Transcript Highlights:

• well informed and equipped to fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities through ongoing education, collaboration
• His career has been marked by integrity, institutional knowledge, collaboration, and an unwavering dedication

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• well informed and equipped to fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities through ongoing education, collaboration
• Nelson's career has been marked by integrity, institutional knowledge, collaboration, and an unwavering

Summary: The Senate met on Monday, February 23, 2006, approved the previous day’s Journal, and handled routine committee and House message referrals. Among the referral actions, Substitute House Bill 2140, concerning land classified under current use sold or transferred to a governmental entity, was sent to the Committee on Ways and Means. Senate Bill 6355, concerning the electric transmission system, was introduced and held at the desk. The chamber then took up several resolutions honoring individuals and community traditions. Senate Resolution 8685 recognized Steve Nelson for 34 years of public service, including his leadership of the Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters Plan Retirement Board; Senator Holy spoke in support, and the resolution was adopted by voice vote. Senate Resolution 8695 honored the Daffodil Festival and its Royal Court in Pierce County; Senators Gildon, Peterson, and Conway spoke in support, and it too was adopted by voice vote. During personal privilege remarks, a senator paid tribute to Paul Brainerd, founder of Aldus and a major figure in desktop publishing and philanthropy, noting his contributions to technology, nonprofit work, and environmental education. The Senate also announced a Rules Committee meeting after adjournment and then adjourned until Wednesday, February 25, 2006.

Transcript Highlights:

• just, if you go back to the slide about BQA training, would you just comment briefly about the collaboration
• This is truly a collaborative effort.

Committee: House Agricultural Affairs

Summary: The committee began by approving the minutes from February 18, 2026, and welcomed a new page, Kaylin Short, who briefly introduced herself. The sponsor then presented House Bill 662, explaining that it would allow additional milk quality parameters, including potential bacteria-related testing, to be addressed in rule. He noted the bill would let the department create a new category and establish rules for how such testing would be handled, and he asked for a due pass recommendation. A motion was made and the committee voted unanimously to send House Bill 662 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The sponsor was excused after agreeing to carry the bill on the floor. The committee then received an informational presentation from the Idaho Beef Council on its checkoff-funded work, including consumer promotion, research, education, beef quality assurance training, Spanish-language training, and food insecurity efforts through Beef Counts. Council representatives described recent marketing campaigns such as “Real People, Real Stories,” an Albertsons training partnership, and a “hero” video highlighting Idaho ranching and sustainability. They also discussed collaboration with University of Idaho Extension on BQA training and noted an online BQA option through NCBA. No action was taken on the presentation, and the chair adjourned the meeting after noting two supporters of House Bill 662 had not been given time to testify.

Transcript Highlights:

• just, if you go back to the slide about BQA training, would you just comment briefly about the collaboration
• This is truly a collaborative effort.

Committee: House Agricultural Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The program functioned as a collaborative effort among UALR, Philander Smith, and Pulaski Technical College
• The program functioned as a collaborative effort among UALR, Philander Smith, and Pulaski Technical College

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING

Summary: The Legislative Joint Audit Committee met on February 13, 2026, and first adopted the January 9, 2026 minutes. It then received and adopted reports from the Executive Committee, the Standing Committee on Counties and Municipalities, the Standing Committee on Education Institutions, the Standing Committee on State Agencies, and the Medicaid Subcommittee. Those reports covered audit follow-up items, delinquent private water and sewer audits, municipal accounting compliance issues, education audit findings, state agency audit findings, and a Medicaid oversight presentation. Several reports were filed after discussion, and in multiple cases agencies or local officials were present to answer questions about repeat findings or compliance concerns. Among the notable audit matters, the committee reviewed a Cleburne County library audit that found more than $80,000 in unauthorized or questionable disbursements, including purchases that appeared personal in nature and improper fuel expenses. The library director had been placed on leave, later charged with felony theft of property and abuse of office, and the matter was referred to the prosecuting attorney and Attorney General. The committee also heard a special report on the Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, which found scholarship ineligibility issues and numerous disbursement-processing exceptions, while noting that the program had ended in 2024 and remaining funds were returned to the school districts. During the state agency report, Legislative Audit described findings at DHS, Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, Corrections, and Veterans Affairs, including improper benefit payments, a cashed warrant by someone other than the intended payee, missing receipts, unauthorized fuel card purchases, and payroll and overtime issues. The committee filed that report after agency representatives responded to questions. The meeting ended with the filing of the Cleburne County and Donaldson Scholars Academy reports, and the next committee meeting was announced for March 12-13, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• struck in the underlying bill, specifically the current law expiration date for the Dementia Action Collaborative
• struck in the underlying bill, specifically the current law expiration date for the Dementia Action Collaborative

