Transcript Highlights:

• from<00:14:04.880> the<00:14:05.040> federal<00:14:05.360> government<00:14:05.680
• DMS<00:14:12.800> develops<00:14:13.360> and<00:14:13.760> certifies<00:14:
• <00:14:22.320> So<00:14:22.560> CMS<00:14:23.120> has<00:14:23.279> to
• <00:14:29.600> Rates<00:14:29.920> are<00:14:30.079> based<00:14:30.240>
• <00:14:31.920> Uh<00:14:32.160> they<00:14:32.320> go<00:14:32.480> back<

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services met in person, approved the October 15 minutes, and began with a moment of silence following a Louisville UPS plane explosion that was described as a local tragedy affecting many families and first responders. The main presentation was an overview of Kentucky’s Medicaid non-emergency medical transportation (NMT) program from the Department for Medicaid Services and the Transportation Cabinet. Witnesses explained that NMT is a federally required Medicaid benefit, administered by the Transportation Cabinet under a risk-based capitated model, with eligibility limited to Medicaid members traveling to medically necessary, Medicaid-covered services and who lack access to other transportation. They also described exclusions, including certain KCHIP, QMB, and PACE members, and outlined the brokered regional structure, call center operations, scheduling rules, vehicle and driver oversight, complaint handling, and rider surveys. The presenters reported that NMT handled more than 3.1 million trips in state fiscal year 2024, with over 1.38 million trips already recorded in October, and said customer satisfaction surveys were high. They said the FY 2025-26 contract total is about $360.6 million, with monthly per-member capitation rates set by region through an actuarial process and approved by CMS. They emphasized that payments are tied to monthly Medicaid enrollment and that the state draws down federal funds for the exact amount paid, with no leftover balance. They also said most NMT use comes from adult day centers and rehabilitative care such as dialysis. Members questioned the witnesses about how quality metrics and contract standards are set, whether the state had explored alternatives such as Uber Health or other integrated models, and how utilization was calculated. The witnesses said contract requirements are developed collaboratively by Medicaid Services, the Transportation Cabinet, and other agencies, and that studies of other models generally found higher costs and lower approval ratings, with additional research on a hybrid model expected by the end of the year. They clarified that one figure reflected the share of Medicaid members with registered vehicles, while another reflected actual NMT users, and they defended the capitated structure as shifting financial risk to brokers rather than the state. Representative Fleming also raised concerns about oversight, reporting, and the apparent gap between budgeted and contracted amounts, asking whether any unused funds would return to general funds; the discussion ended before a final answer was given.

Transcript Highlights:

• :53.880> very<00:14:54.079> clear<00:14:54.320> today<00:14:54.800> just<
• 00:14:54.959> in<00:14:55.079> the made very clear today just in the made very clear today
• just in the committee<00:14:55.600> even<00:14:56.199> that<00:14:56.399> there's
• even that there's huge support and<00:14:57.680> Ben<00:14:58.040> and<00:14:58.360>
• > and<00:14:58.680> behind<00:14:59.079> the<00:14:59.199> UI<00:14:59.519><

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 3030, the Minnesota Miners Relief Act, was presented as a response to layoffs at Cleveland-Cliffs facilities in Minorca and Hibbing, where more than 600 workers were expected to be affected. Supporters said the bill combines an extension of unemployment benefits for laid-off miners with two policy provisions: a site-specific standard intended to address long-running MPCA permitting and rulemaking issues, and standards for the safe storage of reactive mine waste. Speakers argued the package would provide immediate relief while also creating more certainty for future mining jobs and critical minerals development on the Iron Range. The event featured remarks from Representatives Spencer Igo and Cal Warwas, St. Louis County Commissioner Mike Jugovich, Senator Rob Farnsworth, and union and mine representatives, all of whom emphasized the personal and community impact of the layoffs. They described the potential ripple effects on suppliers, local businesses, young workers, and public revenues, and said the bill was about livelihoods rather than politics. Several speakers stressed that the policy provisions were meant to provide clearer, safer standards rather than weaken environmental protections, and they urged bipartisan cooperation to preserve mining jobs and support the region’s long-term future. In response to questions, Igo said the bill had strong bipartisan support for the UI extension and that the policy provisions should not threaten its chances. He said the UI portion was about three pages of the six-page bill and estimated the cost to the UI trust fund at between $1 million and $12 million. He also said the other provisions would require only modest statutory changes. The bill had been heard in the labor committee and was laid over for possible inclusion or further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:00.880> I<00:14:01.120> do<00:14:01.279> have<00:14:01.440> one.
• > of<00:14:05.680> you<00:14:05.839> are<00:14:06.079> in<00:14:06.240>
• >> Do<00:14:24.480> you<00:14:24.560> happen<00:14:24.720> to<00:14:24.800
• > know<00:14:24.880> how<00:14:25.040> big<00:14:25.199> the<00:14:25.360
• <00:14:26.240> How<00:14:26.399> many<00:14:26.720> people<00:14:26.959>

