Transcript Highlights:

• I feel like that might be outside of the scope of the discussion here in terms of issues with payment
• I feel like that might be outside of the scope of the discussion here in terms of issues with payment
• Second to that is the payment process.
• is issued so it's withholding payment is issued so it's withholding payment<00:20:40.520><c> uh</c><
• </c><00:21:41.880><c> process</c> uh second to that is the payment process uh second to that is the payment

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 27, as amended by committee substitute, which would create a Kentucky Parkinson’s disease research registry. The sponsor said the substitute was developed with UK, U of L, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and Parkinson’s in Motion to better define a movement disorder center, add Parkinson’s experts from both universities to the advisory committee, require automated reporting, and delay implementation until 2027. Testimony emphasized the need to track diagnoses and testing while protecting confidentiality and allowing people to opt out. The committee adopted the substitute and then voted unanimously to pass SB 27 with a favorable expression. The committee then heard Senate Bill 93, dealing with hearing aid coverage for children. A parent described the high cost of hearing aids for her son and the financial burden created by insurance limits, while a pediatric audiologist explained that early identification and treatment improve language outcomes and that families can spend about $30,000 on hearing aids from birth to age 18. The committee substitute removed adults from the bill and added an in-network requirement for pediatric audiologists, along with a replacement interval consistent with Medicaid guidelines and repair/loss coverage provisions. After questions about costs, replacement timing, and insurer practices, the committee voted unanimously to pass SB 93 with a favorable expression. Finally, the committee considered Senate Bill 153, a transparency and due-process bill concerning Medicaid prepayment review. The sponsor and witnesses from Addiction Recovery Care and Frontier Behavioral Health said prepayment reviews can be imposed with little notice or explanation, disrupt cash flow, and burden rural and smaller providers; they argued the bill would require clearer notice, reasons, and timelines without stopping legitimate reviews. Members asked about managed care organizations, contract issues, and whether the bill would conflict with existing agreements, and the sponsor said it would not. After discussion and an explanation of vote from Senator Douglas, the committee voted to pass SB 153 with a favorable expression.

Transcript Highlights:

• to assist in providing cash down payments or closing costs associated with a home purchase.
• to assist in providing cash down payments or closing costs associated with a home purchase.
• If we reduce these down payment assistance programs... Excuse me.
• You were testifying to Senate Bill 606-6-6-1-67, which was down payment assistance.
• You were testifying to Senate Bill 606-6-6-1-67, which was down payment assistance.

Bills: SB6069 , SB6167 , SB6201 , SB6205 , SB6001 , SB6026 , SB6054 , SGA9278 , SGA9279

Committee: Senate Housing

Keywords: affordable housing, homelessness, homeless shelter, emergency shelter, emergency housing, supportive housing, permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, low-income housing, very low-income, extremely low-income, housing crisis, land use, zoning, local preemption, urban growth area, UGA, planning, development regulations, permitting

Transcript Highlights:

• And if so, whether we have seen, in fact, non-payment occur. Any defaults occur?”
• We’ve had this discussion around delayed payment for impact fees.
• “Delayed payment for impact fees.
• The bill would defer payment.”
• And in this case, by delaying this payment, the revenue is delayed.

Bills: SB6091 , SB6096 , SB6153 , SB6200

Committee: Senate Housing

Keywords: SB 6091, Washington real estate, real estate broker, residential property, home listings, exclusive listing, limited marketing, open marketing, fair housing, brokerage law, consumer protection, housing access, MLS, seller disclosure, buyer representation, dual agency, designated broker, managing broker, short sale, real estate pamphlet

Transcript Highlights:

• The last several years have seen a drastic increase in ad hoc disaster payments to rural America.
• The administrative and operating payments provided by the U.S.
• scheduling, and avoiding necessary impact. impacts from balloon payments and appropriate collateral
• Holt, can you explain why federal crop insurance is superior to the ad hoc disaster payments?
• And it gets those payments to a farmer in a very efficient, fast and effective way.

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee

Keywords: farm bill, rural economy, crop insurance, access to credit, young farmers, USDA funding freeze, agricultural policy, risk management

Summary: The meeting of the agricultural committee focused on significant concerns regarding the current state of America's rural economy, highlighting the need for a strong five-year farm bill to address the challenges faced by farmers, particularly young and beginning farmers. Key testimony was given by multiple stakeholders including agricultural leaders and young farmers, emphasizing issues related to crop insurance, access to credit, and the adverse impact of recent USDA funding freezes. Various members discussed the necessity of risk management tools that farmers rely on to secure financing, which is crucial for sustaining agricultural operations and supporting rural communities. The importance of timely legislative action was underscored, as many farmers reported struggles in the current economic climate, raising urgency for reforms within the Farm Bill framework.