Bills: HB2200 , HB2468 , HB2660

Committee: House Early Learning & Human Services

Keywords: developmental disabilities, residential settings, data access, safety, stability, terminology correction, social services, healthcare, regulatory compliance, department reorganization, child welfare, court authority, shelter care, family law, court conditions, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• struck in the underlying bill, specifically the current law expiration date for the Dementia Action Collaborative
• struck in the underlying bill, specifically the current law expiration date for the Dementia Action Collaborative

Summary: The House Early Learning & Human Services Committee met in executive session on three bills. House Bill 2200, concerning JLARC review of safety and stability outcomes for DSHS developmental disabilities clients and a DSHS public reporting requirement, was amended with a technical correction (House Amendment 799) and then reported out with a do pass recommendation. Supporters said the substitute shifts from a dashboard to an annual downloadable report, delays the timeline, and asks JLARC to recommend a methodology for future data collection; one member raised concerns about possible stigma and impacts on providers, but the bill passed 9-2. House Bill 2468, which updates DSHS statutory references to reflect agency restructuring and makes related technical changes, was advanced without amendment after the substitute reinstated the Dementia Action Collaborative expiration date and the requirement for two permanent employees to review the no-paid-services caseload. Members described it as a non-substantive cleanup bill to streamline and harmonize agency law. It was reported out unanimously, 11-0. House Bill 2660, authorizing courts to order conditions to keep a child under age five safe in the home after a shelter care hearing, had several proposed amendments withdrawn before action. The remaining amendment, Wickham 848, was adopted; it adds that the conditions must be the least restrictive necessary, reviewed every 30 days, and consistent with state and federal Indian Child Welfare Act requirements. The substitute bill then passed 9-2, with supporters saying it responds to recent critical incidents and opponents noting concerns but acknowledging shared commitment to child safety. The committee then adjourned and noted there would be no meeting the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Everybody is so good about collaborating.
• I know you have your hands full too, but this may—we're just inviting collaboration going forward to

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is a reminder that by working in collaboration, we can continuously improve public services.
• the role, thus taking advantage of the expertise of both agencies, but this would require close collaboration

Committee: Joint JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits

Summary: At the June 4, 2025 JLARC I-900 Subcommittee hearing, the State Auditor’s Office presented a performance audit on Washington’s child support insurance intercept law. The audit reviewed the mandatory reporting system for insurance claims tied to past-due child support, noting that collections increased after the law took effect in 2022, but that some eligible claims still are not being reported. Auditors said DCS learns about roughly 1 in 10 claims through other channels, and that insurers may miss reporting because they are unaware of the law, make administrative errors, or misunderstand the $500 threshold and timing requirements. The audit recommended that the Office of the Insurance Commissioner help educate insurers by adding information to its website and sharing insurer contact contacts with DCS, and also recommended that the Legislature amend the law to create monitoring and enforcement authority. The auditor said neither DCS nor OIC currently has authority to monitor compliance or take action against noncompliant insurers, though other states use insurance regulators or market conduct exams for this purpose. Committee members asked about possible coordinated enforcement between DSHS and OIC, which the auditor said was beyond the scope of the audit but could be considered by the Legislature. An OIC representative said the commissioner is willing to help educate insurers, post information on the OIC website, and share contact information with DSHS, and that the agency is open to further discussion. No public testimony was offered, and no votes or formal committee actions were taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• For all of those listening and watching, we are continuing to all work together to listen with collaboration
• with our colleagues in the House and also all stakeholders. ...with collaboration with our colleagues

