Transcript Highlights:

• It may start with state employees. It may start with state employees, Rep.
• on giving back to your state.
• Is that what you stated, Senator?
• Well, one of the reasons stated quite clearly in this state is that it's a litigious state, and this
• state?

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 162, which would change the workers’ compensation medical treatment schedule appeals process by allowing additional medical evidence submitted in court to be sent back to the medical director for review and a new opinion. The Attorney General’s office explained the bill, noting a 30-day deadline for the medical director to act before the case returns to court. The bill drew support from injured workers and several business and labor groups, and the committee adopted technical amendments and then reported the bill favorably without objection. House Bill 353, which would establish a state minimum wage starting at $12 in 2027, rising to $15 in 2029 and then indexed to inflation, prompted extensive testimony and debate. Supporters, including the sponsor, Invest in Louisiana, the Workplace Justice Project, 10,000 Women Louisiana, and the AFL-CIO, argued that Louisiana’s wages have lagged behind living costs, that many workers remain in poverty despite working, and that higher wages would help families and local economies. Opponents, including NFIB and several members, argued that the market is already setting wages above the federal minimum in many jobs, that a mandate would raise costs, compress pay scales, reduce hours or jobs, and hurt small businesses. After discussion, the committee voted on the bill and it failed on a roll call vote. The committee then reported Senate Bill 383 favorably with amendments. That bill expands the incumbent worker training program by increasing funding flexibility, shortening the business eligibility period from three years to two, and allowing unobligated funds to roll over. Members and the Louisiana Works secretary discussed workforce training, outreach, and how to connect workers to existing training programs and high-demand jobs. The committee also reported Senate Bill 382 favorably, which repeals the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council, and began hearing House Bill 422, the “Behind-the-Counter Safety Act,” aimed at workplace violence protections for retail and food service workers, including signage, reporting, and enhanced penalties; the sponsor explained it was intended to address attacks on frontline workers and to give businesses a tool to warn against violence.

Transcript Highlights:

• When President George Washington wrote to the Hebrew congregation at Newport in 1790, he declared that
• Now therefore, I, Ron DeSantis, Governor of the State of Florida, by virtue of the power and authority
• Section 1, the Legislature of the State of Florida is convened in special... As follows.
• Section 2, the Legislature of the State of Florida is convened in special session for the purpose of
• Attest: Cord Byrd, Secretary of State. The reading of the proclamation, Mr. President.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And $725 million in diminished state revenue.
• That's why the council partnered with Arizona State University on a comprehensive study to identify where
• That's why the council partnered with Arizona State University on a comprehensive study to identify where
• There's state law.
• I follow what happens in other states, and I've seen a shift both at the state level and the federal

Committee: House Government

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They had a wonderful event with the BJC and Greater Washington Jewish Council.
• Uh, we have our great group here from the Council of State Governments today, and they are going to be

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The broken down vehicle near the George Washington Parkway is gone. for any work that may be setting
• trading partners are starting to discuss trade agreements that would actually exclude the United States

Committee: Senate Finance Committee

Keywords: nominations, William Kimmett, Kenneth Keyes, Commerce Department, Tax Policy, economic agenda, trade, tax cuts, public testimony

Summary: This meeting of the committee was centered around the consideration of nominations for two key positions: William Kimmett as Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade and Kenneth Keyes as Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy at the Treasury Department. Members were given the opportunity to provide remarks on the nominees, with discussions revealing contrasting views on their potential impact on U.S. economic policy. While some members expressed support for the nominees, highlighting their qualifications and expertise, others voiced strong opposition, arguing that their confirmation would further a harmful economic agenda that favors billionaires over average Americans. Senator Wyden, the ranking member, emphasized concerns about trade chaos and the detrimental effects on workers and businesses across the country.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're visiting from Washington, D.C.
• Anarie works in the office of Congressman Brian Mast of the great and Free State of Florida, and joining

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've actually done that as a state?
• And so as we see more load coming into that part of the state, it's also part of the state that has less
• worked all over the state.
• If you look at, there was a recent study that looked at all of the states and the states that had the
• We are not a part of the state budget. We do not receive any state appropriations.