Transcript Highlights:

• Wicklund said those Medicaid cuts, just doing the one where they cut the enhanced medical assistance payments
• Wicklund said those Medicaid cuts, just doing the one where they cut the enhanced medical assistance payments
• Wicklund said those Medicaid cuts, just doing the one where they cut the enhanced medical assistance payments
• :06.600><c> um</c><00:01:07.080><c> medical</c><00:01:07.600><c> assistance</c><00:01:08.119><c> payments
• </c> enhanced um medical assistance payments enhanced um medical assistance payments for<00:01:08.920

Transcript Highlights:

• So for the most part, we’re not making direct payments to households.
• So for the most part, we’re not making direct payments to households.
• Representative Craft followed up, saying, “You said indirect payments to households, or direct payments
• to to households or direct payments to to households or direct payments<00:26:25.440><c> we</c><00:26
• we we we generally don't make payments we we we generally don't make direct<00:26:27.039><c> payments

Summary: House File 771, as amended, was laid over for possible inclusion. The bill would create a state supplemental grant program to build on LIHEAP, with the goal of expanding energy assistance beyond the winter season to cover summer cooling needs and reduce utility shutoffs. Representative Craft said the proposal would use existing LIHEAP systems, help more eligible households, and support related services like weatherization. The committee adopted the author’s amendment, DE2, without objection. Supporters testified that energy costs remain unaffordable for many Minnesotans, especially in rural areas and among low-income households, seniors, and people using delivered fuels. Annie Levenson-Faulk of the Citizens Utility Board said only about a quarter of eligible households receive assistance, summer shutoffs are common, and cooling needs have grown significantly. Trisha Leite of the Minnesota Rural Electric Association, Amanda Macky of Minnesota Valley Action Council, and Ken Schum of the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association all supported the bill, saying year-round assistance would help households, reduce disconnects, stabilize demand for aid, and ease pressure on utility rates. Michael Schmitz of the Department of Commerce said Minnesota has received about $112 million in LIHEAP funds so far this year and is awaiting additional federal money; he also noted recent funding has been lower than in prior years and inflation has reduced its value. Members discussed the scale of utility shutoffs, the increase in cooling demand, and whether the bill addresses root causes or serves as a temporary fix. Representative Weiner argued that the state should focus on keeping more money in taxpayers’ pockets and reducing the need for subsidies, while Representative Craft responded that the underlying issue is low incomes and widening wealth inequality, and that policies like the child tax credit are better ways to address poverty. The chair also asked how LIHEAP dollars flow, and Commerce said most benefits are paid directly to utilities on behalf of households rather than as direct cash payments to recipients.

Transcript Highlights:

• The state has tended to make these payments as soon as it recognizes the higher estimate.
• That would avoid the payment delay.
• There aren't any increases or payment deferrals proposed under the Governor's Budget.
• their payment on time.
• their payment on time.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance met for its annual Proposition 98 overview, with Chair Alvarez outlining the committee’s focus on K-12 funding, student outcomes, and use of one-time funds. Superintendent Tony Thurmond gave an update on education issues, including wildfire recovery support for affected school communities, ongoing concerns about federal threats to education funding and immigration enforcement, progress on literacy and math, dual-language immersion, educator housing, and support for dual enrollment. Members broadly expressed support for these priorities, while also raising concerns about implementation, funding stability, and the need for schools to remain safe places for students. The committee then reviewed the Governor’s Proposition 98 proposal. The Department of Finance said the 2025-26 Proposition 98 guarantee is projected at $118.9 billion, with higher revenues and TK-related rebenching driving the increase. The LAO said the budget adds about $7.5 billion over two years and discussed the volatility of the guarantee, especially in 2024-25, when changes in revenue could have an outsized effect on school funding. Members questioned the proposed $1.6 billion delayed settle-up payment, the legal basis for delaying it, and the impact of possible federal funding freezes. The LAO presented alternatives such as a reserve deposit or delayed disbursement, while Finance said the proposal is intended to manage uncertainty. Members also raised concerns that ethnic studies implementation was not funded in the January budget, and Finance said the administration was not proposing funding for it. The committee next heard on the Proposition 98 rainy day fund and education deferrals. Finance said the reserve would receive a mandatory deposit of about $1.2 billion in 2024-25 and a discretionary deposit of $376 million in 2025-26, leaving a balance of about $1.5 billion. The LAO supported rebuilding the reserve as a way to manage volatility. On deferrals, Finance described the Governor’s plan to eliminate remaining deferrals by 2025-26, and the LAO said paying them off improves cash flow and budget resilience. Members generally supported eliminating deferrals and rebuilding reserves, though some asked about acting earlier if revenues allow. The committee also reviewed the proposed $1.8 billion student support and professional development block grant; Finance said it would fund professional development, recruitment and retention, and dual enrollment, while the LAO recommended clearer language on local discretion and use for one-time costs. Members were divided, with some supporting flexibility and others warning that one-time block grants can create instability and confusion for districts.

