Video & Transcript Research : 'needs assessment'
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ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
HB 1218 Conference Committee Apr 15th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Let me remind me, do you need to take the roll? Yes. Well, clerk, please take the roll.
- done, they can take a look at that again and see if that needs to be raised or what have you.
- This is what we're going to do: we're going to assess for the next two years, and it's a full assessment
- Why do we need another two years to assess? If you could just fill in the blank for me there.
- And that's what we need to really solve.
Summary:
The conference committee on House Bill 1218 met to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill, which concerns environmental assessment requirements and cost-share analysis for drainage projects. Members discussed revised language that would keep the existing $1 million threshold in place for assessment drain projects, maintain the moratorium on environmental assessments for those projects, and add study language to examine thresholds for when environmental assessments should be required. The House side explained that the goal was to prevent the threshold from being lowered again, while also allowing the interim study to gather more data on agricultural benefit valuation and cost-benefit analysis.
Senator Engett asked why additional study time was needed if more than 50 environmental assessments had already been completed. In response, members explained that the current tool has gaps in how agricultural land benefits are valued, which can affect cost-share calculations, and that the study period would help improve the analysis. They also noted that the bill would not affect municipal water supply or flood control projects, with the main issue being assessment drains in agricultural land.
No votes were taken. The committee agreed the revised language should be put into proper legislative form, and the chair indicated the committee could reconvene later that morning, possibly at 11:00 a.m., before adjourning the meeting.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Carbon Sequestration Programs Study Commission (10/22/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- current use forest land tax assessment current use forest land tax assessment formula.<00:05:08.080
- current use forest land tax assessment current use forest land tax assessment history<00:05:31.520
- >
whereas <00:22:22.480>other assess it much higher whereas other assess it much higher - We need to slow down and assess where we're at currently before we move forward with something that is
- down and assess where we're at to slow down and assess where we're at currently.<00:26:46.480>
and
Summary:
The meeting opened with roll call and approval of the prior minutes, including a requested correction to Thomas Han’s statement about a Granite State Division of the Society of American Foresters subcommittee studying the timber yield tax and current use forest land tax assessment formula. The correction was adopted, and the minutes were then approved as amended.
The main agenda item was a hearing of landowners on forest taxation and carbon credits. Several scheduled speakers canceled, so the committee received a letter from Ross Karen, a Coos County landowner and forester, who opposed carbon credit sales because of “leakage” and argued that diverse local markets and productive forests are better than carbon sales. Aean Kelly of White Mountain Lumber and the Randolph Town Forest also testified, saying many Coos County landowners and forest managers have declined carbon credit offers because they do not fit New Hampshire’s working-forest tradition. He argued that carbon agreements should be treated on a level playing field with traditional harvesting and that, if they are to be encouraged, they should face a fiscal adjustment comparable to the timber tax.
Kelly also gave a detailed history of the timber tax, explaining that it was created in 1948 to replace uneven local property taxation on standing timber, discourage clearcutting, and stabilize the tax base while preserving working forests. He said the tax was intended to be collected when timber is harvested, not to stop logging, and that a later commission found the 10% rate roughly matched the revenue towns lost. In response to questions, he said pre-1948 assessments varied widely by town and tax collector, and that carbon projects today are already being valued by sophisticated models, so he believes carbon should be included in the assessment system. He also said short-term carbon agreements may simply monetize existing forest value, while 100-year agreements raise enforceability concerns. No votes or other formal actions were taken beyond approving the amended minutes.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- This is important because we need more tools in Texas to be able to conserve groundwater.
- I don't know Temple McKinnon: if I need to correct. I think I might.
- It's not just about managing today's needs.
- You can assess a penalty of $10,000 per day, per day.
- We don't need $25,000 a day. That's the point.
Keywords:
water rights, Texas Water Trust, water bank, environmental conservation, water quality, instream flows, aquifer, water injection, Edwards Aquifer, environmental regulation, groundwater, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, water conservation, drought, utility regulation, water use restrictions, Public Utility Commission, civil penalties, drought contingency, environmental protection
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee Jun 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And it's amazing. stay and it needs to be managed.
