Transcript Highlights:

• The major complication rate is less than half a percent, and the mortality rate is 0.6 per 100,000 procedures
• For comparison, the mortality rate for a colonoscopy is approximately 3 per 100,000 procedures, five
• And health diagnostics, high satisfaction ratings from its members, 88% of its members reported that
• In addition, by calculating rates for grades, no individual student can be identified.
• The vaccine effectiveness depends on maintaining high vaccine rates.

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, the delay or the rejection rate is very slight.
• </c> I I can't imagine your failure rate I I can't imagine your failure rate through<00:42:52.880><c>
• >> Okay, Chairman. >> Uh, Senator Scott, uh, the denial rate, and I'd probably call it denial rate at
• >> Okay, Chairman. >> Uh, Senator Scott, uh, the denial rate, and I'd probably call it denial rate at
• . rate. rate.

Committee: Joint Education

Transcript Highlights:

• So, the credit rate starts at 50%.
• The credit rate starts at 50%.
• </c><00:43:10.079><c> Is</c><00:43:10.319><c> that</c><00:43:10.480><c> correct</c> rate 100.
• </c> taxes, whether that's in terms of rate taxes, whether that's in terms of rate or<01:18:42.640><c
• </c><01:19:39.760><c> imposed</c> city council so that rates imposed city council so that rates imposed

Bills: HR1 , HF387

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• Tenare has increased their reimbursement rates some above commercial rates.
• of over 50 then 60% engagement rates of over 50 then 60% over<00:21:32.480><c> that</c><00:21:32.799
• I don't think we need to get down into salaries because the bundled rate and the portion of that that
• I don't think we need to get down into salaries because the bundled rate and the portion of that that
• of</c> pre-term birth rates and higher rates of pre-term birth rates and higher rates of breastfeeding

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board met with a quorum, approved the November 12 minutes by voice vote, and then heard a presentation from former Governor Ernie Fletcher and Dave Johnson on Medicaid reimbursement for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Fletcher argued that addiction should be treated as a chronic disease requiring a longer continuum of care, not just short residential stays, and said recovery should combine clinical treatment with social supports such as housing, transportation, employment, peer coaching, and recovery housing. He cited data on overdose trends, low treatment rates, and high costs for people with SUD, and said current reimbursement models create poor incentives and do not adequately support long-term recovery or measure outcomes well. Fletcher proposed a “carve through” model administered at the MCO level with standardized metrics, data sharing, and an independent recovery coordinator that would assess patients, coordinate care, and connect them to clinical and social recovery services. He suggested using bundled payments, shared savings, and partial risk arrangements, with recovery housing reimbursed on a PMPM or weekly basis and funded in part through existing Medicaid spending and other sources such as opioid abatement funds. He also emphasized peer support, telemedicine, criminal justice coordination, workforce and education supports, and the use of technology, including text messaging and possibly AI, to maintain long-term follow-up and identify relapse risk. Members questioned how the model would work in practice, especially the education and staffing requirements for recovery coordinators, reimbursement levels, and how many patients each coordinator or peer would serve. Fletcher said peers could be certified and would need additional training in assessments such as ASAM and recovery residence standards, but he did not give a precise salary figure, saying the market and bundled rates would determine that. He also said follow-up should continue for years, noting relapse risk over the first 18 to 24 months and that meaningful employment and ongoing peer contact help sustain recovery. No formal vote or action was taken on the substance use presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the other thing is the graduation rate.
• </c> accountable for graduation date rate. accountable for graduation date rate.
• And so for graduation rate, my family.
• </c><00:13:55.360><c> of</c> us since kindergarten, the rate of us since kindergarten, the rate of proficiency
• </c> graduation rate that shouldn't matter. graduation rate that shouldn't matter.

