Transcript Highlights:

• our board approves those contracts that the 3 consortia the district's use together, a strategic planning
• They helped drive the instructional planning and the goals that they have in their district.
• That being the case I got and I discovered I had a strategic plan like everybody else does.
• And the 3 of us came up with an strategic plan. Ours about 21 pages long. It's functional.
• I'm going to have to answer to the comptroller while my below my 3, I have a plan in place.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hey, next up is the legislative recap and work plan update.
• At this time, I would hear a motion to approve the work plan updates. So moved.
• It's been moved and seconded to approve the work plan updates. Is there any discussion?
• So we write the scope and objectives to inform our plans for field work.
• and strategic plan for JLARC, including evaluations.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: At the April 8, 2026 JLARC meeting, members approved the January 7 minutes and recognized Marilyn Richter for more than 12 years of service to JLARC and the Citizens Commission. Staff then gave a legislative recap and work plan update, noting that JLARC staff presented to five committees during session, six bills or budget provisos implementing prior recommendations were enacted, and seven new study assignments were received. Members approved the updated 2025–2027 biennial work plan, including the new studies and the required 2027 lodging tax review. The committee also heard a presentation on a new post-meeting member survey tied to JLARC performance measures. Members then considered the final report on ignition interlock device compliance and monitoring. Staff reported that many drivers required to install ignition interlock devices do not do so, with installation rates rising with income, and identified problems in the Department of Licensing’s financial assistance program and coordination with the State Patrol. Both agencies said they concurred with JLARC’s recommendations to clarify responsibilities, formalize coordination, and develop a plan to increase installation rates. The committee approved the final report. Next, JLARC reviewed the final report on drug takeback fee setting and expenditures. Staff concluded that the Department of Health’s fee design limits full cost recovery and that the agency should publicly report oversight costs and activities; the legislature should revise the fee structure to better align with best practices. Members discussed whether the program should remain at DOH or be housed elsewhere, and adopted committee comments emphasizing transparency and future sunset review work before approving the final report. Finally, staff presented the scope and objectives for the Clean Buildings Performance Standard study, focusing on state-owned Tier 1 buildings and K-12 facilities in the first compliance cohort, with questions centered on compliance costs, energy savings, funding sources, fines, and possible workforce or budget impacts. The meeting ended with administrative announcements about upcoming meetings and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• In Gem County, the comp plan and their form said that you had to be a certified organic farm to opt out
• So we currently list the products we plan to use for the year, but we never know if something new might
• Chairman Ehardt, Representative Alfieri, the difference is we publish what we plan to use, but if— and
• a comprehensive plan for 2025 that was said to be largely the same.
• Approving the plan before reading it is a concerning lack of oversight.

Committee: House Local Government

Summary: The House Local Government Committee approved the minutes from February 2, 4, and 18, then held a follow-up hearing on HB 747, a bill dealing with mosquito abatement districts, opt-outs from spraying, public notification, aerial applications, and enforcement. The sponsor, Representative Byswinger, said the revised bill was intended to make opt-outs explicit, improve transparency about chemicals used, clarify that drone spraying would not count as aerial abatement, and add accountability for districts he said were not honoring existing law. Supporters argued the bill protects property rights, informed consent, and residents who want to avoid chemical exposure, while several testified that some districts have confusing opt-out procedures or have not respected opt-outs. Opponents, including Canyon County Mosquito Abatement Director Jim Lunders, Madison County Mosquito Director Jared Arnold, Bannock County Commissioner Jeff Huff, and technical advisor Daniel Markowski, said the bill would create major administrative and financial burdens, shift responsibilities to county commissioners without funding, require publication of an impractically large list of possible products, and restrict effective mosquito control. They also warned that requiring a public health emergency before aerial applications would delay response to outbreaks and that limiting access to public lands or making opt-outs permanent through property sales could hinder operations. Supporters from Gem County and elsewhere described health concerns, chemical exposure, and alleged failures by districts to honor opt-outs. After testimony and questions, Representative Hostetler moved to send HB 747 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Representative Weber offered a substitute motion to hold the bill in committee, citing local control and unintended consequences. The committee rejected the motion to hold the bill on a 9-6 roll call vote, then approved the original motion to send HB 747 to the floor with a due pass recommendation on a 9-6 roll call vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, if you plan it, well, we're going to run this for 20 years, we can do this more efficiently by
• But if it's only going to go five, if I have to plan it only, I don't know.
• If I have to plan it only goes five, I better design it in such a way that it's dead in five years.
• But if it's only going to go five, if I have to plan it only, I don't know.
• What is the sustainability plan for those types of things?

