Transcript Highlights:

• </c> law of the land for our great state. law of the land for our great state.
• United States bankruptcy code. Um and United States bankruptcy code.
• An act relating to state exemptions. An act relating to state lands. lands. lands.
• . state. state.
• </c> that's out of state? that's out of state?

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To a federal or state agency ever.
• But tribes are included in state waivers, like the state of Washington has that option.
• through a state amendment.
• and there will be variations from state to state.
• And there will be variations from state to state.

Summary: The meeting focused heavily on behavioral health and substance use treatment, especially the IMD exclusion and whether North Dakota should pursue a Section 1115 waiver to allow Medicaid reimbursement for services in institutions for mental diseases for adults ages 21 to 64. Turtle Mountain representatives described major local needs, including limited access to care, high syphilis rates, and the importance of timely public health data. They also discussed the tribe’s recovery center, which opened the prior year, now operating five levels of care with 16 beds, and the desire to expand capacity, possibly through an IMD waiver or related policy changes. Committee members also raised related issues such as rural health transformation funding, telehealth, workforce retention, and the need for better coordination between tribal and state public health systems. A central issue was Turtle Mountain Public Health’s long-running effort to secure a data use agreement with the state so it can receive surveillance data and respond directly to infectious disease cases among tribal members. Speakers said the tribe had a successful COVID-era agreement that allowed faster contact tracing and case management, but that agreement ended with the pandemic. They argued that current delays in sharing data, especially for sexually transmitted infections, leave the tribe unable to respond quickly, while the state and county epidemiology workload is too distant and stretched to be effective. Committee members expressed support and said they would look into the issue, noting that other tribes have secured similar agreements. The committee also heard a detailed presentation from the National Health Law Program on the IMD exclusion. The presenter explained that federal Medicaid law generally bars payment for care in facilities with more than 16 beds, but that states can use other tools such as state plan amendments, managed care arrangements, telehealth, and community-based services. He said IMD waivers are administratively complex, time-limited, and have shown mixed results in other states, with some gains in residential treatment access but limited evidence of improved overdose outcomes or stronger community-based care. He urged the committee to consider broader continuum-of-care solutions and cautioned that waivers alone are not a cure-all. No final vote was taken on the bill draft during the portion shown, but the committee discussed the proposal to appropriate $49,000 and one FTE to HHS to pursue an IMD waiver and report back in the next interim. Members also debated the policy rationale for the 16-bed limit, the role of the state versus tribal sovereignty, and whether the bill should move through the Health Care or Human Services committee in the future.

Transcript Highlights:

• But tribes are included in state waivers, like the state of Washington has that option.
• through a state amendment.
• , and there will be variations from state to state.
• Many states seek IMD waivers with the stated goals of reducing emergency department visits, but many
• States sometimes explicitly state...

Committee: Joint Tribal and State Relations Committee

Summary: The meeting focused on Turtle Mountain’s public health and behavioral health priorities, especially access to rural health transformation funding and a long-running data use agreement with the state. Tribal public health leaders described how, during COVID, a temporary data-sharing arrangement allowed them to do their own contact tracing and case management, and they argued that a similar agreement is now needed to respond more quickly to very high syphilis rates and other infectious disease concerns. Committee members generally expressed support and said they would follow up with state officials, while tribal representatives emphasized that they already have the staff and infrastructure to use timely data effectively. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to the Turtle Mountain Recovery Center and the broader issue of the IMD exclusion and residential treatment capacity. Tribal leaders described the center’s opening, its five levels of care, its 16-bed limit, and its efforts to become financially sustainable through billing, grants, and partnerships. They shared success stories and argued for an IMD waiver or similar flexibility so the center could expand to 32 beds and better meet local need. Committee members discussed the policy barriers to expanding residential treatment, including federal approval timelines, state funding choices, and the need to preserve a continuum of care that includes outpatient and community-based services. The committee then heard a detailed presentation from Hector Hernandez-Dogato of the National Health Law Program on the history and mechanics of the IMD exclusion and Section 1115 waivers. He explained that the exclusion limits Medicaid payment for services in facilities with more than 16 beds, but noted existing exceptions and alternatives such as state plan options, managed care arrangements, telehealth, and community-based services. He also reviewed mixed results from states that have used IMD waivers, warning that they do not automatically improve overdose deaths, emergency room use, or access to community care, and may risk reinforcing institutionalization if not paired with strong upstream services. The committee discussed a draft bill to appropriate $49,000 and one FTE for HHS to pursue an IMD waiver, with members suggesting the bill may need to explicitly include serious mental illness as well as substance use disorder and asking for department input at a future meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• But tribes are included in state waivers like the state of Washington has that option.
• , and there will be variations from state to state.
• That being said, And there will be variations from state to state.
• There's a state, excuse me, State Board of Equalization is the board's name.
• There's a state, excuse me, State Board of Equalization is the board's name.

