Transcript Highlights:

• take advantage of the program and would repay their premiums for them.
• Obviously, we've worked on some state education assistance programs, which has been very helpful.
• We could create an insurance program for them. I'll stop there, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, General.
• </c> programs which has been very helpful. programs which has been very helpful.
• </c><00:02:44.800><c> for</c> could create an insurance program for could create an insurance program

Keywords: Vet. and Military Affairs - Room 409, 8 January, 2026; 10:30 A.M., 925, all

Summary: The committee took up Senate Bill 2018, which would create a state-funded reimbursement program to pay Tricare premiums for eligible Mississippi National Guard members. The sponsor explained the bill is intended to improve quality of life, recruiting, and retention, especially for part-time Guardsmen who lack other medical coverage. General Chris Thomas testified that the proposal is a major priority for the Guard and would help address a significant gap in insurance coverage among soldiers and airmen. Members asked how the reimbursement would work, when payments would be made, and whether the benefit would cover the full premium. Thomas said the mechanics were still being worked out, but the intent was to reimburse members fully for their monthly premium, likely through some recurring reimbursement process. He clarified the bill is aimed at traditional part-time Guard members, not full-time AGR or federal technicians who already have medical coverage. Senators also asked whether the benefit would extend to families. Thomas said the current version covers only the service member, though a family plan option exists and the committee discussed the possibility of pursuing that later if the numbers work. The sponsor noted an appropriation bill would be needed to fund the program, with a fiscal note estimated at $4.6 million if all eligible members participated, though that amount would likely be lower because some already have insurance. The committee then adopted a do-pass motion, approved the bill, and reported it out.

Transcript Highlights:

• As far as civics education, we have a few other programs.
• We also have a program for high school students.
• But as it is now, it's a summer program.
• But as it is now, it's a summer program.
• However, it will be a two-day program instead of a six-day program.

Summary: The Louisiana Commission on Civic Education met with a quorum, approved the minutes from its prior meeting, and unanimously approved the 2026–27 membership slate for the Legislative Youth Advisory Council after hearing that more than 300 students applied. The commission also approved LIAC’s budget and mileage reimbursement guidelines, which were updated to reflect the IRS rate increase. Members thanked the Legislature for continuing to fund LIAC after earlier years of sponsor-based support. The meeting featured several civic education presentations tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary. Brandon Burris of the Lieutenant Governor’s office described state parks, museums, library backpack programs, Keep Louisiana Beautiful, and Homework Louisiana as civic and educational resources. Liam Julian of the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute discussed national trends in civics education, teacher discomfort with controversial topics, and the institute’s teacher training, student camps, debate programs, and civics app. Louisiana Public Broadcasting’s Katie Stark and Nancy Torren presented America 250-related materials, including a PBS Kids feature on a Louisiana child and a PBS Learning Media series on Bernardo de Gálvez and Spanish Louisiana, along with teacher training events. LIAC members John Parker and Brandon Routon reported on their work over the year, including school safety efforts, digital service-hour tracking, AP self-study access, minor work permits, AI-generated harassment of minors, and school advisory councils. The Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education reported on Law Day and Constitution Day programming reaching thousands of students, its summer institute, student and teacher awards, and a proclamation marking the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Barry Irwin also reported that legislation to clean up the commission’s membership and quorum provisions had passed the House and been heard in Senate Education. The commission adjourned after thanking staff for managing the meeting during severe weather.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first one transferred the Children's Medical Services program from the Department of Health to the
• This is a brief overview of what the Children's Medical Services program is.
• Florida, comprised of a number of programs.
• We are moving forward with our mental health programs as well.
• The caregiver participates in the program. The family caregiver.

