Transcript Highlights:

• Um, this just requires health insurers to cover screenings of postpartum depression.
• Um, and when we did a survey of the insurance companies last year, we only found one company that wasn't
• </c><00:05:01.440><c> companies</c><00:05:01.840><c> last</c> survey of the insurance companies last
• survey of the insurance companies last year,<00:05:02.320><c> we</c><00:05:02.560><c> only</c><00:05:
• </c> was at in my position at the Department was at in my position at the Department of<00:14:37.040>

Committee: Joint Medicaid

Keywords: Medicaid - Room 216, 29 January, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of Commerce, with CareerSource Florida, with the Department of Children and Families.
• With the Department of Commerce, with CareerSource Florida, with the Department of Children and Families
• of Commerce and the Department of Children and Families and the Agency for Health Care Administration
• This bill requires each unit of local government and each department, sub-agency, and division of such
• Has the Department of Health done any sort of epidemiologic modeling estimating what the impacts of expanding

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the Department of Health's requested the Department of Health's requested amendments<00:11:52.200><c>
• <00:39:42.640><c> of</c> Department of Health.
• Lauren Kim, Department of Health.
• of the the Department Frink the director of the the Department of<01:40:12.639><c> Health</c><01:40:
• > Health</c> head of the Department of Health head of the Department of Health Authority<01:40:56.800

Committee: House Health

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Health heard testimony on several bills. On SB 1441, which would repeal the transfer of the Oahu Regional Health Care System from HHSC to the Department of Health, the Department of Health said it strongly supports the measure and requested clarifying amendments. HHSC/Oahu Region also supported the bill and said it had no objection to the department’s amendments. In response to questions, witnesses said the agencies have been working on an MOU to support transfers of long-term care patients to Leahi, with the current goal being about 10 to 15 patients, but transfers would occur only as space and staffing allow; one patient was reportedly being admitted at the time, and the process was described as slow and case-by-case. The committee then heard SB 1443 on payment rates for state hospital patients and related Department of Health services. The hospital administrator said the bill would allow rates above Medicaid for community or foster-home placements if patients cannot be placed at Leahi or elsewhere, and would set Medicaid-level reimbursement for outside medical services used by state hospital patients. He said at least one provider was interested in offering services at that rate and that the population involved is largely non-ambulatory long-term care patients. Members asked about availability and training, and the witness said special training could be provided. SB 1322, a broad mental health bill, drew mixed testimony. The Department of Law Enforcement supported giving crisis-intervention-trained officers more discretion to transport people to medical care instead of arresting them. The Attorney General supported the bill but recommended revisions to emergency-transport language and restoring liability protections. HHSC and Queens Hospital supported the overall goal but sought amendments to preserve the mental health emergency worker role in decision-making and to avoid negative impacts on emergency departments. The Disability Rights Center and ACLU opposed parts of the bill, arguing that it weakens due process, reduces protections in involuntary treatment and transport, and should retain a three-person treatment panel rather than reduce it to one. A Queens representative said the current program works well and reported that more than 90% of MH1 cases once went to hospitals, but that figure has dropped to about 60-70%, with about 20% now diverted to community settings or the behavioral health crisis center. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• of Insurance.
• And we know how important that is given the cost of insurance.
• Through just the work requirements provisions of HR 1, the Department of Health Care Services estimates
• that Through just the work requirements provisions of HR 1, the Department of Health Care Services estimates
• This is an all-hands-on-deck moment. ...all of the relevant departments.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are in the process of every year now of the new city of St.
• And most of us didn't have any problem with that because it could very well lower the cost of insurance
• You know, I brought this on behalf of the administration of the city of St. George.
• This transfers authority over insurance premium tax within the city of St.
• George with the same authority that's similar to what the Louisiana Department of Transportation and

