Transcript Highlights:

• </c> understanding of how the system understanding of how the system currently<00:08:38.080><c> works
• .<00:12:43.360><c> So</c> systems.
• So systems.
• And that that has managed care system?
• </c> at throughput in the health care system at throughput in the health care system I<00:31:11.440><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Committee to Study Long-Term Managed Care approved the prior meeting minutes as amended after correcting the first paragraph. The chair then outlined the committee’s plan to produce a preliminary report by October 1, with additional meetings to follow, since some questions remain about the federal One Big Beautiful Bill (OB3) and its effects on Medicaid financing and managed care. The main discussion focused on New Hampshire nursing home funding and how ProShare and MQUIP work. Members reviewed Medicaid rates, supplemental payments, intergovernmental transfers, and the role of federal matching funds. The chair and Mr. Litman concluded that OB3’s phase-down of payments above the Medicare rate likely would not directly eliminate ProShare or MQUIP in New Hampshire, but uncertainty remains about intergovernmental transfers and about how these payments would function if the state moved nursing facilities into managed care. Mr. Litman said managed care would likely require waivers for supplemental payments, and Texas was cited as an example of a state operating under such waivers. The committee also discussed dual eligibles, DNIP, PACE, and the possibility of carving out HCBS from nursing facility services. DHS said its managed care contract would allow the state to use MCOs for DNIP, with the goal of better coordination between Medicaid and Medicare, while PACE would likely require more study and might be more feasible in populated counties. Members also reviewed OB3’s new presumptive eligibility provisions and a state waiver request modeled on Washington’s approach, plus a separate grant for transitioning people from facilities back to the community. The rural health transformation fund was discussed as a possible source for workforce, telehealth, mobile integrated health, and other support investments, but not for direct construction or major building renovation. County representatives emphasized that any county role in PACE or DNIP would require significant vetting, infrastructure, capital investment, and a realistic timeline. The meeting ended with the chair saying the draft report would outline issues and possible alternatives, but not recommendations yet, and the committee adjourned without taking further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, it would disrupt the system.
• System that carriers pay for is different.
• a provider of the health system.
• Is that, uh, and I can't speak for larger system hospitals and maybe there are some abuses in the system
• Nobody at our system or sexiness across the state of Texas.

Committee: House Insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• The legal system has been more than accommodating to the people on the back side of these issues.
• seeking to be added to the system.
• But House Bill, Oh, one of the largest in the world, so it's very unique system.
• But as Roy Mink mentioned, Cascade and Stanley are both looking at expanding their systems.
• So is your system also re-injecting the water back into the aquifer, or is it consumptive? Ms.

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, that is devise and supervise an accounting system for each agency.
• , which is the state centralized payroll system.
• , which is the state's accounting system.
• WSU made the move to invest in its own accounting system, a renewal of that 1980s mainframe system.
• We are an active participant in the agency financial reporting system.

Committee: Joint Joint Higher Education Committee

Summary: The Joint Higher Education Committee met for a work session on higher education accounting practices and financial transparency. OFM Deputy Director Sarah Rupp explained how state accounting rules and higher education reporting differ, including what data is captured in AFRS today and what will move into Workday, with universities generally reporting summary-level fund data, mandatory codes, and most balance sheet and income statement activity, but not transaction-level detail or vendor payment information. Representatives from the University of Washington and Washington State University described the complexity of their own accounting systems, the many entities and business lines they must track for audits and compliance, and the need to reconcile university-level accrual accounting with state reporting requirements. The committee also heard from the Education Research and Data Center on the public four-year finance dashboard created under Senate Bill 5512; ERDC said the dashboard is based on publicly available data, is best used to examine institutions individually rather than compare them directly, and will be updated with additional metrics in 2025 and 2026. The committee then received a presentation from the Washington Student Achievement Council on the Workforce Education Investment Account (WIA). Joel Anderson reviewed WIA’s creation under House Bill 2158, its revenue sources, and its intended uses for higher education, financial aid, and workforce development. He said recent legislation significantly increased WIA revenues and that, in the 2025–27 budget, the account is being used in new ways, including to replace general fund support for University of Washington operations and to fund a larger share of the Washington College Grant and some faculty compensation costs. Anderson said roughly 98% of current WIA appropriations go to higher education, but the share used to supplant other higher education funding has grown, and he estimated about 60% to 70% of current spending still aligns with the account’s original intent. He also described a new effort to track WIA appropriations across biennia in more detail and noted the WIA Oversight Board’s role in recommending uses of the account and monitoring outcomes. No votes were taken; the committee ended by moving into executive session for staffing issues and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, in the state court system, the budget also supports critical needs within the state court system
• And my other concern has to do with the education system.
• We have made the choice to switch away to a voucher system.
• to communicate with federal data systems.
• They're only eligible for these resources if they hit the threshold of the point system.