Summary: The Health Facilities Subcommittee met to receive implementation updates from the Agency for Health Care Administration on three bills passed in prior sessions. First, Deputy Secretary Brian Meyer reported on the transfer of the Children’s Medical Services managed care plan from the Department of Health to AHCA under HB 1085. He said the move was administrative only, with no change to enrollment, providers, services, or clinical eligibility functions, and that it was intended to create efficiencies by aligning procurement and shifting staff resources between agencies. Members then questioned AHCA about reports of reductions in private duty nursing and therapy services for medically fragile children, including concerns about appeals, provider credentialing, and whether families were losing services or being transitioned appropriately. AHCA said it was reviewing denials, monitoring the plan, and using contractual remedies while focusing on maintaining access for members. The committee also reviewed implementation of a bill creating permanent Medicaid eligibility for individuals with permanent disabilities. AHCA staff explained that the agency had submitted a federal 1115 waiver request after public comment and stakeholder meetings, but CMS had indicated it did not anticipate approving the requested authority. Members pressed AHCA on why the waiver was submitted later than the bill’s directive date and on whether the delay was avoidable. AHCA said the waiver was complex and required review, drafting, and public input, and noted that DCF already has a specialized unit to help with redeterminations while the agencies work on operational changes. The committee discussed the practical impact on families who struggle with annual eligibility renewals and the need for clearer communication and faster follow-up from the agency. Finally, AHCA presented on the home health aide program for medically fragile children and related Medicaid eligibility changes. The agency described the 2023 law that created a family caregiver provider type and the 2025 changes that increased the hourly rate, expanded hours, reduced training requirements, and removed caregiver earnings from Medicaid eligibility calculations, subject to federal approval. AHCA said it had completed state public comment, submitted the waiver amendment to CMS, and was awaiting federal action. Members raised concerns that some families may have enrolled or begun work before the eligibility fix was in place and may have lost benefits, especially in Broward County. AHCA said it would work with affected families and plans, review outreach through DCF and the health plans, and continue rulemaking, system updates, and provider training. The meeting ended with the chair noting that the committee had received the updates and adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I think we kept the programs.
• And we establish an Agra Works program.
• ><c> though</c> the bill in the programs even though the bill in the programs even though they<00:01:
• programs.
• </c> would like to be a part of the program. would like to be a part of the program.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up the conference committee report on House File 2446, the agriculture budget bill for the Department of Agriculture. Representative Anderson explained that the conference agreement kept the core House and Senate priorities while accepting some Senate policy provisions and fee increases, including grain license fees and food handling fees. He said the overall target was reduced, but major programs were preserved, including funding for the Board of Animal Health, egg emergency and inspection programs, elk and wolf compensation, milk processing capacity, farm safety and innovation, a new bioefficiency program to reduce fertilizer use in limited areas, and increased meat inspection funding. Representative Hansen and several other members urged adoption, describing the bill as a bipartisan “hybrid” that reflects changing agriculture and includes both traditional farm support and newer priorities. Supporters highlighted food assistance and worker protections, including funding to offset federal cuts to local food purchasing and milk distribution programs, farm-to-school and early care programs, avian flu testing, urban agriculture, and a study to expand Olmsted County’s soil health and nitrate reduction work. Some members noted concerns about fees, while others emphasized support for all types of agriculture, cottage food bakers, and the role of farm workers. After debate, the House adopted the conference committee report and advanced the bill. Following further discussion, the bill was repassed as amended by conference on a roll call vote of 130 ayes and 4 nays, and its title was agreed to.

Transcript Highlights:

• They take programs. Um we I believe and we believe programs.
• </c><00:10:23.600><c> to</c> state dollars back into programs to state dollars back into programs to
• This program needs assistance program.
• </c> compromise on program integrity. compromise on program integrity.
• and Assistance Program, HECAT, and the Greater Minnesota Workforce Housing Development Program.

Bills: HF1141

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Keywords: housing, finance, affordable housing, infrastructure bonds, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, supportive housing, homeless prevention, elderly assistance, community development, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Not touch the foundation program as currently configured.
• You would have your funding program—the dark part is the foundation program—and then you can see on top
• Would it be part of the Foundation program, just like now? Would it stay with...
• I noticed that as we move toward the hybrid program, some of the... ...the hybrid program, some of the
• It's not gobbled up in the Foundation program where you can't see it very well.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So there is No expected reduction in the Head Start program.
• The Just Right Reader is a new program Follow up, thank you, Mr. Chair.
• chosen for that program?
• a This would be a program that is anticipated to be a three-year, yeah, it's a one-year pilot program
• for the program.

Bills: SB1177

Committee: Senate Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget

Keywords: education funding, mental health services, public safety, housing, state budget, 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We did start a pilot program in Jackson County, Missouri, and what the program does, and one thing that
• We did start a pilot program in Jackson County, Missouri, and what the program does, and one thing that
• The pilot program costs nothing. The resources are already there. The pilot program costs nothing.
• And so the program is free. The cost is just a cost-saving program. Representative Kelly.
• And so the program is free. The cost is just a cost-saving program. Representative Kelly.