Transcript Highlights:

• errors or the payments were made.
• for these, but explain the ineligible payments.
• What is the definition for an ineligible payment? Mr.
• They're going to make choices to buy a card payment.
• The committee, it is the increased cost that would be for the payment error rate, and a payment error

Transcript Highlights:

• About 55% of the payments, as you can... ...a large sum of money.
• The orange area are payments to insurers.
• of their claim payments, and we'll come back to that later.
• for the utility payments between shareholders and rate payers so mr.
• Able to accelerate payments.

Committee: House Utilities and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and it was, uh, a payment, a lump sum payment, or it was a land designation. >> I'm not familiar
• </c> it was uh a payment a lump sum payment it was uh a payment a lump sum payment or<00:24:02.559><c
• </c><01:16:04.000><c> loan</c> relating to the down payment loan relating to the down payment loan assistance
• to</c><01:26:01.120><c> any</c><01:26:01.280><c> one</c> The down payment loan to any one The down payment
• </c><01:26:44.080><c> loan</c> property for which the down payment loan property for which the down payment

Summary: The joint House committees on Housing and Education heard HB 1713, HD1, which would repeal school impact fees and transfer remaining balances in the school impact fee and certain fair share accounts to the school facilities special fund. The Department of Education testified in opposition, while the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, the Attorney General’s office (with comments and suggested constitutional amendments), the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, the School Facilities Authority, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, NAP Hawaii, Avalon Development Company, Mark Development, Maui Chamber of Commerce, Housing Hawaii’s Future, Landis Research Foundation, BIA Hawaii, and others testified in support. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered comments. The DOE said the bill would weaken a key tool for matching school facilities to residential growth, while supporters said the current program leaves funds unused or restricted in ways that limit their effectiveness. A lengthy discussion followed about the difference between the older school impact fee program and the separate fair share agreements tied to land use entitlements and change-of-zone approvals. DOE Deputy Superintendent Jesse Suki explained that fair share funds are tied to the district where they were collected, may be too small to build a full school on their own, and are held until needed for projects such as Core Ridge, Central and West Maui, and other planned schools. Committee members pressed DOE on why funds had remained unspent for years, how much money was in the accounts, and whether the department had reviewed audit findings about the program. Members also questioned whether homeowners ultimately bear these costs through developers passing them along. The committee did not take a vote during the portion of the meeting provided. The discussion ended with members and DOE debating whether the current statute should remain in place, whether past entitlements should be affected, and whether the bill should be amended to better address remaining construction-related obligations and the use of collected funds.

Transcript Highlights:

• program, otherwise known as directed payments.
• program, otherwise known as payment program, otherwise known as directed<00:08:31.919><c> payments.
• Um, these programs directed payments.
• So, I access to these directed payments.
• So a directed payment program, or DPP, is not new.

Bills: HF1746 , HF2585 , HF1159 , HF2574 , HF2839 , HF157 , HF158 , HF160 , HF338 , HF512

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: Oakdale, tax increment financing, local government, funding, urban development, tax increment, St. Paul, redevelopment, housing authority, housing trust fund, low-income housing, property taxation, Minnesota statutes, vacant property, housing, commercial to residential conversion, Minneapolis, urban redevelopment, public parks, tax capacity

Transcript Highlights:

• And the payment methods they used to extract money from them. And the state is interesting to me.
• Now, going to the bottom half of the slide, we have the same information regarding payment methods, and
• Now, bank transfers and payments, which only accounted for 10% of the fraud transactions, top the list
• , you won't have car insurance, your mortgage payment didn't go through.
• Basically, anything that can slow a consumer down before they make a payment or before that payment goes

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Business

Transcript Highlights:

• We make a payment. They don't pay it back. Who does the state chase?
• Does it assume the minor's responsibility for the payment?
• We make a payment. They don't pay it back. Who does the state chase?
• It assumes the minor's responsibility of the payment?
• If the school has it, the school makes payment.