Bills: SB2841, SB2533

Keywords: SB2841, human trafficking, trafficking awareness, transient accommodations, hotel industry, lodging, hospitality, hotel workers, housekeeping, front desk staff, contract workers, third-party contractors, employee training, signage, reporting requirements, National Human Trafficking Hotline, labor trafficking, sex trafficking, commercial sexual exploitation of children, anti-trafficking

Summary: The joint Judiciary, Labor, and Technology Committee heard two bills in the morning session and later took up two Judiciary decision-making items. SB 2841 would require human trafficking awareness training for transient accommodation workers. Testimony was generally supportive from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the Department of Law Enforcement, and the Hawaii Hotel Alliance/American Hotel and Lodging Association, which also proposed amendments to preserve existing industry training programs and broaden coverage. Members clarified that the administration wanted DLE to be the lead agency instead of DLIR, while the Attorney General would still handle approval of training programs. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including coverage for third-party contractors and implementation dates, and the measure was adopted with no recorded opposition. SB 2533 would adjust the salaries of the Campaign Spending Commission’s executive director and associate director to better align with comparable enforcement/compliance positions. The commission supported the bill, saying its salaries lag behind similar offices by about $30,000 and that recruitment and workload have become more difficult, while one testifier opposed the proposal. Members questioned why the bill used the Department of Health as the salary comparator and whether Ethics would be a better benchmark; the committee agreed to revise the bill to peg the salaries to the Ethics Commission instead, blank out the dollar amounts for further review, and note the requested appropriation in the report. The committee recommended passage with amendments, and the measure was adopted. In the Judiciary decision-making agenda, SB 2203, concerning the use of masks or personal disguises by law enforcement officers, was amended to allow exceptions for officers who are unmasked nearby or who are supporting undercover operations, to change the term to “facial covering,” and to add definitions covering federal, state, and county law enforcement. The committee also set a far-future effective date and passed the bill with amendments. SB 2442, relating to judiciary purchase-of-service contracts with community-based organizations, was also passed with amendments; the committee added a far-future effective date, clarified the consumer price index reference, and noted a recommended appropriation amount of $4.26 million in the committee report. All measures were adopted without recorded no votes or reservations.

Transcript Highlights:

• for consideration at their October 27th... ...six projects for consideration at their October 27, 2025
• So we will have an additional $14 million to consider for another grant round.
• So we will have an additional $14 million to consider for another grant round.
• We're able to run 14.
• We're able to run 14.