Committee: House Health and Mental Health

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, is the RESHAB program.
• And again, they're also optional programs.
• , 15% of each program every year.
• And that is going to happen in these programs.
• And when we continue to have this program and continue to grow this program, we do see cuts for pediatrics

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to our Florida traditional programs.
• These programs.
• Once a candidate completes one of those Florida traditional programs, these programs result in the issuance
• , which is our professional learning certification program.
• Maybe didn't go through what that additional preparation programs or you don't have the alternative program

Transcript Highlights:

• We are now doing a fee-for-service program, not a capitated program.
• So far the program has cost less than $4 million. It is costing... program.
• ,</c> would be eligible for this program, would be eligible for this program, which<00:16:01.680><c>
• </c><00:16:14.520><c> The</c> program, not a capitated program.
• The program, not a capitated program.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House and Senate DFL lawmakers, joined by Unidos Minnesota and other allies, held a press event responding to a budget deal they said would end MinnesotaCare coverage for roughly 20,000 undocumented adults at the end of the year while preserving coverage for children. Speakers, including Rep. Cedrick Frazier, Sen. Sandy Leafman, and Emilia Gonzalez Davalos, argued the agreement was cruel, would harm vulnerable families and essential workers, and was being justified under a false claim of fiscal responsibility. They said the affected people are Minnesota residents who work, pay taxes, and contribute to the state, and they rejected the idea that private insurance markets are a viable substitute. The speakers emphasized that many enrollees are receiving ongoing care such as cancer treatment, dialysis, insulin, and asthma medication, and warned that losing coverage would push people into emergency rooms and increase costs for hospitals and communities. They also said the deal set a dangerous precedent by using mixed-status families and undocumented workers as bargaining chips in negotiations. Several speakers framed the issue as part of broader attacks on immigrant communities at the federal and state levels. In response to questions, the lawmakers said they had not been given meaningful input on the agreement, that the DFL leadership had tried to make the “least harm” choice, and that the members speaking would vote no on the provision. They said their focus was on this specific health-care agreement rather than other budget bills, and they indicated the program’s cost was within projections, citing about 20,000 enrollees, roughly 17,000 adults, and spending under $4 million so far. The event ended with a call to continue fighting the deal and to pursue a Minnesota public option and broader long-term coverage solutions.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> saving program. saving program.
• We run adolescent programs. We run family support programs.
• </c> syringe service programs. syringe service programs.
• </c> treatment programs in 2025. treatment programs in 2025.
• </c> their community care program. their community care program.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• However, when the program is offered, Programs are very limited.
• program.
• program.
• They're out doing programming all day. The guards supervise those programs.
• I meant regular programming, kind of clinical programming. They did offer that.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing before the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security focused on several correction-related bills, including visitation reform, elder and medical parole, incarcerated persons’ human rights, and creation of an independent correctional oversight office. Vice Chair Christopher Worrell chaired the hearing in place of Chair Dan Cahill for much of the session and explained that the committee would first hear from incarcerated individuals remotely, then move to public testimony. The committee repeatedly enforced three-minute limits and accepted written testimony as well. Much of the testimony from incarcerated people emphasized that visitation is central to rehabilitation, family stability, and reentry, and that current DOC policies—visitor caps, pre-approval requirements, scheduling rules, dress-code enforcement, and restrictions on contact—have reduced family contact and caused harm. Several speakers argued that elderly and medically frail prisoners should be released through parole because incarceration is costly, ineffective, and inhumane for people who pose little public-safety risk. Others described poor prison conditions, limited programming, inadequate healthcare, segregation-like housing, and the impact of K2 use, suicides, and self-harm. Supporters of the oversight bill said an independent office is needed to address racial disparities, grievance failures, and lack of accountability within the DOC. A number of speakers tied their support to personal experiences, including alleged racial discrimination, denial of programs, and barriers to family visits. Some testified that rehabilitative programming, education, and restorative justice reduce violence and improve outcomes, while others said the DOC spends too little on programming and too much on punishment. Committee members asked a few follow-up questions, including about K2 contraband and how to reduce drugs in facilities, and one member asked about typical visitation lengths. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony on the bills and several witnesses urged favorable reports.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 2182 will restructure the industrial energy efficiency program in the following ways: shift program
• These programs work.
• We're actually the ones that run the programs, operate the programs to try to help incentive programs
• to a voucher program.
• These program deficiencies require several statutory fixes to ensure the program meets environmental