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Appropriations Division met in a work session on the draft Rural Health Transformation appropriations bill, 25.1392.01000, with no public testimony taken. Legislative Council and the Department of Health and Human Services walked through the bill, which would appropriate about $397.8 million in federal grant funds over two federal fiscal years, provide transfer authority, allow certain federal funds to be used for salaries and wages without counting against existing transfer limits, and authorize OMB to adjust other agencies’ spending authority if they receive grant awards through HHS. The bill also includes several temporary statutory exemptions to help implement the program, plus recipient acknowledgement/reporting requirements, periodic reports to Legislative Management, and an immediate effective date upon filing. Committee discussion focused heavily on how the federal rural health transformation money can be used and administered. Department officials explained that CMS will review projects for allowability and sustainability, that the state has flexibility to move funds among categories, and that the grant is limited to 10% administrative costs. Members asked about whether the funding could support renovations, equipment, ambulances, bulk purchasing, food distribution, and other rural health ideas, and were told many details will depend on CMS approval and the eventual applications. Questions also addressed cash flow, timing of obligations and reimbursements, FTE funding, and whether grant recipients should be told the program will not continue beyond the federal period; officials said the language is meant to prevent expectations of automatic continuation, not to bar future legislative action. The committee also discussed the bill’s use of a two-year appropriation amount, with staff explaining that the state must appropriate enough authority to cover the federal grant cycle and that unused authority would lapse if the full amount is not received or spent. Members raised concerns about whether the bill’s language could limit creativity or future program design, but department officials and several members emphasized the need for flexibility because CMS may reject overly specific directives. After discussion, the committee voted to recommend the bill draft to the full committee; the motion carried on a roll call vote, and the chair said the full Joint Appropriations Committee would take up the bill at the special session next week.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to talk a little bit more about our strategic plan.
• Currently, within the PED strategic plan, one of the goals is that we will have a target number of 200
• They need to understand classroom management, how to write a lesson plan, how to understand curriculum
• You had told me earlier that you were planning on wanting to be an electrician or something.
• And it required that schools develop a cardiac emergency response plan and install automated external

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , and it authorizes HCDA to utilize the definition of transit-oriented development in their planning.
• ><00:21:47.520><c> the</c><00:21:47.600><c> to</c><00:21:48.080><c> strategic</c><00:21:48.559><c> plan
• </c><00:21:57.360><c> Um</c><00:21:57.919><c> and</c> planning is the gist of the bill.
• Um and planning is the gist of the bill.
• ,</c><00:23:44.400><c> roommate</c> two fiscal years for planning, roommate two fiscal years for planning

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The conference committees met several times on April 25, 2025, to resolve a number of bills, often delaying items until later in the day because of missing FIN/WAM releases or lack of quorum. Early in the day, SB 382 was discussed briefly but not advanced because finance would not release it. HB 1064, relating to the state fire marshal, was taken up and approved after conferees confirmed a $2,212,000 appropriation for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to fund eight positions in the Department of Law Enforcement. Members thanked the many agencies, staff, and advocates involved, and the bill passed by unanimous votes of those present. Several other measures were rolled over to later conference-room meetings, including HB 423 on workers’ compensation, HB 214 on government, HB 1036, HB 1037, and HB 1039 on public employment cost items, SB 828 on workers’ compensation medical benefits, SB 717 on collective bargaining, and HB 286 on the individual housing account program, all pending FIN/WAM release or further agreement. A larger housing agenda was also postponed to 4:30 p.m. in Room 225, including bills on housing, transportation, transient accommodations development, rental housing revolving funds, dwelling unit revolving funds, and low-income housing credit. At the later transportation and housing sessions, HB 1231 was adopted as a conference draft establishing a $5 county motor vehicle registration surcharge for the Safe Routes to School special fund and clarifying rules for automated enforcement citations and liability. HB 4209 on transit-oriented development also passed; it defined transit-oriented development, created a mixed-income subaccount in the rental housing revolving fund, and authorized HCDA to use the definition in planning. HB 1298 on housing passed with amendments to support a government employee housing program tied to a transit-oriented development site, including funding for planning and an HHFC position. HB 830 on historic preservation reviews also passed with amendments limiting third-party review to residential or mixed-use development and setting staggered effective dates. Later, SB 662 on transportation passed with amendments authorizing county police officers to enforce the statewide traffic code on public streets, roadways, and highways. Several other bills remained pending and were recessed for later consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Minnesota Forward Fund is listed on 2.23, and then the premium security plan account is listed on
• effectively does is this limits the amount of spending in these areas to the amount that's already planned
• </c> and then the premium security plan and then the premium security plan account<00:02:31.520><c> is
• for in 26 amount that's already planned for in 26 and<00:02:48.120><c> 27.
• </c><00:03:09.519><c> spending</c> of $25 million over that plan spending of $25 million over that plan

