Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to look at 21 patient safety indicators.
• These are put out by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).
• And it's the same New Mexicans that cannot get quality care in a timely manner.
• One is, your data is national, but as you've indicated...
• And cutting staffing can only be detrimental both to their work quality and to patient care quality.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:28:16.679> and our division of program quality and our division of program quality and
• quality metrics.
• So we have quality control and quality assurance when the data comes in.
• It's just a graphic representation of our quality strategy, so the Medicaid quality priorities are up
• have a privacy board as you indicated have a privacy board as you indicated and<03:50:38.080>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: House Finance Division III convened a work session on the DHHS budget, with the chair noting there would be no votes and that the committee would spend the day hearing from the commissioner’s office. Nathan White, DHHS Chief Financial Officer, opened with the Division of Finance/Office of Business Operations, explaining that the unit supports the department through daily financial management, AP/AR, audit work, expense projections, transfers, and procurement functions such as contracts, amendments, RFPs/RFAs, and grants management. He also described the division’s revenue and reporting work, including federal draws, CMS-64 reporting, and the public assistance cost allocation plan, and said the department had centralized rate-setting work and a small team handling Medicaid rate analysis and nursing facility rebase work. Members asked about vacancies, turnover, and budget changes. White said the division had 18 positions unfunded in the governor’s budget, reducing personal services from about $10.8 million to $9.9 million, and estimated the division’s vacancy rate at about 11 percent, below the department average. He said turnover was relatively low, with one retirement at the manager level and higher turnover mainly at lower AP-level positions. He also explained that some budget lines reflected reallocations rather than new spending, including fringe benefits centralized elsewhere and an EBT card contract moved into this unit because the staff member overseeing it works in Finance. When asked about a rent/lease increase, he said it was due to higher copier leasing costs under a statewide DAS contract. White highlighted several management and technology improvements. He said a business intelligence tool procured in 2022, using Salesforce and Excel-based data, helped DHHS better track federal revenue and maintenance-of-effort spending, reducing FY24 General Fund lapse by about 70 percent and federal/other revenue lapse by 88 percent compared with FY23; he warned that the tool is not funded in the current budget. He also described Lean Six Sigma efforts in the contracts team, training for vendors and nonprofits on procurement and indirect cost rules, and a Finance Academy to standardize policies and procedures. On the contracts side, he said the department uses Smartsheet for project management and DocuSign for electronic signatures, which cut contract execution time dramatically, but noted DocuSign is also not funded in the governor’s budget. The session ended as the committee prepared to move on to the Employee Assistance Program presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Water quality is actually baked into the model.
• , is the quality of the water getting better in Devil's Lake?
• pretty low quality. Is the quality of the water getting better in Devils Lake now?
• So does that indicate?
• in the middle. with a wetland indicator on them.

Summary: The committee opened its third interim meeting with roll call, approved the November 13, 2025 minutes, and the chair reviewed prior committee work, including a denied request for a fertilizer-capacity study and a planned later discussion of the Union Pacific/Norfolk Southern merger issue. Commissioner Doug Goring then presented Department of Agriculture updates on uncrewed aerial systems grants to detect noxious weeds, the state’s irrigation potential, the low-carbon fuels program for ethanol plants, the Environmental Impact Mitigation Fund, model zoning ordinances for animal feeding operations, and fertilizer production and supply in North Dakota. Members asked about funding sources, fertilizer storage and availability, natural gas and water needs for future fertilizer plants, and how the model zoning website would help counties and townships apply setback and odor tools. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on the Department of Water Resources’ economic analysis tool for water conveyance and flood-related projects. Dr. Dwayne Poole explained that the department is proposing changes to better account for end-of-useful-life conditions and updated hydrologic data, while still limiting the model to direct, demonstrable costs and benefits. He said the goal is to make the analysis more realistic and consistent without changing statute, and he provided examples of how project benefits could change as drains age or as rainfall and flood data evolve. Committee members and water-user representatives generally supported continued work on the proposal, while raising concerns about downstream impacts, closed-basin projects, and whether the changes would meaningfully affect project approvals. The committee then heard from John Paskowski, state engineer, on Devil’s Lake, the West End and East End outlets, and the Tolna Coulee control structure. He reviewed lake history, outlet capacities, sulfate and downstream flow limits, and explained that the control structure is intended to prevent a catastrophic uncontrolled release by slowing erosion and head cutting. Members asked about water quality trends, the length of the downstream flow constraint, and whether the Tolna Coulee area had been studied for possible natural overflow or silt buildup. The discussion emphasized ongoing flooding concerns, mitigation for affected landowners, and the need to balance outlet operations with downstream water quality and infrastructure protection.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's just mitragynine, and that is a very clear indicator to me that 7-hydroxy is not the problem.
• CHS should therefore develop a system to track step-down visits to ensure quality care.
• of care that inmates are receiving to help address... ...and addressing the quality of care that the
• the severity of the problems... ...County Jail, just to indicate the severity of the problems.
• We're working to improve access to high-quality behavioral health treatment services.