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Summary: The Senate Appropriations Committee met with a quorum present and took up two bills. The first, SB 250 on rural communities by Senator Simon, was described as a broad rural development package creating an Office of Rural Prosperity, a Renaissance grant program, housing and transportation investments, added funding for rural education consortiums, and health care initiatives for rural areas. Senator Harrell asked about overlap between road funding programs, and the sponsor explained that eligible counties could receive both SCRAP and FARM funding. Several organizations waived in support or spoke in support, and the bill was reported favorably by unanimous vote. The committee then heard SB 318, the committee substitute for educational scholarship programs by President Gates. The bill was presented as a response to Auditor General findings about the rapid growth and administration of Florida’s school choice and scholarship programs. It would separate Family Empowerment Scholarship funding from the FEFP, require more frequent student enrollment verification, lower scholarship funding organization administrative fees, require return of overpayments, create a student ID system, establish a $250 million stabilization fund, require annual audits, and direct DOE to recommend future program administration through competitive procurement. Gates also offered five amendments, including technical changes to eligibility documentation and a substantive amendment requiring a DOE report on future administration and competitive selection; all five amendments were adopted. During debate and public testimony, senators and witnesses discussed accountability, software solutions, reimbursement delays, monthly attestations, and impacts on public schools and families. Supporters and opponents alike raised concerns about bureaucracy, fraud prevention, special education services, and whether the bill would help or burden parents. Gates said the bill aimed to fix tracking and payment problems without capping the program, and he noted the IEP timeline would be aligned with public school timelines. After debate, the committee reported CS for SB 318 favorably by unanimous vote, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• of regulations, amounted to millions of dollars in added payment.
• making revenue-sharing payments.
• Pueblos also decided to stop making payments.
• -Gallero-Apache Nation... ...remaining tribes that had been making payments stopped doing so.
• Particularly in light of the size of the payment and the fact that the payment was effectively imposed

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• From there, payments became all do.
• . payments. payments.
• </c> not made the payment for several months. not made the payment for several months.
• Um but as the sponsor payments.
• </c><01:58:24.560><c> Um,</c> payments aren't being made. Um, payments aren't being made.

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• So it creates a shared database of individuals and entities ineligible to receive government payments
• So it creates a shared database of individuals and entities ineligible to receive government payments
• So it creates a shared database of individuals and entities ineligible to receive government payments
• So it creates a shared database of individuals and entities ineligible to receive government payments
• So it creates a shared database of individuals and entities ineligible to receive government payments

Transcript Highlights:

• Families, meaning all child support payments collected by the state go to the family.
• The second group includes cases where the person due to receive payment has deceased.
• Therefore, these payments are still being recouped by the government.
• direct cash payments for our senior community.
• That line item, unrestricted cash payments for descendants of those slaves.

Transcript Highlights:

• And these can be, you know, kind these disease prevention and provider payments.
• So the provider payment fees can be used for any provider payments and are subject to some caps later
• And then the percent of hospitals in the state that receive Medicaid is payments and the waiting for
• Whether you can get Medicaid payment for at least one form of live video, Medicaid payment for star in
• Funding from providers payment, not reimbursable and not exceed 15% of the total grant funding.

Transcript Highlights:

• , but we also have a kick payment, a maternity kick payment, which is issued to the health plans.
• Okay, can you explain what kick payments are?
• What is a kick payment? I've never heard of it before. A kick payment.
• We call them a capitation payment, but it's your monthly health insurance payment.
• And then the kick payment, we issue a kick payment, which is a separate payment outside of the capitation

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:

• And then the next section is the payment authority, where we would actually make those payments out of
• And page 379 is the legal expense fund payment section.
• Page 480 is the lease purchase debt payment section.
• Make any representation that we would make payments. ...make any representation that we would make payments
• It has to do with payments, multiple payments coming to the same address, lost checks.

Committee: House Budget