Bills: HF601

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: agriculture, depredation compensation, livestock, crop damage, elk, wolves, wildlife management, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we use the alternate funding plan that's in 718.
• It says that the DBPR can approve an alternate funding plan for that.
• So our attorneys said, well, just come up with the plan, and if they come back to you, you'll have it
• Put that in there as a safe harbor to that alternate plan, saying that such a plan would be acceptable
• You know, not only could you peg the SERS reporting plan to that and require them to comment on that

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and took up several bills, beginning with CS for SB 592, the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program. The bill was explained as revising condominium eligibility and grant rules, lowering the approval threshold to 75%, changing roof project rules, capping reimbursement at $175,000 per association, and excluding detached units. Two amendments were adopted, including one clarifying the three-story threshold and another adding wind-driven rain mitigation devices for sliding glass doors as an eligible improvement. A late-filed amendment to appropriate $500 million for the program was adopted on a roll call vote, but the bill itself was then reported favorably. Testimony generally supported the program, with members noting strong demand and the need for more funding, though one amendment drew concern from a window manufacturer and some members about product approval and fairness. The committee then approved CS for SB 622 on pari-mutuel permit holders, which would allow certain facilities to be leased to Hialeah permit holders and other same-class permit holders, with an amendment making the lessee eligible to apply for, rather than automatically receive, a license for inter-track wagering or Hialeah games. CS for SB 1404 on illegal gambling was also reported favorably after amendments added a declaratory judgment process for veterans organizations, strengthened ethics/revolving-door restrictions for Gaming Commission personnel, and then withdrew a late amendment concerning a Miami casino property. Prosecutors and the Gaming Control Commission supported the bill as a tool to target criminal gambling operations, while amusement machine operators and veterans groups raised concerns about overbreadth and uncertainty for lawful operators. SB 604 on residential swimming pool requirements was temporarily postponed after questions about how the new sale/transfer disclosure and safety-feature requirement would work in practice, especially for cash transactions and whether home inspectors would be involved. SB 1682, adding 911 dispatchers to the definition of first responder, was reported favorably with support from dispatchers and members who emphasized the trauma and public safety role of telecommunicators. SB 818 on utility relocation and SB 1228 on spring restoration were both reported favorably, with counties opposing the utility bill as a cost shift to taxpayers and the spring bill drawing support from JEA. The committee also approved CS for SB 948 on flood disclosures for tenants and condo buyers, and CS for SB 1742, a major condominium and cooperative association reform bill that would adjust reserve funding rules, allow temporary reserve pauses after milestone inspections, require substitute budgets over a certain threshold, permit lines of credit in lieu of reserves through 2028, expand disclosure and data reporting, and add conflict-of-interest and governance changes. The condo bill drew extensive discussion and testimony, with supporters praising the flexibility and transparency provisions and some owners urging additional relief for inland, lower-rise buildings; it was ultimately reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Go ahead, follow-up question. effect sorry I'm not planning to put an effect sorry I'm not planning to
• You go to the planning board.
• </c> being adopted um these planning being adopted um these planning ordinance<01:33:31.320><c> these
• But couldn't the legislative body have the planning board or someone from the planning board provide
• But couldn't the legislative body have the planning board or someone from the planning board provide

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So upon the plan is to put money into it, and then the emergency would go in just like all the other
• And it also adds in reporting requirements and adjustments on the 80-year plan and asset preservation
• plan.
• The overall goal and intent is To increase funding for the roads eight-year plan.
• This also adds in the reporting requirements with an ear plan and the asset preservation plan.