- stewardship with real-world community needs.
- These water supply assessments give communities, developers, and water agencies the information needed
- The water supply assessment, or WSA, focuses on identifying the water supply needs for large-scale developments
- I think that's all we needed him for.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills related to wildlife access, groundwater enforcement, desert plant regulation, outdoor equity, and water supply planning. SB 1021 would direct the Fish and Game Commission to create accommodations for children with life-threatening illnesses to participate in hunting and fishing opportunities; supporters described the bill as therapeutic and family-centered, while an opposition group argued the state should focus on non-lethal outdoor activities. SB 997 would give the North Fork Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency lien authority to enforce fees and penalties under SGMA; the author and agency said the bill closes an enforcement gap for a special-legislation GSA, and it drew broad support from local government and agricultural groups. The committee also considered SB 1061, which would streamline relocation permits for Western Joshua trees on private property; the author and local officials said the current law creates burdens for homeowners and infrastructure, while supporters framed the bill as a balance between conservation and property rights.
Members also heard SB 1268, which would codify the Outdoors for All initiative to expand park access and outdoor equity, especially in underserved communities; it received strong support from environmental, parks, local government, and community organizations, with members praising the effort to improve access. SB 1085 would restore water supply assessment requirements for large developments even when CEQA exemptions apply, so local agencies still receive early information about water availability; the sponsor and water agencies said the bill helps prevent “paper water” problems and supports planning in drought conditions, and the building industry indicated it would remove its opposition after amendments. The committee accepted amendments on several bills, took roll once quorum was established, and advanced the measures by vote.
Votes taken included SB 997, SB 1021, SB 1061, SB 1085, and SB 1268, all of which were reported out of committee, with SB 1061, SB 1085, and SB 1268 later recorded as passing 11-0. SB 997 was approved on a due-pass motion to Judiciary, SB 1021 was sent to Appropriations as amended, SB 1061 and SB 1085 were sent to Appropriations and Local Government respectively, and SB 1268 was sent to Natural Resources. The meeting concluded with the committee adjourning after completing the votes.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Special Education Funding Committee May 6th, 2026
Special Education Funding Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Also needs to be addressed.
- Do you need more time than that? She needs more time than that?
- Because one child may need a lot of OT, PT, and other services that somebody else doesn't need.
- or not needed, right?
- Where the funds are needed or not needed, right?
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, approved the March 4, 2026 minutes, and received a lengthy Department of Public Instruction presentation from Stanley Schauer Jr. on North Dakota student performance data in math and ELA, with comparisons between students with disabilities and students without disabilities. Schauer explained the assessment systems used, the 1% alternate assessment cap for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities, the absence of 2019-20 data due to the pandemic, and how state standards are set by North Dakota educators. Members asked about cohort trends, the role of alternate assessments, grade-level patterns, and whether the state should focus more on reducing the novice category than on moving students from approaching to proficient. Schauer also discussed the new NDA Plus assessment, the state’s planned growth model, and the possibility of future breakdowns by disability category or by schools using science-of-math approaches. Special education educators testified that students with disabilities continued to receive services during COVID because of FAPE obligations, which likely helped limit learning loss, and emphasized that IEP teams focus on individual growth rather than only proficiency buckets.
Committee members then shifted to special education funding and possible funding models. Brandon Bombach of Grand Forks Public Schools presented on the state aid formula, focusing on the special education weighting factor and arguing that the current formula does not adequately respond to growing student needs because it counts enrollment but does not adjust when the number of students with IEPs rises. He used examples to show that a district can have the same enrollment and receive the same weighting even if the number of students needing services increases. Members discussed whether the formula should be tied more closely to actual need and accountability, and the chair indicated that the committee would continue gathering data and ideas for a later meeting.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- be a $250,000 assessment. be a $250,000 assessment.