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Discovery Education is essentially high-quality instructional materials.
• Discovery Education is essentially high-quality instructional materials.
• Discovery Education is essentially high-quality instructional materials.
• of positions and staffing are indicated of positions and staffing are indicated there<00:54:29.599
• Um some other indications um to get out.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• quality assurance measure.
• The first being the quality withhold.
• program with that quality withhold.
• Just want to know how you track, you know, all that for qualities quality purposes. >> I may have to
• And so having that as part of those quality, multi from quality approach will continue to 2 increase

Transcript Highlights:

• AND ON LINE 16 THE HOUSE OFFERS THE MODIFICATION OF THE SENATE'S ORIGINAL LANGUAGE BY ADJUSTING THE QUALITY
• AND ADDS LANGUAGE TO PUT THE QUALITY SCORE THRESHOLD ALL FIVE FOR PAYMENT AT 33 PERCENT OF ALL AVAILABLE
• POINTS IN THE MEDICAID QUALITY INCENTIVE PROGRAM.
• THE SENATE BUMP OFFER IS INDICATED UNDER THE COLUMN TITLED SENATE BUMP OFFER 1.
• SHE DID ROSE INDICATE CHANGE FROM THE SENATE ORIGINAL BILL.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It ensures quality of care. It also controls the cost of out-of-pocket for ...
• It ensures quality of care. It also controls the cost of out-of-pocket for ...
• It ensures quality of care.
• It also It ensures quality of care.
• indicator of medical necessity. necessity. necessity.

Bills: SB2433, SB2047, SB2425, SB3045, SB2761, SB3001, SB2852, SB2471

Keywords: condominium governance, education trust fund, unit owners, real estate, dispute resolution, financial obligations, community representation, pharmacy benefit managers, maximum allowable cost, transparency, drug pricing, insurance commissioner, contracting pharmacies, healthcare, substance use disorder, SUD, addiction treatment, behavioral health, mental health, rehabilitation

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2433 SD1 relating to condominiums, which would direct the condominium education trust fund toward educational resources for unit owners and require the Real Estate Commission to ensure owners’ interests are represented in funded activities and related rulemaking. Supporters, including the Hawaii Real Estate Commission and a condominium owner advocate, said owners need a seat at the table in condo governance and education efforts. Committee discussion focused on whether the bill was necessary, with the Real Estate Commission indicating it could already use the trust fund for owner education and that owners are already considered stakeholders, though not through a specific commission seat. No vote was taken during the excerpted discussion. The committee then took up SB 2047 SD2 HD1 on pharmacy benefit managers, which would set requirements for maximum allowable cost reimbursement, allow reverse-and-rebill claims after successful appeals, and authorize fines for violations. The Insurance Division offered comments, the Hawaii Pharmacists Association supported the measure with amendments and suggested future PBM reform funding, and Kaiser Permanente requested a technical amendment. A committee question raised whether the staffing and resource request for implementation was too large for a bill focused only on MAC pricing, and the witness said he would provide more data to the next committee. No final action was shown. Next was SB 2425 SD2 HD1 on health insurance and substance use disorder treatment, requiring insurers to honor written assignments of benefits to SUD providers and prohibiting anti-assignment clauses. Supporters described patients being unable to access treatment because of high out-of-pocket costs and said direct payment would reduce harm for people in recovery. HMSA opposed the bill but said it would begin direct payments to non-participating SUD facilities effective March 27, while continuing to object to the assignment-of-benefits portion because of fraud and balance-billing concerns; the Hawaii Association of Health Plans also opposed. Members questioned HMSA about reimbursement mechanics and why the bill was needed if coverage policies were already changing. Finally, the committee heard SB 3045 SD1 HD1, which would require coverage of continuous glucose monitors and related supplies, including for Medicaid managed care, under certain conditions. DHS and the Insurance Division offered comments, while SHPDA, Hilo Benioff Medical Center Foundation, and others supported the bill, citing inconsistent access and a case in which a woman allegedly died after being denied a CGM. HMSA said it already covers medically necessary CGMs and had updated its policy in 2025 for type 1 and insulin-dependent patients, but it raised concerns about expanding mandated coverage to type 2 and gestational diabetes and about supply impacts. The committee also discussed whether the bill duplicated existing coverage standards and why it had been introduced repeatedly. No votes or final dispositions were included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lastly, support quality of care. This is a very broad statement.
• It's intended to be because when we talk about the quality of care, we need to take a look at a wide
• They seek quality of life.
• Housing, longevity of contracts, spousal professions, and quality of life type questions?
• In reference to the first question about quality of life, that comes up routinely.

