Video & Transcript : 'provider credentialing' :
Page 385 of 500
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- met, including notifying residents within 500 feet, conducting a maximum of one community meeting, providing
- met, including notifying residents within 500 feet, conducting a maximum of one community meeting, providing
- It also specifies that the inability of a local government to provide adequate alternative shelter space
- However, that means we miss opportunities to provide complementary services near each other, such as
- But I think, again, the underlying substitute... ...can actually become quite costly for the providers
Committee:
House Housing
NV
Transcript Highlights:
- And today I am proudly presenting the Teaching Beyond Testing Act, which provides for a pilot program
- The Teaching Beyond Testing Act provides for a pilot program to assess the competency of applicants for
- This is achieved by reducing the high-stakes nature of testing and providing a sustained mentorship model
- I think that's a better question for that. ...provide backup right now.
- Thank you, Chair, to testify, excuse me, to provide public comment.
Committee:
Senate Education
Keywords:
military, veterans, education, teaching, Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, licensure, certification, public schools, charter schools, school social worker, school counselor, school psychologist, internship, practicum, student support services, mental health, harassment, bullying, power-based violence, school safety
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Appropriations - Human Resources Division Apr 2nd, 2025 at 02:00 pm
Appropriations - Human Resources Division
Transcript Highlights:
- Provider inflation increase two and two. Mr. Chairman. Senator Cleary.
- Psychiatric diagnosis and to provide on-call service when there is trouble.
- And I did provide an email earlier... I contracted most of that.
- And so the majority of that funding is contracts with providers to stand up.
- There's like eight core services... ...with providers to stand up.
Summary:
The HR division continued work on the behavioral health budget, with members revisiting several funding items and generally agreeing to hold provider inflation increases until the full division picture is clearer. They tentatively supported additional funding for Community Connect and Free Through Recovery, as well as increases for the drug court program and peer support, while clarifying that some items were already in the House version and others were one-time or grant-related expenditures.
The committee spent considerable time on a proposed $2 million behavioral health services program for nursing homes and basic care facilities. Senator Mathern brought revised language to describe a capitated payment model for training, consultation, and direct patient care for residents with medically based behavioral disorders and disruptive behaviors. Some members remained skeptical and wanted to see the amendment before deciding, but the discussion centered on whether the funding would help nursing homes accept patients who otherwise end up in state hospitals or acute care settings.
Members also discussed several one-time funding items, including electronic health record and legacy system upgrades, network redundancy for the state hospital, partial hospitalization/intensive day treatment expansion, and a bathroom remodel at the Southeast Human Service Center. The committee restored the bathroom project to the original $972,000 estimate after concerns that the House reduction would not cover the needed ADA and plumbing work. They also debated a $12.96 million behavioral health facility grant for Altru in Grand Forks, with some members opposing it and others supporting it as a regional service expansion, but ultimately set it aside for later consideration.
The meeting ended with staff flagging other sections of the bill, including the opioid settlement advisory language, the state hospital steering committee, behavioral health education grants, and the system of care grant. The chair announced that medical services would be taken up the next day, and members agreed to adjourn after planning to revisit unresolved behavioral health items and vote on the held bill later.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/18/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- the deal, I will be providing in future date.
- If the companies are using scuba diving equipment and provided she the deal, I will be providing in future
- The providers are supportive of this, which they have been.
- Permit but provide that safety checkpoint and accountability.
- I provided to the committee kind of a background briefing document, please.
Keywords:
commercial diving, scuba diving safety, aquatic plant management, workplace safety, environmental regulations, HF78, Minnesota veterans, veteran retreats, Camp Bliss, Walker, Independent Lifestyles Inc., Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans affairs grant, general fund appropriation, family members, spouse, domestic partner, children, therapy, transportation
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Jun 30th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- and Veterans Affairs Committee to order, and before we begin, I want to make a quick statement on providing
- SB 1201 provides a thoughtful and targeted solution.