- So, if you would like a statewide assessing rulemaking, the Assessing Standards Board might need to be
- <02:39:25.040>
board <02:39:25.359>might <02:39:25.680>need the assessing standards - board might need the assessing standards board might need to<02:39:26.000>
be <02:39:26.160>- assess the assessing standards board. assess the assessing standards board. we<02:42:54.240>
- assess the assessing standards board. assess the assessing standards board. we<02:42:54.240>
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Apr 29th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Any assessment that you can provide? No specific comments or assessment. Comments or assessment?
- We need to work with the literacy initiative leads to better address the needs of these rural districts
- Needs, and let's support you.
- At some point, we need to start seeing gains.
- There is evidence around the need.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Labor and Industrial Relations May 7th, 2026
Labor & Industrial Relations
Transcript Highlights:
- Why do we need Texas? Why do we need ODG? You’ve got the question yourself.
- That's what we need.
- Everybody needs work. Everybody needs employees. We all agree on that.
- You don't need approval from them for anything. You just need to submit it.
- You don't need approval from them for anything. You just need to submit it.
Summary:
The committee first disposed of several measures without debate, including deferrals of House Bill 460, House Bill 561, Senate Bill 322, and another deferred Senate measure, before taking up House Bill 819 by Chairman Cruz. HB 819 would replace Louisiana’s current workers’ compensation medical treatment schedule with ODG by MCG, a private evidence-based guideline system used in other states. Cruz and Troy Prevo argued ODG is more comprehensive, updated more frequently, and could reduce claim duration, medical costs, and premium rates; Dr. Jason Picard said Louisiana already uses ODG as a secondary reference for gaps in the state schedule and that the bill would not change appeals or variance procedures. Opponents, including injured-worker advocates Joseph Jola St. and Robin Crumholt, argued Louisiana’s current guidelines are working, that ODG is more cost-cutting and insurer-driven, and that the bill could increase denials and delay care. Members discussed amendments to add a two-year sunset, allow tacit approval when treatment follows the schedule, require payment within 30 days, and raise the carrier’s burden to challenge care; the committee adopted the amendments and then reported HB 819 favorably by a 7-6 vote.
The committee then began Senate Bill 409 by Senator Myers, the Louisiana Living Donor Leave Protection Act. The bill would provide paid leave protections for living organ donors, set eligibility and verification procedures, and prohibit forfeiture of leave in certain circumstances for private employers. Myers said the measure is intended to remove job and paycheck barriers for people willing to donate organs and to support better transplant outcomes. Technical amendments were adopted at the start of the presentation, and the bill was introduced for further discussion.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- And so, you know, kind of why is this legislation needed?
- , screeners, progress monitoring assessments, and the other assessments required.
- Assessments and the other assessments required.
- It would include the student group assessed, the subject or content area, type of assessment, purpose
- And then the LDOE would compile a report of the local assessments and then their state-required assessments
Summary:
The House Education Committee met on April 29, 2026, with a quorum present and heard several higher education and K-12 bills. SB 234 by Sen. Presley, which would provide grading for medical school students, was briefly discussed and reported favorably without objection. SB 142 by Sen. Reese, dealing with continued management and oversight of Board of Regents support fund matched endowments if a related constitutional amendment passes, drew questions about endowment matching, oversight, and the roughly $75 million in unmatched requests; it was also reported favorably without objection. SB 482 by Sen. Reese, expanding the role of career coaches in middle and high school graduation planning and reporting on career development fund spending, received support from BESE and others, with committee members discussing counselor workload and district flexibility; it was reported favorably without objection.
The committee then took up SB 64 by Sen. Hodges, which would require two people to review initial video/audio recordings from cameras in self-contained classrooms when complaints arise, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. HB 1063 by Rep. Owen, a broad higher education governance bill that would increase board oversight of curriculum, hiring, faculty senates, and discipline, generated extensive discussion and testimony from Rep. Owen and a representative of Parents Defending Education Action, but the author said he did not want to vote on it yet and moved to voluntarily defer it; the committee agreed without objection.