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Bisognano stated that he does not have a role at SSA and was not part of the decision-making process
• Bisognano stated that he communicated with former acting commissioner Michelle King multiple times and
• The letter states that he has a 20 year professional relationship with one contact, periodic contact
• This is going to be done before this nominee is on the floor of the United States Senate in front of
• And I can tell you that folks all over my state are deeply concerned about social security.

Committee: Senate Finance Committee

Keywords: Frank Bisignano, Social Security Administration, Doge, nomination, committee, customer service, staffing issues, Senate

Summary: The meeting of the Finance Committee primarily focused on the nomination of Frank Bisignano for Commissioner of the Social Security Administration. Members discussed the nominee's qualifications extensively, raising concerns about his past connections to Doge and the implications for Social Security. Several Senators expressed doubts about Bisignano's ability to improve the existing issues faced by the Social Security Administration, particularly related to staffing, customer service, and the potential for service cuts that could ultimately harm beneficiaries. The atmosphere was contentious, with divisive opinions visible among the committee members as they scrutinized Bisignano's past dealings and strategies.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, we address homelessness in our state.
• The state will be the one that’s double-taxed because the state will need to pay the nursing home businesses
• This board just acts for the whole state.
• That's a cost that is being shifted to the state.
• In the state of Minnesota, we are 50th in the nation—50 out of 50 states.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> industry here in the state of Minnesota. industry here in the state of Minnesota.
• </c> in the state and across the the state in the state and across the the state and<00:24:57.679><c>
• And that's a recognition for our state that we can invest in people. across the state.
• </c> make our state work. Thank you. make our state work. Thank you.
• A huge economic driver in the state. In the state, we have 25.4 million acres of cropland.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The other states that are doing this are Washington, New Mexico, Montana, and I think Oregon.
• The other states that are doing this is Washington, New Mexico, Montana, states that are doing this is
• As you stated, that businesses are... ...concern, as you stated, that businesses are going, maybe go
• Democratic-led states.
• savings for a state investment.

Committee: Senate Senate Health and Human Services COR

Summary: The committee first approved the February 4 minutes, then heard Senate Bill 1086, which would require AHCCCS contractors to reimburse non-contracting providers for certain lab services when a member was referred by a contracting provider and would bar prior authorization for diagnostic services. The sponsor said the bill was intended to address unpaid claims and improve access, while Access testified neutral but warned the prior-authorization ban could increase utilization and create a fiscal impact. The committee adopted the Warner amendment limiting non-contracting reimbursement rates to no more than contracting rates, then passed SB 1086 as amended on a 4-2 vote. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1611, an emergency measure to require Access to contract with an administrative services organization for the American Indian Health Plan, while keeping Access ultimately responsible for administration. The chair’s amendment expanded ASO duties to include provider support, quality improvement, and data analytics, removed Access claims-payment authority, added tribal observers to the selection committee, and exempted IHS and tribal-facility services. The sponsor and tribal witnesses described the bill as a response to fraud, provider nonpayment, and harm to Native communities, while Access raised concerns about the fast timeline, tribal consultation requirements, possible duplication of program-integrity functions, and fiscal uncertainty. After debate over the emergency clause and tribal consultation, the committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1611 as amended on a 5-2 vote. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1630, which would direct Access to seek federal approval for a Medicaid home- and community-based services program for adults with serious mental illness. Supporters said the bill would create a long-term community-care option for the sickest SMI members, reduce cycling through hospitals, jails, and homelessness, and potentially save state general fund dollars; family members and advocates testified in support. Access was neutral and said it was finalizing a fiscal estimate. The Angus amendment narrowed eligibility to long-term SMI, reduced the enrollment cap from 500 to 250, changed reporting to semiannual, and removed priority-order language; the committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1630 as amended unanimously. Later, the committee passed Senate Bill 1193, which protects emergency medical care technicians’ personal identifying information from sale or disclosure by the Department of Health Services, after adopting a clarifying amendment expanding the protected information and addressing commercial requests. It then heard Senate Bill 1318, which repeals the state’s separate dense-breast notification requirement so Arizona law aligns with the FDA’s newer mammography notice standard; the sponsor and DHS said the change would reduce confusion from duplicate, slightly different notices, and the bill was moving forward with discussion of possible future amendment language.