- CVSOs help bridge that gap, providing culturally competent, accredited assistance that connects veterans
- For every meal that we provide, CalFresh provides nine.
- Our goal with this bill is to provide a secure access route, one that the Secretary of State can work
Summary:
The Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee met and considered several measures, with most of the discussion focused on veterans’ access to food assistance, overseas voting, and veteran mental health research. SB 1201, the “No Hungry Heroes Act,” would seek federal waivers to protect certain veterans from CalFresh time limits and require referrals to county veteran service officers; supporters said federal SNAP cuts are leaving vulnerable veterans at risk of hunger, while no opposition testified. Members spoke strongly in favor, emphasizing the need to support service members and their families.
SB 970 addressed ballot access for military and overseas voters after the federal DOD fax service was discontinued. The bill would direct the Secretary of State to develop regulations for a secure ballot return method. County election officials and veterans groups supported the measure, while the Secretary of State’s office and Verified Voting raised concerns about cybersecurity and urged a more deliberate process, including a possible task force. After discussion, the committee voted to pass SB 970 and send it to Appropriations.
SB 1224 proposed a California Emerging Therapies Research Partnership to help the state compete for federal research funding for alternative therapies, including treatments relevant to PTSD, depression, and substance use among veterans. Veterans advocates described the bill as a way to expand options for those not helped by traditional treatment, and the author noted amendments to address conflicts of interest and administrative issues. The committee approved the bill and referred it to Appropriations.
The committee also approved the consent calendar, including HR 120, SB 892, SB 1188, SJR 14, and SJR 17, and later voted SB 1201 and SB 970 out of committee as well. Overall, the meeting reflected broad bipartisan support for veteran-focused measures, with the main policy debate centered on how to balance access and security in overseas voting.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Feb 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The amendment provides that consumer electronics are not appliances for the purpose of the study.
- Senate Bill 5932 relates to providing certainty for low-to-zero-carbon alternative jet fuel production
- Senate Bill 5932 relates to providing certainty for low-to-zero-carbon alternative jet fuel production
- Finally, the department may require manufacturers to provide data on lead levels in products.
- Finally, the department may require manufacturers to provide data on lead levels in products.
Summary:
The Senate Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee took executive action on 11 bills. It advanced SB 624 on an Appliance Affordability Index study with an amendment excluding consumer electronics, and SB 6284 on artificial intelligence systems with a proposed substitute adding definitions, developer requirements, exemptions for some entities, and clarifying enforcement. The committee also moved forward SB 5609 on cultural resource protection under SEPA after rejecting an amendment to the proposed substitute, and SB 6172 on coal plant treatment under cap-and-invest after adopting an amendment related to emergency federal orders.
Several energy and climate bills were also approved, including SB 6246 on emissions-intensive trade-exposed facilities, SB 5932 on alternative jet fuel production, SB 6269 on the definition of motor fuel, and SB 6223 on community-scaled weatherization projects. On SB 5975 concerning lead in cookware, the committee rejected one proposed substitute and adopted another that bans intentionally added lead in cookware beginning in 2027 and directs future regulation through the Safer Products program.
The committee then considered SB 5466 on electric transmission reliability and capacity, taking up multiple amendments to a proposed second substitute. Amendments addressing wildfire risk, corridor identification, landowner consultation, eminent domain, and wildfire liability were all rejected, and the bill was advanced on a due pass recommendation. In each case, the committee’s final action was to pass the bills or substitutes subject to signatures, with several measures referred onward to Ways and Means or Rules as noted.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The records of most health care providers are subject to HIPAA.
- Part 2 places greater restrictions on covered records than those provided by HIPAA.
- Some providers are subject to both HIPAA and Part 2.
- To the extent that a provider is covered by both HIPAA and Part 2, the law provides the greater privacy
- Miami-Dade provides the laboratory services for that entire area.