Committee: Joint Tribal and State Relations Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First, recognizing that the Garden State is the most densely populated state in the country, the bill
• And to state that in committee is just a misstatement.
• the state.
• And frankly, I don't know why the State of New Jersey is investigated authority to another state.
• And we have seen in New Jersey and other states, And we have seen in New Jersey and other states in the

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:01:11.040><c> of</c> law enforcement agents in the state of law enforcement agents in the state
• ,<00:01:15.439><c> or</c><00:01:15.840><c> federal</c> state, or federal state, or federal law<00:01:
• </c> the state of Minnesota. the state of Minnesota.
• </c> build here in our state. build here in our state.
• </c> the state of Minnesota. the state of Minnesota.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• State and Hill v.
• States by eight states.
• So I cannot speak to all the states because I do not operate in those states.
• Yeah. that they can be different from state to state. Is that correct?
• So how many other states have a minimum insurance liability like this in state law?

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is here. ...state of California.
• Peddick stated, been one of the key drivers of expenses for the state in terms of the last few years
• Peddick stated, been one of the key drivers of expenses for the state in terms of the last few years
• Peddick stated, been one of the key drivers of expenses for the state in terms of the last few years
• This year, in the state of the state address, the governor says, hey, good news, it's working.

Committee: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee heard opening remarks on the Governor’s 2026-27 budget and presentations from the Department of Finance and the Legislative Analyst’s Office. Chair Laird described the proposal as roughly balanced with $23 billion in reserves, while Vice Chair Niello argued the revenue estimates were overly optimistic and warned of a structural deficit, calling for a deeper review of programs and concern over the state’s $20 billion unemployment insurance debt. Finance said the budget is balanced in the budget year but still leaves a roughly $2.9 billion deficit, with out-year gaps above $20 billion, and characterized the plan as largely a workload budget with limited new spending or cuts. The LAO said its office sees substantial downside risk to the revenue forecast, emphasized the volatility of stock-market-driven revenues, and urged the Legislature to begin addressing the structural deficit now rather than waiting until May. Members focused on the implications of federal policy changes, Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and the MCO tax, as well as the state’s reserve strategy. Senators Menjivar and Richardson raised concerns about health coverage reductions, county costs, hospital finances, and the lack of a broader revenue solution, while Finance said the state cannot fully backfill federal cuts and is still assessing the impacts. The LAO recommended rejecting the proposal to suspend the rainy day fund deposit and setting aside the proposed Proposition 98 settle-up rather than using it for spending. Finance defended both proposals as necessary to balance the budget year and said it plans to begin discussions with legislative leaders before the May Revision. The committee also discussed climate and transportation funding, including cap-and-trade/GGRF allocations for Cal Fire, interest earnings from the fund, zero-emission vehicle incentives, and AB 617 air quality investments. Senator Reyes questioned the focus on light-duty ZEV incentives instead of heavy-duty vehicles, and Finance said the proposal is intended to partially replace the federal consumer tax credit and that some heavy-duty funding remains from prior years. Senator Richardson also raised concerns about Olympics-related infrastructure, courthouse repairs, and displaced workers, while other members stressed homelessness funding and the need for more immediate action on out-year budget problems. No formal votes or actions were taken during the portion provided; the hearing was informational and moved into member questions after the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• ... ...about kids in our state care.
• Workman's compensation, state road fund is the state and ops.
• The State of Missouri at the State Fair is going to be giving up property for the road relocation.
• So there is a cost to the state as it relates to this, or I know there to be a cost to the state.
• Page 66, State Treasurer's Office. We did a... State Treasurer's Office.