Committee: House Municipal

Summary: The Municipal Program of Cultural Affairs Committee met with a quorum and took up three Senate bills by Senator Edmonds, all related to the new City of St. George. The first bill, SB 348, would allow a local enforcement agency to contract with third-party vendors for administrative support in motor vehicle liability enforcement, such as plate processing, insurance verification, and notices, while making clear the vendors would not have police powers. Members raised concerns that the bill as drafted appeared statewide rather than local to St. George, and discussed how to limit it properly. After debate, the committee adopted amendments to narrow SB 348 to cities incorporated after October 1, 2019 and to sunset the authority on July 31, 2028, with the understanding that St. George could return later with a properly advertised local bill. The bill then received favorable action. The committee then considered SB 485, which transfers authority to levy and collect the insurance premium tax within St. George to the city beginning January 1, 2027; it was reported favorably without objection. Finally, the committee heard SB 444, which gives St. George expropriation authority for public infrastructure projects such as roads, drainage, flood protection, water, sewer, and utilities, using procedures similar to other Louisiana municipalities and DOTD. Members asked about the process and confirmed it was standard municipal authority and not related to private industry. The bill was reported favorably without objection. The meeting ended with thanks to staff and members and a reminder that this was the committee’s last meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• The subcommittee filed quarterly reports on administrative directives from the Department of Corrections
• Jimmy Harris, Insurance Commissioner, State Insurance Department.
• Daniel Holland, PBM General Counsel, State Insurance Department. Thank you.
• So with, there's essentially two buckets of insurance plans here.
• So for fully insured plans, can the state ask for this type of data for plans that are typically covered

Committee: All ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ALC)

Summary: The meeting opened with prayer, approval of the prior minutes, and a monthly revenue report from the Bureau of Legislative Research. The report showed gross general revenue collections up year to date and net general revenue above forecast, with the increase attributed in part to income tax growth, a fiscal-year shift, and lottery-related collections. Members asked no questions, and no action was required on the revenue report. Several subcommittee reports were then presented and adopted, including executive, administrative rules, game and fish/state police, hospital/Medicaid/developmental disability, occupational licensing, PEER, revenue, state insurance programs, and personnel. The executive report noted a waiver request for Jackson County School District construction services and an audit with no findings. The administrative rules report covered agency directives, rulemaking updates, and a few rules pulled for later consideration. The revenue subcommittee held one District 4 tire removal contract until its next meeting, while the state insurance subcommittee reviewed the EBD contract with Boston Consulting Group and approved pharmacy formulary and drug recommendations. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on the State Insurance Department’s examination of pharmacy benefit managers, especially Navitus Health Solutions. Commissioners and staff explained that Navitus objected to producing certain claims data for self-funded plans, raising an ERISA preemption argument, and that the matter was being set for an administrative hearing, likely in April. Members questioned compliance, due process, and the implications of the objection, while the department said the state initiated the examination and was continuing to seek resolution. The committee also reviewed an Arkansas Teacher Retirement System agreement, with one member noting a potential conflict and abstaining. The meeting ended after members reviewed additional reports with no further action and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Division at the Orange County Department of Education.
• I'm an executive director at Orange County Department of Education, and the unit I work...
• I'm an executive director at Orange County Department of Education, and the unit I work for is called
• behalf of the State Superintendent Tony Thurmond and the California Department of Education.
• Well, it does create work at the department and in schools, and it raises some of the issues that are

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• By way of brief background, the Department of Health works with various organizations to improve access
• I've been in consultation with the Office of the Insurance Commissioner and the carriers.
• And as I read through this bill, I can understand only what seems to be a strong arming of insurance
• , and a whole bunch of other items. ...employment, the insurance, and a whole bunch of other items that
• For the record, Nico Jansen with the Office of the Insurance Commissioner.