HB 818 by Rep. Riser, as amended, was converted into a reporting bill requiring public inventories and state reporting on assessments, with Cynthia Posey of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers explaining the amendments; the committee adopted the amendments and reported the bill favorably with one opposition card noted. Finally, SB 28 by Sen. McMath, carried by Rep. Carver, would lower the age for associate teachers from 25 to 21 to help address the teacher shortage; Department of Education staff said the change could expand the pipeline, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee also announced it would meet the following week on Wednesday, May 6, and then adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee May 5th, 2026
Budget and Fiscal Review
Transcript Highlights:
- We need ten for a quorum.
- So this is our best assessment of what is needed at this time.
- We need to stop.
- That simply we believe what we believe, we said what we said, we assessed what we assessed, and we can't
- And we need a drastic fix.
Summary:
The committee heard AB 108, a budget bill junior that would amend the 2025 Budget Act to create a one-time $25 million General Fund grant program at HCAI for hospitals in immediate and significant financial distress. The bill also included a technical change related to property tax deferments for eligible low-income seniors. Finance explained that eligible hospitals would have to be not-for-profit, have less than 10 days cash on hand, show best efforts to exhaust other financing, and have a payer mix of more than 50% government payers and uninsured patients; the bill also gives HCAI expedited contracting and rulemaking authority. Members and the LAO noted the proposal is intended as a short-term bridge until July 1, while broader hospital support is expected in the May Revision and next year’s budget.
Much of the discussion focused on whether $25 million is enough, how many hospitals would qualify, and whether the 10-day cash threshold is too narrow. Several senators argued the administration had not provided enough data or a clear methodology, and raised concerns about fairness compared with the earlier Distressed Hospital Loan Program, which used broader criteria and provided loans rather than grants. Members also raised broader policy issues affecting hospital finances, including Medi-Cal reimbursement rates, seismic retrofit costs, federal funding changes, and the need for better data and more immediate assessment of hospital distress. The LAO said the current proposal is narrower than the prior loan program and emphasized the need for better reporting and analysis going forward.
Public commenters, including the California Hospital Association, district hospital representatives, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and county officials, supported the bill and urged additional longer-term funding for distressed hospitals. The chair and several members said the bill is a short-term emergency measure for a small number of hospitals at risk of imminent closure, while broader solutions will be addressed later in the budget process. AB 108 was then moved and passed out of committee on an 18-0 vote, with the roll held open briefly to secure remaining votes.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Joint Conference Committee - HB0045, March 4, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- There was we kind of had a co-mingling of assessed and market.
- it from assessed value to market<00:03:00.560>
value. - <00:03:05.360>
value changed the language from assessed value changed the language from assessed - And co-mingling of assessed and market.
- whether you use fair market or assess. whether you use fair market or assess.
Summary:
The joint conference committee on House Bill 45 met to reconcile changes to the long-term homeowner property tax exemption. Members reviewed the original bill, which removed the exemption’s sunset, adjusted the signup/reporting date and procedures, clarified treatment for homeowners who sold one house and bought another, changed valuation language from assessed value to fair market value, and added a $3 million cap. The committee also discussed Senate amendments and a proposed cleanup amendment intended to prevent stacking the long-term homeowner exemption with a separate voter-approved homeowners’ property tax initiative if that initiative becomes law.
Members asked about the difference between using “shall not qualify” versus a repealer, and were told the repealer was removed to avoid creating a trigger-bill issue if the initiative does not pass. Questions also focused on whether the catch title’s “limitation” language referred to the $3 million cap, and it was explained that the language could apply both to the cap and to the restriction on using both exemptions. One senator asked what Senate language was being deleted, and the response was that the committee was removing language that had gone too far, including a 25% exemption provision that was outside the scope of this bill and would be handled later in the interim.
After discussion, the committee moved to concurrence. A roll call vote was taken, and all six members present voted aye. The committee announced concurrence and adjourned.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- Do you think it needs enforcement? Thank you for that question.