Committee: Senate Education K-16

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education K-16 met to consider House Bill 2, the major public education and school finance bill. The committee first reconsidered and withdrew the prior committee substitute, then took up a new substitute. Senator Creighton explained several changes, including a correction to the golden penny yield weight, an increase in the special education evaluation incentive cap from $45 million to $67 million, timing changes to avoid a funding gap for Bluebonnet curriculum training grants, narrowed language affecting educator preparation providers, added facility-usage reporting language, incorporation of bilingual allotment language from Senate Bill 2185, removal of the $20 million annual cap on JROTC funding, and a prevailing-clause provision to make HB 2 controlling over conflicting measures. Members generally praised the bill’s historic funding level but raised concerns about details and future floor debate. Senator Menendez said he appreciated the special education, safety, and teacher pay funding but was not ready to fully support the bill because of inflationary pressures, facilities funding, and district-specific impacts, and indicated he might vote present. Senator Parker strongly supported the bill, emphasizing historic funding, teacher pay, and the need to continue refining the package. Senator Witt also said he would vote present while seeking more refinement, especially on certification issues for public and charter schools. Senator Bettencourt highlighted the bill’s scale, including about $8 billion in new funding and $1.3 billion for special education, while Senator Hinojosa asked for more flexibility in the basic allotment and thanked the author for bilingual education and coastal-area provisions. The committee then adopted the new committee substitute and voted to report HB 2 favorably to the full Senate. The motion passed 9 ayes and 2 present not voting, with the bill reported as committee substitute do pass and be printed.

Transcript Highlights:

• His testimony underscores the importance of this collaborative effort on the part of the city and the
• to speak in strong support of this bill, a product that took over 18 months of negotiation and collaboration

Bills: SB771 , SB2345 , HB135 , HB135

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: diesel fuel tax, tax credit, auxiliary power units, power take-off equipment, refund, energy efficiency, firefighter retirement, municipal contributions, pension system, retirement benefits, funding ratios, sales tax exemption, exotic animals, game animals, agriculture, livestock, civil liability, motor vehicle, legal protection, removal

Transcript Highlights:

• Pearl is suggesting this a more collaborative effort on the innovation that the private sector can drive
• Baylis, your testimony underscores how collaboration in the academic community and within government.

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Keywords: spectrum policy, FCC auction authority, national security, innovation, technology development, 9-1-1 modernization, adaptive technologies, China competition

Summary: The meeting centered on the critical examination of spectrum policy and its implications for innovation and national security. The committee discussed the lapse of the FCC's spectrum auction authority, which has been in effect since March 2023, emphasizing the urgency of restoring this authority to maintain U.S. technological leadership against competitors like China. Witnesses provided testimony regarding the need for adaptive and reconfigurable spectrum technologies to enhance communication capabilities for both civilian and military applications. Senator Klobuchar highlighted the importance of modernizing 9-1-1 systems and ensuring robust emergency communication frameworks leveraging new spectrum innovations.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have been working on this in collaboration as well... ...municipalities regarding this and also
• in collaboration with the Department of Revenue.

Bills: HB191 , HB196 , HB134 , HB14 , HB14

Committee: House County and Municipal Government

Keywords: juvenile detention, county management, legal procedures, juvenile justice, county commission, supervision, administration, vehicle registration, disability access, fines, law enforcement, public accommodation, interim police chief, public safety, municipalities, state authority, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Budget rules are used to convey best budget practices to the executive branch and organizations that
• Budget rules are used to convey best budget practices to the executive branch and organizations that
• </c><00:22:47.960><c> for</c> rules establish a budget practice for rules establish a budget practice
• ><c> would</c> come from the better practice I would come from the better practice I would hope<00:29
• Chair, Senator, I would also add that this rule is somewhat rooted in best budgeting practices.

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Baham, Title 18, election offenses, to prohibit certain contribution solicitation practices
• Okay, and so again, on possession, let's say for a practical sense that you have five youth, maybe 15
• insurance but who is practicing insurance.
• Representative Burold: This amendment cleans up the language so that attorneys who are practicing law
• I've been practicing law for 43 years, and one of the things I've seen is that when I was in law school