Transcript Highlights:

• instructor or a quality teacher both in our secondary schools and our trades.
• instructor or a quality teacher both in our secondary schools and our trades.
• instructor or a quality teacher both in our secondary schools and our trades.
• <00:28:59.840> instructor we've got to have a quality instructor we've got to have a quality
• We've increased high-quality instructor recruitment and retention.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard an Office of Education Technology presentation on the Kentucky Education Technology System (KTS) and a request to increase its annual budget from $15.4 million to $30 million, including an additional $14.6 million. The witness described KTS as a statewide service model that provides districts with student information and financial systems, internet bandwidth, regional support, cybersecurity, online registration, learning management and email services, and collaborative instructional technology support. He argued the state’s centralized purchasing saves districts 40% to 60% compared with buying services individually, and said federal internet discounts and district matching funds create a strong return on investment. He also said KTS has faced long-term funding cuts, has not received a cost-of-living increase since 1992, and is now at a “breaking point” where some services may have to be shifted to districts at higher cost. The request was broken into six main items: restoring funding for the computer science and information technology academy; strengthening cybersecurity defenses in response to sharply rising attacks on K-12 systems; funding online registration through Infinite Campus; stabilizing ongoing support costs for Infinite Campus; providing cost-of-living increases for KTS services; and increasing the KTS financial assistance sent to districts, which requires local matching funds. Members asked about the current appropriation, and the witness said it is $15.4 million. One member praised the office’s work and support for districts, while another noted the district had been an early adopter of one-to-one technology. The committee then received an overview of the KRS 156 salary schedule and step-and-rank system for state-operated career and technical education staff at area technology centers. Officials explained that salaries are set under statute and regulation based on years of service and educational rank, with annual calculations tied to statewide teacher salary averages and retroactive adjustments to July 1. They said the current ABR request is $325,000 over the biennium to cover step and rank increases. The presentation noted that KRS 156 salaries are generally comparable to local districts but are less competitive with business and industry, making recruitment and retention difficult, especially for instructors coming from the trades. Members agreed that trade instructors are underpaid relative to the market and said the issue deserves further review, with department officials indicating they are considering possible statutory revisions and a delayed implementation in a future biennium.

Transcript Highlights:

• Quality curriculum and quality materials.
• Quality curriculum and quality materials.
• Quality curriculum and quality materials.
• Quality<00:18:25.200> curriculum<00:18:25.600> and<00:18:25.840> quality Quality
• curriculum and quality Quality curriculum and quality materials.<00:18:27.200> Does<00:18:27.520