Summary: The Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity met in September 2025, established a quorum, introduced new member Larry Forester, and approved the minutes from the August 26 meeting. The main presentation came from Warren County Public Schools Superintendent Rob Clayton and Assistant Superintendent Sarah Johnson, who discussed the district’s work serving English language learners and multilingual students, including immigrant and refugee families. They said Warren County now serves roughly 5,500 multilingual students out of about 19,000 total, representing about 92 languages and 90 countries, with 57 certified multilingual teachers, a GO Center, migrant and refugee advocates, and the state’s first international high school. The presenters emphasized that the district welcomes immigrant families and that students and parents generally value public education, but they described major challenges tied to accountability and funding. They explained that multilingual students are tested after one year in the system, even though many need more time to become proficient in English and grade-level standards, and they argued that current graduation-rate rules can unfairly penalize schools when transient students enroll briefly and then leave. They also said the cost of serving this population has risen sharply, with special revenue and especially general-fund spending increasing substantially over the past decade, prompting the district to reallocate resources from EL teacher assistants toward translation technology and additional certified staff. Committee members asked questions about how long-term multilingual students compare with the general student body and whether the district’s data show similar graduation outcomes. Clayton said he did not have the specific comparison data at hand but believed students who stay K-12 generally reach proficiency. He and Johnson asked legislators to consider giving students more time before accountability measures apply and to shift some graduation accountability from individual schools to the district level for highly transient populations, while still maintaining accountability. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• If D.C. were a state, it would have had the highest homicide rate in America.
• If D.C. were a state, it would have had the highest homicide rate in America.
• Have had the highest homicide rate in America.
• The Treasury pays a fairly decent interest rate back.
• THE TREASURY PAYS FAIRLY DECENT INTEREST RATE BACK.

Transcript Highlights:

• a challenge to attract and retain staff, but I think over the past few years we've really seen our rate
• of turnover go down um and seen our rate of turnover go down um and we've<00:18:20.720><c> actually<
• and uh it's but it's at higher rates and uh it's but it's it's<00:21:06.280><c> something</c><00:21:
• These groups show higher than average suicide rates, youth ages 10 ... 1999 Within the the this decade
• The negative impact contributes to the vast educational disparities, like graduation rates.

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• observation I have is that we're obviously very concerned about court cases that would impact the rates
• , the pension rates, by virtue of cost, okay, in terms of a settlement.
• to the system, we need to know about that so we can make that part of our analysis in terms of the rates
• in June, you'll hear about our latest actuarial valuation report and newly calculated contribution rates
• And then in October, Council did relative to the rate adoption.

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy

Summary: The committee first approved the November minutes by roll call vote, with a majority of members voting aye and some members excused. Staff then provided brief litigation updates: Fowler et al. v. Leathers remains pending in federal district court over interest calculations on transferred TERS funds, with summary judgment motions expected to be heard May 1; Dolan v. King County was decided against the state in Pierce County Superior Court on the issue of recouping attorney’s fees from a former PERS member, though no fees were assessed against the state in that case. An actuarial update noted upcoming presentations on the agency’s work and the latest valuation report, including new contribution rates reflecting updated demographic assumptions. The committee then reviewed its draft interim work plan and correspondence items, focusing on requests related to Plan 3, Plan 1 COLAs, teacher retirement age, and a missed early retirement factor. Members discussed a possible study of Plan 3’s design and outcomes compared with Plan 2, including retirement ages and benefit adequacy, and staff was asked to work with DRS on a study outline. The committee also discussed ongoing COLA requests and the need for retiree groups to bring forward a more formal proposal for the next budget cycle, with members noting that any recommendation should likely be made by October or November. Another major topic was the study of LEOFF 1 medical/disability boards, including how many boards exist, how they operate, and what costs they incur; staff said it was still gathering basic information and would provide an overview next month. Staff also explained planned changes to how correspondence will be handled and posted online due to cybersecurity concerns. The committee approved the May agenda by voice vote and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• worse by their time in uniform—and nearly half of those veterans, about 174,000, have disability ratings
• As far as total disabled veterans, the disability ratings go from 0% disabled, which means yes, we count
• What we looked at was anyone 70% or higher, and that was 174,000 who have a disability rating of 70%
• As far as total disabled, so in the disability ratings of veterans, it goes from 0% disabled, which means
• What we looked at was anyone 70% or higher, and that was 174,000 that have a disability rating of 70%