Committee:
Senate Criminal Justice
Summary:
The committee convened with a quorum present and heard a presentation from FDLE Deputy Commissioner Vaden Pollard on homicide investigations, blood evidence, toxicology, medical records, and mental health records. Pollard explained that autopsy toxicology and medical examiner records are often critical in death investigations, but access to hospital blood tests, medical records, Baker Act records, and substance abuse treatment records is restricted by Florida law, HIPAA, and 42 CFR Part 2, usually requiring subpoenas, court orders, or consent. He also noted that autopsy reports are generally public, while photographs are confidential, and that medical examiners can access relevant prior medical history of decedents.
Members questioned Pollard about what toxicology panels include, whether medications can be tested for, and whether medical examiner reviews can help determine if a deceased person had stopped taking prescribed psychiatric medication. Pollard said toxicology can include alcohol, drugs, and specific medications when relevant, but routine access to living suspects’ medical information is limited. He also discussed FDLE’s behavioral threat assessment work and said investigators may follow leads involving mental health treatment or facility releases when relevant to a case, though he could not speak to regulatory follow-up. The committee also discussed risk protection orders, with Pollard saying FDLE has used them effectively and that they can help prevent violence and connect individuals to services.
The discussion then shifted to FDLE laboratory turnaround times and public safety impacts. Pollard said the average DNA turnaround time was 208 days for some cases, while sex assault kits are prioritized and generally remain under 90 days, with rush cases sometimes completed within 24 hours. He said backlog is tied to staffing and analyst capacity, and that faster processing is especially important in unsolved violent and sexual assault cases because delays can leave offenders on the street. The committee also noted that increased toxicology demands would affect toxicology staffing and workload, though not DNA processing. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- If there's anyone that would like to provide testimony or register a position on a bill from today's
- Members, our insurance code Chairman Schwertner: Currently provides certain provisions in a construction
- The code also provides exceptions for provisions in construction contracts related to, first, residential
- This bill provides a straightforward solution by requiring governmental bodies to clearly communicate
- And they are not required to provide publicly any of the materials.
Bills:
HB 431 , HB 1522 , HB 1922 , HB 2467 , HB 2468 , HB 3228 , HB 3229 , HB 3306 , HB 3803 , HB 3804 , HB 3805 , HB 3806 , HB 4219 , HB 4238 , HB 4344 , HB 4386 , HB 4739
Committee:
Senate Business & Commerce
Keywords:
HB 431, Texas Property Code, Property Code Chapter 202, solar roof tiles, solar shingles, solar energy device, homeowners association, HOA, property owners' association, POA, renewable energy, residential solar, distributed solar, roof-mounted solar, homeowner rights, architectural control, open meetings, public notice, transparency, government efficiency
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on County & Regional Government May 5th, 2025
S/C on County & Regional Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Providing sheriff's offices with meeting and confer options foster better communication, transparency
- HB 3906 enables counties to establish a nighttime noise ordinance for unincorporated areas and provide
- Currently, Texas law provides two distinct structures for county procurement.
- It simply provides counties with flexibility to choose the governance structure best suited to their
- Uh, constables provide a vital law enforcement administrative role for our county.
Committee:
House S/C on County & Regional Government
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Apr 10th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education
Transcript Highlights:
- School officials must work directly with local emergency service providers to integrate this plan and
- The bill also protects those providing According to the manufacturer's recommendations.
- The bill also protects those providing life-saving measures under the Good Samaritan and cardiac arrest
- Instead of a task force, this amendment also provides for some specific steps and milestones.
- But the answer to your question is no, this bill doesn't provide any money for it. Thank you, Mr.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met and considered a wide range of education-related bills, with most measures receiving favorable reports. Early in the meeting, the committee approved CS/SB 754 on International Baccalaureate bonus funding, CS/SB 1122 on Florida Virtual School updates, and CS/SB 430 requiring public schools to adopt cardiac emergency response plans, train students and staff in CPR/AED use, and maintain accessible AEDs. Testimony on the cardiac bill came from the American Heart Association and the Florida chapter of the American College of Cardiology in support, and the chair noted a survey suggesting many districts already have AEDs in schools. The committee also approved CS/SB 1528 on educational opportunities for military children, which expands coordination and training under the interstate compact, and CS/SB 364, which would move the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys from the Department of Legal Affairs to Florida Memorial University for research and administrative support.