Summary: The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee held a public hearing on six bills, with the chair repeatedly emphasizing one-minute testimony limits because of the large number of sign-ins. The committee first heard SB 6292, which would create a joint legislative-executive committee on health care financing to study strategies for improving statewide access and coverage and report in 2027. Supporters, including the Health Care Authority, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, community health centers, carriers, and provider groups, said the bill could help the state respond to affordability and system sustainability challenges and coordinate policy work across branches of government. The committee then heard SB 6258, which would create a non-disciplinary pathway for voluntarily relinquishing certain Washington Medical Commission licenses. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would provide a humane exit option for physicians and other licensees who are medically disabled or otherwise leaving practice, without forcing them into a disciplinary process. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, and the hearing closed with 17 people signed in pro and 2 con. The committee also heard SB 6182, establishing an abortion savings program funded by a new assessment on health carriers. Supporters argued it would recapture funds originally set aside for abortion care under the ACA and protect access amid federal changes, while opponents raised concerns about hidden taxes, lack of opt-out, and the impact on premiums and conscience rights. The hearing drew very large public interest, with 245 signed in pro and 1,775 con. The committee next took testimony on SB 5947, which would establish the Washington Health Care Board and prepare a state universal health care plan contingent on federal authorization and funding. Supporters from labor, health care, tribal, and universal coverage advocacy groups said the bill would position Washington to act quickly if federal waivers become available and argued that health care should be treated as a human right; opponents warned about costs, vagueness, and government overreach. The hearing then moved to SJR 8206, a proposed constitutional amendment declaring access to affordable health care a fundamental right. Supporters framed it as an aspirational commitment and a necessary step toward universal coverage, while opponents argued the language was vague, legally risky, and could create costly obligations. Finally, the committee heard SB 5823, which would require hospitals to employ or provide access to patient advocates to help patients navigate bills, records, and appointments. Hospital and patient coalition witnesses supported the goal but asked for amendments to clarify staffing, exemptions, and scope; the hearing closed with 20 signed in pro, 792 con, and 3 other. No votes were taken on the bills during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• You can see the majority of the cases are insurance authorization challenges.
• We have some of this related to lack of insurance...
• We spend a lot of time talking about assignment of guardianship and some of the challenges associated
• So if we created some sort of a database or something, maybe within the health department, since they're
• Organization that receives funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development must use HMIS

Committee: House Public Health

Summary: The meeting focused on hospital “avoidable days” and the difficulty of discharging medically stable patients who still need post-acute placement or social services. Presenters from Saint Anthony Hospital Midtown, the Oklahoma Hospital Association, City Care, and OU Health described common barriers including lack of skilled nursing, rehab, long-term care, behavioral health, and hospice placements; insurance prior authorization delays; Medicaid and Social Security eligibility delays; guardianship and Adult Protective Services bottlenecks; limited home health and private duty nursing; and the challenge of placing unhoused, uninsured, or medically complex patients. Several speakers emphasized that these delays reduce bed availability, increase emergency department boarding, contribute to staff burnout, and expose patients to hospital-acquired conditions and other harms. The testimony included multiple examples of patients remaining in acute care for days, weeks, or even months after being medically ready for discharge, including patients awaiting guardianship, disability determinations, or placement in facilities willing to accept them. Speakers also highlighted special populations such as patients with behavioral health or substance use disorders, medically fragile children, patients with criminal histories, and unhoused individuals who need respite or hospice care. City Care described its planned 40-bed medical respite facility, set to open in 2027, as a way to provide clinical support and housing navigation for patients too sick to recover on the street or in shelters. Witnesses recommended policy and system changes such as standardizing preauthorization protocols, expanding rural swing-bed and home-based services, increasing public guardianship resources, improving data collection on homelessness, expanding private duty nursing hours, and creating more placement options for complex patients. They also suggested better coordination between hospitals, DHS, APS, the Health Department, and post-acute facilities, including a database of facility services to improve discharge planning and keep patients closer to home. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the transcript, but the chair indicated the issue would require collaboration across multiple agencies and partners.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also sets 10% of the funds for the department, uh, of the grant of the new money and for the grant
• It will set aside 10% of the new money for departments in the greatest risk areas.
• And as I mentioned, 89% of our state is covered by these 1800 departments that we're not funding.
• Uh, I'm Albert Betts, executive director of the Insurance Council of Texas.
• I am the director of the EMS trauma systems section for the Department of State Health Services.

Bills: HB104

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tax rate election, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, de minimis rate, local government, special district, tax increase, tax notice, public hearing, tax code, Health and Safety Code, Texas property taxes, taxing unit, election threshold, two-thirds vote, majority vote, budget approval

Transcript Highlights:

• of insurance.
• of insurance.
• of insurance.
• of insurance.
• of insurance.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We are here to present the final report on the Department of Health's oversight of hospital data reporting
• We have the Department of Health here.
• I'm the Chief of Prevention, Safety, and Health at the Department of Health, and I will be presenting
• looking at our two pillars of the Department of Health.
• I'm Lacey Ferenbach, Chief of Prevention, Safety, and Health at the Department of Health.