- I think that's a huge concern, and I think we need to talk that through.
- Being assessed, being released overnight, and that guardian not even being told.
- Don't have an intake assessment, can a provider give them medication if they need to?
- If you think we need to offer some clarification, I'm open to that.
Keywords:
nuisance, racing facility, racetrack, qualified defense, local property rights, noise regulation, legal claims, felony offenses, criminal justice reform, drug offenses, DUI penalties, residential treatment, human trafficking, victims, prevention, support services, Attorney General, pilot program, grant funding, public comment
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- So that’s why every year you need to research.
- First, several bills would freeze the assessed value... ...that we need.
- Clearly, we need to do more.
- However, further changes are still needed.
- We need a variety of tools to address the range...
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hearing on bills related to senior and disability property tax relief, with a focus on helping older adults and people with disabilities remain in their homes. Testimony supported H. 3968, which would make certain senior and disability property tax exemptions permanent so eligible residents would not have to refile annually, and H. 3198, which would expand the senior circuit breaker tax credit by indexing income and credit limits to cost of living and raising the home valuation cap from $1.1 million to $1.5 million. Representative Scanlan also testified in favor of several additional bills, including a local option motor vehicle excise tax exemption for low-income seniors and veterans, a local property tax cap for low-income seniors, an expanded senior property tax exemption, and a senior property tax deferral program designed to be revenue neutral over time.
Witnesses from the City of Boston, the Massachusetts Municipal Association, and the Massachusetts Association of Assessing Officers generally supported local-option property tax relief measures and said they would help seniors age in place while giving municipalities flexibility. Committee members raised concerns about possible abuse or fraud if exemptions became permanent, and about how assessors would verify continued eligibility without annual reapplication. Supporters responded that eligibility could still be tied to real estate transactions and other documentation, and that the current annual filing requirement causes many eligible seniors to miss out on benefits. Mass Senior Action Council members testified that many seniors are struggling with rising property taxes, insurance, and other costs, and urged broader reforms such as freezing assessed values, improving outreach, strengthening the work-off program, and allowing more flexible payment or deferral options. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded after testimony and questions.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Primary and Secondary Education (3-5-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- That's really the gist behind that section, making sure that the child is assessed, that they need mental
- That's really the gist behind that section, making sure that the child is assessed, that they need mental
- That's really the gist behind that section, making sure that the child is assessed, that they need mental
- That's really the gist behind that section, making sure that the child is assessed, that they need mental
- That's really the gist behind that section, making sure that the child is assessed, that they need mental
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 669, sponsored by Representative Smith, which was presented as a response to a September shooting incident in his district that led to school closures and missed instructional days. Smith said the bill was intended to help school districts recover lost days caused by extraordinary emergencies and not to set a broad precedent. Members asked whether districts had adjusted calendars to make up time, and Smith said many had already extended days or moved calendars into June. The committee then voted to pass House Bill 669, with all members present voting yes.
The committee next heard House Bill 621, as amended by a committee substitute that removed a homeschooling-related section and left only the school-threat provisions. The bill would allow courts to impose a fine on parents when a child is adjudicated for terroristic threatening if law enforcement incurred excessive costs, and it would require a mental health assessment for the child. Representative Duvall and Officer Steve Chappelle supported the measure, arguing that online school threats spread fear, disrupt attendance, pull law-enforcement resources from other schools, and should create more parental accountability. Representative Riley also supported the accountability goal, citing lost instructional time and a recent student suicide tied to online issues.