Bills: HR72 , HR73 , HR74 , HR75 , HR76 , HR77 , HR78 , HR79 , HR80 , HR81 , HR82 , HR83 , HCR36 , HCR37 , HCR38 , HCR39 , HCR40 , HCR41 , HB368 , HB433 , HB1017 , HB1018 , HB1019 , HB1020 , HB1021 , HB1022 , HB1023 , HB1024 , HB1025 , HB1026 , HB1027 , HB1028 , HB1029 , HB1030 , HB1031 , HB1032 , HB1033 , HB1034 , HB1035 , HB1036 , HB1037 , HB1038 , HB1039 , HB1040 , HB1041 , HB1042 , HB1043 , HB1044 , HB1045 , HB1046 , HB1047 , HB1048 , HB1049 , HB1050 , HB1051 , HB1052 , HB1053 , HB1054 , HB1055 , HB1056 , HB1057 , HB1058 , HB1059 , HB1060 , HB1061 , HB1062 , HB1063 , HB1064 , HB1065 , HB1066 , HB1067 , HB1068 , HB1069 , HB1070 , HB1071 , HB1072 , HB1073 , HB1074 , HB1075 , HB1076 , HB1077 , HB1078 , HB1079 , HB1080 , HB1081 , HB1082 , HB1083 , HB1084 , HR70 , HR71 , HCR35 , HB31 , HB326 , HB1013 , HB1014 , HB1015 , HB1016 , SB192 , SB196 , SB198 , SB203 , SB204 , SB214 , SB216 , SB257 , SB291 , SB383 , HB13 , HB23 , HB25 , HB32 , HB41 , HB42 , HB90 , HB120 , HB121 , HB122 , HB127 , HB138 , HB139 , HB141 , HB179 , HB187 , HB213 , HB247 , HB286 , HB332 , HB344 , HB357 , HB367 , HB370 , HB462 , HB505 , HB527 , HB537 , HB605 , HB680 , HB681 , HB725 , HB780 , HB782 , HB847 , HB892 , HB911 , HB916 , HB1012 , HR15 , HR20 , HCR14 , HB53 , HB57 , HB64 , HB102 , HB106 , HB111 , HB137 , HB152 , HB155 , HB177 , HB238 , HB256 , HB258 , HB337 , HB359 , HB363 , HB386 , HB434 , HB546 , HB557 , HB584 , HB661 , HB697 , HB726 , HB727 , HB747 , HB756 , HB758 , HB759 , HB765 , HB767 , HB825 , HB858 , HB930 , HB941 , HB957 , HB964 , HB58 , HB69 , HB93 , HB166 , HB199 , HB201 , HB202 , HB218 , HB223 , HB224 , HB231 , HB235 , HB246 , HB338 , HB349 , HB352 , HB379 , HB405 , HB429 , HB535 , HB547 , HB577 , HB588 , HB626 , HB636 , HB652 , HB653 , HB669 , HB688 , HB691 , HB721 , HB738 , HB806 , HB851 , HB857 , HB861 , HB889 , HB904 , HB907 , HB908 , HB929 , HB1009 , HB868 , HB119 , HB140 , HB739 , HB842 , HB875 , HB919 , HB61 , HB185 , HB233 , HB613 , HB848 , HB52 , HB228 , HB289 , HB735 , HB796 , HB722 , HB284 , HB301 , HB827 , HB953 , HB901 , HB9 , HB46 , HB193 , HB400 , HB436 , HB468 , HB570 , HB582 , HB733 , HB746 , HB923 , HB952

Keywords: HR72, House Resolution 72, Sophia Patout, Layla Porter, St. Amant High School, Future Farmers of America, FFA, Coastal Restoration Heroes, coastal restoration, Louisiana coast, coastal land loss, wetlands, saltmarsh, barrier island, West Grand Terre Island, Restore or Retreat Inc., smooth cordgrass, Spartina alterniflora, black mangrove, Avicennia germinans

Summary: The House met on March 26, 2026, established a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a large number of introductions, resolutions, and committee reports. The chamber recognized Women of the Storm on its 20th anniversary, honored Saint-Amant FFA for winning a national coastal restoration championship, and later recognized Elevate Louisiana. The House also received Senate bills on topics including freshwater fishing limits, bridge preservation, emergency medical services, ambulance reimbursement, eye care coverage, and other matters, and introduced numerous House resolutions and bills covering education, ethics, transportation, elections, public records, criminal law, and appropriations. Several measures were referred to committees or were allowed to lie over, while some resolutions were adopted without objection. The House then considered and passed a series of bills, many by wide margins. Criminal justice and public safety measures included HB 53, adding illegal gambling as a RICO predicate offense; HB 57, allowing courts to consider criminal histories when issuing temporary restraining orders; HB 64, authorizing magistrates to recall arrest warrants; HB 102, creating second-degree cruelty to the elderly and persons with infirmities; HB 106, requiring written parental consent before melatonin is administered to children; HB 137, strengthening penalties and school notification procedures for terroristic threats against schools; HB 152, updating controlled dangerous substances schedules; HB 155, restricting drone use near the Capitol; HB 177, allowing retired court reporters to return on contract; and HB 727, allowing burning of certain untreated construction lumber and wood mats. Members also approved HB 11, adding associate degrees to sentence-diminution eligibility, and HB 726, increasing penalties for abandoning vessels, with discussion noting the need for future funding to remove derelict boats. Education and workforce-related bills also advanced, including HB 238, easing ethics restrictions so former school board members who are certified teachers or school psychologists can return to work sooner; HB 256, clarifying mandatory reporter training for school employees; HB 363, allowing virtual-school students to participate in extracurricular activities and athletics at their resident public school; HB 386, allowing locally authorized charter schools to operate as their own LEA under local rules; HB 434, giving superintendents more authority over probationary school bus employees; HB 557, defining long-term care pharmacies; and HB 584, ending the practice of giving foster children trash bags for belongings and providing proper luggage instead. The House also passed HB 661, expanding nepotism exceptions for certain lower-paid school positions such as paraprofessionals, custodians, cafeteria workers, and bus drivers, and HB 697, recreating the Department of Environmental Quality through 2030. Most bills passed unanimously or with strong bipartisan support, though HB 137 on school threats drew significant debate over parental liability and juvenile intervention before passing 71-26.