The committee then adopted amendments and favorably reported CS/SB 1590 on educator preparation, which modernizes teacher standards and certification pathways, including updates to FEAPs, a revised teacher exam, and an alternative certification program. The SPLC testified in opposition to part of the bill, arguing that language on historical instruction and systemic racism was contradictory and could limit accurate teaching of history. The committee also approved CS/SB 1702 on education, incorporating a wireless-device-in-schools pilot and other education provisions, with support from the Florida Charter School Alliance and others. CS/SB 444 on human trafficking awareness was amended to require no-cost training for school employees and charter schools; FSU law students testified in support, emphasizing the need for school personnel to recognize trafficking indicators. The committee also approved CS/SB 650 on hazardous walking conditions, expanding transportation eligibility for students walking near limited-access facilities, though members noted the bill carried an indeterminate fiscal impact and no dedicated funding.
Later, the committee favorably reported CS/SB 1102 on school readiness, which expands how disabilities can be identified for early learning services and ties additional funding to training on early identification of delays. It also approved SB 1382 on access to school readiness programs for economically disadvantaged households, revising eligibility and priority tiers to use state median income rather than federal poverty level and refining the waitlist and forecasting process. Several members recorded votes on bills they had missed during the meeting, and the committee adjourned after reporting all of the above measures favorably.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Mar 31st, 2025
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Providing an administrative penalty. Representative Bumgarner offers a committee substitute.
- Uh, it's my pleasure and honor to offer, offer up House Bill 3126, which provides a critical pathway
- They were sold a bill of goods by some of these providers.
- They thought they could collaborate together and a provider would come in and.
- We provide investigative assistance to all of these agencies providing criminal intelligence to law enforcement
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- So what this bill does is it reiterates what we originally decided to do, and then it also provided some
- I think it will provide clarification on what the intent of the legislature was.
- They had to provide new services.
- They're trying to provide services, and we're trying to provide a way for them to do it.
- We're trying to provide a way for them to do it.
Committee:
Senate Local Government and Taxation
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Feb 18th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- So if somebody charges me $50,000 for an engineering project and for providing engineering services,
- The Department of Management Services must provide the governor-elect, the transition staff, and the
- The Department of Management Services is required to provide the governor-elect and designated members
- It requires each state agency to provide temporary office space within the agency headquarters for use
- The Department of Management Services must provide the governor-elect, the transition staff, and the
Keywords:
payment stablecoin, financial regulation, anti-money laundering, state oversight, digital currency, financial services, Florida lottery, state lottery, lottery tickets, lottery retailer, Department of the Lottery, Division of Security, ball machine, lottery vending machine, instant tickets, online lottery tickets, major procurement, vendor disclosure, performance bond, retailer bond
Summary:
The committee heard and advanced several bills related to engineering regulation, cybersecurity, financial services, and state administration. CS/SB 800 would increase penalties for repeated unlicensed engineering practice and create an engineering student loan assistance program funded by licensure fees and fines; it was reported favorably after questions about whether it would reimburse victims of unlicensed practitioners, with the sponsor noting it would not and that affected individuals would need to pursue complaints and private legal action. CS/SB 576 created a local government cybersecurity protection program administered by Florida Digital Service, with state purchasing of cybersecurity services and priority for fiscally constrained counties; it received support from local government and industry groups and was reported favorably. CS/SB 1078 set transition requirements for gubernatorial administrations, including liaisons, briefing books, office space, IT access, and controlled access to agency records under a memorandum of understanding, and it also passed favorably.