Summary: The Senate took up the conference report on House Bill 501E, the General Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2026-27, with Chair Hooper and the appropriations chairs walking through the $114.5 billion budget. Major highlights included pay increases for state law enforcement, firefighters, park rangers, and correctional officers; funding for teacher salary increases and K-12 enrollment stabilization; workforce and university funding in higher education; major Medicaid, nursing home, waiver, and opioid-related investments in health and human services; corrections and prison-capacity funding; transportation, housing, and emergency management spending; and large environmental appropriations for Florida Forever, Everglades restoration, and water quality projects. Members then asked detailed questions about specific items. Senators pressed on the Hamilton Center at UF, the difference between assistant state attorney and public defender pay, declining student enrollment funding, private school scholarship vouchers, mental health funding in schools, the lack of preeminence funding, APD’s iBudget waiver wait list and provider rates, ADAP premium assistance and the return of Biktarvy to the formulary, prison staffing and air conditioning, Florida Forever land-buying versus easements, SNAP and Sun Bucks funding, Hope Florida, election audit funding, and the IDD managed care program. Chairs generally explained the negotiated compromises, noted where funding was flat or omitted, and in several cases said items would be revisited next year or depended on agency implementation. Several senators used debate to praise the budget while also criticizing major policy choices. Leader Berman argued the state should have expanded Medicaid, invested more in public schools instead of vouchers, and accepted federal summer EBT funds. Other senators highlighted local wins such as Biscayne Bay restoration, Tri-Rail, housing assistance, ADAP funding, and declining enrollment support. The transcript ends with debate remarks thanking Chair Hooper for his work on the budget; no final vote is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• That program is really an important safety net for the smallest systems.
• But the main cost is that it costs a lot to maintain a system.
• That goes directly into the PG&E system, a payment in the billions.
• It's about making existing systems work as intended.
• If we want equitable outcomes, we must fix inequitable systems.

Summary: The committee heard several energy, water, and utility bills, with extensive testimony on cost, ratepayer impacts, and climate or reliability goals. SB 919 by Senator Grayson would extend the biomethane monetary incentive program through 2030 and support renewable natural gas development by reducing interconnection cost barriers. Supporters said RNG helps methane reduction and organic waste diversion, while opponents, including TURN and environmental groups, argued the bill could shift costs to ratepayers and subsidize combustion-based fuels, especially dairy digesters. The author said committee amendments removed the rate-basing provisions and instead urged the CPUC to act quickly on its pending decision; the bill was left for a later vote. SB 931 by Senator Laird would reauthorize the Diablo Canyon Community Impact Mitigation Program through 2030. Supporters said San Luis Obispo County and local schools rely on the funding for emergency preparedness and public safety, while TURN argued the extension would add about $47 million in statewide ratepayer costs and should instead be paid from existing PG&E deal revenues. Members discussed the bill as a continuation of the 2022 Diablo Canyon agreement, and the author said the measure simply restores the five years omitted from that deal. The committee also heard SB 1215 by Senator Cortese, which would direct the CPUC to set deployment targets for EV charging in multifamily housing. Supporters said renters and apartment residents are largely shut out of home charging, and that prior utility programs showed the model can be cost-effective and beneficial to ratepayers. The bill was amended to address affordability, ratepayer benefits, and limits on major system upgrades. SB 1295 by Senator Stern would create a framework for using distributed batteries and other local resources to solve grid constraints more cheaply than traditional infrastructure. Supporters said it could improve reliability and reduce costs by targeting batteries where they provide the most grid value, while utilities said they were open to continued discussion. SB 1359, also by Senator Stern, would require the CPUC to more carefully evaluate major gas infrastructure investments and alternatives such as electrification before approving new spending. Environmental groups supported the bill as a guardrail against stranded assets, while gas utilities opposed it, warning it could undermine the obligation to serve, create safety and reliability risks, and retroactively change the rules for approved investments. On water policy, SB 1125 by Senator Menjivar would create a statewide low-income water rate assistance program upon appropriation. Supporters said about 1.6 million households have water debt and that affordability is a statewide issue, not just a problem for disadvantaged communities. Some members raised concerns that the bill lacked a funding source and that state mandates, such as chromium-6 treatment requirements, already strain local water agencies; the author and supporters responded that the bill includes administrative caps and transparency measures and is intended to work alongside future funding. The committee then heard SB 1098 by Senator Pérez, which would restrict the use of utility memorandum and balancing accounts by requiring exceptional circumstances, adding sunset dates, and creating cost-sharing or lower-return rules for certain spending. TURN and other supporters said the accounts allow utilities to recover costs after the fact with too little discipline, while Edison and PG&E opposed the bill, arguing that some costs are unpredictable and that the CPUC already has a formal review process. SB 1125 was moved to Appropriations with a roll call, and the roll was left open for additional votes; the other measures were discussed with no final committee actions announced in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• It helps in planning our water systems and our road systems.
• What if we look at them as a system? What efficiencies can we find if we look at them as a system?
• It's the same thing true when you think about cooling systems and heating systems.
• In data centers now, these cooling systems are running on a closed-loop system.
• . ...could connect with their system, and maybe one day become part of their system would be ideal.