Transcript Highlights:

• He was going to help me launch my private practice.
• These successes rely on the implementation of evidence-based practices.
• I would categorize them as codifying best practices.
• That’s a good practice.
• So, very much appreciative of codifying best practices. I think that’s...

Summary: The committee heard AB 82, which would expand privacy and safety protections for patients and providers of reproductive and gender-affirming care. The author and supporters said the bill is needed because of rising harassment, doxing, and threats, and because sensitive health data could be used by hostile actors; opponents argued it would create constitutional problems, enable abuse of safe-at-home protections, and improperly shield providers and records from scrutiny. Public testimony was heavily divided, with many advocates in support and many privacy, civil liberties, and anti-trafficking or sex-based policy groups in opposition. The bill was moved on a due pass recommendation and remained on call. The committee then heard AB 331, which would clarify that county election certification is a ministerial duty, prohibit misleading ballot return envelopes, and require voter information guides to be delivered to jails in an acceptable format. The Department of Justice and several good-government groups supported the measure, the Secretary of State had no position after amendments, and a committee member noted ongoing concerns but supported it after the changes. The bill passed on a do pass recommendation to Appropriations and was placed on call. AB 1178 followed, proposing to protect undercover peace officers’ names, images, and likenesses in public records while preserving disclosure of sustained misconduct records. Law enforcement and public safety groups supported the bill as a needed safety measure, while journalists, transparency advocates, and civil liberties groups opposed it, saying existing law already protects officers and the new language could lead to overbroad withholding. After discussion about the scope of undercover status and the need for judicial discretion, the bill passed as amended to Appropriations. The committee also adopted a consent calendar. Later, AB 981 was heard, creating a five-county pilot program requiring intelligent speed assistance devices for certain reckless driving convictions. Supporters, including traffic safety advocates and crash victims, said the bill could reduce repeat speeding and save lives; opponents raised concerns about cost, installer oversight, liability for automakers, and the breadth of the pilot. The bill passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 22, which would repeal Proposition 57 and restrict release of sexually violent predators and certain sex offenders, drew strong opposition from youth justice, public defender, and civil liberties groups who said it would be unconstitutional and harmful; the chair recommended no, no motion was made, and the bill was held. Finally, AB 897, a squatter-removal bill, was presented with the author arguing it would protect property owners through a faster due-process process; the transcript cuts off during early support testimony and does not show a final action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• The school is a collaboration between the University of Texas Health Sciences...
• SB 5060 by Leach relates to the operation and administration of practices and procedures relating to
• HB 5061 by Leach relates to the prohibition of certain practices.
• and civil actions arising from those practices, and is referred to the Subcommittee on Workforce.
• HB5576 by Darby relates to the creation of best management practices.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:24:04.800><c> cap</c><01:24:05.560><c> on</c> really that provides a practical cap on really
• that provides a practical cap on uh<01:24:06.760><c> I</c><01:24:06.840><c> would</c><01:24:07.000><c
• Statewide um as part of collaboration Statewide um as part of the<01:40:19.719><c> mental</c><01:40:
• </c><02:23:59.640><c> of</c><02:23:59.880><c> using</c><02:24:00.960><c> unfilled</c> uh the practice
• of using unfilled uh the practice of using unfilled positions<02:24:02.640><c> to</c><02:24:02.920><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: Division 3 opened a work session focused on direct care agencies, with the chair saying the day would center on the Veterans Home and other state hospitals and homes. Members first discussed the upcoming Finance Committee process, including how many bills would be assigned to Division 3, whether they would appear on the House calendar, and how much time would be allowed for each bill. The chair said the division would likely spend about an hour on each bill, then return for a second day of review before making recommendations. Staff later identified three bills expected on the calendar: House Bills 704, 751, and 54. Members also raised a question about the use of educational trust fund money in the budget, but that issue was deferred. The main presentation came from Kim McKay, commandant of the New Hampshire Veterans Home, who described the facility as a long-term care intermediate facility serving eligible veterans. She said the home is licensed for 250 beds, budgeted for 225 veterans, and currently has 135 residents with four more scheduled to arrive. McKay highlighted improvements over the last two years, including a reduction in the admission wait list from more than a year to about three to six months, the creation of an LNA training program, energy-saving and Wi-Fi upgrades, and a new electronic learning management system that will provide mandatory training and continuing education units for staff. She said the home’s long-term goal is to return to a 225-bed census, but staffing remains the biggest hurdle. Members asked about admissions, wait times, staffing, vacancies, and the home’s use of contract nurses. McKay explained that the wait time is measured from the initial application date, not from a completed packet, and that staff now help families gather records and paperwork more quickly. She said the home averages about 45 deaths per year, residents stay about 2.5 years on average, and the vacancy rate is around 35 percent, though some positions are intentionally held open until census grows. She attributed staffing shortages largely to retention problems, citing higher private-sector pay, bonuses, and more flexible hours, and said the home has a handful of contract nurses, mainly on second shift. On finances, she said pharmacy services are contracted, the VA reimburses some medication costs based on disability, and the home is pursuing federal changes to cover high-cost medications and catastrophic disability cases. The discussion also covered the home’s off-book donation account, which is overseen by the state and transferred into the state system when funds are spent.