Keywords: Education - Room 216, 22 January, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee took up several education-related bills. Senate Bill 2071 would allow school boards to vote on providing health insurance to board members and their dependents using local, not state, funds; it was advanced after Senator Brian objected that it could create an incentive for people to seek school board seats for the insurance benefit. Senate Bill 2072 would move the deadline for teacher supply cards earlier, from August to July, using EF funds, and it was reported. Senate Bill 2103 would require school boards to adopt policies banning or restricting student cell phone use during school and class time, and it was also reported. Senate Bill 21103 would remove a requirement that school counselors follow the National Association of School Counselors’ code of ethics and instead align them with the Mississippi teacher code of ethics; it passed without opposition. Senate Bill 2236 would authorize the use of LifeVac choking devices in schools, with the sponsor saying the devices are inexpensive and could be provided free to districts; it passed as well. The committee then spent most of its time on Senate Bill 2242, the Mississippi Math Act, which would create a statewide math improvement initiative within the Department of Education. The bill would deploy math instructional coaches, require K-5 universal math screeners three times a year, create individual math plans for students below benchmark, support algebra readiness, protect data under FERPA, and establish a fund for grants and other deposits. Senator Boyd said the bill is modeled on efforts in other states, especially Alabama, and is intended to build on Mississippi’s literacy reforms by focusing on support, intervention, and professional development rather than retention or punishment. Members raised concerns about cost, the proposed anti-lapsing language for the fund, and whether the bill should require high-quality instructional materials statewide rather than leaving curriculum choices to local districts. Senator Hopson estimated the program could cost about $3.5 million and suggested the anti-lapsing language might be removed or handled through appropriations. Senators Blunt, Hill, and Wiggins argued that the success of literacy reforms came from requiring standardized, high-quality instructional materials and accountability, not home rule alone. Senator Wiggins offered an amendment to require high-quality instructional materials for math statewide, and Senator Boyd said he was supportive of that as a friendly amendment. The discussion ended with the amendment still being worked through and the bill not yet finally disposed of in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have indicated that you are working on Your staff, Senator Collins, you have, they have indicated
• They have indicated that you are working on.
• Your staff, Senator Collins, you have, they have indicated that you are working on some changes.
• They look at the general stuff like transportation, water quality, and disaster readiness.
• And while those things general stuff like transportation, water quality, and disaster readiness.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development heard three bills after temporarily postponing SB 1524. The committee first took up CS for SB 1264, a broad economic development bill covering law enforcement recruitment bonuses, venture capital tax credits, data center tax exemptions, military land transfers, Space Florida procurement exemptions, and changes to regional planning councils. An amendment was adopted to remove sections tied to emergency management shelter plans so the bill would align with another measure. The main debate centered on the proposal to repeal regional planning council statutes; supporters argued the councils are duplicative and bureaucratic, while opponents said they provide valuable regional coordination, technical assistance, and grant support, especially for rural communities. The bill was reported favorably 13-1, with Senator Sharif voting no. The committee then considered CS for SB 1348, which streamlines motor vehicle services by expanding the role of tax collectors as DHSMV agents. Three amendments were adopted: one making the scalping of driver and motor vehicle appointment slots a misdemeanor, one increasing penalties for texting while driving and requiring a new distracted-driving course to remove points, and one allowing veterans with DV plates to use a sticker instead of a stencil or imprint. The bill received supportive testimony from tax collectors and law enforcement-related groups and was reported favorably without opposition. Finally, the committee heard SB 936, which directs the Department of Commerce’s workforce research bureau to conduct a recurring statewide study every three years on the effects of automation, robotics, and AI on Florida’s workforce. The sponsor said the study would have minimal fiscal impact and would help guide policy recommendations. With no opposition or debate, the bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned after brief closing remarks thanking staff and members.

Transcript Highlights:

• Suicide attempts are one of the leading risk indicators for death by suicide.
• A previous suicide attempt is one of the significant indicators of future risk.
• We want quality services.
• Prioritize providing quality care to all of our patients. Thank you for your time.
• Hudson indicated, there are other providers that...

Bills: HB1531, HB2667, HB2809, HB2865, HB3589, HB3151, HB3748, HB3750, HB4419, HB4643, HB3597, HB4129, HB4130, HB4131

Keywords: workplace violence prevention, health and safety code, Chapter 331, facility definition, home and community support services agency, home health agency, home health care, nursing staff, registered nurses, health care workplace safety, hospital, nursing facility, ambulatory surgical center, freestanding emergency medical care facility, mental hospital, Texas health care regulation, provider compliance, occupational safety, senior living, referral agencies

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we'll also just there's a slide that indicates.
• The state directed payments have to be linked to states quality strategy.
• We have to have quality metrics.
• , we have to do an evaluation as to whether the state directed payment program is meeting the the quality
• We do have a waiver for our nursing home tax for the quality assessment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the goal is, as you indicated, is an apolitical military force.
• They're interested in fixing their quality of life and quality of service concerns as well.
• Non-partisanship, as I've indicated, so that we can thrive in unity and not division.
• This creates risk on both quality and basic course aircrew graduates and on combat Air Force that will
• Well, you certainly indicated your displeasure with lots of people by name.

Keywords: Department of Defense, nominations, Matthew Lohmeyer, Justin Overbaugh, global security, military readiness, NATO, Russia, China, defense infrastructure

Summary: The meeting was primarily focused on discussing nominations for key positions within the Department of Defense, specifically for roles such as the Undersecretary of the Air Force and the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security. Senators expressed urgent concerns about global security threats, the need for robust military readiness, and the emphasis on effective collaboration with NATO allies amidst rising tensions with adversaries such as Russia and China. Several senators highlighted the challenges facing military infrastructure and defense capabilities, suggesting a critical need for improvements and investment in these areas to ensure national security.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's our quality indicator, I would think, and that is: are our students graduating college and career
• So I think that's the answer to where you're trying to go: what is our quality indicator?
• Trying to go, what is our quality indicator that says we know we're graduating about 7% of our students
• Component built into them too, our CCR indicators.
• We don't care as long as it's a quality program.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Uh, Deputy Director of operations at the PSFA, uh, Quality Assurance and Outreach, uh, Ms.
• Will all those in favor of approving the motion, please indicate by saying aye.
• All those in favor, please indicate by saying aye. All right. All those opposed.
• All those in favor, please indicate by saying aye. All those opposed.
• So the motion indicates that the FI26 uh.