Summary: The committee received a compliance and budget update on Industrial Commission agencies and programs, including the Industrial Commission administrative office, the Oil and Gas Research Program, the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority, the State Energy Research Center, the Research Technology Park grant program, and related funds. Staff reviewed spending and balances for items such as electric grid resiliency grants, lignite research, enhanced oil recovery, the salt cavern business case study, and the new NDSU research and technology park grant. Members also discussed timing, carryover balances, matching requirements, and how some programs are structured to reimburse projects over several years rather than spend funds immediately. Karen Tyler of the Industrial Commission described the agency’s administrative budget, the grant management system nearing completion, and the transition to standalone audits and staffing after separating from other agencies. She also outlined the status of active grant rounds across lignite, oil and gas, renewable energy, outdoor heritage, and clean sustainable energy programs. Members asked about the length of active grants, demand for clean energy funding, and the possibility of future grant rounds. Tyler and members also discussed the salt cavern study, the need to better define its commercial value, and the research technology park grant’s cash-match requirement. Ron Ness then testified on enhanced oil recovery and broader oil and gas market conditions. He said North Dakota production remained steady, but future growth depends on infrastructure, longer laterals, and better use of natural gas and carbon dioxide for EOR. He described the state’s EOR grant round, the use of federal DOE funding to replace part of a state-funded project, and the expectation of additional grant rounds. Members asked about CO2 supply, storage, and the economics of using legacy fields and pipelines to extend oil production and support agriculture and industrial uses. The committee also heard from Bank of North Dakota President Don Morgan, who reviewed the bank’s mission, governance, lending verticals, disaster programs, and new initiatives. He said the bank is seeing deposit growth flatten and is responding to fintech competition by focusing on liquidity, risk management, and a new payment infrastructure initiative called Rough Rider Coin, which he emphasized is not crypto and not a public coin, but a banking payment rail for North Dakota institutions. Members asked about student loan rates, disaster lending, and how the bank’s lines of credit and balance sheet capacity are affected by deposit trends. Morgan said the bank remains profitable and continues to support agriculture, commerce, and industry through participation loans, student lending, and state-directed programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:14:24.320> at<00:14:24.480> the<00:14:24.639> first<00:14:24.800> of
• semester<00:14:26.320> is<00:14:26.639> nice,<00:14:27.120> but<00:14:27.360>
• <00:14:29.600> starts<00:14:29.920> in<00:14:30.079> August<00:14:30.320> and
• in and ACO only receives the money in starting<00:14:34.800> October<00:14:35.279> 1st
• > starting October 1st and we receive it starting October 1st and we receive it in<00:14:36.800> quarters

Bills: SB79, HB379, SB253, HB278, HB438, HB233, SB79, HB379, SB253, HB278, HB438, HB233

Keywords: sex-based terminology, gender identity, male, female, man, woman, boy, girl, single-sex spaces, women's rights, privacy, safety, fairness, anti-discrimination, vital statistics, birth certificate, intersex, DSD, differences in sex development, transgender

Transcript Highlights:

• We did a survey of our members in October of this past year, and we found that our agencies are losing
• :46.840> okay<01:14:47.120> thank<01:14:47.280> you<01:14:47.440> very<01
• :14:47.679> much<01:14:48.679> um<01:14:49.040> next<01:14:49.520> up you
• <01:14:51.480> um<01:14:52.440> ear<01:14:52.880> childhood<01:14:53.400>
• <01:32:46.920> 1 beginning October 1 beginning October 1 20254<01:32:49.840> that<01

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several Human Services measures focused on Medicaid access, long-term care benefits, home health reimbursement, SNAP administration, trauma-informed child welfare, and child abuse reporting. HP 702 would increase funding for Medicaid in-home services if federal matching funds are secured, and testimony from disability advocates supported the measure as needed to help people with disabilities cover medical expenses. HB 1477, described as a correction to a prior session’s mistake, would clarify that the monthly needs allowance for certain long-term care residents does not replace state supplemental payments and would raise the ceiling by $25 to fix the prior issue and by an additional $20 as a new benefit; DHS supported it with amendments, and the committee indicated it would amend accordingly. HB 713 would fund a DHS rate study for home health services, with the Healthcare Association of Hawaii strongly supporting it and describing rising labor costs, losses on Medicaid patients, and access concerns if agencies cannot keep serving Medicaid clients. HB 1099 would appropriate emergency funds to DHS after a USDA penalty tied to SNAP response times, with supporters including Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Public Health Institute, and others arguing the money should be reinvested in staffing and systems to improve access and avoid further penalties. HB 1079 would direct the Office of Wellness and Resilience and DHS to create trauma-informed assessments and training for Child Welfare Services staff; testimony from state offices and advocacy groups supported it, citing the Mālama ʻOhana Working Group, staff burnout, and the need for a sustainable train-the-trainer model. Finally, HB 239 would narrow when failure to provide a child’s needs constitutes abuse or neglect, but DHS raised concerns that the current wording could broaden abuse findings and leave families in poverty without a clear safety net, while the Honolulu prosecutor’s office opposed it, warning it could weaken mandatory reporting and hinder investigations of child abuse. No formal votes were taken in the portion provided, though the chair said HB 1477 would be amended and several measures were left open for further questions and testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and<00:14:44.639> you<00:14:44.800> know,<00:14:44.959> I<00:14:45.680> I
• :48.000> give<00:14:48.800> uh<00:14:48.959> that<00:14:49.279> kind<00:14
• > meant<00:14:53.600> to<00:14:53.839> be<00:14:54.160> serving<00:14:54.560
• > Um,<00:14:56.720> and<00:14:57.040> I<00:14:57.360> just<00:14:57.920><
• October 1st. October 1st.