Committee: House Conference Committee on Budget

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• or a political subdivision of the state or a political subdivision of the<00:31:05.120><c> state</c>
• </c> I liken the protections of state I liken the protections of state sovereignty<00:34:32.240><c> in
• </c> apprehended have been United States apprehended have been United States citizens<00:38:29.600><c
• </c> State House to be heard. State House to be heard.
• </c> state of Vermont. state of Vermont.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In response to that, the governor stood on the stage during the State of the State and promised two things
• Workman's compensation, state road fund is the state and ops.
• The State of Missouri at the State Fair is going to be given up property for the road relocation of the
• So there is a cost to the state as it relates to this, or I know there to be a cost to the state.
• We ended up at $5 million flat. 12.400 off of State Public Defender, E&E. 12.400, Office of State Public

Committee: House Conference Committee on Budget

Summary: The conference committee spent most of the meeting working through House Bill 2, the education budget, with repeated debate over how to close the remaining gap in the foundation formula. Members discussed fund swaps involving the blind pension fund, capital commission fund, lottery proceeds, state school money, and classroom trust funds, with several senators arguing the committee should fully fund the formula if possible and warning against leaving schools with a shortfall. The committee also reviewed child care subsidies, Parents as Teachers language, school safety and assessment-related items, Title I reallocation language, and a compromise on flexibility percentages for certain education lines. Several members raised concerns about language restricting virtual Parents as Teachers visits and about child care subsidy language tied to enrollment-based payment and prospective payment, while others defended the compromise as a way to balance provider concerns and budget limits. House Bill 3, covering higher education, was also reviewed. The committee largely accepted Senate positions on appropriations, with a compromise on the St. Louis Community College nursing program and a new proposal directing the Department of Higher Education to develop a new funding model by December 1, 2026. That language drew concern from some members, who said the timeline was too aggressive and asked for more flexibility, but supporters said prior work on performance funding justified the deadline. The committee then moved through House Bill 2004, transportation, agreeing to a mix of Senate positions and compromises on items such as safety operations, low-volume roads, port funding, and road improvements, including a larger-than-expected appropriation for Clarendon Road tied to a State Fair relocation plan. House Bill 5, general administration and IT, generated the most controversy over new language directing a plan for state IT modernization and cloud migration; several members objected that it was too prescriptive, resembled a resolution, and could favor a specific vendor, but the chair said the goal was accountability and oversight. The committee left some House Bill 5 items open for further negotiation, then later returned to finalize several dollar amounts and a shorter conference proposal on the IT language. The committee also worked through House Bills 7, 8, and 9, mostly adopting Senate positions with a few compromises. House Bill 7 covered economic development and tourism items, including Main Street, Missouri One Start, broadband, Juneteenth, and the Great American State Fair, with some items set aside for later or moved to other bills. House Bill 8 focused on public safety and veterans’ funding, including school safety apps, fentanyl testing, crime lab workload, DNA testing, veterans’ programs, and Highway Patrol fleet and fuel items; members debated whether to keep fleet and fuel funding separated or rolled together, and several items were set at compromise levels. House Bill 9, covering mental health and corrections, was handled more briefly, with most items following Senate positions and a few compromises, including probation and parole funding and a reduction on one appropriation. The committee then recessed and later resumed with House Bill 2010, beginning work on another budget bill with a mix of Senate, House, and compromise positions on early line items, but the transcript cuts off before that bill is completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> 2432, an act relating to state 2432, an act relating to state government<00:00:56.079><c> providing
• And I don't know if all you know, she was my guest at the State of the State, and a lot of people came
• </c><00:14:51.600><c> and</c> my guest at the state of the state. and my guest at the state of the state
• </c> state, we went outside. I thanked her. state, we went outside. I thanked her.
• You can look at the complaints. state, we don't want to look any longer state, we don't want to look

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• commemorate the history of our state?
• However, the last storm state islands.
• Up first is HB 2426 relating to state parks.
• Up first is HB 2426 relating to state parks.
• </c> didn't have testimony from the uh State didn't have testimony from the uh State Foundation<00:42

