Transcript Highlights:

• there are procurements that have been<03:53:44.000> led<03:53:44.319> by<03:53:45.120>
• I think it will serve its purpose, but I think you're also going to see the states procuring resources
• offshore when Massachusetts I procuring offshore when Massachusetts I think<04:05:04.640> had
• So the potential for what the states could procure is pretty large.
• What they've actually procured is smaller.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have a plan and we actually have a procurement.
• It is out for bid and proposals now to procure a customer service center that will involve an out-for-bid
• To procure a customer service center that will involve an outbound verification center process so that
• So our provider that we're in the process of procuring may not be on the ground ready to go in July,

Summary: The subcommittee first recognized the Arkansas Community Colleges Leadership Institute and received a brief DHS update on the Living Choices Assisted Living Waiver reimbursement process, including that the new cost-reporting period began in January and provider/contractor calls are underway. The main presentation then focused on SNAP and TANF, with DHS describing federal changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill that tighten SNAP work requirements for adults ages 18 to 64 without certain exemptions, remove some prior exemptions, and add new federal definitions for Native American populations. DHS also reviewed SNAP Employment and Training providers, their service areas, projected budgets, participant characteristics, and outcomes, noting that the program is currently voluntary but will shift toward mandatory participation for those subject to the new rules. Members asked detailed questions about how mandatory participation will be implemented, how referrals will be made, what other training options exist, how verification of work, volunteering, disability, and exemptions will be handled, and whether DHS has enough funding and provider capacity. DHS said it will conduct verbal and written notices during eligibility interviews, make direct referrals to providers, use six-month recertifications and documentation from employers or volunteer organizations, and apply sanctions for noncompliance after determining whether a good cause exists. Members also requested additional data, including age breakdowns of at-risk SNAP recipients, provider-level outcomes and costs, and information on other training programs such as WIOA. The committee then moved to Medicaid community engagement requirements for ARHOME, which DHS said are also required by the same federal law and must be implemented by January 1, 2027. DHS said it is preparing policy, system changes, communications, and a customer-service/outbound verification vendor, and plans a soft launch beginning in July to help clients understand what would be required if the rule were already in effect. Members raised concerns about timing, local versus central decision-making, and how clients in rural areas will be notified and assisted. The meeting concluded with broader discussion of the committee’s workforce-development goals, the recently released Alliance for Opportunity audit, and interest in continuing the contract with that group to help guide future reforms.

Transcript Highlights:

• at the Department of Transportation, I'm also aware they've recently done an analysis of their procurement
• processes and how they procure new contracts and contractors for our projects, maintenance, and new
• been identifying some ways To ensure that the projects that go forward and are funded through DOT procurement
• Senator, on exactly what they're looking at and how they're going to continue to improve project procurement

Bills: SB2

Keywords: SB 2, State Highway Project Bonds, highway funding, transportation bonds, state road fund, motor vehicle fees, vehicle registration fees, electric vehicle fee, EV surcharge, plug-in hybrid fee, weight distance tax, road construction, infrastructure financing, Department of Transportation, State Transportation Commission, bonding authority, county road funds, municipal road funds, transportation improvement program, state highways

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm also aware they've recently done an analysis of their procurement processes and how they Procure
• been identifying Some ways to ensure that the projects that go forward and are funded through DOT procurement
• , Senator, on exactly what they're looking at and how they're gonna continue to improve project procurement

Bills: SB2

Keywords: SB 2, State Highway Project Bonds, highway funding, transportation bonds, state road fund, motor vehicle fees, vehicle registration fees, electric vehicle fee, EV surcharge, plug-in hybrid fee, weight distance tax, road construction, infrastructure financing, Department of Transportation, State Transportation Commission, bonding authority, county road funds, municipal road funds, transportation improvement program, state highways

Transcript Highlights:

• including review of the methods of finance, alternative delivery method, construction project, procurement
• including review of the methods of finance, alternative delivery method, construction project, procurement
• report, including a review of method of finance, alternative delivery method, construction project, procurement
• report, including a review of method of finance, alternative delivery method, construction project, procurement