The committee also approved CS/SB 314, which creates a regulatory framework for payment stablecoin issuers in Florida, and CS/SB 530, which updates lottery operations, security, retailer rules, and bonding requirements. CS/SB 1614, after adoption of a technical substitute amendment, would limit local governments’ eligibility for certain state funding if they have excess funds, have recently been audited by the legislative audit committee, or fail to affirm expenditure of prior funds; the sponsor said it would give the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee more enforcement leverage, and the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 990 authorizes protective cell captive insurance companies to expand insurance market capacity and potentially lower premiums, while CS/SB 1588 is a step toward implementing last session’s gold and silver legal tender law; both were reported favorably.
Additional bills passed included CS/SB 1440, which adds cybersecurity-related exemptions and reporting provisions for financial institutions, loan originators, and money service businesses, and CS/SB 1568, which creates a Florida Stable Coin Pilot Program allowing DFS fees to be paid with approved stablecoins. The stablecoin bill was amended to add guardrails, including fee limits, website notice requirements, and restrictions if no approved issuers are available. The committee also received a brief budget overview highlighting major funding items such as Florida Forever, Everglades restoration, water quality, Farmers Feeding Florida, citrus recovery, school lunches, state parks, and law enforcement and staffing items, and members later recorded additional votes before the committee adjourned.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- for criminal trespass of a church and to provide a penalty.
- It provides clarity in certain... but they've been very well received.
- It provides clarity in certain. ...and conservatorship process.
- It provides clarity in certain areas of our guardianship and conservatorship laws where questions have
- This bill provides some clarification to Idaho Code 67-14-1-11, which concerns the legal authority of
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Jan 30th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Commerce is also signed in other today to provide technical context and clarify the likely impacts of
- And another example is the Clean Fuels Program, which is a state effort to provide incentives for using
- We are signed in as other today to provide technical context given this bill contains fiscal impacts
- It also requires EFSEC to provide a summary of consultation to the relevant... Site certification.
- It provides a definition for 'knows.'
Summary:
The Senate Environment, Energy and Technology Committee first held a public hearing on SB 6269, which updates the Motor Fuel Quality Act to broaden the definition of motor fuel to include gaseous fuels and electricity and remove the separate alternative fuel definition. Staff and the Department of Agriculture said the change would let WSDA inspect and test hydrogen and other newer fuels; Commerce and Douglas County PUD supported the bill as needed for hydrogen fueling infrastructure. The bill drew no opposition testimony, and the hearing closed with the chair noting broad support.
The committee then heard SB 6223, which would authorize community-scale weatherization projects under the low-income weatherization program. Supporters from community action, Spark Northwest, Commerce, and Washington Conservation Action said the bill would let the state weatherize multiple homes at once, improve health and safety, reduce energy burdens, and help meet climate and grid goals more quickly. Staff said the bill has a fiscal note for rulemaking and administration. The hearing ended with strong support and no opposition testimony.
In executive session, the committee adopted proposed substitutes and passed SB 5982, SB 6050, SB 5965, SB 6010, SB 5984, SB 6076, and SB 5652 to the Rules Committee or Ways and Means, depending on the bill. Amendments were adopted on SB 5965 to adjust carryout bag provisions, while amendments on SB 6010 were not adopted. SB 5982 would update CETA-related utility definitions and reporting, SB 6050 addresses distributed energy resources and utility rules, SB 5965 revises carryout bag requirements, SB 6010 concerns EFSEC tribal consultation, SB 5984 regulates AI companion chatbots, SB 6076 streamlines procurement for certain clean energy projects, and SB 5652 concerns environmental and health mitigation in large port districts. The committee also noted it would not take action that day on SB 5975 and SB 5466.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Wed Feb 25, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> >> I can provide that.
- I can provide an >> I can provide that.
- So, please provide us with the report, but also provide us with your timeline for implementation, um,
- So, please provide us with the report, but also provide us with your timeline for implementation, um,
- Um, so our provide access to that.