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard and then later voted on a series of gubernatorial nominations and several bills. In the nomination portion, DLNR and the nominees generally testified in support or briefly described their qualifications and goals. The nominees included Elray Moreno, Richard First, and Stephen DeWalt for the Game Management Advisory Commission; Noah Dolim and Graham Hart for the Hawaii Historic Places Review Board; Joseph Pickard, Jared Machado, and Elena Bryant for the Kaneohe Bay Regional Council; Kaipuloa Makanui Alona Kealoha for the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission; and Zachary Bentolina for the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission. Testimony emphasized public service, community representation, historic preservation awareness, and bridging communication between communities and DLNR. For the Kaho‘olawe nomination, testimony also discussed storm damage and ongoing assessments on the island. The chair asked questions about historic preservation outreach, board vacancies, and the status of Kaho‘olawe facilities. GM 651 was deferred so the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts could weigh in, while the others were later recommended for advise and consent and adopted without opposition. In decision making on the 1:00 p.m. agenda, the committee voted to advise and consent on GM 641, 642, 703, 683, 743, 645, 646, 647, and 738. GM 651 was deferred to a later date. The committee also noted that some nominees were interim or reappointments, and clarified that the Kaneohe Bay and Kaho‘olawe-related appointments were being confirmed for the first time or as continuing service, as applicable. The committee then moved into its 1:05 p.m. agenda on several bills. HB 2426 relating to state parks was passed with amendments, including an effective date change. HB 1881 relating to land use was passed with amendments that limited passenger ropeways for private single-home use, removed the mountain definition, prohibited passenger ropeways in all land use districts, and added a narrow exemption for certain government or recognized nonprofit projects subject to legislative approval. HB 1918 relating to taxation was passed with amendments changing the effective date to January 1, 2028 so it could proceed to Ways and Means. HB 1802 relating to conservation mitigation banks was passed with technical amendments. Each measure was adopted by the members present without recorded opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• states.
• </c><01:21:26.560><c> Um</c> States in the in the prairie states.
• Um States in the in the prairie states.
• , the state, we do do some work on state, the state, we do do some work on um<03:34:08.800><c> Nubanus
• </c><04:00:35.711><c> [snorts]</c> this state. [snorts] this state.

Committee: House Fish and Game and Marine Resources

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• state lands.
• Kerry State Forest is our second oldest state forest and it was established in 1937.
• Washington State Forest is is over in the panhandle.
• state forest around the state.
• work anywhere in the state.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are 36 other states that have their civil asset forfeitures recorded at the state level.
• The state controller's office is a great place to do this because the state... Money is spent.
• It's state agencies. And Representative Mickelson, it's state agencies.
• It's anyone that would fall under state officer, department, division, bureau, agency, of state.
• And I guess would you consider it an out-of-state syndicate if they came into the state of Idaho, created

Committee: House State Affairs

Summary: The committee first considered RS 3312, a proposal from Representative Scott aimed at limiting the use of slogans, logos, or similar branding on state budget materials when those messages could be used for political promotion. Members raised drafting questions and concerns that the language was confusing and could unintentionally affect official documents and correspondence. On motion, the committee voted to return the RS to the sponsor for reworking. The committee then took up RS 3314, which would improve transparency in Idaho’s civil asset forfeiture system by requiring local reports to also be sent to the state controller for storage and publication. Scott said the bill would centralize data, not change forfeiture procedures, and suggested changing the reporting deadline from February to April to match existing local reporting timelines. Members asked about the types of property covered and the fiscal impact, and the committee approved the RS with the date change. Next, the committee considered RS 33141, another transparency measure that would add a penalty for state agencies that knowingly or recklessly fail to report executed MOUs, MOAs, contracts, and related agreements to the state controller. Scott described the bill as a response to agencies that were not complying with existing reporting law and said enforcement would likely come through legislative and appropriations action. Members raised concerns about ambiguity, possible liability, and whether the penalty should be tied more clearly to notice and cure provisions. The committee voted to return the RS to the sponsor for further work. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 504, which would address lottery syndicates by limiting bulk lottery ticket purchases and allowing the Lottery Commission to deny winnings tied to prohibited bulk-buy activity. Supporters said the bill was intended to stop organized groups, often from out of state, from buying large numbers of tickets and taking winnings out of Idaho. Questions focused on enforcement, the $5,000 purchase limit, and whether the rule would affect ordinary groups or in-state entities. After testimony, the committee voted to send HB 504 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• with our state credits.
• And it's our job to try to figure out what we can do to help our state and with our state.
• That are active as a voice for states when it comes to state and federal tax issues.
• The state.
• state work or state contracting.