Summary: The Arkansas Legislative Council meeting began with approval of the December 2025 minutes and a presentation from the Bureau of Legislative Research on the December revenue report. Dr. Carlos Silva said gross collections were about $4.02 billion, up slightly from the prior year, and net available for distribution was also above last year but down modestly from the previous month because of higher-than-expected corporate income tax refunds. Members asked about corporate tax trends, tariffs, and inflation, and Silva said it was too early to call the corporate decline a trend and that tariff effects would likely show up mainly in sales tax collections. The council then adopted several subcommittee reports, including the Executive Committee Subcommittee, Administrative Rules, Hospital/Medicaid/Developmental Disabilities, Occupational Licensing Review, PEER, Review, State Insurance Program Oversight, and Personnel. The PEER report drew the most debate because of a Department of Agriculture grant tied to Perry County and Central Arkansas Water; members discussed whether removing the Perry County portion would affect the grant’s competitiveness, and the report was ultimately adopted with the item included. The Review Subcommittee also heard questions about a BDO contract for the rural health transformation program, with DFA explaining that the contractor would manage the program while state agencies would make funding decisions consistent with the state’s application. A major portion of the meeting focused on the Education Freedom Account appropriation tied to LEARNS. Senators and representatives debated whether the program helps families or diverts money from public schools, with supporters arguing it funds students and choice and opponents arguing it is costly, vulnerable to fraud, and harms public school funding. Department of Education officials said roughly 28,000 private school students and 17,500 homeschool students were participating, that EFA students must submit standardized tests annually, and that the requested $32 million was to cover existing participants. After multiple substitute motions and extended debate, the body rejected a motion to strip out the $32 million and then adopted the report and related motions. The meeting ended after routine approvals of additional agency items and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this would create an open-ended procurement mechanism, whereas today the ability is set to expire
• Dan Failen: So this would create an open-ended procurement mechanism, whereas today the ability is set
• because of the the market procurements because of the the market signal<01:04:05.839> that<01
• , the the dates of when those procurement, the the dates of when those procurements<01:37:30.960>
• could be filed, the length procurements could be filed, the length of<01:37:33.040> of<01:37:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The House bill relative to charter school procurement, House No. 3423, and the House bill for uniform
• House No. 2813, an act relative to charter school procurement, House No. 3423, and an act for uniform

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House convened with the Pledge of Allegiance and first concurred in a Senate petition from Michael O’More seeking legislation to prohibit denials of certain health care payments, which was referred under suspension of Joint Rule 12 to the Committee on Financial Services. The Committee on Steering Policy and Scheduling then recommended several bills for House consideration, including measures on privileged communication between labor organizations and individuals, the Board of Registration of Naturopathy, the fifth member of the public employee retirement systems, charter school procurement, and uniform fiduciary access to digital assets. The House suspended Rule 7A, ordered these bills to a third reading, and later took up engrossed bills on affordable car rentals (Senate 2616) and expanding Marblehead’s Board of Health (House 3912), passing both to be enacted. The House also considered House 4401, relating to certain special revolving funds in the town of Athol, after it was released by the Committee on Bills in the Third Reading. That bill was passed to be engrossed. No debate or recorded opposition was noted on the measures considered; actions were taken by voice vote with the ayes prevailing throughout. At the close of business, the House adopted an order to adjourn until 11 a.m. the next day, and then adjourned accordingly. A Democratic caucus was announced for 11 a.m. in rooms A.1 and A.2.