Committee:
House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard testimony on two immigration-enforcement bills: HB 1886 HD1 and HB 2540 HD1. HB 1886 would limit state and federal collaboration in immigration enforcement, require visible identification and restrictions on facial coverings for law enforcement officers, and create offenses for improper masking, lack of identification, and unauthorized civil immigration interrogation, arrest, or detention. HB 2540 would also limit state and federal collaboration, require law enforcement agencies to adopt and publicly post written civil immigration enforcement policies, prohibit stops or arrests based solely on immigration status, and restrict state and county participation in civil immigration enforcement in certain places.
Most testimony supported both measures. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Office of the Public Defender, the ACLU of Hawaii, the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, the Legal Clinic, and several private individuals said the bills would increase transparency, accountability, and community trust, and would help protect constitutional rights and reduce fear among immigrants and other community members. Several testifiers emphasized Hawaii’s history and the need to keep local law enforcement separate from federal immigration enforcement, while others said the bills would help people feel safer going to court, school, work, or public protests. A retired police officer also supported visible identification and uniform standards for officers, including federal agents operating in Hawaii.
A few testifiers opposed the use of masked or unidentified officers and argued that local police should not be diverted from ordinary public safety duties to immigration enforcement. One ACLU witness noted that the federal government has increasingly used local and state agencies to expand immigration enforcement, and said the task-force provisions in the bills are important to prevent blurred lines between agencies. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion of the meeting provided, but it recorded very large numbers of supportive testimonies for both bills, with only a small number in opposition.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- So to provide some clarity, Thank you. That's a great question.
- And I’m sure we can follow up and provide more detail for you as we go forward.
- “I’m sure we can follow up and provide more detail for you as we go forward.
- All we need to do now is do fixes, enhancements, provide help to support.
- The suite of decision support tools that we provide... Thank you for raising it.
Committee:
All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE
Summary:
The committee reviewed three DHS out-of-state service contracts: a $690,000-plus sole-source contract for DCFS with Evident Change for maintenance and operation of the Child Welfare Structured Decision-Making practice hub; a $1.2 million sole-source contract for County Operations with Sifter Solutions to support a SNAP waiver compliance solution; and a $156,000 contract for Developmental Disabilities with Samaritan Integrative Services for psychiatric services at the Southeast Arkansas Human Development Center. The chair and staff explained the contracts and noted that the Evident Change and Sifter contracts were sole-source due to the proprietary nature of the systems or services involved.
Most of the discussion focused on the Evident Change contract. Members questioned DCFS about long-term dependence on the vendor, the lack of a competitive bid, the absence of a clear off-ramp, and whether the state was paying more overall as the work was split into multiple contracts. DCFS said the contract before the committee was only for maintenance and operations of a web-based platform used daily for safety assessments and case planning, while a separate Evident Change contract covers case reviews, CQI work, and data management. The vendor said it was continuing to reduce its role and had begun off-ramp discussions, but members remained concerned that the state was too reliant on the vendor. Staff said the contract had to be approved by May 31 or the system could be turned off.
The committee also discussed the Sifter Solutions contract, which supports Arkansas’s SNAP waiver pilot by providing a dynamic list of excluded products and a consumer app that scans barcodes and provides nutrition information. DHS said the waiver is intended to improve the nutritional value of SNAP benefits, that the contract is funded with remaining federal SNAP Nutrition Education dollars that would otherwise be returned, and that the University of Pennsylvania will conduct the evaluation at no cost. Members asked about the benefit to Arkansas, whether the app would include nutrition and budgeting information, and whether the state would own the application or need future renewals. DHS said the two-year term was intentionally aligned with the waiver period and that future procurement options could change. After discussion, the committee noted the items as reviewed and adjourned without objections or votes recorded in the transcript.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- They have to go and sign up with a business provider or agency.
- This committee provided $25 million to go towards Medicaid.
- This committee provided $25 million to go towards Medicaid.
- is when it was first provided across the state.