Transcript Highlights:

• incentive program funding, which really would boost quality in our skilled nursing facilities if those
• The system will also allow DSH to more easily analyze patient data for quality assurance and treatment
• The system will also allow DSH to more easily analyze patient data for quality assurance and treatment
• Making it optional would make the quality of treatment you receive dependent on your zip code, so we
• reduction would directly reduce the number of high-quality implementation-ready projects that can be

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health heard presentations on several May Revision proposals, beginning with an overview from the Legislative Analyst’s Office and the Department of Finance on the state’s budget condition and the administration’s efforts to reduce out-year deficits through a mix of revenue measures, fund shifts, and program reductions. The chair expressed support for some administration proposals, such as added health IT funding, county administration support, a delay in Medi-Cal cuts for some immigrants, and additional Covered California subsidy backfill, but also criticized proposed Medi-Cal premiums, changes to senior eligibility, the lack of a Medi-Cal dental solution, and other cuts affecting counties, workforce, and rural access. The LAO said the budget still relies heavily on reserves and borrowing and urged more reserves and caution on new commitments. The Department of State Hospitals presented several proposals, including reduced county bed billing authority, limited contract exemption authority for online clinical subscriptions, reversion of unspent prior-year funds, additional lease revenue authority for the Metro Central Utility Plant replacement, funding for electronic health record implementation, and a shift of workforce development costs to Behavioral Health Services Act funds. The department also described savings and realignments in its IST and CONREP programs, including making the Independent Placement Panel permanent and adjusting funding for jail-based competency treatment and conditional release services. Members questioned the BHSA workforce funding swap, and the administration said it was part of a broader General Fund offset strategy. The Emergency Medical Services Authority requested funding for statewide behavioral health crisis response guidance and for continued operation of its enterprise systems, and the Department of Managed Health Care sought funds to modernize its complaint system and claims settlement data systems. The largest debate centered on the administration’s proposed use of Behavioral Health Services Act revenues to offset General Fund spending and fund state-directed behavioral health programs. The Department of Finance said the proposal would support population-based prevention, workforce programs, mobile crisis services, and other state-directed uses, while the LAO said it was still reviewing whether the uses comply with Proposition 1 and whether the non-supplement and eligible-use requirements are met. The Commission for Behavioral Health strongly opposed proposed cuts to its Innovation Partnership Fund and community advocacy grants, arguing that both programs are central to community voice, culturally responsive services, and statewide innovation. Commissioners and many public commenters said the cuts would reduce grants to community-based organizations, tribal groups, veterans, LGBTQ communities, youth, and other underserved populations, and that the advocacy program helps communities participate in local planning and access services. The Department of Finance defended the reductions as a way to prioritize direct services and said the programs fit within Proposition 1, but members criticized the proposal as a midstream shift that would weaken community engagement and redirect funds away from prevention and advocacy.

Transcript Highlights:

• and their families with dignity, compassion and respect and tries to help them achieve the highest quality
• We were able to maintain four and five star ratings all throughout COVID, so the quality of people that
• Obviously we haven't heard any indications that it's not going to be supported. with us so far, so we
• Um, to quality claims representation before the VA through our County Veterans Service Officers.
• That at CalVet that we're constantly evaluating our training and making sure it's the highest quality

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ACHA DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR MEDICAID THEB WE WILL HEAR FROM KIM SMOAK ACHA DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR QUALITY
• BUT AS I INDICATED WE HAVE ALREADY DESIGNATED THE FOUR HOSPITALS FOR STATUTE AND NOW ON OR AFTER THE
• THE DIVISION OF MEDICAL QUALITY ASSISTANCE WILL PROVIDE AN UPDATE PROVIDING UPDATED PRACTITIONERS.
• AND REMOVING REGULATIONS TO INCREASE WORKFORCE MOBILITY AND EXPAND ACCESS TO QUALITY EFFICIENT HEALTH
• HAVE YOU SEEN INDICATIONS ARE ANY PROBLEMS DEVELOP OUT OF THIS?

Keywords: 999, senate, all