Transcript Highlights:

• Procurements of clean energy help keep the RPS on track by bringing new, large-scale renewable resources
• Renew recommends supporting Governor Healey's affordability legislation looking to perform procurements
• The RPS and procurements are both essential.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy held a hearing on grid transmission and distribution, green financing, environmental justice, renewable portfolio standards, and clean energy workforce policy. Testimony on H. 352/S. 2268 focused on eliminating or scaling back the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard, with Green Energy Consumers Alliance arguing it costs ratepayers about $30 million annually and largely subsidizes fossil-fuel combined heat and power, biodiesel blending, and woody biomass. Committee members raised concerns that a full repeal could affect heat pumps and solar thermal projects that currently receive APS credits, and the witness acknowledged those technologies are the strongest part of the program but said Mass Save would be a better home for them. Renew Northeast supported H. 3497 on renewable portfolio standard review and clean energy procurements, but urged an indexed renewable energy credit model like New York’s rather than an attribute-only arrangement, arguing it would reduce financing risk and consumer costs. Vote Solar and Senator Liz Miranda testified in support of H. 3540/S. 2303 on clean energy equity, saying environmental justice communities and renters receive too few benefits from clean energy spending and need stronger tracking, tenant protections, and measurable benefit allocation. Miranda described long-standing environmental harms in Roxbury and called for data and accountability to ensure benefits reach environmental justice communities. A major portion of the hearing was devoted to H. 3475/S. 2276 on just transition and clean energy workforce standards. Labor representatives from the pile drivers, building trades, electrical contractors, SEIU, United Steelworkers, the AFL-CIO, and Climate Jobs Massachusetts Action backed the bill, emphasizing prevailing wage, project labor agreements, apprenticeship requirements, workforce transition plans, and protections for gas workers and other fossil-fuel employees as the state shifts to clean energy. They argued the bill would create family-sustaining jobs, support training, and prevent workers from being left behind during the transition. The hearing concluded after all sign-ups were heard, and the committee voted to close the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• enter into multi-year contracts with a term extending up to five years if the contract is for the procurement
• fiscal bodies shall not obligate funds beyond a period of one year except for contracts executed to procure
• fiscal bodies shall not obligate funds beyond a period of one year except for contracts executed to procure

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee met with a quorum present and first approved the minutes from the previous meeting. It then took up House Bill 5510, which was amended to incorporate provisions modernizing Alcohol Beverage Control licensing and fees and to treat low-proof spirits more like beer, including a $1.25 per gallon tax. The committee adopted the strike-and-insert amendment and reported the bill to the full Senate with a do-pass recommendation. The committee next considered a major education funding bill, Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for House Bill 5453. After counsel explained the proposed block-grant school funding structure and supplemental aid for special education, members discussed whether charter schools should be included. The committee adopted an amendment to include charter school students in the special education funding provisions, then adopted another amendment removing certain outdated staffing ratio and administrator limitations effective July 1, 2027. The amended bill was then reported to the full Senate. The committee also took up House Bill 5412, dealing with multi-year contracts for educational materials with technology licensing components and science-of-reading training for K-5 teachers. Members amended the bill to clarify contract language, extend the training timeline, change “endorsement” to “training,” and require charter school teachers to participate. The amended bill was reported to the full Senate. House Bill 4006, focused on aerospace and advanced manufacturing development, was explained as creating grant and workforce programs tied to aerospace investment and jobs. The committee adopted a strike-and-insert amendment that changed the funding mechanism and other details, then reported the amended bill to the full Senate. Committee Substitute for House Bill 4009 was also amended to shift from the portable benefits concept to a broader workforce-readiness package, including a microcredential program and expansion of the apprenticeship tax credit to all apprenticeship programs; it too was reported to the full Senate. Finally, House Bill 4004, the Recharge West Virginia Act, was explained as a reimbursement program for employers training employees who earn upskill credentials and receive wage increases. The committee adopted an amendment raising the annual employer reimbursement cap from $50,000 to $100,000, then reported the amended bill to the full Senate. The meeting ended with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• disadvantaged simply based on race or eliminate people from having this preferential treatment in procurement
• disadvantaged simply based on race or eliminate people from having this preferential treatment and procurement
• "Based on race or eliminate people from having this preferential treatment in the procurement process