Transcript Highlights:

• . system. system.
• system we should adopt.
• </c> with no clear consensus of which system with no clear consensus of which system we<00:04:07.480>
• </c> within our CTE centers and system. within our CTE centers and system.
• And finally, modify CTE governance to strengthen the system.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The system is closed.
• The system is closed.
• The system is now open. The Senate will now proceed to vote. The system is closed.
• The system is now open.
• The system is now open.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think there are systems.
• as part of the solar energy system.
• goal for the solar energy system project.
• Now we're following rules criteria; we're evaluating solar energy systems.
• So we do have systems in place to do that. that. Thank you very much.

Committee: House New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> um for Hawaii Health Systems um for Hawaii Health Systems Corporation.<00:10:01.600><c> Okay,</c
• </c> Edward Chu here, Hawaii Health Systems Edward Chu here, Hawaii Health Systems Corporation<00:11:
• Corporation as well as um East Hawaii, the Big Island's health systems altogether.
• </c> with the East Hawaii's Health Systems with the East Hawaii's Health Systems Corporation<00:22:00.159
• </c><00:22:04.400><c> al</c> the big islands health systems al the big islands health systems al together

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee heard and considered a series of gubernatorial nominations and reappointments, primarily to the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation board, the Commission on Fatherhood, and the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive across the measures. The Department of Health repeatedly testified in support of the drug and controlled substances nominees, and several nominees and supporters emphasized experience in public health, rural health access, disability advocacy, family services, and elder affairs. Some nominees were not present live but had submitted written answers, which the chair noted had been posted online. For the developmental disabilities nominations, testimony highlighted lived experience and representation from neighbor islands, with supporters saying the nominees would bring valuable perspectives and help strengthen services and advocacy. For the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation nominations, testimony stressed rural health, system collaboration, and broad community and hospital experience. The Commission on Fatherhood nominee said he wanted to advocate for fathers and be a voice for them, and supporters from Maui Family Support Services backed that nomination. The elder affairs nominee also received support from caregiver and aging-related organizations. At the end of the hearing, the committee moved to advise and consent on the nominations it had heard, and each recommendation was adopted by the members present. The chair noted that all members were present for the votes, and the meeting concluded with congratulations to the nominees and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't need a $200 million computer system. So, that will cap that.
• </c> we had trouble with the computer system we had trouble with the computer system with<00:01:45.840
• </c><00:02:37.040><c> So,</c><00:02:37.200><c> that</c> a $200 million computer system.
• So, that a $200 million computer system.
• </c> system if you have no money to pay out. system if you have no money to pay out.

Committee: Senate Economic Development, Tourism, & Labor

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Roll Call: 00:25 SB 129 Discussion: 01:14 SB 129 Voting: 03:35, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this system is already a tried-and-true system. It's already built. It's called Guardify.
• is already, a tried and true system.
• And so will this system allow for more coordination?
• But consistency isn't exactly what this system makes; consistency is exactly what the system makes difficult
• So I am asking you to complete the system.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on several budget requests tied to health and human services. Louisiana Children’s Advocacy Centers asked for continued support and a supplemental appropriation of $1.173 million for infrastructure and standardization, explaining that the money would expand use of the Guardify digital evidence system, improve chain of custody, and reduce reliance on DVDs. Baton Rouge and statewide CAC leaders said prior funding helped eliminate a therapy wait list and speed services for abused children. Members asked detailed questions about the digital system, MDT coordination, and how the request related to SB 237, which would strengthen multidisciplinary review of child abuse cases. The Alzheimer’s Association sought $824,000 to sustain the dementia care specialist program, saying it helps families navigate services, keep loved ones at home longer, and reduce Medicaid costs. AARP and the Live at Home Coalition also testified for 750 additional Community Choice waiver slots at a state cost of $3.3 million, arguing that home- and community-based care is cheaper than nursing homes and that the current wait list is more than 11,000 people. Legislators discussed the size of the need, the state’s long-term care spending mix, and whether more support should go to family caregivers and community-based options. Testimony also focused on disability support services, substance use treatment, and developmental disability provider rates. A parent and direct support worker described the Children’s Choice waiver’s 20-hour cap and low pay, saying it makes it hard to retain caregivers and meet the needs of medically fragile children. Odyssey House and O’Brien House asked for higher Medicaid reimbursement rates under ASAM 4, warned that removal of room-and-board payments and weak Medicaid eligibility pathways are reducing access, and called for more oversight of sober living homes; members questioned outcomes data, length of stay, and links to homelessness. Finally, the Arc of Louisiana said the LDH rate study confirmed underfunding and supported a $53.6 million increase in state general funds, with local ARC leaders describing the services they provide and the need for higher direct support professional wages.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> to</c><00:02:28.160><c> nine</c> Our system transports water to nine Our system transports water
• And the local collection system.
• <00:04:27.600><c> responsibility</c> collection system is the responsibility collection system is the
• </c> to the water system. to the water system.
• . systems. systems.