Summary: The committee heard a JLARC presentation on the Department of Health’s oversight of hospital inspections, complaints, and reporting. JLARC said DOH was late on 72% of acute care hospital inspections as of December 2024, had not verified that third-party accrediting standards were substantially equivalent to state standards, did not consistently require proof of those inspections, did not review adverse health event corrective plans, and could make hospital data more accessible. JLARC also raised a possible language-access barrier in the complaint system. Members asked about complaint filing by staff, the meaning of adverse health events, inspection outcomes, and whether the audit compared DOH to other agencies. JLARC said it had not reviewed inspection results or cross-agency comparisons, but noted inspectors were dedicated and working long hours. DOH later said it concurred with the recommendations and outlined a strategic plan with target dates for improving timeliness, verifying accreditation standards, expanding language access, reviewing adverse event laws, and improving public data access, with annual reporting to the Legislature expected. The committee then heard a Department of Health presentation on certificate of need modernization. DOH described the current certificate of need process, which reviews need, financial feasibility, quality, and cost containment for certain facility changes and new services, and said the program has not been modernized since the 1980s. DOH proposed 10 statutory modernization recommendations, including clarifying the program’s purpose, creating a planning entity, adding flexibility, reducing legal costs, updating access-to-care standards, expanding oversight to freestanding emergency departments and urgent care, addressing equity, improving cost control coordination, strengthening long-term funding, and using better data systems. Members asked about oversight of freestanding urgent care and EDs, funding sources, and whether the process could be streamlined or made more responsive to complaints or other triggers. A third panel discussed artificial intelligence in health care. Lucy O’Rourke of the Coalition for Health AI described CHAI’s work on responsible AI principles, technical standards, model cards or “nutrition labels,” testing and governance tools, and educational resources for providers. She said the group is focused on trust, transparency, fairness, safety, security, and privacy, and noted Washington’s AI-related policy work as among the more progressive in the country. No questions were asked. The final portion focused on the financial impact of federal and state health care policy changes. The Washington State Hospital Association said hospitals are facing low or negative operating margins, service reductions, layoffs, and closures, and that state cuts and taxes enacted in 2025, combined with federal HR1 changes, will significantly worsen finances. Providence Swedish leaders described staffing reductions, service cuts, delayed capital investments, and pressure from denials, tariffs, and reimbursement changes, while emphasizing that frontline staffing cuts are tied to service reductions rather than nurse-to-patient ratio changes. The Washington Health Benefit Exchange then began a presentation on expiring federal ACA premium tax credits, state Cascade Care Savings assistance, and eligibility changes affecting lawfully present non-citizens, with examples showing large premium increases for customers if federal subsidies expire.

Transcript Highlights:

• Each insurer that issues or renews a policy of group or blanket accident or health insurance providing
• </c> the Department of Health and Human the Department of Health and Human Services<02:20:53.600><c>
• therefor to the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
• </c> Department of Natural and cultural Department of Natural and cultural resources<02:27:42.240><c>
• </c><02:31:46.000><c> of</c><02:31:46.160><c> Business</c> 2027 uh to the Department of Business 2027

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If I can introduce them to you all, Secretary Paredes of the Department of Information Technology is
• Mexico Department of Information Technology.
• This is one of my favorite departments. so I'm going to ask a lot of questions. Maybe not.
• As far as educating, what kind of things does the Department of Defense need?
• responsibility of the Department of Military Affairs.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Specifically the bill requires property insurers submit documentation to the Office of Insurance Regulation
• Insurance Regulation, property insurers in will be required to notify the oir of at least 30 days prior
• If the it is not in the best interest of the insurer, affiliates of property insurers will be required
• to register with the Office of Insurance Regulation before doing business.
• For eyewear, that is the basis of an insurance policy.