Bills: HF3379

Keywords: housing stabilization, disability services, predatory funding, provider requirements, housing accessibility, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :18.880> Between<00:14:19.279> October<00:14:19.600> and<00:14:19.839> December
• Between October and December, we<00:14:20.480> posted<00:14:20.880> 10<00:14:21.199>
• > only<00:14:24.000> able<00:14:24.480> to<00:14:24.800> fill<00:14:25.519
• For example,<00:14:27.760> the<00:14:28.000> salary<00:14:28.480> offered<00:14:
• > by<00:14:44.399> nurses<00:14:45.279> due<00:14:45.519> to<00:14:45.760

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 4 February, 2026; 9:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first heard from the Board of Dental Examiners on its FY27 budget request. Board staff said the agency licenses and regulates dentistry and dental hygiene in Mississippi, with nearly 7,500 licenses and permits. They described recent accomplishments, including implementation of a new database and completion of sedation-permit inspection requirements, and said those changes created about $80,000 in savings. The board’s main remaining request was a 3% staff progression costing $20,539; members also discussed a possible $29,000 ITS charge tied to House Bill 1491, though staff said that cost might no longer be needed if the funding shifts back to ITS. The board also explained its revenue sources, including dental, hygienist, and dental assistant x-ray permits, and clarified that the “radiology” permits are for dental assistants authorized to take x-rays. Members asked about fees, renewal cycles, sedation permit classes, and continuing education requirements, and the board said it was fully staffed and did not need vacancy funding. The committee then heard from the Board of Nursing, which said it regulates about 80,000 LPN, RN, and APRN licenses and oversees workforce programs and disciplinary matters. The board emphasized its Office of Nursing Workforce, noting more than $4 million in grants to nursing programs from 2019 to 2024 and thousands of scholarships awarded to nursing students, with recipients required to work in Mississippi for a period after graduation. It said staffing remains a major problem because salaries are not competitive, leading to difficulty filling positions; between October and December, 10 positions were posted and only two were filled. The board said the legislative budget recommendation would eliminate five positions, and it requested $112,466 in salary funding to restore and support staff pay, including a maximum 7% progression for nursing positions, a 4% increase for nonexecutive staff, and a 2% increase for executive staff. The nursing board also requested additional contractual and technology funding. It said House Bill 1491 would increase annual fees by $49,486 plus a one-time $3,000 data migration charge, and it requested $13,800 for an ongoing subscription tied to the military medics program assigned to the board in the prior session. It also said a proposed human trafficking bill would require another $10,000 if enacted. Members asked about the board’s cash balance, renewal cycles, and staffing structure, including investigatory and compliance functions, and the board said it had about 39 current employees and was monitoring roughly 130 people in compliance, including about 30 in a confidential monitoring program for substance use or severe psychiatric conditions. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded with members thanking both boards and inviting follow-up questions before appropriations decisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Accounting procedures for municipalities are set forth in Arkansas Code 14-59-101 through 14-59-119.
• Continuing on page 14, the Town of Rondo for the year ended December 31st, 2024.
• Continuing on page 14, the town of Rondo for the year ended December 31st, 2024.
• We noted 14 debit card transactions initiated by an employee were not adequately documented.
• But let's say it was at July, and then it would be October and January.