Bills: HB3882 , HB4273 , HB4280 , HB4281

Committee: House A&B Transportation Subcommittee

Keywords: transportation, revolving fund, grants, infrastructure, economic development, income tax, aerospace, higher education, tax credit, qualified employee, funding, safety, state highways, bridges, apportionment, Oklahoma, transportation funding, sales tax, road maintenance, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Carly helps plan a lot of events here in the area.
• They have a plan to give out root beer floats and other little things.
• We are committed to contractually the event planning already. Project mandated.
• We are committed to contractually the event planning already. So, Mr.
• We are planning a major... ...specific to my request. And I think this is important.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee received updates on Idaho’s America 250 preparations, including financial status, ambassador outreach, the Capitol celebration, the Liberty Bell tour, and related statewide events. LSO staff reported about $54,967.53 remaining for America 250 purposes and $17,500 pending disbursement in celebration fund grants. Treasurer Ellsworth described broad ambassador participation across cities, counties, businesses, schools, and veterans groups, along with numerous recent local events branded for America 250. Director Gallimore also reported that the Freedom Truck was on display, the Great American State Fair was underway, and the Liberty Bell had shipped from South Carolina and would be secured nightly as it tours the state. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on planning the July 4 Capitol celebration in Boise. Secretary McGrane outlined the parade, pancake feed, concert, vendors, live broadcast by Idaho Public Television, and the role of partners such as the Veterans Entrepreneurs Association, Just Serve, Duck Club, and Boise Family RV. Committee members asked about event timing, sponsorships, tribal participation, and the vehicle transporting the Liberty Bell. McGrane requested additional spending authority for unanticipated costs, including green rooms/trailers for performers, Ada County paramedics, water for attendees, and performer compensation. After discussion about costs and fiscal oversight, the committee approved a motion to grant an additional $10,000 in spending authority for the America 250 Capitol celebration, specifically for paramedics, trailers for performers, water, and performer compensation. Members also discussed contingency planning for inclement weather, with general agreement that the committee should revisit the issue at a later meeting and aim to preserve some form of celebration even if the outdoor event must be adjusted. The committee then set its next meeting for June 24 and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So hopefully we'll be able to... that's the plan, yep, that's the point. Great.
• um after my visit to the senior center in northampton next so hopefully we'll be able to that's the plan
• But essentially, we’re going to have a marketing plan that we’re sending out quarterly information dumps
• But that marketing plan is going to be the first one to send off in July, and then it’ll be quarterly
• But, like I'm planning a wedding, I'm using that list for my wedding vendors. No shame.

Summary: The Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities met in June, approved the March meeting minutes, and heard a chair’s report on recent “Meet the Moment” community conversations, including a successful Lowell event and plans for a July 14 event in Northampton. The chair also announced the Commission’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebration on October 7 at the State House, which will include a MassAbility partnership panel on artificial intelligence and disability, and noted ongoing efforts to livestream future events when possible. A major presentation came from the Supplier Diversity Office on the Empowering Abilities in Contracting and Employment (EAC) program. The coordinator described the program’s history from a 2016 law and 2018 pilot to its statewide launch on July 1, 2025, and said it now applies to all new statewide goods and services contracts. The program’s goals are to increase certification and contracting opportunities for disability-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, improve workforce development and disability employment among vendors, and build a resource network for employers. Reported figures included about 292 active certified businesses, roughly 40 vendors currently on EAC contracts, a projected increase to about 80 by July and more than 130 by November, and a long-term goal of 3% disability representation in vendor workforces. Commissioners praised the program and asked about comparisons with other states, geographic reach, and the mix of disability-owned versus veteran-owned businesses. The Commission also received updates from its advisory council and subcommittees. The advisory council has been sharing expertise across employment, housing, transportation, health equity, technology, and AI, and two members will help plan the October employment event. The employment subcommittee discussed transition-to-employment barriers, the disability employment tax credit, veteran services, and a State Exchange policy brief that members want reformatted into a more usable data table. The workforce supports subcommittee reported on a May 28 webinar about apprenticeships as a strategy to address workforce shortages in disability services, with more than 45 participants and examples of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship models. The long-term services and supports/health equity subcommittee heard from the Department of Public Health’s CCATR resource center and from the Autism Self-Advocacy Network about COVID-era health care barriers and ongoing advocacy. The executive director also reported on meetings with MassHealth-related groups, caregiver organizations, agency leaders, MassAbility, and AI stakeholders, and the meeting ended with announcements and unanimous adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Following that, Senate Bill 325, an act relating to the regional planning in Act 250 tier jurisdiction
• </c> an act relating to the regional planning an act relating to the regional planning in<00:11:31.520
• Senate Bill 325 is an act relating to regional planning and Act 250 tier jurisdiction.
• and Act 250 tier regional planning and Act 250 tier jurisdiction. jurisdiction. jurisdiction.
• The third instance of amendment is also to the outreach plan that it would look at the causes to the

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To credit LDWF, the management plan and protocols for addressing CWD were in place long before CWD was
• The management plan was implemented once CWD was detected in Louisiana.
• The management plan is based on the best available and current knowledge of the disease, the biology
• And again, that is... ...dictated by the LDWF management plan for CWD.
• So that's the purpose for the reset, and that's... dictated by LDWF management plan for CWD.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission/task force met on April 17, 2026, with a quorum present. Members adopted the agenda and prior minutes, then received an update on the chronic wasting disease (CWD) index case in Washington Parish. Staff explained that a hunter-submitted deer tested positive in January 2026, the case was confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory, and an emergency declaration was issued March 11 to extend the CWD control area into portions of Washington and surrounding parishes. The update also reviewed baiting restrictions in enhanced mitigation and buffer zones, the 180-day duration of the emergency declaration, and the department’s website tools for locating affected areas. The commission then agreed to table its own CWD task force recommendations while Senate Concurrent Resolution 24 was being considered during the legislative session. Senator Womack summarized SCR 24 as a “reset” of CWD policy. He said it would set a 1.5% apparent prevalence trigger, require at least 300 samples, shorten the management zone from 25 miles to 15 miles, and allow baiting/supplemental feeding from the opening of deer season through March 31 unless the trigger is met. He said the resolution would also help address feral hog issues and restore more normal hunting and economic conditions. Commission and staff members clarified that the resolution would not affect deer pens or livestock under the Department of Agriculture, and that if sampling goals are not met, feed bans would apply the following year. Several stakeholders testified on the economic and management impacts. Louisiana Farm Bureau representatives supported the effort to find a workable solution but asked for clarity on how the resolution would be implemented, especially whether emergency declarations would immediately impose new restrictions. They emphasized the need to avoid discouraging deer sampling and to consider impacts on feed suppliers, landowners, and hunting leases. A written statement from Vic Blanchard of the Louisiana Landowners Association opposed SCR 24 and HCR 4, arguing that easing restrictions would worsen CWD spread and undermine wildlife management. Other speakers said the resolution should preserve economic planning for feed businesses and allow the commission to continue monitoring disease prevalence. After public comment, the commission voted to table its recommendations and then adjourned without taking a vote on SCR 24 itself.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, we are changing our plan again for next week.
• That's kind of the current plan.
• However, we are changing our plan again for next week.
• That's kind of the current plan.
• The plan is to recess until the hour of 12:30.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and the provider is noncompliant or not engaged in the corrective action plan.
• and the provider is noncompliant or not engaged in the corrective action plan.
• And so have all of them, or is DCS planning on asking all of them for an MOU?
• And the state system eliminated cost sharing for this current plan year.
• Dale Krogan was here earlier and planned on testifying in support of this.

Bills: SB1113 , SB1115 , SB1122 , SB1123 , SB1125 , SB1165 , SB1188 , SB1193 , SB1243 , SB1318 , SB1477

Committee: House Health & Human Services

Keywords: mental health, involuntary evaluation, service of process, court-ordered treatment, evaluation agencies, AHCCCS, remote work, state agency, employment, public health, healthcare, behavioral health, prior authorization, American Indian health program, medicaid, medical examiner, death investigation, body disposal, autopsy, veteran burial

Transcript Highlights:

• newborn hearing screenings, and the current administration is still settling on an improved health plan
• So that's what this bill does: it directs the department to assess and create a plan by which we could
• So that's what this bill does: it directs the department to assess and create a plan by which we could
• disability community that, okay, you're not going to lose sight of me and you're going to create a plan
• this on so we can keep that momentum going on this research and study and to actually have a good plan