Transcript Highlights:

• closely with multidisciplinary teams across Louisiana and understand how these systems function in practice
• legislature and talked to you guys about doing a rate study for home and community-based services in collaboration
• Establishing a competitive wage as a base for our hiring and employment practices is not just about recruitment
• That collaboration mattered.
• And so if there's some way, like, you know, a best practice is to have a very specific program structured

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on several budget requests tied to health and human services. Louisiana Children’s Advocacy Centers asked for continued support and a supplemental appropriation of $1.173 million for infrastructure and standardization, explaining that the money would expand use of the Guardify digital evidence system, improve chain of custody, and reduce reliance on DVDs. Baton Rouge and statewide CAC leaders said prior funding helped eliminate a therapy wait list and speed services for abused children. Members asked detailed questions about the digital system, MDT coordination, and how the request related to SB 237, which would strengthen multidisciplinary review of child abuse cases. The Alzheimer’s Association sought $824,000 to sustain the dementia care specialist program, saying it helps families navigate services, keep loved ones at home longer, and reduce Medicaid costs. AARP and the Live at Home Coalition also testified for 750 additional Community Choice waiver slots at a state cost of $3.3 million, arguing that home- and community-based care is cheaper than nursing homes and that the current wait list is more than 11,000 people. Legislators discussed the size of the need, the state’s long-term care spending mix, and whether more support should go to family caregivers and community-based options. Testimony also focused on disability support services, substance use treatment, and developmental disability provider rates. A parent and direct support worker described the Children’s Choice waiver’s 20-hour cap and low pay, saying it makes it hard to retain caregivers and meet the needs of medically fragile children. Odyssey House and O’Brien House asked for higher Medicaid reimbursement rates under ASAM 4, warned that removal of room-and-board payments and weak Medicaid eligibility pathways are reducing access, and called for more oversight of sober living homes; members questioned outcomes data, length of stay, and links to homelessness. Finally, the Arc of Louisiana said the LDH rate study confirmed underfunding and supported a $53.6 million increase in state general funds, with local ARC leaders describing the services they provide and the need for higher direct support professional wages.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've been licensed to practice law for over 20 years in the state of Texas.
• Northern Ireland under a total abortion ban and I practiced there, and I have seen this with my own eyes
• In the context of these six flags over Texas and that collaborative context, that would be something
• No, I'm happy to collaborate and... So... So, to Vice Chair Hernandez, thank you.
• agencies within the protection of the government's speech doctrine by ensuring that in policy and in practice

Bills: HB229 , HB229 , HB3990 , HB5082 , HB5510

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: HB 229, Texas, political subdivision, local government, county dues, county association, state association of counties, lobbying, lobbyist, public funds, taxpayer lawsuit, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, Government Code Chapter 556, Local Government Code Section 89.002, legislative advocacy, municipal government, county government, city government, special district