Several members raised concerns about the bill’s scope and due process. Representative Josh Callaway questioned why this offense should be the starting point for parental fines and warned about a slippery slope in holding parents liable for children’s crimes. Representative Willner said the bill seemed more like a judiciary issue, questioned whether punishment can make parents better parents, and asked about diversion programs and the meaning of the detention language. Representative Tipton pointed to existing statutes on mental health assessments and terroristic threatening penalties, and said the committee substitute would alleviate many concerns. Scott West, speaking for Kentucky Policy and the Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, argued that the mandatory detention language would remove judicial discretion and that the parental fine provision could conflict with existing due process protections requiring notice, a hearing, and a finding that lack of supervision was a substantial factor in the child’s delinquency. The transcript does not show a final vote on House Bill 621 in the portion provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/5/26
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- >
to <00:03:27.200>protect Risk assessments are intended to protect Risk assessments are - , we would then need to put in place need, we would then need to put in place controls<00:29:02.320><
- We need to protect the public's money. We need to protect the public's money.
- need to be the lead organization on it. need to be the lead organization on it.
- We need the people to do it."
Summary:
The committee approved the March 3 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Office of the Legislative Auditor on state grant-management requirements. Deputy Legislative Auditor Katherine Tyson outlined the main controls agencies must follow, including pre-award risk assessments for grants of $50,000 or more, reimbursement as the preferred payment method, limits and documentation requirements for advance payments, and monitoring obligations for active grants. She emphasized that these controls are intended to reduce improper payments and fraud, but also require staff time and strong internal systems. In response to questions, she said advance payments are used in some grants but reimbursement is more common, and noted that agencies can add controls such as retaining a portion of funds, surprise visits, or audits. She also said surety bonds are required in some state programs, but not generally for grants, and that this could be a policy discussion for the executive branch.
The committee then received a Department of Natural Resources presentation on the new Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund community grant program created in 2023 law. DNR officials said the program is intended to expand access to ENRTF funding, especially for communities affected by pollution and environmental degradation, and to support projects such as environmental education, resource restoration, trail work, and aquatic invasive species management. They said the department will use the same grants team that handles Outdoor Heritage Fund and LCCMR grants, which already manages a large volume of grants, and that the advisory council application is open through April 10.
DNR described its implementation plan as similar to the Conservation Partners Legacy program, with both standard and expedited grant rounds, technical assistance, and use of technical experts. Differences include no match requirement, allowance for fiscal agents to help smaller organizations, and more flexibility for administrative expenses to reduce barriers to participation. Officials said the program will follow state grant rules, including pre-award financial reviews and monitoring, and will use the 5 percent administrative allowance to support both oversight and grantee assistance. They also said the report’s suggestion of advance payments for grants under $50,000 was raised for discussion, but they did not dispute the auditor’s emphasis that reimbursement is the preferred approach.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The income level certainly is a thing that we... assessed and uh non-t taxable property assessed and
- I totally agree that what we have is not working and definitely it needs—we need to look at this.
- <00:59:41.720>
I corner of the state and I only need I corner of the state and I only need - even questioned the uh maybe the need even questioned the uh maybe the need for<01:00:08.280>
- to take note we policy and people need to take note we might<01:32:20.800>
need <01:32:20.960>
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (02/04/2025)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- We found the need to clarify how that assessment works for some folks, and the way that it has worked
- We found the need to clarify how that assessment works for some folks, and the way that it has worked
- We found the need to clarify how that assessment works for some folks, and the way that it has worked
- We found the need to clarify how that assessment works for some folks, and the way that it has worked
- We found the need to clarify how that assessment works for some folks, and the way that it has worked
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 11, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- The other two components are a needs assessment.
- The other two components are a needs assessment.
- That's the needs assessment that I mentioned as a part of the queue, and a level of care.
- And that needs assessment is a part of our federal waivers that we submit for federal approval.
- We have to conduct a needs assessment to determine and build and inform that person-centered plan.
Summary:
The Health and Human Services Committee received an overview of Florida’s intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) managed care pilot, created by legislation in 2023 to test whether a managed care model could integrate Medicaid medical services with iBudget waiver home- and community-based services for adults in pre-enrollment categories. AHCA explained the existing system, the pilot’s scope in Regions D and I, and the rollout timeline, including federal approval, contract execution with Florida Community Care, and the October 2024 go-live. Officials reported that, as of early February, 370 individuals had been sent for onboarding and 168 more were in queue, with about $35.8 million of the appropriation remaining. APD also clarified the difference between the pre-enrollment categories and the waiver waitlist, and noted that crisis cases can be enrolled more quickly depending on eligibility and funding.