Summary: The committee began with prayer and approval of the January 8 minutes, then received updates on delinquent private water and sewer reports. Staff reported that for the 2022 reports, 19 of 43 entities had had their turnback reinstated, while 24 remained in escrow; for the 2023 reports, 59 of 64 entities had filed, leaving five outstanding. The committee also filed a report on Adona, where staff said the city had made enough progress toward substantial compliance with municipal accounting laws to discontinue withholding turnback, and the committee adopted that recommendation. The bulk of the meeting focused on municipal accounting noncompliance cases. Gum Springs and Denning were presented with extensive repeat findings involving budgets not adopted by ordinance or resolution, missing or incomplete bank reconciliations, inadequate receipts and disbursement records, payroll issues, and improper handling of Act 833 funds or other city money. Both cities’ mayors and recorders-treasurers testified about efforts to correct records, obtain training, and work with the Municipal League; the committee voted to start the 60-day turnback-withholding clock for both and then filed the reports. Fargo was deferred because no city representative was present. Additional reports included Green Forest, Elaine, Strong, Brooklyn, Mineral Springs, Rondo, Waldo, Columbia County, and several private water and sewer entities. Strong drew significant concern over missing garbage-bag revenue, improper fund transfers, and deficit balances; the committee deferred that report to the March meeting. The committee also heard investigative or referred reports on the Faulkner County Fair Association, Brooklyn payroll direct-deposit fraud, and other entities with questionable disbursements or recordkeeping. In several cases, staff recommended filing the reports after responses were received; in others, the committee deferred action when responses were lacking or representatives were absent. The meeting ended with a motion to defer a Cross County Rural Water matter so the entity could appear at the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• 14:00.920> happy<00:14:01.199> to<00:14:01.720> okay<00:14:02.600> all I
• may<00:14:24.720> thank<00:14:24.880> you<00:14:25.000> so<00:14:25.120>
• > a<00:14:30.320> uh<00:14:30.480> another<00:14:30.800> reg<00:14:31.160
• :47.000> deficient<00:14:48.000> in<00:14:48.199> the<00:14:48.360> October
• c><00:14:48.880> 15th found deficient in the October 15th found deficient in the October 15th

Keywords: 00:00 Call to Order/Roll Call 00:16 Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations 25:49 Discussion of Hospital Rate Improvement Plan 58:50 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee began by reviewing a large slate of administrative regulations and explaining that it does not approve regulations but can find them deficient and send them back for further work. Members then asked questions on several items, including EMS reciprocity, dental hygienist licensure, and interpreter licensure. The EMS board explained that reciprocity would extend to applicants from any state, not just contiguous states, because the underlying statute had been amended. On the dental regulation, staff said the changes mainly clarified licensure requirements, reinstatement fees, and that dental hygienists administering local anesthetic must do so under direct dentist supervision. The most extended discussion involved the Board of Interpreters for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. The board chair said the main concern was that the EIPA is an educational specialty assessment, not a nationally recognized certification, yet the regulation would allow it to support full licensure. Members discussed whether that could let educational interpreters work outside their intended scope and whether a separate educational license or statutory change would be more appropriate. The board said it did not think the regulation could be fixed further at this point and suggested a statute could create a narrower educational interpreter license. After discussion, the committee voted to defer both related interpreter regulations, 201 KAR 39:030 and the companion regulation, for further work. The committee then took up two community mental health regulations, 907 KAR 1:044 and 907 KAR 5:005, which had been found deficient in Administrative Regulations. Department for Medicaid Services staff said the rules would expand and rename the mental health associate role as a behavioral health associate, making the role available in many more facilities, but would also require additional coursework or progress toward licensure. Some members and providers raised access-to-care concerns, especially for rural areas and unlicensed staff already working in the field. Staff said the proposal had been revised through work with CMHCs and licensing boards, but the committee ultimately voted to defer both regulations as well. After finishing the regulation review, the committee heard a presentation from the Kentucky Hospital Association on the ATRIP hospital rate improvement program. Hospital representatives said ATRIP is a Medicaid state-directed payment program funded through a provider tax and federal matching dollars, allowing hospitals to receive payments tied to quality measures. They reported improvements including lower Medicaid readmissions, high sepsis screening rates, reduced infections and opioid prescribing, expanded postpartum depression and suicide screening, and training for more than 1,000 people. They said the program has helped hospitals invest in staffing and quality improvement and warned that without it, many hospitals would face severe financial strain.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:14:00.800> Uh,<01:14:01.280> and<01:14:01.600> so<01:14:02.080> I
• <01:14:04.239> by<01:14:04.480> your<01:14:04.800> hospital<01:14:05.280>
• ><01:14:11.920> um<01:14:12.080> giving<01:14:12.800> um<01:14:12.960> more
• >> So,<01:14:19.440> we<01:14:19.679> are<01:14:19.840> in<01:14:20.159>
• 14:28.320> a<01:14:28.719> start<01:14:28.960> for<01:14:29.280> those<01