Committee: House Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• and continued to be highly supported by the Department of Defense, now called the Department of War,
• And I don't have enough information about the cost of the insurance.
• I also have Michael Morrison, Ph.D., chief economist for the Department of Transportation.
• drafting number 0.232698, a bill transferring from the Department of Transportation to the Department
• of Health and the Workforce Solutions Department to develop guidelines for employers.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill directs the Department of Environmental Protection to no longer issue or reissue permits for
• I mean, there's a lot of rules in here that apply to ag producers and different departments to figure
• Public testimony: Tim Meenan, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, waiving in support
• Public testimony: Tim Meenan, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, waiving in support
• Murphy, Florida Association of Insurance Agents, waiving in support. Thank you, sir.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government met with a quorum present and first took up confirmation votes for appointees on tabs 2 through 6, which were recommended favorably without public testimony. The committee then heard and approved CS/SB 1474, which would direct DEP to stop issuing or reissuing permits for Class B biosolids land application when a wastewater treatment facility is reasonably accessible within 50 miles, and CS/SB 1708, which removes a timing requirement for out-of-state veterinarians seeking Florida licensure while keeping other competency safeguards in place. Both bills were reported favorably after brief discussion and support from public witnesses on SB 1708. The committee also approved CS/SB 204, as amended, to increase penalties for illegal slot machine operations, with the amendment setting misdemeanor treatment for lower-level violations and felony penalties for larger-scale or repeat offenses; the bill also creates a process for veteran service organizations to seek binding declaratory statements from the Gaming Commission about machine legality. Public testimony on that bill was largely supportive, including from gaming and veterans-related stakeholders, though one witness urged clarity so smaller, lawful operators would not face felony exposure. CS/CS/SB 1294 was then amended and reported favorably; it addresses oversight of Class AA biosolids by requiring application at or below agronomic rates, recordkeeping, IFAS guidance, and application of existing fertilizer-related requirements, while preserving an exemption for certain compost products. Later, the committee favorably reported CS/SB 772, which allows portable electronics limited licensees to sell warranty insurance and defines that coverage, and CS/SB 1504, which lets a high school student who completes a half-credit insurance and personal finance elective qualify to apply for a 440 customer service representative license upon turning 18. Finally, the committee adopted a strike-all amendment to CS/SB 540, creating cybersecurity program requirements for licensed mortgage and money service businesses, expanding oversight of certain investment advisers, clarifying emergency suspension authority for anti-money laundering violations, extending payment deadlines for examination costs, and updating director experience requirements for chartered financial institutions; the bill was then reported favorably. Senators McLean and Trunow requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on tabs 11 and 13, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am deputy commissioner at the Department of Employment and Economic Development.
• </c><00:02:47.280><c> of</c> commissioner at the Department of commissioner at the Department of Employment
• </c><00:10:42.640><c> of</c><00:10:42.880><c> Commerce</c> closely with the Department of Commerce closely
• you might have to the Department of Revenue, right?
• </c> unemployment insurance, which is kind of unemployment insurance, which is kind of a<01:23:43.760

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I work for the Department of United States Department of Agriculture's Agriculture Research Service.
• the Department of United States<00:46:17.680><c> Department</c><00:46:17.920><c> of</c><00:46:18.160
• ><c> Agricultures</c> States Department of Agricultures States Department of Agricultures Agriculture
• </c><02:04:18.080><c> of</c> here with the Minnesota Department of here with the Minnesota Department
• 02:16:10.079><c> Youth,</c> Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, Minnesota Department of Children

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Resiliency in the Department of Agriculture and the management of the Texas Food System Security and
• for certain students who are under the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services
• HB 1241, by Gain, relating to the installation of the Can Do It by the Texas Department of Transportation
• HB 1241 by Gain relating to the installation of the Can Do It by the Texas Department of Transportation
• requirements of facilities operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, referred to the Committee

Summary: The House met to read a large slate of newly filed bills and resolutions and refer them to committees. The measures covered a wide range of topics, including health care and insurance, public education, elections, criminal justice, public safety, taxes, transportation, agriculture, environmental regulation, higher education, housing, and local government. Several proposals focused on abortion and reproductive health, firearms, voter registration and ballot access, school curriculum and accountability, property tax and homestead issues, and state contracting and agency oversight. A number of constitutional amendments were also filed, including proposals on initiative and referendum, veto override authority, vaccination refusal, parental rights in education, gun rights, Medicaid expansion, and various tax exemptions. No substantive debate, testimony, or votes occurred during this portion of the meeting; the clerk simply read the bills and resolutions and announced their committee referrals. The list included both general legislation and joint resolutions, with many items sent to standing committees and several to subcommittees. The House then adjourned without objection until 2 p.m. on Tuesday.