Committee: House Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:

• Our association represents about 90% of the billboards in our state.
• Other jurisdictions, including Washington State, New York City, and several major school districts, have
• folks the flexibility to make this a state holiday.
• We are the most diverse state in the country.
• We are the most diverse state in the country.

Committee: House Governmental Organization

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our association represents about 90% of the billboards in our state.
• Other jurisdictions, including Washington State, New York City, and several major school districts, have
• Muslim Californians are an integral part of the fabric of this state.
• folks the flexibility to make this a state holiday.
• We are the most diverse state in the country.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with testimony largely focused on alcohol licensing, billboard maintenance, equity planning, and recognition of Eid as a state holiday. AB 2663 by Assembly Member Rogers would extend the sunset on the “Cocktails to Go” program for restaurants; supporters from the California Restaurant Association and the Distilled Spirits Council said it has been successful and should continue, while one member raised concerns about beach communities and open-container enforcement. The bill was amended to add an urgency clause so the sunset would not lapse on New Year’s Eve, and it passed the committee. AB 2099 by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez would define “customary maintenance” for outdoor advertising displays, including replacement or reinforcement of structural components. Supporters said the bill would provide clarity and consistency for the industry and state agencies, while opponents from Humboldt County and environmental groups argued it could weaken local enforcement, make nonconforming billboards effectively permanent, and increase public-safety and environmental concerns. The measure passed to Appropriations. AB 2731 by Assembly Member Addis would authorize 12 additional alcohol licenses in Santa Cruz County, split between Watsonville and southern county communities; local officials said the current cap is inequitable and forces businesses onto an expensive secondary market. The bill was amended to limit issuance to no more than five licenses per year and passed to Appropriations. AB 2017 by Assembly Member Haney would recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state holidays and provide excused absences for students observing them. Support came from Muslim community organizations, public employees, and advocates who said the bill would improve inclusion and help students and workers observe their faith without penalty. Several committee members spoke in favor and asked to be added as coauthors, and the bill passed to the Committee on Public Employment and Retirement. AB 1823 by Assembly Member Jackson would require state agencies to incorporate racial equity into strategic plans and conduct racial equity analyses before budgets or regulations are implemented. Supporters said it would make equity efforts more durable and accountable, while some members opposed it; the bill passed to Appropriations. The committee also approved a consent calendar of multiple bills, and the meeting adjourned at 3:28 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• That total rating is often the key to several state benefits.
• For the state side, one thing...
• Are other states doing...
• So I'm just wondering if other states are doing a good job and what is our state doing about that?
• There are other states that are doing much more for veterans.

Keywords: 1212, all

Summary: The Employment Subcommittee of the Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities met on May 18 and approved the prior meeting minutes. The group heard first about the Massachusetts Disability Employment Tax Credit from MassAbility staff, who explained that the credit offers employers an incentive for hiring workers with disabilities, that the certification process is designed to be simple and largely self-attesting, and that outreach is being done through MassAbility’s website, business relations team, flyers, and a dedicated email address. Members asked about employer filing, available data, and whether credits can be carried forward; the presenter said the Department of Revenue handles implementation questions and that the program had recently resulted in its first company receiving the credit, though broader employer uptake remains limited. The subcommittee then heard from Scott Pitt of the Office of the Veteran Advocate, who described the new independent agency’s role in helping veterans access timely services, investigating problems, and improving coordination across state systems. He focused on veterans’ disability ratings, the fact that VA disability does not necessarily prevent work, and the importance of discharge status for access to benefits such as the GI Bill and state programs. He also highlighted vocational rehabilitation, housing and caregiver supports, and the office’s work on professional licensure barriers, especially in nursing, where Massachusetts is exploring whether military training can be recognized more directly. Members discussed other states’ approaches, the need for more data, and possible connections to workforce and nursing stakeholders. In the final portion of the meeting, members discussed a lengthy policy brief and the subcommittee’s future work. They identified two main areas of interest: the “benefit cliff” and youth/young adult pathways into employment, including apprenticeships. Members agreed the brief should be revisited at the August 31 meeting and that they may need a more structured format, such as a spreadsheet or landscape map, to organize the information. The chair emphasized that the commission can collect and share information and develop a white paper for appointing authorities, but cannot lobby or legislate, and invited members interested in the benefit cliff work to join follow-up discussions. The meeting then adjourned.