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you<00:14:45.360> favor<00:14:45.600> the<00:14:45.760> gentleman's<00:14:46.160
• <00:14:48.320> Oppose.<00:14:48.720> No.
• The eyes<00:14:50.720> have<00:14:50.880> it.
• Gentlemen, >> Mr.<00:14:52.240> Speaker,<00:14:52.560> item<00:14:52.959> 47,<
• /c><00:14:53.680> House<00:14:53.920> Bill<00:14:54.639> 333.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 9 February, 2026; 4:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum, dispensed with reading the journal, and welcomed several guests, including Dr. Richard Calderon and medical student Sam Buckley, along with hospital and judicial visitors in the gallery. The chamber then moved to floor action on several bills, mostly from the Workforce Committee. House Bill 622 was brought back on reconsideration, amended to align code sections with changes made by House Bill 3, and passed 119-0. House Bill 329, a reverse-auction option for local school boards and local governments, passed 113-1. House Bills 1401 and 1588, both workforce-related measures extending repeal or exemption dates and adjusting reporting requirements, passed 121-0 and 118-0, respectively. House Bill 562 created the Mississippi Career and Technical Education tuition guarantee program for CTE students and passed 116-0. House Bill 1696 transferred apprenticeship program oversight to a state advisory structure; members questioned how it would work, whether it would affect existing programs, and how it related to specific trades, but the bill passed 113-4 after an amendment to conform to federal requirements. House Bill 338 established a construction training assistant fund supported by a reduced designated contractor contribution rate; members asked about the funding source, whether it was state money, and how it would interact with existing training efforts such as Build Mississippi and Habitat for Humanity. After adopting a committee amendment reducing the contribution percentage, the bill passed 128-0. The House also concurred in a Senate amendment on another bill, making it effective immediately so a state health department hygienist could begin work right away; that motion passed 128-0. The session ended with memorial announcements for several individuals, a request for a rules meeting after adjournment, and adjournment until 10:00 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• October 10th, 2025.
• Closed on October 10th, 2025. Proposals are in review.
• Used multi-mission aircraft posted on September 12th, 2025. closed on October 16th, 2025.
• The large air tanker posted October 15, 2025. Closes on November 11.
• 14.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Then replace line 376 with line 14, where it states the words "procure supplies and services" in the
• It also cleans up the fee structure on page 14. I'm moving on; I'm not going to take much longer.
• I resigned my position in October.
• I resigned my position in October 2022 based on some of these very same issues that were found in the
• The AG's office, after those 14 issues were discovered, had an opportunity to act in good faith.

Bills: HB159, HB110, HB114, HB115, HB116, HB123, HB125

Keywords: U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Alabama Space Science Exhibit Commission, public facilities, space exploration, education programs, bond issuance, Governor involvement, pharmacy, pharmacist licensure, Alabama State Board of Pharmacy, renewal fees, continuing education, disciplinary actions, sessions, 2025-R, 1, 219

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank<00:14:01.839> you<00:14:01.920> all<00:14:02.000> for<00:14:02.120>
• <00:14:04.360> I<00:14:04.400> represent<00:14:04.880> District<00:14:05.240
• Minnesotans<00:14:40.000> are<00:14:40.120> hurting<00:14:40.480> right<00:14:40.640
• that<00:14:45.440> can<00:14:45.600> help<00:14:46.040> not<00:14:46.280> only
• 00:14:48.839> our<00:14:49.000> schools,<00:14:49.640> but<00:14:49.800> we've