Transcript Highlights:

• So our team, the Granite State Critical Incident Stress Management Team, was the first team in the state
• </c> for um employees it's 35 for state for um employees it's 35 for state employees<03:17:07.600><c>
• </c> with state with state representative<04:00:33.279><c> Jeff</c><04:00:33.680><c> goalie</c><04:00
• </c><04:32:24.680><c> flag</c><04:32:25.600><c> the</c><04:32:25.800><c> state</c> friend the uh state
• flag the state friend the uh state flag the state animated<04:32:27.279><c> film</c><04:32:28.279><c

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 180, which concerns critical incident stress management teams. Representative Mark PR, the bill sponsor, proposed an amendment to add a definition of “team leader” and to clarify that teams may or may not be affiliated with a municipality. He argued that a certification test offered by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation is unnecessary and too expensive at $400, since team members are volunteers who already receive training and continuing education. Committee members asked about the training structure and certification language, and the sponsor explained that the teams are self-certified and that the amendment was intended to clean up the bill’s language. The committee then voted on HB 180 in executive session. Amendment 0261H was adopted 11-0, and the bill was then moved as amended and passed 11-0. The committee placed the bill on consent. Later, the committee heard House Bill 438, sponsored by Representative Timothy Horan, dealing with immigration detention and related state policy. Horan described the bill as an update to earlier legislation and said it would codify best practices, prohibit state cooperation with mass deportation efforts, bar for-profit operation of immigration detention facilities, and require Executive Council approval before the governor could deploy the National Guard for immigration deportation activities. Committee members questioned whether the bill could be read as authorizing detention facilities and discussed the relationship between the state and Strafford County Jail. An amendment presented on behalf of Representative Patrick Long was described as a technical rewrite that removed several sections and changed language, but the hearing ended before any vote was taken on HB 438.

Transcript Highlights:

• As you know, states are actively competing for our veterans, and we should be helping them do that.
• In light of recent events, if directed by the President of the United States to take action that would
• State Veterans Home located in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
• state VA hospitals.
• I believe it is in Washington, D.C. Why do you not use VA healthcare? I'm ineligible.

Committee: Senate Senate Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: veterans affairs, VA modernization, employee layoffs, mental health, suicide prevention, transparency, senate committee, bipartisan support, oversight

Summary: The meeting involved detailed discussions on various veterans' issues, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amidst a backdrop of significant staffing changes. Members expressed deep concerns over the recent layoffs of over 1,000 VA employees, emphasizing the crucial nature of these positions in the context of mental health support for veterans, particularly amid rising suicide rates. Senators articulated the need for transparency and effective communication between the VA and Congress to avoid further breakdowns in services. The session also spotlighted the ongoing modernization of VA systems and the urgent need to streamline processes to benefit veterans effectively.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:06:49.039><c> uh</c> and the role of MCOs's in the state uh and the role of MCOs's in the state
• </c> you can't can't have those those state you can't can't have those those state directed<00:08:24.879
• ><c> have</c> Some states, including Texas, have Some states, including Texas, have operated<00:08:32.399
• Washington to say Washington to say yes<00:27:22.159><c> you</c><00:27:22.320><c> could</c><00:27:22.480
• fiscal year, new state budget.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee approved the previous meeting minutes and then reviewed a draft preliminary report on long-term managed care. The chair explained the report is intended to frame issues and outline legislative options, not make a final recommendation, especially given unresolved questions about the federal One Big Beautiful Bill (OB3). The report’s key issues included the current financing of county and private nursing homes through Medicaid rates, ProShare, MQUIP, and related funding mechanisms, and the concern that those payments could be affected or eliminated under a managed care model. Members also discussed managed care organizations’ role in Medicaid and cited other states’ experiences, noting examples of savings in Florida and Tennessee but higher costs in California. One member raised Indiana as another important comparison, and the committee agreed to add it to the report’s state examples. The committee also reviewed sections on dual eligibility, D-SNP, PACE, and CFI waivers. The chair raised concerns about whether OB3 creates incentives for states to move toward D-SNP and whether federal changes could affect provider taxes, state-directed payments, and intergovernmental transfers. Henry Litman, the state Medicaid director, said he would confirm details on D-SNP incentives and explained that ProShare is based on certified public expenditure rather than an IGT, while county cap financing is the relevant intergovernmental transfer issue. He said IGTs are not going away and that the main risk is whether current financing mechanisms could be preserved if the state later changed course. Members discussed the possibility of a waiver not being granted or renewed and the high fiscal impact that could have on counties and property taxes. The committee then discussed the population that any long-term managed care model should cover. Members agreed that there is no appetite to move developmental disability or acquired brain disorder populations into long-term managed care at this time, and the chair changed the report’s terminology from “elderly” to “aging population.” The chair also noted that the status quo option should reflect the recent shift toward home and community-based services and reduced nursing home utilization since earlier county reports. The report’s four policy options were summarized as: maintain the status quo; pursue D-SNP for dual eligibles, with DHHS potentially submitting an application as early as 2027; adopt an HCBS carveout; or move fully to managed care for the aging population. No final policy recommendation was made, and the committee discussed making edits to the draft before circulation, including adding Indiana, clarifying OB3-related issues, and changing the report title from “final” to “preliminary” or “interim.”