Summary: The Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee heard four bills, with AB 1616 (Davies) and AB 1638 (Ta) placed on consent and later approved unanimously. The committee then heard AB 1775 (Ward), which would provide state support for veterans affected by the federal executive order targeting transgender service members, including prioritizing them for discharge-upgrade assistance, housing support, and expedited professional licensing. Supporters described the bill as a response to abrupt separations, loss of benefits, housing instability, and employment harm; there was no formal opposition. Members raised questions about how the state would verify eligibility and avoid unintended coverage of discharges based on other reasons, and the author said applicants would need a DD-214 and supplemental documentation showing the discharge was solely due to the executive order. AB 1775 was passed on a due-pass motion and referred to the Committee on Business and Professions. The committee also heard AB 2022 (Gonzalez), which would provide a full property tax exemption for the primary residences of veterans who are 100% service-connected disabled, and extend the exemption to unmarried surviving spouses. The author and supporters said the bill is intended to prevent homelessness and help severely disabled veterans remain in their homes amid California’s high housing costs. Committee discussion focused on the size of the eligible population and the fiscal impact, with the author noting the measure applies to a much smaller group than all disabled veterans and that he would provide more cost information later. AB 2022 was approved as amended and referred to the Committee on Revenue and Taxation. By the end of the hearing, all bills on the agenda were reported out 8-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• have to cover all the costs of construction, maintenance, and operation of their utilities through rates
• Any increased costs for those districts directly translate into higher rates for our consumers and customers
• exceed 75% of an asset's useful life, and a requirement that the debt must receive investment-grade ratings
• The debt must receive investment-grade ratings from multiple firms.
• Have we even looked at what an interest rate for 75- or 70-year-long would be and how much difference

Bills: SB5750 , SB6148

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: electric vehicles, charging fees, state facilities, sustainability, infrastructure, regional transit authority, RTA, transit bonds, general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, bond maturity, debt limit, 25-year cap, regional mobility grant program, public transit financing, transportation funding, Washington RCW, bond issuance, municipal finance, infrastructure finance

Transcript Highlights:

• So part of the reason why we're in such trouble we're in now is because they rated it once before.
• So this notion that we're going to solve it again by doing it is, it's It's because they rated it once
• I also want to, the governor mentioned briefly that the state has a AAA bond rating.
• because of our lack of an income tax, and I think imposing an income tax would threaten our AAA bond rating
• little bit of credit for that, but a couple of his proposals would actually imperil that continued rating

Summary: House and Senate Republican leaders held a session-opening media availability on the second day of Washington’s 60-day legislative session, criticizing Governor Bob Ferguson’s State of the State address and previewing their priorities. They said the central issue this session is affordability, and argued the state should respond with less spending, fewer taxes, and less regulation rather than new taxes or expanded government. They also said they expect a major fight over the operating budget, warned against using the rainy day fund or weakening the balanced-budget requirement, and said the state should look for savings in areas where caseloads are down but spending continues to rise, including reducing middle management in state agencies. A major focus was the governor’s proposal for a tax on high earners, which Republicans repeatedly described as an income tax and said they would oppose. They argued it would eventually expand beyond millionaires, said voters have rejected income taxes repeatedly, and said a constitutional amendment would not pass. They also criticized past tax increases such as the capital gains tax, death tax, document recording fees, and climate-related charges, saying Democrats have not provided meaningful tax relief for working families. Republican leaders said the Working Families Tax Credit is one area where they can support using existing Climate Commitment Act revenue, and they suggested other uses for those funds, including transportation and wildfire prevention. The leaders also discussed public safety and immigration, saying the governor and Democrats have been inconsistent on federal law enforcement and that coordination between agencies is essential. They said concerns about masked federal agents and immigration enforcement should be left to investigations rather than political conclusions. On child care and DCYF, they said allegations of fraud and waste should be investigated through audits or other oversight, and they rejected the idea that looking into possible fraud is offensive to honest providers. They also said they see potential bipartisan overlap on transportation and housing, but argued the governor’s housing plan relies too much on public spending and not enough on permitting reform, Growth Management Act changes, and energy code changes to increase supply.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are two rates that are talked about. One rate is the rate of parole.
• Well, that day the parole rate was 0%. And not a member of our committee disagreed with that.
• So, I'm not really concerned about the parole rate.
• If we have more and more violent offenders, that rate probably should tend a little lower.