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: Representative Cedric Frazier opened the meeting by describing the ongoing harms from Operation Metro Surge, saying the state was still dealing with family separation, school disruption, workforce damage, and economic instability. He framed the issue as a statewide crisis and called on Republican colleagues to acknowledge the harm and work with DFL members on accountability and relief. He said the current budget work was urgent but could not fully backfill the damage, and later noted that the issue had been a top priority since the surge began. Testimony from school and business leaders focused on concrete impacts. Fridley Public Schools Superintendent Brenda Lewis said her district, which serves a large Black, Hispanic, and East and West African student population, was targeted during the surge and saw major enrollment losses, including students moving out of state or country or being held in Texas facilities. She said the district lost over $1 million in revenue and that the loss could equal about 40 teachers or an entire elementary school. Columbia Heights School Board Chair Mary Granlund said her district, with a limited tax base, was also heavily affected and warned that business closures and unfunded mandates would shift costs to homeowners and force cuts to classes, teachers, and programs. Lee Ann Rasiejka of Women Venture and the CDFI coalition said small businesses across Minnesota were facing compounded disruption from federal law enforcement activity, tariffs, rising costs, and fear, with more than $213 million in lost revenue reported across Twin Cities corridors and many businesses cutting hours, delaying hiring, or pausing growth. In response to questions, Frazier and other speakers said the proposed aid would be statewide rather than focused only on the Twin Cities, and that the bill currently had no set dollar amount but they hoped for around $100 million. They said CDFIs and local community groups would help distribute resources. Frazier said some Republican members had acknowledged harm in their own communities and suggested compromise was possible, though he criticized leadership for dismissing some testimony as hearsay. He also said ongoing law enforcement investigations into alleged crimes by federal agents would not be necessary to establish the harm, pointing instead to direct testimony from affected residents and school officials. No votes were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam<00:14:05.839> Chair,<00:14:06.160> I<00:14:06.320> don't<00:14:06.480>
• >> And<00:14:12.880> is<00:14:13.040> it<00:14:13.199> my<00:14:13.440>
• , which<00:14:17.040> is<00:14:17.199> the<00:14:17.360> focus<00:14:17.680>
• <01:14:48.239> something<01:14:48.800> serious<01:14:49.360> could<01:14:49.760>
• > you<01:14:53.840> know<01:14:54.000> I<01:14:54.239> wrote<01:14:54.480

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our Baker unit in October of 2025.
• Veterans, families who have children over the age of 14. It reduces exemptions.
• Veterans, families who have children over the age of 14. It reduces exemptions.
• It eliminates the SNAP Education Program, effective October 1 of this year.
• The next date I'd flag is October of 2026.

Summary: The committee held a work session focused first on juvenile rehabilitation system capacity. DCYF officials said the juvenile rehabilitation population is older, includes more adult-sentenced youth, and has longer lengths of stay, especially for “post-25” youth who must remain in secure facilities and cannot go to community beds. They described overcrowding at Green Hill School, placement limits at Echo Glen and Harbor Heights, staffing turnover, mental health acuity, and the need for more medium-security and specialized mental health beds. DCYF said it is pursuing a Parkland facility proposal, a staffing model decision package, and a broader feasibility study and master plan update. No votes were taken; members were asked to follow up with questions later. The committee then heard on behavioral health system capacity from the Behavioral Health Administration and the Health Care Authority. DSHS described growth in forensic and civil bed need, expansion at Olympic Heritage, Maple Lane, and Brockman, and construction of a new 350-bed forensic hospital at Western State expected to open in 2028. HCA reported progress on long-term civil commitment beds, intensive behavioral health treatment facilities, PACT teams, and intensive residential treatment teams, saying the community-based system is being expanded to support step-down care and reduce hospital reliance. Members asked about whether capacity is right-sized, the difference between facility types, and federal match eligibility for services. A federal funding update followed, covering the effects of H.R. 1 and H.R. 5371 on SNAP, Medicaid, marketplace coverage, long-term services and supports, K-12, higher education, and hemp regulation. OFM and agency staff said H.R. 1 adds work requirements, changes non-citizen eligibility, increases state administrative and benefit costs, reduces Medicaid and marketplace subsidies for some groups, tightens redeterminations, and may significantly affect provider payments and state-directed payments. H.R. 5371 extended federal funding through January 30, 2026 and included some agency appropriations and other provisions, including changes affecting hemp producers. Members asked about SNAP error rates and special enrollment periods. Finally, budget coordinator Mary Monroe gave a 2026 supplemental budget preview. She reviewed the state’s near general fund outlook, noting revenue declines since the enacted budget, the effect of reversions, and a preliminary maintenance-level outlook showing a projected increase in NGFO spending over the four-year period. She said the supplemental will reflect updated caseload and cost forecasts and mandatory impacts from H.R. 1, but not policy proposals. No actions or votes were taken during the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• The<00:14:45.360> commission<00:14:46.000> the<00:14:46.399> insurance<00:14:46.880
• :47.760> will<00:14:48.079> expire<00:14:48.560> in<00:14:49.760> um<00:14
• :50.079> October<00:14:50.560> of<00:14:50.959> 2027.
• And<00:14:52.720> we<00:14:53.040> believe<00:14:53.279> that<00:14:54.240> without
• > license<00:14:56.160> fees<00:14:57.199> that<00:14:57.519> a<00:14:57.839