Florida Community Care described the pilot as a comprehensive managed care model offering medical, long-term care, and iBudget services, plus enhanced benefits such as bed-hold days, caregiver transportation, and help with legal guardianship costs. The plan said it uses one care coordinator, a 1:18 coordinator ratio, a face-to-face assessment within five days of enrollment, and 180 days of continuity of care for existing providers. The company emphasized that it is recruiting providers by offering higher rates than some iBudget rates, lower administrative burden, and network adequacy incentives, while APD said it continues to monitor provider supply and demand and recruit across service types and regions. Members repeatedly questioned whether the pilot’s costs, provider rates, and service levels were truly comparable to the iBudget system, and AHCA and APD said it was too early to draw firm conclusions because claims data are still lagging.
Committee members also raised concerns about communication, enrollment delays, provider shortages, and whether the pilot could scale statewide. APD said it has used letters, phone calls, texts, emails, and community meetings to reach eligible individuals, and that some delays stem from required assessments, Medicaid eligibility checks, and level-of-care determinations. Several members asked for more detailed comparisons of costs and provider reimbursement between the pilot and iBudget, and APD said it would provide additional data. Public testimony at the end was strongly critical of managed care, with a participant and his mother describing poor service, transportation failures, and loss of control under prior managed care arrangements, and urging the committee not to expand such a model without safeguards. No votes or formal committee action were taken before adjournment.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Primary and Secondary Education. (1-21-26)
Primary and Secondary Education
Transcript Highlights:
- And what what formative assessment.
- that um intervention that may be needed that um intervention that may be needed in<00:09:40.480>
- that additional support um as needed that additional support um as needed dependent<00:09:51.279
- needed to be taught. needed to be taught.
- We<00:25:33.120>
need <00:25:33.360>we <00:25:33.679>need <00:25:34.159>to
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Primary and Secondary Education met for its first meeting of the session, reviewed basic committee rules, and took attendance before considering two bills. The chair emphasized civility, no signs in the room, and deadlines for committee substitutes and amendments.
House Bill 416, sponsored by Representative Clines, would change teacher-preparation admissions by replacing an entrance test score requirement with a formative assessment approach while retaining exit examinations for teacher certification. KDE witnesses said the bill would reduce barriers, provide programs with data to support students, and not lower standards. Members asked about content-specific preparation, whether the bill would water down standards, and available data on current entry-test barriers. Several members spoke in support, citing the teacher shortage and the value of giving more candidates a path into education. The committee approved HB 416 unanimously and sent it to the House floor with a favorable expression of opinion.
House Bill 389, sponsored by Representative Hein, would define dysgraphia, require KDE to annually update the dyslexia toolkit, support district professional development and coaching, require local boards to develop screener/diagnostic processes, and require postsecondary teacher programs to include dyslexia instruction. A committee substitute made technical changes, including an IDEA citation and removal of specific three-cueing language in favor of evidence-based practices. Testimony stressed that dyslexia is not the same as special education eligibility and that early identification and intervention are needed. Members discussed the low number of districts with related policies, the quality of approved screeners, and the need for more local and regional support services. The committee approved HB 389 with the committee substitute attached and sent it to the House floor with a favorable expression of opinion.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- We need to figure out what our kids need to make sure that we can be giving them the education they need
- We need to figure out what our kids need to make sure that we can be giving them the education they need
- We need to figure out what our kids need to make sure that we can be giving them the education they need
- We need to figure out what our kids need to make sure that we can be giving them the education they need
- We need to figure out what our kids need to make sure that we can be giving them the education they need
Keywords:
school calendar, education, school year, Labor Day, state law, school construction, landfill, dump site, closed landfill, contaminated site, pollution control agency, school siting, public school, charter school, environmental health, student safety, brownfield, solid waste, waste disposal site, site contamination