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The speaker continues that going through the PUC or HEO procurement process may not be worthwhile if
• to make sure that the competitive bidding framework does work and that electricity is, you know, procured
• to make sure that the competitive bidding framework does work and that electricity is, you know, procured
• to make sure that the competitive bidding framework does work and that electricity is, you know, procured
• to make sure that the competitive bidding framework does work and that electricity is, you know, procured

Bills: SB3326, SB2911

Keywords: renewable energy, energy storage, cost reduction, public utilities commission, Hawaii energy policies, intoxicating liquor, direct shipment, breweries, distilleries, Hawaii, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard SB 3001 on artificial intelligence in a joint Commerce and Consumer Protection/Labor and Technology hearing. Testimony included support from the Department of Education and Google, comments from the Office of Consumer Protection and the Attorney General’s office, and late opposition from Agentic LLC. The Attorney General raised constitutional and vagueness concerns and suggested clarifying amendments, while Google said the bill’s risk-based approach and proposed amendments could help establish industry-wide safety standards for minors. The committees recessed and then voted to pass SB 3001 with amendments, adopting DCCA/OCP recommendations on data minimization for minors and UDAP clarity, the Attorney General’s proposed clarifications and deletions, and Google’s nonconflicting amendments; the effective date was deferred to July 1, 2050. The vote passed unanimously among members present, with some members excused. The Commerce and Consumer Protection committee then took up several previously heard measures in decision-making. SB 2045 on combat sports passed with amendments reflecting DCCA and boxing commission recommendations, including clarifying the on-site medical professional requirement, reporting duties, promoter payment, removal of the combat sports registry and ambulance requirement, and other technical changes; the effective date was deferred to July 1, 2050. SP 2347 on the residential landlord-tenant code passed with amendments striking landlord requirements so OCP could work on a multilingual tenant-rights notice, and SP 2495 on consumer protection passed with amendments requiring OCP to publish an annual report on potential code violations. SB 2777 on insurance was deferred to February 17, 2026 for further decision-making. At a later CPN decision-making agenda, SB 2471 and SB 2829, both relating to the powers of artificial persons, passed with amendments clarifying the preamble, removing language about foreign artificial persons, and making other consistency and non-substantive changes; both effective dates were moved to January 1, 2027. SP 2033 on renewable energy also passed with amendments clarifying the definition of grid-ready homes, cost-sharing provisions, applicability to interconnecting customers, and safety/certification compliance, with the effective date deferred to July 1, 2050. In each case, the committee voted to adopt the recommendations without objections from members present. The committees also heard SB 3000 on insurance, which would authorize the Attorney General to bring civil actions to recover costs and losses tied to climate-attributable harm and future climate risk, including costs incurred by state insurance-related entities. The Insurance Division and Attorney General’s office offered comments seeking clarification and warning about redundancy, implementation issues, possible representation of private insurers, and concurrent litigation concerns. Supporters, including the Center for Climate Integrity, a resident testifier, Sierra Club, and Green America, argued the bill would help shift insurance costs to fossil fuel companies responsible for climate harms and address rising premiums and nonrenewals in Hawaii. Opponents, including the American Petroleum Institute, argued the bill singled out one industry, raised constitutional concerns, and should be deferred because related climate litigation is already pending. The transcript ends with the committee continuing testimony and discussion on SB 3000 and then moving into SB 3326 on energy, where the consumer advocate and Hawaiian Electric opposed the bill’s proposed separation of generation from transmission and distribution, while the PUC stood on written testimony, Retail Merchants of Hawaii supported it, and Life of the Land raised concerns about assumptions and the need for more substance.

Transcript Highlights:

• Others are going to require procurement because we'll need technology solutions and other things.
• And we'll use the government procurement processes as we historically do for things as we go through
• Others are going to require procurement because we'll need technology solutions and other things.
• I mean, we have to go through a very specific procurement process to work with them.
• I mean, we have to go through a very specific procurement process to work with them.