Bills: SB7, SB22, SB39, SB40, SB45, SB46, SB86, SB95, SB107, SB7, SB22, SB39, SB40, SB45, SB46, SB86, SB95, SB107

Keywords: voting rights, absentee ballot, protected classes, Alabama Voting Rights Act, felony conviction, election integrity, preclearance, Alabama Jobs Act, incentives, job creation, economic development, recapture provisions, capital investment, employment, board governance, occupational licensing, Sunset Law, public accountability, training requirements, SB40

Transcript Highlights:

• And the additional assessment ticked up to 14% again; that's 14% of the tax owed from where it was at
• And the additional assessment ticked up to 14% again; that's 14% of the tax owed from where it was at
• And the additional assessment ticked up to 14% again; that's 14% of the tax owed from where it was at
• closed during the month of October. closed during the month of October.
• c><01:14:57.360> are<01:14:57.520> going<01:14:57.760> to<01:14:58.000> be

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:01.680> Uh<00:14:01.839> the<00:14:02.079> guidance<00:14:02.399>
• :14:05.199> have<00:14:05.360> access<00:14:06.079> uh<00:14:06.160> through<
• <00:14:06.880> or<00:14:07.199> through<00:14:07.440> their<00:14:07.600>
• > that<00:14:12.000> may<00:14:12.079> be<00:14:12.240> at<00:14:12.399><
• services<01:14:03.280> and<01:14:03.520> supports<01:14:04.080> if<01:14:04.320

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, including roll call and approval of the prior meeting minutes, with one member abstaining because of absence and one member opposing. The main informational items were a Department of Health and Human Services update on the rural health transformation grant and a public health briefing on vaccines, followed by a quarterly budget and staffing update and an annual report from the Permanent Subcommittee on Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Related Dementias. Commissioner Lori Weaver reported that the department submitted the rural health transformation grant application on November 4, described it as reflecting input from communities and providers statewide, and said CMS review and budget negotiations would follow before final approval on December 31. She said the grant could support hiring as long as administrative costs stay within the 10% cap, and that the governor’s office will oversee administration with HHS. Ian Watt then testified that New Hampshire remains committed to vaccine access, including through the universal purchase program and annual respiratory virus guidance for flu, RSV, and COVID-19. He said the state continues to use evidence-based review for vaccine policy, noted the CDC’s change regarding the combined MMRV vaccine for the first dose in young children, and said New Hampshire’s school vaccine mandates remain at nine for schoolchildren and 10 for child care, with statutory exemptions still in place. Department staff also said there have been no supply or funding problems affecting childhood vaccine access. Nathan White, the department’s CFO, reviewed the DHHS budget and vacancy trends. He said DHHS makes up a large share of the state budget, that about 31% of its budget is general funds subject to lapse, and that lapse projections are difficult because much of the budget is driven by utilization rather than personnel. He reported current projected general fund lapse of just under $20 million, compared with about $39 million in the statewide surplus statement, and explained that only about a third of DHHS general funds can actually lapse because of statutory restrictions. He also said the department has about 400 unfunded positions, contributing to roughly a $30 million general fund reduction across the biennium, and that the hiring freeze has pushed vacancy trends upward while critical direct-care positions are being prioritized. The Alzheimer’s subcommittee reported six meetings this year, presentations on state services, silver alerts, brain health awareness, and palliative/hospice care, and work toward a new state Alzheimer’s plan. The subcommittee is developing a needs-assessment survey for people living with dementia, caregivers, and service providers, with the goal of using the results and other data sources to inform the plan. Its recommendations focus on integrating Alzheimer’s and dementia materials into chronic disease and aging outreach, embedding brain health into systems of care, adding cognitive health measures to BRFSS, and continuing partnerships with statewide organizations. Members also discussed recent research and prevention efforts, and the committee noted that a separate bill is being pursued to include Alzheimer’s and dementia in existing public health awareness campaigns.