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:49.400><c> we</c> program we program we have<00:02:51.640><c> Department</c><00:02:52.080><c>
• He noted that the first program increased and said the program added 73 health care providers and 55
• So the program is not working, and by the way, I think your idea of going to a full buy-in program is
• So the program is not working, and by the way, I think your idea of going to a full buy-in program is
• </c> buyin program buyin program so<00:53:27.319><c> how</c><00:53:27.920><c> how</c><00:53:28.400><c

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Health, Human Services, and Labor and Technology committee heard testimony on SB 447, a Department of Health pilot program related to recruitment, and SB 1043, a tax measure. On SB 447, the Department of Health said the pilot had streamlined hiring by delaying minimum-qualification review until later in the process, while the Department of Human Resources Development objected that parts of the bill could conflict with civil service rules, due process rights, and equal pay requirements. Several labor and employee groups testified, with some supporting the pilot as a way to address vacancies and others warning about merit-system concerns. The committee later voted to pass SB 447 as is. On SB 1043, testimony was mixed but largely focused on the bill’s tax changes, especially the proposed increase to the general excise tax and exemptions or credits for lower-income households. Supporters, including labor groups and housing/worker advocates, argued the bill would reduce burdens on working families, help with food insecurity, and keep residents in Hawaiʻi. Opponents, including the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi and some community witnesses, said the general excise tax is regressive and would raise costs across the state. The committee voted to advance SB 1043 with substantial amendments, deleting most of the bill except section two and setting a far-future effective date, while noting the fiscal impact had not been provided. The committee also deferred SB 633 and later deferred SB 1633 for further decision-making, scheduling continued consideration for February 12, 2025, in Room 225. The hearing included standard instructions on one-minute testimony, written testimony, and Zoom procedures, and the committee adjourned after taking the above actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are now doing a fee-for-service program, not a capitated program.
• </c> that after an MCO capitated program. that after an MCO capitated program.
• </c> the program at 27 to 28,000 people. the program at 27 to 28,000 people.
• The capitated a capitated program.
• </c> you know, kids on the program for all. you know, kids on the program for all.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• participants and to program staff.
• </c> program participants and to program program participants and to program staff.<00:40:31.920><c>
• </c> participants or program staff or both. participants or program staff or both.
• </c><00:42:39.119><c> staff</c> HRS and is limited to program staff HRS and is limited to program staff
• Defense is one of the few programs where Defense is one of the few programs where the<00:56:56.640><c

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And Chair care pool payment program.
• </c><00:24:55.440><c> for</c> assessment and monitoring program for assessment and monitoring program
• </c> program. And now I'll move to Miss Mock. program. And now I'll move to Miss Mock.
• </c> uncompensated care pool payment program uncompensated care pool payment program at<00:30:55.679>
• </c> when because they're on our program. when because they're on our program.

Bills: HF2435

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Keywords: healthcare, dementia services, public health funding, opioid prevention, women's health, community health boards, mental health, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• A number of programs in the education world are forecast programs, or entitlement programs, and they
• </c><00:30:15.600><c> and</c> programs um or entitlement programs and programs um or entitlement programs
• program.
• </c> programs and those entitlement programs programs and those entitlement programs are<00:35:04.760
• </c><01:27:26.000><c> or</c><01:27:26.199><c> the</c> programs or they reflect programs or the programs

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And we just want to note that out of our clients' programs, 90% of apprentices trained through our programs
• I just think this was a great program.
• I just think this was a great program.
• So when the fund was created in 2021, there were programs proposed that were affordability programs to
• But the programs that are authorized under... ...is where we would like to go, but the programs that

Bills: SB241 , SB145 , HB2

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: child care, child care assistance, child care subsidy, early childhood education, early childhood care, daycare, preschool, pre-K, Head Start, Early Head Start, Children's Code, early childhood education and care department, ECECD, child care facilities, licensed child care, registered child care, copayments, waitlist, subsidy, federal poverty level