Keywords: 00:00:20 - Call to Order/Roll Call 00:02:00 - Update on Rural Health Transformation Program 00:29:20 - Discussion of 26RS HB 134 00:36:35 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 134 00:37:41 - Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations 01:09:44 - Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Health Services Committee met to receive an update from Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Steven Stack on Kentucky’s Rural Health Transformation Grant. He explained that all 50 states applied and were awarded funding, and Kentucky received about $212.9 million over five years, with the first year treated as a nine-month period. He emphasized that the award is a cooperative agreement with CMS, is not Medicaid funding, cannot be used to supplant existing funds, and is limited to the five areas approved in Kentucky’s application. He also said the state must submit a revised budget before major spending begins, and that CMS could claw back money if performance metrics are not met. Secretary Stack outlined the five focus areas: maternal health, mental health, oral health, emergency medical services, and chronic disease prevention/management, especially obesity and diabetes. He described possible approaches such as expanding behavioral health crisis stabilization models like EMPath, using teledentistry and mobile services, strengthening EMS staffing and treat-in-place options, and building healthier nutrition and activity supports. He said the application was developed quickly with broad stakeholder input and that the state plans to work with universities, nonprofits, and other partners through procurement and other formal processes. He also noted the program will be overseen by the public health department, with Commissioner John Langfeld leading the effort. Committee members asked about the grant timeline, the split between formula and competitive funding, the role of certificate of need, and whether new laws or regulations would be needed. Stack said the state believes it can implement the approved projects under current law, though some broader policy issues such as certificate of need were not included because they would be risky to change within the grant timeline. Members also asked how stakeholders can submit ideas; Stack pointed them to the public website and contact email, saying additional partner information will be posted soon. The committee did not take any formal vote or action during this discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• delays are outside of their control can lead to increased bid pricing, reduced competition, and procurement
• policymakers should also consider factors such as rate adequacy, construction cost escalation, procurement
• From the standpoint of the procurement process at the beginning of this, that does matter because that's
• The 89th legislature funded the Texas Animal Health Commission's exceptional item request to procure
• Designing, procuring, and conducting a pilot test increases the development time and cost of a project