Bills: SB324 , HB395 , HB222 , HB310 , HB285 , HB144 , HB251 , HB380

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: parole, pardons, paroles board, board of pardons and paroles, Alabama criminal justice, sentencing reform, prison reform, reentry, recidivism, risk assessment, validated risk and needs assessment, supervision, probation, parole denial, parole reconsideration, medical parole, violent offense, nonviolent offense, law enforcement member, board appointments

Transcript Highlights:

• retail trade for purposes of determining whether a company should pay franchise tax at the retail tax rate
• We're a very capital-intensive industry, and any reduction in rates would allow us to meet that goal.
• couple of the top five producers that we have in the state, Pioneer went from a 57% wastewater usage rate
• in 2020 up to a 74% rate in 2022.
• They went from 17% percent rate in 2022. Same thing with Diamondback.

Bills: SB1211 , SB1574 , SB2774 , SB2873 , SB2900 , HJR4

Committee: Senate Finance

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 1574 by Senator Zaffirini, which would codify the Texas Judicial Council’s Centers of Excellence Program for courts and judges. Testimony from judges and the Office of Court Administration emphasized that the program promotes transparency, procedural fairness, mentoring, and public trust. A committee substitute expanded eligibility to justices of the peace and municipal judges and removed a merit-pay reference to eliminate fiscal impact. After quorum was established, the committee adopted the substitute and later voted it out favorably, though it was not certified for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also heard SB 2774 by Senator Hinojosa, which would amend the Tax Code’s retail trade definition to include industrial uniform and linen rental businesses so they qualify for the lower franchise tax rate. Supporters said the change would put rental textile businesses on equal footing with other rental industries and help Texas employers and customers. The bill was reported favorably to the full Senate. Members then considered SB 1211 by Senator Perry, which would broaden the existing fracking-related sales tax exemption for equipment used with non-fresh water sources, including recycled, produced, and brine water. The bill’s supporters argued it would conserve freshwater and reduce litigation over water definitions, while the Comptroller’s office discussed the fiscal note and production-related revenue effects. The committee also heard SB 2873 and SB 2900, both by Senator Kolkhorst and presented by Senator Nichols; SB 2873 would require electronic filers to file electronically, and SB 2900 would eliminate certain Comptroller-related advisory committees and boards. Both were later adopted in committee substitute form and reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard HJR 4, sponsored by Senator Parker, proposing a constitutional amendment to prohibit new taxes on securities transfers or financial transaction processing. Supporters said it would protect investors, especially retirees, and help position Texas as a financial center. The committee voted to report HJR 4 favorably to the full Senate. In each recorded vote after quorum was present, the measures passed with nine ayes and no nays.

Transcript Highlights:

• They held interest rates flat.
• </c> rates or or uh currency exchange? rates or or uh currency exchange?
• </c><00:37:34.520><c> Um</c> They held interest rates flat. Um They held interest rates flat.
• interest rates flat." or "I'm increasing<00:39:02.160><c> interest</c><00:39:02.480><c> rates."
• </c> 10% fraud rate 10% fraud rate in<02:47:42.080><c> that</c><02:47:42.320><c> program.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:54:27.960><c> as</c> here about uh Chang ing per DM rates as here about uh Chang ing per DM rates
• It increases the rate for protected transportation.
• </c><01:05:37.400><c> for</c> management it increases the rate for management it increases the rate for
• We've also suggested a rate increase for protected transport.
• currently cover only onethird of rates currently cover only onethird of the<01:18:08.159><c> costs</

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• If so, what's the hourly rate of those employees?
• </c> state's labor force participation rate state's labor force participation rate sits<00:34:10.679>
• </c> unemployment and underemployment rates unemployment and underemployment rates of<00:34:17.079><c
• rate of other vocational programs, which is only 25%.
• rate of other vocational programs, which is only 25%.