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a system that we can track.
• We have a system that we can track.
• We have a system that we can track.
• is an international rating system.
• with those systems.

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• , a system. to Wilson sort of mentioned, create a system, a standards, so that when our students need
• I'm just a systems thinker.
• So, just, I'm thinking system-wise, curiously.
• I'm just a systems thinker.
• mental behavioral health system isn't siloed?

Summary: The committee held public hearings on three K-12 bills focused on behavioral health, literacy, and review of education mandates. On House Bill 1634, staff and Rep. Milin Tai described a framework for OSPI and educational service districts to coordinate with state and local partners on behavioral health technical assistance and training for schools, aligned with the Washington Thriving prenatal-to-25 plan. Testifiers, including students and education/behavioral health representatives, said the bill would improve coordination, early intervention, and access to supports for students and families. The bill was presented as having no fiscal note because it relies on existing funding, and testimony emphasized parent and student engagement in the framework. On House Bill 2636, staff and Rep. Skyler Rude explained that the bill creates a Public Education Review Steering Committee to identify existing policies and funding provisions for JLARC review, with the goal of determining whether they achieve intended outcomes, improve student performance, are cost-effective, and should be maintained, modified, or repealed. Supporters said the bill is intended to help reduce burdensome or ineffective requirements on school districts and free resources for students, while some members questioned how the committee would define policy and whether it could affect future mandates. A representative of the Washington State School Directors Association supported the concept as a meaningful review of unfunded mandates. The committee also heard House Bill 1295, which would require evidence-aligned literacy curriculum updates after 2027, require comprehensive K-4 literacy programs using structured literacy practices, direct PESB to revise literacy endorsement standards, require literacy-related continuing education, and direct OSPI to develop educator literacy training. Supporters, including parents, educators, students, dyslexia advocates, and district staff, argued that structured literacy is supported by research and would improve outcomes for struggling readers and students with dyslexia. One witness from the Washington Education Association supported the bill but raised concern about adding another continuing-education requirement. Testimony on the bill was extensive and largely in favor, with some discussion about whether the approach would address older students and how it would interact with existing district and ESD efforts. After public hearings, the committee moved into executive session and approved three gubernatorial appointments for confirmation recommendation. It adopted an amendment to House Bill 1796 and advanced the bill to Ways and Means, passed Engrossed House Bill 2317 to Rules, and adopted a striking amendment to Substitute House Bill 2594 before advancing it to Ways and Means. All actions were taken by voice vote, with no opposition recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• When I came on board DHS, we still are primarily a tip-based investigation system.
• We can no longer solely rely on a trust-based system for Medicaid payments.
• We share responsibility for the system as it stands, and we share the duty to fix it.
• Let's make this system worthy of the people it is built to serve. Thank you.
• We need to connect our systems.

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• This would create a program and a system that serves the people rather than maximizing corporate earnings
• creates safer roads and fewer tickets for uninsured driving, reduces the burden on police, the court system
• Maintaining this fundamentally unfair system of coverage will always lead to a pool of individuals who
• Maintaining this fundamentally unfair system of coverage will always lead to a pool of individuals who
• </c><00:21:22.480><c> in</c> look at the fairness of the system in look at the fairness of the system

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• That system is located on the tablets in the hallway.
• and off system. system and off system that are important for serving the space needs of the state of
• We manage a two-billion-dollar... billion system of projects.
• Italo County that you mentioned, they have a totally different system.
• Well, there are basically two systems.

Committee: House S/C on Transportation Funding

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, the system is moving in the right direction.
• We are investing in infrastructure from roads to water systems.
• The justice system can act.
• This is a targeted fix to make the system work as it intended.
• It simply strengthens the system so that it works as intended.

Keywords: 1212, all