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from January 28 and January 29, 2026. It then heard several RS print requests. Senator Shippey presented RS 33115C1, a follow-up to prior foster care legislation that would set a basic 10-hour foster parent training expectation in statute, with training topics including trauma, behavior management, birth parents, court processes, and child safety; the committee voted to send it to print. Senator Wintrow presented RS 33213 to clarify that crime victims compensation and sexual assault forensic exam funding are not public benefits under prior immigration-status verification law; she explained the funds come from criminal fines and fees and are meant to support victims, and the committee voted to print it. Senator Galloway presented RS 3314 to establish the importance of voluntary newborn hearing screenings in Idaho code amid federal uncertainty, and the committee voted to print it. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1266 from Senator Galloway, which would expand expedited foster placement eligibility from relatives to “kin,” including extended family members and others with a significant family-like relationship, while keeping licensing and safety standards in place. A foster/kinship parent testified in support, describing how kinship placement helped her family care for a newborn and later adopt him. The committee voted to send SB 1266 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, Senator Wintrow presented Senate Bill 1267, which would direct the Department of Health and Welfare to study and prepare for changes to Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities so participants can continue working past age 65 without losing coverage or facing sharply higher costs. She and several testifiers described the program’s role in supporting independent living and avoiding institutionalization, and Wintrow said the bill was intended as a study/implementation directive rather than an immediate program change. Committee members raised questions about the federal changes, the meaning of “institutionalization,” and the bill’s metrics, but no motion was made; the bill was held in committee and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• , what we've done, uh, is with a lot of input from a lot of different people, we've come up with a plan
• we've come<00:04:01.200><c> up</c><00:04:01.360><c> with</c><00:04:01.519><c> a</c><00:04:01.840><c> plan
• > try</c><00:04:03.680><c> to</c><00:04:03.840><c> to</c><00:04:04.319><c> make</c> come up with a plan
• Balance billing is a benefit plan.
• may</c><00:15:25.360><c> include</c> benefit plan which may include benefit plan which may include emergency

Bills: SB9 , HB400 , SB9 , HB400

Committee: House Health

Keywords: Alabama Athletic Commission, Attorney General, criminal penalties, unarmed combat, regulation, boxing, mixed martial arts, civil fines, dental insurance, benefit rollover, healthcare, insurance policy, annual maximum, smoking ban, vaping, public health, indoor air quality, clean air, ambulance services, health insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• And they want to ensure that they can plan for longer lives, which, as a result, come with complex health
• We can set up a payment plan. We can also seize tax refunds.
• We can set up a payment plan with them.
• If it's on the provider side, similarly, Payment plan with them.
• And then we're usually on the back end of that, similarly setting up payment plans, offsets, And then

Summary: The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approved the January 21 and January 22, 2026 minutes, then heard a presentation from AARP Idaho on aging issues. AARP described Idaho’s growing 50-plus population, emphasizing concerns about Social Security, affordable health insurance, caregiving, housing, transportation, and fraud/scams. The presenter highlighted AARP’s age-friendly community work and grant program, and said older Idahoans are a major voting bloc whose needs should be considered across policy areas. In response to questions, AARP discussed education efforts on scams, including scam jams and outreach with law enforcement, and noted support for measures such as a bill targeting fraud through crypto kiosks. The committee then received a detailed Department of Health and Welfare update from Director Juliet Sharon on program integrity, fraud, waste, and abuse prevention. She said the department had recently created a department-wide fraud policy, an anonymous reporting line, a compliance committee, and mandatory staff training, and launched “impact reviews” to evaluate whether programs are still solving the intended problems. She also described ongoing fraud work in Medicaid, self-reliance programs, and the Idaho Child Care Program, including a 360-degree review of 775 child care providers that had already led to nine terminations and further investigations. Sharon said the department has limited staff and backlogs, and asked for additional resources, including five new child care staff and a contractor to assist with Medicaid provider reviews. Members raised concerns about child care providers receiving public funds while not registered with the Secretary of State, recovery of overpayments, and the visibility of recovery data. Sharon said the department is working with the Tax Commission and plans to codify child care program requirements and create a broader Title 56 program integrity chapter. She said recovered funds are returned to the appropriate program bucket, with federal shares returned as required, and that the department is working to improve public reporting. The committee also discussed single audit findings, the use of technology and possible AI tools to improve oversight, and the department’s efforts to reduce compliance problems before they become public issues. No votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes, and the meeting adjourned after questions concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• They want to ensure that they can plan for longer lives, which, as a result, come with complex health
• We can set up a payment plan. We can also seize tax refunds.
• We can set up a payment plan with them.
• If it's on the provider side, similarly, payment plan with them.
• And then we're usually on the back end of that, similarly setting up payment plans, offsets, And then

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all