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> We do not have any sister state We do not have any sister state relationships.<00:12:42.560><c>
• </c><00:12:47.600><c> any</c> sister state relationships with any sister state relationships with any
• We can put out our sister state report, but also we do a state of Hawaii's offices and things, and so
• </c> state report, but also we do a a state state report, but also we do a a state of<00:13:37.200><c
• </c> HB437 relating to out of state offices. HB437 relating to out of state offices.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Transportation and Culture and the Arts and Economic Development and Tourism heard three measures. HB 450, which would transfer the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, drew support from DBEDT, the State Foundation, the Hawaii Arts Alliance, DAGs, and individuals. Members asked about the bill’s purpose and the relationship between arts administration and international/cultural considerations. The committees voted to pass HB 450 with amendments, including a housekeeping change allowing specific legislative direction in narrow cases; the measure was adopted with unanimous or near-unanimous votes. HB 437, relating to out-of-state offices, received testimony in support from DBEDT and representatives of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce and another individual. The discussion focused on whether an overseas office in the Philippines was the best use of funds, given existing offices and trade relationships in places like Beijing and Taiwan. Members questioned the return on investment, fiscal priorities, and whether DBEDT had a broader strategic plan for selecting markets. The committees ultimately passed HB 437 with a Senate Draft 1 and technical amendments, with some members voting with reservations. HB 1391, relating to trade and creating a Hawaii-Ireland trade commission, also advanced after a lengthy discussion. DBEDT said it offered comments rather than a firm recommendation and explained that the bill appeared intended to build economic ties with Europe through Ireland, but members questioned why a commission was needed, how it would be structured, and whether similar efforts should focus on other countries. DBEDT said it would provide reports on sister-state relationships and office performance, and noted that trade initiatives would likely require private-sector participation. The committees passed HB 1391 with amendments and reservations from some members.

Transcript Highlights:

• And just yesterday, a United States citizen, a mother, a poet, and a community member of Minneapolis,
• And just yesterday, a United States<00:05:57.680><c> citizen,</c><00:05:58.560><c> a</c><00:05:58.800
• 00:05:59.199><c> a</c><00:05:59.440><c> poet,</c><00:06:00.160><c> and</c><00:06:00.400><c> a</c> States
• citizen, a mother, a poet, and a States citizen, a mother, a poet, and a community<00:06:00.960><c>
• Senator from Washington. Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Finance will meet at 1:30.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• state auditor found um in in 2018 uh a state auditor found um in in 2018 uh a system<00:07:55.759><c>
• </c> mechan any cases that are state mechan any cases that are state initiated<00:21:25.200><c> are</
• </c> administrator state procurement office. administrator state procurement office.
• and the state constitution.
• </c> States Constitution and the state States Constitution and the state constitution.<00:43:49.839><