Summary: During the meeting, legislative members discussed the practice of municipalities diverting water and sewer revenues to their general funds, which impacts infrastructure maintenance and project delays. Vice Chair Sparks proposed limiting public testimony to two minutes, which was adopted without objection. The committee heard from various witnesses, including Perry Fowler from the Texas Water Infrastructure Network, who emphasized that utility revenues should primarily support water services and that transfers should be transparent and justified. He noted that many utilities face financial pressures that could hinder infrastructure projects. Larry French from the Texas Public Policy Foundation highlighted the significant financial impact of water loss and general fund transfers, estimating the annual loss at $1.5 billion. He argued that these transfers can create disincentives for municipalities to address water loss issues. Brian Butcher, Assistant City Manager of Sugar Land, defended the city's cost allocation model for general fund transfers, asserting that they are necessary for equitable service provision and operational efficiency. The committee also discussed the implications of rising construction costs and the need for better procurement processes to ensure effective use of taxpayer dollars. The second part of the meeting focused on the New World Screwworm and the state's preparedness to manage potential infestations. Dudley Hoskins from the USDA outlined the federal response efforts and the importance of collaboration with state agencies. He emphasized the need for ongoing surveillance and the production of sterile flies to combat the pest. Dr. Philip Kaufman from Texas A&M discussed the historical context of the screwworm and the challenges posed by its potential reintroduction, urging proactive management strategies among livestock producers. The committee acknowledged the need for increased resources and research to effectively address the threat of the screwworm.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Naomi Emmons, the Deputy Chief Procurement Officer with the University of Kentucky Procurement Department
• >> Naomi Emmons, University of Kentucky Procurement Office. Thank you. Thank you, thank you.
• >> Naomi<00:30:29.640> Emmons,<00:30:29.960> deputy<00:30:30.320> procurement<
• /c> >> Naomi Emmons, deputy procurement >> Naomi Emmons, deputy procurement officer,<00:30
• Procurement Office. Procurement Office. >> Thank<00:30:42.400> you.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the September 19 meeting minutes and then took up a deferred University of Kentucky personal services contract amendment for guardianship services. UK officials explained that the contract covers court-appointed guardians for patients who cannot make medical decisions and are not eligible for state guardianship, with the work funded by UK Medical Center agency dollars rather than the general fund. Members questioned the large increase in the not-to-exceed amount, the number of cases, the hourly billing structure, and whether there are safeguards to prevent unnecessary costs or reimbursement issues if a patient later has resources. UK said the increase reflects shifting work from a prior firm, anticipated new cases, a move from a monthly fee to hourly billing, and the need for a second firm because one prior attorney died and another firm has had difficulty appearing in court promptly. The committee ultimately approved the contract, while Senator Thomas said he would vote aye but urged future review of attorney fee limits and broader guardianship statutes, which he described as outdated and inconsistent. The committee then deferred three Office of Energy Policy memorandum of agreement items to the November 2025 meeting without objection. After that, it approved the remaining agenda items, including the contract lists and deferred items not separately selected for review. The final major item was a University of Kentucky personal services contract related to fundraising and philanthropic outreach. UK representatives said the contract supports marketing and donor engagement efforts to grow the university’s endowment pipeline and philanthropic support. The transcript cuts off before the committee finished its questions or took final action on that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, the PCard revenue—this is procurement card revenue and DAS relative to the dedicated fund exercise
• Also, the PCard revenue—this is procurement card revenue and DAS relative to the dedicated fund exercise
• Also, the PCard revenue—this is procurement card revenue and DAS relative to the dedicated fund exercise
• Also, the PCard revenue—this is procurement card revenue and DAS relative to the dedicated fund exercise
• Procurement card revenue and DAS relative to the dedicated fund exercise that the House went to.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Summary: The Legislative Budget Assistant staff presented an overview of the Senate changes to the House-passed budget, focusing on revenue estimates, appropriations, and ending balances across the general fund and education trust fund. The presentation emphasized that the Senate’s budget reflected higher revenue assumptions than the House, driven in part by updated April revenue figures, changes to business, tobacco, and real estate transfer tax splits, and different assumptions about video lottery terminal revenue. The Senate also adjusted lapse estimates upward, especially for HHS, after receiving updated information that lapses could be much larger than originally assumed. The presenter walked through the major differences in the surplus statements for fiscal years 2025 through 2027. Compared with the House, the Senate budget generally showed higher revenues, lower or different appropriations in some areas, and larger balances carried forward, including a larger education trust fund balance and a different rainy day fund transfer. The Senate’s approach also changed several policy assumptions, such as maintaining liquor revenue dedication, removing the House’s meals-and-rooms distribution cap, changing the treatment of unique revenue, and altering the process for meeting a targeted revenue amount by giving the governor more flexibility. On the appropriations side, the Senate removed or modified several House reductions and added funding or adjustments in areas including the judicial branch, corrections, HHS, the Human Rights Commission, and certain settlement costs. The presenter also highlighted Senate changes in House Bill 2 and related budget provisions, including a new arts tax credit, a nursing home bed fee, changes to Medicaid premium assumptions, and differences in how motor vehicle inspection repeal and BLT-related revenue are handled. No votes were taken in the portion shown; the discussion was informational and comparative, aimed at explaining the Senate budget changes before conference committee negotiations.

Transcript Highlights:

• two different categories that we have right now, and one would be for over that procurement.
• two different categories that we have right now, and one would be for over that procurement.
• So, we're talking about businesses that are procuring large volumes of milk from dairy farms.
• two different categories that we have right now, and one would be for over that procurement.
• One would be for over that procurement.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, and what procurement process did the agency use to identify this contractor?
• Madam Chair, that contract was procured under a CI, a competition impracticable—it's a tongue twister—under
• our CPO's procurement authority.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services held another oversight hearing on Access, focusing on fee-for-service behavioral health management, prior authorization and claims processing, the Targeted Investment Program (TIP), and network adequacy. The chair and other members criticized Access for repeated transparency failures, including missing records related to the Covered Behavioral Health Services Guide, lack of public comment, unanswered questions about ARPA compliance, and concerns about ghost networks and delayed payments to providers, especially in Native communities and rural areas. Interim Director Roberta Harrison said Access had improved fraud controls after the sober living scheme crisis and acknowledged the need for modernization. She reported faster prior authorization processing, fewer denial codes, real-time dashboards, additional staffing, and claims processing under 30 days. She also said the agency wants more fraud referrals and is working to strengthen internal systems and communication. On the TIP program, Access officials explained that payments are delayed because of complex data validation and allocation across many provider sites; they said year one of TIP 2.0 was paid, but years two and three had not yet been distributed. The committee requested a formal plan within 30 days for paying the estimated $122 million in delayed TIP funds and asked for CMS-related documentation. Committee members also questioned Access about a direct contract with Constellation for claims processing, noting language in the proposal suggesting higher ROI from denying more claims; Access said that language was not part of the contract scope and was verbally rejected. On network adequacy, officials described time-and-distance standards, annual MCO reports, and internal review processes, but could not immediately confirm whether a fiscal year 2025 report had been submitted to CMS or whether any corrective action plans had been imposed. The chair concluded that Access’s improvements appeared to be driven by legislative pressure, said the committee would review the information received, and announced that Access would be sent detailed monthly reporting directions before the hearing adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We think that if we just went through a procurement... Can this happen?
• We think that if we just went through a procurement process for the Read by Grade 3 assessment, and through
• that process, the state procurement identified an additional vendor than the current vendor that the

Bills: AB386

Keywords: AB386, Washoe County School District, reading assessment, literacy, elementary school, pupil assessment, statewide assessment, alternative assessment, reading proficiency, standards-based testing, valid and reliable test, State Board of Education, Department of Education, pilot program, school testing, assessment equivalency, education grant, Nevada education, NRS 388.157, school accountability

Transcript Highlights:

• The second thing is, with the uncertainty of the federal government now pulling back funds from procuring
• <00:17:28.480> back<00:17:28.919> funds<00:17:29.600> from<00:17:30.600> procuring
• Now, pulling back funds from procuring local, if the state had this in place and we have to fill

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The contract and everything you can find on the procurement site, it's right there. As far as...
• And everything you can find on the procurement site, it's right there.
• This bill deals with procurement.
• That's what I was investigating, and this will align the procurement rules more closely to ADOA and how

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House Committee on Government was called to order with member and staff introductions, followed by a reminder of committee rules and amendment deadlines. Chair Blackman also gave an opening statement framing the committee’s work as legislative oversight focused on child safety, transparency, and systemic issues at the Department of Child Safety (DCS), noting the committee may hold additional hearings and use subpoenas if needed. The committee then heard a presentation from the Arizona Auditor General on a special audit of DCS investigations of non-criminal child abuse and neglect reports. The audit found that while DCS generally met initial contact timeframes, 123 of 125 sampled cases had at least one policy violation. Problems included failures to provide or document required notices to alleged perpetrators, incomplete or missing documentation of key investigative steps and safety plans, and investigations that exceeded statutory or policy timeframes. The Auditor General said DCS agreed with the findings and all 15 recommendations, and members asked questions about sample size, staffing, and whether the issues reflected broader systemic problems. After the audit, the committee considered House Bill 262, which authorizes a Buffalo Soldiers memorial in Wesley Boland Plaza. Supporters testified about the historical significance of the Buffalo Soldiers and the importance of recognizing their contributions in Arizona. The bill passed unanimously, 7-0, with members explaining their votes in support. The committee also heard House Bill 2018, which would prohibit DCS from entering into agreements with health care institutions that allow payment in exchange for reports of child abuse or neglect. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill would prevent financial incentives from influencing reporting and protect the integrity of mandatory reporting. Some members and public commenters raised concerns about DCS contracts, hospital reporting practices, and the need for documentation or a paper trail. After a recess and further discussion, HB 2018 was returned with a do pass recommendation by a 4-3 vote.