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> first responders experience higher rates first responders experience higher rates of<01:38:52.080
• </c> digit um for for Medicaid our last rate digit um for for Medicaid our last rate increase<02:01:32.080
• As rates go up the next year, there's less people to absorb those rates.
• As rates go up the next year, market.
• So, the rates go up even higher, rates.

Committee: House Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:07:01.280><c> So</c> electricity rates that we pay. So electricity rates that we pay.
• </c> reduce the rates for consumers rate. reduce the rates for consumers rate.
• ,</c> at any at any rate, at any at any rate, um<00:24:40.480><c> this</c><00:24:40.880><c> system</c
• </c> and and turn them into market rate and and turn them into market rate homes.<00:37:33.040><c> Uh
• </c><04:48:11.760><c> agencies</c> with her about um the rating agencies with her about um the rating

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 733, a third-party litigation financing reporting bill. Representative Cole explained that the bill shifts reporting from the Secretary of State to the courts, which he said removes the fiscal note and helps insurers obtain information for underwriting and premium-setting. The committee accepted the explanation and voted ought to pass; the roll call was 8-0 in favor, with one member taking a pause. The committee then heard House Bill 219, dealing with the renewable portfolio standard and the renewable energy fund. Representative Bose argued the bill would reduce electricity costs by lowering the REC purchase obligation from 220,000 to 170,000, which he said would reduce payments into the renewable energy fund by roughly $1 million to $2 million and save consumers only pennies a month. After questions about timing and whether to wait for a DOE report, the committee voted to retain the bill for further discussion rather than advance it; the motion to retain passed 5-4. House Bill 365 was then discussed as an election-related bill intended to help verify citizenship for voter registration and create a voucher process for people who cannot afford a birth certificate. The sponsor said the Secretary of State may be able to use federal and state databases to verify citizenship, and if not, indigent applicants could receive a voucher reimbursed by the state, with a $25,000 appropriation included. Members raised concerns about the Secretary of State’s access to databases and the bill’s timing and cost, and the committee decided to hold the bill until Secretary Scanlan could come testify. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 552, which updates retiree health coverage rules so dependent children can remain on the plan until age 26, consistent with the Affordable Care Act. DAS officials said retirees pay the full cost for dependents, about $1,000 per month, while the state covers only the retiree and spouse. The committee voted ought to pass unanimously, 9-0. The committee then began discussion of House Bill 572, a housing bill aimed at missing-middle housing, describing a voluntary program to identify developable public land, support construction, and streamline review, but the transcript cuts off before any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> justify the difference between the rates justify the difference between the rates in<01:38:44.639
• Without it, we cannot support our cause of trying to reduce power rates. I know you know that, Mr.
• Without it, we cannot support our cause of trying to reduce power rates. I know you know that, Mr.
• Without it, we cannot support our cause of trying to reduce power rates. I know you know that, Mr.
• </c> fact that Rocky Mountain Powers rate fact that Rocky Mountain Powers rate proceedings<01:45:59.920

Bills: HB0002 , HB0022

Committee: Senate Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:09.600><c> of</c> students and have the highest rate of students and have the highest rate
• Varying contribution rates could lead to perceptions of unfairness or create internal disputes.
• Varying contribution rates could lead to perceptions of unfairness or create internal disputes.
• Varying contribution rates could lead to perceptions of unfairness or create internal disputes.
• You know, I think that what are the rates? If you make $667,000 a year, it's $563 a week.

Bills: HF1976

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy