to seek reimbursement for costs of collecting absconded prisoners, probationers, or parolees from out of state, with a fiscal impact estimated at up to $200,000; the committee approved a FY 2027 addition of $200,000 ongoing to the Department of Correction and recommended a due-pass. SB 1226 would add sexual battery and domestic violence misdemeanors to crimes requiring DNA samples and thumbprints, with an estimated annual cost of $63,000; the committee approved a FY 2027 addition of $63,000 ongoing to the Idaho State Police and also recommended due-pass.
The committee then revisited the Secretary of State budget after House Bill 909 failed on the floor. The analyst reviewed the requested voter pamphlet funding, overtime transfer, and ITS replacement items. The committee adopted a revised FY 2027 motion adding $235,800 from the General Fund, including a one-time $350,000 voter pamphlet appropriation, a $20,000 transfer to personnel, and a 2% base reduction, and sent the budget forward with a due-pass recommendation.
A major portion of the meeting focused on restoring behavioral health programs using a mix of Millennium Income Fund, opioid settlement funds, and federal matching dollars. Members debated options to restore ACT, peer support, skills training, transportation, partial hospitalization, and early serious mental illness programs. A broader restoration motion failed in the House committee, but a narrower FY 2027 motion for ACT and peer support services passed, as did a separate $250,000 opioid-settlement appropriation for peer support services in mental health courts. The committee also adopted language directing the Department of Health and Welfare to identify savings for future continuation of the restored programs and approved a FY 2026 supplemental of $200,000 for a legislative consultant to support oversight of the Medicaid managed care transition under HCR 30, despite objections that it duplicated department efforts. The committee adjourned after noting it would likely meet again Wednesday to handle remaining trailers, transfers, and supplemental items.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The primary use of Millennium Funds is to be focused on youth substance abuse prevention.
- In particular, the committee had a primary focus on...
- In particular, the committee had a primary focus on restoring the ACT program.
Summary:
The joint Senate Finance and House Appropriations committee considered several trailer appropriations and related language items. It approved $200,000 ongoing for the Idaho Department of Correction tied to House Bill 684, which allows sheriffs to seek reimbursement for costs of collecting absconders from out of state, and approved $63,000 ongoing for the Idaho State Police under Senate Bill 1226 to cover DNA sample and thumbprint collection for certain misdemeanor offenses. The committee also reconsidered the Secretary of State budget after House Bill 909 failed on the floor, and passed an amended FY 2027 budget with a $235,800 general fund increase, including a one-time $350,000 voter pamphlet appropriation, a $20,000 transfer from operating to personnel, and a 2% base reduction.
A major portion of the meeting focused on restoring behavioral health programs in the Department of Health and Welfare using one-time Millennium Income Fund and opioid settlement dollars. Analysts outlined options to restore ACT, peer support, skills training, transportation, partial hospital, and early serious mental illness programs. The committee first rejected a broader restoration package, then approved a narrower FY 2027 package restoring only assertive community treatment and peer support services with $4.619 million from the Millennium Fund, $5.555 million from the opioid settlement fund, and $20.525 million in federal funds. It also approved $250,000 from the opioid settlement fund for peer support services in mental health courts and adopted language directing the department to identify savings for future funding needs, though a broader language motion failed.
The committee then approved a FY 2026 supplemental of $200,000 for the Legislature to hire a consultant for the Medicaid Legislative Review Panel under HCR 30, despite objections that it duplicated work already being done by the Department of Health and Welfare’s consultant. Members also discussed that the one-time behavioral health funding would only carry programs through FY 2027 and may require general fund support later. The committee adjourned after announcing it would likely meet again Wednesday to handle year-end transfers, remaining trailer bills, and other pending budget items.