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on HB 126, which would change civil asset forfeiture law. The Attorney General’s Office, Honolulu Police Department, and county prosecutors opposed the bill’s proposed SD1, arguing that requiring a criminal conviction and changing how forfeiture proceeds are distributed would weaken or effectively end the tool, create fiscal and law enforcement problems, and make it harder to address organized crime or cases where an owner cannot be identified. The Public Defender’s Office, Community Alliance on Prisons, Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, and other supporters argued the measure would improve transparency and accountability, protect property rights, and reduce abuses that disproportionately affect low-income people. The chair questioned law enforcement about fairness, storage of seized property, and access to counsel, and the discussion focused heavily on whether forfeiture should depend on a conviction. No vote was taken. The committee then heard HB 280, which would make the Community Outreach Court permanent and appropriate funds for it as a division of the First Circuit district court. The Department of the Attorney General and Judiciary supported the concept and described the court’s success in helping people resolve cases, clear license stoppers, recall bench warrants, and access services, but suggested amendments to remove the Attorney General from the bill’s definition and funding mechanism. The Public Defender, Department of Human Services, mental health and substance use advocates, neighborhood and community groups, and others strongly supported the bill, emphasizing its benefits for people facing housing instability, behavioral health issues, and transportation barriers. No opposition was voiced, and no vote was taken. The committee also heard HB 370, which would increase partial public campaign financing for elective offices. The Campaign Spending Commission supported the original bill and asked the committee to restore the original percentage amounts, keep the proposed funding increases, and reinstate funding for two additional full-time staff positions. Supporters said the public financing system has not kept pace with inflation and needs modernization to be viable; a few testifiers opposed the measure. The committee reported 30 in support, two opposed, and one comment, and then moved on without a vote. Finally, HB 371 was heard, a campaign contribution bill that would bar state and county contractors, grantees, and certain related persons from contributing during the contract period. The Campaign Spending Commission said the bill is intended to address pay-to-play concerns and false-name contributions, while the State Procurement Office raised concerns about the burden of requiring agencies to provide contract information for all contracts regardless of dollar value. The testimony ended with the commission saying it was working with procurement and the Attorney General on implementation details; no vote was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, um, it's a big state.
• So, um, it's a big state.
• So, um, it's a big state.
• <00:25:52.799><c> inspectors</c><00:25:53.279><c> in</c> state inspectors in state inspectors in Minnesota
• </c> so that's kind of how this whole state so that's kind of how this whole state program<00:26:48.399

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:33:28.639><c> of</c> Health counselor here in the state of Health counselor here in the state
• It is all out of state.
• It is all out of state.
• It is all out of state.
• It is all out of state. Thank you.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Children and Family Law Committee opened a hearing on House Bill 285, which would add language to the parental rights and responsibilities statute directing judges to consider known mental health or medical conditions that could affect parenting. Representative Ball, the bill’s sponsor, said the intent was not to require disclosure of private records, but to give judges a reminder to ask whether anything in a parent’s condition could interfere with parenting and to help ensure children’s safety and best interests, especially in high-conflict or pro se family court cases. He said the proposal was meant as a guardrail and not as a way to reduce parenting time or take children from parents. Committee members questioned whether the existing best-interest factors already cover parenting ability, whether the new language could invite stigma or weaponization in custody disputes, and whether judges already have authority to ask these questions. Ball responded that judges often do not ask, that family court can be difficult for unrepresented parties, and that the language would simply make the issue explicit. He also said he would be open to amendments, including language that more directly instructs judges to ask the question. One member raised concerns about whether the bill should say judges “shall” ask rather than “may,” and Ball said he was willing to work with the committee on wording. Sarah Horn, a NAMI New Hampshire board member and parent, testified in opposition. She described her own history with OCD, ADD, PTSD, hospitalization, and recovery, and said mental illness had not harmed her ability to parent; she warned the bill could increase stigma and discourage people from seeking treatment. In response, Ball said her testimony was part of why he had considered an amendment to include physical health as well, so the bill would not single out mental health. The hearing ended without a vote in the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• State your name, your position on the bill. Um, oh, good morning. My name is Jose Padilla.
• And later placed at the theological college in Washington DC after a US tour.
• If you would state your name and your position on the bill, and you have 2 minutes. Thank you.
• Despite these requirements, gifted services are not separately funded by the state.
• SCR 23 does not create any mandates or new costs for schools or the state.

Committee: Senate Administration