- providing that service directly.
Summary:
The committee met briefly to clarify priorities for available funding, with the chair noting that JFAC had already removed funding for one SRO-related item and that the committee would need to decide how to proceed. Senator Kevin Cook was invited to outline several potential behavioral health and Medicaid-related uses of funds, emphasizing that he was not lobbying but providing information on costs and impacts.
Much of the discussion focused on three behavioral health services that had been cut: Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), Adult Peer Support Services, and Healthy Connections. Senator Cook and Department of Health and Welfare Medicaid administrator Sasha O’Connell described ACT as an evidence-based team service for people with severe mental illness, noting it had been cut under the governor’s holdback and that restoring it would cost about $1.3 million for the remainder of FY 2026 and $4.1 million in FY 2027. Peer support was described as a trained recovery-based service, with estimated costs of $2 million for FY 2026 and $6 million for FY 2027. Healthy Connections, which had ended due to statute rather than department action, was estimated at $1.5 million to finish FY 2026 and $6.3 million for FY 2027.
O’Connell explained that the cuts were driven by budget holdbacks and limited options under state and federal law, and that ACT had been moved into the Magellan Medicaid contract to leverage federal matching funds. Members asked about the Medicaid match, the number of people served, and why these services were not included in earlier Medicaid funding decisions. Several members and Senator Cook argued that ACT in particular reduces costs and risks by preventing hospitalizations, jail stays, and law enforcement crises, and cited letters and personal examples supporting the program. The committee did not take final action, but members expressed support for ACT and discussed whether statutory changes or another meeting would be needed before any funding decision.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government & Tribal Relations Mar 3rd, 2026 at 08:30 am
State Government & Tribal Relations
Transcript Highlights:
- But we're very proud of that legacy and also of our ongoing commitment to providing disclosure around
- But we're very proud of that legacy and also of our ongoing commitment to providing disclosure around
- We provide downloadable materials and fact sheets.
- So part of that guided user experience is also making sure that we're providing built-in help.
- An AI agent does the first review of the code and then provides feedback to the developer.
Committee:
House State Government & Tribal Relations
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government & Tribal Relations Mar 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- But we're very proud of that legacy and also of our ongoing commitment to providing disclosure around
- We provide downloadable materials and fact sheets.
- Part of that guided user experience is also making sure that we're providing built-in help.
- And clicking on those provides more detail about, well, how do I answer this question?
- An AI agent does the first review of the code and then provides feedback to the developer.
Summary:
The House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee held a work session with the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) focused on campaign and candidate disclosure, customer support, training, and technology improvements. PDC staff described the agency’s mission, its citizen-initiative origins, and efforts to make filing and public access easier through a redesigned website, virtual trainings, recorded tutorials, newsletters, and outreach to filers, auditors, parties, and local jurisdictions. They reported heavy customer-service activity in fiscal year 2025, including thousands of email and phone inquiries, and emphasized same-day assistance, proactive reminders, and hands-on help for first-time and complex filers.
The CIO outlined the agency’s technology approach, including guided filing workflows, accessibility features, mobile-friendly applications, built-in help prompts, and continuous improvement timed to filing cycles. He highlighted recent changes such as warnings when a contribution may affect reporting periods, improved mini-reporting guidance, and the transition from Secure Access Washington to login.gov/WA.gov, which the agency is working on early to avoid disrupting filers. He also noted that system changes go through controlled review and that the agency is beginning to use AI agents in code review.
Members asked about whether the PDC’s requirements discourage candidates, accessibility issues, treasurer support, donation limits for entities, and the role of AI. PDC staff said candidate numbers have grown, especially in local election years, and that the agency tries to keep filing manageable through direct assistance, discontinuation options, and mini-reporting for small campaigns. They said treasurer training is an important and growing part of their work, with more online and lunch-and-learn offerings, and that they are considering a treasurer-specific class. No votes or formal committee actions were taken; the meeting adjourned after questions due to floor action.